"Geese, you'd think it would be easier getting down here. It's nearly sunrise," Soni said, pushing through the crowded streets of Coruscant. "I'm not sure how we're going to explain missing curfew."
Wyb continued through the crowd and began to make way through the pockets of the cheerful citizens indulging in their celebrations. He stopped and looked at Soni who was falling behind. He didn't expect her to come with him, but he was grateful she had stuck by him. He reached out and pulled her toward him. She looked confused as she fell into Wyb's chest. She wanted more information on what he was getting her into before she continued to follow him.
"So, what is it exactly we're sticking our necks out for," Soni asked.
"The protestor at the senate, her name is Jin," Wyb began. "She was rescued off a slaver's freight years ago by my mother."
"Slavers?" Soni said, puzzled.
"Lenore rescued many at the start of the New Republic. So many that the group began to call itself The Forgotten," Wyb explained. This was the time to finally tell her. He had never told anyone about his past. He didn't want to be pitied or made fun of for where he had come from.
"Ok, I get it. Your mom was trying to do some good after working for the Empire. But that still doesn't explain why we're headed to bail this rodian out," Soni said, annoyed as she was shoved into Wyb's arms by a drunken man who slurred a pardon and continued to hail the New Republic. Wyb held her steady hoping she wouldn't look at him any other way than she had the moment he'd arrived at the academy –a friend.
"I was on that freighter when I was a boy…my birth mother…sold me…I was destined for a life of a slave." Wyb confessed. He watched as her eyes glazed over with sadness. She began to understand Wyb's determination, drive, and no nonsense demeanor in the academy. While she and the other cadets were prone to goof off and not take things to heart, Wyb was always serious when it came to assignments. It made sense now. He was trying to make a difference.
"Wyb…I don't know what to say," Soni saddened by her partner's past. "But, you can't risk your wings, let alone jeopardize your career. Do you know what we can do once we're fully inducted in the Naval Forces? I know that imp helped you years ago, but you can't lose everything to continue her work because she's under house arrest."
"Don't call her that," Wyb pushed her away. He knew he didn't owe Lenore anything. He had his chance to start over with the other kids on that freighter that day in the New Republic Foster System. But he knew the moment he met Lenore, he would learn more with her and always be safe. He motioned to Soni's to follow him toward the jail steps. "Lenore's done a lot since her time in the Imperial Forces. I know I don't owe her anything, but I want to honor what she did. I want to help."
"Don't do this. Don't get involved. You're so close to becoming a pilot. Everything you've talked about since you got here is within reach."
"Isn't that hypocritical? Aren't we supposed to help keep the peace? Lend assistance to those less fortunate throughout the galaxy?"
"We're supposed to take orders." Soni replied, realizing the irony in her statement. "Look I know we're not stormtroopers alright? But we're not rebels either. That time has passed. This is a new era. New games are afoot. You don't really know who's out for political gain or what."
"What do you mean?"
"Your friend was in Senator Organa's box. Clearly this is a political move. Organa is supposed to be on leave."
"How do you know that?" Wyb asked.
"My father still has friends in the senate," Soni mentioned reluctantly.
Up until her final year in the academy Soni's father had been a senator. He was asked to resign once it was discovered he had been funneling information to special interest groups for tax cuts for shipping and trade companies that had ties to imperial holdouts in the outer rim.
Soni had not spoken to her father in months due to the disgrace. But even with the silence between them, her mother relayed all the political gossip once a week when she called home.
"I'm not concerned with politics," Wyb began to climb the steps before stopping as Soni stepped in front of him.
"You should be," she warned. "Politics are dangerous Wyb. You have no idea who's plans you're interfering with. Politicians have a long reach in the New Republic, more than anyone wants to admit. Best to stir clear and keep our focus on flying."
"Don't be blind." Wyb said pointedly. "Soni, there's something happening outside Coruscant. Something they're not telling us. And it's not out of fear, it's most likely for power, credits, and who knows what else. I can't turn away from it knowing I can do something for these kids. Now are you with me?"
"I can't. After everything my father has put our family through, I can't afford to add to the disgrace," She shook her head and walked away.
He signed but wasn't surprised. He'd have to continue alone. He knocked on the jail door and watched a strikingly good looking twi'lek approach the door. She opened it slightly.
"Hi," Wyb greeted the receptionist. "Happy Liberation and many years of peace to the New Republic."
"Happy Liberation." She replied with a smile. "It's it past your curfew cadet?"
