0ABY: Commenor, Chasin City

Jyn received many strange looks as she limped her way, bare foot, through the city streets. Her whole body ached from head to toe as she forced herself to keep moving. Fighting her way out of the facility may have caused more harm than good, Jyn thought morosely. She had disposed of her stolen gun not long after making it outside as she tried her best to blend in. It had taken her far longer than she initially thought to get back to Arhul Nemo's base. She was not familiar with this part of the city and had no money on her to catch transport. Nobody took pity on her and kept a distance. Part of Jyn ached for food while another part wanted to throw up all over the sidewalk. It felt like her body was at war with itself, not sure what it wanted.

Three hours after her escape, Jyn stumbled into a back alleyway to rest. She coughed violently, trying to ignore the rumbling sensation in her chest. She rested her head in her hands, massaging her temples in an attempt to soothe her headache. Why did this have to happen to her? Her whole life was filled with bad luck. Had she used up all her luck on Scarif? After a brief moment, Jyn turned to check the other end of the alleyway to see it exited onto another street, parallel to the one she had originally been on. Her muscles protested as she stood, but she was determined not to waste anymore time.

Jyn reached Arhul Nemo two hours later. She was freezing, sore and exhausted.

"Oh, Jyn," he said, masked with worry. "Come in here." He half dragged her into a small makeshift medical room where Arhul placed an oxygen mask on her. "Stay here, I'll be back shortly." Jyn was so tired she couldn't protest even if she wanted to and soon fell asleep.

Arhul walked briskly to his communication station. "Get in contact with Folor Base and tell them the infected rebel soldier has made it back. Request permission to bring her to Folor Base."

Arhul rubbed his face; sleep had eluded him ever since Jyn had gone missing. "If Major Andor is still on Folor Base, inform him of the update."

The next couple of hours were a blur to Jyn. All she could remember later was strong hands on her arms as she was moved to another bed, the thrum of an engine and the brief images of x-wings through glass.

Cassian sat in the co-pilot seat next to Bodhi as Rogue One took off from Folor Base, destination Thila Base. The entire crew of Rogue One remained silent as Cassian informed everyone what had happened to Jyn. None had protested at the major's plan to find Dr. Gadreel; it was the only way they could save Jyn.

"Rogue One, this is Folor Base, do you copy?"

Cassian leaned forward. "This is Rogue One, we copy." He could still see Folor Moon as they prepared to jump into hyperspace.

"Message from Lieutenant Nemo on Commenor: Lieutenant Erso escaped facility. Plans to relocate her to Folor Base in motion. We request you to bring Dr. Gadreel to Folor Base instead of Commenor."

Cassian had held his breath at the news of Jyn's escape. He couldn't help but grin; that was the Jyn Erso he knew and admired. Beside him, Bodhi was also smiling, relieved.

"Copy that," Cassian replied. He sat back in his chair, amazed at the resourcefulness Jyn was capable of. He wanted to ask Folor Base on Jyn's status, but the communication had been severed and it was best to keep any comm line from Folor Base minimum to avoid detection. Bodhi jumped them into hyperspace.

"She'll be okay," Bodhi offered. "Folor Base is good; good people. We'll find Dr. Gadreel too; I can feel it."

Cassian offered him a smile. "I'll go tell the others."

...

When Jyn woke she felt disoriented as she vision remained blurred and her head ached with more intensity than she could ever remember.

"Relax, lieutenant," a voice said. "You are on Folor Base in the medical wing."

Jyn pawed at the oxygen mask over her face, but the voice turned into a woman wearing a quarantine facemask who removed Jyn's hand from her own oxygen mask. "You need to keep this on. You're airway is at risk of obstruction from the swelling in your trachea. Breathing on your own will become harder every hour."

Jyn moaned in response, hearing something beeping near her.

"The woman silence the machine. "You need to relax, lieutenant. Try and take deep, steady breaths to keep your heart rate level."

Jyn coughed, helping herself sit up as she continued to cough violently. The woman rubbed Jyn's back, soothing her. "Major Andor and the rest of your team have gone to Thila Base to find Dr. Gadreel."

"When?" was all Jyn managed to breathe out.

