Chapter 106

AN: Sorry for the delay in posting this part. I hope you all enjoy it.

Ari sighed as she checked her wrist chrono again. She looked at it and frowned. Was it still working? It seemed to be going awfully slow. She watched as the numbers changed. Yet another minute had passed.

The minutes had ticked by as the Rebels sat and crouched in the dense foliage, their uniforms helped them blend in. The members of the group glanced around periodically, looking for the all too familiar gleaming white armor. Luckily there was none to be seen. Between their glances around the area, they cleaned their weapons or checked their equipment.

Ari had checked hers at least half a dozen times. She did not like just sitting. She knew she could meditate, but did not want to get too relaxed. That could slow down her response time. Besides, the planet was so full of life it might be an overload after spending so much time on ships and barren planets.

Instead of checking her pack once again, she pulled out her journal and started to jot down some things. She had worried about writing anything before getting to Endor in case they were boarded by Imperials or it became lost or stolen. Now that they were here, it was not such a big concern. She would have her bag with her until the end of this mission. If they won, it would be good to have to remember all they went through. If they lost, there would no material that would help them fight the Rebellion because if this mission was a failure, it would be years before the Alliance would be able to come together again, if it was ever able to form again at all.

Ari wrote about Endor and all the life there after finishing her account of what happened on Tatooine. Then she wrote about what had happened on the flight and handing over her position to Bren Derlin. Just as she finished jotting down Leia and Luke racing off after the storm troopers, she heard a familiar metallic beep.

She shoved her journal back in the bag as Threepio spoke to announce that someone was approaching. Ari already knew that. The presence was a familiar one and that she had gotten used to sensing. However, she only sensed one and frowned slightly. She was not at close to Leia, but she should have been able to sense her at least.

Luke came upon the group looking exhausted. He did not seem at all upset that the troops had their blasters pointed at him. He did not even acknowledge them as he collapsed beside Han. It must have been quite a struggle, Ari noted.

She was curious as to what was going on and started toward them. This time, no one attempted to stop her. She was moving quietly, though it didn't matter because Han and Luke were not speaking softly.

"We got separated," Luke was saying, eyes clearly showing worry. His tiredness seemed to disappear, or at least be put aside for the moment. She had a feeling Leia would be brought up and she knew that was who they were talking about. "We better go look for her," he remarked, voice grim. It was clear they both had doubts about what Leia was capable of. While Ari knew the princess was strong, she could not help but wonder if something had indeed happened to her. She watched as Major Derlin

"Take the squad ahead," Han ordered one of the troopers, the one in charge of charting the terrain she noted. "We'll meet at the shield generator at 0300," Han continued. The man nodded then glanced over at Derin. He had heard it and he also gave a nod as Luke called the droids over.

"And you said it was pretty here," Threepio sounded as if he was scolding Artoo.

As Luke, Han, Chewie and the droids started to move through the forest, Ari only hesitated for a moment before racing after them. She moved pasted Artoo and Threepio, the former who beeped something at her, but she did not reply. She then slid around Han and Chewie and caught up to Luke.

"You are just going to leave again like this?" she asked him, a bit hurt. She was not as strong in the Force as Luke was. She did not think she was. Also, she had heard that twins could have a connection to one another. It was possible that these Luke and Leia had such a relationship. However, that did not mean she wanted to get left behind again.

"We have to find Leia," Luke answered simply, stopping to look at her.

"I know that. That is why I want to come with you. With two of us using the Force, it might be easier to find her," Ari remarked.

Luke looked at her for a moment, as if considering it, and then shook his head. "Ari, we don't know what we are going to find out there," he finally spoke.

"Leia is strong," Ari replied, knowing what he was thinking and what he meant with those carefully chosen words. "She probably will meet up with everyone soon."

Luke's small smile showed gratitude for her efforts of trying to calm his fears, but just a look in his eyes told her that while he wanted to believe that, he did not want to get false hopes.

"Let me come," she tried to get him to say yes. "I would be more use to you helping look for Leia. The others are very capable of doing their jobs," she pointed out.

"I know they are, but you really have to go with them," he answered, keeping his voice low like she had, so the conversation was kept private between the two of them. "They are good fighters, yes and skilled in their areas. Not one of them is as sensitive in the Force as you are, and even if they were, they do not have the training that you have. You are almost a Jedi Knight. You can sense things that equipment can't. Also, if something happens to us-"

"Which it won't," Ari interrupted him.

"If it does though, I would rather have you on the outside working on a plan instead of in trouble with us."

Ari frowned at this. Was he thinking like Han? That she was unable to handle things if they got rough?

"I know you can could it. I have no doubt in my mind that you could help us. However, you can help them get to the shield generator. They need you more."

Ari nodded. She knew Luke was right. The team needed one of them, and it was only right that Luke go to find Leia. After all, even though Leia did not know it yet, she and Luke were siblings. That meant it was her duty to help the others.

"Be safe," she told him.

"We'll meet up with you soon," he managed a slightly bigger smile this time.

She gave one last look to him a half smile showing on her features. He used to be so impulsive and now he seemed to be more logical than many adults twice his age. He had aged so much and not just the physical toll from the past years of fighting. He had matured into a reserved Jedi Knight instead of the loud, outgoing farmboy. However, a part of him had remained the same including is good heart and kindness.

With a quick wave of her hand she headed back to the other Rebels. She never liked to say goodbye. It was also so final. She knew it was possible that after all was said and done, at least some of the Rebels here would not survive. It was a very saddening thought, but they all knew the risks they were taking. They would all rather die to secure freedom and rights for others in the galaxy instead of living for many years under fear and tyranny.

She walked back to Major Derlin and looked up at him, almost sheepishly, glad that no one else was around him so she could speak without others listening. "Major, I am sorry for leaving my post like I did." She was usually a much better solider than this. However, she was also very used to giving the orders now, instead of needing to follow someone else's rules perfectly.

"Well, I know it can hard to have roles reversed," he remarked. "Just try to remember that we are not allowed to run off like that. It could be a difference of life and death."

Ari nodded, looking down. She had not felt this shamed in a long time. At least he was not doing it in front of the others. That was a small consolation.

"You don't have to look so upset," Bren then spoke, voice a bit lighter. "We live and we learn," he replied. "Besides, I must say I am glad to have you with us. We certainly can use you and your special skills for our trek toward the generator."

This caused Ari to smile. While she had not been able to go with the others, she was now more certain than ever this was how things should be. She was needed and she was not going to let them down.

"General, what do we do now?" Cal asked.

"We start walking," he replied as he picked up his pack, slid it onto his shoulders and then started to lead the others along the path and into the dense, green forest.