Chapter 13: The Search for the Nonnah
Hera stood in the observation room outside Kat's hospital room. She saw the old female clone trooper laying in her bed. Kat had been put into an induced coma. All to prevent the woman from having to follow a kill order against the Jedi that had literally been implanted in her head. If she was allowed to return to consciousness, she would be compelled to murder a Rebel pilot with Jedi heritage, die in the attempt, or go insane. It was a horrible fate, and Hera's heart when out to the woman.
But that wasn't the case just a day ago. Hera's son Jacen was the son of a Jedi Knight. If this woman could attack Luke Skywalker, then she was also a danger to Jacen. Hera's instincts of maternal defense kicked in, and she would do anything to keep this woman away from her son. In addition, in an act of raw anger Hera had chased away Rex, a longtime friend, because he withheld information on Kat. While Hera was still angry with Rex, she regretted her actions. Now Rex had taken upon himself a dangerous mission to rescue his clone sister from her fate, and Hera hadn't done a thing to help him.
It was so unlike Hera to oppose helping another person. Sure, on many occasions as a Rebel captain and now as a general she had to make the tough call. But that wasn't what she had done when she rejected a plan to acquire the medical equipment necessary to rescue Kat. She was punishing Kat and punishing Rex for a perceived crime against Hera. And Hera was wrong to do it. A conversation with Princess Leia Organa had awaken Hera to that truth.
Hera took a deep breath. She wished she knew the Jedi meditation techniques that Kanan used so often. More than that she wished Kanan was here. He could help calm her mind.
"How is she doing?" Hera almost jumped at the voice behind her. She turned to see Sel Pamma, one of the Nonnah's crewmates. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's alright," said Hera. "There's been no change. Kat will have to be kept in the coma until we figure out how we can help her."
"You mean until Chanla and the Nonnah return?"
"That might be one solution," said Hera. She felt the sting of her conscience again. "I'm sorry they left you behind."
"Don't worry about it," said Sel. "When Chanla sets her mind on a task, she gets it done. She knew she couldn't wait for me to recover. And she knew that I would understand, which I do."
"Forgive me, but I haven't even asked how you are doing," said Hera. The woman had taken a blaster bolt to the gut. She was very fortunate to even be alive.
"Weak," replied Sel. "Floating for days in a bacta tank has healed me, but my body still needs to recover."
"General Syndulla!" said a Rebel woman. "Priority message for you. You're needed in the briefing room."
"Who is it from?"
"Captain Rex on board the Nonnah."
Hera ran to the briefing room. She was halfway there when she realized Sel Pamma was running behind her. "Sel, you need to rest."
"These are my friends," Sel was breathing heavily. "My family. I request…" she took another couple of breathes. "…permission to listen in."
Hera remembered her family on board the Ghost. "Permission granted."
Hera arrived. Already in the briefing room was Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker of Rogue Squadron, and the Redemption's captain. Also present via hologram was General Rieekan. Hera nodded at the Princess and the General, but without delay she ordered, "Put Rex through."
"It's a recorded message, Ma'am," said the Rebel technician. "Displaying now." A hologram of Rex appeared. He was wearing his clone armor, but his helmet was off.
"This is Captain Rex of the Rebel Alliance on board the allied vessel Nonnah. We have successfully raided the Imperial supply storehouse on Commenor, but our escape has been compromised. Our hyperdrive is down, and we are currently making our way to Chorax on sublight engines. In the likely possibility that the Empire finds us, we will be unable to defend ourselves.
"We are requesting any assistance the Rebellion can provide. The supplies we have on board would be of great help to the Alliance. Repeat, this is a call for assistance. Any Rebel cell that can assist, please consider our plea."
The holo of Rex disappeared. "Syndulla, your opinion," prompted Rieekan.
"We should help them," said Hera.
"You were opposed to this operation in the first place," said Rieekan.
"I was wrong," said Hera bluntly. "And I think you all know that." She looked at both the Princess and the hologram of Rieekan. "I should have never let them take this mission on their own. I should have been there with them."
"What are our options?" asked Princess Leia.
"We cannot take the Redemption into battle," said the medical frigate's captain. "We are trying to keep this ship a secret from the Empire. Now is not the time to reveal it."
"Agreed," said Hera. "I will take the Ghost. If we have to, we will use our magnetic clamps and haul the Nonnah through hyperspace."
"Rogue Squadron can provide cover," said Skywalker. "There's no telling what Imperial forces we will encounter out there."
"Only if you can get your fighters ready within the hour," said Hera. "Because I'm leaving now."
"Wedge! Get the X-wings ready on the double!" shouted Luke from across the hanger "We're leaving within the hour."
"Impossible, Luke," replied Wedge to his squadron leader. Luke had less experience than Wedge, but he was a fantastic pilot and a natural leader. Wedge did not begrudge him.
"Impossible?"
"The X-wings are under maintenance. Many of them were a bit strained on our last mission. My X-wing has its cannons removed, and yours has its hyperdrive sitting beside it." Luke's astromech R2-D2 rolled up and chirped his addition remarks.
"Wedge, we need our fighters," said Luke. "We've just received a distress call from the Nonnah, and we're supposed to fly escort for the Ghost on the rescue mission."
"I don't know what to tell you, Luke," said Wedge. "We could have three X-wings ready in two hours, but the rest of the squadron will take another four."
"We need options," said Luke.
