When Push Comes to Shove2002 short story by Mark Newbold Thirty-seven years after Episode IV – A New Hope “You really think this is going to work?” “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, would I?” “But it seems like such a risk.” Jan Lomona frowned as he turned to shake his head disapprovingly at his companion. “I had no idea I’d raised such a cynic.” Paige Centaur raised an arched eyebrow at her father and smiled. “Dad, you didn’t raise me, Mom did. Apparently you were gallivanting through the Mid-Rim while I was learning about life on a space station cantina.” Jan paused in his stride for a moment and nodded. “Okay, that may be true. But you certainly weren’t as interesting before I got my hands on you.” Paige grinned and thought back
thirty-four years. I was fourteen
and travelled across half the sector to seek you out. On my own. Yeah Dad, I was dull as they come. “Can’t argue with you there.” She motioned towards the promenade of shops that lay across the busy concourse of the Garyra Station. “You really think we’ll find more organisations willing to set up dummy corporations? It’s a huge thing to ask, especially during a war.” Jan nodded in agreement. “I know that, but we’ve got to raise the funds for the Heed project somehow, and since the Ki-Ki took Euphoria Station the operations we had there have ended. And Ocern made it clear that we need new dummy corporations ASAP. I can’t think of a better place than the Garyra Station.” Paige frowned as she followed Jan towards the nearest unit. Euphoria Station was hers, a gift left to her in the last will and testament of Luschia Arkensaw. Its recent loss to the Ki-Ki was a keen blow felt by both herself and Setnin. “But it’s right under the Ki-Ki’s nose. I know hiding in plain sight is a well-used tactic, but if these guys so much as sneeze they’re gonna know we’re here.” Jan Lomona cocked his head and smiled lopsidedly. “Well, we’ll just have to make sure we don’t attract any attention.” Jan Lomona straightened his bright green jacket and shoved his hands into his burnt orange combat jeans as he entered the unit. Ryath Centaur stepped off the ramp of the shuttle with the easy air of someone pleased and proud of his accomplishments. The air of the Garyra Station, though recycled and processed, felt as good and wholesome as any mountain air he’d ever inhaled, and the busy throng of people parted as he made his way towards his offices aboard the incomplete starliner the Pleasure Seeker, down in the bowels of the station. Iron Claw activity had been slow of late, the attack the Ki-Ki had hurled at both Trac-Tran and Iron Claw vessels in the Noscage System a few days before had hampered their operations. Luckily for them the Raven Corporation had intervened and managed to scupper the Ki-Ki’s attack, otherwise Ryath doubted whether very much of the convoy would have survived. He knew Jan was on his way to the station bearing news from one of the Ravens highest ranked captains, but what that news was he didn’t know. Only that it was of enough importance to keep Jan away from the lanes – something that happened infrequently these days. He reached the turbo lift and entered, pressing the down button and waited for the doors to close and the car to descend. He noticed a figure in the distance pushing through the crowds to get to the lift and he held the doors open. He frowned as the figure got nearer, a woman, in her fifties perhaps, a face masked with both experience and weariness. A soldier, much like him. He smiled courteously as she entered and he stared ahead as the doors closed. The lift began to descend and he realised that the woman was eyeing him closely. He turned and nodded at her. “Do I know you?” He asked. “You probably don’t remember me, it’s been a while.” She offered her hand in greeting. “Terrie, Terrie Saffra.” Ryath closed his eyes and smiled at his absent-mindedness. Of course, Terrie Saffra, one of his wife Paige’s very best friends. Although they hadn’t met in person for at least twenty years, and then only briefly, he noted that she had barely changed in appearance. Her hair, still cut in a bob was as lusciously black as it was back then, and her figure remained toned and taut. He noticed the subtle emblem she wore on her lapel, the insignia of Squadron Indigo, the Setnin Sectors crack Galactic Alliance X-Wing fighter squadron. She had been a member back then, and Paige told him she’d risen through the ranks to become commander. But there was little chance she’d survived in a high-pressure position for that many years. Maybe she was here to catch up with Paige. He smiled again as he released her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you again Terrie. Are you here to see Paige, or just passing through?” Terrie sadly shook her head. “Neither I’m afraid. I’m here on business.” She paused. “Galactic Alliance business. We have much to talk about Colonel.” Ryath tensed at the use of his old Imperial rank and straightened his shoulders. “Of course Commander. In that case meet me in my office at 22.00 hours. We won’t be disturbed.” He relaxed momentarily. “Good to see you again Terrie.” “And you Ryath. Be sure you tell Paige I said hello.” “You can tell her yourself. She’s on the station.” And as he spoke he realised with a jolt who else was on Garyra Station. Terrie’s former lover. Jan Lomona. Jan knocked the last drop of Flameout back and set himself up with a round of Duarga as Ryath entered the Trac-Tran Transit Company’s office. Jan got to his feet and shook hands with his old friend as Ryath clasped him on the shoulder and nodded. They didn’t exchange verbal greetings. Ry knew what a close call Jan had had in the Noscage System. The war was claiming many casualties and both were silently relieved that so far they’d managed to escape relatively unscathed. Centaur moved across to his wife Paige and held her in a tight embrace, one that lingered until he stepped back and smiled at her. “Well, we did it. We’ve got the full compliment of frigates we ordered. All six of them.” Paige’s eyes widened in delight. “All six? You mean the Ki-Ki haven’t managed to take the ship yards at Commodor yet?” “Their planetary defences are holding out. Word is, they have some sympathisers among the Ki-Ki. People who believe that if they take Setnin they’re going to need places like Commodor and Zelon to fund their occupation. Why destroy these places if they can conquer them and put them to their