Not everyone deemed the Jedi warriors guardians of peace and justice for the galaxy.

To the Sith and Dark Lords, they were rivals. Enemies to be respected in combat until finally vanquished. To the smugglers and pirates, the Jedi were a damn nuisance of self-righteous do-gooders who wouldn't let good honest "entrepreneurs" ship their slaves and spice in peace.

Like other Twi'lek children, the bedtime ritual of Tamar included stories of the Jedi's great powers and heroic accomplishments. But as she grew older, Tamar shrugged off the tales as over-exaggerated myths. She had yet to witness a Jedi perform one great feat before her eyes.

In the meantime, it hardly seemed to affect her life one way or another if there were robbed sages who lived in a temple on Corsucant and spent their days drinking tea, writing poetry, and discussing philosophy.

At least that's what she thought they did. Until the Clone Wars rained fire and chaos upon Ryloth and the Jedi followed with their steadfast troops, driving out the Separatist nuisances for good.

Who knew those hooded sages had spines of steel and the spirits of warriors in their bodies?

It was Jedi Master Mace Windu who impacted them all. Several days after the battle had ended, someone suggested that Tamar present some of her best flowers to the Jedi as a token of gratitude. The garden had nearly been obliterated by Separatist bombs but a few stubborn lotus-blossoms had miraculously survived. It was the least Tamar could do after she had thrown a hysterical fit over the condition of her garden.

She had weeded, watered, and tended to her flowers for months. How dare the Separatists destroy her hard work!

It had sounded like a good idea at the time. But upon seeing the tall man with stern features and a blazing sword of amethyst light by his side, Tamar shirked on the spot.

Seeing the fidgety girl before him, his piercing eyes softened into warmth and openness. The expression of a warrior was replaced by that of a gracious guest. He took the flowers from her and bowed deeply as if she was a queen.

"Thank you for such a beautiful gift," Mace Windu declared. "Your kindness is most appreciated." His deep rich voice seemed to vibrate through Tamar from the tips of her lekku down to her toes. She felt her cheeks flush and quickly studied the floor.

"Is the floor more interesting?" he asked her. She quickly bolted her head back up. There now a twinkle of merriment in his eyes and she couldn't help but let out a laugh. Mace grinned at her, further putting Tamar at ease.

He sat back down upon his mat and offered for Tamar to sit next to him. What followed was only ten minutes of conversation but it would have the greatest impact on Tamar's life. She discovered that this Jedi was no passive philosopher. He could discuss art, science, business, and history as well as any versed traveler in the universe. Tamar eagerly explained her desire to leave Ryloth and pursue her dreams.

"If you are going to sell your flowers to other worlds then it will cost you more credits to transport them further," Mace Windu explained.

Tamar thought this over. "Then I will have to charge more to cover transportation, won't I?" she said slowly.

He nodded in agreement. "You will also have to make a profit it you want to buy more seeds."

"Hmmm." Tamar held her chin in long blue fingers. At this point other Twi'leks would either joke at her seriousness or insist that a girl should focus on more pleasant matters than starting her own company. But Mace Windu was waiting patiently for her response.

"I could set up gardens on each planet that I visit," she suggested slowly. "That way the flowers would stay fresh and I wouldn't have to pay for long distance transportation."

Mace Windu nodded in approval. Next to them, General Syndulla broke out into a hearty laugh. "Forgive her, Master Jedi," he exclaimed. "Young Tamar sees herself as a shrewd businesswoman. She cannot be content to tend to plants unless she is tending credits at well!"

Tamar turned away to hide her frown from the general. It was impolite to show disrespect to their leader. But the Jedi had her full support. "I wish you full success in your endeavors, Tamar," he encouraged her. "An honest living can be hard work compared to the life of a pirate or smuggler. But you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something right."

"I'm not afraid of hard work," Tamar insisted.

The Jedi gave her wise smile. "I can see that you will not be detoured. The galaxy would be a much different place if there were more people like you."

It was the first and last time that Tamar ever saw the Jedi Master. She never learned of Mace Windu's tragic fate when he was struck down by a once-and-former member of the Jedi; one who was turned and twisted into a slave of the Dark Side.

The Empire followed and Tamar thanked her stars that she was off-world when the stormtroopers landed on Ryloth.

But true to Mace Windu's words, Tamar Ily'an was not detoured. Just as the Rebel Alliance grew in numbers and in strength, she grew in maturity and experience. She bought a club and entertained high-ranking Imperial officers to earn a living. She hired a bodyguard to protect herself and adopted two orphaned Twi'leks who had suffered the wrath of the Empire.

And on a bright clear morning in the heart of the planet Iolanthe, Tamar Ily'an unknowingly purchased a Jedi Padawan; a young man with dark hair, a steadfast gaze, and eyes of a remarkable shade of blue.

Eyes the color of hope.

A-A-A

ONE YEAR LATER:

Chopper Base, Rebel Alliance Outpost

Ezra Bridger leaned forward and rested his hands upon his knees. "Haven's Glow?" he repeated aloud.

Commander Sato nodded and pointed again to the holographic image at the center of the room. "Many influential people from the Core System attend this luxurious resort for personal and business use. Their busiest season will begin in two weeks."

Zeb narrowed his eyes warily at the image of Haven's Glow. "So what do a bunch of hobnobs have that we need?" he asked.

"Information, Captain Orrelios." Commander Sato adjusted a button and the image of Haven's Glow vanished, replaced with a scrolling list of names.

"I have been in contact with other members of the Rebel Alliance and we agreed that it would be useful to our cause to accumulate a list of names of Haven's Glow's most anticipated guests. We suspect that there are Rebel sympathizers among them who must hide their true opinions from the public eye."

"Prime Minister Glen, Duchess Keiko, Prince Feldspar of Mira-ben," Sabine read some of the names aloud. "There are some powerful people in their ranks. How can we be sure that they'll be interested in our cause?"

"We don't," Hera announced. The Twi'lek placed her hands upon her hips. "The data that Commander Sato was able to procure is incomplete. We want to insert an agent into the resort so that we can access a complete and reliable guest list."

Commander Sato turned to Ezra. "This is where you come in. We would like you to contact your colleague Tamar Ily'an."

"Tamar?" Ezra jumped to his feet. "Are you crazy?!"

"Why not?" Hera said with a faint smile. "If anyone could run a nightclub in the heart of the Empire, Tamar did. And you said she did a pretty job of it."

"You also mentioned that Miss Ily'an is well-versed in Imperial etiquette," added Sato.

"Hold on, hold on." Zeb waved a furry hand in the air. "This 'Tamar' was entertaining bucketheads for fun, right? Sounds like she's good friends with them. What makes you think she'll want to work for us instead?

"Tamar wasn't doing it for fun," Ezra insisted. "She told me herself that a nightclub was the best way to get customers to come to her since Iolanthe's curfew barred her from going out after dark".

Commander Sato looked impressed. "Resourceful," he commented.

"That still doesn't mean she'll want to cooperate," Ezra admitted. "Tamar doesn't do anything unless the investment is worth her time."

"She will be well compensated if she can provide us with the necessary information."

Ezra rubbed the back of his head in thought. His eyes took in the members of the Ghost crew, his surrogate family and team, and finally rested upon the last member. Kanan Jarrus had been standing against the wall in a silent pose for so long that they could have forgotten he was there. It was not intentional on their behalf. Rather, the Jedi had become adapt at discretion during his years of hiding underground from the Empire.

