One Last Hope
Moving on.
xxx
Not one of his most crowning of moments. Not entirely a black stain on his record. Hell, it's by far a...mild grey in the sea of pristine, untarnished white. Though, The Inquisitor would be lying if he said he wasn't moderately embarrassed. Being outmaneuvered by two adolescent Jedi and their combative friend. Then having all of the little ducks in a row only to watch them scamper off into the night. The Inquisitor was more than willing, and noble enough, to admit when he has miscalculated, and underestimated the creativity and ingenuity of his new enemies. Truly there will be repercussions for his failure. But, perhaps, when he delivers news of one Rebel's death, he will receive leniency.
For now, he has a report to deliver. He was more than happy to debrief his superiors over the holonet. Agent Kallus, in a fit of minor victory, wanted to personally meet with and hear the report in person and directly from The Inquisitor. Away from easy access to end their conversation when it takes a sour, and quite mortifying, turn. Therefore, he volunteered to travel to Stygeon Prime, and his superiors granted him the privilege. Much to The Inquisitor's chagrin, Kallus arrived a short few hours after The Rebels escaped. Supposedly he was in the area on a mission of diplomatic importance. In truth, so The Inquisitor suspected, he was on his way to Stygeon so he could watch and see how The Inquisitor's plans pan out. He need not mention how his plans fell apart.
The Inquisitor and Kallus met in the - former - warden's office, locking the door and cutting off the cameras and listening devices so they may speak in privacy. While regaling one another on their failures - simultaneously drinking up their misery like an ambrosia - would definitely help grease the wheels, the pair dove into their debriefing with glares of notable impatience. A shared sentiment, and steadily growing tumor in the pair.
"Quite the mess I was escorted through." Kallus huffed, the smell of scorched metal and corpses stuck in his nose. TIE fighter parts and Stormtroopers were scattered everywhere. It was difficult to discern the platform from the bodies and metals. "What, praytell, took place here?" He chuckled, folding his hands hands behind his back. He arrived with the answer already plastered to the platform. He just wanted to make The Inquisitor say it aloud.
The Inquisitor was well prepared for his childish attempt to provoke a hostile reaction from him. It would have worked, had he not already prepared a reparte for this situation. "I have had the pleasure of meeting our gaggle of interfering Rebels, Agent Kallus."
"And...?" Kallus sprawled his arms, waiting for the admission.
"And nothing." The Inquisitor masked the scoff, but the smirk came with is tauntingly shaking head. Kallus gawked in disbelief. "They were, quite frankly, pretentious, overconfident, and possibly the most amateurish operators ever to be spawned."
Kallus bit the inside of his cheek. He folded his hands behind him, grunting to maintain a level of decorum. "Quite the harsh critique for someone who allowed these pretentious, overconfident, and amateurish operators escape."
"But not without leaving a jagged scar in their ranks." He cleverly countered, emphasizing the triumph he achieved. Kallus pursed his lips. His glare sharpened, sharp pliers trying to pry the secret out of him. And The Inquisitor loved it. "The adult female you confused for a Jedi - she will no longer be an issue."
The adult he...Kallus thought briefly, then the girl in question came to mind. The girl who calls herself Katty. The one who challenged him on Chandrila, and when the Lasat was in danger. She would no longer be a problem? Kallus mulled it over for a bit. Light sparked in his widening eyes. He marveled at the Jedi Hunter, mouth completely slacked open. "You mean you-"
The Inquisitor's lips spread into a toothy grin. "Indeed I did. And the morale of her companions has significantly dropped." The drawn out purr sent chills down Kallus's stiffening spine. "The loss of that morale will breed uncertainties. Shortly afterward, once their grief has set and her body is cast into an incinerator," He lifted a hand, curling his wiggling fingers as if he was holding the girl in the palm of his hand, "Feelings of hatred, and wanton desires for revenge." Particularly in the Jedi who fawned over her. The one who direly wanted to end his life were it he had a second. "And, when their desire causes them to act, it will impair their judgement, and they will fall into our hands one-by-one." This he vowed.
Kallus grinned in response, advocating the delicious trauma. He despises the saber wielding monster. Every fiber of his being feared and detested him. Yet, in the darkest recesses of his person, there was a slight admiration. A respect for his method. Underhanded, dishonorable though they may be, his skills and tactics are effective, efficient, and terrifyingly devastating to The Empire's enemies. Kallus can see it in those golden eyes. The Inquisitor already laid out the bases for his next plan for The Rebels. Time is the only factor standing in his way.
"Then I will not obstruct you. Please excuse me." Kallus would not depart from the prison quite yet. There is a decaying Jedi in the prison cells he must dispose of. No point in keeping her. Surely The Rebels plan to spread the word of the falsehood in the Jedi's survival. Good thing. She was starting to cause an odor. Not to mention the Troops are whining about ghosts wandering the premises.
Once alone, The Inquisitor dropped his facade, mentally disparaging himself. The girl he spoke of dying on the spot. Yes, were it so simple. What The Inquisitor failed to mention was...he didn't have the pleasure of seeing the girl die. Did he truly kill that young girl? Was her wound so severe that it cannot be healed? Her current state left him in a fit. A minor one, but it brought on deep thought. Her heart was beating fervently as she was whisked away. Breath was fresh in her lungs. However, her beating heart was not in sync with her diminishing spirit. It resounded in a crashing wave that shattered glassy shores. Her spirit broke into thousands of shards the moment she felt death's icy fingers grip her. Many before her whom he has killed endured the same trauma as their final breath was drawn. And yet still, for the briefest instance, he sensed a tiny flame. A flame the refused to succumb to the heavy breath wanting to snuff it out.
"She was...interesting, that one." A girl fully aware of the disadvantage against her, and still she charged. She battled bravely, but the Inquisitor is afraid she was not up to snuff. That hinderance has cost her dearly. Whether the girl lives or dies is not his concern. A dead rebel suits his purposes perfectly. What is intriguing however, is if the girl does live, what then? He will undoubtedly cross their paths again. What sort of state will she be in? Crippled - mentally and physically? Will she use this to model a new torch and light her way? Or will something else entirely happen? Should she live at all that would be a feat in itself.
xxx
Morning was barely beginning to touch on Coruscant's horizon. The stars and moon fading, and coaxing the nightlife back to the holes they scrambled from. The sun's gleam traced the eastern curvature, shading the cascading clouds with golden tints of its rays. Though the sky lingered in its early grey hue, beckoning the early risers to awaken before too long. Unfortunately, not everyone was eager to rise before the sun. Some would prefer to sleep their entire day away if allowed to. Too bad for them there is too much to be done. And they have loving family to remind them of their obligations.
Small hands pulled blankets from a young boy, then started to shake him vigorously. "Caleb? Ca~leb? CALEB!" A boy no older than 11 groaned drowsily, stirring from his blissfully deep slumber. "Come on, Caleb, if you don't hurry you'll-" He shoved off the hands shaking him, twisting under his covers. The person trying to rouse him growled under their breath. Time for some drastic measures, that person thought. Small hands grasped at the sheets beneath the slumbering boy. Ask nicely once, don't do it twice. "WAKE YOUR BUTT UP!" The scrawny arms yanked the sheets with all their might.
"WHOA!" The boy tumbled to the wooden floor with a loud THUD! Wavy brown locks frizzy and askew. Those aquamarine eyes of his were trapped in a drowsy haze. He groaned painfully, whining about a pain in his backside he knew would be with him all morning. "Ugh...man…!"
"Ahh...the beloved big brother finally awakes."
The boy named Caleb snarled at the short brown haired girl snorting at him with deriding aquamarine eyes. "DAMMIT, RIINA! WHAT THE HELL?!" He tossed a pillow at her face. "Some sister you are."
