The sun began to set as Second Sister watched Gregor started carving up chunks out of the joopa for dinner. Rex insisted everyone stay for dinner and Zeb insisted, saying that thing tried to eat him so it was only fair he returned the favor. The massive worm would be able to feed the clones for almost an entire years or possibly more judging from its size. It felt so strange working with clones once again. It almost reminded Sister of another lifetime when she fought side by side with them. The problem was that Pong Krell was in those memories as well which made the present a vast improvement.
"What you do think it'll taste like?" Ezra asked.
"Chewy," remarked Sister.
"You almost made that sound like that's a good thing," groaned Ezra.
Sister shrugged. "I like food that tastes different," she quipped.
Rex exited the control room of the tank and joined the two. "I've assembled a list of potential base and clearance codes and a few protocols the Imperials still use. Should be of some use," he stated.
"Thanks Rex," replied Ezra.
"They're on our main computer. You'll need some data tapes," Rex added.
"No problem," remarked Ezra as he headed inside the tank.
"So where are you off to next Commander?" Rex asked.
"Nar Shaddaa. I hear it's nice this time of year," answered Sister.
"I hear it's the same all year round," commented Rex.
"Good. I hate snow," shrugged Sister.
"You've changed a lot since Umbara. You never used any wisecracks or jokes," chuckled Rex.
"Killing your kriffing traitorous teacher has that effect on you," Sister stated. The clone glanced over Sister's shoulder. She turned to see Kanan on the other side of the outer plank, staring off into the distance.
"You know I don't think he likes me or ever will," remarked Rex. "Can't say I blame him. The war left its scares on all of us."
Rex was silent for a moment before asking, "Ezra told me you've been with them for quite a while. Why are you leaving them now?"
"Sometimes that kid talks too much," grumbled Sister.
"Well he is young," pointed out Rex. "Why leave now?"
"Because they can't win. They can't beat the Empire," sighed Sister.
"Now that's a load of Bantha poodoo," Rex scoffed.
Sister glared at him. "Excuse me?" she hissed.
"You're been with this crew for months and even undertook a suicide mission to rescue three of them from a Star Destroyer," Rex pointed out.
"Ezra talks far too much," Sister grunted.
"The Commander I knew didn't back down from a fight. She was one of the first to volunteer to charge through the front lines," Rex continued.
"I'm not her!" snapped Sister.
"You still are, you're just angry. Angry at Krell, angry at the Jedi, angry at the Empire, and especially angry at yourself," Rex countered.
"And how could possibly know this Captain Yoda?" mocked Sister.
"Because I'm angry at all of them as well. I was betrayed by Krell same as you, I was betrayed by the Republic that I fought for then discarded me and my brothers as soon as we were no longer useful, I was betrayed by the Jedi who allowed the galaxy to devolve into what it became during the Clone Wars which allowed countless systems to side with Separatists. Making me and my brothers' job that much harder when it should have never gotten that bad to begin with. Mostly I felt like I betrayed myself. I thought I was fighting for freedom. Instead I helped to create an Empire that oppresses its own people," explained Rex.
Sister didn't get a chance to respond before Ezra burst out of the tank. "You betrayed us!" he shouted.
That caught everyone's attention including Kanan, Zeb, and Wolfe who joined with Sister and Rex.
"The clones warned the Empire we're here," accused Ezra, holding up a datapad.
"Kid you must be reading that wrong. We would never do that," frowned Rex.
"The binary transmission I found says otherwise. Not to mention the fact that your com had a record of Ahsoka trying to contact you multiple times. You just never responded," explained Ezra.
"What?" exclaimed Rex. He snatched the datapad from Ezra and quickly skimmed through it. "I never got any messages from Commander Tano."
"I knew it. I told you they can't be trusted," hissed Kanan. He had his hand on his lightsaber hanging on his belt and Sister touched her own weapon.
Rex continued reading the text then stopped. He turned to Wolfe and said, "What did you do?"
"I…" Wolfe stuttered, already a sigh of guilt. "…I contact the Empire. If they found out we were helping Jedi, they'd wipe us out."
Sister drew her lightsaber, igniting it, and then lunged at the treacherous clone. He would have been short of a head had Rex suddenly stepped in her way and grabbed Sister's arms to prevent her from killing his comrade.
"Commander wait!" Rex pleaded, struggling to hold her back.
"Let me go!" shouted Sister. An extra pair of hands grabbed her and pulled her back. Sister was livid to see it was Zeb and Kanan.
"Ezra get the Phantom prepped. We're leaving," Kanan ordered. The boy nodded and rushed off.
"I wanted to protect you guys," protested Wolfe. "Protect my squad."
"Let me go! He betrayed us! He needs to die!" Sister shouted.
"Calm down," groaned Kanan, struggling to hold her back even with the Lasat.
"The war is over. We are free men. We can't live under the fear of the Empire for the rest of our lives Wolfe. That's not freedom," argued Rex.
"You're…you're right. I'm sorry," sighed Wolfe.
"Kanan!" Ezra shouted. Everyone glanced up to see the Padawan ducking for cover as a probe droid flew out of the Phantom. It fired it's blasters as it tried to make a getaway. Ezra ignited his lightsaber and managed to block any blaster bolts that were aimed at the Phantom's engines. Kanan took off running after the probe with Second Sister right behind him, now free from Zeb's grasp. The probe dropped off the side of the tank and then took off across the desert. Kanan leaped off the tank, landing on the sand below and continued the chase but was losing ground.
