After feeling the presence of another Force adept, Andros finally got settled in to his life on Nar Shadaa. Though in the end he knew this would be a temporary mission, he was able to begin making the best of the situation to get the information the Rebel Alliance would need. He had become acquainted with several bounty hunters and smugglers; Han and Chewie notwithstanding since they had left already. Everything he learned told him that the Empire was indeed planning something, and while the Hutts were notorious crime lords, they seemed to be all about business as usual. Appearances have always been deceiving and he knew that getting to the bottom of this was his only priority. During the days, he trekked through the city, making contacts, and taking to dark alleys to question the Hutts' various business associates. But at night, he was plagued with the sense that something wasn't quite right, and the other Force user was constantly in the back of his mind. Little did he know that this person was closer than he thought, and their paths would cross in the coming weeks.

In another remote part of the city, Ahsoka had been able to stay off the radar, and only once came across a potentially deadly situation that would have blown her cover. Late at night, when she tried to sleep; she was still plagued by the nightmares, but at the same time could feel a calming presence pushing back against the Dark Side. This presence told her there was another Force user, but whoever this person was, they were giving off an abundance of light. She knew she couldn't let herself feel safe just yet though. They would meet when the time was right. As she meditated, a conversation was taking place between two Rebels.

"Are you on a secure line?"

"Secure, go ahead."

"So you haven't learned anything yet?"

"Not yet, Ghost. The smugglers on this moon all know each other, and none of them are on friendly terms. To them, I'm an outsider. So I'm not exactly going to be welcomed in to the fold easily."

"You're running out of time Andros. If we're going to find out what the Imperials and Hutts are up too, it has to be soon."

"I know Hera, but it's only been two weeks. I need more time."

"We'll contact Senator Organa. Maybe he can work something out. No promises though. Now we're leaving in the morning, so you're on your own."

"Problems?"

"Only if we get recognized. Reports from the Alliance say that Imperial ships have been passing within twelve parsecs of this sector. It's probably not a coincidence, and it's getting to dangerous for us to stay."

"Safe journey then, you expect to be back?"

"As soon as we can. Until then, find out what you can. And we'll do what we can to keep the mission from being scrapped."

"May the Force be with you."

Andros signed off the connection, taking a quick glance at the chronometer. He had a meeting with a young smuggler quickly rising in prominence. This meeting had taken a full week to arrange, and he didn't want to be late. He quickly reapplied his disguise, putting the eyepatch back in place. As he left, the feeling of someone strong with the Force hit him again. He knew this person was close, but he had to put them out of his mind if he was going to survive this meeting. When he arrived, he was met by several smugglers before being introduced to his host.

"Talon Kardde, you must be Antilles."

"Jacen Antilles."

Kardde was not what the Jedi expected him to be. The man looked more like a politician than a smuggler. His mustache and beard were neatly trimmed and he had just a small hint of gray gathering in the hair at his temples. His posture showed that he was completely comfortable in his surroundings and he carried himself with an air of authority.

"So, what can I do for you, Antilles?"

"I'm here for information, and my sources say that you're one of the best in the business."

"I see my reputation precedes me. I am good, but hardly the best. The best would be my employer."

"And who would that be?"

"Ever hear of Jorj Car'das?"

"Only rumors, but if you work for him…,"

"Let's just say, no information gets passed around in the Galaxy without him knowing about it. So, what kind of information are you here for exactly?"

"Information on the Hutts and what this rumored deal with the Empire they're making is."

"Interesting, but information like that isn't going to come cheap. If I may, why are you asking?"

"Let's just say that my employers are looking to run a job, and want to avoid any Imperial entanglements."

"A job for the Hutts; perhaps?"

"Perhaps."

"Let me tell you something kid, something big is coming. It's best to keep your nose out of it."

"Can't do that. My employers need that information."

"I warned you, know that. So here's what I know. I don't doubt you've seen more bounty hunters arriving over the past weeks."

"Yeah, had a run in with one, Trandoshan."

"Possibly Bossk. Word is that the Empire is looking for someone, and they've contracted a lot of the Hutt's bounty hunters. Whatever it is, the Emperor is trying to keep it quiet."

"Who are they looking for?"

"Don't know, but rumors have it being a rogue Sith."

