We recieved a review asking for the plot moving forward and one wishing a continuation of fluff. We are going to move forward and for some time. But there might be an oepening for fluff near the end of the story
As the transporter landed, the Grand Inquisitor was already heading to the ramp for departure; ready to examine the base for inspection for the plan to come to action. The Grand Inquisitor had spent the last three hours going over the area for the area that could be used for the execution if the rebels decided to wait for a last minute rescue. The Pau'an was up all night going over every variable, calculated every contingency and scouting the area they had marked for their use. The Fifth Brother was at the base testing the plan with the troopers along with Seventh Sister that also made sure all communications could be jammed when necessary for the ambush. The Empire would be ready for the rebel's this time. As The Inquisitor arrived at the base, he was met with Agent Kallus.
The two men walked into the base as Kallus explained, "Sir, we have all troopers ready for their positions for when the rebels arrive. The alarms and security protocols have been tested several times, and the cells are ready for them."
Inquisitor nodded his head in approval before he asked, "Are the voices of hope in position?"
Kallus nodded as he stated, "Double security and right in the middle of the base detainment center. Just as you instructed."
The Grand Inquisitor smiled wickedly, "Bring me to them."
Kallus did as he was told and lead the Inquisitor to the cells."
As they walked the Grand Inquisitor noticed that Kallus showed signs of being very tired. Humans was so weak they needed more food, sleep and their body was easily broken. It was beyond his ability to understand how humans was capable of populating so many planets.
"You are tired Agent Kallus?" the Grand Inquisitor sneered.
Kallus shivered and looked the Inquisitor.
"My apologies sir. Ever since that blasted street rat has run off, sleep has been low on my priority list."
The Inquisitor sighed in annoyance at the incompetence of humans.
"After this you will go and rest. I need people at their best, not dead on their feet" the Inquisitor sneared.
"Yes sir" Kallus replied wisely not saying anything else.
They continued silently walking down the hallways.
SWR
Ephraim Bridger was sitting on the bench trying to feed Mira who was still weak from the torture.
"You have to eat something Mira" Ephraim whispered.
Mira nodded with her eyes half closed and managed to sip a few spoon full of supe down before she rested her head on his shoulder too tired to continue. Ephraim hated seeing his normal strong wife reduced to this. Ever since the torture she had been very tired and barely eating anything. Ephraim knew very well that it was less from the torture and more from despair; the kind of despair that a mother could feel.
"They must of starved him! They bastards were awful to him, we know it!' Mira exclaimed in a choked sobs.
Ephriam sighed at his wife's words. Since the discovery that not only that Ezra was imprisoned by the Empire, but by some miracle had escaped. A million questions swarmed into the troubled parents minds; where was he now, was their boy being taken care of, loved, and what was he like now? The only constellation from the night they lost everything was that their precious boy got away. The couple taught their son how to survive without them. When they had arrived at their first prison they had quickly found out that prisoners of the empire was forced into servitude for the very same system they had spoken against. They felt disgusted about working for the people they had spoke out against but the punishment for refusing was terribly. That had made them set on escaping and return to their son while trying not to succumb to the constant propaganda about the glorious empire. At first they had tried only to be moved to another and more guarded prison it had continued like that for two years. However, since they learned the truth and saw the evidence of their son imprisonment just like their own, it had sent Mira into a depressed state. Ephraim himself was furious; he was so focused on helping the galaxy that he had failed the child we was fighting for.
Mira then looked up at her husband, "What will they do to him now!?"
"I .. I don't know, this is so wrong. We are held here to lure our son back, and there is nothing we can do to stop it."
Mira's expression face fell, crestfallen.
"All I wanted to do since our capture was to hold our son again," Mira weped as she looked at her own shaking hands, "To tell him that we love him. I prayed to the force that we would see him again someday, no matter what. But I never imagined it would be this way."
Ephraim was beside himself, here his wife was being held as a prisoner to lure their son back. It broke his heart to think how they were being used and to make it worse, he could not do anything to console her.
"I think someone is not going to last for very long" one of the stormtroopers said into the cell
Ephraim glared at the guard, how he hated this. They had no privacy at any time, they were followed the few times they were allowed outside the cell and even inside the cell they were left with troopers staring at them. The snaking remarks about his wife not making it was something Ephraim really hated. Two of the soldiers had even started betting at how long she would last sending him into angry fit fighting against the chains holding him to beat the trooper only for them to laugh. Now he just glared at them before he leaned Mira to rest her head on his shoulder holding her trying to provide her some comfort.