Sister however had other ideas. She stretched out her hands and clenched both fists, reaching out with the Force. The probe suddenly froze in mid-air, held in place telekinetically. As Kanan got closer, he drew his blaster. A blaster bolt hit the droid, causing it to explode except it didn't come from Kanan.
Sister turned to see Rex standing beside her holding a blaster rifle, its muzzle smoking.
"Nice shot," Ezra commented, joining them.
Sister glanced at Rex but didn't nod or indicate any gratitude for what he did. As far as she was concerned, he simply cleaned up his own mess. She leaped over the railing and landed on the desert below. It wasn't long before she, Kanan, Rex, Zeb, and Ezra were standing beside the wreckage of what was left of the droid.
"How long do you think this thing was watching us?" asked Ezra.
"Long enough," grumbled Kanan. "How's the Phantom?"
"The engine's fine but the main control board is scrapped. We're not going anywhere until it's fixed. If Sabine were here, she'd probably be able to fix it in no time," complained Ezra.
"We could contact the fleet with Rex's tank and have Hera pick us up," suggested Zeb.
"Sounds good except for the fact that Empire's probably already on its way as we speak," pointed out Rex.
"Ezra you and me will start working on the Phantom and get it fixed as fast as we can. If the Empire gets here before Hera, we might need it to get out of here," Kanan said.
Second Sister paced back and forth in the tank's control room, watching the clones like a viper bat. Kanan and Ezra were in the Phantom trying to fix the shuttle as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, neither one of them was Sabine nor Chopper which meant that was going to take time. Until then, Sister and Zeb were going to keep an eye on the clones and make sure neither one of them try something else. Sure only Wolfe actually did something but that only proved it was best not to take chances. The clones weren't prisoners but that didn't stop the former Inquisitor and the Lasat from following them around.
"You know you don't have to watch our every move," Rex pointed out.
"Our damaged shuttle on your rooftop says otherwise," grunted Zeb.
"Look I know I was wrong…" Wolfe sighed.
"Shut up!" hissed Sister, still tempted to sever that clone's head. A beeping from one of the consoles caught her attention. "What's that?"
"Uhh…that would be the coms. We're receiving a transmission," Gregor answered.
"The Empire called back? They never call back," stuttered a surprised Wolfe.
"Just get rid of them Wolfe," Rex insisted.
Wolfe took a deep breath and answered the transmission. The others stood off to the sides to stay out of sight as one of the monitors displayed a picture of a familiar figure.
"Oh kriff," gulped Second Sister.
"Is that an Inquisitor?" Zeb whispered, recognizing the uniform and helmet. It looked remarkably similar to Second Sister's.
"Third Sister," nodded Second Sister. Of all the Inquisitors to have to deal with, it just had to be the most dangerous one.
"Commander Wolfe this is the Imperial Star Destroyer Relentless responding to your transmission," Third Sister spoke.
"Uhh yes that's me," Wolfe nodded. His acting was atrocious.
"Please transmit your coordinates so I can investigate the Jedi sightings you reported," requested Third Sister.
"Uhh…Jedi? No no there's no Jedi here. My old cybernetic eye must be acting up again," Wolfe quipped. Rex put his arm around the Commander like Wolfe was some harmless grandpa acting up again.
"Sorry for wasting your time," smiled Rex.
"I see. Well the Empire thanks you for your vigilance Commander Wolfe and you as well Captain Rex," Third Sister spoke before the transmission cut out. Rex's smile faded upon hearing his name. Second Sister had no idea how she knew the clone captain's identity but it was clear she knew they were lying and was coming for them.
"Wait a second. How did she know your name?" wondered Wolfe. "The Empire thinks you're dead."
"I don't know but we need to increase our speed. That transmission came from orbit which means that Star Destroyer will probably be launching multiple squadrons in search patterns of our last known position right now. It won't take them long to find us," Rex said urgently.
He turned to Second Sister and Zeb. "You all need to leave while you can. Take this," Rex said before handing Zeb a data disk.
"This contains a list of coordinates of every Republic base, Separatist installation, pirate hideout, and smuggler's den we know about in the Outer Rim. Plus a few Mandalorian bases that I'm sure even they forgot about," Rex explained.
"Thanks. We owe you one. Are you sure you won't come with us?" asked Zeb. "No offense but your tank won't be able to take on what's coming."
"Oh she's tougher then she looks and we'll be fine," chuckled Gregor.
Rex held out his hand to Sister who was a little surprised by the gesture. She was slow to respond but finally shook his hand. "Remember what I said. Good luck Commander," Rex said.
Third Sister smiled as she cut the transmission. She couldn't believe her luck when she saw Captain Rex standing with Commander Wolfe. It took her a second to recognize him via his uniform. It had specific scratches and dents that she remembered during her time in the Clone Wars. She knew they were lying to her and she also knew that they wouldn't believe anything she said so she simply let it slip what she knew and then ended on that taunt.
"Captain Rex? You knew that other clone?" frowned Admiral Konstantine.
"He's not just any clone. There was no Republic soldier closer to Ahsoka then him. This just keeps getting better and better," smiled Third Sister before initiating a broadband transmission to speak with every Imperial pilot scouring the planet.
"All units you have new orders. Cripple their tank but do not destroy it. I want the Jedi and the clones taken alive. Do not shoot to kill," ordered Third Sister. A series of acknowledgements came in from every Imperial unit that had been deployed to the planet below.
