—•—

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.

—•—

"Go With Me."

"Stay With Me."

Chapter 17

Epilogue: Ten Years After Endor

—•—

Ten years after the victory in the Battle of the Moon of Endor, there was a large celebration. Victory celebrations were being held all around the galaxy. This one was for the area of the galaxy protected by the Bonteri Fleet of the Alliance. After joining the Alliance, the patrol area for the Fleet was expanded: from the Nadadii Corridor, a little past Kiros to the West, then to the eastern edge of the Kashyyk Region where it bordered Hutt Space and then to Bothan Space to the south. The Fleet was not always successful, but they did their best and the Empire often had to think twice before conducting action in that area.

Many people were attending this great, outdoor party. It was expansive, taking several acres on Dantooine. Barbecue pits were everywhere and the variety of food available was endless. For this special occasion, one of the most famous of the restauranteurs of the galaxy was both smiling and busy at the same time. Everything was expertly done and nothing in terms of food was missing. But not only was there every conceivable food available, cooked or raw, the way it was prepared was second to none. The sauces were par excellence and each and every dish was expertly prepared to the taste and desire of the customer. Amongst the throng of as many different species of people as there are planets in the galaxy, a certain Rodian, known now as the Director of Operations, was organizing the running of the feast and the non-food accouterments of the day, and a certain Lasan, now known was President and CEO of one of the biggest chain of eateries in the galaxy, was making sure of the quality and presentation of the foods. Especially making sure that butter was in plentiful supply.

There were multitudes inside the large ring of tents, all sitting at small tables with white cloths over them. Waiters and waitresses in a familiar uniform were running to and fro through the large crowd, serving this flaming dish here, removing this wine stained table cover there, all keeping everything in a high class.

The races present were as diverse as the crew of the Bonteri Fleet. From the outside looking in, each different race seemed to congregate with each other, but there was great intermingling, reminiscing of the old times. The Battle over Yavin Four. The Battle over the Moon of Endor. But especially, for a certain crew, common was the talk of taking the Decimator and besting not only Thrawn, but also Tarkin before both these enemies met their demises on different Battle Stars, known to the Alliance then as, 'Death Stars.'


Around the edge of the shouting, singing, drinking and eating crowd was a broken circle of tents. The spaces in the circle were afforded by tents that were supposed to have been selling food, but they soon packed up, seeing the competition before them. Better to try their luck where they were not competing against one of the galaxy's richest women, Susie, who made her fortune in the popular chain of restaurants, diners and fast food places, and Knucklehead, now President of the catering wing of Susie's food enterprise. These food sellers left the patrons of this large celebration to the trinket and goods merchants. Of these, many could be seen.

However, in the vicinity of these tents was a skulking figure, a figure more like an apparition. This ghostly person, dressed in rags and smelly, would sneak here and creep there. The sellers, if they could stomach the look of this person, would shoo it, or he, or she; it was hard to tell anyways, thinking it was trying to steal something. But it wasn't. This person was actually looking for someone, but was seemingly afraid of doing anything more than just looking. In and out between the tents, this specter went, looking around from inside a tattered hood, but then shying away, when someone whose voice seemed familiar to it was near. All of the sudden, it flew into hiding then, crouching low enough to be unseen, when someone with a voice known to the apparition was in hearing distance, or when a certain officer of the Bonteri Fleet appeared.

••

There were many of the famous here as well. There were many of the heroes of the fighter and the blaster-crew of the Bonteri Fleet as well. General Aktay and his wife and children were here. Cinny had retired from the Fleet when the Battle of Endor was won to take care of the children. Aktay himself was in a scar-matching ritual with a Zabrack retired Marine, each trying to best the other with the number and hideousness of their scars.

Amongst these who were the soldiers of the Fleet, a sad sight met the eyes. Rex, now needing two canes with forearm rests to hold himself up from the advanced age he had come to, was gallantly staggering here and there, but still pooh-poohing these 'Shinies,' as he liked to call every soldier younger than him—which was most all of them, showing off. "Of course," he would say, "We all have scars. Nothing special in that." When he said this, he then noticed a group of people in a battered looking wide-berthed, yet small, ship far off on the outskirts of the festivities, past the merchants' tents. He knew that ship as the Ghost, and remembered the times he had with the crew. So, with some effort, but steadfastly refusing assistance, he made his way to the ship as quickly as he could, to see who had arrived, as he couldn't see the undercarriage of the ship.

