Mergirl: Callista's Story
by Ambassador Cara Jade
Part 10: Ray of Light
No one found us. The clones fell back after they'd done significant damage to the bunker. After the battle died down, few were left alive.
I sat against the wall, cradling the baby in my arms. Soonta had fallen asleep on my shoulder hours ago, still cradling Jana's corpse. We waited in silence until the door opened. I tensed, grabbed the dead soldier's blaster.
But it was a Jedi. He sighed with relief. "I was beginning to think we'd found all the survivors," he said.
I set the blaster down and gently touched Soonta's face to wake him. He sat up and blinked several times. "How many survivors are there?" I asked.
"Twenty-seven, including the three of you," the Jedi said gently, offering his hand. "Can you stand?"
I nodded and accepted his hand.
"How many of the survivors are children?" Soonta sked huskily.
"Twenty, or less."
I sighed. There had been fifty knights here, and almost two hundred children. Both of those had congealed into one small number—27. The baby stirred and woke up. She began to cry. I gently stroked her fuzzy head and shushed her. "It's okay, honey, it's okay."
Soonta stood up and gently lifted Jana like a child. His step faltered. I reached out to steady him, and we walked out into the corridor.
The air was heavy, and stank of death. Everything was still, quiet. "Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Outside. We're still collecting bodies."
Looking around, I saw all the debris, the havoc wreaked by Palpatine's forces. I shut my eyes. It was too painful to see.
The survivors had relocated to nearby caves, huddling close together in small groups. Healers moved among the wounded, comforting the dying. I led Soonta to one of the caves, where he laid out Jana's body and sat beside her. "Will you be all right?" I asked, and he nodded.
"I'm going to help them find the rest of the bodies," I told him, standing up. "If you need anything, just call me."
Soonta nodded stonily. "Thank you, Callista," he said.
I squeezed his shoulder and walked out of the cave. In the sunlight, the air was fresh, clear. Alkali sunglight beat down on our backs like the hands of our oppressors. I walked down the hillside, the dust browning my boots.
Among the dead were Master Freu and the six-year-old girl whose sister I'd saved. That baby was the only baby who had survived. We dug through the debris for hours, pausing whenever a body was found. The bodies were put in a cave—a tomb, a sepulchre.
The next day, all the bodies had been accounted for. We arranged them carefully in the cave, side by side. Soonta laid Jana on a natural bier against the wall. He stroked her face one last time and kissed her cold lips. Contact made him break down again. His legs weakened and he fell to his knees, sobbing. I wrapped my arms around his shouders.
"She's one with the Force, Soonta," I said. "She's free now."
I guided Soonta out of the tomb. When we reached the sunlight, he shook me off gently. I'm all right," he said. "I'm okay." He stood up straight and walked away.
Before I followed him, I turned back to the tomb and let my eyes rove the bodies inside. I was stunned, inwardly. One man had sowed the seeds of discontent, and what had grown was a vile weed that choked the beautiful tree that had once been the Republic. The Emperor feared his own safety so greatly that he would kill children to secure his power. I'd known as a rule that Palpatine was corrupt, but the reality of it didn't strike me so hard before that moment, staring at the burned and mutilated bodies of the children.
I wiped two tears off my cheek and helped three other knights roll the sealing stone into place.
Later that night, Soonta and I sat across a small campfire, eating ration bars. They were bland and tasteless, but neither of us seemed to care. Soonta was silent, throughtful, and mournful. I watched him through the flames as every second he was reminded that Jana was no linger with him. I wanted to comfort him, but his loss was different. For all the people I'd ever lost, I'd never had to experience the death of a lover. I couldn't give him anything more than the same platitudes I'd heard when my mother, my father, Kasidy, Ilios or Josef had died. Master Altis had always let me initiate conversation about them, telling me I could talk to him about them whenever I needed to. He never forced me; he knew eventually I could feel comfortable with it. That was all I could do for Soonta.
I didn't have to wait long.
"Jana and I were going to get married," he said. "We were planning on it, after this mission." He sighed and propped himself up against the wall. He stared up at the ceiling, at the black scorch mark the fire cultivated on the stone. "I knew her for…years. She came to the Chu'unthor around the same time I did, when we were little. I was a little older than her, of course. We wer always friends, you know?"
I nodded, though I didn't really know.
"When this all started, she wanted to do something. That's why she volunteered for this mission. We-we ran a lot of them together, and we grew very close." He sniffed, trying so hard to keep his wits. "She always made me feel better about everything," he said. "Whenever I started to falter, whenever I thought that the endeavor was hopeless, she'd always say, 'It may not happen in our time, or the time of our children, but the Jedi will return. No matter how far down we're beaten, we'll always come back, because we're good, and we protect the light, the truth. There will always be a need for us. They could kill me, they could kill you, but it doesn't matter. We will not be defeated.'"
I nodded. "She was right," I said. Soonta looked at me heavily, his unusual eyes bloodshot.
"I'll never stop loving her," he said. "She was the one, Callista. The one everyone spends their life looking for. You know what I'm talking about," he looked at me pointedly.
I nodded, thinking of Geith. "I know."
