0ABY: Delta Base

Rogue One was being resupplied with additional resources the base could spare for the Guardians to take to Jedha. Jyn sat on a crate with her back against the wall as she watched the work progress. She fiddled with her kyber crystal absentmindedly thinking about what Jedha will look like when they finally arrive. Bodhi had been adamant on not wanting to go back, but had agreed to pilot and stay onboard. Jyn felt sorry for him and knew she could never understand the pain he was going through. She still wanted Chirrut and Baze to remain but they had their path planned; who was she to deny them that? Their intentions were honourable and that's all anyone could ask of them, especially after everything that had happened. Was Rogue One doing honourable deeds as well? Jyn wasn't too sure if she was honest. The alliance were classed by many as the good side, but sometimes Jyn wondered just how much damage they inflicted in the name of goodness. Cassian had all but admitted it right before they left for Scarif.

The newly promoted Major was walking towards her, eyes flickering to the shuttle to make sure they were on schedule.

"Jedha first, then Commenor," he said, sitting down next to her.

Jyn stiffened. "Commenor?"

"Arhul Nemo, I believe you know him."

Jyn had met him when she was twelve years old. She had taken a liking to him instantly and Arhul had made it no secret he favoured her the most. It had irritated Kenna much to Jyn's delight at the time.

"Saw worked with him briefly many years ago. I was there."

Cassian slowly nodded. "We contact him when we created your dossier. We'd like to make contact again to see how the resistance is going on Commenor."

Jyn looked at Cassian sceptically. "Why now?"

"The intel Saw left you on the Commenor resistance has left some questions that need to be answered," Cassian replied. "Also, with the destruction of the Death Star – as well as it being made public - we have been getting back chatter communication from resistance fighters all over the galaxy claiming an increase in recruitment."

"Wait, what questions?"

"There was a small city on Commenor that was wiped of all citizens almost a year ago. Arhul Nemo and his men were the last to be seen in the area."

Jyn's eyes flashed. "You think they wiped out an entire city?"

"I have no idea," Cassian replied defensively. "It's an unknown."

Jyn shook her head. "They would never do that."

"I believe you," he said softly. "General Draven believes it too."

"What happened to the people?" Jyn asked.

"Again, we don't know. Saw's intel only held a brief report from Arhul Nemo about the incident. No details on what happened or why."

"So that's our next mission?"

"There have been rumours of a secret imperial research facility on Commenor; a research facility that worked in the development of bioweapons."

"I heard that rumour," Jyn replied. "I also heard Arhul Nemo destroyed the facility years ago."

"If any of their work got out..."

Jyn stood up suddenly. "So we are chasing a rumour?"

Cassian stood up to look down at her. "It's what intelligence does."

Jyn bristled. She didn't like wasting time. "If you're sure."

A faint smile came across the Major's face. "I believe it's worth checking out."

She looked up at him and saw assurance in his eyes; he knew what he was doing and she had to trust him. Trust goes both ways. It felt an eternity since she said those words. "I trust you."

"We are scheduled to leave in forty-five minutes. Make sure you have everything you need packed."

Jyn's new duffle bag was long and light grey in design. After Nelvaan, Jyn made sure she had a thermal jacket requisitioned to her. She ended up with a white parka made out of the same material as the one Cassian had. The hood was lined with grey fur and the arms were Corellian cut. She even managed to find thermal boots in her size. The rest of her bag was filled with supplies: bacta patches, a torch and a lighter she found lying on the table. She even managed to snag another blanket; space was cold.

Before heading out to Rogue One, Jyn detoured to the prison block where Shaden was being kept. While a prisoner of the rebellion, Shaden's cooperation had resulted in adequate comforts while he stayed in his cell. Jyn keyed in the code for the door to slide open.

"How's it going?" she asked, leaning on the cell bars.

Shaden had been lying on his back on the small cot and had sat up when Jyn entered. He had been stripped of his trooper uniform leaving only the matching black shirt and pants. "Can't complain."

"Still questioning you?"

"Yeah, but it's not all bad. I'm just glad to be off that planet. Speaking of which... thanks."

"You're resilient, I'll say that much," Jyn replied dryly.

Shaden chuckled. "It wasn't easy."

Jyn straightened. "Have they asked you to join the rebellion?"

"Not exactly. I won't anyway," he replied awkwardly.

Jyn frowned. Why not?"

Shaden rubbed the back of his neck. "I just want to be left alone."

Jyn sympathized with him on that statement. She had felt the same way not too long ago. "They aren't so bad once you get passed that feeling."

"I don't want to get to know them. I am... was a stormtrooper. I had one job and they left me behind. Just because you rebels saved me doesn't mean I have to join."

Jyn looked at her feet which she shuffled ineptly. "I get it. If you want I can suggest they let you go after they finish questioning you."

