—•—

Other than those named characters obviously not being the property of Disney and/or LucasFilm, all named characters are the property of Disney and/or LucasFilm.

Dear Readers:

For those who have read Ahsoka, Ahsoka and others may be out of character. I am sorry about that. I decided not to read it until I can finish this story. Please do not flame me about this.

—•—

"Go With Me."

"Stay With Me."

Chapter 15

—•—

A few hours later, Ahsoka was revived and let out of the bacta tank. She was in a robe resting on a hospital bed with some sheets covering her after having showered to get all the bacta off her. She felt rather good. But more than good, she felt happy. Right next to her on a chair was Lux holding her hand in his. Both knew he would be needed in an instant for his ship and she was grateful for this time together right now. They weren't talking about much, just spending some time together. Lux was telling her of the plans for the next few days. He was going to show the Ghost crew around the more interesting parts of the ship and he hoped she could join them as well, but he didn't want to push it. She could see that he was proud of his ship and his crew. He told her they were over Onderon and, with an anxious glance to her, he said Saw's family will show up for the Ghost departure party the next evening.

There were still some talks between the ships about joining "The Alliance to Restore Democracy in the Republic" (with a smile, she could tell he had been practicing). There were good arguments back and forth. Most were worried that fighting for the Alliance would open up their home worlds to attack from the outside. Even Admiral Ackbar made a personal appearance and assured the crew that the Alliance was needed here most of all as it was a very populated sector of the galaxy. Commandant Sato and, he told her very quietly, Senator Organa—in person even, knowing how important this was to the freedom of the galaxy—were also available to answer questions. As he told this to her, it was interesting to Lux that most of the questions were asked of the Commandant.

Eventually, he was called away. Ever since she got out of the bacta tank, she could see he was somewhat tense around her and, for some reason, a little standoffish. He was about to leave but she softly called to him and smiled to him. He took the cue and gave her a light kiss on the lips, just as he had done at that party before all the trouble started. She was satisfied with that. As he disappeared, she came again to the feelings she had the moment she re-entered the Plo Koon a few hours previous. They were puzzling, to say the least. Trying to put them out of her mind for the moment, she made ready to leave the sickbay as she had the doctor's permission to do so, just before Lux showed up. He let her stay for a time so they could talk in private. As she left, she was surprised how much time had passed since Lux came. 'What happened to all that time?' she wondered, but she didn't think that it was wasted.


Ahsoka was able to join the crew of the Ghost for the tour of the more important parts of the ship. They did this after a meal especially prepared by Susie. It seems the galley was turning into one of Zeb's favorite places he was there so often. Hera was starting to worry about whether or not Zeb would get too big for action.

Susie didn't need to be told Hera's worries, everyone has them, and from the start she had made food for him from Lasan, which was naturally healthy and Zeb loved it so much. She felt a little forlorn, however, because she couldn't use any butter.

Ahsoka, however, was a little confused. She felt energetic, but not hungry at all. 'I wonder what's the matter with me,' she thought to herself.

It was curious to Susie that Commodore Bonteri had asked for a personal conference with Zeb during the lunch. She could see them talking; well the Commodore did most of the talking, and Zeb agreeing to do what the commander asked. She thought it best not to query Zeb as to what he was asked to do. She knew this was a military ship as well and at times, things need to be left unsaid.

The Ghost crew knew the command pit very well and were familiar with some other parts in the chase after Risè and the action below decks. They visited this and that place, but were mostly desirous of finally meeting the crew without the threat of death over them. Ahsoka finally met Aktay's wife, a beautiful Shili woman. They talked a little in Togruti, but Ahsoka felt a little rusty in it as she had been around non-Togrutas for so long and Cinny was so smilingly patient, that they eventually reverted to Basic. Ahsoka found that when someone asked a question of Lux, she completely forgot what the question was, but remembered every word of his answer.

