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Chapter Text

11 BBY...

Hera stared at the screen in front of her, leaning an elbow on the table and trying to make her head and shoulders block as much of the computer's monitor from bypassers as possible. She'd left her home on Ryloth only a few months' ago, frustrated at her father for thinking the conflict on Ryloth was the only battle worth fighting. She huffed to herself as she thought about Cham Syndulla's short sighted, hard-headedness, then let out a defeated sigh when someone came to mind. She knew she wasn’t going to succeed at changing her father’s mind, but she had hoped that Numa would have joined her. However, as the Empire’s atrocities against the people of Ryloth began to pile up, so did evidence that the clone soldiers had been used and betrayed by the Imperial Military just as much as the Twi’leks had been. So Numa was determined to stay on Ryloth and avenge her clone brothers as well as her Twi’lek family. So Hera had taken the Ghost and her droid and left her home-world alone, determined to try and find like-minded people to join her in trying to make a difference against the Empire's tyranny. 

That was what brought her to the backwater planet she was currently on, in a holonet cafe, scouring the search engines for hints of rebellion. She knew she couldn't just type in "Rebellions R Us" and hope to have some hits. Everything and anything could be traced, which was why she was on a public computer on a world she had no intention of staying on, rather than connecting through the Ghost's holonet. Still, it was tedious, and so far, she hadn't made any leeway with connecting with fellow freedom fighters. She looked at the timer on the screen, and saw that her credits would run out within the minute. She logged off, and paid for her cup of caff in cash. Stepping outside into a rainy evening, she pulled her hood up and started to trudge back towards her ship.

She hadn't heard any footsteps following her, but she had a fleeting sense of someone close, right before a hand gripped her wrist from behind. Immediately she spun on the spot, her leg high in a roundhouse kick aiming for her assailant's head. The hooded figure blocked her kick with a forearm, before having to block a punch with another deflecting move. Hera stayed on the attack, but never managed to land a blow despite her skill - and her attacker wasn't fighting back... 

As she threw a clenched fist towards the hooded figure's jawline (or, at least, where she suspected their jawline to be), an orange-tanned hand grabbed her wrist before the punch could hit. "Hera Syndulla!" A voice cut out from under the hood, firm and commanding, but feminine. Hera froze, her wrist still in the block-grip, and she breathed hard with adrenaline and confusion until she focused her gaze at the face looking back at her from under the dark robe. Sky-blue eyes stared back at her, guarded but kind. White markings glowed against orange skin, and the hood peaked into two corners high over the woman's face. A Togruta, Hera realised, as a small smirk started to form on dark lips as the other woman knew Hera was calming down. "How do you know my name?" Hera demanding, although she relaxed her fighting stance, and the Togruta released the grip on her wrist. "I know of your family, as mine fought alongside yours during the Clone Wars," the Togruta responded, and Hera continued to eye her suspiciously. "I know many stories of the Hammer of Ryloth. I hoped his daughter might prove as a formidable asset to the growing rebellion as Clam Syndulla did in fighting the Separatists." Hera could hear her blood pounding in her temples, and her heart thudding in her chest. Is this an ally I've been hoping for? But some of the stranger's words didn't line up in Hera's mind. "I was very young during the Clone Wars, but I would have remembered Togruta fighting alongside us. Our only allies were the clone troopers and the Jedi." The other woman gave another smile to Hera, but this time it looked tinged with sadness. "I know," was all the reply she offered, but as the Togruta crossed her arms over her chest, her robe moved deliberately to reveal a silver, cylindrical hilt clipped to the side of her belt.

It was only a brief glimpse, but Hera's eyes widened in recognition of the weapon, and returned her shocked expression to the other woman's eyes. Grim humour graced the Togruta's features instead. "So you recognise it. Good. Now you must forget it. We need to talk. Is your ship secure enough?" Hera gulped. This Togruta, this Jedi, had been watching her long enough to know she had her own ship. It made Hera feel like a child playing at subterfuge than a warrior on the prowl. But she nodded. "This way," she indicated with a hand, her mind realising too late that if the Jedi knew she had a ship, she knew where it was parked. But the other woman didn't say anything to the point, instead falling silently into step beside Hera. 

