Spare Parts

Shakka’Dira stood silently, heart heavy, as news of Master Aayla Secura's death reached her ears. The weight of grief nearly crushed her spirit. Memories flooded back, vivid and innocent, pulling her into the comforting embrace of the past.

My earliest memory of Aayla Secura is etched vividly in my mind. It was a gentle day on Ryloth, filled with soft sunlight filtering through the leafy canopy above the tropical forest sanctuary. EV-2D8, the friendly droid we affectionately nicknamed Deet, was always a comforting presence. He was tall and metallic, patched up from countless adventures, his worn metal surface scattered with scratches that spoke volumes of the stories he had collected.

Deet had a magnificent collection, a trove of trinkets, relics, and spare parts he gathered over the years. Everything fascinated me, especially the shiny metal scraps and small, intricate gears he so carefully displayed. That day, I remember becoming particularly intrigued with a new set of parts he proudly showed me, explaining that they perfectly fit his robotic arm. As I admired his newly repaired limb, I was struck by its polished, reflective surfaces, marveling at how seamlessly the old and new parts joined together.

Suddenly, something outside rustled in the bushes, distracting me from Deet’s treasures. Curious, I stepped out into the dappled forest clearing and spotted a small creature shuffling nervously among the bushes… A young Blurrg. Its beady eyes, wide and scared, locked onto mine, tugging at my heart. Quietly, I approached, reaching out to gently feed it handfuls of foliage. Trustingly, the little one nibbled from my palm.

Just as calm settled between us, a loud, distressed roar shook the air. Turning sharply, I saw the mother Blurrg charging forward, anxious eyes wild with worry, frantically seeking her lost offspring. My heartbeat quickened, but I instinctively raised my hands, breathing deeply and steadying myself. An unspoken connection bloomed between us. Through the Force, though I didn't understand it then, I managed to soothe the mother's anger, silently communicating peace.

Understanding flooded her gaze. The young Blurrg hurriedly waddled back, slipping snugly among its siblings. The mother, reassured and satisfied, guided her brood away with heavy lumbering footsteps, leaving the clearing tranquil once more. Relief washed over me, and I released a breath I'd unconsciously held.

A faint rustling sound startled me again. Turning sharply, I glimpsed a Rutian Twi'lek girl hiding behind a tree, wide-eyed in awe. She hesitantly stepped into view, clearly from another clan.

"Were you here to visit the droid, too?" she asked shyly.

I cautiously smiled, comforted by her friendly demeanor, and nodded. "Yes."

We returned together to Deet, whose electronic eyes lit up with joy upon seeing both of us.

"Ah, my two favorite visitors!" he chirped warmly, beckoning us over. Proudly, Deet presented the new spare parts again, pointing out how he had used them for his arm.

Fascinated, I tilted my head, thoughtful. "Deet, if I ever get hurt, could I fix myself like that?"

He chuckled, amused by my innocent curiosity. "Perhaps, little one, but you'd likely need to leave this planet for better technology."

"But Deet," I argued gently, "don’t things from other places end up here all the time? Spare parts for Twi’leks could come here, too, right?"

Deet laughed softly, shaking his metallic head. "Ah, dear Shakka'Dira, organics are more complex. Droids like me are simple to repair with parts. You would need proper medical care in a hospital if you ever got hurt."

I frowned slightly, understanding finally dawning in my young mind. From that day forth, we would meet at Deet’s to play and see all the new items in his collection. When he was off collecting more scrap, we would get into plenty of trouble.

A year passed after Order 66, and Shakka’Dira grew into a Jedi Knight, guided by a new mentor. Yet, just weeks after achieving her rank, tragedy struck again, nearly ending her Jedi path with devastating injuries.

Upon recovery, her first chance to be stationed near Ryloth brought her home. Heart still tender from loss, she sought out Deet once more.

She found Deet in the same quiet cove above the canyon, surrounded by his lovingly arranged trinkets. At the sound of shifting gravel, he turned, photoreceptors focusing, and froze as he recognized the silhouette.

Her lekku twitched, hesitant, mournful, “Deet.”

Her hands moved in trembling GSL:

“Master Aayla… has died. The Jedi… many of us are gone.”

Deet’s lights dimmed gently, understanding conveyed through his mechanical movements. He touched her shoulder tenderly. “She was a true hero, Shakka’Dira. Her kindness, strength, and bravery will live on through those she touched, including you.”

His eyes flickered brightly as he noticed her cybernetic limbs. “Ah, look at you! You found your spare parts after all,” he said warmly. “I remember how amazed you were about my repairs.”

Shakka smiled softly, holding out something shiny and new. He took it, and her hands said, “I brought you a gift… A new knee… You used to complain about yours so much when I was small.”

Deet laughed gently, touched by the thoughtful gift. “You’ve grown, Shakka. Always remember the joy and courage Aayla brought into our lives. Keep her memory close.”

She nodded, tears mingling with her smile. Deet’s gentle wisdom filled her with warmth, easing her grief just enough for hope to shine through again.