Chapter 82

Siri had been right. Things became very busy in a short time. Luke was given another day to heal from his ordeal while Ari and Leia were put to work that very afternoon. Leia did not speak of Han, and neither did Ari. She could only imagine how hard things had to be going for Leia. First, she had lost her entire home, her family, friends, and now she had lost the man she loved.

Time seemed to pass by quickly, Ari and Luke working with new recruits while Leia was busy with the communication and reports she received.

There were a few reports from Chewie and Lando, but there was never good news. They would have leads or close calls, but they never said they had rescued Han or even been able to find out how he was.

Ari also received messages from Siri and Taylor. They were not instant communications though. She would receive a disc that was delivered by another pilot, or it would just seem to appear, slipped under her door. Neither Jedi ever said where they were or what they were doing. Instead, they wished her well, and often had more words of wisdom or lessons for her to complete.

Even though they were busy, Luke and Ari woke up early to practice some of these lessons. Luke had clearly had a lot of practice, though he did not say where he had been. He told Ari that he would tell her, when the time was right. Since Luke no longer had his lightsaber, their training consisted of other aspects of being a Jedi, including controlling emotions, meditation and telekinesis.

Two standard months passed until Ari was called to report to the command center. She and Luke had just finished training half a dozen new pilots when an officer told her that she was needed. She left after Luke assured her that he could handle checking over the equipment without her. He was able to do everything he used to without being hindered by his mechanical hand.

When she reached the command center which was on a connecting ship, she found three beings there, all of whom looked up when she entered. One was Princess Leia, there was another older woman, who looked vaguely familiar and an alien of some sort.

"Lieutenant Narabe," Leia spoke up and immediately Ari could tell that this was a very formal meeting. She stood at attention with her feet together and arms at her sides. Her entire posture changed, back straight and her shoulders back slightly.

"At ease, Lieutenant," the somewhat familiar looking being spoke up. She was a soft spoken woman with red hair, and she had the poise of a senator or royalty.

Ari let herself relax slightly, and then glanced from one being to another. Leia looked serious, but gave a small, almost forced smile to Ari, which did not help relieve the blonde girl's apprehension.

Next to Leia was the familiar woman, and Ari could see that she seemed concerned about something. Next to her was the alien. After looking at him for a moment, she realized that he was Mon Calamari. He was an aquatic being with no fur and large fish like eyes which seemed to be studying Ari closely.

"Lieutenant," he nodded, voice like gravel, but he seemed kind.

"This is Admiral Ackbar," Leia spoke, introducing the Mon Calamari and when Ari shook his hand, she was surprised that it did not feel like she thought it would, which would have been very wet.

"Nice to meet you," Ari gave a small smile.

"And this is Mon Mothma," Leia introduced the woman and as she shook the woman's hand, Ari realized how she knew her. She had been a very active senator, and a number of recordings had come to the Rebels from her.

"We will not spend time on pleasantries," Mon Mothma remarked. "We have an important assignment for you."

"We have a team that was sent to check on possible Imperial involvement on a planet that is only known as RT-89. It is too new to have a name yet. Because of this, it is far from populated, yet we have received intelligence that there has been a significant amount of Imperial activity. The planet is mostly dense forest and was uninhabited until just recently."

Ari nodded, wondering where she fit into all of this.

"None of those from that team have contacted us. We fear that they have been captured, and if so, we will have to launch a rescue mission, and also be sure that they have not shared any important information."

"This sounds very complex," Ari remarked. She could not launch a rescue mission alone, if that is what they were thinking.

"We are sending you undercover as a zoology student to record the wildlife. Then you will be allowed to move around the planet. We have fake papers ready for you. We have ships in the area in case there is the need for a rescue, or if you get into trouble."

"The Empire does not like women though," Ari pointed out. "Wouldn't one of the men be better?"

"We hear that you have had training from a Jedi," Ackbar spoke and Ari glanced over at Leia. She was not upset at the Princess, but she knew now why she had been chosen. They felt that her training would prove useful, and they could not use Luke because of how well known he was.

Ari knew they probably had questions, so she just gave a nod. "Alright," she spoke up. "I will do it."

The three other Rebels looked slightly surprised at how quickly she had accepted. She wanted to do this though. To help the Rebel Alliance. This was also the first mission she was being sent on alone. She was nervous, but excited. She did not know what to expect, but they clearly had faith in her, and that gave her a bit more courage.

"When do I leave?"

"Right away."