Things did not look good for the Rebellion. Yesterday, Alderaan was destroyed by the massive superweapon known as the Death Star. With one of their biggest supporters gone and one of their leaders dead, many believed it was time to give up hope. But they refused to give up. It would be a dishonor to the memory of all the good people who died fighting the tyranny and oppression of the Empire. Even if there was no hope, the Rebellion would not fall. They would fight to the last man if they had to, and to prove it the various cells from across the galaxy had sent Yavin new ships and fighters to replenish their diminished fleet. One of the planets that sent a convoy of ships was Pantora, and the leader of that convoy was none other than the Mandalorian Ketsu Onyo. The Mandalorians were one of the greatest assets the Rebellion had. They were some of the best soldiers in the galaxy, had a high success rate, and were very loyal. The only reason the Rebellion hadn't been using them more was because of the Civil War on Mandalore. But with rumors of the Death Star, more and more of the Mandalorian Clans realized that Mandalore would probably be one of the Empire's targets.
The transports were coming in from every active Rebel base able to spare the ships. The plan was unkown(mostly because they had no idea how to defeat a weapon like the Death Star), but the Rebellion was counting on it. They believed in it. After almost twenty years since the Rise of the Empire they were ready to find a new hope.
Everyone knew something big was going to happen. They thought it'd be their last stand. Wedge was training with Jek Porkins and Biggs Darklighter to hone their skills in the sky. General Dodonna was almost never seen, presumably planning for the inevitable battle with Mon Mothma. Evaan Verlaine and a few of the other Alderaanian rebels were making a small shrine to Alderaan and Bail Organa. Sabine and Ezra hadn't seen each other that much, other than their initial meeting after learning of Hera's "death". The past day been too busy to spend much time with each other. Sabine was in her workshop making or improving new weapons for the Rebellion. Ezra was a source of inspiration to many Rebels because of what he represented. A reminder of the Republic that the Empire once was. Trained by a surviving Jedi, he fought for his home tirelessly for years, and grew as the Rebellion did. From a young boy who scrounged for scraps on Lothal, to one of the Rebellion's greatest assets. Because of this he was spending as much time as possible speaking of the Force to any who would listen.
Soon the transports from Pantora had landed. A small squad of Y-Wings, 2 U-Wings, and 4 X-Wings. While small, combined with the transports coming in from the other cells it would make up for the losses suffered at Scarif.
As Ketsu stepped out of her ship, she had an odd smile on her face. Anyone who saw her would probably be confused, considering the sorry state they were in and with inevitable death probably only a few short hours away. But she couldn't help it. She had received some great news on the way to Yavin that she had to tell Sabine. The transport had received a transmission from Ukio and it turned out Hera had survived!! Of course they had sent a transmission to General Dodonna and Mon Mothma informing them of her survival, though she wouldn't be able to participate in the upcoming battle. The Ghost would take some time to repair and the transports from Ukio had left shortly before her arrival.
As Sabine was tinkering in her workshop she heard a knock at her door. She let out a little groan. Anyone who was smart knew not to bother her or risk getting their eyebrows singed off. Or worse. She turned toward the door and was very surprised by who she saw on the other side. "Ketsu?" she said, surprised to see the older woman. And smiling. It was kind of odd. She knew she was coming, but she didn't expect it to be so soon. She also didn't expect Ketsu to come to her right after her arrival instead of getting a drink.
"Sabine I have some good news."
"Well I guess something good should come out of this mess."
"Sabine, Hera's alive." Did she hear that right? No of course not, it's just her head messing with her, trying to make her feel better.
"Ketsu, could you say that again?"
"Hera survived Scarif, she's on the Ukio base right now." Sabine couldn't feel anything. She wouldn't let herself. Hera's death was devastating to both her and Ezra, the only reason both of them weren't in tears at that moment was because they were pushing the thought away because they both believed they'd die soon. But if she was alive... No. No. If she thinks Hera's alive, but she really isn't then she's gonna feel that pain all over again. She doesn't want to go through that again. It felt like someone had shot her in the heart and was crushing her all at the same time. And that feeling hadn't gone away.
