A/N: Apologies. I've been working and reworking bits of this chapter for a long time because I so wanted to get it right. It's pretty long but I didn't want to stop it before where I did. I hope you enjoy. My story is not done yet. I've got at least two more chapters to go and then ... then we'll see. :) Please let me know what you think! And again, my apologies that it took so long to get this posted!

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joey: I won't get into my thoughts on Palps still being alive but since he is I tried to work that into this in a way that felt believable. I hope it was.

8ball: Oh yeah ... she's not one to give up easily. And I was giddy when he finally admitted it too!

multy: Since the sequels are what they are and did what they did I tried to work that cannon into my story in a way that I felt made those things a bit less ... sudden? Out of left field? And I definitely think Palps was somehow behind what Gideon was up to (whatever it was).

Love: Thanks. :) I was so glad he finally did.

Guest: Thanks!

swthrt: Welcome and thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I'm sorry this chapter took so long!

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All Hail Filoni and Favreau! And George, too!

Leaning over the bodies on the floor Din grabbed the wide eyed doctor and dragged him into Fett's ship. To his credit the man didn't try to resist though he did tense up slightly when they joined Fennec, Cara, and Fett around the holotable.

"Are they alive?"

"Yes."

"Are they unharmed?" Pershing hesitated and Din grabbed a hold of his collar, yanking him close enough to him that the man's nose almost bumped his helmet. "Have the kid and Alés been hurt?"

"The child, no. He is too valuable. The woman … they haven't been as careful with her. She's been too … too much of a handful."

Despite the burst of fury over hearing Alés had been hurt in some way a spark of amusement rose at the doctor's words. He had no problem believing she would cause trouble. He was glad to hear that she had.

"I'm surprised she hasn't flung your sorry hides against a wall."

"They are kept in shackles that block their ability to use the Force."

"Is it painful?" Cara asked.

"I don't believe so."

She put her hands on her hips and took a step towards him. "What do you mean you don't believe so?"

"I am not a Force user so I wouldn't experience the same thing. They have not said they were in pain though it does seem to weaken them."

"Did you personally hurt her?" he almost growled.

"No. I swear it. I have never wanted to hurt anyone!"

"Do you believe him?"

Din shrugged at Fett's question. "I think so. He knows I'll kill him slowly if I find out he lied."

The doctor gulped nervously. "What do you want from me?"

"We'll talk about that later." He shoved him down in a seat. "We have one more stop to make."

Something was happening.

She might be cut off from the Force but Alés could still hear the pounding of booted feet beyond the closed doors of her cell. Whatever was going on seemingly had every Stormtrooper on the ship running around. When the majority of it faded into the distance she went back to staring at the struts that stretched across the ceiling. She'd been doing a lot of that. Any time she was brought back from the lab she usually needed to recover from whatever hits or slaps she'd received from the troopers escorting her. Of course she couldn't really blame them: she did always try to kick and hit her way free. The next thing she heard was very firm, steady steps approaching her door followed by a beep as it was unlocked.

"So, your rescue has arrived, my dear," Gideon purred as he strolled into her cell.

That explained all the commotion she'd been hearing. Though she'd accepted whatever her fate would be at Gideon's hands she nonetheless felt a bubble of relief at the news. There was only one person that would come for her and she was glad to finally know he had survived the fight on Tython. Though she had repeatedly told herself there would've been no reason for him to have been on the Razor Crest when it exploded she still hadn't been able to shake that small bit of frustrating doubt. If the kriffing shackles hadn't blocked her connection with the Force she would've been able to satisfy her concern long before now. Keeping her reaction to the news internal she watched Gideon silently; he wanted to get a rise out of those he faced and she wouldn't give him that satisfaction. In fact she felt like she'd done a pretty good job of either not speaking to the man or getting a rise out of him the entire time she'd been here.

"And he is not alone. Bo-Katan Kryze's presence was expected. She is desperate to take from me that which I took from her." That annoying smirk appeared as he came closer. "As always I am one step ahead. I doubt she's taken the time to educate your Mandalorian on how possession of the Darksaber works which plays perfectly into my plan. No matter which outcome unfolds she will be denied that which she desires the most."

As she had numerous times already Alés just faced him with what she knew was a very unimpressed expression on her face though her thoughts were racing. He hadn't come alone, thank the Force. Din was strong and resourceful but even he couldn't contend with an entire cruiser of troops, not to mention Gideon and his kriffing dark troopers, and pull off a rescue.

"So, I'm afraid our time together is over. Your usefulness, such as it was, is no longer needed. My trap is set. It is a pity you won't see what is to come."

