Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Part Seven

Posted on Sunday, 6 June 1999

Having one of the shortest and safest zones to patrol, Charls found himself back at Echo Base a long time before any of the others. Having wandered aimlessly around, he realized he had unconsciously arrived at the medical center. He also realized he had to keep his promise to Wills.

Taking a deep breath, he entered the medic bay in search of Jain Benyt.

He poked his head into various rooms along the passage but did not see her, though he saw a number of injured Rebels lying in bed. Some were asleep and did not notice him.

After hurriedly shutting a door after the patient inside had very loudly decided he didn't want to be disturbed, a Rebel medic saw him.

"Do you need any help?" the medic asked.

Charls jumped, not noticing the man's approach.

"Oh, uh, yeah, uh I'm Charls Bingley and I'm looking for -"

"Jain Benyt, I know," replied the medic nodding his head grinning. "She's in the bacta treatment room."

"Oh. Okay. Um, thanks."

Charls continued in the direction specified, wondering why the medic was laughing softly.

The bacta treatment room, was mainly occupied by a large transparent cylindrical tank. This tank, big enough to contain large humanoids, would hold a solution of clear synthetic fluid which mimicked the patients own bodily fluids. To this solution, bacta, a red gelatinous slime-like substance, would be added. Interacting with the solution to form a bacterial medium, bacta promoted regeneration in traumatized flesh, causing miracle-like recoveries.

Surrounding the tank was a mass of electronic equipment. Beside it rested 2-1OB, a surgeon droid, currently on standby. On the opposite wall was a window, through which Charls caught sight of Commander Skywalker, his face still carrying traces of scars. Despite his situation, the Commander looked happy, though still weak.

"Hello," said a sweet voice behind him.

Charls spun around and nearly hit Jain Benyt as he did so. She laughed a little and waved him to a chair while she folded up a pile of clothes.

He sat down. Unsure of what to say, Charls said, "Uh, hi."

"Hello Charls," replied Jain, placing a strange cylindrical device on top of the clothes pile.

"Uh, nearly finished?" he continued, looking at the device.

"A doctor is always on duty; one never knows when her skill is needed."

"Oh, yeah."

Jain put the entire pile of clothes and device on a bench. "I should be; Commander Skywalker has just finished his bacta treatment, so he's in the recovery room."

"Okay." Charls got up and went up to her. "Need any help?"

"No, thank you. I'll just leave these here for the Commander to pick up later on." She moved to the workbench and began to put away the instruments lying there.

Charls nodded. He did not remove his eyes from the device sitting on top of Commander Skywalker's clothes. Finally, he asked, "What's that?"

"What's what?" said Jain coming over. Charls picked up the device and showed her. When Jain saw it; and how close Charl's finger was to one of the switches on it, she snapped, "Don't touch it!"

Struck by the sharpness in her voice, Charls obeyed. His curiosity was not abated though.

"What is it?" he repeated, placing his hands in his pockets.

"That, is Commander Skywalker's lightsaber," said Jain, thankful Charls hadn't pressed the button.

"A lightsaber? You mean a real Jedi lightsaber?" said he, eyes wide.

"Yes. And you, dear, were about to hit the 'on' switch."

"Oh. Sorry."

"That's alright."

"I've never seen one before," said Charls. "Does this mean the Commander is a Jedi?"

Jain shrugged. "I don't think so. I haven't seen him use it, or make things fly or influence someone's mind."

"Wonder why he has it then. What was wrong with Commander Skywalker?" asked Charls.

Jain went back to cleaning up. "Frostbite from exposure, facial lacerations from something I can't identify, all leading to utter exhaustion and hypothermia."

Charls stared at her. "You fixed all that? He looks pretty good," he said, thumbing in the direction of the recovery room.

Jain smiled. "Luckily Captain Solo found him in time - kept him warm by placing the Commander in the body of his tauntaun."

Thinking about this, Charls made an 'ick' face. Jain saw this and added, "That act saved the Commander's life."

"Yes, but you're the one who brought him back to full health - that's your job."

"Healing people is not a job, Charls," admonished Jain. Finished, she came close to him. "For some, perhaps, it is, but not for me. I want to help people; I can't sit back and not help. It's - it's like a hunger, a . . . ." She trailed off. "I can't explain it any more than that."

"I don't understand," said Charls, puzzled at this side of Jain he hadn't seen before.

She smiled. "It is difficult, for those who have not experienced what it is like to watch someone suffer from illness. When you watch them die, unable to help them. . . ."

Jain stopped again, her eyes distant with memory.

"Did you see someone die?" whispered Charls.

She sighed. "I was seven, Lizzi was five. My mother was in hospital - she had just given birth to my youngest sister. Father brought Lizzi and I to see her - Maeri and Katriana were too little to come. While I was at the hospital, I saw patients. There were dozens, but I only remembered one. A human girl, about my age. She was being rushed to the operating theatre. She looked so sick and weak - her small face was half-hidden under the breathing mask she had on. I watched her whisked down the corridor, and as she disappeared, I told myself that when I grew up, I was going to learn how to help people - human, alien, any species, but I was going to help them all get well."

"What was the girl sick with?" asked Charls, curious.

Jain closed her eyes, trying to remember. "She was unconscious and kept breathing in huge gulps of air. Her skin had a blue tinge - she had the Sorbelius lung disease. It's - "

" - an uncommon virus caused by a recessive allele that is genetically inherited. The virus builds colonies between the alveolar membrane and the nearby capillary walls, slowing down oxygen and carbon dioxide diffusion. Mammalian species can be fatally affected - the lack of oxygen and the carbon dioxide buildup initially cause lethargy and shortness of breath that can easily be cured by bacta. But once the colonies are fully established the victim has to have the surface of their lungs manually scraped so oxygen and carbon dioxide can be transferred," finished Charls in a rush. He took a deep breath, aware that Jain was openly staring at him.

"Where did you learn that?" she demanded.

Charls blushed and tried to shrug it off. "Oh, my father wanted me to become a doctor. He sent me to medical school on Corellia and everything, but I didn't like it. I played hooky sometimes and spent most of the time piloting. I learnt everything and graduated, but I never knew just why I had to help others. I never wanted to - I wanted to fly."

Jain stood stunned for a few seconds. Finally she said, "You learnt everything about medicine - and you didn't become a doctor?"

Charls shuffled his feet uncomfortably. "Yeah, I guess so."

"But think of all the good you could do with that knowledge and skill!" exclaimed Jain. "You could help people, you could work here and spend more time with me and - " She stopped. She lowered her eyes and blushed. "You could spend more time with me - which I would really like."

Charls smiled at her. "I would like that too."

Shyly, he reached out to take her hand.

Suddenly, the loudspeaker came to life.

"Headquarters personnel, report to the command center. Headquarters personnel report to the command center."

Jain jerked her hand back in surprise. Charls, disappointed, covered up his embarrassment by looking down the corridor, where voices where heard. Charls could see the Corellian smuggler Solo animatedly talking to his taller Wookie companion.

"Laugh it up fuzzball, she only did that to make me jealous. And it ain't gonna work, cause I don't think of her in that way!" said Captain Solo.

A soft series of unintelligible barks and growls were heard.

"Whaddya mean, 'Sure, I believe you,' in that sarcastic way? You think I'm in denial of my own feelings? Now, listen here, you big furry oaf - "

Han Solo and Chewbacca disappeared around the corner, two droids following them, chatting to each other about whatever passed for gossip for droids.

Charls looked back at Jain, who had recovered her composure and was smiling at him.

"Don't ask me what happened, but Commander Skywalker is looking pretty pleased with himself," said Jain, nodding towards the recovery room.

Charls stood up and offered her his arm. She took it.

"Well, while the officers are worrying about some incident, would you like to go to the lounge and get something hot to drink?" he asked her.

Jain shyly replied, "I'd like that very much."

Part Eight

Posted on Saturday, 12 June 1999

The moment Jain had returned to the medical center after her drink with Charls, she found she had work to do.

She had barely put on her coat when some Lizzi and Wills had rushed in, carrying a man they told her to be called Orin. Quickly assessing Orin's condition, which was mainly second-degree burns and mild shock, Jain ordered an assistant medic, Krika, and E4-7, a medical droid with excellent burn-treatment programs, to treat Orin and prepare him for the bacta tank. She turned her attention to Wills and Lizzi.

"Are you two all right?" she demanded. "What happened?"

The two sat down; Lizzi on the nearest bed, Wills on the floor. Lizzi spoke quickly.

"We're fine, just tired. We were attacked by an Imp probe droid - it blew up the station and killed Layr. We had managed to get a message out to the base, so we ran and hid, waiting for help. The probot got away."

"It had ample opportunity to send any data it gathered," said Wills. "My bet is that the Imperial Navy will be coming to get us soon."

Jain's eyes widened with fear.

"Does this mean we'll have to evacuate?" she asked.

"Probably," replied Lizzi. Jain looked at her sister. Lizzi was giving her the sign that she needed to speak with Jain alone.

"I suppose I had better go report to the Commander," said Wills, rising to his feet. "You don't need to come, Lizzi - just stay and rest."

Lizzi looked at Wills, surprised at his concern. Before she could say anything, Wills had left.

"What was that about?" asked Jain. "Did a crisis help you two solve your problems?"

"Hardly," said Lizzi tightly. "Jain, I have a suspicion, and I need you to tell me if you think I'm right."