"Ketsu, are you sure?" she said as she started pacing. "Are you beyond sure? Are you sure it was Hera and not some other Twi'lek? That it isn't some Imperial trick? Did you see her? Did you speak to her? Because I will not go through all that pain again if you get my hopes up and she really is gone."
"I'm sure. On the ride here we got a transmission. Don't worry, I triple checked it and they were the right clearance codes. Sabine, Hera, Zeb, Rex they all survived. A little banged up, but they're okay."
Sabine didn't know what to say. She just stood there, speechless slowly running through what Ketsu said, making sure it all made sense and that she wasn't in some kind of dream that she'd suddenly wake up from and be thrust back into the pain of reality. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, her eyes began to water and the pain in her chest lifted a little bit. It didn't disappear, but she was willing to let a little hope in.
And speaking of hope, at that exact moment theirs arrived.
Princess Leia Organa along with some kid from Tatooine who Biggs was really happy to see and a pair of small time smugglers named Han Solo and Chewbacca had just arrived on Yavin. Immediately, everyone went into overdrive. They had the plans. THEY ACTUALLY HAD THE PLANS!! The Empire's greatest weapon, and they found a way to pierce its heart. Everyone's hearts leapt for joy, victory was so close they could practically taste it. Immediately preparations were made and within a matter of hours the Death Star showed up right on their front doorstep. The smugglers left as the X-Wings launched. Sabine had seen Wedge right before he left.
"What's up Wedge? Don't you have some big battle to prepare for?"
"Yeah, of course I do. I just needed to say something first."
"Well go on then. I wouldn't want to hold you up from your moment of glory."
"Sabine, I wouldn't be in this fight if it wasn't for you. When we were at Skystrike Academy, I didn't know how bad the Empire was. Not really. You showed me that there was a greater purpose in this Rebellion than the Empire could ever have for me."
Sabine could see that he was leading up to something, trying to say something that he thought he wouldn't be able to later. "Sabine I-"
"Hold it Wedge. The only reason you're telling this to me now is because you don't think you'll come back. You believe this is another Battle of Scarif. But it isn't. This time the Empire's cocky, they don't believe we can do this. They don't believe YOU can do this. But I do. You're the best pilot in this Rebellion, I know you have the skills to survive this. I believe you'll come back. So don't tell me now. Tell me when you get back."
Wedge didn't know what to say. Sabine had this much faith in him. She had faith that he'd not only come back but succeed in this mission. He had a small blush and hoped she didn't notice. "U-umm. I-I will. I should, uh, probably be going."
As he left fellow pilot Evaan Verlaine came up to him. "So," she said, "how'd it go?"
"I, um, didn't get to tell her. She said to survive and tell her then."
"Well better make sure you keep that promise then. Just another little reason to destroy this monster of a weapon."
One Superweapon Arriving From Hyperspace Later
The galaxy was holding its breath. The Death Star was on the Rebellion's front doorstep. The fate of the Empire, the Rebellion, the Jedi, the Sith, and so many others were being decided in these moments. From an exiled Jedi Master on swampy planets to a rogue archaeologist on Dantooine, their fates were all entwined in these moments.
As the battle waged on the outskirts of Yavin, just out of range of the Superweapon, a young pilot was doing her best to do what she knew was right. She was willing to give her life to the Empire. Lieutenant Iden Versio could see that the Rebels were desperate, they fought with such ferocity and hate. But it wasn't enough.
Any ship that dared get too close would be shot down by TIEs and those that did manage to get through were dealt with by Lord Vader. The Rebellion would be destroyed, order would be restored to the galaxy. The Empire would reign supreme, and wipe these terrorists from the face of the galaxy.
