Hela watched the two children as they packed; N'ina had grown several inches, as had Ji, their old clothes no longer fit. They discarded them and put on some the rebels had found for them. Where they found them she didn't know; they just appeared outside their quarters every so often but it didn't matter now.

"Do we know who it is?" Asked Ji.

"I only know we're meeting Gobi Glie first. I know him and he says he knew your mother. He's a good man."

"Do we have to go? We could help you and Mayday." N'ina suggested.

That brought a hard lump to her throat; this was going to be much more difficult than she thought. Ji was very quiet.

"I promised your Mother. I would love you both to stay but I promised her."

"You don't really want us here." Ji interrupted them.

"I would love you to keep you here with me but it's dangerous."

"We could help. Mayday and Donca could train us." He added.

"No, it's too dangerous. I'm sorry perhaps when you're older."

"We were brave being slaves. Mom trained us and showed us what to do."

"No." Her reply was harsher than she meant.

He huffed in reply and kicked the door open, storming out.

"Ji!" She shouted after him.

N'ina was still packing what few items she had; she was now wearing one of Hela's tops and it was only a little too large for her, "He'll be back."

"You understand don't you?" She asked N'ina.

"I suppose so but he's right we survived Vos."

"This is not just Vos, it's much bigger. We're fighting the Empire."

"You're staying?"

"Yes."

N'ina rushed at her and hugged her tight; Hela wrapped her own arms around her. She would miss them both, more than she ever imagined.

.

Hangar Bay

Bil had helped her service the ship; it was running as well as any they had.

"Remember to check the hyperdrive tuning before you return." He told her, "And the heater."

"Why is there a problem?"

"No test run. Check it!"

"I will."

He grunted.

"I will." She reiterated, "Don't worry."

"Ugnaughts do not worry."

"Yeah." She knew that was a lie.

He pushed a flask in her hand.

"What's this?"

"Tea. For the journey."

"I can't."

"You insult my tea?"

"No, of course not."

"Then take. I have spoken."

"Thank you."

Leaving felt odd, even though she knew she would be returning.

She watched as the rebels, some she didn't know, came to say goodbye to the kids.

She was surprised how many of them had given something to the kids; sweets and other things that were difficult to get hold of. They had met more people on this base than she had since they had been here.

Donca was saying goodbye to them now. She had a datapad in her hand which she gave to N'ina and said something to her.

She felt Finor stand next to her, "Don't judge Donca too harshly," he whispered in her ear, "She only ever does things for other people and doesn't take care of herself."

"Is that why she's getting worse?"

"How? Did someone say something?"

"No. I can hear her."

"Yes, it is true. She's trying to keep it quiet. I try to look after her as best I can but she doesn't listen. Never did."

She looked over at the older woman; her face looked grey. She had aged in the time Hela had been here.

"Time to go." Said Hela, she didn't want to prolong the agony.

"Be careful. We've got you a copilot so you can get some rest."

"Thanks. It has been a while but the ship's been checked over so should be okay."

"Just in case of trouble. Donca has insisted."

"She would and thanks. I'll be back in a few days." She found herself saying. Not that she had anywhere else to go. She was just going to ask who the copilot was, but Finor had already disappeared to Donca's side and they were ushering the kids up the ramp.

Hela followed them.

Bil waved.

"We'll see you soon. And if you get any intel." Added Donca, "It would be useful."

Hela nodded, "See you!"

She walked up the ramp then stowed her bag; the kids were already strapped in. The ramp closed quickly behind her and she headed to the cockpit.

"That was a little close." She shouted to the copilot, "Are you in a hurry?"

The engines started up and the ship moved forward.

"Hey! Gimme chance to get seated!" She jumped around the copilot seat and sat in it, strapping herself in it.

"I think you're in my seat." She grumbled as the ship left the ground.

"That's debatable." a voice she recognised retorted.

She closed her eyes and leaned back against the headrest.

"I thought you were on a mission?"

"Got back last night — a success. If you're interested."

"Good. So who's idea was this?"

"Mine. I promised Aola, I'd get them home to Ryloth and I will."

"I can't argue with that, I promised too."

"Good. Wouldn't want to argue in front of the kids."

Hela rolled her eyes.

"Don't do that when the wind changes, you'll stay like it."

She turned to see him grinning.