"Language, and don't call me Riina!" She tossed the pillow aside. "A Jedi Youngling, top of his class, and you can't even wake up without me!" She fixed her messed, wavy locks. Not that Caleb saw a point to it. She was wearing goggles like a headband to keep her hair nice. Nice-ish. She smelt like motor oil. Looked like she bathed in it too.
Caleb groaned impatiently at her disgraceful appearance. Thick brown gloves two sizes too big for her small hands. Her khaki overalls, black shirt and boots were positively atrocious. He prayed to the force that the previous smell wasn't her breath. "Do you ever shower, or do laundry after you're done in that garage?!" He wet a cloth and started to clean up her cheeks. "Six years old and you STILL have the hygiene of a monk-imp."
"I...SHOWERED THIS MORNING! And don't turn this on me…" She grunted as he removed her goggles to work on her hair, "Just because your internal alarm clock is busted! I'm a Grease Monkey, remember?!"
"Grease Monkey is only a label, not a way of life!" He put the goggles back and snapped them on her head. He loved the yelp. "You're a young lady, Katerina! You should at least douse yourself in air freshener!"
Okay! Two can play at the mocking game. She climbed to a chair so she could be taller than him for once. "Gee! Thank you so much, Katerina, for coming to wake me before I miss the second most important day of my life!" She crudely mocked her brother's yet to be cracked voice. Caleb confusedly shook his head, shrugging at what she was getting at. Katerina threw his tunic and pants at him. "Did you forget what today is?!"
"Uhh...Saturday?" He started to undress.
Katerina darted to his ear, "NO, YOU IDIOT!" Caleb clamped hands over his breaking eardrums. His head was yanked sharply backwards. Katerina was aggressively combing his bedhead smooth and tying it into a long braid that draped over his shoulder. "Today's your field trip with Masters Unduli and Mundi!"
"WAIT! THAT'S TODAY?!" Caleb climbed over his sister, digging his digital calendar from under his covers. He scrolled through the tablet, flipping through the past months. Circled on the date, labeled as Master Field Trip. And it was to the one planet he's been wanting to visit since their last trip to Kamino. "OH MAN! CHRISTOPHSIS!"
Katerina rolled her eyes, turning her back to give him privacy. "Geez! Where would you be if I wasn't here?!" She didn't have to look away long. He can snap his fingers and be dressed in seconds if he chooses to. Though, she doesn't quite like the tunics on him. She thought he's look cool with patches of armor.
"Glad I don't have to find out!" Caleb surprised her by wrapping an arm around her neck. He twisted his knuckles into her head. "You and me - we're stuck together. Through thick and thin, Hell and High water," Katerina laughed heartily, managing to wiggle free as he wrapped the arm to her shoulders. "Nothing's going to tear us apart."
"I'm not sure if that's your way of reassuring me or scaring me!" She pressed a fist in his gut. Caleb then started to gag on the air, coughing away from her. "What?"
"You...YOU…" He heaved dryly. From nowhere he shoved a fistful of mints into her mouth, "You REALLY suck at hygiene! Did you know that?!"
"THAT'S IT!" Katerina tackled him to the bed. The two hollered and raved, throwing punches and slamming each other down. Threats to take back what was said, or that certain toys would be broken were thrown around. But as heatedly as they were threatening each other, Caleb and Katerina felt the ties binding them weave even stronger. Not even a starship at full speed could break it apart.
Nothing will tear us apart. Nothing...nothing…...noth…...ing…...
xxx
They couldn't get far enough, escape fast enough. Even as The Ghost tore through the fabric of hyperspace at its top speed, ripping gashes in the abyssal space beyond the vortex - The Rebels maintained the paranoia they were trapped in statis. Stagnant in a gelatinous mold, moving at a torturously pace no faster than a slug crawling up hill. Stygeon Prime was right on their heels. The entire planet haunted The Rebels. The prison sitting atop the nightmarish, spiked peaks, Luminara's decayed, mummified body trapped within those halls. Unreachable, and at the mercy to be used as bait for the last few remaining Jedi. The laughter of the The Inquisitor - the notorious murderer of Jedi - rang in their ears. Those golden eyes forever engraved in their minds, lurking in the back of their thoughts.
The Empire wasn't pursuing them. They gave up the chase after Hera decimated what little remained of their forces at the prison. Nevertheless, The Empire can emerge from thin air. Shoot them down and leave them floating dead in space, or leave not a single trace of them. They've attempted to do so before. With that on their minds, neither of them let their guard down for an instant. Hera breaking the sound barrier to escape, Ezra working as her co-pilot, Chopper heightening the censors for any ship within 100 miles, and Zeb, Sabine, and Kanan were on the turrets. Meanwhile, in her room with a makeshift life support attached, and an oxygen mask feeding fresh air to her catatonic form, Katerina lied comatose in hers and Hera's room. The beeping registering her irregular heart the only thing preventing The Rebels from giving in to their grief.
It's been a day and a half since their failed mission to Stygeon Prime. A cleverly laid trap that they walked straight into. That Kanan blamed himself for leading his friends into. He nearly lost them all. And if that wasn't horrifying enough, there lied his sister in bed, barely clinging to a thread to stay alive. They were so close to escaping. Another two feet and they would have been gone, and Stygeon Prime would be behind them. Right at the finish line, The Inquisitor bent the force to his will, plucked Katerina and ensnared her in his grasp. Then, without so much as blinking, he ran his saber through her, and then tossed her aside like garbage, claiming a small victory in the loss.
Kanan lugged her to The Phantom, pleading for her to stay with him. That everything would be fine. Everything came to a crashing halt when her breathing and heart stopped. The Ghost seemed to be leagues away by the time the reached it. Hera had already thrown the ship into hyperspace before the ships could lock together. Sabine and Kanan hauled Katerina to her room, tearing pillows and blankets off and laying her flat on the bed. Ezra and Zeb pried all the floorboards and cabinets open in order to find every piece of medical equipment and medications that would help her. Hot water and rags, bandages, syringes - everything. Though the two weren't doctors, none of what they were holding was going to jump start her heart again. That's where Sabine's mechanical know-how, and her minor medical training at a particular school she prefers to not name came in to shine. Chopper would be handy here as well.
Sabine had to work fast. Patches were placed to her chest, head, and arms, and were synced to a heart rate monitor propped on the end table. No surprise, there was a flat line. Katerina's breath and heart had stopped, but there was a reflexive pulse still pumping what little life was feeding her battered form. The body's last ditch effort to stay alive. Though that effort doesn't last for too long. Removing her battle gloves she started to remove Katerina's chest plate, shirt, and wrappings holding her chest in. Her modesty was set aside, but Sabine made sure to cover that part so the guys wouldn't be distracted.
The Ghost didn't come equipped with a defibrillator so she had to get creative. She connected jumper cables to his power core. Zeb, Kanan, and Ezra who were looming dangerously close, were coaxed back several steps by the surging electricity spilling from the prongs. Kanan despised the idea of administering electroshock to her body. But if it will save her, he was willing to endure. Steadying her hands, taking in a deep breath, she touched the prongs at Katerina's chest. The jolts caused a violent jump, her entire body spasmed. Sabine and the others yelped, sprawling away, not expecting a vicious response. The cables almost hit the floor. As the shock left Sabine, she realized the jolt wasn't enough. She was still flat lining. Sabine steeled herself and touched Katerina once, twice, three times. Nerves and muscles, violently ravage by powerful surges, aggressively bounced Katerina's limp body.
Zeb and Kanan were ready to dive if she suddenly fell off the bed. She never did, thankfully. But she never awoke either. Nevertheless, in spite of those vibrant eyes never opening, the dulcet beeps of the heart rate monitor raised hope to the hearts of The Rebels. She was alive. By unseen forces she was still amongst the living. For how long has yet to be determined. For now, they will have to keep watch over her.
