“A Mandalorian base?” Palpatine asked. Hunter stood before the Princesses and the Chancellor on the stage where the Celebration would take place.

“Yes sir, the base definitely had the markings and the living situation of the Mandalorians.” Hunter looked slightly down. “There were no traps however. The base was completely deserted.” Palpatine stroked his chin and let out a hum. Luna looked back between Hunter and the Chancellor.

“Forgive me, but why is that odd?” Luna asked.

“Standard Mandalorian practice is to place traps throughout an old encampment or base before abandoning it.” Hunter said. “It would usually challenge the people trying to enter the base.”

“Perhaps the traps had already been sprung?” Celestia asked.

“I believe we’d be having a very different conversation if the traps were activated.” Palpatine frowned a little. “Mandalorians would typically use very archaic, yet very dangerous weapons to fight with. Such as nuclear weapons.”

“Nuclear?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a type of energy.” Hunter replied. “It produces a lot of power, but if used as a weapon it can cause a lot of destruction.”

“How much destruction?” Luna asked.

“There was once a planet called, “Laylaron.” Palpatine said. “It was the sight of one of the first battles the Republic fought in against the Mandalorians. The army opposing the Republic used nuclear weapons to fight. The force of impact certainly caused a lot of damage, but it was the fallout of the explosion that caused the most damage. The radiation of the explosion left the inhabitants sick and dead.” Palpatine sighed and stroked his brow. “We won the planet in the end. But that’s only after the Mandalorian army destroyed themselves. In the end, it took thousands of years of hard work to clean the planet.” The Princesses jaws collectively dropped.

“Thousands of years?” Twilight asked.

“That’s how bad it is.” Hunter replied. “And that’s why it is very fortunate that there were no nukes there.” Hunter looked down at his pad. “But it’s also unusual as well.” Palpatine cleared his throat and smiled.

“Well, let’s just count our blessings that Equestria did not befall tragedy.” Palpatine clasped his hands. “And I hope you see the dangers in such weapons.” Luna smiled and nodded.

“We do, Chancellor. In fact, I think our scientific community would love to get their hooves on such data.” Hunter shook his head.

“There’s a certain protocol to follow, Princess. I’m afraid-”

“Just a moment, trooper.” Palpatine spoke. “I believe that we could strike a deal. However, this has to be done under Republic supervision.” Celestia frowned inwardly. It was not like her to have these emotions running through her. Annoyance, anger, disgust, fear. These did not rule her. Though it was difficult to maintain.

“I assure you, Chancellor.” Celestia smiled. “Our scientific community is quite capable-”

“Forgive me, I meant no disrespect. Merely that safety implementations have to be in place. It is our standard practice. Isn’t that right, Lieutenant?” Hunter nodded.

“The Republic doesn’t want a repeat of similar incidents if it can be helped.” Twilight stepped forward.

“Well, I certainly can appreciate that.” Twilight bowed her head. “Thank you, Chancellor.” Palpatine smiled.

“You’re Princess Twilight Sparkle, correct?” Palpatine asked.

“Yes sir.” Twilight smiled.

“I’ve heard much of your exploits. I certainly hope we’re not causing too much of a strain on your new position.” Palpatine shook his head. “I know the burden of leadership can be great in one so young.”

“At first, the burden seemed too great, even before Hunter,” Twilight pointed at Hunter, “arrived here. But he has taught me quite a lot in the short time he has been here.” Celestia cocked her head.

“And what has he taught you?” Celestia asked.

“It’s not so much what he taught me, but what he reminded me of. We have to do our jobs, no matter how difficult it gets.” Twilight walked over to Hunter. “He has been put in a position that few have actually been in. He has been thrown to an alien world with what would be considered strange creatures in his eyes. But he persevered, and did his job.” Hunter nodded. “So, I’m going to do my job. And make Equestria worthy to be among the stars.” Celestia and Luna smiled.

