DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fan fiction based on characters and places owned and copyrighted by Lucasfilm Ltd. However, everything not owned by Lucas in this work is the property of the author and should not be used without her consent. No profit has been gained from the creation of this fanfiction and no copyright infringement is intended. No part of this publication may be published, distributed or copied in any other way online or offline without the expressed consent of the author. You may contact the author with any questions, comments, typos, etc. at vickie@statesidedata.com

"What do you mean Sabé is the Rebel contact on Naboo?" Wedge looked at Rhian shocked. "Why didn’t she say anything?"

"She did not want to break her cover. We already know of your sister, Wedge. Her company did frighten the Imperials some while they were here, but they sent in a Moff to punish us for dealing with rebels."

"So that’s why there are so many Imps around," stated Wes. "They’re looking for a reaction from the Rebellion. I wonder if they have some secret weapon or something lurking in the shadows as a surprise."

"That I do not know."

"But I may be able to," added Aulduin as he stood. "I will see what I can find out in the Imperial camps. The three of you should stay here and rest."

"You called, Master Aulduin," Marnie asked as she entered the room.

"Please show our guests to some rooms where they can rest and refresh themselves."

"Yes, sir." The young girl smiled. Wes and Rhian rose and followed her towards the back of the house. Wedge remained behind.

"Is there a problem, Lieutenant Antilles," Aulduin asked. His head did not turn towards Wedge as he spoke.

The young man shuddered slightly. It was creepy when Kelly did that, but this was worse. "Uh, well sir, I was hoping to tag along with you."

The taller man looked down at him, his blue eyes burning through him. "I would be able to mask my own entrance. Bringing you along would be harder."

"I know, but I want to see this whole thing through. I feel responsible to..."

Aulduin raised a hand to stop him. "I know you are not adept like your sister. In fact, as far as I can tell, you are blind to the Force. That is very odd. I believe the only reason I can see you is because of my relationship with your sister. You may come, but stick close."

"Yes sir," Wedge replied with grim determination. "You can count on me."

Two cloaked figures stood in the shadows of early dawn looking down upon the changing of the guard at the city’s hangar bay. "Twenty guards are a lot just to place on the hangar," Wedge said as he lowered the macrobinoculars from his eyes.

"I sense a lot of tension amongst them. Most seem scared to be guarding this place." Aulduin sat back on his heels. "I wonder what is in there that is causing such a reaction."

Wedge sat on the floor of the crossover that served as their vantage point. He leaned against the decorative railing. "It must be a ship prototype, or something similar."

Aulduin nodded. "A starfighter is about the only size ship that would fit in that hangar. I suppose we will need a closer look." He crouched and moved across the walkway to the next building.

Wedge quickly followed. They descended the stairs and went out the back door into the alleyway. It was quiet except for their light footsteps. The two men skirted several buildings until they reached the edge of the hangar bay.

After having watched the guards’ routines for several hours, they knew none would be at the back of the building. They hugged the wall as they moved towards the center of the building. Aulduin stopped suddenly, causing Wedge to bump into him. The jostle didn’t even seem to affect the Jedi as he concentrated on a section of the wall. The bricks began to grind together and move. Wedge jumped at the noise and checked to make sure no one had heard. Aulduin grabbed his arm and pulled him into the tunnel, closing the bricks behind them.

Wedge blinked in the darkness. "I can’t see," he whispered. "I need to use a lamp."

Aulduin sighed. "Alright, but keep it low."

He nodded as he pulled the small glowlamp from his cloak. Its pale green light allowed him to see Aulduin, but not much more. He saw Aulduin nod his approval and move off to the left.

They twisted and turned through the corridors that never seemed to end. Wedge thought at one point they were ascending. He found that he was right when they finally exited the tunnel. They were in the rafters of the hangar, far above the floor on which they had entered. Dizziness washed over him as he looked down. He swallowed hard and tried to steady himself. Aulduin laid a hand on his shoulder and he suddenly felt better. "Thanks," he whispered.

"No problem. The height got to me also." They moved to an easier vantage point, one with a railing to hold onto.

Below, a dozen or more Imperial techs moved about checking on several different ships. Several were recognizable. The TIE-Interceptors rested at the front of the hangar.