He may have lost his vision but Kanan Jarrus had gained further knowledge and insight as he continued on his journey alongside his apprentice. He could not only hear their voices but even sense their conflicting emotions, the changing tones in their voices, and the even slightest motion of fingertips.

Now he could sense Ezra's attentions upon himself and he turned to face the young man.

"Kanan, what do you think?" asked Ezra.

His mentor took a moment to consider their options before speaking aloud. "You were the one who worked for Tamar. You know her strengths and weaknesses. It's your judgement that decides how this mission will unfold."

The Ezra Bridger of some time ago would have attempted to find a solution right away. But much had happened and the young man was learning the value of contemplating, of thinking things through carefully, before making a decision; especially if someone else's life was on the line.

Ezra closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them again.

"When Tamar first 'bought' me from the black-market slavers, I hated her. I thought she was bossy and selfish," Ezra admitted. "But the more I got to know her, the more I realized that she paid attention to people that she cared about.

"I was trapped on a core planet without any friends. But Tamar and her team took care of me. They fed me, kept me safe, and when I was sick with a virus, they paid all the medical expenses and nursed me back to health."

A soft emotion echoed in Ezra's mind and for a moment he was back on Iolanthe, lying on his cot and shivering with cold beneath two blankets from the virus. Someone was hovering over him, a friend with skin like a winter sky and a sweet but sad voice, a gentle hand resting upon his head...

"This was the same woman who only let you go after Kanan forfeited his kyber crystal, right?" Sabine pointed out. Having left the life of a bounty hunter behind, the Mandalorian was skeptic of those who sold others out for money.

"She gave it back," Kanan said.

That much was true for Ezra. Tamar could have kept the kyber crystal and sold it for a fortunate after she and her friends were forced to flee from Iolanthe to Kaller. But she returned the crystal back to its rightful master.

This last piece of information was the final weight in the padawan's judgement. Ezra rose to his feet and looked at his team. "I'll get in touch with Tamar right away," he decided aloud.

A-A-A

Kaller

"Anybody who's anybody knows Tamar," the freight-man assured Ezra with a grin. "Nobody else charges two credits for a cup of kaff instead of one but oooh, nobody else has a body like—"

"Just tell us were to go," Zeb growled. The imposing figure of the Lassat caused the freight-man to gulp. He shakily pointed a finger towards a heavily populated street.

"The kaff shop on Central Boulevard. Look for an arched doorway," he babbled. "But you might miss it 'cuz Tamar doesn't advertise."

Zeb and Ezra made their way down the street. They nearly missed the entrance, which was carved into the side of a building and led down a slope of steep stone stairs. Ezra almost tripped going down and Zeb nearly banged his head on the low overhead. But once they descended into the sub-level room, it opened up into a surprisingly well-lit room.

The cafe was a far cry from the glittering Imperial nightclub that Ezra had worked at on Iolanthe. This was a single room with well-worn stones forming the ground and walls. The furniture consisted of tables and chairs cobbled together from rough slabs of wood. The ceiling was a domed roof of sandstone. Against one wall was a painted plank of wood with a daily menu scribbled in graphite.

Overhead was a sign in several alien languages including Basic that read NO FIGHTING, NO GAMBLING, NO TOUCHING.

The simplicity of the atmosphere was offset by the effort put into it. The stone floor had been swept and scrubbed so well that Ezra could have eaten off of it. Several copper lamps hung from the ceiling and two Twi'lek tapestries hung on the walls to add a bit of decor. There were even a few Kalleran potted plants in the corners.

The clientele was also just as different from Iolanthe. Instead of high-ranking Imperial officers, most of the customers drinking kaff and eating pastries were shop-keepers, droid-programmers, and freighter pilots. Some of them looked up at Zeb with curiosity but said nothing. The Lassat found an empty table in a corner and sat down.

"You go find Tamar. I'll keep an eye out if things get messy," he assured Ezra.

"You sure?"

"You know her better than all of us. Worth a shot talkin' to her," Zeb remarked.

Just then, Ezra caught a flash of green skin from across the room and waved towards it. "Nava?" he called out to get her attention. "It's me, Kay! Remember?" He was careful to use his borrowed name from Iolanthe.

The young Twi'lek looked up from pouring a cup of kaff when she heard Ezra's voice. Her golden eyes instantly lit up and she dashed across the room and nearly tackled Ezra in a bear hug.

"KAAAAY!" she shrieked, lifted him several inches off the ground and swinging him back and forth. "Ooo, I missed you so much! Where have you been?" she gushed.

"Can't-breath!" he gasped. Nava finally set him back down and untangled herself from Ezra.

"Oops! Sorry about that." She gave a wispy giggle as she looked Ezra up and down. "Look at you! Look at you!" Nava exclaimed. "You got so much taller! And when did you get a haircut?"

Ezra ran a hand over his scalp. "It was getting too long anyway." He added with a grin, "No way you'll be able to mess with my hair now."

"I can still make you some lovely clothes," Nava insisted. She lightly touched Ezra's shoulder and began to examine him one way and the other. "We just bought some smashing green wool that would make a fine coat for you."

Before Ezra could protest, another Twi'lek had materialized behind them. Nearly six feet tall with large gray eyes, her pale blue skin was the color of Lothal's sky on a clear winter morning. Whereas Nava's presence was bright and glittering like a sunrise, this one had an aura as deep and quiet as a midnight moon.

A warm smile glowed out of her face when she saw Ezra. She didn't approach him first and instead, waiting for him to draw closer and then embraced Ezra in a gentle hug.

"I'm glad to see you again," she finally spoke in her low musical voice.

"Me too, Miri." Ezra broke out of the hug and examined his former colleagues.

Both Twi'leks wore belted white tunics that came down to their knees and black work pants. Their clothes were clean and pressed and with their bright eyes, long slender bodies, and jewel-tinted skins, they were a pretty sight to see.

"Where's Tamar?" Ezra asked. "Don't tell me your boss decided to play hooky today."

"Perish the thought," a crisp clear voice announced. Ezra spun around to see the third and fourth members of the group: Tamar Ily'an, businesswoman and former owner of the Jewel Garden, and her right-hand man Hogarth Lang. Ezra's former employer appeared bohemian and yet professional at the same time.

Tamar was dressed the same as her Twi'lek counterparts and her bright blue skin contrasted beautifully against her blouse and a headscarf of white brocade. The hand that held her data-pad was adorned with two glass bangles while a leather choker encircled her neck. Two small white gems glittered in her right lobe and a silver hoop decorated her left one.

"Really, 'Kay'. I'm insulted that you would even consider me shirking work on our busiest hours." The words were borderline patronizing but her lips twitched with amusement. "Nevertheless, this is an unexpected delight to see you here. Hogarth, think you can brew a fresh pot of kaff for our friend?"

"My pleasure," he grinned. Hogarth shook Ezra's hand and then led him to a quiet nook in the back of the room where the burly bodyguard nodded in pleasant silence to Zeb.

"So, what does 'no touching' mean?" Ezra asked.

Hogarth tapped the side of his nose with a finger. "Wait and find out."

Ezra didn't have long to wait. Miri had brought food and drinks to a table of workers. One of them grinned wickedly at Miri and suddenly reached out a meaty hand, grabbed her by the wrist.

"C'mon, love! Spend a little time with me," he demanded. She shook her head and yanked her hand out of his grasp. The customer just smiled and reaching out again, slapped his palm playfully against her backside.

Ezra sucked in a sharp breath. But Miri just turned around and calmly called out, "Hogarth!"