Wedge looked up to the ceiling in a gesture of searching for answers. He didn't actually expect to find an answer above him. But there, hanging from the hanger's ceiling catwalks were five fighters, ready to go.
"Hey, Luke. Have you ever flown an A-wing?"
"The Ghost is almost ready," said Zeb.
"I've already locked in the coordinates for Chorax," said Kallus.
"Good," said Hera. By the efficiency and the general excitement, Hera concluded that her crew had been disappointed not to have been part of the Commenor job, and now they were eager to make up for it. Even Chopper was working quickly.
A woman came up the ramp. It was Sel Pamma. "Requesting permission to come on board and accompany this mission," she said.
"Sel, you're still recovering," said Hera.
"I am capable of assisting here in the Ghost," countered the woman. "Without Rex you are shorthanded. I can help you in the Ghost, freeing up Kallus or Zeb for other work." She gave Hera a look that was just one level away from pleading. "This is my family, General."
"Understood," said Hera. "Welcome on board. Go and assist Kallus. I have one more thing I need to do."
Hera entered her quarters. Jacen was crying. She picked him up out of his crib. "There, there. Mommy's got you, Love." Hera cradled him in her arms and rocked him till his cries diminished. Hera then grabbed her to go baby bag and slung it over her shoulder.
As Hera exited the Ghost, she met Princess Leia in the corridor outside the airlock. "Princess, I was hoping to find you."
"And I was hoping to see you before you go," said Leia. "I think you are making the right decision. But this might be dangerous."
"It will be dangerous," said Hera. "That is why I have a very important favor to ask of you."
"Anything," said Leia.
"I need you to watch over Jacen for me," said Hera.
The Princess looked surprised. "I'm afraid I'm not that good with children. The result of being around adults most of my life."
"I'm not asking you to be Jacen's mother. I have made arrangements with my family on Ryloth if anything were ever to happen to me. I am asking you to watch him for today, until I get back from the mission."
"Why me?" asked Leia.
"Because I've already trusted you with Jacen's biggest secret," said Hera. "And I know you understand the importance of it. And because your father kept Fulcrum's secret and Kanan's secret. I trust you to keep Jacen's secret."
Leia nodded her understanding. Hera took off her shoulder bag. "Almost everything you will need is in here. The Redemption will have anything that is missing." She handed Leia the bag, which the Princess put over her shoulder. Then Hera set Jacen in Leia's cradled arms.
Hera leaned her face close to Jacen's. "Mommy's going to be back soon. I have to go help some people. It's what we do, Love. We help people." She kissed her son on the forehead. Then she looked up at Leia. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," replied Leia. But as Hera turned to leave, Leia spoke again. "General, may the Force be with you."
"We're approaching Chorax," said Rike. "We are just arriving within sensor range."
"Any signs of the Empire?" asked Chanla.
"Not yet…ah, uh oh."
"What is it?" asked Rex.
"An Imperial Star Destroyer is in orbit," said Rike.
"I'll take a look at it," said Katrina from the copilot's chair. Chanla was standing behind her. Rex was behind Rike.
"Is there any chance they haven't spotted us?" asked Rex. As an infantry clone, Rex knew less about space battles than ground battles, although in his few years in the Rebellion he had learned quickly.
"If we've spotted them, I'm sure they've spotted us," said Rike.
"Confirmed, they know we're here," said Katrina. "They are launching TIEs. And it is the Assailant."
"Can we still turn around?" asked Chanla.
"And go where?" answered Rike with a question. "Chorax is the only planet in range. If we turn around, that Star Destroyer will catch up with us. Then they will have us in open space."
"Then we go Chorax," said Rex.
"You want to fly towards the Imperials?!" exclaimed Katrina.
"It's like Rike said, Chorax is our only cover out here. We might be able to make it to the planet's surface. From there we can try and hide the Nonnah until other Rebels come to our rescue."
"Rescue?" asked Rike. "We haven't heard back from the Rebel Alliance. What makes you think they will come?"
"A gut feeling," said Rex.
"We are going to fly towards the Imperials, try to make a decent landing, and hide in hopes of a rescue that may not come?" said Katrina.
"Do you have a better plan? Without hyperdrive we can't escape, and we can't win by fighting."
"Rex is right," said Chanla. "I don't have a better plan. And unless I hear a better one, hiding on Chorax seems to be our best option."
"Alright," said Rike. "I am going to redline the engines. Everything else, I am putting into shields. Have everyone strap in. This is going to be bumpy." Rike hit a few more controls, then said. "Here goes nothing." He opened up the throttle.
"Freighter spotted, Sir," called out one of the bridge crew.
"Just as we predicted," said Aargant. He looked over at Commander Bowmen with a smile. The Star Destroyer captain had assisted Aargant in his prediction. In doing so he had shown himself competent at predicting his enemies. Not at Aargant's level, but competent.
"Indeed," agreed Commander Bowmen, returning the smile. Then he entered command mode as he issued orders to his crew. "Go to full combat alert. Launch Squadron Three. I want Interceptor Squadron Four on standby." Bowmen turned to Aargant. "Now, let's see what they do."
For a few minutes there was no change on the Rebel freighter, but soon the same crewman answered. "Sir, the freighter has accelerated and changed heading."
"They're fleeing?" asked Aargant.
"No," said Bowmen as he looked at the sensor reading. "Their new heading is right for us."
Aargant was surprised. "They're going to attack an Imperial Star Destroyer! Are they mad?"
