As promised, I have done a lot more work on the story. I hope you enjoy
the additions, and I would really appreciate some feedback! Thanks.
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Ch. 5 ~ Going Out With a Bang
The next day they were all back on Tattoine and Winter was ready to crack the lid off what was going on. She and Kapp were organizing a ground assault with Sixtus' men while Wedge, Tycho, and the Rogues flew air support. It was time to lock and load.
The day was hot and dry, just like every other day on Tattoine. The X-Wings screamed over the sand followed shortly by the small transport. In his X-Wing, Tycho could feel the sweat begging to run down his back. He contemplated making another protest at the day run, but instead held his tongue. Wedge had enough to deal with already.
"Is everybody clear on our procedure Wedge?" Winter's voice crackled over the comm. Tycho listened to her intently, trying to decide how calm she was. Probably very calm. I bet she hasn't even broken a sweat. He thought coldly, then sighed aloud. If only it was that simple. He was just bitter because not only had she rejected him, but he had seen her all business side and was beginning to fear that there was no play side to her.
"Clear as Corellian crystal, Winter. We get you close enough to discharge your 'cargo'," Wedge replied through the static, referring to the Troopers Winter had waiting, "and the 'cargo' does the rest."
"Expect heavy resistance. If Rogue Squadron gets out of this one without any casualties…" Winter's voice trailed off and Tycho was surprised. It was so unlike her to be indecisive about anything.
"Say no more, Winter. We all know the risk." Wedge was replying to her as the lead X-Wing, Tycho, reached the rock outcropping. He turned in low to see if he could identify any sort of movement or entrance. It quickly tore his thoughts away from Winter.
"Problem Wedge. Instruments are picking up plenty of activity…" He said slowly, trying to make sense of the readings he was getting. "But visually, there's nothing! Wait…I spoke too soon…" Tycho trailed off, killing his left engine. The X-Wing dropped its altitude and Tycho could see more clearly what looked like a body. His own body went cold and he knew there was something wrong. "There's a dead Imp at the base of the mountain." He said slowly, reporting to Wedge.
"Get out of there Tycho!" Wedge yelled to his best friend, suddenly realizing what was going on. "It's a trap! My thermal sensors are going crazy!" At that moment a full squadron of Tie Interceptors burst from the side of the mountain, flying directly over Tycho.
"Yow! It's a holographic portal, Wedge. Right in the side of the mountain." Tycho reported, igniting his engine again. He had already been spotted and he realized, calmly enough, that he was in huge trouble.
"We're on it! Stay alive pal!" Wedge called, seeing the immediate danger his friend was in. "We'll clear you some space, but it won't be much. And it won't last long!" Wedge's voice was laced with a heavy concern. It was obvious that Tycho was in huge trouble. In the mean time, Winter was busy moving her small transport to land as Rogue Squadron gave her cover, but the entire time her eyes were glued to Tycho's plight. Once Winter landed, the Imperial troopers burst out, very eager to get revenge on their former commander. Winter watched them go, impressed at their speed. She smiled…Maybe this is going to work. Her false sense of success was shattered by a comm call.
"Wedge I'm hit!" Tycho's voice was elevated and the line was filled with static. Winter's head jerked up, searching the sky, but she didn't have to look far. Three eyeballs were circling around an already crippled X-Wing that was trailing thick black smoke.
"I'm coming Tycho, but I need time." Wedge replied deftly.
"That's one thing I haven't got." Tycho replied, his voice more calm. Winter found herself holding her breath as she listened to him as he continued. "I'm still airborne, but I'm easy pickings. Two squints coming in for the kill…" As his voice cut out, Winter jumped into action, striding down the ramp and out onto the sand, holding tightly to her ear piece.
"Tycho, this is Winter. Break off! Head for the sand!" Her voice was desperate. He can't die…please, let the Force be with him… He can't die. Her head was spinning and it felt as if she couldn't breathe.
"Agent Winter…do I detect a not of concern in your voice?" Tycho's reply was meant to be light, but Winter could hear the strain in it.
"Tycho, listen to me!" She couldn't help but snap, surprised that she was so worried and fearful because of the panic she was feeling. "Head for the sand, it's your only hope!" She was desperate. If only he would listen… Why am I so afraid…?
"Sorry, boss… But I'm going out with a bang. You got that Wedge? Stay clear!" Tycho replied. Wedge felt his throat catch. Tycho was sweating worse now than before as he reached for the black toggle switch… See you Winter…
"Tycho! Come in! Answer me! Sithspit!" Winter managed to find his X-Wing in the sky just as the ship lit into flames, creating a resounding explosion. The bang was deafening, and the sound shattered Winter's heart. "NO!" She turned away blindly, bumping into Kapp who had been following her. She collapsed against her old friend. "No…" Tears streamed down her face as a surprised Kapp held her gently.
