The climb to orbit had been uneventful. Nobody had hailed him. Nor had any of the derelicts that counted as space fighters out here tried to intercept them. Which was curious as the guards should've had enough time to report the fight. Perhaps it was what they reported that stayed their superior's hand. Or not. At this point it didn't make a difference.
With a deep loud drone the hyperdrive engaged and the star filled void beyond the cockpit dissolved into streaks of light shooting past. Giving the instruments a final check the gray man leaned back. Listening as the drone of the hyperdrive lessened fading into the background noise. It would take about a week to reach their destination.
Either he would find a new home for the girl there or he would take her further coreward. It was a simple plan without much risk. After all who would give the ragged pilot he saw reflected in the cockpit's window another look? The gang members hadn't even hesitated to disregard him. Seeing only the mask which had ensured his survival for all these years. Survival. He had sacrificed so much on its altar. Until it had become all that mattered. Until today.
The spot on his shoulder where the girl's head had rested was dry now. Yet his thoughts were still haunted by his failures. Without adrenaline to keep her going the child had succumbed to the days exertions before he had reached the ship's ramp. Still slumber had not done much to stifle the aching tear he felt echoing out from her mind. An invisible wound left on her from a choice she should've never been forced into. A choice he should've protected her from.
She had seemed so small when he had tucked her in. So alone. Forsaken. In his 21 years of flight how many children had found themselves in similar circumstances? Born with a power nobody could help them understand or control after the order's fall. Either forced into the emperor's service or pushed away like her. What would happen to them now that the galaxy descended into civil war?
He was certain there were still some of the emperor's bloodhounds out there. With their master gone wouldn't they seek apprentices of their own? How far would they go in service of the unending quest for power their teachings dictated?
And what about this rebellion? They proclaimed to have a jedi in their midst. One who had allegedly survived a fight against Darth Vader and the emperor. Saying that he had also been the one to destroy the first Death Star. Going even further as to give him the name of Skywalker. It was nothing more than an all to transparent attempt to legitimate their play for power. How long would it be until they let him announce the founding of a new jedi order? An order which would be nothing more than an extension of their power. A puppet to wear the old order's mantle of peacekeeper for them to cower behind.
He went through question after question. Not finding a definite answer sans for two of them. Would he entrust the girl's safety or the safety of others like her to any of them? And what was it that he could do to protect them?
Rising from the pilot seat he left the cockpit with purposeful steps. Times were changing. And he would be there to push them into the right direction.