Mace Windu stood motionless, Cain's lightsaber hilt still resting in his hands. The curved hilt felt heavier than it should have, not in physical weight, but in significance. In finality. In everything it represented about the choice that had just been made.
Mace could feel the kyber crystal's resonance through the Force. That perfect balance between light and shadow, that harmony that made Mace question everything he thought he knew.
He couldn't speak as he felt the weight of Cain's words, "I will never forget the Order and your teachings," they still echoed in his mind, mixing with the memory of their duel, of seeing a Cain use Vaapad against him, and watching someone so talented and young walk away from everything with such absolute conviction. Mace felt like he failed Cain.
He's really leaving, and there's nothing I can do to stop him.
Mace Windu's had felt a profound sadness mixed with something that might have been pride.
He's not running away or falling to darkness. He's choosing a different path because he believes it's right. Because he believes the Order needs to change, and he's willing to sacrifice everything to make that change happen.
Depa was the first to break the silence, as she stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the empty doorway where Cain had disappeared, then shifting to Mace.
"Cain," she said softly, her voice carrying through the chamber. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
But Cain was already gone. The question hung in the air, unanswered, until Depa realized she'd spoken too late. He'd already made his choice. Already walked away.
No, she corrected herself. He made this choice a long time ago. We're only seeing the result now.
Cin Drallig stood near the chamber's edge. As the Temple's battlemaster, he'd trained countless younglings and Padawans over the decades. He'd seen prodigies come and go, and he had watched talented students become Knights and Masters. But Cain was different.
And now we're losing him, Cin thought. The Order is losing one of the most promising students we've had in generations, and we're letting him walk away.
But even as the thought formed, he knew it wasn't quite accurate. They weren't letting Cain leave. They couldn't have stopped him even if they'd tried. The boy, no, the young man had made his decision with such absolute certainty that any attempt to prevent it would have only driven him further away.
Better to let him go with our blessing than to force him to leave as an enemy.
Mace finally moved. "He's sure," Mace said, his voice rough with emotion he couldn't quite suppress. "I could see it in his eyes. In his stance. In every strike he made during our duel."
He paused, his hands resting on the platform's edge, his head bowed slightly. "He's been sure for a long time. We just didn't want to see it."
Depa stepped closer, her presence warm and supportive in the Force. "Master, this isn't your fault. Cain made his own choice...."
"I know," Mace interrupted, but there was no harshness in his tone. Just weariness. "I know it's his choice. But that doesn't make it easier to accept. The will cause a schism in the order."
"I wanted to guide him," Mace said quietly. "I wanted to help him become the Jedi I knew he could be. I believe he could have been the Grandmaster of the Order one day. A voice for change within the Order and the Galaxy. Someone who could help us adapt to the galaxy's needs without abandoning our principles."
"But he doesn't believe the Order can change fast enough," Depa said. "He sees what's coming, whatever that may be, and he believes the only way to prevent it is to start fresh. To build something new."
Mace nodded slowly. "And maybe he's right. Maybe the Order has become too rigid, too set in our ways. Maybe we need someone like Cain to show us a different path."
"Even if that path leads him away from us," Cin added.
"Especially if that path leads him away from us," Mace corrected. "Because if he can succeed, if he can build what he's envisioning, then perhaps the Jedi Order can learn from his example. Perhaps we can change before it's too late."
The silence that followed was heavy. And each of the masters, in their own way, believed he might actually succeed.
"What do we do now?" Depa asked.
Mace straightened "Now, we prepare. A schism is coming to the order. And we have to make sure not to lose our way when it happens. Their some who possible agree with Padawan Cain, and will leave with him. We have to make sure at the end of the day that galaxy stills knows the Order is united."
Mace picked up Cain's lightsaber again, feeling its weight, its balance, its perfect harmony. "And we look to the Force that we're making the right choice by letting him go."
I found the others in one of the Temple's smaller meditation gardens. Anakin was practicing his lightsaber forms, his indigo lightsaber humming through the air in precise arcs. While Barriss sat on a stone bench, reading from a datapad. Seris stood near the fountain, her silver hair catching the light, her eyes closed as she meditated. And Derren was sprawled on the grass, apparently napping.
They all looked up as I approached, sensing my presence before I'd even entered the garden.
