Chapter 5 - Crossroads
Edric could hear the soft hum of his training lightsaber, a persistent whisper in the otherwise silent room. Beads of sweat trickled down his nose. It itched, but he ignored the annoyance. His vision was obscured by the helmet's blast shield, yet he could still sense the sparring droid's position. It maneuvered on its treads just to his right, a mere leap away. Tightening his grip on the hilt of his weapon, Edric adopted the defensive stance of the Soresu form, his body coiled and ready.
The droid launched into an attack sequence, and Edric moved his saber in the last split-second deflecting the first volley of blaster bolts with precise, fluid motions. The droid adjusted, shifting to a more complex pattern, but Edric anticipated every move, his lightsaber a blur as it intercepted each shot. Despite the higher difficulty setting, the droid posed little challenge. Edric's frustration grew with every countered shot, the monotony of the exercise grating on his nerves. This had been his life for the past three weeks—a seemingly endless cycles of training and studying.
Time had lost its meaning in the training room, but Edric noticed the droid's movements were sluggish. Or perhaps his connection to the Force had sharpened, making the droid seem slower. Whichever was true, he was bored. When the droid lunged forward, Edric sidestepped with ease, his blade slicing through its arm. The mechanical limb clattered to the floor, and the droid halted. Edric paused, deactivating his lightsaber and lifting the blast shield. The room came into clearer focus. It had padded mats on the floor with the Order's insignia in the center, the walls ended in large windows revealing Coruscant's night sky. The light pollution transformed the blackness into a mesmerizing urban aurora, splashing colors across the dark canvas.
The droid stood before him, one of its shoulders still glowing. While training lightsabers had technically less power, they could still cut through things with just enough force. And truth be told, Edric hadn't yet grown accustomed to his own strength.
"Very good, Sir. May I suggest you try the highest difficulty level next time?" the robotic voice said while it reached down to retrieve its severed limb.
"Sorry about the arm," Edric said, scratching his still itchy nose, a pang of remorse in his voice. Even if it was an accident, he felt a slight churn in his gut.
"If you'll excuse me, I must go to receive urgent maintenance," it said and turned to roll out of the room.
Edric removed the helmet and tossed it aside, running a hand through his sweat-dampened curls. His breath came in slow, controlled gulps, his muscles still thrumming with exertion. He let himself collapse onto the floor with a heavy thud. His body burned with fatigue, the drenched training tunic clinging to his back like a cold, wet shroud.
The silence broke when his stomach grumbled. Why was he always so hungry? He jumped to his feet and picked up the helmet to put it back into its place. He went back to the center of the room to bow as a show of respect, then left.
Edric made his way through the Temple corridors, the cool air a welcome contrast to the heat of the training room. After a quick shower to wash away the sweat and grime, he dressed in fresh tunics and headed to the refectory. It was nearly empty this late. Many Jedi were also away, fighting battles on distant worlds. The few who remained moved quietly, their faces etched with the weariness at the late hour and careful to keep their chatter a whisper.
Edric picked up a tray and packed it to the brim with food then sat alone at a table. He ate quickly, his thoughts far from the meal. His mind drifted back to the stories he had read in the archives earlier that day, the tales of Jedi who had walked a different path. Their wisdom seemed distant, like stars he could see but never reach.
After finishing his meal and finally feeling pleasantly full, he made his way to the medbay like every evening, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls.
The infirmary was dimly lit. There were a few of his brothers and sisters sleeping in beds, recovering from their battle scars. Edric made sure not to wake them as he crossed the wing, keeping his steps soft. He reached the section with the bactas after a right turn. There was only one active, nestled in the far end of a row of three tanks. The blue glow illuminated its neighbors and the still form of Master Kael Asher.
Edric approached the tank with a sigh. He placed a hand on the glass, his eyes tracing the contours of his master's face. Kael floated in the healing fluid, his bruises and cuts already healed. The respirator mask obscured his features, but the steady rise and fall of his chest was a small comfort.
"Hey, Master," Edric whispered, his voice barely audible. "It's me again."