"What is it?"

Seeing that Krika was busy, and so obviously not listening, Lizzi said quietly, "I think Wills called the probot to Hoth."

Jain looked at her sister incredulously. "It can't be!"

"Jain, listen. He had to fix the transmitter at the Station, and he was alone for most of the time. What if he had taken the chance to transmit something, telling the probot of our location?"

"Lizzi, how can you blame him for what is probably nothing more than bad luck? I cannot believe that Wills would do such a thing! He's on our side!"

"Jain, you always see good in people, but face it, there is treachery in the galaxy, and I think Wills is a spy for the Empire."

"I still think you are jumping to conclusions. If - "

Here, she was cut short, as an announcement came over the comm.

"All pilots, report to your commanders immediately. All pilots, report to your commanders immediately."

Lizzi rose to leave.

"Lizzi, please, do not go accusing Wills without any hard evidence," pleaded Jain. "Why don't you talk to Commander Fitzwilliam privately? I'm sure he'll tell you the same."

Her sister headed for the door. "I will, but I think that the Commander will investigate."

Jain sighed, hoping her headstrong sister wouldn't get herself into hot water.

Commander Fitzwilliam looked grimly at the Comet pilots shifting uneasily in their seats. They had all heard rumors that Echo Base was going to be evacuated, but no one had been sure.

Ricard was about to confirm that. General Rieekan had given the evacuation order, and as soon as Lizzi and Wills had returned and rested, Ricard had gathered his squadron to speak to them.

He cleared his throat and the room fell silent.

"I suppose you've all heard the news," he said. "The facts are, that an Imperial probe droid infiltrated Hoth and managed to get enough data to inform the Empire of our location. Captain Solo destroyed it, or it self-destructed, but either way, we lost one man and Station Three-Eight."

Ricard paused as the room filled with worried murmurs. "High Command are taking the worst case scenario - that the Imperial Navy will be arriving in-system very soon. We'll be evacuating in one standard day - hopefully, that will be enough time. Everything is even now being loaded onto the transports."

Clmney Carter groaned. "Great, we've only been here a month or so and we're already pulling out?"

Before Ricard could answer, Zri'an retorted, "If you're that fond of this ice-cube, you can roll out the welcome mat and throw a party when the Imperials arrive. Personally, I can't wait to get out of here."

"Actually, there will be a welcome party of a sort," cut in Ricard. "In case the Imperials decided to drop in early, our ground forces will stay behind and cover our backs while we leave, then they'll evac after. Rogue Squadron will also stay behind to fly the snow-speeders."

"What about us?" asked Uid.

"We've been assigned to transport five. Pack your things and be ready to go the moment we have clearance."

"What happens if we hit a Star Destroyer on the way out? Shouldn't we be in our X-wings?" asked Denny.

"Arrangements are being made, but I think two pilots from each fighter squadron will be selected to run defense for each transport, enough to let the transports get out of the gravity-shadow and hype to the rendezvous-point. If that's so, Lieutenants Benyt and Darcy, you're on."

Ricard silently prayed that they wouldn't stuff up. When he and Nyanti had discussed which two Comets to choose, he had argued against Lizzi and Wills, saying he wasn't yet sure if they would handle it. Nyanti had counter-argued, that the assignment would increase the risks. If they didn't work together, they would have to adapt very fast. Plus, they were the best pilots in the squadron.

He glanced at Lizzi and Wills. They were seated on opposite sides of the room. Wills grinned at the thought of flying his X-wing, while Lizzi seemed to be continuously shooting glares of blaster bolts towards Wills.

"If there are no more questions, then you're all dismissed until tomorrow," he finished. Everyone stood up to leave, most talking worriedly about the prospect of an Imperial invasion. They knew very well that it was nearly impossible to evacuate a place without losing something - or someone.

Ricard also began to leave, when e realized Lizzi was still seated.

"Something wrong, Lieutenant?" he asked.

Ten to one it's about Wills, he thought resignedly.

Lizzi gracefully proceeded to his side. She looked angry. Very angry.

"Commander, I have a matter of great importance I feel I must bring to your attention," she said.

Ricard frowned. "About?"

Lizzi looked around to make sure there was no one listening. She leaned closer to him and said softly,

"I have reason to believe Wills Darcy is an Imperial agent."

Ricard raised his eyebrows. "And what evidence do you have to support this theory?"

"While we were resting at Station Three-Eight, there was a broken transmitter which Orin couldn't fix. Wills offered to help and Orin left him, leaving him alone until the job was finished. I think it is very possible that Wills somehow took the opportunity to use the transmitter to call the probe droid."

Ricard, with great strength of will, prevented himself from cracking a smile. He knew very well that Wills was now about as Imperial as a Hutt was hairy. Having access to information Lizzi could not get, he knew there was a very good reason why Wills had changed sides. He wasn't officially supposed to know, but in his check-up of Wills when he had first joined the Alliance, he had asked Wills to tell him the circumstances leading to his change of heart. He had wanted to ascertain if Wills really was defecting, or if he was in Imperial spy. Wills had told him of his father's death, and when Ricard had checked the records in Corellia, Wills's story had rung true.

The information was also as a safeguard, should anyone accuse Wills of being an Imperial informant - like Lizzi was.

Not that Ricard would tell anyone - he was pledged to secrecy unless it was absolutely necessary. If Wills chose to tell people, then he would tell Lizzi, but as Wills had not, then he had to find other arguments against Lizzi's declaration.

"Lieutenant, I can tell you right now, that Wills Darcy is not an Imperial agent," he began.

"How else could the probe droid have found us?" insisted Lizzi.

"It could just be a malicious twist of chance. The Empire has vast resources and it is very likely that they have thousands of probe droids searching the galaxy for us."

"But Wills could have called the nearest one, told it to come here."

"I don't think so," said Ricard. "Probots only have transmitters, no receivers - they're meant to travel quickly, so why would the designers have put extra, unneeded equipment on a probot, when all they needed was a way to transmit some data? Plus, the transmitters on our outpost stations are not designed to beam signals into space, they have a strictly limited ground range. There is no way Wills could have called a droid in space, so the droid must have landed on the planet before hand."

Lizzi wasn't looking very convinced.

"Wills could have known he would be going to Station Three-Eight, either. I made the patrol lists only that morning. The only given on his patrol was that he would be paired with you. It was only chance that you two went to a station where the transmitter was broken."

He looked at Lizzi carefully. "And, also, how much of your suspicion is derived from the fact that you don't like Wills very much? Is it possible you could be slightly prejudiced against him? You could be jumping to conclusions."

Lizzi didn't answer, but flushed slightly.

"There is a very good reason why Wills defected, and I sincerely doubt that Wills has any charitable feelings towards the Empire," Ricard said. "He is just like you and me; we all want to see the Emperor, Darth Vader and the entire Empire destroyed."

Lizzi nodded slowly. She reluctantly agreed with the Commander's arguments. Ricard wasn't convinced she had let go of her suspicions entirely, but he knew that she wouldn't accuse Wills again unless she had hard, permanent solid proof.

"You're dismissed, Lieutenant," said Commander Fitzwilliam. "I'd advise you to try to get along with Wills; you're going to be watching each others backs out there." His voice hardened. "In a simulation, you can kill each other and get away with it. This is not a game any more - and I don't want two of my best pilots getting killed just because they didn't like each other."

Part Nine

Posted on Wednesday, 16 June 1999

Though the alarms seemed to be reaching above twenty thousand hertz, the auditory threshold of pain for a human, Lady Katrin looked perfectly unaffected.

She sat in her chair, indifferent to the frenzied activity in the hangar below. In contrast, M'Ann was crouched down over her console, her hands over her ears in a vain attempt to block out the noise.

The latest experiment on the Death Star laser simulator had literally, gone up in smoke. Plumes of gases, fire smoke and more were pouring out of every vent in the simulator. The crews working inside the hangar had escaped before the shield doors are slammed shut - most of them. M'Ann had seen a man, seconds too slow, hurling himself at the thick transparisteel wall of the observation room. His screams had quickly died down to choked gurgles as he either suffocated or his lungs were burned away by very corrosive, very hot gases.

Trying his best not to draw attention to himself, the new head scientist was trying to creep out the door.

Without even turning around, Lady Katrin made a single gesture. The unlucky scientist froze immediately. Then he tried to bolt.

In the time it took for him to fling himself out the door, M'Ann's blaster spoke three times. The first blast hit him in the kneecap, causing him to collapse to the ground. The second hit him in the spine. The sudden disruption of his nervous system caused the scientist to spasm painfully, his screams challenging the alarms that were dying down. The third shot penetrated the brain. The hapless scientist twitched then all was still. There was a scent of ozone and charred flesh, but M'Ann and Lady Katrin were used to that by now.

M'Ann made a face as she looked at the mess.

"Clean it up," she ordered to the stormtroopers standing at attention nearby. They responded immediately, dragging off the body and closing the door behind them.

There was silence in the room for a few minutes. Lady Katrin sat, perfectly unperturbed, her chin resting on her hands. M'Ann began to shift uncomfortably when Lady Katrin spoke.

"Gather all the latest information on Scientist Drax, especially her last known location, then meet me in the communications room in ten minutes."

She rose and left. M'Ann nodded to her mother's retreating back then sat at the computer and proceeded to carry out her orders.

