Summary

The woman's identity is revealed.

Obi-Wan flirts.

Ezra talks to a ghost.

Ezra gets encouragement.

Ahsoka and friends meet up with the 501st.

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Ezra shook his head in disbelief and said, "Wait a minute. You don't know what a Jedi is?"

The woman paused at the entrance. She looked up at the large spiral stone temple and raised her hand. A glimmer of light twinkled at the top of the temple and a moment later the silver sword she drove into the stone came sailing back into her hand. Once it was again secure in her palm, she sheathed it back at her side.

She turned to Ezra and said, "Yes."

The raised his hands and said, "Okay, you've really never heard of them? Like ever? It's clear that you have Jedi skills."

She said, "No, I'm not from around here."

Ezra narrowed his brow and followed her inside the temple and said, "And where are you from exactly?"

They entered through the pillars and down a narrow passageway into a circular chamber. The walls were decorated with engraved walls, floors, and pillars. There was dust everywhere and a few skeletons of fallen Jedi who were dressed in Jedi robes. The dark robed woman approached one of the skeletons. She crouched down in front of it and examined it.

"Far, far away from here." She then turned to him and said, "These believers died at their post. Their devotion is admirable. I wondered what they worshiped. Perhaps we should honor them with a proper burial."

Ezra looked away with a frown. He remembered thinking the same thing when he was with the Ghost Crew.

"These people were Jedi. They believed in the Force. It's an invisible power that exist in everything. The last time I was here I was with my friend. He-he was a Jedi. He was my teacher."

The woman stood up but kept her gaze on the skeleton and said, "I too had a teacher I admired. He taught me many valuable lessons, but like your teacher, he is no longer in this world. However, his legacy lives on because I carry it within me. In a way, his death marked the end of my old life and the beginning of my new life."

Ezra lowered his gaze and said, "I guess, but I don't know if I want to start a new life. I still have people I care about in my old life."

She said, "You're very fortunate. There is nothing left for me in my old life. Let's get out of here. There's nothing here for us and I feel like drinking something sweet and delicious and preferably alcoholic."

Ezra narrowed his brow and said, "Okay, but didn't you say you wanted to give these guys a proper burial?"

She started walking back towards the entrance and said, "The dead do not care where they lay. Besides, anything of value in this place died along with these believers."

However, once she entered the light outside, she immediately bumped into someone at the threshold. She nearly fell, but the stranger grabbed her hand and caught her before she fell. Off balanced, she grabbed the stranger around their shoulders. She awkwardly found herself in someone embrace.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. Are you alright, Miss?"

"Yes, I'm quite alright."

She looked up and stared into a pair of beautiful blue eyes. She hadn't expected that. She wasn't used to laying eyes on a handsome man and shyly lowered her gaze.

"Well, thank you for the rescue."

Obi-Wan clumsily extracted himself from the woman in his arms and said, "Yes, well you're welcome."

Suddenly, Ezra approached them and said, "Master Obi-Wan! You're here."

The Jedi Master replied, "Yes, Ezra. Jinn, Ventress and Barriss are also here as well. Ventress and Barriss is waiting with Fives back in the city."

Jinn looked over Obi-Wan's shoulder and said, "Who are you talking to?"

Obi-Wan said, "It appears Ezra has made a new friend."

Jinn entered the temple and paused when he saw the woman standing in front of him. It felt like he was looking at a ghost. He hadn't seen her in over 30 years, but he would recognize her anywhere. It was her warmth and light that made him the warrior that he was. It was her voice that had kept him strong.

"Mother."

The woman frowned and said, "What did you say?"

Jinn saw no recognition in her crimson eyes. He heart fell, but he shook his head to clear it and said, "Madam, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jinn Kenobi."

The woman said, "Ah, you're just the man I came to see. I'm Thea Swan. I was sent by the Duchess Satine to deliver you a package."

She then reached beneath her robe to a pouch on her belt. She pulled out an item wrapped in a cloth and handed it to him. Jinn took the item and unwrapped it in his hand and revealed a beskar ingot. It was a good piece of iron. Jinn turned to his apprentice.

"Bridger, catch."

Ezra easily caught the beskar and stared at it curiously. "What's this?"

"That's your sword or it will be after I teach you how to forge it. Now, let's go. This is no place for the living." He then paused and turned to Thea and said, "Please give my thanks to the Duchess, Lady Swan."

"Ezra."

The young Jedi looked back towards the interior of the temple.

"Did you hear that?"

Jinn turned to Ezra and said, "Hear what?"

The teen kept his sights in the dark chamber and said, "I thought I heard Kanan."

Obi-Wan said, "It's probably the wind playing tricks with your mind. Come, Jinn is right. This is no place for us."

"Ezra."

"No!" shouted the teen. "I heard the voice again. It was Kanan. I'm sure of it."

He then took off running deeper inside the temple.

Jinn called out to him and said, "Ezra, stop."

However, it was too late. Ezra had already started running into another chamber. Jinn sighed and placed his hand over his face in exasperation. Obi-Wan sympathized. He knew all too well what it was like to deal with a wayward Padawan.

