The Rebel Twins

by GradGirl2010

For 15 years I was alone. Fixing spacecrafts to numb the pain. The Clones' betrayal of the Jedi stole my brother from me. At the time, it seemed as if it would be forever. Reunited through this war of Imps and Rebels, Caleb...huh...Kanan wants me by his side again. The problem is...the idea of fighting again terrifies me. The screams...they won't stop.

29. Over the Course of Years

Over the Course of Years

Moving on.

xxx

Yet another unproductive day for Mon. She's been cooping herself up in her home for the better of a week now, doing nothing but...being lazy. Well, that's not fair. Three days ago she finally caught up on all of her paperwork. She managed to dig up old proposals that never held water or got to be presented, and the new proposals she wanted to present at the next cost and expenses meeting. She compared the old and new testaments, wondering if either one had merritts to bolster her stance. She might be able to convince the senate to decrease the cost of healthcare. What's the point in fighting a war if medicine is too costly to keep them alive long enough to fight it. And with the way the Empire is running things, medical care should be free across the rim.

There was...another nostalgic item she stumbled upon. One she feared long ago she had lost. A picture from 17 years ago of her with an icecream beard, Kendril with cotton candy hair, and Katerina with her little hands in the air cheering with triumph with her own cotton candy hair and ice cream beard. She'll never forget it. It was actually the first month Katerina came to live with Kendril. And boy was she a rambunctious one.

Flashback

"Lady Mon Mothma, you can't possibly leave now!" My naggy protocol droid CP-07 pestered me as I made my beeline escape for my ship. I had just spent the last 72 hours of my life stuck in the senate, combing through accounts of spending, budget reforms and deforms, and preparing - literally - 7 different arguments for why the Banking Clan, Techno Union, and Trade Federation were a dangerous gamble to invest out trust in. Especially when we learned where their true allegiances - and resources and finances - lied. The clone wars had a nasty habit of uncovering enemies hidden within our ranks. I won the arguments, of course, - with Bail's help - and was quite done. It felt as if I had spent three months in this place. I was going to take the next week to myself, get my affairs in order and nothing was going to stop me. 07 was going to try, but he would fail. "You have to meet with the Chancellor and discuss the alliances with-"

"07, while I appreciate you're trying to keep me on track," The scathing in my voice said otherwise. I was really in no mood to see the Chancellor, "Please remember that prior to these three days, I was also in several meetings spanning five days with dignitaries from across the rim." And believe you me, that is time I truly wish I could get back. "I need to rest, relax, and recuperate from this trial of my life. And I am going to do so."

"But, My lady-"

"This is where I envied Padme for having 3-P0." I flicked a switch on the side of his head, shutting him down in the middle of the hallway. "At least he knew when to stop trying to change someone's mind." I walked away feeling bad for what I did to 07, but he wasn't going to let me leave. Besides, there was somewhere urgent I needed to be.

I was just another two steps from getting on my ship...uugghh...when I heard her. "Senator Mon Mothma…" I thank my stars for my extreme discipline and professionalism because I kept to an annoying exhale instead of throwing my head back and groaning. That, right there, was the haughty, numbing, sees you as an insect to step on voice of none other than...the Manager of Pryce Mining, Arihnda Pryce. "Leaving so soon?" Ugh. Even when she looks at you with those piercing blue eyes you can feel she's stepping on you. She always wearing a military uniform of some sort in order to display herself as a high ranking official. She always kept her long hair in a bun as well. Never letting it or her real self down. In truth, she was nothing more than a lap dog riding the tails of her true master, Senator Domus Renking. She needs to stop scowling like that. She's already developing wrinkles.

"I feel my time here has reached its conclusion, Ms. Pryce." As much as I loathed this woman, I still gave her the decency of my attention. Which is more than what she deserves. If she doesn't think I'm not aware of her rubbing elbows with other members of the senate, she's wrong. She really seems to keep in touch with Admiral Tarkin too. "Our meetings have adjourned, my work is finished, I am at leisure to return to my home planet when I wish." Before she became our illustrious Governor, Pryce was a blue collar grunt with illusions of grandeur. When the Empire rose, she clawed tooth and nail to become governor, and became a very capable soldier. The particulars are beyond my knowledge, or want to know. But before that...she was this...tick that grew larger with her ego everyday. "I am needed elsewhere."

"You mean you wish to see that failure, grease jockey cousin of yours." I didn't give her the satisfaction of seeing me cringe. She isn't the first one to throw at me that Kendril didn't make the cut for politics. Not because he was incapable. But because he terrified everyone. Kendril may look gruff and fresh from the wilderness, but he's a genius compared to me. "Someone of his standing will only stain your pristine reputation."

"This coming from the doormat of a senator, and the trust fund brat of Daddy's company." That was my mistake, letting my petty side free. But it was worth it to see the look on her face. "For someone who only gets what she wants through inheritance, you're pretty harsh on people who work hard and strive off failures." I didn't give her another ounce of my time. I boarded my ship and took great joy in seeing the engines blow her over.

xxx

My return to Chandrila was long and arduous, but well worth it to see my glowing home again. It always put a smile on my face. My favorite destination was on the horizon as well. Ken's Auto Shop. A little two story shack at the time before it became the mausoleum that it is now, that Kendril put his heart and soul into managing. Regardless of its size inside, the yard where most of the engineering takes place was enormous. History lesson - that lot is now the Mothma Garage. Anyway, I always visit Kendril on my days off. He and I are...were...the only family we had left, so our time together is precious.

