Wes Janson walked from the New Republic Military Headquarters heading for his apartment he shared with his longtime friend Derek "Hobbie" Klivian. He looked around him, whistling as he went, checking out the women walking by.

A particularly beautiful, auburn haired young woman caught his eye. He couldn't help but check her out. Something about her, however, seemed very familiar. She was getting out of a cab in front of the NR Headquarters. Perhaps she needs some help, he thought to himself as he wandered over.

Rachel looked from the datapad in her hand back up to the building in front of her. She couldn't believe she'd actually gotten this far. Turning, she handed a credit chit to the cab driver. The creature grinned and tore off into traffic, leaving Rachel and her luggage behind.

"Good afternoon, miss," a voice said from behind her. "May I help you with your luggage?"

She spun around to see a handsome man in a flightsuit lifting her bags into his arms. Her eyebrow raised, "I guess I can't refuse when you already have picked them up."

Wes grinned, "My name's Wes. Are you joining the Academy?"

Rachel nodded. "This semester."

"Ah, well then I'll show you where you need to go. Just follow me." With a light step, he turned and headed in the door.

The young woman could only sigh and follow.

After getting her to registration and waiting until she was assigned quarters, Wes helped her carry her luggage there. "So, where are you from?"

"Tierfon."

He stopped dead in his tracks. Rachel continued on towards her room. When she noticed a lack of sound behind her, she looked over her shoulder. "Problem?"

He blinked and closed his mouth before shaking his head. "Nope, not at all. I was stationed there once."

"Ah. By the looks of you, I'd bet you were once one of the Yellow Aces."

"'Looks of' me?"

Rachel looked through her bangs. "You're not exactly a spring cluck."

He dropped her bags and clutched his chest dramatically. "Oh, that wounds me."

She laughed. "Oh come on, you're old enough to be my father."

"Nerfsith," he said with a wink. "But that shouldn't dissuade you from having dinner with me, no?"

She put her hands on her hips, a move she'd seen her mother do a thousand times. "Are you asking me out on a date," she asked.

He shrugged. "Could be." A mischievous grin crossed his face.

"In that case," she said as she shifted her hips slightly. "Pick up those bags and bring them into my room."

Several months passed as Wes and Rachel began to get to know each other better. They realized they had so much in common. Even Hobbie had said that it was like being around twins, except one being MUCH prettier than the other. Wes had thanked Hobbie for the compliment as Rachel laughed.

Currently, Wes sat slumped on the couch, feet propped on the coffee table, flipping channels. Rachel was now quite immersed in her classes. The only time they had to spend together was on weekends. Wes was going through major separation anxiety. "Seven hundred channels and there's nothing on," he muttered.

"Quit moping," Hobbie said as he came from his room. "Why don't you come with me over to the rec room."

"Why?"

"Because you and I are scheduled for sim training this afternoon." He tossed a datapad into Wes's lap.

Wes picked up the pad and scanned it. A bright smile crossed his face. "Newbie training."

"Yes, newbie training. So, get off your butt and get moving."

The two friends headed for the rec room to work out before the training session. It wasn't long before it was time to teach. They moved into the sim room as the students began to trickle in.

Wes smiled as he saw Rachel enter. "Hi cutie," he whispered as he moved to her side.

"Major," she said with an embarrassed smile. "This is a professional environment."

He pouted for a moment before slipping a stoic look on his face. "You're right. Now, go get into your assigned sim pod and we'll get started." He gave her a wink as she walked off.

Rachel grinned as she moved to a pod. "What was that all about," asked Sh'aken.

She looked over at the Twi'lek with a grin. "Oh nothing. I just can't wait for mom to get here so she can meet him."

The blue-skinned girl looked at her strangely. "You're really hooked on the Major?"

"I've never felt this way before, Sh'a. He's so kind and funny and child-like."

Sh'aken rolled her eyes. "Yep, you've lost it."

"Maybe, but if I'm lost, I don't want to be found." Rachel smiled and climbed into the simpod.

