A returning Echo

Chapter Twenty Four

"You're joking," you said, looking between Yoda, Codo, Obi Wan, and Plo in disbelief.

"I'm afraid we're not, y/n," Obi Wan said.

"But you know I don't like teaching the younglings."

"Your skill is unmatched, and we need to use it as much as possible. Since you are unable to go to battle, teaching the younglings is the next best option," Plo explained.

"I could help with plans, though," you countered. "I could help the battle from the Venators. I could do literally anything other than teach younglings."

"Y/n, we need to keep you safe as well. If someone were to attack a Venator, I know you would not just sit back and watch others fight," Codo said.

"But I can still help with planning," you retorted.

"Teach the younglings, you will," Yoda said.

"But master-"

"Up for discussion, this is not." You groaned in response, tilting your head back slightly and rolling your eyes.

"Your task will be to teach a full six week course, which they will be tested on at the end," Plo said.

"Six weeks? You can't be serious! I never even had a formal teaching, I won't know what to do!"

"Y/n, my child, you're a Jedi master. Trust in the force to guide you and your teaching."

"Should I also trust in the force to give me patience when they don't listen to me and just run around the room?" you snarked back to Codo.

"Excuse us," he said to the others, rising from his seat and leading you out of the room. He took you down a few floors and led you to a balcony. You walked to the railing and gazed out at the city below you for a moment, trying to clear your head.

"You're not yourself, my child. What's on your mind?"

"I just, I don't want to be here," you said, resting your arms on the balcony railing. "I want to be out there, fighting and helping the war."

"I know, but you are on medical leave, you must stay here."

"It's not fair," you mumbled. "I should be helping!"

"What's not fair is having to see your ik'aad on an operation table with medical equipment attached to them because no one knows if they'll wake up," he stated, and you turned to look at him. His expression was serious, and you sighed, knowing he was right, but it hadn't been your fault you almost died.

"And you will be helping. You're training the future Jedi, those ones who will be protecting the galaxy when we're gone."

"I want to be helping the galaxy now, making a difference in the war."

"All you are fit to do is help with planning-"

"I'll take that over teaching younglings! Besides, what's going to happen with my troops while I'm out? You already know they don't like listening to other generals."

"Your troops will focus on training newly graduated men who are not yet assigned to a battalion. Sans, Hex, and Steele have already been given their assignments and agreed to them."

"Traitors," you mumbled to yourself. Codo sighed before resting a hand on your shoulder. You turned to look at him, and his eyes were those of a parent, someone who loved their child more than the galaxy.

"I'll make you a deal," he said. "Give it one standard week. That's five days. If you truly do not wish to teach younglings, then I will find another task for you. But, you have to try first." You were silent for a second. This was the best, and really the only, option you had.