The rest of the walk back to the Ghost was silent. As they boarded the ramp, Hera led in first and went straight to the temperature controls, cranking the heating to help her dry off from her now rain-soaked cloak. After a moment's pause, she dropped the gauge by a couple of degrees, remembering Togruta ran hotter than Twi'leks and humans. The ramp closed behind them, and as Hera led them into the common room, an angry buzzing and bleeping came hurdling down a corridor. Chopper was making his displeasure at Hera's tardy return known to her, his little mechanic arms flailing about dramatically. "I'm sorry Chop, I got... held up," Hera explained, gesturing to the woman behind her. Chopper gave an inquisitive beep, peeking around Hera's legs at the Togruta, before rolling past her for a closer inspection. The stranger gave an unexpectedly warm smile down at the astromech, and gave a gentle, affectionate pat to his orange dome head. Chopper purred, before giving a little salute with one of his arms and turning back around, rolling back past Hera with a bleeping "I like her," before disappearing out of sight again. Hera was stunned. "He, ah, he usually doesn't take well to strangers," she stuttered out before removing her soaked cloak and hanging it on a side hook underneath one of the heating vents. The stranger did the same, and at last Hera could see the Togruta in full.

And she was gorgeous.

She was tall and lean, with white and blue-striped montrals tall enough to suggest she was only a young adult, maybe only a few years older than Hera. Her fitted long gloves and leggings showed off well defined arms and legs, with teasings of orange skin from where the gloves stopped, showing off some delicious biceps and triceps. Her small waist and femininely announciated hips looked like the perfect inviting combination for Hera to wrap her arms around. She could clearly see the Togruta's white face markings now - fine and delicate, framing her sapphire blue eyes perfectly. Hera had to give herself a mental slap to snap herself out of her stare and do something.

"Eh, can I get you a dry blanket? Or a warm cup of tea?" Hera offered, hoping she didn't sound as hesitant as she felt. "A warm drink would be lovely, thank you," the Togruta gave a small bow of her head, before letting her eyes wander over the surrounds of the ship. Hera didn't think for a second that those eyes weren't picking up every detail there was to deduce from the Ghost. As Hera quickly shuffled to the galley, the Togruta's voice followed her, "so it's just you and your droid on here?" "That's right, just me and Chop. Would be nice to find some like-minded people to join as a crew, but I guess it's early days yet, and I plan to be selective," Hera called back. "A wise idea," the Togruta commented as Hera returned with a pair of mugs and a steeping pot of tea. The Togruta followed her to the common room table, and they sat in silence for a moment whilst Hera poured their drinks. The Togruta accepted her mug, and after taking a cautious sip of the hot brew, closed her eyes and gave a sigh in satisfaction. "This is perfect, thank you."

"Who are you?" Hera blurted out, the question having dangled from the tip of her tongue since their walk from town.

The Togruta gave a small, wistful smile. "You may know me as Fulcrum. I'm afraid I cannot afford to give you my real name. You have already deduced more than you should. What I can tell you is that I can assist you in operations to support defiance against the Empire and its injustice."

Hera's mouth hung open. Defiance against the Empire? As in, rebellion? Is this finally the contact I've been waiting for?  But then Hera realised the codename the Togruta had given her, and her moment of elation deflated when she concluded that this 'Fulcrum' was not going to be seeking to join her on the Ghost more permanently. 

"But you know my name. You know my background. Can I not even have your first name?" Hera gave her best friendly look, even bordering on flirty. It often worked on males she wanted something from, it was worth a try on the gorgeous Togruta. She was rewarded with another soft, wistful smile, and the Togruta reached over and gave one of Hera's hand an apologetic squeeze. "I'm sorry, Hera, but it's safer for everyone that you know as little about me as possible." Hera's eyes narrowed at Fulcrum's selection of words. "'Everyone'? So not just you and I? There's more out there like me who are trying to be... defiant?" Fulcrum gave her a smirk, her blue eyes glinting. "You're sharp. Good. I guess I don't need to spell out my reasoning to you further then." She didn't. Hera understood. The less they knew about each other, the less they could tell under coercion of torture. "So I guess I won't get an answer as to if you were on Ryloth during the Clone Wars then, huh?" She pushed her luck one last time. Fulcrum sighed, giving Hera a pointed yet pensive look. "One day, Hera, when our positions are more secure, I'll answer any question you ask of me. I promise."