By the end of the sim, there were only three ships left. Hobbie, Chalan, a Defel, and, surprisingly, Rachel. Wes was thoroughly impressed since it had been Rachel who took him down. "That was total nerfsith, but she got me good."

Hobbie nodded. "She's a damn good pilot."

"She reminds me of me when I was her age, too."

Hobbie sighed and shook his head. "Please, don't scare me any more than I already am."

The two friends laughed as the young girl came up to them. "That was fun!"

"It sure was," Hobbie said. "I've never seen anyone take Wes down so quick."

"That was you," she said in surprise. "Nerfsith."

Wes nodded. "It was me."

She grinned from ear to ear and pumped a fist into the air. "Yes!"

Hobbie chuckled at her display. "Well, I've got to get everyone else their scores. I'll talk to you later." He wandered off towards the rest of the students.

The couple stood looking into each other's eyes, soft smiles playing across their faces. Rachel finally spoke first, "So, my mom is coming in for the Victory Day celebration to visit."

"Yeah?"

"I was hoping you might come with me to the platform when she arrives." She looked down at the floor nervously.

Wes blinked. "You want me... you... meet your mother?" He was in shock. Most women he dated didn't have mothers, or they were so far away that before it came to that point he'd already broken up with them.

She playfully slapped his shoulder. "Yes silly. She's heard so much about you already."

"But..."

"You don't want to meet her?"

"Of course, but... Are you busy tonight?" He quickly changed the subject.

She narrowed her eyes at him for a moment. "No."

"Have dinner with me." He took her hands. "Just the two of us. You and me."

She looked deep in his eyes. "Oh Wes..." She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.

Wes was in heaven. Tonight was going to be the best night of his life. He deepened their kiss, putting his entire soul into it. They parted and he grinned. "Wait here," he told her as he reluctantly pulled away.

She smiled as she watched him move towards Hobbie. She had a feeling that tonight was going to be very special.

He moved up to his best friend and pressed something in his hand. "I need you to go out tonight," he whispered.

"Huh?" Hobbie looked confusedly towards his hand.

"Go out. Find a nice girl to take to dinner. Stay at her place."

"Wes..."

"Please, Hobs," he begged. "I need the apartment tonight."

Hobbie looked into his friends eyes before looking across at Rachel. They wore matching smiles. "Ok, but can I go get a change of clothes first?"

He nodded. "Yeah, sure. I've got to go to the grocers first anyway."

"You're going to cook," Hobbie said flatly.

"Yeah. Is there a problem?"

"No. I'll just put the medbay on alert." He grinned broadly.

"I'm not that bad a cook," Wes said in his defense.

"Right." Hobbie glanced at the cred in his hand and raised an eyebrow. "You're sure about this," he said as he held out the cred chit.

"Absolutely," he replied without looking down.

"Ok." Hobbie pocketed the five hundred cred chit and moved out of the room.

"So, I look down to see that he's just given me a five hundred credit chit." Hobbie sat back and took another sip of Corellian whisky.

"Five hundred? Is he insane?" Myn leaned forward and poured himself another glass.

"Just in love," Tycho replied as he sat back with his glass.

"He's old enough to be her father," Wedge commented.

Hobbie laughed. "With as much alike as they are, I wouldn't be surprised if he is her father."

The others joined in the laughter. "Yeah, like Wes would get any woman pregnant," Myn said. "He can't even get a date!"

"Look who's talking," Wedge smiled over his glass.

The younger man looked at his commanding officer in confusion before bursting out in laughter. He laughed so hard he fell from his chair.

"I think the Lieutenant has had enough," Tycho slurred.

"You think?"

"Only when I have to," Tycho grinned. "Winter does that enough for me."

Wedge laughed heartily. "Nerfsith. She's the one who expects you to do the thinking."

"Does she?" He raised an eyebrow as his eyes twinkled in mischief.

