Little Blessings

My parents spent most of their time running, fighting, surviving. The more time they spent on Corellia, the more likely they were to remain there. My Grandfather, Rostek, urged them to flee, far from the Core. They made it as far as Naboo in the Middle Rim before deciding that running was no life. Stand and fight for what's right or die trying. Naboo was as good of a place as any. I mean, look at how beautiful it is! Who wouldn't want to stop here?

They worked hard, trying to make an honest living while helping the locals and the Rebels in the shadows. My father, Rennek, kept up the charade by working in the local markets but made use of his engineering skills at night, repairing Rebel fighters. My mother, Dalla, did her best to mend the citizens at the hospital while healing the other kind of Rebel fighters under the cover of darkness. When the Royal Forces were dissolved, this work became even more important.

For years, they desired a child of their own. However, the universe had other ideas. Every time there was hope, its light was snuffed out just as quickly as it was lit. After an attack on the capital left much of the city in panic, many Naboo fled to other regions, hoping to be safer there. My parents were not those people. They stayed put and offered their home as a place of refuge. Nobody took them up on the offer initially but one early morning they heard a knock at their door. Peering out, they found a male infant on the stoop with a note saying nothing more than, "Take care of him, his fate is now yours. May he be a blessing to you." That's where I come in, my parents' "little blessing". They called me that all the time, even to this day.

This time though, my parents took things seriously. They fled to the forests near the Lake Country and raised me in a peaceful, tranquil lodge they built. I learned to live in harmony with the land; respect and honor it and all it provides. Dad always said, "Son - you are destined for a great many things. One of these days you'll leave us and that's okay. We want you to explore the stars and make a difference in this universe." He taught me everything he knew about engineering and flying. He shared all the stories of Grandpa and his time fighting the Sith and the rise of the Empire. Unfortunately, my father never got to see me leave for the stars but that was its own little blessing. I guess that's all for the best; saves him from the heartache of seeing his only child leave the safety of Naboo. Soon after his passing, I knew I needed to leave and carry on his legacy, but how could I leave my mother alone? She encouraged me to go, assuring me she'd be fine. I knew the community we had would look after her so what other choice did I have? I left for the capital and took the first flight off Naboo.