Earth Date: 2030-08-12

Sarah woke up, stretched, and quickly changed clothes before anyone else woke up. Akuno surprised everyone by bringing his family to the Tano settlement last night instead of this morning. He introduced everyone to his mate, Kaama, and his daughters, Azielle and Shiri. When the latter three looked on in surprise at Ahsoka's family and Molly, Akuno reminded them that they were relatives and should be treated as such—except for Molly, whom he introduced as Sarah's closest friend that wished to learn more about life on Shili. Thankfully, Akuno's family accepted them before everyone turned in for the night.

Once everyone else woke up, dressed, and ate breakfast, the periphery of the central meeting area became an open-air marketplace of sorts. Akuno insisted on taking Ahsoka and Emilina with him someplace. Tim sought out Da'Meon once again while Sarah and Molly walked together. Sarah did her best to translate a conversation between two women that appeared to be jewel makers. Most of the Ti were easy to recognize because many of them had white patches around their eyes, red skin, or both.

«You've outdone yourself this time,» a presumed Ti woman stated.

«You're just as skilled,» her Tano counterpart replied. «I'm willing to trade two of these and three of those for four of your silver ones.»

«Do you have any green ones this year? I'd trade you one of my dark sky stones for one of those. My niece is coming of age and I want something special for her.»

«It's a deal!»

"They're trading their jewels?" Molly asked.

"Well, it's not like they have money here. At least I've never seen any. It makes sense they'd trade other things of value, like gems and jewelry," Sarah replied.

"I guess you're right, Sarah. I wish I knew. Maybe I could find something worth trading for and bring something they might find valuable."

"I didn't know about this either. But if we ever come back, maybe we can get something then."

As Sarah looked around, she noticed most people appeared to be dressed nicer than usual. Most women wore dresses or light tops and skirts, and the few women that wore shoes appeared to wear wedge sandals. The men wore vests and tan pants.

Elsewhere, Raenna and a youngling teacher from the Ti worked together with a group of younglings in the two to four-year age range. Akuno stayed to watch as Emilina joined the group. Ahsoka opted to help Cayanna and another Ti instructor work with the younglings aged five to eight years old.

"We need to start Ullumbana off properly by making sure there's no evil spirits. It will be your job to help drive away the evil. Half of you will make akul masks and the others will drive away the akul with these beans," Raenna told the group. A large bowl of beans specifically designated for this particular custom stood on a table.

Although Emilina wasn't given the chance to make a mask, she appeared captivated by the morning's events so far.

"Are you looking forward to driving away the evil?" Akuno asked her.

Emilina nodded her head yes and smiled.

"In that case, let's show your family what you learned today when we're done."

Elsewhere, Tim and Da'Meon discussed the morning's events.

"I see everything is shaping up nicely. When will the ceremonies take place?" Tim asked.

"The more solemn ceremonies take place after the evening meal. We also try to end them before it gets too late, so that the Ti can return to their settlement before the akuls become active."

"That makes sense. Today almost seems like more of a festival with people gathering to exchange their goods or friendly conversation."

"That's why we interchangeably refer Ullumbana as 'the festival.' It's not just to remember the dead, but also a way to celebrate life at the same time."

"That's a good sentiment, especially for this summer. I don't know if you heard, but my mother—Sarah's grandmother—died recently. She was Sarah's last surviving grandparent."

"Yes, Sarah said that when you first arrived here. I will keep your mother in my thoughts tonight."

"Oh, that's right. With everything that happened last week, I couldn't remember. I still have a question, though. If this is a festival for your people, is it appropriate for us to remember the dead if they're human?"

Da'Meon nodded and replied, "This may not be the norm for our festival, but she was important to your family—and you are the mate of my cousin—so I will remember her as I would any of my other family members I plan to honor tonight."

"Kotisi," [thank you] Tim answered.

"You've learned some our language, I see."

"I know it's impossible for me to ever speak it fluently, but I wanted to learn a few important words or phrases—this being one of them."

"I'm truly impressed. But, I best be going. It's almost time for the midday meal, and I need to meet with the Ti chieftess."

"Very well," Tim replied, bowing respectfully.

Everyone except for Emilina sat down at a table and ate lunch. A short time later, Akuno and Emilina joined the group. Akuno gave Emilina a handful of beans and pointed towards her family.

"Rawr!" Emilina said, imitating an akul's growl as she threw beans at her father.

"Hey! What's that for, little one?" Tim asked.