“Well spoken, my dear.” Palpatine said. “I’d be happy to see where that takes you. Should you need any help, I’d be more than happy to assist you.”

“We’ll be here as well, Twilight.” Celestia said, nuzzling Twilight. Hunter cleared his throat.

“Getting back to the matter at hand, while the base was abandoned by the Mandalorians, there was one sole inhabitant.” Hunter gestured to the old astromech unit, who had remained silent. “This is T9-C2. He was a Republic astromech droid before he was captured by the Mandalorians and placed into service for them.”

“How did he survive for so long?” Palpatine asked.

“He remained hooked up to a power supply for regular intervals. He also had plenty of spare parts to work with. Give anything new parts and it can work forever.” Hunter patted T9 on the head who spun around happily.

“Could he tell us what happened to the Mandalorians?” Twilight asked. Hunter shook his head.

“I asked earlier, but he said that they had simply disappeared. No sign of them leaving, they were just gone.” Celestia and Luna stared back at one another in worry.

“How could that be?” Palpatine asked.

“I’m not sure, Chancellor.” Hunter replied. “There’s no sign of a fight. Whatever happened there, we missed it a while ago.” Hunter pulled out his pad and tapped at it. “All information has been transmitted should you like to see the smaller details.” Palpatine nodded and looked to the Princesses.

“It appears everything is in order. I will see you in two of your days to address your citizens?”

“Yes, Chancellor.” Celestia replied. “We look forward to it.” Palpatine nodded. With that, the communicator went off. Hunter sighed internally. It had been a stressful affair.

“Now, there is the matter of discussing, Discord.” Luna spoke as she looked towards the palace.

“Yes, he said he had no control over his actions.” Celestia sat down. “And, as strange as it sounds, I believe him.”

“It isn’t so strange,” Twilight replied, “Fluttershy has reformed him. And when he recovered from his episode, I could feel something that he probably hasn’t felt all that often.”

“Honesty?” Luna asked. Twilight shook her head.

“Pain.” Twilight said solemnly.

“Look,” Hunter said, “I’m not going to pretend to know anything about the mystic side of things, but he is unstable. Soldiers that act like that are locked up and given a full check up.”

Celestia chuckled.“And how do you propose we capture a spirit of pure chaos, Hunter?”

Hunter shrugged.“I’d just like to make sure he doesn’t cause any more issues. Spirit or not, he packs a punch.”

“Well, we will keep an eye on him.” Celestia left the stage.

Hunter nodded and looked towards Twilight.“With your permission, I’d like to go check on Dinky Do.”

Twilight smiled.“That’s a good idea. That little filly has been through a lot today.” Twilight pointed to a guard. “A guard can take you to her room. As well as Ditsy’s room if you’d like.” Hunter nodded.

“She’s been through a lot as well. I’m guessing reality changing events can do that.” Hunter pointed to T9. "You’re coming with me, little guy.” T9 bounced around happily and beeped.

“Can you understand it?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I’ve been trained to understand what astromech droids say. It’s mostly binary.” Hunter patted T9’s head. Twilight smiled and lit up her horn. Hunter looked at Twilight and stepped back. “What are you doing?”

“The spell I used to understand Basic. I’m gonna use it again to understand your friend.” A beam of light erupted from Twilight’s horn to Hunter’s head. The beam stayed connected to Hunter’s head until, like before, a large purple shockwave blasted from their spot. Hunter felt faint and struggled to stand up straight.

“Remind me the next time you turn my brain into mash, yeah?” Hunter asked. Twilight nodded and focused on T9.

“Could you say something?” Twilight asked. The droid bounced around happily.

“Beep, boop, blerp bop.”

“Yes, I can understand you. And my name is Twilight Sparkle. Not purple cattle.” Twilight said politely.

“Bweeeooop Berr.” T9 wheeled up next to Twilight and spun its head around.

“Apology accepted, T9.” Twilight patted T9 on the head. “Well, that takes care of one problem at least.”

