Twin's Disarray
xxx
Seven months, three weeks, and four days ago, I thought I was left alone in this Universe. Not excluding Kendril, Grim, or Dayve from the equation. I mean...for the past 15 years since the Clones' betrayal, I thought I was the only one to escape the carnage and be allowed to make it out of my awkward teen years. The Jedi - save for a couple - were dead. The Masters, Knights, Padawans, and Younglings were all murdered. The temple they cherished and played caretaker too was nothing more than a ruin. A rotting, gaping wound that sat in the midst of Coruscant as a badge of The Empire's first foothold in what would be their Victorious Hell. A Hell they took great pleasure in subjugating all to. Freedom to be oneself was admonished. Being part of any sect not verified and trusted by the Imperials was seen as treason and used as an excuse to put a laser bolt between someone's eyes. Anyone who fought - and was not fighting for the glory of the Empire - were immediately declared enemies. But...you know all of this. You've been with me every step of the way so far. What you may not know though...before this whole mess with The Empire and the Clones...is that Caleb and I were...thicker than thieves. Rebels twins at birth.
Brothers and sisters, as everyone knows, fight worse than cats and dogs. They get jealous of one another, want what the other has, always feel insecure in abilities they have that they don't. It is so common that it's truly a socially accepted behaviour. Caleb and I weren't like that...to a degree. Yeah, we got on each other's nerves and wanted our space at times, but it RARELY - and I do mean rarely to the point it seemed like it didn't happen - that we would flat out pretend that the other didn't exist. I can count within three fingers how many times that happened. It was once. I took Caleb's practice saber without asking him. I...wanted to pretend I was a Jedi. My first scar is on the side of my left knee. Even before a wrench became my weapon of choice, I was devoted to learning what made technology and weapons tic. One of the top pieces of weapon that had me glued were the lightsabers. Knowing that a tiny crystal lodged inside some complicated workings made my head spin with wonder and awe. I had to know what made them work. However, I wasn't paying attention to what direction I was holding the damn thing and...well...I must have passed out from the pain because I woke up with Caleb and Master Sinube yelling at me.
For the better part of a month, the Jedi had me cleaning every room I could get to in the temple as punishment. That was easy to deal with. Caleb gave me a hardcore silent treatment the whole time. He wouldn't look at me, wouldn't talk to me, wouldn't even say my name. If I was on one end of the temple, he'd go to the opposite one in order to stay away from me. You can imagine, after a while, it got on my nerves. I got it! He was mad I took his stuff! Big deal, get over it! He took my stuff all the time without asking but I didn't hold it over his head for 25 days straight! I confronted him one day, telling him to stop being stupid and talk to me! That he was being really childish. Me taking his stuff shouldn't be why he ignores me forever. That was my first dose of reality. I never knew Caleb could look so furious. He took me aside, got in my face, and he screamed at me. Told me he didn't care one lick that I took his saber without asking. He was furious that I did something as stupid as take his lightsaber without asking and without knowing anything about it and nearly killing myself. He didn't let me downgrade that dramatic scenario into the fact that I only hurt my knee. I never considered that I could have amputated my leg, or put that laser through my head. All I cared about was that he was being a jerk and became an even bigger one by calling me stupid. I gave him the silent treatment.
After a couple more days...I accepted that he was right. I apologized and swore i would never touch a lightsaber again. Not until...I truly learned about it. He ended up forgiving me, and later told me that he wasn't able to forgive himself for leaving that saber lying around. And he especially wouldn't have been able to look himself in the mirror if anything had happened to me. We made up, and from there it was a giant learning experience.
15 years later...here we are again. Ignoring each other, going to extreme lengths to keep distance between us...and refusing to speak one another's name. The only difference here is that I haven't done anything wrong! NOTHING! I rack my brain over what it could be and nothing comes to mind! No matter what I try, or how I approach him, Caleb refuses to linger around long enough to at least hint that I did something. As if he doesn't know what I did and he's just making up a reason to...to hate me! Does he know something I don't? Oh no! Does he know about...did Tseebo find information on my killing sprees? No, that can't be possible. No one knows about that. It was never put on record. Not even my redacted one. Kendril and Mon made sure of that. So why...why is he so mad at me? What did I do? Please…Caleb...tell me.
xxx
Let's not beat around the bush here. No talking about the day, the weather of the afternoon - No, no, no! Right now calls for ripping off the bandage and addressing the gundark in the room. Nowhere in recorded history is there a time where siblings, young and old, haven;t been at each other's throat. It is simply a rite of passage into what can either forge into a strong bond that defeats time itself, or diminish into a complete war that tears them and their families apart. It happens to everyone and there is no avoiding it. There's just those sibling that fight very rarely in their lives. At the very least, those they know seldom see them fight, therefore take it as a blue moon supernova when the punches do start flying. But let's not paint them on a pedestal. Katerina and Kanan have fought plenty of times when they were kids. Hell, they've been in heated arguments while with the Ghost Crew. It's been a while, but it isn't historical phenomena. They can fight like cats and dogs as viciously as Clones tore apart Droids back in the war. This isn't anything new to them. In...a manner of speaking. That is to say...Kanan and Katerina have fought...but they've never blinded themselves from the other.
A couple of weeks had passed since debacle in Loth Town. The Empire gave up the chase for Ezra, Katerina, and Kanan, which in turn let them save up much needed fuel. Turns out, they don't have the fuel for one of their dramatic getaways. They would have been dead in the water had Katerina and Kanan not bluffed their way out of that mess with Kallus and The Inquisitor. Actually, Katerina bluffed, Kanan went along with it. It'll be no shock when they take a shower and discover the so called chemical they were doused in was just stale water that absorbed remnants of a chemical. That'll really tick them off.