own use.” “And in the meantime, our production droids can make ships for the Setnin Defence Force.” Jan chimed in as he took another swig of the Duarga. Ryath nodded and seated himself across from Jan. Lomonas office was sparse, a desk, a monitor, a drinks cabinet and a secretary droid, but little else. Most of the operations of the Trac-Tran Transit Company were run from here by either Jan, Paige or a handful of his most trusted colleagues. Lomona preferred to operate from the Berone Sunrise, his beloved Stock Heavy Freighter, but even he could see the logic in having an office. Firstly it made him legit, an image he’d spent years cultivating and nurturing. Since his return from his ten-year jaunt across the galaxy he’d come to realise that in his absence, his daughters running of the TTTC was truly the better way. Profits were astronomical, and the benefits of being a legitimate operation were numerous. But Jan could also see the benefits that a pristine public image presented to an old free trader like himself. Now, with the starmaps he had at his disposal and a war raging throughout the sector he could continue to do all the juicy underworld jobs he’d always done, which kept him interested and made huge profits. And undermined the Ki-Ki, which was becoming something of a hobby for him. “So, what’s the plan guys?” Asked Jan, standing up and lowering his glass to the table. “It’s…. 21.15. I don’t know about you but I could eat a Mnu Mnu right about now.” Ryath turned to Jan and nodded. “You and Paige carry on, I’ve got some loose ends to tie up back at the Pleasure Seeker. I’ll meet you later on at Zythlies.” Jan grinned and swung his jacket on and Paige caught Ryaths eye as he looked past her and followed him outside as he left the office. They waited for Jan to exit. “You carry on and get a good table Dad. I’ll be there in a minute.” Jan checked his pockets to make sure he had his cred stick and nodded, making his way to the nearest turbolift and down to the shopping promenade. Paige waited until he was gone and then took her husbands hand. “So, what else did you find out?” “Terrie Saffra is here on the station. On official Galactic Alliance business.” Paige frowned. That wasn’t her usual type of duty. As a rule, crack fighter pilots made for lousy ambassadors. “What do you think she wants to talk about?” Ryath shook his head slowly. “I’m not sure, but whatever it is I’ll know in forty-five minutes. We’re meeting in my office.” Paige squeezed his hands and moved closer. “Need any back-up?” Ryath lifted her chin with his hand and looked deep into her eyes. “It’s okay. I know you’ve always got my back.” “I can assure you Commander, that’s not how it is.” Ryath turned and strode towards the other wall, the agitation all too apparent on his features. Terrie had meant business as soon as she entered the room and had pushed her point across hard. He appeared insulted, but only outwardly. Inside he was assessing everything Terrie was saying, every point, every nuance. They were both soldiers, both people of importance. There was more to this conversation that met the eye, he was certain. “Galactic Alliance command believe that you are provoking the Ki-Ki into making attacks that are drawing them further and further into the sector. My superiors tell me that if you don’t cease and desist your attacks against them, the Ki-Ki will take the sector within the month.” Ryath clenched his fists and stopped pacing. His feet were wearing a trough in the carpet. “And if we don’t keep fighting they’ll take the sector tomorrow.” He turned and lasered a hard stare at Terrie. “Tell me Commander, what would you do?” Terrie paused and folded her arms across her chest, taking a deep breath. She appeared ready to speak, and then her mask slipped. It was as if the air had literally been taken out of her and, deflated, she seated herself across the desk from Ryath. He remained standing, eyeing her closely. She looked up. “What would I do? Well that’s the real question isn’t it.”? She asked rhetorically. Ryath stayed silent, waiting for her to answer in her own time. She took a deep breath and continued. “Squadron Indigo have been forced to sit on the sidelines in this war for seven years now. No involvement in the skirmishes, no involvement in any of the major confrontations.” She leaned forward onto the desk. “Did you know that for most of the recent battles we’ve been watching covertly, sending reports back to Galactic Alliance command? I was there with three wingmen when you engaged the Ki-Ki last week in the Noscage System.” Ryath raised an eyebrow, an outward sign of surprise, but inwardly he was far from. He’d read the reports of an anomalous sensor reading, which he assumed to be the Ki-Ki preparing to attack, or the mysterious Raven Corporation lying in wait to assist. But now it made better sense to assume that it was Indigo, watching impotently from the periphery. And he knew that she would have seen Jan’s ship, the Berone Sunrise. Torture indeed. “So I repeat my question Terrie.” Ryath let rank slip, and seated himself opposite her. “What would you do?” “Most of Squadron Indigo are Setnin-born, and even those that aren’t are so fascinated by the place they feel like it’s their home.” She leaned back and crossed her legs. “We’re tired of watching Setnin get carved up like prime Bantha steak, only for the Ki-Ki to take what they need and destroy the rest. I can only speak for myself, but you asked what I’d do.” She leaned forward again. “I’d take Indigo and defect to the Setnin Defence Force. Join the side that’s actually fighting for a cause, instead of hampering it.” Ryath nodded slowly. “And do you think your fellow squadron members would wish to do the same?” Terrie answered immediately. “Out of professional courtesy I’d have to ask them face-to-face, but yes. I’m certain they would.” She looked away, out of the window that gave a view of the darkened starship yard area and lowered her eyes in thought. “But how could we make it work? Where would Indigo go?” Ryath Centaur smiled and
clasped his hands together. Details,
minor details. “You let me worry about that. In the meantime, contact your people and put forward the proposal.” He checked his chrono. “There’s a communications unit you can use in the Trac-Tran office upstairs. That should be enough to get you through to your people. And it’s encoded, so no worries about security.” Terrie nodded and stood. Trac-Tran offices?