My ship is pretty well known around the yard. Workers always rush to greet me when I arrive, and they offer me free maintenance. I still pay them. I didn't need to look very far for Kendril. He was underneath a raised cruiser, eyeing the opened hatch with an eagle's eye. Argh, I will never understand his need to work shirtless. Sure, he put a better use for those sweat stained white shirts of his as rags, but the way his stomach hangs over his tied at the waist overalls was just disgusting. HA-HA! But it held charm. His red hair wasn't long, but it was always smoothed back into a little ponytail. And his supremely fuzzy beard and mustache - how can stand working in this heat with that thing on his face?

"You gonna just stand there all day, Little Cousin, or are you gonna give me a hug?!" Kendril dared me. He was always able to tell when I'm there, no matter what he was doing. I always thought he was secretly a Jedi himself.

"There is no way I'm hugging you until you've showered off!" I joked with him, joining him in the shade of the cruiser.

"HA! Still a clean freak as ever!" He puffed out his chest, putting his knuckles on his hips.

"And you still stink as bad as ever." I mocked, plugging my nose. We ended up in a fit of laughs.

"Kenny! I think I found the problem!" I heard this cute voice come from the hatch. It startled me. It sounded like a child. to my surprise, the person poking her head out was a child! Her hair was fastened into two braids splitting from one Fren-Chiis braid. I almost laughed at how cute she looked wearing goggles that were a size too big for her face. And her own pair of grey green overalls just made her adorable. "Someone was eating lunch in here!" She handed him a bucket of chicken and steak bones. "They left the evidence in the pipes, and there's grease all over the wires."

"Grah! No wonder things were overheating!" He itched his scalp frustrated. "Alright! I'll get some degreaser, you check for any further damage."

She took her wrench and saluted him. "You got it, Bo...ss…" She sort of trailed off in a daze when she finally noticed me. "Uhh...Kenny...did you forget to pay a bill again?" She asked cautiously. I could feel her staring me down hard, ready to throw that wrench at me.

"Oh no, nothing of the sort." He laughed loudly. "This here in my baby cousin, Mon Mothma. Remember? I've shown you picture of her!"

"THE Mon Mothma!" She squealed with such glee she actually frightened me. She hung herself halfway out of the hatch. It was easier to see the filth on her. She was still cute. "The lady who can juggle 20 different topics and create one single solution for them Mothma?!"

"Th-that would be me…?" I didn't realize she was a fna of mine.

"I was there for one of your meetings when you overturned the ban on public forums releasing crucial evidence of war crimes!" She continued spouting ardently. "You totally had Senator Gum-Chin on the ropes when he tried obscuring his involvement in the harassment of the forum admins!"

"A-Always pleased to meet a fan." Wow. I didn't think children her age cared about politics. Although, the Senator's name of GuuShin. He did have a chin shaped like chewed up gum.

She flipped out of the hatch, landing like an acrobat right in front of me. it took serious will power not to laugh at the big boots being covering by the too long leggings. Her sleeves would have fallen past her big gloves too if that weren't folded. She lifted off her goggles...and the most brilliant of aquamarine eyes stared at me. She was precious. "It's nice to meet you, Senator! My name is Katerina. My friends call me Katty!" With rosey cheeks she added with cupped hands, "I want you to call me Katty!"

"Ha-Ha! As you wish. Then I insist you can me Mon."

"YEAH!" She cheered, jumping up and down.

This was the first time I'd gotten to meet Katerina. I knew Kendril was looking into students to take under his wing, but I wasn't entirely aware he brought one home just yet. She was so young, but she knew her stuff. After our introduction, she was telling Kendril that the degreaser needs to be distilled and methanol based, not water or B grade. She used words and phrases from there I couldn't keep up with, and Kendril heeded her words like she was his master. Very bossy, talented, and seems to know what she wants when she wants it. Maybe Kendril will let me borrow her for a day...span her future options.

"Don't even think about it. The kid is mine." Kendril warned me. Mind reader. Still, she was young. I could sway her.

xxx

Getting past our introductions, and Kendril and Katerina finally taking baths, we decided, since I was likely going to be called back into work soon, that we should spend the day doing something fun. Kendril had an amazing idea. There was a fair in the upper quadrant of the city. It could actually be seen from pretty far. Rides, games, food from all around, and shows galore. Katerina was sold. Inevitably, so was I. A fair would take the stress of the day off my shoulders, and Kendril and I haven't been to a fair since we were children. This was the perfect chance for me to dress casual for once, too. Heels all day are not fun. HA-HA.

The front gates of the fair had to have been harder to pass than blockades. The amount of people wanting to get in rivaled the sheer thousands already inside. Fair was too kind. It was a glorified amusement park. The rides sure had me believing so...and I regret letting myself be dragged on a single one. I don't know what Kendril and Katerina had for breakfast but they were raring to go an every stomach flipping ride there was. They showed mercy on my and started with a spinning top, followed by these swings that whip you in a circle, and little water ride that sends you down a steep slide. We got drenched there. I wish I would have had soap. Katerina and Kendril still reeked of engine fuel.

"I'll have you know, I showered for three hours like you said!" Kendril pouted like the big baby that he is!

