Chapter XVI: From Rags to ...
Cere - Day 5 - Ordel, the Mantis
For the fourth time in a row, Cere ran the diagnostic program of her terminal and once more, its dusty screen lit up in a red light while a stream of confusing data appeared next to it. What she saw annoyed her to no end. True, she might've known her way around consoles and slicing in general, but mechanics and engineering were an entirely different beast to handle. Hacking herself into Imperial Communications? Piece of cake. But this? She certainly wasn't a Skywalker, that much was sure. Taking a deep breath before she took another sip of her tea, Cere turned her head to the left towards Greez.
''It says ... something about the couplings and the hyperdrive? Here, take a look. Can't make any sense out of it.''
Greez coughed heavily as he heard this, swiftly spinning around in his chair and sprinting over to Cere as if he was hit by some sort of invisible lightning.
''The couplings?! Lemme ... - ''he almost tripped on his way to the terminal '' - ... oh, oh no. This is ... what?! How. Oh come on, not again. I swear, I had them fixed the last time. Cost me almost my last shirt too. Damn it!''
His sigh was full of frustration ere he threw his hands on the dashboard of the console, letting go off a string of curses even Cere has never heard before - and that meant a lot.
''Alright. I'm going to assume that that's bad. You okay there, Greez?''
He wasn't. She knew that, and not only through the Force. She has known him for such a long time now, considered him to be her oldest friend. Her once rock in the river, so to speak. Cere knew how the Lateron dealt with stress and ever since the Fortress, his mood grew more and more irritated by the day. Not like she didn't understand why that was, but she was still concerned about his mental state nonetheless. Especially now as she watched Greez punch the terminal over and over again, giving his fury free reign as he vented his frustration on the innocent piece of hardware.
''No, I'm not okay. Damn it, this ship always flew perfectly - except those damn couplings. Somehow, they're always faulty, no matter how much Credits I threw onto them. And it was a lot of Credits, Cere. Could probably live like a king somewhere with it. Lemme tell you, that's ... ugh, why can't anything just stay fixed?''
Grabbing her tea before he could accidentally knock it over in his rage, Cere put her hand on his shoulder, speaking quietly to him as she focused on the readings of the console.
''Come on, Greez. We can do anything. You can do anything. We'll just fix it, alright? Force knows we've got plenty of time now.''
Greez rocked his head quickly.
''No, we won't.'' he closed his eyes and glanced at Cere ''we'd need special tools and parts. And even then, we'd need some expert to fix this. Spoiler: we've haven't got either. Including the Credits for them.''
Cere glared at the floor. He was right, even if she didn't like to admit it. Cal told her about the prices on Nar Shaddaa, how they seemingly have risen ever the Empire established itself. Getting the food and medicine they needed literally cost brought her down to her last Credits. A fact that managed to pull back some of the guilt she thought to be successfully banished out of her mind. Perhaps buying the supplies on Nar Shaddaa was a mistake, all things considered?
''That bad, huh? Blasting Sithspawn. Alright, let me think.''
Cal and Merrin told her that Stone Town looked like paradise compared to Hutt Space, particularly when it came to potential dangers. With nothing but an Imperial skeleton screw to protect Ordel, there wasn't any tangible danger to be found there. That meant that they'd have a chance to partake in normal every-day life and thus, there might be a chance that they'd be able to find a regular - and legal - source of income. It'd take some time to get the money needed, but it would be a start.
That sounds awfully like settling down. Let's hope nobody enjoys it too much.
For now, the others seemed to be content with staying on Ordel. Having a place to kick their feet up and relax put their minds at ease. Enough peace and quiet for them to not think about the dreaded What comes next question. And indeed, even Cere didn't know the answer to that. What would come next? They were Jedi, whether they liked it or not the Force had something different in mind for them. A peaceful life wasn't their way, no matter how much that truth hurt. It was their sacred duty to uphold peace, not to bow their head in front of tyranny. Enjoying a calm existence on Ordel while Palpatine and the Inquisitorius burned this galaxy to ashes? No, that wasn't an option. However, Cere wasn't about to tell that to Cal. Not yet. He deserved some rest. And truth be told, she herself could use some shut-eye too.
