1 Ch. 7 ~ If We Could Fool You…
It had been a long time since Tycho or Winter had crossed each other's paths. Both had been very busy and though neither had forgotten the other, it was left up to the fact that neither had time to think about what they were missing, let alone where exactly the other was.
Winter was on deep infiltration most of the time. She was rarely back in Republic space and Leia was beginning to wonder why the council had chosen her for suck a task if Winter was not around to spend anytime with Tycho. In defense, Tycho had no time for Winter either. The missions came one after another, each one being very time consuming. Rogue Squadron was in the middle of something huge at the moment. A few of her members had passed recently, raising statistics and they eyebrows of the Republic. The people of the Republic had great respect for the famed Squadron and it was a great loss to them when a pilot passed.
At the moment, Rogue Squadron was embroiled in something that Tycho had never imagined to happen. Baron Soontir Fel had been captured by Rogue Squadron during their last mission. Now he was being integrated into the squadron. It was a vast ploy to get back at Ysane Isard and the Empire. However, this was not an easy task for Rogue Squadron. After all, Fel was the former commander of the 181st Tie Squadron, a squadron that had long done damage to Rogue Squadron and all of the squadrons of the Republic. Worse than that, they were considered the Rogue's worst enemies. For some, like Hobbie and Tycho, Fel's presence was even harder to handle. Fel had been the one to train them when they had been in the Imperial Navy and to see and have to work with the 181st Tie Squadron, a squadron that had long done damage to Rogue Squadron and all of the squadrons of the Republic. Worse than that, they were considered the Rogue's worst enemies. For some, like Hobbie and Tycho, Fel's presence was even harder to handle. Fel had been the one to train them when they had been in the Imperial Navy and to see and have to work with their former commander, whom they had betrayed, was almost as frightening as facing a whole squad of Ties all by one's self. Luckily for all involved, the situation had remained non-explosive, and it seemed that Fel was more than willing to be helpful, provided that the Republic try to find his wife, who turned out to be Wedge's sister.
Wedge waited patiently in Admiral Akbar's office on the Home One. Finally Akbar looked up from a data pad; one which Wedge could only assume held the report that he had sent not too much earlier.
"I read your report on the pirates raid. Good work. Fel had three kills?" Akbar asked slowly. Wedge sighed. He was tired of the pirate issue and he wished that Tycho had come with him to the meeting. He felt better having another person there that understood exactly what the pilots were going through, especially if it was Tycho.
"He took to an X-Wing very quickly. He likes that it has shields."
"An advantage over a Tie Interceptor."
"It's good he's progressed fast. We have a difficult mission that will cut into his training time." Akbar replied.
Ahh, so that is what this is about. A mission. "Something better than rescuing freighters from pirates I hope." Wedge prompted, tossing a small bit of food over his shoulder. The ball of water housing Akbar's coniverous fish erupted when one jumped out to catch the food, landing back in the ball with a slight splash.
"You spoil them." Akbar said with a shake of the head.
"My pilots are worth it."
"I meant the fish."
"Sorry," Wedge replied with a grin. Akbar's face remained serious. Here it comes.
"Lieutenant Clechu and Colonel Fel will be escorting Princess Leia to a summit meeting on Eiattu."
What? Why Tycho? What summit on Eiattu? Eiattu was the planet where Plourr was staying permanently. Not a long time ago the Squadron had been shocked to find out that Plourr was really a princess and now she ruled her world. Wedge had a million questions, all of which he knew Akbar would not answer. "Difficult? You'll spoil Tycho. What about the rest of us?"
"A true Rogue mission. I think in fact, most of you will survive."
"Well, that's helpful…"
Wedge walked beside Fel down the corridor, but his attention was barely on the Colonel. He was watching his best friend Tycho, who was on the other side of Fel, a few steps ahead of both his old mentor and Wedge. He was wearing brown battle pants from Hoth and high black boots. His tan shirt was mostly covered by a partly zipped blue civie jacket. Fel, dressed mostly in black as usual, had his attention entirely on Wedge.