"Yes. But I need to find a prisoner. Should have just been processed earlier this evening. Can you make an acceptance? It's only a few hours early to open," he asked politely.
"Friend of yours have a bit too much fun this evening? I've seen how you pilots can throw it back," She joked.
"I'm not a pilot yet, only a cadet," he replied.
"Oh a youngling I see. Could have fooled me. I'm not supposed to let anyone in after operating hours. But maybe you can come in and keep me company while I open up? I'm sure we'll find who you're looking for by operating hours," the twi'lek reached over the counter and gently placed her hand on the cadet patch of his flight jacket. She was flirting with him.
Girls usually didn't pay much attention to Wyb. He was too focused on his studies or busy with duties to invest much time in them either. As a boy, he remembered how Jord used his charm on women to get the best price for supplies when they go into town. The man was a merciless flirt, but it came in handy in their line of work:
"Remember Kid, you can charm an army of gungans into fighting a war for you or you can end up on a spit like a roasted ronto for being rude. Mind your manners with the ladies, you hear?" He winked at him.
Wyb still had no idea what the phrase meant. All he knew was that he was uncomfortable but needed to use Jord's way of thinking if he wanted to see Jin.
"Sure, ma'am," Wyb smiled cheekily as the twi'lek opened the door to let him in. He followed her to her desk.
"Please don't call me that," she said and began to shuffle through the hologram files of people brought in within the hour. "It was a busy night. Your friend has a lot of company. I envy them a bit. I've been alone majority of the night."
"I'm never alone," Wyb quickly replied.
"Is that a fact?" The twi'lek smirked. "Too many girlfriends?"
"No! I meant that….I'm at the academy… there's hundreds of students. You can hardly get a moment's peace," Wyb stammered nervously.
"Is peace what you seek? Maybe I can help with that," she leaned forward suggestively. Wyb froze and wished Soni had stuck around. He didn't know how he was going to side step this.
"Excuse me," it was Senator Organa. "I know I must be interrupting something of great importance here, but I need your assistance."
"Senator Organa!" the receptionist gasped, "How did you get in here? I heard you were on leave."
"I have my ways. And yes unfortunately I was on leave with my family, but if you help me now I can swiftly return to it," Leia Organa said impatiently. "I need to locate Jin Ronax who was brought in earlier this evening."
"One moment please," the twi'lek was flustered but managed to pull up Jin's processing file quickly on the holograms. Wyb glanced over at the senator, grateful for her timing since he felt he had lost control of the situation. The twi'lek winked at Wyb and left the desk.
"I didn't mean to block your efforts, but I really do need to find my guest," Leia whispered to him.
"The efforts are all hers, which I'm grateful for your derailment Senator," Wyb said with relief. Leia smiled and looked at him and noted his Naval Academy uniform. "Jin, is she in any serious trouble?"
"I don't believe so. Mostly just being made a spectacle of. The senate chair was supposed to allow time in today's agenda to speak on the matter of the missing children throughout the galaxy. I have a feeling Chairman Ato decided it was too dismal a topic for Liberation week which is why Jin did what she did," she said watching the receptionist speaking to someone on a hologram behind the glass wall. "How is it that you know her?"
"I knew her when I was a boy," Wyb stuck out his hand. Leia smiled and shook it. "I'm Wyb Tersu."
"Lovely to meet you. I'm sure Jin will appreciate seeing a friendly face in the capital." Leia acknowledged.
"Right this way Senator," the receptionist returned and held her hand out to the doors that led to the holding cells. "I'll be right back for you cadet."
"He's with me," Leia clarified in a protective tone. The twi'lek nodded and led them down the hallway and to Jin's cell.
"Thank you Senator," Wyb sheepishly grinned and followed Leia to Jin's cell. "I'm a decent pilot but I wouldn't know how to navigate my way around her."
"Leia!" Jin greeted. "I'm sorry–"
"Are you alright?" Leia said embracing Jin as though she knew for ages.
"I'm fine, but I'm afraid I've gotten you into quite a bit of hot water."
"Don't worry about it,"Leia said. "I've been in worse situations."
"I didn't mean to cause a scene, but the chair completely ignored the approved agenda and was going to end the meeting. So I–...I'm sorry. Now I've cost my children and countless others their only chance at getting help."
"Don't lose hope," Leia compassionately said. "We've got a few other options."