Anyway, getting back on track - in these past couple of weeks, there has been a stagnant silence choking the life out of The Ghost Ship. Kanan and Katerina had stopped speaking. That's a kind way of putting it, to be frank. A real description of their silent treatment is...diminishing the other's presence as nothing more than an empty void that talks. Just standing within a hundred feet of The Ghost, anyone would feel it. There's a huge rift between the Rebel Twins, and it was only getting bigger. They won't glance at each other, sit in the same room. A difficult task, one would think, considering they are in a ship with only seven areas. Kanan and Katerina were nothing if not resourceful in their means of avoiding each other. They'd gone so far as to pass each other in the hallway and don't so much as bump shoulders. This rift was so dramatic they never took the time to even acknowledge that the other existed. In hindsight, it might as well be that neither one did.
Hera and Ezra see it with Kanan, Sabine and Zeb see it with Katerina. Those two may put on strong faces, but it has become very clear they can't stomach looking at each other. precisely why no one could fathom why anyone would think parent trapping the two would yield any sort of positive result. What does that mean? Put it this way: Sabine and Ezra need adult supervision when left alone. Two teenagers alone is very dangerous. Sabine and Ezra made the mistake of trapping the two in the cargo bay to get them to talk. Instead another fist fight broke out and wrenches were being used as swords. Any longer saber and lance would have been used. Chopper had to sedate them, and Hera and Zeb had to bring ice and bandages. A unanimous decision was made that it was better to keep those two apart and just leave them be. They will tear the ship apart to show the other, and everyone else, that they haven't forgiven one another. Which was just getting more aggravating as the days went on.
No one on the ship can even comprehend why they were fighting in the first place! It made no sense! The spark that lit the fuse was obvious. Kanan's been hating on Katerina for a while now, building up to the explosion a couple of weeks ago. Katerina has noticed his rancor, but left it alone in hopes he would come to her and talk to her. Like they used to do when they were kids. But for a reason no one seems to be able to ascertain, Kanan used what went down in Loth Town to completely demonetize Katerina and bash her. Once Kanan punched her, that was it. She's chosen to match his hostility blow for blow until he admits why he's in the wrong. Or until Katerina admits she's in the wrong….about...whatever it is he's mad at her about. That's what has everyone confused. No one knows what she did to make him hate her so vehemently. And glory be to Kanan's stubbornness that he won't talk to anyone about it. To proud and to angry to let his shield down.
Another day had come and Hera was in zero mood for any more infighting. She has an important call to make and doesn't need a brawl to interrupt her. To avoid any further incidents, Hera sent Kanan, Chopper, and Zeb to Old Jho's in order to find them a job. The Ghost was low on fuel, and they were low on food. Being hungry wasn't going to help anyone. They don't need anything huge, or that will put Jho under the microscope that hasn't left since Loth Town. Right now this was mostly about putting distance between Katerina and Kanan. Zeb and Chopper were happy to drag him off. Zeb gave Katerina a kiss, wanting to get a smile out of her. It worked since he kissed her neck and his fur tickles. Hera then gave Katerina a special mission of her own. Sparr with Ezra and Sabine. Those two needed the exercise. Have to keep their skills sharp, their weapons primed, and senses on alert. They were offended by the insinuation.
xxx
Hera was in the cockpit watching Sabine and Ezra square off to Katerina. They were setting their weapons aside, stretching out before starting. Hera really wanted to see how this goes. Her money was on Katerina. No offense to the other two. She needed to make this call while they were warming up. Keeping the one way transmission on her end - so a hologram wouldn't appear and tip off the others she was making a secret call - Hera put a call to Senator organa on a secure channel. She sat twitchy and impatient as the holonet kept ringing and ringing. By the fifth ring most people would hang up. This was too important, though. As aggravating as it is, she has to remember that he's a senator for the Imperial Senate. He's very busy, always surrounded by bodyguards, and rarely has moments to take private calls. He has to make sure no one intercepts those private calls. After a minute of non stop ringing his answering machine picked up for him. The typical spiel about wanting forgiveness for not answering, and if they leave their name and number after the beep he'll get back to them as soon as possible.
Beep. "Senator Organa, I need you to contact me as soon as possible!" She didn't bother with pleasantries. The situation is spiraling out of control and she refuses to lose a good friend because she and Hera are being kept in the dark. "It has to do with what I suspect to be the real reason Katerina's files are heavily redacted." And it was there she hung up. That should get him to call back fast. She realizes it sounds like a threat, but she needs answers fast. If he and Mon Mothma know Katerina is a clone, then there will be a series of explanations flooding The Ghost. Even if they don't know, Hera fears who would have known the whole time. Katerina...is going to be devastated.
xxx
Bringing the attention back outside, Katerina and the kids finished their stretches. Katerina was standing very casual with a clam expression while Sabine and Ezra looked ready for a blood bath. Their weapons were discarded, forbidden from use. Katerina insisted on training in hand to hand combat. Weapons won't always be an option. This exercise, while mostly driven toward Ezra, is meant to sharpen all aspects of combat. Melee being Katerina's forte, as well as one of the more difficult forms to master. Being weaponless also coaxes the fighters to use their wits and be creative in the heat of battle. It isn't just skills alone that win a fight. Time to see what these two bring to their fight against the Empire, also testing Katerina's ability to put her emotions away and focus.
Sabine had a very impressive, fortified stance. When in that armor, wearing her helmet, she holds herself as a proud citizen of Mandalore, and a grand warrior in its name. She left no openings in her defensive stance, while prepared to launch an offensive should Katerina come at her. Ezra, on the other hand...it's too embarrassing to comment. He basically looks like that stick figure with tattered clothing trying to be a scarecrow. A strong breeze could knock him over. "Your stance is open, and not even sturdy!" Katerina scolded him. She took her own stance to match his so he can take notes. "Bring your elbows in! Fortify them at your sides! You'll fend off body shots there!" Ezra followed her instructions, already able to see and feel the difference. "Put one fist aligned to your face, the other at your chest. The face and chest are where you strike to disorient your opponent!" Ezra did so and was feeling indestructible. "Now spread your feet with one forward and one back, and keep your knees bent! You get better maneuverability!" Ezra bent and unbent his knees in bounce, fully adjusting him and keeping in mind that he was getting closer to having his butt handed to him. "Alright...you're ready." Katerina approved. And no, it didn't go unnoticed by her that Sabine practiced an effective disappearing act. Using Ezra's lack of experience to slip into hiding. Not a bad tactic. But one Katerina won't be fooled by. She stepped sideways with one hand behind her back, using the other to egg Ezra on. "Come at me, Bro."