"Cain," Anakin said, deactivating his lightsaber and clipping it to his belt. "How did it go with Master Windu? The whole temple is talking about you two."
I took a deep breath, centering myself. " Guys I'm leaving the Temple tomorrow morning," I said, my voice steady despite the weight of the words. "I'm going to Tython. And I'm starting my own order."
The silence that followed was profound. Even the fountain seemed to quiet, as if the Force itself was holding its breath.
Then Anakin smiled. " So it's time then. Ok I'll start packing and let Obi-wan know," he said immediately, without hesitation. "I didn't expect this to be so soon, but..." He paused, his expression becoming more serious. "Do you mind if we visit my mother on our way to Tython?"
The question caught me off guard. I'd known Anakin would want to see Shmi eventually, but I hadn't expected him to ask so directly.
He will just be his open honest self. Good.
"Of course not, Anakin," I said, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. "We can even bring her with us if you want. We have to stop by Kamino anyway, and we can get her a full medical checkup there. Make sure she's healthy. Give her a new life far away from Tatooine."
Anakin's eyes widened, and for a moment, I thought he might actually cry. His voice was thick with emotion when he spoke. "Really? You'd do that for her? For me?"
"Anakin," I said, stepping closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're my brother. Your mother is important to you, which makes her important to me. Of course I'd do that."
He pulled me into a sudden, fierce hug, and I could feel his gratitude radiating through the Force "Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you, Cain."
"Your welcome Anakin," I said, returning the hug.
When we separated, I saw that Barriss had stood up from her bench.
"When Master Unduli heard about what you did the other day, she told me I shouldn't associate with you anymore. She said your ideas were dangerous. That you were leading us astray from the Jedi path."
My chest tightened. I'd known this was coming, I had known that some of the Masters like Unduli would try to separate my friends from me, but hearing it still hurt.
"I understand," I said. "If you need to stay...."
"I'm leaving the Order tomorrow too," Barriss interrupted, her voice stronger now. "I'm going to tell Master Unduli tonight. And I'm going to extend the offer for her to come with us, if that's okay with you."
I blinked, surprised. "Of course it's okay, but are you sure? Master Unduli is your teacher. You be leaving her without completing your Padawan training?"
"Is my choice," Barriss finished. "Just like this is your choice, Cain. You've shown me that the Jedi Code doesn't have to be a cage. That we can love and care for people without falling to darkness. That attachment and connection are strengths, not weaknesses. I will finish my training one way or another. I will believe in the Force as I believe in you Cain."
She stepped closer, her expression determined.
"I don't know if Master Unduli will come with us. Honestly, I doubt she will. But I have to try. I have to give her the chance to see what we're building. And if she refuses..." Barriss took a deep breath. "Then I'll go without her. Because I believe in what you're doing, Cain. I believe in what we're building together."
"Thank you, Barriss. That means more than you know."
Seris was looking at me with an intensity that made my breath catch. Her silver hair seemed to glow in the garden's soft light, as they noticed my empty waste side.
"Cain," she said, her voice soft but carrying clearly through the garden. "Did you give up your lightsaber?"
Everyone's attention immediately focused on my belt. Or rather, on the conspicuous absence of my lightsaber hilt.
I should have known Seris would notice immediately.
Derren sat up from his position on the grass, his eyes widening. "Please tell me you took your kyber crystal out before you gave it back?"
I shook my head. "No. I gave it all back. I can always make a new one."
"Cain!" Derren's voice was sharp with concern. "It's not about having a lightsaber or not mostly. It's about that kyber crystal being unique. Crystals like that are extremely unique, they're meant for only certain Force sensitives, and not to mention it chose you. It resonated with your very soul."
"Derren is right," Seris said, and there was something like pain in her voice. "That crystal was special, Cain. It was yours in a way that goes beyond ownership. Giving it up..."
She trailed off, but I could feel what she wasn't saying through our bond. She thought I'd made a mistake. That I'd given up something irreplaceable.
Maybe I did, I thought. But it was necessary. It was the right thing to do.
"I know," I said, meeting each of their gazes in turn. "I know that crystal was special. I know it chose me, and I know I might never find another one like it. But I made my decision, and I need to stand by it."
I paused, gathering my thoughts.
