Stepping on Toes

Next chapter

xxx

Back at the cavern, Hera cleaned the Phantom's jets for the tenth time. She was just shining the shiney parts now. Zeb, too, caught her cleaning fever. He was twisting a thin cloth in the tiniest nooks and crannies, and polishing the cartridges. Kanan obsessively connected and disconnected his lightsaber in a hazy thought. He won't pretend to understand the complexities involved in mechanics. However, he would think the others would be back by now. And then there was that strange noise they managed to hear past the waterfall. Sounded like a Rogwart's mating call. The vibrations in the ground convinced him.

"Think everything's okay?" Hera volunteered as the voice of concern.

"Of course." Kanan tried a casual shrug. He tossed the communicator to his palm. "Sabine and Ezra would have called in if there was trouble."

"Hard to call in trouble when you sent trouble to fix the ship." Zeb winked. Kanan shoved his arm. "Has your sister always been this...precocious." There are plenty of other adjectives that are perfectly suited. Though he's sure Kanan will throw him in the pond for that one.

"For as long as I can remember." Kanan chortled. Heat rose to his cheeks. Thinking back on the small child with rosy cheeks covered in grease. How her eyes would glisten like stars whenever she'd acquire new tools, or see a new vehicle off the lot. She's still like that. "Riina's always been passionate about her work. That passion skyrockets when her work is denounced."

"Hearing about the whooping she gave the Empire," Hera shuddered with glee, "I'd hate to get on her bad side."

"You should see he when she's angry." Kanan winked. That earned him a couple of laughs. "But, in all seriousness, the others should be finishing up soon. They'll be calling us any second to tell us the good news."

"KANAN!" Ezra and Chopper broke through the waterfall. Not the call he expected, but good enough. "WE GOTTA GO!"

"Ezra?!" Kanan and the others jumped to their feet. "What's going on?! Where are Sabine and Riina?"

"TIE fighters!" Ezra fretfully flailed his arms. "They're circling around! Sabine and Riina are fixing the hyperdrive!" Ezra was amazed he had the breath to explain. The shower in the waterfall must have rejuvenated him.

"WHAT?!" Hera panicked. "Why didn't you warn us over the coms?"

"The forest is too dense. Coms won't reach this far!" Ezra regretted to inform. Zeb and Hera got on their coms and tried it for themselves. The virulent static chilled them. "That doesn't matter now! We have to get to the ship before they find us!"

"They can't have found us already!" Hera argued. Even with their numbers, finding them so soon is implausible. "This is has to be another ambush he's plotting!"

"Even so, Agent Kallus isn't stupid!" Kanan reminded her. New to his breed of tactician, The Ghost Crew have already borne witness to his level of stratagem. "He'll know how to find us even without scanners."

"We have to get to the ship!" Zeb closed a fist. "Time to get off this rock once and for all!"

"Hold on!" Kanan cooled him. "If the Empire has found us, they'll spot the Phantom the second we fly out!" Even with Hera's amazing piloting skills, they won't be able to outrun them without The Ghost.

"What are you saying?! That we keeping playing this game of cat and mouse?!" Zeb irately roared. He's getting very bored with running.

"I'm saying we play it smart!" Kanan stressed. Zeb hated it when he said that. It meant more flying bullets. With the coms not working, their job has become all the more tricky. "How's the ship?"

"Riina said she'd have it up and running by the time we got back!" Ezra was confident in that claim. Chopper...he kept his thoughts to himself. Now wasn't the time.

"Then let's not waste any more time!" Kanan declared, firing up his crew. "Hera, wait 15 minutes and then meet up with us! Grab and Dash!"

"You got it!"

"Let's go!" Kanan raced past the waterfall. Chopper stayed with Hera while Zeb and Ezra followed Kanan.

"15 minutes, Chop. Start counting." Hera pat him on the head.

"^Way ahead of you!^"

xxx

Troopers didn't lower their guard for a second. To do so would allow that deceptive mechanic to lay them out like rugs again. She rooted herself in place. Fists balled and shoulders broadening, she heatedly analyzed her situation. To say the least, it wasn't good. Ten guards, heavily armed and covering every opening, surrounded her. Sabine, in the clutches of Agent Kallus himself, had a gun at her head. Katerina made the mistake of trying to reach for one of her pistols. Kallus fired a warning shot. The bolt whisked right in front of her. The shrill screech nearly broke her eardrums. Katerina grit her teeth. Kallus smirked at her writhing. He won't miss twice. He never does. Katerina had no choice. She raised her hands shoulder height.

"And I was worried you were a fool like the rest of them." Kallus mocked. Armored hands relieved the pistols and staff from Katerina's person. They were tossed at Agent Kallus's feet with Sabine's own arsenal. Kallus threw Sabine to his men. They forced her to a knee, pouring their weight on her shoulders. Troopers restrained Katerina's arms behind her back, continuing to search her. Aside for tools, she was clean of weapons. "I hope you weren't relieved in the notion you had escaped." Kallus towered over her. "There is no escaping the Empire."

"Obviously!" She growled. Self loathing kicked her in the butt. Sabine felt the same way. To think they were overpowered so efficiently. They got the drop on them so easily. She and Sabine never saw them coming. "How'd you find us so fast?" The TIE's passed by not even ten minutes ago. No way something that big lands without giving them away.

"Actually it wasn't fast at all." Kallus massaged his sore neck.

Flashback

TIE fighters hovered above the dense canopies. Ladders lowered Kallus and a share of Troopers down. They sank past their ankles in mud pools. The epitome of dirty work. This was above Kallus's paygrade. "My men and I vested our search on a gamble. A gamble that seems to have paid off." Kallus motioned signals to his men to spread in a search pattern. They weren't far off from the body of water they spotted from the TIE scopes. A ship was seen, but confirmation wasn't made if it was the ship they wanted.

"We spotted your ship at a body of water as expected." Kallus parted bushes, brimming with triumph at finding the Rebel Ship. "Though, at the time, we didn't see any of you. And I wasn't about to wait." Kallus barked orders to the Troopers, scattering them to opposite sides of the lake. They would converge when the ship was secure, and any Rebels were apprehended.

"So I forced your hand..." Unbeknownst to them, Ezra and Chopper already escaped into the jungle. Katerina was entirely enveloped in her work. She never saw Kallus slip into the ship. Sabine was emerging from her room. Fresh ammunition and explosives. Kallus was waiting around a corner and struck when her back was turned, "And you two fell into my palm nicely." Then came the coup de grace dealt to Katerina's nose. And the trap was complete.

Flashback End

"Well aren't you a clever little bastard!" Sabine frothed rabidly.

Kallus tutted his tongue at the young Mandalorian. "No call for such language, Young Lady. A little decorum in your state of defeat." He tauntingly reprimanded. Sabine wanted to unleash some decorum in his face. Kallus chuckled at her puppy growling. To think that girl was the one responsible for blowing a hole in his ship's docking bay. The explosives in her possession were a giveaway. Kallus pat the ship, marveling in the craftsmanship. "Fixing the Rebel Ship. The work must be engrossing." Kallus has no real appreciation for the craft. Though clearly his young captive held a passion for it. "We were right on top of you before you saw us."

"What can I say?" Katerina shrugged indifferently. She won't give him the satisfaction of rankling her. "Fumes, gears, and sludge hold greater interest to me."

"More interesting than your missing crew of workers?" Kallus hummed. That rising brow searched for a reaction.

"Don't try to drop that ball! You haven't found them!" She spat.

"How can you be certain?" Kallus challenged. She's proven to have some smarts. He's anxious to here her reasoning.

