Chapter Four
A new base and allies.
The Past and the Future.
Ezra's POV
Three weeks ago.
(Flash back)
I roll over mostly asleep and nudge something.
"Huh?" I wonder sleepily.
I open my eyes and see blue.
"Blue?" I say confused.
I move it out of the way.
"Sabine?" I say jumping back in surprise.
"Aaahhh." I yell clutching my side.
"Ezra? What's wrong?" She asks waking up and looking at me.
"My side." I say pulling my hand away with a small amount of wet blood on it.
"Damn. Come on let's get you to the medical bay." She says reaching out.
"Wait. Why are we in the same bed?" I ask taking her hand.
"Because I was tired and you were sleeping peacefully." She says wrapping her arm around me to hold me easier.
"I-I thought that you were going to wake me up?" I ask.
"I said that so you would go to sleep. If I woke you again you would have just tried to go back to your bunk and hurt yourself again." She says opening the door to the Ghost's med bay.
"So you just crawled into bed with me?" I ask smirking.
"Yes and besides which it is not like you would have tried anything." She says rolling her eyes.
"Yeah you would kill me." I say still smirking.
"No just hurt you worse then you are already hurt." She says opening the medbay doors..
She sets me down on the soft medical bed.
"Alright take it off." She says turning to the medical shelves.
I unzip my suit and pull it down to my waist.
"Now roll on your side and let me see." She says turning back around. I do as she says and roll over. She removes the bandages and cringes.
"What?" I ask raising an eyebrow.
"It's more like a solid burn then a cut. I wasn't expecting it." She says grabbing a cloth.
"Well lightsabres are able to cut through the toughest of metals and flesh is nothing to it." I say wincing as she cleans the wound.
"Well almost all of the metals out there." She says focusing on the wound.
"What are you talking about?" I ask trying to not think about the pain.
"There is a metal found on Mandalore and nowhere else. Beskar. It can withstand even the strike of a lightsabre." She says taking a small container of salve.
"We used it create weapons, armour, starfighters, and starships of incredible strength." She says smearing the salve on my wound.
"Do your people still mine and use it?" I ask trying not to focus on the pain.
"Yes we are but no one outside of Mandalore knows how to smelt it to bring out it's strength and no one will sell the secret knowing that doing so would cause death to them and their entire families. It is the closest guarded secret for our people no one not even a traitor would dare tell it." She says grabbing a packet of bandages.
"Wow you Mandalorians really take this metal seriously."
"We do because we alone know how to use it." She says gently bandaging the wound.
"Since when do you know how to treat wounds?" I ask sitting up.
"My mom taught me." She says putting the stuff away.
"Remind me to thank her if I ever get to meet her." I say standing.
"I will now let's go see where Kanan and Hera are." She says walking out of the room.
"I agree need to know what we are doing next." I say following her.
"I believe that we are headed to Felucia. To the new base." She says as we walk around the Ghost.
"Really? Hondo actually came through with a location?" I ask surprised.
"From what I know yes whether or not it's a good base is the question now." She says as we walk onto the bridge.
"Hey Sabine, Ezra. What's up?" Hera asks watching the nav computer for trouble.
"We were just wondering where we are going?" Sabine asks as we sit down.
"We are headed to Felucia to see if your friend was telling the truth before the fleet comes." Hera says turning to face us.
"He is not my friend." I say frowning.
"Really?" Hera asks looking surprised.
"He was a business associate and nothing more." Sabine says frowning as well.
"How do you know that?" Hera asks looking between us.
"I told her about how I met him. Now are we sure that this base exists." I say leaning forward.
"That is what we are doing Ezra." Hera says.
"So we are going to see if the base exists and to see if we can use it properly?" Sabine asks.
"Yes and to see what ships and defense are there that we might have to deactivate." Hera says.
"Okay well what's the plan do we have a layout of this base or schematics?" I ask.
"We have what Hondo told us. There is a single landing platform that descends into the base that is hidden completely from the air and sensors by being underground. From there we can make it to the central control room that is near the landing area to activate the bases generators and see exactly what we have." Hera says turning back to the nav computer.
"So what will Ezra be doing while we are taking care of this?" Sabine asks.
"Actually you and Ezra will be staying on the Ghost and going over starfighter information. Sato and I agreed that we would begin training you two to fly starfighters." Hera says handing over two data pads.
"Really you want us to stay here while you investigate our new base?" Sabine asks apparently insulted.
"Yes Kanan, Zeb and I will be doing this while you two learn about fighters. That is what we have decided and it will not change." Hera says firmly.
"Fine but I am not happy about this." Sabine says leaning back in her seat frowning.
"Well at least we get to learn to fly starfighters." I say leaning back smiling.
"Yeah but still I want to investigate this base." Sabine says smiling a little.
"We will after they get rid of any nasty creatures living there." I say remembering the Fyrnocks Kanan and I ran into back at Fort Anaxes. Those were freaky.
"But that's the fun part." She says pouting a little.
"Yeah cause almost getting eaten is so fun." I say rolling my eyes.
"C'mon let's go study these." I say motioning her to follow.
"Go to my room I will be there in a second." She says staring at Hera.
"Okay?" I say/ask. I walk out of the bridge and to Sabine's room and begin reading the data pad.
Back in the bridge.
"Hera I know why you won't let Ezra go but why not me?" Sabine asks unhappily.
"Do you really think that he'll stay here on the Ghost if he's alone?" Hera asks calmly.
"I-He will listen to me." She says crossing her arms.
