…
I let out a breath and open up my eyes.
Still in hyperspace.
Everything's ready to go. I've packed all my stuff that I'm taking. It's sitting on the other side of the room, where Sabine and I's bed used to be.
Before we folded it up this morning.
I glance over at the wall next to where you press the button to drop the entire turret down.
I moved the pictures of Sabine and I, plus Sophie and I right where I can see them.
…
I asked last night if I could take them with us and hang them up again.
They said no because if we get compromised, we'll have given away not just our identities, but Sophie's too.
And that can't happen.
…
She looks so happy.
…
The whole ship's been down ever since when the reality of the situation set in last night.
Sabine and I are leaving.
And we don't know when we're going to see everyone again.
I shake my head.
No reason to focus so much on the bad things.
The Alliance is putting a lot of faith in Sabine and I to get this done.
What it is, we don't know yet.
But we have to get it done.
I turn behind me, hearing the sound of footsteps coming down the ladder down here, and see Ahsoka's familiar armor.
"Hey Ezra. All ready to go?" She asked as Kanan came down the ladder.
"Yup. All packed."
Kanan straightened up as Ahsoka smiled at the pictures of Sabine and Sophie.
…
"You'll see them again soon Ezra."
I nod.
"I know. What's up?" I ask as Kanan stood by Ahsoka's side.
"We just wanted to talk to you for a moment before you guys leave." Kanan said.
I begin to get out of my seat, but Kanan stopped me.
"No, you can keep sitting."
Huh.
Usually he likes me to stand and listen.
"Okay." I say, looking to them.
"I just wanted to tell you a story that might help you on your mission Ezra." Ahsoka said, then smiled at me.
I quickly turn my chair around to face them.
"My master and I were on Felucia, a planet near a hyperspace lane in the Outer Rim. We were trying to take an outpost. Like normal, he let me cover the flank so we could take the outpost faster, and without being possibly outflanked. Everything was fine until I was hit with a stun bolt and captured by some Trandoshan bounty hunters wishing to test themselves against 'the best prey possible'."
"You're not prey. Did you have your lightsaber?" I ask.
"They took it away from me. But it was in the vicinity. Before long I was dropped onto a planet I'd never been to, and was running from them for my life.
But then, I stumbled upon a group in my position. Padawans that had been taken from battlefields across the galaxy and deposited on the planet. They'd been there for so long that they'd stopped using the Force. Stopped hoping for a rescue. Just waiting out the days until they were found again and killed."
…
"I didn't want to give up hope. I knew I had to get back to Anakin. So, over the course of few days, we drew the Trandoshan ship close enough, beat the slimy lizards and got back to Coruscant."
I smile.
"So you did it." I say.
Wow.
"Yup. I never remember Anakin being so relieved. He rushed right to me, and said that he should have done better. But it wasn't his fault. It was because of his training, his lessons that kept me alive on that rock and got me back to the Temple."
…
"I want you to keep that in mind when you're on Denon Ezra. We will be a galaxy away, but we're right beside you. In the lessons that we've taught you." Kanan said, then placing his hand on my arm.
"Remember when I disappeared after you all left Polis Massa?" Ahsoka asked me.
"Yeah. You didn't tell us where you went."
"I went to a planet…and spoke with an old Jedi Master. My master's master."
Wait.
"That Kenobi guy?" I ask quickly.
No way.
Kanan smiled widely.
"Precisely Ezra. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi." Ahsoka told me.
"He's alive?" I ask.
Kanan and Ahsoka nod.
"Where?"
"I can't tell you, in case you're captured. You know that. Or I would." Ahsoka replied, looking sad. "But I asked him about my master."
…
"About what happened to Anakin."
WHOA.
"And?" I ask nervously.
…
"Master Obi-Wan told me that Anakin was in the Jedi Temple when Vader marched on the Jedi Temple. Anakin organized efforts for the younglings to escape the Temple and escape the ruthless battle."
…
"He…fought Vader to buy them more time. But Vader killed him. Nobody knows exactly how, but Obi-Wan told me that it wasn't a fair final blow. Like all Sith, he cheated. Unnaturally."
…
"I'm sorry. I know you were hoping to find him." I say quietly, reaching out and grabbing Ahsoka's wrist.
Ahsoka looks like she's about to cry.