None of them knew how long time they had rested in each other's embrace when the door suddenly opened and revealed a tired looking Kallus and the Grand Inquisitor. Mira looked up tiredly. The Grand Inquisitor noticed the only half eaten plate.
"I told you to make sure she eats. I don't want her to die due to starvation before your purpose is served" the Grand Inquisitor sneered too Ephraim.
"My wife is heartbroken she is not interested in food" Ephraim defended.
"I am not interested in that just make she eat or I will send someone who force her to do so and stay until she has kept it down. It will be like that until she gains a better weight or your usefulness has ended whatever comes first. Do not think I will hesitate to execute you if it fit my purpose. Right now it is just a story made to lure them back, but I can easily make it real if it serve us better" the Grand Inquisitor snapped.
"What do you want this time?" Mira asked very tiredly.
Neither Ephraim or Mira had said anything though both of them was clearly scared.
"I have come to ensure I have everything I need to get my apprentice back. I want to make sure you haven't left out anything" the Grand Inquisitor said.
This got Mira's attention as she glared at the man with deep hatred in her eyes, "even if there was anything to say about our son that would interest you, I would rather you shoot me and get it over with!" the women roared with what little energy she had left.
"Not hard to see where the brat got his fighting spirit from. After all you tried to escape several times just like your worthless little brat" Kallus spat.
"How dare you call our son a brat. Ezra is a wonderful child! If it wasn't for you we would still be a family" Ephraim snapped.
That earned him a smack by the Grand Inquisitor.
"I don't want to hear about that now tell me how long did you know he was a force sensitive? After all the law stated you should have handed him over. Instead you tried to hide it, thinking we were too stupid to realise you had a force sensitive in your home" the Grand Inquisitor asked.
Mira and Ephraim looked at each other but said nothing. The Grand Inquisitor glared at them before he activated their collars and soon the cell lingered with their screams before the collars was stopped leaving both of them gasping.
"Still defiant? I thought you would learned what happens if you do that" the Grand Inquisitor said full of anger.
"Why don't you just leave us alone? Why can't you leave our son alone?" Mira asked sounding close to tears.
"Your son is very special, strong in the force and with a special force ability besides by the law the boy belong to us and he is very important. The boy could be a strong imperial asset, you two could have been the parents of a famous imperial and lived a life of luxury. Now his training has been delayed, in fact had it not been for your son freeing a prisoner to break out with him the next phase of his training would have started much earlier" the Grand Inquisitor said angrily.
Wait .. other prisoner? What other prisoner? Who?" both Mira and Ephraim asked.
The Grand Inquisitor grinned at their desperation.
"Answer my question and I shall answer yours" the Grand Inquisitor.
No one said anything but the panic from Mira and Ephraim was easy to sense even for non-force sensitive.
"Fine then don't find out after all we mostly arrest pirates, drug smugglers, murders, illegal slave traders and people convicted of raping other people. I am sure he is very safe among such people" the Grand Inquisitor mocked.
For Mira and Ephraim it felt like their blood froze to ice and time stood still. The thought of their son with such people.
"I will be going but I will return; I advise you to think about if information about your sons safety is worth a few questions about him. In the meantime I am sending food to to her, make sure she eat it or she will be forced" the Grand Inquisitor said grinning as he left with Kallus.
"Ephraim who could it be? Who would Ezra chose to free? Ezra has a good heart but he is still very young, it could have been anyone from a hero to a monster," Mira said and leaned onto Ephraim.
"I don't know Mira. I wish I did but stay strong. This could very well be that monster messing with us. We raised a strong smart child" Ephraim said trying to keep their spirit up despite the same fears plagued him.
Ephraim held Mira only to have her flinch as she came into contact with the chain. Ephraim hated it, why could they not just be locked up, he could not even give his wife a hug without being reminded of his status as a prisoner. Ephraim had never felt himself so trapped as he did right now. Yet they had bigger worries. Who had their little boy; and what have they been doing with him?
SWR
The common room table was filled with space waffles, fruit and juice as the others dug into their breakfast. As Zeb piled his plate with waffles, Sabine was getting as much syrup she could get before Zeb got a hold of it. Hera and Kanan sat at the other end with Ezra right in the middle of them; however the two were able to hold hand over the boy's shoulders. The happy couple smiled fondly. Things seemed to be fine all though both Hera and Kanan was still worried over the raise of bounty which they had not told Zeb, Sabine or Ezra; out of fear to cause them to panic. Fortunately though they have had other distractions to keep them from asking about any changes to their 'criminal records'.