"Inquisitor I believe Lord Vader ordered all Jedi aside from the Togruta be killed," Konstantine reminded her.
Third Sister considered decapitating the officer or strangling via the Force for his insubordination. Instead she calmly replied, "Even if Ahsoka isn't there and the Jedi and clones don't know where she is, they can still be used as bait. She would never allow her friends to die."
Ezra yelped, getting zapped yet again. Fixing the shuttle was proving hazardous to his health with all the short circuits. He was really missing Sabine and even somewhat missing Chopper right now. He wasn't an engineer but Sabine did teach a lot about repairs. It was considered mandatory about an incident involving Hera and Sabine getting stuck on an asteroid with hungry monsters and the Phantom unable to lift off thanks to Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper not properly repairing the shuttle.
Kanan had contacted Hera and the Ghost was on its way but there was no telling how soon the Empire would get here so they needed to get off the ground ASAP.
"I think I've almost got it," Ezra reported, closing up the circuit board. "Helm control is almost back up and running but the controls for weapons and coms are still down."
"We'll just have to make do. We need to get out of here before…" Kanan replied.
He didn't get chance to finish before Second Sister and Zeb rushed inside the shuttle. "The Empire's here," Sister said.
"We need to leave right now," Zeb agreed.
"Uhh…that's going to be a problem," gulped Ezra. He just reactivated the sensors and it detected a ship heading their way. He glanced through the view screen to see a Tie Fighter coming into view over the horizon.
"Everyone out of the shuttle!" ordered Kanan.
"Are you crazy? We need to leave now!" hissed Sister.
"The Phantom still can't fly and even if it did, it's in no condition for a fight. We need to defend the shuttle and the tank," Kanan explained.
Ezra grabbed his lightsaber and rushed outside with the others. The Tie came streaking closer, firing its dual cannons. Kanan quickly leaped onto a catwalk overlooking one of the AT-TE's legs and deflected a bolt of energy away from it, nearly losing his balance in the process. Blocking a Tie Fighter's shots was a lot harder than deflecting a simple blaster rifle.
"They're targeting the tank's legs!" Kanan shouted.
"If they managed to cripple them or the Phantom, we're sitting mynocks," gulped Ezra.
The fighter made another pass, this time targeting the shuttle. Second Sister leaped onto the top of the Phantom and activated the spin function of her lightsaber. She managed to deflect three shots away, nearly getting knocked off her feet by the sheer force of the blaster bolts. The tank started swerving, moving in a zig-zag pattern to avoid getting hit. Guess the clones knew what was going on.
Zeb was firing away as the Tie with his bo-staff but the fighter moved too fast to hit and was quickly out of range. Second Sister was covering the shuttle so Ezra decided to help Kanan cover the legs. He wasn't sure if he could actually block a Tie Fighter cannon but it was better than sitting around getting shot at. Rex and Gregor climbed onto the roof of the tank with the captain carrying a missile launcher.
"Wouldn't now be a good time to use the big gun?" Ezra pointed out to the clone.
"Wouldn't do us any good. That fighter is moving too fast. We'd never hit it," Rex shook his head.
"Wouldn't do us any good huh? Kinda like you guys," hissed Kanan.
"Gregor show 'em how the 501st and the 212 handled things," Rex chuckled. Gregor smiled and took the launcher from him. The Tie was coming around for another pass, this time targeting the shuttle again. Second Sister managed to hold her ground, deflecting the shots while also keeping her balance. Gregor waited until the Tie passed overhead then fired a missile from his launcher. The fighter didn't get very far before Gregor's missile closed in and blew it into pieces in a massive explosion.
Gregor held up his head as if showing off. "This old Commando still got it," he bragged.
"I'm starting to like these guys," chuckled Zeb.
"You know we'd make a good team if we all fought together," Ezra hinted to Rex.
"Very subtle kid," Sister muttered.
Rex didn't get a chance to reply before Kanan said, "Yeah tried that once. Didn't work out so well."
The Jedi then pointed towards the rear of the Tank, specifically to a sandstorm off in the distance. "That storm is getting closer. Anymore and it'll ground us. We need the Phantom to fly now."
"Then you better work fast," warned Rex. "Because that storm is our next destination."
"You actually want to ride through that?" asked Zeb in disbelief.
"Want no but we don't have a choice. That fighter no doubt reported our position which means more Imperials will be on their way. We need the storm to mask us as we get some distance from here," explained Rex.
"Is the shuttle at least flight capable?" asked an irritated Sister.
"Primary engines are but the maneuvering thrusters aren't. If we get into a battle, we won't be able to make any sharp turns or evasive maneuvers," answered Ezra.
Kanan sighed, "Then we have no choice. We need to wait until Hera arrives to pick us up."
The Jedi turned to Rex and said, "Take us into the storm Captain."
"We have their location but the clones have moved their tank into a sandstorm. We've lost them," reported Kallus.
"No we haven't," stated Third Sister. "Admiral prepare a task force comprised of three Imperial Walkers each with a contingent of Stormtroopers. I will lead them myself."
"But how will you find them Inquisitor? They're completely invisible to our sensors," frowned Konstantine.
"Because I have something better then sensors," replied Third Sister, heading towards the exit.
"We can't leave them alone for one mission without them getting themselves into trouble," Sabine joked on the com.
"Yeah well get that turret warmed up. In his last transmission, Kanan said the Empire's already here and that they're about to hide in a sandstorm," Hera informed her Mandalorian companion.
