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Note: A new posting schedule for this story is listed at the end of the chapter in my author's notes. So be sure to check that out when you're finished reading. Thanks.

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Chapter 40

~X~

"A leader of Mandalorians is a curious person. He takes command with reluctance, rules with no power, and dies the most beloved soldier of all his companions."

~Fenn Shysa~

Din and Ravana eventually did lay down and rest, both of them falling asleep almost instantly, soothed by the feel of the other held tightly in their arms. When they felt they'd indulged enough, they exited Din's room and went to check on their passengers.

Ahsoka had been taking care of things quite nicely in their absence, and even the kid had regained enough of his energy and was now playing with the other children. Zax was beside himself with joy, having so many new playmates.

"Thanks for looking after them," Din told his new Force-wielding friend.

"It was no trouble," she smiled, glancing over at the children. "It reminded me of when I used to help train the younglings at the Jedi temple." She then shook her head slightly. "Yet that was a lifetime ago, and there's no sense in dwelling on the past." Her face then brightened as she gestured to the Mandalorian's little green foundling. "He is very strong with the Force, and his control of it will only continue to grow. He has the potential to be a powerful Jedi one day."

Of course right then is when the String-bean chose to spin around in circles until he became dizzy and fell down, making all the children laugh at his antics.

"I did say one day," Ahsoka clarified, a warm smile spreading over her face.

"That's what we worry about," Ravana confessed, taking hold of Din's arm and leaning her head against his shoulder. "He has powers we don't understand, nor do we know how to help him learn to control them. He will need guidance, and yet…I don't want to part with him."

"Nor should you!" the Togruta woman insisted. "The child is safe with you. Gideon is no longer a threat, and no one says he can't continue to gain mastery over his abilities within a loving family. The Jedi temple is gone and there are no more Masters and Padawans. And seeing that he will age slower than most, it will be quite a few more years before he is mature enough to fully make use of his powers." She then tilted her head in thought. "Still, I suppose, once I have fulfilled my promise to an old friend, I could drop in from time to time and check on his progress. Perhaps offer some suggestions and guidance where it might be needed."

"You would?" this made Ravana feel much better. "We would be forever in your debt for any help you could offer."

"And should the mission my friend and I are on be successful, I might have yet another teacher for the child. One I think he would get along with very well, as I can sense a bit of the same playful mischief in him as I did in another." Here she paused, giving a warm smile of remembrance for someone Ravana and Din apparently didn't know. "I can't promise that the child will ever be a Jedi, but I can make sure he comes to understand the Force and what it could mean for his future," Ahsoka added, not wanting them to get the wrong idea.

"Thank you! That would be wonderful!" Ravana was quick to assure her. "Right, Din?"

"Yes…it would be very helpful indeed," he agreed. He then turned to look at the other children. "What of them? Will their powers continue to grow as well?"

This question, however, had Ahsoka's expression changing to one of confusion.

"I am unaware of what their level of Force sensitivity was to begin with," Ahsoka stated, visibly troubled by what she was about to say. "Yet, from what I can tell, none of them are currently anywhere close to what your foundling possesses. I suppose they might simply be attuned to the Force in different ways…or perhaps when many of their midi-chlorians were removed, their powers were drastically diminished. Their abilities, if they ever had any to begin with, might return. Or they may remain at this level for the rest of their lives. If so, small tricks or maybe heightened reflexes will be all they are capable of from here on out."

"I…I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing," Ravana mused, her brow furrowed in thought. "In one way, it might be difficult for them to have once had something, and it now be taken from them. On the other hand…if they have no powers, no one would ever attempt to kidnap them again. Right?"

"You have a point," Ahsoka nodded. "I left my home world of Shili willingly, in order to train at the Jedi temple. However, just before that, I too barely escaped being taken captive by those with unscrupulous intentions, set on using my emerging abilities for their own gain. The loss of these children's abilities could indeed be a blessing in disguise."

"Were you able to learn anything about their homes and families?" Din questioned.

"Yes, I have," she told them, yet again, the mix of emotions that crossed her features had them a bit worried. "Most should not be difficult to return to where they belong, each of them having families who are more than likely anxious to get them back. Yet that does not appear to be the case for the little Ugnaught." Here she called young Shay over from the group. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she pointed her in the direction of Din and Ravana. "Could you please tell them what you told me about Merp?"

