The continuing Star Wars fanfiction of the journey of an original character mentored by Ahsoka Tano – set before, during, and after Season 1.
Rating: General, Spice Level: None
Characters/Tags: Original Character, Master and Apprentice Relationships, Original Female Character, Original Jedi Character, Ahsoka Tano, Huyang
Read Chapter 2: Edge of Elsewhere
Chapter 3 – Life or Death
Kendra adjusted the blaster on her shoulder as they walked away from town. The sun drifted over the western horizon, leaving red and orange in its wake as the temperature descended.
The fading light filtered through the tree canopy, casting lines of shadows across the road.. By this point, it was more of a trail, as little rock remained to control the mud. The morning rain left everything damp and smelling of earth. Evening insects began their nightly chorus, growing in volume as time passed.
Master Edith plodded along at her slow yet steady pace as she stepped around puddles barely seen in the dark. Dinner at the small local tavern had gone without much conversation, and her master remained quiet for the first mile of their journey.
The two passed over a wooden bridge. The townsfolk had rebuilt it for the two women. It had washed away decades earlier with the rain, and no one had any reason to repair it until their healers lived on the other side.
Kendra yawned and fought to bring her focus to the present, to “enjoy the night air,” as her master would say. Now dry, her pants no longer chafed. She used the Force to soothe a growing headache, and then extended the soft glow of healing to include her master.
“Thank you,” Master Edith said. “These days do feel like they are getting longer.”
Silence stretched between the two women, and as Kendra’s headache eased, she felt drawn to continue the earlier discussion. “Master, about my argument in town.”
Master Edith nodded. “I know you would like to use your healing.”
“I don’t understand why we can’t. If the Empire has fallen and the New Republic is now in charge, and if they aren’t hunting Jedi, why can’t we?” Kendra had been twelve when the Empire fell, or started to fall with the destruction of something they called a Death Star and the apparent death of the Emperor.
Nobody on Celestoria had many details, of course. It happened somewhere far away, with a rebellion Kendra had not known existed. The whole thing sounded exciting every time she heard more. Official news lines didn’t report it initially, then they went silent. New news lines started, but there was no way to tell what was true or a lie.
“Just because the Empire is supposedly gone, the galaxy is not safe. The New Republic does not control as much as portrayed on the tavern holos. There are many who would still blame the Jedi, and would welcome the Empire back, given the chance.”
“I don’t understand why, if the Empire was so bad.”
Master Edith said, “Some people feel safer with the violence of supposed order and security than the violence of freedom.”
Kendra had never seen much violence. The men would fight in town occasionally, and she once helped a man who’d accidentally shot himself with his blaster. The dangers to Fernwood were almost always due to injury or illness.
Kendra longed to use the Force like a real Jedi. She’d read so much and Master Edith had told her so much, but she wanted to do it herself. To feel helpful in that way. She wouldn’t be much good with a lightsaber, except against a few blasters, but she could heal. She could help.
Her master wasn’t supposed to fear, but she seemed afraid of the Empire. Too scared to take Kendra out into the galaxy or let her go alone. Something terrible had happened to Master Edith when the Empire struck the Jedi, and she’d never gotten over it.
“I hope the New Republic succeeds,” Master Edith said. “But it has only been a few years. They haven’t even made it to Celestoria yet.”
“We could have been helping,” Kendra said, “the rebellion or now the New Republic.”
“Oh, we could have?” Master Edith raised an eyebrow. “My duty has been to keep you safe while you are young. Unfortunately, I am too old to do that now with a lightsaber, so I have kept my word to your mother by hiding.”
Kendra’s mother was the town healer. Before she died, when Kendra was four, she asked the helper in the woods to take care of her child. The town might have thought it odd given Edith’s age, but it was what her mother wanted. No one suspected the four-year-old was force-sensitive or that her mother knew exactly what Edith was. Thirteen years later, the unsuspecting town continued to benefit from this decision.
Master Edith continued, “And while healing is important, you cannot defend yourself. I am sorry I have been unable to train you as well as I should have with a lightsaber.”
Kendra’s neck warmed with embarrassment at her lack of progress with a lightsaber. It was true that Master Edith’s age impacted her ability to train her, but they also could not use the lightsaber where they might be seen. Kendra also preferred studying and meditation over practice with the wooden training swords, making it partly her fault.
“There are other reasons,” Master Edith said. “What happens to people when there are no dangerous animals nearby? When they can easily buy or are given food?”
“What do you mean?” Kendra asked.
“Can they hunt? Are they skilled with weapons for defense?”
“Probably not.”
“So they’d lose that ability.” Master Edith’s voice was firm.
