"Chain Reaction" by Jol Allson

Fiction Home - More by Jol Allson - More in Action and Aventure

General Rogue sat at his desk waiting for a call. He flicked on the intercom and spoke into it.

"General, could you get me Colonel Antilles, please?"

"Yes Sir," The reply came, "I'll just be a second."

"Thank you," He replied.

Rogue sat back, he was expecting a report from Wedge on how the upgrades were performing in the X-Wings.

"Sir, Colonel Antilles on line three."

"Thank you."

The monitor flicked on and Rogue saw Colonel Antilles sitting there, looking a bit dazed.

"Hi, Wedge. I was expecting that report today."

"Oh yeah, what report?"

"The one on the X-Wing upgrades."

"Oh...well you see, I kinda forgot because someone broke into my quarters last night and attacked me!"

"When was this?"

"I dunno, around ten."

"I see, well, you're off duty for the rest of the day. I'll contact base security and General Hammond"

"Thank you, Sir."

"And Wedge?"

"Yes?"

"Take it easy, you're not to go to maneuvers today."

Wedge looked dejected, "Oh no, I forgot about them!"

"Well you can go if you get the all clear from Dr. Frasier."

"Yes, Sir."

* * * *

Rogue's next call was to General Hammond to report the break-in. He then decided to go up to the Ashleigh and watch the new pilots fly. He took up a shuttle and settled into his private quarters, by the vid-screen. Suddenly his comlink beeped on. It was General Hammond wanting him to come straight to his office. Rogue wondered what was going on.

* * * *

Three hours later Generals Neith and Acid Burn stood in the middle of the bridge of the Ashleigh watching the swooping X-Wings, B-Wings and A-Wings.

"Neith?" Acid asked, "You know where Wedge is?"

"No, I've not seen him all day," she replied.

"We should call him, see where he is."

"Yeah, I'll do that in a minute."

"Hey look at Nova Nine, She's one hot hand on the stick!"

Neith looked out the viewport again. She saw two B-Wings, Novas Nine and Eleven evading the shots from Rogues Leader and Deuce.

"Wow she's good. Tycho's having a real hard time trying to hit her."

Then finally a quad burst hit the mark and Nova Nine was out.

"It's lucky they're using targeting lasers, or else we'd have a lot of dead pilots," Acid commented.

"They always use target lasers!" Neith replied.

"You know what I mean!" He glared at her.

"No not really."

"Forget it. You gonna call Wedge?"

"Yeah, I'll do it right now."

She walked over to the comm station and activated it. She called up Wedge's quarters on the surface.

He appeared tired and looking miserable.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Oh, nothing. I'm just on court marshal for hacking the mainframe and copying all the files…" He replied

"What?" She replied in disbelief.

"...Breaking into my own quarters and attacking myself!"

"So I take it you didn't do the mainframe bit?"

"I think so."

Acid heard the conversation and walked over.

"Wedge, that's preposterous. You'd never do that!" He said.

"Yeah, I do that all the time, of course it preposterous!" He replied.

"Well," Neith said, "I'll talk to Rogue, there must be a logical explanation."

"There is! He told me!"

"I'll talk you later," She replied.

"Bye."

"Bye" Acid replied.

* * * *

General Rogue, General Hammond, Colonel O'Neill, Major Carter, Teal'c and Daniel Jackson all sat around the briefing table. For the past hour they had been arguing over Wedge's innocence. Rogue had just about had enough. He shot up.

"With all due respect, Sir," He said loudly, "Colonel Antilles, is no more a traitor than you or I. He is one of the most loyal officers to have served under me and accusing him of treason is like accusing Colonel O'Neill."

"Sit down General," Hammond bellowed back, "May I remind you that Colonel O'Neill has been in the SGC a lot longer than Colonel Antilles."

Colonel O'Neill half put his hand up. "Yeah, I don't believe he did it. It's just that when I met him he was just a Second Lieutenant, but he didn't seem to be traitorous. Look how far he's come in a matter of weeks."

"I agree," Carter said, "He's not a good enough hacker to break our system. Why'd you put him on court marshal anyway?"

"He didn't, I did." A new voice came from the door.

"Dad?" Sam asked "Why?"

"What all of you is about to hear is confidential. You are not to share it with anybody."

"Yes Sir." They all answered.

* * * *

Outside the briefing room where General Carter had told them about a scouting mission to Chulak, which Jack had thought a bit strange, he gathered up SG-1 and Rogue and told them about a different mission a mission to find out who had framed Colonel Antilles. They were to meet in the gate room at Oh-Nine Hundred hours the next morning. The mission was so secret that they each had a personal cloaking device so it would look like only General Carter was returning to the Tok'ra.

* * * *

Acid stood in the pilot briefing lounge on board the Ashleigh. Infront of him was all the pilots from the three squads. All, that was, except Wedge.

"Wedge would like to send you his regrets for not being able to be here today."

"Why wasn't he here?" All the pilots replied.

"Oh, well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough anyway. He's on court marshal."

"What?" All the pilots shouted and jumped up in the air. "Why?"

"He supposedly hacked the mainframe and copied all the files!"

All the pilots began chatting amongst themselves and Acid walked out of the room.

* * * *

Rogue walked out into the gate room and saw General Carter although he knew Carter couldn't see him. He walked to the bottom of the ramp and waited for the Stargate to be activated. As soon as it was active he walked slowly up the ramp and through the Stargate. On the other side he de-activated his cloak and saw Colonel O'Neill and the rest of SG-1 do the same. Then General Carter emerged form the wormhole. He nodded to the others and walked over to the DHD. He dialed in the Reetou Rebels address and the Stargate again activated. They all went over to a table nearby and picked up two TERs each. They then stepped into the wormhole and were transported almost instantly to the planet.

* * * *

On the other side Colonel O'Neill was the first to notice a huge palace infront of the Stargate.

"Woah," he said, "That's new!"

"It's just like I thought," General Carter replied. "They have allied themselves to someone."

"The question is who?" Rogue put in, "Come on lets go."

The six of them walked toward the palace with their TERs in hand. There was no door to the palace just a doorway and as soon as the six of them were inside the floor opened up and they dropped down a level to the floor below. They landed on something that seemed to be alive. It bucked and they all flew off into the nearest wall.

* * * *

Wedge was sitting in his quarters. He knew that today was a special day but he couldn't remember why. Suddenly the doorjamb sounded. He walked over to the door and pressed the open button. As soon as the door was fully open someone pulled him into a kiss. His first reaction was to pull away but then he saw who it was. When she let go of him he saw here properly. Master Sergeant Jen.

"Hi," He said.

"Hey, missed me?" she asked.

"Huh?" he replied, somewhat bewildered.

"My mission, I got back today."

"Oh yeah, I'm a bit screwed. I'm on court marshal."

"What?"

"Yeah, although that doesn't put my off my pleasure of seeing you again."

* * * *

Rogue looked up from his position at the bottom of the wall, he threw a quick glance at the others and then drew his blaster. He fired at the monster until the powerpack had been drained. Suddenly a handful of Jaffa opened the doors behind them and dragged them through. The Jaffa took then into what looked like a throne room. Jack purposely fell over and as he hit the ground, released a remote grenade. The grenade rolled under the huge throne. Two Jaffa grabbed Jack and pulled him to his feet. They hadn't seen the grenade. Suddenly the huge doors again opened and a beautiful woman entered. She walked over to the throne and sat down.

"Well, well, well," she said in a decidedly Goa'uld type voice, "What do we have here? Four Tau'ri scum, a renegade Jaffa and a Tok'ra. Oh how I love this. A pathetic little Tok'ra in my fortress. Oh, we haven't been introduced. I'm Tefnut, Goa'uld system lord."

"I presume," Jack interrupted, "That the Reetou know you're a Goa'uld?"

"Those stupid Reetou think I am a god to them. They obey my every command. Including hacking your primitive computer system. I find it quite pleasurable. You do realize I will sow more discord among your people?"

"You do, of course, realize I got your confession on tape?" General Carter retorted.

"It is no matter, you will not escape."

"Oh we will, I assure you," Jack replied.

