Chapter 5: Evesa's Story (Childhood-Part I)

*Lower Coruscant - 42 BBY*

The artificial lights of the Coruscant Underground illuminated the polluted streets in an attempt to simulate the devoid sunlight that never reached the lower levels of the planet. A tall, burly man sprinted through the melting pot of a crowd made up of immigrants, refugees, and criminal gangs, such as pirates and bounty hunters. His heavy work boots carelessly stepped on the infested sidewalks, nearly every other step crunching beneath his boots. He was rushing home to answer the comm his wife just sent him, she had gone into labor with their second child a bit earlier than expected. The man turned a corner and hurried down a darken alleyway that led to his front door. He frantically stepped into the small apartment containing one bedroom with a small privy and a living room/kitchen common space. It was a humble place, but he and his family were grateful to have a roof over their heads when so many lifeforms living in Lower Coruscant battled with homelessness.

"Chaan?!" He called as soon as he entered the apartment, slightly out of breath, "I'm here! What do you need?"

"Jepee?" A loud whisper of a woman's voice called from the bedroom, "Could you bring an extra pillow?"

He hastily grabbed a pillow off the couch in the living room and hurried into the bedroom. Jepee chuckled when he saw his beautiful wife sitting up in bed rocking their two-year old son to sleep in her arms. "Is the pillow for you or for Evem?" He handed her the pillow with a smirk.

"Oh, it's for me. Definitely for me." She groaned as she attempted to place the pillow behind her lower back.

"Allow me, sweetheart." He helped situate the pillow behind her until she felt comfortable. "How are you feeling?" His face filled with concern as he knelt beside the bed.

"I'm feeling as well as one can while preparing to give birth." She softly laughed as she tossed a lock of red hair behind her shoulder. "Did you in contact with the doctor?"

"Yes, I got in touch with his nurse on my way here. She said he's a bit busy at the clinic but he'll be here within the hour."

"That's alright." She leaned back against the pillow and closed her eyes, breathing as another small contraction hitting her, "I just barely started the contractions, I've got a couple hours left to go."

"Wow…" He gently brushed a few stray strands of hair out of her face, "You can tell how long you're going to be in labor?"

"It's my second baby, hon, I've got a grasp on the whole 'birthing' thing." She sarcastically teased.

"Speaking of baby, I can take Evem off your hands since you're busy with the whole 'birthing' thing."

"I don't mind. Tending to him is keeping my mind off the whole 'birthing' thing." She giggled when she saw his unamused expression, "Too much?"

He chuckled before leaning forward to tenderly kiss her, "Normally I'd say yes, but since you're in labor, you can make as many corny jokes as you want."

She eagerly returned the kiss, "That's what I thought." Once they pulled away, she sighed while fidgeting to get comfortable, "How was work?"

Jepee went on to talk about the less gruesome side of his job as an officer of the Coruscant Underworld Police. As a special forces law enforcement section of the Coruscant Security Force, his job entailed patrolling, enforcing the law, protecting the citizens, and investigating crime on the lower levels of the galactic capital planet. His burly 6'4'' frame, dark brown hair, and stormy blue eyes gave him an intimidating presence that helped when dealing with troublesome criminals. But when he was not on the job, Jepee was one of the softest souls anyone could ever meet. Chaan on the other hand was a bit more of a firecracker. People would mistake her doe green eyes and shy smile for someone gullible and naive, but her stronger than beskar moral compass and desire for justice sometimes got her into trouble which is how she met Jepee seven years ago. During their five year marriage, they had their son, Evem, and they were now preparing to welcome their daughter, Evesa, into the world.

While Jepee talked, Chaan anxiously played with the charm on the necklace around her neck. It was an upside-down triangle made up of interlacing curves that she had since she was a child, a trinket from her mother who she never knew. Chaan was given up for adoption when she was a baby due to medical issues her birth mother could not afford to take care of. Fortunately, Chaan was adopted quickly by a wealthy couple and given the proper care she needed. When she grew older, she always gave back to the orphanages in the Coruscant Underground as a way to express her gratitude and to give back to a frequently overlooked community. But when she fell in love with a lowly police officer of the Coruscant Underworld Police, her family disowned her when she married Jepee. But Chaan did not need her parent's money to be happy, she had Jepee and now they have a family. Although Chaan never found her birth mother, she always held her necklace near and dear to her heart and someday, she planned on passing down the necklace to Evesa.

