It was a late summer day during her fifth month of pregnancy. Ki’tia decided to go for a hike in the woods behind the Lake House. After breakfast she prepared a small lunch and some water and placed it in a backpack. Laseema, the Twi’lek woman who ran the kitchen and was married to Atin, was still in the kitchen.
“Laseema,” Ki’tia called, “I’m going to take a short hike up the mountain for exercise. Mij says walking is good for me and I’m tired of walking around the lake.” She showed her the pack. “I’ve got plenty of food and water and I will be back in time to help with the evening meal.”
“Okay, have fun,” Laseema gave Ki’tia a hug and went back to preparations for the mid-day meal.
As people started gathering for lunch, Ordo noticed Ki’tia’s absence. “Has anyone seen Ki’tia?” he asked.
“She went for a hike up the mountain this morning,” Laseema answered.
“How long has she been gone?” Kal asked.
“She left about ten this morning and said she would be back in time to help with dinner,” Laseema replied.
Mereel put down his uneaten sandwich. “We’d better go find her.” The other Nulls acknowledged and dropped their lunches as they ran for the door.
Ki’tia was stretched out on top of a rock outcropping letting the sun warm her. From the top of the outcropping she could see for miles. It was beautiful up here. She thought it must be early afternoon and she had just finished her lunch. After she rested she would start back to the Lake House, to give herself plenty of time to get there before she was needed for the evening meal preparation. This had been a lovely day. She had had time for meditation, time to climb trees, and time just to sit in the sun. It was perfect.
“Ki’tia.” She heard her name called in the distance. “Ki. Tee. Ah!”
No! They were not going to do this to her! She crawled over to the edge of the rock and looked down. There they were. Ordo, Mereel, A’den, Prudii and Kom’rk. Jaing must be at Kyrimorut.
“Ki. Tee. Ah!” They called again.
Well, she would show them. Ki’tia quietly climbed down the back side of the outcropping and circled behind the Nulls. Keeping to the trees until she was a good kilometer away, then she headed home.
When Ki’tia reached the Lake House, Kal was waiting for her.
“Where are the rest?” he asked, looking behind her.
“You mean the Null brothers?” she asked. “They’re still out there.” She pointed with her head over her shoulder. “I think they need a refresher course in tracking.”
“You left them out there!” Kal yelled.
Ki’tia put her hands on her hips. “I didn’t ask them to come after me. I said I would be back in time for dinner. I promised you I would not run away again. I didn’t need any help to get back and I don’t understand why they came after me!” She stormed off into the house.
Kal pulled out his comlink. “She’s home.”
The atmosphere was a little frosty at the dinner table that evening. The Nulls barely made it back in time to clean up and sit down to eat. No one said anything to Ki’tia that evening about her day trip.
The next morning Ordo went into the kitchen after breakfast intending to call Ki’tia into the office to have a discussion with her, only to discover she had already left on another hike. He quickly gathered the Null brothers together and headed out after her.
They tracked her for about three hours, finally coming upon her in a small clearing. She was sitting on a large blanket with an array of food spread out around her.
“Hi guys!” Ki’tia smiled and waved. “Lunch is ready. Please come join me.” She motioned to places around the blanket. “I think I’ve brought most of your favorites. The soup and caf are nice and hot. So fill your boots, or however Kal says that.” She smiled sweetly.
“You knew we’d come after you,” Kom’rk commented as he sat down.
Ki’tia handed him a sandwich. “Stubbornness is one of your endearing qualities.” She poured him some soup, then handed sandwiches to the rest of the men. “I got up early to make the soup for you. I hope you like it.” Ki’tia was smiling with a twinkle in her eyes. The Nulls settled down and started eating their lunches. Ki’tia poured caf and gave them second sandwiches. The soup was hot and filling. Then she produced sweet cookies for dessert. By the end of lunch even Ordo was happily eating his fill.
When then were nearly finished Ki’tia stood up. “Well gentlemen, are you full?” The Nulls patted their stomachs in approval of her lunch. “That’s wonderful, because you see, now you need to let all that good food settle for, oh about an hour before you start the hike back home. I, however, am ready to start back right now.” Comprehension started showing on the men’s faces. “So I’m going to leave you here and take off all by myself. Please remember to bring the blanket and all the lunch gear. I’ll see you much later at the house!” With that Ki’tia sprinted for the woods. The last they saw of her she had climbed a tree and was leaping from tree to tree.
Mereel broke out laughing. A’den just laid back on the blanket.
“What are we going to do?” Prudii asked.
“Not much we can do,” Kom’rk answered. “She’s right. We can’t travel on this much food.” He stretched out like A’den.
Ordo took out his comlink. “Kal’buir, she sabotaged us. We’ll be home in about four hours. No I’ll deal with her.”
Kal was in the kitchen trying to talk with Ki’tia as she helped with dinner preparations. It was nearly time for dinner to be served and the Nulls had not returned from the mountain.
“Ki’tia, you don’t understand about the Nulls,” Kal tried to explain. “They can be volatile, especially Ordo and it sounds to me like you may have crossed a line.”
“Why, because I stood up for myself?” Ki’tia replied. “There was no need for them to follow me, particularly not the second day. Yet they did. I was just showing them how misguided they were not to trust me.”
“You do not want to incur Ordo’s wrath,” Kal warned her.
“Ordo, Ordo, Ordo!” Ki’tia shouted. “Why is everyone so afraid of Ordo? The most he can do is shoot me and he’s wanted to do that since the day I arrived!” Ki’tia threw her hands up into the air.
