Chapter 27
A Princess on Lothal
First Blood
On Lothal, the Rebels had once again stepped in it only this time they weren't looking down the sights at Imperial blaster fire, but other freedom fighters, the Lothal Militia lead by Reik Bloodwolf and his Militia backers. Hera, Zeb and Sabine were surrounded by Captain Naqia and her Hyenas along with Turok Skell, the one armed trandoshan spy and the Militant of Lothal. "What Kanan are you talking to?" Turok asked her.
She held her tongue, her silent consent enough for him to know, "We saw you coming in as soon as you dropped out of hyperspace, what are you doing here?"
"You first?" Hera asked.
Gesturing to the people around him, "Fighting the Empire, what else?"
"So these Militia are you doing?" she asked.
"He's had help." Captain Naqia said her blaster pistol raised, hand on her sword, Hera aimed it at her and the Militia moved in.
Turok held up his one good arm and placed it on Captain Naqia's blaster pistol lowering it "Lets all calm down." he said smoothly walking out.
"Chief Bloodwolf wants you, all of you, the People of Lothal want to know why the Spectre's have returned?" Turok asked.
"That's personal business, and since when do you speak for the people of Lothal, last I checked Trandoshans weren't native here?" Zeb growled at him.
Turok smiled, "Lothal is home for anyone who fights for it, says the Chief."
"Chief Bloodwolf huh, well he's not here, is he?" Hera asked, looking around.
Shaking his scaly head, Turok said "No, he's actually with Kanan and Ezra, I assume since Ahkilleon hasn't run out sabre swinging lads with them too?"
Hera held up her comlink "Kanan wants going on?" She asked.
Across the planet at the mountains, Ryder Azadi, former governor of Lothal, prisoner for treason, was embracing Reik Bloodwolf, Reik Azadi his son, "Um the prisoner uh he's hugging the Militia leader, that Bloodwolf guy?"
"Look Captain, Hera, we didn't come here to fight, neither did Bloodwolf, so how about we All Lower Our Weapons." He said loudly to the entire group of rebels and Militia alike, Captain Naqia signed it and the Militia were the first to lower them "Now, you're probably eager to see how the Jedi are doing, so let's go check together?" Turok asked.
Hera lowered her pistol and the other two rebels did the same "We'll meet you there." she growled back up to the Ghost.
"You heard her, move out.'
Later, the Ghost landed in the mountain ridge that Azadi was hiding out in, Turok and Hyena Squad came up in the mustang speeders. The Militia raiders, Tai, Uzuma and her padawan Declan Koi were over by some rocks as Ryder and Reik were speaking. Ezra was glaring at Declan who appeared to be holding a leather book reading it. He turned away as soon as the Ghost landed, Ezra, Kanan and Ahkilleon stood outside the Ghost when it landed but as soon as Turok got off his bike he whistled.
"Turok!" Ahkilleon broke off from Ezra and Kanan as Hera walked out with the others, watching the trandohsan run up and throw his arm around the boy who hugged him back "Oh lad, I missed ya."
He looked at the boy's green eyes and then Ahkilleon took notice of his missing arm, "It… it hasn't grown back?"
"Doesn't look like it will anytime soon, good clean strike though." Turok leaned on him as he got up groaning, "Urr I hate getting old."
Ahkilleon looked over at Hyena Squad who all got off their bikes removing their helmets, Naqia, Butch the super tactical battle droid, Gaser the tall human jabiimite, Fang the umbaran man, and then Cadet Jay still wearing his cap and brown fatigues.
They noticed Reik talking to Ryder, "Chief Bloodwolf?" Turok called curious as to what was going on.
Reik turned around smiling, he patted Ryder on the shoulder and led him forward "Soldiers, today is a gift!" He said as everyone gathered around him except for the rebels of the Ghost, with both groups of Militia there, the rebels were outnumbered three to one. "Today the fate has brought back to of Lothals heroes, Ezra Bridger the voice of Lothal." Reik said, pointing to the boy, "And, by the grace of the Force…" Reik squeezed Ryder's shoulder "Former Governor Ryder Azadi, My Father Lives!" he shouted smiling, Tai was next to Captain Naqia.
She leaned in as soldiers cheered, "I haven't seen a smile like that in a while."
"How about the fact that his father was an imperial governor?" Captain Naqia asked her sceptically.
The ikar cocked her head, "Wasn't your mother a queen of slaves?"
Across from them Hera was checking on Ezra with Kanan, "So?" she asked.
Kanan shook his head, and she looked heartbroken. "How's he taking it?" Hera asked
"As you'd expect, we both knew Ezra might not get the news he hoped he would about his parents." she said as Ahkilleon walked back over, Reik exchanged some words with his father after he whispered in his ear and Reik nodded.
Ryder walked back over to the Specters, "Governor Azadi, we're grateful you stood by them for so long and… I would also say congratulations on your good fortune." She said as she saw Reik speaking to his own crew.
"Not sure what good it did, things don't seem any better here on Lothal, even if my son is leading his own rebel movement. He's told me some terrible things that have happened here since I was gone." Ryder said mournfully.
Ezra tries to be optimistic "Your sons are alive, that has to count for something?"
"... It is something." Ryder muttered.
"At the moment, maybe, but we hope to change that in the future. Speaking of which, Senator Organa heard about our losses on Garel." Hera said to them all. "He's sending us reinforcements, his agent is coming to Lothal with three cruisers."
This was a surprise to them all, "Three cruisers? That is good news, maybe a mission like this is just what we need." Kanan said looking at Ezra who was looking over at Declan the young padawan had put away his book and was glaring at Ezra and Ahkilleon.
"I hope you're right, because if the Militia are hostile to Imperials we'll need their help." Hera said.
Sabine took her helmet off "I thought we said we weren't fighting with them."
"We're not, this is just-" "You got something you want to say." Ahkilleon snapped at Declan.
Without wasting a moment Declan was on his feet, "Oh nothing you want to hear short stuff." Declan was already walking toward him, saberstaff in hand.
"If anyone can hear a word you say under that mask, you must be ugly." Ahkilleon said walking toward him, Kanan slapped his forehead seeing a fight was about to break out. The two boys were already in each other's faces, Ahkilleon looking up at the Ikar Jedi.
"Not as ugly as I'm about to make you."
"I'd like to see you try." Ahkilleon said ready to fight him right then and there.
