Chapter 11

"K!" Cassian grinned as the droid stepped through his doorway. "It's good to see you."

The droid moved over and settled on the chair next to the bed so Cassian did not have to strain to look up at him. "I am told your wound is healing quickly. I assume you have heard about our new assignment."

"Yes." Cassian glanced away, then his gaze flicked back. "How do you feel about it? I know you prefer not to be around large groups of humans."

"Affirmative. However, it will be pleasing to see Jyn Erso and Bodhi Rook. I have found them to be tolerable."

"Jyn?" Cassian asked, eyebrow raised. "I thought you two didn't get along…"

"At first we did not. The woman can be quite troublesome and uncooperative. However, I have learned there is often merit in having her present."

Cassian smiled. "She'll be overwhelmed by your sentiment, my friend."

"I was not attempting to be sentimental. I was speaking factually."

"Fine. I'll accept that. And I think we both can agree now that she can be counted on to look out for us."

K said nothing for several minutes, and Cassian watched him curiously. Usually when the droid went silent in his company, he was working out something that he wished to say or did not understand. "Does that mean that you no longer fear losing her friendship over the things you have done in your past? I asked her about that, and I have not noticed her shunning you now that she is aware of your previous activities."

"You shouldn't have helped her get that information, K."

"I thought it necessary, and so did she. She appears to be more understanding than you expected. Therefore, I urge you not to be troubled by it any longer."

Cassian lowered his head, gazing at his hands, then let out a heavy sigh. "It isn't that easy, K. Humans can't simply delete old programming the way that droids can. It continues to affect us despite our best efforts to prevent it. But I'm trying to get better about not letting it overwhelm me." His features softened slightly. "And you'll be pleased to know that Jyn is being quite persistent regarding this just as you are."

"Of course. I would expect no less from her. Fortunately, she seems to be one of the few fellow humans that you will listen to and maybe heed."

Cassian chuckled. "Yes, I suppose I do."

"Is there an expected time when you will be released from medical care?"

He swung his legs off the bed and sat up. "Not officially. The wound is essentially healed. It is just a matter of restrengthening the arm and shoulder after the lack of use. I think I can probably be back on duty within the week."

"And you are ready to do so? I would not have you hasten your return prematurely."

"Truthfully, I don't know how all this will work, K. I have good days and bad days. Jyn suggests I just serve as pilot or co-pilot to Bodhi for now, and then do more if I feel inclined. I guess I could do that, but it will feel…odd."

"Have you ever flown a VCX-100 before?"

Cassian shook his head. "No, but I've flown enough other ships that I'm sure I'd pick it up quickly." He looked up at the droid. "They might make more use of you, if I am sitting things out."

"That should not be a problem. I will do what is asked of me, if you wish it."

"You do know you can decline to do something, no matter what I say, don't you? I've never wanted you to simply follow my orders because you had no other choice."

"Understood. But it is my choice to do what you ask, except when I think it not in your best interest."

Cassian raised his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay. Just so long as you know I'm asking, not demanding."

"Shall I move your belongings to the new ship or wait until you are released from the medbay?"

He considered. "Go ahead and give them to Jyn. She'll stash them somewhere for me. I have what I need now here in the room, but I can get anything else from the new ship as easily as from our U-wing."

They lapsed into silence until Cassian asked, "K, if this war ended, if we won, what would you want to do?"

K-2's processors whirred. "I am unable to select a likely outcome to my existence. There are too many variables." He paused, then asked, "If the war ended, would I belong to the Alliance or to you?"

"You would belong to you, but I guess out in the world it isn't that simple for droids. They are bought, sold or assigned to organics for their use. I think, if you wanted, I could convince the Alliance that you 'belonged' to me, since I am the one who reprogrammed you and brought you into the rebellion. But I would try to make it possible for you to do whatever you wanted to do."

"I believe I would want to stay with you, if you have need of me." A simple, straightforward answer, but Cassian found it humbling. K-2 had never judged his actions as to right or wrong, only concerning himself with the risk they were to Cassian's health and safety.

"What is it that you would want to do with your life if the war ended, Cassian?"