"Oh and why's that?" Hera asks looking at her.
"Because he respects me and I stopped calling him kid." She says smiling.
Hera looks shocked. "You heard our conversation on the Phantom?"
"I did. I had no idea that you know so much about our culture." Sabine says smiling.
"I have learned a lot about the cultures of the galaxy. And besides which I was just encouraging him." Hera says smiling.
"And you were right I do respect those things but I never expected him to treat me like that." Sabine says sounding frustrated.
"What do you mean like that?" Hera asks.
"He made me to leave twice so that he could fight those those things." Sabine says angrily.
"He was protecting you Sabine. You have seen Kanan and Ezra fight them before right?" Hera asks.
Sabine nods.
"Then you know exactly why he got you to leave. They are far too strong for any regular person Sabine and Ezra isn't very skilled with a lightsabre yet. He knew that he could get you out but didn't know if he could protect you during a fight." Hera says turning back to the front of the ship.
"But then why did he stay to fight them when he could have run with me?" Sabine asks looking frustrated.
"Because like you he's stubborn and won't run from a fight." Hera says smiling.
"Like me? I know when to run from a fight but he stays and almost gets himself killed twice!" Sabine say still angry.
"He knows that. But he also knows that the inquisitors would use you against him. Like they would use me against Kanan." Hera says frowning.
"But why would they use me?" Sabine asks.
"They would use you because Ezra cares about you." Hera says turning around to face her.
"Now go study your data pad in a few days we will begin testing you two in simulations." Hera says smiling.
"Fine but I am still not happy about staying here." Sabine says standing up.
"I know but on the brightside you get to spend sometime with Ezra." Hera says turning back to the front of the ship.
"Not funny Hera." Sabine says leaving.
"I think it is." Hera says smirking.
Back to Sabine's room.
I look over the data pad's various files. Strategies, maneuvers, and lists of different fighters. I start with the list of different fighters. Hmm. I look over the list. The A-wing, fast maneuverable, but low armor and shields. One pilot, no passengers, consumables for five days. Geonosian starfighter not pilotable by anybody but Geonosians.
Skip over that.
Jedi interceptor. Mostly flown by duh jedi. Fast maneuverable, shields, and armor. Powerful fighter but almost completely wiped from the galaxy by the Empire.
Too bad.
Mandalorian starfighter.
Interesting.
Used by Mandalorians called The Protectors of Concord Dawn. Fast maneuverable, dual blasters that are mounted on the wings that rotate around the central cockpit on a gyroscopic ring. Shields exists but are minimal. Armour is strong.
Very interesting there are a few models that use Beskar for armor that makes them almost indestructible. Sabine mentioned it earlier Beskar can withstand even the strike of a lightsabre. I will have to ask Kanan about that later.
I look up from sitting on Sabine's bed to see the door open.
"Hey." I say looking back at the data pad.
"Hey what are you reading right now?" Sabine asks sitting down beside me.
"I was just looking at the list of starfighters." I say glancing at her.
"Sorry I know Hera wants you to stay here because I will go and do something to hurt myself." I say looking back at the data pad.
"I-It's not a problem. I understand why. But she is also trying to play matchmaker at the same time." Sabine says smirking.
"Yeah I know." I say still looking at the data pad.
"So what do you think?" She asks opening her own data pad.
"About the starfighters? I couldn't be happier, have wanted to learn to fly for a while." I say switching to the maneuvers.
"I-Yeah been wanting to learn how to pilot more than just the Phantom." She says frowning a little.
"What's wrong?" I ask looking at her confused.
"Nothing just don't want to stay aboard the ship." She says smiling weakly.
"You can go I promise I won't do anything stupid." I say smiling sincerely.
"No it's fine Hera made it clear that we would be staying here alone. Besides we do get to train in piloting starfighters which is awesome." Sabine says putting on a smile.
I feel out in the force.
She's nervous but happy. That doesn't make much sense.
"Well let's start going over these strategies." I say looking at the file.
"Yeah I'll start." She says leaning back.
(End of flashback.)
I force the nose of my A-wing down and another A-wing flies just over me in deep space. I do a tight turn and fire off a few blasts before dodging a quick burst of fire from above.
"Seriously." I mumble. Before turning my attention back to the two fighters.
"Come and get me." I say flying away. They follow falling in behind me shooting. I dodge around their fire, pull up and cut the engines causing my fighter to flip and face them. I ignite the engines and fire two blasts destroying one and wounding the other one. I fly right in between them and quickly turn and finish off the other one.
"Not bad Ezra but you forgot one." I hear over the comm link in my helmet as blaster fire hits one of my wings. I roll my fighter out of the stream of fire and asses the damage. Stabilizer is damaged, blaster is damaged but I still have one. I maneuver around the incoming blaster fire as best I can and turn to face the other fighter. I fire at them only to be met with the wonderful site of a proton torpedo.
"Karabast!" I say flipping over the missile only to have it come back around catching up to me. I turn and find the other pilot flying after me. I smile and turn towards them. I fly straight at them firing looking like a madman. At the last moment I turn dodging the blaster fire and the missile goes just around them and finally catches up to me. It detonates taking out my fighter. I pull off the helmet and shake my head. I climb out of the simulator and see a smiling Hera.
"I thought that last maneuver would work." I say frowning.
"It was a good one you just need to pull up instead of turning around her." Hera says smiling.
"Okay and other then that?" I ask looking over at the other simulator.
