So that was it. The Seventh Sister, the former Imperial Inquisitor took a huge turn and became a rebel in a relatively short period of time.
A rebel, yes. She longed to stab the Empire in the back as it backstabbed her and for making her life a real nightmare. She wanted revenge. Bridger and Jarrus sure would have said to this that revenge is not right. Who knows, perhaps it's really not right. But in that moment her soul ached for it, and she felt that nothing could stop her from causing pain and suffer to the Empire.
She knew exactly what she was about to fight against. But what was she fighting for?
For the Rebel Alliance? No, honestly she did not give a damn about them, especially because she knew what they were thinking about her. For freedom? She did not know what freedom really is. She did not experience it for most of her life, and anyway, someone's freedom is oppression for someone else. There's no way that each and every being in the galaxy could ever be totally equal. For Mirial? She couldn't even remember her home planet. For someone? Who?
Perhaps this last question was the only one she was may be able to properly answer. Why was she here despite everything? Because of one thing. Because of a Jedi who was everything she had now and who thought that she was pretty, attractive and strong. She could go anywhere and do anything, but she was on a steamy jungle moon, and became a rebel soldier who – according to Mothma - will be sent to deadly missions. He'd better never ever leave her side.
These thoughts were rushing through her mind as she was sitting on the edge of her bed in her new room. It was not bigger than the prison cell at all, but at least it was a bit nicer, even though it contained only a single bed, a small table, a chair, a small cabinet, a washbasin made of steel and that was all.
Knock, knock.
"Come in Jarrus." the Seventh said, sensing the Jedi on the other side of the door.
The door opened and the Jedi entered her room. "How are you doing Spectre Seven?"
"I do not deny that it's better now. Otherwise, I'm just sitting here." shrugged the Mirialan.
"Don't you want to come out to the others?"
"The rest of this base still prefers to avoid me. I'll regroup with your… our crew when something happens. Nevertheless, feel free to let your Padawan here, I will not oppose, neither will I eat him."
"Then I think you'll be happy with the news I brought. We're going on a mission."
Hearing this, the ex-Inquisitor raised both of her eyebrows. "And is it really as dangerous as the senator said before, so I can earn my freedom?"
"Come to the briefing and you'll find out." said Kanan and gestured her to follow him.
Suspiciously the Seventh stood up and went after the Jedi. He led her to the Ghost where the rest of the crew was already waiting for them near the spaceship.
"Welcome you two." greeted Hera the arrivals.
"Hera, our newest member would like to know if the upcoming operation will be dangerous." said the blind Jedi.
"Does raiding the Crispin Imperial Depository on Vandor sound risky enough to you?" asked the twi'lek the Seventh.
"It does. Actually, it sounds daring." said the Seventh with a frown. Yes, that would be perfect as a start if they want to send her to quasi suicide missions. She knew well how much that place is protected. It was one of the Empire's most important storages, filled with a near unimaginable amount of military equipments, weapons, supplies and other things. Needless to say that it was well guarded to put it mildly. This will be exciting, that was not even a question. "What do we want to steal from there?"
"Steal? Oh, we're not going to steal. Our objection is to make that place unusable for the Empire. We'll overrun it, cause as much destruction as possible and get their supplies, or – if that's not possible – destroy them."
The Seventh simply nodded with visible doubt on her face.
"We will take off at dawn with the Ghost. The fleet will follow us soon afterward." continued Hera.
"What are we going to do?" asked the former Inquisitor.
"This is where you came in. You, Kanan, Ezra and Sabine will infiltrate the Depository to disable their sensors so they'll not notice the fleet before time. Also you shall as much trouble and confusion inside there as possible. However, do your best to remain unseen. If they know that you are there and their sensors suddenly stop working, they'll know what's going on. Plus, we'll not be able to assist you from outside if you get into a fight deep inside the facility."
"I'm used to relying on only myself." noted the Seventh. It was true. The last person who was ready to risk herself for her was her old Jedi master, back in a time she could barely remember.
"Well, this time you'll be able to rely on three persons inside there, and after we break through even on the rest of the fleet. You don't have to feel as a lone wolf anymore." tried Hera to inspire her.
The Seventh herself was still doubtful if she could really put her life in the hands of this Alliance and they'll not leave her behind at the first opportunity to get rid of her. On the other hand however her senses were telling her that she can trust Syndulla's words. And she trusted her senses. Not to mention that Bridger will be there too, and if there was someone, who'll not rest until she's not safe back on this moon it was him.