"Coming in hot!" Like the impetuous youth he is, Ezra just ran in for Katerina. It was obvious he had zero method on battling her. He just planned on throwing punches until had landed one. Too bad the very first punch he threw he twisted his body - which minimizes accuracy and effect - too far. The crazy punch flew out of control. He made himself trip over his own feet. Katerina, sighing disappointed, moved ever so slightly to the side. Ezra's fist went way far off from target. It was really sad. Katerina gripped his wrist in a vice with her left hand, leading it up above his head. She kicked the back of his foot from under him with her left foot, and then wrenched him backwards by that same hand. He was laid out flatter than roadkill, the wind gone from his lungs. "Too...hot…"
"Way too hot." Katerina scolded, leaning over him with hands to her hips. Honestly, that was so pitiful she thinks he needs to go back to the very base of basics. She hoisted him to his feet, instructing him with a finger to get back into his stance. "I think our brawl with Kallus and The Inquisitor momentarily tapped your hidden potential. A heat of the moment thing." She shrugged, unsure how better to explain it. Similar to what he did on the Clone Base. "So we know you have the skills, they just only pay a small part of the bills."
"In other words, I need to be awesome in all fights - including sparring - like I was a couple of weeks ago." He droned sardonically, stressing the impossible of that statement.
"Exactly." Katerina replied bubbly. Ezra smacked a hand to his face. Does she even hear herself. He isn't her, Kanan, or anyone else on the team. He's just barely getting the hang of BEING a Jedi. He can't fight like one and be on top of his game all the time. "Take notes from Sabine." Katerina gestured to the emptiness behind him.
"Sabine? She left before we started." Katerina must have been too focused on him to notice.
"She didn't leave. She's been sneaking up on me since your preemptive strike!" Sabine pounced like a Loth Cat. As if she were on haunches she lunged from the tall grass. Katerina took one step to the side. Ezra screamed, flailing his arms, and flinching in an upright cower. Sabine landed on her hands and feet between Ezra and Katerina. But just as she stood, Katerina pushed her to belly slide, giving her a face full of dirt. Confused, Ezra smiled and waved nervously. "Told ya." Katerina chirped. "Try not to be so obvious, Sabine." Sabine growled and sprang right back onto her feet. She unleashed a blind roundhouse kick and nearly spun out of control when her foot ghosted right past Katerina's impassively blank face. Katerina laughed into her hand from anticipating her attack. Taking a couple of short steps back doesn't hurt. Ezra was a little dizzy from watching the attack, and from hitting his head on the ground. "Nice form, Sabine. You have promise as a dancer if the whole rebel thing doesn't pay out."
"Enchante!" Sabine gruffly retorted, darting in shockingly fast. Katerina was nonchalant. Sabine is skilled, but her she telegraphs in his assaults. The punches she launched were easily diverted by one hand. Her kicks were evaded with simple hip sways, or blocked. That isn't to say they didn't start to sting after a while. Sabine has serious muscle behind those scrawny arms of hers. Ezra just stood and watched in awe as Sabine went all out and Katerina barely moved. Katerina was leading her along in this dance. Her focus was set on Sabine herself, and she let her muscles do the moving. Before long she was grabbing one of Sabine's punches by the wrist. She led her into a spin. Sabine had little choice but to use her tiptoes in hopes of countering in the movement. Katerina cut the spin short and shoved her into Ezra. He wasn't ready for her and ended up cushioning her fall into their dirt bath. "C'mon!" Sabine punched the ground in fury.
"Very graceful." Katerina teased with a wink. Sabine peeled herself from Ezra, and he rolled in and pushed off his hands ot get up. Those two were growling through gritted teeth, and spitting up dirt. Katerina was snickering at them. "You guys give up, or are ya thirsty for more?"
They've barely gotten started. "Alright! Together!" Ezra suggested fiercely. Sabine nodded firmly. Not even she can handle them both at once.
Katerina's brow furrowed and her smile stretched ear to ear. Ezra and Sabine were matched in their stances, about to come at her together. She might break a sweat now. She took her hand from behind her back, mockingly welcoming them to come at her...again. Her face clearly showed she was underestimating them. Ezra started them off with a force powered slap to the ground. A huge smokescreen of dust erupted around him and Sabine. Ezra then blew it Katerina's way. She raised her arms, blocking the dust from her eyes. She coughed heavily, throwing on her work goggles. She mentally commended Ezra. This was a sound plan. Now for them to carry it out.
One of the perks of training in the middle of nowhere is that it's beyond silent. Katerina could hear the dirt grinding under their rampant footsteps. The hairs stood on her shoulders and neck. She can feel their attack coming. The anticipation was making her tingle. She hasn't felt this excited in years in a sparring match. Sabine appeared behind her. She loves the thermal sensors in her helmet. Katerina stuck out like a sore thumb. She thrust with a punch. Katerina spun and was using one hand to guide Sabine past her. Sabine was caught of guard by her response. Katerina used other hand to pound ball of the palm into her back. Sabine was fumbling to not fall on her face again. Ezra came out of nowhere in a tackle from the side. Katerina was aggravated he thought that would work. She rolled her eyes and stepped back. Once Ezra stopped in front of her she jabbed her knee in his stomach. He clutched at his sore abdomen, waddling away doubled over. Sabine used him to vault into a flying kick. Katerina stood her ground, crossing her wrists. Sabine made contact with the wrists and used them to flip off, then lunged into a series of punches. Katerina diverted her punches and kicks, swaying her body in a two step. Ezra recovered from his jab and appeared right up behind. He was about to punch her. Katerina caught another of Sabines punches. She twists and spins until Sabine was firmly planted back to back with her. She used a leg to wrap to hers, trapping her in place. Ezra's punch stopped an inch from Sabine's face. Ezra exhaled in shaky relief that he was able to stop. Sabine was not amused by Ezra's stop, the close call, or Katerina toying with her.
