0ABY: Folor Base (Commenor System)

Bodhi felt alone and isolated as he landed Rogue One on the secret underground rebel base on the moon Folor. Being alone in the shuttle felt odd and eerily quiet; the silence reminded him of his time flying cargo for the empire as most his co-pilots had never been the chatty type.

Folor Base was well-hidden that it had taken Bodhi a moment to adjust his eyes to view the great bay doors slide open to reveal a hanger below. A team of rebel forces were present to meet Bodhi in awe as they stared at the imperial shuttle.

"I couldn't believe it when they said the alliance had stolen an imperial cargo shuttle," one of them said as Bodhi descended the ramp. The man stepped forward to shake Bodhi's hand. "Corporal Haken."

"Bodhi... ah Lieutenant Rook."

Haken gestured to the men and women behind him. "My engineers are going to take a look around. We've never had the opportunity to examine one of these."

"Sure, go ahead," Bodhi replied. "I have the parts you requested."

"Much appreciated," Haken replied. "There is a cafeteria and 'fresher down that corridor."

Bodhi splashed cold water on his face in the refresher. His eyes were red from lack of sleep. Being back on Jedha had brought up a lot of memories he wished to forget. His family was gone; his childhood friends and the few fellow pilots he got along with. When he returned to Jedha with Galen's message he went straight for Saw's insurgents. He never thought to go visit his mother or siblings. He had wrongfully thought he had time to do that later. What a fool he had been. He knew the existence of the Death Star and never once thought that the repercussions of his actions would lead to the Holy City's destruction. He did see himself partial to the blame, though he never dared bring it up with Jyn. She and the others never once blamed him for what happened, nor did they ever believe he would double-cross them. Any imperial pilot could claim they defected only to stab the rebels in the back.

Drying his face, Bodhi chose to return to his shuttle. His appetite was nonexistent and all he wanted to do was lose himself in the maintenance. The exterior of Rogue One was crawling with engineers as they used ladders to get better access to the radiator ports and sensor nodes. The spare parts he'd delivered had been taken from the shuttle and placed in a disorderly fashion not far away. A few technicians were sorting through the crates giving the occasional notion of relief when they came across parts they were running low on.

Bodhi climbed the ladder planning on helping them run diagnostics from the cockpit. It was the least he could do for them considering he once worked for the other side. Guilt still gnawed away at him.

Bodhi barely noticed someone had taken a seat at the tech station speaking through their comm to another below. Bodhi made for the pilots seat.

"Hey, watch it!"

Bodhi jumped at the voice. A young woman was sitting in the pilot's seat wearing dark green overalls. Bodhi blinked as she stood up, reaching only as high as his chin. Her complexion was the same as his with dark blue eyes and long hair that had had pulled back into a messy braid.

"S-sorry," Bodhi stuttered. "I didn't see you."

The woman half-shrugged. "I'm small so it's expected." She held out her hand. "The name's Sarli Mantisa. I'm a mechanic here on Folor Base."

"Bodhi Rook." They shook hands before Sarli stepped out of the away for Bodhi to take the pilot's seat.

"I was trying to gain access to the wiring below the control panel."

"Why?"

Sarli smiled. "Just wanted to scope out the area. Never been in an imperial ship before so I was curious to see if they did anything drastically different to us." She knelt down next to Bodhi's knee and turned on her flashlight. "Think you could help a fellow rebel out?"

"Oh, yeah sure. What do you need me to do?"

"Well I'm hoping you could show me how to open the panel first," she chuckled. "Is there a switch or lever somewhere?"

Bodhi leaned down and used his left hand to pull the lever wedged in the corner. "This handle opens this side. The co-pilot station has another handle. It looks mostly the same on both sides."

Sarli hummed as she flashed her light to get a look. "Then I'll do my work on the other side. Don't wanna get in your way." She glanced up at him. "So was this your shuttle the entire time?"

"What? Oh, no," Bodhi replied. "I stole this one from Eadu."

"Ah." She turned her flashlight off and stood. "I don't know much about what happened except for the basics." She sat down in the gap between the co-pilot seat and control panel. "Ever since you kicked the empire in the sore spot we have been getting a huge amount of recruits for x-wing squadrons. Folor Base hasn't been this busy in years."

