Erstwhile

Family

What had I been thinking?

This was the question I kept asking myself as I clenched and unclenched my fingers. Before me was a vast map of the Galaxy, and on the other side stood Commander Sato. There was no doubt in my mind that he had noticed the Ghost's absence, but he had yet to say anything.

His silence only added to my anxiety as I thought about the Ezra, Ahsoka, and the crazy rescue mission Kanan had set off on. I should've known that Zeb and Sabine would've tagged along, but now I was left feeling empty and left out. It was true that it had been my choice alone to stay behind, but now I regretted it. I should've gone with Kanan, and yet, I should've made him stay.

What had I been thinking?

Disrupting my thoughts, Sato suddenly spoke. "Hera," he began, "Where is Kanan? He's not one to disappear."

Avoiding his question, I replied simply, "You're right."

A few moments passed in painful silence as I forced myself not to meet the Commander's pointed gaze. Even if he already knew the truth concerning Kanan's whereabouts, I knew that if I looked at him, he'd see my shame. In the rebellion fleet, I held a position of high standing, so why did I feel like a frightened child?

"Go to them."

His statement surprised me. "What?" I sputtered, "I'm the Pheonix leader. I can't just leave."

From across the table, the Commander sighed. "Hera, we've all lost something to the Empire: homes, friends, and family." Remembering, I closed my eyes and nodded.

"But, Hera, unlike some of us, during the fight against the Empire, you've gained something too," he explained. "You found a new family."

Listening to his words, my heart ached.
"What if Ezra is already gone?"

At my statement, something changed in Sato's posture. His eyes softened, and his mouth hardened into a line. Turning to the surrounding officers, he straightened his shoulders before speaking.

"Prepare the fleet," he shouted, "Set a course for Ezra's last known location."  Immediately, everyone jumped into action, and Sato turned back to me, his gaze unrelenting.

"Commander, what are you--?"

"In this fleet, we fight for family," he explained and smiled briefly, "Even if it is not my own."

At once, gratefulness warmed my heart. I was about to speak when the Commander interrupted me. "Pheonix leader, don't you have a squadron to prepare?"

"Yes, sir," I said and saluted. As I hurried out of the control room, I glanced out a window. "I'm coming Ezra. We all are."

Another chapter!

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So sorry it took me so long to update!

Julie :D