"Good the maneuver at the start was smart took them out right away but you were distracted when she got you. That was where you messed up she wounded you and took you out from there." Hera says walking over to the other simulator.
I follow.
"Well she does like to celebrate." I say tapping on the screen to see the pilot doing figure eights around my wreckage.
"Yeah want to shut it off?" Hera says pointing to the off button.
"And end her celebration? No thank you I prefer to keep living." I say smiling.
"Good point but." Hera says hitting the button then walking off.
"Hey!" I say looking at her walking off smirking.
"Ezra!" Sabine says climbing out of the simulator.
"It was Hera!" I say pointing only to see that she has disappeared. I look back at Sabine to see her crossing her arms and looking at me disapprovingly at me.
"Well this sucks." I say looking guilty.
"Haha I beat you." She says teasing me.
"You got lucky." I say smirking.
"C'mon let's go and get something to eat." She says smiling.
We go to the eating area in the base. It is surprisingly roomy and has three underground levels. The first level is mainly starships and maintenance area's. Hondo had quite the little fleet here. Old separatist ships, one of his signature pirate ships and a few simulators to train new fighter pilots. They have been quite useful. The second level is personal rooms and the mess hall. The third level is training rooms and the reactor cores that power the base. Hondo really came through for us and in return for it he took a small ship and disappeared into hyperspace. Hopefully never to be seen again. We walk over to the lift and hit the call button.
"So how did you get so good at piloting?" Sabine asks.
"I didn't, what we have been doing is the only time that I have flown." I say stepping into the lift.
"Well I guess you are just a natural." Sabine says smiling.
"I guess but seriously we have been training in those a lot. And you are still better." I say as the lift door opens.
"Well I have piloted the Phantom before. So I do have a bit of an advantage." Sabine says as we walk down the hall.
"So what do you want?" I ask looking her.
"Get me something spicy please?" She asks heading for a table.
"Alright." I say heading over to the kitchen and through the doors.
One of the best things about being here is the food. The base has a fully decked out kitchen and they have been using it to full advantage. The food is amazing and you can ask for about anything. When they first got it up and running I challenged them and they came through. I asked for .
"Hey guys." I say smiling at them.
"Ezra my boy how are you?" The head chef asks smiling as he walks over.
"Good. You?" I ask smiling at him.
"Good now what would you like?" He asks.
"Something spicy for Sabine and something slightly less spicy for me." I say smiling.
"Any preference?" He asks.
"Nah surprise me." I say grabbing two cups and filling them with caff.
"It'll be ready in a few minutes." He says as I back out of the kitchen.
"Thanks." I say looking out and seeing Sabine sitting at a table with Kanan and Hera.
"Hey guys." I say walking up and setting the cup down in front of Sabine.
"Thanks." Sabine says smiling and grabbing a thing of sugar.
"Hey Ezra not a bad move." Kanan says smiling.
"Yeah but I messed up in the end." I say sitting beside Sabine.
"You did but then again you did manage to take out two fighters before Sabine got the better of you." Kanan point outs.
"Yeah but the end is the part that matters." I say looking at him.
"Fair enough. Remember half hour you have training with me in room forty two." Kanan says getting up.
"Alright I'll be there." I say standing and heading for the kitchen.
I push through the doors and see two plates waiting.
"So what do we get today?" I ask grinning.
"Omelets. Hers is the one on the left." He says moving two pans into the sink.
"Awesome." I say grabbing the two plates.
"No problem." He says.
I move back through the doors and over to Sabine setting the left plate down in front of her.
"Thanks. Mind getting me some ketchup." She asks before I sit down.
"Sure." I say setting my plate down and walking over to the counter on the far side of the room.
"Cutlery too please?" She asks.
I look at her with mock annoyance.
"Please?" She asks giving me a puppy dog look.
"Fine." I say smiling as I grab two sets of cutlery and ketchup.
I walk back over and give her the cutlery and ketchup.
"Thanks." She says. I sit across from her and start eating.
"You have been training a lot lately." Sabine says cutting up her omelet.
"Yeah Kanan and Ahsoka have been toughening me up." I say.
"What about your side?" She asks.
"Not hurting at all lately." I say smiling and patting my side.
"Good." She says finishing off her omelet.
"Yeah I wonder what they want to drill today." I say smiling and finishing off my omelet.
"I don't know but mind if I watch?" She asks grabbing the plates.
"Sure I don't see why not." I say standing up.
"Good." She says bringing the plates into the kitchen. I hold the door open for her.
"Thanks." She says setting the plates down and walking back out.
"No problem let's get over there before Kanan decides to have me run the entire base." I say smiling.
"He's made you do that before?" She asks.
"Yeah I messed up and he makes me run when I do." I say smiling.
"That's a long run." She says smiling.
"Yeah tell me about it." I say opening the door to the training room.
We walk in and move over to where Kanan and Ahsoka are talking.
"Hey guys mind if I watch?" Sabine asks.
"Sure I don't see why not." Kanan says turning to face us.
"You know we could use her to add in a new element." Ahsoka says smiling.
"Sure why not. Sabine can you set those blasters to stun?" Kanan asks pointing to them.
"No problem, sounds like fun." Sabine says grinning.
"So what are we doing today?" I ask smiling.
"Well you are going to dual Kanan and every now and then Sabine here is going to shoot at you. You will have to deflect or dodge them." Ahsoka says moving off to the side of the room.
It's a large room with high ceilings and nothing but a few crates on one wall.
"So shall we get started?" I asks putting my lightsabre on stun.
"Yes. Remember no head hunting or low blows they won't kill but better to play it safe." Ahsoka says.
