Chapter 37
I'm walking along the beach with Sabine, her hand in mine. Luke is in his shack resting so Sabine and I have just been enjoying the weather, watching the waves break over the shore.
"We've never had a moment like this," she says. "It's nice."
"Yeah," I say with a smile. "Some peace and quiet. No war here."
"And I'm with you," she says. I look at her and she's smiling at me.
"Can't get much better than that," I say with a smile.
I've always had feelings for Sabine. Since the beginning. The fact that she's with me... it still feels surreal. But I'm happy. It's not just the Rebellion or freedom that I fight for anymore. Though she fights with me, I'm fighting for her. She is a big reason why I never deserted after Yavin. I couldn't bring myself to leaving her, or the idea of living with guilt.
"Sabine...?"
"Yes?"
I stop walking and she faces me.
"I was thinking about that day on Polis Massa," I start to say. "When I... considered deserting..."
"Ezra, that's the past," she says. "Don't beat yourself up over it."
"There's a few reasons why I haven't left sooner," I admit. "One reason was I wasn't done fighting the Empire. Another reason, I wouldn't live with the guilt. And a third, probably the biggest reason..."
I look into her eyes. "I didn't want to leave you behind. And you wouldn't have left."
"Ezra..."
"You already know this, but I've had feelings for you since we first met. Yeah I was annoying and flirted too much, but even when I stopped all that and started growing up... I never lost those feelings."
She smiles at me and puts a hand on my cheek. "I know. I've ignored and rejected you for a long time, but eventually came to realize I've had feelings for you too. And I've told you about this before."
I nod. "Yeah, you have."
"And I'm still waiting on those words..." she says teasingly.
"What words?" I ask her, not understanding.
"Three words, Ezra," she whispers. "I. Love. You."
My face burns and she giggles.
"You're blushing," she says.
"Oh, well... I uh..."
"It's fine, Ezra. But I do want to hear those words from you," she says. "Maybe not right now if you don't think you can, but someday."
I look her in the eyes, repeating those words in my mind, trying to make sure I don't screw up.
"Sabine..."
"Yes?"
"I... love you too," I manage to say.
The smile on her face helps me feel better and in the blink of an eye, she's got her arms wrapped around me, her lips pressed to mine.
The sound of a ship appearing from hyperspace cuts into our moment and she pulls away. I look up to the sky and see an Arquitens cruiser sitting high up. There's a fighter escort just exiting hyperspace around it and a shuttle undocking from the cruiser. It flies towards our island and lands not far from the shack.
"Luke's ride is here," Sabine says. "Come on, let's get him ready to go."
...
"Commander Skywalker!" a sergeant cries out.
"Hey. Sorry, but I don't really remember you..." Luke says.
Sabine and I woke him up right after the shuttle landed. R2 was going nuts, beeping and whistling... he was going home.
"That's alright, sir. It's really good to see you. Chancellor Syndulla will be very happy to see you," the sergeant says.
"First thing's first, sergeant," Sabine says. "We have to get him to a medical facility first. Get his injuries cleaned up."
"Yes Commander! Medic!"
A medic runs up and tends to his wound and checks for signs of concussion or other injuries.
"He's good to go, Sarge," he says. "But the Commander was right, he needs better treatment."
"Let's get him aboard the Reliant," the sergeant says.
They help Luke on board the shuttle and it lifts off towards the cruiser. I call our droids and have them pilot our X-wings to us.
"Well, kiss this good weather goodbye, I guess," Sabine says.
I smile and kiss her cheek. "See you back on Resolute."
This time, her cheeks turn red and I smirk at her.
"I'll get you back for that, Ez," she vows as I climb into my X-wing.
...
"Ezra. I've been told you found someone on a remote planet."
I look at Hera's image on the holotable in my quarters on the bridge.
"I did. It was Luke Skywalker," I say. "He survived Yavin when his hyperdrive was activated."
"Luke Skywalker? He's alive? His ship sent him to that planet?"
