Earth Date: 2030-08-14

Before eating breakfast, Tim caught up to Da'Meon.

"Tim, is something wrong? I haven't seen you run up to me, except when Sarah was missing."

"Actually, nothing is wrong—quite the contrary. I have a question to ask you. I'd like to renew my wedding vows tomorrow with a brief mating ceremony of sorts tomorrow, if that's possible."

"Hmm, I've never heard of people renewing their vows before," Da'Meon replied, rubbing his chin.

"I'll admit it's more of an earth custom, but I figured that professing vows here might show our interest in Shilian customs while reaffirming our relationship."

"The idea is intriguing. How about we do it tomorrow before the midday meal?"

"That will be fine. Ahsoka's brother has already accepted the role of advocate, so all that's left is to come up with vows and making sure we both dress our best."

"Very good. Say, that reminds me. Young Emilina was never officially introduced as part of the tribe. Perhaps we can do that as well and make this a true celebration of family."

"Even better! Thanks," Tim replied, bowing respectfully to Da'Meon before rejoining his family and Molly.

"What was that about?" Ahsoka asked.

"That surprised I told you about. It's set for tomorrow just before the midday meal," Tim replied.

"Excellent. I'll make sure you're both ready for it when the time comes," Akuno said.

"Umm, hello? Is anyone going to tell me what's going on since it involves me?" Ahsoka asked.

"Tonight after our last Ullumbana ceremony," Tim promised.

Ahsoka sighed. Could she remain patient until then?

"Fine, but this better be worth it."

"I assure you, dear sister, that this is definitely worth the wait. It even impressed me," Akuno told Ahsoka.

"OK, but I'm still going to be curious until tonight."

"Me, too," Sarah interjected.

Once again, morning lessons saw younglings from both the Tano and Ti taught together in groups divided into age groups.

For Sarah and the other teens she sat with, the instructors expanded more on the rapport between the Ti and the Tano. Just as Sarah thought the lesson might be over, she noticed a familiar face joining their group.

The Ti in the group bowed as they said, "Iria!"

Sarah, not knowing if she was expected to do the same, bowed as well. I should respect her for being their leader, she thought.

"Yes. Today, I thought I would join you and give you a chance to ask any questions you might have about what it's like to be a leader."

"What was it like to be selected as leader?" One of the Ti asked.

"Very surprising. I believe most expected the Chief's heir apparent to assume his role, but when he declined, the position became open. I didn't expect to be nominated, nor did I expect the elders to offer me the position before anyone else. However, someone must have felt I was the right person. I'd like to think they made the right decision."

Sarah raised her hand and asked, "What happens when you become chieftess, or a new chief takes over?"

"You understand, leadership generally doesn't change very often, so it's considered a very solemn occasion—just not as solemn as Ullumbana," Iria replied with a small smile. "Given our relationship with the Tano, their chief and elders are always invited. And any neighboring tribes are welcome to observe as well. And, specific to our tribes, I met with Da'Meon and his elders within the first few days so to reaffirm our long-standing peace. Our people have cooperated for countless years. I wanted to assure the Tano that I would continue to uphold and honor that tradition. Also, our prior chief has now become an elder as he retired in good standing with our people—as most elders do."

"Is there anything hard about being a leader?" another individual asked.

"Leadership is always difficult, young one. My biggest challenge was that I wasn't as prepared for the role as a chief's heir may be. Thankfully, the tribe elders helped me get through my first months, and I'm indebted for their support. That makes it important to show respect for your leader, even if you may disagree. For if you ever become chief or chieftess some day, your predecessor may very well be an elder whose advice and wisdom you seek. I have time for one more question before I move on."

A female Ti asked, "How hard is it to make decisions as our chieftess?"

"Many decisions are simple: who teachers our younglings? How many warriors should serve as sentinels? Other decisions are more difficult. Sometimes, what I feel may be best is not the best decision for the tribe as a whole. It's easy to succumb to the temptation of individualism. But I always have to put my people first. I'm sure you have more questions, but I'd like to go visit more of our younglings before the day's festivities. Enjoy the rest of your day."

After Iria left, Sarah said, "That was nice of her to do that."