"No, Agent Aargant, they are not mad, but they are desperate. They cannot flee us at sublight speeds. Their only choice is to try and make it to Chorax. A single Star Destroyer cannot blockade a whole planet." Bowmen projected a holographic image of the planet Chorax. "They could go to any number of locations planet side. By coming straight at us, they give us no hint of what direction they will go once they break off their heading."
"Ah," said Aargant. Bowmen was pointing out Aargant's lack of tactical knowledge, and he didn't like it. If Aargant was to rise in the Imperial ranks he would have to demonstrate his tactical ability.
"Here they come," said Rike as he threw the Nonnah into a spin to avoid the first wave of TIE fighters. With their turrets destroyed in the last battle, the Nonnah only had its shields and maneuverability to defend itself. The shields won't last long, Rex knew. And maneuverability was limited by the fact that they were running as fast as they could to Chorax.
Rex held on to the back of Rike's seat. The countless number of times Rex and ridden in a Republic Gunship (and the several times he crashed in one) had taught Rex how to stand sturdy in a moving vessel. Nevertheless, the Nonnah shook quite a bit, and not all the shaking was from the TIE fighters outside.
"How much more can the engines handle?" asked Rex.
"I don't know," said Rike honestly. "But given our lack of options, we better hope they can make it. Katrina, have you found a landing place yet?"
"Still working on it," said Katrina. She and Chanla were trying to find a place to hide the Nonnah.
The Nonnah shook again. Rex looked up and saw the Star Destroyer looming. "You ladies better hurry. We're almost in range of that Star Destroyer."
"Here are some grid coordinates," said Katrina. "A mountainous area with some major valleys. Hopefully, we can find a place to set down."
"Got it," said Rike. "Preparing to make our move." The Star Destroyer was still in front of them. Rex saw Rike grip the controls tighter. Rex sat down and strapped in.
The Nonnah shook again. "Starboard engines offline," said Rike. "The TIEs hit it. Shields failing." At least a half-dozen warning lights flashed around Rex. "I'm taking us down now. I need gravity to keep us moving."
"Are you going to be able to overcome that same gravity when we reach the surface?" asked Chanla.
"One problem at a time." Rike dropped the Nonnah off its course towards the Star Destroyer and drove the ship into the planet's atmosphere. Rex held on to his seat. At first it was a controlled descend, but soon it became a free fall. Rex saw the flames that resulted from atmospheric entry. He hoped that the Nonnah wasn't so damaged that the entry would tear it apart.
"We're coming in too hot!" shouted Katrina. "We're dropping too fast!"
"Compensating," said Rike. "Firing the port engines and thrusters." Rike was flipping switches with one hand, but never letting the other leave the control yoke. The yoke appeared to be fighting Rike. Rex briefly considered unstrapping and helping the pilot. But he decided against it.
A loud popping noise came from somewhere in the back of the ship. "Port engines are gone!" shouted Rike. "Just thrusters now," he added. Rex knew that the Nonnah lacked the necessary wings or hull shape to gain atmospheric lift. Instead, it relied on thrusters and repulsors. Without the main engines, Rike would have a difficult time slowing the Nonnah's fall.
Out the forward viewport cloud after cloud went by. At least that would obscure the Nonnah's location. Rex even noticed that Rike was changing directions to hide the location of the ship. So far, the TIEs had not followed the Nonnah into the atmosphere.
"We're coming down!" said Rike. The last cloud disappeared, and Rex saw the ground screaming up to meet them. "Getting ready to fire repulsors."
"The repulsors can't slow us down enough for a landing!" shouted Katrina in a panic. The woman in the copilot's seat looked like she wanted to crawl away from her seat, and Rex didn't blame her. All she could see was the ground rising up to kill her.
"Oh, this is not going to be a landing," said Rike. "I'm aiming for the water." Rex saw a river ahead with a small lake at the end. "Engaging repulsors in ten seconds. Hold on, and brace for impact!" Rex did hold on. As the Nonnah continued to drop, Rike shouted. "Engaging repulsors!" Rex felt some lift underneath him, but it was too little too late. "Brace!"
The Nonnah slammed into the river. It bounced off the water and skipped a few times before plunging in. Then the ship hit the shallow lakebed and slammed to a halt. Rex was thrown against his restraints. Finally, everything stopped moving.
Chanla groaned loudly. Rex looked over at her to see if she was okay. She rubbed her shoulders where the restraints had held her in her chair. Rex forgot that his armor had spared him the worse of it, but the others were experiencing pain from the restraints which had undoubtably saved their lives.
Rex undid the restraints and put his hand on Rike's shoulder. "I'm sorry about your ship," he said. "But your piloting saved our lives."
"Thank you," was all the pilot said.
"Our lives aren't saved yet," said Chanla. "Katrina, where are we?"
"The scopes are dead. I have no idea where on Chorax we've landed."
"Let's hope the Empire is equally clueless," pointed out Rex.
"I tried to put us into the general area you chose," said Rike.
"Then that's what we need to transmit to the Rebellion," said Chanla. "Rex, show Katrina one of your Rebel scrambler codes. I want you to transmit our approximate location to our possible rescuers. Then the Nonnah is to go silent."
"Yes, Sir," said Rex.
"Did the sensors find their location?" asked Commander Bowmen.
"No, Sir. I suspect it is more likely that they crashed. Their angle of descent was incredibly dangerous. The TIE Fighters were unable to pursue. However, we do have an estimated location for their landing."