''Alright, listen. We need Credits anyways. Let's put our ears on the ground and be on the look-out. Got to be something out there that pays well without having to knock a couple of heads together. Especially with our ... well, skill-set I guess.''
Yes, that could work, she thought. Cere was highly skilled when it came to software and slicing. With all of that farming equipment that a place like Ordel needed to have to keep running, she was certain that she'd find something lucrative to do. And somehow, she doubted that Imperial academics would come to Stone Town after graduation from one of their prestigious academies in the Core Worlds to make a living somewhere in the Mid Rim.
That left Cal, Greez, Merrin and Trilla.
''Cal could ... ''
Good question. Though it slightly pained her that she didn't know Cal that much in that regard, she had to admit that they never actually had a chance to talk about something like that. Of course, she knew Tapal and his teaching ''philosophy'', one she disagreed with, even if she deeply respected the man himself. But Tapal was a soldier, born and bred. Somehow, she doubted that he taught Cal any skills that could be turned into a trade if needed.
''Yeah, I don't know either, Cere. He's your Pada ... Padwi ... apprentice.''
''Padawan. And he isn't my apprentice, Greez. Never was, at least not in that way. Sure, I might have guided him on his path, gave a couple of hints now and then but ... the bond between Padawan and master is deeper like that, it goes beyond mere training - training we never had, too. No, I'd never dare to call myself his master. That honor goes to another, one that has fallen a long time ago.''
Cere stroke her chin as sadness overcame her. Perhaps if more Jedi like Tapal would've survived, they wouldn't be in this mess.
''Whatever, you know what I mean. Don't really care about it either, to be honest.''
''Greez...'' Cere said in a patient, yet warning tone.
He raised his hands and gasped in frustration, ere he looked at Cere apologetically.
''I know. Sorry.''
''It's okay. Tell you what. How about we - all of us - eat dinner together. Talk it through while enjoying a nice meal. I'll help with the cooking, too. What do you say?''
Greez crossed his arms, nodding along with her words before he twisted the muscles in his face.
''All of us. Including ... ''
''Yes. You'll have to get around to her eventually, Greez. Your survival may depend on her one day.''
Cere could understand him. Always did when it came to the topic of Trilla. Perhaps she didn't quite grasp what he fully meant before, but she got there recently. There was no way he could understand what happened to her. Beyond the torture and the pain she both endured and inflicted, there was something more, something that someone not attuned to the Force couldn't possibly perceive. The Light and the Dark Side - Greez was right. Nothing but words for most people. However, she knew the lure of the Dark Side well. How easy it was to slip, how difficult it was to admit one's fall. And yet for all of her knowledge, she couldn't think of a single way to explain it to him.
Perhaps it's better that way. He already has enough on his plate.
''Yeah, we'll see about that. I'll get you a list, things I'll need. Now though, I want to get a better read on why exactly the couplings are screwed. I'll shout for you once I'm done, alright?''
A smile crept over her lips before she lowered her head in front of him.
''Thanks, Greez. For everything.''
''Yeah yeah, I'm great, I know.''
Trilla - Day 5 - Ordel, the Mantis
After Cere requested her presence through the ship's intercom, Trilla darted up the ladder with speed, bumping head-on into Cal as he worked on his lightsaber at the workbench.
''Hello there, Trilla. Cere's in the kitchen, waiting for you.'' without raising his eyes from his saber, he lifted his hand and pointed his thumb backward ere he returned to his tinkering. Though as Trilla was about to leave, Cal suddenly dropped his tools and looked at her, a thin smile dancing over his face.
''Hold up, wait a second. Got a minute?''