"You're not shy, Agent Kallus! You enjoy flaunting your advantages!" She glared at Sabine who was growing tired of the gun at her head. "If you had at least one of them, you would have used them instead of blindsiding us!"

Kallus chuckled unnervingly. She hit the nail on the head. "Aren't you a clever little rat?" He remarked disdainfully.

"Rats are known to outsmart untamed dogs!" She thrust her face into his.

"Enough prattling!" The Troopers yanked her back from Kallus. He put a pistol at her chin, roughly bringing her to meet his enraged gaze. "The Rebels! Where are they?" He demanded from both girls. One of them will tell him.

"Not here!" Sabine barked snidely.

"Please don't be smart." Kallus is not longer in the mood for their remarks. "It will be less painful."

"Not any less painful than having to look at your ugly mug!" Katerina spat back. Kallus released a disappointed sigh. He dislikes having to show his resolve. He gave a cryptic nod to the Troops holding Sabine. A Blaster butt struck the back of her neck, dropping her face in the dirt. "SABINE!" The arms held her in place.

"I suggest you cooperate with me." Kallus sniggered. Katerina grimaced at the blasters smashing to her back and skull. "I'd hate to end this girl's life in its prime."

Katerina growled through gritted teeth. The day just kept escalating to a worse situation. Started because...because she challenged the Empire. In the end...that's all that happens. You fight...and you fight...and you fight. And for what? People suffer. Lives young and old are robbed. The ones who fought back have to watch as others pay for their mistake. And worst of all...those who shouldn't fight in the first place...end up in the coffin.

'She killed him!'

'It's because of you they came!'

'You murdered my child! You're no better than a thug!'

'LEAVE!'

Stop...please...stop! Katerina squeezed her eyes closed. Her body shook uncontrollably. Her struggling was sweet nectar to the sadistic agent. "Don't...talk to...him…!" Sabine hissed in heaves. "Don't you...dare say...a word!" Her head would be throbbing for a week after that hit. Katerina was stunned she was conscious. "Me, you, the others - he'll kill all of us if you give him what he wants!"

"Not right away." Kallus hadn't bothered to deny. "There are people in the Empire who will want to meet the rabble behind Kessel." Sabine feared as much. Then again, she held a sense of pride higher ups in the Empire had an axe to grind. "After we've tortured you all for information, then we'll kill you."

"Then you might as well release Katty." Sabine used her other name. Kallus is undoubtedly already looking into Katerina. No sense using her pet name. "She's ignorant to everything. Just a mechanic we picked up and dragged with us! She's of no real value!" Katerina's chest prickled at her harsh words. But the softness of her eyes belied her scary expression. "Barely knows a thing about us! What makes you think she can tell you about other rebels?" Truth is, Sabine isn't sure if there are other rebels besides them. Regardless of Ezra and Kanan's feelings, Sabine won't throw Katerina in with them. Not with this many wolves looking to eat her whole.

"She fought by your side at the shop! Disgraced and disrespected me and my troops!" Kallus marched over and knelt to her. He grasped her by the jaw, wrenching her upward. "No one fights that hard for complete strangers!"

"They do when you're threatening to trash their place!" Sabine roared. "I'd blown all of your to Hell if you'd to that to my place of a business!"

Kallus huffed at her decree. He threw her back at the ground. "I'll be sure to interrogate you first." He darkly promised.

"Sir!" A trio of Troopers emerged from the jungle "There are trampled bushes footprints leading into the jungle. Fresh ones."

"Ahh…" It was beginning to make sense. A ship of Rebels empty of Rebels. He sauntered to Katerina. "So the rats have scampered to a hole to wade out the storm." Kallus leaned in close. "Quite clever of them. A bait and switch to throw us off guard." he reached a hand. Katerina went rigid. He plucked a speck off her shoulder, grounding the slimy green morsel. Katerina lifted a brow. "Mucus Moss. Common in jungles like this." He lowered his tone ominously, narrowing his eyes to Katerina's harsh expression. "Found in majority near...marshes…" Nothing, "And waterfalls." An ever so slight glimmer caught Kallus's eye. "The Rebels are nearby! Search for a waterfall!"

"Yes sir!" The Troopers went into the jungle.

"NO!" Katerina charged. Kallus rammed a fist between her ribs.

"RIINA!" Sabine screamed.

White hot pain pierced her lungs like a spear. Blood coughed to her jaw. She fell to her knees, holding her stomach. "BAS...TARD…!"

"Just relax, My Dear." Kallus waved for one of the two remaining Troopers to join the hunt. "It will all be over soon."

"For you!" Katerina vowed. He stooped to her stomach. The splintering pain stung her entire abdomen. Caleb...stay back!

xxx

Kanan, Zeb, and Ezra tore the jungle asunder to reach the ship. The trio raced at their top speed. Kanan and Zeb used their weapons, cutting a trail open. Ezra used his slingshot to stun aggravated animals. They were so close they could jump to the darn thing. The trail seemed to stretch on and on, taunting them with the fear the Empire beat them to the punch. Another five minutes and they'll be off the planet and giving the Empire a run. Just another day in the paradise of Rebels.

Stay back! "HOLD IT!" Kanan slid to an aggressive halt.

Zeb clawed and round a tree to stop. Ezra less than gracefully tripped on a peaking root. "What's wrong?!" Ezra gasped, spitting up mud.

Kanan shook his head. He closed his eyes. There was a disturbance in the force. Close by. 'Katerina and Sabine on the ground...wounded. Troopers swarming the jungle.' Kanan gaped in horror. "The Empire! They have Sabine and Riina!"

"They what?!" Zeb growled venomously.

"But they can't!" Ezra shrieked. There's no way the Empire beat them to Sabine and Katerina. "The Empire flew right over us! Katerina and Sabine would have bolted if they were found!"

"Unless Kallus and the Troopers were hiding nearby." Kanan proposed. It wasn't farfetched. "No working coms, distracted with ship repairs - Sabine and Riina were wrapped up like presents for them."

"And we left them…" Ezra chastised himself. This was a mistake. "I should have brought them with me! Then maybe-"

SNAP! "INCOMING!" Zeb aimed his rifle to the snapping twig.

"Rebel Scum!" Troopers swarmed instantly, edging Kanan and Ezra back to back. Zeb covered from on high. "Surrender immediately!"

"BECAUSE WE'RE TOTALLY GONNA LISTEN!" Zeb held his finger on the trigger, firing rampantly on the Troopers. They scattered like mice, losing their formation as they returned fire. Ezra bounced around the bushes and trees, using the environment to shield him. Kanan whipped his lightsaber out, facing the ordinance head on.

Kanan, Ezra, and Zeb don't have time for them. No more running. No more hiding. No more dancing to the Empire tune. With Katerina, The Rebels will be leaving Chandrila. The Empire will follow them like dogs on a scent. A risky venture, but the Empire will be dancing to their tune soon.

Zeb fired at the trees. Blaster bolts chipped the branches, dropping them on the Troopers' heads. Ezra climbed to the top of a hill. He jabbed a large stick in a loose spot behind a boulder. He bounced his full weight on the stick. Kanan below was deflecting bullets with his lightsaber. He edged back as they poured on the fire. The Troopers unknowingly lined up with Ezra. He dropped on the stick. The boulder loosened. Smaller rocks tumbled. The Troopers paused by the spill. They screamed shrilly being bowled over. The last Troopers tried to maintain the advantage. Kanan dug his feet. He thrust his palms. A powerful force ripped them off their feet, throwing them into the toppled boulder. And the last of the Troopers were down.

"We have to hurry!" Kanan darted forward.