"It's a covert mission Colonel. Very safe." Wedge explained to Fel.
"You underestimate Isard. If I appear in public as a Rebel, she'll order my wife slain. I don't want that." Fel said stubbornly. Wedge sighed openly.
"She's my sister. I don't want her dead either. You will be there to show potential New Republic members that the Empire is crumbling."
"The Empire's decline should be obvious to even the most casual of observers." Fel gritted his teeth as he said this, causing Tycho to look at him, cocking an eyebrow.
"But you're proof. The Empire used you as a symbol… If worlds come over now, that's more havens for your wife." Tycho's gentle voice reminded him. Fel stared at him with cold eyes and Wedge momentarily wondered exactly what Fel thought of his former protégé.
"We must find her."
"We will, trust me. Isard isn't going to get her. The sooner this war ends, the safer she will be," Wedge cut in, hoping to avoid any conflict between the two men. "The conference will make that happen sooner." Fel nodded slowly and they broke into the bright lights of the landing bay. Tycho was the first to spot their transportation and a smile broke onto his face.
"And it looks like we'll be getting to Eiattu very fast." Wedge looked to where Tycho's gaze was fixed. The Millennium Falcon sat on the deck in all her glory and in her shadow stood Han Solo and his companion, Chewbacca.
Wedge smiled. "Leave now and you could get there before Plourr and she had a good head start." He waved to Han and raised his voice, "Good to see you again Han, Chewie."
"And you Wedge, sorry you're not joining us." Han called.
Fel shook his head. "Ah, the infamous Millennium Falcon."
"Faster that the Emperor's retribution." Tycho said with an evil grin.
"Don't joke about that," Fel said, serious. Tycho pretended not to have heard him as they drew near to Han.
"You remember Tycho." Wedge motioned to Tycho, who stepped up to shake Han's hand.
"Your Sabacc playing paid my debts on Hoth." Han said with a laugh, fondly remembering the young pilot when he had fist met him.
"Yes, sir. But I'm wiser now, I don't play." Tycho's grin was infectious and even Fel smiled.
"And this is…" Wedge moved to introduce Fel.
"We've met. At the Carida Academy." Fel interrupted Wedge, who sighed loudly, glancing at Tycho who also had attended Carida.
"Been a long time, Soontir. You've done well for yourself." Han said, a note of distrust playing gently across his features. Wedge saw a minor incident forming and decided to head it off as best he could.
"Well, duty calls. Take good care of your cargo." Wedge glanced at Tycho with these last words, who nodded, as if saying, don't worry.
"You too, Wedge. Come Gentlemen, you're gear is already on board." Han motioned them up the ramp and Tycho led the way. Once on board they all stopped dead upon meeting their "cargo" in the passageway. Han stepped forward with a grin. "We'll get going once I get launch clearance. First, though, introductions. This is Princess Leia Organa." In front of him indeed stood Leia, her long brow hair braided on top of her head. She was dressed in tan and brown, with boots that reached up to her knees. She glanced past Han and her eyes came to settle on Tycho, and Tycho felt oddly uneasy, as if he wasn't looking at the Princess at all.
"Tycho, it is good to see you again. And you must be Baron Fel." Finally her gaze shifted to Fel. She turned to walk towards a small common area. She sat and Fel approached her, taking her hand gently, raising it to his lips.
"My Imperial title is lost to me. Colonel is fine, Princess, but Soontir would be better." Tycho watched Han who stiffened a bit and Tycho recalled the budding romance between the Princess and the former smuggler.
"Soontir then it shall be." Han stepped up as she said this.
"Time to go. Soontir, why don't you come up to the cockpit. I can teach you some things about flying." Tycho had been still watching Han and was almost positive that he caught the pilot winking at Leia in a curious way.
