Star Wars Rebels: Random Flight Part One
The End of One Beginning of Another:
With a heavy heart Ezra felt the Purgills begin to drag the Star Destroyer away from Lothal. It had been his plan all along to do this, to free Lothal from the purge of the Empire. He had regrets that he would not be here or to see his friends again. He would miss them, especially Sabine. He often wondered if he actually had a future with with her. Wincing from the pain in his shoulder he waited for the Purgills to return to normal space. Thrawn before him was struggling against the Purgill's tentacles, staring at him with anger and murderous rage. Trying in vain to reach the Blaster Pistol on the deck. It really did not matter to Ezra if Thrawn was able to pick up the Blaster and shoot him. He had accepted all of this including the possibility of being killed. When the Purgills returned to normal space, they released the Chimaera and Thrawn. The emergency shields immediately stopped the atmosphere from escaping and Ezra stared at Thrawn who stared back. His red eyes blazing with anger. Leaning down Thrawn picked up the Blaster and Ezra dropped the Blastech Rifle that he had. Ready to for Thrawn to execute him. Waiting as Thrawn sited down the Pistol and began to squeeze the trigger.
Lothal: Aftermath
In near anguish, Sabine watched as the Purgills dragged the Mighty Star Destroyer away. She had begged Ezra to get off that ship before the strange creatures jumped into hyperspace. Knowing that he would not or could not escape. After hearing the message she believed that Ezra wanted her to protect and defend Lothal. So that is what she did.
One week later, Sabine sat at a round table that had five others at it. Zeb, Hera, Kallus, Ryder and finally Rex. They had spent hours discussion how they were going to defend against the impending Imperial Attack. Sabine shook her head as Kallus and Ryder yelled at each other vocally, using language that she did not expect to hear from either of them. "Gentlemen please. We need to discuss this rationally." Hera injected as she tried to get the two men to stop threatening to take this argument outside and settle it physically. Both seemed to calm down but Sabine suspected that later they would duke it out. "Now we do need to discuss strategy on how we are going to defend Lothal from the Empire." Kallus grumbled.
"There can be no defense, we will be hopelessly outnumbered and hopelessly outgunned. Our space forces consist of assorted Fighters from the Clone Era, a Couple of rebuilt X-Wings and three TIE Fighters. The Ghost and three Lambda Class Shuttles. That is it. No Capital Ships to speak of." Kallus injected as he exhaled. "One Star Destroyer or even a Imperial Strike Cruiser and we are dead."
This was the exact argument that Kallus and Ryder were having from the start. Sabine wondered if he might be right. Though she had an idea that might give them a couple of Corvette Cruisers. Taking out her Data Pad. "I think I know where we can get a couple of Ships." This drew all of their attention. "Currently in Hutt Space is a Pirate Group called the Outbackers. Ketsu told me that they have just stolen Three Corvette Cruisers from Corella. I think we can steal them from the Outbackers with barely any risk." Everyone looked at her as if she was crazy as she laid out her plan. It was basically simple and would not require too many to steal the Cruisers from the Pirates. Though she did not tell them that there was a chance that the Pirates might have a Frigate there as well. She did not want to worry them about details that might be true or not. She had a follow up plan for that if it is there. One that the others did not need to know about.
"That seems a little risky. What if the Outbackers have more than twenty Crew-members on board the Cruisers? You could end up getting anyone that goes on board killed." Ryder stated as he frowned with concern. Sabine shrugged.
"What choice do we have? We need those ships if we have any hope of defending Lothal against the Empire. Unless you know where else we can get our hands on some other Capital Ships." Sabine stated firmly and it was decided. As the council of war was dismissed, Sabine met Hera out in the corridor.
"Any word from Ketsu about Ezra?" Hera asked as she watched Zeb and Rex pass by. They were both interested in the answer but knew that if there was any word then Sabine would have mentioned it in the Conference Room. Sabine shook her head and Hera closed her eyes.
"There are so many of our friends looking for him. Eventually they will find him." Sabine said as she considered when things settled down she would join Ashoka and search herself. But right now it was more important that she kept her promise to Ezra that he could always count on her. At times though she wondered if she was following what he meant by that. It could mean that he could count on her to find him. "So should we discuss who we will take on this mission. I want to keep the assault team small. Along with perhaps one pilot and one navigator per ship." Hera counted it out on her fingers.
