Just as they got out of Mustafar's atmosphere, Ahsoka saw the space battle happening. Then she noticed that the hangars of the rebel ships including the stolen Imperial carrier were facing away from the Imperial fleet in weird and unusual angles, with several squadrons in flanking formation firing torpedoes at the Imperial Star Destroyer and the light cruisers.
A smile displayed across her face. "The Marg Sabl," She mumbled.
It was a tactical maneuver in naval warfare that Ahsoka herself invented when she was only fourteen years old. She had come up with it in a midst of a Separatist blockade over the planet of Ryloth back during the Clone Wars. She and her master were tasked to destroy the blockade to make way for Obi-Wan Kenobi's ground assault on the planet's surface. She remembered leading the flanking fighters while Anakin was on an escape pod.
The maneuver instills a warship to turn its hangar away from its attacker to allow its fighters to be launched unseen, coming around their ship from all sides and attacking the enemy from every direction at once.
"It's a proven tactic, sir," Rex spoke up. "And of course, you should know that. You invented it."
Ezra turned to her in awe. "You invented a space battle tactic?"
"I had to," Ahsoka explained. "We were outnumbered and couldn't get reinforcements so we had to get creative and made do with what we have."
"It was a hard time, Ezra," Darius said as he piloted the ship. "We were kids thrown into the frontlines with soldiers."
"Well, it worked," Kanan informed, pointing at the viewports. "The frigates are down." He then fiddled with his comlink. "I'll contact the fleet. Hopefully, we can—incoming TIE Fighters!"
"I see it," Darius pointed out.
Everyone else glanced out the transparisteel viewports and saw one squadron of TIE Fighters coming towards them from the Imperial Star Destroyer.
The TIEs flew past them at first before going on their tail and started firing.
Ahsoka turned to Rex. "Rex, contact the fleet." She ordered. "Tell them to get ready to jump into lightspeed."
"But, sir," Rex started to argue. "What about the TIEs?"
"I'll take care of the TIEs," Ahsoka assured. "Just tell them to get ready." She then sat on the other pilot's seat beside Darius and nudged him. "Darius, move. Let me fly."
"What?" Darius exclaimed, keeping his eyes on the viewports.
"If you want us to make it to the fleet in one piece, you will let me fly this shuttle." Ahsoka insisted. "Now, move!"
Darius reluctantly released his hold on his console while Ahsoka gripped hers.
"You're on guns with me," Ahsoka instructed. "Hang on, back there."
Darius sighed. "I hate it when she says that."
Rex and Wolffe hurriedly strapped themselves, while Kanan and Ezra looked confused.
Darius noticed them. "Hey, what are you doing?" He asked. "Strap yourselves in."
"I don't think it's—Whoa!" Kanan's sentence was cut short when he was thrown backwards with Ezra.
Ahsoka maneuvered the fighter upwards to avoid being hit, then finished off the attacker from behind. It was a maneuver she'd learned from her master. Fly upwards and upside down, then fire. Though I wouldn't recommend it, Anakin had said with a grin.
She remembered that she used to crash a lot of fighters in her day, just like Anakin. Even Obi-Wan doesn't like it when either Ahsoka herself or Anakin was flying.
"Sorry," Ahsoka said as she flew them back to their normal flying stance. "I told you to hang on." She told them as she fired at the pursuing TIEs.
Meanwhile, Rex had gotten through their allies in the rebel ships.
"Phoenix cruiser," Rex said through their commchannel. "This is Captain Rex," He said. "We are on board a stolen Imperial shuttle."
"Acknowledged, Captain," It was Commander Jun Sato's voice. "This is Commander Sato. Is the General with you?" He asked.
"Commander," Ahsoka spoke up, at the same time still evading the TIEs firing at them. "Call in all the fighters back to the carrier and prepare to jump into lightspeed."
"But, General," Jun Sato argued. "We still have the Destroyer and you've got several TIEs on your tail."
"Leave that all to me," Ahsoka assured.
Commander Sato took a few seconds before speaking again like he was hesitating. Ahsoka couldn't blame him. Because the last time she gave orders, she was captured by the Empire.
"Yes, General," Commander Sato finally said before cutting off the holo-transmission.
A few moments later, they could see that the X-Wings, Y-Wings, and A-Wing starfighters returning to the stolen carrier.
Ahsoka did her best to try and distract the TIEs tailing on the returning fighters by firing at them. And once, all wings were back, a new plan came to her.