During this time, Saw got word that his family had arrived. Ahsoka was wanting to meet her, just to say hello, but mostly to let her know that she can stop match-making for Lux. Interestingly, Saw gave the same exact glance to her when he heard that she had arrived as when Lux was talking about her.


Later, after the long tour was finished, Lux and Saw went to the bridge and the Ghost crew went back to get some rest after having another light meal at Susie's. Ahsoka decided to take the time to visit the sickbay, where she heard Saw's wife was. She knew that she would eventually meet her anyways, so the sooner the better she thought. As she entered the sickbay room, she remembered she didn't even like being near a hospital or medical center, but if that was where she was—

And she was there, alone in the room. When Ahsoka saw her and when she saw Ahsoka, an intergalactic pin could drop and be like a thunderclap. And a thunderclap it was for both of them. Before Ahsoka was Saw's wife—

Barriss Offee.

On the bridge, Lux was curious where Ahsoka was so he asked Hera. Saw was next to him. When Hera told them that Ahsoka had gone to the sickbay, both Lux and Saw immediately rushed out. The ship didn't know that their commanders could run so fast, proceeded by shouts of "Gangway!" and "Clear the way!" and "Make a hole!"

••

They looked at each other for what seemed a lifetime.

"Ahsoka," Barriss eventually murmured.

"Barriss," Ahsoka returned. Then more silence. Then, "I heard that Saw's wife was from Mirial but I never thought—"

"That it would be me?" Ahsoka nodded in response. She didn't know what to do. Barris could see the twin lightsabers attached to her hip side-plates. She also noticed that Ahsoka never made a move for them. She decided to go for broke. "I have known love Ahsoka, as you obviously have too. There is nothing so strong. Neither the Jedi nor the Sith understand that."

"Is that why you've been match-making for Lux?"

Barriss nodded.

"Well, you can stop it now." That got a terse, smiling nod from Barriss. Then, after a tense moment looking at each other, they both suddenly burst out laughing. Upon this, they both embraced.

When they both released the other from the embrace, Barriss had to know.

"Ahsoka—"

"Barriss. At first I was upset; upset at everything. Especially the council. Over time, I soon forgot what happened. Too many worlds had been destroyed, too many innocents were sent to their early graves, if there was anyone left alive to dig them, for my little peeve. I found that I needed to put out all that happened before aside. I might have made a bad decision later, but it is what it is. It is who I am now. I am glad you have found happiness."

"Oh, Ahsoka—" Some silence. Barriss was deep in emotional thought. "Let's sit down." As they did so, little Tricia toddled in.

"Hello Aunt Ahsoka."

"Aunt Ahsoka?"

"Saw told me about—"

"About Lux and I 'lallygagging'?" Ahsoka said with a laugh.

Barriss nodded. "Ever since then, she's called you 'Aunt' when we were on the way to the Plo Koon." Ahsoka laughed at this. "Would you like some tea?" Barriss asked.

"Sure. Thank you."

Barriss then got up to make the tea. As soon as it was made and she sat back down again while Ahsoka and Tricia were playing, a great commotion was heard as two people burst into the room, completely drained and out of breath. They were so busy breathing that they could get no word out. "Hey guys. What some tea?" Barriss asked. Ahsoka smiled as she turned around to look. Then to Ahsoka, "He gets like that a lot, Ahsoka."

Their only response were some huffing and puffing sounds. But after a time.

"Sure." Puff, puff.

"Thank you." Puff, puff.

Ahsoka and Barriss smiled at each other. Ahsoka pulled a chair out for Lux next to her and Barriss made room for Saw on the sofa before she got up to get the extra two cups. The two men were still looking at the women and each other with confounded looks when she came back with the cups and they had sat down. She gave one to Saw and the other to Ahsoka to give to Lux. These two men were finally recovering their breaths, but were lost for words. In the meantime, Ahsoka put out some little puffs of air from her to help cool the hot tea for Lux. He smiled at that.