Meanwhile on Yavin
They watched the battle unfold, knowing this could be the end of it all. Of the Rebellion, of freedom from the tyranny of the Empire, of hope. They watched helplessly as they saw their X-Wings being destroyed. They could never seem to get a shot in at that Exhaust Port, and even when they did Vader managed to stop them before any real damage was done.
As they watched, they lost more and more of their best pilots to the sheer number of TIEs that surrounded the Death Star. Soon only a handful remained. Wedge and new recruit Luke Skywalker started their attack run. Soon Vader was right on their tails. They tried to shake him off, but it just didn't seem like they could. Wedge's X-Wing lurched, his rear thrusters were hit he couldn't continue. A moment later they heard something odd.
"His computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?"
He turned his computer off? Why? He was right there in front of the trench, there's no way he can make the shot without it. But Ezra knew was going on. He didn't know how he knew, he just did. He could feel the force emanating off this boy even though he was up in space and Ezra was on the ground. He could feel his raw power. Skywalker he thought his name was. And the force was with him.
As Vader closed in on him, some thought that this would be his end. The next thing they knew, Vader was spinning out of control thanks to a collision with his wingmen. It was the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo had returned to save the Rebellion!! Ezra heard Leia let out a little gasp. And he watched as Luke destroyed the Death Star. It was a sight to behold. The Empire's biggest symbol of terror and fear, and now it was nothing but dust and debris.
Soon the Rebellion's heroes returned. Not many of them were left, but those who died would always be remembered. Sabine started to head towards Wedge, but decided against it because of the number of people who were crowding and congratulating him. She got the feeling what he wanted to tell her wasn't meant for the crowd.
The Rebels started to celebrate immediately. They had set up a nice banquet and a ceremony to honor Luke Skywalker and Han Solo was to be held as soon as possible. In the evening light, everything was perfect for the Rebellion. Ezra looked at it all. The Rebellion needed and deserved this. They had fought long and hard, tonight was a night to celebrate. But as soon as that was over, the evacuation would begin. They probably wouldn't leave Yavin for at least a week, but they needed to be prepared in case the Empire did come. While Ezra did want to join all his friends and allies inside the Great Temple, he decided to find Sabine instead and take her to their little haven. After all, who knew when they'd be able to spend time together like this? Until they found a new base they'd probably just be wandering the galaxy in the Rebel Fleet, so they wouldn't get any time for just the two of them.
Sabine, of course, agreed though she did regret leaving before she could talk to Wedge. But that could wait. Besides he was probably too busy celebrating. As they started to walk into the evening light, a voice called out, "Where are you two going?"
It was Ketsu. She was looking at them, eyes slightly glazed over and with a drink in her hands, as they started to leave. Neither of them wanted to tell her that where they were going due to both embarrassment and the idea that their little haven only belonged to them. It was their secret, and they didn't want anyone to know if they didn't have to.
Sabine said, "Go on ahead, I'll meet you there." Ezra started to walk off. "We were just going to spend a little time together. We won't be getting any free time soon, so we're making the best of it while we still can."
"Out in the woods?" Ketsu saw Sabine didn't really want to go into detail about it. "Alright, keep your little secret. Just be back by sunrise. I don't want to hear about someone having to go looking for you and find you two naked somewhere. Could you imagine the look on Hera's face if that happened?"
Sabine let out an exasperated sigh as Ketsu started to leave. Ezra probably had a good lead on her, but she'd catch up. As she started to go she heard a triumphant whoop as someone pointed toward a bit of debris that started falling toward the planet, a symbol of their success.
It was dark now, though luckily Ezra brought a light with him. He wasn't too far away from the base, right by their hangar though too far away for their lights to illuminate the forest for him. He was thinking about everything that had happened in the past few days. Sabine not letting him go to Scarif, losing Hera, the Destruction of Alderaan, the Rebellion losing hope, finding out Hera had survived, regaining that hope, and now destroying the Death Star. It was a bitter victory though. So many had been lost. Beyond the pilots and Bail Organa that had died, billions of innocents on Alderaan had been incinerated. They were gone, and only rocks floating in space remained. He could still hear the horrible sound of all their voices screaming and stopping.