Katerina wasn't going to last. Not like this. They've kept her alive for the day with grit, spit, and loads of adhesive material. That's a feat in itself. But they don't have the tools to properly dress the wound, or assess the damage done. Sabine isn't a surgeon. Her medical skills are directed towards broken limbs, laser bolts wounds, and resuscitating. But a lightsaber through the stomach? That's out of her range. Kanan was at a loss, Zeb never encountered Jedi or others wielding lightsabers, Hera...Hera was in the same boat as Sabine, and Ezra and Chopper don't know squat about this sort of thing. One thing is certain, if they don't find her help soon…
Hours on end, rarely leaving save for the restroom or food, Kanan sat by Katerina's side. Holding her still warm hand in his, listen and watching intensely as those jagged lines confirmed she was still amongst the living. Her chest rising and falling languidly with labored breaths. Her paled, sunken cheeks and the dark rings under her eyes knotted Kanan's insides. She reminded him of Master Unduli. A corpse wasting away. A victim of another's depravity, and another's shortsightedness, about to pay the ultimate price. All of this could have been avoided, he constantly told himself. Had he trusted in Katerina, listened to his own instincts instead of being led by self-loathing and doubt - maybe...just maybe...she wouldn't be...
"Riina...oh, Riina…" Kanan wept the entire previous day until he collapsed from exhaustion. Those currently dry eyes stung as more traced his lashes. "I know...you've hated that name since we were kids…" He choked on a raspily forced laugh. He pressed her palm to his lips, "I liked teasing you with it! You were so cute when you got upset!" He brushed the backs of his fingers to her forehead and cheeks. "I wish...I wish I knew when you decided to like it? Was it before or after the...the…" He breathed in through his nose, refusing to let those tears fall. He cleared his throat, clapping hands to his cheeks. "Wish I...wish I would have asked before, you know! I mean, you asked me when I changed my name. I told you. I should have asked back! Sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so...so...SO...SORRY!" The sorrow crippled him. He buried his face to the covers, his folded arms helping to muffle his sobs. "I'm so sorry, Katerina! I never meant for any of this to happen! Whether I was aware or not, I scoured the entire universe looking for you!" He fumbled to grasp her hand, squeezing it so hard he could have crushed it. "I just got you back! You just got me back! Please, Riina! Don't leave me alone! Not like this! I need you! I need you now more than ever!" He was hysterical, clinging to her hand as he poured strength into her. "I can't...I can't fight without you! I JUST CAN'T!"
From the cockpit where Hera manned to the cargo hold where Sabine tried to log their supplies, Kanan's sobs tore at The Ghost Crew's heart. Loss is a commonality in times of war. They of all people understood that. But this was different. Kanan, who believed his sister was dead - and vice versa - for the past 15 years was reunited with her in spite of all odds. And the idea of her being ripped away was too devastating for his frail heart. Although, in all honesty, Kanan wasn't the only one crumbling. He was just being more vocal.
Zeb...Zeb simply sat in the lounge. Eyes closed, hands folded to the table, ears drooping - in a grim silence, Zeb sat alone and encompassed in a maelstrom. Guttural growls reverberated the back of his throat. His face twitched as he tightened and loosened his brow, staving off the images of horror frozen to Katerina's as that saber sprouted from her stomach. The sight of her collapsing in Kanan's arms. Or earlier when she was juiced by battery cables like a cheap experiment. Worse still, trapped in his mind, was the muffled pulsating sounds of her heart stopping, and that last breath leaving her lungs. Her body just...
"DAMMIT ALL!" Zeb's fist punched a dent in the table. The sound was like thunder, startling the whole crew. Zeb seethed through gritted teeth, tears dripping through the creases of his squeezing eyes. "Right there...she was right there!" He cursed. Profane curses he wanted to bellow were stifled as he buried his howls in his folded arms. They were so close! Another couple of seconds and they would have been...Katerina would have been…
"You shouldn't have attacked!" He snarled. He was speaking of that last ditch effort she used to buy him and the others another second to board the ship. With Kanan's help she deterred The Inquisitor. As a price he set his sights on her and...and he… You stupid girl! Zeb slammed his fist again. "If you had just KEPT-RUNNING! WHY DIDN'T YOU RUN?! YOU KNEW YOU DIDN'T STAND A CHANCE!" Sorrow cracked his voice, driving him to weep in his arms. The idiotic girl was too brave for her own good. Challenging Kallus is one thing. But someone who can use the force like Kanan? Katerina should have picked self preservation and ran. Not that she would have. No, no. Katerina, she...she's too selfless for that. Too compassionate. Too...brave.
"Katerina…" He sobbed, clutching at his heart. It's killing him. Seeing her lying there, waiting for the reaper to take her away. To steal her final breath. While he and the others laze about, helpless to save her, looking for a place to touchdown where The Empire won't find them. "You've saved my life - all of our lives - so many times. And finally, when the time comes for us to repay you...we can't do a damn thing!" He wanted her to wake up! He needs her to wake up! To look up at him with the brilliant smile as he drowns in those beautiful aquatic eyes. Beautiful...He caught himself. He called her...beautiful. Because she is. She's the most beautiful girl he's met. Not just in looks, but in spirit. Rough around the edges though she can be, Zeb has never met anyone with such a soft, caring disposition like her. Her motives for lending a hand never carrying an ulterior. She did what she felt was right, and stood up for those she cared for. She was, in a sense, a beacon of light in a sea of darkness. And soon...her light will snuff out, leaving him and the others in the darkness. Leaving Zeb to carry the burden of the last words he spoke to her. Claiming her to be useless. "Look who's useless now, Garazeb. Look who's useless now." He placed his head between his hands, curling into himself. Please...spirits of Lasat...don't take her...not yet.
This loss dealt a significant blow to them all. All of that work to save Luminara, only to have it blow up in their face. Now a friend is dying at their feet, and they can't do a thing for her. Hera was scouting charts, desperately scouring the locations she knew had the best medical treatment and would turn a blind eye to a gaggle of rebels being hunted by The Empire. None of which they would reach before...well, she doesn't want to say. Let's just say it would be far too late.
Sabine was logging the inventory with Chopper. Enough food to last them for a few more weeks. Ammunition was debateable - smart money is to restock. Medical supplies - she'd rather not think about those. Fuel and equipment for the ship...should last them for a good while.
Ezra was attempting the levitate a bowl or push a cup around - practice what he's learned from Kanan in an effort to distract himself. Didn't work. Because the harder he tried to focus, the more directions that focus split. His mind was constantly diverting off to the prison. To The Inquisitor. How helpless he was in the face of such danger. The man terrified him to no end. He can still hear him taunting them as he played with killing them or just tenderizing them. He's mastered The Empire's style.
The day they came into power, The Empire has made a game out of the suffering of billions. Which planets can they leave a barren wasteland the fastest? How many lives can they ruin in the most depraved of fashions? How deep a scar can they leave before their rampage ends? Kallus, The Inquisitor, those two morons guarding Lothal, and that supply guy who tried to threaten Sumar's life. All of them enjoy nothing more than to watch people suffer. Forge a sadistic entertainment out of it as they watch from on high in their towers, waiting for either the death or surrender of their enemies.
That's when Ezra had an epiphany. Like a bolt out of the blue, he remembered someone on Lothal from when he was a kid. Incidentally, he and Zeb saved that very same person and his family from an Imperials looking to steal his farm away. His wife used to be part of a relief faction working as a nurse and helping those wounded in battle, or some other catastrophe. Nurse or doctor - he doesn't remember. Either way, she was good. Had a bunch of certificates and trophies and stuff. At least...that's what he vaguely remembered from his days as a kid. But...
Sabine, Kanan, and Zeb had conveniently converged on the same corridor as Ezra barreled through them. Zeb was almost thrown off his feet. "How far are we from Lothal?!" He burst into the cockpit, startling Hera. Kanan and the others meandered around, ogling the boy strangely. Hera stammered to reply, wanting to ask his hurry and what he was thinking and if he hit his head. "Hera, it's not a trick question! How far from Lothal are we?!" He stressed, losing patience by the millisecond she stalled.
