Via Shadow

When I went to the market, I fully expected someone to follow me. Ezra's curious by nature, and Ocean would want to make this a joke to look back on and laugh. Sabine, well, I don't know what to make of her. She's a post-cadet, I know that much, but the Empire must have done something to her as well.

I've wanted to do this for a long time, I thought as I switched on my cloak. Immediately, I was invisible to the outside world, minus a few. Ocean and Ezra can see right past this thing, so there was no use using it in the hideout. The fuel it needs is also ridiculously obscure: thorilide. I have to loot it from Imperial ships if I want to use this thing, but I can't risk anyone seeing me. This stuff is so powerful that it's used to make Star Destroyers, and I have a bag of the ground ore on my belt. The bad thing: it leaves a trail that only Ocean could see through. In fact, I'm not even sure if Ezra's ever seen me use this thing. As I sprinted away, I began to wonder if the trail was the only reason I was using the cloak, to have the gang follow me.

I couldn't keep running for long, though, because my backpack was weighing me down. Taking a look inside, I decided that I needed all of the stuff, and put it on my back. Sighing with exhaustion, I began to walk towards my destination. Like I said, I've wanted to do this for a long time. I've spent weeks taking notes, plotting routes, scouting locations. I've been sneaking out at night, knowing how much of a deep sleeper Ocean is.

I knew every single pothole, bump and stone on this road, and beyond.

I should; I've walked here every day during my training, 'marching to the beat of discipline and regulation'. I laugh back at that now. Ocean and I've probably beat up some of the cadets from long ago.

Like I said, I've wanted to do this for a long time.

Putting on my goggles, I scanned for any signs of heat. Just like my intel suggested, there was only two; my source and that little blob of red in the center (Red means warm, as in warm body temperature). Bingo.

Silently I sneaked into the command room, and was startled by the familiarity. I've spent more of my life here than in the real world.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up." A voice behind me said.

I turned around with a smile on my face. "James, you knew I was going to show up at some point."

Here was the Mandalorian human male that was 'my friend at the lab'. He held a package out to me. "Here's that datapad you wanted."

I accepted it and put it in my bag. Then I stood and looked at him. "What do you need me to hack this time?"

"Just the Imperial database. Again."

I sat down at a computer and began to type. I've done this so many times that it was permanently seared into my brain. The Empire hasn't patched that hole for twelve years.

"There," I said, setting down the mouse. "Now what did you need this time?"

"I just need to see the training schedule for the next few months or so. Better to get a head start on the competition, or I might get booted."

"Where would I be then without my insider?" I grinned, and set off for the center.

"Where are you going?" He yells from behind me, but I ignore him. James was not the reason I was here. Not the main reason, anyway.

"I'm going to steal something. Call me if there's trouble."

As I walk down the yet-again-familiar paths, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I stepped in front of a closed door, one that looked like it's been opened recently, not three years ago. Then I walked in to what had been my room.

Everything had changed. Everything. What had once been my tech central was now a writing desk, and what had been Ocean's side of the room was now redone, stripped of all our notes, all our plans.

Seven years of life. Gone.

Still, this wasn't a sight-seeing mission, I reminded myself as I quickly walked down the path. I halted just before a door, automatic, unlike the others. I noticed a faint vibration on my hip, and I looked down to see my cloak shimmering. Groaning, I reached for my pouch, only to realize that it wasn't there. Alarmed, I scanned for cameras, and came across several. If they saw me, I, and Ocean with me, are toast. Scrambling up to the cameras, I pulled frantically through my bag before coming across my USB. Inserting it into a port on the camera, I watched in satisfaction as all the cameras on the floor froze with a click. Frozen in place until I left. At least my virus still works.

Walking quickly into the room, I heard a bark. Then a big, furry shape attacked me.

Okay, okay, it wasn't an attack, but when a fifty pound dog pounces on you licks you, you would call it an attack too. I pushed him off me, surprised at how much he'd grown. The fluffy little pup was now huge, with big, watery eyes and a short, stubby tail that wagged furiously. I petted him and whispered something in his ear, just as his ears perked up. I got a face full of fur before I realized there was someone behind me.

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" Commander Jameson taunted, her voice and appearance unchanged from years of teaching. "Who are you, and what are you doing with my dog?"

My breath came out in short gasps as I tried to think of what to say. My cloak must have worn off, and I cursed myself for using it on the trip over to the academy. Still, I was happy that I looked nothing like my nine year old self. My hair came loose from my ponytail, my clothes black instead of white. I'd chosen to wear my glasses, and the tinted lenses had saved me, yet again.

"I don't tolerate tresspassers, but for you, I think I'll allow it." She smiled cruely, and I noticed with growing horror as recognition danced in her eyes. "Via Shadow, you've always had a way of defying authority."

Ezra Bridger

He ran as he heard the scream of attack, coming out from the bends and corners in the wall where he was following Via. He thanked his lucky stars that she hadn't used those heat-signature goggles again; he'd barely dodged the last time, when she'd been entering. He had heard everything. Heard everything and seen everything. He knew a lot more about her past now, but he needed more. He skidded to a stop near a door, the last place he had heard the battle. It was silent now, the yells of rage and pain stifled suddenly as he was running. When he looked inside, he saw the remains of a battle: broken bed, cracked wall, shattered glass… Everything showed signs of Via. But there was no one here now.

Wait, he thought, as he put his ear up to a closet. He heard a faint breathing sound, and threw open the door. Chocolu bounded out and grabbed him by the pant leg and began to drag Ezra towards the back wall.

"Whoa! Slow down Fido!" He exclaimed, pushing the dog away. Chocolu growled, his teeth bared. "Okay! Okay! Where did you want me to go?" Ezra said, admitting defeat.

Happy to have gotten his way, Chocolu trotted over to a carpet. He pawed at it, and Ezra saw the faint outlines of a trapdoor. He shifted the carpet over to reveal, yes, a trap door. Opening it, he saw a ladder heading down. Groaning inwardly, he wondered whether or now he should save her. After all she's done for him, taking him in, giving him food, giving his life a purpose… The list goes on and on.

Ocean, if you're listening to this, Via needs help. Come back to the academy. Help.

He descended.