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

bunch of people—a solid core group to which I’ll be adding new people as they become available.” Wedge sat forward.“We’ve rebuilt the squadron by filling it with good pilots who also have other skills. Ackbar wanted and we’ve now got an elite group that can handle everything from pitched battles to covert entry and scouting operations. Adding a Jedi Knight into the mix wouldn’t hurt a bit.”
    “I suspect Luke would like flying with you again, but the responsibility of being the last or, rather, the first new Jedi Knight weighs very heavily on him right now. He’s busy discovering as much as he can about the tradition to which he has become heir. I will give him your message, though.”
    “Thanks.”
    A comlink bleeped and Leia produced it from within the sleeve of her gown. “Councilor Organa here.”
    “Leia, it’s Mon Mothma. If you have a moment, I have some things to discuss with you.”
    “On my way.” Leia snapped the comlink off, then leaned over and gave Wedge a kiss on the cheek. “You may be right—we have changed, but I’m thankful that it’s not so much that I can’t sit with an old friend and relax for a minute or two. I’ll see you later, Wedge.”
    “Good-bye, Leia.” Wedge stood as she departed. Change we have, Leia, but change for the better, I think. Seven years is a long time, but I think we can handle seven more . He smiled. And maybe another seven after that .
    A man came out onto the patio and turned in Wedge’s direction. Though white hair dominated the red on his head, his green eyes and sharp cheekbones made the resemblance to his son unmistakable. Wedge snapped to attention and saluted.
    The man stopped and returned the salute, then offered Wedge his hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Commander Antilles.”
    “Likewise, General Cracken. Is there something I can do for you?”
    The General pointed Wedge back to his chair. “If you have a moment.”
    Wedge resumed his place. “Go ahead.”
    “I wanted to thank you for taking my son in as a member of your Rogue Squadron.”
    “Thank me?” Wedge chuckled. “There are very few parents that would consider their children joining Rogue Squadron a good thing.”
    “I think you will find I am rather unlike most parents, Commander.” The elder Cracken had the same general build as his son, though he had thickened a bit in the middle and jowls were just beginning to form on him. “Many other commanders would have rejected him just because of his connection to me. They would assume I was using him as an agent to audit their activity.”
    “Are you?”
    “Should I be?”
    Wedge shrugged. “I don’t think so, but General Salm has concerns over the security of my unit.”
    “I’m aware of the Celchu situation but I am not overly concerned by it. I trust you will report any problem in that regard.”
    “Of course.”
    “I expected nothing less.” Cracken rubbed his hands together. “Pash is a very talented man—I say this as his father and as a New Republic officer. His early success put him in a position where it was difficult for him to do anything else of apparent consequence, which meant he would have to push himself above and beyond his abilities to succeed. While I have no doubt he has not yet found the upper range of his talents, clearly his people could not keep up with him. His desire to do more was tempered by his knowledge that he could easily get them killed. It was a situation that would end up with him hating himself—either for having done nothing, or having gotten his people killed.
    “By joining you he will be challenged. You’re a good man, Antilles. You don’t take chances when you don’t need to, but you don’t shrink from doing the jobs that need to be done. You’ve found the balance my son needs to find for himself. I don’t expect you’ll get him killed, but if he does die as a Rogue, I know he’ll have been doing the besthe could to do the best for the Rebellion. I’d hate