0 BBY

Kal couldn't hide in the refresher forever. She knew that. Kal had to return to the group. She knew that. Kal's body and mind ached. She knew that.

Kal didn't know why her father had to die. She didn't know why he sacrificed himself so she and the others could get away. She didn't know why he couldn't have joined her in returning to Han and the rest instead of facing off against his former padawan and friend. She didn't know why she had caused her father so much heartache before, only to have him cruelly taken away before his time. Above all, she didn't know someone could feel so much grief and despair and pain.

No tears fell. An empty shell stared back at Kal as she looked at herself in the mirror. Red, hot blood laced with anger coursed through her veins as she felt the urge to take out her pain on anything, anyone. Her fingers gripped the sides of the sink as her face contorted and twisted. A strangled cry escaped her as her fists slammed into the mirror. Fingers twitching, Kal's back hit the wall and she slid down, ignoring the blood dripping from her curled hands onto the floor.

The door opened, revealing the woman in white. Her twin hair buns were disheveled and her eyebrows were furrowed in concern, having heard the shattering of the mirror from outside. The refresher door closed behind her as she grabbed the nearest hand towel, soaked it in cold water from the sink, and knelt next to Kal on the floor. Kal's hand jerked away as the woman reached out, but the woman in white grabbed Kal's hand anyway and gently began wiping the blood away.

"I'm sorry about your father," the woman said in a calming tone. "Luke thought he was overreacting once he realized that you were probably feeling worse than he."

Kal sucked in a hiss at the stinging of her wounds touching the cold rag. "I'm fine. He can feel whatever he wants." The woman didn't reply, simply bringing her attention to Kal's other hand. The bounty hunter studied the woman. She was young, most likely the same age as Kal. The fineness of the pure white dress hinted at a luxurious, rich upbringing, yet she had joined Han and Luke. She must have been a prisoner aboard the battle station. "What's your name?"

"Leia."

Ripping her hands away from the woman's tender grasp, Kal's eyes widened. "Organa?" Leia nodded in response. "Why are you trying to comfort me? Your whole planet got blown to hell!"

Leia shrugged and sighed. "I've had a few hours to process it."

An incredulous laugh pulsed through the small room. "A few hou-you're joking? You've got to be joking. Your people, your friends, your family: all gone. And you're sitting on the floor of a dingy freighter refresher with a girl you don't know who lost a father she hasn't spoken to in years? You're either a droid with no feelings or extremely skilled at compartmentalization."

While her face didn't show it, Leia was in pain, but she didn't have the time for mourning. "I've still got a mission to complete. I can grieve later."

Every hint of emotion left Kal's expression as her back straightened. "For the rebellion." Leia nodded again. "What's so important about the droids?"

"Artoo is carrying the technical readouts of that battle station." Leia nearly fell backward as Kal hopped up.

The bounty hunter held out her hand to aid the princess. "We've got work to do, princess."

Together, the two left the refresher. Leia followed Kal towards the crew's quarters. "I never got your name," she mentioned as Kal picked up Gray from his charging port.

"Kaleena Aput, but you'll know me as Fulcrum." Kal ignored Leia's small gasp, continuing to send word to Yavin 4 of their imminent arrival.

"You're part of the Alliance?" Leia asked, folding her arms over her chest. "Your friend didn't seem too happy about our destination. I'm assuming he doesn't know of your involvement?"

Kal set Gray on her shoulder, having finished the encrypted message. "Not many people do, for obvious reasons. Yavin now knows we're coming, better than receiving a random message from an unknown ship. Oh, and Han's a good guy at heart. You've just gotta break the tough-guy exterior." Leia didn't know what to say to that, choosing to follow Kal back to the central hold in silence. Kal couldn't say she enjoyed the woman's company.

The moment they stepped into the central area, Leia posed a question. "How did you join, anyway? Most bounty hunters don't choose sides."

It was a fair question. Bounty hunters tend to belong to the highest bidder, which changed often depending on the situation or the bounty. "Personal ties." Kal raised her hand as Leia opened her mouth. "And I don't mean my dad. I was raised on Tatooine. My dad was biding his time, waiting for the opportune moment. I left and found my own path. Somewhere along the line, I joined up. That's the short story, and that's all you're going to receive for the time being. I don't care who you are or who your family was. I answer to General Dodonna. The only other people I answer to are Mon Mothma and people who have earned my respect. I don't know you, princess, and at the moment, I don't care to.