Hela settled down, at some point she had to spend time with him; it was a smallish base. So long as he didn't keep asking about Vos. That was one subject she did not want to discuss.

"Who's your contact?"

"Gobi Glie. A member of Free Ryloth. Worked with Cham Syndulla."

"So going straight to the top, eh?"

"He's the only one I know there."

"How did you meet him?"

"Stopped over there for a few days."

"When?"

"Do you want me to take over so you can get some sleep? As you've just got back."

"Nah, I'm fine. Debriefed and got some shut eye last night."

"Good. Wouldn't want you to fall asleep and snore."

"I don't snore." He retorted, affronted that she'd even suggest that.

"That's good to know."

"You already did."

Yes she did.

"Here's the navcom numbers." She ignored his comment.

He tapped them in and they jumped seamlessly into hyperspace.

She leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes; It was going to be a long journey.

.

They dropped out of hyperspace far enough away from Ryloth to be a blip in the distance and, according to Hela's calculations, too far away to appear on any defence or star destroyer scans. They slowed and watched the Star destroyer orbiting the planet move inexorably around to the far side of the planet.

"Good job. You timed that just right."

"Thanks." She enjoyed his appreciation of her expertise.

Hela increased their sublight speed bringing them closer to the surface and tapped in the coordinates, then prepared to descend. "Kids! Put everything away and strap in. It can get a little bumpy." She turned to Mayday, "That goes for you too."

He grinned in response pulling his seat belt tighter.

"Yes sir. You're the boss on this one."

"Glad to hear that."

They had managed to be cordial to each other during the flight and made good time, despite several hyperspace jumps just in case. She checked the diagnostics again before activating the thrusters. She didn't want anything to go wrong at the last minute and this part could be tricky. She visualised the last re entry and hoped nothing had changed since talking to Gobi.

She followed the same flight path as before, throttling back as she came in through the ravine.

It was just as tight as before.

"All clear!" Mayday confirmed, his hands on the gun controls.

The adrenaline kicked in, knowing what was coming next. The cliff face appeared directly in front of her, she prepared to pull up just in case then she saw it — the large cave entrance; she reduced speed, almost hovering, then she pulled in.

Once in, the cave opened up into the familiar large cavern.

Slowly, she pulled in further, turning the ship around, eventually coming to a full stop, dropping the last few inches to the ground; she heard the clamps engage and she let a breath out.

"Breaks on! Engine off!"

The ship went quiet.

Mayday turned to look at her, "Good flying!"

"Thanks."

Mayday rising from his seat, "Now it's my turn. Stay here!"

Hela followed him, he turned, "Do you ignore everything I say?"

"No but they're expecting me."

"Alone?"

She shook her head.

N'ina and Ji started to remove their seat belts.

"Kids! Stay there." He saw them start to argue, "Just for a minute." They slunk back.

"Hela stay behind me. It could be a trap."

She didn't argue; it was prudent.

"Ready?"

He nodded and she activated the ramp; Mayday pulled on his mask, unsure how he would be greeted following the Empire's takeover on this planet and stood at the top, hands resting gently but ready on his blasters. He felt her move to stand behind him.

The cavern was dark and empty; he heard Hela take a deep breath. She was worried. So was he; they were in a vulnerable position and would struggle to defend themselves, if it was a trap.

He flexed his hands above his blasters.

Then he heard the noise; he flicked the safety off his blaster, ready to draw, if stormtroopers appeared. It would give Hela and the kids a chance.

Several twi'leks emerged from the darkness, led by a large male; several had long range blaster rifles pointed directly at them.

The male addressed Mayday, "I was expecting someone else. So where is she?"

Hela stepped out from behind Mayday, his arm went out to stop her but she moved it aside.

"Gobi, I'm here."

A smile split his face for a few seconds then he was all business again.

"Good to see you. Any problems?"

"Only one star destroyer. We came in behind its orbit."

"Good. They're getting a little less predictable, so we have to be careful. You had our latest intel." He looked around, "I expected Zur with you. So who's this?"

"A friend."

"Where's Zur?"

Hela swallowed hard before she replied, "He's gone."

Gobi studied her and realised what she meant, "I'm sorry. He was a good man. He will be remembered."

"He was. He will."

"So your new friend? I'd like to see the face." He addressed the last part to Mayday, who turned to Hela. She nodded.

Mayday carefully pulled off his mask.