He looked up, a little surprised at the question, at least coming from K-2. "I really don't know. I've spent my whole life fighting in this mess. I don't think my skills will translate well to anything else. I guess I could work on droids and droid programming to earn a living. Or get a job as a pilot. Beyond that, I don't know. For that matter, I'm not even sure where I would want to live. Fest isn't home anymore, after all this time away, but then neither is anywhere else."

"Perhaps Jyn would have some suggestions for you."

Cassian blinked, certainly not expecting that remark. "Why Jyn?"

"Because you have seemed to be friendlier with her than any other organic. At least that is my observation. I have no data for comparison of friendships you had prior to our meeting. And she appears to enjoy spending time in your company."

"Are you trying to play matchmaker, K?" That would definitely be a first in his life.

"If you mean you think I am trying to bring you and Jyn together in a 'romantic' sense, then no, I am not. Although Captain Solo thinks there is already something like that in existence."

"You…you discussed this with him?"

"Not specifically, and not me. He mentioned it to Jyn several months ago when we were on his ship. I believe he was attempting to provoke her – a foolish effort that did not go in his favor, I might add. When I asked her about it afterwards, she indicated that she missed your company, but that the two of you had not known each other long enough for any sort of romantic feelings to exist. But I have observed that she goes out of her way to spend time with you. I would therefore extrapolate that she would wish to do so after the war also."

"Did you ask her what her plans were for after the war?"

"That did not come up in our conversation. If you wish to know and do not want to ask yourself, I could do it for you."

"Uh, no, that won't be necessary. I was just curious." And now he was even more curious than he had been.

"Will you be joining the rest of the team in the mess hall for supper? Bodhi says they usually eat meals together there."

He shrugged. "Yeah, maybe. I suppose I should get in the habit."

"Very well, then. You will need to depart soon for that, so I will go see to moving your belongings to the new ship as you requested."

"Thanks, K. And thanks for coming by to visit."

Just as the droid was exiting, Jyn appeared at the door. "Hey, K."

"Jyn Erso, Cassian wishes to know what your plans are for after the war."

"Uhhh…what?" Her question took too long in coming and K was down the hall and around the corner, so she turned to look at Cassian for a response.

"K…" he groaned, covering his face with his hands.

"Am I missing something?" Jyn asked hesitantly, moving farther into the room but watching him closely.

"No." He lowered his hands, but avoided looking directly at her. "We were talking about what he and I might do if the war ever ended, what kind of work I might be fit to do. He said you might have some suggestions, so I asked if you had mentioned your plans. He misinterpreted my question, that's all." Despite his disclaimer, he could feel his face flushing slightly and hoped she wouldn't notice his embarrassment.

"Hmmm, well, I'm not sure I've ever thought about it. I've never expected to live long enough to worry about future plans. I'd probably have to learn to do something legal if I needed to make a living, and there wouldn't be a lot of call for a bomb maker. I suppose I could find fights, if I want to continue to get bloodied and bruised to pick up some credits, but it wouldn't be my first choice."

Her casual response eased his discomfiture. "No, I think both of us will have had our fill of injuries and wounds if we get that far," he agreed. His head tilted slightly. "Have you ever thought about where you wanted to live? I was born on Fest, but I was so young when I left that I don't remember it all that much. The Alliance, whatever planet they've been on, has been my only home for most of my life. Though I guess if the war ends with us winning, that will mean more planets to choose from since they'll lack Imperial occupation."

She nodded thoughtfully. "True. The only planet I think I might want to go back to would be Takodana. It was green, and away from the Castle it was quiet. I think that would appeal to me. If not there, maybe somewhere like it. On Lah'mu, my father turned to farming, but he wasn't especially good at it. Mother did more to keep the plants alive, so that it was enough to eke out a living. I could maybe figure out how to farm a piece of land, I suppose."

She had sobered since arriving and being faced with K's remark, and he didn't want to pull her down further into sad or unpleasant memories. "Well, the war's end won't come any time very soon, so I guess we'll have plenty of opportunity to consider our options." He stood. "Now, then, K said the team meets in the mess hall to eat?"

He seemed to be in a better mood than she often found him – that was good. "Yeah, come on. They'll be starting to gather about now."

