Paul, Veela, Kris, and two other commandos sat down at a table in the mess. Kris was speaking to the two commandos and listening as they told him some stories of their previous missions.

"You know," Veela said to Paul, "I was wondering if I was ever going to bump into you again. I never expected it to be under circumstances like this though."

"Me neither," replied Paul. "But hopefully after we've completed the mission we'll have a couple of days to catch up on old times." Veela smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

A gruff voice came from behind Paul. "So, some idiot finally promoted you did they?"

Paul stood up and turned around to meet who had just insulted him. "As I live and breathe, Gunnery Sergeant Ras'Kaart." Paul held out his right hand to the big Bothan Commando and received a warm handshake in return. "How the hell are you, Gunny? And how come I never saw you getting off one of the ATR's?"

"As well as can be expected. And as for your second question, I was checking something onboard and by the time I had finished, Lieutenant Orrs here, had led you out of the hangar bay."

Paul motioned for the big Bothan to sit down with them and looked over to Target. "Between the pair of them, they managed to get me out of more scrapes than I care to remember."

"Well someone had to look after you," replied Veela. "After all, you were only on loan to us and the paper work we'd have to do explaining how you managed to get yourself killed…well, it would've taken forever to do!" Everyone laughed and continued to have fun at Paul's expense for a while longer.

The Happy Jack was due to re-enter normal space in ten minuets and everyone was gathered in the hanger to hear some last minute updates. Dobber was handing out data pads to the Squad leaders of the Commando units. They contained the names and pictures of all of the Alliance personnel who had gone to PX 77. Paul had fastened on his holster and was checking the power packs for his DL-44 blaster when the officer who had his blood boiling earlier approached him.

"What the hell do you want, Eckheart?" he snarled at the man.

"That's Captain Eckheart to you."

Paul gave the man a contemptible glance. "Alliance Military personnel only have to use an officer's rank if that officer is a higher rank than themselves. But then again, military matters never were your strong point. Were they, Eckheart!"

"You still blame me for that incident, don't you?"

"Incident?" Paul shouted. "You may as well have stuck a bloody blaster to their heads and pulled the trigger yourself!" A hush descended over the hanger as people started to take notice of the altercation that was starting to heat up. "You sent those fourteen people to their deaths!"

"The review panel cleared me. They said my actions were justified!" Eckheart's voice was also now beginning to get louder. "You were just jealous that you weren't the mission Commander!"

Paul looked exasperated. "Dear God man! Do you really believe that? I couldn't have cared less who was in command. Is that how you justify it to yourself? It wasn't just me that said you shouldn't proceed with your plan, remember! Tell me something, do you still hear their screams at night when you close your eyes? Because I do!"

"I made a judgment call." Eckheart snapped back.

"And it was a bad one!" The two officers looked ready to start fighting with each other. Their faces only inches away from each other. Another minute and fists would be flying. Fortunately, Dobber intervened.

"That's enough you two. Quit it right this instant. Rogue, I expect better of you." He then turned to the other man and started to say something, but before he could even begin, Eckheart, straightening his uniform, blurted out, "You should keep your pilots under better control Colonel."

Dobber looked at Eckheart and tried to withhold the look of contempt from his face. "Thank you, Captain, but I think I can discipline my own personnel. If I want or need your advice, I know where to find you." Dobber put his hand up to forestall any reply from Eckheart then put his hand on Paul's shoulder and forcibly walked him away.

"Whatever your problem is with him, leave it here on the ship. I need you focused for the mission. Understand?"

Paul nodded. He felt his muscles begin to loosen. He hadn't even noticed that his adrenaline had prepared his body for physical action.

"Good, you and Xtreeme will be with Lieutenant Orrs' squad once we get planet side. Any problems with that arrangement?"

"None," replied Paul. "Dobber, you and Edgie watch yourself down there with Eckheart. He's dangerous."

Dobber looked at his friend and could see the genuine concern in his eyes. "I will. Now get to your fighter and get ready to launch."

