**Chapter 519**
**Courting the Future**
**Gray Wolf – Main Hangar Bay**
**Ahsoka POV**
The main hangar of the *Gray Wolf* was alive with the usual organized chaos — maintenance droids buzzing between starfighters, clone technicians performing final checks, and the low hum of repulsor engines warming up. Ahsoka Tano stood beside her personal TIE Advanced, watching Dagon work with focused intensity.
He had insisted on modifying the fighter himself. Tools floated around him in the Force as he adjusted the weapon systems and power couplings with careful precision.
It was an odd idea he had suggested earlier that morning — to strengthen their bonds, they should start *dating*. Properly courting, as the old traditions called it. Not just falling into each other's arms after battles or sharing quiet nights in the healing baths, but actual dates, conversations, time spent learning each other beyond the battlefield and the bedroom.
It felt strange, honestly. Apart from training sessions and late-night talks, they hadn't really built traditional "love connections" until intimacy had taken over. They already knew everything about each other — fears, dreams, scars, hopes. But Dagon was right. As much as she didn't want to admit it, having sex every day wasn't the healthiest foundation for a real marriage.
"I think the blasters are fully calibrated," Dagon said, stepping back from the TIE Advanced and wiping his hands on a rag. "Try it out now."
Ahsoka climbed into the cockpit, powered up the systems, and ran a quick diagnostic. The targeting computers responded smoother than before, and the upgraded laser cannons had a noticeably tighter spread.
"It works," she confirmed, climbing back down. "But are you sure? I was perfectly fine with the original loadout."
"Don't worry about it," Dagon replied with that easy, confident smile of his. "A little extra punch never hurts. Especially with what's coming."
Ahsoka leaned against the fighter, crossing her arms. "So… this dating idea. You really think it'll help?"
Dagon stepped closer, gently brushing a stray lekku back over her shoulder. "We know each other in battle. We know each other in the bedroom. But we haven't really *courted*. I want to give you — all of you — the chance to be romanced properly. Flowers, quiet dinners, walks under the stars… whatever feels right. We've been thrown into war and love at the same time. I want to slow down where we can."
Ahsoka felt her cheeks warm. "It's… different. But I like it. I think we all do."
He leaned in and kissed her softly — not heated, not rushed, just tender and full of affection. When he pulled back, his eyes were warm. "Good. Because I plan on taking each of you on proper dates when we get the chance."
The other girls were gathering near the shuttle that would take them to the Jedi Temple. Aayla was adjusting her robes, Shin checking her datapad, Erictia still a little clingy but much more composed after her earlier episode.
Zule approached with a grin. "So, Master… when's my turn for this 'courting'?"
Dagon laughed. "Soon. I promise. All of you."
**Scene 2**
As the group prepared to board the shuttle, Nox approached from the side corridor, a rare, wide grin on his face. Ashara walked beside him, looking radiant.
"Dagon, I have news," Nox announced, barely containing his excitement.
Dagon looked at them both for half a second before his expression softened into a genuine smile. "Ashara is pregnant."
The entire group froze. Nox's jaw dropped.
"How did you know?" Nox asked, stunned.
Dagon chuckled. "Your hands didn't tremble when you faced the Yuuzhan Vong. They are now."
"And you're grinning like an idiot," Dagon added.
Nox let out a breathless laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Well… I'll be. I'm terrified."
"Congratulations, Nox," Dagon said warmly, stepping forward to clap him on the shoulder. "I'll organize the best doctors at Lantilles for you both. But best to keep it quiet for now — no informing the Jedi Temple."
Ashara smiled shyly, placing a protective hand over her stomach. "Thank you, Dagon. We… we weren't expecting this so soon, but we're happy."
Zule tilted her head, curious. "Dagon, how did you know what to look for?"
Dagon's expression grew distant for a moment, a soft smile touching his lips as he remembered. "During my time as a resistance commander, I had to deal with a lot of soldiers who fell in love with each other under my command. Over time, the signs began to repeat — the nervous energy, the protective instincts, that ridiculous grin that just won't go away. You learn to spot it."
He looked at Nox and Ashara with genuine warmth. "This is good news. A new life in the middle of all this darkness. Hold onto it."
Erictia, still a bit dreamy from earlier, hugged Ashara gently. "We're going to be aunts!"
Ahsoka grinned. "The little one is going to have the most overprotective family in the galaxy."
Shin stepped forward, squeezing Ashara's hand. "We'll help however we can. Just say the word."
Nox looked at Dagon, eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, old friend. For everything."
Dagon simply nodded. "Family takes care of family."
As the group boarded the shuttle for the Jedi Temple, the mood was lighter despite the heavy tasks ahead. New life. New bonds. New challenges.
The war continued.
But so did hope.