forum Star Wars OxO with Winter

Started February 20, 2024 by @FanfictionFanatic-The-Elder group

tune

The Rhodian couple looked at each other in shock.
“A padawan? Are the Jedi coming back? And what do you mean by a force echo?”
Hawkin had sat down in the chair that the Rhodian boy had brought in.
“Long story short, I can see memories of places and things. And boy do these walls have stories to tell.”
The Rhodian couple looked at each other and back at Calista.
“Is this true? What does that mean for us?”

Calista smiled at Hawkin for explaining and nodded before answering the couple’s questions. “It is true, we are hoping to bring a new Jedi Order back to the galaxy. And it just means that we know you helped a Jedi Master save his Padawan when the Empire was hunting them.” she told them calmly, but clearly grateful. “Hawkin’s gift is rare so not even I can see what he does. You are not in any danger.” she assured.

The Rhodian couple shifted nervously.
"We tried to help that padawan. We got him off world, but where he went next is unknown to us. He has a way to contact us, if he ever chooses to. If he's alive or dead, we don't know. We just hope for the best."
They looked at Hawkin.
"Well, we're excited that the galaxy is finally looking up. What can we help you with today? I can only assume boots."
The eldest son looked down at Hawkin's feet.
"Looking at his boots, he definitely needs some."
Hawkin laughed.
"You betcha I need some new boots. I haven't had any in years. My master also needs new boots."

"Do you remember his name?" Calista asked gently, wondering if she had known the Padawan at one point and if there was a chance they could get in touch with him again. Surely, by now, he would have heard of the fall of the Empire and how the New Republic would welcome his return. But she could understand a strong sense of caution after being in hiding for so long.
She chuckled as Hawkin and the Rhodian boy commented on the state of their footwear. "I just haven't had the opportunity to buy new ones until now." she admitted with a dismissive shrug. Though, she smiled softly as Hawkin called her his Master. It was, of course, her title now but she still wasn't sure how long it would take her to get used to it. She would have to… sooner or later, despite how odd it felt for now.

The Rhodian couple smiled and the woman looked thoughtfully.
“I remember his first name. Ferren. He wasn’t human, and he wasn’t a young padawan. He wasn’t new, and he had experience, but he needed to get off world. He was Icktotchi. We got him off world, and we haven’t heard from him since. I fear he has died, but we can still hold out hope.”
The man jumped in.
“His name was Ferren Barr, and we got him off world and the last time I got any update, he had gone to Mon Cala. Haven’t heard from him in years and I don’t expect too. He left very quickly.”
The Rhodian boy had gone off to get Hawkin some boots. He had been trying on pairs during the conversation between Calista and the couple and he started to hit it off with the boy.
“Well what do you think of these?”
He held his feet up to the boy.
“No. Those are far too flashy. Solid white boots? You’re looking like someone who went dumpster diving for spare shoes from the storm trooper discard bin. Let me get you another pair. A dark brown. Lots of little buckles and things. They go with anything and they’re stylish, and not to mention, comfortable. As for your fancier outfit, I have a pair of dark sandstone boots that I know will match. I’m not worried about that. You’ll love them.”
Hawkin raised his eyebrow.
“You sure know shoes. I trust ya. And I feel like I need two pairs of travel boots. One for walking around and one for running from trouble. If the running ones could be like a matte black, that would be absolutely cool.”
The Rhodian boy laughed and rolled his eyes.
“For someone who has never really had the experience of picking out boots, you know what you want.”
Hawkin smiled back.
“What can I say? I know what I want 68% of the time, and I do know, for a fact that I want some new boots because my feet are far too big.”
The Rhodian boy called over his shoulder as he went to go get the boots.
“You can say that again, you have giant feet. Even for someone who sees a variety of shapes and sizes of feet everyday.”
Hawkin rolled his eyes.
“Yeah right. I can go find a gungan. They have giant feet too. Even more giant than mine.
The Rhodian boy called from the back.
“Last I checked, gungans didn’t really wear shoes. I would certainly know.”
Hawkin groaned and threw his head bakc in his chair.
“Why do you know so much about feet, it’s kind of weird.”
The Rhodian boy came back with all three pairs of boots.
“Because it’s my job, and now I know about your giant feet. I’ll know your foot size for forever. Now try these on.”
Hawkin sighed and tried on the boots, and they fit amazingly. He looked at Calista and smiled.
“These boots are really nice. You should get uh, what’s your name? You never told me.”
The Rhodian boy polished the pair Hawkin hadn’t tried on.
“It’s Sonto. Hawkin. Your master said your name, so I remembered it, like I will never recover from the horror of your giant feet.”
Hawkin waved his hand.
“Ah whatever Sonto. My feet aren’t horrific. Anyways Calista. Sonto knows far too much about boots, and he definitely knows what type you need. He’s a great help.”
Sonto gave Hawkin the second pair of boots and looked at Calista.
“I really try. But as you can see, I have some really tough customers some times.”
Hawkin looked at him, and he looked at Hawkin and they both laughed.