Soon M'Ann was quickly walking to the communications room, and not a moment too soon because Lady Katrin was punching in a comm number. M'Ann handed her mother the datacard. As the holofield began to appear, M'Ann said, "Why don't you just put a broad band notice out? Then we could have many bounty hunters looking for Drax. With more searching for her, she would be found more quickly."

"A public bounty would increase the chances that some Grand Moff or even the Emperor would find out that the Hammertong project is behind schedule and failing," replied Lady Katrin absently. "We don't want that now, do we. You know how the Empire rewards incompetence."

M'Ann scowled uneasily. Of course she knew.

"So you are only offering the job to Wickham?" she asked. "No one else?"

"No. Wickham I trust - to a very limited extent. He knows how well I can pay him."

"Mercenary for hire," said M'Ann contemptuously. "Only works for the highest bidder."

"He won't work for the Empire, so remember, do not let the fact that we are from the Empire be known to him."

"Yes, I know. As far as he knows we are an independent, corrupt research organization, who sell our projects to the highest bidder and so on and so on," grumbled M'Ann. She noted that her mother had removed the Imperial insignia from her black uniform and draped a nondescript white lab coat over it.

M'Ann was uncomfortable with the fact that she had to pretend to be as mercenary as Wickham. She didn't like that, preferring an honorable fight. She didn't like her mother's connection with Wickham either. In fact, she didn't like Wickham full stop.

She let her feelings known to her mother. "He's scum. Why doesn't the Emperor just rid the galaxy of the likes of him?"

"Everyone has a purpose, M'Ann. Even scum like Wickham." Lady Katrin stepped into the holofield as a connection was established. M'Ann fell silent. From her position, she could see the person on the other end of the connection - but that person wouldn't be able to see her.

In theory, only the Empire could use the expensive and restricted Holonet - in practice, anybody with a little basic electronic education could tap into the net, use a few relays, call a few people with the simplest of ease. And, to add insult to injury, make the Empire pay for it too. M'Ann knew that Wickham had tapped into it, and clenched her teeth. Wickham was not part of the Empire, and should not be allowed to have such a privilege. What annoyed her even more, was that her mother chose to overlook the fact every single time.

The static cleared to reveal an alien humanoid, tall, green skinned with a faint reptilian look. His longish hair was deep black and tied back, revealing a very handsome face. At the moment, Wickham was smiling, an expression that looked friendly, but the look was counteracted by the fact that his black eyes were cold and hard. Predatory, thought M'Ann.

"Lady Katrin Bourg, this is a pleasure," said Wickham pleasantly. "I trust you project is running smoothly?"

"I have some business for you, Wickham," said Lady Katrin without preamble. "There is someone I need you to find. I want her back, alive and unharmed."

"A bounty, this time," said Wickham smoothly. "But, a live capture is so much more difficult. That will increase the cost quite a bit."

"I am offering you twenty thousand credits."

Though Wickham's face lost none of its feigned pleasantry, M'Ann could see his surprise at such a large amount.

"Well. That is quite a handsome sum. Who is this person you want so badly?"

"She is a Omwati weapons scientist by the name of Gianna Drax. Her input is needed here, but I cannot find her. It is possible she is hiding with the Rebellion. You must find her within two standard weeks - after that, the bounty will begin to drop."

"Must be captured alive, hiding with the Rebellion and a time limit. Twenty thousand credits," mused Wickham. "Usually such constraints and difficulties would not tempt me. But, for, say an extra five thousand - ?"

"Twenty thousand, that is all," said Lady Katrin, cutting him off.

Wickham stopped, but did not look surprised. "Very well then. I accept."

"I am sending you all the known data on Gianna Drax," said Lady Katrin. She put the datacard into the encryption panel and manipulated the controls on the panel beside her. "When you have her, come to these co-ordinates. I will be there, and we will exchange." She pressed SEND.

"Very well," said Wickham, half-bowing mockingly. "As always, Lady Katrin, it has been a pleasure working with you."

"I doubt it." She cut off the connection and stepped out of the field. M'Ann removed her mother's coat and hung it up.

"Always remember, M'Ann," said Lady Katrin. "Never trust a Falleen."

"I know, Mother," replied M'Ann. "Don't worry, should he betray us, I will deal with him." She patted the blaster by her side.

Lady Katrin looked at her daughter approvingly. "Good girl! You have learnt well."

"With such a fine teacher, my lady, of course I have," said M'Ann.

Part Ten

Posted on Sunday, 27 June 1999

The news of the evacuation did not disturb Charls Bingley. He wasn't at all reluctant to leave the ice-cube that had been given the title of 'planet'. Even the fact that the dreaded Imperial Navy would probably drop in on them before they left didn't shake him.

In the young, the feeling of invincibility, the belief in their own immortality, was strong.

At the moment, he had nothing to do. He had finished his packing, his X-wing was loaded onto transport five and he was too restless to sleep. Jain was busy, as were Lizzi and Wills and most of the other members of Comet Squadron.

He was confused, and most of his confusion was centered on Jain.

Charls needed someone to talk to.

Wandering aimlessly around the corridors, he decided to go visit a friend he had not been able to talk to for a few days. It was not long before he reached the door he was looking for.

It was closed, so he knocked. A clear voice was heard from the other side.

"Who's there?"

"It's me, Charls."

At his identification, there was a sound of movement, then the door slid open. The room's only occupant stood there with a large grin.

"Charls!"

Charls found himself caught in a friendly embrace. He laughed a little then disengaged the arms around his neck.

"Hey, I'm sorry I haven't had time to visit you, but I've been busy with the training and briefings and-"

"And ogling Jain?" was the mischievous reply.

Charls blushed. "Yeah. Actually, Lijia, I was hoping you could help me."

Lijia grinned and pulled him into a chair. Charls glanced around the room. Unlike most other rooms, this one was cluttered and rather messy. Colorful clothes littered the furniture and added some interest to the bare white room.

"What is it you wanted to ask me? Advice on how to court females?"

Charls looked down at the floor. "Yeah."

His companion twisted on her seat on the bed and put her head on her hand to think.

Lijia was a mystery. A humanoid hybrid, her cat-like eyes changed from dark green to emerald according to her mood. A casual observer might not notice at first that her skin was covered in a sleek coat of short golden fur or that her teeth were slightly pointed. Her short dark gold hair contrasted with the dark green jumpsuit she wore that did nothing to hide her figure.

She had no last name or homeworld. She had joined the Rebellion a few months ago, when she came with someone who asked the Rebels to protect her. He had left soon after. Lijia was an exotic dancer and very good at her job. She had not real task in the Rebellion - she hadn't the faintest idea of astronavigation, she couldn't pilot anything or work any complicated technology. But many liked her, because her child-like naivete helped everyone through the dark times they were in. She was a sort of counselor, because she always seemed to find the easiest solution when everyone was looking for a complicated one for the problems in their lives.

Many males of every species desired her but though she flirted shamelessly, she never committed herself to anyone, hinting that there was someone out there who she belonged to.

"So what's troubling you?" she asked Charls.

"I just don't know what to do with Jain. She's so calm, beautiful and almost regal, that I don't really know how to approach her. I mean, I saw her this afternoon, but I think I may have messed up."

Lijia nodded knowingly.

"Most of the other guys act well, tough or romantic about her and I don't like that. They seem to treat her as if she's someone famous. But they're the type Jain seems to pay attention to."

"Really?" asked Lijia. "I think that's just your imagination."

Charls stared at her. "But a few days ago one of the Rogues was being like that and she seemed to enjoy the conversation. She was laughing and everything."

"Huh. Jain's nice to everyone. I think I detect a note of jealousy, Charls. Anyway, I want your advice." Lijia snagged a piece of bright red clothing and held it up to her. "Should I give this one away? Some one said that makes me look fat but I think she was just jealous that I'm able to wear something like this and look good, but it is a bit small and - "

Charls looked at her blankly.

"Uh, keep it. Uh, Lijia, about Jain - "

"Oh, why are you fussing? Jain may be nice to everyone but it doesn't mean that she likes them. I think that she'll like you if she doesn't already because you act natural around her instead of treating her like a vid star. Now, what about this?" she said holding up a dress as green as her eyes.

"So I should just behave as I always do around her?"

"Yes! Men! Never know that women like Jain like people who look at her personality instead of her face. Now tell me what you think of this dress!"

Charls was feeling a bit better, but there was still something else on his mind. "It's not just that. The dress is very nice, Lijia. But also, Jain's passion is her work, and I can't help feeling resentful of that."

"She's a career girl."

"Yeah but - "

"But nothing!" said Lijia impatiently. "If you like Jain, you'll have to accept her passion as one of the things that make Jain what she is. You may feel jealous but think, would Jain be Jain if she wasn't a medic?"

"Uh, no."

"Fine, so that's settled. My advice is to treat her as you have always treated her - a person. Are you sure about this dress? I have a date tonight. Nothing serious, mind you, just something to relieve the boredom."

"A date?" exclaimed Charls incredulously. "We're evacuating!"

"I'm going with that nice soldier, you know the one in Group - what?!"

"We're evacuating Hoth," repeated Charls. "Didn't you know?"

"No! Why?"

"There was an Imperial Probe droid around today. Captain Solo blew it to pieces but High Command think that it may have dumped its information to the Empire and so we're leaving before they come."

Lijia stared at him. "You mean the Empire's coming here?" she squeaked.

"Yes."

