Chapter 11: Prepare For War

Yavin 4

Crystal caves

Two days earlier...

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the predators were out for a morning snack run, but none of that registered with Shepard as she stared at the cave they had just left with a mixture of awe and terror. The cave itself had been beautiful with the collection of multicolored crystals along the walls, ceiling, and floor. It was the current residents that had ruined the moment however, and any chance she'd find the serenity needed to construct a pair of sabers for the battles she knew were coming. "Spiders, why did it have to be spiders?" Shepard asked, after they had put some distance between them and the creature infested crystal cave. The giant lizards had been one thing, but the spiders? She had never been able to get used to the damn things in her own reality, and it seemed they were just as prevalent here. Not to mention the fact, but they were as big as dogs, which hadn't helped matters at all.

"You're afraid of spiders?" The deadpan response had Alex wondering why she had fallen for the ex Sith as his brown eyes lit up with glee at her obvious discomfort. "Reapers and Sith aren't a problem, but those poor, little, harmless arachnids are?" Galen found it hard to believe that Shepard was afraid of anything, but the way she had screamed like a little girl when they had first encountered the cave's current tenants had certainly livened up his day.

Alex glared at the smirking man as she put her hands on her hips. "No, spiders don't bother me. But those giant eight legged freaks we had to blast out of our way I found mildly terrifying." This probably isn't the best time to tell him about falling into that spider nest when I was a kid.

"Oh I see. At least you're honest. You can stare into your dark abyss and not blink, but you can't handle spiders." He was finding it very hard not to laugh at that moment, even if he was feeling a little guilty for that bad joke. Why did I say that? She's going to make me pay, I can tell from the look in her eyes. Oh well, I certainly have an interesting new way of apologizing to her now.

Why the hell did I share my vision with him again? Alex already knew the answer to her own question. After Galen had poured his heart out to her, she wasn't about to start hiding things from him. At least I have an easy way to punish him now. That doesn't mean I can't make him squirm for a bit. "You do know I know where you sleep right? Or at least, where you used to sleep, cause it certainly isn't going to be near me."

"Please don't say that..." Alex stuck to her guns and quirked an annoyed eyebrow, barely keeping the corners of her mouth from twitching. "No sense of humor." That got Shepard to stop as she looked at Galen as if he had grown a second head.

"Who said I was joking?" Alex could barely keep the fake stern expression on her face as she gazed at the kicked puppy look that was now plastered on Galen's face.

Until his forlorn expression instantly disappeared, when she met his brown eyed gaze and realized he was playing her like a harp. "That doesn't work with me anymore Alex. I can read you like an open book." Galen smirked as he fell in step behind her. "Try not reeking of amusement next time."

"I'd tell you to eat me, but that might be pushing it for the double entendres after last night." It was Alex's turn to grin when Galen's cheeks turned slightly rosy and he stumbled over a tree root.

Right before he surprised her with a slightly dirty joke of his own. "Oh, but I am eager to learn more of your teachings, my Master. Your really flexible teaching style tests my considerable stamina and reach."

What have I done to you Galen? I've made you a confident little bastard, haven't I? The thought wasn't an unpleasant one as Alex's face lit up at the sexy smirk that was currently on the man's face. She vastly preferred this to what had been there after his impromptu trial yesterday when he had tried to chase her into the Dark Side cave, only to become lost, in more ways than one.

After walking for a few hours, they stopped by a nearby river for a late afternoon lunch. The serene environment a welcome relief from the creature infested cave they had left behind. Having went off to hunt down anything that was even remotely edible to augment their own dwindling food supplies, Galen returned to find a most startling but beautiful sight. Stopping himself from disturbing her, the former Sith watched in awe as the two dozen lightsaber parts and the crystals she had collected floated around her head. The blue particle swarm around her was what had truly caught his eye however as countless sparks of light emanated from her seated position, her knees drawn up underneath her. Is that the limited dark energy she's still able to draw upon without her device? It's...uniquely her, and beautiful in its own way.

"If you're going to stare, at least do it quietly." Alex hadn't moved an inch, but her lips still uplifted into a grin as the twin lightsabers she was trying to build continued to slowly but surely take shape around her. Whether it was Tali's feats of engineering she had been shown on more than one occasion that guided her 'hands', or something else entirely, Shepard could see just how the pieces were meant to go together as the random pieces of metal and circuitry started to resemble lightsabers.

"I could give you some privacy if you like? Trying to construct a lightsaber isn't the easiest of tasks." If the alignment was off even by a fraction of a micrometer, the entire lightsaber could explode when it was activated. His offer of privacy was well justified, for that reason alone.

"I was actually having a harder time without you near, Galen. Stay. And don't you know there is no try? Apparently it's, do or do not. At least that's what Ahsoka's been trying to hammer into me. Or in my case, do or do even better." Several near silent clicks were heard as the delicate circuitry and power conduits needed to control the immense yet stable energy blade's form were put into place before the outer cover took shape around the crystal about the same time. All that was left was bringing the whole thing together before she started on the second one in earnest. Even then, the hilt's outer cover was halfway done. But Galen noticed something amiss as Alex's forehead scrunched up, about the same time the pieces simultaneously started to wobble and jerk. Something was wrong, but what he couldn't say. He only knew that her current use of the Force was most likely giving her some kind of vision, which from what he had heard from Ahsoka, wasn't uncommon during this part of a Jedi's training.

"Alex? Something is troubling you, I can feel it." Deciding to throw caution to the wind, Galen sprinted to her side, just as Shepard's concentration broke and her blue eyes snapped open. It was about the same time her lightsabers fell apart around her, their components crashing to the ground, but that was far from her mind.

Managing to hold her up as she trembled against his chest, Galen knew better than to press her for answers. They'd come at their own time or not at all. "I'm not sure what I saw... death, destruction. Nothing was really clear... I think….it looked like more geth. They were in pain. The air was full of ash and the heat was almost unbearable. It felt like I was being burned. The pain was almost like-" Like when Vader used my arms and shoulder for target practice with his lightsaber. The very memory of Vader driving his crimson blade into her shoulder made Alex jump to her feet as she realized what was either happening at that moment, or would be soon enough. "I think Legion's people are in trouble, or they soon will be." Wasting no time in collecting the scattered pieces from her twin lightsabers, which were still incomplete, Galen followed her example and gathered up their camp supplies. Whether or not she had them all she couldn't say, but Alex was too concerned for what was coming to care.

