Playlist:

❶ "A Long Ride Ahead" — Rogue One OST

Dressed in a sergeant's service uniform, Naluma reported to the general's office at the appointed time. She was grateful for the two-hour interlude, during which she took a long, hot shower and ate a warm meal to fend off the hypothermia.

She had also attended to her injured ankle, wrapping it in a support bandage under her dress boot. Fortunately, the cold weather had kept it from swelling too much.

Leaving her heavy jacket in the reception area, Naluma limped into the general's office, coming to attention before Madine and Kiner once again. Madine's office boasted wood paneling over the insulation, a few metal-framed windows, and shelves behind his utilitarian desk.

A hologram of his wife Zera perched on the desk. Naluma recognized her from the military ball seven years earlier. Holocrons and datafiles cluttered the shelves. In front of the desk stood two hard-backed metal chairs.

After the general ordered the junior officers to be seated, he sunk back into his brown, upholstered executive chair.

❶ "The rest of your training shouldn't take too long. Kiner and I have witnessed your command presence on many occasions. Your Close Order Drill is almost perfect, and we both believe it will be perfect when you arrive on Ruusan in a few days. We just want to review the Standing Operating Procedure for Recruit Training as well as the Values Based Training."

"Understood, sir."

Leaning in toward her with his hands on knees, Colonel Kiner said, "It's been quite a few years since you've served with the military, Jedi Fau."

Sitting straight as a board on the uncomfortable chair, Naluma said, "I reviewed both disciplines on the way in, sirs. And, trust me, the Jedi Order has an even stronger Core of Values when it comes to honor, courage, and commitment."

"We don't doubt that." The general rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and intertwined his fingers before his face.

Now that they were inside, Naluma felt something different about the general. A glimmer in his eye warned caution. Even the Force moved differently around his aura.

Kiner handed Naluma his datapad. "Test over those procedures and values."

Naluma looked at the pad. It displayed no such thing.

"When you finish, your training will be complete." Kiner drew his fingers across his throat.

"Sir, yes, sir."

"You may begin," Kiner said as he eased back in the uncomfortable chair.

Naluma scrolled through the data presented to her. She pored over the case file on the missing recruits—every occasion, every recruit, every detail.

After two hours of study and many notes taken, Naluma bombarded the men with questions.

Madine stood up and leaned on his desk. "Look, Fau, we don't have answers. That's all we've got." He pointed at the pad in her lap.

She rubbed her tired eyes and ran her hand down her aching back, as she said, "I see. I guess this isn't going to be a quick in-and-out mission."

"We can only hope." Kiner took the pad from Naluma before standing to attention and commanding, "Atten-hut!"

Naluma shot to her feet. She snapped her hands to her sides and straightened—legs together, chest out, and hips tucked in.

Madine picked up a small box as he moved around his desk. "Naluma Fau, raise your right hand and repeat after me."

Naluma raised her hand, staring straight ahead.

"I, Naluma Fau, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Charter of the Galactic New Republic against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. I will obey the orders of the Chancellor of the New Republic and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations outlined in the Military Justice Code."

Naluma stared at Madine, her lips clenched and her brows furrowed. She lowered her hand and said with a shake of her head, "I can't."

"We can't make you a drill instructor without giving you a rank. The Jedi of the past had no problem swearing an oath to the Republic." Madine's face hardened.

"My vows to the Jedi Order controvert any vow to another political authority. The New Jedi Order works alongside the Republic but does not answer to it, General." Naluma placed her hands on her hips, tilting her head.

"I've put up with this charade long enough. I am going in undercover as a DI, gentlemen, under the authority of the Jedi Order. I am not re-enlisting in the army. And I think it is highly unethical for you to insist that I take a vow to the Republic while my superior is not present."

As she watched both of their features display shock and even dismay, she thought, Guessed it. "And I am not your pawn. If you still want the Jedi Order's assistance on this mission, then it will happen my way or not at all."

Naluma crossed between the two men and sat on the edge of the general's desk as the officers turned to her. "I've submitted to your rigorous exam to afford you piece of mind that I am indeed qualified to fill the role. But, make no mistake, sirs, it's a role and nothing more. So ..." She rested her hands on her hips. "What's it gonna be?"

With a sigh, Madine exchanged glances with Kiner before he agreeing. "I accept your help under protest." He handed the small box to Naluma. "Your insignia. It is for mere decoration."

"Trust me, General, there was a time when I would have gladly jumped at a promotion to sergeant, but now I serve a higher power." Naluma opened the box, gazing at the colored square.

"Master Skywalker?" the general asked with a snort.

"No, the Force."

As the general crossed his arms and huffed in response, Colonel Kiner stepped to Naluma, taking the box from her. "Whether you are sworn in or not, it is only befitting for an officer to attach your insignia in this ceremony."

While the colonel undid the resilient magnetic clasp, he said, "Naluma Fau, you have passed all tests as a drill instructor and sergeant in the Army of the New Republic. It is my honor to decorate you with insignia and ratings due that rank."

After applying the panels to her lapels, Kiner stepped back and saluted Naluma. "And if you ever get tired of that Jedi Order, there will always be a place for you in my command."

Naluma saluted the colonel and then the general. She gazed at her new insignia on the chest of her uniform with pride. I only wish Luke were here.

Did you know ...

● The New Jedi Order is not beholden to the Republic. They serve the entire galaxy, operating as subcontractors to the Republic. 

Tell me what you think ...

● What does Madine's attempts to get Naluma to take an oath indicate?

● Why did Naluma wish Luke were there at the end?