The story "Endangered, Part 1" primarily revolves around the Spectres. Its initial release was as the premier story in Star Wars Adventures (2017) 7, hitting shelves on March 7, 2018.
Aboard the VCX-100 light freighter known as the Ghost, Garazeb Orrelios was still grappling with the reality that he, along with the other members of Phoenix Cell, were about to fight their way through a gauntlet of TIE fighters and stormtroopers to save an argora. Ezra Bridger, a Jedi Padawan, teased Zeb for his reluctance towards the mission. Zeb defended his position, stating that he wouldn't have an issue if they were rescuing something more significant, but he felt a bird didn't warrant such effort. Hera Syndulla then explained that the argora held immense importance as the sacred bird of the planet Xendek, with only one being born in each generation. Furthermore, the argora played a pivotal role in the Xendekian religion, believed to bring rain and bountiful crops to the people. This was considered a sign of good fortune until the Galactic Empire arrived. The Empire's forces seized the argora to add to Emperor Palpatine's personal zoo of rare creatures. This zoo also housed numerous endangered species from various planets. The argora was the last of its kind in the galaxy, and its absence had plunged the Xendek into despair. Ezra warned that once the bird reached the zoo on Coruscant, there would be no hope of retrieving it. However, a cargo ship transporting the bird was within their reach, presenting their only opportunity to rescue the argora before it arrived at the zoo. Despite this, Zeb remained unconvinced, pointing out that while the argora was unique, his own species was also dwindling in numbers. His thoughts were cut short by an Imperial officer who contacted them via comms, demanding identification and ordering them to leave the sector under threat of attack. Immediately, TIE fighters began to converge on their position as Hera ordered everyone to battle stations.
The Ghost skillfully navigated through the swarm of TIE fighters, destroying many in the process. Hera instructed her crew to brace themselves as she created distance between their ship and the enemy fighters. The Phantom, a smaller ship, detached from the Ghost, carrying Ezra, Kanan Jarrus, Zeb, and Sabine Wren as it slipped past the preoccupied TIE fighters. The group watched in awe as Hera demonstrated her exceptional piloting skills, single-handedly holding off the enemy fighters. Kanan, however, pointed out that she wasn't entirely alone. The droids C1-10P, known as "Chopper," and AP-5 were assisting Hera in neutralizing the enemy starfighters. They effectively diverted the TIE fighters' attention while the Phantom docked with the cargo ship.
Inside the cargo ship, Doctor Hazlekk anxiously questioned Captain Zarda about the delay in destroying the Ghost. The captain insisted on patience, explaining that the doctor didn't grasp the intricacies of deepspace battle strategy. The doctor retorted that their own ships were the only ones being destroyed, reminding Zarda that while the captain was responsible for his safety, he was responsible for the safe delivery of the Emperor's creatures. Captain Zarda assured him that everything was under control, but an alarm blared throughout the ship, interrupting his statement. Hazlekk inquired about the alarm's meaning, and Zarda revealed that it indicated a hull breach.
Kanan Jarrus employed his lightsaber to cut through the door, allowing his team to exit. Zeb voiced his agreement as Ezra consulted the ship's schematics, which a "source" had provided. Zeb questioned Ezra about the source's identity, but Ezra was able to pinpoint the bird's location. As they prepared to depart, Sabine intervened, cautioning them that their task would not be easy. Ezra questioned her warning, but their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of stormtroopers ready to intercept them. Ezra ignited his green lightsaber, and the stormtroopers opened fire. Kanan instructed Zeb and Sabine to take over, while he and Ezra deflected the blaster fire. Additional stormtroopers appeared behind them, prompting Zeb and Sabine to return fire. Kanan declared that they were surrounded, but Sabine directed everyone to take cover in a nearby room before the stormtroopers could regroup. As the door closed, Kanan and Sabine tossed concussion grenades towards the stormtroopers.
After a short minutes pause, the team emerged from the room and resumed their mission to reach the argora. Rounding a corner, they encountered Hondo Ohnaka, the Weequay pirate, holding the argora captive in a glass cage. Hondo greeted them, and Kanan realized that the pirate was the mysterious source who had provided the tip. Sabine moved to retrieve the bird from Hondo, intending to return it to its planet, but Hondo refused. He explained that because the bird was the only one of its kind in the universe, he could profit handsomely from its sale. As Hondo prepared to leave, Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus attempted to reason with him. Hondo revealed that he wasn't concerned about the stormtroopers, but about something else entirely. Ezra pressed him to explain his actions. Hondo confessed that he had opened all the crates while searching for the argora, and suddenly a large Acklay appeared…