"A Sith?"

"Kind of a Dark Jedi as I understand it."

"I thought the Jedi were all wiped out after the Clone Wars."

"Some say that there are Jedi still out there. But they're not the only pressing concern. The Empire is busy hunting the Rebels, and this supposed Sith has information on a specific Rebel crew. They want her alive."

"You really believe all this stuff? Jedi, Sith? Sounds kind of far-fetched to me."

"I'm not saying I believe. All I'm saying is that you should avoid any jobs from Hutts or the Empire. Won't be long before the Empire realizes that they can take the Hutts down and then we're all working for them. Stave it off as long as you can."

Andros thanked Kardde for his help, and he did get one question he needed answered. If the Empire is hiring Bounty Hunters, he can be sure they did it to hunt Jedi. He also knew that Kardde had more information than he was letting on. The information he was able to get told him Ahsoka was in serious danger. All his fears from his visions were rapidly being confirmed. Now he just had to find her before the Empire did. Back at the bar, Kardde was still curious about his visitor.

"Follow him."

"Why?"

"Antilles knows more than he has told us. There's something about him that seems oddly familiar. Even if he did play it straight, Car'das could always use another smuggler."

Andros knew he was being followed as he worked his way through the lower levels of Nar Shadaa. Like Coruscant, the city planet had many levels built up over the old. As he made his way back to his residence, he felt the presence of the Force adept again. His feelings were telling him that she; he now could feel her presence better than when he first arrived, so he knew the person was a she, though he wasn't sure if it was Ahsoka. He could sense danger around her. But his path to find her was not without its own tribulations as he ran into the same Trandoshan bounty hunter from before.

"You never watch where you're going, do you?"

"Hey, I don't want any trouble. I just…,"

"I warned you the last time. Now you're just another dead smuggler."

The Trandoshan grabbed Andros by his shirt front and prepared to drag him down the nearest alley. The Jedi had avoided using the Force on their first encounter, but this time he had no choice. He quickly raised his hand and used a Force push to separate himself from his adversary. But when he tried to use the Force to erase the memories of their encounters, he was met with intense resistance.

"You…Jedi. Take to Empire, big reward for me."

Suddenly the bounty hunter was speaking in broken basic. His words became somewhat more reptilian as he threatened Andros. Force sensitive Trandoshans were not unheard of, but they were very rare. Trying again to use the Force, Andros was met with even more resistance from his enemy.

"Bossk…,"

"Not Bossk. He not Force sensitive, lowers himself to consort with human…me better."

In that instant the second encounter became a chase through the city's underbelly. Andros had no choice in dealing with the reptile but to run. He knew that the Trandoshan would make good on his threat of turning him over to the Empire. As the chase continued, neither of them felt the presence of the Force adept coming their way. She had disguised herself well, and with her cloak and refugee garb easily stepped in when Andros passed her. It was clear to her which one of them was in danger, and she immediately stopped the pursuing Trandoshan, speaking in his native language.

("Careful Krussk, you're heading for a protected part of the city. This one is of no use to you.")

("He a Jedi; Artal. Empire gives reward.")

("He doesn't look like much of a Jedi. And seeing as how he is now in my district, you will leave him alone.")

("He mine…, you no…")

A threatening glare from her sends Krussk away. He had dealings with the one he called Artal before, and he really wasn't prepared to repeat their last battle. Before leaving, he had one more word for his quarry and the protector.

("Keep him here, not let him get away next time. I see again, I kill.")

When Krussk had disappeared from view, she turned towards the man on the ground, as he was still trying to catch his breath. To her, the beard and eyepatch were new, but she could see past all that to the man he really was, just by his Force signature.

"You know I told you not to come looking for me. You were supposed to let me go, Andros."

"And I did. My reason for coming to Nar Shadaa was not to find you, Ahsoka. I'm here on a mission."

"And that mission nearly jeopardized your life, and mine. There's nothing for you here. Please go home, and forget you ever found me."

"Can't do that, The Imperials are…,"

Ahsoka cut him off with a hand to his mouth and a look that said: if you value your life, be quiet.

"Not here. You really want to continue this conversation, follow me."

"Where?"

