4ABY: Hosnian Prime

Kalei was eighteen hours old. Jyn had been counting. Her daughter was asleep in her medical cot next to her mother's bed. Jyn had been hesitant to have Kalei removed from her arms, but the nurse had been insistent that Jyn get some rest. Her dreams were intense; she dreamt that Kalei was taken away, never to be found again. Then her dreams would change to the face of Dr. Keikodi telling her that Kalei had died. Jyn had woken up, cheeks wet from her silently spilt tears. She hadn't truly realised how traumatising it had been for her.

Cassian had gone home in the early hours of the morning, promising to return with Bodhi and a change of clothes for her. Her body hurt, especially her abdomen. She was told they were able to stop the bleeding without the need to create a surgical incision. Still, it felt like they had. She was still bleeding though, being reassured most of it was normal and part of postpartum. It wasn't the best sensation she felt between her legs, but the outcome had been worth it.

Jyn watched Kalei's steady breathing, wishing she could see the rise and fall of her chest. Her daughter had been swaddled up, only her head peeking out from the cloth. This was true love. Jyn was sure of it. She loved Cassian with a ferocity that sometimes scared her, and he reciprocated those feelings years ago, before her even. But a mother's love appeared to overcome all other aspects of love. Jyn was sure she could lie there all day, content at watching her daughter. Every little move she made became etched into her mother's memory.

Before Cassian returned, Jyn was visited by Leia and Han. Both were beaming as they entered the room; Leia's hand going over her heart as she admired Kalei.

"She is so beautiful," Leia declared. "She has your mouth and nose."

"Good work, Jyn," Han said, peering over Leia's shoulder. "Heard you had some problems?"

Jyn smiled, adjusting so she could sit up straighter; her body felt like it had been torn waist down. "Nothing to worry about now. We're both fine. You can hold her, Leia."

"Are you sure?" Leia hovered her hands around Kalei.

"Go for it."

Kalei stirred as she was picked up, rubbing her face against her swaddle cloth. Jyn's face was relaxed with admiration. "I think she hates being wrapped up like that."

Leia carefully sat down in the chair and Han took a spot at the end of Jyn's bed. "Do you want me to un-swaddle her?"

Jyn leaned over to get a better look. "Maybe just so she can get her arms out."

Once given the freedom, Kalei brought her tiny fist up to her cheek, resting against it. Leia was smiling, absorbed.

"I think she looks like Cassian," Han said. "She has his eyes for sure."

Jyn hummed. "She does."

"I see Jyn in her," Leia said.

"Where is he?" Han asked, looking about the room.

"Gone home to get me a change of clothes and to pick up Bodhi."

"Bodhi's here?" Han asked. "I thought he was on Yavin IV?"

Jyn nodded. "Came and visited right as I went into labour." Jyn chuckled, though it felt painful to do so. "He was so pale by the time we arrived here."

"Poor guy," Han remarked, also chuckling. "Is he still involved with that mechanic?"

"Sarli Mantisa," Jyn said. "And yes, they are still involved. Getting married as a matter of fact."

"Oh?" Leia raised her head. Her eyes flicked to Han. "Well isn't that good news."

"The wedding is in two months," Jyn continued. "On Chandrila."

"Beautiful planet," Leia remarked. "Han, do you want to hold her?"

Han was hesitant, not sure if he should stand or not. "Sure, why not?"

Leia delicately handed Kalei over, the babe letting out a cry. Han tensed, looking at Jyn for help.

Jyn merely shrugged. "She does that."

Han awkwardly held Kalei, trying to find the right position to sit. "She's so lightweight."

"She is two weeks early," Jyn confirmed. "So she is a bit underweight."

"Are they monitoring her closely?" Leia asked.

Jyn nodded. "The nurse comes by every three hours to chart how long each feed is."

"She'll grow quickly," Leia said.

Kalei let out another wail, whacking her fist into Han's chest. "Is she hungry now?" he asked.

"I only fed her not long ago." Jyn stretched out her arms. "Here, I better take her."

Once in the warm embrace of her mother, Kalei settled down, nuzzling into her mother's chest.

"You're a natural already," Leia remarked.

Jyn smiled down at her daughter. "We're becoming a good team."