"Maybe now would have been a good time to have a speeder bike, don't ya think?!" Galen shouted as they made their way back to the Rebel base with all speed.

"You say 'I told you so', and I'll beat you over the head with my pack." If anything was foolish enough to get in their way, Galen or Alex pushed it aside if they couldn't simply go over or under it. Shepard had lost count after the fiftieth time she had mentally berated herself for purposely leaving their comms behind to ensure a short peaceful 'vacation'.

Just over fifteen minutes later, a small atmospheric shuttle appeared out of the clouds as if they had desperately willed it into existence. "Get in!" Ahsoka shouted from the open hatch, having anticipated her Padawan's actions well in advance. "I knew you sensed it, that's why I came to get you! Otherwise, you and Galen most likely would have ran the whole way back!"

The open passenger area wasn't her idea of safe flying, but she was too concerned over what she knew was happening to pay the rushing landscape any attention. Alex had to shout to be heard over the rumble of the craft's engines. "How long?!"

"About twenty minutes ago! Luke and his Rogues are on their way there with Legion's squad, but…" The doubtful look on Ahsoka's face told Alex that her vision had been even more accurate than she feared.

"Pilot, RTB now! I want us skids down in ten minutes, I don't care if you have to melt the goddamn engines to do it!" She ignored the sorrow filled look on Ahsoka's face, knowing in her own heart that they would be far too late to save Legion's people from the Imperials.

"Aye, aye ma'am!" Alarms started vying for the young rodian's attention as she rapidly accelerated the shuttle above its rated speed. There was no way she was about to disappoint Commander 'Agonizing Alex' Shepard of all people. She'd crash the ship first.

It wasn't the white knuckled grip she had on the handholds above them that had him worried. It was the fact she was red in the face and that there was a visible vein in her forehead that had Galen putting a hand on her shoulder. "Alex, just breathe, you need to calm down."

"Easy for you to say Galen, they aren't people to you like they are to me. They didn't risk everything trying to save you." She was too focused on getting back to the base to see the hurt look on Galen's face, but while he remained silent, Ahsoka did not.

"Their reason for being here might be because of you Blue, but they would do it again in a heartbeat, because they chose to come after you. I know you feel responsible for everyone, especially those that follow you specifically, but you can't keep trying to carry their troubles on your shoulders. Not every death is your fault, nor should the guilt be yours to bear alone Alex." Ahsoka knew she was fighting a lost cause, but she had to try and get Alex to see reason. To do anything less would be to forsake the path she walked once more.

"Are you done preaching for today, or do you just like to hear yourself talk Stripes?" A tense silence followed as Alex looked down at the rushing jungle canopy below, broken only by the incessant blaring of alarms in the cockpit, which the pilot quickly silenced after a few seconds. To the surprise of Ahsoka and Galen, Alex managed a heartfelt apology, in her own way, a few seconds later. "I know you're just trying to help….I know that, but it doesn't make it any easier to deal with."

An orange hand fell on Alex's shoulder as Ahsoka looked her dead in the eyes. "I know it hurts, but I would be more worried if you ever stopped caring Alex." The kind smile on the togruta's face was enough to take the edge off of her guilt, but it was still there.

They managed to come within sight of the base in just under ten minutes, the young nervous rodian's antennae twitching as she pulled off a rapid combat landing not ten meters from the main hangar doors. Any other day, Shepard would have nodded her approval of the maneuver, but she understood why the Commander simply jumped out of the shuttle and ran off to find the nearest ship that was heading for Mustafar.

"They've already left Shep." Jim said as he intercepted her between hangars. Pushing away from the stone wall, Kirk stood in the middle of the hall, effectively stopping her mad dash cold. "Before we get into that Alex, I know exactly just how much this sucks. You're not the only one who's lost people under your command." Kirk's haunted blue gaze told Alex he knew first hand what she was feeling right now.

"I know Kirk. It doesn't get any easier though. If it ever does, I'd be worried about what might follow." Alex finally said as she looked towards Jim, having thought he couldn't surprise her any further as a ghost of a smile crossed her face once again at being proven wrong.

In for a penny, in for a pound. For you though, it's totally worth it. "So, need a ride Shep? We don't exactly have many ships available right now, but I know this one guy who'd be happy to alter his vessel's current itinerary. Might just get lost, and end up in the outer rim near Mustifur by accident."

"How fast can your friend get his ship ready for departure?" Alex asked as Kirk led the small group towards a nearby transport shuttle. She knew his corvette, the Phoenix, was waiting in orbit above the planet, and she hoped most of Razor Squad was already there. Nothing is ever simple in this galaxy. After everything he's done for me... I shouldn't have to get Jim into a shitstorm with the brass later just so I can do the right thing now.

"Should be ready to leave shortly. Last I heard, we'd off loaded most of our 'liberated' supplies from this last run. Oops. You caught me." Jim said with a smirk as he, Shepard, Ahsoka, and Galen climbed the large craft's boarding ramp.

Alex took a moment to grab his arm as they reached the passenger compartment. "Thank you Jim. I won't forget this."

"You'd do the same for me Alex." Jim replied solemnly as he headed for the cockpit with Shepard right behind him. As he strapped himself in, he couldn't keep the grin off of his face to save his life. Time to distract her from this god awful mess with an easy target. "So, how's that afterglow phase going for you and Galen?"

Ahsoka stifled a giggle at the look on Galen's face while Alex paused for a fraction of a second before quickly catching herself as she took the copilot seat and strapped in. "I don't know what you're talking about Kirk." I'm already having one of the worst fucking days of my life, I swear to god, if Flux said a damn word... No, she's got enough to worry about already without me bitching over my hurt ego.

You're going to hate me for this Shep, but I'd rather you focus on me than the shit day you're having. "Don't try to pull that crap with me Shep. Ahsoka's cheeks were a Hell of a lot darker than their usual orange while you and Broody were collecting crystals." Jim grinned at the slap to the back of his head he received as he strapped himself into the pilot's seat. "What? Not my fault you're a naughty little Jedi, Ahsoka. Reaching out into that 'Force' of yours, and spying on your friends while they're in the middle of some ol' fashioned stress relief. I am incredibly disappointed, and kinda proud of you at the same time." Kirk only got an even harder whack to the back of his head for his trouble. "'Sides, that, the 'I just had mind blowing sex' glow you got going on Shep, it looks good on you."

