Okay, here it is...the last chapter! Seriously, I did it! I made it to the end of the story. I'd like to take the time to thank everyone who has read, commented and messaged me. Thank you so much for coming along on this crazy ride with me! It's been fun!
Rabbit887 - *grins* Two OMG's? Thanks!
Dragunz – Yeah, I was sent down quite the rabbit hole with all your fabulous input. Honestly, I probably could have spent a lot more time developing and shaping some of these sections a bit more, but I didn't want to burn myself out. I had no idea this story was going to take so many twists. I had started out with the intention of just trying to make it through the end of Zero Hour. Oh, and I fixed the chapter issues. Thanks for giving me the heads up!
Lynn Friedman-kinsey – Thanks for your kind words! I'm very glad you've been enjoying this story. I'm sad it's coming to an end, but it was super fun to write!
Silverfox22 – Awww, that is super sweet! It really keeps me motivated to hear how much people have enjoyed this story. Thank you so much for the kind review! *grins*
Mistress Malica – Thanks! These court chapters were way harder to stay focused on that I thought they would be. It was so much dialogue!
Moomkin – Lol. Yep, it was fun playing with Zeb's testimony a bit. I could totally see the big guy being all nervous and practiced and then just letting loose. I love that you mentioned not being sure at first about the setup I had for Kallus becoming Fulcrum. Honestly, I had that section written and ripped apart so many times. Finally, I just had to pick my path and stick with it. I'm sure you know what that is like with these crazy stories though! *grins*
JH24 – Oh wow! What an amazing review! I'm glad the trial storyline worked and so many people have been enjoying it. I had mainly set out to just follow Kallus through the Zero Hour episodes and maybe tack a little more on the end, but then the idea of the trial struck me and I went for it. I am so happy to hear you mention liking Ezra, Chopper, Sabine, Ahsoka, and the other characters in this story as well. I wanted to at least attempt to get the vital members involved and true to character. I wish I had done a little more research earlier on for Thrawn and Pryce. It might have been nice to have read the Thrawn book before doing those early scenes, but I guess they still work. The Kallus and Chopper chapter was one of my favorites as well. Those two were so much fun to write together!
Cheion – Lol. I know what you mean about being excited and sad for the last chapter! This story has been a lot of fun to write. It kind of took on a mind of its own and refused to end when I'd thought it would. So, it turned out to be so much longer than I'd planned. Silly thing, but I guess it knew best.
Fire and Ice 01 – Here is the update, as requested! And *blushes* thank you so much for the kind review! That made my day!
The guards escorted Kallus to the courtroom, but they did not enter.
Alone, he proceeded, hesitating briefly as he found the table and seat that had been in the middle of the room were gone. The seven panel members watched him quietly, giving no instruction.
Pulse racing, Kallus made his way to the center of the room, standing where he had been positioned throughout the sessions. Clearly, the panel did not think stating their verdict would take long if they had his seat removed.
Apprehension gnawing at him, he scanned the faces of each person before him, but their impassive expressions gave no hint of what was to come.
It was a good sign though, Kallus concluded, that there were no guards posted in the room. That meant the panel didn't think their decision would prompt an outburst from him, or they considered themselves more than capable of subduing him on their own if he grew disruptive.
He eyed Tomas Dryer and Stromgald Sypikne and felt his stomach drop. Both battle-hardened soldiers wore blasters at their sides. They had been without those weapons during the questioning.
Perhaps the outcome wasn't going to be in his favor.
"Our deliberation," Julia said, her voice filling the room, "was arduous."
"We did not reach our decision lightly," Tadia Hentz added, "or without heavy debate."
Stromgald leaned forward, steely gaze fixed on Kallus. "Young Bridger made a good argument about our decision setting the tone for other high ranking defectors from the Empire."
"And," Rin Proga chimed in. "It speaks volumes for your character that Garazeb Orrelios considers you an ally–even after your history on Lasan."
Tril Treep nodded. "Having Ahsoka vouch for you, along with the all work you did as Fulcrum was impressive."
"However," Fae Saas' dour tone had Kallus bracing for what was to come. "Your endeavors within the Empire during your Imperial career have been both extensive and extreme. We cannot, at this time, grant you a pardon from your wrongdoings."
