Notes:

Some of you might notice how Sabine gets really philosophical when thinking about Ezra's growth as a person. I hadn't planned on throwing that in, but it seemed to fit. Let me know your thoughts of my definition of maturity and how I transferred those beliefs to Sabine. Do you think it adds depth to her character, does it seem above her, or is my definition hopelessly wrong? I hope you enjoyed my mind's wandering and/or found it thought-provoking.

HOLY FREAKING KARABAST I JUST SAW A TEASER TRAILER OF AHSOKA FIGHTING THE INQUISITORS! I don't know how long it's going to be until that happens, but I'm obviously nerdgasming right now, and I can't help but be excited about it. * Takes a few deep breaths *

Thanks Azula. :D And don't worry, this past week has been awesome for me. Even if I stay up until five in the morning to finish a chapter, (only done that once though) I still love posting my work, and I absolutely don't mind posting these shorter daily updates before thanksgiving. Honestly, writing is a stress-reliever for me, and I couldn't be happier when I sit in my room coming up with this story. (Also accompanied by an absurd amount of tea)

Disclaimer: I do not own or make profit from any content within the Star Wars universe. I merely write for the entertainment of myself and others. All things Star Wars belong (unfortunately) to Disney now.

CHAPTER SIX:

Sabine woke late in the morning, or rather, later than most during the ship's standard cycle, and swallowed a few pain relievers after breakfast. Now that she was permitted to walk about freely, Sabine eagerly donned her armor. It gave her a sense of security and responsibility, and she was uneasy without it on, or at least close at hand. Even with the numbing of the pain killers, Sabine ached from head to toe, not terribly, but it was uncomfortable nonetheless.

"Where are you when I need an arm, Ezra?" she mumbled to herself. As she slowly strolled through the corridors of the mysterious ship, Sabine noted the lingering glances from passersby, who all dressed and behaved very much the same. Perhaps the brightly painted Mandalorian armor also played a role.

"You would think they're clones who've never seen a female before."

She needed to find Ezra and the lounge he had spoken of, but for now, Sabine was headed for the debriefing with the rest of her crew. She had directions, but the layout of the cruiser was still foreign. No matter. Sabine had a head full of thoughts to sort through. She had an hour of time to kill before the assembly met anyway.

For the past few weeks, Ezra had behaved… Well, differently. Strange and weird were not the right terms, because even though Ezra seemed to choke on his words mid sentence or daydream during their conversations, Sabine could also see the growing maturity hidden behind his awkward social habits. After all, she knew that maturity is defined by far more important things than the ability to manipulate words like a politician, or the gift of staying as focused as the Jedi Ezra aspired to be.

"No... True maturity isconstantly looking at one's self and seeking to make better one's character, or correct any flaws that are found. A person can never fully finish maturing in a single lifetime. If someone thinks he has come to the highest point of maturity, he has obviously ceased to question himself, therefore assuming he is superior to others, and rendering himself immature in one way or another."

Having an artistic personality proved to have its strengths, including resistance to Imperial brainwashing. Creativity was what led Sabine to question her allegiance to the Empire, and ultimately, her betrayal to it by leaving the academy. She noticed the similar traits in Ezra. Even if he didn't paint on half the surfaces he came across, Sabine could see his creativity in his own unique way. True, he was developing at the moment, but his creativity was a factor that kept him strong and fighting for what he had faith in.

"going back to the development part, I can't be the only one who has noticed the scrawny loth-rat turn into… well, NOT a scrawny loth rat." Sabine mused as she thought of his increase in body mass, more specifically in the arm and chest areas. He was starting to look… older. Now, she even questioned herself when referring to Ezra as 'kid'. Sabine stopped dead in her tracks.

"What?" She said aloud,"Did I really just think about how good Ezra looks shirtless?" Sabine sometimes watched his training with Kanan, and realized when a guy sweats profusely, he's gotta do what a guy's gotta do. She also had a cloudy memory of Ezra effortlessly picking her up and defending her with all he was. Even fully clothed, there was undeniably something about his new strength that was warm and caring. Something that gave his actions a voice that said: "I will protect you, and I will be there when you need me. All I have is yours, regardless of my own personal risk."

Could she really be pondering such a thing? They were just friends, right? Then again, she remembered that being friends wasn't everything. Once upon a time, a so-called 'friend' had left her for dead and never looked back. No, there was something more behind Ezra's friendship and casual flirting… A connection… However, The extent of such a relationship was clouded and without clear, defined lines.

"Sabine, turn around. Conference room 3-F is behind you and a few doors down from where you are now." Kanan's voice crackled to life in Sabine's helmet com.

"You could have sent someone to get me, ya know. This ship is a bit bigger than the Ghost." She retorted with a grin.

Sabine retraced her steps and found '3-F' printed on a door that didn't catch her eye while she was deep in thought. It opened as she approached, the inside flanked by two guards on each side of the doorway. She noticed that these troopers had a more professional air than those who were meandering on their own throughout the cruiser. They were positioned smartly, not moving or even blinking as Sabine entered. Beyond the guards, the crew of the Ghost sat at a long table with individuals of various importance, Sabine decided. What, or rather who, caught her attention was a patient, but serious pair of crisp blue eyes that belonged to a brightly-colored, female Togruta who contrasted the dullness of the room. She stood and addressed Sabine, who instantly noticed what looked like two lightsabers hanging from the Togruta's belt.

"I'm glad to see you are recovering, young one." She had a very calm manner of speech with careful enunciation, yet it included confidence as well. Sabine was appreciative for not being addressed as 'youngling' or 'little one'. On the contrary, 'young one' rolled off the lips as a title that conveyed youth, no doubt, but also respect.

"Thank you, umm?" Sabine answered, breaking off questioningly.

"My name is Ahsoka Tano. Please, take a seat, Sabine. It wouldn't do for you to remain standing with your injuries." She motioned to the last remaining chair next to Zeb and across the table from Ezra. Sabine sat down slowly, restraining herself from making her pain obvious.

"We will not keep you here long." Ahsoka said in a reassuring tone, "I understand you need rest, but a meeting with you all has been greatly anticipated for some time.

"Yup, she knows I'm in pain. definitely a Jedi… Not that that's a bad thing."

Ahsoka smiled warmly, reading the general idea of Sabine's thoughts. "In light of recent events, our introductions to one another have come sooner than originally planned."

Sabine still didn't know for certain who Ahsoka was, and she sensed Sabine's confusion.

"I am the contact Hera has kept hidden from the rest of you for so long. I am Fulcrum."

Sabine's eyes widened with understanding as she finally realized that she and the rest of the Ghost's crew had now entered the bigger picture.

"Forgive me for the shroud of secrecy, but the safety of our rebel cell must remain intact in order to continue our work."

Sabine simply stared in awe, marveling that she was finally able to meet those in charge of a rebel cell.

"I must say, Sabine, though it is not justified by any means, your last encounter on Lothal truly has set the stage for an earlier beginning to more… complex operation against the Empire. Welcome aboard, and welcome to The Rebellion."

MOAR notes:

In the Clone Wars show, I really loved Ahsoka's growth as a padawan, AND I WAS SO HAPPY THEY DIDN'T KILL HER OFF. Now that she is in her thirties, (or so I believe from some stuff on Wookiepedia) I like how they brought her back for SWR as a role model who can still kick anyone right in the… Deathstars? Anyway, I'm not sure if I portrayed her correctly, so if you have any thoughts, spill it and I'll glean from it. The last update before I take a break will be coming tomorrow! I hope you all enjoy it!