Chapter 6: New Allies

Hera set the Nonnah down in the isolated forest. The planet the Exiles had chosen was on the border of the Core and the Mid Rim. It was a natural paradise that was just beginning to be exploited by the Empire. On the far side of the planet mines and factories were being built, but so far this side was untouched.

The Ghost settled down beside the Nonnah. Hera had not liked the idea of taking another ship over of her own, but being allowed to be at its controls had alleviated Hera's discomfort. Hera began the cool down sequences for the ship. Beside her the woman whom Hera only knew as Chanla was checking the freighter's other systems. Hera looked behind the woman to see baby Jacen in his hovering stroller pod looking around as if he too was critiquing the ship.

Chanla got up. "I need to check on my team."

"I'll go with you," said Hera also standing up. She activated a follow command on her wrist remote, and Jacen's hover pod trailed after her. When Hera reached the common room of the Nonnah, she saw eight Gungans, two human women besides Chanla, and one human male. The man had his shirt removed, and his left shoulder was wrapped with medical bandages. Also in the room was Dr. Carter Rolanga and Rex.

"How's our pilot?" asked Hera.

"He'll live," said Dr. Rolanga. "But I want to take him back to his quarters and double check this wound. Unless it is worse than I thought, some bandaging along with a bacta infusion should be enough for a full recovery."

Chanla nodded, but the man stopped the doctor. "Are you the captain of the Ghost?"

Hera came up to him. "Yes, I am. My name is Hera Syndulla. And you are?"

"Rike Kleiner, captain and owner of the Nonnah." He then added. "I don't like anyone else flying my ship. But I will make an exception for the pilot of the ship that liberated Lothal."

"Does this mean you trust me?" asked Hera.

"You and the Ghost crew, yes." Rike nodded to the doctor, and the two of them left the common room.

"Spectre 2, this is Spectre 4," said Zeb through Hera's commlink. "Are you coming, or should we come to you?"

Hera looked at Chanla who gave her a nod of approval. "Spectre 4, bring the whole crew over. It's time for some real introductions."

"Copy that, Spectre 2. We're on our way."

It wasn't long before one of the Gungans showed Hera's friends into the common room. "As we are your guests, we might as well go first," said Hera. "I am General Hera Syndulla of the Alliance to Restore the Republic." Hera pointed to the baby in the hover pod. "And this is Jacen Syndulla, my son."

"Yousa a Rebel?" asked one of the Gungans.

"I was practically born into it," answered Hera. "My father led a rebellion on Ryloth, first against the Separatist then again against the Empire. I left home to fight in the larger Rebellion." With her hand Hera invited Zeb to introduce himself.

"Captain Garazeb Orrelios, former member of the Lasat Honor Guard. When my people were nearly wiped out by the Empire, I joined Hera's Rebel cell."

Rex went next. "I am Rex. Clone Trooper and former Captain in the 501st Legion, Grand Army of the Republic. I came out of retirement to fight for a cause I truly believed in."

"I am Alexsandr Kallus. I was once an ISB agent. I did many terrible things for the Empire, but thanks to Zeb here and the rest of the Ghost crew, I decided to change to sides. I remained undercover within the Empire, sending secret messages to the Rebels until I was caught. After being rescued, I defected."

"How wesa a trusten thes-en?" asked one of the Gungans.

Hera answered. "I trust him. He spent months working for the Alliance at Yavin Base, which was a closely guarded secret at the time. Besides the location of that base, he encountered the entire leadership of the Alliance including Generals Dodonna and Rieekan as well as Senators Organa and Mon Mothma. But he never betrayed them."

Cara lifted her hand in greeting, "I'm Cara Dune. I'm from Alderaan. I was rescued by these people a week ago from an Imperial prison. I'm not here for politics. I'm here for revenge. The Empire is going to pay for what they did to my home world."

Kat was last. "I am Kat. I'm a Clone Wars veteran." Chanla's head snapped up at the mention of Kat's name, and Hera wondered why. Kat continued, "Like Rex, I came out of retirement to fight for my own ideals."

Chopper made some noise, demanding attention. Hera supplied, "That's Chopper. The Ghost's mechanic. He also possesses the ability to slice into Imperial systems."

"Really?" said the woman that vaguely looked like Chanla. She walked up to the droid. "You and I will have to work together a bit." She padded Chopper on the head, who in turn padded her hand with his appendages. Of course, Chopper would make a new friend, thought Hera.

"That's all of us. How about you?"

"Just asked Kat," said Chanla.

All eyes when to Kat, who was doing her best to hide in a corner. "What? Do I know you?"

"You don't remember me? You are Kat from Divergent Company, are you not? We met at the Festival of Light on Naboo."

Kat's eyes widen. "Chanla? You were with us when Count Dooku attempted to abduct the Chancel…the Emperor."

"That's me," said Chanla. "Or was me. After the Empire took control, I began to speak out. The current Queen of Naboo saw her powers reduced to next to nothing, yielding all power to the Imperial governor. Naboo is a democracy. It is against our nature to give so much power to an appointed official, especially one appointed from outside our government. At the time I thought I could effect change using my political status. But the Empire doesn't really play politics. If someone is in their way, they just eliminate them."

"What political status does a handmaiden have?" asked Kat.

Chanla smiled. "Kat, I was never a handmaiden. I am Chanla Neeyutnee, former Queen of Naboo." Kat looked dumbfounded. "The woman you saw in the Queen's garb was Filema, my most trusted bodyguard. The body double is an old Royal tradition on Naboo."