Ahsoka didn't respond and he could only follow. They went through a series of twists and turns. Twists and turns that helped Andros escape the person he had known was following him. She even backtracked a few times in case they were being watched or Krussk decided he was going to take Andros after all. Finally they arrived at an inconspicuous residence where they could hide out.

"All right, so we should be safe here. Tell me about this mission."

"All in good time. Would you tell me something first?"

"Not that it will matter all that much, what do you want to know?"

"How long you've been here. What happened with the TIE Interceptor? And since when do you speak Trandoshan? He called you Artal?"

"That's a lot you want to know. Let me ask you something, will it change anything? Will my answers be enough to get you to leave?"

"Depends on what those answers are."

"Fine, I've only been here a few months, long enough to learn various other languages. I speak Hutt now, as well as Trandoshan. Artal is the name I used when I first encountered Krussk. It was a fight that nearly blew my cover. Like with you, he threatened to take me to the Empire. I persuaded him against that course of action."

"How?"

"If I tell you, you'll see me differently. I don't want that to happen."

"I've seen you as a Sith Lady; Ahsoka. There's not much you could say that would change anything I see."

"Still, what I told him is not something I'm all that interested in repeating. As for my TIE, I gave it to a bounty hunter. He wanted to get off-world, and I wanted a place to hide."

"Fair enough, but you can't hide here forever. How long before Krussk goes back on his word? Or…,"

"Unh-uh. My turn to ask a question. The mission you're on? What is it?"

"The Alliance has been receiving reports that the Imperials are working on a deal with the Hutts. What this means for the Galaxy, I don't know. But I met a smuggler who gave me some insightful information."

"Which is?"

"You can't tell me you haven't noticed the increase in bounty hunters here? Word is that The Emperor himself has hired them, that they're looking for a rogue Sith. You."

For only the third time since he's known her, Ahsoka showed a sign of fear. Quickly she quelled that feeling, wondering how Andros had gotten this information.

"Who told you all of this? I'm positive I've done enough to hide my presence from Palpatine and Vader."

"Maybe you have, and I'll admit, I thought you had become one with the Force when your TIE Interceptor was destroyed. But here you are."

"You didn't answer my question. How exactly did you get this information?"

"Talon Karrde. The Alliance suspects a potential deal between the Hutts and the Empire, but he's the one who said what the Emperor seems to be looking for."

"Karrde, he's an ambitious one. But not the most reliable when it comes to information yet. He knows mainly what Car'das wants him to know."

"So you've met him."

"No, just heard of his reputation."

"Well then, you've answered my questions, I should get back to my mission. Guess this is it."

"Guess so."

"Well don't get all mushy on me; so long 'Soka."

Andros was out the door before Ahsoka realized she was being foolish. He had come all this way, even if it wasn't for her. She knew she was making a mistake letting him go, and quickly followed him.

"Andros; wait!"

He turned around, a look of confusion crossing his features and entering his eyes. She hadn't wanted him to follow her, and to let her go. So now he was unsure of why she was following him.

"Wait for what?"

"You…you're just going to…"

"Leave, yeah. It's what you wanted. I care about you, and that's why I let you go."

"Maybe I was wrong."

Those words were spoken so quietly, Andros barely heard them. He had a feeling he knew what she was trying to tell him, but he still needed to hear her say it. Quickly, she turned and reentered her home and he could only follow. If she was going to really answer his questions, she would have his undivided attention.

"What did you say?"

"I said I was wrong. I shouldn't have pushed you away like I did back on Tython. Even though I knew you were trying to help, I was too scared to admit I still needed your friendship."

"My friendship…,"

"You called me 'Soka. You haven't called me that since we were both Padawan Learners."

"I hadn't seen you since we were both Padawan Learners. And then…,"

"But you never told me why you chose that nickname."

Her interruption was timely and kept Andros from bringing up everything she had done in the recent past. She knows his reasoning for using a shortened version of her name was more than just friendship, and after all these years she wants to know the truth of it.

"Does it matter why?"

"Of course it does. So out with it."

"You're right, and you deserve to know. I know you always liked the nickname more than Snips, but I chose it because of the feelings I was developing for you. I guess it was the only way I could tell you how I felt. Of course, the Jedi forbade such feelings because attachment leads to possession."

"And that's why you hid your feelings from me all those years?"