Once again, the Seventh couldn't ignore the irony in this. Not that long ago she wanted to be the superior on of them. The master. Now she was glad to know that Bridger does want to protect her and that he's a capable, young Jedi. "And after we caused trouble?"
"The starfighters will destroy the anti-air and ground defenses to clear for the troop carrier vessels. After that our ground forces will start the advance. Meanwhile the main fleet will bombard the Corubalni Spaceport to keep the Imperial ships on the ground." explained Hera the plan shortly.
"I see." muttered the Seventh stoically.
"You are all dismissed for now. Prepare yourselves. And try to get enough rest; you'll need your strength tomorrow."
Strength. The Seventh knew that as for her abilities she was quite strong. She had the Force and great fencing skills. But was she still strong inside? About that she was not so sure.
Since it was already early in the evening everyone returned to their living quarters, including her. First she tried to take Syndulla's advice and tried to have rest, but she just simply couldn't, there was too much in her mind.
The sun of the Yavin system was setting, making longer and longer shadows, covering the rebel base with orange light.
The Mirialan found herself again sitting on the bed cross-legged, with her hands on her knees and closed eyes. She still refused to call this meditation, that sounded too Jedi like to her. Nonetheless, she was trying to concentrate. On something…
Recently she was trying to bring back old, long forgotten memories, mainly about her childhood. She wanted to know who she was once, what kind of life she had and who took care of her before she was taken by the Jedi.
She opened her eyes as her concentration was suddenly disturbed. There was someone again on the other side of the door of her room. This time however it was not Jarrus, but…
The Seventh stood up and with a quick move she opened the door, revealing Ezra Bridger standing there with his fist already raised to knock. "Can I help you?"
"Can I come in?" asked Ezra.
"Wasn't the general's order to rest?" tilted the Seventh her head questioningly.
"I couldn't. I thought I'll come over to see what's up with you; it's been a while since we have last spoken."
"You're lucky 'cause it's the same here. Make yourself at home." she gestured him come in. "It will feel better anyway if two of us go on a mission restlessly and not just me."
The Seventh sat on the edge of the bed while Ezra took a sit on a chair opposite to her. This damn, awkward silence again…
"How are you?" Ezra finally asked.
The Mirialan shrugged. "What the kriff could I say to this?"
"Okay, you're right." raised Ezra his hands in protest. "Stupid question."
"If you're interested: putting everything aside I'm kind of alright." said the Seventh in a nonchalant way.
"Wasn't your cell too bad?"
"No. And anyway I've been in far worse places. I do not deny though that this is better." she said gesturing at her new room.
The Jedi nodded a few times. "Ehm… Sorry. I know I said that I'll try to visit you there."
"Oh don't worry about that Bridger, if we come back from Vandor alive, you'll have plenty of occasions to make up for those visits." replied the Seventh with a cocky, lopsided smirk. "I highly recommend you to do that."
"Understood. Until then; you look good in your new outfit if I may say that."
The Seventh smirked again, not even noticing that the praise made her to cross her legs and stroke her hair flirtatiously. "Oh, I knew you think that."
"I see your confidence remained untouched."
"What? Could it be possible that you like it on me?" the Seventh asked playfully.
"I'll… not lie, it suits you very well." It was Ezra who now lacked confidence.
"Pretty blush." teased him the Mirialan, making the red on his cheeks to change to a darker tone. "Don't worry, carry on Bridger." she giggled.
"By the way you know that my name Ezra right? You can use it instead of calling me Bridger all the time." said Ezra, this time more confidently.
"Hm. I like the "Bridger" form. But if that' what you want, who am I to refuse your request Ezra?"
"Thank you. Talking about names. Could you choose one for yourself?"
"Well, at first I should know some Mirialan names. I know only a handful of them and none of them is my thing."
"I wish I could help with that. But the only one I know is Luminara."
"Ah, yes. Luminara." mumbled the Seventh.
"Did you know her?" asked Ezra, referring to the late Mirialan Jedi knight.
"I saw her a few times back then." replied the Seventh with a face as if she was recalling an unpleasant memory. "Bu we have never really talked." Which was actually not completely true. But had no intention to talk about that.