"I soaked in that purina scents soaps from Naboo Senator Amidala likes so much!" Katerina puffed her cheeks

Then the torture really began when they dragged me onto this infernal ride where you are carried miles and miles into the air...and then DROPPED! My heart stopped! I swear we were going to die! Then we bungied right back up, fell again, and just were in this bouncing frenzy until we hit ground. I thank the stars there were receptacles everywhere because my stomach empties itself into both of them. OH-HO! But they weren't done with me yet! No, no, no! That drop and sudden stop right was only the beginning. The roller coasters...my goodness they got steeper and higher with each one. The skin was going to be pried from my face. My soul escaped my body before it was regressed into dust. The most insane roller coaster we went on...the seat hung at one point...and then folded up, leaving us lying with a deathly drop to occupy our attention. I begged Kendril and Katerina to never let me back on that ride again.

Kendril and Katerina found their mercy again and took me to the shows next. Those were simply delightful. The acrobats leaping through flaming hoops, and showing their lung power by completing stunts beneath the water. Pets performing feats no human would ever dare try. My favorite had to have been the towering wall of water created by high powered jets that had scenes from favored movies of children playing across them. The music filled my ears and sent chills down my skin. The timing of the water in tune with the music was so thrilling. We went to a magic show and I got called up for one of the acts. The man pulled a rabbit from his hat...after putting it on my head. He refused to tell me how he did it.

The day was reaching its end and we wanted sweet treats to end our day. Kendril got icecream while I had cotton candy. Katerina, the little glutton, ordered both. Kendril was the first to get his icecream. Always with two scoops, that man. He eats like a ravenous bear.

"Be careful or you might get your beard dirty." I cheekily remarked. "Then again, it might be an improvement over the grease stains you missed."

Kendril sarcastically laughed at my childish remark. "This coming from a lady who hasn't gotten her hands dirty since birth." He waited for me to receive my treat before proceeding with, "I'm surprised indulge in such low standard confectionaries." He put on an accent to tease me.

"Mine is extremely elegant in its fluffy simplicity. Besides," I winked an eye closed and aligned the cotton candy with him, "I can pretend it's your beard and I'm finally shaving that monstrosity down."

"You dare mock this artistry of facial hair!" He overdramatically gasped, petting two fingers from the mustache to the beard. "I'll have you know, dear cousin, that I worked hard for this fine breed of hair!" He flexed it to the sun. "Just check out this lustrous sheen!"

I don't know how he did it, but his beard was shining. I had to admit, it did look good. "Still doesn't change the fact it makes you look...dirty."

"Oh? Okay. Here then."

"What are you-" I should have seen it coming with that glint in his eye and that menacing ping in his smile. Because, before that scoundrel gave me a moment to react, he smashed his icecream to my nose. He traced it down and around my cheeks and chin, ignoring my protests as he held my in place by my shoulder. By the time he was done, my face was stuck with an icecream beard, and he licked what remained of his cone with pride.

"Now who's the dirty one?" He taunted.

He was not going to get away with this. "Still you!" Mustering my lightning fast reflexes I planted my cotton candy in his hair. I smushed it all around, it buried it to his scalp, and brought it to his ears. By the time it was finished...well, I had my own sweet treat left to admire my handiwork with. He growled at me with red cheeks. He looked like a mildew tomato. I put the cotton candy cone on his head to add insult to injury. Turnabout is fair play, and I fully intended to charge him for getting my clothes clean.

Katerina was bursting with laughter, almost dropping her own icecream and cotton candy. She had never seen Kendril look so ridiculous. Seeing me, her favorite senator, covered in muck was just icing on the cake for her. Her laugh was blissfully intoxicating. So pure and innocent. The entire day she spent having the time of her life was made all the better with...with us being goofy. She always sees Kendril being a big bad boss, and she knows me as this austere politician. Seeing us put our business personas down for a few hours was candy for her. She was so precious. "I wish you guys could see how dumb you look!" And she was a cheeky thing. Kendril and I exchanged glances, smiled, and made our move. We took her cotton cadny and ice cream, held her by the arms, and we smeared her with them. She now had her own cotton hair and cream beard, and she was loving it. We just laughed and laughed for a good while, getting ourselves a small crowd that adored seeing us. A photographer captured our moment free of charge, handing us the picture. He and the crowd must have assumed she was our daughter because they were gushing. Nothing better than parents and their child having the time of their lives. While they were a tad off base...they weren't too far from one truth. Before Kendril even thought of adopting her...she was always a member of our family. She was and is...a Mothma.

Flashback End

It warmed Mon Mothma to see how genuinely happy they were so long ago. Tears of joy had run down her cheeks, but a twinge of sorrow gripped at her chest. It feels like an eternity ago that she was able to be this happy with the two people she loves the most. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse after the Jedi died. There were good times, sure. But they were so scarce...she can hardly recall a time where she was able to laugh with her cousins. Not that she's ever tried. Since Kendril's passing, she hasn't really gone to see Katerina or tried to rekindle their relationship. She's been avoiding her...because it hurt. Katerina was torn when Kendril died. Just as much as when she lost her brother and the Jedi. Mon Mothma didn't know how to console her then and got a gash across her back for it. What chance did she have now? So she just left Katerina to her own devices...and the rest is history.

Three knocks rapped on her door. Mon Mothma cleared his throat, patting her cheeks to perk up. "Y-yes! Coming!" She got a quick splash of water on her face, rubbing it in her eyes, and drying away her vulnerable state. She fixed her dress robes and strutted gracefully for her door. She took a deep breath, pressed the button, and was stunned. "IN-Inquisitor!" She controlled her fright at the last second, remaining calm at the golden eyed Paaun.

