(Ezra pov)

"Great. Just great! Both of my parents are former rebels turned Inquisitor! Just great!" I cry, once I get past my initial shock. "I don't believe this! You and Mom were always so resisting, you fought the Empire with everything you had! And now you've just given in?"

"Ezra, you really don't get it, do you?" My father asks, shaking his head. He walks further into the cell, closer to Jai and I. "The Empire is stronger than rebels. They are more powerful. Why fight for something you can't win?"

"Because I have hope! Like you did! Hope for a better galaxy, for peace! Hope that the Jedi will return!" I shout. "And I won't just throw that away! Unlike you, I actually have some honour!"

My father ignores my outburst and looks at Jai. "Who's your rebel friend?"

Jai glares at him. "If you're an Inquisitor, you already know full-well who I am."

"You think you're so clever," Dad laughs. "But yes, I do know who you are. Everyone does. You and Ezra have become a very popular topic among the high-ranking Imperials. Even the Emperor himself knows of you."

The Emperor?!  "Glad we're worthy of this much attention," I say, glaring at him. "Why?"

"Why?" Dad laughs, loudly and evilly. "Because the two of you are Force-sensitives with great powers. The extent of your powers is unknown. When Ezra was temporarily on the dark side, we saw how powerful he was. The Empire needs you. They need people with your raw power, adepts who could become as powerful as the Emperor or Darth Vader themselves. They need more Sith warriors, who can bend the galaxy to their will."

"But we won't join you," I declare. "The dark side is evil and corrupt. Look at what it's done to you and Mom!"

My father doesn't even flinch. "You don't have a choice, son. Besides, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your brother, would you?"

I laugh sarcastically. "Seriously? Is the Empire this desperate? I don't have a brother. Next time, try something more convincing."

"Oh, but I'm being very honest," he turns to Jai. "Your father's name was Javon Smith. You were told by your mother-who I assume is in hiding by now-that he left shortly after you were born and died soon after in an air speeder crash. Don't wonder how I know this-I'm reading your thoughts. Anyway, your father DID leave after you were born, but he didn't die in any crash. Instead, he remarried and had another child. How old are you? Oh, that's right. 16. Ezra's 15. I always get the two mixed up.

"But Javon Smith wasn't your father's real name, Jai. It was Ephraim. And now, I am going to shock you both by revealing the truth. Ezra and Jai, you're half-brothers."