8 / Calm
Tanalorr
2 BBY
The sun had barely begun to creep over the horizon by the time Kata was sitting at the bench at the back of the workshop. She had barely slept from the thoughts keeping her awake, and the nightmares that followed. At least the vision had yet to rear its head again, instead she was plagued by dreams made manifest of her fears. BD-1 stood on the bench beside her while she carved the little stone Cal had given her for her birthday. She had been so preoccupied since then she hadn't had a chance to work on it. She usually hummed to herself while she worked, but today she was far too in her head to do even that. She was trying to distract herself by keeping her hands busy, but so far it wasn't working.
"boo-bweep."
Kata's head lifted, both at BD's warning and at sensing a familiar energy suddenly enter the room. She turned to see Teelo leaning in the doorway behind her. They smiled and she tried to smile back, but it felt strange on her face.
"Hey." They greeted casually.
"Hey." She returned, needing to clear her throat.
"Rion said you were back here, what're you doin' up so early?"
"Couldn't sleep," She explained, turning back to her work. "Nightmares."
She heard Teelo approach and they leaned against the workbench next to her, BD-1 shuffling away slightly to make room for them. He beeped at the Mirialukan in greeting and they petted his head with a smile.
"Anything you want to talk about?"
"Trust me, it's nothing you want to hear about."
She heard them sigh quietly.
"I'm worried about you, y'know," They admitted. "Not just me, I know your folks are, too."
"Don't worry about me," She waved a hand dismissively. "I can handle my stuff. There are more important things to worry about right now."
"Not to me."
Kata stopped what she was doing and looked up at them. Their concern was obvious in the way their brows pushed together. She found her eyes darting all over their face, searching for what, she wasn't quite sure. They still looked and sounded like the Teelo she knew, but she'd be lying if she said that over the past couple of days she hadn't started to doubt everything. She didn't want to believe that Cal could be right, that Teelo could be the one to bring that horror down upon them. She had to believe there was another explanation, one they just couldn't see yet. Because how could this person that she'd known and trusted and seen as family for years betray them? It was unthinkable.
Teelo crouched down next to her where she sat, snapping her from her erratic train of thought.
"Look, I can't begin to imagine how you're feeling right now, the pressure you must be under. But I just want you to remember you're not alone in this. We've all got your back, and we're gonna figure this thing out, I promise."
They smiled again, and it felt so genuine that she couldn't help but return the gesture. She reached out and took their green hand in hers, almost needing the touch to ground herself in that moment. They laid their other hand that was always clad in a black armoured sleeve atop hers gently.
"Thanks, Teelo."
Their hands were as warm as their smile and she felt comforted by their presence, despite her growing anxieties. She loved this person, and she thought they loved them. It couldn't be them, surely it couldn't... could it? A tear made its way down her cheek before she could stop it and Teelo's expression shifted.
"Hey..." They said softly, reaching up to wipe the tear away with their thumb. "It's gonna be fine."
"Teelo."
Cal's voice startled them both and they turned to see him now lurking in the doorway. Kata looked at him and his eyes were fixed on the Mirialukan next to her.
"I need a moment with my Apprentice, d'you mind?" Cal asked, trying to keep his voice even.
"Yeah, sure." They agreed.
They released Kata's hand and stood, squeezing her shoulder in comfort with one last smile before they left the room. Cal practically glared at their back as they passed him through the doorway. Kata felt like she could've cut the air with her saber for all the sudden tension. She turned back towards her carving, not wanting to meet Cal's gaze, somehow feeling as though she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't have been. Cal crossed towards her, standing where Teelo had been moments ago.
"You ok?" He asked her, noticing she was upset.
"I'm fine." She replied a little shakily.
"What did they say to you?"
"Nothing, they were just making sure I'm ok." She shrugged one shoulder.
"What did you say to them?"
"Nothing, Cal."
She looked up at him, her expression hard. Cal sighed, realising he was grilling her too much. He pulled up a nearby chair and sat next to her, BD-1 greeting him as he had Teelo. Cal let her work in silence for a bit.
"Sorry," He apologised after a while. "I don't mean to interrogate you. I just want you to be careful."
"I know Cal, I'm not stupid."
"I didn't say you were."
"And I'm really not in the mood for another lecture about trusting the wrong people."
"Ok," Cal put his hands up in surrender. "You're right, I'm sorry. I don't wanna fight with you today, Kata."
Kata sighed, her shoulders relaxing.
"Yeah, me either. Sorry I snapped at you."
Cal waved his hand dismissively and shook his head in response.
"We've both been a little highly strung lately," He pointed out. "Maybe today will be helpful in that regard."
