—•—

—•—

Other than Risè the pretty Twi'lek, Viera and Riley, all named characters are the property of Disney and/or LucasFilm.

"Go With Me."

"Stay With Me."

Chapter 9

—•—

—•—

From the previous chapter:

There was growl through Saw's throat. "Let's just be patient. Something will happen. It always seems that way in this part of space."

"Thanks, Saw."

"That's what friends are for. We need to get you hitched, Terry. Maybe then, you'll start to understand women."

"Yeah," Lux said quietly.

"Mmm. I just hope I don't need to call my wife, get those pictures of the 'possibilities,' as she calls them, back ready."

Lux then smiled to his friend. Together, they went to a large, open area of the ship. They needed to make things right between the crew on the Plo Koon and Hera's crew.

—•—

I

A short time later, all the crew of the Plo Koon above Chief Petty Officer and officers not on duty, so that they could later inform the rest of the crew, were assembled in a staging area in the very heart of the ship. This area seemed to be a large, open auditorium in the center of the ship. The crew of the Ghost and Ahsoka, off to the side, and Commodore Bonteri (Hera could sense that something not good had happened between Ahsoka and Lux) and General Gerrera were on a raised stage area. For some reason, there was chair on the stage towards the front, off to the right.

The crew assembled had known that something bad had happened, but they wanted confirmation from the commanding officers. They could all see that their commander of the ship was bandaged; so if their own Commodore was wounded as badly as it seemed, it must have been pretty bad.

To begin this meeting, Commodore Bonteri first told the crew of the damage that had been done to their fellow crew members of the Plo Koon. He explained that in action with the Empire, they lost a good number of their crew-mates, their comrades, their friends. He said they would have a memorial service for the lost crew members when they arrived at Onderon. But for this time, they all participated in a silent minute to remember their comrades and friends. Each were comporting themselves as to the religion of their own lands. Some were holding their hands together in one way, and some were doing the same, but in another way. Some were holding their hands out to their sides, as if to catch the spirits of their departed friends. All were solemn. After the designated time, they all relaxed and opened their eyes. Then, the main reason for the assemblage began.

The petty officers from the scuttlebutt—helped with some strategic leaks—knew beforehand what was going on. Some intra-ship communication had been surreptitiously leaked, purposely, to get the crew ready for what was going on now, that it had all been a clever ruse to capture an important Imperial agent, but that something had gone wrong. They didn't blame the crew of the Ghost at this time, but were wanting to hear an official explanation, in any case.

Interestingly, the older members of the crew knew immediately what it was okay to know and what it was not all right to know. So when the young ones later murmured of an Imperial Agent secreted aboard, and maybe even a traitorous crew member, the old ones, those missing eyes, lekku, montrals, antennae, limbs or whatever, knew to quash such talk from the young ones with a "Go on," and a "Shut your trap," to not let their minds wander too much into places it was not supposed to go. As Lux and Ahsoka would learn later, however, very little could be kept from a ship's crew when they really wanted to know it.

Rather than explain what had happened, they decided that the best way was to use the security-holograms from the various scenes of what had just happened. They started with the attempt by Ezra in the Commodore's quarters, and what happened with Ezra. Then they could see Ahsoka enter the room where the rest of the crew were, warning them and getting them ready for their faux arrest and then going through the passageways of the ship. (Susie could see with sorry eyes big Zeb looking at her and the crew members got a little upset of Aktay missing Ahsoka but hitting one of the officers with a projectile.) Next they could see the time in the ill-fated Zatt Jakkusa. Some of the crew members could see the images of friends they lost. They also heard the threat of what Hera was going to do to Ezra and they laughed. (Ezra was worried as well because Hera usually kept her word. What he didn't notice was when a few petty officers, looking at the stage, ordered some cabin boys to go get some things from the bedding closets. Some cabin girls went along as well to help.)

Then they moved to the encounter with Vizago, and were impressed by the use of the lightsaber by Ahsoka and Kanan.

Finally was the action on the Relentless and the Broken Horn. In all this, Commodore Bonteri stressed that the crew of the Ghost were innocents caught between actions they could not have avoided or predicted. (On hearing this, Susie the cook was greatly relieved that when she last saw Zeb, he was innocent. She felt regret for her thoughts then, and fancied a dish to make it up to him as soon as she could.) The Commodore told the crew they had captured an important Empire Agent, Agent Kallus (he didn't mention anything about Risè) and that they were going to deliver him to those who would take care of him—after getting as much information from him as they could.

