"Most white flowers signify innocence or purity and white tulips are no different. Another meaning for the white tulips is forgiveness. It also signifies that you are claiming worthiness.

Other symbolic meanings of white tulip are rebirth, sense of hope and renewal. A garden that has a lot of white tulips can also mean having a taste of heaven on earth."

- Aunty Flo's flower dictionary

A-A-A

Though the sun hung low and leisurely over the green and gold horizon, it was a dark and ugly day for Ryloth.

A squad of stormtroopers kept their blasters in firing positions lest any of the slaves attempt to escape. With their hands cuffed behind their backs and their shoes removed, running across the gritty landscape would be difficult enough. But they would meet a swifter and more painful end from the stormtroopers if they dared to step out of line.

Instant death or infinite suffering: both were unfathomable outcomes. The doomed Twi'leks would be scattered across the universe and delivered into the hands of their new masters. The men would become laborers and miners while the women would be transformed into playthings for dancing halls and bedchambers.

Corporal Matcher was eager to have the slave transportation completed as soon as possible but he tarried long enough so that his guest, Baron Veld Sparr, could examine the merchandise. The Sparr family fortune may have been teetering lately but it could still be useful to the Empire, which was why Corporal Matcher was ordered to provide his guest with adequate cooperation.

"If you see anything that you desire then name your price," the corporal assured Sparr. The baron said nothing as his eyes quickly swept over the slaves with quick but curious scrutiny.

Most of the Twi'leks answered him with sore eyes and withered faces. But some of the women starred at him with interest. They had taken notice of the fine cloth of his jacket and knew he could keep them warm, fed, and safe. They smiled unabashed at him while their counterparts, some girls no older than twelve, bowed their heads in resolute apprehension.

After a few minutes of silent speculation, Sparr walked straight past the line of slaves and headed towards one of the mud pits. Usually harmless but annoying dust bowls in the summer, they were now saturated and sticky from heavy winter rains.

A naked Twi'lek child was sitting in one of the pits and preoccupied with playing with the slimy muck. She seemed blissfully unware of what was going on some feet away but looked up with interest when Sparr approached the end of the pit. A grubby fist landed back in the mud with a hearty SPLAT.

She was a pudgy girl of two or three with fat round cheeks and enormous lavender eyes. Her lekku, which barely touched her shoulders, were also small and pudgy. But even covered in mud her potential was noticeable. Sparr stepped into the pit, instantly ruining his boots, and reached out towards her. Within moments she was in his arms and having her dirty cheeks wiped by his handkerchief. Pleased to be in the embrace of this nice-smelling clean human, she dropped her head against his chest.

Matcher frowned when Sparr came back to him as muddied as his new companion. The baron did not seem upset at all and merely declared, "I'll take this one."

"Are you certain?" Matcher insisted. "There are Twi'leks with far more—"

"This one," Sparr repeated firmly.

Matcher's mouth pursed up with disapproval but he nodded his head. "Fifty."

"I'll have it wired to the Imperial Financial Bureau," Sparr assured him. He carried the girl back to his luxury liner while the slave women cried out and begged him to leave one of their innocent babies alone. The doors slammed shut behind him, permitting Sparr to bask in his private comfort and silence while their screams and howls were quickly drowned out by the roar of engines.

"Master, your attire is filthy," the protocol droid announced.

"You can clean it later. I want this girl washed up and fed a proper meal." He handed the Twi'lek child over to the droid but she began to whimper in protest from the chilled touch of metal arms.

Sparr smiled in reassurance and patted her cheek. "Don't worry, little one. All will be well." To the droid he commanded, "Use plenty of blossom soap."

The droid proceeded to carry the Twi'lek into another chamber and placed her into a copper bathtub heaped with suds. The child's fears quickly dissipated to find herself in such a fun and sweet-smelling place. She gurgled and shrieked with delight as she splashed the water and played with the mountains of white foam heaped around her. The droid carefully scrubbed the mud off her skin, dried the child, and then fed her several meat dumplings and some fruit from a china bowl. The child gobbled down everything and after having her face washed again, was dressed in a white silk frock and given back to Sparr.

He was pleased with the results. Clean and fragrant from soap, the child's skin gleamed a bewitching shade of violet beneath the lights. A smile of strong white teeth spread between her dimpled cheeks. Clad in her snowy outfit, she looked like an exotic little doll sitting upon his knee.

Sparr looked her in the face and said, "I know that I made the right choice."

She responded by sticking her fist into her mouth.

A-A-A

Three days later, Mandrake Manor

Moff Vellis would have hated to see such a lovely estate taken away, especially after its owner had offered him such a lavish tea. It was pleasant enough to get away from business and listen to the sound of the waterfall cascade over the side of the house while he admired the lush garden outside the sparkling windows. Though he was known to be strict and direct when it came to Imperial matters, not even the Moff could resist smiling at the adorable purple-skinned child that Sparr held in his arms.

"What a lovely girl," he declared. He removed a wrapped sweet from a tray and handed it to the child, who plucked it from his hand eagerly.

"What do you say?" Sparr asked her.

"Merci."

"Basic," he corrected her.

"Tahnk-ooo." She unwrapped the candy and shoved it eagerly into her mouth.

Vellis laughed. "Adorable. I hope you'll be able to keep her after the recent relapse with the Financial Bureau."

"I am confident that the Empire will benefit from our new mertis-lun chemical plant," Sparr replied calmly.

"Our academies will certainly require an ample supply of sterilizers," Vellis agreed. He took a sip of tea and then leaned back in his chair. "What what else do you require?"

"Eighteen months," answered Sparr promptly.

For the first time that afternoon, Vobsper's brow creased with apprehension. "Your family is already in enough debt as it is now, Veld. It will not be easy to convince the Bureau to extend the loan period."

"I understand the risks, Moff Vellis, and thank you for your honesty," the baron said smoothly. "Your devotion to the Empire's future proves that it is in good hands. I am also of the same mind and wish to do my part."

"And I hear you my boy," Vellis declared. "But are you willing to jeopardize the Empire with a gamble?"