He liked to talk to him, and while nobody could say if he was still there, he wanted to believe Kael heard him and would be happy to hear how Edric's day went, just like before.
"You'll never guess what I did today. Surprise, I had another training session. The droid wasn't much of a challenge, even at a higher level. I guess I've gotten better at least? Oh, and I sliced off one of its hands, but it was an accident, I swear," he explained, scratching the back of his neck. He would have given anything to see Master Asher roll his eyes after his Padawan's tiresome quips. Edric chuckled softly, but the sound was hollow.
"I've been spending a lot of time in the archives too. As you would say, 'knowledge of past mistakes and solutions can be the difference between saving lives and losing them'. I read about the Jedi of old days, the ones who were true saviors and not soldiers like us. It's... it's inspiring, but also frustrating and maybe even confusing? You would know what I mean…" His voice trailed off.
He reached out with the Force, trying to connect with Kael. But all he felt was emptiness, a void that seemed to swallow his efforts. The connection that had once been so strong was now almost gone. The silence of the medbay was a heavy shroud, the beeps of the machinery a constant reminder of Kael's condition.
"Master, I don't know what to do," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I feel so lost without you. The Council's decisions, the war... It all feels wrong. I want to help, to make a difference, but I'm not sure how." He longed to hear Master Asher's voice again. His mind even tried to conjure up words his master would say, but it wasn't truly him.
He stared at the tank, his vision blurring with unshed tears. He swallowed and exhaled slowly, letting the feeling go. The blue light of the bacta fluid cast an ethereal glow, making Kael appear like a ghost trapped in a glass prison.
"I miss you," Edric whispered. "I miss your guidance, your wisdom. I don't know if I can do this without you. Or that I want to do it anymore."
Edric looked away, feeling his ears burn. He shouldn't have said that. Surely, he couldn't really mean it, right? But deep down, he knew it was an honest statement. That root of a thought from Tarnos had already spread its seeds in his mind.
He let out another sigh and waved to his master. "I'll come back tomorrow, Master. Hopefully I can tell you about something more exciting other than destroying sparring droids. And maybe I'll find some answers of my own."
With a slight bow, he turned and headed to his quarters.
The next morning, Edric's eyes opened and he pushed himself up from the bed with a grunt. It seemed he was unable to wake up fully rested. He yawned and stretched his muscles, hearing some of his joints pop from being static too long.
The boy stood up and crossed over to the refresher unit, washing his face in the sink. His hair was longer and so was his beard. After weeks of doing nothing noteworthy, boredom had taken over. Each day was a monotonous loop: wake up, train in the sparring rooms, shower, eat, study in the archives, eat again, meditate, visit his master, and hope to be exhausted enough to fall asleep by the end of it.
Instead, oftentimes he was twisting and turning in bed. Nightmares troubled him from Tarnos, and that same vision kept coming back that he saw there. He wished he was still small enough to sneak out through the vents to the roof and watch the traffic and the stars above. Maybe that would calm his mind.
He picked another training tunic from his modest wardrobe and noticed it being tighter around his midsection. He had to admit, the near-unlimited supply of delicious food between training sessions and meditation was starting to have an effect on him. Maybe I should cut back on the portions, he made a mental note.
Edric stepped out of his quarters. The Temple's corridors were painted amber by the rising sun. A slight breeze from the ventilation system brushed against his freshly shorn hair. He made his way towards the sparring rooms, switching almost to an auto-pilot. But as he walked, an unexpected shiver ran down his spine. It was a strange pull, a gentle nudge from the Force.
His footsteps slowed as he approached a branching corridor. Down this hall were the quarters of his master. Edric hesitated for a moment. He went to Master Asher's door countless times, especially not long after he was selected as his Padawan. He wanted to make a good impression and got to his room early every day—but he had never been inside. He took a deep breath, and turned down the corridor leading to Kael's quarters.
As he walked, Edric felt each step stirring memories like leaves in the wind. He remembered the countless times he had taken this path to seek his master's counsel, the discussions they had about the Force.