The crew then assembled was told of the sacrifices caused by the action. Commodore Bonteri blamed himself for a lack of planning and an over-abundance of spontaneity. He promised to do better in the future.

II

In the meantime, Vizago needed to be dealt with. While they were searching for Risè, Commodore Bonteri asked that the smugglers ship be cleaned inside and out. Vizago did help them during the fight, but Lux wasn't really so sure of it was to help them or to save his ship. He would give the Devaronian smuggler two options. For one option, he got the beefiest of the crew who knew how to swing a club ready for a gauntlet line. The other took some convincing of an Ugnaught, but in the end, he had succeeded. (Ugnaughts certainly were tough bargainers, the Commodore found out, and rank held no meaning for them.)

Some few minutes later, Vizago was brought into the staging area, led in by Rex, straight as a lightsaber, followed by the smuggler flanked by the two Marines from the Broken Horn action. He was complaining and screaming, but once he saw who and what was assembled there, he shut up very quickly. He could see his ship, the Broken Horn off to one side, close to the ray-shielded exit port from the ship. What worried him, was the two lines of what looked to be very muscular crewmen and women leading up to the entrance to his ship—very long lines it seemed to the smuggler.

Then, with Vizago in his cuffs, General Gerrera came up to him. The General released him from the cuffs.

"Smuggler, you have attempted to abduct the commanding officer of this ship and to turn him over to the Empire."

"It was just business."

"This business is going to cost you a lot of damage," Saw replied. "But, we don't feel sorry for you so we cleaned up your ship and have refueled it for you. What you won't like is that we took the liberty of relieving you of your cargo."

"My cargo?"

"Consider your self lucky, Vizago. It could have been a lot more. You didn't have much, other than the Tevarki whiskey and all those little stashes of credit chips all over."

"My money! You took my money?!"

"All of it. Like I said, you have two choices. You can go to your ship," Saw said as he gestured towards the Broken Horn. Just then, the two lines of crewmen took up their cudgels, clubs, wrenches and pipes in their strong hands, letting the smuggler know he would have to go through their gauntlet line to get to his ship. "Or, you can go peacefully," the General re-entered, gesturing to a one-Ugnaught space-skiff. Visago looked to the little dinghy with a bubble-canopy smaller than himself and no weapons or propulsion worthy of the name.

Then he looked back to the Broken Hand. Between him and the entrance to his own ship were countless, at least it seemed to him, grunts with something to smack him with. He looked closer to who they were and what they were holding to hit him with, and shuddered for his life. If the Wookie with a two-handed shillelagh didn't get him, than the one-eyed, one-horned mean-looking Togruta, ready to shellack him with a mean billy club in one hand a brass knuckles in the other, would. But that didn't worry the smuggler compared to something else. What worried the Devonian the most, the very most, was that they were all smiling. Now he knew how all those slavers and pirates felt when the Plo Koon boarded them. He looked from one ship to the other, then from one ship to the other.

What he didn't know was that they were testing him. So, he took the easy way out and headed towards the little Ugnaught ship. As he was going to it, the gauntlet line, Saw and Lux were smiling knowingly. He got into the minuscule ship and tried to scrunch down to close the canopy. He almost had to bend himself double to get in, much less to close the little bubble. Only with great effort could he do so, and even then he made a hilarious sight, filling the entire little canopy with his big body and his one good horn tapping the top of the little bubble whenever he moved his head. The crew couldn't help but scream with laughter as Vizago, almost filling the entire bubble canopy of the little knockabout, was lifted in the little ship with a huffing effort by its little propulsion units, and then putt-putting off towards the great opening towards open space. They all cheered and laughed at the smuggler, many Ugnaughts among them, looking at the most ridiculous sight they had ever seen, and would probably ever see again. Ahsoka and all the Ghost crew could barely hold themselves straight up in their laughter.

Then, suddenly, just as the little ship was to enter the barrier between the ship and space, it was suddenly turned around. Vizago could be seen trying to frantically turn the little sabot back towards the exit of the hangar and free space, afraid there was more in store for him, but it was out of his control. In short time, he was returned against his will back to where started. Some of the crew members popped the little bubble for him and he would have to unfold himself out of the little ship. Still seated in the little ship; looking like he was sitting in a refresher, he then looked up as Commodore Bonteri came up to meet him. As he did so, he could see the two lines of those who would have beaten him almost to death remain where they were, but with laughter and smiles. The smuggler didn't know what was going on.