The young girl nodded and did as she was asked.

"He and I were taken about the same time…though not from the same place," the dark-haired youngster related. "He told me he'd been living on the streets of Umbar for a while now, ever since his mother died. He doesn't know who his father was. He would have to steal food to survive and hide at night to fend off any who tried to enslave him, but he was no match for the group that grabbed him and brought us to that place. He has no parents to go home to." Ahsoka thanked her for the information and excused her to go back with the others as they continued their play.

"Oh, dear!" Ravana whispered, covering her mouth with her hand in sorrow. "The poor little guy. What can we do?"

"Is it not the custom of the Mandalorians to take in foundlings?" Ahsoka asked, knowing full well that it was.

"I would be happy to bring him back to the covert, if that be his wish," Din nodded. "Yet…I believe I have a better idea. One that might improve the lives of two, instead of just one."

At first both women looked at him in confusion, but quickly Ravana's face broke out in a wide smile.

"Are you thinking of Kuiil?" she asked in excitement. "Oh, Din! That would be perfect! Do you think he'd be willing to take him in?"

"He did mention that his home was rather quiet without IG-11 there for company," Din reminded her. "And who better to raise a special Ugnaught child, than Kuiil?"

"Am I to assume this Kuiil is an Ugnaught as well?" Ahsoka asked, starting to catch on, though having no idea who IG-11 might be.

"He is indeed, as well as a very trustworthy and caring individual," Din assured her. "Merp couldn't ask for a better home than with him. And if for some reason they don't get along…he will always be welcome within the covert."

"Then it's settled," Ravana said, clapping her hands together. "Merp will remain with us after we hand over Gideon to Princess Leia and her brother, Luke Skywalker."

At the mention of the name Skywalker, Ahsoka jerked back, acting as if the word had literally caused her pain.

"What did you say?" Ahsoka gasped, not having heard that surname mentioned in quite a long time. "Leia Organa's brother…is a Skywalker?"

"Yes, he's the Jedi we met up with on Anoah just before we headed off to hunt down Gideon," Ravana explained, finding the woman's reaction to that name quite odd. "Why…do you know him?"

"No, I do not. Though there is a strong chance I might have known someone related to him," she revealed. "And yet, that's impossible…for how could he…" Here she stopped and her eyes grew wide. "Padme! It has to be."

"Who is Padme?" Din questioned, never having heard that name before.

"She was once the queen of Naboo…and later a powerful senator before the fall of the Old Republic," Ahsoka revealed. "She was also the wife of my former Jedi master…Anakin Skywalker. Though their relationship was a very well-kept secret, known only to those closest to them. For a Jedi is expected to forsake all forms of attachments…including love."

"Well that sounds rather harsh," Ravana stated, wrinkling her nose at the idea. "But you say they did marry…and you think Luke Skywalker could be their son? What about his sister…Leia?"

"Twins, then. It has to be," Ahsoka deduced, closing her eyes as she reached out with her feelings, attempting to determine if she was correct. When she reopened them, it was evident that she was still undecided. "I fought alongside Senator Bail Organa in both the Clone Wars and during the Rebellion, and he was a trusted ally of the Jedi. It would make sense that he would be chosen to protect one of Anakin's children. You say they will both be on Lothal to receive Gideon?" she asked hopefully, giving a firm nod when Ravana responded in the affirmative. "The Force will reveal the truth to me when I see them in person."

Din suddenly realized that there was now more at stake than just fulfilling their assignment to take down Gideon. This meeting on Lothal might end up being more important than any of them had imagined.

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In the final hours before they reached the planet, Ahsoka distracted the other children while Din and Ravana spoke to little Merp. They thought it best to inform him of their plan to give him a new home. The Ugnaught was the youngest of the four, and by far the smallest as well – however they figured that was mostly due to the diminutive size of his race. He sat on the bench before them, his stubby little legs swinging back and forth as he watched them curiously. His wide innocent eyes and adorable little upturned snout nearly broke Ravana's heart, thinking of how he'd been left alone at such a young age.

"Merp," Din began, kneeling down so that he might not appear so intimidating. "It was our plan to see that all four of you were returned to your home planets and families. Yet, we understand that you do not have a family to go back to."

At this, the little Ugnaught lowered his head, a sad expression coming to his face.

