Chapter 33

I returned to my new office and felt its emptiness immediately. The change of command was easily handled in less than a week. Red Group was a well made group of people no matter what the rumors say. I set the boxes of personal articles from my dead pilots in my closet. My old office was next door to the new one and I had what few personal items I kept there moved in an hour.

Mostly pictures of Gabrielle. I sat down and looked longingly at the picture of Gabrielle and myself next to the fountain where she and I met for our first date. I missed her terribly but knew it was for the best that she finished her training.

Time passed as time does. I still flew deep patrols and in time I added another blue silhouette to the one I already had and one more black TIE silhouette to my tally. To be honest, being a squadron CO is actually pretty boring. When not on deep patrol, I have patrol rotations to assign and staff meetings to attend. I soon learned a new level of patience in staff meetings. They were usually boring enough to drive a being to tears, assuming your species has tear ducts of course. Add to this your basic run-of-the-mill bureaucratic red datatape, and I think you'll get the idea.

Two years into Gabrielle's absence, the Bothan Spynet informed us why our neck of the galaxy had been so quiet. To be precise, I started to suspect when one day as I was working in my office a cold, cold jolt sat me ramrod straight in my seat. The closest description I could think of would be that of millions of voices suddenly crying out in terror, and then silence. I felt that something terrible had happened but I wasn't sure what until the Spynet told us.

Along with the Spynet confirmation of the planet Alderaan's destruction, came the news that the Rebellion had destroyed the Death Star battle station in what was already being called the Battle of Yavin. The technological terror that was the Death Star had enough power to destroy a planet. Alderaan had been its test.

Also in with the Spynet information was the name of the man who had destroyed the station. His name was Luke Skywalker. The instant I heard his name, I felt a surge in the Force. This was one of the two that Yoda had mentioned to me.

The next morning, I awoke to a tidal wave of love, longing and loving anticipation. Finally, after two years, two months and two days, my sweet, sweet Gabrielle was ready to return to me. As soon as I got to my office that morning, I dispatched Warbler in a shuttle to get her. For the rest of the day, there was a spring in my step. I suspect that if I had not restrained myself, I might have literally floated through the day.

The twelve day round trip to Dagobah and back felt like the longest days of my life. On the twelfth day I swapped duty days with my XO, Lt. Cdr. Mithell so that I could spend the whole day with my wife. As the shuttle landed, I felt her presence and something more, a level of power very nearly my own.

The boarding ramp lowered slowly with the release of pneumatic gasses. A figure stood there wearing the all-weather cloak I had gotten for her as a gift and left for her to open on the shuttle. Calmly and unhurriedly, she walked down the ramp to stop in front of me. As she lowered the hood on her robe I saw that she was unchanged outside except to be even more beautiful.

I looked her square in her pale gray eyes and saw the increased awareness in them as I felt her power emanate in the Force. I said: "Milady. It is so good to see you again." Gabrielle said: "My Knight, it is good to be seen again."

She reached out to rest her hand against my cheek as I reached out and did the same to her. The feeling was positively electric. Reunited at last, we were again together as friends, lovers, and partners, as fellow Jedi.

Reluctantly, our hands dropped from the others' face. As we walked off the flight deck, Gabrielle put her left arm around my waist and interlaced the fingers of her left hand with mine so that our wedding bands touched. Unspoken was the desire to reach the privacy of our quarters.

As we walked down the corridor, we passed few others. While it was common knowledge that Gabrielle had taken a sabbatical, it was only known to Teeyara, Wedge and General Naz that she had left to finish her training. Now Wedge was gone and his specific memories blocked, leaving only Teeyara and the General. In the near silence of the corridor, I asked: "Do you believe your time well spent?" She answered: "Without a doubt. What you started, Master Yoda finished. I now have an idea just how immense the Force truly is."

We walked in silence for a time when we passed some of Red Group. One of them said: "Morning Skipper." Without thinking about it I said: "Morning guys. I want those fitness reports by tomorrow morning okay?" One of them answered: "Yes sir." As we parted ways, I sensed a change in Gabrielle as she said: "Something you want to tell me?" I said: "Ask me again sometime. Tonight is just for us."

We got back to our quarters and through the door. We had started kissing as soon as we entered. As we broke for air, I turned to make sure I locked the door when I heard a swishing sound of fabric. I hadn't even turned around yet when Gabrielle grabbed my shoulder, spun me around and practically leapt into my arms as her soft, warm lips hungrily sought mine. As our lips connected, our bond flared open and engulfed us both in a backwash of pure, intense love. I was only vaguely aware that she was naked in my arms as all other thoughts ceased at that moment.

Chapter 34

To say that time lost all meaning for the reunion between my wife and I would be quite the understatement. Time didn't so much lose all meaning as it simply ceased to exist. Rational thought didn't return until the next morning as I held Gabrielle tightly in my arms savoring her presence both physically and mentally.

I filled her in on the events of the past two years. The failed mission. Informing the survivors. My subsequent promotion to squadron CO as Wedge left for Yavin 4 and blocking his memories of our abilities. The destruction of Alderaan and in turn the Death Star. The only thing I left out was Felis's telling me of Gabrielle's desire for children.