"Cikatro Vizago of Devron," the Commodore started, "We are not thieves. After what you did, we were only making a little fun of you. Now, if you could get out of the little―whatever, I can give it back to its owners." Lux then started to help Vizago out of the Ugnaught dinghy.

"You never had any intention of―?" he said as he gestured to the big men and women he thought were to beat him to death.

"Of course not. We are not animals. But you yourself have to admit you must have looked pretty hilarious."

Then Vizago turned to his head to his side. "Yeah," he said with a smile, "I guess I must have."

"Half of what General Gerrera said was correct. Your ship has been cleaned and your fuel tanks topped off. Your cargo was not taken but for the whiskey―." When the Commodore said this, the smuggler straightened himself quickly, "―which we need right now and for which you have been repaid in full at current market prices." The Devonian looked relieved at hearing this. "But let me tell you. If ever I hear from Hera and her crew that you have been working with the Imperials or those who would do them harm, I and my fleet will search you out, I and my fleet will find you, and when we do," the Commodore said the next very calmly, as if he was ordering a cheap glass of whatever at a cantina, "I will kill you; and your goods taken and your business will become ashes and your name will soon be forgotten. Do you understand me?"

"Ye-Yes, Commodore, I do," said Vizago with a lump in his throat.

"Good. You may go. Just remember, your life is in Hera's hands." When the Commodore said this, Vizago looked to Hera, who just smiled back at him.

Then, Vizago went to his ship, but all the while looking around to make sure there wasn't someone, especially that Togruta stud, who looked really upset, ready to take a pop at him just for pleasure. He still had to go through the gauntlet line, but as he did so, they only tapped him on his shoulder as he went by. Perhaps they were showing him what would happen if he were to actually backstab them. He got in and closed the hatch. A few seconds later, they could see him in the cockpit. The Commodore looked long and hard at Vizago. Just then, Vizago sat up straight, turned his head towards Commodore Bonteri, and saluted. This person waved back to Vizago, and soon, as the ship left, he saw for the last time Cikatro Vizago.

There was one last thing to do at this meeting, it was something the crew of the Plo Koon needed; that Ezra, for his bad decision, would not get off scot-free.

III

Ezra had done something as a boy, and the only way to deal with this that Ezra had done was as a boy. Certainly, Ezra was strong with The Force, but that didn't mean he still didn't do stupid things, as a boy sometimes did.

Surely, Ezra had brought himself up alone on Lothal and was world-wise for his time—but this time, it was much more than street-ratting on a little Outer Rim planet. This was about the Galaxy and the quardillions who lived there. That is what it has always meant to Hera, Lux, Kanan, Ahsoka and all the other crew. So, Ezra would have to take his punishment, and let the future of the Galaxy work itself out later.

In essence, Hera was the mother of this team. And as the mother of this group, she would have to do what she needed to do, for the good of the team. And right now, it meant she would have to chastise one of her own crew. Kanan would be despondent, but what she had to do, she had to do. She just hoped Ezra wouldn't take it wrongly. Fortunately, unknown to Hera, a cute little Pantoran girl would help to relieve her of her worries. For, when you are a young boy, a pretty girl is all that seems to matter.

Nobody knew what the chair was for before Hera sat on it. Then Kanan guided Ezra to the chair. Before he knew it and could use The Force, Hera had pulled him over her knee and was supplied with a wide belt. She gave just one stroke to his backside with the belt, but it fixed the relationship between the Ghost crew and the crew of the Plo Koon instantly, and Ezra knew it so he was slightly mollified. (After what he heard later, he was very happy to get off so lightly.) The Plo Koon crew cajoled Ezra loudly and threw a rain of pillows at him. Hera stood up and smiled at him. She patted him on the arm, as if to say, 'Understand?'

Before Ezra knew it, though, someone was picking up some of the pillows for him as he looked close by him. Here and there this person with purple hair bobbed, picking up the pillows that were thrown at him. When she raised up, Ahsoka could see her cabin girl, a cute-beyond-cute Pantoran girl about Ezra's age.

