Ezra was furious as he paced around the ship. Normally in these kinds of situations Kanan would tell him to try and meditate to calm his emotions. But Kanan was gone and Ezra could feel him slipping further and further away. Once the trail was over Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb would were either be executed or sent to an Imperial prison somewhere they'll never be found. They had to save them now but first they had to find out where they were being held and there might be somebody who could help with that.
Ezra was caught a little off-guard when he saw the door to Kanan's quarters open. He glanced inside to see Chopper with a slightly tilted frame. The droid rarely showed emotion with his irritated programming but this had to be the first time Ezra's ever seen him sad.
"Hey," Ezra spoke up to catch Chopper's attention. The droid turned and rolled up to him, resting his rotating dome on the human's chest.
"Hey it's okay. I miss them all too," Ezra said, understanding how he felt.
The droid admitted he missed them all as well…even Zeb.
"Yeah well first things first. We've got to know where the Empire is holding them and I've got a plan to do just that. Wanna help?" asked Ezra.
Chopper chimed in agreement.
"Hera's probably not going to like this so I need you to run a distraction while I take the Phantom," Ezra explained.
Chopper asked who will back him up.
"Don't worry. Second Sister will be all the backup I need," smiled Ezra. True he hadn't mentioned this plan to her but he suspects she'd jump at the chance at actually doing something instead of sitting around.
Chopper beeped in irritation. Like Hera, he wasn't a big fan of having the former Inquisitor around.
"Hey if she really wanted to do something to us, she would have done it already. She's here to help," protested Ezra.
Chopper groaned, not happy but relenting.
"Just do your part and hopefully I'll come back with some answers," Ezra told him.
Chopper rolled away while Ezra headed to Sister's quarters. He tapped the door twice, waiting for a response. "What is it?" Sister's voice called out.
"Got a minute?" asked Ezra. He got his answer when the door swung open. For once, Sister wasn't mediating inside the room but instead appeared to performing maintenance with her crescent shaped lightsaber. "I may have a way to find out where the others are being held but I'm going to need backup," he explained.
"I'm assuming Hera will be joining us?" inquired Sister.
"Actually she'll be guarding the ship," Ezra lied.
Sister frowned, "She doesn't know about this does she?"
"She…wouldn't approve," admitted Ezra.
Sister smiled, "Good."
Chopper caused absolute chaos on bridge, distracting Hera long enough for Ezra and Sister to board the Phantom and disembark. As Ezra's never flown any ship in his life, the Inquisitor was at the controls who adapted to the shuttle's controls quickly. Hera was certainly going to be livid once she realizes what's going on but Ezra was counting on getting the information before that happens. Sister probably could have cared less about how the Twi'lek Captain was going to feel. She actually found it funny that Ezra was going behind Hera's back on this.
"So who are you meeting?" asked Sister.
"He's a local crime boss named Vizago. He knows pretty much everything that happens on Lothal," answered Ezra.
"And how much are you going to pay him? Crime lords don't do anything for free," remarked Sister.
"Whatever credits I have won't be enough to interest him," Ezra admitted.
"So it's torture then. I could start by dismembering an appendage or two, that tends to work. What species is he? I need to know how many eyes and teeth I can work on in case he's stubborn," Sister suggested as if she was discussing her favorite recipe.
Ezra threw her a look. "We're not torturing anyone," he sighed.
"Then how do you expect to make him talk?" Sister demanded.
"Relax I've got a plan," Ezra assured her.
"You don't have a plan do you?" grumbled Sister as they approached the meet up point. It was a small cluster of spire-shaped rocks of various different sizes situated on an open grass field. A green Gozanti-class cruiser was parked nearby, probably to pick up illegal cargo that's been dropped off here by smugglers. Ezra had explained earlier that Vizago used this spot to meet with Ghost crew and often to pick up whatever merchandise he hired them to retrieve. They were just lucky he was already picking up a shipment here.
Sister landed a few meters away from the rock cluster and the two walked the rest of the way to find a pale green Devaronian supervising several worker droids in retrieving multiple cargo crates.
"Well this is unexpected," Vizago commented when he noticed the new arrivals. "Looking for work or something else?"
"My guess is you already know why we're here," remarked Ezra.
"I know why you're here but I'm not so certain why she's here," Vizago stated, referring to Sister and knowing exactly who she was. "You do realize there are still wanted posters with your face plastered in every major city on Lothal?"