After what happened when Ezra fell ill, Ahsoka and the child had been meeting every other day to learn proper techniques to calm his mind. It turns out that both enjoyed their aunty-nephew figure time. Ezra was more than willing to listen to Ahsoka's teaching while Ahsoka was pleased how well Ezra was doing with calming his emotions, and told Kanan and Hera that as long as they keep it up, then any PTSD incidence with the force should be a problem no more. A matter the couple were relieved to get out of the way. Now they could be happy that thing's seemed to be looking up for the crew.
Despite how they all came to be where they are now, in regards to all they had suffered and endured, they all were blessed now to know each other. With the shared goal to eliminate the Empire they joined forces to take them down. The crew learned to trust one another, to let people in to help them heal.
Kanan had been true to his word and had started using more time with Sabine for sparring sessions with her once more; which Ezra did not mind at all, as long as they did not harm each other. Sabine had been overly happy about getting some more time with the closest thing she had to a father, all though she would not admit it out loud. Their dedication and loyalty to one another helped the crew inspire others, to create the rebellion they had today. Their cause created something much more greater than a crew; a family.
The crew was finishing up when Rex came in.
As Kanan focused on the fruit, Hera greeted him warmly, "Rex, would you like to come in and have some breakfast."
Kanan glared at Hera for suggesting it while Ezra on the other hand beamed happily.
Rex shook his head, "Will have to take a raincheck on that. Sato has called us to the meeting. Say's they got word from one of the hidden cells that we need to hear."
Kanan nodded but kept his gaze on Rex. Hera interjected, "We'll be down once we have cleaned up."
Rex nodded as he entered, "Should help make this quicker than. After all we are a team." Rex made this comment as he locked eyes with Kanan.
While Kanan and Rex had been a little better since they found out they both adored Ezra it had not been enough to resolve the things between the two. As the rest of the crew put food away and cleaned the dishes, everyone (even those non force sensitive) could sense the tension in the room. It was like if tension was fog, it would be like being in pea soup.
When all was done and the crew headed out, Zeb noticed Ezra tugging on his shirt.
Zeb smiled as he lifted the kid on his shoulder so he could keep up with the others.
They were walking behind the other's when Ezra asked, "Are they ever going to get along."
Zeb shrugged as he suggested, "Maybe someday."
Ezra then saw the two men ahead of them argue along the way to the meeting
"That is not today."
Zeb giggled but Ezra sighted, he wanted the two to get along. In the end the groups followed down the path as Hera lead.
Once the conference room the crew and Rex were met with Sato, Ahsoka, a holo-image of Organa, and one of a thin paled woman they were not familiar with.
"Ghost crew, we are glad to see you all here."
Hera spoke for them, "We are always happy to make an appearance. Though what this meeting is about remains a mystery."
Sato began to explain, "With Ezra's knowledge and what he revealed to us, we have been getting sleeper cells ready to move to not only our base but hidden locations in case we believe they are being followed. One cell has informed us of some news that could be beneficial to us."
Ezra then raised his hand politely. Sato pointed to him so he could ask his question.
"Will this meeting involve snacks?"
Hera giggled, "Ezra you just ate."
Ezra shrugged his shoulders, "I know, but these meetings can be long and I get hungry."
Everyone smiled at this, Ezra was finally asking for food, it was a big improvement not just from the illness but also as a sign that Ezra knew it was okay to eat. Ezra also had gotten some of the lost kilos back from when he was ill, but he was still underweight despite their best efforts. A matter they hoped would change soon. Zeb lifted the kid down so he could go and get some food, if he wanted to.
Sato then knelt down, "How about you go to the Phoenix dining area and grab us all some snacks. Maybe even have Chopper help bring them back."
Ezra leapt down as Chopper followed the small human, the two had started to like each other. Ever since the incident when Ezra had been sick they seemed to have reached an understanding for each other. Now you could find Ezra walking next to Chopper without being scared all though Ezra was still not all that sold on using Chopper for transport.
Kanan was not as fooled, "There is more, isn't there."
The woman looked at them and Kanan got a cold uneasy feeling, something was not quite right about her.
"The boy's parents have resurfaced and are being labeled as traitors to the Empire. They have been sentenced to death and will be shot at a public execution in a weeks time," the woman stated, but seemed to show no emotions or empathy over the news.
