Tales in Star Wars Andor - It's all building up to... something (ep 11-12 02)
By Gun Roswell
Preface
From the shadows, something unexpected, emerges
If you want to survive, you need all the allies you can get
Guess who's it is, coming over?
Preface
Andor, season one, in between episodes, the missing scenes - after/around episode eleven/twelve (with predictions included(?))
As it turned out, everyone, even the uninvited were popping up everywhere on Ferrix. For Maarva Andor's funeral.
But, was it really Maarva Andor's funeral they were all taking part of?
Tensions are on the rise. All around and among everyone living on the planet.
And something, is most certainly brewing beneath the surface.
Perhaps they are all waiting for a twist or a turn… perhaps even, a BIG BOOM?
Set in the world of Star Wars Andor space time continuum. Somehow canon compliant, maybe? But I think this is starting to move towards the non-canonical direction now…
From the shadows, something unexpected, emerges
'Never take the supposed truth at face value. The galaxy as we know it, is built with lies after all.' The funeral was over and the crowds were beginning to disburse.
The streets unusually quiet for this time of day. With most the inhabitants having returned to their homes, the day done, even if it was only afternoon. It was out of respect to Maarva Andor that they had all done this. All the businesses now closed, the patrons having gone to their homes. The schools empty, with even the rowdy crowds sometimes occupying the few more busy streets now having disappeared.
It was uncanny to anyone else, whom were not privy to the customs of Ferrix.
Like the imperials now stationed there, but also the few other visitors present.
Cinta, however had gotten wind of the custom, while working at the bar.
"It is their way. To honour their dead."
Cinta enlightened both Luthen and Vel. With the three of them having gone back to Cinta's and Vel's rented room after the formalities of the funeral were over.
"They close up everything right after the ceremony and it will all be closed down until the next day, the exact same hour the brick was laid, is announced from the bell tower."
"So, that means we are stuck in here for the next twenty-eight hours."
Luthen wasn't too happy about the whole situation even if he wanted to respect the customs of the people of the planet. But remaining on Ferrix for too long would jeopardise him ad the other two. The risk of getting caught growing as the imperials had been all over the place during the funeral and before, as they had observed. Much more so than Luthen had even expected, seeing the troopers on every corner en mass.
"Do you think they will tone it all down or perhaps even stop their search here now that Cassian Andor was a no show."
Vel hoped they would though. Because that would mean less of an imperial presence and the rebels would be able to move more easily around the planet. Hopefully recruiting those both Vel and Cinta were sure were there, now hiding in the shadows because of the Empire.
Because the Ferrix resistance, which Vel and Cinta had deduced already after their findings, was very much alive and existing.
"Well, since their main purpose of being here is pretty much a loss now, and there are few resources here to exploit, I would think they would recall most of the troopers. But, it is difficult to tell what the imperials think or how they act these days."
The M.O. of the imperial officers having become more radical in the past few weeks, even if it was what Luthen had expected, even wanted, was causing some headache for his own planning.
"So, you think they'll remain here, in full force."
Cinta wasn't really asking though, afraid of the answer, but sure of what it was.
"If they think there is any possibility for any kind of resistance to reside here, then yes. Then again, they might not be as smart as you two are. And perhaps, they have yet to realise that remaining on Ferrix would be like remaining seated on top of a lit up powder keg about to explode."
Luthen sounded rather contemplative in his tone, having clearly taken Cinta's and Vel's observations on Ferrix to heart. But predicting the Empire's next moves had proven rather difficult lately.
"But, I would say that we have to make our move, no matter the consequences. And soon too. Before it's too late."
Luthen was referring to contacting the Ferrix Daughters, Maarva Andor's sorority. The very best place he knew they should start their recruiting. Having been pretty sure that Maarva had indeed been part of some dormant resistance movement.
Or perhaps, it wasn't as dormant as the rest of them thought after all.
"Ma'am, are we going to pack things up here now, that Cassian Andor was a no show? After all, he was the reason we started all this, here." The head of security motioned around him while waiting for Dedra Meero to give her response.
Dedra was quiet still though, for a long moment after the question was sprung here way. This, Ferrix, was still her show after all. Major Partagaz had put her in charge of this mission and the order still stood. Apparently as long as she saw fit.