Katerina winked to Hera in the cockpit who shook her head with an amused sigh. She'd been watching the whole time, trying her hardest not to laugh when the kids were knocked on their butts. Katerina enjoys toying with them too much. And she wasn't done. In a motion neither Sabine or Ezra could follow, Katerina had spun in front of Sabine and flipped her over her, throwing her into Ezra. Hera cringed feeling the impact. Those two would need a serious bath.
"C'mon, man!" Sabine howled. She's going to really hate dirt if this keeps up. Hera was holding her stomach laughing. She made a quick exit from the cockpit.
"Do you guys give up yet? Have you had enough pain?" Katerina taunted.
"NEEVAAHH!" The two declared, raising dirt clods and throwing them. Katerina laughed hard as they fall short. Sabine and Ezra shocked the Hell out of her when one of their blind tackles worked and they had her on the ground. "CRAP!" She wrestled with them like her life depended on it. Truthfully it did. They had plans to kill her for humiliating them. She wasn't going to go down without a fight. And if they can stop laughing so hard, they just might figure out a winner in this match.
Clapping got the three to break it up. Hera was hooting with red cheeks, wiping a tear away. These three are too much. "Alright, you three, let's call it a day there." She shooed her hands, getting the kids to get off of Katerina. She thinks she cracked her spleen on the fall. "Riina, remember, you and Ezra need to work on the speeder you guys broke before our next job."
"We didn't break it! The Empire shot it!" Katerina protested insulted, dusting herself off as she stood.
Hera put a finger to her nose, making her go cross eyed for a second. "And you were making stunt jumps that got it shot. Making you 51% responsible!"
Katerina poked her nose, not giving up. "Your logic is flawed!"
"It's also the Captain of this Ship." Sabine and Ezra ooh'd, seeing that Captain hat and cape land on hera. Katerina stabbed herself with an invisible dagger, falling to her knees defeated. Sabine and Ezra were unable to believe Hera won so easily. She's like a god. Hera rolled her eyes. "Oh for the love of-" She grabbed Katerina by the back of her collar, and with her godlike strength, she dragged Katerina to the grindstone. "You can be so dramatic." Katerina cackled impishly.
xxx
One of the good thing about employing two mechanics is that both can confirm that they are saving monod credits on repairs and parts. Sabine and Katerina were able to give the speeder a once and determine the damage looked worse than it was. Hover capacitor discs toward the back needed to be replaced. Might as well replace all four. Their duration was nearing its limit, plus the warranty Hera got on them guarantees her a free set if they don't last as promised. They fell short by a year. No need to explain how they fell short. They just need those parts. For now, until they get them, they'll have to use some older ones and make sure not to drive too far or fast on it. The fuel tank needs a patch job. Katerina walked Ezra through on how to perform a patch job. He has the steady hands of a Jedi. The Alignment Synchronizer was fried. Sabine would need to make a new one. The Synchronizer was crucial in their shaor turns and the stunts they pull. And a few dings and scratches. Katerina was putting in an order for the alignment synchronizer while simultaneously smoothing out the dings with a special coating she brewed to reinforce the armor plating.
They were already on the verge of finishing when Sabine found the silence unnerving. There was this chill in the air coming from Katerina. She hid it in her work, but she was really thinking long and hard about Kanan. The sadness on her brow was hard to see. Katerina is such a carefree person that no one would think there was a kickass fighter behind that facade. Not really a facade. She's carefree and a fighter. It just takes a lot of antagonizing in order to push her over the edge. Kanan has successfully done that. And no one seems to know what caused it.
"So, I'm just going to talk about the Gundar in the room." She got heads to turn to her. Katerina went rigid being at the end of her eagle scope glare. "Why are you and Kanan fighting?" Hera froze instantly. Crap! There go her insides tying themselves up again.
Katerina was so fed up with all of this that she groaned loudly, running a hand through her hair. "For the life of me, I really have no clue!" She exclaimed so passionately that Sabine felt sorry for asking. "The guy has been acting weird around me since Tseebo was here!"
Hera was gnawing on her whole bottom lip. She chews too hard and she'll swallow the damn thing. She was crumbling fast under the pressure being indirectly mounted on her shoulders. She wants to scream the answer. YOU'RE A CLONE! She can't do that, though! Not yet! Not before she gets the full information so she will be able to extinguish what will become a very heated argument. Organa, please, hurry up!
Katerina was toiling in what could have made Kanan hate her so much. Oh no! What if Tseebo...knew about the incident. "Maybe Tseebo...told him something that I've been trying to forget." She rubbed at her arm in shame.
"What?" Ezra tilted his head. Hera forgot her own troubles for a moment, thinking Katerina might alleviate some of her baggage. Maybe she does know but has been playing dumb?
Katerina was sinking into herself, shrinking under the gazes trained on her. "I did a really bad thing a long time ago, Ezra. Nothing I'm proud of, and everything I fear telling someone about." Save for Zeb. He knows, and she's glad she told him. Him listening and accepting her sin is what helped her fall in love with him. "Tseebo seems to know everything, so maybe Kanan knows about my dark secret."
Sabine and Ezra exchanged a look, nervous that Katerina was starting to shake. It's clear that she's been carrying something terrible with her. What it is...they don't feel right asking. Hera realizes she's not talking about being a clone. Katerina doesn't seem to have a clue about it. No. What she's talking about...is something worse. It might also be in her heavily redacted file. Whatever it is, it tortures Katerina all the time. Hera might not be able to take pressure off herself, but the least she can do is comfort a friend. "Hey," She placed a hand to Katerina's shoulder, "Whatever you did in the past is the past."
"Hera's right." Sabine stepped up. "We've all done things we're not proud of. They never go away." She sounds like she's speaking from experience.