Suddenly, he sensed something. He rolled out of the way, but a silenced blaster bolt managed to hit his right shoulder. He had been deep in thought, and hadn't even noticed the other person in the forest.
It was Lieutenant Iden Versio. She was chasing Gold Squadron when the Death Star exploded, so she managed to survive. That meteor the Rebels has seen was actually her destroyed TIE. She managed to eject before all systems shut down, but all she was left with was a small handheld blaster, a vibroblade, and her seething fury at the Rebels. Even her helmet was cracked and unusable. Those terrorists had done the unthinkable. They destroyed the galaxy's greatest instrument of peace. Millions were on the Death Star, and now they were gone. Some of the Empire's greatest men like Grand Moff Tarkin and Colonel Yularen were just dust now. Lord Vader might have even been killed.
She knew she had to escape, but that's when she saw Ezra. She saw the base and knew he must've had a keycard or something to get in. So she aimed her blaster at his head and pulled the trigger. But he managed to dodge it.
Ezra wasn't wearing any armor, so his arm was hurt pretty badly. For this fight at least, it was useless. Worse, that was his lightsaber hand. Iden kept firing at him, but after two more shots he barely avoided he used the force to pull the blaster away from her. Though she was shocked, she kept her composure and charged him with her vibroblade. As she tried to stab at his face, Ezra managed to catch her arm with his good hand while Iden used her free one to punch him. He stumbled backward, dazed but still on his feet. Then Iden slashed him. He used his good hand to try and block it, but the only thing protecting it was cloth. She started slashing wildly now aiming for his heart, the knife digging into his chest and slowly sinking in. The knife bit into his skin, but he used his strength to call on his lightsaber. He ignited it, causing Iden to step back but not retreat.
They stood there for a moment, assessing each other. Then suddenly, she rushed him again. Ezra swung at her but he was clumsy with that hand and weak from all his injuries. She did a roll under the strike and then she was right in front of him. Before he could even react, she plunged the vibroblade into his stomach, and he could feel the metallic taste of blood in his mouth. He dropped to the ground.
Iden searched his body for a keycard. After, she saw he was still breathing, though it was ragged. She thought of the horrible catastrophe that just happened. The Death Star was gone. The least she could do to honor its memory was to rid the galaxy of this rebel scum. She crouched down, knife in hand to deliver the killing blow.
But before she could do it, an ear splitting shriek pierced the night sky. Sabine had been trying to catch up to Ezra when she had come upon the scene in front of her. Ezra was bleeding on the ground, with some Imperial TIE pilot standing over home with a vibroblade. The look she gave Iden was so full of hate and malice that when, months later, she created her philosophy that rebellions were built on hate, she would always remember this as proof.
Sabine drew her blasters as fast as she could, but by the time she was ready to fire, Iden had already fled into the darkness. She ran over to Ezra. He was bleeding pretty heavily and his breathing was rough and ragged. "Ezra?? EZRA??!! Ezra please be okay, please be okay!!" She started crying, and activated her comlink. "H-hello?? I need help and QUICKLY. I-it's Ezra, he's hurt really badly!! Oh Ezra, please don't leave me." She didn't know how long she stayed there, crying and cradling the boy she loved in her arms as he was suffered, edging ever closer to death.
Okay, so I know it's been forever since I posted. I really have no excuse. I apologize profusely for that.
Ok so this scene was the entire reason I wrote this fanfic. After watching the Battlefront II campaign I wondered about Iden's history. Leia saying that Inferno Squad has hurt the Rebellion also got me curious as to whether that was personal or not) It turned out she in the Battle of Yavin as shown in the Inferno Squad book. She escaped by stealing a transport from the Rebel Base and I thought she had to have killed someone to do that. And I, the Rebels fan I am, wondered if any of our beloved characters were there when it happened. So that's the backstory of this fic.