Chapter 5

Ahsoka

I knew I was sleeping, but the nightmare felt real. I could see my master, Anakin. The dream shifts to Anakin falling prey to the Son when we were on Mortis. His blue eyes were replaced by yellow irises. He was so angry and haunted…

The dream shifted to a memory. "Be warned, you may never see your future if you remain his student!" I remembered my vision of my older self during my time on Mortis.

I woke up suddenly. Thank the Force, it was only a nightmare. I got up and went to the refresher to wash my face and calm down. That dream really shook me up. I decided to take a hot shower to help me relax. I felt the tightness of my muscles lessen when I got out of the shower. Then there was a knock on my door.

"I'm coming!" I called.

"Commander Tano," Commander Sato greeted. "Please come to the meeting room with me. There's something I must show everyone."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Walk with me," Commander Sato said.

We started walking while he filled me in on the details. I couldn't tell if it was serious or not. Commander Sato usually looks at the smallest things as if it's a matter of life and death.

"There's a transmission sent from Darth Vader himself. He asked for you, personally. He refused to speak with anyone else," Commander Sato explained.

I didn't respond. I don't want to talk to Darth Vader, but I have no choice. It must be something important. Finally, I answered, "I'll speak to him."

"I have no idea what it's about, though," Commander Sato said, sounding apologetic.

"We'll find out soon enough," I said.

We made our way to the meeting room and Chopper told me to walk over to him. I glanced at Hera, Kanan, Zeb, Sabine, and Rex. There was one face I didn't see. Ezra. Before I could ask, Chopper turned on the transmission to reveal Darth Vader, my old master.

"You wanted to speak to me, Darth Vader?" I said, crossing my arms.

"So, I was right. You are alive and working for the Rebellion," Darth Vader said.

"Why reach out to me now?" I asked, coldly.

"I have a proposition for you," Darth Vader answered.

"I'm listening," I said.

"You will turn yourself over to me and we will talk face-to-face," Darth Vader said.

I exchanged looks with Kanan. He didn't have any idea why Darth Vader wanted to see me in person. "And why would I do that?"

"Because I have one of your own. Ezra Bridger is as of now, in my custody," Darth Vader said.

There were gasps around the meeting room. I looked at my old master in complete shock. The shock on my expression was replaced with suspicion.

"Prove it," I said, sternly. I refused to believe him.

The transmission turned to reveal Ezra, handcuffed but seemingly unharmed. I mentally sighed in relief. At least he's alive. I could feel worry radiating from Kanan as he saw his apprentice imprisoned.

"Ezra, are you alright?" I asked.

"Yeah," he answered. "Ahsoka, don't do what he says. It's a-"

An invisible hand grabbed Ezra by the neck as Darth Vader used the Force to choke him. I was scared that Vader would break Ezra's neck.

"No, stop!" I shouted at Vader.

"You will turn yourself in or the boy dies!" Vader yelled, getting impatient.

"Fine. Just let him go," I begged.

Darth Vader released Ezra and the poor kid struggled to catch his breath.

"Be here on Lothal at 0300!" Darth Vader ordered.

I watched the transmission end. Chopper beeped in concern for Ezra. I saw a look mixed with anger and guilt on Zeb's face. Hera and Kanan tried to hide their feelings, but I could sense their fear. I had to trade myself for Ezra, a young boy who has so much to live for.

I closed my eyes and then looked over at my boss. "Commander Sato, I'm going to save him. If I don't come back, make sure you get Ezra to safety."

"Commander Tano-" Sato started.

I cut him off as I held my hand up. "You can't stop me. I have to do this. Ezra wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for me. I'll take full responsibility by trading myself for him."

"I strongly disagree, but I respect you for your bravery," Sato said, rubbing his chin.

"May I speak?" Kanan asked.

Commander Sato nodded. Kanan waited a moment before he started talking.

"I don't trust Darth Vader to keep his word. He wants to kill all the Jedi. As soon as Ahsoka turns herself in, Vader will kill Ezra. He's using Ezra as leverage, but as soon as he doesn't need him anymore-" Kanan didn't finish. We all understood what he meant.

"What do you suggest?" I asked.

"Here's my plan: Ahsoka, you keep Darth Vader distracted by holding up your end of the bargain. I'll disguise myself as a stormtrooper and get Ezra out. Then Sato will send his soldiers in to attack the Imperial Headquarters. If we take control of Imperial Headquarters, we take back Lothal from the Empire," Kanan said.

"This plan is very bold," Commander Sato said. "I agree with Kanan. I will not leave Ahsoka alone in the hands of a man who intends to destroy her kind."

"Agreed," I said.