Csilla, Alpha Terrain

A silvery drop of water clung onto the end of a stalactite. It shivered in place for a moment and then released itself into the grotto's lake. It hit the surface and released a tinny sound into the air.

Ashray barely noticed it. She picked up another stone that lay on the ground and pushed it into her already-bulging pockets. By now her dress was so heavy she could only take tiny steps forward. She almost sighed aloud but restrained herself. It may have been a brief and shameful life but at least she would not be a burden to her people any longer.

She thought of Ezra Bridger and found herself smiling unintentionally. Ashray hoped he would have a kind memory of her. Perhaps not. She bitterly remembered the frosty treatment she had given Ezra when they first met. Now Ashray felt shame for considering herself superior to an outsider like him. In spite of his treatment as an outcast, he had held his ground within the fleet and earned respect from his fellow officers.

Ashray was certain Ezra Bridger was a unique man who would find his place in the universe. But now it was time to put away her place at last.

There was one last thing to do. Ashray picked up the knife she had brought along and flipped it open. With one hand she twisted her long black hair into a single rope and with the other, used the knife to hack off her hair in two swift strokes.

She felt a puff of cool air against the back of her bare neck and looked down to see the loose locks were already slipping through her fingers. Ashray opened her hand all the way and let the hair land on the ground in a dark silky pool.

Ashray ran her fingers through her newly-shorn hair that ended just below her ears. She felt naked.

She placed the knife on the ground and began to approach the lake with her stone-laden dress. When the lukewarm waters touched the hem of her dress it instantly soaked her up the knees. She continued forward with small steady paces even as her heart was thumping with trepidation. The water began to encompass her legs, then her waist, and finally her chest.

When it reached her shoulders Ashray closed her eyes and slid in as far as she could go. The stones would prevent buoyancy and she would soon slip away from this world into the next one. Resting there in the lake buried beneath its surface, she willed herself to let her mind slip away even as Ashray's lungs began to burn with discomfort.

That was the challenge of being Chiss. Their biological construction made them more resilient than other beings in the galaxy; she could withstand the lack of oxygen somewhat longer than that of a human being by a few minutes. But this matter of time would make no difference in the end results. Her blood circulation would swiftly be cut off from the lungs. Then the deprivation of air would charge the blood and damage the arteries-

No, she shouldn't think about that. It would frighten her back to the surface.

"Think about something else. The way the moons reflect in the pools in the Atrium. The lavender glow in the clouds when ships take off at sunset. The sound of wind roaring outside when you're falling asleep safe in your bed. The color of the Jedi's eyes that brightens when he smiles—"

Ashray's thoughts were shattered when something in the water vibrated next to her. She opened her eyes and was hit with the sour sting of the mineral waters as she tried to see through the opaqueness before her. She felt two hands encircle her waist and then they tried to pull her up in jerky movements. Panic seized Ashray and she thrashed in a frenzy. She tried to say something but it came out of her mouth in a stream of muffled bubbles.

Then she felt the rrrrrip-rip-rip of her dress being slashed above the knee.

Curses! She shouldn't have left that knife behind!

The last of the dress was cut away and the stones sank to the bottom of the lake. The arms now hoisted Ashray under her chest but she was already floating back to the surface as light as a bubble. The sound of two heads crashing through the water broke through the grotto's serenity. Ashray tread in place while her intruder hacked and snorted to clear his nose and lungs. Then he also began pumping his limbs through the water.

"What do you think you're doing!?" Ezra shouted. His hair was slicked off his damp face and his eyes were blazing at her. He looked furious, beautiful, and terrifying all at once to Ashray. Ezra didn't give her a chance to answer because he had swam over to her and looped his arms around Ashray's chest. Ezra proceeded to bring both of them to shore.

By now Ashray was also coughing from the irritation that burned in her lungs. When she could speak again they were already waist-deep in the lake. Ezra wrapped one of her hands around his shoulders and without another word, hoisted Ashray up into his arms.

Her face flushed with humiliation. How could he carry a Chiss woman around as though she was a rucksack?! It was not done!

"Put me down!" Ashray demanded.

Ezra stared into her face. "No," he said in a calm but eerie voice. That stilled her into silence.

Meekly, Ashray allowed him to carry her the rest of the way until they were safe back on the edge of the lake. Then he set her down upon the pebbled beach.

"Why did you do it, Ashray?"

Now that he said it, Ashray felt ridiculous. She drew her knees into her chest and squeezed them tightly. Ezra patiently waited for her to answer.

When Ashray spoke her words they were heavy and coarse as clay in her mouth. "The Fourth Ruling Family decided not to adopt me," she spoke at last.

His eyes widened and he appeared taken aback. Then Ezra asked, "It's not because we kissed, is it?"

Ashray's pains were briefly distracted by his question. "Oh no, Ezra. I never told anyone about us," she assured him quickly. Then she lowered her head and said, "It's just something that did not work out."

"Did they say why?"

"They don't need a reason to do so," she said bitterly. Ashray wiped a strand of wet hair out of her face. "It's all a matter of what benefits the Ruling Families."

Ashray squeezed her eyelids shut. She could feel tears trying to leak out of them and she forced them back down. "For years I have followed their customs and orders, doing everything that was asked of me. Now I am a failure to my people."

Her melodious voice broke like a crack in a piece of glass. "I have no future. Nothing to gain in my life."

Ezra's muscles tightened within his soaking clothes. He could have rattled off every one of his hardships towards Ashray and told her that her own problems were nothing compared to his own. He could have taunted her, rebuked her, and scolded her for thinking that taking her own life would have solved all her problems.

What was her adversity compared to his own? He had lost his parents, watched his master die in a burst of flames, disappeared from his new family, and been flung to the edges of the galaxy.

But that was not the way of the Jedi. Nor was it the way of Ezra Bridger. He knew that this was not his trial to overcome; it was Ashray's. And she was struggling with it as much as he had struggled with all of his tribulations. He would not let her continue despising herself.

Ezra sank onto the pebbles next to her. "It's a terrible feeling, isn't it? You watch everything you value in your life get snatched from you," he said gently. "And you feel lost. Abandoned. Like you're floating in space without a purpose."

She turned to him and nodded. "Yes. That's exactly how I feel." Another crack in the glass. Ashray confessed quietly, "And I'm frightened, Ezra. I don't know what to do."

Ezra reached out to her and clasped his hands around those of the Chiss woman. "You fight, Ashray. You fight to live as hard as you can," he said.

"But I am not a Jedi like you, Ezra," protested Ashray. "I don't know how to overcome the struggle within myself."

"Ashray," he murmured. Ezra let go of her wrist, only to cup her face into his hands. He drew her towards him until their foreheads were touching. Ashray's chest swelled with peculiar emotions as he held her close to him and she could hear the sound of his voice hovering over her.

"I've felt the pain of a world destroyed, Ashray. There's so much light that's been already been lost from the galaxy. Please don't end the light within yourself," Ezra begged. "You are a Chiss, a woman from a lineage of proud warriors. You have everything you need already within you. All you have to do is reach inside and use it."

She tipped her head up to him, a flutter of light passing through her eyes. "How?" she whispered.

"Keep trying. Keep moving. Every day you get up and face the world with everything you've got," he spoke passionately. "If it's strength you need, I'll share mine with you. If one of the Ruling Families doesn't want to accept you then find a way to prove yourself to another ruling family. Apply to the science fleet or the Ascendancy itself.

"But don't you dare think for one moment your life has lost value because you didn't get what you wanted. No matter how far away and lost you feel, the Force will always be there to guide you back. It is around and within all of us, waiting for us to seek it out."

Their heads parted slightly as Ezra's words sank into her. "You say these things because you know them. You have been through them," Ashray suggested.

Ezra nodded in agreement. They sat there on the bank closely to one another and for several moments, nothing else was said between them.

Ashray rubbed one of her arms and then asked, "It is not easy to find the light again, is it?"