"No…I'm all alone," he confirmed in a small voice. "I don't want to go back to Umbar."

"And we won't make you," Ravana promised, taking a seat next to him and placing her arm around his shoulders.

"We have a friend, a male of your own kind, who might have a place for you in his home," Din offered, watching as the child's eyes brightened at the news. "He lives on Arvalla-7 and is a moisture farmer. Now I can't speak for him personally, but I'm relatively sure that he would welcome you into his family…if that's something you'd like."

"YES!" the child agreed without hesitation. "I'd be a good son! I can work hard, and I know how to fix things. I can be a lot of help, really I can!"

"Then we'll have to ask him," Din nodded. "However, if this does not work out, you will still not be going back to Umbar. You will come with us and be welcomed into the Mandalorian covert. So do not fear, little one…you will have a family again." Now Din had become rather accustomed to the String-bean and Ravana offering signs of affection in the form of hugs and kisses…but he was rather unprepared when little Merp leapt off the bench and threw his arms around his neck.

"Thank you, Mr. Mandalorian!" he cried, his eyes glistening with tears of joy. "Thank you very much."

"You're…welcome, Merp," Din stammered, at last relaxing enough to return the gesture, placing his hands on the child's back and giving it a comforting pat. "You'll never have to worry about being alone again."

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An hour later, both the Razor Crest and Cara's ship dropped out of hyperspace, with the planet Lothal appearing before them in the darkness of space. It was quite lovely, really, with blue seas, green and brown terrain, as well as puffy white clouds dotting the atmosphere. All in all, some place Ravana felt she would enjoy visiting.

They were hailed as they approached the main city, and instructed to land in docking bay eighty-four, just as they'd planned. Once the two ships were powered down and secure, they exited the vessels, along with their passengers and cargo. Only little Merp and Zax remained on board, deciding it would be less confusing if they were not required to explain their plans to place the little Ugnaught with a new family. Merp was only too happy to stay behind and play with the zaktan, promising to be on his best behavior in their absence.

"You know, as much as I would like to meet the former princess of Alderaan, I think maybe it would be best if I stayed on board with Merp," Cara announced, suddenly looking none too eager to accompany them. "I'm not sure how I'd be received. I mean, I didn't exactly leave the military on the best of terms. I could be thrown in the brig if I'm recognized."

"Here," Paz offered, digging in a pouch on his utility belt and coming out with a strip of cloth. "Cover your stripes with this," he suggested. "And I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. Besides, you don't strike me as the sort who would ever run from a fight."

This had the former shock trooper looking up at the large Mandalorian in surprise, as if trying to ascertain what he meant by that. Yet when little Shay reached up and slipped her hand within Cara's, the child looking at her with such affection, her pride and courage overruled any such thoughts of staying behind.

Reaching out, she snatched the piece of cloth from his hand, allowing Shay to assist her in covering the tattoo on her arm. Once it was in place, she turned her eyes back to Paz.

"You're right, I don't run from anything," she stated, though much of the bite had left her tone. "I just figured the last thing anyone wanted was another problem."

"It won't be a problem, Cara," Ravana assured her. "You're with us, and we will make sure we all leave the planet…together."

"Just stay close, and let me do the talking," Din nodded, prepared to defend Cara even if she didn't feel she needed it. And, he had a sneaky suspicion that Paz would do the same. To the death.

Just then, the doors at the far end of the hanger opened and in walked the party they had come to meet. There were a number of guards, a man in official looking robes, and at the head of the group, Luke, Leia, Han, little Ben, and Chewbacca. Even the two droids they'd had with them last time were there.

"Well, there's no turning back now," Din muttered, signaling for all of them to follow him, with Paz bringing up the rear as he pushed the hovering slab of carbonite along. When they were only a few yards from each other they all stopped, not sure who would speak first…or even what to say.

"It is good to see you all again," Leia announced, breaking the silence and greeting them with a wide smile. "Am I to assume that you were successful in your mission?"

To Din's ears, it sounded as if she were attempting to legitimize their actions in some way - as if they had taken on an assignment sanctioned by her authority. That was fine by him, but he would have done it no matter what…for the sake of the kid and Ravana.

"It was," he answered, instantly reverting back to the stoic Mandalorian he'd been before.

