Ezra and Zeb helped Sister to one of the living rooms and set her down on the bottom bunk bed. They didn't actually have a medical room onboard so they had to make do with what they could. The former Inquisitor was exhausted and her head slumped down on the pillow the second she laid down. Since she was in no condition to remove her armor, Zeb and Ezra had to do it for her. Kanan and Hera arrived shortly after carrying medical supplies.
"Hello there. I'm Hera," she introduced herself.
"And I'm about to die on your ship. My apologies for the mess," Sister groaned. Ezra couldn't help but chuckle. She certainly had a wit about her.
"Don't be a baby. You're injuries aren't life threatening," Zeb muttered.
"So you're a doctor now Dead Weight?" Sister retorted. The Lasat glared at her, not enjoying the nickname she picked out for him.
"You're not going to die on my watch. But this is going to sting," Hera warned. Sister didn't say anything as they started applying Kolto to her wounds but that wasn't the worst part. She had a broken knee, probably from that fall through the sewers. And to think she had that for hours causing her immense pain. No wonder she was so angry. Ezra had to admit the girl was as tough as they come. Sister finally made a sound after Kanan snapped her leg bone back into place, letting loose a cry of pain. Around her, several loose items floated into the air and flew around.
"Whoa whoa just calm down," Ezra tried to assure her. Sister didn't seem like she was actually trying to hurt anyone or even trying to do it at all. The Force just simply responded to her pain or maybe it was just instinctual on Sister's part, trying to create havoc around her when severely injured to distract or harm her attacker.
Ezra was surprised when the former Inquisitor actually took a deep breath and focused as everything began to gently float back into place. Her control over her emotions and the Force was far beyond Ezra's. What was most surprising was that a dark side user did that. The Darkside fed upon strong emotions but at the moment Sister looked incredibly like Kanan with a calm and serene look on her face. After the objects landed back to their originals spots, Sister's head slumped to the side passing out.
"Alright let's finish up and let her get some rest," said Kanan.
While the others were focused on Sister, Ezra glanced over the Inquisitor's armor. He examined each individual piece looking for anything interesting then noticed a slot on the forearm bracer. Ezra ejected a small white device from it. "What do you think this is?" he asked.
Zeb swiped it out of Ezra's hands and examined it. "Doesn't look like a transmitter," he commented.
Hera and Kanan finished up bandaging Sister then the Twi'lek captain turned her attention to their find. After a quick examination she said, "It's a blood screener. It's designed to identify toxins and diseases in the bloodstream."
"Why would she be carrying this around?" wondered Ezra.
"Probably because it's the only thing she could carry around in her armor," remarked Kanan. He motioned for everyone to head outside.
"Will she be alright?" Ezra asked as he shot one last glance at Sister before exiting the room.
"We did what we could but she'll need a full bacta tank treatment and I know just the place," Hera answered.
"And where's that?" asked Zeb.
"Dantooine. There's a doctor there who's helped resistance fighters working for the Free Ryloth Movement and the planet has minimal Imperial oversight. It's the perfect planet to lay low for a while," explained Hera.
"For now Lothal's off limits for us. We stirred up the Lylek's nest extracting our new friend," stated Kanan.
Zeb tossed the blood screener back to Ezra who simply pocketed it. He'd give it back to Sister along with her lightsaber once they part ways.
"She's onboard your ship?" asked an incredulous Fulcrum. The figure had a cloak covering the face and a voice filter as well, making it impossible to tell if who he was or even if it was a he. It was probably for the best though. Fulcrum was in contact with other rebel cells and should he or she be compromised, a lot of good people could potentially be in danger including Hera's own crew.
Hera had just finished briefing Fulcrum of the situation and the Twi'lek Captain's contact was both intrigued but also very nervous. Fulcrum had every reason to be concerned. Having an Inquisitor onboard was dangerous, regardless of if she was injured or not.
"I tended to her wounds personally and believe me, she's too injured to be a threat. Also I had my astromech scan her for any kind of transmitter. She's clean," answered Hera.
"That doesn't mean she isn't a spy. You need to limit whatever contact you have with her and keep her isolated," urged Fulcrum.
