Safety in Secrets

Moving on.

xxx

Drab curtains in dire need of washing - replacing would be more appropriate - were parted as Katerina timidly poked into a narrow stone corridor. The lengthy walkway was sort of unnerving with the lack of lighting. The main source being at the end where a perceived open area lied. Katerina pulled herself from the curtains. The bright midday on Pantora was intense. The city of Nerek was no match compared to the Capital, but the sun shared its rays equally. Batting away the spots in her eyes, she checked with the two trandoshan bouncers if it was alright for her to enter the Kadaj Villa. One of Nerek's most prized and prestigious of lodging locations. The establishment was no Club Deeja like on Naboo. But Villa described it perfectly. Not just anyone was allowed in. The Trandoshans both gave her permissive nods. The guard to the right gestured a sly expression to the upper balconies stretching considerably from the main structure. Katerina nodded in thanks, then entered. The Trandoshans stepped in, blocking the door.

Incense smoke was thick in the air. Pungent with the different preferences being lit at the same time. Katerina wondered if she developed an allergy or possessed a lower tolerance for strong scents. Her nose clogged, and her eyes watered profusely. For all the advancements in architecture Pantora is renowned for, no one thought to install ventilation ducts in a place that would reek of aromatic smoke. Katerina masked her nose and mouth with her hand. It marginally filtered out the smoke.

Exiting the narrow hall into the enormous foyer helped her breathe a little. Her hand dropped with her awe gaping mouth and widening eyes. She whistled impressed. She's never had the pleasure of visiting Kadaj Villa when she visited Pantora with Kendril long ago. She's missed out. Never mind the array of smaller size chandeliers creating an auburn ambiance. What captivated Katerina was the fountain in the center of the room pooling to an aqueduct laminated by a thick glass plating running in four different directions. Tiny exotic fish swam happily, disappearing to where the ducts dropped. Lush green plants constructed gardens along the walls, leading towards another corridor to the other half of the Villa. Up the walls were swirling vines, riddled by lilacs and lavenders. Half a spiral staircase led to a secondary floor, and to a shrine of a prominent deity of the Pantora People. One the Gungans curry the most favor towards. Glowing orbs behind the stature gave it a dramatic hue. There is likely another staircase leading to higher levels. The building was taller from the outside. And wider. Explaining corridors to the left and right.

A strong urge to explore the villa pulled at her inner child. The number of rooms the place must have. And the trouble she can get into. Not that she needs miscellaneous trouble on top of Imperial trouble. Grim always described her as a closet adrenaline junkie. Up until recently, her biggest thrills came from reverse engineering the the power flux of a propulsion engine on a Dreadnaught. Never drifted smoother or faster. Practically stopped on a dime.

"So this is the going rate for secret rendezvous's." Zeb's obnoxious tone shot jolts up her spine. "Boy! If places on Lasan were anything like this…" The chandeliers clattered from his boisterous tone. She punched him in the stomach. "OOF! What?!"

"Can you try to be a little more discreet?" She pinched her fingers. She directed his attention to the lookie loos eyeballing them like a foreign anomaly. "We are trying not to draw attention to ourselves."

"How are we any more appealing than the muscles outside the curtain there?" Zeb joked. The Trandoshans had their heads inside, snarling at the intrusive Lasat. But they did not attempt to throw him out. "Besides, I'm your designated security. What's a little posturing?" He flexed his muscles with hands to his hips. His pecs bounced, tickling a giggle out of Katerina.

In spite of his usual borish persona, he made a good point. Zeb agreed to accompany her on her trip to Pantora to get a little breathing air from the ship. Things weren't far from normal, but they were pretty tense after delivering those droids back to their mystery owner. "Thanks for bringing me." She nudged him.

"Don't thank me. Thank Hera." Zeb went breathless at that adventure. His hairs were standing on end recalling the veins protruding her head. "Her head tails nearly POPPED when you asked to borrow part of her baby for a trip to Pantora." For all he knows they might have popped after they left.

Katerina wasn't exactly forthcoming as to her reasons for wanting to go to Pantora. To be honest, she wasn't too clear on it herself. The most she gave Hera was that an old friend of hers wished to see her. She didn't give a name, or hint as to who it might be. Just that he left her a message that said she needed to meet with him on Pantora. Kanan seemed to have a theory as to who this mystery friend is. Much like his sister, he chose to be tight lipped about his thoughts. Pantora wasn't necessarily out of the way of where The Ghost was drifting. Hera lingered in the system they dropped off the droids in order to wade out the Imperial Storm chasing them for a good while. However the seemingly spontaneous request seemed to throw Hera back lightyears. Katerina reassured her that it would be a harmless meet. One that involved her borrowing The Phantom for a while. And, given what everyone went through on Lothal and the past couple of days, a little r 'n' r would be good for team morale.

Naturally, Kanan and Hera opposed her going alone. Hera mostly against someone borrowing half of her ship to go galavanting to another planet. Not that she doesn't trust Katerina. She's just possessive, and paranoid. Not knowing who it was, precisely, who Katerina was meeting. She may need backup, or it could be a trap. Katerina assured them nothing dubious was afoot. Though she can't say she blames Kanan and Hera for being cautious or concerned. That's funny. Expecting an older brother not to be concerned. That concern would be the defining factor that makes he tell her friend she couldn't make the visit.