Before either could draw their weapons there was a crack of a blaster pistol, "Enough." it was shot in the air by Reik, he approached "Master Uzuma, I expect your padawan to treat our guest better." Reik said as he approached the Specters.
"Captain Syndulla?" he asked Hera.
She nodded "As you've probably seen, things on Lothal haven't been exactly easy, I aim to rectify that."
"By joining the Militia." she said looking at his armour.
Reik looked at it "Well that saves us sometime in explaining who we are, but we know who you are all Lothal does, you helped inspire many of us here, but I and the other leaders here know you wouldn't come back to Lothal without good reason?"
"We came to find out… What happened to my parents." Ezra said.
Reik saw the despair in his face "I'm… I'm sorry Ezra, they were good people, and too many good people have been lost to the Empire already, so if your objective here is against the Empire I see no reason why we shouldn't work together."
Hera and Kanan looked at one another, before she stepped forward "Chief Azadi-" "Bloodwolf." Reik said.
She looked at Ryder then back at his son "Chief Bloodwolf, we have agent arriving here to Lothal, they're bringing three cruisers we aim to steal for our fleet, aboard them are relief supplies for the people of Lothal, if you help us get the ships, we'll gladly give you the supplies for the people suffering here."
Reik scratched his chin thinking about "I've been looking for a bigger target to hit, something to help inspire the people of Lothal to stand, this could be it, we are with you." He said holding his hand up, Hera looked at it wary before she saw their numbers, their weapons, "Let's just say we're on the same side and call it that." she said not shaking his hand.
Looking disappointed he took his hand away "Where are these ships landing?"
"The city of Jalath."
"Jalath?" Reik asked.
Ezra cocked his head "You know it?" he asked.
"We… We stopped the Black Sun from enslaving the population, but the Empire attacked us there, the city is a ghost town now, we had to move all the people to our base to keep them safe…"Suddenly Reik got an idea "But now we could take it back." he said.
Kanan interjected "You could never hold it against the Imperial security forces?"
"True, but it would give cause for my people." He said looking down at Ezra "For our people, to fight back."
Hera continued "Kanan and Ezra will intercept our contact before the Imperials do, you still have your armour and cadet uniform?"
Kanan nodded and Ezra said "I've actually got a spare set, maybe Ahkilleon can join us?" Hera shot the boy a nasty glare "If it keeps him out of trouble."
"What, the Sunguard started it." Ahkilleon replied before Ezra elbowed him to keep quiet.
"Very well Captain, I'll inform my men, with my raiders and Captain Naqia's Hyenas we'll be able to steal those ships." he said before he turned away to go talk to the Militia he approached the soldiers who were gathered among themselves. Tai was looking like she was ready to throttle her apprentice who was arguing with her over something.
When they saw the Chief approach they all turned to him "We have a new target, the Specters are stealing ships from the Empire, in Jalath."
"We're going back there?" Declana asked sceptical, earning him another glare from his Master "Shutting up." he muttered.
"Chief Reik with all do respect, those rebels aren't exactly the friendliest to Militia." Captain Naqia said hesitant to join them. "My men and I have had a few encounters with them, a lot of blaster fire."
Reik turned to her and to Skell curious, "I'll explain later Chief, but I support you, the Spectres are more than just rebel saboteurs and thieves, they're highly trained, have a three sometimes four force wielders with them, and that Ghost over there has been the bane of this sectors fleet for a long time." Turok said.
Captain Naqia sighed "If Turok vouches for them, I'll trust you." Captain Naqia said.
"This is the right decision, we're all on the same side." Tai said.
"Whatever you say jedi." Gaser grunted, crossing his arms glaring over at Zeb, the two of them sharing the nasty look.
Reik could feel the animosity between the two, "Hyenas. Whatever problems you have with the Spectres, bury them, we're going into battle with them, we need to trust one another."
"Just make sure you're not putting your trust in the wrong place, Chief." Captain Naqia said before she walked away with her men to get ready for the mission, leaving Turok, Tai and Declan with them.
"Don't worry, get them fighting together, they'll be ebay friends." Turok said, reassuring the Chief with a pat on the shoulder.
Reik focused on the lizard "You were with these rebels for a long time, what can you tell me?" Reik asked.
"Never underestimate them, ever, they may not look like it, but they are some of the most effective rebel operatives I've ever seen." Turok said.
Tai put her hands on her hips "And that's saying something coming from the Immortal Dragon." She then focused her eyes on Declan, "And you padawan, go apologise to those other padawans."
"What, why?" Declan asked.
"Because Lord Asimov still wants them to join the rest of the New Jedi, and youth usually respond better to people their own age." She told him.
Declan wanted to argue but groaned under his helmet, "Ugh fine." he said walking toward the rebels as they were planning.
Now that it was just the three of them, "We need to let Commander Dray know Caleb- Kanan is here." Tai said.
"... Very well, and let him know about our plan for Jalath, let's see how those reinforcements do." Reik said, before he now walked away toward his father.
While everyone had been talking both Ezra and Ahkilleon came out dressed in the Imperial cadet uniforms, with the helmets under their arms, "This is the most uncomfortable thing I've ever worn, and I've worn stilettos." Ahkilleon said fidgeting with the collar.
Ezra snickered before they noticed Declan standing in front of them, "What do you want?" Ezra asked "I'm… sorry for earlier." Declan replied.
"Oh." Ezra said and Ahkilleon was hesitant, "Be nice." Ezra said to his brother.
"Yeah whatever." Ahkilleon said, still glaring at him.
He looked down at their sabres, "So, single hilts?" He said looking at the weapons, the two held them up and showed off the unique properties, Ezra blasted a stone with his pistol mode, and Ahkilleon produced the hidden blade in the hilt.
"Oooooh, nice." Declan said before he held out his staff, "Nothing as fancy but gets the job done." Declan said before he turned on the blue blade.
"Last I saw you, you didn't have one, what's its colour I'm guessing Green?" Declan asked before Ahkilleon turned him on to reveal the orange.
Declan paused "Orange? Good."
"Good?" Ahkilleon asked.
Declan sheathed his blade and then so did Ahkilleon, "The New Jedi and the Militia both believe that diversity is a strength, having just green and blue lightsabers, all made the same way and calling them unique is stupid."
"Kanan told me that there were Jedi called Temple Guards who carried double bladed lightsabers, yellow, my father carried one but his was white-" "And later purple, everyone of the New Jedi knows the story of the Black Knight." Declan said, interrupting Ahkilleon.