Hera bobbed her jaw, flourishing her eyes about for a quick guesstimate. "About...an hour?! Less if traffic is clear! Why?" She spun the chair, bracing her hands on her lap.
"Th-there's a man on Lothal, Mr. Sumar, whose wife was part of a medical team a long time ago!" From Hera to around the cockpit, eyes beamed with stars erupting into supernovae. The pounding in their ears must have impaired their hearing. The grief they're feeling is causing them - Kanan especially - to hallucinate, and think that Ezra just...just...came up with a way to save Katerina.
"Wasn't he the guy whose farm was destroyed?!" Zeb snarled.
"Yeah, but I've heard they've started rebuilding! Not sure where, but-"
"Ezra!" Kanan whipped him around, crushing his shoulders. "Be very, very, VERY serious, right now. His eyes were glossed in rage and elation, warning Ezra not to be joking, kidding, lying - anything sort of falsehood that would possess Kanan to throw him off the ship. "I'm not in the mood for anymore false hopes!"
"Kanan, I saw her awards for myself as a kid! She WAS a nurse!" Ezra pried his hands off, stepping back a safe distance. He was a little hurt Kanan had so little trust in him. He cast his pleading eyes to the rest of the crew, wanting them to have his back. "Mr. Sumar's wife...uh-uh-ALYSS! Yeah! Alyss was part of a relief crew YEARS ago! Best in her field! Not sure if she still does that sort of thing! But…" His argument faded on his lips. Everyone was looking at him with doubt. He doesn't know what else to say to convince them. He stood there in sullen silence, slowly letting his head fall.
What if the woman doesn't practice anymore? What if her skills are rusty? What if...what if there was another option...and they are condemning Katerina to death? All of these fears and uncertainties - gambling is not Kanan's strong suit, least of all when someone he loves is on the line. Hera and the others were feeling equally restrained in their choices. If they do choose to follow Ezra's lead, that's their final destination. No turning back, no changing their minds - that's it. Not that they doubt Ezra...too much. But can they afford to wager on a woman Ezra hasn't seen since his childhood?
"Hera…" Kanan's cracked voice rumbled. He squeezed his eyes shut, exhaling from his nose, "Set a course for Lothal!" Ezra shot his head up, stunned by Kanan's decision. Zeb, Sabine, and Hera were also shocked, while at the same time pleased by his choice. "We're heading for…" He glanced to Ezra.
"Sumar's farm." If he's still at that location. Hopefully he is. That farm was left in pretty bad shape.
Hera nodded firmly, setting course for Lothal. Zeb and Sabine released anxious breaths. They didn't want to hold too high of hopes, but their prayers were with Katerina. This plan HAS to pan out. If it doesn't...they're down a friend and ally, while Kanan loses the only family member he has left.
Kanan returned to Katerina's side, running a palm over her sweaty forehead. "Just a little while longer, Katerina. Hold on." He pleaded.
xxx
Never enough. Never enough. Those words, spoken in HIS voice, were ringing in my ears like a requiem knell. Louder they scoffed, and the harder they pounded away at my insides. Because, as much as I hate to admit it, truer words were never spoken.
No matter how hard I tired, or how long I trained, I was never strong enough. I was never going to be able to match them. And they never let me forget. Always laughing when they caught me training alone, mocking me as they moved objects with their minds. Jedi Younglings - the force doesn't breed humility or compassion. Just arrogance.
You were never like that. You always stuck by my side, encouraging me to keep up the fight. Telling me to "keep fighting," and "never let anyone make you doubt yourself." That, one day, I would be stronger than any Jedi you could name. I honestly believed you. I still do. And you know what? Believing in you always gave me strength. Guess that's why...I'm constantly taking on opponents that have the power to kill me with a breath. And now I'm paying the price for that courage.
"Paying the price, are you? Certain, you are?"
What else would you call this? Then again, where is THIS? It's black and cold. I can't see anything. My whole body feels numb. Chills are in my bones. This place...scares me.
"A middle plane, it is? Threshold of life and death."
Life...and death? Am I dying? Am I GOING to die?
"Depends on you, that does. Your choice, which direction you fall, it will be."
Another choice, huh? That's funny. Choices seem to rule every person's path. Then again, how does one progress through life without choose this or that here and there. We'd never be able to go anywhere if we always chose the right path every time. Succeed or fail, fight or die, eat one more piece of cake or risk vomiting for hours later. Choices, choices, choices. I hate choices. We always seem to make the wrong ones. I...always seem to make the wrong ones.
"Which choices are those, hmm? To join your brother?"
No! Never!
"To join the rebels?"
I love them. I don't regret that in the least.
"Then what, hmm? What choices are wrong? What choices are right? What do you regret?"
To be honest...nothing. And yet...everything.
xxx
An Arquitens-class light cruiser perused the Planet Lothal, headed by Supply Master Yogar Lyste. The Captain of the cruiser is currently on leave for certain, insurance covered, medical reasons and would be unavailable for duty. Yogar Lyste, a promise prospect for promotion, was offered the chance to strut his leadership skills, and was named acting captain. Standing at the helm, the Supply Master wore victorious relief like a medal on his chest. This is his chance to show everyone, especially the braggarts who berate him for his debacles, that he is the pride of The Empire, and that he will be the instrument to pave The Empire's way.
Previous operations have taught him better than to overestimate the longevity of his position. Between now and his sweep, anything can happen. After his dazzling failure at acquiring prime farmland, and losing three prisoners to the Rebel Scum, Lyste adamantly pleaded his case to his Superior on Coruscant. Thus he is here on Lothal, cleaning house. Rumor has it, he bent a knee and bowed his head, beseeching those of the Capital Planet to allow him another chance to prove himself. He would not fail them.
Scanners were on high alert, and Troops were ordered to man TIE Fighters in shifts. Word of the assault by The Rebel scum on Stygeon Prime spread far, shaking the morale of hundreds of soldiers. Stygeon was named as impregnable, inescapable, and is the backbone of death to those who dare to challenge it. The labels were named as exaggerated due to hearsay that a Rebel was severely injured. But for the entire team to escape by the skin of their teeth - Two Jedi, a Lasat, an old Astromech, a Mandalorian girl, a pilot, and a mechanic. Troops pondered intently on who it is they are facing. A former military regiment? Or something far more dangerous.
Lyste refused to breathe life into the wanton, psycho analyses of weak willed terminal jockeys. Escaping a prison is not a feat to be praised or even muttered about. These Rebels, Lysta has seen first hand, utilize an approach that allows them to sneak and hide like the cowardly rats they are. Rather than accept the challenge The Empire present, face them head on, they lurk in the shadows. They use cheap tricks as a weapon, then piggyback of any damages or chaos they cause. When trapped in a corner, locked in a space from which they cannot maneuver, these Rebels will be nothing more than lambs for an awaiting slaughter.
Lothal is well known to be their chosen location to hide from The Empire. They mix in perfectly with the other rabble of the planet. While being the one who stumbles upon and captures these Rebels tickles Lyste's fancy, he has other important matters to deal with. For example - according to reports, an old friend of his has relocated to a secondary farm he had stashed away. Saving it for a rainy day, he supposes. That's good. Because he intends to rain Imperial Hellfire down upon the obstinate farmer. Let him have one farm or a hundred, Lyste will remind him and his family what consequences are wrought when defying the Empire.
Already Lyste has intercepted the illegal trade of goods within several sectors along his route. Contraband smuggled in from various planets, rations not authorized were confiscated, and the conspirators responsible were apprehended and are charged with treason. He's met the quota several times over, and it wasn't ten o'clock yet.
"Supply Master Lyste!" An officer addressed him with a salute. "Pardon, Sir! There is an urgent communications for you over the holonet."