Flashback
The Imperial prison cell in the Spire on Stygeon Prime was dark and menacing. It had a perfect aura to make the prisoner feel isolated, hopeless and terrified.
At the foot of the black wall a once graceful and powerful, now broken and tormented person was crouching, with three dark figures standing above her.
The Grand Inquisitor, the Fifth Brother and the Seventh Sister were looking down scornfully on the former Jedi master, Luminara Unduli. The continuous mental and physical tortures from the Grand Inquisitor had their effect; Luminara the general of the 41st Elite Corps of the Grand Army of the Republic was merely the shadow of her former self. Her slim body was covered with scars and wounds and her soul was ruined.
"Anything Inquisitor?" someone asked from behind. It was the Spire's commander standing in the door of the cell with his hands behind his back.
"She keeps telling that she told everything she knows." replied the Grand Inquisitor barely turning back. "You know what? I believe her." said the pau'an with a satisfied smirk looking back at Unduli.
The elderly Imperial officer entered the cell and stood beside the Inquisitor. "That means she has no more information for us?"
"She has not, you can be certain about that."
"Good. Because I've got orders from the Emperor." said the commander and stepped closer to Luminara as the Inquisitors watched him with raised eyebrows. "Be grateful for his mercy Jedi. It won't last any longer." he said as he reached for his service weapon on his side.
As he pointed the pistol on her he expected to see fear. But as he looked into her blue eyes he saw… nothing. Nothing but acceptance, and an "I don't care anymore" look. Still, there was something in them. Some unexplainable energy, as if the fire was still glimmering in her. For a moment, for just a moment, even he was enchanted by her and he stopped with the weapon in his hand and his face changed from determined to curious. What kind of being is this Jedi? What kind of knowledge she has? What if he talked to her and…
He shook his head, snapped out of his unwanted thoughts and with a serious expression on his face again he pulled the trigger, the red light filling the dark cell for a second.
It was over. Jedi Master Luminara Unduli was lying dead on the cold metal floor. "I've got orders to keep her remains here. I'll take action." said the commander with a nervous voice then he turned around and left with quick steps.
A minute later the Grand Inquisitor and the Fifth Brother followed him.
As for the Seventh, she took one last glance at the dead Jedi. Slowly, her stoic face turned into an evil grin. "Welcome to Imperial service you fool." she whispered creepily and tossed the lifeless body of her fellow Mirialan with her boot, then left.
End of flashback
"Hey, are you alright?" asked Ezra. The question was rather ironic; the Seventh was obviously not alright. She was looking away, clenching her fists and chewing her bottom lip.
"Don't mind it."
"If you want to…"
"Don't. Mind. It." she repeated, this time looking at him, and the flaming, golden eyes immediately convinced Ezra to not force the subject.
"Okay." surrendered the Jedi.
"Anyhow, I'll work on the name thing."
"Good luck." said Ezra and stood up. "Oh! I brought something to you."
"Force, I don't know if I should be curious or afraid."
"You'll like it. I'm quite sure you missed this." he said then reached behind his back and took out something familiar to her. It was her Inquisitor lightsaber.
Now this was something she was not expecting. Seeing her weapon she stood up too and with a deliberate move she took it in her hand.
It was like turning on a generator to hold it again, the warmth and energy flowed into her body from the hilt.
The Seventh ignited the blade and watched with satisfaction as the sizzling crimson laser beam appeared.
"You look creepy now, you know that?" asked Ezra, looking at the grinning Mirialan whose face was faintly lighted by the red glowing of the saber.
Her grin widened. "I know. Admit to yourself that you find me beautiful when I'm creepy." she said, watching him rolling his eyes. "And don't you dare to walk out that door before you kiss me."
While she deactivated her blade, the Jedi was visibly struggling to say something before he gave up and stepped closer. The Seventh's grin became a coy, encouraging smile as she snaked her arms around his neck and pressed her black lips against his. His warmth was even better than the saber's.
And before he left she gave him one last playful wink.
X
It was only the very first of beam of the Yavin System's sun that appeared on the horizon. The sky over Yavin IV was still dark. Despite of this, many people at the rebel base were already awake and the last preparations for an assault against the Empire were put in place.
Soon the starfighters, corvettes, frigates, transport vessels, Mon Calamari cruisers and other ships were almost ready to take off.
