Star Wars Rebels: Just Hold On

Lies and Secrets

Kimble's POV

That night I felt something powerful wash over my. It felt like a blast of the force. With it came a message. Someone screaming the name Kanan.

Wasn't that the name of Ezra's master? Why has he called out so powerfully? I had never heard him reach out for his master before. If I had heard it, was it possible others had too?

I tried to send out my own message with the force to join Ezra's.

"Kanan, whoever you are, please hurry," I said. "I don't think there's much time left."

Inquisitor's POV

I deactivated my lightsaber and gazed at the boy who was floating in front of me. Long black scars decorated his back and arms, separated only by the fabric of his ripped orange jumpsuit. I checked the boy's pulse.

Still alive.

He was resilient if nothing else. I exited the cell and turned to the two stormtroopers who stood waiting.

"Put prisoner 66 in a new jumpsuit," I commanded. "I'm afraid his current one has been rather disfigured."

"Yes sir," the stormtroopers said.

"And put the prison on high alert," I added. I wasn't blind to the explosion of the force Ezra had released. My master's plan had been a success. This would lure Kanan Jarrus and the rest of those rebels. That had always been the rebels' fatal flaw. They cared.

I went to my personal quarters and activated my holotransmitter. After a moment, my master appeared.

He always wore a long cloak, though I had no idea why. In holograms his face never appeared, but I had seen it once when we met in person. It was wrinkly and saggy, though not from age. His eyes were red and orange. He was extremely adept at using the force. I had even seen him use blue force lightning on multiple occasions.

"What news do you bring me?" my master asked.

"Your plan worked master," I said. "Ezra called out to his master, Kanan Jarrus. I felt the wave wash over me. The rebels should be on their way."

"Very good," my master told me. "I will come myself with my apprentice to oversee these delicate procedures."

"Master?"

"Do not think it escaped my notice that you have failed to capture or destroy these rebels," my master growled. "Besides, I felt a strong use of the dark side. I would like to investigate."

"Of course master," I said. "It will be as you say."

The hologram vanished and I let my sneer finally appear. My master was a fool, as was his apprentice. The last remnants of the dying Sith. Darth Sidious. Darth Vader. It was disgusting. But as I was not yet powerful enough to overthrow them, I was forced to obey them.

It was possible that all might change. If young Ezra survived and transferred to the dark side, perhaps he could be my apprentice. Why not start now? In my studies, I had discovered that most Sith joined the dark side in the face of death. Ezra was already weak. It would not take much to kill him. If he joined me before my master arrived, perhaps my master would be pleased. Then I only would need to train Bridger.

The the age of the Sith would end, and the dawn of the Inquisitors would begin.

Kimble's POV

Conner and Ezra were both late to the meal room, leaving Kaz and I to pass the time. Eventually they did appear. Two separate doors opened at the same time, allowing them to enter. Conner looked a little worse for wear while nothing seemed different about Ezra. Conner sat beside me with a weak smile while Ezra remained standing nearby.

"Have a seat Ezra," I offered. He only stood in a sort of daze.

"Ezra?" I repeated. He tried to smile, but it came out looking more like a grimace.

"What happened to you?" Conner asked.

"The Inquisitor," was all Ezra would say.

"I felt you call to Kanan," I said softly. "Do you know where he is?" Ezra blinked and took a deep breath.

"They're in hyperspace right now," he explained. "They know where we are. They're on their way to rescue us."

"Oh good!" Kaz cheered. "We'll finally be free!"

"There's something else," Ezra added. He looked at me. "They'll be here in ten minutes. They already have a plan. Do you remember their names?"

"Of course," I responded.

"Keep an eye out for them," Ezra commanded. I nodded.

The Inquisitor walked up to us. Me glanced at each of us in turn. Conner and Kaz stiffened, while Ezra wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Hello children," the Inquisitoe finally said. "I'll be taking young Bridger with me."

"You can't!" I declared, jumping to my feet. The Inquisitor raised his eyebrows (if those even were eyebrows).

"Are you giving the orders now?" he asked. "Don't fret, there may be a use for you yet."

I felt cold wash through me as the Inquisitor stared me down. The cold suddenly withdrew.

"You know," the Inquisitor said slowly.

"Know what?" I asked.

"You know something about the rebels," the Inquisitor said. "Something that Bridger told you."

I couldn't meet Ezra's eyes. The Inquisitor had found out! How did Ezra hide anything from him?

"I'll be back for you later," the Inquisitor decided. He placed a hand on Ezra's shoulder (who winced for some strange reason) and led him away.

"What are we going to do now?" Conner asked.

"We wait for Ezra's friends," I told him and Kaz. We didn't have to wait long. Fifteen minutes later, just before the meal ended, the doors opened and someone stepped in wearing an orange jumpsuit labeled 69. He was an adult male, and had dark brown hair and a type of goatee. His blue eyes scanned the room before landed on the three of us. He walked over to our table.

"Excuse me," he began. "This may sound strange, but I saw the three of you in a vision. I think you may be able to help me. My name is Kanan Jarrus and I'm looking for my padawan Ezra. Ezra Bridger."