About an hour and a half had passed and still no sign of the doctor. Jepee stood up from his place beside his wife and headed for the door, "I'm going to send a message to the doctor to see what's going on." He pulled out his comm device and typed in the doctor's comm ID as he walked into the living room.

Few seconds passed until a woman's voice came on the comm, "Doctor Aarg's clinic, how can I help?" Jepee told her their situation and the nurse hummed in hesitation, "I'm sorry but the doctor is preoccupied right now. There was a major gang shootout earlier today and injured civilians keep pouring in, we don't have enough resources at the moment-"

"Listen, my wife is on the verge of giving birth and you're telling me the doctor won't be here?! What if I take her to the clinic-"

"Sorry, sir, we're at capacity. If it's an emergency then you can try to take your wife to one of the hospitals on the higher levels."

He desperately tried to keep his voice down despite the his growing anxiety, "We can't afford those hospitals, and even if we could, it's too far away. We won't make it in time."

"Then you'll have to help your wife birth the baby at home."

"She had a complicated birth for our first child, she needs medical attention for this one. The baby is coming earlier than expected."

The nurse hesitated, "Alright. I'll try to send a nurse to your home within the next hour."

Jepee thanked the nurse and sauntered back into the bedroom, putting on a convincing facade. Chaan looked up at him hopefully, "How'd it go, hon?"

He gave her a relaxed smile, "The doctor is a bit delayed but they're sending a nurse over soon." He took his seat beside his wife again and tenderly held her hand, placing a soft kiss to the back of it in reassurance, "Everything will be alright, I promise."

On their wedding day, Jepee had vowed to never break a single promise to the woman he was marrying, to the woman he loved with all of his heart. But on this day, he broke his promise to her. Everything was not alright. The complications Chaan suffered through with their firstborn had returned in a more devastating way than before and without the nurse from the clinic, her health drastically went downhill. Jepee tried his best to save her and the baby but he was only able to save one. Chaan used the last of her strength to push out her baby girl and she used the last of her breath to tell her husband how much she loved him and their little family. Through blurred eyes, she looked at her beloved family one last time, taking the briefest of seconds to memorize the faces of her husband, son, and newborn daughter. As her eyes began to flutter shut, Evesa's eyes fluttered open. The baby's wide eyes, blue like her father's, seemed to analyze her mother's face as if she too was trying to commit her face to her infant memory. Chaan smiled down at her, mouthing the words "I love you" to her precious baby. As she passed into eternal sleep, young Evem began to wail louder than ever before, he was usually an abnormally quiet child unless strong emotions were present. Jepee desperately clutched onto his wife's hand for a long time, crying into the night. As he stared at his wife's stilled form, he noticed that somehow during childbirth Chaan had removed her beloved necklace. He carefully searched the bed for it and eventually found it firmly grasped in her other hand. He knew what her intentions were for this necklace and he promised Chaan that he could give it to Evesa when she was older. And that was a promise he intended on keeping.

Eventually the nurse showed up but it was clearly too late. As Jepee continued to grieve over his wife's passing, the nurse attended to Evesa and ensured she was healthy. Giving her condolences, the nurse returned to the clinic with a heavy heart. The next morning, Chaan's body was taken away and she was set to be cremated since there was no place they could afford to bury her.


*Lower Coruscant - 38 BBY*

"Happy Birthday Evie!" Jepee and Evem cheered as they snuck into the room to wake up the birthday girl. Evesa woke up with a start and a smile quickly spread across her young face upon seeing her family. She wiped the sleep out of her eyes as the two guys bombarded her with birthday hugs. Evesa giggled as her father started tickling her and lovingly scooped her up into his strong arms. Just as her sides were about to split from laughing so hard, her father put her down, "What do you want to do today, sweetie?"

"I wanna go to the market! I wanna look at the animals! I wanna eat noodles!" She excitedly hopped on the balls of her feet, her red wavy hair bouncing over her shoulders.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea! Why don't you and Evem get dressed and I'll whip up some breakfast. I'm thinking…" Jepee dramatically pressed his finger against his chin as if in serious thought, "Chocolate chip pancakes?"

"With choccy milk?!" Evie clasped her hands hopefully.

"Hmm…what do you think Evem?"

Evie's older brother mimicked their father's exaggerated thinking face, "Well, it is her birthday and we know how much she loves her sweets. I think it's only fair we give her whatever she wants. It's her special day."