Damn, he couldn’t be here could he? “Thank you Ryath. I’ll leave as soon as I’ve sent the message and get on my way.” “Only after you’ve said hello to Paige. We might be fighting a war, with our lives constantly on the line, but I know I’d be dead if I let you leave without taking you to meet Paige. We’ll be in the restaurant at Zythlies.” Terrie smiled and exited the office, with Ryath close behind. “I’ll see you shortly.” Paige arrived at the Pleasure Seeker ten minutes after Terrie had left, entering silently and letting herself into the room. She sat as Ryath, back turned, shuffled a batch of flims and replaced them in the filing cabinet. He preferred hard copies, always had. There was nothing like seeing the truth of a situation in hard, inviolable print. It brought a sense of reality to any report. He turned and faced his wife in the dim light. “I’ll get right to the point. Terrie intends to defect and bring Indigo to the S.D.F.” Paige’s eyebrows rose and she inclined her head in surprise. She’d known Terrie for thirty-four years, since she was a precocious teenager searching for her absent father Jan Lomona and Terrie a deep cover agent for Glann Cipple. The two women had cultivated a long-distance friendship by letter search, holonet and standard mail, only meeting on a few occasions. Even when Terrie was romantically involved with her father. Paige thought she knew Terrie to the core, that she would never leave or ever doubt the word of the Galactic Alliance. Obviously she didn’t know her as well as she thought she did. Lucky for the Setnin Sector. Potentially unlucky for the Ki-Ki. “When does she want to make the move?” “Right away I imagine. She’s at the Trac-Tran office now, contacting her people. If they agree I don’t think it will be long before Squadron Indigo joins our side of the war.” Paige allowed herself a flash of a smile, and then turned her thoughts to practical matters. “So, Indigo joins the S.D.F. But where will they be based? A flight squadron needs repair bays and refuelling stations. It’s not like running a normal outfit. Those X-Wings are thirsty beasts.” Ryath nodded in agreement and seated himself. He’d piloted his own fair share of fighters in his time, and knew how demanding they could be when it came to service and repair. “I’ve already thought of that. What if Indigo uses this station as its base and headquarters? We certainly have enough room for them and the facilities are first-rate. And,” he continued, raising his finger as if to emphasise the point. “For certain missions they could work in tandem with the Iron Claws. Our heavy vessels taking on larger Ki-Ki ships and Indigo striking with their fighters and causing heavy damage.” He paused, eyeing Paige closely. “What do you think?” She grinned and blew out a long breath, crossing her ankles as she relaxed in the seat. “I think it’s a great idea, except for one thing. Me and Dad managed to persuade a number of the retail outlets on the trade promenade to set up dummy corporations. To replace those lost when Euphoria was taken.” She leaned forward. “We’re pushing our luck operating both Iron Claw and Trac-Tran out of here as it is, and with us being so close to the Borden Space Lane I think we have enough irons in this particular fire, don’t you?” Ryath looked away and chewed his lip in thought. Damn, I hate it when she’s right. “Okay, so what do you suggest? We need something concrete for Terrie to take to her people or she’ll back off.” “What about using the Trac-Tran?” Ryath frowned. “What do you mean? If you don’t want to use the Garyra Station then I don’t see – “ “No, I mean use their ships.” Interjected Paige, standing to her feet and moving away from the table. Ryath followed her closely, sensing that she was running various scenarios through her mind. “A Trac-Tran cargo ship, emptied inside and re-fitted to carry twelve X-Wings, would serve as a mobile base of operations. Indigo would need to bring their best technicians over with them, maybe even steal some equipment, but I know they could do it. We outfit a bulk freighter as a launch platform for Indigo and send it out on what appear to be regular convoy missions with the rest of the Trac-Tran fleet, with Iron Claw vessels riding shotgun.” She paused again as her smile coalesced across her face. “And with my Dads starmaps and knowledge of the sector, Indigo, Trac-Tran and Iron Claws could launch hit-and-fade missions against the Ki-Ki. They won’t know what’s hit them.” She turned on her heel to face her husband. “Well, what do you think?” Ryath scratched his head with a smile of his own evident on his face. “I knew I didn’t marry you just for your looks.”