He nodded. The bodyguard marched over to the table and instantly seized the man by the scruff of his neck. The other hand yanked his belt and Hogarth lifted the man easily into the air before marching to the door and hurling him out as far as he could. The man went flying out of the cafe and landed in a pile of old convertors that rattled and clanked from the impact.

Zeb grinned wickedly. "That looks like a lotta fun."

Tamar clapped her hands together. "I give him a seven out of ten."

"Eight!" a customer shouted.

"Five," exclaimed another.

"Five?" boomed Hogarth. "Must be loosing my touch."

Miri winked at Ezra. "If Hogarth gets a ten out of ten then he takes a shot of Bomar whiskey. So far, it's only happened once."

"You guys must be pretty popular on Kaller, huh?"

"Hogarth's reputation keeps people like that at arm's length. Once they get thrown out, they never come back. But most of our customers are very nice," Miri said. "They brought us furniture and lamps to decorate."

"And honeydrops too!" Nava added brightly. She took a tin out of her pocket and popped one into her mouth.

Tamar rolled her eyes. "I'm annoyed when they bring us useless trinkets that clutter up the place." She picked up a knickknack sitting on a shelf and banged it down twice. "Pyrite-plated tin. Shoddy work."

"This isn't Iolanthe," Ezra grinned. "You're used to getting the best."

"I'm used to serving the best," Tamar demanded. She breathed out and rubbed her right temple with her fingers. "At least the kaff should be better than whatever brown sludge you're used to keeping down." She poured out several hot drinks and handed them to Zeb and Ezra.

The Lassat took a hearty gulp. "Karabast! This is kaff?" Zeb nearly bellowed.

Ezra sipped his cup warily. Instead of a watery acidic drink, he was rewarded with a mouthful of something aromatic and robust without a hint of bitterness. He swallowed and instantly felt a rush of warmth surge through his body. "Wow," was all he could say.

"I'll take that as a positive rating," Tamar concluded.

"We get the kaff beans wholesale and have worked out a way to roast them without ruining the flavor," Nava explained.

Just over her shoulder, Ezra noticed one of the customers get to his feet. He had been sitting at the same table as the man who had gotten thrown out and now stomped over towards them with a glare on his face. He clamped a hand on Tamar's shoulder and spun her around.

"Listen, missy. That was my mate you threw outta here," he growled.

"You're welcome to join him if you like," Tamar replied calmly.

The grasp on Tamar tightened and he rasped, "I'd rather take you on this table right now."

Tamar remained unfazed. "Hogarth?"

Before Hogarth could take a step, Ezra saw the tin statue go whizzing through the air and then hit the man squarely between the eyes. His eyes rolled in the back of his head and then he fell back onto the floor with a loud THUMP.

The other customers applauded loudly. Ezra saw Zeb standing behind him with one arm extended outwards from the throw.

"Well, what d'you know?" Zeb smirked. "Shoddy work's good for something after all."

Tamar beamed at the Lassat. "I like your friend, Ezra." To Miri and Nava she added, "Whatever he wants is on the house."

A-A-A

While Miri and Nava cheerily plied Zeb with as much kaff and as many pastries as they could offer, Tamar tuned in to Ezra's proposal in the back room. She listened attentively about the mission without speaking but frowned when he concluded.

"I'm pleased that the Rebellion is coming together but I don't approve of you zipping around the galaxy fighting their battles. A young man like you should be going to school, podracing, spending time with girls..."

At least we agree on the latter, thought Ezra.

"Its dangerous work and you could be exploited," concluded Tamar.

"You made me work in your nightclub," Ezra pointed out.

"That was an entirely different situation," Tamar insisted. "I found you in a black market ring and thought you had been sold off to pay your family's debts. You could have ended up in an Imperial prison or worse."

"I know," Ezra agreed. "Which is why the Rebellion's recruitment is so important. If we don't take action and stand up against the Empire now then things will continue to go downward."

Again, silence followed Ezra's offer. He could imagine the gears in Tamar's head rotating as she calculated whether or not the recruitment was in her interest.

"I will consider it," she said at last.

Ezra couldn't restrain his small sigh of reluctance. While he was relieved that Tamar hadn't flat out turned him down, he had anticipated her accepting the mission. Seeing her back on her feet and thriving on Kaller confirmed that she could handle the job.

But as Kanan had once told Ezra, she would be ready to join the Rebellion at the right time. And Ezra had no doubt made an impression on her.

"Okay. When you've reached a decision, you know how to get in touch." He handed her a data-chip that Tamar accepted. Instead of putting it away, Ezra watched her study the chip with curiosity and perhaps more than a glimmer of interest.

A-A-A

Later:

Hogarth was wiping down the rough wooden counter when the front door closed and footsteps grew louder.

"We're closed," he announced. The footsteps continued in firm steady paces. They belonged to someone accustomed to giving orders.

The stern pale man in an Imperial uniform hardly raised an eyebrow at Hogarth's scarred face. "I assure you that my visit will not be long. Are you the owner of this establishment?" he demanded.

Hogarth hesitated for a moment, debating if he should cover for Tamar. Before he could make a decision she had approached the threshold.

"I am the manager of this café," she announced firmly to the officer.

Tamar anticipated a facial twitch, a look of disbelief in his eyes, or even a lustful smirk. Surprisingly, the officer did none of these. He merely examined the data pad that he was holding.

"You confirm that your name is Tamar Ily'an?" he asked. Tamar nodded and he tucked the data-pad under his arm. "I am Agent Kallus of the Imperial Security Bureau. I have a matter to discuss with you immediately."

With a pleasant smile she gestured to one of the tables. "Have a seat, Agent Kallus. Hogarth, please bring a fresh pot of kaff for our guest."

"That will not be necessary." Agent Kallus smoothly positioned himself at the table. "My visit here is strictly business."

"Come come," Tamar tutted. "To withhold hospitality from a member of the I.S.B. would be inconsiderate of me".

Agent Kallus did not wait for the kaff to appear to speak. "I have called upon you because we have heard rumors of rebel activity near Kaller. I am interested in knowing if you have heard of anything."

Tamar shrugged nonchalantly. "I am merely the humbler owner of this Imperial-operated shop. The thought of rambling around with troublemakers is hardly on my mind."

"Indeed." Agent Kallus took a moment to assess the room. "And yet I cannot help but notice how rare it is to find a woman of your youth and heritage so actively involved in business."

Tamar let out a peal of girlish laughter. "Agent Kallus, you flatter me!" The kaff came and she made a gesture of pouring out a cup for him with as much courage as she could muster. Kallus merely eyed the cup as if it was the very source of his problems.

"Rest assured, Agent Kallus. I never poison my customers." Tamar poured herself a cup and sipped casually.

"More than a year ago, a Twi'lek was charged with treason and arrested on Iolanthe," he went on. "Though the accusations were eventually dropped due to invalid information, I am intrigued to know if Tamar is a common name on Ryloth."

"Common enough. Anything else is mere coincidence."

"But Iolanthe isn't Ryloth. And I am not accustomed to being played for a fool, Miss Ily'an." Kallus' voice deepened and darkened as he added, "Just remember that I have the power to throw you and your colleagues into an Imperial cell if I find you guilty of any crimes."

Tamar decided it was time to drop the playful act and move onto evasive maneuvers. "Are you using your authority to scare me, sir?" she inqured.

"No more than you are using your female attractiveness as a weapon."

She couldn't resist a dry smile. "Then you find me attractive, Agent Kallus."

"Don't flatter yourself. It will take more than charms to throw me off course."

He picked up his cup and took a careful sip. "It seems your reputation precedes you, Miss Ily'an."