"I couldn't have said it better myself." Jepee smiled down at his son. Although Evem was only six years old, he was quite eloquent and had an advanced ability to comprehend things at an adult level.

Jepee left the bedroom so his kids could start getting ready for the day. As he started making breakfast, he heard them giggling and joyfully screaming in the other room. He chuckled to himself and wistfully sighed. Although he felt quite joyous on this day, there was always a twinge of grief as well. Today was not just Evesa's birthday, it was also the day he lost his wife. He never displayed his sadness in front of his children, he did not want to ruin the mood, but whenever he had some time alone he would take a moment to remember the love of his life who gifted him these beautiful children.

This moment of silence did not last long as the bedroom door swung open and two rambunctious youngsters ran to the table, ready to devour some celebratory pancakes. He provided them with the promised chocolate milk which occupied them until the pancakes were ready. As they gathered at the table and enjoyed the sugary breakfast, Jepee chuckled at his children's faces that modeled the latest chocolate milk mustaches. He grabbed his napkin and reached forward to wipe Evie's face clean but just before he could wipe Evem's face, Evie giggled, "Papa! Evem looks just like you!"

Evem proudly smiled at his dad, one of his front teeth missing. Jepee's blue eyes crinkled in laughter as he looked at his son sporting a chocolate milk mustache that rivaled his own facial hair. Evem had inherited Jepee's dark brown, almost black hair color, but he inherited Chaan's inquisitive green eyes and light dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks. Meanwhile Evesa had inherited Chaan's red hair, although her hair was a couple shades darker than her mother's, but she also inherited Jepee's blue eyes except hers were a brighter blue than the stormy shade her father had.

Jepee chuckled, "But look how much easier it is to shave your mustache." He reached forward and wiped the milk off his son's face despite Evem's protests.

Once the meal was over, Jepee stood up and gathered all the plates, "Alright. You two get cleaned up and then we'll head to the market. Make sure you use the privy before we leave."

Twenty minutes later, the trio had left their humble apartment and made their way to the public transportation center. Once onboard, they kept to themselves as they diligently kept an eye on their surroundings, a trait their father had instilled in his children. He taught them not to fear strangers but to simply be aware of them and the situations surrounding them. That way, they will never be caught off guard when trouble arises which was common in the Coruscant Underworld. Fortunately, Jepee was a tall, burly man who's mere presence screamed authority, so it was rare that any scumbag tried to mess with him or his children. Jepee's intimidating physique and dedication to his job was one of many reasons why he was recently promoted to Captain within his precinct at the Coruscant Underworld Police Force.

Once they arrived at Level 2046, known for its expansive diverse markets and delicious restaurants, they exited the transport. He picked up the birthday girl and held her in one arm while his other hand reached for his son's outstretched hand. Jepee noticed that whenever he felt a bit uneasy about something, Evem would always reach his hand out for him to take. Just like his heightened comprehension, his son also seemed to have an uncanny ability to read people and pick up on their emotions.

A quick few minutes later, the trio had reached the infamous Level 2046 Market. The children's eyes lit up at the wide variety of vendors selling numerous snacks, trinkets, and creatures they had never seen before. Jepee chuckled as he watched his daughter inquisitively stare at each stand, almost analyzing the vendor, the goods they sold, and who was buying. Ever since she was born, Evie always had this odd knack for studying her surroundings and being able to recall everything with near perfect precision and accuracy. A couple hours into their market exploration, Evie noticed two hooded figures wandering around the outskirts, hiding in the shadows as if observing the crowd. She furrowed her brow but did not mention anything to her father, she did not want to worry him, but she did make a mental note to keep an eye on them. After all, her father had repeatedly ingrained in her and her brother's mind that being diligent about your surroundings is the best way to stay safe.

As they continued to check out the market, Jepee occasionally bought fun snacks for them to munch on throughout the day but not enough to get them full before dinner. While they meandered through the market, he made sure to show Evie every safe-looking stall that sold exotic creatures, laughing when she "oohed" and "aahed" every cute and quirky critter in sight. Jepee knew his daughter loved animals and she desperately wished for a pet someday. He hoped to have the funds for said pet by the time she was old enough to take responsibility and care for it herself. A couple more hours passed until the artificial sunlight disappeared and the neon storefront signs lit up, preparing for the night life crowds. Being an underworld police officer, Jepee knew that once the 'sun' went down, the market was no longer a safe place…well 'safe' by lower Coruscant standards.