Soonta sighed and closed his eyes. "Get some sleep, Callista," he said. "The shuttle will be here tomorrow." He didn't say anything after that. I curled up in the dirt and closed my eyes.
"Good night, Soonta," I said, knowing it wouldn't be.
The harsh sun beat down on me at dawn, blinding me when I woke. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. The fire had gone out, and Soonta was gone. The caves bustled with activity—the children packing our remaining supplies, the healers preparing to move the wounded. I shook the dirt out of my hair and stoof up. The shuttle would be here soon. As I stuffed all my things into my knapsack. I heard a low hum that alerted me tot he approach of a shuttle. I looked up, straightened, shielded my eyes. A tiny black dot appeared above the horizon and grew rapidly. The boxy, heavy-looking ship touched down at the mouth of the canyon. I shouldered my knapsack and walked out to meet it with Soonta.
The cockpit door opened and the pilot leapt out and started walking toward us. He pulled off his helmet and ruffled his spiky red hair.
"Geith!" I cried, and bolted for him. He held his arms out to me and I jumped into them, hugging him tightly, grateful that he was here with me. He kissed me passionately, a welcome home from two months of prodigality.
"I thought you were out on a mission," I said.
"I couldn't stay away when I heard about the attack," he said. "Anyway, the mission was compromised. Someone found out we were there. I'm glad you're okay. I love you."
"I love you, too," I replied. Hand in hand we trudged back to the caves to help load the shuttle. "Have you heard from Master Altis?" I asled.
"Oh, yeah," Geith said, remembering. "He does need to talk to you."
"What about?"
Geith shrugged. "He didn't say."
Soonta approached to help us. The two men clasped hands and Geith offered him words of comfort. I didn't hear what they were saying, but the look on Soonta's face told me that he was grateful for Geith's concern.
From his hip, Geith's communication beeped. He unhooked it and listened. I came closer and wrapped my arms around him.
"—enemy ships heading your way! Get everyone out of there!"
"Copy. Out." Geith shut off the com. "Come on, everyone! We gotta move! Let's go!"
We hauled the last of our supplies onto the ship, and helped the little children into the passenger area. Everything was loaded and sealed in less than ten minutes. We lifted off just as appraching enemy ships dotted the horizon.
"They're coming," I said, slipping into the colpilot's seat. Geith's figners flew over the controls activating the shields and the turbolasers. The ships drew closer and closer. Geith was flying low to the gorund, making it easy for them to overtake us.
"Geith, what are you doing?" I asked, sitting up straight, then falling back into my seat as we were fired upon.
"Just wait," Geith replied distractedly. He let the other ships piggyback us for a few more moments, even though they kept shooting at us. "Building their confidence," he muttered. Suddenly he kicked off the throttle and went into reverse. The ships above us overshot him and continued on their course. By the time they'd circled around, Geith had risen higher off the gorund, above them. He fired two missiles, and each one found its target.
They exploded in a glowing twin pyrotechnic display, expanding and ultimately dissipating.
Geith whooped and as I did the same, I breathed a silent sigh of relief. I stood up and walked to the passenger lounge, running my hand through his hair as I passed him.
In the lounge, I was greeted by 25 pairs of eyes. They were sitting on the floors, on the tables, leaning against the walls. Soonta rested his head against the viewport, searching for Jana among the stars. He didn't look up as I came in.
"We've made it past the garrison," I said. "You're all going to stay with us for a while. We'll be at the Chu'unthor in a few hours."
The orphan baby wailed in the arms of a very young padawan boy. He looked to me pathetically for help. I knelt beside him and took the baby in my hands and reached out to her through the Force. Inside her mind I saw images that constituted her memories. All blurry, unmoving—her parents, her sister, now all dead. My face, too, I think. Fire, screaming, nameless faces. I sensed her terror, burning in her tiny body. Taking a deep breathe, I reached out to soothe her. She quieted down and eventually fell asleep.
I raised my head and looked at the Jedi around me. Most of the children were asleep, cradled by the knights and masters. Anybody left awake stared ahead blankly like Soonta, shell-shocked.
Master Altis was waiting for us in the docking bay as we got off the shuttle. He smiled warmly at me. I smiled back; my first impulse was to run and throw my arms around him, but no. That wouldn't be appropriate, padawan to master. Instead, I bowed respectfully and clasped his large hand. "It is good to be with you again, Master," I said.
He smiled and nodded once. "Your work to save the Jedi as consumed you," he noted. "Your absence has not gone unnoticed, nor have your honorable deeds."
I smiled. "Thank you, Master."
As the other masters led the rest of the refugees to their quarters, Master Altis took me aside in a different direction. "You wished to speak with me, Master?" I asked.
He nodded. "Many things have happened while you've been travelling the galaxy. No doubt you've noticed."
I nodded. "Yes, Master."
"Master Yoda has been staying on the Chu'unthor, for the last few months. I've told him about you. And now that you're here, he'd like to see you."
I stopped in my tracks and stared at him in disbelief. Master Yoda was one of the last living members of the Jedi Council. In the prime of the Order he had been one of the best Jedi Masters to ever live.
