Chapter 28

It's been two days since Sabine was released from the infirmary and Mira and Ezra are already driving her nuts, but she can't fight them.

Ezra often uses the Force to let Mira fly and she absolutely loves it. At first she was, of course, scared, but the more Ezra did it, the more excited Mira became.

"I have to ask you something, Ezra," Sabine said as she bottle fed Mira. "We can't have Pollis Massa as her home, and Mandalore is still too dangerous for her..."

"What do you think?" Ezra asked her then when she paused. "I mean, she is half mandalorian and half Lothal Jedi after all."

"Maybe we should live on Lothal for a bit. It's safe there and it's a perfect place for her to grow up," Sabine said.

Ezra thought about it and agreed, "I suppose her living on the front lines would not be a good thing."

"I'll hold the fort here while you go ask Hera," Sabine said.

"That sounds like a good idea if you ask me," Kanan said after Ezra explained Sabine wants to do.

"Easy for you to say, love. You've never like this military idea," Hera argued her point. "I'll grant this to you, but under one condition."

"What do you have in mind?" Ezra asks.

"One of you two will have to go on some missions at one point or another. I'll try not to make the missions too high a risk so you can return home, but no guarantees," Hera said. "If anything you could also have the Governor watch Mira if you and Sabine are deployed."

"I'm alright with that," Ezra said.

"It's settled then," Hera said. "Oh one more thing; if by any chance I get time off as well, let me watch her."

Ezra smiled, "Of course."

"I guess that's alright," Sabine said quietly. Mira was just put to sleep, but since they didn't have a place to place her, Sabine held her; not that she was complaining or anything.

"How soon are we leaving?" she asked then.

"Whenever we're ready," Ezra said excitedly.

"You sound happy about that, is it because it's Lothal?"

"Do I even have to answer?" Ezra asked with a grin.

Sabine returned the smile and shook her head, "No you don't."

"We can bring a few things with us and of course food. Beds, blankets, all that is on Lothal."

"We are not living in that radio tower," Sabine remarked.

"I figured as much. I could just bring some things from the tower and into a house."

"How long have you been like this?" Sabine asked.

"Like what?"

"You have been thinking ahead for everything. You have never done that at all," she pointed out.

"Well we do have a child now," Ezra said. "I just want what's best for my family."

"You are just too sweet, you know that?" Sabine said as she gave him a quick kiss.

"Come on. We should get going."

Nearly one day later, Ezra and Sabine had purchased a house in Capital City. To Ezra's surprise, their new home was his old one before his parents were taken. The citizens heard what Ezra planned to do for them and rebuilt it for him, also paying their respects to his fallen parents as they did.

"Welcome to your new home, ad'ika," Sabine murmured to Mira.

Mira was looking around the room they were in and watched Ezra running everywhere. Sabine laughed at him, making him stop.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"You look like you've never seen the inside of a house before," Sabine replied, still giggling.

There was a chime at the door and Sabine opened it to some old neighbors of Ezra. A man and a woman stood before her.

"Hey is this the Bridger home?" they asked.

"This is," Sabine answered. "You can come in if you'd like."

The guests entered the house and Ezra saw them.

"Oh, hey. Can I help you with anything?" he asked.

"I see you two like the house. It's good to see you again, Ezra," the man said.

"I'm sorry, have we met before?" Ezra asked.

"Once, but you were very little when we met," the man said.

"You wouldn't remember anything," the woman said.

"Who are you guys?" Ezra asked.

"We helped rebuild this house in memory of your parents. We were excited when we heard you were still alive and moving in here," the woman said.

"You knew his parents very well, I assume?" Sabine asked.

"Not too well, but we knew them. And who might you be?" the man asked Sabine.

"I'm Sabine, his wife actually," Sabine replied with a smile. "And this little one right here is Mira Wren-Bridger."

"Wren-Bridger?"

"Sabine here is a Mandalorian, Clan Wren," Ezra said.

"I've heard about a Wren in the holonet!"

"That's me," Sabine said proudly.