The crew stared horrified at the woman and then each other, Sato too looked sad while the woman just stared at them like she did not care. Kanan got once more a cold feeling, something was wrong with this woman why was she so uncaring about the fact that Ezra could risk being an orphan?
"I thought they were already were" Hera protested.
The woman hand them over a holo projector and they activated it, an image of Kallus emerged.
"Citizens of Lothal. It is my duty to inform you that after many lawsuits and several repeals the two rebels Mira and Ephraim Bridger has been found guilty at treason against the Empire. Therefore they will be shot in 5 days at the square. It is the duties for the citizens to attend this to see what happened to those who oppose the Empire all though all minor is not under this rule" the hologram of Kallus said before disappearing.
An eerie silence was found after that.
"We have to do something," Kanan spoke up. They had to save them for Ezra.
SWR
As Ezra and Chopper got the various snacks from the kitchen, Ezra looked at the assortment. from fruits veggies and sweets, Ezra knew everyone would be able to eat a little something. Ezra had to stop himself from eating the cookies, he knew Kanan and Sabine would want some too.
"Okay Chopper, I think we have enough."
Chopper chirped in agreement. With Chopper dragging a hover-transporter, the two made their way back. On the way back, Ezra was wondering what the meeting could possibly be about; in truth Ezra was hoping it was about the crew going on missions again. It seemed like forever since their last one, and he missed going on them with the crew.
Ezra's eagerness to help the other's though soon faded when he sensed him. Kanan, and he seemed to be in despair.
"Come on," Ezra urged Chopper as they hurried back to the meeting room.
As Ezra made his way to the doors, he began to hear Kanan's voice.
"We have to be the ones to go."
Uncle Sato then spoke, "It is too soon, too dangerous. I cannot permit you guys to go on such a dangerous mission."
Ezra began to tip-toed by the door as he signaled for Chopper to remain quiet.
The two continued to listen.
"It has been months since we last went on a mission, we could use the time to stretch our legs." Zeb compalined."
Sabine then spoke up, "Plus covert missions are our forte, and even if we get caught then we can set the star destroyer in a colorful explosion, I have some new material i need to work out."
"I think what they mean is that it has been a while while since we have been on a mission and it would be nice to go on one so meaningful and important." Hera explained
Kanan then pointed out, "Besides, we are the best team to do this mission, we have been on plenty of rescue missions before."
That was when Organa spoke up, "The truth is yes, your crew is the most qualified to retrieve the two. But this is a high stakes mission. Security will be tight, Trooper count high. The voice's of hope-,"
Ezra's heart stopped upon hearing the name, and that was when the door opened and down came Ezra. Kanan caught him before he hit the floor.
Ezra looked up, as Kanan helped him to his feet, at the older people in the room. It was clear from their shocked eyes that they did not know or want Ezra to hear about his parents in such a way.
"I thought I sensed someone familiar," Kanan tried to joke to relieve the tension, but to no avail.
Ezra was in shock; were they really going to save his mom and dad?
"Ezra?" Hera asked gently.
"I...got the snacks...I think I'm gonna go." With that Ezra turned and quickly left the room.
He did not see Hera try to stop him, or Kanan stop her to say that he's got it. Ezra's mind was too unsettled to know his own surroundings. All he could think about was what his parents were going through as he made his way back to the Ghost.
SWR
Ezra was laying on his bed with tears streaming down his cheeks feeling dread and fear fill him. What would happen to his parents? Until now he had just assumed that his parents had been killed but now...? Now he knew the Grand Inquisitor really had told the truth when he said he had them. (Well that was a first). His parents would be killed, the Grand Inquisitor would do it just to get back at him, and what could they do? It was all his fault, if he had not run from the Empire his parents would remain alive. That … or if he had killed Kanan he would have seen them. 'No, no' killing Kanan would have been wrong very wrong but he dearly wished he did not have to see his parents die.
"I am sorry mom, dad; I'm so sorry" Ezra sobbed.
Ezra tried to calm his mind, tried to let go of his pain, but he just could not. Normally he would follow Ahsoka's teaching but he just couldn't right now. His parents would soon die and he was just sitting here. Ezra sobbed even harder.
The door opened and Kanan and Ahsoka came in and sat next to him, Kanan started rubbing his back for comfort.
"How are you Ezra?" Ahsoka asked.