And he wanted to talk to me.
Master Altis looked at me with a knowing smile, then he started walking again. He didn't tell me anymore, and laughed as I asked him questions. Finally he said, "I suggest you clean up a little bit and then find out what he wants."
I nodded, bowed slightly. "Yes, Master." Composing myself, I walked down the corridor to my quarters.
"He didn't say what he wanted?"
I climbed out of the shower and took the towel Geith offered me. I wrapped it around myself, and leaned close to the mirror. My reflection disappeared behind a layer of fog, which I hurriedly rubbed away.
"No," I said. I plaited my wet hair in a long braid and threw it over my shoulder, then turned to face Geith. "And I don't want to say what I think it is, because I could be wrong."
He sat back on the chair. "Aw, come one, tell me." He pleaded playfully.
I put a finger on his lips and slid into his lap. "How about this," I said. "When I get back, I'll tell you if I was right or not."
Geith grabbed my hand and used it to pull my mouth to his. "Okay," he said. His other hand snaked to pinch my thigh. I yelped and leapt up. "Get going, then!" he yelled, chasing me into the bedroom.
Master Altis left me at the door. I passed through it, and it clsoed between us. Quiet, tinkling music wafted through the air like audible perfume. It immediately calmed me, soothed my ill-at-ease feelings. I took in my surroundings. Everything was miniaturized although there was little furnishing in the room.
"Welcome you are, Callista Nogati."
I followed the voice to a cushion at the end of the room. He sat there, chewing his gimer stick. He looked at me inquisitively, green eyes bright. I noticed how they seemed bluer a they grew wider. His poimted ears perked up when I looked at him. I knelt to one knee, as was proper. "Master Yoda," I said. "I am honored by your request to see me."
Yoda waved a tiny clawed hand. "Honorable your deds have been. Saved many Jedi, you have." He leaned in close to me. "Commended, you must be."
I smiled. "Thank you, Master."
He nodded, then leaned back and focused on something distant, something far away. "Troubled times these are. Turning against us, the galaxy is."
"But, won't the people fall into darkness without us to lead them?" The question had been burning inside me for months.
"Hmm," he mused. "Condemn themselves they do, when against us the galaxy turns. Dark times, we are passing into. Soon, all will be gone." He looked at me. "Great your part is. An influence. Small, rippling out to accomplish great things. Seen this, I have."
I took a deep, calming breath. "What have you seen?" I pressed.
"Yoda shook his head. "Reveal I cannot, the things I have seen. But trust me, you can. Great things—in dark times, hope. Hope to the galaxy you will bring."
I nodded. "Yes, Master."
He looked at me, searching my soul. "Fear, you do?"
I shook my head hastily. "No."
He grunted, telling me he didn't believe my lie. I nodded obligingly.
"Yes, Master, a little."
He nodded approvingly. "Understandable, your fear is. But let it get the better of you you must not. Take care, Callista Galexi Nogati. Fail, you must not." He leaned close. "Do this, you can?"
I nodded. I felt stronger, engergized. "Yes, Master Yoda, I can."
His little face twisted into a smile. "Stand then, Jedi Knight."
I stood, and my eyes widened. "What?"
He nodded acquiescingly. "A Jedi Knight, you are."
I alsmost smiled, but regained my composure and swallowed it. Instead, I nodded. "Thank you, Master."
He wave a hand, motioning for me to go. "May the Force be with you."
Dazed, I made my way out the door. Master Altis was still waiting for me there. He stopped pacing and looked at me. "Well, padawan?"
I stopped, smiled and shook my head. "Not anymore, Master Altis," I said. "I've been knighted."
He nodded. "Yes, I know. Master Yoda and I discussed it. Congratulations, Callista." He clasped my hand warmly.
"Not to question your judgement, Master, but why so quickly? I've only been in training for a few years. And I'm you—I just turned twenty! There aren't any Jedi that young."
Master altis nodded. "We know, Callista. But desperate times do call for desperate measures. We need Jedi Knights more than we need padawans." He put a hand on my shoulder. "I'm very proud of you, Callista. I foresee that you will become a great Jedi Knight."
I nodded and bowed hastily. "Thank you, Master."
"Callie?"
"In the fresher," I called. I looked up at Geith's reflection when he walked in.
"Hey," he said. "Looks like we'll be staying here for a few weeks." He smiled. "What are you doing?"
I turned around, my padawan braid clutched tightly in my hand. I opened it, dangling the braid in front of Geith. He looked at it blankly for a moment, until its meaning hit him. "The Masters—"
I nodded. "I'm a Knight."
He smiled broadly and threw his arms around me. "Congratulations!" he said, twirling me around in the small space. "But it was so quick! You've only been training for a few years, haven't you? I thought it took, like, a decade."
I shrugged. "He said they needed Knights. So a Knight I became."
I laughed, releasing all my excitement in one whoop of joy. Geith set me down and breathed. "Wow. So, what now? What're they going to have me do now?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I'll probably find out soon, though."
