~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Seventeen
Glancing at her chrono, Jaina sighed. Lis was several minutes late for their meeting, which had been scheduled for 1300 sharp. Stretching out with the Force, Jaina tried to locate the tardy pilot but failed. About to give up, Jaina suddenly sensed a spot of pure, unadulterated joy broadcasting from the vicinity of the pilot lounge. Wondering who it could be, Jaina investigated further.
************************
Across the base, Kyp felt Jaina's probe and slammed his defenses shut. It was too late, however. Jaina had found out. "Jaina!" he roared, leaping to his feet.
She sent the mental image of sticking her tongue out at him. Kyp has a da- ate, Kyp has a da-ate, she singsonged in his head.
Kyp shook a fist in the air. Just wait until I get a hold of you, you little.
Jaina shook a finger. Ah, ah, ah. You want your girlfriend to find out all your embarrassing secrets?
Kyp blushed. She's not my girlfriend. We're just. friends.
Jaina smirked. A few months ago, Jag and I were 'just friends'. Now look at us.
Kyp coughed. I avoid it whenever possible.
Jaina started to respond, but just then Lis arrived at her office. We'll continue this conversation later, she sent. And remember: best behavior or Lis finds out what you wear to bed.
Jaina! Kyp had time for one last exasperated shout before she cut herself off. He rested his face in his hands. Force, to think I ever wanted a little sister.
************************
"Great One? Are you all right?"
Jaina opened her eyes to meet the worried gaze of Lisani. "Sorry, Flight Officer Boros," she said. "I'm fine. And please, call me Lieutenant."
Lis snapped a sharp salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
"At ease, pilot," Jaina said. "Take a seat." She motioned towards a chair in front of her desk. "Now, then," she continued, "I noticed in your résumé that you were a skilled communications specialist and were currently experimenting with Vong technology. Care to tell me about it?"
"Well," Lisani began, "you know that the only way Vong are comfortable communicating is with a villip." At Jaina's nod of acknowledgment, she continued. "I've been studying them and trying to figure out how they work in the hopes that with that knowledge we might be able to intercept messages and the like."
"Have you had any success?" Jaina asked, leaning forward in her chair.
"Well. Not a lot," Lis admitted. "But I think that given a decent interval of time and some live specimens, I could probably figure out how they work."
Jaina leaned back in her chair and studied the woman before her. Her features were delicate, yet there was a quiet strength about her that seemed to radiate from deep within. I can understand what Kyp sees in her, Jaina thought. Returning her attention to Lis's words, she replied, "That I can get you."
Lis smiled. "Thanks, Lieutenant. I'd be happy to oblige. However, I do have one question: How would this affect my regular squadron duties?"
"As you know, the Twin Suns are considered the Goddess's own personal squadron. Knowing how those hellishly ugly bumps work would enable me to perform a few. Goddess maneuvers, shall we say." Jaina winked. "You'd still practice with the squadron on a daily basis, but you'd also spend some time in one of the labs either under the supervision of Danni Quee or Cilghal."
Lis nodded in understanding. "Well, in that case, Lieutenant, I can't wait." She glanced surreptitiously at her wristchrono, but Jaina caught the movement.
"Now, I understand you have plans tonight with a certain handsome rogue," Jaina said, grinning.
Lis's jaw dropped and she turned a fiery red. "How did you know?" She was too surprised to even attempt to deny it.
"I am a Jedi," Jaina replied. "Dismissed."
Lis got to her feet and executed a sharp salute. "Thank you, Lieutenant," she said, then exited the room.
Jaina swung her feet up onto her desk as the door hissed shut behind the petite pilot. Now I know why Wedge has so much fun ribbing me and Jag, she mused, a twinkle in her eye. I can't wait until I actually come face-to- face with Kyp.
Just then, someone knocked at her door. Reaching out with her senses, Jaina discovered that it was Jag who was standing in the hallway. Hastily swinging her feet off the desk, she pressed the button that slid the door open.
Jag walked in and shut the door. "Any luck?" he asked, a smile on his face.
"Well, that depends on what you're talking about," Jaina said, a predatory glint in her eyes as she approached Jag.