Chanla's smile faded. "Filema was doubling for me again when the Empire's kill squad found me. She was gunned down instantly. Selma and Mylla died covering my escape. Only Katrina and I made it out alive."

"I'm sorry," was all that Kat could say.

"This is who we are. The Exiles," said Chanla. "We all come from Core or Mid Rim worlds, and we've all been driven from our homes."

Chanla continued, "You've already met Rike Kleiner. He was a ship builder from Corellia. He tired of life on Corellia, but even more so of building the Imperial war machine. So, he stole construction materials for about a year and fixed up an old ship." Chanla waved her hands to indicate the ship they were in. "Thus, we have the Nonnah. This is Rike's ship, but we use it for our missions."

Chanla extended her arm to the next woman who introduced herself. "I am Sel Pamma. I am from Chandrila. I was an aid in our senatorial office. I was shocked when Senator Mon Mothma spoke out against the Empire. I remained while much of her staff either joined your Rebellion or went into hiding. Back then I still believed in the political process. But when the Emperor dissolved the Imperial Senate, I knew there was nothing more I could do."

"My lady already introduced me," said the third woman. "I am Katrina from Naboo. I was Queen Neeyutnee's handmaiden. Now I am the Nonnah's slicer. I look forward to what this little droid and I can do together." Chopper still sitting next to the woman made some happy noises.

"Royal Handmaiden to slicer? That seems like a bit of a jump," said Kallus.

"Not really. My particular service to my Queen was to act as translator. Whether the language is uttered by living creatures or by computers or droids, it is still language. Mr. Kallus, if you are truly former ISB, I have a recording I would like you to check out: An ISB agent speaking with a Star Destroyer Captain. It's what led us to Dr. Rolanga, and thus to you."

"You intercepted ISB communications?" Kallus had amazement in his voice. "Impressive."

"Thatsa leaven uss-en," spoke the Gungan who appeared to be the leader of the eight Gungans. "Mesa Quilow Pom, Once mesa captain in Gungan Army. Mesa wanted Empire to leaven mesa home. Gatheren me fellows, wesa fought. But wesa were defeated. Wesa hunted liken animals. Queenie Neeyutnee saven us. Wesa humble servants of Queenie Neeyutnee." He bowed low to Chanla.

Chanla added more details. "The Gungan uprising was squashed. I was able to find Captain Pom and his surviving soldiers. We had to fight off a squad of stormtroopers. I help Captain Pom and his men hide. After Katrina and I found Rike and the Nonnah we returned for them. Sel joined us more recently."

"I've almost never heard of a Gungan leaving Naboo," said Rex.

"Wesa no like leaven home, but times a-no good. Wesa not returnen until the Empire defeaten."

"Then that's what we will have to do," said Chanla. "None of us can truly go home until the Empire releases our worlds. Open Rebellion is not as easy here in the Core Worlds or in the Mid Rim. We don't have all the smuggler holds and unregulated spaceports to hide in."

"We might be able to help with that," said Hera. "I used to run a small Rebel cell on Lothal. But we became connected with the larger Rebellion. We have more resources with the Alliance, and we can coordinate our efforts for greater results."

Chanla crossed her arms. "Is that a recruitment speech?" she asked.

"Yes, it is," said Hera. "This is my mission. To find new members for our Alliance and to help sway the galaxy away from the Empire. Cara and Kat are our two newest recruits. And we were on Chandrila to recruit Dr. Rolanga. We had no idea we'd been running into you, but I wouldn't be supporting the Alliance if I didn't ask you to join us."

"I am not sure," said Chanla. "We've just met you."

"Your highness," spoke Katrina. "They seem like a brave group." Katrina raised her eyebrows and wiggled her head just a bit.

"Your team has its own secret code?" asked Kallus, picking up on the subtle signals.

"No," said Sel. "Those two have their own code. The rest of us are not in on it."

"What are you thinking, Katrina?" asked Chanla.

"The Commenor job?" suggested Katrina.

"Interesting," replied Chanla.

"No," countered Sel. "We have no use for that cargo."

"But they might," said Katrina. "If they are recruiting doctors."

"Wesa not sure-en about ajoining them," said Pom.

"What are you all talking about?" asked Zeb. "What's on Commenor?"

"A possible operation against the Empire," said Chanla. "One we rejected."

"Um…why did you reject it?" asked Hera. "And why consider it now?"

"We didn't have the resources," said Sel.

"But we have them now," said Katrina. "That is if General Syndulla is willing to help."

Hera crossed her arms. "I'm listening."

"How about the Cato Neimoidia job?" A second suggestion from Katrina. Out of the corner of her eye, Hera saw both Rex and Kat flinch.

"The old headquarters of the Trade Federation?" asked Rex. "What's there?"

"Cato Neimoidia is now firmly in the grasp of the Empire," answered Sel. "Their trade routes are monopolized by Imperial interests and guarded by the Imperial Navy."

"Serves those Sepies right," said Kat.

In a diplomatic yet condensing tone, Sel spoke back. "Regardless what side of the Clone Wars they were on, the residents of Cato Neimoidia are being oppressed by the Empire. We cannot hold on to old grudges."

"You try saying that when their droids fired blaster bolts at you day after day," responded Kat.

"Those droids invade my home when I was but a child," said Chanla with a surprisingly fierce voice. "They escorted me and my family into camps. But now their makers are the ones being suppressed."

Rex joined in. "I have no love for the Neimoidians either. But they're right, Kat."

Kat gave up her argument. "I suppose there are some things that I wouldn't wish even on my worse enemies. The Empire is one of those things."

"What do you have planned for Cato Neimoidia?" asked Hera.

