Jedha was a desert moon, one that merely walking across could lead to their demise. It was no nearly as bad as Tatooine was, but it would still be a pain.

And they had no real location for where Saw Gerrerra was supposed to be hiding.

So all they could do was set the ship down, and walk.

Standing at the bottom of the ramp of the ship, both Kaeden and Ahsoka stared across the vast wastes of Jedha. The original plan had been to land at the holy city, and search from there. The problem was that it would draw the attention of the empire, something Ahsoka wished to avoid.

So instead, Ahsoka had settled the ship down in the middle of nowhere, and opted to walk, a tracking beacon active to draw in the partisans of Saw Gerrerra.

"This is going to suck isn't it?" Kaeden spoke dryly, a bottle of water in both hands.

Ahsoka nodded, accepting one of the bottles when offered to her. They would both need it to avoid dehydration.

Closing her eyes briefly, Ahsoka felt a rush of guilt at not replying verbally to Kaeden. Ever since her nightmare, and the subsequent kiss, she had avoided the dark-skinned woman.

It wasn't that Ahsoka didn't feel something for Kaeden, she did. But for Ahsoka, she seemed to have the worst luck with anyone getting close to her. Every time she had allowed someone close, someone had been hurt, usually her.

So Ahsoka didn't want to risk that again, and she sure as hell didn't want that to happen to her and Kaeden. She valued the woman too much. Too much to take advantage of her comforting nature again in such a way.

Taking the first step off of the ramp and onto the sands of Jedha, Ahsoka began to walk, Kaeden following beside her.

The heat was uncomfortable, especially for someone in armour. Ahsoka felt herself sweating under the strength of the sun.

Kaeden was right. This would suck!

Ten minutes of walking later, Ahsoka was beginning to think that no-one was coming to find them. She kept checking the tracking beacon, the one she hoped would draw Saw's men out to her. It was operational, and so far no one had come.

Beside her, Kaeden panted under the strain of the sun, before taking a brief gulp of water from her bottle.

Ahsoka followed her friend's example, taking a brief swig of water from her bottle, before replacing the cap and pushing forward.

"So how exactly do you know Saw Gerrerra anyway? You never told me."

It was clear to Ahsoka that Kaeden was trying to break the tension between them by giving them something to talk about. And honestly, Ahsoka was grateful for what she was doing.

"I met him and his sister during the clone wars. They were trying to overthrow a corrupt monarch on Onderon, one who was in league with the Separatists. I was sent with my master, his master and Rex to train them and their guerrilla in combat."

Kaeden didn't respond, merely listened to the story. She was always fascinated by Ahsoka's past, and what she had seen and done.

"They succeeded in the end, but Saw's sister… I couldn't save her." Ahsoka seemed to withdraw into herself, guilt eating away at her. The death of Steela had always eaten away at Ahsoka. It was one of her greatest regrets, and it had clearly shaped the man Saw had become today.

"It's not your fault Ahsoka." Kaeden spoke, once again offering comforting words.

Ahsoka froze in her spot, her shoulders slumping.

"Yes, it is. I failed to pull her up. I wasn't strong enough. I failed, and Saw paid the price."

Kaeden moved swiftly, grabbing Ahsoka's arm and pulling her to face Kaeden. The two stared at each other briefly, before Ahsoka forcefully pulled back, discomfort evident.

Kaeden felt her heart plummet.

"Why are you avoiding me Ahsoka? Is it because of before?"

Ahsoka continued to walk, ignoring Kaeden's questioning.

"Ahsoka?" Kaeden tried again, following behind the Togruta woman.

Ahsoka froze on her spot, tilting her head upwards, using her montrals to listen. Something was approaching them, and it was making a strange garbled sound. One that she recognized.

"Ahsoka seriously, we need to talk about…"

Ahsoka didn't allow Kaeden to finish her sentence, instead she tackled the dark-skinned woman to the ground, behind a group of small rocks that lay, large enough to obstruct a figure that was laying down.

When the two hit the ground, Ahsoka held Kaeden so she would remain still, and risked a peak at what was coming.

As if it materialized from nowhere, an imperial probe droid began to survey the area, before turning to leave in another direction.

Clearly it hadn't seen them, which was a good thing.

It was then that Ahsoka realized that she was laying atop Kaeden, pinning her to the ground.

Risking a glance down at the woman, she could have sworn she saw a blush cover her face briefly.

Quickly realizing what had happened, Ahsoka vaulted to her feet in worry, reaching a hand down for Kaeden, who took it.

"Sorry about that. Didn't mean to land on top of you." Ahsoka apologized, remorse in her voice.

Kaeden shrugged her shoulders, the blush returning briefly. "S'ok, I didn't mind."

Ahsoka turned her gaze away from Kaeden, turning to look in the direction the probe had vanished in. Kaeden, once to her feet, moved to stand beside Ahsoka.

"What was it?" The human woman asked, worry in her voice.