"Always a dreamer, Solo." Fel said, but followed Han out.
"If you want to be alone, Princess…" Tycho opened his mouth for the fist time since he'd been on board.
"No Tycho. Stay, please?" She searched his face and he shrugged, sitting across from her.
"It's been a while since I have seen you, Highness…"
"Surely we are past titles Tycho," she grinned as he smiled warmly at her and they both relived a pleasant memory. "I believe it was at Bakura, wasn't it?"
"Yes, since then the Alliance has kept Rogue Squadron busy. Though, the last time I thought I saw you, it was a woman named Winter." Saying her name felt strange to him, he had not said it in some time…
"She's an old friend." If Tycho hadn't known better, he would have been convinced Leia wanted to talk about Winter.
"Then you could tell me about her?"
"I suppose I could. She's been an aide to my father and me for what seems like forever… As an Alliance agent, she's accomplished so much, finding supplies… She's also educated, well bred and very refined."
Tycho was so lost in Leia's description of Winter that he didn't realize he was speaking until it was to late. "And she's very beautiful."
Leia grinned in happiness, "I could almost swear you're smitten by her."
"You could say that. It's more than a 'We're survivors of Alderaan thing', for me, anyway." Tycho sighed a bit.
"I seem to recall her having mentioned you…"
Tycho's face perked up and he sat up straight, interrupting her. "Really?"
"…in passing." Leia finished, watching as Tycho fought to control his falling emotions.
"Oh…"
Oh shoot, wrong words, that didn't work the way I wanted it too… "No wait. For Winter, that's quite something. She hides her emotions so she can do her job. To have mentioned you is good."
"That's good I guess."
"Very good. I can't recall her being interested in anyone since the Rebellion began. Never would have thought she'd go for a pilot." She watched as Tycho leaned back, putting his arms behind his head.
"You did," he said, flippantly and casually.
"Seems to me that Winter made that point once as well…" Leia said with a strange gleam in her eye.
"Perceptive our Winter is." It's almost as if she knows something I don't…
"Truer than you know."
"Will she be at Eiattu?" Tycho's voice held a curious but somehow knowing edge that suddenly made Leia want to throw up some defenses.
"Need to know Lieutenant, and…"
Tycho didn't let her finish. "I don't need to know." He nodded slowly and smiled at her, telling her simply that he understood.
Twelve hours later, the Millenium Falcon set down on Eiattu with a gentle settling sound. Leia stretched in her seat, glancing at Tycho, who looked a bit sleepy. "You've made the time pass quickly. Thank you Tycho."
He smiled at her and she fought to keep her face from flushing, surprised at her reaction. Control yourself! "My pleasure, Princess." She simply nodded at him as he moved to let her exit the Falcon ahead of him. Han followed the two of them, smirking with some secret thought. Plourr was waiting for them, dressed in the finest silk, a dark shade of purple.
"Princess Leia Organa, this is Princess Isplourrdacartha Estillo." Tycho said softly, motioning to his former comrade. Plourr shook Leia's hand.
"Welcome to Eiattu, Highness."
"Thank you for hosting this conference, Highness." Leia responded.
"Please call me Plourr. We'll get you to the palace quickly. We both have to dress uncomfortably for the reception." Plourr said resignedly. Leia smiled at her words.
"And I'm Leia. Yes, Elegance for Ambassadors, comfort for friends." By that time, Tycho had drifted back, leaving Leia with Plourr and Fel with Plourr's betrothed, Count Rial Pernon. Han grabbed him by the elbow.
"Sabacc Tycho?"
"With you? Ha!"
Later on, Tycho wandered about the reception, taking careful note of every noble there. He idly wondered why Akbar had wanted him there. He was not a noble. He was not even in charge of Rogue Squadron. Surely many of the Ambassadors knew who he was and it was undoubted that his reputation went before him, but beyond that, he was clueless. He paused as a droid bearing some sort of alcohol approached him. Tycho took a glass from the droid and turned to walk away.
