"Alright guys, you've only got twenty minutes to get in, get the crates and get out", Hera said over her com. "Any later, you're caught. Any earlier, then you just guaranteed no left overs for dinner".
"Duly noted, Specter 1", Kanan said over the com. "Don't worry. We'll get in and out before you can say carabast".
"I'm not the one who's worried", Hera said, chuckling to herself. "Good luck team. And whatever you do, don't try to die. I can't run this rust bucket alone you know".
Kanan chuckled. "Will do Specter 1".
Hera turned off the communicator. She knew they would make it. They always had, so she had no reason to doubt them. She turned to Ezra, who was sitting next to her in the cockpit. He was slouching in his chair, and he looked distraught. Hera didn't have to ask why. "Don't worry", she said, reaching over and putting her hand on his shoulder. "They'll be in and out of there before you know it".
"It's not that", he answered, not looking at her. "I wanted to go in help pick up those crates".
"I understand", Hera replied. "But I already told you, until I get an a-ok from Fulcrum, you have to stay indoors".
"But it's been almost two weeks!", Ezra exclaimed. "The only time I was outside was my first day with you guys, and even then I only got, like, an hour and a half. Come on Hera, why do I have to be stuck inside 24\7?"
Hera sighed. It was good that Ezra was beginning to trust all of them; to the point where he began to speak freely. It was easier to communicate with him now that he was opening up more.
"I'll tell you why soon", she said. "But until then, you're staying inside with little old me".
Ezra smiled a little. Since the beginning of his 'lockdown', or whatever you want to call it, Hera had tried to help him make the most of it. She had taught him some space chess, read to him an hour a day, and showed him how to operate the ship. And when the others weren't on any missions, they helped keep him busy. Sabine showed him how to disable and reassemble a gun. Chopper played some space chess with him, though he won most of the time, giving Ezra a goal to work toward. And Kanan still trained him. Some days were either flat out easy or stressful for the both of them. But they managed. But Zeb, Zeb was a different story. Ezra was very slow to warming up to him, and he never said why. Zeb said he had never seen him before in his life. So did Ezra. Whenever the subject was brought up, Ezra would just simply reply, "He just reminds me of someone I once knew". But both Kanan and Hera knew that that wasn't the whole story. Hera could sometimes see a begin to build up again whenever he was asked about him and Zeb. One day he'll tell us, she would always remind herself. Just give him some more time, that's all. But that isn't to say they weren't friendly with each other. Far from it. Those two would have some pretty interesting conversations. It was hard to understand though what was going on in Ezra's mind about it. It was just a subject he wouldn't bring up or continue.
"Well, looks like they're making their get away", Hera commented. Ezra sat up and looked through the windshield. They were above lothal's main city, which was of course full of gray buildings. But from one particular spot came this burst of color; light blues and greens, yellows, pinks, and many others. "Just like them", Hera said, crossing her arms and grinning. "I bet they're gonna call for us in, oh about, ten seconds".
As if on cue, Kanan's voice came through the ships com. "Specter 1! We need you to pick us up at the south part of the city!"
"Will do Specter 2", Hera said, guiding the ship toward the area. "Buckle up Ezra!", she commanded. "And hang on tight!"
Ezra obeyed, knowing what was going to happen next. Hera guided the ship up into the sky, then speeded back down, making a quick tight turn to the right. Ezra held on to the arm rests of his seat and leaned forward, keeping his eyes open for the rest of the crew. "There!", he exclaimed, pointing to the direction he was talking about. There was Kanan and Chopper in the front while Zeb and Sabine followed close behind. All of them were pushing a crate or two and were running as fast as they possibly could.
Hera flew the ship over the running group and hovered it in front of them. "Stay here!", Hera ordered, getting out of her seat and running out of the cockpit.
"Where would I go?", Ezra asked himself sarcastically. He sat back and sighed. Why won't they let me help them? Do they think I'm that much trouble?
As he looked out the windshield something caught his eye. He leaned forward to get a closer look. He saw a gray arm stick out from what appeared to be an alleyway and make a few signs, then disappear back behind the wall. And as if on cue, five white figures moved from one alleyway to another. They moved fast, but Ezra knew who they were right off the dime. "Stormtroopers!", he exclaimed. "But if there some here, and a few more coming in from behind us......it's a trap!"
Ezra jumped out of his seat. I don't care what Hera said! I've got to warn them!

Hera slowly pulled one of the crates up the ramp while Kanan pushed from the back. "Why did you have to break Chopper's charger, Zeb?", Hera asked.
"He was asking for it", Zeb answered, carrying the power-dead Chopper.
"Yeah, now thanks to you, our droid is now dead for the next eight hours!", Sabine snapped as she pushed up one of her crates.
Kanan was about to put in his own comment when someone yelled, "Guys! Get in the ship now!"
Everyone turned to where the voice was coming from. "Ezra!", Hera scolded. "I told you to stay in the cockpit".