The two of them jogged off to their respective fighters and climbed aboard. Paul was greeted by a volley of whistles and beeps from Shade, his R2 unit. "No, Shade. I don't have time to tell you the story. Maybe later when we get back, ok?" The droid replied with a disgruntled beep, but left it at that. "Ok Shade, start pre-flight checklist." The little black droid chirped in acknowledgment and busied itself with the task while Paul watched the commando's board their ATR's and saw Veela give him a thumbs up as she boarded the one closest to his fighter. He returned the gesture and smiled as the hum of his engines powering up filled the cockpit.

[The Kathol Sector]

The Happy Jack had dropped out of hyperspace just before entering PX 77's system to avoid any detection by the Imperials. Eight X-Wings eased out of the Jack's hangar followed quickly by the two ATR's. The X-Wings assumed defensive positions around the transports and then, as one, entered Hyperspace again.

After a few minutes, all ten ships jumped back into normal space. Just ahead of them was their target planet. Dobber's voice came over the comm., "All fighters, S-Foils in attack position. Keep an eye on your scanners and sing out if you see anything."

A couple of minuets later, Xtreeme broke the silence. "They've either not seen us, are waiting to jump us, or they've already gone."

"Ok," said Dobber. "We'll make planet fall via the planets night side and then proceed at low level to the continent our people went to. We'll land about 10k out from the Tech's base camp and make our way on foot from there."

Twenty minutes later they were on the ground getting ready to set off on the rescue mission. Paul took off his helmet, gloves, and survival gear and left them in the cockpit then jumped down to the ground before shouting up to Shade. "Open up the hold please, Shade." The droid gave a tootle in response as the hold slowly opened. From it, Paul took out a black sleeveless combat jacket and put it on over his black flight suit. There were five pouches on both front sides of the jacket. He then reached into the hold and removed an assault rifle.

Ras'Kaart noticed the weapon and came over to him. "I've never seen a blaster like that before. Is it a new type?"

Paul looked up at Ras'Kaart. "Yes it is, but it's not a blaster. The ammunition isn't energy based. It's projectile!"

"Projectile? But I thought they stopped making those things years ago; not enough power and unreliable."

Paul smiled. "That's true, but the Tech heads have been working on those problems for a while. The rifle has one hundred rounds of ammunition and the magazine slots up in the holding handle. It has a firing rate of three hundred rounds per minute with three settings: single, triple, or full automatic. It's also equipped with an extendable stock, laser marker, adjustable scope settings, and finally, this." Paul held out a cylindrical tube that was about thirty centimetres long.

"What is it?" asked Ras'Kaart.

"It's a silencer." Paul took the silencer and attached it to the end of the rifle. "When I use this with the rifle, you won't hear the shot at all. Not even if I'm firing full automatic."

Paul handed the weapon over to Ras'Kaart who studied it for a while and then gave it back. "Well," the older man said, "I guess we're going to see how it performs soon enough. By the way, what's in those pouches?" Ras'Kaart was pointing at the pouches on Paul's combat jacket.

"Ammo." Replied Paul.

Ras'Kaart nodded knowingly as Paul got up and the two of them headed over to their Squad to listen to Dobber and Eckheart's mission briefing.

Eckheart started speaking first. "Before we set off, I just wanted to say good luck and be careful. We'll send the signal to proceed once we're in position." Then Eckheart motioned for his squad to get ready to move out. Dobber and Edgie were in his squad, and they both carried E-11 Blaster rifles and spare energy packs.

Veela got her squad ready to go which included Paul and Xtreeme. Weston, Luky, Target, Zoz, and the ATR pilots were staying back with the ships and would come in when the commandos had achieved their objective. The astromechs would fly the four empty fighters to the RV point on a signal from their pilots. The journey would take several hours to complete, but it meant it would be night when they reached the city limits. This suited the commandos, as it would give them the element of surprise which they would need if they were going to be fighting an enemy double their strength.

During the march, Xtreeme came over to Paul. "So what's the story with you and Lieutenant Orrs?"

