Set after Return of the Jedi:
Summary – In order to make his proposal all the more special, Ezra ventures out alone on board the Phantom into the outer reaches of the galaxy. (BF/GF)
It was early, very early, far earlier than Ezra would ever normally be awake. And on most days, waking up at this hour would result in nothing more than the Jedi grunting in frustration before going back to bed again. But not today. Today he had a purpose and, difficult as it was, he forced himself to wake. He had to be quiet so as not to wake Sabine as well. With a gentle and cautious movement, he lightly took hold of her arm and lifted it off of himself. It took nearly ten minutes for him to break free of her grip, but at last he managed to stand with a breath. For half a second, the Mandalorian stirred and he thought all of his effort had been for naught. But she soon settled down again, and Ezra allowed himself a silent sigh of relief. After such a close call, he chose not to wash and get dressed in their shared cabin, instead doing so in the Ghost's main bathroom. This was a room reserved for emergencies, as all of the dormitories had their own ensuite bathrooms attached. Today was hardly an emergency, but Ezra's plan did warrant stealth. Moving as quietly as he could, the Jedi swiftly changed out of his night clothes and stepped into the shower. In his current state of tiredness, he wanted nothing more than to sit in a warm bath for hours. No, this is for Sabine, he thought to himself, turning the shower knob to the left. He winced, his back shivering as a hundred ice cold water droplets fell over him. His teeth chattered, and goose bumps quickly formed on his arms, but he endured and quickly washed himself. Once he was out of the shower, he hurriedly dressed himself in his usual outfit, orange jerkin and brown trousers. He clipped his lightsaber hilt to his belt, briefly analysing himself in the mirror with a satisfied nod before walking out of the room. The Jedi almost screamed in surprise when Chopper stood right outside, having been waiting for him.
"Kriffing hell...why are you here?!" he whispered, his heart beating out of his chest. Chopper gave a series of accusing beeps, essentially asking Ezra the same question.
"I've got...an important mission to go on. Top secret...can't tell you anything about it. Just...do me a favour, when Hera wakes up, tell her I've taken the Phantom for a quick errand" the Jedi responded, tiptoeing towards the centre of the ship. Chopper gave another beep, somehow managing to sound confused with a monotonous sound.
"Why? Because we're crewmates you bucket of bolts...ugh...fine, if you tell Hera that I'm just going on a normal errand I'll...give you an oil bath..." Ezra conceded. Chopper seemed content with that, the droid had been pestering him to set up an oil bath for weeks now. Apparently, Chopper was so completely contaminated with dust that he could barely move. Ezra didn't see how that was possible considering he never did anything anyway. It didn't matter, Chopper slowly wheeled himself away and Ezra clambered up a ladder as quietly as possible, pulling himself up into the Phantom. The sound of the docking clamp being released along with the Phantom's engines starting up would probably wake the crew, but none of them could stop him now. He settled into the pilot's seat, rubbing his hands together with a grin. Free at last...
Ezra rested his head back against the seat, nonchalantly placing his feet up on the ship's dashboard as the blue hue of hyperspace filled the canopy. He'd never have been able to act like this when Hera was around, the Twi-Lek was scarily protective of her ships. But the Jedi had a long trip ahead of him so decided to relax a little. He was heading towards the Bith System in search of the artist Sabine had talked about so often, Janyor of Bith. But Bith was all the way in the Outer Rim, past Eriadu along the Rimma Trade Route. The Phantom was fast, with numerous modifications to make it faster courtesy of Hera, but still the journey would be long. Ezra hoped that if he could track down this artist, he could persuade him to paint a picture of Sabine herself. His girlfriend already had one of his original paintings, but a brand new one dedicated completely to her, that was a whole new level. Content that the Phantom could get him to his destination without needing to be watched, Ezra stood up and strolled into the passenger bay.