"It's part of today's customs. We drive away evil spirits with the bean-throwing. Normally, someone dresses as an akul to represent the evil, and others throw beans at the akul, driving it—and the evil—away."

"Are you telling me I'm evil?"

Emilina giggled and threw another handful of beans at her father.

"Oof! I think you cast enough evil away from here, Emilina. Once you eat lunch, maybe you can find evil someplace else in need of driving away."

"Azi, are you and your sister OK?" Akuno asked.

"Yes father," Azielle replied softly. "Their festival has been very exciting so far."

"I found a gift for Shiri when she has her next life day," Kaama added.

As Sarah finished her lunch, she said, "I have to go. The warriors are having one last rehearsal before our exhibition tomorrow."

"Good luck, Sarah. Make us proud," Akuno told her.

Back with the warriors, Sarah listened to Zinubra's announcement.

"Welcome back. As you see, we have our warriors from the Ti with us today. We will be giving them a preview of tomorrow's exhibition and they will give us a preview of theirs. If we have time, we will start to work on our join exhibition where we join together for an exhibition to wrap up our festival."

"It's a pleasure to be here again," the Ti hunt master replied. "It's good to see new faces as well. The spirits of our past warriors should be honored to know you will represent them in the coming days."

"Alright. Let's show our guests a small sample of what we've been working on, shall we? On my signal?"

Just like dancing, Sarah reminded herself.

After they finished and the Ti showed a sample of their exhibition, Sarah asked, "Do the exhibitions mean anything?"

"A good question, Mighty Princess, as this is your first festival. As you know, we are hosting the Ti this year. Our exhibition is a symbolic way to welcome them as our guests for the festival. Their exhibition is a symbol of them accepting our hospitality and showing their gratitude for our continued cooperation with each other," Zinubra told her.

"Wow, that's awesome."

Before the evening meal began, Da'Meon addressed everyone. With two tribes assembled together, there appeared to be few—if any—open seats left. However, both tribes' members intermingled as if they interacted with each other on a daily basis.

"It's my pleasure as chief of the Tano to welcome everyone for the start of Ullumbana," he said.

Everyone cheered and applauded loudly.

"This year's Ullumbana is a special one as it marks the first one with Iria as the chieftess of the Ti. I look forward to working with her to ensure her first Ullumbana as chieftess pleases the spirits of those who passed and those whom we honor in the coming days."

Iria stood beside Da'Meon and said, "Thank you, Da'Meon. It's a great honor to join you as leader of my people. Just as I promised to continue to maintain our peaceful accord—one that has existed without treaty—I look forward to this festival and learning more about the teamwork that we've shown for as long as I can remember. May our celebration be one of great honor."

Finally, both Da'Meon and Iria spoke together, saying, «May we honor the spirits by showing honor to others.»

Once Ahsoka finished eating, she looked to see if Sarah was done as well.

"Sarah, come with me, there's something I want to do with you," Ahsoka said.

"OK, mom," Sarah replied.

The two walked to a table in what was the front of the central gathering area—a table reserved for each tribe's leaders and elders.

"Ahsoka, Sarah, how are you tonight?" Da'Meon asked.

"We're fine, but I came here to spoke to the Ti chieftess. With what I've learned about tradition, I didn't realize the Ti had a female chief."

"The Ti may be a simple tribe as any other, sister, but anyone that shows the traits of a leader is recognized by our people. Perhaps other tribes find the idea of a chieftess unsettling, but the Ti have accepted me as they have our prior leaders," Iria replied.

"Of course. I meant no disrespect."

"None taken, my sister. Besides, Da'Meon's eldest is female. Perhaps she will become your next leader when the time comes," Iria added with a small smile.

"Perhaps. Anyways, This is my daughter, Sarah. My other daughter and mate are finishing their meal. The last time I was here, I heard the news that you lost Shaak Ti. I never had the chance to offer proper condolences, so we wish to do that now."

"That was over two standard years ago. Why now?"

"I normally don't stay with the tribe, and this is my first chance to do this since then."

Iria blinked her navy blue eyes before she said, "In that case, your condolences are appreciated. It's good that you returned in time to observe our people's customs and celebrate Ullumbana with us. I challenge you and your family to remember the spirits of our past warriors in hopes we all join them someday."

"Thank you. And may you be a successful leader—and elder—for the Ti."

"Thank you, sister."

"I look forward to this, too. I'll even be part of the exhibitions," Sarah said.