"They left Folor Base before you arrived. That was six hours ago," she replied. "I'm Dr. Venral and will be taking care of you until Dr. Gadreel arrives."

"Water," Jyn breathed.

Dr. Venral hesitated. "We have a fluid drip in your vein to keep your fluids up. It's best that you don't consume anything for the time being."

Jyn frowned. "Please."

The young doctor took pity on her and filled a small cup of water. "Please only small sips. We cannot risk you aspirating right now."

Jyn just nodded and basked in the cool taste of the water. After a few sips, Venral took the cup and gently pushed Jyn to lie back down. "You need to take it easy; someone will be here with you at all times."

"But... aren't I... contagious?"

Venral pulled up the blankets to Jyn's neck. "We ran tests as soon as you arrived. It appears the disease is spread through bodily fluids, such as saliva. So long as you keep that mask on, and anyone entering this room wears the proper quarantine mask, we are not at risk."

Jyn watched Venral prepare a needle. "This is going to put you to sleep; it's a light sedation. Sleeping will help your body's defence's work harder and keep your breathing regular." After the sting subsided, Venral continued: "I am sure Major Andor will return with Dr. Gadreel soon. In the mean time, keep fighting it."

The last thoughts Jyn had before drifting back to sleep were of Cassian and where he was right at that moment.

...

Thila Command, Thila

It had been some weeks since Cassian had seen Mon Mothma and it was a welcome relief to see her. High Command had established itself in the catacombs of Thila where an already established rebel base was located. It was a good retreat in the outer rim territories.

Mothma was waiting on the tarmac to greet the crew of Rogue One as they each slowly descended the ramp behind Cassian, who walked quicker than necessary.

"Major Andor," she spoke gently, "we received your transmission concerning Lieutenant Erso's condition. I am very sad to hear what transpired on Commenor."

Cassian bowed his head in respect. "I thank you, but if you'll forgive me, time is short."

Mothma smiled. "Of course. General Draven has orchestrated with Major Rann to help located Dr. Gadreel." Mothma gestured towards the middle aged man standing behind her. Cassian knew the man from previous intelligence briefings; Rann was in charge of a group of intelligence officers responsible for tracking down persons of interests and had helped Cassian put together the dossier on Jyn.

The majors shook hands briefly with a silent nod to each other. "If you'll follow me, Major Andor." They walked briskly into the base, passing dozens of rebels running about. "You'll have to forgive the chaos," Rann continued. "Moving High Command here on short notice has left the base in disarray."

Cassian merely nodded. "All of Yavin IV has been evacuated?"

"As best as we could," Rann replied. "Unfortunately we believe General Dodonna perished during the evacuation."

Cassian remembered Draven mention Dodonna's situation back at Delta Base. "Yes, I heard he set the base to explode to give more time for the evacuation."

"Imperial forces were swarming the area by that time," Rann said. "What he did was brave and he shall be remembered for his sacrifice."

They entered a small, windowless room where much of the intelligence computers were still half unpacked. Rann led Cassian over to the only system that had been properly set up. "As soon as we received your data burst concerning Lieutenant Erso and this bioweapon, I contacted General Draven to recommend we send agents to Commenor to access the damage Lieutenant Erso may have inflicted."

"Damage?" Cassian frowned.

Rann looked at Cassian directly. "We do not yet know how contagious she is, nor do we know how many survived from the facility."

Cassian wanted to argue, but found the major's words sound. "Folor Base said they were taking precautions."

Rann nodded. "So they should. We knew the imperials were up to something on Commenor, but nothing to this extent. General Draven is furious with his agent stationed there."

"Arhul Nemo blew up their original facility months ago..."

"Our people still should have investigated more than taking the word of a man who once worked with Saw Gerrera."

Cassian inhaled deeply. "Tell me you have good news."

"I can do that, in fact, I can do better," Rann replied. "Dr. Amara Gadreel sought asylum within the rebellion several months ago after coming in contact with the Lothal rebels. They contacted Yavin IV, and High Command granted her sanctuary. Dr. Gadreel was offered a position at our previous Echo Base, but she refused, saying she wished to redeem herself by helping the ailing on Lothal."