Not long after, Cassian returned carrying a bag and with Bodhi on his heels. Cassian looked as if he had slept the entire seven hours he had been gone. Jyn smiled at them both; Cassian quickly assessing Kalei.

"She good?" he asked, setting the bag down next to the chair.

Jyn nodded. Turning to Bodhi, she smiled. "I never thanked you for bringing me here."

Bodhi came over to her side, looking down at Kalei. "It was no problem. I was just glad I was there when it happened."

"Here," Jyn sat up, moving Kalei over to him.

"Oh, are you sure?" Bodhi held her close, letting Kalei grip his finger with her tiny hand. "I forgot how small they are." Jyn looked at him quizzically. "I had a nephew." A nephew, who had died on Jedha along with the rest of his family, was what Bodhi didn't say aloud. Jyn tried to suppress the unpleasant memory that was Jedha. Kalei whimpered which caused Bodhi to gently rock her.

Cassian sat next to Jyn; wrapping his arm around her while they watched Bodhi successfully soothe their daughter.

"Well at least you'll know what to do when you have your own," Han remarked.

Bodhi lifted his eyes to Han. "I suppose."

"Congratulations by the way," Han said, taking Leia's hand.

"Yes, congratulations," Leia said, smiling. "Sarli is lovely."

"Thank you," Bodhi replied. "We are getting married in two months on Chandrila if you'd like to come?"

"I would love to," Leia began, "but I won't be able to make it due to my commitments here with the senate. Han, you should go."

"Sure," Han said, shrugging carelessly. "Do you mind a wookie coming to your wedding?"

Not in the least."

"Will you stay on Chandrila?" Leia asked.

"No. Sarli wants to live on Yavin IV in the new colony."

"I hear it's nice there," Jyn said. "Des and Shara have done a good job."

"They have." Bodhi handed Kalei back to Jyn, who handed her over to Cassian. The new father held his daughter up against his chest letting her head rest in the crook of his neck. The babe inhaled deeply, her eyes drooping. Cassian kissed her hair, basking in its smoothness.

"We should go," Leia said. "Give you some time."

Jyn smiled warmly. "Thank you for visiting."

"We'll come by next when you've settled in at home," Leia replied. She leaned down and kissed Jyn on the cheek and gently ran a finger down Kalei's cheek. "She truly is beautiful."

After she and Han left, Bodhi sat down in the chair. "Are you feeling any better?"

Jyn rested back against the pillows. How to describe how she felt? Jyn didn't think any man could understand. "A little. Still in pain, though. I've been told it'll take up to six weeks to fully recover."

Bodhi raised his brows. "That's a fair while."

"It's normal. Anyway, I'm eager to get out of this bed."

Cassian raised a concerned brow at his wife. "You need to rest."

"I know that," Jyn replied in a sarcastic manner. "Never realised until now how much I miss walking."

Bodhi chuckled. "When are they releasing you?"

"Tomorrow morning, and yes, I am counting down the hours." Jyn sighed. "I hate hospitals."

"Well Cassian certainly got the apartment ready... well baby ready."

Cassian smiled to himself. "I had the droid assemble that cot you wanted in our room and to adjust the light settings in the nursery."

Jyn smiled lovingly at her husband. "What would I do without you?"

Cassian leaned down to kiss her forehead. "You've been saying that these past four years."

It was true. Jyn had lost count how many times she had said it. She did remember the first time she said it. Back on Onderon. She had meant it then just as she meant it now.

...

0ABY: New Kisge (Outer Rim)

Delta Base

Rogue One touched down on the dense underbrush-covered moon that kept Delta Base covered from sight. It had just come under the command of General Vanden Willard, who had requested the presence of Rogue One for a debriefing before their mission to Onderon. The rest of the alliance fleet was set for a remote planet in the Hoth System. They were hoping to start up a base there. Jyn had briefly seen General Willard on Yavin IV during the chaos that ensued to prepare for the Death Star attack. She knew little of him, only accepting Cassian's words that the General was a good tactical advisor.

New Kisge was a warm planet, though nowhere near as humid as Yavin IV. Delta Base was much smaller than Base One had been, mostly used for its highly stocked medical facility and the main base of operations for alliance security. A few other ships had broken off with the fleet to arrive with Rogue One; most being supply vessels. General Willard was waiting out on the tarmac to greet Jyn and Cassian as the rest of the team made for the command centre.