"The Grand Inquisitor is going to kill my parents because he is mad at me Aunt Ahsoka" Ezra sobbed with tears running down his checks.
Kanan upon seeing this placed Ezra in his lap and allowing him to soak his shirt with his tears as he leaned into the man's side.
"We wish you did not have to hear of it that way, or experience what you are going through now," Kanan said in a futile attempt to sooth the boy.
"I know but he will still punish them, if nothing else than just to punish me. That is how he is" Ezra cried harder.
Kanan flinched, yes the Grand Inquisitor punished people often just for the fun of it or because he was in a bad mood. Kanan had often been on the receiving ends of those punishment. The Grand Inquisitor had even seemed to enjoy watching Kanan go through all sorts of torture and punishment.
Kanan and Ahsoka looked at one another before the nodded in agreement to what the told the child next.
"That is why we are going to stop it." Kanan confirmed.
Ezra looked up in shock sas he sat on his elbows, "What? Really!?" The child sounded so hopeful at the suggestion.
Ahsoka then took over, "The crew and I are going to rescue your parents Ezra. It's what we do."
Ezra sniffled as he smiled at the two. But then his face got serious when he announced, "I want to come too."
"NO," barked Kanan and Ahsoka in unison.
"Yes!' Ezra exclaimed, "They are my mom and dad and I want to help get them back."
"Ezra this mission is already dangerous, and with high alert out for you and Kanan could complicate it." Ahsoka explained.
"But I can get into small spaces, and pick locks. I'm part of the crew too, so where they go I go!"
Kanan sensed the determination in the boy' eyes. even if they told him no, he knew that Ezra would just find a way to sneak into the mission somehow."
"You stay close to me, and listen to every word I say." Kanan ordered, "also I need you to be aware of something."
"Okay" Ezra acknowledged.
"There could be a chance they might not be on the ship, or that they could be gone. But if they are alive, and you can sense it, you have to keep your emotions controlled and keep a steady head. It will ensure that we will get them out. This is a serious mission and we have to have a calm mind. Okay?"
Ezra thought of the matter, and understood. Ezra knew for his parents sake that he had to be serious and calm, he couldn't let his own emotions get in the way of the mission.
Ezra nodded, "I understand."
Kanan ruffled the child's hair as Ahsoka smiled.
"Come on, let's get back to the meeting."
The three then left to get back to discussing their rescue mission. Eager to do whatever it took to save the Bridgers.
SWR
As the crew got finished getting supplies ready for the daring rescue mission Ahsoka arrived as their backup in case thing's got sticky. As Ahsoka boarded Kanan winced as he remembered how the last time she had done that he had end up in captivity for a month. It was not something he desired to have repeated. This time Kanan hoped for this mission it would be successful rescue.
Kanan though did worry what it would mean for Ezra, the crew, and himself. Being separated from their son for so long, it was very possible that the Bridger's would insist on taking him away somewhere they would be safe. Kanan would not blame them for that but it would hurt to part from Ezra.
Kanan also worried about having to tell Ezra's parents how he met the crew and himself. How do you tell parents that their child had to survive on the streets alone, was captured by the Empire, that Ezra was force sensitive and because of that was tortured and forced to train as an Inquisitor. That all of that trauma has still really messed with the poor child's head. Yes, Ezra was getting better, but he still had a long way to go. Not to mention the Bridger's would need help getting over their own turmoil. Maybe Kanan and the crew could use that time to get them adjusted to a stable life; time to say goodbye to their little crew mate.
What Kanan worried most about telling them however was how they met. That they met at a execution; his execution. That Ezra had been meant to kill him? His stomach tightened at the thought of that. Even now he still felt bad about the fact that the empire had tried to force Ezra to do such a thing. Not to mention how Kallus had beaten him when he had refused.
How would they react to how Ezra was now? Ezra had no doubt once been a curious and energetic child. Now he was easy to scare, timid and it would take some effort to get him to even smile. How would they also handle him? Ezra was sweet but when scared, he could be dangerous; how would they handle his pull by the dark side? There was so many questions but Kanan reminded himself that he had to focus on getting them and the crew out before he worried about this.
Hera then came into the cargo bay, "Okay, we got everything ready?"
Sabine nodded as she confirmed, "All weapons are fully loaded and explosives ready."
"Fuel is loaded and diagnostic on the ship shows it is in perfect condition."
"Good then let us get going and start planning. We need to find a weakness in the schematics that has been given to us by that rebel," Kanan said.
