Iron Squadron (episode)

The Ghost crew stumble upon a trio of young rebels, all while Thrawn devises a clever scheme for his adversaries.

The Ghost, accompanied by a Phoenix Cell Sphyrna-class Hammerhead corvette, materializes above the planet Mykapo. Ezra Bridger questions Hera Syndulla regarding the duration of the Galactic Empire's presence on Mykapo. Hera responds that Commander Jun Sato dispatched them to Mykapo with the mission of evacuating rebel sympathizers. Chopper observes the ongoing discussion. Kanan Jarrus expresses concern that they might have arrived too late. Sabine Wren notices a group of four Imperial TIE fighters in pursuit of a freighter above Mykapo. Ezra reports that the TIE fighters are currently engaged with the freighter.

Hera speculates that the freighter's crew are likely smugglers, while Sabine questions their failure to initiate a jump to Lightspeed. Ezra voices his belief that the freighter's crew are in need of assistance. Hera directs the Hammerhead corvette to descend to Mykapo for civilian evacuation purposes, simultaneously instructing Phoenix Two and Phoenix Three to provide escort for the transport. Unexpectedly, the mysterious transport launches an attack on the Imperial Gozanti-class cruiser. Ezra insists on the necessity of reasoning with the rebels. Hera establishes communication with the YT-2400 light freighter, urging them to withdraw.

A youthful male voice expresses gratitude but politely declines their offer. Kanan notes the youthfulness of the voice and proceeds to eliminate several TIE fighters. Ezra contributes by shooting down additional fighters using the turret cannon. Hera then informs the other vessel that the area is clear and that they should make their escape. The male voice responds negatively, asserting that the Iron Squadron does not retreat. Subsequently, the freighter releases several cargo containers onto the Imperial cruiser, resulting in its explosion. Ezra excitedly declares that the Empire is in retreat.

Hera engages in a conversation with the freighter's captain via communication channels. The captain reveals their ongoing struggle against the Empire on Mykapo and extends an invitation for them to come aboard. Hera informs Ezra that they must first report the situation and dispatches Kanan and Garazeb Orrelios to aid in the evacuation of Mykapo. Before his departure, Zeb expresses his relief at leaving, remarking that the ship sounds like it is filled with multiple "Ezras." The Phantom II departs for Mykapo, accompanied by Phoenix Two and Three.

Later, in the common area, Hera and Ezra connect with Commander Sato, with Chopper projecting a hologram recording. Sato explains that Iron Squadron was a rebel unit previously led by his late brother, who met his end on Mykapo. Sato also expresses his fear that his nephew Mart Mattin had also perished, as the boy had not responded to his transmissions. Describing Mart as a rebellious young man, he implores Hera and Ezra to ensure his safe return to Atollon.

The Ghost establishes a docking connection with the YT-2400 freighter Sato's Hammer above Mykapo. Hera, Ezra, Sabine, and Chopper board the ship and are greeted by the Theelin Gooti Terez. The human Jonner Jin welcomes them aboard and guides them to meet their captain. Sabine observes the ship's disorganized state, but Gooti advises them against touching anything, as they prefer it that way. Sabine comments that the ship resembles a junk pile, prompting Ezra to remind her to be respectful. Chopper encounters their astromech droid R3-A3, who is in the process of repairing the hyperdrive.

Upon Ezra's observation that the hyperdrive is non-functional, Jonner responds that they have no need for one. Ezra suggests that Chopper could easily repair it. Chopper and R3 then engage in a conflict, requiring Gooti and Ezra to intervene and separate them. Gooti explains that R3 has customized the ship's systems to align with his specific requirements. Jonner Jin leads the Spectres to the cockpit, where Mart Mattin awaits. Sabine notes that Mart commands a crew of only three. Ezra introduces himself and his fellow Spectres, while Gooti does the same for Iron Squadron. Mart acknowledges his identity as Sato's nephew and inquires whether Sato dispatched them to retrieve him.

