In the outskirts of the Imperial facility, rebel forces are engaging forces loyal to Darth Umbra. The Sith Lord is not directly involved in the fight. Instead, she watches from a distance. The rebels, despite their recently arrived help, are still overwhelmed. Umbra still has six lightsaber resistant HKX droids at her disposal. Two of these droids are approaching Ezra Bridger, Ben Solo, Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and K2SO. A nearby rebel soldier starts shooting one of the droids with his blaster rifle.
"Don't bother, son. That hide's cortosis. Unless you have some grenades or rockets, you better back off." Ezra says. The soldier looks at Jyn.
"You better do as he says, private. The general's in charge here." Jyn says. The soldier nods, and backs off.
"I may be in charge here, but I can't coordinate everyone. You said Ahsoka made you a commander." Ezra asks, looking at Jyn.
"That's right." Jyn says.
"If Ahsoka trusts you with the responsibility, then that's good enough for me." Ezra says.
"I advised General Tano against this course of action. I do not believe Jyn Erso is ready for a command position, or such a high rank. The best course of action would be for you to countermand this order." K2 says.
"No. Ahsoka's decision stands. Erso, do any of your people have grenades or rockets?" Ezra asks.
"Three rocket launchers, and almost everyone has at least a couple of grenades." Jyn answers.
"That'll do. Coordinate your people however you like, but I want your rockets and grenades focused on these droids!" Ezra says.
"You got it." Jyn says.
"One more thing. We need to shut down the Imperial security systems. We've got somebody trapped on the lower levels." Ezra says.
"That's where your daughter is?" Jyn asks.
"Yeah." Ezra answers.
"Don't worry about it. She'll be okay." Jyn says.
"You know that for sure?" Ezra asks.
"Yeah, and if you trust Ahsoka as much as I think you do, then you know it too." Jyn answers.
"Good point. Alright then, nevermind the security systems. Let's just focus on the droids." Ezra says. Jyn nods, then switches on her comlink.
"Erso to Rogue One! Focus all rocket fire and grenades on the hostile droids! Let's take these bastards down!" Jyn says into her comlink.
Nearby, Luke, Mara, Han, Leia, and Chewbacca are fighting a large group of red armored Sith Troopers.
"Man, these guys don't let up, do they?" Han asks.
"They're reanimated corpses, controlled by cybernetics and Sith magic. Going easy on us isn't part of their programming." Luke answers.
"Great. Now he tells me. How are we doing?" Han asks.
"Same as always." Luke answers.
"That bad, huh?" Han asks. Luke chuckles.
"Could be worse. All these guys could be Boba Fett." Leia says.
"Okay… let's not even go there." Han says.
"Hey! We have more incoming!" Mara says, motioning toward the large group of Sith Troopers approaching.
"Let's try to get through them! Sabine and Kyle look like they could use some help!" Leia says.
"We only have about a hundred of these guys to get through, so no problem. Right, Chewie?" Han asks.
/If you say so./ Chewbacca says.
Suddenly, the sound of ships flying above is heard. Everyone looks up, and sees several TIE fighters approaching.
"Ezra! Do you read me? We have TIE fighters inbound!" Leia says into her comlink.
"I see them. Tell Han and Chewie to get to the Falcon so we can have some air support! I'll send Sabine and Jacen to the Ghost!" Ezra says over the comlink.
"I copy! What about Admiral Larte's fleet? They could be here in a few minutes!" Leia says.
"I know! I already commed the admiral! She's on her way!" Ezra says.
"Understood!" Leia says. She switches off her comlink, and returns to the fight.
As the fight rages on, Kira and Ahsoka suddenly appear.
"Where did all these people come from?" Kira asks.
"I did tell you I was getting some help." Ahsoka answers.
"You weren't kidding." Kira says.
Luke? Uncle Zeb? Those people with Ben and my father… I don't recognize them, but that girl… that must be the student that Ahsoka mentioned. She even has one of Ahsoka's sabers. Kira thinks.
"I'll help slow down the droids. You… put those sabers of yours to work." Ahsoka says.
"It'll be my pleasure." Kira says.
Kira throws one of the lightsabers in her possession. Its two blue blades spin rapidly as they slice through enemy troops. Ezra notices the saber, and looks behind him to see his daughter, now attacking enemy troops with another double bladed saber in her hands as the other lightsaber continues to attack on its own.
She won. That's my girl. Really? Two double blades? Are you kidding me? Wow. She's actually doing really well. Ahsoka… Oh, Ahsoka. What the hell have you done? Ezra thinks, as he notices Ahsoka's older appearance.