The crew acknowledged and went to the common room but Ahsoka stood where she was as she chuckled, making Kanan turn to her.
"Well I find it funny that Hera is higher ranking than you, yet when it comes to the crew going on missions, you are clearly in charge. You guy's make a great co-leaders" Ahsoka chuckled.
Kanan gave her a small smile but then turned serious.
"Ahsoka I need a favor from you" Kanan said.
Ahsoka looked worried, "Okay."
"If anything happens, protect Ezra. Make sure he doesn't get back into their hands. Even if it means leaving me behind, keep Ezra safe." Kanan asked rather gravely.
"Are you sensing something?" Ahsoka asked deeply worried.
"Just that there is something off, but I cannot pinpoint what it could be. Either way we have to complete this mission. I just want to be cautious." Kanan explained.
Ahsoka studied him before replying "You have sacrificed yourself before why should there be a problem this time?"
"Because I fear Hera and the others won't be willing to let me do it again if it comes down to that" Kanan replied.
Ahsoka looked at Kanan before she nodded "Okay if it comes down to that you have my word."
"Thank you," Kanan expressed as the two turned and walked in and joined the crew
SWR
In the common room, the schematics was displayed for all to see. Sabine was going over it as she circled the table.
"Good chance, they are being kept here at the center of the base," Sabine pointed out, "Will be heavily guarded, that's expected. So what we need are multiple distractions to keep most of the troopers and Inquisitors busy while the others get the Bridger's out.
"So Hera on the Ghost for a quick getaway is the easy part. As is Zeb and Sabine setting up some 'surprises' for the distraction so Ezra and I can get the the Bridger's. That hard part will be getting into the base when we are the most wanted rebels in the galaxy?"
The crew was silent. They didn't know how to sneak in. That was when a tiny voice spoke up.
"We hide in plain site." Ezra chirped in, the crew looking down as he stood by Kanan. The boy squeezing the older man's pant leg with all the stare's on him.
"What was that?" Kanan asked as he placed a hand on Ezra's head, smiling at him with reassurance.
Ezra hesitated before he explained, "If Kanan wears that stormtrooper uniform like he did when we escaped," Ezra gestured to himself and the older man as he continued, "Then Kanan will just look like another trooper delivering supplies. AKA, Zeb, Sabine, and me inside the crates."
The crew had to admit, the plan sounded pretty decent.
"That could work." Sabine admitted.
"Ezra what made you come up with such a great plan?" Ahsoka wondered.
Ezra smiled cheekily as he explained, "I might have tried to hide in the crate to escape. I almost got out too, but then the Fifth brother sensed me leaving."
Ezra shuddered at the memory, but instead of saddening, shook it off as he pointed out, "But that was when I was alone. With all of us I think it could work."
The crew couldn't help but grin. Ahsoka was so pleased, Ezra let go of a painful moment and was able to help the crew because of it.
"Well need a big crate for this guy," Sabine joked as she poked fun at Zeb.
Zeb chuckled, "as long as they are ventilated then I am all game."
Everyone chuckled knowing that would not be the case.
"So when we are in then what?" Ahsoka asked.
"Then we make it in and follow the plan from there" Kanan said.
"When does anything ever go according to plan?" Zeb asked.
Kanan sighted "Let us hope we do, anyway sort up and prepare"
Everyone roseto continue to get ready for the daring mission
SWR
As the rest of the crew and Ahsoka left the ship, Hera landed the ship a far distance so the empire wouldn't see it.
It was easy to scout out a transport team heading for the base, and lure one guard to knock out a trooper to enter the group. With Kanan in disguise, and the other's in the crates, the blended in with the fellow troopers pushing supply crates.
As Kanan approached the bases, he saw how more secure it wa then the last one. Troopers on the top wall and on the ground circling the base. Blasters at every corner of the base made it clear that escape attempts lead to death. The triple security doors that he passed through showed how bolted the base was. It may be more difficult then he originally thought, but there was no turning back now.
Once inside the base, Kanan was able to lose the group of troopers and find a computer room with no one in it. As he locked the door, he sighed in relief that this part of the plan was done.
Kanan knocked on one of them, "Were okay."
Zeb immediately kicked his opened, "Finally! I thought I was going to lose all feeling in my legs."
As Sabine emerged from her own she shushed the Lasat, "Quiet. This is a covert mission. Not a yell out our location mission."
Kanan helped Ezra out of his crate as he was too small to even get into it.
