Once A Rogue, Always A Rogue

Characters: Wes J, Jek P., Luke S, Wedge A., Hobbie Klivian.

Rating: Pg

Summary: Wes Janson gets sick and Jek Porkins is sent in his stead to fight the Death Star.

1.

A Legacy Is Born…

"But Sir, I can still fly!"

"No." A pause, "You're sick, Janson, deal with it."

"Not that sick." Wes Janson protested.

Commander Dante shook his head exasperated, "Sick enough to be a liability."

"Sir, I can't just sit here in the infirmary while Yavin faces off that Death Star."

"I know, Wes, but for the last time, you are to sick to fly in a straight line much less take off from the hanger. We can find someone else to fill your slot." Dante said, "but we'll give 'em an extra punch for you."

Wes tried to grin but failed, he sighed and looked away, "Thanks," he mumbled.

Two days later, Jek stopped by the infirmary. He glanced at the mountain of blankets on the bunk, "Is he in there?" Jek asked the passing nurse.

"Oh yes," she nodded, "Poor thing hasn't come out since the commander left."

Jek sighed and firmly poked where Janson's head would be and was rewarded with a groan. A mop of black hair reluctantly showed and a blurred hazel eye opened. "You know I hate when you do that."

Jek grinned slightly and shifted his helmet on his left hip. He hesitated, then said, "I'm shippin' out in your place."

Janson blinked slowly and pulled the rest of the blankets away from his head. He leaned back against his pillows. "Oh."

There was a moment of awkward silence, then, "Wes-"

Janson held up a hand, "Don't, Piggy, just don't," He started to say something but erupted into a coughing fit.

Jek dropped his helmet to pound Janson's back, "Breath, Janson, breath!"

Janson gulped air in greedily after the fit eased and wiped tears from his eyes.

Jek sighed and picked up his helmet, "I should probably go."

Janson picked at the threads of one of his blankets, after a moment he said somberly, "May the Force be with you, Piggy."

Jek finally smiled and clapped Janson on his shoulder, "We'll definitely need it." He paused at the doorway, "I'll see you when you come."

"Count on it."

It was a week later when his illness finally decided to abate, Wes heard the bad news. Well, it was bad news mixed with good news actually. After the nurse left, Wes buried his face in his pillow and cried.

They found him staring at the memorial hologram of Jek outside the throne room.

"It wasn't your fault, Wes." Luke said softly.

Wes shook his head, "I should've been here,"

"It wouldn't have made any difference," Wedge said.

They fell into a tense silence.

"Maybe it was a good thing you got sick," Hobbie said thoughtfully.

Wes whirled his head around, "What?" he crossed his arms.

Hobbie held up his hands, "Hear me out, Wes," he protested, "Think about it, if you had gone instead of Piggy, you probably wouldn't made it either."

Wes sighed dejectedly, "Yeah, I know," he rubbed his nose, "At least I would've been able to make a difference."

"Maybe," Wedge said, "maybe not."

"Well, on a more cheery note," Luke said, "General Dodonna's allowed me to commission a brand new fighter squadron."

They exchanged glances, "You have a name?" Hobbie asked.

"Well, I don't know about you guys but I was thinking about Rogue Squadron."

Wedge grinned, "I like the sound of that."

Wes clapped his hands on Luke's and Hobbie's shoulders, "Welcome to Rogue Squadron boys."

TBC

A/N: Well? Did you like? Please let me know. Reviews are much appreciated.