Chapter Title: New Friends

Series Title: Unlikely Brothers

POV: Dashen

Ages in this chapter: Tanner (15) Dashen (21)

Chapter Summary: A job takes the boys to the planet of Kembar Lune where Tannerlin runs into a few other Jedi-in-hiding.


Author note: This stems from a series of stories I did a few years back with the three Jedi, T'narr Kresson, Jaythen Talari and Kaai Dajani. Jedi who had disengaged from the Jedi Order (before the Purge) to live out their lives on a planet called Kembar Lune.


"Your sense of direction sucks, Tanner. You know that, right?"

"I won't tell you again, Dash, that the Force is not a compass. Even if I was fully trained, unless the person or object we are looking for is surrounded by it, we're better off navigating by the angle of the sun."

"Yeah well, guess what, Mr. Sunshine? It's cloudy."

I shoved Tanner, knocking him off-step for a second. He pushed me back. I stumbled. He couldn't use the Force for navigating, but he could increase his shove strength with it.

Damn Jedi.

"This is your job. I'm only here for… what am I here for anyway? To keep you out of trouble, that's what Colton said. He made me come with you. I could have thought of much better ways to use my week off of school, you know."

"Yes, locked in your room with your nose stuck in those old paperbound books. That is not anyone's idea of fun by the way."

"It's relaxing."

"You need to get out more, Mouse. Seriously, you do."

I got the evil eye for that comment. Tanner's pale brown's peering through his long brown bangs. All that brown. All the hiding in his room. He tended to live up to the nickname I'd given him. But… that was a battle for another time. We were here for a reason. Or I was anyway. To retrieve several bags of rare herbs from some old healer guy. Grunley, one of my regular clients, gave me this run. It was completely legit and legal, unlike some of my jobs, so Tanner couldn't complain about my venturing into criminal activity on this trip. Therefore, no arguing about 'to thieve or not to thieve'. Never to worry though, we always found something stupid to bicker about. As brothers, it was our official right, and at times we took full advantage of it.

Times such as now. I shoved him again. He shoved me back.

"Didn't Colton give you a holo-map?"

"He did. I left it home. How difficult can it be to find some hundred year old healer wandering around with bags of twigs and leaves?"

Force push this time. "You really are an idiot, Dash."

"Takes one to know one, right, little brother?"

Yes, it went on. Another twenty minutes actually. People stared at us and those walking past, kept a distance. They rode horses here, not land speeders. That was different. A bit backwards, perhaps? They did have small spaceports,

so the planet wasn't foreign to the galaxy around them. Technology, however, as a major part of every day life, appeared to have passed Kembar Lune right on by, or it was rejected. Either way, I was beginning to think that it might not be all that easy to find this old man healer. I mean, there were a lot of old people here. Everywhere actually.

"This place looks like one of those old folks homes. I ache just watching these people. I feel the need to limp and hunch over when I walk." Tanner whapped me in the head. "What? Look around, kid. It's a sea of gray and hobbled peoples and…I'll never find that healer guy in this crowd."

The both of us about jumped out of our skin as we turned a corner. A very tall, very thin, very gray and very old man was suddenly in front of us.

"Good morning, Gentlemen."

"What the hell? Damn it, man! Don't do that. Where'd you come from? Give me heart failure, why don't you!"

"Not medically possible from a simple startle. You should watch your surroundings, especially on a strange planet. Especially you, young one." With a poke of a long aged finger in the chest, he nodded towards Tanner whose eyes had gone wide. He was getting that stupid, excited, silly look on his face again. At fifteen, it made him look years younger. He knew something, or sensed something. This old guy. This guy…oh no. Oh no no no no and no. Not again.

Tanner nudged my shoulder with his. "Dash, he's…a…"

"Don't say it. Please don't say it. You know for an extinct order of people, you guys sure seem to pop out of the woodwork at the oddest of times. But of course, you've made his day and he doesn't even know you."

The old man smiled. More at the kid than at me. Figures. I'll just start dragging Tanner with me to strange planets to see how many more of these damn Jedi will magically appear out of the earth to annoy the crap out of me. At least... maybe this guy could be of help?