"Good morning, Senator." The Inquisitor bowed apologetically. "Please pardon my stopping by unannounced. I understand you are enjoying time to yourself." How miraculous it is he can sound so courteous when he truly doesn't care one bit.

"W-well it is certainly a surprise." She stood guard at her door, keeping at the threshold to bar him from entry, while also being engaging. "I did not realize personal officers of the Emperor made house calls."

"Only on matters of great importance, My Lady." He flawlessly countered with his perpetual smirk. Mon Mothma knit her brow, her heart skipping several beats. What's he on about? "My Lady, might we speak inside? This is nothing something I wish to discuss out in the open."

Mon Mothma doesn't know what great importance could have brought the Empire's favorite lapdog to her doorstep, but there is no chance she is welcoming him inside. "Actually, I'm about to step out for the-"

"Please, My Lady," He stepped a foot in the doorway, intruding on her space with a hand at the sill, "It will prove to be unfortunate for you should you deny me five minutes of your time."

Mon Mothma scowled harder, frothing at the mouth. She doesn't care for his tone. Her heart was pounding with anger. "That almost sounds like a threat, Inquisitor." She brazenly challenged him, not shrinking away in the slightest. She will stand her ground. Scarier than him have come at her. "Tell me," She took a step in as well, craning her neck to look him dead in the eye. He was impressed by her bravery, "Why should I grant you a single minute of my time?"

His smile widened with delight. "I am pleased you asked, Senator." He chortled. "You see, if I leave here without completing my investigation," He leaned in close, bringing his mouth to her ear. She tried her hardest not to cringe, "Your beloved late cousin's shop, and all who dwell within, will be seized for harboring an Imperial Criminal." Her breath hitched in her chest with her stopping heart. Impossible.

xxx

Kanan left the Ghost earlier than usual for his morning meditation. He doesn't find it balanced enough to find his place of serenity before chaos decides to ensue so he can get paid. On...the bright side...he won't have to worry about a shortage of supplies for a month. Katerina...she...uh...put in a solid month's worth of food, medicine, spare parts, and other necessities she thought they'd need before...before she… … … Kanan needs to find a spot to meditate before he goes bonkers.

"Fresh air...that's all...I need?" It's been...abnormally quiet around the Ghost. Really tense too. Uncomfortably so. Ever since Katerina left there's been a serious change in dynamic on the ship. It's so noticeable no one really makes eye contact without fear of breaking into an argument or a seething death glare match. Believe him, that has been happening the past couple of days. Zeb has to disappear all day in order to avoid ripping Kanan's head off, or screaming at the others to leave him alone...or just to keep everyone from seeing him cry. Neither of which anyone blames him for.

Kanan wasn't able to escape the ship without catching a glimpse of Sabine lying under the ship. The hatch was open, she had tools around her...but she wasn't working. Or, from the looks of it, she hadn't started. He was going to ask what she was up to, when he saw she was clutching the Paint Gun Katerina suped up for her to her chest. Kanan was taken aback, giving her a second glance. That's when it hit him. She wasn't just lying there. She was going to distract herself with work...and started missing Katerina. Or feeling guilty. Sabine jumped on the we can't trust Katerina band Wagon. A wagon Kanan and Hera put together.

"Riina…" He sucked in hot air, biting his lips. His eyes were stigning. He needs to leave...now...before he cracks.

The speeder was fueled up, leaving Kanan to go as far as he wanted without worrying if he happens to run into any unfriendlies. Here's hoping he doesn't run into Zeb. He's anxious to rip someone's head off. Kanan doesn't want to be offered as tribute. He reached a good spot. A nice clearing with a boulder for him to sit on. He spread his arms out and up with a lengthy inhale, bringing in all the scents, stresses, and pressures. Then with a drawn out exhale he pushed his hands down, flushing those worries, woes, an tribulations out of him. On the last stress of of his breath he felt this light, coolness seep into his prickling skin. The anchors austerely grounding him became brittle, lifting him and his spirits from the bonds. This was the place. This spot was spiritually strong. Just what he needs for his own waning spirit.

Kanan sat meditation style to the boulder, placing his palms to his knees, sitting absolutely straight, and let his mind wander. The tickles of wind brushing his cheeks were permitted to take his thoughts. Guided by the force all around him, the stream of wind became like a lake running in reverse, taking him back...back...back to the days of old. Before the Empire. Before Order 66. Before his Master was lost to him. Before he found happiness in short supply.

(Kanan POV)

"PADAWAN DUME!" Master Billaba terrified me out of my train of thought!

"AHH! OOF!" Man! She kicked my feet right out from under me...AGAIN, and I landed on my ass. What was it...the 17th time now. I'm so pathetic. "That hurt! What was that for?!" I so defiantly screeched at her, boring bloodshot daggers of embarrassment at her.

Master Billaba laughed at how childish I sounded. She twirled her lightsaber, meandering to me. "We are to engage our enemy on Kaller soon, My Apprentice." She aligned the saber to me. I tensed at how helpless I know myself to be should she be an enemy having me at her mercy. "You will need to be on your toes and in focus if we wish to return." Me, being the ignorant child that I was, did not really register the grimness of her 'joke.' I just took it with a grain of salt...and I can get that from her typical saltiness. That inane snicker of hers wasn't helping me like her more. "Do not worry. You will see your sister soon." I turned such a deep shade of red I could have rivaled Master Shaak-Ti's skin tone. She saw right through me. Grr. I hate being read. She laughed at me, having read my mind so easily. Just you wait, Master. I'll be reading your mind one day. She placed a hand on my shoulder. "After this battle, I may ask the Admiral to make a divert course past Chandrila." She winked at me.