"I'll take these for you," she said as she batted her golden eyes, "If you want them."

"Ah—gee. Thanks." Ezra could say little more from the shock.

"I'll take them to your cabin for you."

"Ah—gee. Thanks." Understanding for the first time why guys are so tongue-tied meeting a girl they could love for the first time.

"Ok. Which way?"

"Aa— Aa— Aa—. This way I think."

"Don't you know?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good."

Under the watchful eye of the adults, the two left, Ezra leading the way. As the girl turned to leave, two other cabin girls, a human and a pale-yellow Togruta girl, obviously a Human-Togruta hybrid that Hera noticed was her cabin girl, had rushed up.

"Well that was quick," said the human girl snarkily.

"Yeah," said the Togruta, "Never seen her move so fast."

The Pantoran turned around annoyed. Then she did the only thing girls do to other girls who were bothering them.

She stuck her tongue out at the other two girls.

The human and the cute Togruta girl were stunned aback. Ahsoka, Lux, Saw, Hera and Kanan could see it and just laughed. Just then, Ezra turned around, not noticing what was going on and asked the Pantoran if she needed help.

"No, no, I'm all right. Please lead the way. I don't know where you're quartered," she said coyly.

"My name's Ezra."

"I'm Viera."

"That's a pretty name."

"Thank you."

Soon, the two were seen disappearing through the hatchway. Lux looked at where Ahsoka had been standing, but noticed, she was gone as well. Then, Hera and Kanan decided to follow quietly to Ezra's room (parents were like that) with Lux smiling and silently laughing after them. Once they were there, they could overhear a conversation.

"There are so many," they heard Ezra say in his little room, of the pillows that were thrown at him.

"Maybe you can keep just one?" the girl returned.

"I suppose it would be all right," said Ezra's voice. "How about this one?"

"Ok," said the girl.

"It's a nice one." Then the adults could hear the girl start to leave so they played it nonchalant, standing off to the side of Ezra's quarters. They could hear the girl then turn around. As she did so, she said,

"It's the one I threw." The Pantoran girl said and then she left Ezra's quarters and closed the door. She then turned to leave. As she did so, she could see Kanan, Hera and her commanding officer seemingly lolling about, moping around the corridor. She didn't know what to make of it.

Commodore Bonteri called to Kanan and Hera that they needed to go to the bridge to get their planet for their base, and they followed, smiling between themselves like parents often do when a child of theirs has found true love.

IV

As he was leaving the meeting (he didn't know where Ahsoka could be) and after seeing Ezra go off with the Pantoran girl, Commodore Bonteri told Hera and Kanan of his idea of getting them a new base for their operations. He told them about a certain planet in the Outer Rim, literally in the middle of nowhere, as an Imperial pilot would say some years later, but just then under the control of some pirates. After he told them of the planet, Hera and Kanan went to a small ship's library to get information about it. The Commodore had given them complete access but very little time since he needed to contact the pirate leader very soon as they needed to get into hyperspace to get back home.

After the time it took for the Commodore and the General to get to the bridge, they were joined separately by Ahsoka, who decided to stand quietly off to the side looking slightly somber. Lux was about to go up to her and apologize privately, but just then, wouldn't you know it; as it always seems to happen between these two, Hera and Kanan rushed breathlessly into the bridge. They knew of the plan and of the planet. Hera was hopeful, and it showed on her face, and Kanan, because it was important for Hera, was optimistically expectant.

"Well, Hera," started the Commodore, "It's time to get that base for you."

"What are you talking about?" asked Ahsoka.

"Well," entered Hera, "Commodore Bonteri heard that we were having trouble at our base on Atollon with all those krykna and he offered to help us find a better one."

"How are you going to do that?" Ahsoka asked.

"Right now," responded Commodore Bonteri. "There's a planet, Dantooine," he said as he showed the planet on a giant hologram, "In the Outer Rim that may be of use to the Phoenix Squadron. Right now, it's under the control of a group of renegades, but thanks to Vizago, we may have something to sweeten the deal."

"Who is this pirate?" Hera asked now with a little less confidence.

"Someone who has a weakness for a Tevarki whiskey. Comm Chief Riley, get me the captain of the Opportunity."

"Yes, sir," said as a human man about a decade older than Commodore Bonteri and almost as handsome, stood up ram-rod straight with a smile on his face. "Immediately, sir."