•••

When he got there, he was happy to see some who were safe and sound. Hera and Kanan, married yet still childless, were just coming out of the ship down the ramp. After them came Zeb, having gained a little bit of girth around his middle after being with Susie for so long. These three then waited at the bottom. Upon seeing Rex, Hera smiled softly and came up to him. When she did, she put her arms around him and said a soft greeting to her old friend, who had gotten too old too quickly. Kanan and Zeb also came up and shook hands with the old Commander. Rex wanted to know where the others were.

"Ezra and Sabine? Did they—?" hoping against hope that the worst had not happened to them.

"Ezra? Sabine?" replied Hera jokingly. "No, no. They are all right. Sabine has been back on Mandalore for a few years, trying to get things back together. She said she had an aunt who was once the Duchess of Mandalore who wanted nothing but peace. Sabine wants the same and is looking over things there."

"And Ezra?"

"Oh," replied Kanan this time, "He's been at the New Jedi Temple for the last ten years. Almost as soon as Master Skywalker said he intended to bring back the Jedi order, he has been at the Temple."

"Where is it now?"

"Still in the same place as before, but quite the mess. It has probably taken all this long just to clean it up."

"They should both be here pretty soon," Hera informed.

"I'm going to find my wife," informed Zeb. "I'll bring her over when I do."

"Sure thing, Zeb," said Hera as he sauntered away.

"Wait a minute," said Kanan suddenly pointing off to a distance, "Isn't that—?"

"Yes, Commodore Acham. Let's go greet him."

••••

So the trio, going slowly for the sake of Rex, went up to the Twi'lek Commodore. For some reason, he seemed distracted and was looking around as if he was searching for someone.

"Commodore Acham," introduced Hera as she got up to the officer.

"Ah," said a sad Acham, "Commodore Syndulla. Nice to meet you. Master Kanan. Commander Rex." Acham bowed to Kanan. "Commander Syndulla, is your father here?"

"Yes, he is," Hera replied. Then she got a little serious. "He was a little down that you didn't accept the Command of the Fleet protecting Ryloth. It's an all-Twi'lek Fleet. He is still looking for someone. He hopes you may change your mind."

"Yes, Commander, I understand. But I have some other reason why I couldn't. I am sorry," he finished slowly.

Hera then touched with her hand Acham's sleeved forearm to assure him. "Commodore. I'm sorry about Risè," she comforted with true sorrow. Kanan also said a condolence.

"Yes. Thank you. Her body was never found. I still have some hope."

Hera then put a smile on her face, "Well, maybe the situation can change," she said softly. Just then, she caught notice of Ezra. He was in the company of a pretty young Pantoran woman. "Excuse me Commodore. I see an old crew member."

"Yes, of course. Have a nice time."

"Thank you." And with that, Hera and Kanan left Acham to his searching.

•••••

Kanan and Hera were soon in the company of Ezra and his wife. "Ezra. Viera," said Hera. Then they hugged each other. They had to hug Viera carefully as she was carrying a small bundle. They asked to see and were shown a small baby boy with light blue skin.

Hera was cooing over the baby when another familiar voice came through the crowd.

"Let's go children!" said the familiar voice, now seen to be coming from an equally familiar teal-green Twi'lek woman. "Papa! What's holding you up?"

"I don't know. It could be the diaper bags. It could be the toys. It could be—," said a voice emanating from under a bundle he was carrying on his head.

"All right, Gary," said someone who Hera, Kanan and Rex remembered was formally a young woman, now a mother, "I get the drift. We just need to—Why Hera! So nice to see you! Can we stay with you?"

"Sure thing, Numa."

"Thank you. Papa, you can put it down." Then, "Not on the grass! Put it on a table."

"Ok." Gary then proceeded to find an empty table in the area.

Numa then looked at Hera and they both started laughing at the same time. They then hugged each other lightly, Numa telling Hera that there was, "Yet another in the oven just recently."

"My, my what we have been through."

"Yeah, that we have," one said to the other.

The group then took a little time to scan over the crowd.

"It's quite a gathering."

"Yes, it is. I wonder—"

"You wonder what?" said Kanan to Hera on her meanderings.

"Will we see them?"

"It's been ten years, Hera, and more for Ahsoka. Terry we know about."

"Yeah. He's probably here. He's been on the Advisory Council for Mon Mothma since Endor."

"Well," said Kanan, "We need to relax. This is a fun time."

Then, Ezra and Viera had a suggestion. "Let's go look at some of the shops," he said while his wife pointed out to a distance.

"That sounds like a good idea."

The crew of the Ghost then there, with the addition of Viera immediately looked around to see where they could start. Hera asked Numa, "Would you like to come?"

"No. We have too many children. You guys have a good time."

"I didn't know you had so many? The last time I heard, you had three."

"Well," replied Numa, "I had triplets two years ago and all of the sudden our family doubled." Hera, Kanan, Ezra and Veira looked at all the kids by this couple. Some had more human traits like the father, and some more Twi'lek.