But, Dedra needed to decide what their strategy was going to be in regards of moving things along on Ferrix. Whether to stay in full force or cut their losses and leave. Meaning they would leave only a minimal crew of troopers behind to monitor the situation. After all, Ferrix was now officially part of the Empire's domain.
"I will assess the situation momentarily. I don't like to make hasty decisions, especially without having all the facts at my disposal."
Dedra replied as much, rather curtly at that.
"I need all the surveillance footage of and around the town's square during the funeral, just in case we missed something."
Dedra was nothing if not thorough after all. Always.
"I will have it all delivered to you in fifteen."
The security chief promised Dedra then. And with a salute, left her to her own devices. Dedra deep I thought of what the next move should be and how it would benefit their mission. Her mission.
"What do we do next? Now that Maarva is gone?"
Del, one in the group of Ferrix's Daughters, the sisters as they called themselves as, asked the rest of the group. All of them having gathered in the one their homes, Del's to be exact, after the ceremony. Officially they were following the mourning tradition. That of a one day period of peace and quiet. But in reality, they were discussing their options now that their leader was gone.
"There is really nothing we can do. There are too many imperials on the planet and that means we cannot make one single move without someone watching. Not even taking a longer whizz in the fresher most likely going unnoticed for them!"
Despite the dire undertones of their discussion, there was a few chuckles in the room. But what they were certain of, running constant sweeps of to be sure, that their homes were not monitored. Not yet anyway.
"What of Cassian? Could he take over Maarva's operation?"
There was a moment of silence before someone else commented.
"I doubt he would be up to the task. Besides, he was a no show!"
A rude reminder, but sadly this was the case as the sisters saw it.
"Indeed, against what we had expected. But in a way, Cassian is not to blame, as the imperials would have most likely captured him if he had shown up. Or even shot!"
As apparently, the sisters had hoped and wished for Cassian to come to his mother's funeral, despite the danger.
"Well, I suggest we lay low for the moment just the same. Perhaps the imperials will ease up now that Cassian did not come back and his mother is gone. Maybe they imps will finally figure out there is nothing for them here after all."
"Maybe. Then again I would not bet on it. Besides our people are still being held prisoner without any information when they are to be released. Maarva was supposed to handle that one too."
The discussion continued for a moment longer. But none of the sisters seemed to come up with any good answers or solutions to their predicament. Maarva having been the one to lead them all through their endeavours. Well, mostly.
"Oh Maarva, how I wish you were still here, with us. We could really use your wisdom right about now."
Del then stated solemnly, to no one in particular.
If you want to survive, you need all the allies you can get
'Sometimes, allies can be found in places never expected, or people, never thought to become that. Allies.'
There was a knock at the door. None of the sisters present there really having expected anyone to arrive, as this was the time after the funeral. Knowing all of the town folk were gone to their own homes and staying there until the next day. As per tradition.
The sisters in the room, exchanged glances. The worry written all over their faces. With their worst one being that of the Empire having come for them after having figured out that they, all of them, were involved in the underground movement. Even if there was really nothing too active going on. Not really. Not at the moment anyway.
Del was up from her seat before anyone else. After all, this was her home, so she should answer the door.
Getting to the door, with her heart pounding ever louder in her chest the closer she got to the entrance.
Reaching for the panel, she punched in the code and the door swooshed open.
What Del saw there, wasn't at all what she had expected.
There were no stormtroopers behind the door. No imperials. Rather someone, whom looked totally familiar to Del, despite the odd clothing worn and the somewhat of a mask on top of their
"Cassian?"
Del managed to whisper, not really sure if she was seeing ghosts or what.
Cassian placed his finger on top of his own mouth signalling the shushing motion. Indicating for Del to remain silent until they were both inside safely from prying ears.
Cassian stepped inside and the door swooshed shut behind him.
Del simply stood there, glaring at the man, whom they had all hoped would come back to Ferrix, but clearly, could not. Then again, there he was!
Cassian, seeing the shock on Del's person, took her gently by her arm and guided Del into the living area of the house, where the rest of the sisters were waiting nervously as to whom it was who had been at the door.
Their shock and surprise audible as they could see whom Del had brought with her.
"Cassian?!"
They all exclaimed, in varied tones of surprise. And just like Del, not really sure if they were seeing things or not.