"So much for letting you do all the talking," Ravana whispered with a roll of her eyes. Stepping forward, the kid held securely in her arms, she spoke out loud. "We captured Moff Gideon. Might we count on you to see that he is held accountable for his crimes, both during the war and then towards us and these children he had in his custody." Here she gestured to the three youngsters beside her.

From the look on Leia's face, all could tell that she knew exactly what Ravana meant by that, and no one could blame her for reaching down and picking up her young son, giving him a protective squeeze. Ben, of course, fussed over this, the young boy far more interested in the others his size. The String-bean giggled and cooed, reaching out his hand as he gave his friend a wave.

"Where is the Hutt-spawn, then?" Han demanded, his hand hovering over his blaster at his side. "We'll gladly take him off your hands and see he pays for what he's done…to everyone."

Paz stepped forward, pushing the grey slab of frozen Gideon forward. At that, Han took a step back, not out of any sort of fear of who was in it…but instead of what he was encased in. Chewbacca let out a growl as well, hating the sight as much as his comrade.

"Easy, Chewie," Luke muttered, knowing that the such a thing brought back very bad memories for both him and his brother-in-law. "There's nothing to worry about." The young man's words seemed to have an effect on Han as well, and after clearing his throat, the former smuggler appeared to regain his composure.

Leia waved her hand and several of the guards behind them came forward, checking the controls to make sure the prisoner was secure before tipping the block upright and surrounding it for protection.

Ravana couldn't help but give a sigh of relief, knowing the man who'd tried to kill her – twice – was finally off their hands and out of their lives. Whatever became of him now, she couldn't care less, just as long as he never darkened their door again.

"And might you also aid us in returning these three children to their proper homes?" Ravana asked, gesturing towards Shay, Genji and Makil-Rel.

"We would be more than happy to see that they get safely back to the loving arms of their families," Leia said with a nod of agreement, once more gesturing to several of the guards. They each removed their helmets and stepped forward, the men and women's kind faces and warm smiles putting the children at ease. "If you go with them, they will see that you are taken care of until we can get you home."

Genji and Makil-Rel nodded their agreement, giving Ravana and Din warm smiles of gratitude and words of farewell. Yet, little Shay turned and threw her arms around Cara, having obviously formed quite an attachment to the woman whom she saw as her rescuer.

"I'll miss you," she told the stunned Shock Trooper.

"Hey," Cara told her, kneeling down so that they were eye to eye. "I'll miss you too. But you're going home, to your family now."

"Will I ever see you again?" Shay begged to know, a single tear sliding down her cheek.

"What does your heart tell you?" Cara asked, touching the center of the girl's chest lightly with her finger.

"I…I think so," she sniffled, before reaching up and wiping her eyes with the back of her sleeve. "No…I know so."

"Then we will," Cara nodded, surprising everyone – including herself – as she pulled the child to her in a big hug, kissing her on the forehead when they at last parted. "Now, go with the others. I bet they'll fill you up with gooey treats and give you lots of toys to play with." And with a wink, she urged the child to follow the guards, having to swallow the lump in her throat in order to watch the little girl leave with a smile.

"You're a very kind woman with a big heart, Cara," Paz said softly, walking up beside her and placing his arm around her shoulders in a comforting fashion. Cara remained silent until the children were out of sight, sniffing a little as she attempted to compose herself.

"Yeah…well, just don't go telling anyone, or I'll knock that helmet right off that blockhead of yours," she threatened, though she made no attempt to remove his arm from her shoulders.

This caused Din to give a snort of laughter, knowing full well that the woman could have easily done so with little effort, if she'd wished to.

"Oh, and one more thing," Ravana suddenly spoke up, turning around and taking hold of the shy doctor's arm and pulling him forward. "This is Dr. Pershing, and he was instrumental in the success of our mission. He had been forcibly pressed into service of Moff Gideon, but bravely protected the children and saw that none of them came to harm while under his care. He is an amazing scientist; one I believe would be of great use to you…somewhere."

Here, a man with white hair and a beard stepped forward. He wore an official looking long blue robe, one that matched his bright sapphire eyes perfectly.

"I am Ryder Azadi, Governor of Lothal," he introduced himself. "And we are always looking for brave men and women who wish to further the cause of justice, peace, and scientific exploration," he said, giving a nod of respect towards Dr. Pershing. "I will personally see that you, and your skills, are brought to the attention of the science division in our capitol city."