Reaching Kael's door, Edric paused, his hand hovering over the control panel. He knew the access code, there were no secrets between a Padawan and a Master, but Edric was not one to pry. He keyed it in and pressed the panel, the door sliding open with a soft hiss. The room inside was filled with the scent of old books and a subtle hint of incense lingered, mingling with the dust motes.
Edric stepped inside, the door closing quietly behind him. The small living space was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, the light filtering through the partially drawn blinds. It cast a warm, golden hue over everything, making the room feel almost sacred, and in a way, ancient. His eyes were drawn to Kael's desk, where a jedi holocron sat among countless datapads and a couple of old leather-bound books that his master enjoyed reading. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as his gaze set on the holocron. It was the same pull that made him come here.
He blew the dust off the device before picking it up for a closer look. It appeared fairly new, unlike many of its siblings in the Jedi Archives. He placed it in his extended right palm. I'm not sure this is a good idea, he thought. Holocrons traditionally stored Jedi knowledge, but some were deeply personal. The last thing Edric wanted was to offend his master by intruding on something private. Yet, the Force around him seemed to buzz with a quiet urgency, whispering that he needed to uncover its secrets. With his other hand, he reached out to it, feeling its gentle, insistent pull.
The holocron came to life, pulsating with a faint blue light. Its edges unfurled, then its sides, revealing a holographic image of Edric's master. Kael Asher's warm smile radiated with pride..
"Edric, I made this holocron in hopes that after you pass your Jedi Trials, you1ll find my musings and ramblings useful for when you'll have your own Padawan. I'm very proud of the young man you've become, and the Jedi Knight you will be. The Order could certainly use more people like you. I hope you find your path and this helps in doing so," he announced, his smile never wavering.
Edric took a step back, his mouth open. This holocron was a gift, intended for after he passed his trials. Should he even be listening to it now? But the ache of missing his master's voice and the pull of curiosity were too strong to resist. He sat down, gently placing the holocron back on the desk. He selected the first recording from the many on the list.
It showed a younger Kael, with shorter hair and only a stubble on his chin.
"The Council sent me down to the Underworld of Coruscant today. They received a cryptic message about a valuable 'package' in an abandoned apartment on the lower levels. I was dispatched to investigate," he explained, the image showing him pacing around his room.
"I found a strange woman with a mask. She explained that she had been paid by a mysterious figure to bring and take care of a baby boy until someone came for him. Imagine my surprise when that valuable package turned out to be a little boy. His name is Edric Kane. I sensed a strong presence of the Force in him, so I returned him to the Temple and sure enough, he had quite a high midi-chlorian count. There was something else… a peculiar bond. I'll keep an eye on him, just to be sure."
Edric paused the recording. He didn't know how he originally got to the Temple or that it was actually Kael who brought him here. Jedi didn't search for their origins, although Edric had been wondering for some time now. It wasn't exactly what he expected either. Most Jedi were discovered by the Order and were taken from their parents at an early age. It didn't sound like that woman had anything to do with him, other than making sure the Jedi picked him up. And why hadn't Master Asher told him about this? He shelved the questions in his mind away for another day and leaned forward to select the next entry.
"I inquired with Professor Huyang how the Gathering went for young Edric. Huyang seemed to know who I was talking about at least, though he only had second-hand information on what happened in the caves," the hologram said.
Edric remembered The Gathering as if it were yesterday, he was just eleven years old. With five other initiates, they traveled to Ilum onboard the Crucible with Professor Huyang to face their toughest challenges yet. The ice caves gave him visions, tough obstacles, but in the end, he managed to get his crystal, and a rather unique one. His hand moved to the hilt of his weapon and his fingers brushed on the cold metal.
"Apparently he made it out second to last of his group and even helped a fellow youngling. Then, he constructed his lightsaber on the way home—a yellow one. Huyang also showed me a holo of the hilt and it looked simple yet practical."
Edric then skipped a few recordings that mostly talked about his youngling days and his master observing from a distance. The next entry that stood out was his selection as a Padawan. He fiddled with his Padawan braid as he started it.