"It is really you?"
Dora one of the sisters just had to ask. again.
It was then when Cassian pulled the prothesis of a mask off of his face. The one having hidden a multitude of sins and enabling Cassian to go unnoticed during his trip to Ferrix and standing among the crowds at the funeral as well.
Only now to be recognised properly by those closest to him, his mother's friends. Their extended family really who had all known Cassian since a child. And so, as the mask was torn off, all of the sisters could see it was really Maarva's son who had arrived.
"Yeah, it's me."
Cassian let a small smile fall onto his face.
"How?"
"Well, the mask did help some."
Cassian explained then. Not really too eager to go into details at the moment. As there were more pressing matters at hand. Like saving Bix.
"I was at the funeral."
Cassian told them as much.
"Good. Maarva would have wanted that."
Del told him as much, even if it had been dangerous for Cassian to do so.
"Please, have a seat. Do you need something?"
Del then asked, realising she wasn't being too good of a host. The shock of seeing Cassian still very much present, clearly.
"Thanks, I'm fine."
Andor took a seat in the midst of the ring of sisters seated at the round table.
"I can't believe you are really here."
Dora said then, only too happy Cassian had made it home.
"They were looking for you. All over."
Del then reminded them all, but mostly it was directed at Andor.
"I know."
"They have Bix."
"That's why I am here."
They all exchanged glances, seeing the look on Cassian's face. That of him planning something. Having seen the look plenty of times before on the man. But, settling down and letting Cassian speak up just the same. Maybe, its as a good plan after all.
"We need a diversion."
Cassian already having explained his plan to the sisters. To get their friends out of the imperials hands. And now, they were in the midst of discussing implementation of it.
"What kind of a diversion?"
Dora asked curious, and most likely a tad clueless too as to what it might just entail.
"You cannot mean…"
Del being pretty familiar with Cassian's usual shenanigans was pretty sure what he had meant though.
"It's the perfect cover."
Cassian defended the plan quickly.
"What do you mean?"
Leta, one of the sisters wasn't following either, this, train of thought.
"Things, which go boom in the neighbourhood."
Del replied with a hint of a warning in her tone. As this was rather reckless and certainly something to draw the attention of the imperials.
"But, is there no other choice for us?"
Dora asked not liking the prospect either.
"No, we need to divert the guards away from the holding area. And besides, an explosion is a great way to draw attention. Maybe kill a few of them in the process."
Cassian was adamant about the explosion being the best choice.
"The hotel."
Leta commented knowing all too well too where the imps had taken their people for interrogation.
"Yes. I know where are kept there. In the basement rooms."
Cassian revealed as much.
"We are going to get them, and it has to happen soon."
There was a long moment of silence in the room before Del broke it after letting her glance wander from one sister to the next. Getting no objections from them, not any more despite the few observations.
"We are in."
Guess who's it is, coming over?
'Even from the darkest of shadows, something good comes forth.' "What you are proposing, is very dangerous. Could cause some lives, our people's lives if we are not careful."
Dora wasn't too happy about the part where the distraction of Cassian's had turned out to be an explosive set at the other end of the town centre.
The plan was simple enough - to draw the imperial troopers there and leave, hopefully, only a handful of them to guard the hotel where their people were kept as captives still.
"I know. But, that it the risk we need to take. Word should be spread out to as many as possible to stay away from there."
Cassian having made the plan, rather quickly at that. But knowing where to get the needed explosives to make a big enough boom for the imperials to leave them wondering what was going on. Buying the much needed time to get to the hotel for the rescue.
At least, it had seemed like a good idea at the moment Cassian had thought of it. Still, Dora was right, there was a big risk for their people present. As someone not getting the warning ahead to stay away and getting caught in the explosion.
"The place is deserted. And so, well, minimal casualties should be excepted."
Cassian was being a realist just the same.
The sisters were all quite for a long moment even if in their enthusiastic haste all of them already having agreed to this plan to move along. Still, there was a method to get the word out to all town folk. And then, well, the rest was up to the Fates, they guessed.
"Alright, we will do it your way."
Del agreed for the second time.
"What would you have us do, part from getting the grapevine going?"
"Well, I need two, three tops able bodies with me to get into the hotel. Brasso would be preferable. But I have yet to talk with him."
