CHAPTER 32 / New Horizons
TANALORR
1 BBY
The sun was creeping lower on Tanalorr's horizon as the last moments of afternoon shifted into the first signs of evening. Kata's hands wrung themselves nervously as she paced back and forth outside of Cal and Merrin's room. She'd given up on sitting a while ago, the anxiety making it impossible to stay still. It had been hours now and she was so restless she could hardly stand it. She wished there was something more she could do than just wait, feeling so useless and helpless. But this wasn't about her – it was about Cal and Merrin. Mostly Merrin, whose pained cries she could hear clearly from outside. She didn't know much about childbirth, but it certainly didn't sound pleasant.
She turned as she heard light, hurried footsteps approaching, echoing in the empty space. Someone's shadow began to dance over the sunlight spilling onto the stone floors and soon Jynna rounded the corner. The Padawans smiled at each other – Jynna's excited, Kata's nervous. The golden-haired Jedi pulled her swiftly into a hug as she reached her.
"We just got back, I came as soon as they told me." She explained.
She released Kata, who was making no effort to hide her worry. She held her hands gently and Kata felt the cool of Jynna's metal fingers against her warm ones. She was beyond relieved to see her; that she'd made it back in time.
"Is everything alright in there?" Jynna's tone was slightly concerned.
"I guess so, no one's told me otherwise," Kata was slightly agitated. "I hate just standing out here doing nothing."
"Hey, there's nothing you can do," Jynna reminded softly with a reassuring hand on her cheek. "I'm sure they have everything under control and Merrin's doing fine."
Kata sighed before nodding and Jynna guided her down to sit on the stone bench with her. Kata was so grateful to have her there, keeping her calm and sane. They conversed in a low tone for a while – a long while – before eventually, finally, the sounds from within the room ceased. Kata listened for a moment; she could hear voices, but not make out their words. A deep pit began to open itself up in her stomach, the fear seeping in. But it didn't last, as before long, the shrill sound of a baby's cries could be heard. She exhaled loudly in relief, knowing that all was well and Cal and Merrin's child had arrived safely.
It felt like an eternity before the door opened and Cal stepped outside, his expression a bizarre mixture of awestruck and traumatised.
"You wanna come and meet your brother?" He asked.
Kata couldn't help the smile that instantly spread across her face. She gave Jynna a quick peck on the cheek and hurried after him into the room.
It was so quiet in there now compared to the chaos that she'd been hearing all day. Merrin was sitting up in the bed, looking exhausted, but with a smile on her face that Kata had rarely seen as she looked down at the tiny person in her arms. Kata hesitated by the door, not wanting to disturb them, but Merrin soon noticed her presence and lifted her head.
"Come here, Kata." Her tone was soft and she motioned her forward.
Kata approached cautiously and sat on the bed next to her. Cal walked around to her other side and leaned down to kiss her head sweetly, then he gingerly ran his fingers over the wispy little hairs atop his son's head. Kata's eyes rested on the child and the feeling that washed over her was indescribable. Now she understood what people meant when they said 'love at first sight'. He was so small, smaller than she thought he'd be. Those wisps were all the hair he had and his skin was a pale grey, like Merrin's. His eyes were closed and he was bundled up in blankets, but she knew he wasn't sleeping, just content.
"He's perfect," She whispered, looking up at the proud parents in turn. "What's his name?"
Cal looked down at Merrin and she nodded up at him.
"Juno. Juno Kestis."
"Juno?" Kata inquired.
Cal smiled.
"We thought about his name for a long time, but in the end the choice was obvious. Who better to name him after than two of the greatest Jedi Masters we've ever known?"
Confusion still coloured Kata's face until Merrin explained.
"Eno Cordova and Cere Junda."
Junda and Eno: Juno. Now Kata understood. When she looked at little Juno's face, she realised the name suited him perfectly. Juno Kestis, their son, her little brother. It was a beautiful tribute to arguably the two most important people in their journeys.
"It seemed only fitting." Merrin continued.