"Master Yoda doesn't believe I'm making the right choice, but the Initiate Trials showed all I needed to know. And it felt it's the Force's will and the right thing to do. Edric has potential, and he wants to work for it. Unlike many other younglings, who think they are already knights. He's my first apprentice, so it will definitely be a steep learning curve for me too. I just hope I will not fail him."
As he progressed in time, the holographic image of Master Asher became more and more the one he knew well. It felt like sailing back in time, riding its winds to a distant shore.
"I admit, teaching Edric has been more challenging than I anticipated. He has so much potential, but he blocks it himself. I suspect his insecurities are holding him back from unlocking his true abilities. It's something I need to help him overcome. He could be a great Jedi, perhaps even a great teacher someday. He's different from other Padawans and tends to keep to himself. That's just who he is, but I still wish he had a few friends to rely on and share his burdens with."
Edric's lips curved into a smile as the memory washed over him. He could almost feel his master's reassuring hand on his shoulder. These recordings were more than just teachings; they were glimpses into the bond they shared. His master's faith in him was like a fleeting sunbeam, piercing the storm clouds of his insecurity but unable to dispel them completely.
The next entry had a darker tone. "And so it began… The Clone Wars, they call it. Edric is only a boy and we are sent to a battle in the next few days. I'm worried what this war will do to him… to the whole Order. We shouldn't be soldiers, and history shows us how it can easily take us off of our path. I feel the veil of darkness falling. The Force is strange. Not whispering, only mumbling incomprehensibly."
Edric's heart sank. The war had indeed taken a toll on everyone, including himself. He remembered their first battle vividly, the chaos of his first fight. Bolts of laser went back and forth all around them, like fireflies in a frantic midnight dance. He could almost hear the weapons firing again and smell the burnt ozone.
Kael's voice continued. "Edric performed better than I expected in our first battle. He listened and followed my directions. Still, I could see in those cloudy grey eyes the shock it caused. He has been silent our whole way back. I'll speak with him, help him move on. Because there will be more. But I'm still lucky. Speaking with other masters, it sounds like most Padawans are too sure of themselves and jump head first into trouble."
Edric felt a lump in his throat as the memories of their countless battles flooded back. He had accepted them as part of his experience since then, but the scars remained.
The following entry was about his physical changes that also upset Edric at first, but Master Asher knew how to address it, and he already suspected what the recording would say. "Edric's very sudden growth spurt after he turned fourteen puzzled me. I consulted with the Jedi Archivists, and we believe he might be originally from a planet with higher gravity. His people likely adapted over time by developing larger muscle mass along with general physical strength and reaching their maturity early to survive. He's definitely no longer that small boy I took to the Temple."
The final entry slowly came up after another half a dozen, and it spoke of a doubt Edric shared with his master. He couldn't help but wonder if it was his master's concerns that rubbed off on him or if it was really his own thoughts.
"I'm having some doubts about this war. It's been going on for too long and politics drive the High Council decisions more than they should. The Jedi are supposed to protect those who can't protect themselves. But we are just barking orders to battalions and trying to 'liberate' planets who might not even ask for it. This new assignment to Tarnos is not much different. I read up on the planet and it's not the first time they wanted help. But we haven't heard their cries until now. I have a bad feeling about it… I just hope that despite everything, Edric will choose his own path, whatever that might be."
The recordings played through Edric's mind like a symphony of bittersweet notes, each entry a haunting melody. Kael's words were a double-edged sword, cutting through the fog of Edric's confusion while simultaneously deepening the chasm of doubt. The holocron's glow faded, but its impact lingered.
His master wished for him to walk his own way, and Edric found himself pondering if that path lay within the Jedi Order. It was a thought he kept pushing down for some time now, but the voice persisted. I am different, just as Master Asher said, he admitted to himself. But what did that truly mean? He buried his face in his hands, then looked back at the holocron. His thoughts were a battlefield, each one clashing and contradicting the next. He had never felt so lost and confused.
Edric continued his daily routine like before and went straight to the Jedi Archives, hoping to bury himself in stories. The vast chamber, lined with ancient texts and holocrons, was a sanctuary of knowledge. He found a quiet corner, his fingers tracing the spines of the holobooks stacked on the shelves.