"Whoever it is, tell them to wait!" Lyste rolled his eyes. He was in too good a mood to have some bureaucrat ruin it.
"Um, Sir…" The officer timidly spoke up. Lyste's less than silent grunt strangled the words in his throat. "It's...Agent Kallus."
Normally, Kallus's name make subordinates freeze in terror. Mutter and whimper in anxiety as to what horrible fate await the crew of whom he contacts. His calls usually end with him scolding the troops, and terminations soon follow. The severance packages include homes and families. If Lyste was scared, he was hiding it relatively well. He went so far as to sigh as if bothered by this interruption. The officer and those who caught his irked demeanor were saying a prayer for him.
"Take over charge while I handle this matter." Lyste curtly ordered, marching past the rooted officer. The troops manning the holonet terminal patched Agent Kallus through, projecting half a stoic ISB Agent. "Ahh. Agent Kallus. To what do I owe the pleasure?" The sarcastic indifference didn't go unnoticed.
"I would like a report, Supply Master Lyste." He commanded, refusing to react to Lyste's casual presence. He held up a tablet, pretending to scroll for Lyste's records. "According to reports, you are to be patrolling sector B-2-K - the outskirts of Tarkin Town."
"Yes, Sir! I completed my rounds and have delivered the necessary portions of rations those degenerates require."
"Very well. Good work." Sincerity as ripe as a rotten yogan. "Then you should be heading to the Amadii Village for the supplies they owe to us." As well as delivering rations, The Empire collects different forms of tax - food, money, workers - as compensation for their efforts.
"I have a team already en route, Agent Kallus." Lyste dusted off the issues Kallus was bearing on his shoulders. His attempts to trip up or unnerve the Supply Master were obvious, and ineffective. "I am currently en route to another location that also owes us."
"Oh?" Kallus stroked his beard. Taking in to account the direction Lyste's starship was heading, he does not have such a place on the manifest. He eyed him curiously, wanting him to elaborate.
"An old business associate whom I am certain will see to my way of thinking this time around." Lyste wanted to leave Kallus guessing, wanting to discourage his interference. But he was feeling generous, so he link his holo-com to the net and shared an image of an aged man. "Morad Sumar - a Farmer and Former fugitive of The Empire."
"Former?"
"Apparently Mr. Sumar pleaded his case before officials and earned himself a pardon." Soft hearted members of Lothal's Judicial system, empathising with the turmoils and trials of the simple farming folk. Scraping by each day, hardly nothing to show for their efforts, living each day to its fullest and doing it all over again. It disgusted him. "You see, he lost one piece of prime real estate and has left it in such a decrypted state that I can't in good conscience have us utilize it for our Empire. But-"
"But?" Kallus's next inquiry was stifled.
"I have it on good authority that he has to other lands that will suit our means." He purred hungrily.
"This Morad Sumar did not sell to you once before. You've gone so far as to arrest him, and he escaped justice." There's the salt Kallus has been dying to rub into his wounded pride. "Why assume the next two instances will be different."
"Only one instance, Agent Kallus." He boldly erected a finger. "After my previous failure, I've decided on a more...congenial means of getting what we want." He licked his lip wolfishly.
xxx
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! A rusted door of a two story farm home nearly flew off its track. Sumar, and his wife Alyss, were startled by the booming reverberating their kitchen. Their cups of iced tea were stamped to the table, their heads frozen in the direction of the living room. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Their Aqualish attendant, Norio, poked out from the walk in pantry, brow furrowed at the window. Neither of the trio spoke, none of them dared to breathe. They remained still as statues, straining their ears for the distinctive sounds of armor and blasters. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Fear's icy grip churned everyone's stomach by the numerous voices whispering outside. The dust kicking up from multiple footsteps, and shapes moving around their home. The good news is Sumar knew Stormtroopers hadn't come to his door. They'd have kicked it in by now. There are quite of few of whoever they are. Friend or foe was hard to determine.
Norio went back into the pantry, reemerging with two rifles in his hand. If not Stormtroopers, then they are someone equally unwelcome. Sumar caught one rifle, checking the chamber and the loaded magazine. He motioned his head for Alyss to stay down. She defiantly reached into her boot, clicking the hammer of his cricket pistol. Sumar chuckled in self disbelief, shaking his head. After 20 years of marriage, he'd thought he'd learned who it was he swore his life to.
Their home was not as modern as most on Lothal. Metal may make up their walls, but their floors were wooden. Stealth is a challenge when defending their home, trick the intruders into a false sense of security. The slightest creak echoes for a mile. Sumar, Alyss, and Norio knew the home inside and out. In a matter of seconds, not even a sound to scare the rats, and the room was thoroughly covered. Sumar positioned himself in the middle of the living room, kneeling on the oval green carpet. Should someone peak, they'll be on their toes. Norio was to the side of the front door, hand over the panel. The second he opens it, Sumar will open fire and Norio will kill whoever tries to enter. Alyss was off to the farthest corner at the stairs. She'll handle the ones trying to cower behind their numbers.
BOOM...BOOM...BOOM! The pounding was labored, confirming the intruders' were losing patience. An explosion or boot removing the door was next. Sumar nodded to his wife and friend, earning firm nods from them. He cleared his throat, "Who is it?! Address yourself!" He demanded.
"MR. SUMAR! IT'S EZRA! PLEASE, OPEN THE DOOR!"
"Ezra?!" Sumar shakily gasped, lowering his gun. He couldn't believe it. Norio and Alyss lowered their weapons in shock. The guns were set up on the couch so not to frighten him. They ran to the door. Norio practically slammed it open. Ezra was soaked in sweat, desperation on his face. The dry heat robbed him of his breath. "Ezra! I'm so glad you're okay, my boy!" He clapped relieved hands on the boy's shoulders. He may have looked terrible, but that was lively breath huffing.
"Thanks, Mr. Sumar! But there isn't much time!" Sumar was confused, then gaped at Hera, Sabine, and Chopper on his veranda. He doesn't need to ask in order to know they were in trouble. Ezra doesn't mean to be pushy, but he needed to speak with Alyss. "Mrs. Sumar, you were a nurse, right?!"
"Once upon a time, yes. Why?"
Ezra and the others thought it best to show her. They motioned everyone outside, pointing to the bench nailed on the porch. The auxiliary ship parked out front took them by surprise for a moment. WHat they saw next broke their hearts. Kanan and Zeb stood off to the side, grimly lowering their woeful gazes. Sumar and Alyss gasped in one another's arms, Norio grasping to the supports. Katerina was stretched flat on the bench, worse for wear than a corpse in the fields. She was drenched in sickly sweat, her wiry hair clinging to her sunken face. She was pale as a sheet, skin losing luster. She was dressed in a loose white shirt so the bandages around her torso would be noticeable. Bruises and cuts ran up and down her ragged body.
"Oh my...what happened to her?!" Alyss slid on her knees to Katerina. She immediately started procedure by checking her pulse, listening to her shallow - gradually weakening - breath, and prodded areas for further damage.
"She was stabbed by a lightsaber!" Sabine tired to speak of her pounding heart.
"A lightsaber?!" Sumar jerked toward her. He eyed Ezra like an exotic species. "Like what the Jedi had?"
"IT WASN'T A JEDI!" Kanan erupted, frightening Alyss. He quickly calmed himself, motioning an apology for his outburst. "The person that hurt her hunts Jedi! He uses a lightsaber, and he used it to stab her through the back!" It was tough for Sumar and his family to swallow. A being not a Jedi. It's something out of story. The funny thing about stories, the proof of them is harsh. And, as they are Ezra's friends, there's no reason for them to doubt their claims. "Please! Say that you can help her!" Kanan begged.
"I don't...I mean it's been a while…" Alyss trailed of skeptically, fumbling to not say no or yes. The desperate faces boring into her, and the dying girl on her porch knotted her stomach. She's a nurse, not a doctor. All the proper tools on Lothal can't guarantee she'll be able to save Katerina. But that doesn't mean she won't try.