"But you agree I should go forward with the deal," Hera said.
"It's a risk but could be worth it. Even the damaged encryption device could be of immense value. If you could drop the remains of the device at our usual exchange site, I could have a few trustworthy techs look over it. Hopefully they'll get something useful," Fulcrum explained.
"Done. I'll let you know how it goes," Hera agreed.
"Be careful my friend," Fulcrum warned. "This Inquisitor is of the Dark side and if she's giving you information then it's only to her own benefit. The second betraying and killing you is more convenient, she will turn on you."
The holographic image disappeared, leaving Hera to contemplate her contact's words. She had security in place by modifying the door to Sister's room so it only could be opened from the outside. They also removed all of the Inquisitor's armor just in case she had any hidden weapons. Sister was completely disarmed but that didn't mean she wasn't dangerous.
Kanan entered the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot's chair. "So how'd it go?" he asked, knowing Hera had just spoken to Fulcrum.
"Fulcrum's concerned but interested in our little deal," Hera answered.
"Yeah well the sooner we get her off this ship the better," muttered Kanan.
"You'll get no argument from me. So what's bothering you?" asked Hera.
"Who says something's bothering me?" pondered Kanan.
"Your face is scrunched up trying but failing to scowl. That's your poker face when you worried about something," smiled Hera.
"I don't have a poker face," protested Kanan.
"Keep telling yourself that luv but all joking aside what's bothering?" Hera asked.
Kanan sighed, "It's Ezra. He's…a little too comfortable around our Inquisitor friend."
"Well he was level headed enough to help her and negotiate with her," Hera pointed out.
"You say level headed, I say reckless. He was too trusting of her," Kanan grumbled.
"Ezra's not stupid Kanan," Hera said.
"But he's not afraid of her either. I'm afraid of her," Kanan replied.
"Well she won't be our problem much longer. Once we get her treated and debriefed, she's gone," said Hera.
"That's the other problem," Kanan sighed.
"What's that?" asked Hera.
"She might be the only person in the galaxy who can help us with something more important than just information," Kanan answered.
Kallus stood at attention inside the Imperial Command Center hangar. Strange that this was the second time he was to greet an arrival here in the past cycle. The last time it was another Inquisitor, Sixth Brother, who had come to the planet to aid the Grand Inquisitor in the hunt for the traitor but now a far more important guest was coming. His arrival had come unexpected and had Minister Tua scrambling to make preparations for their honored guest. A full military honor guard had been assembled in the hangar bay along with the Grand Inquisitor and security heightened to level Red.
A Star Destroyer loomed overhead Lothal City as an Imperial shuttle descended through the sky along with two Tie Fighters as escort. The shuttle folded up its wings as it passed into the hanger and landed. Its mouth-like hatch opened before two Stormtroopers descended out of it followed by an older man in an Imperial uniform. His face was unmistakable along with the medals on his uniform. Those specific medals were worn by the only Grand Moff in the Empire. Considered to be the second or third most powerful man in the galaxy after the Emperor and perhaps Lord Vader, Grand Moff Tarkin had arrived on Lothal.
He descended into the hangar shadowed by six other Stormtroopers all dressed in black armor and wearing special skull shaped helmets. Kallus recognized the armor and felt a surge of anger in his chest. The Grand Moff had brought the Darkstar Unit with him.
"Ah Grand Moff Tarkin. I am honored by your visit to Lothal," Tua greeted him.
"My visit is hardly an honor Minister," Tarkin sighed. He was not pleased to be here and Kallus knew why. The Moff was here because so far the Rebel cell on Lothal has not been dealt with and he was beginning to lose patience. Now Tarkin was here to handle the matter personally.
"I admit I was surprised to hear you were coming," Tua said as Tarkin started to pass her by.
The Grand Moff turned and said, "And I too have been surprised by what's been happening on your little backwater world."
Tua laughed nervously. "If you are referring to the insurgents I…"
"In the absence of Governor Price, you have had a single and simple objective Minister. To protect the Empire's industrial interests here which are vital to our expansion throughout the Outer Rim. But instead of protecting those interests, you have allowed a cell of insurgents to flourish right under your nose. Am I correct?" accused Tarkin. His voice calm and yet it was incredibly terrifying at the same time.