With the frigates gone, all the Empire had left, at least by orbit, was the Star Destroyer. Fighting in the Clone Wars, she knew what it's like working in the command bridge. And looking at it now, she could tell that their deflector shields were disabled and the Communications and Sensor Arrays were also knocked out.
Well, she was going to destroy that Star Destroyer.
Instead of going with the rest of the rebel starfighters to the carrier, she flew the ship around, still evading the pursuing TIE fighters.
"Uh, Ahsoka," Darius said a little panicky. "The Rebel fleet is that way! Where are you going?"
"Try to relax, Kymeri," Ahsoka assured. "It's all under control."
Ahsoka realized a way for the Empire to use their own weapons against them. And with the other fighters out of the way, she knew the TIEs would use their tracking torpedoes to destroy the shuttle they were on.
"Ahsoka, where are we going?" Ezra asked.
"You'll see."
That did not exactly reassure anyone. But since Rex and Wolffe have been quiet the entire time, she figured they have to trust her like they did during the Clone Wars. Darius, Kanan, and Ezra, however, have been on edge.
And despite that, she stayed on course, until, without a doubt, the TIEs released their tracking torpedoes.
"Here we go," Ahsoka snickered. "This is where the fun begins."
"What?" Darius shrieked in horror.
"Darius, convert all ship's power to its engines." She said. "It's time to use the Empire's own weapons against them."
Darius did as she asked, and Ahsoka then flew straight towards the Imperial Star Destroyer.
"The torpedoes have locked onto us." Kanan pointed out.
"I know." She replied.
Ahsoka flew the shuttle towards the bow of the Star Destroyer, navigating through its engineering bay and its laser emplacements with several of the torpedoes hitting it. She then flew straight up the command bridge and the remaining torpedoes slamming into the superstructure, destroying it.
The Star Destroyer was now falling into orbit with its hull burning into Mustafar's atmosphere.
She could see escape pods being launched, but she wasn't worried because she knew escape pods aren't equipped with firepower.
"And that, gentlemen, is how it's done." She said as they flew towards the Carrier.
Once they landed on the Carrier, the entire fleet then made the jump into hyperspace.
. . .
Commander Sato and several others gathered to meet them as they exited the stolen Imperial shuttle. Ahsoka came out last and as she did, everyone saluted at her.
"Welcome back, General." Rex acknowledged.
Ahsoka simply gave a nod and a smile. "I can pretend to be angry because you disobeyed my orders to not stage a rescue. But then again, following direct orders isn't always the best way to solve problems, so thank you. I will forever be in your debt."
The feeling of being welcomed back felt surreal. It was almost the same when she was welcomed back by her master, Anakin, and surprised her with a new division under her command, the 332nd Company. Those clones had painted their helmets in the likes of her face markings, but with Order 66 had all tried to kill her.
It was somewhat the same feeling, except this time the people who welcomed her back were not clones. Unlike the clones, who were specifically bred for war, these were people who voluntarily got together for one goal, and that is to take down the Empire. Like her, they had lost love ones to the Empire and wanted justice.
While Ahsoka and the extraction team were given medical attention, Darius approached her.
"I never really thanked you today," He said.
Ahsoka frowned. "For what?"
"You saved my life countless times back there," Darius pointed out. "Thank you."
"What are friends for?" Ahsoka shrugged. "Anyways, where are you off to after?" She asked.
"Well, I've got a thought about that," He said. "You see, I was on the run for so many years," He continued. "I may have heard of the rebellion a couple of years ago, but thought nothing of it. After they had every Jedi killed, including my master, I had lost hope. Then I realized we Jedi represent hope."
She nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we are."
"I don't need to run anymore." Darius declared. "I've found a cause worth fighting for. I think I'll be staying."
Ahsoka smiled and placed a hand on Darius' shoulder. "Welcome to the Rebellion."
. . .
They got out of hyperspace and came to the Yavin System, where the base was now. Ahsoka had ordered the rebels to evacuate Atollon, just in case. So if she'd have to reveal the location of the rebel base, which she did, she technically wouldn't be lying.
But Ahsoka had never intended the price paid in giving up that information would be Lux's own life. And the fact that he was willing to die just for him to save her from not saying anything, made her even guiltier.