Calista nodded, grateful for the information but felt an odd chill at the name. “I can't say that I remember him personally, but with this information we have a good lead to pick up a trail.” she thanked them both. But she decided to meditate on Ferren first to prepare for whatever may have happened to him.

She didn't interfere with Hawkin and the Rhodian boy but she smiled at the sense that things were going well between them. And what she did hear was funny. Something about Hawkin having feet bigger than a Gungun… Boys. she rolled her eyes and let out a soft chuckle.

“I’m sure he does.” she smiled back. “I really just need a simple pair of boots. Hopefully, my feet aren't horrifically large.” she couldn't help teasing.

Sonto looked at Calista’s boots, snapped his fingers and ran to the back. He came back with a pair of boots and placed them beside Calista’s feet.
“I think these might work. If you like them of course. And for sure, your feet are not as horrifically large as Hawkin’s over there.”
Hawkin scooted his feet under his chair, and Sonto rolled his eyes.
“Good luck hiding those stompers. I truly feel bad for you. As a deal when you get the boots, I’ll throw in some socks for free. You probably need those too.”
Sonto looked back at Calista and covered his mouth as to where Hawkin couldn’t see.
“Don’t tell him that socks come free with every pair of boots. Best leave him in the dark.”
Hawkin narrowed his eyes.
“Ay Quit spilling secrets! I’ll have you know I’ll go touch the walls again and find out what you said.”
Sonto picked up the boots he has placed beside Calista’s feet, and brought them to the counter.
“Yeah well good luck with that. You almost fried your brain doing it the first time you came in here.”
A mechanical chortle escaped Dex as he was standing in the corner.
“Hawkin I like this kid. He’s funny.”
Hawkin rolled his eyes as he stood up.
“I’m sure you do Dex. I’m sure you do.”
He looked at Sonto, and then at his parents who were watching the interactions take place.
“How much do I owe you?”
Sonto looked over at his father.
“Well, I guess I could give them to ya half off. that’s two pairs of boots, and one special pair, designed by me, for you. You’d be doing me a favor by taking them, If it’s okay with my father. But I’m not going to make the Jedi pay. She’s our guest. That’s the house rules.”
Hawkin smiled.
“Now I like the sound of that. Before I ask how many credits it is, I am going to ask you to talk to Kotaas. He asked for my help. Before yesterday, I was a mechanic. Working on ships and other fine objects, like prosthetics and artificial limbs and what nots. I told Kotaas that if anyone needed a tune up, to head to the senate building. I’d be there frequently. It would be at no charge. It’s a good opportunity to learn about people and to grow my skills in machina.”
The Rhodian father stepped up to the counter.
“I’ll keep that in mind. You have a kind heart young man. Keep that. It’ll serve you well wherever you go. As for the price, call it 50 credits and go about your way. And come back and visit us whenever you like. It seems like Sonto may have found a friend.”

Calista was impressed by how quickly Sonto found a pair of boots for her but smiled warmly as she tried them on. “Very nice.” she complimented, holding back a brief chuckle at poor Hawkin’s embarrassment. She winked at the ‘secret’ before sending a sense of comfort and assurance to Hawkin through their bond.

“He’s right, Hawkin. You need more practice before you use that ability too often.” she pointed out, casting a glance at Dex as the droid finally joined the conversion and silently agreed that Sonto would be a good friend for Hawkin. Though she felt a little… odd when the family insisted that she didn’t pay. “That is very generous of you.” she managed to smile softly at them. She was still proud of her Padawan for continuing to offer his services as a mechanic to everyone. She was tempted to suggest the option of putting up an advertisement but it didn’t seem right to do so. “I’ll be sure to have Hawkin visit Sonto when possible.”

The Rhodians smiled, and Sonto held up his hand for a high five from Hawkin. Hawkin hesitated for a brief moment, and then complied.
"I guess I'll see you soon. Come visit me up in the senate building sometime. Once I know the place I can give you a tour."
Sonto smiled.
"I would really like that. That building has always looked cool on the outside. Always wondered what it looks liked on the inside."
Hawkin counted out 50 credits and looked at Calista.
"I'm going to grab this one. I don't need to spend all of your money today."
He chuckled, picked up Dex, fixed his clothing, and took a deep breath. He waved goodbye to Sonto and the Rhodian family before walking out. Outside, he took another deep breath.
"I guess we drop this all of stuff off at your apartment, and head to my old boss. Time to face that music I guess. And then we head to the senate. I think I'm starting to get a bit nervous. Does this normally happen?"