"Right...okay...several hours of this. What to do?" he questioned aloud. He'd been in such a rush to leave in the early hours of the morning, forgoing sleep for this crazy plan, but now he found himself bored. For a moment, he considered attempting to meditate, but right now his thoughts dwelled solely on Sabine. What if he couldn't find Janyor? What if Janyor refused to help? What if Sabine didn't like the painting? So many worries...he was certain he hadn't felt this stressed during the Battle of Lothal. In an attempt to calm himself down, Ezra produced a small holographic picture of Sabine and smiled fondly. He'd brought this photo for Janyor to use as a reference, provided he agreed to help of course. And despite Sabine technically being the cause of all of his newfound stress, her image alone was also enough to calm him down. It had been taken just last month at a victory celebration on Corellia. It showed her stunning red hair, and beautiful tan face. Ezra could never quite believe that she had said yes to a relationship with him, and that it was still strong today. He still loved her now to the same degree that he had the moment he'd met her, if not more...
The hours passed by quicker than Ezra could have imagined, and he spent most of his time rehearsing what he might say to this Janyor chap when he actually found him. 'Hi, my girlfriend's a huge fan of you so I was wondering if you'd do a painting of her from this little photo I brought, by the way I'm also a Jedi, thanks'. The poor artist was about to get a shock. Still, when Ezra set himself to a task he would never give up until it was done, and this mission was more special than most. After a little bit of research about Bith, he had discovered that the capital city was known as Weogar and was meant to be very culturally significant. There was said to be an enormous building in the centre of the city called the Purghom Musical Performance Hall, a public auditorium of sorts. Ezra had decided that he'd start there on his search. The Jedi took his place in the Phantom's pilot seat just as the blue hue of hyperspace faded away, replaced by the visage of grey and misted planet ahead. So this is Bith, Ezra thought to himself as he descended down into the planet's atmosphere. According to the files he'd read, the planet's ecosystem had been obliterated by biological weapons used during a brutal civil war several centuries ago. Now, the surface was completely covered by irradiated swampland, save for the few domed cities where the survivors now huddled.
"Attention, Sheathipede-class shuttle, this is the Weogar Security Bureau. You are approaching the city without a landing permit, what is your intention? Respond" a voice suddenly called through the ship's comms. Ezra sighed and rolled his eyes, he supposed this couldn't be too easy.
"Ahem...this is Commander Ezra Bridger of the New Republic. I'm here on personal business...I don't have a landing permit, but landing is definitely my intention" the Jedi responded in a strong tone. He hoped that by quoting his rank he might get somewhere, Bith was a New Republic stronghold after all. There were a long several seconds as the bureau clearly debated what they were going to do.
"Proceed to hangar bay D3 in the south-west quadrant of the city. We will be present to give you a permit when you land" the voice replied, allowing Ezra a sigh of relief.
"Much appreciated, I'm on my way" he answered, turning off the comms with the flick of a switch. Shortly after, the Phantom broke through the cloud layer and Ezra found himself gasping. The vids on the holo-net didn't do this place justice. The entire capital city was covered in an enormous glass dome, the scale of which Ezra had never before seen. And surrounding the dome on all sides were miles of foggy swampland, as far as the eye could see. The result of war, this is what the entire galaxy would have ended up looking like had the Galactic Empire not been stopped. A terrifying notion.
A small section of the glass dome opened to allow the Phantom access, and closed seconds later to prevent radiation from entering the city. Ezra guided the ship towards the hangar he'd been directed to, and before long found himself landing in a large dark room. There were no other ships in this hangar bay, doubtless Bith did not have a great deal of visitors these days. Ezra stepped towards the boarding ramp, groping for his lightsaber hilt and ensuring it was clipped tightly to his belt. There was no knowing what to expect from this place. As he strolled out into the darkness, glaring lights suddenly activated from above, and a trio of Bith jogged over to him. Their leader, dressed in a posh grey suit, was the one to speak.
