Note: I've been trying to figure out how to handle this transition. I originally thought to write a truly monstrously long fic, dealing with everything between episode 1 and 2. But as I started writing, it just didn't seem to flow and felt rather tedious after a bit. The relationship between Obi-Wan and Adrina is what I am wanting to highlight the most in this story, but realistically they weren't having much interaction between episode 1 and 2. Although I'm still not quite happy with this transition, it's the best solution I've come up with. I have tried to make the time lapses clear and to highlight what I felt the most important aspects of the interim years.
Even though this chapter is labeled 'epilogue', the story will continue here.
Adrina snapped her bag shut and put a hand to her forehead. After two long years of rigorous and exhilarating labor, she had finally completed her training as a MedTech. She no longer had to endure morning exercises with Master Che. Instead, she completed them on her own. Although the lightsaber still felt unnatural in her hands and she preferred a blaster, Adrina continued training with the blade every week. She could still hear Anakin's teasing jibes when she sparred with him; his talent far exceeded hers.
Slinging her musette bag across her body and picking up her larger bag, Adrina briskly made her way to the hanger bay. She didn't dare be late for her first away-mission. She, along with a group of Healers and Assistants, were headed to Nak Shimor to assist the local doctors in treating a deadly epidemic. Despite looking forward to the challenges and excitement, she was nervous; it was the first time she would be working without close supervision on something larger than minor injuries or taking vitals.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming!"
Adrina rolled her eyes and smiled at Blef Kyd. He stood at the bottom of the landing ramp with a teasing grin. "I'm twenty minutes early and you know it, Blef," Adrina retorted.
"Yeah, well, you're the last one here."
Adrina sighed. They walked up the landing ramp together. Her intestines cringed and shifted at being in a space ship again, but she had little choice.
She was grateful for the uneventful journey and safe landing.
They arrived on Nak Shimor in the early morning. The day was warm, but not humid. Adrina bit her lip as she observed the planet from dry ground, reminiscent of Tatooine's barrenness. They had landed in the city, but there was an air of desolation. A few lonely souls staggered through the streets. Dust swirled along the cobbled streets and window coverings flapped against mud and brick buildings. When she closed her eyes and listened, she could hear mournful cries. The scene cut Adrina to the core.
Adrina smiled sadly at Blef when he stopped beside her.
"Are you ready?" Blef asked quietly.
Adrina exhaled. She nodded. "Yes," Adrina murmured, more to herself than to Blef. "I'm ready." She readjusted the heavy packs on her back and began to follow the others as they moved further into the city, heading for the main hospital.
"Eery, isn't it?" Blef whispered. Adrina nodded mutely. It was a poor city, a more civilized version of Mos Espa. Adrina saw young and old faces peeking over the edges of the window sills before hastily retreating when they knew they'd been spotted. Each face looked weary and without hope.
Upon reaching the hospital, the Jedi party met with Malin Corr, the chief doctor. "Many blessings be upon you," Corr said, bowing low with hands folded. "By our calculation, seven out of every ten people have been afflicted by this disease and six out of those seven die." A chill ran down Adrina's spine. "Some of the far outlying cities and villages haven't been affected yet, but the disease is spreading rapidly. The first patient was diagnosed only four days ago."
"We have seen this before," Healer Gyra said. "And it is treatable. But we must keep it from spreading." Prior to leaving Coruscant, Adrina had read all she could on the disease; many planets had been able to eradicate it, but not all had been able to. Nak Shimor was a poor planet recovering from significant political upheaval; preventing an uncommon disease had not been given a high priority from its new government.
"How?" Corr's hopelessness was plain to hear.
"Nak Shimor has a planet-wide water filtration system, does it not?"
Corr blinked. "Why, yes. Not every city uses it, but it is available to all and most do take advantage of it."
"Engineers should test its effectiveness. If other cities have been affected, it very well could be spreading through it. Has travel been restricted between cities?"
"Too late, I'm afraid," Corr replied. "The ban went into effect two days ago."
Gyra nodded. "Good. That should restrict further interpersonal spreading."
It was decided that the group splinter to more effectively reach other cities affected by the epidemic. As the meeting disbanded, the Bothan surprised Adrina by pulling her aside. "You are mechanically minded, are you not?" Gyra asked.
Adrina blinked. "I have some knowledge, but I'm not a mechanical genius – that's Anakin."
"If Nak Shimor's engineers need help at the water station, I am going to assign the task to you."
"But," Adrina glanced around. "There's a lot of people in here and not many doctors or even nurses." She kept her eyes lowered.
Gyra drew herself up to her full height. "There are, indeed. And the first step to stopping this disease is to stop it from spreading."
"Of course, Healer Gyra," Adrina murmured.
Gyra sighed and shook her head. She laid a hand on Adrina's shoulders. "Come, Technician Adrina. We have much work to do."
0
Adrina exhaled as she wiped the sweat off of her forehead. They had been on Nak Shimor for three days and Adrina was already exhausted. More than twenty patients had died in that amount of time and double that amount were hanging in the balance. Adrina knew that countless others had contracted the disease in a twenty mile radius, but had not sought treatment. Even the hospital's staff had suffered heavy losses and the remaining workers were weary and sluggish. Many patients were too far gone for treatment to be effective. Adrina hoped the Jedi were more effective in other cities.
Adrina made her rounds checking vitals and IV fluids; she paused when she felt a slight tug on her sleeve. "Mistress Adrina?" An elderly woman rasped from her huddled position on the floor.
"Good morning, Myra." Adrina smiled. She placed her hands together and bowed. "What can I do for you this beautiful morning?"
"Will my husband be alright?" Adrina recognized the look of desperation and exhaustion in Myra's eyes. She quietly sat down beside the woman, who hadn't left her husband's side since he was admitted three days ago. Adrina licked her lips and puffed out a short breath. She dreaded the conversation.
Adrina clutched her hands together in her lap for a long moment before gently saying, "No, he won't." Adrina swallowed hard. The odds were certainly not in his favor; Adrina was surprised he had held on as long as he had. She knew his health was not good before the disease struck, and his age alone put him in a high risk category. "He may not survive the night. I'm truly sorry."
Myra took in a shuddering breath. She nodded woodenly, blinking away tears, and grasped Adrina's gloved hands. "Thank you, Mistress Adrina. You have been most kind." Tears prickled at the back of Adrina's eyes, but she squeezed Myra's hands before offering her sympathy and leaving the husband and wife in peace.
Adrina tensed when she felt a hand grab her upper arm and begin to haul her away. It was Assistant Whitsnappple. Even after two years, the man still irked Adrina; there was certainly no love between them, only the occasional professional exchange when strictly necessary. Adrina did her best to be kind, or at least civil, but Whitsnapple seemed to harbor a deep grudge against her.
"Let go of me," Adrina hissed. "I have patients that need tending."
"We need to talk."
Adrina jerked her arm free. "I highly doubt that, Assistant Whitsnapple." She took a deep breath and reminded herself to be kind, a much harder task in her weary state. She jerked her head and walked to a nearby alcove. Whitsnapple begrudgingly followed. "What is it?"
The condescending smile and downward tilt of Whitsnapple's head set Adrina's teeth on edge; she bit her tongue to refrain from calling him a pretentious womp rat. "I know this is your first away-mission and that you are unaccustomed to these harsh conditions," he began.
Adrina cut him off with a raised hand. "Whitsnapple, just stop." His eyes widened and he jerked back as if stung. Adrina tried to pretend she didn't enjoy his reaction. "I used to live with people like this; I am one of these people. I grew up a slave on Tatooine, remember? Look. If you have a helpful critique on drawing blood or testing samples or the like, I am all ears. But if this is anything else, let me get back to work. I'm busy."