I did find out soon. The next morning, I woke up to the sound of the communicator chirping, much too happily for five hours past midnight. I hadn't exactly slept much, between my thoughts and my celebrations with Geith. Groaning and raking my fingers through my tousled hair, I sat up and bowed my head. Still half asleep beside me, Geith ran his hand down my back. I grabbed my robe and threw it around me as I staggered out of bed and sat in front of the communicator.
"Hello?" I answered as the caller's holo materialized.
"Did I wake you, Callista?" Master Altis greeted me.
"Yes, as a matter of fact." There was no reason to lie to my master of three years. He knew me too well.
"Terribly sorry," he said.
"No, you're not." Being his padawan of three years had its advantages as well. I smiled tiredly.
He smiled as well. "Either way, I need you and Geith to meet me in the fifth auditorium. We have a mission for you."
I closed my eyes and nodded. "Okay, we'll be there in fifteen."
Master Altis nodded, and the transmission blinked out.
I sighed heavily. "Geith," I said, standing up and returning to the bed. Geith groaned and rolled over. "No," I laughed, throwing one leg over either side of his chest "Come on, baby, get up. Master Altis needs us."
Geith groaned and sat up, pressing his forehead against mine. "All right, all right, I'm up." He leaned in to miss me, but I teasingly pulled back and stood up.
"Get dressed. I told him fifteen minutes."
"What?" He threw the covers off and sung his legs over the side.
I shrugged off my robe and tossed it at him. "He's got a mission for us. Something big."
Geith and I dressed hurriedly, and made it to the auditorium only a few minutes late. We walked through the door. Inside we were met by three people: Master Altis, plus a man and a women I'd never seen before. The man was middle aged, with reddish brown hair and a beard. He was dressed in the traditional garb of the Knights; a lightsaber sung at his hip. Beside him stood a young woman, perhaps three years older than I was. Her long chestnut hair hung over her shoulders to the middle of her back. Her straight, regal brow rested on warm brown eyes. Within her I sensed two tiny lives, which had yet to show on her thin figure. Our eyes met, and I saw for the first time how very haggard she was.
"Ah," Master Altis said. "Thank you for coming so quickly, you two." He gestured to the visitors. "This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi. And this young woman is Senator Padmé Skywalker."
Skywalker.
I tried to conceal my surprise. This woman was the wife of Darth Vader. Every Jedi knew the story: the tow of them had met during the Naboo conflict, then been out of contact entirely for ten years. They'd join forces again and married during the Military Creation Act.
Then Anakin had changed. Rumors and leghends of what really happened were as numerous of the stars, but I don't think anyone knew for sure what exactly had brought about the fall of Anakin Skywalker. Some said Padmé had had an affair with Obi-Wan. Some said his mother had been murdered. Others just said it had been meant to be.
Miracle of miracles, Padmé's pregnancy was unbeknownst by the Chosen One. Everyone knew how important these little babies were.
"Callista, Geith," Master Altis said. "we need you to take them to Belsavis."
Geith and I nodded dutifully. "Yes, Master," I said.
Master Altis nodded. "Better pack up. You'll be gone for quite a while."
I laughed. "Master, you know we've been living out of our suitcases for the last year."
Master Altis smiled. "Very true. You're set for departure in two hours. He nodded to Kenobi and Skywalker. "If you'll excuse us, I have some other business to discuss with your pilots."
Kenobi nodded and protectively took Padmé's arm. They left the room without another word. Padmé lifted her eyes and looked at me, through me as she passed. In her face, which once had been warm and loving, I now only saw testament of the suffering the galaxy was experiencing. Impulsively, I reached over and squeezed her shoulder in support. She smiled wanly.
When the doors had closed behind them, I looked back at Master Altis. "She looked so sad," I said.
"Can't blame her," Geith replied.
"Right. Here's your mission," Master Altis said. "After you take Master Kenobi and Senator Skywalker to Belsavis, we need you to go to Ord Mantell. You'll be staying there for the better part of a year. We've arranged for you to move into an apartment, which we will pay for. While you're there, watch people. Listen. Get jobs in places where lots of people go. It's important that no one knows you're Jedi."
"What for, Master?" I asked.
"We want to put another hideout there, if it's safe."
Geith nodded. Sounds good."
"And if it is safe, you'll head the relocation project," Master Altis finished.
"Yes, Master," I said.
"In addition, the Council is asking any Jedi who can to have chldren," Master Altis tagged it on like an afterthought, and oh-by-the- way, that caught me completely unawares.
"What?" I asked, startled.
"You don't have to; it's by no means a commandment. But you may want to give it some consideration, since our numbers are dwindling so rapidly."
I looked at Geith, and he said, "We'll have to think about it. I mean, raise a child in Ord Mantell. I have enough misgivings about going myself."
I didn't say anything. In my mind, I saw my own mother, almost 15 years dead. Ever since my seventh lifeday, although I didn't acknowledge it until years later, I'd always been afraid of becoming a mother myself. Whether it was because I thought my daughter would be the same way I was or because I felt inadequate without an example of how to be a mother, I didn't know. Perhaps it was both, perhaps it was neither. "We'll think about it," I said, closing the conversation.
by Ambassador Cara Jade
Part 10: Ray of Light
No one found us. The clones fell back after they'd done significant damage to the bunker. After the battle died down, few were left alive.
