The Wrong Turn/The Right Path: Part 4
The Holoprojection Image of Commander Sato glared at Hera and Kanan. "You do realize that this Sabine Wren has hunted and captured a great number of known Rebel Sympathizers and Members."
Kanan knew that this was going to come up and even though he did not totally agree with Ezra's decision to bring Sabine Wren One-time Bounty Hunter to them. Ezra trusted her and that was enough for Kanan. "Sir, some of our current recruits were once Imperials. It is no different than that. We need to consider that she never killed any of those that she captured, that does show that she was not totally supportive of the Empire." Kanan argued, looking over at Hera who was only slightly supportive of having Sabine on her ship.
"Captain Syndulla, what is your opinion on allowing this Sabine Wren to join us?" Sato asked as he looked over at Hera.
"I do not know, we are not allowing her to have access to anything critical. Ezra is not leaving her alone so she cannot do anything without us knowing about it. I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt." Hera stated as she looked back over at Kanan.
"Sir, can I speak with Ashoka Tano?" Kanan asked as Commander Sato moved so that Ashoka could be seen. "Ashoka, there has been another occurrence that I cannot fully understand. It seems that Ezra has somehow become more attuned and his connection to the Force has increased. It is due to him becoming involved with this Sabine Wren. Have you ever heard of something like this happening?"
Ashoka exhaled and thought, she had but it was from something that Master Yoda had told her when she was a Pattawan. At most it was a legend that occurred when Yoda was a Pattawan. Telling Kanan she smiled slightly. "Perhaps it would be best that you come here, I would like to see if it is true myself."
"I agree, bring this Sabine Wren here. Just make sure she does not know the coordinates or have access to any communication." Sato said as the channel closed.
Sabine leaned back against the wall, with a blanket covering her naked body. She watched as Ezra put on his clothes. She had attacked him as they entered, pushing him onto what was his bed. Now it was theirs.
"I have something for you, I will be right back." Ezra said as he stepped out of the room and returned carrying a small box. Giving it to her. As she opened it she smiled. "Remember you told me that you were interested in art and all its forms. Well I found these in the supply room a couple of months ago when I first put together my Lightsaber."
Sabine held up the Artist Sprayers and assorted paints. Grabbing his tunic, she pulled him closer and kissed him. "Thank you. I have not painted or created any type of art in almost two years. I wonder if I remember how." Both her mother and father instructed her in Art and at one time and she was an artist in her own right. Then she decided not to pursue it after what had happened to her. She wanted to really thank him properly, but a knock on the door suspended that. Wrapping the blanket around herself she watched as Ezra opened the door.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything." Hera said as she stepped inside. "We have been ordered to rendezvous with the fleet. Until we get there, Sabine is not to go anywhere without you Ezra." Turning Hera left.
"Sabine, I am sorry." Ezra apologized for the others not completely trusting her.
"No, I understand. I expected to be placed in a holding cell for what I have done in the past. It is not so bad that instead you have been ordered to stay around me. So, lock the door, take off your clothes and get back in this bed." She smiled throwing off the blanket.
In the Cockpit, Hera glared over at Kanan. "I am not happy and do you know why I am not happy?"
"Well let's see we have two sexually active teenagers on board and one of them was or is a Bounty Hunter that hunted after Rebels." Kanan replied then regretted answering as Hera stared at him angrily.
"I am not a prude, Kanan. I know also I am not Ezra's mother, but I am worried that she is using him in some way." Hera returned to piloting the Ghost. Staring at the stars as they streaked by.
"Ezra is young and so is Sabine. But for them to almost have the same visitation from Master Yoda puts a different spin on this. I am mostly worried that they may be leaving us soon." Kanan felt it through the Force, there was something that the two were destined to do together and he was not sure that it involved the rest of them.
"What do you mean that they may be leaving us soon?" Hera asked now completely concerned and worried.
"I just have a feeling that they are soon going to leave. Do not ask me when or where, but they will be leaving us." Kanan declared as he glanced back to the rear of the ship.
While asleep, Ezra found himself sitting across from Yoda. The small alien sat poking his walking stick into a small fire. "Waiting I have for you." Yoda said as he continued to poke the fire.
"Master Yoda, is this a vision or something else?" Ezra asked as he looked over the fire at Yoda.
"One if could be or other could be." Yoda stated turning his head. "Go you must soon, know where she will." Then Yoda seemed to fade away and the fire remained. "Last time this will be, choice to be made."
Ezra stirred and awoke slightly, glancing at Sabine who was sleeping soundly. Swallowing the dryness in his throat he exhaled. He knew what the vision or visitation was, Yoda was telling him that soon the two of them would be leaving the Ghost, Kanan, Hera and Zeb for some reason. That they were destined for something other than fighting in the Rebellion with his friends and allies. He did not know what or where, but he suspected Sabine did. Touching her arm, her eyes opened.
"What is wrong?" She asked sleepily as she saw his reluctance.