"Not at all." Sparr gave his guest a confident smile. "I am willing to offer up Mandrake Manor as collateral. When the loan period is complete the manor will either become direct property of the Empire or all academies in this sector will have an infinite amount of mertis-lun at the best rate possible."

He lightly bounced the girl on his knee, causing her to grin at the Moff. "Your excellency wins either way," he added.

Vellis was already pleased enough with Sparr's self-assurance and the sight of the adorable child in his arms had already worked up enough charm on him. It did not take long for Vellis to come to a decision.

"I think we can extend your loan for another year and a half," he said at last. The Moff grasped the armrests and rose to his feet. "As long as you are willing to forfeit your home in case of a collapse."

"I am willing. But rest assured, there will be no collapse," Sparr announced. "The mertis-lun will be fully available at the end of eighteen months."

The tiny Twi'lek's eyes twinkled at Vellis as if she understood every word of the conversation and sided with her master. Vellis managed a soft chuckle.

"I see that we have an agreement. Send me your contracts promptly and I will see about getting you that extension period." He handed the Twi'lek another sweet and again she burbled her gratitude.

After a round of handshakes and escorting his guest out of Mandrake Manor, Sparr sat back down and bounced the little girl on his knee.

"You are turning out to be the best investment of my life," he told her approvingly. "Well done, my little pet."

She had finished eating her candy and was looking back at this charming generous man in awe. The Twi'lek pointed a finger at his chest. "Pere?"

"Non. Master," he corrected her.

"Mah-ter."

"Very good." He gently rubbed her back with the palm of his hand. "If you continue to please me then you will have lots more sweets. You will also have nice toys to play with and pretty clothes to wear. Would you like that?"

"Uh-huh, mah-ter."

A-A-A

Thirteen years later – Haven's Glow Luxury Resort and Recreational Estate

Io moaned softly as she woke up, stretching her limbs to feel the mattress spread out beneath her. She pulled the covers up over her nose and snuggled down deeply as possible, reluctant to get out of bed.

She still had a few precious minutes before she had to get up and she intended to make the most of it. After lying in a pleasant half-sleep haze for a while, she finally pushed back the sheets and rose to her feet. She dressed carefully and attentively and then made her way down the hallway, stopping once to brush a palm over a bouquet of pink budding flowers. Though silky smooth beneath her fingertips, Io knew that they gave off no scent at all. She walked past the flowers and proceeded to send a transmission to room service requesting fresh kaff and fruit for her master.

The deed was unnecessary as Io found her master in the main suite room, already dressed for business, as he worked with his data-pad. The remains of his breakfast sat on the table.

"Am I late, master?" she asked him.

"No. I was early." Sparr barely looked up from his data-pad.

"You work so hard lately," Io stated with a little empatheic sigh. "I hope all is well."

"It is because all is well that I have been so busy." This time Sparr pushed aside the data-pad and looked up at Io. Beckoning her with a finger, she followed his gesture and slid into a seat across the table from him.

"I have a new job for you," Sparr began. "Senator Garr and his wife currently reside in rooms 45B and 44B. I would like you to get acquainted with him for a few hours this evening."

Io's shoulders twitched with interest. "How 'acquainted' would you like me to become?" she asked her master.

"Not enough for blackmail but just enough for a pleasant distraction. His son has been in and out of four academies and he knows about his wife's affair."

"Poor Senator." Io clucked her tongue.

"Precisely. While he will not do anything to jeopardize his career further, the presence of a pretty young lady should ease his troubled mind for a while." Sparr slid a data-chip and a ring across the table to Io. "The data-chip will copy anything off his personal data files while you keep him entertained."

"And the ring?"

"The contents will make him appear intoxicated for a few hours. He will remember nothing when he wakes up."

Io slipped the ring onto her index finger and admired the cool blue stone gleaming in the morning light. She placed the data-chip into her pocket and rose to her feet.

"You're wearing the silver frock," her master noticed aloud. "Are you trying to impress someone?"

"Only everyone," she smiled. Io left the room and took the transporter to the lobby. The ride was long but she was patient, even amused, as various guests would join her and then be deposited to other floors.

Io was accustomed to the looks of strangers. Bewilderment and jealousy from women inspired her to look them boldly in the faces. She knew how annoyed they were to see this beautiful Twi'lek child who had no need to diet herself to death or cover her body with useless cosmetics to get attention. But the men were even more fun to play with. She would let them meet her gaze and then instantly cast her eyes downwards in feigned modesty. It always got the men riled up. A pity so many of them were older than her because she knew that they would be useless bores.

The ones closer to her age were no better. Io found those young men stupid and annoying. They harassed the staff of Haven's Glow, drank too much alcohol, ruined furniture, and played pranks on the other guests. The only times they tried to communicate to her was by trying to touch her lekku or offer her death-sticks.

Fortunately, the lobby was nearly empty on this beautiful day at Haven's Glow. The only person of interest was standing at the front desk with his back to her. He wore the livery of a manservant and judging by his height and the clear professional tone of his voice, Io presumed he was a year or two older than her.

Her curiosity was instantly piqued by the newcomer's presence. He must serve someone who wished to be discreet but tasteful, just like her master. An Imperial politician, perhaps. Or maybe an inheritor from one of the Republic's last dynasties. She drew closer to the front desk to examine him better.

His dark hair was cropped short in a functional military style. Io hoped that the brain beneath it wasn't as Imperialistic in function. But the hair did look soft to the touch. Io's fingers itched at the thought of sliding over his scalp, imagining the hair velvety smooth to her touch. He had pleasant ears too.

She was now close enough to reach out and touch him yet he still did not seem aware of her presence. The manservant was far more preoccupied with telling the head clerk that the flowers in their rooms were unsuitable for his master. The clerk apologized and the young man responded with a brief comment. Io finally took the initiative.

"How lovely," she murmured aloud. Those charming ears finally worked and tuned in to her voice. The head turned around and the rest of his features more than pleased Io.

It was a young but serious face of a human teen, perhaps seventeen years old, with a clear confident expression. The face was only marred by twin parallel scars that ran across his left cheekbone. Io was intrigued. Had they been caused by a resentful lover? Pity the girl that let this one get away!