The other ships were similar in design, yet had extreme differences. They had the same ball cockpit of the TIE and the same wing design. The amount of wings is what made this ship stand out. "Three wings would make that thing almost impossible to hit in atmosphere," Wedge said.

"It would be more maneuverable. I wonder if it is hyperspace capable." Aulduin enhanced his sight to see the ships better. "From here, I cannot tell. We must get closer."

"That may not be such an easy task, sir. There are about fifty Imperials down there. We’d be walking into a trap."

Aulduin’s eyes focused back on the young man at his side. "You are right. At least we know what we’re up against now."

Wedge put the binoculars back up to his eyes. He focused on the men wandering around the ships. There were many techs, but also a few pilots. One in particular caught his eye. This man walked with authority. He was tall and broad. His uniform fit him perfectly. Techs and pilots alike moved out of his way as he approached. Wedge studied him for a while until Aulduin tapped his shoulder. The older man motioned back towards the passageway that had led them here. Wedge nodded acknowledgement and followed.

Neither man spoke until they had cleared the hangar area and were halfway back.  "I think we may be a bit outnumbered," Wedge finally said.

"Numbers do not always mean victory. You of all humans should know that." Aulduin stopped to check the path before them. He motioned Wedge forward.

"Despite that, I have a very bad feeling about this." Wedge followed the taller man and thought of the repercussions of what he had seen.

Kelly Antilles strode up the ramp of the Zena’s Revenge and headed to the bridge. She stopped short when she saw Aric and Karyn were already there. The Captain and Lieutenant had already begun the liftoff preparations. Aric looks up when he heard her enter. "Hi there, Captain. We’ve started the pre-flight check and are waiting for the green light."

She put her hands on her hips and looked the bridge over. "It seems you two have everything under control. I’ll go do an exterior check while we wait on our turn."

Karyn turned to her and winked. "Don’t worry, we’re not trying to take over your ship."

Kelly blushed slightly. "I’d never think that." She turned on her heels and left.

Once back on the deck, Kelly fumed. It was her ship and her duty to prep for liftoff. Where did they get off doing that for her? She checked the landing gear without really seeing it. A tingle in the Force made her turn. Admiral Ackbar was making a line right for her. She leaned casually against the gear. "Is there something I can do for you, Admiral?"

Ackbar smiled. "I was hoping to get a lift from you over to the Home One. My shuttle had to leave early to prepare the ship for the arrival of Yellow Squadron."

She stood upright stunned. "You wish to fly on my ship?"

"Yes. That is, if you wouldn’t mind."

"Of course not, sir. Please, come aboard. I believe it’s about time for us to leave anyway." She led the Mon Calamari Admiral to the bridge. Upon entering, she stopped and looked about befuddled. There were only three chairs on the bridge. She had removed the co-pilot seat a long time ago to put in a droid socket for Winger. "I’m afraid you’ll have to sit in the lounge, Admiral. I don’t have an extra seat here on the bridge."

"I can stand, Captain Antilles. You are not going into hyperspace, so I should be fine."

Aric stood immediately. "You can sit here, sir."

"Nonsense Captain. You still need your rest. I do not wish for Captain Antilles to get in trouble because you complained of fatigue."

"Of course, sir. I understand completely." Aric smiled and winked at Kelly.

The ship’s comm crackled to life. "Zena’s Revenge this is Control. The skies are clear."

"Understood Control. And don’t worry, we’ll get Blue Squadron back here safely."

Kelly gently raised the ship from the deck and turned towards the open sky. Pushing slightly forward on the control stick, she nudged the ship out into the atmosphere. She made a lazy turn to port and headed for Home One. "Wow," she exclaimed softly as the ship came into view.

"She is quite something to look at, isn’t she," asked Ackbar.

She craned her head back to see the Admiral standing directly behind her seat. "I’ve never seen a ship so beautiful, sir."

His whiskers twitched in humor. "We design our ships to resemble creatures from our planet. Space is nothing more than a huge ocean."

She smiled and turned back to making her approach. "Home One, this is the Zena’s Revenge requesting permission to board."

"Home One to Zena’s Revenge. Do you have an important package on board?"

She glanced over her shoulder at the Mon Calamari. He just grinned in response. "Yes, Control. The package is here."