I ignite my blade and hold it out one handed. Kanan ignites his holds it straight up with both hands. We both watch each other for a moment.
Blaster!
I turn and deflect the bolt back towards her before turning back to Kanan.
I block his first strike and move to slice.
He blocks and turns it into a sabre lock. He adds pressure before I break it and spin slicing at his feet.
He jump and slices down.
I move to the side and jab.
Parried.
I block another slice and then turn to deflect another shot from Sabine before a thought enters my mind.
"Haha." I laugh a little before sending the bolt at Kanan.
He hastily blocks surprised.
I take advantage of it and batter him with strikes.
He blocks all of them before trying to jab.
I block expecting it and spin around it and graze his leg. He stumbles back and I press the advantage slicing for the other leg.
He blocks. I jab.
He moves to the side blocking.
I slice. He blocks.
I spin deflecting the incoming blaster shot back making her jump to the side.
I turn back blocking a downward strike.
He presses his blade down forcing me down. I push back but he's stronger.
I fall to one knee and let him follow through.
He looks surprised and falls past me.
I take advantage and smirk while slicing at his back.
He rolls out of the of the strike and rests his blade beside my head.
It sits there for a few moments before Kanan deactivates it.
"Damn it!" I curse throwing my deactivated blade.
Ahsoka and Kanan look at me unhappily.
"Sorry I am just frustrated that, that didn't work." I say before sighing and walking over to where it landed.
"That wasn't bad Ezra you got all of the bolts and deflecting it at Kanan was smart." Ahsoka says smiling.
"Yeah I wasn't expecting that. And the only problem with that last move is that you didn't move with me in order to stay behind." Kanan says smiling as well.
"Thanks. And sorry Sabine I didn't mean to deflect that last bolt directly at you." I say rubbing the back of my neck nervously.
"It's fine. Besides you are getting better at that." She says smiling.
"Oh right we need to talk to you two about an upcoming operation." Ahsoka says.
"Are you sure that they are ready another almost solo mission." Kanan asks.
"What are you two talking about?" I ask confused.
"I am they have done well on their own and Ezra's skills are improving quickly." Ahsoka says.
"If you are sure." Kanan says.
"I am but before that we all have to meet with Commander Sato about another matter." Ahsoka says smiling.
"Guys? Any chance we can know what's happening?" Sabine says stepping in between them.
"Sorry let's go discuss this with Sato." Kanan says heading for the door.
I look at Sabine who looks at me questioningly. I shrug and follow.
We all walk to the command center and over to Commander Sato.
"Commander." Ahsoka says.
"Ah wonderful. You are all here." He says.
"Now Ahsoka you have a mission for them." Sato says motioning for Hera to come over.
"Now Commander Sato and Hera you both have said that we need more allies. And I might be able to provide someone that would be helpful with more possible base locations. He is a great military strategist and would make a powerful ally. The only problem is that I lost contact with him a long time ago and all of my messages have gone unanswered." She says pacing.
"Then how do we do we recruit this leader?" Sato asks.
"We can find him. Let us try." I say looking at her hopefully.
"Well there is one option I have not yet tried. Sato do you we have your permission for this?" Ahsoka asks looking at him.
"Yes go ahead we have no other missions for them at this moment." Sato says nodding.
"Alright." I say grinning.
"Meet me on the Ghost here in five minutes." She says walking off.
"Guess we're going on a mission. Kanan call Zeb and tell him to meet us on the Ghost right away. You two get what you need for a fight and don't take to long." Hera says turning to each of us in turn.
"You got it Hera." I say moving off with Sabine.
"So who do you think this powerful ally is?" I ask as walk to our rooms.
Lucky for me they are right next to each other.
"I have no idea with her it could literally be almost anyone." Sabine says shrugging.
"I guess." I say as well reach our rooms.
"Wait for me?" She asks pausing before entering her room.
"Yeah." I nod entering my own.
I grab my lightsabre and helmet and stash a few nutria bars in my suit. I walk out the door and lean on the wall waiting for her. After a minute or so I decide to see what's taking her so long.
"Sabine?" I ask knocking on her door.
"Come in I need some help." She says voice muffled by the door.
I walk in and see her trying to get her chest piece on. It's stuck. In a very um interesting place.
"I need you to pull down." She says back turned to me.
"Uhuh." I say tongue tied. I grab the bottom of the shirt and pull down. After some wiggling and awkward movements the chest piece slides down.
"So why was it stuck?" I ask blushing heavily.
"Well apparently I am growing." She says blushing hard.
I look at her questioningly. She raises an eyebrow before it clicks.
"I-Well-Um-Let's get going Hera's going to be getting impatient soon." I say walking out and away quickly.
"Uh-Yeah I agree." She says quickly catching up.
We walk up to the Ghost and see Hera gesturing for us to hurry up. I nod and jog to the ramp Sabine right beside me.
"What took so long?" Kanan asks. "And why is your face red?"
I glance at Sabine whose glancing at me.
"I uh-" I start.
"He was helping me with my armour it's gotten a little small have to resize it here soon." Sabine says blushing.
"Okay?" Kanan says confused.
"My chest piece got stuck." She says smirking.
Kanan's eyes go wide in realization and he quickly motions for us to follow.
"What's wrong dear?" Hera asks seeing the blush on Kanan's face.
"Nothing. Ahsoka what do you have for us?" He says standing next to Hera.
Ahsoka is standing next to Zeb who is sitting in the seat next to the dejeck table. Sabine sits and I stand beside her on the other side the table.