As Kira joins the fight, Umbra observes, with Director Aphra next to her.
"Looks like you were right about the girl." Aphra says.
"This was always what I intended. The stronger of the two would win. The other would die. This is exactly what happened. Lord Qatal has fulfilled her purpose." Umbra says.
"So, you never meant for Qatal to…" Aphra says.
"No. If my apprentice had somehow won, then she would have likely killed Kira Bridger. And I would have killed her for failing me. Her time in my service was over, regardless of the outcome. I know you were fond of Qatal, but she is gone now." Umbra says.
"I know." Aphra says.
"Good. Now, keep a close eye on Kira Bridger. Let's see what she does next." Umbra says.
"You expect her to actually join you?" Aphra asks.
"Not today, but it could happen. If I push her hard enough, and cut off her support." Umbra answers.
Kira fights her way through Sith Troopers as she makes her way to Ezra, Ben, Jyn, Cassian, and K2, who are surrounded. Kira throws her yellow bladed saber toward the troops surrounding her father and the others. Then, she switches her other saber to blaster mode, and fires on a few troopers. She also takes notice of the two HKX droids nearby, who are being attacked by grenades and rockets.
The rockets and grenades seem to only be slowing these things down. We'll have to figure something else out. Ahsoka did say that force lightning might work, but I've barely practiced that power. Kira thinks.
"Combine your power with someone else's. It will act as an amplifier." A disembodied female voice says.
So, that'll take care of the droids. Kira thinks.
"Possibly." The female voice says.
I'll try it out. Thanks, Bastila. Kira thinks.
She clears a path to her father, and makes her way to him.
"Kira!" Ezra says. Seeing no enemies in the immediate vicinity, he briefly embraces his daughter. Then, Ben approaches, and embraces her.
"You had me worried there for a minute." Ezra says.
"I'm okay. Really." Kira says.
"You have her saber. So, she's…" Ben says.
"Very very dead. She'll never hurt us again." Kira says.
"Way to go, kid. I knew you could." Ezra says.
"I had help." Kira says.
"Yeah, I figured as much since you showed up with Ahsoka." Ezra says.
"I'll tell you about it later." Kira says. Ezra nods.
"Kira, meet Jyn Erso, Cassian Andor, and K2SO. Everyone, this is my daughter Kira." Ezra says.
"Hello." Kira says.
"Two doubles? How the hell do you do that?" Jyn asks.
"Lots and lots of saber practice." Kira answers.
"I see you also have Mandalorian vambraces. I bet those come in handy." Jyn says.
"Oh yes. My favorite's the flamethrower." Kira says.
"Okay, you two. I think that's enough. You can get to know each other better once we're out of this mess." Ezra says.
"Right. Sorry." Kira says.
"It's okay. Just don't make a habit of it." Ezra says.
"I won't." Kira says.
"Good. Now, we need to figure out some way to take out the droids." Ezra says.
"Actually, I have an idea, but I need your help, as well as Ben's." Kira says.
"What do you have in mind?" Ezra asks.
"I think I have the answer. You, me, Ben, and Ahsoka will attack the droids with lightning. We will combine our power into a single attack." Kira says.
"I didn't realize you even knew how to use lightning." Ezra says.
"We had two quick lessons from Ahsoka." Kira says.
"Oh, great. It seems like everything you actually need to know comes from Ahsoka or a force ghost." Ezra says.
"Well, you did teach me how to wash and wax a VCX-100, so it's not all a waste." Kira says. Ezra chuckles.
"You've been hanging out with Ahsoka too much. You're starting to pick up her sass." Ezra says.
"Actually, it's all from Sabine." Kira says.
"Speaking of Sabine…" Ezra says, as he notices the Mandalorian slicing through Sith Troopers as she approaches.
"Excuse me." Kira says. She steps away to help Sabine deal with the troops attacking her. Once there are no enemies near, Sabine embraces Kira.
"You okay?" Sabine asks.
"Yeah." Kira answers.
"So, psycho bitch is really dead?" Sabine asks.
"Yep. She's toast." Kira answers. Ezra approaches.
"What's going on, Sabine? I thought I asked you to fly the Ghost!" Ezra says.
"The Ghost is gone!" Sabine says.
"Gone? Where is it?" Ezra asks.
"I commed Chopper. He says he's got new orders and he's on the way to give us air support." Sabine answers.
"New orders? Who the hell gave him those orders?" Ezra asks.
"That would be me." Kira answers.
"You sent Chopper up there solo?" Ezra asks, pointing to the sky.
"I never said he was alone. Chopper's on the guns. Someone else is flying." Kira answers.