Paul gave Xtreeme a wicked grin, "How long have you been waiting to ask me that, Geoff?"

"Oh, only about thirty seconds after I saw the two of you hugging each other!" replied Xtreeme, who now wore a big smile as well.

"Well, as you may have gathered, Veela and myself go back a few years. While I was with the commandos, we found that we got on really well and became good friends."

"And?" demanded Xtreeme.

"And what? Nothing. That's it. We're just good friends."

"But the way the pair of you were acting? Come on. You're joking right?"

"Geoff, she's married," Paul said watching his friends face for how he would react.

"Oh, right, I see." Xtreeme could feel himself going red in the face. "I'll just be back here, making sure no one is trying to…well…you know." That said, Xtreeme fell back towards the rear of the squad, shaking his head as he went.

Paul laughed to himself.

They had been marching in darkness for over two hours when they reached the city limits. However, knowing that they might have to spring into action at any moment, everyone was more alert now. Their weapons were held ready for combat. Veela pointed to the street they were going to go down. Halfway down it was a tower block. That was the place Veela and her squad had to reach and wait for Eckheart to get in contact with them.

The Squad split into two groups; each group going down the street on opposite sides, covering each other at the openings. One by one, everyone entered the tower. When everyone was in, they proceeded up to the second floor where Veela ordered the comms. gear set up. Once that was done, Veela organized sentries and told the rest of her squad to get some rest. She then motioned over Paul and Gunnery Sergeant Ras'Kaart. "We've made good time. We're over an hour ahead of schedule. Grab some rest while you can."

Paul found himself a space near the corner, sat down, and put his rifle across his chest as he closed his eyes. After what felt like only a couple of minutes, he felt himself being shook awake and opened his eyes to find that is was Xtreeme shaking him. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"The Lieutenant wants you."

Paul stood up and brushed himself off and tried to straighten his uniform as much as possible then walked over to where Veela was looking out of a window. As he got closer, he started hearing sounds coming from outside and when he looked out he saw a glow coming from a few blocks away. "Any ideas who or what?"

"None," she replied and turned to face him. "I want you and Ras'Kaart to go and check it out. Take two others with you, and be careful, don't get seen."

He went and woke two of the other commandos and the four of them headed towards the noises. It was four blocks from their position. While they were making their way, Paul attached his silencer to his rifle and selected single fire mode. As they got closer it became apparent that the light was coming from fires and the noises they had heard were voices, but no one could make out what they were saying. One of the commandos held up his hand and clenched it into a fist and slowly lowered it. Everyone froze, and slowly lowered themselves down so that they were kneeling on one knee. Paul suddenly heard what had made the soldier stop. The voices were coming towards them. They had to act quickly or they'd be discovered. Ras'Kaart motioned everyone to go in through a doorway next to him and they all took up positions out of sight once inside the room.

The sounds of the approaching people grew louder as two Imperial Stormtroopers walked past the room and continued on down the street. Once they were out of earshot Paul whispered to Ras'Kaart, "Gunny, we need to see their base, find out what the layout is like, how many of them there are, and where our people are…if they're still alive." Ras'Kaart nodded in agreement.

They waited five minutes to make sure the Imperials had gone then proceeded towards the Imperial base camp. They reached the clearing where the Imperials had set up their camp and from their vantage point, could see four Imperial ATR's and eight TIE Advanced star fighters on the ground forming a circle. In the centre were seven people; all of them were under guard and had shackles on. "We need to get this information back to the Lieutenant," Ras'Kaart whispered to Paul. "Let's go."

Dodging another patrol on the way back, the four of them managed to get back safely. They passed on the information to Veela pointing out Imperial positions and the location of the hostages on the holo map. "Ok, now all we need to do is wait for Eckheart to get into position and we'll be good to go," said Veela.

The call from Eckheart came twenty minutes later. Veela gave him the details and they agreed on tactics for the assault. Eckheart and his squad would come in from the west and Veela with her squad from the south. It would soon be midnight and the plan was to attack the Imperial camp then so they had the cover of the night and, hopefully, the element of surprise on their side.