A loud annoyed cough behind him drew Kirk's attention. "Oh right. Looks awesome on you too Broody. Congrats, by the way. I bet Shep's almost as good a teacher as I am." A less than amused Galen slowly went to raise his hand towards Jim, but froze in place when Alex frowned at him and shook her head.

"Who was the one that used to like to 'explore brave new worlds' any chance he got Jimbo? You tainted me, I just want you to know that." Ahsoka replied, unable to hide the grin on her face even as Alex sensed a hint of old anger and jealousy for Jim's past actions, which she wisely didn't comment on.

Nodding in mild agreement with the togruta, Galen's response was more blunt and to the point as his scowl deepened. "Another naive, innocent Jedi ruined by the great Captain Kirk. And stop calling me Broody, Tiberius, or Force help me you'll end up outside an airlock."

"Whatever you say Thunderhead." Jim grinned as he took the controls for the shuttle before blasting off. Once they were on the Phoenix, he and her passed through the mostly white hallways through the blockade runner as he made a beeline for the bridge while Galen and Ahsoka went to the onboard cantina to find Razor Squad. Princess Leia was already there, and Jim did his best to hide his surprise by her prompt arrival. "Anything I can help ya with your Highness? Ah...just so you know that diplomatic mission to Mandalore might have to wait. We need to take a little de-"

Jim never got a chance to finish as Leia rounded on him. "You will get us to Mustafar as quickly as possible Captain. As one of the leaders of the Alliance, I am directly responsible for failing Legion and his people, and so, it's my responsibility to try and make amends."

"It's not your fault Leia. Let's just hope we can still do some good." Seeing that the younger woman wasn't going to stop blaming herself anytime soon, Alex turned her gaze to Kirk next. "How far behind Skywalker's Rogues are we?"

"About forty minutes. The transport they 'borrowed', along with an unscheduled fighter escort, went to light speed as soon as they got clear of the planet." The explanation made sense to Alex, but it surprised her Luke had 'borrowed' anything, let alone a transport and a squadron of fighters, for an unauthorized rescue operation. The fact he was willingly doing so for a race of 'droids' only managed to surprise her further.

"Let me know as soon as we're close Captain. I still have something I need to do." Just as Galen and Ahsoka were entering the bridge, Alex gently brushed past them on her way to her quarters.

"Alex, if you want to talk..." The Jedi could feel worry and guilt pouring off of the woman like a proverbial waterfall as she reached out to place a hand on Alex's shoulder.

Stopping in the door's frame, Alex looked over her shoulder at the togruta before looking at the ground for a moment. "I know, master." She finally replied, her hand falling on Ahsoka's for a few seconds before she turned and left. No one questioned the fact that Galen had silently fallen into step beside her, it didn't take a blushing Jedi Master or the ability to sense emotions for the rest of Kirk's crew to know how they felt about each other. They, as Shepard herself would say, had the 'Mark I eyeball' to do that for them.

Leia was the only one to ask the obvious question about the 'elephant' in the room. "Are they….?"

"Yep." Was Jim's simple response as Leia's eyes widened only a fraction of a second at the revelation.

"I thought the old Jedi Order forbade attachments?" She finally asked, having heard stories of the old Order from her father when they were in the safety of their own home on Alderaan.

"That was a different time, a different era, Princess. We were too mired in traditions and unable to adapt to the growing threat the Sith presented. It's something I've had a long time to think about, let's leave it at that." Twenty years of hiding and running had given the former Jedi a lot of time to think about how things had gone so horribly wrong. Alex hadn't helped either by questioning every tradition that Ahsoka brought up during their training sessions. She might have been a soldier from another reality, but Alex's depth had surprised the togruta many times.

"That, and I'm certainly not going to be the one to pick straws to see who gets to tell them they can't be together. I happen to like my limbs where they are, thank you very much." Jim's bit of self deprecating humor got a chuckle out of a few of his bridge crew as he sat down in the command chair, one of the few minor changes he had made to the ship purely for the sake of his ego. Helps that I'm a big damn hero. Although, I certainly don't feel like one right now.

Only one person saw through the mask that Kirk kept up for the crew and her, and Ahsoka made it a point to get him to open up the first chance she got.

Rebel Corvette Phoenix, Private quarters

Twenty-two hours later.

Having had every intention to get a shower and then head to bed for another sleepless night, Jim wouldn't have noticed an assassin stabbing him in the back as he waved his hand over the door controls for his room. "You don't have to keep the mask on now, James." Spinning around on his heel, Jim visibly relaxed when he saw it was only Ahsoka standing at the right side of his door. "I know you feel just as responsible as everyone else."

Rubbing the back of his sore neck, Jim sighed heavily as he let his hand fall to his side as he walked over to his bed and sat down. "Not really. I don't just feel responsible, I am responsible. One holocomm to Ackbar and I could have had another ship dispatched to guard that damn system. At the very least they could have evacuated Legion's buddies when they were attacked. So please, don't. Don't give me the 'There was nothing you could have done differently' speech."

The way she started to walk back and forth gave Jim the image of a predator trapped in a cage. Knowing that togruta were once a predatory race, it wasn't a far leap as Ahsoka started to rant at him. "Would it make you feel better if I yelled at you instead, called you an arrogant sleemo? Told you how moronic you were, for not even providing Legion aid he didn't ask for in the first place? Or how you should have seen this coming, when no one else did? Not even the Rebel's fake Master Jedi was able to warn them."

"Listen, Ms. Guilt Trip, I'm really tired, so unless you've got something else equally useless to say, I'd appreciate if you'd just leave." Crap, I really shouldn't have said that. The hurt look in Ahsoka's beautiful blue eyes made him want to snatch his words out of the air, but barring that, he could at least try to make it up to her for being an idiot. Just as she was turning to leave, Jim stopped her. "I- I guess I'm more of a damaged jerk than I realized, Ahsoka. You're trying to help and I- can you not go, please?" It was the closest he'd ever come to admitting he wasn't the cocky bastard he presented to the world. When she glared at him for a moment, he sighed, knowing when to stop pushing before he emotionally pushed her away from him entirely, and turned towards his desk. Nice work Kirk, you screwed everything up yet again.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jim jumped at the sound of Ahsoka's determined voice right by his ear.

"I ah...just figured you were still justifiably pissed at me for being such an ass. I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to be around me right now." He managed to stammer out, surprised by the sudden shift that the togruta had seemingly gone through.

"Really? Because I think I'm staying right here, even if you're an ass. Some people might even say that's showing a person that you truly care about them. That you….can't live without them." That got Kirk's attention as he met the blue eyed woman's intense gaze. "I've thought about what you said that night, James. Many times. And that you've been….flying solo since…." She was rambling and she knew it, but Jim interrupted her before she could dig herself a bigger hole.