"Thank you, Ensign," said Bowmen. "Send probe droids to that location. Launch Squadron Four. I want those Interceptors in on the search. Helm, move the Assailant above the suspected location and into orbital strike position."
"Orbital strike?" asked Aargant. "I want prisoners."
"Just a precaution," said Bowmen. "This is Commander Bowmen, to Major Calton. Prepare a landing party. Their orders are to capture the freighter, its cargo, and most importantly its crew. Depart as soon as possible." Bowmen turned to the ISB agent. "Major Calton will get your Rebels for you."
"That will be unnecessary, Commander," said Agent Aargant. "I'm going down myself."
The Ghost was in hyperspace when the coded transmission came through, audio only. It was Rex's voice. "Nonnah to Alliance rescue team. We have crash landed on Chorax and are unable to get our cargo or ourselves to safety. And there is an Imperial Star Destroyer in orbit. Here are our approximate coordinates, but not even we are sure where we've landed. We are going radio silent until necessary. I sure hope you're coming. Nonnah out."
"Hold on, Rex," said Hera as she watched her hyperspace count down.
The probe droids were dispatched, and the landing team was in route. The Assailant would take some time to circle the planet and get in orbital position above the Rebels. All that Bowmen could do now was wait.
"Sir, ships dropping out of hyperspace behind Chorax's moon. It looks like a freighter and several star fighters."
Bowmen issued his orders immediately. "Squadron Three is to form a fighter screen around the Assailant. Alert Squadron Four of the incoming hostiles. And have Squadron Five on standby." Bowmen paused. If rescue was on its way, the Assailant would not have time to get into orbital strike position. If he chose to destroy the Rebels rather than capture, he would have to do it another way. "Launch Squadron Six. I want those bombers planet side. They are to stand by until my order. But if I give the word, they are to destroy the freighter and any Rebel rescuers."
"Squadron Leader," said a communication officer from the Assailant. "Our sensors have picked up a new group of signals. Rebel fighters are heading your way. Your orders are to split your squadron to engage and continued the search."
"Copy that, Assailant," replied the leader of TIE Interceptor Squadron Four. "Alpha Group, on me. Beta Group, you will join us. We'll deal with the Rebels. Gamma and Delta Groups continue the search."
The Interceptor pilot smiled under his helmet. Finally! The chance to test himself against real Rebel pilots.
"Rogue Squadron, this is the Ghost. The Nonnah recently crashed somewhere in this vicinity. It was caring a team of Rebel soldiers and stolen Imperial equipment. You must find them before the Imperials do."
"Copy that, Ghost," said Luke Skywalker, Rogue Leader and one of Wedge's newest friends. "Form up, Rogue Group. We will stay low and come through the canyon. Once we are in the valley split up and begin search patterns."
"What is with you and canyons, Rogue Leader?" asked Wedge.
"Cut the chatter. We're not the only ones out here."
As if to confirm Luke's statement, Hobbie called out the incoming threat. "I'm picking up multiple signals. TIEs and coming in fast!"
Wedge looked forward. At the mouth of the canyon came two groups of TIE Interceptors for a total of six. The five A-wings of Rogue Squadron were already in a box formation. "Switch your deflectors double front," ordered Luke, so Wedge knew the plan was to plow through. Wedge picked his target and fired.
The two groups of fighters clashed, red and green cannon bolts flying by. Wedge saw at least two Interceptors destroyed, but he also heard Hobbie's voice over the comm. "Ahhhh!"
"Hobbie?!" Wedge watched as one of the A-wings dropped to the ground. Wedge flew by, waiting to hear from Hobbie. Finally, Wedge hear a response.
"I'm clear, but my fighter's down," said Hobbie.
Wedge was relieved. He and Hobbie were old friends. They had escaped the Imperial Academy together. "I'm on my way, Hobbie."
"Negative, Rogue Three," came Hera Syndulla's voice. "There isn't time. You need to keep on task. I will dispatch the Phantom for Hobbie."
"She's right," said Luke. "Throttle up Rogues, we have to keep searching for the Nonnah."
"Right with you, boss," said Wedge to reaffirm his flight leader that he was complying. Hobbie had survived worse. He would be fine.
Wedge saw Luke banked right, so Wedge banked left. The other two A-wings continued straight. "Stay low," Luke reminded everyone. Wedge kept his A-wing near the ground. Wedge had flown an A-wing on several missions. Luke on the other hand had not. But then again, he had never flown an X-wing before the Battle of the Death Star, and no one could argue with his performance there.
Wedge's sensors showed a small disturbance ahead. Too small to be the Nonnah. As if Luke knew Wedge was looking at his sensors he said, "Maintain visual scanning." Wedge looked up and saw little black dots hovering near the ground. Just as he was about to identify them, one of them shot at him. "Probe droids!" exclaimed Wedge to himself. Their weapons could certainly damage Wedge's A-wing, but only if he wasn't careful. Wedge was certainly good enough of a pilot to out fly their blaster cannons. However, Wedge couldn't allow their scanners to find the Nonnah.
Wedge completed a pass around a small lake in the area to check for the Nonnah and to mentally mark the probe droids' positions. Then he swung around for another pass. Using the small scrolling wheel on the left handle of the control yoke, Wedge oscillated the A-wing's cannons so that they would fire fifteen degrees above the horizonal plane of his fighter. It was a unique feature of the A-wing, handy for shooting down at a ground target while keeping the nose of the fighter level, but this time Wedge just wanted to shoot at something without flying right at it.