Veela signalled everyone to get ready to move out. Paul took point to lead the squad forward. As they made their way towards the Imperial camp, he heard an approaching Imperial patrol coming towards them. The two Stormtroopers got closer. Waiting for just the right moment, Paul stepped out with his rifle raised and the little red dot of the targeting laser on the first enemy soldiers head. Before either Strom trooper could react, Paul squeezed the trigger. The bullet impacted in the centre of the armoured helmet, passing through the armour, and exploded out the other side. The second Trooper tried to raise his blaster, but the bullet that struck him went through his right eye and exited through the back of his helmet before he had the chance to contract the tiny muscles in his trigger finger. Both Imperials fell to the ground, dead.

With the patrol out of the picture with only the sound of lifeless armoured bodies falling to the ground, the commandos were able to get to the camp without any further incident. Everyone positioned themselves for a maximum field of fire. The Imperials outnumbered the Alliance commandos by more than 2:1, so they needed every bit of surprise and luck they could get from this encounter.

[The Imperial camp]

Paul flicked his rifle to full automatic and sighted his cross hairs on an Imperial officer. While he was waiting for the signal to open fire, he got two ammo mags from his combat jacket out and put them down next to him so he'd be ready for a quick reload. A green flare leapt up into the sky bathing the area in an eerie green glow. That was the signal.

From all around him, blaster fire erupted. Paul squeezed the trigger and the officer that he had targeted went down as the bullets impacted in his chest. He switched to another target, a Storm trooper running towards an E-Web gun emplacement. The trooper only managed to get half way before Paul had shot him. The guards covering the hostages had been taken out, leaving the hostages to find what little cover there was by lying flat on the ground. The Imperials had been caught completely by surprise, but, to their credit, it didn't take them long to organize their return fire. Having recovered from their initial shock; their training took over.

A group of Imperials had taken cover behind a large power generator and had become the main pocket of resistance until a well placed mortar round hit the generator. The resulting explosion was so strong that Paul felt the shockwave even from his distance.

An officer was trying to rally the Stormtroopers. Knowing that the best way to keep the enemy off kilter was to cut off the head, Paul zeroed in on him and pulled the trigger once more. Yet another Imperial officer fell to the rapid fire rifle in his hand.

During the fire fight, Paul noticed Eckheart speaking to one of his officers. There seemed to be a disagreement. Paul watched as Eckheart jabbed and pointed with his finger, first at the officer then at the hostages. It was like a lump of Hoth had just formed in Paul's stomach. Eckheart wanted that officer and a group of commandos to try and rescue the hostages now! The fact that the Imperials were now getting organised and returning fire at an increasing rate made the rescue attempt suicide. They needed to take out more Imperials before a rescue attempt was launched.

The officer to whom Eckheart had spoken motioned for some commandos to go with him. The look on the officer's face said it all. It was the look of a man knowing that he was going to die. Even so, the four commandos charged across the open area towards the hostages. They hadn't even gone halfway when the two in the rear of the formation were hit.

Paul gave the remaining two as much covering fire as he could, but it didn't help. Both were cut down just a few yards away from the hostages. Paul swore to himself, "Dammit Eckheart! How many more is it going to take?" Paul sighted his rifle on a Stormtrooper with an Imperial repeater rifle. The bullets hit trooper mid section and made him double up. Then Paul squeezed the trigger again, but the rifle clicked empty.

While Paul was reloading his rifle he saw a group of men running and recognised the fighter pilot's uniforms immediately. They were running towards their TIE's and if they got into them and managed to get them in the air the commandos would be finished. "Maybreck, Winterfield, Gorman," Paul shouted. "Target those pilots!" The three commandos and Paul didn't even bother to sight their weapons. They didn't need to. The amount of fire that came from the four of them was more than enough to mow down all of the dashing pilots. Paul's rifle clicked empty again and he took a second to survey the field. Not one of them had made it to their ships. He inserted another magazine and chambered a round. The others also put fresh energy packs into their weapons.

