Foreword:

New chapter! The last few episodes haven't given much to go on, but The Protector of Concord Dawn provided enough rocket jet fuel for multiple stories! Enjoy!

The Agreement

"I hear we're taking prisoners now," Hera said weakly.

"I like to think of him more as… a reluctant recruit," Kanan answered wryly.

"It was better than the alternative," Sabine began. "We're not at war with the protectors. There was no need to take their lives if we didn't have to."

"Hm. Sabine, you're starting to sound more like a Jedi than a Mandalorian."

"Well, I guess I've just been raised right," Sabine finished.

Hera saw a small smile spreading on Kanan's face. She tried to smile back but only managed something akin to a half grimace.

Sabine held her hand gently, and Hera glowed with pride. Hera had her doubts about the spunky warrior they freed from the academy but evidently she and Kanan had done well by her.

Sabine understood now that this war had to be won on principles as well as with weapons. It was this concept that Hera and Kanan had talked about for nights on end when they decided to expand their crew. It filled Hera with great joy that their beliefs were being upheld by their young crew and it reinforced her resolve to fight.

"Sabine, I'm so proud of you."

Sabine blushed, her tan skin turning a briefly darker shade. Hera looked into the Mandalorian's eyes and saw a younger, wiser version of herself.

Hera cut off the moment abruptly by frowning in pain. Sabine and Kanan both lurched forward, concern on their faces.

"Go tell Ezra that I'm fine," Hera said shakily, eyeing Sabine. "He's been in and out all day trying to heal me with the force when he thinks I'm sleeping."

Both of them laughed.

"Well, has it helped?" Kanan asked.

"Hard to tell," Hera answered.

"Don't tell him I said that though," she said with a sidelong glance at Sabine.

"I won't," Sabine replied. She released Hera's hand and headed for the exit.

"I'll tell him you two… want some alone time," she added cheekily, as the doors of the med bay slid shut.

Kanan shook his head ruefully as he walked to Hera's side. She saw the same proud look on his face as he approached.

"We did it," Hera started.

"We did," Kanan answered, putting a loving hand on her cheek.

"Promise me you'll look after them if I'm gone," Hera said solemnly.

"Woah, woah," Kanan said. "You're not going anywhere."

"We agreed about this," Hera said, raising her eyebrows.

"We agreed to finish every mission," Kanan said.

"We have another mission now," Hera said. "This one we won't ever fully complete. It's family. Promise me, Kanan."

Kanan looked down at Hera's fragile hands. He traced her knuckles with his index finger.

"Yes," he said gazing into her eyes. "I promise." The deep green of his irises shone with determination and Hera felt her heart lift.

"Kiss me," Hera said softly.

Kanan leaned down slowly and brushed her lips with his own. Hera closed her eyes and inhaled. Her body was damaged and weak but her soul was full and strong.

She tried to sit up to reach Kanan but he lightly pushed her back down.

"I told you, you're not going anywhere," Kanan said firmly but kindly.

Hera lay back down reluctantly.

"Then I guess you'll have to come to me," Hera said fervently.

Kanan interlaced his fingers with hers.

"Always," he said.

Then he kissed her again.