There was a pause. "My uh, friends back home, other padawans, a lot of them have different coloured lightsabers, Yumi has a yellow one, and her older brother Corto doesn't even use one."
"Wait, how can you be a jedi and not use a lightsaber?" Ezra asked him.
"Maybe you could ask him one day." Declan said, seeing Ahkilleon still glaring at him, not too impressed. "My parents were part of the crusade, my father was a Sunguard, my mother a Kage warrior. Sorry if I'm a bit blunt, but when you have warriors for parents straight to the point is all we know."
"You're a hybrid." Ahkilleon said, rarely ever meeting another one, Declan reached up and removed his helmet, his hair a bit matted so he brushed it back, revealing his mixed skin and dark hair, if it weren't for his kage eyes he would look human "Yep, so is my brother." he said looking at his helmet "All that's left of the Sunguard." he said.
Ezra nodded "I know the feeling, I lost my parents too."
"My parents both died a warrior's death, my father at Rhen Var and my mother serving the Militia, honourably." He said putting his helmet on "Hope we can start over, my name is Declan." he asked, holding his hand out in friendship.
Ezra and Ahkilleon looked at one another "Ezra, this is Ahkilleon."
"Ahkilleon…" Declan said.
"Ezra, Ahkilleon, we're gonna miss our rendezvous." Kanan shouted coming out in stormtrooper armour, the sight of it made Declan and the rest of the Militia give pause. Kanan walked over to Hera ``We'll get our contact, bring them back here."
Hera nodded dusting off a smudge on the armour "We'll come up with a plan in the meantime."
"Let's go." Kanan told the boys who headed into the Phantom, but he stopped remembering they couldn't take it. "They know our ship, too. Ryder, any chance we could…"
"Borrow my bike? Take it." Ryder said, tossing him the keys as he spoke to Reik. "But I'm not getting involved any further." Reik smiled at him "My father has suffered enough, but we will help you once you scout the city, my men can assist in whatever plan we come up with."
Kanan caught the keys but couldn't believe it "Even after what the Empire did to you?"
"Come on, get back in the fight?" Kanan asked.
"I won't go back to prison-" "And you won't father." Reik said, stepping forward looking at Kanan, "I've called for reinforcements; whatever the Empire thinks they're prepared for, they won't know what hit them." Reik said confidently.
The jedi backed off and got on the speeder, Ezra and Ahkilleon had to hold onto one another as Kanan drove off, they drove out to Jalath in a few hours they were there. "Those are our reinforcements? Some old transports?" Kanan asked.
"Ezra, those are Hammerheads Cruisers, they don't make'm like they used to." Ahkilleon said.
"Nerd." Ezra said back to him, "Moron." Ahkilleon snapped back.
Kanan shushed them "Enough you two, "In our position, you take what you can get, boys." They pulled up to the ship as the lead one landed and the ramp lowered, coming out as maybe the most beautiful woman Ezra had ever seen. She was tall, dark brown hair with glossy snowy skin with red lips and chocolate eyes. She wore simple travelling clothes of a long sleeved tunic and grey trousers with white boots.
"Hey, excuse me, miss. Where's your commander?" Kanan asked, walking up under his helmet, Ahkilleon snickered, making Ezra look at him.
"Not much of a welcoming committee. Trooper?" she said looking him up and down, Kanan took his helmet off and smiled at her.
"I'm Kanan. This is Ezra and Ahkilleon. We're from Phoenix Squadron." Kanan said.
Ezra removed his helmet as she said "I know who you are."
"And unless you want the deck officer to know, too, I suggest you put your helmets back on and keep your mouths shut." She said while Ahkilleon kept his on.
"Excuse me?" Kanan grunted.
"You heard her. Shut it." Ezra said
An Imperial officer approached them with a squad of stormtroopers behind him "Deck Officer, I'd like to start distributing my relief aid."
"Stand by." the man said, holding his hand up "My orders are to inspect the cargo for contraband, and detain these vessels until the lieutenant arrives." the stormtrooper said, waving a hand at the squad. "Scanning crew, move out."
Kanan looked at the mysterious angel "Well, this plan's off to a good start."
"As a matter of fact, it's going perfectly, where's the rest of your team? They'll be here, eventually." Kanan said.
"Good. Then you can steal my ships." she replied.
"What?" Both Ezra and Kanan asked as Ahkilleon just snickered some more not saying a word.
The contact hushed them "I'll explain later. First I have to deal with the lieutenant, follow my lead and try and keep up."
"Wait." Ezra asked. "Why does she get to give orders? I don't get to give orders." Kanan asked.
"Do you ever listen to yourself?" Ahkilleon asked him under his breath.
"Yes, and I happen to be very interesting." Kanan growled.
Just then , an imperial officer approached them, the man was tall black haired with a grey officers uniform of a deck officer, with a grey badge of two red and two blue squares, a Lieutenant "You must be Leia Organa, Princess of the Royal House of Alderaan." She said,
Both Ezra and Kanan gaped under their helmets as Ahkilleon smiled smugly, "And aide to my father, Senator Bail Organa. I come with relief supplies for Lothal's needy, who are suffering terribly as a result of the rebel insurgency here, surely you don't want innocents to starve."
"No, of course not, I am Lt. Lyste of the Imperial Security forces here Lothal has indeed suffered, as has Alderaan." The Lt. said.
"From what I hear, your ships have an unfortunate habit of falling into rebel hands, I assure you, that won't happen on my watch." the Lt. said, waving his hand.
Leia looked at him cross "What's that?" She asked as three machines were attached to the ships front landing gear, locking them in place.
"Gravity locks? This is hardly necessary." Leia said.
"I insist, Plus a trooper detachment, and for extra security…" the Lt added looking up as two Imperial AT-AT walkers were being dropped off behind the ships to guard them. "Walkers will guard your ships from the rebel insurgency, all for your safety, miss."
Leia didn't seem pleased about that but she kept her cool "It's "Your Highness." As my ships are detained, I will require your shuttle to begin my work."
The Imperial Lt. gapped "-My shuttle? Certainly I could arrange for other transportation." He asked.
"No. Your shuttle." Leia said walking to the shuttle "I need to leave immediately, you three, bring those supplies and escort me to the trauma area at once."
Kanan quickly said "Yes, ma'am. Right away."