"Right behind you!" Zeb and Ezra followed him.

xxx

Blaster fire echoed screechingly form the jungle. Birds flocked in the opposite direction. The entire jungle was restless by the chaos. Katerina and Sabine had faith in their friends. That didn't stop their hearts from aching. "It would seem my men have found your friends." Kallus chuckled. Sabine and Katerina growled rabidly at him. "It's only a matter of time now." He boasted. Katerina pushed up on her elbows, her own disgust numbing the pulsing pain. "I would stay on the ground if I were you." He aimed his pistol at Sabine. "No sense in there being a death today."

He's disgusting. The worst of the worst. He holds himself like a proud military general. He's nothing more than a bully with a shiny badge and title. When the situation doesn't suit him he resorts to underhanded tricks. Civilian, Rebel, or whoever lies between - the blood of hundreds obviously stains Kallus's hands. Blood he uses to polish his armor and reputation. Soldiers are supposed to serve people. Be their vanguard. Protect those who aren't able to protect themselves. Kallus, the Storm Troopers, the entire Empire - me, myself, and I. The sanctity of the Empire will be preserved. Regardless of who they have to stomp to the ground. People like this...disgust Katerina. Beyond rational thought.

"What's wrong…?" Katerina choked on the dried blood. "Can't take me...when your butt boys aren't around?" She shifted to her hands and knees, ignoring the gun at Sabine's head. "You've gotta keep me grounded until they get back? Hide behind numbers?!"

"I do not fear you, girl. I just know better than to underestimate you."

Katerina scoffed, spitting blood on his boot. She had enough of his posturing. "Apparently you don't know enough." Katerina shot her hand up. She had a switch in her hand. Kallus panicked and looked to his uniform. The grenades on his hip were armed. "Pardon the pun! THIS'LL BE A BLAST!" She pushed the button. Kallus had milliseconds and threw his utility belt over the lake. Sabine curled to the fetal position.

The explosion's aftershock launched Kallus and Katerina to painful crashes against the trees. Sabine collapsed herself, weighing down against the blast. Bushes broke Katerina and Kallus's fall. Their heads spun. Sabine cautiously lifted her head. Her luck returned. Her pistol was an inch away from her. Katerina groaned dazedly, peeling off the ground, leaning on ah and. She spotted her staff lying inches from her fingertips. Her weak fingers curled to the shortened pipe. Kallus, thanks to his armor, recovered faster than Katerina. He whipped his rifle off his back. A pot shot grazed Katerina's hand. She snatched the hand back, and he staff was bounced out of her reach again.

"THAT'S...IT…!" Kallus snarled murderously. The rifle was heavy in his waning grasp. He flopped to his knee, propping his trigger arm. "I've had...ENOUGH OF YOU!" He fired two more times. A bullet graze he shoulder and cheek. Katerina scrambled away, whimpering pitifully. "Forget capture!" Kallus threw himself on his feet. "Forget alive!" He stumbled trailing after her. His wavering arms dropped and raised his rifle. "I'll kill you...AND LEAVE YOU FOR THE ANIMALS!" Katerina's back hit the ship. The inside of Kallus's rifle flared neon red. A devastating shot powered in the barrel. No… 'Grim and Dave.' Please no… 'Kendril.' Not here! 'Yoda and Kenobi.' Not now. 'Kanan.' "PREPARE TO DIE!"

"CALEB!" Katerina puth head head between her hands.

A bullet struck Kallus's side. He howled, dropping the rifle. Katerina's tearful eyes shot open. Her savior wasn't Kanan. But Sabine. Hands still cuffed, she fired that pistol with precision. And she was filled with relief. "Nice one, Sabine!"

"Thanks!" Sabine ran and helped her to her feet. "Tell me the ship is fixed!"

"Won't know till we-LOOK OUT!" Katerina tackled her. Kallus braved his wounds, charging like a rabid Mandeebull. He barreled past them, but rounded for another charge. Katerina scooped up her staff, activating the lanceheads. Sabine twisted her wrists free of the cuffs, lining up a clean shot with Kallus. "Stubborn old goat!"

"You said it!" Sabine rumbled.

"I demand a true explanation!" Kallus frothed at the mouth.

"I don't owe you a thing!" Katerina declared.

"Humor me nonetheless!" Kallus demanded. Katerina saw she wasn't dancing around the issue. She reluctantly permitted him to voice his troubles. "You claim to not be a Jedi!" Kallus cradled his side, nullifying the hot stitching. "But your method of fighting isn't one you pick up on the streets! Or in a garage!" Katerina knit her brow. He's reaching. She felt the tips of his fingers brushing the surface. "So explain to me...how someone like you...possesses the skills of a warrior!" Sabine won't lie. She's curious too. Her self taught explanation wasn't really meshing.

"Did I humiliate you THAT badly?" Kallus growled rabidly at his dismissal. Katerina howled in mocking laughter. "Oh that's rich! I embarrassed the head of the Imperial Security Bureau!" Bad time to be poking a wasp nest with a stick. "Did you tell your superiors a girl with a stick mopped the floor with your men? Or did you claim there was a secret army in that report?" No surprise if he went with the second one. Katerina isn't a pushover to the opposite sex.

"ANSWER ME, CADDY!" He played on her nickname. Were it he possessed a full name, he'd gain a greater advantage of his latest quarry. "Who trained you?!"

"I'd tell you…" Katerina smiled like the mischievous cat she was, "But that would spoil the surprise."

"THEN TAKE IT TO YOUR GRAVE!" Kallus surprised the girls with an extra grenade. He activated it. The two stood their ground.

"RRAAWW…!" Zeb came lunging from the trees, plowing his feet into Kallus.

"ZEB!" Sabine and Katerina cheered. They nearly forgot about the grenade that was in midair. Seconds away from blowing. Sabine leapt and caught the bomb, then threw it to the water. It submerged an inch. Water erupted in a shower, dousing the shore and ship. "A grenade?! That's enough out of you!" Zeb punched Kallus in the head. He fell unconscious. He'd love to throw him in the water and watch him drown. But Zeb is a man of class.

Kanan and Ezra appeared next. "Caleb!" Katerina ran to him.

"Where are Hera and Chopper?!" Sabine fretted.

Kanan checked the time. In a matter of seconds time would be up. "On their way!" He assured them. He glanced pleadingly to Katerina. "Is the ship ready?!"

"Just need to fire it up and cross our fingers!"

"Good enough!" The Phantom surprised everyone darting from the jungle. Enemy TIE's were hot on its tail. "LET'S GO!" Kanan dragged Katerina by the wrist. Sabine already grabbed their weapons and was on the ship, ready to man the guns. Zeb manned the other guns. Kanan was in the pilot seat, firing up the engines. Katerina was in the co-pilot seat, warning up the hyperdrive. Ezra sat behind Katerina, itching to offer help where he could. Unfortunately, a hiccup in their escape was the powerup running a functionality diagnostic. "Tell me that means something good!" He jerked the ship off ground.

"Just get after Hera! I'll worry about this!" She doesn't need his focus strained. If the diagnostic will finish on the reboot. If it isn't up to snuff, they're as good as dead. Faith in yourself, you must have. In your skills. Master Yoda always preached. Katerina closed her eyes, cupping her hands together. Please...please work!

xxx

Kallus grudgingly stirred as the Rebel Ship's engines fired. He was thrown aback by them rocketing off. They shot down two of TIE's, saving the smaller ship. No more games. Kallus is finished being taken a fool of by them. He shakily lifted two fingers to his helmet. "This is Agent Kallus to the Dreadnaught Naughtilus! Shoot down the Rebel Ship! Leave no trace of them!"

xxx

Hera docked the Phantom to the Ghost as they left Chandrila's atmosphere. Sabine and Zeb replied to the incoming TIE's with unrelenting fire. Their attack patterns were wild and erratic. They darted left to right, up and down, making it difficult to take them out. Hera and Chopper plunged inside, racing to the cockpit.