"Just a little trouble for an Imperial governor," said Sel. "The local governor has been in place since the end of the Clone Wars. He has made himself very rich at the expense of others. He takes regular bribes from some of the local Neimoidians for trade advantages over their competition."

"Wesa were ahope-en to intercept the bribe," said Pom.

"Besides being able to pay for the Nonnah's fuel and supplies for months," added Chanla. "We have the chance to expose a corrupt governor. If we're lucky this will get him replaced, and it will give some of the lesser trade companies a chance to rise from the bottom."

Hera nodded her head. This was just like the raids she and the Ghost crew used pulled off near Lothal before they had joined the larger Rebellion.

"The trick would be to learn when, where, and how the bribes are being transported," said Kallus.

"Already done," said Katrina with pride. "I have the exact details. The governor is so overconfident that he hasn't changed his ways in over five years."

"How did you get that information?" asked Kallus.

"It was easy," said Katrina with even more pride. "Cato Neimoidia has really good cybersecurity, but the governor's palace, not so much." If this woman was as good as she bragged, then the Rebellion needed her. Hera began working in her mind a way to persuade the Nonnah crew to join the Alliance.

"If you have the information, then why have you not already pulled off the job?" asked Hera anticipating the answer.

"Because it's a two-ship job," said Chanla. "An outboard freighter ferrying the bride gets inspected by an Imperial light cruiser with a TIE fighter escort. There is no way to take out the TIEs and secure the bride. Even if we could eliminate the fighter escort, the freighter would escape to the safety of the Imperial light cruiser or return to the planet before we could board her."

"But with the Ghost's help, you think you can pull it off," stated Hera. "Are you proposing a joint operation?"

"I am," said Katrina. She looked around at the others.

"Wesa lika dis," said Pom. "With a friends from the Ghost, victory be our-sen."

"There's not much I like more than exposing a corrupt Imperial," said Sel.

"Rike has already voiced his trust for the Ghost crew," added Katrina.

They all looked at Chanla. The Nonnah crew appeared to be a democracy, with each member voting. But Chanla seemed to be the unofficial leader. "Alright, it seems like this is a proposal for a joint operation. What do you say, General?"

"I say we cause a little trouble for the governor."


"Hold still," said Carter to the wounded man. "There bandaging complete. Your wounds will heal in about thirty-six hours."

"That long!" complained the pilot Rike Kleiner.

"Yes, that long. Unless you have a full sized bacta tank on this ship. It will take an addition week or two for you to regain you muscle strength, depending on how well you stick to the rehab schedule I will be giving you."

"Doc, your bedside manner needs some work," said the pilot.

"If you wanted better bedside manner, then you shouldn't have yanked me away before my residency was complete," replied Carter. It was still hard to believe that only a few hours ago he was clocking out of work. Carter looked at his chronometer. His next sift was scheduled to begin in twelve hours from now. Would they even miss him?

Carter was surprised that he felt no regrets. The sudden shift in his life should have upset him. But he knew that this shift, as big as it was, paled in comparison to losing his home world. His father, his brother, his mother, and all his friends and family were gone. No, this was a change he could adapt to. He would not miss the Chandrilan hospital. It held no place in his heart. But he would always have a planet-sized hole in his heart over Alderaan and all the people he once knew.

Carter cleansed his hands. "Rest now," he ordered Rike. "Let the bacta bandage do its work. I will check on you in the morning." Carter exited Rike's quarters. He entered the common room. Many of the members of both crews had dispersed. Hera and the woman named Chanla were talking. "Dr. Rolanga," said Chanla. "How's Rike?"

"He'll be fine after a bit of rest."

"Good," said Hera. "We wouldn't want the Nonnah to be without its pilot." Hera focused her eyes on Carter. "I'm sorry that we pulled you away from your life. I wanted a more subtle recruitment, one where you got to get a few weeks' notice, and could slip away without alerting the whole Empire. And where you could have taken some time to make your decision."

"I don't need time. I never did," replied Carter. "If Alderaan's destruction didn't show me what the Empire truly is then nothing ever would. I will gladly help those who are fighting the Empire."

"I suppose that means you will be joining General Syndulla," said Chanla. "And not the Nonnah?"

"General Syndulla spoke of a project that I would be interested in." Carter wasn't sure if the General would want news of the Rebellion's planned medical frigate to become common knowledge. An appreciative smile from the Twi'lek woman confirmed that suspicion.

"Too bad. We could have used you."

"I do feel obligated to remain with my patient," said Carter. "At least until he's on his feet."

"No worries," said Syndulla. "We are planning a joint operation. The Ghost and the Nonnah will be together for the next couple of days. Lady Neeyutnee and I have some planning to do. In the meantime, you can head over to the Ghost, meet the rest of the crew, and get settled in. You will be bunking with Rex."

"You mean he won't be sharing a room with me?" asked a black-haired woman about Carter's age. The sarcastic smile on her face revealed that she wasn't serious. "We didn't really get a full introduction earlier. I'm Cara Dune."

"You're from Alderaan?" asked Carter as he extended his hand.

"Yeah," replied Cara. Based on her physique Carter expected a firm handshake. But Cara winced a bit as Carter squeezed. Carter reached out with his left hand and grabbed Cara's right before she could retract it.

"What happened to your hand?"

"Nothing."

"I am doctor." Carted felt the bones in her hand. She winced again as he found the sore spot. He looked up at her questioningly.

She rolled her eyes as if embarrassed. "I punched a stormtrooper in the head."

"That's not a good idea. Stormtrooper armor might not stop blaster fire like the old clone armor, but it will handle a punch from a human fist just fine."