"Besides, it worked. Were in." Ezra pointed out the optimistic fact.
"Now we just got to find the prisoner's," Kanan pointed out as they got their equipment out, "Sabine can you hack into the system?" Kanan asked.
Sabine plugged her wire from her glove into the computer. It took some time going through the layout and files before she whispered "They're here; according to the computer in the middle just like we suspected."
"Good, now we need a distraction. Sabine and Zeb you stand for the first part of that," Kanan said.
Sabine and Zeb nodded as they started to sneak down another hallway to get some distance between them and the others before they made their distraction. The force user team made their way down some halls before they came to a ventilation shaft and Kanan looked at Ezra.
"Ezra crawl in there and check if the coast is clear" Kanan instructed as he lifted Ezra up which easily slipped into the went.
As the boy did as the boy was told, Kanan felt like his heart like it would exploded it was beating so fast with worry, yet after a short while. "There is a lot of troopers far down towards the east side of the base" Ezra's small voice came.
Kanan picked up the comlink "We need a distraction. Make sure you don't stay to long, I am sure they know we will try something like that" Kanan said.
"Copy that," Sabine said.
Ahsoka and Kanan hid in a closet in the hallway as an explosion shook the building. A number of troopers started running through the hall as Ahsoka and Kanan hid in the small closet and Ezra stayed in the vent. When it seemed to quiet down, the adults exited the closet so that Kanan could fetched Ezra from the vent and move forward.
As they neared the cell both Ahsoka, Kanan and Ezra got more and more nervous. It was like the force was moving around more and more. Ahsoka and Kanan fetched their lightsaber ready when Ezra suddenly stiffened. Ezra appeared to be freezing as he started shaking like a leaf with tears running down his cheek.
"Ezra?" Kanan questioned in panic for his padawan.
"He's here" Ezra whispered with a weak voice.
Kanan swore, there could ever only be one 'he' when Ezra spoke like that. Kanan had closed off to the force to avoid being detected but if Ezra could sense 'him' there was no doubting it. They all needed out, NOW!
Kanan motioned with Ahsoka to follow as he grabbed Ezra and started running away from the cell with Ezra shaking in fear. They all heard it when a door slid open and the cold voice that followed.
"They are here! Activate security!" the Grand Inquisitor spoke above them before they ran around the corner cutting of their view of him.
"Call Sabine and Zeb, tell them to get out of here" Kanan said to Ahsoka as they kept running.
Ahsoka grabbed the comm and tried to contact Sabine and Zeb but got only static.
"They are jamming the comms" Ahsoka answered.
"Karabast" Kanan swore while holding close on to Ezra who was still shaking. They had to get Ezra out, he couldn't let Ezra face that man, not again.
SWR
As Hera waited on stand by, she was going over schematics of the best routes out of the area fastest once they located Ezra's parents. Hera was hearing the com going on about the plan for Zeb and Sabine to be the distraction. That was when the com went down. Hera tried to get a hold of the crew but nothing.
"It's jammed." Hera spoke out loud, realizing what was going on. she heard some noises coming towards her. Hera turned around but found nothing so she turned around and looked outside.
Suddenly a number of TIE fighters flew down in front of her trying to force her to stay on the ground. This was not looking good and Chopper gave a warning beep.
"Chopper, can you get a hold of Kanan!"
That was when a voice sent a chill up her spine, "I'm afraid the droid is not able to help you any longer." spoke the Kallus as she felt blaster in between her Lekku's.
Hera gently slide her hands off the controls. as she lifted them up.
"Good now shut down that droid" Kallus snapped to his men.
Chopper zabbed the first person nearing him but Kallus pressed the pistol into her lekku hard making her groan.
"Behave droid or she gets it" Kallus snapped.
Chopper grumbled but did not interfere as an imperial shut him down making Hera curse over him.
"Where are they!" Hera demanded as she turned with her hands up.
Kallus only laughed, "Don't worry, they and you will live, for now."
Hera's eyes squinted in anger.
"Move!" Kallus ordered. Hera did as she was told. only letting a small quiver of a smile graced her face for a moment. Relieved that Kallus didn't see her pressing the warning button to the Phoenix squadron. However the smile soon faded as the next words left Kallus mouth. "Now get a pilot down here and fly that thing to the Star Destroyer. As soon as it arrive it is due for a complete check up. I want our mechanics to split everything apart and see what they can find of relevance"
"WHAT!?" Hera shouted angrily as the troopers held her back from her trying to beat Kallus. Hera felt how her hands was cuffed so tight her skin was hurting, but she did not care as she continued to swear until she got another hit.