"Lieutenant Clechu, Mr. Solo requests you see him." Tycho turned back to the droid and finally nodded. Tycho searched the crowd for Han, finally spotting him on the far side of the grand ballroom. He seemed to be in a deep conversation with a short green ambassador whom Tycho didn't recognize. Tycho made his way through the crowd, and approached Han and the alien casually.
"Droid said you wanted to talk to me?" Tycho interjected skillfully during a lull in the conversation. Han seemed relieved that he had.
"I did, Tycho. Thanks for the chat, ah, Councilor." Han took Tycho by the elbow and guided him away.
"Friend of yours?" Tycho asked, raising an eyebrow, glancing back at the green alien.
"Flux-fiend looking for a game."
"Talking to you? Must have been desperate." Tycho smirked. Han looked at the younger man.
"Long walk back to the Squadron, Kid." Han's face held a hard, annoyed look, but his voice betrayed his amusement.
"Right…what did you need?"
"Not me, Leia. She wanted to see you before coming down. Some Alderaanian thing I guess." Han told Tycho slowly. Tycho couldn't help but look at him puzzeledly and was about to protest, but Han pushed him towards the stairs, giving him a 'don't make the Princess wait' look. Tycho shook his head in confusion as he started up the long white banistered staircase. What Alderaanian thing? Why would she want to see me? Am I missing something? Still clueless, Tycho arrived outside of Leia's assigned room. Shrugging, he pushed open the door, only to find the lights were off. He stepped inside quietly.
"Han sent me up here. He said…"
"I wanted you to help me with this." Leia said softly.
Tycho's eyes sought out the source of her voice as his eyes became adjusted to the darkness. He soon found her and had only one word with which to reply, "Wow."
"Do I take that as a yes?" She asked with a grin, gently looking down at her dress. It was a deep purple, falling below her shoulders and clinging to her figure perfectly.
"Forgive me, Highness. You're gorgeous." Tycho felt a blush creep up his cheeks and was thankful for the darkness.
"That's a yes then. Good…" Tycho was alarmed when she stepped closer, his head starting to spin. He thought he might pass out when she reached out and touched his shoulder and her lips touched his.
From the moment he stepped into the room, dressed in the dress whites that gave him a look of boyish charm, she knew she couldn't stay away from him any longer. It became worse as he came closer…and then he called her gorgeous and that was the end. She could not stop herself any longer. The whole flight had nearly killed her and it was too much. She stepped close to him, not so much seeing as feeling his muscles tighten in confusion. She didn't stop though, and reached out, touching his shoulder and then deciding to take the last step. Winter stood on tiptoe and kissed him. She could sense his confusion, but as the kiss deepened and he responded, she knew that he knew. She could feel him try to smile as he realized his mistake, or rather her falsehoods. Finally, she pulled back.
"Winter?" his voice was no more than the whisper of a light falling in the fields of Alderaan on a warm summer day.
"If we could fool you, we could fool anyone," she replied, hoping that he would understand. She soon found that she had nothing to fear from him.
"I should really make sure it is you." His statement hung in the air and she realized what he meant. She grinned.
"Please." With a smile playing on his lips, he bent down to kiss her again, and neither one hesitated when their lips met. Tycho and Winter were both startled when the heard a soft Click, but neither had the chance to react. A high power blaster hit them both, aimed through the open window. Tycho hit the floor first and Winter fell beside him, landing on his arm. Neither moved.
Through the window came four figures clad in black with night vision goggles on.
"They're out. Do we take him too?" The first figure asked, kneeling by 'Princess Leia' and an unknown aide.
"You saw them. We can use him against her. He goes." The others nodded and one lifted Winter into his arms while two more hoisted Tycho up. They moved silently until they came to a small indent in one wall, which opened up to reveal a secret passage. They disappeared in silence into the black passage.
