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Chapter 41

~X~

"The armor I wear is five hundred years old. I re-forged it to my liking, but the battles, the history, the blood, all live within it. And the same goes for every Mandalorian."

~Sabine Wren~

Turning around, Din watched as the VCX-100 light freighter extended its gangplank. He was anxious to get a good look at this crew Ahsoka had spoken of with such admiration. It was a rather odd assortment, however, that came into view, all of them halting when they reached the docking bay floor.

"Is that…?" Paz gasped, spotting the woman standing out front whose beskar armor and helmet sported a rather flamboyant paint job.

"Sabine Wren!" Din finished, also recognizing the legendary warrior. He'd of course never met her in person, but her reputation – and flair for the arts – was very well known among the clans.

"Who?" Ravana questioned, looking from one Mandalorian to the next in confusion…and possibly a bit of jealousy over their sense of awe.

"She was…is…a very respected warrior, and her name is spoken of with reverence among all Mandalorians," Paz explained, still shocked to be seeing her in person.

"And she is the friend I spoke of, the one I was journeying with before the Force called me to Sadar to find the children," Ahsoka revealed. "I told you I'd worked with Mandalorians before."

"Yet, you never said you'd worked with one of such renown," Din commented.

"Is she really as skilled as they say?" Paz asked, eager to know if the legends were true. "Has she really blown up more things than both the Empire and Rebellion combined?"

"She does love her explosives," Ahsoka chuckled.

"Who are the rest?" Ravana broke in, not at all pleased by this whole hero worship Din and Paz had going. And from Cara's expression, it was apparent that she didn't care for it either.

"The Twi'lek woman is Hera Syndulla, captain of the Ghost and former officer in the Rebel fleet," Ahsoka related.

"And one of the best pilots in the galaxy," Leia added, having worked with the woman very closely through the years.

At this, Chewie let out a loud growl of disagreement.

"I said one of the best," the princess assured the Wookie. "You know I think Han's still the best."

"That's right," Han told his disgruntled co-pilot. "Nothing and no one can beat us…or the Falcon." Or at least he liked to believe so, though even he wouldn't want to wager too much against that, not after all he'd seen of the woman and her ship.

"The young boy beside her is her son, Jacen," Ahsoka continued. Here she turned and looked at Luke, noticing the way he was staring at the child. "You can sense the Force in him, can you not?"

"I can," he nodded. "Did he inherit this from his mother? Is that why she's such an excellent pilot?"

"No. Hera was born to fly," Ahsoka informed him. "Jacen's father was Kanan Jarrrus, one of the few Jedi who survived Order 66. Sadly, he perished shortly before the battle of Yavin, giving his life for his crew…his family."

"Wait! Is that a Lasat?" Cara spoke up, her surprise at seeing one of his species still alive outweighing her desire to remain unnoticed. "I thought they were all wiped out by the Empire."

"Not all of them," Ahsoka assured her. "That's Zeb Orrelios, former captain of the Lasan Honor Guard, and an essential member of the Ghost crew. The astromech droid beside him is called Chopper, and I have to say he's probably the most personality driven machine I've ever encountered." At this, R2-D2 let out a series of beeps and whistles, stating his obvious displeasure at her statement. "Not counting you, of course, my old friend," she laughed, reaching out to pat the disgruntled droid on his metal head. Her words and actions seemed to placate the droid and he responded with a low whistle of contentment.

"And him?" Luke asked, watching as one of the crew broke away and began heading for them. He was a sturdy looking man of advanced years, with a bald head, a white mustache, and a well-trimmed beard. "He looks familiar…wait, is that – "

"Captain Rex!" Han laughed, his face breaking out into a wide smile. "He was a member of our ground crew during the Battle of Endor. Couldn't have done it without him…and those furry little Ewoks, of course."

By now the man in question was only a yard or so away and stopping there he gave a crisp salute to Han.

"General Solo," he said in acknowledgement. "Good to see you again, Sir."

"You too, Captain," Han replied, dispatching with all the formalities and extending his hand to his former comrade. "I'd heard you'd retired but had no idea you were involved with such a legendary crew as the Ghost."