"Um right...and I promise it's going to stay that way until you're ready Ahsoka." He repeated, more for her benefit than his own. "After all, it would be pretty impossible for a giant ass like me to find someone half as smart, beautiful, strong, and incredible as you are." Ahsoka merely raised an eyebrow as Kirk thought he'd managed to insult her again in the space of five minutes. "A quarter? I could maybe find that if I looked hard enough."

"In your dreams Jimbo." Kirk found that he most definitely liked this more daring and confident Ahsoka Tano. "Promise to be patient with me for another minute?"

"Sure, however long it...huh? You said month right? Because I could swear- UMMPHHH!" The only thought in Jim's mind as he landed on deck with a shockingly amorous Jedi straddling him was actually rather mundane, all things considered. Huh. Yup, minute. I heard that right after all. "I'd hate to sound demanding right now, but can we take this to the bed at least?" The predatory gleam in the togruta's eyes softened as she realized she had tackled him to the metal deck, and Kirk was able to breathe a little easier. Damn... She's amazing...and really, really strong. Guess those datapads about her species I looked over weren't kidding when they said the togruta were once a predator race. Oh no...there's that insecure expression again. Don't you dare go all sweet and innocent on me now...

Once again, Ahsoka's cheeks turned dark as she realized what she had almost done. "Sorry. Force sensitivity to the intense emotions running rampant on this ship. Kind of wasn't expecting it, even though I should have. There's that incredible Master Jedi in action yet again, that you, for some odd reason, care about. Even if she's a total laserbrain sometimes. And I'm rambling..." I'm glad Skyguy isn't here to see this 'stunning performance'. He'd be laughing so hard he'd most likely burst at the seams.

"O...kay." Jim could barely keep himself from smirking at the embarrassed pout on her face. "Really, Ahsoka, honestly it's alright." Sighing lightly as she helped him up, the somewhat confused and disappointed Captain gestured towards the bed before sitting down once again. He could easily guess what emotions she was sensing. "Those must be some pretty interesting emotions...for you to lose your pretty respectable amount of self control. Hmmm. Maybe I should order a red alert or something?"

Gently wrapping her fingers around his arm, Ahsoka leaned forward and pulled him in for a brief kiss. "I might have been caught off guard and been lost in the heat of the moment, but what I said was the truth James. I don't think I could live without you anymore." So much for the no attachment rule.

"I might survive without you, barely, because I'd be in constant, horrible misery." Jim sighed as a frowning Ahsoka showed him just how badly his morbid joke had fallen flat on its face. Deciding to change up his game, Kirk entwined his fingers around hers, suddenly finding it very easy to meet her gaze. "Are you sure Ahsoka? Because I remember the last time we talked about this, I recall you were pretty uncertain about us being able to sustain a relationship. I understood that your old life forbid it. I respected your decision then, and I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with now." I'd have to be a sadistic bastard to hurt her. I want to make this as special and memorable for her as possible, not something she regrets later like all those other women in my life probably did. After what she's been through, she deserves nothing less.

Ahsoka stared at the deck for a moment before looking into Jim's focused blue gaze once more. "In this war, it's one of the few things I'm certain of. Today has….been an eye opener for everyone."

"I'm willing to bet I can open your eyes to a lot of things." At her slightly amused scowl, Kirk started counting on his fingers. "Let's see there's, three-dimensional chess, how to get a vulcan to laugh, although you really gotta look for it, hell, how to get Shepard to laugh while I'm at it, how to properly sneak around a romulan mining ship from the future, and- Oh! The whole coming back from the dead trick was sort of inter-" Why the Hell did I say that?! Way to go, I 'm sure creeping her the hell out is JUST what she needs right now. Idiot!

Ahsoka felt the waves of worry and guilt flowing from him, but did her best to hide her concern. If I let that go, for now, he'll just think I think he's exaggerating like usual. What does Alex always say, 'fight dirty when no other option presents itself'? Basically, lie. Easy. "Uh huh. I bet that cranky doctor friend of yours, Bones, fixed that little injury in five minutes. And are you always this articulate before a night of 'heavy lifting' Jimbo?" Ahsoka asked as she flashed him a smile, while she gently entwined her fingers in his hair and pulled him in for another kiss. She didn't allow him to come up for air several seconds, and Jim wasn't about to argue as his hands fell to her slender waist. "Now, are you going to take me, or am I going to have to pin you to the deck again?" The predatory gleam had returned, but Jim wasn't the least bit afraid of it as he grinned right back at her.

"Is that how poor, naive Galen got trapped by Shepard off in the forest? Because surrender is never an option in my playbook. I've never believed in no-win scenarios." Just like my old man, and look where that got him. Ahsoka gently grabbed him by the wrists and gave a slight tug, "Okay, surrender is starting to look pretty good right about now. Lead me to my glorious defeat, Master Tano."

"You are such a nerfherder." She grinned despite the insult, and immediately dragged her captive Captain to his 'doom'. "But every good master needs a willing apprentice..." The emphasis on that single word was enough to make him hot around the collar, and Jim's grin only widened from there.

"So, who's who in this relationship then?" Jim asked as the door locked itself at Ahsoka's subtle wave.

Ahsoka's large blue eyes shone with that predatory gleam once again as she pulled him closer to the bed. "As if you need me to clarify that. Come on padawan, we're wasting precious time that I could be using to instruct you."

"Don't worry Master, I'm a quick study." At her returning shyness though, Jim gently cupped her chin and lost the flirtatious tone. "For you though, I'm willing to take everything as slow as you want. Because you're worth waiting for, you always have been." Damn, she looks nervous as hell. I can't believe I'm going to say this out loud... "Ahsoka...there's no rush. We don't have to do anything if you're not completely comfortable with this."

"Can we just…." Reluctantly pulling away, Ahsoka sat on the edge of Kirk's bed and looked up at him. "What's the human word? Snooggle?" And I got that wrong, I'm sure of it.

"Unless that's some awesome new position I haven't heard of, I think you mean snuggle. And yes, we can totally do that." Jim said with a reassuring smile, as his plopped down on the bed, taking a moment to remove his boots before patting the empty half with a playful smirk. "Now or never, or as you like to say, do, or do not. There is no kinda sleeping in the same bed."