"Boy, the nerfsith is flowing," Hobbie said as he downed the last of the whisky in his glass. "I best get this young man out of it before he drowns." He leaned over to pull Myn to his feet. The younger man was still giggling. "Come on, Myn. Let's get you back to your quarters."

"Hobbie? Why do they call you Hobbie? That's such a silly nickname." Myn cackled and passed out in Hobbie's arms.

"If you think I'm going to eat that, you're very much mistaken." Rachel looked down at the pile of... well, she had no idea what it was.

"But I cooked it myself," he whined.

"Wesley Janson," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Where's the real food."

"That is the real food," he said in all seriousness. Hobbie had been right. He was definitely not a cook. "There's a great Ithorian restaurant down the street that delivers."

She pushed the plate aside and looked up at him. "That sounds perfect."

Fifteen minutes later, they had two huge plates of steamed vegetables with a roast cluck. "Mm, this is much better," Rachel said as she reached for the glass of Alderaanian wine Wes had somehow procured.

"It looks better, that's for sure." He smiled as he watched her eat. Sure, he was twice her age, but she was everything he'd ever looked for in a woman.

They ate in silence for a while before Rachel spoke again. "I always thought I'd be alone at Starfighter Command. Afraid, actually, that I wouldn't make any friends, that I'd be an outcast coming from a former Imperial base."

He looked at her in a new light. This young woman was afraid. Sure, he'd actually been afraid on occasion, but always joked himself out of it. "I'm glad you aren't," he said not knowing what else to say.

She smiled at him. "Me too." Putting her plate on the caf table, she slid closer to him. "And I'm really glad I met you." Her voice was quiet and husky.

Wes was shaking. Literally. His plate clattered to the floor as she came closer. He couldn't believe it. Usually he made the first move.

Their lips touched in a sweet kiss that quickly grew deeper. He let her push him back on the couch, lowering herself on top of him. Her hands roamed his chest as his roamed her back. They kissed again.

Rachel began to unbutton his shirt, wanting desperately to get to his bare skin. She was pleased when she heard him moan her name as she placed a trail of kisses down his chest.

Wes was in heaven. He wasn't about to rush her, but she sure was rushing for him. Her lips were so soft. He could feel the tightening in his pants. If he didn't get them off soon, he was sure they would be ruined one way or another.

She felt the pressure as well and deftly undid his pants. He let out a slight moan at the release and looked in her eyes. At first, he thought he might see fear in them, but two deep blue eyes of mischief stared back. "Would," he started, his voice cracking. He cleared his throat. "Would you like to go somewhere more comfortable?"

She nodded and began to lift herself off of him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back. Without any strain, he stood and moved to the bedroom, her body wrapped around his.

Rachel was sitting on the couch watching a holo when Hobbie came in. She had to stifle her laughter. "What happened to you," she asked as he stumbled through.

He was wearing a bright orange hat with a purple and pink stripped shirt and bright yellow shorts. "Damn last time I do that," he muttered.

"Do what?" She wasn't going to let him get off with a half-muttered explanation.

"I spent the night in Myn's room last night. He'd gotten a little drunk, so I escorted him home. Well, he decided to relieve his stomach on me. This was the only set clothes he had that would fit."

The laughter she'd been holding back spilled out. "You look liked you come from Agamar," she said.

"Yeah, well, it wouldn't be a first." He stumbled into his room and closed his door.

A few moments later, Wes emerged from his room. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Rachel wearing the shirt he'd had on the previous evening. "Good morning, love," he said as he kissed the top of her head in passing.

"You missed it," she said with a grin still plastered on her face.

"Missed what?"

She looked towards Hobbie's room. "I'm betting he came in and went right to sleep."

Wes's brow furrowed and he jerked his thumb towards the door. "Him?"

She nodded. He went over and palmed open the door. Rachel had been right. Hobbie lay face first on the bed still dressed in the ridiculous outfit. He closed the door before laughing. "What happened to him?"

"Myn threw up on him and those were the only clothes he could find."

Wes was still guffawing. "I cannot believe he went outside dressed like that!"