Wedge found a cluster of probe droids. They fired their small blaster cannons at him, but they missed the small agile fighter. Wedge rolled his A-wing on its side, then half aiming and half depending on instinct, Wedge fired at the droids as he went by. He was pleased to see them disappear from his rear sensors.
One of the TIE Interceptors had come up behind Luke. Luke became frustrated. He was supposed to be searching for a ship, not dogfighting Imperial fighters. Luke tried to shake the fighter, but it stayed on his rear.
"Use the Force, Luke," came a voice in his head. Was it a memory, or was Ben really talking to him? Luke didn't know. This had happened to him during the Death Star battle, guiding him to the successful shot that had destroyed the battle station. Ben hadn't let him down before. "Reach out with your feelings."
Luke calmed himself and half closed his eyes. He could feel the Force. It was flowing through him. Then, just like that practice session with the remote several months ago on the Millennium Falcon, he could see the TIE Interceptor. It wasn't so much vision as awareness. He knew where the enemy fighter was. But instead of moving his father's lightsaber to block the remote's stinging blasts, Luke moved his A-wing out of the way of the Interceptor's deadly green cannon bolts.
Out of his half-opened eyes, Luke saw the green bolts pass by him harmlessly. He didn't use any complex evasive maneuvers, nor was he even trying to shake the TIE Interceptor anymore. Luke just let the TIE shoot at him, away moving his A-wing to avoid the enemy fire. The thought came to Luke's mind that he could do this indefinitely, or at least until his fighter ran out of fuel. It would take a better pilot than the one in that Interceptor to hit Luke. A pilot like the one who had chased Luke in the Death Star trench.
"Trust your instincts," said Ben's voice again. Luke opened his eyes fully. The Nonnah was his mission, and he couldn't find it with his eyes closed. To Luke's surprise he was flying over a river with a small lake at the end. At the lake's far shore sat a crashed ship. Luke's Force guided flying had led him right to the Nonnah!
But it had also led the Imperial fighter to the Nonnah as well. Luke tapped his comm's mic switch several times in a predetermined wordless code to the rest of his squadron. He had found the Nonnah, now he just needed to get rid of his tail. But if the Imperial pilot was also reporting his find, then Luke had a chance. Luke rotated the A-wing's cannons forty degrees upward and waited to make his move until the moment felt right.
When his instincts told him to act, Luke cut power to his A-wing's powerful fusion thrust engines. Without thrust, the fighter began to drop immediately.
The Imperial squadron leader was chosen because he was the best pilot among his eleven companions. But this was the first time he had the opportunity to dogfight a real Rebel starfighter. And these were A-wings, the fastest the Rebellion had to offer. Today, he would score his first kill. And it only seemed fitting that he was on the tail of the Rebel flight leader. It was the greatest courtesy he could offer. Leader fighting leader.
But he couldn't seem to land a hit! "Pull yourself together," said the Imperial pilot. He fired again, but the A-wing just slid away from his green cannon fire. It was as if the opposing pilot knew where his shots would go. But that was ridiculous! He just needed to try harder.
The A-wing flew over a river with a lake capping its end. It was then that the Imperial pilot spotted the target freighter, half submerged in the lake. The Rebel freighter was the pilot's true mission. He immediately keyed his comm. "Assailant, I've found the target! Sending the location to you."
"Copy that. Relaying coordinates to your wingmen and to the landing team," replied the comm officer from the Star Destroyer in orbit.
The pilot returned his attention to the fighter he was pursuing. But it was gone! There was a flicker of motion below the TIE Interceptor, and the Imperial pilot knew the Rebel had given him the slip, dropping below and behind him. Worse, now the Rebel could be on his tail! He had to act fast! The Imperial pilot slammed his yoke to the right, hoping to evade his enemy.
Luke's A-wing dropped dangerously close to the ground, but at the last minute Luke activated his repulsors. The A-wing's repulsorlifts were meant only for takeoff and landing, not for sustained flight. But the lift the repulsors gave him by pushing off the planet's gravity kept Luke from crashing. He put power back into his main engines and returned to normal flight. But by drastically slowing his fighter and dropping altitude, he had allowed the TIE Interceptor to fly right over top of him.
The Intercept pilot was presumably distracted by his need to report the Nonnah's location. That had allowed Luke the opportunity to get the drop on him. But a pilot with any skill or training would have immediately recognized what Luke had just done and would have to take evasive maneuvers to avoid his new threat behind him. All Luke had to do was anticipate his first move. The TIE pilot couldn't fly much lower and pulling up would still keep him in Luke's sights. So that left only two options. Left or right? Luke called upon the Force one more time.
Right.
Luke drifted to his right just a second before his opponent make his hard break. Luke was still below the Imperial fighter, but with his cannons angled upward and his fighter already drifting to the right, the TIE Interceptor flew right into Luke's crosshairs. Luke jabbed his thumbs down on the firing stuns. A pair of red cannon bolts lanced out and hit the TIE Interceptor right behind the cockpit, obliterating the central hull, and leaving only its spiked wings to flutter to the ground.
"Nice shot, Rogue Leader," said one of Luke's wingmen. "We got your message. All pilots converging on this location. And we've thinned out the Interceptor squadron a bit."
Luke smiled. "Okay, Rogues, let's keep the crew of the Nonnah out of danger until the Ghost can pick them up."
Rex stood on the top of the Nonnah as the A-wings flew overhead. He waved at them, but then got back to work. "Our rescue is on its way. Let's get the wounded and the supplies up top."