"Master Yoda came to me again, he told me that we would be leaving soon and that you know where we are going." Ezra told her as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Why would I know? I am not like you, I am not a Jedi. All I am is a Mandalorian that is banished from my world and family." Sabine told him as she pulled him closer.
"Why were you Banished?" Ezra asked as he saw her suddenly become saddened. She closed her eyes then told him. About designing weapons for the Empire and when she found out what the Empire was going to do with those weapons. She also told him about being raped by one of the Imperial Officers. So, to stop the Empire from using those weapons and as revenge for what had happened to her, she destroyed the plans and prototypes. Escaping with Ketsu to become Bounty Hunters, since she could not return to her family or her world. As she cried, Ezra held her tightly. Telling her it was alright, that he understood. "I think that is where we are destined to go. To return to Mandalore and gain you some type of penance for what you did." He did not tell her that he hoped to come across the Imperial that raped her, it was an un-Jedi consideration. But he would love to use his Lightsaber and castrate the man.
"I do not believe that is what your Master Yoda means, I cannot return to Mandalore. My own family may try to kill me for returning." Sabine told him as she silently hoped to return.
"I will not let anything happen to you, I promise. I believe that is why you had a visitation from Yoda, why we are supposed to be together. So that you can reconcile with your family and your people." Ezra told her, seeing the slight glimmer of hope in her eyes as she smiled at him. "There is something that might help in at least gaining their attention. I found it recently and after some research I discovered that it is important to your people." Ezra reached over to the wall and after sliding a panel aside pulled out a foot-long object. Pointing it towards the ceiling he activated it. The Black energy blade came out with a sizzle.
"That is the Dark-Saber." Sabine said with shock. "How did you get that?" Ezra deactivated the weapon and told her about his time with Maul and how he and Kanan had defeated the Night-sisters and finding the Dark-Saber. It was about the same time that the Spider Like Creatures on Atollon and a Strange being called Bendu forced the Rebels to abandon their base.
Sabine listened and frowned, Maul was an enemy of all Mandalorians, she almost wished that when Ezra, Kanan and Ashoka had gone to the Sith Temple they had somehow killed Maul. She also did not like to hear that the psychopathic Sith was still alive and probably looking for Ezra. "When do we leave?"
"Whenever you are ready?" Ezra said as he felt some regret on leaving his friends, but he could feel it. He and Sabine were destined to go to Mandalore.
"There is something we have to do first." Sabine told him, as she exhaled. Even though she was officially not part of her clan, she knew that for Ezra to have the status to hold and carry the Dark-Saber he had to be Mandalorian. Which meant he would have to be married to a Mandalorian. "Repeat after me." She led him through the Vows of Commitment, then said her own.
"What does that mean?" Ezra asked as he saw the small glint in her eyes.
"I made you mine, now you are a Mandalorian by marriage. That should add to your claim to weld the Dark-Saber." Sabine told him as his eyes bulged. "I did not take the Dark-Saber in a trial by combat, but you did. So, by Mandalorian customs you can use it."
Exhaling, Ezra smiled. "Well I did not expect that, I like it." Ezra leaned forward and kissed her. "Should we get ready to go?"
"No not yet, usually when someone gets married they have a honeymoon. We can at least wait until we get to the Rebel Fleet." Sabine replied with a mischievous smile.
Two hours later, the newlyweds went to tell Hera and Kanan. To Ezra's surprise Kanan knew that Ezra was leaving. Hera was less than happy.
On the Command Corvette Cruiser, Commander Sato was convinced. If Ezra and Sabine could free the Mandalorians from Imperial Rule, they would be an asset to the Rebellion. To that end Sato gave them an Imperial Lambda Class Shuttle. With tearful goodbyes, Ezra and Sabine left for Knownest.
Using the stolen Imperial Codes, Ezra flew the Shuttle down towards the Wren Compound. It was Sabine's idea, believing if she announced who was coming that they would attempt to shoot them down. As the Shuttle landed without incident, Several Armored Mandalorians stomped into view. "Now remember any number of them might be my family members, so try not to hurt them. Also, it might be best if I do all the talking." Sabine said as she nervously stood. Ezra put the Dark-Saber on one side and his normal Lightsaber on the other. Walking down the ramp, with their hands raised.
"You are not welcome here!" One in the lead said as he removed his helmet. "Get back on that Shuttle and leave!"
"Triston, I have come to speak with Mother." Sabine said as she looked at the one in the lead, her brother.
"You are to leave, traitor!" A new voice ordered from the balcony, high above them. Ezra looked up at a striking older woman.
"Mother, I am no traitor and I have brought someone that you need to see and listen to." Sabine indicated Ezra and Ursa Wren shook her head.
"To this boy, what can he show me or tell me that makes a difference in that you have betrayed us." Ursa said as she glowered at Ezra and Sabine, ready to have the others force them to depart.