Whitsnapple squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. Adrina bowed her head to hide her rolling eyes and looked back up. She crossed her arms. "You had no right to tell that woman that the man was dying."
Adrina raised an eyebrow. "That 'woman' is Myra Torq, wife of that 'man', Daryus Torq – Doctor Corr's mother- and father-in-law. And she has a right to know the truth." She was pleased that she kept her rising anger from tinting her tone.
"It isn't your place to give information, Technician Skywalker," Whitsnapple snapped.
Adrina plastered a sickly sweet smile on her face. "Thank you, Assistant Whitsnapple. I'll bear that in mind while I do both our work." She walked away before he could retort.
Adrina did her best to not dwell on the conversation as she continued laboring, a task easier under the circumstances than at the Temple. She reminded herself that not all her coworkers were like Whitsnapple. There had been the expected distrust and suspicious glances, but they had gradually vanished after a few months; after the first year they were non-existent. Most treated her – and Anakin – with professional civility if not genuine friendliness. The Temple had truly become their home.
Healer Gyra approached Adrina when they stepped outside to quickly eat their evening meal. "My assistant came to me earlier, quite troubled."
Adrina groaned internally. "It is easy to be troubled in these circumstances."
"Indeed." Gyra studied Adrina. "Care to hazard a guess as to what he was troubled about?"
Adrina sighed and crossed her arms. "He is probably miffed because of a conversation we had earlier. He said, in his own way, that I was being unprofessional. I thanked him, as appropriate for his concern, and returned to my job."
"I see," Gyra murmured. "And what caused him to feel you were behaving unprofessionally?"
Adrina bit her tongue; she hated this game, but she respected Healer Gyra. "A patient's wife asked me a medical question regarding her husband and I answered it, respectfully. She asked if her husband would be alright."
"What was your response?"
"I told Myra that her husband is going to die, probably tonight."
Gyra frowned. "A harsh answer."
"An honest one. She has a right to know. Wouldn't we be remiss if we lied to our patients?"
"You are exactly right," Gyra said with a deep nod. "In this, Assistant Whitsnapple is remiss. He has been corrected."
Adrina blinked.
"However, in one thing he was correct: such pronouncement should come from a Healer. That is our responsibility. It can be a burden and it should not be placed upon your shoulders."
"But you already have so much on your plate and this was something I could do," Adrina protested.
Gyra smiled softly and shook her head slightly. "Do you know, Adrina, that when you first walked into the Infirmary with Master Che, I was convinced in my soul that you would not last a week. How could you? And if you did, I told myself, you would be a disgrace to our hallowed Halls."
Adrina winced and lowered her eyes.
"But," Gyra stepped closer. "I see that I was very wrong. It is true that you still have much to learn, but you are a fine Technician and I am confident that, should you desire it, you would make an admirable Assistant. You are a credit to the Halls and the Order. Just remember that one person can not do everything, nor should they; the Jedi function as one in order to be effective. Having different roles does not make one superior or inferior to another."
"Thank you, Healer Gyra," Adrina murmured. She was truly touched by the Bothan Jedi's words and she felt the weight of her correction.
"Now, come. Let us eat."
Two years later...
Adrina strode through the corridor with determined speed, her mind swirling. She brushed past Blef and Whitsnapple in the Infirmary, marching straight to Master Che's office. "There is a mission to Mandalore?"
Che did not look up from the data pad.
Adrina clenched her fist and swallowed her tongue.
After several purposeful minutes of ignoring Adrina, Che carefully laid her pad aside. "Good morning, Technician Skywalker."
Adrina forced a smile, "Good morning, Master Che."
"Now. What has brought you barging into my office like a crazed hooligan?" Che raised an eyebrow. The reproach stung, but Adrina was too focused to care.
"There is a mission to Mandalore. I respectfully request to be part of it." Adrina lowered her eyes.
"There is nothing respectful about your behavior this morning, Technician Skywalker." Che's words cut deep. Adrina knew they were true.
Adrina winced. "I am sorry, Master Che," she murmured. "It's just..." Words died on her lips.
Che gestured for her to continue.
"May I sit?" Adrina asked.
"You may."
"Thank you, Master Che." Adrina slid into the chair. She folded her hands in her lap and licked her lips. She knew that her next words were risky. "Mandalore is my home world. I was taken from there when I was four, but I have some memories of it and I am fluent in the language. I want to help. I need to help."
Che leaned back in her chair and steepled her fingers. She studied Adrina carefully. "The team has already been selected."
Adrina nodded. "I know."
"You have not yet completed your Assistant training. Only one Medical Technician is required."
"And it has been assigned to Moriah Kim. I know."
Che raised an eyebrow. "Indeed."
Adrina leaned forward, eyes pleading for understanding. "Please, Master Che. I need to be there. I need to help my people."
Che sighed. "The team has already been assigned, Adrina. There are other equally important roles for you and you need to finish your training before you leave on assignment."
"But this mission is dangerous. Why put more valuable people in danger than you need to?"
Che frowned deeply. Her gaze penetrated Adrina to the core. "Do not think that you are of less importance because of how you came to us, Adrina Skywalker. Your life is just as valuable and precious to me as Master Yoda's."
Adrina lowered her head, suitably chastised.
"I will consider your words," Che said as she stood. Adrina mirrored her actions and bowed. She moved towards the door. "Technician Skywalker." Adrina turned to look at Che. "Do not forget that we are your people, too."
Adrina lowered her eyes.
Che inclined her head.
"May the Force be with you," Adrina whispered. She quietly ghosted away, hoping that her plea fell on sympathetic ears.
0
"I hear you are going to Mandalore."
Adrina looked up from her pad. She smiled when she saw Obi-Wan standing a few feet away. "I am."
Obi-Wan gestured to the ground beside her. "Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all."
Obi-Wan folded himself onto the ground. "It's a planet like no other; I'm glad you are able to see it, but the circumstances are unfortunate."
Adrina looked away. "I know," she whispered. She felt Obi-Wan's questioning eyes. She glanced at him briefly. "I've done my research."
Obi-Wan readily accepted her answer. "Qui-Gon and I spent a year there protecting Duchess Satine during their civil war."
Adrina tilted her head. There was something in the way Obi-Wan said the woman's name that struck her. "Yes, she caused quite a stir it seems." Obi-Wan didn't meet her eyes, confirming her suspicion. "Would you like me to pass a message to her if I meet her?"
Obi-Wan's smile was too bright and wide to ring true. "Just hello and well-wishes."
"Of course."
Obi-Wan rubbed his hands together. Adrina shook her head imperceptibly. Something had happened between Obi-Wan and the Duchess. "If you have a more….private message...I could give her a holorecording," Adrina offered gently. "I promise to not watch it."
Obi-Wan looked at her sharply. "I beg your pardon?"
Adrina's eyes widened with deceptive innocence. "I didn't know if you wanted to reminisce on memories, as war buddies often do, without an encroaching set of ears. That's all."
Obi-Wan frowned and shook his head. "It was a horrible time. We were hunted like dogs."
Adrina shrugged. "It was just an offer."
Obi-Wan's lips thinned. "I have no reason to send a private message."
"As you wish." Adrina shrugged again. She wondered what exactly had happened between Obi-Wan and the Duchess. Had his feelings been returned? Or had she snubbed him? Perhaps she was unaware of his feelings – perhaps his dedication to the Jedi Code prevented him from sharing his feelings with her; Adrina knew how highly Obi-Wan valued his oath to the Jedi. She admired his loyalty, but she mourned its consequences in that instance. Adrina hoped Anakin never faced Obi-Wan's conundrum.