"It's a trap!", Ezra yelled, ignoring Hera. "They knew we were coming. There are stormtroopers coming from over there!"
As if on cue, another voice yelled, "Attack!"
"Everyone inside!", Kanan ordered. Hera and Sabine ran in with one crate each while Zeb carried Chopper. That left three crates. Oh well. Looks like we'll be missing a few. Hope Vizago doesn't mind.
Kanan pushed in one then used the force to pull in another. Just one crate left!
Sabine was next to him firing at the troopers with everything she had. Kanan felt the ship begin to go up and the hatch slowly close. "Well, there goes one", Kanan commented. He looked at the crate but then had to do a double take. The crate was coming full force toward him........by itself!
Kanan and Sabine both jumped out of the way as the crate zoomed passed them and into Ezra. He fell down, the crate resting on top of him. When the hatch clicked shut, Kanan and Sabine ran to Ezra and moved the crate off him. "Kid, you okay?", Kanan asked.
Sabine helped Ezra sit up. "Yeah, I'm okay", he answered. "I didn't expect it to go that fast. Guess I don't know my own strength".
"That was quite a hit you took", Kanan replied. Then he stopped and stared at Ezra. "Hold on, what do you mean you don't know your own strength?"
Ezra didn't answer right away. He tried to look Kanan in the eye, but he found himself avoiding his stern eyes. "I.....uh......kind of pulled on the crate".
"You did what!", Sabine exclaimed, taking off her helmet. "Ezra, you know you're not supposed to get involved with any of the missions; not until Hera says you can".
"But I couldn't help it!", Ezra said as Kanan helped him up. "I saw the crate and just felt like I had to get it".
"We appreciate your help", Kanan said. "But you disobeyed direct orders. I'm sorry, but you'll have to face probation for the next few days".
Ezra shrugged. "Even though it was wrong, I still kind of feel like it did the crew good".
"Well, good or not, you disobeyed. You have to get that in you head, alright?"
"Alright".
"Good. For a start, you can help Sabine clean up some of the stuff in these crates".
Ezra nodded. He took a step forward but fell face flat on the floor. "Still got a little whiplash left in you?", Sabine asked playfully.
Ezra chuckled and began to get up but felt his body fall again. "Ezra? Are you okay?", Kanan asked, sounding concerned.
Ezra didn't answer. He started to pushed his body up but his whole right side fell with a thud. He cringed as pain spread all through his right leg. He sat up slowly and looked at his leg and gasped. "Ezra what's wrong?", Kanan asked as he ran over to his side. Ezra stared at his right leg. The armor that had been there was shattered into tiny pieces.
Kanan didn't understand. All he saw was the broken remnants of Ezra's leg armor. "It's alright Ezra", he said. We can always get you another one".
"No, it's not that", Ezra said, clenching his teeth. He leaned forward and slowly pulled up the pant leg, revealing the thin disheveled leg. Shivers went down Kanan's spine. "That's why you would never take ot off", Kanan realized. "That kept you balanced, didn't it?"
Ezra nodded. "It looks like the crate broke it when it hit you", Sabine said. "I may have a spare piece of armor that might do the trick". Sabine got up and climbed up the ladder. "Just hang in there. I'll be right back", she called out as she ran out of the room.
Kanan held Ezra close; allowing him to rest his head on his shoulder. "I suppose you want an explanation?", Ezra asked.
"Well, I wasn't going to say anything", Kanan answered. "Wasn't sure if it was personal".
"No, no, it's okay. I was born this way really. My parents gave me the leg armor so that I could be able to just walk around. They made sure that it would grow with me too. I would just have to adjust it every once and a while".
Kanan just stared at Ezra. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Ezra shrugged his shoulders. "It just never came up".
"Touche", Kanan answered, smiling down at his padawan. He's a tough kid, he thought to himself. I just hope he knows he doesn't always have to.
"Got it!", Sabine yelled as she ran into the room. She was waving a piece of armor almost identical to Ezra's first one, only shinier, and it had a small version of the rebel's symbol painted on the corner.
She bent down and began to clip it in place. Ezra winced a few times but no sound came out of him. "There!", she said finally. "All set".
"Here, let's get you up", Kanan said. He took one side of Ezra and Sabine took the other. Slowly, they lifted him up to his feet. "One step at a time bud", Kanan said. Ezra nodded and took one step. Then he took another. And another, this time almost falling.
"It's okay", Kanan said, making his grip a little tighter. "Sabine and I got you. Just try again".
Ezra took a deep breath and took another step. In just a few minutes he was almost running around the room trying out his new leg armor. "You did it!", Sabine exclaimed, not able to contain her joy for Ezra. Kanan clapped. "Nice job kid", he said.
Ezra stopped running and looked at the both of them. "Thank you guys", he said. Then he ran up to them and gave a big hug. Kanan savored the moment. He felt like he had just taught his own kid how to walk. Maybe I'm suppose to see it like that, he thought to himself. Maybe I am suppose to be like a......a father to him.