"Nerfherder." Ahsoka chuckled again before she slowly laid on her right side with James behind her, moving a little closer to him so they gently pressed together. "You better be here when I wake up."

"Unless the ship catches fire or something, I plan to be Ahsoka, I promise." He whispered into the back of her neck as he slid his arm around her waist. "Just uh...don't be surprised if I talk in my sleep, or snore for that matter." He tried to hide behind his humor, but he should have known better to try and hide his true feelings from her.

He wasn't all that surprised when she commented on his unspoken emotions. "You don't ever have to wear a mask with me, James. I have my own share of scars….I'm just better at hiding them." Being framed for a murder she hadn't committed was the most traumatic, not to mention being framed for bombing the Jedi Temple, and it was no surprise as to why she had resigned as a Jedi in the first place. She had quickly found out just how little she could truly count on those closest to her when 'the chips were down'. At least I got that one right. I think.

"Sorry, just a bad habit, you know?" He whispered again, almost beyond even her ability to hear him.

"I know all too well. Get some rest James. Alex is going to need us by her side soon enough." You'll never have to be afraid of showing me the real you again.

The Phoenix's Gym

Two hours later.

You like being the only repeat genius level offender in the midwest? Another fist slammed into the durasteel reinforced punching bag in front of him even as Kirk's mind went over the first conversation he had ever had with Pike. The fact his knuckles were perfectly fine despite hitting a bag that was meant for their far bigger allies wasn't lost on him.

MOTHER! Spock's desperate, haunted scream over the comm link echoed through the back of his mind, only forcing him to punch all harder as he jostled the massive object he had no right to even budge.

James T. Kirk was considered to be a great man. He went on to captain the USS Enterprise... but that was another life. A life I will deprive you of, just like I did your father! Nero and his plan to annihilate Vulcan as well as Earth had been well underway when Jim and his future crew had arrived. If not for their intervention, the Federation would have been finished, and Earth would have been consumed in a man made singularity just like the Vulcans' homeworld. Even though they had been successful in saving Earth, Jim still couldn't shake off his guilt at being unable to save Spock's world.

Now, shall we begin? Khan's malevolent grin followed right on the heels of the dive bar conversation he had had with Pike, Spock's utterly lost, despondent expression after the lose of his mother, and Nero's almost gleeful delight in tormenting him. Kirk knew he was starting to slip past human ability and into borderline superhuman as the bag continued to bounce and shudder under his increasingly powerful jabs. He didn't care.

Sir, help me get this door open! Captain?! The terrified little twi'lek girl staring at him through the hatch window was the only thing on Jim's mind at that moment as he hefted the durasteel bulkhead in both hands and proceeded to fight the damn thing for all he was worth while his people evaced the civilians from the damaged transport. No human, let alone a Wookie, could have stopped the door from closing, let alone pulled it open again, yet Kirk had done it. A mixture of adrenaline desperation and his own determination shouldn't have been nearly enough, yet Jim had done it. The Imperials had attacked a civilian vessel, mistakenly assuming that there had been Rebels aboard. His crew knew the truth, and while they hadn't said a word, it still weighed on Jim's mind as he continued to beat the shit out of the punching bag in front of him.

I failed. I failed Spock and Pike. I failed my old crew. I failed my new crew. And now, I even managed fail Shepard too. Slamming his right fist forward, the bag's chain shattered and the bag itself slid across the floor several meters before coming to a dead stop. It was only when he looked at his hands that Kirk saw he only had a few bruises, which were quickly fading. Courtesy of Khan's super blood, as Bones had called it. I'm sorry. I failed all of you.

"How long have you been hiding this from everyone, Jim?" Alex asked as her familiar lean, muscled form appeared in his line of sight. If she was surprised or disgusted, she hid it well as Jim's startled gaze met her serene blue eyes. "When you said you died, I didn't ask how you were brought back. Now I'm starting to realize why you never told me."

"Because I'm a damn freak. Happy now?" Jim snapped back, throwing a right hook before he could stop himself. Oh shit.

Shepard merely jerked her head back and took a step to the left without so much as batting an eyelash. "No, because you're not Jim." All of those lessons seem to be paying off. It's like he's in slow motion.

Christ she's fast. Good thing too, I'd have placed my ass in the brig if I had hurt her. "Nice moves Shep. So...you planning on going to the brass with this? Some of my crew know, I don't want them to face any charges."

"And why the Hell would I say anything Jim?" Alex asked, having no intention of saying a word to anyone….save Ahsoka anyway. What she planned to do however, was get the whole truth out of him.

"Because I lied, repeatedly. I pretended to be someone that I wasn't, and because I know things could turn ugly if I ever..." Jim averted his gaze as he found an interesting bulkhead to stare at. "There's this old saying that was popular during a time in my Earth's past called the Eugenics Wars. 'Superior ability breeds superior ambition.' Men and women exactly like I am now killed millions just because they thought they were better. That they deserved dominion over all of their fellow inferior humans."

"And yet you've given me, and everyone else, no reason not to trust you Jim. If anything, your 'superior' abilities have only made you humbler, not more ambitious. You respect power, because you weren't born to it. You might have authority issues, but that's just part of your asinine charm."

Speaking from experience Shep? "I appreciate the show of confidence Shep, I really do. But I don't think the higher ups are going to see it that way. I'm just asking you for one thing, please don't let Ahsoka know until I get a chance to explain this to her."

Alex just shook her head, a slight knowing grin pulling at her lips. She was getting better about minding her surroundings, the Jedi way, and knew someone was listening to their every word. "Sorry, too late for that buddy. Look on the bright side, Jim. If you don't believe me, then maybe you'll believe her." Alex put a fist over her mouth and gave a loud cough. "That was your cue, Master. Don't you dare leave me hanging here Stripes."

It was only then that Ahsoka came out of hiding, gracefully landing on a floor mat from the vent above, and rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. "Remember you said I was hopeless Stripes? Well, you're too predictable. I'll leave you two to talk this out." Before she made it halfway across the gym floor however, Alex stopped and looked at the two for a moment before speaking further. "And Jim, no one besides your crew has to know outside of this room. Besides, I haven't exactly been completely human for far longer than you. I was revived with synthetic parts grafted into my body. You got off easy in comparison. So do me a huge favor and lighten up would you?"

Kirk gave a sad little grin to the woman who had become his first and greatest friend in this new galaxy. "Huh, guess that explains the blue light show under your pretty face. I always thought it was a fancy tattoo or something." That 'technically' a certain age bit of her's makes a lot more sense now.