She giggled and grabbed his arm. "Me either, but I'd rather have you undressed and over here." With a pull, she made him fall over the back of the couch, landing in her lap. "Thanks for last night," she whispered in his ear.

"It's not over yet," he replied with a grin as he wrapped his arms around her in a deep, lingering kiss.

Victory Day was just a few days away. Rachel's mother was due to arrive in just a couple of hours. Why was Wes so nervous? He sat with Rachel in her room as she cleaned. "So, what about your dad?"

"I never knew him," she replied. "He died before I was born."

"I'm sorry. It must have been hard for you two."

"Yeah, well, we managed." She shrugged off his words. "Now tell me, which outfit should I wear?" She held up two spring dresses, one in a lavender and one in yellow.

"That one," he replied pointing to the yellow dress. "Yellow brings out the blue in your eyes." He reached out and pulled her close to give her a kiss.

She giggled as they broke the kiss. "As soon as I get dressed, I'll be ready to go." She started to unzip her flightsuit in front of him, but thought better of it. "No, if I do that, we'll never get my mom picked up."

Wes's eyes sparkled in mischief. "Aw, but I wanted to watch!"

She moved towards the 'fresher. "Not this time!" She returned a short time later and spun around to show off the dress. "What do you think?"

He stood and grabbed her about the waist. "You look good enough to eat."

"Later," she said teasingly. "Mom first, sex later."

He pouted in that childlike manner of his which made her laugh. "Oh, all right," he said as he kissed her on the nose. "Let's go pick up your mom."

They caught a cab to the commercial docking bay and found the pad where her ship was due to land. Wes kept an arm around her the entire time. He wasn't about to let her go.

As they waited on the ship, they stood close and talked about the plans they had made for Victory Day. Wes leaned forward and kissed her. His eyes scanned behind them as he noted quite a few people heading their way. The ship must have finally arrived.

He caught sight of an auburn haired woman heading towards him. His heart stopped. This woman he knew from long ago, a lifetime ago. Someone's lifetime, at least.

"What is it," she asked as he stiffened. She turned and smiled. "Mom!" She waved her arm to get her attention.

Wes nearly fainted when the woman he'd seen moved their way. He wanted to fade into the crowd and run away. Unfortunately, Rachel had a good grip on his hand.

Her mother stopped short when she saw who was with her daughter. Rachel's brow furrowed in confusion. She turned at looked at Wes, who currently looked like a trapped rabbit whose only instinct was to run. "Do... do you two know each other," she asked uncertainly.

Wes finally recovered. "Hello Jysella."

"I thought you died at Yavin," she said flatly.

He shook his head. "Almost. I'm sorry." He didn't even flinch when she slapped him.

Rachel watched them in horror. "Mom?" She looked at her mother in confusion.

"I cannot believe this," Jysella said. "Your own daughter."

That clicked. Wes's jaw dropped and Rachel paled. "Mother, you must be joking."

She continued to ignore her daughter. Her eyes bored holes into Wes. "You didn't write, you didn't comm. Nothing. I thought you were dead. And now this!" She gestured towards Rachel. "Couldn't you even tell? She is so much like you."

Tears filled Wes's eyes. "I'm sorry," he said again. A group of people passed by and he swiftly slipped into the throng, disappearing from sight.

Wedge looked up from his terminal as the door to his office opened. Wes slipped in and quickly closed the door behind him. "Can I help you, Major?"

Wes looked up, tear stains on his face. "Wedge, we need to talk. I'm in trouble."

"When aren't you in trouble, Wes," he replied going back to his work.

Wes reached over and turned Wedge's terminal off. "This is serious."

The Commander sat in shock for a moment before turning to look at his longtime friend. He noticed how red his eyes were. "Have you been... crying?"

The Major dropped into a chair and put his head in his hands. "This is really, really bad, Wedge. I really screwed up this time, literally."

"Why don't you start from the beginning," Wedge said as he leaned back. "And I thought you were supposed to be with Rachel meeting her mother at the landing bay."