It had been a long time since Tycho or Winter had crossed each other's paths. Both had been very busy and though neither had forgotten the other, it was left up to the fact that neither had time to think about what they were missing, let alone where exactly the other was.
Winter was on deep infiltration most of the time. She was rarely back in Republic space and Leia was beginning to wonder why the council had chosen her for suck a task if Winter was not around to spend anytime with Tycho. In defense, Tycho had no time for Winter either. The missions came one after another, each one being very time consuming. Rogue Squadron was in the middle of something huge at the moment. A few of her members had passed recently, raising statistics and they eyebrows of the Republic. The people of the Republic had great respect for the famed Squadron and it was a great loss to them when a pilot passed.
At the moment, Rogue Squadron was embroiled in something that Tycho had never imagined to happen. Baron Soontir Fel had been captured by Rogue Squadron during their last mission. Now he was being integrated into the squadron. It was a vast ploy to get back at Ysane Isard and the Empire. However, this was not an easy task for Rogue Squadron. After all, Fel was the former commander of the 181st Tie Squadron, a squadron that had long done damage to Rogue Squadron and all of the squadrons of the Republic. Worse than that, they were considered the Rogue's worst enemies. For some, like Hobbie and Tycho, Fel's presence was even harder to handle. Fel had been the one to train them when they had been in the Imperial Navy and to see and have to work with the 181st Tie Squadron, a squadron that had long done damage to Rogue Squadron and all of the squadrons of the Republic. Worse than that, they were considered the Rogue's worst enemies. For some, like Hobbie and Tycho, Fel's presence was even harder to handle. Fel had been the one to train them when they had been in the Imperial Navy and to see and have to work with their former commander, whom they had betrayed, was almost as frightening as facing a whole squad of Ties all by one's self. Luckily for all involved, the situation had remained non-explosive, and it seemed that Fel was more than willing to be helpful, provided that the Republic try to find his wife, who turned out to be Wedge's sister.
Wedge waited patiently in Admiral Akbar's office on the Home One. Finally Akbar looked up from a data pad; one which Wedge could only assume held the report that he had sent not too much earlier.
"I read your report on the pirates raid. Good work. Fel had three kills?" Akbar asked slowly. Wedge sighed. He was tired of the pirate issue and he wished that Tycho had come with him to the meeting. He felt better having another person there that understood exactly what the pilots were going through, especially if it was Tycho.
"He took to an X-Wing very quickly. He likes that it has shields."
"An advantage over a Tie Interceptor."
"It's good he's progressed fast. We have a difficult mission that will cut into his training time." Akbar replied.
Ahh, so that is what this is about. A mission. "Something better than rescuing freighters from pirates I hope." Wedge prompted, tossing a small bit of food over his shoulder. The ball of water housing Akbar's coniverous fish erupted when one jumped out to catch the food, landing back in the ball with a slight splash.
"You spoil them." Akbar said with a shake of the head.
"My pilots are worth it."
"I meant the fish."
"Sorry," Wedge replied with a grin. Akbar's face remained serious. Here it comes.
"Lieutenant Clechu and Colonel Fel will be escorting Princess Leia to a summit meeting on Eiattu."
What? Why Tycho? What summit on Eiattu? Eiattu was the planet where Plourr was staying permanently. Not a long time ago the Squadron had been shocked to find out that Plourr was really a princess and now she ruled her world. Wedge had a million questions, all of which he knew Akbar would not answer. "Difficult? You'll spoil Tycho. What about the rest of us?"
"A true Rogue mission. I think in fact, most of you will survive."
"Well, that's helpful…"
Wedge walked beside Fel down the corridor, but his attention was barely on the Colonel. He was watching his best friend Tycho, who was on the other side of Fel, a few steps ahead of both his old mentor and Wedge. He was wearing brown battle pants from Hoth and high black boots. His tan shirt was mostly covered by a partly zipped blue civie jacket. Fel, dressed mostly in black as usual, had his attention entirely on Wedge.