"Be careful, Adrina," Obi-Wan said softly.
Adrina snorted a laugh. "I'm always careful."
Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow.
"Don't confuse me with Anakin. My away missions are far less eventful."
Obi-Wan winced. "Still. There are still some on Mandalore who oppose the Duchess and would not be pleased to have Jedi training their doctors."
"Mandalorians value tradition," Adrina shrugged. "And they like change only a little more than they like Jedi." The skin around Obi-Wan's eyes crinkled. "Don't worry; only Duchess Satine and her cabinet know that we are Jedi. As far as everyone else is concerned, we are with the Galactic City Medical Center. We have even been provided with civilian clothes to help with the masquerade. And we will be leaving our lightsabers on the ship."
"Why is the Republic MedCenter not sending a team?"
Adrina purposefully locked eyes with Obi-Wan. "The Duchess Satine herself requested a Jedi presence."
Obi-Wan looked away.
"I, of course, do not know why she requested us. Perhaps because of her previous experience with two outstanding Jedi. Perhaps because we are one of the leaders in medicine. Perhaps because we are both protectors and healers, and she felt that uniquely qualified us." Adrina held her hands up. "I don't know."
Obi-Wan swallowed hard. "Just give her my regards and well-wishes, if you would be so kind."
Adrina took pity on him. "Of course, Obi-Wan."
"And be safe. Do not underestimate the opposition. They are ruthless."
Adrina nudged him gently. "There are advantages to growing up on Tatooine, you know. I'm made of sturdier stuff than you realize, I think. You might even call me uncivilized."
Obi-Wan chuckled in spite of himself. "I'll take your word for it."
Adrina grinned. "As you should." She stood. "Well, I must be off. We leave at 0400 tomorrow. Where is Ani at? I wanted to tell him goodbye."
Obi-Wan winced as he stood. He folded his arms across his chest. "Chancellor Palpatine requested to see him."
Hurt slashed through Adrina. She swallowed hard. "I see."
Obi-Wan touched her arm gently. "I'm sure he wishes you well. He loves you."
Adrina mustered a weak smile. "Yeah. Yeah, he does. It's just… This isn't the first time he has chosen to see Palpatine over me, but this time..." She swallowed her words. This time it hurt most, knowing she was the one facing danger. She sighed and looked away.
"I'll talk to him," Obi-Wan promised.
Adrina waved his words away. "No, just tell him I love him and that I miss him," Adrina said. "I don't want him to resent me or stir up trouble between the two of you. He is surly enough as it is these days."
"You noticed it too." Obi-Wan winced. "He's moody and preoccupied – distracted – most of the time. It seems like no matter how patient I am with him, he ends up frustrated or angry."
Adrina nodded. "Puberty."
"Pardon?" Obi-Wan blinked.
"Puberty," she repeated. "His hormones are going crazy and Jedi or not, that's hard to control. And he misses Padmé."
Obi-Wan frowned. "Padmé? But attachments are forbidden. Anakin knows this."
Adrina arched her eyebrows. "When, in the history of the galaxy, has making something forbidden ever worked?" Adrina shook her head. "The Jedi forbid attachments as if it will completely eradicate them and that is complete rubbish. Attachments aren't evil, Obi-Wan. They are natural. They can be a source of strength and hope; I could not have survived on Tatooine without them. Attachments cannot and should not be avoided. Besides," Adrina shrugged, "Multiple studies have shown that males and females of most species function more effectively when they have regular sexual intercourse with a beloved partner. The fact is, that you cannot avoid attachments and that they are, in fact, healthy."
Obi-Wan's mouth hung ajar. Adrina had changed more than he expected in nearly six years. He remembered Adrina being soft-spoken, keeping her opinions to herself. She had been inquisitive, to be sure, and astute, but there was a confidence to her now that she lacked before. Her eyes were no longer always downcast; she made eye contact when sharing her bold opinions. Life in the Temple, working hard as a MedTech, was clearly transforming her more than he had realized through Anakin's tales.
"You've given this a good deal of thought," Obi-Wan commented after a moment of stunned silence.
Adrina shrugged. Leaning forward, she continued earnestly, "Please don't mistake me; I admire the Jedi. They do a lot of good for a lot of people in the galaxy. But I don't agree with all of their mandates. However, as I promised Master Windu, I fully support Anakin's training in the Jedi Way; I have kept my opinions to myself."
Obi-Wan didn't know she had made that promise, although he wasn't surprised Mace Windu had extracted it from her. Obi-Wan appreciated her support, more than she knew. "Adrina," Obi-Wan hesitated before continuing. "You seem to be adjusting to the Jedi better than Anakin has been. Do you have any insight that could be useful? I know Anakin talks to you."
Adrina pressed her lips together. "He talks to Chancellor Palpatine more than he does me these days." Obi-Wan couldn't mistake the bitterness in her voice. She looked away. "Anakin has always been headstrong; even Mom struggled to control it at times. Part of your struggles are simply part of Anakin growing up and will pass with time and patience."
"And the other part?"
She met his eyes. "The other part is the Jedi."
Obi-Wan blinked.
"The Code is very strict, Obi-Wan," Adrina said gently. She lowered her head, but continued to look at him. "Anakin feels everything deeply and although he genuinely tries to control his emotions, it is very hard and the Jedi leave little room for failure, whatever they claim. Controlling my emotions, being ruled more by logic, is simply easier for me by nature, but also by rather harsh training, which Anakin was mercifully largely spared."
"Does Anakin think I don't realize he is trying? I only want to help him."
Adrina touched his arm lightly. "Anakin thinks the world of you. He appreciates your patience and guidance. But he's also proud. He knows he's having a hard time and he resents it. He sees others succeeding and it frustrates him, especially since he still feels he needs to prove that he's worthy to be called a Jedi. Unfortunately, he often takes it out on you, which only makes him feel worse. He knows he's powerful and that is making him arrogant. Coupled with pride..."
Obi-Wan sighed. He ran a hand through his hair. "So what can I do? I feel like I've tried everything."
"Don't baby him," Adrina said. "Be patient with him, encourage him. But tell him when he's messed up. Punish him when he's impulsive. Praise him when he's succeeded. Take breaks to do fun things. And most importantly, don't be afraid to admit that you've felt anger or hurt or uncertainty; it's okay to be vulnerable to him and show him that you do understand. It won't undermine your authority – it will make you relatable and he'll love you for it. That's what he needs – to feel like he's not alone."
"What about his infatuation with the Senator?"
Adrina exhaled. "It has been my experience that crushes do not last long. They fade with time. However," Adrina said, "They can also grow stronger and turn into genuine love. And if that happens..."
Obi-Wan swallowed hard. He dreaded to think about what they could bring.
Silence descended.
Obi-Wan shook his head. "It's hard to believe how long it has been," Obi-Wan said softly.
"A lot has happened in these four years."
Obi-Wan smiled. "Anakin tells me that you are finishing your training to be a Healer's Assistant; congratulations!" Adrina's deep tan had faded somewhat over the years, allowing him to see the faintest of blushes creep up her rosy skin.
"It is an honor," Adrina murmured with a shy smile, "And I love the work."
"And you once doubted you could use the Force," Obi-Wan teased. "I've heard that the Younglings request you when they're ill or injured."
Adrina ducked her head. Obi-Wan could see that some things had not changed.
"Do you know which healer you will be assigned to?" Obi-Wan decided he had better move the conversation away from praise to spare Adrina.
Adrina shook her head. "Not yet. It won't be decided until training is over, probably another year." She hesitated, as if to share something, but refrained. She stood. "Tell Anakin… tell him I miss him."