"Yes and no. That's the first thing he remembers but he does have some memory loss. He thought about where he went and turns out he was thrown to Epsilon Station. He repaired his fighter and his astromech with the intent to return to the Rebellion but his hyperdrive malfunctioned and sent him off again. I think he was the reason that beacon went off in the station the day Sabine and I found the station," I explain.
"My guess is when he got some power to repair R2 and his X-wing, it somehow triggered the beacon that led us to the station," Sabine suggests.
"How is Luke?"
"He's in medical right now. I think the doctors are putting him in a bacta tank to help his memory," I reply. "He is willing to rejoin the fight, too."
"That's good to hear. With him back with us, there's another reason for the galaxy to have hope."
"I agree," I say.
"As soon as you're able, I want Luke brought to Epsilon. It won't do to fill him in on our situation in the middle of a war zone."
"Will do, Hera."
"Contact me once he's on his way. May the Force be with you."
The call ends and I return to the bridge.
"Admiral, any sign of that Imperial fleet?" I ask.
"No sir. Sector's all clear for now. Local populations are reported to be happy to see us, though," he replies.
"Good. Let's not disappoint them, then," I say.
"While you and Commander Wren were away, I spread out the fleet throughout the sector. Maybe providing small targets would draw the Empire out of hiding here," the admiral says.
"I don't like the idea of using our own ships as bait, but we do need to spread out to cover more space."
My wrist comm starts beeping and I activate it.
"Bridger here."
"Ezra, I need you in crew quarters. I'll explain when you get here," Sabine says.
"Alright. I'm on my way."
...
I arrive at the crew deck and spot a corporal walking through the hall.
"Corporal, have you seen Sabine?"
"Yes sir. I last saw her near her quarters," he replies.
"Got it. Thanks," I tell him before walking in that direction.
As I walk past my quarters to get to hers, my door opens and a hand pulls me into my room. As soon as I'm clear of the doorway, the door slides shut and locks. I turn to face the attacker and see Sabine.
"Kriff, Sabine! You can't just do that!" I exclaim.
"You know, you should've been able to sense that coming," she says.
"I wasn't focusing..."
"Uh huh... well... remember what you did on that island?" She steps close to me and runs a hand up my chest and over my shoulders, wrapping her arm around my neck. She leans in close and whispers in my ear. "I told you I'd get you back for it."
"Are you sure now's a good time?" I ask her, more curious than objecting.
"It's quiet for now. If we're needed the Admiral will call. But for now, you're mine," she replies.
She presses her lips to mine and the next several minutes blur into one long moment where nothing else matters.
...
Sabine lies next to me, smiling contently as she tries to control her breathing. Her body suit is folded down to her waist and my own shirt is open. There's dark marks right by my collar, strategically placed where my uniform will cover them. I look to her neck where I've put a mark of my own, right at the base of her neck. Her body suit will have no problems covering that either.
"That was fun," she sighs.
I hum in agreement and think about what our future could hold for us. We could win the war and start a family. Maybe live on Lothal or some other planet.
"Ezra?"
"Hm?"
"Everything alright?" she asks me. "You've got this look in your eyes."
"I was just thinking," I admit.
"About?"
"What could happen after the war."
She smiles softly at me. "Like what?"
"Well, umm... perhaps living on Lothal or another nice planet. Live in peace and..." My face starts to burn at the thought.
"And...?"
"Well... if you would want to..."
Idiot, just say it.
Sabine giggles softly. "If it's what I think you're thinking, that will have to wait, my Lothcat."
"General Bridger, you're needed on the bridge."
I sit up and hit the comm panel by my bed. "I'm on my way." I get up and get dressed again. "You coming, Sabine?"
"I think I'll stay here for a bit longer," she replies.
"Suit yourself."
I fix my shirt collar and make sure my marks are covered before heading out.
...
"What is it, admiral?" I ask upon entering the bridge.
"One of our support fleets have gone silent. I have sent a squadron of X-wings to investigate, but I think the Empire took the bait. We were able to receive a transmission but it was cut off before we could hear anything intelligible."
"Set a course, Admiral. I want the fleet to move at best possible speed."
"Yes sir!"