Don't lose a thousand lives, just to save one. Ahsoka had told Lux why the rebels shouldn't waste their time staging a rescue, but she had just eaten her words. Not knowing if the rebels fled Atollon, Ahsoka gave up the information the Empire needed to save Lux. But regardless, they still killed him, right in front of her to break her spirit.
Ahsoka was so lost in thought that she hadn't noticed the shuttle they were on had already landed on the Yavin 4, one of the moons of Yavin Prime and the location of an established Rebel Base.
"Ahsoka," Darius called. "Ahsoka, we're here."
"Huh," She said, snapping back to reality. "Oh, right. Of course."
Ahsoka took a deep breath before stepping out into the stone hangar of the refurbished Great Temple of the extinct Massassi race.
She was greeted by other rebel cell Commanders, Vanden Willard and Jan Dodonna. It was easy to recognize them among the crowd since they both have graying hair.
Commander Willard nodded in acknowledgment. "Welcome back to the Massassi Outpost, General."
"Thank you, Commander," Ahsoka said. "So, what's the situation here?"
"Well," Commander Dodonna spoke up. "As per your orders, the three cells have evacuated Atollon."
Ahsoka nodded. "Good," She said. "Anything else?"
"Our other cells have evacuated from our base in Dantooine."
She frowned. "Why?"
"The Empire noticed activity going on," Commander Willard explained. "They sent an Imperial shuttle to investigate and our allies were spotted."
"They managed to intercept the shuttle," Commander Dodonna said. "But their transmission logs showed that the information about the base has been already reported to the Empire."
Ahsoka sighed. Another base gone, she thought. It was probably why she noticed that there were so many wing fighters on the stone hangar. Everyone was already in one place.
"Also, General," Commander Willard cleared his throat. "Senator Organa is waiting for you in the Central Command as we speak."
Ahsoka headed towards the Central Command at the second level of the ancient temple. Inside, several other Commanders of other cells were there with two Imperial senators, Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, who represented Alderaan and Chandrila respectively. The Princess of Alderaan, Leia, also stood by her adoptive father's side. And everyone was surrounding a holo-projector table.
Leia was the first to notice Ahsoka enter, to which she ran to her and wrapped her in a hug.
"General!" Leia said. "I'm so glad you're okay."
Ahsoka managed a smile and returned the same hug. "It's good to see you too, Your Highness."
When they broke free from the hug, Leia made a face at her like, I told you not to call me that! But she somehow shrugged it off, seeing they were in front of other people and officials. They have to sound formal at some point.
Everyone inside turned to her and smiled.
"Welcome back, General," Bail Organa greeted. "It's such a relief to see you safe and back here."
"All in a day's work, Senator," Ahsoka replied.
"I heard Senator Lux Bonteri was captured with you," Bail brought up. "Did he escape with you?" He asked.
Hearing Lux's name again, Ahsoka's face darkened and she looked down. "I'm sorry," Her voice broke. "I wasn't able to save him. An Inquisitor killed him under Tarkin's orders. Right in front of me."
Ahsoka will never forget how that happened. It was practically burned in her memory now. She will never forget the determination and bravery on Lux's face when he said he'd be willing to die for the rebellion.
Leia gently touched Ahsoka's arm, which surprised her. The princess gave her a look of sympathy. Of course, because Leia knew of her connection to Lux.
At that point, Ahsoka was only holding back her tears. There's no way she's crying in front of everyone. I'm the General, She mentally reminded herself. I can't be viewed as a weakling in times of distress. People look up to me. I should be an example.
. . .
Bail Organa and Mon Mothma agreed to have a memorial service in honor of Lux. So later that day, everyone was asked to gather in the Massassi Temple's throne room.
The ceremonial hall was filled with people. Ahsoka didn't want to be there, as the thought of Lux and the ways she could've saved him would only make her sad. But as their General, she needed to be there.
Bail Organa's speech about Lux made Ahsoka teary-eyed, but she held back all the tears as she didn't want others to see her as a weakling. It was especially hard since they had a holo-image of Lux shown.
"Today, we acknowledge a terrible loss," Bail Organa announced. "Lux Bonteri was a hardworking, fair-minded man who always put the needs of others before himself. He was a great representative of his people and a very good friend. But like most of us, he's a flawed man. The Empire used that to their advantage, and they executed him. A defenseless man, whose only weapon of choice was his words. He has been silenced, yes. Because they see him as a threat. But we are not going to let this loss be the reason to end what we do here. Lux and the others who had died for this cause understood the risks, the sacrifices they made, and all they needed to do. And it is our job now to not let their deaths be for nothing."