"It's perfect," Kata agreed. "Hi, Juno."
She tentatively reached out and stroked the baby's chubby little cheek with her fingertip so gently, not wanting to disturb him.
"He looks like you, Merrin." She observed.
"Thank the Force for that." Cal joked.
Merrin and Kata chuckled quietly.
"Don't speak too soon," Kata warned. "He may end up with a full head of red hair."
"I hope not."
"I would like that." Merrin disputed.
Kata didn't miss the tiny smirk that crossed Cal's face. Juno stirred suddenly, his tiny little head moved and he looked like he was fidgeting under the blankets. Merrin placed a hand on his small body and shushed him gently, and he settled once more.
"Do you want to hold him?" She asked.
"Yes," Kata replied quickly. "I do."
Merrin handed Juno to her and she was surprised at how naturally he fit into her arms. She rested his head in the crook of her elbow and placed her other arm beneath him, cradling him like he was the most precious thing she'd ever held.
"Look at that," Cal praised softly. "You're a natural at this big sister thing."
Kata grinned widely, not taking her eyes off of his face. She studied his features, his round little nose, his thin lips, his adorable cheeks, his dark eyebrows, his pale eyelids, until those eyelids began to creep open. Her Papa had said something once, about the first time he'd held her and seeing the entire galaxy in her eyes. Only now did she understand what he'd meant, looking into her baby brother's eyes for the first time. She knew in an instant that she would do anything for him. There was nothing in the universe more precious.
"We did speak too soon," She said quietly. "His eyes are green."
She looked up at Cal to see a smile creep across his face despite his earlier comments.
"There, you see," Merrin said smugly. "He does share a physical quality of yours, after all."
"Well, at least it's my eyes."
Cal could joke all he wanted, but Kata could tell he was pleased. Merrin sighed deeply and rested back into the pillows. Cal's hand was immediately smoothing her hair.
"Are you alright, Merrin?" Kata asked.
"Yes," The Nightsister assured with a weak nod. "Just exhausted."
"You were amazing, my love," Cal praised, sitting on the bed beside her and taking her left hand in his to kiss the back of it, their matching silver marriage bands catching Kata's eye. "I don't know how you did it, but you did."
"I do not know how, either." She admitted.
"I should let you get some rest." Kata said.
"Here, I'll take him."
Cal held out his arms and Kata handed his son to him. He held the baby effortlessly, like it was what he'd been waiting his whole life to do. It was picture perfect; the two people Kata loved most in the galaxy with their new baby boy, who already had her wrapped around his tiny finger, it seemed. Her heart felt so full.
The months that followed Juno's birth should've been blissful. And they were, those perfect first few months with him. Despite the fact that Cal and Merrin were barely sleeping, they were just grateful to be alive and together. But despite all the joy and new discoveries, Kata's enjoyment of it all was marred by her own sleepless nights. Just when she had finally begun to settle again, to find true peace and joy with her family, the universe was reminding her of the horrors that were still happening on the other side of the Abyss.
She knew Cal and Merrin could tell something was off with her, but she didn't dare tell them. All she wanted was to ignore it, push it to the back of her mind and pretend the rest of the galaxy no longer existed. It wasn't her problem, or her responsibility, and there was nothing she could do about it. But still the images that plagued her mind would not let her rest.
She found herself kneeling upon the cliffs one morning after yet another restless night, seeking council from a Jedi Master she never knew. Cal had told her she was here, watching over them, that he'd seen her himself. She hoped that she might have something to say to her, too.
"Cere..." She began. "Cal and Merrin's son has arrived. His name is Juno and he is perfect. I couldn't ask for a better family, couldn't be more grateful to have them."
She hesitated before continuing, feeling a little ridiculous talking aloud like this.
"I don't know what Cal's told you about my... abilities. I've seen things, things that haven't happened yet. Terrible things. Sometimes these visions come true and sometimes not, but this one... this one I can't ignore. What I saw, if it comes to pass, it'll be the end of everything. What the Empire's planning, what they're building, they can't be allowed to use it. I can't shake this feeling that I have to do something, to stop them somehow, but I..."