She bit her lower lip at that. Trilla managed to escape Cal's inquisitive nature up until now and honestly, she wanted to keep it that way. A lot has happened between them, things that should probably never be said out loud or even mentioned. Yes, she was keenly aware of the fact that they'd need to talk it out eventually, however, that conversation would happen on her terms and not on his.
''Can it wait, Kestis? Cere ... ''
He lifted his hands quickly at that, looking at her in a non-threating manner.
''Don't worry. Just wanted to know if everything is alright with you. In general, I mean.''
Force preserve me.
Trying to do her best in faking some sort of neutral expression, Trilla stared at him, crossing her arms in a protective manner in front of her chest while she began to tap with her foot in an impatient manner.
''Why wouldn't I be?'' she said in a deadpan way, hoping that her face didn't reveal the untold levels of discomfort she currently felt brewing up inside her like a storm.
''We did go through some pretty messed up stuff on Nar Shaddaa and ... -''
She grunted audibly. Silently praying that he wasn't about to interpret her following words more harshly than she intended, she raised her finger and stopped him mid-sentence.
''Cal, listen to me, please. I get, alright? I'm the wildcard, the unknown variable. Naturally, you wish to help me and inquire about my well-being. I get it ... and I'm thankful for it. However, not now. I'm not ready for ... '' Trilla closed her eyes and shook her head '' ... this. You trying to help me, talk about my past. I don't do pitty, Kestis. Never did, even before the Empire - ask Cere, she probably got hundreds of similar stories. I know that my mere presence has a strong influence on everyone here, including you. But I refuse to be the subject of your pitty. Things happened nobody in their right mind would be proud of. But damn it ... ''
Her voice grew in size as she looked at Cal with a longing for understanding.
''I'm not broken. I know you're thinking it and I know Cere's thinking it. But I'm not broken. I'm still me. I'm not crying myself to sleep, I'm not harboring secret thoughts of vengeance against you or your crew. I'm no danger - to you or myself. So please, just ... just leave me be until I worked through some of this, I beg you.''
Cal gulped at that. And although he certainly tried his best to hide it, Trilla picked up on the subtle way his lips turned a scowl. How his eyes looked hurt and how his body wished to be every else in the galaxy except in here right now. Her words managed to reach him, and not in a good way. That much was certain.
Damn it.
''Oh. Right, of course - '' he stuttered ''I didn't mean to ... right. Sorry, gotta fix the ... emitter. Can't have it ... you know.''
Without ushering another word, he turned around and put his hands back onto his lightsaber, visibly pretending to insert non-existent parts into his weapon. Her chest ached at that sight. She only wanted to tell him that there was no need to worry about her, that she disliked being the victim of unneeded attention all the time while her mind was already hunted by her past. All she wanted was some time, a break without everyone trying to make their minds up about her. Trilla just wanted to go past this stage already, even though she knew that they'd all need some more time for it. But once more, her dull nature got her message across in a way she didn't intend. Trying to escape the mess she just created as quickly as she could, she all but sprinted towards the kitchen, were Cere was already waiting for her.
''Trilla, I - you alright?''
She glared at her former master silently, putting her hands on her hips before she shook her head.
''Don't. Let's not talk about this right now, alright? What can I do for you, Cere?''
Luckily for both of them, Cere seemed to get the message and she dropped her line of inquiry almost instantly. And for that, Trilla couldn't even begin to fathom how thankful she was. No matter her mistakes, Cere always seemed to know when to push her and when to leave her to her own thoughts, a quality she has always held in high regard when it came to her former master. That's all she wanted from the others, too. Nothing more, nothing less. Seeing that Cere had opened her mouth once more, Trilla steered her mind back into reality, watching as she held up her datapad while letting her finger wander over some of the items displayed on it.
''I need to head into the city, get some things for dinner. Want to get the lay of the land too, while we're at it. You're up for being my backup?''
Yeah. Nothing more dangerous than a couple of farmers bored out of their minds.