"Major Andor, congratulations on your promotion." Willard shook Cassian's hand. "I've always told Draven of your potential."

"Thank you," Sir." Cassian turned to Jyn. "This is Lieutenant Erso."

"Ah, yes." Willard shook her hand also. "I have heard a great deal of you. May I say how impressed I was at your determination at the council meeting, not to mention that stunt you pulled on Scarif. While I agreed with you, I was hesitant to see if it would work."

Jyn wasn't sure how to respond. Should she smile? It came out as obviously forced. Willard, having seen her uncomfortable posture, turned back to Cassian. "My reason for bringing you here has to do with Lieutenant Erso and your mission to Onderon."

"Me?" Jyn blurted out.

"Yes, I have some reports concerning you as a target for the empire."

Jyn scoffed. "That's hardly a reason to bring us here."

Willard studied her before turning his assessment on Cassian. "I doubt you would have received word from Draven since you left Yavin IV, but there has been a development concerning Saw Gerrera's partisans."

Now Jyn had not been expecting him to say that. "Saw Gerrera is dead. His insurgency is over."

"Yes and no. It appears some have banded together to continue on Gerrera's legacy." Willard turned his gaze directly to Jyn. "Now, after the devastating and humiliating defeat over Yavin IV and not to mention the infiltration on Scarif, they have taken the offensive." Willard paused. "We are yet to determine how they know who you are, but they know you are raised by Saw Gerrera, Jyn. And that has you marked for death by the Inferno Squad."

During the conversation, Cassian had tensed. "Inferno Squad?"

Jyn was frowning, unsure how to take this news. It wasn't like the empire hadn't tried to kill her before. What would make this time any different?

"An elite team of soldiers commissioned by the Imperial Navy," Willard continued. "Their primary role appears to be the complete destruction of what remains of Saw's partisans."

"How do you know this?" Jyn asked. "Anyway, I'm not part of his insurgency; I haven't been for years!"

"One of our intelligence operatives managed to work his way as the assistant to an imperial commander. He was present at the commission of the squad. Jyn, they have put the pieces together, just as we had done in order to find you. They know you are Galen Erso's daughter; they know you fought with Saw Gerrera. It doesn't matter to them that you have left the partisans."

Jyn sighed, and then wondered if Kenna was also a target. That would be interesting. Should she contact her estranged friend to warn her?

"Jyn." Cassian's voice brought her back. "This complicates things."

"How?" she retorted. "Do they know I am with the rebellion now?"

Willard shook his head. "We do not know."

Jyn turned to Cassian. "I am not going into hiding, nor am I dismissing our mission to Onderon. We are going – I am going."

They held each other's gaze for a long while, both determined to win. Cassian relented in the end. "I am only concerned that this development may jeopardise the mission."

In his eyes, Jyn could see it was more than that. There was something else in there; something he wanted to keep hidden. She relaxed her posture. "We can do this. They don't know we are going to Onderon."

"Onderon is Saw's home planet. It would make sense for them to start there," Cassian said.

"Then we will have to be extra careful." Jyn turned to Willard. "The information Saw has hidden there... if this... Inferno Squad were to find it, there is a chance it could bring down more than the partisans."

Willard nodded. "I know, and so do Draven and Dodonna. We discussed it at length. Your mission to Onderon is a go; however, I must caution extreme lengths to be taken to hide your true identities. I have had my team create identities for each Rogue One member. We have been lucky, actually. A few weeks ago we managed to capture two stormtroopers on Lothal and brought them here for interrogation. While they remain in custody, their uniforms are of use for you. Two of your men can be given their identities to help blend in on Onderon."

Jyn and Cassian were impressed. While they followed Willard inside, Cassian couldn't help but stare at the back of Jyn's head, a nervous tick in his mind.

Rogue one sat around the table in the small debriefing room. Willard had their new temporary identities in his hand. He began to pass them out.

"Basteran, you are Mathazar Mozh, a Corellia native visiting Onderon to expand your family trade business. Rostok, you will take the identity of trooper two: Kaen Reese. Tonc, you will be trooper one: Garm Adri."