His eyes delighted Io the most. A clear bright blue beneath dark brows, the eyes were alert and expressive. She hadn't seen such a beautiful blue shade since the baron had brought her to the oceans of Len-thor. Now that he could see her properly, his eyes were lively with delight as they starred at Io. She found herself thoroughly enjoying his approval of her.

He actually blushed instead of making direct advances, allowing Io to decipher the hidden messages beneath their formal introduction. The chemistry was there but he would restrain his manners in public. "Perhaps he would let down his guard behind closed doors," she pondered.

Then he offered her one of the flowers that he had brought downstairs, as if she was a personal guest at Haven's Glow instead of her master's handmaiden. Io gladly accepted a blanche-blossom and savored the spicy fragrance that radiated from its petals. Looking up, she saw those wonderful blue eyes still upon her.

The manservant proceeded to introduce himself and offer his hand to hers. Io would have been thrilled had he kissed it but he respectfully shook hers instead. Nevertheless, the entire experience of meeting someone so unique had sparked a new interest in Io. "Devoted to his master and generous to me," she thought to herself. "I would like to wake up to those blue eyes every morning."

"Master Kay." It was charming to say. But his true name of Ezra would sound even sweet on her tongue as would the three kisses she would claim from him after cornering him in his suite. The start of Io's mission to gain Ezra for herself was considered a success.

But she knew little of her master's own plans to goad Alderaan into a civil war nor did she know of Ezra's true identity as a wanted rebel, enemy of the Galactic Empire, or his own master's alias as Kanan Jarrus, wanted Jedi Knight.

What Io did know is that her master was arrested, his wealth seized by the Empire, and that she was sent to prison. Some would have called it an ideal punishment for a vain and selfish girl.

Yet the Force took pity on the girl and her meager fifteen years of age. Thanks to Ezra's help in preventing Alderaan from war, Io was quickly released into the custody of one of his friends.

Tamar Il'yan was a shrewd Twi'lek who kept her modest café on Kaller in pristine condition and her accounts in immaculate order. Under Tamar's watchful eye, Io prudently swept the floors, prepared kaff, and kneaded dough for bread. Her new busy little life was nowhere as luxurious or tempting as it had been with Baron Sparr but there was always something interesting to do or someone with a listening ear to talk to. A few months smoothly went by and Tamar was pleased with Io's progress.

The little Twi'lek still did not dare reveal her deepest desires to Tamar. While chilled winds whipped around Kaller and Io was wrapped cozily in wool blankets in her bunk, she would stare at the ceiling and close her eyes, imagining herself back at Haven's Glow. She would remember the embrace of Ezra Bridger's arms, feeling his lips against hers, envisioning the blue flames in his eyes when he spoke her.

"You're more beautiful than anything I've ever seen."

A-A-A

Four months later:

Kanan Jarrus had an awkward situation on his hand. It had been some time since he and Ezra had embarked on their undercover mission on Haven's Glow and he had hoped that Io continued to stay safe and well with their friends on Kaller.

How Io managed to get snatched off Kaller and crammed into a smuggler's ship was a simplified story: the usual scoundrels who lurked in alleyways had been grabbing girls and boys off the streets and selling them off to eager bidders. Fortunately, Aurora Squadron had allied with Phoenix Squadron and together they quickly chased down the smuggling vessel and freed the prisoners who had been locked in the cargo hold.

Hera wanted to bring Io back to Kaller as soon as possible and Kanan agreed. But Aurora Squadron required extra hands and Commander Sato requested Zeb and Sabine's help in delivering the rest of the freed prisoners back to their homes. Io would have to stay on board the Ghost for the next rotation until they could reach Kaller. Unfortunately, Ezra had just returned from his own scouting mission which meant he would have to share the same space with the mischief Twi'lek who had caused him much heartache and frustration after Haven's Glow.

Kanan thought that Ezra had been generous to give Io a second chance. She may have only been a teenager but her master had spent years molding Io into his personal tool of allurement. Io had attempted to use the same tricks to win Ezra over and the padawan had been shaken up from her advances. It had taken a painful confession to Kanan for Ezra to reconcile with the experience but after coming to terms with himself, Ezra wanted Io to have the chance to do right by herself.

Now that she was in Ezra's presence again, Kanan was concerned that some of Sparr's old influence would surface in Io. He had spent only a minute in the rec room but could tell from Ezra's uncomfortable silence and Io's breathing patterns that all was not well.

"I've already contacted Tamar to let her know that you're all right," Hera told Io. "We should arrive at Kaller by tomorrow morning."

Io managed to tear her eyes away from Ezra long enough to address Hera. "Thank you for rescuing me, Captain Syndulla," she murmured with a slight bow.

Ezra stepped backwards and instantly crashed into Chopper. The astromech gurgled irritably and Ezra's ears turned red. "Sorry!" he blurted out. Io let out a sudden giggle and covered her hands with her mouth.

Kanan couldn't imagine how such a delicate scenario would play out before the High Jedi Council.

"Master Kenobi, Master Yoda, I have a problem. This young Twi'lek girl has attempted to deceive and seduce my padawan. No, fortunately interventions were made before they could perform the act itself. Though my padawan has been diligent in controlling his desires and the girl has shown signs of reformation, she still continues to show an unhealthy interest in him.

How, Master Windu? I may not be able to see her but I can sense from her heart rate and tone that she would like nothing more than to take off his clothes with her teeth."

Much to Kanan's relief, Hera took hold of the situation and clapped her hands for attention. "It's been a long day for all of us so everyone should turn in early for the night. Ezra, I want you to get an extra feather-bog comforter from the cargo hold. Io can sleep in Sabine's room tonight."

"Sure. Yeah," he mumbled. Ezra managed to get around Chopper without another awkward collision and practically ran out of the room. Hera noticed that Io was still starring at the place where Ezra had been standing and cleared her throat to get Io's attention.

"Follow me, Io. I'll show you where you'll be staying."

Io walked behind the captain down the hallway and into the Mandalorian's room. Instantly her nose crinkled up at the explosion of colors that ran up and along the walls. "Nauseating," Io thought to herself. "Tamar has better taste than this."