"How are we going to find them then?" protested Sabine.
"One thing at a time. First we'll need to worry about the Star Destroyer in orbit. I'll drop us out of hyperspace on the other side of the planet. That'll block them from scanning us but it'll take time for us to get to the others from that distance. Knowing Imperial protocols, they'll have Ties patrolling a search zone for them and the moment we get close enough, they'll detect us so keep those trigger fingers of yours ready. We're gonna have a fight on our hands," replied Hera.
"So what was it like to fight in the Clone Wars?" Ezra asked Rex. Everybody was inside the tank's control room waiting to pass through the storm so the Padawan felt like talking to pass the time. Kanan kept his distance from the clones while Zeb was starting to warm up to them particularly Gregor. Sister, however, was skulking in the corner alone.
"I don't think the fighting ever got to Lothal but war was never dull. The general I fought with was amongst the greatest of the Jedi. I trusted him with my life more times than I can count and I tried to keep that trust," explained Rex.
"So…was Varra always so…grouchy?" whispered Ezra, not wanting to risk his life by asking that too loud.
Rex chuckled. "She had her moments of frustration but the Commander was always one of the first people to volunteer for any risky mission. She placed our lives before her own and had General Krell not been a traitor, she would have been a great Jedi," he whispered back.
"Yeah but…she probably wouldn't be alive right now if she had been," realized Ezra.
"Wait do you sense that?" Second Sister spoke.
"Sense what?" frowned Zeb.
"Not you Dead Weight. Kanan, Ezra can you sense something?" Sister said urgently.
Ezra stretched out with his feelings and felt a dark cold presence that seemed to be getting closer. "Yeah I do."
"Same here. What is it?" asked Kanan.
"It's Third Sister. She's on the planet's surface and she's hunting us," Sister said with no doubt in her voice.
"Just once could we go on a mission without running into a red lightsaber-wielding menace," grumbled Zeb.
Second Sister then lowered to her knees. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"What are you doing?" asked Rex.
"Third Sister is using the Force to find us. I need to mask our presence in the Force but it'll take my full concentration to do so," explained Sister.
"You can do that?" asked a stunned Kanan.
"One of my many tricks now leave me alone and let me focus," ordered Sister.
Agent Kallus watched as Third Sister guided the pilots through the sandstorm. He knew the Inquisitors utilized a strange sort of magic that the Jedi did but it still baffled him to see such power in action. The AT-AT's sensors were useless in their current circumstance but Third Sister kept uttering commands to increase speed, turn right, turn left, slow down. It was somewhat frustrating as there was no way to see where the clone's tank was in this storm. They could be almost right on top of them and not know it.
"You're masking yourself from me aren't you killer?" Third Sister said.
"Who are you talking to?" asked Kallus.
Third Sister ignored him. "Do your friends know that you're the reason I've been able to track them through this storm? Your presence betrays you and them. All Inquisitors can sense each other if we're close enough and I'm getting very close. You can mask yourself but only to a point," she mocked.
"All units thirty degrees left flanking turn!" Third Sister ordered.
Ezra could have sworn Second Sister's face scowled for a second then returned to a neutral expression, completely concentrating.
"If they're following protocol then the landing party will be comprised of several armored vehicles. Since they probably know we're in an AT-TE, they'll send those new larger four legged walkers against us," said Rex.
"Karabas. What do we do? We can't even see anything," hissed Zeb.
"We can't but a Jedi can. I never saw those four legged walkers in action but I did get a view of the schematics when they were still being designed. Their only structural weakness in in the neck but we may only get one shot at it," Rex spoke.
"If you're willing to trust me then I can get us that shot," Kanan replied.
"I always trust my general," smiled Rex. Ezra couldn't help but feel a little proud as the two were starting to get along. Not that his Master and the Captain were going to be buddies now but this was a start.
Kanan reached out his hand and closed his eyes, focusing. "Prepare to stop now," he ordered.
The tank came to a halt and everyone waited in silence. Soon Ezra could feel something, sudden bursts shaking in the floor as well as a distinct thug that accompanied them. They were footsteps and the only thing capable of causing something like that was an AT-AT. Rex called it right. The shaking got worse as Ezra realized the walkers were probably passing right by them.
"Pincer maneuver. I want them surrounded," ordered Third Sister.
"But sir we can't even see them," protested the pilot.
"Do as I command!" hissed the Inquisitor.
The shaking and the resulting thuds suddenly stopped. Ezra didn't know how but it was a safe guess the Imperials knew they were here. Maybe not their exact location though as they would have started firing by now.
"Commander Wolfe circle left double time," ordered Kanan. The tank shook from the sudden violent turn. "Full stop!"
The machine came to a halt. "If what I'm sensing is right, we're surrounded," Kanan reported.
"What?" shouted Ezra.
"You put us right in the middle of them to get us a shot. It's crazy but it's probably our best chance," said Rex.
"Best chance? If we start shooting, those Imps are going figure out where we are," protested Zeb.
"Don't worry chum," chuckled Gregor. "I'll take the shot."
"No Ezra should take the shot," replied Kanan. Had his master lost his mind?
"Uhh…why don't you do it?" suggested a nervous Ezra.
"Kanan's right. We need him guiding us out of this mess and the Commander needs to keep doing…whatever she's doing. That leaves only you kid," stated Rex.
"This is a bad idea," gulped Ezra.
"Those are always the best ones," chuckled Gregor.