They pushed the crates of supplies up into the Lt's shuttle, the Lambda class shuttle "I hate to say it, but whoever came up with this plan severely underestimated the Empire's security." Kanan said as they took off.
RYDER'S HIDEOUT
The Last Laugh descended down on the surface uncloaking next to the Ghost, Hera watched the ramp lower, and walking out were more Militia soldiers, their armour unscratched, Hera noticed Reik was speaking with his lt. Turok on the other hand was off, smoking out of his pipe. "Hera?" It was Sabine, "I thought you said we weren't going to work with the Militia?"
Hera folded her arms, "We aren't working with them, but we need those cruisers." Hera said.
"So what, one and done?" Sabine asked.
Looking over they saw Reik greeting the reinforcements, he patted their armour, checked it with a closed fist, he took one rifle looking down its sights to make sure it was good and gave a nod. "Maybe, but we need to know more about them, especially the Lothal Militia, remember what Magistrate Tau said?" she said "The Empire has a vested interest in Lothal, we need to know why?"
"You think they know?" Zeb asked, sitting on the ramp.
Hera frowned "I don't know, but this gives us a good look into the Militia, they do have weapons, armour, if this is what they can do in just a few short months, and at Colossus in an hour without no restraint, I'm worried they may be one evil or another" Hera said looking at Turok "I hope I'm wrong."
She approached the trandoshan from behind, he didn't move "Captain." he said recognizing her footprints.
"You said you lost a bet, what bet?" She asked.
Turok sucked on the pipe "You've spent too much time with kids, to think I'm just going to give away sensitive information."
"I've spoken to Caliban, to Asimov, I know the Militia want a war with the Empire, but why Lothal, Garel, are there more strategic places?" She asked him to walk around as he sucked in some smoke and exhaled through his nostrils.
He looked up at her "Okay." he said dusting off another rock for her to sit on, "I'll stand."
"Suit yourself." Turok said as he started "Say we do choose a more strategic world to set up a Militia, the Empire knows their world is important so they'll of course be looking for it, but out here, in the backwaters, the places that Imperial Moffs and ISB heads turn their heads away from, that's fertile soil."
Hera scoffed "So now you're a farmer?"
"Right, leave the metaphors to the Jedi, you already know the answer, the Empire was oppressing these people, you fought back, the Empire made the people suffer so you ran, hoping the Empire would stop. Stupid." Turok said, pointing the end of his pipe at her.
"Excuse me?" Hera asked.
Turok looked up "No, no excuses, you caused trouble here, you gave the Empire a reason to take off the gloves, and they beat these people like dogs now the dogs have evolved to bite back." Turok said looking over at Reik he was introducing Ryder to his soldiers a few of them shaking his hand and then Reik laughing with his dad as Ryder seemed to be telling a story of when he was a little "See that man over there, Chief Reik Bloodwolf, the Empire killed his family, the Militia helped him get revenge."
"Revenge won't stop the Empire." Hera said.
Rolling his good eye "And nice words will? You heard the story, probably, broke into an Imperial officer's home and threatened him and his family?"
"Sounds like terrorism?" Hera asked.
The trandoshan snickered "You would think that, but since I've been here the Lothal Militia have only attacked military targets of an illegal occupation, now where have I heard that before, a military occupation on a world who's resources they take, treat the people like chattel." Turok snapped his fingers holding his pipe in his mouth, sucking on "Hmmf that's right-" he took the pipe out pointing at her "Ryloth."
Hera twitched, Turok found the button to push "Don't you dare."
Their eyes were locked like two swords crossed, "Fine, then why are you really over here?"
"... I want you to stay away from Ahkilleon." she said.
Turok scoffed "You ain't lads mom or Ezras for that matter, if you were you wouldn't have sent them on that mission alone with Kanan."
"I believe all of them are capable." she said to him.
"Capable, there teenagers you're sending them on missions across the galaxy, fighting Inquisitors and soldiers, you say we're terrorists, but who's the one using child soldiers?" Turok spat on the ground and stood up; he towered over Hera who was unfazed by his glare, before they could get into it Jay spoke up from his communication system he got from Wyre.
"We got in."
Not far from them, inside the Phantom with Ezra, Leia, Kanan and Ahkilleon they were heading back to the rebels and Militia, "I'm sorry." Leia said as she sat down, Ezra quickly said 'Don't be, it's not your fault."
Leia shook her head "Yes, it is. This was my plan."
"We need those ships, why didn't you just hand them off to us in deep space?" Ezra asked.
Leia looked at him as he took off his helmet "You don't understand it's not that simple, if the Empire could prove Alderaan provided ships to the rebels, we'd lose our seat in the Senate and be charged with treason."
"But if they're stolen on a planet controlled by the Empire…" Leia started to say. "Alderaan would be blameless, have to admit, that was a good plan." Kanan finished.
Ezra put his helmet under his arm. "Well, now we need a new one."
"I'm sure we'll come up with something." Ahkilleon said.
"In the meantime, why are you still wearing that ridiculous helmet, Ahki?"
At the same time Ezra and Kanan asked "Ahki?"
Sighing, Ahkilleon pulled his helmet off and Leia smiled "Hey Lele."
"Lele?" Ezra asked.
Ahkilleon sighed, "Remember how I said I had a lot of cousins, meet one of them."
"But-" "Look, our already established family is more than blood." Ezra said as Leia got up and walked toward him he looked her up and down "So what the hell are they feeding you on Alderaan, last time I saw you didn't have all of…" he trailed off blushing as Leia had matured far more than either of the boys "This responsibility." he said putting it delicately.
Ezra looked puzzled. "She's a year younger than us." Ahkilleon said, Ezra looked at her then his cheeks blushed.
"Hey enough." Kanan snapped embarrassed.
Leia just laughed at the two boys "Trust me I'm not the same little girl I was." Leia said, walking over to Kanan looking out to see the mountains below and the Rebels and Militia.
"Friends of yours?" Leia asked them.
"For now." Kanan said as they landed the ship next to the Ghost, when they walked out Leia saw the Specters gathered around the ship, and also saw the Militia, but for Kanan and the boys the Militia had grown more speeders had pulled up carrying fresh soldiers.
Hera walked up and saluted her "Princess Organa."
"Captain Syndulla this is some operation here for three ships?" Leia said walking out.
Looking back at the Militia arming up, "Right, this is an alliance of convenience."