"No, Ashray. I'll admit it isn't. But I can promise you that is is worth seeking it out every day."

She gazed back out at the lake and then at the blue-eyed man beside her. Ashray let Ezra's words carefully rest before her and she permitted them to sink in, accepting them and letting them illuminate her thoughts.

Finally she said, "If you believe I am still worthy of living then I must make my life better for both of us."

Ezra looked at her with relief. "Then you'll come back with me?"

She managed to smile faintly at him. "For you, I feel as though I could capture a star."

Grateful to hear her words, Ezra held her by the shoulders and brought Ashray towards him again. He kissed her hard on the mouth, a kiss that was full of gratitude and relief that she was still here, living and breathing in this world. Ashray returned his kiss by putting her arms around his neck and securing their embrace, not wanting to let go of this glowing sensation that flowed through her body. When their lips parted, Ezra felt Ashray drop her head against his shoulder as he continued to hold her tightly against him.

Ashray mumbled something into his chest. "What was that?" asked Ezra.

She drew her head back enough to say, "I said I don't know what's sweeter; your words or your kisses."

He laughed briefly. "Thanks. But do you know what else would be sweet right now?"

"What?"

"Warm honey on hot toast."

"That does sound nice. I am feeling hungry too."

"Then let's get out of here."

Ashray let the young Jedi pull her to her feet and then was dumbstruck when Ezra placed his dry jacket around her shoulders. "Take it back. You need it more than I do," she offered. "You'll be shivering within minutes."

"I'm fine," he assured her. He put an arm around her shoulders and offered her his hand. Ashray studied it for a moment and then slid her hand into his, gratefully accepting his offer.

Her life would be an uphill battle going forward. But it wouldn't be the futile venture as she thought it would be. Perhaps if she applied herself as well as Ezra suggested, Ashray could find a new goal to puruse. Perhaps one's life could be all the better for knowing a Jedi.

They had gone about twenty paces when Ezra slowed himself down. Ashray stopped to remain by his side. "What is it?" she asked. Surely he didn't want to stay a moment longer, not when there was good food and dry clothes waiting for them back in the city.

He didn't look at her. Instead, Ezra turned back around and starred hard at the lake. Ashray felt his hand slip out of hers and instantly grew concerned. He walked several steps back towards the lake, never taking his eyes off it, as if entranced by a vision Ashray could not see.

"Ezra?"

He glanced back over his shoulder at Ashray. "Stay here. I'll be back soon." His eyes glowed as he added, "I promise."

Ezra started walking, then running, until he reached the edge of the lake. Ashray was mortified when he thrust his hands together over his head and plunged like a knife back beneath the waters.

What could have possessed him to do that?! Should she go after him?

"Ezra?" she called his name. Ashray attempted to control herself, to remember that Ezra had just said he would come back. Surely he wouldn't tell her all about protecting her life only to throw his own away…would he?

She started back at the faint ripples of the lake to where he had just disappeared. Who knew all of the peculiar habits of a Jedi?

Ashray counted to twenty. Then all of her worries tipped forward and she panicked. "Ezra!" she screamed out.

This time Ashray raced back to the lake and wadded in up to her ankles. She said his name over and over again but the lake's surface barely moved.

Ashray wadded in further until she was up to her knees in water. She steeled herself to jump back in again when she saw bubbles form on the surface of the lake. A few seconds later Ezra's head popped out. He spit water out of his mouth and was laughing aloud so that his voice rang out around them.

"It's okay!" he called cheerily to Ashray, waving a fist above his head. "Everything's okay! I was wrong, Ashray. I was never so right about wrong before."

"Right about what?" she shouted to him as he swam back to her. How dare Ezra Bridger give her a fright! She didn't know whether to kiss him again or smack him senseless.

He was getting closer now, still swimming with one fist closed up. "It's not just where they appear but when! Now I know it couldn't have happened at any other time."

Perhaps he was going mad. All this stress and swimming could be making him delirious. She must contact Doctor Mikh'al as soon as possible.

But when Ezra waded through the water and joined her on the shore she saw his face was calm and bright. There were thin cracks of light seeping out from between his clenched fingers.

Ezra unfolded his fingers for Ashray to see what he had been holding. Gazing down into his palm, she was bewildered by his findings.

There in his hand, half-hidden in the mud and gravel Ezra had seized from the bottom of the lake, lay two small blue-white gems. They were not the polished cut jewels Ashray had seen formed by craftsmen. These were raw misshapen stones. Yet they sparkled like freshly-minted stars and radiated such a brilliant light that Ashray could see blue and white rays leaping up across the walls of the grotto. Even more remarkable was the aura emulating from Ezra's beaming face. It was as though these two tiny gems were enlivening him with such joy that Ashray found herself smiling back at him.

"What are they?" she asked him.

He looked from the stones into her face. Within his eyes was something that left Ashray breathless.

"Hope," Ezra said.

A-A-A

2 hours later:

Thanks to the speeder and some discreet doors, Ezra and Ashray returned to the compound without causing too much attention to themselves. Everybody else was still much preoccupied with the trial and the junior fleet had not resumed classes yet.

Ashray delayed long enough to take Genet back to her room so that Ezra could focus on his upcoming task. She gave him one quick but genuine kiss on the cheek and then went to her rooms with the tooka to bathe and change in dry clothes.

Ezra sat on the floor of his room with the box of collected pieces on his left and the kyber crystals on his right.

Now was the time the Force had guided him to their song. Now was the time he must let it guide him to their purpose.

The Force flew through his veins like warm spring rivers breaking free from winter's embrace. It streamed across his limbs, filling his body with the tingling sensations of wonder from the tips of his fingers down into his toes. Through his eyes were closed, Ezra could feel the weight of the metal pieces and imagine their different shapes and sizes as they rose out of the box and rotated through the air.

Ezra thought not of the lightsaber he wanted to see, but imagined how it would feel properly within his hand.

He envisioned the carbon insulater sliding effortlessly into the weapon's handle and then a power cell would drop three quarters of the way into the handle. A small gap would exist between the end of the power cell and the hilt of the lightsaber as a safe energy cushion. His fingers danced through the air as five wires twined themselves around the modulation circuits that would permit the lightsaber's blade to extend in a single beam of light. An unexpected squeaking sound of two unintended two metal bits colliding interrupted Ezra's mediation. Something had interfered with the energy adjuster.

"Why do I need another power cell?" he thought. The lightsaber parts hovered in midair, sensing Ezra's concern. They began to ebb apart but then hung in motion as he cleared the doubt away, brushing it off like a gray cloud. If another power cell was needed, so be it. He let the second one across the lightsaber's shell and land on the opposite side. With a wave of Ezra's left fingers, three ring flanges rotated themselves into the lightsaber to protect the second power cell.

Now it was becoming clearer in his thoughts and his message to the Force mingled with the lightsaber. Ezra reached out to it and let it sweep over his body.

"I am Ezra Bridger. I am the Guardian of Lothal and the Bridge-Maker. Show me how I can fulfill my destiny in the Living Force," he prayed.

"Show me the lightsaber that can aid me in healing this damaged galaxy. Show me the blade to be a defender of light and the stronghold against darkness."

At long last the crystals rose from the ground. With the softest of touches, Ezra allowed them to rest delicately in their protective chambers within the lightsaber. He opened his eyes to see it hovering three feet off the ground. The ring flanges rotated one last time and then the last of the pieces clicked together. The lightsaber hovered in the air a moment longer before landing in Ezra's lap.

He picked it up and got to his feet. It didn't look like any other saber he had used before. This wasn't the single cylinder but rather, two smaller cylinders fitted side-by-side. Instead of a perfect circular metal ring where the light came out of one end, both ends of the weapon split apart to create four smooth arcs of metal. Ezra's fingers run up and down the weapon.

Had he done something wrong? Did he misinterpret the Force?