Calista chuckled a little at Sonto's eagerness to see the Senate building but chose to stay quiet. Just because she didn't think much of the grandiose designs and the cold places no one else noticed, didn't mean that she should disway the young Rhodian.
"I have enough money to pay for what is needed and then some if I wanted." she assured as she let him pay this time before turning to the family. "Thank you for your time and wonderful services." she smiled as she gathered her new boots and walked out with Hawkin.

She sighed and gently placed her hand on her Padawan's shoulder as she easily felt his unease. "It'll be alright. There's no need to worry." she comforted, letting him feel her peace. "I can't say if this is normal or not because I haven't done this before either, and most Padawans of the last order were found at a much younger age than you are. But things change. One day you'll be able to assure your own Padawan of these feelings and they'll be normal then." she told him, hoping that such knowledge would help.

Hawkin relaxed a little bit.
"It helps to know that this is at least a fairly new experience for you too. As for Padawans, I don't even know how old they were supposed to be. but I do know that I am certainly one of the oldest ones. If not the oldest. As for me potentially having a Padawan in the future, that's such a foreign concept. I don't know if I'll ever be mature or even skilled enough to teach someone something that I'm trying to learn very much later in life. It's a lot. But I know that I really don't need to fear the future because it'll lead me to where I need to go. And I guess that's the scary part. Not knowing my future, but knowing it has to go somewhere."
He sighed and adjusted Dex.
"Well, enough of my fifth of life crisis. Time to head to my boss and get my future rolling. If I can't stop it, or even see it, I might as well learn to enjoy the ride. Right?"
He looked at Calista.

“I will admit that you are the oldest Padawan to my knowledge. Before the Empire, most Padawans were young children. I think I was about five when I was brought to Coruscant.” Calista explained, hoping to assure him. “As for you having a Padawan… that is still some time in the future. No point in worrying about that now. I didn't know if I would ever be ready for one of my own either, even before everything. But I am glad to have met you and have the opportunity to teach you.” she smiled warmly.
“That's one way to think of it. But let's drop our new things off first.” she chuckled with a nod. “I’m looking forward to meeting your former boss.”

Hawkin ran his hands through his hair.
"Alright. I'm not going to think about being the oldest or having a padawan. No more spiraling today. Let's go drop off all of these things, and I'm going to straighten myself up and look even more regal than I already am. It's about presentation. I'm going to try and look better than I ever have in my entire life. Especially with the new boots that Sonto gave me.I've only known him for about an hour, but he sure does know everything about shoes. I hope he'll stop by the senate once I start to understand everything that goes on. It might be nice to have a friend around my age. Even though he called my feet giant. That's just a minor thing."
Dex chirped happily.
"I'm glad you'll just stop talking to yourself. I think Sonto is well enough equipped to handle your antics. He seemed to outdo yours with his own. But he'll never beat my comedy. I am far superior."
Hawkin swatted at the droid playfully.
"For a old High Republic droid, you sure have a lot of opinions and ideas. I've never met a droid that can process and, in a way think about things like you do."
Dex let out a low whistle.
"Well I am one of a kind. Just like you're one of a kind with that gold band across your nose. You stand out quite well. Especially when you clean up. Don't let the sun hit you in the right way. You might blind the nearest person that looks upon your face. Either that, or they'll scream in horror. You have a 50/50 shot."
Hawkin rolled his eyes and looked at Calista.
"Gee thanks Dex. Such a morale boost. You have a way with words."
Dex let out a series of whistles and beeps that could only be some combination of what the droid interpreted to be a laugh.
Hawkin took a deep breath and let it out. He wasn't ready for anything new. He had fallen into a routine, and routines are hard to break and hard to get out of. It felt weird, and so did the new clothes and shoes. Things were changing, he felt it. Either within him, or throughout the galaxy, only time could tell. But something different was on the horizon, and it was about to rise.

Calista chuckled at the change in attitude, glad that Hawkin wasn't worrying about the future anymore. Though the idea of him dressing up more than he already was just to make a statement and confuse his former boss… it didn't seem like something the Jedi of the last order would do, but she didn't sense any harm in allowing it.
She let the banter between her Padawan and Dex stay between them, only raising a brow when Hawkin sent her a look that clearly told her Dex had said something sarcastic again. It almost made her wonder if there was something specific in Dex that made him that way or if it was just as common in droids as it was in other sentients.
“Change always feels strange at first.” she assured, feeling his nervousness. “But I learned that sometimes change is also necessary.”