He opens fleet comms and orders our escorts and capital ships to jump to provided coordinates.
For only a few minutes, space was transformed into the usual blue and white swirl of hyperspace before returning to normal. What we find is more than what we anticipate.
"Admiral, that's an entire Imperial battle group! They're closing on our support fleet and it looks like they've taken casualties!" a lieutenant reports.
"Call for reinforcements, immediately! All hands, battle stations!"
The ship's alarm sounds and the lieutenant calls for battle stations through the intercom.
"All decks are reporting ready, sir!"
"All batteries focus on the nearest threat and open fire as soon as we're within range. I want our Avengers to commence LRAC barrage with BAC cannons matching power. Keep a steady approach until our turbolaser turrets are within range," I order. "Launch all fighter squadrons. Protect our support ships."
The bridge doors open and Sabine runs in.
"What's the situation, admiral?" she asks.
"Imperial battle group engaging our support fleet," he answers simply. "General Bridger has just ordered a full counter offensive."
"Admiral, the fleet is yours. I'm going to support the attack in my fighter. Sabine, I want you with me. It's time to test the capabilities of our new fighters," I say.
"Yes, sir. I'm right behind you," she says.
"I'll have your pilots meet you in the hangar, sir," the admiral says. "Good luck."
"May the Force be with you, Admiral," I say before entering the lift.
...
"Dispatch, Spectre Squadron is good to go," I say.
"Copy that sir. Opening bay doors now."
The hangar doors open and I pilot my T-70 out into open space.
"This is Spectre 1, all wings check in."
"Spectre 3, standing by."
"Spectre 7, standing by."
"Spectre 4, standing by."
"Spectre 5, standing by."
"Spectre 6, ready to go sir."
"Spectre 2, right behind you," Sabine's voice rings in my ears.
"All fighters form up on me. Accelerate to attack speed and lock S-foils in attack position. We're going straight into the fight," I say.
"Copy that."
I accelerate my fighter and open the S-foils. R3 beeps at me, alerting me to multiple TIE fighters heading our way.
"Incoming fighters dead ahead. All fighters break formation, weapons free!"
I bank to the right and engage in a dogfight with a TIE fighter. My comms are filled with chatter from not only my squadron, but others as well. I focus on my situation and shoot down the TIE before turning about to find another target.
"I've got one on my tail!" Spectre 3 says. "I can't shake him."
"I see you. Break right, help me engage," I say.
"Roger..."
I watch him break right and the TIE follows him. A perfect setup. I turn left and pull up behind the TIE, quickly taking it down.
"Spectre 3, your tail is clear," I say.
"Thanks, General."
"Ezra, I have two Gozanti cruisers heading our way. They're launching more fighters," Sabine tells me.
I look around and find the cruisers she's talking about. "I see them. All Spectres, clean up the fighters here. Commander Wren and I will take on those reinforcements."
"Right behind you, Ezra," Sabine says.
I head straight towards the TIE formation. "R3, strengthen the forward deflectors."
"Here we go!" Sabine says.
I pick my target and open fire, quickly destroying one TIE and narrowly missing a second. I manage to take out the third one before the entire formation flies past us. I turn my fighter around and re-engage in a dogfight.
"Ezra, I've got one on my tail," Sabine tells me.
My fighter shakes as I get hit from behind. R3 starts beeping.
"I've got one, too. Fly towards me, I have an idea," I say. "R3, reroute deflectors to the rear, would you?"
"What's you're idea?"
"We fly at each other. On my signal, we bank right and take out the fighters," I explain.
"Understood."
I turn my fighter towards hers and we fly head on, trying to evade the TIE's fire as best we can.
"3... 2... 1... Break right!" I call out as I turn my fighter to the right. I see Sabine do the same and we fly right passed each other. I have a clear shot of her TIE and I take it. It explodes, sending its two wing panels spiraling in different directions.
I look at my scope and see Sabine took out the fighter on my tail.
"Good plan, Ezra. What's next?"
"There's still more TIE fighters around. Let's finish them off and see what's left."
...
"General, the fleet is within range of the Imperial battle group but we need fighter cover," the admiral tells me through comms.