I lit up like a Supernova. Chandrila was NOWHERE NEAR off the beaten path back to Coruscant! This was so great! I was going to get to see Riina after two years! I know, I know, she prefers to be called Katty. But that's too generic for a girl who isn't generic in the least. She and I are unique, so we deserve unique nicknames. Eh...wait a minute...she hasn't given me one!

xxx

15 years...15 years...15 years...never has a day come where that number doesn't swirl around in my mind. Torturing me all day, tormenting throughout the night. To think that many years went by before I was able to be reunited with you again...and 15 months weren't anywhere close to being realized when I chased you away.

After losing you, one would think I would do whatever it took to never let you get away from me again. That I would keep you by my side, treasure you as I did long ago, and regardless of what came, I would never lose you to anyone again. That is what I felt to be true...even if I gave up the search.

When Order 66 came to pass, I was out in the field with Master Billaba. We fought hard in the battle of Kaller. The battle got us separated, but I knew I could hold my own long enough to find her. These tin toys were nothing compared to me. Their leader, Count Dooku, was dead. His general, Asajj Ventress was missing. Grievous would be taken out soon enough. These tin monstrosities were lifeless machines with no orders to follow. That doesn't mean I let my guard down too much.

The Separatists were coming at us with everything they had. They pulled out every stop in order to bury us. I forget how many troops, clones, and civilians died that day. The screams raged as loudly as the war. But...in spite of everything going on...I never stopped thinking about you. Worrying if the war touched on Chandrila and the Separatists were trying to hurt you. No. I couldn't think that way. You were safe there. Kendril would never let anything happen to you. I'm going to finish this battle and come to see-

"CALEB, LOOK OUT!" I did it again! I was lost in thought...and in the middle of a battle!

By the time I turned around...it all happened in slow motion. A clone...he was...aiming at me...AT ME! His finger was tightening to the trigger. 'WHAT'S GOING ON,' Was all I was able to spit out before BAM! A laser bolt shot through my shoulder, knocking me on my butt. The searing pain was unlike anything I had felt. My shoulder felt like it was on fire, my skin blistering and bubbling. My nerves were firing on all cylinders to numb the pain, but the throbbing was too great. The clone who shot me...it was Razor! RAZOR! One of my best buddies! He SHOT ME! Why?! I looked around...the clones were surrounding me! Reports from...everywhere were coming from their comlinks. "Plo Koon Down! Aayla Secura down! Eeth Koth down!" One by one the Jedi were dropping, being killed off like flies. And when I heard Razor commend them for their work...praise them for serving their...Emperor...it became...horrifically clear. The clones...were killing us off. They were killing the Jedi! Why are they doing this?! Why would they betray us?!

"Forgive me...Commander." Razor said to me, aligning his blaster to my head. "I promise to make this quick."

The sincerity and hurt in his tone. He didn't want to do this. But he...he was going to! They were all going to...kill me! I saw my tear filled in his helmet. I wonder what was in his eyes as he prepared himself to kill me. I wondered...if he felt sad, angry, or was their some type of sick joy. None of the others were coming to my aid. And they were just sitting around, doing as their so called EMPEROR commanded. Neither of them were hesitating! There was no lack of resolve, or even slight doubt in what they were doing. They were...they were proud...PROUD to do as their master wished. I could...I could hear the anguished cries of betrayal ringing out as the Jedi were being slain...by the very clones they had trusted with their lives. I closed my eyes. Katerina...I cried your name over and over...please forgive me. I'm about to leave you alone in this world.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" There she was. Like an angel that arrived to save my soul, Master Billaba arrived and killed the clones surrounding me. Now that I think about it, she called out to me to warn me...and I forze like the amature that I am. Transfixed by how easily she killed them and saved me, and how terrified I was at this sudden change in events. From day one, Master Billaba always taught me to be prepared for the unexpected...no matter how unlikely. The unexpected and unlikely happened in one felled swoop.

"DON'T JUST SIT THERE, CALEB!" Billaba roared shrilly. Panic, rage, and hurt were all over her face, and they only increased when she heard more clones on the approach. She took her stance, drawing a line right there in the dirt. The clones wouldn't pass it...or so I naively thought. "You need to get to Chandrila! Katerina will need you now!" She...she's telling me to run? Why? Does she not think I can handle myself? The clones broke through the brush. "Don't misunderstand me!" She pressed, deflecting their oncoming bolts. "I have every last faith in you!" Her saber bats were fluid and swift, a perfect defense against them. Until her fatigue - that she hid so well - slowed her down...and the first five bolts pierced her body. She suppressed her outcries of pain, pressing on with her assault. "That...is why...YOU NEED TO GET TO HER!"She closed the gap on the clones, taking out a handful, and being tackled by the rest. "GO TO YOUR SISTER! SHE WILL NEED YOU! GET TO HER, CALEB!"It amazed me how she didn't slow down. How she wouldn't slow down. As if...her last ounce of strength was to give me the chance to run. NOT A CHANCE!