"That's almost the same thing Rex said to me," said Cara. "But beware, I pack quite the punch.

"I don't doubt it," said Carter. Miss Dune was certainly a top example of human strength and fitness. "But I still don't advise punching armor."

"I know. At least until I can find a way to armor my fists," said Cara.

"You hear that, Katrina?" said Chanla to the other woman in the room.

"Yes, my lady," replied the woman. She got up from the computer terminal and walked over to Cara. Carter sidestepped out of her way. Both this Katrina, whom Carter hadn't yet met, and Chanla stood in front of Cara. General Syndulla stood back, looking on with interest. "Can I see your arms?" asked Katrina.

With a little encouraging and plenty of confusion, Cara extended her arms. Carter too was wondering what was going on. "Her hands and arms are certainly thicker than yours, my lady."

"Can you make the adjustment?" asked Chanla.

"I believe I can."

"Adjustment for what?"

"A pair of armored gauntlets," said Katrina. "Chanla and I are kind of the quartermasters of this ship. I used to dress a queen in her full regalia. I think a simple pair of gloves would be easy."

"With your hands protected, then you can punch all you want," said Chanla. "If we can find the material, perhaps we can get you a little armor of your own.

"Sounds good to me," replied Cara. "When can I get them?"

"That ISB guy, Kallus, wanted to see what I've learned about the Empire through my slicing," said Katrina. "I imagine that will keep me busy. But I will have them ready before our little operation."

"I'm counting on it," replied Cara.

"In the meantime, will you show Dr. Rolanga to his quarters?" asked Hera.

"Of course. Come on, Doc. Let's go see a Ghost."


Cara walked across the clearing in the trees from one freighter to another with Carter. "So, a healer. A noble profession for someone from Alderaan."

"Do I detect a sour note in that statement?" asked Carter.

"Yeah," said Cara holding on to the word. "Don't get me wrong, I mourn for all those killed on Alderaan: my family, my friends, everyone I grew up with. But Alderaan and I had a disagreement."

"Alderaan was pacifist, and you wish to punch stormtroopers," said Carter.

"That about sums it up," said Cara. "How about you? As a healer, are you a pacifist?"

Carter looked up to the sky. "My father ran field hospitals during the Clone Wars. He used his medical skills to help the clones who fought that war. My mother was a soldier, fighting the Separatists." The two of them neared the Ghost's cargo ramp. "My parents told me stories of the Clone Wars, both its horrors and its heroics. I grew up knowing that war was bad. But that those who fought for the right reasons were heroes. So, no, I'm not a pacifist."

"You want to be a hero?" asked Cara.

"I want to do the right thing. A government that is willing to destroy an entire planet must be stopped. You?"

Cara chuckled mischievously. "Oh, I'm not in this for heroics or even for doing the right thing. I'm in it for vengeance."

"Yeah," said Carter as he looked at Cara. "It's at least a little bit about vengeance." Cara smiled. Mr. High-Ideals wasn't above a little vindictiveness. Definitely not a pacifist.

"So, you said your mother was a soldier. Part of a planetary militia?"

"No, she was actually a member of the Grand Army of the Republic," answered Carter.

"Ah, just like the Old Timer on the Ghost," said Cara.

"Rex?"

"No, not Rex." They had reached the Ghost's ramp and now were climbing it. "She is more interesting than Rex. I'm told she was part of an all women company in the Grand Army. She trained them and led them."

Carter abruptly stopped at the top of the ramp. He turned towards Cara. "Divergent Company?"

Cara noted the doctor's sudden seriousness. "That sounds right. Do you know of it?"

"My mother was part of Divergent Company." Carter didn't say anything more.

Care led Carter to the ladder behind the cargo hold. They climbed up and walked to the common room. There they were met by Rex. "Welcome on board the Ghost, Doctor. I'm afraid we're a bit short on quarters. You will have to bunk up with me."

"That won't be a problem," said Carter.

Two others approached, Kallus and Zeb. Kallus spoke first. "We didn't have time to meet earlier. I am Alexsandr Kallus."

"My name is Zeb."

"Pleased to meet you both," said Carter.

"Where's the Old Timer?" asked Cara.

Rex looked nervous suddenly, but Zeb as causal as ever answered. "I think she's in her room. She's been kind of hiding in there."

"I'll get her," said Cara. She walked promptly towards the room she and Kat shared. For a moment it looked like Rex was going to stop her. Why would the old clone want to prevent a meeting between Kat and Carter?

Cara arrived and opened the door to the very colorful bunk room. Apparently, this room used to belong to the Mandalorian woman Sabine, who had used it for an expression of her artistic mind. Alderaan had its own forms of art. They were elegant and clean. The Mandalorian art was far more colorful and wild. Cara kind of liked it.

Lying on the bottom bunk was Kat. "Hey, Old Timer, time to meet the new guy?"

"Carter Rolanga?" asked Kat.

"No, the other doctor we went to Chandrila to pick up. Of course, Carter Rolanga. Now get up and come along. Or is bad manners part of being a soldier."

Cara reached forward to pull the older woman up by the arm, but Kat swatted her hand away and got up herself. Cara led the woman back out into the common room. When she arrived, she attempted to make the introduction. "Dr. Carter Rolanga meet…"

"Kat," finished Carter. "It is Kat, isn't it?"

Cara was surprised. Did they know each other?

"Yes," said Kat. Her face was pale, like she had seen a ghost. "And you're Streak's son?"

"That's right, Auntie Kat." But there was no affection in Carter's voice.