"So she is still on Lothal?" Cassian confirmed. "She never left?"

"A few times, yes, but she returned each time," Rann replied. "Lothal has been a world in constant turmoil between the empire and the Lothal rebels. Many innocents have been caught in the crossfire." Rann brought up a map of the southern hemisphere of Lothal. "We were able to get in contact with rebel leader Ryder Azadi."

Cassian nodded. "I know him; a former mayor."

"He met with Dr. Gadreel personally when she first arrived."

"So where is she now?" Cassian asked, observing the map.

Rann zoomed in on a large mass of land along the coastline. "There is a settlement here; various species but mostly human settlers. Ryder has informed us that Dr. Gadreel is treating minor alignments in the town. There are no imperial outposts nearby, so it should be relatively easy to extract the doctor."

Cassian nodded and made to leave. "Thank you."

"Wait," Rann called. "I have orders from General Draven for you."

Cassian accepted the datapad and walked towards the command centre while reading. Three-quarters of the way, he stopped.

Crew of Rogue One to disband for further investigation

Kriff. Did Mothma know of this? It was the first thing he asked her as he entered the command centre.

Mothma hesitated. "I did converse with General Draven on the matter and I happen to agree with him. Placing your team in the intelligence division when only two of you are intelligence officers was not... wise. Until the matter on Commenor is resolved, Rogue One will be grounded and its crew transferred to Delta Base where Generals Draven and Willard will decide whether to integrate them into intelligence training programs or relocated elsewhere."

Cassian briefly closed his eyes, processing her words. "This has to do with Sefla and Tonc's mistake back on Commenor?"

Mothma nodded. "They are soldiers, not spies. We were too hasty to allow them to work under an intelligence officer. Major Andor, this may not be permanent; chances are your crew will undergo additional training before being allowed back into the field."

Cassian couldn't argue with that logic, and if truth be told, he agreed with her. He should have known earlier that his men weren't properly trained. Had he been too blindsided by what they all went through together on Scarif?

"What of Jyn... Lieutenant Erso?"

Mothma gave a small smile. "If... when she is recovered, she will remain in alliance intelligence. General Draven wishes she undergo further training as well. Fortunately, if you agree to this, I have managed to convince General Draven to allow you to mentor Lieutenant Erso."

Cassian exhaled a breath he didn't realise he was holding. "I have no problem with that."

"I was hoping you wouldn't. It seems you have a... calming effect on her."

Cassian felt his cheeks warm, but kept his steady, spy composure. "I thank you for your confidence, but I must get to Lothal immediately."

"Of course," Mothma replied. "Major Rann has given you everything you need?"

"Yes, except for transport..."

"General Merrick is currently re-fuelling his squadron here and has offered you one of his U-Wings. You are permitted to take Lieutenant Rook with you." Mothma paused. "I know how close you two are to Lieutenant Erso and I am sure he would be willing to accompany you."

"Thank you," Cassian replied.

Cassian found Bodhi speaking with an x-wing pilot. At closer inspection, Cassian recognised him as Luke Skywalker. Upon noticing the major, Luke waved.

"Major Andor, it's great to see you again," he said. "Bodhi was telling me about Jyn... I'm sorry."

Cassian shook Luke's hand. "I appreciate it. Bodhi, General Merrick has a U-Wing waiting for us."

"Right... we're not taking ours?"

"Change of plans; I'll explain on our way to Lothal."

"I'll let you two go and good luck!" Luke hurried off after clasping Bodhi on the shoulder.

Cassian grabbed Bodhi by the upper arm and pulled him into a quick stride to the other side of the hanger. "We have to hurry. The longer we take the sicker Jyn gets."

"Why aren't the others coming?" Bodhi asked.

"Long story, I'll explain later." Cassian nudged Bodhi towards their new shuttle. "Get the ship ready to take off, I'll go get our equipment off Rogue One. I'll meet you back here in fifteen minutes."

...

Folor Base

Jyn had started coughing up phlegm at an alarming rate. Dr. Venral stayed with Jyn throughout the ordeal, administering medication that only subdued the effects, not cure them.

"You're latest pathology sampling has come back positive for a severe lower respiratory tract infection. We are treating it as best we can, but our medicine is having little to no effect."