"Oh yes, we all go way back," he laughed, shaking the offered hand. He then turned and gave Ashoka a warm smile, wrapping one strong arm around her shoulders and pulling her in for a hug: one full of fatherly affection. "But not as far back as I do with this little one. Good to have you back, Snips." Here he gave her a wink, having used the term of endearment that her former master had given her so many years ago. He then jerked his head in the direction of Luke and Leia. "What do you think of Anakin and Padme's kids, Ahsoka?"

"You know?" she questioned in surprise.

"How could I not?" Rex laughed. "From the moment I first laid eyes on them it was clear as day who they were. I didn't fight alongside their father, or help arrange secret meetings between him and their mother for years, not to see the resemblance immediately."

"You knew our parents as well?" Leia asked in a shocked voice. "Why didn't you say something when we worked together on Endor?"

"Wasn't sure you knew at the time," he explained. "Or at least not the whole truth, and I wasn't about to be the one to fill you in. Still, it was an honor to watch your backs in battle…something I got rather used to doing while serving with your father during the Clone Wars." Here he paused, giving the two stunned siblings a regretful smile. "Your parents would be so proud of the both of you."

There was a moment of awkward silence, with no one knowing quite what to say. Thankfully, Ahsoka broke the tension, posing a question to Rex.

"So, are you ready for another grand adventure, my friend?" she asked, obviously more than pleased to be back in his company.

"So long as you're leading the way…it'll be just like old times," he laughed.

"Speaking of old times," she said, turning to where Ravana stood with wide eyes. "I'd like to introduce you to a relative of another old friend of yours. This is Rexl's niece…Ravana."

At hearing his old mentor's name, Rex's eyes lit up, and taking a step towards Ravana, he engulfed her in an unexpected embrace. And while she was rather shocked by the gesture, she didn't appear averse to it either. Din, on the other hand stiffened up and made a move towards them…though he was quickly halted by Cara's strong grip on his arm and a firm shake of her head.

"So you're the sweet little Ravana all us boys heard so much about," he stated. "Rexl wasn't shy about sharing every message about you he received from his sister as you grew up. In fact, I still remember the holo-recording he showed us of the day you took your first steps." He then pulled back, holding her at arm's length. "You've grown a bit since then, but you still have that same spunky spirit in your eyes. Rexl was mighty proud of you."

"You remind me so much of him, it's uncanny," Ravana said, her tone still filled with wonder.

"Well, I was genetically engineered off the DNA of his brother," Rex laughed. "So…in an odd sort of way, we're kind of related."

"You're right!" This idea had Ravana grinning from ear to ear. "So, does that mean I can call you Uncle Rex?"

"You can call me anything you like," he assured her. "And I look forward to hearing all about your life and what happened to my old mentor once he left the cor." Here he turned his eyes to where the rest of the crew of the Ghost waited. "But right now, Ahsoka and I have a job to do, so that will have to wait."

"I look forward to that day with great anticipation," Ravana assured him.

"You and the others just bring our boy home," Governor Ryder Azadi spoke up, having worked alongside Rex for many years during the time his planet had been under the Empire's control. "Lothal hasn't been the same without Ezra Bridger running around making trouble for everyone."

"It's our aim to see he's brought back so he can cause even more," Rex assured the man with an amused chuckle. "The lad was always good at that." Then, with a nod of respect to Luke, Leia, Han…and then Ravana, he stepped back, waiting for Ahsoka.

"This is farewell for now, my friends," she announced, taking one of Ravana's hands in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. She then reached up and stroked the extended ears of the child she was holding. "I will be back to check on his progress, though with you and Din watching over him, I have no fear that he will grow into his powers with strength and love." Ahsoka looked up at Din. "Take care of your little family, Mandalorian."

"I will," he promised, his tone telling all that he took his words seriously.

"Then, until we meet again," she said in parting, taking one final look at the children of her former master, before turning and heading for the Ghost with Rex at her side…just as he'd always been for most of her formidable years.