Looking closer, he recognized the basic structure of the torch beams in the lightsaber's foundation. Some leftover nuts and bolts still lay in the box; items no longer necessary for this task. No, he had not gotten it wrong. This was the lightsaber he was intended to use. He must trust the Force to show him how.

Ezra gripped the lightsaber in his right hand. Infused with the confidence that he had put his faith into the Force, a fresh surge of energy streamed from his hand all the way up to his arm. He extended his hand outward and turned the lightsaber upright. Ezra's thumb hovered over the button and he was about to turn it on when he felt, rather than heard, a familiar voice speak from within him.

"Open it."

Ezra's heart burst into a pounding drum. "Kanan?" he thought. That unforgettable sound, the steadfast voice of his master vibrated through him. Now it was waiting for Ezra's response. He answered by giving off a sharp flick of his wrist. Ezra watched the two lightsaber pieces snap together, fusing into a single pole.

"Now turn it around," Kanan guided Ezra.

Ezra cautiously rotated the blade from horizontal to a vertical position. He could sense Kanan's approval and now his permission to complete the final task.

"Ignite the blade."

The apprentice brought his thumb to the control and pressed it firmly down upon the button. Ezra watched in disbelief as twin shafts of golden light burst forth out of the blades-both of them-one running skyward and the other downward towards the floor.

He starred in gaping awe at the brilliant lightsaber in his hand, a double-bladed sword shining with yellow rays. Now he knew from Kanan's teachings that this was the lightsaber he was meant to have on Csilla.

It was the lightsaber of a temple guard.

A-A-A

Later:

The rooms housing Mith'raw'nuruodo were not typical prison cells.

They were spacious and comfortable with separate areas for sleeping, eating, and working. The refresher provided ample hot and cold water. A desk and data-computer had been provided for him, along with a training room where he might exercise to keep himself in excellent health. There was even a balcony with a tiny enclosed garden for his recreation.

All of these privileges could not distract the fact that he remained a prisoner. Thrawn knew that every piece of data he entered into his computer was being fed back into the security databanks by the Ascendency. All of the rooms had cameras that tracked his movements. His eating and cooking utensils were dulled and made of materials that he could not forge into weapons. Unlike the assassin droids and metal pikes he had used aboard the Chiamera, none of the equipment in the prisoner's training room used electrical power.

Most noticeable of all was the location of his quarters. Cemented into the ground floor of the compound, Thrawn had an excellent view of the ships and carriers that traveled around Csilla and the skyscrapers rising powerfully up above his head.

It was meant to be a constant reminder of the liberties he had lost.

So be it.

In the last few weeks Thrawn had used the data computer and endless sheets of paper to his advantage. Possessing the gift of a nearly-photographic memory, he was busying himself by writing down everything he had learned and then securing it into data tapes. Aside from the lessons of charts and strategies, there was also the imaginative creation of all of the art Thrawn had collected and observed during his Imperial career.

So when he was informed that Commander Bridger requested permission to visit him, Thrawn did not bother to remove the holographic images he had been recreating from his memories. He was intrigued to see how the Jedi would respond.

Ezra stepped into the airy living room and looked around at the blue images hovering on the walls. "It looks like an art gallery to me," he said to Thrawn. "Were all of these pieces from your collection?"

"Most of them," Thrawn said. He rose from his chair and nodded formally to Ezra. "Some were items I saw in museums and Imperial archives. I am recreating them to the best of my knowledge from memory."

He saw Ezra's gaze rest upon a replica of Hera Syndulla's kalikori. The young Jedi frowned, which was understandable giving the circumstances behind that heirloom's story. To his credit, Ezra said nothing and smoothed his face out.

Thrawn pushed a button on his monitor and all of the images disappeared. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"I came to see how you are holding up."

The Chiss gestured around the room. "As you can see, my sentence is a benevolent one. My fellow Chiss have assured me that if there is anything I lack, I may ask for it as long as it does not conflict with my imprisonment. On that topic, I have a favor to ask of you."

"What's that?"

Thrawn gestured to a tiled board of gray-and-silver squares that rested on a small table. "If you have some time, I have been waiting for an opportunity to teach you a game of strategy," he explained.

Ezra examined the checkered board and then slid into one of the chair around the table. Thrawn took his place in the other chair. "I presume you have played Dejarik before?"

The Jedi nodded, almost smirking by instinct. "Dozens of times on the Ghost. Nobody could beat Captain Rex."

"This is a variation of the same game that Palpatine was interested in," explained Thrawn. "But in Shah-tezh, each of the pieces has a specific role and maneuver across the board. This board is referred to as the demesne."

"I see." Ezra looked up at Thrawn. "Are we going to play now?"

"Soon. First you must understand each piece's function."

Ezra noticed that half of the small figures were made of carved green wood and the other half were orange. Thrawn selected an orange piece and after a moment of contemplation, offered it to Ezra. Noticing the Chiss' attention to his favorite color, Ezra accepted it and studied the piece. It was an angular figurine in hooded robes, not unlike Palpatine himself.

"The Imperator," said Thrawn. "All pieces exist to protect it. If the Imperator falls, the game instantly ends."

He placed his own green hooded figure in a square. Ezra did the same on his own end of the board. Thrawn held up another piece. This figurine was stout and held an open scroll between his hands. "The Counselor can only move on a diagonal but has no limit as to how far he can travel."

A third followed. Ezra thought the piece's tiny bearded face resembled Kanan but it was adorned with chest plating instead of shoulder armor.

"The Crafter," Thrawn continued. "This piece can move two steps in any direction."

"So he had limited distance but freedom of movement," Ezra suggested. "While the Counselor has unlimited range but restricted movement."

The corners of the Chiss' mouth curled up with approval. "Excellent. You are paying attention."

Other pieces followed: the Baroness, the Patron, the Navigator, and the Water-bearer, which was a feminine feature holding a jug to her tiny but well-defined bosom. Ezra watched Thrawn define each piece and then repeated back what the Chiss said before placing his own figurines on the demesne.

"The Outcast," Thrawn concluded. He held up a green piece of a figure with one arm raised upwards holding a slender pointed weapon. To Ezra it could have been bearing a spear, staff, or lightsaber.

"The Emperor chose to omit the Outcast from Shah-tezh. He said it was too anarchic to use."

Thrawn was about to place the Outcast back in the box when Ezra insisted, "Leave it in the game. We're all outcasts at some time in our lives."

"Very well." Thrawn instructed him where to place the Outcast and the game began. Ezra quickly lost two of pieces to Thrawn, who pointed out his weaknesses. He offered a counter-attack that Ezra used in his next movement, gaining him Thrawn's Crafter.

"I see you are using your Outcast more than any other piece," Thrawn noted.

"It's got a handsome face," Ezra remarked. He moved the tiny statue four tiles over, blocking Thrawn's Patron.

"Temporary but effective," declared the Chiss. "A pity you do not apply yourself in real life as well as you do in Shah-tezh."

Ezra glanced at him from over the board. "Because I spared your life?"

"Be mindful of distractions," Thrawn cautioned him. "The slightest alteration of one's fate may bring chaos to all those around him." His fingers nimbly captured Ezra's Water-bearer and he placed her on the marbled surface of the table.

"Are we talking about Shah-tezh or the Ascendency?"

Only now did the Chiss lift his gaze from the board up to Ezra. "Both."

Ezra leaned back in his seat. "I can tell the difference between a game and a matter of life-and-death."

"There is no difference," murmured Thrawn. He moved his Imperator forward, knocking over another of Ezra's pieces. "All that matters is victory."

"Does victory include expecting a Jedi to be predictable?" Ezra demanded.

Hearing his words quoted back caused Thrawn to straighten up in his chair. "You are attempting to provoke me with mimics. But you would do better to apply my advice to your own challenges."

"I have," said the Jedi calmly. "I came here to tell you why I made the decision I did before the Ascendency."

Thrawn rested his chin between laced fingers. "Go on."