"There's a fight coming. Four TIE fighters chasing after us was too easy with the massive amount of troopers at the Empire's disposal. I know you know it. They must be tracking us, which means, my dad sacrificed himself for no reason. The rebellion not only lost their biggest supporter with the destruction of Alderaan, but it also lost a great military leader. That battle station, from the moment we land, will know precisely where we are. Now is not the time to be getting to know my life story."

Leia bristled at Kal's hostility but choked down any anger. "I didn't mean to offend. I was simply curious. Your droid, he has the necessary codes needed to send messages to the base on Yavin?" Kal nodded. "Can you make sure they start preparing for battle before we arrive?"

The young Jedi couldn't help but feel the budding of respect towards the princess. Despite Leia's small size, she commanded the attention of everyone around her simply from the way she held herself. Kal raised her chin. "Will do." She held out her hand in front of her. Leia looked at it briefly prior to grasping. The two women firmly shook hands. From the perspective of onlookers, they just ended an argument or a tense conversation, but known to them, they made a friend. Kal fiddled with Gray again, glancing up at Leia. "Anything specific you want done?"

"The preparation of the fighters and the evacuation of all non-essential personnel."

Kal sat with her tools and her droid in the central hold of the Falcon. She was tuning Gray as Han, Chewie, and Artoo worked on the ship. Leia was resting in the crew's quarters after Kal had strongly suggested it or rather demanded it. The princess looked like she was dead on her feet so she didn't protest much. Luke sat dismally in one of the chairs in front of the computer terminal, staring at his father's lightsaber.

She didn't say it, but Kal knew every time Luke looked away from the saber and at her. She found it fairly annoying, but for awhile she didn't feel like speaking first. The young farmboy had many questions racing through his mind. He needed to come out and say them.

Luke opened his mouth, intending to speak, but looked back down at the silver lightsaber hilt in his hands. He did it a few times off and on over several minutes before Kal finally grew fed up with his fear. Jaw clenched, Kal harshly set her tools down on the dejarik table and glared expectantly at the blond boy who had jumped at the sudden noise. "If you're going to speak, speak," she demanded. "Enough of your indecision."

"Sorry," he muttered, sheepishly slinking further back into the chair. "You grew up on Tatooine?"

Kal narrowed her eyes further and tilted her head. "That's what you're going to ask?"

Luke's eyes widened as he shook his head, not understanding female's at all. "You said to speak and now you're criticizing me for speaking?" Going from gentle and kind Aunt Beru to harsh and hostile Kaleena was stranger than anything he'd gone through before, including literally everything fun and dangerous he had done as a kid with his friends.

"I'm criticizing your boring question," Kal corrected. "Yes, I did grow up on Tatooine, same as you, except I didn't leave my home very often." She should've expected his line of questions, but it didn't make it any less difficult. Kal picked up her tools once more to finish working on Gray.

"What was Ben like?" Kal glanced up at the farmboy who donned a frown. She decided she didn't like him frowning. He didn't look right with a frown.

"Stubborn." The word was simple, stern, quick, and completely embodied her father. It wasn't what Luke had been anticipating. "Kind. Patient. Caring. Good." With each word she rattled off, Kal's movements slowed. "Dedicated. Humorous. Witty. Headstrong. Wise. Selfless." Kal's bandaged hands opened swiftly, dropping the tools onto the table and taking in a shaky breath. "I-"

She couldn't continue. Luke sprung up from his seat and slid into the booth next to her. "Hey, it's alright," he soothed, resting his hand on her shoulder. She was tempted to push it off and run away, but she liked the calming presence.

"I was horrible," Kal choked out. A lone tear fell from her eye and her eyes stung. "And he was never anything but patient." Luke's thumb idly rubbed against her shoulder as he sat next to her in silence. She whirled her head towards him. "I remember you. You and another boy were trapped in a sandstorm and then cornered by a krayt dragon." The revelation made him perk his head up. He remembered that day distinctly. He and his friend Windy hadn't seen the storm coming in. The next thing he knew, they were woken up by Ben Kenobi standing in front of a dead krayt dragon. But he hadn't seen Kal there. "I took pearls from the dragon's body. That's what I used to leave him."

