Aboard the MC80 Star Cruiser Home One

The Pilots of Rogue Squadron sat silently as they waited for the briefing to begin. This mission was going to prove to be one of the most important and risky they had taken on in a very long time. With the twelve pilots of Rogue Squadron were also the pilots from Gold Squadron and via holo-communications, the captain and principle officers of a assault frigate and those of several Corellian Corvettes and Gunships as well. There was an air of grim determination and not even Wes Jansen joked or even said anything.

Finally, General Carlist Rieeken and, to everyone's surprise, Mon Mothma herself, entered the room. After studying the gathered Rebels, she said, "After much information and resource gathering, we are finally prepared to eliminate an Imperial weapon before it can ever be utilized. At the shipyards of Fondor, an Executor-Class Star Dreadnought is currently under construction. The emergence and deployment of these Super Star Destroyers are bad enough but this particular model is being fitted with a series of high tech cloaking devices. Such a ship would be able to drop in on our fleets and bases and rain destruction on them before we even have the chance to mobilize any defenses. Thanks to our allies in the Bothan Spy Network and many of our commando and intelligence units, we have obtained all necessary resources to launch this attack. General Rieeken;"

Mon Mothma stepped to the side and Rieeken stepped forward, activating a holo-projector. The image of an Star Dreadnought appeared. "Here, here and here are the locations of the three cloaking field generators. Once you get to the dreadnought, they will be your first targets. After them, you will target the main reactor. Now, everything I have just mentioned is the second stage of the operation. The first, I'm afraid, is far more tricky."

The image changed, showing a section of the Fondor ship yards. It showed an energy shield and a shield array emitter where the shield gate opened for cargo shuttles and such would go through. "Using a requisitioned storm commando clearance code and TIE Hunters, Rogue Squadron will be escorting a transport that they will say has been captured and is filled with ordnance. Once they are inside the shield perimeter, Gold Squadron will arrive with X-wings to hold your escape with the assistance of an assault frigate their escort. Rogue Squadron will eliminate the cloaking devices, the bridge and then the main reactor. From there, you'll retreat and get back here. Any questions?"

None were forth-coming and General Rieeken said, "Spend the next few hours in the TIE Fighter simulators. It's imperative that you get very comfortable with their controls. As soon as everything is fully prepared, you will be on your way to Fondor."

Wedge had flown a few of the TIE series fighters before. In his opinion, they were too fast and jerky and their sticks tended to be overly sensitive. Not only that but they were unshielded, lightly armored and poorly armed. The few advantageous they had were that they were fast, cheap and very maneuverable. And of course, over the past couple years, there were several different kinds of TIE Fighters. Aside from the standard TIE Fighter and the TIE Bomber, there was also the very fast TIE Interceptor. There was the Advanced x1 TIE Fighter, usually the personal fighters of high ranking individuals such as Darth Vader or Moff Kohl Seerdon. And then, of course, there were the TIE Hunters - fighters assigned expressly to Storm commando divisions. They were supposed to have all the maneuverability and speed of a standard TIE craft but with the armor, shields, hyperspace capabilities and fire power of an X-wing.

After almost three hours in the simulators, Wedge climbed out and stretched. The others began to do the same, pulling off their helmets and rubbing their eyes and heads and shaking out their cramped legs. None of them wanted to leave the simulation room, know that the call could come at any minute. At the same time, they were getting hungry.

Wedge looked over his pilots and sighed. "Gather around, Rogues."

When they were all there, Wedge said, "We're going to head to the hanger where our fighters are gong to be waiting. There, you might as well get comfortable. We could be there awhile. Grab a ration bar too. It's not very fun but it's better than nothing."

With yawns and grumbles, they all headed out, complaining about waiting for the mission to finally begin. Fortunately, they only had another ten minutes to wait before the call came over the intercom. "All pilots report to your ships. All pilots report to your ships."

Rogue Squadron whooped and climbed into their TIE Hunters and carefully filed out of the hanger. The transport was waiting for them. "Alright, Rogue group;" said the pilot of the transport. "It's just me in here so let's please stay close and sell this thoroughly, shall we."

"Copy that, Transport;" chuckled Wedge. "We'll take you right into the jaws of the beast."

"Why thank you;" the pilot said back, his voice almost jovial despite the dire circumstances. In truth, his cheerfulness lifted Wedge's spirits quite a bit. Chuckling, he changed over to Rogue Squadron's comms frequency and said, "Alright, Rogue Group, let's take it nice and easy. Form up and get ready to make the jump. Once we get there, it's all about channeling your inner Imperial and flying in a perfect escort formation."