"G-GET OFF OF HER!" I ran for her, cutting them down. Master Billaba...she was in bad shape. She won't last long! We had to escape! Then more clones showed up. How many of these guys did we bring?! Didn't matter! I was going to take these guy down no matter-

"GET OUT OF HERE!"

My feet were ripped off the ground and away I flew. My back sKipped on the terrain. I was shot too far away from Master Billaba. "MASTER!"

"GO! BE WITH YOUR SISTER! HURRY! KEEP HER SAFE!" Billaba picked herself up and attacked the next wave of clones. "You both need each other, Caleb! You need to be each other's light!"

"Each...other's...light?" What does she mean? Before I could ask, more bolts pierced her body and down she fell onto her stomach. "MASTER!" I was going to run for her...but her tearfilled plight stopped me. Begged me to turn around and...run.

"Run...Caleb...RUN! HURRY!" She screamed with her last breath. And then...the final bolt went through her head...and I ran.

I had to get to you! I had to find you! You were in danger! Laser bolts shrieking through the air, narrowly missing my head. A group of clones appeared from the brush and captured me in a snare. Damn them. These stupid electrified nets! I don't have time for this! She's in danger! I know she is! I don't remember how I escaped. All I can recall is being enraged, desperate, and needing to escape. The next thing I see is there are dead clones around me...and I ran more.

My lungs were on fire, my muscles were burning and felt heavy. Every fiber of me screamed to drop dead and let the clones take me. But I couldn't. I can't stop! Not until I'm off this planet and on my way to you. The ship was right there! I just need to start it up!

KABOOM!

Flashback end

"AH!" Kanan cried, hyperventilating. clutched at his skull, the jolt of that explosion blowing him back to the present. It took him but a minute to realize he was still in the fields of Lothal. But for that breif jaunt into the past, he would swear he was back on Kaller...his only means of escaping blowing up in his face. It was amazing he didn't go blind from it.

Kanan had no way to get off that planet for days...weeks even. Dodging bullets, escaping the clones that knew he was in hiding - it really was a miracle he was able to find a ship when he did and escaped Kaller. His first instinct was to get back to the temple, find someone to help. Katerina was all he had on his mind and he charted a direct course for Chandrila. He tried calling Katerina so many times, tried to reach anyone to make sure she was okay. No one answered. When he arrived to Chandrila...chaos had gripped it as well. The clones had secured the planet and began taking prisoners...or executing them. He tired not to think about it as he darted for Kendril workshop. He'd never been to it before now, but Katerina told him where it was located. WAS!

By the time Kanan arrived...the shop was up in smoke. Completely destroyed, nothing left to speak of or salvage. No survivors were reported, and no prisoners were taken. At the time...he had no reason to believe Katerina wasn't in there. Where else would she be? No one was around to confirm for him whether or not she was alive. So...for years...he assumed the worst. At that moment, everything was lost...forever. His friends, his family, his little sister - all of it gone in an instant.

Kanan would have done anything to see her again. To be by her side like she was by his during this juncture of her life. To watch her grow and become one of the best engineers of their age...and maybe a kickbutt martial artist on the side. But that wish turned to ash in his mouth...and he was alone in the universe...again.

Katerina had many aspirations as a kid. Probably why, when he dwells on it, is why he envied his little sister. She may have ended up at the temple, but her future wasn't bound there forever. She had numerous paths that she could take...while he only had the one. Be trained as a Jedi, become a Padawan, rise through the ranks to become a Master, and inevitably have a student of his own to train and continue the process. Wow. He's done 90% of that without ever becoming a Knight.

"What would I do if I wasn't a Jedi?" That's a question Kanan never really asked himself. Yes, he's been a Rebel - fighting the good fight and all that - for a long time now. But, in the grand scheme of things, what would he do with his life if the Jedi suddenly weren't necessary in the Universe? He won't let their current absence be the determination of that reality. What he wants to know is...if it weren't for his powers...would he really have anything to call a future?

It goes without saying, having his Jedi powers makes him more confident in battles. In spite of having to hide what he is for the past decade and a half, he's been able to come out with only scratches and broken bones. But what if he was born without them? What if the war ended before Order 66 was called and the Jedi weren't needed? What would he do? Come to think of it, how did Jedi keep the peace before the war? All of these questions, Kanan was getting scared. He...he doesn't know what he'd do with his life if he couldn't be a Jedi anymore. He's not a bad pilot. He could do that, right? He could...he could...teach meditation classes? No. He can barely handle one kid, forget a whole room. Can...does...IS Kanan capable of leading another life if being a Jedi were no longer an option? Does he have more than one future for himself? Or is he doomed to die the way he's lived? To die the way his master lived?

"Man…" He scoffed at himself with a self loathing laugh. "What a pathetic life I lead...eh, Master." He bowed his head. This really is a bleak week. A bleak week indeed.

xxx

One of the worst parts about living on Chandrila really is the ride. It's never just a straight shot through hyperspace. It's five layovers and 20 pitstops. Any other cruisercruiser would have made this trip in less than a week - give or take weather conditions in space - tops from Lothal. Or less. She doesn't always remember. What she does remember is not needing to make all of these stops. Guess it serves her right for taking public transport. Oh well, she needed to stretch her legs anyway. Being cramped on the shuttle was starting to get to her.