"I don't think he was ever angry with you."

Luke's words didn't comfort her like he had planned. "Of course he wasn't. He was never angry. It's not the Jedi way." Beeping interrupted their conversation. A light on the computer terminal flashed bright, alerting their imminent arrival at Yavin 4. Kal pulled away from Luke, furiously wiping away the tear that still sat on her cheek. "I better go wake the princess."

The bounty hunter stalked off, leaving Luke alone in the central hold. In front of him laid Gray still in pieces. The least he could do was put the droid back together before they jumped into the fray of the rebellion. At least he was off Tatooine. That was all he had ever wanted.

The group practically ran off the Millenium Falcon as it touched down on the moon for varying reasons. Han wanted his reward. Chewie followed him. Leia needed to get the schematics analyzed. Luke wanted to help in any way he could. Kal had to see her friends. The five were met by rebels on small transports who were charged with taking them into the forward command center, assuming they didn't know their way around the base. To be fair, Kal was the only one who actually did but she didn't feel like walking the whole way.

The moment they entered the pyramid, Kal recognized a familiar mop of messy dark hair in an orange jumpsuit. "Wedge!" she called out, hopping off the transport despite Han's protests. It wasn't going very fast and General Dodonna was on his way over so she didn't fully understand his reservations.

The ace pilot beamed at his friend, running over to see her. Gray beeped in excitement. Wedge patted the droid. "Hey, hunter," he said cheekily, pulling Kal into a hug.

"Oh, it's so good to see you, Wedge," she mumbled into his shoulder. She was glad to see him. It had been a few months since her last visit to Yavin 4 and Wedge had slowly become one of her closest friends. That and she occasionally slept with his best friend Hobbie which probably helped them get closer than they would have otherwise.

Not far ahead, General Dodonna met with Leia while Luke, Han, and Chewie stood uncomfortably nearby. Wedge glanced over at the ragtag group with curiosity, particularly Han who was eyeing Kal and Wedge's embrace with skepticism. "Friends of yours?" Wedge and Kal pulled apart and Kal followed Wedge's gaze.

"You're not my only friend." Kal, looking at Wedge, jutted her head towards the smuggler, wanting him to follow her over. It was about time her two separate lives met. Han, folding his arms across his chest, didn't look happy. Luke simply looked confused at his action. Han was more protective of those he deemed worthy than he typically led on.

Kal didn't get the chance to speak first once in front of Han. "I've learned more about you in the past day than I have in a full year, kid," Han grumbled.

The bounty hunter smirked and gazed up at Wedge. "This is Han," she introduced. "The Wookiee is Chewbacca and the blondie's Luke." She gestured a hand towards the rebel. "This dashing rebel pilot is Wedge. Be nice." Kal stared at Han in particular for the demand. Han wasn't always the friendliest in the bunch which was probably why him and Kal got along so well once they both scraped away at each other's outer defenses. Wedge, on the other hand, earned his place through being funny, kind, and persistent. Constantly being around also helped.

Wedge chuckled at her introduction. "Flattery will get you everywhere, including Hobbie's pants." Kal elbowed him in the ribs, only making him laugh harder. When Han made no move to say anything, Wedge continued, turning completely to Kal. "So I was thinking. Later, you know, after we kick the Empire's asses, you, me, and Hobbie can celebrate with something to drink, eh? Maybe we can invite Sabine or Biggs. Hobbie's been hanging out with him a little, so maybe we can include him."

Her face scrunched together. "Who the hell is Biggs?"

"Darklighter?" Luke asked, interrupting.

Wedge clapped quickly and pointed at the farmboy. "Yes! You know him?"

Luke grinned broadly. "Know him? I grew up with him. Didn't know he actually joined the rebellion. I thought he was still at the Imperial Academy."

Wedge shrugged. "You'd be surprised how many recruits hate the Empire. It's where they picked me and a few friends up."

"No kidding." Luke had started taking a liking to the rebellion pilot, even if it was tinged with an ounce of jealousy because of how open Kal seemed with him compared to the rest of them.

"Speaking of friends," Wedge started, looking back at Kal, "Sabine will be so happy you're back. She's been having a hard to since Lothal."