Jan pushed the last piece of Mnu Mnu around his plate as he checked his chrono - 22.50. Sitting alone in the restaurant area of Zythlies he watched people come and go, busying themselves with their lives. He wasn’t particularly bothered that Paige had to shoot off to speak with Ryath, or that she’d been gone for almost half an hour. He was used to his own company these days, and despite having the young Trac-Tran smuggler Brevis Doole accompany him on occasion he enjoyed that solitude. Jan had always had a co-pilot, for as long as he could remember, and he’d had more than he could ever hope to recall. But during the war his time and his efforts to help dislodge the Ki-Ki had led him to become more solitary, more comfortable in his own company. He didn’t feel the need to hear the sound of his own voice quite as much as he once did and, as he took a shot of Duarga, he realised that it was one of the few noticeable changing character traits that he’d noticed in himself. After all, he was sixty-six years old. He couldn’t remain a hot-rodding tearaway forever. But the war and its effect upon him had crept up on him like a wraith. It wasn’t until recently that he’d acknowledged his part in the war. The attack on his convoy in the Noscage System last week had brought that involvement into sharp relief. He was fighting the Ki-Ki, as much as the next Setnin man with any kind of conscience. But only after that attack had he truly realised that it wasn’t simply a means to an end that he was trading and fighting through war zones and battle lines, not just to keep profits coming. He was doing it because it was his way. The Setnin Way, to coin an often-used phrase. He‘d be damned if some war hungry psycho from Ki-Ki was going to interfere in his life. They could try, but they’d pay dearly for it. He took the last piece of Mnu Mnu and chewed on it thoughtfully as he noticed an elegant and sleek figure enter Zythlies. She moved to the bar, ordered a drink and after taking the ice-cool glass moved into the restaurant area and looked around. The sense of deja’vu was overwhelming, and he knew in his gut who the woman was before she even came into focus. He straightened in his seat and watched the one woman he’d loved more than even he realised move through the tables and towards him. She smiled at him as she approached, placing her glass onto the table and pausing. “So, you’re not even going to say hello?” Asked Terrie as she folded her arms across her chest. Jan remained seated and silent, his face a mask of surprise and confusion. She allowed her smile to spill across her features again. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you lost for words.” “I’m not lost for words. There aren’t the words to say what I’m thinking right now.” Jan stood and embraced Terrie, and they remained like that for what seemed like an eternity, but was in truth only a few seconds. Terrie pulled back and looked up at Jan, his hair still long and flowing to his shoulders, though now streaked with the slightest traces of grey. She shook her head slowly as she moved into an empty seat, and Jan followed suit. “So Captain,” she teased, using his title of a starship pilot like she always had, as a jibe instead of a courtesy. “What brings you to the Garyra Station?” She lifted her glass and took a sip. Jan grinned. “Business Commander, just business. You?” “The same. I’ve been sent here by Galactic Alliance command to speak with Ryath.” Jan creased his brow and shook his head in confusion. “Ryath doesn’t have much time for the Galactic Alliance, not since they gave him such a hard time about Hellion. Must be something important” “Hellion was a long time ago. People change, leaders change. I’d have thought the Iron Claws would have got over that by now.” Jan narrowed his eyes. “I don’t know Terrie. It’s funny what some people remember about the past.” He realised the unintentional edge to that statement and followed it up quickly with another. “But you’re right, that’s old news. So give me an update. How are you?” She ran her fingers through her hair and took another sip of her drink. “I’m still in charge of Indigo, still going out on regular missions. Although, that probably sounds better than it actually is. These days we’re not much more than voyeurs. All watching and no action.” “I told you years ago to stick with me kiddo,” nudged Jan playfully. “There’s always action when I’m around. So go on, what else?” “I’m still with Aaron. It’s been eleven years now.” She paused, uncertain what else to say on the subject, but Jan’s warm smile gave her the courage to continue. “We’ve talked about marriage in the past. Children. But the time never seemed right.” “Are you happy?” Jan asked, his chin resting upon his large hand. Terrie’s face twisted in uncertainty, as if she didn’t know the answer to the question herself. “I love him…” “But?” Prodded Jan. Terrie sighed. “But more out of familiarity than passion.” She looked up at Jan. “He’s a good man. A decent man. He’s always cared for me, and I care for him.” Jan finished his glass of Duarga and called over the waiter droid for a second round of drinks. Terrie made out to protest, but Jan ignored her motion and ordered the drink anyway. Drinks in place he smiled again and waited for her to continue. “Go on Terrie. You can talk to me. You always did, that’s why we were so good together.” Terrie rolled her eyes in forced amusement. “Yeah, we really had a great dialogue going when you were on the other side of the galaxy.” “Okay, okay, maybe that was a little strained.” He let the smile fade away into a look of warmth and seriousness. “But the one thing I thought about for all that time was you. You’re what gave me the guts to come back. And in a strange way you’re what gave me the guts to do it on my own terms.” Terrie frowned. “What do you mean?” “Well, we both know that even though I was about as far away from here as you can get I could have made it back quicker. But I knew that you loved me, and that gave me the freedom to make it an experience. A journey instead of just a destination. Getting home to you was the best thing I ever did.” He stopped suddenly, sadness filling his eyes. “And when you got home I’d moved on and found someone else.” “Yeah.” Jan said quietly. Terrie slid her hand across the table and took Jans in hers. “You do realise that there’s nothing worse than being in love with someone and losing them.” “I do.” He said. “And then realising that they’re still alive, more than able to love you back, but that life has moved on without you. And there’s nothing you can do about it.” Jan lowered his eyes, knowing what Terrie was trying to say. He breathed deeply and looked up. “This war has been raging for two years now. We’ve been under threat for seven. None of us might make it out alive.