Realizing that Cere had chosen for her before she could refuse, Trilla could only nod along, gladly taking the life-line she was just given if that meant she could get off the ship. She stepped over to the already opened loading ramp and left the ship swiftly, making sure to take another detailed look at the far-away mountains in the process. This time, however, there was nothing that grabbed her attention, be it from the Force or her eyes, making her sigh in slight disappointment as Cere walked next to her.
Considering herself to be blessed as their journey to Stone Town was a silent one, Trilla had to recoil slightly as she touched her out of nowhere.
''Lightsaber.'' she whispered before she pointed ahead, her eyes aimed at the old and big turrets that stood in front of Stone Town's entrance into the Blue Gate district. Without much effort, she stuffed her saber into her tunic, nodding to Cere that she was ready to head in. She chose to walk slightly behind Cere, letting her lead the way as she took in the nearby surroundings. Though it wasn't the first time Trilla was on Ordel, it was the first time she entered the city. But what she saw surprised her more than she could've thought possible.
This is a disgrace.
The two troopers that stood guard - if it could be called that way - at the entrance were currently seated in front of a portable display, watching a sports game as Cere and Trilla walked by.
''I ... can't even begin to tell you how many protocols they are currently breaching.'' she stated quietly as she took a closer look at the guards, grimacing at their sight. Seeing two Troopers in Imperial armor that behaved in such an outlandish way almost made her dizzy, considering that the soldiers under her command wouldn't have ever thought of acting like that. On duty or not, Trilla expected unparalleled attention to discipline and order. Anyone that stepped out of line was dealt with viciously and swiftly. Though she was satisfied enough to send the lesser Troopers under her command to be lashed, she has heard of other Inquisitors and admirals that tended to execute them outright - if not even kill more of them than needed, if only to send a message. On every base or Star Destroyer she was, fear dominated the vicinity. Fear that held the rank and file in line, no matter how lazy one was. But this? No wonder the Empire almost completely pulled out of here, she thought.
''We should consider ourselves lucky then. I'll take a couple of sports fans over Purge Troopers any day.''
Fair enough.
They strolled through Blue Gate in close tandem, walking through its shiny and freshly cleaned streets while its inhabitants dealt with their daily business. Knowing that there was no point in trying to stop her ever-analyzing mind, Trilla closely watched some of the citizens that were nearby. There was an old farmer for example, standing on one of his crates whilst putting some of his produce up into the air, shouting through the streets that today and only today, he'd sell them for half of their usual prices. Behind him, in a building seemingly made out of blue-ish metal, a young woman strolled out of a door, a protocol droid following her every step. In her hand, she held a cup of ice cream, one that was soon eagerly devoured by her. Further up ahead, there was ...
''You alright, Trilla?''
With eagle eyes, she watched as two young boys ran past her with amble speed, kicking a leathery ball over and over again as they did so. With heartful glee their laughs echoed through the streets, their joy enough for the old man on the crate to wave them towards him. Joyfully, they darted over to him, their eyes turning big as he handed them a big piece of fruit. One of them - probably the younger brother, she thought - gave him a big hug ere they walked on, lost in their game and their newly acquired snack.
''Sorry, it's just ... I haven't seen children just playing around ever since before the Clone Wars.''
Feeling how her throat grew tense, Trilla closed her eyes and sighed. This time, however, her muscles didn't rebel as Cere touched her shoulder.
''It's ok. Do you want to return to the Mantis?''
Good question. Did she? For years, all she knew was the cold steel of Imperial Spacecrafts and the ruins of scorched battlefields. But now, watching all of those people just being themselves, free of fear or doubt, it made her feel something. Something she couldn't quite describe, even if she tried. Was it sadness? To think that in another life, it could've been her that playing in the streets or going out for a day of shopping? No matter what it was, the sight of it all hurt Trilla far more than she thought it would.
''No, it's quite alright. Sorry, I was just perplexed by it all. Ready to go, master.''