"Nope. Lots and lots of shiny 'upgrades' while I was on ice for two years." Alex's grin turned into a mock stern frown as she pointed at Kirk before turning to leave. "Nice attempt at stalling by the way, but it's not gonna work though."

Ahsoka gave Alex a grateful nod as the marine quickly left, no doubt looking for another place to be alone with her thoughts. "You broke the only heavy duty punching bag, your wookie crewmembers aren't going to be very happy."

"Yeah well, what ya gonna do right?" Jim dragged the busted bag out of the way, and placed it against a nearby bulkhead. "And look who's stalling now. You kind of let the cat out of the bag about spying on me and Shep."

"It's about the only way I could ever really know what's bothering you. Not only that, but I recall you promising not to leave me nerfherder." Ahsoka snapped back as she caught up to him and spun him around to face her. "Don't make a girl a promise you can't keep." I'll have to thank Shepard for constantly talking about all those ancient 'sci-fi' stories.

I swear I remember Shepard saying something like that when I told her I was getting my entire group through N1 training. Despite the thought, Kirk could only just force himself to meet her blue eyes. "I'm sorry 'Soka..." He finally said, feeling like a world class jerk as he reluctantly held her gaze. "Where I come from….gene mods are kind of frowned upon as you no doubt guessed by now. How was I supposed to bring up that in a conversation? By the way, a megalomaniac almost destroyed my ship and managed to kill me, and my friends had to bring me back by infusing me with his super blood. Yeah, that's a real nice ice breaker."

Cupping his face in her hands before he could think about turning away, Ahsoka gently pushed his head back up so they were eye to eye once more. "What happened? Please." She didn't have to sense his emotional turmoil to know that this wasn't an easy thing for him to discuss, but she wanted, needed to understand just what had happened to him.

You will walk over their cold corpses, starting with hers. Jim's blue eyes widened as Khan's mocking voice tormented his mind. It isn't real, it's just in my head, I'm just being 'highly illogical' as Spock would say. Taking a steadying breath, Kirk gently pulled Ahsoka's hands off of his face, but he kept a hold of one despite the urge to run for the nearest exit. "I'll….tell you what I can, Ahsoka." He finally said, knowing he couldn't back out now that he had committed to this course of action.

"Did-did you really die?" She hesitantly asked, having sensed no deception from him at all. He's just as torn up inside as Alex, maybe even more so...if that's possible. And I didn't see it until now...by the Force, this just proves how half-witted I am.

Ahsoka could already sense Jim hiding under his thin veneer of humor and arrogance before he even started speaking. "My ship was having some technical issues as we plummeted through Earth's atmosphere to our deaths. Somebody had to get our systems up and running again. There was this minor issue that whoever fixed the problem was going to die from high doses of radiation. So, I knocked my stupidly selfless Chief Engineer out and handled it myself. End of story." I'm scared Spock.

"You sacrificed yourself for your ship and your crew." Ahsoka was once again amazed by the man in front of her, having foolishly thought she couldn't possibly be surprised by him anymore. I don't think Lux would have done something like that. "By the Force, Jim, you are such a half-witted- heroic- nerfherder! You, you-" Jim wasn't about to complain as the togruta threw herself at him in a tight hug, tears streaming from her blue eyes as he hesitantly wrapped his arms around her and pressed his head against her shoulder. "You're more precious to me than you can ever imagine, James. How many times do I have to tell you, you don't have to hide anymore, not with me."

"It's the only way I've managed to get this far….I'm sorry Ahsoka, I hope I didn't-" Kirk's next self deprecating words were ripped away from him, as well as his breath, as Ahsoka leaned up to passionately kiss him, holding his body close to hers. He had been kissed by so many women across two galaxies, to the point it was second nature to him by then. But they had been empty, just like the nights of meaningless sex he had indulged in, until he had gotten serious about this particular relationship. Ahsoka wasn't just another pretty face to him. She was so much more than that, and he was terrified of losing her.

"Didn't what? Show me that I've horribly underestimated just how caring and selfless you are? That you would gladly die to save innocent strangers, let alone those close to you?" She whispered near his lips as her hands went to either side of his neck, her fingertips gently pressing into him in an attempt to relieve some of the tension she found there. "Blue was right about you Jim. You have nothing to be afraid of, you never have."

Jim suddenly felt like a tongue tied, doe eyed schoolboy as the now far more confident looking Jedi started to unbutton his tunic. "I-ah, here? Really?" Oh boy, I'm in trouble.

"Uh huh. If you try to run again, I will hunt you down. Togrutas are predators after all. Just because we're more civilized now doesn't mean much. I still know how to use my teeth." As if to prove her point, Ahsoka held Jim's hand up to her mouth and gently nibbled at his fingers, careful not to actually bite him with her considerably sharp teeth.

"I'm the luckiest bastard on this ship, aren't I?" Kirk grinned as he temporarily forgot his earlier emotional turmoil.

"Yes, you are. Don't forget it." Ahsoka grinned as she let go of his hand, before she could give into the temptation, and nip at his fingers for good measure.

"I'm sure you'd happily remind me if I ever did." Jim said, as he brushed his newly freed hand across her cheek.

Just as he was about to lean in for another kiss, something drew his attention elsewhere when the gym door opened up at that moment. "Have either of you seen Alex, I haven't been able to- Holy Sith! ...I should go." Lekota immediately turned on her heel the moment she laid eyes on the Jedi and Captain pawing at each other. She daringly stuck her head back through the door a moment later. "About karking time! Now I can collect on an old bet!"

Ahsoka was torn between blushing and laughing at the predicament they were currently in as she looked between Jim and the weequay. "Maybe we should…"

"Yeah, let's go 'Soka." Jim quickly agreed, already in the process of heading out the door.

Lekota's face fell in disappointment as the couple passed her. "Awe, don't stop on my account! Young sweaty love...ha! To be young and horny again!"

"At least you still got the horny, Lek." Jim said as he patted the grinning trooper's cheek on the way out with his togruta girlfriend hot on his heels. Girlfriend, an honest to god girlfriend and not just a bunk buddy. I could get used to this. Feels like ninety percent excited and ten percent terrified. Or the other way around, I can't really tell.

Captain's Quarters

Two hours later.

"So that's….what all the fuss is about." Ahsoka couldn't decide what felt more satisfying. Having Jim on the edge of unconsciousness from their session together, or the warm tingly feeling in the center of her chest from the fact she knew just how much he loved her and her alone. The feeling was mutual, but she hadn't realized just how deep it ran until they had come back up for air. "We should have done this a lot sooner."

