Star Wars Rebels: The Journey Part 4
Rendezvous:
All those inside the Law Enforcement Building knew Sabine's estimate about arriving in about 10 hours was actually impossible. Even if she left Lothal immediately after Soria contacted her, it would take her a good 14 hours to make the trip. So after a short time, Erza suggested that they relocate to his home in the Fishing Village of Usurat to await Sabine's arrival. To Fenn Rau and Triston it seemed like a good idea, mainly due to that the three Children were beginning to show signs of boredom. So after contacted Ursa and Alrich Wren, along with Bo Katan. Fenn Rau flew them all plus Three of his Ultra Protectors to the Village. Landing outside the Village, Ezra led the Mandalorians to the House that he and his Daughters had called home for almost five years.
Walking down the dirt and stone street, Vordian Ost and his two friends were snacking contently on Old Misses Huzito's Glazed Sweet Bread. After several hours of repairing her damaged Roof of the Old Woman's Bakery the three refused any Credits and settled for her famous Glazed Sweet Bread. They had stopped at the Play Area and Toral had passed out some of the Sweet Bread to the Young Children playing, while Vordian and Mukin repaired the Cross Beams. All three were too young to join their Fathers on the Fishing Boats, so they found other ways to be helpful to their neighbors. Nearing the Dirt Street that ran down passed Gena, Mosvat Gruda's house and then Raze, Aseena, Mavisee and Corvin Ridgers house. The three stopped. There walking into the house was a small number of Mandalorians escorting Raze, the Children and the Droid inside. While a few remained outside within the Fenced in Yard. "What the...?" Toral asked and looked to Vordian, who grimaced.
"They must be in some type of trouble with the Mando's." Mukin declare and swallowed. All three of their Families owed Raze and his family a lot. The young adoptive father had helped and aided almost everyone in the Village at some time and that sentiment seemed to rallied everyone to do the same. To help and be friendly with each other, giving the whole village a feeling of closeness.
"Mukin you go East tell everyone! Toral you go west! I will go tell those at the Docks! Now go! Run!" Vordian ordered and his two friends bolt into a run. As he too ran he thought back when he wrongly idolized his Uncle Molt. Believing that the he was such a great man. Then later despising the man, he had stolen all of his Father's Credits just when his Father needed them the most. His Father's large Gargutium Fish Fishing Boat had been damaged in a storm. Molt instead of remaining, stole the Credits and left. Leaving his Brother, Vordian's Father to find some way to repair his boat and still also pay his three Member Crew. Raze came over upon hearing their problems and loaned his Father the Credits. Vordian remembered what Raze said to his Father perfectly.
"Do not worry about it Malut, pay me back when you can." Raze had said and his Father asked him why he was helping them while staring at the Credits in confusion. "We should help each other if we can. Now let me know if that was enough Credits, I can loan you more if it is not enough." With that Raze went home and Vordian realized that he no longer wanted to be like his Uncle, he had someone new that he wanted to be like. Well two, Raze Ridgers and his Father. For the Man had changed dramatically, during another Storm where before he would ignore others with smaller Boats out on the turbulent Ocean. He then did not, he made sure all of those that were having problems made it back to the Docks. Voldian now idolized his Father.
Nearing the Docks, he was out of breath but he still ran just as fast and forced himself to run even faster. Seeing a dozen or so Fishermen idly chatting about their days catch or talking about one or the other coming to dinner at their home. Another change that Raze seemed to have influenced. They no longer squabbled or ignored each other, before Raze Ridgers had arrived. When one mentioned that he had to put new re-sealant on his boat, several offered to help him. To Vordian he did not want this to end and he feared if Raze was taken away it would. He did not want to lose the Pride he saw in his Mother and Father's eyes when he or someone told them of the help they gave to others. He did not want to lose the feeling he got when he and his friends helped someone. Oh and he did not want to lose the looks he and his friends received from the Girls his age. The nice smiles that made his blood boil. Panting up to Mosvat Gruda the much older man looked at Vordian with keen interest. "Hey Vordian. Oh your Father is still out there if that is why you came down to the Docks." Mosvat said and Vordian shook his head, breathing hard.