"So, um, Sir," I said, trying to be nicer than I started off. "Since you are here, and not planning on killing us, I hope, I'm looking for an old healer named Me'da. I'm supposed to buy some sticks and leaves from him. You know, magic hoo-do stuff. Spooky. Yeah. Anyway, you know where I can find him?"

This time, I got an elbow to the ribs from my brother. "Dash, how about you introduce yourself first and then start begging for help? Remember, manners? You used to have some."

"Sure, I remember them. Sorry. My name is Dashen Lesedi. This here is my brother Tannerlin Vai Lesedi."

The tall man cocked his head to the left and turned his dark blue eyes to Tanner again. "Tannerlin Vai?"

Tanner took the lead now, which was fine, because I think I'd just lost him. The man new his name. "Yes, sir."

"You were the apprentice of Ayden Yen, were you not?"

Oh crap. Not only did Old Man Jedi here know what Tanner was, he knew his long dead master too! That's it. I couldn't deal with this 'Random Jedi of our Lives' holo-drama anymore. I wasn't ever leaving my apartment again. I'd just hold up and become a mouse or something. I sighed. It's all I could do. Meanwhile, Tanner's face lit up like a damn bonfire.

"Yes, sir! Did you know Master Ayden?"

"I did. Very well. My name is Kaai Dajani. Ayden told me of you. You and I never met of course, but I knew the day he decided to take you as an apprentice. It was quite the day. I can share a few stories with you if you'd like, unless of course the two of you need to continue your loud meandering and bickering through the remainder of the village."

Okay, a slam at me, I was sure. Tanner was ready to swap war stories with Grandpa here and I still hadn't found the reason I was on Kembar Lune in the first place.

"We can bicker anywhere actually." My smart ass mouth said. "It's what we do. I think maybe it's a right of brothers to bicker constantly and for no apparent reason." I glanced around at passersby, looking for the old healer man with the herbs. No go. "Mr. Kaai, you wouldn't happen to know where this healer named guy is, would you? Because we're on a job and it means money for our pockets. And the longer it takes the less money comes my way. So, can you spill the beans on his whereabouts?"

"I can and don't call me mister. I'm an old man and don't need to be reminded of it further."

Tanner, always the better diplomat, moved forward the conversation and took care of the situation. "Master Kaai, my brother and I are here to make a pick up from the healer, Mr. Me'da. Could you show where to locate him?"

"Right and don't call me master either. Again, the age thing. We're old, we know it. No need to rub it in. Got it? And yes I can point you to Me'da. He is the village Shaman. Always nearby. And… did you say brother?"

Uh oh. Was that a bad thing? Wait, how could that be a bad thing? Family was a good thing, right? Damn it! One hour on this planet and I was already confused and annoyed. I left Tanner in charge for a while. He seemed to be the one able to talk without saying something stupid or being a smart ass.

"Mas… Kaai. Dashen is my brother since I was nine. Since…the purge. Saved my life and took care of me when I most needed it." A warm smile drifted sideways in my direction as the kid took up for his foolish brother. Then he moved on. "We would like to see Me'da if you wouldn't mind helping us?"

Kaai nodded and gave us a snort. "I can see why you bring him along, Dashen Lesedi. Clearly he's the diplomat in the family. Come along then. Me'da is just under your noses, but at the rate you two were going, you'd be lucky if you ever did find him. Follow me, boys."

—-

Healer. Shaman. Medicine Man. Doctor. Whatever you wanted to call him, we found Me'da, exchanged the bartering bag of medicines that we'd brought for the three bags of herbs and were on our way. Two hours on planet and we were ready to go home. Not bad. Might be a new record for me. I enjoyed the thought for about thirty seconds and then realized there was no possible way we were actually leaving this place yet. After all, here there be Jedi! Evidently more than just the lone ancient one we'd found. Kaai told us there were two others. His former apprentice and then that one's former apprentice. The three of them had retired here, retired from the Jedi. Who knew they could do that? I thought once in, you were a lifer. Guess not. They were here on Kembar Lune during the Jedi Purge, far enough away and long enough divorced from the Jedi Order to be too much of a blimp on the Emperor radar. At least so far.