I sat against the wall, cradling the baby in my arms. Soonta had fallen asleep on my shoulder hours ago, still cradling Jana's corpse. We waited in silence until the door opened. I tensed, grabbed the dead soldier's blaster.
But it was a Jedi. He sighed with relief. "I was beginning to think we'd found all the survivors," he said.
I set the blaster down and gently touched Soonta's face to wake him. He sat up and blinked several times. "How many survivors are there?" I asked.
"Twenty-seven, including the three of you," the Jedi said gently, offering his hand. "Can you stand?"
I nodded and accepted his hand.
"How many of the survivors are children?" Soonta sked huskily.
"Twenty, or less."
I sighed. There had been fifty knights here, and almost two hundred children. Both of those had congealed into one small number—27. The baby stirred and woke up. She began to cry. I gently stroked her fuzzy head and shushed her. "It's okay, honey, it's okay."
Soonta stood up and gently lifted Jana like a child. His step faltered. I reached out to steady him, and we walked out into the corridor.
The air was heavy, and stank of death. Everything was still, quiet. "Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Outside. We're still collecting bodies."
Looking around, I saw all the debris, the havoc wreaked by Palpatine's forces. I shut my eyes. It was too painful to see.
The survivors had relocated to nearby caves, huddling close together in small groups. Healers moved among the wounded, comforting the dying. I led Soonta to one of the caves, where he laid out Jana's body and sat beside her. "Will you be all right?" I asked, and he nodded.
"I'm going to help them find the rest of the bodies," I told him, standing up. "If you need anything, just call me."
Soonta nodded stonily. "Thank you, Callista," he said.
I squeezed his shoulder and walked out of the cave. In the sunlight, the air was fresh, clear. Alkali sunglight beat down on our backs like the hands of our oppressors. I walked down the hillside, the dust browning my boots.
Among the dead were Master Freu and the six-year-old girl whose sister I'd saved. That baby was the only baby who had survived. We dug through the debris for hours, pausing whenever a body was found. The bodies were put in a cave—a tomb, a sepulchre.
The next day, all the bodies had been accounted for. We arranged them carefully in the cave, side by side. Soonta laid Jana on a natural bier against the wall. He stroked her face one last time and kissed her cold lips. Contact made him break down again. His legs weakened and he fell to his knees, sobbing. I wrapped my arms around his shouders.
"She's one with the Force, Soonta," I said. "She's free now."
I guided Soonta out of the tomb. When we reached the sunlight, he shook me off gently. I'm all right," he said. "I'm okay." He stood up straight and walked away.
Before I followed him, I turned back to the tomb and let my eyes rove the bodies inside. I was stunned, inwardly. One man had sowed the seeds of discontent, and what had grown was a vile weed that choked the beautiful tree that had once been the Republic. The Emperor feared his own safety so greatly that he would kill children to secure his power. I'd known as a rule that Palpatine was corrupt, but the reality of it didn't strike me so hard before that moment, staring at the burned and mutilated bodies of the children.
I wiped two tears off my cheek and helped three other knights roll the sealing stone into place.
Later that night, Soonta and I sat across a small campfire, eating ration bars. They were bland and tasteless, but neither of us seemed to care. Soonta was silent, throughtful, and mournful. I watched him through the flames as every second he was reminded that Jana was no linger with him. I wanted to comfort him, but his loss was different. For all the people I'd ever lost, I'd never had to experience the death of a lover. I couldn't give him anything more than the same platitudes I'd heard when my mother, my father, Kasidy, Ilios or Josef had died. Master Altis had always let me initiate conversation about them, telling me I could talk to him about them whenever I needed to. He never forced me; he knew eventually I could feel comfortable with it. That was all I could do for Soonta.
I didn't have to wait long.
"Jana and I were going to get married," he said. "We were planning on it, after this mission." He sighed and propped himself up against the wall. He stared up at the ceiling, at the black scorch mark the fire cultivated on the stone. "I knew her for…years. She came to the Chu'unthor around the same time I did, when we were little. I was a little older than her, of course. We wer always friends, you know?"
I nodded, though I didn't really know.
"When this all started, she wanted to do something. That's why she volunteered for this mission. We-we ran a lot of them together, and we grew very close." He sniffed, trying so hard to keep his wits. "She always made me feel better about everything," he said. "Whenever I started to falter, whenever I thought that the endeavor was hopeless, she'd always say, 'It may not happen in our time, or the time of our children, but the Jedi will return. No matter how far down we're beaten, we'll always come back, because we're good, and we protect the light, the truth. There will always be a need for us. They could kill me, they could kill you, but it doesn't matter. We will not be defeated.'"
I nodded. "She was right," I said. Soonta looked at me heavily, his unusual eyes bloodshot.
"I'll never stop loving her," he said. "She was the one, Callista. The one everyone spends their life looking for. You know what I'm talking about," he looked at me pointedly.
I nodded, thinking of Geith. "I know."