I'll hold you to that, Hera said to herself. Instead she said out loud, "Okay, Fulcrum. What can you tell me? Can you put me in contact with others to form a crew?" Fulcrum shook her head, her long, side lekku swaying with the movement. "I'm afraid not. Like you mentioned earlier, you'll need to find your own crew, and be selective. And that has to be your own decisions. You'll have to lead them, live with them, work with them. Trust them. I cannot form such connections for you. What I can do? Is feed you leads for strikes or recruitment, supplies, and give you other missions that are necessary or suitable for your team's operation." The Togruta watched as Chopper rolled past them again, happily muttering in his buzzes and beeps to himself. "Since it's just the two of you, it'll most likely be small recon missions, and potential recruitment hot-spots. If you think a person might be useful, but not suited to your team, you contact me, and I'll work out where to place them." Hera nodded her understanding. It was a fair enough set up, but she was still disheartened at being by herself for longer (not including Chop, of course). She shivered, running her hands over her arms to dissipate the goosebumps that crawled over her skin at her situation.

The Togruta's eyes swept over Hera again. "You don't look convinced," she said softly, her hand rejoining Hera's on the table. "No, I'm in this." Hera tried to rally her demeanor. This time it was Fulcrum's turn to look unconvinced. Hera sighed, unconsciously shuffling slightly closer to the other woman as she opened up to her. "I was just hoping, maybe since you've found me, I won't be alone in this fight anymore. I know I've only just started, but I'm so used to being surrounded by my people. I was really hoping to find some company by now..." Hera's voice started to betray the fear that had been building up inside of her over the last few weeks. Her words quivered, and her shoulders started to shudder as her anxieties overwhelmed her in the moment in front of the calm, beautiful stranger. She felt every bit the young 18 year old girl who had run away from home, whose mother was dead and whose father denounced her ideals as wrong. She missed her family, she missed her people, she missed her world.

A warm arm wrapped around her, and she found herself being pulled into an embrace. "You're not alone, Hera. I'll be a transmission away if you need me," Fulcrum comforted, letting Hera lean into her heavily. Hera guiltily allowed herself the moment to enjoy the extra warmth from the Togruta's hot skin, and breathed in the inviting scent of Fulcrum. Why does she feel like home? Hera wondered to herself, before ruefully pulling out of the hug. As she moved, one of her lekku brushed over one of Fulcrum's; such an intimate, although accidental, touch for lekku-bearing species. Hera's breath caught, and she stared at Fulcrum who had reacted the same. Hera held her gaze for a moment, before noticing the Togruta's eyes dip down at her lips.

So Hera acted.

Leaning forward, she caught the Togruta's lips with her own, softly seeking the comfort her soul had been longing for. Trying to quench the desire that had intensified that longing since she beheld the Togruta unrobed. The other woman's lips were dark, soft, and even warmer than the rest of her skin. Hera tasted hesitance for a moment, before Fulcrum returned the affection. The kiss was slow and timid, like both women were testing to make sure neither were about to jump back, offended. But as they breathed in each other's hope, the wariness melted away. The timid hands that gripped each other's frames relaxed into excited caresses, and their kisses turned from cautious to craving. Hera's face was between Fulcrum's hands and she was eagerly pulled closer into the Togruta, and by the time the two women broke apart for air, Hera found herself practically straddling Fulcrum's lap.

They were both breathing hard, their coloured skin tones flushed with arousal. Fulcrum's eyes glimmered at Hera, brushing a hand over Hera's face before another look of uncertainty clouded her features. "Hera, this won't change anything. I still can't tell you my name. And we can't be anything serious in this." Hera wasn't perturbed; they were in a war, an underground one at least, and they had the losing hand by a long parsec. Either of them could be dead tomorrow, so why not enjoy the now?