Hera dropped the Ghost into the same canyon rift that Rogue Squadron had used. As she came to the end of the canyon, she saw the downed A-wing. She flew over the top and radioed back to the Phantom, "Zeb, there's Hobbie's A-wing. Go down and pick him up, then meet us at the coordinates that Rogue Leader gave us."
"Copy, Hera." The Phantom detached to pick up the Rebel pilot. Hera hoped that he was okay.
Hera brought the Ghost over a lake at the end of a small river. There, half submerged she saw the Nonnah. Her heart broke a little, for the Nonnah wasn't a starship anymore, it was a wreak. A ship like that held a special place in the heart of its owner. Hera's heart ached for Rike Kleiner. She knew how she would feel if it was the Ghost down there instead of the Nonnah.
The Nonnah broke comm silence. "Ghost, this is Captain Rex. We're glad you're here."
"I'm glad to hear your voice, Rex." There was a long pause. Hera and Rex had not been on good terms at their parting, and there was fault on both sides. Hera hoped to mend that relationship.
If Rex was going to respond, he never got a chance. One of the A-wing pilots issued an alert. "Incoming Imperial forces! One Sentinel class shuttle, one Gozanti cruiser and several small dropships!"
Agent Aargant received the coordinates from the Assailant. "Let's move. I want to get there as soon as possible."
"Of course, Sir," said Major Calton.
Aargant adjusted his armor. It had been a long time since he had worn it. The chest plate was alright. But the helmet felt heavy. It wasn't as if Aargant actually planned on going into combat, unlike that fool Kallus who like to take his trophy Lasat weapon into battle. But it was important to look the part when leading Imperial ground forces.
"Set the shuttle and the barges down as soon as we arrive, and deploy the troop transports and the tanks," ordered Aargant. Aargant watched his orders carried out from the cockpit of the Sentinel class shuttle. The shuttle raised its wings and set down gently up from the lake shore. The Theta class barges landed as well. They opened their doors, and the tanks and the troop transports issued out.
"What about the walkers?" asked Major Calton. The Major was referring to the four AT-DP walkers that dangled from the underside of the Gozanti cruiser. "I suggest that we deploy them, Sir."
"No, just the tanks and the troop transporters. The walkers do too much damage. I want the Rebels alive."
"Sir, we have limited air cover. If we don't act quickly, our ground forces may become vulnerable to those A-wings. We can accomplish our goals quicker with the walkers."
"Your suggestion is noted," said Aargant with annoyance. As he gave the matter a second thought he said, "Have the cruiser deploy the all the walkers, but have them stand by. We don't need the walkers, but I do have a special assignment for the cruiser."
As they came over the valley's rim, Aargant stood forward and surveyed the scene. The freighter had crashed in a lake. Rebel A-wings were dogfighting with the TIE Interceptors. And there was another freighter entering the scene. Aargant inhaled sharply. "That's the Ghost!"
"What, Sir?" asked Major Calton. "The Corellian freighter?"
"Yes, that's my target," said Aargant excitedly. "I want them alive."
Hera spotted the Imperials coming over the valley's ridge. It was indeed one of the large Sentinel class shuttles, four Theta class barges and one Gozanti class cruiser carrying four AT-DP walkers. Also, the remaining TIE Interceptors were now flying around. The shuttle and the four barges landed up a gentle hill from the lake. The cruiser dropped its walkers, then took a position hovering over the Nonnah, firing at the Ghost with it top side turret.
"Rex, I can't dock with the Nonnah while that cruiser is here," said Hera.
Rex responded with more information. "The barges are off loading tanks and troop transports. Looks like they're trying to get troops on to our ship."
"Hold on, Rex. We will help you as best we can."
Hera switched frequencies. "Rogue Squadron, the Nonnah is reporting that they're under attack."
"I copy," said Skywalker. Hera watched as an A-wing flew by, but the TIE Interceptors were all around.
Rex surveyed the Imperial forces from the top of the Nonnah. Walkers, troop transports, and tanks; four of each. The walkers were hanging back. The tanks were taking position on the lake's shore. But the troop transporters were coming around the tanks and preparing to go over the water.
Rex dropped back inside. "We've got a problem. Several problems in fact. An Imperial cruiser is above us, and troop transporters are approaching. There's nothing we can do about the cruiser. But we have to hold off the group troops as long as possible."
"Sounds like a job for me," said Cara Dune. "Can I borrow a blaster?"
Chanla picked up one of the dead stormtrooper's blasters. "Take this one. I don't think he'll mind." She picked one up for herself and she divvied up the ammo packs. Both women had lost their blasters pistols on Commenor.
"Blasters won't be enough to stop troop transporters," said Katrina.
"There's got to be something here big enough," said Cara.
Rex stroked his chin. "What do we have in way of explosives?"
Katrina began to list. "Not much: some thermal detonators, some grenades."
"We have fuel," said Rike Kleiner. "The Nonnah's not going anywhere. We should use it for something."
"And there are a few oxygen tanks we grabbed from the storehouse," said Carter.
"Doctor?" said Katrina in slight alarm. "Are you suggesting we use medical supplies as weapons?"
"Why not? They'll go boom," replied Carter.
Cara slapped the young doctor on the back. "Knew you weren't a pacifist."
Rex issued orders. "Gather those explosives. I need four bombs for the four troop carriers."
"But we have no delivery system," objected Wolffe.
"Those transporters will have to come over the water. And we still have Gungans."
