Jedi Storytime: Pods & Ponies

Once Upon a Time

Anakin recalled his days pod racing when he was a child. Being the only human with the proper reflexes to do so had its advantages.

Back in his days of slavery on Tatooine, racing pods was the most exciting thing Anakin ever got to do, and it gave him some practice for when he would someday become the pilot he always dreamed of becoming. And during the war, he got plenty of experience as a pilot... one who crashed a lot of ships.

But now, Anakin had something even better to fly.

"Yeehaw!"

Anakin felt the wind in his hair as he took a ride on his jewel pegasus Sapphire. Unlike a racing pod or a ship, Sapphire was a living thing. She could think for herself, move on her own, and she spoke back if Anakin needed someone to talk to. Plus, she could show him affection, and the only fuel she needed was food, water, and sleep. A flying was perhaps the one mode of transportation Anakin never crashed. In part because unlike an inanimate ship, Sapphire could give a second opinion on which way to go.

"Ready for a real ride, Anakin?" Sapphire said. "Hang on tight!"

Sapphire flew high up and dove down toward the ground and quickly pulled up into a double loop before landing swiftly on the ground.

"You never cease to throw in a trick or two," chuckled Anakin.

"I'm a little bit of a showoff myself."

"It's no wonder you're such a perfect match," said Harmony, Carmine's horse.

Harmony was getting brushed at the moment, which relaxed her very much.

"There we go, girl. All done." Carmine said. "A well groomed horse is a beautiful and happy horse."

"Ain't that the truth." Harmony said, tossing back her now beautifully brushed mane.

Taking care of horses, talking or not, was not always easy work, but it was probably a lot easier than maintaining ships with engines, and being ten times bigger. It was also nicer company. Metal vehicles usually didn't have a mane you could brush or braid, they sometimes leaked oil or lost parts, and they took forever to clean. Sometimes they caught fire, sometimes they run out of fuel, or sometimes they have other problems, and unless they have some system that was programmed to do so, it couldn't really tell you what's wrong to get it taken care of.

"Alright, Goldie. You ready?" said Padme as Goldie was riding on Indira's back.

Lately, Goldie had been taking some riding lessons, and like a lot of beginners, she was scared to get on the horse at first. So, Indira, being the calmest horse, gladly volunteered to be the teaching horse.

"Remember, Goldie. Sit up straight and keep a firm but gentle grip on the rein." Indira advised.

Gabby rode on Carousella to demonstrate for Goldie. Over the last few years since she first got Carousella, Gabby had gotten really good at riding. In fact, she was actually the best rider in the family, and she loved doing it. Feeling the wind in her hair whenever Carousella ran or flew just made her feel so alive. And the fact her ride was alive gave a great sense of companionship and being in touch with nature, both of which also sent a meaningful message that she was never alone, even if she was by herself in nature, there were beautiful living things surrounding her that were all connected to each other and to her too.

"Right now, Goldie." Padme said. "We'll start slowly. And with enough practice, you'll be able to ride like that."

"Giddyup, Carousella!" Gabby said, snapping the reins.

Carousella whinnied and started a good run around the corral, jumping over hurdles, spinning around, and jumping up on her back legs.

"Wow. She can ride really fast." Goldie said.

And that was when Carousella screeched to a stop, dusty dirt filling the air.

"It's a lot of fun too." Gabby said, getting down. "And unlike metal vehicles, horses love you back."

"It's true." Carousella said, licking her rider.

"Why doesn't everyone get around on horses?" Goldie asked. "Wouldn't it be less trouble taking care of them? And with the magical horseshoes, they can go to other planets."

"That is true, Goldie." Anakin said. "Sometimes, though, machinery is the better choice for big jobs."

"Yes, but other times, it's better to just slow down and keep in touch with nature." Indira said. "Just because it has an engine does not make it the more effective way to go. Sometimes, the best way to see what really matters in life is the good old fashioned horsepower. And you know what they say. Good things come to those who wait."

After a while, the humans went inside as it was starting to get dark outside. Before they knew it, it was almost time for bed, and the kids wanted to hear a story. But they weren't sure which one.

"How about this one?" Omega said, pulling out a book about a squad of space explorers in a ship that went really fast.

"No way!" Lamenta said. She picked up a book titled the Night Mare "Let's read this one."

"We read that one yesterday." Boba said. "And last week."

"Well, we gotta choose something." Gabby said. "Hmm. Why don't we read the Tortoise & the Hare?"

"I'm pretty sure even you and Lamenta are getting a little old for that story, Gabby."

"I might have an idea of a story you might like, children." Shmi said.

Shmi picked out a book from another shelf. A book none of the kids had seen before. According to her, she'd decided to surprise the kids with a new book to read to them. This book, she'd gotten earlier that same day, it being a new release.

"This story tells a tale of a pod racer who learns to slow down as he discovers a forgotten town with new friends so he can make his greatest wish come true. And in this story, there are horses who do something much more magical than cast spells."

The kids were intrigued. So, they gathered around as Shmi sat down and opened the book.

"Once upon a time, not so very long ago, there came the day of what was known as the most important race in the galaxy."