In Command (#1 Post-Order 66 Series)

In Command - Part 25

"How did you get clearance codes for this, Tech?" Rex asked, finally allowing himself to sit in the co-pilot chair.

"Actually, you and Senna were integral in that endeavor." Tech pulled a disk from his hip holster and waved it at Rex, and he recognized it as one of the copies of the decryption disk Senna had made back on Lothal. He felt his chest tighten at the memory.

"Glad the Lothal mission wasn't a total waste then," he muttered.

"Quite the contrary. These disks have proven incredibly valuable," Tech stated as he turned back to plug the disk in to the control console so that it could decrypt the comms coming in.

Hunter leaned forward to place his hand on Rex's arm. "We're going to do everything we can to find her, Rex, but you have to prepare yourself for the possibility that we may be too late or that she may not be here. Tech's tools may be, but she may have been moved."

Rex stared straight ahead out of the viewport. "She's here. I can feel it."

Hunter shot Echo a look, and Echo shook his head. Don't crush his hope. Rex's perseverance had been what saved Echo from the Techno Union. He wouldn't dare question it now.

The communication panel blinked with an incoming transmission. "Imperial shuttle, please identify yourself and what you are carrying."

"This is Imperial Shuttle 9903 requesting landing clearance. We are transporting medical supplies and have suffered damage to our hyperdrive. We would like to dock and make repairs. Transmitting clearance codes now." Tech tapped a few buttons, and the whole group collectively seemed to hold their breath for the time that passed until the Imperial officer's voice buzzed on the comm again.

"Understood Shuttle 9903. You are cleared to land in Hangar Bay C7. A security team will meet you when you land."

"Great," muttered Wrecker.

"It is great, Wrecker," Tech said. "We need some new armor if we're going to waltz around a Star Destroyer."

"I doubt they'll have anything that fits me," Wrecker complained.

"You're right, which is why you're staying with the ship," Hunter replied.

"Aaaw come on! I miss all the fun!"

"Don't worry, Wrecker. You're going to be the security team's welcoming committee," Hunter said, slapping him on the shoulder.

-------------------------------------------

"This armor is absolutely atrocious. I don't know how anyone shoots out of these kriffing helmets. I can't see anything," Rex muttered as he slid the stormtrooper armor on.

"You can't see anything? I can't wear my goggles under this bucket!" Tech grumbled.

Wrecker chuckled at them as he shoved the last of the unconscious stormtroopers behind a crate in the hangar bay. "Gotta say, all your complaining makes me glad I don't have to wear it."

"Enough. We've got to get moving," Hunter said, pulling his helmet down. "Echo, you stay with Wrecker and keep us apprised of the chatter. Tech, Rex, let's go."

The three clones walked down the Marauder's stairs, making their way out of the hangar. They rounded a corner, stepping into a lift by themselves. Rex punched a button. He felt Hunter watching him. "Detention is likely on the lower decks."

After descending, the lift doors opened and they stepped out into an empty hallway. "Tech, see if you can find a console to access. We've gotta figure out if they're holding her here."