"Good. Please proceed to landing bay seventeen. The docking lights will show you the way."

"Thanks Control. Zena’s Revenge out."

A row of lights began blinking in succession across the nose of the large ship. Kelly guided the Revenge along the path and saw the yawn of the opening ahead. Large numbers painted on the back wall marked the bay as seventeen. Inside was a flight of B-Wings.

Admiral Ackbar invited them to the bridge. No one dared say no and followed the Mon Calamari. Everyone saluted the Admiral as they went past. Kelly felt like she was in a parade. They entered the bridge and found Commander Smyth already there. "Ah, Commander," said Ackbar. "Are your pilots settled?"

"Yes sir. We are awaiting your orders."

"Good. Helm, plot a course to the outer edge of the Naboo system."

"Aye sir." Within moments, the stars outside the viewport expanded as they entered hyperspace.

Wedge flopped down on the couch and ran his hands through his hair. It had grown quickly since they had been on Naboo. He guessed the fresh air was causing it. "There had to be at least a flight of TIEs and those other ships down there."

"That’s a lot of pilots," Wes commented. "About three dozen more than we have."

"Yes, but hopefully Sabé got in contact with your people," added Rhian. "They will send someone to help."

"Not necessarily," said Wedge. "We are but one small group. I can’t see those stuffy Generals back at the base sending in reinforcements to get us. Not even for Commander Roth."

"Yeah, but you know what a rogue Commander Smyth is," Wes said. "He might try to bully the Generals into doing something."

"I guess only time will tell."

"Yes, and you should get some rest, Mr. Antilles," Aulduin said.

"I have to admit I am a bit tired. Wes and I really should get this information back to the Commander."

"That will be taken care of. You needn’t worry. Just go get some sleep."

Wedge nodded and stood. "Ok. Don’t do anything without me." He turned and followed Marnie to the back of the house.

The flight was rather boring. Kelly spent most of her time exploring the ship. They had exited hyperspace moments ago on the furthest side of the system from Naboo. She had just sat down with a cup of caf when her comlink beeped. "Antilles," she said into the microphone.

It was Commander Smyth. "Captain, would you please come to the bridge. The Admiral and I would like to speak with you."

"Yes sir. I’m on my way." She sighed and put down the cup. "Oh well, duty calls."

She wasn’t two steps down the hall when she felt it. Someone was trying to contact her. She put her hand against the wall to steady herself as the floor under her seemed to lurch. Holding onto the wall for dear life, she concentrated on the Force.

I feel your presence, she projected. Who are you?

The voice responding chuckled. You should know by now.

Kelly’s eyes snapped open. Master Aulduin! Where are you?

I am with your brother on Naboo. I felt you enter the far side of the system.

Yes. We have come to save Blue Squadron.

That will not be as easy as you expect.

"Kelly? Kelly, are you ok?" Aric put a hand on her shoulder. He had a worried look on his face.

She looked up at him and the contact immediately broke. Blinking, she focused on the Cherin. "Sheesh Aric. What’d you go and do that for?"

His worry turned to confusion. "Why did I do what?"

She blinked again and stood up. "Sorry. Master Aulduin had contacted me through telepathy. He’s on Naboo."

"What’d he say?"

"Not much. You broke my connection to him."

"Can’t you get it back," he asked rather urgently.

"No. I’m not very good at projective telepathy. To contact him at this distance would be pretty much impossible for me."

Aric frowned. "Oh. Well, I’m sorry, but you looked like something was wrong. I was worried."

She smiled. "It’s ok. At least we know we have a strong ally on Naboo. I need to get to Commander Smyth and the Admiral right away."

"I’m coming with you."

Commander Smyth raised an eyebrow as they entered the bridge. "I was unaware I had asked you to join us Captain."

Aric froze. "Well, uh, sir, you see…"

Kelly stepped in front of him. "Captain Cherin was escorting me because I got some news on the way here."

"How did you receive news that we didn’t," the Commander asked.

"My Jedi Master is on Naboo. He sensed my presence when we entered the system." She paused to gauge their reactions.

Ackbar motioned towards a chair for Kelly to sit. "Please continue."

She sat in the chair and looked up at the two men. "Well, he said he was with Wedge and that it isn’t going to be easy to rescue Blue Squadron."

