Author's Note: I think I should note that my version of Onslaught has a plasma cannon that sounds just like Megatron's from the movies, cause' that cannon sound is awesome. :D
Also, IDK what Onslaught's vehicle mode is since I never watched the original cartoon, but I've made it so he can fly in my stories. Makes things easier. :P
ISD Chimaera; Classified Location
3rd person POV...
Thrawn was once again seated at the desk in his room, looking intently at a map of the Unknown Regions, the rest of the galactic map set up on another holo-projector next to it. The location of Jarik Shan continues to elude him, which is an issue that he fully expected to encounter. And with so little knowledge about the Unknown Regions available, even with his voyage out there in search of the Yuuzhan Vong, he'll need to send scouting ships out there in order to map out what they do not know.
"Sir, the Inquisitor has arrived," someone reports through the intercom.
"Send her in," he replies, turning off the hologram.
The door to his office then opens, allowing the Second Sister to walk through and approach his desk. Thrawn watches her with a calm and collected demeanor, remaining seated in his chair. Unlike most officers, Thrawn doesn't possess much fear for the Inquisitors. Normally he leaves the Force-users to themselves, but due to the amount of Jedi that are affiliated with the Lothal rebels, including Jarik Shan, Mara Jade, and now Shaak-Ti from the Emperor's word, having an Inquisitor would be beneficial.
"Second Sister," he greets politely.
"Grand Admiral," Second Sister replies, inclining her head.
He notices the reluctant tension and annoyance steaming from her at the movement, but pays it no mind. The Inquisitors usually have control of Imperial forces when they're present, but she's under strict orders from Lord Vader and the Emperor himself that Thrawn would be her superior during his campaign to find the rebels. She knows this, and Thrawn knows this as well, which adds to the reason of why he does not need to fear her.
"I trust you are fully recovered from your mission to Malachor by this point?" he questions.
"Fully," she states bitterly, her angry frown hidden behind her mask.
"That is good to hear," Thrawn replies with a nod. "I have a request I wish to make of you Second Sister. Soon I am dispatching Agent Kallus and Governor Pryce to Skystrike Academy in order to discover any possible defectors, which the Imperial Security Bureau has taken notice of."
"Why do they require my help for such a simple task?" Second Sister demands, faltering before adding bitterly: "Grand Admiral?"
"Normally they would not have need of your assistance, that is true," Thrawn agrees with a nod. "However, given the recent destruction of a rebel supply run near Teralov, I believe that notable members of the Lothal rebels will attempt a recovery mission for these defectors. More precisely, possibly a Jedi."
"Jarik Shan would be a fool to even bother with such a mission like that," Second Sister scoffs dismissively.
"No, he would not take part in it," Thrawn confirms. "I believe a lesser known Jedi would travel there instead. Either the boy Ezra Bridger, or Shan's daughter Mara Jade."
Behind her mask, Second Sister's eyes gleam at the mention, and she considers for a moment before nodding her head.
"Then I will travel to Skystrike Academy with Pryce and Kallus," she states determinedly.
Chopper Base; Atollon
3rd person POV...
At the command center, several of Phoenix Squadron's leaders were gathered by the holotable, consisting of Hera, Commander Sato, Kanan, and Shaak-Ti. They looked over as Ezra ran up to the holotable, quickly followed by Sabine and Zeb.
"Hey! We heard the supply run to Teralov failed," Ezra says.
"It gets worse. We lost the entire escort of A-wings. Six pilots and the transport's entire crew," Hera informs him grimly.
"How many is that this month? At this rate, there's not gonna be anyone left to fly for the Rebellion!" Ezra exclaims.
"Fortunately, I have been working on a solution with the help of Fulcrum," Commander Sato states.
"With Jarik?" he asks.
"No. Fulcrum's the code name we give to our secret informants," Hera reminds him. "It was his and Ahsoka's idea. There are other Fulcrum agents. She and Jarik started the agency."
"This is the informant that Jarik told you about after dropping me off," Shaak adds.
With the explanation given, a symbol appears on the hologram. The symbol represents the Fulcrum agency, and is made out of Ahsoka's facial markings, which everyone recognizes. While the Fulcrum symbol hovers in the hologram, the distorted voice of a man speaks through.
"I have information that may help you replace your stable of pilots. There are Imperial cadets at the Skystrike Academy who wish to defect to the rebels. I do not know their names, but they will require some assistance to escape. I suggest you move quickly, before the Empire discovers their intentions. Fulcrum out."
Once the transmission closes down, Sato speaks again. "This is enough to act on."
"The mission is yours, Sabine. We've arranged to insert you into a squad of new cadets headed for Skystrike," Hera explains. "AP-5 will prepare fake credentials."
"Wait, wait. Shouldn't I be the one to go in?" Ezra asks with a frown. "I've done this before, remember?"
"Yeah, and I really was an Imperial cadet once," Sabine reminds him. "For years, remember?"
