(A/N) Thanks for the reviews, I hope you enjoy the next part of this story.
Wedge spent the flight back to Yavin IV in quiet contemplation. When he had a moment to think, at least. The survivors of the smaller skirmishes around the Death Star periodically joined Wedge's group, stragglers forming a gauntlet around his X-wing, escorting him back to the Rebel base. He was struck by how few of them there were, how many weren't coming back. The Alliance losses were heavy, but the blow they struck to the Empire was much greater, a setback that would give the Alliance time to recruit and resupply. Losing the Death Star wouldn't cripple the Empire's war effort, but it was damn good start.
Wedge answered the well-wishes and congratulations of his fellow pilots that came over the comm but he was mentally exhausted, not ready to take part in any sort of conversation at this point. He felt heavy, as if his bones suddenly were filled with duracrete. Both he and his X-wing were on autopilot as they returned home. When they were finally on approach to the Massassi Temple housing the Rebel base, Wedge keyed his comm.
"This is Red Two, requesting permission to land."
"Red Two, permission granted. Welcome home!"
Wedge could hear cheering in the background, the party obviously had already started. As Wedge hovered over the ancient trees, he could see the temple rise up from the forest. The ancient stones served as the Alliance's hidden base and as he drew nearer, he saw a crowd already waiting for the returning pilots. Wedge waved from the cockpit as he set the X-wing down carefully onto the stone floor, expressing a happiness that he did not exactly feel. He was, of course, proud that the mission was a success and happy that he survived, but the cost... Biggs, Dreis, Porkins. Pilots. Friends. Wedge knew that no sacrifice would be too much to destroy the Death Star, but Wedge wondered how they could ever win this war if victory came at such a terrible price. Despite the Rebel's triumph, the Empire's resources and manpower still outweighed the Alliance's. It seemed hopeless.
The X-wing settled down on its landing struts and Wedge powered down the fighter. He patted the front console, silently relaying his gratitude to the machine. Thank you, he thought. We made it. Wedge opened his canopy and was greeted to applause, whooping shouts, the jubilant expressions of every person on the base, an outpouring of victory and relief. He turned his thoughts away from loss and stood up from his seat, lifting one leg up on the side of the X-wing, and smiled. The crowd's shouting grew louder, if that was possible, and Wedge gave a slow wave, acknowledging their cheers.
He reached down to the side of the X-wing and lowered himself down, not bothering to wait for the support crew to bring a ladder. Besides, with this crowd, they wouldn't be able to get through. After he landed, Wedge was mobbed immediately, people patting him on the back and shaking his hand. He would have bitten off his own tongue if he wasn't careful. Then a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Wedge," Luke shouted.
The Corellian turned to see the golden haired youth approach, being mobbed by his own set of fans. Wedge set off, parting the crowd as he moved to intercept him. Soon the Rebel pilots were face to face, their eyes meeting. Luke was all grins and rushed in for a tight hug.
"You did it."
Wedge didn't reply, only hugging his friend back.
"You did it," Luke said again as he pulled back, perhaps believing that Wedge didn't hear him the first time.
"We all did."
A serious expression crossed Luke's features and he nodded. He understands, Wedge thought. The sacrifices that our friends made. Wedge was surprised to find that maturity underneath the inexperienced exterior. Wedge knew that there was more he wanted to say, but it would have to wait as Princess Leia joined them.
The white dress that she wore glimmered in the faint light but Wedge could see the pure joy in her young face as she laughed and grabbed both of them. She pulled them both in a hug as all three of them laughed. Wedge had met the princess before the mission when she had asked if he was related to Raymun Antilles, the captain of the Tantive IV. Wedge informed her that he was not, though he had heard of the man. He offered his condolences and she wished him luck on the mission. Before he could say anything to her now, a voice cut through the din.
"Hey!"
Han swam through the crowd as he struggled to get to Luke. Chewbacca hung back, perhaps untrusting or uncomfortable among the crowding humans.
"I knew you would come back. I just knew it," Luke said as he hugged his friend.
"Well I wasn't going to let you get all the credit and take all the reward."
"I knew there was more to you than money," Leia said.
"So this is Wedge huh?" Han asked, turning to Wedge. Before anyone could reply Han rushed up, shook Wedge's hand furiously, and brought him in for yet another hug.
"That was the finest shot I've ever seen," Han said. "You Alliance pilots are crazy."
"Does that include me," Luke replied.
"Especially you kid."
Wedge nodded along. "I appreciate the criticism."
"Let's go fly boys," Leia said, motioning towards the main temple. "General Dodonna is waiting for you."
