Chapter 28

Thirty-six hours after the commander promised an EVAC

"Red-3 is down! Red-3 is down! Request immediate support!"

Klaxons wail. Hera's heart skips while rebels sprint to their stations. Confusion makes her hesitate; this is the first overt sign of an operation. She ignored her suspicions because she knew she's unwelcome. Many seem as stunned as her, so Hera sprints to the command tent.

"What happened!" She demands over the arguing officers, who freeze like wayward children. The central holo displays the imperial compound, showing two X-wings retreating and a third tragically destroyed. A red sphere indicates the imps have shields now. Ewoks flee, and rebel sharpshooters descend from trees. Imperial forces pursue them to the edge of the woods before unleashing a barrage into the forest. Hera looks up and snarls, "Report! NOW!"

"The Ewoks choose to attack, with or without us," the comm. officer begins. "Captain Kensington decided for the good of our alliance-"

"Spare me your excuses!" Hera snaps. "Report!"

"Ewoks infiltrated the courtyard," A Mon Cal she recognizes steps forward. "Initially, the defenses collapsed, but they recovered and counterattacked fiercely. Probe droids marked infiltrators. A second and third firing line appeared on the second floor and the roof-"

"We can debrief later," Hera holds up a hand to stop her. "What's the status now?"

"The Ewoks are in full retreat with many wounded, an X-wing is down, and the shields are impenetrable to anything less than an orbital bombardment."

"Do we have shuttles ready?" The tech checks before nodding. "Send them to pick up survivors, have X-Wings provide cover. Place everyone with medical training on standby and inform the capital ships in orbit we'll send critically injured to them."

One of the techs informs her, "They still don't know we attacked."

"Then inform them," Hera orders. "Was there any chance the X-wing pilot survived?"

They lower their eyes, giving her the answer. Do I know the pilot? Almost certainly, "We'll grieve later, but we must prepare for wounded and potential counterattacks."

"They don't have the forces for a counterattack," someone argues.

"They didn't have shields an hour ago," Hera reminds them. "The Commander told me, 'you're the Empire now.' WE must protect everything and everyone, all at once. The defeat at the compound may not be our fault, but what follows will be our responsibility. Alert command and all stations for retribution. What's the status of Research Station 9?"

A communication officer states, "Major Shin took the base, and the imps surrendered."

"That's one piece of good news," Hera concedes. "Alert them too, just to be safe."

Rebels rush around the command tent while others excuse themselves to join the medics.

There's no chance of a peaceful ending now, Hera decides. The attack pushed them further into a corner. Now, they're trapped, angry, and grief-stricken. Some may see this as a victory. Others may not want an out. Without the Empire, what do they have left?

Hera grabs the comm officer, "Message the compound-no. Transmit an offer of a ceasefire to all of Endor. Surrender now and receive medical aid. If Imperials forswear further violence and aren't wanted for war crimes, we'll release them on a planet of their choosing."

"You're offering them a pardon? Our troopers and allies are wounded and need help." The comm officer hisses. "You intend to help them?!"

"YES!" Hera snaps, silencing the murmurs of dissent. "They're cornered, wounded, and desperate. If it ends this without further bloodshed, YES, I will!"

A few grumble, but no one pushes it. Meanwhile, pressure stretches every second into hours for Hera. Worry urges her to do something, ANYTHING! She resists, but it requires every ounce of her will. Hera remembers rushing to the compound, the Dulok village, and the trouble it caused. Now, Hera knows she can do more leading the rebels, even if she's only presenting a false front of calm. Knowing that is easier now, accepting it is nigh impossible.

Some time passes before the shuttles land; when they arrive, chaos peaks. Hera emerges from the command tent as the wounded stumble off a loading ramp. As many pathfinders as Ewoks exit, far more than expected. Many try to help their comrades, ignoring their wounds. Doctors, nurses, and even passerbys rush to help as screams and cries of pain grow deafening.

In the rush, too many people clog the shuttle doors. Spotting this, Hera yells, "Stay to the right! Segregate the wounded by injuries! Life-threatening immediately go to the doctors, non-threatening to triage, walking wounded help out. Do not RUN! Do not let panic take hold!"

Her words startle them but calm returns, even at a frantic pace. As one shuttle empties, another replaces it. Again and again, it continues until it's routine, despite the screams.

On the last ship, a towering figure emerges that she recognizes. His poncho is shredded and scorched, but his injuries don't slow him. Seeing him alive fills her with unexpected relief. The giant bodyguard straightens to the position of attention, "General Syndulla."

"Do you need aid?" She asks, and he shakes his head. "Where's Captain Kensington?"

"He remained behind with a few pathfinders and Ewoks to set up an observational post," he responds. "He wanted more intel before the next assault, ma'am."