Tua gulped, clearing her throat but said nothing. Then again what could she possibly say?
Tarkin turned his attention to Kallus. "And Agent Kallus have you just stood by while this rabble have attacked our men, destroyed our property, and disrupted our trade?" he inquired.
"I have exhausted every resource to capture them sir. This group has proven quite elusive," Kallus answered.
Tarkin wasn't satisfied by his answer but he moved onto the Grand Inquisitor. "And you Inquisitor. A member of your order has gone rogue and yet even with the aid of another one of your kind, not only did the traitor elude you but apparently is now being aided by these rebels. As if that wasn't bad enough, Intelligence believes she has stolen an Enigma decryption device. I don't need to tell you that if the rebels get their hands on such a device, it will be the worst breach of security since the founding of the Empire!"
"I will find her and I will make her pay for this," the Pau'an replied.
"You'll excuse me if I'm not impressed by such bold claims especially considering your recent string of failures," Tarkin remarked.
"They say their leader is a Jedi. Perhaps even two," Tua pointed out.
"A Jedi you say?" Tarkin replied. "Have you ever seen a Jedi Minister?"
"Uhh no," admitted Tua.
"Well I have. I served with many of them during the Clone Wars and do you know what happened to all of them?" Tarkin asked. It was a rhetorical question. Everyone knew what happened to the Jedi.
"Well there were rumors…" Tua started to say.
"They rose up against the Senate and the Republic and were destroyed for it. Every last one of them dead. They were not omniscient or immortal, they were flesh and blood. Whether these criminals have Jedi within their ranks is irrelevant. They will be hunted down and eliminated. And since your colleague's death Inquisitor has strained my faith in your order, I brought my own specialists to handle the matter," stated Tarkin. He motioned for the leader of the Darkstars to approach. The trooper stepped forward and removed his helmet, revealing his rugged face with several scars.
"This is Major Risar Velken of the Darkstar Unit. His team will now be your support in finding these rebels and capturing the traitor Inquisitor," ordered Tarkin.
"You want Second Sister alive?" frowned the Inquisitor.
"Lord Vader wishes to make an example of her," explained Tarkin. "As for the rest of you, finding these rebels is now your top priority. You are dismissed."
Everyone dispersed as the Inquisitor left with the Grand Moff and the Darkstars. Kallus headed out of the hangar when he was approached by the Minister.
"Agent Kallus a word?" Tua asked.
"Yes Minister," nodded Kallus.
"I was hoping you could explain to me who the Darkstars are. I've never heard of them," admitted. Tua.
"I'm not surprised. They're an elite unit of some of the best soldiers in the Empire. They've undergone Arc Trooper training and utilize the most advanced weapons and equipment in the entire Imperial military," explained Kallus.
"But I don't understand why I've haven't heard of them. Are they some kind of black ops?" asked Tua.
"More like wet works. They are sent in not just to handle dangerous missions but also ones that could turn your stomach. I witnessed the aftermath of several of their missions during the Invasion of Lasat. One time they were sent in to capture a top military official who was hiding in a small village. When they couldn't find their target, Major Velken ordered every Lasat rounded up and they executed them one by one starting with the children," Kallus said disgusted.
Tua's eyes widened in shock.
"After someone finally admitted the target's location, the Darkstars killed everyone else and burned the village as a warning to anyone for harboring enemies of the Empire. I understand making hard decisions is a part of our duty. But Velken and his lackeys enjoy violence Minister and they enjoy killing," continued Kallus.
Their dropship came to a halt on the surface. The blast doors opened and the pair stepped out into total darkness. The so called Shadow World certainly earned its name. Umbara had no orbiting star close enough to provide any light though the local flora and fauna provided enough illumination to be able to barely see ahead of you. They came to a halt in front of a young Jedi who was speaking with a Clone Troopers who had a blue pauldron on his shoulder, indicating he was a Captain.
"Master Krell. My thanks for the air support," Master Skywalker addressed them.