"Give me some good news!" Hera demanded, sitting behind Kanan. In the nick of time. The suddenly barrel roll nearly threw her aloof. Katerina's stomach will appreciate no second turns.

"We're just waiting for the hyperdrive!" Kanan stressed for Katerina to make something go faster. He traded seats with Hera. She's better at flying.

"Just a couple more seconds!" Katerina pleaded. Chopper hollered profanities at her sloppy work. "No need for that language!"

The Dreadnaught and its fleet materialized from hyperspace, barring their escape. Sabine and Zeb were going to need bigger guns. "WE DON'T HAVE A COUPLE SECONDS!" Hera yanked the ship in a flip, hauling for Chandrila. There's Katerina's stomach again. TIE fighters intercepted them, driving Kanan to head in any given direction. "RIINA!"

Three...two...one...GREENLIGHT! Random coordinates were entered. "HIT IT!" Katerina bellowed, bracing herself.

"ALREADY HIT!" Hera activated the hyperdrive. The endless stars stretched like a slingshot. In a blink they were gone. The Empire's fleet lost all trace of them and the ship's signal.

xxx

Agent Kallus propped himself to a slope. His recovery team couldn't be anymore slow. At the very least he'll be able to rest knowing the Rebels will be in his grasp.

"Agent Kallus! This is Commander Amidayus!"

"Kallus here…" He coughed. "What news do you have?" Good news he hoped.

"I'm sorry, Sir. We've lost them."

Egg cracked on his head, leaking to his face. "What?!" Kallus shot forward. Sharp pain put him in a vice. It was impossible. The entire fleet should have arrived. There is no way they could have escaped. "How?!"

"They escaped through hyperspace, sir. We lost track of their signal."

Kallus ripped off his helmet. He spiked it at the ground. He unleashed a mighty roar. This was far from over.

xxx

The scanners weren't detecting any enemy ships following them. Though it was too soon to declare themselves in the clear. Nevertheless, the time for a respite may not come for a while. Might as well take advantage of the opportunity.

Hera put the ship on Autopilot. The vastness of hyperspace was too much on her sore head. She spun the chair, adding herself to the fatigued circle of crewmates. Sleep deprived, adrenaline yet to start pumping, shortness of breath, bruised bodies - another typical day in the life of Rebels and a Mechanic. Although, the crazy number of close calls in the last...twenty some odd hours had them paranoid and itching to run across space. The first hour of their escape, blasters were on the verge of firing common noises echoing about the ship. And passing ships almost joined the space dust for fear they were Imperial Scouts. The entire team and Katerina were on edge. It was all so exhausting. As if, any moment, the Empire will appear from thin air to try and apprehend them again.

The cockpit was riddled with suffocating tension. The silence was equally stifling. The universe threw everything it had at them. Well...maybe a good 25%. And they survived. A ship in dire need of repairs, the number of enemies stacking, their backs against the wall - victory, in spite of running, was theirs.

Ezra sat back in his seat, swinging side to side lethargically. He glanced to Katerina who was leaning near the door with Zeb, prodding her tender nose. A bruise swelled around her nose. Sabine was styling charred pieces of grenade in her hair. Chopper was covered in leaves. Kanan and Hera just looked flat out tired. And Zeb...Zeb wasn't much different. Maybe slightly grouchier. Ezra wasn't exactly clean. He was covered in dirt, sweat, and the remnant of desperation. For no reason in particular...he started laughing. The laughter became noticeable by the crew. They ogled him oddly. Ezra wasn't able to explain from laughing so hard. He just gestured to everyone and fell into a fit. The laughter was contagious. Katerina's shoulders bounced in her rising laugh. She snorted through her swelling nose and clamped her mouth to keep it quiet. No such luck. It made Sabine laugh next. She threw her head back, putting a hand over her eyes. The grenade bits falling didn't faze her. Next Zeb, then Hera, Kanan, and finally Chopper. Laughter flooded The Ghost. Hands slapping knees, pointing fingers about how worse for wear they looked - madness gripped them. And it felt amazing.

"WOO-HOO!" Ezra shot his hands up, spinning wildly. "THAT WAS GREAT!"

"A really close call!" Hera wiped a joyous tear from her eye.

"I dunno!" Zeb hooted, breathing heavy to calm his laughing. "We've had closer calls than that." He sat down.

"Nuh-uh! That one takes the cake!" Sabine declared.

Katerina dropped exhausted to her knees. "Too much excitement for me!" She ran a hand over her sweaty head. "I suddenly feel old around you guys!"

"Then I must be ancient!" Kanan guffawed, itching his head. "That sure put grays on my head!" He pushed Sabine away when she tried to look for them.

"I don't think I've ever disliked flying as much as I did back there." Hera pushed herself further from the controls. Maybe a small part of her wouldn't mind the rush again. Just keep the Empire out.

Heck of a thing to be making jokes about. They survived what was the tightest pincer trap they'd faced so far. The luck of the Rebels was a phenomenon to behold. Kanan feared they wouldn't pull out of this one. Kessel was a close call. But this one was closer. If the ship's hyperdrive wasn't fixed, he'd be one with the force. Ezra too. And his friends would be victims added to the Empire's scorecard. Katerina, though she's not a Rebel, shared in that luck. The closest she's come to death is carbon monoxide flooding a room. This was all above her head. Knowing this is what Kanan and his friends face on an almost daily basis. It was enough to make her explode.

"You're holding up pretty well." Sabine elbowed Katerina. "Isn't this your first real skirmish with the Empire?" She'd expected Katerina to be traumatized at least.

"Not really. I've stepped on their toes before." And they stepped harder. "But I have to say…" She massaged her throbbing head, "This IS the first time I've been threatened by an army. My nerves are still buzzing. Like...like when I wake up from a nightmare and can't believe what I experienced."

"That's the taste of war, Riina." Kanan solemnly elucidated. War. Not a concept she's unfamiliar with. But nothing a situation she's been involved with. "Tastes pretty sour, huh?"

"Downright bitter." She gagged. She'd like to say she hopes to never experience it again. Something told her that wouldn't be the case. "So where to now?" Katerina treaded on delicate ground. Chandrila was probably swarmed by the Empire by now.

"Hate to say it, Riina, but I don't think Chandrila is the safest place for you right now." Kanan sighed somberly. He could never, in good conscience, take her back and leave her alone. Not right now. Kallus undoubtedly has Troopers stationed there in the event she decides to the return. "Think you can put up with us for a little while longer? There's a stop on Braezen we can make to catch our breath."

"I don't mind one bit, actually." She'd be happy to stick around with her Rebel brother and friends a while longer. Aside from the danger and her life being on the line, this is the most fun she's had in years. Though, she'd be prefer it if the fighting stayed far away from her. "I've been meaning to go to Braezen anyway. There's a fruit called Mongola that I need for a special wax."

"Then Braezen it is!" Hera set the coordinates and the autopilot would do the rest. "Let's all get some sleep in the meantime." No objections there. "Riina, you can sleep in my room if you like."

"That's okay! You guys have a cough somewhere?"

"A couch? You sure?"

"Totally. I find them more comfortable than beds."

"As you wish. Follow me." Hera prompted for a quick tour.

"Yep! Weird like Kanan!" Zeb declared.

"Definitely weird." Sabine nodded.

"Weirdest yet." Ezra added.

"Guys! I'm sitting right here!" Kanan huffed.

