Taking In An Orphan

Chapter 5

“So what now? Are we going to try to find someone to take him in?” Zeb asked as he made himself a caf. Kanan and Hera were sitting at the table. Hera held the boy in her arms, reading a datapad, and Kanan sat drinking caf, thinking. This is how Zeb found them an hour after the kid’s freak out. Zeb couldn’t get back to sleep as the child’s high pitched screams filled his mind every time he drifted off. That was the noise of a traumatized child, and Zeb felt terrible for causing the child panic, though he wouldn’t show it. 

“Well, we’re going to ask Ezra a little more about his past when he wakes up. All we know right now is that his name is Ezra, he’s four, and he has history with the empire including being chased and getting locked up.” Kanan sighed as he thought about the poor child’s past. “He must have some sort of guardian around.” Kanan had already started to form an attachment to the child. Even though he knew this was dangerous because of the kid’s force signature, Kanan couldn’t help but feel close to the little boy. 

Sabine walked in and started to get a caf, hoping Kanan and Hera wouldn’t notice. 

“No, Sabine. Not until you are fifteen at least. I don’t want you getting addicted to that stuff like Kanan and Zeb,” Hera said, eyes still on her datapad. 

“But you said you would treat me like an adult.” 

“We’ve been over this. I will treat you like an adult except for when it comes to your well being. You are only thirteen and I believe that you shouldn’t drink caf. It’s an unhealthy habit.” Hera preferred herbal tea, which had no caffeine at all. 

Sabine rolled her eyes, but knew Hera meant well. 

“I would make you some oatmeal or eggs, but I want him to get enough sleep.” Hera nodded her head toward the boy still passed out on her lap. 

“It’s fine, I can make it,” Sabine said, getting out some eggs. She took out a few of the eggs from the container and tried to crack one into the frypan. Hera watched as the egg burst all over Sabine’s hand. 

Hera made to get up, but Zeb said, “Don’t worry, Hera. I’ll make her some eggs.” 

“You cook?” Sabine asked in shock as Hera stared at the Lasat with wide eyes. Even Kanan was shaken out of his thoughts at the Lasat’s statement.

“Don’t be so surprised, I had to live on my own for awhile,” Zeb said. He easily cracked the eggs into the fry-pan and ten minutes later, Sabine had some sunny-side up eggs. 

“Wow, Zeb, these are actually pretty good,” Sabine said. 

“Don’t act so surprised,” Zeb said, cooking himself some scrambled eggs. “Anyone else want some?” 

“No, thanks, Zeb,” Kanan and Hera said. 

“Could you make a little bit for Ezra, please?” Hera asked. Zeb finished cooking and brought the plate out for Ezra and set it in front of Hera. He took a seat right next to Hera while Sabine sat next to him in the booth-seat. 

At the smell of food, Ezra started to wake up. He opened his eyes and glanced around at the crew looking at him. His eyes slid over Kanan and Sabine, who he looked at for a little while, wondering who she was and if her hair was real. Then he looked right next to him and found the monster from this morning. 

With a scream, Ezra scrambled off of Hera’s lap and under the table. He crawled over to Kanan’s legs and gripped onto them, crying. 

“Do I really look that bad?” Zeb asked. Sabine had no idea what was going on. But before Kanan could do anything, Sabine took action.