Knowing that she was in the presence of her elders and that Tamar would not tolerate insolence, Io managed to restrain herself enough to remark aloud, "How interesting."

Hera smiled at Io's comment. "That's putting it politely." As soon as Ezra had deposited the comforter at the door (still avoiding Io's gaze) he left in a hurry. Io helped Hera spread out the blanket and several sheets on the lower bunk.

"The refresher is in the upper level if you need it. The cooling compressor switches vents every six hours so don't worry if you hear hissing sounds," Hera assured her.

"I won't," Io responded. Hera watched her diligently slipped beneath the comforter and rest her head on the pillow.

"Good night, Io."

"Good night, Captain Syndulla." Io shut her eyes at once and appeared to be perfectly content in wiling herself to go to sleep. Hera switched off the lights and let the door slide shut.

Hera made her way past several doors until she was in Kanan's room, safely assured that Io would not be able to hear their conversation. The Jedi was sitting upon a cushion with his legs folded beneath him. His visor was resting upon a bench and his eyes were closed. Hera quietly observed the Jedi in his contemplative state for a moment, knowing that he was attempting to draw upon the wisdom of his mentors to restore balance.

"Ezra's in his room," Kanan said at last. "Did Io give you any trouble?"

"Not yet," Hera told him. She sighed and sat down on the lower bunk. "Tamar told us that if Io misbehaves we're to tell her right away."

"I respect Tamar's honesty. But I hope that we won't have treat Io like a child."

"Kanan, she is a child!" Hera spoke up with sudden heat in her voice. Kanan could only imagine how disturbed Hera was to encounter a Twi'lek who had been bred from childhood to do such terrible things. Io had not only complied but seemed to have reveled in her servitude.

"We know that. But I doubt Io is aware of how dangerous her position with Baron Sparr was," Kanan explained. "She was trained to play the role of a seductive woman while her mind and heart remain that of a young girl. Io can only mature so fast."

"You mean knowing right from wrong is still a new concept for Io," Hera suggested. Kanan nodded in agreement. "What happens next?"

Kanan placed a palm down and rose to his feet. "Io has to learn the gift of free will. That means choosing to do the right thing even without Tamar or anyone else having to guide her every step of the way."

He heard the sound of Hera exhaling and could detect a ripple of sadness emulating off her. "I guess you're right," she agreed at last. A gentle hand fell upon Kanan's arm and then the weight of Hera's head resting upon his shoulder. The Jedi threaded his arm around her waist and held her against his body.

Hera's voice hovered just below his chin and seemed to vibrate through his chest, each word weighty with concern and empathy. "I know we can't save everybody. But when I see that girl and think about what was done to her, what she did to other people and to Ezra, I hope that we are able to make this right."

"I agree," he thought. Though Kanan's lips didn't move, Hera knew from his silence that he was of the same mind as her. The knowledge they shared, twined with respect and affection, allowed Hera to close her eyes as her head rested against Kanan's chest.

"We could lock their doors just as a precaution," she heard herself murmur. The Jedi's chest rumbled with sudden laughter, momentarily bringing Hera's worried thoughts up to amusement.

"Tamar suggested the same thing," Kanan chuckled.

A-A-A

Five hours later:

Had Sabine Wren been present, she would have swiftly tackled the little Twi'lek who currently preoccupied her room before Io could even get away.

As the young Mandalorian was not present, it was not difficult for Io to rise from her mattress and pry the door open. She listened carefully for sounds in the corridor and after hearing nothing but the cooling vents gurgling away, swiftly exited Sabine's room and began to walk on bare feet down the hallway.

Io's journey was interrupted when her right knee abruptly banged into a cold hard surface. Io cursed softly and rubbed her sore kneecap. A tiny light beamed itself into her eyes, causing her to squint and swipe her hands in the air. Looking down she saw the astromech blocking her path. Chopper gurgled with glee and demanded input from her.

"Nothing!" she hissed. "What are you doing here?"

"I might ask you the same question."

Io spun around to see Kanan sitting at the small table in the Ghost's rec room. As annoyed as she was with the astromech, she was confounded by the sight of the Jedi before her.

"I…." her voice trailed off. "I couldn't sleep."

"Were you looking for Ezra's room?" His voice was surprisingly calm and controlled without a hint of accusation. It was merely a question of curiosity and Io found herself nodding, even before realizing that the gesture would be impossible for a blind man to comprehend.

He gestured to a place across the table. "Sit down, Io."

She flinched, anticipating a punishment, but did as she was told.

"What were you planning to do if you got to Ezra's room?"

She shrugged. "Wake him up."

Kanan tilted his head slightly to the right. "Did Ezra ask you to wake him up?"

"No," she answered honestly. "I want to surprise him."

"Do you think Ezra would want to be surprised in the middle of the night?"

"Not at first," Io said and then added brightly, "But I'm sure I could—"

The man across the table remained silent, his features solemn and yet patiently waiting for Io to explain herself. She fumbled for an explanation. "I had hoped to catch him off guard," she explained feebly.

Kanan placed both palms on the table. "Before you go any further, I want to remind you that this ship belongs to Captain Syndulla and you are considered her guest. To bring unexpected trouble would be a breach of hospitality on your behalf."

"Trouble," Io repeated. Then she sighed and slumped back in her seat. "That's just another word for 'fun' when people don't want you to have any."

Her frank perspective made it hard for Kanan not to smile. "You find me amusing?" Io demanded.

"I think you're being honest instead of using the baron's tricks to get what you want." He went on. "Do you think it was 'fun' to lead Ezra on at Haven's Glow?"

"I did not intend to deceive or hurt Ezra," Io protested. "I just…I wanted him."

"You wanted him," Kanan repeated. To Io it was as if Ezra was no more than a desired trinket for her to claim. This was what the galaxy had come to be without the Jedi: a place where people had no control over themselves and no empathy for others.

Then the blind man asked Io another question. "Why did you want Ezra?"

Io shifted in her seat and as she talked further, the words seemed to flow easily out of her mouth. "Because he was nice and handsome and not like the other boys I've met," she began. "When they see me they usually try to corner me or touch me. But the first thing Ezra did was offer me a flower and then speak to me as if I was his equal. He made me feel appreciated. Strong. Happy."

