Ahsoka Returns – Chapter 5: A Different Perspective

This story will include some SW 'canon' events, as detailed in some novels and comic books, but it essentially goes in its own direction. There being a thirty-year time interval between ROTJ and TFA, it allows for a number of possibilities.

Thanks to followers: Crusader King, ohacool2004, MatthewThePhantom, Afallon, Zaconator and Zackis

Chapter 5: A Different Perspective

Yavin IV, 4 ABY, 3 months, 30 days, 15 hours

Ahsoka could see that Luke was a bit shy and offered to speak in private with him. He nodded, and they entered a small room and sat down together. Along the way, he noticed that she was prominently carrying a lightsabre – two of them, to be accurate. Although he was still just 23 years of age, Luke Skywalker was a keen observer. He offered the attractive Togruta a seat.

"Ahsoka Tano? Excuse me, I'm having trouble placing your name …"

"I would expect that …" she chuckled. "But first, may I ask … How well did you come to know your father?"

Luke stared at her a second, then figured he might as well be up front with her. Ahsoka quietly emanated warm Force energy on the Light side that gave him a good feeling.

"Well," he started, "It's been a very strange relationship, to be completely honest. I guess I should start at the beginning …"

"Take your time, Luke … maybe I ought to tell you a little about myself. I was in the Jedi Order as a youngling, then I became a Padawan, and I was assigned to your father, Anakin, when I was 14 years old. We spent three years together, during the war … there was no one closer to me than he was."

Again, Luke found himself staring at her. It seemed to him – at least at first – that this stranger might be the key for him to learn about the Jedi, what they were, and maybe, what they might be again.

"Ahsoka – I'm glad to know you. And it's really great to have met someone who knew him. Let me explain how I got here."
She nodded, and smiled, remaining quiet.

"It really all started for me back about four years ago, when I lived on Tatooine – with my aunt and uncle. But one day, everything changed. I ended up leaving with Ben Kenobi after the Empire had killed what was left of my family – or so I thought."

"Ben Kenobi? I assume you're referring to Obi-Wan Kenobi ... he was your father's master in the Jedi. He was like a father to me back then. The three of us were together so often. I wondered what had happened to him after the war ended and the Emperor took over."

"Yes! He said that was a name he hadn't used in a long time. But, Ahsoka, he's dead now – killed by my father. I watched it happen."

Ahsoka shook her head. "I'm glad I didn't have to see that. I might have tried to stop him."

Luke looked her in the eye and made a hand gesture, which Ahsoka took as empathetic.

"But when it happened, I didn't know he was my father. Ben had told me that Vader had killed my father."

"Luke, that's funny, in a way, for me too. When Anakin became Vader, I had left the Jedi and so I missed a lot. And over the years after, I slowly became aware of this dark, evil presence. I had an apparition on the planet Lothal and it was Anakin. He was speaking to me, asking 'why did you leave me … do you know what I've become?'"

Luke stared at her … he could feel the anguish in her, even after all this time. "Weird … Ahsoka, how long ago did this happen?"

She scratched her forehead for a second, then remembered. "I've done some thinking about this, and it's been about six years. But later that same year, I came face to face with the creature that Anakin had become. We ended up in a duel, and I sliced open the mask and saw his face. That's when I realized it really was him."

"Wow … so let me tell you what happened, not so long ago. I wasn't prepared to face him, but I felt I had to. It was then – after he cut off my hand and I lost the lightsabre, the one that Ben gave me and said belonged to my father – he, Vader, told me I was his son."

"Incredible, really. Luke, I can only imagine how that must have felt."

"But, Ahsoka, what happened with the duel? Obviously, you survived."

"That's the strange part for me. I don't remember what happened, other than this. Someone just took me completely out of that whole scene and then I was somewhere else. I've only just got back, maybe a month ago – to this galaxy."

"Ahsoka, most people would think you are crazy, but after all that's happened to me, I am pretty sure you aren't." He took a deep breath. "So, eventually, I too came back to the Rebels and we had the Battle of Endor, and that's when I faced Vader again. But this time, I knew he was my father. I had come to accept it. We dueled, but this time, I was ready for him and I wore him down … but we were fighting in front of the Emperor, and the old man actually wanted me to win."

