As Long As There's Light

Chapter 3: Old And New Friends

Obi-Wan paused for a brief moment. He felt another familiar presence, other than that of Vader. This one was bright, and there was no storm around her heart as there had been all those years ago. That old grief of hers that he knew so well, was still there but it had faded, no longer a wound but a scar instead. He knew she was here as well, and something told him he knew why she was.

Grim was slightly impressed by how the Empire suspected nothing of the two stormtroopers walking around with a free wookie, two droids (both aligned with the Rebel Alliance), and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Of course, the Empire also hadn’t taken notice of her, but that was because despite her armor sticking out amongst the others, she took care to hide and wait until no one else was around as she followed the group.

Luke closed the door, and as it was closing she took care to use the Force to increase her speed and enter before it could close.

“You know between his howling and your blasting it’s a wonder the whole station doesn’t know we’re here!” He snapped at Han, as he took off his stolen helmet.

“Bring ‘em on! I prefer a straight fight to all this sneakin’ around,” he snapped back.

“Me too, but to do so in this situation would be unwise,” said Grim calmly, at last revealing her presence, as they hadn’t seen her enter the room.

“Who are you, Lady Purple?” Han asked, eying her armor.

“A friend,” she replied. She looked at Obi-Wan and nodded at him, giving him a sad smile. “Hello there, Master.”

Obi-Wan smiled at her. “Grim, it’s been some time. What brings you here?”

“Same as you, in a way.”

That told him all he needed to know - once again she had seen this before.

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but we found the computer outlet,” said Threepio.

“Plug in. He should be able to interpret the entire Imperial network,” Obi-Wan replied.

Artoo did just that. Threepio translated for him. “He says he’s found the controls to the power beam that’s holding your ships here. He’ll try to make the precise location appear on the monitor. The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow your ships to leave.”

“I don’t think you boys can help, and Grim, we both know I must do this alone.”

“I know, but…” she trailed off. “I want to go with you.”

“Me too!” agreed Luke.

He looked at the both of them, he held a sad smile, likely thinking of the past. “Be patient, both of you. Stay and watch over the droids. They must be delivered safely or other star systems will suffer the same fate as Alderaan. Both your destinies lie along different paths than mine.” He turned to Luke. “The Force will be with you…always.”

He began to leave. Grim couldn’t take it. “Obi-Wan wait-!” He turned around and she ran to him. Without thinking she wrapped him in a hug. He hugged her right back. “I’m sorry for everything,” she whispered.

For failing him all those years ago, for never telling him the truth about Vader, for never saying goodbye - for every way she had wronged him in the years she had known him. For all of it.

“So am I, little one,” he replied. He let go of her and smiled a little. “The armor suits you.”

She let him go as well and laughed as tears filled her eyes. “I was inspired by you.”