The group made their way toward the main temple as the cheering continued unabated.
General Jan Dodonna was an older man, his long white beard proudly on display as he saluted the group. Wedge saluted back along with Luke while Han merely nodded.
"Congratulations are in order," he announced. "You three-"
Chewbacca gruffed aloud.
"My apologies," Dodonna said with a smile. "You four have saved the Rebel Alliance."
"Thank you sir," Wedge replied.
"Princess Leia and I have decided that there will be a ceremony commemorating your efforts." Dodonna gestured at all of them. "In fact, we're creating a medal for this event. You all are to receive the Medal of Bravery, which will be the Alliance's highest honor."
Dodonna continued on before anyone could comment.
"Skywalker, Antilles, this isn't official yet but I wanted to tell both personally before anyone else. You've both been promoted. Skywalker to Lt. Commander and Antilles to Commander. Antilles, you will be given command of a squadron immediately."
Wedge resisted the urge to gape, keeping his expression neutral. A medal? A promotion? Command? Things were happening very quickly. Dodonna then turned to Han.
"Captain Solo, I'd like to offer you a commission in the Alliance as well. We could use a man of your courage."
The smuggler grimaced. "Listen, I'm just here for the money, alright? Speaking of which where is it?"
"How can you be so greedy," Leia fumed aloud. "You just helped save the galaxy and now you're complaining about a reward?"
"Listen sweetheart, this wasn't my fight before and it still isn't now."
Wedge rolled his eyes. He could tell this could go on for a while.
Dodonna coughed politely. "Well, in any case, just think about it perhaps, Captain Solo."
"Yea sure," Han said dismissively.
Dodonna sighed, his whole body shuddering as if a large weight were being released from his shoulders. He looked, at that moment, like a frail old man, rather than the military leader of the Alliance forces. The impression quickly disappeared as Dodonna straightened up his back and smiled at the group.
"There is much to do, but there will be time enough for the details later. For now, celebrate."
It was a few hours later and the party-like atmosphere had not dimmed. Wedge felt as if he had shaken the hand of every person on the base, which would not be far from the truth. Drinks were plentiful and Wedge nursed a Corellian brandy that had somehow found its way into his hand. The constant attention of the crowd gave him the impression of being back in the Death Star trench, hemmed in on all sides. Definitely not used to being a "hero," he mused to himself. He was just a pilot, doing his duty, nothing more. Wedge believed in the Rebellion's cause. He believed that as a soldier it was his task to protect those who couldn't and though he regretted killing, it was necessary and right. To be hailed as a hero for doing his job did not sit right with him. But he recognized the power of symbols and understood that he was no longer "just" a pilot. So he reluctantly waved and chatted and shook hands.
After another ubiquitous toast, he wandered outside, needing some air. The damp atmosphere of Yavin IV whispered under his flight suit as a soft breeze rolled by. Wedge breathed in deep, feeling the humid jungle fill his lungs. He desperately wanted a shower but hadn't had an opportunity since he landed. Before he turned to go back inside, he saw a figure standing alone near one of the X-wings. Wedge recognized the lone individual and walked over.
"Luke."
The young man didn't turn. "Hey Wedge."
Wedge saw that his eyes were turned up toward the stars, looking at the glittering sea above them with an almost reverential stare.
"You know, back home, because of the twin suns, sometimes you could barely see the stars."
Wedge stared up and looked at the sky, seeing the gas giant Yavin barely hovering above the horizon. The pale orange glow seemed to be a sunrise itself. At times like this, he felt small. It was good to have that feeling.
"Luke," Wedge began, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you."
"Why did I choose you instead of Biggs?"
"Yea, how did you know?"
Luke shrugged, a half-smile playing across his lips. "I had a feeling."
The silence dragged on for a few seconds, interrupted only by the sounds of the jungle around them. Wedge noticed that look seemed uncomfortable, struggling to get the words out.
"Luke, it's ok if you don't-"
"I heard Ben talk to me."
"Ben?" Wedge asked.
"Obi-wan Kenobi, I guess, that's what some people know him by."
Wedge nodded, remembering the story Luke told before the mission. How his old friend and Jedi mentor had been cut down by Darth Vader.
"He spoke to me. I've been hearing his voice since he was… was killed." Luke smiled to himself. "This must sound crazy."
Wedge shook his head. "After what we've been through, I'm willing to listen to something crazy."
Luke nodded in appreciation. "Well, after my stabilizer broke down, I felt, just lost, hopeless. But then I heard Ben's voice. He told me to use the Force, to trust my feelings."