"Why?" Ahsoka shook her head in disbelief. "He'd always wanted Anakin for his apprentice. Somehow I came to know that."

"It's because I was younger, and he thought he could mold me, but I refused, so he started shooting electricity at me."

"Wow, I've seen that done, but not too many had that power. We learned in the Temple about some of the evil Sith of the past and why we must avoid the Dark Side at all costs. So how did you survive that?"

"My father came from behind him, then lifted him up and threw him into the reactor on the Death Star."

"So, that's where you were … Hera Syndulla told me the Rebels had destroyed it, but what happened to Anakin?"

"He died, saving me. Something in him changed that day. He asked me to help take off the mask, but he didn't look anything like me, although he knew I was his son and he wanted to see me with his own eyes."

"So, what caused him to die, do you think?"

"I guess the electricity shorted him out. When he picked up the Emperor, some of it came back on him."

Ahsoka sighed. "It must have been hard … you got see your father, but only for a minute or two. How did you get off the Death Star?"

"I'd used a shuttle to get there, so I used it to get out. Shara Bey – whom I see you've met – helped me escape by destroying some of the Imperial fighter ships. We've become friends since then, and she's helped me to make some sense out of what's happened."

Ahsoka sat there, a little stunned as she took it all in. "Luke, we've both got so many stories to tell, it seems. But there's something I want you to know. Anakin Skywalker was once good – in fact, he was great – and he was like a brother to me out there. I learned so much from him, about piloting, lightsabres, the Force, and about how to win the loyalty of the men fighting with you. I became a respected leader during the Clone War, and I was still so young, not even 16 at the time. Now, I'm more like 40, but I remember it still."

Luke gazed at the still-elegant Togruta lady before him. "I'm sorry I didn't meet you earlier. Much more of all of this might have made sense. But maybe now you can help me."

"Help you … with what, exactly?"

"Help me understand more about the Force and what I'm supposed to do now. I've really not been able to figure it out."

Ahsoka smiled. "I'd be happy to do that, Luke. But it seems you already have plenty of training. How much of that was due to Obi-Wan, I mean, Ben?"

"Not really much at all, partly because he died – or seemed to die, actually – on the first Death Star. It was Master Yoda that did the most."

"Yoda was still around?"

"He was, but he was very old. I watched him die too, not too long ago. Did you know him, too?"

"Oh, yes. We all did. Especially when we were young, Yoda loved to spend time with us, giving short, pithy lessons. I'm sorry he's gone."

Again, Ahsoka had to grieve, over the damage done so long ago, but, seemingly, it was still going on, and she slowly shook her head in sorrow.

"But, Ahsoka, he and Ben seem to still be alive, in another way. When I was cremating my father's remains on Endor, I could clearly see them as Force Spirits. And – get this, my father was there, too, only he looked much younger."

She thought about this for a bit. "I know what you mean about these Force Spirits, or Ghosts. I think I've seen them myself, at times, especially when I was away all those years."

Luke found himself having steadily more and more in common with the Togruta woman. It might be very good to spend time with her. She's been places I can only wonder about.

Ahsoka gazed at him, as he seemed to be deep in thought, attempting to find answers.

"Luke. How would you feel about taking a trip with me? I've got a fast, modern ship, with an astromech. Maybe if we went someplace together, it might help you to make sense out of all of this." She looked at him plaintively, and added, "I also need to find some answers, maybe you could help me."

At first, he wondered about it. Where might she want to take me? Or maybe I could suggest a place.

"OK. I'll do it. Tell the truth, nothing's really keeping me here. The battle is long over and my sister and the others are working on building the New Republic. I don't really have to get involved with that, so, because I want to understand much more about the Jedi, and you've got the experience …"

"I understand, Luke. You know, when I walked away from the Jedi, I had a lot of time on my hands. I just kind of knocked around for a bit … until the battle called me back. I came to understand that all I really knew how to do was fight."

He looked at her sympathetically. "So now it's me that doesn't know what he wants to do. I really wish … my father had survived."

"I do too. How great it would've been to see Anakin again … back to his old self."

"Ahsoka, how old was he when he … you know …"

She chuckled and nodded. "About 22 or 23. Same as you now. How ironic, hmm?"