"Imperial probe. Most likely looking for Saw's men. We must be close to something." Ahsoka replied, before turning to head in the direction she and Kaeden had previously been travelling.

Kaeden sighed, before falling back into step with Ahsoka.

The two walked in silence, both watching and waiting, for either another imperial probe droid, or for any sign of Saw's partisans.

Ahsoka seemed to be distracted, and every time Kaeden questioned what happened she seemed to avoid the line of questioning. If anything, Kaeden would say that Ahsoka was ashamed of what had happened.

But why was she? Hadn't it meant something to her as it had to Kaeden?

Or perhaps there was another reason.

Bucking up her courage, Kaeden tried one more time.

"Look Ahsoka, I get that what happened bothered you, but please don't block me out. Just answer one question for me, help put my mind at ease."

Ahsoka sighed, and finally relented, though with evident restraint.

"Fine. Ask away Kaeden?"

Taking a deep breath, Kaeden asked.

"It is because I'm a girl too? I mean, I understand if it is. Not everyone is as open to such things like that. And if that's why your uncomfortable I understand, and we can forget it ever happened. Just don't shut me out Ahsoka, you're still my friend regardless and I worry about you."

Kaeden would be the first to admit that her speech was weird, if not clichéd as all hell. But she had to check, make sure she was not wasting her time pining after someone who wasn't interested in her because of her gender.

Ahsoka remained silent for a few more paces, and the two continued to walk in whatever direction Ahsoka decided.

After a few more moment, Ahsoka looked like she was about to answer Kaeden. Instead, she spoke only one word.

"Duck!"

Kaeden did as she was told, and saw a flash of white light appear from Ahsoka as the Togruta ignited her lightsaber and swung, the sound of metal falling apart behind her.

As Ahsoka extinguished her saber, Kaeden stood back up and turned around, looking down to the floor to see the wreckage of an imperial probe droid that had been following her.

Her eyes widening in surprise, Kaeden turned back to Ahsoka, intending on thanking her.

Instead, Ahsoka spoke first.

"It's not because of your gender Kaeden, nor your species. You're perfect the way you are. It's because of me. I hope you understand."

Kaeden didn't, not fully at least, but she would allow Ahsoka her answer.

It wasn't often that she opened up in such a way after all.

"Ok. Thank you for answering my question Ahsoka."

The Togruta nodded, before turning to resume walking.

With her back turned, Kaeden allowed a smile to come to her face.

She still had a chance after all.

Another twenty minutes of endless walking across the desert of Jedha later, something finally happened.

As the two walked forward, a deep rumbling sound fly over them. Looking up, Ahsoka spied the familiar shape of a U-wing fly over, before circling round and landing before them.

As the ship touched down, its side hatch opened, and a trio of figures, clearly heavily armed rebels, began to approach, blasters trained on Ahsoka and Kaeden.

These were clearly Saw's men.

"Ahsoka, what do we do?" Kaeden whispered from behind her, concern evident in her voice.

There was good reason for the concern, Ahsoka thought. Saw and his men had a reputation of being extremist in nature, and were not very welcoming to outsides, especially ones that worked with Mon Mothma's rebellion.

That being said, Ahsoka was counting on her and Saw's past together to get her and Kaeden a free pass.

"Just follow my lead Kaeden. And don't worry."

Ahsoka stepped forward, intending on greeting the welcoming committee. She surveyed the party that approached. Three individuals, all human and all male.

The figure she assumed to be the leader of the group spoke first.

"Who are you? What are you doing this far out?"

Ahsoka raised her hands in a demonstration of surrender, trying to show was meant no harm.

"Agent Fulcrum of the rebellion, I've come to speak to Saw Gerrerra."

The lead partisan snarled at Ahsoka. "Saw Gerrerra sees no-one from the rebellion, you coward!"

Ahsoka resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "He'll see me, I'm sure."

The three partisans clearly did not appreciate Ahsoka's insistence, as they raised their blasters at the Togruta.

"You misunderstand Togruta. He sees no-one."

Ahsoka had to resist the urge to reach for her lightsabers. Igniting them would only cause a scene, and possibly a battle, one she wished to avoid if she was to speak to Saw.

The two parties engaged in a tense standoff for a few seconds, neither side relenting.

Behind Ahsoka, Kaeden was growing worried.

Ahsoka too was growing concerned at the standoff. She hadn't wanted to reveal who she truly was, thus choosing to go by her codename instead.

"Look, I don't want to fight. I knew Saw long ago, and I'm here to request his help on a mission outside of official rebel command. You have no reason to trust me, I respect that. But it is a matter of galactic safety. Just let me speak to him."

The three partisans all listened intently, despite their outwardly hostile demeanour. One by one they looked at one another, before signalling Ahsoka to wait where she was why they went back to the U-wing to talk.

As the partisans departed temporarily, Kaeden walked next to Ahsoka, nudging her slightly.

"Nice job. Think they'll listen?"

Ahsoka shrugged her shoulders in response, all the while watching where the partisans had disappeared to.

