***Author's Note***

Good Afternoon, dear readers! So, this is officially the second-to-last chapter of this story; it's been a long, fun journey, and I'm so, so excited for the next one! There's so very much going on in this chapter that I think I'll just let you find out for yourselves! ^_^ Enjoy!

***End Note***

The next morning, Finn was woken by Huur and Twila talking quietly in her doorway, "I'm sorry, Huur, but he's sleeping. The Council will just have to wait; he didn't even take a turn in the 'fresher when he got back yesterday. He's been sleeping since – please."

Finn could hear the regret in Huur's voice as he responded, "It is sorry that I am, Blue. It is bedlam in the Council Chambers and it is they that demand to see him; my paws are bound."

Finn sat upright and said in a voice still rough with sleep, "It's alright, Twila. Just let me take a turn in the 'fresher and get some clean clothes, and I'll come along; I'm still covered in Stormtrooper blood. And Ben's blood. And Rey's blood. Eugh; I've got a lot of people's blood on me."

Huur sniffed at the air, "So that is from where that stench comes."

Finn chuckled, "I'll be out in a minute." The door slid shut as Finn rolled out of bed, groaning at the bruises he hadn't realized were there. He hurried through the 'fresher and stepped gratefully into the clothes that Twila had fetched for him from his an Poe's quarters, "Thanks, Twila. I'll be back as soon as I can; after, I'd like to take you to meet Ben and Rey, if that's alright?"

Twila beamed at him, "I'd love that; I could properly apologize!"

Finn rolled his eyes as he leaned in to kiss her before hurrying out the door. Huur knelt beside him, sniffing, "Much better. Death no longer hangs about you."

Finn snorted out a laugh as Huur strode quickly down the hallway, but he was just so damn tall that Finn had to run to keep up with him. Before long, they reached the Council Chambers; they could hear the chaos inside, even through the door. Finn glanced apprehensively up at Huur, who laid a gentle paw on his shoulder, his eyes soft with understanding, "Beside you all the way, little friend."

When the doors slid open, the entire room fell completely silent. Thirty pairs of feline eyes were locked on him as he walked calmly in and took his seat, as Huur did the same beside him. "Well, there's no need to be civilized on my account. Please, do continue."

To their credit, the entire Council did manage to look fairly abashed as Yara raised his voice to speak, "Captain, for you we have been waiting before debate truly begins."

Finn's eyebrows winged up, "That was the debate not starting yet? Well, I can't wait for what you have to argue with me about this time."

A delegate across the way spoke in an accent thicker than most, "Rude is your talk. Appreciated not by us."

Finn raised an eyebrow, "And being dragged from a dead sleep before the sun has even risen after fighting Master Ren and her contingent of Stormtroopers on Tattooine just to be towed in here and tossed into this deliberation without breakfast, let alone so much as a cup of tea or a thank you for your presence! I would very much like to still be in said bed, but I have a duty, so I came. Of course, I suppose I could have stayed in the clothes I slept in and not taken a turn in the 'fresher, but I thought you would appreciate me not reeking of blood. Therefore, I repeat...What are you here to argue with me about this time?" By the end of his diatribe, Finn had half-risen out of his chair, his hands splayed on the table and the delegate across from him had shrunk back into his own seat. Finn sat back down, stretching his fingers and still fuming.

Yara cleared his throat, "The Captain has an excellent point. He showed great courtesy to us, knowing how sensitive our noses are, and yet little courtesy has been returned," The ancient leader of Tagoria pressed a button beside him and a servant rushed in, standing perfectly still and awaiting orders, "Something for Captain Finn to eat must be brought and tea, also." The servant bowed and hurried from the room towards the kitchens. "Now; while you wait, if information could be given to us regarding the circumstances surrounding this sudden interest in Kashyyk, most grateful we would be."

Finn raised an eyebrow, "Thank you, Your Excellency. I apologize for my rudeness – it has been a very trying 48 hours. As for what happened, well, I suppose it would be fair to say that mistakes were made. However, I would also say that there is no fault to be had; we found Rey's childhood home, which was the reason for the journey to begin with. Rey was also correct in thinking that her father had left something for her there. He left her a holocron disk; for the most part, what was on it is a private matter between her and her father, and I will not disclose its contents. However, what no one could have predicted, especially now that Ben's bond with his twin has been severed permanently, was that Padme would show up just in time to hear Rey's father disclose the location of the Darksaber." The entire room inhaled as one and would have erupted if Finn hadn't stood, holding his hands out for continued silence, "We are already in motion to intercept her there; hopefully we'll get there first, but we're not betting on it – she did have quite the head start and she nearly killed Rey and Ben in the process. Our best guess is that it will come down to a final battle between Ben and Padme. The rest of us just have to give him enough time to take care of her himself; there is no one else who could do the job. Honestly, I don't envy him. I'd rather not have a sibling at all than be forced to kill them." As Finn returned to his seat, the servant returned with a tray of still-steaming food, fresh from the kitchen in one paw and a tray carrying a pot of tea and a cup, along with sugar, lemon, and honey in the other. These she set in front of Finn before bowing to him, "Thank you," Finn said as the servant turned to leave.