"Saw. Lux," Ahsoka started as she passed the tea to Lux, "There is an old saying of 'water under the bridge.' It's true."

Lux and Saw then smiled and started talking how they raced almost all the way through the Plo Koon to them. What they didn't say to the girls was that they were pretty sure there would be a mess they would have to clean up when they got there.

Barriss then told the story of how she and Saw got together. How Saw had raced to the Temple with a small contingent of Onderon fighters who happened to be on Coruscant that night to try to help the Jedi. She also told of how Lux showed up later, driving a LAAT-i wearing a Clone helmet, with Rex, Wolffe and Gregor in the bay, unhelmeted, trying to seek out some Jedi to help escape. Finally, how there was word of a Jedi in the prison and how Saw unknowingly went to save the Jedi, but it was her. How she stayed with him and stayed with him and stayed with him and—"Well, Ahsoka," Barriss said while holding Tricia, "You get the idea." Ahsoka looked to the little girl and then looked to the floor, a little downcast.

"Ahsoka," Lux said, holding her hand, "We all make decisions. What we have to do afterwards is to not regret them. There is always something good that comes from an action. You have become stronger in the fight against the Empire perhaps than otherwise." Ahsoka just nodded at the optimism from the one she professed her love for.

It was just then that the doctor entered and told Lux that the ships had decided to join the Alliance and that he was to be promoted to Fleet Admiral. Everyone was a little stunned but Lux asked that the doctor keep the information to himself for the time being. The first thing he wanted to do was promote Captain Acham.

It was kind of funny to them but Barriss and Ahsoka could see that although Saw had completely relaxed and felt happy after this incident, Lux was still a little nervous. It was outwardly seeable to those who looked.


After a few minutes with Barriss and Ahsoka, Lux left to talk with his commanders in his office on the Plo Koon. With the joining of the Alliance, some promotions were due. He called Ashla of the Shaak Ti and Raffu of the Mace Windu, in addition to Captain Acham. They were all promoted to Commodore and Captain Acham was given charge of the Plo Koon.

After that, there was to be a parting of ways for Lassa and Cham's group. The first was Lassa Rhayme. She had her tribbles and was leaving early to coordinate getting the tribbles for using on the Decimator.

"Commander," said Lux as Ahsoka was standing off to the side. "Thank you for coming all this way. We will keep your prize for you in safe storage on Onderon. You have my promise that no one will touch it."

"Better not."

Lux then smiled. Then, "If it is all right, since you still have the officer commission, we would like to post someone with you. Someone who won't be watching you. Someone who won't get in the way."

Lassa didn't look too happy.

"Someone from communications, I was thinking," said Lux.

Now Lassa was looking very happy.

"Riley?" said the Commodore, "Come over here."

"Yes, sir."

"We would like to assign someone with Commander Rhayme." Lassa was looking with big-eyed expectation.

Riley seemed stunned. There was nothing more he could want.

"You told me yourself that Sparky's ready."

"She is, sir."

"Well, you can help us very much if we could assign you with Commander Rhayme. Would you like to go?"

"YES, SIR! Very—. Ah, yes, sir, I would very much like that."

"I thought so. Get your gear, and report according to Commander Rhayme. She is your commander now." Ahsoka couldn't help but think, 'In more ways than one.'

After this, a very happy Lassa Rhayme left for her ship. She waited for Riley and then left. About a quarter-hour later, they could see Lassa's ship leave through the view ports. 'There must be a lot of happiness in that ship,' Lux thought as he was looking out. He smiled to Ahsoka and put his arm around her as she put hers around him. He then took his arm away after what she thought just a little too short a time. Still, she felt, he seemed to be nervous.

••

Before Cham Syndulla's group was to leave, Captain, soon to be Commodore, Acham was able to find some free time. (His commander told him to take a long lunch.) This free time allowed him to find and meet Risè. When he did, he saw that she was under guard. It was unfortunate, but not unexpected.