Tanner had found more of his old life. Much like we'd stumbled on Ben Kenobi a few years back, finding out there were three other Jedi alive and well, my brother most likely felt as if he'd won one of those crazy gambling lotteries. So, I didn't have it in my heart to drag him away just yet. Putting a call into Colton, he would relay the message to Grunley that my trip home would be delayed but that I did retrieve the herbs. Grunley would moan and groan and dock my pay, but he was a good guy. He'd only hate me for a few days. This was more important. Tanner didn't have much in his life. His schooling. A few school friends. Colton. Me. An occasional visit to Ben. He was a happy kid though, not the hum and drum of most fifteen year olds. He was a good kid too. The best. Moments like this, he deserved.

—-

We sat in the large kitchen of the main house of the Jedi Yee Ya Ranch or whatever they wanted to call it. No, that wasn't the name, but it had houses, horses, fences, crops and barns. I'd heard the term 'ranch' before on planets mostly known for farming, but this was the first time I'd actually seen it.

There were four houses, or cabins really. A center house, larger than the others, and three that fanned out to the southwest. Beyond that was another building. Lightsaber practice is what Kaai said that was for. Keep in training and keep hidden and safe all the while. Smart! Something Tanner hadn't been able to do in the years since he'd come to be part of my family… de-rust on the saber training thing. Yeah, the kid was going to love it here. Perhaps too much.

We'd met Kaai of course. He claimed to be around 125 years old. A long lived race. His former apprentice was T'narr Kresson. Another who looked better than he should at his age. Mid 70's standard. Dark hair, grey eyes. Big guy. Not paper thin like Kaai, but tall and broad. The type that could probably toss me through a wall even without the use of the Force. I'd do well not to tick him off. The last of the Jedi group was the youngest. In his mid 30's, Jaythen Talari was the former apprentice of T'narr, a bit shorter than average, lean and thin, but with the same black hair and green eyes I had. His eyes told a story of a difficult childhood. I knew, because well…been there, done that. We all had that same look. Like me though, he'd used it to make him a stronger person and oh, he was quite the hugger. I swore I heard a few blood vessels in Tanner's neck pop when Jaythen squeezed him tight. Interesting welcome for a kid you've never in your life seen before. One day I'd figure these Jedi out. One day…long into the future.

The four of them yakked a long time. On occasion, I chipped in with a bit of conversation, but clearly I was out of my element here. The new crew accepted Tanner like he'd been a member of their family forever. I guess in a way he had. And it was good to see my brother happy. I often wondered if he truly was at home with me on Terra. He always claimed to be, but lies and mistruths aren't difficult if you know how to place them. I wasn't so sure now. This here was happy and I could see it pouring out of him at being able to warm up to his brand new Jedi family.

Only a half day into our journey here and I got the strange feeling that I might be going home alone. Two days into our journey here and I was almost positive that I'd be going home alone. Kaai and crew had offered Tanner to stay. They had the room. They had the freedom that he couldn't get at home as far as playing Force games. They could train him. Help him learn all the things he'd been desperate about since his master had died. They could offer him everything I couldn't. A wisp of sadness crossed my face and I excused myself from the table after dinner. Dinner by the way, that was home cooked. Fresh. Healthy. And damn good!

There was a nearby fenced area with several horses kicking up dust and nipping at the others. A small one, a baby, trotted over to the fence as I leaned against it. Animals tended to hate me, so I didn't trust him to not eat my fingers off. I let him nudge my fisted hand until was sure he hadn't given up his veggie ways of consuming only grass and grain. My hand set on his fuzzy face as Kaai stepped up next to me.

"This is Snap and he does eat fingers. Strange that he didn't try and remove yours. He must like you. He's not fond of any of us, but who can figure horses?"

"Well, I still have my fingers and he is beautiful. I can see how you guys got hooked on this place. A bit to rural for my tastes, I need more land speeder and less live stock, but to each his own."

"Your brother enjoys it."

"He does," I acknowledged quietly. "Too much perhaps."

"Something neither of you were expecting, I'm sure."

"Yeah. But, I have no true authority over Tanner. He's my brother, but not by blood or adoption. Just because. That gives him the freedom to choose his own life."

"Indeed. We would welcome him with open arms. We would also welcome you, Dashen."