Her whole world came to a sudden halt. Did she really just said what she thought she did? Yes, Ordel might've had looked similar to a couple of planets they've been to during the Clone Wars, but this was already the end of the short list of comparisons. Was her brain that easily fooled because of a couple of children jabbing around? Either through sheer dumb luck or a well-played act, Cere didn't seem to hear her words. She only tilted her head to the side, pointing at a small restaurant nearby.
''I'll get what we need. Sit down for a while, would you?''
Following her command to the letter ere she'd embarrass herself for the third time in a row today, Trilla sat herself down on one of the numerous wooden tables spread throughout the entrance area of the building. It looked amiable enough she supposed, even if she failed to realize what sort of theme the owner tried to go with their establishment. If her surroundings were any indication, over the top flowery with a touch of nature seemed to do the trick, much to her disapproval. Yet there was no denying that the people of Stone Town seemed to enjoy this - Caf shop?
''Cups and Roses. What a fitting name.'' she ushered silently to herself. From the building's entrance rushed out a young man, probably not much older than Cal if she was to guess, and made his way towards her.
''Hello there! One cup of tea and one Strawberry-Special, courtesy from the lady with the cool jacket inside.''
Say what.
It seemed as if this day desperately tried to add experience after experience on the already way too big mountain of uncomfortable incidents. With a joyful expression in his face, he put the two beverages down in front of her, marching off to the next set of customers with a euphoric swagger in his steps. Trilla sighed at that display and lifted her drink, taking note of the ridiculous amount of sugar that was scattered on top of it. A couple of minutes later, Cere stepped out of the shop, carrying with her two bags of groceries filled to the very bring.
''Cere, I see you've discovered the joy of shopping for yourself. Good to see that the years of training are worth something.'' she said teasingly, yet in a well-meant spirit.
''Yeah yeah. Someone has to put food in our mouths. Even if it cost us our last Credits.''
Trilla arched her brow at that. She knew Cere well enough to see that she wasn't joking, not when it came to something like that. Though she had to admit that she hasn't really followed the events on Nar Shaddaa that closely, she has overheard Cal saying that it was above all else a costly endeavor. But it couldn't be that bad, right?
''That sounds awful like you're about to tell me something I'm not going to like, Cere.''
At that, Cere put one of her hands on the back of her neck, evading Trilla's glare with well-known ease as she looked down at the floor.
''Yeah, wanted to tell you before I set off the bomb in front of Merrin and Cal. There's something wrong with the Mantis - something expensive, according to Greez. And the reality of it is that we're low ... or rather out of Credits. Which means that we'll have to look for ... ''
''Additional sources of income. Great.'' huffed Trilla before she raised her drink into the air once more ''and you just had to buy us one last piece of luxury before we're destined to a life of servitude, huh? Crafty, I'll admit that.''
''Funny. But yeah, gotta' be on the look-out for anything, really. Won't get off of this planet otherwise. And something tells me that the work on Ordel isn't quite your style.''
Behind Cere, Trilla saw the two children from before sprinting past her, howling like wild animals as one tried to pull the other's hair.
''You can say that again. Fine, I'm certain there's someone in need of torture and carnage.''
''Trilla ... ''
''A joke, Cere. But first, I need a little favor from you. Two, really.''
With some surprise, Cere put her elbows on the table. She looked at Trilla with quiet anticipation, signaling that she should go on.
''First, I want to go to the mountains - alone, with no questions asked. Secondly ... how many Credits do you have left?''
''Why ... ?''
Trilla raised her voice and waved the young waiter towards her.
''Another one of those, if you'd be a dear. To go!''
If they were already stuck in this mess, perhaps she could start to turn things around. And who was better to start with than Cal Kestis?
AN: Back after a slight delay. Who would've thought that the new year could be so exhausting? A rather timid chapter for you, but it probably has charm. Somewhere, at least.
Guest: Cal is soooo utterly creative, right? Well, as long as its a happy marriage, who am I to judge.
Advina: Thanks for your support - I really got to look up alternative ways of saying that, damn. Stay tuned, a lot of things are going to be set in motion soon!
Guest: Oh, that's so nice of you :) Thank you for reading!