Kal frowned at the mention of Lothal. While Ezra and his band of rebels successfully freed Lothal from the evil clutches of the Empire, Ezra himself had been lost. Between the death of Kanan and Ezra missing in action, the spectres of the Ghost were scraping by in pain but still fighting. Kal had to see the eccentric Mandalorian, brilliant pilot, and former clone trooper. "Take me to them?" Wedge nodded. "You'll be alright without me?" Kal asked Han, Luke, and Chewie. She didn't give him time to answer before tugging on Wedge's sleeve. "Great." The two wandered off, leaving the three behind in order to find the Ghost parked outside of the pyramid.

"I don't like him," Han muttered to Chewie and Han as he watched Kal and Wedge walk away. Chewie howled with laughter while Luke shook his head, neither surprised with Han's revelation.

Weaving through the base quickly was Wedge and Kal's specialty after getting to know the pyramid. Outside the main hangar was the green-skinned Twi'lek captain spouting orders to rebels that were helping load up the Ghost for take-off. Despite Captain Syndulla's excellent piloting skills, the Ghost was needed to evacuate as much non-essential equipment as possible. At the very least, she was living to fight another day along with the rest of the remaining Ghost crew. She also had a young kid to take care of.

Unbeknownst to Hera, Wedge and Kal were right behind her as she ordered the loading of some medical supplies. "I almost forgot how bossy you are," Kal mentioned nonchalantly.

Hera froze before whirling around to see the bounty hunter smirking. "Kal!" Hera exclaimed, throwing her arms around the young girl. "Hell of a time to come back." Hera's mom-like hug was soothing and a nice throwback to the simpler days as Kal gladly hugged her back.

"Well, bringing you the Death Star plans seemed like the perfect opportunity." Kal and Hera stepped back from each other. "Couldn't just sit on my ass with a princess next to me, either."

Wedge and Hera laughed at her words, both knowing she would take any reason to return to base despite what she said. "How long you staying around?" Hera asked.

Kal shrugged. "Not sure. My ride probably wants to leave the moment he gets his reward for rescuing the princess. And if I go with him, I'm sure I can convince him to come back. He's a big softy, just doesn't like to show it."

"Sounds like a certain Lasat I know." Hera's eyes flitted to said Lasat hauling a heavy crate up the ramp of the ship. While Kal had never grown close to Zeb, she was glad to see him doing well. No matter what Zeb said, he had a soft spot for Kal as well. "Sabine's inside sorting things."

"Thanks." Kal looked at Wedge. "Gimme a minute alone with her?" Wedge didn't reply, only nodding.

Sabine didn't have to say it, but Kal could feel the hidden anguish flowing through the Mandalorian. Her hair didn't have as much brightness to it from before Ezra went missing. Only Kal had been told about her feelings towards the kid from Lothal. Everyone else suspected, but Sabine liked confiding in a girl her age and that was Kal. Sabine's smile didn't quite reach her eyes when she spotted her friend walking up the ramp.

Zeb, who stood next to his fellow spectre, begrudgingly nodded at Kal. "It's good to have you back, kid," he said before leaving the two girls alone.

Kal analyzed Sabine before holding out her arms. Sabine rushed into them, holding Kal close. "I know you don't wanna hear it," Kal said quietly, "but I'm going to ask it anyway. Are you doing alright?" They hadn't seen each other since before the Ghost had lost Ezra on Lothal. Kal could only imagine how the crew was feeling. While she was close with Ezra, she wasn't as close to him as they had been.

Sabine sighed. Kal could feel the tension in her body lessen. "It could be better, but I'm glad you're here."

Kal and Sabine pulled away. "After this fiasco is over, Wedge, Hobbie, and I are gonna grab drinks, and you're always welcome."

The Mandalorian's small smile was nice to see. It was genuine. She was grateful for her friends and their efforts to help lessen the pain. "Thank you. We'll see where everyone's at."

Kal shook her head and said, "Positivity. I'll see you later."

"Kick some bucketheads for me."

Kal chuckled as she left the ship, returning to Wedge who was still by Hera's side. "They just called for all pilots to meet in the war room," Wedge told her as they left Hera and the Ghost.

"Then that's where we'll go."