Roddum remembered the moments before the old bar exploded, turning the corner with Gaiis just before watching the entire building go up in a blinding light and deafening thunderous explosion. His father was in there, and no doubt his mother was already dead, that left him with almost nothing. The past two years have been spent with Gaiis, someone who has become somewhat of a friend, despite their differences. He never thought the day would come where he'd say that to himself, but loneliness does a lot of things.

He and Gaiis pushed through the smoke and dust left behind by the explosion, stepping over the smoldering debris of what used to be the entrance. As his father promised, the small steel case remained unharmed by the event, unlike the bodies of everyone inside, evaporated and reduced to nothing. Roddum retrieved the case just in time to evade the incoming blaster fire. Gaiis shot two before turning heel after him. They hurried out of the charred ruins and up through the exterior corridor that led to a small backyard behind the neighborhood houses.

"Take care of yourself! I'll be back!" He pushed Gaiis ahead. She nodded before he jumped away.

Now over the buildings, he witnessed the hordes of Imperials rustling across the streets, kicking in doors and throwing civilians out into the sand. He jumped from the low-cut houses high onto the much taller spires darted across the city, making as many shortcuts as he could to reach his ship. However, on the way over, he noticed another shuttle, similar to his but clearly in use by the Empire, simply sitting there with no protection. He saw an opportunity, and lept down behind the vessel, leaving a small detonator just underneath a wing before jumping away onto a nearby sandstone roof. The location where his ship was parked was close, and the landing trench it sat in was being searched by a few straggler soldiers. He shot a smoke canister into the area and landed in between the group of four, quickly shooting them all with one swift motion with his sidearm. He saw the opportunity to quickly be done with them as they lined up quite nicely. He dropped the case into his ship and jumped back into the streets to recover Gaiis. Returning to the spot he left her, he was relieved that she didn't get very far, and prepared to rescue her from the stormtroopers pinning her into the dirt. With the launching of a smoke canister into the group, he lept down and booted the officer just watching over the commotion away several meters, scavenging Gaiis off the ground, and jumping away from the disoriented stormtroopers. He carried her away back to his vessel.

He set her down. They both quickly entered the craft, and Roddum nearly dove into his seat in the heat of the moment. He readied for lift off, Gaiis inspected the contents of the case, and they were quickly off the ground, leaving the planet Tatooine behind. Possibly forever.

However, Tie fighters were not far behind, so they had to jump to hyperspace immediately to escape their desperate pursuers. Roddum could finally relax and let his thoughts wander on the events of today. Gaiis meanwhile, clenched her fist as she viewed what was inside the case; her suit repaired, but not returned to pristine condition. The old wounds within the first two layers remained, but the third layer had been reconnected and stitched together with incredibly thin and durable microfibers, allowing the mechanical function of the suit to return to life (though not perfectly). It was the last remaining evidence of her previous life, and now she may wear it again. But of course, things have changed, her mind has changed. Though the suit will always fit her body, perhaps she will never acclimate herself again to the ideals and dreams that were left along with its inability to function. Will she fall into old habits? And even if she didn't, every thought, hope, dream, and desire associated with it will never come back. Too much has changed, the young girl she was years ago has evolved into a person that no longer sees those things the same way. Disillusioned.

Regardless, she decided to wear it, if only for the physical advantage it granted her. It was exactly how she remembered it, and was instantly comfortable.

Roddum meanwhile, came to accept what must be done next. He now has lost enough to realize as much. The destination for his vessel was Mandalore, he hoped to find an acquaintance of his father waiting for them. It was a small city situated just along the ocean, known for its idyllic location and popular tourist attractions. The city was called Taured.

Landing there at the small spaceport, Roddum had gathered plenty of supplies to fit into a medium-sized backpack. Gaiis followed him across the red brick roads, viewing the sandy beaches and massive ocean under the cool winter air and dim sun. They walked across a simple wooden bridge over and into the low city that's streets were brimming with people who looked to be enjoying themselves. There, on the outskirts of the town resided a small residence, with minimalist design and simple porch. Roddum removed his helmet and knocked on the tired wood door.

An older man stepped out to answer the knocking. His brown hair was greying at the temples, and his well-aged face was surprised to see who was waiting. "Oh… You're Maxis' son. Roddum"

Roddum sighed from his nose, pondering what to say, but the man continued. "I can guess what happened…" He glanced at the girl wearing a strange suit. "And I suspect you're going to need a transport somewhere?"