The definitive decision that a pardon would not be granted sent a wave of despair through Kallus, even though he had previously harbored little hope of such a verdict. Serving the Rebellion from the field seemed too distant a fate now. Rationally, he knew he was too valuable a commodity to execute, so his most probable punishment would be imprisonment.
Standing there, waiting for his fate to be revealed, he found himself wondering where Hera, Rex and Zeb were. He hoped they had been allowed to leave the planet – to go help Sabine, Kanan and Ezra, but amongst that thought there was a seed of wretchedness, a sense of abandonment. He pushed that aside, chastising himself for even remotely believing the Ghost crew owed him any loyalty.
"You've expressed a desire to work for the Rebellion, possibly join its ranks, correct?" Julia asked.
Kallus blinked, the question catching him off-guard. "Yes. It is."
"Then," she smiled, "we withhold our verdict, calling for a new trial at the end of your service to the Rebellion. You may serve, rising to whatever rank you so may achieve, but, when you chose to leave or are dismissed from the Rebellion, you will be judged for your past crimes."
"Lieutenant Kallus," Fae placed a heavy emphasis on the new rank. "Whatever triumphs you are able to gain for the Rebellion during your service will undoubtedly sway your final verdict."
"But know," Tadia added sternly, "this is no mercy. Your past will hang over you your entire time amongst us. Every action you take will be measured and weighed, and if you dare betray the Rebellion, if you are discovered aiding the Empire and found guilty, you will be put to death."
"Throughout your service," Julia said, "we, or another appointed panel, will keep tabs on you. When needed, whatever panel presides over you will call you in for evaluations." She paused a moment, as if giving Kallus time to soak in the information. "The panel's first inclination was not to let you serve in the field, but you have a rather strong advocate who has agreed to take responsibility for you."
"Plus," Stromgald added. "We can appreciate the merit in getting you out and seen by members of the Empire. Your actions in the field may inspire more defectors."
"It will not be easy." Tril Treep's voice was low and tinged with honest concern. "The Empire has given extensive orders to have you killed on sight. It would be better for you if you stayed in hiding, but better for the Rebellion to have you be seen."
"I'll manage," Kallus answered, unable to hold back the hint of a smile that crept onto his face. "I look forward to serving the Rebellion."
Behind him, a door creaked and footsteps sounded. He turned and was surprised to find Hera entering the courtroom. Looking absolutely exhausted, the Twi'lek strode up to stand beside Kallus.
"Captain Syndulla," Julia greeted, "Your timing is perfect. We are done. You may take your new crew member."
New crew member? A sense of elation overtook Kallus. He had given up hoping to be a part of the Ghost crew, but now…
He turned to Hera, trying to contain his gladness, his gratitude, but what he saw shattered his contentment.
Every aspect of Hera's stance appeared tense. Arms folded, body turned slightly away from Kallus, it felt as if she were purposefully trying not to look at him.
Faint scowl in place, eyes still averted, Hera sighed. "Come on. It's late, and I'd like to get back to the ship before dawn."
Kallus could detect the weariness in her voice, but there was also uncertainty, worry. He considered how she was risking so much to take him in. If he failed the Rebellion, she would suffer as well. Perhaps the entire crew of the Ghost would suffer.
And, with the Empire so fiercely intent on hunting him down, Kallus would only make the Ghost even more of a target. He'd desired to be on the ship, but was it worth the cost?
Kallus spoke up, and Hera, who'd already started toward the door, halted.
"Thank you, Captain Syndulla, but you don't have to do this. I don't want to put your crew in any more peril than need be, and I know my presence would only cause more hardships." He paused as she turned to face him, to meet his gaze, and he forced a weak smile. "This gesture alone meant a lot. Thank you."
Hera arched a brow, giving Kallus a scrutinizing stare before she slowly turned to face the panel. The Twi'lek and Julia exchanged a look. An unspoken understanding seemed to pass between the two, and some of the tension eased from Hera's stance.
The rest of the panel members shifted in their seats. They had certainly already verified, perhaps repeatedly, with Hera that she would take Kallus, but, judging from their reaction now, they must have had some doubt in her desire to do so.
"Well," Hera replied, eyes still on Julia, "I didn't think I'd have to pull rank this early." She turned to Kallus. "I'm giving you a direct order. Come with me."
With that, she turned and exited the room.
Stunned, Kallus stood staring at the door a moment before he looked to Julia.