Kata paused for a moment, feeling her fear get the better of her. She took a deep, calming breath and kept going.
"...I don't know how. I'm only one person, one Padawan. What can one Padawan do against an Empire?"
"You'd be surprised."
The unfamiliar voice startled Kata and she stood and whipped around, immediately on the defensive. Her body relaxed and her face fell into disbelief as she saw the figure standing before her. Shaven head, dark, tattooed skin, grey robes... Her face was stern, but caring, and her presence was commanding, even now. Kata knew immediately who this was.
"Master Junda... I wasn't sure you'd be here."
"I am always here," Cere explained. "Watching over you all, as I have always been."
Kata found herself suddenly unable to speak. Not only because Cere's ghost was apparently real and standing before her, but also because she realised her voice wasn't unfamiliar... she recognised it.
"It was you," She realised. "That voice I heard in my visions... it was yours."
Cere smiled slightly.
"Yes," She confirmed. "It took much time and energy for me to manifest myself physically. But when the Force granted you those visions, I was able to reach out to you through them."
"You were trying to warn me, to warn us."
Cere nodded once and Kata's eyes wandered down.
"I used to resent this ability, this foresight that I have. Others would tell me it was a gift, but it felt like a curse. I thought perhaps it was meant to test me – some sort of sadistic trial from the Force."
Kata looked back up at the Jedi Master before her.
"But now I understand that without that warning, we would never have been able to save as many as we did. We couldn't've stopped what happened to Tanalorr, because we never could've seen Maven's betrayal coming, or Jerserra's part in it all. I know that now. Those of us that are left are still here because of my premonition, and for that I'm grateful."
Cere beheld the young Jedi with admiration.
"I have watched you closely all these years, Kata Akuna. Watched as you trained and grew into the Jedi and Nightsister you have become. Cal and Merrin have taught you well, but ultimately it was for you to decide who you would become."
The Jedi Master had begun to approach Kata as she spoke and the Padawan found herself unable to look away from her.
"You've done well just getting this far. You have demonstrated discipline, wisdom and strength beyond your years. And while you still have much to learn, you are capable. And you have a unique understanding of the delicate balance of the Force, between the light and the darkness, better than most Jedi ever have."
Kata smiled slightly and bowed her head, feeling honoured by her praise.
"I didn't get here alone," She pointed out. "Cal, Merrin, Greez, BD-1, Teelo and so many others have helped me along the way. I know I still have much to learn, but I also know how far I've come."
She closed her eyes, a shaky sigh leaving her as she recalled the nightmarish vision that had been haunting her sleep every night.
"And I know I can't ignore what I saw any longer. A selfish part of me wants to just forget the galaxy exists and leave it to its own problems. But I know if I do that, this thing, this... weapon the Empire is building will eventually come for us. And when it does, there will be nowhere to hide."
Cere nodded thoughtfully.
"Your path seems resolute. So why do you hesitate?"
Kata's face fell and she couldn't help the emotion that spilled from her eyes.
"Because I feel like my heart's being torn two ways," She explained tearily. "I don't want to leave, not now. Not when everything was finally starting to make sense again. My family needs me, and I need them. And we've done enough, we've given enough, we've lost enough..."
She collected herself, taking a strangled breath before continuing.
"But, if I don't do something, what's going to happen to Jedha will happen to other worlds. Trillions will die, entire species and civilisations will be wiped out, and that's not something I can live with on my conscience."
Cere stepped forward, levelling her gaze with the Padawan.
"Then you already know what you must do."
"Yes," Kata nodded. "I just have no idea if I have the strength to do it."
Cere reached out laid her incorporeal hands on Kata's shoulders. There was no contact, but she could still feel her touch, calming her.