The Empire knows you too well, Ezra. You'll be identified. So would Mara, for obvious reasons," Hera points out, and he frowns in reluctant agreement. "Sabine is the least recognizable of all of us. I need you and Kanan to shadow her. You'll stay in communication while she's inside and be ready to help her escape. Zeb and I have to supervise the escort for the new relief mission to Teralov."
"We've got our plan. Let's go," Kanan says, crossing his arms.
"Is Jarik gonna be a part of this?" Ezra asks.
"No, he's got something else he has to take care of," Kanan replies.
"Like what?" he asks.
"When you and Maul joined the holocrons together... he saw something. What it is, he isn't saying, but that's what he's hoping to figure out," he explains.
"So that's why he took the Sith holocron with him?"
"Not like we have any reason to hold onto it anymore," Kanan replies with a scoff. "It was destroyed in the blast."
"Then what's he expecting to get from it?" Ezra points out.
"I'm not sure..." he admits uncertainly.
Temple Island; Ahch-To
Jarik POV...
"You want me to shadow them?" Mara asks.
"Yes. Sneak into the academy and keep an eye out for Sabine and the defectors. If things go wrong, then it's up to you to get them out," I tell her.
From the hologram, Mara gives me an uncertain look and glances behind her for a few moments, before returning her attention to me. "Are you sure about this dad? That is technically what Kanan and Ezra's purpose for the mission is."
"I know," I reply.
"So why send me? I'm glad to go, but I'm sure Sabine can handle it on her own," she reasons.
I glance down for a moment, and then respond. "Because the Empire might be onto them. Actually... Thrawn might be on to them."
"Thrawn?" she asks in surprise and concern.
"Yesterday I intercepted an older transmission from Tarkin to the Emperor," I explain. "Thrawn has been requested to deal with the rebels in the Lothal sector."
"How soon do you think he'll get involved?" she asks.
"He already is," I state grimly. "He wasn't there, but he did send the Imperial Star Destroyer to Yarma, when the crew stole the bombers. They would've kept pursuing us, but Thrawn ordered them to break off their attack."
"Why would he order them to stop..." she starts to say, eyes furrowed in confusion, before coming to a realization. "He saw Elita..."
"That, and he's looking to uncover the location of Chopper Base, and the rebel fleet as a whole," I confirm.
"That sounds really bad," she replies.
"It does. You should let Elita know about this, just incase," I advise.
"Alright, I will Dad," she replies. "Any luck with... whatever you've been doing?"
"Not... at the moment, no," I admit.
"You said that the joining of the holocron's showed you a vision, right?" she asks.
"Yeah."
"But why? I thought Bendu said that only the ones joining the holocrons would show something," she replies. "So how does that work?"
"That's what I hope to find out," I tell her with a sigh.
"Alright. I'll see you soon Dad," she says.
I smile at her, and the close the transmission. Letting out a sigh, I rub my head for a moment and then glance over at the table in my hut, taking note of the Sith holocron sitting there. I stare at it for some time, a frown on my face as I consider what to do with it.
From the the Keeper told me, somehow, in someway, 'higher powers' in the universe know about me, and I've got their attention. Who these higher powers could be, I'm not sure, but the idea of that makes me think about the Mortis Gods. They're certainly of a 'higher power' so it could be referring to them, if it wasn't for the fact that they're dead. Morai could possibly be who Keeper was referring to but... I haven't seen her since Malachor.
Standing up, I approach the Sith holocron and slowly take it in to my hand, staring at it. Then, I close my eyes and take a deep breathe, and open myself to the dark side. The coldness washes over me as I attempt to use it to influence the holocron, grimacing all the while. I try to force it onto the holocron, to dominate it, such is the way with the dark side. But still... nothing! It's infuriating!
If it wasn't for her you could have the power to wipe out the Sith!
Blood of Revan.
You could end them all!
I do not fear the dark side as you do!
You are darkness...
"AGH!" I suddenly yell out.
I drop the holocron onto the floor and grasp at my head, growling through my teeth as I shove the dark side away. It refuses to go for a moment, and I furiously quench it down even more with a hiss. Once it's gone, I slowly open my eyes and glare down at the Sith holocron, eventually looking away with a defeated sigh.
"I can't do it..." I mutter helplessly. "I can't use the dark side without Ahsoka..."
Giving the holocron one last glare, I pick it back up on the floor and set it on the table to lay there in broken pieces. I don't even know why I bothered, it's destroyed anyways. Along with whatever spirit lingered inside its husk. Unsatisfied, I turn away from the holocron and move to exit my hut and recover from my touch with the dark side. Using it now makes me vulnerable... without Ahsoka there's nothing to prevent me from succumbing if I try to use it.
"Shan..."
I come to a stop just before the door and slowly turn around to face the holocron with narrowed eyes. It seems to be giving off a dim red glow, despite being... broken...
"Revan was power. Staring into his eyes was like staring into the heart of the Force," a woman's sinister voice hisses. "Even then, you could see the Jedi he would slay etched on his soul..."