At that moment the kitchen door opened and Ordo burst in. “Ki’tia! Office! Now!” he ordered, then he turned and stormed out of the room.
Kal gripped Ki’tia by the arm and led her from the kitchen. They walked across the house to the main office. When they entered Ordo was seated behind the desk and the rest of the Nulls were around the room. Their clothes were dirty, with a few scratches and twigs showing in places. Kal stood Ki’tia in front of the desk and backed away.
Ordo leaned forward and placed his elbows on the desk. He grasp his hands in front of his face and stared at Ki’tia over them. He took several deep breaths while the strain on his knuckles was the only sign of his anger.
The silence continued until Ki’tia said, “You made it back okay,” and smiled. Kal sucked in a quick breath and Mereel covered his face with a hand.
Ordo dropped his hands to his desk. “You will speak when you are spoken to and not before,” he ordered.
“Oh come on,” Ki’tia countered. “What is going on here? Do you want to discuss what happened reasonably, or are you going to sit there and explode?”
“I’d bet on the explode if I were you,” Mereel said off to the side. Ordo glared at him.
“No! You are going to stand there and listen to what I tell you!” Ordo burst out of his chair. He was just under two meters tall and broad stature. His anger made him even more intimidating. Ki’tia stood her ground, refusing to step back away from the desk.
“First,” Ordo held up a finger. “You are not to venture more than two clicks away from this house without being accompanied by a male escort.”
Ki’tia smiled, “But I had a male escort.” Ordo looked confused and she pointed to her protruding abdomen. “He’s a boy.” Now, even Kal buried his face in his hands.
“An adult male escort from the Skirata clan,” Ordo spit out through clenched teeth. “Second, you will carry a comlink with you at all times.” He placed a comlink on the desk in front of her.
“Is it waterproof?” Ki’tia asked.
“You don’t need to take it into the shower,” Ordo closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Um,” Ki’tia muttered. “How do I use it?”
“You’ve never used a comlink?” Ordo questioned her. Ki’tia just shook her head ‘no.’ Ordo squeezed his forehead, as if he was in pain.
“I’ll teach her how, ner vod,” Mereel reached out and took the comlink off the desk. He smiled at Ki’tia.
Ordo slumped back down into his chair taking his head into his hands.
“May I go now?” Ki’tia asked. Ordo just waved his hand toward the door. Ki’tia turned and skipped out the door.
“I should have shot her,” Ordo said, shaking his head.
“Think of her this way,” Kom’rk slapped him on the back. “Ki’tia is that annoying little sister we never had.” The rest of the Nulls broke into laughter.
A week later Kal and Ordo were in the office late after dinner discussing the running of the planet. Ki’tia knocked on the door. When they allowed her in, she entered carrying a tray with a carafe of caf and several types of cookies and other sweet treats.
“I have a peace offering,” she indicated the tray, “and I would like to apologize.”
“Please come in,” Ordo took the tray from her and set it on the desk.
“I asked Laseema what were your favorites and these are what she said you liked best,” Ki’tia pointed to the sweets on the tray. “I made them myself, not to show you I can cook, although learning to use the equipment in the kitchen has been interesting.” She smiled and the two men laughed politely.
“I wanted to do something nice for you,” she continued, speaking now mainly to Ordo. “To make up for being discourteous and for making you so angry. I realize you had my best interests at heart, both when you came after me, and when you requested I modify my behavior. I was wrong to mock you, and I was wrong to challenge you. I apologize and I hope you can forgive me. I also want to thank you for your concern for my wellbeing.” She smiled and gave them a slight bow, then turned and left the office.
When the door closed Kal remarked, “Now that I believe was the grace of an A’nir.”
“It’s not anything that would have ever come from a Jedi,” Ordo shook his head, amazed at the woman who had just left the office.
By the sixth month of her pregnancy Ki’tia felt more at home at the Lake House on Munin. The clones were all excited about her pregnancy, most wanted to feel the baby kick. Especially one named Darman. Darman was one of the commando clones. He was as tall as the Nulls, but not quite as big and his hair had more gray hair. He came to see her almost daily in the kitchens and brought his son, Kad to meet her. Kad was a surprise, being the son of a Jedi, although he was very good at hiding his Force powers. Kad spent much of his time at Kyrimorut with the former Jedi Bardan Jusik. Jusik’s wife, Arla and their adoptive children preferred to stay at Kyrimorut, so Jusik traveled between Kyrimorut and Munin frequently. The Nulls and Omega Squad lived at the Lake House, along with Kal’s daughter Ruu and her husband, Cov. With all the wives and children there were often 45 or more people living at the Lake House and Papa Kal loved it.
Delta Squad lived at a smaller compound along the ocean, called the Beach House. Their group included clones from several other squads, with wives and children. The Munin Medical center was located near the Beach House, because that was where Dr. Mij Gilamar and his wife, Dr. Ovolot Qail Uthan, wanted to live. Dr. Uthan was the scientist who developed the treatment to stop the clones’ rapid aging. She told Ki’tia that each batch of clones from Kamino reacted to the treatment differently. The earlier batches of clones were now aging slower than normal humans, while the later clones were aging at a nearly normal human life span. The Nulls, resulting from the most changes to their DNA, were aging the slowest and would likely live exceptionally long lives. The only sad part was that all the changes the Kaminoans did to the Nulls’ DNA caused them to be sterile, something they didn’t learn until Ordo and his wife, Besany, tried to conceive a child early on in their marriage. Most of the Nulls married and adopted children, as is typical in Mandalorian culture.
