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.

"6, stay calm, review your damage," I said, watching him, "Instruct your droid--" An explosion interrupted me, and I could do nothing as the burning fighter disappeared into the planet's atmosphere. Sorrow hit my heart, but replacing it, anger overwhelmed me. The Empire would pay.

Looking back at the planet, something other than sadness or anger met me. I felt a connection. It was as if on that planet, there was something I needed or missed. It was a puzzling sensation, and so I quickly refocused in the matter at hand.

"3, 9, follow me," I ordered and rounded the station, slipping inside a flight deck. Having landed, I hopped out of my fighter, blaster in hand. Immediately, Storm Troopers opened fire, but thanks to 3 and 9, the soldiers were soon silenced.

Turning, I looked back at them. Both their faces were stricken with grief, and I sympathized. "I know," I said. "Don't let 6 have died in vain. Come on."

As the three of us bolted towards a closed doorway, 3's droid followed close behind. Standing in the threshold, 9 and I kept watch while 3 and the droid worked on opening the door and scanning the station. Although no more troopers presented themselves, an alarm began to sound, alerting the station to our presence.

Biting back a curse, I glanced at 3, "Almost done?" Even as I spoke, the droid finished its task, and the doors hisses open. As we rushed forward, 3 quickly related the information the droid had gained from the scanner.

"What once were hospital rooms have been converted into cells," she explained, "However, the occupied cells are spread out."

"Makes sense," I grunted. Whoever was in charge of this station would've been stupid to put the prisoners so close together, even in captivity. They no doubt knew that we'd escaped before, and so putting the prisoners far apart had been their best bet of preventing a jail break. Nevertheless, I would still attempt a rescue.

"Where's the closest occupied cell?" I questioned, and, coming to the end of a hallway, 3 pointed to the left. Nodding, we sprinted in that direction. A few minutes passed in relative inactivity, and we soon arrived upon the cell. After knocking out the guards posted outside, the droid set to work on unlocking the cell.

As it worked, I hammered on the door. "Hello? Zeb, Sabine, Kanan--are you in there?"

"Hera?" Zeb's deep voice called, and I smiled, "You're here?"

I couldn't keep the smile off my face. "It's me." Rather than wait for the droid to unlock the door, I blasted the locking mechanism, and the door slid open. As soon as Zeb was free, he rushed forward and embraced me. I was surprised at first, but I soon hugged him back.

"We all thought we'd never see you again," Zeb whispered.

Holding him at arms length, I smirked, "Well I'm here," I said, "But what happened to everyone else?"

The cheerfulness that had filled Zeb's eyes melted away. "Earlier, I heard a scream. I don't know if anyone else heard it, but it sounded like torture."

My heart clenched as a certain set of green eyes came to mind. "Could you identify it? Was it Kanan?"

"No," he murmured, "It was Sabine."

I ground my teeth together as anger washed over me. Sabine: she was strong and loyal but also highly skilled. She was a vital part to the rebellion. Being so vital, she knew much information concerning the inner workings of the alliance. If the enemy broke her, the rebellion would suffer greatly. However, more importantly, Sabine was a friend. "We need to find her."

One of the pilots, 3, spoke up. "According to the droid, there's an occupied cell a few corridors ahead."

Grunting, I started moving. "Let's go."

Grabbing my arm, Zeb held me back, "Hera, there's another thing. The one in charge, it's Kallus."

The name put ice in my veins, but my anger melted away all apprehension. Gripping my blaster, I glanced up at Zeb. "You ready?"

"Kallus has gone too far this time," he slammed his fists together. "I'll break him."

"Let's hope that he hasn't broken Sabine," I said.

Hey guys!

So sorry it took so long to get this chapter released, but I wanted to have it published before Christmas. Winter break is coming up for me, so hopefully I'll be able to finish Erstwhile before the new year.

What are your thoughts? What do you think will happen to Sabine? Will she break? What's Kanan thinking? Will they be able to rescue Ezra and Ashoka?

Stay tuned!

I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving!

Love,

Julie :D