The next assault?! She thinks furiously but forces herself to remain neutral.

"At ease, my friend. Tell me what happened."

He takes a deep breath, ready to answer. Then his eyes narrow suspiciously, "Is this about the attack or your feud with the captain? Don't insult me by denying it; I saw your face."

Hera winces, "I'm not overly fond of him, no, but I wouldn't jeopardize the mission because of my feelings. Captain Kensington's fury is a risk. Do you believe differently?"

"I can't argue that," the giant replies. "Hatred burns inside of him; it sunk its claws deep into his soul. Step carefully, general. He isn't the only one. Some rebels consider any obstruction treason, and some are angry enough to act on that impulse."

"I will," she replies casually. Then Hera wonders, is he warning me that I'm in danger? Do rebels see me as a potential threat? She pushes it aside. "What happened at the compound?"

He pauses to collect himself, "Captain Kensington's plan was good, and the Ewoks infiltrated the base with ease. They'd eliminated several stormtroopers on the walls before a blasted probe droid spotted them. Following the plan, they threw grenades at the E-Web and the gate. From outside, the Ewoks charged while we sniped the officers. Then the defenders started retreating inside the compound. I thought we broke them, but suddenly they turned and fought back. They fixed bayonets, general! The courtyard became a meatgrinder."

"Why are so many pathfinders wounded if you remained outside?"

His gaze hollows, "A rocket hit an X-wing. Its torpedo fell short, landing near us."

"I'm so sorry." Friendly fire is always a risk. Hera asks, "Was the commander there?"

"He arrived after the assault stalled." The giant's eyes narrow, and Hera realizes he's focused on recalling something. "There's other stuff that happened, tactical info, but you can read about it in the report. You need to know I saw HIM, him and Gary. Three of them rode a blurrg. They looked…awful. We saw them fight bloody and wounded with indifference. Now, they looked beaten, haunted. I don't know what happened; I don't think I want to know."

The witch, she recalls as chills race up Hera's spine. The helplessness she felt and the witch's sheer power still terrify Hera. To change subjects, she asks, "Who was the third?"

"A dark-skinned woman, in flight armor and hair pulled into a tight tail."

"Dr. Wither. She ran the compound before Lord Dyer seized it. They rallied the battle?"

"Did someone call for me?" Lord Dyer appears, sipping tea from a cup and holding the saucer in his other hand. Unlike everyone else, the lord is immaculate. His clothing is spotless, and appears unbothered by the wounded and the battle's aftermath. Hera scowls at him.

"Their return was impactful, but the compound was already repelling the Ewoks. We ordered them to withdraw, but the chiefs refused. We couldn't bomb the imps until they retreated. If they complied, the compound would be a smoking crater."

Hera recognizes the difficult decision, "We don't kill our allies to defeat an enemy."

"I hope years from now people aren't arguing over it, whether it was the wrong choice."

"Historians have a clearer picture than us, and I hope not either, but remember what the commander said. 'We grew complacent with brutality.' I refuse to follow their example."

The giant smiles slightly, "They rode in blasting, like heroes from a story."

Hera grins. Of course, they did.

"Did you shoot at him, trooper?" Lord Dyer inquires sharply.

The big man blinks, then huffs before replying, "Yes, my lord."

"…and the result?"

"I missed, my lord. They were riding at full gallop, and I was hundreds of meters away."

"How fortunate," contempt drips from Lord Dyer.

"Head to triage," Hera orders, pointing towards it. "Report back once you've recovered."

"Yes, general!" He salutes, about-faces, and walks in that direction.

"He missed on purpose," Lord Dyer points out.

"He's a good trooper, loyal to the Alliance," Hera replies.

"Nice evasion, general Syndulla," Lord Dyer compliments her, sipping his tea. "That doesn't change that I'm right, and you know it. Fractures are growing in your alliance rapidly."

"You've cobbled together a revolution and replaced us." The commander warned her. "Now, you're in charge. Without the fear of the Empire to unite you, what holds it together?"

Hera doesn't respond to Lord Dyer, or the commander's question. A part of her thinks, that's Mon Mothma's responsibility. Then she wonders, Is it? Or is it all of ours?

Without a word to Dyer, she returns to the command tent. An hour passes as she waits for Captain Kensington to return. Her frustration builds, but she keeps her emotions in check.

"Ma'am?" The Mon Cal calls. "Our spotters say three probe droids just left the compound, climbing rapidly."

"Has the compound replied to our offer?" Hera asks to give her time to think.

"No, ma'am."

Probe droids. What are you up to, commander? Then, Hera orders, "Plot potential destinations on their azimuth, no matter how unlikely. Coordinate with orbiting ships to triangulate them, and have fighters on standby."

"Yes, ma'am—but there's only one known location in that direction, Research Station 9."

"Contact Major Shin immediately," Hera commands.