Although, she had not seen them, Ki’tia was told there were several agricultural developments on Munin. The climate on this planet being much more conducive to growing crops and livestock than in the region around Kyrimorut. Munin was home to the largest clone population in the galaxy.
It was just after lunch and Ki’tia was sitting outside watching the children play. She was not on toddler duty, but still enjoyed the wild spectacle. The leaves on the deciduous trees were starting to turn, autumn was in the air and it was turning cooler. On Munin hers would be a winter baby.
“How’s our little mother-to-be today?” Darman asked, sitting next to Ki’tia on the wooden bench. He reached out and patted her stomach, which now resembled a ball concealed under her tunic. “And son, lest I forget.”
The baby kicked at Darman’s touch. Ki’tia laughed. “He knows your touch, Darman. We are both doing well, thank you. I haven’t seen you in a few days. Where have you been? It’s been almost lonely around here.” She waved her arm to the huge group of adults and children playing before them and smiled.
“A few of us were on a little mission,” he answered looking off into the distance. “Nothing to worry about.”
“A mission?” she furrowed her brow. “I thought you were all retired from ‘active’ duty.”
“Well, the galaxy’s in a bit of a mess right now,” Darman took a deep breath. “The Empire is shredded, although it is regrouping, and the New Republic, that’s the government the Rebel Alliance is trying to set up, is shaky at best. There are still bad guys out there that need to be dealt with, and a few of us are trying to do what we can.” He looked at Ki’tia and saw her startled expression, so he took one of her hands in his. “Of course, we are only going after those who bother our people, thieves, slavers, general scum. Nothing we can’t handle. Nothing to worry about.”
“What did you do?” Ki’tia asked.
“Oh, I’ve probably said more than I should have,” Darman’s eyes twinkled, “but it was fun to blow stuff up again!” He started to rise, “Come on. Let’s take a walk along the lake.” They started toward the lake when there came a shout from the direction of the children.
“Help!” Jilka screamed. “Help! Valen’s fallen out of a tree!” Jilka was the wife of one of the clones, Corr. When Darman and Ki’tia arrived she was kneeling beside a boy with an obviously broken leg. The boy was Valen. His parents were A’den, one of the Nulls, and Tez, and he was about fifteen years old. He was the child of a clone that A’den had found on another planet and adopted when he was a baby. “Darman,” Jilka cried. “Call for Mij! Get him here right away!” Darman ran into the house.
“Jilka,” Ki’tia said trying to calm her, “I can heal this. Will you let me?” She knelt by the boy. “At least let me relieve some of his pain.” Jilka just stared at Ki’tia. Darman and Tez were running toward them from the house.
“Tez, I’m so sorry,” Jilka said. “I didn’t see him in the trees.”
Tez took her son’s hand. “Mij can’t get here for about an hour,” she stared into the pained expression of her son’s face. “We can give him pain med’s until then.”
“Tez,” Ki’tia called to her. “I can heal this, if you trust me.” Tez looked into Ki’tia’s eyes. “At least let me relieve his pain.”
“Tez,” Darman spoke softly to her. “The longer treatment is delayed the harder it will be for the break to heal. What harm would it do to let Ki’tia try to heal the leg?”
Tez looked at her son, and at Ki’tia. “Do it,” she said. “Heal him. Heal the break.”
Ki’tia nodded at Tez and moved to Valen’s head. “Valen,” she looked into his eyes, “look at me and breathe as I do.” Ki’tia placed her hands on the boy’s face and took several deep breaths. Valen breathed with her, as he breathed his eyes became glossy. “I’ve put him into a light healing trance, it will help with the pain when I set the bone.” Tez agreed. More people from the house arrived to watch the healing. A’den was standing behind his wife and Kal was there. Valen continued to breath deep and slow. Ki’tia moved to the leg. “Would someone help me cut away his pant leg?” she requested. A’den produced a knife and removed the fabric around his son’s leg. Ki’tia removed the boy’s boot. She placed her hands on the broken leg and bent her head over it with her eyes closed. Ki’tia opened herself up to the Force and found the break. She turned to A’den. “Hold his leg while I align the bone.” A’den grasp the leg around the knee. Tez was now cradling the boy’s head in her lap, he was still breathing slow and deep, a sign the trance was holding. Ki’tia gently and firmly moved the leg into its proper position. There was an audible click and Valen moaned, but did not wake from the trance. A’den and Tez looked at each other, then at Kal’buir. Kal approval. Ki’tia placed her hands over the break and began to mend the bone.
The audience to the healing grew. Ordo brought a medscanner and watched the progress. He showed the changes in the bone structure to Kal and several others. After about an hour, Dr. Mij Gilamar arrived. Ordo met him at his speeder. “Tez allowed Ki’tia to use her Force powers to heal the break,” Ordo told Mij. Mij frowned and then glanced at Ordo’s medscanner. He brought his own over to the boy and ran a scan.
“I’m impressed,” Mij commented. “Has the boy had any drugs?” Tez shook her head, ‘no.’
Ki’tia continued with the healing for another two hours. Mij and Ordo both monitored her progress on the medscanners. Finally, she removed her hands from Valen’s leg and went back to his head. She put her hands on his face. “Valen,” Ki’tia said softly, “it’s time to wake up.” Valen blinked his eyes and looked up into his mother’s face. “The bone will return to normal strength over the next four to five days. Until then he should limit activity to walking, but avoid running and jumping.”