Cara scanned the room. Kallus and Zeb were standing silently, clearly picking up on the tension in the room and wanting none of it. Rex was sitting on a stool next to the hologame table. He was looking at Kat like he wanted to help but couldn't.

"Your mother…was she…"

"Was she on Alderaan when the Empire destroyed it? Yeah, she was. Along with my father and my brother."

Kat bowed her head. "I'm sorry."

"You're sorry for what? That's she's dead, or that you abandoned her?" Carter didn't let Kat answer, but spoke in a harsh tone. "You were her best friend. I grew up hearing stories of Lieutenant Kat, the woman who turned three hundred and five women with pointless lives into one of the finest companies in the Grand Army of the Republic. Stories about how that woman was there to pick them up after they had fallen in battle, and who waded into enemy blaster fire just to save one of her sisters. That same woman gave comfort to my mother after she had been blinded by a blaster bolt and learned that she would never see again."

Carter continued, "I heard stories, and yet I never met this mythical Kat. After the War, you disappeared. You left the women of Divergent Company without a leader. They scattered across the galaxy. And my mother never got to be with her sister again. And now, once she's gone, only then do you show up!"

Cara looked back at Kat. The woman was old, but Kat had always been tough as nails around Cara. But now Cara could see two large tears rolling down her face. "I'm sorry," was all that she could choke out.

"Well, it's a little too late for that," said Carter. "Rex, if you could show me my room."

The old clone reluctantly got up and walked Carter to his room. After he had left, Kat without a word returned to her room. Cara started to follow, but Zeb's big hand grabbed her shoulder. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asked.

"What just happened?" asked Cara.

"I'm not sure," said Kallus. "We should let them cool down a bit. We will tell General Syndulla. Perhaps she knows more."

Cara nodded her head took Rex's place at the game table. She was beginning to see Kat in a whole new light.


"Yes, Agent Aargant. Do you want me to inform the local…"

The Nonnah's slicer, Katrina, stopped the recording in the middle of the captain's sentence. She asked, "So, Mr. Kallus, do you know either of these two men?"

Kallus beheld the two holographic figures Katrina had captured in the recording. He had come over to the Nonnah shortly after the confrontation between Dr. Rolanga and Kat. He was happy to confront a problem he knew more about. "I've never heard of Commander Bowmen," said Kallus. "The Imperial Navy is big. No one knows all the captains."

"But the Imperial Security Bureau is much smaller," prompted Chanla, the former Naboo Queen who was standing behind Kallus.

"Indeed," said Kallus. "And I do know Agent Aargant."

"What do you know about him?" asked Chanla.

"We trained together at the academy," said Kallus. "Maxsis Aargant was second in the class."

"Who was top of the class?" asked Katrina.

"I was," replied Kallus. "And it was a sore point between the two of us. Aargant is extremely ambitious. He sets his sights on the top and is able to find the means to pursue his goal."

"He can set his sights high," stated Katrina. "With a high ranking ISB position open."

"What do you mean?" asked Kallus.

"There's been a gap near the top ever since Colonel Yularen was killed."

"Colonel Yularen is dead?!" Kallus was shocked.

"He is certainly not at his post," explained Katrina coolly. "That much is clear in our intercepted ISB communications. And his last known posting was on board the Death Star, attempting to help Darth Vader find the stolen plans. That didn't end well I'm told."

Kallus felt a bit of sadness wash over him. Yularen was an Imperial, but at one time he had been a mentor to Kallus. Chanla must have noticed Kallus' sadness. "You knew the Colonel?"

"He was one of my teachers," answered Kallus.

"He was an Imperial," countered Katrina.

"Not every Imperial is cold hearted murderer," said Kallus. "Many are misguided or willfully ignorant. They turn a blind eye to the evils of the Empire, like I once did. My eyes were opened. I only wish I could do the same for many of my former companions."

"Is Aargant one such Imperial?" asked Chanla.

"No," said Kallus with bitterness. "As I said, he is ambitious. And he will pursue those ambitions no matter what he has to do or whom he has to destroy to get there. There will be no moral high ground for him."

"Do we have to worry about him?" asked Katrina.

"He has already figured out that we would be going after Dr. Rolanga. How he did that, I am not sure. But if he is on to us, then we need to be cautious." Kallus rested his chin on his fist. It was like academy exercises all over again. What would Aargant do next?


Aargant studied his wall of holographic displays. For some it would have been information overload. But for Aargant it was clear. Here he could have all the information in front of him. Here he could see connections that would otherwise elude him. He had heard once that Grand Admiral Thrawn could understand and predict his enemy by studying their art. Aargant had no love for art, but he fancied that he could predict his enemy by studying the facts, all the facts. Now he had to consider the newest facts.

The Ghost crew had been augmented by another light freighter. Aargant had searched records for such a craft. There were a few instances of an older model freighter entering a system before a Rebel attack. Often a strike team would either steal or destroy Imperial property. The stolen property would end up on the black market. The fact that they had to raise their own funding indicated that before now this cell operated without the aid of the larger Rebellion. This added to Aargant's theory that the Ghost was on a recruiting mission. Did they success in their mission to bring in this new group? Time would tell.

The combat tactics of the new group were not very impressive, which eliminated a military origin. However, at least two of the humans were reported as incredible shots. They were a pair of women armed with green firing chrome plated blaster pistols. There were only a few possible weapons that matched that description. A powerful covert weapon in the hands of a pair of excellent markswomen implies either bounty hunters or more likely members of a dignitary's protection detail. That didn't narrow the search much, as the Empire had made many political enemies when the Emperor had dissolved the Imperial Senate.