"So all the diapers," Kanan noticed.

"Yeah, all the diapers," Gary confirmed tiredly. "They get pretty heavy after a while."

All of the sudden, three men came rushing into the circle. One of them pointed directly at Gary.

"Hey! You're Kallus!"

Gary then stood straight and as tall as he could. Would this be his reckoning day? he wondered. "Yes. That is my name."

"Listen fellas," interjected Kanan, "We don't want—"

"No, you have the wrong idea," said a different man. "He saved our platoon on Vindebana. He saved a lot of our brothers. We just wanted to thank him. We've never had the chance." The man turned to Gary. "Thank you." The three then shook hands with Gary.

Gary, nodded to the men. "You're welcome. Vindebana. That was some bad news. I'm glad you made it out."

"Well, if you have the time, we're over there. There're some other brothers there," the man said pointing to a small roll in the land, "But they didn't want to lose the table. They'd be happy to say hello to you. Lots of food. Lots of—" the man glanced at Numa. "Of, of, of milk! Nice and cold!" The men tried smiling but Numa put on a face that said she knew exactly what kind of 'milk' there was over there. The men then bowed slightly and tipped their hats to Numa, "Ma'am," and left the scene.

"Mmm," conjectured Hera. "Now that was interesting." Then a pause. "Well then, let's go. Numa, Gary. Guard the table for us."

"Sure thing," said Gary. Numa took what little moment she could while looking after the children to nod to the departing group as well.


The crew of the Ghost walked around the festivities. They didn't know many since they were really not a core part of the group, but they did see some familiar faces from the few times they interacted with the Bonteri Fleet for the Phoenix Squadron.

They happened to get next to some stalls selling some items. There was one stall with very nice figurines in solid terra cotta. Everyone, Hera, Kanan, Rex and Ezra and Viera, suddenly stopped when they saw a woman they knew to be familiar, even though she was facing away from them. She was holding a small figurine of Bail Organa that was life-like and well done. The group just looked and looked. Finally, a little girl of about six, noticed them staring at her.

"Mommy. They're looking at me funny," the Youngling said as she held her mother's ground-length dress tightly.

"Well," said the woman as she forlornly put the statue back carefully, "Just ignore—" but she stopped suddenly and smiled as she turned to see them. Hera, Kanan and Rex and Ezra and Viera smiled back. They could also see there was a baby strapped in a holder around her stomach. It was sleeping in complete oblivion.

"Ahsoka!" Hera rushed to her old friend. They both hugged as best they could. "It's so good to see you!"

"Yes, Hera. It certainly is," Ahsoka cried. They held each other for a time before breaking away. Ahsoka then looked to Kanan and smiled, "Hello Kanan."

"Hello Ahsoka," he came up to her to shake her hand.

Rex came hobbling up. As he did so, Ahsoka turned away quickly, kept looking away for a few seconds, wiped a hand over her eyes and then turned back again to smile at Rex. "Hello, old friend."

"Commander," Rex did his best to stand tall and then he saluted. Ahsoka looked at him with sorrow in her eyes.

Ahsoka was able to recover after a while. "Ezra. Viera. The best cabin girl of them all," she said with a smile. "Everyone. This is Zeri. It means 'beautiful woman' in Togruti," she said as she gestured to the girl at her side.

"Hello Zeri," replied Hera. "That's a pretty name."

"Hello," the little girl replied shyly with a finger in her mouth. She had the features of a Togruta girl her age, but lighter skinned and almost imperceptible markings.

"Zeri. Take your finger out of your mouth," Ahsoka said before being interrupted by an older girl that just came up.

"Aunt Hera! Uncle Kanan! Grandpa Rex!" shouted a pretty humanesque girl about fifteen years old, but with visible markings similar to Ahsoka's when she was this girls's age.

"Hello Mina," Hera replied for everyone, "I see you have your lightsaber."

"She went to Ilum a few years back for her crystal," Ahsoka informed. "She's quite good at it. She might even take more time losing to me than she does now in a few more years."

Everyone laughed at Ahsoka's joke. It was good to see she hadn't lost her sense of humor. Mina was exasperated.

"Mama."

"Ok. Ok. You're good. I just hope you don't have to use it like I did when I was your age." She said the last looking at Rex.

"Commander Tano," entered Rex with a memorable lilt. "It was always safe following her into battle since she always cleared away so many of those clankers."

"What! Rex! So you let me take the shots first?! It's a wonder I survived." Everyone laughed again at Ahsoka's quip. She said in an aside, "I really think they were doing that so they could look up my skirt."