Hera informs them that she and her rebels are affiliated with Phoenix Squadron and that they have arrived on Mykapo to assist dissidents like them in escaping. When Jonner sarcastically questions the meaning of "evacuate," Mart retorts that it means running away like a coward. Mart asserts that he and his crew are the ones who cause the Empire to evacuate. Hera cautions them that the Empire will inevitably return. Gooti interrupts the discussion to offer them waffles. Hera declines their offer of food and attempts to brief them. Jonner expresses a lack of interest in listening.

Ezra attempts to reason with them, while Hera reminds Mart and his crew that they had provided assistance. Mart responds that they single-handedly destroyed a Star Destroyer, mistakenly identifying the Gozanti cruiser they destroyed as one. Hera attempts to reason with Iron Squadron, acknowledging their bravery but reiterating that the Empire will return to Mykapo. Mart insists that they will not allow the Empire to seize their world. Gooti and Jonner echo their captain's sentiments.

On an Imperial Star Destroyer positioned above Lothal, an Imperial officer and Admiral Kassius Konstantine enter the command bridge to provide a briefing to Grand Admiral Thrawn. The officer reports that the blockade of Synistahg is proceeding according to plan and that martial law has been enforced on Mykapo. The officer also mentions that a small rebel cell on Mykapo continues to pose a problem. Thrawn observes that Mykapo lacks a militia or starfighters and inquires about the resistance in that area. The officer explains that a ship identifying itself as the Iron Squadron attacked an advance patrol, aided by a vessel that Thrawn recognizes as the Ghost.

Thrawn deduces that the Phoenix rebels are evacuating the "treasonous" inhabitants of Mykapo before the Empire can apprehend them. Thrawn expresses curiosity about Iron Squadron and dispatches Admiral Konstantine to secure Mykapo. The Admiral volunteers to lead a squadron to the system, but Thrawn insists that a single Arquitens-class command cruiser should suffice for a man of Konstantine's "talents." Konstantine is displeased, but Thrawn challenges him by questioning his ability to handle the task. Konstantine lowers his head and replies that he will depart for Mykapo immediately.

Above Mykapo, Phoenix Squadron has successfully completed their evacuation of the planet and are preparing to jump to hyperspace. Back on the Ghost, Hera, Ezra, and Kanan communicate with Rex via hologram. Rex informs Hera that they have evacuated all individuals on Mykapo who desired to leave before the Empire's return. Hera instructs Rex to prepare to rendezvous with the fleet and that they will meet him there. Kanan inquires about Iron Squadron, and Hera responds that they are not joining them and prepares to inform Sato. Before she can do so, Ezra offers to attempt to reason with them once more.

Hera replies that they are short on time and that Iron Squadron's hyperdrive is malfunctioning. Ezra approaches Sabine and Chopper and informs Hera that Sabine has an idea. Sabine suggests that she and Chopper could repair Iron Squadron's hyperdrive to facilitate their escape. Hera approves of their plan but cautions them that they must be prepared to depart regardless of Iron Squadron's readiness. Ezra embraces Sabine and Chopper, expressing his gratitude for their assistance. The Ghost jumps into hyperspace, and the Phantom II docks with Sato's Hammer.

Sabine, Chopper, and R3 collaborate to repair the hyperdrive while Ezra, Jonner, Gooti, and Mart observe. Mart deems it a waste of time and turns away. Ezra addresses Jonner and Gooti, informing them that if they are unable to repair the hyperdrive, they must be prepared to leave on the Phantom II. Jonner and Gooti refuse to abandon their captain and home. Ezra shares that he once feared leaving his own home. Gooti responds that she is not afraid of the Empire. Ezra points out that Iron Squadron is afraid of losing everything they hold dear. He warns them that the Empire seeks to provoke them into fighting in order to destroy the rebels. When Gooti inquires whether he wants them to refrain from fighting, Ezra replies that the manner in which they choose to fight is as important as the cause they are fighting for.