"Suns and moons, we better go after him."

Obi-Wan agreed. He was about to follow but stopped to speak with Thea. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Swan but we can take it from here."

She said, "Nonsense. I'll help you find your young friend. However, I don't have a torch."

Obi-Wan unclipped his lightsaber and ignited it. It hummed as it glowed a blue light in the dark chamber. Thea smiled and said, "Well, that's convenient. Please lead the way, gallant knight."

Obi-Wan was a bit flustered by her flattery. He felt awkward. He heard Jinn the first time. He called Thea his mother. Yet, Jinn let it drop, so that meant Thea Swan wasn't his mother. She was probably her counterpart. Though, Obi-Wan wasn't worried. He had no plans to break the Code and Jinn made it clear that he was control of his own destiny.

However, she wasn't like the woman he met on Mortis. That woman was mysterious and alluring. Thea was tangible and real. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder if she possessed the same Force presence as her counterpart on Mortis. Her presence was warm and soothing like a gentle flame. Her touch was enticing.

He shook his head. His train of thought would only lead to trouble. He had to focus on the present and not daydreams. He was so deep in thought that he nearly stumbled into a pillar, but Thea caught his arm.

"Watch your step, gallant knight. It seems your eyes are not as keen as mine in the dark."

He turned to her and saw his lightsaber reflect off her red eyes. Embarrassed, he said, "Yes, thank you, Miss Swan but you can call me Obi-Wan. And my title is Jedi Master, not Jedi Knight."

She smiled and said, "Oh, so you really are a former knight. Then I must insist that you call me Thea."

"If that's what you want, Miss-I mean, Thea."

To his surprise, Thea blushed and said, "I'm not used to being so informal."

"If it makes you uncomfortable then you don't have to."

She raised her head and said, "No, no I-I insist."

Obi-Wan had a feeling he was heading into dangerous territory and it didn't have anything to do with his surroundings. He continued following Jinn down the corridor. He thought the conversation was over, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"How long have you worked for the Duchess?"

"Not long. I only recently been hired as her bodyguard."

"Is that the sort of work you do for a living?"

"I'm a warrior. I figured being a bodyguard would be less violent than being on the battlefield. At least that's what Bo-Katan said when she recommended me."

Obi-Wan raised his brow and said, "A member of Death Watch recommended you? Then you must have very impressive skills."

She smiled and said, "Absolutely." She then looked him up and down and said, "I'd be happy to give you a demonstration. It's been a while since I've had a satisfying match."

He smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll find that I'm up to the challenge."

Obi-Wan immediately regretted his words the moment they left his mouth. It sounded like he was flirting. He didn't want to flirt. He was a Jedi Master. He didn't want Thea to get the wrong idea. He would have to remember to be more careful with his words.

He cleared his throat and raised his lightsaber to illuminate the path and said, "Well, we better hurry if we want to catch up with the others."

XXX

Meanwhile, Ezra frantically ran into a circular chamber where he thought he heard Kanan's voice. Though, there was no one there. He felt like he was going out of his mind. He placed his hands over his head in confusion and defeat. He then placed his hands over his face. He then lowered his hands when he remembered what he did when he last spoke to Master Yoda in the Jedi Temple on Lothal in his own timeline.

"Right, I need to meditate."

Ezra then sat down in the middle of the circular chamber and closed his eyes. Without warning, he found himself in the middle of a field on Lothal. The grass was a golden color and there was a light breeze. In the distance, several large stones littered the landscape. Ezra raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun.

"Ezra?"

The teen turned around and saw his former master. He immediately ran to him and hugged him tightly and shouted, "Kanan!"

Kanan stumbled back and said, "Whoa! Easy there, Ezra."

Ezra pulled back but kept his hands on his arms in a tight grip. He looked at him with eyes on the verge of tears. Kanan sensed his unease and placed his hand on Ezra's shoulder.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Ezra finally let go of Kanan and wiped his eyes with his palm and said, "It's nothing. It's just been a really long time."

Kanan said, "Are you sure? You know we can talk about it?"

Ezra dropped his shoulders and said, "I miss you. I wish I were able to save you like I did with Ahsoka. I wish I knew a way to make it so I can."

Kanan said, "I miss you too Ezra, but you can't blame yourself for what I did. I had to make sure you and Hera were safe. I don't regret what I did, and you shouldn't either."

"Yeah, but I'm learning some many new things. I'm afraid you wouldn't approve."

"Ezra, you don't need my approval. I trust you and I trust your judgement. I'm proud of you."

The teen smiled bashfully and said, "Thanks, Kanan."

"So, what kind of new things are you learning?"

Ezra awkwardly glanced away and rubbed the back of his head and said, "Oh, hmm-you know-Force things."

Kanan crossed his arms over his chest and said, "What kind of Force things? Is Ahsoka giving you lessons?"

"Uh, no. I actually got a new master to train me."

"You found another Jedi to train you?"

Ezra winced and said, "Technically, he's not exactly a Jedi."