Luke let out a slow whistle. "No kidding."

"OK, so let me get my ship ready, it's named the Essence II, kind of silvery and sleek. I will see you … in about an hour. Does that work for you?"

"Yes. I'll be there."

Yavin IV, 4 ABY, 4 months, 2 days

Elsewhere on Yavin, Rebel pilot Jarek Yeager was making preparations on his ship. He was planning to head to his home planet of Batuu, which was on the edge of the galactic area known as "Wild Space" on the southeast side of the Outer Rim territories. During the Galactic Civil War (the name of the conflict that started four years earlier with the events of Rogue One and A New Hope) he had met a beautiful lady named Javina, who would become his wife. Recently, about five months before the Battle of Yavin, Jarek had returned home briefly and the two had their wedding. He soon learned she was two months pregnant, with their daughter. He wanted to get back there so he could be there when she was born.

Yeager was a dark-complexioned individual, with a scraggly beard and his hair in something similar to dread locks. He'd been a pilot for at least ten years and had joined the Rebellion out of a sense of duty. But what he wanted more than anything was a break from the action and a chance to settle down and take part in what he felt really mattered – celebrating life and love. It seemed the rebellion had triumphed, and though there were still pockets of trouble here and there in the Galaxy, the remnants of the Empire were anything but united without Palpatine around. At age 24, Jarek Yeager was eager to move on to the next phase of his life.

His ship was similar to Hera Syndulla's Ghost in that it had a class 0.5 hyperdrive and some decent space in the cargo hold area. He was proud of all the various modifications he'd done on it and Yeager was one of the best mechanics in the Rebel Alliance. As he left Yavin and made the jump, he calculated about a 10-hour trip to get home. But waiting for him when he got there was an Imperial Star Destroyer …

In hyperspace, 4 ABY, 4 months, 1 day

Luke watched as Ahsoka and her astromech, R6, made all the preparations, and he asked Ahsoka if he might take his faithful astromech, R2-D2, along for the trip. Ahsoka gasped when she saw it.

"Artoo Deetoo? Oh my stars! This unit was with your father and I during much of our time in the War. I never dreamed I would see him again." She addressed the R2 unit directly. "Hey there, do you remember me? Good old Ahsoka?" she laughed. Soon the unit gave her some strong beeps and familiar chirps.

"Luke, he does remember!"

Luke looked at her with a quizzical expression. "Wait … are you saying …?"

She laughed again. "Yes! R2-D2 was your father's droid. He was always there on every mission we flew together. Well … to be more exact, R2 was your mother's originally, but Anakin basically took him."

Again, Luke drew back, feeling confused. "My mother's …"

Ahsoka smiled. "Padmé Amidala of Naboo. She was your mother. She had to be – that's who your father was in love with. He more or less told me that."

"Padmé Amidala? Did you know her too?"

"Absolutely. She was like an older sister to me. Five years older than Anakin. We were really like a family … of sorts. When I went on trial, she defended me. I loved the woman. Luke, I know you have good blood in you. Anakin told me your mother was elected queen on her home planet – and Naboo is really nice, too – at age 14 …"

Luke was shaking his head slowly. "Incredible. Do you know where she is … now?"

"I'm not sure, actually, but I think she died. But, wait a second, did you tell me yesterday you have a sister? I think I let that go by …"

"Uh … yes. She is Princess Leia of Alderaan. Did they tell you the Empire destroyed the planet with the first Death Star?"

"Unfortunately, they did. So horrible. I've been there, by the way. Such a nice place too. But so is Naboo."

Luke then asked, "Where, exactly, are we going?"

"I thought of a place where we could go and no one would bother us. The kind of place where no questions are asked. It's civilized and there are places to eat and drink."

"Coruscant? I've never been there."

"Oh, no. They're saying it's far too dangerous. I'm thinking of a nice, neutral place. It's a giant space station that's been around for centuries. It will be a good place for us to clear our heads and talk."

"Sounds good, actually. How far away?"

"About five hours from here. It's not a straight shot. We have to take some twists and turns, but it's on the edge of the Mid Rim."

"Guess I'll get a short nap …"

"Luke, just curious … would you like to practice sabre skills with me?"