"Plourr's coming down…" Kapp seemed very worried and Winter got a hold of herself. "I'm going after her." Kapp ran off in a hurry as the X-Wing hit the sand, leaving Winter to stand there by herself. She hurried back into the transport, drying her tears. You're a fool. You let him in…and now he's dead. Tears crept into his eyes again and she pushed at her eyes with her fists. There will be no more of this…He's gone, he's dead…I don't care about him anymore…I never cared about him. With those final thoughts, Winter turned her attention back to the fight in the air, painfully reminded of Tycho's perfect blue eyes as she gazed at the Tattoine sky.
Hours later, Winter informed Wedge that Plourr was fine as the X- Wings began to land. The battle had been won…And only at the loss of two X- Wings and one…pilot. Winter thought coldly as the Rogue pilots began to stagger in. They were dirty, sweaty, and very tired looking. Finally they had all gathered, sitting on the steps together each resting in their own way. Their conversation was quiet and at first Winter viewed them with understanding, but when she realized that not a single one seemed to be mourning for Tycho, anger led her to confusion and hurt and she strode away.
"Winter, are you alright?" Wedge's voice was curious as he approached her from behind.
"It's just…its Tycho. I tired not to let him get under my skin because…well – I knew how much it would hurt if I lost him. I guess I didn't do such a good job of it, because it hurts like you wouldn't believe…" She trailed off as her voice constricted.
"Tycho! Thanks for reminding me…I forgot all about him!" Wedge said in a voice that was far from compassionate to her pain.
"Forgot?!?" Winter spun on Wedge in a rage. "How could you forget?!? He was your best friend…your…your…"
"Take it easy! He's probably sitting in the shade waiting for us to pick him up!" Wedge was shocked at Winter's angry response. Oh sith…she has no idea… "He said he was 'going out with a bang…' that means he's ditching his X-Wing and letting his R2 unit take it on a suicide run." Wedge grinned, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's a code phrase we use so we don't tip off the enemy. Didn't you know?" Wedge hardly expected what came next. Winter listened very carefully to his words and felt her frustration and pain melt away into real happiness. She had not experienced the warmth she felt now for a very long time. This warm feeling turned to an annoyed rage, as she became aware of Wedge's hand, still on her shoulder. She turned and before she could stop herself, she punched Wedge in the jaw and strode out. "I guess she didn't know…" Wedge muttered, staring up at the ceiling from where he hand landed, rubbing his jaw.
Tycho did not see Winter until the following day. He had hiked halfway in from his landing sight before Wedge had remembered to come and get him. Tycho was hot and tired and barely listened to Wedge telling him about Winter's tears. After Wedge had gotten him back to their hotel and cleaned him up with some help from Hobbie, they had put him to bed. He was tired, bruised, and burned, but no worse for the wear. Once he awoke, Wedge had Plourr check him out.
"He's fine Wedge. No life threatening injuries." She confirmed. Tycho rolled his eyes.
"See, I'm fine. Now can I go to Darklighter's today?" Tycho demanded.
"I guess…"
"Now, I think somewhere in the daze of yesterday, you were telling me about Winter…" Tycho made Wedge repeat every word.
Later that day, the Rogues were once again entertained by Darklighter. Tycho tentatively approached Winter. He was not surprised when she turned to face him.
"I have to apologize again for the mix-up Winter. I didn't really mean to worry you that way." He started slowly, wondering how she would react. From the moment she had arrived at the small party, Tycho could tell she was not the vulnerable Winter that Wedge had described to him earlier. This was Agent Winter of the New Republic.
"I was only worried about one thing Tycho…" she stepped closer to him and Tycho was sure that the temperature had risen in the area. Their bodies were inches apart as she finished what she was saying. Her voice was merely a whisper; "I was worried that I wouldn't be able to give you that kiss I promised you when you first arrived." She reached up and put her hand on the side of his face and stood on her tiptoes, kissing him on the lips. It was a light kiss at first, but when he responded, it deepened. She wrapped her arms around Tycho's neck and felt her body temperature rise as his hands found their way around her waist. This is all I want… She thought, surprised at this reaction. And it feels so right.
Tycho was surprised at her words and even more surprised when her lips brushed his. Is this real…or did I really crash? Thank the Force, she really is kissing me…
Wedge watched from a distance, smiling a real smile for the fist time in a while. Watching the two of them, all he could think was that this was right. They could work. If this darned war didn't kill either one of them or tear them apart, this could…this would work.
