We’re already being made to sacrifice, just to their benefit and not ours.

[ The forced labour, the prisons with no way out - - ]

The Empire is built on blood. And we’ll keep bleeding as long as they rule the galaxy.

[ He thought he could outrun them. Thought he could find a corner of the galaxy they couldn’t reach. It had cost him everything, to try. To fail. Now he knew there was nowhere to run to.

There was always the chance Finn was lying, of course, but Cassian was wary, not paranoid. It didn’t change anything - he would still go home to oppression and war - but it gave him hope. And hope was desperately needed.

The smile on his lips faded a little bit. ]

Nine years. At least if I don’t make it, I know neither will they.

[ He sounded like he was shoring himself up, and it seemed to work - when he turned his head back to Finn, his smile was deep and warm. ]

Thank you, friend. Finn. At least if none of the others know, we do.

[ He held out the bottle. ]

Thirty years between us, right? You seem pretty young. Where are you from?