"That's okay. This is just some comfort," Hera whispered, cupping the beautiful face of her nameless desire. Fulcrum smiled, and leaned in for another kiss.

Chapter Text

Hera didn't think it possible for a pair of lips to be so atmospheric. Surely the clouds her flew through in the Ghost weren't as soft. Surely the suns couldn't shine on them to make them as warm and inviting as Fulcrum's dark lips. The still damp skin of Hera's back prickled with the memories of the rain outside the ship as her chest and groin were pressed up against the furnace of Fulcrum's body. Green lekku twitched and sought out white and blue-striped ones like a gravity pull. A wetness probed at her lips, and Hera sighed a relieved moan as she welcomed Fulcrum's tongue into her mouth. The air around them seemed to humidify as the Togruta's warm hands evaporated the remnant moisture on Hera's skin as they started to explore over the Twi'lek's shoulders and down her back. 

With all her willpower, Hera pulled back, her breaths stilled excited, gentle gasps as she looked into Fulcrum's bright, sapphire eyes. The Togruta inhaled similarly, and Hera didn't doubt the slightly shy but eager expression on Fulcrum's face reflected her own nervous euphoria.

But not here, Hera thought. Not on the table of the Ghost's common room like a one night stand - needing to scratch an itch with an opportunistic fuck. No. This was to soothe a want, to indulge in a longing. Hera wanted so badly to explore this new connection and take her time enjoying such beautiful company whose lap she was spread over. She ran her hands over Fulcrum's side lekku, appreciating the slightly rougher, leather-like skin. Hera had heard that Togruta lekku were less reactive and mobile compared to Twi'leks', yet still the appendages twitched in response to her reverent touch. An evil grin etched over Hera's face as Fulcrum let a moan slip from her throat, seeing the other woman's pupils dilate with an innate hunger.

Fulcrum had brought a hand behind Hera's neck, and started to pull her back in for another kiss until a finger to her own lips from the Twi'lek stopped her. "Let's take this somewhere more...suitable," Hera husked out, receiving an agreeing nod from the Togruta. Reluctantly, she detangled herself from Fulcrum's wandering hands and slipped off her lap, offering a hand to beckon the other woman to follow her closely. 

It wasn't far to the bunkroom, but Fulcrum was warm and close in behind her, hands roaming over Hera's hips and waist, lips brushing over her neck and lekku, pulling soft moans of appreciation out of the Twi'lek. With every caress of Fulcrum's wanting fingers, Hera could feel the tug of desire flush in her face and dampen her groin. When they finally made it through the door to her room, Hera turned in Fulcrum's arms to taste her mouth again. Orange fingers burned at her waist, seeking out belt buckles and pulling and pushing fabric aside to reach the hidden skin of Hera's abdomen. Hera's own hands travelled north, absorbing the beauty of Fulcrum's face and tracing up to the Togruta's crown, feeling the headband that covered where the top of her forehead met the base of her montrals. Hera was greedy to feel that skin hidden there, sure that it would prove to be as erogenous as the area of her own skull covered by the cap she wore. Blindly, her fingers managed to remove the headband, one hand trying to reach around to place it on a nearby surface respectfully. Fulcrum had other ideas, and knocked the headband from Hera's grip, letting it fall carelessly to the floor as the Togruta brought Hera's hand back to her body, neither of them breaking the liplock they started when they entered the bunkroom.

Hera was right; the skin there was sensitive, as Fulcrum moaned into her mouth as she melted further into Hera's arms. Suddenly the cold parasteel of the high bunk caught Hera in her backwards step, trapping her in-between it and the Togruta's responsive body. With a gasp they finally broke apart, both breathing hard and still gravitating back towards each other's lips.

Just when Hera thought Fulcrum couldn't be anymore gorgeous, she was mistaken. The Togruta's dark lips were swollen from their kissing, with her eyes and montral stripes both darkened with arousal. The taller woman looked around, taking in the height of the bunk and the ladder to their side, before returning her gaze to Hera, one hand still under Hera's shirt, the other having traced Hera's features until it reached her headdress. "Can I take this off you?" Fulcrum asked, indicating to the top she hand clutched, her voice breathy and low. Hera answered in taking her hands to the hem of the offending garment and whipping it over her head, letting it join Fulcrum's headband at their feet. 