Huh. Hadn't expected that one either. They clearly didn't know me very well. Few could appreciate my smart ass nature without trying to kill me. Colton was one. Tanner was the other. Kossi had been the first. And that was the list. Give me a month with these guys and I'd have them all trying to hunt me down with arrows and hatchets. Nah. This place wasn't for me in any way shape or form. Beautiful, peaceful, amazing… yes. But not me.

"As much as I appreciate that, I'd decline. I understand how you love this place, but as I said, I need more. Not to mention I have a job at home. A landlord that would probably kill me if I moved out after all he's done for Tanner and me. All my memories are there too. Of my past."

Kaai breathed out, clearing his throat. His pale aged hand patted my shoulder briefly. "Yes, Tanner gave us a brief glimpse about your past. Enough for us to understand. I am sorry such a thing happened to your parents. To your brother, Kossi."

I shrugged. "Thanks. All of this, it's up to Tanner. I can't make the decision for him to stay or to not. Kaai, I love my brother. I do. I have very little in my life that I give a crap about. I can count those things on one hand. Tanner is tops on that list. No matter his decision, I'll support it. He's earned any joy and contentment he's gotten from being here. He's a good kid. The best."

The hand fell away as Snap returned to gum at Kaai's long white hair. He pushed the colt away only to have his fingers almost taken off. "Damn creature! I never was a fan of horses. I got used to them, but this guy. He's quite the smart ass."

"Maybe that's why he likes me," I snorted and grinned. "We are kindred souls."

"Yeah, well take this beast home with you then."

"Not unless I can potty train him. I have a thing about foul-smelling land mines popping up on the floor of my apartment."

"You are an interesting creature yourself, Dashen. I see a lot of what you are just in these few days. Very much the opposite of Tanner, it's a wonder the two of you ever became anymore more than brief acquaintances. However, it says a lot about your and Tanner's character that you saw past those differences to form such a bond. Smart ass or no, it appears the Force drew the two of you together for a reason. It does work in mysterious ways."

There was emphasis on the end, as he waved a hand and lifted several nearby rocks. Substantially sized rocks, mind you. And with a simple twist of two fingers, he spun them into a completely controlled vortex, held it at level height for a minute and them set the rocks down one at a time without a sound or a tuft of dust. Impressive. And, he was probably right about all of this. Tanner and me, it wasn't coincidence, of that I was sure. There could have been some cosmic slap in the face for the both of us. Something that drove us together. And maybe that same thing was telling us now… time's up buddy! Back to reality. Back to alone. Sorry. Time to lose another brother! Huh. Fun.

"Anyway," Kaai finished. "The offer stands if Tanner chooses to stay. You are welcomed here. Always."

He left me with my thoughts and crappy emotions.

Emotions. Damn it. Maybe I was becoming a teenage girl. I was twenty-one. An adult. A grown man. I could handle someone walking out of my life.

But this wasn't someone. This was my brother. Well, not really my brother, but really… my brother.

—-

Tanner had a couple more days with the new Jedi clan. He'd gotten in some long desired lightsaber practice. I got the feeling he wasn't very good anymore, but the others, they could put any other wannabe swordsman to shame. I found it fascinating to watch. The sound alone was mesmerizing. Tanner got nipped on the shoulder and they called it quits for a while. The wound, superficial, but did require some minor patching up. I did the honors. It was something I was good at after all. We'd nicked ourselves quite often in these past six years. Basic first aid was almost second nature.

My healer duty done, Tanner and I wandered out to the fence again. Snap came barreling towards us, took a bite at the kid's fingers and then nuzzled up to mine.

"Ha! He really is a smart ass. Kaai thinks I should take him home."

"I don't think Colton would go for land mines on the floor of the apartment, Dash."

"Yeah, that's what I said. Eh, I didn't really want a pet anyway. A little brother was enough to take care of. At least you came potty trained."

We stood together and in silence for a few minutes. Shoulder to shoulder, sort of. I was still almost a head taller than him. Snap brought a mouthful of grass over to me and set it into my hand. I accepted his 'gift' and scratched his ears. Tanner tried to do the same and Snap again lived up to his name. Silly creature.

After the long moments of silence, Tanner finally broke it.