"He was kind to you," Kanan confirmed.

"Yes." Io nodded eagerly. "So I wanted to keep him so that he would stay and be kind to me."

"But you weren't kind to him, Io," the Jedi explained gently. "You let the baron deceive Ezra. You wouldn't let him go when he asked. And when he wouldn't do as you said, you threatened him with my life and then drugged him. That isn't kindness. That is controlling someone else against their wishes."

For once, Io had nothing to say. It was as if the blind man had taken shards of glass out of Io's former self and placed them upon the table for her to see. For the first time in fifteen years, Io was being led to examine her faults. She did not like this feeling of guilt that came with a budding conscience and it made her feel vulnerable.

"I didn't want him to go," she admitted softly. A small ache had formed in her stomach. "Do you know what it is like to desire something with every fiber of your body and then have it taken away from you?"

For a moment there was only silence. And then the blind man responded softly, "I do, Io. I lost someone close to me years ago. The pain is still strong today."

"How do you bear it?" Io asked in wonder.

"It take maturity to accept the things that you cannot change and wisdom to know what you can change."

Kanan listened to the sound of tiny fingertips drumming on the table as this new revelation began to unfold before Io. "I cannot change what Ezra thinks about me, can I?" she asked. Her companion shook his head. In a softer voice she asked, "Does he despise me?"

"I know he was hurt and upset from what you did to him," Kanan admitted. "You gained his body but you lost his trust in the process. But in coming to terms with himself, I believe he was able to make peace with it."

Io tried to smile weakly. "So he does care," she suggested.

"He cares about your future and safety," Kanan responded neutrally. "I think it was generous of him to ask Tamar to take you in. The Empire would have sent you to prison for the rest of your life as payment for your master's crimes. Do you want to go back to an Imperial cell?"

"No!" Io suddenly cried out. "Never!" Two days in solitary confinement had been more than enough of a punishment for a girl who had always slept on satin sheets and worn silk gowns. Aware that her heart was beating faster than usual, Io tried to calm herself down. But it was difficult and frightening, especially in the presence of a man who could not see her face yet seemed capable of reading her thoughts.

"What are you going to do?" she asked meekly.

The Jedi merely folded him arms across his chest. "Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," he repeated. "I'm giving you a chance to do the right thing, Io." He pointed down the hallway. "Ezra's room is the last one on the left. You can go in if you choose to do so. But if you get into trouble then you will have to accept the consequences. Nobody else will be able to justify your actions."

Her eyes widened curiously. "And if I chose not to?"

"Then you will be proving that you respect Ezra's privacy." Kanan added gently, "And you will gain my trust."

He could hear her heart rate increasing again, sensing Io's conflicting emotions as she kept eyeing the doorway, imaging her ideal prize asleep and utterly vulnerable. It was such a tantalizing thought that Io had to close her eyes and concentrate, trying to remind herself that no, it had not worked before and it would not work now. Baron Sparr would not be able to come in and tell her that everything was all right and he could fix it with a mountain of credits. Tamar would be furious with her and no doubt Captain Syndulla would be disappointed with Io's behavior.

Yet this strange insightful man had awakened a different sort of desire in her. It was a desire to be thanked and appreciated, to bask in the newly-discovered warmth of love, approval, and kindness instead of pushing other people down out of spite. The little Twi'lek who had known nothing of the wisdom of the Force or the guidance of a Jedi was slowly waking up to the possibility that she could look past her own wants and desires, striving to become something better than what she was before.

But this was Ezra that they had spoken of. The wonderful blue-eyed bridge maker who inspired passion and desire in Io. It was painful to think of turning away from such a sweet opportunity so close to her fingertips. "I know I could do it," she thought. "But what would Ezra say?"

Kanan listened attentively as Io took several steps towards the door, reaching out with eager fingers. He exhaled softly and to Io, it was the sound of a sigh of disappointment.

The footsteps came back and then there was sound of someone sliding back into their seat.

"Will you stay and talk to me some more?" Her voice trembled slightly when she spoke. "I, I like the sound of your voice."

The Jedi's lids opened and he turned his head towards Io. She could not see the opaque film over his eyes. But when he smiled it was as if a warm blanket had fallen upon Io's shoulders.

"I will stay as long as you like," Kanan assured her.

A-A-A

Later:

"Let me guess. Aurora Squadron had a falling out with their tech manager?" Hera suggested with a slight smile.

"Just when you think they've got their sector up and running something breaks down," Zeb grumbled. "I can only stick around here long enough to get enough power convertors for their shields."

"Good thing we have a Chief of Security to help get them back on track," she assured him. Hera looked up to see Sabine walking out of her room. "How's our guest?" she asked the teen.

"I don't know," Sabine responded. "But my room smells like blossom soap."

Hera would have dropped the box of convertors that she was holding had Zeb not taken them out of her arms. She suddenly strode past Sabine and into the rec room where she saw Io curled up on the couch with a blanket spread over her.

Hera reached with one gloved hand and gently shook Io's shoulder. "Io?"

The girl blinked curiously and then groaned, stretching one hand over her head. She looked confused and groggy from having curled up into an uncomfortable position. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Io managed to look up and notice Sabine and Zeb flanking Hera. The sight of the hulking Lassat caused Io to shriek and clutch the blanket in her hand.

"So that's an 'Io'," Zeb chuckled. "Looks just like you, Hera, only smaller."

"What are you doing out here?" Hera demanded in a cool tone.

Io drew the blanket around her shoulders in a defensive position. She opened her mouth to speak but before she could even say a single word, Kanan had appeared in the doorway carrying a cup of kaff in each hand.

"Neither of us could sleep last night so we stayed up talking," he explained. His tone was calm and cheerful as he walked across the room and offered a cup to Hera, who accepted instinctively.

"Talking?" Sabine repeated.

"Yes," Kanan assured her. "We had some tea and then Io fell asleep. I didn't want to wake her up so I left her here."

Hera looked from Kanana back to Io. "Is this true?" The little Twi'lek nodded her head quickly.