"That strength is already within you, Kata. You must find the courage to face what you've seen – the fate of the very galaxy may yet depend on it. It's a burden no one person should have to bear, and you need not bear it alone. Trust in the Force, it will guide your way."
Kata's brows pushed together. She had heard Cal say these words so many times, hearing Cere say them now felt surreal in a way she couldn't explain.
"It's not an easy path you will walk," Cere warned. "You will be tested, as every Jedi is. But the hardest paths are the ones worth taking. I believe in you, as I know Cal and Merrin do. You will rise above the darkness and discover your purpose, as I did, as they did."
Kata smiled gratefully and looked into Cere's eyes.
"Yes, Master. I promise I won't let you down."
It took a few more days for Kata to work up the courage to talk to Cal and Merrin. It wasn't that she feared their response, just the opposite, in fact. It was doubt that held her back, doubt of herself and whether she was ready to continue her journey alone. But the visions still plagued her and she knew the time was growing nearer. She could no longer hide from what she had to do.
The five of them – her, Cal, Merrin, BD-1 and Juno – were milling about the kitchen in the early hours of the morning, beginning their day in chaos as they often did now. Cal had perfected the one-handed action of holding Juno while doing practically anything else. Merrin was across the room rifling through the cabinets for something. BD was stacking dishes in the sink, something he had learned to do completely of his own volition, wanting to make himself useful, as he'd said. Kata was standing at the table cutting vegetables and silently observing the bedlam.
"Cal, have you seen the small silver pot?" Merrin called with her head in the cabinet.
"It's in the far right cabinet, middle shelf, at the back, inside the big silver pot."
Cal motioned with his arm without looking in her direction, and sure enough, she found it right where he said.
"How is it that you can remember that but you lose your blaster every time you put it down?" She questioned.
"Only the Force knows, Merrin."
She chuckled at his response and brought the pot to him, kissing him on the cheek. Juno started to fuss and she reached out for him.
"He is hungry, I will take him."
Cal handed the baby to her and she sat down at the table opposite Kata to feed him.
"Cal, you ready for these?" Kata asked over her shoulder.
"Yeah, hand 'em over."
She passed the wooden board piled with cut vegetables to him and he dumped them into the pot. BD-1 scuttled up to him along the counter with a jar of spices balanced on his head.
"bwoop!"
"Thanks, BD."
Kata smiled sadly looking around at her family, knowing that this might be one of the last mornings she would spend with them like this for a long time. She wasn't ready for this part of her life to be over, but she knew the longer she delayed, the harder it would be to leave. She waited until after the chaos was done and they had enjoyed breakfast together before she at last worked up the courage.
"Cal... Merrin..."
They both stopped what they were doing and looked at her expectantly. She sighed shakily, preparing herself to have the conversation she knew they needed to have.
"There's something I need to talk to you both about..."
Green flashes lit up the darkness around the town as two Nightsisters ignited the heat lamps and the braziers at the top of the Temple steps. The green glow faded to a warm orange and the sixty-three people now living in Haven huddled into the Square. It was only a fraction of their numbers compared to this same day last year. Kata tried not to think about it, focusing her attention instead on Cal and Merrin as they climbed the steps.
They turned towards the small crowd, preparing to address them. Kata could see no nerves on Cal's face today – only lament and melancholy.
"Thank you all for being here," He began. "I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication. Rebuilding this town and our lives has been no trivial feat, but today we stand together in our home once more. And while there are far fewer of us than the last time we gathered here, the rest still remain. They remain in our hearts and memories. In the tales of their lives uttered from our lips. And they remain through the flow of the Force, as all living things do. They are not merely names beneath our feet, they are part of the energy that surrounds Tanalorr, surrounds us."
Kata looked to the ground, seeing the names of the victims of the Fall of Haven etched into the Square. Her eyes focused on the few nearby she recognised:
Sister Taske.
Khan Tharen.
Jeshan Terruss.
Niuna Terruss.
Ondam Tetsu.