"That's the problem. Remember when I was with the Yellow Aces on Tierfon?"

Wedge nodded.

"I met a woman there. So incredible. We got along just great. She had the most beautiful auburn hair and deep blue eyes."

"You sound like you're describing Rachel."

Wes winced. "I'm describing her mother."

"So, you knew her mother when you were stationed on Tierfon."

"Wedge... I not only knew her mother, but I KNEW her mother. Intimately."

The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. "Intimately."

"Very intimate. Anyway, it wasn't long after that when I went to Yavin and got sick. I... at that time I didn't remember anything about Tierfon. You know how bad the fever ravages your mind. And after that, we were on the run for four years. I had no time to think."

He took a deep, shuddering breath before continuing. "She thought I died at Yavin. I mean, everyone else did except you, farmboy and Solo. It's no wonder she thought that. Hoth, I hadn't thought about her until I saw her coming across the landing bay."

Wedge nodded. He kept silent, waiting for Wes to finish. He had his suspicions, but Wes was going to have to confirm them.

"Anyway, Jysella, that's her name, walks up and slaps me. Then she starts going on about how I should have known. And she's right. I should have."

"Known what," Wedge asked, though he knew the answer.

"Rachel is my daughter."

"Sithspawn," Wedge finally said. "No offense."

"None taken, especially when it's true. Damnit, Wedge, I had sex with my own daughter! What the hell kind of person does that?"

"You didn't know, Wes. Have you talked to them yet?"

He shook his head. "I just let Jysella berate me. Damn, in front of Rachel. She let me have it and I took it. I deserved every word."

"But you didn't know. Now calm down and go think it over. You need to talk to them. If not together, then separately. I'm sure Rachel is confused."

"I'm sure she'll never want to talk to me again."

"Nerfsith. Now get the hell out of my office and go talk to Rachel. I don't want to see you again until after you do."

"Yes sir," he muttered as he got to his feet. Turning, he slowly made his way from Wedge's office.

"Mother, would you just shut up," Rachel said before downing the rest of her drink. "It's your own damn fault."

"My fault?! And just how is it my fault?" Jysella slammed her glass on the table.

"You never once looked for him. You always assumed he had died at Yavin. And you obviously didn't remember his name."

Her mother's hand quickly came across the table to slap her across the face. "How dare you talk to me like that! I am your mother."

Rachel didn't flinch. "And you're drunk. Mother, why did you never tell me his name?"

The older woman began to cry. "Everyone died at Yavin, dear. I knew your father... he's a damn good pilot. You get that from him, you know. Only three fighters came out of the Death Star alive. Your father's name was never mentioned. How could I not think he was dead?"

"Granted, but you still never told me his name."

"I thought it would be better that you not know. The Empire was so strong. If they even thought you or I were a part of the Rebellion...

"I did it because I love you, Rachel."

"You love me? Nerfsith! He loves me more than you ever did. And he didn't know I am his daughter." She looked over and saw her mother with her head on her arms crying softly. "Come on, let's get you to the hotel. We can talk about this after you've calmed down." She helped Jysella to her feet and together they left the bar.

Rachel entered her room and tossed her jacket on the chair next to the door. She sighed deeply then screamed.

Wes quickly stood up from where he was sitting on the bed and covered her mouth. "Sh, I'm sorry I startled you."

Her blue eyes stared deeply into his. After he removed her hand, she put her hands on her hips. "Why are you here?"

"I... I wanted to apologize." The words were the hardest in his life to ever say. "I didn't know and..."

She lay a finger over his lips. "Don't. You couldn't ever know because she didn't try. She never once told me your name."

He looked at her in confusion.

"Wes.... Dad. It's ok. Now, go home and get some sleep. We'll talk again tomorrow." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "I love you," she whispered in his ear as she turned him towards the door.

Reluctantly, Wes made his way home.

The next two days seemed to drag by for Wes. At Rachel's request, he'd stayed as far away from her and Jysella as possible. Hobbie had been a great support after he'd told him the whole story. He even suggested that perhaps they should have a paternity test done.

