The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

Chapter 17

Cora stood next to Rex as the two watched Echo and Tech, successfully hack into the transmission field. Echo was on his knees, his head in his hands, attached to the middle cylinder which helped flow communication. Tech stood next to him, monitoring the transmissions coming in and out.

Cora's face was still red with anger, which Rex noticed. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"Just fine." She answered coldly. Rex decided not to push it.

"I'm intercepting a transmission." Tech said looking up from his pad on his wrist. "Trench is ordering all of his droids..." he looked to Rex and Cora, then behind them where Hunter and General Skywalker joined in the doorway. "To the assembly complex."

"All right Echo," Hunter huffed, "what are you trying to pull?"

"Don't worry," Echo turned to the group, "that's what I told him to do."

"But our troops will be vastly outnumbered." Rex looked around, his eyes finally landing on his brother.

"Not when I sent them a feedback pulse that shuts down all the droids."

"How we know that's what your really going to do?" Tech asked pushing you his glasses.

"We have to trust him." Cora said shaking her head.

"The Senator is right." Skywalker stepped into the tool, nodding to Cora. "Echo, we're all counting on you."

Echo nodded to the General, turning away, getting back to work. Cora saw in the corner of her eyes the unsure look that Hunter gave Tech. Tech gave an uneasy look back. The General left the room to tell the other Jedi on the mission about the plan. After a few moments, the Generals told Skywalker that they were in position. Working quickly, Echo tapped back into the computer, a giant pulse of energy flowing up the satellite.

General Skywalker left the room again, Rex looked to Cora, a confident smile on his face. Cora nodded and smiled back. Their trust was still there.

"We're on our way back to the base now." Skywalker said joining the group in the room once more.

"May the force be with you." They heard General Windu said over comms.

"Good job Echo." The General praised the clone.

"Well, I guess you actually are on our side." Hunter said crossing his arms. A hint of surprise laced his voice.

"Was there ever any doubt?" Echo mused.

"Some." Tech said looking to Echo.

"I believed in you Echo." Cora said kneeling next to him.

"Well, thanks." He said smiling.

"Come on, brother." Rex said waving towards him. "Unplug, and let's get out of here."

Cora stood from her spot and reached for her helmet as everyone started to leave the room.

"Wait," Echo said frantically, his hand on his head. "I just scanned a new order from Trench." He turned to look at the men and Senator. "He's imitated a countdown. There's a bomb! Hidden at the assembly complex." Everyone looked to each other, the colour draining from their faces. "But it's big enough to destroy most of Anaxes."

"Can you stop it?" Cora asked clenching her helmet.

"Well," Echo breathed, "I can try."

"General! Where are you going?" Rex asked as General Skywalker ran out of the room.

"If you can't stop the detonation, perhaps Trench can!" With that, the General ran off down the hall and out of sight.

"We have to warn the Generals." Cora turned to the men around her.