“I know you will. I’ll do my best to help and teach you everything I know about the Force.” Calista smiled at his confidence in both of them. But she chuckled at Hawkin’s surprise as the Togruta practically shooed him away so they could talk.
She nodded slightly. “I know… my Master had finished a successful mission and sent her troop on leave before coming to the Temple to spend more time with me and teach me since she said I was too young to be brought along on those battles.“ she explained, letting out a slow breath as she forced the dark feeling from that day. “She decided to take me off planet and… anyway, there were two messages sent out shortly after we entered hyperspace. One saying for all Jedi to return to the Temple and the second was encrypted but warned all survivors to stay away.”
The togruta shook his head.
"I remember that day well. I had a Jedi come in after the messages come in. He completely traded in his robes and took off. He was a nice man, but fear had gotten the best of him. He bought whatever he could here and bid me farewell. I've never heard of him since. He said he was a historian though. Looking for a planet. If I recall, Cordova was the name he gave me."
He looked down at Dex.
"He had a droid similar to you. However you use a voice modulator. The other one just beeped."
The togruta leaned in closer.
"Looking at you though, you're not from the clone wars. You're from something before."
Hawkin was in his own world, trying on jackets and looking in the mirror.
“Master Cordova was here?” Calista asked in surprise. She didn't really know him, or remember if he had a droid, but she had known of him. There were many names of old Jedi Masters that she remembered but whether or not she had personally known them was a different matter. “I… I’m glad he escaped too. There were so many that we didn't know what happened to them, it's still a relief to learn if they survived.” she admitted, closing her eyes for a moment.
She smiled a little when the topic changed to Dex. “He actually belongs to my Padawan and is the reason we met.” she explained. “Dex is from the High Republic.”
The old togruta man stretched his back.
"Hopefully he's thriving, or else passed peacefully. No one needs to be hunted in this galaxy anymore. And really? A high republic droid? He's in amazing condition. Who fixed him up? They're an amazing mechanic. How did your padawan come across him?"
Dex walked around Calista's feet.
"Don't ask me, I was in low power mode. I was what you consider to be sleeping."
Calista nodded at the possible fates of Master Cordova, hoping for them as well.
“Hawkin is the one who repaired Dex.” she answered easily, glancing over towardsher Padawan. “He found the droid at the mechanic shop he worked at in the lower levels. Then, I guess, after finding out that Dex was High Republic, they came up to the Senate building looking for me.” she shrugged. “Didn't expect him to be Force-Sensitive, much less gifted, and… well, the rest is history in the making.”
The togruta looked at Hawkin and looked back at Calista.
"Well you found a good one. Now that boy over there, fixed this droid? What a talent."
The togruta turned and called to Hawkin, who was still looking at himself in the mirror as he was trying on jackets.
"Who taught you how to fix things? Where did you do an apprenticeship?"
Hawkin looked over at him.
"Sir, I never really was taught. I just did I guess. I would find old books and read those and get whatever knowledge they had. As for an apprenticeship, I guess I never really did one. I just went to the mechanic shop I was at, and asked for a job. The old man running it was nice enough. He gave me a shot, and I had been working there for about as long as I've been on this planet. I've just gotten better as I've gotten older."
Hawkin turned and kept looking in the mirror, and then he looked back at the togruta.
"If you need something fixed, I can try to help you. It wouldn't take me too long. I would just need a smock to cover my clothes. Normally I wouldn't care, but these are new."
The togruta lit up.
"Would ya? Now I only have one thing that needs fixing, and it's a droid. She still works, just not as well as she needs to. Could you look at her for me? Her processor isn't doing much."
Hawkin looked at Calista and looked at the togruta.
"If she says go for it, then I'd be much obliged to help you out. It shouldn't take me long at all."
Calista was perhaps just as surprised as the Torguta when Hawkin said he was never taught or had an apprenticeship. But she wondered if his skill was just something he could naturally do or perhaps something from the Force. Though she was definitely more curious about what kind of lightsaber he could make.
“I’m not going to stop you, Hawkin.” she smiled. “I have no doubt that you can do this.”