Shaden looked unsure. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I know what it's like to be left behind by those you trusted. I also know how it feels to want nothing more than to be left alone. Just make sure you don't end up back with the empire and I'll be happy."

Shaden smiled at that. "I sense a story."

"I sense it's none of your business."

A chuckle. "Fair enough."

Jyn checked the time. "I have to get going. Once I'm back I'll talk to them."

Shaden nodded. "Thanks again."

Jyn's bag weighed heavily with her new gear as she marched over to the shuttle. The lower deck was packed with crates causing Jyn to weave awkwardly towards the ladder.

"Pre-flight check complete," Bodhi said quietly as Cassian took his place in the co-pilots seat.

Jyn dumped her bag at the end of her bed, resting her feet on it as she lay down. Like Bodhi, Jyn was hesitant to return to Jedha.

...

Jedha

7,000km North-West of Holy City's Grave

Rogue One landed on the cold-stricken terrain of Jedha far from where the Holy City had once stood. Bodhi had directed the shuttle away from any signs of what havoc the Death Star had caused. No one questioned him on this. Chirrut had told them where to land, insisting he could feel the presence of his people nearby. Tonc and Sefla had been sceptical, especially so when they landed to see no one in sight.

"We must walk the rest of the way," Chirrut declared.

"You know where you're going?" Cassian asked as he slid his thermal jacket on. For Cassian, Jedha had been where it all began for him and Jyn. The lack of trust and the weariness he had initially felt towards her had vanished during their time on this desolate moon. If truth be told, Cassian never thought to return here.

"The Force will guide us," Chirrut simply stated.

Jyn clicked the buckle of her belt around her new jacket, embracing in its warmth as they exited the shuttle. The breeze was sharp from the cold.

"I have missed the crispness of mornings on Jedha," Chirrut said, eyes closed and head tilted upward. "Feels like home."

Jyn hid a smile. "How far is this settlement supposed to be?"

Chirrut opened his eyes and turned south. "Head for that mountain range; they will be sheltered there."

The mountain range was not far. Cassian looked through his quadnocs and measured the distance only eight kilometres away. It would take them a little over an hour to reach their destination if they kept their pace moderate. Chirrut had insisted they go few in number, so it was only Jyn and Cassian who accompanied the guardians to their new home. The rest of Rogue One remained behind preparing their supplies to be unloaded when the time came. Bodhi had remained quiet as he came up with excuses to run trouble-shooting diagnostics at the tech station. Chirrut had placed a comforting hand on the young Jedha native and whispered quietly for only Bodhi to hear. Whatever he said, Bodhi smiled genuinely for the first time since they departed Delta Base.

For Jyn, being back on Jedha felt like she was reliving her past; she half expected to see the Holy City looming in the distance with a destroyer hovering above. She followed Chirrut and Baze, staying close to Cassian. The sky was clear blue as it had been the first time and the terrain looked eerily similar. Baze had a large duffle bag slung over his shoulder supporting as many supplies as he could fit. While Baze had been the quiet type from the beginning, both Cassian and Jyn had noticed he had become even more reserved. Jyn often wondered at this, thinking it may have had to do with their time on Scarif and being stranded on Nelvaan for so long. She wanted to help him, but he remained closed off. Chirrut was much the same as always and his spirits had lifted exponentially once they touched ground on Jedha.

"Have you been here before," Cassian asked.

"Long, long ago," Chirrut replied. "It was not much of a settlement back then."

"It used to be a temple," Baze added gruffly. "It was abandoned not long after the empire was formed to prevent them from finding it."

"Pilgrims and settlers still flocked there," Chirrut continued. "Fewer in numbers, but still enough to give life to the ruins."

"And the empire never found it?" Cassian asked.

"Even if they did, there is no kyber there," Baze answered. "It was a temple for contemplation, nothing more."

As they were little more than a kilometre out, Jyn began to notice vegetation springing up in odd locations. She was sure there was no rain on this moon; perhaps there was an underground ravine nearby. Cassian was more observant and was the first to notice they were being watched from high above. The range had started to ascend, and several metres above ground, he saw a figure stand up from behind a rock formation. Upon seeing them the figure darted off, no doubt to inform whoever was ahead that they were about to receive visitors.

The mountain range began to shield the sun as they came closer causing the crisp air to become even cooler. Jyn shivered in her thermal jacket; she crossed her arms for added warmth. Cassian walked close behind her, occasionally brushing his arm against hers; she could feel his warmth even through both thermal jackets. Jyn had begun to notice how close he walked in proximity to her. He never did it with anyone else and wondered if it had to do with his initial suspicion of her. Old habits apparently die hard.

"This way," Chirrut called from ahead. He led them through a narrow pathway in between two long rock formations. Green-leaved vines grew up from the rusty dirt below to cover the rocks. It was a pleasant area to be in. As they made it through into an open area the sound of rushing water could be heard. Jyn craned her neck to look around and noticed the remains of broken columns and statues.