Alyss ran back inside, jumping onto the holonet connected in the guest room. Kanan and the others waited anxiously, scared to breathe at what her next response will be. "Alphonse! Yes, it's me. I need you, Mina, Carl, and Porthos to come to my house immediately!" Hope illuminated across The Ghost Crew's face like a supernova. She wasn't giving up. She was calling for backup. "There is a girl here wounded by a lightsaber! That's right, a lightsaber! She doesn't have much time!" The voices on the other side were muffled, but disagreements weren't heard. "Thank you!" Alyss ran back out, tying her white bandanna behind her ears, and rolling up her sleeves. "Your names! QUICKLY!"
"H-HERA! This is Chopper!" Alyss's 180 caught them off guard. She was a drill sergeant instead of a wife.
"Sabine!"
"Zeb!" The two almost saluted.
"Kanan! This is Katerina!"
"Ezra, take Sabine and begin disinfecting the work table in the basement! The tools as well! GO!" She barked rapidly. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her for the basement. "Hera! You a pilot?"
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"Move your ship into the barn! It'll fit! Kanan, there's a storage hatch in the barn in the stable to the far side on the left! What I'll need is inside!"
"We're on it!" Hera assured her. The two questioned why she'd hide what she needs in a barn, but knew light would be shed once its found.
"Morad, Norio, help me get her into the basement!" Katerina was already being hoisted up. They didn't have a gurney.
"Zeb, I need you and Chopper to grab the basin there, clean it thoroughly, and then fill it with scalding hot water!" The model Chopper is, he'll be able to heat it.
"Right!" Zeb entered after Norio and Sumar, careful to not knock Katerina from their grasp.
Incoherent moans jostled from Katerina. Her teeth gnawed on her lower lip. "No…no…no," Was the only word they heard. Suddenly her eyes flew open, a dry wheeze diving to her cracked through. "GET AWAY!" Norio and Sumar stopped on a dime. Zeb, Chopper, and Alyss gawked as she started tossing in their hands. She thrashed her legs wildly, flailing her arms in a frenzy, shouting curses that were hard to make out over her roaring. Norio and Sumar were seconds from dropping her. She's strong for someone on death's door. She was a paperweight the whole ride. "GET AWAY! PUT ME DOWN! GET AWAY!" Zeb and Chopper were stunned by this second wind. She clawed Norio's cheek and arm. She slipped from his grip, her back hitting the green carpet with a painful THUD!
"RIINA!" Zeb screeched. Alyss pulled a pack from a hutch, shoved past Zeb and dropped to Katerina's side. She pulled a syringe from the pack, taking in a few milligrams of what can be assumed to be a sedative.
Katerina's wound opened through and through, soaking to the carpet. She choked on the blood filling her throat, splattering it across her paling cheeks. Her eyes were frozen wide with tears in the corner, narrowing to dimming terror stricken dots. Everything blurred in and out, bodies around her were shapeless shadows, a cave and house battled in her dazed mind. Golden eyed monsters everywhere! Watching, waiting, thirsting for blood. "DON'T LIKE…SOMEONE THERE...RUN...RUN!"
"WHAT'S WRONG WITH HER?!" Zeb clawed hi head, succumbing to panic.
"She's going into shock! Hallucinating from the trauma!" Katerina was wriggling so much Alyss wasn't clear to inject her. Sumar and Norio put their weight on her, restricting her wiggling. Alyss clamped a hand to her head, injecting the liquid at her neck. The three stepped back, letting her breathe, and watching the sedative take hold almost instantly.
"GOTTA RUN! RUN, CALEB! Gotta...find...esss...huuh…" Her thrashing lost luster. Her words slurred together, eyes fluttering to stay open. Alyss placed two fingers at her jaw, monitoring her heart rate as she succumbed to the medicine. That fit jolted her heart. The adrenaline caused her body to lose more blood. Once she lost consciousness, Norio and Sumar lifted and hauled her down into the basement at top speed.
The patch of blood captured Zeb in a dizzying trance. The drumming in his chest so fierce he heard it in his ears. His vision blurring, and his stomach eating itself. That's...a lot...of blood...His mind choked. Weakness gripped his waist, staggering his legs like the noodles they'd become. Breathing was arduous as he forced himself to come to grips with what happened. Hell, what DID happen? Shock caused that? She...she was squirming like a dying animal, screaming in tongues. SHE...SHE...all that blood! And he couldn't do a damn thing for her!
"Zeb? ZEB!" Alyss shook him by the arms, breaking him from his stupor. "You have to focus! Katerina doesn't have time! She needs us! You!" She jabbed a finger in his chest.
"Ugh! Right! Right...yeah…" Alyss ran into the basement. Zeb lost track of what he was asked to do. Until Chopper ran into him, pointing his prongs towards the basin. He needs hot water. Katerina needs hot water.
xxx
Traveling via the starship was luxurious for Lyste, but he found lounging about tedious. Being on ground where the action is held, that is what helps his blood flow. Besides, the Starship was drawing unwanted attention, causing word to spread of the ration inspection. Not false, but it makes his job harder. People will run, and they will hide what is to be collected. Lyste assigned three teams to transports. One would head for a village in an opposite direction. Lyste took the other, heading for the last known location of one of Sumar's farms. Hopefully it will be the one he is occupying. If not, well, what Sumar doesn't learn that day won't hurt Lyste.
"Supply Master! We're approaching a farmstead 10 miles east of us!" An officer reported.
"Signs of occupancy?"
"Yes, sir!"
Music to Lyste's ears. He projected a map, inspecting the terrain of their destination. By the geographical markers, there are hills close the the farmstead the transports can use. "Use these hills to hide the transports. No sense in frightening our hosts." He earned a couple of chuckles. "You three will accompany me. The rest will be on standby."
"Yes sir!" The troops replied. Lyste won't get too ahead of himself. Although, he must admit, he is excited at the prospect of obtaining prime land, and revenge for the humiliation they've dealt him.
xxx
"OHHH MAAN, I'M LATE!" Caleb skipped off the head of an astromech, a Padawan's, and then a master who idly lifted a hand and vaulted the boy further down the temple corridor. "THANKS, MASTER KRELL!" Caleb waved running backwards, then sprinted forward. Katerina came around on his heels, apologizing to everyone Caleb used as a trampoline. Krell shooed her away, not in the mood for children. "LATE, LATE, LATE!" Caleb gripped a corner, sliding on a dangerous sharp turn.
"IT'S...YOUR OWN...FAULT!" Katerina skid and rebound off the adjacent wall, scrambling back into her sprint. She was dying of breath. She's meant for grunt work, not thousand mile sprints. Though a morning jog here and there can't hurt. "IF YOU HADN'T THROWN ME IN A HEADLOCK-"
"YOU STARTED IT! WHOA!" One Master Yoda, dead ahead! The elder master acknowledged their approach, smiling impassively. "SORRY!" Caleb split his legs, jumping the Master.
"Pardon us, Master Yoda!" Katerina pirouetted around him. The Master silently nodded, and a smirk spread to his lips.
Four corridors later, Caleb and Katerina arrived to the tranquility gardens where they were to meet with Masters Unduli and Mundi. Caleb's burst ran him dry and he stumbled on the last couple steps, flopping over the edge of a pond. The water felt great on his head. Katerina was wise enough to stop at the top of the steps. Staggering is the proper word, but she made it to the bottom with no injuries. She plopped against a podium, throw her head back for fresh air. Caleb wrenched himself out of the pond, coughing up scum and...a frog. Yeah, that won't be a running gag.
"Serves...you...right...BROTHER!" Katerina fell on her side, lying out sprawled for the sun to cook her.