"I like your work. It's a wonder why you don't get money for it," the woman said.

"I'm sorry, I don't believe we got your names," Ezra said.

"You were familiar with Mr. Sumar, correct?" the man asked.

"I was," Ezra replied.

"I'm his father," Mr. Sumar said.

"It's nice to meet you," Sabine said, but Ezra was speechless.

"Mr. Sumar never mentioned you before," Ezra said.

"I'm not really surprised. We never agreed on a lot of things, but what kept us together was our dislike for the Empire," Mrs. Sumar said.

"I'm sorry for your loss. He was a good man," Ezra said.

"It's been over two years since he died. His wife told us what happened."

"She wasn't right there when it happened, though," Ezra said sadly.

"She knew enough," Mrs. Sumar said.

Ezra nodded.

"Anyways, we're running late to an auction. It was nice to meet all three of you," Mr. Sumar said.

"Really quick, how old is she?" Mrs. Sumar asked Sabine, referring to Mira.

"She's just a couple days old," Sabine said softly.

"Ooh I knew it. Congratulations you two!"

"Thank you," Sabine said.

"Dear, we really should be going," Mr. Sumar urged.

"Alright I'm coming."

"I'm so bored!" Ezra exclaims, throwing his hands into the air. Sabine had just put Mira to sleep after Ezra spent the afternoon playing with her. They even visited Jason's family since they moved into their old home after almost two years of hiding with the Lothal Rebels. For much of the evening, Ezra was out either training or just free running the city. Since it was being rebuilt, there were plenty of places to climb onto, but it's nearly midnight on Lothal and Ezra couldn't find anything to do.

"I have an idea," Sabine said then, walking out of their bedroom, where Mira's crib was as well. Sabine walked up to Ezra and placed her hands around his neck, pulling herself up to his face. She traced the scar on the bridge of his nose with her eyes, then locked her eyes with his.

"We could watch a movie together on the holonet or something," she said then.

"Last time we did that... those nights before Abansaz, right?" Ezra asked.

"Yup," Sabine said.

Ezra grinned, "You know I would never say no to you.

"There should be times where that's ok to do," Sabine said, kissing the scar on Ezra's cheek. "But the commitment is highly appreciated."

"No no no! You're not doing it right!" Rex shouted. The blaster fire stopped and the new recruits stood up to attention.

"The stock of the rifle goes on your shoulder, correct?" he asked them, placing the rifle stock onto his shoulder.

"Yes sir!" the recruits shouted in unison.

"And your head is positioned like this, right?"

"Yes sir!"

"The blasters are calibrated, yes?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Then why the hell are you all missing your targets?"

"With all do respect, sir," a recruit began, "Nobody could fire those rifles accurately."

Rex instantly lifted his blaster rifle and, barely aiming, fired at the targets, the blue bolt nailing the middle of the target.

"The trick to it, is to relax. Remain firm, but steady. Loosen up a little," Rex said.

The particular recruits he was training is from a new program designed to create the rebellion's Special Forces. If anybody were to encounter Inferno Squad, Central Command would be able to dispatch their own Spec Force to combat them.

"Try it again," Rex ordered and the recruits rearmed themselves and took firing positions.

Taking Rex's advice to heart, they were able to hit their targets nearly every time.

"That's how it's done, boys!" Rex barked happily.

The door opened and Rex turned around, expecting to see Hera or somebody else to check up on the recruits, but instead he sees a small Twi'lek girl walking around.

"Hello there, little one," Rex said. He turned to the recruits and shouted, "Cease fire! 5 minutes!"

The recruits stopped firing, set their blaster rifles on the gun racks and left to grab a quick snack or a drink. Rex turned his attention back to the little girl before him.

"Does your mother know you're here?" Rex asked.

The Twi'lek giggled and tried to get Rex to play. For just over a year old, she was really growing up fast.

Hera ran into the training room just moments later.

"Dawn!" she exclaimed. She picked up her daughter and Dawn was only giggling even more. "She didn't interrupt anything, I hope?"