"I can't believe we're still going through with the ceremony tonight."
"We have to, Kata. If we cancelled, it'd just cause suspicion and unrest, neither of which we can really afford right now."
"I know, I know. I just... don't know how I'm possibly going to celebrate knowing what's lurking around the corner."
"We haven't lost yet, Kata, try and remember that. Besides, tonight might be a good opportunity for us. Everyone on Tanalorr will be together, and that might just tell us something."
"Hmm."
Kata blew the dust out of the grooves in her carving and Cal's eyes flicked down to her work.
"Is that for someone in particular?" He asked.
"Might be," She replied coyly. "Thought we could use the extra luck around here."
"We certainly could."
Cal smirked as he watched her work, knowing exactly who this charm that she was taking such meticulous care in carving was for, but keeping his thoughts to himself.
"It's hard sometimes, you know." He started.
"What is?" Kata inquired.
"Seeing you grow up so fast. I sometimes wonder where the last seven years have gone."
"Careful, you're starting to sound like a dad."
"Ha!"
Cal's tone was humorous, but then he grew silent and Kata looked over at him, his eyes wandering and his expression lost.
"What is it?"
His eyes snapped back to hers and he leaned forward in his seat.
"Nothing, Kata."
That was a clear deflection, she knew him well enough to know that. Kata felt like something she'd said had struck a nerve. Ordinarily she wouldn't have pressed the issue, but she was concerned, and morbidly curious.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
She hesitated before continuing.
"I've always wondered... how come you and Merrin never had children of your own?"
Cal's brows shot up for a second and then his eyes fell to the floor. His expression was strange, she couldn't decipher it, and she was suddenly worried she'd crossed a line.
"You do not have to answer that if it's too personal a question." She assured him.
He smiled and shook his head.
"It's not too personal," He hesitated a moment. "And actually... we did try to have a child, for a couple of years."
"Really?"
"boo-weep?"
Cal nodded slowly and Kata was almost astonished, as this was news to her, and apparently to BD-1 as well. She suddenly had a lot more questions that were all assuaged by what he said next.
"Didn't work out that way for us."
Kata's face fell as she thought she understood what he meant.
"Oh... I'm sorry, Cal." She said sadly.
"bwoo..."
"Wasn't meant to be," He lamented "But it's ok, we already have a family."
He smiled reassuringly at her and she returned it.
"Why do you ask?" He wondered.
She shrugged a shoulder.
"Just curious, I guess. I feel like you'd both be amazing parents."
"Thanks, Kata. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the line we'll adopt another Force-sensitive orphan."
Kata chuckled, knowing he was only half-joking. Cal and Merrin were the closest thing to parents she'd had since her own had passed, and she was heartbroken to know it could never be for them. It was such a rare thing in this Galaxy, she'd found, to find two people so good and caring and selfless. No one would've deserved it more, but life could be cruel that way. She noticed Cal's forlorn expression and decided to change the subject.
"I don't know if I can sing tonight, Cal," Kata admitted. "How can I sing about hope when all I feel is fear?"
"That's exactly when you should sing about hope."
Cal shuffled forward in his chair, reaching out for her and she placed her small hands in his larger, rougher ones.
"Kata, I'm sorry you have to carry this burden, I never wanted it for you. I wish more than anything that you could've had a normal life, a normal childhood, but that isn't the Galaxy we live in. What our enemies want more than anything is for us to lose hope, but as long as we are still here, still fighting, we will always have hope."
Kata looked up at him and he smiled, squeezing her hands in comfort.
"You'll be amazing tonight, I know it. There won't be a dry eye in the house when you sing, plus it'll impress your girlfriend."
Kata scoffed and hit him in the shoulder.
"Shut up!"
Cal laughed and she rolled her eyes. She was suddenly acutely aware of the fact that Jynna would be watching her perform tonight and it made her cheeks burn just thinking about it. Now she was even more nervous than she already had been. She supposed Cal was right – that they shouldn't let what was looming over them stop them from celebrating what they had achieved, from celebrating their lives together. But it still felt strange to her, to celebrate today when they could die tomorrow. She couldn't explain how, but she felt that whatever was coming was drawing close, and she knew this could be the last good night they would have together. And no matter what, she was going to try and make the most of it.
Preparations for the ceremony that night lasted the entire day. Ships were flying in from the early hours from the farming regions, people flooding the town in every direction. And the Mantis crew were busying themselves all over Haven, each of them feeling the same sense that it was nice to do something normal for a change. To breathe the fresh air and not to worry about their impending doom, or try not to, at least. Before they knew it, the first signs of sunset were beginning to turn the sky orange and it was time for everyone to gather in the square.