"You've been here for years?" Bodhi asked.

"Four years and counting. I get to go to Commenor every now and then, so it's not all bad."

"Still, it's a long time to be stationed at one base."

"Well, they need mechanics here constantly," Sarli said while she worked. "I don't like violence too much, so I'm happy to stay. This base is mostly used for training and it's so well hidden we have never even been suspected by the empire... at least I don't think."

They stayed like that, conversing for ages while they worked separately. Sarli was cheerful and was full of anecdotes of clumsy recruits that had Bodhi laughing more than once. Funny how one person could change the mood of another so quickly.

...

4ABY: Chandrila

Seeing everyone again had been wonderful. Even though it was to celebrate the coming nuptials of Bodhi and Sarli, Kalei had stolen the show. Jyn was relieved that Sarli and Bodhi did not mind at all. In fact, Bodhi had held Kalei a fair amount of time that evening. Han, Rostok and Tonc had teased Bodhi relentlessly for showing off his soft side while Sarli watched from a distance with a sad smile.

"Okay, what is it?" Jyn asked after noticing the same grim look all evening.

Sarli straightened, not noticing Jyn arriving at her side. "It's nothing."

Jyn rolled her eyes. "It's clearly something."

Sarli led Jyn over to a private area with two sofas. She ran her finger around the rim of her wine glass as she contemplated on what to say. "I don't think I can have children."

This was news. "You don't want children?"

"Yes I do, but I don't think I can have them."

"Oh," Jyn simply said.

"The women in my family have a history of... of problems having kids. Problems conceiving."

Topic concerning the female body was not something Jyn was accustomed to. "Does Bodhi know?"

Sarli shook her head sadly. "No. I don't know how to tell him."

Both women looked over at Bodhi who was sitting with Baze and Chirrut. Baze had Kalei in his arms in an almost protective manner.

"Is there a way to find out?" Jyn asked.

"Yeah there is, but I'm afraid to have the test."

"Sarli," Jyn said sternly, "don't torture yourself like this."

"It's not like we have talked about having kids," Sarli defended. "We haven't exactly broached the subject in depth. I was thinking of just taking it as it goes."

Jyn frowned, feeling guilty for showing off her daughter to everyone in front of Sarli. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault," Sarli said quickly. "I've accepted it. I just hope I don't let Bodhi down."

"Bodhi is not marrying you just to have children," Jyn replied dryly.

Sarli laughed lightly. "This is true." She took Jyn's hand. "Thanks for coming."

Later in the evening after Jyn and Cassian had returned without Han – who had decided to drink Basteren under the table – Jyn watched Kalei lay on her side on the big bed, completely oblivious to her surroundings of love and security.

"Have I already been kicked out of bed?" Cassian asked as he indicated to Kalei who was sleeping on his side.

Jyn smiled warmly. "She's too peaceful to be moved." She pulled Cassian down behind her, snuggling up against his chest. "You can move her later."

Cassian kissed his wife's hair, inhaling the floral scent. His mind was hazy from the amount of alcohol he had consumed that evening but he felt even more drunk on the image of his wife and daughter. He ran his fingers lightly down Jyn's arm. She exhaled happily, turning her head to meet Cassian's lips. It felt an eternity since they last managed to have an intimate moment. Both seized it, Cassian gently rolling to be on top. He trailed kisses down her neck, trailing his hand down the other side. Jyn moaned softly as their kisses deepened. She arched her back as Cassian hooked her knee behind him.

Kalei let out a wail and both parents froze. Jyn gently pushed Cassian off her to get to her daughter. Kalei had rolled onto her back, waving her tiny fists in the air.

"Shhh," Jyn soothed as she held her daughter. "Go back to sleep."

The comfort of her mother along with several moments of gentle swaying, Kalei settled back down, blinking heavily. Jyn laughed lightly when she noticed Cassian's exasperated look. "Get used to it."

Cassian returned the smile. "I'm not complaining."

"Not aloud." Jyn got up to put Kalei in the bassinet. "We can try again later. I fear we are in for a restless night."