"Never worn a trooper suit before," Tonc remarked, turning his I.D card between his fingers.

Willard continued. "Sefla, you are Thartan Cath, an Onderon native. I've managed to secure you a position at the market stall directly across from the Shelson factory. Finally, Cassian and Jyn, I have made you Coruscant citizens. Andor, you are Arador Navin, the son of a wealthy business man, and Jyn is Lania Crion, your personal assistant."

Jyn studied her new I.D image. It was different to the one that was on her official file. She had worn her hair down for the picture, letting her fringe fall around her eyes.

"Andor, you will use your cover to gain access into the factory where Jyn can make contact with Kruineph Hunew."

"Understood," Cassian replied. "Tonc, Rostok, get your imperial gear and meet us on Rogue One. We'll be leaving as soon as you're onboard."

"Yes, Sir," they spoke in unison.

An hour later, Jyn sat in her bunk, door open as Bodhi took them out of Delta Base. She was eyeing her I.D card, thinking about the revelation of this Inferno Squad. The thought of leaving everything behind and travelling into the unknown by herself crossed her mind. Sometimes she wondered if it would be better for her to just stay away. If the Inferno Squad manages to catch up to her, then the chances of Rogue One surviving that acquaintance was slim.

"Everything okay?" Cassian asked, opening the door to his bunk.

Jyn watched him unpack a black, leather jacket and a change of clothes. No doubt what he was going to wear on Onderon. "I'm thinking of changing my hair."

Cassian paused, turning around. "What?"

"I'm thinking of growing it out?" She paused, not sure why she even brought it up. "In my records my hair is short and tied back. Maybe having different hair might throw Inferno Squad off my tracks." It was foolish and silly, and Jyn had to laugh at herself. She found Cassian smiling humorously.

"If you think it'll help."

Jyn shrugged, setting her I.D down. "I dunno. I feel like I need to do something."

Cassian sat down on his bed, pulling out his blaster, inspecting it. "They'll be focusing on the active partisans first."

"Do you think they'll be on Onderon?"

Cassian pulled out his sniper configurations. "Not sure. Anything is possible."

That wasn't helpful. She huffed, lying down on her bed. The ceiling above her was a soft blue-grey. Utterly boring.

"I think you would look good with long hair."

Jyn turned her head at his soft voice. He wasn't looking at her. "I haven't had long hair since I was... ten or eleven."

"Change is always good... so I've been told."

Jyn eyed the set of clothes he had put aside. "Should I... I don't have a spare set of clothes."

"We can find you something on Onderon before we start." He stood up, stepping over the threshold. "Ready to eat?"

Jyn was starving. She followed Cassian down into the lower deck where Sefla and Rostok had set up a makeshift eating area in the cargo pod. They had unloaded all their intelligence equipment on Delta Base for Willard's team to asses. She sat down next to Cassian as he handed her a bowel. Tonc had taken food up to Bodhi, deciding to keep him company. It was good to feel part of a team again.

...

4ABY: Hosnian Prime

Andor Residence

If Cassian had his way, Jyn was sure he would tie her to the bed. Rest was essential, he kept saying. Jyn rolled her eyes each time. She had placed herself rebelliously on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket for added warmth and watched Cassian prepare dinner in the kitchen. Kalei was sleeping in their room, something Jyn was not used to. She wanted her daughter in the same room at all times, but had agreed at Cassian's insistence that the bedroom was quieter. Jyn was relieved that he took over the cooking duties. Their droid, Nydo did most of the breakfasts and lunches, but Cassian had stood adamant that he was more than capable of cooking dinner as he was always home by then. During the reign of the empire, he and Sefla had become the unofficial cooks on Rogue One throughout the years, making meals for everyone on the rare occasion they were able to acquire ingredients that served as decent food. Jyn had never been good at cooking. She tried her best once, back when she was eleven. Kenna had spat it out. Not that Kenna could talk. One time, her former friend had whipped up a meal that resulted in everyone who tasted it to get food poisoning. Sometimes, looking back at that memory, Jyn wondered if Kenna had done it on purpose.