"Well I have this." She says taking out the head of an old protocol droid.
"Is that the head of an old protocol droid?" Kanan asks confused.
"Yes these droids could find anything. Found me and my master a few times when we didn't want to be found." Ahsoka says fondly.
"So where are we supposed to start?" I ask.
"Well you should start in the Seelos system. Good luck. And Kanan if you find my friends trust them. They saved my life at the end of the clone wars." Ahsoka says before leaving abruptly.
"Well that was weird." Sabine says before grabbing the droid.
"Alright I will get us to Seelos." Hera says heading for the cockpit.
"Ezra and I will see if we can get this thing working." Sabine says heading for her room.
"Ezra and I are going to go start looking at which style he's going to start learning." Kanan says motioning for me to go with him.
"Mind if I watch while I work?" Sabine asks turning around.
"I suppose that'd be fine." Kanan says smiling.
We go the training compartment and Sabine goes off into a corner to start working.
"Alright now you have studied the material I gave you right?" Kanan asks me as we sit.
"Yes. I have been thinking about what you said and I think that Form two would be best for me." I say smiling.
"Wait wasn't that what seventh sister said?" Sabine asks head poking up.
"Yes, it was. But the more I thought about it the more it makes sense. It focuses on precise movements and footwork rather than strength and power. While it does have it does have it's drawbacks I think that it would be best for me to learn considering that most of the time when I do have my blade out it will be to fight another lightsabre user." I say confidently.
"Okay what are the drawbacks?" Sabine asks.
"It's not good with blaster fire. But that can be compensated by adding in moves from form three." I say looking at Kanan questioningly.
"You are right, although the fact the inquisitor recommended it is a tad disturbing." He says thinking aloud.
"Yes it is. I was debating between form two and form four at the time." I say looking for some sort of expression on Kanan's face.
"Well I guess we had better teach you well in case she knows something we don't." Kanan says standing and igniting his lightsabre.
"Alright we will start with basic footwork slowly and moving our blade."
"Sounds great to me." I say standing and igniting my blade as well.
We work on the starting forms of form two and a few basic moves with foot work until we reach the Seelos system.
"Alright guys, Chopper and I are going to stay back and finish upgrades to our shields. Good luck." Hera says through the internal comms.
"Alright have fun." Kanan says before launching the Phantom.
We fly down through the atmosphere and near the surface.
"Wow you could really get lost out here." I say looking at the nothingness.
"Maybe that was the point." Zeb says sitting back in his seat.
"Well let's power this thing up." Sabine says plugging it into the Phantom.
"It's scanning for some kind of signal." Sabine says after a moment.
"Seven five six seven….Seven five six seven." It says.
"It found something." I say smiling.
"Well let's see what it found." Kanan says steering the Phantom towards the source.
After almost an hour of fly Kanan spots something in the distance.
"Hey what's that?" He asks as we get closer.
"I think it's an old Republic tank." He says as we fly over it.
"Now that's a work of art." Sabine says admiring the color and added shades.
"Wow how old is that thing?" I ask as we circle around to the back.
"At least fifteen years." Kanan says landing the Phantom.
"Well let's go see who's home." Kanan says as Zeb hits the door button.
We walk out and see the large six legged vehicle stop.
"Who are you?" A man says stepping out with three others follow all armed with a variety of republic weapons.
They all to be a few years older than Kanan in old clone armour.
"Hi we're looking for someone." I say stepping forward with a wave.
"Well that's too bad we're the only ones 'round here for miles." The leader of the group says.
"Hey do you have any idea what seven five six seven means?" I ask.
"What? Where did you hear those numbers?" He asks aggressively.
The rest of the group tightens their grip on their weapons.
"I-From an old protocol droid." I say grabbing my pulser slowly.
"I, well that's my birth number." He says looking at his group.
"Their clones!" Kanan yells igniting his lightsabre.
"Jedi! Their back for revenge!" The one far left exclaims firing a shot.
Kanan deflects it. Sabine and Zeb immediately pull out their weapons.
"Drop the rifle!" Zeb yells readying his own.
"Hold your fire!" Seven five six seven yells turning around and stopping them.
He says something quietly to the one on the far left and he calms down.
"Sorry about the uh the weapons malecution. Won't happen again." The leader says smiling nervously.
"Come aboard and we can talk about your missing friends." He says motioning for us to come up.
"Kanan I don't know what a clone is but Ahsoka said to trust her friends and it look like these are them." I say trying to figure out what was going on.
Nothing has made Kanan act like this except the Inquisitor…
"Fine but keep your guard up." He tells us obviously unhappy.
We climb up and they have settled into various seats inside the walker.
"Wow an old clone helmet." I say picking up an old blue clone wars helmet. (A/N Rex's old helmet.)
"Hey put that down. It's older then you are." The leader says smiling.
"So what are your guy's names?" I ask sitting in one of the seats.
Kanan and Zeb stay standing, Sabine sits next to me.
"I am Commander Rex, This is Commander Wolfe." He says gesturing to the one who fired a shot at us.
"This is Commander Gregor." He gestures to the oldest looking one of the group.
"And finally this is Sergeant Coric." He says gesturing to the clone in the drivers seat.
"Hey any injuries?" He asks smiling.
"No we're all good." I say smiling back.
"Aww well those will come later." He says smirking before turning back forward.
"Now who are you?" Rex asks leaning forward.
"I'm Ezra. This is Sabine, Zeb, and the hostile Jedi is Kanan." I say gesturing to them in turn.
