Aleckina Tadeef

Explanations and Misions

"Kanan," Ezra called when the Jedi left Aleckina's room. "What happened? She said that her visions are usually painful. Why?"

Kanan sighed and led his young Padawan to his own room. Once inside Kanan's room, the man said, "Ezra, seers live very complicated lives. As they grow older, their visions gradually become darker, trying to lure them to the dark side. Parents, or, in Kina's case, caretakers, usually try to mentally prepare the seer for this. It usually results in emotional, and sometimes physical abuse."

Ezra couldn't stop the look of horror that crossed his face. "So, you mean to say that she was abused when she was younger?" he asked his master.

"Yes," Kanan admitted. "I didn't agree with it, but our master would say horrible things to Aleckina, but she never hit her. You see, for some reason, when we found her, Kina couldn't remember her parents, or anything else from her life before. I never understood why, but I was glad she didn't. When we found her, she was covered in bruises, and was afraid of everyone who came near her. She soon began to trust me, however, and eventually our master, as well, but it was hard for her."

"Wait," Ezra said, still trying to take everything in, "you said when you found her?"

Kanan nodded solemnly. "When we found her, it was obvious she had been left behind by whoever had taken care of her before,"

Ezra looked down. He had one more question. "Kanan, you said that she was taken in by your master when she was two. How could someone do that to a two year old?" he asked.

"I know it's hard to understand," Kanan answered solemnly, "but, as my master told me, her parents were only trying to protect her. Yes, they took it too far, but they were trying to protect their daughter from both the dark side and the Empire. The Empire has been known to take seers into custody and use them for their powers. She would have been even more of a target because she is half-Miralukan."

Ezra nodded once more, slowly beginning to understand. Not for a second did he agree with what the girl had been through, but he believed and trusted his master. Besides, she was safe now. Not one person in the crew would hurt her. Not on purpose, at least.

"Well," Kanan interupted the boy's thoughts, "I'm going to be in the cockpit with Hera if you need me. Don't make Zeb too angry."

"Yeah," Ezra answered, a bit awkwardly, still deep in thought, "I'll try."

Kanan raised his eyebrow at his Padawan.

"Right, right," Ezra corrected, rolling his eyes. " 'There is no try.' "

Kanan smiled before leaving the room. "Don't stay in here too long," he commented over his shoulder, reminding the boy that he was still standing in Kanan's room.

...

Aleckina had come to sit beside Ezra as the slightly older boy worked on his speeder bike. Neither of them spoke, nor did Zeb who was standing nearby, silently watching over the children, protecting them. Kanan, Hera, and Lando had gone aboard Lando's supplier's ship. Sabine was awaiting their return somewhat impatiently.

Sudden yelling could be heard as Kanan and Lando entered The Ghost once more. Sabine immediately went to talk to them, soon followed by a curious Zeb. Aleckina and Ezra exchanged a wide-eyed glance and silently agreed to stay put. At least until the yelling had died down.

Zeb came back to where the two young teens sat, shaking his head. "I really don't like that guy," he muttered.

Lando came to where they were next, setting a crate down.

"What's in here?" Ezra asked, standing up to go investigate, along with Zeb. Aleckina stayed put, glancing at Lando in an untrusting manor.

"Sophisticated mining equipment," Lando answered, sounding a little annoyed.