Jyn rubbed her cheeks, feeling their warmth from the fever she had started. She desperately wanted to get out of bed; her restlessness and anxiety going into full swing. She was told to fight this, but she didn't know how! Her chest was tight and starting to become increasingly painful. Every time Venral went to examine Jyn, she started to feel confused and scared that she was back at the imperial facility under the steady gaze of Kavis. Kriff, she hoped her shot had killed him. No one had informed her of what had happened after she escaped; outside news was nonexistent.

"Erso, you need to remain calm," Venral stated firmly. "It's completely normal to feel scared..."

Jyn turned away from Venral, pulling her knees up to her chest. Jyn was scared; she was very scared. This was a whole new ordeal for her. She could feel her heart thrumming away constantly, and her chest rattled with every breath she took. How could she not be scared?

...

"They're disbanding us?" Bodhi asked Cassian in disbelief.

"Now is not the time, Bodhi," Cassian replied. "We're nearly there." Cassian got up to go over his supplies.

"Where am I to go?"

Cassian sighed impatiently. "Delta Base for training. It could be worse."

"I just don't understand..."

"Bodhi!" Cassian shouted, startling the pilot. "We can discuss this later!"

Bitting his lower, lip Bodhi retorted: "This is my way of coping! I need to talk about... anything! If not then I keep thinking of Jyn... and..."

Cassian paused and placed his bag down. "I know. I'm sorry. We all cope in different ways."

"I'm coming with you to get Dr. Gadreel. I'm not staying behind this time."

Cassian faintly smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

They exited hyperspace and made orbit around Lothal. Cassian sat back down at the co-pilots seat. "Setting coordinates."

"Whoa," Bodhi breathed, looking out the window.

Cassian followed his gaze and noticed a large mass of clouds above where they were supposed to land. He checked the sensors. "Scans say it's a typhoon."

"It's taking up almost half the southern hemisphere!" Bodhi exclaimed.

"38% coverage," Cassian confirmed. "We're gonna have to be careful landing."

"This reminds me of Eadu," Bodhi muttered.

Cassian huffed. "Let's not make the same landing this time."

In fact, the weather on southern Lothal was far worse than the rainstorm they encountered on Eadu. The wind was far stronger and the rain hit the front windshield like pebbles.

"I'm gonna have to land soon, very soon," Bodhi warned, trying his absolute best to keep in control of the steering."

"We're too far out!" Cassian replied

"I have to land now or we'll crash... again."

The landing was heavy and the U-Wing rocked ferociously from the wind as Bodhi touched down. Outside, sticks, dirt and leaves lashed against the ship as the wind tore past. Bodhi stared outside apprehensively.

"That tree is almost on its side."

Cassian was already out of his chair and slipping on his waterproof parka. "How far out are we from the town?"

Bodhi checked the screen. "11.8 kilometres, and I don't think we will make good time in this weather."

"We have to take our chances," Cassian replied. "Gear up."

Bodhi stood behind Cassian as they prepared to exit. "You sure about this?"

Cassian glanced back. "Stay low and close by. We can't wait for this storm to ease up."

Rain splayed on their faces as the hatch opened. Bodhi winced, failing in his attempt to shield his eyes with his hand. Cassian jumped out first, gesturing for Bodhi to hurry up. The wind around them howled as it tore through the area and kept both men staggering as they pushed forward.

"Come on!" Cassian shouted, grabbing Bodhi's wrist.

What should have taken two hours worth of walking ended up four hours of constant battering from the wind, and being soaked every inch from rain that stung as it hit your face. Walking wasn't the main problem, it was visualising what was ahead. The rain was a sheet before them that only showed their path a few meters at a time. More than once they were hit with large leaves and sticks; Bodhi received a small gash on his cheek. Cassian kept them pressing forward, only stopping for brief respites in areas that provided little shelter. Bodhi could see the determination masked over Cassian's face; Bodhi wanted Jyn healed too, but he was amazed at the length Cassian was going to ensure her health.