"In the end it came down to what you told me on Lothal. After surrendering myself, you said I chose what was morally correct instead of what was strategically sound. At your trial, I chose to do both."

"How so?"

"Keeping you alive benefits everyone. I had three outcomes to consider." Ezra held up one index finger. "The first outcome is that Csilla continues to exist securely in this part of the galaxy. I know it's inevitable that the Vagaari will try to attack your domains again. But if they try to do so, your knowledge about the TIE defenders can be used by fellow Chiss protect their borders."

A pleased expression crossed Thrawn's face. "What are the other two scenarios?"

Ezra held up two more fingers. "The worst and best case outcomes. Worst scenario, the Empire find a way into the Unknown Regions and invades Csilla. You know about their strengths and weaknesses from working on the inside of the Imperial Navy. I know how to take them down from the outside. The Chiss Defense Fleet may stand a chance with a former grand admiral and a Jedi fighting among them."

"The best outcome is that the Empire is defeated before that can happen." Ezra lifted his chin defiantly. "When that day comes, I am taking you back to Mon Mothma and her council to face justice for your infliction upon the Empire's victims."

"That may be difficult considering my life-sentence here on Csilla," Thrawn commented cordially.

"But not impossible. I'll just have to earn the Ascendency's confidence so they will release you into my custody."

Thrawn appeared satisfied and touched a hand to his chin. "You have learned well from your time here, Commander Bridger."

"I learned from my master," Ezra corrected him.

For a moment Thrawn said nothing. Then he asked, "Was it true that 'Kanan Jarrus' was his alias?"

"He said he was born with the name Caleb Dume."

"And this secret identify does not disturb you?"

Ezra swiftly captured Thrawn's Patron piece. "Kanan had a hard past. I'm sure he decided to keep secrets to protect himself and all of us. I trusted him to the end."

He glanced across the table to Thrawn. "What I'd like to know is what General Skywalker was like before he became Darth Vader."

Thrawn examined his options on the board and then looked back at Ezra. "He was a most courageous and cunning warrior. A maverick among the Jedi but an effective leader all the same. Why do you make that face?"

Ezra realized he had been frowning from Thrawn's words. "Ahsoka said the same thing."

"Ahsoka Tano. His former apprentice, correct?"

"Yes. She told agreed that he was a great warrior but said that his greatest quality was his compassion. Ahsoka said he was kind to all of his friends and cared about them."

"Perhaps her experience being his apprentice gave her a unique perspective."

"Ahsoka is an excellent judge of character," Ezra announced. He set down his next piece with more firmness than usual, aware that Thrawn was attempting to find a sensitive topic to provoke him.

"And do you still consider empathy to be a strength rather than a weakness?"

Ezra paused before answering the question. "I've learned it can inspire you to fight harder to protect the people that matter to you. But it can also cloud your judgement and drive you to do things that you regret someday."

He fixed his steady blue gaze upon the Chiss and said, "That's something we have in common."

"On that I disagree, Commander Bridger. Remorse restrains a fighter's full capacity. I am fully aware of the losses one takes in battle but does not prevent me from taking affirmative action. Nor do I have regrets for my decisions."

"I think you do," Ezra said quietly but firmly. "I think you've never forgiven yourself for losing your brother."

Something stirred in Thrawn's eyes; a flash of heat that cautioned Ezra he had spoken beyond his scope. Thrawn's fingers hovered over his next piece but he did not take his gaze off of Ezra. His expression did not alter even as his voice dropped to a soft dangerous tone.

"Chose your next words carefully, Jedi."

Ezra did so, keeping his voice steady and frank.

"I know what it is to lose family. You blame yourself for the loss and then punish yourself for not being strong enough. Then you harness that rage and channel it into an energy that empowers you to fight back. You swear you won't let another calamity happen again.

"But you can't control the future, no matter how hard you resist it. And while you keep forcing everything and everyone around you bend to your will, that hatred becomes a poison slowly consuming your soul."

Ezra felt his voice waver with empathy. "I am sorry for what happened to Mith'ras'saffis."

Thrawn's next piece made a sharp clacking sound against the board. "You did not know him," he spoke in a frigid voice.

"But I know you." The Jedi straightened up in his chair. "I'm convinced you still try to make up for his loss. You may be the galaxy's greatest strategist but even you can't bring him back."

"How perceptive. If I wanted a psychologist, I would have asked for Doctor Mikh'al's services." Thrawn's eyes narrowed into red slits. "Using my deceased brother's name to incite me is deceptive. But you are not worthy to speak his name."

Ezra shook his head and looked sad. "It was never my intention to deceive you. But you'll never change, Mith'raw'nurodo. You may continue to grow stronger, smarter, and even a greater warrior than General Skywalker ever was. But I doubt you'll ever change your character. And for that you may never learn to understand the Force or gain the true gifts of the Jedi."

The red eyes glowed at Ezra. "Knowledge?"

"Wisdom. Humility. Compassion."

Thrawn's angular face hardened. "And for my lack of those qualities you continue to despise me."

Ezra starred at his enemy from across the table and then shook his head. "I don't hate you anymore. I pity you."

The young Jedi rose from his chair and removed something that had been tucked into the back of his tunic. He flipped open the lightsaber and turned it on so that the glowing yellow light was but inches from Thrawn's face.

The Chiss' eyes widened in surprise briefly before his expression steadied out again. "So you are empowered at last," he said softly. "And now you can rightfully take your revenge."

"I could," Ezra agreed as the blade hovered and hummed over the table. "I could strike you down in one blow and claim you tried to assault me and escape."

Then he drew back the lightsaber, clasped it in both hands, and turned it off. "But I won't," the young Jedi concluded. He slipped his weapon back into his belt.

"Sometimes even a great warrior has to know when to fight and when to cease. When his enemies are more use to him alive than dead. And that there's more to the galaxy than the role of a single person.

"But here's my final warning," Ezra cautioned him. "If you try to manipulate the Ascendency or rejoin the Empire I won't hold back a second time."

The Chiss observed him thoughtfully. "I can see that we may never accept each other's principles. But there is one thing that we can agree upon."

"And what's that?"

Thrawn pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. "Caleb Dume taught you well." He tilted his chin and added, "You know that when I said he died for nothing, it was not my intention to inflict further pain upon you."

"I know that now. You were trying to get me riled up to take action," said Ezra. "That's why you humiliated me in the dojo too, right?"

"Precisely. Your ability to hold your ground against me should solidify your place in the Chiss Defense Fleet."

Ezra looked taken aback. "So all this time I was just a pawn in your game? Waiting to be placed in the right position to protect Csilla?"

"If so, what do you intend to do about it?"

Ezra fingered his lightsaber. "I plan to make the most of my situation. As you said before, I can't return to my part of the galaxy right now. Nor can I face Vader alone or the Emperor again. The best thing I can do is preserve some peace in the universe. If that means serving the Chiss, I accept it."

Thrawn remained silent. He examined the chrono on the wall and Ezra knew it meant their meeting was almost over before the guards returned to escort himself away.

"I am aware that you have never sought my trust nor do you seek it now," Thrawn said. "But know this, Ezra Bridger. You have earned my respect as well as my approval. That is not something I grant often to others."

He pressed a palm into his left fist and bowed his head to Ezra. The young Jedi was taken aback by the gesture. He knew fully well that this warrior had talked down and humiliated him on numerous occasions, declaring Ezra an ill-suited Jedi and inexperienced child. Yet now here he was, lowering his head in capitulation to Ezra.

The young Jedi had won a victory not on the battlefield or in the war room, but within the eyes of an adversary.

Ezra knew that he could not overlook Thrawn's transgressions. Nor should he consider the Chiss a comrade in arms. But he would accept Thrawn's gesture and did so by inclining his head politely to Thrawn. The silence between them was the moment of a ceasefire between two soldiers who lowered their arms on the battlefield.