When she walked out Reik was talking to Naqia, Turok and Tai, but as soon as Turok saw Reik about to go over he whispered something in his ear, "Really…. I understand." Reik said before he approached them.
"Chief Bloodwolf, this is our contact, Leia." Hera said, introducing him.
Leia looked at Reik, the stark difference from a princess of the core worlds and the outer rim chief were striking, Reik gave a friendly nod "Shall we go over the plan?" Reik asked, Keiza, Colin, Naqia, Turok and Tai came up to listen in on the plan.
"The Empire has grounded the ships with gravity locks, along with two walkers and almost a full battalion of stormtroopers guarding them, their Lt. Lyste is very prepared." Leia said to him, but Reik looked unfazed.
The rebels all listened to the plan, "What about the gravity locks, even if we get past all the other stuff we still need a way to get them loose?" Hera asked.
"Well, Kanan and I still have our disguises, so we can get onto the platform." Ezra said, holding up his helmet. "But to get close to the ships, we'll need a distraction."
We know it's a lot to ask, but-" "Consider it done, do you have a map of the positions?" He asked. Chopper came up and formed a hologram of Jalath showing the ships and the imperial position outside the Jalath City depot, Reik only looked at it for a moment "We'll move in first from the south side of the city, use the buildings for cover if we're seen the Empire will have to search for us, when they break off, Keiza and Colin will strike from the west, Captain Naqia the East on the speeders drawing away whatever other forces they have, leaving the north open for you to come in and steal the ships in the chaos." Reik said, laying out the plan.
"I can handle that, the Ghost can act as air support." Hera said.
"And I can use detonators to blast off the gravity locks." Sabine said, holding up a grenade, Reik was about to say something but his father beat him to it.
"Won't work." Ryder said interjecting "You can't forcibly remove the locks."
Leia then asked "You know this how?"
"In prison I put those locks together, so I know how to take 'em apart."
Kanan smiled "Ryder Azadi, does that mean you're getting involved?"
"Just this once." Ryder said, looking at Reik who gave him a firm nod.
Reik stood up straight, "Then we have a plan, Captain, have Gaser and Jay head back to get Onua, we'll need it." Reik said, "Keiza assemble the militia, I'll address them soon, and make sure my father has a weapon. Captain Syndulla?"
She turned to him, getting his attention. "When the fighting starts, the boys and the girl need to withdraw."
"Withdraw?" Sabine asked as if insulted, he looked at her "The Militia will not have children in the line of fire."
Hera looked at Turok remembering their previous conversation, "They'll get in out, no combat." She said, "Good, we'll prepare the men and let you know when they're ready."
A few minutes later the Rebels were inside the Ghost preparing, "I've heard reports of these new insurgents here Captain Syndulla, what do you make of them?" Leia asked, "For now, the jury is still out." Hera said as they walked past a hallway seeing everyone gathered around Ezra.
"We heard what happened. Sorry, kid." Zeb said to him Sabine patted him on his shoulder "Hey, at least now you know."
Ezra, still heartbroken, looked at the floor "Yeah. I guess I just need some time."
She could see him mopping up into one of the gun seats to be alone, "Is he all right?"
"He's okay." Hera said remorsefully but Kanan added "He just lost some people close to him, it's a challenge being his age with so much responsibility."
The Princess frowned, "I know that feeling."
"Maybe he could use a friend." Kanan suggested, unaware Ahkilleon overheard him and grimaced at the words.
A few moments later Leia climbed up the ladder to the top gunner seat to see Ezra looking at a picture of his parents "I know who you are, you're Ezra Bridger. I heard your transmission." Leia said, getting him to turn it off and look back at her.
Ezra faced her saying "Yeah? My parents heard it, too, but they're gone now."
"I'm sorry." Leia apologised.
Looking out the window "It's just there's so much against us. Do you ever wonder... Is this fight even worth it?" Ezra asked her.
"Every day. But I'm still here." Leia said, smiling at him, "But you're a princess, you don't have to risk your life doing this."
"I feel like because I can fight, I have to for those who cannot." Leia said looking out the window with him, she looked down at Reik who was watching the Militia fall into line "These are your people, they've chosen to fight, just like you?"
Ezra frowned "I'm not sure they're just like me, just yet." Ezra said.
Later they came out and saw the Militia had formed up, his eyes went wide when he saw the entire force assembled around Reik, walking down he looked to Hera "What's going on?" Ezra asked.
"The Chief." She said almost sarcastically "Is addressing his men." She said sceptical.
"I know many of you are from Jalath, our more seasoned soldiers came from the mountains like these ones, but all of you have come here because you heard my speech, you heard Ezra Bridgers speech." He gestured to the boy "We can't back down just because we're afraid. That's when we need to stand the tallest." he said, quoting Ezra, hearing his own words repeated and then seeing Reik nod at him "Today we do more than stand tall." Reik said pacing in front of them "Today-we-fight!"
A cheer rose up from the Militants, all of them raising their blasters in the air cheering and hollering, Reik drew his chief sword over his head "Militia Invictus!"
"MILITIA INVICTUS!" they all shouted in unison.
Captain Naqia walked out in front of everyone "Move out!"
The Militia forces moved with surprising speed and efficacy one group going to the bikes, another to the Last laugh, grabbing their gear and weapons till all that remained were their footprints. "By your leave, Captain." Reik said before he headed to his speeder bike.
Ezra smiled "You know, maybe we were too quick to judge the Militia, this Reik guy doesn't seem so bad." Ezra said to her.
"I hope you're right." she said as Hera turned to Kanan and Leia, "Please be careful." She said to them as they boarded the Lambda Class Shuttle then took off.
Kanan got in the pilot's seat and Hera took the copilot seat beginning to fiddle with the controls "What are you doing?"
"Hacking the ship's flight log, they need to think you took me on a tour right?" Leia asked him.
"Good thinking." Kanan replied.
The shuttle returned to Jalath as the curtain of night pulled over the planet, when it landed Lt. Lyste was there to meet them "Odd, the princess is back early?"
The ship lowered its ramp and Kanan walked out with the boys behind them "Princess, that was quick?"
"I'd think you'd be pleased to see me safe and sound, Lieutenant." Leia asked him.
The Lt. straightened up "Of course, your Highness, very pleased, just surprised we had a recent patrol go missing in the nearby mountains." the Lt. explained.