"Attention ghost crew", Hera's voice called out as she walked into the docking bay. "We're coming up on our meeting spot with Vizago. Everyone except Ezra grab a crate and head out".
Ezra let go of Kanan and Sabine. "We'll be right back", Sabine said as she walked over to a crate and walked out with Zeb. Ezra looked up at Kanan. "Can't I just stay in the docking bay? I won't leave the ship".
Kanan thought about this for a minute. "I don't see the harm", he answered. "Just stay out of sight, okay kid?"
"You got it", Ezra said, sitting down on an empty crate. Kanan chuckled. "Alright, we'll be done hopefully soon. Sometimes Vizago likes to fawn over ideas that don't really suit us".
Ezra nodded understandingly. Hm, Vizago. That sounds vaguely familiar. I wonder where I heard it.
Kanan walked outside with a crate and joined the rest of the group. "Hello Vizago", Kanan said.
"Welcome back Kanan Jarris", Vizago greeted merrily. "Now what have you brought me today? Something worth my time I hope".
Before Kanan could answer, Hera butted in, knowing Kanan would say something that would cause them to be on wrong terms with Vizago. "We have the crates, just as promised".
Vizago strolled over to the crates and peaked inside all of them. In each was a certain kind of gun, each crate containing a kind more dangerous than the last. "This is good", he muttered, smiling to himself. "This is very good. Yes I believe these will do".
Hera and the crew grinned. "Good", Hera stated. "Now let's make a deal".

Ezra sat as he waited for the crew to be done. He could faintly hear their conversation, and was trying to listen without leaving the box. I still can't understand why this Vizago guy sounds so familiar, he wondered to himself. I've crossed paths with different people tons of times. Where have I seen, or heard him? From town? From the market? Where have I met this guy?
A faint but still sudden beeping noise came from outside. What was that?
Ezra slid off the crate and walked over to the side of the entrance. He went in his hands and knees and gave the outside world a small peek. His eyes scanned the area until it landed on what had made the noise. It was a lookout droid. Funny, I've seen those things before. But where......
His eyes suddenly caught a person walk over to the droid. Ezra gasped and backed away. N-no. It can't be! I thought.......what....why is he here?

"Vizago, what's wrong with your droid?", Sabine asked, the beeping sound already getting on her nerves.
"Oh that?", Vizago just shrugged his shoulders. "That's just one of my lookout droids".
"Lookout droids?", Zeb asked.
"Yeah. Whenever I do any 'special' deals with anybody, I always have a few droids scanning the area to make sure were not caught".
"So the droid caught something?", Sabine asked.
"It would appear so", Vizago answered. He walked over to the droid and checked it's scanner, causing the beeping sound to stop entirely. "Well well, it would appear you have a stowaway on your ship".
Hera walked over to the monitor. "No, that's not a stowaway", she answered. "That's our newest member, Specter 6".
"Really?", Vizago replied. "I had no idea you had a new friend. Why isn't he out here with you?"
Hera felt her face heat up but she kept her cool. "He's just staying behind mending the ship".
"Well, I would like to meet this friend of yours", Vizago said. "Any friend of yours is most likely a friend of mine".
"You'll meet him when we say you'll meet him", Kanan said sternly. Even though they earned money from this guy, Kanan still didn't fully trust him.
"Kanan!", Hera scolded. She turned back to Vizago. "Thank you for your time Vizago, but we'll take our money now if you please".
Vizago wasn't fully paying attention to her. He was reading the monitor and muttering something to himself.
"Vizago", Hera repeated. "We want our money now".
"Actually", Vizago said. "I have another offer for you".
This made Kanan uneasy. "What is it?"
"I was checking the monitor when I noticed something".
"What?"
Vizago didn't say anything. He just turned the monitor toward the crew. They all gasped and their hearts dropped. There in front of them was a picture of Ezra on the screen. He looked a little younger, and he had two fresh scars on his face. Blood dripped from the corner of his head as he stared into the camera with frightened eyes.
"When did you take this?!", Kanan nearly yelled.
"Well, this picture was taken a few years ago. You see, I have been looking for him ever since he escaped my ship. No, he's not in the empire's system, but he's in my watch list".
No one could say anything. Suddenly, everything made sense now to Kanan. When they had first met Ezra had said that he couldn't trust again; about how Kanan was just stalling for time so that they could sell him off. His fear of Zeb, who kind of did have a resemblance to Vizago. And Ezra's bitterness toward people in general, the pain in his eyes......it all seemed to fall into place.
"So here's the deal: you sell him to me, and I'll pay double for what you've asked for".
Kanan stared at Vizago, his heart full of sadness, disgust, and anger. "You want an answer?", Kanan said, walking up to Vizago. "Well this is my answer".
And with that, Kanan punched Vizago square in the face.