Afterwards, they celebrated their small victory against the Empire when they rescued Ahsoka out from Mustafar. Food and drinks were served but amidst the celebration, Ahsoka excused herself from the crowd.
She walked outside the temple and leaped from level to level until she reached the top.
The view from the Massassi Temple's roof deck was far different from that of Chopper Base. Yavin 4's terrain was covered with dense forests with thick and tall trees in all directions, unlike the endless mountains and dunes of sand in Atollon.
But at night time, the trees were barely visible. Up on the roof deck, the only source of light was the faint red glow of the giant gas planet of Yavin and the millions of stars scattered in the sky.
Ahsoka's thoughts went back to Lux and suddenly tears were streaming down her cheeks. She still couldn't believe he's gone. And it didn't seem fair that they were celebrating their small victory while Lux had died trying to save her.
. . .
Rex was relieved that they got out of Mustafar alive. Going to that planet, plus the terrain itself is a death sentence. If you were a prisoner taken in, there's no way you'll make it out alive unless you have help.
The Rebel fleet covering in the atmosphere was spearheaded by the Phoenix squadron. Rex had suggested the Marg Sabl, a battle tactic Ahsoka had invented, to Jun Sato before going with the other members of the extraction team towards the surface of the planet. And they delivered. The scenario was just like what they did on Ryloth's atmosphere during the Clone Wars.
Going back to Yavin 4, Ahsoka resumed her post as the General. She retained her composure and confidence despite being tortured by the Empire for information. But Rex could tell that she was barely holding it together. She may not show it, but knowing her and working alongside her since she was young, Rex could always tell if she was not okay.
Plus, after hearing Lux was killed by Inquisitors, he could only imagine how Ahsoka's doing at the moment. And Bail Organa's speech about the late senator of Onderon had only pushed Ahsoka to her edge.
Whilst they were in the middle of a celebration, Rex could see Ahsoka going through the crowd, heading out of the Temple.
Halfway, Rex approached her. "You alright, Littl'un?" He asked.
Ahsoka nodded in response. "I'm fine," She said, obviously lying. "Excuse me."
Rex followed her as she got out of the Temple and saw her climbing the Massassi Temple, leaping from level to level until reaching the top.
Fortunately for him, he wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Captain," A female voice called.
Rex turned and found the Princess of Alderaan standing beside him with a worried expression on her face.
"Is Ahsoka alright?" She asked. "Where is she going?"
"I'm not sure, Your Highness," He admitted.
Leia sighed, clearly worried about Ahsoka. "Is there a turbolift that can take us to where she is?"
"Of course, Princess," He replied. "She usually goes to the roof deck when something's bothering her or she wants to be alone or she wants to relax and clear her mind off something."
"Mm-hmm," Leia nodded. "I think she's trying to do all three. Can you please take me to her?"
Rex nodded in agreement. "Right this way, Your Highness." He gestured for her to follow him.
They rode the turbolift in silence until the princess uttered a word.
"Oh, by the way, Captain," She spoke up. "You can call me Leia."
Rex frowned. "But—"
"Oh, you don't have to worry about other people," She assured. "Or care what other high-ranking officials say. It's a complete bantha poodoo if you ask me."
Rex chuckled. Strangely, the way the princess herself put her words together, and her own reckless behavior reminded him of the General he used to serve during the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker. If the Jedi could have children, Leia could easily pass off as Anakin's daughter.
. . .
On the roof deck, Ahsoka had cried her eyes out. It's the one place besides her quarters that she can be by herself and be alone with her thoughts.
Or so she thought. Ahsoka hadn't noticed that someone else was there until they spoke up, nearly startling her.
"Ahsoka?" It was Leia's voice. The Princess probably came to check on her, which both touched and irritated Ahsoka.
She quickly wiped her tears and turned to see the Princess of Alderaan with Captain Rex standing closely behind her.
"What are you doing here?" Ahsoka demanded.
"We just came to check on you, sir," Rex responded.
"Don't be mad at Captain Rex," Leia defended. "I asked him to take me to you."
Ahsoka raised an eyebrow at Rex. "Of course, I'm not surprised." She said. "I just wanted to be alone for a while."
Leia approached her and wrapped her arm around her waist. "But you don't have to be alone," She insisted. "You have friends you can lean on."
"The Princess is right, Littl'un," Rex agreed.