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m not fighting against the Ki-Ki to make a fast credit. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do.” He smiled. “Like loving you was the right thing to do. It always has been.” Terrie lowered her eyes. “And it always will. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, nothing more, nothing less.” He smiled wryly. “And that’s all I have to say about that. Make any sense?” “It makes perfect sense Jan. Perfect sense, about more things than you know.” Terrie was about to say something else when she noticed Paige and Ryath enter the restaurant from the opposite side. “We’ve got company.” Jan raised his eyebrows in mock pleasure as his daughter and son-in-law joined them at the table. Paige paused, eyeing her father closely, and then embraced Terrie as she stood. “It’s so good to see you Paige.” Said Terrie, genuine warmth in her voice. Paige returned the tight hug. “You too.” She motioned towards Jan as the two women turned slightly away from Jan and Ryath. “Everything okay?” She asked quietly. “I didn’t mean to spring this on you, we just hadn’t had the chance to speak.” “No, it’s fine, fine. We’ve had a brief but illuminating chat about life, the universe and everything. No problems.” Paige saw the microsecond of regret and longing flash across Terrie’s eyes, and then the familiar mask of control and professionalism returned. Paige had always envied Terrie her self-control, but sometimes wondered if it had held her back from her true desires. And if her father Jan were one of those longings, she’d make damn sure Terrie realised it. War or no war. Galactic Alliance Gunboat Colossus, 01:15, Amagad System General Tyrahh quietly processed the information the latest batch of reports had given her and nodded slowly as her aide waited patiently at the side of the room. The holo-emitter droned in the background, a spinning image of a nine-strong Ki-Ki attack squadron illuminating the otherwise dark room. Beneath the holo-Ki-Ki hung six holo-bulk freighters – Trac-Tran vessels, flanked by three large Iron Claw ships. Tyrahh looked up and eyed the holo representation of a skirmish in the Gista System the day before and shook her head. All six freighters had either been captured or destroyed, and the Iron Claw ships, despite putting up a brave fight in the face of superior numbers, had been forced once again to retreat. Chalk up yet another victory to the invaders. Tyrahh stepped across the room and de-activated the holo-tank. The room illuminated itself and Tyrahh leaned against the round edge of the tank. She waited for a moment, and then turned to her young aide. “Private Elavezz.” “Yes General?” “Contact our spies in the Gista System, see if they can ascertain the location and destination of those Ki-Ki ships. I want to know where they’re striking from and how they keep locating Setnin vessels.” The young aide shifted on the spot, her lip lined with perspiration. “But sir, we’re not supposed to be tracking Ki-Ki movements. Only Setnin. If Galactic Alliance command – “ “You know Private, you remind me of myself when I was about your age.” Interjected Tyrahh. “I had an inquisitive mind too. And it often got me into trouble.” She turned a steely glare upon the private. “Do as I ask Elavezz, or I’ll find someone else who’ll follow my orders. There is a queue of young officers who’d fight a Wampa for a posting like this. Understood?” The young private swallowed and saluted her superior. “Understood General. I’ll have the report on your desk by late morning.” “See that you do. Dismissed.” Tyrahh watched the private march out of the holo-room and into the corridor beyond, and only when she had exited did she allow herself the smallest of sighs. Berone Sunrise, Garyra Station, 04.15, Bordon Space Lane “Master Jan, we appear to be fresh out of sealing lubricant.” “Well, the jet juice and Duarga have run out. I had to drink something.” Aurran shifted around on his ancient legs, his gears whirring slowly and began to make his way out of the cockpit towards the galley. “Very droll Master Jan. Shall I acquire some more?” Jan seated himself in his cockpit seat and swung his legs onto the freshly polished console, eliciting a groan of annoyance out of the older droid as it paused for his reply. “Nah, I got myself a fresh case ordered. Primo Duarga, ’77 vintage. Best year of the last century.” Why do I bother? Asked
the aged droid of himself and continued with his duties. Jan grinned as Aurran, his lifelong friend
made his way down the few steps to the galley below. For a droid he was unusually easy to get
along with. Jan loved people with a
dry, almost unnoticeable wit, and somewhere during his travels Aurran had
managed to acquire it. Jan’s life as
a smuggler had been punctuated by that wit, and he wouldn’t change it for the
world. The last thing the old boy
needed was a memory wipe, and although from a technical viewpoint he probably
required one Jan held back. Besides,
if you can’t hold on to your memories, what do you have? Sometimes they’re
all we get to keep in life. Jan flicked the cap on his
stashed jet juice and took a chug.
He’d noticed lately that his tolerance to alcohol wasn’t as strong as
it had been in earlier years, and as he approached the latter half of his
seventh decade he found that drinking sessions that would have once been
slept off as easily as yawning were now as hard to shake off as a debt
collector on fifty percent commission.