"Yeah, that too," countered Rex. Everyone laughed, considering Ahsoka was wearing a very long dress that was brushing the top of the short grass. Kanan remembered it was similar in heaviness to what Master Shaak Ti wore.

"I certainly had some short ones," Ahsoka said in the midst of laughter.

••

"Ahsoka? Where's your husband?" Hera asked when she recovered.

"I don't think he can make it. He—"

"Who said I couldn't make it to this?" shouted a familiar voice. Soon Admiral Bonteri was rushing up to hug his wife and greet everyone. He would have kissed Ahsoka but coming up behind him was—

"Princess Leia," said Hera with a slight bow. "It's good to see you after all this time. You might not remember us, but we—"

"Of course I remember you. You helped me out at Lothal. If I remember correctly, Ezra beat me up; or something like that," Princess Leia added sardonically glancing at Hera.

"Beat you up!" shouted a man who looked very casual and as if he was itching to get into the sky and beyond. However, he scowled very seriously at Ezra. Ezra was taken aback by the man. Behind him were a familiar Pantoran woman and a human guy about her age.

"Oh Han. I was just joking. We needed to fake out the Imperials on Lothal a long time ago so we could escape. It was nothing."

"All right." He then pointed to Ezra. "Just don't try that again."

"I'll vouch for him, General Solo," emphasized the Admiral. "He's good."

"All right. I'll take the word of Admiral Bonteri anytime."

"Thank you, General."

•••

The General and the Princess then sauntered away, greeting those who had contributed to the freedom of the galaxy and leaving Lassa Rhayme and Riley behind. After they left, Admiral Bonteri turned back to his wife and kissed her—and she kissed him back.

"I missed that."

"Me, too."

"Well," said Mina, "If we can separate the lovebirds, maybe we can get a table. What did Uncle Saw call it? 'Lallygagging,' I think." She had obviously inherited some of Ahsoka's humorous streak.

"Hmm. Ahsoka. Your daughter is making fun of us."

"My daughter? You had just as much say in bringing her up."

"All right. Our daughter."

The crew there then greeted Lassa and Riley.

"Hey you two. How are you doing?" asked Hera.

Lassa and Riley shook hands with those there, except Lux, who had brought them along.

"We're doing quite well. I've gotten into legitimate transporting now. It's going well with the freedom blossoming out out there right now."

"Lassa," said Ahsoka, "The kids love the tribbles."

"It's my gift to the one who named them."

"We have a table over there already being saved. It's in a good spot," informed Ezra.

"Shall we?" suggested Hera.

Ahsoka turned to Lassa and Riley. "Would you like to join us?

"No, but thank you," Lassa replied. "General Solo is setting up a special table for the smugglers and, as the Princess call us, 'scoundrels,'" Lassa said with a wry grin. "There were many who helped the Rebellion. Thank you anyways."

"The food is good and with Zeb's connections, I'm sure we can get something special," Lux insisted.

"We'll try to come around later," Riley affirmed.

"Zeb's connections? He just happens to be married to the woman running the food at this event. Besides, I think anything special will be for him and him only," said Ezra. Everyone laughed. They then, with Lux and Ahsoka and their two kids added to the troop (Ahsoka still carrying the sleeping third one), started to make their way to the large table Gary and Numa were guarding. Lassa and Riley said goodbye and left in the direction of the Princess, or, more exactly, Han Solo, who had set up the special place for the smugglers who helped the Rebellion in this area of the Galaxy.


When they got to the table, they could see that a cloth had been placed over it. Who did they see but Knucklehead himself running the show. "Knucklehead's in charge of the catering department of Susie's company," informed Lux. "We've been using him a lot in the change over. She makes the food and he organizes it."

"Yes, I see," said Ahsoka, poking her husband's stomach. Everyone laughed at the joke on the man. "Thank you Knucklehead." The Rodian bowed in response with a smile.

When they got there, the new arrivals greeted Numa and Gary. Ahsoka marveled over the large number of kids of the two couples. Numa and Gary complimented Ahsoka and Lux on their family. With a call from Knucklehead, it wasn't long before Susie and Zeb came up. When they did, Susie was carrying a plate of bright red fruit. Both Ahsoka and Lux knew what they were from far away.

"Hi everyone." Her greeting was returned with smiles. "Here you guys go. Have some for yourselves."

"Susie," asked Viera after biting into one, "These are good. Nice and sweet. What are they?"

"These are Shilaron apples. They're made from two similar fruits on Shili and Onderon. They're very special," Susie finished looking at the Admiral and Master Ahsoka. They looked proud and smiled back.

"I've heard of these," said Numa. "They're supposed to be really hard to get, but worth the trouble."