The old woman grinned. "Lieutenant, your Captain gave you a direct order. You don't want to get marked with insubordination already, do you?"
He opened his mouth, ready to explain how he wasn't prepared to burden the Ghost, but Julia made a swift motion, pointing at the door.
Mischievous grin in place, she thundered out one lone word. "Go!"
Her tone had him reacting, moving out of the room as his thoughts scrambled to catch up. Her sway over him felt both foreign and familiar all at once. It was nothing like the fear or blind, ground in obedience the Empire commanded. Though forceful, there was affection and concern in her voice, as if she was pushing him on more for his sake than for anything else. A vague memory of family, of feeling that love and concern once long ago surfaced.
"Hey!"
At the sound of Hera's voice, Kallus glanced around, realizing he'd started wandering aimlessly down the hall. Turning, he found the Twi'lek behind him at the opposite end of the long corridor.
"This way," Hera called. "Follow me."
She didn't wait for a reply before setting off. Kallus followed.
Every turn she took, he was barely able get to and spot her next move before she disappeared from sight again. It was not purposeful though. He could sense her weary determination. She'd probably been up all night and was ready to drop. Kallus could only assume her only goal was not to do so in a random hallway. He couldn't fault her for that.
Suddenly, he found himself outside in the cool night air. Already on the horizon the sky was letting the darkness ease, and Kallus stared at the delicate violet color in the distance that hinted of a coming dawn. Small dark winged creatures danced in the air above, so swift that he could see only catch brief glimpses of them.
"Do you need a moment to rest?"
Kallus jumped, startled to find Hera beside him. "No…uh…I'm fine, just looking." He mumbled, feeling stupid for prolonging their trip back to the ship.
"You're still limping when you walk." Hera stated, eyeing his leg.
Kallus frowned. He hadn't realized the limp was that noticeable. "It's fine. I should have stretched it more during the proceedings. The knee just gets stiff."
Hera seemed to contemplate that a moment before she turned and started off again, but she stopped after only a couple of steps.
"I need time," she said.
Need time? Confused, Kallus tried to decipher her meaning, but he found too much uncertainty in his guesses.
Hera faced him, but kept her distance. "The others–Ezra, Rex, Kanan, Chopper…and even Zeb have found ways to find their peace with you and your past. They might not be finished resolving all their issues with you, but they've accepted you and they trust you." She took a moment to draw in a sharp breath. "My instincts are telling me to take you in, that you should be a part of our crew, and my instincts have served me well. But, I cannot ignore the persistent warning flashing in my head as well. You've hurt my crew in the past. You've made my crew suffer, and that…I cannot easily overlook that fact."
Kallus wanted to respond, to find a way to give Hera some reassurance, but there were no words he could supply to do so. He knew only his actions from this point forward could ease Hera's concerns.
"In court, hearing of your time in the Empire," Hera continued, her tone soft, low, "added to my worry of how dangerous you could be to the Ghost. But then, taking into account your work as Fulcrum, the words of Ahsoka, and your time with Zeb on the ice moon…I made my decision and I stand by it." Her fiery green eyes seemed to be searching him, gauging his reactions. "You are a part of my crew now, and my crew will always be under my protection. My conflict lies in feeling a duty to protect you and still harboring a fear that you will be the undoing of the rest of my crew. I truly believe you are trying to change, but I cannot help what my feelings are, and I cannot ignore them. I just need time to find the acceptance and trust that the others have already found."
"I understand," he replied, and he did.
He appreciated how forthright Hera was. Clarifying her uncertainty, her fear of his possible betrayal might have left him feeling dejected, but he could tell that her only intent had been to inform him of why there would be tension or awkwardness in their early interactions upon the ship. Not only was she explaining why this could happen, but she was acknowledging that she had an element of change that she needed to undergo. Eventually, she would learn to trust him fully–Kallus promised himself that he would work hard to make that happen.
Hera gave him a soft, sad smile before she turned and started trudging onward. Silently, he followed, lost in his thoughts.
Making their way through the shipyard, Kallus took little notice of their surroundings. His body and mind were craving sleep too heavily for him to focus clearly. Still, he hadn't missed the small group of rebels diligently working on a freighter. It was hard not to notice those up and about when all the rest of the world seemed asleep. Plus, he caught the quiet phrase 'Butcher of Lasan' whispered amongst them.