"No, that's not why. I did that because I always thought you saw me as more of a big brother. Anakin even told me that on more than one occasion. And of course there always whatever was going on between you and Lux."

"Me and Lux? He and I were…, maybe I did have confusing feelings for him at one point, but he always saw me as just a friend. As for what Anakin told you, I never saw you as a big brother. The truth is that I knew you had some sort of feelings for me, the same way I did for you."

While Andros and Ahsoka were continuing their discussion, Krussk had indeed not forgotten about his encounter with the Jedi and how she had protected his prisoner. The bounty hunter had always suspected there was more to Artal than she let on. The prospect of a reward for information on any Jedi was too appealing for Krussk to pass up, and he decided to make contact with an Imperial scout crew traveling through Hutt space.

"You, sss-searching for Jedi, yes?"

"Jedi and Rebels. But the Empire doesn't deal with bounty hunters. The Emperor feels that your kind is no better than the Rebellion we are tasked with eliminating."

"I have information on Jedi. Worth reward to me if I give?"

Even though the Storm-troopers didn't know that the Emperor had put aside his hatred for bounty hunters and hired them to locate Rebels, the prospect of information on the whereabouts of a Jedi was to enticing to pass up.

"You've encountered a Jedi here on Nar Shaddaa? Where, can you lead us to this fugitive?"

"For a price, yes. I take you to where I last saw him. Perhaps you get two Jedi instead of one."

"A price. This is not a negotiation. You'll take us to him, and we'll let you live."

"How I…,"

A blaster rifle to Krussk's back silenced his question. Now that he knew the Imperials weren't going to give him a chance to go back on his word to lead them to the Jedi, he quickly set off through the city with the Storm-troopers right behind him. He knew if he attempted to deceive them, then he would be shot without any mercy. Thirty minutes was all it took for them to reach the location where Andros had last been seen. There was no sign of anyone, either Jedi or smuggler. The lead trooper nudged Krussk with the blaster rifle, and believed they had been tricked.

"You said you would lead us to the Jedi, Trandoshan. Where is he?"

"He here. Know that saw him leave with female."

The Imperials patience was wearing thin and Krussk knew it was only a matter of time before they killed him where he stood. He couldn't be sure where the Jedi had gone, but he still had one card to play. Though he had no formal training, he could use the Force in small ways, and pushed his consciousness out, hoping it would be enough to get the attention of any other Force users.

Back at Ahsoka's run down residence; Andros was preparing to leave as he had promised. Her safety depended on no one finding out where she had gone to after their battle on Tython. They both knew that Palpatine and Vader would hunt her down if they knew she was alive. So when they both felt someone calling out through the Force, they both had to put their guard up or risk being discovered.

"Still don't believe me when I say they're after you?"

"There's a presence in the Force, I'll admit that. But we don't know for sure that it's Vader or the Emperor."

"Then you still want me to leave. I promised I would. Regardless of the feelings we both have for each other."

Andros quickly grabbed his pack, and turned to head out the door once more. He didn't get far as Ahsoka once again followed him, knowing that Nar Shadaa was too dangerous a place for her to stay. This time she had Barriss' lightsabers concealed with her clothes and when she caught up to him, the Storm-troopers were blocking his way, with Krussk pointing them out.

"Sss-see! Told you! He is Jedi!"

The Commander of the Imperials was confused. Standing in front of them were two people; one smuggler with an eyepatch, and the female who appeared to be nothing more than a refugee. Nar Shadaa was a haven for these types, and even though the Empire had control of the moon, The Hutts still managed the day to day business. As such, he turned on Krussk, feeling like he had been duped.

"These two don't look anything like Jedi, Trandoshan. What proof do you have?"

"He is Jedi! I can prove!"

Krussk quickly drew his blaster and aimed it directly at Andros. With a blaster pointed at him, Andros knew his life was in danger. He had two options, reveal himself to be a Jedi, or die in the street. Logically, he knew that he could die either way, and he still wanted to protect Ahsoka. So as the first blaster bolt was fired, he had his lightsaber in hand, ignited and deflecting fire. None of the Imperials could believe what they had just seen, but also drew their blasters and began firing as well. Their goal was to capture, not kill. But one of them almost landed a kill shot on Andros until Ahsoka also had one lightsaber out and deflected that blast back into the trooper.