"So why are you here?" He asks eagerly.
"We need your help and a friend of ours said you could help us." I say looking around.
They all have various looks spanning between interest and boredom.
"What friend? We went through a great deal of trouble so that the Empire would think that we are dead." He asks frowning.
"Ahsoka Tano." I say keeping my hand on my pulsar.
"Commander Tano? I fought with her from the battle of Christophsis to the siege of Mandalore but I haven't from her since well… You know." He says standing up and walking around.
"Since the end of the clone wars." Kanan says getting up and leaving.
"What was that about?" I ask confused.
"There is a lot of history between clones and Jedi and it didn't end well." Coric says.
"How didn't it end well?" I ask.
"That is a question for your Jedi to answer now what does Ahsoka need help with?" Rex says smiling.
"We need your help, the Rebellion needs your help." Sabine says examining one of the helmets.
It's white with Yellow accent marks.
"The Rebellion? You mean people are beginning to fight against the Empire?" Gregor asks surprised.
"Yes and we need your help. Ahsoka says that you would be able to help with training and potential base locations." I say spinning in my seat.
"We already fought one pointless war kid. Why would we want to fight another one." Rex asks frowning.
"Because it's the right thing to do." I say sounding wise.
"Haha. I like the kid." Wolfe says laughing.
"Well you are right but we already fought in one war and I don't want to get involved in another one." Rex says.
"But we could give you a list of potential bases that Empire doesn't know about." Rex says.
"Wait maybe they could help us." Coric says standing up.
"With what?" Gregor asks.
"Echo." He says seriously.
"No we all know what happened last time." Rex says sternly.
"Yeah but last time we didn't have two Jedi on our side." Coric says.
"Two?" Wolfe asks confused.
"Yeah the older male and him. Or did you miss that?" Coric says smiling and pointing at me.
"Is he right?" Wolfe asks.
"Yes, I am a Jedi in training." I say nervously.
"But you don't have a lightsabre?" Gregor says looking at me disbelieving.
"Don't I?" I ask pulling my pulsar off my belt and igniting the blade.
"Well that's an unconventional lightsabre why's it look like that?" Rex asks looking at it curiously.
"It has a built in stunner." I say shutting it off and re clipping it on.
"Just a pulsar? Not a blaster?" Wolfe asks confused.
"Yeah I didn't the proper power cell to make into one at the time so it's just a stunner." I explain.
"Haha you should upgrade that soon the Empire doesn't take prisoners." Coric says grinning.
"Oh I know they don't." I say frowning.
"They got someone you cared about didn't they?" Rex asks knowingly.
"Yeah more like everyone until I met these guys." I say putting on a smirk.
"We all know that feeling." Rex says sadly.
"I guess we should put this to a vote men. Who votes for?" He asks looking at them.
"For." Wolfe says.
"For" Coric says.
"Hell I'm always ready for fight and this might be fun." Gregor says laughing a little crazily.
"Fine. I guess we can ask them." Rex says looking to me.
"What?" I ask.
"Go get your master." He says seriously.
"Okay." I say leaving.
"Kanan?" I ask heading up to the Phantom.
"Yes Ezra?" He asks unhappily.
"Rex wants to see us all." I say.
"Fine." He says sighing sadly.
"What's wrong?" I ask concerned.
"I-Don't worry about it kid it was way before your time." He says sadly.
"Kanan, for what it's worth I don't think these are bad guys. Ahsoka trusts them so why shouldn't we?" I ask.
"Because Ezra. These clones the clones that the Jedi served with for years, our friends, Killed off the Jedi. Hunted us down one by one until there were just three left." Kanan says angrily.
"We never betrayed our Jedi." Rex says from behind us.
"And why's that?" Kanan asks scowling at him.
"Gregor, Coric, Wolfe, and I all removed our control chips and reversed the advanced aging. We tried to help the Jedi and for our help we were labeled traitors and just as hunted as you are." He says glaring back.
"I-How do I know I can trust you?" Kanan asks meeting his glare.
"Because if we really were with the Empire we would have already told them that you were here and there would be a star destroyer in orbit. But there isn't and we need your help." He says not breaking off the glare.
"Fine tell us what you need." Kanan says breaking the glare and getting up.
"Not here everyone needs to hear this." Rex says leaving. Kanan and I follow.
"So we voted and decided that if you can help us get one of our friends out of an Imperial facility we will join you." Rex says motion to Wolfe.
Wolfe hits a switch and a holoprojector shows a heavily defended compound.
"Who's your friend?" Kanan asks still unhappy.
"Another clone that was captured for treason. But he's special and we need to get him out of Imperial control." Rex says serious.
"Why do we need to rescue this special clone?" I ask calmly.
"Because he is the sole holder of republic strategy algorithm that finds weaknesses in offenses battle lines." Rex says grinning slyly.
"How come he's the only one who has it?" Sabine asks.
"Because it's not a written out code. It's stored in implant's in his head. Unaccessible unless you are plugged in directly." Coric says rapping a knuckle on his head.
"So we get this friend of your's out and you'll join us?" Zeb asks.
"Yes. But it's a well defended compound lost two other ARC troopers last time we tried." Gregor says seriously.
"So do we have a deal?" Rex asks looking seriously at Kanan.
"Yes. But how do you plan on getting in?" Kanan says after a moment.
"Well that's the simple part we know all the codes it's the part where we have to get out that's the problem." Coric says showing the floor layout of the building.