"Who else could there be? Everyone's here except for Han and Chewie, who are on their way to the Falcon. Unless..." Ezra says, as he glances toward Ahsoka, who is nearby, attacking the enemy droids with lightning. Her attack doesn't damage the droids, but does seem to slow them down to a near stop.
"Ahoska got someone else to help us." Kira says.
"Who did she get?" Ezra asks.
"You'll find out. Right now, we've got a job to do. Ahsoka needs our help." Kira answers.
"You're right. Kira, Ben, Ahsoka, you ready?" Ezra asks.
"Ready." Kira says. Ben and Ahsoka nod.
"Okay. Go!" Ezra says.
Ezra, Kira, Ben, and Ahsoka summon force lightning, and direct it toward all six of the HKX droids. The droids are soon immobilized.
It's working. Just a little bit more should be enough to destroy these things. Ezra thinks.
Eventually, the droids start to short circuit, and sparks begin to fly. Soon, the droids explode, leaving nothing but hunks of charred metal and circuits.
Ezra, Kira, Ben, and Ahsoka stop their lightning attack.
"Looks like your plan worked. The droids are toast. Now, we just have Umbra and the few remaining troops." Ezra says.
"What's she doing anyway? She's just… watching us." Kira says.
"Studying us most likely. She doesn't even look pissed off. More like pleased. Like… she expected this." Ezra says.
Nearby, Umbra and Aphra observe as the HKX droids are destroyed.
"No… Those little bastards fried my babies! I'll make them pay!" Aphra says, as she reaches for the vibrosword on her belt. Umbra firmly grabs her wrist.
"No, Aphra. Stand down." Umbra says.
"Are you going to let them get away with this?" Aphra asks.
"A temporary setback, director. You need not worry. In the end, they will get away with nothing." Umbra answers.
With the HKX droids destroyed, the rebels gain the upper hand. The Sith Troopers are now reduced to about twenty in total, and find themselves surrounded.
"Looks like we just about have things under control here. Just a few troopers left." Ezra says.
"Good. I'm going to have a chat with our charming host." Kira says.
"No, Kira! Stay away from her!" Ezra says.
"I'm not going to fight Umbra. I'm not going to join her either. I'm going to tell her that her scheme's failed, and I'm going to tell her to take her offer and shove it." Kira says. She briefly embraces Ben, then starts walking toward Umbra.
"Kira, no!" Ezra shouts. Kira keeps walking. As Ezra watches, he suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder. He turns around, and comes face to face with Ahsoka.
"She… has to do this, Ezra." Ahsoka says.
"Ahsoka… what did you do to yourself? You look… " Ezra says.
"Old? I know. I did what I had to do. Life for life. That's the price I paid." Ahsoka says.
"You… gave your life energy to resurrect Zeb, Kallus, and Luke." Ezra says.
"As well as one other." Ahsoka says.
"Who?" Ezra asks.
"You'll find out soon enough. For now, be still. Watch. Listen. Learn." Ahsoka answers.
"Watch what? I need to stop my daughter from doing something stupid!" Ezra says.
"Do you want to win today?" Ahsoka asks.
"Yeah, but…" Ezra says.
"Then, you will allow Kira to confront Umbra, here and now." Ahsoka says.
"I don't like this. She's not ready." Ezra says.
"She is ready… for what needs to be done at this moment. This is all according to my plan. Everything will be alright. Trust me." Ahsoka says. Ezra hesitates for a moment.
"This isn't easy, but okay." Ezra says.
"Thank you, Ezra." Ahsoka says.
Kira uses both lightsabers to kill enemies in her path as she makes her way to Umbra. Suddenly, the Sith Lord appears directly in front of her.
"All forces, stand down!" Umbra shouts. The remaining troopers stop fighting the rebels, and stand perfectly still.
"What the… " Kira says.
"So the two of us can speak without interruption." Umbra says.
"Oh." Kira says.
"I knew you'd beat her. You're stronger and better. I'm proud of you, Kira. Join me. Help me make the galaxy a better place. We'll destroy Sidious, then there will be a new Empire. You will be second to none but me, and you will have power and influence beyond your wildest dreams! I'll teach you many things, including the secret to immortality! Yes, I'll even teach you how to bring your mother back." Umbra says.
The joke's on you, Umbra. I already got my mother back, without your dark side. Kira thinks.
"Don't do it, Kira! Don't listen to her! You know better!" Ezra says.
"Stay out of this." Umbra says.
"Or what? You'll fight me again? Bring it on!" Ezra says.