"Never was much of a city girl and besides, I know you're not dumb enough to consider calling the authorities," quipped Sister.
Vizago smiled, amused. "You're right. I'm not planning on collecting any bounty on you. The Empire would probably throw me in prison if I tried to collect. Now if you're looking for help retrieving your friends, you'll have to look elsewhere. I'm sorry but I can't help you," he said.
"You must know something," Ezra accused.
"Even if I did, it would be of no use to you," replied Vizago. "The Empire is locking everything down. That's bad for you and bad for business."
"Well if you want to change that, you need to help us," said Ezra.
"I doubt that," sighed Vizago. "In fact I think your activities got the Empire's attention and have made things more difficult for me."
He waved them off and turned to leave. "Get out of here. You're bad luck."
"Ever wonder why the Empire was so interested in Kanan? Why they'd send an Inquisitor to Lothal?" Ezra called out to him.
"Well go on," said an interested Vizago, turning around. Ezra hesitated for a moment. The Devaronian didn't seem the type to be trusted though at this point it was almost irrelevant if he knew Kanan was a Jedi or not. It wasn't like he was going to go running to the Empire if he knew. The man was still a criminal.
"Because Kanan is a Jedi," Ezra finally spoke.
The Devaronian was silent for a moment then started chuckling which escalated into hysterical laughter. "Kanan? A Jedi? You're funny kid," laughed Vizago.
Ezra lifted up his hand as Vizago continued, "That scoundrel couldn't be a Jedi anymore then you could."
The boy closed his eyes focusing with the Force as a crate behind the Devaronian began to levitate into the air. Vizago's laughter vanished when he noticed the cargo crate floating upwards over his head.
"Kid what are you doing?" Sister demanded. Letting this guy know about Kanan was irrelevant as the Empire already had him but now Ezra just exposed himself. The boy dropped the crate beside the stunned crime lord.
"You? You are a Jedi?" gasped Vizago, starting to comprehend what he just saw.
"And so is Kanan," nodded Ezra.
"So what does this mean for Vizago?" the Devaronian pondered.
"It means you help me and you'll have a Jedi owing you a favor," Ezra explained.
Vizago considered that. "Whatever I ask?"
"Within reason," Ezra added.
Vizago frowned, "No deal."
He turned to leave when Ezra shouted, "Okay! Okay, whatever you ask."
Sister could have stepped in to intervene at this point but if Ezra was willing to go through with this, then he had to be the one to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Maybe this will turn out good for him or maybe it won't but the boy will have to handle the outcome regardless.
"All right. Come with me boy. Alone," Vizago ordered.
"So you can stun him from behind and use some third party to hand the kid over to the Empire for a quick bounty? Not a chance," spat Sister.
"I'm not planning on handing over anyone. Hera and Kanan's crew are the best smugglers in the sector and finding good help is so hard to find these days," Vizago assured her.
"Relax. I got this," Ezra promised.
Sister was not pleased. "Fine. Get yourself killed for all I care," she grumbled.
Ezra tried his best not to laugh at that. Second Sister trying to act like she didn't care was pretty funny to watch. If she really didn't care, she wouldn't have come back to the Ghost on Nar Shaddaa.
He followed Vizago onboard his ship and the two had a brief discussion. Vizago gave some intel regarding droid couriers. With the coms blackout caused by the destruction of the Lothal Communications Tower, the Empire was using astromech droids to transport information back and forth between their bases and the Star Destroyers in orbit. And since Grand Moff Tarkin has made the Imperial Command Center his temporary base of operations, the courier droids coming out of there will have a gold mine of classified information within their databanks. Including where Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb were being held. In exchange for this, Vizago wanted a favor that he would determine at a later date. Ezra didn't have much choice but to agree.
Ezra left the crime lord's ship to find the Ghost parked a short distance away from the Phantom. He groaned when he saw Sister standing next to a very unhappy Hera. They weren't really arguing as Hera was the one yelling while Sister didn't say anything nor did she seem to care. The Twi'lek Captain noticed Ezra's approach and he wasn't looking for the reaming he was in for.
"Ezra Bridger," Hera growled.
"Before you get angry, I may have a lead," Ezra tried to explain.
"For what you just bargained, you better have something more than just a lead," Hera hissed.
"Hera I know you're mad…" Ezra tried to say.
"Mad? Try furious," snapped Hera. "You just put all our lives in jeopardy the moment you revealed what you are to Vizago."