Agent Kallus rose from the table and instantly placed a credit piece on the table. "See to it that you remain out of trouble." Without another word, he left the café.

Only when Agent Kallus was several blocks away did Miri come out of the back room. "Are you all right?" she asked Tamar. "Did he hurt you?"

Tamar didn't move from her seat. She just starred at the credit piece as if it were a proton bomb.

Miri approached her and also studied the money. Tamar could recognize the pensive look on her friend's face.

"What kind of trouble do you think he is?" she asked Miri.

"It's hard to tell. But I don't think he can be bribed or flattered. He is genuinely committed to his work." Miri picked up the credit piece and studied it. "That makes him an entirely different type of adversary."

A moment of silence fell between the Twi'leks before Miri spoke again. "It was nice to see Ezra again," she added with a hint of hope in her voice.

"Mmmm." Tamar leaned back and locked her fingers together. She pressed them to her mouth and was in deep thought for several moments.

"He wants me to work for the Rebellion" she said at last.

Miri sat down next to her. "Will you?"

"I can't decide. The mission itself sounds intriguing to me but I don't want anything traced back to you."

The tall blue Twi'lek gave her friend a reassuring smile. "You've taken risks for all of us before and never turned away from an opportunity. If your ambitions are telling you to do this mission then you should follow through."

"Is that what your gift of 'second sight' says?" Tamar asked curiously.

Miri glanced down shyly. "It doesn't work like that," she admitted quietly. "I'm sorry, I can't understand it myself. It just seems to come and go at times."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't treat you like a soothsayer." Tamar leaned over and put her arms around Miri, who was surprised at the sudden show of affection.

"I've known petty girls who made each other miserable from bickering over who was more beautiful. But you're ten times prettier and nicer than all of them," Tamar said at last.

"Being pretty isn't always a good thing," Miri mumbled.

Something about the way Miri said it motivated Tamar to squeeze her friend tightly in an embrace.

A-A-A

Ezra's holo-image flickered above the table. He looked around curiously before facing Tamar. His blue eyes lit up with delight. "Tamar! You called!

"A member of the ISB recently visited my café: Agent Kallus," she announced. "I take it that you know him well?"

She watched shock and then worry ripple across his face. "Kallus has been on our tail for a long time. What did he want?"

"For me to keep my nose clean."

"Do you think he suspected anything?"

"Yes, but surprisingly he didn't carry out his threats."

Ezra waved his hands in front of himself. "Look, if you don't want to go ahead with the mission—"

"I do," Tamar insisted firmly.

"You do?"

"Ezra Bridger, are you hard of hearing? Did I not just say that I am going ahead with this mission?" Tamar nearly stamped her foot with impatience. "My recent encounter with Agent Kallus was sufficient motivation. Providing of course, that your Rebellion still has a use for me."

"Okay yeah. Sure! Great! But uh, what will you tell the others?"

"Nava is adorable but she'll babble everything to the customers. Hogarth has convinced her that I am taking a brief business trip to expand my venues. Miri is a different story altogether."

"I know she'll keep our secret," Ezra assured her warmly. Tamar was suddenly reminded of what she had said after watching Miri and Ezra's budding friendship. Kindred spirits at the time, she had suggested, but perhaps it was something deeper, something about the gift of second sight?

But the Force was not something that Tamar understood altogether and though her suspicions about Ezra and his master were close to the truth, she preferred not to discuss matters of the mystical realm.

Especially after the legacy of the Jedi had ended.

For now she turned her attention back to the holo-vision. Ezra said he would send her the coordinates for a meeting and make sure that his captain would be there to greet Tamar when she arrived.

A-A-A

Tamar was finally looking forward to her mission. She was not looking forward to seeing Hera Syndulla again.

Their first encounter had been a far from pleasant experience.

She had vague memories from the end of the Clone Wars of a beady-eyed child held in the embrace of her father, General Cham Syndulla. The little Twi'lek couldn't have been older than five or six while Tamar was on the cusp of adolescence at the time. Hera must have considered Tamar's presence an intrusion because she glared at Tamar with as much loathing as if she was a Separatist bomber.

Tamar responded by sticking her tongue out at Hera. The girl instantly launched a counter-attack by gnashing her little pearly teeth at Tamar and then burying her face in her father's arms.

Cham Syndulla had been engrossed in his conversation with Jedi master Mace Windu but broke it off when he sensed his daughter's discomfort. "You must excuse my daughter's behavior," he laughed to Master Windu. "She is restless as the wind!"

Hera smiled smugly at Tamar from the safety of her father's embrace. Never before had Tamar wanted so badly to yank on the little brat's lekku and kick her in the shins.

A-A-A

Now if the rumors were true, Hera Syndulla had blossomed into an excellent pilot and fearless fighter. There was no denying that Tamar was inwardly pleased to hear about the Rebellion's growing progress against the Empire. But she was concerned that Hera could have turned out to be as much of a radical as her father.

"No doubt she's used to sacrificing everything for the greater good," Tamar cringed inwardly. "I doubt Hera will understand the whims of an assimilated Twi'lek who enjoys nice clothes, good food, and soft music."

The transport finally docked and Tamar walked down the metal tunnel that led her towards Ghost. On the outside she looked composed as a programming droid in her traveling gray suit and new leather travel-case. Inside her emotions were bubbling and festering away as she mentally prepared herself for a verbal sprawl with the infamous Hera Syndulla.

"She will be a horrible sharp-tongued vixen," Tamar thought bitterly. "Captain Syndulla will boast of her accomplishments and then call me a preening self-absorbed-"

"Tamar Ily'an?"

A clear feminine voice broke Tamar's thoughts. The slim green-skinned Twi'lek standing in front of her was no doubt the adult version of Tamar's memories, now lithe and mature and attired appropriately in an orange flight-suit and goggles. There was confidence in her posture and brightness in her eyes. This was a young lady quite capable of carrying out daring missions.

Tamar drew her shoulders back and her breath in. Before she could speak, Hera folded her arms in front of her chest and sank into a half-curtsy.

"Peace unto you, sister of Ryloth." A slight accent threaded its way into her words as she addressed Tamar with the traditional formal greeting. It had been years since Tamar had heard it but she responded by also folding her arms and bowing to Hera.

"Peace unto you," she repeated. They drew closer and then exchanged air kisses on each other's cheeks. Once the formality had concluded, Hera clasped Tamar's hand into her gloved ones.

"I'm glad I finally got to meet you in person." She squeezed Tamar's hand gently. "Ezra's told us all about you and your team. I want to thank you for looking after him on Iolanthe."

Her voice was warm and genuine and her eyes shined with gratitude, instantly throwing Tamar off guard. She cleared her throat before speaking.

"I'm glad," she managed to say at last. "He certainly was a big help in the club."

"I'm sorry you lost it to the Empire," Hera added apologetically.

"I can always build another one," Tamar responded with confidence. "Ezra is the one who is irreplaceable."

"On that we do agree," Hera smiled. She gestured down the corridor. "May I show you the rest of the ship?"

Tamar nodded and followed, breath finally relaxed and curiosity restored. She knew little about the details of ships but could tell this one had been modified to meet the needs of the crew. Despite the cramped sensation of limited space, the Ghost appeared to be a resourceful and well-run traveler of the stars.

Tamar was intrigued by the bright splash of color on the wall and stopped to admire it.

"Sabine's our interior designer," Hera explained.

"It's an ember-lotus, isn't it?" Tamar asked. "But why is it yellow instead of blue?"