Amongst them there was a ship that was already fully prepared.
"Ghost to Command Center. I ask permission to take off." said Hera into the radio as she was sitting in her chair, one of her hands already holding the yokes.
"Command Center to Ghost. Permission granted. Good luck General!"
"Thank you Command Center. Ghost is checking out."
The engines roared up and within a minute the Ghost was in the air, flying higher and higher until it exited the atmosphere of the moon and got out into space. "Alright, here we go." Hera finished with the coordinates and the spaceship jumped into hyperspace with its seven passengers on board.
"Say Hera. Are you really certain about… her?" asked Zeb who was sitting next to Hera in the cockpit.
"Spectre Seven? Yes I am." replied the twi'lek confidently.
The Lasat let out a sigh while staring at the mysterious lights of hyperspace. "As you think."
In the very second he said that, they heard the sound of clashing lightsabers from behind. The two immediately turned back in their seats. Before they stood up and rushed to see what was happening, Zeb gave Hera an "are you really certain" look.
In the central remises they found the Seventh with ignited lightsaber, skillfully blocking the strikes of Kanan and Ezra, while Sabine was watching them from the sofa with crossed arms.
"Oh hey Hera." said Ezra, still in ready position.
"Hey. Mmmm… What are you doing here?"
"Definitely not what Spectre Four was afraid of." said the Seventh watching with a cheeky smile as an annoyed grimace appeared on Zeb's face.
"She asked if she could have training with us." explained Kanan. "And we said yes. It's better if she keeps being trained."
Zeb coughed, but that cough really sounded like as if he said "yeah, sure".
"If you want practice you'll have plenty of time, since we'll have to cross almost half of the galaxy." said Hera. "Just try to not crush the interior too much."
"Copy that Spectre One." acknowledged Kanan and Hera went back to the cockpit with the sulky Zeb behind her.
"So. Are you ready for…" But before Kanan could finish the sentence and turn back, he already had to block the Seventh who was attacking from behind.
"Looks like I was more ready than you." the Mirialan teased him. She then blocked Ezra. Then Kanan again. Then Ezra. It was beyond question that she was a great duelist.
Their training session went on for several minutes. At one point the Seventh diverted Ezra's blade then before Kanan could strike she hit his blade with her own saber so hard that the weapon fell out of the older Jedi's hand. And within the blink of an eye she made a pirouette and kicked Kanan on the chest with her booted feet that he flew through the room.
This was when the training suddenly stopped. "Oh my. Was I too harsh Jarrus?" tilted the Seventh her head.
"Ehh. Listen to me please Spectre Seven." said Kanan as he got up to his feet. "You can show what you know once we go into action. But you have to promise that you'll not harm or kill anyone unnecessarily even if we are talking about the enemy. Despite of what the Imperial propaganda posters say, we are not barbaric terrorists. You understand me?"
"Hm. It wouldn't be typical of me but as you wish." shrugged the Seventh, still with the same smile.
X
The journey indeed took quite a while but finally the Ghost exited hyperspace and the frigid world of Vandor appeared before them.
"Okay. Now let's hope that they do not notice us before we reach the surface." said Hera and navigated them through the cold, windy atmosphere.
Though they were constantly on full alert, waiting for a TIE or a patrol to appear, they remained undetected.
To keep it that way they were flying low, in the valleys and canyons between the ridgy, snow-covered Iridium Mountains so Imperial sensors and radars will not see them.
They were getting closer and closer until they got to the vicinity of their target. Hera reduced speed and landed the Ghost on the side of Mount Vastadon.
"Here we are everyone. The Depository is on the other side of this mountain. Get ready."
The Seventh was staring out the window at the snowy, frozen world. Does Mirial look the same? After all her homeworld is a frigid planet too.
So here she is. As an ex-Inquisitor, preparing for her very first mission as a rebel against the Empire, that was not impossible to be the last as well.
"Come on, be confident." she rebuked herself. She knew exactly that her confidence and elegance was one of the reasons for the not so little Padawan to admire her. And for her this was more than a good reason to not lose them. Not to mention that she liked herself too this way. She hated to question herself.
She decided not to disturb her mind with such thoughts so she just grabbed her lightsaber and joined Ezra, Kanan and Sabine at the boarding ramp.
Slowly it was lowered and the next thing she felt was the freezing cold air of Vandor on her skin.