Paul could see Veela raise her hand up to her ear and press it against it. Twenty seconds later she motioned Paul over to her. "That was Eckheart," she said. "He's ordered in our ATR's to come pick up the hostages and us."

"But we haven't even rescued them yet!" Paul said, ducking as a blaster bolt went over him.

"I know," said Veela. "Eckheart wants my group to make an attempt at rescuing them. I'm giving you the honour of carrying it out. Take some of the squad and go get them!"

"Thanks a bunch, Veela." He took a second to make a few mental calculations and then turned back to look at her. "Tell me again why we're friends?"

Veela smiled, "Because of my award winning personality. Now get going and good luck."

With that, Paul went back over to where he had been a minute ago and told Maybreck, Winterfield, and Gorman what the four of them were going to do. Then, without hesitating, he yelled out to the rest of the squad for covering fire.

The four of them got up and ran low towards the make-shift Imperial command post. Their movement drew attention from the Imperials and it seemed like every gun was now trained on them. Almost in unison they dove for the cover that the small building provided. Blaster bolts smacked into the wall just around the corner them and started blowing chunks out of it.

There was an explosion from the other side of the Imperial compound and, abruptly, the firing stopped. Paul and the commandos got up and ran over to the hostages who were huddled together on the ground.

"Are there anymore of you?" shouted Paul.

"No. The others were killed when the Imperials arrived. We're all that's left."

Paul recognised the woman that had spoken. She was one of the Tech's from the data file he had seen on the Alliance personnel. "Ok, we're going to get you out of here. Do exactly as we tell you." They all nodded their response and raised their arms and feet. Winterfield and Gorman were providing covering fire while Paul and Maybreck removed the hostages' shackles. When Maybreck had removed the last pair of shackles he signalled to Paul.

Paul activated his comm and called to Veela. "We're coming in, lay down covering fire for us." He received an acknowledgment from Veela and told everyone to get ready to move. Veela's squad laid down covering fire and Maybreck began leading the hostages out. Paul tapped Winterfield and Gorman on the shoulders and told them to move out too.

Just as he was about to follow, he saw a Stormtrooper rise from cover and shoot. The blaster bolt missed him, but slammed into the back of one of the hostages. Paul was able to shoot the trooper now in close range causing him to fly backwards from the impact. Gorman grabbed the downed hostage, picked him up, got him on his shoulder, and carried him towards Veela's position. They were almost there when it happened.

Paul heard the warning. Someone was shouting "Grenade". He turned around only to see it land a couple feet from him. Then there was a brilliant flash. He felt himself being lifted up by the force of the explosion. Then nothing.

He wasn't sure how long he had been unconscious, but he felt people tugging at him and someone was saying his name. His eyes snapped open and he tired to sit up.

"Easy now," the familiar voice of Veela came through. "You're hurt pretty bad. Try not to move."

Suddenly a wave of pain struck Paul. He reached his hand up to the right side of his face and then pulled it away when it came into contact with a warm and wet sticky substance. He looked at his hand. It had come away covered in blood.

"You've got a nasty wound to your face," the field medic said. "Hold still while I get it bandaged."

"Anything else?" asked Paul.

"You've got some minor shrapnel wounds to your right arm and a few other cuts and bruises. I'm going to give you something for the pain now and then we'll med vac you out with the hostages."

"No," he through gritted teeth. "Bandage my face and that's it. I'm flying out of here in my ship. And no arguing Doc!"

The medic looked towards Veela, his commander. She sighed, "Do it Duval. No point in arguing with him. He's as stubborn as a mynock!"

Duval looked like he was about to protest, but then gave up when he saw the look in Paul's eyes. He applied the dressings then helped him sit up. "How's the hostage who was shot?" asked Paul as he got to his feet.

"Pretty bad, but he should make it once we've gotten him aboard our ATR and administer some bacta." The wounded hostage was lying on his front with the back of his uniform cut away showing the blaster wound and his friends were gathered around talking to him, reassuring him until the ATR arrived.

