May The Way Be With You

Confessions

It's been a week since we killed Grizel. When they finally cut down her body, I made good on my promise and cut her head off with my sword, using her cane as the pike it sits on. It's out by the main gate, as a warning. Over the last week, the damage from the fight has been repaired, using the credits found in Grizel's vault, and the supplies she hoarded so meticulously. I don't know how, but the whole city has been coming to me and Mr. Goldwin for answers, as if we were the ones in charge. Today, there's a city wide meeting on how things will be run and who will be in charge.

Half of the people want Goldwin in charge, due to his efforts in making life as comfortable as he could for us homeless orphans as well as his work helping the people under Grizel's tyranny. However, the other half are insistent that I become the leader. "Whoa, whoa, who said I was even in the running?" I call out, flabbergasted.

"You're the one who got help! You ran into battle, rallied the people! Your sorcerer powers even protected us from no less than a hundred blaster bolts!!! You're a natural born leader!" A woman declares. I vaguely recall her being in the group that was with me.

"Maybe so, but I can't lead a city while I'm off world with Mando. I cannot and will not be in the running." I tell her. There's an uproar, people saying I belong here as their leader, or at least in charge of the guards.

"Settle!" Goldwin declares. Once everyone has quieted down, he turns to me and says, "Thief, none of this would have been possible had you not befriended the Mandalorians. You were the one to charge into battle, protect the people, while I stayed in my home like a coward.

"You have everything that's needed to be a good leader. You've lived in the most squalor of conditions, you know how to help the people, and you aren't afraid to charge in when the dirty work needs to be done. Even before, you're the one who created those tents so kids had a safe place to sleep. Made sure everyone got something from what we could give." Goldwin looks ready to bow at my feet. I look around and people are nodding in agreement.

"Thief, this planet is your home. This city is your home. You belong here, and you're a damn good leader. I shouldn't even be in the running. My grandfather couldn't stop Grizel's take over. My father couldn't get her out of power. And I just stood by, trying my best to undercut her, but never truly helping. It's clear who should be in charge." Goldwin smiles.

I feel conflicted. I'm not a leader, or a politician. I don't know how to run a city. But I have taken care of my fellow orphans. I know what people need. These people have done what they could to help us, under threat of execution. I owe them our lives. Maybe... Maybe I should be leader. I feel Mando enter the meeting room, and look to him.

If I take this position, I may never see him again. Not unless a bounty happens to be in the city, or he decides to pay a visit. "Give me a bit to think. Let's take a meal break. We'll reconvene in an hour or two." I declare. The people agree and start to file out. Soon, it's only Goldwin, myself, and Mando. Goldwin walks up to me and places a hand on my shoulder.

"I must say, this is the first time I've ever seen two people in the running for a position of power vouching for their competition. I really do think you'd be a better Magistrate than I would. Think about it. I'll see you in a couple of hours." He smiles, then leaves, bowing his head to Mando on the way out.

We're silent for some time, and I can feel Din is as conflicted as I am. I start pacing the room, not sure what to do. After my third turn about the room, Din asks, "What do you want to do?" I stop and look at him. "What do you want to do with your life? Now that The Bitch is gone, you have complete control over your life. Don't think about what the city wants, or what I want. What do you want?" He adds.

I walk up to him and hug him tightly, not sure. "I... I feel honor bound to serve the people. They've done everything they could to help us kids. But you saved me. None of this was possible without you, Daljar, Jacsava and Fiona." I sniffle. He wraps his arms around me, making me feel safe and protected.