Gobi studied him, "I am Gobi Glie and you are?"

"Mayday." He replied, unsure yet of this Twi'lek. They were still alive so he thought he must be okay.

Gobi held out his hand, "Good to meet you. I would not be here if it wasn't for the actions of some of your brothers."

Mayday clasped his forearm and the Twi'lek returned the gesture, not surprised by it.

"I know it's a long shot but did you ever meet a Captain Howzer? He was stationed here during the war." Asked Mayday.

Gobi grinned, "If it wasn't for him and his squad, there would be no Free Ryloth movement. He allowed us and the Syndullas to escape the Empire."

"What happened to him?"

"He and his men were taken prisoner. I don't know what happened to him after that."

"Good to know he did the right thing."

"He was an honourable man."

Mayday nodded.

"Are they here?" A female voice with the unmistakable Twi'lek lilt, pushed through to them.

Hela turned to the direction of the voice; she stifled a gasp at the sight of the woman in front of her. She looked just like Aola but older.

"I'm their Aunt. Are they truly here?"

Hela glanced at Gobi, who nodded.

"Yes." she replied, "N'ina! Ji! You can come out now."

A few seconds later they appeared at the top; she smiled as they must have been waiting just inside. Watching their reactions as they stepped down the ramp; if there was any fear, any sign of apprehension, she would sweep them back up and they would be off the planet before anyone could blink.

The kids raced down the ramp, arms outstretched, "Daesha!" They shouted in unison. Ji' nearly knocked her over in the rush.

Hela bit her lip to stop it wobbling.

Mayday moved next to her, his hand cupping her elbow. He wanted to be here for her. He saw her struggling to keep her emotions in check but it was what they came here to do. She let his hand stay there.

"You saved them." Daesha addressed Hela.

"No," she replied, "not us. Mayday and Ayola. None of us would have got away from Vos, if it hadn't been for them."

"My thanks to you then." She nodded to Mayday.

"It was an honour to know your sister. She was a brave woman and her children take after her."

"Where will they be living?" Asked Hela.

"I have a house in Kala'din. It's a city but quiet. Not much Imperial presence. We'll keep a low profile."

"Good. I'll miss them." She didn't know what else to say but held out her arms to the children and pulled them in close; relishing the last feeling of them.

"We need to leave now or we'll miss the window." He let his hand rest gently on her shoulder and she finally pulled away from them, dropping her arms to the side.

He nodded to Gobi who escorted the little group away.

.

Hela raised the ramp, disengaged the clamps and pulled away slowly through the cavern; they only had a few minutes before the Star Destroyer appeared from the far side of the planet, continuing its orbit. Once in the sunlight, she concentrated on clearing the canyon then punched them upwards.

The nose of the destroyer appeared on the horizon as they left the atmosphere and the pull of the planet's gravity released them. Their momentum carried them forward towards the huge ship, until she pushed the lever to take them into hyperspace. For a few seconds the engines stalled. Mayday turned to look at her, she was all concentration, then the hyperdrive kicked in and they disappeared into hyperspace and safety. He checked the ship; it was fine. They had jumped before the destroyer could get a lock on them.

Mayday turned to see her hunched over the controls, sobbing quietly.

"Hela?"

She shook her head and rushed to the fresher.

He looked at the door, debated on checking with her but decided to let her get it out of her system. There was a chasm between them now and he wasn't sure how to cross it.

He brewed a cup of Instacaf in the tiny galley and waited. When he was recovering he couldn't do anything physical but he spoke to Donca, he hadn't realised it then but it had helped. Perhaps Hela still needed that.

He sat nursing his second mug when he heard the door open.

She came over and sat, red eyed and looking exhausted. He hadn't noticed the dark circles under her eyes before or the spidery wrinkles that had appeared at the side of them. They were both getting older. What had happened was taking a toll on them both.

He handed her a caf, watching as she wiped her eyes. He pushed down the urge to pull her into his arms and tell her it would all be alright. It had worked before but now, "Talk to me."

She looked at the cockpit door.

"It's locked. Encoded. We're stuck here for hours unless you're going to spend all of it in the fresher. And that's not a good idea. Talk to me."

"About what?"

"Explain why you're avoiding me, what happened to you."

She avoided looking at him.

He waited.

He could be patient but he needed answers; he found himself grinding his teeth. He drank his caf to distract himself.

She was still staring at the floor.

