"You're actually going to talk to him?" Kanan felt tense on her behalf.

"We don't really have a choice." Hera strode to her cabin and steeled herself for the transmission.

Just saying "Hello, Father" took more out of her than she expected. The bulk of the conversation was habit: recruit a vital asset to a mission and arrange a meeting. She could do this with her eyes closed, even if Cham Syndulla's support required additional overtures.

When the transmission ended, though, so did her strength. She sat heavily on her bunk and dropped her head into her hands. Her thoughts were stars spinning past her in hyperspace, and she was flying without a nav computer. For several long minutes she let her mind whirl while she tried to get her bearings.

First thing: she got what they needed for the mission; she'll need to relay the information to Commander Sato. She had long ago come to terms with getting the job done even if it came at a personal expense; the Rebellion and the fate of the galaxy was more important than her feelings.

She heard a long stride through the corridor stop at her door, and she knew what was coming. She waited a few moments, but so did Kanan. Hera activated the door before he got her name out. She looked up at him from her bunk and suddenly realized how tall he must seem to Ezra. It was not lost on Hera that - after talking to her own father - she saw Kanan anew through his father-like relationship with the boy.

Standing in the corridor, Kanan informed her, "I told the crew you're off tonight and put them to work. They grumbled, but they've got everything under control."

"Thanks."

Still in the corridor, he added, "Need to talk?"

She arched an eyebrow marking at him. "Do I ever need to talk, Kanan?"

"Ok, then, would you feel better if you vented to someone about how awful your father is?" His tone was light, but Kanan hoped for her sake that she would concede.

Hera grunted and flopped back on her bunk. "Fine. Come in."

The door slid shut as Kanan made his way to her bunk. Hera shifted over, and he sat down. "Your father brings out the Sabine in you." She would have taken offense if he hadn't stroked her face while saying it.

"Why did it have to be Ryloth, Kanan?" A tear slipped from the corner of her eye. Kanan's touch was light as he brushed it away.

"I don't know, Hera, but I like to think it's the will of the Force. You've taught me to have hope for a better tomorrow. I'm going to hope that this is a chance for you and your father reconcile."

Hera scoffed. "Not likely."

"I think you owe it to yourself to try to find peace. I'm going to do my part to be positive and try to make a good impression on him."

Hera rolled her eyes. "Why would you bother doing that?"

Kanan stroked her cheek again. "For the two women I hold in the highest regard." He waited for her to meet his gaze. "Your father fought alongside Jedi Master Mace Windu. Master Windu was my master's master before she became a Knight. My master respected your father because her master did, and, out of my respect for them, I want to look for the best in him.

"As for you, let me ask: would you want my master to have a good impression of you?"

"Are you implying she wouldn't?"

"I'm being serious, Hera. Wouldn't my master's opinion of you matter … even if she couldn't condone, well, us?"

"Of course, Kanan, but that's because you had a good relationship with her. My father and I don't, so it shouldn't matter to you."

Kanan closed his eyes. "Hera, I would want my master to see what I see in you no matter what she felt about me or us. Because I respect you. Because I respected her. But also because I would want you to know that, if she and I weren't in a good place and later reconciled, you wouldn't have to win her over. That healing my relationship with my master wouldn't challenge my relationship with you." He opened his eyes again and looked at her. "Can you let me try to make a good impression your father? In case you and he ever reconcile?"

Hera looked down. She took a deep breath. "I'll try, Kanan. Because you asked me to. But, for the record, I don't care what my father thinks of you. I only care what I think of you, and I already know that you have exceeded him in the ways that matter to me."

Kanan grinned. "I'll take it. I mean, it's not like I can guarantee that he will like me. Even if I am a likable guy."

Hera rolled her eyes again and reached for him, a coy smile curving her lips. "How about you stop worrying about my father now, and try making a good impression on me?"

Kanan's grin spread into a brilliant smile, and he leaned in close. "Oh, in that arena," he whispered, his warm breath tickling close to her ear cone, "there is no try."

Later, laying entwined with each other, Hera brushed her fingers over Kanan's collarbone and murmured, "You continue to impress, love."

"Huh." He puffed his chest out in mock vanity, and she chuckled. "And you continue to inspire, Hera." He rolled more fully onto his side to face her. He stroked the soft flesh of her belly and laid his hand flat across it. Quietly he said, "And I don't just mean this." He lifted his hand for a moment to flick his finger between the two of them before settling it against her again. "You inspire me to be a better man."

Hera was touched and brought her hand to rest upon his.

"So, while I am grateful for every opportunity to show you how I feel about you, I would be a lesser man if I let you off the hook because I got laid." He arched his eyebrow and gave her a serious look, so she remained quiet. "I still want you seek peace with your father. If that is reconciling with him, great, but at the very least look for ways to let go of your anger."

"Kanan…"

"Hera, I don't ask for much."

"Is getting me to forgive him really your way of getting the great Cham Syndulla to approve of you?"

"That he won't scares the hell out of me. But that's on me. I want you to make an effort for your own benefit. I want you to be at peace with what is left of your family."

Kanan had struck a nerve with that comment, and he knew it. Hera closed her eyes and rolled away, and he let her have her space. "I'm going to grab some sleep before tomorrow. Wake me if you need me earlier."

He didn't expect her to respond, and Hera lived up to that expectation. Kanan dressed and left the room, leaving silence in his wake.