"You know I'm not staying, right?"

Huh?

"I'm not staying here."

Unexpected anyone? "You aren't?"

"Nope. I love it here. And Kaai, T'narr and Jaythen are great, but I have a life that I'm happy with at home. I've got school. Plans for the future. And I've got a brother there. You might know him. Tall. Dark hair. Kind of an idiot at times. Good guy though."

I shoved a shoulder into him. "Little brothers are such a pain, you know that? I figured you'd be taking up residence here. Kaai even offered it to me."

"He told me. I almost said yes. Almost. I can learn so much from them. We have so much in common. But at this point of the life I have now? That's not all that I want. I'm going to be a teacher, Dash. I won't waiver from that goal."

My eyes closed briefly in relief. Although I'd put on a brave façade about Tanner possibly staying here to live, under that facade? I felt sick. We're talking on the verge of puking sick, not just a few butterflies. I'd lost one brother. I had no desire to lose another. Giving his shoulder length hair a tug in the back, I said, "You'll make one hell of a teacher, Mouse. Whoever those kids are, they'll be the lucky ones."

"And I bet they won't insist on referring to me as a rodent either."

"Eh, well. It is a big brother's prerogative to annoy the younger. I take that job very seriously." Another tug. "And you still do have this thing for brown. Hair, eyes, hell, even your clothes tend towards the color."

I got an eye roll for that one as Snap returned to nudge then bite at Tanner's hand. Then the horse snorted his nose into mine. Apparently, he'd adopted me as his buddy now. Too bad I'd have to leave him soon. Tickling the nose, I turned back to Tanner. "You told your pals in there your decision?"

He shrugged. "Not yet, but I think they know. T'narr commented on how much you and I complement each other with our bickering. He said a pair like that is close to inseparable. Kaai thinks Master Ayden is responsible for us. Somehow."

"Never know. All that magic crap you guys do. It's bound to get something right eventually. Oh, Colton called. Asking if for a time frame for return. I guess jobs are lining up and me being out of commission for these days is irritating him." At the thought, my teeth showed in my grin. "He even growled at me on the comm." I did enjoy a good Virgil Colton irritation now and then. "So, if you've made your decision, we can leave anytime. The space port isn't but an hour's walk from here."

Tanner stuck a small twig out and tapped Snap's nose with it. The colt promptly ate the twig and started for his fingers. He laughed. We both did. I think the horse even laughed. Then Tanner turned toward me, moving away from the fence.

"One more day, huh? We'll leave tomorrow evening?"

"Whatever you need, little brother. Shall we go break the non-news to the Jedi clan in there?"

—-

We really didn't have to break any news of any kind. Kaai greeted Tanner with a hug and then squeezed the kid's face in his pale bony hands. "We will miss you, Tannerlin. Our home will always be open. You remember that. And I suppose you can bring the smart ass with you." Old Man Jedi winked at me. "Snap would be grateful, for certain."

I wiped at my dry eyes and sniffed my dry nose. "I can feel the love, Kaai. I can."

"I kinda like you and you're oddness, Dashen. Don't let anyone ever change you. You are you and that's enough." The old man hugged me next. It was a warm feeling. I didn't know these people, I still didn't understand all their magic, but they were good people. We would count them well to call them friends.

All goodbyes said, Tanner and I began our walk to the spaceport, herbs in hand along with a few other mementoes. Tanner was always one to bring home small souvenirs. The kid had a skip in his step that had been missing lately. It was good to see it return.

I promised him we'd return here sometime. He was content with that. Oddly enough though, he seemed more content to just sit and talk on the flight home. It was a passenger ship and our stop was quite a few planets down the line. We had time.

Half way home and Tanner was exhausted. He couldn't wait to tell Colton all about his new friends. But he also said he missed his room and his comfortable surroundings. He missed his home. What had become his home. On Terra. With me. With Colton. With school. With his teachers and couple of familiar friends. His memories of the past. It wasn't much in the grand scheme of the ever changing galaxy, but it was home. His. Mine. Ours.

I had the seat at the window. Tanner the middle. And an older kind looking woman on the aisle. The shipped was packed tight. Each stop, a load got off and a load got right back on.