"WE KNOW!"

xxx

Commander Amidayus commissioned a medical team to search and rescue Agent Kallus. The medics were shocked and awed by the state of the terrain around him. It looked like someone set off a series of bombs around him. If only they knew. Agent Kallus, however, with the exception of a few scrapes and bruises, wasn't too worse for wear. He still required medical attention. The severity of his wounds might be worse than superficial.

Bringing Kallus to the Naughtilus was the easy part. Getting him to the medical bay? That was a challenge. He pried himself off the gurney. His worn body fired on all cylinders, sending him into a mad dash to the bridge. "COMMANDER!" He pried the doors open. The Bridge personnel and the commander paused, stunned by Agent Kallus's current state. "How could you lose them?! They were ours for the taking?!"

"Sir! Please! Your wounds-"

Kallus choked him by the collar. "ARE NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" Raged burned in his bloodshot eyes. His cheek hadn't forgotten the Lasat's packed punch. "HOW DID YOU LOSE THE REBELS?! HOW COULD YOU LET THEM ESCAPE?!"

"Our fighters were already forming when they jumped to hyperspace!" Amidayus hurriedly explained. "We fought with heavy ordinance, but they made the immediate jump before we could close them in!"

"YOU FOOL!" Kallus threw him to the ground. "One...ship...AGAINST HUNDREDS...OUTMANEUVERED YOU!" The bridge contracted the shame of this loss. Kallus formed his to rage and directed it at the crew. "Resources wasted! Manpower decreased! The pride of the Imperial Army my FOOT!" Kallus's raging finally spent him. The world blurred and spun. He fell to his knees, collapsing unconscious to the floor.

"AGENT KALLUS!"

"GET HIM TO THE INFIRMARY! NOW!"

xxx

The Ghost Crew and Katerina slept like logs. Much needed rest revitalized their weary bones and muscles with new found strength and stamina. Ezra's arm and leg dangled limply from his top bunk. Zeb's musty breath coated the hand as he snored loudly. Sabine was out cold against the board of her bed, too tired to actually crawl into it. Chopper was powered down in th cargo bay. Being surrounded by tall crates was soothing to him for the time being. Hera was sleeping soundly in her room. As for Kanan and Katerina, the pair fell asleep in the lounge area. Kanan rested sitting up while Katerina lied down. None of them realized they'd slept the whole day into the night. The ship ride to Braezen, albeit a couple of turbulence bumps, was relatively smooth. Alarms hadn't blared for anything. Though it was doubted anyone would hear it.

Kanan's internal alarm clock roused him from slumber. He yawned exhausted. He stretched his stiff muscles, waking them up so the rest of him would follow. Felt like he slept for days. He was shocked it was only hours. He probably could sleep for two days. He laughed lightly at the peace. It isn't often he and his team are rewarded with rest. He'd have to find them a place where they'd truly be able to recharge their batteries.

Moaning put those plans on hold. Katerina's feet twitched into his thigh. She had an arm above her head, the other sleepily squeezing the shortened staff at the ground. Her expression fidgeted with discomfort. Her teeth biting into her lower lip. She was muttering to herself. Kanan couldn't make it out. He was about to wake her up when her eyes fluttered open of their own accord. She smashed her sweaty brow, groaning drowsily in relief. Seeing Kanan put her at ease.

"Nightmares?"

"Some I haven't had in awhile." Katerina bent a knee, leaning up. "Guess being reunited with you brought more than just old good memories."

"Sorry." He sighed.

"Don't be." Katerina stretched her arms, yawning as she leaned back on the couch. "My worst nightmare was knowing...thinking...my only family was gone." That wasn't the nightmare playing in her head though. For now, she'll laugh it off. "I can almost almost laugh at myself."

"I can't." Kanan wrapped an arm to her shoulders, drawing her close. "Only because...I've learned better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. Or laugh at the gift given." Katerina shrugged. She was always tactless. "But I have to admit, it is funny that in two days you've been shot at, beaten up, taken captive, and blown up. You haven't crumbled once."

"Another day in a life with you." She draped her arm to his shoulders. "Travel the universe with a free chance to be blown to smithereens." She cast her hand, presenting the opener to the offer.

"Act now and we'll thrown in your own Security Bureau Agent and his posse to stalk you at every turn!" Kanan winked, giving a thumbs up.

The two edged close together, "Supplies are limited!" The whisked their hands to the banner of their sale, "Act now!" They fell into hearty laughter, pushing and nudging each other. Kanan was falling back with Katerina hugging the table. Their stomachs were killing them. Katerina's nose hurt. Kanan's head wasn't feeling any better. Who cares? They won't have too many chances to laugh like this.

"Oh man! I missed this!" Katerina wiped a tear. "I remember you and I always had a laugh! The Temples, the senate, in bathrooms!" She dreamily sighed, resting her chin on her folded arms. "Everything and nothing, one would always make the other laugh."

"Remember that time one of the Younglings used the force to drop that juice on you?" Kanan tenderly reminisced.

"How could I forget? I reeked of pomegranates for days." She has an aversion to pomegranates because of him.

"So…" Kanan wriggle his brow, wanting her to deliver the punchline. "C'mon! What happened next?" He curled and uncurled his fingers. He wants to hear her admit to his glory.

Katerina rolled her eyes. "So you, being overprotective big brother, covered his clothes with itching powder and tied him to his bed." She snorted.

"While eating a pomegranate." He slyly added. He howled laughing.

"Good times! Good times!" Her cheeks flushed form laughing so much. She managed to breathe, calming herself down. A warmth she wasn't quite used to flooded her. This all felt like a long dream. Any second she'd wake up...and she'd be alone...again. "You and I had the best of times together. They seemed like they'd never end."

An ending. He'd almost forgotten. Kanan leaned forward with her on the table. His stomach twisted. Katerina isn't a Rebel. She can't - or rather does haven't to - travel with them. Once the heat dies in Chandrila...she'll go back. "It…" He shied from her, unable to see her expression, "It doesn't have to end, you know." He murmured.

Katerina's glimmering eyes dimmed. She closed them partially, sinking in her place. "Maybe…" She murmured. "But I don't see how." Kanan closed his hand.

xxx

Morning arrived on Braezen by the time Hera docked the ship. She hid it in the vast hills of a meadow. Safer that way. And there wasn't really a spot for the ship to land in town anyway. Not so different from Lothal, Braezen's urbanized village was the sought after bazaar for most. Village was a kind word for it. Due to the size, it wasn't seen as a town. From stands constructed from wood to towering structures of business. There's definitely no shortage of people. Their hustling energy was invigorating. Adamantly making trades, deals going sour or sweet, and the ever popular accessory shops.

The Ghost crew was swept up in the momentum. They each spread out to a different corner, stocking up on supplies they'll need for when they return to Lothal. Katerina put in her quota of light shopping as well. Braezen has items and particular ingredients she can't get on Chandrila. She'll need to make the most of it. First on her list: Mongola Fruit."

A small box of fuzzy purple pear shaped fruit was set to a stand. "Thanks, Rapoor." Katerina handed the Trandoshan merchant the credits owed.

"Not a problem, Miss Katerina!" He flipped a hand graciously. "I'm happy to help you when I can." Katerina did a quick count. There's enough for Almand to make 100 jars. What's special about the fruit is any part of it can be used to make the wax. Equal distribution. "How are Grim and Dave? You three visit so rarely I feel like it's been ages."

"We'll try to fix that. And they're doing great." She won't mention the chaos from before. "We've been busy this year. Kind of hard to pull away."

"Well don't be strangers!" He sent her off. She seemed to be in a rush.

"We won't! Bye!" Katerina jogged inside the village. She had a few more things and she'll be done.

xxx

Zeb and Sabine were moving their cargo into the bay area. Chopper was checking the inventory list. He demanded the others check what was in the crates was on the list. He wasn't in the mood to double back if they forgot something. Kanan and Hera were supervising when they saw Katerina running up with a pallet jack of her own supplies.