Kata hadn't seen so many people together in a long time. 1,300 people didn't seem like a lot until you tried to fit them all into one space. It wasn't cramped, but it was certainly cosy, especially with all the heat lamps lit to combat the growing chill in the air. The fire pits also crackling at the top of the stairs where Cal now stood, with Merrin at his side, preparing to address the populace. Greez, Teelo and Kata with BD-1 perched on her shoulder stood at the front of the crowd.
"Welcome," Cal began, projecting his voice. "Welcome, citizens of Tanalorr. And thank you for being here tonight to celebrate our beautiful planet and its people."
Cal paused, waiting for the last hush to fall over the crowd.
"On this day seven years ago, Merrin and I first brought the Anchorites and the Hidden Path to Tanalorr. They joined my family in carrying on a legacy that began on Jedha, and has now led us here, to this moment. Together, we founded the town of Haven, the first true sanctuary in the Galaxy for those persecuted by the Empire, Force-sensitives and their families, and my fellow Jedi survivors."
Cal looked down into the crowd towards the surviving Jedi in question, Teelo and the other three Masters among them.
"And that was a moment that would decide the fate of every person standing here today. We are the remnants of a bygone era of prosperity in the Galaxy. Tonight, we remember those we have lost in our struggle against the Empire, but we also celebrate seven peaceful years in our home. Every one of you here has made Tanalorr what it is today, and every one of you is deserving of your place amongst us. And for your hard work, your dedication, and your sacrifice, I thank you."
Applause erupted from the crowd and Kata smiled, proud of Cal managing to speak to such a gathering whilst keeping his knees perfectly steady. She knew how nervous these things made him, though he was such a natural leader he made it look easy.
"Tonight, we also celebrate new beginnings. I personally want to congratulate Jedi Knight Nells Caro on the arrival of her son, and the 1,368th member of our society, Porro Caro."
There was more applause from the crowd, as well as a few scattered cheers and whistles. Kata leaned out, looking to her left, and saw Nells holding her son, her cheeks as red as her hair.
"We don't know yet what your future will be, little one, but we know you will do us all, and your parents both proud."
Kata saw Nells' eyes welling up with tears and her mouth "thank you" to Cal, which he acknowledged with a small nod.
"And as many of you know, on this day every year, we welcome the newest Padawans to pass their training officially to the ranks of the Hidden Jedi. I would invite these Padawans forward now, along with the Jedi Council, to take the next step on their journey."
Teelo placed their hand on Kata's shoulder and smiled down at her as they preceded up the stairs, the other Masters following. Maven and Horos stood by Cal's sides and the others fanned out beside them. The three Padawans made their way up the stairs to stand before the Masters.
"The vow of a Hidden Jedi is not an easy one to uphold. You will be tested, as Jedi and as people. Do not make this vow without understanding the sacrifice that it entails." Cal instructed them.
He stepped forward, looking each of them in the eyes intensely.
"Do you promise to uphold the values and the legacy of the Hidden Jedi in everything you do, to defend the innocent and preserve justice throughout the Galaxy, to use your power only to serve others and never yourselves, and do you swear to protect and guard our secret with your lives if need be?"
"This I solemnly swear to do." Three voices replied.
"Kneel."
The three Padawans dropped to one knee and Masters Maven and Horos stepped forward, drawing their lightsabers along with Cal. They hovered their weapons over the shoulders of the Padawans who knelt before them, every member of the Jedi Council reciting the words in unison with them.
"By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force..."
"Khan Tharen."
"Lissa Arkim."
"Cadan Zhug."
"Rise, Jedi Knights." Cal finished.
The three Jedi stood, no longer Padawans, and turned to face the crowd that was applauding and cheering and shouting their names. Kata knew all three of them, they had each come to Tanalorr as Force-sensitives hunted by the Empire. They were different ages, different species, from different places, but here they were all equal, all Jedi now in their own right. They turned and descended the stairs to rejoin their friends and families, who were all congratulating them.
"And, as a special treat for this joyous occasion," Cal continued once the crowd had simmered down. "I'd like to invite my Apprentice, Kata Akuna, to take the stage, as she has prepared a song for us tonight that embodies the hope that Tanalorr and the Hidden Path bring to the Galaxy."
Kata was instantly nervous, taking a deep breath as she ascended the stairs. Cal stepped back to join the Council to the side, all but Master Horos, who took up a seat beside Kata with his halikset. She smiled at him and nodded once he looked ready and she faced the now still and silent crowd with a rising fear in her chest. She could hear nothing but her own heartbeat in her ears, and she was slightly worried that when she tried to sing, the words would be choked in her throat. But she closed her eyes and thought of her Mama, and she no longer felt so afraid.