Like the man said, it’s not the years, it’s the mileage. He watched the passing of freighters and yachts from the tinted haven of the Sunrise cockpit and blew out a long breath. Terrie. God, it had been so long, but despite that his feelings for her were undiminished. He knew she’d been with Aaron Styrus for a long time, and he was a good man and a great pilot that Lomona knew as an acquaintance, but no more. But even after the other women that he’d known, and there had been plenty of women, Terrie still lit a fire deep within his chest like no one else ever had. He smiled as he reminisced. They’d had a good few years together, and become quite a team, even though they were often apart. Jan’s life was always swinging in wild and different directions. Despite the common perception that he was a free trader, smuggler and nothing more, Jan had in fact done many jobs. Becoming governor of his home city of Ecaps on A-desando was an achievement that he was proud of, although its destruction at the hands of the Empire after being led there by his good friend Lando Calrissian still smarted. And managing the heavy jizz band The Berones was another fun occupation, especially their crowning glory and final gig, the sell out homecoming show at the Chancai Hardball Stadium. Jan grinned at that memory. Three hundred thousand fans going mental for the greatest band of their generation, another forty billion watching by live Holo-cast. Holo-vid sales in excess of sixty five billion. Okay, so it didn’t exactly outsell the Diary of Galante, or have the cultural importance of Chatroots last speech to the Howlrunners, but it was a sight to behold nonetheless. And Jan Lomona had been a part of it, had his name on the marquee. In very small letters admittedly, but they were there. He’d been a father, coming to that occupation later in life than he expected. And later in Paige’s life he was sure! Of all his achievements, she was the one he was proudest of. And it wasn’t long before she was not only his daughter but also one of his very best friends, and Jan cherished every friend he had as if they were the only one. Back in the day, when all the guys hung out at Zythlies on Amagad, when there were regularly twenty of the guys hanging out at once he never realised the importance of having so many good pals. But as the years went by and the numbers diminished, he soon came to see what a golden era that was. And now so many of them were gone, dead or missing. Good men like Boba Dallagra, or Latti Tellex. Or Goah Galletti. Not the cloned impostor but the genuine article, who returned from his years in the Core Worlds for a brief time before returning and dying a few years back. Jan missed them all, and raised his jet juice in silent acknowledgement. But some still remained. Ryath, probably his best friend, was his son-in-law. And Grin was always skulking about. Grabby was as eager for a deal as ever, and Ocern Gabe, despite becoming one of the most powerful men in the Setnin Sector was always ready for a game of Sabacc and a plate of Cockons. And then there was Terrie. Dammit, why did I let her go? He chided himself for his admonition and corrected himself. Get it right Lomona. You didn’t let her go, and she didn’t let you go. Blind old lady luck decided that I was having too good a life and sent me to the other side of the galaxy. For ten years. He had his regrets, too many to mention. He regretted messing Frans about so much when they were together. Frans, who he was as certain of marrying as the sun rising or shares in Death Star Construction Corporation taking a dive after the Battle of Endor. Frans, who he’d been with since they were both toddlers, who’d followed him through his teenage years, his life working hard and gaining a reputation. Through the Galactic Civil War, through his regular and crushing infidelities, through anything that life could throw at them. He smiled sadly. Be honest Jan, most of that crap was thrown at her. And you threw most of it. He shook his head and remembered their parting. Acrimonious and bitter. Hurtful, painful, the sting of betrayal felt by both of them as they realised, perhaps for the first time and certainly for the last that their life that had run such a parallel course for so many years was now at a fork in the road, and neither of them wanted to take the same route. And so, eyes stinging from the tears, heart heavy from the realisation that he was truly alone for the first time since he’d left A-desando as a teenage boy, he headed to the Galactic Alliance gunship Colossus to bury himself in work. Do something different, see some new faces, repay an old debt that he felt needed sorting. And what happened? Terrie Saffra. For the first time in seven years, after their mission to Abrogard and the craziness that occurred there she strolled back into his life as easily as a cool breeze. And she fit him like a glove. And she stayed in his life, sometimes by his side, often times a great distance away, but never out of his thoughts. Until the day he took his daughter and new son-in-law to Luronsa IV for their honeymoon, and a bomb meant for Ryath exploded on the Thunderchild, which was piloted by Jan, throwing him into hyperspace to be deposited on the far side of the galaxy. Lost, alone, more afraid than he’d probably ever been in his life. And clinging onto the one thought that dominated his mind and ultimately drove him home to the Setnin Sector. Terrie… Galactic Alliance Gunboat Colossus, 06:35, Amagad System Commander Saffra’s X-wing glided slowly and gracefully to a halt as the force field crackled beyond, holding back the forces of nature’s vacuum. She took in the glistening vista of the Amagad System, the prime planet that had once been her place of employment when she worked for Glann Cipple, oh so many years ago. Another life, she mused as the engines slowed and cooled. She collected her belongings, tossed her flight gloves into her helmet and lightly hopped out of her fighter, hitting the ground with a spring in her step and a salute to the young private waiting for her at the tail end of her X-wing. She