Fulcrum's excitement was evidently mounting, her elegant fingers teasing Hera's skin as orange-tanned hands made their way up the Twi'lek's ribs, mapping the area of Hera's torso that was hidden by the elastic of her sports bra. Fulcrum started tasting Hera with kisses and nips along her jaw as her fingers started intruding under Hera's breasts, before she brought her lips back to beside Hera's ear cones.

"May I take-" "Stop asking," Hera cut Fulcrum off. "Take everything off. I want you, and I want you to see and feel all of me." To emphasis her words, Hera unclipped the back hooks of her bra and shrugged it off her shoulders, her upper body now bare and vulnerable to Fulcrum's hungry gaze and needy caresses. "Take me, please," she added, before any further words could be robbed from her thoughts as her body was blazing from the fire the Togruta's touch was stoking inside her. Fulcrum kissed her fiercely, and made fast work of the rest of Hera's clothes, and the Togruta was equally naked nearly as quickly, with only a moment's pause for the weapons clipped at the secret Jedi's waist to be carefully removed and placed on the small shelf near the head of the bunk. 

The feeling of Fulcrum's skin against her own was thrilling. The warmth was nearly overwhelming in how comforting it felt. Hera wasn't sure if she'd melt or combust under the sensation, all she knew is that she wanted to get lost in it. She pulled the taller woman in as close as their bodies could fit, the Togruta pressing a lean, muscular thigh between Hera's legs and dragging a fresh flow of moans from the Twi'lek's mouth. She could feel the muscle become slick with her arousal as she ground against it, desperate for more friction on her hardening clit. Fulcrum's mouth was on her neck, kissing and sucking at the tender skin there, but Hera could sense that the Togruta was holding back. "You can use your teeth, I don't mind," she hushed out, and had her suspicions confirmed at the small intake of air by the other woman, before she felt canine fangs sink into her throat. Hera's head fell back with a thud against the bunk, groaning at the delectable mix of pain and pleasure. A striped lek brushed over her face, and she couldn't help but lick along the head-tail. Receiving a moan from the taller woman in return, Hera proceeded down to the tip of the lek, bringing it between her lips and swirling her tongue around it. The moan from Fulcrum dropped to a wanton growl, and orange hands gripped at Hera's waist a moment before a strange, heart-stopping energy flowed around her and she felt her feet leave the floor. She suddenly found herself laying back on the high bunk, Fulcrum leaping up from the ground like it was nothing, landing cat-like on all fours above the Twi'lek. Hera's eyes went wide with disbelief, and Fulcrum gave her a sly smile, bringing a finger to her lips before leaning in to kiss Hera again.

"Shhh, don't think on it too much. This is just for us to enjoy," Fulcrum whispered, returning her leg to between Hera's thighs, increasing the pressure against Hera's wet centre as she bared down more with her toned weight.

With their clothes all discarded, Hera's curiosity as to what Togruta women had under their skirts was satisfied. Fulcrum's body was very similar to her own, just adorned with beautiful white markings over her coral skin that trailed down her ribs, pathing the way down over her pubic mound to her dark, flushed labia. Eager to feel how warm and wet Fulcrum must be down there, Hera reached between their bodies, brushing over Fulcrum's breasts and firm abdomen until she touched her goal. She was right; the Togruta's sex was hot and slippery with her discharge, Hera didn't hesitate to slip a couple of digits inside the other woman, feeling Fulcrum's inner walls clench around her fingers as more growls and groans escaped from deep in Fulcrum's throat. Fulcrum's lips and teeth danced all over Hera's skin, kissing and biting and making marks to colour by morning. Hera willed her forearm to flex, giving herself the movement to glide her fingers in and out of Fulcrum's folds, teasing the nub of nerves she could feel just above the wet slit with her thumb. Fulcrum gripped Hera's shoulders, bracing herself as she started to gyrate against the intruding hand, breathing hard as more juices leaked from her into Hera's palm. Hera's own breath was quiet, enjoying the feel of the body on top of her and the thigh pressed against her own sex, but focusing more on the pleasure she was giving. That was, until, Fulcrum mewled out, "please, don't be quiet. I want to hear you." Then, the realisation hit Hera.