"That's Sabine for you," Hera grinned.

The rest of the tour was pleasant enough and within minutes, Tamar could feel her tension melting away in Hera's presence. She politely inquired about various details of the Ghost and Hera answered with warmth and animation, pleased to see her counterpart's interest in their home and taking pride in sharing with her.

While she could never imagine herself in a flight suit, Tamar was already imagining Hera in a honey-colored dress that Miri had been working on last week. The rich yellow tone would be perfect for Hera's complexion and she had the slender build for the style. Would she prefer silver bangles or a scarf?

"I'll admit I was a little worried before meeting you," Hera suddenly confessed.

Tamar stopped in her tracks. "Why?"

Hera folded her arms over her chest. "You sounded rather intimidating from Ezra's report. I wasn't sure if we'd meet your standards."

Tamar suddenly laughed in disbelief. Imagine General Syndulla's daughter being scared of her!

"Granted, I did come down rather hard on Ezra," she said. "When you're entertaining Imperial officers for a living, you have to work hard and learn fast."

"Not many people I know could do that," Hera responded.

"Maybe it's not so different from running a ship," Tamar suggested.

Hera nodded in agreement. "That's exactly why Commander Sato mentioned your name at our last meeting. Your experience and skills intrigued us all. We'd like to hear what you have to say about the mission."

Within the hour, Tamar was seated at a holo-table alongside Hera and Commander Sato. He gave her a general summary of the mission and then showed her the details of Haven's Glow on a data-pad. Tamar took the opportunity to examine the data-pad and listen to their expectations.

"I hope you are already aware of the cost of this expedition," Tamar warned. "Spending several days in a sterling galactic resort could amount to a great deal of credits that could be used to buy weapons and fuel instead."

She's perceptive, Hera thought. Aloud she added, "Intel is just as critical as an army. And the information on this mission could be as useful as a fleet of ships."

"You will be reimbursed for necessary expenses," Commander Sato added. "And with your background of Imperial etiquette and service, inserting you into the social circles of Haven's Glow will be possible."

Tamar placed the data-pad on the table and locked her fingers together. "There's just one more problem before we proceed. I may have had some internal freedom operating a club on Iolanthe but in Haven's Glow, it will be highly unlikely that the resort will accept the façade of a Twi'lek staying in the hotel of her own accord."

"I see. What do you suggest?"

"I recommend that you send me in not as an independent but as a servant."

"What?" Hera placed both hands on the table. She was not pleased at the notion that one of her sisters of Ryloth would have to put chains back on herself, even for the sake of pretense. But Commander Sato was frowning and rubbing his chin in thought.

"It is our only alternative," Commander Sato said at last. "We will have to modify a believable cover story for you."

A-A-A

Two weeks later:

Among the various guests who were exiting the transporter outside Haven's Glow were two new figures. One was a human teenager with short dark hair who wore the navy-blue suit of a valet. A gold badge gleamed on his collar and his black boots were polished to a dark sheen.

The Twi'lek next to him wore a pale pink dress cinched in at the waist and a full petticoat that billowed out down to her ankles. Instead of a headscarf, a white straw cap was tied onto her head. The white netting was pulled down over her eyes but still gave viewers a good look of bright blue skin.

The droid accepted their identifications cards and scanned them. "Young Master Kay Dunam and Miss Tamar Ily'an of the House of Rayne," he read aloud. "Please proceed".

Ezra and Tamar moved out of the blaring sunshine and into the shade of some wide-leaved trees in the foyer. While they were cooling off, the staff director quickly ran their information through the security system system. Any inkling of false pretense or insufficient data would have them kicked out of the resort with a snap of her fingers.

Fortunately, the response was adequate. Security confirmed that the human boy and the Twi'lek were the property of Lord Joshua Rayne, a private investor in off-world mines and Imperial real estate. Lord Rayne's background was solid and his credit of good status.

"We haven't heard of Lord Rayne until now", she pondered to herself. "New money, no doubt. Must have bought up someone's failed businesses and purchased a title in the deal."

Had the director been a keeper of the Force, she may have considered it a coincidence that there was a Jedi master named Joshua Rayne who had lived more than 400 years ago. But since the Jedi were all but extinct, this tiny twitch of information was insignificant as a speck of dust. She looked up at the two new guests and smiled.

"The staff and crew of Haven's Glow is honored to host the house of Rayne," she declared, handing them their cards back. "Enjoy your stay."

A-A-A

They hadn't been in their suite more than five minutes before Tamar assessed the situation.

"This was a mistake," she groaned.

"Are you kidding? This place is amazing!" Ezra couldn't stop admiring the room. Marble arches supported the room, the glossy furniture was carved of the best and heaviest andora wood, and the rich purple velvet carpet was so soft that he nearly sank into his ankles while walking across it. He was ready to fall down and go to sleep on the floor instead of making it to the bedroom.

Instead, Ezra took a flying leap and landed on one of the couches. "Woah!" Ezra laughed. The plush cushions bounced generously beneath him. Too bad Sabine and Zeb weren't here!

"The clerk said she was honored to host the house of Rayne. We're just servants in the household," Tamar explained.

Hearing this, Ezra's attention was piqued and he instantly bolted up. "They're expecting Lord Rayne to make an appearance, aren't they?" he asked. Tamar nodded. "Can't we just say that Lord Rayne is sick or something?"

"An excuse would make the staff suspicious. Why would he send two of his servants to a resort just for the fun of it? I'm afraid we need to alter the cover story to keep up the pretense."

"Are you sure?" When Tamar nodded, Ezra quickly racked his brains for a solution. "I have an idea," he said. "But I'll have to contact Commander Sato without being traced. There's a public data outpost several blocks from Haven's Glow where I could send a coded message."

"What are you going to do?"

Ezra grinned. "I'm going to make sure Lord Rayne joins us at Haven's Glow."

Tamar's brows furrowed in response. "I hope you know what you're doing."

"Have I ever let you down?"

"You did sabotage a case of prototype bombs behind my back," Tamar pointed out.

"Which would have exploded off-schedule anyway," Ezra countered.

"Point taken. But before you leave the hotel, take these downstairs." Tamar picked up a heavy vase of flowers and thrust them into Ezra's arms. "Tell the clerk that Lord Rayne only tolerates hothouse flowers in his rooms."

"Why?"

"Pretense," she explained. "Nothing is too good for us or our master."

Ezra though it a waste of time and energy but did as he was told. Once he reached the lobby, Ezra plunked the vase of flowers on the front desk and informed the newly-rotated clerk of the problem. The clerk was dismayed.

"We had no idea that Lord Rayne was allergic to blanch-blossoms. How thoughtless of us!" he exclaimed.

Ezra was ready to assure him that it wasn't a big deal but remembered Tamar's words, forced himself to frown at him. "Yes, it was thoughtless," he said in a patronizing tone. "My master had heard such fine reviews of Haven's Glow that he insisted I inspect his rooms first before he arrived. A good thing I did or else he might have changed his mind about coming at all."

"We just received a shipment of Alderanian safflowers. Perhaps those would suffice?" the clerk asked.

"I suppose," Ezra replied carelessly.

The nervous clerk wiped his brow. "We will have new flowers delivered at once. Lord Rayne can count on our full cooperation during his visit."

The clerk turned and whispered a command to two other staff members. Ezra was ready to leave the hotel when someone spoke just over his shoulder.

"How lovely," the voice murmured.

Ezra whirled around and was bewildered at the sight of the young female Twi'lek standing nearby. He had never seen one with such a bewitching shade of violet skin before or such pretty features.