Behind them Leia saw Sabine, Zeb, Chopper and Ryder had caught up in the Phantom and snuck through while the imperial troops were focused on Leia's shuttle. Lyste was about to look over "Oh my goodness how worrisome?" Leia said rather loudly "You imperial troops certainly live dangerous lives."
"All in service… to the Empire of course, this planet is developing a reputation that I would hope would acknowledge by now." Lt. Lyste said.
Over one of the gravity locks Ryder was instructing Sabine to disable them "We need to cut open that access panel, and bypass the primary power flux coupling." he told her.
Zeb saw the others stalling for them "Hurry." he growled.
Across from the ships the Militia had started to move through the city, prowling softly like beasts who knew their territory, on the western hills Colin and Keiza were advancing by crawling through the thick brush. To the east Captain Naqia was moving up from the bikes that were left behind. Out front of the ships Lt. Lyste was still speaking "Please allow me to personally escort you next time Princess."
"Hmm are you trying to curry favour with me Lt?" Leia asked.
"I am simply doing my duty ma'am." the Lt. said.
Up on the ridge with the Hyenas, Fang had set up his sniper and Gaser was already in his droid suit Onua, the massive battle droid holding its position, "Radars are cut." Jay said behind them with Butch beside him.
"I have a shot on the Lt." Fang said.
"Hold your fire." Naqia said.
Down below the rebels had freed the first ship "We did it!" Zeb said "Sabine, you take this one." He ordered
"We'll move on to the next ship." Zeb added before they ran off "I'll call in the air support." Sabine replied.
Back with Leia and the Lt. still had his back turned. "As you can see, your ships are safe and sound right where you left them." he said just as the first Hammerhead started to take off into the air.
To Lt. Lyste, Leia said "If you're trying to impress me, Lieutenant, you're doing a miserable job of it."
"What do you mean?" He asked, turning around "You don't know?" Leia asked
"Fire." Naqia ordered and the balster shot zipped out of Fang's blaster rifle right toward the Lt.
"I didn't authorise this! Who's piloting that shi-" as soon as he said it the blaster bolt smashed through the head of one of Lt. Lyste's troopers that was meant for him, "Sir! Rebels!" One of the stormtroopers yelled as another shot from Fang opened fire on another stormtrooper then got up and moved.
In the city and on the western ridge the rest of the Militia heard the firing, "ATTACK!" Reik shouted, a yell went up all around the imperials, and the Lt. Looked behind him to the west to see the hill come alive with Militia raiders pouring over it's horizon then out of the city came green blaster fire that smote down the first line of stormtroopers "Princess get down!" Lt. Lyste grabbed Leia and pulled her behind some crates as he came up with his pistol firing.
"Protect her majesty- and her uh ships!" he ordered as the stormtroopers started to fire back in all directions.
But the one Sabine was in was already far above them "Sabine's away." Kanan said "Let's get outta here." Kanan told the boys, while the others weren't looking, Kanan and the two cadets slipped away. Lt. Lyste saw them "Cowards!" he shouted as he shot after them.
They regrouped with Ryder as the chaos unfolded, green and red balster fire was flying back and forth "I'm not sure we're going anywhere." Ryder said as the two walkers were moving in on them, as it lowered its head it got a sucker punch of a missile into its side. Kanan looked over to see Onua coming over the horizon moving with a rocket launcher rising from it's left shoulder shooting at the walker and running with greater speed then it looked capable of.
"Secure the third ship." Kanan told Ryder "I'll handle the walker."
Kanan ran off to the walker as Ryder gasped "Handle the walker? How?"
"Just trust us. Go!" Kanna said as the two boys kept helping Ryder with the gravity lock.
"Unlock that ship!" Ryder said before he saw Kanan tear out his lightsaber and charge the walker in his stormtrooper armour, like a great white knight of the old republic, taking on a metal dragon "He's a Jedi." Ryder gasped.
Then he heard two more lightsabers come on as both Ezra and Ahkilleon cut the gravity lock off. "And… so are you two?" Ryder gasped.
Ahkilleon snickered "Lightsaber, universal key."
Then they watched Kanan, charging down the imperial walker, leap up into the air like a starship and slice its right front leg in two, immobilising it. Onua ran up on its front left leg and grabbed it from underneath the two pilots inside and started to feel the droid armour lift up the leg. "Come on Onua, come on." Gaser said using his own muscles as one with the machine to lift up the leg and make it go off balance but the AT-AT was still standing and pushed back on Onua. Captain Naqia saw this "Focus fire on that walker, bring it down- bring it down!" She ordered.
Butch had run up to the ledge with a rocket launcher and lined up a shot, "Aim for the neck, the neck is its weak spot." Kanan shouted at Naqia, she heard him and signalled butch "Neck, the neck."
"Roger, roger." Butch replied losing the rocket and it flew right into the walker knocking it over."
The Hyenas let out a cheer and on the west side Colin and Keiza were pinned down, "Captain we need some help over here?" Keiza asked.
"On our way, raiders." As the imperials battled the militia behind them the rebels started to board the Hammerhead, "She's all yours, Kanan."
Kanan slipped inside and started to take off "Two down, one to go." he said starting to take off.
With one ship left the two boys were about to rush off to it "I'll handle this." Ryder said, running to the third Hammerhead. Nodding at one another both Ezra and Kanan started to get on board the hammerhead, the ramp still lowered. Back with Leia who was at the centre of the imperial lines. They had managed to set up a perimeter around the landing pads holding off the Militia's assault that appeared to be growing every minute.
"Lt. The rebels are stealing my ships." Leia said, pointing to the one Ezra and Ahkilleon were waving down at the imperials in mockery.
Lt. Lyste sawt them mocking him and snarled "AT-AT 36, you have new orders, shoot to kill. Repeat, shoot to kill."
"You can't." Leia gasped.
Lt. Lyste suddenly pointed his blaster at her but moved it to the left shooting an Militia raider holding a tomahawk about to break the lines "I'm sorry, Your Highness, we can't let your ships fall into rebel hands, destroy that ship now!"
The other AT-AT still standing shot at the hammerhead hitting it broadside making it lurch to the left, and both Ezra and Ahkilleon lost their footing, just as Hera came flying around shooting at it. She saw two specks of white clothed cadets falling into the battle.
"Spectre 1 where are Spectre six and seven?" Hera asked.
Kanan was pulling the ship away "They should be aboard?"
"Then why are they on the ground?" Hera snapped.
"Oh no." Kanan gasped.
