Star Wars_ X-Wing 04_ The Bacta War - Michael A. Stackpole [155]
He looked over toward General Cracken. “After that, well, General Cracken has communicated to me the contents of a resolution voted by the Provisional Council to congratulate us on what we’ve accomplished here. He also said that, due to a bureaucratic mixup, our resignations were never formally logged to our files. If we want them, our commissions are available to us and General Cracken has assured me that he’s looking for an elite unit to be able to follow up on investigative leads concerning the lost Lusankya prisoners. Once our work is done here, I intend to rejoin the New Republic and I’d like to bring Rogue Squadron back with me.”
Wedge smiled. “I’ve already spoken with Tycho and Corran, and they’ve agreed to rejoin. Aril, are you going to keep the Valiant or come back with us?”
The Sullustan smiled. “I’m coming back to the Alliance, Wedge. I’ll still command the Valiant, but I think we can work out a deal with General Cracken to pull missions together.”
“Good. Asyr?”
The Bothan looked over at Gavin, got a nod from him, then smiled. “We’re both in.”
“Rhysati?”
“I’m in.”
“Nawara?”
“Can’t be an Executive Officer if I don’t stay with the unit, can I? I’m in.”
“Ooryl?”
“Rogue Squadron made me janwuine. I would never say no to the honor of remaining with it.”
“Tal’dira?”
The Twi’lek warrior nodded solemnly. “I could not let Rogue Squadron be without a Twi’lek pilot. I am pleased to accept the offer to join the unit.”
Wedge smiled at Inyri Forge. “I know serving with Rogue Squadron was your sister’s dream, but you’ve earned your own place with us. We’d be proud to have you if you want to stay with us.”
A grin slowly spread across the blue-eyed woman’s face. “My sister always wanted the best for everyone else. Joining the squadron meant she got to fight the evil plaguing others, making things better for them. Her example is pretty compelling. I’m in.”
With her acceptance, cheers erupted, hands were shaken and backs slapped. Wedge swallowed against the lump rising in his throat. “Two more things, then my remarks. First, we’ve been invited to Gand for Ooryl’s janwuine-jika. This is an unbelievably huge honor for one of us who has earned many honors. Second, and equally worthy of celebration, is something I did barely a half an hour ago. As you will recall, the Lusankya was surrendered to me, making me its de facto captain. In my capacity as such, with Tycho and Iella present as witnesses, I had the pleasure of marrying Mirax and Corran.”
“What!” Booster’s shout accompanied an immediate reddening of his face.
Wedge held his hands up. “Take it easy, Booster. They plan another, more formal ceremony we all can attend back on Coruscant, but they figured that if you were going to be upset with them for getting engaged, they might as well save themselves that aggravation and just have you mad at them for being married.”
“I’m not upset about that, Wedge. I was upset when I thought she was marrying someone from CorSec.” Mirax’s father smiled. “Now he’s part of Rogue Squadron again, so I have no complaints.”
“Right.” Wedge shook his head. “No complaints you want to voice at this time.”
Booster hesitated for a moment, then nodded to an accompaniment of good-natured laughter.
Corran frowned at his father-in-law. “Then the red in your face and the anger in your voice wasn’t because of us?”
“You CorSec people always think it’s about you.” Booster shook his head, then jerked a thumb at Karrde. “He bet me a million credits that you’d go and do exactly what you did, and he even conned me into giving him odds.”
Wedge laughed. “Corran, Mirax, I think that’s going to be a major bone of contention for the future.”
“One he’s going to worry like a hungry nek.” Corran brought Mirax