Chapter 1:

The First Steps

One month after the mission to Malachor, the Rebels of the Phoenix cell were settling into more normal routines. This, however, was not an easy take shortly after Vader began to be around them. He had adjusted well, but couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't reported the base to the emperor yet. Was it because he was going soft? Was the light regaining control? Vader kept trying to dismiss this, but it seemed that, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't avoid the facts. He was beginning to let go of his hatred, which was leading him back to the light. One morning, he was standing at the base perimeter, watching the native spider-like creatures wander around. Thinking back to his padawan days, he remembered the time he used his power to calm a creature he used to ride. Curious, he reached out to one of the arachnids with the Force and tried to hold it in place. For an instant, it seemed to work. Suddenly, the creature hissed at him before moving on. Lowering his hand, he pondered what just happened. He then sensed a presence behind him and turned around. Before him stood Ezra, the boy from Lothal, who had shown promise in his abilities.

"I found out that these things don't respond to the Force, like other creatures I've encountered," Ezra said. "It almost cost me my life the first time, as the sensor barrier wasn't there to stop them." Vader thought this over, as Ezra continued. "Ahsoka told me the more you learn about the Force, the more you realize how little you really know," he finished. "I taught her well," Vader replied. There was a slightly awkward silence for a few minutes, save for Vader's breathing. Ezra couldn't handle it. "I see the work Chopper and Sabine did on your mask is holding up well," he noted. "Your friends are resourceful," Vader replied. "Your droid reminds me of one I recall from years ago." Ezra smiled. "Chopper's a grumpy one, but he knows his stuff," he said. Vader smiled behind his mask, wishing he could remove it, so Ezra could see. Before they could continue their conversation, Kanan and Sabine walked up. "Commander Sato wants us to meet him for a briefing," Kanan said. "He would like Vader to join us." With that, the four walked back to the main meeting area.

At the meeting area, Commander Sato stood before them, making sure everyone he needed was present. "Alright," he began. "We have been contacted by a potential ally. This ally has been in hiding since the first week of the Empire and has decided that it's time to come out and help. Kanan will be the one who remembers him the most, but I wouldn't be surprised if Captain Syndulla recognizes the name from the liberation of Ryloth." "What's the name?" Zeb asked. Sato looked around at them. "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Everyone looked to Kanan and Hera, before looking to Vader. The Sith closed his hidden eyes. His old master was coming out of hiding at last.