I slowly widen my eyes at the sound of that Sith lady speaking, recognizing the words that were recorded to be of an ancient Sith Lord's words in the distant past, during the Old Republic. The realization of who's presence is contained by the Sith holocron is unsettling to me.
"Traya..." I whisper to myself.
Skystrike Academy; Montross
3rd person POV...
"Cadets, exit your pods. Report for debriefing."
Commandant Goran shuts down the simulation program, and the large room lights back up to reveal the three TIE Fighter simulation pods. They swivel around for a few moments before stopping, and the hatches open up. Sabine and Wedge both step out formally and step down the ladder, heading over to the table.
"What kind of rebel ship was that?" Sabine demands, gesturing with a hand. "That was no transport."
"Ah, but you are wrong, cadet," someone says. Sabine looks over to see Captain Vult Skerries exit the third simulation pod, walking down the steps slowly as he approaches them.
"It was a transport called the Knight Hawk, which has been modified for combat. And do you know who pilots that particular ship cadet?" he questions.
Sabine remains silent, unsure of whether or not she should answer, before Wedge speaks up.
"Uh... Jarik Shan, sir," he states.
"Indeed," Skerris replies with a nod in his direction. "A former commander in the Clone Wars, Shan is dangerous due to his status as a Jedi. As such, he will not hesitate to strike you down."
Skerris steps up in front of Sabine, giving her a firm glare.
"The rebels are a desperate group of extremists. They'll fight with any ship, using any means necessary to undermine our authority. That is why orders must be followed without question. Insubordination like yours will get you and your wingman killed," he states angrily. "Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Wedge replies.
"Understood, cadet?" Skerris demands with a glare, leaning down.
"Yes, sir," Sabine replies bitterly.
Satisfied, Skerris heads off, and the rest of the training group disbands. As Sabine moves to follow, Wedge suddenly takes her by the arm and stops her for a moment.
"I see you don't just take risks when you're flying," he remarks.
"Well, I trust my gut, and I know right from wrong," she replies.
"I respect that. A lot of people here won't," he warns her, walking off.
*:*:*
Hanging onto the side of the Skystrike Academy building was Mara Jade, watching as her ship flew off back to the Rebellion thanks to R5.
From this point forwards she'd be returning only if the mission proved to be successful. Which she's confident it will, and if it doesn't, then she'll be there to make sure things go correctly. After all, Ahsoka had taught her everything she knew about infiltration, as well as plenty of tips and tricks she's picked up from other sources around the galaxy. Thanks to all of that, Mara's become quite an adept at sneaking into places unseen, instead of Jarik's preferred method of hiding in plain sight with an alternate identity.
At least until Thrawn saw through his disguise.
With the breath mask over her face to provide air against the planet's atmosphere, she carefully ascends the wall a couple feet before reaching an airlock. Standing upright in the small hatch, she quickly opens up the door and then hopes inside, closing it behind her. Once she's in, she takes off the mask and allows herself a smile.
*:*:*
Commandant Goran watches as the Imperial shuttle comes in for a landing in the hanger bay of the academy, several pilots lined up in formation, all in their uniforms. Once the shuttle lands he steps up towards it, and the exit ramp opens to allow its passengers to disembark. Governor Pryce, Agent Kallus, and the Second Sister exit the shuttle, walking down with two stormtroopers behind them. Goran falters in brief surprise upon seeing the Inquisitor, but steels himself and greets the group.
"Governor Pryce, Agent Kallus, Inquisitor," he greets properly, before giving them a confused and wary look. "May I ask the reason for this unscheduled visit?"
"ISB has information that some of your cadets are planning to defect to the rebels," Kallus reports.
"You have traitors in your midst," Pryce states.
"Impossible!" Goran protests in disagreement. "My cadets are unmatched, both in their skill and loyalty."
"Perhaps we should test that, Commandant?" Second Sister questions.
Goran looks at her cautiously upon hearing the dangerous tone in her voice. Pryce looks back at Second Sister with a frown, before turning to Goran.
"Nevertheless, I will be conducting a thorough investigation, and you are to extend your full cooperation," Pryce tells him firmly.
Goran gives her a reluctant nods before turning around and heading away, to lead them to the command center. Pryce moves to follow before stopping for a moment, giving Kallus and the Second Sister a look.
"Agent Kallus, you may begin. My hope is that I may teach you something today," she says, before looking at the Inquisitor. "Second Sister, if you actually do manage to come across any signs of a Jedi in the academy, I hope you will dispatch them, however you see fit."
Governor Pryce turns and begins following after Goran. Agent Kallus and Second Sister both frown at her retreating form in mixed levels of annoyance, and Kallus gives her a brief glance for a moment. He then heads off to begin his search, while Second Sister moves away to start her own job as well.
Chopper Base; Atollon
Elita POV...