After a moment of hesitation, Obi-Wan agreed. "I will. And I will see you when you return – safely."
Adrina nodded, her smile a little stronger. "I'm counting on it. Take care of yourself, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan looked at her seriously. "You do the same."
"Always."
0
Adrina couldn't contain her heartbeat when the ship exited hyperspace and she caught her first glimpse of Mandalore in seventeen years. The planet didn't look like much from space – just a sphere of brown dotted sporadically with blues and greens – but Adrina thought it had never looked more beautiful; it far exceeded all her wildest fantasies in Jabba's Palace. She wrapped her arms around her middle as they descended to the planet. She closed her eyes to block out her companions and the bittersweet pain.
She should have been coming home with her father – not the Jedi. But her father was long dead, and her place was with the Jedi now.
"Get a move on, Skywalker! We're almost at Sundari!"
Adrina clenched her teeth when she heard Whitsnapple's grating voice. She had been glad to work with Healer Gyra again, but her choice of assistant was deeply regrettable. Despite being often thrown together, they had never been able to work together with more than a tense civility.
Adrina took a deep breath and forced a pleasant smile on her face. She turned and said in her most pleasant voice, "Thank you, Assistant Whitsnapple."
Adrina shoved her heavy thoughts away and prepared to land. Their mission was one of diplomacy and aid; there was no room for ghosts or pain – or for snapping at coworkers, no matter how Whitsnapple decided to behave. She would rise above.
Descending from the Jedi's ship and making their way to the predetermined location, Adrina allowed her eyes to sweep across Sundari. It was clear that Mandalore's new commitment to peace instead of violence appeared to have benefited Sundari greatly. There was peace in the unfamiliar city. She had lived there, once upon a time, but the city had changed with the years. Still, noticing a tall spire, memories whispered that she hadn't lived far from where she was standing. In fact, she'd bet anything that just a few blocks to her right was the local market where she and her father had shopped every week. Even so, there was so much Adrina desperately wanted to know about her old home. After all, she had only been four when she had last stepped foot on the planet.
A child standing nearby caught her attention with his wide eyes and open mouth, unabashedly staring at the strangers. A smile died on her lips; she had been that child once. That self-same curiosity and wanderlust resulted in her enslavement and her father's death.
Adrina turned away and hurried to catch up with her party.
"There will be time for sight-seeing later," Healer Gyra chided her quietly.
Adrina lowered her eyes.
Walking into the Capitol building caused another rush of emotion. She remembered staring up at the magnificent building as a child, awed by its beauty and dreaming of what it would be like inside; she had never been allowed to visit. Now, her childhood dream was coming true and it was every bit as impressive as she had imagined – and even more. Uncomfortable tears pricked at her eyes, her throat clogging. She focused on her breathing until the emotion passed.
To Adrina's surprise, Duchess Satine and a small entourage met the Jedi in the main foyer of the Capitol. Bowing slightly at the appropriate time, Adrina remained quiet as the required pleasantries were exchanged. She cringed when Healer Hjal attempted the traditional Mando'a greeting; his pronunciation left much to be desired. Still, Duchess Satine smiled graciously and replied in kind.
"You are most welcome. I am grateful for your willingness to travel so far," Satine added. Some of Satine's council seemed less enthused, Adrina noted, but none were openly hostile. "Thank you for your indulgence regarding your attire during your time here on Mandalore. I know the Jedi, too, value tradition."
Healer Hjal waved her comment away. "On the contrary, we appreciate your concern for our well-being. Anything that will make us more effective healers, we are happy to do. Please, allow me to introduce my team. This is Healer Gyra, Healer Aluura, Assistant Whitsnapple, Assistant Luis, and Technician Skywalker."
"Su'cuy," Adrina murmured, bowing her head respectfully.
Satine's eyes widened slightly and she smiled more broadly. "Your pronunciation is admirable, Technician Skywalker." She tilted her head slightly. "I had no idea data read-outs were so thorough."
Pleased, Adrina lowered her eyes.
Satine turned to the other Jedi. "My assistant, Serene, will escort you to the hospital where you will be conducting the majority of your training. You have our gratitude." Satine's quiet shadow stepped forward and immediately began leading the party away.
Adrina almost hesitated, intending to stay behind to pass along Obi-Wan's message, but this was not the time. She kept step with Healer Aluura. As a Chiss, Aluura stood out on Mandalore.
"How many should we expect?" Adrina heard Healer Hjal inquire. Serene's answer was too soft to hear, and was spoken into the wind as they exited the building.
Carefully observing their path, Adrina marveled at the architecture, different than she remembered. "The city is beautiful," Aluura remarked with an approving smile. Adrina nodded. Pride swelled in her chest that she had once called this city home, only to be quickly deflated. Her city would not share her pride. She had gone against the Mandalorian way and, worse yet, she did not regret her choice.
The hospital, although an older structure, housed more modern equipment than the Jedi expected to find, but still appeared to be at least twenty years behind current practice and standards. Still, the hospital staff seemed organized and competent, and Adrina knew that the latest medical technology was arriving as they walked. A small bounce came back to Adrina's step.
Aluura smiled at Adrina. "You're surely happy."
Adrina merely shrugged.
"Excuse me," a small voice stopped Adrina and Aluura. It was a small child, a patient at the hospital. The little boy stared up at Aluura. "I think you need to see the doctor."
Alurra knelt down with her gentle smile. "Why is that, young one?"
"You're blue. Buir said that means someone is sick," the boy said seriously. He pointed at her face.
"I'm a Chiss," Aluura explained. "I was born with blue skin."
He frowned. "You were born sick?" The boy shook his head. "And I thought Joqin had it bad."
Adrina chuckled and crouched beside Aluura. "No, my friend is very healthy. Chiss biology is just different than yours and mine."
Healer Hjal stepped out of the conference room. "Healer Alurra, Technician Skywalker…" The women silently acknowledged him and stood.
"You should still see a doctor," the boy muttered, looking down.
Aluura smiled and touched his shoulder. "For you, I will. Being careful is good, is it not?"
The boy grinned and hobbled away.
"At least someone is happy we are here," Aluura whispered.
"Too true. We knew what we were coming to, at least." Adrina nudged Aluura's arm and sent her a rueful smile.
"Serene certainly seemed displeased with us," Alurra commented as they entered the room. "I had not expected that from the Duchess' own personnel."
"Disgruntled, yes," Adrina agreed. She paused. "But, we are here to help, whether they approve or not."
A broad smile stretched across Aluura's face. A deafening blast ripped through the conference room, cutting off any answer Aluura might have made. Smoke and dust filled the air. Coughing violently, Adrina struggled to push herself off the ground. Her vision swam and her whole body protested and she collapsed. A brief glance was enough to know that debris had embedded itself deeply in her leg; she couldn't tell which leg. She could barely make out the prone bodies of her companions. Aluura lay beside her and Adrina could see her eyes fluttering open. But where Healer Hjal, Gyra, Luis, and Whitsnapple had been standing, the mangled wall lay. The signatures in the Force flickered and then flickered out.
Adrina stooped to lift Aluura into her arms with labored breathing. "Wake up," Adrina whispered. "Wake up!"
Faintly, Adrina registered frantic shouts and cries – then screams and heavy footfalls. Large figures loomed in front of her. Relief evaporated when a blaster shot rang out and Adrina watched the light fade from Aluura's beautiful red eyes. The blaster faced down Adrina, but no shot came. "Wait," an angry male voice commanded in Mando'a. "We need one of them alive."
"But she's jetti scum," an equally angry voice shouted.