Zeb was a life saver. He agreed to be Katerina's backup during her trip. Kanan and Hera, true to form, wanted to keep arguing. Zeb convinced him that he and Katerina needed the trip. Help them clear their head from everything that's happened. That, and Ezra could use as little distractions as possible while Kanan starts vetting him for Jedi Training. To make a long story short, Hera warned them both to either take care of her baby, or learn how to breathe in space.

"Thank goodness she's reasonable." Katerina wiped a drop of nervous sweat from her brow. "BUT you do deserve my thanks!" She pushed her shoulder against him. "Because if it wasn't for you, she never would have heard me when I mentioned Pantora."

"Well," Zeb bent the knee, swooping an arm into a bow, "Who am I to deny thanks from a Lady."

"Oh! So now I AM a Lady." She teased.

"For today." He smashed a hand to her hand, ruffling her hair. "Besides, my reasons for coming with you are selfish." He lenaed against a wall, running his hands down his face. "I couldn't stand any more of the kid's bragging!" He stretching his cheeks and eyelids drowsily.

"Heh! Ezra still living in the luxury of saving your life?"

"And rubbing it in my face every second!"

Humility and humbleness aren't Ezra's strong suits. Let's not sugarcoat it. The boy lives for rubbing his successes and prowess in others faces. Gives him a unique power trip, and a sense of dominance. As the youngest member of The Specter team, and an immature Jedi, he undoubtedly feels a sense of insecurity being surrounded by those who have honed their unique skills. Possibly for the first time in his life he's succeeded in saving someone. The idea he's owed tribute now is forever stuck in his head. And how unfortunate for Zeb that he's one of many from the Honor Guard that honor their word, and pay their debts.

"If that kid wasn't favored by Kanan…" He subconsciously crushed a helpless potted plant in his bare hands.

"Easy, Killer!" Katerina moved his hands to dump the debris into another plant. "Give Ezra a little leeway. Let him have his victory. He'll get bored eventually."

"Eventually better come soon!" He jabbed her chest.

"Patience, you must have!" A stranger blurted from the nearby corridor. "It is the greatest virtue, My Friend." The Noble stranger from the Tantive entered the foyer, greeting Katerina and Zeb with a warm smile. Zeb studied the man with a shallow sneer. Slick, sheen, faded hair combed to one side. A trimmed beard and mustache outlining his complacent features. An expensive brown and white tunic that looked more expensive than the villa. And the boots to match. I don't like this guy! He declared, and he wasn't going to change his mind. "Thank you for coming to meet me." He bowed his head.

"Of course, Mr. Organa." Katerina fixed her hair and clothes. She felt unpresentable to him.

"Please. Call me Bail." He touched a palm to his heart. He considers her a good friend.

"Bail." She nodded breathlessly. Formalities weren't to her taste, anyway. Zeb grudgingly cleared his throat to a curled hand. "OH! Um...Bail…" Katerina jumbled her mind, smacking the ball of her palm to her forehead. "Bail this is...uh…" She searched her mind for the perfect name. She knows and trusts Bail, but Zeb might not feel the same. And the less people who know their real names, the better.

"Gara!" Zeb thrust a han. Organa winced as he shook his hand in a vice. "Call me Gara."

"A pleasure to meet you, Gara." Organa planted a welcoming hand to Zeb's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Zeb was unnerved by how close Organa leaned in. Beaming brown eyes boring holes into the anxious creamy green eyes. Zeb glanced to the ground, to Katerina who was baffled by the gesture, and uneasily back to Organa. He swallowed a dry lump lodged in his throat. It felt like he was trying to merge his being with his own. It was very uncomfortable. Organa chuckled lightly, patting Zeb's shoulder. "He's a fine man, Katerina. Kendril would approve. Although, I find myself wondering how much older he is."

"How much older-NO!" Katerina shrieked, turning red as a cherry. Zeb connected the dots and spun away, choking on the embarrassment. "Bail! We...aren't...ZE-Gara'S not...DON'T BE RIDICULOUS!" She fumed.

Organa laughed at their bashfulness. The young are adorable when flustered. "Forgive me. I did not mean to assume." Didn't mean to assume! That's adult humor speak for I just wanted to see what kind of reaction I could rouse. By his smug, victorious smirk, he got what he wanted. Toying with Zeb and Katerina was now past. "Gara. I must apologize, but may I speak privately with Katerina." Zeb became nervous when Organa wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Katerina trusts him, sure. But Zeb. Zeb doesn't like private meetings with strangers involving his comrades. "I promise that I mean her no harm. I merely wish to catch up on lost time with the ward of a dear friend."

"It's okay...Gara." Katerina can't quite handle the lack of roll off the tongue his birth name had. Zeb furrowed his brow, folding his arms with an incredulous growl. She raised a finger for Organa to give her a minute. She guided Zeb to spot in the corridor. Organa turned his back, granting them moderate privacy. He might have snuck a peek or two. "Zeb, I know I'm asking a lot, but can you wait for me in The Phantom?"

"I don't like this guy!" Zeb murmured heatedly, locking glares with the slyly grinning man. "Never liked anyone who dresses that fancy!" Katerina rolled her eyes. Zeb doesn't hide how shallow he can be. "And I especially don't like those I don't know."

