"Fellow citizens of the New Republic, and esteemed members of the Galactic Senate," Mon Mothma began the pardoning ceremony strongly. The chancellor, while dressed stunningly, looked tired and frail as she leaned against her podium of the senate chambers. It was common knowledge she had been ill, but now everyone was beginning to see the toll of her prolonged sickness. It would not be long before others began to petition for her to step down and let another take the lead.

Wyb was watching from Senator Organa's senate pod. True to Leia Organa's word and influence in the republic she was able to secure the pardon for Civa and Besa for their assistance in the Unknown Regions. They just had to make a show of it first. She unfortunately was unable to attend due to family matters. C-3PO had delivered her apologies for the absence and extended an invitation for all involved in the Project Harvester rescue to watch the ceremony from her pod. The only two that had accepted the invitation were Wyb and Sashee.

"Today, we gather not merely to celebrate the strength and empathy of the New Republic, but also to acknowledge the power of redemption. The choice to go against the grain and to do what is right has never been easy. These two individuals, Civa and Besa, are the personification of just that," Mothma turned and motioned for Civa and Besa to step forward next to her ready to receive medals of courage. The two looked at one another uneasy, dressed in New Republic amnesty program uniforms, on display for the whole Senate and public assembly.

"Civa can't stand this," Sashee leaned over and whispered to Wyb. The two were also dressed for the occasion with Wyb in full New Republic ceremonial military uniform and Sashee in dark navy robes tailored in the Jedi way with a few modern Capital fashion details.

"Are you using your jedi mind tricks again?" Wyb teased with a smile. For the first time he was glad to be back in the capital. The familiarity of the busy skyline and ambient noise of the hustling population made him feel relieved to be back in the core. It was the first time it felt like home.

"No need for tricks, it's written all over his face," she chuckled. "I do wish they weren't on display. This crowd is not a forgiving one."

"They pushed past their checkered pasts of being part of a system designed to divide and destroy, rebelled against their training by a dictator who weaponized fear and terrorized its citizens under the false promise of order and peace. When duty called, and the New Republic could not answer, both Civa and Besa were there."

"Does she have to lay it on so thick?" Wyb fidgeted in his uniform. He looked around the Senate and saw Sashee was right. Not everyone agreed with this pardon.

"We thank you Civa Marga and Besa Corros, and with excitement will follow your commitment to better the galaxy. Your journey from the shadows into the light serves as a reminder to all that redemption is possible. On this understanding and promise of repentance, I as New Republic chancellor grant you both full pardons."

The senate erupted with mixed reactions; some cheering, some applause; others booing. Sashee and Wyb's looked at one another knowing, even with a pardon, many would still only see Civa and Besa as ex-imperials for the rest of their lives.

Besa and Civa both uncomfortably shook the chancellor's hand and did their best to ignore the taunts. Wyb and Sashee waited calmly to exit the senate pod and made their way through the lobby as the assembly let out.

"Off to your next adventure then?" Sashee asked loudly over the crowd. "Hopefully there'll be less wild life involvement this time."

"If it does, maybe you'll get one of your 'feelings' and bail me out again," Wyb answered as he was bumped by passing senators and citizens.

"Well I'm off. I need to go and gather the younglings. I am taking them to Ossus. Tell Chewbacca I'm sorry about the falcon, but there was no other way," she said as they exited a side door on to the terrace.

"Not a chance. Tell him yourself," Wyb replied. "I like having all my limbs. I still don't understand how you escaped."

"Some things are beyond explanation. That is the power of the force," she said, trying to sound wise. But the truth was she was uncertain of her survival as Wyb. All she knew if Ezra had not been near and came to her aid, she would still be in the Unknown Regions.

"There you go again," Wyb shook his head in disbelief.

"I agree, enough Jedi talk. What about you little brother? How much trouble are you really in?"