Adrina pushed back up onto her elbows. Why had they left their lightsabers on the ship. She extended her hand to call for the vibroblade in her boot. Pain exploded in her head and everything faded away.
0
Adrina awoke to darkness and pain. She remained carefully still as she took stock of the situation. Something sharp dug into her shoulder and hip, but that hardly mattered when compared to her injuries. Pain radiated from her skull and ribs, although her left thigh throbbed rather badly, as well. Her ears still rang from the explosion and her head pounded – likely a concussion. Her hands were bound tightly behind her and rough cloth covered her eyes. She was laying uncomfortably on her side, as if she had been unceremoniously tossed there while unconscious. Blood had crusted around her nose and mouth and she was certain that her leg had not been tended to. She expected no less.
Turning her attention to the world around her, Adrina worked to figure out where she was. Based on the slight echo and damp, they were in a cave or underground. Combined with the faint smell of fresh air, Adrina thought a cave was more likely. Perhaps a mine? Adrina listened. She heard three distinct voices whispering in Mando'a, but she heard two different men walking – likely patrolling the perimeter of the camp. If they were in a cave, Adrina dreaded to think about where they might be – likely one of Mandalore's moons.
Footsteps approached her and she kept her breath carefully shallow. She nearly screamed in pain when a hard foot nudged her side, rolling her onto her back. She added fractured ribs to her list of injuries. "She should be awake by now," the man muttered in Mandao'a. He ripped the cloth from her eyes, lifting her head in the process. Her eyes shot opened involuntarily when her head reconnected with the hard ground. Adrina moaned.
Adrina's eyesight came into focus just in time to see the captor leaning over her draw a blaster from his hip. He raised it ominously. A large commotion several yards away stole his attention before he could carry out his plan. He ran towards the ruckus.
"Damned security knew we were coming. Come on, they got him good." a harsh female voice barked. Rock and dirt was scuffled out of the way. Adrina could hear labored breathing and moans of pain. Someone had been gravely injured. She knew the satisfaction she felt was not appropriate for a Jedi, but she didn't care.
Breathing heavily, Adrina closed her eyes. She was grateful she knew Mando'a, but she knew she would have to be careful to not reveal it. If these people were willing to murder Jedi she knew they would kill her in an instant if they knew she had once been one of them, a Mandalorian. Taking advantage of their distraction, Adrina worked to control her breathing and mind. Feeling the familiar tingle, Adrina channeled the energy to her ribcage. The pain there slowly eased to a dull ache.
"Where's Garis?"
"Dead."
"Dead! He was our only doc. I told you he shouldn't have gone!" A crunch of fist on skin punctuated the angry shout.
"What about the Jetii scum? Ain't she a doc?"
Adrina's heart pounded in her chest. She knew what was coming next. Footsteps pounded closer. She was yanked to her feet and dragged over to a blood-soaked man laying motionless on a cot. "Fix him," the man from earlier demanded in Basic. His fingers dug painfully into her arm as he shook her before tossing her to the ground. It took a few long seconds for the world to stop spinning.
Adrina crawled to the man on her hands and knees, her entire body screaming in protest. She knew better than to tell them she was only a MedTech, not a healer. As long as she was useful to them, she would remain alive. She needed to walk the fine line of submission and defiance; Mandalorians despised weakness. She wondered why they had captured her in the first place, not slaughtered her like they had the rest of her companions. Aluura's face flashed before her eyes.
She swallowed her grief. "What supplies do you have?" Adrina asked, her voice gravelly.
Someone tossed a bag to her. It connected hard with her shoulder, knocking her to the ground. She wrenched herself upright and bit her cheek to prevent her from glowering at the culprit; all the jostling was not good for her head.
"I need my hands," Adrina said, turning instead to the man who seemed to be in charge. "I can't do anything without unfettered use of my hands."
"Can you save him?" he demanded.
Adrina swallowed hard. "I don't know." The others growled threats. "I will do my best to help him," Adrina made pointed contact with each rebel, "But I cannot guarantee that he will live. Only that I will do everything in my power to make it so. It's far easier to destroy a body than to heal it and this is hardly the best operating theatre in the galaxy."
The leader took a menacing step forward. "You will fix him or you will die."
Adrina boldly met his eye. "I will do my best to heal him. Save your threats for someone who cares. It is always a good day to die." The leader smirked. She twisted to show her cuffed hands. "I cannot do anything until these are removed."
The leader jerked his head. "Get 'em off."
The second the cuffs were off, Adrina scoured the bag. To her dismay but not surprise, the rebels were sorely lacking in supplies. Glancing at her patient's injuries, she knew her task had just grown much more difficult. She quickly snapped on gloves and set about stripping the patient's clothes off. A fist connected with Adrina's nose. She saw drops of blood fly as she was knocked once more aside. "What do you think you're doing?" The angry female demanded.
"I need to see his injuries to treat them," Adrina snapped. She tried to blink away the stars. "All I can see now is blood, leather, and cloth. Do you want him to live? Well, let me do my job."
"Let the scum work," The leader commanded. The female narrowed her eyes but backed away.
Adrina ignored the grumbles and focused on the patient. His injuries were as bad as she feared. There was a gaping hole in his side, a blaster took a chunk out of his left calf, multiple lacerations littered his chest and arms, and it appeared that he had sustained a blow to the head. The hasty field dressing someone had administered had saved the man's miserable life, barely.
The leg wound was of least concern; the blaster appeared to have cauterized as it wounded. The lacerations could also wait. The head trauma was likely a danger, but the hole in his side, still weeping blood, took definite priority. Adrina was painfully aware that this man required treatment far above her training and resources. But she had no choice.
Taking a steadying breath, Adrina began to work. When the man screamed to consciousness while Adrina sterilized his side, Adrina quickly administered a high dose of pain killer. He collapsed, once again unconscious. The more volatile rebels nearly lopped her head off until she quickly explained that he was still alive, only sedated, and that it was good that he was responding to pain.
After grueling hours, Adrina slowly sat back on her heels. Without the aid of the Force, the work was slower going, but she didn't dare poke the beast more than she had already done. "He is stable, for now," Adrina whispered. She wiped sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "You must be vigilant for infection, especially under these conditions. But I have done what I could." She was privately amazed that he had lived through her treatment and that she had managed to remain awake and focused; she was so tired and her headache thumped angrily. Her vision had blurred multiple times during the procedure and she thought she might collapse over her patient.
The leader, who had monitored Adrina like a hawk the whole time, jerked his head. Adrina's arms were pulled behind her and her hands cuffed together again. Her mouth opened in protest, but she bit her lip. The leader stood. He loomed over her. "See that he lives. Or on your head be it."
Adrina set her lips in a thin line. Her eyes flashed fire at him, but she remained silent. She breathed a silent sigh of relief when the group surrounding her disbanded. The unknown patient was still under sedation, but she knew that he should awaken soon. He would be in much pain, but she had used every drop of pain killer they had to sedate him during the operation.
"Sir," Adrina called to the leader in Basic. She kept her eyes lowered. "Do you have a way to procure more supplies? Painkillers, bacta, and bandages are what this man will need the most and there is very little left here."
A muscle in the man's jaw twitched. He didn't respond, instead he turned on his heel and walked away. Adrina watched him whisper into one of his subordinate's ears. The other man scowled but disappeared around a corner. Adrina hoped he was going to get supplies. Without them, the man would surely die.
And if he died, she would never see Anakin again.
0
Adrina closed her eyes and swallowed. She slowly lowered the bandage back onto the Jarrod's side. Despite her best efforts, infection was setting in. The raiding party had returned with meagre supplies. They had scavenged a few bacta patches, but they were past expiration. Adrina used them anyway and they had helped seal the largest wound, but its anti-bacterial properties seemed to be minimally effective, as she feared.