"Now you've done it Andros. Back in a fight for our lives."

Ahsoka adopted a slight smirk for her friend as they began cutting down the storm-troopers. For a moment, they were back in their Temple days, fighting side by side like they always had. She knew that he caught sight of her grin and his own retort was coming.

"Oh; so this is my fault? Blame your friend Krussk for this. He led the Imperials right to us."

Even though he was focused on the battle, Andros still let his own lopsided smile appear. He could tell that she was feeling more like her old self again, and he could only hope that he was the reason for it. When the last storm-trooper was dispatched, only Krussk had been left standing.

"Knew I was right! You; Jedi! And you also Artal! You lie to me!"

"So what do we do with this one, Artal?"

"He obviously knows too much, Andros. I guess we'll just have to perform a mind-wipe."

"Krussk Force-sensitive, mind trick not work…,"

Those were the last words the Trandoshan was able to speak as both Andros and Ahsoka entered his mind. As they worked together, they erased everything he had learned about them, and everything he had just seen. When he came out of his trance, they were gone, and he was surrounded by dead storm-troopers. He stood there confused, as Bossk and Boba Fett arrived. Even though he couldn't remember killing all of the Imperials, he still fled on the suggestion from Bossk, knowing Nar Shadaa wouldn't be safe if the Emperor received word of some his men being killed. From the shadows, the two Jedi watched the bounty hunters leave. When they were clear of being discovered, Ahsoka spoke, only briefly startling her companion.

"So, where do we go from here?"

"What do you mean; we?"

"You're not leaving me here, Andros. The smuggler's moon was only supposed to be a temporary place for me to stay. And don't think I'm letting you get away so easily after you saved me from the Dark Side, and that whole, you're in love with me confession you made."

"And you feel the same. Don't tell me you don't. But I have to report back to the Rebellion. They need to know what the Imperials and the Hutts are up to here."

"So that's it then? You're just going to fall back into the Rebel Alliance? Continue fighting? You know I can't go back after what I've done. I don't exactly think I'd be welcomed back."

"No. I'm going to deliver my report and then do what Master Kenobi is doing. I'm going into exile."

"You mean we are going into exile; right? There's a moon in the Yavin System that the Empire has no presence on."

Andros and Ahsoka now had a destination in mind and a plan for their lives. She remained on his ship when it docked with the Ghost as the crew returned from meeting with Senator Organa. The intelligence on the supposed deal between the Empire and the Hutts was not what anyone had expected. The gangsters were allowed to remain in control of Nal Hutta and Nar Shadaa with only limited involvement from the Empire. Kanan knew Andros wasn't going to stay, and had another destination in mind. When he prepared to leave, the crew was there to see him off.

"So this is it, then?"

"I've given all I can to the Rebellion for the time being Kanan. The Jedi were my family, but it's time for me to find a new life."

"But if you stay, you'll have a new family. There are still battles to be fought, the Empire to be defeated. You don't want to serve a cause greater than yourself?"

"I will always be around when I'm needed; Hera. But I've grown tired of war. The Jedi were protectors, keepers of the Peace. All I've seen and done, it's time for me to go into exile. Master Kenobi is doing what he needs to with his, and I made a promise to Ahsoka when I saved her."

"What was that promise?"

Andros adopted a slight smile at the question. He didn't answer and turned away. Kanan suspected he was going back to find Ahsoka, and knew they all had to respect his decision. But they also knew that one day, Andros Garfull would come back. Like the Republic before it, the Empire would eventually be unable to sustain itself, and freedom would be restored to the Galaxy. When Andros boarded his shuttle, Ahsoka was waiting for him. A small glance revealed her question before she even voiced the words.

"Do you think they knew I was here?"

"I'm sure Kanan suspected, but he didn't say anything. So, Yavin 13 then?"