He chose one of them that looked interesting by the title. It was an early volume of a collection of texts that detailed stories of the Jedi from the High Republic era. A time when the galaxy was bright with hope and the Jedi were beacons of light. As he read the table of contents, one story caught his eye—a tale of the Wayseekers. These were Jedi who, while still part of the Order, chose their own paths guided by the Force, often helping those in dire need, far from the politics and battles of the Republic.
Edric was quickly engrossed in the story of the first Wayseeker in the book, Dvala Denn. She was a Kel Dor Jedi who ventured to the Outer Rim—or the Frontiers as they called it back then, aiding planets devastated by drought and famine. With the Force as her guide, Dvala brought rain to arid lands and taught communities how to sustain themselves. She became a legend, not because of grand battles, but because of her compassion and unwavering dedication to those who had no voice.
Just as he was about to delve deeper into Dvala's tales, a familiar voice broke his focus.
"Edric? Is that really you?"
He looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. Standing before him was a familiar Twi'lek girl with light green skin. He recognized her as Talia, a fellow youngling back in his early days at the Temple. Edric remembered her as being one of the prodigies who effortlessly succeeded in most lessons. They haven't seen each other for Force-knows how long. It wasn't unheard of that Jedi hadn't crossed paths for years. The Temple was big, and there were thousands of them in different corners of it. Not to mention Edric never seeked out others much.
"Talia?" Edric said, a smile spreading across his face. He stood, embracing her briefly. "It's been ages! How have you been?"
Talia laughed, her eyes sparkling. "I'm good, just returned from a very long assignment. And I passed my Trials," she said, adding the last bit like it was nothing. Edric spotted the lack of her Padawan braid only then.
"Oh, congratulations," he said and questioned if he was even close to attempting his own Trials. Probably far from it, he thought.
"It's been quite a journey. But you! You've changed so much. From that frail boy to... well, look at you now."
Edric rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess I've grown a bit since the Gathering."
"Grown a bit? More like you became a tank!" she teased, poking his arm. Edric could feel his cheeks on fire, but hoped he could at least cover it a bit with the light from the holos. Talia lowered her eyes for a beat and her expression softened. "Remember that time in the caves? You used the Force to save me from that cave-in. It meant a lot to me, what you did. I've always wanted to thank you properly."
Edric waved her off. "It was nothing. Just doing what any Jedi would."
"Well, it wasn't nothing to me," Talia said firmly. She glanced at the holobook Edric was studying. "What are you reading?"
"Old Jedi stories. Did you know about the Wayseekers? Jedi who followed the Force's guidance to help those in need, away from the Order's politics?"
Talia nodded. "I've heard of them. Seems like a noble path. Although a bit too lawless if you ask me."
"Sometimes I wonder if... maybe I'm meant for something like that."
Talia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Maybe. You've always been a different kid, Edric. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Order embraces diversity of thought."
He smiled at her encouragement. "Thanks, Talia. It means a lot."
"How are you holding up by the way? I saw on the holoboard what happened to your master."
Edric's smile faded. "It's been tough. The archives and training keep me busy, but I can't shake this feeling of... being lost."
Talia nodded understandingly. "I get that. But remember, the Force has a way of guiding us, even when we feel adrift."
Edric heard her words, but they felt like a rehearsed mantra—well-intentioned, yet shallow. He knew he should take them to heart, but they did little to dispel his turmoil.
As if sensing this, Talia quickly changed the subject with a grin from ear to ear. "How about a sparring match? For old times' sake? I want to see if those muscles are just for show."
Edric chuckled. "Says the one who's already a Knight. You're on."
As they made their way to the sparring rooms, Edric felt his shoulders untense a little, releasing weeks of pent-up strain. The weight of uncertainty was still there, but it seemed a bit more bearable with Talia taking him out of his vortex of thoughts.
While they walked, Edric noticed the confident strides Talia took. She carried herself with the grace and assurance of a seasoned Jedi Knight. They reached the sparring rooms, the scent of sweat and ozone greeting them. Talia activated her lightsaber, the green blade casting a glow on her face. "Ready when you are."