Rex grabbed a clone helmet and tossed it to Ezra. "You're gonna need that outside. Hang on tight. Gregor you spot him," he said.
"This is crazy," Ezra repeated, holding onto Zeb as the two made their way across the gangway to the tank's cannon. The sandstorm was pounding them both and threatened to knock them off if they weren't careful.
"Oh just think of it as a nice walk in the park," Gregor suggested playfully, almost dragging the Padawan through the storm. Ezra could barely see the clone through his helmet let alone find the cannon but the Commander lived on this walking metal contraption. He probably knew it by heart.
The two arrived at the controls and Ezra took a seat. "Now don't miss little womp-rat," chuckled Gregor.
"I never miss," lied Ezra.
"Ezra's there's a walker around .5," Kanan's voice chime in from the com.
"Somewhere around .5? That's helpful," grumbled Ezra. He turned the turret towards the coordinates but he still couldn't see anything. The targeting scopes were useless in this storm.
"It's there trust me and more importantly trust your instincts. You won't see it with your eyes but you can do this," Kanan encouraged him. So all Ezra had to do was make a one in a million shot without being able to see it or able to use the Force as well as Kanan, Sister, or Ahsoka. Not to mention if he misses, they were be completely screwed. No pressure.
So Ezra closed his eyes and focused on the target. He pictured the walker in his mind, specifically the neck area. A gut feeling urged him to turn his targeting controls just slightly upwards and to the right. Ezra took that as a hint from the Force and did so. The next instinct was just simply to fire so he did. Ezra opened his eyes just in time to see a massive explosion nearby. He could just barely make out the shape of an AT-AT before it keeled over, falling to the ground.
"Got'em!" Ezra cheered.
"Wow now that's one for the manuals!" Gregor celebrated.
"Wolfe there's your opening. Go for it!" ordered Kanan on the coms. The tank suddenly accelerated forward, trying to move as fast as possible. Blaster bolts rained down on the AT-TE from behind. The remaining walkers had found them.
"Focus fire on the energy burst. Target the ground, that'll hit their legs and cripple them," ordered Third Sister. The walker pilots increased speed, chasing after their target as well as returning fire.
The moment the AT-TE emerged from the sandstorm, Ezra knew they were in trouble. Once the Imperial walkers emerged as well, there would be nowhere to hide and they couldn't outrun them. Blaster fire had followed the tank all the way through the storm, meaning the Imperials were keeping up with them. Ezra had no delusions that the tank could also take on a single AT-AT, let alone more than one. They had only one choice and that was to leave via the Ghost.
Ezra and Gregor jumped over the landing pad where Rex, Kanan, Second Sister, and Zeb joined them.
"Great shot kid," Rex congratulated Ezra. "Now get out of here all of you. It's not going to take long before those walkers exit the storm. They'll have a clear shot at us and be able to summon Tie Fighters via the coms."
"But we can't leave now," protested Ezra.
"We have to get the information they gave us back to the rebellion," Kanan said in a tone that implied this wasn't up for debate. Zeb quickly rushed inside and took the pilot's seat, starting up the launch sequence.
"But the other part of the mission is to bring Rex back with us. We can't just abandon them," argued Ezra.
"You're not abandoning anyone. We're covering your escape now move!" urged Rex.
"C'mon kid. He's made his choice," Sister said as she stepped inside. Ezra felt like he was betraying the clones by doing this but he didn't see any other option. They needed to leave and the clones didn't want to come. He handed Rex back his trooper helmet the Padawan borrowed. The Captain quickly jumped into the gunner control as Ezra stepped onto the Phantom.
"We're soldiers Ezra. This is what we were born to do!" Rex called out before the shuttle's blast doors closed.
Third Sister waited impatiently as the walkers finally emerged from the storm. The view screen was completely clear, offering a clear view of the AT-TE. She couldn't believe such a thing was capable of holding itself together, let alone able to take down a walker with one shot. It must have been Second Sister, Ahsoka, or one of the other Jedi who did it. The Phantom was parked on top of a custom built landing pad on the tank's back. Third Sister was about to order its destruction when she saw it taking off.
"Admiral Konstantine. A shuttle just launched from the enemy tank. I want it disabled but take care not harm its occupants," Third Sister ordered into the com.
"Understood Inquisitor. Be advised our patrols have detected a ship approaching your position. We believe it is the Ghost," reported Konstantine.
"Split all fighters into two groups. Have one target the shuttle and the rest target the Ghost," commanded Third Sister. To her surprise, the AT-TE was turning around and heading straight towards her walker.
"They've gone mad," scoffed Kallus.
"No. They're distracting us from attacking the shuttle but our fighters will handle it. Disable that tank," ordered Third Sister.
"How many prisoners are you planning on taking?" frowned Kallus.
"As many as I need to until I get Ahsoka Tano," Third Sister answered.
"Kanan you know better than anyone. They won't give up. This fight is going to be their last," Ezra protested.
"At least they'll go down swinging kid," Zeb tried to console him.
"But what are we supposed to tell Ahsoka? Rex was her friend," Ezra pleaded. He turned to Sister and asked, "I thought he was your friend."
Second Sister didn't reply to that. He talks about Rex as if Sister and the clone knew each other for years fighting alongside each other. The truth was that she only knew Rex for less than a week then hadn't seen or heard from him in almost twenty years. If Rex wanted to go out in a blaze of glory then why shouldn't Sister just let him do it? She was heading to Nar Shaddaa and then would vanish, leaving all of this behind including Rex, the rebellion, the Ghost Crew, and Ezra.