One warrior of fire, ice, and spirit. Another of two moons, stardust, and the Force.

They said nothing as the doors opened and the guards escorted Ezra out of the room. Alone again, Thrawn clasped his hands together and stood by the window, admiring the cruisers and fleet ships that soared high above him. He smiled to himself.

Yes, it was a tactical place to reside. Here he could keep an eye on all Chiss activities. Here his ears could be open and attentive, listening to any whispers and doubts that may seep into the Ascendency and then report any insubordination to Admiral Ar'alani. He might be sequestered away from the public eye but there was a remarkable young Jedi who would do a great service to his people.

Thrawn went to his desk and continued writing in his journal.

A-A-A

The Chiss Ascendency, Central Gathering Hall

Ezra's next stop would not be one of formality or protocol. He would have to be brash for the sake of a greater truce. So without permission or request, he ignored the security officers guarding the hall and strode forward into the room.

Admiral Ar'alani, Lord Nirasu, and other Chiss were seated around a circular table but rose when they saw Ezra stride towards them. He drew out his lightsaber and snapped it open. It sparked to life and hissed within in his hands.

A collective gasp rose up from all the Chiss to see a fully-armed Jedi standing before them.

"Restrain him!" Lord Nirasu commanded. Two Chiss guards in short capes rushed towards Ezra, blasters out and aimed at his chest.

He raised a palm into the air, using the Force to freeze their feet into place. Both guards were halted as though invisible hands had seized them by the ankles. Ezra then flipped his hand downwards and their blasters flew out of their hands, clattering at their feet.

The Chiss were more furious than frightened. "Is this how you repay our hospitality, Jedi?" demanded one white-haired woman. "Using deception and then sorcery to execute us all?"

Ezra released his Force-hold on the soldiers and they began to move at once. "I don't want to hurt anyone, your Excellency. But you needed to see a demonstration of my abilities that have recently been restored to me."

"How do we know that you have not been pretending to be defenseless this entire time?" demanded Lord Nirasu.

"Look at my aptitude charts. You know I worked as hard as I could in the junior fleet to stay even with my fellow officers," Ezra said. "I wouldn't have held back if it meant losing my place among the Chiss."

"And now that you have our attention, what do you intend to do with us?"

Ezra powered down his lightsaber. "I meant no ill will, Lord Nirasu. All I ask is that you listen to a matter of mutual gain that benefits all of us."

He noticed Admiral Ar'alani's hand rested on her own blaster but she hadn't drawn it out yet. She asked him crisply, "What precisely do you have to offer?"

Ezra respectfully dropped to one knee but kept his head held up with confidence. "I pledge myself to three years of service in the Chiss Defense Fleet," he announced.

The white-haired Chiss eyed him skeptically. "And what do you want in return?"

"All I ask for is a secure place to live and an occupation of purpose," Ezra admitted. "If you exile me from Csilla, I could be captured by the Empire and turned into a weapon against their enemies and perhaps someday, even the Chiss. Let me stay here among your people and in return, I will support the fleet by protecting your homeworld and colonies."

"Using your Jedi abilities?"

"Only when necessary," he assured her.

She glanced at Lord Nirasu. "It would not do well for word to get out that we are hiding an enemy of the Galactic Empire among us."

"Or become an advantage. The Vaagri would think twice to invade our hyperspace routes if they knew we had a Jedi in our service," Lord Nirasu pointed out.

While they talked among themselves, Ezra rose back to his feet. He walked over to the guards he had just disarmed and assisted them in picking up their weapons. They appeared wary at this newcomer's sudden powers but did not rebuff him.

Admiral Ar'alani, who had been observing the conversation without comment , finally removed her hand from her blaster. She circled around the table and approached Ezra. "Will you walk with me, Commander Bridger?" she asked.

He nodded in agreement. Ezra overhead Lord Nirasu speak to Ar'alani in Chenuh and knew he was advising her to take some of the guards with her. Ar'alani respectfully declined and gestured for Ezra to follow her. They exited the room and stepped out onto an outdoor boulevard that ran along the base of the mountain range. A cool late-afternoon breeze ruffled through his hair.

When they were a safe distance from from prying eyes and ears Ar'alani asked Ezra, "Do you know why I have brought you here?"

"You wanted to speak away from the Ascendancy," he suggested.

"What else?" She was expecting a deeper understanding to her actions. Ezra thought hard before speaking again.

"I believe that you trust me," he said at last.

"How so?"

"You let me keep my lightsaber but took your blaster with you," he pointed out. "You know I won't use my weapon on you but not everyone else is convinced. So you showed them you were being cautious by remaining armed."

Ar'alani looked impressed. "A good observation, Commander Bridger. And yes, I believe your offer is sincere. But not all members of the Ascendancy agree on that matter. Nor do they agree on Mith'raw'nuruodo's fate."

"I'm guessing Lord Nirasu wanted him back in the fleet. That's why he was relieved that I didn't sentence him to death."

Ar'alani inclined her head. "There are Chiss still among us who carry the opinion that we are not utilizing Mith'raw'nuruodo to our advantage. But I am not among them."

"Discords between the Chiss are liabilities," Ar'alani cautioned Ezra. "We have quarreled in the past with negative results. I am concerned that if we continue to remain in isolation for too long we will fracture and then collapse upon ourselves. We need strong trustworthy allies if our civilization is to survive."

Ezra halted in his tracks, accepting Ar'alani's words and then becoming illuminated from the message that had crossed his path. After months of fumbling in the dark and finally coming to accept his place in the universe, he was discovering why he had come to this sparkling winter world.

Thrawn had brought Ezra to the Chiss to learn from them.

But the Force had guided him here to save them.

"I can do it," he assured Ar'alani with confidence. "If you can convince Lord Nirasu and the others to trust me, I can find you the allies that you need to preserve Csilla. There are many brave honorable people I've fought beside during my battles against the Empire. I would honored to introduce them to you."

"I am intrigued to meet these companions," Ar'alani declared. "Though it will take time and patience to convince Lord Nirasu of your sincerity. Are you certain that you wish to serve the fleet for three full years?"

"I am," he insisted. "If you will grant me one favor in return, Admiral."

"Speak your request, Commander Bridger."

Ezra clasped his hands behind his back. "In lieu of a standard officer's salary, my payment would be transferred into precious stones and minerals. A slicer will send it though the appropriate channels into the Outer Rim to fund the Rebellion."

Ar'alani's cheekbones sharpened and Ezra could tell she did not approve entirely of his request. "Perhaps the funding will be traced back to us," she cautioned him.

"I'm confident there's at least one good Chiss slicer who can make anonymous transactions."

"Such as Junior Officer Ranu?" Ar'alani demanded. Noticing Ezra's dumbstruck face, she gave him a thin dry smile. "I know she was one of your collaborators who discovered the file on Outbound Flight."

Ezra opened his mouth to insist it was all his fault but Ar'alani raised a hand. "There is no need to protect her on this matter, Commander. At the time I was angry to discover three of our best students had hacked into the central computer systems. But even an admiral must accept the flaws in our security databanks if a junior officer can override them."

"What's going to happen to Ranu?" Ezra asked with concern.

"She will have to complete several rotations of work service as a penalty," Ar'alani informed him. "But after that, I will speak to the head of our technology department to bring her into their program. We would do well to utilize her skills rather than banish her to some remote office position. I expect that you and your associates will not attempt such a foolish action again."

"We won't," he assured her.

"I am relieved to hear it. Consider the matter closed."

"Thank you, Admiral Ar'alani."

They walked on together and around the bend. Ezra watched a glowing crimson sun skim over the mountains, turning their white-capped peaks into lavender.

"Is there something else on your mind, Commander Bridger?"

He nodded towards the Chiss leader. "I was wondering if you knew Mith'ras'ssafis."