"Zeb, you don't know a lot of people!" She stressed. He's a personified hermit. Zeb swept a hand, acknowledging his point. "But you do know me. At least, I hope you know me!" Zeb gulped anxiously. Suddenly his back was at a corner that he walked in to. Depending on his answer, this can ruin the day. Katerina touched his tricep. Her aquamarine eyes glossed pleadingly. "Just give me ten minutes. TEN! Please, Zeb."

Zeb groaned loathingly, throwing his head around. He hates it when she looks at him with those eyes. Makes it hard to say no. Especially since he knows this is important to her. He motioned a hand for her to go. Katerina bounced with joy. "BUT," He yanked her arm, raising her to her face, "You only get TEN minutes! Another second longer and I come in there!"

"Thank you!" Katerina ran to Bail. He gestured to the second floor, and offered her an arm. Katerina waved to Zeb. He tapped his wrist, warning her she was on the clock. She won't forget. She has another nine minutes and forty seconds before Zeb starts beating down doors. For now, he needed a distraction. And he heard the distinctive sounds of chips being wagered from the next room. That only meant one thing. ZABAK!

xxx

Senator Organa's room in the villa was just what Katerina expected of a former Republican Delegate. Spacious living room with a skylight, a master bedroom with a spa bath, fireplaces in both rooms and a bonfire on the balcony. The balcony overlooked a crystal blue, self heating pool overlooking a cliffside dipping into a lush forestry spanning for miles. The fresh air wafting the curtain was refreshing on a whole other level. Lothal and Chandrila would weep.

The tea Organa brewed flooded the room with a peachy mint aroma. A fresh cup was poured, laced by a lemon, and placed on a saucer on the coffee table. "Thank you." Katerina accepted, leaning back to the couch.

"You're welcome." Organa poured himself a cup and sat a cushion over from her. The sweetness in the steam streamed to her nose. Her head tilted back. The scent lifted her to a plain of nirvana. "One friend who is curious, and the other is overly cautious." He sipped his tea, feeling it loosen his tense shoulders. "You still possess the knack for attracting interesting company."

"Kendril, Grim, and Dave notwithstanding." She chortled.

"Of course not." Organa chuckled. Katerina indulged in her tea. She needed it. Though she wished it was something stronger. "Mon was always furious when neither of you would call to update her on your whereabouts." He playfully reprimanded.

"Hey now! I called twice a month! Ken's the one who hated calling." He must have broken his communicator ten times in the course of a week. He's was a dinosaur at heart. New models of anything drove him batty. HE who could build a high powered EMP generator blaster with multi target capabilities. Everyone has a quirk. "Mon really let us have it when our trips brought us back to Chandrila." She's never seen Kendril so scared.

"Nevertheless, it pleases me your choice in companions hasn't lowered in standards."

"It's been ten years since I've seen you. Why would you be concerned?" She doesn't mean to sound rude or ungrateful. She just finds it odd. Her world consisted of three people. One of is dead, the other two are on Chandrila living their lives. Kanan, and the others...her world is widening, but not by much.

"Because Kendril was." Organa stated with woeful nostalgia. Katerina's chest spiked at his name. "He knew his health wasn't perfect. He feared the worst when...the time would come." Katerina wrapped an arm to her aching stomach. One year, two, thousands - Kendril's death would always strike her full force. "Again, you have my condolences."

"Mon was so broken up when he died." Katerina rasped. She saw her eyes glossing in her tea's reflection. "She must have cried for hours, finally falling asleep on Ken's bed...only to wake up the next morning crying again." She rested her head all the way back, driving the welling tears to stay behind her eyes. "I'll never forget the turn out for the funeral."

"As you shouldn't." Organa pat her knee. "Never forget how many loved Kendril, and how many will hold him in their hearts." Katerina bobbed her head. Kendril was the third most beloved person in all of Chandrila. Time will pass, and his name will be heard for generations. "Although I cannot speak for your recognition of 3-PO and R2." Those two droids! They drove Katerina mad the whole time they were in The Ghost Crew's custody. For the life of her, Katerina could not fathom why they were so familiar. Now she knows!

"I remember now why your droids look familiar." She laughed, tucking hair behind her ear. "I had a Hell of a time pulling that gold one free from the jets on the starship you stopped at our garage in." With these memories flowing back to her, Katerina remembers no one being able to explain how 3-PO found his way inside the jets. She doubts after ten years anyone would be able to recall it. "By the way, you still owe Ken 200 credits for putting him back together, and the pieces he had to scrounge for that patch job."

"Indeed I do! Where shall I send it?"

"To his garage on Chandrila. He'd appreciate it."

"I have no doubt." Organa closed his eyes, slipping into a bit more of the nostalgia. The years seemed to pass by at lightning speed. Nothing to accompany a person except their struggles, efforts, and trials. How many of his friends have passed? How far has he progressed in the battles he's fought? Is he fulfilling the wishes of those no longer with him? He wonders.

"You actually have me curious." Katerina set her tea down. She begged for a change in subject. And her ten minutes were up a while ago. Zeb is either distracted, or planning his best means of infiltrating the room. "Why Pantora of all places?"