"But I haven't packed! It'll take me ages to pack all my clothes! I might have to leave some behind!"

"Have you been assigned to a transport?"

"Transport?"

Charls sighed. "You would have been assigned to a transport to evac to the rendezvous point. I take it you don't have one."

Lijia shook her head and looked mournfully at her clothes. Charls grinned as he had an idea.

"Tell you what, you can come with me on transport five. Just make sure you have all your stuff ready to go, because it's possible the Imps will drop in early so you have to be ready to leave at a moment's notice."

"But, but, he was going to come see me and - " She stopped and put her hand over her mouth. "Fine then. I guess I'll pack."

Charls gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, the only thing the Imps will see when they come will be our exhaust. Thank you for everything. I'll see you tomorrow then, Lijia?"

She nodded, still staring at her clothes. Charls left, quietly closing the door behind him.

Lijia sat there in mute disbelief for a few minutes, then crept to the door and put her ear to it. She could pick up no noise apart from the usual tread of feet of people walking through the corridor. Knowing she was safe, she locked the door and reached under the bed and took out what seemed to be a datapad. Settling herself on the floor, she activated it.

The device was built by her lover so they could communicate to each other over the vast reaches of space. They would type short messages that would be beamed through several stations to the other person. The method was very, very slow but it was better than nothing.

Lijia checked to see if she had received any messages since their last communication. There was.

CONTACT ME AT ONCE.

The quality of the Aurebesh writing was fuzzy, but clear enough to read. It had been sent only a few minutes ago. Lijia quickly typed in a reply, hoping he was still there.

HELLO DEAR.

She waited several minutes, praying the connecting wouldn't be cut off. Five minutes later, an answer came.

LIJIA? IS THAT YOU?

YES. HOW ARE YOU WICKHAM MY LOVE?

The reply to the above took a very long time in coming. Lijia waited, impatient to receive it. The longer it took to send, the longer the message was. The reply came about fifteen minutes later.

QUITE WELL. OUR GOAL IS ALMOST REALISED. I HAVE A CONTRACT THAT WILL GET US VERY RICH. BUT I WILL NEED YOUR HELP, LOVE.

HOW?

I NEED TO FIND A GIANNA DRAX. IT IS POSSIBLE SHE IS IN THE REBELLION. DO YOU KNOW HER?

Lijia thought hard. The name was familiar, she had heard it recently. Then it came to her in a flash.

YES. THERE IS SOMEONE HERE OF THAT NAME. I THINK SHE'S A SCIENTIST.

THAT'S HER. IS SHE IN THE REBELLION?

YES. I DON'T KNOW HER, BUT I KNOW THE NAME. WHAT DO YOU NEED HER FOR?

MY EMPLOYER NEEDS HER HELP AND IS OFFERING 20000 CREDITS FOR HER.

Lijia nearly clapped her hands at this. Finally, they would have the money they wanted to get married.

I WILL COME TO HOTH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Lijia frowned at this and quickly typed in a reply.

YOU CAN'T. WE'RE EVACUATING. THE COMMANDERS THINK THE EMPIRE IS COMING TO GET US.

There was a pause.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

THE RENDEZVOUS POINT.

WHERE'S THAT?

I DON'T KNOW.

FIND OUT!!!

I CAN'T! I DON'T KNOW HOW!

SITHSPAWN!

I'M SORRY DEAREST. PLEASE DON'T BE ANGRY. SHOULD I TRY TO GET TO YOU?

There was a long pause. Lijia bit her nails and hoped Wickham wouldn't leave. She did want to help him, but she didn't know anything about tactics and the military. She was a dancer, not a General.

NO.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?

YES. KEEP TRACK OF DRAX'S MOVEMENTS AND TRY TO SEND ME YOUR LOCATION SO I CAN COME AND GET HER. AFTER I GET THE MONEY WE'LL GET MARRIED. ALRIGHT?

ALRIGHT. I LOVE YOU. EVER SINCE YOU SAVED ME FROM JABBA THE HUTT I HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL LOVE YOU.

I LOVE YOU TOO.

The connection cut off. Lijia smiled and slid the device back to its hiding place. She brought her knees up under her chin and rocked backwards and forwards, humming quietly to herself, her eyes going so green it was almost black.

As long as they believe in it, love makes people very happy.

Finally she sighed and began to fold up her clothes.

Part Eleven

Posted on Wednesday, 14 July 1999

Despite the small fact that the Imperial Navy was expected to arrive in-system soon, the general air that pervaded the cold corridors of Echo Base was rather relaxed. As Commander Fitzwilliam went to the briefing room where the Comets had gathered for last minute instructions, he saw a Captain issuing orders to two of his men near the area where the transports were being loaded quickly but with no signs of panic.

His band of pilots was likewise unconcerned - sort of. Wills and Charls joked about how they should do a fly-by past the Star Destroyers, Zri'an laughing flirtatiously beside them and Clmney commenting dryly that such a maneuver would make the Imperial officers faint with terror. On the other hand, Denny looked worried, as did Hendri and Uid. Lizzi was talking quietly to Servan Fosset in one corner - well away from Wills.

The chatter stopped as Ricard cleared his throat to begin.

"As you know," he said without a flicker of an eyelid, "today we are leaving our nice, comfortable home . . ."

Some stifled snorts greeted this comment.

". . . and giving it up to the Imperials who will probably redecorate the entire place with blaster bolts. I'm sure you're all prepared to leave and after this meeting you are to go immediately to Transport Five, the Song of Joy and remain there until it comes out of hyperspace at the rendezvous point."

"So we're not involved in the fighting?" asked the Bothan pilot Forster.

"No, but . . . " He stopped and tried to watch Wills and Lizzi at the same time then continued, "Lieutenants Darcy and Benyt are flying their X-wings as escort."

Every head turned to look at the two mentioned. Before anyone could say a word, Ricard spoke.

"You two will report to Princess Organa in the main hangar for your instructions. As a personal warning, if you don't co-operate the consequences will be much more serious than bruised egos, so no funny business. Is that understood?"

Lizzi and Wills nodded wordlessly but didn't look at each other.

"Good. Dismissed."

Charls ran after Wills, carrying his bag under one arm.

"Look, you don't have a choice," he gasped, wishing he was taller so he could keep up with Wills. "You can't get out of it. The Commander won't let you."

"I am not going to fly with her," retorted Wills, turning a corner. "It's not just that I don't like her, I'm worried."

"About what?"

Wills stopped and looked at his friend. "It's not about me and Lizzi any more. This time hundreds of lives depend on us working together. I don't know if I can trust myself - or her, to do the job properly."

"And so you're going to worm out of it and ask the Commander to get someone else?"

"Yes." Wills resumed walking. Charls ran in front of him and blocked his path.

"That's the reason the Commander put you two together, on patrols, sleeping quarters, everything! So you will co-operate." Wills tried to get past but Charls grabbed his arm. "We're all in the same squadron. We all have to trust each other. That's your problem Wills. You don't trust anyone."

"I do!" protested Wills. "I trust you and Gianna."

"But I'm your oldest friend, and Gianna is like the sister you never had. Who else? No one."

Wills looked away again.

"You have to learn to trust again. Yes, I know she betrayed you, I know you rank her with the Emperor as one of the blackest monsters in the galaxy but there is good in the galaxy. Isn't that what we're fighting for?"

"You're asking me to learn to trust someone in the next ten minutes. If I don't manage it, the worst-case scenario is that you, Gianna, the rest of the Comets, and hundreds of others will die. Do you trust me that much?"

Charls smiled. "Yes."

Wills shook his head in good-natured defeat. "Alright. I'll fly with Lizzi."

Charls's smile grew wider. "I'm glad to hear it."

Wills turned to go, but hesitated. He looked at his friend.

No doubt there were many farewells of this kind going on around the base. The fortunes of war rose and fell, and so for all they knew, this goodbye could be forever.

Charls was the first to speak. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

Wills smiled. "I will. Not only will I take care of myself, but I'll also take care of you."

"With you two running escort for us, I don't have to worry about the Imps. I think, in time, you will see that Lizzi is a great person."

"Yeah," said Wills, stepping past Charls and continuing on his way. "When a Jedi Knight turns up and kills the Emperor and Vader. In other words, it'll never happen."

"Oh, you never know," called Charls.

Wills strolled quickly to the main hangar where the starfighters were kept. There was ample evidence that a tech had been there - the craft was on standby, ready to leave on a moment's notice.

He found Modal already nestled in his niche, behind the cockpit. The astromech droid bleeped a musical question. Wills glanced at the translation on the screen.

"Yeah, we're running escort. Run a pre-flight check will you?" He sighed as he sat in the familiar seat.

"By the way, guess who we have to fly with?" he said to the droid. "Lizzi and Kit."

Modal blatted.

"That's good?" exclaimed Wills. "I think you need to have your circuits checked."

Modal blew an electronic raspberry.

"Huh, just remember that next time you need a lube."

He sat back an enjoyed what would probably be one of his last chances to relax, while people around him bustled about or said their farewells to friends.

For some, those farewells would be the last time they would see their friends again.

His chance to relax didn't last very long. Before many minutes had passed, alarms were sounding throughout the base, alerting the Rebels to the fact that a fleet of Star Destroyers had arrived.

Lizzi walked quickly through the medical wing poking her head into several rooms in search of Jain, the only person heading into the area - everyone else was leaving and preparing for action. She passed Commander Skywalker, dressed in his flight suit heading towards the hangar.