"Be brave, Kata, be fearless..."
A familiar tune began to play and Kata drew a deep breath in through her mouth, straightening her posture and clasping her hands together behind her back as she began the first verse of the lullaby her Mama had taught her. Cal and Merrin beamed proudly at Kata as she sang to the entranced crowd. It was a song Cal had heard her sing many times to herself, and its beautifully haunting melody was very familiar to him, but she had never sang it in front of so many people. It felt fitting that it would be the one she chose, given it may have been the very first song ever sung on Tanalorr. Merrin reached her arm around his back and rested her head against his and he put his arm around her shoulders in return as Kata's song continued. His brows furrowed in surprise, as the melody was still familiar, but the words were now new.
"Ghost star, burning far away
Ghost star, I wish you would stay
Help me be strong, if I sing your song,
Will you remember me?
Ghost star, shining in the dark
The light of hope ignites the spark
I'll have no fear as long as you are here
Ghost star, still guiding me
Ghost star, I know where you are
Ghost star, never very far
Before you go, I want you to know
Your light still shines in me."
Master Horos' playing stopped and Kata took a bow as the crowd clapped, cheered and whistled. As Cal suspected, he saw many people wiping their eyes, so many smiles and cheers of "bravo" and "encore".
Kata couldn't help the wide smile that spread across her face at the praise she received from all those people. Perhaps she should perform for them more often; the feeling was exhilarating, and one she knew she would not soon forget.
After her performance, the crowd broke in every direction. People talked, laughed, ate, drank and danced the night away like there was no tomorrow. Kata found herself hiding at the edge of it all after one too many people had come up to her to congratulate her on her performance. She more enjoyed people-watching at events like these, quickly overwhelmed by the social aspect of it all.
"Had your fill of stardom for one night?"
Teelo's voice sounded to her left and she smiled reservedly at them.
"It gets a little suffocating after a while."
They stood beside her, leaning against the wall as she was.
"I hope you're not still thinking about things."
"Trying not to." She admitted.
"Don't worry, Kata, things will work out exactly as they're supposed to."
Kata side-eyed them as they looked out over the crowd. She was trying to decipher their expression when they caught her staring and smiled.
"Come on," They held out their hand to her. "Dance with me?"
She sighed and looked at them pointedly before surrendering and taking their offered hand. They led her towards the square where others were dancing, including Cal and Merrin who she saw on the opposite corner to them. Teelo was a wonderful dancer, which she knew from experience. They had quite the singing voice as well, though it wasn't something she heard them do often. A few minutes of dancing with them in the crowded square, and Kata had all but forgotten her troubles. Soon she was laughing and actually enjoying herself.
Cal spied the two of them together from where he and Merrin were and he smiled. For a moment, he began to question if Teelo could really be the traitor he suspected them to be. Seeing them laughing and spinning with his Apprentice reminded him of happier times. They had changed so much since they had first met, seeming to find themself again after being lost for so long. Even now, Cal didn't want to believe his suspicions were right. Teelo was like family, and Cal couldn't bear the thought of losing another friend that way, not again.
Kata's troubles soon crept back into her mind and her face began to fall. Teelo must've noticed this, as their own face turned concerned.
"You ok?" They asked over the noise of the music.
Kata stopped dancing and looked them up and down for a moment before throwing her arms around their waist. They returned her hug without hesitation. After a long moment, Kata spoke in a low voice, knowing they would hear with their heightened Miraluka senses.
"Whatever happens, we're still family, don't forget that."
Kata could tell what she'd said had surprised them, judging by their brief hesitation before they hugged her tighter.
"Never." They replied.
Once the sun had well and truly passed over the horizon and the stars shone brightly in Tanalorr's sky, Kata sat alone on the cliffs at the edge of Haven, the party still raging on behind her, showing no signs yet of slowing down. Tanalorr having no moon made the night sky darker than on most planets in the Galaxy, but it also made it easier to see the stars. She found herself wondering how many of them could be ghost stars, burned out thousands of years ago, their light still touching this world. It was colder here, away from the square, but Kata didn't mind. She sat up straight as she heard footsteps approaching behind her and turned to see a golden-haired Padawan making her way over.
"This seat taken?" She asked.
"Be my guest." Kata gestured to the rocky floor beside her.
Jynna sat down next to her, leaving space between them, but that didn't stop Kata from feeling the closeness of her energy. She found herself staring at Jynna, her face dimly lit by the starlight, her hair catching the orange hues of the firelights behind them. But when Jynna caught her staring, she didn't look away like she normally would.