"I was referring to the plan, but if there was something else you had in mind." He was cut off by Jaina's lips on his. Moaning slightly, he wrapped her in a strong embrace as Jaina's mouth opened. Accepting the invitation, Jag slipped his tongue inside her parted lips. This time Jaina moaned, but not at all quietly. She had the presence of mind to lock the door with the Force as she slid her hands up underneath Jag's shirt and stroked his bare skin.
Jag picked Jaina up without breaking the kiss and carried her over to her desk where he set her down. Jaina parted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, holding him close with all of her strength. Jag's hands ran down her back then slipped under the hem of her top. Jaina moaned deep in the back of her throat, crushing his mouth to her own.
Then, a comlink beeped.
"FORCE!" Jaina exploded, breaking the kiss. She pulled her blaster in one smooth motion. "Where is that thrice-cursed invention of the Sith?!?!?!"
"Relax, Jaina," Jag said, breathing hard. "It's probably your parents."
"No, I know who it is," she responded, her eyes steely. "And if I didn't need him, he would have his head removed straight-away." Marching over to the comlink resting on a chair, the viciously thumbed the switch. "What?!" She barked into the mouthpiece.
"I'm sorry, Goddess. Was I disturbing something? I'm eternally sorry," came the mocking voice of Wedge.
"Wedge, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you had Force abilities," Jaina gritted. "What's the status?"
"Confirmed," Wedge replied. "And I'm about to make the call."
"Hold on," Jaina responded, her mood suddenly improving. "We'll be right there." She flipped the switch and turned back to Jag. "You wanted to know if I'd had any success?" she asked. "Follow me."
************************
Jaina and Jag arrived somewhat breathlessly at Wedge's office several minutes later. They had shown admirable self-restraint on the way over, having only been sidetracked twice by beckoningly empty conference rooms.
Wedge shook his head and smiled but refrained from commenting on their slightly disheveled appearance. "You want me to go ahead and make it now?" he asked.
Jag glanced around his uncle's spacious office. Gathered there were Gavin, Face, Kell, Danni, Sharr, Piggy, and other assorted Wraiths and Rogues. Having been filled in by Jaina, he knew what was going on and couldn't help grinning in anticipation. He nodded at Wedge. "Go ahead."
Wedge keyed a comlink and waited until Wes's voice responded. "Whaddya want?"
"Wes, could you come to my office? I have to discuss something with you." Although Wes couldn't see his face, Wedge kept his expression neutral.
"Listen, Wedge, if this is about the thing with your nephew and the Solos, I swear-" Wes's voice was agitated.
"Wes, calm down. This isn't about that at all," Wedge soothed, winking at the others. "I'm just having individual meetings with all the squadron leaders to discuss the status of their people."
"Oh." The prankster sounded immeasurably relieved. "All right, then, Wedge, I'll be there in five minutes."
"Good." Wedge paused. "What were you saying about my nephew?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing," Wes replied hastily. "Nothing at all."
"That's a relief," Wedge said. "For a minute there, I was afraid I'd have to kill you." He grinned as Wes audibly gulped. "See you soon, Wes." He keyed off the comlink. "All right, places, people," he called.
Kell pulled a long face. "I wish there was something to blow up," he said morosely. "What good is a prank if nothing gets blown up?"
Shalla delivered what she considered a light smack to Kell's belly, who immediately doubled over in pain. She giggled. "Oops."
Kell opened his mouth to deliver an indignant retort, but rapidly closed it again as Jaina whispered, "He's right outside!"
Face brought the holocam he was carrying up to his shoulder and began filming. Everyone held their breaths as Wes opened the door and stepped through. "Wedge, what-" He abruptly stopped talking and let loose a yell when a pail of green, gelatinous goo sloshed down over his body. The assembled pilots immediately began cracking up. "Wedge, what the hell is this?!"
Wedge handed Was a cloth, grinning. "Just a little payback," he said, as Wes vigorously scrubbed at his face. "Just remember next time you decide to try something like that again: Don't play a prank on the nephew of your commanding officer." Giving the roguish miscreant a pat on the back, Wedge stepped back as Wes removed the cloth from his face.