"Is this it?" she asked, wondering why she could see nobody.

"Almost," Chirrut replied. He stood still, staff in both hand as he placed it firmly in front of him. "We are being watched."

Both rebels looked about trying to see anyone and Baze prepared his weapon for use. Chirrut smacked the ground with a thud from his staff. "Hostilities will not be necessary."

Baze hesitated before lowering his weapon. "It's been a long time since we've been here."

"They will remember us."

Jyn frowned with confusion as Cassian tugged her thermal sleeve to get her attention. He indicated with his head in the direction to their right. Above, on a corroded platform, a humanoid figure was standing tall, watching. Chirrut tilted his head to the left, listening. Movement ahead caused everyone to look frontal.

"Kor Lee," Chirrut said appreciatively.

A man had stepped out from the shadows wearing the robes of the Guardian of the Whills. He lowered his hood to reveal an aged man with greying hair. His bowed his head. "Chirrut Imwe, it has been far too long. After the Holy City we feared the worst."

Chirrut smiled broadly. "The Force guided us to these two." He gestured towards Jyn and Cassian. "They save Baze and I."

Kor Lee assessed them. "Baze, it is good to see you. I feared you would have perished long ago in your fight against imperial occupation." Baze stepped forward and clasped hands with the newcomer. Kor Lee bowed in recognition of the rebels. "Honoured guests, we welcome you to this sanctuary."

Jyn tilted her head. "Thank you."

"Come," he said, gesturing for them all to follow. "You must be weary from your hike. Had we known you were coming we would have granted you to land closer."

"A last minute decision," Chirrut replied. "Much has happened since the destruction of the Holy City."

The two guardians conversed about the events concerning its destruction and the journey Chirrut and Baze partook in leading up to the events that brought them here. Jyn followed Baze who remained silent through the entire conversation. The path was narrow, winding through the stone that had small alcoves chiselled into them to hold lit candles. Upon exiting the path they came to a large cave with several small opening in the roof that allowed sunlight to stream down. The area was littered with people; some guardians but most were regular citizens of Jedha. Jyn and Cassian stopped short to allow two children to bustle past as they played a came of tag. Jyn smiled after them before continuing. Kor Lee led them to a round table carved out of sandstone. The stools had been woven in intricate patterns that reminded Jyn of the colour of Jedha's environment. After accepting refreshments, Kor Lee signalled for another guardian to approach and sit beside him. This guardian was younger, closer to Cassian's age with black hair and dark eyes.

"This is Moyric Soto," Kor Lee said. "He manages the pilgrims here."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Moyric said. "We welcome peace only here and ask that you do not carry weapons any further into the temple."

Jyn and Cassian exchange and glance before they both nodded.

"Of course," Jyn replied.

"Many of our people here are innocent civilians looking for a simple life away from the empire and violence. The few guardians that take refuge here keep order, but there is a local shaman who leads the pilgrims. If you wish to discuss any matters concerning the people here then you must converse with him."

"We have come here for peace," Chirrut said. "The rebellion has brought supplies for the people."

Moyric and Kor Lee looked at the rebels. "That is very generous of you," Kor Lee said. "We will grant you to land closer in order to deliver the goods."

"Thank you," Jyn replied.

"The sooner, the better. We cannot stay long," Cassian added. Jyn frowned at his impatience, but refrained from saying anything in front of the guardians.

"How many refugees from the Holy City?" Baze finally spoke.

Moyric sighed sadly. "Those who called the Holy City home and survived were the ones who weren't in the Holy City when it was destroyed. Many had been away elsewhere or off world. Most of who you see in this temple were already here before the destruction."

"How many?" Baze asked again.

Kor Lee and Moyric exchanged a glance. "No more than fifty," Kor Lee replied. If there are any more survivors, they have not ventured here. Some may not have even returned to Jedha."

A grim silence fell over the table. "Baze and I would like to remain for a time in order to gather our thoughts."

Kor Lee nodded. "You are both welcome to stay as long as you wish."

Chirrut bowed his head in thanks.

A short time later after Cassian radioed Bodhi to get the shuttle to fly in closer; Jyn was embracing Chirrut and Baze one last time before they left. The crew of Rogue One received many thanks from the people for the supplies. Most of it had been food and blankets with a few bacta patches the alliance agreed to part with. It wasn't much, but to them it was bountiful.

Jyn held Chirrut's hand. "Don't suppose you can tell me when I'll see you again?"

Chirrut smiled. "Not as long as you think. Our time here is limited; we will be among the stars in good time."

"I hope so," Jyn replied. She looked around. "This place... it just doesn't seem... well you and Baze."