"And expensive, I've heard," said Gary, a little worried about money for his now-doubled family.

"Well," entered Ahsoka, "We're opening more fields, but it takes at least five years for the first crop."

"We'll get more out there soon," added Lux.

"What do you mean, 'We'?" asked Kanan.

"Didn't you know?" asked Susie. Everyone looked at her with blank faces. "The Admiral and Lady Ahsoka made these apples." Both these people looked proud at the achievement they had made. In later years, after this small start, the crops of these apples would replace the House Bonteri fortune that was almost used all up in the fight against the Empire—and then some—many times over.

Gary wanted to know one thing. "Admiral. Could we—"

"Sure, Gary, " as Lux cut off Gary, "How many tons of free samples do you want?" Everyone laughed.

Ahsoka added, "We'll get plenty to everyone, won't we honey? Honey?" She then poked Lux to get a response.

"Sure, sure. Everyone."

"I use them exclusively at my restaurant and with Knucklehead when he caters."

"Thank you both," smiled Ahsoka.

Lux asked, "Susie? Knucklehead? Will you stay with us?"

"Why, thank you, 'Cap'n Terry." Some chuckles resulted from that quip.

"Thank you, sir," responded Knucklehead.

••

Everyone then started eating as a line of waiters and waitresses brought up a plethora of different types of food. There was even a chef to make things right there for them on the temporary stove close by. While they were eating, now and then, the darkly cloaked apparition would slink into peripheral vision and then just as quickly slide away. To the Admiral, one time, it seemed familiar. Zeri saw it too, and was frightened.

Lux, however, needed to excuse himself from the eating for a short time. He then made his way to the stage area. The commanders of the various ships in the fleet, including Commodore Acham, even though he still seemed to be searching for someone from his vantage point on the stage, and Fleet Admiral Bonteri were giving the eulogies for those fallen. After a communal moment of silence, the Admiral thanked everyone for attending and wished them a hearty time. After him, General Gerrera, who arrived from a different direction where more of his soldiers were congregated, spoke and thanked everyone for coming. After completing the short welcome, Lux and Saw left the stage and they came with each other to the table with the Ghost crew and many, many others. Along the way, Lux was stopped by a kind-faced man about the same age as him. Lux asked Saw to continue on while he talked with the man. Ahsoka could see who the man was as well.

When he got back to the table, Saw asked Lux, "Terry. Who was that man just now?"

"That was Tekka." Ahsoka knew what was going on as Lux had always conferred with her about the project. Lux then informed the others:

"Before the end of the Empire, many could see that the Empire was coming to an end. We hoped that the Jedi would return and we adopted the principles of the Jedi about a few months after we met the Ghost. We even had our eyes open to any bit of information about a stranded Jedi—even slicing into the Empire's communications. At first, we were underground, but after Endor, we have become more active. Since then, even though we all are not Force-sensitive, we have been looking for information about Force children and teenagers. Tekka himself is an explorer and since I am in space often, we especially look for any information. There is still some area of space controlled by the former Empire, but enough space has now become free that we can look now in more and more places. We have also been helping Master Skywalker for his needs on re-starting the Jedi Order."

"That's true," entered Ezra. "We've seen some people at the Temple. They do many things the old Temple workers used to do and they help those old workers when they return."

"What were you talking about, honey?" asked Ahsoka.

"About a name for the group. We have a unanimous decision about a name, now."

What is it?"

"'The Church of the Force.'" Ahsoka smiled on hearing that.


After returning from the stage and explaining about the Church of the Force, Lux made a point to get Commodore Acham over to them. After some persuading, he was able to do so; Commodore Acham all the while looking around. When he got there, he greeted everyone, but excused himself. "Excuse me. I think I see someone I know. I'll be right back. He might have some information." He then went off a ways, scanning the surroundings.

Lux quietly explained what happened while Acham was away.

"A little over a decade back, Risè was lost in a battle before Endor. We don't know what happened to her. Acham almost gave up his commission he was so frantically looking for her. We persuaded him to stay, but he refused all promotions. A promotion would have taken him out of space, but at the commodore's rank, he could still get a lot of raw intel that he hoped would lead to her and he could still go get her. He was offered by Marshal Syndulla a commission as an Admiral for the Ryloth Fleet as well, but he refused that too. Whenever he gets the chance, he searches for Risè—even in the morgues I've heard."

"I feel so sorry for him," said Numa.

"Yes, I think we all do."