Jain was directing personnel to carry invalid patients to the transports. The sisters waved at each other then Lizzi made herself useful until the last patient had left.

"Ready to go?" asked Lizzi.

"Almost," replied Jain. "I just need to finish a few things here then I'm going to the hangar. You?"

"All set. I'm going to go check on my X-wing after this." At Jain's questioning look, Lizzi added, "I'm running escort duty for transport five."

"You're fighting?" exclaimed Jain worriedly.

"Not really. We're just to protect the transports so you can run."

Jain frowned. "We?"

Lizzi made a face. "Yes. Guess who my wingman is."

Jain smiled, then it faded. "Wills is a good pilot. But Lizzi, promise me that you will forget your differences and work together. At least for the evacuation."

Lizzi grinned reassuringly. "Don't worry, we already had the talk from the Commander. I will. Whether he does is the problem."

"I'm sure Wills understands."

"Huh. Which transport are you assigned to, by the way?"

"Transport five, the Song of Joy."

Lizzi hugged her sister. "There, now you don't need to worry about the Imperials, not with me flying cover."

Jain gave her a kiss. "And since Wills will also be up there, I feel perfectly safe."

Lizzi rolled her eyes, which caused them both to laugh. But the laughter was cut short as an alarm resounded throughout the corridors.

The two sisters looked at each other, all merriment gone.

"They're here," whispered Jain.

Lizzi grabbed her sister's hand and pulled her towards the door.

"Get to the transport," she ordered. "I've got to report to Leia Organa."

Gianna carefully placed her modest bag beside her where she sat on the Song of Joy, then leaned back and tried to relax.

It's alright, she told herself. We'll be gone before they come. They're not even looking for me.

At this thought, she shook her head at her selfishness.

No, they're not looking for me, they're looking for everyone.

Some movement beside her brought her back to her surroundings.

"Hey, can I sit here?" asked a warm voice.

Gianna looked up at the speaker. It was someone she had never seen before, a female humanoid whose species she couldn't identify.

Gianna looked away. "Sure. I don't think anyone's got that seat."

"Thanks." Her new companion sat down, trying to squeeze a large bag under the seat.

"Having trouble?" asked Gianna.

The alien sighed. "I think I packed too much, but I couldn't leave any of it behind."

"What did you bring?" asked Gianna curiously.

"Clothes."

Gianna's eyes widened. "That many?"

"Yeah. What, do you mean a girl like you doesn't have a big wardrobe?"

"I don't have time for clothes."

Her companion tilted her head to one side. "Really? What do you do?"

"I'm a scientist."

"Oh. I'm a dancer, so I suppose we don't have much in common."

Gianna smiled. "That doesn't matter much. I'm Gianna Drax."

The green eyes grew wide and turned darker shade of emerald with what Gianna believed was surprise. "Oh, um, hi."

"And you are?" asked Gianna.

"I'm Lijia"

Gianna smiled. "Nice to meet you."

She extended a slim, pale hand. Lijia took it in her own sleek one, claws retracted.

Suddenly, alarms rang, not in the Song of Joy but outside, in the base. The two female aliens looked around startled.

"What's that?" asked Lijia.

Gianna quickly reached into her bag and pulled out a small computer that she plugged into an information socket nearby. The screen lit up and asked for a password. Gianna sang a quick, complex tune that granted her access. Her fingers danced on the keys.

Lijia leaned over to look, but nothing made sense to her. "What are you doing?"

"Finding out what's going on," replied Gianna tightly. Soon, a diagram came up. Gianna gasped.

"What, what?" asked Lijia.

Gianna turned the screen so Lijia could look.

"There. A fleet of Star Destroyers in sector four. Lot's of Star Destroyers and -" She stopped and froze.

"What?" pressed Lijia.

Gianna breathed deeply to calm herself.

"A Super Star Destroyer. The Executor. Darth Vader's personal ship. Eight kilometers long with enough firepower to waste an entire planet."

"But we're safe, aren't we?" asked Lijia.

"I don't know - wait. Oh, thank the Force, the shield is up." Gianna began to smile sadly. "The commander brought the fleet out too close to the system, so our sensors were tripped off. From what I hear, the Lord Vader doesn't tolerate mistakes."

"Oh well," said Lijia flippantly. "That's a good thing for us."

Gianna looked at her new companion, wondering why she had a bad feeling.

"All troop carriers will assemble at the North entrance. The heavy transport ships will leave as soon as they are loaded. Only two fighter escorts per ship," said Leia calmly, but with a sense of urgency. She stood in the middle of a circle of pilots, of which Wills was part. He scanned the faces, but did not see Lizzi.

Leia continued.

"The energy shield can only be opened for a short time, so you'll have to stay very close to your transports."

"Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?" asked one of the pilots incredulously, voicing the question Wills was thinking. He still couldn't see Lizzi.

"The ion cannon will fire several shots to make sure that any enemy ships will be out of your flight path." Wills and several other pilots breathed a sigh of relief. "When you've gotten past the energy shield, proceed directly to the rendezvous point. Understood?"

There was a chorus of acknowledgements. Princess Leia wished them luck, then Major Derlin clapped his hands and called, "Okay. Everyone to your stations. Let's go!"

The group of pilots began to break up. Wills slowly began to move to his right, muttering various complaints about Lizzi's tardiness.

As he approached his X-wing, he saw Lizzi running as fast as she could towards him.

"Did I miss Princess Leia's briefing?" she panted.

"Yes, you did!" shouted Wills. "Where were you? We have a fleet of Star Destroyers up there led by Darth Vader's personal Super Star Destroyer and you are mucking about?"

"I'm sorry I was late. I was with Jain. What did I miss?"

Wills sighed and told her the details of the briefing. When he had finished, Lizzi nodded grimly.

"Alright. I suppose we'd better go then, nerf herder." She spun on her heel, put on her helmet and headed for her X-wing.

Wills glared after her, but bit his tongue.

We have a job to do. I won't yell at her. Yet.

He put his own helmet on and climbed into his fighter.

Charls had finally been able to find Jain and his luck had held out when he managed to find two empty seats beside each other.

"Come on, here's some seats," he said, gently pulling her by the hand towards them. With the help of some rather pushy Rebels, they fell into the seats in the area where the rest of Comet Squadron was.

"Hi Charls, oh, hi Jain," said Clmney who was sitting opposite. "How's things?"

Charls frowned. "Not good, considering we're under attack."

"What's going on out there?" asked Jain from her seat next to Charls.

"Ask the Commander," was Clmney, pointing a thumb in the direction of Ricard Fitzwilliam who was looking intently at a computer screen.

"The first transport is getting ready to go," he announced. The immediate area around him grew silent as every turned towards him to listen.

"Okay, they're clearing the atmosphere - wait, there's a Star Destroyer moving to intercept."

The tension in the room jumped up a few notches.

"Ion cannon's firing . . . the transport and the two X-wings are nearing the Star Destroyer . . ."

Zri'an, looking over his shoulder, clapped with glee and shouted, "Direct hit!"

When everyone yelled at her to explain, Ricard said, "The Star Destroyer was hit by the ion cannon, and the transport is . . ."

He was cut off by an announcement over the comm.

"The first transport is away. The first transport is away."

Cheers erupted, both inside and outside. Only the Commander remained silent.

"Don't get cocky - we were lucky the Star Destroyer was caught off guard and without it's shields up. There's still plenty of transports for them to catch - including us."

Lijia cheered with the rest, but Gianna sat hunched over her computer.

"Hey, what are you so worried about? We're going to be fine!" cried Lijia.

Gianna didn't respond, and Lijia quieted down.

"Oh no. Imperial AT-AT's are approaching," reported Gianna.

"Huh?"

"All Terrain Attack Transports. Since they can't penetrate the shield, the Imperials have deployed Walkers beyond the shield and are proceeding by foot to Echo Base. They'll take out the shield generators and then the rest of the Imperial Fleet can attack from orbit."

"So how much trouble are we in?"

"A lot."

"Snowspeeders deployed."

Wills watched as the Rogues zoomed out of the hangar towards the battle.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," he muttered to himself.

"So do I," chipped in Lizzi. Wills had left his comm on.

"Stop listening in!" he snapped.

"I'm trying to tell you, that the third transport's gone. The fourth is taking off soon."

Wills' pulse quickened. Soon, they would be running - straight into the teeth of an Imperial warship with their luck. "Fine then. Modal, get ready to go."

The droid bleeped in acknowledgement.

Feeling the urge to tease Lizzi and let off some tension, Wills keyed into her comm signal. "Hey Lizzi, you want to race to the rendezvous point?"

"Why? I'll win."

"Only if I give you a parsec head start."

There was a spluttering from Lizzi's end.

"Oh yeah? If we could use your ego as shields, there'd be enough to hold off the Imperials till the end of time."

Wills glared at the comm. Why did she keep saying that he was arrogant? "And if you earbash the Imperials with your talking we won't even have to evacuate!"

Any reply Lizzi had was cut off as the walls around them shook.

"What was that?" asked Lizzi.

"I don't know. I think the AT-AT's are getting closer. They'll be reaching the power generators, if they haven't already."

"And they have enough firepower to destroy it and let the rest of the Imperial forces in. Then - "

Another voice overrode the comm.

"Transports five and six, prepare for take-off," said the voice of Control.

