Book 3 of 3: Our Last Stand (Book 3 of "Family of Rebels")

Chapter 6: Back Home

Sarah's POV

Ezra seemed very shocked to hear me talk about going to Lothal.

"Really?" he asked.

I nodded. "I've been getting these... visions of Lothal, and Old Joe. Suffering and dying everywhere."

"So have I." Ezra replied. I was surprised. "I didn't think much of it because of how hard it is to interpret visions. But, they seemed so... so..."

"Real?" I finished.

Ezra nodded. We stood up and walked back to headquarters. When we arrived, everyone was already around the holotable. Ryder was on the screen. Suddenly, he went away.

"His transmission ended here." the Senator informed. "We believe the Empire has been jamming our signal to Lothal. Lothal might be in grave danger."

"Well," Ezra said, "why are we still here? I'll go help the people of Lothal alone if I have to."

"We will go." I added. He looked at me and smiled.

"All of us will go." Hera concluded. "We're stronger together."

"What are we waiting for?" Kanan asked.

We all smiled. We were going back home....

The Senator told us, "The Empire has too large of a blockade to use the Ghost. It would be detected immediately and shot on sight. Getting in is going to be easier than getting out. If the Empire detects any rebellious signs, the blockade could become impossible to get through. You may not be capable of returning."

I knew what was going to happen, and I knew what I was going to do.

"I've been thinking about it lately," I said, "and Lothal means the world to me. I'll go on the mission. If we can't make it back with everyone, I'll be there to stay."

"I'm staying, too." Ezra continued. "We were both grown up there. We'll stay if we have to."

The rest of the crew seemed shocked, yet understanding. They knew what Lothal and the people there meant to us. They knew why we would want to stay.

"Very well," the Senator closed, "we will find you a transport to get through. Meeting dismissed."

________________________________________

Ezra's POV

We finally arrived in the Lothal area.

All of us had disguises on to look like regular civilians. I had on a bowl hat and a white uniform, Sarah had a loose shirt with green pants and a helmet with glasses to cover her clear eyes, Kanan had almost his usual uniform with his hair down and a helmet similar to that of a pilot (In the back of my mind, I was thinking, Kanan can put his hair down? What?!?!), Hera had a black leather suit with a black headpiece, Sabine with a normal civilian's outfit for the dry season, and Zeb looked like a walking stick with his tall hat and backpack.

I couldn't believe Lothal looked like this. The Empire turned the sandy planet I called home into a red-and-grey fire pit of despair. Imperial ships covered the entire place. My fists clenched, my teeth were grinding together, yet I could feel myself on the verge of tears.

Then, I realized something: Sarah had no idea what was going on. I told her, "Lothal looks like a wasteland!"

She looked shocked and sad. I wanted to comfort her so badly, but I couldn't even comfort myself. Everything looked worse than I could have ever imagined. At least the last image of Lothal Sarah has is a good one. I, on the other hand, now have this horrible image burned into my mind.

And I don't think it will ever come out.

Kanan's POV

I could see the pain in Ezra's eyes as he stared at his once great planet, which was now an Imperial wave of pain. I was shocked on how much damage the Empire did in just two years. Sure, a lot can always happen in that time span, but this many Star Destroyers and have enough man power to keep it that way... it's astonishing.

Vissago turned to us. "Lothal is very different from when you last saw it, kid. Better prepare yourself." He sent the transport codes and we made it through the Imperial blockade.

Later.......................... (I think I need to find more creative words than the word 'Later' :-) )...........

We were so close, Hera and me. Just inches from each other. She leaned in...

And the comm went off.

Why did you have to ruin this, Zeb?!

Of course I knew we had a mission to accomplish, but at that exact moment? Really?!

Oh, well. Better get a move on.

Hi!!!!!

Sorry for the delay. Completely forgot to post. 😢

Oh, well. I'ma back!! 😄