"I figured it is the last place the Empire would think to look for me."

"Oh yeah. That's right." She furrowed her brow grimly, turning away from him. "You work for those vultures now."

"Katerina, please, do not think ill of me." He implored. She refused to meet his gaze. Part of her chose to forget that those from the old Republic who weren't bent a knee to the Empire. Organa and Mon Mothma were amongst the sheep. "It was either join or die. And there is still too much good left for me to achieve before my time comes."

Katerina understands. Truly she does. She just can't accept it. It hurts too much. "Senator Bail Organa - fights the good fight," She sank in herself, "Even when there's nothing good to fight for."

Organa surprised her from her dread when he fiddled with a strand of her hair. "The last time I saw you, your hair was shorter. And you wore these...HUGE glasses!" He shaped his fingers at his eyes.

"TUT-TUT-TUT! Not the most flattering transformation into my teens." She waved her hands wildly. She will get up and leave if he goes any further. "And, plus, they were the only prescription that offered industrial protection. My eyes improved with time." She bat her aquamarine orbs.

"That is not all that has improved." Organa stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I cannot explain it, but the air about you is brighter."

"In a way." Being reunited with Kanan shot her spirits to the stars. Adding in Hera, Ezra, Zeb, Sabine, and even Chopper - a new family was built around her. She felt whole. And while she is happy Organa noticed, learning of her personal life is not why he asked her to Pantora. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, Bail. In fact, I'm glad to be talking to you like this." Organa sensed the ulterior in her praise. "But why did you ask to see me?"

"Yes. That." Organa sees she copied a page from Kendril's book. If there's business, get down to it. He lived his life by those words. He set his tea aside, and then closed the gap between him and Katerina. She uneasily leaned away in response. His kind, tender aura was replaced by a ominous hue. "Katerina...I asked for this meeting as a courtesy, and for the most politically selfish reasons I can possibly name." Katerina grew uncomfortably tense. "Your friends. Have they asked about me?"

"Asked about you?"

"Who I am? How you know me? Those sorts of things. Like your young friend." He overheard Kanan and Katerina as they left his ship after delivering R2 and 3-PO. Katerina instigated Kanan's inquiry into Organa. However, he wasn't able to hear the conclusion of the conversation.

"Umm…" Kanan has. He hasn't stopped asking. Who is Bail? How do you know him? Why should he be familiar? Kanan is relentless. "No." Her dry throat cracked. "None of them have asked."

"Good. That is good." He breathed in relief.

"Bail-"

"You must never answer!" He barked.

"I'm sorry?" She flinched.

"Our meeting, who I am, our relationship - it must be kept under the strictest confidence. Do not tell your friends." He finalized his decree with a sweep of his hand. There will be no if's, and's, or but's about it. "If I come up, you are to change the subject or simply remain silent." He snapped a hand to her wrist. She winced as he squeezed inhumanly hard. "If you are incapable of doing this, Katerina, then I will have no choice but to detain you."

"Detain me? Bail!" He's scaring her. He's really scaring her. She's terrified right now. Her heart was racing. Was the ground shaking? Or is that her? "I...I don't understand! Why are you asking this of me?"

"Katerina! Please listen!" He placed both hands to her head. He made sure she saw how serious he was. He won't let her look away. "Do you care about them? The people you surround yourself with?"

"Of course I do!" That's a ridiculous question.

"Would you do anything to protect them?"

"Yes, but, what-"

"Then please understand why I am willing to go so far as to lock you where I know no one will ever see you." No one...Katerina's mind went blank. Her skin paled. Terror rippled in her eyes. Organa saw she received his point loud and clear. "Your life and the lives of your friends are already in danger because you are rebels." As he slowly removed his hands, Katerina steadily came from her stupor. "Imagine what it will be like for them when the Empire learns of a grander scheme in the making." A grander scheme? That wasn't a slip of the tongue. Bail was telling her something incomprehensibly huge was in play. And Bail was at the forefront of it. In the making...not a slip either. It's either in a process, or it was far from reaching it's zenith.

What the Hell is happening in this new Senate?

xxx

"KARABAST!" Zeb shouted under his breath. He's been winning hands of Zabak left and right for the last half hour. He was supposed to meet with Katerina 20 minutes ago. Winning streaks are dangerously addictive. And the credits he was scooping into a bag were well worth the health risks. "Sorry, Gents! But there's a friend waiting for me, and I don't dare to keep her waiting." The losers of the table ogled him dubiously. What lady would be waiting for him, they simultaneously sneered. Zeb cackled victoriously, purposefully shaking his bag of loot. The veins he saw popping made his victory all the more sweeter.

The foyer had an extra person or two wandering the fountain, but no one Zeb recognized. He nervously bounced, scanning the immediate areas for Katerina. He wondered if she went exploring like she wanted growing tired of waiting. The Phantom wasn't hidden too far away. She might be waiting for him there. He grasped his communicator. "Sorry! Didn't mean to make you wait!" Katerina came darting down the stairs, skipping the last five.