"Most impressive. Sarah, it was?"

"Yes."

"If this is your first Ullumbana, Sarah, you already seem to have grasped the spirit of the festival. I hope this won't be your last."

Sarah smiled in response to Iria's comments.

"Let's go, Sarah. I think it's time to get ready for the opening of the festival."

As Ahsoka and Sarah left to rejoin their family, a teen male from the Ti watched Sarah walk by.

"Sharl?" the teen's father asked. "Sharl, are you going to answer me?"

"Sorry, father," Sharl replied. "That girl looked very lovely. I've never seen her before."

"She looks a little young for you, judging from her lekku. Besides, I want you to tell me if you want to help me with my tracking lessons tomorrow."

"Of course, father. I wouldn't miss that for anything. I want to be known for my tracking skills, too."

"Just like your father, grandfather, and his father before him."

At dusk, the central area had been transformed. Small lanterns that seemed to hover in mid air lit up a path to the central area and a makeshift stage.

"Although the Ti must leave soon so they return to their settlement in time, we will mark the beginning of Ullumbana's sacred opening with our customary music."

Musicians played flute-like instruments made from hollow akul bones and banged stick-like instruments together. Individuals from each tribe gathered together to sing a song that included each alternating lines before they sang the conclusion together.

As the music ended, everyone applauded. However, everyone left in silence. Sarah didn't understand the abrupt silence. However, she said nothing, not wanting to disturb anyone. Still, she felt as if the mood had suddenly changed.

Because the guest hut had a larger front room than his own hut did, Akuno brought his family to the guest hut. His family carried various items the others didn't recognize. Akuno silently beckoned for everyone to wait outside for a moment. Akuno placed three small bowls outside the doorway. Kaama poured a liquid into one of them. In another, Azielle placed a sweet cake made from milled turu-grass seeds and red beans—the same beans used in the earlier ceremony in which Emilina participated. Finally, Shiri placed a small slice of thimiar meat into the third bowl. With that done, Akuno nodded, and motioned for everyone to enter the hut. He then produced a few candles from a pouch and carefully lit them.

"Thank you for honoring our tradition that we begin this portion of each night's ceremony in silence. Normally, there are parts that would be spoken in our language. With some of you not speaking it fluently, we will conduct it in Basic so that you may understand and appreciate it more," Akuno told everyone.

"First, let me begin by explaining what happened outside. As we remember our dead, we want to be prepared should they choose to honor us with their presence. The food we left outside is a symbolic meal to let them know they are welcome here—welcome to rest and be part of our celebration should they desire."

Ghosts eat? Sarah thought. She looked over at Emilina. The toddler fluttered her eyes some, but she looked determined to remain awake for whatever ceremony took place.

"Ullumbana is a celebration of themes. Tonight, our theme is the past, and we take time to remember the warriors in our family's past that they may have an honorable afterlife and that we may strive to do the same. Please take a moment to silently remember those that went before us."

I have to remember our parents, Ahsoka thought. I wish I knew more about them, but knowing they died as warriors means they deserve to be recognized.

I remember my parents. Although it took them time, I'm grateful for the time they had with their granddaughters, no matter how short it was. I can only hope Sarah can realize that completing her training and her graduation will please her grandparents, even if only in spirit, Tim thought.

I'm not sure what to think about, Molly thought. We're not warriors at home, but I'm sure I have relatives that did great things. I guess they deserve some kind thoughts tonight.

Emilina, although too young to truly understand the ceremony, appeared to scrunch her face up as if she thought about something as well.

Sarah thought for a minute, but she interrupted the silence.

"Uncle Akuno, may I ask a question?"

"Of course, Sarah. That's one way to learn, no?" Akuno replied.

"Can I remember my grandparents tonight even though they're human? My grandma died not too long ago."

"I don't see a reason why not. They may not have been warriors, but if you think they lived honorably, then go ahead and think of them."

After giving Sarah a chance to think about her grandparents, Akuno spoke again.

"May the dead we remember today and the spirits of all warriors past enjoy the rewards of the great afterlife. For the next part, I'll ask you to repeat what I say. May the spirits watch over us and guide us."

"May the spirits watch over us and guide us," everyone repeated.

"May we be mindful of the lessons we learned and strive for honor every day."

The rest of the group repeated the line.

"May we live in a way that people will remember us when we become spirits."

Once again, the group repeated the line Akuno recited.