Chirrut smiled widely. "You have only seen one side to us; we must reconnect with our fellow guardians and provide support to those who lost their homes. The journey you sent us on was unlike anything we have ever experience. Our home and sacred rights have been destroyed, but not our order. We will persevere."

Jyn smiled. "Just promise me I'll see you again."

Chirrut placed his hand on Jyn's chest to touch her kyber. "Trust the Force; it will guide you as it has already done many times over."

Baze walked over to kiss the top of Jyn's head. "Goodbye, little sister."

"You'll be okay?" Jyn asked.

Baze's mouth twitched. "There are worse places to be."

"Jyn." Cassian's voice echoed from behind her.

She stepped back. "Until next time."

...

Commenor

Jyn hadn't been to Commenor since she was twelve years old; she had never thought to return either. It was a prosperous planet in the colonies region inhabited mostly by humans. There was a large trading outpost and spaceport that was ideal for wanderers to get lost in. Rogue One was still listed as an imperial cargo freighter; finding a landing pad was relatively easy and they opted for one that was out of the way and not run by imperial occupants.

The team of Rogue One assembled in the lower deck where Cassian placed a cargo crate in the centre in order to place his holoprojector on. It displayed a complex layout of the city.

"We have landed in Chasin City," the Major began. "We will be splitting up into three teams. Sefla, you will take Tonc and head out into the city. I need you both to gather as much information as you can about any imperial facility that may have existed nearby. Hit the bars, shops, gaming lounges – anywhere that will make it easy to strike up a conversation."

"Are we still using the same aliases from Onderon?" Tonc asked.

"For now, yes," Cassian replied. "Intelligence reports that those identities have not been compromised. Now, Rostok and Basteran, I need you to make contact with a man named Wayle Davout. He ran a few intel circles for me a while ago and has a list names of people who want to join the rebellion. It seems news of the Death Star has created a stir."

"Where do we find him?" Rostok asked.

"He is head chef at the Mortael Restaurant. Ask for him and drop the name 'fulcrum'. He'll do the rest."

"That just leaves Bodhi and us," Jyn said.

Cassian turned around to the pilot who had been staying out of the group. "I have a job for you actually. There is a secret rebel base on the moon Folor. The base is used to train starfighters and has been low on spare parts. I need you to deliver them and then wait there for my call. We can't keep Rogue One on the same world as us all the time; it will lead to suspicion."

"I can do that," Bodhi replied quietly. "How long will you be?"

Cassian shrugged. "Could be hours to days. Folor Base has a good reputation; you'll be fine."

"So I take it you and I will be going to find Arhul Nemo?" Jyn asked.

Cassian nodded. "That's the plan. Intelligence made contact with him before we left. I know where to find him. Hopefully he can be of help. Tonc and Sefla will rendezvous with us." Cassian looked at his team. "We all have our assignments – let's move!"

Cassian changed his outfit in his cramped bunker while everyone prepared. He was still getting used to having a team, giving orders and trusting others to get the job done. Trust wasn't the issue exactly; he just liked pulling all the strings and doing everything himself. If he worked that way then he had all the cards in his hands and could improvise for himself only. Sighing, he slid his black leather jacket on and tightened his belt.

Jyn had refused to wear those ridiculously tight leather pants again. She didn't blame the boys for buying them; men were useless when it came to buying women clothes. At least they tried. She kept to her new outfit she had been given after returning from Scarif. Her jacket wasn't too obvious to make her stand out as a rebel; she placed her lieutenant insignia in one of the drawers. Her hair was down, starting to wave now that she let it roam free. Tightening her holster around her waist, Jyn was ready to meet Arhul Nemo again. It felt strange to be seeing him after so long. When Saw had abandoned her, Jyn had a mind to go find him, but she feared he had been in league with Saw's plans and opted to find Kenna. She also wondered if Arhul Nemo knew Saw was dead. Was that the sort of information alliance intelligence gives away freely?

Jyn and Cassian stepped out of their bunks at the same time, bumping into each other. Flustered, they both mumbled apologies, trying to walk around each other. Sliding to be in front of him, Jyn stepped into the cockpit first. She placed a hand on Bodhi's shoulder, squeezing it.

"Enjoy Folor Base," she said. "You'll be safer there."

"I'm not worried about that," Bodhi replied.

Jyn watched Cassian descend the ladder and out of sight. "You wanted to come with us?"

Bodhi frowned. "Yes and no. I hate sitting around up here while you all go off. I feel useless."

"You're not useless," Jyn said firmly, thinking of her father's message. "Don't say that again. I'll speak to Cassian for you."

"No, no," Bodhi protested. "It's okay. Honestly."

Jyn rolled her eyes. "They'll be a time when we'll need you off the shuttle. You can count on it."

"Jyn," Cassian called form below.

"Duty calls," Bodhi said smiling. "Have fun."

"So long as it's better than Etheron..."