Cassian held out his arms for Jyn to sink into when she returned to bed. He kissed her lips and nose. "There's always the morning."

Jyn grinned. "Kalei does sleep better in the mornings and Han will still be sleeping off his hangover."

Cassian returned the grin. "I can't wait."

...

Commenor - Chasin City

"Jyn, is that really you?" Nemo asked in disbelief. She and Cassian had arrived at the underground resistance bunker with ease. It had been ten years since she last saw Arhul Nemo and he had not aged well. War had taken its toll on him just as it had with Saw.

"It's been a long time," Jyn replied with a small smile. "It's good to see you."

"Ah, Jyn," Nemo replied with affection. "My favourite of Saw's partisans." He stepped up to Jyn, placing his hands on her shoulders. "If only we got to work together more often. We could have used you here."

"I'm here now."

Arhul glanced at Cassian. "I was surprised to hear you were coming back. Congratulations on your promotion; you were always a formative intelligence officer. Glad to see they've recognised your potential."

"Thank you," Cassian replied curtly.

"I must say I am still unsure why you have come."

The trio sat down at a round table. "We've come here to investigate the possibility of a bioweapon being created by the empire," Cassian said.

Arhul's eyes narrowed. "I blew up that facility."

"We found intel left by Saw Gerrera," Jyn added. "He made note of a town that had all its citizens die and that it may be connected to whatever the imperials were doing."

Arhul leaned back in his chair. "I know about that. My men scouted the town after we heard what had happened."

"What did happen?" Cassian pressed. Jyn noticed his spy facade had returned; his face was unreadable and hard.

"Everyone was gone," Arhul simply stated. "There were no signs of a fight or people being in distress. It was as if everyone got up and left in the middle of dinner." He hesitated. "Rumours began to spread that the town had been inflicted with an illness, but nothing was confirmed."

"What do you think?" Jyn asked.

"I think the empire is behind it," Arhul replied. "I've been keeping tabs on an imperial scientist by the name of Kavis Seumic. He worked at the facility and was away on business when I blew it up. He is still here in Chasin City working."

"What have you discovered?" Cassian asked.

"He was in charge of whatever project they were doing and he's managed to set up another lab here in the heart of the city." Arhul grunted. "Clever bastard. I can't blow up his lab again in such a populated area."

Jyn noticed Arhul take in her appearance. "You've changed."

At a loss for words, Jyn merely shrugged. "It's been years since I last saw you."

"You've grown into a very fine looking woman."

Jyn noticed Cassian tense ever so slightly; he didn't appear to like where this was going.

"Thanks?"

Arhul sighed, leaning on the table with his elbows. "Kavis frequents a bar called 'Sundown' here in the central district. My spies indicate he can never let a pretty girl slip past him."

Jyn felt her face drain of blood when she figured where he was taking this. "You want me to meet him?" Cassian's face was even more tense with a clenched jaw and his eyes fixed on Arhul Nemo.

"You were one of the most gifted soldiers I have ever come across," Arhul began. "When Saw told me about your parentage; what Director Krennic did to your mother, I could see what motivated you, and that nothing would ever persuade you over to their side. I would not ask this of you if I didn't think you capable."

"What exactly are you asking of her?" Cassian finally spoke, miraculously keeping his tone level.

Arhul raised a brow as he looked at the Major. "I want her to slip on a pretty dress and make conversation with Kavis Seumic. Gain his trust."

"Why?" Jyn asked. "Wouldn't it be easier if we just kidnap him?"

Arhul chuckled. "Kidnapping the man would not help in this case. We need someone to gain access to his lab and see what the hell he is doing in there. Use your alias 'Lania Crion' and speak to him about your boss," Arhul nodded at Cassian, "who is interested in investing in his project."

"I can speak with him," Cassian interjected. "It would make more sense for me to speak to him if this is to appear as a business arrangement."

Arhul shook his head. "Kavis has become paranoid ever since we blew up his facility. Besides, paranoid as he may be, Jyn here will be enough to get his attention."

Cassian opened his mouth to protest but Jyn spoke first. "Are you sure this will work? I-I'm not exactly used to getting information this way."