I smiled, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over me. "I can always make do with whatever crystal I find. Or maybe I won't use a lightsaber at all. Maybe I'll find a different weapon to channel the Force."
I looked at each of them, letting them see my conviction.
"But honestly? I think if I'm meant to have that crystal again, it will come back to me. The Force works in mysterious ways. If that crystal is truly mine, then our paths will cross again."
Derren sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're either incredibly wise or incredibly stupid, and I honestly can't tell which."
"Probably both," Anakin and I said at the same time.
Seris stepped closer. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Without your lightsaber, you're more vulnerable."
"I promise," I said, meeting her eyes. "I'll be careful. But know this, I may not have my lightsaber but I'm not powerless. And I won't be alone, I'll have all of you watching my back."
"Damn right you will," Anakin said, his voice fierce. "Anyone who wants to hurt you will have to go through me first."
"And me," Barriss added.
"And me," Derren said, standing up and brushing grass off his robes.
"Me as well," Seris finished, and the word carried the weight of an oath.
I felt my throat tighten with emotion.
I don't deserve them, I thought. But I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure their faith in me isn't misplaced.
"Okay," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady. "Here's what we need to do. Everyone needs to inform their masters and fellow about what's happening. This is our chance."
I looked at each of them in turn.
"As for me," I continued, "I have a few things I need to take care of. People I need to contact, arrangements I need to make. I probably won't be in the Temple after this afternoon, so if you need to reach me, use the emergency comlink frequency."
Anakin raised an eyebrow. "What do you have to do that's so urgent?"
I smirked. "That's a surprise."
"Cain," Seris said, her voice carrying a warning note. "What are you planning?"
"Nothing dangerous," I assured her. "Just... making sure all the pieces are in place for tomorrow. Trust me."
She studied my face for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. But if you get yourself killed before we even leave Coruscant, I'm going to be very upset with you."
"Noted," I said with a grin.
"Tomorrow morning," I said. "Hangar Bay Seven, don't be late."
"We won't," they said in unison.
I went back to the Jedi Temple's workshop where professor Huyang stood at one of the workbenches.
"Professor Huyang," I said, stepping into the workshop. "Do you have a moment?"
"Ah, Padawan Cain, back already. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"
"That stuff you said earlier about the peal and ingot. What did you mean by it will point the way."
Huyang was quiet for a moment. "I cannot say Cain."
"Why?"
"Because you are meant to discover it on your own. The peal and Ingot are the keys, and with them you can bypass the permission of the council and me."
My eyes widened. The pearl and ingot can help me bypass the council's permission?
"What do you me Huyang?"
I stepped closer, my voice softening.
Huyang's photoreceptors brightened again. "I cannot say more Cain.You are Tarre Vizsla descendant so when your are ready to inherit his will and responsibility. The Force will reveal everything."
He set down the component he'd been examining and turned to face me fully.
"But I'm afraid I cannot say more."
"Inherit his will and responsibility?" I said.
"Yes," Huyang confirmed. "Though I suspect you don't yet understand what those terms truly mean."
"Then help me understand," I said. "Please, Professor. I need to know what Tarre Vizsla wanted to unite Mandalore. I need to understand my heritage, both as a Jedi and as a Mandalorian. So I can save Mandalore. "
Huyang was silent for a long moment, his photoreceptors studying me with an intensity that made me feel like he was looking straight through to my soul.
"Padawan Cain," he said finally, "I believe I gave you the answers already. But perhaps I should be more direct."
He moved to a secure cabinet at the back of the workshop, his mechanical fingers entering a complex code that made the lock disengage with a soft click. From inside, he withdrew a small, ornate box made of what looked like Mandalorian iron.
"Tarre Vizsla came to me many years ago, and asked me to hold onto the coordinates of his holocron's location. He told me in great detail about someone who would come seeking it. Someone who carried both Jedi and Mandalorian blood. Someone who would need his teachings to bridge the gap between two worlds. But if someone came with my name and carried The pearl and the ingot then don't give them more then that message. "
My heart began pounding in my chest. "He told you about me? Specifically?"
"He described you with remarkable accuracy," Huyang confirmed. "Your appearance, your abilities, even your... unique perspective on the Force. He said you would come to me asking about his holocron, and that when you did, I was to give you this. But he said there was a possibility of another coming."