The town came into view and it was to no surprise that it appeared deserted. One building in the centre of town had a faint light coming from the large window above the main entrance. The town centre was littered with debris and isolated areas of flooding. They made it to the building and knocked as loudly as possible, but there was no answer. Cassian tried the door but it was sealed tight.

"Probably weren't expecting visitors," Bodhi yelled over the wind.

Cassian cursed. "We have to get inside, go..."

Cassian, who had been leaning on the door, fell as it slid open. He fell at the feet of an Ithorian who was speaking too softly to be heard. A twi'lek appeared, dragging Bodhi and Cassian inside as quickly as possible. The door slid shut with a loud hiss.

"What in creators name are you doing out there?" the twi'lek exclaimed. "The entire town has been in lock down these past two days."

"Two days," Bodhi said in disbelief.

"You have the empire to thank for that," he replied bitterly. "They ruined a lot around here when they arrived to mine our beautiful planet."

Cassian got to his feet, pushing the loose strands of wet hair out of his eyes. "I need to see Dr. Gadreel."

The twi'lek frowned. "Dr. Gadreel is here, yes, but it's a bit odd you battled outside to get here."

"Where is she?" Cassian persisted. "I need you to take me to her."

"She is down in the lower level with the rest of the town," he replied. "Wait here and I'll go get her."

"Can't we go down as well?" Bodhi asked, looking up to see the window rattle above them.

"I don't want your presence startling the children."

"We'll wait here," Cassian said. "Please, hurry."

Bodhi sat down on a wooden chair, emptying the water from his boots. "I can't believe we survived that."

Cassian took off his bag and let it hit the floor with a loud thud. "Don't get too comfortable; we'll be leaving as soon as possible."

"My mother used to say that wet feet causes a head cold."

Cassian frowned at Bodhi, not sure how to respond. The Ithorian remained with them, standing guard not far away, watching the two men silently. The ground level was a large open space with a stage at the end; a performance hall, Cassian assumed. The lower level was probably a storage basement being used as a temporary shelter.

The twi'lek returned several moments later with a young, fair-haired woman. Cassian walked over to her. "Dr. Gadreel?"

"Y-yes," she replied. "I'm Amara Gadreel."

Cassian eyed the twi'lek and Ithorian. "I would prefer this conversation take place privately."

Amara hesitated but nodded in compliance. "I'll be okay, Kresh," she said to the twi'lek. "I doubt they came all this way to cause trouble."

Once left alone, Amara walked over and sat next to Bodhi. "You're cheek has a cut on it."

Bodhi fingered the gash. "It's nothing. I've had worse."

Amara tsked and reached into the satchel at her waist. "This is a locally grown plant that helps clean the wound." She wiped Bodhi's dirty cheek with her sleeve and smoothed the green paste along the thin cut.

"Th-thanks," Bodhi muttered, eyeing Cassian with uncertainty.

Cassian cleared his throat. "Dr. Gadreel, I'm Major Andor of the alliance and this is Lieutenant Rook."

Amara zipped up her satchel. "I assumed you were alliance."

"We are here to bring you to Folor Base in the Commenor System," Cassian continued.

Amara visibly tensed. "Commenor..."

"One of our friends has been infected with a disease made by a man called..." Bodhi began but Amara cut him off.

"Kavis."

"Yes," Cassian confirmed. "He infected her as leverage to get you to make a cure for him."

Amara's eyes watered. "Gods, what have I done?" she cried softly. "I should have left my research behind. This is all my fault."

"Dr. Gadreel," Cassian began, "we do not have time for this. I need to come with us back to Folor Base where Jyn is."

Amara frowned. "Jyn? Is that her name?"

"Yes."

"Is... is Kavis there too?"

"No," Cassian replied. "Jyn shot him as she escaped his facility."

Amara's eyes widened as she placed her hand over her mouth. "He's dead?"

"Yes. Resistant fighters went in to assess the area not long after Jyn was taken to Folor Base. Kavis is confirmed dead and many of his colleagues escaped."

Amara chocked on a laugh. "He's dead."

"Can you help our friend?" Bodhi asked hopefully. "Kavis kidnapped her and..."

"Yes," Amara replied. "I still have my research. It'll take months to make a proper cure."

"Months," Cassian exclaimed. "Does Jyn have months?"