Hawkin took off the jacket he was wearing and picked up his bo rifle, that he had set down when Dex had gotten off of his shoulder.
"Don't freak out, my on the go fixing kit is in the bottom of this rifle. I hollowed it out and put all kinds of slicing and delicate handiwork tools in it. It's been useful. Now where is this droid?"
The togruta laughed at Hawkin.
"You had me confused for a second. The droid is back here, I powered her down. It's an older model protocol droid, because I have clients from just about every star system you can imagine coming in and I need to be able to communicate with them."
Hawkin pulled out a specific kit, and slung his bo rifle over his shoulder.
"I'll fix her up in no time."
He followed the old togruta to the back, and he saw a well taken care of droid. He smiled.
"You've taken very good care of her. This looks like a simple fix."
He went over to the back of the protocol droid, and took the cover off. Everything looked normal to him, until he saw the processor. He looked closely at the processor and saw that a few fuses had been blown. He pulled out a small torch and opened his little kit, and pulled out a few spare fuses. It was a delicate procedure, but he accomplished it, closed up the droid, and looked up at the togruta.
"Alright. I think I fixed the problem. Turn her on and let's see if anything goes wrong."
The old togruta went over and turned the droid on, and she powered up and functioned normally. The old togruta laughed and smiled at Hawkin's handiwork.
"You did good young man. I appreciate it."
He looked over at Calista.
"He's a wonder with machines. I've had other mechanics who turned down on fixing this droid because they couldn't do the delicate work on it. If you guys stay on Coruscant, I know people who need droids repaired. They'll pay a fair amount of credits. And if I'm not mistaken, he can more than likely work on cybernetics and mechanical limbs. I know a bunch of old fellas who need tune ups but no one can do it. I would love to mention you two. If that's okay? It would only be when he feels like it too. He's done me such a great service today."
Calista watched silently, curious and impressed with Hawkin’s skill. And hearing him call such delicate work a simple fix… she could feel the Torguta’s surprise. She wouldn't lie, she was also surprised.
She nodded. “I’ll be sure to keep those career opportunities open for him even as I train him to be a Jedi. I want to say that you are not mistaken. I think he mentioned being able to work on both of those as well. Or it's just a feeling I have about him.” she added with a shrug. “I don't think we’ll be leaving Coruscant any time soon and if we do, I’m sure we’ll be back.”
“What do you think, Hawkin? Would you like him to mention your talent for mechanics to his friends?” she asked, leaving the option up to him.
Hawkin looked back at the droid and he looked at Calista, and then he looked at the old togruta.
"I think I'll do it. And if you can tell them I won't need a lot of credits for my services. I just want to have the ability to call on them for favors if Calista and I ever get into a bind. Sometimes those are worth more than credits ever can be. I'm in the business of helping people. I'm not a scalper. If I can make their lives easier, then I'll do it whenever I have the time. I guess you can just tell them to come to the senate building. I have a feeling I'm going to spend a lot of time there. Plus it's close to libraires and archives. I'll have every opportunity to learn more about things there."
The togruta nodded his head.
"I see. For your service to me today, don't worry about owing me anything. Take what you would like. You've done me a favor, so let me do one for you."
Hawkin nodded.
"I appreciate that. I found three I really like. A nice brown one and a black one for everyday wear. Plus a nice jacket that should go with a lot of things."
Hawkin looked at Calista.
"Is there anything that caught your eye?"
Calista smiled at the honorable request for his work as a mechanic. It was kind and helpful to whoever he would work with, which was something that Jedi should do, while also somewhat of a diplomatic strategy in case of emergencies.
“I wasn't really looking since I’m used to this old thing.” she joked, gesturing to her dark brown hooded outer robe. “We're really here for you anyway.” she reminded.
(Thank you 😭 I promise I'm going to respond soon, I'm just trying to get through the week before finals so all of my assignments are all due at one timeeee)
(oof… ok. Good luck with your finals!)
Hawkin shrugged.
"Yeah, I know. But you're my master though. I felt like I needed to extend the offer."
The togruta tilted his head.
"Here's what I'll do. I'll pack your jackets up young man, and then, when you guys come back, your master can have a credit and get a jacket if she so sees fit. How does that sound?"