Adrina's stomach audibly rumbled. Although they kept her supplied with water, they wouldn't spare food on Jetii scum. She estimated that she had been there for almost four days and she had only been tossed scraps of fish and bread once. Her body ached from sleeping on the hard ground and although she had tended to her own injuries as best she could without any supplies, she had certainly seen better days. She had only been able to heal herself so much before her captors grew suspicious and angry. She dedicated attention as she could to discovering organizational weaknesses and figuring out a way to escape, but to little success. The rebels kept tight watch. Escape would be difficult.
Her thoughts drifted to Anakin. She couldn't expect the Jedi to know that she was alive. Anakin likely thought she was dead – a thought that twisted her heart painfully. She had to get out alive. There was no other option. Her headache had eased only slightly and she learned she had a twisted ankle when she first stood to relieve herself. She worried most about the deep gash in her thigh. She had mustered enough energy to call on the Force to knit the skin together, but the injury extended far deeper than the skin. She would have a difficult escape indeed if she was not able to heal herself; she doubted anyone would think to rescue her, if they even realized she wasn't among the dead.
"How is he doing?"
Adrina looked at Cward with a forced smile. "His leg is healing nicely, although he will likely have a permanent limp. His head is also healing as expected."
"And his abdomen?" Cward demanded. He was no fool.
Adrina looked down at Jarrod. "He is not out of danger yet, but I think he will pull through." She hoped he couldn't see through her lie.
Cward growled and huffed out a threat that Adrina ignored before stalking away
In the absence of antibacterial ointments and medicine, Adrina knew she only had two viable options to save the man's life. She could put Jarrod in a Healing Trance or she could, using the Force, remove each infected cell – one by one – until the infection was gone. She had only once successfully put a patient into a Healing Trance. She had never even witnessed the latter option, although she had read the methodology, and she wasn't confident she could duplicate the results without a healing crystal.
Adrina knew the healing trance was her best option.
Adrina didn't like her options; both carried risks in her state. If she wasn't extremely cautious, she could end up doing permanent damage to Jarrod's brain and nervous system while putting him under. But what choice did she have? If she did not, Jarrod would surely die. It would be better for him to die while she tried to save him. At least then there was a chance she would succeed and extend her own life that much longer.
It was the only choice.
Adrina slowly inched towards Jarrod, but her body vehemently protested. She collapsed on the ground. Sleep overwhelmed her.
0
"What are you doing?" Cward's loud voice sounded from behind her.
Adrina let her arms fall to her side and sighed. "The wound is infected," Adrina said wearily. "I need to get rid of it. With no antibiotics, my treatment options are limited."
"Yeah? What's that you're doing?" Harsh skepticism colored his voice.
Adrina grimaced. She had hoped to avoid this conversation. Mandalorians always had a knack for detecting a lie and being caught in a lie would be worse than the truth. "A healing trance. It will boost his body's natural ability to ward off infection. He'll have a fighting chance."
Cward jerked her away from Jarrod. "No. You will not use the Force."
Adrina struggled to her feet. Her ankle protested under the weight. "Fine. Let him die. But don't blame me when he does." She doubled over, coughing, when Cward punched her stomach.
"If he dies, you die." Cward hissed in her ear.
"I'm trying to save him, you giant oaf." Adrina glared at him. "But I have to use the Force to do that."
Cward punched her again and she stumbled backwards. "No. Find another way."
"There isn't another bloody way! Don't you think I've already tried that? Last I knew, I was the healer, not you!"
Cward scowled, but Adrina wouldn't back down. His eyes promised pain for her insolence. Cward squeezed her arm. "If you do anything except change his bandages unless I give you the approval," he threatened in a low tone, "You will beg for mercy before I finally end your miserable life."
Adrina's eyes narrowed. Cward stalked away. She silently cursed his obstinance – it would damn Jarrod and herself to death. She settled back on the ground and extended her leg to take pressure off her ankle.
Adrina tried to push the anger away; it wouldn't help. She needed the group to lower their guard, to like her. A plan slowly began forming in her mind, but it was a long shot. Fifteen men usually occupied the cavern, but when they were on a raid they would only leave five behind. On her best days, she didn't doubt that she could slip past five men, but with the way her ankle and head were acting, she wasn't as confident. The raiding parties also left at unpredictable times. She would have only hours, likely minutes, to prepare. She would have to be prepared to seize the opportunity the moment it came, no hesitation.
She needed a way to incapacitate the remaining men without expending precious energy. She had thought of a flash grenade or blaster – which she knew they had – but the armory boasted an excellent quadruple-authentication security system. Even if she managed to get Cward's or Nord's DNA, retinas, and fingerprints, she would still need their nine digit passcode. It was not an option that was likely to pan out. It also immediately alerted them to her escape; she preferred a subtler approach.
Escaping in the dark of the night when all but two guards were awake would be her best course of action. It had its own dangers, as she knew all too well, but it stood as her best option. Adrina disliked the notion of escaping with no water or food reserves, and especially no weapon, but she didn't look for that to change.
Adrina turned back to Jarrod, only to find his eyes open and staring at her. He had been sleeping less as his concussion healed, but the shock to his body from his other injuries still kept him sleeping the majority of the day. Adrina usually kept careful distance while he was awake, since Kara – who Adrina learned was his mistress – sat close to his side during those times.
"Hello," Adrina said quietly. She reminded himself that he was still her patient. She was duty-bound to help him. Che's words, four years old, echoed still - "We would be derelict of duty if we refused patients in need of help."
"You are the Jetii keeping me alive." Jarrod's voice was hoarse from disuse, but the disdain was clear. "Cward should have let me die."
Adrina arched an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, you should be pleased with my medical report then. You have an infection and your body isn't fighting it off. With no antibiotics of any kind, if Cward doesn't allow me to use the Force to help you, you will die a fevered disgrace of a man. Does that sound more appealing?"
Jarrod growled, his face contorting in anger. Adrina was unmoved.
"Here," Kara muttered, appearing suddenly. A canvas bundle landed in Adrina's lap. "Now fix him." Kara bumped Adrina as she scooted around her to sit on the cot beside Jarrod.
Adrina opened the canvas. Her heart began to beat faster as she stared down at the green herbs – four leaves with a lavender stripe down the middle of each leaf. She frowned. The plant looked familiar; she knew she had seen it before. Slowly, a memory whispered in the back of her mind. Adrina watched Kara stalk away and knew that the woman had made a mistake.
Adrina remembered that their old neighbor had fancied themselves a botanist and had turned his apartment into a hothouse. Adrina had liked the old man and often played amongst the plants. She remembered her father arguing with him one day. Afterwards, her father forbade her to never visit the old man again. Hurt and confused, Adrina hadn't understood why until he had sat her down and put two plants in front of her. One had four leaves with a lavender stripe down the middle of each leaf. The other was identical to the first, only the stripe was broken. Her father had explained to her that while the latter plant healed, the first one could make a grown man fall asleep and never wake up.
No doubt Kara had thought she had found the healing plant, but instead had handed Adrina the answer to her prayers in abundance.
0
Adrina awoke to the changing of the guard at nearly midnight. Crawling closer to Jarrod's cot, Adrina yawned. Her sleep had been fitful and brief. She glanced around; all but one guard was asleep, and the long guard was staring out into the tunnel, oblivious of everything behind him. Adrina carefully removed the bandage around his abdomen. The infection was slowly growing worse; it was obvious even in the darkness. His skin was hot under her hands and an odor was noticeable in close proximity.