"Now, why would he be so happy," pondered Zeb.

"Wait a minute," Rex entered suddenly, "You don't mean the Blood Bone Order?!"

"Yes."

"But they're a bunch of pirates!" Kanan almost shouted. The man named Riley didn't look too happy at the appellation Kanan made.

"At times, yes," replied the Commodore, "But mostly against the Imperials. Lassa Rhayme has no love for the Empire. When she's not harassing the Empire, she is smuggling against them. She may be an ally in a good place for you. But at the moment, she is in charge of Dantooine, and if I know her, she won't let it go for free. It's your call, Captain Syndulla," he said as he extended his arm to stop the comm chief just as he was ready to push the send button and looked significantly at Hera.

"We need that base, Commodore. Let's do this," said Hera calmly.

"Very good. I wouldn't like it around a bunch of giant pilot-eating spiders either. Send the message Riley," Commodore Bonteri ordered and the Chief did so with a smile on his face. Soon, the communication was answered and a giant image of a Pantoran woman appeared on the bulkhead behind the command center, about a decade older than Ahsoka and very attractive; interestingly with no golden tattoos on her face like Ahsoka remembered on her old, long-lost friend, Riyo Chuchi. This Pantoran instantly smirk-smiled at Lux.

"Well, well, well, handsome. So, are you ready to go on that date I offered?"

"I uh— I uh—."

"Ok, ok. I get the drift. So, what species is she?"

"Species?"

"Come on, Terry. I know you. What'd you tell me when we had too much Tevarki? Your first boyhood crush?" The crew were looking at their monitors, but snickering.

"Lassa, the crew—they can hear." Everyone around was enjoying the embarrassment of the Commodore. His pleas didn't faze the Pantoran, and, since she was a smuggler posing as a pirate, or, perhaps, the other way around, she didn't pay any mind to his red face. The only person on the bridge that wasn't smiling was Ahsoka.

"You were telling me about that nice girl from Rodia in your middle school on Onderon?" The crew were starting to chuckle under their breaths.

Ahsoka decided to move to the area where she could be seen by the Pantoran. Making a fool of Lux Bonteri was her prerogative, not this pirate's.

"If anyone, she wouldn't be a white girl. Knowing you, probably a Togru— Oh, I see you found her. The girl from your ship's bows." Ahsoka had moved into the area of the transmission. Lux turned around.

"I guess so," he said while looking down.

"My, she is the pretty one, isn't she? Oh, don't tell me you've had a little tiff between you already," Lassa pouted with a clicking of her tongue, then an articulated, "Tsk, tsk." Then there was a pause. "Ok, ok so we're not going on that date. What'd you call me for?"

"We have something for you."

"Well, if it's not a date, what else could it be?"

Lux called Hera up. "This is Hera Syndulla, of the Phoenix Squadron fighting the Empire."

"Fighting the Empire? You certainly have high hopes and delusions of grandeur, don't you, Captain Syndulla? Makes sense though, Terry, that little greeting on the Plo Koon." Then there was a sigh of resignation. "All right what you got and what do you want?"

"Hera, this is your call."

"Thank you, Commodore. Captain Rhayme, I am Hera Syndulla, Captain of the Ghost in the Phoenix Squad."

"Captain Syndulla? Syndulla? You wouldn't be related to that pompous ass Cham Syndulla would you?"

"That's the one," Hera said with a smirk. "I see you know my father." The crew of the Ghost were laughing.

"Well, a pleasure to meet you, Captain. Like I said before, what you got and what do you want? I'm a busy woman."

"We understand that you control the planet, Dantooine."

"I wonder who told you that," said Lassa looking towards Lux.

"Captain Rhayme," entered Lux, "Weren't you telling me that that out-of-the-way hassle of a planet was a credit-loser? That you were looking for someone to take it off your hands?"

"Yeah, but not for nothing, handsome." (Ahsoka let out a small growl on hearing that.) "It would take quite a bit—"

"We have Tevarki whiskey," countered Hera.

"Ok, I'm interested," said the Pantoran almost immediately, brushing a blue finger across her purple lips the same color as her long braid of hair, almost as if in anticipation. "How much?"