He cringed at that.
The panel had been correct. His actions in the Empire would follow him throughout his service with the Rebellion. Everything he did would be weighed against or with his past wrongdoing for the Empire, but it wouldn't be just a single panel judging him–every rebel would. A part of him almost regretted that the panel hadn't handed him down a punishment. It would have been at least something he could have tried to use to shield himself from the intense scrutiny.
As they reached the Ghost, only Chopper was there to greet them. Kallus suspected both Zeb and Rex were asleep.
The little droid gave a melodic string of chirps and beeps as it circled Kallus a few times.
"Thank you Chopper," Kallus laughed, finding that he couldn't hold back his amusement, "I don't think anyone has ever given me such a warm welcoming before."
Taking note of the peculiar sideways glance Hera was giving him, Kallus cast a questioning look in her direction, but she merely shrugged and turned away.
"You'll bunk in Kanan's room until we work out another setup." She said, walking up the ramp. "I was able to contact him a few hours ago, and he said he wanted to be able to keep an eye on you, help you adjust to the crew once we all meet back up."
With Hera's future hanging on Kallus' actions, he wasn't surprised the Jedi wanted to keep close tabs on him.
From the top of the ramp, Hera placed her hands on her hips and stared down at Kallus. "Don't leave the Ghost without an escort–preferably someone from our crew, and you aren't to carry any form of weapon while we're on Yavin IV. I don't want to give anyone a reason to blast you." Her gaze flashed to the C1 unit. "Chopper will show you to your cabin. Oh, and Kallus…" She paused, letting a small tight smile form, "welcome to the crew."
"Thank you," he answered, and she gave a faint nod before turning and making her way into the Ghost.
He watched her go, wanting to take a moment to himself to look at the ship that was to be his home. Unfortunately, his brief solitude was not to last. Something rammed into the back of Kallus. Trying to stay on his feet, he glanced back, seeing the Chopper struggling to herd him onward.
"Hey, easy now," Kallus chuckled. "I'm going, okay? No need to push."
Chopper gave a stern, high pitched response as the unit zipped around Kallus and motioned for him to follow.
It hadn't taken the droid long to guide him to his new, even if temporarily so, quarters. Chopper pointed out that the datapad left on the bunk was for Kallus to use reviewing reports, courtesy of Julia, and that one of Kanan's drawers had been cleaned out and stocked with spare clothes for Kallus.
He took a moment to examine his new wardrobe. It was all in muted tones of brown and green. Certainly not colors he was used to donning, but they weren't bad.
Chopper gave a warbled string of beeps and whirls and Kallus grinned.
"You picked these clothes out yourself? Well, I thank you then. You've chosen well."
Chopper gave a quick, pleased response then wheeled for the door. After one last wave and the rather commanding suggestion to get some sleep, the droid left.
Kallus made his way to the bunks. The datapad had been set on the lower bunk, but he felt wrong somehow in claiming that bed as his own. This cabin was Kanan's and the blind Jedi had undoubtedly been using the lower bunk.
Scooping up the datapad, Kallus carefully lofted himself onto the upper bunk, careful not to put too much pressure on his stiff knee as he did so.
It was an odd feeling, settling into the bed. After all, he hadn't been in an upper bunk since the Academy.
To keep his thoughts from wandering, he began perusing the reports on the datapad. He knew he was too tired to accurately review and respond to any one report, but he could read a few and get a feel for them.
At some point, sleep overtook him. It was a deep, peaceful slumber the likes of which he hadn't had in a long time, and, for once, he woke not to ship alarms or to a set time, but he awoke gradually, letting his body and mind slowly chose when to stir.
Eventually, he sat up, wiping the sleep from his eyes. Then, he'd almost fallen off the bunk before remembering where he was. Carefully, he lowered himself to the floor and made his way out of the cabin.
He wasn't sure of the time. With how rested he felt, it had to be well past breakfast. Making his way to the common room, he thought over how odd it was that he was strolling leisurely through the ship he had hunted for so long.
Rex and Zeb were already in the common room when Kallus arrived.
"Good morning," Rex greeted, warm smile in place. "We were starting to wonder if we should wake you for lunch. You slept right through breakfast."
"Take a seat, Kal," Zeb said, standing up, "I'll get you some grub. I made a Mandalorian dish. Sabine taught me how to make it a while back. I had to make do with some substitute ingredients, but it's not bad."