As they made their way to exit the market, Jepee hummed in thought, "I don't know about you two, but my tummy is rumbling. Anyone hungry for some noodles?"

"Noodles!" Evie excitedly clapped in his arm, she loved noodles almost more than she loved animals.

"Are we going to Desi's?" Evem asked, glancing up at his father.

"Depends on what Evie wants. It's her special day, right?"

"Evie?" Evem smiled up at his younger sister, "You wanna go to Desi's Noodles?"

"Yeah! Desi! I like Desi!"

"Desi's Noodles it is." Jepee chuckled.

When they reached the restaurant, there was a decently long line of customers waiting to be seated. Even though they were all the way on the 2046 level, Desi's Noodles was so popular it even attracted upper Coruscant cliental which meant this humble establishment was always busy on any given day. Fortunately, Jepee was good friends with Desi and he knew his friend always had a table ready for them. A couple years ago, there was a gang attempting to rob the restaurant when it first opened, holding all the staff and customers inside hostage, but thanks to Jepee's diplomatic bravery and quick thinking, he was able to verbal disarm the thugs long enough for the proper backup to arrive and arrest them without a single shot being fired. Desi was eternally grateful for his miraculous actions and promised him that as long as Desi's was open, there would always be a table available for him and his family, no wait guaranteed.

The trio bypassed the long line, despite the booing coming from the disgruntled customers, and met up with Desi standing by the entrance.

The Sullustan grinned at the trio, "My friends! I was expecting to see you today!" He happily clasped his hands together, "Happy Birthday little Evie! How old are you today?"

Evie proudly held up her fingers, "I'm four years old."

"Wow, practically an adult. So grown up."

Evie giggled and cuddled against her father's strong shoulder. "Looks like business is well, Desi. Do you think you can squeeze us in for some dinner?" Jepee asked, glancing back at the growing line of customers.

Desi firmly nodded his head, "For you, Jepee, always. Without you, there is no Desi's Noodles. Come, follow me." He led the family to his best table and personally attended to them throughout the meal, even surprising Evie with a decadent chocolate cake for her birthday. As they started to wrap up dinner, Desi provided them with another meal's worth of food for them to take home, free of charge of course.

While they waited for the food to be boxed up, Evie noticed something out of the corner of her eye. There was a Weequay couple, one male and one female, looking a bit more intense than normal. She could not explain why she was drawn to them, but she began studying their appearance as they continued sharing pointed stares to each other and other patrons around the restaurant. Evem, being acutely in tune with his family's emotions, felt Evie's concerned fascination and he followed her studious stare to the same weequay couple. Now Evem was staring at them too. He focused on their unusual body language and began picking up abnormal hints of apprehension from the couple. Jepee noticed his children were distracted by something and he casually turned to scan the restaurant, "What is it?" He whispered.

When Evesa did not answer, her brother stepped in, "That couple over there. They seem anxious, more than what would be normal for just eating dinner. They're not actually talking but they seem to understand each other through some unspoken language."

Knowing his son had the uncanny ability to accurately read people, he took his insight seriously. He reached for his hidden blaster and clicked it to stun, "I want you two to go find Desi in the back." When his children hesitated, he sternly whispered, "Now." They immediately climbed out of their chairs and quietly snuck out of the dining room. Once they were gone, Jepee adjusted himself in his seat so he could use the window's reflection as a mirror to watch the suspicious couple. After several minutes, he noticed the female reach into her purse but she did not pull anything out, she kept her hand inside which instantly alerted him that she was in possession of a blaster. The couple shared one more intense look and then the male placed a small box on the table. Jepee instantly recognized it as being a spice drop, something highly illegal on Coruscant. He watched as the female let go of whatever was in her purse and grabbed the box, swiftly slipping it into her purse and in exchange for a decent wad of credits.

Although Jepee was not on duty today, he could not allow for this illegal business to go on without intervening. He slowly stood up and casually made his way over to them, taking a seat at their table, "Good evening. What brings you in here today?" He drawled.

The couple did not immediately respond, they did not even bother glancing in his direction. Finally, the female responded, "Why don't you stick your nose in your own business, human. This doesn't concern you."

"Well actually…" He showed them his police badge, "it does."

Just as the female flinched toward her purse, Jepee pressed his blaster against her side, "Oh I wouldn't do that if I were you." She slowly put her hand back on the table as he continued, "I saw your little spice trade and I'd hate to be the bearer of bad news but that sort of business is illegal on Coruscant. Now, I may look the other way and let you two go with a small citation if you do me a favor."

