Taking In An Orphan

Chapter 16

    Hera heard the ships buzz past the Ghost first. She stared out of the window to see if the ships were only passing over or if they had spotted the Ghost. Three tie fighters were flying around near the ship, but they hadn’t zeroed in on the Ghost yet. 

    “Chopper, pull up the scanner, I want to see if the ties are flying right above us.”    

    Suddenly a transmission came in. 

    “Spectre one here, we need a quick pick up.” 

    “Spectre one, I hear you. Is this urgent? I have ties flying near me, I’m not sure we can get to you yet.” If Hera started the Ghost up now, the ties would notice and recognize the ship. 

    “We have the information and are outside the base. For now, the mission’s been quiet. We just need a pick up before we’re noticed.” 

    Kanan and Zeb stood atop a communication tower, waiting for the Ghost to pick them up. Before they had contacted Hera, they made sure Sabine had planted the bombs and was safely out of the base. 

    “Spectre one, I could ignite the bombs as a distraction if we need one to get out of here,” Sabine suggested. 

    “No, Spectre five. It’s not safe to set them off right now, you’re too close to the base still.” 

“I could make my way toward you.” 

“Hold your position for now. We don’t want you to be seen.” Kanan changed his transmission to talk to Hera. 

“How’s the tie situation?”

“They seem to be doing some sort of training right above me. I’m going to try to get off the ground without getting noticed.”

Back at the ship, Hera set Ezra in his seat and buckled him in, though the buckle was way too big for him. 

    “Hold on tight, bud. I’m going to try to fly under the empire’s radar.” Hera turned on the ship and slowly rose up from the ground. The Ghost barely hovered over the ground as Hera turned the ship in the direction of the imperial base. 

    Once they were far enough away from the ties, Hera put the thrusters at full capacity and the ship shot out toward the base. Ezra fell forward in his seat, almost falling off the seat. He gripped the edge of the seat and scooted back. 

    “I’m on my way. Where do you need the pick up?” 

    “Spectre four and I are at the Eastern most communications tower. Spectre five is on the roof of the biggest building on the western side.” 

    “Got it. Making my way to the communication tower first.” Hera brought the ship over to the tower and opened the ramp. 

    “We’re on. Let’s get…” The communication stopped abruptly. 

    Hera froze. She heard ties fly past the hovering ship, starting to shoot at the Ghost. 

    “Chopper, keep the ship steady.” Hera rushed to the back of the ship, hoping that Kanan and Zeb were still okay and on the ship. 

    Hera met Kanan in the hallway. After seeing Zeb behind him, Hera relaxed, but only slightly. The ship rattled as a tie fighter started to shoot at the Ghost. 

    “Chopper, take us out!” Hera yelled into her com. 

    “Zeb, man the nose guns. Kanan, where’s Sabine?” Hera started to run back to the cockpit with Kanan. 

    “She’s on the roof of the building on the west side.” Hera barged into the cockpit to find Chopper freaking out. He yelled that the shields were down and there was damage to the ship. And Ezra was coughing up a storm.