Laying on his right side, Jim's goofy grin was mere inches away from Ahsoka's beautiful lips, and he wouldn't have been anywhere else. Bones is going to have a heart attack if he hears I'm no longer a bachelor. Hell, Spock might actually go wide eyed when he learns I'm now bound to this woman, hook, line, and sinker. "Maybe, but it was more than worth the wait 'Soka. You were more than worth the wait." Running his hand across her cheek while his fingertips brushed across her striped lekku, which elicited a small purr of pleasure from her, Jim's eyes lit up with his usual brand of humor. "Fair warning, I might not be able to move in the morning if we start doing that every night."

"You make that sound like it's a bad thing. Hey!" Ahsoka practically latched onto Jim's arm, and there was still a hungry, wanting look in her eyes. "Where are you going, I'm not done with you quite yet..."

Jim gave a joyful laugh as he tried to liberate his arm from her tight grasp. "I'm justing gonna get us some water, I swear! I'm pretty sure you gave me severe dehydration, and those scratches on my back...totally worth it. Did I mention I love you?"

"Several times, but I'd love to hear it again." The glowing Jedi smiled as Jim leaned into kiss her once more.

"I love you, Ahsoka Tano. Almost as much coffee." Ahsoka rolled her eyes as he padded barefoot across the cabin. "We have our own little fling on the side, and I can't do a damn thing in the morning without a quicky from my caffeinated mistress."

"Nerfherder." She teased, a pout on her lips as he went over to the small kitchen that was at the other end of his quarters. "At least the view's nice from here." She giggled as Kirk swaggered to the kitchen unit before fixing himself and her something suitable to drink after their 'exercise.'

"All part of the service ma'am. We explore strange new worlds back home, establishing very friendly relations wherever possible. Starfleet captains always like to think of themselves as diplomats, spreading peace wherever we go. So, have I thoroughly settled your dispute, or do we need to get back to negotiations?"

Slowly sitting up, the grin on the Jedi's face was definitely loaded with flirtatious intentions. "Let's just say that negotiations didn't go as planned and you might have to resort to more aggressive tactics." Slipping out of the bed, Ahsoka kept the sheet around her waist until she was right in front of an unusually beet red Jim.

"Wait, are we still doing the code thing, because if you aren't completely satisfied...we have a while...ambassador." It was probably a good thing he sat down the empty coffee mug, because Jim was pretty sure he would have dropped it otherwise.

"On second thought, I think I'll be the one resorting to aggressive tactics. Screw negotiating, I'm taking what I want..." Ahsoka starting nibbling at his neck as Jim took on a naive sounding tone.

"But what could I possibly...oh right. Well, looks like I'll just have to lay back and tell myself I'm doing this for the good of the Alliance. Shouldn't be a problem."

"Come here you giant nerfherder." Ahsoka grinned as she pulled him into yet another heated kiss right there against the kitchen counter. It was only after she broke away that she looked up into his blue eyes with unimaginable gratitude that the playful air between them disappeared. "Thank you James, thank you for waiting so long for me to finally realize how badly I wanted this."

"You don't think I would have waited for you, do you? Do I have to tell the entire ship just how long I would have waited for you? Wait, you know what, hold that thought." Jim said, grinning as he walked over to a comm panel on the wall.

He never got close as Ahsoka pulled him away from the panel with a wave of her hand and back to her side. "Don't you dare!" She hissed while fighting the urge to blush until all of her blood wound up in her montrals. "I believe you! No need to inform your crew, Captain."

"Hmm. Must be my magnetic personally. Still, good idea. I'm sure Lekota has already handled that for us anyway." Kirk's face scrunched up in thought as he pondered something. "Huh, I wonder who won the bet?"

"What bet? I swear, if you only did this just to win some poodoo betting pool-" Ahsoka paused when she realized how insane that actually sounded out loud. "I'm an utter blaster brain, aren't I?"

Come on Ahsoka, you really aren't insecure about us are you? Wait, what the hell am I saying? Of course she is...I'm only the biggest damn womanizer in two galaxies. "Yes, you are, but you're my blaster brain. My really, really, hot blaster brain with enough pent up sexaul energy to power a starship, apparently. And no, I didn't do any of this over a stupid bet. I might be arrogant sometimes, but I'm not that much of a total prick." He quickly replied as he took her hands between his. "I've done a lot of things I regret, but this isn't one of them, not by a long shot. Matter of fact, I wouldn't regret doing it again right now. Wait, that came out way more perverted than I wanted it to." And now I sound like a dirty old man. "The point is Ahsoka, how do I put this as bluntly as possible? I'm yours. That's it. Period. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Well, maybe one really nice looking butt."

"Will you stop with the constant flirting already?! Maybe I want you to prove it with actions instead of words."

"Yes ma'am."

Orbiting Mustafar

Rebel Alliance cruiser, Endar Spire

Eighteen hours later.

After receiving the full casualty report concerning Legion's people from Rogue Squadron, as well as the synthetic himself, Admiral Ackbar had dispatched one of the Alliance's cruisers to Mustafar to rendezvous with the Phoenix, and pick up the 'rescue' team from the volcanic world. With strict orders to make all haste for Mandalore, it had only seemed logical to send them backup after this latest debacle on the Alliance's part, where the Star Destroyer responsible for the massacre had last been reported. The fact that Legion's allies had been able to so swiftly identify the craft was astounding, given what had been done to them. It seemed that even destroyed, one of the fallen geth had provided all the information they needed, combined with their sensor readouts before the bombardment had started, had been able to point them in the right direction.

Captain Draak Grel, a zabrak male of considerable size, gazed at the main screen, waiting for the Phoenix to drop out of hyperspace any moment now. A damn admiral couldn't order me to be the one to tell Shepard how colossally we farkled this up if they had a blaster to my head. Allies were allies, and the fact they had let over two hundred thousand of them die wasn't lost on the captain, even if said allies had been machine intelligences. Everything they had seen and been told of the new synthetic race, what was left of them anyway, suggested that Shepard's stories about them were nothing but the truth given real form. "Helm, ETA to their arrival?"

"Two minutes sir. Exactly thirty seconds less than the last time you asked." Draak's fellow zabrak said with a slight smirk, as she turned to glance back at him. "If she does decide to shoot you, can I take command?"