Ar'alani lifted her chin up proudly. "I did indeed. Mith'ras'saffis and Mith'raw'nuruodo were both adopted into the Eight Ruling Family as children. Mith'ras'saffis grew into a fine officer who was loyal, dedicated, and intelligent. He never begrudged Mith'raw'nuruodo for his unique talents. Yet Mith'ras'saffis often had to remind his younger brother of his place.

Ezra was curious by her words. "What do you mean?"

"You and I know how singular Mith'raw'nuruodo is in his drive to succeed. His ability to understand enemies by observing their artwork makes him a skillful strategist. But in the past the Ascendancy rebuked Mith'raw'nuruodo for his actions. He would defy the orders of the fleet and take unnecessary risks in battle. Even though he gained victory in the end, the fleet could not overlook the number of casualties that followed Mith'raw'nurodo's battles.

"Nor would he apologize to the Ascendancy for his decisions. I spoke with his older brother on several occasions and knew Mith'ras'ssafis did everything he could to protect his younger brother's career and reputation. He tried to convince Mith'raw'nuruodo to reconsider his actions. But he believed his gifts should not be wasted on mediocrity and continued to be reckless, even resorting to dangerous strategies that defied everything the Chiss valued."

She eyed Ezra who had slowed down in his tracks. "You appear troubled. What is it?"

"I just realized Thrawn and I aren't so different," Ezra told her.

"How so?"

"When I was in the Rebellion, there were times when I'd rush headfirst into battle to prove myself. I didn't listen to my captain or take advice from my superiors. I just keep assuring myself that it was for the good of my squadron..until I had to face consequences."

He glanced aside at Ar'alani. "It took a demotion and some harsh words from my captain to teach me to work alongside my fellow officers."

"No good officer intends to err," she agreed. "But I am relieved to hear that you have learned this lesson beforehand."

"So what happened on Outbound Flight?"

"Ah, I digressed. Prior to Outbound Flight, Mith'raw'nurodo had encountered human smugglers who unintentionally crossed the fleet. From them he learned about the Republic and the Jedi. Mith'ras'safis warned his brother to exercise caution with the outsiders while Mith'raw'nurodo continued to take great interest in their lifestyles and weapons.

"When Outbound Flight appeared, Mith'raw'nurodo attempted to make bargain so they wouldn't intrude upon Chiss space. But a Jedi on board, who was quite different from yourself, arrogantly informed Mith'raw'nurodo that he would not serve nor cooperate with people who were not part of the Republic. He nearly killed Mith'raw'nurodow with his powers. A three-way battle between the Chiss, the Jedi carrier, and the Vaagri broke out in space. The Jedi was destroyed and Oubound Flight lay disabled in space."

"Both brothers and myself knew that if the Ascendency and Ruling Families laid their hands upon Outbound Flight, they could harness its weapons to seize further power within Csilla. We would have a full-scale civil war upon our hands. Mith'ras'saffis boarded the ship and guided its failing engines to crash onto a remote moon."

She concluded her story and glanced at Ezra, who had been listening attentively the entire time.

"I had no idea how high the stakes were or how great your losses have been," he said sympathetically. "And if that Jedi had embraced the Dark Side, I can understand now why the Ascendancy was reluctant to let me stay."

"Yet you have endured," she remarked. Ar'alani added that the banquet he had been invited to had indeed been a test to see how the Jedi would react to a cold reception.

"Everyone, including Lord Nirasu, thought you behaved exceedingly well in an uncomfortable situation," Ar'alani added. There was a note of approval in her voice.

"But it was you who got me those clearance codes to the Atrium, wasn't it?"

It was Ar'alani's turn to stop in her tracks and look surprised. Ezra relaxed enough to smile at her. "Process of elimination. Ashray told me she didn't have permission and Thrawn wouldn't gain anything from it. Lord Nirasu didn't trust me so I guessed it had to be you."

"And you kept it to yourself all this time?" she exclaimed.

"I didn't want to say or do anything to discredit an admiral."

A puzzled expression came over Ar'alani's regal features. At last she said, "You are a remarkable young man, Commander Bridger. I know of few people who would show such concern for the well-being of others."

"I learned from my master," he said humbly.

"He must have been a fine Jedi."

"He was, Admiral. And an even better man."

A'raani gestured down to his lightsaber. "How did you come to construct it?"

"The crystals that power the lightsaber guided me to them. But I don't think your people should try mining the grottos to look for more crystals," he advised her. "They're extremely rare."

"No, we must keep the grottos for their original purposes. And as for you, Commander Bridger, there is a long and difficult journey ahead of you," she cautioned him. "Proving yourself in space combat will be even more stringent that running stimulations in class. But if you put all of your effort into serving the fleet, I will do what I can to convince the Ascendency to forge new alliances."

Ezra clasped his hands to his sides and bowed at the waist to her. "I thank you for your advice, Admiral Ar'alani. I promise to serve the fleet with honor and respect."

"I am sure you will. Dismissed, commander."

She walked him walk off and turn around a bend.

No, he was not like Master Jorus C'baoth at all. All for the better for the Chiss.

"And all the more so better for Ezra Bridger," she thought.

A-A-A

Brillian Mason Building, fourth floor - Private quarters of Commander Eli Vanto

"Finals are over, Ezra. Time to celebrate!" Eli announced. Instead of eating in the dining hall, both men were relaxing with an early supper in Eli's rooms. Eli finished with the arrangements by setting down two bowls brimming with steaming hot noodles onto the table.

"Thanks, Eli," said Ezra. "I'm starving." He dug heartily into his bowl while Eli poured himself a glass of tinn to work up his appetite.

"You deserve it. I know the next few months are going to be grueling but once you're up in space, you'll get some great experience that's nothing compared to textbook studies."

"I'll be it is. When do you start commandeering the Snow Huntress?"

"Right after my promotion, which should be in two standard months from now. Plenty of time for a few more milk-runs and practice with Cloudbreakers," Eli said.

Ezra twirled his fork in his bowl. "And visit him?"

Eli lowered his mug and frowned. "I won't, Ezra. I can't forgive Thrawn after everything he's done."

"You don't have to overlook his crimes," Ezra agreed. "But you know that in spite of his arrogance and malice, Thrawn still considers you his friend. In some ways he still needs you to remind him of the decency of others."

Eli drummed his fingers on the table. "Decency," he repeated. "Don't see how much good it'll do."

"The Ascendency is still on shaky ground and will continue to be so as long as Thrawn remains in prison. If you just visit him once in a while, talk to him, it may help smooth things out."

"Or make them worse," Eli warned him.

Ezra was unnerved. "He trusted you above anyone else in the Empire."

Eli snorted. "And that makes me special?"

"It does, Eli. He didn't even tell the Emperor how to find Csilla. We're both here now because of Thrawn's gambles that paid off."

Eli rocked back and forth in his chair. "You're not going to give up until I consent, are you?"

"You don't have commit to anything, Eli. Just go along with his games. Listen to Thrawn. Even if you're not interested in talking, he'll have something important to say." Ezra rotated his bowl around on the table. "Who knows? You might even be able to influence him for the better."

"Its times like this I remember Dad telling us why so many negotiators were Jedi," Eli muttered. He heaved a sigh. "Okay, Ezra. I'll give it a shot. Now can you stop nagging me long enough so I can eat?"

Ezra grinned and slid the pitcher of sauce over to Eli. The Wild Space man dumped nearly all of it onto his noodles. Eli's weakness for spicy food was well-known.

"Now where's my fork?" he muttered.

Eli searched around his plate and even checked under the table in case it had fallen off. He pulled his head back up to see his fork had reappeared and was resting serenely upon his napkin.

"Huh."

Ezra smile grew even wider and he shoveled more noodles into his mouth.

Eli reached for the fork. But suddenly, as though a magnet had possessed it, the fork began to skitter across the table. "Hey!" Eli shouted. He reached out and clamped a hand on the handle. He could feel it vibrating and wobbling beneath his palm. Startled by the phenomenon, Eli quickly let go.