The fighting was dying down. There were only sporadic shots coming from within the Imperial compound now. Paul heard the approaching Alliance ATR's as they came closer. The lead ATR came into view and one of the turbo lasers started blasting away at an Imperial position and then landed.

Xtreeme walked over to Paul. "Are you sure you're going to be able to fly like that?"

"Yeah I'll be fine. Trust me, I've had worse shaving cuts." Paul smiled at his own false bravado. He looked up as four X-Wings flashed by overhead. It was the rest of Blue Squadron providing air support. Proceeding at a slower pace and under the control of the astromechs, Paul's and the other three X-Wings followed. The droids waited for the ATR's to land first then began their landing cycle. As soon as the ATR's hatches opened, the commandos picked up the wounded hostage and went in with him. The other hostages followed, flanked by commandos. The commandos picked up their dead and wounded comrades and took them to the ATR's. Paul saw Dobber and Edgie coming towards Xtreeme and himself. Dobber was limping and had a dressing on his right leg.

"What happened?" asked Xtreeme.

"I stopped one in the leg," said Dobber. "And it hurts like hell. How are you doing Rogue? I saw you get hit when that grenade exploded."

"Nothing that a month's paid vacation won't sort out, Chief." Paul replied.

Dobber laughed. "You've got more of a chance of finding the Katana Fleet than that happening!"

"Yeah, I guess so. You going to be ok flying with that leg wound?" Paul asked.

"I'll be fine, besides you lot can cover me if things turn ugly up there." Dobber was about to say something else when a blaster bolt cut short the rest of the conversation as it hit the ground near Edgie. Everyone outside tried to get under cover as more shots started coming in. The Stormtrooper's surprise was short lived as the top turret of one the ATR's located his position and four blasts later, all was quite.

"We're ready to pull out now," shouted Eckheart

"Ok, when we lift off," Dobber shouted back to Eckheart, "get your gunners to take out those TIE's and ATR's!" Dobber got a thumb's up from Eckheart as he headed over to his transport. "Let's go."

Before Paul turned to go Veela came over to the group. "See you all back on the Jack. You better look after us up there now!"

"We will. Best get to your transport, Lieutenant," Dobber said.

The four of them headed towards their fighters as Veela sprinted to her transport. The ATR's began taking off a few seconds later.

Paul shoved his combat jacket and rifle back in the storage hold of the X-Wing. He climbed up and quickly got his survival gear on. As he was putting on his helmet, Shade started whistling and beeping. Paul looked down at the monitor to see what the little droid was saying. "No. I'm ok, but thanks for the concern little guy." The canopy was still closing as he lifted the fighter up into the air. As soon as the canopy was shut, he flicked the switch to put his S-Foils into combat position. From inside his cockpit he could hear the explosions of the Imperial craft being destroyed by the ATR's. As the last one exploded, the X-Wings fell into formation with the ATR's and escorted them off the planet.

The starfield came into view as they exited the planets atmosphere. So did an Imperial Dreadnaught. "She's launching Interceptors," Dobber reported.

"How the hell did they get here so quick?" asked Zoz. "The Imps on the planet never managed to get off a distress call did they?"

"That's not important now," Dobber replied. "Right now we to deal with those Interceptors before that Dreadnaught opens up on the transports! Everyone, break and attack."

Paul picked one of the Interceptors as his target and switched his lasers to quad mode as the range meter on his display started coming down: 3, 2.5, 2. When it hit 1.5 Paul's cross hairs went green. He pressed the trigger and four scarlet bolts raced towards the oncoming Interceptor.

The Imperial pilot's systems must have warned him that he was being fired upon because the pilot pulled back on his controls and headed out of the lethal incoming laser bolts. Having expected this manoeuvre, Paul had flicked his lasers to single fire and had sent a steady stream towards where he thought the Imperial was going to go. He was rewarded with two bolts hitting the Interceptor's starboard solar panel wing and seemed to get sluggish in its manoeuvring. This gave Paul the chance he needed. Switching back to quad lasers, he squeezed the trigger. This time the Interceptor exploded into a bright yellow and orange fireball, which Paul flew his X-Wing through.