Victory Day was finally here. There was no way he could avoid them today. Pulling at the bottom of his dress uniform jacket, he looked at himself in the mirror. "You are such scum, Janson. You deserve everything that's happened."

"No, you don't," came a voice from behind him. He turned to see Jysella standing in the doorway to his room. "I should have looked for you."

"I could have gotten in touch with you, too," he replied defensively. "It was my fault."

"Would you two please stop laying blame on yourselves," Rachel said with a sigh. "It's over. I finally, after twenty years, have a family. Can we just act like one for once?"

Wes moved over and gave Jysella a hug. "She's right. I have to be honest. I didn't remember you until I saw you the other day."

Jysella wiped the tears threatening to fall from the corners of her eyes. "I know. I talked to Wedge Antilles yesterday. He told me about the sickness you had."

"Good old Wedge. Anyway, I'm glad you're here."

"Me too."

"Me three," said their daughter. Rachel moved over and wrapped her arms around them both. "We better go. Dad'll be late."

Wes took a step back from Jysella. "'Dad'," he repeated. "I kinda like the sound of that." With a grin, he took their arms and led them out to the celebration.

Nerfsith! This cannot be happening. Rachel sat on the cold table in the doctor's office. She had come in for a routine exam the day before and was called in this morning for more tests.

The doctor entered the room. He was looking over a chart and was very quiet. She waited patiently for him to speak first. "How sexually active are you," he asked point blank.

"Excuse me?"

"On average, how many times of week do you have intercourse and how many different men have you had intercourse with recently?"

Rachel felt on the verge of fainting. "I... I've only had one lover within the past few months. What is the problem?"

"It's not a problem really. I just thought you might like to tell the father of your baby that you're pregnant."

She blinked. "That.... that's impossible. I can't be...."

"Congratulations," the doctor said with a smile. "Get dressed and have the nurse set you up for your next appointment." He turned and was gone before she could say another word.

"NERFSITH," she screamed as she slammed her hand down on the examining table. Tears suddenly filled her eyes. Sliding to the floor, she began to cry.

Wes hurried to Rachel's room in the dormitory. She had sounded so upset on the comm. He lightly rapped on the door and entered. "Are you all right?"

She was sitting on the bed, eyes red from crying. "Wes.... Dad... I..." She really didn't know how to tell him. Hey, guess what? You're going to be your kid's dad and grandfather. What are the odds?

He sat down beside her and put and arm on her shoulder. "Hey, you can tell me anything."

She looked up into his eyes. He was so handsome. How come he had to be her father and her lover? "I...." best to just say it "I'm.... I'm pregnant."

He stiffened, suddenly in shock. "You what?"

"I'm pregnant. I'm going to have your baby."

"No, you are not. There is no way. It's impossible."

"Yes, it is possible."

Wes shook his head. "You're going to have an abortion."

"WHAT?!"

"It's the only way."

"Stop ordering me around. You've been my lover longer than you have my father. Now act like it."

"But Rachel, you can't have this child. When I had sex with you, that was incest."

"Sex? So, it was just sex to you? You had no feelings for me at all."

"Well yeah, but..."

"But nothing," she shouted as she stood. "Get out."

"What?" Now he was confused.

"Get out! I want you out of my room, NOW!"

"But..."

"Do I have to call an MP to escort you? GET OUT!"

"Wait a minute. I don't have to take this. I'm your father. You listen to me..." He stood and moved towards her.

Much quicker than he ever imagined, she grabbed his arm, twisted it to flip him on the floor, then came down with her knee resting on his groin. "Do you ever want to have children? Do you want to ever have SEX again?!"

He looked at her, blinking slowly. One slip and he'd be in pain for hours. He knew this move well. "Ok, I give. Let me up and I'll go." His voice was unusually quiet.

She stood and helped him to his feet. "I am going to have this baby whether you like it or not," she said calmly. "If you don't want to be a part of this child's life, fine. I'd rather not see you again."