When they arrived, Bodhi and Tonc were already seated across from Baze and Chirrut. They loaded their trays, but as they approached the group, Cassian overheard the conversation between the younger men. They had their heads bent over a datapad.

"What are you two talking about?"

Baze didn't look up from eating. "Reprogramming your droid."

"Excuse me?" Cassian said, startled. He slowly set his tray down next to Chirrut.

"NOT reprogram," Bodhi insisted, with a glare at Baze that went unnoticed. "It was Tonc's idea. We think it might be possible to write a program that K controls and can pull up to access when he needs to act like he is still an Imperial droid. You know, so he says and does the things a KX unit would do. Jyn mentioned that he wasn't very good at it; she'd seen him try on Jedha. If he could tap into a program, he wouldn't have to figure out the correct things to say or do."

Jyn was already eating, but looked up. "Is that even possible? I mean, he won't know what he'll be asked in advance, or told to do. Can 'standard' answers work in situations like that?"

"Well, we don't know, do we. That's what we're trying to figure out. Cassian could help, of course, and would have to approve of it before it was installed. It was a thought anyway," Bodhi explained.

"I just figured then he wouldn't have to only stay on the ship and be a pilot. He could do other things, too," Tonc added.

"K might like that," Jyn pointed out. She grinned. "So he doesn't get bored."

Cassian chuckled. "Yeah, that's probably true. We'll see."

It took most of the meal, but gradually Cassian began to feel comfortable with the others again. Oddly enough, despite the mission they had served together and their eventual escape, they had not spent time socializing prior to Scarif. It appeared he had much to catch up on; the others clearly were already well settled into a team. In some ways, he felt distinctly like an outsider, though probably part of that was his own reserved behavior, but he could not fault them for their efforts at including him. There was no hesitation. He was there; he was one of them. They were fine with that. It might take a little while, but he thought eventually he could be fine with it also.

Even after everyone finished their meal, they continued to sit and talk informally for some time. Cassian was the first to tire and excuse himself from the gathering, and the others took his exit as the signal to head off to their own beds for the night. Outside the mess hall, they were going in separate directions, but he watched the team walking off toward their ship. He could do this. It would be okay. Probably.

xxxxx

This was the last thing she wanted to do. She took a deep breath. It needed to be done. For Cassian. It was probably bad form or breaking some regulation telling a commanding officer what to do, but she would do what was necessary. She opened the communication line to the General.

"Draven."

"General. Can we talk?"

Apparently he had no difficulty recognizing her voice. "Erso. What's this about?"

Digging her nails into her palms to stay calm, she said, "It's about Cassian." She hesitated. "I know that you want him back to work doing what he was doing before, but at present that just isn't possible. And, truthfully, I'm not sure if it ever will be again. At the moment, he struggles at even the thought of going out on a mission of any kind."

Draven's mouth tightened, but he kept silent until she had her say. He knew her well enough to know there was more.

"I…I've suggested that he simply be our pilot. We can make use of K-2 to assist with the missions themselves. Maybe after a while he will be ready to do more. At least he'll be there with us and the opportunity will be at hand."

When she fell silent, he asked, "And why are you telling me this?"

She cleared her throat nervously. "I don't know what your reason was for putting him on our team, sir, but I hope you won't try to take him away now that he is there. If he ever gets back to a point where he could return to his former duties, he'll let you know, but until then… Well, you would lose him entirely if you tried to push him in that direction." More softly, she added, "I think there is a chance he can get better. I don't want anything to make that difficult. Or impossible."

"Believe it or not, Erso, I'm not the enemy."

"No, sir, but if we behave like the enemy and use their methods, are we any better than they are? When we've become just like them? Doing the wrong thing for good reasons still doesn't make it right."

There was a long pause before he responded. "I'll take your words under advisement, Sergeant. Dismissed."

"Yes, sir." She closed the line reluctantly. It didn't feel as though she had accomplished anything, but she could hope her words would sink in at least a little. And she would fight to protect Cassian in any way that she could.

