When Amira made it to the front of the hospital there was no shuttle full of wounded waiting to be off loaded, instead a squad of Clone troopers were standing at the entrance. "What's going on trooper?"

"Commander Organa we have orders to escort you and the Medevac shuttle to the Mercy now."

She shook her head. "I have two post-operative patients that are not stable enough to move yet, I need at least three more hours."

"Ma'am, there is intelligence that suggests the field hospital is going to be targeted. Forward command post has ordered all personnel to abandon the facility and evac immediately."

Amira turned and motioned for the trooper to follow her. "I will have the last two patients prepped and as stable as possible, but I want all the other patients and the staff safely aboard before you come for me."

He acknowledged her order and relayed it to the rest of his squad.

She threw her hands in the air and stated to no one in particular. "This makes absolutely no sense, we are nearly deserted here, and we've pushed the Separatists into retreat, what possible reason could there be for targeting this hospital?"

Several minutes later the last two patients were safely on board the shuttle and the staff had grabbed what supplies they could and also boarded. The squad leader found Amira securing her own pack of medical supplies. "Commander we are ready, you're the last."

She sealed the bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Ok, let's go."

The words where barely out of her mouth as the unmistakable impact of ion canon fire erupted nearby. The concussion knocked Amira and the trooper to the ground. He made it to his feet first; yanked her up by the arm and again started towards the shuttle.

The field hospital's prefabricated construction was crumbling around them. Just outside, the shuttle sat protected under a dura-steel canopy. Several fighters were engaging the separatist attackers and providing cover. Amira and her escort dashed straight toward it.

Through the smoke and dust the opening to the shuttle was just visible and she focused on it as she skipped the last few steps and leapt for the entrance. She made it into the shuttle crumpling into a heap on the deck plates.

The engines throttled up and the hatch began to close. Amira noticed that her escort was wounded and had not made it to safety. "Wait, we can't leave him!" She launched herself toward the door and reached out her hand to the struggling trooper. "Come on soldier, take my hand!"

As the shuttle continued to move out from under the canopy the trooper made one last effort and leapt toward it; his hand firmly grasped Amira's and she pulled with everything she had. There were two staff members nearby who also reached for the trooper and together they managed to pull the wounded man up.

On the ascent the shuttle bucked and shook violently as its pilot made valiant efforts to dodge the incoming fire. The medical staff held onto patients hoping to limit any further injuries. Amira examined her wounded escort; removing his helmet. Where are you hit trooper?"

He coughed and tried to sit up. "I took one in the chest ma'am but the armor took the brunt, I'm ok."

She eased him back down and began to peel off his chest protector. "Negative, That armor is good but I've seen broken ribs and internal injuries despite the best armor."

He complied and lay back down on the floor allowing her to continue her examination. She used her hands to feel for any abnormalities, but she needed more. She looked around at the frightened faces of the medical staff. "Did anyone happen to grab a portable image scanner?"

Everyone shook their heads no. She looked down at her patient. "I don't feel any broken bones, but as soon as we get to the Mercy we'll have you checked out thoroughly."

He nodded his head in understanding. "Yes, Ma'am, thank you."

Amira sat back and looked around the crowded confines of the shuttle; there were at least twenty people on board including patients. "How's everyone doing? Is anyone else injured?"

Simawea, a young first year medical technician scooted closer to her. "Yes ma'am, you are." She opened her supply bag and pulled out several small Bacta strips. "You've cut your forehead."

Amira reached up and felt the small gash along her hairline. The blood was already matting into her hair and she hadn't noticed the trickle down the side of her face until just that moment.

The tech quickly taped the wound closed. Amira thanked her and made a moved towards the cockpit to check on the pilot. Just as she reached him the shuttle shifted violently and everyone reached for something to hold on to.

The pilot cursed loudly and struggled with the controls. Amira held on to the back of his seat to keep from toppling over. "Are we going to get out of this?"

He shook his head. "I don't know, our usual route to the Mercy is no good, looks like they were anticipating it. I am going to bring us around the back side of the planet. Thankfully we still have fighter cover."

Amira closed her eyes and issued a silent plea for all their safety.