Tanner yawned and leaned against me. In any other situation, I'd have shrugged him off and told him to find his own damn pillow. Our bickering was part of what made us who we were. I let him be this time though. It had been just a few days on Kembar Lune, but in Tanner's eyes, it had been a short, incredible lifetime. Sleeping for the next three days seemed to be in the cards when we got home. Sounded good to me.

He babbled a bit as he leaned, before snuggling in and closing his eyes. Out cold in less than a minute.

The old lady next to him glanced over a smiled.

"Your brother?"

"Yeah," I said fondly. "My little brother."

"On vacation?"

In a way, I suppose we had been. "Yeah. Just heading home."

"Poor thing is exhausted. Must've been a lovely time."

"The best." I grinned.

"He seems like a good boy."

"The best." I repeated. The slight emotion caught in my throat.

She offered me the most genuine of knowing smiles. I wasn't sure exactly what it meant, but she reached over and gently tugged on his still existing Jedi braid. The one thing he refused to ever give up. He kept it now the same length as the rest of his hair, to not draw attention, but this woman...she knew. Was she another surviving Jedi? Or just a kind face that was pleased to see one of an almost extinct Order living and surviving in peace. Tannerlin would've known. He would have sensed it quickly. But I didn't dare wake him.

Our next stop approaching, the old lady stood and grabbed her small bag. Reaching inside, she grabbed a small stone creature. If she was indeed a Jedi in hiding, what the hell was with these people and their sacred rocks? Not that it mattered. But they seemed to have this obsession with things made of stone... including stones. Whatever. I looked at the object. It wasn't just any creature, it was a carving of one of those horses we'd just come from on Kembar Lune. What the... I swear. I couldn't escape these people.

Keeping my calm, I accepted the trinket.

She said to me as I received the item. "We are few, but we will one day rise again. You keep him safe. Your brother."

"I... I will." I managed to stutter out. "What, um, what should I tell him about this thing?" I held the tiny stone horse in my hand.

"Simply let him know that it is from someone who cares about our past and our future. And about those who must remain hidden, but who fight so hard to survive."

"Yeah" I nodded several times. "Yeah, okay. I'll tell him."

"Forgive the intrusion on your time. I recognized our kind on Kembar Lune in the spaceport. I followed you to the transport. I was heading home myself. Sat next to you purposely. Wanted to make sure the young one was not in danger with you. That he was safe. Loved. I see that he is."

"He is. Very much so."

The pilot called out the stop as the transport slowed and descended toward the landing platform. I didn't know what planet, only that it wasn't ours.

"Many are hunting us few. At all times. Always be wary. But live your lives."

I promised her I would. We would. This was all becoming too much, hearing her words, her warning. In a way, I was glad Tanner slept through it. He'd have many questions and not one answer. It was enough that I'd have to try and explain all of this in my own unique 'Jedi are the oddest beings in the galaxy' way.

She set a finger on his braid once more and said his name. A name I had not offered. Yet, she knew.

"Tannerlin Vai."

I opened my mouth to ask the obvious question, she hushed me. "The Force works in mysterious ways, Tannerlin's brother. I am old. I have seen much. Too much. I know much. Though, not enough to save my own. For that, I regret. Help to save those of us who live, I can."

Pilot made the call for departure.

"I must go. Look after him always, my new friend. The danger does not end simply because he is no longer a small boy. It will follow him always. Keep him safe. May the Force be with him, and with you, Tannerlin's brother."

She hurried off before I could say another word. She apparently didn't know my name as she knew his. I guess. I looked a the stone horse in my hand before tucking it safely away.

Shaking my head, I felt awfully confused but oddly comforted at the same time. It was a good thing that the Empire and bounty hunters were not as adept at finding these Jedi-in-hiding as the Jedi were each other. They seemed to be able to spot each other a mile away. All that Force crap I guess. Tanner always tried to tell me about it and teach me about it, but I was me and I got bored easily. The fact that I couldn't feel or connect to it certainly didn't help my non-excitement either, but I was okay with it all.

Pushing it all away for now, the new friends met and new warnings received, I wrapped an arm around Tanner who breathed quietly and deeply into my shoulder.

Content. Tired. Safe.


END