"Mister Raze is in trouble." Vordian gasped out. "The Mandalorians... are at his House and he... looks like he is in trouble." He inhaled deeply and panted for air. Bending over and placing his hands on his knees. Everyone on the Dock stopped talking and moved towards Vordian.
"What was that?" Molkar the Mon Cal wheezed and now the others were paying complete attention.
"I think...Mister Raze is in trouble with the Mandalorians." Vordian repeated. "There is a group of them at his house." He told them and heard several of them growl angrily.
"Well they ain't taking him! No matter what trouble he might be in!" Mosvat declared glancing at the others who nodded their agreement. "Kilat get on the Comm and tell those still out there about this. I do not know about you others, but I am going up there and...they ain't taking him or the younguns!" He stated firmly and they all just as firmly agreed. Walking rapidly with him up the hill. Vordian went with them, as they passed the Small Market. A Male Bothan in a Clerk Apron came striding out followed by a Female Bothan holding a Sweeper in her hand tightly.
"They take those little treasures over my dead decaying corpse." The Female Bothan Suvin'akaki growled as Old Misses Huzito stormed out of her Bakery brandishing a Dough Roller in her wrinkled hand. She smiled at the Bothan and the three walked together to join the growing group. Vordian had seen it, both Folonk'souk, Suvin'akaki and Huzito had almost arrived at the Village the same time fifty or so years ago. The Bothan's did not really speak to Huzito and at times barely tolerated each other for that matter. But after Raze helped them both after a serious Storm, the three original residents had become close friends. Having dinner together and after played assorted games late until the evening. Moving onward the group of thirty or so Men and Women grew to over seventy. Olm Nilon the Ithorian and his Family strode up in his huge hand he was holding a large Metal Spade, rumbling a greetings and stomped up the dirt road with the rest. Joined by several others of various races. Wookies, Aqualish, more Humans, Twil'eks and Togruta's. Those around the new arrivals smiled and greeted them warmly. Everyone knew each other and all had the same thought. "Raze is not going anywhere and neither are his Children."
0
Bo-Katan had arrived and after having her Bodyguards remain outside a small house with the Fenn Rau's Ultra Protectors, she entered to find her Husband Fenn Rau, Triston Wren, Ursa and Alrich Wren, Ezra Bridger, three Children and a Protocol Droid that was serving Tea and some type of Confection. Ezra playing the good host offered her a seat and stated that he would tell everyone his tale once Sabine arrived. So after taking a cup of Tea, Bo-Katan could not help but thoroughly enjoy a nice quiet moment. Back outside the Captain of the Bodyguards winced behind his helmet. Huge Groups of Citizens stalked towards them from all directions. Woman, Children and Men of various Races and from what the Captain could tell they were not coming because of idle curiosity. No it more felt like a Mob. Stepping backwards, he tapped the door and then leaned inside. "Duchess we have a situation out here that I believe you need to address." He said to Bo-Katan and waited for her to come outside. She closed the door and her eyes widened in shock. She saw hundreds of various different races of the Citizens of the small Village and they were not there because they were curious. Oh she could easily tell that. Especially when dozens of them were holding all sorts of instruments in their hands ready and willing to fight. Ducking her head back inside.
"Ezra Bridger could you and those Children come out here. The Rest of you please remain inside." Bo-Katan had said the latter because she did not want a misunderstanding if the Citizens saw more Mandalorians suddenly join those outside. Ezra stepped out followed by the 3 Children and the whole mob of people cheered.
"What the...?" Ezra gasped wide eyed upon seeing all of the Village occupants that had basically surrounded the house. Mosvat with his wife Gena were in their own fenced in yard with over two dozen others.
"Don't fret Raze. These Mando's ain't taking you or the younguns." Mosvat declared his wife Gena held a 2 foot long Garden Weeding Stave in her right hand, next to him. Glaring at a nearby Mandalorian with pure rage.
"Listen Citizens. We are not taking this Man you know as Raze Ridgers." Bo-Katan said loudly, then pointed at Ezra. "He is actually Ezra Bridger and he is..." She was interrupted when a very old woman stomped forward holding a Dough Roller.