“Spoken like a true doctor!” Mij laughed. “Well done, Ki’tia.” Mij helped her to her feet. “As long as I’m up here, I might as well have a look at that baby.” People were crowding around Ki’tia, offering thanks and congratulations.
“Actually, Dr. Gilamar,” Ki’tia said, “I really must meditate after a prolonged healing. May I go to my room?” Mij, Darman and Kal escorted Ki’tia to her room. Mij insisted on running a medscan on the baby. Laseema brought her a tray with shig and treats.
“You did very well, ad’ika,” Kal said, kissing her on top of her head. “Do you need someone to stay with you?”
“Thank you, Kal’buir,” she smiled at him, “I’ll be fine alone. I’ll see you all at dinner.”
Later, as Ki’tia was just entering her eighth month of pregnancy, and the snow was falling at the Lake House. It was lunch time and several people were gathered in the kitchen enjoying warm soup and caf. Jusik and Kad were there from Kyrimorut. Mereel rushed into the kitchen.
“There’s been a speeder accident coming over the mountain,” Mereel was pale. ‘It’s Kal’buir.” The clones jumped to their feet. Jusik and Ki’tia reached out to the Force.
Ki’tia turned to Jusik. “You’re going to need me there,” she said to him. Ki’tia’s healing abilities had been accepted by Clan Skirata since Valen’s leg healed so well. Jusik nodded and they headed for the speeders, grabbing warm coats and blankets to take along.
Two speeders arrived at the crash site in the mountains about 20 minutes later. There were five injured in the crash. “We’re nearly two hours to the medcenter from here,” Ordo took charge of the situation, “and we can’t carry everyone at once. We’ll triage and leave the least critical for the next trip. Kal’buir goes first.” Kal had been the most important person in Ordo’s life since the day he saved the Nulls from termination by the Kaminoans when they were two years old. Ordo was completely dedicated to his adoptive father, above all else.
Jusik and Ki’tia were leaning over Kal’buir. “Ordo,” Ki’tia called to him, “Kal won’t make that journey. He doesn’t have that long.” Ordo dropped down next to Kal and Jusik. Jusik had tears in his eyes, he shook his head. Ordo trusted Jusik, but not Ki’tia. She was not family. She was aruetii, outsider, and no matter who she had healed, he didn’t trust any Force user other than Bard’ika and Kad. “Ordo!” Ki’tia tried to get his attention. “You must let me heal him here. It is his only chance. He has broken ribs that have punctured his lung, his heart is weakened and his spleen is ruptured. Ordo, he is 86, he won’t survive a two hour ride to the medcenter!”
“Bard’ika can you do this?” Ordo asked Jusik. “Can you save Buir?”
“No,” Jusik answered his brother, “but I think Ki’tia might be able to.”
Ordo looked at Ki’tia, then at Kal’buir, then back at Ki’tia. “Save him,” he commanded. “I’ll stay here. Jusik, you go with the others to see what you can do for them on the trip. There is another speeder on route here from the medcenter. That puts us at the medcenter with Kal’buir in a minimum of 3.5 hours. I’ll stay in communication.”
While Ordo was giving instructions, Ki’tia was already getting started with Kal. She’d opened his jacket and tunic. He was conscious and watching her. Ordo came over and knelt on his other side. He took his father’s hand in his. Kal was in pain. Ordo was ready to kill if his father died.
Ki’tia began by placing her hands on Kal’s temples. “Kal, I can’t put you into a healing trance to alleviate the pain. You are in too weakened of a condition. I’m going to remove some of the pain, but this is still going to be uncomfortable.”
“You do what you must, ad’ika,” Kal coughed and winched. Ordo glared at Ki’tia. Ki’tia tried to ignore Ordo and concentrate on Kal.
“Okay,” Ki’tia continued, “you won’t be able to take a deep breath, but breathe in time with me.” Ki’tia looked into Kal’s eyes and took several slow breaths. Kal’s breathing matched hers, but his was shallow and raspy. Kal visibly relaxed and his breathing became less labored. “Good, now I’m going to lift those ribs out of your lung. This will hurt, Kal. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready, ad’ika,” Kal said. “I can take the pain, you go ahead.” He gripped Ordo’s hand. Ordo glared at Ki’tia.
“Ordo,” Ki’tia said looking up at him, “must you keep thinking you are going to kill me if he dies?”
“I though you didn’t do mind probes?” Ordo accused her.
“I don’t need a mind probe for that,” she answered. “You’re practically screaming it at me. It would help if you could try to be supportive of what I’m doing.”
“Ord’ika,” Kal interrupted, “let her work. I have faith in her abilities, son. You have some, too.” Ordo looked at his father and relaxed. Kal smiled at him. “If I die, son, I die,” he added. “I’ve had a good life, and I love you.”
“You’re not going to die, Kal. If I have anything to say about it,” Ki’tia took charge of the situation. “Are you ready?” Kal nodded, his lips drawn together tight. Ki’tia placed her hands over the broken ribs on the side of Kal’s chest. She concentrated, drawing the A’nir to her. After several minutes her hands lifted and Kal groaned in pain. Ordo watched on the medscanner as the ribs elevated back into place. Ki’tia bent over Kal and worked to repair the damage to the cells. Next she pushed the fluid out of the lung. “Kal, can you try taking a deeper breath?” Kal took a deep breath. The breath faltered and his heart started to fibrillate.
“His heart!” Ordo yelled. “It’s beating widely!” Kal’s eyes were closed. Ordo was now a dark void in the Force. He would kill her as soon as Kal died, she was certain of that.