Before leaving, Mara came up to me in order to warn me about my existence having caught the attention of Grand Admiral Thrawn, an infamous opponent for her family. Apparently Thrawn is a very dangerous commander in the Empire, not because of his physical strength, but because of his intellect. He's one of the smartest beings in the galaxy, capable of outsmarting any opponent, even predicting and anticipating their moves.
I knew that the Empire would know about me, by to have someone such as that seeking knowledge about me is worrisome. I can't think of many Cybertronians, Autobot or Decepticon, who are capable of strategizing like that. I suppose someone like Shockwave is similar, but he's a scientist, and operates on cold logic. Not on battle tactics.
Onslaught however... he's similar to Thrawn in that regard.
Mara gave me a datapad listing what they knew about Thrawn, which I translated to look over in my processor, since their tech is way to small for me to look at. From what I'm seeing, he's definitely something to worry about if I'm gonna be helping the Rebellion.
"...that's the third base...seen..."
Hearing the conversation, I close out of Thrawn's file and look over to see the clone troopers Rex and Boil walking together nearby, discussing something serious. Thinking about the clones, I can't help but feel sympathy for them. They were made strictly for the purposes of war, not unlike the Vehicons utilized by the Decepticons.
Made for cannon fodder.
Unfortunately, me and Optimus have had to consider the possibility of creating our own Vehicons as well, since us Autobots are already outnumbered and outclassed as it is. Most of the military beforehand became Decepticons, while other, more passive caste workers became Autobots. I'm unsure if Optimus decided to do so after my disappearance, but I can't think about that right now.
"You two sound worried about something," I remark, approaching them and then crouching down to their level. "What's wrong?"
They glance at each other before responding.
"Our scouts have reported that three bases have been attacked in the past week or so," Rex says.
"That doesn't sound good," I say in concern.
"Actually, they're Imperial military bases," Boil reveals.
Hearing this I frown at them. "Imperial? That should be good then to hear that. What makes it so important?"
"You're right, in that normally we wouldn't pay attention to Imperial bases being attacked, as it could be carried out by other rebel cells," Boil admits. "It's the way that they were attacked that has us concerned."
"How do you mean?" I ask.
"The entire Imperial bases are completely destroyed, all three of them," Rex says. "No survivors are left at all."
"That's odd. I never knew you guys were so well equipped," I state
"We aren't. Rebels didn't attack those bases. Even if we had the means of doing so, we never take lives unnecessarily. Even the Partisan group isn't that merciless," Boil states firmly. "Someone else is attacking those bases."
"Friend or foe?"
"We don't know," Rex admits. "Whoever they are, they don't leave any signs of their presence behind, aside from the destroyed bases. We did pick up an encrypted signal though."
"Well, I'd be happy to help out if you're fine with it," I offer. "Not much for me to do at the moment anyways."
Rex and Boil both glance at each other before nodding in agreement.
"Sure, why not?" Boil remarks. "I can display the signal on one of the holotables nearby."
Standing back to my feet, I slowly follow Rex and Boil over to one of the nearby holotables on the outskirts of the command center, where less people are gathered. As we head over there, some of the rebels within view, I notice, watch me move past in states of awe, wariness, or curiosity. It's something I've gotten used to while staying here, and I can understand their feelings.
The Andromeda galaxy is a lot more technologically advanced than most galaxies, but even they pale in comparison to Cybertronians, both on a tech scale, and physical scale.
Coming up to the holotable, I crouch back down as Boil pulls out some sort of datadrive and inserts it into the table. The hologram pulls up to reveal a few images and code, and we all look at it intently.
"Never really seen coding like this before," Rex comments.
"Same here. I'd consider sending it to Jarik to decrypt, but it still looks possible to do. We just gotta figure out what the language is," Boil replies.
I don't reply to them, still staring at the coding intently with narrowed optics. Then, I widen my optics in horror with a small gasp, recognizing the language and coding.
"Oh scrap," I say quietly
"What's wrong?" Rex asks.
"I recognize the coding," I tell him.
"Well that's good, right?" Boil asks hopefully.
I shake my head in response, staring grimly at the file. It isn't encrypted at all, just written in a language they can't understand. But I can.
"No, this is really bad," I say. "This signal came from a Decepticon."
"A Decepticon?" Boil asks in surprise. "You mean your enemies?"
"Yes," I confirm with a nod.
"Why would the Decepticons be out here?" Rex asks.
"Because of me," I realize with growing horror, recognizing who sent this message. "Onslaught... somehow he knows I'm still alive, and he's searching for me."
"And that's not good," Boil states grimly.
"I'm endangering you all by being here," I state, standing back up to full height. "I have to leave."
"Woah, now wait a minute, you can't just turn tail and run like that," Rex disagrees. "We need to inform the others, and see if we can get a hold of Jarik."
"It's not that simple Rex, you're no match for a Decepticon. Much less one like Onslaught," I argue in disapproval.
"Doesn't mean we can't try," he states firmly.