At the sight of his features, the pilots laughed even louder, for his face and neck were stained a fluorescent orange. "What?" Wes asked in confusion.
In response, Jaina held up a mirror. Wes let out a shriek. "WHAT IN ALL THIRTEEN TANAABIAN HELLS HAPPENED TO MY FACE?!?!"
Jaina laughed so hard she nearly dropped the mirror. "Danni. " she gasped.
Wes spun to face the blond scientist who was clutching her sides. "What did you do?" he demanded.
Danni straightened. "I sneaked into your room and stole a dab of your. what was it, Wrinkle-Free Face Crème?"
Even under the orange, Wes blushed a fiery red. "What are you talking about?!"
Danni waved a hand impatiently. "We all know about you secret, Wes. But, anyway, I tested it in the lab and developed a chemical formula that would react with the elements in the cream and turn your face orange."
Wes stared at her in shocked silence. "How did you get into my room?" He finally managed.
Danni again began laughing. "Wedge gave your codes to me," she said.
Wes walked over to his commanding officer and stared at him. Then, without warning, he smooched Wedge on the cheek. "What the?!" Wedge was confused until Wes, now cracking up, held the mirror up. "Wes, I'm going to kill you!!"
"That is, unless Iella gets to you first, Wedge," Face replied, tears streaming down his face.
"He who laughs last, laughs longest, my friend," Wes said, flashing a smile.
And indeed, Wes the eternally youthful (with a little help) prankster had had the last laugh. For there, right smack-dab in the middle of Wedge's cheek was a fluorescent orange kiss mark.
Wedge stared at his reflected image for a few more moments, then shrugged and joined in with the laughter. He clapped Wes on the back. "Good one, Major," he said.
"Remember, never play a prank on a friend of the commanding officer," Wes said mock-seriously, throwing an arm over Wedge's shoulders.
Shaking his head over Wes's antics, Wedge went to a cabinet and pulled out a crate of Whyren's Reserve. "Drinks, anyone?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tell me what you think!
Chapter Seventeen
Glancing at her chrono, Jaina sighed. Lis was several minutes late for their meeting, which had been scheduled for 1300 sharp. Stretching out with the Force, Jaina tried to locate the tardy pilot but failed. About to give up, Jaina suddenly sensed a spot of pure, unadulterated joy broadcasting from the vicinity of the pilot lounge. Wondering who it could be, Jaina investigated further.
************************
Across the base, Kyp felt Jaina's probe and slammed his defenses shut. It was too late, however. Jaina had found out. "Jaina!" he roared, leaping to his feet.
She sent the mental image of sticking her tongue out at him. Kyp has a da- ate, Kyp has a da-ate, she singsonged in his head.
Kyp shook a fist in the air. Just wait until I get a hold of you, you little.
Jaina shook a finger. Ah, ah, ah. You want your girlfriend to find out all your embarrassing secrets?
Kyp blushed. She's not my girlfriend. We're just. friends.
Jaina smirked. A few months ago, Jag and I were 'just friends'. Now look at us.
Kyp coughed. I avoid it whenever possible.
Jaina started to respond, but just then Lis arrived at her office. We'll continue this conversation later, she sent. And remember: best behavior or Lis finds out what you wear to bed.
Jaina! Kyp had time for one last exasperated shout before she cut herself off. He rested his face in his hands. Force, to think I ever wanted a little sister.
************************
"Great One? Are you all right?"
Jaina opened her eyes to meet the worried gaze of Lisani. "Sorry, Flight Officer Boros," she said. "I'm fine. And please, call me Lieutenant."
Lis snapped a sharp salute. "Yes, ma'am!"
"At ease, pilot," Jaina said. "Take a seat." She motioned towards a chair in front of her desk. "Now, then," she continued, "I noticed in your résumé that you were a skilled communications specialist and were currently experimenting with Vong technology. Care to tell me about it?"
"Well," Lisani began, "you know that the only way Vong are comfortable communicating is with a villip." At Jaina's nod of acknowledgment, she continued. "I've been studying them and trying to figure out how they work in the hopes that with that knowledge we might be able to intercept messages and the like."