Zeb rolled his eyes and shoved the communicator back. "Not a problem." He swung his winnings around, patting them lovingly. "Won 12 hands of Zabak in a row while you were away." Zeb was disappointed by her dismissive reaction. She acted as if he was showing her a bag of lint. She seemed anxious. She wasn't behaving like her normal self. Zeb stroked his beard, rolling a glare to the second floor. He'd ask what happened. The mystery man known as Bail strutted across the second floor, locking a menacing glare with Zeb before disappearing into another hallway. Glancing back to Katerina, she was doing that tick thing where she licks her left canine when she's in deep, bothered thought. "How old are you again?"

"23?"

He patted his bag again, "Care for a drink?" He tempted.

That lit her up like spark rocks. "Oh yeah!" That tea was delicious, but not nearly strong enough.

xxx

The most popular bars in Nerek are located in the Upper East Districts where the Villa is situated. Five within a one block radius. Too many people and way too many prying eyes looking for rich, easy marks. Pantora was not spared the starved during hard times. Or those too lazy to make an honest living. Nevertheless, those rowdy bars were perfect for covert meetings and conversations. No one would turn a head at a Lasat and Human walking into a bar. Though the temptation to start a bad joke was there.

Zeb and Katerina were shown to a booth in the farthest corner. The whole bar was open to them. Easy to spot friendlies, enemies, or someone in between. Either way, they'd be the cue to run. They placed their order to the waitress. She promised to be back in a couple minutes. They'll give her ten before making her a liar. In the meantime, Zeb needs to work on preventing Katerina from fading into her mental abyss. She hasn't stopped staring at her fingers, and a knick in the table.

"So…" Zeb smacked his lips, shocking her to reality. "Everything go well?"

Going straight for the jugular. Apparently no one taught him the subtlety in small talk. Another part of his charm. "Fantastic, actually!" Her voice cracked. Zeb arched an incredulous brow. He drummed his fingers, leaning his chin to a palm. In reference to each other, Zeb and Katerina would be considered strangers. However, every so often - as a trained Zabak player would discern - a tell is displayed. Katerina shrank under his piercing stare. "No...not really. I don't….I don't know..." She flushed. Zeb wasn't easing up. Their drinks weren't there yet. He had until then and all night to squeeze it out of her. And Zeb is a very creative man. "He told me not to say anything." She rasped meekly.

"Who?" Zeb edged closer so she wouldn't have to speak too loud.

"Bail."

"About what?"

"To be honest...I don't really know." She's still processing what he told her earlier. She moved closer to Zeb, checking to ensure no one was giving them extra attention. "But what I do know is there's something happening that none of us are aware of." She tries to piece together what he told her, about a grand scheme in the making. Virtually, it can mean anything and nothing. Or it could mean everything. "Bail's aware of it. But he wouldn't say what."

"Think we should tell Kanan and Hera?" Something bigger than them should be shared. Or so he would claim

"I want to." She swallowed a large lump. Organa warned her to remain quiet. He's a kind man that occasionally acts on his threats. If Zeb asks anything personal about Bail, she'll need to change the subject or beg him to stop asking.

"But you can't." Zeb concluded, watching her closely for a tell he was right. She pinched the bridge of her nose. Zeb bobbed his head. The message, however vague, was pretty clear. This Bail is in the middle of something big. Katerina being warned was a courtesy, and a means of security for him. By the hard stare Organa shot his direction, it was another warning. A warning to not ask. "Are we in danger?"

Katerina silently exhaled, relieved he wasn't touching deeper. "That was implied. And the danger sounds as if it stems on how many people are aware of it."

"But what is this IT of which you speak?"

"I don't know. And, quite frankly…" She shook her head, throwing her hands in the air.

"Amen to that one, sister! Amen to that!" If only their drinks would arrive, then Zeb and Katerina could toast.

A speak of the devil. The waitress returned with two large pitchers of a House Specialty Ale. By the odor that floods the bar, the ale is brewed in the basement. Very testy grounds. They thanked the waitress, assuring her they will be fine for the time being. True to her job, she would return to check up on them in a while. The bar was packed left to right. She would be a while.

"I want to bleed your friend Bail for information to learn just what's really happening!" He poured Katerina her mug first, then his with a disgruntled groan. "But I wouldn't want you to lose the trust of someone who's important to you."

"I wouldn't say he's IMPORTANT. He's one of Ken's old friends." Katerina doesn't trust most drinks she hasn't heard of. The pungent scent wrinkled her nose. Her eyes started to water. "Honestly, I'm surprised I even remember him. Or that he remembered me."

"I'm not. You're a pretty unforgettable person." He tilted his head with a sly smile. Katerina hugged her hands to her mug. An adorable shade of pink hued her cheeks. Zeb lifted his hands in victory, "And the charm works again." He waved his fingers, begging for applause. Katerina rolled her eyes. She drowned Zeb's boasting in her drink. She choked on the spicy tartness. Too powerful for her immature palate. Zeb decided to one up her, and downed more than half of his drink. The smack of his lips riled her to no end. He's so smug! "So just who is this Bail you associate yourself with." Katerina's blood turned to ice. If they ask, change the subject! The basics of what Organa warned her to do. "Kanan described him as someone WELL above your paygrade and social class. No offence."

"None taken." She snorted. Perceptive - another of Zeb's hidden, annoying quirks. Organa asked for her to change the subject if he comes up. So she will. "And, in a way, he is. He's the friend Ken relied on for fancy dinners and expensive toys." She drummed her fingers greedily. Zeb never would have guessed she was so simple in her efforts. "He was always there for Ken. Even till the very end."