"No," Rex said. "I was about to give my recruits a break anyway when she ran in."

"She should know better, but she is still too young to know any better," Hera sighed.

"You know, general," Rex began, "you should do what Ezra and Sabine are doing for their own child."

"Live on Lothal? I'd like to but my place is here with the rebellion," Hera said.

"Hera," Rex said, dropping all formalities to show he's serious. "You've been fighting with the rebellion from the very beginning. It's about time you take a break. A good long vacation with your family. It will be good for you. If we need you for tactics or strategy, we can always call you."

"I couldn't agree more," Kanan said.

"Kanan, how long have you been standing there?" Hera asked.

Kanan grinned, "Long enough. It's about time we take time off. You've been at this all day, every day, since the very start."

"I don't know..." Hera began.

"Do it for Dawn. I'm sure she'll like Lothal, plus she'll get to finally meet Mira," Rex said.

"I'll need to ask the others..." Hera said.

"No need. They all feel the same way," Rex said. "You've earned this, Hera."

Hera thought about it for a moment, then finally nodded, "You're right. Thanks Rex."

"Anytime General," Rex said as the recruits returned. "Now if you'll excuse me..."

Hera and Kanan left and reported to Central Command that they'll be taking leave to care for Dawn, which Mon Mothma smiled and nodded. Rex went back to training the recruits with detonators and detpacks.

The movie just ended and Ezra was about to get up and stretch, but Sabine held him down in her sleep. They had been lying on the couch for almost three hours, but he didn't mind. He stared at Sabine and blinked a couple times, trying to decide if this was a dream or not. He focused on the Force and could sense Mira sleeping happily in her small bed and he smiled.

"Definitely not a dream," he murmured, but Sabine heard him.

"Hmm?"

"It's nothing. I was just thinking out loud," Ezra said.

Sabine curled her arms around him and pulled herself off from his chest to face him. Since she was really tired, she had to rest her forehead to his.

"Even if this was a dream, I would never want it to end," Sabine said.

"But it's not a dream, so it will never end," Ezra replied.

"Cheesy as always," Sabine laughed softly.

"We should get to bed," Ezra said then.

"No, I'm happy here. If Mira needs us, we'll be right there," Sabine said.

Ezra smiled and kissed Sabine cheek.

"Goodnight, cyar'ika," Ezra murmured.

Sabine rested her head on his shoulder and sighed happily, and Ezra pulled up a blanket with the Force to cover them. He knows all too well it can get cold at night.

...

Two days later, Ezra was out in the city with Governor Azadi, looking around at the reconstruction of everything. Sabine stayed home with Mira and kept her busy.

"I don't recall ever congratulating you and Sabine on your new baby girl," Azadi said.

"So you heard?" Ezra asked.

"Nothing happens on this planet without me knowing about it, Ezra. It's all part of being Governor."

"I know. Thanks," Ezra said.

"How old is your daughter, if I may ask?"

Ezra thought for a moment. "About five days I think."

"So she's still a newborn. Have fun when she gets older," Azadi joked.

"Yeah thanks," Ezra replied.

"Anyways back to business," Azadi began. He and Ezra looked at a datapad with blueprints of a new central tower.

"Should we add something like anti aircraft guns somewhere around here?"

"Wouldn't hurt, but I don't want them to be permanent," Ezra replied.

"So get them to be stored during times of peace? I like that," Azadi said as he tapped on the pad a little bit before handing it off to a city worker.

"Governor, we're picking up a modified VCX-100 light freighter on approach," a militia corporal reported.

"The Ghost? Here?" Azadi asked. He turned to Ezra. "Any word from them?"

"I didn't hear anything," Ezra said.

"Your orders, sir?" the militiaman asked.

"Stand down. There is no threat there," Azadi said.

The militia corporal saluted Azadi and left to continue his patrol. Azadi turned back to Ezra then. "You should head to the ports and meet our guests."

Before Ezra could leave, Azadi caught his arm. "Are you going to contact Sabine or should I?"

Ezra grinned, "Nah. Let's keep this a surprise for her."

