Innocence - Cpt. Rex

| TWO |

THE NEXT MORNING, PLO KOON AND ANYA LEFT KAEILI. After staying the night with the kind-hearted people the duo set off when the sun peeked over the horizon. It took a while though to leave the camp since everyone wanted to say goodbye to the Jedi and young girl. After many, many hugs the duo went back to Plo Koon's ship while being accompanied by five others. Amongst the group was Jion, Silas, Ajax, Ambros who welcomed Plo Koon the other day, and an elderly woman with many piercings.

Plo Koon checked his ships settings as Anya spoke to the group, hugging her father tightly as he lovingly stroked her light brown hair. A part of the Kel Dorian felt a twinge of guilt over how he was breaking up the family. Family was something that Plo Koon always found important, even if he didn't have one of his own.

"Anya," The Jedi called out, his brow creased as he approached the six. "It is time to go."

Anya smiled sadly up at him and nodded her head before turning to the woman with many piercings.

Plo Koon watched with great interest and curiosity as the five surrounded the girl, all placing a hand on her shoulders. They closed their eyes and bowed their heads as the elderly woman recited words in their native tongue. As this process went on, the woman handed Anya a small satchel before taking out a long pin. The Jedi watched as the woman pricked the young girls pointed ears with the needle before clipping on a golden ring through the fresh hole.

Plo Koon watched the ritual and how Anya squirmed a little bit, but for the most part appeared fine. He took count of how many earrings she wore. The new one put her at seven.

Anya gave the two boys one last hug before turning to her father and crashing into his arms. Jion tightly squeezed his daughter back, a faint smile still finding its way to his lips. He picked Anya up and carried her over to the Jedi who watched the duo gravely.

"Watch over her?" Jion asked as he passed the young girl over to the Jedi. She didn't fight or scream. She simply showed an accepting smile. It seemed that was a trait amongst the species. 

Plo Koon pressed the girl close to his chest, feeling her heart beat against his. "With my life."

Plo Koon smiled under his mask. He watched with delight as Anya pressed herself up to the cockpits glass, eyes wide and mouth agape. Amazement swirled around in her hazel irises as she saw space for the first time.

"Are you enjoying yourself, little one?" Plo Koon asked with a breathy chuckle.

Anya turned back to him, her pointed ears perked up. "Eia jast csyga geh lue ceva chasl."

Plo Koon sighed, "That's going to be a problem." He muttered, trying to think of how they will have to deal with the very obvious language barrier. Still, he enjoyed the moment as Anya blissfully observed the stars.

Anya had never seen something so new and exciting. 'Face every new situation with positivity', that is what her people always say, but this!? This was beyond what she could have ever imagined. She felt euphoric as the stars twinkled down at her, glowing as they welcomed her to the world outside her home. Would she miss her home? Of course, but she would not be leaving it behind forever. One day she would return home and in the meantime she would be keeping her culture alive outside Kaeili. In the meantime, she would portray a good example of her people as she helped keep the peace of the galaxy.

She thought, she believed, and she hoped that.

Plo Koon glanced down at his droid as it let out a few beeps. "Low on fuel?" He repeated and the R3 unit beeped in confirmation. "Scan for the nearest planet we can refuel, R3."