Hera did some quick calculations to get off with something she might be able to sell for the rebellion. 'Let's see, 200 bottles on a crate. I'll try one-third and see how it goes.' "We have eighty bottles." To her surprise, The pirate captain scoffed at her. It was like a replay of dealing with Lando Calrissian.

"I'm busy and you're wasting my time. Goodbye," Lassa replied with indignation. It's not that she was upset, she just didn't like being played for a fool. Hera was in a bit of a shock.

"Lassa, wait, please," said Lux suddenly entered. He seemed upset. Lassa Rhayme was, after all, a friend. "Please." She turned around. "We have an entire crate for you. You can buy a good-sized city with that. I know you need to keep that from your crew. The crate is yours whenever and however you want it. We can give it all to you right now or over time. The choice is yours."

"All right, Terry. I'll think about it. But first, I want to see it. I've never seen so much of it at one time. How did you get it?"

"A bountiful donation by Cikatro Vizago," replied Hera who had recovered from her mistake.

"Coerced?"

"Of course."

"Visago, huh? It'll be good to put some spikes into that arrogant fool. He's caused me a few problems now and then. All right, where can I meet you?"

"We are one our way to pick up a group doing reconn on Jazbina. Can you meet us there?" Commodore Bonteri offered.

"All right. I'll bring the Steady On over. I'll also bring the most dangerous animal on Dantooine." Hera and her crew were taken aback and worried about what she said. The crew around them only laughed and seemed a little eager, if that is the right expression, for the Pantoran's visit.

"Ok. See you then," Hera said as she started to sign off.

Suddenly, Commodore Bonteri asked Hera to wait. He then went up closer as if he wanted to whisper to the woman. "Lassa?" he said quietly.

"Yes?"

"Riley's here."

The Pantoran then put on a smile that meant volumes. "You should've told me, Terry, or I wouldn't've made such a fool of myself." She then nodded. "I'm on my way. Keep that hunk of man on ice for me."

"Will do." He then turned to Hera. "Anything else?"

"No. See you over Jazbina." Captain Rhayme then disappeared from the screen, but as that happened, she had rushed away.

Hera then turned to the Commodore. "I guess I'm not a good bluffer," she said to Lux. "I almost ruined it."

"No, that's not it, Hera. The thing about people like Lassa Rhayme is that they are not stupid to have lived for as long as they have in the business they do. That means they have seen all types and have been in all types of unimaginable situations. For someone like her, she knows when you are lying to her and she doesn't like it. She also has a lot of power to cut you off if you try to deceive her. Besides, Hera, you have too honest a face to bluff," Lux said with a light chuckle. Hera smiled at that and Kanan laughed.

V

Just as the transmission ended, the ship's doctor entered the bridge. He was a refined Chandrilan human of about sixty years of age who effused confidence. He usually had free rein to go anywhere on the ship. "Terry, you are required in the sick bay."

"Why? What happened?"

"You have an appointment with a bacta tank. The others have finished and it is your turn. I'll need to look at your shoulder first, though."

"Bacta tank? I'm not going in one of those things," he protested. "Are you trying to drown me?" The people on the bridge, Ahsoka included, started to chuckle at the Commodore's predicament. "I'm fine with this shoul—ah" he blurted upon moving his arm. He bent down in pain.

"Doctor," Ahsoka said, "The local anesthetic I applied may have worn off."

"Mmm. Terry. Doctor's orders. When it comes to the health of the crew—all of the crew, I have the rank. Remember?"

"All right. You have me. How long, Doc."

"Several hours."

"Several hours?! That long? We have to get to Jazbina first. Navigation; how long to Jazbina?" Lux asked with hope in his eyes.

"Several hours," relied the Givin navigator with a chuckle. The crew and the doctor smiled at the predicament of their commander.

Lux looked defeated. "All right." He then stood back up. "Before I go though, I want to contact our capital ships. Riley, if you can hold yourself together, get me the Shaak Ti and the Mace Windu."

"Yes, sir," replied that person, surrounded by smirks and snickers from those around him. Then, he said a few moments later, "The Shaak Ti is participating in celebrations on Shili and the Mace Windu is confirming reports of pirates over Tanaab." After a short time, on the command area of the bridge, three holograms could be seen of the two captains of the big ships and another administrative officer.

"Ashla of the Shaak Ti, reporting sir," said a Togruta woman.

"Raffu of the Mace Windu, reporting sir,." said a Korunnai man.