"I do not see how." Tefnut said in surprise.

"Like this," Jack withdrew the remote and pressed the button in the middle of it. The throne was catapulted into the air and landed on the two Jaffa in the room. The six of them ran out towards the gate. Sam dialed it up and they were all through as soon as they got confirmation of their GDO code. Hammond was standing watching them. There were a huge amount of guns being pointed at them the Rogue almost flinched as he emerged from the gate.

"Give me one good reason," Hammond shouted, "why I shouldn't ship you off on charges of illegal use of Air-Force property."

"Well," Jack replied, "We killed a Goa'uld system lord and got evidence proving Colonel Antilles innocent!"

"Very well, report for de-briefing at oh-six hundred hours."

"Yes Sir" They all replied.

* * * *

Neith smiled as Wedge ran past, on the way to his X-Wing, as he gave her a sloppy salute. He was going on leave, for three months. The shuttle "Early Break" would be accompanying him with Jen aboard.

"Rogue Nine, requesting permission to launch." she heard him say over the comm.

"Permission granted. See ya Wedge. In about three months." Acid replied.

"Yeah, bye. Got places to go and old friends to see"

Acid watched as the numbers representing the X-Wing's and shuttle's distance from the cruiser scrolled up amazingly quickly. A medical officer and a pilot gone for quarter of a year, things were going to change around here.

Part Two: Destination Unknown

Rogue stood infront of the whole of RS, except Wedge and Jen. He was about to ask who would like to take the position of Rogue Nine during the time of Wedge's absence, when a Sergeant rushed in. He looked around, turned to Rogue and saluted.

"Sir," He said, "General Hammond requests your presence on the surface."

"Right, tell him I'll be there in half an hour."

"Ah, he's in your ready room."

"Okay, General," he said turning to Neith, "I believe you know what I was about to ask. I'll leave this up to you."

"Yes Sir." She replied.

* * * *

Rogue walked with military style to his ready room. Inside he saw Hammond sitting opposite his desk. Rogue sat down behind his desk.

"Good day, Sir. What can I do for you?"

"Well, NSA got wind of your little escapade, they want to talk to everyone, including Colonel Antilles."

"Ah, he's just left on a three month leave, about six hours ago."

"Oh dear, NSA is going to have a field day about this. I can just imagine, "No, I'm sorry Colonel Antilles isn't here but he's just flown off in a craft called an X-Wing to New Republic territory!""

"I see your problem. I can get the New Rep to find him and tell him to return."

"Thank you, I'll see you when NSA get here."

* * * *

A lone X-Wing and a shuttle dropped out of hyperspace in empty space. Wedge, inside the X-Wing, keyed the comm.

"This is Rogue Nine to the Early Break. Do you read?"

"Loud and clear Rogue Nine"

"Can you open the hatch? I'm coming over."

"Okay."

Wedge popped the hatch and drifted out of the fighter. "Gate," He said into his comlink follow the co-ords in the computer please."

Gate beeped an affirmative. Wedge swam, swimming in space was the fastest way to get around, to the airlock. Once inside the outer door closed and air pumped into the compartment. He opened then inner hatch and walked to his quarters. Once there he took off his flightsuit to reveal his casual New Republic uniform. Then he carried on to the bridge.

* * * *

Major Derek "Hobbie" Klivian was sitting in the captain's ready room onboard the Lusankya. Suddenly the comm system beeped. He looked up from his datapad and activated it. Rogue appeared

"General," Hobbie said in surprise accidentally using Rogue's New Republic rank "What can I do for you?"

"Wedge and Jen just went off on leave. I want you to find them and tell them to return A.S.A.P to Earth. He should be headed for Ithor."

"Great I've got to find two people in a galaxy full of billions and billions of individuals!"

"Please it's desperate."

"I'll do what I can."

"If it helps, they took the shuttle Early Break."

"Thank you, Sir."

The comm shut off and Hobbie walked out onto the bridge.

"Captain, set a course for the Ithorian system. Once in-system head for Ithor and scan for a shuttle matching the parameters of the Early Break."

"Yes Sir." The Captain replied.

* * * *

Rogue sat down worriedly next to Acid. The Director of Intel looked at him.

"Almost in."

Acid was slicing into the airline records to show Wedge and Jen were in Australia.

"Done," he said with a smile on his face.

"And not a minute too soon. Get outta here. I can hear them coming!"

Acid ran out of the opposite door that General Hammond and two NSA agents entered through.

"This is agent Haynes and his counterpart, agent Diah," He said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You too, now can we start?"

They sat down and began to talk about what had happened over the past few weeks.

* * * *

Wedge pulled the hyperdrive lever back and the stars elongated and then shrank back to dots in space. Jen walked in to find out what the matter was.

"Change of plan" Wedge said, "We're going to Alakatha in the K'vath system"

"Why not Ithor?"

"Maybe later. I've seen too much of Ithor lately"

"What about Gate?"

"I've sent him a message to come to Alakatha. He'll get it when he arrives at Ithor."

"Sure, let's go then."

Wedge pulled back on the stick and the shuttle cam around in a tight loop onto a new heading. He pushed the hyperdrive lever forwards and the stars elongated and then burst into a swirling blue-white mass.

* * * *

"For the last time…" Haynes said, "Where is Colonel Antilles?"

"He's in Australia, on leave, with Master Sergeant Jen, in case you want to speak to her," Rogue replied.

"Where abouts in Australia?"

"How should I know. I'm not his travel agent. He's gone and won't be back for two to three months."

"Why on earth did you let them go?"

"They deserved it. Just stop arguing, they've gone and that's that."

"Well if you hadn't let them go…"

Rogue was really angry now "Well if NSA didn't poke their nose in for every little inconvenience, then we wouldn't have this problem!"

"Well if you hadn't disobeyed orders!"

"For the last time, there were no orders concerning the use of the Stargate. Anyway it was General Carter's idea."

"So get General Carter here and he can be on charges of disobeying orders."

"For the last time..."

Hammond stood up, his eyes as black as thunder and with a temper to match. "How dare you, Agent Haynes, insult one of my officers and best friends. Get off my base now!"

"You can't give me orders, I'm an NSA agent!"

"You are an extremely out of line civilian. Now get out before I have you removed."

Haynes muttered something under his breath then nodded to Diah. They walked out of the room.

"Sorry about that, I should have said something earlier."

"No problem, Sir." Rogue replied.

* * * *

The shuttle Early Break dropped out of hyperspace and began a lazy curve towards Alakatha. Wedge was sitting in the cockpit. Jen was sleeping in her quarters.

"Jen, we're here," He shouted.

"Coming," she called back. She ran into the cockpit and gasped at the beauty of the moon below them. "It's so beautiful, it's unimaginable."

"I know, I can remember the first time I was here. I've never forgotten how wonderful this is."

"I can imagine."

"I'm taking us down."

"Oh, good."

The shuttle rode the atmosphere gently and without bumping at all. In no time they were heading towards a high cliff. Wedge set the shuttle down at the top of the cliff.

"How come we've landed here and not the spaceport?"

"A special surprise for you. I pulled a little rank and got us permission to land here."

Jen laughed and they walked out of the shuttle together.

"I've got to put a blindfold on you, okay?"

"Yeah, sure."

Wedge put the blindfold around her head and tied it at the back.

"Two, little rules. Don't panic and trust me whatever."

"Okay," she said, her voice filled with curiosity.

Wedge led her through some trees and out into and opening on the edge of the cliff.

"Wait here for a second," He said.

"Okay."

Wedge ran over to a nearby tech that was examining a platform extending over the edge of the cliff.

"Is it ready?" He asked.

"Yes, sir. You can go whenever you want."

"Thank you."

He ran back to Jen and led her out onto the end of the platform.

"Close your eyes," he said, "and remember, don't panic."

"I won't. They're closed."

Wedge took the blindfold off and grabbed hold of Jen. He walked slowly backwards until his heels were over the edge of the platform. As soon as he said open your eyes, he kissed her and rocked backward on his feet, pulling her with him. She tensed but then relaxed as she remembered his words "Don't panic". The whole world tumbled and twisted but she held tight and enjoyed it. They began to slow down and then stopped completely. Wedge let go of her and kicked the air. He floated backwards away from her. She looked over at him and he said.