“I know!” Ki’tia answered him. She moved her hands to over Kal’s heart and took a deep breath to help center herself in the Force. She had to try to ignore Ordo’s presence. Ki’tia drew the energy of the A’nir to her and used the empathy to join her heart to Kal’s. For a brief moment her heart rate increased and then she was in control of both hearts. She slowed them, giving her strength to Kal, using the Light of the Force to sustain his life. In time Kal’s heart rate was back to normal and his cells once again took on life giving oxygen on their own. Ordo monitored the medscanner.
“His heart’s back to normal,” Ordo said softly.
Ki’tia resumed working on his damaged lung. Kal’s eyes were open. He was watching her and Ordo. “Kal, try taking another deep breath.” Ordo glared at her, but Kal took a deep breath without difficulties. “Good. Your spleen was also damaged by the broken ribs. There is minimal bleeding, but I’m going to repair it to prevent further complications.” She moved her hands around to his side and concentrated. When Ki’tia was satisfied with the spleen, nearly three hours had passed since she started the healing. At some point Ordo had built a fire. “How are you feeling, Kal’buir?” She asked. Ordo offered her a cup of shig. At least now Ordo was a calm place in the Force.
“Ready to take on a nerf herd,” Kal replied. “You saved my life, Ki’tia. Thank you.” He reached out to take her hand.
“We’ll call it even,” she smiled at him. “I think they’ll want to keep you awhile at the medcenter, but you should be fine as far as I can tell.”
“Shabla doctors,” Kal grouched. “Always think they know what’s best for us.” They could hear the approaching speeder.
The baby was due any time now. Everyone kept asking Ki’tia if she had picked out a name. She hadn’t. Dr. Gilamar was on call, not that that was necessary. Most of the clones had medical training and were more than ready to deliver the baby, Fi especially. It seems he had delivered more than one of Parja’s, (his wife) seven children and the one grandchild, Gar, who lived at the Lake House. Gar was Rav’s son, Fi and Parja’s oldest daughter. Gar was just a year old. Rav and her husband, Varek also lived at the Lake House, but Fi and Parja’s other six children lived at Kyrimorut.
Fi was comical and had decided he wanted to deliver an ‘alien’ baby. He’d been jumping out at Ki’tia from behind doors and cabinets for the past week, trying to scare her into labor. He said that always worked with Parja. Ki’tia tried to remind him, you can’t scare a Force user like that, but Fi was persistent.
Dr. Gilamar wanted Ki’tia to move to the Beach House to be closer to the Medcenter. He worried there might be some problems with the baby being half Chiss. Ki’tia didn’t want to leave where she felt useful and comfortable. Still, she was having trouble sleeping. It was late and she was up walking around the house. The fire was burning in the center of the karyai, the round central living room. It burned through the night most of the year, and all the time during the winter. Ki’tia liked this room. It was warm and inviting, and often filled with laughter. Now, it was quiet.
“Having trouble sleeping, ad’ika?” Kal’s voice was soft, but Ki’tia nearly jumped out of her skin.
“Kal’buir, you scared me,” she gasped. “I didn’t know anyone else was up.”
He was sitting on the curved sofa, his feet propped up. “Something left over from when the Nulls were little,” he patted the sofa next to him. “Come sit with an old man.” Ki’tia sat next to him. He patted her bulging belly. “Any idea on a name for our little man, yet?”
“No,” she leaned against Kal and he put his arm around her. “I was thinking of Cherr after a Wookiee friend of mine, but they don’t even know I’m pregnant. I don’t want to name him after someone here. That would be presumptuous. I don’t want to name him after his father, especially with the state of things in the galaxy, and a Chiss name would be impossible.” She let out a sigh and glanced at Kal.
“What about naming him after your father?” Kal suggested. “You said he was going to be strong in the Force.”
“Half the people here despise Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Ki’tia sighed. “The rest of the galaxy sees him as some sort of hero. I don’t want my son burdened with either. I’ll think of something when the time is right.” She leaned her head against Kal’s shoulder and sighed. “Kal’buir, I’m frightened.”
He patted her knee. “Mij will be here for the delivery. You’ll be fine.”
“It’s not the delivery,” she said. She raised her hand and made a sweeping gesture. “It’s everything else.” Kal noticed there were tears in her eyes. He grabbed a pillow and put it in his lap.
“Here, lay your head down and stretch out,” he patted the pillow. Ki’tia put her head on the pillow and rolled onto her back. “We’re used to nervous fathers here, but you’re the first single mother we’ve had in all these years. My boys took in any clone offspring we found across the galaxy, and there were more than we expected. Most of the mothers didn’t want to come with the children, some did and made wonderful families. There was always a clone to take the role of husband and father. So you see, dear, you are an unknown to us. We understand your choice, and everyone here admires your courage. These boys remember what it was like in those cylinders. They wouldn’t want that to ever happen to another child, no matter what the reason. But all our mothers have had a father to be there for them. Someone to rub her back, help her name the baby, help her face the future. You’ve been very brave to face this alone, just to give your child the chance at life. We’re proud of you for that. That’s why so many of us want to feel the baby kick, or tease you about hiding a bolo-ball under your tunic.” Ki’tia giggled and Kal patted the round mass rising from her. “We want you to know we care, and you are not alone in this. Your little man may not have a father here, but he has lots of uncles. You are not alone.”
“Thank you, Kal’buir.” Ki’tia put her hand over his on her belly. “Kal, you know about the termination order the Empire has issued for me?”