“Hey,” Hunter asked. “How much can you do inside my head?”

“How do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Well, I’m worried if magic could potentially be used to brainwash people. You got the information from me rather easily.”

“If that’s what you’re worried about,” Twilight said as she stroked her muzzle with her hoof. “I can teach you how to set up blocks in your mind so you won’t be affected by magic to that extent. It takes a lot of practice though.”

Hunter looked away. “I need to be ready for anything Twilight.” Hunter walked off the stage. “If that scuttle with that Discord fellow showed me anything, it showed me that I’m a lousy bodyguard.”

Twilight shook her head.“Discord isn’t someone that can easily be handled. You did the best you could-”

“Then I need to do better.” Hunter interrupted. He approached a guard. Twilight shook her head.

He’s trying hard. That’s what I need to do. That’s what I have to do. Twilight looked down at the communicator. Maybe he could help me.

~~~~~

Dinky looked around the giant bedroom she had been placed in. The walls were pure white and had pillars of what appeared to be gold. She was amazed that she was here. But, more importantly to her, she was amazed of what she had accomplished. She looked down at her hooves. That wasn’t like a telekinesis spell. It felt so… natural. Dinky looked out her giant window to the night sky. The stars were bright and filled the dark sky with light. Dinky thought back to another Jedi’s lecture. “The night sky reflects the Force very well. Darkness is ever present, but a shining example of good can fill it with light to guide you.” Dinky smiled and went to her bed. She heard a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Dinky asked.

“It’s your, Mom.” Ditsy said. She opened the door. “How are you doing?” Dinky smiled.

“I’m okay, Mom. Don’t worry.” Ditsy chucked.

“Sorry, muffin. It’s in the job description to worry.” Ditsy walked up and nuzzled Dinky. “Are you ready for bed?” Dinky nodded and jumped onto her rather large bed.

“I talked it over with Princess Luna, and she’d like us to stay for the Summer Sun Celebration! Sparkler will be on a train tomorrow.” Ditsy exclaimed. Dinky nodded, but then frowned.

“How did you become friends with Princess Luna?” Dinky asked.

“Well, I meet her occasionally when I’m delivering her mail. She just so happens to order things that need to be hoof delivered.”

“What things, Mom?”

“Well…” Ditsy trailed off.

~~~~~

Elsewhere in the castle, Luna sat in front of a TV and screamed at it.