"We'sa like adis," said one of the Gungans.
Quilow Pom was less excited, but no less serious. "We'sa protecten this ship, until Queenie Neeyutnee and everyone is off."
"Then there's no time to spare," hurried Rex.
"Tanks are in position, Sir," report Major Calton. Aargant could tell that the man wanted to call the shots and didn't like reporting to the ISB agent, but Aargant didn't care. Soon he would be promoted and more people like Calton and Bowmen would have to take his orders.
"Good. Have the troop transporters deliver their troops to the freighter. Remember, I want prisoners."
Rex tried not to watch the Gungans slip into the water with the most makeshift bombs he had ever seen. He neither wanted to draw attention to them nor think too hard about how dangerous it would be for them. "We need to keep the Imperials' eyes off the water," shouted Rex. "Give them something else to worry about." He pulled both of his blaster pistols and began to fire. Cara, Chanla, Rike and Wolffe were next to him. All were firing their weapons.
The troop transports did not return fire but came steadily towards them over the water. As Rex kept firing, he saw something pop out of the water right in front of the lead transporter. A second later it blew up. A massive hole was blown into the front of the transport. It crashed into the water and began to sink.
Another two explosives rocked the second and third transports. The fourth bomb didn't completely take out its target, but it caused the transport to flip on its top. Unable to get its repulsorlifts underneath it, the transport began to sink.
Stormtroopers began to climb out of the transports. Rex fired at the ones who had gotten on top of their sinking vessels. But the ones still in the water would periodically be pulled under. Rex knew those basic stormtroopers were no match for Quilow Pom and his Gungans while they were in the water. Soon the troopers were mopped up.
"Quilow, fall back to the Nonnah," said Rex into the commlink. "We need to get ready for the next wave."
"What happen?" asked Aargant.
"Some kind of improvise water mines," said Major Calton. "These Rebels are resourceful."
"Have the tanks destroy the submerged freighter," ordered Aargant. "We will grab the survivors when they swim to the shore."
Luke flew dangerously close to the cruiser, hoping the TIE Interceptor on his tail wouldn't follow, but somehow Luke knew that wouldn't happen. As soon as he was behind the cruiser, he pulled back hard on the A-wing's yoke and braced himself for the excessive g-force that not even his inertial dampers could handle. As he hoped the TIE Interceptor hadn't seen the beginnings of his maneuver. Luke completed his loop-de-loop and swapped places with the TIE. Now he was the pursuer.
The TIE Interceptor tried to evade Luke. Not having the focus to call upon the Force at the moment, Luke had to fly the old fashion way. He stayed behind the enemy fighter long enough to target it with his cannons. Luke pressed his thumb on the firing studs and watched the TIE Interceptor blow up.
Luke did a quick survey of the battle. The fighters were almost clear. The cruiser was still above the Nonnah, preventing the Ghost from landing to pick up its crew and cargo. With so many targets, Luke decided to ask where he was needed. "I'm clear. Where can I help?"
"Take out those tanks," said Wedge.
"Got it." Luke pulled his A-wing in a long loop and lined up for a strafing run against the ground targets. "I'm going in."
"This is the Phantom. Mind if we join you, Rogue Leader?" said a deep voice Luke didn't recognize. It must have belonged to the Lasat warrior from the Ghost.
"Not at all, Phantom." Luke could see the small shuttle in his rear sensor. He angled his cannons downward and flew towards the tanks. They were conveniently lined up. A great position for a heavy fire barrage against the Nonnah, but not so good to defend against a strafing fighter. They didn't even seem to notice his approach, so Luke slowed a bit. He waited until he was close enough for optimal range and fired.
Luke hit every one of the four tanks. Two of them exploded. Luke called back on his comm. "Did we get them, Phantom?"
"Yeah," said the gruff voice with satisfaction. "We got them. Nice shooting, Rogue Leader."
"Rogue Leader," came General Sydulla's voice. "I think I have an idea of how to deal with that cruiser. Come in behind the Ghost and arm concussion missiles."
"Copy that, Ghost." Luke armed his A-wing's warheads. He preferred the proton torpedoes of his X-wing, but these concussion missiles would do the job nicely. Plus, the A-wing could launch four of them in quick succession.
Luke swung around for his pass. The Ghost was already in position. Wedge had told Luke that he and General Syndulla used to fight with Phoenix squadron which primarily used A-wings, so he knew the General was aware of the fighter's capabilities. Luke punched up the throttle and tried to catch up with the Ghost.
The Ghost was flying too low for the cruiser's topside cannon, but the ventral cannon was firing. The Ghost dodged a few blasts but absorbed much of them with its shields. Now Luke understood. An A-wing wouldn't be able to take those hits, but the Ghost could. With some quick mental math Luke calculated the speed with which he and the Ghost would reach the cruiser at about the same time. He set his throttle and kept behind the Ghost until the last second.
Just as the Ghost was about to reach the cruiser, Luke bounced his fighter to the outside and got a clear shot. He fired four concussion missiles. At the same time the Ghost fired a pair of proton torpedoes. All six warheads hit the cruiser at nearly the same time. The warheads created gaping holes in the hull of the ship, and the impact knocked the cruiser to the side. It fell towards the water.
"Brace yourselves!" shouted Rex. But Cara was too amazed at the burning hunk of war machinery above her. The Imperial vessel dropped to the side and crashed into the water. For a moment Cara was relieved that it didn't land on top of them.