"I'm afraid to debate with you Senator, but if the Senate won't listen to me, who will?" Jin turned her look to Wyb and frowned as she was puzzled by his presence. She didn't recognize him at all. It had been just over six years since Jin had seen him. "A naval cadet?"
"Hello Jin," Wyb smiled. Jin was puzzled trying to place the young man in front of her. He seemed familiar."You're not forgotten. At least not by me."
"Wyb?" Jin gasped and then grabbed him and hugged him tightly. Wyb could feel her frail frame but strength in her embrace. She had been through a lot and from what he could deduce, she had not been eating but her maternal instincts were the only things keeping her going. She took his face in her hands "My god how you've grown. And in the navy. Lenore must hate that."
"It was her idea," Wyb replied.
"Perhaps we can continue this reunion back in my quarters. I think we've worn out our welcome," Leia suggested as the receptionist approached.
"Senator, there is a droid here for you," the receptionist came over. "A protocol model, quite insistent. I told him to wait as droids are not allowed back here without the proper registration chip. But he insists the matter is urgent."
"Senator Organa!" yelled C-3PO from the hallway. "Please, it's a message from Captain Teva. He says General Syndulla is in desperate need of your help."
"Hey! Back to the lobby droid!" the receptionist snapped. Wyb placed his hand on her shoulder gently hoping to soften her tone.
"Please," he focused his gaze on her and pinched her chin as he had seen Jord do many times before. "It seems urgent. Could you make an exception?"
"Oh alright," flattered by Wyb's flirtation she motioned C-3PO back to the cell. She then walked back to the reception desk as the protocol droid shuffled past her.
"How Rude," C-3PO retorted at the twi'lek and then focused on his mistress. "Senator Organa, Captain Teva of the Rangers of the New Republic just sent word that General Syndulla has been brought in this morning for a trial at the Defense Council building."
"Never a dull moment these days," Leia remarked. "I take it, Syndulla jumped the gun on her suspicions in Seatos."
"I'm afraid so," the droid confirmed. "And now Senator Xiono is pushing for the General to be court-martialed. He's not entirely convinced that there is any coordination between the scattered and dwindling number of Imperial forces throughout the galaxy."
"In time they'll organize a new front while we sit around and debate their actions as a committee," Leia sighed.
"Senator," Wyb spoked up, pulling the drive with the list of children's names Lenore had given him. "I believe this might help."
"What is it?" Leia took the drive and examined it.
"Information," Wyb looked at Jin. "I'm afraid I can't reveal my source, but it was taken from an Imperial Star Destroy nearly a month ago. It has an outline and list of imperial force programs tied to the missing force sensitive children throughout the core, mid, and outer rims. "
"Goodness Gracious me," C-3PO remarked.
"I'm not certain what else is on it, but I think it might supply evidence to the senate that the Empire is organizing and planning to strike back with a vengeance. All these incidents are somehow connected."
"I believe you're right Wyb," Leia said, placing the data stick in her robes. "Now, first things first, I will have this information analyzed and see what next steps will be needed. Jin you need to come with me while we get the charges dismissed for public disruption. As for General Syndulla, Threepio, go and tell whatever panel that is holding this hearing that I personally sanctioned the mission and was unaware of the vote against it. And any further issues should be directly brought to me as I am head of the Defense council."
"Yes, but I'm afraid it might be too late. The hearing has already begun. Senator Xiono scheduled it for the first hours of operations. How will I get across town at this hour during Liberation week?"
"Luckily we have the New Republic Forces at our side, " Leia suggested turning to Wyb.
"Me?! I'm already in for it as it is. I missed curfew and have exams next week!" Wyb was shocked by the proposal. He was after all only a cadet.
"If you're in any sort of trouble, having the gratitude of a captain and general should help ease any consequences for a night of assisting a senator," Leia said to him. "I would greatly appreciate your help in this matter, especially since I rescued you earlier."
"What about the data stick? The kids? Are you going to help us?" Wyb asked.
"You have my word," she confirmed.
"If you can't, we'll remember," Wyb said sternly. He wanted to make clear how important this task was.
"I understand Wyb." Leia said, surprised by his directness. "Now let us do what we do best. You get Threepio to the defense building and I will see to Jin and this information. Now hurry."
Jin turned to Wyb and gave him a hug and whispered in his ear, "Good luck."
"Thanks," Wyb said and watched the two women leave. He looked at the droid. "We'll let's get going, but let's go out the side. I don't want to cross paths with that receptionist again."
"I quite agree," C-3PO said.