"Tell me." he said quieter, "It can't be that bad."

Shaking her head, still not looking at him, "I don't know where to start."

He leaned closer, "How about I ask you a few questions. Just to start."

She nodded.

"How did you get off Coruscant?"

"We had help. A Senator and some clones."

"We?"

"Just me and Zur."

"Who helped?"

"Senator Chuchi. Gregor. Echo and Captain Rex."

"They're all alive?" he asked, unable to keep the emotion out of his voice.

"They were then. About a year after the war."

He let out a sigh; he hadn't expected that.

"The crash on Naboo?"

"Zur programmed a droid to pilot my shuttle to Naboo and crash it. We were never on Naboo."

"Where then?"

"Pantora for a short time then we moved. Ryloth. Daiyu."

He let her take a few drinks, while he processed the fact that more of his brothers were, or had been alive and free from the chips. He didn't dare hope they were still alive now.

"They made a choice not to fight for the Empire but to fight against it."

She had explained some of what happened to her, now it was his turn.

"What happened to your squad?" She asked tentatively, knowing that Donca had saved him but there had been no mention of Tank or Splicer or any of the others, nor had she seen any of them.

She watched him tense up.

"All of them?" She asked, instantly regretting her question.

He nodded.

"I'm so sorry."

"It was the Empire's fault. They kept us short of supplies whilst ordering us to guard the new Stormtrooper equipment. We did everything they asked of us. We killed a Jedi and the Empire still betrayed us."

They sat there, facing each other, the sound of their breathing filled the cabin.

"Mayday?"

"Yes?"

"Which Jedi?"

"Does it matter?"

"To me. Yes."

She waited.

"Skoll. I'm sorry. It was wrong. Can you forgive me? We weren't ourselves. The chips."

She closed her eyes, nodding. Another complication.

"Zur died because of me."

"You? How?"

"He went after a gang that attacked me and was injured. He never recovered."

"How did Vos get to you?"

"Bounty Hunters." She wasn't sure how he would take the news that it was Baylan responsible for her being with Vos. She shivered.

"Hey. You're cold." He pulled a blanket from one of the cupboards, and switched the heater on. It didn't work. He kicked it.

"I need to fix it."

"You do." She looked exhausted; he took pity on her, "Enough talking. I'll take the first watch. Get some sleep."

"No wait, there's something else you need to know." Now she'd started she had to finish.

"Go on."

"If you hadn't come for me when you did. I would have gone to Vos willingly. I'm sorry."

He bit back his first response.

"It's okay. Just sleep now."

He sat next to her, his arm sliding comfortingly across her shoulder; she leaned against him and relaxed. He was convinced more than ever that Vos had done something to her.

"But you didn't, did you?" He whispered into her hair before hearing her sleepy sigh.

.

Hela woke up to the smell of Instacaf and something meaty being heated up. Her stomach rumbled. She couldn't actually remember when she last ate or was supposed to eat. Then she remembered the kids were on Ryloth with their Aunt and her conversation with Mayday.

"Thought you might be hungry." He emerged from the tiny galley with a couple of ration packs. "They're supposed to be some kind of stew." He eyed the packs suspiciously.

"Thanks."

"What I—" "What you —" they voices overlapped.

"You first." Mayday continued.

"What I said about Vos. I'm sorry. I betrayed you."

"I understand what you said and you didn't."

Tapping the side of her head, she said, "But it was in my head. An intention, pulling at me. It feels just as bad."

"You're here with me now. That's all that counts. I want us to be together."

"I know you do."

"But? This feels like there's a but in there."

"After everything we've been through. You with your chip and me with Palpatine and Vos."

"And we've got through it, survived."

He watched her struggle with something.

"This is difficult to say and I don't want to hurt you but are we both sure there weren't other influences on us before? We are not the same people, are we?"

"You don't want to be with me anymore?"

"I just want to be sure. What we do with the Rebels is going to be hard and I want to be sure. For both of us. Don't you?"

"I am sure."

"I —"

"Vos did something to you."

Hela leant forwards, "You deserve more but I need more time, to be sure of myself."

"Time?"

"Yes. I understand if you can't wait but—"

He pulled away, "Eat your rations. They'll get cold."

He pushed a spoonful in his mouth and chewed.

The rational part of his brain told him it could be over, they would never get back what they had but he had never been rational about Hela.