That gained him a few snorts of amusement as they tightened up. The nice thing about Imperial fighter formations was they they were easy to mimic. None of them were overly complicated and none of them required exceptional skill to maintain. As soon as they were set, Wedge called out, "Alright, Rogues - proceeding with the count down."

Ten seconds later, the stars turned to lines and then to the blue tunnel of hyperspace.

Fondor - The Sienar Fleet Systems' Classified Projects' Dry Docks

As soon as they reverted back to real space, the Rogues formed perfectly into an Imperial TIE defensive escort formation as they approached. Using a device for the purpose, Wedge commed the shield gate control station in the voice of a pilot wearing a TIE Fighter's helmet. At first, there was no response at all. After repeating his message three times, Wedge noticed the two Imperial Escort Carriers and the squadrons of TIE Hunters approaching from port and starboard. "Oh blast;" mutter Wedge before flipping over to the Rogues' private channel again. "Get ready, Rogues, cause I think we've been made."

Unfortunately, he was all too correct. Immediately, the carriers opened fire on the transport while the TIE Hunters buzzed around and engaged them. "Damn it!" cursed Wedge. "Get outta here Transport, we'll cover your retreat."

"That wasn't the plan, Rogue Leader."

Wedge was almost speechless. "I'm pretty sure the plan's been compromised, Transport!"

"Oh the primary plan has been, yes. Fortunately, I made a secondary plan, just in case the first one didn't work out. Just hold a little while longer and arm your ion cannons, Rogue Leader. In just a moment, you might need them to knock out the shield gate."

"What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Wedge.

But even as he asked, he realized what the pilot was talking about. At full speed, the transport was driving straight for a point just below the shield control center. If Wedge were to hazard a guess, that was where the power source for the shield gate itself was house. "Transport, pull up! Do you copy? Pull up!"

"Good luck, Rogue Leader, and may the force be with you."

The transport slammed full boar into the structure - and exploded in spectacular fashion! As the debris floated through space, Wedge saw the the pilot had been correct. There, exposed to him, was the power core for the shield gate. It was still surrounded by ray and particle shields but a few good blasts from the ion cannon should expose it for a pair of proton torpedoes.

Gritting his teeth in frustration, Wedge fired three salvos of ion blasts while he said into the comms, "Get ready Rogues! I'm about to open the gates. Rogue Two, radio the reinforcements."

They acknowledge as Wedge fired his torpedoes and the power exploded, shredding the control center above it as well. Just then, Gold Squadron and the other Alliance ships dropped out of hyperspace and engaged the two Escort Carriers and the TIE's. "Alright, Rogues," said Wedge, "we're going in and we're going in full throttle - right along the ships dorsal hull. Keep even spacing and stay in pairs. Keep your torpedoes ready."

The one wonderful thing about ships the size of an Executor-Class Star Dreadnought is what both Alliance and Imperial strategist call "Trench Run Disease". It was the inherent weakness in massive capital ships and stations where the gaps in their defenses were large enough that a single snubfighter could penetrate. The term was coined after the Death Star over Yavin and the Rebels had used it to great effect while defending against it by using more rounded ships such as Mon Calamari Star Cruisers with weapons blisters that activated when a fighter got too close.

Wedge gritted his teeth and every muscle in his body was clenched, ready to wheel, twist and turn as the terrain of the dreadnought required. Whenever a active battery came in sight, he and Karie, who had paired with him, tried to clear it out for the following Rogues. For the most part, they were successful. It wasn't too long before they came to the first cloaking field generator. "Alright, Rogue Five;" he said to Karie over her private line, "two torpedoes should take care of it and if not, the others will finish it off."

"Copy that, Rogue Leader;" replied Karie, and they squeezed their triggers.

Four torpedoes slammed into the stealth field generator which, to their surprise, didn't explode. "Blast! Rogue Two, Rogue Three - we didn't finish it off. We're gonna need your help."

"You got it, Rogue Leader;" came the reply.

"Report when it's destroyed;" said Wedge as he continued to scream over the ship.

The dreadnought had massive gaps in its hull and at least some of the defenses had to be completely automated because, in many cases, there wasn't even a way to get into the operating or fire control centers for the turbo laser cannons or turrets. Either way, Wedge and Karie were low enough that none of the towers could accurately line up a shot - though that fact sure didn't keep them from trying. Heavy Fire sprayed around them but the TIE's shielding an maneuverability held them in good stead against it. At some point, Tycho contacted him confirming that the first stealth field generator was destroyed but Wedge was too busy avoiding death by fire or collision to do more than give a cursory acknowledgement.