The fork bounced off the table and landed with a loud PLOP in Eli's bowl. Broth and noodles splattered across his face. To his horror, some of the noodles had also landed on the table and were twitching like a pack of writhing green snakes.

He staggered back away from the table stammering, "F-f-farckel!"

Ezra burst out into a fit of laughter, bending over and covering his stomach. "You should see your face!" he laughed.

Eli wiped his dirty cheek with a sleeve. He starred down at the wriggling noodles and then Ezra. "You!" he stuttered. "You did this!?"

On cue, the Jedi twirled his fingers in the air. Eli watched the fork in his bowl stand straight up and rotate itself around. Ezra lifted a hand up and Eli watched in bewilderment as the noodle-laden fork floated through the air and across the table. Ezra opened his mouth and the fork obediently sailed in between his lips.

The Jedi closed his eyes and chewed happily. "Mmm. You're right. Spicy is better."

Eli was still shaking all over. "You—you really can—" he spluttered.

"Yes."

"Since when!?"

"Just a few weeks ago." Ezra saw his friend was still nearly white with shock and his smile fell away. "Its okay, Eli. I'm still the same person."

Eli said nothing. Ezra was worried he'd berate him. "I swear I'd never use the Force to hurt you or anyone here," he added. "I promise."

A mad light flickered in Eli's eye. Then he seized his half-full bowl of noodles and hurled the contents towards Ezra. With a hearty splash, the Jedi was soaking and noodle-laden as much as his companion.

Eli looked satisfied with his handiwork.

"Bring it on!" Ezra thrust his own bowl back at Eli. Noodles slopped everywhere and broth dripped down the sides of the table.

Eli quickly gathered up some of the noodles in his hands and was ready to fling them back at Ezra when Doctor Mikh'al walked into the room.

The Chiss doctor came to a halt. He blinked twice. He starred at one young man, then the other, and finally the sticky mess between them. Eli emptied the contents of his hands and quickly wiped them on his trousers.

"Are you both feeling well?" he asked coolly.

"We're fine," Ezra said, trying to control his shaky laughter.

"Then this unusual activity is…" Mikh'al waved a hand at the mess they had created.

"It's a human ritual," Eli explained quickly. "We're celebrating Ezra's graduation with the traditional 'Noodle Throw'. Everyone in Wild Space does it."

"And on Lothal," Ezra added. "Lots of noodles. Every graduation."

"Hmm." Mikh'al was clearly not picking up on the amusement in their tones and merely continued to observe the dirty table with disdain. Ezra could see a vein twitching in the Chiss' right temple.

"It is not my place to critique another person's culture and customers. However, I would advise both of you not to perform this act in public," he warned them. Mikh'al added dryly, "Especially in front of the Ascendency."

"Oh, no way," Ezra agreed.

"Absolutely not," Eli chimed in. "Completely confidential."

"Very well, gentlemen. I'll speak no more of it. Just remember you both have vaccinations at the end of the week."

Mikh'al turned on heel and left the room.

Ezra wiped his soggy face. "Noodle Throw. Really?"

"Beats Empire Day."

Roars of laughter could be heard from down the hallway. Mikh'al continued walking along his path, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Humans," he thought.

A-A-A

One standard month later:

Admiral Ar'alani had already taught three classes in the junior fleet and oversaw refurbishments for two star carriers but her daily tasks were not yet over. Graceful in her white uniform, Ar'lani strode up to the door of her destination and pressed the comm button.

The door slid open to reveal Ashray.

It was the first time Ar'alani had seen her with shorter hair. Now it nearly touched her shoulders but Ashray had brushed some of off her face and secured her hair in place with two pearl combs.

Admiral Ar'alani thought the effect was rather pretty but said nothing about it. Ashray was clearly thunderstruck to have the admiral visit her private quarters but she composed herself and invited the admiral inside. Ar'lani noticed the young woman kept her rooms tidy and presentable. The only items not put away were some stacks of papers at one end of the desk next to a set of data chips.

Ashray directed her guest to a chair and offered her something to drink. The admiral watched her meticulously prepare a serving tray with the professional courtesy of a hostess. Ashray did not spill a single drop as she poured Ar'alani a cup of herbal brew and extended it to her guest.

Ar'alani thanked her and sipped at her cup. "I have heard that your patrons have declined to support you. How does this effect your future?" she asked Ashray.

Ashray primly folded her hands in her lap. "It has motivated me to examine other possibilities within the Chiss," she explained.

"Have you?"

"Yes. I have composed lists of my qualifications and are submitting them to other departments." She tilted her chin up with confidence. "Regardless of the ruling family's rejection, I must put my skills to good use for the benefit of Csilla."

"Such as?"

"I practice my music often and make recordings to listen for the notes where I can improve," Ashray explained. "I'm also adaptable with animals." She hid a smile when thinking about Genet.

"Doctor Mikh'al spoke of an assistant, did he not?"

Ashray's face froze for a moment. "He did," she responded neutrally.

Her expression was not lost on Ar'alani. "You disapprove of him?

"Not at all, Admiral. He is a clever physician," Ashray insisted warmly. "But to become his assistant, one must have a similar measure of enthusiasm for science. It is a trait I would have to cultivate to provide Dr. Mikh'al with adequate support."

"Eloquent yet sincere," Ar'alani said. "Such talents with speech would not do well aboard an armed ship but they could be used in formal politics."

Ashray tucked a strand of hair behind her right ear. "I can see both being beneficial to the Chiss, admiral. If warfare is about breaking up battles, politics is about breaking bread with rivals."

Ar'alani resisted the urge to smile by changing the subject. "What do you think of Commander Bridger?" she asked.

The young woman's eyes glowed upon hearing his name. Then a flush came to her face and she glanced briefly at the floor. "Aha," Ar'alani thought.

"My opinion of the commander has changed since we first met," said Ashray. "I had underestimated his capabilities before but becoming closer acquainted with him, I am confident he has great potential to inspire comradeship in others."

"Then you approve of him now?"

"My approval holds no authority," Ashray reminded her.

"I am not asking the Ascendency. I am asking you," A'aralni insisted firmly.

The younger woman lowered her gaze in submission. "Forgive my bluntness, Admiral. I confess my perspective is biased since I have confided in Commander Bridger on a personal matter."

"Integrity is nothing to be ashamed of," Ar'alani assured her. She sounded pleased. "It takes a courage to speak the truth. Was the commander able to help you in this matter?"

"Yes, Admiral. I hope I can return the favor someday." Her eyes glowed with warmth. "Though I doubt he will accept any form of reward."

"I have noticed." A'ralani rose from her chair and locked her hands behind her spine.

"But I have not come here to discuss Commander Bridger's future. I am here to discuss yours."

Ashray appeared surprised. "Admiral?"

"I want you to immediately stop sending out applications," Ar'alani commanded her.

Ashray's lips parted slightly in astonishment. She did not dare disobey a direct order from a superior officer but was struggling against the desire to protest aloud.

"You have something to say, Ashray?"

The young woman shook her head in defeat. She expected A'ralani to conclude her visit and leave Ashray to overcome her embarrassment.

Instead, she watched A'ralani's lips draw upwards into the hint of a graceful smile. "You must stop because there is no need to waste your time any longer. You have shown persistence of character and that is something that Commodore Hikkaro and the Second Family respect. They want to train you to become a junior representative for the Ascendency."

Ashray let out a soft gasp and then covered her mouth with her hands. She nearly jumped to her feet. "A representative?" she whispered in awe.

"Raise your voice, Ashray. An orator must speak clearly for her audience," commanded Ar'alani.

"As I was saying, we will require senators and speakers to act on behalf of the Ascendency in the near future. Bringing Commander Bridger into our ranks is a gamble but one that I am willing to risk," explained Ar'alani. "You know the rudiments of speech and etiquette. I am certain if you are willing to take instruction and apply yourself to new lessons, the Second Family will have you speak on behalf of Csilla in future dealings with outsiders."