But then came the water. The wave hit Cara and swept her right off the top of the Nonnah. She felt herself plunged into the cold water of the lake. Fighting to swim to the top, Cara felt the water pull her under.
A pair of hands grabbed her under her arms, and she felt the kicking of whomever was helping her. Soon she erupted back above the water, and she gasped for air. "You'sa being alright?"
"Yes. Thank you," she said back to the Gungan. She grabbed the side of the Nonnah that was partly submerged.
The Gungan handed her blaster back. "You'sa climben aback up. We'sa fight in the water. You'sa wanten to be dry."
"Can't argue with that."
"I can," said Rex as he slid down from the top of the ship. "Imperial ground forces are stalled. We need everyone topside, Gungans included. It's time to load up our supplies on the Ghost and get outta here."
Major Calton watched the flaming husk of the cruiser crash into the water. Agent Aargant slammed his fist on the back of the Major's chair. Why did the Empire give so much authority to the ISB? It would be better if the Empire left ground operations to the Imperial Army.
"Bring in the walkers," said Aargant. In Calton's opinion, the walkers should have been there already. "Have them target the freighter. No!" Aargant changed his mind as the Rebel rescue ship came down. "Have them target the Ghost. I want that ship grounded."
"Yes, Sir," said Calton.
Hera called down to the Nonnah. "Nonnah, we are going to hover right above of you. Load your wounded first. Then get on board."
"We have the medical supplies," came Katrina's voice over the comm. "We fought too hard to leave them behind now."
"Katrina's right," added Dr. Carter Rolanga. "We will get the wounded first. Then the medical supplies."
"Make it quick," said Hera. "Ghost to Spectre Four. Dock the Phantom we need you here more than out there. We are loading supplies from the Nonnah. Get down there and help them. If your passenger is uninjured, he can help too."
"Copy that, Spectre Two," replied Zeb.
"Kallus, I need you to help as well. Secure the wounded, then help with the transfer."
"Understood, General," said Kallus from the top turret.
"I can help too," said Sel Pamma, unbuckling from the co-pilot's chair.
"Negative," said Hera. "I need you in the top turret."
"I'm not trained," said Sel.
"It's self-explanatory," said Hera. "I need Kallus and Zeb below. And I need you above. Until we've gotten everyone and everything on board the Ghost will not be able to maneuver. You will be covering both us and your team."
"Okay," said Sel, unsured but at the same time determined. She left the cockpit.
Hera brought the Ghost right over the Nonnah and hovered as close as possible. "Hurry up. We haven't much time."
The Ghost hovered above the wreck of the Nonnah. Kallus opened the ramp and jumped down. He was met by Rex. "Glad you're here," said the clone. "We're moving our wounded."
Kallus looked in the direction Rex pointed. He saw Dr. Rolanga and Chanla Neeyutnee carrying an injured Gungan on a hover-gurney. Another Gungan was walking on his feet supported by the clone Wolffe. "We have two more below," said the doctor.
"We'sa helpen oursan people," said a healthy Gungan. He was helping a drenched Cara Dune who looked like she had fallen into the water. There was a look of embarrassment on her face. Kallus smiled as he remembered his own pride and how he kept his uniform immaculate when he was in the ISB. Being part of the Rebellion had forced some humility into Kallus, but it was worth sheading the uniform.
"Let's start loading the supplies," said Kallus. He waved at Cara to help. "Anything big that can withstand the vacuum of space set over there. We will use the magnetic lock on them. Everything else goes into the Ghost. We need to hurry, or there will be no leaving here at all."
As if to put an exclamation mark on Kallus' point, the Ghost took a hit from one of the AT-DP walkers on the shore. Kallus ducked and turned towards the walker just in time to see a pair of A-wings dive down and blast it. Another walker had already been destroyed. Kallus looked around the sky. There were no TIE fighters to be seen. This Rogue Squadron didn't mess around.
The Phantom came down and backed its way into the Ghost's auxiliary docking bay. A minute later, Zeb and a Rebel pilot joined the crews of the two ships in loading supplies. The work was going fast. If the Imperials could only lay off for a while longer.
Major Calton resisted the urge to shake his head. He had long ago learned that his helmet would exaggerate any head movements. But at the moment he almost didn't care if the ISB agent knew of his distain. "Agent Aargant, the walkers are being destroyed. We do not have sufficient aircover to stop those A-wings." Which is exactly what he had predicted earlier.
"This battle is not over yet," said Agent Aargant. "If we can ground the Ghost then no number of A-wings will save the Rebels."
"Understood, Sir," replied Calton. But secretly he sent out a transmission.
Commander Bowmen received another update from Major Calton. Not only had the Rebels destroyed the Gozanti cruiser, but now the troop transports, the tanks, and soon the walkers would be destroyed as well. It was disappointment on top of disappointment. And now the rescue freighter was preparing to evacuate the downed ship. Bowmen had given Aargant his chance. He couldn't wait any longer.
"Launch Squadron Five," ordered Bowmen. But he knew it would take several minutes for his second TIE Interceptor squadron to reach the surface. By then the Rebels could be retreating. Bowmen remembered the Bombers he had already sent down to the planet. "Comm, connect me with Squadron Six." Bowmen got a nod from the comm officer. "Squadron Six, you are clear for bombing run against the downed freighter and the rescue ship."
"Sir?" asked Bowmen's first officer. "Doesn't Agent Aargant want prisoners?"
"He's welcomed to them," said Bowmen. "If there are any left."