He held out the box, and I took it with trembling hands. It was heavier than it looked, and I could feel something resonating inside it, not quite the Force, but something similar. Something ancient and powerful.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Open it and see," Huyang said.
I carefully lifted the lid, and inside I found two objects. The first was a pearl, but not a normal pearl. This one seemed to glow with an inner light, shifting between colors like oil on water. It was beautiful and unsettling at the same time.
The second object was an ingot of metal, small, no larger than my thumb, but incredibly dense. It was a deep, dark color that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
"The pearl," Huyang explained, "is a Force-imbued gem from the deep oceans of Manaan. Tarre Vizsla used it as a focusing crystal for certain Force techniques, techniques that required perfect balance between light and dark, between action and meditation."
"And the ingot?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Beskar," Huyang said. "But not ordinary beskar. This is beskar that has been treated with a process Tarre Vizsla developed, a way of infusing the metal with the Force itself, making it not just resistant to lightsabers, but capable of channeling and amplifying Force energy."
I stared at the two objects, my mind racing. "But how did Tarre know about me? How could he have known I would exist, centuries before I was even born?"
"That," Huyang said, "is a question I cannot answer. Tarre Vizsla was a master of many Force techniques, including some that the modern Jedi Order has forgotten or forbidden. Perhaps he had a vision. Or perhaps..."
He paused, his photoreceptors dimming slightly.
"Perhaps the Force itself showed him what needed to happen. Perhaps you were always meant to exist, Cain Vizsla."
The weight of those words settled over me like a physical presence. The idea that my existence might be some kind of cosmic necessity, that I was meant to be here, meant to do what I was doing was both terrifying and strangely comforting.
"Thank you, Professor," I said, carefully closing the box and holding it close. "This means more than you know."
"There is more," Huyang said. "I heard about your plan to leave the Coruscant Temple and establish your own order on Tython."
I tensed slightly. "I suppose word travels fast."
"Indeed," Huyang said, and I could have sworn there was amusement in his mechanical voice. "And I must tell you, Padawan Cain, that it is a terrible idea."
My heart sank. "Professor...."
"Especially," he continued, "if you have no records for how the planet responds to shifts in the Force, or information about the local wildlife, or data about the ancient structures that still stand there."
I blinked, confused by where this was going.
"But Professor, the only one who would have that information is you. And the planet hasn't been used as a Jedi stronghold for close to twenty-five to thirty thousand years."
"Exactly, Padawan Cain," Huyang said, and now I could definitely hear satisfaction in his voice. "That is why I will be coming with you."
I stared at him, my mouth hanging open in shock. "You... what?"
"I will be accompanying you to Tython," Huyang repeated, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You will need someone who understands the planet's history, who can help you navigate its dangers, who can teach you about the ancient Jedi traditions that were practiced there."
"But Professor," I said, still trying to process this. "I'm doing this without the permission of the Council. This isn't a sanctioned Jedi order we're creating. Doesn't that bother you?"
Huyang's photoreceptors brightened, and he tilted his head in what might have been the droid equivalent of a smile.
"My dear Cain, I have been with the Jedi Order for a very long time. Longer than you can possibly imagine. I have seen the Order shift and change countless times. I have watched it rise to great heights and fall to terrible lows. I have seen it adapt to new circumstances and cling stubbornly to old traditions."
He moved closer, his mechanical hand resting gently on my shoulder.
"This is no different. Just another part of the cycle. The Jedi Order has always evolved, always changed to meet the needs of the galaxy. Sometimes that evolution happens from within. Sometimes it happens from without. And sometimes..."
He paused, his photoreceptors meeting my eyes.
"Sometimes it happens because someone brave enough, or foolish enough decides to start fresh. To build something new while honoring what came before."
"I believe," Huyang said carefully, "that the Force has brought you to this moment for a reason. I believe that your vision of balance, of understanding both light and dark without falling to either, is something the galaxy desperately needs. And I believe that I will be needed by your order more than I am needed here."
He gestured around the workshop.
"To be honest, I think the Coruscant Temple has gotten a little too over-reliant on me. It will do them good to learn to manage without my constant presence. And it will do me good to see something new, to help build something that might change the course of galactic history."
