"Everyone buckled up?", Ganobi asked through the inner com.
"Copy that", Petro answered.
"Then we're off!", Katooni said as she set the cordinants. The ship rose off the ground and took off. "We'll be there by nighfall", Katooni replied over the inter com. "So sit tight and relax".
Kanan sighed and felt a hand gently rest on his. "Don't worry", he heard Hera say. "We're going to find him".
Kanan nodded and gave Hera's hand a gentle squeeze. Her encouragement seemed to fill his heart up with peace.
But at the back of the ship, their wasn't much peace.
"So, what have you been up to lately?", Lux asked Ahsoka, fidgeting his fingers.
"Nothing much", Ahsoka mumbled back, not even looking at him.
It was silent for a few minutes before Lux exclaimed, "Ahsoka, we cannot keep going on like this. I know you're angry with me. But the past is the past now. Why can't we settle this?"
"Because there's no point in talking about this; especially at a time like this".
"But it can't wait".
"Yes it can, Lux".
And with that, Ahsoka walked away, leaving a stunned Lux.
"Wow, sounds like she was really ticked off at you", Sabine said, coming up from behind.
Lux just sighed. "She has every right to be. I just wish she'd let me explain. If she knew what the situation was then, perhaps she could forgive me".
"What exactly did happen?", Sabine asked.
Lux just stared at her for a moment, then told his story.
"It was about fifteen or sixteen years ago; during the first few weeks of Order 66. It was definitely a time of chaos; no one knew who they could turn to for help anymore.
I was traveling from planet to planet to see what I could do to help anyone who still believed in the republic. I had also been hoping to find Ahsoka; since she had left the jedi order I clung to the belief that she was still alive and hopefully safe.
While I was on a mission to deliver supplies to the P.R.A.E, my com got into the middle of an interception to the rebellion. It was Ahsoka. She had found several jedi survivors and younglings and was pleading to the rebellion for help. I let her know I was listening and tried to help. I pulled my ship closer to hers so I could bring them all aboard......but then......these ships; a mix of imperial war ships and one of the rebellion's cruisers came from all sides".
He paused. "I wanted to help; I really did".
"But why didn't you?", Sabine asked.
Lux looked at her with sad eyes. "The supplies I was carrying were kyber crystals. My ship was filled to the brim with boxes of kyber crystals from the jedi temple. I was to give them to the P.R.A.E, who were going to distribute them to any jedi in need. Sabine, if my ship had taken on any damage, no one would have survived".
"Oh. So you really did have a good explanation. But why don't you just tell her; I'm sure she'd understand once she knew".
Lux shook his head. "I've tried, but as you can see it's useless". He sighed. "I'll just have to get used to her cold shoulder".
Sabine was about to say something when Katooni's voice ran through the inter com. "Okay everybody, hang on. Gotta get past some TIEs before we can continue on our course, so buckle up 'cause it's gonna be a rough ride!"

"Eighth Brother, the ship is set and ready just as you requested".
"Good, good. Have the stormtroopers posted on the top six floors, and I want a small fleet ready for my command".
"As you wish, Eighth Brother".
The soldier walked away, leaving the Eighth Brother alone in the quiet hall. He walked to a door, pushed a few buttons, and entered. "Rise and shine, young Bridger".
Ezra turned sleepily. "What? Why?"
The Eighth Brother grinned a terrible grin under his mask. "Because we're going to play a game. I call it hide and seek. You've heard of it I'm sure?"
Ezra gave a slow nod. "Well, this version is different. When you find the person you're looking for, you have to catch them in order to be caught".
So it's a mix of tag and hide and seek?"
"Exactly. And here's the best part: we get to hide, and some old friends of yours are going to 'seek' us".
Ezra was puzzled. "What old friends?"
The Eighth Brother walked over to Ezra until he was looking directly down at him. "Oh, no one special......just the rebellion sending a small group to come and find you".
Ezra's eyes got wide with fright; his face immediately became pale. "W-why are they coming?"
"Isn't it obvious? They probably want to take you as a weapon against the empire. Or worse....." he leaned forward and his voice became a whisper. "They want to get rid of you".
Ezra's heart began pounding hard into his throat. "But.....why would they do that?"
"If you're gone, you can never grow in you're power and be able to fight for either side. And besides, even if you weren't a Bridger they would never want you on either side. They would rather you be gone and buried with the rest of them. You haven't forgotten it, have you?"
Ezra shook his head. "How can I? Everything I thought about the rebellion was a lie; except for what they fought for. That I know is true".
The Eighth Brother just stared at Ezra. "Yes, there is no denying that. But now that you know what you know, do you really think they would come to save you?"
Slowly, Ezra looked down and shook his head.
"They don't want you for who you are; I do. And I will do everything in my power to keep you alive and thriving in you're power".
"Yeah, only because you want to use my powers for the empire and keep the Bridger legacy".
"Yes and no; there's more to it than that, Ezra. You may not remember, but you and I, we go way back. I was there when you were born into this world; I saw your parents teach you your first steps; you learning your colors; everything that happened to you before your parents death I was there. For most of it at least".
Ezra looked up. "What do you mean? I know you knew my parents very well, but you make it sound as if it was something deeper than friendship".
The Eighth Brother was about to speak but immediately sensed something. "I will explain once we're done playing my game; once we get to base, I'll tell you everything".
The Eighth Brother stuck his hand out towards Ezra. "What do you say young Bridger; do you want to play?"
Ezra just stared at the Eighth Brother. But now that you know what you know, do you think they would come to save you?, the Eighth Brother's words ran in his head.
No.....no, they wouldn't.
Ezra reached up and grabbed the Eighth Brother's hand. "I'll play your game", he said confidently. "If being with you is my only way of survival, then what choice do I have now?"
The Eighth Brother smiled and pulled Ezra to his feet. "Then let the games begin".