"You want information." The male weequay inquired with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"Oh look, he talks. That's good because I want to know about your boss…" He glanced back at the female, "Both of your bosses." He continued to interrogate them for a bit longer, but he could tell they were not going to reveal anything useful to him. He let out a sigh, "I tried to let you go but you aren't giving me anything worthy to bargain your freedom for so I'll just have to arrest you."

Before he got the chance to comm someone at the precinct to come pick these criminals up, the male suddenly stood up and flipped the table to impede Jepee's defenses. Gasps and screams filled the restaurant as the female grabbed her blaster and attempted to shoot Jepee, but his strength and reflexes were able to divert the blaster upward, causing her to shoot into the ceiling. Upon hearing blaster fire, Evie raced toward the dining room to check on her father but Evem grabbed her by the arm and restrained her just before she reached the dining room door. She screamed out for her father, terrified something happened to him.

The two criminals continued their assault on Jepee but he skillfully blocked and disarmed each attack. The female assailant heard Evie's screams and grinned, "You have a daughter, Officer? My boss will be very interested in that bit of information. But if you let me go, I promise I won't say a word."

"I don't trust criminals." He growled.

She nonchalantly shrugged, "Fine. Her funeral."

A rare type of rage snapped within Jepee, one he typically had under control. "No one threatens my family." He let out a primal scream that seemed to stem from his soul as he forcefully charged at her but before he could reach her, the male accomplice found Jepee's blaster and shot him in the leg. Fortunately his blaster was still on stun but nonetheless, Jepee's leg went numb and he collapsed onto the ground. For whatever reason, the male accomplice suddenly decided to abandon this fight and he bolted out of the side exit. The female rolled her eyes at his cowardly retreat as she picked up her blaster pistol and aimed it at Jepee's head, "Have a goodnight, Officer."

Just as her finger began to squeeze the trigger, her entire body froze and she was unable to fire her blaster. Gritting her teeth, she desperately tried again to no avail. Jepee was confused as to what was happening until he saw two hooded figures standing by the front entrance. The two entered the now-emptied dining room and made their way over to the scene, the taller of the two stepping forward with his hand outstretched.

The man seemed to be in his early 40s, long light brown hair, well groomed beard, and a pair of kind blue eyes, "That will be enough excitement for one evening." He pulled his hand back and the blaster was yanked out of the female's grasp, landing on the floor a safe distance away from her. "We've been trying to track down your boss for a while now. I wonder if your desire for self preservation outweighs your loyalty to the mob." When she did not mutter a single world, the man called out to his associate, "Obi-Wan, take her into custody."

"Yes, Master." The other hooded figure stepped forward, revealing a young man about nineteen years old with serious blue eyes and brown hair that was cut short except for his padawan braid.

As the young man was handcuffing the assailant, the older Jedi bent down to check on Jepee, "Are you alright, Officer…?"

"Anful. Captain Jepee Anful." He gave the Jedi a salute out of respect, "And I'm fine, Master Jedi. Just a stunned leg."

"Allow me to help you." The Jedi threw one of Jepee's arms over his shoulders and carefully stood. As he helped the injured officer sit on a nearby seat, he continued, "I'm Qui-Gon Jinn and my padawan over there is Obi-Wan Kenobi. You've done a great service to the Republic and I thank you-"

"Papa!" Evie cried as she ran into the dining room. Evem had sensed the conflict was over so he had released his hold on his sister. Evie ran into her father's arms and buried her face into chest. Both Jedi reacted in surprise by the presence of Jepee's children.

The padawan furrowed his brow in confusion, "You brought your children on this undercover operation with you?"

"I wasn't undercover. I was off duty." Jepee tightened his arms around his daughter.

"Your dedication to the job is quite admirable." Qui-Gon smiled in appreciation, "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? I'll be as quick as possible so you may return to your family."

"Of course, Master Jedi."

Qui-Gon began asking a few procedural questions about the events that lead up to the confrontation. He was surprised when Jepee confessed that without his children picking up on the weequay's interaction, he would not have suspected anything. At this point, officers from the Upper Coruscant Security Force had showed up and escorted the assailant away. Obi-Wan returned to the group and respectfully stood behind his master, listening intently to the conversation. The older Jedi hummed in thought while glancing back and forth at the children before facing their father, "Do you mind if I ask them some questions?"