Draak grinned at her deadpan delivery, proud of the fact all of his crew would be court martialed for their daily behavior if this was an Imperial ship. They were an excellent crew, there was no doubt of that, but he did let certain things slide where other officers in his position would have cracked the whip. "No."

The woman raised a curious eye ridge. "What if she-"

"Nope." The captain's grin widened as his helmswoman sighed and turned back to her station. "If it makes you feel better, I expect you to strap my corpse to this seat until the Spire falls apart around your shapely horns."

Grinning at her Captain's terrible sense of humor, the woman looked back over her shoulder. "Reminds me of that old human poem one of Shepard's recruits heard. Oh Corpse, my Corpse?"

"I think it was O Captain, My Captain. And yes, the captain dies in that one. Stop with the constant wishing for my untimely demise. You're creeping me out Xona." I'd give my right horn to know why I ever allowed Xona to stick around. Oh right….nevermind.

Just as Xona was about to reply, the sensor array sent an alert that a small ship was dropping out of hyperspace. "It's the Phoenix. Guess we get to find out how angry she is soon enough."

"Lucky us, we get to be the messenger of bad news to not one but two big drekking heroes. Open comms. Let's get this over with."

"Stop worrying Draak, I'd just be glad you weren't the one that ordered the bombardment. I don't want to imagine what she'd do to those Imps if she ever gets her hands on them." As an after thought, Xona muttered under her breath. "I can always tell Shepard I vastly prefer something warm in my bed if she does threaten your life."

It was Draak's turn to be interrupted as the main holocom came online moments before he could retort, and he was greeted to an eerily calm Shepard. That made him far more nervous than if she had been chomping at the bit or scowling at him in disgust. He had learned that lesson, and the N1 badge in his pocket, the hard way. 'Medals are worthless', I didn't realize how true that line was until now. "Commander. I wish I had better news for you."

"How bad Captain?" She could sense his unease and guilt even from where she was on the Phoenix, and knew the news would be devastating. If not for Galen, James, and Ahsoka nearby, she wasn't sure she'd have been able to appear half as calm as she was at that moment.

"From what your friend, Legion, told me, it looks to be a total loss. Both in lives and equipment. He also wanted me to tell you that Commander Skywalker and his people made it a special point to give their fallen a proper memorial service. I believe they are still planetside, if you want to join them?"

"As much as I would like to, they are most likely coming back any second now Captain. Even so, thank you for informing me of what Commander Skywalker and his Rogues did for Legion's people." The news had been as bad as she had feared, but at the same time, the fact Luke had even thought to give the geth a proper burial gave her hope for their chances of working together in the days to come. "Is there anything else I should know Captain?"

This should give her something to think about. "Only that I plan to give Legion and his fellows a proper welcome. As far as I'm concerned, they're as much a part of this Alliance as you are Commander. And if anyone's stupid enough to say otherwise, they know where the airlocks are."

"Thank you Captain, I'm sure they will 'look forward to sharing data with you' as Legion would put it. Please thank your crew for me as well, Admiral Ackbar tells me he didn't expect you here for at least another three hours." It's sad that it took something like this for the Alliance to truly start to pull together. Better late than never I guess.

"What can I say, my helmswoman loves to plot insane hyperdrive routes." While the praise for his speedy arrival in the area was appreciated, Draak wasn't the only one feeling like they didn't deserve it as he let his gaze fall to his crew, who, save for two either clearly bored or apathetic members, looked as uncomfortable as he felt. I'll deal with you later. "We dropped the smashball on this Commander. Old prejudices and sheer ignorance worked against us once more, and over two hundred thousand lives were lost because of it. You are cleared for docking port three, we can continue this conversation in person soon enough."

She didn't miss the glare he shot two of his bridge crew and nodded her head in understanding. "I'll see you in five, Captain. Thanks again for the quick rendezvous, and for your open mindedness. There's not enough of that to go around."

"Sad but true, Commander. If I have anything to say about it though, that will change soon enough. Endar Spire out." Shepard quickly nodded as her holographic form rapidly faded away. Draak's sad smile also disappeared as he glared daggers at the navigational officer and the gunnery chief on his bridge. "Jekks, Levkar? Since this crew's failure to prevent outright genocide is so mind numbingly tedious to you, I've decided to make your lives more interesting. You bug eyes just earned maintenance duty for the foreseeable future. Get down to hangar twelve and be ready to greet our guests when Rogue Squadron brings in the transport ship. And if I hear one unkind word about our new allies, I'll make sure you're cleaning out air vents until your knees are raw from crawling around." The human and rodian could only blink before running to the closest turbolift, not about to question their captain further.

"Do you know if Legion recorded the ceremony they mentioned by chance, Captain?" Xona asked once the two officers had ran off the bridge as if their backsides were on fire.

"These new droids have cameras for eyes Xona, I'm pretty sure someone would have recorded the whole thing. I wouldn't bring it up though, there's only one woman that deserves to see it, and she isn't on this bridge."

"Was thinking more along the lines that some of us would benefit from seeing these new droids caring about their fallen. How many droids do you know that do that?" An offended sounding warbling from below caused the zabrak to glance at the deck next to her. One of the little black repair droids promptly slammed into her boot and then headed out of the bridge. "Was it something I said?"

"Your charming personality at work. I think Blinky took offense, better watch where you walk now. Liable to find a conveniently placed bit of engine lube in front of you." As humorous as he sounded, Draak had little doubt the little droid had done just that. After a moment though, he felt his smirk die as he saw that the Phoenix had likely docked by then, and that their onboard sensors were detecting the returning Rogue Squadron. "Xona, try not to fly us into a star while I'm distracted with this bit of bad news."

Maybe all of us could take a lesson from this. Xona found herself thinking about the scrappy little droid that had lashed out because of her ill chosen words as she turned back towards her station. "Aye aye sir."

End Notes: Archer83: War is coming. Shepard has an Imperial ship to hunt down, and an Empire to rip apart, one world at a time. The Imperials will never even see this Spectre / Jedi Knight coming. What was considered a small but dangerous group will become much more deadly now that the Imperials have made the mistake of making this fight personal. Keep sending in those great reviews, follows, favorites and PMs! And I'd like to give a personal thank you to LegionN7 for the awesome reviews!

Vergil1989: As my partner stated, war might be coming, but life will always find a way. I am curious though, has anyone guessed who the 'Outsiders' are yet? No one's yet to mention them in reviews, and we've made it pretty obvious in regards to one of them at least lol. Anyway, feedback is welcome. Adios and as always, may the Force be with you all. D