Risè looked with big eyes when he appeared. "Captain—"

"Please, Risè, call me Acham."

"Acham," she said with a smile. "I, I guess I have to go."

"I know. Do your best. I'll be here when you come back."

Risè smiled at the thought. But then she was sad. "I feel such a fool. I was acting—"

"Risè," Acham interrupted, "I don't see any fault in you. He is a good man, he is someone I am proud to serve under. Your compassion was extraordinary. I do not blame you. But, his heart, it was always taken."

"Yes, I see that now. Why couldn't I see that then?"

"Risè. Don't think about it. Master Kanan told me about a picture in his room. It is a picture of him when he was younger, but he is looking off to the distance, looking at Master Ahsoka out of the picture. His loneliness brought out your feelings. I do not blame you for them."

There was a silence. Then Risè gave out a small cry. "I will count the days until I can see you again."

"As will I."

When he said that, with honesty and love, she looked up and smiled. "Umm. Do you mind if we—" She didn't finish the sentence as Acham had put a finger on her lips. He then nodded. After he did this, he looked to the two guards quite seriously. Then he twirled his finger for them to turn around. This they did. While they were turned around, they were snickering with each other when they heard smooching sounds. After a time, as they turned back around, they deadpanned seriousness. Acham just huffed at that. They then all four went to the embarkation area.

•••

When they got there, they could see the Marshal, Gobi, Risè, Numa and Kallus, with his new name Gary, were assembled. Commodore Bonteri and, interestingly, Ahsoka were also there. She seemed to be with the Commodore everywhere he went on his ship now. But she was standing close to Hera from the Ghost and in conversation. General Gerrera was also there. This person started the farewells.

"Well, Field Marshal Syndulla, I guess this is it. Thank you very much for your help. We did a heck of a lot that was unplanned, but you and your group helped immensely."

"Yes, father," Hera entered. "What you did was unselfish. It was a pleasure working with you."

"As it was for me, my daughter." There was some silence. "Well, take care of yourselves. It's a bad galaxy out there," the Field Marshal said to everyone.

"Gary," Saw started as he proffered his hand, "Take care of yourself." Kallus took the hand gladly and shook it. "I just hope you don't get too frustrated with the Alliance. We're not as rich as the Empire."

"Thank you, General. I know what you mean. General, I see the Alliance as not perfect, but the Empire is most certainly evil to the heart. I know now I was on the wrong side. I think the Commodore would know something about choosing the wrong side."

Lux smiled when he heard that. "Yes, I most certainly do—or, at least, not seeing what was in front of me." Ahsoka smiled a bit on hearing that.

"Well, at least you found the sense to open your eyes," Hera quipped. Everyone laughed, but for some reason, Ahsoka didn't. She didn't find it funny. Then, she wondered why she was having these feelings.

The brunt of this light joke then looked to Risè. "Good luck to you too, Lieutenant Risè. Take care of yourself and come back after a year to all of us."

"I will, sir," Risè replied. Lux looked embarrassed. Risè then looked to Ahsoka. "If I caused any hard feelings, ma'am, please forgive me."

"I do, young lady," Ahsoka responded.

With that, the entire team then turned and left, leaving the embarkation bay a bit more lonely.


There was to be a going away party for the Ghost the next evening, or, at least, the artificial evening on a warship. In any case, the Plo Koon was hovering above Onderon, well-protected, with the Shaak Ti and the Mace Windu and some other, smaller ships, present as well. Commodores Ashla, Acham and Raffu were also present on the Plo Koon. Commandant Sato was there as well, but Senator Ograna needed to leave to relieve suspicions and Admiral Akbar needed to get back to Mon Calamari. Before the Admiral left, he told Commodore Bonteri that they were to get a top-of-the-line Mon Calamari battleship. Commodore Ahsla has been with the fleet the longest and he thought she deserved it. There would have to be some re-assignments to test out the new ship. His biggest worry, besides the humidity prevalent in a Mon Calamari ship, was if Susie would like the galley or not.

