"According to our records, it stood here."

Apollon knew the minister was right. He could feel it.

The area was no longer a narrow street, lined with shops, but a wide square filled with Imperial buildings. The spot where Khojaw's had been was an empty courtyard overshadowed by a tall, austere building labeled "ISB Pasir."

"Yes. This is it."

Portia looked up at him and back to the empty space.

Minister Miriell smiled and held out his hand. "If I may, then, Senator."

Apollon handed him a holoprojector from his jacket pocket. He put his arm around Leela as the minister walked a few paces ahead and set down the projector. He switched it on and stepped back.

The holoprojector hummed to life, casting a life-size schematic. Illuminated in red were statues of Onjol Ros, Garban Gallar, Tasskes Rassok, and, front and center on one knee, his rifle upright, knelt Khojaw Dohar. On the face of the platform on which the valiant figures stood was a list of names.

"Well?" The prime minister folded his hands, looking toward Apollon for approval.

"It's perfect," Apollon smiled. He looked at his wife. She smiled as well. Her eyes were shining.

"May we see the list, minister?" asked Apollon.

"Of course," Miriell smiled. "Each name has been verified by Imperial record or by survivors' accounts."

He tapped a few places on his datapad screen and handed the device to him.

Haldo Cofar. Suggs Darallion. Parjai Fenhal. Onjol Ros. Shorkkata. The names of Apollon's friends were there. He and Leela scanned the list and found Qualdo, with no last name.

Leela furrowed her brow. "Look."

Portia stood on her tiptoes to see the datapad, but couldn't get a good look.

"What are the Tarkays doing on here?" Apollon frowned.

"Excuse me?" asked the minister, cocking his head. "Is there an inaccuracy?"

"These two names here," said Apollon, taking the datapad from Leela and pointing to the names Bellona Tarkay and Magnus Tarkay. "They shouldn't be here."

"They shouldn't?" The minister frowned and took the datapad. He pulled up some information.

"They didn't sacrifice themselves for the cause," said Leela with disgust. "How did they get on that list?"

"Just a moment…" said the minister. "According to Imperial record, Bellona Tarkay emerged from the sewers one day after the battle had taken place and was subsequently arrested. She was tried for treason, resisting arrest and assaulting several Imperial peacekeepers. She was executed the day of her sentencing."

"And her husband?" asked Leela.

The minister swiped a finger across his pad. "Magnus Tarkay emerged two days after the battle, was reported to the authorities several times. Before he was arrested three days later he was reported to have committed no less than fourteen burglaries. He was executed on charges of resisting arrest, multiple counts of theft, and treason."

"Those are errors," said Apollon. "They may have been mistaken for rebels when they were reported, but they were nothing more than opportunists."

"I'll see them removed," said the minister apologetically.

"One moment," said Leela. "Can we see the list again?"

"Of course." The prime minister handed her the datapad.

Leela scanned the list. "There's someone who isn't here who should be," she said.

"What was their name?" asked the minister, taking back the datapad to enter it into the list.

"Portia," said Leela.

Portia's eyes widened.

"Last name?" asked the minister.

Leela looked at Apollon. Apollon turned to the minister and said, "You don't have to put a last name down. Just put her next to Qualdo."

"Very good, Senator," the minister smiled. "We'll see she's remembered."

Leela stroked her chin. "Would it be possible for a holodisplay of Portia and Qualdo to be put in the memorial, or have the exhibits already been planned out?"

"We can most certainly fit something in," replied the minister. "Would you be able to give me references to their likenesses?"

Apollon pulled a datapad out of his pocket. "I have sketches. They're from memory, so they may not be accurate, but it's all that's left."

"Can I see?" asked Portia.

"I've already shown you," Apollon whispered, smiling.

Minister Miriell's eyes welled with tears as he flicked through Apollon's drawings. "I didn't realize they were so young."

Apollon nodded. "She was eighteen. He was eight."

"If I may ask, do you know how they died?"

Apollon tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but before he could answer, the minister said, "Oh, a message for you, Senator," and handed back the datapad. Apollon took it and opened the message.

He slipped the datapad back into his pocket. "We have to go," he said to Leela. "It's your dad."

Leela caught her breath as Apollon nodded to the minister and turned to leave. Swallowing, she took Portia's hand. "Come on, Port."

"What's happening, mama?" asked Portia.

"We're going to see your grandfather," said Leela, unable to keep the tears from trickling. "I think we're going to have to say goodbye."

Com closed his eyes and looked at the hologram of his vital signs, wondering how long he had left. Had Apollon gotten the doctor's message in time?