Leia made a face at him. "Captain, what did I say about calling me that?"
Rex flinched. "Right, my apologies, Leia."
Ahsoka chuckled. It was heartwarming to know that Leia allowed Rex to call her by her first name. Because if she does that, it means you have earned her respect and trust.
"I'm so sorry about Lux," Leia brought up.
Hearing his name again nearly brought Ahsoka to tears.
Leia went on to inform her that Lux's body had been returned to his home planet of Onderon.
Ahsoka kept her eyes on the horizon. "Did they expose him as a Rebel sympathizer?"
Leia took a deep breath before speaking again. "They did," She confirmed. "According to my father, the Emperor told the Imperial Senate that he was. There weren't many details but he did mention that Lux was linked to the Rebel General they had captured. You, a former Jedi he had fought alongside with during the Clone Wars."
"What else did they say?" Ahsoka asked.
"Well, that he was killed by the people from our cause." Leia continued. "Specifically the Jedi, because we're supposedly afraid that he'll sell the secrets he knew to the Empire."
Ahsoka sighed in frustration. "Gotta give it to the Empire for twisting the story once again."
"And word has it," Leia said. "That the King of Onderon will be arranging a funeral in the capital city of Iziz in Lux's honor."
"That's good to know," Ahsoka said. "At least his people will know how much he had sacrificed to give them better lives."
"My father and I are going to his funeral in Iziz," Leia brought up. "You can come with us."
"I can't." Ahsoka shook her head. "And if I'll have to bet an X-Wing, I'd say they'll be waiting for me to show up."
Leia blinked at her. "What do you mean?" She asked. "Don't you wanna see him for the last time?"
"As much as I want to, I can't," Ahsoka pointed out. "The Empire already knows who I am now. They'll probably recognize me anywhere. And I don't need another death on my conscience."
"Forgive me for asking, General," Rex interjected. "But how can you be sure?"
"Knowing the Empire, they'll use his funeral to their advantage again," She explained. "They'd expect that several of his 'allies' from our cause will show up and they'll be ready to arrest them."
Rex went to stand beside her. "Well, whatever happens," He said. "We're here for you. I know being a general is not easy. Not just because of the huge responsibility, but knowing the fact that once you send people off into battle, not all of them will return."
Ahsoka nodded. "Fighting in the Clone wars taught me that," She said. "It was the longest three years of my life. And also, one of the best times. Not the war itself, but the friends I made."
"Well, I have a feeling this fight will be longer." Rex guessed. "But this time, it's different. These people aren't clones who are bred for war and grew up in bacta tanks in Kamino, these people are of different races and from different star systems, coming together for one goal. And that is remarkable."
"Captain Rex is right," Leia agreed. "Rebellions are built on hope. That's what makes this cause worth fighting for."
Hearing them say those things, gave Ahsoka warmth and comfort. They reminded her of why she kept fighting. They may have different races, come from different star systems, and speak in different tongues, but they have one goal altogether. To take down the Empire, bring justice to the people they have silenced, and restore peace to the galaxy.
Ahsoka felt a little better. "You're both right." She finally said. "And we must do our part to keep the spark of hope ablaze."
With Rex and Leia keeping her company, Ahsoka felt a little better. Rex wasn't just a clone captain who served under her master, he was someone she regarded as a brother and a very good friend. Leia, well, a part of Anakin lives in her (with her being his daughter), and the thought of that alone is comforting despite where Anakin is now.
Rex placed a hand on her shoulder. "It'll be alright, Littl'un," He assured. "He would want you to carry on and do what you need to do."
. . .
Despite declining the Organas and the risk of being recognized by the Empire, Ahsoka still went to Onderon for Lux's funeral.
Ahsoka, of course, had to blend in with the crowd. She wore a cloak with a hood covering her face. She originally had no intention of coming but Leia's words got to her. Don't you wanna see him for the last time? And she so wanted to.
It was held in Yolahn Square just by the foot of Unifar Temple, which happened to be the King of Onderon's royal residence. And it was packed with people who had gathered to pay homage and their respects to their late senator.
As expected, Stormtroopers were scattered in the area. Ready to arrest anyone who caused a scene or someone who'll look suspiciously like one of the rebels. Whatever the case, Ahsoka avoided them, as she knew they're expecting her to show up because of her ties to Lux.