"She needs to go somewhere far from the Empire, and she probably needs a ship" Roddum turned to her, handing her the pack from his shoulders.

"What about you, boy?"

Roddum looked the man in the eyes, attempting to smile, but giving up almost immediately. "I have no idea" He shook his head.

"Well… Where do you think I should take her?"

"…" Roddum didn't know himself, but he saw potential in some areas. He blurted the first name that came to his head. "… Dantooine"

The man nodded and offered to let him inside, but he insisted that he shouldn't. Instead, he turned to Gaiis. "I don't think I'm a good man" He began, wanting to shake her hand, but realizing he couldn't. "But somehow, I feel as if I'm better than I was. I don't know how, but I'm thankful for at least that"

Gaiis understood his words, the past two years she focused on the language of this galaxy. And though her speech wasn't perfect, she did respond in a quiet tone as clear as she could. "I understand. Thank you, for not killing me"

Roddum watched as she entered the house and left him behind. He returned to his ship unsure of himself and his next move, but thinking that he may slowly revert back to his previous self, which didn't excite him. No matter what happened to him, the past two years somehow changed him, even when he couldn't remember most of it, or why she was the one to spark such a change, the thought of having lost everything would be a greater pain than he would ever face for the rest of his life.

Within the day, Gaiis would be on board the man's transport headed to Dantooine, specifically the capital, Garang. She was dead silent the entire trip, having nothing to say and knowing not how to feel. Once again she was alone, left to her own thoughts, listening to her every breath, feeling her heart beat as the hours tick by. Two years of being surrounded by others who seem to notice you was a novel experience, so to abandon it all and return to "normalcy" in such brief period of time was jarring and almost upsetting. Gaiis began to grow anxious of the silence inside the back room of the transport vessel. Reflecting on her life once again, the memories of childhood began to seem more pleasant than they actually were, simply because it was a simpler time, and the fondness of those days began to develop due to the desire to return to what was familiar and easy. She tried to push these thoughts away, as returning was impossible, and in no way were those days actually better than today.

The suit she wore felt colder than she remembered it. She thought her body heat would be enough, but perhaps she wasn't as used to it as before. However, as the suit did function once again, she remembered the useful feature that allowed the wearer to record visual information via their footsteps, and how of that information still resided within the suit's microscopic data box. The data box was located on the neck, which was negligibly damaged compared to the rest of the marred surface area and layers. Perhaps not much was lost at all. She was now excited to see what data remained, to know if her efforts truly meant nothing.

Dantooine was largely grass and fields with plenty of ocean. Several continents, one neared the equator, another in the south, and a final in the north, both near their respective poles. Landing at the city of Garang, the spaceport there was also noted for its exportation of food and supplies. Gaiis followed the man out of his transport, viewing the endless savannas just outside the city borders, they stretched to the ends of the horizon. The two close moons that orbited the planet were easily visible, even during the bright morning. Gaiis began to wonder why she was here on yet another planet she had no interest in, following someone else around for no apparent reason. In her mind, still, she was no more than a drone who had no means of independence for herself.

Eventually, they came upon a small village on the outskirts of the city, a simple farmland and humble homes. The man knocked on the door of the nearest house. "There's a man here, his name is X2, and he will help you better than I ever could. So listen to him, he's a good man"

Gaiis nodded and waited for the door to open. And when it did, out walked the man named X2, brown eyes and long brown hair, a scruffy beard with a concerned face once he realized what exactly was happening. He figured this would happen at some point.

"You must be Gaiis" He spoke softly. Gaiis nodded. "Maxis told me about you. We were friends at some point"

"Maxis is dead, X2…" The other man informed him.

"Yes, I figured. Let me take her off your hands"

"Thank you, I'll let Roddum know she's in good hands, if I can"

The men shook hands, and X2 let Gaiis inside his simple home, being careful as not to touch the suit he's heard so much about. There was a small wooden chair sitting in his mostly empty living room, and he asked Gaiis to sit if she wished. She did, and he pulled up another chair from his kitchen.

Taking a seat, X2 began to explain himself. "Years ago, I met Maxis during one of his regular journeys across the galaxy to sell his skills. I asked him to repair an important keepsake of mine, and we soon became friends. Since he settled down on Tatooine, we didn't talk much"

Gaiis listened as closely as she could, though she found it difficult to be invested in his story. He continued. "But, recently, he was telling me about working on your suit, and how close he was to finally repairing it… He also told me, that you were in my protection if something happened to him"

"Why you?"