Kal? Taking a seat at the table, Kallus smiled to himself. No one had called him Kal since his days at the Academy, and only his closest friends had used that nickname. It was nice to hear it again.
Zeb made his way to the galley and Rex gave a soft chuckle.
"Yeah, the meal's not bad," the clone whispered, "but I wouldn't necessary call it good either. Sabine makes the dish way better."
"I heard that!" Zeb shouted from the galley. "And you certainly weren't complaining when you ate four helpings!"
Rex burst into a hearty laugh. "Well, an army moves on its stomach. Need to keep the old war machine fueled."
Zeb returned, setting an interesting plate of meats and vegetables on the table, and Kallus offered a quick thank you before taking a bite. Just as described, it was neither good nor bad. It was an unmemorable dish, slightly bland and not reminiscent of Mandalorian cuisine in the slightest, but it was filling and not unpleasant on the palate.
"I knew Hera would bring you back to be on the crew," Zeb said, taking a seat beside Rex. "I mean, Chopper did threaten to mutiny if she didn't."
"Could you imagine that droid trying even harder to make our lives miserable?" Rex scoffed, "He shocked me the other day because he thought I looked at him funny, and I didn't even know he was in the room!"
"Yeah," Zeb chuckled, "I'm not sure if Kal should be happy or worried that the droid has taken such a liking to him."
Suddenly, the common room doors opened and Chopper wheeled in. The droid sent a cascade of low angry beeps and whirls directed at the three.
"No," Zeb answered gruffly, "we weren't talking about you. Why do you think everything is about you? Egotistical little bucket of bolts, aren't you?"
Chopper turned toward Kallus, his questioning tone softer, more imploring.
Swallowing down his most recent bite, Kallus shrugged. "Did you really shock Rex the other day for just looking at you?"
The C1 unit let out a high-pitched yell and extended an arm. Chopper sped forward, bolts of electricity snapped at the end of the droid's outreached limb.
Rex and Zeb were immediately up, scrambling over the table in their attempt to flee. Kallus was barely able to save his dish from toppling over. Vaguely, he wondered if he should move as well. Would the droid shock him? He wasn't sure, but he decided to remain seated, letting the events fall as they would.
Chopper, however, strictly seemed hell bent on punishing Rex and Zeb, and as the little droid tore around the room trying to shock the Lasat and clone, they, for their part, began tossing any loose item they could find at the C1 unit.
It was then, amid the chaos, that Hera entered the room.
"What is going on?" She hollered.
Chopper instantly powered down the electric bolts and snapped his arm back snugly against its frame. Zeb dropped the tray he'd been holding, letting it clatter to the ground as he gaped at Hera. Rex gave a soft, slightly nervous chuckle, and Kallus merely sat, holding his dish, wondering what to think of the pandemonium and uncertain how much of it was his fault.
Hera shook her head and let out a deep sigh. "Okay, I don't need to know, just sit down. We have a mission to discuss, but…" She trailed off, gaze shifting to each of her crew members, "I expect you all to clean up this mess after we're done here."
"Mission?" Rex plopped down beside Kallus. "We going to Mandalore? It's about time!"
"No," Hera replied quickly, her tone flat. "We aren't going to Mandalore."
"What!" Zeb growled. "They need us to…"
Hera cut the Lasat off. "Calm down, Zeb. We are going to help Sabine, Ezra and Kanan, but we're not going to Mandalore to do it."
"Great," Zeb muttered, taking a seat at the table, "another mission where we are all split up. Those always work out so well."
"Compared to the mission we stick together?" Rex asked, brow raised, "because those don't always seem to go as planned either."
Zeb sighed. "Good point."
"I'm not going to lie," Hera said, "this isn't going to be easy. The odds are against us, this is a desperate, rather insane plan that might not gain the Rebellion any advantage, but we've been asked to try."
"So," Rex replied, "just the usual then? You might as well fill us in on the details. It sounds like it will be fun."
"Okay, here's what we've got coming…"
Leaning in, intent on soaking in everything Hera said, Kallus took careful mental notes. After all, this was his first mission as an official member of the Ghost crew, and he wasn't about to let them down.
Just a little setting up...you know...in case I get the hankering to write a bit more. *grins*