"Our people work together quite often. I imagine she wants to be sure we are ready to do so when we're in positions of authority," one of her impromptu classmates replied.

"Yes, I remember our storyteller talking about that. I think she said our tribes have been friends for like five generations or something."

"Indeed. And despite being separated by the river, we are close enough to each other to help out when large number of akuls threaten either of us. If they target us, we can alert the Tano, and they alert us in turn."

"What's considered a large number?" Sarah asked curiously.

"I'm not a warrior as you are, but my grandfather once told us he was party to a group defending our tribes from seven akuls."

Sarah gulped. Three was bad enough when we hunted by ourselves, she thought.

"Your reaction is justified, larger numbers tend to be more aggressive. My grandfather still sports scars from a deep scratch he received that day. That's why we quickly make the call for assistance when we know we need it."

"OK, everyone," one of the instructors announced. "It's almost time for our midday meal. So let's get ready for that and our afternoon tasks."

After lunch, Sarah worked with the warriors that would perform the joint exhibition later that night.

"Tonight's exhibition is not just intended to show our people working together, but it's also a closing ceremony of sorts because today is the final day of Ullumbana," Zinubra stated. "And what better way to conclude than with a reminder of our continued teamwork? OK, my colleague and I will pair you up and we will work on tonight's presentation. It's similar to yesterday's, but without the spears."

Elsewhere, Molly looked around the central area again. However, there were fewer people exchanging their goods and crafts.

Maybe nobody has anything left to trade, Molly thought.

As she walked, she happened to encounter Kaama.

"Oh, hello there," Molly said.

"H.. hello," Kaama replied softly and nervously.

"What are you doing?"

Kaama's lekku stripes darkened some before she finally answered, "I'm working on something for tomorrow."

"Oh, that surprise thing? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Thank you."

"If it's OK to say it, it looks nice, though."

"That's kind of you. My mother taught me how to do this. I've tried to teach my own daughters, but Azielle isn't too interested. Fortunately, Shiri likes to help me when she can."

"Everybody is different," Molly stated.

"I suppose so."

"Molly! There you are. I need to sew this old dress of mine, and I thought you might like to help," Shalene said.

"I'd love to. Mom is going to be impressed to hear what I learned."

Maybe she'll finally stop freaking out all the time, Molly thought.

As Sarah looked at her dinner nervously, an aura of excitement rippled through the central meeting area as people looked forward to the night's activities.

"Something wrong?" Ahsoka asked.

"I'm just nervous. Tonight's our big exhibition with the Ti, and I want to do a good job," Sarah replied.

"You'll be fine, Sarah," Akuno told her. "You've already proven yourself as a warrior and you showed you belong with how well you did yesterday."

"Thanks, Uncle Akuno, but I'm still nervous."

"You were just as nervous before you earned your headdress, and you still did it. If you can accomplish that, you can do anything," Ahsoka told Sarah.

"I suppose your right."

"Your mom is right, princess. You're very smart and learn things quickly. Just relax, stay focused, and you'll be fine."

Sarah nodded, but she thought, I tried to stay focused when Master Del let me try building a lightsaber, but I still failed.

As nightfall engulfed Shili, a cool breeze in the scrub lands made it less humid inside the Tano settlement. Still, the musicians that played soft music occasionally sipped water and wiped their brows. Tonight, a small fire was lit on the other side of the stage from the musicians. It wasn't as large as a bonfire, and it was contained within a metal enclosure to keep it from burning out of control.

Akuno and his family sat down with Tim, Ahsoka, Molly, and Emilina. Tonight, Emilina insisted on sitting in Molly's lap.

"Are you ready to see your sister again?" Molly asked.

«Where is she?» Emilina asked.

"Emilina, Molly doesn't speak our language. You have to speak English to her," Ahsoka reminded her daughter.

"What did she say?" Molly asked.

"She's asking where Sarah is."

"I imagine she'll be coming soon. If you want, you can wave to her when she comes out."

Soon thereafter, the music stopped. Da'Meon and Iria took to the stage and addressed everyone.

"I'm proud to say my first Ullumbana as chieftess of the Ti has been a successful one. I'm pleased to see our people work together and share this celebration together. I eagerly look forward to next year's celebration when we welcome to Tano to celebrate with us."