"And the only reason we'd be horrible people is if we try to forget them." Ezra added in, nudging Katerina in the shoulder. "You're not horrible, Riina. A sadist," He climbed up on a tall metal box, taking one of his stormtrooper helmets in hand, "But not horrible." He worked on his force tricks, levitation the helmet between his hands.
"Thanks, guys. You're the greatest." She giggled. They really are the best friends she can ask for. Sabine got in the bike to test its hovering capabilities. Katerina monitored the progress for hiccups.
That right there broke Hera's resolve. She can't take it anymore. She knows this technically may not be lying, but she hates keeping secrets from her. She doesn't deserve this. If this really is a close knit team then they needed to be treated as teammates and not kids. Katerina is the second most mature one there. Second to Hera of course. She deserves to be treated like an adult, and given the same respect she gives the rest of them. That includes...knowing the truth. "Riina...um...there's...there's something I need to tell you."
Before she could continue, Chopper came barging onto the ship in a huff. He was blurting out - beeping out in a rage - very choice profane words about how screwed up the day was turning out to be, and throwing Zeb and Kanan under the bus about...something. He became incoherent at some point.
"Umm…" Ezra hummed baffled. "Anyone catch that?" The girls shrugged their shoulders, shaking their head.
"Hi…?!" Zeb came trudging onto the ship next. He was slouching like he was about to be taken to the gallows, really terrified to see the faces of his judge, jury, and the soon to be furious Hera.. "I can explain!" He spat out, sauntering along with his paws together in deep contrition.
"Explain what?" Hera stressed, really confused why he and Chopper were acting so weird.
"Zeb, you didn't blow all our credits on Waffles again did you?" Katerina scolded him from her seat on the crates below Ezra.
"Not...exactly…" He sheepishly remarked, his ears drooping. His knees were bouncing between buckling and shooting him through the roof. He looked like that puppy about to be scolded for peeing on the living room carpet.
"Hera, Ezra, Sabine, Katerina," Kanan beckoned their attention to a chocolate skinned, middle aged man meandering onto their ship like he owned the place. "This is Lando Calrissian." The named man took a humble bow, earning a dubious stare from Ezra. Something was off about him. "He needs a fast ship to move some cargo past the Imperial Blockade around Lothal." Kanan summed up pretty quickly.
"Yes, for some reason this planet has an unusually high Imperial Presence." Lando spoke eloquently, but had this weird...slur. It was kind of annoying. But the man hit the nail hard. Kanan, Katerina, and Sabine were smiling nervously, coughing to disperse the guilt that is all theirs. Hera, however, wasn't laughing. She glared at Kanan, knowing that he was keeping the story behind this job close to the vest. It likely has to do with why Zeb and Chopper are being odd. "But are you sure you can fly this ship past the blockade Captain...Hera, is it?"
"It is." Lando was good at feigning being humble. He was folding his hands behind his back to appear as though he was minding boundaries. Too bad Hera has a radar for insincerities, and an eye that rivaled a sniper scope for sleamos. "And The Ghost can mask both its signal and signature." Qualities she is very proud to have. "We'll get you past the blockade. What's the cargo?"
"I was told no questions asked." A statement that sent up every red flag in Katerina's mind. She's had customers like that cross her path. She hates them.
"That's fine. It just costs more." Hera engraved that line in stone. He can take it or leave it.
"Kanan and I already settled on a price." The silver tongue Lando has a side business as a lasso. He just roped Kanan into the scruitnizing spotlight. Now Hera and Katerina really want to know how they found this guy. "But I assume he needs your approval."
"He doesn't." Hera wasn't going to play that game.
"Excellent!" Landon shook Kanan's hand, having everyone witness the beginning of their new business venture. "When the job's done, you'll be paid handsomely." Kanan wouldn't stop smiling crookedly. It was really cringey. "And, as agreed, I will return your droid."
"Return our...DROID?!" Hera exclaimed confused. And there is the mortar that blew the lid off this senate sized conspiracy. Chopper was thwacking Zeb's thigh with his prongs, screaming again about him and Kanan, Jho's place, and cards. It was hard to make out. Hera stopped Chopper before he bruised Zeb, or Zeb kicks him like a ball.
"Yeah...heh...funny story…" Zeb was queasy. The floor was his and he was melting under the interrogation lamp of stares. "You see," He was massaging that head of his to alleviate the most gentle way of putting this. He was dead in the water. There's not saving himself from this, "Lando and I were playing sabacc and I...well…" He squeaked, losing his nerves fast. He went behind Katerina, feeling safe with her between him and Hera, "I kinda...bet...Chopper…" He put his arms over his head, ducking low.
Shock-horror darted around Ghost. There wasn't a mouth agape, or eyes about to fall out of wide open sockets, that wasn't running that sentence through the breaking brains. Somehow they were feeling as though they heard wrong. Katerina, so bewildered, was shocked for the wrong reason. How do they know this? Because she asked him, "You lost at sabacc?"
Hera bit into her lower lip. She took Ezra's trooper helmet and chucked it upside Katerina's head. "THAT'S NOT THE POINT!" Katerina fell backwards. Ezra was unnerved that the Helmet rebound back into his hands, and that Katerina was laid out flat. Zeb felt that impact, and was terrified when Hera returned her rage to him. "Garazeb Orrelios! Chopper wasn't yours to bet!"
"Kanan said it was okay!" Zeb threw him under the bus with his hands up.
"And you - OW - listened to him?!" Katerina picked herself up by the crate, rubbing that huge red lump on her forehead. Hera has a mean arm.
Hera snaked her glare to him. Kanan was going to run, but knows there is no escaping her. "And you should know better!" She yelled at him like a furious mom. "Chopper is a member of this crew!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa - we should go." Lando extinguished mom's scoldings. This wasn't the time or place. "I need to pick up my cargo, and I don't want to keep my supplier waiting." That was laced with urgency. "Besides, if all goes well, there won't be anything for you good people to argue about." Kanan was bobbing his head, urging her to see the brighter side of things. And he was fanning his raised hands so Hera's fumes would burn him alive. Oh, Hera will have some heated choice words for Zeb and Kanan later. For now, a swift punch to Kanan's arm would have to suffice. He played it off like it was nothing, but it hurt. Kanan gave a nonchalant shrug to Lando, assuring him that meant they have a deal. Lando casually meandered away, obscuring his judgment, and followed Hera to the cockpit. Zeb sluggishly slipped away with Sabine and Ezra who were patting him on the back. May he rest in peace.