She sniffled, then let out a breath.
"Sorry. But…by doing that, Anakin became greater than Vader can possibly imagine. Sith are obsessed in the here and now. Anakin is at one with the Force, and can do more than Vader ever can." Ahsoka smiled at me.
"What do you mean?" I ask.
"Sometimes a Jedi that's become one with the Force can appear as a Force Ghost to guide a Jedi thru a difficult time. Or give support." Kanan answered simply.
"I know after I left the Temple, I separated myself from Jedi life for awhile. And it was an old Jedi that started me down the path to meet up with Bail, which led me here." Ahsoka smiled.
"Don't forget that even if you can't use your lightsaber, or the Force, that it is always your ally. You never know when someone will reach out with a helping hand." Kanan told me calmly.
"Always be ready to listen Ezra. Always keep your ears and your mind open. Don't stop meditating. Use this probe to practice your saber deflection. Every Jedi, including Anakin, will be with you." Ahsoka said, then bending down and placing a circular droid in my open hands, then closed my hands around it.
…
I look up and see Kanan looking down at me smiling.
Thunk.
"I guess we're here." Ahsoka frowned.
I nervously swallow.
I stand up, and both Kanan and Ahsoka both move to allow me to grab my bags and lead the way up to the airlock.
Where everyone else is waiting.
Hera's hugging Sabine and whispering something in her ear.
We hang back until she lets Sabine go.
Then I take a step forward and get a strong hug from Hera.
"I…be safe. Okay. Protect each other. Do what you do best Ezra." Hera said into my ear, then squeezed me again.
I hug her back.
"I will. I promise."
Hera let me go, tears glossing over her eyes and I turn to Rex, Echo and Lux.
Echo stuck his hand out to me.
I shake it and smile.
"Well…Commander. Your first mission." Echo smiled at me.
"Commander?" I ask nervously.
"You're a Jedi in the field. Can't hurt to give you the designation." Rex smiled at me, then clapped my shoulder.
Lux affectionately tapped my chest with his fist twice and smiled.
"You're more than ready. Both of you are going to run circles around these guys." He let loose a cocky looking smile.
"When we get to Safe Zone tonight, we're going to make sure that you two have an extraction crew constantly on standby. This looks like a deep cover mission." Rex said reassuringly.
"Your contact should have more information on what to do and how to contact them when the time comes. If they don't mention anything, ask." Echo said strongly.
"It will save your life." Lux said simply.
"But you'll always have an escape plan. And don't be shocked if the two of us are there with the group to get you. It might get hot." Rex smiled, elbowing Echo.
"Totally." Echo smiled.
Rex turned back to me.
"But Hera and Lux are right. You're ready kid. Go kill it. See you soon."
I smile, then nod and grab my bags and join Sabine.
She smiled back at me, then I turn around.
Kanan's now got his arm around Hera, who's leaning into him.
Ahsoka, Lux, Rex and Echo are standing next to them, looking at us.
Sabine waved to them, and they all waved back.
"C'mon. We don't want this to look conspicuous." Sabine said to me.
I nod, then wave.
And turn away from them.
…
I let out a breath and take a couple longer strides to catch up with Sabine.
"So." I say, not knowing what exactly to say.
Sabine smiled.
"You don't know what to do."
"Well…yeah." I say.
"We're going to get out of here, grab a speeder, then go to the address and see what's going on."
"And go from there?" I ask.
Sabine nodded, then pulled out here blue book.
I do the same, pulling it out of my back pocket.
…
I walk forward as Sabine steps past the checkpoint.
"Passport."
I smile and hand it to the man.
…
…
He hands me my passport back and waves the next person forward.
Sabine smiled as I walk to her.
We quietly walk to an area full of waiting speeders, then choose one.
"4047589 Flash Ave please." Sabine said cheerfully.
The driver, a species I've never seen before nodded and started the engine.
I strap in and look out at the city.
It's actually really pretty.
The sun's reflecting off the Durasteel building, casting the entire skyline in a bright sunset-like glow.
We're hardly the only speeder out at this time. The traffic is multiple lanes wide, with some people breaking off from the primary lanes and going their own way to their destinations.
Electronic holo-signs dot the skyline everywhere I look. Signs for local casinos, who to vote for, a few stores, and even signs advertising other planets.