This seemed at first to be a strange request, but then, he realized something internally. I've actually had very little formal training, although somehow, I beat my father. It might be good to see where I stand against someone like her.

"Sure, but how might we do that?"

"We can set our blades at training level intensity. This was commonly done to train younglings. I will show you how to do that."

"Great! Looking forward to it."

Ahsoka then showed him to a stateroom aboard her ship and he laid down for a short rest. While this was taking place, R2 and R6 agreed to a data exchange, unbeknownst to either Ahsoka or Luke.

Wild Space, outside SE Outer Rim, 4 ABY, 4 months, 3 days

The Imperial Star Destroyer Avenger V was in the Batuu System when Jarek Yeager's ship Hustler dropped from hyperspace. As he was planning to orbit the planet, he soon found himself being pulled in by a tractor beam. He tried to contact the ship, but no response came, so he figured … might as well settle in … they may not know I'm with the rebellion.

But a strange thing happened once his ship was in the hangar bay. No troops came to greet him, only a few service droids went back and forth, seemingly paying him no mind. Yeager was starting to get curious, so he holstered a blaster and lowered the ramp to debark. As he started walking around his ship's perimeter, a lone figure in an Imperial officer's uniform approached, then hailed him in a low tone.

"Jarek Yeager?"

Yeager figured he might as well play things cool, so he struck a polite tone himself. "Yes? Whom do I have the pleasure?"

"Ah," replied the officer. "My apologies, I am Captain Immanuel Doza."

"Doza? I remember you at the Academy. Taught us weapons and tactics …"

"That's right, but now I need you, Jarek."

He seemed incredulous, "Really? What can I do for you …"

"Can we go someplace quiet? I'd prefer we are not overheard."

Yeager leaned his head sideways, toward the Hustler. "We can use my ship."

Doza nodded in return, "sounds good."

Yeager led the officer up the ramp, which he then drew up once they were both aboard. His astromech, an R1 unit he called Bucket, rolled up, seeing if he could be of any assistance.

"Just keep on top of things, Bucket." Yeager instructed. "Alert me if anyone approaches the ship."

Doza followed Yeager into a small room with a table and three chairs, along with a computer monitor.

He then explained how the news from Endor saw his crew attempt a mutiny. Some officers and troops remained loyal, while others were ready to declare their "independence" from the Empire now that the hated Palpatine was dead. They reached out to the rebels, who sent a pair of cruisers that took most of the defectors aboard and left. That was three months earlier. Since then, the Avenger started running low on supplies. An attempt to send a landing party to the planet below was met with hostility, as there were many rebel sympathizers on Batuu.

"So that's where you come in, Jarek," Doza stated. "We are in tough shape now, low on fuel and food and water."

Yeager nodded, somewhat in sympathy. "Can't other Imperial ships reach out to you?"

"I'm afraid not. We lost quite a number of our best ships and commanders at Endor. The remains of the Navy are splitting apart. Some are with Admiral Sloane, who is trying her best to hold things together, but she can't spare much in the way of ships right now. I spoke with her directly. She has the Ravager and a support group of six ISD and they are in the Western Reaches right now, laying low. The rebels are really getting the upper hand almost everywhere. And where they aren't winning, the pirates and syndicates are. I've just received a report of an SSD that has been overrun by a group of pirates – can you imagine that?"

Yeager shook his head, then smiled. "The spoils of war, Captain. Look, I'm not really in a position of authority – down below or back among the Alliance, but I have a couple of friends that might be able to help you. Generals in the Alliance."

The captain looked hopeful. "Seriously?"

"Yes, but let me prepare you. They are going to ask that you and your crew evacuate the ship before they can take them elsewhere, and the ship will be decommissioned."

Doza sighed, then nodded with a tight grin. "I shouldn't be surprised. To tell the truth, I might be willing to assist the New Republic, if my people are treated fairly. The Alliance leadership should understand that not every Imperial service member was an avid fan of the some of the things that were done in the name of the Emperor."

"I get that. And, if things had been different, I might well have been in the same position as you at some point. However, there came a time when a light went on in my mind and I just knew this wasn't right. About the time they blew up an entire planet – what in the stars was that about?"