"Ha!" Katerina threw her head back, scoffing at Kanan with her hands on her hips. "I like seeing you in the hot seat!"
"Keep it up and you'll be joining me!" Kanan warned her angrily.
"I'm already there, CALEB," She spat his name with pure disgust, keeping her smile up, "Or have you decided to man up and tell me what's eating you?" Kanan grit his teeth, growling in the back of his throat. Katerina's smile faded, traded with a hurt scowl. "Didn't think so." She turned on her heels, wanting to be anywhere but here with him. Kanan huffed through his nostrils, staring at the floor.
xxx
Everyone had to brace themselves on the take off. Hera was really rough on the rear around. Shooting out of the atmosphere would have plastered everyone on board to the wall. She was fuming. Ezra and Katerina were in the lounge, going on about how it was going to be one of THOSE days. They weren't ready for another one so soon. Zeb, lacking the fortitude to go win Hera's favor back, settled for bringing Katerina an ice pack for that lump on her forehead. That thing swelled up pretty fast. It was giving her a migraine. She was grateful, but she wasn't merciful. Zeb wasn't out of the woods here.
"This had to have been the most boneheaded things you've done since betting those code modulators Sabine won in that rigged contest on Cas-ii-no!" She scolded him. She winced at her head throbbing. She should limit her cross words.
"I know that...now!" Zeb kicked himself, plopping to the couch. He wanted to slide under the table and stay there until this blew over. "Ugh! Hera is never going to let me live this down." He dug his nails into his scalp, leaning to the table in dread.
"You have to live first." Ezra hated to burst his bubble, patting him on the back. Katerina wanted to laugh, but that knot on her head wasn't having it. "You gonna be alright? I know Hera has a mean arm, but I didn't think she hit you that hard."
"Neither did I." She poked at the welt, flinched whenever her fingers barely brushed the thing. "And she wasn't even mad at me. Not like you and Kanan." She'll use this as a warning to alway be on Hera's good side. "I'd feel sorry for Kanan...but I don't." She crooned, curling a hand to her cruelly smirk. Zeb and Ezra didn't like that look.
"Please pardon my interruption." Lando curised on over, waving a hand in apology. Zeb scrunched his nose rancorously, staring hard to peel the layers of that polite facade. He walks like a stuff shirt noble, but Zeb knows the stench of a swindler. He was about to strangle him with that stuffy shirt when he came within a foot of Katerina. "Ms. Katerina, Chopper tells me you're the leading mechanic on this fine vessel." His gaze trailed her body up and down studiously, tracing her features with a fine pen. So young. Katerina didn't react, knowing that was what he was looking for. Instead she stood with hands on her hips, peacocking herself to show him she wasn't put off by his leer. "Your work must be as stunning as you if this large cruiser was able to make such a smooth take off." He swept a hand to gesture to the splendor of the ship, then smoothly took her hand in his. Zeb was going to gouge out those eyes if they keep sparkling at her like that. He'll rip off that hand and smack him with it first. "And the hums floating through the very walls are like a symphony." He kissed the top of her hand. Ezra shrieked with hands to his face, diving for cover. This was going to get messy. Zeb slammed his hands to the table, about to shoot up and kill him.
Katerina stretched a hand back, commanding him to stay put. She's got this. "Oh, thank you. My work is qued to my vanity." She used her other hand to twirl a finger in her hair. "I pour my heart and soul into it."
"And what a heart and soul they must be." He professed with a hand to his own black heart.
"You know what else I put my heart and soul in?" She batted her eyes adorably. Lando was intrigued. Katerina slyly moved in closer. In one motion she took one of Lando's fingers and produced a sickening crunch with a sharp twist. Lando wailed in agony, dropping fast to one knee. Katerina maintained a flirtatious, and very depraved, smile while relishing in his agony. "My current lover - Who is sitting ten feet away," Zeb, with a crazy smile and laugh, wiggling his fingers in a mocking wave, "And who I will let tear your head from your shoulders should you touch me again." She threw his hand free, then leaned far forward to come within an inch of Lando's pain ridden face. "Am I clear?" She purred.
"As your crystal eyes!" Lando wheezed.
Katerina punched him in the cheek, knocking him to the floor. "They're aquamarine." She corrected, rubbing her knuckles. Lando gave a thumbs up making a mental note and crawled away. Jumping out into space sounded safer. He went to one of Sabine's paintings on the wall. He was making sure his finger wasn't broken. Katerina strutted to Zeb's side, sitting on the arm of the couch. "I really don't like that guy." She crossed her legs and leaned over. She rested an arm on his shoulder, bringing her chest to his head.
"I just fell harder for you." Zeb reached up and kissed her. His heart was pounding.
"Good." She roughly cupped his chin, staring hard into his eyes. "Because you're still in trouble." And suddenly Zeb wants to follow Lando outside into space. "You lost my credits with Chopper! You know I'm saving for that Ray Shield belt mod!" She gets her hands on one of those she can make more and outfit everyone's gear with them. Rushing into heavy fire will feel less life threatening with it. "Do you know how rare and expensive those are? Shipping and handling doesn't even cover half of what it's worth!"
"I know! I know! And I'm sorry!" He threw his hands up. He really screwed up there. He put a hand to the one hanging off his shoulder. "How can I make it up to you?" He begged. He'll do anything to cheer her up. Katerina hummed playfully, pretended like she was thinking. A feline smirk split her lips. She put her lips to his ear, whispering so low Ezra wasn't able to eavesdrop. He hasn't learned that force trick yet. Zeb was bobbing his head, grunting in comprehensively and in agreement. His ear perked up, he gaped, then he laughed lecherously. "Ooh-hoo. I think I'll get in trouble more often." Ezra cringed, really not wanting to know what they were talking about. Adults are weird.