By this time, Commodore Acham had come back. Susie made him a special plate. He took it and thanked Susie silently. He was about to put it upon the table when out of the corner of his eye, he could see a dark, moving shape. It was the cloaked ghost that had been haunting the outskirts of the festivities. When he saw it, Acham almost dropped the plate and some food even spilled out onto the table. He immediately started running. As soon as he did, the dark shape fled away in a flurry of tattered cloak. Lux could see what he was running at and he lit off too, but not before telling everyone what was happening:

"It's Risè!"

Great was the commotion around them, everyone seeing Fleet Admiral Bonteri, also of the council for the Chancellor, run away so fast. Princess Leia and General Solo could also see what was going on. The Princess asked some security guards to run to see what the commotion was about. In the party at the table, those that could—Saw, Ezra, Hera, Kanan and Gary also ran after the Admiral. Ahsoka did as well, after putting her still-sleeping baby on the table. Viera, Knucklehead, Rex, Zeb (never really fast on his feet), Susie and Numa were left to guard the table.

••

The others ran after Risè, but Ahsoka took a different route to head her off. This she did. She could see Risè—was that really Risè?—and stopped her course. Risè immediately veered away, but she was slowed enough so that Acham came behind her and tackled her to the ground. She was still trying to get away, flailing legs and arms, but when the Admiral came up, she started to calm down. Everyone could see that she was missing a lekku under the cloak. She still had her face to the ground, panting, but when she lifted her face, half of it had burn marks.

"Risè. Risè. You're alive," Acham let out happily.

"Yes, I'm alive. Now will you leave me alone?"

"But Risè—"

"Go away! Leave me alone!" she screamed as she turned her face back to the ground.

"I'm your husband," Acham replied. "I cannot do that. I will not do that." In the meantime, Lux smiled and nodded slightly to Gary and the Ghost crew there. They got the cue to leave. Just then, some security guards came up. They were surprised at the gathering of the status of the people there, sweating and breathing hard. Lux then assured them that everything was all right. They then left quickly acknowledging respectfully the Admiral, followed by Hera, Kanan, Ezra and Gary at a slower pace.

Acham still had his arms around his wife.

"Risè. Acham. Would you like to join us?" Ahsoka invited, kneeling next to her.

"Yes, please," added Lux from behind her. Risè just curled back to the ground.

"Risè," Acham said, "You are with friends."

"Yes, Risè. Everyone would love to meet you."

Risè then lifted herself and when she was able to, she pulled the cloak over her head, exposing her burned face. "Would they like to see me as well?"

Lux then came over to her front and kneeled next to Ahsoka. He looked her straight in the eye. "Yes."

"Well, I'm obviously not the woman I was."

Acham answered quickly, "Yes you are. You are the woman I love and will always love." Lux and Ahsoka both then got up and went off a ways. Risè then looked at Acham. He then kissed her lightly. She then smiled, a smile of hope—something she had never had the last decade.

"All right," she said. Acham then helped her up and led her back to the group as Lux and Ahsoka walked slightly ahead. Saw, as he went off in a different direction, said he would bring Barriss over as well as she had helped some in the search for Risè.

•••

When Risè got to the table, everyone was expectantly happy. Everyone greeted her. Even Princess Leia—General Solo found General Calrissian and were talking war stories still—came by and greeted Risè. She said she knew of her exploits and she thanked her for her work during the Rebellion. Risè nodded an acknowledgment. It wasn't long before other crew members from the Plo Koon, Aktay, Cinny, some captains from other ships and many others; as well as those on other ships Risè had been on or commanded came up to renew their friendship, many emotional that she was finally found.

Susie fixed Risè a plate, but was cuffing away tears all the time. When Risè tasted it, she became happier than she had been in a long time; except for meeting Acham again. Everyone ate with her as well. It lasted a long time as many people came up and greeted everyone at the table; now that they were all there. After a time, Gary said he wanted to leave for the group who came to him earlier.

"Mmm," said Numa sarcastically, "I suppose you want a drink of that 'milk' they said they had." Everyone, Risè included, smiled at that.

"Well. They did invite me over."

"Then you have my permission to return their kindness. Just don't drink too much, Papa," Numa added with a wave of her pretty, teal-colored finger.

Gary smiled back at his wife. "All right." He then got up and started to go to the table of the group of men where the 'milk' was.

"Mind if I tag along?" asked Kanan.

"Come along. I'm sure there's lots of 'milk' over there," assured Gary. Before they knew it, Knucklehead, Zeb, Rex and Ezra joined as well, leaving all the women and the kids, including Mina, and Acham and Lux.


"Risè" said Lux quietly, "Would you want to tell us what happened?"

"Maybe not the details," she said glancing at Acham. "Will that be all right?"

"You don't need to say anything. It's up to you."

"Well, I guess I owe you that for not contacting you. But after a time, I just wanted you to forget about me—after what happened to me."