"Not...in...mood...SISTER!" Caleb threw algae that fell way short. Katerina shooed him off. She's the one not in the mood. Caleb sat on his knees, heaving to regain a breath. The garden was vacant, no sign of the Masters or any of the other younglings. "Oh man! Don't tell me they're gone!"
Katerina checked the time on her comlink. "Nope! You're a half hour early. They're probably eating breakfast!" She laughed. She catches her breath and that's her first joke. Caleb wanted to smack her.
"In that case…" Caleb wobbled on his feet, heading for the tree, "I'm taking a nap, and you can't stop me!"
"I don't want to!" Katerina clawed at the podium, climbing to her feet. "I'm heading for the Temple Hangar. Quickdraw said he heard something funny with an engine."
"Why's a clone doing engineer work?"
"Because Quickdraw's talents extend past pulling a trigger." She winked.
"If that's a stab...I'm too exhausted to comment!" Caleb slapped his butt down, loving the feel of the tree at his back. He sighed heavenly, smacking his lips. Katerina rolled her eyes, marching up the steps. Caleb snuck one last sneer at her, then something caught the corner of his eye. Over to the side of the garden. A figure ducked behind the corner, shadows running on the wall. "HEY! WHO'S THERE?!"
Katerina spun around. Caleb drew his lightsaber and was darting for the side. "Caleb?!" She jumped over the edge, joining him at the corner. "Caleb, what's-" He clamped a hand over her mouth. Finger to his lips silenced her, and he signaled someone was hiding around the corner. Katerina nodded feverishly. She dug into the tool pack strapped at the back of her waist. Two wrenches would work. She doesn't like guns, or weapons. Ironic really.
Caleb inched toward the corner, steadily peering around. The way was a dead end. Whoever was there was cornered. Caleb raised three fingers, counting down 3...2...1, and they sprang. "STOP!" Caleb spread his feet, saber at the ready. Katerina was right behind him, ready to throw the wrenches. "HUH?!" The moment was anticlimactic to say the least. No one was there, confusing the two beyond words. "What the…?" Caleb's disbelief almost made him drop the saber. Nothing but centuries of vines scaling the walls, and moldy rocks. "I swear I saw someone!"
"Maybe you do need that nap." Katerina snickered. Caleb growled irritated. And here he wanted to beat off an intruder.
As the two were about to leave, hallow whistles of air caught their ear. Musty, dank scents curdled their noses. Caleb and Katerina followed the noise and smell, both becoming stronger further in. "LOOK!" Caleb darted. Vines were torn away at a section, a gaping hole scarring the temple's bedrock base. "How long has this been here?"
"No clue." Katerina crouched down, placing a hand at the moist rock. "But maybe you aren't sleep deprived." The hole was tall enough for a person to slip into. But it was narrow. He'd have to be pretty slim in order to wiggle in there. "What's under the temple?"
"No ideas here! The Master's have said tunnels run under here, but they haven't been used in centuries."
"I guess someone didn't get the memo." She scratched her head. "We have to find one of the masters and tell them!"
"OR," Caleb stopped her by hooking the back of her shirt. An impish grin stretched across his cheeks, "We go in and get him ourselves!" Katerina swallowed a massive lump. She doesn't like that look on his face.
He's had stupid ideas before. But I think this one was his worst. And yet, I still went with it. Why? Because I knew I could depend on him.
xxx
Compared to what Alyss and Sumar interpreted and what Kanan and his crew saw, basement was a pretty kind term. Military grade hospital wing was more like it. Would explain the deadbolts and retinal recognition locks at the door's arch. Unlocked recently for their own private reasons. The renovations and refurbishments to the basement looked fairly recent. Within the last year, given the lack of elemental wear and tear, and the sheen of the walls. A section of wall divided the basement - operating room and waiting area. Air filters to carry contaminates out, purified sinks, and other amenities. For farmers they were well equipped. Though the operating tools were made for the livestock they are housing in the barn. Leaving The Ghost Crew to assume Alyss traded nursing for veterinary work. Ezra had faith in her nonetheless. If she says she can save Katerina, she can save her.
Zeb lugged the hot water inside the operating room. Sumar and Norio divied up the water for the tools, towels, and other uses Alyss will concoct. In fact, she poured a strong sanitary solution in a tin mug, dipping human made operating tools in it. Completely harmless, so they won't make Katerina worse than what she is. Sabine and Ezra made the operating table shine good as new. Sumar and Norio lifted her own, connecting patches to her temples and along the body. Katerina's modesty was respected, but not urgent. Alyss cut her shirt and old bandages away. Hera and Sabine were flustered, but looked on while the guys shied away.
Alyss readied an X-Ray to get a thorough look inside. Right as she was about to begin, the friends she called burst in with their tools, already jumping in to help. Mina a Mirialan, Alphonse a Weequay, Carl the Rodian, and Porthos the Zabrak. Sumar and Norio herded The Ghost crew into the waiting area, knowing that everything was under control.
"What do we have?!" Porthos asked, ready packages of anesthesia.
"Through and through lightsaber wound! Significant blood loss! Patient entered state of manic shock, and was administered 40 cc's of pentothal!" Alyss rapidly responded. Porthos adjusted the drip, reducing the millileters to a safe administer. "She is type O-!" Carl reached into a container, pulling out two packs of O- blood. "We need an X-ray, and prep her for surgery!" Carl and Mina were readying the X-ray and preparing their tools.
"How are her vitals?!" Mina howled.
Alphonse read the monitors. "Heart rate is at 100 to 50 beats per minute! Irregular spikes!" One or two times her heart went flat, but would kick up again. "She's running a 90 degree fever!" Kanan was losing track of what they were all talking and asking about. A whole other language spoken between doctors. As long as it sounded like they knew what they were doing.
"How long ago was she wounded?" Alyss questioned Kanan.
"A-about a day ago!" He stammered, shaking out of his daze.
"And she's held on this long? Strong girl." Alyss gasped impressed, tying a mask on.
"The strongest." Kanan proudly said.
"Here we go!" Mina blurted, pinning the X-Rays up. She and Alyss studied them thoroughly. A cross between relief and apprehension scrunched their faces. "Okay! The good news is, the blade missed her vital organs. Lungs are okay, the heart is clear - It was a clean cut." As clean as a beam of focused heat can cleave. "And by the looks of it, thanks to what care you gave her, further damage was avoided." She gave credit where it was due.
"And...the bad news?" Ezra knew there was bad news. There's always bad news.
Alyss took in a nerve steadying breath. She directed their attention a mark caught on their scan. "The lightsaber nicked her spine here, while dealing damage to her third and fourth rib." She brought their attention to a spanning read area. "Not to mention there's severe internal burning that's eating its way through her."
Mina stepped in before The Ghost Crew keeled over in despair. "The ribs are easily mended. But the damage to the spine…and the burning..." That's where it would be tricky to explain. SO much for wanting to bring good news to the table.
"What?! What's going to happen to her?!" Kanan pleaded. He can't take anymore waiting.
"If we do this right," And it was a big IF by the sounds of it, "The worst Katerina will endure is physical therapy to rebuild her bone and muscle constitution. The burning can be soothed, and will heal over a long period." Long period meaning a few months to a year. That's if she takes care of herself, and doesn't do anything reckless. Good luck with that one.
"And if...things don't go smoothly?" Kanan gulped.
"Katerina will most certainly become a quadriplegic." Alyss came outright. No dancing or sugarcoating. Horror struck the Ghost crew, coiling at their necks.
"What's a quadri...whatever she said?" Ezra fiddled his hands, not liking the word.
"It means she won't be able to move from the neck down!" Hera grudgingly answered, gripping her elbows.
"She'll literally become deadweight!" Sabine added curtly, biting on her lower lip. Kanan despised her choice of words. Although, given the circumstances, he can't deny them. Both scenarios aren't what he wants. He wants her to be fixed up as if nothing ever happened. No marks, no scars, no internal wounds. The best he can hope for is for Alyss and her friends to make it so she can walk again.
