Erstwhile

Friend

I'd been standing beside Commander Sato when the Rebel fleet came out of hyperspace, and it soon became evident what had happened to Ezra and Ahsoka. The so-called abandoned Impetial medical station was very much active, and in response, Sato ordered for shields to be up and for fighters to prepare. It wasn't long before the Imperials spotted us, and as a result, I was forced to gear up.

As Phoenix leader, I led the strike squad, but it wasn't until we heard the first shot did we head out to attack.

"Phoenix 7, there's a TIE fighter on your tail," I shouted as I sped by.

"I see him, I see him." Moments later, an explosion sounded in the comm along with some victorious mockery, and, rolling my eyes, I sighed with relief.

Pushing hard on the triggers, I struck down an enemy fighter and began to pursue another. It was at times like these my body went into auto pilot, and soon, although I was currently in the midst of battle, my mind was free to wander. Where was Kanan? I didn't see the Ghost. I would've expected them to be fighting, right alongside the rebel fleet. Considering the significant time difference between our arrival the Ghost's, a chill crept across my skin, putting the hairs on the back of my neck on end.

"Somebody," Phoenix 2 sputtered, breaking through my worried haze, "I can't shake these guys!"

"What are your coordinates--" I started but stopped when I saw a Rebel fighter being chased by four TIEs, "Wait, I see you." Pushing the helm forward, I dove underneath the station, but by chance, I glanced to the side and spotted a ship docked on a flight deck. I would've recognized it anywhere, for its wings were one of my first, and I knew its cabin was my home.

"The Ghost!" I cried. Immediately, my brain went into overdrive, thinking about the scene that must've played out. After coming out of hyperspace, the Ghost would've been surrounded almost before its crew could react, and, seeing no other choice, Kanan would've surrendered in order to protect Zeb and Sabine, but that had been hours ago.

Who knew what had become of them now.

***

"Phoenix leader to headquarters," I shouted over the intercom.

"We hear you," Sato replied, "What is it?"

"We need to board the station, now."

"We can't do that in the middle of a battle--"

"Kanan and the others are on that ship," I explained, "if we wait any longer, the station may contact us and use Kanan to paralyze us."

The Commander was silent. "Assemble a team and quickly. Make it small. We need all the pilots we can in this fight."

"I understand, sir," I said and began to speak to the rest of Phoenix squad. "Phoenix 3, 6, and 9, follow me."

With affirmatives echoing throughout the comm, I sped towards the station, the requested fighters behind me. At our approach, the station's guns swung around and began to focus fire on us. My eyes followed each projectile, and I quickly dodged them, but not all had my experience as a pilot.

"I've been hit!" Phoenix 6 cried and spiraled out of view. Whipping my head around, I watched as he tumbled towards a green planet. If he didn't act fast, his fighter would either explode, or he'd collide with that planet.