Erstwhile

Sworn

Just as I'd anticipated, we were separated and taken to different cells. The moment my eyes lost Sabine and Zeb was a frightening one, but any thought of their whereabouts was forgotten as I was thrown into my cell. The floor hit me hard, and a current of pain wrapped around my shoulder, stealing my breath. Before I had a chance to recover, Agent Kallus added to my pain by delivering a swift kick to my ribs.

"I'll only ask once: where is the rebel fleet stationed?" He demanded as I groaned.

Despite the pain clawing for my immediate attention, I smirked up at him. "You really don't waste any time, do you, Kallus?"

"This little rebellion of yours has been going on for too long," he explained, "The sooner it is destroyed, the better."

"Now I really want to talk," I drawled, and at once, his face grew dark. Full knowing what was coming, I tensed, and Kallus kicked me several more times. With my hands bound, I was unable to defend myself, and it wasn't long before I tasted blood on my tongue.

"Where is the rebel fleet?"

I laughed. "I thought you were only going to ask once."

Gritting his teeth, Kallus glared at me. "Fine, if you won't talk willingly, I'll have to take more drastic measures."

"It's not going to work," I insisted and struggled to sit up, "Jedi are trained to resist interrogation. No matter what you do, I'm not going to tell you anything."

"Do you think I'm a fool?" Kallus spat, "I'm aware of your training. I knew that you would endure any pain." As he spoke, a terrible sense of fear settled over me.

"Then why did you kick me?"

"You're annoying," he snapped and headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" I gasped, having finally succeeded in sitting up.

Agent Kallus snickered. "You may have received training to resist torture, but I know others who haven't."

Realizing what he meant, my eyes widened. "Don't do this."

"What do you think?" He sneered, "The Lassat is strong. He would take a long time to break, but the girl..." He laughed again.

"Please, don't hurt her," I begged, "I'm the one you want."

"It's true, I'd love to hear you scream, but like I said, I've got a schedule to keep," he explained and paused before exiting my cell. "There's nowhere to run this time, Kanan."

With Kallus gone, I finally dropped my strong demeanor and slumped forward, gasping for breath. After a quick inspection, I diagnosed some deep bruises, but nothing too serious. As long as I could get out of here, I would be fine.

Even as the thought crossed my mind, it stank with guilt. Back on the Ghost, I'd seen the fear in Sabine's eyes. Once so strong and confident, she had shuddered at the prospect of capture. If Kallus was to interrogate her, I knew she'd break, but her will was unrelenting. Even with her fear, who knew how long she'd last? Indeed, this pain that I was feeling right now was nothing compared to what Sabine would experience.

I'd been a fool to gamble my comrades' lives on the idea of surrender and then an eventual escape with medical supplies in tow. As I surveyed my binds, lack of weapon, and the multitude of guards standing outside my cell, our chances of escape were getting slimmer and slimmer.

My hand braced against the wall, I forced myself to my feet. Some would've called my situation futile. Some wouldn't have pulled themselves off the floor, but I couldn't give up. Not yet, and not ever. If I was to give up, I'd be letting too many down: Ezra, Ahsoka, Hera, Commander Sato, Chopper, Zeb, and Sabine.

"I will get us out of here," I said to the cell, "I swear it."

Hey everyone!!

I hope you liked this chapter, and are ready for more! I'll update as soon as I can!!

In other news, I'm so surprised and honored for the overwhelming support I've gotten for this book from you all. I never expected to get this much feedback, and I'm so thankful for each and every message.

Until next chapter,

Julie :D