"Good thing you don't sleepwalk, kid," Zeb said with a wry grin. "You might've fallen out of the air-lock by accident."

Io bristled from the comment. "I am not that stupid," she retorted.

Everyone laughed instinctively and she couldn't tell if they were were amused by her comment or herself. But it made Io look down uneasily at the floor. She suddenly wanted to be off this ship and back on Kaller, getting into her daily routine beneath Tamar's guidance.

Fortunately, Kanan's words seemed to smooth things over. "The important thing is that you're all right," Hera said with a smile. She offered Io a hand and helped the little Twi'lek get to both feet. "Are you hungry?"

"No," Io stated. Then she added, "Thank you."

"We'll be approaching Kaller soon," Hera said. "Sabine and Chopper can use the Phantom to take you down to Central Boulevard."

"I would," Sabine admitted. "If Aurora Squadron hadn't run out of their last crate of hand explosives so quickly." She patted her heavily-armed utility belt proudly. "Someone has to teach them how to throw them properly without wasting a single punch."

Hera was about to ask Kanan if he could help when an eager voice spoke up.

"I can take her," Ezra offered. He was standing in the doorway, already dressed and carrying a sack of supplies thrown over one shoulder. Seeing everyone stare at him in surprise, he gave his friends a confident shrug.

"What?" he smiled. "Chopper and I will get Io home and be back here in under an hour. It'll be too short a time for us to get into any trouble."

"Oh, I'm sure you can think of something," Sabine smirked with a shake of her head.

"Kanan?" Hera exchanged a glance with her peer.

"If Ezra is okay with it then so am I," he confirmed.

"Chopper, start the countdown," Zeb grinned. "Sixty minutes to Armageddon." Heaving another box of supplies over his own shoulder, Sabine followed Zeb to the docking ramp where Aurora Squadron was waiting for their assistance.

"Captain Syndulla, Master Jarrus." Io nodded her head to both of them. "I thank you for your hospitality."

"You're welcome, Io. Please send our regards to Tamar."

Io turned around and then followed Ezra towards the Phantom. Chopper followed along, grumbling loudly so that everyone could hear his discomfort.

"No, Chopper. You can visit Kaller's arcade another time," Hera told him. The astromech banged a mechanical arm on the side of the ship in frustration but followed Ezra out of the room, protesting all the way.

Once everyone had left and the humming sound of the Ghost's engine was audible, Hera collapsed onto the couch and let out a final sigh of relief, feeling tension deflate out of her lungs and then drawing a calm steady breath inward. Kanan sat down next to her with the flicker of a smile on his face.

Hera noticed his expression and couldn't help but smile back. "Talking," she said at last.

"Talking," he repeated.

She tilted her chin upward and rested her head back against the cushion. "All things considered, last night could have been a lot worse."

"Agreed."

Hera then leaned her head back forward far enough to sip from her cup of kaff. The liquid heat and sharp flavor stole into her soul with a surge of confidence. She took a few long lingering sips as her limbs relaxed.

The ship continued to purr and hum around them like a content Loth-cat.

"It's oddly quiet without everyone else here, isn't it?" she asked at last.

"Mmhm," Kanan agreed.

"I suppose we should enjoy it while it lasts."

"Mmhmm."

Hera took another sip of kaff. "One hour doesn't give us much time."

"Time for what?"

Removing her gloves from her hands, Hera's tapering fingers lightly walked across the table. They touched Kanan's palm, sliding across the length of his hand before playfully twining with his own fingers.

"Fifty nine minutes," Kanan reminded her.

"Mmhmm," Hera agreed. She leaned closer to him, feeling Kanan's warmth radiating off his skin just before she pressed her lips to his.

A-A-A

Phantom, approaching Kaller:

Io fiddled with her fingers while Ezra guided the Phantom down into Kaller's lower atmosphere. They weren't exactly alone, thanks to that annoying chatterbox of a droid in the top turret, but Io wasn't as thrilled to be sitting so close to Ezra as she thought she would be. Last night's discussion had caused new emotions to blossom within Io and she was still struggling to sort them out.

"Thank you," Ezra said at last.

Io jerked her head up. "For what?"

"For not doing what you planned to do last night."

Her eyes narrowed warily at him. "Did Master Jarrus tell you?"

"Kanan didn't have to," he answered quietly.

"But I did want you, Ezra! Very badly!" Io blurted out. "I still do," she thought. In spite of her honesty, Ezra appeared calm and focused.

Io shook her head in astonishment. "Why do you not protest when you know the truth?"

"I can't protest something you didn't do," Ezra admitted. "If you knew something was wrong and resisted it, that means you're stronger than you think you are."

Io fell back in her seat, nearly overwhelmed with the enlightenment of his words. "The baron taught me that strength came from controlling other people. But now you are telling me that strength is controlling yourself?"

Ezra nodded with a grin. "Now you know what it means to be a Jedi."

"Jeh-di," Io said slowly. The word was lofty upon her tongue. "Master Jarrus told me about them last night. We talked about many other things too. He is a strange man, Ezra."

"How so?"

"I do not think he desires anything for himself," Io stated truthfully. "He appears to care more about who I am now than who I was before."

"I like you better than you were before too," Ezra admitted frankly.

"Really? You do?" An unexpected thrill ran through Io. "That makes me happy. I would be disappointed to know that I have been trying to be good all this time for nothing."

Ezra suddenly laughed, a bright hearty sound that bewildered Io even more than it pleased her. "You're not 'good for nothing'," he said at last. "If being good was easy then everyone would do it all the time."

"It's hard for me too." His tone deepened and Io saw his eyebrows turn down with a hint of sadness. "I used to think tapping into my anger would make me a better Jedi. That new power gave me an incredible rush of energy whenever I used it. My missions were a success and I felt faster and stronger every day."

Io gripped her kneecaps, enthralled by his story. "What happened to you?"

"I got in over my head." His features hardened when Ezra continued. "The problem is that when you're angry you can't make good decisions. I shouted at Kanan and said terrible things to him. I hurt people and broke things. My team nearly got killed because I was impatient. I had to learn to let go of my anger and replace it with patience and discipline. If I didn't, I'd have lost everything that I was trying too hard to protect."