"I don't know how much more good she can take," Azadi joked.

Ezra shrugged, "You're one to talk. Everybody looks so much happier now that the Empire's gone from here."

"Wish you were here to do it yourself. I knew how much you wanted to do it," Azadi said.

"As long as everyone's free I'm good," Ezra replied as he began to make his way to the space port.

…

About 3 years later, Hera received a transmission from Rebel High Command about a compromised base. Hera occasionally took a trip to visit several Rebel outposts, one of those bases being Echo Base on Hoth. She called together the Lothal council to discuss the Rebel's status. Ezra, Sabine, and even Kanan were there. Since it was a Lothalian council, they were there mainly as guests.

"What was this I hear about a compromised outpost?" Governor Azadi asked Hera.

"I received a coded transmission from Command. The Empire found Echo Base on Hoth," she said.

Everybody looked around the room, murmuring. Ezra and Sabine looked at each other, their faces slightly pale. Many of their close friends are stationed there: Wedge, Luke, Leia, Han, even Katherine stopped by their for days at a time to fill their supply reserves.

"How?" Azadi asked in disbelief. "That place was..."

"Any word afterwards?" Ezra asked.

"The fleet is mobile and their rendezvous point just outside the galaxy."

"That's wild space. We don't know what's out there!" a councilman said.

"Neither does the Empire. It's a perfect hiding place, nobody would think of looking there," Sabine said.

"Last I heard, nearly everyone managed to escape. Wedge, Han, everyone. Luke, however, isn't with them. He did make it out, but he went somewhere else. Where he went nobody knows," Hera explained.

"I trust him. He probably went to find a good place to train. Ahsoka's been somewhere else for a long time and Kanan and I haven't been able to pull him from the front to train him," Ezra said.

"Very true. The Alliance needs as many people they can spare to fight the Empire," Hera agreed.

"So what's going to happen now that Echo Base is gone?" Sabine asked.

"I don't know," Hera admitted. She couldn't necessarily worry about that since she still has to care for her 4 year old daughter.

"Best we can do is stay alert here. For all we know the Empire could return," Azadi suggested.

"If the Empire arrives here, there could be a lot of trouble. I don't think the Rebellion could help," Hera said.

"We have our own militias, but your right. We won't be able to hold them back for very long if they were to send an entire fleet here," Azadi agreed.

"Then there's Dawn and Mira to care for," Sabine said.

"Keeping them hidden from the Empire is a priority, right next to protecting the civilians," Hera said.

They kept discussing security improvements and plans for launching perimeter probes for another hour until Ezra actually fell asleep at the holotable. Everybody decided to call it a night and Sabine just waited a couple minutes before waking Ezra.

"Hey, wake up," she whispered, shaking Ezra's shoulder a bit. When she got no response, she shook his shoulder a bit harder.

Still no response.

Sabine raised a hand to her chin in thought and she got an idea. She jogged out of the room and picked up Mira from Justin's family. She then returned with a giggling Mira in her arms. Sure enough Ezra was still asleep in his seat and Sabine told Mira to hush for a moment.

"Ok, sweetheart," Sabine began, "you remember the plan?"

Mira nodded. Even though she was only three years old, she was really smart and creative. If anything her creativity is obviously from Sabine. She always helps Sabine with projects whether it's in the house or somewhere around the city. Sabine's work during the Empire's occupation was photographed and set on display, along with fresh, authentic work since they moved in. People have been talking about opening a museum in Sabine's honor, but she doesn't want that kind of attention or fame. She can't fight it since she's already as famous as she could be. Everybody around Lothal knows about her and her family and what they have done for Lothal in the past.

Past that off-topic point, Mira slowly and carefully walked over to Ezra and climbed onto his leg.

"Papa," she squealed as she began jumping on him, effectively waking him up.

"Ow... Oh, okay..." he groaned, but Mira didn't listen. "Okay okay, I'm up."

He grabbed Mira and pulled her closer, tickling her, "I said I'm up you little monkey."