"We can't have you flying off and besides we are going to search and analysis everything in it" Kallus grinned.
"That is my ship how dare you touch it you son of a bacta" Hera swore.
Kallus hit her on the chin for the remark before snapping "You have no say in this."
Hera was dragged out of the flight watching as a pilot entering making her swear several crass word.
SWR
Sabine and Zeb were sneaking further and further down the corridor all though the many patrols did it difficult to move forward fast. Suddenly the comm went off.
Kanan spoke from the comm link "We need a distraction. Make sure you don't stay to long, I am sure they know we will try something like that" Kanan said.
"Copy that" Sabine answered.
The crept a further down the hallway before they took a miracle and threw it down the hall. They watched as it exploded and then turned around and ran just as they heard a voice.
"Catch them" it was the voice of the Fifth Brother.
"Karabast" Zeb swore and Sabine had to agree as they ran down the hallway.
Just as they ran across the hallway Kanan, Ahsoka and Sabine had run down they heard the troopers come rushing towards them.
"More karabast" Zeb swore, they were now being chased from two directions and had no choice than to run down the 3 hallway they not used before.
As they ran they were suddenly in the courtyard. Sabine turned around and threw a miracle down the hallway making an explosion and they heard the sound of troopers shouting.
Sabine grabbed the comm.
"Specter 1 come in" Sabine shouted but all they heard was static.
"Blast they know we are here" Sabine said.
Sabine and Zeb got their weapon just as they heard the sound of shooting and running. They raised their blasters but saw it was Kanan and Ahsoka with Ezra clinging to Kanan looking terrified.
"What …" Sabine begun.
"The Grand Inquisitor is on our heels" Kanan replied before Sabine could finish the question. Wordlesly Kanan handed Ezra over to Zeb while Sabine stood guard at the wall. Seeing as there was no place out of there both Ahsoka and Kanan drew out their sabers and started slicing through the walls. When they had made the circle Kanan signaled to move back and he and Ahsoka threw the circle of the wall and was about to crawl into it when the Grand Inquisitor emerged.
"I want my apprentice Jarrus and no one will stop me. There is no escape from here" the Grand Inquisitor shouted as he ran after the group.
Ezra screamed in panic and tried to curl into Zeb that held him protectively. Everyone could see the fear in Ezra's eyes. Kanan force pushed the Grand Inquisitor back and turned to Ahsoka.
"Ahsoka take Ezra and run. Sabine and Zeb go with Ahsoka" Kanan shouted.
In a split second Ahsoka what at Zeb's side grabbing Ezra sprinting through the hole. Though Ezra had no idea what was going on. It made Kanan cringe that Ezra was in such a panic.
"You two, get out of here while I distract," Kanan shouted as the Grand Inquisitor came through the door once again and Kanan engaged with him.
"We are not leaving you behind" Sabin answered as she and Zeb started shooting the troopers which was pouring through the door.
"I want the boy go find him" the Grand Inquisitor sneered as the Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother came through leading a number of troopers. Seventh Sister took off with some troopers while the Fifth Brother engaged Kanan from behind. Kanan saw him and moved out of the way but then also moved closer to the Grand Inquisitor. Kanan was hard pressed having to fight two Inquisitor's at the same time. Sabine and Zeb was not faring much better pressed by the shere numbers of troopers.
The Grand Inquisitor saw Kanan's focus flicker as he had to keep track at two opponents and force pushed his lightsaber out if his hand. The Grand Inquisitor then grabbed Kanan and held him steady.
"Hit him" the Grand Inquisitor shouted.
The Fifth Brother moved up and slammed his fist into Kanan's skull making him cry out and go limp.
"Kanan" Sabine and Zeb screamed.
They moved forward to help their fallen leader only to be shot in the back but a stun blast from the troopers. The Grand Inquisitor smiled as he watched the three persons in front of him.
"Do you have Syndulla?" The Grand Inquisitor asked into his comm.
"Affirmative" answered Kallus.
The Grand Inquisitor's smile grew. Now he had the crew and they would soon give up his apprentices position. If not he would simply let them watch Jarrus suffer until they did.
A/N So things is not looking good. We should warn you that the next chapters will be dark in tone and style. If you feel uncomfortable with this we recomend you to sit it out. We will annouce when the worst part is over.