Question: Does Chopper (crew) allow me to take a free action?
Answer: No, Chopper (crew) does not grant additional actions; he simply permits you to perform your standard Perform Action step action, even while stressed.
Question: Does Zari Bangel (RZ-2 A-Wing) skip her Perform Action step if she partially executes a maneuver AND overlaps/moves through a gas cloud or asteroid at the same time?
Answer: Yes, she would skip her Perform Action step. Zari Bangel's Pilot Ability does not allow her to ignore the effects of obstacles.