Hawkin stopped and looked back at Calista.
“This change kind of hurts. It’s all I’ve ever known, and the fear behind it, is something that I’ve never felt. Even walking through the undercity, fear was there, but this is just so different. You know? I know I’ve said it a million times today, but my life has been uprooted and I took a shot, and I don’t regret it, but I’m terrified I’ve made the wrong choice.”
He sighed loudly and turn around and looked at all the shops and people walking by in their daily lives.
“I don’t know. I just don’t know what to think. I’m overwhelmed, and seeing someone who I know, who kept me alive, for four years, and now I leave him, for something brighter that will give something bigger than me, hope? It’s bittersweet.”
He walked forward and gestured to everywhere, at the lives of the people that passed by.
“I don’t even know how to hold a real conversation. I know how to talk to people, like Sonto, but people of higher class? The ones who used to give me their broken things to fix? What if they see me as a broken thing? I don’t know how to fix that. I don’t know how to respond to that.”
Dex beeped softly.
“Hawkin, you’re spiraling. You’re gonna be just fine. Just be you.”
And in a small show of affection, the droid folded down and got even closer to Hawkin’s back.

Calista raised a brow at the mention of fear, not quite sure if he was afraid of becoming a Jedi or if he meant that fear had been something of a constant in his life in general. Either way, she felt it would be something she would have to help him with. She could understand that the undercity was a seedy place in general but she rarely made trips there herself.
She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, giving Dex a grateful look for the help. "He's right, Hawkin. You are not broken and no one should make you feel like that." she told him. "When we go to the Senate, I'll be with you the entire time. So if you don't know how to respond to something, then I can and will help you." she promised with an assuring smile.
"As to your other concern, moving on to something new is often bittersweet." she admitted. "But if he cares for you enough to, to use your words, "keep you alive for four years" then he should be proud of you and happy that you have this opportunity."

Hawkin looked gratefully at Calista.
"I'm starting to realize that. And I appreciate what you'll do for me when we go into the senate. I don't know what I'll say or even how to respond. New people in a new environment, and I'm the new person so I'm going to be a focal point."
He spun in his outfit and gave a little flourish.
"That's part of the reason I'm wearing this outfit. If someone is going to stare at me like I'm the newest court jester, I at least need to look somewhat nice. As for the old man who raised me, it depends on what mood you catch him in. He kept me alive, but was he happy to do so? For some days, yes, others, no. Let's hope today is a good day. One thing is for certain, he'll be excited for whatever. Me leaving, me going off to do something great, winning the lottery, getting a really busted ship in that needs so many repairs, anything new that draws his attention or draws attention to himself, he'll love."
Hawkin flourished again.
"Once again, this is why I'm wearing this outfit. I've gotta look pretty spiffy."
Dex whirred.
"Hawkin, am I new and exciting?"
A small chuckle escaped from Hawkin.
"Yes Dex, you're the oldest, newest and most exciting thing I've ever dealt with."
A long hum came from Dex.
"I thought so. Wait. What does oldest newest mean?"
Hawkin shifted the droid carrier on his back and smiled broadly.
"Well, you tell me Dex. You're the oldest droid I've ever met, but you have some of the newest wiring. Oldest newest."
Dex chirped.
"Ah. You were poking fun at me. I see. I'll get you back later. Maybe in front of the senators."
A series of clicks and beeps erupted out of Dex, and Hawkin knew that he was laughing.

Calista smiled warmly and nodded at his words, though she couldn't help the chuckle at how he showed off his new appearance. “You are no court jester unless you act like one. You are my Padawan. A future Jedi Knight. A very honorable and respected title and very important.” she assured, hoping the responsibility wouldn't be too overwhelming.

Though she furrowed her brow thoughtfully at the way Hawkin elaborated on the relationship between him and his boss. “Hopefully, he will be excited for you.” she mused, nodding at the idea he had regarding his clothes.

“I have to agree, Dex. You are new, not just because of the work done to repair you but because of the old knowledge you can share. It's been so long, that the knowledge is new in a way.” she added, with a semi-playful smile at the droid.