Once they reached their ship, each one gave a wave before turning and walking up the ramp. At the top, Sabine paused and turned, surprising all as she reached up and removed her helmet, before giving the two Mandalorians a jaunty salute. Her youthful appearance and her bright purple hair not at all consistent with the legendary reputation that surrounded her. Still, Din had long ago come to realize that looks could often be deceiving…and usually were.

"Hey!" Ravana gasped, her head whipping around to look at Din and Paz. "Why can she take her helmet off and you can't?"

"Different clan," both men stated in unison, raising their own hands in a gesture of acknowledgement to Sabine as the door shut and the Ghost was locked up tight.

A few moments later, the engines engaged, and the famed Rebel ship took off, heading for parts unknown in search of the mysterious Ezra Bridger.

"How long do you think their mission will take?" Ravana questioned, looking over at Governor Azadi, more than a little anxious for their return.

"Ezra has been missing for a number of years," the white-haired man said with a sad shake of his head. "Yet, if anyone can locate him…they can."

"I'm sure," Leia nodded. Just then, little Ben leaned over and whispered something into his mother's ear. Giving a knowing smile, the former princess turned to the Wookie. "Chewie, could you take Ben to the refresher for me, please?"

At this, the Wookie gave a few chuffs of humor, reaching out with his hairy hands and taking the little lad. Obviously, having played nursemaid many times, off they went to deal with this call of nature. Ben peeked over Chewbacca's shoulder, giving the kid a wave farewell, one that was returned by the little green alien.

"I think Paz and I will head back to the ships now," Cara broke in, feeling a little more exposed now that the crowd had thinned out. "Zax might need a little help or something."

"Not before I've had a chance to thank you as well for your aid in all this, Carasynthia Dune," Leia said with a knowing smile. When Cara appeared shocked that she knew her by name, the princess chuckled. "You don't think I wouldn't have known about you? A female shock trooper who came from my home planet tends to stand out in my mind. I've followed your career quite closely over the years and was sad to learn you'd left the service. You were an excellent soldier."

"I…I…thank you," Cara stammered, a bit shell shocked by Leia's compliment.

"Is there anything I might do for you?" the princess continued. "Something to show my gratitude for all you have done?"

"I…" once more it would seem that the Loth-cat had her tongue, but not so with Din.

"She currently has a bit of an issue with her chain code, since leaving the service," Din reported, causing Cara to glare at him in embarrassment. "Not sure if you have any pull, but she could use a bit of help there."

"I can see that any charges associated with her are expunged," Leia nodded, not acting as if any of this surprised her. Then again, she did marry a wanted smuggler, so she was probably used to it by now. "Loyalty should be rewarded." Turning to C-3PO she gave her orders. "See that all the files on Cara Dune are wiped clean of any…indiscretions as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Highness," the golden droid agreed. "I will have it done immediately."

"And while you're at it, 3-PO, see that she is put in to receive a medal for valor…posthumously, of course. That should clear up any worries about glitches with your chain code."

"I don't know what to say, Princess," Cara gasped, looking completely shell-shocked over this development.

"Then say nothing," she smiled. "It's the least I can do, and it's within my power to see it accomplished."

Leia may have spoken again, but just then, one of the side doors to the hanger slammed open and in came a distinguished looking blond-haired man, followed by a hunter droid and several rather unsavory characters…all brandishing blasters and other weapons.

"THERE SHE IS!" the man in front yelled, pointing his finger directly at Ravana.

Instantly, Din was in front of his wife, his own blaster in his hand and ready to defend her with his life. Paz, Cara, Han, and Luke followed suit, all ready to protect their newfound friend. Ryder Azadi's guards also raised their weapons, yet more in the defense of their governor than Ravana.

"Oh my!" C-3PO cried, throwing his hands up in the air. "We'll all be blown to bits!"

"Sub paragraph sixteen of the Bondsman's Guild protocol waiver compels you to immediately hand over the asset," the droid, a shiny black unit with a head like a bug demanded in a loud voice, his weapon trained on the group before him.

"That's not going to happen!" Din snarled, unwilling to give up Ravana to anyone.

"I'm confused here," Luke whispered. "Who are they after?"