At that moment, Sabine, Chopper, and R3 successfully repair the hyperdrive and restore power to the ship's systems. However, the power quickly fails. Chopper then informs Sabine that the power is being diverted to the ship's guns and shields. Gooti and Jonner recognize the gravity of their situation. Sabine replies that fixing the guns is not worth it if the hyperdrive remains inoperable. Over the intercom, Mart orders his crew to proceed to their battle stations.

The Spectres and Iron Squadron make their way to the cockpit and discover that an Imperial light cruiser and two Gozanti-class cruisers have emerged from hyperspace. The cruisers deploy several TIE fighters and TIE bombers. The Imperial officer informs Admiral Konstantine that they are detecting a single freighter, leading the admiral to believe that Thrawn has overestimated the rebel threat on Mykapo. Mart mistakes the light cruiser for a Star Destroyer and vows to engage it. Sabine clarifies that the vessel is not a Star Destroyer and that a true Star Destroyer is six times larger than a light cruiser.

Mart orders his crew to prepare for battle, but Ezra and Sabine object. Ezra attempts to persuade Mart to join them aboard the Phantom II. Gooti agrees with Ezra, but Mart refuses to listen to her and pilots the ship towards the Imperial vessels. Jonner points out that they are facing numerous Imperial ships and that more are en route. Mart refuses to call off the attack and continues forward. Jonner and Gooti attempt to reason with their captain as the ship's power fails. Mart finally relents and the two rebel groups flee into the Phantom II.

However, Mart changes his mind and disengages the airlock after all the other rebels have boarded the Phantom II. Ezra assumes control of the Phantom II and contacts Mart in an attempt to reason with him. Mart instead instructs Ezra to ensure the safety of Gooti, Janner, and R3 while he still has the chance. Ezra pilots the Phantom II after Sato's Hammer while evading the Imperial starfighters and bombers. Mart charges at Konstantine's light cruiser and releases his cargo of explosives. However, Konstantine neutralizes them with the cruiser's forward batteries. The light cruiser withstands the explosion and deploys additional TIE fighters to pursue Mart's ship.

The TIEs disable Sato's Hammer's engines, leaving the freighter stranded in space. Sabine reports that Mart's ship's engines have been hit and that the power couplings are fried. When Jonner inquires about Sabine's actions, Sabine reminds Ezra that Hera issued a direct order that he promised to obey. Ezra contacts Mart, who urges him and his crew to escape while they still can. Before jumping into hyperspace, Ezra assures Mart that he and his rebel group will return for him.

Alone, Mart struggles to restart the Sato's Hammer as a TIE bomber releases explosive charges. He observes Konstantine's light cruiser on the horizon and acknowledges defeat for the first time. Meanwhile, a triumphant Admiral Konstantine is informed by his subordinate that the rebel ship has been mined and is attempting to transmit a signal. Konstantine is pleased and instructs his men to monitor the transmission, believing that the rebels will respond to Mart's distress call.

Meanwhile, the Spectres and the other Iron Squadron members attend a briefing aboard the Ghost with holographic recordings of Sato and Rex. Mart informs them via his transmission that his ship has broken down but that the Imperials have not yet fired upon him. Mart requests assistance before the signal is lost. Hera notes that the Empire deliberately allowed the signal to pass through. Sato offers to rescue his nephew, but Hera points out that he is too far away to provide assistance. When Sato responds that Mart is the last surviving member of his family, Hera offers to take the Ghost and rescue Mart. Sato expresses his gratitude in return.

Gooti is astonished that they are returning to save Mart but warns that it could be a trap. Ezra points out that the Imperial trap is not particularly sophisticated and reassures Gooti and Jonner that they are returning as a team, which will provide them and Mart with a fighting chance. The Spectres and Iron Squadron travel on the Ghost back to Mykapo. While a despondent Mart waits, the Ghost exits hyperspace. Sabine informs Mart that they have returned, and he expresses his disbelief. The Ghost flies towards Sato's Hammer and Konstantine's cruiser.