The party itself was a stand-up party with several waist-high, round tables interspersed around the room, the same one which was used for the informal banquet just before all that action; first with Ezra, then with Vizago, then the action on the Broken Horn, then with Thrawn and then with Tarkin, then the action on the Decimator itself, with a little serious action thrown in concerning the Ghost Nebula and the self-destruct. It made the Commodore tired just thinking about all that action. What made him smile, however, was that short time in the hangar bay where he and Ahsoka almost lost their lives. It has been said that a time of adversity can forge a stronger love, a stronger relationship, and he certainly felt that at this moment. Whenever he was with Ahsoka, time passed quickly, what she said was the most important thing in the galaxy and, for some reason, he felt energetic but not all that hungry. He certainly didn't feel hungry now he was so nervous. The time was getting closer. 'Help me out, Zeb,' was his thought just before the party started as he was getting ready in his best dress uniform. He put two things in an inner jacket pocket when he finished. Then, he took them out again, and put them in different pockets, then—'Oh, what the heck. Just leave them like that. Just remember which pocket has which.'

Ahsoka as well was getting herself ready. Viera was helping her out. Ahsoka seemed so nervous to the girl and the older woman had some sort of feeling that something important was going to happen.

This time, instead, Ahsoka decided to wear something lighter, something less 'war-like.' So she put aside all the hip plates and the chest plate and the stiff skirt for something elegant and less stiff. It was a nice skirt like she used to wear (Cinny let her borrow it) on Coruscant before the Temple burned and after she had left the Order; as well as at times early in the rebellion. It was also longer, going down to about mid-calf. She also put on a necklace. She kept her montral band, but added some beads going behind her head, like she used to wear when she was a Padawan. When she put them on, she was reminded of the times in the Order. It seemed so long ago.

A few minutes later, at the exact same time, Ahsoka and Lux made their way to the party from different directions.

••

The party was going well. The food was great, which surprised no one. Susie was near the entrance, directing Knucklehead in clearing away this and bringing in that. Aktay and Cinny often cooked for each other at a kitchen on the lower decks, but they were happy for the chance to take it easy tonight. Aktay thought his commander would need some support as well. He noticed that Ahsoka and the Commodore were often in the vicinity of each other, even though they might be talking with different people. Commandant Sato was towards the front, but off to the side. Ahsoka was so nervous herself that she didn't notice how fidgety Lux was.

Zeb was lost in the food. It was so good he almost forgot what the Commodore asked of him. He knew the Commodore asked something of him, but he just couldn't remember. 'What was it I was supposed to say now?' To add to the poor man's consternation, Commodore Bonteri was at times looking towards him, as if waiting for him to say something. 'What was it? Oh! That's right,' as Zeb remembered. With a raised finger for emphasis, he was just about to ask what he promised the Commodore, but off to the side, Kanan, next to Hera, spoke over him.

"Admiral Bonteri. If I may." Ahsoka and Lux, standing a close distance with each other, looked to Kanan. "When we first met, you mentioned something about us getting a message."

Kanan was taking Zeb's lines. "Hey! That's what I'm supposed to ask." Everyone looked to Zeb. "Oh. Sorry." Susie was laughing in her hand, looking down.

"No," interjected Hera after rolling her eyes at big Zeb, "I remember Lassa saying that Ahsoka got his message."

"Yeah," said Ezra next to Viera, (or was it that Viera was next to Ezra?) "I've been wondering about that." Sabine, by the way, was nowhere to be found since the action on the Decimator.

Both Lux and Ahsoka were looking to Zeb and Kanan. Then, Lux started to tell a story. Everyone was listening quietly.

