Saga of the Bridgers-Year 4

Chapter 7: Flight of the Defender

When Jaral announced that the Federal fleet was ready and that the crew was on Lothal to prepare the ground for the invasion, Ryder and the other rebels couldn't hold back a cheer. Finally, the liberation of the planet was in sight.

But there was still the factory to take out before the Federation could do its part, and once the Grand Marshall was done with the announcement, she immediately got to work, getting briefed by Ryder about a new prototype of TIE Defender which was going to be tested in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, Jaral inspected what resources the resistance on Lothal had, and it was nothing less than depressing: a handful of old blasters, even less thermal detonators and communications outside of the system were still impossible. The Constantinople could still work as a relay to call Rebel Command, though, and the Grand Marshall instructed Task Force Magellan to bring in all the weapons and explosives they could find, establishing a clandestine supply network with the help of Nimbus, as well.

She studied the land defenses of the Empire, sending Jordan and Rex on scouting missions and the Ghost crew to keep an eye on the capital. Ryder's spies contributed as well, and Magellan quickly established the supply network. Soon, the Lothal's resistance movement was finally equipped with blasters for everybody and high-power explosives were finally available to sabotage some of the biggest turbolaser turrets that the Empire had on the surface and could threaten an orbital invasion.

April 14.

Ezra, Sabine and Zeb had reached a hidden position near an imperial airfield together with Ryder for a stakeout. This was the day and place, supposedly, where the new TIE Defender would be tested. The place was many km to the north, in a region where there was a small layer of snow.

Until now, they hadn't seen anything in particular though.

"I see plenty of TIE Interceptors, but that's nothing new." Sabine commented, watching the airfield. "Are you sure this is the place, Ryder?"

"My spies said this is where the test flight for the new TIE Defender would be."

"Well, we've been out here for hours and all I've seen are these stinky Loth-cats." Zeb said, lamenting that two Loth-cats were cuddling on him.

"Be grateful that they like us enough to be friendly." Ezra quipped while scratching the belly of a third feline.

"Glad somebody likes you, Ezra." Sabine teased him.

"Right, because you straight-up adore me." he replied.

"All right, all right, you got me." she conceded.

Ezra noticed that it was time for the regular check with the main camp.

"Specter-7 to Specter-6, checking in. Still no sign of the TIE Defender."

"Copy that, Specter-7." the voice of Jaral replied. "Spirit, how's the recon on the capital going?"

"Spirit here. The Empire has been fortifying AA defenses and I see they've built a refinery near the factory." Jordan, who was doing the recon with Rex and Chopper, answered. "I guess they're getting ready to start full-scale production."

Jaral could be heard humming before returning back. "Specter-7, maintain surveillance until nightfall. If nothing happens, get back to base."

"Copy that. Specter-7, out."

"My contacts tell me this new prototype is even tougher than the one you've already encountered." Ryder explained. "More powerful engines. Upgraded targeting computer."