She was petite in stature, a head shorter than him, with large bright eyes that shined like twin lavender gems and full-pouting lips. With her rich purple complexion and attired in a silver dress, she looked like a well-cultured blossom standing in the middle of the room.

While he couldn't pinpoint how old she was, Ezra guessed she was about fifteen or sixteen years old. She gazed curiously at Ezra with shining eyes and a playful smile. A rush of heat and pleasure ran through him.

"Um, h-hi!" he stammered aloud. He managed to tear his eyes away from her long enough to look back at the flowers. "I uh, don't suppose you're allergic to these, are you?"

"I am not."

"Would you like one?" Seeing the surprise on her face, he nearly slapped his forehead with his palm. How stupid of him to offer flowers to a complete stranger! He urged himself to focus and remember that he was on a mission.

"How kind of you," the Twi'lek declared. She lifted one crimson star-shaped flower out of the vase and held it above her chin. She closed her eyes, drinking in the scent. Then she opened her eyes and gave Ezra a velvety smile. When she spoke again her words were slow and smooth as cream.

"May I ask to whom I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"My name is Kay." Ezra offered her a hand and only then realized that it probably wasn't protocol. But the Twi'lek placed her own palm into his own. Her skin was several degrees warmer than Ezra and he could feel the pulse in his wrist thumping from the contact.

"I am Io," she said at last. He could detect a Ryloth accent threaded through her words.

"Io," Ezra repeated. "That's a pretty name. Are you here on business? I mean, are you here alone or with your master? That is, if you have a master—I don't mean…"

Ugh, why did he have to sound like such a kriffing idiot?

Io's voice was like a twinkling bell when she laughed. "Yes, I am here with my master. He is fond of Haven's Glow."

"My master is arriving soon," Ezra announced quickly. It took him a moment to realize that he was still holding Io's hand. With reluctance, his fingers released their grip. Io drew back her hand slowly, the tips of her fingers brushing feather-light over his palm.

"I am pleased to have met you, Kay. Perhaps we will see each other again soon?"

"I think so," he replied quickly. "I hope so", he thought. He watched her walk off, hips swaying softly as if to music that only she could here. Several other people in the lobby eyed her with interest.

"Damn," muttered one of the staff. "If that isn't the most bewitching girl I've ever seen. The baron must have paid a fortune for her."

Ezra could feel his wrist still tingling from her touch. His experience with Twi'leks so far had been one of respect and admiration. Hera was a pilot and Tamar was an entrepreneur. Both women were dedicated to causes bigger then themselves. They were his superiors and Ezra didn't dare cross their paths.

But that graceful Twi'lek couldn't have been older than himself. Ezra wanted to know her and about her, aside from the fact that he now had her name and knew she served a baron who visited Haven's Glow often.

"Young Master Kay?" Ezra broke out of his daze long enough to see the head clerk glancing at him. "Did you require anything else?"

He cleared his throat. "No, that's all. I will be back soon."

Ezra left the lobby and headed down the street with a spring in his step.

A-A-A

The sound of a transmission coming in broke Tamar's thoughts. She picked up the chirping box and turned it on.

"Lord Rayne requests your presence in the lobby," beeped the message.

"Ezra, you certainly work fast," she murmured. Tamar quickly dressed in a silk green pantsuit and wrapped her favorite beaded scarf around her head. She slipped two silver bangles on her right wrist and then made her way downstairs.

She entered the lobby to find Kanan Jarrus standing beside Ezra. Tamar instantly recognized the handiwork of her colleagues. Though she knew nothing of the mission or of Kanan's reputation as a Jedi, Nava had relished the task of dressing up Ezra's teacher.

The black velvet jacket Kanan wore showed off his broad shoulders and strong posture. The silver brocade that trimmed his collar and cuffs identified him as a man of high rank and sophistication. White creased trousers were tucked into brown leather boots. Kanan's beard had been closely trimmed for the occasion and his eyes were covered with a slim black visor. He carried a carved walking stick adorned with a golden knob that he lightly tapped against the floor from time to time.

Lord Joshua Rayne may have been blind but Kanan had to resist smiling when the whispers of approval circulated around the room by female guests. How thrilling to meet the mysterious Lord Rayne in the flesh. A pity that he was blind! But being handsome and rich compensated adequately.

Sensing Tamar's presence, he extended a hand to her. "Is that my favorite Twi'lek I hear approaching?" he drawled with a beaming smile. Tamar accepted his hand and sank into a deep curtsy at his feet.

"Yes, my lord."

She stood up as Kanan lightly kissed her on the hand. "I missed you during my trip, my dear. How delightful to have you by my side again!" He threaded his arm around Tamar's elbow and whispered, "Sorry for the last-minute niceties. But duty calls."

"And it calls with class," Tamar murmured back quietly. "You look every inch the part."

"My lord!" stammered one of the clerks. "We didn't know you would be here so soon."

"My business deal concluded ahead of schedule. Fortunately, my manservant and companion were able to make arrangements ahead of time," Kanan replied leisurely. "Are my rooms prepared as I instructed?"

"Yes master," Ezra answered formally.

"Excellent." With a wave of his cane, Kanan strode off with Tamar on his arm and Ezra following at his heels. Ten minutes later, they were inside the hotel rooms and had quickly examined nooks and crannies for any hidden cameras.

Once Ezra was given the approval, he sat down with his peers around the table.

"We've got a layout of the hotel planned here." Ezra pressed a button and the holographic images of Haven's Glow sprang up. "What's our plan?"

"We need opportunities when security will be most lax," Kanan said. "Haven's Glow will be having an indoor casino for tomorrow night and a concert the evening after. Most of the staff will be preoccupied with attending to guests. If Lord Rayne will be tending those events, hopefully people will not be paying attention to his manservant or companion."

Ezra glanced at Tamar. "What do you think?"

"You two have been in this field longer than myself. It sounds logical to me," she agreed. Tamar leaned forward and pointed to a room on the map. "If I may make a suggestion, the art gallery on the second floor would be a suitable place to make a move. It will be open both evenings but the greater focus will be on the casino and concert."

Ezra enlarged the visuals of the art gallery. "There's security programs to make sure nothing gets taken out of the gallery. But nothing here mentions information being moved from one part of the hotel to another," he said with a grin.

Kanan was impressed. "This hotel's security will detect any long-range sensors going in and out. A short-range sensor will be our best shot for now," he explained. "Any information that we send out will have to be coded and processed through a net-tower before Chopper can pick it up. Ezra, do you think you could plug a hack-bit into an outlet if we send you into the gallery?"

"No problem," he answered.

"Not yet," Kanan warned. "Somehow our missions tend to get more complicated along the way."

"C'mon, how hard could this be? You and Tamar go into the casino, I go the gallery to get a list, and we walk out of Haven's Glow with none the wiser!"

"Mmm, I think we should stay here until after the concert," Tamar suggested. "To cut and run would make the staff suspicious even if your droid is able to cover his tracks."

"Fine. Until then we need too-"

"Bombing in Terrance Square kills four and injures eight," an electronic voice suddenly announced with a rasp. The map of the hotel had been erased and replaced with the holo-net announcement, following by several images of stormtroopers around a ruined building. Everyone fell silent as the holo-net continued the news.

"Imperial enforcers have tightened security in the Gamma sector and are on the hunt for the terrorists who have carried out the operation. Emperor Palpatine condemned the act of violence against the fair and just citizens of the Empire and has announced that enemies of the galaxy will be punished for their crimes."