Arhul smiled sadly. "Saw always did like to attack first, guns blazing. Questions always came later and it was never done quietly. This situation needs to be done subtlety considering what's at risk. I have faith in you, Jyn. Gaining his trust is all you need to do."

Jyn nodded. "So where do I get a dress?"

While Arhul Nemo went off to organise an outfit for Jyn to wear tonight, Cassian pulled her to the side, his eyes were furious. "You cannot accept a mission like this without consulting me!"

Jyn recoiled at his sudden temper. "What are you talking about?"

"You are not trained to do this."

Jyn choked on a laugh. "You think I can't make a friend?"

Cassian did not back down. "This is more than friendship. You need to gain his trust, and if you haven't realised, Jyn, you are not the most trusting person."

"This has nothing to do with me," Jyn hissed. They both were attempting to keep their voices low to avoid attention. "We came here to find out what the empire is up to. So why are you acting this way?"

Cassian ran his hand over his face. "Like I said, you are not trained for a mission of this extent."

"You're afraid I'm going to mess this up." It wasn't a question but a statement.

"I'm afraid you're going to end up in a situation you won't like," Cassian replied.

"I can handle myself! I have been taking care of myself for years! I know what to do!"

They were both breathing heavily, refusing to break eye contact. "I hope so." It was almost a whisper, but still Cassian was not satisfied. "If you're really going to do this then I'll be close by. Just in case."

Jyn clenched her jaw. "That won't be necessary as it may blow my cover."

"I'm not letting you do this alone."

Jyn groaned with frustration. "Good to know how little faith you have in me." With that, Jyn stormed off to look for Arhul, leaving Cassian behind in the same state of fury. She was absolutely fuming that Cassian had decided to act like this. He knew she could take care of herself, so why the attitude? She made her way into the small refresher and refrained from kicking the toilet. The way Cassian had jumped to the conclusion she couldn't pretend to be someone else; to be nice to someone in order to get something from them made her wonder just how much he knew about her past. Sure she had a temper, but she could refrain herself. She wasn't a child for kriff sake.

Jyn looked at herself in the mirror, noticing her hair had grown longer. She surveyed her features, trying to soothe them. It wasn't easy since she was in the mood for hitting someone, but she needed to calm down. She didn't want to let Arhul down. Cassian would just have to get over it and accept that she was her own woman more than capable of looking after herself. Jyn ran a finger along her jaw line; she never took much notice in her appearance. Many had called her pretty or beautiful over the years, but those words had never affected her deep down. She was a simplest. Taking a deep breath, Jyn felt calm enough to step out of the 'fresher. It was time to do this.

The dress Arhul had acquired for her was black and gold knee length. Jyn had never liked knee-length dresses, but Arhul had also found some black leather boots to go with it. Looking at herself in the mirror, Jyn barely recognised herself. She tugged at the dress in the hopes of making it longer. The material was comfortable, but she felt so vulnerable with her legs exposed. Here's hoping this was the only time she had to dress up like this.

"This dress has been used by another female operative," Arhul explained as he watched Jyn fidget in front of the mirror. "It's been in storage for a while, but it'll serve its purpose."

Jyn smoothed her hands down the front. In the end, it wasn't the worst outfit he could have given her. "So I take it this is going to involve talking only?"

Arhul nodded. "If you're ready?"

"I am," Jyn replied simply. "The sooner we do this, the better."

"You will have to go into the bar alone," Arhul said. "Work your way over to him and introduce yourself and state why you're there. If it goes well he should invite you to his office in the coming days."

"And if things don't go well?"

"If he's not interested or you feel your cover may be blown then head back here. We can find another way."

Jyn straightened. "I can do this."

Arhul smiled. "Of course you can. I wouldn't have asked if I doubted you."

It felt good to hear someone say that to her. This assignment felt personal now that she wanted to prove Cassian wrong.

...