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Ch. 5 ~ Going Out With a Bang
The next day they were all back on Tattoine and Winter was ready to crack the lid off what was going on. She and Kapp were organizing a ground assault with Sixtus' men while Wedge, Tycho, and the Rogues flew air support. It was time to lock and load.
The day was hot and dry, just like every other day on Tattoine. The X-Wings screamed over the sand followed shortly by the small transport. In his X-Wing, Tycho could feel the sweat begging to run down his back. He contemplated making another protest at the day run, but instead held his tongue. Wedge had enough to deal with already.
"Is everybody clear on our procedure Wedge?" Winter's voice crackled over the comm. Tycho listened to her intently, trying to decide how calm she was. Probably very calm. I bet she hasn't even broken a sweat. He thought coldly, then sighed aloud. If only it was that simple. He was just bitter because not only had she rejected him, but he had seen her all business side and was beginning to fear that there was no play side to her.
"Clear as Corellian crystal, Winter. We get you close enough to discharge your 'cargo'," Wedge replied through the static, referring to the Troopers Winter had waiting, "and the 'cargo' does the rest."
"Expect heavy resistance. If Rogue Squadron gets out of this one without any casualties…" Winter's voice trailed off and Tycho was surprised. It was so unlike her to be indecisive about anything.
"Say no more, Winter. We all know the risk." Wedge was replying to her as the lead X-Wing, Tycho, reached the rock outcropping. He turned in low to see if he could identify any sort of movement or entrance. It quickly tore his thoughts away from Winter.
"Problem Wedge. Instruments are picking up plenty of activity…" He said slowly, trying to make sense of the readings he was getting. "But visually, there's nothing! Wait…I spoke too soon…" Tycho trailed off, killing his left engine. The X-Wing dropped its altitude and Tycho could see more clearly what looked like a body. His own body went cold and he knew there was something wrong. "There's a dead Imp at the base of the mountain." He said slowly, reporting to Wedge.
"Get out of there Tycho!" Wedge yelled to his best friend, suddenly realizing what was going on. "It's a trap! My thermal sensors are going crazy!" At that moment a full squadron of Tie Interceptors burst from the side of the mountain, flying directly over Tycho.
"Yow! It's a holographic portal, Wedge. Right in the side of the mountain." Tycho reported, igniting his engine again. He had already been spotted and he realized, calmly enough, that he was in huge trouble.
"We're on it! Stay alive pal!" Wedge called, seeing the immediate danger his friend was in. "We'll clear you some space, but it won't be much. And it won't last long!" Wedge's voice was laced with a heavy concern. It was obvious that Tycho was in huge trouble. In the mean time, Winter was busy moving her small transport to land as Rogue Squadron gave her cover, but the entire time her eyes were glued to Tycho's plight. Once Winter landed, the Imperial troopers burst out, very eager to get revenge on their former commander. Winter watched them go, impressed at their speed. She smiled…Maybe this is going to work. Her false sense of success was shattered by a comm call.
"Wedge I'm hit!" Tycho's voice was elevated and the line was filled with static. Winter's head jerked up, searching the sky, but she didn't have to look far. Three eyeballs were circling around an already crippled X-Wing that was trailing thick black smoke.
"I'm coming Tycho, but I need time." Wedge replied deftly.
"That's one thing I haven't got." Tycho replied, his voice more calm. Winter found herself holding her breath as she listened to him as he continued. "I'm still airborne, but I'm easy pickings. Two squints coming in for the kill…" As his voice cut out, Winter jumped into action, striding down the ramp and out onto the sand, holding tightly to her ear piece.
"Tycho, this is Winter. Break off! Head for the sand!" Her voice was desperate. He can't die…please, let the Force be with him… He can't die. Her head was spinning and it felt as if she couldn't breathe.
"Agent Winter…do I detect a not of concern in your voice?" Tycho's reply was meant to be light, but Winter could hear the strain in it.
"Tycho, listen to me!" She couldn't help but snap, surprised that she was so worried and fearful because of the panic she was feeling. "Head for the sand, it's your only hope!" She was desperate. If only he would listen… Why am I so afraid…?
"Sorry, boss… But I'm going out with a bang. You got that Wedge? Stay clear!" Tycho replied. Wedge felt his throat catch. Tycho was sweating worse now than before as he reached for the black toggle switch… See you Winter…
"Tycho! Come in! Answer me! Sithspit!" Winter managed to find his X-Wing in the sky just as the ship lit into flames, creating a resounding explosion. The bang was deafening, and the sound shattered Winter's heart. "NO!" She turned away blindly, bumping into Kapp who had been following her. She collapsed against her old friend. "No…" Tears streamed down her face as a surprised Kapp held her gently.