"Just tell us what you want to."

"Well. You remember the action off Dressel."

"Yes, I do," responded the Admiral. "It was one of the battles as a diversion for getting the first Death Star plans. General Gerrera was in on the theft himself. It was a win."

"Except for my ship. It was damaged and we were suddenly diverted to Hutt Space close by. The ship was damaged and breaking up. I gave the order to abandon ship and stayed making sure everyone was off and then set the self-destruct."

"We rescued all the pods we could, Risè," said Acham. "I was devastated you weren't with them."

There was a vocal sigh from Risè on hearing this. "Well, after setting the self-destruct, I got into an escape pod. What I didn't know was that it had been damaged in all the fighting. As it entered the atmosphere, it started to crack open right before my eyes. All I could do was hope that it wouldn't blow open on the way down. It didn't; but flames came rushing in before I could completely protect myself. As you can see," Risè said as she gestured to her face.

"The pod crashed onto the surface of Nar Kaaga, fortunately with an oxygen atmosphere, but infested with lower-level Hutts. My legs were broken and some of my ribs when the pod impacted with the terrain. One of the Hutts took pity on me enough to make me his slave. Well, at least I was able to mend. I tried to convince him that there would be plenty of money for my release, but for some reason, he didn't want to let me go. It was later I found he needed to pay off another Hutt, named Jabba." Then there was a tense pause. "I was the price."

There was a silence and a worry amongst the listeners. They knew how bad Jabba was. Risè then continued:

"To make a long story short, I was a cooking slave for most of the time—for obvious reasons. I did try to escape once and was punished as you see," she said as she gestured to a lekku cut off a little more than halfway. "Apparently, Jabba thought I was so worthless that he tried to feed me to his rancor twice. I was nothing more than food for a monster. Once, as I was lined up in front of the cage, all of the sudden a girl like me but darker green and wearing netting, tumbled into the pit. I closed my eyes as I heard her scream. I still had my eyes closed closed tightly when the screaming stopped and for most of the way when they pushed me back to the dirty cell I called home. The nightmares I had that night.

"Soon after, there was a second time for me to be fed to the monster. Again I was lined up to be put in the pit—but suddenly, the blast door covering opened and a good-looking, young human man tried to get out, pulling on the bars of the outer door. Past him I could see the rancor turn and go for him. Again, I closed my eyes. I opened my eyes when suddenly everything became quiet and I could see the caretakers of the rancor crying and the rancor inside, with a wall crushing into its head. Again, I was led back to my cell.

"But some hours later, Fortuna came rushing in. Suddenly, he opened my cell door and told me to scram. I considered later after what I heard had happened to Jabba that maybe he had a tinge of remorse about me. Maybe he didn't want my death on his hands. Well, some other girls weren't so lucky and he grabbed all he could and herded them into a ship and left post-haste. I don't know where any of those girls are now."

"Amazing," said Princess Leia, "I was there at the exact same time. I also was a slave of Jabba's for trying to free Han. If only I knew," the Princess finished, slightly troubled.

"Then we were fated to finally meet," soothed Risè as she put her hand on Leia's. She then continued after a short pause to continue her story. "I eventually found my way to Ryloth and bummed and begged to keep myself alive. I was just barely able to make it here since I knew you would be here (she said this last directly to Acham) and I wanted to see you one last time; and then just fade away," Risè said while turning away.

"Risè," Acham said quietly but turning her chin back towards him, "I know it must have been tough. I want to take care of you. You are my wife. Will you let me do that?"

Risè, after a time seemed to relent, and just nodded.

Admiral Bonteri added, "Risè. We will all help you." He then looked a ways past to where the group of men disappeared, "And I'm pretty sure when they sober up, they will too," he said with a nod in their direction, trying to bring a little mirth to the heaviness of the air just then. "You still have your commission with back pay. I made sure that it wasn't revoked. It's waiting for you the moment you want it. I'm also sure we can help you with recovery and keep you out of harm's way."

"Thank you Admiral. It is . . . ." Risè then choked up and put her face in Acham's chest, as the others gave her the time to recover, getting teary-eyed by the time she did. "Thank you Admiral, but I would like to be with my husband."

"Oh," quipped Ahsoka blinking her eyes while she said this, "So you want to be in his way then." Everyone laughed as much as they were sad just moments before.

"If he'll have me," Risè said.

"That I will, my wife, that I will."

All off the sudden, Mina said, "Hey what's that over there?" she said pointing, but at the same time tapping Acham. All the others were looking to where she was pointing, confused. Ahsoka could swear she heard some smooching sounds before she turned back. Lux, turning back to see the re-united couple, then went away and commed someone.