"Did you ever hear the tale of the girl who kept bees?" There was a shaking of heads all around. Lux started his story. "In the days of The Old Republic, there was a girl who loved keeping bees. She could tell what kind of bee and where it had just come from on a pollen-hunting trip; even its mood, just by listening to it. She loved keeping bees, gathering the honey and tasting and selling it. But she couldn't make enough, just by keeping bees, to make a living. Only those who had the delicate, but sweet numaka plant in the vicinity could make any money. So, she gave up keeping bees, giving them to an old man down the valley, and she made her way to the city, looking for her fortune.

"Well, she didn't make that fortune and after some years had passed, she gave up the city and returned to her first love, keeping bees. Then, a few years later after restarting keeping bees, she made a discovery at the most distant hive. When she tasted the honey, it was a taste she had not had in many years. It was the taste of the numaka flower in her honey. She was shocked and surprised and decided to follow the bees early the next morning to find the trail to the flowers.

"This she did, following the bees over hill and dale early the next morning through the ground-hugging mist. After a time, she found a large grove of the numaka flowers, planted by someone and lovingly cared for. Then, as she was looking at the flowers, wondering how they got there; off to the distance, she heard someone tilling the earth in the early morning. She went to follow the sound to the end of the hedgerow and she turned the corner—"

When Lux said this, he turned to Ahsoka and took both her hands in his. She didn't resist.

"—And when she did, she saw again the boy she loved that she left behind in the city. He had followed her and called to her with his flowers, and she had come to him. She had gotten his message." Lux finished this looking only at Ahsoka. He had a slight smile on his face. She made no move to take her hands away. "Ahsoka," he said after a long silence, "How were we the last time?"

"A lot younger," she replied. She then let go of her right hand and brushed the hair above Lux's ear on that side. "There wasn't any grey, either." When she did this, Lux lightly moved his head into her hand and then she put her hand on his cheek. He then took that hand again.

"You know what I mean." He then did something that caused Hera, Cinny and most of the other women to put their hands over their mouths in surprise.

Hera was almost shouting with her thoughts, 'SayYes-SayYes-SayYes-YouBetter-SayYes-ThisTime-SayYes-SayYes,' and on and on, as if she were trying to force her thoughts into Ahsoka.

"There weren't any knees popping last time either," quipped a very happy Ahsoka with burgeoning tears in her eyes. She almost didn't get that out.

"It's not the age, e'vin, it's the clicks," said Lux.

"Turned into clicking knees."

"Mm," he conjectured saltily. "Shall I say what I did the last time?" Lux said as he took a ring from his jacket. Ahsoka couldn't help but notice that it was the same one from that time long ago.

"You don't need to. I remember every word," Ahsoka said as she crouched down to his level. "'I can't remember the last time when my thoughts were not on you. I can't remember the time from before I met you. You have come to be a part of me. Wherever I am you are with me. Will you let me become a part of you? Will you marry me?'" She then took the ring from his hand and put it on her finger. When she did, she looked up at him:

"In all this time, I have never, ever stopped loving you."

He was stunned for a loss of words. This lasted for a moment, and then he smiled. He smiled and he got closer to Ahsoka. He then kissed her lightly; and when they parted, it was to the sound of clapping and happiness. Hera was on the verge of tears. In fact, the entire Ghost crew that was there and most of the women there were on the verge of tears. They were happy for Ahsoka.

It took some time for the clapping to subside, both looking at the other still kneeling down with each other. But his friend wanted to know something.

"Terry," asked Saw, "That boy and girl. What happened to them?"

"Well from what I heard, they got married—"

"Seems natural," interjected Saw to laughs all around.

Then Lux looked aside to Ahsoka, both still crouched down, "—And had about a dozen or so children," he finished with a joking smile.

"A dozen children?!" Ahsoka said strongly. "Lux 'Terry' Bonteri, if you think I'm having—" Her small tirade was stopped by a kiss from Lux. Everyone found someplace else to look for a few seconds, except for Tricia, for some reason.

"Mommy? What are they doing?"