Dex stood as tall as he could, and chirped happily.
"My knowledge of the High Republic is in high demand wouldn't you say?"
Hawkin laughed.
"Yeah buddy, I'd say it is. Something new out of something old. That's the motto around here. Or at least it is now."
Hawkin stretched.
"Alrighty Calista. I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be, future Jedi Knight or not, the future awaits. Hopefully some excitement is in my future regarding the man who took care of me, but you know, and this is strictly speaking in the Jedi sense,"
He started snapping his fingers.
"Ah what do you say? It's some Jedi saying. How we're like never truly alone and there's peace? I don't know fully, but it's something like that. What I do know,"
He lifted his arms dramatically.
"That all the new things that I have gotten are starting to get heavy. I've got to go drop these off or I fear, my arms will fall off."
He smiled broadly, and started to laugh.

Calista chuckled at Dex’s preening but didn't argue with him or Hawkin’s encouragement. Though she raised a brow at his attempt to quote something. “It sounds like you are mixing another saying with the old Jedi code.” she mused, trying to infer what saying Hawkin was thinking of. “As Jedi, it's true, we’re never really alone because the Force is always with us and it connects us with all living things. But…” she trailed off as he started to laugh at himself before rolling her eyes with a smirk. “Ah, ad. Give them here.” she shook her head, still chuckling, lifting her hand slightly as she already started taking some of his bags with the Force. “We’re almost home anyway. It's just around the corner.”

Hawkin furrowed his brow.
"I've only truly known you for a day, but I really forget that the Force helps move stuff around using your mind. It's such a weird concept, and to think that I have that power somewhere inside me. As for that code? It was joked about at the mechanic shop. The one rule I know really well was not forming attachments of the romantic kind. The old guys used to joke that the poor Jedi couldn't even land a girlfriend or a wife."
He gestured to himself.
"I mean look at me. I scream avoid me, I have never talked to a girl a day in my life. So it's probably accurate. Enough of that though, the Force seems like such a huge entity, so how does it… just exist. It's still conceptually difficult to me that there are funny little things in my blood that add to the amount of Force that I can use at any given time. It's just, weird. That's the best that I can do to explain it. I got spooky little blood ghost things that help me move stuff with my mind. When I explain it that way, it's just, well, ridiculous."
He held his arms out for Calista to help him with the bags.

“You’ll get used to it.” Calista assured as she used the Force to take more than half of the bags Hawkin was carrying. “Actually, there were a few Jedi who were married because of cultural reasons of their homeworld. But that's not part of the Code. That was a vow… of celibacy and chastity. It was believed that those vows would help a Jedi focus on the Force and strengthen their connection to it.” she clarified before smirking slightly. “You've been talking to me all day and I haven't seen any problems. And you might want to take a second look at yourself. You’re thinking of the drowned womp rat look you had before.” she chuckled, looking at how he looked in his new clothes and the Padawan braid in his hair.
“The truth? I don't know how it exists. I just know that it does and that I can feel it. It is a part of us, of the whole galaxy.” She laughed again as he tried to explain it in such a… unique way. “If it's hard for you to think about, then perhaps you should stop thinking about it with your head and just let yourself feel it.” she suggested as they entered the lift to her apartment.

Hawkin couldn't help but laugh.
"I'll give that one to you, the drowned womp rat comment was pretty good. I do look significantly better than previously. As for the Force, I think I just need to accept that everyone talks in riddles about it and just let it happen. Which tracks. And I meant more young ladies my age. I can talk to adults just fine, but pretty girls my age scare me very much so. Something about them meeting my gaze and saying hello really makes me panic, you know? Anyways, moving on, let me ask you this question.
He watched as Calista took some of the bags and watched in fascination. He looked up and met her gaze.
"Since the old order is gone, and you're on a path to re-establish a new order, will you follow the old order? Or, and this is what I'm getting at, will you now allow yourself to find someone to love? As far as I know, Yoda is long gone, and if we really think about it, the Jedi is kind of like a culture, so why wouldn't the new order now include having children? If you really think about it, the Jedi are an endangered species. Or kind at least."

“Well, if you think I’m talking in riddles, maybe I should let people call me a Jedi Master.” Calista shrugged with a slight smile, conceding the point.
Though she paused at his question regarding the old order. “I hadn't thought about that yet. Whether force-sensitivity can be passed down through a family… seems like a topic for debate considering how many Jedi there used to be without that being a factor.” she pondered. “Obviously, we are going to be making changes to the Order… and Dex did say that those kinds of relationships were encouraged before. You also had some good points about it earlier.” she recalled, her fingers fiddling with the beskar chain she rarely ever took off. A thoughtful hum was barely heard as the lift stopped at their floor. “I… I wasn't sure that I would ever find a Padawan. Yet, here you are. I’m still not sure if I will find a relationship with another… but I won’t close myself off from one.” she nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “And if you find one for yourself, I won't stop you.”