"But...if that happens…" Zeb wavered, his throat clenched. Deadweight, numb from the head down. She'd have to give up her wrenches, engines, and everything she holds dear. Zeb was boiling on the inside, able to tear the whole basement apart if he cared to. The fire in his eyes set Alyss and Mina ablaze. She can't lose use of her body! SHE CAN'T! HE WON'T HAVE IT! Zeb yanked Mina and Alyss by the collar, their feet high off the ground.
"ZEB!" Hera cried. Morad and Norio held their friends back, assuring them there was no harm.
"She's a mechanic!" He roared animally, shaking them violently. "Her legs and arms are her life! If she can't use them...then…" He dropped his head. Welling tears stung his eyes. He choked on his sobs. "YOU HAVE TO FIX HER! YOU HAVE TO SAVE HER! MAKE HER RIGHT!" He hoarsely begged, sniffling hard so he wouldn't cry. He'd rather see her dead than a vegetable. To see her physically suffer...You'd lose that smile. He can't lose her smile. Not to paralysis. "Please...you have to save her!"
"Zeb!" Kanan gripped his shoulder.
"COME ON!" Zeb dropped the girl, clawing Kanan's collar. "You're her brother! Why aren't you pissed?!"
"BECAUSE BEING PISSED ISN'T GOING TO SAVE HER! JUST LIKE IT DIDN'T BRING HER BACK FOR 15 YEARS!" Zeb was taken aback. Ezra, Sabine, and Chopper were rooted in place. Hera, however, was glad he said what she was thinking. Kanan tore Zeb's hand off, shoving the Lasat off him. "If I give in to this grief, if I let myself be overcome by anger and hatred, then The Inquisitor truly did succeed in beating us!" In beating him. He won't do that to Katerina.
Zeb's fury was doused, but not his sorrow. His arms swayed limply at his sides. Being useless isn't enough to calm him. Alyss pat Zeb on the shoulder, bringing him around to see her gentle smile. "We will do our best, Zeb. I promise." That's all she can offer.
"I know you will…" Zeb touched her hand, offering his faith in her. He watched them enter the operating area, somberly staring at Katerina. She almost resembled a doll. Cracks and chips and all. Open your eyes, Katerina. Don't leave me...us. He begged her, praying she could hear him.
Alyss nodded to her friends. Gloves and masks were snapped on, and Katerina's fate was in their hands. Kanan placed a hand to the window, closing his eyes and lowering his head. I'm here with you, Riina. His fingers curled into a fist. I'll always be here.
xxx
Through sheer will and naive determination, Caleb wriggled himself inside the narrow crevasse, falling face first into a small cave. He marveled at the glowing algae illuminating the stark cave. Light peeking in from the entrance couldn't touch it one inch. Katerina's smaller physique made her entrance smoother, but that didn't stop a rock from hooking her pant leg. Caleb grabbed her by the hand, saving her from becoming filthier than she was.
"Come on! He must have gone this way!" Caleb ignited the blue blade, leading the haphazard charge. Katerina groaned exasperated. She strapped a light to her head, chasing him down.
Caleb won't disregard his fun sized height after this. The cavern was barely taller than them, just wide enough for a comfortable run. It's remarkable they hadn't caught up with the person Caleb saw duck in there already. No way he can move that face and not leave a trail. Amazingly, there wasn't so much as a scrap of torn clothing the whole way.
The cave gradually widening went unnoticed by the two. An exit was coming up ahead. The figure had to be right up there. Caleb angled his saber straight. Katerina lengthened their distance. Caleb dug in his foot and lunged with a roar. The cave opened, and his foot stepped onto thin air. The cave tilted in a blur, jagged rocks greeting him on his dive. Katerina dove, sliding on her stomach, grabbing Caleb by the boot. He shrieked loudly, covering his eyes. He gaped blankly as he swung in mid air. Katerina's strained grunting caught his ear. He wasn't light. He flipped up and grasped the ledge. Katerina carefully shifted hands and dragged him back onto their little patch of ledge. They panted with sweet relief, shivering at the deathly plunge Caleb almost took. Serves them right for not watching where they were going.
The cave opened up into a large cavern. The moss was in abundance. Starry night skies have nothing on it. Sightseeing would have to come later. From what Caleb could make out - very little in the dark - the cavern was a dead end. If before taught him anything, it's don't assume there isn't an exit somewhere.
"Guess the rumors about the tunnels are true." Caleb murmured. Katerina huddled close to him. "There's a path over here. Let's take a look." He led her by the hand. A skinny strip of protruding rock led for the cave below. Caleb pressed his back to the wall, sliding cautiously.
"Caleb, I really don't like this place." Katerina protested, reluctant to take the path. "We should go back."
"You're always such a scaredy-cat, Riina!" He scoffed. A piece of ridge broke. Caleb laughed off his near death slip.
"I told you to stop calling me that! You know I hate that!"
"Well I hate the name Katerina. It's too long and sounds - egh - formal!"
"Then call me Katty!" She hissed.
"That's even more lame!"
"Who asked you, LEBBY?!"
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
"THEN DON'T CALL ME RIINA!"
If Caleb wasn't on a thin line between life and death, he'd drag Katerina by the hair and kill her himself. "Uuuggghhh…" The cavern reverberated. Ice encased their spines, gluing the pair where they stood. Their little hearts pounded in their chests.
"You heard that, right?" Katerina trembled.
"You sure that wasn't your stomach?" Whispers of air are blowing. That's all they heard.
"Ooohhhh…." It came again, louder and in great distress. Katerina yelped, crouching low with hands over her ears.
Caleb growled through gritted teeth. He glared at the lower cave, daring whoever or whatever was even there to come out. The mixture of moss and darkness eventually adapted to his eyes. As he suspected, he spotted another cave leading fighter in. And a full bodied shadow ducked inside. "Hey! Someone's down here!"
"Come on! We have to tell the Masters!" Katerina pleaded.
"No way! If someone is intruding we have to get rid of them!" Forget the ridge. Caleb marshalled the force to his feet and kicked off with all his might. He scored high into an arch, landing into a violent roll.
"Caleb, please! I don't like this!" Katerina begged from the ledge. She doesn't quite know why, but the cave was… closing in around them. No, someone was there with them, and it's not who Caleb saw. "There's something...wrong with this place. We need to go!"
"I don't' sense anything!" Caleb slapped hands at his thighs. No, he didn't sense a thing. All he knows is that there is someone he doesn't know running around under the temple.
"But-"
"HEY! Who's the Jedi?" He put hands to his hips boastfully.
Katerina scoffed agitated. They don't have time for this. Caleb hummed menacingly, egging her on with curling fingers. "You." She moaned, really disliking him.
"Who has the lightsaber?" He jiggled it to give her a hint.
"Against the better judgment of the masters - you." She refused to take his bragging lying down.
"Therefore…" He planted his feet, sweeping his hands up. Katerina yelped as she left the ground, and then hissed at her painful hind landing at Caleb's feet, "WE PRESS ON!" He thrust an exaggerated finger and went on his merry way. Katerina growled vengefully. The second she sees a ditch, she's throwing him in it.
He liked being the Jedi. The Defender of the people, Peacekeeper of the universe. It was...like living a dream for him. He loved those stories of the knight who would go on grand adventures, bring peace to those around him. Becoming a Jedi Knight would be the ultimate notch on his saber. It would have happened too.
"Strong is your faith in your brother. Come from, where does it?"
Caleb's never let me down. Even when he messes up royally, he comes back wiser and stronger for it, and he promises to do better. He's never broken that promise.
"Made a mistake has he? Failed you in a way, he has?"
No. No he hasn't. The mistake wasn't his. Though I'm sure he's convincing himself it was.
"Why?"
Because that's what big brother's do. That's what family does. We blame ourselves for what another does.
To be continued.