"And what does that mean? Who is your new master?"

"His name is Jinn. He's a Jedi from a different timeline."

Confused, Kanan said, "What do you mean?"

Ezra took a deep breath and said, "It started when I got saved by Ahsoka, but she wasn't the Ahsoka we know. She's also from a different timeline. She and Rex got sent to the past, but as their younger selves. It's before the Empire. I'm trying to help them take down the Emperor before he ever destroyed the Republic and the Jedi. Though, it's not going so well. Anakin went to find Dooku because he didn't believe Ahsoka that Palpatine is evil. It doesn't make any sense. Why doesn't he believe her? And what if we fail again? I don't want to be stuck in the past. What if I never see my friends again? I don't want to be lost for 30 years! I know Jinn said he knew a way and that I should trust him, but what if-what if he dies like you did?"

Kanan rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "Okay, that is a lot."

Ezra threw his arms up and said, "I know!"

Kanan said, "Ezra, I can't tell you what to do, but I think you should talk it over with your new master. Did you tell him?"

Ezra lowered his gaze and said, "No, but he has a lot going on. I don't want to worry him."

Kanan said, "Trust me. If he's a good master, then he'll listen to you. Don't let fear control you."

"Thanks, Kanan. Though, there is one more thing. Do you think it's wrong to learn about the Dark side of the Force?"

Kanan frowned and said, "Of course it is. The Dark side of the Force is about fear and anger."

"What if there was a way to learn about the Dark side without becoming a Sith?"

"There's no such thing, Ezra. A Sith lets Darkness consume them."

"Master Jinn can do it. He's teaching how to master both the Darkness and the Light."

The rebel Jedi said, "What kind of things is he teaching you?"

Ezra shrugged and said, "Force shields. Force healing. Force lightning, well right now it's just Force fire. Do I need to say Force in front of everything?"

Kanan said, "It sounds like your new master is teaching you a lot. Probably a lot more then I could have."

"No, Kanan. That-"

"No. It's okay. I'm glad you found someone to help you get stronger. And even though, I don't know anything about him, I do know you. So, if anyone can master both the Darkness and the Light, and not become a Sith, then it's you."

Suddenly, the plains around them started to fade. Kanan was starting to fade.

"It's time for you to go back, Ezra."

"No! Wait."

"May the Force be with you."

"Kanan!"

Ezra opened his eyes and saw that he was back inside the dark chamber inside the Jedi temple. Suddenly, Ezra saw a blue light from one of the corridors. A moment, later he saw that it was Jinn. The blue light came from his lightsaber. He was using as a torch. His reflective eyes glowed gold in the dark chamber. His long outer robe swept behind him as he closed the distance between them.

"Ezra, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I saw Kanan."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Ezra raised his hand to his head and replied, "No, not right now."

Jinn put his hand on Ezra's shoulder and guided him back towards the exit and said, "That's fine. I'm here if you want me to listen."

"I know. Thanks, Jinn."

XXX

Meanwhile, across the stars, Ahsoka and her companions tracked Anakin down to his last location on Geonosis where they met with the 501st Legion. They see that several clones were scanning the area and when they are spotted, they are sent to speak with Jesse and Appo.

Jesse was shocked when he saw the Commander and Rex. The last thing he heard was they were wanted fugitives by the Republic for trying to assassinate the Chancellor. Though, Appo's reaction was harsh.

He marched up to Rex and said, "You've got some nerve showing up here. Give me one good reason why I should arrest you and take you in."

Rex hardened his features and said, "If I need to give you a reason then you already know that the charges are wrong. Now, where's the General? The Commander and I need to speak with him."

Jesse gave Rex an apologetic look and said, "We can't locate him. We think he's been taken hostage by Dooku. We just finished our last sweep to be sure."

Padme stepped forward behind Rex and Ahsoka and said, "Then, we need to find him."

Jesse sighed and said, "We don't have any leads, Senator. We need to report back to Admiral Yularen."

Rex turned to Ahsoka and said, "Do you think you can track Skywalker like you did with Master Jinn?"

Ahsoka said, "Yes. I already have a bond with Anakin." She then turned to Jesse and said, "What do you say Jesse? Do you think you can work with a fugitive?"

Jesse wasn't sure what to say. He knew protocol. He knew he had to report them and bring them in, but he also knew that the Commander and the Captain weren't traitors. Rex had already explained that the Chancellor was in suspicion of working with the Separatists. It was the reason behind why Rex had established the Clone Network outside of the GAR in the first place. They had been looking for a connection for months. Jesse never thought that the Commander and the Captain would try something as bold as an assassination attempt. It put him in a difficult spot, but Jesse knew Rex. He didn't know the Chancellor. He had to trust his own instincts.

Jesse smiled and said, "For now, you two are in our custody. I'll bring you two in after we locate the General. I've got no problem if you two are cooperative prisoners."

Ahsoka smiled back and said, "Sure, we'll be cooperative, trooper. Now, I need a star chart."

"Yes, sir, Commander."

XXX

TBC

XXX

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Thank you for reading.

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