"Sounds like a charming guy."

"He is...he very much is." Her cheeks flushed as she sank in her booth seat.

Zeb huffed through his nose, swishing his beard in agitation. He drummed a finger to the mug, pursing his lips. "He your type?" He asked tersely.

"Excuse me?" She squeaked.

"Not to get personal, but you're swooning like a daydreaming schoolgirl." It was disgusting. And not her proudest moment. He chugged the rest of his drink. The one thing he can stomach right now.

"I do not swoon! And I'm not a school child!" She tucked hairs behind her red ears. Zeb scoffed doubtfully. No matter the age, women love men in suits. Katerina mustered her nerves by swallowing all but a trickle of her drink in one inhale. A mistake Kanan will kill her for later. "I was just thinking...I lost touch with people when Ken died. My only friends were those who worked in that garage." She thoughtfully swirled her cup. Her mind bouncing with the rippling concoction. Her shoulders sanks with her dismal exhale. "Closing the universe off was easier than getting closer to it."

"I will drink to that one." Shots were poured. Zeb connected his glass to hers, and both knocked their drinks back with pleasants heaves. Strong cinnamon spice capped by a carbonated spirit spiked with lime. They poured another round. Twice the spirit. Neither was foolish enough to brave a second round. It allowed them a moment to ponder their positions. Zeb felt a familiarity in the heating lightness prickling his skin and cheeks. "I did this. After my planet was decimated." Zeb stared into the mug. The darkly colored beverage rippled, drowning him in a nightmare it would normally suppress. "I pounded maybe five tankards of these in the morning. Another ten by night." He poured the contents into his mug with a great deal of disappointment in his weakness. "The amnesia never seemed to last longer than the migraine I awoke with the next day."

"You seem to be doing better." She praised him.

"A front, I assure you."

"Regardless, I'm proud of you."

"For what?"

"For not losing yourself in the mania." She glanced down at the bo-rifle he hid under the table. She wasn't talking about his drinking habits. Zeb enclosed his fingers to his mug, shifting uneasily. "You proved to Kallus how strong you are. That'll shake him and the Empire fiercely." Proved you're stronger than me, apparently.

"I almost did, though." He thumped his mug. His fangs showed past his sneering lips. "I wanted to pry his head off his shoulders!" He crushed fingers into a fist. The fragile neck of that arrogant Security Bureau Agent crushed like a toothpick. If only. If only. "I...I don't know...it might have made me happy. Brought me peace." His ears drooped.

"No it wouldn't." Katerina retorted confidently.

"How do you know?" Zeb snorted jadedly. He sincerely wanted to hear why he wouldn't be brought peace of mind.

"Good men don't wish harm on others." That one reason threw Zeb for a loop. Katerina moved closer to him, wrapping her hands to his around his mug. "You're too good a man, Zeb. Your people would be proud of you." Of that she was confident. She'd shout it for thousands to hear.

"I guess…" Zeb storked her hands. He found a comfort in them. They were pretty soft too. "You're pretty wise for a kid."

"I'm 23!"

"You're still a kid." He remarked snidely.

"Then that must make you ancient." An ancient man with...ruggedly pleasant hands.

Zeb raised his mug again. He'll drink until the truth stops spilling. Katerina met her mug with his to confirm her current toleration for the truth. The mugs were slammed to the table, and smacked lips and gasps said the pair were hydrated. Or, at the most, mildly buzzed. "You know what?!" Zeb slapped a hand to her shoulder. "We're on one of the few remaining planets that hasn't been destroyed by the Empire's tramplings." Katerina hummed agreeably, arching a confused brow. Zeb scooted from the booth, extending on open hand. "She we take a stroll?"

"I'd love to." She took the hand.

"There is a lake not too far from here with a nice view." Zeb escorted her from the booth. "Want to see it?"

"Right now?"

"Hera and Kanan aren't expecting us back for a while. Why not?"

Why not, indeed. The pair agreed that both were in need of mutual time away. Both personal. One for a meeting, the other for air. Why not take an extra hour or two to enjoy the serenity before blasters and TIE fighters spoil their moods. "That sounds nice. Sounds real nice." She slapped a tip with their waitress at the door. She shrieked loud enough to drown out the music.

xxx

Returning to the other side of the Outer Rim, The Ghost was kept to a strict route that would keep it seemingly invisible to Empire Checkpoints. Returning to either Garel or Lothal would be dangerous with security heightened. Hera programmed the autopilot to coast the ship along a steady route until she can find a location to dock at. Until then, scanners are at their peak watching for unwanted guests.

The silence on board was stifling. Almost unbearable. Without Zeb around to occupy Ezra's time, the kid practically spent most of his time being silent. Mainly derived from Kanan instructing him that meditation and becoming one with the force was the first step. Ezra procrastinated a while. Since Zeb and Katerina left. Calling meditating glorified sleeping but with purpose. But he hasn't stopped trying to connect to the force for a few hours. The occasional bathroom and food break. Kanan tried to meditate in his room, alleviate the suffocating feeling. Nothing soothed the savage veins popping in his head. Especially not with Katerina being too far away for him to protect. He knows full well she can protect herself. Zeb is more than qualified to watch her. He'd just like someone as equally capable with Zeb to watch her.