Chopper came rolling in with a hot cup of tea, offering it to Lando. "Why, thank you, Chopper!" He said over the top.
Zeb wasn't able to understand him, but he knew kiss up when he heard it. "Can't believe that little bolt bucket is actually waiting on that guy!" He rumbled. Chopper never does that for them unless he can sneak a laxative into whatever he gives them.
"I can't believe you lost Chopper!" Ezra snickered, rubbing the salt in his wounds. "Good thing I wasn't there. You'd have bet me."
"Nah, you wouldn't have covered the pot." It wasn't a bad idea though. Maybe next time. Katerina flicked his ear. "Besides, I think Calrissian cheated!"
"You're just a sore loser. Lando seems nice enough." Ezra testified, ignoring him hitting on Katerina a few minutes ago.
"I'm telling you I don't like that guy!" Zeb mumbled, wishing he had the spine to throw him out.
"I'm with you on that one." Katerina seconded. She knit her brow, stroking her chin pensively. "He so reminds me of those customers I got on Chandrila that wanted their GPS beacons removed and replaced with a frequency splicer." A glorified radio that can intercept any and all transmissions and allow them to communicate. In other words, it was the perfect way to lead people astray.
"You always take his side." Ezra remarked childishly. "I'm tell you guys, Lando is a chill person. You'll see." Zeb and Katerina rolled their eyes. Ezra's judgement in people is as dull as his shooting accuracy.
"SA-BINE," Lando's exuberant gasp of her name had Ezra sitting up right. She meandered up to him, anxious to hear what he had to say about her artwork he was admiring. "I understand this is your work." Now Ezra was frowning because that was a similar line fed to Katerina. "Reminds me of...Januor protest painting on Bith." He pieced together.
Sabine lit up like a star. Januor of Bith IS a major influence!" She can't believe he recognized her inspiration with a single glance. No one else has and they live on the ship.
"Well your work is even more stunning in its...simplicity." Lando really was smooth. A regular dictionary of flattery. He got Sabine to blush. That never happens.
"Hey, I told you your stuff was good months ago!" Ezra argued offended. Any time he told Sabine how great her art was she would always roll her eyes at him. Like she's doing now. He can't see her face, but he knows she's rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, but you didn't know why!" She huffed. And to her, if you're going to like her art, you'd better know where the inspiration comes from. If she has to explain it, then you're not worth her time.
"Oh, M'Lady, that's hardly fair." Lando dispelled her harshness. "He's just a child with no experience of the galaxy." Ezra was turning green with envy, and Zeb and Katerina were in stitches laughing at him. Guess he doesn't like him so much now.
"I don't suppose you wanna see my more impressionistic pieces." Wasn't really a question. Sabine really wants to show him her other artwork.
"I happen to be an impressionistic connoisseur." Lando happily agreed. He turned toward Ezra, "That means-"
"I know what it means!" Ezra spat at him. Lando shrugged, and Sabine showed him to her room. Katerina doesn't like the idea of a middle aged man alone with a teenager. "Hey, what does that mean?" Ezra whispered to her and Zeb.
"A lot less than he thinks." Zeb confirmed.
"I don't like that guy." Ezra declared.
"Then we're in agreement." Katerina followed after Sabine and Lando. "The sooner this job is over, the better."
xxx
The hour it took before meeting up with Lando's contact, Katerina was watching him closely with Sabine. She despises old people trying to be smooth with their 30 year juniors. The minute Lando left to go confirm the ship across from them was who he was looking for, Sabine was getting angry at Katerina. "You didn't have to spy on us. I was just showing Lando my art."
"Trust me, Sabine, the only art he was admiring were your measurements." Which Katerina is adult enough to admit are way better than what she had at Sabine's age. "Look, I don't mean to be Auntie Riina here, but will you just please make sure the guy keeps a foot away? Or at least three Kaminoan arm lengths away?"
Sabine deadpanned at how far that would be. They wouldn't be able to have a decent conversation. "You really do sound like the overbearing Aunt." Katerina puffed out her chest, very proud to have been granted the role. "I can take care of myself. You know that." Sabine won't let her beating her in sparring determine that she can't take care of herself.
"Sabine, I don't doubt your skills in the least. You're the last one I worry about." She handed Sabine a familiar looking taser. She was astonished. It was the taser Katerina said she blew up. It was good as new. It felt heavier too. She shook it around, hearing clattering inside. She popped open the back and her eyes sparkled at tiny conductive adhesive insulators. She can paste them to the prongs to give a little more bite to her zaps. "It's Lando I don't trust. And I'm trusting you to help me keep him in check." Sabine couldn't be mad at her now. She gave her such a great gift. She closed her hand to the taser and nodded firmly with a promise and a thanks. "Good."
"Katerina, can you meet us on the dock." Hera called over the ship's coms.
"Sure." Katerina called back. She pat Sabine on the shoulder then left. Sabine shook her head with a resigned sigh. Katerina really is like the Aunt around there. Then...what would that make Zeb? He's more the granddad than an Uncle.
xxx
Katerina caught up to Hera, Lando...and Kanan right as their ship was linked with the mysterious contact's ship. A sly smile was splitting to Lando's distrusting lips. "Sorry if I took a bit. Chopper wanted to borrow one of my ignition plugs for his turbines." Katerina wasn't liking that smile.
"As long as you're here." Hera nodded graciously. Katerina gave the biggest smile to her. Lando's own dissipated when he noticed...her demeanor was very...he doesn't quite know the word for it. He noticed it more when she Katerina stood across from them. Hera was filling her in on what the method of the exchange will be, all the while Lando was studying his hosts. "There's not much of ap lan here but our goal..."
