“Obi-wan, this will be the last time…”
“I know master Yoda.” Obi-wan cut him off abruptly. “In focusing intently all these years of what is to come, I have foreseen this moment countless times.”
“Obi-wan, a need to see him Ahsoka has.” Yoda finally admitting to Obi-wan. Obi-wan had foreseen the encounter over and over and had dissuaded Yoda every time the subject was broached.
“As you know, I don't agree with your reasoning but counseling her as to what the boy means may be the best approach. I don’t want to lead her to the farm, there is too much present that would navigate her away from her own destiny.”
“Hmmm, your point, again, well taken it is.” Yoda replied thoughtfully “Dangerous this situation is, one small step, or emotion unchecked, prevent the boy’s destiny it will.”
“We decided long ago that the truth could not be ours alone to safeguard. We have done our parts Master; fate will dictate its own outcome from now on.
“Shrouded in mystery it would be for me to call Ahsoka again. From you a message would be more appreciated. Her destiny, an open book it is, unpredictable her actions are, and alive it has kept her.” Yoda said with a satisfied grin.
“In her I sense a struggle Master, which is why I will counsel only. As you said, she can be, uh, unpredictable...but that has always been her nature. I will reach out to her in due time, soon, as I see events unfolding rapidly.” Obi-wan was hesitant to admit. As it was his chosen charge to look after Luke and manipulate all dangers to other endeavors, he knew his own destiny was close to being fulfilled. Yoda, through all the years, had never asked Obi-wan to counsel him on his visions as it was Yoda’s chosen charge to keep a vigilant watch on the present. “May the force be with you Master Yoda.”
“May the force be with you Master Kenobi, always.” Yoda finished.
✦
The sprawling collection of architecture from all over the galaxy made any view of Nar Shaddaa a mass of confusion and provided a feeling of being always lost. Kowani navigated them from the hangar bay and through twisting tunnels of permacreet, root-formed indigenous dwellings, pre-fabbed temporary housing and other buildings built from space junk and decommissioned ships. On top of being a jungle of patchwork buildings there were sentient’s packed in every street and path from all across the galaxy. Smugglers looking to unload, pirates roosted and enjoying down time, pick pockets and thieves, peddlers and merchants trying to “feed their families,” criminals and bounty hunters either looking for a score or in the active pursuit of their chosen professions. Business being conducted in one form or another everywhere she looked, Ahsoka was glad to be among it all, she was surprised to admit to herself. Spending the bulk of her time facilitating rebellious raids and conversely committing treasonous acts upon the Empire, she had, for the most part, either been in hiding or on the run, sometimes both for well over a decade. It felt good, if even for an abbreviated period of time, to just be Ahsoka. Here she wasn't even that so much, just another being on a moon full of them, with her own priorities and her own agenda. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, more so now that the place had become a sanctuary for not only galactic criminal elements, but refugees displaced by the ongoing Imperial cause and those looking to leave the authoritative eye of the Empire in general. The smells were intoxicating one moment and repulsive the next. And, here, everything had a price if someone knew you wanted something bad enough.
Kowani turned two more tight corners and led them into what was advertised as ‘Ombro’s tea house,’ whether it was tea Ombro served or anything else, Ahsoka didn’t care. She was joyfully enjoying the experience.
“Nee choo wanna wanga un chowbaso.” The Nubian male said in perfect Huttesse from behind a counter, clearly in recognition of Kowani. His ebony skin glimmering from the sweat all on Nar Shaddaa profuse due to the insane heat and ever-present humidity. For that reason, most on the moon wore little to begin with. Ahsoka, feeling warm herself, knew she was overdressed but dare not remove the hood. There were several other patrons in the small dimly lit place, paying no attention to the newcomers or the exchange of greetings.
“Nee choo Ombro.” Kowani replied just as flawlessly. “Sa Marcello unko?”
Ombro who had gone directly back to filling mugs after his initial greeting did not look back up. “Noleeya doe bata.”
“This way.” Kowani tugged at Ahsoka’s arm, leading her past Ombro and thru the door adjacent the counter. The room, that was Ahsoka’s guess anyway, was pitch black with only a small amount of illumination emanating from the back corner by a camvid currently displaying Ombro carrying a tray of filled mugs to a group of three Dugs. Ahsoka could hear and place the three other beings in the darkened room, each by either the attempts of veiled breathing or quickened heartbeats. As soon as she heard the telltale click and whiny of the blaster’s safety being turned off, she had her sabers out and ignited, detailing every inch of the room in stark white. Surprise was an understatement, a pale purple complected Nemoidian, an orange skinned Zabraki female, and a human male made up the company, all of which had not adjusted to the immediate presence of the blinding light.
“Let’s just turn that safety back on, shall we?” The down key pitch let her know the power cell was switched back off on the blaster. “That’s much better.” Ahsoka finished.
“Garand, illuminators please.” Said the Zabraki as the human touched his wrist twice. The central light in the room flickered a few times before deciding to remain on. Ahsoka sensed unease but no longer the hostility from a moment before as she began lowering her sabers, switching them off.
“Those certainly stand out.” The Zabraki said to Ahsoka. “Kinda puts you in exclusive company, but I must say I’ve never seen white before.” The authoritative voice finished quite poetically for Zabraki speech.