Leia had organised for Jyn to stay on leave until Kalei was five months old. It coincided with the New Year, a time when cadet training started up. It was plenty of time for the academy to review her new training regime, and to also figure out a system for Kalei. Routine is essential. That is what the nurse had told them before they left the hospital. So far their daughter was adamant of preventing any attempt by her parents to get her into one. It was harder to do than say it.

Later that evening, Cassian stood in the shower, allowing the hot water to soothe his muscles. Jyn was in their bedroom feeding Kalei. It felt strange; after all these years he now found himself living a normal life. He had a wife, a daughter and an apartment for his little family to thrive in. No matter how many times Jyn told him otherwise, he still felt he didn't deserve any of it. When Jyn had told him she was pregnant, he saw white, feeling the colour drain from his face. He didn't want it. He didn't want to be a father. The prospect alone scared him. He had seen his fears mirrored in Jyn's eyes, but there was also determination and longing. If it were not for her, Cassian would have crumbled apart. It also didn't help that during that time the galaxy was still under the terror of the empire. He had feared what would become of their child should he and Jyn fall at the hands of the empire. Leia had promised to step in should the need arise, and while Cassian had been grateful, he still could not allow it. Those last few months of imperial reign had him fighting harder with a fever for peace than any other time in the last two decades. He had been fighting for his child's future.

Jyn was lying on her side in bed watching Kalei in her cot. Cassian walked over, seeing his daughter staring at her surroundings. She lifted her gaze to him, watching him intently.

"I think she knows who you are already," Jyn murmured. There was sleep in her voice, and by the looks of it, she had been fighting to stay awake.

Cassian ran his hand gently along Kalei's hairline. He couldn't get over how soft she was. He made his way over to his side of the bed, slipping under the blankets. He wanted to wrap his arms around Jyn, pulling her close, but refrained, not wanting to hurt her. Instead, he ran his hand up and down her arm.

"I've got to go back to work tomorrow," he said quietly.

Jyn sighed, grabbing hold of his hand. "We'll be fine. Nydo will help out."

"I may also have to go off planet in the coming week."

Jyn tensed. She slowly rolled over to face him. "What?"

"The civil war on Coruscant has gotten worse in several sectors. The senate has asked me personally to go there and work with a band of freedom fighters."

"But you're a general now."

"General's work the field too, Jyn," Cassian replied. "They need me there. They wouldn't ask if it wasn't serious."

Jyn closed her eyes. "Fine. How long will you be gone?"

"Not sure." Cassian tucked her fringe behind her ear. "I'm not even sure when I'm leaving."

"I need you here, Cassian." Jyn opened her eyes, pleading. "We need you."

Cassian inched closer so their noses were touching. Her breath was warm against his cheek. "I promise I will not be gone long. I will stay in contact when I can. I don't want to go as much as you want me to stay. I cannot say no to this, Jyn."

"I know. Still. We're a team. We've always been a team."

Cassian touched her lips with his, hovering. "Nothing will change."

"Promise me."

Cassian kissed her deeply; reassuringly. "I promise."

...

0ABY: Planet Onderon (Inner Rim)

Jyn stepped out of Rogue One behind Cassian. He was dressed all in black with a saddlebag slung over his shoulder. Sefla had gone ahead to find suitable clothing for Jyn, having returned with a long sleeved, black shirt that was finely woven along with leather black pants. Jyn had struggled to get them on, having to lie on the bed to pull them up. They fit, that wasn't the problem; it was that they were so damn tight! She wore her hair down, finely applying her eyeliner for added effect. Cassian had looked her over, nodding with approval.

"Ready, Lania?" he asked, zipping his leather jacket up.

Jyn stood tall, inhaling deeply. "Let's go, Mr. Navin."

The city capital Iziz was large and populous. Great stone walls circled the entire city, keeping the creatures of the jungle at bay. Rogue One had landed on the outskirts, given clearance to land. Tonc and Rostok had gone ahead, disguised as stormtroopers patrolling the streets. They were to take an initial sweep of the streets ahead to ensure of no suspicious activity. Sefla had gone to take his place at the market stall opposite Shelson Factory while Bodhi stayed with the shuttle. While his image had been splayed across Jedha, it appeared his false identification had worked so far on Onderon. Cassian was still hesitant on letting him leave, and Bodhi was more than happy to stay put. Basteran had gone off on his own to investigate Shelson factory before Jyn and Cassian arrived.

