-The Capitol, Ryloth, Ryloth System-

Laying belly down, the Bad Batch spied on the Imperial force below with their binocs. The Capitol square was filled with unhappy citizens, demanding for Cham's release, muttering curses toward the Empire under their breaths. The Imperial, Admiral Rampart, began to address the twilek community, calling Cham and assassin for Orn Free Taa's murder, all the while hiding the real truths behind the story he, the Empire, chose to fabricate.

"Assassination attempt?" The sergeant was ready reconsidering the rescue mission, not wanting to take part in any dirty business. "That's not what happened," The twilek took offence and defended. 

Omega called out to the sergeant, "Hunter, Crosshair's here." 

Wrecker grumbled from beside the mirialan, "Great. Just what we needed." Ryki replayed the name in her mind. It only came up a few times amongst the brothers. Clearly, it was a sensitive topic. She was yet to meet the fifth former member of the Bad Batch. Hunter gestured for the team, including Ryki to a meeting circle. Hera and Omega remained to watch over the Capitol. 

"The plasma bridge into the city's been deactivated." the sergeant informed. "Well, I say we fly in and blow our way out," Wrecker told his brother.Ryki listened quietly, absorbing the way the boys planned. "The Capitol scanners would detect our ship." 

"Would it be possible to hijack one of their own?" Ryki tried.

"Not an ideal plan." Tech corrected, "The troop presence here is similar to that of Raxus. This is a military occupation." While Ryki didn't really know what went down on Raxus, she knew a little thing or two about Ryloth. "Hmm, by Ryloth is not a Separatist planet." Echo nodded in agreement. 

"Exactly my point. This occupation here is forced." Tech went on to explain about the occupation. Hunter interrupted them, asking the group to stay put. Curiously, Ryki's eyes followed the sergeant. He disappeared behind some rocks. A moment later a loud crashing made Ryki jump out of her skin as a probe droid landed with a thud just nearby. Hunter smoothly landed on top of it, yanking his embedded vibro-blade that was wedged in the droids eye. 

Echo chuckled and helped Ryki up, "Never seen a probe droid before?" Ryki hummed, face contorting in disgust at the droids many spidery like arms, "Looks terrifying. They had to make it look like a flying spider." 

"Oh, good. A probe droid." Tech's voice dripped with sarcasm. Hera and Omega collected by Ryki's side. "The Empire will know we're here," Echo stated with some anger. "And so will Crosshair. Come on, let's move." 

---

Back at Cham's old base, Hera mourned over her parents. "All my father wanted was peace on Ryloth. Why is this happening?" Hera dug her face into Ryki's waist while she fell into a hug. The mirialan enveloped the girl in her arms to soothe her with Omega joining in, patting Hera's back. 

Watching the girls sadly, Echo reminded guiltily "He's the voice the people stand behind. That makes him a threat to the Empire." 

"I don't care about any of that." Hera turned back to look at them, as angry as she could, "I just want my parents back." 

Tech thread down the Havoc's steps with Chopper chittering behind him. "We're all over the Imperial comm channels. They have increased patrols within the city." The news was not favouring Hera at the moment. Ryki swallowed the lump in her throat, waiting for Hunter's call. 

Crosshair would expect an attack and from their last encounter on Bracca, Ryki knew things would not go down so well. Force willing, Crosshair would not be able to figure out their plans easily. The Syndulla's were good people. Ryki knew that first hand after she met them while accompanying Orn Fre Ta for a 'diplomatic meeting'. Now she could just hope that by some miracle, Hera could reunite with her parents. 

"The element of surprise is gone. There's nothing we can do." The words were quick to leave Hunter's mouth. Clearly, he did not want to prolong the inevitable. 

In desperate action, Hera pulled on Hunter's arm guard, "Wait! You can't leave" Her eyes burrowed deep into Hunter's in a silent plea. 

Hunter already made up his mind and reminded her that the mission was no guarantee. This of course was not taken lightly by the young twilek. "We'll get you off-world to someplace safe." 

"Stop! I-I'll pay double-"

"All the money in the galaxy won't matter if we're dead. What you're asking us to do, it's not worth the risk." 

Shock hit Hera like a tidal wave, "Not to you" She bitterly spat and walked away deeper into the old base, Chopper bumped into Ryki's leg letting out a series of unhappy beeps before rolling off to join his friend. 

"You shouldn't have said that." Omega chided.

"Being strategic means knowing your limitations, Omega"

She shook her head in clear disagreement, "She's trying to save her family, Hunter. I'd do the same for you." Hunter was taken back by his sister's words. Omega was right, he would do the same for her. Was it really not worth the risk? To get Crosshair back, without a doubt but for someone he hardly knew? Syndulla was none of his business. Stories of a brave fighting force on Ryloth became legend but the Bad Batch had no fortune to meet them, then. From another point of view, Hunter was a soldier of the Republic and the Syndulla's are former relics of the Republic. Allies are important to keep close during trying times, but being dragged into another war was not in the bucket list.

Omega followed Chopper to console her friend, leaving Hunter to Ryki's company. The sergeant hung his head low. "What is your plan?" Ryki asked. 