"So you are thinking Eight Member Assault force and Six Pilots and Navigators. I think we should include Zeb, Rex and Kallus among the Assault force. Who else do you have in mind, besides yourself?" Hera asked and Sabine shrugged, she really did not know. Mart and a couple of others could fill in for the Pilots and Navigators but to fill the Assault force was a different prospect.
"I guess we ask for volunteers." Sabine suggested, there were a great number of citizens that now were volunteering to help with the defense of Lothal against the Empire. So finding four more to come along to steal the Corvettes might not be too difficult. Though they wanted muscle, someone that was not inexperienced with fighting. Personally Sabine would not mind finding perhaps a couple of the bigger stronger races. "Shall we go to Old Jho's and see if we can find some volunteers." It did not take the pair long to enter the Bar. A large Holo-Image of Old Jho sat behind the bar. Marked as a real hero of Lothal. Inside the Bar was a large number of patrons. Most were drinking and talking among themselves. Sabine decided upon the direct approach. Stepping onto the bar. She whistled loudly getting everyone's attention. "I am Sabine Wren and that is Hera Syndulla. We are looking for Volunteers for a mission. It will be slightly dangerous and it is essential to keep Lothal out of the Empire's hands." She said loudly as the patrons all looked at her. Stepping down she headed for a table in the corner with Hera right behind her.
Hera was not too thrilled with the looks that both she and Sabine were getting. A good number of the Patrons were not looking at them as heroes that had freed Lothal. Or ones that were seeking Volunteers. But as two females that they would not mind spending time with. She suspected that if Sabine had announced that she and Hera were looking for some male companionship then they would have a good number running over to do just that. As they sat, a older human Barmaid with a tray took their orders. Giving them a barely audible warning. "This place is not safe as it was when Old Jho ran it. The new Manager does not keep out the scum. So be careful." She said to them as she departed and Hera wondered perhaps they should go elsewhere. When a burly Huge Black and White Wookie stepped over, Hera suspected trouble. When it began growling, barking and grunting. Sabine smiled.
"No it is not a raid against the Empire. But it is something against a group just as bad. Slavers and Pirates if you are interested?" Sabine said to the big brute and it growled. "Like I said my name is Sabine this is Hera. What is your name?" The Wookie grunted and barked. "Gruvakki. Do you want to sign on?" Sabine asked and Gruvakki nodded enthusiastically. "Good, know three more that might be interested?" The Wookie waved and three others walked over. An Aqualish, a Barabel and another Wookie. "Well I guess we are done here. Thank you all for volunteering. Meet us at the Space Port tomorrow at noon." She told the four others and they went back to the bar. To finish their drinks. "See Hera no trouble at all." Hera's attention was on three Human men that had just stepped outside the Bar.
"I think our troubles may have just begun." Hera gestured at the three men that were climbing the stairs. Sabine glanced at them and she frowned.
"Nothing we cannot handle. Shall we go see what they are up to." Standing Sabine checked to make sure her blasters were still on her hips and Ezra's Lightsaber was hidden within her right leg pouch. She would only use the Lightsaber if she absolutely needed to. But she would use it. Hera checked her own pistol and the two mounted the Stairs, keeping keenly aware of any possible threats. Outside one of the three stepped out of the Alley in front of them.
"Well, well, well. A Mando and Twil'ek. This must be our lucky day. I ain't never had me a Mando and the last Twil'ek I had was not as pretty as you." A large Human man with a bluish mustache said as he leered at them. Waving and his two cronies stepped out behind them. Sabine chuckled.
"You three do not want to do this. All it will bring you is pain and maybe even death." Sabine stated as she reached down towards her Blasters. Then stopped, crossing her arms in front of her chest. She did not need to draw her blasters, Gruvakki and the other Wookie was now standing behind the idiot in front of her and Hera. "I would turn around if I was you." The man started laughing.
"That is the oldest trick in the book. Ain't going to work sweetheart. Now how about we go somewhere and I will show you a really good time." Then he noticed that his companions had walked away, heading down the street. "Hey, Darsk, Randers where are you going?" He yelled to them as they started running. With some reluctance he turned and he saw the two really pissed off Wookies standing behind him. "Ah Shit." He stated as Gruvakki hit the man knocking him down.