"Indeed General Skywalker," Krell replied. "The locals have proven to be more resourceful than we anticipated."
"But that's not the reason for your visit," Skywalker frowned.
"No. The Council has ordered you back to Coruscant effective immediately," Krell said.
"What? Why?" demanded a confused Skywalker.
"I'm afraid a request was made by the Supreme Chancellor and the Council obliged. That is all they would tell me," Krell explained.
"Well I can't just leave my men," protested Skywalker.
"My Padawan and I will be taking over in the interim," Krell assured him.
"Don't worry about a thing sir," the Clone Captain spoke up. "We'll have this city under Republic control by the time you're back."
Skywalker introduced the Clone. "Master Krell this is Rex, my first in command. You won't find a finer or more loyal trooper anywhere," he said.
"Good to hear that," commented Krell. He placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder and said, "I wish you well Skywalker."
Anakin headed towards the dropship and gave one last look at his men before boarding. The ship ascended into the dark sky, eventually disappearing.
"Your reputation precedes you General. It is an honor to be serving you," Rex spoke.
"I find it very interesting Captain that you are able to recognize the value of honor. For a clone," Krell muttered. The Clone shot him a surprised look.
"Stand at attention when I address you," Krell ordered. Rex did so though the irritated look didn't go away in his eyes. "Your flattery is dully noted but it will not be rewarded. There's a reason my command is so effective and it's because I do things by the book. And that include protocol,"
Krell turned to his companion and announced, "This is my Padawan Varra Kayne. She is my first in command from now on."
"Have all platoons ready to move out immediately. That is all," Krell ordered.
The clones exchanged confused looks. Their new Jedi General was far different from the ones they were used to. The Padawan didn't say a word to any of the clones, simply following her Master as he walked off.
Sister's eyes opened as she finally had some respite. The kolto had dulled her pain, at least enough to get some sleep, and her body had been properly treated and bandaged. She couldn't move her leg but that was to be expected. The point was that she was out of the Empire's crosshairs for the moment and could at least relax. That was not the way of the Dark Side but Sister always felt that following the dark aspect of the Force meant you did as you pleased. For the moment, her more immediate problem was how she was going to handle these rebels. They kept up their end of the bargain but that didn't mean they could be trusted.
Sister took in her surroundings and wasn't surprised that they took her armor and equipment. Clearly they didn't trust her, not that she blamed them. Only a fool trusts someone they just met. Sister wasn't happy she was seemingly at their mercy now but didn't have much choice in the matter. She was in no physical condition to do anything about it. The only thing she could do was get some sleep but that only always brought nightmares of a past life.
Sister was startled when the door opened and Kanan stepped inside. He allowed the door to close behind him before speaking. "That was a close call back there," he remarked.
"Yeah. You're welcome," muttered Sister.
"Excuse me?" frowned Kanan. "If it weren't for us, you'd be dead right now."
"And I saved your hide while they were fighting Sixth Brother or should I say try to fight him," scoffed Sister.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" asked Kanan.
"It means you know how to block attacks but I've seen trainees half your age fight better than you," Sister stated.
"I'm not going to lie. One on one combat was never my strong suit," admitted Kanan.
"Your problem is overreliance on Soresu. Form 3 offers great protection but unless you integrate another style with it, you'll never win a lightsaber fight. Especially against the Grand Inquisitor," explained Sister.
"Then maybe there's one more thing you can offer us," replied Kanan.
"And what would that be?" inquired Sister.
"When you're healed up, I want you to train me how to fight Inquisitors," said Kanan.
(Well now you've had a little glimpse into Sister's past and how she's going to help the rebels going forward. The Umbaran episodes were by far my favorite episodes from the Clone Wars so I had to include it into the story. Also the Darkstar Unit is basically a combination of Navy Seals and the Waffen SS. These are the guys you send in to do the most dangerous missions and the most reprehensible. I didn't want to just bring in a replacement for Sixth Brother who is dead if I didn't clear that up. So I came with these guys and they will not be the can't shoot the ground if they fell on it Stormtrooper. They are extremely dangerous.)