A Galaxy Freed (Book 4)

Chapter 6: To Witness Destruction

          We let Rex know where we were heading off to instead of just immediately setting course for Coruscant. "Sounds important," Rex said. "I'll let the others know so you both don't waste any more time here than you need to."

"There's no need," said the familiar voice of Bo-Katan as she walked up to the three of us, her helmet at her side. Ahsoka was with her as well. "You both have done incredible work for me and my people," she began. "I overheard some of your transmission, Kane. Without being able to hear all that was said, I can tell that it most likely has something to do0 with this upcoming war I've promised to assist you with."

I was anxious to get going but I wanted to hear what she was wanting to say to me. She knew I was in a hurry but still decided to speak so it must be worth hearing her out. "It seems that way, yes."

"I just wanted to reassure you that as soon as you call for us, we will be there." She smirked. "We Mandalorians never back down from a fight. Not anymore."

"Thank you, Bo-Katan," I nodded respectfully. "We should get going. I wish all the best for you and your people."

"May the Force be with you, Jedi."

           Fives and I smiled at her before turning around to head to the ship that would bring us back to Coruscant. Rex caught up with us. "Sir, the men and I are almost wrapped up here," he said. "We'll be making our way to Coruscant shortly after you two leave."

"Thank you for letting me know, Captain," I replied. I saw Ahsoka in my peripheral just staring us down quite awkwardly. "Seems like someone would like to speak with you," I said to Rex as I gestured my eyes to Ahsoka.

Rex turned around to make eye contact with her before returning his gaze to us. He was blushing. "Ah, well then sir. I hope you both have a safe trip back home. Good luck with everything." Rex saluted before turning around and walking rather quickly towards Ahsoka who was patiently waiting for him.

"You can see it too, right?", Fives asked me.

"Yeah. Their connection with one another is strong. It makes me happy to see Rex happy. I know he's been through a lot, so seeing him like this is comforting." I left it at that. We were at the ship now and Fives helped me on board the vessel. The clone pilot had already inputted the coordinates to Coruscant and as soon as we were safely aboard, the ship flew towards space.

*

           The flight back was uneventful. I slept through most of the trip. For the sake of my men, I fought back the exhaustion, but since it was just Fives and I on the ship, I felt comfortable enough to relax and recover from the stress of everything we went through in making that alliance with the Mandalorians. I woke up laying on Fives's lap. He must have laid my head there when he noticed me drifting off. I didn't remember laying there myself. "How long was I out?", I asked him.

I heard him silently laugh to himself before responding. "You passed out as soon as we sat down. I'd say it was a well-deserved rest."

I sat up and looked out the viewport. "We're back on Coruscant," I mentioned.

"Yep," Fives replied. "I didn't want to wake you to let you know we arrived, so I just waited here until you came to. The Council is waiting for us as we speak."

"We shouldn't keep them waiting," I said as I took Fives's hand in mine and descended down the ramp of the ship that landed in the Jedi Temple hangar.

           I was nervous as we neared the Council Chamber. Fives was as well. I could sense it. Neither of us knew why they needed to speak with us, me, so urgently. The halls of the Temple were silent. Though there was no one around, I could feel a thousand eyes glaring at me. With my heart racing, I unintentionally quickened my pace, leaving Fives behind. "Hey, wait up will ya," he called out to me. Still in my own head, I stayed moving at the same pace I was before Fives spoke out. "Kane," he emphasized. "There is no need to rush like this. Everything is going to be okay. I'll make sure of it." He placed his hand on my shoulder and held me next to him. Gently restricting me from moving any further without him.