Having to revisit the loss of my pilots, even more than a year after it happened was still hard. I finally had the chance to cry out the last tiny shard of pain that had lodged itself in my heart while in my wife's arms.

The comlink station in our quarters sounded. At first I was going to ignore it but it was too insistent. Gabrielle giggled as I finally got up to answer the call. Grabbing my own robe from where it hung on the bedroom door, I threw it on and tied it as I activated the answer button. My XO's face came onscreen as he saw me and said: "Sorry to get you out of bed sir, but you wanted me to contact you prior to the 0900 staff call."

I looked over to the chronometer on the wall and said: "Cripes. I forgot all about it." My XO said: "Understandable sir, you have other things on your mind right now." I said: "Thanks for the call Tregor. I'll be there on time, Ronin out." I turned off the comlink and went back to our room. Kissing my wife gently I said: "Duty calls Milady." She returned my kiss and said: "As it calls to me my Knight. Go. We can continue the reunion later tonight." I smiled and said: "I love you." She answered: "I know."

I jumped into the sonic shower and got into a clean uniform. As I entered the living area and got ready to leave, I found to my slight surprise two lightsabers instead of just mine. On one level I knew that she would have built her own but on another level, I knew the symbolism marked her as a Jedi in her own right.

Our lightsabers may have resembled each other but I picked mine out with no trouble. I took a moment to examine hers. At first I was confused by the absence of a visible 'on' button when I realized that a person has to use the Force to activate it. I focused on it and visualized a finger of Force energy pressing the activation stud and was rewarded with a prompt snap, hiss as it came to life in my hand. A beautiful purple amethyst blade one meter in length emanated from the handle.

I sliced the air with it a few times. It felt strange in my hand as I knew it would simply because I hadn't built it. But I knew that I could adapt readily enough if I had to. Gabrielle walked out of our bedroom in a robe of her own as she saw me with her saber and said: "Oh womprats! I was hoping it would take you longer to figure it out but since you have, what do you think of it?"

Again, I visualized a finger of Force energy pressing the activation stud to turn it off. I set it back in its place and said: "It's as beautiful as you are Gabrielle." She blushed and said: "You always know just what to say to me you flirt." I accepted the compliment and said: "I had a great teacher in you." She blushed again and said: "Stop that! Don't you have a meeting to go to or something?" I said: "Yea, I do. I'll see you later." She gave me a quick parting kiss and said: "I have enough to do today myself so I'll see you tonight."

I went to the meeting and arrived with a few minutes to spare. By ones and twos, the remaining department heads arrived. We sat down at the table and made small talk until the call rang out: "Attention on deck!" We all stood at attention as the General walked in and said: "At ease everyone, take your seats."

I looked him over and thought he looked tired. Sitting in his own seat, he said: "Status reports please." One by one all those seated around the table made their reports. Mine was little different from the others. When the General asked about new business, I raised my hand. He looked at me and said: "What do you have Commander Jayks?"

I took a breath and said: "First of all sir, my wife has returned from her sabbatical and would like to return to full active duty as soon as possible. Who does she need to see and when?" Teeyara Bree's eyes lit up at my announcement. Medical asked she make an appointment for a full work up as soon as was convenient. Psychological had nothing to say.

The General said: "What else do you have?" The Force had given me an idea so I took a breath and said: "General Naz, I respectfully request permission to put together a new strike force to destroy the munitions factory on Chugiak 3." The table broke out in questions and comments until the General stood up and bellowed: "Be quiet!" Everyone shut up.

He sat down and fixed me with an icy glare. His tone of voice was as cold as the glare he gave me as he said: "Explain Commander Jayks." In reality, I had expected him to turn me down flat but when he asked for details I didn't have at the time, I started thinking at about .5 past Lightspeed. I said: "I'm sure everyone here saw the report of why our intelligence was no good last time. I have a plan that will allow us to free the prisoners from that place and blow it to hell."

I said: "Our primary concern, accurate intelligence, was solved the hard way. We know about the saturation turrets and we know that there are three squadrons of TIE fighters not one. I haven't forgotten the Star Destroyer either. This time I propose we have Commander Bree's squadron use its Y-wings for their originally designed purpose, as bombers. Commander Bree, were you able to get a location of the hangars?"

She said: "We have an approximate vicinity but not an exact one. If you plan on using a bombing run, we'll need cover fighters in case any of those TIES get off the ground." I said: "I agree and I'll get to that in a moment." I turned my attention to the head of Maintenance and said: "Chief, besides Red and Gold Groups, how many fighters can we field?"

The Maintenance Chief, a Wookie by the name of Terracca, looked at her datapad and in grunts and howls that her translator droid translated as: "Well sir, each squadron has twelve fighters apiece for a total of twenty-four. Twelve X-wings and twelve Y-wings. We also have four Z-95 headhunters. If we cannibalize two of them, we can get the other two into action. Finally, we have two B-wings courtesy of High Command after our evacuation of the last base. This brings our total to twenty-eight starfighters."