"Did you enjoy that?"

"That was great, a bit scary at first but great. It was a great surprise."

"Well that's not really the surprise," He dug around in his pocket. "This is." He withdrew a ring. "Will you marry me?"

* * * *

Hobbie was sick of waiting, he'd waiting at Ithor for ten days now and no shuttles had appeared.

"Sir," A Lieutenant called out, "General Antilles personal X-Wing just dropped out of hyperspace."

"Open a channel," Hobbie replied.

"Done."

"Wedge, where have you been?"

He was replied by a series of whistles and trills from Gate. The translation appeared on a nearby screen.

"What do you mean Wedge isn't coming?"

Again Gate replied.

"He's gone to Alakatha? Captain…"

"Already done."

"Wait for Gate to come aboard first please."

"Yes Sir."

* * * *

Jen stared at him open mouthed.

"I don't know what to say," She said.

"Er...Yes, would be a good start," He said lightheartedly.

"Oh yeah, erm...yes I will."

"Great, that's wonderful!" He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. He gave a thumb up to the Tech and a speeder came down to pick them up. They went to the top of the cliff admiring the view.

"You want to head back to Earth and tell the others. I can see Hobbie and Wes another time."

"Oh, thank you."

They entered the shuttle and took off. As they cleared the atmosphere Wedge looked at the sensors and saw a Super Star Destroyer labeled as the Lusankya.

"What?" He asked the empty air "How'd they find me?"

"This is Major Klivian to the shuttle Early Break, do you read?" Hobbie's voice came over the comm.

"Loud and clear. What're you doing here?"

"Gate told us you were here. As for why, you need to return to Earth immediately."

"Care to give us a lift?"

"It would be my pleasure."

Wedge piloted the shuttle into a space at the back of the main hangar onboard the Lusankya. He then went back to his quarters.

"Hobbie?" He said into his comlink.

"Yes, chief?"

"Does the Lusankya still have luxury restaurants onboard?"

"Yes, chief. Why?"

"Clear all of the Rogues from duty. All of you meet us at the Cuisine. Oh yeah, casual dress uniform for all."

"Okay, Sir."

* * * *

Wedge got dressed into his casual dress uniform and then went and stood outside Jen's quarters. He knocked on the door and as it opened he said, "Wow, you look amazing."

She was wearing a full-length midnight black dress with star picked out in a shimmering silver. She wore her hair up in a dark blue band.

"You look lovely."

"Why thank you."

Wedge put his arm through hers and they walked arm in arm out of the shuttle and to the restaurant.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"To dinner, with my friends. As a celebration!"

"Really, whatever for?" She asked with a laugh.

* * * *

When they arrived at dinner they took their places in the middle of a long table. Hobbie was to Wedge's left and Hobbie was opposite him.

"Yub, yub General" he said as he sat down.

"Hobbie," Wedge whispered to him "I've got an announcement to make before dinner."

"Okay, I've got one too. I'll go first."

"Okay that's fine with me."

Hobbie stood up.

"We have three special guests tonight," he said "One of them you will all know. He is General Wedge Antilles. The second some of you may know is Captain Jen O'Prey they are both members of the SGC. Wedge holds the rank Colonel and Jen holds Master Sergeant. The third guest virtually none of you will know. She is or was one of the New Republic's most profound archaeologists. She is General Neith Craig of the SGC. Neith holds the rank Colonel in the New Republic. She's here tonight as a guest who was onboard this ship. She was the acting liaison between the SGC and myself on trying to find Wedge and Jen. So here are Wedge, Jen and Neith." The curtains in the corner opened and Neith walked out. She sat down opposite Jen, to Wes' left.

"Now it's my turn," said Wedge, standing up. "This is something I did earlier today. On Alakatha, I proposed to Jen and we're getting married."

There were gasps from the others and then applause. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Neith mouth "Congrats. I hope you'll be happy together." Wedge sat down again and prepared himself for a rough time from Hobbie and Wes. It was good to be back on the Lusankya, if only for a bit.

Part Three: Good Friends Die Hard The Lusankya reverted to realspace almost on top of the Ashleigh. The two great ships seemed to move in slow motion to avoid each other. The Ashleigh scraped the atmosphere as she diverted out the way. On the bridge sirens flared.

"Nef, get us above the North Pole now." Rogue shouted.

"Yes Sir," She replied calmly. "The Lusankya has dropped a shuttle and an X-Wing and they are heading for the main hangar. The Lusankya is heading for an exit vector."

"Thank you Captain."

"We're holding position."

"Sir," the sensor officer said, "I've detected a launch of a space shuttle."

"Is the Early Break aboard yet?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good, Captain, prepare to take us out of this system."

"Yes Sir."

"Shuttle will clear atmosphere in 10...9...8...7…"

"Go, Nef, go!"

"I'm trying, she's not built for fast turns."

"...6...5...4...3...2...1...Shuttle has cleared atmosphere. We have been seen. We are compromised."

"Abort, Captain. Do not go to lightspeed."

* * * *

Rogue took a shuttle down to the surface. He entered the briefing room and saw General Hammond sitting opposite the Head of NSA, Warrinton.

"Thank you for coming, " Hammond said.

"It's my pleasure."

"So this is the leader of the aliens," Warrington said in disgust.

"He's a human, like you or me. The only difference is that he was born on a planet called Alderaan." Hammond replied.

"Alderaan? What a strange name for a planet. He's still an alien to me."

"You have no right…"

"I have every right if it concerns the safety of our world. What if that ship hit us? I want details about it or they go."

"I'm afraid we can't give you information that could technically advance your culture." Rogue said.

"Then you have to go. Get lost"

"Don't you worry, we know where we're not wanted or appreciated." Rogue felt angry at being treated this way and sad that he was leaving the SGC. He took the shuttle back up to the Ashleigh and called for a meeting.

* * * *

There was nervous chattering in the briefing room from some of the more junior members of RS. Not one of the officers didn't have a somber look on their face. Wedge flashed a quick smile and winked at Jen as Rogue entered followed by Neith, Acid and Ash. The four of them stood on the other side of the dais with grave faces.

"I have two announcements to make," Rogue said "Number one is, we've been told to leave Earth within six hours time. We're going home. On a lighter note, I am pleased to announce the engagement of Wedge and Jen."

Everyone clapped and then looked at Wedge.

"What?" He said, "I'm not saying anything!"

"I'd like to say something," Jen said "If anyone gives him any stick then…" she said warningly, "tell me first so I can join in!"

Everyone laughed including Wedge. The people walked out of the room and Wedge put his arm over Jen's shoulders.

"Let's go pack."

"Yeah."

Six months later, Coruscant.

"Yes, Admiral, that concludes my report. They gained none of our technology and we took none of theirs," Rogue sat back in his chair. He'd just outlined the whole of the report of their visit to Earth.

"Thank you, General," Ackbar replied with a smile, or what the Mon Cal's used for a smile. "There is only one more piece of business. I'd like you to accept a promotion to Commodore."

"Well, I, thank you, sir. I accept."

"Here is a list of all the other promotions to be handed out to your unit," He handed Rogue a datapad. Rogue looked down the list and whistled.

"Commodore, you will be assigned onboard the Ashleigh as part of a task force containing the Lusankya, the Yavin and the Mon Karren tasked with eliminating a group of pirates who, somehow, have got hold of a Sovereign class Star Destroyer. I don't have to tell you the threat they pose. Hunt and destroy them."

"Yes Sir. If I may ask, who is in charge of the operation?"

"That list you hold is in command order, although it's a flexible command. You will also be receiving two prototype ships. The Jenna and the Pride of Corel, they are Corellian Skate class destroyers. A new design submitted by General Madine. They will have a complete fighter compliment of W-Wing Iis."

"Yes Sir."

* * * *

Rogue stood infront of RS. He had the list of promotions infront of him.