"Thanks Gruvakki but we could have handled that." Sabine said to the Wookie. Gruvakki grunted, barked and growled. "Sure I understand." Then Sabine translated for Hera. "Gruvakki does not like males that force themselves on others. She really does not like it. Neither does her brother, Gurvakka." Hera looked at the Big Black and White Wookie and finally noticed that Gruvakki was a female Wookie. To her it was essentially hard to tell. Unless you look really close at a Wookie. "I guess we will see you two tomorrow." Sabine tossed Gruvakki a credit coin. "Here have a drink on me." Turning towards Hera they walked away and the Two Wookies walked back down the steps to get the drink.
The Chimaera: Recruitment and Ramifications
Thrawn sited down his blaster and began to squeeze the trigger. Then he noticed that Ezra made no effort to defend himself. Especially when Ezra dropped the Blastech Rifle onto the deck. Gesturing with the Blaster Pistol, Thrawn pointed towards the Rifle. "Pick it up, Ezra Bridger. I will not shoot an unarmed Man no matter what they have done." Thrawn stated feeling his warriors pride begin to waiver as Ezra made no move to obey. "Pick it up!" Thrawn ordered him and Ezra made no move to obey.
"What would be the point, Thrawn. If I pick it up or use the Force all I am doing is delaying the eventuality. I expect to die, so why wait." Ezra said to Thrawn as he shrugged his shoulders and winced from the wound in his right shoulder. Waiting for Thrawn to pull the trigger, but instead the Chiss lowered his Pistol and holstered it. As the Blast Doors opened four Stormtroopers and Three Imperial Navy Officers bounded onto the Bridge. All pointed their weapons at Ezra and prepared to fire. Ezra smirked and closed his eyes to await the impending shoots to penetrate his body and ending his life. He just hoped that the pain would not be as bad as the wound in his shoulder had been and that it would be over quickly. Thrawn shook his head and then smiled.
"Hold your fire and lower your Weapons. Lieutenant Danvers have a Medic report to the Secondary Bridge." Thrawn ordered as the Stormtroopers and Officers reluctantly obeyed.
"Shall we put him in the Brig, Sir. To await execution." Danvers asked as he touched the comm and ordered a Medic to the Secondary Bridge. Thrawn continued to smile, then waved to them.
"Report to the Secondary Command Bridge. I want all systems transferred and operational by the time I arrive there." Thrawn ordered dismissing them all. Then he walked towards Ezra. Seeing the younger mans confusion. "No I am not going to put you in the Brig and no I am not going to order your execution. I am a warrior Bridger and I do not kill unarmed opponents unless I am ordered to by the Emperor. His last orders to me was to bring you before him. Nothing about executing you so for now you are safe." Thrawn passed Ezra and then turned to look at him. "As soon as we can contact the Emperor that probably will change." Ezra did not know what to do. Should he try to escape or remain here to await for Thrawn to receive his orders to have him killed. "You might as well come with me to the Secondary Bridge. We can have a little discussion while you wait for the Medic to see to that wound of yours." Following the Grand Admiral, Ezra finally exhaled and regained his composure. He really did not want to die, but at that moment earlier it was not up to him to do anything but what he did. In the Secondary Bridge, Crew-Members and Imperial Officers rushed back and forth trying to bring systems back online. Especially the Holonet Transmitter or the Regular Broadcast Transmitter. This did not seem to worry Thrawn at all. When the Medic arrived, she had Ezra sit down while she applied Bacta-Bandages and injected him with some mild pain medication.
"Why are you doing this Thrawn? Having me patched up, what is the point? You do know that the Emperor is going to order you to execute me. What does it matter if I am healed or not? At the very least I expect you to put me in the Brig." Ezra said to the Grand Admiral and the Chiss turned his command chair around to face him.
"I prefer not to do that. Since the Medic is done, I would like to have a talk with you in my office." Standing Thrawn led Ezra towards his office and once inside sealed and locked the door. Gesturing for Ezra to sit and then handing him a cup of Tea. "You will like that Tea it is one of my favorites." Sitting and holding a cup himself. Noticing that Ezra was looking fondly and with still the same aggravation at the Sabine's artwork. Thrawn could see the slight deviation in Ezra's expression when he looked at Sabine's artwork. Slight apprehension and a touch of despair. To Thrawn the subtle facial ticks and increased breathing told him everything he needed to know. Ezra Bridger was worried and tense about the possibility of not seeing Sabine Wren again. "So what was your plan after you had your things drag my Ship away from Lothal?" Thrawn asked as Ezra shrugged and sipped the Tea. Not even concerned that Thrawn could have slipped poison or a drug in the Tea.