Mira shrieked with laughter as Ezra continued to tickle her. It wasn't until Sabine intervened when he stopped. Sabine pulled Ezra's hands away from Mira's abdomen and pinned them behind the chair.

"Alright, ad'ika, you know what to do," Sabine said as Mira poked at Ezra's neck, making him squirm.

"No fair!" he whined, trying hard not to laugh.

"Life's not fair, cyar'ika. Deal with it," Sabine purred into his ear, sending shivers down his spine. But those shivers were replaced with Mira's fingers poking at the base of his neck, this time Ezra not being able to contain his laughter.

"I surrender! Please just let it stop!" Ezra said through his laughter.

"Mama, I got him!" Mira exclaimed happily.

"Yes you did, ad'ika," Sabine laughed.

"Watch your backs, you two. I'll pay you back," Ezra joked.

"I'd like to see you try," Sabine said as Mira climbed to the floor and gripped Sabine's hand. "Come on, it's late. We should be back home by now."

Ezra shook his head and blinked, "What time is it?"

"2200 hours. I had to pay Justin's family a little extra, though they didn't want the extra money," Sabine said.

"But you insisted," Ezra said with a sigh. "Well I guess that's on me."

Sabine smiled, "All on you, love."

"Alright, Mira. You ready to go home now?" Ezra asked.

"Yeah!" Mira said simply.

"Alright. Maybe a bite to eat, first?" Ezra suggested then.

"In the middle of the night? I don't think so," Sabine said as they left the Capitol building.

"Why not? Just a little bite wouldn't hurt," Ezra pressed.

"You would do that," Sabine countered, her tone taking a different turn.

Ezra laughed, "You starting that now? We might never get to sleep, then."

Sabine shoved Ezra a little bit, but she was laughing.

Ezra returned to her side and threw an arm around her shoulders and Mira walked ahead a little bit.

"Mira, sweetheart don't go too far!" Ezra warned.

Mira giggled as she ran and jumped into him.

"Well, we've got a jumper," Sabine laughed.

"No kidding. You have a lot of energy, don't you," Ezra said.

"Ezra, dear," Sabine began.

"Hm?"

"She jumped," Sabine said.

"Yeah?"

"She's three and she jumped higher than normal," Sabine explained.

Ezra seemed to get it then, "Oh so you're ready to learn?"

"Learn?"

Ezra set Mira down and crouched to her level, which was a little hard so he was more sitting. "It's something we do to do more things. Learning to do something can let you do more things."

Mira's eyes seemed to sparkle, "More things?"

"You, my dear, posses a very special gift," Ezra said softly.

"Like what?" she asked curiously.

Ezra looked up at Sabine, "Very smart for her age isn't she?"

"It's almost scary," Sabine whispered in a teasing voice as she crouched down next to Ezra, facing Mira.

Mira, understanding the tease as Sabine said that a lot, giggled.

"This particular gift is something I'll need to explain when you get a little bit older," Ezra finally said.

"Why?"

"Because you wouldn't understand it now, silly," Sabine said. "If anything I barely understand it right now."

Mira nodded and yawned.

"Sleepy, ad'ika?" Sabine asked.

Mira nodded sleepily and rubbed her eyes. Sabine picked her up and Mira let her head drop onto her mother's shoulder.

"I agree with Mira," Sabine said then.

"No arguments from me," Ezra said.

"You never argue with me anymore. I'm starting to miss it," Sabine said.

Ezra shrugged, "Now that you mention it, those times were always... relatively fun."

They were silent for a few moments.

"Remember the TIE we painted?" he asked.

He and Sabine shared some laughs until they walked through their front door and the fatigue hit them hard. They laid Mira in her small bed and they turned in for the night, Sabine naturally curled up on Ezra's chest, her hand resting between his neck and shoulders, her leg covering his.

"You sleep so weird," he mutters in his sleep.

Sabine shifts slightly, though she only got closer to him. "You're just so warm and comfortable," she purrs.

Ezra chuckles softly and kisses the top of her head before finally drifting off to sleep.