Adrina settled on the floor beside Jarrod. Her palms were moist with sweat, but she wiped it away. Taking a deep breath, she framed Jarrod's head with her hands. Closing her eyes, Adrina tried to ignore her own pain, hunger, and insecurities. She ignored the distractions around her. She felt the familiar tingle of the Force wash over her and she gently guided it towards Jarrod. She felt it envelop Jarrod in its soft glow. The echo of Master Che's voice guided Adrina.
Opening her eyes, Adrina knew she had been successful. She wanted to cry with happiness. She wanted to put herself in a trance but she didn't dare leave herself vulnerable. She needed to be alert in the hostile environment she had been thrust into.
Adrina was careful to bring Jarrod out of his trance periodically, afraid to leave him under for too long and arouse Cward's suspicions. She continued placing him in a healing trance each night for two days; the treatment became easier with each attempt and Jarrod was showing signs of improvement. His body was starting to stave off the infection. Adrina knew her window of usefulness was closing; she would have to act more quickly than anticipated.
Adrina's opportunity came the next day. Cward was talking in hushed tones with Mol, who was cooking a large pot of stew. Gathering the bundle of Kara's herbs, Adrina limped over, head carefully bowed. Creating a facade of humility took little effort in her exhausted state.
"Hey!" Cward shouted, grabbing her by the front of her shirt. Adrina's heels lifted off the ground. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I need more herbs for Jarrod," Adrina said. She held up a few of the herbs, her left hand clasping the remaining. She kept her eyes averted, waiting for Mol to look up from his pot. "They're helping, but they're almost gone."
Adrina stumbled when Cward released her.
"You know where these are, Mol?" Cward asked. Adrina seized her chance when Mol turned to answer. Quick as she could, she dropped an herb in the pot, relief washing over her when Mol continued to stir and the stem vanished into the depths.
"Sure do. Always thought them were weeds, though."
"They're not weeds," Adrina interjected quickly. "Kara gave them to me. Ask her." Cward and Mol glared at her. She lowered her eyes once more and retreated to her assigned place.
But she had accomplished her goal. All she had to do was wait for the herbs to work their magic. If her calculation was correct, the rebels who ate the stew would fall into a deep sleep, but the dose should be small enough they would awaken. She was fairly certain. She sat back against the cave wall, waiting.
"Cward!" The scout Nord's voice echoed off the stone walls. Adrina turned to the entrance. Nord was emerging from the tunnel, a man walking a step behind.
"Jango, old friend!" Cward strode towards the newcomer with open arms and a beaming smile.
Adrina's heart stopped beating. All color drained from her face.
"Well, I'm here. Say your piece." The gravelly voice kickstarted Adrina's heart. She knew that voice. But it was impossible! Her concussion must be worse than she had thought. Adrina pushed herself up onto trembling legs.
"You are a difficult man to track down," Cward commented. "You've had a long journey. Come, food has been prepared."
Adrina's heart hammered in her chest. Surely her eyes were deceiving her – they had to be! She stared at the man as he walked closer, Cward leading the way. The man looked at her as he passed and his steps faltered. Their eyes locked and Adrina knew the truth. She would know those eyes anywhere.
"What is this?" There was a nearly imperceptible falter in his voice. Shame and embarrassment filled Adrina. She could only imagine how frightful she looked, covered in blood and grime. Goodness knows she probably reeked. He would never recognize her. But she stood frozen. After seventeen long years, all she could do was stare.
"Jetii doctor," Cward said dismissively. "We'd planned on ransoming her, or maybe sending a message, but when my second was severely wounded, she proved useful in other ways." Cward frowned when his companion continued to stare at her. Cward lightly punched his arm. "She's nothing, Jango."
"She's a child," he snapped. "Have you even looked at her?" His eyes met hers again. Hope swelled within her, spurring her to action.
"Buir!" Adrina cried. Unable to take it any longer, she launched herself towards him.
Pain and blackness were all that met her.
0
Adrina slowly swam up from the dark abyss. Pain filled her head, blinding her to all else. Tears streamed down her cheeks as memories flooded back.
"Shh, shhh… You're alright, Ka'rta." Her father's voice whispered words, so sweet and tender, that were so far away. They vanished when she reached for them. Adrina whimpered. The pain gradually receded to a bearable level.
A large hand gripped hers and she clung to it. "Don't go away again, Buir. Stay with me," Adrina pleaded. "Please don't go away." She was afraid to open her eyes, afraid that he would be gone when she did and she would be in that nightmare once again.
"Shhh. I'm right here, Ka'rta. You'll never lose me again." A rough hand caressed her forehead. "I'm right here."
Adrina slowly opened her eyes. She began to cry anew. "It's not a dream! You're really here!"
He swept her into a tight hug. She buried her head in his chest, sobbing.
Her father was alive.
After all those years, her father had finally rescued her. She was there with him on his spaceship, just like she should have been when she was a child.
"How are you alive?" Adrina whispered. "They said you were dead. They found your body."
Jango smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. "I could ask you the same thing. I held your body. There was...I held a service for you."
Adrina shook her head. "That wasn't me," she said quietly. "Aralyn."
Jango was silent for a long moment. Finally, he sighed. "All those wasted years…." He closed his eyes. "I knew that after...the explosion that everyone thought me dead. My heart may have continued beating, but I was as good as dead without you. So I gave it all up."
Adrina blinked, then frowned. "No more bounty hunting?"
Jango shook his head. "I found legitimate work. The compensation is good, and it's peaceful, which is all I wanted." Groggy though she was, Adrina didn't miss a glimmer of something behind his eyes.
"What is it?"
Her perception gave Jango pause. He smiled fondly, though, and gently squeezed her shoulder. "You never did miss a thing, did you?"
Adrina hitched a shoulder. "I'm concussed, not blind."
Jango flashed her a brief, rueful smile, before looking away. His silence spoke for him.
"You want to know why I was accused of being a Jedi."
Jango looked back at her. "Is it true? That you've become..."
Adrina closed her eyes, fresh pain ripping through her heart. "Buir…," she whispered. Even though she had known her father would not have approved of her choice, she had never expected to defend her decision to him.
"How could you do this?" Jango's quiet voice conveyed his hurt, anger, and confusion. She watched shutters close over his eyes and she knew she was losing him. Hot tears fell down her cheeks. Her head pounded and throat constricted.
"It's..." She struggled to find words. "You don't understand, Buir."
"No, I don't." His voice was sharper then and Adrina recoiled.
Unexpected anger filled her. "I was alone and scared and you were dead. I asked every deep space pilot about you every day for three years hoping that you had somehow lived, that you were out there still looking for me. Every day for three years I was told that you were gone. And still I had to survive. I was four when I was taken, Buir. I grew up a slave, away from Mandalore, away from everything you hold dear. How long could I cling to traditions that no longer had any meaning when I needed to survive? When I needed to take care of my baby brother?"
Jango drew back. "Baby brother?"
"I was adopted," Adrina answered shortly. "A single mother and her young son." She pushed herself into a more comfortable position. "Thirteen years passed. A Jedi comes and somehow manages to free Ani – my brother. Mom freed me. I could stay on Tatooine and face a miserable existence, or I could go with Ani and help him face a life he was not prepared for." She boldly met her father's eyes. "So, yes. I chose to become a Jedi. I chose to protect my brother. I chose to protect myself. And no matter what you think, Buir, I do good things. Anakin does good things. I have seen evil, and it is not the Jedi, whatever their faults, whatever crimes they committed against Mandalore."
"But I told you what the Jedi have done!"
"Yes!" Adrina exclaimed. "You made it abundantly clear. But that all happened so many years ago. Living in the past doesn't help the present – or the future. And that is what I am concerned about."