I couldn't help it. I pulled the ancient droid into a hug, not caring that his metal body was hard and unyielding. He had just given me something more valuable than any holocron or ancient artifact, he had given me his faith.
"Thank you, Professor," I whispered. "Thank you so much."
"You are welcome, young one," Huyang said, and his mechanical voice carried a warmth that transcended his artificial nature. "Now, we should begin preparations. There is much to do before tomorrow morning, and...."
He stopped abruptly, his photoreceptors focusing on something behind me.
I turned and felt my breath catch in my throat.
Master Yoda and Master Windu had entered the workshop. Yoda moved slowly, his cane tapping against the floor with each step, his ancient eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made me want to look away.
But I didn't look away. I met his gaze steadily, waiting for whatever judgment was about to come.
"Padawan Cain," Yoda said, his voice carrying clearly through the workshop. "Speak with you, we must."
I stood before the two Jedi Masters, my heart pounding in my chest. Is this the moment where the Council would officially respond to my decision to leave. Where they would either try to stop me or... or what? I didn't know. I couldn't predict what Yoda would do.
He's the wisest being in the galaxy, I thought. He sees things others can't. He understands the Force in ways that transcend normal comprehension. What does he see when he looks at me?
"Leave the Jedi Order, I hear you want to," Yoda said, his eyes never leaving mine. "Start your own, you do?"
I took a deep breath, centering myself in the Force. "Yes, Master Yoda. That is my plan."
"Mhmm, I see." Yoda's ears twitched slightly. "Do this without the Council's permission, you do. And invite other Jedi of the Order, you have. Yes?"
"Yes, Master," I confirmed. "I have."
There was a long silence. I could feel Mace's presence beside Yoda, stern, and conflicted, but somehow more at peace than he'd been in the sparring chamber. And Yoda himself was calm.
"I see," Yoda said finally. "Then with my blessing, you go."
I blinked, certain I'd misheard. "I'm sorry, Master. What did you say?"
Yoda's expression softened, and he tapped his cane against the floor once.
"My blessing, you have, former Padawan Cain. Sad to see you go, it is. Great potential and change you could bring to the Order, along with Padawan Skywalker. But stop you, I will not, if this is what you decide."
I felt like the floor had dropped out from under me. Grandmaster Yoda, the leader of the Jedi Council, the wisest being in the galaxy, was giving me his blessing to leave the Order and start my own Force tradition?
"Master, I... I don't understand. Why would you?"
"Gift for you, we have," Yoda interrupted gently. "And a request."
"A gift?" I repeated, still trying to process what was happening.
Mace stepped forward, and I noticed for the first time that he was carrying a small wooden box. It was beautifully crafted, made from what looked like Brylark wood, with intricate carvings along its surface that depicted scenes from Jedi history.
He opened the box, and inside I saw four metal ingots. Two of them gleamed with a soft golden color that seemed to glow in the workshop's lighting. The other two were a darker, more subdued color, almost black, but with a faint sheen that suggested incredible strength.
"The gold ones are electrum," Mace said, his voice carrying a weight that made my chest tighten. "And the other two are phrik. I was going to save these for when you became a Knight, should the Force allow me to see such a day."
He paused, his eyes meeting mine.
"The second set is for when you have a Padawan of your own who becomes a Knight. So that you can pass on the tradition, just as I would have passed it on to you."
I stared at the ingots, my mind struggling to comprehend what I was seeing. Electrum and phrik were among the rarest materials in the galaxy. Electrum was traditionally used to plate the lightsaber hilts of Jedi Council members, a symbol of their rank and wisdom. Phrik was nearly indestructible, resistant to lightsabers and capable of withstanding incredible force.
To have two ingots of each was... it was beyond valuable. It was priceless.
"Master Windu," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Master Yoda. I don't know what to say."
"All you have to say is thank you, Cain," Mace said, and his voice was gentler than I'd ever heard it. "And promise us that should you ever feel lost, should you ever doubt yourself or your path, that you will call upon me. Upon us."
"Master Windu," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Master Yoda. I promise. I swear that I will call upon you if I ever lose my way or need help. And I will use these gifts to honor the Jedi tradition, even as I forge a new path."
I bowed deeply, a gesture of profound respect and gratitude.