"Not me this time," Han replied, sounding almost as shocked as everyone else.

"It's me," Ravana admitted, looking both afraid and apologetic at the same time. "He thinks I killed his brother, so he put a price on my head. But I swear I didn't do it…it was Gideon!"

"Then I think's it's high time we set things straight!" Leia said in a determined voice. "Governor Azadi, if you would be so kind as to join me." And at this, she stepped out and began walking towards the men, her hand held up in a sign of peace.

"LEIA!" Han growled, reaching out to grab her and pull her back, but he was too late. "What are you doing?"

"Taking care of this like a civilized adult and not a bunch of blaster happy children," she scolded, walking out a bit further, the tall governor right beside her.

"Don't worry, Han…she knows what she's doing," Luke assured him, having great faith in his Force sensitive sister. That, and he also knew if something went wrong, he could quickly step in with his Jedi powers.

"Be careful, Your Highness," Din warned, recognizing the hunter droid and knowing that he was not the type to give up easily.

Leia, seeming to ignore them all, stopped walking a few yards away, with Ryder standing at her side, the two of them rather opposing figures - especially with the governor's personal guards backing him up.

"I am Ryder Azadi, governor of Lothal, and this is her royal highness, Princess Leia of Alderaan. I demand to know what this is all about," he said in a deep and commanding voice.

"I am Eson Karz, Magistrate of Pessue, and with the aid of this bounty hunter, I have tracked this woman, Ravana Searan, to Lothal," the blond-haired man stated. "I demand that she be remanded to my custody where she will be taken back to stand trial for the murder of my brother, Tannor, and two others."

"But I didn't do it!" Ravana called out, only her head being seen as she peeked out from behind Din, him not letting her do any more than that. "Eson…you've known me since I was a child. I would never have killed your brother, or anyone else for that matter. I can't believe you think me capable of that!"

"What was I supposed to think?" the man called back, his tone one of anger and pain. "Rumor around town was that you attacked Tannor the day prior…and then he turns up dead at your homestead!"

"I only hit him because he manhandled me first!" Ravana once more shouted out in her defense. "Your brother was a sleemo and everyone knew it but hitting him was all I did…I never killed him."

"However, the man who did kill him, as well as the others, is right over there!" Din broke in, jerking his head in the direction of the carbonite frozen Gideon. "He's the one you want."

Everyone in Eson's group was quiet for a moment, while this new bit of information was being processed. Still, it would appear the magistrate from Pessue was not so easily convinced.

"And how do I know you are speaking the truth?" he pressed. "You could simply be trying to shift the blame onto someone else."

"How did your brother die?" Din shouted, once again drawing the attention of the man doing the accusing. "Did you see his wounds? How was he killed?"

At this, Eson looked away, apparently pained by the memory of his deceased sibling.

"He was cut in half…in a way I had never seen before," he confessed.

"And do you think Ravana capable of such a thing?" Mando continued. "That she has either the strength, or the weapon, needed for the job?"

"Well…I…." here the man seemed unable to find an answer.

"And did you happen to do any digging into your brother's activities prior to his death?" Din was not about to let this go, he'd been giving it a lot of thought and this was his opportunity to clear Ravana's name. "Did he, or did he not, contact someone off-world just before his death? Sending a message to someone who came to Pessue? That man was Moff Gideon, the same man you see here as our prisoner."

Once more Eson Karz stared at the man encased in carbonite, yet this time he appeared to be weighing the possibility that they were telling him the truth.

"Yes…Tannor did send a message…I know that to be true," he muttered. "And the devastation at the homestead was a bit confusing…but if Ravana wasn't guilty, why did she run?"

"She didn't run…she escaped!" Din supplied. "Gideon demolished her home, killed your brother and his two friends, and then attempted to murder her as well. Taking her with us was the only way I knew to protect her at the time."

"I wanted to come back and tell you what happened to Tannor…but then I found out you put a price on my head," Ravana added.

"What they say is true," Leia confirmed. "They brought the Imperial war-criminal, Moff Gideon, here to us for processing and to see that he stands trial for his many crimes. One of which being the murder of your brother." That last part she added in for good measure, it seeming to strike a chord with the blond magistrate.