Finally, they came to the second cloaking field generator. Again, they launched a pair of torpedoes each, this time aiming for the base of the structure. Again, it wasn't enough to destroy the machine. "You'll need to finish it off again, Rogues Two and Three."

"Copy that, Boss."

As they continued to careen through the trenches and canyons of the super star destroyer, a call came from outside the shield perimeter. "Rogue Leader, this is the Assault Frigate Worthy Cause - an Imperial Star Destroyer has just dropped out of hyperspace. We've taken out the two escort carriers and are holding the TIE's but I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to once the newcomer engages."

Wedge gritted his teeth. He wished fervently that Luke Skywalker, with all of his Jedi skill and natural piloting ability, was there to assist them. Unfortunately Luke was still off on assignment with Princess Leia Organa and the smooth talking gambler, Lando Calrissian. Rumor had it that they were looking to rescue Han Solo from a bounty hunter or something but whatever the case, Wedge could have used Luke's help.

With a mental shake, Wedge brought himself back to focus just in time to avoid running headlong into a XX-10 Turbolaser tower.

The closer they got to the command tower and bridge, the more completed everything looked. Suddenly, Karie's strained voice came over her private frequency. "How exactly are we going to get to this thing's main reactor?"

"We'll worry about that when we get to it, Karie;" he said. "Right now, we need to finish off these cloaking devices."

"Rogue Leader, this is Rogue Ten - I don't know how this dreadnought's been wired but it's already beginning to go critical! The destruction of the cloaking devices is beginning to destabilize the entire power regulation system. If we take out the command tower too, they won't have any way of bring it back under control and this monstrosity should go up without us even getting near the main reactor."

Wedge frowned and said, "Acknowledged, Rogue Ten. Keep an eye on those readings and keep me informed. I really don't feel like going out in a blaze of glory with this thing today."

"Copy that, Rogue Leader."

Over her private frequency, Karie murmured, "Well that answered that question."

"Maybe so. Stay sharp. We're coming up on the last generator. Two more torpedoes each and then I'm down to four. What's your ordnance status, Rogue Three?"

"I'll still have six. Do you think ten will be enough to take out the control stations in the command tower?"

Wedge chuckled. "We don't just have our torpedoes. The other Rogues will be right behind us and I'm pretty sure most of them haven't even used any of theirs yet."

"Good point;" replied Karie as they came in sight of the third and final cloaking field generator and squeezed off their torpedoes.

As before, they weren't enough to destroy the generator and Wedge let Tycho know before saying, "Rogue Squadron, we're heading for the command tower next. Hopefully if we do enough damage to it, they won't be able to avoid the chain reaction caused by the destruction of the three cloaking field generators."

They all acknowledged and Wedge and Karie continued to navigate their way towards the bridge. In the section they were in now, everything looked almost complete. There were no gaps in the hull or superstructure or exposed power sources or cables for the turrets, batteries or sensors. Suddenly, all enemy fire ceased and Wedge felt an uncomfortable feeling of deja vu from the attack on the Death Star. The guns had all stopped firing just before the Imperial TIE's had engaged them. "Get ready, Rogue Three;" he murmured to Karie, "we have enemy fighters coming in from -" and he checked his scopes, "point eight."

"Roger that. There are only three. I'll sweep out and clear them. You stay on task."

Before Wedge could object, she broke off to engage the oncoming TIE's. He gritted his teeth and dared to put just a little more power into the engines. The command tower was far away now and he switched over to his targeting computer. "Rogue Leader, this is Rogue Two, we just finished off the last generator. The reactor is just a nudge away from going critical."

"Copy that, Rogue Two;" said Wedge. "You and your wingman stay with me. The rest of you, I want to break off and get back to the battle. As soon as we join you, we're getting out of here."

Though they were clearly unhappy about it, the rest of Rogue Squadron broke off and began to make for the shield gate.

Wedge's primary target was the main bridge blister. He was mere moments away from being in range. Wedge held his breath as his trembling fingers waited on the trigger. He barely acknowledge that Karie had cleared his six and was back with him. As soon as his targeting computer signaled a lock, he squeezed the trigger twice, launching all four of his remaining proton torpedoes. In the peripherals of his vision, he saw on his scopes that Karie had launched her torpedoes at a different point, most likely a secondary control center or bridge. The ten warheads slammed into the command tower and that was the nudge that was too much for the main reactor. Immediately, Wedge's alarms began to blare, indicating the massive catastrophic failure of a nearby capital ship. "Alright Rogues;" said Wedge, "let's get outta here!"