Down on the surface grenades had been flung into the imperial lines wreaking havoc and sending up dust, "Charge!" Reik's voice echoed over the fighting and the Militia forces had switched to melee weapons charging right at the Imperial lines with their yellow laser shields. Leading the charge was both Tai and Reik wielding their baldes her greensaber and his vibrosword.
"They've broken through." Lt. Lyste said standing in front of Leia shooting at the Militia who were coming out of the smoke like they were born from the fires itself. Somewhere in the chaos Ahkilleon was on the ground ears ringing he started to get up and just in time to see an Imperial shoot down a Militia soldier before he was run through with a bayonet, then he was shot by another Imperial only for that stormtrooper to get an tomahawk in the neck by a Militia and both of them blasted by shrapnel.
"... Ezra…" was all Ahkilleon could think, he sat up looking around, dirt spraying his face he blinked a few times till he saw Ezra sitting up looking around slowly.
Getting to his feet Ahkilleon hurried over to him and helped him up, Ezra's eyes were looking heavy and Ahkilleon moved his hand around the back of his head, taking it away he saw his glove had dark red blood on it, Ezra maybe had a concussion or worse "Come on bro, we got to go." Ahkilleon helped him to his feet as a stormtrooper saw them, "It's two of the rebels!" he pointed.
Ezra pushed Ahkilleon out of the way and shot one of them with his lightsabers stun pistol knocking them out, but the other was able to get close enough to knock the weapon from his hands, he punched Ezra so hard the boy went down "Filthy rebel scum!" The stormtrooper jumped on top of Ezra and started to choke the life from him.
The shock of fear and pain that Ezra sent out in the force reached Kanan and any other force wielders round them, "Ezra." Kanan gasped looking down into the battle but it was just a giant cloud of smoke and fire. Among the Militia ranks Tai felt it too, she saw Ezra getting strangled and tried to get to him but was cut off by more stormtroopers who despite being outnumbered held their ground. "Fight, dammit, protect the princess- FIGHT!" Lt. Lyste shouted his hat knocked from his black haired head.
Up above Hera could see the carnage "This is bad, Leia and the boys are still down there, Chief Reik orders your men to pull back!" Hera Reik ignored her, and all she heard was the sounds of fighting, screaming, dying from her comlink. Reik was now holding his warclub and his sword but he wasn't shouting or roaring in a battle-crazed frenzy . His face was cold, his eyes keen and sharp, he knew what he was doing, what he wanted.
In all the chaos Ezra was still getting choked, he tried to kick and push the man off him he couldn't even summon the force his mind was swimming, "EZRA!" Then bursting from the stormtroopers chestplate was the burning orange lightsaber of Ahkilleon. And all the way across the sector, hiding in wild space Ahsoka felt it, standing on the bridge with Sato and Rex, she felt the innocence of her son vanish. She looked out the window in horror and dread before closing her eyes in sorrow.
Back on Lothal, Turok had armed a rocket launcher and fired it at the other walker that was shooting at the Ghost, "Bigger they are." he said shooting at the walker, it was a direct hit to the neck and the head fell off landing on three stormtroopers before the whole thing came crumbling down. With their armour support lost the stormtroopers broke rank "Retreat!" one of them shouted.
"I ordered no such thing, stand and fight you cowards!" Lt. Lyste said watching his men run in every direction.
The Imperial forces fled and the Militia began to give chase shooting at the running men, and Leia watched them do it to the wounded stormtroopers, who were clearly unable to fight, the butchery was even seen from above on Hera's ship before she flew out and landed it between the Militia and a large group of fleeing stormtroopers.
Getting up she ran out of the ship blaster ready, "Ceasefire." Captain Naqia said as Hera came out "What the hell are you doing, they're running, you won?"
"No victory until they're all dead." Fang said coming up behind her blaster trained on her.
"Lower your weapon Fang." Naqia said to him.
He did so, but only at her behest, Hera glared at Naqia then saw Ezra on the ground, and Ahkilleon standing over him still holding his lightsaber on, the dead stormtrooper had fallen over the blade having cut his chest almost in half because he hadn't moved. "Ezra!" Hera shouted running to him. Among the sea of Militia who were now cheering and hollering at their victory, despite its brutality.
Tai was next to Ezra helping him "Easy padawan, I got you." Tai said before Hera pushed her off "Get away from him." She snarled a pistol trained at her.
The nearby Militia almost shot her but Tai held her hands up "Hold, I can help him, he has a concussion maybe worse."
Hera looked down at Ezra who was fading fast, his eyes opening and closing, pale with glossy eyes, she looked at Ahkilleon still frozen in place looking at the dead stormtrooper, "Do it." Hera said Tai knelt down and moved her hand to the back of Ezra's skull. Closing her eyes she started to channel the force into his head. Hera watched the colour return to the boy's face, his eyes opened and he didn't have the glossy sheer to them he let out a gasp and sucked in a breath of air "Whoa- what- what happened?" he asked.
"Last thing I remember was a stormtrooper and then an orange… lightsaber." Ezra said, looking over at Ahkilleon who stood there practically catatonic, looking at his lightsaber and then at the dead body of the man he'd killed.
The-Man-He-Killed.
"Ahkilleon?" Ezra asked slowly getting up "Don't touch him."
It was Turok who had come down from the ridge, and had his arm stretched out, "He's in shock."
"Ahkilleon listen to my voice, Ahkilleon." Turok said again and the boy looked over at his terror written all over his marked face.
Turok held out his hand "Give me your lightsaber, it's over." Ahkilleon looked down at his sabre and turned it off, he tossed his weapon away like it was cursed, then he looked at the dead body and closed his eyes "No, don't look away." Turok came up and grabbed his cheek pushing his face to look "Don't look away-"
Hera jumped to her feet "What are you doing-" but Tai stopped her, she saw what Turok was doing "I know you aren't afraid of death, but killing is part of life and death, look." Turok said and Ahkilleon opened his eyes looking at the boy, a tear rolling down his face.
"Look. It was him or Ezra, you have nothing to be ashamed of." Turok said and let him go. He knelt down in front of him and pushed the lightsaber back in his hand, "It will get easier." Turok said.
"Enough." Hera snapped, slapping his hands off him and pushing Ahkilleon behind her "Enough, I thought we could be allies I really did but I was right, you aren't the kind of rebels we are." She hissed, spitting on the ground at the Militia.