"But he's not going to go running to the Empire," protested Ezra.
"Doesn't mean he won't sell us out the moment he is backed into a corner. He never sold out Kanan before because he never thought Kanan was important and now he knows better. Same with you," explained an angry Hera.
She then turned her attention to Second Sister. "And I can't believe you actually went along with this!" Hera snapped.
Sister almost looked bored as she said, "Better than your plan of just staying on the ship and watching their executions from the HoloNet."
Hera looked like she was about to explode from the insult so Ezra quickly jumped in-between the two. "I may know where to find Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb are being held," he said.
"Maybe? All that for maybe?" snapped Hera.
"You told me the only way we'll try to rescue them is if we have a chance and in order to do that, we need to know more which is why I did this," Ezra said.
Hera calmed herself down before asking, "What did you learn?"
One would think that Imperial personnel would be thrilled at the additional reinforcements brought in by Governor Tarkin. But the extra hands only seemed to create more work for Sergeant Krem. He had to coordinate and manage even more troops under his command. Normally he only manages about six troopers, now he's in charge of thirty. Officially the command structure was in the process of being restructured. On the other hand, according to scuttlebutt, Grand Moff Tarkin was completely replacing most of the local highest rankings officers as he considered them to be lax and incompetent. So that stuck Krem dealing with the fallout.
As if handling even more assignments wasn't bad enough, now Krem was expected to even personally supervise menial tasks like escort duty. Sure the courier droid he and four others were escorting contained classified information but this was work for a private fresh out of the academy, not a decorated sergeant. He fought in the Battles of Galpos II and Mendavi and now was reduced to escorting a garbage heap on wheels.
Krem's unit was walking through the streets of Capital City and despite only having five troops for the assignment, it was relatively safe. The city was still under martial law due to the ongoing trial of the terrorists responsible for destroying the Communications Tower which is why these courier droids were necessary in the first place. Just for that, Krem hopes they get thrown into a Sarlac Pit. So even if someone was dumb enough to try and attack them, there would be reinforcements swarming in from all directions.
The troopers strolled down an alleyway with the astromech in the middle of their formation. Only a few more minutes and they'd reach the Imperial complex and this bucket of bolts was someone else's problems. A ping echoed inside of Krem's helmet as something small bounced off of it. He glanced around and another small object hit his helmet. If this was some kind of attack, it was certainly unorthodox. Krem finally located his attacker and it was some kid throwing what looked like pebbles at him.
"Go back to the Core Worlds you imperialistic scum!" the boy shouted before throwing another peddle. It bounced harmlessly off of the Sergeant's armor but that was the last straw. That Lothal scum would pay for that.
"Get him!" Krem ordered. The three nearest troopers rushed after the boy who quickly ran away like the coward he was. He took off around a building corner and the pursuing troopers vanished after him, leaving only the Sergeant and one other trooper guarding the droid.
"Kriffing locals," Krem cursed. He glanced around and noticed someone approaching from a darkened alley.
He raised his weapon and ordered, "Hold it right there."
"Lower your weapons," a voice spoke. Krem lowered his weapon, wondering why he raised it in the first place. Beside him, the other trooper did so as well.
A female Twi'lek and astromech droid rushed up to the confused soldiers. "You will order your courier droid to transfer all of its data to the astromech," the voice spoke again.
"Droid. Transfer all of your data to this astromech," ordered Krem. The courier droid beeped in confusion but did as it was told, opening an access slot on its frame.
The other astromech droid hooked into the courier and a few seconds later detached. A weapon attachment sprung out of the astromech's body and it shot the courier droid with a burst of electricity. The courier screeched as its circuits were fried and it collapsed to the ground.
"What the…" Krem started to say.
"The droid malfunctioned and fried its memory core in the process," the voice spoke.
"The droid malfunctioned and fried its memory core in the process," Krem realized. Stupid droids were always malfunctioning and now they were going to have to go get another one to transport the same classified information and repeat this whole trip again.
"Forget you saw us," the voice spoke.
Krem felt strange as he realized the three troopers who pursued the kid had returned. "What happened here sir?" one of them asked.
"Nothing. This rolling junk pile malfunctioned and lost all of its data. What about that little punk?" demanded Krem.
"He got away sir," reported a trooper.
"Get this droid back to base. We're going to need a new one, hopefully one that won't explode," Krem grumbled, not suspecting anything was amiss.