Her montrals. Echolocation...

Without needing anymore encouragement, Hera let her pleasure be known, moaning loudly and gasping at the ecstacy Fulcrum's touch was igniting in her. Her sounds echoed and bounced off the parasteel walls of the bunkroom, and she felt Fulcrum get wetter and tighter around her fingers, the Togruta closing her eyes and her face slackening with a groan. Her muscles tensed and small spasms wrecked through her body, and Hera felt another wave of energy engulf her again. Not just around her, but through her, like the stars blurring as a ship entered hyperspace. It took Hera's breath away.

When Fulcrum's body eased out of its orgasm and she opened her eyes to look down again, Hera remembered to breathe, only a moment before the Togruta's gaze brightened and she dove at Hera's mouth, kissing her hard with renewed enthusiasm. Hera's fingers slipped from Fulcrum as the Togruta started to reposition herself, and she left Hera's lips to trail kisses and nips down the Twi'lek's body. Fingertips started to tease at Hera's own sex as the Togruta licked and sucked at Hera's breasts before continuing her journey to between Hera's splayed legs. Fulcrum wasted no time, delving into Hera with an eager tongue, lapping up the Twi'lek's love juices like they were life-sustaining. Hera's hips bucked involuntarily, sensations like never before setting Hera's nerves alight. Fulcrum's tongue had a gentle roughness to it, so subtle Hera hadn't noticed it while they were kissing, but discernible enough to have Hera arching her back at the erotic sensations. She grabbed at the Togruta's montrals, pulling Fulcrum's mouth closer to her centre, wanting, needing more of that contact that felt so good. Tanned hands gripped at her glutes, pulling her hips into the Togruta so she could feast more on Hera's taste. As Fulcrum's tongue focused its strokes on Hera's clit, long, strong fingers pushed their way inside her, starting to move with a rhythm that had Hera rocking and bucking into Fulcrum's face and hand with abandon. Fulcrum's fingers were hot and gratifying inside her, and her walls gripped and leaked around them as her body tried to maximise the pleasure they brought. A hot glow spread from Hera's centre through her navel and burning through her limbs, causing her muscles to seize and release in waves of ecstasy as she cried out. Stars filled her vision as her body shook into her climax, her skin tingling with warm sensations of euphoric satisfaction. As her limbs relaxed into the leather mattress of the bunk, she felt the strong arms of the Togruta wrap around her as Fulcrum returned to Hera's side. 

Hushes of contentment and ghost kisses were exchanged softly as the two women let their afterglows simmer. It took a while for Hera to think clearly through the endorphins that had flooded her body. She nestled her nose under the crook of Fulcrum's jaw, kissing the Togruta's sweaty skin and enjoying the salt taste on her lips with a pleased sigh.

Despite the warm comfort of Fulcrum next to her, with the Togruta's long, lean arms wrapped around her, and their legs tangled together, the sweat sheen over Hera's skin began to cool, so she retrieved the blanket from the storage hatch at the foot of the bunk. Draping it over herself and her new lover, she returned to laying on her pillow, gazing back into Fulcrum's blue eyes that twinkled with starlight. Hera felt her lips pinch in a satisfied smile that mirrored the Togruta's, and she brought her hand up to entwine their fingers together between them. There was something so natural and pleasing about the interchanging green and orange of their contrasting skin tones. Hera had that soothed feeling again. Despite having only met this woman a few hours ago, not knowing her name, or her story, or the full extent of the role this Togruta would play in her life to come, Hera felt so inherently safe in her presence. 

"Thank you," Hera whispered, bringing their linked hands closer so she could feather kisses over the Togruta's fingers, picking up the smell and taste of herself that still lingered on the digits. "For what?" Fulcrum asked genuinely. "For making me feel less alone, even if it can't last," Hera replied, tucking their joined hands under her chin, wanting to hold Fulcrum's warm, gentle hand close to her chest, wishing she didn't have to let go anytime soon. The smile on the other woman's face turned wistful again, and her free hand returned to stroking Hera's lekku and down her bare back. 