Wes lowered his head and left the room like a scolded puppy.

After the door closed, Rachel threw herself on the bed and cried.

Wes had been walking for hours. He had no idea where he was, just that it was quite dark. Then again, it was always dark in the bowels of Coruscant. Looking up, he noticed the universal sign for a bar, a drunk being thrown out into the street.

Inside, the smoke was thick as was the smell of alcohol. Yes, this was the perfect place to be. He moved up to the bar to order a drink. "Tanaabian dark," he said as he slapped a cred chit on the bar.

The bartender nodded and went to fix his drink. He returned and took the money. Wes turned around with his ale and studied the room. Being human, he was definitely in the minority.

There was a group of young women at one of the tables, some human, some not. That's exactly what I need, he thought to himself as he downed the ale in one swallow. He turned for a refill before heading towards the table.

The ladies looked up and giggled as he sauntered over. "Good evening, m'ladies," he said in a slightly slurred tongue.

The Bothan and one of the humans whispered to each other before giggling again. "Hello," the rest said.

"Mind if I join you?" He grabbed a chair from the table nearby and slid it over. Unfortunately, he did this at the same time a Devorian was about to sit in it.

The women burst out laughing as the Devorian landed on his bottom and turned to glare at Wes. He ignored the whole thing, knowing this was exactly what he'd intended.

What happened next wasn't.

He turned around as the Devorian got to his feet. The red-skinned creature pulled a blaster from his side and shot him.

Wes's eyes widened in shock. That wasn't supposed to happen. He slumped to the floor, bleeding profusely.

The women screamed and dispersed. The bartender came over to check his body. "Damnit, Koth. That's the third guy you've capped this month. When are you going to stop?"

"He took my chair," Koth screamed in response. "What else was I supposed to do?"

The bartender checked his pockets and pulled out Wes's military ID. "Ohh great. He's a damn New Republic pilot, you idiot!"

"He's not wearing a flightsuit. How the Hoth am I supposed to know he was military?" Koth put his hands on his hips.

"Well, you're going to take him to their headquarters." The man looked up and motioned a Wookie over. "Go with Koth and make sure he dumps the body at the New Republic headquarters."

The Wookie nodded and growled at Koth, who immediately jumped and picked up the body. "I don't need an escort," Koth complained.

"That's just too damn bad. You're getting one." He stood and looked at the surrounding crowd. "What are you looking at? Get back to your business!"

Hobbie and Rachel walked slowly from the barracks to the apartment Hobbie and Wes shared. "I wish he understood what this means to me," Rachel said softly.

"He just can't get through his head that neither he nor you knew the situation." Hobbie sighed. "I just hope he's ok. I haven't seen him all afternoon."

"Me too," she replied quietly. She stopped short as something caught her eye in a nearby alley. "Hobbie? There's something wrong." She moved towards the alley and immediately wished she hadn't.

Hobbie moved to her side. "What is..." He froze at the sight. "Oh Hoth. Wes." He stooped down and checked for a pulse. He knew he probably wouldn't find one. The shot went clean through his heart.

Rachel finally shook off her shock and screamed. She dropped to her knees and began to shake him. "Wes, wake up. You wake up this instance! You cannot be dead! Your child cannot grow up without a father!! You were going to understand!"

Hobbie grabbed her shoulders. "Rachel, stop. He's gone. There's nothing we can do."

"He can't be gone," she sobbed. "He just can't." She leaned into his shoulder and cried.

Eight Months Later....

"Come on Rach, push!"

The young woman gave one last guttural cry as she pushed to bring her baby into the galaxy. She began to cry as she heard her son's scream. Finally, her little Wes could start his life and follow in his father's footsteps.

Jysella held her grandson gently. "Our Wes. If only your father could see you. Yeah, he'd be proud. He'd be so glad that your mother isn't his daughter." She handed him to Rachel.

"Mom," she said as she took her son. "He would have been very happy."

"Yes, he would." The two women hugged and cried as they thought of the man they both had loved.