Although lacking military finesse, their success rate was impressive. The only explanation was that they had inside information. The variety of their attacks means they couldn't be relying on a single traitor, and a network of traitors was impossible. That meant they could slice into Imperial databanks. Not a pleasant thought, and not particularly helpful to Aargant's search.

There was at least one more human female and a human male reported in some attacks, but not enough information to go on. Either could be the freighter's pilot, but again there was not enough information.

Then there was the team of aliens. The number of these aliens was never clear. They seemed to lack much skill with their weapons but made up for it in their teamwork. Perhaps members of a primitive military, driven from their home?

Aargant looked closer as a poor image of the hooded aliens. If he could identify the species, then he might just have the clue he needed to take them down. And hopefully, the Ghost with them.

Aargant rubbed his hands eagerly. A battle of wits between him and General Syndulla and Ex-Agent Kallus. Aargant was looking forward to this.


"There's the Neimoidian freighter," said Hera as the Ghost sat in a traffic lane above the Cato Neimoidia. "Rex, Zeb, are you all set?"

"Top turret check," said Rex.

"Nose gun check," replied Zeb.

Chopper beeped out his readiness, as if he didn't want Hera to forget he was there. Jacen sat sleeping in his chair. Hera knew that he would wake as soon as the Ghost leaped into action.

Carter Rolanga entered the cockpit. "You requested me, General."

"Yes, I could use your help," said Hera.

"Do medics and doctors have non-combatant status in your Rebellion?" asked the doctor.

"Yes," answered Hera. "Thought the Empire doesn't always respect that status. I'm not asking you to fight, just to keep an eye on the Ghost's systems."

"That's a fine line, General."

"Do you object?" asked Hera.

"Not at all," replied Rolanga as he took the co-pilot's chair. Hera was glad to have the help.

It also arranged a moment for a conversation she needed to have with the young man. "I heard you and Kat didn't exactly have a happy reunion."

"I don't want to talk about it," said the doctor.

"You're going to have to explain some of it to me," said Hera. "Is it true that she is your aunt?"

"Yes, Kat and my step-mother were sisters." Dr. Rolanga paused before continuing. "They were best of friends, but after the Clone Wars, Kat disappeared and cut off all communication. I never knew my aunt. Although my mother always said there must be a good reason for Kat to leave us, I never believed it. I guess I can't forgive her for abandoning my mother."

"Is this going to be a problem?" asked Hera. "I can't have personal issuing interfering with the operation of my crew."

"No, it won't be a problem," answered Rolanga. "Kat's a soldier who knows her duty, and I'm a doctor committed to the healing arts. I believe both of us can set aside our personal problems for the task at hand, even if we don't like it."

"Good," said Hera. Something told her that she should dig further, but she decided not to. Soon Dr. Rolanga would be on board the new Rebel medical frigate, and Kat would be assigned to a position training or leading ground troopers. Their time on the Ghost would be limited.

The freighter Hera was tracking neared an Imperial light cruiser. She keyed the internal comm. "Heads up everyone! Action time in sixty seconds and counting."


Cara mentally readied herself. It was similar to those moments outside the ring before a fight. The calm before the storm. Cara didn't like it. She wanted the action to begin.

"The Neimoidian freighter is approaching the Imperial Light Cruiser," said Rike Kleiner, the Nonnah's pilot. "Prepare for boarding."

"Are you sure you're up to this?" asked Sel Pamma of the recently wounded pilot.

"The doctor cleared me for light duty. Flying a freighter is not that taxing. Gunners ready?"

"Wesa ready," replied one of the Gungans. Cara wondered how well the amphibious aliens were adapted to space combat. But it wasn't her concern as she readied herself for her own role.

"Boarding team, are you ready?" asked Kleiner.

"Boarding team ready," stated Kat. She seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"Something wrong, Old Timer?" asked Cara of the Clone Wars vet.

"I miss my armor," replied Kat.

"I've seen you fight without it," said Chanla, as she checked her silver pistol. "You will be fine."

"I just wish I had those armored gloves you spoke about," said Cara.

"Then it's your lucky day," said Chanla. She pulled out a bag and dumped its contents out the open end. There in Chanla's hands was a pair of black gloves.

Cara took them and put them on. The hands were of nice flexible yet tough material. Over her forearms were armored gauntlets. Each knuckle had a piece of armor covering it, with extra padding behind it. Yet it didn't interfere with her dexterity. Cara flexed her fingers. A bit stiff, but she knew they would break in over time.

"Katrina and I worked on them in our spare time," said Chanla. "Katrina has also drawn up the design for some more armor. But that will have to wait." Chanla looked at Cara's hands. "So, what do you think?"

"I let you know after I hit something," said Cara, but she already liked them. She had worn gloves before in boxing/fighting matches. Those were designed to protect her hands, but these were not only designed for protection but also for doing damage. She flexed her fingers again. She turned to Kat. "I bet I could punch that Mandalorian's armor now."

Kat grabbed Cara's hand and looked at the gloves. "They won't even scratch Mandalorian beskar, but they might protect your hands. I would start with stormtroopers before you move on to Mandalorians."

Kat looked a bit longer at the gloves before letting go of Cara's hands. Cara gave Kat a humored look. "You're jealous."

"I told you, I miss my armor."

Kleiner's voice came over the intercom. "Heads up, everyone. The Ghost is making its move."


"I think the freighter is close enough to cruiser now," said Dr. Rolanga.