Yet it begged the question what was she running to? Staying alive for the sake of being alive? Ahsoka pointed that out and in a way she was right. Yet that didn't mean she had to stay yet what was the real reason she had for the past few months? The truth was that it felt good to have people who Sister could finally count on. The Ghost Crew proved that by getting that medical droid from Artanis Station and nearly dying in the process.
Yet Sister couldn't help but think over the past few months how long it would take until they betrayed her. Everyone has her entire life. Her mother handed her over to the Jedi without even a fight, Krell betrayed her for his own ambitions, the Jedi imprisoned her for exposing their hypocrisy, and the Empire betrayed her for being too good at her job. Second Sister was growing paranoid the longer she stayed with them all. She never needed to trust the other Inquisitors but the Ghost crew trusted each other with their own lives. Not just because they believed in their mission but also in each other. They didn't take missions that would get them killed unless they had no choice. They placed their lives above almost anything else unless they were in the heat of the moment protecting innocent lives. They were everything the Jedi should have been and that was what truly infuriated Sister.
She didn't want to be a part of another Jedi order, she didn't want to be a part of the Sith, she didn't want to be a part of the Empire, and she didn't want to be a part of the rebellion. All Second Sister really wanted was a place to belong, something to fight for, and something to believe in. She didn't take pleasure in the terrible things she's done but she believed in the cause of the Empire. To be more accurate, she believed in Darth Vader but he betrayed her just like everyone else. How could she trust anyone after that and yet it all came down to a single truth. Second Sister actually could trust the Ghost Crew. She could trust them to assist her and not betray her. She may not like all of them…correction she didn't really like most of them but trust didn't require that.
However would Ezra and the others still feel the same way if they knew the truth about her?
They could run but they couldn't hide. The entire building was surrounded with Imperial troops with anti-personal walkers assisting them. The younglings had no chance to escape yet they didn't stop them from trying.
Second Sister had split up from the others to check a storage area. She reached out with her mind, letting the Force guide her instead of her senses. The little Jedi didn't know a thing about concealing themselves in the Force as such abilities required years of training and experience in meditation. Sister could feel someone, the presence echoing within the room. It was filled with metallic stacks filled with broken down parts and junk too worthless even for scavengers to scrounge up. Whoever was in here was probably using them for cover.
With a motion of her hands, Sister dropped all the stacks one by one telekinetically. A yelp caught her attention. Sister turned her head to see one of the stacks hadn't completely fallen to the floor. Something was stuck underneath it and trying to get out. Sister calmly strolled over to it to see the Jedi youngling Katooni on the floor, her legs trapped underneath a fallen stack.
Katooni ignited her lightsaber to cut herself free but the damage had been done. Her ankles were bleeding and she was in no condition to run, let alone fight. The Tholothian raised her weapon to defend herself but Second Sister easily swatted the youngling's lightsaber out of her hands. Sister then raised her free hand and summoned the Jedi's fallen lightsaber to her. Now armed with two weapons, the Inquisitor held the lightsabers in a scissor-like formation ready to sever through the youngling's head.
"Stop…please," pleaded Katooni.
Second Sister hesitated. She was supposed to bring in any potential candidates but Katooni wasn't one of them. She showed no potential with her lightsaber and was too easily bested. If she was put through Inquisitor training, she wouldn't survive. She would die a painful death. Second Sister knew exactly what she would go through because she went through it herself. Darth Sidious had many candidates put through his sadistic trials to prove their worth and in the end, only three managed to survive them. The Grand Inquisitor, Second Sister, and Third Sister.
"If I brought you in, the rest of your life would be nothing but suffering. If I knew what awaited me before I became what I am today, I would have considered what I'm about to do a mercy," Second Sister spoke. Katooni's eyes widened in terror.
Second Sister emerged from the storage area to find Third Sister had captured two younglings. Krona and Adonis had their arms shackled behind their backs, their heads lowered in fear of looking their captors in the face.
"Sister managed to catch any little fish?" mocked Third Sister. She shoved Krona towards Second Sister. "Here you are, now you're not going back empty handed killer," Third Sister spoke.
Krona gave a quick glance at Second Sister, a small hint of anger in her eyes. Maybe there was hope for this one.
"I think I'll keep this one. I doubt he'll last a week under my delicate care," laughed Third Sister as she grabbed Adonis by the arm.
Second Sister didn't deserve forgiveness for all the things she's done, not that she'd ask for it. She was a murderer with so much blood on her hands they were almost gushing red. If the Force actually had a will, it would want her to rot on some desolate world alone and forgotten. But there was also something Captain Rex said about how it doesn't matter where you've been but rather where you were going. Sister had no idea if the Ghost Crew would accept her if they knew her past but maybe they would if they knew she would help.
The Force didn't decide her actions. She didn't have to go to Nar Shaddaa or even stay with the rebels. She didn't have to choose the light side or dark side, Jedi or Sith. Second Sister was free to choice as she wished and right now she knew exactly what she wanted to do.
"Turn this ship around!" shouted Sister.
"Huh?" asked a confused Zeb.
"I said turn it around!" demanded Sister.
Third Sister couldn't help but laugh at the sight. The rusty old AT-TE was charging straight towards them. The machine looked like it was held together by nothing more than adhesive and prayer and yet the clones were actually attempting a forward assault on two AT-ATs. It was a suicidal charge but Third had to give the clones credit, they certainly weren't afraid.