"I admire your confidence, but you are a fool. You cannot possibly defeat me." Umbra says.
"I can try." Ezra says.
"You will fail. Now, stop interfering. This conversation is between me and Kira." Umbra says.
"Actually, there's nothing more to be said." Kira says.
"So, you've made a decision?" Umbra asks.
"Yes, I have. I won't join you. Not now. Not ever. You have nothing I want or need. Your plan has failed, Lord Umbra." Kira says. Umbra scowls, and clenches her fists.
"So be it, Kira Bridger. Be damned with the rest of them! All forces, resume attack! No survivors!" Umbra shouts. The Sith Lord vanishes, and returns to her previous position next to Aphra.
"What now?" Aphra asks.
"Go get your shuttle ready, then come pick me up. We're done here." Umbra answers.
"What about your ship?" Aphra asks.
"My operatives will retrieve it later." Umbra answers.
"Understood." Aphra says.
The rebels soon defeat the remaining Sith Troopers, leaving Umbra as their only remaining adversary.
"We can take her. We've got the numbers." Kira says.
"No." Ezra says.
"What? Don't you want to stop her?" Kira asks.
"Ezra's right. You're not meant to fight her. Not today anyway." Ahsoka answers.
"How about not ever." Ezra says.
"I'm sorry, Ezra, but that may not be up to you. If it is Kira's destiny to fight Umbra, then she will do so, and you will not be able to stop it. There comes a time where every student must walk their own path. Where the teacher must… let them go." Ahsoka says.
Ahsoka's right. I can't protect Kira forever. I have to let her walk her own path and do what she feels is right, as well as what the force intends for her to do. She's ready to be her own master now. Ezra thinks. Suddenly, the sound of blaster fire is heard above. Everyone looks up, and sees the Ghost, firing on several TIE fighters in the sky.
"Who's flying the Ghost? I thought Chopper was the only one on board." Ben says.
"It's not Chopper at the controls." Kira says.
The Ghost executes a rapid spin move to evade incoming blaster fire. A few of the pursuing TIEs are unable to compensate quickly enough, and end up crashing into a tall building.
"No shit. Chopper can't fly like that." Ezra says.
Who's flying that ship, and why do I get the feeling that Kira and Ahsoka are trying to surprise me? Ezra thinks. He looks at Ahsoka.
"Still not telling you." Ahsoka says.
"I hate surprises." Ezra says.
"We'll see." Ahsoka says.
"Fine. Pick on the old man, like always. How are we doing anyway?" Ezra asks.
"We pretty much have things wrapped up here. Unless you want to take on Umbra?" Sabine asks.
"No. We're not ready." Ezra says.
"No one here is ready to fight Darth Umbra. There are things that have yet to be learned, and there are things that must come to pass." Ahsoka says.
"Then, we're done here. We might as well leave." Kira says. Ezra nods, then switches on his comlink.
"Spectre Six to Ghost and Falcon! Mission's over. We're leaving." Ezra says into his comlink.
"We still have bad guys in the air, general!" Han Solo says over the comlink.
"I copy. Reinforcements from the fleet should be here soon. Hold out until then." Ezra says.
"Gotcha." Han says. Ezra shuts off the comlink, and looks at Umbra. He notices that she seems to be waiting for something.
"I wonder what Umbra's planning." Ezra says.
"Looks like a strategic retreat." Ahsoka says, as a shuttle appears above Umbra. The Sith Lord stares at Kira.
"We will see each other again, soon enough. Until next time, Kira." Umbra says. The Sith Lord vanishes, and the shuttle takes off seconds later.
In the cockpit of the Imperial shuttle, Aphra is at the controls, while Umbra stands behind her.
"Piloting yourself? Isn't that beneath someone of your station?" Umbra asks.
"My shuttle. Nobody flies it but me." Aphra answers.
"You have thousands of underlings who can fly you around. Why do it yourself?" Umbra asks.
"If I can do something, I do it myself. Why trust someone else? They'll only disappoint you." Aphra answers.
"Very good. You remember my advice well. Now, set course for the command ship. Contact Admiral Tyron and tell him to prepare for our arrival." Umbra says.
"What about the rebels? Are you going to let them get away with what they just pulled?" Aphra asks.
"As I said earlier, the rebels will get away with nothing. Before her demise, my apprentice had the good sense to arrange something special. It will be arriving soon. I had planned to spare Kira Bridger, but it's obvious that she will never join me. So, I don't need her anymore. We have what we need." Umbra answers.
"Assuming we can actually duplicate her power." Aphra says.
"Leave that part to me." Umbra says.
"Understood." Aphra says.