"I really need to learn how to that," Ezra commented as the four rebels met up in a nearby alleyway. While he provided a distraction to get rid of several troopers, Sister used a mind trick to compel the remaining escorts into allowing Hera and Chopper to take the courier droid's data before short circuiting it. Now they have classified information and the Empire doesn't suspect a thing. Ezra heard how Sister essentially mind controlled two Stormtroopers and was looking forward to that part of his Jedi training once they get Kanan back.
"Chopper. Any information on the others?" Hera asked.
The Chopper nodded and displayed a hologram of an Imperial Star Destroyer. He added a few electronic chimes, naming as the Sovereign. Grand Moff Tarkin's flagship.
"They're holding them there? You can forget about a rescue then," sighed Sister.
"Now hang on. We can sneak aboard…" protested Ezra.
"This isn't like walking into the local Imperial garrison. Getting onto Tarkin's personal Star Destroyer will require multiple security screenings, none of whom we will be able to get past without detection and that ship houses thousands of Imperial troopers. It's a suicide mission," Sister interrupted.
Chopper added that the majority of the ship's garrison had been deployed on Lothal to help maintain martial law. The Star Destroyer itself was less guarded then anywhere on the planet with the Imperials obviously thinking no one was stupid enough to attack it. That meant it was vulnerable.
"Maybe so but there's no way we'll be able to get onboard without being detected," Sister argued.
"We could steal a shuttle," suggested Ezra.
"Which will be reported stolen the second you take off with it. The Sovereign will destroy it before you can even get close and even if you did, they'd have hundreds if not a thousand troopers ready to repel any boarding party," replied Sister.
"Maybe not," Hera said, pondering something.
"What do you mean?" asked Ezra.
"Sabine had been working on something to use for a mission just like this. She was combining a cache of enhanced ion grenades that went detonated together could disable not just an entire ship but also temporary stun anyone caught in its wake," explained Hera.
"Does it even work?" frowned Sister.
"She never got around to testing it," shrugged Hera.
"That's encouraging," muttered Sister.
"If Sabine built it then it'll work. No one knows bombs better than her," Ezra said firmly.
"Well that's a wonderful plan you people came up with except for one minor detail. How are you going to get those bombs aboard that Star Destroyer?" demanded Sister.
"I don't know and like you said earlier, we can't just steal a ship," Hera sighed in agreement.
"What about one that's already been stolen…for a while?" asked Ezra.
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" asked Sister.
"Remember that Tie Fighter me and Zeb stole a few months back?" Ezra asked Hera.
"You mean the one you told me you crashed?" the Twi'lek frowned.
"Well…we didn't. We kept it," Ezra laughed nervously.
Hera glared at him then smiled. "I should be angry but right now I'm just grateful we got it," she said.
"There is a slight problem with it," Ezra added.
"What kind of problem?" demanded Sister.
"Sabine decided it needed a makeover," Ezra answered.
Chopper groaned as his arms touched his head as if he was face palming.
"It'll have to do. If we can deploy it in front of the Sovereign's orbital path, they might take the bait and pull it in with a tractor beam. By the time they see it, it'll be too late. We load it with Sabine's ordinance and hopefully once it detonates, it'll disable the ship and a good portion of the crew. In the chaos, we should be able to get close with the Ghost and enter the airlock closest to the detention block. That is where Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb should be," Hera laid out the plan.
"That's a lot of ifs, shoulds, and hopefullies in this plan of yours," Sister pointed out.
"It's not perfect," conceded Hera. "But it's the only chance our friends have. The trial won't last much longer and once it's over, they'll either be immediately executed or sent to some Imperial prison and we'll never see them again. The Empire will be expecting us to try and rescue them while they are on the planet but not while they are on the Sovereign. We have to save them on that ship or not at all. I'm not going to order anyone on this mission but you need to decide now are you or out?"
Chopper groaned, irritated that Hera even had to ask him.
"I'm in," agreed Ezra.
All eyes turned to Second Sister waiting for her answer. "This is a stupid plan," she commented.
"You said the same thing about us escaping the city and we turned out okay," Ezra quipped.
"You had more people then and we were escaping a city, not boarding a Star Destroyer," Sister groaned.
"You said you wanted to help," Hera pointed out.
"Not on a suicide mission. You people want to get yourselves killed then you can do it without me," snapped Sister. She turned and stormed off.