"They've lost their minds," scoffed Agent Kallus.
"Open fire," commanded Third Sister.
The gunners unleashed a volley of energy bolts aimed at the old tank's legs. Incredibly the bucket of bolts was somehow persevering through the barrage. That was certainly proving what a marvel the AT-TE was of military engineering. However, it was still obsolete compared to the larger and more powerful AT-AT. The clones opened fire with their main cannon but their weapon did little more than shake Third's walker a little. They wouldn't be able to get a lucky shot like they did on the walker they destroyed earlier.
"Intensive forward firepower," ordered Kallus.
The AT-AT escalated their attack as the tank lumbered closer and closer. Third Sister couldn't but laugh again as she realized what they were doing. The tank disappeared from their view screen before the whole walker suddenly shook violently. They actually rammed into the AT-AT's legs.
"They are insane!" shouted Kallus, trying to keep his balance. The walker started to tilt up, signs that the clones were attempting to lift up the AT-AT's legs and topple them over. Points for creativity but hardly feasible.
"Stabilize us," ordered an amused Third Sister.
The walker pilot easily forced the walker back on its legs, pinning the AT-TE underneath. The clones were trapped and they were knew it. The tank's main cannon fired uselessly, unable to hit the AT-AT's neck. She could make out a clone exiting the cannon's control and shouting something. Probably a final insult as he knew he was finished.
"Open the drop doors. I'm going to have a word with our veterans," said Third Sister. The Inquisitor left the control room and entered the cargo room, climbing down to the lower level. Her destination was the staging platform designed for Imperial Stormtroopers to down a rope to the ground below. They were used during battle when speedy deployments were a necessity. The drop doors opened up on the platform, revealing the blinding sands sitting at the base of the walker's feet several hundred feet below.
Third Sister simply dropped down, landing on the sand with no injury from a fall that would have killed anyone would couldn't use the Force. She simply strolled over to the AT-TE and leaped onto the top where Captain Rex was waiting.
"So I guess the Empire isn't staffed with cowards after all," the clone commented. He drew his blaster pistol but with a motion of Third's hand, it went flying out of sight. To his credit, Rex didn't panic or show any fear but it was plain to see on his face that he knew this was it.
"Doesn't take courage to deal with a bunch of washed up test tube rejects," mocked Third Sister. She drew her lightsaber, igniting both ends.
"Now where is Ahsoka Tano?" Third demanded.
"Oh don't worry. I'm sure she'll find you and when she does, you won't be walking away," warned Rex.
"Speaking of walking, I want you alive but that doesn't mean your need your legs," chuckled Third Sister. She thrusted her free hand out and knocked Rex down with a telekinetic wave. The Inquisitor moved in to severe the clone's kneecaps when something changed in the Force. Third raised her lightsaber and deflected a blaster bolt.
Commander Wolfe and a clone Third wasn't familiar with emerged onto the tank's balcony and charged straight at her, firing their blaster rifles. It was a suicide run and Third felt obligated to oblige. She needed Rex alive, not these two. The Inquisitor activated her lightsaber's spin mode and then hurled it at them. They didn't have a chance to duck before the energy blades went through both of their chests and emerged from the other side without slowing down.
"NOOOOO!" yelled Rex as he watched his brothers dropped to the floor lifeless.
"I just hate interruptions, how's a surgeon to concentrate on her work?" mocked Third.
"Inquisitor. The rebel ship…" Kallus reported.
"Is fleeing! What about them? Let Konstantine handle them," replied Third, getting annoyed by yet another interruption.
"That's the problem. They're not running," replied Kallus.
Third glanced up to see the Phantom coming at them like a mynock out of Sarlac pit. It's fired its twin cannons directly at the Inquisitor. Third leaped out of the way and off the tank before the blaster bolts impacted her position. She landed in the sand and glanced up to the shuttle making a pass at the second AT-AT, dropping several individuals with ignited lightsabers on top.
"Kallus open fire on the walker. They're about to take control of it! Konstantine where is my air support?!" Third shouted into her com.
Kanan and Ezra landed on the second walker. They quickly cut their way through the plating and kicked open a hole into the cockpit. Kanan dropped down first then severed the heads of both the pilot and gunner with a single swipe. He shoved the corpses of the way and took the gunner's seat. Taking control of the walker's weapons, he opened fire on the AT-AT stepping on the clones AT-TE.
"Ouch," Ezra commented upon seeing the bodies of the Imperials.
"Well I doubt asking them to move would have worked," shrugged Kanan. She unleashed a barrage of blaster fire into the enemy walker, tearing through its armor. The enemy walker attempt to turn and fire back but the AT-TE was blocking it's path. The old rust bucket's main cannon lifted up and to Sister's amazement, fire one last shot that hit the AT-AT in the neck. The large mechanical behemoth fell onto its side.
"Not bad for an old timer," quipped Kanan.
"Uhh…we've got a problem," gulped Ezra, pointing to the sensor screen. His fear was justified as it showed at least an entire squadron of Tie Fighters approaching.
Kanan activated his com. "Zeb we're going to need a real quick pick up."
"They're closing in. I can't shake them!" shouted Zeb. The Ties moved to intercept the Ghost, ignoring everything else. Clever, the Imps were going to destroy their escape route and then they were screwed.
"You won't have to," replied a familiar Twi'lek captain's voice. Another ship appeared on sensors heading towards the Ties. To Sister's surprise as well as her companions, it was the Ghost. Two Ties were blasted to dust in seconds, forcing the rest to scatter.