"We know exactly who he is and what he is, Deary! We have known for years! Now we do not care, he and his young ones are not leaving and if you think they are. I am going to dent me some Mando Helmets with my Dough Roller!" The Old Woman stated loudly, slapping the foot and a half Wooden Circular roller in her left hand. This shocked Ezra to the core, he thought that no one knew what he was.
"I guess the only one that I fooled was myself." Ezra whispered and glanced over at Mosvat. The older and bigger Man shrugged.
"What you don't think none of us here have never seen the Imperial Wanted Dockets?" Mosvat smiled and then scowled.
"Listen Duchess, you can take your...Soldiers and leave. Because like I said he and his younguns ain't going anywhere with you. Not unless you are ready for one hell of a fight!" Mosvat declared and Bo-Katan exhaled. Knowing if this continued it could easily turn violent. These Villagers were enraged enough to attack and that would be disastrous. Mainly to the Villagers, because at some point her Bodyguards would be forced to fire their Blasters to protect her.
"Ezra we need to reduce this soon." Bo-Katan whispered over at him and Ezra nodded with agreement. He could understand where this hostility was coming from, when Gar Saxton was in Control. He would send Squads of Mandalorians and Stormtroopers to who he suspected were Rebel Sympathizers. The Armored Men would come and drag Men, Women and Children away to be interrogated for days. Then return them usually beaten and scarred. Some did not return at all. This even happened in small Villages like here. So those here remembered and refused to let it happen now.
"Listen Friends, I really appreciate this. But the Duchess is right I am not in any trouble with the Mandalorians." Ezra heard and watched as a Single Mandalorian flew over the Crowds of People landing in the yard in front of him. He smiled. "Well maybe I am in trouble with one certain Mandalorian." He said and the new Arrival pulled her Helmet off. She had arrived ten minutes ago with Ashoka. Landing on the outskirts of the Village, she found she could not get through the Crowds of people. So she decided to use her Jetpack. Flying over the Villagers and landing in the yard.
"You have that right!" Sabine said angrily. "You are in a lot of trouble!" She declared and it sort of lightened the situation immensely. Especially when Sabine rushed forward and grabbed Ezra in a fierce hug. He lifted her off the ground and they both began to laugh and cry. She leaned towards his right ear, her lips a few centimeters away from his lobe. "I am not kissing you until you loss the Face Fur." She whispered, then leaned back and smiled. Jutting forward she latched her lips onto his for an even fiercer kiss. People around them began to lower their assorted weapons and Bo-katan sighed with relief. After several minutes, Sabine stopped and placed her head against his. He stared at her in confusion. "I lied." She then kissed him again. When the two finally let go of each other, Sabine did not let go of Ezra's right hand. Fearing something would once again take him away from her. Bo-Katan stepped closer.
"I do not believe you can remain here Ezra Bridger even if you want to. It would be easy enough to let it be known that after close investigation that you Raze Ridgers are not Ezra Bridger Jedi. But if Sabine decides to remain as well, that cannot be covered up. She is a known Hero of Mandalore." Bo-Katan stated and the two winced. She was right.
"I am not letting him go now. I fully intend to take the Vows with him as soon as possible." Sabine declared smiling at Ezra fondly. "That is if he will Marry me?" She asked and Ezra smiled at her as well.
"Try and stop me." Ezra replied. Though there were 3 Children that he would have to ask if it was alright with them, first. But that could wait until it was settled if he, the Children and most importantly Sabine could remain. Which he really wanted to. To them it was home.
"Well I do not know how you can and both remain." Bo-Katan said and tried to think of a way. Suddenly the big man in the next yard spoke up.
"You know that Sabine sure looks like my Gena's cousin Dara who is supposed to be on Naboo. What do you think Gena? Could that be Cousin Dara who for some reason is wearing Mando Armor?" Mosvat said with a broad smile, looking over at his Wife Gena.
"It is Dara. What are you doing Cousin? You could get into trouble wearing Mandalorian Armor." Gena said catching on instantly and Bo-Katan smirked.