They probably had to pay extra.
I glance around when we start a smooth left turn and start descending.
…
We're moving towards a curved building with multiple landing pads, and stretches up forever.
Actually…
Where's the ground?
I assumed that the spaceport was ground level, but we flew out straight. Didn't rise into the air or anything.
…
Our driver dipped below a few landing pads and stopped on one.
Sabine handed him a few credits, and we both hop out.
Once we're out, he zoomed off.
"Gotta keep going I guess."
"Yeah. 10 credits per ride. You get 100 people, that's 1000 credits a day."
Oh wow.
"That's a little bit of money."
"You're telling me." Sabine said as we move into the building and find ourselves in a lobby.
My jaw drops as I look around.
The floor's some black rock that's been polished to shine and has gold trim and designs cut in the floor, also lines with gold.
The room's set in a soft light from overhead lights.
On the other side of the room, there are a few corresponding signs.
"First 2 room numbers = Floor"
"Turbolifts broken up into 1-35. 36-70. 71-100. 101-135. 136-165."
"For questions, concierge services are available in each lobby."
I turn to Sabine.
"What's our apartment?" I ask.
"5671." Sabine said, pointing to the second lift.
I follow her as she presses the button for the lift.
The door opens immediately to reveal an empty lift.
Sabine gently taps the button for the 56th floor.
WHOOSH!
I quickly grab onto the side rail as we zoom upwards.
Even Sabine stumbled slightly before using the rail to steady herself.
Then we just stopped, and the door opened.
"Uhh…" I sputter out.
Sabine shrugged, then walked out.
I scramble to meet her as she's walking down a hallway.
…
Where are the doors?
There was one right when we got off, but Sabine walked past it.
And now there's just bare wall on both sides.
…
Finally there's a door on the left.
5671.
Sabine tested the handle, but it's locked.
"How do we get in?"
I shrug.
There's plants on either side, a door mat and a small painting to the left of the door.
Sabine bends down and checks the rug, and I poke around in the plant.
Maybe they hid it so nobody would steal it.
…
Nope.
The painting.
I reach up and touch the side of it.
Immediately it gives a little.
Ooh.
I press a little more, then spin the painting itself around inside the frame.
Revealing two silver rods.
I grab them both, then look at the door.
There's a little hole above the door handle.
Sabine took one of the rods from me and stuck it in.
Beep!
This time the handle clicks softly when she turns it and we push our way inside.
…
It's dark.
"I've got it." Sabine says, before the room is bathed in li—
"Whoaaaa…" Sabine said, as I smile and let out a little laugh.
You've got to be kidding.
The floor is partially the same stone as in the lobby downstairs, but white. The rest of it is carpeted.
The part we're in is mostly enclosed, but has a walkway leading to a kitchen area on the right and a enormous pantry door on the left.
But that's not the best part.
The entire far wall is glass, with a sitting area and holo terminal.
Lastly, there's two hallways on either side.
"This is all for us?" Sabine asked.
I shrug.
"I…guess?" I reply.
We don't need all this.
This is way over the top.
Sabine turned to me, smiling from ear to ear.
I smile back then walk to see where the hallway on the left goes.
…
Oh, it's a bedroom with a little hallways attached.
I set my bags down and walk past my bed to find a big bathroom, with shower, sink, closet and plenty of storage space.
This is a place I dreamed of living in as a kid.
And now I'm here.
I look around a little more, from the fluffy bed, to the bathroom counters and tons of drawers.
Then I walk back to the main room.
Sabine's not back yet.
I nervously grab the holo remote and turn it on, then flip it back off.
…
This place is huge.
I walk into the kitchen area to see plenty of cooking area.
When I open up a cabinet, I see more dishes and various things than I've ever seen before.
"All for us I guess." I hear Sabine say.
I close the cabinet and turn to her as she opened the pantry.
Oh yeah, that's where our next move is.
When I step inside the pantry, Sabine's holding a small piece of paper.
"480 Coruscant Way. Suite 10. Ask for Mr. Brroka."
…
"I guess we go there and ask for him." Sabine said, then turning to me.
I shrug, then start back to the door.
When we're both thru the door, I pull out my key rod and let the door shut, then test the handle.
Locked.
"I guess we can leave it like that and always keep our keys on us?" Sabine asked me.