"Hey wait a…" Ezra called out but the Inquisitor was already gone. He realized he shouldn't have been surprised by something like this. It wasn't like Sister was actually friends with Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb. They were just a means to an end. While Ezra felt he took a big step forward into changing that by convincing her to help them, she wasn't going to risk her life for them especially on a mission she didn't feel they could survive.
"Ezra we can't pull this off without her. We're already shorthanded as is," sighed Hera. Obviously she felt that if anyone was going to convince Second Sister, it was Ezra. The problem was he wasn't sure what he was going to say. Convincing her to help them was one thing but now he was going to need to convince her to risk her life on a mission with a very small chance of succeeding. Ezra was going to need one hell of a speech.
Second Sister returned to the Ghost and locked herself in her quarters. Those imbeciles were going to get themselves killed and for what? To embark on a rescue mission that would end with their deaths or standing next to their friends at the trial. Varra Kayne might have risked her life on such a mission but she was dead. The Initiate Program made sure of that. Sister wasn't going to die for nothing, especially a group of people she didn't even really care about. Kanan, Hera, Sabine, Zeb (or Dead Weight as Sister preferred), and Chopper meant nothing to her.
A knock on the door disturbed her train of thought. "Go away!" Sister snapped.
"Look can we just talk?" Ezra asked.
"You and Captain Death Wish already said enough," hissed Sister.
Ezra tried to open the door but Sister used the Force to forcibly close it. "I said go away!" she shouted.
"Ok ok!" Ezra called out. "Look I don't want to get into an argument with you. But if you wanna talk…"
"I won't," replied Sister. When she got no response, Sister was satisfied the kid took the hint and left.
What infuriated her the most was Ezra joining in the fray. He told Sister that grew up on the streets by himself and learned how to survive by himself. He should know better than sticking his neck out like this. Spending time with this rebel cell had dulled his survival instincts. Morad Sumar should have been the ultimate lesson that everyone was only out for themselves and that people will eventually either disappoint or betray you.
"But Commander you have to do something," urged Captain Rex. He just came back from Master Krell trying to convince him to let Fives and Jesse go. But the Basilisk Jedi Master was determined to punish the two who destroyed an enemy supply ship against orders. Varra considered their actions heroic but her Master felt otherwise. He wanted an example made of the two and planned to court martial them for treason. Rex pleaded his case but that only made Krell decide to forego the court martial and ordered them executed immediately.
"You think I haven't?!" Varra snapped. She just got back after speaking with her Master regarding his decision for executing the clones. Varra had argued with her Master before but this time the two shouted back and forth between each other. Krell ordered to leave and Varra nearly smashed a nearby set of terminals on her way out. She didn't understand what was going on. Pong Krell had always been strict and somewhat harsh but never like this.
"Fives and Jesse will die if we don't something," pleaded Rex.
"There's nothing I can do. Krell is my master and superior. I can't disobey him unless he does something that defies Republic law," sighed Varra.
"Since is executing good men without due process Republic law!" snapped Rex.
"According the Republic Judicial Code of Conduct, during battle military officers are permitted to carry out sentences for serious offenses. Technically Fives and Jesse committed treason as it is defined within the reg manuals," explained Varra.
"Technically? Technically they saved our lives. This is wrong!" argued Rex.
"I'm not disagreeing with you Captain. In fact I've never heard of any instances of a treason charge applied to a case like this but it's out of my hands. I don't have the authority to override his decisions and I can't go above his head to contact Master Kenobi with communications down," sighed Varra.
"So we just stand by and watch them die?" Rex asked incredulously.
"We don't a choice in the matter. We're still in a battle and we can't allow the entire battalion to start questioning their leadership at a time like this….You have your orders Captain. Carry out the sentence," Varra said. Saying those words had to be the hardest thing she's ever done.
Rex wanted to argue, it was clearly on his face. But he was still a soldier and good soldiers follow orders. Even the ones they didn't and probably shouldn't agree with. The Captain headed towards the brig with an empty look in his eyes, as if he just lost his soul.
Varra entered the control room on the Communications Tower. Her Master stood by the observation window, glancing down at the airfield below. As Varra approached, she couldn't help but feel different around him. She had been by Master Krell's side for almost two years. He had been her teacher, her mentor, an example of everything Varra wanted to become. Now he felt like a complete stranger to her as if a changeling had taken his place.
