Chapter 26
The Jedi had received increased funding through the Republic allowing flexibility in the budget. Along with many other things, they had purchased new gear for those on the front line. For Lina, that meant new robes. She wasn't sure if she liked them yet but she was grateful for the increased movement and better fit of her older body.
Her boots had remained as well as the dark brown coloring. Her robes, now white, had a higher collar and had slits up the thigh to allow more movement. However they now had detached sleeves, and had taken a modern turn. The tight, mocha arm coverings had started at her knuckles and stopped just before her armpits, leaving her shoulders exposed. The fact that she wore three layers of robe kept her from succumbing to the chill of space. But at the moment in the hot jungle the layered clothing had no use.
She and her master had been ordered by the council to go retrieve a child ready to be taken to the temple.
Even though night was falling, the heat was sweltering. Sweat ran in rivulets down Lina's forehead and back as she and her master climbed the steep hills, cutting away brush.
"What are you thinking Lina?"
"I feel warm."
Ki-Adi chuckled as they breeched the hill, allowing them to see their destination for the first time.
The small town was a mixture of stone and wood huts. Many huts were dark however few had doorways lit with orange from lasting embers.
Lina could definitely sense the child, but stayed by her master's side. He had explained the delicacy of the situation.
A large dark skinned man stepped out of one of the huts. Dark designs swirled up and down his arms. His hair was tinged with gray but was still obviously strong and able. He gestured at her master to follow him as he walked in and out of the rows of huts.
She trailed behind them, an uncomfortable chill working down her spine, or maybe it just the cooling sweat. They stopped at a simple stone hut and the man pulled back the cloth door and netting.
The Jedi ducked in and Lina almost laughed. Her master had to bend over in the small space. He quickly hid his discontentment. A woman sat stoking a fire in the middle of the hut, the child in her lap. The child, a little boy with tanned skin and light eyes, jumped from her lap.
He tottled up to the Jedi, feet clumsy, and dark curls bouncing. He wrapped his arms around Lina's legs, and showed her a toothy grin.
Lina froze and the youngling laughed. A small smile stretched across Ki-Adi's face.
The woman spoke tears rising in her clear eyes. The dark man spoke in broken basic, relaying that she wanted one more night with her child. Lina was about to protest, Master Yoda wanted them back by the next rotation.
Her master nodded, "That would be fine." Lina looked at him in surprise, Master Yoda had been very clear. The mother called to her son. The boy unclasped her legs and sending her and Ki-Adi one last glance ran back into his mother's arms.
The dark man escorted them into his hut. He offered them a meal but they both declined. He laid out two mats on the ground as makeshift beds. The man retired into a different corner.
Lina and her master sat in meditation. She smelled a distant scent and caught glimpses of smiles and laughter.
Daddy!
"Your distress is loud young one, but I know not what it says. Would you like to share?"
Lina let out a long exhale. Then shook her head, and rolled away from him, retiring for the night.
~O~
They rose early, with the sunrise. Lina and Master Mundi met the woman at the ship. She clutched the child tightly to her chest. She hook the child waking him. He looked at her sleepily. She sobbed and he touched her cheeks with his tiny hands.
The woman handed the child to Lina hastily and retreated up the slope, disappearing into the morning fog. The child whined and fat tears filled his bright eyes. Lina clutched the child closer and began to rock him as she had seen others do with young ones. She sat in the copilot chair. The child snuggled into her chest, and although uncomfortable, Lina wrapped her arms around the child.
"You are a natural."
Lina started at her Master's voice. Her scowl deepened.
"It is instinctual. At sixteen, many across the galaxy would've been married already, even expecting."
Lina scoffed disgusted at his words," I am a Jedi."
"But if you weren't-"
Lina shot him a sharp look. She could feel the child's breath on her arms.
They sat quiet for a long while, giving Lina time to ponder her thoughts from the previous night.
"Master?" Lina said looking at the youngling in her lap.
"Yes, Lina?"
"Do-do you remember your parents?"
Ki-Adi sighed heavily, "Is this what you were thinking of last night?"
Lina nodded.
"No I do not."
Lina chewed her lip. The youngling shifted in her lap. "I remember some things."
"Oh? What do you remember?"
"I remember my father, his laugh, I have his hair I think."
"Do you think about him often?"
Lina shook her head. "Not that much."
"This is not uncommon my dear. From what you tell me you remember and that is fine. It has not consumed you, and I do not think it will."
Lina nodded in understanding, but still remained confused.
"He did what he believed to be best. He did not abandon you, and I'm sure he would be proud of you as I am."
Lina couldn't help the lump in her throat. "Thank you Master."
He nodded. She looked down at the child his soft breaths stirring her braid. Lina smiled softly and stroked the child's hair, despite the warring mixture of sorrow and contentment in her heart.
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Yoda hummed, "Indeed troubling, this is."
Lina sat back, blushing in embarrassment.