Guarded (#2 Post-Order 66 Series)

Guarded - Part 26

A/N: Heads up that there are "In Command" spoilers in this chapter in case you're trying to avoid those, so if you're trying not to get spoiled, I'd recommend pausing and going to read that fic. Also, a bit of *spice* at the end of this chapter, so be warned.

Two rotations later, the plan was set. Typho, Hunter, and Wrecker were to meet Iden, Sabé, Echo, Crosshair, and Senna in Keren at the dwelling Sabé had identified. After the battle, the plan was for them to stay, holding the city with the militia factions that would come to support. Inez was planning to stay behind in Fellen, once again manning the back-up communications channels if something happened. Crosshair felt a certain amount of sadness he'd never admit to about leaving Fellen. It had been peaceful, even with the battles waged both internally and externally. Sentimentally, it was the place where he'd felt the most himself since Order 66, and he hoped that feeling would continue to grow, even as they moved onto the next venture.

He was in the cellar helping Inez take a final inventory of their munitions and supplies, standing on his tiptoes to reach the higher shelves she couldn't quite get to.

"Three dozen thermal detonators," he stated, and Inez punched it into the datapad, nodding. A small bond had formed between the two of them since she'd cleaned his armor, something he couldn't quite explain, but it made him want to be more helpful to her. Inez wasn't one made for battle like the others, but she felt a certain urge to be useful in any way she could, particularly after Jex's death. Her determination to contribute was something he found admirable. Maybe it reminds me of the kid. Even though he'd never admit it out loud, he missed Omega.

"I think that's the last of it," Inez said, a small smile creeping over her face. Crosshair nodded at her. She'd been out of her room more and more in recent days, presumably with the understanding that they would be depending on her shortly, and she'd be on her own then. "Thank you for your help," she said quietly, giving his shoulder a pat before turning and walking back up the steps. Reaching down, he began packing the explosives back in the crate he'd pulled off the top shelf before pausing to watch Senna and her new recruits.

The two young Force users had arrived a few rotations before, and the Jedi had wasted no time in beginning her evaluation of their abilities. They both were young, barely older than teenagers, and had little training prior to the Empire's reign. The young boy, Nuule, had discovered his gift at a young age, finding himself able to bond with the animals on his family's farm in one of more rural agricultural communities. His gift had become apparent when he was able to herd the family livestock in record time by merely raising a hand. The second, a girl a few years older named Tanelly, had taken a bit longer to discover her connection to the Force, but had taught herself to push and float objects by her early teens. Senna stood before them both now, hands clasped behind her back as they extended their arms to move stones on the dirt floor before them.

"Reach out, but never do so when your emotions are unstable. If nurtured, those strong feelings can tip your balance, something you'll depend on when using the Force. Balance is the key to the Force, push and pull, eb and flow." The rock in front of Tanelly scooted forward easily, but Crosshair noted the young man floundering, his eyebrows furrowed as he struggled. The rock wiggled forward half a meter or so, starting and stopping in its progress. Finally, he opened his eyes, clearly frustrated. Senna moved to crouch in front of him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "We all have our strengths and specialties in our connections to the Force. I've never been able to connect to creatures in the way you have, Nuule. The concepts I'm trying to teach you will aid you in all areas, not just moving objects. You're doing well. It takes time." The young man nodded. Senna cast a glance over her shoulder, noting the sniper's gaze. Straightening, she addressed her pupils.

"It's been a long day, and you've both done well. Why don't you go upstairs and see if you can track down some food. We'll talk one more time in the morning before I leave."