"Show her." Sabine said as she stepped a few feet away, resting her hands on her blasters. Just in case it came to a fire fight. Ezra reached down and pulled the Dark-Saber off his waist and ignited it. The Dark energy blade sprung to life. Almost all the other Wrens stepped away.
"What right do you have, to weld that blade, boy!" Ursa growled down at Ezra and raised her hand, ready to drop it and indicate for the others to open fire.
"He has every right, he fought Maul and took it from him." Sabine informed all around her and Ezra as he swung the blade around in an arc, letting all hear the crackle from the blade. She knew it was the Nightsisters that he had fought but it was basically the same thing.
"Come inside." Ursa said as she turned and walked inside. Followed by several Wren Guards and Triston, they entered the Hall. Ursa sat on a high two seat throne, glaring down at Ezra and Sabine. "If you are trying to unite the Clans under that blade, it will not work. He is not Mandalorian." She frowned.
"True he is not a born Mandalorian. But he is one by Marriage." Sabine informed her Mother as her brother walked up besides Ursa. "He is my chosen Husband and he is a Jedi."
The last statement made everyone in the room step back and point their weapons at Ezra. Ursa even paled at what Sabine had said. But Sabine suspected that Ursa already knew, no normal person could fight Maul and be alive to say that they did. "Hold your fire. Alright, you have my interest. What do you propose?" Smirking slightly at that as she stood and gestured for Sabine and Ezra to follow her.
Triston was not convinced and he knew that if Gar Saxton discovered that a Jedi was here, Saxton would kill all the Wren's as traitors. Going into the communication's room he placed the call to Gar Saxton. Getting a promise that Sabine would be pardoned if Gar only took the Jedi.
In the private room, Ursa hugged Sabine. Then frowned at Ezra, not happy that her little girl was married to a Jedi. As the two tried to convince Ursa Wren, Countess of the Clan to leave the Empire and fight them. "Now is not the time, even with the Dark-Saber legend I doubt that many other Clans would join us. You will have to depart soon; Gar Saxton has spies everywhere." Taking them back to the Hall Ursa was surprised to see Gar Saxton and a half dozen of his men waiting. Triston grabbed the Dark-Saber off Ezra's belt and tossed it to Gar Saxton.
"So, this is the Dark-Saber, well done Triston Wren. With the Jedi as my prisoner I should be able to gain a great reward from the Empire." Gar gloated as he looked over at Ursa. "You Countess and your fugitive Daughter are also under arrest for treason." Gesturing to his men, as two took Ursa's arms holding her.
"Wait, Milord. You promised to pardon Sabine and not do anything against my Mother or my Clan." Triston bluntly said as he saw Gar smile broadly then laugh.
"I lied." Igniting the Dark-Saber he pointed it at Ursa. "Would you rather have me execute the Traitorous elements now, I can easily?" Raising it high to strike down Ursa. With one fluid movement Ezra activated his Lightsaber and blocked the cut meant for Ursa. This shocked Saxton as he stepped back. "Kill them all." Believing that the two men that held Ursa were able. Ursa used the confusion from Ezra to pull and kick one of the men in the stomach. Then pulling her arm free punched the other. Grabbing her blaster and firing on Gar Saxton's men. Triston and Sabine also started to fire.
Meanwhile Ezra blocked the ineffective blows from Gar Saxton as he used the Dark-Saber. Gar did not understand as he struck at the Jedi, he always believed that the Jedi were not adequate fighters but here the young boy was easily deflecting the blows. As Gar lunged forward, Ezra blocked the blow, ducked under the lunge and punched Gar in the stomach doubling him over. Ezra then grabbed the Dark-Saber by the hilt and pulled it out of Gar's grasp. Deactivating it and pointing his Lightsaber at the bridge of Gar's nose. "Surrender." Ezra ordered as Gar glared up at him.
"Never, and I am defenseless. You would not harm me, now that I am defenseless." Gar smiled as he secretly pulled a blaster from a hidden holster from behind him. Before he could bring it to bare, Ursa shot him.
"That is for being a traitor and a coward." Ursa said as Gar fell. Turning towards Sabine, Ursa smiled. "Welcome home, Sabine and we will join you."
Triston stood over the body of Gar Saxton, he had believed in Saxton. That it was the only way for the Mandalorians to survive was to join the Empire. Now he found out he was wrong; the Empire was treachery incarnate. Reaching up he pulled off the markings that made him one of Saxton's men dropping it on the floor and crushing it with his boot. Glancing over to see Ezra standing next to him. "I was wrong."
"No, you thought you were doing right. When you believe that you are right then you must always follow your inclination." Ezra told him then smiled.
"Now I believe introductions are in order. Young Jedi can I know your name since you are part of my Clan." Ursa asked as she took his arm in her right and Sabine's arm in her left. Leading them back towards the private room once again.
"His name is Ezra Bridger, Mother." Sabine replied.
"Ah, welcome Ezra Bridger Wren." Ursa said as she gestured for Triston to join them. "Let us discuss how we are going to save my husband now your father in law Alrich from the Imperials."