Edric activated his own saber, the yellow blade humming to life. Sparring with Talia might just be the challenge he needed to break free from his doubts, if only for a moment. They bowed and took their stances. Talia chose the Ataru form and Edric the fifth form, Djem So, hoping for an eventual opening to switch to Shien.
Talia moved first. Edric parried, the clash of their blades resonating through the room like a symphony of light and sound. With each exchange, he found himself more focused, slowly settling into a rhythm of the form he selected. The room disappeared around them, the intensity of their duel creating a world where only they existed, bound by the Force.
"Not bad, Edric," Talia said, her breath controlled. "You've improved a lot."
"Thanks," Edric replied, a grin breaking through.
They continued, their movements a dance of skill and trust, each testing the other's abilities and limits. Talia leaped into the air, somersaulting over Edric's head, her green lightsaber slicing downwards in a dazzling arc. Edric's Djem So form grounded him, his feet firmly planted as he met her assault with a solid block. Each time their blades clashed, the impact reverberated through his arms, but he stood his ground.
Talia was like a whirlwind, her strikes coming from all directions. Edric focused on his defense, his yellow saber intercepting her strikes with ease. He waited patiently for the right opportunity, his resilience allowing him to weather her onslaught. Talia flipped backward, landing gracefully and charging again.
Edric finally saw his opening. He shifted from Djem So to Shien, transitioning from defense to offense in a heartbeat. He swung his lightsaber in a wide arc, forcing Talia to retreat. She ducked and weaved, her agility allowing her to evade his powerful strikes. For a second, Edric thought he had her, but she used the momentum of his swings against him, slipping past his guard and landing a light touch on his shoulder with her blade. It was like a thousand needles were pinned on the spot, but Edric shook away the pain.
"Nice one," Edric grunted, stepping back and resetting his stance.
"I'm impressed, you're a really good duelist," Talia admitted. "But let's see how you handle this."
She launched into a series of rapid, spinning attacks, her movements almost too fast to follow. Edric's eyes narrowed, his concentration intensifying. He blocked her strikes, the sounds of their clashing lightsabers creating a mesmerizing melody.
Talia's relentless advance began to wear on Edric. He started to struggle to keep up with her speed, his might only able to hold her off for so long. She leaped high, her blade coming down in an arc. Edric raised his weapon to block, but the force of her attack pushed him back, his feet sliding across the floor.
He shifted back to Djem So, using his strength to counter her flexibility. He aimed a strike at her midsection, but she twisted away, her saber flashing in a counterattack that grazed his side. Edric winced but held his ground, refusing to give in.
Talia's acrobatics kept him off balance. She flipped over his head, landing behind him and aiming a strike at his back. He spun around, barely deflecting her blade in time.
"You've gotten stronger," Talia said. "But strength alone won't win this."
Edric nodded, his own breath heavy. "I know."
Talia launched another offensive. Edric blocked the first strike, then the second, and finally saw his chance. As she spun for another attack, he moved quickly, using the strength of Djem So to push her back, and then switched to Shien for a counteroffensive.
He aimed an overhead strike, forcing her to block and lose her balance slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Edric pushed forward, his strikes now relentless and precise. Talia's defenses began to falter under the sheer power of his attacks.
She attempted another trick to regain the upper hand, but Edric was ready. He anticipated her move, stepping aside and bringing his lightsaber up to meet hers in mid-air. The force of his block sent her sprawling to the ground, her lightsaber slipping from her grip.
Before she could recover, Edric pointed his yellow blade at her, signaling his victory.
Talia looked up at him, her pupils wide with surprise and Edric could swear he saw a frown for a fleeting split-second. "You won," she said with her lips curving up. "Well done, Edric."
Edric deactivated his lightsaber, extending a hand to help her up. "Thanks, Talia," he replied.
She took his hand and stood, brushing herself off. "I didn't expect that."
He shrugged, a modest smile on his face. "I've had a good teacher… and a lot of time to train lately."
Talia nodded, still catching her breath. "Let's make it a habit, then. Sparring with you seems like a good challenge."