Amara shook her head. "No." A pregnant pause followed. "When was she infected?"

"Less than two days ago," Cassian replied, "why?"

"I have a cure already made up but it'll only work if the disease is in its infant stages," Amara replied with a faint smile. "My work here can be... dull, so I experimented with my research and came up with an early administration. It should work if administered within three days of infection."

Cassian couldn't believe his luck. "You have that cure here?"

Amara fidgeted. "It's in town, but back at my home."

Cassian picked up his bag. "Where?"

Amara stood. "It's too dangerous to go out there."

Cassian sighed loudly. "I am aware of that! Tell me where the cure is and I'll go get it!"

Amara bit her bottom lip. "I'll have to come with you. You'll need my access code to acquire it. Let me go tell Kresh what is happening; I won't be long."

...

Folor Base – Twelve Hours Later

The disease was progressing at a faster rate than Dr. Venral had ever seen. No doubt it had been made to act so quickly. Jyn's heart rate had started to act erratically, entering into sinus arrhythmia. The alveoli in her lungs had started to swell with fluid intake and were soon at risk of collapsing. It had gotten to the point where they were seriously considering catheterisation of the right side of the heart to better observe the pressure and blood flow between the heart and lungs. It was a risky procedure given Jyn's condition, but they were desperate.

"Take another arterial blood gas sampling for analysis," Venral said to the droid. "It's time we put Erso into an induced coma and take control of her airway."

Bodhi and Cassian later agreed they had never pushed a ships engine as hard as they pushed the U-Wing on their journey to Folor Base. Dr. Gadreel had begun to refuse to come with them, handing the cure over to Cassian willingly, but the major would not risk it. All he could say to convince her to come along was that he would return her to the town as soon as Jyn was on the road to recovery.

Cassian, Bodhi and Dr. Gadreel ran through the hanger after they landed to the medical wing. A woman emerged at their presence. "I'm Dr. Venral, overseeing Lieutenant Erso." She glanced at the other woman. "Please say you are Dr. Gadreel?"

"I am," Amara replied politely. "How is Jyn?"

"Not good. Do you have the cure?"

"I have an early administration of the cure," Amara replied. "It's not perfect, but it's a start. I have the rest of my research with me to work on."

"Come with me then," Venral said, but stopped Bodhi and Cassian from following. "Sorry, but authorised personnel only." The door locked behind the woman as Cassian watched them walk away from the window in the door.

Dr. Gadreel administered the medicine while watching Jyn sleep. "I hope this will work in time. It's progressing quicker than it originally did. No doubt Kavis perfected his prized bioweapon while I was gone."

Venral approached her. "How could you agree to create something like this?"

"I have no excuses," Amara replied quietly. "I promise, however, to make this right."

Venral shook her head. "Thousands, millions could have died from this."

"You're not telling me anything I haven't told myself." Amara checked Jyn's vitals on the screen. "It may take a while to see any visible change. I'm attacking and killing the microorganisms to prevent further replication. The damage to her respiratory system will take some time to heal. I'll need a lab to work."

...

14 Hours Later

Cassian had jumped in and out of sleep while he sat in the U-Wing waiting for news. Bodhi had wandered off with a woman Cassian didn't recognise and didn't return until he had news that Venral had just allowed him to visit Jyn. Cassian took no notice of those around him as he was granted access into the medical wing. He vaguely remembered Dr. Venral informing him that it was no longer necessary to wear a mask. He first glimpsed Jyn at the doorway to her small room. She was sleeping with an oxygen mask on, looking peaceful.

"She will not be waking up anytime soon," Venral said quietly. "You may stay for a little while."

Cassian dragged the chair from the corner of the room over to Jyn's bedside and sat down. He grabbed her limp hand noticing it was warmer than his cold one. Jyn remained still, breathing in and out slowly. From looking at her it was hard to imagine she was sick. It was all happening inside her, hiding away from the world. While waiting, Drs Vernal and Gadreel had informed him what the disease had been doing to Jyn and what their plans were now that her body showed signs of healing. Relieved was an understatement. Cassian felt he could cry with relief. He lifted her hand to his lips, holding it there as he closed his eyes.