Star Wars Rebels: Possibilities-Complete Long Version Part 7
The Battle of Endor:
Rotating and at almost full speed, Hera dipped the Ghost after three TIE Interceptors. Kallius and Rex blasted away with the front and dorsal Turret Guns, hitting one or another of their respective targets. Flying under a Corvette Cruiser, she listened intently to the Tactical Frequency. General Lando Calrissian was leading the attack adequately, while Admiral Ackbar concentrated the Fire Power of the Cruisers and other Capital Ships against any Imperials that happen to come into range. All in all the battle was basically a controlled chaos. The attack had turned into a bad situation when Lando transmitted that the Shields on the Death Star were still up. Now the entire fleet was engaged against the Imperial Fleet, though she thought it odd that only the Fighters were attacking and the Destroyers were holding a defensive line. Rotating around the Medical Frigate, she fired her own weapons against an approaching Squadron of TIE Fighters. Decimating four of the Fifteen that streaked towards the Ghost and the Frigate. Then disaster struck when one of the Mon Cal Cruisers erupted into dusk. Hera had seen the blast originate from the Death Star and the Chaos over the Comm, became even more chaotic. Almost every Commander was screaming over the Channel for Retreat. Thankfully Lando had a solution and he was right, this was the Rebellion's only chance. Reforming her remaining Squadron of Four X-Wings, Two A-Wings and Three Y-Wings. She followed orders and headed towards the Star Destroyers to combat them at close range. Then Hera noticed what Y-Wing was missing from her formation. "Chopper, where is Mart?" She asked her Droid and it gave a woeful response. Closing her eyes briefly, then focusing them back on the Battle. "We will mourn him later. Try to increase the Shields and bring all Photon Torpedoes on Line. Let's see if we can take out a couple of those Star Destroyers." She ordered the Droid, knowing that even with the increase of Shield strength. They still would not stand a chance if the Ghost was hit by even a fringe of the Blast from the Death Star. But it gave the Droid something to focus on.
When the call came for all Fighters to follow General Calrissian. Hera was too far away to lend the Ghost's support, so she went after another Star Destroyer and was not too dismayed when an A-Wing and a X-Wing streaked to follow the Falcon into the Death Star superstructure. She had noticed something strange though. The Battle had turned and the Empire was only functioning sub-par. Aiming a barrage of Torpedoes at the Command Section of a Star Destroyer, she was somewhat amazed that the Gunners on the Target Destroyer seemed unable to target her or the Torpedoes effectively. What amazed her more was when the Super Star Destroyer crashed into the Death Star, exploding with a huge flash. "What the hell is going on, it is like the Imperials have lost their edge?" Rex commented over the comm. Easily blasting Four TIE Fighters into exploding debris. "I do not know, but it is making it easier to hit them." Kallius responded as he also blasted Fighters. Then Hera heard the Command to pull back away from the Death Star. Putting all power into the Engines, Hera followed the Alliance Cruisers away from the Impending Destruction of the Death Star. The Battle was over and the Alliance was now receiving signals from a Half Dozen Star Destroyers with offers for Surrender.
Dagobah: Reaction
Kneeling in Meditation, Ezra felt some type of Dark Presence scream within the Force and then was gone instantaneously. As if someone immensely powerful in the Darkside of the Force had just died or was removed from existence. Concentrating on the Presence, Ezra knew who it was and that the Emperor had just fallen. With a small smirk, Ezra knew that with the Emperor gone, the Empire would also begin to fall. Though it did him very little good being stuck on Dagobah. Yoda had been right in his stance that the other was the key to defeating the Emperor. Ezra also knew that if he did face the Emperor again, it would most likely end with Ezra dead and defeated. Somehow the other had defeated the Emperor, where all other Jedi had failed. With lightened spirits, Ezra exhaled and opened his eyes. He was too excited to fully concentrate and Meditate. Standing stiffly, he went towards the Pod. Deciding to celebrate by eating a Couple of the Ration Bars that he held on to for such an occasion.
Lothal: Celebration
After the Ghost landed, Sabine brought Jacen and Sira down to greet Hera. None of them were expecting Hera to bound down the ramp and hug them all, excitingly. "We Won! We actually won! The Empire is in retreat and the Emperor is gone!" Hera boasted with a huge smile on her face, her Lekku dancing above her head. They continued to celebrate until both children were physically and emotionally exhausted. While Hera carried Jacen onto the Ghost to take a nap, Sabine did the same with Sira up in the Tower. Returning to where the Ghost sat outside the Tower, Sabine thought it funny that when Hera came down the ramp of the Ghost, she was waving her hands in aggravation. Somehow Greyback had slipped aboard the Ghost and was waiting. "Dam Loth-Wolf!" Hera protested as she stomped towards Sabine. "She somehow slipped aboard and I keep telling her that she cannot do that!" She complained as Sabine chuckled. "It is not funny, Sabine. What if I had decided to leave Lothal and go somewhere else?"