Shelson factory was just on the northern border of the Malgan market district. It acted as the central hub of the city, attracting merchants and various traders. It appeared a safe place to be with children running free and many species conversing civilly to another. Jyn stayed close behind Cassian, feeling the hot weather seep into her black outfit. She was sure a sweat line was forming under her fringe.

Cassian walked a brisk, yet easy pace as they weaved through the commerce. Jyn observed his movements, taking in how casual he appeared; as if Onderon was a planet he visited frequently. The few stormtroopers that passed by did not bother to look their way. Still, Jyn's fingers itched at her side. She had wanted to bring her blaster, but Cassian had insisted it would break her cover. An assistant to a wealthy Coruscant business man would not be seen carrying a weapon. He had placed her blaster in his bag, promising to give it to her only if needed. Jyn didn't like it. She didn't like trusting anyone to hold her weapon on her behalf.

"This is T1." Tonc's voice echoed through Cassian's comm. He turned into a small furrow behind a market booth.

"What is it?" Cassian asked. Jyn stood at the market stand browsing its wares.

"Trooper activity has increased on the northern exit," Tonc replied. "They are checking people's bags. You're going to have to reroute."

Cassian swore under his breath. "Any idea why they are checking bags?"

"Negative."

"It may just be a random check," Rostok weighed in.

"I'll go check the eastern exit," Tonc added. "Won't be long."

Cassian eyed Jyn, seeing her scope their surroundings. "Thartan, any activity outside the factory?"

"Only seen one trooper squad pass by. Nothing out of the ordinary," Sefla said. "Mathazar has just entered Shelson."

"Copy that." Cassian tucked his comm into the safety of his jacket. He nodded at Jyn for her to come over.

"What's wrong?" she asked, her eyes alert.

"Troopers are checking bags on the northern exit. We need to reroute. Tonc is checking the eastern side."

He stepped out on the street, turning his stride into the eastern-bound street. A few hawkers tried to grab their attention as they strode by. They ignored them; Cassian keeping his eyes ahead while Jyn surveyed.

"Eastern exit is clear." Tonc's voice cracked over the comm.

Cassian checked his surroundings before grabbing his comm out. "Heading there now."

"I'll stand by and follow once you come into view," Tonc replied. "Rostok is patrolling the street leading out of the northern exit. All seems fine."

The eastern exit had been the furthest away, taking fifteen minutes to get there. Cassian felt sweat trickling down the back of his neck. He hated humid planets. He wanted to check on Jyn, to make sure the heat wasn't getting to her. Her steady steps made her feel close. Passing through the eastern gate had been simple enough. Cassian was sure he saw Tonc in his trooper disguise a hundred meters away. He couldn't be sure; it was just a feeling. He was eager to hear back from Basteran, who hadn't made contact after entering Shelson factory. He hated waiting for news.

A large tree with long, wide palms made a temporary haven from the sun as it stood tall in the middle of a small island in the road. Cassian stopped, gesturing for Jyn to sit down on one of the benches. He circled the tree, checking for imperial activity.

"Mr. Navin."

Cassian turned at Jyn's voice, brow arched.

"I believe Shelson factory is down there." She pointed at the road to their left. It was quiet with little traffic.

"Thank you, Ms. Crion." Before they left, Cassian faced the tree and reached for his comm. "Thartan?"

Sefla's voice came over the comm. "Here."

"Report on Mathazar."

"Nothing yet," Sefla replied.

Cassian grimaced. He hoped they weren't walking into a trap. But he had to expect it. While Jyn appeared to trust Saw Gerrera, Cassian did not.

"Come on." He gestured for Jyn follow.

They first noticed Sefla standing in the shade of poorly kept market stall that sold engine parts. A twi'lek worked beside him, sorting through a crate of goods. Sefla gave a slight nod at them as they approached.

"Good day," the twi'lek said.

Cassian gave a curt nod, showing his superiority. He eyed Jyn before clasping his hands behind his back as he looked at what was for sale.

Jyn stepped up to the twi'lek. "Is this stall part of the factory?" she jabbed her thumb at the building behind her.