Hunter weakly carried his head to look at her, "I-Ry, I'm not sure." Humming, Ryki leaned into his shoulder and rested her head on his armour, "You don't want to upset Omega and you don't want to risk the safety of your brothers and us." Sighing, he nodded against her head. 

"I'm a soldier. That's all I have ever known. Omega, she keeps reminding me of my purpose. If Cross was on our side I wouldn't mind going along with the mission, but..."

Ah. So that's what he is worried about.  Ryki figured the Bracca incident left quite a scar on Hunter, even if he didn't show it. "What should I do?" The fabric of his gloves gently held onto earthy-green skin like a life line.

"Give Omega time to talk to Hera. Maybe they can come up with a plan to rescue Cham and Eleni." the mirialan had an inkling of what might happen. "We could go over the Capitol's layout in case we can find a way in and save Hera's parents." 

"You sound like you know them well." 

Ryki nodded, "I do. I came to Ryloth with Senator Ta for so-called diplomatic purposes to be bridged with General Cham Syndulla. The Freedom Fighters were at their prime and Taa wanted a hold on their political power as well. When I met Cham and Eleni, I understood why Ryloth stood with them. The Syndulla's are genuine and really love their people. Taa was greedy, he always is. If you ask me, saving them is worth the risk. They fight for what is right." 

Hunter lifted his head and pulled away from Ryki to look at her properly. "-and, Howzer?" Ryki quirked an eyebrow at how shyly he asked her that particular question, "Captain Howzer. A clone who worked alongside Cham. Howzer is my good friend. Well, technically he was my only friend back then. Gentle soul. Hera loved to hang out around him and he enjoyed serving the Syndulla household. They treated him like family." 

'Friend, huh.' Part of Hunter calmed down a whole lot, though he didn't show that to the woman before him.

"Cyar'ika, do you think he'll be able to help us if this plan does work?" The mirialan sensed a plan forming in Hunter's mind.

"He's always been reasonable. I could try to talk to him," 

Smiling, Hunter agreed. 

---

"So, should we take off?" Echo asked as Hunter and Ryki entered the ship. 

"No." He told them. "I think that we should take this risk. The Syndulla's could be powerful allies against the Empire." Ryki smiled knowingly in the background. 

"Hmm. I suppose. Cid did say we need friends and money. General Cham Syndulla has the most experience when it comes to standing up against a higher power, in this case, the Empire. If we rescue them we could have better chances at surviving the Empire's oppression." Tech seemed to agree with the plan. 

"I'm in! The Empire should not be picking on young children!" Wrecker cheered. "Ryki, what about you?" 

"Cham is a genuine person. Rough around the edges, but he is a good general and definitely a good ally. To me, it is worth the risk." 

"Cham fought with the Republic. If there's anyone I'd trust, it would be someone who stands firmly with the Republic. I'm in." Echo too agreed. With the team on one page, Hunter gave Tech a go-ahead to lay out some plans.

Ryki went to get the girls. She overheard the last part of their conversation. "Brother? Him?" Ryki quietly chuckled at Hera's shock. 

"They all are," Omega replied. 

"You're lucky." 

"All we need to do is think of a plan and convince Hunter." 

Ryki imagined Hera rolling her eyes, "Why would he listen to me?" 

"Because it is strategic. Ryloth is your home. You know it better than us." Clever girl, Ryki felt pride bloom in her chest. 

"Yes, I do." Hope restored in Hera. Ryki joined in, "In that case, we should get going. I have a feeling you are going to love the next plan." 

---

"I've been spying on their activity. I know their routine" 

Chopper pulled up the schematics of the mining base. Hera began to point out the weak points in the mining base, mainly aiming at their perimeter cannons that are unarmed. Automatic cannons are extremely vulnerable, according to Tech. Hera suggested Chopper to slip in with the other droids and disable the cannons from one of the control ports. The plan seemed to go well, so far. 

Hunter took one last glance towards his brothers. They seemed content with the plan. Sparing one last longing look at Ryki, who in turn encouragingly nodded, Hunter set the plan in motion. "Alright. You two go with Chopper as backup, but at a distance" He gestured to the two young girls. They bubbled with happiness, squealing on sight. 

"Be careful alright. Keep your comm channels open to our frequency." Ryki reminded them. The girls quickly nodded. 

"Tech, Wrecker, wait until those cannons are down and move in. Echo and I will scale the Capitol wall and free Hera's parents." The boys nodded. 

Turning to Hera, Hunter asked if she had Howzer's comm channel. Hera nodded, "Why do we need it?" Omega asked curiously. 

Ryki stepped closer to them, "I'm going to try to convince the captain to help us." 

Echo seemed a little sceptical, "Are you even sure he'll be there? I have a strong feeling that any trooper against the Empire would either be court marshalled or executed."

It was a possibility Ryki did not want to think about. "Maybe, but I have a feeling Howzer's still there. He's level headed and Cham's best friend." She told the boys, before turning back to Hera. "I trust Howzer and I know he is loyal to you father, your mother and to you. If there is any chance we can get him to help us out, it's worth it." 

Hunter gently squeezed Ryki's shoulder to support her. "Alright," Hera agreed.