Hawkin beamed.
"That sounds amazing. We're headed to the boot makers next. Are they nice?"
The togruta laughed.
"Are they nice? By the stars that family of Rhodians are the nicest beings you'll ever meet. Treat them with kindness, and they'll do the same for you. Tell them that Kotaas sent you over there. I'll send them a holo message telling them you're coming. They may have an old cobbling machine that might need a tune up. I'm sure they'll be grateful."
Hawkin nodded as the old togruta packed up his jackets.
"I'll be delighted to help them. It's the least I can do."
He turned towards Calista.
"Are you ready? You and me both could use new boots. We've worn them down."
Dex hummed.
"I don't wear boots. I do not have that problem. You with your non-metal feet."
Hawkin laughed at the droid.
"You are funny sometimes Dex. Yes, I don't have metal feet, but I do have to keep yours in tune. You have delicate mechanisms in there that help you balance."
Dex hopped back up on Hawkin's shoulder.
"Still probably easier to deal with than boots."
Hawkin rolled his eyes.
"Whatever Dex. Thank you Mr. Kotaas. I really appreciate it."
The old togruta waved.
"Any time young man. Come back and visit soon!"
Calista was touched by Hawkin’s consideration but shook her head. “You don’t have to offer me anything.” she assured.
But she smiled at the Torguta’s comprise. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” she nodded gratefully.
She let the two talk, simply listening as Kotaas told them about the Rhodian family before glancing at her boots with a brief chuckle. “Yes, I’ll definitely look into a new pair with them.” she agreed, knowing that since she didn’t shop very much her current pair were most likely in need of replacing. She laughed a little at the now familiar banter between the droid and her Padawan, but seeing Dex climb back on Hawkin’s back reminded her of their idea from earlier. “Oh, before we go, Mr. Kotaas, do you have anything that could work as a backpack harness?” she asked, gesturing towards Dex and Hawkin’s position.
Kotaas smiled.
"I sure do. This isn't the first time I've dealt with droid carriers. What type are you looking for? A harness, a platform, or even a carrier for a small child? Some people have their preferences."
Dex piped in.
"I would like one that I can easily get in and out of. So a platform one would probably be best. Like a backpack."
Hawkin rolled his eyes and laughed.
"Whatever the droid says. He's got his preferences."
Kotaas held up his hand.
"I have just the thing. It's a durasteel platform, but it's wrapped with leather, and it looks pretty stylish."
Dex chirped.
"Ooo stylish. I like that. Let's do that one. Let me see that one."
Kotaas shuffled to the back, and brought it out.
"What do you think?"
Dex jumped down and jumped into it.
"I like it. Very stylish, and comfortable. Look Calista. I look cool."
Calista smiled as Dex answered Kotass’s questions since the harness was for him and Hawkin anyway. Though she suspected she would have to use it at some point as well.
“It does look very stylish.” she agreed, examining the design as Dex stood on it. “I think this will work nicely. How much is this one worth?”
Kotaas waved his hand.
"Baaa. You Jedi are all the same. This is a gift. Don't worry about the cost. Hawkin can help more people that I can, and for his willingness to help, this is a gift from me to you."
He looked at Hawkin.
"You're going to do great things kid. You have the makings of greatness in you, and with the help of the Jedi behind you, the stars are going to shake. I just hope you remember those who helped you along the way."
Hawkin smiled.
"I'm going to try. People keep telling me that I might be something in this big galaxy of ours, but I've got to see for myself. And if I can see a part of me through other people's eyes, maybe I'll find what I'm looking for."
Kotaas laughed.
"Now you're thinking like a Jedi. I wish you, your master, and your little droid, all the best. Now shoo, go get you some new boots. And you too Jedi. I know your kind likes to live a pretty spartan lifestyle with few things, but you deserve to treat yourself once in a while. You're in a new time in the galaxy. Build something that is wholly you. Now I'm going to go sit back in my chair and grow older and take a nap. Don't forget to stop by every once in a while. And if anyone needs fixing, I'll send them to the senate building, where they can find you lad."
Hawkin started walking out the door with his jackets and his harness.