When the Imperial officer reports the Ghost's presence, Konstantine vows to destroy both ships and orders his subordinate not to detonate the mine until he gives the command. When the cruiser dispatches TIEs, Hera instructs Kanan to man the guns while Gooti prepares the hoist. Mart informs the rebels that the Empires have attached something beneath his ship. Sabine identifies it as a Magno-mine and a remote detonator. Hera realizes that this changes the situation and sends Jonner to the cargo hold with Chopper and R3 in tow.

The Ghost circles the Imperial light cruiser while Jonner and Gooti open the cargo bay doors. R3 is apprehensive, but Chopper pushes him forward. The two astromech droids then activate their rocket boosters and fly towards Sato's Hammer. Meanwhile, the Ghost feigns retreat to deceive Konstantine into believing that they have abandoned their rescue attempt due to the mines. Konstantine falls for their ruse. Meanwhile, Chopper and R3 reach the nano-mine. Hera instructs Chopper to disable the detonator, which is indicated by the red light on top. She also instructs R3 to deactivate the magnetic field. Despite her warnings, Chopper is briefly shocked. However, the two droids resume their work and successfully dislodge the mine.

The officer informs Konstantine that he is unable to track the magno-mine, prompting the Admiral to order him to restore it online. When Mart inquires about the rebels' plan, Hera informs him that the droids are attaching the mine to a cargo crate. R3 reattaches the mine and reactivates the detonator. The officer reports that the mine is once again online. When Mart asks whether the droids intend to repair his ship, Hera instructs him and the astromechs to be ready for a "pick-up." The Ghost leads the fighters on a chase.

Mart expresses his gratitude to R3 and Chopper when they reach the cockpit. Konstantine orders his men to activate the mine. The Ghost docks with Sato's Hammer, and Hera instructs Gooti and Jonner to prepare to evacuate Mart. At that moment, Sato arrives in a CR90 corvette with rebel reinforcements, including A-wing fighters. He orders them to provide covering fire and assures Mart that he will rescue him. His nephew is overjoyed. Sato's corvette destroys a Gozanti cruiser and charges at Konstantine's ship.

Konstantine requests reinforcements as the Ghost docks with Mart's freighter. Rebel A-wings strafe Konstantine's ship. Hera instructs Mart to prepare the bomb because they are heading for Konstantine's ship. Mart prepares to carry out Hera's instructions. Meanwhile, Konstantine shouts orders at the officer, who struggles to activate the mine. At that moment, Mart releases the container containing the mine above the forward compartment of the Imperial light cruiser. This damages Konstantine's ship and sets it ablaze.

While the Ghost is escorting Sato's Hammer to safety, they encounter an Imperial Star Destroyer that has emerged from hyperspace. The rebel ships flee beneath the Star Destroyer's ventral hangar, narrowly evading a swarm of TIE fighters. Grand Admiral Thrawn contacts Commander Sato via intercom and questions the rebel commander's motivation for returning to Mykapo. Sato responds to the Grand Admiral, "Now you know, until we meet again." Thrawn promises to meet the rebel commander again and allows the rebels to escape into hyperspace.

Aboard the damaged light cruiser, Konstantine is contacted by Thrawn. When Thrawn inquires whether the Admiral contacted him for assistance, Konstantine claims that he intended to inform him that the rebels had been driven from the system. However, Thrawn recognizes that Konstantine is attempting to conceal his failures and responds that he assumed that the rebels, rather than their sympathizers, had escaped. Konstantine lowers his head in defeat.

At Chopper Base, Mart greets his uncle Commander Sato, who expresses his joy at seeing his nephew alive. Mart embraces his uncle, and Sato acknowledges their debt to Hera and her crew. Gooti and Jonner hug Mart as the Spectres and R3 observe. Mart expresses his disbelief that his friends returned for him. Gooti and Jonner reaffirm their identity as Iron Squadron. Hera, Zeb, and Ezra watch and smile as the Iron Squadron rebels embrace. Chopper swiftly strikes R3 from behind.