The trooper at his side advanced towards her.

Din's head was still ringing though thankfully it was still attached to his body. He had been in some rough fights in his life, faced opponents bigger and stronger than him, but nothing could equal what he'd just managed to survive. Even taking out the kyayt dragon on Tatooine had been easier … and not nearly as painful. Nothing felt like it was broken or dislocated and that was all that mattered to him at that moment; he could continue on bruised and battered. As he slowly made his way down the corridor a thought crossed his mind and he hoped no one on the bridge had been watching the security cameras from this sector too closely. Coming to a junction he slowed his steps. This seemed to be the right place if what Pershing had told them was correct. Peering around the corner he saw two troopers guarding a cell door. Whether it was the kid or Alés behind it he had no way of knowing but at least he'd found one of them without wasting too much time; the other couldn't be too far away.

It took no time at all to down the two guards and he dug around in their pouches until he found the code cylinder Pershing had said would be needed to undo the doors and the shackles. Once it was in hand he unlocked the cell and bounded down the two steps, coming up short when he saw her.

She was lying on her side, motionless on the hard bench. Her clothes and boots still had dirt on them and her robe was in a pile on the floor. Her hair was a black pool around her head. Using the code cylinder he removed the glowing shackles then carefully rolled her onto her back. Anger sparked and he saw red. There was a burn mark on the arm of her tunic that had to have come from a blaster bolt. A blood crusted wound cut across her forehead and disappeared into her hairline. What looked like a bruise stretched down her left cheek ending in a split lip. What had they done to her? What other injures could he not see?

"Alés?" Brushing some hair back from her face he let his fingers linger on her uninjured cheek for a brief second before calling her name again. This time her eyelids fluttered as she took a deep breath in.

"Alés."

He managed to contain a shout of joy when her eyes opened but his composure almost cracked when she smiled up at him. No one had ever looked at him in such a way. What he saw in her eyes … everything he'd never admitted he wanted was there in the gaze she leveled on him.

"Din. You're here."

"I told you I'd always come for you. Are you alright? Can you move?"

She cautiously flexed her arms and legs. When it seemed clear that there were no injuries worse than what he could already see he breathed a bit easier. He helped her to sit up and pulled her lightsaber from his belt.

"Thank you. I don't know how I would've made a new one if this was lost." Clipping it to her own belt she looked up at him.

"Go get the little one. He is nearby, I can feel him."

"Will you be alright?"

"Yes. I just need a bit of time to regain my strength. Those shackles did more than just keep me from being able to connect with the Force." He gave her hand a squeeze then headed for the door. "Din, be careful. Gideon is there."

"You're sure?" She nodded. "The others are on the bridge. Wait for me there."

After he was gone and the sound of his footsteps had faded Alés took some time to focus on her breathing and the feeling of the Force around her. The days she'd been unable to touch it had been unsettling ... almost painful. Even during the Emperor's reign when it seemed so weak she'd still be able to at least feel it around her. This had been very different. It felt like she'd been lost in some vast, empty space; the sensation was something she hoped never to experience again. When she at last decided her legs would carry her she came to her feet and threw her robe back on before cautiously making her way to the open door. Not knowing if there were any troopers left between her current position and her destination she pulled her saber out and activated it; its familiar hum was incredibly comforting. Taking a moment to look up and down the nearby corridors while searching through the Force, she concluded her way was safe. Despite wanting to run she knew her body couldn't handle that yet and had to keep a frustratingly slow pace.

As she approached the doors to the bridge they slid open and a rather relieved Cara Dune hurried to her side, giving her a shoulder to lean on as they made their way inside where three other ladies stood watching cautiously.

"Mando found you."

"Yes. He's gone to get the little one."

Cara eyed her face as she removed her arm from around her shoulders. "I'd like to know what he thought when he saw all that. Are you alright?"

"I'll be okay." She shook her head. "It's like those shackles sucked all the energy out of my body."

"That's what that doctor told us. They didn't just block your connection to the Force." All Alés could do was nod; it didn't matter now.

As the blast doors closed behind her she got a better look at the other occupants in the room – dead and alive. Bo-Katan and Koska were standing in the middle of the room and the unknown third, dark haired, woman was off to the side.

"Looks like you have been busy in here," she said as she took in the bodies of Stormtroopers and officers though her gaze settled the longest on the one person she didn't recognize.

"All in a day's work," Cara replied as she slung her gun over her shoulder. Noticing where her attention was focused she returned to her side. "Fennec Shand. She came with Mando. Seems she helped him out of a tight spot on Tython."

Giving her a slight nod Alés turned to Bo. "Din's gone to find the little one and Gideon knows you are here."