The holo-net shut itself off sharp buzz. Tamar frowned and looked at Kanan and then Ezra, who sensed the hostility in her silence.

"It wasn't us," he insisted. "The Rebellion would never carry out a mission like that!"

"Never?" she repeated coolly.

"Tamar, do you think the Rebellion would gain anything from attacking Terrance Square?" Kanan asked her calmly.

"I don't know," she answered in the same monotone voice. "Perhaps I signed on too quickly to work with fanatics."

"We're not fanatics," Ezra protested. "The Rebellion always tries to minimize casualties when civilians are nearby."

"He's right," Kanan added. "There's no weapons or supplies there worth stealing and it would be a waste of resources to pick a fight with stormtroopers in that sector. Commander Sato would condemn an attack like this one".

The creases in Tamar's face held for a moment. "Then you think this could be the work of someone else?"

"I wouldn't dismiss the anarchy theory," Kanan answered. "A lot of smugglers and criminals have benefited from wars, first by starting them, and then taking advantage of smuggled weapons and people. More conflict creates more profit for them."

The Jedi's words hung heavily in the air and Ezra glanced nervously at Tamar. Their paths had first crossed after a black-market ring had combed a Rebellion battlefield in search of survivors to sell off. If not the spice mines, then the brothels would do. Ezra's fate could have been a far worse one had Tamar not found him and bought him from the thugs.

"Can you pull up those holo-images again? See if you can find any Rebellion signs left at the scene," Kanan suggested.

Ezra quickly drew up and enlarged the photos, examining and explaining aloud the damage that was done. None of it had any familiar handiwork that he was familiar with. But a chalk drawing scrawled on a wall caught his eye and he had it magnified as large as possible.

"It's the double-streak bolt," he told Kanan. "That's the work of the Lightning Squad, isn't it?"

"I'm afraid it is. But I don't know what a criminal league would gain from blowing up a building of Imperial civilians."

"I can see you both have done your homework," Tamar said at last. She seemed to relax a bit from this new information. "If we can't do anything else about this new information now then I suggest we focus on carrying out our expected roles."

"Like what?"

Tamar picked up her purse and rose to her feet. "I am going to acquire some additional clothes for all of us. Perhaps Lord Rayne and his manservant would care to take advantage of the bathhouse while I am gone."

A-A-A

"This is a bathhouse?" Ezra gasped.

He could barely breathe from the thick steam that enveloped his body. Through the billowing clouds, he could make out the sunken-in tubs of black marble, the intricate mosaics of blue and deep-red tiles on the walls, and various benches where patrons were sprawled out in relaxation. Arched windows had been cut into the walls letting late-afternoon orange light filter in through the glass.

Kanan was standing to his left, one hand on Ezra's shoulder for guidance. "Just breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth," Kanan assured him quietly.

"Yeah, not sure I want to breath in someone else's sweat," Ezra muttered back. He eyed a man who was lying on a bench with a towel on his face and snoring loudly.

It felt weird enough wearing just a towel around his waist but having to see all of the other male clients mulling around the bathhouse attired the same way was even more bizarre. He had to restrain the urge to laugh at people's accidental tattoos, their sagging arms, hairy legs, and other physical features there were often concealed by clothes.

"The steam has many benefits," Kanan explained. "Among them are lowering one's blood pressure and clearing the mind. Consider this experience part of your training."

"If you say so, master," Ezra said with a smile. He gingerly stepped through the swirling steam, still making sure Kanan's hand was resting on his shoulder. While he suspected that Kanan could easily maneuver through the bathhouse himself, the façade became helpful as several other men greeted Lord Rayne.

"Come sit with us," called one of them. He had a hearty belly and thick red hair parted to one side. His feet were dangling in a pool of water and he held a glass of some deep green liquid in his hand. Kanan took a seat next to them and motioned for Ezra to do the same. The hot water was a relief to the soles of his feet and he breathed in and out a few times, feeling the warm air loosen his taut muscles.

"May I ask who I have the honor of speaking with?" Kanan inquired.

"Count Caswell, at your service." The redheaded man took a long hearty drink from his glass. "So nice to meet the infamous Lord Rayne at last. I could tell that many women in the lobby were pleased with your appearance. Ah, if I could only lose twenty years of age and some of this," he paused and patted his generous stomach. "But the pastries of Haven's Glow kitchens live up to their reputation."

Kanan chuckled politely. The count then turned to Ezra, who had been nearly lulled into a haze from the heat saturating his body.

"Your first time to a bathhouse, eh?" he asked Ezra.

"Not this one, sir," Ezra answered tactfully.

"My manservant chose well," Kanan declared. "With Kay as my eyes and ears, Haven's Glow pleases me so far."

"If you want to be pleased, perhaps you can convince the staff to allow some beautiful female masseurs into the room!" laughed Caswell. Kanan joined him in the laugh and Ezra suddenly thought about Io. Caswell noticed the manservant's reddened face.

"Or Kay should do the job," he suggested. "Judging by the way that lovely servant-girl was smiling at you this morning, I'm sure the ladies find you equally irresistible as your master."

If it was possible, Ezra's face flushed a darker shade of crimson. "L-Lord Rayne's needs come first," he stammered.

Caswell slapped a hand on his shoulder. "Loyal as well as modest! Lord Rayne, with a dedicated manservant by your side and that glorious blue creature on your arm, you are truly a man of good taste."

The conversation fell silent as the steam parted and a new guest stepped closer. Ezra guessed him to be about six or seven years older than Kanan with black hair that fell to his shoulders. When he turned towards them, it revealed a face of sharp and dignified features and a touch of gray at his temples.

"Count Caswell, Lord Rayne," he murmured as he nodded to both men. They nodded back.

"Come, Baron Sparr. The water is most pleasant," urged Caswell.

"Thank you, gentlemen. But I must decline." The baron made his way to a corner of the room and proceeded to study the data pad in his hand.

"Tsk!" Caswell shook his head. "The man never stops working. I would not be surprised if he took that data pad to bed with him."

"Do you know Baron Sparr well?" Kanan asked politely.

"Well enough," Caswell shrugged. "His family nearly went bankrupt about a decade ago but he's turned things around. Made excellent profits in medical supplies for Imperial academies. That was his servant-girl who caught your eye, Kay."

"Io is Baron Sparr's servant?"

"From what I've seen, she's as loyal to the baron as you are to his lordship."

"Which means I'll see her again soon," Ezra thought to himself. Hope glimmered within his chest.

Kanan drew his feet out of the water and made his way over to one of the benches on the room. He stretched himself out and yawned.

"Kay, return to our rooms and have kaff and refreshments brought up. Make sure they prepare our drinks extra-hot this time," he ordered Ezra. "Come back and wake me in an hour."

"Yes, master." Ezra pulled his feet out of the pool and thanked the count for the conversation while Lord Rayne quickly drifted into sleep. After he left, Caswell was alone in the pool until Baron Sparr finally put down his data pad and joined him in the water.

"You work too much!" Caswell chastised his colleague.

"With those recent bombings, one can never be too careful," said Sparr. He gestured to the figure of Lord Rayne draped across one of the benches. "Someone like him doesn't even has his sight to protect him. It's a terrible shame."

The blind man snored softly in response.

"Ha ha! I think Lord Rayne is well-protected," chortled Caswell.

"If you say so. But in the meantime, I have considered your offer and decided to sell you the three percent of my company that you requested," said Sparr.

"Finally!" Caswell slapped the water with his palm. "I would think you were a century old to take so long to make a decision! But why the sudden change in plans? Say, you must know something important that we don't."

