Chapter 4
Han Solo rocketed through hyperspace on the Millennium Falcon, with Anakin at his side. Leia hadn't come with them on this trip. She was becoming increasingly bogged down with work forming a replacement for the New Republic and the current Alliance.
"Anakin," said Han, "we've got to talk. There was something I never got to tell you before you died. I don't blame you for Chewie's death. It was the Vong. And I made them regret it. At the Second Battle at Coruscant, we ended up invading the planet. On the ground we faced thousands of Yuuzhan-Vong warriors.
"That day, I saw a different side to all of our family members, one I rarely see. I was sort of a tag-along, since I couldn't use the Force. But I had insisted on going. I wanted to see the fall of the Vong. And I wished that you and Chewie were with me. I had always thought Chewie and me would have gone out in the blaze of glory, vaping Ties before finally taking one too many laser blasts. Instead, we ended up in the Rebellion. Right before Sernpidal, he was thinking of taking a trip to see his family on Kashyyyk. But then I decided to fly out to Dubrillion, and he came with me. And he got killed by an enemy he never got to face.
"I've wondered everyday since what would have happened if we had gone to Kashyyyk. Would Chewie still be alive? I don't know." Han grinned the famous Solo grin and said, "I guess I just wanted you to know that I don't blame you for him dying. I guess I got a little off topic."
There was silence for a moment. Then Anakin spoke. "I know, Dad."
***
Back at Borleias, there was nothing exciting going on. And the Fels loved it. Jaina and most of her squadron were sitting at table in a tapcaf in the Jedi Temple. Jag was sitting next to her, sipping some Whyren's Reserve and listening to Captain Anakin "Starkiller" tell the newer 'Suns about flying Ties in sims.
"Now, I fought a few of you guys a week or so ago, and I've found that almost none of you knew how to fly a Tie as good as you could fly an X-wing."
"But we're not supposed to."
"Right. But I've had to fly Ties a lot in the past. First, I noticed most of you tended to group up a bit and try to overwhelm us. That's what the Empire did, and their Starfighter corp had an extremely low survival rate. You've got to fly like the wind, because with the Tie's lack of shields, just a grazing shot with a laser cannon might kill you."
"But-"
"No buts." Anakin continued. "You get a hole in one of the solar panels, especially in atmosphere, you'll be spinning your way out of battle. And you usually end up dead when that happens.
"Now your gonna say, 'Why use Ties at all if their so weak?' The reason is because of their speed and maneuverability. You ever see a Defender fly? Those things got X-wings, even XJ5s, beat to stardust. They're faster, more maneuverable, more heavily armed, and they have shields and a hyperdrive."
"Not to be rude Captain, but why are you telling us this?"
"Just thinking back to old times, I guess. And if the CSA goes on the offensive, I'm giving you guys an idea of what you're up against. So-"
Jag and Jaina's comlinks beeped.
"Jaina, Jag, bring the 'Suns into the hanger. Something big's happened. Jag, I've already got the Vanguards down here," ordered Gavin.
"Copy Gavin. We're on our way." She clicked the comlink off. "Your heard him people, let's go."