"Not at all."

The Jedi introduced himself to Evem, his soft eyes smiling as he did so, "Can you tell me what made you aware of the two weequays?"

Evem described the strong sensations of apprehension he felt from them and noticed how they seemed to be communicating without using any words. Although Jepee and Evesa were used to the boy's elaborate words, the Jedi were stunned at his testimony. Even the all-too-serious padawan seemed to be impressed. Qui-Gon nodded understandingly, "You mentioned a second accomplice? Can you describe them?"

Evem pointed his little finger towards his sister who was still curled up in her father's arms, "Evesa is the best person to ask. Her memory is incredible."

"I see." The Jedi Master turned to the young girl, "Evesa, can you tell me what you saw?"

Evie blinked up at her father, her eyes asking for permission, "Go ahead, sweetie. These men are the good guys, they're here to help."

She turned back to the older Jedi and began depicting in perfect detail what she saw. She described the male assailant's skin tone, eye color, hair color, the number of horns along his lower jawline, the exact clothes he was wearing, and the distinct scars, tattoos, and jewelry he was wearing. As she continued to talk, Obi-Wan had pulled out a data pad and took detailed notes about everything she described. Once she finished, Qui-Gon asked Evie the same question he ask her brother, "Can you tell me what made you aware of the two weequays?"

Evie shrugged, "I dunno. My tummy told me to look."

"Your tummy?" Obi-Wan cocked an amused eyebrow.

"Mhm." She nodded intensely, "Like when my tummy told me to look at you in the market today. I saw both of you, hiding in the dark, around the market."

The two Jedi shared a knowing look that made Jepee nervous. Evem picked up on his father's anxieties and gently grasped his hand in reassurance as he always does.

"Obi-Wan." The padawan stood at attention at his master's command, "Please confirm the statements you took with the children."

The young Jedi nodded, knowing what his master was truly asking him to do. He wanted him to distract the children. He knelt down and beckoned the kids to take a look at his data pad. While the children were occupied with him, Qui-Gon lowered his voice with Jepee, "Officer Anful, have your children always been gifted?"

Jepee hesitated, he knew where this question was leading to and it worried him. He respected the Jedi and what they did for the galaxy but he was selfishly devoted to keeping his family together. However, he knew better than to lie to a Jedi, "Yes. They've had these special abilities since birth."

"And they're ages?"

"Evem is six and Evesa just turned four today."

Qui-Gon smiled at the mention of the little girl's birthday, "I see." He glanced over at the kids giggling at something Obi-Wan said. He turned his attention back to their father, "How would you feel about me testing them for force sensitivity?"

"May I speak honestly?"

"I would prefer it."

He sighed, a look of remorse in his eyes, "I lost my wife on this day four years ago. Those children are the most important thing in my life, they are my entire world, my entire galaxy. I would be devastated to lose them."

Qui-Gon furrowed his brow, feeling the sincerity in his tone, "My condolences. I understand your concern, Officer. If I may offer a compromise?" He paused to let Jepee interject but when he stayed silent, he continued, "Allow me to test them. If they fail the test, then everything returns to normal. If one or both pass the test, you and the children will have the final say on their future."

Jepee could not hide his surprise at the generous compromise, "Don't you have a duty to the Jedi Order to bring them in if they pass the test?"

"Bring them in?" He chuckled, "You make it sound like a criminal sentence."

"I apologize, I didn't mean to offend-"

"Don't apologize, Jepee. I understand your desire to keep your family together, to keep them safe. That's what makes you a great father." They both turned to look at the siblings excitedly chatting with Obi-Wan as he showed them his lightsaber hilt, "Your children may not just be force sensitive. It seems the Force has given them special gifts. Your son's enhanced empath abilities and your daughter's exemplary recall. What they did today is only a fraction of the good they could accomplish if they hone in on these gifts and train under the Jedi."

"Are you trying to convince me to let them go?"

"I'm just presenting all possible paths for your children to walk. I do not wish to break up your family, Jepee. You are their father, I'm sure you know what is best for them." He gently patted his shoulder, "I'll stop by tomorrow afternoon to test them. Have a goodnight, Officer Anful."

"Goodnight." Jepee mindlessly responded. He quickly gave the Master Jedi his address and then watched as Qui-Gon called his padawan, bid the children goodnight, wished Evesa a happy birthday, and the two Jedi exited the restaurant.

