Wedge's Gamble by Michael A. Stackpole Read Free Book Online Page A

being stubborn. This could influence votes and could go against Ackbar and his plans.”The Princess sat back and smoothed her gown against her thighs. “Of course, Ackbar knows all this, which is why he advanced the blockade plan. He knew it would not work, so now if he retreats from that position, he shows himself to be reasonable and willing to compromise. This means the other side must compromise, too.”
    Wedge frowned because until after the meeting, when Admiral Ackbar had explained these things to him, he’d completely missed the significance of what Leia had just indicated was blatantly obvious. “I think finding enemy ships and shooting them up is easier than this politics stuff.”
    “Possibly, but it’s a matter of scale. You lead your people against several dozen Imperials at a time. Each of us represents millions and billions of individuals and our goal is the overthrow of billions. We cannot afford to be so direct or free.”
    “Once upon a time we could.”
    “True, but then we were all self-elected members of an outlaw movement. Now we speak and act for whole worlds.” Leia reached over, took Wedge’s hand, and gave it a squeeze. “Back in those days I scarcely dared dream we’d have these problems to deal with in the future.”
    Wedge patted the top of her hand. “Yeah, in those days it seemed as if our children and grandchildren would still be fighting the Empire.”
    “Indeed.” She laughed again. “So, Wedge Antilles, any prospects on the horizon for you contributing to the Rebellion’s next generation?”
    “Me? I have all the children I need in my squadron.” He saw sadness wash across her face. “It’s not that bad. I have friends, I just don’t have the time to go courting. You found someone, and you weren’t even looking. It seems to happen that way, so I’m not terribly worried. Now what about you and Han?”
    “We’re happy, when we get to see each other. It’s kind of rough on a woman to finally admit you love someone and then have him frozen in carbonite for the better partof a year. Then again, during that time he didn’t find little ways to irritate me.”
    “That’s his nature, though—he’s chaos incarnate.” Wedge smiled. “Han Solo, you have to love him …”
    “… or freeze him in carbonite, I know.” Leia stared wistfully off into the distance. “He’s a good man. Even with his quirks and rough edges, I don’t think I can find better in this galaxy. And I’m not really interested in looking, either, but there are times when I wonder ‘Why him?’ ”
    “If you ever have doubts, serious doubts, come see me. I can give you a dozen reasons to answer that question.” Not the least of which is that it takes a guy as fast and sharp as Han Solo to keep up with you, Leia . Wedge let go of her hand and stretched again. “What about Luke? How is he doing?”
    “He’s doing well. He’s continuing his Jedi training. He’s also been traveling around the galaxy trying to recover any artifacts or documents that will fill in the background of the Jedi Knights. The Emperor’s attempt to exterminate the order was very effective. Only the histories written at his order remain and they’re long on fabrication. Luke says they have nothing serious to offer by way of instruction for a Jedi, though a couple of the texts suggest exercises that are designed to lure a potential Jedi over to the dark side.”
    “That’s nasty, and rather typical of the Emperor.”
    “He was evil and, just as bad, quite thorough in his methodology.” Leia sighed. “Luke has designed a regimen of exercises and has convinced me to start training. I do them when I can, but a Jedi is supposed to be tranquil and at peace when she acts, and the frustration inherent in my position often keeps me away from the proper frame of mind.”
    “I can imagine. The next time you see him, or speak with him, tell him he’s welcome to fly with Rogue Squadron whenever he wants. I’ve got a good