Varra glanced at the window, realizing her Master was watching the executions below. "Tell me Varra. How do you feel about this war?" Krell asked.
"Feel?" Varra frowned, not understanding the question.
"We've been fighting in this war for two years. In all the chaos and death, the war has taught me valuable lessons. It revealed the weakness of the Republic to handle such a large scale war. Had the Clones not been produced in secret on Kamino, the Separatists would have won this war in a day. It revealed the weakness of the Jedi for allowing events to unfold into where we are today. Had the Jedi Council had the strength and conviction to intervene in the Separatist Crisis early on, this whole war would have never happened in the first place. This war has proven that if the Republic and the Jedi are to survive, they must change and yet once this war is over, far too many politicians want things to go back to the way they were. They will never learn the lessons living and dying on a battlefield will teach you and neither will the Jedi Council. Yoda, Windu, all of them cling to the ways of the past even after they have been proven to be wrong," explained Krell.
"What are you saying?" asked a confused Varra.
"I'm saying you must learn to change to live in the present, not be concerned upon how things were in the so called glory days of the Republic. That time has passed and only by changing with the times can we survive what is to come. Apathy is death," Krell spoke. Apathy is death is something he's spoken of often. It had a simple meaning behind it. To grow complacent made you vulnerable but the way he spoke of it seemed different than just preparing to fight. What was he trying to teach her?
Outside, Fives and Jesse stood up against a wall. A firing squad was lined up nearby with their weapons ready and aimed at the prisoners. Fives was yelling something but Varra couldn't tell what he was saying. Was he making a defiant last statement or plea for his life?
The firing squad opened fire…and hit no one. Their shots impacted on the wall behind the prisoners, leaving scorch marks but left Fives and Jesse completely unharmed. All of the firing squad dropped their weapons, refusing to fire again.
Varra glanced beside her to see her Master's reaction but his face was devoid of any emotions but she knew deep down he was furious. Varra, on the other hand, didn't know how to feel about all of this. Sure she didn't want to see Fives and Jesse dead but she also didn't want an insurrection which was looking more and more likely by the second.
Rex and Dogma were summoned to the control room and the moment they arrived, to say the tension was palpable was an understatement. Krell was furious, so much so Varra could sense his emotions through the Force. The Besilisk Jedi Master had always been able to control his emotions before, or at least conceal how he truly felt. Now Krell wasn't even bothering to hide his emotions. He was furious and either wanted Varra to sense it or just didn't care.
"I ordered those clones to be destroyed. You are making a mistake by crossing me clone," spat Krell.
"It's Captain sir," Rex said defiantly.
Krell looked like he was ready to pull out his lightsaber and cut the Captain in half. Before Varra could speak to try and calm the situation, one of the technicians said, "General there's an incoming transmission."
"Put it through," Krell ordered, his anger subsided for the moment but Varra could still feel it clear as day.
A holographic image of a clone trooper appeared on the center table. "General, the Umbarans have stepped up their offensive. We're holding them off but their squadrons have ambushed one of our platoons seizing weapons and uniforms. We believe they may be planning to launch a massive attack," the clone reported before his transmission was cut.
Krell turned to Rex. "Looks like you have your stay of execution for now. Lock the traitors in the brig and prepare your platoons to move out immediately," the Jedi Master ordered.
Varra breathed a sigh of relief, glad the standoff between her Master and Rex had been forestalled. She wasn't under any delusions that this was over between them but they had more important things to worry about at the moment.
Varra, Dogma, and Rex joined Krell in the elevator, descending to the ground level. "We need to preempt the enemy by hitting them now with everything we've got. We're finally going to take the capital. And Captain, make sure the troops are aware that the enemy may disguise themselves as clones to try to trick us," Krell spoke.
"I will sir," replied Rex.
"I'll ready the tanks. They should be ready to march within the hour," Varra said as the four exited the elevator and stepped on the airfield.
"That won't be necessary Varra. Captain Rex and his platoons will cut through the forest. It may be too dense for tanks to pass through but it's the shortest route to the capital. The tanks will remain behind as part of a defensive screen should the Umbarans slip by and attack our position," said Krell.
Varra was a little confused by the decision but kept her mouth shut. She wasn't going to question her Master's orders in front of the troops. "Captain you have your orders. Dismissed," ordered Krell. Rex saluted and walked away with Dogma.
"Varra prep a shuttle to leave within the hour. Commandeer one of the Umbaran vessels if you have to," Krell said once the clones were out of earshot.