His children waved goodbye before joining their father. Evem sensed the conflict within his father and reached for his hand, "What's wrong, Papa?"

"Nothing, its just…always interesting to meet a Jedi." He quickly brightened his mood as he scooped up Evie into his arms, "Well, on that exciting note, let's go home."

The trio bid goodnight to Desi, who repeatedly thanked them for their bravery, and they headed home. Half an hour later, the tired family trudged into their apartment and Jepee told them to start getting ready for bed. As the children began their nightly routines in the single bedroom, Jepee flopped onto the couch in the living room which was now his bed. A couple years ago, when both children outgrew their cribs, he traded in his bed for two smaller ones and gave them the bedroom while he moved to the living room and slept on the couch. He sighed as he looked around the humble apartment, thinking about what the Master Jedi told him. I'm sure you know what is best for them. He's only seen the Jedi Temple once in his life but he was impressed with how large and beautifully ornate it was, a place anyone would dream to live in.

He knew that a life with the Jedi would be a well defined path filled with knowledge and peace. His children would not have to worry about surviving in the Coruscant Underworld, they would thrive in their studies, explore new worlds, and do good across the galaxy. It was a no brainer decision, except for the hard truth. He would lose his children and be truly alone. Evem and Evie were the only reason he was able to power through the grief of losing Chaan but what would happen to him if he lost them too?

"Papa?" Evem's thoughtful voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hey buddy." He patted the empty spot beside him on the couch, "You ready for bed?"

"Yeah." His son nodded as he climbed up on the sofa.

Jepee smiled when Evem rested his body against him, "Did you have a good day? Besides the commotion at the restaurant."

He nodded again, "Those Jedi were nice. I've always wondered what it would be like to meet one."

Jepee paused as he thought about the situation at the restaurant, about how close he came to death, "The Jedi saved my life today. They truly are the guardians of peace."

Evem's face instantly filled with surprise, "They saved you?" He watched his father nod, "That makes me like them even more."

Jepee chuckled, "Me too."

They sat together in comfortable silence for a few minutes until Evem spoke up, "You're conflicted, Papa. I can feel it."

Jepee hesitated, "The Jedi think you and your sister may be Force-sensitive. And honestly, I think they're right."

"You mean Evie and I could be Jedi?" Evem could not hide his enthusiasm.

"Would you like that?"

Evem paused for a minute, thinking this decision through. His initial reaction was excitement but then he realized that meant he would have to leave his father and possibly his sister if she did not pass the test. Now he understood why his father had mixed emotions. After another moment of thought, Evem finally spoke up in a quiet voice, "I think so? But only if Evie can come with me. I won't leave her behind."

Jepee tightly squeezed his eyes, fighting the tear threatening to fall, "You've always been so protective of her."

Evem got choked up feeling the overwhelming sadness radiating off his father, "I love you, Papa. I don't want to leave you either." He wrapped his arms around his father's abdomen.

Jepee returned his son's hug with a squeeze, "The life of a Jedi is quite exciting, Evem. You'll do great things for those in need. Travel to places you couldn't even begin to imagine. I think you and your sister would do well in the Jedi Order."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Because you and your sister are my everything. I love you two so much. I will miss both of you dearly." He wiped a stray tear, "But as your father, it is my duty to provide you and your sister the best life possible. If that means letting you go to pursue the life of the Jedi, then I will do it."

The young boy slowly nodded his head in understanding, "I will have to think about my decision carefully then."

"Discerning as always." Jepee kissed the top of his head and released him from the hug, "Time for bed, Evem."

The young boy hopped off the couch and smiled at his father, "Have a goodnight, Papa."

"Goodnight, son." He gently ruffled his hair before he scampered off to the bedroom.

Jepee tiredly rubbed his face with a sigh but then he suddenly heard a small whimper from behind the couch. He looked back and saw Evie quietly crying in a curled up ball. "Evie?" He hurried around to the back of the couch and scooped her up into his arms, "What wrong, sweetie?"

"I don't want to leave you." She sobbed into his shoulder.

"Leave me? Oh no, you heard all of that?" She nodded as he carried her to the couch and sat down. He was surprised he did not hear her sneak up on them earlier, but then again, if she's destined to be Jedi, she may possess some mysterious abilities. "You don't want to be a Jedi?"

She violently shook her head, "I want to stay here with you. I want Evem to stay here with us. I want everything to stay the same."