"How?"

"That I don't know but he knows. Whatever it is the two of you are fighting over he's maneuvered everything to keep you from getting it. That's why he's waiting for Din wherever Grogu is."

Bo's face tightened in frustration and anger as realization came over her. "No matter which way their confrontation ends it keeps the Darksaber out of my hands." Her voice was almost a growl.

"What do you mean?"

"Possession of it is determined through combat. Only the winner can wield it. Only the one holding it can unite and rule Mandalore."

"I suppose that would make it rather important to your cause."

"It is."

"Did you tell Din all this?"

"No."

"Don't you think that would've been useful information to have?"

"It didn't occur to me to tell him."

"So just what are you going to do if - "

Her words were cut off as the doors opened again and they all spun, weapons at the ready, only to see Din walk in pushing a handcuffed Gideon ahead of him. He had Grogu in one hand and in the other the Darksaber. Alés sucked in a sharp breath unable to tear her eyes from him. His armor reflecting the glow of the saber, beskar staff over his shoulder, the confidence in his stride … he looked amazing, powerful, and completely in charge. He looked every inch the leader she knew he had no desire to be … and he now carried the apparent symbol of the leader of Mandalore.

"What happened?" Bo asked, hands on her hips.

"He brought him in alive," Cara replied, a bit of amazement on her face. "Now the New Republic will have to double the payment."

Gideon grinned as he faced Bo. "That's not what she's talking about. Why don't you kill him now and take it?" When she didn't move he turned towards Din. "It's yours now," he said smugly.

"What is?"

"The Darksaber. It belongs to you."

"No." Din stepped forward as he deactivated the saber and held it out towards Bo. "It belongs to her."

Though there was no outward sign of her distress beyond lips pressed together tightly, Alés was easily able to feel her frustration as the other woman frantically tried to figure out a way to turn this in her favor.

"She can't take it. It must be won in battle. In order for her to wield the Darksaber again she would need to defeat you in combat."

There was a pause then Din held it out again. "I yield. It's yours."

"Oh, no. It doesn't work that way," Gideon explained with a laugh. "The Darksaber doesn't have power. The story does. Without that blade she's just a pretender to the throne."

"He's right," Bo said with a sigh.

"Come on, just take it."

A frantic beeping from one of the comm stations interrupted them and as Fennec stepped over to see what was setting it off another smug grin crossed Gideon's face.

"Well, perhaps she'll get another crack at it."

"The ray shields have been breached. We're being boarded."

"How many life forms?"

The dark haired woman turned towards Bo. "None."

"You're about to face off with the dark troopers. You had your hands full with just one," he said in a mocking tone as he looked at Din. "Let's see how you do against a platoon."

"They're headed this way," Bo said as she watched the security screen.

"Seal the blast doors," Fennec yelled.

Cara grabbed Gideon by his shoulder and threw him to the ground as the rest of them began to spread out around the room.

"Be careful of his right hand. Don't let him grab a hold of anything. It's cybernetic," Alés warned them.

"How do you know?"

She glanced over her shoulder at Bo. "Because I took off his real one on Jedah."

There was what sounded like a snort of amusement from under the woman's helmet.

As Din placed Grogu behind the comm station she went to his side, blocking both he and the child from Gideon, and pulling her saber out while taking a defensive stance.

"They're here," Koska announced. She and Bo slid their helmets back on and they stared at the blast doors. The sound of the troopers' stomping feet stopped and for a tension filled few seconds there was complete silence. A sudden boom against the thick steel caused all of them to jump slightly, unexpected as it was. It was quickly followed by another, then another.

"They're trying to punch their way through," Fennec said, answering the unspoken question that hovered in the air.

"You have an impressive fire team protecting you." Alés wasn't sure if Gideon was speaking to Din or Bo. "But I think we all know, after a valiant stand, everyone in this room will be dead … but me and the child," he sneered.

"I found your creation's weakness," she said glaring down at him.

"Oh? And what is that?"

Leaning in she ignited her saber an inch from his nose and was satisfied to see the slight jerk of shock from him. "A lightsaber will cut through them easily … and we have two in this room."

"If we can find the shut off code in the system we can stop them before they even get in here," Koska said.

Bo nodded. "Do it … quickly."

Eying the slowly but steadily expanding crack in the door Alés knew the troopers would be through before the code was found. "I'll hold the door shut as long as I can," she told them.

"How are you going to do that?" Fennec asked. She just gave her a look with a raised eyebrow and took her place facing the door.

"Are you sure you're recovered enough to do this?" Din said, touching her arm gently.

"I guess we're about to find out."

