Best Laid Plans

"Kyra, young one, come here."

The little five year old made her way to her mother, and Sabé took her into his arms. "I'm going to be leaving in a little while." she began softly.

"Where are you going?" Kyra asked.

"Somewhere far away," Sabé said simply.

Tear welled up in the little one's eyes. "Why do you have to go?"

"Oh small one," Sabé said, holding her daughter close. "When you are older I will tell you. There are just things we must do. We must fight for what we believe in, and try to always do what is right."

The little daughter didn't understand, "Can I come with you?'

Sabé shook her head, sadly, "No, Kyra. You and your father are going to stay with Leia and Viceroy Organa. You'll be safe here."

"I don't want you to go," Kyra said, tears flowing freely now.

"Kyra," Sabé said, tying to think of something that might help. "Do you remember the story I told you, about Princess Jerica?"

Little Kyra nodded, remembering the old Nubian folk story. "Well," Sabé continued. "Remember how brave she was, how she didn't let her fear stop her?"

Again Kyra nodded. Sabé held the little one at arms length, "I want you to be brave, just like Jerica. Can you do that?"

Hesitation took Kyra for a moment, but at last she nodded, "I'll try."

Sabé smiled, "Good girl. Remember that I always love you, and I am always proud of you.." Kyra found herself enveloped in another hug. She wanted to protest, to beg her mother to stay, but the story of Princess Jerica kept her silent. She would be just like her.

Two days later, Sabé left for her unknown destination. She would never return to Alderaan.

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The plan the rebels had devised was a good one, under the circumstances. However the chances of completing it successfully were slim. The target was a two meter exhaust pipe, which most considered impossible to strike. Except for Luke Skywalker. He'd said something about being able to hit womp-rats that were about the same size. Kirn had at first thought it was arrogance, but the kid really seemed to have the sort of confidence that was genuine, not boastful.

In any case, they were all going to have to prove their worth now. All of them. The Death Star could be destroyed with one shot, but only if at least one pilot survived long enough to take that shot. Whatever doubts he had about this plan, it was too late now. He had a squadron, and he couldn't let them down. Their assignment was to "wait in the wings". If the first two groups failed to reach the target, blue group would be the last chance.

Walking through the hallway after the briefing, Kirn saw her before she saw him. Lady Jerica was walking somewhat blindly down the corridor away from the main briefing room. He reflected that when they had first arrived, one might have mistaken her for Princess Leia. The two sported the same hairstyle and were wearing simple dresses.

Now however, Jerica must have found some spare time to add an over robe to her dress and a band of ornate beads to her hair, giving her a more Nubian look. She was lovely, Kirn reflected, before quickly shutting out the thought.

"Senator," he said, by way of greeting.

At last she looked up at him, "Oh, hello Kirn."

There was an odd look of distraction in her eyes. She was always very focused and determined. To see her so lost was a little disconcerting. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she said. "It's just been a long day, and it looks like it's only going to get worse."

"Oh," he said, gesturing to the main briefing room. "A little nervous about the party?"

"Party?" Jerica asked. "I don't think even the most humorous of soldiers could consider going against that battle station to be a party."

Kirn laughed. At least she was back in form. "My lady, I don't mean to make it sound so callus." Jedi perception lead him to another secret, "But the battle station is not what is troubling you."

"It's nothing really," she insisted.

"Oh," he said, looking her square in the eye, "It's something."

Jerica nearly responded, before she closed her mouth and set her face in a stern expression. It was a politician trick, but a jedi was never fooled by such things. Jedi or not, Kirn was still grateful for the skills he had learned. Without them, he'd never be a match for this particular politician's ability to mask her thoughts.

"I hear you were made a commander," she said dodging the subject.

At first, Kirn thought this is what had been bothering her, but it was quite clear that whatever was troubling her, she wanted to keep secret. "Yes," he admitted. "I suppose I'm a decent pilot, but I'm a better fighter when I'm on solid ground. Unfortunately, there's no place for a ground strike in this battle."

Jerica seemed consider saying something but decided to only nod in understanding.

"All Commanders and Squadrons report to the main hanger." The voice announced over the intercom.

Kirn gestured to the ceiling, "That's for me."

Jerica nodded.

Force, she's good. Seeing the senator would betray no more information, he nodded once in respect, "Well, I shall see you later, my lady. I hope by then you will have figured out what is really bothering you."

There was a change in Jerica's demeanor. Oh, so she does know what is bothering her, she's just to stubborn to admit it. Then another thought hit him, Why do I care about this so much? Shaking his head, all he said was, "Farewell, my lady."

Turning away, he heard a small voice say, "May the force be with you."

Kirn turned on his heel, to once again face Jerica. She shrugged slightly, "I hear that's what one says to a Jedi."

He was about to correct her, to say that he wasn't a jedi, but another announcement ruined his chance. "Last call for all Commanders and Squadrons."

With a nod, he said, "Thank you." There just wasn't time to say anything else. Turning away, he made his way down the halls and into the main hanger.

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Jerica joined Princess Leia before a large display screen. Together they watched the data display the progress of the Death Star and the journey of the fighters. "Red Group," came the voice of the one the pilots over the speaker. "Fall back and cover Gold Group. Gold group, form up. Lock S-foils in attack position."

"Here we go," Gold leader continued. "Follow me on the attack run."

The next minutes felt like hours. Good men died trying to attack that abomination. Members of Gold Team called to one another trying to regroup, but they didn't stand a chance.

General Rieekan came to stand next to Leia and Jerica, touching his hand to his earpiece he said, "We've picked up a new group of signals. Enemy fighters are coming your way."

If Jerica was tense before, she was beside herself now. Staring blankly at the screen, she listened to the communications between the fighters. "Red Group, set up for your attack run."

Jerica shook her head. Gold Group had failed. Looking to her friend for encouragement, she saw that Leia was just as concerned. "Blue Group," Rieekan announced. "Stand by."

Jerica lowered her head and closed her eyes, as fear gripped her heart. They didn't stand a chance. This was the end.

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Kirn Torek sat in the cockpit of an X-Wing fighter. Drawing a deep breath, he did what Oden had taught him so long ago, he found peace. If for just a moment, he felt no anxiety, there was nothing but the present.

Then the voice of Rieekan filled his ears. "Blue leader, prepare your men for assault on the Death Star."

A sickening moment passed, as Kirn was frozen in his seat. Finally Blue 4 called in, "Sir? Commander Torek?"

Shaking his head, Kirn replied, "You heard him, men. That Death Star's not going to destroy itself."

All around him, X-Wing engines were started, and pilots prepared for a last ditch strike on the Empire's greatest weapon. In all this, all Kirn could think was, How did I get myself into this mess?