"You can't risk yourselves and the Rebellion simply on my behalf," I retort. "If he finds Atollon, you'll be finished!"
"I understand, but Rex is right. We're not abandoning our friends, especially when you don't have a fair means of space travel," Boil points out. "Besides from what it seems like, this Onslaught may know you're still alive, but he doesn't know how to find us. He thinks you're being hidden by the Empire."
"How do you know that?" I question doubtfully.
"I don't, but that doesn't mean he'll be able to find us easily. The bases he attacked are far from us," Boil reasons. "And if he's by himself, it'll take him a while."
"I don't like this," I admit with a frown.
"If things start looking bad, I'd imagine you could hide out on Jarik's planet. From what I know the place is completely empty of signals," Rex suggests.
"That's where he found me the last time, I can't go there either," I point out.
Rex and Boil remain silent for a moment, deep in thought, before Rex looks back up at me.
"Look, no matter what happens, I'm pretty sure I speak for many of us when I say we'll have your back if he does find us. Alright?" he says.
"Very well," I reluctantly agree. "But this is especially dangerous for you to do."
"Everything usually is," Boil remarks.
Unknown Location
3rd person POV...
Onslaught marched across the rocky world, a frown crossing his faceplates as he glares up at the sky. So far he's attacked several bases of the Andromeda galaxy's so-called 'Empire,' And aside from the first Base he hasn't found any data on the location of Elita One. He growls to himself as he thinks about it, cursing the insect who cut him off from the datanet in his attack.
Behind him, two more vehicles approach him from the sky: another jet and a helicopter. They descend towards the ground and then transform into the forms of Blast Off and Vortex respectively.
"I can't stand these primitive worlds," Blast Off says in disgust, shaking off some of the dirt on his pedes.
"Prefer your solitary up in orbit all the time?" Vortex teases with a smirk.
"Shut it you fragger!" Blast Off shouts.
"Enough!" Onslaught snaps, facing them with a growl. "I don't care whether or not you hate these planets, we have a job to do!"
"We wouldn't be here if you hadn't failed to kill her the first time," he grumbles in response.
"I don't know, I like the thought of torturing that prancing Autobot femme," Vortex remarks gleefully.
"I would watch your tone Blast Off," Onslaught growls dangerously. "You were there as well, so you share the blame."
"Then why aren't Brawl and Swindle here?" he demands.
"Lord Megatron requires them back on Cybertron. So he sent us," Onslaught states, turning around so that his back is facing them. "We will find Elita One. And this time we will rip out her spark to ensure her demise."
"And what of the organics that she supposedly allowed with?" Vortex questions.
"We kill them," he states coldly.
Isle of Berk; Ahch-To
Jarik POV...
Since discovering that the presence within the Sith holocron is actually the ancient Sith Lord Darth Traya, I've been a lot more wary whenever around it. Even if it does seem destroyed, it clearly is not fully if her spirit is still continuing inside the holocron, enough to make it glow. And without Ahsoka to help keep me in balance, I'd be taking a heavy risk in losing myself to the dark side if I attempt to open it. But if I want to possibly learn more about the Keeper and those 'higher powers,' then I have to combine both holocrons.
I'm not willing to work with Maul for this, and I doubt he would want to either.
That's why I've decided to return to Berk, in order to find something else that could possibly be of help. None of us have visited it in years, but Ahsoka did talk about the statue of Morai on the far side of the island. Traveling with me were Zenna, Hiccup, and Toothless.
"So, what's Mara been up to lately?" he asks me.
"Well right now, she's currently on an infiltration mission to find possible defectors from the Empire," I tell him.
"Defectors? That's cool," he replies. "Sounds a little dangerous though."
"She can handle herself, I've learned to trust her enough now on her own," I tell him.
"Yeah, Mara certainly can do plenty of things herself," Hiccup replies in agreement.
Zenna croons at the mention of her, and I reach out to pat her snout with a smile before continuing onwards. Toothless warbles to her, and she squawks back, fluttering her wings.
"So, I know about the statue, but why do you need to see it?" Hiccup asks curiously.
"It's a little complicated but... I'm hoping that some meditation with it can help me find answers to something I've been facing," I tell him.
"That sounds familiar," he deadpans.
"Trust me, it's not like that time," I reply with a chuckle.
We then walk out of the brush, and come find ourselves at the edge of the island near the cliff, with the raging ocean below it. Across the small clearing between the forest and the cliff ledge lies the statue of Morai, which is still the same looking. Getting a good look at it, the statue is quite an accurate representation of what she looks like, so that makes me wonder if she came and made this herself, or if she met ancient Jedi who constructed it in honor of her. And of course, I can still feel the light side from within the statue.
"Here it is," I state, glancing at Hiccup. "You guys can head back if you have things to do. I may be here for a while."
"Alright, sure. I guess I'll fly back here in an hour or two," he replies. "Let's go gang."
