The Runaway {Hunter} (WATTYS 2022)

Chapter 58

Hey! I'm alive! I had a super busy week but I've come a long chapter :))

~

Leaning back in her chair, Cora watched the stars slowly fly by as the group were slowly making their way back towards Cid's. Her eyes were heavy as Tech sat next to her, in the pilot's seat, working on some new project. Echo and Wrecker were behind Tech as they chatted. She debated on taking Hunter up on his offer of his little hidden spot on the ship. The soft hum of the ship felt loud as she closed her eyes. She just wanted one peaceful moment alone. She did not move from her spot. Hunter wasn't around meaning he could be down in his spot alone, so Cora didn't bother going to find him.

A soft beep came from the panel in front of her and Tech. For a second she kept her eyes closed as she heard Tech place his things down and click a few buttons. It wasn't until he called for Hunter, did Cora open her eyes and sit up.

"We are receiving a recorded transmission, but I do not recognize this frequency." Tech said as Hunter stood behind Cora, glancing down to her as Tech turned to him.

"Patch it through." Hunter shrugged and leaned on her seat.

The image appeared in a glow of blue. It was Hera, her face filled with worry as she knelt down, whispering as she looked cautiously around her. "Omega, it's Hera. You have to come back to Ryloth."

"Isn't she the kid from the weapons drop?" Wrecker asked. Cora nodded to him as she heard Omega walk into the room, standing next to Hunter.

"Hera?" Omega looked to the transmission as she stepped in front of Cora.

"The Empire's taken my parents and they're after me now too." Hera looked around worriedly again, "I'm sending coordinates. Please hurry, I need your help." The transmission died out.

Cora turned towards the panel in front of her and received the coordinates Hera had sent. "You gave out our comm channel?" Hunter questioned Omega.

"For emergencies, and that sounded pretty urgent." Omega looked towards Cora as she turned back to them. "We have to go." The girl turned back to Hunter.

"Perhaps the situation is not as dire as described." Tech added, "Children often overreact."

Cora kicked him in the leg and glared to him, which earned a glare back from the clone. Hunter looked to the two as Omega whipped around, looking to Tech with anger. "No, we don't. You heard her." She turned back to Hunter, looking for support. "She needs us."

"Omega," Hunter put a hand to her shoulder, "It's a big galaxy. We can't put ourselves on the line every time someone's in trouble."

"Why not?" Omega shook his hand off her shoulder, "Isn't that what soldiers do?" Hunter looked to her, she was right, and the kid had stumped the Sergeant.

"I agree with Omega." Cora said breaking the silence that covered the room. Everyone turned to the Senator as she crossed her arms. "I've worked with Hera's father, she grew up durning an occupation on her home planet. Her father and uncle taught her well. She's a very knowledgeable girl. She wouldn't do this unless it was serious."

Everyone was silent. Hunter let out a sigh after thinking for a few moments. He looked to Tech and nodded, giving him the okay to set coordinates back to Ryloth. Omega smiled softly at Hunter as he looked to the girl. Cora looked up to him as once Omega turned back around and left the cockpit, she whispered a thank you to him. He nodded and walked back to wherever he was hiding.

~

Omega was the first off the ship once it landed. The area was sheltered by tall rocks and caves, they had landed in a small area inside on the of many rocks standing tall on the outskirts of the city.