"He…still hasn't replied to our last message."

"Why am I learning this now?" Hera demands, then waves it off when a sinking feeling fills her gut. "It doesn't matter. Request support from the ships in orbit. I want a pair of X-wings and a landing shuttle full of troopers to reinforce Major Shin immediately."

"Isn't that a bit of an overreaction, ma'am?" The Mon Cal asks hesitantly.

"Yes," Hera admits. "Do it and keep trying to contact him. Major Shin isn't the type of officer to blow off warnings or ignore command. His last message was their victory, and now silence. We have overt Imperial activity, and my gut tells me something is wrong."

"I need an update on the compound's shields and the status of our forces!" Without warning, Captain Kensington storms into the tent. "Request reinforcements from-"

He freezes when he spots Hera, mouth ajar. A cheap thrill races through her at his expense, but Hera forces her mind to remain on task. She orders, "Report, Captain."

His mouth works soundlessly. Only after collecting himself, he declares, "We don't have time for that. The compound is cracked open. One concerted push, and we'll secure Endor."

"We just informed the ships of your first attack an hour ago," Hera forces herself to explain calmly. "With shields raised and your defeat, they will not be eager to send troops."

"Then-then, order them to comply! We are THIS close to victory!"

Hera considers it only because Lord Dyer shakes his head. I really don't like him! To defuse and deflect Kensington's anger, Hera changes the subject, "What of Major Shin?"

"Major Shin would agree with me!" Captain Kensington persists. When he notices the disquiet, he looks around before asking. "What about the major?"

"We lost contact with Major Shin hours ago after a report of victory."

"Well, that happens," Captain Kensington waves it off. "We must focus on OUR target."

"Now, three probe droids are heading his way. Does that seem strange to you?"

Hera watches him work it out; Kensington's no fool. He notes her tone and the room's mood. "Yes, and I assume you've sent reinforcements, but that highlights why we must press forward. If we're facing a new problem or they need help, we can't leave a threat behind us."

"I've offered a ceasefire to the compound and remaining Imperials on Endor."

"You WHAT!?" He screams, his face flushed red. "They murdered our allies and terrorized us for decades! Now, you're going to give them a pass?"

"That was war, captain," Hera hisses. "A war that is coming to an end. You chose to-"

"You were relieved of duty! The Grand Commander freed you, and you returned with an Imp, standing in our command center!" Captain Kensington screams, pointing at Lord Dyer. "You're compromised! Everyone knows it, but no one will say it to your face!"

Hera's lips peel back from her teeth, and her heart pounds in her chest. As she prepares to unleash a verbal salvo, Lord Dyer again catches her eyes. Genuine concern wrinkles his face, and he emphatically shakes his head. Frantically, he mouths, "Stop."

Hera closes her eyes and swallows her anger, which infuriates her. She recenters herself before asking through clenched teeth, "What would you have us do?"

"Attack! Finish them off, now while they're weak!"

"They have shields now and are ready for us. Do you know if the commander is there?"

"Does it matter?" His frustration boils over. "Their last refuge is on the verge of defeat!"

"What if he isn't there or survives and escapes? What's his reaction, response, and goal?" Hearing the commander's words from her mouth irks Hera, but she can't argue his brevity.

"Without support, someone will find him, or the Ewoks will hunt him down."

"What if the imperials refuse to surrender?" Hera asks, leading to the obvious conclusion.

"Then we kill them!"

"That will make the Empire fight even harder," Hera tells him, feeling slightly sorry. Behind him, Lord Dyer nods approvingly. Kensington's hatred blinds him to the trap she's setting. "They'll never surrender. They'll fight to the death."

"Good!" He roars, then stops, realizing what he admitted. Kensington seizes on his last card, "General, you are not in command. You were reassigned and have no authority here."

"I do, on the other hand."

"Mon Mothma!" Kensington gasps, looking over Hera's shoulder. "M-my lady?"

Mon Mothma? Hera turns, discovering the Mon Cal next to the holo emitter. Hera still can't place her until Mon Mothma's arrival. A blue hologram of Mon Mothma has replaced the battlefield. Hera realizes their leader overheard with the comm officer's help.

An agent! The imperials aren't the only faction that spies on their own.

"Captain Kensington, your instability and disregard for safety have been brought to my attention," she states, weighty with disappointment. "Until further notice, you are relieved of command. General Syndulla, your command is reinstated until relieved by Major Shin."

"What? No! I-," Without regard for him, Mon Mothma terminates the transmission.

Kensington stares and then looks at Hera. Seething rage builds in that gaze. He takes a threatening step, but his poncho tightens around his neck, choking him. He turns, discovering her enormous rebel friend stands on it. The giant says, "This way, captain."

Kensington yanks the poncho free and storms out of the command tent.