X2 met his eyes with hers as he leaned forwards in his seat. "Because I am a Jedi"

Gaiis' eyes widened at the reveal. She wondered about the Jedi for a long time, and the powers they supposedly held. Though he could be lying, there was nothing to do but take him at his word until he could prove it to her, which he soon would. He retrieved the "keepsake" he spoke of, a lightsaber with a bright blue blade. He ignited it to illuminate the dimly lit room and prove his words.

"I was asked to take you to the Rebel Alliance, since I would know where to look for them. I know the galaxy is interested in you, bounties are everywhere, and the Rebel Alliance I'm sure would want to know about you as well"

"What is that?" Gaiis asked.

"The Rebel Alliance? They want freedom from the Empire's rule, and they have a lot of manpower to do it, Jedi included… I just, uhm… Have no interest in politics" he sighed. "So I tried to stay out of it"

Both sat in silence for a moment before X2 went on. "But now I can't, I realize the greater implications, so I'll help you" He smiled as he extinguished the lightsaber, rising from his seat. "I've done terrible things… And I want to redeem myself"

Gaiis nodded, unclear on what he meant, but certain he meant well, she could see it in his tired brown eyes. X2 had no means of leaving just yet, but he was determined to find a craft that would transport he and Gaiis to the Alliance. As the days passed, he continued to search for a ship, Gaiis followed along. Sometimes, X2 would demonstrate his powers to her, which always captivated her interests. Many years of being controlled by technology only to learn of these mystical powers. Needless to say, she was somehow attracted to it.

(Days Later)

(Tatooine)

In a small hut in the middle of nowhere, rests an old Jedi Master. He's spent years surviving by the skin of his teeth, alone, as he keeps a close eye on the son of his former friend. He grows weary of the task, but chooses to not abandon it. However, he receives an unexpected visit from another old friend, an older friend.

"Qui-Gon…?" Obi-Wan wipes his dry skin with a wet rag as he exits his small abode.

Qui-Gon Jinn waited for Kenobi to rub his eyes and inspect the unexpected arrival. "… Hello, Obi-Wan"

"What are you doing here?" Kenobi walked over to meet his old friend.

"Have you felt it?" Jinn crossed his arms.

"Perhaps… Should I be concerned?"

"Perhaps. I suspect something, the Force is telling me to suspect something"

"I understand"

The two men began to walk together. Obi-Wan was pleased to see his old friend again, and Jinn too, but his mind was focused on other things. Obi-Wan was aware of this. "I sense you've been tiring yourself adventuring, Qui-Gon?"

"Recruiting allies, for whatever danger we may face in the future. Some have been reluctant, but I am certain something will happen, I assured them that"

"I see. I will be there when you need me"

"I know"

They continued to walk, until witnessing a small sandstone house on the horizon. The suns began to rise soon after, and out walked two people from the hut, a man, and a small boy.

"Is he well?" Qui-Gon smiled to himself.

"He's been well for quite some time, even if he can't notice yet"

"Good…" Jinn turned to his friend, inspecting his greying beard and long hair, the clearer lines on his face, and the weakening intonations in his voice. "I still remember when you were a boy, Obi-Wan"

Kenobi smiled as he continued watching the boy far in the distance. "I hoped you wouldn't"

"Hmm… Well, I must be going"

"So soon?" Obi-Wan turned to his former master.

"Unfortunately yes. I will return when the day arrives I need your help"

"I'll be waiting then"

The two bowed to each other, a motion Kenobi hadn't performed in a long while, his back hurt more than expected due to this. Jinn returned to his ship, just in time to avoid the tormenting suns' heat. Waiting for him was Chirrut Imwe on board the vessel. The craft could easily hold more than the two of them, and it was intended to. Qui-Gon knew that such a craft would be necessary, as he had found allies that would join him on his quest when the time was right. Chirrut Imwe held a list given to him by the recently updated Rebel Alliance that named plenty of other possible allies that the two haven't contacted yet, and they went down the list to determine who was next and where they could possibly be. They had begun to reach out to Jedi as of recently, and the next on the list was someone whom Jinn has had little interaction with, but trusted nonetheless. Rahm Kota, whom apparently had formed a minor militia of his own, and Bail Organa wanted to get into contact with him as quickly as possible. His whereabouts were generally unknown, but the effects his militia has had on the Empire have been noted. The last possible location that Kota's troops have been was Dantooine, being a nuisance for the Empire by bombing their outposts all over the planet. Qui-Gon and Chirrut Imwe agreed to head there and search for the time being. And thankfully, a hiding Jedi named Falon Grey was also rumored to be on Dantooine as well, and Jinn was hoping to recruit him as well.