"Yes you could. Especially since The Countess Ursa Wren is inside that House. I suggest Dara is it, you might want to take that Armor off and perhaps put it somewhere that no one can see it. Also this Man cannot be Ezra Bridger, for one he looks nothing like him and I have met him. Now I need to get back to the Capital and stop wasting my time with someone that does not even resemble Ezra Bridger." Bo-Katan nodded to her Bodyguards who bowed slightly. Later she would get them to swear on their Armor that after a thorough investigation it was discovered that the Man they thought was Ezra Bridger was found to only somewhat look like him and that was all. Erza and Sabine watched as the Ruler of Mandalore left, the Crowd of Villager Residents parted before her allowing her and the Guards access to their Ship. He leaned closer to her.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Sabine?" Ezra whispered and Sabine smiled.
"Too late now. Besides you heard your friends there. My name is Dara and there is nothing going to stop me from Marrying you." Sabine stated firmly, pulling him closer. Really wanting to have a long period of them alone.
"Say it sounds like there is going to be some Wedding Vows being said. Since the whole Village is here, I think we should have a Pot Luck Celebration." Mosvat loudly said. "What do you think friends? Think we can throw one together in say about six hours?" A cheer erupted. "Okay we need tables, benches and of course food. You that Cook go back to your houses and bring what you have. You that don't we have a lot of work to do." With that the crowd dispersed and Ezra chuckled. Leading Sabine and a few minutes later joined by Ashoka Tano. They went into the House followed by the Children. Inside Ursa, Alrich and Triston overheard the idea.
"She does look like our Daughter Sabine." Alrich commented and Ursa nodded, smiling.
"Though it is difficult to tell since our Daughter has only visited us a few times in the past five years." Ursa added continuing to smile. "Perhaps if she was to say live on Mandalore she might visit us more and we could visit her. Along with these delightful Children that will one day refer to me and my Husband as their Grandparents. Especially if she lets say Marries a young Man that our whole Clan admires." The Countess then smiled over at Ezra and both understood what Ursa her Mother was saying. She was basically giving her blessing and wanted them to visit, all of them.
"I do believe that your Daughter should and will definitely visit more. With her Husband and the Children." Sabine said with a large smile.
"Now I think it might be time that Ezra tell his story. For I personally would like to know the reasons he has not been there for my Daughter and placed a serious delay on giving me Grandchildren. Though those three are a good start, I want more." Ursa stated and Ezra nodded.
"Aseena, Marvisee, Corvin. Why don't you go get cleaned up and put on your good clothes, which means the Dresses for you two." Ezra suggested to the three Children, really not wanting for them to relive the whole tragic tale. They did not argue, heading for their rooms. "Now it all started right after the Purgills dragged the Chimaera and the other Imperial Ships away..." When he finished Sabine was pulling him closer to her. She had small tears in her eyes. The others remained silent for several minutes processing what they had heard.
"Oh those poor dears." Ursa whispered, knowing if they were out here she would want to hug them. Console them. For they had lost more then anyone should ever lose all in a tragic moment. Ashoka closed her eyes, knowing and actually witnessing such things during and after the Purge.
"Well thankfully they are resilient and I have made sure that they do remember their Parents." Ezra told them, referring to the Holo Pictures that he told them to bring when they had left their homes. When the Children came out of their rooms, they made sure not to appear too saddened or somber. Now it was time for Ezra to get ready, he did have some Clothes that he had not used to fish in so they could be considered his good Clothes. While he showered and trimmed his beard down to just about stumble. Sabine changed as well, Gena had appeared with a Dress that she claimed that she would never fit in. Giving it to her now proclaimed Cousin to wear for her Wedding.
Ursa had to laugh as she watched the Pantoran Girl tug at her dress, frowning visibly. "What is the matter dear?" Ursa asked and Aseena grimaced.
"I hate wearing this. But Daddy insisted that we dress up in a Dress." Aseena made a face and Ursa chuckled, looking over at the other young Girl. Who was pleased to be wearing her own. The older woman knew that with children especially girls. There are always one that preferred to wear pants and shirts and then there were ones that liked to dress up. Sabine was the first when she was little and even now. The Wedding Vows went by easily and as the whole town Celebrated by eating and Drinking. Ursa found herself eating Yellow Fin Stripes seasoned with Tamo Sauce. Prepared and provided by C-19.
