The Jedi Training of Siri Firestorm

[Lavi]

"Sorry, we need the credits," the second twin said. "We're barely getting enough to keep the food on the table, even with the bar. The taxes should get thrown into the cess pit of Nal Hutta."

At this rate, there was hardly a chance for Siri to obtain the credits.

 

[Malon]

It was at this moment that Siri felt a nudge from the Force. Getting the credits back was a lost cause, and besides, the boys needed them to survive. Siri wasn't about to let them think stealing was okay, though. So, before she left, she decided to leave them with a few words of wisdom.

"Fine. I will allow you to keep those credits. You need them more than us anyways. Next time, though, I want you to ask for them. My master is a kind man, who would've given them to you had you asked politely. Stealing is never right, no matter the reasons behind it. The Jedi you look down upon so much, can and will help you if only you ask." she said, smiling warmly at them once more.

She then turned to leave and face whatever consequences her master would have for her. In a way, though, she felt good. Those boys needed the credits to survive. She only hoped that she had done the right thing in leaving Haar's money with them.

 

[Lavi]

The boys let her leave, returning their attention to their own discussions and the activity inside the bar.

When Siri returned, Haar was still there, standing almost exactly where he was before, when Siri left to pursue the thief. He turned his head moments after Siri turned the corner to see him.

"How did it go?" he asked.

 

[Malon]

Siri looked her master in the eye. Somehow she wondered if he already knew, but divulged the information nonetheless.

"I failed to bring the credits back, Master. I tracked the boys to a nearby cantina. They refused to return the credits because of their inability to even make ends meet, and I didn't want to use the Force on them to persuade them. It didn't seem like the Jedi thing to do. I accept full responsibility for the loss of the credits, but...I feel that they truly needed them." she replied, afraid to meet her master's eyes with her own.

 

[Lavi]

"That's fine," Haar said. "I know that the credits would be put to good use. Let's return to the temple."

He didn't seem at all concerned over the outcome of the small "mission." Rather, he appeared to prefer the outcome of the mission.

"Do you feel that you have learned anything today?" he asked as he turned around to walk back.

 

[Malon]

Siri felt her heart warm upon seeing her master's reaction. She knew that she'd done the right thing, and now, as they walked back to the temple, she considered her master's question.

"Yes, I do, Master. I feel that I've learned that part of a Jedi's duty is to help those who are in most need of it, even if it costs the Jedi, in this case literally. I've also learned to trust my instincts and the Force to guide me in the right thing to do. When I allowed those boys to have those credits, I was somewhat afraid of your reaction, but I knew I'd done the right thing...somehow." she replied honestly.

 

[Lavi]

"Mhm. Remember to not be afraid, Siri. Remain confident in your decisions, especially if you are doing what you feel is right. Do what you feel is right, because you know it is right," Haar said as they navigated through a growing crowd.

"When you obtain Knighthood," Haar continued, "what do you plan to do, Siri?"

 

[Malon]

Siri thought about it for a moment before responding.

"Well, I want to be an instructor, like most Jedi Knights. I feel the Force drawing me to teach future generations of Jedi. I also plan to study intensely to become a Jedi blade's master someday." she replied thoughtfully.

 

[Lavi]

Not bad goals to strive for. Haar thought about what his student said as they made their way back inside the Coruscant temple.

"I feel that you are ready," Haar finally said. "Do you feel that way too?"

 

[Malon]

Siri smiled, and a certain sense of certainty crossed her face.

"Yes, Master. I feel that I am ready too." she replied with full confidence.

 

[Lavi]

Haar nodded. He pulled out his lightsaber, igniting it as he turned towards his padawan, and deftly cut Siri's padawan braid in one motion. As swiftly as he drew his weapon, Haar deactivated it.

"Congratulations, Siri," he said with a smile.

 

[Malon]

Siri smiled the largest she had since meeting her master.

"Thank you very much, Master Haar." she replied happily.