"Sounds good to me." I say.
This time, I quickly grab the side rail.
Sabine smiled at me, then rolled her eyes and pressed 'L'.
Quickly, my stomach falls out from under me and we're descending incredibly fast.
And then it's over, and the door is opening.
Sabine lead me back to the landing pad and flagged down another speeder.
By the time I'm sitting down, we're already moving.
Sabine settled in right next to me and looped our hands together.
I glance over at her, and she's smiling up at me.
"This is going to be fun."
"Hope so." I reply.
"And our little apartment is pretty sweet."
"It's not little. It's pretty big. At least my room is."
"Maybe…our room?" She smiled up at me.
I shrug, then look out at the skyline.
I still need to talk to her.
I think I know what to say now.
Sabine squeezed my hand and I look to see we're approaching a building with multiple small "IS" signs, and Imperial logos.
Imperial Security Force.
We slowly descended onto a landing pad, and quickly hop out.
The driver can't leave fast enough.
He was already moving as my leg was still inside.
I nod respectfully to the soldiers guarding the landing pad, and one of them acknowledged me.
The other decided to be a jerk and be above saying hello I guess.
Quickly, I probe the area using the Force.
I don't want to get surprised by Shark Bait's friend that we didn't beat on Onderon.
We don't know what happened to her.
Nobody of any significance in the Force is here.
I take a few steps to keep up with Sabine as we walk into the main lobby.
Sabine put on a happy face and smiled at the main receptionist when we walked up.
"Hi, can I help you?" She asked simply, looking bored.
"Yes. We're here for Mr. Brroka?" Sabine asked with a polite smile.
"Eighth floor." She said, as her desk lit up.
We started to the turbolift as she said "Imperial Security Force Headquarters, where do I direct your call?"
The door shut before she spoke again.
I glance around nervously as the lift rose, this time much slower.
There's a barely noticeable security camera directly behind us.
Most people probably never see it and know they're being watched.
The door opened to reveal a office door.
"Office of Military Affairs."
Great.
I open the door for Sabine and let her go first thru the door.
"Thank you."
I softly close the door behind us, then turn back to see a man gesturing to us to come here with two fingers.
I guess that's him.
I hustle to catch up and slip inside before he closed the door on me.
"Alright. I wanted adults, not to babysit for this job. But I got what I got. You two will listen and listen good. You understand?"
I quickly nod and sit down.
"I am General Brroka. This visit will be brief, and you should hope against hope that I never see you in this office again."
"Okay." Sabine says simply.
"That right there. Too informal girl. You're going to be infiltrating the Imperial Military. The greatest fighting force in galactic history. One slip like that could cost you your cover and your life. Do you understand?" He snapped at her.
Whoa.
"Yes sir." I say stiffly.
Sabine straightened up in her chair.
"The official cover story for the two of you is that I've recommended the two of you for promotion fro Planetary Security into Offworld Operations. I strongly advise you review these files tonight before you go in tomorrow to begin the assignment. It would be wise to know what you've done and the accolades you've received. That would be an extremely easy way to blow it. And embarrassing to me professionally."
Well then.
"Understood." Sabine said.
"Your assignment is simple: To discover what exactly "Operation Remnant" is, along with any information you can extract about it. It was let slip by an officer with too loose a tongue at an Imperial function. That officer is now dead, and I was sworn to secrecy. Apparently it is a high priority not only on numerous Imperial controlled worlds, but to the Emperor himself. He must give yearly clearance for the project to continue."
General Brroka drank out of a glass in front of him, then continued.
"You should be working with youths your own age. That's why you're here and not adults as I had requested. You, girl. Your hair will have to change."
What?!
"My hair?" Sabine asked.
"Yes. Too rebellious. You'll have to change it before long. I'll make a note that your dyed it. But it is likely that it will have to be undyed."
Sabine looks crushed.
"Don't look so sad. I hope the Rebellion didn't send somebody who is soft. I won't feel bad shipping you back. I'd be doing you a favor." The general scowled.
"She…she's always dyed her hair for as long as I've known her. I'm sure she views that as part of her identity sir." I quickly say, trying to cover for her.
"Well, regardless, it will have to become not part of her identity." He said brusquely, before rising to his feet.