Hiccup directs Toothless and Zenna back with him, clambering onto the Night Fury's back and strapping himself into the saddle. Toothless and Zenna both croon at me, and I smile back at them, watching as they took to the air.
Once they're gone, I turn to face Morai's statue and approach it, stopping to kneel in a meditative stance a few feet before it. Staring up at her for a few moments, I slowly pull out my Jedi holocron and place it on the ground in front of me. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and let myself delve into the Force, reaching out towards the light side emanating from Morai's statue, and also reaching for my holocron as well. Without being able to use a working Sith holocron, I can't create another fusion to try and see the Keeper, but hopefully Morai could have some answers.
If only the possibility wasn't so slim, having felt nothing of her presence since Malachor.
Skystrike Academy; Montross
3rd person POV...
Hiding in the ventilation ducks, Mara watches cautiously as the two figures travel to the interrogation room below her. She easily senses the presence of Second Sister as one of them, completely taken aback and alarmed that the Inquisitor was there. Fortunately she managed to bring up her shields to cloak her presence, but she wasn't expecting Second Sister to be there.
"Guess this is why Dad sent me," Mara mutters to herself.
She continues to watch with narrowed eyes as Second Sister and the other woman enter the interrogation room that the others were taken into. She has to do something to at least draw away the Sister, so their chances of escape may increase that way.
*:*:*
Two stormtroopers stood above Sabine, Wedge and Hobbie to keep them restrained on the ground of the interrogation room, while Kallus stood beside them. The door then opens to reveal the sight of Governor Pryce, who walks in with a smirk on her face.
"I have so many questions," she muses, stepping inside the room. "But first, I would like to know which of you is the rebel agent."
The three of them glance cautiously at each other, but otherwise remain silent, keeping the gaze focused on the ground. Pryce hums thoughtfully and then shrugs carelessly to herself.
"Hmm. Very well then. I suppose someone else can make you talk," she says, looking up at the door.
Glancing up, Sabine widens her eyes in horror upon recognizing the Second Sister as she walks into the room, swiftly making her presence known. Wedge and Hobbie also look up, their faces paling nervously at the sight of her. The Second Sister takes a moment to survey the trio before pointing a sharp finger at Wedge.
"You first," she states.
Wedge looks up at her fearfully, and one of the stormtroopers jabs his blaster into his back, and wrestles him to his feet. Wedge is shoved over towards the Second Sister, who grabs him by the arm and then slams him against the interrogation machine. She pulls out her lightsaber, the red blade glowing and then slowly moves it towards his neck. Wedge begins to panic, attempting to struggle, albeit without much success.
"No, wait! It's me! I'm the rebel!" Sabine exclaims quickly.
"Sabine, don't!" Wedge protests, despite his circumstances.
Second Sister yanks him away and shoves him towards one of the stormtroopers, deactivating her lightsaber. She looks down at Sabine with a thoughtful hum, sounding intrigued.
"Well well well. Sabine," she hisses. "Now isn't that a familiar name, rebel?"
"Thanks," Sabine mutters to Wedge.
"Blast it," he whispers harshly to himself, realizing the mistake. "Sorry."
"So tell me, Sabine, who else came here with you?" Second Sister demands, leaning down towards her. "Is it Bridger? Or the Jade girl?"
Sabine frowns up at the Second Sister, confused. "No one came with me Inquisitor. I came by myself!"
"I wouldn't be so confident," Sister replies, a leering grin behind her mask.
"Second Sister, I want you and Agent Kallus to take these two back to their cells," Pryce orders. "Sabine and I have a lot to talk about."
Second Sister stands back to her full height and faces Pryce, glaring at her behind the mask. Still she reluctantly complies and goes with Kallus to escort the two defectors to their prison cells. She inwardly seethes about being bossed around like a common stormtrooper, but her Sith Masters explicitly stated that she is to follow the orders of Thrawn and whoever he assigns her with. She hates it, which is exactly why they did so, as an everlasting punishment for what happened at Malachor.
"Looks like they found someone who can do your job," Sabine says as they exit.
Kallus stops for a moment, and Sister growls at her in rage, looking back and struggling to contain herself. Another stern look from Pryce saves Sabine from Sister's wrath, and she silently exits the room. Once she exits the interrogation room however, she comes to a stop for a moment, and then looks at Kallus with a smirk on her face.
"You take them to their cells. I can sense something nearby..." she orders.
"As you wish, Inquisitor," Kallus replies irritably.
Satisfied, she turns and begins walking away to find the disturbance she just felt, now knowing for certain that a Jedi is someone in the academy. She may be under the orders of Thrawn and Governor Pryce, but she still retains her superiority over Agents Kallus at least. If she were lower than that, then she would be outright furious.
*:*:*
Kallus watches as the stormtroopers shove Wedge and Hobbie into the prison cell. The door closes back up, and Wedge helps Hobbie back to his feet, immediately beginning to think of a plan.
"We have to do something," he states.
"And end up like Rake?" Hobbie asks incredulously.