The door whooshed open and Com lolled his head as a Twi'lek woman rushed to his side. "Kaltha?" he whispered. "Are you here to take me? I'm ready to go now. I did as I promised…"

"It's me, Papa," said the Twi'lek, her eyes brimming with tears. "It's Leela."

"Leela…" Com's hand inched into hers. It was so warm compared to his own. "I'm glad I could see you before I passed."

Apollon walked into the room, leading a little dark-haired aquamarine girl by the hand.

"We got your message the moment you sent it," said Apollon.

Com smiled. "Thank the Force… Portia, come here."

Portia approached. Her gold-tinted eyes were large as she gazed upon her dying grandfather.

"Look at you," Com whispered. "So big already… How old are you?"

"I'm six," said Portia.

"Already?" Com raised an eyebrow. "That's right, your birthday was last month…"

He coughed. "You have a lot to live up to. Your grandpa wants you to be just like your parents when you grow up."

Portia smiled. "Me too."

Com smiled. "I remember the girl you were named after. She was one of the bravest people I knew. I want you to be like her, too."

Portia nodded as Com continued. "Portia's life… was hard. Very hard. I did what I could to make it easier… Not a day goes by I don't think I could have done more… I want you to spend your life looking for people like her, and raising them up as best you can. Promise me you'll do that, Port?"

"I promise, Grandpa," said Portia.

Com smiled. "Apollon."

Apollon knelt by his father-in-law's bedside.

"I wanted to say… how proud I am," said Com, squeezing his hand firmly. "The good you've done for the galaxy… Your noble spirit… I'm proud to have fought by your side, from Hoth to Endor to Jakku."

"I'm proud to have fought with you too," Apollon smiled.

"This galaxy your daughter will grow up in," said Com, "is one we've all fought hard to bring about. But remember the fight isn't over. Even though the Empire was defeated. Don't you become complacent. Corruption and darkness are everywhere. It is our duty to keep it at bay. For the sake of our children. Do not run from it, like I did once upon a time. Be a light, and when you can, fight against it."

Apollon nodded. "I'll remember that."

"Don't let this Republic fall to corruption as the old one did… Senator," Com urged. "It is your responsibility."

"I will," Apollon promised.

Com smiled. "You've been good to my daughter. I have see you grow together. You are strong. Hold fast to each other, and your daughter will be strong as well."

Com turned to Leela. "My child."

Apollon stood and took Portia's hand, stepping back to allow Leela to kneel at her father's bedside.

"I know you think it's too soon," he sighed. "I'd hoped for a few decades more as well."

"I'll miss you," she whispered.

"Rejoice for those who transform into the Force," said Com, touching her cheek.

Leela smiled. "Master Yoda."

"I couldn't remember who said it," Com chuckled slightly. "I only knew I'd read it in a book of Jedi wisdom. I thought Yoda's adages were usually said backwards."

"No," Leela replied with a watery laugh. "I remember. Yoda said that."

Com smiled. "I will always be with you."

Leela swallowed as the tears ran down her cheeks. "I know, Papa."

"We'll be waiting for you," said Com.

Leela broke down. She shuddered as she held her father's hand. He placed his other hand over hers. "Shhh."

"May the Force be with you," said Apollon quietly.

"It will always be with you," said Com, his voice growing fainter. "And so will I…"

Com closed his eyes, but it was as though they were still open. He saw little Portia clutching her father's arm. Leela knelt by his side, her tears falling onto his hand. And he saw two others standing in the room with them. Behind Leela was her mother, laying a comforting hand on her daughter's back. Kaltha smiled at Com and he smiled back.

His eyes drifted to the Weequay girl at the back of the room, clothed in gold, her leathery skin no longer stretched thin across her bones, eyes no longer heavy with pain and guilt. Portia smiled at Com with gratitude and looked at Apollon. As Apollon laid a hand on Leela's shoulder, Portia walked over to his daughter as she began to sniffle. She stroked Portia's hair comfortingly.

"Com."

Com turned his head. There stood Koodo, his eyes shimmering like star systems. Next to him was the one who had called his name— Korma, in Jedi robes and bathed a glowing blue aura. Korma smiled and glanced at the holographic display next to Com's bed. The three-dimensional graphs slowly flattened and the numbers dwindled to zero.

"They're waiting for you," said Korma. "Your sister. And your niece."

"Cam..." Com breathed. "Cammie..."

Koodo extended a hand. Com took it, rose, and looked at his family one last time.

"They'll be okay," he said.

"There will be many trials to come," said Korma. "But it's like Koodo always said.

Du doompa dopa gusha.

For the lowly, there is always hope.