“The TOS?” he replied, “Yes, Walon and I both know about it. Don’t worry. They won’t ever find you to carry it out. You just lay your head down and don’t think about it.” Ki’tia closed her eyes.
After a while Ordo came out to the karyai looking for his Buir. He found Kal on the sofa with Ki’tia asleep, her head still on the pillow in his lap. Kal motioned for Ordo to get a blanket to cover her with.
Ki’tia awoke feeling strange. “Good morning, ad’ika,” Kal said when he saw her eyes open. “Did you sleep well?”
“Good morning, Kal’buir,” she smiled up at him. “I slept better than I have in weeks.” She stretched and then felt a pain in her abdomen. “Oh, my!” Ki’tia grabbed her pregnancy with both hands and looked at Kal with wide eyes. “Oh, Kal’buir, I think it’s time to have a baby.” She grabbed his hand suddenly worried. “Will you stay with me for the delivery?”
“I’m here for you, ad’ika,” he smiled at her, then Kal, being an old sergeant, simply pulled out his comlink punched in a code, and said, “Mij, it’s alien baby time, see you soon.” He hit another code, “Ord’ika, it’s baby time.”
Ki’tia sat up. “I’m going to my room.” Before she got off the sofa there was a flurry of activity. It was like someone called a Red Alert. Kal and Ordo were helping her up. Fi was there, so was Darman. She made it to her room and Laseema came to push all the men out so she could shower. After she dressed, Fi and Darman walked her around until Mij arrived. He insisted she be examined in the small medcenter attached to the house.
The baby arrived in the early afternoon. Ki’tia used her A’nir training to ease the pain, but he was a big baby for such a small woman and she was exhausted at the end. She was holding the new bundle in her arms, with Kal proudly smiling down at them and gently rubbing the baby’s blue-black hair. “You said he would be blue,” Kal said, “and he certainly is.” The baby opened his eyes and looked up at Kal with glowing red eyes. Kal removed his hand. “Ah, Mij,” he stammered. “You need to see this.” Mij started walking over toward them.
“What’s the matter, Kal?” Mij teased, “Never seen a baby…” then Mij noticed the baby’s eyes. They looked like gems, or crystals. “Ki’tia, are those eyes normal?” Mij asked. None of them had ever seen a Chiss.
Ki’tia smiled at them. “Oh, yes,” she said. “He looks just like his father. He’s perfect.”
A few days after the baby was born, Ki’tia went to see Kal and Ordo in the main office. “I have a favor to ask. If it is possible, that is.”
“Go on, ad’ika,” Kal said. “What is it?” He reached out and took the baby from her.
“I would like to send a holo of the baby with a short message to Thrawn.” She glanced at Ordo to see if he would draw his weapon. He made no move to, so she continued. “He did not know the pregnancy was successful when I left. I don’t think it is right that a man should have a son and not know about him?” Kal and Ordo looked at each other. They remembered when Kad’s birth was kept from Darman and the heartache that caused. “Isn’t it possible to hide where the message comes from?” She took the baby back from Kal. “It would make me feel better about leaving Thrawn, if he at least knows he is a father.”
There were tears in Kal’s eyes. “Of course, ad’ika. Ordo will prepare the holo and record what you want to say. Purdii and Kom’rk can arrange for the transmission to the Admonitor.”
The holo image was just of the baby, with the following message from Ki’tia,
“Mitth’raw’nuruodo, our son was born a few days ago. He is healthy, safe and loved. His embryo did not implant until after I recorded the previous message for you. I felt you should know you have a son and that I love him very much. When he is grown I will tell him how you protected me from those who would have destroyed me. I will tell him how you made me feel cared for and special. I will tell him of your strength and brilliance. I hope to find a way to teach him of the Chiss people and Cheunh. He is strong in the Force, like his grandfather. I will train him as best I can, there are others here who may be able to help. It is not my concern how you used me to achieve a Force sensitive Chiss child. My part in the making of our son was pure and true. I love you Mitth’raw’nuruodo and I will raise our son with that love. Ki’tia.”
Three nights later, in the very early morning hours Ordo woke Ki’tia. “Come with me,” he ordered, “and bring the baby.” He was back to being that black void in the Force. Ki’tia put on a robe and wrapped the baby in a blanket. She had nursed him less than an hour before, so he was sleeping soundly. Ordo took her roughly by the arm and led her to the communication center. All the Nulls, Mereel, Prudii, Jaing, Kom’rk, and A’den, were there along with Kal and Walon. They all looked grim.
Kal walked to her and took the baby. “There is a transmission for you,” he said, “and from the initial image it appears to be from this little guys’ father.” Ki’tia’s eyes grew wide.
“How did he know where to find me?” she asked. She covered her nose and mouth with her hands.
“That is what we would like to know,” said Walon. He was twirling his knife between his fingers.
“Play the transmission,” Kal ordered. They pushed Ki’tia into a seat, and started a holographic transmission. It was Thrawn in his white Grand Admiral uniform.
“Ki’tia, my love. Yes I do love you. I realized this only after you left me. It is unusual for my people to experience what I feel for you. Now it is my loss and I will endure that loss. You cannot image the joy you have given me with the birth of our son. He is magnificent. I could not be more pleased. I do believe you when you say that attempting to remove the embryo from your body would have resulted in failure. I miscalculated so much in this endeavor. We are fortunate you were able to overcome my errors. I cannot save you from the Empire. I cannot rescind the order against you. You are safe where you are. I know your protectors. They are honorable men. Their misuse and fate were among Palpatine’s greatest wastes of men and resources. I will divulge neither their location nor heritage. I am not sure how you came to be with such a unique group, but I am grateful you are safe.