Ezra took his eyes off the controls long enough to look at Io. Her face was curious and wistful; there was an innocence to her expression that he hadn't seen in her before. "So I know how difficult it can be to do the right thing," he said at last.

"Is it worth it, Ezra?" Io asked softly. "Does it matter in the end?"

He turned around in his seat to face her properly, a glimmer of animation in his eyes. "Would you like to see?"

"Oh, yes please!" Io didn't know what Ezra was about to show her but whatever it was, she was fully intrigued to know more about the Jedi.

"Chopper, keep us on autopilot!" Ezra called to the astromech.

"Gr-gr-whaha-phhht!"

"You're welcome!"

Ezra got up from his seat and walked over to his satchel, rummaging around inside for a minute. Io tried to hide her disappointment when he removed what looked like an outdated glow wand and held it at arm's length. But then he pressed a thumb to a button the side of the wand. There was a click followed by a crisp snapping sound and a hiss-

"Oh my," Io murmured. The beam of cool green light burst out of the wand, revealing the lightsaber in Ezra's hands. Before her eyes he immediately began to to move through the motions of Form Two. The Phantom was not an ideal situation to practice lightsaber moves but Ezra did his best in the limited space, imagining himself blocking a laser blast low and then moving to block two imaginary threats from a high maneuver. He drew a step backwards and whirled around quickly on one heel, spinning into a full circle before landing back in place with his knees bent.

Elbows up and eyes forward, he envisioned the enemy approaching faster and allowed his moves to fold from one into the other while Kanan's instructions flowed with the mantra in his head. Makashi was focused and fluid which meant to move high then low, twist and turn, lunge forward and then right step back...

Io watched with enthrallment as Ezra used the lightsaber and to her it was as if he was not only synchronized with the radiance of emerald light in his hand but even working with the very air and space around him. He ended on a final lunge with the lightsaber clasped in both hands above his forehead and held the pose for a moment, eyes alight with the rush of energy. Then he turned off the lightsaber and stood up, wiping his forehead with the back of his wrist.

"That was wonderful!" Io couldn't stop clapping her hands with excitement. "It was more beautiful than any dance I have ever seen."

"It's not only beautiful, Io. It's sacred." Ezra had to stop and catch his breath for a minute. "The Force gives a Jedi his strength and its through the Force that he learns to protect himself." He extended the lightsaber to her. "Would you like to try?"

She starred in awe at Ezra and then at the weapon in his hand. "You are letting me hold your sacred sword?"

"Of course. I trust you."

She carefully wrapped her fingers around the handle and activated the button. Io nearly reeled back when the tiny cockpit was bathed in green light and it was no less wondrous the second time then the first. Though the weapon's blaze was only inches from her nose, Io did not feel it giving off any heat, only a smooth even humming sound that was oddly soothing yet made her attentive. Ezra reached out with both hands and carefully guided her fingers into a secure grip.

"It can still be a dangerous weapon if you don't use it properly," he warned Io. "The lightsaber can be your enemy as much as your ally. Can you feel its energy in your hands?"

"I, I think so." She tentatively let it sway slightly right and left. "It does not feel as heavy as I thought it would be."

"That's good. It means you're giving it the respect and focus it requires." He moved around behind Io and this time put his hand on her wrist. She felt a flush rise in her cheeks as he slowly and gently helped her move the lightsaber into a single form. Whatever delight Io had anticipated from being in such close contact with Ezra had been dimmed in comparison to being in the presence of the all-wise and understanding Force between them. It was a happy sensation yet also serious and wondrous.

"That's your standard defense pose," he explained.

The Phantom gave a sudden lurch to the right, sending Io and Ezra crashing into the wall. Io's back hit Ezra squarely in the chest and she dropped the lightsaber in shock. The lightsaber would have spiraled dangerously into the air but Ezra's reflexes, after countless missions in space, kicked in and he managed to snatch it in midair.

"Chopper!" Ezra fumed, shouting back to the turret. A gurgled binary response came back.

"Kriff," the teen grumbled. He placed his hands on Io's shoulders to steady her. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." She tried to turn ahead aside so that he wouldn't see the warmth in her face. It was difficult to control the rush of adrenaline when she had felt the firm grip of his palm on her shoulder and while Io knew she could have attempted to throw her arms around him and feign innocence while embracing him, somehow that did not seem appropriate.

She was seeing Ezra through different eyes now. He was showing Io how vast and wondrous the universe truly was when you opened yourself up to its possibilities and dedicated yourself to inspiring the good in others. She did not want to ruin this incredible experience and respectfully stepped back while Ezra carefully replaced the lightsaber in his satchel.

"Baron Sparr never told you about the Jedi, did he?"

Io shook her head. "I do not think he would have liked Jedi anyway. If someone else had a power that he could not claim for himself then he would find a way to remove that power."

Ezra could find nothing to respond to this, only silence and relief that Baron Sparr was no longer part of their lives. Perhaps at one point in his life he had been a decent ordinary man, or at least had the potential for good, but Sparr had made his own choices and walked a selfish path into his demise. Nobody in the galaxy mourned his death or would continue his legacy. His star had burnt out while Io's had yet to shine forth.

Her nose crinkled up with concern. "Is Tamar a Jedi?"

"No. Why?"

"Sometimes I think she can read my mind. I would not like to be around her if she acquired a light-saber or lost her temper," Io warned Ezra.

His smile confirmed Io that he was in agreement with her.

"You don't have to be a Jedi to get positive results," Ezra said. "Tamar is living proof of that."

A-A-A

Kaller, one hour later:

"I had to promise the lounge that their surplus drapes would never be seen worn on 'common' folk," Tamar spoke into the commlink. "But they finally sold them to me for minimum credits."

Hogarth's voice crackled through the tiny communication device. "What are you doing to do with them?" he asked.

"That's high-quality Tresper cotton in those drapes." Tamar could not suppress her smile. "They will make excellent sleepwear and undergarments for children in the refugee district."

"And none the wiser for not seeing them, right?" Hogarth's chuckle came out in a low rumble.