“I’ve made a habit of standing out for a while now and have no intention of changing my approach.” Ahsoka retorted flatly.
“Now that the dramatics are behind us, I believe we can conduct business and also come to realize we’re all on the same team here.” Kowani remarked. “Teth, I appreciate the caution, and I am sure my friend does as well.” She added with a glance at Ahsoka.
“Yes yes, your never accompanied by anyone, or thing, outside of that dumb droid of yours though.” The Zabraki said as her heartbeat returned to normal.
“That dumb droid is currently delivering your clouzon.” She shot back.
“I just meant that…. oh, never mind.” Teth knew she didn’t need to apologize as she was certain Kowani caught the sarcasm. “Payment will be…”
“Unnecessary.” Kowani cut her off. Ahsoka shooting her a sideways glance hadn’t expected that to say the least. Who was this Mirialan, truly? The human, Garand, noticed the glance but said nothing.
“Tche, send the payment anyway.” Teth told the Nemoidian. “First, to ensure the fuel is secured. Second, as our way of ensuring the crystals do not become property of the Empire.” She said with a grin directed at Kowani.
“Payment sent Teth.” Tche said needlessly, which was quickly followed by three cadenced beeps on Garand’s wrist comm device to notify them the cargo had been secured.
“Thank you for that Ani, it’ll do some good in this crazy Empire of ours.” Teth said with deep emotion.
A low bow from Kowani that Ahsoka quickly duplicated ended the transaction, Kowani leading the way back out of the doorway. Back in with Ombro in a much more crowded area than before, Ahsoka quickly, reflexively, scanned the newcomers as the door slowly slid into place behind them, clicking quietly, an audible register that security measures were enabled.
“Kowa…” Ahsoka started.
“Later she replied, we have a distraction to muster, correct?” Kowani stated more than asked, taking point again. Seeing nothing, but more importantly sensing nothing of import among the room’s newcomers, she followed Kowani’s lead back into the street.
“Poonoo ado ataa.” Ombro stated simply while sweeping the floor around the counter, his eyes entirely on the job at hand.
“Poonoo du wygo wanna.” Kowani elaborated with a swooping bow to the ‘tea’ house owner and assembled customers. Leading Ahsoka back the way they had come, she abruptly veered down a street they had not taken prior. This one was like the others, assorted merchants peddling wares, kaat house twi’leks, male and female, loosely attired, beaconing those with credits to spend to get lost for a few hours, raucous cantina’s, shops selling freshly crafted edibles from across the galaxy…. Ahsoka suddenly felt a pulse of force energy that almost stopped her in her tracks but was gone as quickly as it arrived. Her montrals sensing the general direction of the epicenter but not the direct source. Again, the wave, however more subtle, as if it knew it should deamplify upon getting her attention the first time, she traced the ripples back to their source. An elderly human female was seated cross legged on a black cloth, her wind worn flesh leathered by time. Scattered all around her were broken pieces of tech, some newer, some vintage. She had her head cocked to one side facing away from Ahsoka, her hair pulled tight about her scalp.
“You have the heart of Kyber.” She whispered, Ahsoka having no idea if that was truly intended for her ears or not because the old woman hadn’t turned her head. However, she leaned forward with a hand on the woman’s head, “I am one with the force and the force is with me,” she whispered back so that only the woman could hear. The woman righted her crooked head and with tears streaming down her face acknowledged the incantation with a righteous bow of her head. “The guardians are well to know their number includes one so far removed from Jedha.” She stoically claimed.
“I am not a guardian ‘Du maruki’ but am one with the force.” Ahsoka said with conviction. Kowani waiting patiently behind her. “Y’grritii, at your feet lies components I am compelled to obtain, and I cannot explain why other than it is the will of the Force.”
“My dear, take what you require, it is by the will I was even here today.” The old woman replied, pushing some of the items toward Ahsoka.
“I have no credit chips….” Ahsoka started as Kowani handed her the data pad, already dialed in to a sub account and prepped for credit transfer.
“Ish phala, none are required my ‘Tungu,’ the will is met, and my part is concluded.” She voiced as she made a move to get up. Seeing her struggle, Ahsoka offered a hand, of which the old woman took. “Trusting hands,” a slight giggle issuing forth, “The hold is firm and steady Ahsoka, years of gripping a saber I would suspect, adeptly.” She said with a wink.
The shock held only in her eyes as she was unwilling to give herself away, rashly, to what the woman had said. As she ambled off up an adjacent alley, she turned back over her shoulder and mouthed words only Ahsoka could hear.
“Ho’nam Imwe.” Came the words. And with that she continued on her way without another glance behind her.
“What did she say Ahsoka?” Kowani was curious, strained as she was to hear but couldn’t over the Nar Shaadan sense dulling noise.
“Only her name…. only her name.” Ahsoka said, almost to herself. “The mother of a dear friend.” She added, still watching after the old woman who had long since lost herself among the crowds.
Kowani jabbed her in the shoulder, “What is it?” she questioned.
“I never told her my name Kowani.” Ahsoka replied, a sensory tingle running up one side of her and down the other.