"Everyone is receiving an immediate promotion to Captain or higher. Anyone who held the rank of Captain is receiving a promotion to Commander if you're a pilot, or Major if not. Commander and Major to Colonel and Colonel to Brigadier General. Last but not least, Neith, Acid, Viper, Wedge and myself are receiving promotions to Commodore. Neith will have command of the Yavin. Wedge, the Lusankya, Acid and Viper the Mon Karren and myself the Ashleigh. When the Pride of Corel and the Jenna arrive, Viper will be moving to the Pride and Wedge to the Jenna. Major Klivian of the New Republic will be taking command of the Lusankya. Dismissed."

Everyone began to walk out. Rogue waved Wedge over.

"You've got command of the task-force although anyone of equal rank can overrule you if need be."

"Yes Sir."

"No Sir. I'm not your CO now."

"Yeah, I forgot."

"Let's go."

Rogue headed to the shuttle bay with everyone else, while Wedge and Jen headed for the bridge. He walked onto the bridge. Jen took up her position at the captain's console.

"Major Klivian, you are relieved of bridge duty. Although you'll be re-instated when the Jenna arrives," Wedge said.

"Yes, Commodore."

"Hey how'd you know about that?"

"Ackbar called."

"Oh."

"Sir," Genty called from the sensor station, "Escorts are forming up."

Wedge stared at him for a moment. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I used to be a navigator on Home One."

"Fine, engage hyperdrive at will."

"Yes Sir."

The stars elongated and burst into the familiar swirl of hyperspace. Wedge started to walk to his quarters. "Captain, you have the bridge."

"Yes Sir," Jen replied.

* * * *

Wedge was sick of waiting. All they'd done since arriving at Dantooine was wait.

"Sir," Genty called, "Two ships just dropped out of hyperspace their on an attack vector, one is confirmed Sovereign class SSD, the other has an 80% probability of being an ImpStar."

"What else could it be?"

"ImpStar Deuce."

"Thank you. Raise shields. Tell the other ships to attack the Sovereign and to stay behind or above it. Captain head for the ImpStar."

"Yes Sir."

"Cripple it."

The Lusankya came alongside the ImpStar and absorbed all the destructive power fired into it. She then proceeded to return fire concentrating it on four or five key areas. The bridge on the ImpStar exploded and it was dead in space. It began to drift away from the Lusankya.

"Captain, concentrate on the Sovereign now."

"Yes Sir."

The Lusankya powered towards the Sovereign and delivered a volley of fire. The fire chewed massive holes in the shields and turbolasers and ion cannons played over the hull. At the same time every single ship in the task force fired on the command tower. The shields failed and the shield domes exploded as they were hit. The shields on the ship collapsed and the ships all fired on the engines. The engines began a catastrophic chain-reaction of explosions and the Sovereign dissolved in a ball of fire. The Sovereign, however, still returned a huge amount of fire. Wedge who was standing looking at one of the consoles was hit in the face as it half exploded, he collapsed to the deck. Jen rushed over and called for a medical team. They came in and examined Wedge.

"He's still alive, but he's in a coma."

Tears rushed to Jen's eyes and she fled the bridge, heading towards her quarters. She lay down on the bed and began to cry.

Part Four: Homecoming Ten Months Later

Jen sat down next to Wedge's bed, the baby in her arms wriggled and tried to touch him. She sighed, the first four months of Rebecca's, her baby's, life had been spent with no father. Suddenly Wedge stirred in his bed.

"Can you here me?" she whispered.

He opened his eyes slowly and smiled.

"Yeah, I think so. What happened?"

"You've been in a coma for 10 months."

"Damn, I, what's the date?"

"29th October."

"Damn, hang on, who's this?" He asked looking up at Rebecca.

"Your, our, daughter, Rebecca."

"Woah, I mean huge Woah! Ours?"

"Yeah, she's four months old."

"Oh, I mean, that's..." he shook his head as if to clear it "...great. There's still one thing missing though"

"What's that?"

"Me marrying you. So I'm gonna get up and clean up, then we're getting married. Can you send out some quick invites?"

"Sure."

"Oh, one last thing. Where am I?"

"Our house, on Alakatha."

* * * *

Commodore Rogue sat down next to Admiral Ackbar.

"Play it again," he said.

The Ensign infront of him flicked a switch.

"This is General Hammond of the SGC. We require immediate assistance, are under attack by Goa'uld, I repeat require immediate assistance." The transmission cut off.

"I think it's a trap. I think we shouldn't go." Rogue said.

"Well it is your choice but talk to your unit first."

"I will, Sir."

"Now I just received a message from Commodore Antilles inviting us to Alakatha, for what I don't know."

"Well then hadn't we better be going then?"

"I agree."

* * * *

Rogue sat down next to Neith in a hall like building, it was decorated in a strange but familiar way. He couldn't put his finger on it.

"What's happening?" he asked Neith.

"They're getting married," she replied.

Ah yes that was it, he remembered now, it was a church.

"And Wedge wants you to do the ceremony."

"What? Is he completely mad?"

"Well you have to do it, so I'd get up there."

Rogue stood up and went to the front of the room.

* * * *

Wedge walked out with his arm over Jen's shoulders. She was carrying Rebecca who was asleep. Rogue called them over along with the rest of RS.

"Hammond sent a message, the SGC are under attack, shall we return. I would remind you we have enemies there as well as friends."

There were mixed sounds and then a major consent of disagreement to return.

"So that settles it, we're not going back?"

"Yes," replied the others.

* * * *

Wedge, Jen and Rogue walked off together. Jen went towards their house while Rogue and Wedge walked on.

"So my friend, what will happen now?" Wedge asked

"Only time will tell."

"It won't for me. I'm resigning my commission, effective immediately."

"Woah, you're serious."

"Yeah, I want to spend some time with my wife and daughter."

"Well, I'll see you in the future, friend."

"In the future I will. Goodbye," Wedge walked off to catch up with Jen.

Rogue sighed "Yes my friend, time will tell, as it has done and always will."

Part Five: Return to Arms

Twenty Years Later

Commodore Sovv walked up the steps to Wedge and Jen Antilles' house. He knocked on the door and it opened, revealing Rebecca Antilles.

"Good day" he said, showing his ID, "is your father home?"

"I'll just get him" she replied "please wait in the sitting room. Make yourself at home."

He smiled and followed her into the nearest room.

* * * *

Wedge was outside, tinkering with an old speeder when Rebecca walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Dad, Commodore Sovv is waiting for you in the sitting room," she said.

"Thank you, could you go find your mother, please?"

"Certainly," she walked off in the opposite direction to him. Wedge wondered what the Sullustan wanted, after all, he'd had no business with the New Republic for over 16 years. Sovv stood as Wedge entered.

"Commodore," Sovv said.

"Just Wedge, I'm retired, Commodore?"

"Yes, Admiral Madine has introduced new command staff since he was appointed Supreme "

"What happened to Ackbar?"

"Ackbar, don't you know? He's dead."

"Dead? How?" Wedge felt ripped apart by this news. Although Ackbar hadn't been a particularly close friend and they'd had their disagreements, Wedge had respected the Admiral and was grieved to hear of his death.

"He died when a trio of Star Destroyers obliterated his Mon Cal cruiser. It was the newest class. Going through testing, no one knew of the tests except the command staff and Chief of State Organa Solo."

"Well enough of how Ackbar died, you wanted something?"

"Yes, Vice-Admiral Solo and Commodore Rogue, are teaming up to return to Earth. They want you, Colonel and Captain Antilles to join them."

"Join who?" Jen's voice punctuated the end of Sovv's words.

"Han and Rogue," Wedge replied.

"What do they want to do with us?"

"Go back to Earth."

"Well what are we waiting for, it's been ages since we've seen anyone from our past, and Rebecca's hardly met any of the RS crew."

"Okay, Commodore, you have your answer."

"Thank you Sir." Sovv stood up and left the room, Wedge heard the door close and turned round.

"Now I make good on that promise to Rogue."

* * * *

Wedge walked down the ramp of the shuttle with Rebecca to his left and Jen to his right. Rogue stood at the bottom.

"Go find your friends, you two," Wedge whispered to Jen and Rebecca. They split off and walked towards the exit. Rogue smiled and held out his hand.