The Force. Wedge's comprehension of this mystical power was limited at best. He understood only that the Jedi used to draw upon this power to do great things, things that went beyond the realm of the ordinary.
"I've heard of the Force, but I thought only a Jedi could use it."
Luke nodded. "I'm the son of a Jedi. Ben was training me before…" The old Jedi's death must still be close on his mind.
"I understand. Go on."
Luke looked down, his eyes taking on the faraway look of memory. "I reached out to the Force, opening myself to it, asking what to do, asking it to guide my feelings. It said to trust you."
"Me?"
"Yes," Luke replied as he nodded. "You may not be a Jedi, but the Force has a great deal of faith in you."
The idea of an unknowable power having trust in him frightened Wedge a bit.
"And so do I," Luke continued.
In that moment, Luke looked much older, a man drawing upon wisdom far beyond his years. To have this kid's, no this man's, trust suddenly was important. Wedge didn't know what else to say so he said, "I'm sorry about Biggs. He was a good friend."
At first, Luke didn't respond, Wedge could see Luke struggling to find the right words.
"Yes. Yes he was." Then he started to chuckle. "I keep remembering all the stunts we pulled back on Tatooine. He was always getting into arguments and races."
Wedge let himself smile. "Sounds like Biggs alright," he said as he reached over and put his hand on Luke's shoulder. "You know, he would be proud of you."
Luke seemed to take comfort in that. The noises of the Yavin IV jungle were the only sounds, the living orchestra dulling the silence.
"Come on, let's get back inside," Wedge said.
Together the two walked back.
"I hate these sort of things," Han grumbled.
Wedge was still finishing buttoning up his dress uniform and looked over to Han. The dark brown Alliance uniform stood in contrast to Solo's casual attire. It looked as if the smuggler was wearing the same, albeit cleaner, clothes.
"What do you mean."
"I mean these formal shin-digs. I feel like this collar is choking me. I wish this was over already."
Chewie gruffed out a few words to Han.
"Well maybe if my body was covered with hair I would."
Luke brushed his own hair out of his eyes as he absent-mindedly tugged on his yellow jacket.
"I just wish I had a uniform," he said aloud to no one in particular.
"You've only been in the Alliance for a few days." Wedge replied. "I'm sure they'll requisition one for you soon."
One of the officers outside of the throne room motioned to them.
"Gentlemen, it's time."
The doors slid open and together the four of them strode out, their footsteps echoing on the stone ground as they strode toward the central dais. The throne room was a massive audience chamber and today it was filled with Alliance personnel. Pilots, technicians, soldiers, nearly everyone was there to honor them. Wedge saw a few familiar faces as he walked past the pilots, Janson and Hobbie among them. As if waiting for a cue, Chewie roared at the crowd and they turned to face forward. Wedge was startled but didn't let it show.
Awaiting them were the Alliance's top generals and Princess Leia. Leia looked particularly regal, her brown hair twirled on the back of her head, and smiled at them as they climbed the stairs to stand before her. She didn't say a word as Dodonna handed her a medal. Han was first as she draped the brown ribbon around his neck. Wedge saw the smuggler flash a quick wink. Was she blushing? Wedge was next and focused his vision straight ahead as she turned and reached for another medal. As she gently laid the gold medallion around his shoulders, he silently thanked the men that gave their lives so he could be standing up there. Watch over me, he thought.
Finally it was Luke's turn and the young pilot was all smiles as Leia put the ribbon around his neck as well. Wedge briefly nodded at Chewie while this was happening and hoped the Wookie really did understand why he wasn't receiving his medal now. To lay the medal around the giant Wookie's shoulders would require the Princess to use a stand or ladder, which would not befit the gravitas of the ceremony. Chewie had guffawed when they had informed him of this but Han had interpreted to them that he was not offended and would be proud to receive the medal later.
At last, with the medals finally given, the three of them bowed to Princess Leia and turned. With another roar, Chewbacca signaled the crowd and applause broke out among the gathered assembly. Wedge turned to see Luke smiling broadly. Wedge began to smile too and a feeling hit him. As he looked around and saw old friends and new allies ready to bring a new government to the galaxy, he felt something that had been missing, something that was required if any of their efforts were to have any meaning. It was hope. Once news of the Death Star had spread, more and more planets would join the Alliance. Already he had heard that there were systems openly defying the Empire. All because of them, all because of their fight. Wedge knew that this was only the beginning. The future would be filled with battles and loss and death. But it was also filled with potential. It was a future full of promise. It was a future filled with hope.