"Find everything you need?" Hera asked.

"And then some." Katerina reveled in her bounty.

"I'll take that!" Ezra jumped out of the ship in front of Katerina. "You go ahead and just...you know...chat with Kanan and Hera!" He started wheeling the cargo to the slope.

"Umm...okay?" Katerina guessed that was kind of him. Kind of weird.

Ezra added to his odd behavior when he kicked Kanan in the shin. He had a very impatient look on his voice.

"Ask her already!" He less than inconspicuously demanded.

"Ask me what?" Katerina was starting to get weirded out.

Kanan sighed rapidly. He partially hoped this wouldn't come up. But he figured he'd have to address it sooner or later. Besides...he's anxious to see what she said. "Riina…" He cleared his drying throat. "We...that is...all of us…" He turned to the eavesdropping crew. They waved innocently. Kanan snickered at them. He took a breath, feeling courage fill him. "We'd like you to join us. Join the Rebellion."

"What? Me?" He was serious. Kanan was asking her to be a rebel. Hera seemed fine with it. Ezra and Sabine looked like they were going to burst with glee. Zeb and Chopper seemed indifferent. "W-why me?"

"The reasons are numerous. But the main reason," Kanan grasped her by the arms, "We need someone like you on our side. Someone who is both a mechanic and a warrior." A warrior. She grabbed her wrist. Kanan...was expecting her to fight.

"Plus we could use another girl on the team!" Sabine shouted from the background.

"Here-here to that." Hera agreed. "Also, you have an air about you that I like." Hera isn't sure how to word it, but Katerina is an easy person to relax around. Something they need. "Allies are rare during these times. But we can't just let anyone into our ranks." Hera touched her heart, conveying her sincerity. "You've more than proved yourself worthy to join the cause. To join us."

"What do you say, Riina?" Kanan stood back, opening his hand. "Want to become a Specter on The Ghost?"

The open palm put so much weight on her shoulders. Hera, Ezra, and Sabine were all hoping for a yes. Zeb and Chopper - hard to tell what they were expecting. Katerina curled a hand to her chest. "Kanan...I'd love to travel with you again..." That would make her happier than anything in the universe. All the same, she closed his hand, rejecting the invite. "But I can't."

"What?!" Kanan trembled. Hera was shocked. Sabine and Ezra were knocked off their feet when Zeb freaked on her answer. "Why not?!" Kanan pleaded for clarification. Katerina hugged her elbows, turning from him. Kanan doesn't get why she'd decline. Unless..."Is it because I became a Rebel? Do you...hate that I'm a Rebel?"

"NO! Gods no!" Katerina cupped his hands. "I'm glad you're fighting! You being a Rebel rolled off my back the second Kallus mentioned it!" She doesn't want any misleadings about that. She's...she's proud of him. That he can do...what she's too frightened to do.

"It's just…" Kanan sensed an ulterior.

"It's just…" She stepped away from him, folding her hands in front of her. She felt like the child under the leer of her disappointed father. "I'm not a fighter, Kanan. Never have been." Skillful swinging of a stick does not a fighter make of her. Least of all to an entire army of Imps. "I just got a bit of training here and there a long time ago."Hera and the others were astonished to here her say so. She fooled them.

"I know that! But...still...Riina-"

"I hate fighting, Kanan!" She shot back. She won't repeat herself. So she summed it up. "I hate wars! I hate skirmishes!" The bodies, the screaming, the fires of hatred swallowing everything and everyone. The indiscriminate destruction that consumes all, and leaves nothing but sorrow in its wake. She hates it all. The lives claimed. 'MONSTER! YOU KILLED HIM! GET AWAY!' "Today my hand was forced! But I won't lift my staff again!" She won't be driven into a war she has no business being in. Won't be forced to claim lives. "I can't." He shoulders sank.

Kanan narrowed his eyes. The Force or brotherly intuition - she's hiding something. "That's not it, is it." Katerina squeezed her arm. "You're scared."

"Don't do that." She turned her back to him. "Please." Don't pry.

"I'm sorry." Kanan would never invade her like this. "But I want to understand why my sister is choosing to stay in a garage! Rather than fight back against the people who took our lives from us!" That makes less sense than common sense.

"We won't get those lives back!" She stamped her foot. Hera flinched. Katerina tensed up, struggling to keep herself from crying. "We'll just go in an endless circle until they or us stop!" Her shoulders sank. "Death, surrender, a truce - By any means necessary, the war will end. Not before a devastating scar is left!"

"You're not making any sense!" Kanan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Are you saying you're going to roll over?"

"My reasons are my own, Kanan. I'm sorry." She shot offended daggers in his direction. "And no! I don't roll over for anyone! I just…" She sank into herself. Zeb's claws dug into the ship. "Nothing good will come of this. It will only end in heartache."

Kanan slowly came to grips with the choice she was resting on. Hera, Sabine, and Ezra were sold. Zeb, however, wanted to strike a fist in her cheek. The way she's behaving...it's unbecoming. And it bugged him. "Can you at least give me one good reason instead of these half baked excuses?" Is all Kanan asked for. "Why won't you really come with us? Come with me?"

"I...forgot something." She spun and walked away.

"Riina!" Kanan grabbed her wrist.

"I need to think about it!"

"I think I deserve a reason…" He pleaded. His other hand grabbed hold. He can sense it. Katerina's fear was spiking. Of what? He isn't sure. "Katerina…why won't you fight with me?"

She balled a fist. "The screams." Was all she said. She ripped her wrist free, then took off. Kanan reached a hand to stop her. She was out of reach. Running away...

xxx

The Ghost crew gathered in their lounge to discuss their next move. Lothal was a start. But they'd need a secondary location. As the discussion was about to get underway, Ezra was the first to chip at the barrier around Kanan. "What screams was she talking about?" The question unnerved the crew. They were just as curious. Though they weren't sure how Kanan would respond. His silence was a surprise. Ezra gradually regretted asking, hoping Kanan will avoid the question by talking about missions.

Honestly, Kanan wasn't too sure. A lot's happened to him and Katerina. The screams could be anything. The only logical explanation is...Order 66. "Remember how the Empire wiped out the Jedi?" Kanan stunned them all. The Empire...yeah right. An excuse to mask the real murderers.

"Y-yeah." Ezra hiccuped.

"Riina returned to Coruscant while the chaos ensued. Saw so many people dying, or just dead." Kanan bore witness to the protocol's carnage. Watching those...clones murder people, allies...and his master. "The screams she must mean must be from the victims of that purge. Riian told me she's had nightmares."

"But that doesn't make sense…" Sabine can't wrap her head around Katerina's words. "She's obviously been fighting someone to be that good." No one has her level of skill from laying down her weapons. "Is she hiding something?"

"I...don't know. And I'm not going to pry." That's final. Kanan won't have them argue about it.

"Don't you want to know?" Ezra brazenly pried. They've only known her a short while, but Katerina was a friend now. Family, if they wanted to go so far. If she's hurting they should help her.

Kanan answered Ezra's heartfelt question with his own. "Haven't you ever witnessed something, or experienced something so traumatizing you wish you could forget? And talking about it reopened those wounds?"

"More than once."

"Well then, there's your answer. I won't force Riina." Kanan rose from the table. "Our bond is one, but our lives are separate." Separate for nearly two decades. She's led hers, and he's led his. Nothing says they have to meld. "She doesn't need me dragging her into trouble again. She...doesn't deserve it." Kanan walked away, returning to the outside for fresh air.

