"No!" Kanan repeated.
"Come on, why not?" Hera asked.
"So many reasons!"
"Why can't you just name one?" Rex asked.

Kanan glared at them as the crew continued to badger him for approval. Currently, he was about to lose his temper due to his crew's admirable, but annoying perseverance and determination to get his sanction for a mission. They wanted to go to an old Republic Base around Hoth to grab some supplies. Kanan has warned them about increasing Imperial control on the planet and thought it would be too risky. Ever since Ezra and Sabine were almost taken by the two Inquisitors, he has become much more strict on The Ghost crew.

"Come on, Kanan," Zeb persuaded him. "If you let us go get the supplies, I will do my best to smell better!"
"Zeb, you and I both know full well that's not possible," Ezra said as Zeb growled at him.
"Listen, Zeb," Kanan started, "as much as that deal sounds amazing, I'm afraid Ezra's right."
"Alright, Mr. Adamant," Sabine approached Specter 1. "How about, if you let us go get the supplies, I will paint an amazing portrait of you in your room."
"No!"

Then, Chopper tapped Kanan's leg and began to emit mechanical noises.

"Come on, Kanan! I need some supplies too!" Chopper said.
"For what?" Kanan asked.
"Nothing..."
"Um...no."
"Oh, come on!" Sabine and Rex groaned.
"Kanan, I'm literally begging you!" Hera said. "We need this supplies! Ahsoka and the rebels can't lend us any and this may be our only chance! We're running low on food and ammunition. Just let us go!"
"Hera, I told you, I don't feel comfortable going to Hoth! The Empire's control is just too strong on that planet."

Everyone moaned at Kanan's response. He was certainly staunch to his decisions.

"Kanan, you've taught me to let go of all my fears," Ezra audaciously started, "so why can't you? Aren't you supposed to be the role model?"
"Ezra, this is completely different!" Kanan defended himself. "I'm not afraid of the Empire! I just want you all to be safe!"
"Right back at you, master, but you're too reckless trying to protect us."
"Oh! Look who's talking, the Loth-rat who nearly got himself killed trying to protect Sabine and Zeb at the last mission!"

Ezra quickly became discouraged and shameful at himself because of his master's words. However, Rex gave him an expression of reassurance.

"Kanan!" Hera exclaimed, "We need this! We're in desperate times. What's going on with you? Not in a million light years would you refuse a mission like this in this situation! Tell me what's bothering you, now!"
"Nothing is bothering me!" Kanan stepped into his room and faced her and his crew.
"What you just said to Ezra is something you would never really say or mean. What's going on?"

Kanan forced the doors to his room slam shut as he ended the argument. He took a deep breath of relief as he walked over toward his bed and laid down to contemplate his actions. He could hear footsteps scatter away from his room as soon as he laid down. Guilt rushed over him as he could feel Ezra's presence leave him. However, little did he know that Hera was calling a meeting in The Phantom, without him knowing.

"We're going to get those supplies," Hera immediately said.
"Awesome!" Sabine grinned. "When?"
"Whenever, or however, we get Kanan off The Ghost!"
"Okay, but when will that be?" Ezra asked.
"I'm sure I'll figure something out..."

****

A week later, Ahsoka called Hera and the gang to discuss a plan she came up with that involved Kanan--and only Kanan. She had formed this crew of individual rebels to go on a one-time, six-month journey to a system on the other side of the galaxy to find Imperial plans and spread the word of rebellion as well as possibly meet with another Rebel Headquarter leader. Kanan was chosen due to his experience and his connection to the force.

"A six-month journey?" Kanan questioned Ahsoka in disbelief.
"Don't worry, it's just for six months," she reassured him. "Besides, if there are any complications, we will bring you guys back."
"Sounds interesting, but I don't want to make any rash decisions too quickly."
"Hey, why don't you fly The Phantom up to the headquarters to meet them? It's a small crew of four people, including you."
"Alright, when?"
"Tomorrow sounds good."
"Okay, see you then!"

The call ended and Ezra looked at Kanan. He sensed the enthusiasm in his master's voice. He couldn't believe he would be willing to leave The Ghost for that long. It seemed like an intense and risky mission also.

"Are you really considering leaving?" Ezra asked.
"If the Rebellion needs me to do it, I'll do it," Kanan replied.
"Funny, coming from the man who never wanted to be part of a larger Rebellion," Hera said.

Kanan glared at her but lightened his harsh look when he saw Ezra's concerned expression.

"Don't worry, Ezra, I'll be back before you know it," Kanan said.
"So you're going?" Ezra asked.
"Of course! And you guys can hang low until I come back."

Ezra became abnormally silent as well as the rest of the crew. Kanan took note of their body language and flared up again.

"Why?" Kanan said. "Do you think I should refuse?"
"It just seems kind of...treacherous and precarious. I don't like the idea of it. Have you even been to that side of the galaxy before?" Ezra asked.
"No, but, it would be a good experience for when I come back."
"Or if you come back...," Ezra silently murmured and turned his head.
"Wait, what?" Kanan looked at Ezra.
"Kanan, I don't like this idea," Hera said. "I think you should stay."
"Yeah, I mean, you're never going to get another crew like this," Sabine said. "This mission is in a sketchy part of the galaxy. Anything could happen there! The Empire hasn't gotten that far out in the outer rim yet."
"Yeah, and I don't know any safe places, bases, or allies out there. Sabine's right. You should stay!" Rex agreed.
"That's a perfectly good reason for why I should go! I can spread the news of the rebellion before The Empire can fully conquer them," Kanan exclaimed. "Look, I'm not sure if I want to do this, but, I'll check out the crew tomorrow when I take The Phantom. Just relax!"

Everyone became quiet again. Then Ezra, out of nowhere, got to his feet and walked out of the kitchen. Rex grew worried for the two Jedi and their bond.