"I'm bored," Sparr sighed aloud. "Selling off some outdated investment will be a welcomed change."

"How can you be bored with a Twi'lek by your side?" Caswell asked. "Ah, I know. She's quite young. Perhaps you should exchange her for someone with a bit more..." his voice trailed off.

"Perhaps," Sparr murmured, not requiring his sentence to be concluded.

Lord Rayne grunted in his sleep and scratched his stomach while Kanan Jarrus continued to listen attentively.

A-A-A

Night at Haven's Glow:

The door to a luxury suite slid open smoothly, allowing Io to slip out of the room as if she was no more than a wisp of silk. Her feet lightly padded on the floor just as a protocol droid came into view. The droid stopped and stiffened before her. But the Twi'lek merely blinked her eyes at him calmly.

"Thank stars you are here," she replied. "Senator Gallen had too much wine."

"I will attend to him," remarked the droid. It walked passed her without detection and entered the suite. Io gave one twirl on her heels and advanced to the top of the hotel, where her master was waiting in a maximum-security suite of his own.

Sparr was sitting in the lounge reading news off the holo-net. He looked up with anticipation when Io stepped in and made herself comfortable on the cushions.

"Did you get the information?" he demanded.

"Was there any doubt?" Io responded. The Twi'lek's purple fingers held a data-chip in the air. He took it from her, inserted the chip into a processor, and studied the information that scrolled before his eyes.

Io showed little interest in the data and toyed with the cuffs of her dress instead. Finally he turned off the holo-vision and grinned at her. "Well done, pet. I hope he wasn't too much for you."

The Twi'lek gave a roll of her eyes. "The senator is a fool and his wife is an old hag," she remarked with disgust.

"Poor dear," Sparr smiled. "I have just the thing for you." He drew out a velvet box and placed it into Io's hands. She pried it open and her eyes lit up. Io removed a delicate bracelet of gold wound three times and adorned with deep-green gems.

"One Correlion gold bracelet in exchange your services," he announced. Io slid the bracelet just above her right elbow and examined herself in the window's reflection. "How do I look?" she asked.

"Irresistible." He patted her cheek affectionately. "Onto other matters, I think it would be good for you to keep your eyes open around Lord Rayne. I doubt he's a threat but still let me know if you hear of anything suspicious."

"How much threat can a blind man be?"

"Very little, I hope. I'm surprised he doesn't go around with an armed guard nearby."

"He keeps a Twi'lek of his own," Io remarked dryly.

"A rather elegant one too," he added. The baron had noticed Lord Rayne's own companion in the foyer and now approval flickered in his eyes. Io noticed the change in his demeanor and panicked.

"Master!" Io gasped. She tucked in her feet and bounced twice upon the cushions. "You do not think to replace me, do you? I am far younger and prettier than her!"

Sparr reached out and patted her on the knee. "Don't worry, pet. You're too valuable to me."

His reassurance fanned away the flush from Io's cheeks. She released a sigh of relief and scooting closer, curled up next to her master.

A-A-A

Imperial Star Destroyer:

Agent Kallus pushed aside the cup of tasteless kaff and re-examined the scene of the crime.

"It must the rebels," his fellow officer insisted. "Just another one of their meddlesome tricks!"

"And yet no ships that match the rebels' descriptions were at the bombing," Kallus remarked. He leaned back in his chair and linked his fingers together. "Nor did we see their usual spray-painted signatures on the wall."

The other officer shuffled in place. "You suspect another party was involved?"

"I do. As easy as it would be to pin the Terrance bombing on the rebels, this attack has none of their signature moves. This has the handiwork of the criminal ring Lightning Squad."

"We'll tighten security around the perimeter," the officer announced.

Kallus said nothing but frowned back at the holo-vision. "Who are you and what do you want?" he thought to himself. No matter. In time he would find out the true agenda of the Lightning Squad.

He glanced back at his cup and suddenly thought of Kaller.

A-A-A

Haven's Glow:

In a room swathed with silk and muted from the traffic outside, someone thrashed in the dark. The ripple of tension from the Force had woken Kanan up and now he focused on the other bed in the room.

"What's wrong?"

"Can't sleep," Ezra grumbled. He hoisted himself up halfway and punched his pillow fretfully. "I thought I'd be able to relax more in a fancy hotel. But it's too soft and quiet."

Kanan laughed softly. "The lap of luxury has its own problems."

Ezra groaned and flopped back onto the soft mattress. The enormous bed could accommodate three people and the sheets were so smooth that they slid through his fingers like cream. He was sure that he would sleep better than on his firm bunk at the Ghost. But the Ghost had the ongoing hum of engines and footsteps of people around him for so long that Ezra had grown accustomed to them in the background.

But in the Haven's Glow suite, everything had been tailored for maximum relaxation. Ezra's brain disliked the empty space and was restlessly trying to fill itself up with something to occupy itself.

Kanan sat up in bed. "Io, hmm?"

He could hear Ezra's heart rate elevate at once. "She's amazing," Ezra exclaimed. "She walks like she's dancing and has this incredibly soft voice..."

Kana listened quietly as Ezra told him about his encounter in the lobby. "Maybe while we're here we can rescue Io from her master," he concluded brightly. "Wouldn't she be pleased?" he thought inwardly.

"Maybe," Kanan said slowly. "But remember that Io is considered the property of Baron Sparr. If we rushed in to set Io free then Haven's Glow would accuse us of theft."

"She's not an object, Kanan. She's a person!"

"We know that. But other people don't," his master explained carefully. "And in Haven's Glow it is vital that we keep playing our roles if we want to stay here and complete the mission."

Ezra suddenly realized how distracted he had become from the assignment and disapproval barbed within himself. But as he let Kanan's words sink into him, Ezra's thoughts gradually turned to acceptance. "Okay. If we want to help other people then we need to make sure we can help ourselves."

"Always learning on the job," Kanan nodded in approval.

He heard Ezra flop back down on the bed. There were two beats of silence and then-

"Ugh, I still can't sleep!" Ezra moaned. He tossed a pillow onto the floor.

"There's a technique I was taught in the Jedi Temple," Kanan said. "Try counting slowly backwards from ten. Every time you count a number, picture it through objects in your mind."

Ezra pulled the blankets up to his chest. "I'll try."

"Close your eyes and listen to the sound of your breathing. Don't try too hard to focus," Kanan assured him.

"I thought Jedi training was all about focus."

"You must unlearn what you have learned," his teacher murmured.

Ezra smiled in the dark. "Master Yoda?"

"Who else?"

Ezra closed his eyes and inhaled through his nose.

Ten.

Ten ships skimming across the stars. He breathed out as slowly as possible through his lips.

Nine.

Nine blades of grass blowing in the wind. Ezra inhaled again, his mouth suddenly widening into a yawn as exhaustion crept over him.

Eight.

Eight loth-cats marching in a circle. His eyes began to close and he imagined himself stepping into the circle and petting their soft fur.

Ezra didn't make it to number seven. Within moments, his soft even breathing assured Kanan that all was well with his padawan. There was much work to be done but Kanan knew that everything had its time and place.

Now it was the time to rest. The Force would give them the strength they needed when tomorrow came.

A-A-A

Author's notes: Fans of "Casablanca" will recall that Tamar, Nava, and Miri have Hebrew and Biblical-inspired names. Io's name is inspired by Greek mythology, specifically one of Zeus' lovers. Her name is appropriate for her role. I hope that fans will continue to read despite the brief mention of podracing.