"I know what it feels like, to be so alone for so long," Fulcrum spoke after a moment, quietly and with an unspoken pain in her voice. "Togruta are a pack species, it's not normal for us to be on our own. Yet this is what I have endured for nearly a decade now. And probably will have to for a lot longer still, until there's more security in our cause. I carve this comfort just as much as you do, Hera." 

Hera nearly forgot to breathe, so focused on Fulcrum's soul-aching admission. She wanted to wrap the taller woman up in a vice-grip embrace and never let her go. To promise to be her pack, for the Togruta to call Hera's ship and heart home. 

But she knew she couldn't. This is the sacrifice rebels have to make; the cause must come first. If Fulcrum had managed to do this for years already, surely Hera could do it too if that's what the fight with the Empire would take. Still, if she could enjoy this moment of theirs for a while longer...

"Stay with me tonight?" Hera's voice betrayed her hope, but she didn't care. She was allowed to desire this, even if it couldn't happen in earnest. Fulcrum's free hand traced back up to the Twi'lek's face, cupping Hera's cheek and smiling softly at her request. "I will," Fulcrum replied, and Hera's heart soared. "For a few days, if you'll have me. I had planned to take some time to accompany you on some supply runs and planet recons, just so I'll know you'll be okay on your own with the intel I pass onto you. Until you recruit your own crew, of course. This," Fulcrum indicated to her hand laced with Hera's, tucked in against Hera's breast, "was an unexpected development. And one I do not regret."

Hera could feel her own smile grow dorkishly wide, and she pulled Fulcrum in for another kiss.

A few days stretched into a week, the days taken up with cautious flying through different planets' atmospheres, seeking abandoned bases from the Clone Wars or warehouses left to crumble after Imperial occupation. Hera showed Fulcrum the unique and useful capabilities of the Ghost, whilst the Togruta helped Hera on her weaponless fighting, and how to better move around different environments without attracting attention. Each night, however, they indulged in their desires for each other, committing each other's bodies to memory, enjoying their passion they knew they wouldn't be able to have indefinitely. 

When Hera flew them back to the planet they'd met on, for Fulcrum to return to her own ship and her secretive duties, she chose not to grieve the time they'd not have together. As she kissed the Togruta goodbye, she told herself it wouldn't be the last time she'd get to taste those dark, warm lips. She decided to hold onto hope, as the grey cloak of Fulcrum's vanished like a spectre amongst the bustle of the marketplace near where they'd first crossed paths, that this was only the first of many partings between them. Another hello would come, sooner or later.

XXXXX

Hera's faith was rewarded. Twice over the following two months, Fulcrum melted out of the shadows unexpectedly, joining Hera on missions and in her bed on both occasions.

"I think it's worth following up this lead of yours in the Gorse system, Hera, " Fulcrum agreed on her second reappearance, as they curled up together with a shared pot of tea in the Ghost's common room. "But be careful. Recon only. I know you're keen to find a crew, but keep this mission to intel gathering only. If you find anyone who you think is good for the cause, report back. I'll facilitate a safe way to recruit and extract them. Back to the Ghost, if that's want you want." "Alright, I will," Hera complied. "I'll be safe, I promise."

As Hera flew away from the Gorse system, with a displaced and blinded Sullustan refugee needing a new home, and another secret Jedi determined to stay with Hera on the Ghost, she mused to herself what Fulcrum would say to such a development. Hera hadn't quite stuck to orders (at all), but she felt like she had kept her promise to the Togruta. Although the human male Jedi who called himself Kanan Jarrus looked at Hera with more than just camaraderie in his eyes, Hera couldn't help but think she'd happened across another individual who would strive to keep her safe.

I guess I'll get her opinion very soon, Hera thought to herself when she found herself alone in the cockpit at last. She keyed in the Togruta's private code on their scrambled commlink and waited for the connection, her heart beating hard with excitement to hear the secretive woman's voice again.