As Andros disengaged the docking clamps, Ahsoka sat down in the copilot's seat next to him. She gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand as they departed for the Yavin system. Though she was putting on the bravest face possible, she was still fearful of her dark side coming back. They arrived at Yavin 13 without incident, and lived there for a few years in exile. Andros; for his part was supportive and understanding as nightmares still plagued Ahsoka. Eventually they became restless, and left the moon. Traveling under the names of Jacen and Naasha Antilles, they took on the identities of smugglers, but in actuality were freeing people from Imperial systems. They married in secret while still quietly assisting the Rebellion. Through it all, they heard of the destruction of Alderaan, Obi-Wan becoming one with the Force, the first Death Star being destroyed, and finally the Battle of Endor where the Empire was defeated with the destruction of the second Death Star and the deaths of Palpatine and Vader. Free to return from exile, they met someone they did not expect. A strong presence in the Force led them back to Yavin 4.

"Why are we here 'Soka?"

"I can't explain it Andros; I know you feel it too. The Force was calling me here. It's as if we…,"

"Need to be here? Turn around. My students and I could feel your arrival."

The voice sounded familiar to them both. But it was nearly impossible for him to be alive. They had both felt Anakin's return to the light, and his subsequent death. When they turned to meet the man face to face, Andros could feel the connection, and he knew that Obi-Wan had been successful in his final mission.

"You must be Luke Skywalker. Heir to the Jedi tradition."

"I am, but I'm not sure I know either of you."

"You wouldn't and it's a pity that our paths have never crossed before. My name is Andros Garfull. I was a Jedi during the waning years of the Old Republic. You look a lot like your father."

"You knew my father?"

"Quite well, Anakin and I had a… a rivalry for lack of a better term."

"And your companion? I know she's a Togruta, but beyond that…,"

"My name is Ahsoka Tano Garfull. I was…,"

"My father's apprentice. I've heard about you from the Archives I was able to recover. So, why are you here?"

"The Force, it called to us."

"Master Yoda said I was the last of the Jedi. That I should pass on what I have learned."

"And he was correct. Andros and I can see that you have taken his advice to heart. But we should be going."

The couple turned to leave, but Luke wasn't going to let them go so easily after just arriving. He invited them to stay, and help teach the newest generation. Andros believed it was the right course of action, although Ahsoka suggested taking time to think about it. That night, she received another unexpected surprise.

"Snips, wake up."

Ahsoka's eyes fluttered open slowly. She heard the voice in her head, but still thought it was a dream. Rubbing the sleep away, she looked out the window of her quarters, only to see a hazy blue form.

"Who's there? Identify yourself."

"Snips…, you know who I am. Come out here."

Ahsoka quietly got up from the bed so as not to wake Andros. She knew he was exhausted from being shown around the Academy by Luke, his having to answer all the questions from the new Padawan Learners, and even sparring with the more advanced students. When she stepped outside, the hazy blue figure took on a more coherent form, and she could see her former Master.

"Anakin? How is this…, how can you…?"

"Not sure I understand it either. But I'm here."

"You were Darth Vader. But I see you now as a light, brilliant and almost blinding."

"No one has ever truly understood the Force Ahsoka. But be glad there is life after we shed our mortal forms."

"You look older."

"You think I didn't age under that armor? Enough about me. Have you decided?"

"Decided what Anakin?"

"You should stay. Help Luke. Rebuild the Jedi."

"I don't know if I can. I did such dark things when…,"

"What you did was no worse than what I did. Unconditional love was the cause of your redemption. Just like it was for me. I always believed in you, just like Andros did. You married him, I take it?"

"Are you admonishing me for that, Master? After all; you married Padme."

"No, I'm not admonishing you, he and I may have had our rivalries in the past, but sometimes I was a little jealous of how close you two were."

Andros woke slowly when he thought he heard voices speaking. He wasn't sure where they were coming from, but when he rolled over, he found Ahoska's side of their bed empty. A brief feeling of panic caught him by surprise to find his wife not there. Even using the word to describe her was taking some getting used to. Both of them were taught from the beginning that Jedi were not to marry. But despite being committed to the Jedi Order, they still had feelings and emotions. He quickly donned a robe, and followed the voices to where he heard them. Outside their room, he saw Ahsoka sitting next to an ethereal blue form. Still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he softly spoke her name.

"Hey 'Soka?"

She turned to see him and Anakin did the same. Andros was surprised to see a Force Ghost, as none of the Jedi in known history had ever been able to retain their consciousness after becoming one with the Force. But as Ahsoka came to stand next to him, gently wrapping an arm around his waist, they both watched as Anakin faded, and left them with hope for their future.