"It's a covert mission Colonel. Very safe." Wedge explained to Fel.
"You underestimate Isard. If I appear in public as a Rebel, she'll order my wife slain. I don't want that." Fel said stubbornly. Wedge sighed openly.
"She's my sister. I don't want her dead either. You will be there to show potential New Republic members that the Empire is crumbling."
"The Empire's decline should be obvious to even the most casual of observers." Fel gritted his teeth as he said this, causing Tycho to look at him, cocking an eyebrow.
"But you're proof. The Empire used you as a symbol… If worlds come over now, that's more havens for your wife." Tycho's gentle voice reminded him. Fel stared at him with cold eyes and Wedge momentarily wondered exactly what Fel thought of his former protégé.
"We must find her."
"We will, trust me. Isard isn't going to get her. The sooner this war ends, the safer she will be," Wedge cut in, hoping to avoid any conflict between the two men. "The conference will make that happen sooner." Fel nodded slowly and they broke into the bright lights of the landing bay. Tycho was the first to spot their transportation and a smile broke onto his face.
"And it looks like we'll be getting to Eiattu very fast." Wedge looked to where Tycho's gaze was fixed. The Millennium Falcon sat on the deck in all her glory and in her shadow stood Han Solo and his companion, Chewbacca.
Wedge smiled. "Leave now and you could get there before Plourr and she had a good head start." He waved to Han and raised his voice, "Good to see you again Han, Chewie."
"And you Wedge, sorry you're not joining us." Han called.
Fel shook his head. "Ah, the infamous Millennium Falcon."
"Faster that the Emperor's retribution." Tycho said with an evil grin.
"Don't joke about that," Fel said, serious. Tycho pretended not to have heard him as they drew near to Han.
"You remember Tycho." Wedge motioned to Tycho, who stepped up to shake Han's hand.
"Your Sabacc playing paid my debts on Hoth." Han said with a laugh, fondly remembering the young pilot when he had fist met him.
"Yes, sir. But I'm wiser now, I don't play." Tycho's grin was infectious and even Fel smiled.
"And this is…" Wedge moved to introduce Fel.
"We've met. At the Carida Academy." Fel interrupted Wedge, who sighed loudly, glancing at Tycho who also had attended Carida.
"Been a long time, Soontir. You've done well for yourself." Han said, a note of distrust playing gently across his features. Wedge saw a minor incident forming and decided to head it off as best he could.
"Well, duty calls. Take good care of your cargo." Wedge glanced at Tycho with these last words, who nodded, as if saying, don't worry.
"You too, Wedge. Come Gentlemen, you're gear is already on board." Han motioned them up the ramp and Tycho led the way. Once on board they all stopped dead upon meeting their "cargo" in the passageway. Han stepped forward with a grin. "We'll get going once I get launch clearance. First, though, introductions. This is Princess Leia Organa." In front of him indeed stood Leia, her long brow hair braided on top of her head. She was dressed in tan and brown, with boots that reached up to her knees. She glanced past Han and her eyes came to settle on Tycho, and Tycho felt oddly uneasy, as if he wasn't looking at the Princess at all.
"Tycho, it is good to see you again. And you must be Baron Fel." Finally her gaze shifted to Fel. She turned to walk towards a small common area. She sat and Fel approached her, taking her hand gently, raising it to his lips.
"My Imperial title is lost to me. Colonel is fine, Princess, but Soontir would be better." Tycho watched Han who stiffened a bit and Tycho recalled the budding romance between the Princess and the former smuggler.
"Soontir then it shall be." Han stepped up as she said this.
"Time to go. Soontir, why don't you come up to the cockpit. I can teach you some things about flying." Tycho had been still watching Han and was almost positive that he caught the pilot winking at Leia in a curious way.