"I agree," said Hera. "Powering up engines. We're going in." Hera jumped the Ghost out of its assigned traffic lane. She aimed the ship at the light cruiser and punched the engines. At the sudden movement Jacen, as predicted, woke up with a cry, but soon began to enjoy the ride.

"Corellian freighter Nemsi, you have deviated from you flight path," said the Imperial traffic controller. "Return to your previous course or you will be fired upon."

"Oh, I'll be doing the firing," said Hera as she hit the weapons control. Two concussion missiles launched out and hit the light cruiser on the bow. Hera drove the Ghost under the cruiser. Rex in the top turret fired between the cruiser's front spars where it's three TIE fighters were docked. Rex took out one of them and crippled a second. "Good shooting, Rex."

"The freighter is fleeing back to the planet."

"Good. We need to keep the cruiser and the fighters occupied," said Hera. "Now it's the Nonnah's turn."


"Gunners, take out the freighter's propulsion," ordered Chanla.

"Wesa do it," said the lead Gungan gunner. Kat heard the sound of weapons fire. Hopefully the Gungan's had some skill. The alien gunner replied much sooner that Kat predicted. "Freighter's engines are-a disabled."

"I'm taking the Nonnah in. Prepare for boarding," said Rike Kleiner.

Kat spread her legs wide in an athletic stance. With no hand hold she prepared for the inevitable shutter of the Nonnah latching on to the other shuttle. As expected, the Nonnah banged into the Neimoidian freighter. There were some more grinding noises before Kat heard the Rike say, "Airlock achieved. You are now free to move about the enemy's cabin."

Kat stood before the airlock. The boarding team was Kat, Cara, Chanla, and three Gungans including their leader Quilow Pom. The Nonnah's airlock door opened and revealed the exterior hatch of the freighter. Two of the Gungans planted explosive devices on the doorway. Kat had never boarded an enemy ship before. All her combat had been planet side. But she flexed her arms in front of her and loosen her neck. "Just like jumping out of a gunship," she reassured herself. She gripped both her pistols and readied herself.

The door blew in, and Kat looked through. There were defenders inside firing their blasters. Kat returned fire, but her shots missed. However, that was on purpose. "Cara, droid popper!"

"What?!" asked Cara.

Kat shook her head. "I meant flash grenade."

Cara threw a round hand sized device into the shuttle. Kat covered her ears as best she could. The grenade activated, sending out a sensory blast both blinding and deafening their opponents.

Kat jumped into the hallway before the defenders could recover. With a pistol in each hand she fired at the defenders. The round blue stun bolts hit fought their targets. These weren't Imperials, and both Chanla and Syndulla had ordered stun weapons only.

Kat made it six meters into the freighter before stopping and establishing a forward position. Cara came next, then the Gungans, and lastly Chanla. Chanla took aim at a security recorder and fired her Naboo pistol with its telltale "who'amp" sound. She came alongside Kat. "You're the soldier, Kat. Lead us forward."

"The bribe will be in the cargo hold," said Kat. "Chanla, take one of the Gungans and go there. We will fight towards the cockpit."

"Won't our queenie needa more helpen?" asked Pom.

"No," said Kat. "These Neimoidians are cowards. The captain of this vessel will order all to his defense. Chanla probably won't encounter any resistance."

"Neku, let's go," said Chanla. And she and one of the other Gungans took a different passage.

Kat led the team forward. They methodically advanced, stunning the ship's defenders as they went. The defenders were of various alien races. They were clearly mercenaries, but not very expensive ones, given their low level performance. However, Kat found aiming the stun bolts more difficult than standard blaster bolts. She had never used stun on a battle droid. On the other hand, using stun did have one advantage. Anyone facing death would fight harder to save their life. Since Kat and her team weren't using lethal attack, the mercenaries might not be as concerned for their safety.

As if to throw Kat's theory out the airlock, an attack actually came. Not the mercenaries, but a set of Neimoidian guards. These guards wore a tunic of tough material, armored gauntlets, and a metal helmet. Four of them charged forward. Kat stunned two of them. The Gungan leader Pom stunned another. The fourth got close to Kat, but that was his mistake.

Cara jumped forward and with a swinging kick knocked the Neimoidian's weapon of his hand. She then closed the distance and delivered a massive right hook to his helmeted head. Dazed, the guard fell back to the wall. But not satisfied, Cara grabbed the Neimoidian, hoisted him over her head, and threw him to the ground. Cara's brushed her hair out of her face, looking very pleased with herself.

"You happy?" asked Kat.

"Oh, yes," said Cara, flexing her gloved fingers.

Kat made her way to the door that led to the bridge. She paused. She had expected more resistance. She hadn't actually expected to get this far. Should she enter the bridge and attack the captain. Oh, she wanted to. She too would take pleasure in punching a Neimoidian in the face. But she didn't know what was on the other side of that door. Even the most incompetent defenders could get lucky, and Kat did not plan on losing a single soldier today.

Kat decided on a different tactic. She hit the intercom button outside the door. "Uninvited guest to freighter captain. We are here to negotiate your surrender."

"I will not negotiate with you, pirate!" said the Neimoidian voice through the comm. "There is nothing of value on board this ship. Just passengers and meaningless cargo."

Kat thought quickly. What would a pirate demand? She was taking too long. Fortunately Pom answered. "Yousa are valuable. Wesa usen you for ransom."

"You can't do that," replied the voice behind the door.

"Are you saying that no one will pay your ransom?" asked Kat. "If that's the case, we should just blow the ship and leave."

"Wait!" said the voice. "I do have something valuable. Take that instead."

"Kat, we have the package and are heading back to the ship," said Chanla over Kat's commlink.

