Note: To all reading, I hope your tolerating the weather where you live :)

Where I am it's been raining a lot. It makes me wonder about the people in snowy climates and what they have to deal with. That thought gave inspiration to this short chapter. Enjoy! Please comment any suggestions.

XX

The snow-covered expanse of the frozen lake stretched out before them as Ygnacio, Spectre Seven's brother, prepared the traditional Mirial ice fishing equipment. In a duffel bag, he packed ice-picks, a shovel, a rectangular board with a center hole, fishing rods, and nets. The Mirialan winter was biting cold, but the crisp air filled with the promise of an adventure.

Yalara, formerly Seventh Sister, bundled up in extra winter attire, exchanged curious glances with Ezra. Ygnacio, sensing their anticipation, smiled warmly and handed them each a set of ice-picks. "This is one of Mirial's oldest traditions. I suppose without the technology most would be forced to do this for sheer survival," he said, the passion evident in his voice.

As they walked onto the frozen lake, the ice creaked beneath their boots, a reminder of the season's grip. Ygnacio explained the art of ice fishing, how to find the right spots, and the patience required for the delicate dance with the aquatic life beneath the ice.

Spectre Seven, always intrigued by her Mirialan heritage, listened attentively, absorbing the nuances of the traditional practice. She glanced at Ezra, who seemed genuinely excited about this new experience.

"Alright here is the spot. Both of you use the two ice-picks and make two holes close to each other. Make them about the size of Huttballs," Ygnacio instructed with hand gestures.

As they settled into the rhythm of ice fishing, Seventh and Ezra used their force abilities to enhance their strength. This helped in making the holes quicker than Ygnacio ever had.

"Woah! Now I see your guys' abilities at work."

Next, they used a similar method to make a larger hole out of the two. Then, they picked at it until water burst. Ygnacio placed the rectangular board in the middle, inserting a fishing rod in its center hole.

"Now, steadily rotate the fishing rod until you feel any fish connect to it."

Ygnacio, intrigued by the notion of his sister's Force abilities, turned to Seventh Sister with a playful grin. "Hey, sis, can you use your Force powers to sense where the fish are?"

Seventh Sister considered the idea, a spark of mischief in her eyes. She extended her senses, connecting with the living force around them. The serene landscape, covered in a blanket of snow, became a canvas for her to explore.

Closing her eyes briefly, she focused on the icy waters beneath. The subtle movements, the unseen currents, all became a part of her perception. A small smile played on her lips as she opened her eyes. "Perhaps, I'll see if the Force has any insights."

Seventh took a moment, allowing her senses to guide her. The Force, it seemed, had whispered its secrets to her. Whether by chance or some mysterious connection, soon enough, they felt the subtle tugs on their fishing rods.

Ygnacio, unable to contain his surprise, laughed. "Well, I'll be. Maybe there's more to this Force thing than I thought."

Seventh Sister grinned, enjoying the lighthearted moment. "I'd say the Force has its ways, even in the art of fishing."

As they continued their ice fishing with a newfound sense of camaraderie and wonder, the frozen lake echoed with the satisfaction of a successful Mirialan tradition, enhanced by a touch of the Force.

Ygnacio, his eyes focused on the icy hole, turned to Ezra. "Ezra, I gotta say you've been kind of quiet since you arrived here. I want to say that even though we recently met, you are a part of this family." His remark hung in the cold air, and Ezra took a moment to collect his thoughts.

"Thanks Ygnacio," Ezra began, "I guess I thought it was her time to reconnect with her roots, while I just observe. It's great seeing her open up with more people." He budges her shoulder.

"Oh come on, I've taken efforts to connect with Luke, his father, and Jacen haven't I?"

"Yes, but all the people you mentioned are sensitive in the force."

"Hmf, point taken, Bridger."

Ignacio, sensing Seventh's reserved response, interjected, "Well sis explained how she ended up in the Alliance, but what about you? How did you end up joining?"

Ezra began recounting a difficult chapter of his life. "When I was a kid, the Empire took my parents. They spoke out against what the Empire was doing to its people. They were captured, and I was left alone."

Seventh Sister listened attentively, recognizing that this was a part of Ezra's life he hadn't shared all to often with her.

Ezra continued, "After they were taken, I survived on the streets. It wasn't until I encountered Kanan, a Jedi, that I found a purpose. He taught me about the Force and the ways of the Jedi. That's when I joined the Alliance, to fight against the Empire and the injustice they spread."

Ygnacio nodded, a newfound appreciation for Ezra's journey dawning on him. "So, did you become a Jedi to be able to help the Alliance more?"

Ezra smiled, a mix of determination and nostalgia in his eyes. "Somewhat. When I was younger I was more impatient, all about myself, and getting powerful."

"When maturing, I learned that no one else had to go through what I did. Joining the Alliance and becoming a Jedi was my best way of standing up against the Empire."

Ygnacio looked to the snowy mountains away from the valley. "I suppose it's hard for me to understand. Throughout my life, the family and I have been neutral on the Empire. We were mostly left alone, while the government provided subsidies to family owned farms like ours. It made life easier for us when gradually building up our land."

Ezra was intrigued. "That's interesting. Some systems under the Empire depended a lot on imports and got their agriculture collectivized."

"I remember you saying your world was not known to help rebels. Do you not mind reforms happening to the Empire?"

Ygnacio honestly didn't mind his time under the Empire, not bearing the grunt of their atrocities. "Well, I just hope the current government keeps the same benefits of the Empire. As weird as this sounds to both of you, most people here just want to be left in their own devices. Work the land, sell to the community, relax with family, eat quality food. As long as they can do all that in peace, I think they would tolerate most ideologies."

Seventh responded to Ygnacio, "Well brother, unfortunately your testimony is not the case for most systems. When places harbored rebels, military presence was felt, curfews were implemented, and killings were done to the suspected. From your experience, it is hard to notice the ideology of the ruling government."

"You have a point, sis. Like I said before, I haven't really been thinking about what's out there. There would be some nights reflecting, wondering if it's best to stay here. To stay ignorant of all the drama in other parts of the Galaxy."

Spectre Seven nodded, appreciating the different perspectives. The trio continued their ice fishing, each lost in their own thoughts amidst the frozen beauty of Mirial.

There was a sense of resilience and hope—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals could find strength and purpose. The frozen lake became a silent witness to their shared stories, binding them together in a unique understanding of each other's struggles.

Ezra's gaze shifted to the horizon, recalling the journey that led him to where he stood. The tales unfolded, creating a bridge between his past and Ygnacio's present. The frozen landscape became a tableau for shared stories, and the icy silence of the lake held the echoes of their camaraderie.