"What!?" exclaimed Wills. Two transports launched at the same time? Wills didn't think they could protect both at once.

There was another explosion, followed by a few cheers and chunks of ice falling from the roof.

"What happened?" asked Lizzi.

"Rogue Three has tripped up one of the walkers with the harpoon cable. It's destroyed," said Commander Fitzwilliam.

There was a sigh of relief from some, but not many.

"How many walkers left?" asked Fosset.

"Four. And the lead one has already reached the power generators. We can't hold out much longer."

The ship began to vibrate beneath them.

"We're leaving," said Charls, relieved. "Finally."

"They can't be serious!" exclaimed Gianna to her computer.

"Huh?" said Lijia, managing to grab her bag before it slid out of her reach.

"They're launching two transports at once. How can they protect both at the same time?" Gianna pointed her finger at two blips representing transports, with a '5' and '6' attached to each one.

"I suppose they don't have a choice," replied Lijia. Her eyes had turned a pale green with rising fear. "We don't have much longer."

Looking out the window, Lijia watched as they cleared the hangar and began to ascend through Hoth's cold atmosphere to open space, where the Imperial fleet waited.

"Beginning to calculate jump," said the pilot of the sixth transport.

Lizzi kept a tight grip on her controls and tried to keep calm.

It wasn't that easy. She had glanced out the window a few times at the battlefield, and it was plain the Rebels were being crushed. Though a second AT-AT had been destroyed, blown up from the inside it seemed, the Rebels were no match for the awesome power of the Imperial forces. Even as she watched, the ground troops were deployed and the white uniforms of the snowtroopers disappeared into Echo Base.

Then, the lead AT-AT had destroyed the power generators.

That was all she had time to see, for the two transports and four X-wings had cleared the last layers of atmosphere and were now trying to get out of the planet's gravity well and to hype to the rendezvous point.

"Look sharp. There's an Imperial Star Destroyer up ahead," said the pilot of one of the other X-wings.

"The ion cannon's firing! Watch it!" yelled Wills.

Lizzi pulled her fighter into a spin as several crimson bolts streaked past her towards the bone-white Star Destroyer.

"Please, please hit . . ." she whispered under her breath.

The bolts impacted on the huge ship's shields, but none penetrated.

"Go, go!" yelled one of the X-wing pilots.

The Song of Joy put on a burst of speed - no mean feat as it was filled to its maximum capacity - and started on the shortest path out of the system. The sixth transport, the Light of Justice fell into place to the Joy's starboard, closest to the Star Destroyer. The four X-wings wove among them, keeping their speed down to match the slower transports.

They were still a few kilometers away from the point where they could go into hyperspace when the Star Destroyer opened fire.

"Evasive!" screamed Lizzi. The four X-wings scrambled out of the path of the turbolaser fire, but the sluggish transports were not so lucky. The Justice received a direct hit on its shields and the Joy also received a glancing blow.

"I think we should retaliate, don't you?" asked Wills.

"No," said Lizzi. "You'd get fried and it won't do us any good. Stay close to your transport. We're nearly there . . ."

"But we could take out that Destroyer, and the we'd all be safe," protested Wills.

"Hold you position!"

The Star Destroyer opened fire again, the laser fire weaving a deadly green tapestry. The agile X-wings dodged them with ease, but the Justice, the closest transport, took most of the blows. More laser fire breached the hull and flames spewed out of its side.

"Song of Joy, get out of there!" yelled Lizzi.

The transport, having been protected slightly by the Justice's bulk, obeyed, increasing its speed as much as possible, leaving its fellow behind. Lizzi watched helplessly. There was nothing they could do to help.

The Light of Justice exploded in a blazing fireball. One of its accompanying X-wings was caught in the explosion and was likewise destroyed. Lizzi clenched her fists with rage and bit off a string of curses.

Wills was not so restrained. With a cry of anger, he swung his fighter around towards the Star Destroyer.

"Wills, you idiot!" screamed Lizzi. She hailed the Joy and the remaining X-wing. "You two get out of here, we'll be right behind you."

"Acknowledged, Comet Seven."

With a hail of useless turbolaser fire from the Star Destroyer, the Song of Joy and the X-wing flickered and zoomed off into hyperspace. Lizzi turned her attention back to Wills, who was drawing closer to the colossal ship, evading the green laser fire.

Lizzi swore again and followed. As she swerved left and right, she tried talking to Wills.

"Wills, there's nothing you can do! Come on, let's go! You want to kill yourself?!"

She received no answer.

"Wills, I am going to really kill you!" she yelled savagely.

A series of new signals appeared. The Star Destroyer had launched four TIE fighters.

"Come on, Wills, will you just listen to me you thickheaded oaf!"

The TIE fighters drew closer to Wills' X-wing. Lizzi gunned her X-wing to a faster speed and locked her S-foils in attack position. She watched Wills do the same and immediately blast the lead TIE.

The traditional competitive drive between Lizzi and Wills awoke in Lizzi and she targeted the closest TIE.

"Kit, balance the power between shields and lasers and don't lose the nav calculations for the jump," she ordered. She glanced worriedly at the Star Destroyer. The ship, sixteen hundred meters long, carried seventy-two TIE fighters and had sixty turbolaser batteries, sixty ion cannons and eight heavy turrets and was not something to take on lightly.

"Wills, you may be a Corellian and thus have no use for odds but this is insane! Get out of there!"

"No."

Lizzi was about to retort when she had an idea.

"Kit, get Modal to override Wills and jump to hyperspace on my mark, alright?"

Kit beeped and whistled questioningly.

"I don't care that Wills Darcy will feed us to a space slug for such an action, just do it before we're all killed!"

She was on the TIE's tail now, and no matter how the TIE pilot tried, he could not shake her. Diving to the Star Destroyer's superstructure, they skimmed the surface both trying to avoid the turbolaser fire.

"Come on, Modal, do it!" she muttered.

Finally the target box turned red. Lizzi fired three shots. The first missed and hit the Star Destroyer but the second blew the wing off the TIE fighter and the third penetrated the cockpit. It exploded and Lizzi flew away.

But the TIE's fellow had tailed her. She twisted and swerved but it refused to move.

"Oh shavit, Modal hurry up!" Lizzi yelled. She winced as the TIE fired, the laser bolts impacting on her shields.

Finally Kit whistled that Modal was ready.

"What are you doing??" yelled Wills.

"Saving our skins." Lizzi reached for the hyperdrive lever.

"Lizzi, I am going to really kill you!"

"At least you'll be around to do it. Three, two, one, mark!"

She pulled the lever and the stars turned into streaks of white light.

Part Twelve

Posted on Friday, 16 July 1999

Charls stood in a corner, too afraid to interfere, and winced as Wills shot another stinging insult at Lizzi. He winced again when Lizzi responded with an insult hot enough to strip paint.

They had reached the rendezvous point, and created some semblance of order. Living quarters had been arranged (Charls and Lizzi and Wills had been put together again), order was reestablished while people waited around anxiously for the rest of the Rebellion to arrive. One by one or in small groups, the rest of the transports and ships had arrived, some limping with malfunctions, others in relatively good shape.

Some transports hadn't arrived at all, and by this time no one was expecting them to be ever seen again.

The Comets, Jain, Gianna and Lijia were on Home One, which was to be their new home until another base was found. As soon as the Comets had time to relax, the Lizzi/Wills skirmish had erupted into a full-scale war, that while it certainly did not match the Rebellion/Empire war in magnitude, it made up in noise.

"I can't believe you overrode my X-wing!" yelled Wills.

"I can't believe you were stupid enough to go head-to-head with an Imperial Star Destroyer and think you could win!" yelled Lizzi.

"I was doing fine! Did you think I was going to let the Empire destroy the Justice and get away with it?"

"There was nothing you could do about it, slime-for-brains! That's the fortunes of war!"

"You got my own R2 unit to do it as well! I should put Modal in the scrap heap, but not before I've thrown you into the Maw!"

"You ignored the command that we were supposed to stay with the transports!"

"And you followed me," said Wills with a mocking smile.

"I had to! I did everything except whack you on the head to get you to listen to me and get out of there!"

"You couldn't bear to let me stay there and get blown to pieces, could you," said Wills. He had an evil grin on his face that Charls did not like. "Awwww, how sweet, you wouldn't let your dear Wills get killed. Sorry Lizzi, but I don't like you so you'll have to endure the pangs of unrequited love."

The resounding slap to Wills' cheek echoed throughout the room. Wills staggered back, stunned while Lizzi stood there defiantly, glaring at him.

"Ummm, guys . . ." Charls tried to say, but he was drowned by Lizzi.

"You arrogant bastard!" she yelled.

Wills glanced at Charls and stage-whispered, "I love it when she gets mad, don't you?"

Lizzi screamed, grabbed Wills and shoved him into the wall.

"Say that again, and I'll punch you so hard you'll fly from here to the Core," she hissed, digging her fingernails into his arm.

"Ouch," said Wills. Charls took this as a signal to interfere and stepped in and separated the two combatants.

"Guys, stop it okay?" he said pleadingly. He turned slightly as Jain entered the room, followed by Gianna. "We've got company."

Wills and Lizzi were still glaring at each other. Jain came forward and gently took Lizzi's arm. Charls took the opportunity to take Wills and bring him away. Jain forced Lizzi to sit down, as did Charls - on the other side of the room. Then Jain, Charls and Gianna took their seats between them.