For the next few hours, the Council grew louder and louder until Huur rose from his seat. Instantly, the entire room stilled in respect, "The way it is seen by my eyes is this: Now is the time for us to decide if keeping our honor we will be. Will we fight as promised, or will we run?" The Council members who had been standing sat slowly down as Huur's statement sank in.

"For what it's worth, I agree with Huur. Now is the time, honored delegates, to decide whether or not you will accompany the Resistance to Kashyyk. There is no shame in it if you decide against it; you'll just miss out on all the honor and pride you could present to your children and grandchildren. One way or another, this battle will go down in history as the defining moment of this war. Will you look at your offspring in thirty years and be able to say to them that you were there, or will you confess that you felt it was...unwise...to risk it and abandoned your allies? Either way, there is no shame in this decision." Nearly every face around the massive marble table was slack with shock, though Finn could sense Huur and Yara's amusement and very carefully avoided looking in their direction. Slowly, the delegates managed to recover from their shock and Finn sat back in his chair, feeling very satisfied with himself as he took a sip from his steaming cup of tea.

After nearly three additional hours, Yara spoke again, "I believe the time for discussion is past now; please to give me your decision." To Finn's utter astonishment, there was complete agreement among the delegates: they would come to Kashyyk. Even Yara seemed surprised, "Well; agreed is this council, then. To war we will go," the last statement was said in a low growl that had the entire room erupting in cheers, growls, and varying battle-cries.

Finn stood, speaking around the lump that had formed in his throat, "Thank you, delegates. You cannot know what your support will mean to the Resistance. I must report to Genearl Organa immediately." Finn bowed hastily and spun on his heel, sprinting out of the room and down the halls, sending Tagorian and Resistance alike scattering as startled shouts followed him. Word quickly began to spread: Something had happened during the Council meeting. At last, Finn reached the war room where the General was cloistered with Ben, Rey, Captain Antilles, and Captain Morris. All of them looked up sharply, surprised at his sudden entry. Finn saluted hastily and spoke, panting, "General...The Council has voted...it was unanimous...They're coming...with us...to Kashyyk!"

Silence deep enough to see with the naked eye fell in the room for a few beats before every face split into a wide grin. The General walked over to Finn and clasped his hand tightly, "Well done, Finn. Well done. Wait...Did you say unanimous? Huh. I didn't know that old group of cats could ever agree on anything!"

Finn grinned sheepishly, "I might have shamed them slightly. I basically said that it didn't matter to me whether or not they could tell their grandchildren that they fought alongside us."

Ben's deep chuckle rang through the room, followed by Rey's higher giggle, "Well done, Finn," Ben rumbled, still laughing. "Now, I do have a bone to pick with you...Why haven't we met your mate yet? We've heard a lot about Twila, but why haven't we met – properly, that is." His eyes twinkled with mischief when Finn squirmed.

Finn cleared his throat, suddenly conscious of five sets of eyes on him, "Um, well, I'd actually talked to her this morning about bringing her around to meet her. It's just that things have been so crazy lately that we really haven't had the time."

Ben laughed again, "I understand; I'm just screwing with you. As long as we meet her before Kashyyk. It's looking like old times again; you, Poe, Rey, and myself will go down to Kashyyk first to try and track down the Darksaber first. I'm skeptical, but we'll see. Either way, this thing ends in two days, whether Padme makes it easy for me or not."

Finn stared at Ben for a moment, "You know, sometimes you scare me. Your predictions are just a hair too accurate sometimes; it's creepy, man." Finn mock-shuddered for effect, surprising a laugh out of Ben. "I'll go get Twila and we'll meet you in the Mess Hall; I've been in that meeting since before the sun came up, and I haven't eaten since the breakfast I shamed them into bringing for me at about five; it must be nearly noon by now."

Ben nodded, "We'll see the three of you there; no doubt Poe will join us also."

Finn chuckled, "Undoubtedly." Finn left the room, making his way to the quarters he shared with Finn. Entering their quarters, he found Poe and Twila sitting on opposite beds, talking. When he entered, Twila looked at him; the moment her pink eyes met his brown ones, a fire lit in his gut, "The Tagorians are joining us on Kashyyk," he said, grinning widely.

Twila sprung up and ran at him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly. She squealed with laughter as he spun her around, "Oh, what wonderful news, Finn! Well done; I knew you could do it!"

Finn laughed with her for a moment, "Ben and Rey are waiting for us in the Mess Hall; they can't wait to meet you."

Twila clapped her hands excitedly and spun a little circle, "Oh, I look a mess! I'm going to take a quick turn in the 'fresher and change my clothes; give me fifteen minutes?" Finn nodded his agreement; Twila bounded forward, kissed him again, and danced out the door.

Finn shook his head after her as Poe wrapped a brotherly arm around his shoulders, "Brother, I think you've somehow managed to seduce yourself a fairy." Poe and Finn chuckled for a moment, "So; have you asked her yet?"

Finn cast an inquiring look at Poe, "Asked her what?"