"Have you had any success?" Jaina asked, leaning forward in her chair.
"Well. Not a lot," Lis admitted. "But I think that given a decent interval of time and some live specimens, I could probably figure out how they work."
Jaina leaned back in her chair and studied the woman before her. Her features were delicate, yet there was a quiet strength about her that seemed to radiate from deep within. I can understand what Kyp sees in her, Jaina thought. Returning her attention to Lis's words, she replied, "That I can get you."
Lis smiled. "Thanks, Lieutenant. I'd be happy to oblige. However, I do have one question: How would this affect my regular squadron duties?"
"As you know, the Twin Suns are considered the Goddess's own personal squadron. Knowing how those hellishly ugly bumps work would enable me to perform a few. Goddess maneuvers, shall we say." Jaina winked. "You'd still practice with the squadron on a daily basis, but you'd also spend some time in one of the labs either under the supervision of Danni Quee or Cilghal."
Lis nodded in understanding. "Well, in that case, Lieutenant, I can't wait." She glanced surreptitiously at her wristchrono, but Jaina caught the movement.
"Now, I understand you have plans tonight with a certain handsome rogue," Jaina said, grinning.
Lis's jaw dropped and she turned a fiery red. "How did you know?" She was too surprised to even attempt to deny it.
"I am a Jedi," Jaina replied. "Dismissed."
Lis got to her feet and executed a sharp salute. "Thank you, Lieutenant," she said, then exited the room.
Jaina swung her feet up onto her desk as the door hissed shut behind the petite pilot. Now I know why Wedge has so much fun ribbing me and Jag, she mused, a twinkle in her eye. I can't wait until I actually come face-to- face with Kyp.
Just then, someone knocked at her door. Reaching out with her senses, Jaina discovered that it was Jag who was standing in the hallway. Hastily swinging her feet off the desk, she pressed the button that slid the door open.
Jag walked in and shut the door. "Any luck?" he asked, a smile on his face.
"Well, that depends on what you're talking about," Jaina said, a predatory glint in her eyes as she approached Jag.
"I was referring to the plan, but if there was something else you had in mind." He was cut off by Jaina's lips on his. Moaning slightly, he wrapped her in a strong embrace as Jaina's mouth opened. Accepting the invitation, Jag slipped his tongue inside her parted lips. This time Jaina moaned, but not at all quietly. She had the presence of mind to lock the door with the Force as she slid her hands up underneath Jag's shirt and stroked his bare skin.
Jag picked Jaina up without breaking the kiss and carried her over to her desk where he set her down. Jaina parted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, holding him close with all of her strength. Jag's hands ran down her back then slipped under the hem of her top. Jaina moaned deep in the back of her throat, crushing his mouth to her own.
Then, a comlink beeped.
"FORCE!" Jaina exploded, breaking the kiss. She pulled her blaster in one smooth motion. "Where is that thrice-cursed invention of the Sith?!?!?!"
"Relax, Jaina," Jag said, breathing hard. "It's probably your parents."
"No, I know who it is," she responded, her eyes steely. "And if I didn't need him, he would have his head removed straight-away." Marching over to the comlink resting on a chair, the viciously thumbed the switch. "What?!" She barked into the mouthpiece.
"I'm sorry, Goddess. Was I disturbing something? I'm eternally sorry," came the mocking voice of Wedge.
"Wedge, if I didn't know better, I'd swear you had Force abilities," Jaina gritted. "What's the status?"
"Confirmed," Wedge replied. "And I'm about to make the call."
"Hold on," Jaina responded, her mood suddenly improving. "We'll be right there." She flipped the switch and turned back to Jag. "You wanted to know if I'd had any success?" she asked. "Follow me."
************************
Jaina and Jag arrived somewhat breathlessly at Wedge's office several minutes later. They had shown admirable self-restraint on the way over, having only been sidetracked twice by beckoningly empty conference rooms.
Wedge shook his head and smiled but refrained from commenting on their slightly disheveled appearance. "You want me to go ahead and make it now?" he asked.