"I read you, admiral. I'm on my way. Spectre Squadron, on me!"
I fly towards the fleet and see ours battling the Imperials in an all out brawl. Explosions dot several areas of both fleets as fighters explode and ships are hit.
"All fighters, intercept and destroy all enemy fighters. Protect the fleet!"
"Copy Spectre 1."
We fly into the firestorm and start clearing up the enemy fighters. Everything happens fast and before I know it, there's a clear shot of the Imperial star destroyers.
"Spectre 3 here, Gold squadron is moving in to hit the enemy fleet."
"Admiral, where do you need me?" I ask.
"I've ordered our bombers to knock out the enemy ships. The other fighter squadrons are doing what they can to keep the path clear but they'll need your help."
"Understood. You heard the admiral, let's give Gold Squadron some cover."
"I can't reach their leader," Sabine tells me. "The rest of the formation has called in already but they haven't heard from Gold Leader."
I fly up to the head of the bomber formation and look over at the lead pilot. Once he looks back at me I tap on my helmet and he shakes his head.
"Something's wrong with Gold Leader's comms," I say as I signal him to return to base and that I'll take over.
He shakes his head and points over at their first target. An Imperial-II class.
He's nuts. Going into battle without comms is suicide.
"He won't turn back to the ship. He's insisting on attack the lead star destroyer," I report.
"He's insane! He can't go in without comms, that's suicide!"
"I know." I signal him to return to the ship and once again, he refuses. "Let's just keep him covered the best we can."
"Sir, enemy Arquitens are starting to close a gap!" one of my pilots report.
"Then let's take them out. Target their engines and weapons. Let's give our bombers an opening," I say.
I speed up and start taking fire from the cruisers. My droid strengthens my forward deflectors again and I swing around past the bridge and shoot at the engine modules. My cannons don't get through the shields so I swing around for another strike. I arm proton torpedoes and launch them at the base of the engines. They explode and I look over to my left and see Sabine taking out their guns. The ship explodes down the middle and I order everyone to steer clear of the cruiser. Not long later, the entire ship detonates as the magazine goes off, destroying the entire ship.
Another flash catches my attention and I see the other cruiser drifting out of formation, meeting a similar fate as the first cruiser.
"Gold Squadron, the path is clear. Proceed to the target," I say.
"Thanks, general!" one of the bomber pilots tells me. They speed towards the Imperial star destroyer and launch ion torpedoes in key areas, effectively disabling the star destroyer. They move on to the next one and do the same thing, the entire time my fighter squadron and others keep them covered.
"Admiral, engage the fleet with everything you have," I say.
"Understood, General."
Soon, I see several turbolaser blasts hit the disabled Imperial ships and their formation starts to fall apart.
"All fighters return to your ships. We'll let our capital ships finish up here," I say.
I get a response from the other squad leaders and we all start heading back to base.
"Spectre 1, this is Gold 2. I don't see Gold Leader anywhere."
"Does anybody have eyes on Gold leader?"
"Negative, General."
"No sign of him, sir."
"Ezra, I saw a Y-wing go down not long after they engaged the second star destroyer..." Sabine says. "I think we lost him."
Kriff... I told him to turn back.
"He knew what he was doing..." a bomber pilot says.
It was reckless...
"Nothing we can do about it now, though. Let's just get back to the command ship," I say.
...
I enter the bridge just as the last Imperial ship jumps into hyperspace in retreat. The admiral calls for a damage report of the fleet.
"General on deck!"
"At ease, carry on," I say.
"General. The enemy is in full retreat. This sector is under our control," the admiral reports.
"Very good, admiral. How were our losses?"
"Gold Squadron's leader is confirmed KIA, I'm afraid. I hear you tried to order him back but he refused."
"I did," I say with a slight frown.
"I don't know whether that was brave or stupid... but either way he should be commended," Sabine says. "I saw him right before he went down. He went straight for the bridge of a star destroyer. He did his duty."
"I agree," I say. "For now, keep the fleet on alert. I want fresh pilots deployed on active patrol. Recall the others. Any word on the rest of the fleet?"