Cassian had that too planned already. Knowing what and whom he needed for the actual rescue job.
"Leave those to me."
Leta was already up and on the comms.
"I will get you your crew. After all, we don't want to advertise your being here just yet. Because the word might just get out to the imperial ears to hear too."
Leta was being careful, knowing how easily information could get into the wrong hands.
"Thanks!"
Cassian had planned on going to see his friend, Brasso. To talk to him. And also having learnt B was with him now, Cassian really wanting to see his little friend as well.
"Don't thank us yet. So far, we have been able to avoid confrontation with the Empire, to some extent after the havoc you managed to raise here a while back. But, we'll get the people moving, for sure."
Del had not been too happy of the problems Cassian's hunt had caused the rest of them. But that could not be helped now. And the only thing, part from laying blame on Cassian, was to move forward. Together. She knew Maarva would have wanted that.
Cassian only nodded, knowing Del was right, of course.
"Meanwhile, you can stay here until we are ready to get things moving."
Dora told Andor as much.
After all, she was sharing the dwelling with Del and her word had meaning too. Getting a glance from her significant other there with a kind of a objective expression at first. But Del knew Dora was right.
Cassian's whereabouts should not be revealed until it was time for it.
Cinta was back from her excursion. Having made a few casual friends in town so far while working in the bar and slowly but surely getting into the goings on Ferrix.
Cinta had heard from one of her new friends, warning her rather, to be careful and not to be at the end of the main street, where the old brewery was. The warehouse long since abandoned she knew to be there.
Cinta looked exited enough while braking the news to Vel and Luthen.
"This could only mean one thing."
Cinta was happy they had finally made some progress, after sitting on their collective derrières for so long without any real results.
At least, that was how it had felt like for a while now.
"That the locals have had enough?"
Luthen wasn't really asking though.
Knowing well the passing of Maarva Andor and the extended large occupancy of the Empire hunting down Cassian Andor there had most likely caused the camel's back to finally snap.
"Yeah. They are most certainly planning something. Something big."
Cinta had a mad woman's gleam in her eyes, having waited for some action to happen for the longest time already.
"But this, resource of yours, did not know what, right?"
Vel asked then. But most likely, they did not know what it was. Simply to keep their heads down. It was the usual M.O. after all. To simply warn one's people of something upcoming and only the core personnel would know what it was that was really planned.
"No. But they said it was big and dangerous and to stay away."
"And you trust them?"
Luthen asked, even if he was somewhat convinced this was good intel.
"Well, as much as any of us trusts a stranger to give important news to another stranger."
Cinta glared at Luthen, mocking his somewhat stupid question.
"But at least we know now, that something is about to go down. And that means, we need to make our move too. Try to find out whom it is behind the, well, something big as you said."
Vel was as eager as Cinta was, clearly sharing her partner's enthusiasm of finally having something to do. And blowing a few imps up in the process maybe?
Luthen wasn't sharing in the other two's eagerness at all though.
After all, these were wildcards as he saw these people to be as. The inhabitants, the supposed underground of Ferrix. As Luthen did not know them, he did not trust them. Then again, Luthen trusted no one. So, it wasn't really a novel lack of trust.
"So, we should go back, try to find out more."
Vel was already picking up her jacket ready to pounce out the door.
Cinta was with her, but then they heard Luthen speak.
"Are you two totally sure, that this, involving the natives, is the correct thing for us, our cause to be doing?"
They both turned to him and almost in perfect unison responded.
"Yes!"
The Daughter's of Ferrix alongside Cassian and a few other trusted friends had been putting things together in the home of Del and Dora's.
They had been all totally immersed in the whole process, not much talking going on in general, when they heard the soft knock at the door.
Just like before, they all stopped what they were doing. And, having not really expected anyone to arrive, the glances were exchanged between them all before Del got up and went to answer the door.
It was already dark outside and Del was surprised to see no one there at all.
Except, she felt them then.
"Hello? Is there anyone there?"
She asked in a low tone, her heartbeat picking up speed once again.
Just then, a shadowy figure stepped into the dim light of the lamp above the door and Del was able to see whom it was.
"Ma… Maarva, is that really you?"
Maarva Andor simply smiled to her sister and said.
"Did you miss me?"