Planets
The Komr'k fighter raced through hyperspace. Ezra and his two knew padawans were heading back to Krownest. He had contacted Sabine earlier to inform her that they were close to being home. He also mentioned having to stop and refuel. She cautioned him about possible New Republic patrols. He knew that this had the potential to get ugly, but he also needed to refuel. The ship had developed a slow fuel leak from sitting so long not being used. It had sat there since Sabine had brought Ezra home from Chandrilla. That had been almost a year ago. Now, he had noticed a leak and required a refuel. He called his padawans up front.
"Hey, you two, can you come up here a minute?" Ezra called back.
"Yes, master." Came two voices form the rear hold. He heard a pitter patter of feet running up front.
"You called, Master?" Eris asked as she came to a stop, Crista not far behind.
"Yes. We are stopping soon to refuel. I will be taking you two through the city near the pads to see life on other planets. However, you will need to stick close and keep your guard up. This will be a learning experience. That being said, you will need to conceal your identities and not let anyone close."
"But Master, we have lightsabers and can defend ourselves." Crista stepped up.
"Yes, Crista. I know how proficient you two are with your blades. But due to actions taken by myself and Master Skywalker, it is possible that some will not see us as heroes. Some would see us as the enemy." Ezra explained.
"What happened, Master?" Eris spoke up.
"I will explain another time. For now, just know that I am an enemy of the New Republic. Should a patrol find me, or you for that matter, we will need to fight our way out of here."
"Then why are we stopping here? You know that Eldia is a New Republic planet." Crista asked.
"Yes, my padawans. I have a friend here that owes me a few favors. I know that he will not rat us out. Well, he might. If the reward is high enough." He chuckled as the girls seemed to doubt his plan. "Eris, I can sense your hesitance to agree."
"I'm sorry Master. It is just that you said he could turn you over. Doesn't that bother you?" Eris asked, slight urgency.
"Oh, trust me, you two. Hondo won't do us wrong."
Elidian Ports.
The Gauntlet landed on the pad closest to the control office. Ezra gathered his padawans and walked down the ramp. Hondo met them at he pad to greet them.
"My friends, my friends. Welcome to Edlia." Hondo called as he approached the ramp. "It has been some time Ezra Bridger. I have heard whisper, yes whispers, from the Republic troops. Whispers of your betrayal."
"Please Hondo, not while my padawans are present. It is good to see you too after all of this time." Ezra shook hands with the old pirate. "It's been close to ten years I think."
"Yes, my friend. I am sure that you have missed Hondo, yes? Oh, I know you've missed Hondo. Everyone misses Hondo!" The pirate laughed.
"Thanks for helping Hondo. But if you don't mind, I need to refuel and get home to Sabine."
"So, you and Mando girl got together, huh? I remember after the tower and after you… had well, gone away. She was not the same. During the cleanup and final removal of the Empire, she barely ever said a word. Always quiet, that one." Hondo held his hand up to chin.
"She never was one to let others in on her feelings." Ezra chuckled lightly.
"So, who are these two lovely ladies?"
"These are my padawans. Eris Smoak and Crista… I don't think I was ever told your last name Crista.
"I don't have one, Master. I am just Crista." The short blonde girl looked down, tears in her eyes.
Ezra kneeled before the young girl before him. "I see. Well, then that choice is up to you. You have the ability to start your blood line and lineage start here. You get to choose who you are, and that starts with your name."
"I-I, Master what do you mean?"
"This is the chance to start a name to be passed down should you choose to have children when you are older." Ezra placed a hand on her shoulder. "You can choose any name you want. I can be Smoak if you choose. If you want, you can choose Bridger. Or you can make up one of your own. It is your choice." Ezra stood back up.
"Thank you, Master. I-I will need time to decide." Crista stood up and wiped her eyes.
"I know. Alright, Hondo. We need fuel and, if you don't mind, it is leaking fuel. I think she could use a good once over." Ezra grinned at his old friend.
"Of course, of course. Now we will just need to settle my-" He paused a minute and looked at his old friend. "Actually, I will not require payment."
"Huh? That's a first."
"Well, let's call it even. You made this old pirate feel needed again. So, this is the least I can do for you."
"Thank you, Hondo." Ezra turned to the girls behind him. "Alright, you two still want to see the city?"
"Yes, Master."
Ezra cringed. He hated formalities. As they walked through the gate to the pad, he stopped them. "Okay. First lesson. When you are only with me or my family, you can call me Ezra. I am not much older than you, and I truly hate formalities. So, that being said, when we are in places like this, calling me 'Master' can lead to trouble. Slavers might get a little grabby." He turned and walked on.
"So, what do we call you?" Eris asked.
"Well, seeing as how you two are closer to my age than a father would be to his children. I suggest you refer to me as a brother." Ezra smiled and continued.
"That sounds nice. I've never had a brother." Crista smiled. "I've only ever had Eris."
"Well, soon you will have a family. And should you want to do so, you can share the name."
Crista rushed forward and hugged him. Her petite build was so small compared to his 6'1" height. "Thank you, Master- uh I mean, Ezra."
"You're welcome, Crista. As for you, Eris." He outstretched his arm and Eris came forward too. They all stood in a group hug for a little while.
It's not much, I know. Unfortunately, it will be a while before I get back to this story. Not saying I am giving it up, but I have to get my wisdom teeth pulled soon. And I will be to out of it to write anything. So, I ask you to bear with me. Besides, there are always other stories to read. I recommend starting with "Unknown Love" that will take you guys a while to read. Anyway. See you guys later. Peace.