"T-t-thank you, Governor!" Pershing stammered, both shocked and elated by the offer. "I…I would be more than happy to serve the people of Lothal."

It was here that Governor Azadi turned his attention to the Togruta woman standing among them.

"I would also like to welcome you, Ahsoka Tano…or should I still be calling you Fulcrum?" he asked with a laugh. "After all you did for Lothal and the forming of the rebellion, you will always have a home here on Lothal."

"You were Fulcrum?" Leia asked in surprise, knowing her father had assigned that secret designation to only their most trusted Rebel contacts. "Or at least one of them?"

"I was…for a time," Ahsoka nodded, stepping forward as she searched the faces of both Luke and Leia. She felt her heart swell with joy when she found the answer she was looking for.

"Then you must have known my father, Bail Organa," Leia stated in an excited voice.

"I did, and he was a man I admired greatly. I was sorry to hear of his passing. However I believe that I knew your real father as well," she told them in a solemn tone. "For I was once the Padawan Learner assigned to Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars."

Leia gasped at this news, covering her mouth with the hand not holding onto little Ben, while Luke stepped forward - eager to hear all this strange woman had to say.

"You knew our father?" he repeated, there being so few left alive that remembered him as Anakin…and not Darth Vader. "He actually trained you?"

This made Ahsoka chuckle slightly, her mind recalling all the messes and scrapes they'd gotten themselves into - and out of - by the skin of their teeth.

"Let's just say we trained each other," she said with a sad smile. "But yes, I fought beside your father for many years and came to consider him as a brother. He was a remarkable man, and a good friend." She then stepped closer and placed her slightly shaking palm against Leia's cheek. "You resemble your mother, Padme, so very much. Both in looks…and in the way you style your hair," she chuckled once more recalling the elaborate styles the former queen of Naboo used to wear. "She too was a dear friend and I miss her greatly…as I do your father."

"I…I have so many questions for you," Luke stammered, elated to have found a source of information about the parents he never knew. "There's so much I…" here he stopped and gestured to Leia, "…we, wish to know."

"And I would like to learn about the two of you and your history as well, Luke Skywalker," Ahsoka assured him. "But I fear that it will have to wait for a later time…since I am honor bound to fulfill a promise I made many years ago. I only came to Lothal in order to join some friends on a mission to find a lost comrade."

"Ezra Bridger?" Governor Azadi questioned, able to easily guess who she was speaking of.

"Yes," Ahsoka nodded. "I, and what remains of his crew, are going to bring him home at last."

And as if summoned by simply the mention of them, the ship known as The Ghost slowly dropped from the sky, landing beside the Razor Crest and powering down its engines.

"It would appear they are right on time," Ahsoka smiled, gesturing to where the hatch of the ship opened with a hiss.

Oh look! Here comes the crew of the Ghost!

Did you like Din's idea for little Merp? Do you think Kuiil will take him in?

And looks like Ahsoka (and maybe Ezra) will be the String-bean's teachers! Won't that be fun!

I hope you don't mind me adding in a bit of nostalgia for Ahsoka, what with meeting her former master's kids and all. I often wondered how that might go...so I wrote it.

Now the kids are taken care of, Dr. Pershing has a new job, and Gideon is turned over to the proper authorities. Hmmmm, what else is there that needs to be taken care of? (wink, wink) Don't worry...I have it all under control!

NEW POSTING SCHEDULE: I'm starting to ramp up the posting of chapters, from two days a week to three. So you will be getting chapters on Wednesday as well until it's over. But please, be sure to continue sending in reviews for each one. They really make me smile. Thanks.

Guest Reviews:

Guest: I hope you were alone when you started shouting out of excitement about getting to meet Rex. ha ha. Yes, he's a favorite of mine too. He was always such a steadfast and stalwart guy, wasn't he? Always there when anyone needed him. A true hero. And he will be showing up in the NEXT chapter! Thanks for the review! T.O.W.G.

Phantom Guest: Yep, the truth is being revealed! They ARE very excited about the wedding...to be sure. They want more hugs and kisses too...and other things, I'm sure. But remember, I'm only a smut-light writer. So there won't be anything past PG13. ha ha. Yep, nice cliffies are all you get from here on out. Thanks. T.O.W.G.