Hera's voice trailed off in a mumble, Katerina and Kanan nodding their heads as this lack of a plan unfolded. Lando...Lando just kept staring at them, pretending like he was listening. To make it simple - as he glides his glance toward Kanan over here - Lando noticed the young mechanic, and the second in command here, weren't seeing eye to eye. Literally. They were going to great lengths to avoid looking at each other. He can see from their body language they want to acknowledge one another...but can't. Or...no...it's a wouldn't. Lando studied them harder, really anxious to see what this strange rift was. This is not a lover's quarrel. Hera and Kanan have that. What is it? What is it about these two that bothers him? Hmm. That's when he began to gradually peel their difference in physical attributes away to notice...they have the same aquamarine eyes. Then their noses looked the same...their skin tone was pretty similar. Eventually, he noticed how alike they truly looked. Family, maybe?
"So we're supposed to walk into some smuggler's home, follow this crackpot's lead," Lando woofed at the insult. He is many things, but a crackpot? Never, "And hope everything turns out smooth?" Does Katerina really need to stress how not even a quarter baked this plan is? If she does, she's going to repay Hera for that helmet upside the head.
"I know. It wasn't my idea." Hera groaned. She sneered at the smuggler trying to play innocent. "But Lando knows the guy we're going to meet, so we follow his disastrous lead."
"How do I fit into this craziness?"
"He says the more the merrier." She rolled her eyes, unsure what that was even supposed to mean. "I don't interpret crazy."
"Now you folks are trying to hurt my feelings when I've been nothing but humble and grateful?" Lando's head was spinning at their poor customer service. "You folks need to learn some people skills."
"This coming from a smuggler." Kanan rumbled. Lando shrugged his hands. He has his vices, they have theirs.
Without further delay, the four gathered at the door. They spotted two guards on the other side coming to escort them. "Oh, yes, one more thing before we cross that threshold."
"HEY!" Katerina barked. Lando swiped her guns and staff. "Give those back!" She rushed him.
"Trust me," Lando held them out of her reach, "You won't be needing them!" He handed her weapons to Kanan, who was very troubled that Katerina was being left weaponless. "If all goes well, there won't be a single shot fired."
"And if all doesn't go well?!" Katerina argued, darting side to side to get around Lando. She is about to break his balls if he doesn't get out of her way.
"Riina, Riina, you're missing-"
Katerina struck his neck with the ball of her palm. Lando choked at the bones in his neck nearly snapping. Katerina's face was twisted in disgust. "YOU do not have permission to call me that! And don't tell me about missing a big picture, Calrissian!"
"BUT...ACK-ACK…you are...missing the bigger picture!" He protested, fighting to breathe when he spoke. He rubbed his neck. "You go in there armed to the teeth, my contact will get spooked and the deal will go sour." He professed passionately, wanting Hera and Kanan to at least see his side. "It will serve our purposes if we enter as friends, then leave as acquaintances having made a grand deal." Katerina looked to Kanan pleadingly, wanting him to hear how crazy this sounds. Her stomach dropped when he was pondering Lando's words. He was really going to take this smuggler's side over her. "Do not worry." Lando guided Kanan to a hatch where he set her weapons. "By the time we finish our business, we'll be back on the ship sailing for Lothal again."
"Hera…" Katerina begged her.
Hera groaned irately, rubbing her head. She knows its a bad idea. However, they can't risk a full out brawl or run with how limited their supplies are. Hera brought Katerina in close and whispered in her ear. By Katerina's face, she doesn't like what Hera decided. Eventually, though, she said something that raised her spirits. "Okay…?"
Katerina laughed darkly, looking at Lando when she said, "Okay." She licked her lips. Lando doesn't like where this is going. A good thing the guards on the other end got the door open. Things were getting hot.
The first guard led the way for them, and the second followed along after their four guests had gotten on board. The ship left much to be desired in lighting. The slave camp they found not too long ago had more cheer. Hera, Kanan, and Katerina felt like they were being taken to a dungeon, or into a hoarder's nest, rather than meeting with a crime lord. Then again, anyone who names their ship Merchant One, needs to be vetted.
"I hope you have a backup plan for when things go wrong." Hera warned him.
"No fear, Captain. If a comet hits, this ship has escape pods." Lando smoothly deterred her.
"That's not what she meant and you know it!" Katerina hissed. She kept habitually reaching for her weapons each time she saw another guard. She feels naked.
"Watch it!" Kanan wrenched her back by the shoulders. A piece of the ship had fallen down. Lando, Hera, and the guards were rooted in fright. Kanan and Katerina exhaled on that close call. "You okay?" He asked with her hugged close to his chest.
Katerina snorted angrily, shoving him off of her. "You care?" Kanan was taken aback, then looked away realizing he deserves that. Lando knit his brow. Yeah...there's history here. Katerina stepped over the debris and they were all back on track.
They finally arrived to the quarters of the their gracious host, granted access by their guards leading them there. Lando was the first to enter, and the man knew how to break the ice. "Good to see you again, Azmorigan." The three rebels were repulsed. This pudgy, stubby, food dripping down his three chins, red skinned Jablogian greeted them while stuffing his face full of exotic fruits. The protocol droid serving him had juices staining its chassis. This is who we're meeting with? Was the same question running through Kanan, Hera, and Katerina's minds. Unnerving the most is that Lando seems to know the guy. This is already beginning to sound fishy.
"Spare me your false formalities!" Azmorigan huffed with his mouth full of food. Bits were spat out when he spoke. His table manners are as charming as his small talk. "I have what you ordered…" He took a bite out of of Yogun, squealing at its ripe, delicious crunch, "What do you offer me...in return…" His pur came with a spit up of food juices and saliva. Katerina held her stomach and mouth. She was about to puke.
"There names are…" Lando hardly made a sound taking a couple steps back, "HERA and KATERINA!" Lando shoved them forward, nearly throwing them at his feet.
"WHAT?!" Was Kanan's heated outburst, and Katerina and Hera's silent protest as they grimaced at having been battered like cheap auction junk. And suddenly Kanan regretted letting Lando convince him to leave Katerina's weapons behind.
To be continued.