"Why don't you talk it over?" asked Gianna.

"It's all his fault!" said Lizzi, stabbing a finger at Wills.

"It's all her fault!" said Wills, stabbing a finger at Lizzi.

Jain, Charls and Gianna groaned. This was going to be a very long talk.

Lijia looked around her new room, pouting. It was smaller than her one at Hoth, didn't have a wardrobe and what's more she had to share it. Not that Gianna was a bad person, but it was the privacy factor she was thinking about.

Gianna was out somewhere visiting her friends in one of the X-wing squadrons. She had left two hours ago and hadn't returned yet.

Which was fine by her. Lijia dug in her bag for the communicator she used to talk to Wickham. Sitting down on the bag, she opened it and began to type.

HELLO WICKHAM LOVE. HAVE I NEWS FOR YOU! WE'VE JUST EVACUATED FROM HOTH. IT WAS SO SCARY. AN IMPERIAL SD SHOT ONE OF THE OTHER TRANSPORTS - I WAS SO SCARED WE'D BE KILLED. ANYWAY, NOW WE'RE AT THE RENDEZVOUS POINT AND WE'RE GOING TO WAIT FOR EVERYONE ELSE TO GET HERE.

RGD. GIANNA. I HAVE FOUND HER AND WE'RE STAYING IN THE SAME ROOM. SHE'S AN ALIEN OF SOME KIND - OMWAT I THINK THAT'S WHAT SHE TOLD ME. SHE IS A SCIENTIST AND SHE'S FRIENDS WITH SOME OF THE PILOTS HERE - SOME PEOPLE CALLED LIZZI AND WILLS.

SHE'S AN OKAY GIRL, BUT CAN YOU BELIEVE SHE DOESN'T LIKE CLOTHES OR SHOPPING? SHE'S SO WEIRD. ANYWAY, I'VE FOUND HER, AND YOU CAN COME GET HER SO WE CAN GET RICH AND GET MARRIED.

LOVE, LIJIA.

She sent it, wishing it would be faster. The message was very long and they were somewhere in the far-reaches of the galaxy (she had even heard someone say they were outside the galaxy but she wouldn't know for sure). It would probably take a few days to reach Wickham!

But the message would get to him. Sooner or later.

Lijia started unpacking her clothes.

Lizzi lay on her bed, hands behind her head, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling. She turned her head and glared at the sleeping form two beds away from her. The silhouette that was Wills Darcy had his back turned to her, head facing the wall.

Thickheaded, arrogant, vain, up-yourself Gamorrean. . . she thought viciously at him.

She turned back to stare at the ceiling.

Why had she gone back to rescue him? She had asked herself that question many times since Wills had raised the point. She could easily say it was a sense of duty, that she couldn't leave a squadron-mate out there to fry.

But it was more . . . personal.

Surely she didn't care if Wills got himself killed with his stupid stunts?

She did.

As annoying as he is, he can be fun sometimes when we're fighting, she thought uneasily.

Huh. Perhaps I still have a crush on him.

She froze.

That's not good. That's stupid.

Lizzi pulled the covers tighter and tried to sleep, where her troubled thoughts wouldn't disturb her.

Wills lay on his bed, lying on his side, staring at the unfamiliar wall.

I did it again. I disobeyed orders and went off to do some stupid stunt. I have to agree with Lizzi on this one - it was rather foolish. It put her in danger - she came after and . . .:

Wills grimaced in the dark.

Tried to save my life, when I was going after that Destroyer to give her the chance to get away and . . .

Huh. Admit it, you tried to impress her. You like her. A lot, said that dry voice inside him.

He rolled his eyes at himself.

What's wrong with me? She doesn't like me at all. Besides, all women are untrustworthy. Getting involved with Lizzi is definitely not one of the smartest things I can do. So I won't.

But she does look so beautiful when she's mad. Perhaps that's one of the main reasons I purposely irritate her.

Uh oh. Not good, not good.

Wills pulled the covers tighter and tried to sleep,

"You know, I'm beginning to think I should lock those two in an Imperial detention cell for a few years together," sighed Charls. At the present moment he was seated on one of beds in the medical facility of Home One, watching and sometimes helping Jain about her duties. "I can't think of a better way to get those two to talk to each other."

"Yes," agreed Jain. "Yesterday's shouting match didn't really do much for their relationship."

"Shouting match?" asked Charls. "That's too mild a term. I would think 'full-scale battle' would be more appropriate."

Jain smiled. "But perhaps it wasn't all their fault. The tension from the evacuation might have caused them to have short tempers."

"True. They're not usually that bad together."

"I think Lizzi was actually very scared when Wills dashed off to take on that Star Destroyer," mused Jain. "She yelled at him, not because she was insulted or anything, but because he had frightened her."

"Really? You think so?" asked Charls in surprise. That scenario hadn't occurred to him. "I just thought she was mad because Wills disobeyed her orders. But you know Lizzi better than me."

Jain didn't answer. She turned to face him. "Who is that girl?"

"Who?"

"The cat. Lijia. I don't know what species she is."

"Oh her." Charls smiled. "I don't know what species she is either. She might be a hybrid for all I know. She's a friend of mine."

Jain looked at him questioningly, wanting more information.

"She's nice, a bit of a feather head. She's very young and thinks mostly about clothes and males. I think she has a boyfriend somewhere in the galaxy."

"Oh," replied Jain, somewhat relieved.

"She's not my friend in that way if that's what your thinking," added Charls worriedly.

"I understand, Charls."

Charls sighed, relieved, as did Jain. She came and sat down next to him.

"I admit I was afraid she was more to you than a friend," she said quietly, not looking at him. "She's so much prettier than me and more interesting - "

"Jain, why would you ever think that?" asked Charls gently. "Lijia is a good friend, nothing more. She's exotic, but you are the most beautiful woman I know."

Jain looked up. Charls blushed and looked away, and thus did not see her smile.

After a silence of a few minutes, Charls suddenly looked back at her and asked, "You've been working for hours now. Would you like to have dinner with me?"

Jain smiled. "I would be delighted - "

Her answer was cut off as the door swung open and a group of people came in. Only four of the group was on their feet and looked well - the rest were all on repulsor-beds and looked very unhealthy.

"Another transport just came in," said the lead man breathlessly. "It's pretty badly banged up - it's a miracle it managed to get here. The life-support was failing and there's a dozen people in need of immediate medical attention."

Jain rose to her feet while Charls remained seated. "Of course. Bring them this way." More medical staff came into the room and Jain issued them orders with the preciseness of an Admiral. Soon the patients were whisked away except one, who was in a horrible condition.

"This guy was caught in an explosion," said the spokesman sympathetically. "Burns and blood-loss plus oxygen-depletion."

"You poor man," said Jain, ignoring Charls. "But it isn't as bad as it looks, he will live." She took the controls of the bed and maneuvered it into the next room.

"I'm sorry Charls, it looks like I can't go out for dinner," she said as she passed him. "I'll see you tomorrow?" She and the patient disappeared, leaving Charls on the bed.

"Yeah," he said disappointedly and despairingly to the empty room. "Tomorrow."

He turned around and walked out without a backward glance.

Wickham sat in a bad apartment in a bad part of Nar Shadda, which was in a bad system in a bad part of the galaxy.

He intently read a message he had just received, though it was dated four standard days ago.

It was the first lead he had been able to uncover on Gianna Drax. Though he had searched high and low, using all his resources and connections he hadn't been able to find any useful information about her.

Finally, thought he contentedly. Lijia may be an idiot but she has her uses.

At the thought of Lijia he grimaced.

Foolish child, you are mature in body, but not in mind.

Wickham rolled his black eyes several times as he read the message.

HELLO WICKHAM LOVE. HAVE I NEWS FOR YOU! WE'VE JUST EVACUATED FROM HOTH. IT WAS SO SCARY. AN IMPERIAL SD SHOT ONE OF THE OTHER TRANSPORTS - I WAS SO SCARED WE'D BE KILLED.

Why didn't the Star Destroyer blow you up? I doubt many would miss you - not your character anyway.

ANYWAY, NOW WE'RE AT THE RENDEZVOUS POINT AND WE'RE GOING TO WAIT FOR EVERYONE ELSE TO GET HERE.

What use is that to me? Why don't you find out the co-ordinates of your position?

RGD. GIANNA. I HAVE FOUND HER AND WE'RE STAYING IN THE SAME ROOM. SHE'S AN ALIEN OF SOME KIND - OMWAT I THINK THAT'S WHAT SHE TOLD ME. SHE IS A SCIENTIST AND SHE'S FRIENDS WITH SOME OF THE PILOTS HERE - SOME PEOPLE CALLED LIZZI AND WILLS.

Very good, my dear. The first useful thing you have done for in ages.

SHE'S AN OKAY GIRL, BUT CAN YOU BELIEVE SHE DOESN'T LIKE CLOTHES OR SHOPPING? SHE'S SO WEIRD. ANYWAY, I'VE FOUND HER, AND YOU CAN COME GET HER SO WE CAN GET RICH AND GET MARRIED.

LOVE, LIJIA.

Wickham rolled his eyes again.

Married. Dream on.

But for now, he would hide his feelings and pretend an interest in the girl who had long become meaningless to him.

DEAR LIJIA. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LETTER, AND I AM GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE SAFE. HOW WOULD I LIVE HAD YOU BEEN KILLED I DO NOT KNOW.