Hera must have had her own force powers. She entered his room right as he gave up meditating. "They've been gone a whole day! No report!" He frothed at the mouth.

"Kanan, relax." She swears he can overreact. Her reaction to the borrowing of The Phantom notwithstanding. She sat with him, hoping to keep him in one place before he rockets to the moons of Zanzii. "I'm sure they're fine."

"What if the Empire has them? They could be in danger!"

"Pantora has the least Imperial presence next to Felucia and Jakku." According to reports she receives on a newsletter, the Pantorans are petitioning to ban every trace of the Empire's Presence from within the Pantoran System. That petition has been in the transit stages for the better part for five years. Dispersing amongst those on Pantora, and others within their system. The farther it spreads, the tighter the web and the healthier the support grows. And because public relations matter to The Empire, no going outside the lines. "Zeb and Riina are fine. You need to stop worrying about them, and start worrying about Ezra's first lesson." And she doesn't mean buying time by making him sleep.

"I know, I know." Kanan bobbed a hand, rubbing fingers to his brow. "It's just…" He shaped his fingers like claws, gripping at what he wanted to convey.

Hera cupped Kanan's cheek, brushing the backs of his fingers to his ear. She had him look straight into her eyes. His aquamarines rippling as agitated as he felt. Hera's calm green cooled him enough for her to speak. "I know you worry constantly about Riina. She is, by the very definition, the only family you have left. But if you keep worrying like this, you'll go nuts." Kanan curled his lips. He released a breath of defeat. She had him pegged - as usual. "She survived 15 years. I'm sure, with Zeb, she can survive a day."

"With Zeb?" Kanan jumped to his feet, dashing for the cockpit. "I better amass a fleet!"

"KANAN JARRUS!" Hera howled. Kanan laughed crazily, making Hera shake her head.

xxx

Zeb neglected to mention the park preserve was entirely different from the city aspect. Taking the Phantom, Katerina felt as if she entered a new planet. Vivacious wilderness similar in size to a central area. The park's main walkway was rife with walkers and runners. Families and couples lavishing in the outdoors idled. Children playing, pets running amuck, and nature herself flocking.

"Nothing's changed much." Zeb stated, nodding appreciatively. In a way, however, all of it has changed. "I'm glad."

"You've been to Pantora before." Katerina commented, hands folded behind her back.

"Once. Years ago. Swung by the lake we're heading to once with my grandmother." He inhaled the air. It was foreign, yet so familiar. "Haven't been here in awhile."

"Tell me about her: Your grandmother. What was she like?" Katerina was eager to hear who was brave enough, and had such thick skin to raise THE Garazeb Orrelios.

"The toughest Lasat you'd bury yourself in the ground for before challenging her." Zeb announced with pride. He flexed a muscle, patting it commendingly. His expression softened. His ears slouched. "At the same time...she made the sun and sky seem brighter." His dry throat cracked. A sour chord was being plucked. He shoved hands to his hips, steadying himself before he continued. "My parents...they died when I was young. Gram was all I had. Went supernova when I joined the Honor Guard."

"She was upset?"

"No! She was so happy she nearly exploded!" He threw his arms open. He can still see her reaction fresh in her mind. "She told me, 'Your mother and father were honor guard, your granddad,'" Katerina wasn't able to stop herself from staggering laughing at his elderly woman voice. He sounded like a half crazed chipmunk with a hangover, "Not me though! I was smart and became a nurse for the Honor Guard!'" He thumped a fist to his chest. "'Make us proud, Garry!'"

"PFFT! GARRY?!" She held her stomach, having to lean against something from laughing hysterically. "THAT'S SO ADORABLE!"

"I'm not adorable!" He blushed like a cherry. "And my gram wasn't known for her clever or flattering nicknames!" He carried that humiliation for years. He still does.

"You think I wear Katty with a badge of pride?" She scoffed. "You have any idea the mileage people get with that?"

"I can imagine, but not as much as the Honor Guard."

"You're a betting man. You should recognize sucker bets."

"And the biggest sucker was doubling over laughing." Katerina elbowed him in the stomach. He retaliated with a flick to her ear.

Lost in the conversation, Zeb and Katerina hardly noticed the shimmering shadows shading the path. Above them, the trees curved inward, converging to a sort of tunnel. Specks of sun rays peeked through. Dew that lingers for a grand part of the day created a rainbow array, making their eyes glisten with awe. The fresh smell of water tingled their noses. As the tunnel opened to a grassy hill, Zeb pushed weeping tree vines aside. A smile spread to his cheeks. He brought Katerina around. She lost her breath. A lake of the purest blue she's never seen nestled in the heart of the preserve. The way the trees shaped a wall, how the grass flows beneath the water's surface - the word sanctuary comes to mind. Large lilypads of blue grass floated across the lake. Dragonflies the size of speeders riled the water for scum produced by the grass pads. Massive sized lotus traps hid amongst the brush.

"Wow…" She finally found a breath to gasp with. She and Zeb sat a couple feet from the water. Seed bulbs near the water's edge sprouted legs, and their backs split to four wings. They fluttered to the air, leaving behind spore like dead skin. Katerina raised her hand. The spores felt so soft they were nonexistent as they bounced off her palm. "I didn't think places like this existed anywhere else."