"Finally," said Kat to herself. "Actually, we have what we came for," she spoke to the intercom. "Send our wishes to the governor." Kat shot the intercom and the bridge door controls. "Let's get out of here."

The team met Chanla at the airlock and exited the freighter. As the Nonnah detached from the freighter, Kat and Chanla shared a smile. They had taken the goal with no causalities. A good day.


"The Nonnah reports mission accomplished," said Dr. Rolanga.

"Time for us to leave," said Hera. They had crippled the Imperial cruiser and destroyed its fighters. But Imperial reinforcements had arrived, and it was beginning to become crowded with TIE fighters. Hera brought the Ghost alongside the Nonnah and the two ships flew out of Cato Neimoidia's orbit. As soon as they were clear, both ships jumped to hyperspace.


"The Ghost and the Nonnah are both clear," said Katrina.

"Excellent," said Kallus. "Let's pick up our trinket." In the chaos of ships fleeing combat, Kallus swung the Phantom around. Katrina opened the rear hatch. The cabin of the Phantom was already depressurized, and Kallus and Katrina were in spacesuits. Using the controls on her gauntlet Katrina commanded a droid to come to her. It was a striped down probe droid that the Nonnah had left in orbit months ago. Once she had it on board, Kallus sealed the hatch and began to restore the shuttle's atmosphere.

"It's a good thing you had this shuttle," said Katrina through the spacesuit comm, as the atmosphere was not yet at an adequate pressure. "This old Separatist craft blends in well here at Cato Neimoidia."

The life support light blinked green, and Kallus took off his helmet. "Even more handy was your probe droid. The Empire doesn't let those get out of their hands too often. Usually they self-destruct if damaged."

"Unfortunately, we won't be able to keep it," said Katrina. "But the governor will be in trouble once we release its data. This little guy has been recording these bribes for months. The locals on Cato Neimoidia won't like that. And Imperial forces won't be impressed that the same bribe was stolen right under their governor's nose."

Kallus chuckled. "No, the Empire will not like that. Just make sure to scrub the Ghost and the Nonnah off it before you return it to the Empire," said Kallus.

"Not a problem," replied Katrina.

Kallus smiled. A smart plan executed perfectly. If Katrina and her friends from the Nonnah joined the Rebellion, they could certainly find uses for them.


After Kallus and Katrina returned in the Phantom, the two crews celebrated their victory. Cara and Kat were with Katrina and Chanla. Rex and Dr. Rolanga were speaking with Rike Kleiner and Sel Pamma. Zeb and Chopper were with the Gungans. And Hera stood back while holding Jacen.

The Nonnah's crew was good. Not as good as they could be, but Hera could see potential. Rike Kleiner was a decent pilot. Chanla was a seasoned leader. Sel Pamma was the voice of reason that could balance decision making. The Gungans, with proper training, could become a special amphibious assault team. And Hera couldn't put into words how valuable Katrina's ability to slice into Imperial systems would be.

Chanla, the unofficial leader of the Nonnah crew, approached Hera. "Did you get him to sleep?" she asked pointing down at Jacen.

Hera answered by pulling back the blanket to revealing the baby's closed eyes. "He's a good sleeper, except whenever the Ghost is moving. I will have to put him in his crib soon."

"I understand." Chanla looked down on the baby as if in thought. But she raised her eyes to Hera. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

"That we do," said Hera. She really wanted to recruit Chanla and her crew into the Rebellion, but Hera knew that she had to do it just right.

"You will have to let us know next time you're in the Core," said Chanla. Hera held her poker face. Apparently Chanla wasn't really to join. "We will, of course, split the money we commandeered today with you. I'm sure your Rebellion could use it."

"Actually, I had a different idea of how you can repay us," said Hera.

"Oh?"

"I thought since we helped you on one of your missions against the Empire, you could help us in one of ours. That way, you keep all the money, and you pay us back favor for favor."

Chanla eyed Hera with suspicion. "What are you up to, General?" she asked. "What kind of mission are we talking about?"

"I want to check the details before I pitch the idea to your crew. You are, of course, free to hear it out before saying yes or no. And we are allies in our battle against the Empire. I'm not going to keep track of favors. But I hope we've at least earned your consideration."

"I think you've earned that much," said Chanla. "How much more is yet to be seen."

Hera smiled at the human woman. Chanla was inviting the recruitment sales pitch, but was playing hard to get. Very well, Hera would have to make her best argument. And with any luck, bring in new members into the Rebellion.


"Agent Aargant, the information you requested has come through," said one of the Assailant's underlings who was handing him a data card.

"Thank you, Ensign," said Aargant, thought he couldn't care less about the dim-witted underling. "If your captain asks, I will be in my quarters." Aargant left the bridge. He had been granted the VIP guest quarters on the Assailant which were usually reserved for visiting admirals and moffs. It was an honor above Aargant's ISB rank, but he had convinced Commander Bowmen to give him the quarters. They were larger than other guest quarters, which was a luxury even on a ship the size of an Imperial Star Destroyer. But Aargant needed the space to see all his details.

He accessed his personal database from the desk console in his sitting room and displayed all the information he had collected in holograms before him. The holograms took up an entire wall. He then plugged in his new data card, and the information collected about the heist above Cato Neimoidia joined the rest of the holograms.

Aargant began to sift through the information, noting everything of significance and somethings that others would consider insignificant. He smiled as he looked at the data. He enjoyed this part. And if he could use this data to catch General Syndulla and the Ghost, perhaps he would no longer have to convince captains to give him the VIP quarters. Perhaps they would offer him the honor on their own accord.