"Imperial, was he?" Eson asked, a bit shocked by this. "Well, that would explain the Storm Trooper's body we found at the scene of the crime."

"It would appear that your search for your brother's killer has come to an end," Governor Azadi told him. "I will see that this charge is added to the list of crimes, and you may stay here on Lothal until his trial is complete…to make certain he pays for what he did to your family."

Eson stood there, looking both torn and deflated. Obviously, he'd come seeking one criminal, but was now being told he's been wrong all along. Yet, if this truly was the man who murdered his brother, who was he to argue with justice?

"I suppose, between the two, Ravana is the least likely to have done it," he admitted at last, holstering his weapon and signaling for the rest to do the same. "And her home was destroyed in the process, which makes no sense if she were the one behind it all. Still, it doesn't explain why my brother contacted this Gideon fellow."

"Tannor did so because Gideon was looking for me," Din confessed, wishing to shift any and all blame from Ravana. "Gideon was offering a reward for information on my whereabouts, and when your brother saw me out at Ravana's farm, he apparently thought he could make a few credits by telling him where to find me. However, I'd left before he got there…and Moff Gideon is not the type who likes to be left empty handed. Your brother paid the price for what he viewed as a failure to deliver. Simple as that."

"Tannor was never the smartest man…but he was my brother," Eson sighed. He then lifted his head and looked over at Ravana – or what little he could see of her from behind the protective Mandalorian. "I'm sorry, Ravana. I should have known it wasn't you. But Tannor was dead, I had no suspects, and you had gone missing. I didn't know what to think."

"I understand," Ravana told him, sounding sincere. "I don't blame you for jumping to conclusions…but if only you'd let me come back and explain before you put a price on my head, thus making it impossible for me to return."

"I'm sorry for that as well," he admitted. "I will rescind the bounty immediately."

"Not before you pay me!" the hunter droid stated. "I fulfilled my job, I found the woman, thus you owe me and my crew the promised credits."

"Yeah, yeah," Eson grumbled, reaching into his vest pocket and taking out a small bag that he handed to the demanding droid. "You've been paid, the deal is done, now get out of my sight."

This apparently pleased the droid, who signaled the rag-tag bunch of mercenaries behind him, as they all turned and walked away without a backwards glance.

"Now, if you wish, I invite you to remain for Moff Gideon's trial," Governor Azadi offered. "For the more time we can add to this man's sentence the better."

"Yes…I would very much like to see him pay for what he did to my brother," Eson stated with a firm nod. "If I was willing to chase Ravana halfway across the galaxy, I can certainly spare the time to sit in on this man's trial." Once more he looked over at Ravana. "Again…I am sorry for the trouble I brought upon you. And should you ever desire to return to Pessue…I will see that all the charges against you are dropped and your name is cleared. You will be welcome."

"Thank you," she smiled, with Din at last allowing her to step out from behind him. "I appreciate your offer…but I think I've had a much better one." Here she looked up at the Mandalorian beside her with a wide grin. "And if it's still alright with him, I plan on taking him up on it the first chance I get."

"Then it is settled," Leia stated with a clap of her hands. "Ravana is exonerated of all charges and Gideon will stand trial for murder, among many other things."

"Come, let's see about finding you lodging," Governor Azadi urged, inviting the magistrate of Pessue to follow him, while his own guards brought along the floating slab of carbonited Gideon. He next waved for Dr. Pershing to join them as well. "And then I will see that you are introduced to our science team and find out where we can put your skills to the best use."

"Oh, yes! I'm very proficient in many forms of scientific research, from cloning, to microbiology, and I've even done some work in hydroponics, but my favorite is…" Their conversation faded away as the group headed for the hanger doors, the eager scientist continuing to list off his specialties and achievements - though purposefully leaving out any of the work he'd done with midi-chlorians.

"Well…that was all rather interesting," Han chuckled, placing his blaster back in its holster, and wrapping his arm around Leia's waist when she returned to his side. "I've got to say, it's kind of nice to not be the one hunted for a change."