She stopped her eyes from wandering down the list, not wanting to think of the faces she could put to those names. Especially not Niuna; her blonde braids, her sweet smile... She felt Jynna's metal hand grip hers and she looked up, seeing her sadness reflected in her grey eyes.
"They were our friends, our neighbours, our families. On this day one year ago, we stood here together in celebration. Tonight we stand here together in honour and remembrance of them. This day marks the eighth year since the foundation of Haven, and the eve of the anniversary of the event we have come to know as the Fall of Haven. But as long as we still stand here to remember those we lost, Haven will never truly fall."
Despite his encouraging words, Kata could see the sorrow on Cal's face. Her eyes flicked to Merrin, who stood behind him to his right with Juno in her arms. She was torn between being sad he had never known the people whose names were engraved beneath their feet and being relieved he would never know the sorrow of their loss.
"It's with this in mind and them in our hearts that we choose to mark this occasion, perhaps not in celebration or triumph, but in new beginnings. On this day every year, we have honoured those Padawans who have completed their training by knighting them into the Hidden Jedi. Few of us may remain, but we choose to continue that tradition tonight with two young women who have demonstrated that they possess the hearts of Jedi Knights. Without their courage, strength and sacrifice, none of us would be standing here today, and so we present them with the title tonight as we prepare to send them on to new horizons."
Cal's eyes met Kata's and she was suddenly nervous under his gaze. He motioned them forward and Kata and Jynna climbed the Temple steps to stand before him.
"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." They both replied.
"Kneel."
The two of them obeyed and Cal and Master Horos stepped forward and ignited their lightsabers, holding them over their shoulders in turn as they recited the words together.
"By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force..."
"Kata Akuna."
"Jynna Sett."
"...Rise, Jedi Knights."
They lifted their heads toward their Masters, and when these two young women of just seventeen rose again, they stood as Jedi in their own right. Kata locked eyes with Cal who beamed at her with pride. She and Jynna smiled reservedly at each other and turned to face the small crowd who clapped for them. There were no cheers, whistles or hollers, but there were plenty of smiles to be seen on their faces.
Kata had never expected to be standing here now, a Jedi Knight, preparing to leave her home and family and venture into the unknown. But she knew she had seen what she'd seen for a reason, and it was her duty now as a Jedi to protect the galaxy from this threat.
Familiar rain clouds were gathering overhead as the two freshly knighted Jedi loaded their gear onto the Mantis the next morning, preparing for their departure. Kata felt a strange mix of both excitement and terror, not knowing exactly where they were going, how long they'd be gone, or even if she'd ever return. She believed in her heart that this was not the last time she would see Tanalorr, or her family, but the uncertainty she felt was all too familiar.
She looked around herself at the cliffs – the trees with their purple leaves gently swaying in the breeze, the pools of impossibly blue water that always gathered from the rainfall, the patches of Angel's Lace that grew beside them, and her mind wandered far away.
She turned as she heard footsteps and saw Cal and Merrin approaching, the former with BD-1 perched on his shoulder and the latter holding Juno in her arms. She walked over to meet them on the path back towards Haven. The three of them simply smiled at one another at first, none of them knowing how to begin to say goodbye.
"You all ready to go?" Cal broke the silence.
"Yeah, I think so," Kata replied, turning towards Jynna, who was loading the last crate onto the ship. "As ready as we'll ever be to blindly jump through the Abyss, anyway."
"Well, actually, you won't have to."
Kata furrowed her brows at him in confusion until he reached behind him and produced his Abyss compass, its smooth silver surface glinting in the sun. Kata gave him a reproachful look.
"I thought you destroyed them."
He grinned somewhat impishly.
"That's just what I told everyone else," He admitted. "But I didn't think it'd be wise to leave us with no way out, should something happen. Or should this day ever come."
He handed the object to Kata and she took it hesitantly, aware of its burden and the trust he was extending to her. She attached it to the back of her belt where hers used to sit, the object feeling far heavier than it ever had before.
"I'll keep it safe, I promise."
"We know you will," Merrin said. "All that we ask is that you use it to return home, when you can."