"They're all quiet. One of them had encountered a pirate gang but they fled the system as well," the admiral reports.
"Good." I head to the holotable in the back of the bridge and look at the map of the sector. "Sabine, can you tap into the Imperial comm network?"
"I can try, but I doubt I can get much of anything without a proper comms array," she tells me.
"There has to be a reason such a large fleet was here in the first place. This area has nothing of major threat to the Empire until we arrived," I say. "Admiral, tell our ships to look for anything of value to the Empire. Bases, outposts, comms stations, resource mines, anything."
"Yes sir, I'll get on it."
"You think there's something here the Empire is trying to defend?" Sabine asks me.
"There has to be. The Empire doesn't just do things without reason to. We're in the outer rim, in a sector that doesn't usually have a large Imperial presence. Just some pirates or smugglers, but not a lot of our activity," I say.
"They could have been trying to find a base we could've had here," an officer suggests.
"To my knowledge we don't have any bases or outposts here. This isn't a very strategic system for us," I say. I think for a moment. "But you do have a point. We come from the outer rim and push into the galaxy. So they may be desperate to snuff us out."
"I agree," Sabine says. "If I was Imperial, facing a major threat like the Rebellion, the first thing I'd do is search wherever the lowest Imperial presence would be. Where the Empire isn't, resistance would be."
"Exactly."
The admiral approaches the table. "I think we've found something, sir."
"What is it?"
He taps on the console and an image of a moon appears.
"There seems to be a base being constructed on this moon not far from here. One of our ships sent a stealth X-wing to investigate further and it's still active. I would believe that the Empire has notified them of our presence in this sector and will either try to reinforce their position or evacuate," he says as he zooms the image onto the surface, showing the uncompleted base.
"Looks like it was supposed to be a listening post," Sabine says. "These dishes are too big to be a simple beacon transmitter, even this far in the outer rim."
"And something that important won't be easily left behind. The Empire will be back with reinforcements," I say.
"Shall I gather the fleet, sir?" the admiral asks.
"Yes. I want a suitable staging area set up. Are we set for an invasion?"
"We have some of those brand new walkers that Tenith designed for us. A full complement of them," the admiral tells me. "Twenty AT-BW walkers and ten AT-AV walkers are ready for combat. Equally as much on the other warships."
"Tell me about these new walkers," I request.
"With pleasure," Sabine says as she takes over the holotable. She brings up schematics of the new walkers. "Starting with the AT-BW, it's more of an anti-infantry vehicle but does have that mass driver for lightly armored vehicles. It also has two medium forward cannons and four forward laser turrets. The rear of the walker has two laser turrets as well, plus anti aircraft laser turrets."
"Looks like an AT-TE that Rex used to live on," I say.
"These two walkers are modeled after them, yes," she says. "Next is the AT-AV. This one is very similar to the AT-BW, however, two large mass driver cannons take up the entire top of the walker."
"Looks powerful. Can it take out an AT-AT?" I ask her.
"Theoretically, yes. It is also perfect for artillery strikes and sieges," she replies. "Clearly, they both have more legs than the AT-TE, so if one leg gets shot off it shouldn't collapse. Armor is stronger and more durable than the AT-TE, so it should withstand several shots from an AT-AT. However, because of its low profile, it is still vulnerable to mines. That's why the AT-AT is so high up."
"But that makes it easier to topple," I say. "So pros and cons, AT-AT has better firepower, but legs can be shot out relatively easily, and it's slow. But also good armor and mines don't affect it. AT-BW and AT-AV, low profile, faster, can't be knocked over easily, and only theoretically can withstand an AT-AT."
"Don't forget we have more guns on it so if we look at the Tarkin doctrine, it should follow with what they want," Sabine says with a bit of sarcasm.
The admiral laughs a little. "Perhaps, but it doesn't look very dominating. You see these in the field and you don't think of fear right away. That's what the AT-AT tends to do."
"Well, just because it's smaller, doesn't mean it won't hurt," I say. "Let's see what these walkers can do."
...