Ezra sank miserably, sorry that he brought it up. Hera pat him on the back, assuring him his heart was in the right place. But there's nothing they can do to change what is. As the Ghost Crew left the table, Zeb lingered. He grunted under his breath. His brow furrowed as he itched his beard. This...stinks! He snarled in his mind. He knows a load of hog dung when he hears it. Not a fighter? Ridiculous! Forced hand? A joke! That girl was hiding scars under a cloak, presenting them as scratches. He's going to get a proper answer. And he won't rest until he does.

xxx

Katerina's return jaunt to the village led her to a local tavern. Pretty empty given the time of day. Bar was completely empty of patrons. Most were at the tables playing cards, dice, and other methods of gambling. Katerina hid her in the farthest corner booth, sinking in the firm seats. The music was corny, but something to help her think. A Rodian waitress sauntered to her. "Name your poison, Hun." She jovially offered.

"Bottle of spirit. Throw in a bowl of fruit." She gloomily requested.

The waitress thought she was kidding. Katerina never gave her a sideways glance to say otherwise. "Sure...right away. Mug or glass?"

"A big glass...thank you…" A raspy thank you. She folded her arms, burying half her face in her arms. The waitress wanted to ask if she was alright. Better to leave her patrons to their thoughts. She was carrying a heavy burden. "Ugh...man…" Every loathsome adjective in the english language plastered above her head. She felt like the worst kind of person. Kanan poured his heart and soul into offering her a place on his crew. A decision, she sensed, he burdened himself with from some time. He must have juggled the pros and cons, and agonized over it for who knows how long. And what does she do? She gives him a round about answer that let her dodge her real fears. Fears Kanan was trying to pry into. She's glad he stopped. "I'd never be able to look him in the eye."

A burly figure stomped to her table, gruffly putting hands to their furry hips. "I'm surprised you can look anyone in the eye right now!" Katerina shot up in surprise. Zeb was glaring daggers at her.

"What are you doing here?"

"Just getting a feel for where Grease Monkey go to water themselves down!" He's disappointed by her choice in establishments. A graveyard had a livelier atmosphere.

"Well I'm glad you're here nonetheless. There you go!" She unclipped her choker, sliding it across the table. Zeb stopped it with a finger, ogling it foreignly. "I'm a girl of my word, Zeb. Missed the deadline." By several, several, SEVERAL hours. "Would have loved that sweet bo-rifle. But you know-" The choker was thrown back at her. "Huh?" She picked it up.

"Keep it!" Zeb crossly shooed the choker. "I don't take charitable excuses."

"Excuse me?"

"When I was introduced to the little sister of Kanan, I was expecting something...grand! More! Exceptional!" He slapped his hands to the table, moving forward. "Instead I get a Monkey Wrench with her tail between her legs!"

A vein popped in her head. "I may not like fighting, Zeb, but I'm not above smashing your nose in!" It'd be the perfect way to blow off steam.

"Go ahead! That'll be the extent of your PUNY candle!" Katerina grimaced as he roughly prodded her chest. He snorted derisively. "Never imagined in my wildest dreams the younger sister of Kanan was a coward!" He flicked her forehead.

"What'd you call me?!" She swatted the hand, shooting to her feet. The tavern staff and patrons gawked at them. "I am far from a coward!" Zeb was pleased by the response. That's the fire he wanted to see. "And who are you to judge me! You don't even know me!"

"I know enough that you're hiding in that garage!" He flung an arm to no real direction. He knows full well she intends to go straight back. Pretend like nothing happened. "Burying yourself in work so you don't have to face whatever's trapping you there! Playing blissfully ignorant to spare your delicate spirit of horrors!" Katerina grit her teeth, hissing at the corner she's stuck in. "The nightmares will live on, Kid! In you, others, everyone! Pretending like it isn't happening will only crush you in the end!"

"You sound so sure about that!" Her bark lacked luster under his howl. "I've dealt with it fine enough! What gives you the right to lecture me about nightmares?" He would understand even if she told him,

Zeb released a calming breath. He nodded his head, accepting he was lecturing, and might be judging her. She may see it as unfair, but he's hitting the nail on the head. "I see it in your eyes kid. Something has you scared." Katerina grunted, lowering her eyes to the floor. He's more perceptive than she gave him credit. "What that is...well...that is your business." And he wasn't going to ask her to share. Must horrible if she's cringing. He ran a hand over his head. This conversation was nearing its end. "I'm not asking you to fight. No. I'd never ask someone that."

"Then what are you asking?" She rasped.

"The motto of your garage. Never leave a job unfinished?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, I'd say your job with Kanan is far from finished. There's a greater machine to fix between you two." He split fingers. Katerina was stunned by his deep perception. A rugged eloquence, but a powerful message. Thinking about it...there does seem to be something broken between her and Kanan. "And I won't pretend to understand Jedi, but...have you ever stopped to consider that the ones that saved you meant for you to finish what was started." Katerina gawked at him. Her breath hitched in her throat. Zeb shrugged his hands, sauntering for the door. The decision was entirely hers. He just gave he something to think about.

Zeb leaving the bar left a cloud over Katerina. A storm of thoughts and uncertainties struck her. The weight bore on her shoulders, making her body ache. She fell back in her seat, breathless in deep thought. The waitress brought what she ordered. Her attention was solely focused on the choker Zeb threw back. I don't take charitable excuses, was his response. Was I...making an excuse? She more or less lost the opportunity to win the bet. She hadn't lost either. Giving him the choker would have been perfect to send him on his way. And...help her put Kanan and the others behind her. A Monkey Wrench with a tail between her legs, he called her. Hiding away inside her garage. Katerina puffed her cheeks. I'm not hiding! … Am I? Katerina missed the waitress asking if she needed anything else. After four odd tries she gave up, leaving napkins before tending to the next table.

"Never leave a job unfinished…" She mumbled. Words she held herself and her staff to. The lifeline of her way. Other words have guided her through these tumultuous time. Words that have circled her brain time and time again. "Live, fight, be the light in the darkness. Drawn to you, others will be. Over, your battle is not." Pressure came with those words. "Master Yoda…" Up until now, she always wondered what they meant. She still does. They're vague at best. Although, what Zeb said about Kanan and the Rebels gave her pause. Finishing what was started. With Caleb...The Clones betrayed the Jedi. The Empire hunted down Jedi and any who stayed loyal to them like dogs. Those who remain have been forced into hiding. Forced to live in fear of who and what they are, and made to cower. "Kanan's lightsaber…" She realized he keeps it in two pieces. Easier to obscure it. "Kanan's hiding who he is...while fighting as a Rebel?" Guess he'd have to. Lesser people will turn him in for a quick payday.

"Caleb…" It must be hard for him. Having to hide who he is. No one left from the old days to confide in. Hardly anyone to share his pressures with. She shouldn't think selfishly. She's sure the rest of The Ghost crew has their problems and burdens. But it'd be false if she said he main concern wasn't Kanan. Or Ezra. "Those two...are going to need all the help they can get." She set her face to the table. "Master Kenobi, where are you when I need you?"

xxx

Nightfalling on Braezen resembled a dark curtain falling on what was a grand adventure. The Ghost Crew jaunted about the village one more time, doubling up on ammunition and medical supplies. Their excitement on Chandrila demanded it. Kanan gazed upon the village in dismay. The full moon and stars coating the village in a dower hue.

The team emerged with the glow on their backs. Kanan's sadness emanated as radiantly as a beacon in the night. Katerina turning him down hit him hard. Zeb relayed Katerina's message. Or, at the very least, what her body language conveyed. She wasn't coming tonight. She might not come at all. She's just holding herself up at a tavern. About to drown herself in spirits. Kanan could go. Spend one more night before leaving her for who knows how long. Not that afterwards will be a goodbye. Far from it. It would be...a till next time. Then why did it still feel like a goodbye?