"Takeet of the administrative office, reporting sir," said a Rodian man.

"Thank you, Captains. I would like you to conduct discussions with your crews and the crews of all ancillary ships. Resolved: That we should become a part of the—what's your group called Hera?"

"The Alliance to Restore Democracy in the Republic," Hera said with pride and anticipation, mixed with surprise.

"'The Alliance to Restore Democracy in the Republic.' Can't say that in one breath." Commodore Bonteri then turned back to the captains and the administrative officer. "The topic of the discussion is this. Resolved: That we should become a part of the Alliance to Demo— I mean The Alliance to Restore Democracy in the Republic. Henceforth, please discuss this with all your crews. We have—" then the Commodore swallowed hard—"Several hours. We will meet at a later time to discuss the positions of your crews. Thank you."

"Yes, sir. It will be done—"

"Right away, sir—"

"Immediately, sir—"

All the people in the holograms saluted and then disappeared. Ahsoka had become quite proud of what Lux Bonteri had become through all these years, and she showed it. Then, that boy on Carlac, and even more, that boy on Raxus came back to her, and she smiled at the memories. But there was still that outburst, so she looked down as she left the bridge alone. Lux followed her with his eyes. Then he said to the doctor;

"Well, Doc, lead the way." The doctor did so, with smiles and quiet jibes at the Commodore from Zeb and Rex.

And for several hours the Commodore was encased in bacta. He was sedated and he couldn't see his surroundings. He was only in white trunks and a breathing device. Ahsoka was there most of the time from when he was sedated. Ahsoka was starting to regret what she said in the fantail, but worried about how to tell him.

Hera did visit while the discussions were going on for the debate and she was giving advice and information and answering questions as best she could. She had called Captain Sato and Senator Organa, undisguised this time, for assistance. Seeing that the discussion was in good hands, she went to the sick bay. As she entered, she saw Ahsoka and she made sure not to notice the Commodore too obviously in the tank. (Hera was concerned that Ahsoka might be jealous about that. She had heard that Togruta women could be sensitive about such things.) She was worried about Ahsoka and that something had happened.

"Ahsoka, are you all right?"

Ahsoka was looking at Lux, dangling freely in the tank behind Hera. "I don't know. It's like, I haven't seen him for fifteen years, and then I get mad at him for him saying there was nothing between him and the lieutenant."

"Well, I suppose he was just trying to reassure you. I think he adores you still." As Hera said this, Ahsoka, in front of her, looked to Lux in the tank, behind Hera, who had positioned herself there purposely so she wouldn't be looking at Lux. Then she looked at the floor.

"I guess I just don't understand guys."

"Guys are simple. Give them a can of beer and a purpose in life—in that order—and they'll be all right. For a guy you love," Hera said looking to her side a little thinking of Kanan, "They are worth the trouble."

Ahsoka sighed out.

"Who knows, Ahsoka, maybe something will happen that will help. It always seems to in this galaxy; almost anywhere in this galaxy."

"Yeah."

Hera then got up and patted Ahsoka on the shoulder as she left. Ahsoka stayed there for a long time, until she noticed the medical droid was about to revive the Commodore about halfway through the treatment. She then left the room quietly.

As he opened his eyes, Commodore Bonteri realized he was in the bacta tank. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. He could see the outside of the tank. He looked around, saw that no one was there, and was sad.

—•—

Thank you for reading this. I could finally get these bridge chapters out so we can go to the action the next chapter(s).

With me writing this, you have to know Lux and Ahsoka will get back together; and boy will they get back together, to the delight of the crew. I was glad that Jake Solo picked up on the tension between the two right now.

I haven't outlined the next chapter out yet on paper but it is in detail in my head—where it doesn't do anyone any good. I hope to get it out soon.

The comment about how Dantooine is in the middle of nowhere is from the book, Lost Stars.

Thank you for the reviews so far and plaudits to Princess . B . 31 for picking up on Lux's stupidity. I was worried about that scene.

The scene with Ezra was the hardest to write and it was the last scene I wrote. I hope it worked out all right.

Take care,

johnt

PS. I hope I didn't ruin your Rebels Opening Night. I am sequestering myself from info until I can finish this story.

PPS. Ok, I know it's not, "The Alliance to Restore Democracy in the Republic," but I am just having fun with the name.