"I'm a Tersu. I'm in plenty, but I'll manage," he smiled looking around the crowd hoping to see Soni. She was supposed to meet him after the ceremony. "Everyone going to this Jedi school of yours?"

"No… not all," she smiled and motioned over to Jin who was standing with Kelzen. The two had been watching from the public seating. Kelzen turned and caught sight of Wyb and waved happily. Wyb waved back and sighed. He wished he had been able to bring back both of Jin's children. Sashee sensed his disappointment and placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked back at his older sister, relieved that through the chaos and danger they had both come out the other side alive and closer than ever.

"I'll meet you at the docking bay to say goodbye. I need to find Soni. She said she was going to meet me here."

"There," Sashee pointed across the filled terrace. Wyb nodded and made his way over to her.

"You made it!" Wyb exclaimed happily. He saw she was dressed down in her civilian clothes with her hair loose that laid past her shoulders. Even in plain attire Wyb noticed how she seemed to light up in front of him.

"I'm sorry I'm late," She yelled over the loud crowd. She tucked her hair back behind her ear.

"It's fine. Same old show and dance. I'll catch you up when we're on Adelphi. I can't wait to show you the great flight paths for training. Also want to introduce you to Zeb. Knowing my luck he'll like you–"

"I'm not coming." She interrupted.

"What?!" He was shocked and puzzled. Did this have anything to do with what happened on the transport? Or rather what didn't happen? He looked at her hoping they could discuss it but as he stared back at her he knew her mind was set.

"I'm not coming," she repeated as she stepped closer to him. "That's why I'm late. Captain Denz, he's promoted me to NRI special agent."

"NRI? Special agent? But…you're a pilot. That's what we've talked about all throughout our training," Wyb questioned.

"Things have changed," she sighed. "After the mission in the unknown regions I realized…you were right. Wyb something is happening outside the Core. I need to go where I can do the most good. Just how you're doing with the Rangers."

"Soni-"

"Please don't try and talk me out of it. I had enough trouble talking myself into it," she pleaded looking away from him. "It's time you and I both follow our own paths."

Wyb was disappointed. He knew she was a good pilot and the rangers could use her. But that was not why she was going. He knew he had come too close to crossing the line of friendship. And he understood neither of them wanted to lose each other. The only thing he couldn't comprehend was why she was taking an assignment on the opposite end of the galaxy. Perhaps the distance would do them some good. To remember no matter what, focus on the real things at stake, for clarity. So he did the only thing he could do.

"I'll miss you," he sadly remarked. Soni held out her hand for their secret hand shake. Wyb looked at it and pushed it aside and embraced her tightly. His heart ached as he felt Soni's stiff body soften and tightly squeeze him back. "Good luck. Not that you need it."

"I'll take it. Goodbye Tersu."

"God that was painful," Civa muttered, removing the new republic uniform shirt and putting on his personal leather jacket. He searched in his pocket for his cigarettes. He could use a smoke before they left the core and headed to Ossus.

"It wasn't so bad," Besa disagreed and tossed him a pack she had purchased off the docking bay agent. She turned to the younglings and Sashee. "Everyone get ready to board. We're leaving in five."

"Thanks for all your help," Wyb said gratefully as Sashee motioned the children aboard and joined them. "I don't know what I would have done without you two."

"Been lost in the abyss," Civa remarked. "Hopefully the trip to Ossus will be less eventful. What you think Sash? Can we avoid any more anomalies on the way?"

"I'll try," she snickered, which made Civa shake his head.

"After Ossus, what's next?" Wyb asked. Besa and Civa looked at one another and shrugged. Wyb knew this was the perfect opportunity to urge them to return to Lothal and the farm. "If you need a place to stay while you figure things out, the farm–"

"We're not going back to Lothal," Besa interjected. She looked at Civa for approval to reveal their plans. Civa nodded and put out his smoke. "We're headed to the Graveyard for 'the Returning.'"

"Rol would appreciate that," Sashee acknowledged and squeezed Wyb's shoulder. She knew he would have a hard time finally realizing that Unit - 56 was fractured forever.