"I know, sweetie. But sometimes change is a good thing. It may not seem that way but change forces us to grow, to become the best version of ourselves. You and your brother have so much potential, your potential is limitless. You two deserve the chance to go out and become who were destined to be. The Jedi can provide you with a life I never could."

"I still don't know how leaving you is a good thing. I don't like change."

Jepee paused to think of a different way to explain himself. Words of wisdom might work on Evem but Evesa is much younger, she needed an example. "I have something for you. It's a gift from your mother."

Her blue eyes grew wide, "Mama? What is it?"

Jepee pulled out a small folded up cloth from his pocket. He carefully unwrapped it to reveal a necklace with an upside-down triangle made up of interlacing curves on the end. "This belonged to your grandmother who passed it down to your mother when she was a baby. Your mother wanted me to give it to you when the time was right." He gently clasped the chain around Evie's neck, careful not to pull on her long hair.

Evie tenderly held the charm in the palm of her hand, "This is pretty. It reminds me of Mama."

"Why do you say that?" He curiously raised his brow at the peculiar comment.

"I remember her face. She had my red hair but lighter. She had Evem's green eyes and freckles. She looked really nice and had a pretty smile."

Jepee thought back to the day Evie was born and he vaguely remembered her inquisitive blue eyes analyzing Chaan's face right before she passed away, "You actually remembered that moment?"

She solemnly nodded, "It's all I have."

Jepee was stunned. How could a newborn have such accurate recall? Then again, if her memory was a gift from the Force, then it was plausible. He looked into her eyes and continued his analogy, "Your mother's death was a difficult change to overcome. But when I lost her, I gained an amazing and beautiful daughter who I love very much. You see what I'm saying?"

"I guess change can be good." She pouted, "But I still don't like it."

He chuckled at her honesty, "Most people don't. But how you approach it is what will define what you make of it. A lot of people don't adapt and the change will end up hurting them. You have to embrace it, Evie."

She fell silent for a couple minutes, thoughtfully playing with her new necklace, "Do you want Evem and I to go?"

"Of course not. You heard what I told your brother. I'll miss you two so much. But my infinite love for you is what gives me the strength to let you go, if that is the path you choose to walk. No matter what you choose, I will always be with you." He folded Evie's hand around the charm, "As will your mother."

"Thank you, Papa. I love you a lot. Like, a lot a lot." She buried her face into his chest.

"I love you too, Evie." He tenderly wrapped his arms around her and held her for a while, soaking in this loving embrace. But it was getting late and after the big day they had, with an even bigger day tomorrow, it was time to call it a night, "Ready for bed?" She sleepily nodded. He stood up from the couch and walked her into the bedroom, "Alright…." He tucked her in and kissed her forehead, "Have a goodnight birthday girl."

"Goodnight, Papa." She murmured before falling asleep.

Jepee smiled down at his sweet little girl before quietly stepped up to Evem's bed and, even though his son was already asleep, he planted a soft goodnight kiss to his forehead. This may be the last time he will have the chance to wish his children goodnight and he was going to relish every beautiful moment of it.


Meanwhile, back at Desi's Noodles, the Sullustan owner was finishing up his nightly routine. Throwing away the trash, wiping all the tables down, sweeping up the mess from the commotion earlier. As Desi picked up the flipped table, he noticed the female weequay's purse tucked underneath. He was about to pick it up but he realized this could be considered evidence. Desi decided to do the right thing and called the police to send someone to pick it up. Ten minutes later, an officer from the Coruscant Underworld Police stopped by to pick it up. After thanking Desi for the evidence, the officer walked back to his speeder and peered into the purse. He noticed a decent amount of credits inside and a communication device. He pulled out the comm and looked at it carefully, noticing a blinking light on the underside of it that notified him the comm was still on and sending out a signal. He promptly turned it off before placing it in an evidence bag and took off towards the precinct. What the officer did not realize was the comm was turned on before the weequay's exchange and it stayed on throughout the entire ordeal, including the talk Qui-Gon had with the Anful family. As it turned out, the female weequay was not only working for an elusive crime boss, she was his daughter. The powerful criminal did not take kindly to Jepee and his children interfering with the exchange nor aiding the Jedi in their arrest of his only daughter. No one messes with his plans nor his daughter and gets away with it. Not the Jedi. Not the officer. Not the children. They were going to pay.


Thank you for reading! Happy Bad Batch Wednesday! (I miss the show!) Have a great week! :)