“Who designed the loot system?!” She cried. “If I get shards one more time, I’m gonna-!”

~~~~~~

“Just things that Luna enjoys. Anyhow, we meet so much that we strike up conversations all the time.” Ditsy smiled. “We became good friends.”

Dinky nodded and brought her blanket up. Just then, there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” Ditsy asked.

“It’s Hunter.” He entered the room, followed by T9. “I just wanted to check up on you two.” Ditsy smiled.

“That’s nice of you, Hunter. I was just putting Dinky to bed.” Hunter nodded and looked to Dinky.

“I’m glad you’re okay, kid. I hear Twilight will want to talk to you about what you did today.” Hunter pointed to T9. “But for now, I’d like T9 to keep an eye on you.”

Dinky tilted her head.“Why? There’s no danger.”

“Just making sure you’re safe, kid. Doesn’t hurt to take precautions.” Hunter patted T9 who rolled next to Dinky’s bed.

“Beep bwoo beep roooo.”

Dinky gasped.“You think I’m a Jedi? Wait… I can understand you?”

Hunter nodded.“Twilight worked her magic on T9, so everyone can understand him.”

“Can she do that with any language?” Ditsy asked.

Hunter shrugged.“I’m not sure. You’ll need to ask Twilight that.”

Dinky nodded.“I’ll need to learn a lot of languages to become a Jedi!”

Ditsy frowned. “We’ll… need to talk about that.” Ditsy said as she tucked Dinky in. She lightly kissed her on the head. “Good night, my little muffin.”

Dinky nodded and yawned. “Good night, Mom. Good night, Hunter.”

Ditsy and Hunter left the room, leaving Dinky and T9 alone. As Ditsy finished closing the door, she turned to Hunter.

“Hunter, what do the Jedi do?” Ditsy asked.

Hunter was perplexed.“They act as protectors of the Republic. Why do you ask?”

“That sounds dangerous. And what we did today was dangerous enough.” Ditsy looked down at the ground and sighed. “I hate to do this, but it’s far too dangerous for Dinky.” She turned back to Hunter. “I don’t want Dinky to become a Jedi.”

Hunter nodded. “I understand. But you should also know, becoming a Jedi is not an easy process. And even if she did join, chances are they would put her into a peace corp where all she would do is supply food and supplies to damaged worlds.”

Ditsy frowned. “Even if that’s the case, she could become a Jedi and be thrown into harm’s way. I don’t want her to face that danger until she’s older.” Hunter kneeled down next to Ditsy.

“The Jedi recruit at a young age.” He pointed to Dinky’s door. “Dinky’s age. And you saw what she did. The Jedi will be interested.”

“Can’t I just say, no?” Ditsy asked.

“You can. It’s only on Republic worlds where the Jedi can conscript recruits.” He looked back to where Celestia was. “And I doubt the Republic would like to start an interplanetary incident.” He looked back to Dinky. “And I understand where you’re coming from. I’ll try not to fill her head up with ideas about it.”

Ditsy smiled.“Thank you, Hunter.”

“But,” Hunter said. “You need to realize that Dinky is a very perceptive girl. Ultimately, it is her decision to become a Jedi.”

Ditsy frowned at that. “She’s my daughter, and I won’t have her join the Jedi in their war.”

Hunter nodded. “You’ll have to talk to her about it then. I wouldn’t dare convince her to do anything.”

Ditsy tilted her head. “Why?” She asked.

“Dinky is getting a choice I never got. She gets to choose her destiny. I would not rob that of her.” Hunter stood up. “If you need me, I’ll be near the throne room. Good night.” Hunter turned away and walked to the throne room. Ditsy sighed and walked to her room.

Inside Dinky’s room, she was unaware of the conversation that took place between Hunter and her Mom. She could only think of the possibilities of becoming a Jedi. She frowned however and leaned forward in her bed.

“That was a pathetic blast of the Force at the train station, T9.” T9 turned on and let out a series of chirps.

“Bweeo berr booo weeoo.” Dinky frowned.

“How am I supposed to improve when there’s no one to teach me? I mean, I’m already a bit old to join.” Dinky looked toward T9. “Do you know anything about being a Jedi?”

“Bwop bee ree tee roo.”

“Saber training modules? I mean, that’s helpful, but I need to learn about the Force.”

T9 spun its head. “Ree too boo weo vot.”

“Find a teacher? Everyone here knows magic, its different from the Force.”

“Twee Roo?”

“I don’t know. It’s more… specific.” Dinky shuddered. “I’m getting chills. But…” Dinky lingered. “I don’t know… I feel-”

“Feel like what?” Dinky and T9 turned to the window to see Discord standing there.