"You keep eating those my Dear and you will expand your borders. Not that I would not mind." Alrich commented and Ursa held her ninth Strip before her mouth then shrugged and ate it.
"I cannot help it. These are amazingly good." Ursa replied. Forcing herself from taking another from the Droid. She smiled at it. "I do not suppose that you would consider coming to my Home and being our Cook?" She asked the Droid.
"I am sorry Mistress Ursa, but I prefer to remain here." The Droid stated and continued to pass out more of its creations. Ezra laughed overhearing Ursa's offer.
"At one time I offered C-19 to open a Dinner. He got all stiff and told me that if he did not cook for us, no one would." Ezra told the Older Wren.
"Well I could always cook and then he could open his Dinner." Sabine offered and C-19 turned towards her.
"I would prefer Mistress Wren that you refrain from going into my Kitchen and doing any Cooking. That is my Kitchen." The Droid said in a huff and then returned to pass out the food he had made for the Party. When the Droid was far enough not to hear them, they all laughed.
"Yes C-19 does not like anyone to even think about Cooking in his Kitchen." Corvin announced with a huge smile.
"Or do the Washing of our Clothes." Aseena added.
"Or Cleaning the House. He is very firm that he is the only one that can adequately do it." Mavisee finished and this brought those around the three Children to laugh. Sabine smiled at the Three.
"Good because I am not much of a Housekeeper or a Cook. I can burn Pre-heated Space Waffles." Sabine admitted and this made the Children laugh. They all were having such a good time that they all barely noticed that the Villagers had begun to disperse. Mosvat and Gena walked towards them from one of the Tables.
"I think that the Younguns need to come stay with us for a couple of days. Let you and Dara have a few days of privacy." Mosvat suggested to Ezra.
"That might be a good idea. Would it be alright with you, Aseena, Mavisee, Corvin? That you go and stay with Mosvat and Gena for a couple of days." Ezra asked them and Mavisee and Aseena shrugged. The two had stayed over a couple of times when Mosvat was gone for a weekend to visit his Family in the Capital. Gena did not get along with those Family Members so she stayed home. Mavisee and Aseena decided to spend the weekend with Gena so she would not get lonely.
"I suppose so." Corvin said reluctantly. "But what is so important that Dad and Sab..Dara spend some time alone?" He asked and Ezra coughed.
"That my boy, will be a discussion we will have when you are older and hopefully by then. Dara here can have the same discussion with your Sisters." Ezra stated and Sabine winced at him.
"Now that is something to look forward to wont it." Sabine said enthusiastically. Then smiled over at her Mother. "Of course I could ask my Mother to do it." Ursa shook her head.
"Well if I was your Mother, Dara. I would tell her that she would have a better chance asking a Bantha to do it." Ursa replied and had to laugh at her Daughter as she frowned. "Oh by then Dara you will be able to, it gets easier with time." Remembering when she had to have the talk with Sabine. It was extremely unpleasant having to explain about Sex and the apparent differences between men and women. Along with explaining about the time of the Month. In the end of that day, Ursa decided to get drunk and stayed that way for two whole days. She stood. "I think we Wrens need to depart so that the Newlyweds may...well all the adults here know." She went over and hugged Sabine, then reminded her Daughter that she needed to come visit soon.
After her Mother left, Sabine turned towards Ezra. "Come Raze my Husband, it is time we did something that I have wanted to do since the incident at Concorde Dawn." Taking his hand she led him into the House. Locked the door and dragged him into what was now their bedroom. As he stumbled it dawned on him what she had said.
"Wait since Concorde Dawn?" Ezra asked and Sabine smiled at him.
"Yes and I have regretted not doing anything since then. Now that you are mine, Ezra Bridger we are going to make up for all those times that we should have." Sabine told him pushing him onto the bed.
The End? Though I might continue this later. Sorry not much in any type of Action. But I wanted to write this kind of Story