"I really did not have it planned out that far. All I expected was to get you and the other ships away from Lothal. Beyond that I believed that I would not survive afterwards." Ezra stated as Thrawn laughed slightly. "I still do not expect to survive for much longer and I have made my peace with that."
"So you have no future plans on seeing Sabine Wren again I take it?" Thrawn had concluded correctly as he watch the young man wince at hearing the Young Mandalorian's name. Thrawn could see Ezra's eyes become moist and his pulse began to beat harder at his Neck.
"Actually I was trusting in the Force for guidance." Ezra said as he finished his tea and put the cup down. Thrawn smiled broadly, he knew about the force and the amazing things some that were trained could do with it. Thrawn poured him another cup and then his own cup.
"I personally rather allow logic and intelligence guide me, then the Force. But I cannot feel the Force and must use what I do understand." Thrawn stated picking up his cup and sipping the Tea again. Ezra did as well. "Beyond this guidance in truth you were willing to sacrifice yourself to defeat me and the Empire. Not a strategy that most would use. But most Tacticians do see it as necessary to have some type of Sacrifice when dealing with a superior enemy. In one aspect when facing overwhelming numbers it becomes imperative to do what some would consider suicide." For Ezra this sounded about right. He knew his chances when he came aboard the Chimaera was not good and he accepted that risk. Willing to die to protect his World and his Friends. Even now he suspected once Thrawn reestablished contact, the Emperor would order his execution. Probably as painfully as possible. He had defied the Emperor openly and what was worse he was a Jedi. Both were considered a heinous crime against the Empire.
"Whatever works, I guess." Ezra replied, with a small smile. Trying to remember to remain calm and not let the fact that at any moment he could be killed. Thrawn laughed again and leaned back in his chair. Gesturing to Sabine Wren's art.
"Do you see the differences in these three art forms?" Thrawn asked Ezra as he pointed to each one. Ezra shook his head. Even though Sabine had tried to teach him about her art, he just did not have the eye for it and he refused to fake it like Lando had. "Well you see in the beginning Sabine Wren's flare was bland and seemed to focus on her anger towards the Empire in general. It was somewhat unemotional and focused on providing a subtle message of her hatred of the Imperial Rule. The second was close to the same guidelines, but there is something more emotional in the forms and structures. I believe that your arrival changed her outlook within the art itself. The Second definitely shows some frustration and misunderstandings about her emotional outlook. The last is the most compelling. It is full of emotion and I believe you are that cause for the change in her perceptions." Ezra had no idea what he was saying. To him they all looked about same. "Do you understand what I am saying?"
"Not a clue." Ezra said as he tried to see what Thrawn saw. Now slightly more interested that somehow he had influenced Sabine's art styles. Thrawn smiled broadly.
"Ah, I had hoped that she might have taught you some about her art. But I can understand why she did not. For a Mandalorian it is difficult for them to express their feelings outwardly to those not within her family." Thrawn could see Ezra's confusion so he continued. "Her emotional forms within the art have changed because of you. I see you still do not understand. You are vastly important to her. I would suspect that her art form has changed once again. This time focused around her despair and sadness of you not being with her." Ezra then understood somewhat.
"Are you saying that she changed because she loves me?" Ezra asked in shock and Thrawn laughed loudly.
"Exactly, her emotional perceptions should now be in turmoil. Is that not interesting." Thrawn watched as Ezra pondered that, then seeing a small smile spread on the young mans face. Thrawn shook his head, Love and emotions like that confused him. The Chiss did not have those types of relationships or feelings. So he found it equally interesting that it appeared that even Jedi had those emotions towards another. Thrawn was interrupted when his Officer door chimed. Touching a switch an Imperial Officer entered. "Yes Lieutenant." The man glared at Ezra and then spoke.
"Sir our Long Range Communications Dish is gone, Short Range is twenty five percent functional. Engineering reports they can have Sublight Engines on line in an hour and Hyperdrive repaired within thirty six hours." The officer said and Thrawn nodded.
"As soon as the Sublight is functional set course for the Repair Yards at Ord Mantrell. Go into Hyperspace as soon as the Engines are repaired." Thrawn ordered as the Officer saluted and left the room. "Upon my arrival at Ord Mantrell I am transferring to the Strikefast for a Personal Mission. I am going to have you taken aboard until I receive further orders from the Emperor." But what Thrawn would not tell anyone not even Bridger was that he had no intention of executing the young Jedi. He needed Bridger and he would not waste the opportunity of having a Jedi join him.
To be Continued