••

During this time, Saw, Barriss, and Tricia, now a beautiful teenage girl, came up to the group. Barriss hugged Risè and told of her joy at seeing her again.

Suddenly, before they knew it, Hera's father, the Viceroy of Ryloth, Cham Syndulla, came into view, trailed by his advisors. When he got close, Commodore Acham, Risè and everyone else stood up.

"Hera, good to see you," the Viceroy said. "Hello everyone. Admiral Bonteri. Commodore Acham. Risè," he said with a slight bow to each. Then quietly to Risè, "I heard about it. Welcome back." Risè just nodded.

Lux needed to bring the conversation to a certain direction. "Viceroy Syndulla. How goes it with finding the commander for the Ryloth Fleet?"

"No one yet," he started sadly, "We are still looking. We—"

"Viceroy, if I may," Acham entered and stood. He looked at Risè, who nodded to him. "Is the offer still open for me?"

"It most certainly is," said a happily surprised Cham Syndulla.

"Well, I— We would like to take you up on the offer," he said while holding one of Risè's hands in one of his.

"Thank you Commodore, thank you," Cham said as he rushed in and shook Acham's hand.

"And since you will be commanding a planet-wide fleet, I will put in for your promotion as Rear Admiral," said Admiral Bonteri, "If it was approved once before, it'll be approved again."

"I have to go," said Princess Leia. "Commodore Acham, I will make sure it goes through the Senate, even if I have to drag Admiral Ackbar there."

Both Cham and Risè got large eyes. "Why thank you sir. Thank you Princess" he said. Everyone was with hope now that good may come of this. Princess Leia took this pause to leave the group.

"The fleet's waiting at Ryloth in stationary orbit, awaiting a commander," said Cham Syndulla with a smile.

"Thank you, sir."

The dignitaries from Ryloth then bowed their 'Your welcome's and headed off to another direction. As Viceroy Syndulla and his entourage were disappearing, a group of guys singing loudly came into hearing.

"Well, it looks like the little boys are coming back after their 'milk' drinking," joked Numa.

Then, Lux started to leave.

"Where are you going?" asked Ahsoka.

"Obviously some pretty good milk," was the reply, pointing to the group if men having a very hard time walking straight—obviously not even attempting to.

"Oh no you don't. Stay here," Ahsoka commanded with a finger pointing downwards.

"Yes, Master Ahsoka," Lux replied. Everyone laughed.

All too soon the festivities were over. It would take several days to clean up and Knucklehead would get right to it—just as soon as he got over his hangover.

Each went his or her own way again. Most were going back to what they had been doing since the victory over Endor, helping the New Republic recover from the ravages of the Empire. Some were off to forge new paths. Acham and Risè were amongst these.

They all knew that this peace could not last forever.

But it sure felt good while it was there.

FIN

—•—

Thank you for reading this story.

What can I say to my wonderful FanFiction friends who stayed with this story other than thank you so very, very much. It is my greatest pleasure to thank Lux's Sister, Starwarshobbitfics, David Davies, shanSWfan, Titania and all of you who have taken time not only to read this little story, but also to write what you thought of it. Thank you so much. And, more importantly, thank you for your patience to the end.

Well, this is the Epilogue chapter so there shouldn't be too much to say in the author's note (other than thank you, of course).

Right now, I am reading the Ahsoka book. When I saw the dedication to the Handmaiden, I was left wondering if Ahsoka was going to have to fight the Minions of Gilead. (Maybe it was just a tribute to the author's fellow Canadian writer.)

That said, I have found some incongruities of the author. (Wait! Am I allowed to say such things?) For one, on page 10, the author wrote that Ahsoka didn't have the "bile" to tell something disappointing to someone else. Is that the right word—"bile"? That would usually mean that someone is very vituperative about something. How about, 'courage' or 'fortitude'?

I did find Aftermath: Life Debt to really show me the difference between fan-written fiction and a professional writer. How the climax was thought out and melded into the story, even involving Han Solo unknowingly, was superb.

(Now that she is out, I wonder if Ahsoka is going to show up in any pre-Twilight media.)

Guest—thank you for mentioning about getting to the Kanera of this story. I'm sorry there was so little, mostly innuendoes. I think I was concentrating so hard on the Luxsoka to fit them into my brain.

I don't know why, but I am also not very good with Sabine. There has been a lot about her on the show recently and I should do more research on her.

With this story finished, I will go back to the other stories that remain incomplete. I found a really good app, "Scrivener," for writing long prose. I have found it to be very productive. What I would like to do is to write the complete stories and then publish them on a regular basis. It may take a very long time. I will try to have some one-shots in between that are ravaging my brain as well.

Thank you,

johnt