Draven sat staring at the far wall of his office after the line went dead. He raked both hands through his hair as her words replayed in his mind. She had no idea – none of them did. He tugged open the bottom drawer on his desk and withdrew a bottle and a glass, pouring a small measure. Carefully he stoppered it and returned the bottle to its usual spot. There were those who drank to excess, trying to forget, but he wasn't one of them. Alcohol could dim memories and pain, but they always returned when it wore off. A single drink took the edge off without incapacitating him mentally or physically. He tossed it back quickly, relishing the burn as it moved down his throat.

Erso, Mothma and others like them couldn't understand someone like him. He didn't like his methods any more than they did, but no one would deny they were effective. Had he become the enemy that he fought? Perhaps. But he wasn't convinced that goodness alone was sufficient to withstand the kind of power and evil found in the Empire. And whether they believed it or not, he felt guilty at sacrificing men like Andor to the battle. But not all men were equipped for the job, could hold up to the pressure. Andor was one of the best. Or had been. It appeared now that he was finished. When they began to question their actions, there was no point in sending them back out.

And what Erso failed to realize was that the men who followed her to Scarif were likely the only ones who could have gotten the job done – men with nothing left to lose. The self-preservation instinct was usually too strong in the rank-and-file soldier for them to go off on a suicide mission of their own volition. She'd had a team only for that reason. He regretted the loss of those men, but he could appreciate what they had accomplished against impossible odds.

Another sigh, and swipe of a hand over his face. No point rehashing this. Others would never understand even while they enjoyed the benefits of his efforts. Someone had to make the tough calls, and he had taken on the task. There was no turning back now.

xxxxx

Cassian exhaled a slow breath. He wasn't sure he was ready for this yet, but Dr. Lesorid had cleared him medically and Melshi's team couldn't sit here forever waiting on him. It had already been four days since he was assigned to the team. It was really only the regaining of strength and range of motion in his shoulder that was holding him back. The doctor had given him a resistance band that he could use to continue the exercises of his rehab. If only everything else was so easily overcome.

At least Jyn would be with him. He didn't know whether Jyn had discussed it with Melshi, or he had just decided on his own, but Cassian was presently designated as co-pilot to Bodhi. For the moment, there was no expectation of anything more from him unless he chose to offer it. Still, it felt like a demotion, or a shirking of his duty. He had always given more – if they asked for him to work four hours, he had done six; if they asked for volunteers, he was the first on his feet. For that matter, could he even sit idly on the ship and simply watch the others go off to do something dangerous while he waited for their return?

He swiped a hand over his face. Looked like he would find out soon enough. Maybe that would be the difference. He wasn't being ordered to do anything, given any assignment, but he could still volunteer for anything he chose, and know that his help was welcome. Maybe with the pressure off, he would find he had more to give. With that thought in mind, he moved into the ship.

Melshi looked up, the first to notice Cassian coming toward them, and called out, "Good to have you aboard, Captain."

At his comment, all eyes turned in Cassian's direction. Melshi added, "I believe you know everyone here, so I won't bother with introductions."

They smiled at that and Cassian replied, "We have met."

"Bodhi," – the pilot started at having Melshi call his name – "it's your ship. Why don't you show Captain Andor around?"

"Oh, yeah, of course." He stood, thinking, then gestured to his right. "Guess we can start with the cockpit, Cassian."

As the two moved away, the rest settled on the benches lining the corridor behind the cockpit, their traditional place for brief meetings. "We should have an assignment any time now. Are we fully stocked, fueled and ready to go?"

In Bodhi's absence, Tonc confirmed, "We fueled up yesterday and have done a flight check. The ship is ready to go. While the ship was being fueled, we restocked on weapons, charger packs and such that we needed. Food stores are good, but we can always use more of those. Same with medical – though we've been pretty lucky and injuries have been low. We're go." He grinned. "I recommend we put K-2 in charge of procurement. He rounded up med supplies he thought essential for Captain Andor to have. I don't think anyone dares tell him no when he asks for something."

They all chuckled.

"Erso? Your supplies?"

"Still stocked from the last mission, for the most part, since we didn't use as many as we intended. I did replenish a few things I was low on. Good to go."

"Everyone else – anything we need, that you think has been overlooked?" The rest shook their heads. "Okay, then stay close or in comm contact. I'll notify you when we hear from Onoran with specifics." He hesitated. "Anyone seen K-2? He wasn't with Captain Andor."