"I'll be on the lookout for them! I look forward to it. You have a nice rest of your day Mr. Kotaas. I'm sure I'll see you soon."
The old togruta waved and sat down in his chair and kicked his feet up. His snoring started immediately.
(I love the Treasure Planet reference! One of my all-time favorite retellings of that story!)
“You're very generous.” Calista smiled gratefully at Kotaas and nodded, accepting his gift. But she couldn't help the soft chuckle at the praise he was giving Hawkin… and couldn't deny that he was right. Hawkin had so much potential, and the way he could rebuild the Jedi Order… it would be nothing like what she grew up with and possibly nothing like what her Master had gone through.
Especially with the way he was thinking about helping people. It just felt so right in the Force, almost like it was glowing at his words.
“Come on, star-shaker.” she teased fondly with a bright smile, already turning to head out of the shop. “Let’s leave Kotaas to get some rest and get those new boots.”
(I love the Treasure Planet reference! One of my all-time favorite retellings of that story!)
(I had to crawl out of the finals gulag to get back in the the writing swing of things. It did a number of things to me lol. I'm glad you liked it!)
Hawkin rubbed the back of his neck as he walked out and heard Kotaas snoring.
"It's best that we let the guy sleep. I think we were the most excitement he's seen in a while. And I'm glad for the opportunity to keep fixing things. Especially when it means I can help people. Now let's go get those boots. I'm excited to see what I find there. It's going to be nice. New shoes and maybe a softer step. I haven't had shoes that didn't pinch my feet in ages. I'll finally have room for my toes. But I'll still like going barefoot. Something about feeling the ground beneath my feet makes me feel secure."
Dex piped up from his new harness.
"Does it make you feel grounded?"
Hawkin stopped walking and turned his head where he could get a glimpse of Dex out of the corner of his eye.
"Since when do you know how to make puns? That was horrible. But it was used in the right context."
Dex chittered.
"I learned a lot from the holonet. And from you. If you are saying that it's bad, then I learned it from you. Most definitely everything humor wise, both good and horrible comes from you. Take that as you will."
Hawkin chuckled and rolled his eyes.
"Whatever you say buddy. Whatever you say."
Calista nodded at how much excitement they had brought to every place they had visited so far, not just Kotaas's shop. But she raised a brow as Hawkin told her about the problems he'd had with his boots. "How long have you had this pair?" she asked in concern.
Calista froze for a moment as she registered the fact that Dex had just made a joke before doing her best to hide her amusement. "I… I've heard worse but that was well-timed." she admitted, failing to stop smirking. "But if you think being barefoot does help you feel… grounded," she cleared her throat to hide a chuckle, "we should definitely go off-planet at some point so you could feel the actual planet."
Hawkin looked down at his boots and back up at Calista.
“Umm…”
He mumbled,
“About two years… but they were used when I found them…”
He picked his head back up.
“That’s irrelevant now, we’re going to get more. I’m going to be fine. As for feeling the ground, maybe a sandy planet or a planet with water or a lot of dirt. I’m going to absolutely bury my toes and just become a complicated plant for a while. To feel the planet I must become the planet.”
Dex chimed in.
“With how tall you are right now, I wouldn’t say plant. I’d say a tree. Your biometrics only say you’re going to get taller.”
Hawkin once again looked over his shoulder.
“When did you do a biometric scan on me?”
Dex shifted in his new harness.
“I would say when you were sleeping to freak you out a little bit, but I was in rest mode. I’ve been running small micro scans throughout the day to see your biometrics. You’re very interesting to say the least.”
Hawking rolled his eyes.
“I guess it’s only fair you run biometrics on me when I know what’s in your circuit box. Any fun features I have being Kiffar and not entirely human?”
Dex chittered.
“You already know this more than likely, but instead of your blood being crimson, or a dark red, your blood is shockingly scarlet. Very bright.”
Hawking laughed.
“Yeah I know about that one. A few small cuts and bruises let me know that my blood was a different color.”
Hawking stopped walking as he made it to the door of a dilapidated shop. He looked at Calista.
“Is this the boot shop? It looks… Different. More like a house than a shop.”