"Yeah, Prisa would too," Wyb added, knowing his young cousin was still grieving. Perhaps he could swing by before heading back to Adelphi to tell her about Civa and Besa. It may help her know Rol was being honored and not forgotten.

"We best get going," Civa said and patted Wyb on the shoulder. "Hey…if you ever get in a jam…"

"Thanks Civa…I will," Wyb knew it was hard for him to offer help knowing that it could potentially lead to an encounter with Lenore.

"Everyone on board."

"Give Lenore my best," Besa said, hugging him.

"I wish she was her so you could do it yourselves," Wyb said.

"What makes you think she's not?" Besa tilted her head smugly. Wyb frowned. Of course his mother wasn't here. If she was, why would she not say hello. Besa was always one for instigating and spreading rumors, so Wyb decided not to push the conversation. Besides, they needed to go. Besa saw the puzzled look on the young pilot's face and playfully tapped his checks before joining Civa aboard. Sashee looked at him one last time and followed.

"Sashee!" Wyb yelled. She stopped on the onramp. "May the force be with you."

With a smile and wave, Sashee boarded the ship and the engine ignited. The old passenger transport lifted and turned toward the skyline. Wyb felt small, lonely, and left behind. Everyone was off to their next adventure. And him? Back to the Adelphi and the rowdy bored Rangers. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Never could fool Besa. She also had the highest marks for instinct and surveillance," Lenore said. Wyb turned and saw his mother standing a few feet behind him.

"Lenore? What are you doing here? What's wrong?" He questioned.

"Does something have to be wrong for me to come see you?" she smiled and hugged him."Looks very different but yet the same. Coruscant I mean."

"You shouldn't be here," Wyb scolded her. "What about your home arrest? If you get arrested I can't protect you."

"Relax, kid," she calmed him. "I called in a favor. I'm good for the next 24 hours."

"Favor? From who?" He said as the two of them walked through the docking bay tunnels toward the streets.

"I have friends in high and low places. And enemies on the ground," she winked playfully. Wyb was not amused. After seeing the spectacle of the New Republic, losing his best friend, and having to say goodbye to part of his family, he was in no mood for Lenore's evasive responses. Lenore took note and replied."Loncak. He owes me from a long long time ago. Plus he wanted to talk to Rya."

"About what?" Wyb asked and followed his mother through the capital streets. She hadn't forgotten her way around it.

"Politics probably. I don't think Rya has completely succumbed to farm life. She could do a lot of good by reentering the Senate." Lenore said nonchalantly. "Rillo and Jord are here too. They're showing Prisa the sights."

"And you? Why are you lurking in the background? Why didn't you come say something to Besa and Civa? Or Jin for that matter?"

"Wyb," she looked down at her feet. "I know you think highly of me and everything I do, but not everyone shares your opinion."

"Would you stop blaming yourself? None of that was your fault. Rol, the younglings," Wyb defended.

"Wyb, I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of. And you will too. Not everyone is going to like you or agree with you. You will fail. People will blame you even when it's not your fault. The trick is to keep going and not give up. Learn from your mistakes. Trust your instincts and your heart. Don't ever lose hope."

"Everything is changing."

"Change is hard but it's inevitable," she said softly. Wyb looked down at his mother whom he realized was not as tall as he once remembered. "I love you kid."

"This is the way," he teased. Lenore rolled her eyes. She knew the boy liked to tease her about the Mandalorian. As his smile grew big she knew he was going to be fine. Just as Din predicted.

"Come on, let's catch up with the others."

"'Nore?" Wyb began following her toward the market sector.

"Hmm?"

"Why did Din give you the vambrace?" He asked.

"That's a story." She chuckled.

"Suppose you tell it this time."

"You sound just like Prisa, when she pestered me about how Boba Fest took my arm."

"Must run in the family," he said as Lenore placed her arm around him.