smiled as she walked swiftly away, the greenhorn following closely. “Sir, Admiral Tyrahh has requested your presence at a briefing, 07.30 in the ward room.” “Very good officer.” Terrie answered briskly, turning the corner and accelerating towards Room 98 – Squadron Indigos briefing room. “The Admiral was most insistent that you be punctual sir.” Terrie frowned and turned a steely gaze on the young male. “Private, when I say very good I mean very good. If I’m late you can be sure there’ll be a damn good reason for it.” Chastised, the younger man slowed and saluted again. “Very good sir.” “Okay,” said Captain Aaron Styrus as Terrie opened the door and entered Room 98. “Roll call.” Aaron eyed his long time love Terrie closely as she entered the room and paused. “Okay people, listen up and be sharp. Captain Sharn Retgarr.” “Right here sir.” The tall A-desandian officer, cousin of Jan Lomona smiled as she swung her legs from her high table and shook her short dark curly hair as she took a swig from a Duarga bottle that, like her cousin, never seemed to be more than an arms reach away. “Lieutenant Commander Cass.” “Sir.” Another A-desandian, Cass was a veteran of the Battle of Ecaps some thirty years before and the longest serving member of the squadron. And fiercely proud of that fact. “Lieutenant Holon.” “Present.” Togg Holon nodded and smiled at his superior, his furry broad hide rippling with muscle, his laid back smile welcoming and easy. “Lieutenant Ando Raahne.” “Sir.” Laughed Ando, also a son of Entall but a human unlike Holon. A hugely experienced pilot, Raahne had seen many more engagements than he had had hot dinners, a fact that he often related to friends and strangers alike. Styrus continued through the roll call. Pilots K’Pexx, Poors Killai, Mallen Mallen, Tenessee Mash, Rai Palla, Wian Pearrs, Flameout Reetii, Ronne Tann, Yalla Tcho and technicians Gron Tiller, Vern Windenn, and Garax Zenn. All from different worlds, all with different skills, different ages and different stories to tell. But all fiercely united by two things. First that they were Setnin-born and proud of it, and second that they were Indigo. And nothing could bond such a disparate group of souls more than being a part of Squadron Indigo. Terrie nodded as Aaron finished the roll call and secured the door before moving to the large desk and placing herself on the edge. She eyed her crew closely, checking the resolve in their eyes before beginning her words. “You all know why we’re here. You all know what I’m going to ask. But before I do, I want to make something clear. No one here is under any pressure. We’re all professionals, and we all swore an oath to the Galactic Alliance. So if any of you feel uneasy about this then please leave now, before we begin. Because once we make the decision then there’s no turning back.” She paused, glancing at Aaron and smiling sadly. “Because gods know we might have to do some things that we regret to get through this.” She stood to her feet and folded her arms. “So team. Anyone backing out had better leave the room right now.” She narrowed and lowered her eyes, waiting for the sound of footsteps echoing away from Indigo and from the circle of her command, but she heard none. After thirty seconds that seemed like an hour she opened her eyes and surveyed her squad. “Commander,” began Lieutenant Raahne, standing from his seat and moving to the front of the room. “The guys have asked me to speak. We’ve served alongside you for too many years to let you do this alone. And I know you well enough to know that you’d do this without the rest of us, you feel that strongly about this. Well so do we.” Ando moved close to Terrie, almost eye to eye, the humour usually so fresh and light on his features fading to shadow, a serious mask settling in its place. “We were all born in Setnin. We are Setnin, but for years we’ve watched our home be carved up and decimated while our superiors sit on their collective butts and push papers. Well, I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve had it with that. I choose to risk my neck for a superior that wants to fight for what he believes in. I want to be on the side that fights for what I believe in. I mean, is freedom such a bad thing to fight for? Isn’t that what the Rebel Alliance did during the Civil War?” He raised his arms as he turned to his fellow pilots. “If we sat here, with the skill and damage us guys could do to the Ki-Ki and do nothing, then we’d be as bad as the numb nuts in charge who’ve pushed flims and made policy for the past seven years without doing anything.” He turned back to Terrie and Aaron. “Sir, I know I speak for the whole team when I say that we’re one hundred percent behind taking Squadron Indigo over to the Setnin Defence Force. Its way past time we fought for something worthwhile, and when push comes to shove we’re Setnin, and that’s what counts. What’s the point in fighting to keep the peace when that peace is going to lead us to enslavement?” Terrie lowered her eyes as she turned to look at Aaron, for support and strength. He smiled, nodded and sat back. Ando returned to his seat, as Sharn leaned across. “Nice speech hotshot. Didn’t know you were a public speaker.” “Neither did I. Just lucky I guess.” Terrie drew a deep breath and stood again, and following a silent look from Captain Styrus so did the rest of Squadron Indigo. She smiled and saluted her team. “You’ve made this very easy. And you’ve made me very proud. Thank you team. We rendezvous on the main flight deck at,” she checked her chrono. “07.20. Thirty minutes people, let’s move.” Squadron Indigo scrambled, and for the first time in what seemed like an age they prepared for real action. “Commander Saffra, come in. You’re early.” Terrie nodded and entered General Tyrahhs office with a salute. “I know sir. If you want me to come back later…” “I wouldn’t hear of it. Besides, it gives us another fifteen minutes to get updated. Cup of Chav?” Terrie smiled and seated herself on the opposite side of Tyrahhs desk, the younger General pouring two cups of Chav and handing one to Terrie. She