"What the Empire has planned for us has got to be worse!" Wedge reasons. "Sabine came here to get us out, we owe her! We have to try!"
"So what's your plan?" he asks.
"I'll tell you when I figure it out," he replies.
*:*:*
Sabine remains silent as the two stormtroopers move her closer towards the interrogation device, all the while Governor Pryce watches with a smirk on her face. Still, she waits for the right moment, and once the stormtroopers release her bindings in preparation, she sees her chance.
Lashing out with her elbow, she hits the arm of the first stormtrooper as he attempts to fire, causing him to shoot his partner. She slams her elbow into him again, and a stray shot flies in Pryce's direction. Leaning out of the way, Pryce throws her datapad down with a furious scowl and rushes forwards. Sabine knocks the trooper into the wall to knock him out, and then raises her stolen blaster at Pryce. However, the Imperial Governor slams her fist down to knock the blaster away. The two engage in a few punches before Pryce knocks Sabine away with a knee to the gut.
"Not bad," Sabine admits, wincing.
"The Empire taught me well," Pryce replies smugly.
Pryce moves in to attack, but Sabine charges forwards like a bull and slams her against the interrogation device. Pryce groans in pain before the two struggle with each other, punching and shoving. Sabine grabs her wrist and twists it painfully, and Pryce yells out in pain, retaliating by shoving her off balance and then delivering a devastating kick to her side. Sabine stumbles back before scowling at her, raising her fists.
"My clan taught me better!" she exclaims.
As Pryce attempts to charge for her, Sabine whirls around with her foot and delivers a fierce kick to her face. Pryce is knocked back into the electrifying prod, and is zapped with a scream of pain. She collapses to the ground unconscious, and picks up a blaster and hr confiscated comlink.
*:*:*
Wedge continues to pace around the prison cell in an attempt to formulate a plan while Hobbie watches.
"Maybe we can surprise the guards," he offers.
"What, with our lack of planning?" Hobbie retorts.
"Why don't you think of something!" Wedge snaps.
Moments later, a purple blade of plasma is stabbed through the door, much to their surprise. They watch warily as a hole is slowly cut through the door by the blade, which eventually pulls out. The cutout then falls forwards, revealing a girl to be standing there holding a purple lightsaber, two stormtroopers unconscious behind her. Wedge and Hobbie both gape in shock as the girl looks down at them, deactivating her lightsaber.
"Well? Aren't you guys gonna come on out?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.
*:*:*
Mara POV...
The two guys in the prison cell continued to look at me in a mixture of surprise and wariness, and I let out an exasperated sigh.
"Seriously I don't have all day," I state.
"No no no, it's fine, we're coming!" the first guy, Wedge I believe, says. "We're just uh... surprised, is all."
"Alright, I'll give you that. Now come on," I tell him, waving an arm.
Wedge and his cellmate both come walking out of the cell, and once they do I start leading them down the corridor. However before we could go far Wedge grabs my shoulder to stop me.
"Wait, we need to rescue our friend!" he insists.
"She's fine," I reply dismissively.
Before he could argue with me, Sabine comes rushing down the corridor, coming to a stop with a surprised look on her face.
"Mara?" she asks.
"Hi!" I reply cheerfully with a grin.
"Sabine!" Wedge exclaims. "We were, coming to rescue you!"
"That's cute," Sabine replies in amusement.
"Very cute," I add in agreement.
"What are you doing here?" Sabine asks me.
"Shadowing you guys. Kanan and Ezra are technically more like the extraction team, but since I'm a lot more proficient in 'infiltration,' Dad decided to send me along," I explain.
"Huh," she remarks thoughtfully. "Well come on, let's go!"
Wedge and Hobbie both begin running down the corridor after a moment, with Sabine and I bringing up the rear. I glance behind us upon sensing a stormtrooper approaching, and spot him walking around the corner. Sabine takes notice and fires off a blast, but the trooper ducks out of the way. We take off running, and the stormtrooper begins firing shots in retaliation, a small patrol chasing after us.
I activate my lightsaber to cover our backs, deflecting the occasional blaster shot as we continue running. Upon turning down another corridor, the blast door in front of us slams shut. Widening my eyes in alarm, I turn around to face the stormtroopers, but as soon as they run around the corridor another blast door shuts, cutting them off. I frown thoughtfully for a moment and deactivate my lightsaber, standing up straight as Sabine aims her blaster down the hall, where Agent Kallus walks out to face us.
A.K.A. our Fulcrum Agent.
"Don't shoot!" he says.
"Give me a good reason not to," Sabine says angrily, narrowing her eyes. Much to her surprise, I lay I reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright Sabine," I tell her.
Kallus gives me a brief glance of understanding, and faces Sabine. "Avoid levels three through five. Hangar 24 is your best possibility."
He presses a button on the control pad to open up the next door for us. Wedge and Hobbie both glance back at us hesitantly, before heading through the door. I calmly walk after them while Sabine slowly moves by, keeping her blaster trained on Kallus.