Over the comm came several more jubilant claims. Five of the twelve Interceptors had been destroyed. The other seven had managed to get through and were now headed towards the ATR's. The ATR's gunners were ready with a steady stream of turbo laser towards the incoming Interceptors. Five of the Imperials broke off their attack when the other two were turned into space debris.

The odds were now overwhelmingly in the Blues favour. They hunted down the surviving Interceptors with an efficient determination. Target shot down the final Imperial fighter after a brief struggle and altered course to the last enemy ship: the Dreadnaught.

"Ninety seconds until she's in firing range," Luky reported.

"Everyone fire a full spread of torpedoes on my command," ordered Dobber. He mentally counted down from 5 then calmly sent the order. "Fire!"
From all eight X-Wings two torpedoes launched towards the Imperial Dreadnaught. The gunners on the Imperial warship opened up trying to destroy the incoming warheads managing to hit most of the torpedoes, but a few still got through to impact on the capital ship's shields. They came down to 74%.

"Fire another salvo on my mark and then switch to guns. Let's finish this," came Dobber when they were again on a course straight at the Imperial ship. Again more blue flame jetted out from the fighters towards the Dreadnaught. This time more of the torpedoes found their mark, weakening the shields further. With no more incoming torpedoes to target, the Imperial gunners turned their attention to the Alliance star fighters.

Paul saw Luky's shields flare briefly as a laser bolt hit his fighter. Target joined on Paul's wing and they commenced their strafing run. It was almost identical to the one they had done to the Imperial Strike Cruiser a mere few days ago. A few of the X-Wings were veering away because the Dreadnaught's gunners seemed to have found their range and were putting up a fierce defence of their ship. "Damn, this isn't healthy!" Paul said as he managed to dodge another blast. "Rogue to ATR's, fire your torps at that thing, their gunners are going to have to choose either us or them."

"Copy that Blue 8," came the reply, "Starting attack run."

The two ATR's lined up for their attack run and fired their torpedoes which streaked towards the Dreadnaught, leaving the gunners a simple choice: fighters or torpedoes. With the damage already inflicted by the X-Wings' torpedoes and strafing runs, the shields on the Dreadnaught were already dangerously low. The gunners were able to destroy some torpedoes, but most got through and, this time, the torpedoes weren't even stopped by the shields. The first one hit and the force of the explosion destroyed the communications array leaving a dark burn mark on the hull. The multiple hits were too much for the ship to take and explosions started to travel the length of the hull. Soon, all that remained was a mangled shell of what had once been an Imperial warship.

"Give me a status report people." Dobber listened as everyone reported in. There were a few low shields and a couple of laser scars on some hulls, but nobody had taken any serious damage. At Dobber's order the X-Wings moved into a defensive position around the transports just in case there were anymore surprises before they all made it to the hyperspace jump. After all the ATR's had successfully made the jump and everyone one was in position, Dobber gave the order to jump to lightspeed.

[The Med bay onboard the Happy Jack]

"This bacta dressing will help heal your wound Captain." The M.D. droid was applying a new dressing to Paul's face. "Though I'm afraid you'll have quite a scar when the wound eventually heals."

"That's ok. I'll be fine," Paul said as the droid finished attaching the dressing to his face then moved on to the shrapnel wounds on his right arm. "How are the others doing?"

"The critical patient has been placed in a bacta tank and will be in there for the next two days. Lt. Col. Dobson is having his wound treated now and will be placed on light duties for the next week, as will you Captain. The others have been treated and need to rest for a day or two, but, apart from that, nothing too serious." The M.D. droid finished cleaning up the other minor wounds on Paul then left to treat another commando.

He sat up from the medical bed, swung his feet over the sides, and walked over to where Dobber was being treated. "So, it looks like I'll be getting a week off from active duty!"

"Yeah, I guess you will," said Dobber. "But look at it this way, it'll give you a chance to catch up on all that paper work you've been meaning to do."