Ki’tia, I am a warrior. To love you both, I must protect you. I cannot do such with you near me. I need believe you will go on with your life and build a better life for our son. If you have not yet done so, may I suggest naming our son after my first human friend. A man named Jorj Car’das. He is an honorable man. Know that I will hold you and our son in my heart and soul, forever. Mitth’raw’nuruodo.”
Kal handed the baby back to Ki’tia. “Palpatine did know how to choose his Grand Admirals. Does he have a name, now?”
Ki’tia looked up at Kal with tears in her eyes. “His name is Jorj.” She kissed her baby’s head.
Several times over the next few months Ki’tia felt Thrawn’s thoughts dwelling on her and Jorj. She thought at times he must be close for her to sense him so clearly, but surely not. He would not risk coming this close to her.
Jorj was about five months old when Ki’tia was certain she felt the presence of someone she thought she would never see again. Mitth’raw’nuruodo was near. It was well past midnight when her door opened. He entered silently.
“Ki’tia, my love,” Thrawn whispered. “Don’t be afraid.”
“I know it is you.” Ki’tia rose and went to him. They embraced. He took her face in his hands and kissed her gently. “Would you like me to turn on the light, so you can see your son?”
“I can see in the light from the window,” he replied. “You are even more beautiful than before. Motherhood becomes you.” Ki’tia went to the crib and picked up their son. She handed Jorj to Thrawn. The baby woke, but didn’t cry, he seemed to know that quiet was necessary. Thrawn put his arms around the woman he loved and their son. He kissed them both and his eyes glowed bright enough to reflect onto Ki’tia. “I could not endure not holding you both just once. I brought datacards and credits for the raising of Jorj. I also brought an explanation of how I landed for Skirata. It will help him improve his defenses.” He pulled back and looked into her face. “Ki’tia, I can’t stay long. I must get back to my ship before dawn. I won’t be able to see you again. The defense of the Empire, of the galaxy, is falling to me. It will be dangerous, but I am a warrior. This is what I must do. You must go on without me. You must build a new life for yourself and our son. I want you to be happy. I want you to find someone to be with, someone who will love you.”
“I understand, Mitth’raw’nuruodo,” Ki’tia whispered. He kissed her.
“May I make love to you?” Thrawn whispered, his voice rough. She smiled and put Jorj back in his crib. Then she removed her nightdress and stepped into Thrawn’s waiting arms. He kissed her with passion, then lifted her and placed her in her bed. He quickly removed the dark flightsuit he was wearing and joined her. Their lovemaking was both gentle and passionate. Each wanting to remember every touch, every kiss, every sensation. They held each other at the end, knowing their love would continue long after their parting.
“Where is your ship?” Ki’tia asked later as Thrawn was dressing.
“In a clearing to the west of this house,” he answered. “I will run to it once I am out of hearing distance.” He bent and kissed her, then went to Jorj’s crib and kiss him on the head. “Here are the datacards and credits I spoke of.” He handed her several chips. “Don’t get up. That is a beautiful image of you to keep in my memory. You are lovelier than any work of art from any world.” She smiled and he leaned down to kiss her once more. Then he was gone, as silent as the night.
After a few minutes she put her nightdress back on and her robe, she put the datacards and credits in her pocket. She wrapped Jorj in blanket and walked quietly through the house. She just wanted to see his ship leave the atmosphere.
Ki’tia was standing in the yard looking to the west a few minutes later when Kal approached her. “Ki’tia, what are you and Jorj doing out here this late at night?” he asked. In answer she pointed to the west, where the lights of a starship could be seen rising above the trees. It adjusted course then rapidly climbed through the atmosphere to space. Kal grabbed Ki’tia by the shoulders and shook her. “Who was that? Who was in that ship, Ki’tia?”
“Thrawn.” Was her one word answer. Kal noticed the tears running down her face. She pulled the datacards and credits out of her pocket. “One of these explains how he got through the defenses, and how to improve your system. There are also some credits.” She tried to hand him the chips, but he still had her by the shoulders. He was staring at her in disbelief. “What’s wrong, Kal?”
Kal released one arm and took the datacards and credits. He put them in his pocket and took out his comlink. “Ordo, get your brothers and Walon. We’ve had a security breach. Meet me in the office.” He started pulling Ki’tia toward the house.
“I don’t understand, Kal,” Ki’tia pleaded. “Am I in trouble?”
“Yes.”
When they reached the office the Nulls and Walon were waiting. Kal pushed Ki’tia into a chair and tossed the datacards and credits onto the desk. He was furious.
“What’s the problem, Kal’buir,” Ordo asked, going to his father’s side.
“Pull up the planetary defense network and look for anomalies tonight.” Kal ordered. “The last one will be a ship taking off from near hear in the last ten minutes. Someone start going through those.” He pointed to the datacards on the desk.
“What ship took off near here tonight, Kal?” Walon asked. “What are you talking about?”
“I show a heat signature exiting the planet surface from 4.2 clicks west of the Lake House twelve minutes ago,” Prudii reported. “Buir, what is going on?”
“Ki’tia,” Kal turned to her, his voice cold. “Tell everyone about your visitor.”
“Thrawn came to see me tonight,” she said. Six blasters were draw faster than she could see and targeted at her. She jumped out of the chair and ran for the door, clutching Jorj to her chest. Walon caught her by the hair and had his knife to her throat before she reached it.