"Wait," Sabine stops us. "Why should we trust you?"
"Tell Garazeb Orrelios, we're even," he replies.
Sabine widens her eyes in surprise, and I give him a nod, gently pulling Sabine along.
"We can trust him, come on," I tell her.
She glances at me before nodding, giving Kallus one last look.
"Go," he urges.
Once we're through the door Kallus closes it behind us, and we take off at a run down towards Hanger 24.
*:*:*
Sabine, Wedge, Hobbie and I all make it to Hanger 24, where several TIE Fighters and TIE bombers are set up. We run along the walkway above the ships and reach a TIE Bomber at Sabine's direction, much to Wedge's chargin.
"That tub? Are you kidding?" he asks incredulously.
"Hey, it can take a hit," she reasons. "Now, can you fly it or not?"
"I can fly anything," he declares.
Before we could climb in, the Force screams in warning in my mind, and widen my eyes in alarm, shoving everyone to the ground as Second Sister's lightsaber suddenly goes spinning by us. It loops around with a harsh, whirling, humming sound before returning back to the Second Sister, who catches it in her hand several feet away.
"Mara Jade!" she hisses furiously.
"Get it guys!" I tell them.
Sabine wastes no time in jumping into the bomber, and Wedge and Hobbie move to follow while the Second Sister lunges forwards. I whip out my purple lightsaber and run up to meet her, slamming my blade into hers. We shove against each other, sparks being generated by our lightsabers as I buy time for the rest to get the ship ready.
"I'm going to tear you to pieces Jade!" Sister snarls.
"Well you're going to have to wait a little longer!" I retort, shoving her away.
"Mara, come on! Come on!" Sabine exclaims urgently, waving at me from the open hatch.
I face the Second Sister as she charges at me, swiping her lightsaber. I quickly deflect or block her attacks, backing up towards the TIE Bomber as I attempt to get some room to blow her away. Luckily, my relief from the Second Sister's furious barrage comes when Sabine shoots her blaster at her, forcing her to protect herself. Bringing back my arms, I thrust them forwards with a Force burst to send her hurtling away down the walkway, and then waste no time jumping into the ship.
The last thing I hear of the Second Sister is her enraged yell before Sabine shuts the hatch beside me. Sitting in the pilot's seat, Wedge disengages the lock and then flies us out of the hanger, the sound of blaster bolts impacting against the hull audible. Hobbie is sitting in the bomber's position, and I stand behind Wedge as he pilots the ship.
"Fighter closing fast! Point 6!" Hobbie warns us.
"That's gotta be Skerris," Wedge states.
Moments later, a few laser blasts impact against the side of the ship, shaking us a little.
"Wedge, can't you go any faster?" Sabine asks.
"I told you this thing was slow!" he retorts.
"Yeah, Y-Wing bombers are better," I remark, and the ship shakes again as another blast hits it.
"Where are those friends of yours?" Wedge asks urgently.
"I can't signal. Comms are jammed!" Sabine replies in alarm.
"Don't worry about it, they're close!" I reassure them.
Another laser blast then slams into the back of the bomber, and I stumble from the explosion as we start to fall down deeper into the atmosphere. Sabine yelps in alarm, and I grasp onto Wedge's pilot chair in order to keep my balance, while he pulls up on the throttle to keep us from falling. Then all of a sudden, the firing against our bomber suddenly stops, and Ezra's voice comes in over the comlink.
"Sabine? We knew you'd come through!" he says.
"Ugh. Never been so happy to hear your voice!" Sabine replies in relief.
"Get to the docking port, quick," Ezra urges us.
Wedge happily angles the bomber towards the corvette, and the docking port lowers down to attach to our ship, connecting us.
"Told you they were close," I state with a grin.
Rolling her eyes, Sabine opens the hatch and climbs up through the docking port, walking upright on her feet once she enters the corvette's artificial gravity. The rest of us follow after her, and make a quick beeline towards the bridge. There we find Kanan and Ezra, along with two rebel pilots flying the ship.
"Thought I told you to leave," Sabine says.
"We stuck around, just in case- ah whoa! Mara?!" Ezra exclaims incredulously.
"What?!" Kanan asks in surprise.
"Hello!" I say cheerfully, giving a casual wave.
"Since when were you apart of the mission?" Ezra asks.
"Dad sent me to shadow them, just incase," I explain, crossing my arms. "Good thing I did. The Second Sister was there."
"One of the Inquisitor's?" Kanan asks.
"Yup," I confirm with a nod.
"Well, at least we're home free now," Ezra remarks.
We watch as the rebel pilots pull the lever, sending us into hyperspace and away from the Empire.
Sorry for the longer wait time, I've been struggling to write certain aspects of the story. Same issue with other stories as well, but I'm good now! Next chapter for sure is going to be an absolute blast, as the Ghost crew is introduced to Thrawn! :D