Kendra understood but said nothing. She kicked a branch off the trail, annoyed when it splattered cold water back onto her pants.
“What will happen to the people of Fernwood when I die and you leave?” Edith asked.
“Master,” Kendra said.
Master Edith shook her head. “Don’t pretend that isn’t the plan. I will die someday, likely soon. And you will leave, as you ought.”
Talking about Master Edith’s death was not the plan when Kendra wanted to argue for healing. She didn’t know what she’d do when her master died. It was painful enough to remember her mother, and she only had vague memories of her. Kendra changed the subject. “But we could help them now.”
“We are helping them now,” Master Edith said. “They are learning how to fight things like the vine cough on their own. Evan will collect the winger root. He will remember, even after we are gone.”
Evan’s father had died of vine cough, and Kendra’s mother had died of it as well. They hadn’t known about the restorative abilities of boiled winger root before Edith’s research led to more widespread use of the herbal remedy.
Master Edith asked, “What do you think would happen if Fernwood had its own magic healer?”
“People would get sick less often.”
“Kendra.” Master Edith sighed. “True, but then what? What happens to the town when people from other places in Celestoria or the system arrive to receive healing?”
More and more people would come to Fernwood. The rural way of life would be gone. Evan would probably not have rock walls to jump between.
“And now think about these people you save from their minor illnesses,” Edith continued. “Think of ten years from now when Evan decides to leave and explore the galaxy. Will his body be prepared to fight illnesses without you?”
“No.” Kendra was glad for the lack of light, as she was certain her neck and cheeks were bright red. Pressure mounted in her chest, and she feared she might cry.
“There are times to heal using the Force. There are other times when it is wise to allow people to use their resources and their body’s healing abilities. You must learn to know the difference. Tell me, did you seek the will of the Force earlier when you decided you wanted to cure Fernwood from the vine cough?”
Kendra ducked her head. “No, master.”
“Jedi are not all heroics and saving the galaxy. Sometimes the Force asks us to be still, though I know stillness is not something someone your age craves. But you’ve had an opportunity to learn about the Force in a way most of my other padawans have not, in the quiet of this forest.”
Master Edith’s tone made it clear that this was her argument’s end.
“Kendra,” Master Edith said more softly, “here’s something you can do – go near the village without being seen tomorrow. Practice sensing everything and everyone in town.”
“Yes, master.” Another walk to and from town, but without getting to talk to anyone.
“I feel that Evan may do something dangerous. Be mindful of the nexu and his adventures. Use this as an opportunity to train and keep your little friend safe.”
“Yes, master.”
As they neared home, Master Edith unfastened a strip of cloth on her arm wrappings to reveal a small device hidden below. She pressed a button, and several head-sized globes turned on, emanating soft light as they rose above their hut. A stone cliff rose at least forty feet high at the back of the camp. Wooden fences all around marked their gardens of vegetables and herbs. A large fire pit lay in the middle of the area, in front of a small wooden hut made in the same style as the villagers.
The globes did not illuminate the cave-like indentation in the cliff behind the hut, but Kendra could always make out the edges of the inoperable T-6 shuttle hidden there. Since learning of the Empire’s demise, Master Edith would power the shuttle up long enough to connect and get news a few times a week. It seemed like it had been more often of late, though she didn’t share much with Kendra.
As they approached the hut, Master Edith stopped. “You are right about many things, my padawan. You have done very well in your training.”
Kendra opened her mouth to argue, but didn’t know what to say. She’d learned how to meditate and might be able to heal, but she was not a real Jedi. She did not fault Master Edith for this failure.
“I think it is time you hang on to something for me.” Master Edith reached under her cloak and pulled out her lightsaber. The silver cylinder shone slightly under the globe lights, starkly contrasting with the frail hands that offered it. A handful of dents marred the otherwise reflective and clean casing, but it remained the most beautiful thing Kendra had ever seen, even without the bright blue plasma blade it emitted when activated.
Kendra froze. Her heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear.
“Do not brandish it if you are not prepared to use it, and do not use it if you are not prepared to end it. It is for life or death.”
Kendra did not understand. After all the talk against using her powers, the assessment of her lack of lightsaber skills, and the reminder of all the dangers, why would Master Edith give her the proper weapon of the Jedi?
“You have practiced with this here, but now you must carry it. Consider it yours until such time you can construct your own.”
Her hand shook, but Kendra accepted the weapon. She had held it many times while training, but never to retain. It always went back to Master Edith. Now, it was heavier than she remembered, somehow more real. “Master, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”
“I am proud of you, Kendra,” Master Edith said. “Seek the Force, always.”
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