"Apologies, commander. I'm sorry for our lack of preparation. It is not often we get visits from high-ranking officials. Here is your landing permit...use it whenever you wish to return" he stated, handing Ezra a small metal bar with a code engraved into it.
"Thanks...no worries...I'm on personal business anyway" he replied. Ezra hardly wanted people bowing to him all of the time just because he was a high rank.
"Is there any way we can assist? My men and I are at your disposal" the Bith stated with an exaggerated nod. The Jedi gave a smile, preparing to shake his head politely, but then it struck him that he could use a little help.
"Actually...yeah...there is one thing. Do you know where I could find Janyor of Bith? I have a favour to ask him" Ezra asked in response with a hopeful smile. The Bith seemed to instantly nod his head.
"The Propaganda Bureau Chief? Of course, he often frequent the Musical Performance Hall in his free time. But today he is in his office in the government building, I'll take you there now" he answered with a courteous nod. The Bith signalled his two guards to lead the way, and Ezra followed behind slowly, unused to people treating him so nicely. Even on an irradiated hole as remote as Bith, life seemed to have improved thanks to the removal of the Galactic Empire. People seemed happy. And the New Republic appeared respected, despite its infancy. This was a good sign for the future, war would not return without discontent. And everyone seemed perfect content right now.
The Bith led him through a glass corridor, suspended high in the air with magnificent views over Weogar. From here, Ezra could see the entire city, from the dark and foreboding slums to the magnificence of the performance hall in the distance. Like most cities, the sky was filled with Koro-2 air speeders, dozens of people all on their way from one task to the next.
"How do you like our city, commander?" the lead Bith suddenly asked, no doubt to break a silence he considered awkward.
"Huh? Oh...I like it...haven't seen anywhere quite like it, and I've been to a lot of different places" Ezra remarked truthfully in response. The Bith seemed content at that.
"I'll bet you have. What business do you seek with our Propaganda Chief? If it's not secret, that is" he questioned, hurriedly adding that last statement.
"Oh it's no secret...but you might respect me less when you hear it. I uh...hm...I'm planning to propose to someone. She's a huge fan of Janyor...loves his propaganda paintings...so I'm hoping he'll paint something for me so I can gift it to her" Ezra explained with a sheepish smile, a little embarrassed now he heard his plan aloud.
"You travelled halfway across the galaxy...for a painting?" the Bith commented. Ezra did not know how to read Bith facial expressions, but somehow, he could tell that his companion was confused.
"I travelled halfway across the galaxy for Sabine...the painting is just something special I want to get her" he corrected with a small smile. Even saying her name made him think of her.
"Well good luck, commander. Janyor's office is just through that door, I'll have my men refuel your ship while you speak with the Propaganda Chief. Until we next meet..." the Bith stated, walking back the way he had came along with his men. Ezra gave him a nod, before turning to the door.
Ezra stood in the glass corridor, pausing outside the door for a moment. He still was not sure which words to use, or if Janyor would even help. For all he knew, the artist was a conceited nerfherder, after all he'd never met him before. But just as Ezra was about to open the door, it hissed open on its own, and a tall Bith suddenly stood before him.
"Before inwardly debating whether or not you wish to see me after coming so far...you may want to consider that you're standing right beneath a security camera. I assume you are here for a reason, and confess I am interested what that reason is. Come inside and take a seat...I'll join you in just a moment" Janyor stated, stepping to the side and lightly pushing Ezra into the room. The Jedi could not think of a reply, instead silently glancing around the office in awe. Janyor's room was filled with paintings, both completed and works in progress. Nowadays, he was in charge of propaganda for the New Republic. Ezra had read that General Leia Organa had once tried to persuade Janyor to move to the New Republic's headquarters on Chandrila, but he had denied her, claiming that his artistic inspiration came from Bith alone. After admiring the paintings for a moment, Ezra sat down, feeling a little overwhelmed by everything around him. Sabine would have a field day in here, he thought to himself with a fond smile.