Heavy silence descended as father and daughter stared at each other.
"Rest. You're hurt." Jango stood and strode away, leaving Adrina crying in the bed, wondering how her life could turn out so miserably in the moment she should be happiest.
How could she sleep now, knowing her father was there, alive, and angry with her? How could she close her eyes and pretend her every cell didn't ache? But even as her heart and mind shouted and wept, her body's utter exhaustion claimed dominance and she fell into a fitful sleep.
0
Adrina awoke alone. Fresh pain shot through her and tears came anew. Her sobs only made her head ache more. After a minute, she noticed a bowl of hot soup sitting next to the chair her father had once occupied. The scent curdled her stomach.
"Eat." So her father was in the cockpit. Time had not abated his anger. Adrina's eyes fluttered closed. She tried to stamp down her despair.
Nothing was as it should be.
And Anakin would still think her dead. She didn't dare ask her father to send a message to him. But, really, Adrina didn't know what she should do at all. Despite her father's fury, Adrina still respected the Jedi and found pleasure in her work. She, too, loved Anakin and even though their relationship had become somewhat strained in recent years he was still her brother and she wanted to be prominent in his life. But Adrina knew, in her heart, that if she disavowed the Jedi, her father would reclaim her in a moment's breath.
The trouble was, could she turn away from Anakin? From the Jedi? From the home she had worked so hard to build for herself? From the work that gave her life meaning and purpose? Adrina chastised herself. Of course she could! This was her buir! How could she doubt for even a second what her choice should be? She had waited seventeen years for her buir to rescue her and here he was right in front of her and she wasn't certain what to do! Ridiculous.
But she still felt an inexplicable anger towards her father. Anger that he was alive and hadn't found her until she had fought for a home of her own. Anger that he hadn't looked for her like she had searched for him. Anger that he hated her for what and who she loved and couldn't see past his own long-harbored prejudices. And anger at herself, that she had given up the search after only three years. How could her life have been different if he had found her again on Tatooine?
Adrina thought then of Anakin and how his life might have been different without her. She thought of Shmi. Obi-Wan. Master Che. Healer Gyra. Little Maelle, who wasn't so little anymore. She thought of all the friends she had made, the family she had fought to make and wondered if maybe – just maybe – her life had turned out alright despite its tragedies. She thought of who she had become and was continuing to become. She liked that person, a lot.
So how could her father turn away from her like that? How could he ask her to call goodness evil?
But through all her anger and hurt, Adrina still desperately wanted her father's approval. How could she not?
"I'm not hungry," Adrina called back finally.
"Did the Jetti train you lie, too?" Jango snorted.
Adrina's nostrils flared and she let her temper take control. She shoved the blanket away and struggled to her feet. Leaning heavily against the cool metal wall, Adrina determinedly marched towards the cockpit, pushing through the pain. "No," Adrina snarled. "You did. I might not adhere to the Resol'nare, but I am still your daughter." Jango stood and faced her. "You may hate the Jedi. You may hate my decision. You may even hate me, but you cannot deny that I am your daughter.
"When you died – when I thought you died – I had nothing. My whole life I have struggled and struggled to survive. To protect myself. To hold on to what little family I could find. And when you died, I found a family in Shmi and Anakin Skywalker. I took their last name because I chose to be their family. When Shmi gave me the choice to go with Anakin to Coruscant, I didn't want to. I didn't want to leave my mother. I didn't want to go to a place I knew you would abhor. But I needed to protect my little brother. Because he is family.
"I went to the Jedi, expecting the very worst. But do you know what I found, Buir? I found a people who above all else desire to protect the galaxy. Who strive to help anyone in need, from the lowest of people to the greatest. I found a people who are flawed, certainly, but sacrifice everything to do good. I found a people who would give me a chance at life, who would take the time to help me, train me to do something worthwhile. I found a people who I can be proud to call my family."
Adrina's voice broke, but the tide couldn't be stemmed. "And everyday I thought about you. I thought about how angry you would be if you knew where I was. But everyday I thought, 'But he would still love me. He would be proud of what I am doing. Because I am his daughter and he loves me and I am doing something good'," A sob choked Adrina. She beat a hand on her chest. "And of all the pain I have endured, your rejection hurts the most."
Through it all, Jango met Adrina's eyes with stony silence. And when she finished, he did not speak.
"You're not my daughter any more."
And with that, Adrina's legs collapsed with her world.
0
Tears Adrina wearied of shedding prickled the back of her eyes. She watched the landing ramp ascend as soon as she had disembarked. Her father wasted no time in flying away. She watched the ship disappear into the horizon, taking half of her heart with it.
Seeing the traffic control droid's irritated gestures, Adrina hobbled towards the waiting platform. She wondered how, with no money, identification, or comlink, she would get to the Jedi Temple, halfway across the planet. Walking, there was no way she would make it before dark, even if her leg and head were in better shape. "Excuse me," Adrina tried to smile politely at the nearby droid. "Could I borrow a comlink?"
The droid gestured brusquely to a sign over his shoulder. Adrina sighed. No money, no comlink. She nodded and said no more. Adrina settled on the nearest bench and worked out her options, scant and unpleasant as they were.
"Adrina!"
She looked up with a frown, certain her muddled mind was manifesting her desire. But the figure that barreled into her and held her tightly couldn't be a trick of her mind.
"We thought you were dead," Anakin whispered into her ear.
"Anakin?" Adrina couldn't believe it. "You're really here..." Perhaps the Force was with her, after all. "How are you here?"
"Master Obi-Wan is teaching me how to fly in Coruscant and we were flying over there and I just knew we had to land here!" Anakin pulled away with a beaming smile that turned to a puzzled frown. Just over Anakin's shoulder, Adrina noticed Obi-Wan silently watching over them. He studied her with concern. "How are you here? Master Yoda said that there was an explosion and you were taken."
Adrina licked her lips. She knew she wouldn't like the answer to the whispered question on her tongue. "Were there any other survivors?"
"No," Obi-Wan said, stepping forward. "The Council waited for a ransom or some type of demand from the rebels, but nothing came. We..." he glanced at Anakin. "Feared the worst. But I think explanations must wait. We need to get you to the Halls of Healing. I'll notify the Council they can call off the search."
Adrina let out a soft gasp. "They...they were searching for me?"
Anakin frowned. "Of course we were!" Anakin helped her to her feet and together they walked to the speeder waiting nearby.
Adrina's throat constricted painfully. "I'm so glad you're here," she managed.
"I'll pilot," Obi-Wan told Anakin quietly. "You stay with your sister."
Realization struck Adrina hard. She gasped. "Obi-Wan!"
He twisted slightly in his seat.
"I didn't have a chance to talk to Duchess Satine!" She leaned towards him earnestly. "But I'll make it right, don't worry. Once we get to the Temple, I'll contact her right away. I will. I'll contact her right away and tell her you said 'hello'. I'll make it rig..."
Obi-Wan silenced her with a hand on her arm and a gentle smile. "It's alright, Adrina. That's not necessary at all."
"But it is," Adrina insisted. "I promised you!"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Right now, we need to concentrate on getting you back to the Temple. Everything else can wait."
"He's right," Anakin chimed in. "You don't look so good."
"I'm fine!" Adrina smiled broadly, too brightly. "I'm fine." Her protestations went unheard and unbelieved.
Amazed eyes and murmured well-wishes and thankfulness followed Adrina to the Halls of Healing. She received a steady stream of visitors, each expressing sincere concern for her well-being and genuine happiness for her safe return. It was enough to threaten fresh tears.
But Adrina had no more tears to cry.
Yet from the ashes of her life, Adrina found she truly had a home to call her own.