Soonta sighed and closed his eyes. "Get some sleep, Callista," he said. "The shuttle will be here tomorrow." He didn't say anything after that. I curled up in the dirt and closed my eyes.
"Good night, Soonta," I said, knowing it wouldn't be.
The harsh sun beat down on me at dawn, blinding me when I woke. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. The fire had gone out, and Soonta was gone. The caves bustled with activity—the children packing our remaining supplies, the healers preparing to move the wounded. I shook the dirt out of my hair and stoof up. The shuttle would be here soon. As I stuffed all my things into my knapsack. I heard a low hum that alerted me tot he approach of a shuttle. I looked up, straightened, shielded my eyes. A tiny black dot appeared above the horizon and grew rapidly. The boxy, heavy-looking ship touched down at the mouth of the canyon. I shouldered my knapsack and walked out to meet it with Soonta.
The cockpit door opened and the pilot leapt out and started walking toward us. He pulled off his helmet and ruffled his spiky red hair.
"Geith!" I cried, and bolted for him. He held his arms out to me and I jumped into them, hugging him tightly, grateful that he was here with me. He kissed me passionately, a welcome home from two months of prodigality.
"I thought you were out on a mission," I said.
"I couldn't stay away when I heard about the attack," he said. "Anyway, the mission was compromised. Someone found out we were there. I'm glad you're okay. I love you."
"I love you, too," I replied. Hand in hand we trudged back to the caves to help load the shuttle. "Have you heard from Master Altis?" I asled.
"Oh, yeah," Geith said, remembering. "He does need to talk to you."
"What about?"
Geith shrugged. "He didn't say."
Soonta approached to help us. The two men clasped hands and Geith offered him words of comfort. I didn't hear what they were saying, but the look on Soonta's face told me that he was grateful for Geith's concern.
From his hip, Geith's communication beeped. He unhooked it and listened. I came closer and wrapped my arms around him.
"—enemy ships heading your way! Get everyone out of there!"
"Copy. Out." Geith shut off the com. "Come on, everyone! We gotta move! Let's go!"
We hauled the last of our supplies onto the ship, and helped the little children into the passenger area. Everything was loaded and sealed in less than ten minutes. We lifted off just as appraching enemy ships dotted the horizon.
"They're coming," I said, slipping into the colpilot's seat. Geith's figners flew over the controls activating the shields and the turbolasers. The ships drew closer and closer. Geith was flying low to the gorund, making it easy for them to overtake us.
"Geith, what are you doing?" I asked, sitting up straight, then falling back into my seat as we were fired upon.
"Just wait," Geith replied distractedly. He let the other ships piggyback us for a few more moments, even though they kept shooting at us. "Building their confidence," he muttered. Suddenly he kicked off the throttle and went into reverse. The ships above us overshot him and continued on their course. By the time they'd circled around, Geith had risen higher off the gorund, above them. He fired two missiles, and each one found its target.
They exploded in a glowing twin pyrotechnic display, expanding and ultimately dissipating.
Geith whooped and as I did the same, I breathed a silent sigh of relief. I stood up and walked to the passenger lounge, running my hand through his hair as I passed him.
In the lounge, I was greeted by 25 pairs of eyes. They were sitting on the floors, on the tables, leaning against the walls. Soonta rested his head against the viewport, searching for Jana among the stars. He didn't look up as I came in.
"We've made it past the garrison," I said. "You're all going to stay with us for a while. We'll be at the Chu'unthor in a few hours."
The orphan baby wailed in the arms of a very young padawan boy. He looked to me pathetically for help. I knelt beside him and took the baby in my hands and reached out to her through the Force. Inside her mind I saw images that constituted her memories. All blurry, unmoving—her parents, her sister, now all dead. My face, too, I think. Fire, screaming, nameless faces. I sensed her terror, burning in her tiny body. Taking a deep breathe, I reached out to soothe her. She quieted down and eventually fell asleep.
I raised my head and looked at the Jedi around me. Most of the children were asleep, cradled by the knights and masters. Anybody left awake stared ahead blankly like Soonta, shell-shocked.
Master Altis was waiting for us in the docking bay as we got off the shuttle. He smiled warmly at me. I smiled back; my first impulse was to run and throw my arms around him, but no. That wouldn't be appropriate, padawan to master. Instead, I bowed respectfully and clasped his large hand. "It is good to be with you again, Master," I said.
He smiled and nodded once. "Your work to save the Jedi as consumed you," he noted. "Your absence has not gone unnoticed, nor have your honorable deeds."
I smiled. "Thank you, Master."
As the other masters led the rest of the refugees to their quarters, Master Altis took me aside in a different direction. "You wished to speak with me, Master?" I asked.
He nodded. "Many things have happened while you've been travelling the galaxy. No doubt you've noticed."
I nodded. "Yes, Master."
"Master Yoda has been staying on the Chu'unthor, for the last few months. I've told him about you. And now that you're here, he'd like to see you."
I stopped in my tracks and stared at him in disbelief. Master Yoda was one of the last living members of the Jedi Council. In the prime of the Order he had been one of the best Jedi Masters to ever live.