"Now then...my attention is yours. Tell me, what is your name, traveller? I am Janyor, often known as Janyor of Bith" Janyor greeted, taking a seat across the seat from Ezra.
"I'm Ezra...Ezra Bridger. From Lothal" the Jedi answered. Janyor gently poured two glasses of Toniray wine, offering Ezra one of them. He took it gladly, taking a sip with an impressed nod.
"Ezra Bridger. I know of you. Phoenix Squadron, am I correct? Yes, you've had quite a career...and you're a Jedi at that, most impressive. So, what service can I do a Jedi and war hero?" Janyor questioned in a polite tone. Ezra liked him already, he was intelligent but not in an arrogant way. Plus, he was flattering him repeatedly which was nice too.
"It's...kind of complicated. I'm hoping to propose to the woman I love, Sabine Wren, and she is a huge fan of yours. To make the proposal a little more unique, I was hoping you would be willing to paint an image of her. I bought her one of your original pieces a few years ago, I think it was called 'Tyrant something'...can you help?" Ezra explained, and as he spoke, Janyor eagerly listened, nodding his head at certain parts.
"A proposal...how endearing...seeds of happiness sown from war. I am happy you are gaining some rest from your duties. And you say she has a painting already, doubtless it is Tyrant's Reign. I wondered where that might end up...I'm glad she appreciates it. Well...I would love to be of assistance, but I fear I am not who you need. I create propaganda posters, not portraits. Apologies" the Bith stated in response. Ezra glanced from side to side for a moment, looking at his more recent works with a thoughtful expression.
"Maybe...maybe it doesn't have to be a portrait. What about a sort of New Republic propaganda painting? Sabine's a fierce soldier and she's done loads for the cause. She could inspire more to join. You could put her on a sort of 'we need you' poster and maybe I could give her the signed original as a gift" he suggested after a few seconds of silence. Janyor quietly considered the proposition, humming to himself for a moment.
"You are incredibly lucky, Mr Bridger. Chancellor Mothma recently contacted me regarding the issue of more propaganda material with the aim of encouraging volunteers to join the New Republic. She hopes to reduce the military in time but understands that is needed while the Empire's work is undone. I had been searching for a suitable candidate for this project...you claim Sabine Wren would fit this role well?" Janyor questioned. Ezra eagerly nodded his head, fumbling in his pocket for the holo-image of her he had brought with him.
"Y-yes! Definitely! I think she'd fit perfectly!" he replied optimistically, producing the image and showing it to Janyor.
"Hm...no-one can deny her looks...that is good, most people assign greatest importance to appearance. And in her painted armour, which looks sublime I must say, she is the picture of everything the New Republic hopes to represent. Hm...ordinarily if I were trying to paint a particular figure, I would have them stand before me in the flesh. However, I think I can make do this time. Yes, I will complete your painting...it should not take long now that I have inspiration. You may wait here in Weogar while I work" Janyor stated, causing Ezra to smile widely.
"Thanks! Sabine will love this...I'm sure!" he responded happily, moving to leave the room.
"I will contact you when the painting is complete, Commander Bridger. Have a pleasant day..." Janyor remarked with a courteous nod. Ezra nodded his head in response, returning to the glass tunnel. He took a deep breath, silently fist-bumping in celebration once the door was shut.
"Security camera, Mr Bridger! Remember?!" Janyor shouted through the door, causing Ezra to grin sheepishly. He waved up at the camera before swiftly walking away, high in spirit. Over the space of a single conversation, he had achieved everything he had hoped and more. Not only would Sabine get a painting made personally for her by her idol, she would also become the figurehead for the New Republic's recruitment regime, her image appearing across the civilised galaxy. She'd always been a bit of an introvert, and Ezra was sure she'd feel a little embarrassed when she first found out. But hopefully she'd warm up to the idea. Now Ezra could cross the painting off his list, but there was still a lot more which needed doing before he was ready to make his proposal...