"You ready?" Hera touched his back. The rest of the team arrived from their last jaunt in the village, looking upon Kanan for the same resolute decision. No sense in dragging it on.

"Yeah…" He reluctantly answered. "We leave now." He declared, and went into the ship. Hera lowered her head somberly.

"Are we really just going to leave things like this?" Ezra questioned. There has to be more they can do. Try to convince Katerina to come with them. If for nothing else, it would be helpful to have one more gear head onboard.

"Kanan and Katerina have made their decisions. We must respect it." Hera didn't like it anymore than he did. But it's the way things are.

Kanan waited for the others by the cargo. He wanted to make sure none of them tried for round three. They meandered for the cockpit. Tinkering noises stiffened the Ghost Crew's spines. The noises sounded close. Very close. Kanan and Zeb nodded, drawing their weapons and skulking to the vanguard. Ezra, Sabine, and Hera covered their backs. The rooms were empty. The sounds were coming from the cockpit. Kanan and Zeb positioned themselves on both sides of the door. The others spread out, maintaining cover with what minimal they had. Using his fingers Kanan counted from three...two...one! He pushed the button. Zeb hurtled through the opening door, rifle locked on to a pair of legs fidgeting near the dash. Armored knee pads squeezing beige cargo pants, boots thumped the floor as the mysterious person cursed at what held their attention. They seemed pretty enthralled by the underside of the dash.

"Alright you! On your feet! Nice and slow!" Zeb ordered, primed to strike if they moved too fast. The click of the hammer made the person heed his warning. Fingerless gloved hands steadily and carefully moved into view. Dark brown vambrace gauntlets hugged the forearms. A plasma wrench was dropped on the floor. One hand pushed the body forward. The taut black shirt wrinkled slightly. Zeb blushed madly, coughing at the tan stomach showing. The sleeveless V shirt passed, connected dark brown pads resting on the shoulders and a matching chest plate complementing the body, revealing a familiar pair of brimming aquamarine eyes, and brown hair tied in a ponytail.

"RIINA?!" The Ghost Crew gasped.

"Hi there!" She waved innocently.

"Wh-what are you doing here?!" Kanan lowered everyone's weapons. "I thought you said you weren't coming!"

"I said…" Katerina strained to stand from the panel, "I would think about it! And I thought about it." Katerina stroked her bangs and loose hanging hairs to the side. "Master Yoda said that one day I would draw others to me. He wanted me to live, to fight, and to be a light." She felt a little silly saying it out loud. "I'm not sure how I'm a light…" She walked up to Kanan, grasping an arm behind her back, "But I'm confident you and I didn't meet after 15 years just to go our separate ways again."

"Riina…" Kanan was overwhelmed with joy. Hera, Ezra, and Sabine beamed. Zeb leaned to the doorway, smirking proudly at Katerina. He tried to steel himself from getting too excited. He didn't want his fragile hopes to be shattered. "Are you sure about this?" He wanted to know her resolve in this matter. "The battle we faced before - worse ones lie ahead. Sure you'll be able to take the heat?"

"I'm not a fighter like you, Kanan," Katerina brazenly leaned to his shoulder, grinning impishly, "But I've always had the tougher skin."

"Ha! Just keep deluding yourself, Sis!" He pushed a flat palm to her face. "I'm sure it'll be true someday!"

"Remind me! Who sat on his butt while the LADY did all the work?" She flaunted her womanly assets.

"There's a lady present?" Kanan guffawed.

"THEN IT'S SETTLED!" Ezra cheered, stopping the rising sibling banter. "Come on! Come on!" He nodded adamantly to Hera who already read his mind.

Hera strode to Katerina. She stood seriously, watching Katerina for the smallest indecisive reaction. Contradictory body language. "Katerina Dume, right? That's your full name."

"It is." Katerina admitted proudly.

"Very well." She took Katerina's hand, and put a communicator in her palm. "As of today, you join the Ghost Crew as Spector 7." Lacks a certain ceremonial inauguration, but Katerina felt the auspiciousness inside the device in her palm. "Welcome aboard!"

"Good to be aboard!" Katerina blushed.

"YEE-HOO!" Ezra threw an arm around Katerina, bending her to his level. "I'M NOT THE NEW KID ANYMORE!" Katerina knew there was a reason behind his pushing.

"Get over yourself!" Zeb shoved him aside. He lifted Katerina by the scruff of her shirt. "You're a pup as much as this one! She just happens to be competent at something!"

Katerina jabbed her knee in his stomach. Zeb wheezed, eyes bulging, and dropped to his knees hugging his stomach. Katerina dusted her palms together, wrapping her hands to her elbows. "I would choose your words more wisely, and show a bit of precision." She smugly admired his discomfort. "This pup bites hard when provoked."

"Don't-ACK-threaten me-COUGH-with pleasantries!" Zeb shook off the blow, squaring to the violent mechanic. "I can still lay you flat before you blink!"

"I'm blinking, but I'm still not impressed by you!"

"Oh?! You want to be impressed, do you?!"

"I think I should look elsewhere! I don't find clowns very entertaining!"

"What'd you call me?!"

"You'd think they were siblings too?" Sabine snorted. Zeb went wild with below the belt insults. Katerina kept her composure, striking just as low.

"Nah!" Hera waved it off. "They sound like an old married couple."

Zeb and Katerina whipped to her, stretching scathing fingers at one another, "I WOULDN'T MARRY THIS MONGREL/MONKEY IF YOU PAID ME!"

"Yep. Married couple." Sabine and Ezra laughed.

xxx

In the Naughtilus infirmary, medical staff finalized the paperwork on Agent Kallus's injuries. As luck would have it, the majority of his wounds were superficial. A few bruises that hurt whenever her moved. But nothing serious. To his chagrin, though, he was confined to the infirmary until the next morning. The shock from the grenade may have caused damage that has yet to reveal itself. The staff would prefer to be on the safe side than have him drop dead.

Agent Kallus despised being confined. He hungered to return to his duties. Lead the battle from the front and be there when the Rebels reveal themselves. Trapped in that bed in his current state was humiliating. Kallus shifted to his one side, boring a hole in the wall. Bested by...children. His reputation was surely to be blemished. He'll take pleasure in making them suffer. His fiery rage was interrupted by the doors flying open. Kallus growled irritably, and rolled to tell the visitor to leave. Lumps formed in his throat.

"Agent Kallus…" An ominous figure strode casually into his room. The door closing behind him shrouded them both in shadow. The piercing gold eyes of the Pa'aun visitor cut into Kallus like knive. The whistle of his name through rows or razor sharp teeth rousing chills to his skin.

"Inquisitor…" Kallus shivered.

Menacing chuckles reverberated his ears. "I am pleased you've survived your ordeal to fight another day. Good. Good!" He grasped a hoop on his back. A red beam, a lightsaber, ignited. The blazing red beam reflecting forebodingly in his eyes. The tip aligned to Kallus's bruised cheek. "Then perhaps you can explain to me why three Jedi and their companions have escaped your grasp. Again!" He yearned to here the pathetic excuse for this grievous loss.

"Not three...two." He dryly corrected. The Inquisitor raised a baffled brow. "There are only two Jedi! The third…!" Honestly, he doesn't know what to make of number three. "I don't know what the third is."

"Is that a fact?" The Inquisitor extinguished his saber. He was intrigued. "Then regale me on your field report. The Jedi, the Rebels - your entire experience." Ke knelt to Kallus's level. Terrifying golden orbs ensnaring him in a trance. "Spare not a single detail."

To be continued.