Edric agreed, but there was something else gnawing at him. For weeks he couldn't really confide in anyone and Talia seemed to be the right person to ask. Especially since she was a Jedi Knight now. He hesitated, then decided to speak his mind. "Talia, can I ask you something?"
She looked at him puzzled. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
Edric sighed. "Do you ever wonder if we're on the right path? As Jedi, I mean. With the war and everything. It feels like we've strayed from what we're supposed to be."
Talia's expression changed and she raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, we're supposed to be peacekeepers, not soldiers. But here we are, getting involved in politics and wars. Fighting for politicians instead of the people."
Talia's eyes narrowed slightly. "Edric, the Jedi serve the Republic. We've always done what was necessary to maintain peace and order. Sometimes that means fighting in wars."
"But at what cost?" Edric countered. "I've seen so much suffering, so much destruction. It doesn't feel like we're making things better. We're just part of the machine."
Talia shook her head. "Edric, you can't let doubt cloud your judgment. The Jedi Order has its reasons, and the Council knows what's best. We have to trust in their wisdom and the will of the Force."
Edric sighed, frustration bubbling to the surface. "That's the thing, Talia. I don't know if I trust the Council anymore. And how are we so certain of the will of the Force?"
Talia's expression hardened. "You're letting your emotions get the better of you. As Jedi, we have to rise above that. We have to remain committed to our duty, no matter how difficult it gets."
"Duty to what?" Edric asked, his voice rising. "To a Republic that's falling apart? To a Council that's more concerned with politics than the people they're supposed to protect? This isn't what I thought being a Jedi was."
Talia stepped closer, her brown eyes a canvas of conviction. "Edric, you're a Padawan. You have a responsibility. We can't just walk away because things get tough. We have to have faith in what we're doing, even if it means making sacrifices."
Edric met her gaze, his own resolve hardening. "Maybe the real sacrifice is staying in an Order that's lost its way. Maybe it's time to find a new path, one that aligns with what the Jedi were meant to be."
Talia shook her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "I can't believe you're saying this. I thought you understood what it means to be a Jedi."
"I do understand," Edric replied quietly. "I just think it means something different. You said earlier that diversity of thought is good."
The silence between them was long, and the air seemed to have sparks around them. Talia finally exhaled and shook her head, turning away. "I hope you find what you're looking for, Edric. May the Force be with you."
Edric watched her go, and realized he was clenching his fists.
He returned to his quarters, the conversation with Talia still echoing in his mind. The tension, the disagreement. He needed clarity. He collapsed onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. The room felt emptier than usual, the shadows stretching long and cold in the daylight.
His datapad blinked with a new message notification, breaking his reverie. He picked it up, noticing it was from Lyra. His heart skipped a beat. He hadn't heard from her in weeks. He tapped the screen, and Lyra's holographic face appeared, her expression weary yet determined.
"Hey, Edric," she began, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "I'm not sure if you'll even get this. First of all, I hope you're doing well, or as well as one can be in these times. I wanted to thank you again for everything you've done for us. But things here... they're not that much better. The noise, the crowds, it's all overwhelming. We're promised new homes every week, but nothing happens." She paused, taking a deep breath. "The Republic's promises feel hollow. We're just another number to them, another problem to be shuffled around.Point is, we decided to sell our remaining belongings and leave Coruscant. I wanted to let you know. I hope our paths cross again one day. Thank you and good bye, Edric."
The message ended, and Edric sat in silence. There was a sudden flame inside his ribs, his stomach boiling. He felt anger in a way like never before. He forced himself to take a deep breath and called upon the Force to help let it go. The Republic's failure, the suffering of the people—it all mirrored the doubts and frustrations he had voiced to Talia.
Lyra's struggle was the final push. The war, the politics, the endless cycles of violence and broken promises—it was all too much. He couldn't do this anymore, not like this. Not when the people he swore to protect were left abandoned and unheard.
He stood, pacing the room and finally recognized and accepted his own undeniable truth, that he kept avoiding all this time. I have to leave the Jedi Order.