Disclaimer: Don't own them. Not making any money.
AN: Post NJO, AU. It starts about 2 years after the end of NJO and then jumps to 15 years after. Constructive criticism is welcome, but please be nice.
Chapter 1
As night fell Jedi Master Cilghal disembarked from the shuttle that had returned her from Forscan VI. At the bottom of the ramp she turned back and gently coaxed her young companion to come out. A young girl, about 4 years old, appeared wearing a tunic that many sizes too large for her small body. She had light brown hair and wide gray eyes that took in her new surroundings. She stepped timidly onto the ramp and slowly made her way to the Mon Cal's side.
The girl turned her eyes to look around at the landing tarmac and all the various ships parked around the edges and in the hanger. She timidly took the offered hand and sidled up close to the fish-like alien. The dry wind of the barren world whipped her hair around her head and carried the sounds of Jedi training. All the new sights and sounds scared the girl but she knew that she could never go back home to her family.
Cilghal smiled down and said, "Welcome to Ossus, Savyna. This is your new home. You'll be taken care of here." She took the young girl's hand and led her to a waiting speeder. As they drove through the Academy grounds, Savyna sat silently in her seat watching the terrain pass by. Using her comlink to call ahead, Cilghal bypassed the administrative areas and headed to the living quarters.
Luke Skywalker was spending some time with his son, Ben, when his comlink beeped at him. Groaning at the interruption, he answered, "Skywalker here."
"Luke, this is Cilghal. I've just arrived on planet and need to speak with you."
"I'm at home. Can this at all wait until morning?"
"No sir. I'll explain if you will let me come over."
"Alright. I'll see you in a few minutes."
Luke looked down at his son. "Hey, Ben, let's pick up some of your toys. We have company coming."
Ben made a face but obeyed and picked up some of his toys. He had just returned the last one to his room when the door chimed. He watched as his dad opened the door. He recognized Cilghal from his checkups in the medical wing, but the girl was a new face.
He walked over and said "Hi. I'm Ben. What's your name?"
The little girl looked at the fiery haired boy and then tried to hide behind the Mon Cal's robes.
"Ben," Cilghal said gently as she knelt next to the children, "This is Savyna Tish. Could you take her and play in your room for a bit while I talk to your dad?"
Ben nodded and reached out to take Savyna's hand. She pulled away and tried to hide again, this time by running into the room and around a chair. When he followed her, she ran behind the couch and refused to come out.
Ben looked to the adults to get her out. Luke walked over and crouched next to Ben at the side of the couch. Looking behind, he said "Hi Savyna. I'm Luke and this is my son Ben. Could you please come out? I promise nothing bad will happen."
The little girl shook her head and crept farther behind the furniture.
Luke looked at her, sensing her fear, and then questioned Cilghal, "Is she okay? Or is there something more going on?"
The other Master replied, "Her two oldest brothers have died from an unknown plague. Her other three brothers, and her mother, are currently ill and it is only a matter of time before they are gone as well. She is naturally immune to the disease but has had to spend a week in quarantine to be sure. During that time the only contact she had with people was through bio-suits. After her release, she was often alone as my team and I continued our search for the origin. Since we left her home, she has been terrified of everything and everyone. No small wonder. We were unable to bring any of her belongings along and she was put through a thorough decontamination procedure. I'd hoped that since Ben was relatively close to her age, his presence would put her at ease."
Luke sat on his heels for a moment as he thought, then said "Ben, could you go get Savyna a snack and some juice from the kitchen, then go play in your room. Let's give her some time to get used to us." The little boy nodded then did as he was told. When he brought the fruit and juice to his dad, they set it on the floor behind the couch. Then, with a wave and a smile at the girl, Ben went off to his room and Luke and Cilghal sat in some chairs where they could see Savyna when she finally decided to emerge but far enough that they could talk in hushed tones without scaring her further.
"How certain are you that she is not a carrier, that she will not infect anyone else with the same thing that killed her family?" Luke inquired.
Cilghal understood what he was not saying. What were the chances she could make Ben sick? "Since there was a window of time between the first reported cases and the quarantine of the planet, I have sent warnings throughout the Galactic Alliance with a request to be informed of any other outbreaks. So far I've heard nothing back. From all appearances, it would seem that whatever the cause is, it requires something that can only be found on Forscan VI to survive. In addition, Savyna was allowed physical contact with the medical team after she cleared her quarantine, and none who have come in contact with her have succumbed to the plague. You and your family, as well as everyone else here, will be safe from it."
"If the plague isn't over then why are you back here? I thought you went to Forscan VI to help find a cure for it."
"So far no cure has been found. The population is small enough that by this point they've all been exposed to the disease. The ones who are not sick yet are in quarantine. It has a short incubation period so within a standard week, any of the remaining citizens who are susceptible will be showing symptoms. And those who are still symptom free will be released. Savyna is one who was symptom free after exposure and a week of quarantine. I'm here because her mother asked me to bring her to you."
"Why me?" Luke sighed.
Cilghal considered her words carefully before choosing the simplest response. "She is Callista's daughter."