"Told you that this would happen. Greyback has looked over Jacen the whole time you were gone." Sabine informed her as Hera slumped with defeat. "I guess that means that you are going have to move here to Lothal, otherwise Jacen won't have his friend." Hera exhaled in defeat and nodded. Though Sabine believed that Hera later would want Ezra once he was found and returned to train Jacen. Neither believed that Skywalker could adequately train either Jacen or Sira. Hera had met Commander Luke Skywalker and she was not impressed with his so called Jedi abilities. Though she did realize that she was comparing Luke to Kanan and in her mind no one could measure up to Kanan. She missed him, just about as much as she knew Sabine missed Ezra. The only difference was Sabine still had a chance to have a fairy tale ending.
"What would you think if I built a House right over there on the bluff?" Hera asked as she pointed over at the small hill just about two hundred meters away. Sabine looked at the spot and it had a nice view of the plains. Not as good as the Balcony up at the Tower, but it still allowed for a spectacular view of the rising sun. Glancing at the door, she saw Sira come out with Wolfie in tow. Looking down at her daughter with a frustrated expression.
"Sira what are you doing up?" Sabine asked her daughter as the little girl approached and yawned mightily. Then pointed upwards.
"Aunt Asoka is coming, mommy." Sira said gazing towards where she was pointing. Causing Sabine to put her hand over her eyes and look in that direction. Her heart was thumping in her chest as she began to breath hard. Every time Ashoka returned, Sabine hoped that the Togruta had found Ezra and was bringing him home. "Feel her, she is excited." Sira stated then began to chuckle. "I think she found Daddy." Sabine scooped her daughter into her arms and hugged her tightly.
"Is he there too?" Sabine asked her as she stared at Sira intently hoping that he was on Ashoka's ship and that he was finally coming home. Sira frowned and wrinkled her nose.
"No, Mommy." Sira said mournfully, but she still seemed somewhat thrilled that Ashoka seemed excited. With Hera in the lead, Sabine and Sira walked towards the Ghost, stopping when they all noticed that Ashoka Ship was on final approach. Sabine was fidgeting as the Ship slowly descended and she wanted it to hurry and not take so much time. As it finally set down. Sabine, Hera and Sira were waiting. The Wolfie stayed right behind them, staring and keeping a silent vigil over them. When the Red Ramp lowered and Ashoka began to walk down. Sabine stared past Ashoka, hoping that Ezra was on the ship and was going to come down the ramp. Even though Sira stated that he was not there.
"I think I know where he is." Ashoka said excitingly. Trying to calm herself, then continued. "I think he might be on Dagobah, do you and Sira want to come check with me?" She asked knowing that Sabine and Sira probably would want to go. Maybe even Hera.
"Yes, We would." Sabine replied and then turned towards Hera. "Would you mind remaining here in case this a wild Bantha Chase and mostly to keep an eye on the Tower. Recently some of the Locals have been trying to sneak into the Tower while I am away and steal some of Ezra's things to sell to collectors and tourists." Which was true, ever since Ezra became a Hero of Lothal. Some of the Lothalian people want to collect some of his treasures. Namely the Multiple Number of Imperial Helmets that he had collected over the years. If Ezra ever needed a quick source of revenue, selling any of his Helmets would do it. With reluctance Hera agreed. Walking up the Ramp with Sira, they both turned and Sira pointed at Wolfie.
"You stay Wolfie, me and Mom are going to look for Daddy." Sira said to the White Loth-Wolf and it mournfully obeyed heading out onto the plains. Sabine wondered that perhaps it was a good idea that Sira told it to stay. Knowing Wolfie as Sabine does. It probably would have sneaked on board Ashoka's ship when no one was looking.
"We are ready to go, Ashoka." Sabine stated as Ashoka nodded and followed them up the ramp of her Ship. All three waved to Hera and then the ramp closed and minutes later the ship rose into the air. In orbit Ashoka turned towards Sabine and Sira.