"Iria, it has been a pleasure to welcome you and the Ti to celebrate with us once again. We look forward to celebrating with you next year as a sign of our continued friendship and cooperation."

Iria bowed and those gathered applauded.

"As one last sign of our rapport, a number of our warriors shall perform a combined exhibition," Da'Meon added.

Spotting Sarah in the group walking on stage, Emilina waved. She also yawned, yet remained determined to watch her sister perform.

Once again, the musicians played music with heavy drumbeats. Although warriors from each tribe began the exhibition apart from each other, they quickly intermingled and paired up, making gestures and dance-like movements representing the friendship and teamwork found within each tribe and collectively between the two.

The more experienced warriors in the group did more complex and ornate dances. Everyone watched as they spun and jumped skillfully on one leg.

The exhibition was such that few noticed one of the Tano warriors go up to the fire and place a treated stick into it. All eyes suddenly focused on him as he briskly walked to the center stage and then acted as if he was eating the fire and spitting it out.

The exhibition ended with more dancing and sung words in Togruti. As the music stopped, the warriors froze in place with their arms outstretched to the sky.

After a moment, the crowed showed their appreciation with loud cheers and a standing ovation.

"Thank you everyone for being part of this year's Ullumbana. May you enjoy peace and success in the coming year," Da'Meon told everyone.

With that, Ullumbana officially ended, aside from those observing the individual ceremonies with their families.

Da'Meon and Iria both looked on curiously as three individuals walked up to the stage. Iria looked over at Da'Meon, but the latter simply smiled.

"It's OK, these are friends—new friends," he assured her. Turning to face the others, he said, "Thiros, what a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see you."

"I'm sure. Our festivities ended earlier today, and I wished to see you once more. Are you still with your other tribe," Thiros replied.

"Yes, this is Iria, chieftess of the Ti. As you've seen, we've just finished our festivities. Iria, this is Thiros, chief of the Zalanos."

"Oh yes, I remember you telling me about them two rotations ago. These are your new allies. Thiros, because of your treaty with the Tano, you're more than welcome to establish peaceful relations with the Ti. However, I hope another treaty won't be necessary."

Thiros gestured respectfully, answering, "Da'Meon has emphasized your peaceful rapport to me. As there is no malice or dishonor between our tribes, I'm willing to accept your offer. Perhaps we can discuss that in the coming days."

"That won't be necessary, as I now consider you allies. However, you're more than welcome to visit us and take time to acquaint yourself with our people. We can also discuss ways that we may be able to help each other, even if there is more of a distance between us, as compared to the Tano."

"And perhaps eventually, they may join us for Ullumbana and alternate as hosts as well," Da'Meon suggested.

"With such a large crowd, it may be better to let your people host if you can accommodate the larger crowds," Thiros replied.

"We can discuss that another time. I must return with my people before it gets too late—as you probably should as well."

"Indeed. Still, it was good to meet you. May this be the first of many meetings between our people."

"And may the spirits bless all of us on this night dedicated to the future," Iria stated.

With the traditional food and drink left outside, Akuno sat down on the floor inside the guest hut.

"First let me say you did a good job representing your tribe and your family, Sarah. You have every right to be proud," he said.

After a brief round of applause, Sarah replied, "Thanks. I learned a lot these past few days, and I had fun being asked to perform for everyone—even if it was a lot of work."

"Before I continue, I'm sure you want to know what was said at the end of the performance. In Basic, the words were 'We are a light for our people. May we shine brightly for everyone.'"

"Cool," Sarah replied before she stopped herself. "Sorry, Uncle Akuno, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"It's OK, Sarah. I imagine this has been an interesting experience. I hope it more than makes up for what happened before we met."

Sarah nodded her head yes.

"Anyways, the words lead into tonight's theme. Tonight, we reflect on the future. It's not enough to remember those who passed before us or to live with honor today. Part of our daily challenge is to set a good example and teach the next generation what they need to know to take our place when the time comes."

That sounds like our Jedi training, Molly thought. She looked over at Emilina and thought, I wonder who will teach her when the time comes?