"Welcome back old friend," he said.

"Who you calling old?" he retorted clamping the others hand.

"You're not so young anymore."

"You're not such a sapling yourself."

"You ever think we're too old to be doing this anymore?"

"Yeah, I did, 20 years ago. Not now though, retirement was too boring."

Rogue realized that he'd wanted to come back for a long time, but couldn't have asked, he had to have been given an opportunity, like this.

"So how's the ship?" Wedge asked

"This isn't the ship you knew, it's the fourth Ashleigh, the first was retired and the other two have been blown to oblivion in campaigns. I'm losing my touch."

"Tell me about it, can I have a rundown of the command structure of the military, please, it's been a long time."

"Well since Ackbar died, Madine was made Supreme Commander, Drayson stayed at Alpha Blue. Bel Iblis took my half of Director of Intel, Cracken kept the other. Crespin is DSCO, but I think General Solo might be appointed soon to replace him."

"Solo?"

"General Anakin Solo, son of..."

"Yeah, I know his background"

"Well something you might not know about him, he's Rogue Leader, a post you're somewhat familiar with. He's the best we've got and will probably ever have for a long time. I'm a little surprised Jania Solo didn't want the post but she and her brother have returned to the academy to teach full time."

"I see, who has command of the fleets?"

"Admiral Solo has the First, Commodore Sovv the Second, Commodore Brand the Third, Admiral Madine the Fourth, permanently assigned to Coruscant, Brigadier A'baht the Fifth and Bel Iblis the Sixth."

"The Sixth?"

"Yep, newly created, only a couple of years old. Brand new MD130 Mon Cal cruisers, Skate II class destroyers, W-Wing, E-Wing and K-Wing fighters."

"Okay" they started to walk to the exit "About that Skate II class..."

* * * *

Three hours later Rebecca left Wedge standing on the bridge of the newly commissioned Skate II Destroyer named the Jenna. She reported to take the position of XO of the ships three squadrons of E-Wings and one of X-Wings. The new style E-Wing fighters had not be available when her father had been a starfighter pilot, and the three squadrons, Drake, Long Live, Freedom were the best available. The X-Wing unit was Rogue. Her simulator records were unmatched, except by her CO, General Anakin Solo. She'd heard that this was because he was the only Jedi that was still in the ranks of the New Republic Military. His record was unmatched apart from one person, whom he would never beat, she was sure of that. That person was her father. Even though he didn't like to admit it, he was the best pilot that had ever lived. He'd survived the longest and was the only person to have survived two Death Star runs and had the most kills. She walked into Solo's office and saluted. The man sitting behind the desk still retained his boyish looks from his younger days although in his mid-thirties. He stood and returned her salute.

"Good day Sir. You requested my presence?"

"Yes, I wanted you to know which squadron you would like to join?"

"Well, sir. I was kinda hoping that I could join the Rogues."

"It's been too long since we had an Antilles in the Squadron, and I wasn't around when the last one was. Transfer accepted, Rogue Nine."

"Thank you Sir," she hesitated, Anakin saw it.

"I sense there was something else?"

"Yeah, well, I was also hoping that I could fly a sim against you."

"Certainly, when would you like to fly? We have a pretty long wait until we reach Earth, about a week and a half if I'm correct."

"Yes Sir. Anytime that is convenient for you Sir."

"Please, don't call me Sir. General if you want to be formal, Anakin any other time."

"Okay, Anakin," It felt strange calling a higher-ranking officer by his first name.

"About this sim, why not now?"

"Okay, I'll meet you in the complex in 10 minutes?"

"Certainly."

* * * *

When Rebecca was strapped into the simulator couch and the lid had closed, after she'd picked her craft, the BLT-A4 Y-Wing, she smiled. The Y-Wing, although a respected craft, was not up to dogfight standards, General Solo was in for a shock. As she suspected the craft he was flying was a standard T65 A3 X-Wing. The X-Wing immediately dived to try to come up from below her. She in turn did as much of a snaproll as you can do in a Y-Wing to port and pulled back on the stick. Solo wasn't put off by the lazy snaproll however and soon had acquired her as a target again. Her sensors showed laser light splashing over her rear shields. She re-inforced them with her laser energy. The unique thing about this Y-Wing however, was that it was a two seater, and with a little adjustment to the simulator program, she had managed to created a semi-intelligent autopilot system. It gathered information about where the last shots had arrived and moved accordingly. She pushed a switch and it engaged. Another switch took her into the gunner's seat in the Y-Wing. She swiveled the Ion Cannon and began firing on her target.

She flicked a switch that dropped an armed torp with no propulsion systems that she could detonate remotely. Through her viewport she could see the small blue torpedo, not registering to General Solo's sensors due to lack of propulsion, drop away from the Y-Wing. One and a half klicks away she detonated it virtually on top of General Solo's X-Wing. She triggered the Ion Cannon and blue bolts shot towards the unshielded front of the X-Wing. The lights flicked once, twice and then went out. After switching back to the cockpit, she vaped the frozen X-Wing with her lasers.

"Nice trick," Anakin's voice came out of no-where, "It had me fooled, how long you been working on the programming for it?"

"Since I found you were posted aboard the same ship as me. It worked on my Dad too."

"I'm not surprised, you couldn't dump an armed torp when he flew. It had to be dead, you still can't."

"I know, that's why I spent three years devising a mechanism that will dump a live torp. It works and is installed on my private X-Wing."

"Really, I'd like to see that. If you'll give me the plans, I'll relay them onto General Crespin."

By this time the screen had gone black and the lid had hinged upwards. Rebecca unstraped and got out. Anakin walked over to her and smiled.

"You know, I might just like you," he said with a laugh.

* * * *

Rebecca walked into Anakin's office, after three days of practice simming against him he was getting the sensor package to recognize the new threat. A small armed torpedo. She sat down in the chair opposite his desk.

"How's my newest XO coming along?" he asked.

"Fine, I'm getting to know the pilots well, and I think they respect me."

"Good, would you like to come over for dinner tonight?"

"Excuse me?

"Would you like to come over for dinner, my wife Tahiri is cooking."

"I'd love to."

"Good, invite you Father and Mother as well. I'd like to tell them how their daughter is progressing."

"Thank you Sir."

* * * *

Later that evening, wearing casual clothes, which seemed a bit strange, but her father had insisted she did, Rebecca was walking down the corridor towards the Solos' quarters. She hit the doorjamb and heard someone call her in. She opened the door and walked inside. In the room was a huge table set out for six people, six, Rebecca wondered who the sixth person was. She walked on in towards a doorway where a noise was emanating. Tahiri came out of the room.

"Good evening," she said, "How are you?"

"I'm fine thank you, is my father here?"

"Yes, Anakin's looking over those plans you gave him, your father and mother are with him. I'm preparing dinner. Would you like me to take you to him?"

"Yes, please."

Tahiri lead Rebecca through the doorway and then another into a little room where her father, mother, General and Admiral Solo were crowding round a little table covered with plans. Wedge looked up.

"Rebecca, I was wondering when you'd get here. I'd like to introduce you to Vice-Admiral Han Solo, father of General Anakin Solo and Jedi Masters Jania and Jacen Solo," he said.

"Pleased to meet the Captain who drew up these remarkable plan," Han said, offering his hand. Rebecca took it and smiled.

"Thank you Sir. You reputation is well know, my father talks a lot about you," she replied.

"Only the bad things I suppose."

"No, sir. He often talks..." she trailed off as she saw him wink ".... About how much he hates it when you ruffle his hair."

Han smiled and leaned over to ruffle Wedge's hair.

"Does he indeed?" he said.

"Yes, but you won't do it again," said Jen, imposing herself between Wedge and Han "You two are as bad as each other."

"Yeah, we always have been," laughed Wedge.

Tahiri's voice split the air, "Dinner's ready."

"Oh good," Han said, "I always liked your wife's cooking Ani."

"Yeah, I know. So do most people." he replied.

* * * *

Rogue sat on the bridge of the Ashleigh, the blue-white swirl of hyperspace was almost hypnotic if stared at long enough.