Moments later, the same three individuals came back towards them, blasters away, but something else in their hands. Ahsoka couldn't see what they were carrying, but she had suspicion.

"We'll take you to our base and inform Saw Gerrerra that you wish to speak to him, however you will be detained in a holding cell until he wishes to speak to you, if he does that is."

As the lead partisan spoke, the other two stepped forward.

"I'm afraid you and your companion will have to wear these in the meantime."

Behind Ahsoka, Kaeden's eyes widened at the sight of the handcuffs present.

Inwardly, Ahsoka smirked. The handcuffs were clearly not designed for force sensitives. She could escape if she wished to. But that would be counterproductive to the mission.

"Very well, we submit to your requests." Ahsoka replied, holding both hands out in front of herself to be cuffed.

Behind her, Kaeden sighed, but did the same.

The two handcuff wielding partisans snapped the cuffs onto the arms of the Ahsoka and Kaeden, before leading them to the U-wing.

As they were escorted, Ahsoka gave a sheepish smile towards Kaeden, apologising for the mess they had gotten into.

Rather than shoot a dirty look at Ahsoka, Kaeden merely smiled back.

Author's thoughts

Awkward conversations are awkward!

So yeah, no Saw just yet, but next chapter I promise he appears. This is a two part chapter after all.

As for the conversation between Ahsoka and Kaeden, I understand that it may seem somewhat awkward in writing, but that is the whole point. With the way that Ahsoka Tano of Dense-ville is acting, Kaeden has to resort to more awkward lines of questioning to get the response she wants from Ahsoka. Kaeden still doesn't really know why Ahsoka is so reclusive in regards to their relationship.

So yeah, awkward I know, and I'm sorry.

Also, it should come as no surprise to you all but we are over the halfway mark by now. Thanks again for your continued support.

Anyway, next chapter Ahsoka and Saw reunite, but will he help her?

As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:

LukeDude: The upcoming Meeting of the Moffs is going to be very important, as you will see.
The Eighth Bro is all about making dramatic entrances, I mean look at how he appears on Malachor for the first time.
:) for recognizing the reference. (Also, is it sad that I am now referencing my own stories. That's the second time I've done it in this story.)
Thrawn knows how to play those that are playing him. Only time will tell what he will do.
Now for your questions:
1. Security will be at maximum level by the time the team attacks, so rest assured pretty much every type of imperial troop will be present in some regards.
2. By this point I have decided who now commands the Devastator, but I can't reveal who until later. Sorry.
3. Sidious still possess his own lightsaber at this point, but if you look back at the return to Malachor flashback chapter you will notice that Sidious finds Vader's destroyed lightsaber, and extracts something from the wreckage. I wonder what that was huh?
4. Sato is around, and he had been keeping the rebel commanders distracted. He features later on in a pair of major chapters that have OMG moments in.
5. The contingency plans and Operation Cinder will be referenced in this story later on.
6. The rebel spy will not join the mission, if fact, later on when the identity is revealed, I'm pretty sure you will all hate the spy for what they do.
7. The imperial occupation of Jedha is the same as in Rogue One. It will be explained in the next chapter.

WolveHulk: Now you know what Ahsoka and Kaeden talked about. Hope you liked it.

FossilQueen1984: Thrawn knows he is taking a major risk, but it is to his advantage. Palps still needs the Eighth Bro by this point, hence why he got to live. (for now at least)

Mysterious Guest number one: Thrawn work with the rebels? Wait and see.

Mysterious Guest number two: I'm glad you liked the interaction between the Eighth Bro and Thrawn. It was fun to write, as well as identifying the discrimination in the empire.

Mysterious Guest number three: Maul and Thrawn have no real interaction in this AU, as they have no real reason to have one. However, I may include something like that in a one shot, so thanks for the idea.

Mogor: Rax's secret project will be revealed later on. Hopefully Ahsoka can find and recruit Saw for the team.

SWGoji2001: :) for you. Glad you are enjoying this so far.

ItsJustABook: Have no fear, I shall not stop until this story is finished. Updates may slow from time to time, but I am committed by this point.

Travis Middleton: I'm glad you really liked this chapter. It's always fun to write the imperial characters, and how they interact with one another. Now for your questions:
1. Rax had left Jakku to attend the Meeting of the Moffs. Why remains to be seen.
2. Thrawn does not trust the Eighth Bro, but they have a mutual agreement to stay out of each others way.
3. Thrawn still doesn't know the true capability of the Death Star, only that it is some sort of superweapon. Maybe once he finds out the truth he will warn his people.
4. Yularen vs. Gallius... interesting idea. ;)

SLE's fave guest: "Call them Noble Team".
HA! Nice one!
Except that unlike Noble Team, (minus Jorge) the team Ahsoka is assembling is full of interesting and complex characters with personality.

jamese765: I couldn't not bring in the Ysalamir again. They are so interesting, and it's the only way Thrawn can get the upper hand on force users.
Thrawn now knows the keep an eye out for the Eighth Bro's deceptive nature, so no need to worry.