accepted with a nod and took a small sip. Tyrahh sat and also sipped, lowering the cup and looking at Terrie. Terrie waited for her to begin, but instead the General simply waited and smiled. Saffra couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “Sir, why have you called me here?” “I’ll be blunt Commander. I know what you’re up to.” began Tyrahh, and as she spoke the words Terrie’s heart sank. But her features remained stoic and fixed, and she retained the presence of mind to frown and cock her head in feigned confusion. “Sir, what do you mean?” “Your trip to the Garyra Station. Meeting with Centaur and Lomona. Taking Indigo over to the S.D.F. Your mission to Yuma that leaves in,” she checked her wrist chrono. “Oh, four minutes.” She noted Terries mask begin to slip and smiled. “You don’t become a General at my age because they appreciate youthful enthusiasm. I’ve known for a long time that something like this was coming. It was only a matter of time.” She stood from her desk, Chav in hand and walked to Terrie’s side and leaned against the table edge. “Which is precisely why I’ve had the unauthorised starship exit alarms disconnected and the perimeter vessels ordered to allow Indigo to leave unobstructed.” Terries face completely collapsed as the surprise hit like an uppercut. She shook her head slowly. “So you know what we’re planning? How?” “You don’t need to know that, and no, before you ask you don’t have a mole. Your team are fully behind you.” She paused and took a gulp of Chav. “And for what it’s worth so am I. Good luck Commander. If I wasn’t so high up the chain of command I’d be joining you. But I think I may be of more use to the Setnin cause working right here, and that’s what’s all this is really about, isn’t it.” Terrie stood and paused, lost for words and swelled by emotion, and then allowed herself a moment of warmth and hugged Tyrahh. Tyrahh returned the hug, stepped back and saluted. “Better shake it Commander, unless you want to fly through Ki-Ki space without your team by your side.” “Thank you Aera. I won’t forget this.” “Neither will I Terrie. Bust some Ki-Ki for me.” Terrie half grinned and raised an eyebrow. “Count on it General.” Yuma, 13:45, Yuma System “There they are sir.” The technician pointed to the circular screen as the radar swung around and illuminated a spray of familiar transponder signatures coming in to the system. X-wings, newly modified SJ-types, specially designed for Setnin Sector defence. Leaning over the techs shoulder stood Paige and Ryath, wide smiles pasted across their faces as the X-wings decelerated towards the rendezvous point and closed in tight and precise formation. Ryath lifted the comm to his lips and flicked the toggle switch. “Commander Saffra, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Iron Claws, the Trac-Tran Transit Company and all the free souls of the Setnin Sector I would very much like to welcome you to the Setnin Defence Force. Glad you could finally make it.” Static crackled as the tech located the correct channel and Terries voice sizzled through. “It’s our pleasure Ryath. We live to serve.” Jan watched Squadron Indigo as they docked inside the large bulk of one of his many TTTC freighters and knocked back the last of his Duarga. The Sunrises cockpit was shrouded in shadow, her running lights at a bare minimum matching his current mood. Aurran entered the cockpit and paused, unsure as to what he should do. His master was clearly unhappy, glass as ever gripped in hand. But today he seemed…different. Unusually melancholy when even the aged droid knew he should be rejoicing. Minding his noisy old gears he moved behind Jan and stood at his shoulder, watching the last X-wing enter the Bulk Freighter. “Ever wanted something so badly it clouds your entire life?” asked Jan. An unsuitable question to ask a droid, thought Aurran, given that free will is not a key component of droid programming. But tact prevailed and the wise droid gave his usual, measured reply. “Only to serve to my utmost and ensure you have a comfortable life while in my care. Why do you ask Master Jan?” Jan waited for a moment before answering, unsure of what he was going to say even as he prepared to say it. “Because I don’t know if this war has just got a whole lot easier or a whole lot more complicated.” “For who sir? You or the Setnin Sector?” Jan spun his seat around, as if to launch a verbal stab at the old droid, but his flash of annoyance disintegrated as he realised the truth in Aurran’s words. He lowered his eyes and stared at the rubber-clad floor. His shoulders slumped and his head hung low. “This is just the beginning buddy. There’s a war coming. Not like the one we’ve been fighting, I mean a real humdinger.” He raised his gaze and smiled lopsidedly at his old friend. “Let’s hope this tips the scales.” Aurran’s photoreceptors glowed balefully in the dim light, as if they were reflecting the sadness in his aged metal heart. “And if it doesn’t?” Jan Lomona shuddered as he contemplated the alternative to victory. “We’ll deal with that day when it comes.” When Push Comes to Shove2002 short story by Mark Newbold Thirty-seven years after Episode IV – A New Hope Histories – Story 150, the first Lightsabre story of 2002, and a vital tale chronicling the defection from
the Galactic Alliance to the S.D.F of the legendary Squadron Indigo. By Mark Newbold, this story covers many points. It reunites Jan Lomona and Terrie Saffra,
the experienced and excellent commander of Squadron Indigo, and also shows us
the current line-up during the Ki-Ki/Setnin
War for the first time. It also shows the close ties between the Iron Claws
of Ryath Centaur and the Trac-Tran Transit Company of Jan Lomona, two
concerns that benefit from the involvement of Paige Centaur, Jans daughter.
Cast of Characters Jan Lomona Terrie Saffra Ryath Centaur Paige Centaur General Aera TyrahhPrivate
Elavezz Captain Aaron StyrusAndo Raahne Sharn Retgarr CassTogg Holon K’Pexx Poors Killai Mallen MallenTenessee Mash Kai Palla Wian Pearrs Flameout
Reetii Ronne Tann Yalla Tcho Gron Tiller Vernn Windenn Garax Zenn |