Doza nodded again. "Exactly. There were some crazy and power-mad types on that Death Star. At the time, I thought that its destruction might have been the best thing that could have happened to the Empire, maybe cause some reflection. But who was I kidding? Old man Palpatine was a maniac, and so was his right-hand, Vader. Both of them are gone now, and it's good riddance."

Yeager stood up and he and Doza walked out of the room and toward the exit.

"Captain, I'm going to head down to the planet. Then I will contact the Alliance people I know and let's see what we can work out. I will be in touch."

"Thank you, Jarek, sincerely."

The ship's hatch opened. Doza descended the ramp, and headed off across the hangar bay. Yeager went to the Hustler's flight deck as Bucket joined him. They engaged the engines and the ship soon left the hangar and the ISD Avenger V behind and headed down to land.

About 90 minutes later, Jarek Yeager arrived at his modest little home on Batuu. Greeting him at the door was his lovely wife, Javina – a striking woman of deep brown complexion and raven hair – who was smiling broadly.

"Welcome home, my love. So glad to have you back!"

The two kissed and embraced passionately. Jarek patted his wife's lower abdomen – she was about six months' pregnant with their daughter. "And how's my other girl?"

Coruscant, 4 ABY, 4 months, 21 days

Ezra Bridger had been traveling across the Galaxy for about 30 days in the ship that Empress Su had given him. Seeing that it didn't have a name, he decided to name it for his mother, Mira Bridger. She and his father, Ephraim, had been outspoken opponents of the Empire on their home world of Lothal, and this had led to their trial and incarceration at the hands of the Imperials. During a later revolt at the prison, both his mother and his father were killed, though many inmates were able to escape. Remembering his parents usually saddened him, but Su had given him a different way of seeing things.

"No one strong with the Light can ever truly die, young Ezra. The Force had a different path for them to follow, as it now does yourself. Go forward and be assured that they are proud of what you have already accomplished." The mysterious lady's words still echoed in his head, and he had become quite fond of her. Even now, he was wishing that he had stayed with Su, and wondered, sometimes aloud, when he might see her again. But understanding Su's true intentions was well beyond his humble abilities at this time in his life.

Ezra had first, of course, gone to Lothal, but the place had changed greatly and no one seemed to remember him or his family. Even the former governor, Ryder Azadi, was nowhere to be found. So, he decided to head elsewhere and trust in the Force to show him his next move and what he might find. And, for some reason, it was directing him to Coruscant, the heavily populated capital world of the Galaxy, a place he had never been but often wondered about.

Su, along with the ship, had also given Ezra a most unique droid, one equally gifted in mechanical skills and matters of protocol. This particular model had introduced itself to him when he first boarded the Mira Bridger. He thought back, fondly, to that moment:

"Good day to you, Mister Bridger. I am SA-1R, a multi-purpose unit ready to assist you in your various needs and demonstrate for you the capabilities of your new starship. You may call me Sara."

"Sara …? That sounds nice …" he muttered. "Are you programmed to navigate?"

"Indeed I am, Ezra. Anywhere you need to go in the Primary Galaxy of Group 17, and many others as well. I believe you will find my programming most adequate for whatever your needs are."

Thus began a relationship that felt more and more like a friendship. Although Sara was mechanical – and certainly looked like most astromechs – she seemed to read his thoughts in an uncanny manner, so well, in fact, that she seemed like any other sentient being he had come across in his short life thus far. Ezra had studied a bit about droids and realized that he'd never heard of the SA series, and he started to conclude that Su had had Sara constructed using her own superior technology.

As they approached Coruscant after dropping from hyperspace, Sara issued a warning:

"Ezra, I must advise extreme caution. I have analyzed the activity on the planet below and have concluded that it is most hazardous. Do you still wish to proceed?"

"I do … but, what exactly is going on down there?"

"A series of insurrections and general disturbances. It seems the planet has no controlling authority at this time and general criminal activity is rampant."

Ezra stared at the droid for a few seconds. "Hmm, might not be the best time to visit, but the Force is telling me I must go – yet I have no idea why."

The droid paused a few seconds, likely integrating Ezra's statement with its own knowledge banks.

"The Force, young Ezra, is a most illogical concept … but it is quite real. If you decide to follow this impulse, I must take actions to protect you."