"Commodore?" Colonel Nefertite's voice filled his ears but didn't register, "Commodore?"

He awakened from his daydream.

"Sorry, yes Captain, what is it?"

"Sir, Major CelesTae in Engineering reports some strange anomalies in the hyperdrive."

"What kind of anomalies?"

"I don't know, she just mentioned that we're lagging behind the other ships considerably."

"How far behind?"

"It might be as much as 10 parsecs."

"Oh dear, wait a minute," he put his hand to his forehead in deep though, "While I was part of the Empire, I helped do some tests on releasing mines in hyperspace so they re-appeared in realspace. It didn't work due to the lack of a hyperdrive on the mines. Fighters, however, have a hyperdrive and so would be able to be released, drop out of hyperspace, and because they are faster than capital ships, beat the others to Earth."

"The only problem with that Sir, is that the pilots would have to spend 36 hours solid in the cockpit."

"I'll ask for volunteers and tell them that. If there's no-one willing, I'll go myself."

Rogue walked out of the bridge and made a call to all the pilots currently on station onboard the Ashleigh.

* * * *

In the briefing amphitheatre Rogue told the pilots about the mission. In the end Major BeckyLou and her wingman Lieutenant ObiWan volunteered. They reported to the hangar at once where their B-Wings were being loaded with supplies. Becky sat in her cockpit ready to launch her B-Wing, it floated up on repulsorlifts and moved forwards into the unknown.

* * * *

Rogue watched as the two lone fighters disappeared out of his view, obviously dropping out of hyperspace. He sat back and wished them luck.

* * * *

Becky had spent 35 hours in a cockpit and was beginning to get a cramp. She couldn't move more then to stretch a tiny amount and that was not sufficient to stop her muscles aching. She watched her chrono count down to zero then pulled back on the hyperdrive lever. The stars elongated then burst into pinpoints of light. A lone B-Wing appeared on her scope as Nova Four. Suddenly her scope was filled with numerous blue dots as the task force dropped out of hyperspace on top of them. Her comm burst to life.

"Unidentified B-Wing fighters, identify yourselves." Wedge's voice came though.

"Wedge, this is Nova Three and Nova Four off the Ashleigh. Her hyperdrive is malfunctioning and she's another week behind you."

"Becky? Well thank you for the info. Please come aboard, you must be sick of the cockpit."

"Thank you, Commodore." she said in relief.

Part Six: Back to Basics

"Commodore, sensors show three Goa'uld cruisers in orbit around Earth," Genty called from the sensor station.

"Thank you Major, confirm we are the only ships in sensor range of those cruisers. If so communicate with the Mon Remonda and give Admiral Solo the details." Wedge replied.

"Sir, Admiral Solo has not yet left the Jenna, I have orders that he is not to be disturbed."

"Let me guess, General Solo gave those orders."

"Yes Sir."

"Scramble all fighters except the K-Wing squads. Tell Tuke, I'm sorry but they'll get slaughtered. Put up the B-Wings up front, with all other ships behind, that will give them the element of surprise."

"Sir that only leaves five Squadrons to fire the first shots."

That was true enough, although Polearm, Gold, Supernova, Glory and Nova were experienced enough, they weren't up to dogfighting. They could deliver enough but were fragile craft with not much hull integrity.

"Leave it as it is. Tell the B-Wings to hit the fighters with their missiles, we have enough capital ships to take out those cruisers." Wedge replied.

"Yes Sir," said the officer on communications.

"Sensors, how long until we're in range?" Wedge asked.

"Three minutes Sir," Genty replied.

"Tell the Allegiance, Mon Remonda, Mon Karren and their escorts to go for cruiser one. The Rebel Dream, Mon Dendo, Star's Delight and their escorts to go for cruiser analog two..." An ISD and two Cal cruisers both of normal power, but with heavier escorts such as three Carrak class light cruisers and a Neb-B frigate. "...And the Jenna, Yavin, Mon Lenio and their escorts to go for cruiser analog three." This time a twice the six Skate II destroyer and two overpowered MonCal cruisers, with a smaller escort consisting of four Corellian Corvettes and a Skate II three quarters the size of the Jenna, named the Pride of Selonia.

"Sir?" asked Genty confused "Why leave out over half of the taskforce?"

"With only a few ships attacking, I'm guessing the Goa'uld will try to cause even damage between the ships in the hope of weakening them enough to win. If we incorporate all of the ships, they'll know they can't win and just try to completely destroy one of two ships. We did not come here to lose ships."

"Yes Sir."

* * * *

The three groups of capital ships moved gracefully towards the three Goa'uld cruisers. Ahead of then there were little flashes as the fighters met with the Goa'uld Death Gliders. At first there were minimal flashes of lasers and missiles, when suddenly more squadrons of New Republic fighters appeared from behind the first wave of Starfighter, a typical A-Wing slash. These new fighters filled the space around them with joules and joules of energy. Their combined laser fire quickly destroyed the Death Gliders. The huge capital ships were now in range and were determined not to be undermined by the smaller, but equally important battles of the fighters. Group one of the task force contained an ImpStar Deuce, Two MD130 MonCal SuperCruisers, five Skate Deuce destroyers, three Corellian Gunships and an aging Quasar Fire class bulk cruiser. These 12 ships' guns rumbled and turned towards the enemy cruiser, firing wave after wave of turbolasers and ion cannons at the cruiser. All the shots stopped short of the cruiser hitting shields.

* * * *

Wedge stared blankly at his monitor.

"I thought they didn't have shields that stopped turbolasers?" he cried.

"They didn't, last time we faced them, which was over twenty-six years ago," Genty replied.

"Okay, call in the rest of the fleet, it's going to get ugly."

"Yes Sir."

* * * *

Captain Kre'fey stood on the bridge of the ImpStar Deuce Liberator watching the battle going on down below his ship.

"Captain, there's a priority one message coming through, it's from the Jenna!" communications shouted.

"Isn't that Commodore Antilles' ship?" Kre'fey replied.

"Yes Sir. It's for the commander of our section. Voiceprint authorization required."

"Who is the commander?"

"That would be you Sir."

"Put it up here," the terminal infront of him activated, "Traest Kre'fey, Commander New Republic Fleet Command, and Captain of the Star Destroyer Liberator."

The terminal beeped and Wedge Antilles appeared.

"Captain, we require immediate assistance. Bring all your ships. I repeat we are in need of immediate assistance. Bring all ships." he said.

"Lieutenant, take us down, signal all ships to do the same. The cavalry will save the day. Launch all K-wing squadrons. Ask them to do as much damage as they can to those cruisers. Open fire at maximum range."

"Yes Sir," said the young lieutenant, obviously overjoyed at seeing some action.

* * * *

Wedge sat in the command chair on the bridge.

"Major, get me Admiral Solo, fast." he said.

"What about...?"

"Do it." Wedge cut him off, an edge clearly audible in his voice.

"Yes Sir."

Han appeared on the screen at Wedge's right hand.

"Yes?" he said.

"Sir, would you please come to the bridge immediately, we're in trouble."

"Trouble, what kind?"

"I'll explain when you get here."

"On my way."

* * * *

The Ashleigh moved slowly through hyperspace, slowly that is compared to any other type of capital ship, but quickly compared to sub-light speeds. Rogue was sick of waiting, this trip would already take longer than expected, and he wasn't looking forward to another week in hyperspace. He hoped that all was going smoothly on Earth and that all his friends and comrades were safe, when in fact they were fighting for their lives. He wished that his ship would hurry up. It was factory new so he shouldn't have expected so much from it. The hyperdrive was prone to failing sometimes in long trips and all the bugs had not yet disappeared from the system. The engines still had the baby's squeal, but were slowly changing to the low thrum that was expected from the sub-light engines. He wished that he were already at Earth, although what he didn't know was that some people who were there wished they weren't.