Dagobah: Early Afternoon
Shutting himself inside the Escape pod, Ezra scowled at the approaching storm. At least once a week the heavy Storm struck the medium sized island that he resided upon and normally it lasted only about an hour. It rained so hard during the storm, that it felt like he had to swim to get around. So it made sense to seal himself in. He watched out the side port as the rain splashed down hard onto the ground. Large drops of rain about the size of his foot struck the Pod, Ground and the Trees. After Forty Seven Minutes the Storm ended. Opening the Hatch he peered out, seeing the water quickly draining away. Walking over to a nearby tree, he looked upwards. Above him between two branches was a large Plastech Curved Panel. Tossing a Soap tablet into it, he reached up and pulled on an attached metal rod. Soapy Water began to pour downward from the center. Standing under the flow, Ezra began to scrub. After a minute, he pushed the rod upwards ending the flow and removed his now soaked clothes. Laying them down on a nearby branch. He pulled the rod again and stood under the Flow once more. Scrubbing again, removing all the dirt and sweat from his body. Washing his beard and hair, the water stopped. Retrieving his clothes he walked naked back to the Pod and hung his clothes. Once a week he had been able to at least take a soapy shower and it helped his mood immensely. Sitting he used his fingers to brush out his hair and beard. Being clean would not last, within a day he would be just as dirty and just as sweaty as he was ten minutes ago. Restarting the fire he sat naked before the small flames, debating still on whether or not to put on his clothes and deciding not to.
Dagobah the Journey:
Sabine prayed that Ashoka was right, that Ezra was on Dagobah. With her knee bouncing nervously, she watched the stars zip by. Feeling a hand on her leg she looked down to see Sira staring up at her. "We find daddy?" Sira asked and Sabine felt like crying as she looked down into her daughters face.
"I hope so sweetie." Sabine replied as she reached down and put Sira on her lap. Normally the Four year old protested about sitting on her mother's lap, but today she just stared out at the streaking stars and become sullen. "What is it Sweetie?" Sabine asked as she saw her daughter's bottom trembling lip. Sira looked back at her mother sideways.
"Will daddy like me?" Sira asked as Sabine smiled and gave her a hug. Then tickled her sides causing Sira to giggle slightly.
"Of course Sira, he will adore you and he will love you." Sabine told her, though she knew that it would be a shocking surprise to him to learn that he has a four year old daughter that he had never met before. Seeing that Sira was now satisfied, Sabine gazed nervously at the streaking stars. She was just as anxious as Sira is to see Ezra again. Swallowing Sabine hoped that he still loved her as much as she loved him. It would be really disastrous if he no longer Loved her and she had his child. That would be a permanent reminder to both of them that the night they spent together was a mistake. Then Sabine shook her head and smiled. "No of course he still loves me, I can feel it." She said to herself as she gave a slight chuckle, then noticed that Sira had fallen asleep. It had been a long day and Sira had awoken early from her nap.
"You might want to get some rest as well, Sabine. We are at least twelve hours from Dagobah and I suspect that none of us will get much sleep if we do find him." Ashoka advised as she leaned back and closed her own eyes. Sabine smiled.
"Count on that. There is a lot that I want to do after we do find him." Sabine stated. Deciding the first thing was she was going to hug and kiss him, then introduce him to his daughter and after that punch him in the nose for deserting her. Later after the excitement ebbed, she would take him to bed and remind him about how much she missed him. That thought sent a thrill through her as she drifted off to sleep. It had been so long that she hoped she remembered how good sex was with him.
Lothal: Ezra's Tower
"Great now both of you are trying to sleep in his room." Hera said in frustration as she peered into Jacen's room to see the White and Grey Brown Loth-Wolves sleeping on the floor. Basically making impossible for her to go in and check on Jacen. Shaking her head, Hera waved her hand in the air and went back to the galley. Trying to figure out how the hell the Two large Animals sneaked onto the Ghost, right past Chopper. She suspected that Wolfie was missing Sira and that was the reason it had decided to sneak on with Greyback to watch over Jacen. Returning to the Computer Monitor, she began to look for places nearby that she could purchase. Finding two nice small farm like houses not less then a mile away. After Sabine and Sira returned hopefully with Ezra. Hera would go and look at them. It would be nice to set down roots and have a home. Especially here on Lothal. Where Jacen could be instructed by Ezra when he was ready. Leaning back she drooped her hand and felt fur. "Kalabast!" Hera said loudly, startled and glanced downward. Wolfie was laying besides her and she shook her head. "How the hell did you sneak in here without me seeing you?" She heard the White Loth-Wolf whine and Hera laughed, deciding perhaps it was best not to know. Gently petting Wolfie she smiled as it closed it's eyes and went to sleep. Hera closed her eyes and did something she had done since she was little. She prayed that Sabine and Ashoka found Ezra.
