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“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 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