The twi'lek shook his head, hands raised. "Oh, no. This is a privately run stall. We sell engineering goods. Shelson Factory manufactures clothing."

Jyn arched a brow. "Clothing?"

"Yes. Its owner, Hunew is famous for hiring poor citizens to work for him."

"Hmm," Jyn paused, eyeing Sefla. "Thank you." She followed Cassian towards the factory.

"Wasn't expecting a clothing factory," she murmured.

"A good cover," Cassian remarked. "We cannot wait for Basteran to report in."

Jyn nodded. "I know."

"Follow my lead."

Shelson Factory was nothing they had expected. Cassian had thought it to be a rundown building inhabited by shady workers. Jyn's imagination of the place was similar, but with a large array of weapons on display. What they found inside was, well, entirely different. The factory was mildly lit to give off a warm welcome. A great hall filled with rows of clothing for many species came into immediate view. Many species walked along the aisles, inspecting outfits and speaking to staff. Towards the back, a large glass wall separated the shop floor from the industrial room, where long benches were inhabited by workers tirelessly making garments. Jyn lifted her chin to scan the area. She was looking for Hunew and Basteran.

They found Basteran first. Cassian had led Jyn down the furthest aisle. About half way down the fifty metre stretch, they looked into a small alcove to their right to find Basteran standing in a fitting room, while a male twi'lek measured him. At the sight of them, Basteran merely shook his head in defeat. Jyn wanted to laugh aloud, but refrained. Instead she made a chocking noise that caused Cassian to smile down at her.

"Better than the alternative," he murmured to her. "Come on."

Kruineph Hunew was easy to find, being the only Ithorian in the factory. He was speaking to an employee when they approached.

"Let me handle this," Jyn said quietly to Cassian.

Cassian nodded, stepping a few feet behind her. The grip on his bag tightened, subtly placing a hand into the carrier.

"Yes?" Hunew asked, his figure towering over Jyn's.

She stood straight, her shoulders back. "I was hoping you could help me."

"Are you looking for something in particular?"

"As a matter of fact I am," she replied. "I was hoping to acquire a... certain product that only you deal in."

"Which product is that?"

Jyn paused. "Perhaps I should introduce myself first. My name is Dawn. Kestrel Dawn."

If silence could engulf you, this one certainly would have. Hunew's stare bore into Jyn, assessing. She tried to read his face, but came up empty.

"I have an idea of which product you seek. I will need to check the database. Follow me." Hunew studied Cassian behind her. "Alone."

Jyn nodded at Cassian to reassure him. He wanted to protest, but gave a brisk nod. "Go rescue Mathazar," she said, smiling.

Hunew's office was small and cluttered. "He was a great friend."

Jyn assumed he was speaking of Saw. "Yes."

"How?"

"He was on Jedha when the empire destroyed it," she replied.

"It was a great shame when he left Onderon. His sister has been fighting the cause here still."

Jyn frowned. "Steela Gerrera is dead."

"And how old were you when he took you in?"

"Eight."

"From what planet?"

"Lah'mu."

Hunew assessed her again. "I had to be sure. He told me much about you. Spoke as if you were his daughter." Hunew pushed a wooden panel aside to reveal a lever. Pulling it caused a hidden door to open. "Follow me."

The passageway was dark, only a tiny light in the centre lighting their way. "Does this lead to Saw's hidden base?"

"The base was destroyed four years ago," Hunew replied. "I salvaged what I could. His data chip for you survived the fire."

Hunew opened the old, rusty door at the end of the passageway. It creaked open to reveal a tiny space that was clearly used by Hunew to store his valuable items.

"Did the empire destroy it?" she asked as Hunew rummaged through his safe.

"No. A fire broke out in that district. Tore through three blocks of property. An accident."

Finally, Hunew retrieved a small dark blue, velvet pouch about the size of a data pad. "This is everything he instructed me to give to you in the event of his death. Please take it."

Jyn held the velvet pouch in her hands, feeling its weight. There was definitely a data pad in there as well as the small indent of a data chip. "Thank you."

"Please do not let his work end," Hunew said. "The rebellion was his life. He lived for it as if it were oxygen."

Jyn sniffed. "I am... well... I am not longer part of his insurgency, but I do fight for the rebellion."