Ezra reached for his lightsabre hilt, attached to his belt. He felt ready. He was also carrying a newer model of blaster.

"Let's land the ship, Sara."

He was now in the pilot's chair and was carefully scanning the scene from the viewport. Soon, he was in orbit and reaching out with the Force, when suddenly, an impulse struck him. I can feel it, another Force-sensitive person is down there … and this person needs my help. He guided the ship among the towers of the area near what had been the Senate chamber and caught sight of a platform that would serve nicely.

Sara then took over the task of setting the ship down with precision. When they landed, they were on the 100th level of the buildings and Ezra quickly stepped out onto the platform. Even at this height, he could hear the tumult and confusion emanating from below.

"Sara, I need the jetpack. In case we have to get back to the ship quickly."

"At once, Ezra." The droid soon returned with it and assisted him in strapping it on. "Shall we head out? First, you will have to tell me where we are going …"

He laughed. "When I know – you'll know …"

As they headed out along the platform, Sara took action to shield and cloak the ship, so as to make it as secure and inconspicuous as possible.

"Let's head down," Ezra shouted, as the noise level seemed to be increasing. He then ignited the jetpack and dived off the platform. Sara ignited her rockets and followed. They headed steadily down to about ten levels above the surface and it was plain to see what was taking place. A mob of various sentient beings, perhaps numbering in the hundreds, was busily rampaging through the streets. Shots could be heard and broken glass and other debris was everywhere. Ezra flew between buildings, carefully ducking here and there, as speeder traffic could be seen at all levels. This was a normal occurrence on civilized planets such as Coruscant, but this time there was little organization to it.

He again reached out to the Force and felt another impulse, one which gave him a clear signal this time. Within about five minutes, Ezra and Sara had reached their destination, a back alley of sorts, where they could see a young girl – perhaps 17 years of age – dressed in white and using martial arts techniques, bravely fighting off as many as five larger opponents. Ezra reached out to her and could feel her determination, but also that she was tiring and wanted, desperately, to escape her predicament.

Seeing her, he shouted, "Hang on, I'll help you!"

Upon which, he and Sara both landed. The mob – which had now grown to eight burly opponents – turned its attention to him when they saw he had a jetpack and was accompanied by a shiny new droid.

Ezra wasted no time and quickly drew and lit his lightsabre. The mob charged and he whirled around, slashing at them and pushing them back with the Force. The girl, quite surprised by this turn of events, shouted back.

"Thank you!"

Ezra looked at her, and then was quite surprised as she stuck out both palms and also used the Force to shove away the opponents – who were momentarily startled, but quickly recovered, charging at her again. But this time, the young lady also drew a lightsabre and started slashing viciously with a strange purple-hued blade. Sara was also defending herself by shooting electric bolts – from previously unseen appendages – that had a lethal effect on the mob. After a few minutes, the crowd – somewhat thinned in numbers, as three of them had been killed and others had lost limbs or were otherwise badly wounded – decided to seek out easier prey.

Ezra shut off his sabre, and took the opportunity to introduce himself. "Hi – I'm Ezra, and this is my assistant, Sara."

The girl did likewise with her sabre, and then stared at him, not sure what to say. She seemed quite shy in manner, but eventually replied.

"I'm Reema. Pleased to meet you … both of you."

Ezra smiled at her and extended a hand. Reema took it, uneasily, as her eyes bored into him.

"Who are you?" she said at length.

"Just someone who wanted to help. And it looks like we got here just in time."

Reema nervously shook her head. "I was doing fine, but thanks anyway."

"This place is too dangerous for someone alone," Ezra said slowly. "Do you live near here?"

Reema nodded. "Yes, five levels underground. I know it's dangerous, but I'm a survivor."

"Do you have any family? Friends?" Ezra's heart went out to the young girl, as she seemed strong but faced incredible odds, as the planet had apparently grown chaotic and quite deadly.

Reema simply shook her head. "I had one, but I don't see him much anymore. But I'm an orphan, my parents left me when I was five years old. I grew up on the streets down here."

"How long have these riots been going on?"

"For the past two months, at least. For a while, it wasn't that bad here, but that changed. I'm scared. I gotta get outta here … but I have no idea where to go."