The militia who had her surrounded didn't take kindly, "If you don't have a stomach for this fight twi'lek go back to your own planet." Keiza snapped and many of the Militia joined her.
"When we were here people didn't suffer like this." Hera snapped back.
Before the argument could rise any further Reik came out with both Lt. Lyste and Hera behind him, hands behind their heads "And where were you?" Reik asked.
"Where were ANY OF YOU!" he shouted at her and the boys, "Where were you when they took my mother and sister, where were you when the Black Sun took over Colins town, where were you when Jalath was overrun by Black Sun and its people almost sold into slavery or when the Empire attacked it?" He asked, waving his arm back to the forsaken city. He gestured to the Militia soldiers with unmarked armour that looked fresh and shiny "This was their home, their town, where were you when they needed you! WHERE WERE ANY OF YOU WHEN WE NEEDED YOU!" he shouted right into Hera's face, her hands outstretched in front of the two boys shielding them.
But pushing past her Ezra looked up to Reik, "The harder we tried to fight the more the people suffered on Lothal, we didn't want to leave but we had to." Ezra said to him.
Reik spat on the dirt "We don't all have the luxury of a starship to go run to when things get tough and as for the people, we've suffered more than you know, now it's their turn." Reik said, looking over at Lt. Lyste and Leia.
Hera drew her pistol aiming it at Reik "No."
All of the Militia raised their blasters and Tai almost drew her lightsaber along with Declan but she stopped him, "Tai, you're a jedi, you can't be okay with this, these men have surrendered, this isn't war it's slaughter." Hera tried to reason.
"You would defend imperials after they hunted you like an animal?" Reik asked before Ezra turned his lightsaber on but Ahkilleon didn't.
"The only animals we see here are you." Hera said, holding her pistol tight.
Reik was snarling, looking down the barrel with no fear, his left lip twitching like showing a fang like growl then he smiled "Hmph-hehe Like a pack of wolves." he said holding his arms up and then the other Militia held up their own arms as the others came around, he looked back at the Lt. and Princess Leia, a malicious look in his eye, drawing his sword. "Don't." Hera said, squeezing her gun tightly "On your feet." He said to Leia she got up and the Lt. started to as well "Not you." he growled at the soldier, taking his hat from his head.
"Carry our message to your Senate-" He tossed Lt. Lyste's hat into the nearest fire and the rebels watched it burn, his head snapping back "Tell them we want nothing from the Empire, all we want is to be free of you."
"Please those if you just listen-" "Shut up-SHUT-UP!" he shouted getting right in her face spit landing on her cheek and to her credit, and the awe of the boys, Leia Organa Princess of Alderann didn't even so much as flinch. His nose was practically on her face as he snarled.
Leia kept her eyes on his "I will carry your message to the Senate, on the condition you spare this man's life, he has done nothing more than his duty, surely a soldier like you can understand that." She said gesturing to the Lt hands still behind his head.
The Chief, not the Warlord, glared down at him, the Lt. kept his eyes on the dirt trembling at his own demise which he felt in Reik, and would happen on his word. Tai walked up to Reik and whispered to him, grabbing his sword arm "The battle is over, Reik, killing him gains us nothing."
"One less Imperial." Reik growled his bloodlust overwhelming "And a thousand more to take his place and if we kill a Representative of the Imperial Senate, that's not war, that's terrorism."
All eyes were on Reik and he raised his head up exhaling out his nose, sheathing his sword "Take him, never return to Lothal." Reik said in a deep voice "Or I will kill you."
Lt. Yoste breathed in relief before he stood up with Leia and headed to the shuttle, "This way Princess." he said regaining his composure as a soldier and escorting her to the shuttle. When they were away Reik turned from Tai to Hera and the rebels "As for you all, won't be long till Imperial reinforcements arrive, I suggest you leave with your prize."
The rebels started to move to their new ships and Ryder hesitated, "Move out." Reik ordered his men, he looked at his father but he didn't hold his breath and walked away. Ryder followed the rebels to the Phantom and as Kanan, Ezra and Zeb ran aboard the Hammerheads to fly off. Reik watched them shrink into the distance carrying his father away in the Ghost.
"Kanan makes the Princess's escape look good." Hera said, up above the Hammerheads were shooting at the Lambda-class shuttle but missing on purpose, so Leia's secret was safe and the future of the rebellions, but now things were more uncertain than ever.
LATER
Phoenix Squadron
The rebel operation was a success, and Ryder Azadi had come along with them to escape Lothal, though the ending was rougher than anticipated the rebels had what they needed: "So, Governor, we need to find a safe place for you?" Kanan asked him while still wearing the stormtrooper armour.
"I already know where I'm going, back home."
"I knew you'd come around." Kanan said.
Ryder fixed his jaw saying "I couldn't see it before, but going to prison with the Bridgers started something. That something has grown bigger than I ever imagined. "I owe it to them and I owe it to you to see it through to the end." He said looking at Ezra who smiled.
Kanan patted him on the back with a friendly smile "Welcome back to the fight, Governor."
"It'll be good to have eyes on Lothal, we can monitor Imperial and Militant activities." Hera said optimistic.
"I won't be your spy." Ryder said brushing Kanan's hand off "But Governor the Militia-" "Are led by son, I don't expect any of you to understand, but he's my boy. He lost me once to the Empire, whatever he's done, whatever you think of him he's fighting for Lothal just like you are." he said somberly.
Zeb gawked "But you saw them, they were brutal."
"War can turn even the best of us into our worst enemy, I need to go back and make sure that doesn't happen." Ryder said as Ahsoka listened in on the Governor as he walked out of the room to end the conversation.
Everyone dispersed and Ahkilleon followed him seeing Ryder pace down in the cargo hold on what he would do next, he saw his mother "Can't believe he's going back for him."
"I would." Ahsoka said with arms on her chest, "No matter what they, no matter who they become, a parent will always love their child." She put her hand on his shoulder.
He looked up at her, and just from one look of those ice blue eyes he could see the pain she felt for him, she knew "I…. I didn't mean to… he was going to kill Ezra I-" Ahkilleon shut his mouth, pressing his hand to his heart like he had been run through.
"Turok said it gets easier, is he right?" he asked her.
Ahsoka opened her mouth but didn't answer him, "I… I wish I knew, but I don't think things will be getting any easier from now on?" She said bringing him into a hug knowing he was no longer a child anymore.