Star Wars_ X-Wing 01_ Rogue Squadron - Michael A. Stackpole [116]
“Forgive the intrusion, sir, but I just wanted to remind Captain Celchu this area is restricted when he’s not actually involved in an exercise.”
“That’s all right, Lieutenant, he’s with me.”
“Yes, sir.” She glanced anxiously back toward the doorway. “I’ll wait out there.”
“I’ll be along presently, Lieutenant.”
Wedge frowned. “I’ll take responsibility for Captain Celchu, Lieutenant. You’re dismissed.”
“Sir, my orders come from General Salm.”
“I know. Log your protest with him.”
“Yes, sir.”
Wedge looked over and saw a frown on Tycho’s face. “What’s the matter?” He glanced at the Security officer’s retreating form, then back at his friend. “Have you become involved with her? Did I break something up here?”
Tycho shook his head. “No, nothing like that. She’s very nice, and lived on Alderaan for several years, so we can talk about places we’ll never see again. And she works with two enlisted men, one of whom watches me all the time. I do find her intriguing, but I’m not of a mind to begin a new relationship without knowing if the old one is over or not.”
“I can understand that.” Wedge recalled the woman Tycho had fallen for a couple of years earlier. She worked in Alliance Procurement and Supply and spent most of her time on covert missions directing operations on enemy worlds designed to liberate matériels from the Empire. Because of the importance and sensitivity of her work, learning anything about her from Intelligence was impossible, and Tycho’s status raised that difficulty level by an order of magnitude.
Tycho poked a finger against Wedge’s breastbone. “I think you’re changing the subject on me to avoid the real issue that prompted your earlier question.”
Wedge raised an eyebrow. “Oh, and that is?”
“You’re afraid you’re getting too old for what we’ve always told ourselves is a young man’s game.”
“If you think that, you’re as confused as a Gamorrean placed between two full mugs of lum.” The Corellian frowned. “First off, you’re a year older than I am.”
“Nine months.”
“Which is rather close to a year, my friend.”
“True enough, but years aren’t the only measure of time.” Tycho tapped the rank insignia at the collar of Wedge’s flight suit. “You’re a Commander. Luke was a General before he abandoned his rank. Han Solo and Lando Calrissian are Generals. Most of the officers who have been with the Alliance for as long as you have are at least Colonels.”
“You’re only a Captain, Tycho.”
“And there I will stay, if Salm has anything to say about it.”
“Well, I’ve had my say about my rank, and I’m happy where I am. I like leading a squadron.”
“I know that.” The Alderaanian shrugged and folded his arms. “You can’t help but wonder, though, if refusing those promotions was the right decision to make or not.”
“True.” Wedge looked up at his friend. “So, am I too old to be doing this?”
“Wedge, over the last four months I’ve flown against—and shot down—every one of the kids you have going on this mission. So have you.” Tycho let a low chuckle rumble from his throat. “If you’re too old for this, the New Republic might as well give up now. Barring a squadron of Jedi Knights winging their way in here, you’re the best we’ve got. That may not impress you, but there are plenty of Imp pilots out there who don’t sleep the whole night through because of dreams about you being on their tails.”
31
Corran smiled as Erisi caught up with the group. “You did well in the sim, Erisi.”
“It felt strange trying to shoot you down.”
“Emphasis on trying.” Bror flashed a predatory grin at her. “You had no more success than they will tomorrow.”
Nawara Ven glowered at his wingman. “If you have found a way to shunt ego into your shields, I wish you would share it with me.”
Rhysati shook her head. “Just have him expand his shields to cover us all. There’s ego enough there.”
Bror turned to Corran. “The mewing of our inferiors grows tiresome, don’t