"So long as you strike those imperial scums hard."

Jyn smirked. "Oh I will."

"Before you leave, I must warn you. Strange imperial operatives have been seen wandering the streets of Onderon. They have been asking questions about Saw Gerrera and his partisans."

Jyn tensed. The Inferno Squad. "Have they been here?"

"No. I have been good at hiding my tracks. They showed up two days ago in the market district. They have taken many away, and no one has seen them since. I would advise you leave Onderon and its system immediately."

"Yes. I will. Thank you again."

As she exited Hunew's office, she found Cassian and Basteran hovering at the end of the aisle they had walked down. She hurried over to them, going back into her disguise. "Mr. Navin. I have acquired your product. It will be delivered to your shuttle in the evening." Jyn placed the pouch into Cassian's hand, letting him nonchalantly place it into his bag.

Cassian smiled with his eyes. "Thank you, Ms. Crion."

Basteran left first, seemingly eager to leave Shelson factory. As they left the factory, Jyn became very self-conscious. She felt eyes on her. She wanted to run; drag Cassian along. She had to keep her head calm. She was sure it was only paranoia. Walking to Shelson factory had taken them forty minutes. Returning to their shuttle had felt twice as long. Basteran had made it to the shuttle first, waiting on the lower deck with Bodhi. The others were yet to arrive.

As Jyn entered the shuttle, she sat down heavily, letting out a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding been holding. She covered her mouth with her hand, afraid to look back down the ramp.

"Jyn." Cassian knelt down before her, concern etched into his eyes.

She removed her hand, biting her lip. "He said... he said imperial operatives arrived here two days ago asking about Saw and his band of soldiers."

Basteran stepped down the ramp to inspect their surroundings. He remained to stand guard. Cassian grabbed hold of Jyn's hand. She squeezed hard.

"Did they come looking for you?" he asked.

Jyn shook her head. "No. They don't know about Hunew. He is lucky. But, they may have spotted us. I'm not sure."

"It may have been the cause for that bag check," Bodhi said sitting down next to Jyn. "Nobody has come by. I haven't seen anybody actually."

Cassian frowned. "Nobody?"

Bodhi shrugged. "This tarmac isn't exactly heavily operated. I assumed it was normal."

Movement outside made Cassian stand up, pulling his blaster from his bag. Jyn lunged for hers. It was only Sefla. He raised his hands at their welcome. "Whoa. What's happening?"

They lowered their weapons. "Were you followed?" Cassian asked.

"No. Tonc and Rostok are on their way." Sefla boarded the shuttle.

"You saw nothing suspicious?" Jyn asked.

"Nothing." Sefla paused. "Well, that twi'lek I was with mentioned his brother being taken away yesterday by troopers for questioning."

Jyn's heart starting racing. "What?"

"He wouldn't elaborate. It could be nothing."

Cassian indicated with his gun at the sight of Tonc and Rostok returning. They had their helmets off, tucked under their arms and were running.

Jyn wanted to pray that they were not followed.

"We should leave, now," Rostok said. "Death troopers."

"Where?" Cassian asked.

"Exiting the market. They were accompanied by two imperial officers," Rostok replied. "They are heading this way."

"We had our helmets on," Tonc added. "But when they looked at us, it was as if they knew we weren't troopers."

"Bodhi, get us out of here," Cassian ordered. "Basteran, close the ramp."

Jyn's mind was buzzing. Was this Inferno Squad or something else entirely? She followed Cassian up the ladder.

"Did you get the intel?" Tonc asked from below.

"Yeah," Jyn called. "Mission accomplished."

"That's what I like to hear," she heard Sefla remark.

As Rogue One lifted off the tarmac, they witnessed the imperial faction enter the docks. Their shuttle had been the only one to land there, making Jyn and Cassian sure they were after them. "Is it them?" she asked.

"I don't know," Cassian replied. "Perhaps not. They could be here on official business."

"Death troopers don't just accompany anyone," Bodhi said. He turned the ship around, bringing it up into the atmosphere.

"I'll send this report to Draven. See what he can find," Cassian said.

So it was done. Their first official mission as Rogue One had ended successfully. Later, Jyn sat on her bed, legs crossed as she opened the pouch.