"And why is that?"

She lowered her head and blushed a little. "I don’t know. Our telepathic connection was broken."

"Can you contact him again," asked the Mon Calamari.

"No sir. I just recently learned how to use telepathy for projection only. I’m not strong enough to be able to contact Master Aulduin at this distance."

"Do you think he would try and contact you?"

She thought for a moment. "I… I’m not really sure. He may at some point. He said he was with Wedge, which means he knows how many pilots are on the ground. I’m sure he can sense how many we have here. They may work on a plan and then get in touch with us."

Everyone was thoughtful for a minute until Aric spoke up. "Why not let Kelly fly into Naboo and find out what’s going on."

"Out of the question," Smyth says immediately. "I will not allow that. It’s too dangerous."

"I tend to agree," Kelly added.

Everyone looked at her. They all thought she was a gung-ho hotshot pilot who would rather risk her life than be careful. Yet, here she was not wanting to rush right down to Naboo and save her brother. "What did you say," asked Aric in shock.

She took a deep breath before beginning. "I think it would be suicide to go in there too early. We should wait here for word from the Security Forces leader. Admiral, if I may, I believe we should start a scan on any low band frequencies. Most resistance people use the lower ranges because the Imps are less likely to check them. Master Aulduin may have gotten them a message and let them know we are here."

"Excellent idea. Comms, start scanning all low band frequencies for any traffic." Ackbar’s eyes smiled. "Thank you for such a quick solution."

"Thank you, sir." She stood and moved to leave, but turned back around. "Um, sir, I have one other suggestion."

Ackbar waved a finned hand for her to continue. "Please."

"Well, Lieutenant Donne may be of some help. She is a great comms officer, and if Commander Roth is sending out any signals, I’m sure she’d find them right away."

"Yes, of course. I will send for her immediately."

"Yes sir. I will send my droid to help also. He is very good at decoding and also carries Master Aulduin’s personal code. Perhaps he will be able to contact my Master’s droid."

"Please, send him right away."

"Yes sir." She saluted and exited the bridge.

Commander Smyth turned to the Admiral after she had left, Cherin following behind. "Are you sure that is wise, sir? Accepting all of her suggestions?"

"I trust her instincts Commander. You should too."

"Yes sir."

Wedge wiped the sleep from his eyes as he followed the smell of freshly brewed caf. Something had woken him up. He wasn’t sure what it had been. He stumbled into the kitchen to find Wes sitting at a small table with Aulduin.

"It’s about time you woke up," Wes said with a grin.

His eyes shot open. "How long have I been asleep?"

Aulduin glared at Wes. "Not to worry. It’s only been a few hours. Are you rested enough?"

"Not really. Something woke me up."

"What was it," Aulduin asked with interest.

"I don’t know. Just a feeling I guess."

The older man nodded. "Perhaps a feeling that your sister was nearby?"

He wondered why he asked that question, but realized he was right. "Yes, that’s it exactly."

Aulduin smiled. "Kelly’s contact with you is strong. I also sensed her presence as she entered the system."

"Was she alone?" He didn’t think his sister was stupid enough to come after him alone. But, he had to ask.

"No. I sensed many other minds, most of which were alien."

Wedge looked at Wes, who just shrugged. "Only ship I could think of was Admiral Ackbar’s," Wes replied.

"Could they have been Mon Calamari, Master Aulduin," Wedge asked.

The Jedi Master nodded slowly. "Yes, they could have. Or Quarren. Perhaps Gungan, but they prefer the water to the air."

"We’ve got to let Commander Roth know they’re here. He should know how many ships Ackbar has."

"Rhian has already gone to do that," said Wes. When Wedge raised his eyebrow, he quickly defended himself. "She knows the way a lot better. I thought it would be quicker for her to go alone. She is a descendant of the Queen’s handmaidens, you know."

Wedge cracked a grin.

"Aww, come on. Don’t do that." Wes begged for mercy.

"Do what," he asked innocently.

"That’s enough boys," Aulduin finally said. "We have a new job. Now that we know we have help in system, we’ve got to figure out the best way to utilize it."

The two younger men nodded in unison. "Let’s get started," said Wedge as he sat at the table.

How will they get out of this one?

Find out in Part 6: To Save All Planets in Peril