"So what has you out here all by yourself? Too much merriment for you?" Jynna teased.
"One can only stomach so much joy before one begins to feel ill." Kata replied.
Jynna laughed.
"You are so weird," She stated the obvious. "I love that about you, y'know."
Kata's ears were piqued at hearing Jynna use the word "love" when referring to something about her. She tried to stop her cheeks from burning.
"What else do you love about me?" She prompted.
"Your relentless optimism." Jynna joked, grinning at her.
Kata rolled her eyes and shook her head, also grinning. It was silent for a while before Jynna spoke in a softer voice.
"Your song was beautiful tonight," She complimented. "It was... really moving."
Kata stared into her eyes for a moment before she remembered herself.
"Thank you," She replied. "To be honest, I was so nervous I thought I would pass out."
Jynna giggled.
"Why, because the whole planet was watching?" She teased.
"No," Kata shook her head. "Because you were."
That caught Jynna by surprise, clear in the way her brows shot up and she met Kata's gaze like a deer in the headlights. She smiled and ducked her head and Kata didn't miss her cheeks flushing pink. She'd never made Jynna blush like that before, not that she'd seen, anyway, and it gave her a funny feeling in her stomach. Before she lost her nerve, Kata reached into her pocket and gripped the object she'd been working on that morning.
"I, uh... wanted to give you something."
She reached out and placed it into Jynna's open palm. She heard her give a small gasp when her eyes rested on the small black stone with a monster face carved into the surface and a short woven leather band through it for tying around the wrist.
"It's beautiful... like the ones your family wear?" Jynna observed.
"They're called Mookie charms," Kata confirmed. "I made it for you, to bring you good fortune."
"You made this for me?"
Kata only nodded in response, unable to speak. Jynna smiled widely, her face lighting up in a way Kata had never seen before. She held out her right arm towards Kata.
"Will you help me put it on?" She asked.
Kata smiled and took the bracelet from Jynna, sliding it onto her right wrist and fastening the leather gently.
"I made them for my family to protect them," Kata explained. "I hope it will protect you, too."
"I'm sure it will. Thank you, Kata, I'll wear it always."
Jynna's hand rested in hers and Kata ran her thumb over the smooth skin on the back of her hand. She looked up to see Jynna was already looking at her, with her beautiful smile and the starlight reflected in her eyes. She was breathtaking. Without deciding to, or even thinking at all, Kata acted on an impulse, leaning forward and closing most of the distance between them, leaving Jynna the space to close the last of it, both of their eyes drifting shut as their lips met.
Kata had never kissed anyone before, and the sensation was not what she'd expected it to be. Jynna's lips were soft and warm against hers and the sound of her sigh made her feel things she didn't know how to describe. Jynna hadn't even seemed surprised when she'd leaned in; it was almost like she was expecting it. It was over too quickly as Kata pulled away, looking down at the ground, afraid to meet her gaze. Eventually she looked up to see Jynna watching her.
"Sorry..." She whispered, unsure of what else to say.
"Don't be," Jynna smiled and shook her head. "I've wanted you to do that for a long time."
Kata grinned from ear to ear, having never heard anything so sweet in all her life. She pressed her mouth to Jynna's once more, kissing her with more confidence this time. She cupped the other Padawan's face with her hand and Jynna rested her right hand on Kata's other on the ground. They soon pulled back from each other and Kata gazed into her grey eyes.
"Kata..." Jynna began. "Is something bad coming for us? For Tanalorr?"
Kata didn't know where the question came from, but Jynna wasn't stupid. She must've deduced that something big was going on behind the scenes. She didn't want to lie to her, but she didn't want to scare her, either.
"Don't worry," She assured. "My family and I have everything under control. We won't let anything bad happen to Tanalorr, I promise."
Jynna seemed assuaged by her words, even though Kata wasn't sure she believed them herself. It was a promise she knew she may not be able to keep, but if nothing else, she had to protect the people she cared about. She had to try.
On her way to turn in for the night, Kata took a detour towards the hangar where derelict ships and parts were stored for work and repairs, and one lone Z-95 was still sitting amongst it all after all these years. She set about checking the ship's flightworthiness; its fuel, its hyperdrive, any damage she could observe. Everything seemed good to her, so she hauled herself up into the cockpit and stashed her packed bag under the control panel. She didn't know exactly why she needed it, but she knew that every detail about her vision was important, and seeing this ship was not a trivial element. Somehow she knew that if she would be fleeing Tanalorr, it would be in her father's ship. As she sat in the cockpit now, that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach returned. She had to protect her family – Cal, Merrin, BD, Greez, Teelo, Jynna... no matter what, she had to save them.