Chapter 127

AN: I would like to thank those who have continued to read and review. Please continue to do so. It helps the muses.

"So how does it look?" Ari asked R4 as she brushed off her tunic and pants. She knew she could have probably found a skirt if she had searched around. Yet, it didn't seem right for a promotion from the Alliance. After all, she did not fight in a dress or skirt, so it made sense to wear what she normally wore, as long as it looked nice.

R4 beeped a few times then did something that looked like a dance, spinning in a circle.

That caused Ari to laugh and she shook her head slightly at the droid. She was still using the translator to understand what the droid was saying, but she was getting better with it. "Thanks. And I am excited as well." She smiled and patted R4's head. "I would certainly try to get you one…if they gave ranks to droids."

R4 beeped, clearly liking that idea and Ari smiled at her metallic companion. "Well, we had better hurry," she spoke.

She had hurried to change, telling Tem to inform them that she and R4 would be there shortly. She did not know if Tem would tell them that she knew, but she didn't care. The only thing was she wished Luke could be there to celebrate with her. She knew that it was not going to cause a celebration like they had on Endor, but she would have enjoyed having him there.

She shook those thoughts away as she brushed her fingers over the lightsaber that hung from her belt. She used to keep it covered and now she could wear it without fear of being hunted down. It was a welcome relief. She had worn it on Endor and usually had it with her, but she could now wear it, no matter who might see it.

Walking down the hall, Ari couldn't help but smile. They had lost many, but their deaths had not been for nothing. She knew that if Luke's Aunt and Uncle had lived, he would most likely never have gone off planet. Without him, the Alliance would not have won.

A few pilots and other Alliance members she passed gave her salutes or smiles and she returned them. For something that was supposed to be a secret, as well as something that had just happened, news traveled fast.

Ari was nearly to the bridge when she saw Tem, who was walking toward her. "Where do you think you are going?" he asked.

"To the bridge," she replied.

"Well, you are supposed to go to a different place," he answered with a small smile. He put a hand on her shoulder and turned her with a grin. "This way."

"I just came from this way," she pointed out.

"Then you should know the way," he teased, falling in step beside her. He was helping lead her at the same time, telling her which way to turn, which was helpful. After all, Ari was not used to this specific ship and even if she had been, she did not know where she was being led to.

Tem stopped outside of an office and then smiled. "We're here." He palmed open the door and let Ari enter first, who was followed closely by R4. Tem was the last to enter and stood off to the side.

There were about a dozen of beings there, and all of them were beings that Ari knew. She was glad to see so many comrades there, and her smile widened as she saw General Palson. "General," she greeted him, walking over to him. She paused before holding out her hand, and he shook her hand.

"Since this was supposed to be a surprise, I am sure you know why you are here," Raul answered.

"Well, yes," she nodded. "Good news travels fast."

"It does," he agreed. "I am glad I am here for it."

"So am I, General. It is good to see you."

Raul seemed as if he was going to say more, but a small, white streak darted across the room and jumped on top of R4, who started to squeal in surprise, spinning once in a circle as if to shake off his unwelcome companion.

Ari had been surprised, but could not stop laughing as she saw what, or who, it was. The small furry alien had claimed his place atop R4 once again. "Taga," she grinned and held out her arms. The furry alien gave a purring sound and jumped into her outstretched arms. Ari caught him and smiled, even as those around were a bit surprised.

"He must have snuck aboard and hidden in my pack," Raul was the first to recover.

I snuck into his bag. It was not hard. He was not gentle with it though Taga told Ari, then gave another purr of contentment. Ari couldn't help but laugh, though she knew she was the only one who understood the alien.

"Do you know this alien?" Palson asked.

Ari nodded. "This is Taga. Remember?"

"Ah yes, your pet, in manner of speaking," the General nodded as the memory came back to him. "I didn't know he had come."

"I guess he wanted to travel," Ari smiled. She was fairly certain that others could hear Taga, if they concentrated. However, this was neither the time nor the place. After giving Taga another pat, she set the alien down. Taga glanced at R4, as if considering about jumping onto the droid's head. However, R4 beeped, clearly not wanting the alien to try it again, so Taga just hopped over to the side, being careful not to be stepped on by the beings there.

"This was not how I planned to start the ceremony," General Palson remarked, but then smiled. "Of course, I would prefer a pleasant surprise like this, compared to an unpleasant one."

He then cleared his throat and Ari felt a slight heat in her cheeks. After all, everyone was looking either at her or at General Palson or at her. She was used to just standing to the side while others moved up in ranks or received awards. It had never struck her that clearly until this moment.

"Lieutenant Narabe, you have often shown not just bravery in the face of opposition, but you have also shown loyalty to your comrades and proven that you care for their well being. Over your years of service, you have completed a number of missions and assignments, some more victorious than others. I am pleased I am able to give this recognition to you. I have gotten to know you as a solider, comrade and even a friend during your time stationed at Arbra." He reached over and pinned a bar of rank on her tunic before he stepped back, giving her a salute. "Lieutenant Commander Narabe. I feel you shall make Commander soon if you keep being heroic like this," he gave her a grin and Ari couldn't help but return it.

The beings in the room applauded and Ari was sure that her cheeks must be turning crimson. She had never asked for recognition, but it was nice to receive it. She gave a small laugh as she heard R4 beep and she patted the droid's head.

For the second time in just a short period of time, a white blur shot across the room and Taga was atop R4 once again. R4 beeped loudly, turning his domed head one way and then the other, either to see who it was, or to shake off the alien. This time, the others joined Ari in laughter.