Barriss couldn't help but smile, here next to her husband. They looked to each other. "You'll find out," was all she could say.

Ahsoka was about to get up, but Lux kept her down.

"That's not all, e'vin," Lux said using the Togruti word for 'my love.' Ahsoka looked at him. "In the time I used to look for you, I spent some time on Shili."

"Oh, so that's how you got these," Ahsoka said as she tapped some of the Akul teeth placed handsomely around the high neck collar of his signature black tunic.

"Master Ahsoka," a young Togruta girl the same age as when Ahsoka became a Padawan, one she remembered as being the head cabin girl. "He saved me and my family that day from a sudden attack by an Akul. He saved us all. I am happy to serve the Commodore's fleet now."

Ahsoka then looked at Lux, wondering what he had. Her eyes got big as he then took out from his jacket an Akul tooth set in the leather from the same animal. On Shili, this would be an engagement band, to be wrapped and tied around her left lekku. He held it up. Suddenly, there was what sounded like a man clearing his throat, somewhat loudly. He looked to the source and saw Aktay. When he looked at him, Aktay was turning his hands around. It took Aktay a few times to get the message across, but Lux finally understood he had the band upside down. When he turned it over, Aktay nodded with a smile. Lux then looked back to Ahsoka, who hadn't taken her eyes off of him. He held the band out and she put her forehead on his upper left chest in the Shili way. Then, he softly and gently tied the band around her soft lekku, careful not to tie it too tight nor too loose. When Ahsoka lifted her head up again, there was more applause. They never took their eyes from each other. When the applause subsided, Hera, with a silent signal of her head, suggested they all leave quietly, which they did. Soon, Lux and Ahsoka were left alone. Then, with the passion of the years gone by, they kissed each other deeply. Long and full of love was the kiss. Lux then brought his woman, still in the kiss, to the carpeted floor so she was on top, but they never let up the kiss. To write more of this loving passion between Human and Togruta would break the rating of this true story so . . . let's be patient.

. . .

Very patient.

. . .

Very, very patient.

. . .

••••

"It's been a long time since we did that."

"Very long."

"It felt so good."

"Mmm. But you know, there's something else we haven't done in a long time."

"Let's see. I haven't carried you. Remember when I accidentally dropped a rock on your foot?"

"Yes, you carried me everywhere—even to the refresher. But no, not that." The there was a pause. "And . . .," Ahsoka said looking straight at Lux.

"And . . .?" he wondered, but he had an idea. "Ummm."

"Lux." Ahsoka bored in. Then, raised eyebrow met raised eye marking. Tanned forehead met burnt-orange forehead. Mustachioed smile met fang-toothed smile.

"And." They then both raised themselves to quietly leave. "Where'd everybody go?" he asked, looking around.

"I don't know." And she really didn't hear them leave.

"Well, first I want to carry you again. I need to get into practice, you know. Carry you across the threshold and all that."

"OK," she said tenuously.

"It's a guy thing. Well, here we go."

Ahsoka then let Lux begin to carry her. He raised her, but suddenly he tilted off to the left side, almost losing his balance.

"What's wrong?" she said as he recovered.

"Nothing, nothing. You've gotten just a little top-heavy, that's all. I'm good." Ahsoka love-tapped him on his arm as he carried her out of the room.

—•—

Thank you for reading this. I am so happy I could get this out so soon.

The story of the girl who kept bees was inspired by an Australian movie from the late 80s or early 90s. I forget the name and I don't have the time to look for it now.

Gary's (Kallus) comment on the Alliance not being perfect and the Empire evil to the heart is from the book, Lost Stars.

Thank you very much for the reviews. I was so inspired to get this out that I haven't responded to your reviews. I am sorry about that.

Please be patient for the next update (Guest, I mean you.) since I need to put a paper in for work. There's about another chapter to go then a short Epilogue.

Take care,

johnt

P.S. For the humidity on a Mon Calamari ship; that is from the novel, Lost Stars.