"Shuttle? For what?" asked Varra.
"I've received orders from the Jedi Council. A matter has come up, one that requires our immediate attention," Krell explained.
"What kind of matter?" inquired Varra.
"I don't know. They were vague on the details but they made it very clear that this mission was vital and that secrecy was of the utmost importance," Krell replied.
"But what about the troops? Master we can't just abandon them during a battle," protested Varra.
"I will explain the situation to Captain Rex before he leaves. In the meantime, don't tell anyone of your mission. In fact, I want you to prep that shuttle by yourself. Make sure no one sees you," Krell spoke.
Varra's eyes narrowed. Something felt incredibly off about all of this. Why did he want to hide the fact that they had orders from the Jedi Council? The clones understand more than anyone the importance of following orders. But maybe the Jedi Council had their reasons for such secrecy and it wasn't Varra's place to question them. "Yes master."
"Master I found an Umbaran shuttle in the far hangar. It's prepped and ready for departure," Varra reported to Krell in the Communications Tower control room. It took her longer then it normally would have to get the ship ready with all the secrecy but all flight checks were complete and the ship was space capable. They could leave anytime they needed to.
"Good. We should leave immediately," said Krell.
Varra had serious misgivings about leaving her troops in the middle of a battle and it was clear that Krell could sense those feelings. "I know you're feeling like you're abandoning the clones but we have our orders. They'll be fine under Captain Rex's command," he assured her.
Master Krell was right. Captain Rex was a good officer and would be able to hold down the fort. The two headed towards the elevator when Varra noticed an electronic signal indicating someone was coming up. The elevator doors opened and immediately Captain Rex along with a dozen clone troopers rushed inside the room. Some had the blue armor of the 501st but others had yellow armor, indicating they were from another company.
"Captain what are you…?" Varra asked before realizing all of the troopers were aiming their blasters at her and Krell.
"General Krell, Commander Kayne, you've been relieved of duty," Rex stated.
Varra couldn't believe it. Rex was staging a coup. Was the clone trying to save the lives of Fives and Jesse by removing the Jedi from power until they could contact someone more sympathetic like General Kenobi?
Varra drew her double-bladed lightsaber and ignited both ends, its blue energy beams glowing as she prepared for a fight. "Captain stand down," she ordered.
"Drop your weapons and surrender," the Captain demanded, drawing his own dual blasters.
"You're committing mutiny Captain," Krell spoke. Strangely enough he sounded amused.
"Explain your actions," growled Rex.
"My actions?" Krell asked, almost sarcastically.
"For ordering your troops against one another," snapped Rex.
"What are you talking about?" demanded Varra.
"Krell sent us into the same coordinates as the 212th and they were told that the Umbarans had stolen clone armor just like we were told," explained Rex. No there had to a mistake. Master Krell wouldn't do that.
"Master what are they talking about?" Varra asked, keeping her eyes on the clones.
To her surprise, Krell started chuckling. It was such a surprise to hear that Varra risked glancing behind her to see her Master laughing. "I thought my apprentice and I would have left by now before you figured it out. For a clone, you're not completely stupid," Krell mocked.
Varra couldn't believe what she was hearing. Did her own Master just admit to being a traitor? No this couldn't be real. It had to be some kind of nightmare. Yet as Varra looked at her master's eyes, she felt only malice emanating from him through the Force.
"Surrender General you're outnumbered," Rex ordered.
Suddenly Krell thrusted all four of his hands, sending a powerful burst of telekinesis in every direction. All of the clones and Varra were lifted off their feet and thrown around the room. Varra bounced off a console, landing on her head. After that everything went quiet as her ears started ringing and her vision clouded. She could make out moving colors but as her sight slowly returned, Varra realized it was her Master's double-bladed lightsabers twirling around him as Krell cut his way through the troopers and jumped through the observation window, shattering the glass as he dropped to the airfield below.
Varra struggled to get to her feet when she turned her head to see Rex holding a blaster aimed directly for her head.
"Lock her in the brig," ordered Rex.
(Yes I know. Kanan, Sabine, and Zeb haven't been rescued yet but I promise next chapter we'll finally be getting to some action. Also I didn't feel like Second Sister would just go along with a plan she thought was suicide as she's not really close with the crew. Therefore, she has no real reason to go along with it unless another motive reveals itself (hint hint).