They decided to search the most populated area on the planet, the capital of Garang. The Empire had several outposts inside the city, most of which had been destroyed. Once landing the craft in a good distance outside the city, in an empty valley close to small farming village, Qui-Gon agreed to go on the search inside the city while Imwe stayed behind to look after the vessel. Jinn walked a wide birth around the village, as not draw any attention to himself with his trooper armor equipped. Once he walked the road into the city, he took note of the layout, thousands of moderately sized structures all scattered across the savanna, a large river separated the two only districts, and the Imperial outposts were easily spotted by their large radio beacons protruding over the city skyline. The tall and thick savanna grass gradually shrank the further he walked into the city, and the roads and concrete surfaces took over. The two moons that filled the midnight sky brightly illuminated the rooftops, which Jinn took to quickly as he inspected the fallen encampments.

He heard a quiet shuffling behind him on the rooftop, and quickly turned with hand on lightsaber hilt. It was man with a simple battle helmet, his weapon aimed at Qui-Gon's hidden face behind the dark stormtrooper helmet.

Jinn noted the uniqueness of the man's gear. "Are you part of Rahm Kota's militia?" He spoke softly.

That man didn't hesitate to shoot, but the shot was quickly deflected by Jinn's green blade. The man stood in shock, and the old master realized he should remove his helmet. "My name is Qui-Gon Jinn, I'm looking for Rahm Kota. I am a Jedi, as he is"

"Oh… Alright!" The man lowered his weapon. "Follow me. He's been looking for some sort of help"

Jinn cautiously followed the solider across the tightly nit roofs, soon dropping down into a dark corner of the city that couldn't be seen from anywhere aside the rooftops, especially in the black of night. It was a small warehouse that Qui-Gon followed the man into, mostly empty with nothing but dusty walls and large empty metal shelves. The man stopped at an old wall, crouching down to slip underneath the metal shelf leaning against it, and to the Jedi's surprise, dropped down a small shaft, a shaft that appeared to be manmade. He followed closely behind, descending into the hole until finding himself in an old basement, and standing in front of a wooden door dimly lit by a single torch. The soldier knocked on the door with a specific rhythm until it slowly opened, revealing another man checking the two.

"Tell the General we found a Jedi. His name is Qui-Gon Jinn!"

The man viewed the old Jedi and nodded.

And soon, Rahm Kota himself returned to open the door for the Jedi, letting him inside. "Well, I'll be" Kota walked Jinn over to his planning table. "I imagine you're not hear to simply talk?"

"No. I am requesting your joining with the Rebel Alliance, as we have suspicions about the Empire's superweapon, among other things"

"There's a rebel alliance? Formed by who? And with who?"

"By Bail Organa, Senator Amidala, and many others who oppose the Empire's rule. They have started their own military campaign, much sooner than even they expected"

"I see… Hmm" Kota stroked his beard. "How large is this military you speak of?"

"Within time, large enough"

Kota smiled and laughed. "Heh, I like that answer… Well, anyway, I'd love to help you, but if you couldn't tell, we've been dealing with a bad hand down here"

"How so?" Jinn sat down in a nearby chair as he inspected the intricate and complicated plans lain across the table.

"We lost most of us dealing with the outposts. But there is one left in this city, across the river, the mother base of sorts. The Empire was either going to drive us out of this city, or kill of us, but we found a lucky solution with this basement"

"Is Falon Grey with you?" Qui-Gon asked.

"That's funny, that's partially why we're here. I sensed… Something, but we were also determined to liberate this city. So we came, took out every other outpost and easily over expended ourselves. Most of us are dead, but we're are not leaving until we finish what we came for"

"Have you planned your attack on the mother base?"

"Yes, but only with what we have left"

"I'll help you then" Qui-Gon stood from his seat. "Then we'll look for Falon Grey together, and get you and your militia to the Alliance" Jinn held out his hand.

"Alright then" The old Jedi shook the other's hand. "As long as your Rebel friends are as capable as you say they are"

Jinn smiled as he released Kota's hand. "I am sure you will take a liking to them"

"I hope so too, for their sake"