YOU KNOW NOT HOW THANKFUL I AM THAT YOU HAVE FOUND DRAX. PLEASE, WILL YOU TELL ME THE CO-ORDINATES OF YOUR POSITION? THEN I WILL COME AND TAKE YOU AND DRAX AWAY - DRAX WILL GO TO THE IMPERIALS AND WE TO BE MARRIED.

FIND OUT AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE - WHERE SHE GOES, WHAT SHE DOES, ANYTHING YOU BELIEVE IS OF USE.

LOVE WICKHAM.

He sent the message.

There was a knock on the door.

"Wickham lovey, are you there?" asked a female voice from the other side of the door.

"I'm coming my dear," He went to the door and opened it to reveal a human female, petite with bright red hair dressed in a blue dress.

"Marikin, what a lovely surprise, said Wickham smoothly. His skin began to take on a warm tone, more red than green, from lust.

He kissed her deeply then let Marikin inside.

Later that evening, while Marikin still slept in the bedroom, Wickham stared at the city outside. The bright lights of the buildings, some a kilometer tall, lit up the dark sky.

Nar Shadda, otherwise known as 'Smuggler's Moon' was the moon of Nal Hutta, where the Hutts lived. Like Coruscant, the moon was a city but that was where the similarities ended. Where Coruscant was the political center of the galaxy, Nar Shadda was the one of the main centers of the galactic criminal underworld.

Wickham felt totally at home.

He sighed, his skin now a pale green. He absently glanced down at his flimsy copy of Lijia's message. With nothing better to do, he read it again.

This time, something else caught his interest. A name.

. . . SOME OF THE PILOTS HERE - SOME PEOPLE CALLED LIZZI AND WILLS . . .

A pilot called Wills.

Wills Darcy of Correlia?

Wickham frowned. Some noise from the bedroom alerted him and he put the message away. He returned to the bedroom.

For now, he would lose himself in pleasure, but he would not forget Wills Darcy.

Part Thirteen

Posted on Saturday, 17 July 1999

Commander Ricard Fitzwilliam of Comet Squadron stood up as a man entered the room.

"Commander," nodded the man extending a hand.

"General Madine," responded Ricard, accepting the gesture. "How are things?"

General Madine grimaced and sat down. "Bad. We've lost a lot of equipment and people, presumed dead or captured by the Imperials. The Empire broadcasts our defeat across the galaxy, saying, and I quote, 'The vile Rebellion that has dared to oppose the Emperor's New Order has suffered a terrible defeat at the might of the glorious Imperial forces. It shall not be long before our Emperor has rid the galaxy of this scrounge that brings chaos and fear to the Empire.' Not only that, we've received word that the Empire has sent out bounty hunters in search of Captain Solo, who was last heard dashing into the Hoth asteroid belt, with Princess Organa on the Millenium Falcon. Commander Skywalker has disappeared, our forces are scattered and demoralized, in short, we're in fairly bad shape."

Ricard shook his head. "The scrounge of the Empire. That's us but we're no danger to the Imperial citizens, only to the Emperor and those who follow his leadership. But I'm sure you didn't ask to see me just to chat about our current status."

Madine grinned. "Straight to the point as always, Ricard. I've asked to see you because I have a mission I thought a couple of your pilots could take on."

"Oh?" said Ricard, sitting up. "What kind of mission?"

"Information gathering. We've heard a few rumors about secret scientific project of the Empire's and we need to check it out."

"Why the Comets? Why not one of the Intelligence operatives? Why us?"

"Wait, do be so impatient. All right, a lot of the Intelligence branch is scattered over the galaxy or lost. The Bothans have had a scare and have their hands full so we can't use them either, but they've agreed to follow one of the more promising leads on this mission."

"That still doesn't explain why my squadron was chosen," said Ricard.

"The reason why we want some of the Comets to do it, is because your squadron has a great mix of people with a variety of backgrounds and abilities that could be of use." Madine walked over to a nearby desk and pulled up a datapad. "You are the former Captain of the Chandrilia Home Guard, Captain Nyanti Zyol used to be an assassin. Lieutenant Wills Darcy is a former Imperial pilot, Lieutenant Lizzi Benyt is a former smuggler, Charls Bingley has medical training and is from a merchant family. Denny Cathos was a campaigner against Imperial xenophobia, Hendri Sanderson was an engineer, Clmney Carter a con man. Zri'an Hodge was a small-time member for the Imperial political party on Thyferra, Forster Par'yla a teacher, Servan Fosset has connections with the diplomatic circles of Iphigin and Uid Chamberlyne a miner."

"So?"

"I mean that this mission could use several of these talents. It is possible this mission could take the people into Imperial facilities and the criminal underworld. From what I've read on your pilot's profiles, I think that perhaps Captain Zyol, Carter, Lieutenant Darcy, Lieutenant Benyt or Hodge would be best suited for the job."

"Wait a moment," interrupted Ricard. "I haven't agreed to send any of my people out yet."

"Well, then I now ask you - will you get two of your pilots to take the mission?" asked General Madine patiently.

Ricard thought for few minutes.

"But if it's a scientific project, how will my people know what information is useful and what information is just Tauntaun spit? None of my people have any experience in the science field."

"I've thought of that," said the General. He called up another profile on the datapad. "That's why I'm asking Scientist Drax to take part in the mission. It'll be a team of three - two of your people and her."

"Gianna Drax," Ricard mused. That put a new spin on things.

"All right. I'll send two of my people. Just let me think about who to send."

Madine smiled. "Great. Here are the details," he said, handing Ricard a datadisc. "And I want to see those two chosen in three hours."

It was a dismissal. Ricard stood up and took the disc, then headed out the door, but paused as Madine said,

"It is clear that absolute secrecy is needed, isn't it."

Ricard grinned. "Of course."

He left.

In the briefing room, Wills glanced at Lizzi who stood half a meter to his right. She also looked at him, but when catching his eye, quickly dropped her head to stare back at the ground. Wills pressed his lips together and also lowered his head.

Why they were again called up to speak to Commander Fitzwilliam he had absolutely no idea. He flushed when he recalled their last meeting with their Commander. It was definitely not on his list of fond memories.

But if they were recalled for another punishment, why was Gianna here too?

"Any idea what this is about?" he whispered to the Omwati waif on his left.

"Not a clue," she whispered back.

They automatically straightened up as the Commander entered the room.

"At ease," he said.

They obeyed.

Commander Ricard Fitzwilliam looked at the three standing before him. Their confusion and apprehension must have been plain for even him to see, for he said, "Stop worrying, you're not here for another trip through the gauntlet. Sort of," he added as an after thought.

The apprehension disappeared but the confusion didn't. He continued.

"You three have been called because you've been selected for a mission."

Wills frowned, Gianna looked surprised while Lizzi stood there emotionlessly.

"Intelligence has received word that the Empire is working on a secret scientific project. We have a few leads - the Bothan spy network is taking care of one, but the one we want you three to follow is the most obscure. We've trailed it so far to Nar Shadda, otherwise known as Smuggler's Moon. It is possible the Empire is sending resources and information through here to somewhere else. You three have to check it out."

"Sir?" asked Lizzi.

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Why us?"

Ricard smiled. "You are in this because you are a former smuggler. Since you're going to Nar Shadda, your experience, contacts and any other skills you have will be needed. Lieutenant Wills is in this because his knowledge of Imperial protocol and ways. Scientist Drax is included for her scientific knowledge. We decided to have you three on the team because you all know each other fairly well."

Lizzi looked at Wills and Wills looked right back questioningly.

"Ah, sir, are you sure you would not want to reconsider?" began Lizzi. "Perhaps another team, a group that works better together would be more suitable."

"No," he said. "You are the only choice."

When none of the team said anything more, Ricard continued.

"You'll be given a cover as a group of smugglers travelling to Nar Shadda. I believe Lieutenant Benyt still has her ship available somewhere, so you'll be using that, the Fire Dancer I believe. From there you'll be on your own. I trust you to use your integrity and common sense to complete this mission. If the trail goes further, you are to follow it as far as you can and get as much information as possible."

The Commander walked closer to them. His smile disappeared.

"For you two Lieutenants, this is your last chance. Don't blow it."

Lijia tried to look as innocent as possible while keeping her recording device to the wall of the briefing room. She jumped every time someone walked past, but no one ever thought that a refugee dancer would pose any harm, or that her rather skimpy costume could hide anything like a recording device.

She had stuck to Gianna like a shadow ever since she received Wickham's message. More than once she had the feeling that Gianna was sick of her but there was no way Lijia would fail her dear Wickham.

A noise from inside the room alerted her. She jumped up, grabbed the recorder and dashed off down the corridor, as the door opened and Gianna and the two Comet pilots (gosh, the guy is handsome!) exited.

"I still don't get why I have to go with you," she heard the female pilot, Lizzi, grumble.

"This really sucks," the other pilot muttered. "Coming for a drink, Gianna?"

"Alright."

Lijia listened as the footsteps faded. She then proceeded as fast as she could to her room and locked it.

In privacy, she drew out the message device. Turning it on, she typed out a long message containing the details of the interview she had just overheard.

Then she sent it out to the stars, to Smuggler's Moon where Wickham waited.

(Answers to questions: What species is Wickham? He's Falleen - go check out the SS prologue)

Continued In Next Section