The compound has four high walls with watch tower's on the corners. The only building has only one entrance and four anti air defense cannons on the roof. The central floor plan shows that the only way to the holding area is spiraling route that goes through the entire building and down below ground.
"So we drop onto the roof and cut our way in after disabling the cannon's, make our way through the spiral taking care of any resistance along the way silently and hopefully make to the underground part before any alarms are triggered and fight our way out. After we are out Hera picks up in the Phantom." I say simply.
"Won't work kid those towers and cannons will rip through any ship close enough." Rex says smirking.
"I wasn't planning on using a ship." I say smiling.
"No you are not using those packs on another suicide mission." Kanan says glaring at me.
"They all worked in the end and besides after Sabine and I disable the cannon's you guys can land and make the way with us." I say staring back.
"You know that's not a bad plan." He says smiling.
"But I have a better one. We use the walker to land beside the building. With Wolfe and Gregor in it to provide a distraction while the rest of you follow Ezra's plan." Rex says smiling widely.
"No way this thing is space worthy." Sabine says gesturing to the worn out seals.
"No, not this one but where do you think we got it?" Wolfe asks grinning.
"I assume you stole it." Kanan says bored.
"No we got from an old Republic base long forgotten and outfitted with armor, weapons, ships, and tanks." Gregor says excitedly.
"Then why aren't you guys there?" Zeb asks.
"Because we wanted it remain a secret." Coric says dryly.
"Well where is this old base?" I ask curious.
"On Allyuen, in the outer rim." Coric says smiling.
"So we go there get outfitted for this mission and then go and attack this compound?" I ask.
"Hey where is this base?" Zeb asks.
"On one of Coruscant's moons." Rex says.
"You mean the Empire's main planet?" I ask almost panicly.
"Yes. Now you see why we failed before." Rex says grimly.
"Well this should be fun explaining to the fleet." Kanan says sighing.
"Tell your fleet you are going on a mission but nothing else. I may trust Commander Tano but that doesn't mean I trust anybody else." Rex says.
"Fine but you get to tell that to Hera not me." Kanan says walking out.
"I don't think your friend likes us." Rex says frowning.
"Kanan is good guy he just doesn't trust easily. He's a great teacher and Jedi." I say smiling.
"Well I hope he's as good as you say otherwise we might not make it back." Rex says standing and walking over to some crates.
"Suit up boys we're going to get our man back." He pulls out the crates and opens them showing four suits of clone armour all painted a different color.
"Wow. That's some heavy duty armour." I say looking at it.
"Yeah the Republic gave its troops the best armour it could, not the plastic crap the Empire has now." He says as if the new armour leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
"Any chance that you have some extra pieces?" I ask watching them suit up.
"Sorry kid we just have our stuff but you might be able to find some that will fit at the old base." Coric says while putting on red striped armour and a pack with a medic sign on it. Rex has blue striped with a blue pauldron on it. Wolfe has the same outfit in grey. Gregor has on white with yellow stripes and large pack on his back with no pauldron.
"What's the coloring for?" I ask.
"Blue for me cause that was my unit colour, grey for Wolfe for the same reason. Coric has red cause he's a medic. And Gregor has yellow because he was a member of the clone commando's." Rex explains before grabbing their helmets and handing them out.
"Alright we're ready to go." He says as they all put on their helmet's.
"Well let's go see if Hera has finished her upgrades." I say as Sabine and I walk out.
"Hey Kanan. Hera ready to go?" I yell as he powers up the Phantom.
"Yup let's load up and go." He says stepping out and frowning.
"Don't worry the Empire thinks we're dead and we were the only ones who knew about him." Rex says climbing into the Phantom.
"Yeah this should be fun." Gregor says hauling a weapons chest.
"How many weapons do you guys have?" I ask looking at the large storage locker.
"Enough to get the job done, and more." Rex says.
"Alright let's go." Kanan says taking off.
They dock with the Ghost in silence.
"Alright let's go meet Hera." Kanan says opening the back door.
They all file out and drop down to the main floor on the Ghost.
"It's this way guys." I say leading the group to the common room.
"So you must be the Hera that is to be feared." Rex says looking around the room.
"Feared?" She asks looking at us. Sabine, Zeb and I step back leaving Kanan in the line of fire.
"Really?" He asks looking back.
"What exactly did you tell them about me?" Hera asks scrutinizing him.
"I uh Rex?" Kanan asks.
"Ah yes. Sorry that is my fault. I have only one request you can not tell your fleet where we are going and Kanan here has already agreed to help us get our friend back from the Empire." Rex says simply.
"HE WHAT?!" Hera shouts glaring at him.
"I-uh-well we had to get them to join us and this was the only way." Kanan says backing away from her.
"Remember what happened last time you made a decision without talking to me? We ended up running an Imperial blockade after you lost Chopper!" Hera yells walking up to him glaring and poking his chest.
"Now dear let's remain calm." Kanan says trying not to freak out.
"Wow I understand why he was so hesitant about this." Rex says obviously smirking under his helmet.
"Yeah you do not want to get on her bad side." I say having moved away from the argument.
"Remain calm! Eyi frotz!" Hera yells turning around.
"I'm sorry my idiot crew member isn't allowed to make deals with people only I am. Especially when it involves people we don't know. Now what is this deal that you have made?" Hera asks putting on a calm facade.
"Your crew member agreed to help us get a member of our squad out of an Imperial compound on one of Coruscant's moons." Coric says leaning against the wall.
"HE WHAT!?" Hera screams glaring even fiercer at him as he attempts to exit the room.