“Give me Jorj, Ki’tia,” ordered Kal. “I won’t hurt him.”
“No,” she answered. “I’m not giving up my baby. I don’t understand what is wrong here. Thrawn gave you the information on how he got through your defenses and how to improve them. What is so wrong with that?” She was trying to remain calm so as not to wake Jorj, but she was so scared she was practically gasping for breath.
“What is wrong!” Walon yelled. He pulled back on her hair and let the knife cut into her skin to draw a fine red line of blood on her neck. “A Grand Admiral of the Imperial Navy waltzes in here to pay you a nighttime visit, bypassing our defenses! I told you what I would do to you, girl, if your presence here jeopardized our people!” The knife went deeper into Ki’tia’s neck. Kal reached over and grabbed Walon’s arm.
“Enough Walon,” Kal took Walon’s knife hand away from Ki’tia’s neck. “Maybe you’d better step out for a minute.” Walon regarded Kal, then the blood flowing down Ki’tia’s neck. He stepped out the door.
“Thrawn said he would never see me again,” Ki’tia decided to explain the situation further. “He said he was going to be put in charge of the Imperial Navy, or something like that. He wants me to move on with my life.” She looked around the room at seven angry faces. “Okay, how about this.” She decide to try to calm them with reason. “You all look at the information Thrawn gave to you, and then decide if I am still a security threat. If you think I am, then give me a small starship and I will fly to the Admonitor. They can bring us in on tractor beams. Jorj will be safe with his father.”
“Ki’tia,” Kal started to say something. Ki’tia held up her hand to silence him.
“Guys, may I speak with Kal, privately?” She looked at the Nulls. “It will just take a moment.” Kal nodded and the Nulls left the room.
“I can’t let you do this, Ki’tia,” Kal said. “Have you forgotten the TOS?”
“Kal, you would give your life for any of your boys,” Ki’tia responded. “I only have one son, and I will do the same. The order does not apply to him. He will be safe in the ship and Thrawn will care for Jorj. I can’t go on causing this much tension here. My son is born. This will keep him safe. This is the only way. Please don’t tell anyone.” Kal acknowledged his agreement, but there were tears in his eyes. He opened the door and Ki’tia stepped out. “I’ll wait in my room for your decision.” She said to the Nulls and she walked away.
“She’ll be better off with Thrawn, Buir,” Ordo said. Kal just shook his head.
A little later the Nulls and Kal took Ki’tia to the hangar. A small Starsprite cruiser had been pulled out and already put through pre-flight. Kom’rk handed her a datastick. “I’ve programed in a course and hyperspace jump that will take you near the Admonitor,” he said. “As soon as you exit hyperspace, insert this datastick. It will erase your route and any other data regarding Munin.”
“Thank you, Kom’rk,” she smiled at him. He took Jorj and secured him in the co-pilot’s seat. Ki’tia went up to Kal. “It will be quick,” she said, holding a finger to her lips. She turned to the rest of the men. “Please say my farewells to everyone. Gentlemen, it has been an honor and a pleasure.” She climbed into the cockpit, raised the ladder and closed the canopy. Ki’tia engaged the Starsprite’s drives and waved. She started to taxi away from the hangar, before she could lift off from Munin.
Inside the house Walon was getting some caf with Jusik in the kitchen, he heard the engine drives. “Who is leaving at this time in the morning?” he inquired.
“Oh, that’s Ki’tia,” Jusik answered. “She’s going back to Thrawn.”
“She can’t do that!” Walon set down his caf and started running toward the hangar.
“Why can’t she go back?” Jusik yelled after Walon, following him out the door.
“There is a Terminate on Site order for her,” Walon said. “She steps onto any Imperial vessel, she’s dead.”
Back at the hangar, Kal was shaking his head. He couldn’t let her do this. He ran out in front of the Starspite waving his arms. Ordo ran after to stop him. Kal waved his arms across in front of himself at shoulder level, the cut off motion. Ki’tia saw him through the cockpit window. She looked confused, but stopped the engines. When Ki’tia popped the canopy and dropped the ladder, Kal ran to her up the ladder, took her hand and said, “Ni kyr’tayl gai…”
Ki’tia pulled her hand away saying, “No Kal, don’t do this. I can’t be Mando’ad. I can’t fight. I can’t kill.”
“This is the only way I can save you,” Kal said, “and you are worth saving.” He clasp Ki’tia’s hands firmly in his. The Nulls gathered around their father in time to hear him say, “Ni kyr’tayl gai sa’ad Ki’tia. Now get out of that ship daughter, and let’s go home.” He helped her down the ladder, then reached in and took Jorj out of the co-pilot’s seat. They started walking toward the house.
Walon and Jusik ran up to the Starsprite. “Don’t let her go to her death!” Walon yelled.
“What do you mean, go to her death?” Ordo asked.
“The Empire has a TOS order on Ki’tia,” Walon said, out of breath from running.
“She’s not going anywhere now,” Mereel said. “Buir just adopted her.”
“That’s what she meant by ‘it will be quick’ when she said good-by to Buir,” A’den said. “She knew they were going to kill her as soon as she landed in the Admonitor. ‘Terminate on Site.’ She had no chance of survival.” He was looking after Ki’tia and Kal’buir shaking his head in amazement.
“And she faced it with a smile,” Kom’rk said, slapping his brother on the back. “Kandosii, that’s one tough little sister!”
“Plus,” Mereel shouldered into Ordo, who was looking worried. “Now Buir isn’t the shortest one in the family!”