"Always a dreamer, Solo." Fel said, but followed Han out.
"If you want to be alone, Princess…" Tycho opened his mouth for the fist time since he'd been on board.
"No Tycho. Stay, please?" She searched his face and he shrugged, sitting across from her.
"It's been a while since I have seen you, Highness…"
"Surely we are past titles Tycho," she grinned as he smiled warmly at her and they both relived a pleasant memory. "I believe it was at Bakura, wasn't it?"
"Yes, since then the Alliance has kept Rogue Squadron busy. Though, the last time I thought I saw you, it was a woman named Winter." Saying her name felt strange to him, he had not said it in some time…
"She's an old friend." If Tycho hadn't known better, he would have been convinced Leia wanted to talk about Winter.
"Then you could tell me about her?"
"I suppose I could. She's been an aide to my father and me for what seems like forever… As an Alliance agent, she's accomplished so much, finding supplies… She's also educated, well bred and very refined."
Tycho was so lost in Leia's description of Winter that he didn't realize he was speaking until it was to late. "And she's very beautiful."
Leia grinned in happiness, "I could almost swear you're smitten by her."
"You could say that. It's more than a 'We're survivors of Alderaan thing', for me, anyway." Tycho sighed a bit.
"I seem to recall her having mentioned you…"
Tycho's face perked up and he sat up straight, interrupting her. "Really?"
"…in passing." Leia finished, watching as Tycho fought to control his falling emotions.
"Oh…"
Oh shoot, wrong words, that didn't work the way I wanted it too… "No wait. For Winter, that's quite something. She hides her emotions so she can do her job. To have mentioned you is good."
"That's good I guess."
"Very good. I can't recall her being interested in anyone since the Rebellion began. Never would have thought she'd go for a pilot." She watched as Tycho leaned back, putting his arms behind his head.
"You did," he said, flippantly and casually.
"Seems to me that Winter made that point once as well…" Leia said with a strange gleam in her eye.
"Perceptive our Winter is." It's almost as if she knows something I don't…
"Truer than you know."
"Will she be at Eiattu?" Tycho's voice held a curious but somehow knowing edge that suddenly made Leia want to throw up some defenses.
"Need to know Lieutenant, and…"
Tycho didn't let her finish. "I don't need to know." He nodded slowly and smiled at her, telling her simply that he understood.
Twelve hours later, the Millenium Falcon set down on Eiattu with a gentle settling sound. Leia stretched in her seat, glancing at Tycho, who looked a bit sleepy. "You've made the time pass quickly. Thank you Tycho."
He smiled at her and she fought to keep her face from flushing, surprised at her reaction. Control yourself! "My pleasure, Princess." She simply nodded at him as he moved to let her exit the Falcon ahead of him. Han followed the two of them, smirking with some secret thought. Plourr was waiting for them, dressed in the finest silk, a dark shade of purple.
"Princess Leia Organa, this is Princess Isplourrdacartha Estillo." Tycho said softly, motioning to his former comrade. Plourr shook Leia's hand.
"Welcome to Eiattu, Highness."
"Thank you for hosting this conference, Highness." Leia responded.
"Please call me Plourr. We'll get you to the palace quickly. We both have to dress uncomfortably for the reception." Plourr said resignedly. Leia smiled at her words.
"And I'm Leia. Yes, Elegance for Ambassadors, comfort for friends." By that time, Tycho had drifted back, leaving Leia with Plourr and Fel with Plourr's betrothed, Count Rial Pernon. Han grabbed him by the elbow.
"Sabacc Tycho?"
"With you? Ha!"
Later on, Tycho wandered about the reception, taking careful note of every noble there. He idly wondered why Akbar had wanted him there. He was not a noble. He was not even in charge of Rogue Squadron. Surely many of the Ambassadors knew who he was and it was undoubted that his reputation went before him, but beyond that, he was clueless. He paused as a droid bearing some sort of alcohol approached him. Tycho took a glass from the droid and turned to walk away.