They formed up and blazed away from the star dreadnought as quickly as their TIE Hunters would allow them. When the massive ship blew, Karie gave a whoop of delight. Wedge grinned ear to ear and said, "Alright, Rogue Squadron, let's collect our escort and get the hell out of here!"

"Rogue Leader, this is the Worthy Cause - you're timing couldn't have been better. If you had taken only a few minutes longer, we would have been pinned between a Star Destroyer and the shipyard's defensive shields."

As they came out of the shield gate, Wedge grinned as twelve X-wings and formed on them in an escort pattern. "Glad to hear we made it in time, Worthy Cause. Let's get outta here and back to the fleet. Mon Mothma and Rieeken are going to be ecstatic."

Aboard the MC80 Star Cruiser Home One

Rogue Squadron and Gold Squadron stood side by side in the main hanger of Home One as the crew of the ship applauded and cheered. On a dais in the front of them stood Mon Mothma and Generals Rieeken and Madine. After allowing the cheering to go on for several minutes, Mon Mothma lifted a hand and silence descended. "You have done well, Rogue Squadron. You have assisted in the gathering of the necessary resources in preparation for the assault on the Empire's new Death Star but more importantly, you have eliminated an potentially even more destructive weapon - an Executor-Class Star Dreadnought with stealth capabilities. Such a weapon would be able to deliver a massive assault against any fleet or base before we even had the chance to prepare. Step onto the dais, pilots."

As they lined up in front of the Supreme Commander and founding member of the Rebel Alliance and, once at a time, she placed a medal around their necks, murmuring to each of them, "The Alliance thanks you for your exceptional service. You have earned this."

When all had their rewards, General Rieeken said, "About-face, pilots."

They did with military precision and the crew of Home One erupted into cheers and applause again.

An hour after the celebration had ended, Rogue Squadron was back in the briefing room. Generals Rieeken and Maidine looked grim and almost apologetic. "Take a seat, pilots. We have some news and we're afraid you aren't going to like it."

Wedge certainly didn't like the sound of that. When they were all seated, Rieeken clasped his hands behind him and began a clearly rehearsed briefing. "The Emperor has made his final mistake and the time to strike at his new Death Star is nearly here. We have been reassigning personnel and resources throughout the entire organization and deploying various task forces and cells to attempt to scatter the Empire's military forces. All of this is in preparation for our strike over the forest moon of Endor. Over a hundred capital ships are being gathered along with all of their fighter compliments. In order to ensure that the vast experience and talent of Rogue Squadron is not isolated into one place, High Command has decided that a temporary disbandment of the squadron is necessary."

The entire squadron gasped and several of them cut themselves off in the middle of objections. "I know that you're a close nit group but this is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. We will have dozens of fighter squadrons on this operation, some of them with very little experience and some without any at all. It will be your jobs to ensure that they get the training they need to prepare. You will have little enough time to prepare them as it is. When the battle is over, for good or for ill, Rogue Squadron will be reformed. I promise you that."

The Rogues still looked sullen and Wedge lifted his hands. "Will Commander Skywalker be assigned to a fighter squadron, Sir?"

"We don't know, Commander;" said Madine rather huffily. "Due to his status as a Jedi, Mon Mothma is giving him the decision as to where he might serve best."

Wedge nodded. Rieeken looked around some more before saying, "If there is nothing else, Rogues, go and pack your belongings. You will be reassigned and moving out tomorrow."

The Rogues stood and exited, heading silently back to their quarters. Before they could split off, Wedge called, "Tonight, we're having one final squadron meeting in the pilot ready room."

They all acknowledged gloomily.

They were all there when Wedge went into the ready room. The Rogues were silent. With a sigh, Wedge looked at Tycho and said, "Grab some of the good stuff, Tycho. Fill the glasses and pass them around."

When everyone had a glass in their hands, Wedge said, "On your feet, Rogues. Raise your glasses. This is something that Luke would do after a rough mission. Well since that last mission was our last mission for awhile as Rogue Squadron, I think it's worthy of this."

Wedge began to list the name of every pilot who ever served with Rogue Squadron and stated whether they died or reassigned. It was a long list. Quite a few pilots had served in Rogue Squadron and had either died or had moved on to other assignments. When he was finished, Wedge said, "Remember those names, Rogues. They are your history. This isn't the end of Rogue Squadron. We'll be back. In the mean time, spread your knowledge and share your experience. The Alliance will need us at our best for this, even if we aren't all together."

Looking around at one another, the Rogues smiled and clinked their glasses. Wedge smiled. "Now let's have one more rousing party before tomorrow."

With that, the Rogues cheered. They had one more night and they would make it a night to remember.