(no subject)

[for_everyone]

At last, Hera reaches her cabin.

Like the others, there are two bunks built into the wall, and lights that flicker on when she enters. To the right there's a small table and chair, the table covered in datatapes, darkened holos, tools – they're mostly arranged for convenience, though some spillover has occurred. In the drawers beneath her bunk are her spare blaster, vibroblade, clothes, medical supplies. Some worst-case-scenario replacements for Chopper. The flight simulator her mother had found for her when she was a girl.

Hera doesn't look at the table. She only pauses long enough to reach to her cap, pulling off her goggles and setting them down among the datatapes. Without changing, without stopping long enough to think of anything else she might need to do, Hera walks to her bunk, and climbs into it, carefully settling in on her side and resting her head down on the thin bedding.

Comments

[for_everyone]

It seems to work like a signal to Hera. She finally lifts the spoon again, eating another small portion of the spiced protein.

After she does, "I was about Sabine's age when I left home."

She's quiet after she says it, taking another small bite from the meal. Then, "I'm not sure what I would've thought of myself, now."

[notallofus]

Kanan's quiet for a minute, taking a sip of his tea, weighing out what he's going to say next.

The memory of Caleb is like a spur, or maybe a goad, and --

"Does it matter? No one's life goes the way they think it will, and all we can be is the product of our choices up to now. Do you think you're doing the right thing? You now, not you then."

[for_everyone]

"I don't think she'd be disappointed with how things turned out," Hera clarifies.

At least, it's like she'd expected to defeat the Empire by now.

"It's more, I wonder what she'd think of me as her captain."

[notallofus]

"Oh, well, in that case . . ."

He musters up a tiny smile, faint and crooked.

"What kind of leader did you used to want to follow? Or think you wanted to be?"

[for_everyone]

With a small smile of her own, "One that could be completely honest and fair with her crew all the time?"

[notallofus]

"You would be if you could be," Kanan says. "And if other people's lives weren't hanging in the balance. Within those bounds . . . honestly, you do a good job. Caleb'd follow you, if he were still around."

Just like Kanan.

[for_everyone]

Her eyes flicker up a little quickly when Kanan says that name, but she quickly looks down again, and nods.

"Thanks, Kanan."

After a beat, she adds, "For dinner."

[notallofus]

"You're welcome," he says, smiling slightly. (This one takes a lot less effort than the last.)

"For dinner."

[for_everyone]

Hera smiles in return, then turns to slowly work through the food.

Because she is hungry. But also to show she appreciates it.

[notallofus]

Kanan appreciates her effort, keeping pace with her as he drinks his tea.

This is definitely a good day not to be alone.