Dinky frowned. “Like we’re being watched,” Dinky spat. T9 rolled towards Discord, armed with a charge arm, a sort of stun baton.

Discord frowned. “Put that away, I’m not going to harm you at all.” T9 wasn’t convinced and kept it out. Discord smiled and touched the charge arm. It didn’t affect him at all. T9 begrudgingly put the arm away. “But on to more serious business. I was wondering why you wanted to learn to be a Jedi?”

Dinky frowned. “I don’t need to tell you anything.”

“Hmm… I thought a Jedi was trusting.” Discord mused.

“A Jedi knows to exercise caution” Dinky replied.

“Well, that caution may stop you from getting what you want.”

“Whatever it is you want to say, Discord, say it.” Dinky glared at Discord, who smiled.

“You see, that outburst was something very unfamiliar to me.” Discord floated over to Dinky. “And the more I remember, the more I learn certain valuable things.” Discord crossed his arms. “But, to remember I need to do something to unlock more.”

“And that is?” Dinky asked.

“I’m glad you asked.” Discord cleared his throat. “I’d like to teach you, the Force.” Dinky tilted her head.

Dinky tilted her head. “You use magic, what do you know about the Force?” Dinky asked.

“I know plenty already.” Discord stood triumphantly up. “I used to be a master of the Force before I became the fine specimen you see before you.”

Dinky looked up and down Discord and thought it was anything but fine. “Look, I’ll look elsewhere for help. You’ll just waste my time.”

Discord shoulders slumped. He sighed. “I guess I cannot train you anyway, you have no patience.”

“Learn patience, she will.” Dinky and Discord looked up in surprise at the disembodied voice.

“Master Yoda?” Dinky asked.

“Who’s Yoda?” Discord asked to Dinky. A vision then took place around them. In front of them sat Yoda.

“Reaching out to you both, I am.” Yoda stood up and walked over to Discord. “Concerned I am.”

“Concerned about what, Master Yoda?” Dinky asked. “Concerned about Discord?”

Yoda looked up at Discord and shook his head.“A problem, Discord is not. The rising darkness, is.” Yoda walked over to Dinky. “Dinky, allow Discord to train you, you must. If you wish to become Jedi.”

Dinky nodded enthusiastically. “I do, Yoda! I want to-”

“You’re not ready, Dinky. You lack understanding.” Discord interrupted. “The Jedi have a deep commitment to their cause. They must be able to throw away attachments.”

“You were all for teaching me before, why are you against it now?” Dinky asked.

“I told you, you lack patience. You’d get frustrated and give up.” Discord crossed his arms. “I don’t want my time wasted.”

“But I’ve learned so much already.” Dinky said. She turned back to Yoda. “I’m ready to fully commit myself to it.”

Yoda shook his head. “Dinky, in this matter, right, Discord is.” He stepped over to Discord. “But, discover this through training, you must.” Yoda walked back to his original position. “Learn from Discord. And you will learn your decision.” Yoda sighed. “But, on what you choose, much rests.” Yoda looked up into nothingness. “Darkness clouds everything. And fall to you to fight it, it may.” Yoda began to vanish.

“Wait, Yoda!” Dinky cried. “Why do you trust Discord to do this?”

Yoda smiled. “No dark intentions do I sense in him. Trust him, you may.” Yoda full vanished, leaving Dinky, Discord, and T9 in the room.

Dinky looked over to Discord and sighed. “Well, Discord, what’s your first lesson?”

Discord laughed. “I believe you must address me as, ‘Master’, isn’t that right?”

Dinky sighed again. “What’s your first lesson, Master?” Dinky asked sarcastically.

Discord hummed. “Better. But your first lesson is this: meditate on what you’ve seen today.”

“Meditate?” Dinky asked.

“Yes. You need to process a lot of information about what you have seen. You need to figure out its meaning.”

“Why?” Dinky asked.

“You need to figure out the why on your own, Dinky. I’ll teach you more later.”

Dinky tilted her head. “But everyone is mad at you, they wouldn’t want you around me.” Dinky said.

Discord grunted. “So call me when you’re alone.” Discord replied.

“And what about T9?” Dinky turned to T9. “Please, T9. I want to learn about the Force. And Discord is the only way I’ll learn about it.” T9 looked at Dinky, then Discord, and then back to Dinky.

“Booooo.” T9 said sadly.

Dinky smiled. “Thank you.” Dinky said. She looked back at Discord. “I’ll meditate on what I’ve seen today.”

Discord nodded. “And I’ll do the same. Been a while since I’ve done it.” Discord took off, leaving Dinky to ponder her thoughts.

She sat down and closed her eyes. The Mandalorian Base…

Author's Note

Been a while y'all. Enjoy :D