Jag glanced around his uncle's spacious office. Gathered there were Gavin, Face, Kell, Danni, Sharr, Piggy, and other assorted Wraiths and Rogues. Having been filled in by Jaina, he knew what was going on and couldn't help grinning in anticipation. He nodded at Wedge. "Go ahead."
Wedge keyed a comlink and waited until Wes's voice responded. "Whaddya want?"
"Wes, could you come to my office? I have to discuss something with you." Although Wes couldn't see his face, Wedge kept his expression neutral.
"Listen, Wedge, if this is about the thing with your nephew and the Solos, I swear-" Wes's voice was agitated.
"Wes, calm down. This isn't about that at all," Wedge soothed, winking at the others. "I'm just having individual meetings with all the squadron leaders to discuss the status of their people."
"Oh." The prankster sounded immeasurably relieved. "All right, then, Wedge, I'll be there in five minutes."
"Good." Wedge paused. "What were you saying about my nephew?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing," Wes replied hastily. "Nothing at all."
"That's a relief," Wedge said. "For a minute there, I was afraid I'd have to kill you." He grinned as Wes audibly gulped. "See you soon, Wes." He keyed off the comlink. "All right, places, people," he called.
Kell pulled a long face. "I wish there was something to blow up," he said morosely. "What good is a prank if nothing gets blown up?"
Shalla delivered what she considered a light smack to Kell's belly, who immediately doubled over in pain. She giggled. "Oops."
Kell opened his mouth to deliver an indignant retort, but rapidly closed it again as Jaina whispered, "He's right outside!"
Face brought the holocam he was carrying up to his shoulder and began filming. Everyone held their breaths as Wes opened the door and stepped through. "Wedge, what-" He abruptly stopped talking and let loose a yell when a pail of green, gelatinous goo sloshed down over his body. The assembled pilots immediately began cracking up. "Wedge, what the hell is this?!"
Wedge handed Was a cloth, grinning. "Just a little payback," he said, as Wes vigorously scrubbed at his face. "Just remember next time you decide to try something like that again: Don't play a prank on the nephew of your commanding officer." Giving the roguish miscreant a pat on the back, Wedge stepped back as Wes removed the cloth from his face.
At the sight of his features, the pilots laughed even louder, for his face and neck were stained a fluorescent orange. "What?" Wes asked in confusion.
In response, Jaina held up a mirror. Wes let out a shriek. "WHAT IN ALL THIRTEEN TANAABIAN HELLS HAPPENED TO MY FACE?!?!"
Jaina laughed so hard she nearly dropped the mirror. "Danni. " she gasped.
Wes spun to face the blond scientist who was clutching her sides. "What did you do?" he demanded.
Danni straightened. "I sneaked into your room and stole a dab of your. what was it, Wrinkle-Free Face Crème?"
Even under the orange, Wes blushed a fiery red. "What are you talking about?!"
Danni waved a hand impatiently. "We all know about you secret, Wes. But, anyway, I tested it in the lab and developed a chemical formula that would react with the elements in the cream and turn your face orange."
Wes stared at her in shocked silence. "How did you get into my room?" He finally managed.
Danni again began laughing. "Wedge gave your codes to me," she said.
Wes walked over to his commanding officer and stared at him. Then, without warning, he smooched Wedge on the cheek. "What the?!" Wedge was confused until Wes, now cracking up, held the mirror up. "Wes, I'm going to kill you!!"
"That is, unless Iella gets to you first, Wedge," Face replied, tears streaming down his face.
"He who laughs last, laughs longest, my friend," Wes said, flashing a smile.
And indeed, Wes the eternally youthful (with a little help) prankster had had the last laugh. For there, right smack-dab in the middle of Wedge's cheek was a fluorescent orange kiss mark.
Wedge stared at his reflected image for a few more moments, then shrugged and joined in with the laughter. He clapped Wes on the back. "Good one, Major," he said.
"Remember, never play a prank on a friend of the commanding officer," Wes said mock-seriously, throwing an arm over Wedge's shoulders.
Shaking his head over Wes's antics, Wedge went to a cabinet and pulled out a crate of Whyren's Reserve. "Drinks, anyone?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tell me what you think!