The cruiser stopped on Planet Rumain to fuel up. And it was STUNNING. Green, green, and more green as far as the eye can see. Vegetables, fruits, orchards, gardens all around. Greenhouses, open yard vineyards, even chasms were sprouting with roughage. The air was rife with mulch, manure, and other chemicals to help the plants grow large, healthy, and fast, but it was still so much fresher than that of a big city. Not that Katerina was in any sort of mindset to appreciate a planet that is 97% agriculture, and 3% industrial. Hence the few fueling stations, and other amenities that would be very common on planets like Coruscant. Stepping off the ship wasn't unlike stepping off a grimy ship she had been working on for hours. No real thrill, just relief to be free of the musk. The planet held no sense of awe or splendor for her. It was just...another obstacle before she got him. If she was intrigued...she'd think...this would be...a beautiful place to settle down with Zeb. Maybe...in another life.

"Attention sentients," The droid driving the cruiser announced over the PA system, "We will be departing in exactly one hour. Please return or you will be left behind."

Katerina snorted at the droid. As if she wasn't stressed enough. Now she has to wait an hour before getting back on the road. "Forget this!" She snarled to herself. She pulled the hood of her cloak up. She needs to find a ship and she needs to find one now. The longer she lingers the more her resolve to leave will waver. And the greater the chance Kanan and the others, if they even wanted to, would try to catch up to her. That blockade on Lothal won't last forever. "I need to see Mon now." She mumbled. As backwater as this planet might look, even it has to have spare ships lying around. She has an hour to find one before he ride leaves. She better get hoofing.

Unbeknownst to Katerina two...three men stepped off the ship. The fourth was still on the ship, feigning being drowsy from the long trip. It went unnoticed due to their common garb, but these men joined on the ride on the number of stops made before now. All had the same orders from The Inquisitor. Keep an eye on the target. They don't plan to fail him. That wouldn't be very healthy for them. They watched and waited intently. Katerina seemed to just be wandering aimlessly, yet it was clear from the serious expression on her face that she was looking for something. Their opportunity to move came when she rounded the nearest corner. They shared agreeing nods. They may have walked off in different directions, but their attention was focused on the girl traveling around the fuel depot. One went to a knickknack stand and pretended to be interested in the Master Yoda collectibles. Yeah. They love him there for some reason. The other two were carrying on with idle conversation, meandering in the same direction as Katerina. The fourth finally left the ship, heading for the restroom. They kept in constant radio contact, warning one another that if they see or hear anything odd they are to report immediately.

The pair rounded the same corner as Katerina, catching her out of the corner of their eye studying a map of some kind. Using one of the benches scattered about, the two troopers were able to identify the map as a locator for the different depots within a 20 mile radius. Given this planet thrives on agriculture, it was no real shock that the depots - if any - were spread so far apart. Heavy machinery was isolated simply to gardening, harvesting, travel, and fuel ups. The occasional restaurant or two wasn't neglected either. Either way, it was deemed very odd that she would be looking for other depots. Was she planning on taking another flight? No, not possible. According to their research, the next flight to Chandrila won't be for another couple of days. Perhaps she is meeting with someone here. Or is there another mans she wishes to utilize while here.

"Report - target may be located rendezvous with fellow rebels. Inconclusive at this point." One of the troopers reported. "She is studying a map depicting other depots, as well as nearest local spots from our current location."

"Roger. Keep a close eye on her."

"Yes, sir." The call was cut short in the nick of time. Katerina was on the move again. This time she was wandering onto the farmlands. She descended down a steep staircase, waving jovially at farmers bringing in their freshly harvested work. "She's on the move!" The quickly got up and briskly walked after her. Dismay was theirs when they reached the steps...and she was already gone. "HOW?! WHERE?!" So fast? The immediate area was shaved down before reaching the surrounding tall stocks of corn. She couldn't have vanished into there so soon. They just watched her wave to folks on their way up. "Lost sight of target!" The troopers walked down the steps, keeping their hard trained eyes peels. "Searching n-" Hands reached through the wide steps and grasped his feet. "AH!" His feet were pried right out of from under him. His ribs cracked as he was sucked halfway through. He tired to hang on. The second trooper was flabbergasted still. A punch came at his back, forcing him to let go. He was dragged through mud and tossed a small ways. A boot kicked him across the face, breaking his nose to the side. He clutched at his face. The searing throbbing making him lose his vision briefly. The second trooper scrambled down the steps, going underneath the depot stage. Quite impressive, and big under there. Great for getting out of the sun. And for the mysterious figure he saw over his friend to hide.

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" He reached for his pistol. The figure was too fast. They literally vanished then reappeared a foot away, ramming a full brunt fist in between his ribs. The wind and spit exploded from his throat. The figure tore off their cloak, and twisted it around the poor trooper's neck as they went behind him. They kicked in the back of his knees, bringing him just below their height. The figure planted their foot to the middle of his upper back, using the resistance to tighten, tighten, tighten the cloak at his neck. He thrashed, he throttled, he fought hard, only securing his place at death's door. A pumping heart and raging adrenaline are not the friends of oxygen deprivation. The foot wasn't moving from its plant. The figure was insanely still, never losing grip on their cloak. Gradually he was slowing down, losing the capacity to fight it anymore. Deprived moans escaped his lips. The cloak was loosened. He fell forward, gasping in bliss for the sweet air filling his lungs. Then, without warning, arms and hands wrapped to his neck. This trooper's bloodied nose partner finally got his sight back, and was greet by a horrified CRACK and the sudden drop of his friend. His mouth and eyes forever open in their instantaneous demise.