"I'm sorry," he whispered.

"For what?"

"Dragging you into this mess."

"You didn't drag me anywhere." Another loud bang and she gave him a slight smirk. "Time to get to work."

Focusing on the doors and then the awareness of the droids on the other side she raised a hand and closed her eyes. She didn't think she could stop all of them but she was fairly certain she could hold the two pieces of sliding durasteel together long enough for Koska to deactivate them. At least she hoped so. If she couldn't … she knew she'd be able to take a few of them down as they came through the doors but she was greatly outnumbered and would most likely be unable to stop the ensuing slaughter. After a moment she was able to feel vibrations in the steel as it was torn between two forces. Though the pounding continued the bulge in the steel did not expand further. Everything around her faded a bit; this task was requiring her complete attention. She'd never tried anything like it before. As the doors themselves weakened it became harder to keep them closed and her arm began to shake just a bit under the strain.

"I am one with the Force and the Force is with me," she began to chant under her breath. Master Brasi had always said that whenever she had struggled or been afraid during her training as a way to remind her that it was always with her.

Another alarm began beeping, cutting through the tension in the room, indicating an incoming ship.

"An X-wing," Koska said.

Cara scoffed. "One X-wing? Great. We're saved." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Incoming craft identify yourself." There was no response to Bo's call.

Alés heard what they were saying but paid little attention to what was going on until … she felt it, a ripple in the Force. Daring to look behind her she saw Grogu's ears perk up and he looked up at her.

"Yes, I felt it, too."

Facing the doors fully again she felt a flicker of hope. That tremor in the Force …

A moment later the bridge fell into a deafening silence.

"Why did they stop?" Fennec asked, keeping her eyes glued to the door.

No one had an answer and a glance down at where Gideon was still sprawled on the floor told her he was just as confused as the rest of them. Alés lowered her arm cautiously. The troopers were still there but they seemed to be … waiting.

"A Jedi."

She turned at Bo-Katan's softly, almost reverently, spoken words and joined her at the security screen. Her breath caught as she saw the dark robed figure easily slicing through Dark Troopers with a brilliantly glowing lightsaber.

"Someone did hear him reach out through the Force," she murmured glancing over her shoulder at the child – who was fixated with the image on screen. She happened to catch the expression on Gideon's face and it gave her pause. He looked absolutely terrified. This was surprising. He had not been terrified of her on Jedah so why did he seem so now? The situation? Or did he recognize this Jedi?

She turned back to the screens. Who was it?

Everything inside her was clinched tight in emotion. It had been a lifetime since she'd last seen such skill with a saber, such use of the Force. Alés felt like she was once again watching Master Kenobi or Master Skywalker. A sense of elation came over her. She was not alone in the galaxy. Grogu was not alone. There were at least four of them left; if the Jedi Order could be rebuilt they would not have to start with nothing.

A warning screamed through the Force at her and she whipped around in time to stop the shots Gideon had begun firing at Bo and Grogu. The glowing red streaks hovered in the air. She reached out with her other hand and held him in place as well. Once she had him under control she flung the shimmering blaster bolts into a nearby wall.

"Drop it!" Fennec yelled, aiming her gun at him. Bo and Koska had theirs trained on him as well. Din was struggling to get up off the floor where he'd thrown himself in front of the little one. Gideon's eyes moved frantically even though his body could not; the desperation was oozing off him.

"I believe the Moff is tired and he could use a nice, long nap," she said in a calm but firm voice.

"I'll take care of that," Cara replied with a savage grin and slammed the butt of her gun up into his chin. He dropped like a rock. Once they were sure he was truly unconscious their attention returned to the security screen. All the Dark Troopers on their level had pivoted from the bridge door and were now lining the corridor facing the opposite direction … waiting. The lights flashed at the top of the lift then it opened and the troopers opened fire. It didn't faze the Jedi. The troopers, obviously unaware of what they were facing, continued their useless attacks. Each was met with a lightsaber blade or a shove from the Force. Grogu's small hand was pressed against one of the screens as he watched what was taking place in the corridor. Alés was struck silent in awe as the final Dark Trooper seemed to freeze in place and then was crushed into a useless heap in a flurry of sparks.

Another silence descended upon them.

Grogu glanced up at her and then held his arms out to Din who somewhat reluctantly picked him up.

She and Din took a few steps forward and he placed the little one in a chair. "Open the doors." No one moved. "I said open the doors."

"Are you crazy?" Fennec asked him in disbelief. "Did you not see what that person just did?"