"Of course." Kata nodded, hoping that she would get to make good on that promise.
"So, where will you start?" Cal asked.
She looked up at him and forced a smile onto her face.
"On Koboh – I'm hoping someone there might have an idea of where Teelo went."
Cal nodded thoughtfully. Kata didn't know exactly how she was going to stop her vision from happening, but she knew that finding Teelo was the key. It'd been almost a year since they'd left and they had yet to return to Tanalorr. She didn't know where they were or if they were ok, and she knew that in order to pick up their trail, she'd have to talk to the people who saw them last on Koboh.
"Well, say hi to Greez for us," Cal continued. "And when you find Teelo, give them this."
He pulled a small chip from his belt pouch and handed it to Kata. She looked at the object and recognised it as a chip for a holo-frame. It must've contained a picture, of what she didn't know, but she could guess.
"And make sure to kick their ass for staying away for so long." He added.
Kata chuckled sadly.
"Don't worry, I'll tell them you miss them." She read between the lines.
Cal smiled at her and BD-1 suddenly climbed down from his back to the ground, looking up at her with his big eyes.
"bwa-doop?"
She gave him a sad smile and crouched down to pet his metal head.
"I'll be ok, BD."
"woo-wa-woop?"
"Hey, don't talk like that. We'll see each other again."
"bweep?"
"Promise." Kata nodded once.
Kata stood and looked at Cal's face as his eyes flicked between her and BD, sadness clear in them. He seemed like he was debating something as he knelt down now to BD's level.
"BD-1," His voice was serious. "I have a very important job for you."
"bwee-dee?"
Cal hesitated, looking at Kata then back down at the little droid, who was staring at his face inquisitively.
"I need you to look after her for me."
Kata's mouth fell open slightly as she realised what he was doing. BD-1's head rose, the surprise clear in his body language.
"Can you do that for me, buddy?"
"bwoow?"
"It's ok," Cal assured him, his voice starting to break. "You belong out there, with them, not cooped up in here with us. You're an explorer – you were made for adventure. So, you'll go with Kata and Jynna, you'll keep them safe, and you'll do what you do best, ok?"
"boop-bweep?"
"I'm sorry, I wish I could go with you, but I'm afraid our time together has come to an end."
"wooo..."
Cal opened his arms and BD-1 jumped into them without hesitation. The Jedi shut his eyes tightly, hugging his loyal companion, his best friend. His composure broke and a shaky breath left his mouth as a tear streaked down his face. He knew that to ask BD to stay wasn't fair to him; he didn't belong with him anymore. It was Kata that needed him now.
Eventually, BD stepped back to the ground and Cal nodded once at him, another tear falling down his cheek. It was the first time Kata had ever seen Cal cry, composed as he usually was, and she felt her chest tighten and tears sting her own eyes. She knew what BD-1 meant to Cal – what they meant to each other – and she couldn't bear the sight of the two of them saying goodbye.
"boo-wa-woo."
Cal laughed once and when he spoke, his voice was thick with emotion.
"I love you too, buddy. We'll see each other again."
"myam-wam!"
BD-1 waddled up to Kata as Cal stood and she leant down, offering him her arm. He climbed up and nestled into her shoulder and she smiled at him wistfully. She turned back to Cal, the emotion on his face pulling at her heart. A strangled sob escaped her as she stepped forward and threw her arms over his shoulders, tears finally spilling from her eyes.
Cal leaned into her and embraced her tightly, not wanting to let her go, but knowing that he must. She no longer needed him and Merrin to guide her, but they would always be family. Cal had lost people he loved before, but somehow this goodbye felt the hardest of them all.
"I love you." Kata whispered into his shoulder.
"I love you too, kiddo," He murmured back. "I always will."
They finally broke apart and Cal rested his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes.
"You can do this," He assured her. "I have faith in you."
"We both do." Merrin added.