"Lieutenant Clechu, Mr. Solo requests you see him." Tycho turned back to the droid and finally nodded. Tycho searched the crowd for Han, finally spotting him on the far side of the grand ballroom. He seemed to be in a deep conversation with a short green ambassador whom Tycho didn't recognize. Tycho made his way through the crowd, and approached Han and the alien casually.
"Droid said you wanted to talk to me?" Tycho interjected skillfully during a lull in the conversation. Han seemed relieved that he had.
"I did, Tycho. Thanks for the chat, ah, Councilor." Han took Tycho by the elbow and guided him away.
"Friend of yours?" Tycho asked, raising an eyebrow, glancing back at the green alien.
"Flux-fiend looking for a game."
"Talking to you? Must have been desperate." Tycho smirked. Han looked at the younger man.
"Long walk back to the Squadron, Kid." Han's face held a hard, annoyed look, but his voice betrayed his amusement.
"Right…what did you need?"
"Not me, Leia. She wanted to see you before coming down. Some Alderaanian thing I guess." Han told Tycho slowly. Tycho couldn't help but look at him puzzeledly and was about to protest, but Han pushed him towards the stairs, giving him a 'don't make the Princess wait' look. Tycho shook his head in confusion as he started up the long white banistered staircase. What Alderaanian thing? Why would she want to see me? Am I missing something? Still clueless, Tycho arrived outside of Leia's assigned room. Shrugging, he pushed open the door, only to find the lights were off. He stepped inside quietly.
"Han sent me up here. He said…"
"I wanted you to help me with this." Leia said softly.
Tycho's eyes sought out the source of her voice as his eyes became adjusted to the darkness. He soon found her and had only one word with which to reply, "Wow."
"Do I take that as a yes?" She asked with a grin, gently looking down at her dress. It was a deep purple, falling below her shoulders and clinging to her figure perfectly.
"Forgive me, Highness. You're gorgeous." Tycho felt a blush creep up his cheeks and was thankful for the darkness.
"That's a yes then. Good…" Tycho was alarmed when she stepped closer, his head starting to spin. He thought he might pass out when she reached out and touched his shoulder and her lips touched his.
From the moment he stepped into the room, dressed in the dress whites that gave him a look of boyish charm, she knew she couldn't stay away from him any longer. It became worse as he came closer…and then he called her gorgeous and that was the end. She could not stop herself any longer. The whole flight had nearly killed her and it was too much. She stepped close to him, not so much seeing as feeling his muscles tighten in confusion. She didn't stop though, and reached out, touching his shoulder and then deciding to take the last step. Winter stood on tiptoe and kissed him. She could sense his confusion, but as the kiss deepened and he responded, she knew that he knew. She could feel him try to smile as he realized his mistake, or rather her falsehoods. Finally, she pulled back.
"Winter?" his voice was no more than the whisper of a light falling in the fields of Alderaan on a warm summer day.
"If we could fool you, we could fool anyone," she replied, hoping that he would understand. She soon found that she had nothing to fear from him.
"I should really make sure it is you." His statement hung in the air and she realized what he meant. She grinned.
"Please." With a smile playing on his lips, he bent down to kiss her again, and neither one hesitated when their lips met. Tycho and Winter were both startled when the heard a soft Click, but neither had the chance to react. A high power blaster hit them both, aimed through the open window. Tycho hit the floor first and Winter fell beside him, landing on his arm. Neither moved.
Through the window came four figures clad in black with night vision goggles on.
"They're out. Do we take him too?" The first figure asked, kneeling by 'Princess Leia' and an unknown aide.
"You saw them. We can use him against her. He goes." The others nodded and one lifted Winter into his arms while two more hoisted Tycho up. They moved silently until they came to a small indent in one wall, which opened up to reveal a secret passage. They disappeared in silence into the black passage.