The bloodied trooper slammed a vengeful fist into the mud, growling hatefully. He tried to push up to at least meet the menace on his feet. Splitting pain ruptured his ribs, dropping him back onto his stomach. He glared up at the fiend who dares to attack them. His eyes widened with disbelief. Wrapping that cloak back to her shoulders...was their target. The one called Katerina. "You…" He growled.

She gave him a half glance of boredom. Her first fight in the past 48 hours and that is all she gets. These guys are pathetic. "I don't know who you are…" She reached behind her back, slowly pulling out one of her pistols, "But you're really bad at spying." When her gaze did set upon him, her eyes were glowing in the thin threads of sunlight peeking in from the holes. She resembled a monster out for blood. She knelt to the trooper she killed, pressing the distress button on his comlink.

"When did you notice us?" The trooper demanded.

"When did we depart Lothal?" She quizzed him. "And the stops after there when your friends joined?"

He had to gasp. She's noticed them the whole time. He was laughing. "You're smarter than they say." he will give credit where it is due. They should have been more careful. Katerina was silent to his praise, not at all intrigued by his clearly enigmatic pronoun. "What? Not going to ask me who THEY is?" He teased.

"I don't much care anymore." She shrugged. Her eyes shifted up hearing the other two master of disguise troopers running overhead, scrambling to locate the source of the signal. "If THEY want me…" The raced down the stairs, found their dead comrade and Katerina, "They can come get me themselves!" The troopers barely had a second to draw their guns. Katerina shot them square in the head, dropping them to be food for the soil. Human flesh supposedly is the best source of nutrients, she hears. She returned her attention to the trooper on his stomach, pressing the barrel right at his head. "I'm done being a victim in this game." He was about to shout a curse. She pulled the trigger, killing his final words and him in an instant.

"WHAT WAS THAT?!"

"IT CAME FROM BELOW US!"

"SOMEONE CALL FOR HELP!"

"THESE TWO ARE DEAD OUT HERE!"

"That's my cue…" She threw up her hood, walking swiftly into the darkness of the underpass, escaping into the tall sea of stalks. She climbed her way back onto the pier, not drawing any sort of attention either. She saw farmers climbing onto the walkway too. Some just sat there wondering what all the commotion is. Katerina used the confusion to get in some much needed pondering, and to see if anyone else was tailing her. It's easy to find predators in a stampede.

"Those troopers…" She breathed, glancing to the cruiser. "They followed me all the way out here for this long...and haven't pounced?" What could this mean? Are they looking for someone through me? Do they know something? It couldn't be...they know she's a clone. If that were the case...no-no! She's about to get ahead of herself. No one knows anything because she doesn't exist, thanks to the redaction. All they know is that she is a - former - member of the Ghost Crew. They were probably trying to follow and see if she has more rebel friends hiding out. They already know about Dom and Grim, who aren't even rebels. She hasn't heard anything about them being captured or killed. So...what? Who else could they be after? What are they looking for? "They know I'm going to Chandrila…" And there's only one person she's going to see. And...and… "Oh no…" She completely forgot that they know someone in their senate is responsible for her file! Ice filled her blood. "No...they can't possibly know about her!" There's no way they could have figured out...it was MON MOTHMA!

Katerina raced back to the cruiser, startling the bot when she burst in. "YOU! When's the ship taking off?!"

"Not for another 40 minutes, ma'am."

"DAMMIT!" She bolted back off, rushing to a shack that loaned out speeders. "Hey! Where's the nearest place a girl can get a ship around here!" She asked the shack keeper.

"You'll want Depot 23c just west of here! HEY-" She threw herself onto the speeder, threw credits in his face, and off she went. She nearly took out a few farmers when she traveled the beaten path. She'll apologize later. "I need that ship...NOW!" She screamed at herself, fury and fear bruing in her eyes. It's inconceivable anyone could have learned that Mon was responsible for her redaction. Then again...Kallus and The Inquisitor have proven themselves of the genius elite. If they have found out, and they were followgn Katerina...it means they were going to use her...to arrange Mon's death penalty. She could be in danger right now for all she knows. "Mon...please...hold on...I'm coming!"

xxx

Mon Mothma loved a good joke as much as the next person. But this was taking it too far. "Is this some sort of joke?" She shoved the Inquisitor away from her, and away from her door. She stepped out into the hallway with him. She prayed he couldn't sense how rapidly her heart was pounding. Panic was setting in. "You must be out of your mind what you are suggesting!" In spite of her panic, she kept a firm, enraged expression. She stood tall, crossed her arms, and created a fortress around herself. She has come face to face with sacrier people than him who wield a lightsaber. She won't be intimidated by him.

The Inquisitor, with his hands behind his back, chuckled at her posturing. "Not at all, Senator." It is adorable the way strong women still try to be strong. Even when they are shaking in their boots. If she is related to this Senator, I see where her poker face comes from. Nevertheless, despite this being fun, he has a job to do. "Senator Mon Mothma of Chandrila," He proclaimed formally, removing his saber from his back, "I am hereby accusing and charging you with treason by aiding and abetting criminals and enemies of the Empire!" Mon Mothma knit her brow. The Inquisitor drank up the swelling fear. "For which...the punishment…" He ignited his saber, angling it to her neck with a big, toothy smile, "Is immediate death."

To be continued