"Precisely. Clean clothes means a healthy child. A healthy child means a happy parent." Tamar continued walking down the street with the commlink clutched between her fingers. Her stride was brisk as she was anxious to get back to her cafe, allowing pedestrians only a brief glimpse of the Twi'lek with bright blue skin. Her lekku nearly floated behind her as she nimbly stepped over a hole in the ground and crossed the street.

"No need to rush, boss. Io got dropped off half an hour ago."

"Did you feed Ezra?"

"He said he was in a hurry so I sent him off with a care package as big as he could carry," Hogarth assured her. "He and his crew will have homemade tuber soup and meat pastries for dinner tonight."

"Thank you, Hogarth. Stars knows how that boy manages to grow when he's living up in space off dehydrated packets." Tamar shook her head with disgust. Her empathy for the Rebellion had increased since she first met Ezra but Tamar believed in keeping her feet firmly on the ground and eating whatever could be grown or baked with ones own hands.

"How did he seem? I mean, having Io around?"

"Hard to tell, boss. Boy seemed chipper as ever and Io, well, she's been in the kitchen all morning."

"If its that quiet in the cafe then it usually means trouble," Tamar warned.

"She's been singing, if that helps."

"Hmmm." Tamar slipped the commlink into her pocket and hastened her stride. While she trusted Hogarth with her life, Tamar wanted to see the results with her own eyes. Within minutes she had descended down the stone steps into her cafe and immediately a round of customers cheered and raised their cups of kaff to her.

"Hurrah for Tamar!"

"Here she is, the prettiest Twi'lek in the galaxy!"

"And getting prettier every day."

"Sing us a song, please Tamar?"

"Yes! Yes! Sing us 'The Ballad of Alderaan'! We'll buy out the cafe if we have to!"

She gave one of them a lovely smile and assured him that a song was overdue and she would be glad to sing for them once her affairs were in order. She deposited her cloak and pocketbook in her tiny office and then made her way to the kitchen.

Hogarth's sleeves were rolled up past his elbows and sweat lightly beaded his skin, running into the grooves of his scars as he worked the kaff machine. With his flaming red hair and craggy features, his presence was that of a massive mountain next to the small lithe figure of Io.

Several brass pots of fresh kaff sat gleaming on the counter, each one having been buffed and polished diligently by Io. A tray of fresh buns sat on her left while new unbaked balls of dough were lining up on her right. Io had fallen into a meditative motion as she used her thumbs and index fingers to make the imprint of a flower on every bun. Singing softly to herself, she was brushing them with bantha butter before they were popped into the oven. The freshest tray shined with glossy golden crusts beneath the lamps.

Io broke off her singing when she saw Tamar in the doorway. Her employer walked over and examined her handiwork.

"Is it all right if I did that with the buns?" she asked.

Tamar picked up a fresh bun and nibbled it lightly, then nodded to Io in approval. "They look as pretty as they are good to eat," she said at last. "You can do it anytime you like."

Dimples appeared in Io's cheeks when she smiled. Hogarth seized three kaff pitchers in each hand and easily carried them out to the customers, allowing the Twi'leks to have a few minutes of privacy.

"How are you feeling?"

Io's eyes widened at her. "I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"No reason." Tamar shrugged her shoulders. If Io didn't want to talk then it was all right with her. Yet Tamar could sense a hint of deepness in her, the touch of maturity that suggested Io may at last be on her journey to womanhood.

Tamar turned to leave the room and had only rested a hand upon the doorway when Io spoke up again.

"Ezra is a nice boy, isn't he?" Io asked her.

"He is," Tamar answered coolly.

She was wary of where this line of conversation was going but then Io went on. "I want to be like him," she said in a soft but audible voice. She stopped what she was doing and looked Tamar directly in the face. "I want to be kind and smart like Ezra."

Tamar appeared to be momentarily stunned; an instance without a witty response was a rare one for her. Her lack of words caused Io to keep her flour-covered hands in place, uncertain if she had spoken out of turn. Much to Io's surprise, Tamar drew closer to Io and resting her hands on Io's shoulders, lightly kissed the girl on the cheek.

It was Io's turn to be surprised. Tamar had given her permission and approval before but this was the first time that she had shown affection for Io; and the first time Io's heart grew warm and light to be the recipient of it.

"You are growing into a fine young woman," Tamar complimented her. "Kind and smart as well."

Io's lavender eyes shined with hope. "I am?"

"Yes, you are." Tamar straightened up and dusted some flour off her shirt. "And I realize that you've been doing a good job lately. Perhaps Hogarth could mind the cafe for a day while we take a trip into town," she suggested. "How would you and Nava like to go shopping with me? We could have lunch at one of the nice restaurants and you could pick out a brand new dress."

Io beamed with delight and Tamar thought she never looked prettier. "Really? Do you mean it?"

"Yes I do. We'll make it a 'girls day out', just the three of us."

"I would like that very much, Tamar."

The sound of tin cups banging against wooden tables echoed from the front of the cafe. Tamar smiled and shook her head. "I'd better get back there before our customers lose their appreciation of music." She headed back into the cafe and soon the rowdy customers had fallen silent as Tamar's sweet voice floated around them.

"Can you hear me my dear one," Tamar sang. "Your eyes are full of stars, your lips are full of love..."

"May the light of my hope find you someday," Io sang softly to herself. "From the shining skies above."

A-A-A

Author's notes: This was a fun challenge to write and inspired by the events of "Holocrons of Fate" and "Trials of the Darksaber". Jedi have a mission to maintain balance in the galaxy and on a personal level, helping others find balance within themselves. Watching Kanan help guide Ezra and Sabine to overcome their insecurities and find their inner balance is a highlight of the show for me.

If anyone's read "Hyacinth" then they know Io is terribly unbalanced and rooted in selfishness. Empathy, personal responsibility, and delayed gratification are all new concepts to her. Kanan asked her a lot of questions in this fic but that's because he wants Io to come to her own conclusions instead of spelling everything out for her. She struggled insanely hard to let go of Ezra. But in respect his privacy, she's learning to respect him as a person. To me, Io will always have a sweet spot in her heart for him but over time she will (hopefully) grow out of her unhealthy infatuation of him.