"Well, I for one, would like to know how that feels again myself," Ravana huffed, leaning against Din as she gave a sigh of relief. "And thanks to you all, I just might get the chance."

"No one's going to hurt you while we're around, vod'ika {little sister}," Paz informed her, taking a step forward in a show of solidarity.

"That's right," Cara agreed. "Any friend of Mando is a friend of mine."

"So…then you and I are friends?" Paz questioned, looking down at her with an eagerness in his tone.

"For that to work, you would first have to be my friend," Din countered, wrapping his arms around Ravana, enjoying the little dig on Paz.

"Which he is!" Ravana huffed, thinking these men acted more like children than Mandalorians. Or…perhaps they were behaving just like a Mandalorian was supposed to. She really did need to read up on her newfound heritage. She then turned and looked at Leia, Luke, and Han. "Just as you are our new friends as well."

"It is we who are privileged to have met you," Leia smiled, gesturing to Din and the others. "All of you. And we can't thank you enough for what you've done. Capturing Moff Gideon and bringing him to justice, not to mention saving those children, was a service to all the galaxy."

"And especially us," Luke added. "If he was hunting Force sensitive children, then sooner or later, he might have come after Ben."

"Did you ever find out what he wanted with the kids?" Han asked. "What he planned to do with them?"

"Let's just say whatever he had in mind failed…quite horribly," Ravana told him, giving a slight shudder as she recalled what had happened back on Sadar. "And that his ideas died there on that planet, and almost Gideon along with them. I don't think we need to worry about him ever trying such things again, even if he were free to do so."

"Well, he'll be locked up for a long, long time if we have any say in the matter," Leia stated firmly. "I will personally see that his trial is fair but thorough, and he gets all he has coming to him for what he's done."

"And what will you do now that Gideon is no longer hunting the kid?" Luke questioned, still astounded over the fact that the small, green child resembled his old Master Yoda…at least in looks, if not yet in size.

"I promised Ravana a new home," Din revealed, his helmet tipping down to look at her. "And a new family. I aim to fulfil that promise." He then turned, glancing at the Razor Crest. "But first, there's one final stop we need to make before that can happen."

"Then, we wish you all the best of luck," Leia told them, reaching out to engulf Ravana and the child in a gentle embrace. "And I'd like to think I made a new friend as well."

"Oh yes!" Ravana agreed wholeheartedly, using her one free arm to hug her back. "And I do hope to see you all again from time to time."

"You still have my com-chip," Leia reminded her. "I'll always take your calls, no matter what."

"And I think you know how to find us as well…" Here she looked over at Luke, giving him a wink. "Just let the Force guide you."

With that, farewells were said, handshakes exchanged, and if there were tears in Ravana's eyes as they headed back to the Razor Crest, no one said a word.

"Are you ready to finish this and go home?" Din asked her as the ramp of the ship lowered at his command.

"More than ready," she nodded. "And I can't wait!"

Yippee, Ravana is no longer a wanted felon! But something tells me that Din isn't going to let her go, he's keeping this bounty for himself. ha ha.

I hope the Ghost Crew's appearance was satisfactory. I'd have loved to had them stay and chat a while, but as I told several readers, there was already too large a group for me to deal with in one scene...so Rex did all the talking for them.

And how did you all like Rex? And of course he knew who Luke and Leia were...he's smart.

Paz and Din were fanboying over Sabine though...much to Ravana and Cara's displeasure. ha ha. And she took off her helmet! ha ha.

Well, only one more little thing to so before the wedding...let's go see if Kuiil is willing to take in little Merp.

See you on Friday.

Guest Reviews:

Guest: Teary eyed? Really? That's one of the highest compliments for a writer, you know. To get the reader emotinal over something they wrote. So thanks!

Phantom Guest: Of course the kid will stay with them. I wouldn't let them get rid of that sweet boy for nothing. And Merp needs a home and Kuiil needs company - easy fix. Glad you liked the Mr. Mandalorian line. One of my favorites too. Cara and Paz are getting chummy. Glad you approve of smut-light. I don't feel comfortable writing anything stronger. Thanks!