And he wanted to talk to me.
Master Altis looked at me with a knowing smile, then he started walking again. He didn't tell me anymore, and laughed as I asked him questions. Finally he said, "I suggest you clean up a little bit and then find out what he wants."
I nodded, bowed slightly. "Yes, Master." Composing myself, I walked down the corridor to my quarters.
"He didn't say what he wanted?"
I climbed out of the shower and took the towel Geith offered me. I wrapped it around myself, and leaned close to the mirror. My reflection disappeared behind a layer of fog, which I hurriedly rubbed away.
"No," I said. I plaited my wet hair in a long braid and threw it over my shoulder, then turned to face Geith. "And I don't want to say what I think it is, because I could be wrong."
He sat back on the chair. "Aw, come one, tell me." He pleaded playfully.
I put a finger on his lips and slid into his lap. "How about this," I said. "When I get back, I'll tell you if I was right or not."
Geith grabbed my hand and used it to pull my mouth to his. "Okay," he said. His other hand snaked to pinch my thigh. I yelped and leapt up. "Get going, then!" he yelled, chasing me into the bedroom.
Master Altis left me at the door. I passed through it, and it clsoed between us. Quiet, tinkling music wafted through the air like audible perfume. It immediately calmed me, soothed my ill-at-ease feelings. I took in my surroundings. Everything was miniaturized although there was little furnishing in the room.
"Welcome you are, Callista Nogati."
I followed the voice to a cushion at the end of the room. He sat there, chewing his gimer stick. He looked at me inquisitively, green eyes bright. I noticed how they seemed bluer a they grew wider. His poimted ears perked up when I looked at him. I knelt to one knee, as was proper. "Master Yoda," I said. "I am honored by your request to see me."
Yoda waved a tiny clawed hand. "Honorable your deds have been. Saved many Jedi, you have." He leaned in close to me. "Commended, you must be."
I smiled. "Thank you, Master."
He nodded, then leaned back and focused on something distant, something far away. "Troubled times these are. Turning against us, the galaxy is."
"But, won't the people fall into darkness without us to lead them?" The question had been burning inside me for months.
"Hmm," he mused. "Condemn themselves they do, when against us the galaxy turns. Dark times, we are passing into. Soon, all will be gone." He looked at me. "Great your part is. An influence. Small, rippling out to accomplish great things. Seen this, I have."
I took a deep, calming breath. "What have you seen?" I pressed.
"Yoda shook his head. "Reveal I cannot, the things I have seen. But trust me, you can. Great things—in dark times, hope. Hope to the galaxy you will bring."
I nodded. "Yes, Master."
He looked at me, searching my soul. "Fear, you do?"
I shook my head hastily. "No."
He grunted, telling me he didn't believe my lie. I nodded obligingly.
"Yes, Master, a little."
He nodded approvingly. "Understandable, your fear is. But let it get the better of you you must not. Take care, Callista Galexi Nogati. Fail, you must not." He leaned close. "Do this, you can?"
I nodded. I felt stronger, engergized. "Yes, Master Yoda, I can."
His little face twisted into a smile. "Stand then, Jedi Knight."
I stood, and my eyes widened. "What?"
He nodded acquiescingly. "A Jedi Knight, you are."
I alsmost smiled, but regained my composure and swallowed it. Instead, I nodded. "Thank you, Master."
He wave a hand, motioning for me to go. "May the Force be with you."
Dazed, I made my way out the door. Master Altis was still waiting for me there. He stopped pacing and looked at me. "Well, padawan?"
I stopped, smiled and shook my head. "Not anymore, Master Altis," I said. "I've been knighted."
He nodded. "Yes, I know. Master Yoda and I discussed it. Congratulations, Callista." He clasped my hand warmly.
"Not to question your judgement, Master, but why so quickly? I've only been in training for a few years. And I'm you—I just turned twenty! There aren't any Jedi that young."
Master altis nodded. "We know, Callista. But desperate times do call for desperate measures. We need Jedi Knights more than we need padawans." He put a hand on my shoulder. "I'm very proud of you, Callista. I foresee that you will become a great Jedi Knight."
I nodded and bowed hastily. "Thank you, Master."
"Callie?"
"In the fresher," I called. I looked up at Geith's reflection when he walked in.
"Hey," he said. "Looks like we'll be staying here for a few weeks." He smiled. "What are you doing?"
I turned around, my padawan braid clutched tightly in my hand. I opened it, dangling the braid in front of Geith. He looked at it blankly for a moment, until its meaning hit him. "The Masters—"
I nodded. "I'm a Knight."
He smiled broadly and threw his arms around me. "Congratulations!" he said, twirling me around in the small space. "But it was so quick! You've only been training for a few years, haven't you? I thought it took, like, a decade."
I shrugged. "He said they needed Knights. So a Knight I became."
I laughed, releasing all my excitement in one whoop of joy. Geith set me down and breathed. "Wow. So, what now? What're they going to have me do now?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I'll probably find out soon, though."