"My recommendation to you is this: Get in with the youths. I believe their nickname is "Adjustments". They like to hang out at the local nightclubs and dance to the popular Core Drive music from across the galaxy. That would be a good start. From there, I can't help you."
Core Drive.
That's Sabine's music.
I glance at her, then look back at the General.
"Also, you'll each be getting a stipend from the Rebellion to buy food and other necessities. The apartment should be stocked, but you'll run out eventually. There is already two credit sticks in the silverware drawer of the kitchen."
…
He turned back from his mantle to look at us.
"Well? Go. I'm done."
Okay.
I rise to my feet and walk to the door and let Sabine out, then close the door behind us.
To find Sabine with a disgusted look on her face.
When she opens her mouth I stop her.
"They probably are listening." I whisper.
Sabine abruptly closes her mouth, then nods.
Without another word, we go back downstairs and hail another speeder back home.
"He was cheery, wasn't he." Sabine said flatly once we've started back.
"Yup."
"Do this. Do that. Change your hair. Damn you. Get out. Stupid kids." She said in a deeper voice, looking grumpy.
I laugh.
"Not a bad impression."
Sabine smiled, then it slid off her face.
"I really hope they don't make me change my hair." Sabine said sadly.
"Me neither. I like it."
Sabine smiled at me, then it slid off again.
"Man, he was a jerk."
I shrug. "Not everybody we meet in the Rebellion is going to be nice."
"Didn't seem like he was a rebel. All that 'Greatest Fighting Force In the Galaxy' stuff? Sure sounding buckethead-y."
I laugh as we pull into our building.
We hop out and walk into the lobby.
"So…you wanna order some food? Watch the holo?" She asked once we got on the turbolift.
"UH, sure. I want to talk to you for a quick se…cond though." I wince as we fly up to our apartment.
Sabine quickly looked concerned.
"Okay."
I let her leave the lift first, then nervously swallow.
I know what to say now.
It came to me last night, after what General Sato said about me.
Sabine opened the door, then closed it behind me and turned to me.
"So…what's up?"
Thump thump.
Thump thump.
"I…" I start, then shake my head and walk past her.
I don't think I can look at her and do this.
Six months ago, I would have slapped myself for doing this.
"Whatever this is between us Sabine, it needs to stop." I say, looking at the sunset out the gigantic window.
…
"I was afraid you'd say that. You tried saying it before this. Didn't you." She said simply, voice normal.
I nod.
"I don't like this gray area. I want you, but you don't want me. You don't want us to be a thing. Whether you say that or not."
Sabine slowly stepped in front of me and looked up.
With tears in her eyes.
"It's not because of what I said yesterday is it? We don't have to go that far Ezra. I was just offering because—"
"No. It's because…of you. And Atin. And all that crap I put in our way. It's a lot of stuff."
Sabine seemed to silently slump in front of me, but kept looking at me.
"Let's…at least wait until after this mission to revisit this. The rebel leadership always think that I'm not ready. It's always me. I want that to change." I say quietly.
"I…" Sabine started, then blinked back a tear and hugged me softly.
"You don't mind us being close and watching the holo right? Stuff like that?" She quietly asked.
"No. But just like we used to."
"And no sleeping together." She said simply.
I nod.
…
"Okay." Sabine said, then finally let me go and turned around.
I watch her as she opens various drawers in the kitchen, trying to hide her shaking hands.
But I can feel them.
She finally found the silverware and dug thru it, only to discover that the credit sticks were under the container that is used to hold them.
"You…you don't think I was using you, do you? Because that's not what I was doing at all. I…I don't know I guess." She turned back to me, holding the credit sticks and some random silverware.
Looking small.
"No. I know you weren't using me. We just kind of fell into it. But I wanted to get it out of the way."
Sabine nodded.
"Can you go to the holo. We can find what we want to eat on there." She told me.
I nod and turn to the holo, then pull the remote to me and turn it on.
"What are you in the mood for?" I ask her simply as it boots up.
(A/N: Thank you to everyone that's been reading this story along the way, and especially to those who found this story since 'Siege of Lothal' last week. Check back Wednesday for the next chapter. I'd love to hear you guys' opinions on a Star Wars Rebels AU with a good Anakin. It's a long way off, but I had the thought this weekend. Hope you enjoy. – James)