"Plourr's coming down…" Kapp seemed very worried and Winter got a hold of herself. "I'm going after her." Kapp ran off in a hurry as the X-Wing hit the sand, leaving Winter to stand there by herself. She hurried back into the transport, drying her tears. You're a fool. You let him in…and now he's dead. Tears crept into his eyes again and she pushed at her eyes with her fists. There will be no more of this…He's gone, he's dead…I don't care about him anymore…I never cared about him. With those final thoughts, Winter turned her attention back to the fight in the air, painfully reminded of Tycho's perfect blue eyes as she gazed at the Tattoine sky.
Hours later, Winter informed Wedge that Plourr was fine as the X- Wings began to land. The battle had been won…And only at the loss of two X- Wings and one…pilot. Winter thought coldly as the Rogue pilots began to stagger in. They were dirty, sweaty, and very tired looking. Finally they had all gathered, sitting on the steps together each resting in their own way. Their conversation was quiet and at first Winter viewed them with understanding, but when she realized that not a single one seemed to be mourning for Tycho, anger led her to confusion and hurt and she strode away.
"Winter, are you alright?" Wedge's voice was curious as he approached her from behind.
"It's just…its Tycho. I tired not to let him get under my skin because…well – I knew how much it would hurt if I lost him. I guess I didn't do such a good job of it, because it hurts like you wouldn't believe…" She trailed off as her voice constricted.
"Tycho! Thanks for reminding me…I forgot all about him!" Wedge said in a voice that was far from compassionate to her pain.
"Forgot?!?" Winter spun on Wedge in a rage. "How could you forget?!? He was your best friend…your…your…"
"Take it easy! He's probably sitting in the shade waiting for us to pick him up!" Wedge was shocked at Winter's angry response. Oh sith…she has no idea… "He said he was 'going out with a bang…' that means he's ditching his X-Wing and letting his R2 unit take it on a suicide run." Wedge grinned, placing his hand on her shoulder. "It's a code phrase we use so we don't tip off the enemy. Didn't you know?" Wedge hardly expected what came next. Winter listened very carefully to his words and felt her frustration and pain melt away into real happiness. She had not experienced the warmth she felt now for a very long time. This warm feeling turned to an annoyed rage, as she became aware of Wedge's hand, still on her shoulder. She turned and before she could stop herself, she punched Wedge in the jaw and strode out. "I guess she didn't know…" Wedge muttered, staring up at the ceiling from where he hand landed, rubbing his jaw.
Tycho did not see Winter until the following day. He had hiked halfway in from his landing sight before Wedge had remembered to come and get him. Tycho was hot and tired and barely listened to Wedge telling him about Winter's tears. After Wedge had gotten him back to their hotel and cleaned him up with some help from Hobbie, they had put him to bed. He was tired, bruised, and burned, but no worse for the wear. Once he awoke, Wedge had Plourr check him out.
"He's fine Wedge. No life threatening injuries." She confirmed. Tycho rolled his eyes.
"See, I'm fine. Now can I go to Darklighter's today?" Tycho demanded.
"I guess…"
"Now, I think somewhere in the daze of yesterday, you were telling me about Winter…" Tycho made Wedge repeat every word.
Later that day, the Rogues were once again entertained by Darklighter. Tycho tentatively approached Winter. He was not surprised when she turned to face him.
"I have to apologize again for the mix-up Winter. I didn't really mean to worry you that way." He started slowly, wondering how she would react. From the moment she had arrived at the small party, Tycho could tell she was not the vulnerable Winter that Wedge had described to him earlier. This was Agent Winter of the New Republic.
"I was only worried about one thing Tycho…" she stepped closer to him and Tycho was sure that the temperature had risen in the area. Their bodies were inches apart as she finished what she was saying. Her voice was merely a whisper; "I was worried that I wouldn't be able to give you that kiss I promised you when you first arrived." She reached up and put her hand on the side of his face and stood on her tiptoes, kissing him on the lips. It was a light kiss at first, but when he responded, it deepened. She wrapped her arms around Tycho's neck and felt her body temperature rise as his hands found their way around her waist. This is all I want… She thought, surprised at this reaction. And it feels so right.
Tycho was surprised at her words and even more surprised when her lips brushed his. Is this real…or did I really crash? Thank the Force, she really is kissing me…
Wedge watched from a distance, smiling a real smile for the fist time in a while. Watching the two of them, all he could think was that this was right. They could work. If this darned war didn't kill either one of them or tear them apart, this could…this would work.