* * * *

Over thirty capital ships made up the task force assaulting the Goa'uld ships, but not one of their shots got through and some ships like the small Corvettes and Gunships were stating to show the worst for wear. Even the great Calamari Cruisers, which were so reliable in battle, were beginning to falter, as their greatest weakness came into play. Their systems were notoriously difficult to fix without the resources of a shipyard, and it was showing. They're damaged systems and weaponry were not coming back online as they should be in any other class of ships and although they were one of the most heavily armed ships in the task force, Wedge was seriously considering to pull them out of they engagement. If they lost any of those ships, Fleet Command was going to have his and Han's heads on a platter. Han ran into the bridge and skidded to a halt next to Wedge. He looked over the tactical display and grimaced as it showed the Pride of Selonia, a similar ship to the Jenna blow up.

"What tactic are you using?" Han asked.

"We're concentrating our fire and one spot trying to get through." Wedge replied.

"Okay, change of tactic." He looked around the room just as the ship shuddered.

"Damage report!" Han and Wedge bellowed at the same time.

"Heavy casualties in engineering, our shields are weakening along the ridge line," someone shouted.

"Re-inforce them, quickly." he replied.

"Belay, that Captain, don't spare the power, our armor can take heavy hits before it buckles." Wedge said quickly.

"Major," Han said, "Order all of our MonCal cruisers to retreat and find away around the back of those Goa'uld ships."

"Yes Sir."

"Captain? You have medical training do you not?"

"Yes Sir," Jen replied, "Why?"

"Get down to the medical facility, you're not needed up here."

Wedge nodded at her.

"At once, Sir."

"Communicate with the Liberator, Emancipator, Eviscerator and Allegiance. Tell them to proceed with an Ackbar Slash. Let's see how those Goa'uld cope with this," Han said looking at Wedge. He saw the four Star Destroyers move between two of the cruisers, and just before the Goa'uld ships fired a salvo at them, they drove downwards. The enemy cruisers fired and could not stop their shots as they went racing towards the friendly ship next to it. The golden plasma broiled into the unshielded cruisers' hulls and after a moment of concentrated fire from the Star Destroyers, they exploded.

"Good, they were concentrating their shields in one or two key areas to stop your combined fire," Han said with a smile, "are those MonCals in position yet?"

"Yes Sir."

"All except the MonCals fire on this point on my mark, order the MonCals to fire at the exact same place just on the opposite side of the ship 30 seconds later. I hope this works."

"Done, Sir."

"Mark," the deck rumbled beneath his feet as the gun opened up on the spot, as expected the shields stopped the shots. Suddenly strange plasma balls shot out of the cruiser, not at the main force, but at the MonCal Cruisers, the relatively un-shielded MonCals due to damage. Not that it would have mattered. The plasma ball shot through the shields and impacted on the hull. All 20 MonCal cruisers stopped all activity and began to drift.

"Sir, gtting a report from the cruisers. They have progressive system failure, weapons, sensors, shields, propulsion and communications. That was all I got, sir," The comm officer said.

"In the name of the Sith, what happened to those ships?" Han asked Wedge.

"I dunno, probably some piece of EMP technology. But what are we going to do..."

He was cut off by Genty, "Sir, sensors show..."

"Major, please, I'm busy," Wedge replied.

"But the Ashleigh just entered system directly aft of the Goa'uld ship."

"Communicate with Rogue," Wedge said, "Tell him to pump that cruiser in the aft until he runs out of power."

Yes Sir."

We may just," Wedge said confidently, "have won this engagement."

* * * *

The Ashleigh's guns poured turbolaser shot after turbolaser shot into the unshielded aft end of the Goa'uld ship. Rogue was delighted to see the ship begin to split apart, when a rolling fireball consumed it. Self-destruct. The ship had destroyed itself rather than leave salvageable bits. A cheer erupted on the bridge and Rogue was sure, it was like this on the other ships.

* * * *

Later that day with Rogue, Ace and Nova squadrons as an escort, three Lambda class shuttles entered the atmosphere. Renegade, Tyderium and Free Spirit all curved gently down towards the location of the secret airport where they had stored their fighters last time they were here. It was gone, along with Cheyenne Mountain. They then proceeded to lock onto the largest area of population and flew towards it. It was located roughly a half klick from where Washington DC had originally stood. In the place that used to be Washington, there was a lot of rubble and a few lifesigns. The only human ones they could find. All the others were, Rogue's heart sank as he read this, Goa'uld. On the screen of the shuttle the info said. Earth, population roughly 760 billion, about 99.99% Goa'uld, 0.01% Human.

* * * *

They landed in an open space in the middle of what had been DC. They command crew of each of the shuttles, which was 12 in total, plus the 72 pilots, crowded the open space. All were armed, most with blaster carbines, which had been brought down in Renegade, others with modified blasters and blaster rifles. Han Solo stood on top of a mound of rubble.

"We know there are some humans on this planet and that most are quite near us. We need to find them. Split up into parties of six and let's move out," he shouted.

Becky walked over towards General Solo and her father. Jen and Genty joined them, as did Tahiri with her lightsabre. She'd come down on the Free Spirit. Wedge shucked his blaster carbine and then nodded to Solo, he walked off in the direction of the elder Solo with Jen. Rebecca Antilles joined their group, as did Commodore Viper.

Wedge, Han, Jen, Rogue, Ash, Neith, Acid and Nef, the only group of eight, walked through the deserted streets. They saw a group of downed humans and rushed over to help them. There were nine injured and three dead. Wedge picked up a small girl with burns all down her right side and carried her back to the shuttles where they had medical equipment. Rogue supported a man with a hole in his stomach, probably caused by a staff weapon. He hobbled back to the shuttles while the others collected the other injured humans and brought them back.

* * * *

Later that day, when the humans were on their way back to health with the help of a bacta tank the Mon Remonda had shipped down, Rogue, Neith and Wedge decided to ask them about the other humans and whether they could find them. The first human they interviewed was a large stocky man with bark brown hair, called Yinm.

"Do you know anything about another group of humans, humans who appose the invaders?" Rogue asked.

"Yes, the Rebels, they still hold a ranking system within them, they ask for help from the Tok'ra, of which four of us are members. My host's name is Selmac."

Rogue's gut went cold as he heard that name, which could mean only one thing, General Carter was dead.

"What do the Tok'ra do?" Wedge asked before Rogue could speak

"We are asked to patrol to find any people from the sky and with them the one known as General Rogue."

"The Rebels," Wedge pressed on, "Were they always called that or did they used to have a different name?"

"I do not know of one, but Selmac says they used to be called the Stargate Command," Yinm replied

"Where can we find the Rebels?" asked Rogue, his voice no more that a low whisper. Jacob Carter had been one of his closest friends in the SGC.

"They take camp in the old ruins, know before as the White House."

Wedge ran off towards the nearest shuttle.

"Thank you, you've been a great help, you may just have saved your people."

"I would ask you only one thing. If any of the Tok'ra come close to dying, please, find them new hosts. We are already too few."

"I can't promise anything but I will try."

"Thank you," he fell asleep on the spot.

* * * *

Rogue walked over to where Wedge was examining the readout from the Ashleigh.

"Yep, there are huge amounts of human life forms around the White House, some are deep underground though," Wedge said.

"Good, how far away is it?"

"About 70 klicks north of our current position. Best bet is speeder bikes. But I wouldn't recommend leaving the shuttles or fighters alone."

"Okay, we'll fly there. You put in a call?"

"Yeah, Acid just did."

"Sir," the gravely voice of a Mon Cal came over the comlink, "one of the humans has gone into cardiac arrest. We can't get him into bacta fast enough to save him."

"On our way," Rogue replied.

They ran together round the shuttle towards the medical shuttle and skidded to a halt beside the Mon Cal and a stretcher.

"Oh, no," Rogue gasped, "It's one of the Tok'ra!"

"We can't do anything."

"We have to, I promised Yinm we'd try to save them."

"We can't do anything."

"But…"

"Rogue, look out," Wedge suddenly shouted, drawing his blaster. Rogue the full brunt of a staff weapon blast in his side, which knocked him over. Acid, Genty and Nef came running. They picked up Rogue and then themselves got grazed or hit by weapon blasts. All of the other Rogue's in the clearing ran over and started a continual stream of laser blasts. All of the Goa'uld went down and medics came over to Rogue and carried them off towards waiting bacta tanks.

