Towards the future I see

Chapter 32 Part 3

For the ground assault, Thrawn had a plastoid vest and helmet ready for me as well for him.  We got to the surface some way away from the shield. Thrawn ordered me to remain on the ship while he leads the assault. It was fine by me, now that I was on the ground I could try to reach out to the force and search for the being who is so strong with the force. It felt stronger here yet still far. The sky was getting darker and darker. This feeling was of anger and it was coming towards the rebel base. Maybe I would see it once it arrives.

Thrawn ordered a second wave after the first line had been stopped by mines left by the rebels. If Ezra was coming with the help he better come fast. The second wave was enough to make the rebels run toward the base. They send air support but Thrawn simply sends Tie Fighters after them. The walkers went ahead and kept firing at the rebels while troopers ran after them. Thrawn came to the ship and ordered it to land closer now that the walker had made room for us. Four Death troopers walked out and began advancing. Thrawn walked slowly and calmly and waited for me to out too.

“Stay close, my lady. We can’t have you get hurt, now can we?” He said. I did just that. Something was coming here. I felt it. But now I had to concentrate on something else.

“Armored division hold your position and destroy any rebel ships at attempt to flee. Embark all troops and storm the base and if possible capture the rebel officers.” Thrawn ordered to the comlink.

I followed behind him and kept my eyes open and my mind clear. I was getting cold and the ache was still there. But this was important. If there was something on this planet then I should find it. Whatever it was it was strong and maybe it will be my answer to flee Vader. But Thrawn still had my tapestries. Either way, maybe I can erase them myself later. Now was not the time for that, I had to find it first.
We kept entering deeper and deeper into the base. Finally, we came to a place that resembled a meeting area and was joined to the landing platform. The walker had taken down one cargo ship that intended to flee. The Death troopers had surrounded a group of rebels, and I recognized them.

“And now, Captain Syndulla. I will accept your formal surrender. Or you will watch your friends perish one by one. Beginning with the Jedi.” Thrawn said.

I felt something stuck to my throat, as I heard the familiar name. I was still behind Thrawn so they hadn’t seen me yet. I saw Rex and Zeb at the side. I tried to prepare myself for this but it still felt wrong and that I couldn’t do it. I heard a lightsaber activating. Which could only be Kanan. They were all wary and tried to look for an opening.

“I require an answer.” Thrawn pressed.

“You already know my answer,” Hera said.

“What a shame, it would be sad for Lady Mira to know that her friends will die today,” Thrawn said.

“Don’t bring her into this.” Hera hissed.

“Hera, she is standing right there,” Kanan said.

I tensed, how did Kanan see me? I was still behind Thrawn and out of sight of others. When everyone heard that I was there, they first looked at Kanan as they weren’t sure if they understood what he said. But once Thrawn stepped aside, they all saw me. It was unavoidable now, I could see the shock and hurt in their eyes.

“Mira?” Hera called my name. I couldn’t answer. What would I say? I couldn’t look at them, so I lowered my eyes.

“There's no way out for you, right?” Kanan said.

I had heard that Kanan lost his sight when he fought in Malachor. But apparently, he had learned to turn that weakness into strength. He saw me even when others didn’t. And the sound of his voice told me that he knew that I had no choice in this. That somehow made me feel a little relieved, and it gave me the strength to face others again.