Alés gave her a slightly aggravated look then waved her hand quickly and the mangled durasteel slid open. Steam and smoke billowed in, obscuring their view for a heartbeat, before a green saber appeared followed by the dark robed figure. It was quickly deactivated and the Jedi lowered its hood revealing a young man with light brown hair and blue eyes filled with kindness. A soothing calmness flowed from him. They were all quiet for a minute.

Din was the first to speak. "Are you a Jedi?"

"I am."

She stared at the young man. There was something vaguely familiar about him, about the shape of his face, his eyes …

"Who are you?" she asked quietly.

"I am Luke Skywalker."

Alés took a step back in surprise. "Skywalker?" Her voice cracked as the suspicion she'd considered on Coruscant was confirmed. She hadn't truly believed the information they'd come across at the Temple but now …

"You stare as if you know me," he said with a raised eyebrow. It was the quirk of his lips that did it.

"You really are Anakin Skywalker's son."

A hint of surprise and eagerness broke through the young man's calm. "You knew my father?"

"Not personally. I was very young when the Order fell but he was quite well known to the Initiates and Padawans."

"You are a Jedi?" Now it was his turn to ask the question.

"I was – or was going to be."

"I could feel you. You held those doors closed." She could only nod. "Do not sell yourself short simply because your training was not completed at the Temple."

He regarded her for a moment longer then looked at where Grogu was now peeking out at him from behind his spot in the chair.

"Come little one," he said, holding out a hand.

Grogu hesitated and glanced up at Din.

"He doesn't want to go with you."

"He wants your permission," Luke replied, compassion and understanding in his voice. "He is strong with the Force but talent without training is nothing. I will give my life to protect the Child … but he will not be safe until he masters his abilities."

Din hesitated for a heartbeat but when he leaned over to pick Grogu up she reluctantly took several steps back. As much as she wanted to be by his side they deserved to say their goodbyes without someone hovering over their shoulders.

"Ok. You have to go now. That's who you belong with; he's one of your kind."

She sucked in a breath to keep from crying out that no, Grogu belonged with him, and Luke needed to leave. But she kept her mouth shut. Despite how they felt right then this was what the little guy needed. Even if it was tearing his adopted father apart on the inside Luke was right: Grogu would never be safe until he learned how to control his abilities.

"I'll see you again. I promise."

The two just stared at each other and then Grogu reached out and gently touched the front of the beskar helmet facing him, giving a sad coo as he did so. Alés felt her heart lurch and almost shatter in her chest and her breath caught as Din reached up and slowly removed his helmet. Tears threatened to spill over, almost blinding her, as she watched the little one reach out again and this time touched his cheek. Din's eyes closed momentarily at the contact. There was no stopping the tears now. The vulnerability, the emotion he was allowing to show was heartwrenching. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him to comfort him; she couldn't stand seeing him so upset.

"All right, pal. It's time to go." His voice, still a warm baritone even without the voice modulator, was a bit huskier than usual as he fought with his emotions. Grogu cooed again. "Don't be afraid." With a slight nod he gently placed the child on the floor at his feet though the little one clung to his boots. Alés didn't know if Din would be able to remain so calm and steadfast if they ended up having to pry a crying child away from him. However at that moment there was a cheerful beep and a blue and white astromech droid appeared from behind Luke. She stared in surprise; she hadn't seen one since she was a Padawan.

It gave several beeps and trills which caught the Child's attention and he finally let go of Din's leg. As Grogu toddled over to the droid Alés moved to stand next to Din and took his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. She didn't want him facing this alone. His distress was spinning around him and she could sense he was struggling to maintain his composure. He froze for a second then squeezed her hand back. He was still as a statue but she could see the shine of unshed tears in his eyes. To see this man on the verge of crying almost broke her. After a moment of apparent conversation between the two Grogu's ears perked up a bit and he let out a much happier sounding coo. That seemed to decide it all. Luke met Din's gaze, giving a slight nod, before he bent down to pick the little one up.

He stared at the creature in his arms with a look of wonder yet recognition and she briefly wondered if Luke had somehow known Master Yoda. Luke looked back at them with a gentle smile then seemed to focus on her.

"I'd be honored if you'd join us. Someone with knowledge of the Order would be very helpful as I try to rebuild it."

While Alés could only stare in surprise Din felt another spear of red hot pain shoot through his chest and this one was wrapped in panic as well. While he'd been preparing himself to let the kid go he'd never thought Alés might leave as well. He didn't know if he could stand loosing them both; he was almost panicked at the thought of watching her walk away. Something twisted in his gut and without his helmet on he was sure his pain was visible for all to see. Everything suddenly felt like it was spiraling out of control and there was nothing he could do to stop it.