A Better Way [Day 0 - MA]

[Oraka Hin]

The old farmer looked at the gubba fruit, it was coming better this year than the last. He examined some of the fruit and it was perhaps a week or so from being ready, and then the harvest could begin. His daughter raced up to him and said, “So have you thought about my idea?”

“It’s a little late to start changing things, Veras,” he said gruffly looking at the fruit.

“But maybe there’s a better way, papa,” she said trying to garner his attention.

Five years ago on Bindu IV, the Clone Wars

“Master Kenobi… Master Kenobi, are you listening to me?” Oraka said as he paced back and forth looking at the ray shielding.

Master Kenobi was seated in a meditative position in the center of the chamber, rubble and debris from their misadventure settled all around the two Jedi. Kenobi spoke, “I am always listening, Oraka. You just need to add something new for me to consider.”

“Are you sure that Anakin got our message?” Oraka asked as he rubbed his chin in frustration.

“Oh, I am sure he did, which means he is on his way, he has never failed me. And when he gets close Ahsoka tends to redeem his mistakes,” he mused. “We will just have to be patient until then.”

Oraka shook his head in amusement, both had been blessed with willful apprentices, but at least his wasn’t being hailed a hero of the war… a Jedi a war hero, it seemed so oxymoronic as to defy belief. They were keepers of the peace, not just warriors, scholars and diplomats but all that seemed to be asked of them was to fight in endless conflicts across the galaxy.

Oraka sighed and said, “Master Kenobi, I am not sure if this is the right time, but something has been bothering me.”

“I sense there is no right time for these kinds of conversation, old friend, as I said I am listening,” he said as he adjusted his plasteel bracers.

“The war, we Jedi are not soldiers and yet we send children like Ahsoka to be generals, does that not bother you?” Oraka asked.

“Ahsoka is a padawan, hardly what I would consider a child and well trained…” Kenobi replied.

“To be a warrior, not a scholar or diplomat, to resolve these conflicts with words and not just her skills with a lightsaber,” Oraka said sharply.

“Now that is unfair, she has Anakin’s unique approach to problems, but I have witnessed her be very diplomatic. Though I see your point, would it put your mind at ease if I said I had this exact conversation Master Yoda,” Kenobi said calmly.

“And?” Oraka asked.

Kenobi was silent for a long moment as he considered his reply, “The Jedi Order is pledged to defend the democracy of the Republic, it just means in this specific case that defense is quite literal. But it does bother me, and it is my sincere hope we can bring this conflict to an end and allow diplomacy to resume.”

“There has to be a better way, Master Kenobi,” Oraka said before the ray shielding deactivated. Then there was a red pinprick in the bulkhead that glowed white hot as it began cutting through.

“And there is Ahsoka right on time,” Kenobi said as he stood.

“But we sent the message to Anakin?” Oraka replied.

“I know, just means we will probably have to rescue him before long, but one step at a time Oraka,” Kenobi said with a knowing smirk.

Oraka had so many questions about that dynamic but for now he was content with the rescue and felt solace that they both knew there had to be a better way…

Farm on Bankor, Present day…

“Fine, I’ll go check the cramberry fields,” Veras said with all the teenage indignance she could muster.

“Wait,” the old farmer replied and added, “Let’s see this better way.”