Ashray lowered her hands to her sides and then curtsied before the Admiral. "I am honored to be offered this position, Admiral."

"Then I may tell the Second Family that you accept?"

Ashray nodded eagerly. Her fingers twisted around a ribbon on her dress to keep her emotions in check.

"Very well, Syndic Ashray. In the meantime I advise you to dress formally and select some of your best musical pieces. The Second Family will want to meet you this evening."

They exchanged formal greetings again and then Admiral Ar'alani left the room. Once alone, Ashray spun around on both heels and let out a long silvery stream of laughter.

A junior representative! This was a privilege beyond anything she had ever imagined. And to think that she had all but forsaken hope of a better future. Ezra Bridger had been right. Oh, how remarkable a thing to have a Jedi as a friend!

Ashray went to her mirror and picked up a silvery brush, then began running it through her hair. She would make the finest impression for the Second Family and Commodore Hikkaro. As she ran the brush through her hair and beamed to herself, Ashray imagined a future scenario for herself.

Would she be traveling to a planet full of lakes and rivers? Visiting a wild grassy landscape like Ezra's homeworld? Perhaps she would see a magnificent moon with skycrapers climbing endlessly into the stars. But in each one, she pictured herself as a mature Chiss woman speaking pleasantly with dignitaries from other worlds.

"Senator Ashray, we are honored with your visit to our homeworld."

"The honor is all mine, your highness. I thank you for your hospitality. I have been admiring your city's architecture today and was hoping a member of your staff would tell me about your building projects."

"Of course! Might we offer you a tour of our city tomorrow?"

"I would enjoy it very much. If you will excuse me, the baroness has been expecting me."

"Until tomorrow then."

"Charming young lady, don't you think?"

"Quite intelligent too. I'm told the Chancellor has spoken highly of her on many occasions."

"The Chiss must be a great people to cultivate such admirable senators. We would do well to discuss negotiations with them."

Senator Ashray. It was the loveliest music; a masterpiece that she would create in her lifetime.

A-A-A

SIX MONTHS LATER:

It had been bitter work. Six months of vigorous discipline, training, and commandeering.

But the rewards were worthwhile. Now the newly-appointed officers of the Chiss Defense Fleet were preparing for the Springhawk's first galactic voyage into space.

Everyone wore a midnight-blue uniform that had recently been altered to new preferences across the fleet. The traditional leather strap across the chest had been removed after reports declared it was cumbersome and impractical. Upturned collars were shortened enough to hold each officer's insignia badge without restraining the head. Utility belts had been made slightly wider with more pockets to better carry weapons and emergency equipment.

Kyler's own uniform sported a silver badge on the collar. He made sure it was secured properly and then thumbed two buttons on his console. "Operations, this is Lieutenant Kyler. Status report," he announced.

Two musical chimes rung out. Then Ranu's voice came in clear through the speakers. "Lieutenant, we are on frequency eight one zero. Standing by and waiting for orders."

"Thank you, Officer Ranu."

Kyler made a final sweep through the Springhawk to make sure everyone was accounted for. When he arrived at the bridge, Doctor Mikh'al was already waiting for him in his gray medical uniform and white lab coat.

"Have you examined the medical bay?" he asked the physician, knowing fully well that Mikh'al had gone over it twice.

"Yes I have, Lieutenant. All supplies have been stocked down to the last bacta bandage."

The young Chiss physician was doing his best to restrain his own delight by acting as nonchalant as he could. No less than six medical officers had applied for the Springhawk but he had been selected out of all of them by its leader. Mikh'al was determined to prove that he was the suitable person for the job.

"I'm confident we'll be in good hands knowing you are here, Doctor Mikh'al."

"You should not be so optimistic even before our voyage has begun, Lieutenant," Mikh'al cautioned him. "Space comes with as many risks as it does wonders. It remains a place full of diseases and dangers—"

"—wrapped in darkness and silence," Kyler concluded for him. "I know. And yet if it was as horrible as the stories said it was, we'd never have harnessed the technology for hyperspace travel. Don't tell me you're already decided to be a pessimist."

"I am a realist," Mikh'al corrected him. "Keep that in mind if this ship succumbs to Kolaxium influenza and everyone is writhing and vomiting on the floor."

Kyler resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his colleague. "Thank you for the vote of confidence, Doctor," he muttered dryly.

"Are you mocking me, Lieutenant?"

"On our first trip? Never."

Before their argument could escalate, the console chimed again. Kyler opened the channel with relief. "Permission to come on board?" inquired a male voice.

"Permission granted, sir." Kyler turned it off. "Everyone, stand attention for the commander of the Springhawk."

All of the officers rose to their feet and stood in two parallel lines. Mikh'al respectfully took a position near the door. When it opened in a few moments, the Chiss' red eyes all turned to see their leader striding confidentially towards them.

A gold insignia badge was pinned to the human's dark-blue lapel and he wore leather wrists gauntlets infused with comm-links. A short-range blaster was strapped to the right side of his utility belt. But unlike the other officers, he had a duel-bladed lightsaber that was clipped onto the left side of his belt. His hair had been cut shorter with bangs brushed off his forehead. A small black goatee graced his chin and gave him an air of maturity.

Kyler stepped forward and saluted to him.

"Commander Bridger, the Springhawk is prepared to launch. You have full control of the ship."

Ezra nodded to him. "Thank you, Lieutenant Kyler. Everyone, to your stations."

When all of the officers were in position, Ezra placed his hands upon the railing and spoke aloud so that everyone could hear him.

"This is a basic scouting mission to the lamda-prime sector of Chiss space," Ezra announced. "We are using the coordinates that Admiral Ar'alani provided to find the most effective way of traveling around the moon clusters of Densor. The carriers Snow Huntress and Tenacity will meet us at lamda-prime."

"If we see the enemy we are to avoid interactions and fall back to the fleet immediately."

"Commander, what if they attack us first?" asked one Chiss office. Her colleagues frowned at her abruptness. But the commander inclined his head to her.

"If they pursue us then we have the torpedoes locked and loaded," he said. "But our best bet is to unify with the other carriers. The Vaagri won't dare engage in open combat against three fully-armed ships."

Officer Ranu opened a new channel for him. The hologram of a young man appeared and hovered over the computer.

"Springhawk, this is the Snow Huntress. Are you ready to engage?"

"Yes, Commodore Vanto. We'll see you shortly

"Good travels to you, Springhawk. And to you, Commander Bridger."

"Thank you."

Ranu sealed the communication and Eli's image vanished.

"Prepare to enter hyperspace," Ezra announced. Ranu grinned as she and her fellow officers put the coordinates into the Springhawk's computers. Ezra could feel the tiles beneath his feet vibrate as the Springhawk's engines roared to life and the entire ship trembled in preparation for impact.

"Permission to join you, commander?"

Ezra offered a place next to him. "Permission granted, Lieutenant. Let's see what the galaxy has in store for us."

He lifted his gaze to the endless planes of stars and comets that glittered before them. A thrill rose up in Ezra to see the white lines stretch out before the Springhawk's windows. The engines whistled with excitement as the ship made the final movements to take off into the unknown wonders of all worlds.

"May warriors' fortunes smile upon our efforts," Kyler announced.

"And may the Force be with us," Ezra concluded.

The Springhawk vanished into a stream of white light and raced across the galaxy.

END

A-A-A

Author's notes: Bonus points if you find the irresistible quote from the 2009 film "Star Trek" in this chapter. The game of Shah-tezh is used in Chuck Wendig's "Aftermath" trilogy novels and Ezra's little noodle prank was lifted from "Heir to the Jedi" by Kevin Hearne. Filoni and Co. did such a good job rejuvenating legends material into "Clone Wars" and "Rebels" that I was inspired to pull different fascinating details from the books into my story.

Thank you for reading and sharing in the adventures. And good luck to you, Ezra Bridger, wherever you are.