Akuno asked Sarah and Azielle to help him blow out the candles.

"Just as these candles extinguish, our own lives will end some day. Although death is inevitable, we can still live on in others' memories, if we give them reason to remember us."

Akuno and his family gathered the items they brought.

"Tim, can you put Emilina to bed? I need to do something else tonight," Ahsoka said.

"Sure," he replied.

As Akuno and his family prepared to return to their hut for the night, Ahsoka stopped her brother.

"Ahsoka? What's wrong? Was it the ceremony?" he asked.

"No, it's not that. I found it quite beautiful. It wasn't the same, but it reminded me of the service we had when Tim's mother passed away. I have something I want to ask you—something I've wanted to know ever since you came back."

"So ask. I'll be happy to tell you."

"Can you tell me anything else about our parents?"

Akuno looked at his sister and took a deep breath.

"I've told you all I can tell you already," he conceded.

"You can't tell me anything more about who they were or what they were like—or even their names?"

"I'm afraid not, Ahsoka. Remember, I was only five standard years old when they died. I didn't know any of that information. I was simply too young."

Ahsoka looked down at the ground and began to cry.

Akuno hugged his sister warmly and told her, "There now, don't do that. Our parents died with honor, remember?"

Ahsoka looked up and made eye contact with Akuno.

"It's not that. Ever since my first trip to Shili almost four years ago, I've wanted to get Sarah more interested in her Togruta self. I've wanted so much to be able to tell her more about her family, especially her Tano grandparents, but I haven't been able to tell her anything. And it's not just her; I've wanted it for me, too. I have no memories of our parents, Akuno; none. Anything I could learn would help me learn more about myself. How can I set an example for Sarah to embrace her heritage if I can't do it?"

Ahsoka's words and reactions shocked Akuno.

"I had no idea you felt this way. If I did, I would have never questioned your upbringing when we first met. You have no idea how much I wish I could help you and your family, but I can't tell you what you want to know."

"It's OK," Ahsoka whispered. "At least we get to meet each other. If the rest of this festival is just as impressive as tonight, I'll be glad our paths crossed."

"Indeed. I do hope on the last day, you'll tell us about your life over the years. That way, we can preserve your story."

"Only if you keep it a secret. I can't let too many people know who I am. It could endanger any of us if the wrong people know I survived."

"You have my word, Ahsoka. I will tell my family not to share anything about you to others."

"Even if your tribe asks what you've been doing with the Tano?"

"Hmm, that may pose a problem, but I hope to find a solution before then."

Ahsoka nodded. "I might not tell you everything, but I'll tell you the important parts."

"Thank you. I should retire, though. It is late, and I want to see what my daughters thought about today."

Ahsoka nodded, replying, "I should do the same and see what Sarah and Molly thought."

"We will see each other tomorrow. Fear not, Ahsoka, you will learn more of your heritage, even if it's not what you thought or hoped for during your stay."

"Thanks, and good night."

With Emilina sound asleep in her cot, Sarah prepared to change for the night and turned her back to Molly.

"What did you think of tonight?" Sarah asked.

"I don't know what to think, Sarah. It was kind of sad to think about dead family members, but it was also kind of cool how we did it—if that makes any sense."

"I think I know what you mean. I didn't realize we got to repeat stuff at the ceremony."

"Me either. I wonder what they left outside, though, besides the thimiar meat."

"I don't know. Maybe you can ask Uncle Akuno tomorrow."

"OK, I will."

As Sarah picked up her datapad again and resumed her latest journal entry, she said "I can't believe Emi is conked out already."

"I can," Molly replied, "She barely stayed awake for the ceremony. She really struggled to stay awake at the end."

"Yeah. I just wish we could come back and celebrate is again when she's older and can understand what we're doing."

"Maybe she will."

"I don't know. I still don't think it's completely safe yet to be coming here all the time. I don't think mom wants to start coming here all the time yet."

"Stay positive, Sarah. Someday, you'll have the chance. Or, you can always teach her yourself."

Sarah nodded, replying, "I can't wait to see what else happens this week."

"Oh, that reminds me. Good luck tomorrow."

"Thanks, Molly. Oh, hey. Today is the 12th back home. It's Master Del's birthday."

"Cool. I wonder what she's doing."

"Me too. I hope she did something fun and didn't stress out over wedding plans."

Molly nodded and yawned. I'm ready to go to sleep. See you in the morning, Sarah."

"Good night, Molly."