"Not everybody is a teacher in the strict sense, but we can be a good example to one another—our mates, our friends, and especially our younglings. We all learn from one another. And we never know who may be watching us, even tonight."

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked.

"Some people believe that there are what we call muuti—ghost-born children—that have the ability to sense, or even see, the ghosts that may choose to visit us during Ullumbana."

"Can they communicate with them?"

"I've never experienced one, myself, so I can only say what legend tell us. Some believe they can see them; others think it's possible to interact. I'll let you all decide for yourselves what's possible."

"What do you think?" Molly asked.

"As I said, I've never experienced it, but I'd like to believe anything is possible. After all, I'm sure you've had your own mysterious experiences."

Molly nodded.

"At this point, our ceremonies are over, but I want to point out that Ullumbana is more than a festival that remembers the departed. It's also a reminder that how we live is important so that we can be judged worthy of recognition and receive our just rewards when we pass. Let's take a moment to reflect on the past few days."

After a pause, Akuno said, "And that ends our observation of Ullumbana until next year."

Kaama and Azielle blew out the candles as Tim, his family, and Molly looked on silence. With all the candles extinguished, Ahsoka looked at her brother.

"OK, now that it's over, will you tell me what's going on tomorrow?" she asked.

"As I told my family earlier, you will want wear your best clothes tomorrow afternoon," Akuno replied.

"What's so important that we need to dress so formal?"

Tim took Ahsoka's hand and gently kissed it.

"We're going to be renewing our wedding vows tomorrow, albeit more in line with local traditions."

"Tim is right. It will be a mating ceremony, only shorter since you're already mates."

Sarah, hearing the words "mating ceremony," shuddered slightly.

"We better go. We have a busy day tomorrow," Akuno said.

"Good night, Uncle Akuno," Sarah replied.

"Good night Sarah," Azielle and Shiri stated.

Having changed for the night, Sarah recorded another journal entry. Noticing the low battery power, she kept the entry short so she could still make one or two more entries.

As she turned off her datapad, Molly asked, "What's wrong?"

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked in reply.

"You shuddered like something was wrong. And the tips of your tails twitched."

Sarah sighed softly, not wanting to wake her sister.

"I really don't like them calling weddings 'mating ceremonies.'"

"Why not?"

Sarah's lekku stripes darkened as she said, "Well, it makes me think about... you know... intimate stuff."

"Oh! Well, I don't think that's going to happen tomorrow, so you'll have nothing to worry about."

"I used to feel that way... then they had Emi."

"You'll be fine, Sarah," Molly assured Sarah.

"You're probably right. I just prefer to think of tomorrow as a wedding."

In the next room, Ahsoka snuggled closer to her husband.

"Tonight's new definitely surprised me. What prompted you to think of that? I figured maybe you'd that for our 20th anniversary. Why before our 17th?"

"You've been more affectionate since you've been here, so it seemed like it would be a good idea to show you how much I love you. Besides, I wanted to show my own interest in your customs. Plus, I want to show your brother how committed we are to each other in terms and customs he understands."

Kissing her husband's cheek, Ahsoka gave a teasing smile and replied, "Sometimes you amaze me."

"Akuno is going to help me with what I should know since he's my advocate. I think it's equivalent to best man, although I think he'll also be giving you away. Cayanna will be helping you, so you'll want to see her tomorrow morning."

Ahsoka nodded as she put an arm around Tim's chest.

"Oh, and one more thing, Soka. Da'Meon said something about a welcome ceremony for Emilina—something you couldn't do last time since you had to come home right away."

"Oh, OK. I just hope people don't mind our family being recognized so much tomorrow."

"Why's that?"

"Everyone seems largely accepting of us, but I hope nobody thinks less of either of us for marrying because you're human."

"There's always that chance. But remember that my own parents' disapproval didn't stop us. So, there's no reason to feel any different tomorrow. Besides, Akuno mentioned Emilina had no problems fitting in, which surprised and impressed me given her rather obvious patch of hair."

"I suppose your right. If my brother can accept us after what he first said, that's more important."

Tim kissed Ahsoka's head in the space between her montrals.

"Good night," he whispered.