"Not a problem. I have a way to contact him if he doesn't turn up before we leave," Jyn assured him, patting the comlink in her pocket.

Baze and Chirrut drifted away, possibly to their cabin, and Tonc made for the terminal in the starboard front cargo hold to continue working on his program for K-2. After a moment, Melshi sat down next to Jyn. "How's he doing?" he asked quietly. "Is he good to go?"

Jyn met his eyes. "He's good to pilot. Beyond that, he'll tell you when he's ready."

Melshi nodded, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Our jobs have been different, though what he told you before Scarif was true. Everyone who went had things in their past, things they had done, that they didn't feel good about. But…maybe it's the same for all Intelligence operatives – nightmares from the questionable things they do – but in many ways he wasn't a good choice for that kind of work. Most seem to harden themselves and cut off the emotional trauma of their acts, but he never has. Well, he does, in the moment he is doing them – otherwise he wouldn't be effective – but he's never been able to keep them from coming back to haunt him."

"You've known him a long time?"

"Several years. Watched him grow into manhood, if he ever actually had a childhood at all. He needed help with a job and I offered to be the one. Guess he felt like he needed to repay me, so he volunteered when I needed someone with his skills. We worked well together and gradually included each other more when something came up where it was appropriate." He grinned. "And I'm one of the few he'll lend K-2SO to, mainly because I'm not overly intimidated by him."

Jyn chuckled. "Maybe you should be." She rubbed her throat. "He can be a little overwhelming even when helping."

"Yeah, I guess so. But the Captain – he always treated K-2 as a friend and equal, rather than just a servant in droid form. I've tried to do that also and maybe K tolerates me better because of it."

They sat watching as Bodhi told of the sleeping quarters, then led Cassian off down one hallway of cabins. Just then Melshi's comm beeped and he stood. "This may be our new assignment. Stand by."

Bodhi had chosen the side of the ship where his quarters were, for further explanation about sleeping arrangements. "There's two rows of rooms, one on each side. On the port side, you have Melshi in the front room, an empty room where we've set up a sort of armory for easy access, a common 'fresher and then Baze and Chirrut. Actually, they share a room, but we leave the other one in case they need it. Then on the starboard, there's me, Tonc, the 'fresher, an empty room and Jyn."

"Where did K put my things that he brought from the ship?"

"Uh, probably in the room next to Jyn. She kind of secluded herself off at the end, but I'm sure she knew that room might eventually be used. And she wouldn't expect to take the other room from Baze and Chirrut."

"Anywhere is fine. I just wondered where my things were so I can drop this with them." He gestured to the bag on his shoulder with his few belongings from his time in the medbay.

"Come on, then. Let's check." Bodhi led the way and, sure enough, his things were sitting on the bed. "I'll let you get settled. Rest if you want, or rejoin us. Until they give us a mission, we'll be here. If you leave the ship, just stay in comm contact so we can find you if necessary."

"Thanks, Bodhi."

He lingered in the doorway. "I'm really glad you're joining us, Cassian. This means Rogue One is finally back together. Our family is back together."

Cassian squeezed his shoulder. "Yeah, it finally is. It's good to be home."

"All hands – briefing in fifteen minutes, departure in half an hour."

When the announcement ended, Bodhi shrugged apologetically at Cassian. "Guess resting is out. You may have time to put your things away, though. Meet back in the open area where you first found us for the briefing."

Cassian nodded, and the pilot departed to make his own preparations. When he was gone, Cassian shoved his belongings out of the way and sat down on the side of the bed. He was completely disoriented in these circumstances. Bodhi showing him around and guiding him on where to go and what to do? It should be the other way around. He raked both hands through his hair. He had to get it together. For now, this was for the best. He was among friends, and not under pressure to do anything he wasn't comfortable with. He could do this. And Jyn was here. That certainly counted for something. He just wasn't sure exactly what.

He rose, glanced at his gear, but decided to deal with it later. As he neared the central corridor of the ship, he heard Bodhi talking to Jyn. Going to join them, he asked, "Anyone seen K?"

Jyn held up her comlink. "I was just going to call him for a location." She switched it on. "K, where are you? We'll be leaving in half an hour."

