The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

Chapter 14

After a short flight on the winged creatures from the natives, the men and Cora made it back to the small village and were greeted by their leader. The same one who had taken Cora hours earlier. She had no hard feelings for what he did, he was only trying to protect his people. She rubbed her sore arm as the claw marks still felt fresh. The leader spoke with them in his native tongue, which made Tech pull down his visor and translate for the group.

"Their leader is impressed we tamed the Keeradaks, but he wants to know why we returned here." He said next to General Skywalker.

"Tell him we had no choice. Tell him..." he thought for a moment. "That we wore out our welcome in Purkoll."

Tech translated the words to the leader, placing a hand on Skywalker's shoulder, explaining why they came back. Before Tech could finish, the droids came flying through the village, blasting at anything they saw. The Keeradaks flew off in fear as the group pulled out their guns and ducked for cover. After hitting a couple, the droids flew off again and went down over the valley, away from the village.

"That's not good." Cora mumbled to Skywalker.

"If I know Tambor, he'll come after us." The General said to the group. "Us and the Poletecs with everything he's got."

The leader angrily faced the group, his expression wasn't one that was kind, earning a look between Rex and Cora.

"What's he saying Tech?" The General asked.

"He says that we have broken our word." Tech turned to him, "We brought the war to his village."

"You're right." Rex stepped forward taking off his helmet. "Tell him he's right, Tech." Rex stood in front of the leader. "Tell him we didn't play to drag his people into war. But look what the Separatists did to one of our people!" Rex stood his ground, pointing to Echo.

The leader drew back in shock, like he was understanding what Rex was telling him.

"They took away his freedom, his humanity." Cora stepped forward. "They tried to turn him into a machine."

Tech began to translate to the Poletecs so they could fully understand their frustration.

"The Techno Union claims it's neutral, but they have chosen sides." Rex said leaning forward on his feet. "Now, your people have to choose." He stuck his finger up at them.

"Couldn't have said it better, Rex." The General said next to him, proud of the Captain.

"Ugh!" Crosshair exclaimed, "Let's hope it works, because I see forces coming, more than we can handle alone."

Everyone, including the Poletecs, turned towards the direction Crosshair was looking. The Poletecs talked amongst each other as a large group of droids came forward from the sky.

"Anyone got a plan?" Cora asked.

"We smash our way out." Wrecker said putting his helmet on.

"We might need more then just, smashing our way out." Tech said titling his head.

"I think I've got something." The General said as he looked to the group.

-

With everyone waiting and in order for the attack. The group was split into different groups as they waited for the right moment. Cora waited up on the hill with the rest of the group, watching as the droids came closer. They landed in the now empty village and searched for the clones and the natives but found nothing.

General Skywalker waved his arm, signalling Wrecker to push a boulder down into the valley below. Wrecker did just as they planned and the droids saw the oncoming natives rushing their way. Cora stood from her spot and ran down the hill, fighting with the natives of the land and the Bad Batch. Rex joined her as the two worked together to take down droids around them.