"Thank you, Masters. I am truly blessed, and I will never forget what you've given me today."
Yoda nodded, his expression warm. "Raise your head, Cain."
I straightened, and Yoda studied my face for a long moment. Then he spoke again, his voice carrying a note of concern.
"Question, I have for you. This Sith Lord in the Senate. Know who it is, you do?"
Oh shit.
In all the chaos of preparing to leave, of gathering my friends and making arrangements, I'd almost forgotten about Palpatine. About the greatest threat to the galaxy, the puppet master pulling strings from the shadows.
How could I forget? How could I let myself get so focused on building the future that I forgot about the enemy trying to destroy it?
But even as the thought formed, I knew the answer. I hadn't forgotten. I'd just been... avoiding it. Because dealing with Palpatine meant confronting the most dangerous being in the galaxy. It meant putting myself and everyone I cared about in direct danger.
But I can't avoid it forever. And if I'm going to leave the Order, if I'm going to build something new, then I need to make sure the Jedi know what they're facing.
"I don't know his identity for certain," I said carefully. "But I have suspicions. And I have information about his apprentice."
Both Masters leaned forward slightly, their attention focused entirely on me.
"Tell us," Mace said.
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. This was dangerous. Revealing what I knew about Dooku could change the timeline in unpredictable ways. But it could also save lives. Could prevent some of the tragedies I knew were coming.
"Count Dooku," I said, and I saw both Masters stiffen. "He's fallen to the dark side. He's become a Sith Lord, Darth Tyranus. And he's the one who killed Master Sifo-Dyas and orchestrated the creation of this clone army on Kamino."
The silence that followed was deafening. I could feel the shock radiating from both Masters, could see the way Mace's hands clenched into fists, could sense Yoda's profound sadness through the Force.
"Dooku," Mace said, his voice tight with barely controlled emotion. "Are you certain?"
"I'm certain," I said. "I've seen evidence. I've felt his presence in the Force. He's fallen, Master Windu. And he's working for someone even more powerful, the Sith Lord who's been manipulating events from the shadows."
"Troubling, this is," Yoda said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "My former Master, Dooku was. Believed in the Jedi Order, he did. Believed in justice and peace."
"He still believes in those things," I said quietly. "But he's convinced himself that the only way to achieve them is through the dark side. Through control and domination. He thinks the Republic is corrupt beyond saving, and he's not entirely wrong. But his solution, his willingness to embrace the Sith, that's where he's lost his way."
Mace's jaw tightened. "And you said there's someone above Dooku? A master orchestrating all of this?"
"Yes," I confirmed. "Someone with incredible power and patience. Someone who's been planning this for decades, maybe longer. Someone who's positioned himself perfectly to destroy the Jedi Order from within."
"But you don't know who," Mace said, and it wasn't quite a question.
"I have my suspicions," I repeated. "But I can't prove them yet. And making accusations without proof would only alert him to the fact that we know he exists."
Yoda nodded slowly, his eyes distant. "Wise, you are, to be cautious. But tell us, you must, if you discover his identity. Too dangerous, this Sith Lord is, to face alone."
"I will," I promised. "I'll tell you everything I learn. And I'll do whatever I can to help the Order prepare for what's coming."
Mace reached into his robes and withdrew something, my lightsaber. The curved hilt gleamed in the workshop's lighting, and I could feel the kyber crystal's resonance even from a distance.
"Then put this saber to good use," Mace said, extending it toward me. "You're going to need it for what's ahead."
I took the lightsaber with trembling hands, clipping it back to my belt where it belonged. The weight of it felt right, felt like coming home.
"Thank you, Master," I said. "I will. I promise."
Yoda tapped his cane against the floor, drawing my attention back to him.
"Go now, you must. Preparations to make, you have. But remember, young Cain, alone, you are not. The Force is with you. Always."
I bowed deeply to both Masters, then turned to Professor Huyang, who had been watching this entire exchange with his photoreceptors glowing softly.
"Shall we go, Professor?" I asked.
"Indeed," Huyang said. "We have much to do before tomorrow morning."
As we left the workshop together, I glanced back one last time. Mace and Yoda stood side by side, watching me go, their presence in the Force a mixture of concern, hope, and something that might have been pride.