"Sorry we couldn't contact you before. We used the sandstorm for cover as we followed a squad of fighters. Figured they'd lead us to you," explained Hera.
"Well I always did like surprises," quipped Kanan.
"Zeb pick up the others. We'll keep these Imperials busy and don't take too long. Chopper's picking up a lot more Ties heading our way," ordered Hera.
Second Sister waited as Zeb piloted the Phantom towards the AT-TE. He landed it on what was left of the old rust bucket as the former Inquisitor leaped off the shuttle. Rex emerged from the cannon's controls with a resigned look on his face. Sister understood why when she saw the corpses of Gregor and Wolfe.
"They died trying to save me," Rex sighed.
"And you need to live long enough to avenge them. C'mon!" urged Sister.
The clone's eyes suddenly widened. "Behind you!" he shouted.
Second Sister ignited her lightsaber and turned just in time to block an incoming blow from Third Sister. Her former comrade managed to almost get the drop on her, probably masking herself in the Force before attacking. Second Sister always knew that Mirialan had a few tricks up her sleeve.
The two former comrades locked blades, trying to force the other back. "It's been too long killer," Third mocked.
"You say that nickname like's an insult," shot back Second.
Third looked like she was about to continue their fight until she glanced over Second's shoulder. Second leaped backwards before the Phantom started fighting. Nice to know Zeb was good for more than just worm bait. Third Sister deflected a few shots before deciding now wasn't a good time to fight since she was outnumbered. The Mirialan leaped off the tank, disappearing over the side.
"C'mon let's go!" shouted Second. They couldn't stick around to hunt down her former comrade. Imperial reinforcements were on the way and they needed to leave immediately.
The Phantom turned around and opened its blast door. Rex and Sister quickly rushed inside before the door slammed shut behind them. Zeb had the shuttle take off before the two had managed to get a few steps inside.
A frustrated Third Sister watched as the Phantom picked up the rest of their crew from the stolen AT-AT then linking up their shuttle with the Ghost just as several squadrons of Tie Fighters arrived. She knew that deep down they would get away. They survived this fight but there will be more. In the meantime, Third didn't intend for this to be a total loss.
She entered the broken down AT-TE and entered the main control room. She checked the main computer and was quite pleased to see it was undamaged. Even if the clones attempted to erase any data within it, the Empire had special recovery software to finding deleted files. Third ripped open the machine and pulled out the main memory tapes. If there's any useful information in them, they will reveal their secrets.
"Inquisitor. I regret to report that the rebels have escaped," Konstantine's voice came through the com.
"Send a retrieval team to recover all survivors on the planet and have your best technicians ready. I have an assignment for them," ordered Third.
"Alright we're clear. Entering hyperspace," reported Hera as Second Sister, Ezra, Rex, Kanan, and Zeb exited the Phantom. They were free and clear with the Imperial pursuers left in the dust. Yet this victory seemed bittersweet to the clone captain.
"I'm sorry about Gregor and Wolfe," Ezra said.
"Me too. They weren't just good soldiers, they were family and I'm going to make the Empire pay for what happened to them," Rex spoke.
The clone turned to Kanan and said, "If you'll willing to have me then I'll join your rebellion."
"We'd be honored to have you," Kanan replied. His response caught everyone off guard considering his previous hostility to the clones. The group entered the main hallway and met up with Hera, Sabine, and Chopper.
"The Ghost took some damage but nothing we can't fix," reported Hera. "I'm glad you decided to join us Captain. We could really use your help."
"I guess this old soldier's still got a little fight left in him," smiled Rex.
Hera then turned to Sister. "Our next stop is Nar Shaddaa. We'll drop you while we refuel there then rendezvous back with the fleet," the Captain spoke.
Second Sister should have just said nothing but she couldn't. She knew what she wanted to do now and she wouldn't play the role of a broken down victim on the run anymore. She could make her own choices and she wanted to fight. More impotently, she wanted to stay.
"Actually I hear Nar Shaddaa is terrible this time of year. I hear it's snowing," Second Sister spoke. Only Rex seemed to understand that line.
"Ok," said a confused Hera. "Was there another planet you wanted to go to?"
"No," Sister answered. Rex smiled as he realized what she was doing but everyone else was confused.
"Does this mean you're staying?" asked a hopeful Ezra.
"If I leave, Vader and the Inquisitors will never stop hunting me. The only chance I have of beating them is with you people so yeah I guess I'm staying," answered Sister. Ezra suddenly lunged forward and embraced her, catching Second Sister off guard. What's worse was the rest of the crew was smiling, thinking it was cute. This was just embarrassing.
"Ok ok that's enough of that," the former inquisitor grumbled as she pulled the Jedi Padawan off her.
"Then it's official. Welcome to the Ghost Spectre 7," smiled Hera.
(Wow that was a long chapter but it was necessary as it needed to cover a lot of material. This was probably the most important chapter regarding Varra as she finally started to believe she might be able to be someone better. It's not to say that she's forgiven herself for what's she done and believe me, she's done plenty of bad things. I almost don't want to cover the flashbacks anymore as they'd just be more torture and murder. She also killed Katooni not out of sadistic pleasure but out of mercy in a twisted way. She believed the youngling wouldn't survive the trials of becoming an Inquisitor and would suffer terribly. Also the youngling Krona from the flashbacks is a familiar character hint hint that will be appearing next chapter. Hope you enjoyed it and please review.)