The General said: "How do you plan on using these resources Commander?" As I listened to the Chief's report, I had been inputting commands on the terminal built into the table top. I said: "As we approach the munitions plant we'll break into elements of three ships each." As I spoke, the computer was creating the images on the screen of my proposed plan of attack. I continued with: "One X-wing will accompany two Y-wings."

Teeyara shot to her feet and said: "Wait one damn minute Commander! You want my people to try a bombing run with only one cover fighter? That's insane and I will not allow my pilots to fly under such conditions unless you can give a hell of a good reason!" I listened to her and then said: "Please allow me to finish Commander."

She sat back down as I continued inputting commands into the terminal. When I was done I said: "Please watch the monitor while I explain the imagery. I apologize for the crudity; I'm a Jedi, not a Techhead." A short chuckle sounded just as I hoped it would as the images played out on the screen.

I explained: "While the first Y-wing in on its bombing run, the other two will fly at right angles to the runner." The pictures played out. I then said: "When the first run is complete, the runner will trade places with the other Y-wing as they turn around and start the next bombing run." The images showed my words.

Finally after that run is complete, the Y-wing will trade places with the X-wing which will perform a conventional strafing run." The images ran their course. I set the program to repeat as I continued: "For the duration of the mission, each three ship element will stay together as one group and cause whatever damage they can. Each element will be its own on-scene commander. This will ensure enough random flying that the saturation cannons won't have a consistent picture. The B-wings, being as heavily armed as they are can split off on separate courses. Those two pilots will use their own best judgment to determine their targets."

The General looked through the simulation again and said: "Where will you be Commander? You seem insistent on individual initiative." I said: "My wife and I will be on the ground with the strike force in only one shuttle with a standard transport waiting on hot-standby for extraction. That's where the Headhunters will be, providing cover for it."

Teeyara seemed mollified and remained silent. There was little more to debate but all the objections seemed quelled for now. The General thought it over and looked at the simulation that I had left running. He said: "Very well Commander Jayks. I will approve your plan. For the record, it must be stated that sole responsibility for this operation shall be yours and yours alone should it succeed or fail." I said: "I wouldn't have it any other way General." He stood up to leave. As we went to attention, he said: "Keep me updated with regular reports please."

After he left, the rest of the department heads trickled out. When they were gone I sat alone in the conference room and said to myself: "Smooth move Jayks. You've certainly made your bed this time. Now you have to sleep in it."

I left the conference room and an idea began to form, a reckless one maybe, but an idea just the same. I could get the information I needed but it would depend entirely on one man's idea of a Debt of Honor. I had very little time to spare as I went home to pack a bag after requesting a hurry order to prepare a shuttle for me.

Gabrielle came home just minutes after I did. She saw me packing and said: "Planning on going somewhere Ronin?" I answered her by taking her in my arms and kissing her. I said: "I have to take a short trip Gabrielle. I've just done something either incredible brave or monumentally stupid."

I told her what I had proposed and what I would have to do to get the information I would need. When I was done, she said: "You're right. It's both brave and stupid what you have in mind. Let me pack a bag and I'll go with you." I said: "No. I can't let you Gabrielle. If my plan fails at this stage, then it's just me who pays the price. I don't want to take any chances." Gabrielle would not be swayed.

She said: "Remember what you said to me when you found out about Dieter?" I nodded. She continued: "You are my friend, my husband and my partner. Your debts are my debts; your word of honor given is my word of honor to carry out." Having my own words turned against me was an interesting experience as I said: "Under any other circumstance, I would agree with you, but not this time. I'm sorry Gabrielle."

I started to leave as Gabrielle said: "Don't even think about leaving me behind Mister Jayks!" I said: "Actually, I had planned on doing exactly that. I hope you'll understand someday." The look on her face as I sent my three specially programmed seeker globes at her was something I regretted having to see. My globes had set full power stun beams. At first she was successful in fending off the attack until I used the Force to turn her lightsaber off in mid-block.

As the stun beams lanced her from three directions, I caught her as she fell and cradling her in my arms, I placed her on our bed and said in her ear: "Please forgive me Milady." I kissed her goodbye, honestly unsure if this would be the last time I saw her ever again.

Going to the flight deck and meeting Warbler, we boarded the shuttle that had brought Gabrielle home and took off. A series of long and short hyperspace jumps to confuse the trail followed until I found myself nearing a holo-net transceiver. I entered the message address the Imperial Lieutenant gave me. I kept it short as I told said: "I have come to collect on a debt."

I had intended on leaving a message but when the message screen came to life with his picture I was taken aback a moment. He was a little older and had more rank squares on his chest. He said: "You are right. I do owe you a debt. What do you want?" I spoke: "Just some information that shouldn't affect you in the slightest." He said: "I can live with that. What do you have in mind?" I said: "All the information you can give me on Chugiak 3." He said: "I've heard of it, very well. Meet me on Correlia." The screen went blank as some coordinates flashed on the screen telling me where to go. I memorized the numbers and letters before the screen darkened again.