I did find out soon. The next morning, I woke up to the sound of the communicator chirping, much too happily for five hours past midnight. I hadn't exactly slept much, between my thoughts and my celebrations with Geith. Groaning and raking my fingers through my tousled hair, I sat up and bowed my head. Still half asleep beside me, Geith ran his hand down my back. I grabbed my robe and threw it around me as I staggered out of bed and sat in front of the communicator.
"Hello?" I answered as the caller's holo materialized.
"Did I wake you, Callista?" Master Altis greeted me.
"Yes, as a matter of fact." There was no reason to lie to my master of three years. He knew me too well.
"Terribly sorry," he said.
"No, you're not." Being his padawan of three years had its advantages as well. I smiled tiredly.
He smiled as well. "Either way, I need you and Geith to meet me in the fifth auditorium. We have a mission for you."
I closed my eyes and nodded. "Okay, we'll be there in fifteen."
Master Altis nodded, and the transmission blinked out.
I sighed heavily. "Geith," I said, standing up and returning to the bed. Geith groaned and rolled over. "No," I laughed, throwing one leg over either side of his chest "Come on, baby, get up. Master Altis needs us."
Geith groaned and sat up, pressing his forehead against mine. "All right, all right, I'm up." He leaned in to miss me, but I teasingly pulled back and stood up.
"Get dressed. I told him fifteen minutes."
"What?" He threw the covers off and sung his legs over the side.
I shrugged off my robe and tossed it at him. "He's got a mission for us. Something big."
Geith and I dressed hurriedly, and made it to the auditorium only a few minutes late. We walked through the door. Inside we were met by three people: Master Altis, plus a man and a women I'd never seen before. The man was middle aged, with reddish brown hair and a beard. He was dressed in the traditional garb of the Knights; a lightsaber sung at his hip. Beside him stood a young woman, perhaps three years older than I was. Her long chestnut hair hung over her shoulders to the middle of her back. Her straight, regal brow rested on warm brown eyes. Within her I sensed two tiny lives, which had yet to show on her thin figure. Our eyes met, and I saw for the first time how very haggard she was.
"Ah," Master Altis said. "Thank you for coming so quickly, you two." He gestured to the visitors. "This is General Obi-Wan Kenobi. And this young woman is Senator Padmé Skywalker."
Skywalker.
I tried to conceal my surprise. This woman was the wife of Darth Vader. Every Jedi knew the story: the tow of them had met during the Naboo conflict, then been out of contact entirely for ten years. They'd join forces again and married during the Military Creation Act.
Then Anakin had changed. Rumors and leghends of what really happened were as numerous of the stars, but I don't think anyone knew for sure what exactly had brought about the fall of Anakin Skywalker. Some said Padmé had had an affair with Obi-Wan. Some said his mother had been murdered. Others just said it had been meant to be.
Miracle of miracles, Padmé's pregnancy was unbeknownst by the Chosen One. Everyone knew how important these little babies were.
"Callista, Geith," Master Altis said. "we need you to take them to Belsavis."
Geith and I nodded dutifully. "Yes, Master," I said.
Master Altis nodded. "Better pack up. You'll be gone for quite a while."
I laughed. "Master, you know we've been living out of our suitcases for the last year."
Master Altis smiled. "Very true. You're set for departure in two hours. He nodded to Kenobi and Skywalker. "If you'll excuse us, I have some other business to discuss with your pilots."
Kenobi nodded and protectively took Padmé's arm. They left the room without another word. Padmé lifted her eyes and looked at me, through me as she passed. In her face, which once had been warm and loving, I now only saw testament of the suffering the galaxy was experiencing. Impulsively, I reached over and squeezed her shoulder in support. She smiled wanly.
When the doors had closed behind them, I looked back at Master Altis. "She looked so sad," I said.
"Can't blame her," Geith replied.
"Right. Here's your mission," Master Altis said. "After you take Master Kenobi and Senator Skywalker to Belsavis, we need you to go to Ord Mantell. You'll be staying there for the better part of a year. We've arranged for you to move into an apartment, which we will pay for. While you're there, watch people. Listen. Get jobs in places where lots of people go. It's important that no one knows you're Jedi."
"What for, Master?" I asked.
"We want to put another hideout there, if it's safe."
Geith nodded. Sounds good."
"And if it is safe, you'll head the relocation project," Master Altis finished.
"Yes, Master," I said.
"In addition, the Council is asking any Jedi who can to have chldren," Master Altis tagged it on like an afterthought, and oh-by-the- way, that caught me completely unawares.
"What?" I asked, startled.
"You don't have to; it's by no means a commandment. But you may want to give it some consideration, since our numbers are dwindling so rapidly."
I looked at Geith, and he said, "We'll have to think about it. I mean, raise a child in Ord Mantell. I have enough misgivings about going myself."
I didn't say anything. In my mind, I saw my own mother, almost 15 years dead. Ever since my seventh lifeday, although I didn't acknowledge it until years later, I'd always been afraid of becoming a mother myself. Whether it was because I thought my daughter would be the same way I was or because I felt inadequate without an example of how to be a mother, I didn't know. Perhaps it was both, perhaps it was neither. "We'll think about it," I said, closing the conversation.