Dagobah: The Ship
Getting ready to go back inside the Pod, Ezra stopped and glanced upwards. Seeing a Red Colored Ship beginning to descend towards the Island. Without waiting or dressing, he immediately began to limp run towards the center of the Island. Towards where the Ship was landing. His heart pounding in his chest, he moved quickly hope flared within him that he was possibly going to be rescued.
Dagobah: Orbit
Entering the orbit of Dagobah, Sabine directed the sensors down at the planet. She was trying to detect anything Metallic. the Life Signs Sensors had indicated that there was massive amounts of life forms on Dagobah and those sensors were essentially worthless. Sira was staring at Dagobah and in somewhat a daze she pointed towards the northern area before them. "There Mommy, right there." Sira said with her eyes halfway closed. Ashoka looked over at the four year old and shrugged.
"I think we should go there." Ashoka advised directing her ship towards the Northern pole of Dagobah.
"Sure why not. The Scanners are not picking anything up." Sabine agreed as Ashoka flew towards a medium sized island in the middle of a huge swamp. "When we land Sira, you stay put. I mean it, that place is not safe and I do not want you taking one step off this ship. Understand." She said to Sira and her daughter scowled, then nodded.
"Okay Mommy." Sira said and looked like she was going to argue, but she knew if Mommy said her name instead of sweetie it meant that she better obey. As the Ship landed, Sabine's eyes widened when she saw someone limping towards them. Standing she rushed to the ramp and lowered it. Stepping down to the end of the ramp and stared.
"Ezra." Sabine whispered then she smiled, running towards him. As she got closer she noticed that he was completely naked. But she could tell it was him. Bushy beard and hair. It was him. Meeting him halfway her arms encircled him in a huge hug. Not caring that he was naked, or smelled or looked almost like a Wookie. She began to cry. Holding to him tightly as he held her just as tightly. He also wept, tears streaked down his face. Not wanting to let go of her in case it was just a mirage.
After several minutes, to lighten the mood Sabine pushed some of his hair away from his ear. "I am not kissing you, not until you shave and take a Shower." She whispered into his ear as they both started to laugh. Parting he stared at her and shook his head.
"Well if we are talking about hair. I do not like how short yours is and the color is kind of plain." Ezra commented as she chuckled and ran her hands through her short black hair.
"This is because I do not have time to be really stylish or flamboyant anymore. Come on, let's get you inside. After you cut that mess off, take a shower and put some clothes on. There is something I need to show you." Reaching down, Sabine took his hand and started to walk towards the Ship. Then stopped. "Wait there is something I wanted to do first." Turning she faced him, closed her fist and punched him in the nose. Not hard, but hard enough for him to put his hand onto his nose and stare at her with shock. "I promised myself that I would punch you in the nose for leaving and deserting me." Sabine watched him as he started to laugh.
"I expected a lot worse." Ezra stated as she laughed as well. "That is why I love you so much." This caught Sabine off guard then she smiled and hugged him again. Pleased and delighted that he still loved her and that he said it so openly.
"Good because I love you too. Now come on, let's get you on board and off Dagobah. Unless there is something you want to go back for?" Sabine asked as he shook his head. Ezra did not want anything from the camp, not even the Body Suit. It was too torn and shredded to be considered clothes anymore.
"Nothing that I can live without." Ezra declared, Sabine took his hand and led him towards Ashoka's Ship and upon seeing the Togruta.
"Ashoka please get back in the Cockpit. Ezra is not exactly clothed at the moment and I suspect that you do not want to see him naked." Sabine said as Ashoka's eyes widened and she quickly went back inside the ship. Leading Ezra up the ramp she directed him towards the Refresher and as he entered she shut the door. Going into one of the Bedrooms to the Wardrobe she looked for something for him to wear. Returning holding a Large Sized Jedi Cloak. There was nothing else that would fit him. Well nothing that he could actually be comfortable wearing. She doubted he would like to wear a skirt and skin tight pants. After thirty minutes Ezra emerged and Sabine smiled approvingly at him, handing him the cloak. Sabine was tempted to delay introductions, push him into the nearby bedroom and give each of them a reminder of how they felt about each other. But knew that one reminder would not be enough, it had been five years since they had sex and she would want multiple times not just once.
The Cockpit:
Returning Ashoka was met by Sira. Smiling down at the four year old, Ashoka exhaled and sat down in the Pilot's seat. "Is Mommy bringing Daddy here so I can see him?" Sira asked as Ashoka nodded.
"Give them a few moments Sira. Your Mommy wants some private time with him, she has missed him a lot." Ashoka said and Sira nodded.
"Yes I know. I have heard Mommy crying some times when she thinks about him." Sira stated then sat and waited patiently for the door to open and she could meet her father, finally.
To be continued.