* * * *

The pilots crowded round her, wanting to know where Rogue was.

"Commodore Rogue," she said, "is in no fit state to command our unit, which is why command has been handed over to Commodore Viper."

"What?" Viper exclaimed.

"You're in command until Rogue is fit again."

"Oh, that's all right, I though it was something bad," He walked over towards Neith and then on into the Renegade to see Rogue.

Part Seven: All's not too well

Viper sat with Wedge and Neith near the group of RS personnel that were on the inactive list. Rogue, Acid, Nef and Genty had all sustained wounds fighting the Goa'uld.

"We need to find new leaders in RS, our CO, Captain of the Ashleigh, Head of and Chief of Intel are down and we don't know when they'll be fit again," Viper said.

"Woah, slow down a bit Vipe," Wedge said, "I mean, sure, we can handle all the admin stuff and capital ship piloting, but we're also down people because they don't want to return, and would prefer to stay on-station in the ships."

"Like who?" Neith asked suspiciously.

"Like Anakin, that means we need a new head of Special Ops. Like Tycho, although he won't admit it and I would, if I were still flying, we need to fill more slots than you think. Tycho would like to stay, but on the reserve roster. We're too old for combat."

"Glad you agree," Viper replied, "How many slots exactly do we need to fill?"

"I'm guessin' about 30 to 35."

"What, that's preposterous, how do you get that?" Neith asked.

"Well, there's the CO spot..."

"Filled," Viper said.

"...All the commandos, none of them are up to it anymore..."

"You asked them?" again Viper interrupted.

"Yes, ...some of the pilots like Tycho, Becky and Smoke probably, plus the Captain and First officer spots on the bridge of the Ashleigh, need I go on?"

"No, not really, you got anyone in mind?" Neith asked.

"Traest Kre'fey is a Bothan commander, current captain of the Liberator. I know he's not a Rogue, but he's an outstanding captain, and I think he'd be a real asset to us."

"Kre'fey...where have I heard that name before?" Viper asked.

"He's Borsk Fey'lya's cousin."

"Ah, yes, the great Councillor," Viper breathed, his voice full of sarcasm.

"I see there's no love lost between you two," Neith chuckled.

"That's not the point," Wedge put in before Viper could retort.

"Yes, of course."

* * * *

Rebecca Antilles was in her tent, which she'd erected using one of the S-Foils of her X-Wing, when General Solo entered.

"General" she started, standing up and hitting her head on the laser cannon "Ouch" she rubbed her head.

"Are you okay?" Anakin asked.

"I'm fine, thank you."

"I'd just like to congratulate you on your new assignment, although I'll be sorry to see you leave Rogue Squadron."

"What?" she said in surprise, "I didn't know I had a new post, anyway, I'd never want to leave the Rogues."

"So you don't know that you've been offered a place in Rogue Squad?"

"What the one based on the Ashleigh? No I didn't."

"Oh, okay, I thought that your father'd already told you?"

"I haven't seen him all day, and besides, I'm staying with the Rogues whatever."

"Well, that's good, you're a superb pilot and a great asset to Rogue Squadron."

"Thank you, Sir."

Anakin stood up and left and at that exact same moment Jen rushed in.

"I've been sent to tell you that..." she gasped.

"I know mum, and I've turned it down," Rebecca replied.

"How do you know?"

"General Solo told me."

"Oh, okay then, I'll tell you father."

"I'll tell him mum, I'll come with you."

"Okay."

* * * *

Wedge sat contemplating Rebecca's reasons for not joining them and agreed in full. The only reason he'd come in the first place, was because he kept landing desk jobs or jobs on a capital ship. Not that he minded the role of Commanding Officer of a capital ship, but he'd much prefer flying. Who out of the pilots he knew wouldn't? All of them, now way into their late forties, were all too old to be flying in combat. He sighed and got on with his paper work.

* * * *

Later that day Viper, Neith and Wedge walked down towards where they knew the Rebels to be based. Half way down they were stopped by three people in what looked to be ragged USAF uniforms.

"Hi," Viper said casually.

"What do you want?" growled one of the men.

"We'd like to see General Hammond, if that's possible."

"That's not possible."

"Why not?"

"He's dead, those stinking Goa'uld killed him."

"Who's in charge then?" asked Neith.

"Generals O'Neill and Carter."

"Take us to see them," said Wedge.

"I can't do tha..."

Wedge drew his blaster and pointed at the men, Viper and Neith did the same.

"Look buster," Wedge said, "I've has a real bad day, so just take us to Jack and Sam and we'll all be done with."

"Jack and Sam? How'd you know the General's first names?"

"We're old friends," replied Viper.

The three USAF personnel reluctantly opened a hatch buried in the debris and pointed the three New Republic officers down it. Viper stepped down and then Neith jumped in. Wedge kept his blaster trained on the three USAF people as he stepped off backwards and landed with a roll. The three of them walked down a brightly-lit corridor until they reached a door with Carter and O'Neill written on it. Viper pushed it open and walked in. Sam Carter sat behind a desk in the middle of the room while Jack O'Neill stood with his back facing them.

"Hi," Viper said.

"Hello, do we know you?" Carter replied.

"You did do."

"Really, I was under the impression that you wanted nothing to do with us when you didn't send help when we were attacked," Jack replied calmly.

"We did not send any help because all it would have done would have been to alienate ourselves even more from NSA and other groups," said Neith, the real diplomat in this situation. Viper was here mainly to assess their tactical situation, and Wedge because he knew what New Republic ships were available at the time.

"We really couldn't have helped in any way at all. We could only have spared two, maybe three ships to come to aid you, and they would have been pretty small," Wedge said.

"Why?" asked Carter.

"Well, because you are not actually a member of the New Republic, and our mission here was only to assess the threat the Goa'uld posed to us, any help offered could only have been personal ships, like the Ashleigh and our fighters." Viper replied.

"Can we join now?" asked Carter.

"I'm afraid not," said Neith, "Since you are the minority in population we can't accept you into full membership, however we can extend our hand as an ally for we have permission from the Inner Council. So if you come under threat we will protect you."

"Thank you" Jack said, "It's good to see you again."

"It's good to see you too," said Viper.

* * * *

Outside near the shuttles three Jaffa strode in on four people playing Sabacc. The killed them instantly but noisily. Wedge heard the noises from inside and ran out, drawing his blaster as he went. Three of the Commandos from Alpha group had already taken out one, but the other two had called for help before being shot by Wedge and Wookie. Wedge looked at the General.

"Nice shooting."

"Thank you, Sir," Wookie replied.

"Round up as many people as you can and arm them with Carbines, pistols anything you can find that will kill Jaffa."

"Yes Sir."

"And Wookie?"

"Yes?"

"Don't call me Sir, it bugs me."

"Okay."

Wookie ran off and Wedge walked over to where Rogue and the other RS personnel and Tok'ra were. Jen was standing over them and looked worried.

"What's wrong?" Wedge asked

"They haven't regained consciousness yet, but they should have done."

As if to punctuate her words Rogue emitted a groan and sat up.

"What a headache," he said.

* * * *

Wedge ran over to Viper and tapped him on the shoulder.

"We need to get out of here!' he said.

"I know that, it's just that could we take the SGC with us?' Viper replied.

Wedge frowned and thought about it.

"We might be able to fit the Stargate in one of the hangars, but there's the problem of powering it. Unless of course you're planning to steal the other Stargate and the DHD?'

"Well, that would be a possibility…"

"No it wouldn't, we'd have to assault a Goa'uld base, then bring in a tug to carry the Stargate and get it out again without any losses. As the New Republic Commander of this operation I can't do that, we'd take too many losses. I'm sorry Vipe."

"Yeah well so am I! I can use RS personnel though?"

"Of course, you can use your own resources and petition to have a tug, but it's not very likely you'll get it."

"Wedge, can't you just overlook protocol for the moment?"

"Viper, this is my command on the line. I was assigned as liaison to Admiral Solo for the duration of our stay on Earth, I can't just ignore that. Short of asking Han, there's not much I can do."

"Well can't you ask Admiral Solo? The worst thing he could do would be to say no."

"That's what I'm afraid of."