Ezra thought about it for a bit, then reached out to the Force again. He was getting a strong feeling about Reema. After all, it seemed she was also skilled with the Force. He decided to stick his neck out.

"Why don't you come with us?"

She looked at him warily. "Wha …" she said slowly. "I don't know. Who are you, really … Ezra?"

"I'm a friend. I'll show you. You know, we have something in common. I lost my parents when I was 15. The Empire took them away."

Reema thought it over, then felt the Force telling her something. For almost her entire life, Reema Andujah had known about the Force, but without knowing what it was. Now she had to trust in it again.

"Okay. Do you have a ship?"

Ezra nodded. "We'll go with you, and help you get your things."

She simply said, "follow me."

Ezra and Sara were led down the street and then Reema ducked into an anonymous doorway and they saw a dark stair. "Come on," she urged.

They continued down on foot, while Sara activated her repulsor generator and easily followed after them.

"That's a great droid," Reema mumbled as she noted Sara's abilities.

When they got to the bottom, they were five levels below ground and it was a short walk over to Reema's little one-room apartment. The girl waved a hand and her door opened. They gazed upon a messy expanse – an unmade bed and a few clothes here and there, and some food cartons with scraps still in them. A rodent that had been nibbling on one scurried away as Reema Force-yanked it.

"Get outta here!" she said lazily. She then turned to Ezra. "The place is a mess, but it's home."

"Do you have a bag or something?" He asked.

She went into her small washroom and found something like a duffel, then threw some clothes – just tops, leggings, and a spare jacket – into it, then retrieved some toiletries and a hair brush and put them into a small plastic bag, which she then placed in the duffel.

"This is it. I never have any food. And I'm pretty much out of credits. Maybe one or two. And I never let my sabre out of my sight. I don't own a blaster, but I don't need one."

"Great!" Ezra said, trying to encourage her. She's really tough, surviving down here all alone.

Reema looked at him for a minute, then smiled for the first time. He could see she was missing a couple of teeth, most likely due to some rough moments in her past. The girl stepped up to him, then threw her arms around him and hugged him warmly. He returned the gesture, finding himself somehow attracted to her, at least empathetically.

"Let's go!" she said cheerfully.

As they headed out and back up the stairs, Ezra realized she didn't a have a jetpack but Reema was already ahead of him.

"Which level are you docked at?"

Sara intervened. "100 levels up. About 3 kilometres away."

Reema nodded. "I know what to do. It's too dangerous down here. Follow me!"

She led them around a corner and then ducked into the lobby of what appeared to have once been some type of office tower but was now a rather non-descript entity. They found a lift bank and Reema waved a hand over one of the controls, which immediately lit up. Soon a bell rang and a red light appeared over one of the entrances. A car came down and they got in.

"Where are we going?" Ezra asked, anxiously.

"Don't worry," she replied. "I know what I'm doing."

Sara seemed OK with it, so Reema took the lead, punching a couple of buttons. Within seconds they had risen at least fifty levels. The Coruscanti girl then led them down a long corridor, with a couple of turns here and there, but mostly straight. Sara did some quick calculations and verified the route.

"We are on track, Mister Bridger," the droid reported.

After a bit more walking, Reema halted and swiveled her body, looking for another elevator. She soon found it and was ushering them along.

"This way."

They got into another car and Reema punched a series of buttons.

"You have to override a couple of things. The higher you go, the more complicated it gets."

Within another few seconds they had made it to level 100. When they got out this time, there were long sets of windows that afforded a sweeping view – mostly of other buildings, but also some more distant sights, that looked like rivers, lakes and mountains.

"People think this planet is nothing but a city, but there's other stuff, too," Reema remarked, to no one in particular.

Finally, they stopped walking and Reema again used the Force to open yet another door, and they had arrived. Sara then uncloaked the ship and lowered the shields.

Reema took a look at it, and gave a long, low whistle. "Nice boat! You must be rich, Ezra … I knew I liked you." She chuckled. Ezra took it in stride. "Well, I've been lucky …"

He led them aboard and they went to the flight deck. Reema hopped into the chair next to the pilot's, while Ezra stood for a second, looking out the viewport.

"Where are we going?" she asked, playfully. "Anywhere but here, I hope …"

To be continued …