The line crackled. "I am in the port rear cargo hold, in a charging station. I am secure for departure."

"Guess you heard the announcement then. If you don't want to disengage yet, Cassian can fill you in on the mission details later. Or I can keep the line open so you can listen in."

"Keep the line open, if you would. Cassian has arrived onboard?"

"I'm here, K."

"Acknowledged. I should be finished recharging in another two hours, then I will check in with you – unless you need me sooner than that."

"Probably not, K, but now I know where to find you if I do."

Bodhi had disappeared into the cockpit, so after Jyn tucked the comlink away, he asked her, "What now? I'm not exactly sure how this works."

She gestured to the bench beside her. "There's nothing I need to do to prep, and neither do you, so we just wait here for Melshi's briefing. I guess as we go along you'll figure out other things you might want to do. For now, we just…work with whatever comes."

He leaned his head back against the wall. "Yeah. I can manage that much."

"Hey, it'll be okay. We're here with you. You'll figure things out." She nudged his arm, leaving her arm against his.

As he looked down where they were pressed together, he asked quietly, "Why are you so sure of that? Of me?"

"Because I know you. And because I won't let you fail. I won't."

He smiled. He had to. He had seen Jyn's fierce determination in action a time or two; with that behind him, he would be hard-pressed to fail even if he tried.

They lapsed into silence as the others slowly gathered. Melshi was the last to arrive, and Jyn thumbed the line open to K-2.

"We've been given several more targets. Some are straight up sabotage and destruction, but we do have at least two where we hope to procure either information or supplies from our raid. First target is a biological weapons facility. Destroy what we can so they can't make use of it. Onoran sent over the intel file and I'll be reviewing it in transit, then I'll give you mission specifics when we make atmo. Questions?"

When no one responded, he added, "Secure for launch. Bodhi, set course for Coyerti."

Jyn's head came up and she felt Cassian stiffen beside her. "Coyerti?"

Melshi flicked a glance at Cassian, but then met her gaze. "Yes, Coyerti. Despite Captain Andor's injury there, he and K-2 managed to bring back worthwhile intel about the place. We're going to make use of that information." He hesitated a moment, then said, "Erso, secure the hatch."

The others were already moving away to prepare for their departure. As she stood, Jyn asked quietly, "Are you okay with this? Going back there?"

Cassian nodded, his tone even and his face expressionless. "I've been shot before, on many planets. I just usually don't return this soon after, that's all." She lifted a hand toward his shoulder, but then let it drop and moved away in silence, not entirely reassured by the dichotomy of his appearance versus his words.

When she reached the hatch, she glimpsed someone hovering just outside and took a closer look.

"Dr. Lesorid? What are you doing here?"

"I heard your ship was about to depart, and I was hoping to speak with you before it did." He reached out a hand, and she extended hers, thinking he wanted to shake it, but instead he gripped it between both of his. "You can do this, Ms. Erso. I have confidence in you. But if you have questions or need to talk to someone, feel free to contact me. Any time day or night. You're not alone in this. Trust your instincts."

She nodded and gave him a faint smile. "Thanks for everything."

He returned the smile, released her hand and stepped back.

"Jyn? Is something wrong?" Bodhi's voice came through the ship's com wondering at the delay.

"No problem. Closing the hatch now."

"And if you would be so kind, no offense but I would just as soon not see any of you back here any time soon requiring my attention. Particularly him." Lesorid gave her a rueful smile.

She chuckled. "Understood. I'll do my best." She gave a wave to the doctor before stepping inside to secure the door.

As it slid into place, her thoughts were already elsewhere. Coyerti. This was likely Draven's doing. He probably hadn't even told Onoran what happened there. Really, she hadn't expected anything more. It would've been nice, but she hadn't expected it.

When the panel blinked green, she said, "Hatch secured." She caught hold of something. Disengaging from dock with another ship was much smoother than a ground launch, but it could take you to your knees if you weren't ready for that initial release.

Slowly she made her way back toward the cockpit. And now the true challenge began.

To be continued…

invented characters:

Sergeant Daster – head of the tech shop on the tech frigate

Dr Lesorid – kind doctor caring for Cassian

All other characters actually are taken from the existing Star Wars universe.