Kata turned towards her and rushed in to hug her, too, being careful of the baby in her arm. The Nightsister gripped her back with her free arm, struggling to keep a hold on her own emotions. When she was young, she had never imagined herself a mother, especially not after the Empire came and destroyed her people. And now here she was, with one of her children sleeping in her arm as she embraced the other, preparing to send her off to face the galaxy. She could not have been more proud of Kata, of how far she had come, of the Jedi and Nightsister she had grown into.
"And we are proud of you."
"I love you, Merrin."
"And I, you, Kata."
Kata pulled back from her, looking into her fellow Nightsister's gentle brown eyes, her proud smile giving Kata the strength she desperately needed. She looked down at her baby brother nestled into Merrin's shoulder, sleeping so soundly, blissfully unaware of what was happening. She smoothed the hair atop his head gently.
"I'll be a stranger the next time we meet." She whispered to him.
"You will never be a stranger to him," Merrin refuted. "No matter how long we spend apart, you will always be his sister."
"You'll always be family," Cal added. "Don't forget that."
"bwoo-doop."
"I won't," She promised, stepping back to face them both. "Thank you, for everything."
Cal and Merrin beamed at her and she couldn't help but smile back despite the tears still cascading down her face. She turned back towards Jynna, who started to tentatively approach, then she faced her two mentors again, warring with herself on the inside.
"I don't want to go." She admitted tearily.
"You must," Merrin said firmly. "You must face what you have seen; you may be the only one who can."
It was more or less what Cere had said to her, and to hear Merrin tell her the same only strengthened her resolve.
"Just remember that you're not alone." Cal reminded.
"brrleep!"
Cal smiled at BD-1, then looked toward Jynna who stopped just behind Kata to her left. Kata turned toward her and smiled weakly, which Jynna returned, laying her metal arm on her back comfortingly.
"We're trusting you with our girl," Cal addressed Jynna. "I know it's a tall ask, but try to keep her out of trouble."
"I'll do my best, Cal." She replied.
Kata smiled at Jynna, then turned back towards her family, taking in their faces, committing them to memory. She didn't know if she would ever see them again, but something in her heart told her that she would.
"Stay focused on your path," Cal said. "Remember what we taught you, keep each other safe, and—"
"Trust in the Force." Kata finished.
The corner of his mouth pulled up in a smile.
"And yourselves." He added.
Kata took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her face, then with one last look at her family, she followed Jynna towards the Mantis. She was halfway up the ramp when she heard Cal call her name and turned back.
"May the Force be with you."
She was about to reply when something behind him caught her eye. She looked past him to see Cere's ghost standing on the path behind Cal and Merrin. Her expression was unreadable, but Kata could see the hint of a smile as she waved her forward. Kata nodded once at the Jedi Master and turned into the ship.
Jynna was already waiting for her in the cockpit and Kata sat down in the pilot's seat, BD-1 jumping to his usual spot on the controls. She started the take-off sequence and then sat for a moment, feeling the anxiety and sorrow coil in her stomach. Jynna noticed her hesitation and reached over to lay her hand atop Kata's.
"Don't worry," She assured her. "We'll be back, some day."
Kata looked at her with trepidation.
"It's not too late to change your mind, y'know." She reminded.
"I already told you," Jynna squeezed her hand in comfort. "Where you go, I go."
Kata smiled at her fellow Jedi, her girlfriend, her partner. She was grateful to have her and BD-1 by her side – grateful that she wasn't alone.
"You ready?" Jynna asked.
Kata looked out of the cockpit shield at Haven's Edge, taking in its beauty like she was seeing it for the first and last time. She took a deep breath and rested her hand on the throttle.
"Yeah. I'm ready."
She laid her compass on the controls and activated it, the familiar whirring sound almost a comfort to her as she pulled the Mantis up into the sky. She admired the bright stars shining between the pink and blue patterns of cloud for one last time as she levelled the ship, reached up for the hyperdrive lever and jumped through the Abyss.
Kata Akuna and the Mantis crew will return in Jedi: New Horizons...