The King of Onderon, Ramsis Dendup, who looked older than she remembered, made a speech about Lux's accomplishments as their system's senator. He said something about serving Onderon for half of his life because he started when he was only sixteen years old after replacing his mother as a representative, then how Lux worked to get them into the Republic and eventually, the Empire.
Afterwards, the Royal Onderon Militia paved the way among the crowd for the procession of the casket to its final resting place, probably next to where Lux's parents were buried. The others on the podium with the king walked behind the casket, which was guided by royal guards.
The king was surprisingly able to keep up and walked briskly despite his age. Beside him, was the general of the Royal Onderon Militia, Akenathen Tandin. Other attendees include fellow senators, Bail Organa of Alderaan and Mon Mothma of Chandrila, along with several others, including, the Princess of Alderaan herself, Leia Organa.
The people were allowed to throw flowers at the casket when it passed by. Ahsoka had come prepared as she held a single stem of the Marg Sabl. No, it wasn't the tactical maneuver that she created for naval warfare, it was the Togrutan flower that usually opened its petals in a sunburst shape every morning. It was the same flower she named the tactic after.
It wasn't much but at least, she was there. Seeing him for the last time despite the circumstances. She threw the flower and it landed on top of Lux's casket.
And when she did, Leia noticed her among the crowd, which made her halt in her steps. The princess simply gave her a sympathetic smile, until her father had to pull her to get back to the procession.
Ahsoka didn't stay long. Right after the casket passed her, she left the crowd and quietly snuck into the Unifar Temple.
Before they parted ways in Atollon, they promised each other they would climb up the roof deck of Onderon's royal palace again. With Lux's demise, that isn't going to happen anymore. But for his sake, Ahsoka decided to go.
She climbed up to the roof deck where Lux first pulled her to see a full view of Iziz. And just as she was about to walk to the permacrete rail, her comlink beeped. When she checked, the transmission was on the Fulcrum frequency.
Ahsoka took a deep breath before answering. "This is Fulcrum."
"This is Fulcrum," A male voice replied.
Ahsoka recognized who it was. Cassian Andor, she thought. She remembered every fulcrum agents' name and voice who report directly to her. And Cassian Andor was a Fulcrum agent in the Albarrio Sector.
"The Empire has a new superweapon," Cassian reported. "They call it, Project Stardust. And we found the location of its plans."
"Acknowledged," She said. "I'll meet you at Base One. Fulcrum out."
That will have to wait, she thought.
Once the transmission went off, Ahsoka walked towards and stood on the same spot where she and Lux shared their first real kiss.
She remembered how much of a difficult time that was for her. The Jedi were forbidden to have any form of attachments with anyone and yet, there she was, kissing a senator of the Galactic Republic. It was considered sacrilege and she would've been expelled from the Jedi Order once word got out. But then again, Ahsoka didn't find out about Anakin and Padme until they had their twin babies.
The thought of Lux again made tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked out the horizon.
She remembered his last words to her about the rebellion. You must keep the fire burning. Lux had said. Never lose hope. Promise me.
It brought her a little bit of strength. Rebellions are built on hope. Leia had also said. That's what makes this cause worth fighting for. The more she thought about it the more Ahsoka was convinced that Leia, despite being raised by Bail Organa, was definitely Anakin and Padme's daughter through her actions.
The longer she thought about losing Lux, Ahsoka realized that maybe it was one of her unspoken trials to become a full-fledged Jedi Knight. Sure, she was knighted by Grandmaster Yoda himself when she was only seventeen, but she had never fully embraced her identity.
It's part of life. At some point, everyone will become one with the Force. Lux is one of those people now. And despite the sudden loss, she knew that Lux will always have a place in her heart and will always remember him fondly.
"I'll give you the justice you deserve," She vowed. "You and all the others who died by the Empire's hands. I promise."
Ahsoka basically had Lux's last words imprinted in her memory. The very words he told her before he took his final breath, I'll always love you, Ahsoka.
She could almost imagine Lux standing beside her on the roof deck. He'd put his arm around her and she'd lean on his shoulder, with the gentle wind blowing through his hair and swaying her lekkus. Then again, it's only wishful thinking.
Ahsoka then inhaled the soft, gentle breeze and allowed herself to smile for the first time, a real, happy, contented smile, since Lux's death.
Right now, she's still dealing with her loss. But once she leaves Onderon, it's back to being the General of the Rebel Alliance.
Rebellions are built on hope. Ahsoka thought again. And she promised herself that she will keep the spark of hope alive, at all cost.
END