The 'Sundown' was an expensive bar in the heart of the city that welcomed only those dressed for the occasion. It was a strict code and fortunately Jyn got in with little effort. She had barely spoken to Cassian before she left, too angry with him for questioning her skills. He had gone to check on the rest of Rogue One by the time she had left and part of her half expected him to show up at the bar anyway. Arhul had shown Jyn a picture of Kavis Seumic before she left. He was relatively handsome, in his mid-thirties with light brown hair and fair skin. He looked important in the image and the uniform he wore reminded her of the one her father had worn on Eadu.

The first thing Jyn noticed as she entered the bar was the soft classical music playing from the live band. The music reminded her of her childhood spent on Coruscant; her parents played similar music whenever Krennic had come over for dinner. It was crowded as she kept her stride casual toward the bar. First, she would get a drink; she needed to calm her nerves. She would never admit it but part of the reason why she was so angry with Cassian was because he was partially right. Jyn had never done something like this before. Most times when she schmoozed men for ulterior motives in the past it was to get onboard a transport for free, or simply to have somewhere to sleep for the night. This was entirely different. She had never needed to extract information out of an imperial scientist in the name of the rebellion. Surely it wasn't that different. Right?

Jyn noticed Kavis while she ordered her drink. He was sitting on a stool on the other side of the bar alone going over a datapad with a short glass of whisky next to him. Jyn was struck how friendly he appeared in person. Giving a quick thanks to the bartender, Jyn refrained from dawdling. If he caught sight of her alone for too long it may end up suspicious. Still, Jyn glanced around for any sign of Cassian, but came up empty. Holding her drink in a tall, thin glass, Jyn strode over to Kavis. Every step she took her heart beat faster. She reminded herself to keep calm and cool. Kavis looked up when she finally came to his side and smiled warmly. He turned his datapad off and took a swig of his whisky.

"Can I help you?" he asked with a curious expression etched on his face.

Jyn made a smile she hoped didn't look forced. "My name is Lania Crion."

Kavis held out his hand for her to shake; his hand was warm and soft. "Such a lovely name for a lovely face."

This time Jyn managed a genuine smile. His voice was smooth and easy while his face remained open and friendly. "You must be Kavis Seumic."

"Must I?" he replied with a smile tugging at his lips. "How has my name come into your vocabulary?"

"May I?" Jyn asked, gesturing to the empty stool beside him.

"By all means."

Jyn sat down feeling the coolness of the stool under her legs. "I work for a business entrepreneur called Arador Navin. His main office is on Coruscant."

Kavis drank from his whisky. "Never heard of him."

"Well he has heard of you and your work here on Commenor," Jyn continued. "He sent me here to make contact and hopefully... come to an agreement."

Kavis hummed in thought. "It's not every day a pretty girl comes to me for business alone."

Jyn blushed under his dark, heavy gaze. She bit her lip trying to find a decent retort. She mentally cursed Cassian for being right about her talents.

Kavis chuckled at her. "Forgive me; I am too brazen at times. Tell me, how does Arador Navin know of my work?"

Jyn paused, not expecting such a question. It was a good question too and she didn't have a decent answer. "Mr. Navin has his contacts... he doesn't tell me everything."

"I'm sad to say my current project is not taking any investors."

Jyn took a sip of her drink.

"Please relay my apologies to Mr. Navin."

"I-I will," Jyn replied, taking another hasty drink.

Kavis leaned in. "I hope he won't be too disappointed."

Jyn widened her eyes at his sudden closeness. "He has other projects he's interested in," she blurted out. "It won't be a problem."

"Does he always send pretty girls?"

Jyn felt her cheeks warm. "I...uhm..." she laughed lightly. "I don't know."

Kavis leaned back and took her in. "That's a lovely dress. You'd look a lot better with your hair up." He tucked Jyn's hair behind her ear. "A woman's neck is always graceful to look at."

Jyn was sure he could hear her heart beating. "I'll remember that."

"How long are you here for?"

"Uh... I leave in a few days."

"More investors to meet?"

Jyn drank deeply. "A few."

Kavis drank the rest of his whisky in one go and stood. "It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Crion." Before Jyn could stand up, Kavis left. She watched him until he was out of view and then allowed her body to relax; she hadn't realised how tense she had become. She surveyed the room and still saw not sign of Cassian. If he was close by he was keeping himself well hidden. Finishing the rest of her drink she got up to leave.