"They do!" Zeb ran a hand over the lush grass. "The Empire's reach hasn't stretched nearly far enough."

Katerina stretched and folded her arms behind her head, lying on the soft bed. This was nice. Truly. "I feel selfish right now."

"Why's that?" Zeb mimicked her method. Throbbing muscles in his back were massaged.

"I drag you to an entirely other system to meet a friend of mine, when you're the one who should be asking to go see some old friends."

"Not a big problem." He waved nonchalantly. Nonchalance was replaced by melancholy. "I don't have any old friends to speak of."

Katerina felt her foot enter her mouth. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It helps to talk about it rather than bottle it up."

"If I had a drink I'd drink to that." Great. Zeb's turning her into an alcoholic. Not that she didn't have a taste for alcohol before. Right now, she needs more numbing than shrinking. Although, it was nice to talk. "I lashed out after the jedi were eradicated." Katerina muttered in a guilt ridden rasp. She traced a thin blade of grass, able to see remnants of her old self in the lake dew. "Whether you said hi or approached in idle passing, I attacked in a blind rage. Everyone was a traitor. No one could be trusted." Because those she trusted with her life and the life of her friends and brother turned on them all in seconds. She massaged her knuckles. The feeling of nose breaking, or ribs cracking was fresh in the nerves. "Ken was aware. He couldn't stop me. Not that he tried. I didn't want to stop. I wanted everyone to understand what it meant to be helpless." Zeb turned his head. He wasn't sure what stunned him more. That she wasn't so much as choking up, or that she was able to say these things with a straight face. "Grief drove me mad, and I came close to committing myself to an asylum in order to silence the grief. Or I just closed everyone to a distance. Ken, Grim, and Dave were the only ones I trusted."

"Were?"

"After an accident, closing the universe off wasn't an option."

The way she said accident, and how her eyes began to gloss, Zeb respected her vagueness by not pressing further. "The more I learn you and I have in common," Zeb chuckled, bashfully rubbing at his stiff neck, "The more I want to bash my head into a wall for being a horrible person!"

"Not sure if I should be flattered, insulted, or should comfort you." She winced with mixed emotions. She'll feel flattered now, and wait until Zeb is done laughing to give her final verdict.

"I'm just saying…" Zeb motioned his hands for her to bear with him for a moment. He juggled his words to sound eloquent rather than invoke Katerina's wrath, "When you...meet someone who had the same experiences as you, listen to their struggles and how they handled it," His mind drew a blank on how to better explain the next part, "You find a particular comfort that makes you feel…" He strained to think of the perfect word.

"Rotten? Sleezy? Horrible? On the lowest rung of the ladder?" She crooned with a not so innocent bat of her eyes.

"You said it. Not me." He pleaded innocence.

Katerina scrunched her nose at him. She'll let him have this victory. "Your grandmother. Did she…" She'd rather not damper his mood by mentioning the word death.

"No. She died a year after." He gazed to the sun, imagining the paradise she found when she ascended. "My whole world went with her. I wanted to let it swallow me."

"What happened?"

"Kanan and Hera happened." Katerina beamed in disbelief. "Your brother and Hera saved me. From myself and from the dark path I was going down. Just like they saved Sabine, Ezra, and now you." He poked her cheek. Saved from a dark path. Thunder rolled in Katerina. Her mind reverted to the Trooper she killed on Garel, regressing years earlier to the dying boy who constantly haunts her. Those frozen eyes..."Riina? Is something wrong?"

She swallowed nervously, licking her dry lips. Her chest tensed painfully. "Remember your offer about...when I wanted to talk?"

"Yeah…" He leaned on one elbow. Katerina was biting on her lip. "If you don't want to…" He was willing to respect her wishes. She shook her head vigorously, steeling herself. Zeb has opened up about so much. The least she can do is the same. It might help relieve her of this guilt ridden pain. "Okay...whenever you're ready."

"I don't even know where to start." Even now, as she puts her dissertation together in her head. The one time her clever word play fails her. "Not sure if I am ready."

"You will be."

"How do you know?"

"Because you're one of the strongest women I know." He sat up, bending a knee to rest his arm on. "The time will come. But not before you are ready."

"I don't think I ever will be." She sat up with him. The beginning is always preferred. And no matter how cleverly she spins her words, it doesn't lessen what happened. It can never lessen what happened. And the harder she tries to delude herself there was a justice in what she did - that she wasn't in the wrong, and that it was her right to end the boy haunting her nightmares - the more she wanted to hit herself. "I did something horrible, Zeb. In the height of my craze, I did something so horrific it forced me to put my staff away for years. Made me - STILL MAKES ME - scared to fight with all my potential." And she has a lot of it. Or so Kenobi and the Jedi made her believe. The tears she tried rigorously to hold started to flow. Piece by piece she was crumbling. "And I could never look you, Kanan, or anyone else in the eye if you found out." She buried her face in her knees, bursting into sobs.

"Easy...c'mere…ssh…" Zeb wrapped his arms to her. She muffled her sobs in his chest. "It'll be alright, kid." He stroked a hand from her hair to her back. "Like I said. Whenever you're ready."

To be continued.