"I-well Ezra and Rex came up with a good plan and if this doesn't work we still get another base for the Rebellion to use." Kanan says looking terrified.
"Wow I didn't think that anything could terrify a Jedi Knight." Wolfe says sounding a tad afraid himself.
"Yeah no one messes with Hera." I say smirking at my master getting ripped a new one.
"And what are you smirking about?" Hera asks spinning to me.
I immediately freeze and shrink back a bit.
"Nothing." I say quickly.
"That's what I thought now what is this plan?" She asks looking at Rex.
"Do you have a holoprojector?" Rex asks pulling a holodisk from his arm.
"Yes." Sabine says taking it and plugging it in.
"Now our plan is to have Commander's Wolfe, and Gregor land in a Republic walker and create a distraction while Ezra and Sabine clear the roof for a landing zone for the rest of us. After that we make our way through the compound and take care of any forces inside and get our man out through the front that Wolfe and Gregor have still open hopefully." Rex explains.
"Well Ezra one thing is for sure you have taken Kanan's way of planning and made it yours." Hera says still glaring at Kanan.
"It's not my fault." Kanan says sheepishly.
"Oh really and where do you think he learned it from?" She asks.
"Dude take it from me don't make her madder." Zeb says whispering in Kanan's ear.
"Sorry." He says smiling hopefully.
"I don't know how you made through the clone wars with plans like this." Hera says gesturing to the projection.
"Actually I like the kid's planning style reminds me of the jedi general that I served with. Almost never lost a battle but the best part of him was his compassion." Rex says.
"Anakin Skywalker?" Kanan asks.
"Yes. We served with him and Commander Tano throughout the war." Rex says.
"The man was crazy, brilliant but crazy." Coric says.
"Fine. Now where are we headed?" Hera asks standing up.
"Allyeun. There is a hidden Republic base that has everything we need for this assault." Rex says handing her a holodisk.
"These the coordinates?"
"Yup plug this in and we'll be there without a problem." Wolfe says.
"Good now everyone get some rest. Ezra, Sabine you mind bunking up so that Rex has somewhere to sleep? Also Zeb I need you to do maintenance on the Phantom. Rex you and your men should rest cause once we get down there who knows what will happen." Hera says leaving no time for answers.
"Well I guess it's you and I sleeping in the same bad again." Sabine says smiling.
"I got no problems with that." I say smiling back.
"I thought Jedi weren't allowed to have attachments?" Rex asks watching us.
"The remaining Jedi have agreed that that part of the code was incorrect to a point. I believe that attachments are okay so long as you can control yourself. I have my own attachments as does Ahsoka." Kanan says.
"And besides which it's not like Ezra and I are, well you know." Sabine says realizing the mistake she made.
"Oh that's on your mind?" Hera asks reappearing.
"No-I." Hera cuts her off.
"Any of that happens on my ship and I toss you both out the airlock while in hyperspace. Got it?"
"Hey is that really necessary with what goes on between you and Kanan?" I ask boldly.
"I don't know what you think goes on between Kanan and I but we are both consenting adults so it's none of your business." Hera says glaring at me.
"Chopper you want to show her the picture that you showed us a few weeks ago?" I say smiling slyly.
"You wouldn't." Kanan says confidently.
"Oh we both know I would." I say smirking at him.
"Chopper do it." I say staring at them.
"Fine do whatever you want but if she gets pregnant I will drag you behind this ship into hyperspace." Hera says pissed.
"You got it Hera." I say while being dragged by Sabine.
"What were you thinking?" Sabine asks as we reach her room.
"I was bluffing." I say smiling.
"You what?" She asks looking shocked.
"I bluffed Kanan and Hera into that." I say starting to laugh.
"Yeah but know they think that we are going to you know…" She says looking shy.
"Oh I didn't think about that." I say turning beet red.
"What don't want to sleep with me?" She asks looking unhappy.
"What? No I-well this sucks." I say unhappily.
"No I do." Sabine mumbles.
"What?" I ask shocked.
"You heard that?" She asks looking horrified.
"Yes and I had no idea." I say smirking and turning to the bed.
"Don't say a thing to anyone." She says tugging at her armour.
"Need some more help?" I ask watching and smirking.
"Yes." She grumbles.
I walk over and grab top part of her armour and pull.
It pops off and glance at her.
I stop stunned. Her back is tanned and smooth. With a few small scars spread around it. She has an hourglass figure that could stop any man in their tracks.
"Hey turn around." She says shooting me a glare over her shoulder.
I do as she says and get into bed.
"You really are something." I say smirking.
"Yeah and why's that?" She asks climbing into bed next to me.
"I'm serious you really are something. A fighter, explosive artist, and beautiful." I say smiling.
"Thanks."
"So what now?" I ask turning to her.
"What?" She asks confused.
"Well she did say it was alright." I say smirking.
"You mir'shab*." She says punching me in the chest.
"Ow." I say laughing. She kisses me. After a moment she pulls away.
"And you're not getting anything else." She says turning over.
"Jate ca cyar'ika." I say tiredly.
"What?" She asks surprised.
"Jate ca cyar'ika." I say yawning.
"Jate ca cyar'ika." She says as we fall asleep.
A/N Incase you don't know what they are saying in the end. Also I would like to thank Rebel Spectre 6 for beta reading this chapter and getting Ezra to sound more like Ezra.
Jate:Good
Ca:Night
Cyar'ika:Darling or sweetheart
Mir'shab: Smartass