Poe groaned and smacked Finn on the back of his head, "To marry you, you dunce!"

Finn felt the heat rise in his cheeks, "Oh, that. No, not yet. The time hasn't been right."

"Jeez, Finn; what's the plan? Are you going to ask her on the battlefield or something? No; ask her today; seriously! I took the liberty of acquiring something for you."

Poe handed Finn a small box, "Damn it, Poe! What are you, some kind of crazy matchmaker? You're suffering from delusions of..." Finn broke off, staring at the beautifully simple ring resting in the box. It was made of delicately braided silver and a single stone of the exact shade of Twila's eyes set directly in the middle. "Poe...That's...Wow...Thanks."

Poe smiled, "It's no problem, really. It's just, since Valerie...I guess I want everyone around me to have what I once had. I just want you, Twila, Ben, and Rey to be happy; that's all." Poe gave Finn a small squeeze and rubbed his shoulder, "Come on; we'd better get moving." They arrived before Twila, but only just.

She joined them at the table and opened her mouth to apologize one more time, but Ben forestalled her, "Twila, if you apologize again, I think I'll lose my mind. I understand, really I do. You're afraid for your people, and you're angry. I was the face of the First Order for a long time; it's understandable that you'd take your anger out on me. Not that I'd like it to happen again, of course, but...Anyway, it is my very greatest pleasure to meet you at last. I didn't want to push Finn to have you meet us; I know he's a very private person, but I thought it was time we met. And...speaking of pushing...Finn, don't you have something you wanted to ask Twila?"

Finn glared at his friend, "Well, uh, yeah, but I thought I'd do it privately, not in front of all these people."

Rey jumped in, "Oh, come on! If I had to go through such a public thing, it's only fair that she does, too!"

Finn rolled his eyes, "Oh, alright, alright! As long as it shuts you two up, fine." Finn slid out of his chair onto one knee, causing the entire Mess Hall to go silent and turn in his direction. He could sense the feeling of anticipation, "Perfect. Just fucking perfect." He cleared his throat and drew the ring from his jacket pocket, "Twila, I've never needed any fancy words with you, and to be honest, they exhaust me. So, to be brief, I'll just say this: Twila, I've known that I loved you from the first moment I saw you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Twila had clamped her hands over her mouth as tears began to stream down her face. Unable to speak, she simply nodded and extended her left hand for him to slip the ring on. It was a perfect fit, and suited her hand perfectly.

The entire hall burst into raucous applause with many of his men shouting, "It's about damn time, No-Nerves!" This declaration was met with widespread laughter and it seemed like the entire hall surged forward to present their congratulations. Finn glared at Ben again, thinking, One day, I'm not sure when or where, but someday, I'm going to make you pay for this...Out of the corner of his eye, Finn saw Ben's eyes crinkle in a sudden laugh, and he knew his friend had heard his threat.

Two days later, Finn stood with Twila at his side on the landing pad, watching the transport ships being loaded for the trip to Kashyyk as the sun just barely began to peak over the sea of trees around them after Ben and Rey had awoken Fin and Poe with their hilarity, that is.. Twila's eyebrows furrowed as she glanced to her left; whatever she saw surprised a laugh out of her, "I might have known," she muttered to herself. Finn followed her line of vision to see the outline of a very familiar freighter angle towards one of the smaller landing pads. Finn and Twila grinned hugely and raced back inside to make their way to the smaller landing pad. They reached it just as the landing ramp lowered and a familiar bushy-haired redhead peeked out. Twila sprinted forward, shouting, "Thamian!" at the top of her lungs, flinging herself into the behemoth's arms as his booming laugh echoed through the early morning air. Those that heard it turned with a smile to see what the cause of such joy was. "I knew you'd come, Thamian! But, how did you know?"

Thamian smiled widely at her, "Ach, come on, Blue. You know me; I read the signs. I've seen them before – the last time – and I figured your mate would be in the middle of it, and you right there with him, so here I am! When you're in a fight, Blue, so am I." Just then, his clever eyes caught the glint of the ring on Twila's hand, "O-ho! So, you finally got off your arse and asked the lady, eh? When did he ask you?"

Twila giggled, "Just last night; Ben made him do it. I'm glad – he might never have done it on his own."

Finn shook his head at the pair of them, "Come on; we'd better let the general that you're here, and volunteering. I know you'll want to be beside her, so we'll have to get you stationed with her. But, Thamian?" The smuggler turned towards Finn, looking down at him, "Whatever happens, just...just take care of her, okay?"

Thamian grunted, his green eyes perfectly serious for once, "Of course, my friend. I'll take good care of her, sure and you've no fear of that." It took very little convincing to gain the General's favor and within the hour, they were all loaded onto the transport ships and embarking on an eight-hour race to Kashyyk, everyone feeling an absolute certainty that the conflict with the First Order was about to come to an end, at long, long last.

***Author's Note**

Yaaaay! Proposal, Thamian's back, and so much more! Ohhhh, this is gonna be fun! Off to write the last chapter, my friends! Enjoy and leave a review, if you'd like! I'll hopefully have the last chapter up later today.