While it hadn't been successful, Jyn felt she kept her cover well enough. Kavis had been more flirtatious than she initially thought; Jyn had not flirted in for what seemed ages. Then again, she was never good at it. Flirting wasn't something she did much in Saw's cadre and while her time with Kenna had involved a few male companions, flirting wasn't something she got to practice with them. Sighing, Jyn made for the front door. It was a twenty minute walk back to Arhul Nemo's base and Jyn was happy enough to take her time. They probably didn't expect her to return so soon so she dawdled about, taking in the busy atmosphere of the numerous restaurants and clubs.

Ten minutes into her walk, when she was considering finding somewhere to grab a quick bite, she felt someone slide their hand around her waist. Startled, Jyn jumped, ready to take on whoever it was.

"Easy," Kavis said, taking her hand. "It's only me."

Jyn took a steady breath and regained her composure.

"Remind me never to do that again," he said humorously.

"What do you want?" she asked, wishing he would remove his arm from around her waist.

"I want to show you something," he replied causally. "I think you might enjoy it." He guided her down the street and took a left at the next intersection.

"Where are you taking me?" Jyn asked, feeling her temper starting to rise. She kept telling herself to relax and it was all part of the mission. She could do this.

"To my apartment," he said. "It has a wonderful view of the city skyline."

Jyn tensed, but kept her feet moving. She had to remind herself that this was progress, that he was her target. Hopefully she could find some information about his work at the apartment.

"Sounds... nice," she managed to breathe out.

"You won't be disappointed."

His apartment was a short walk away with a security guard out the front. He swiped into the lobby and pressed for the elevator to come down.

He inhaled deeply as he gazed at her up and down. "You look ready to flee."

Jyn tried to relax but found it difficult. "I'm fine. You took me by surprise earlier."

"My apologies."

Kavis guided her into the elevator and pressed the button for the forty-first floor. His apartment took up the entire level of the building and was lavishly furnished. The lights came on automatically as Jyn came into view of a large window that overlooked the city of Chasin. It really was breathtaking. She walked over and placed her hands on the glass. The city nightlife buzzed below her with various coloured lights flashing. In the distance she heard music coming from one of the clubs.

Kavis approached her with a two glasses. "Commenor's finest."

Jyn thanked him as she took a sip. It was stronger than she thought, but the taste was sweet. "How long have you been here for?"

Kavis sat down on the sofa. "A little over a year."

Jyn kept looking out the window. "I'd stay here just for the view."

She heard Kavis chuckle behind her. "I knew you'd like it."

Jyn finally turned around as she took another drink. "Is this the only reason why you invited me up here?"

Kavis placed his glass down on the side table. "No."

Her head felt light and she softly smiled. "You could have just asked."

"I knew you would say no."

"Why is that?" She leaned against the glass feeling more relaxed than she had been all evening.

"Because it wasn't part of the plan," he simply stated.

Jyn frowned trying to gather her thoughts. "What plan?"

"The plan Arhul Nemo came up with."

Jyn paled. Her grip on her drink came loose and it shattered at her feet. She covered her mouth as her vision became dizzy.

Kavis stood up and pulled her to the sofa. "You didn't think I was that foolish, did you?"

Jyn blinked hard, trying to see properly.

"Don't fight it," Kavis said, sitting down next to her. "The drug I laced your drink with is rather potent."

Jyn wanted to force herself to throw up to get the drug out of her system, but Kavis took her hands tightly in his. She wanted to be angry but everything felt so light. Where was Cassian? She felt Kavis move to get up and she lay down on the sofa feeling her eyes start to feel heavy. Kavis temporarily left the living room and returned swiftly to kneel down in front of Jyn.

"Perhaps it's time to get the resistance to work on my terms," he said, opening a silver case. Jyn tried to get up but her arms were tingling with weakness. Kavis lifted a syringe for Jyn to see. "I need a cure and the only person who can get me one has taken refuge with the alliance."

Kavis positioned Jyn so she was on her back and took hold of her arm. "What better way to get the alliance to give me what I want than to infect one of their own."

The last thing Jyn felt was the sting of a needle as it entered her vein before blackness consumed her.