"You're all heart, Chief!" Paul smiled then walked around the med bay speaking to a few of the commandos who were waiting for treatment. After about ten minutes he headed towards his quarters. In his quarters he stored his gun belt in his locker then peeled off his flight suit. It looked in pretty bad shape. "Nothing that couldn't be cleaned or fixed though," he thought. He got a clean uniform from his locker then, in his shorts and T-Shirt, headed for a much needed shower.

After he had cleaned himself and put on his uniform, he headed to the bar where he and all of the other pilots liked to relax after a mission. He was starting to ache and feel sore all over after the day's ordeal. As he walked into the bar, he found that a large portion of his squad mates and commandos were already there and had been for a while. So, he walked over to Dargon, the bartender to order a drink. "Pint of Ale please, Dargon."

Dargon, nodded and handed him an Ale. "The Lieutenant says the first one is on her but after that you have to get the rest yourself."

Paul looked over to where Dargon was pointing. Seated at the table were Veela, Ras'Kaart, Xtreeme, Target, and a few other commandos. Paul walked from the bar over to their table and sat down in the seat next to Veela, which she had saved for him.

"You look like hell," Veela greeted Paul.

"Thanks, it's that concussion grenade diet I'm on. I recommend it!"

Veela laughed and slapped him on the arm as he sat down, drawing a painful yelp from Paul. "Oops, sorry I forgot."

He gave her a sideways glance knowing full well that she hadn't forgotten. Then to change the subject he added, "How many did we loose?"

Veela's face turned serious and the conversation at the table stopped. "Four, with seven wounded including yourself and Lt. Col. Dobson. Considering the odds we were up against, I think we've gotten away lightly."

Paul nodded in agreement, but, in his head he couldn't help feel that those people might still be alive if it were not for Eckheart. He raised his glass and said, "Here's to them." The others at the table did the same and then downed their drinks in one gulp. "By the way, who got me back to our position?"

"That would be me," Ras'Kaart said.

"Gunny, that's another one I owe you."

"I know," Ras'Kaart said smiling. "You carry on like this and you're going to be in debt to me for the rest of you life!"

"Well that's something I can't afford and everyone knows how a Bothan never makes anyone feel obligated to them!" Paul winked at Ras'Kaart. The big Bothan made an innocent face as if not understanding what Paul had meant with the jab.

The mood in the bar stayed light and happy as people joked and told stories with old and new friends. Sometime later that evening Dobber came limping in and raised a glass in toast to everyone. He hobbled around chatting with everyone and seemed to enjoy the festivities.

A few hours later everyone was starting to feel the affects of the day and began leaving to get some much needed sleep. Paul walked Veela to where she was bunking. They made plans to meet up the next day since the commandos were not shipping out until their wounded were fit to do so then said their goodnights and Paul staggered off to his own room.

When he got there he was glad that his rank allowed him the privilege of staying in a single room. He laid down on his bed without even bothering to undress and a few seconds later he was asleep.

[Two days later]

The entire squad was in the hanger watching the commandos board their ATR's getting ready to depart, the Scientists and Tech's were also going with them. Eckheart was speaking with Dobber and it looked like there was no love lost between the pair of them. As Eckheart was walking off, Paul couldn't just leave it at that. "How many does that make now, Eckheart?"

"What?" Eckheart stopped and turned to face Paul.

"You really are one callous son of a bitch, you know that. Don't people's lives mean anything to you? Or are you really that incompetent?"

Eckheart looked down to the floor. "That wasn't my fault."

Paul's left hand shot out and grabbed Eckheart's shirt. He pulled the commando officer towards him. "For once in your life be a good officer and make the right decision. Get out of this business. You're more dangerous to us than the enemy!" Paul heard Dobber shouting at him, but didn't listen. "You ever screw up like that again and I'll hunt you down myself. Understand?" With that, Paul pushed Eckheart away from him. The commando officer stumbled backwards a few steps before regaining his balance. He looked up at Paul for a couple of seconds, pulled at his uniform to straighten it out, then turned and got on his ATR.

"Captain Sweet, I'll see you in my office, one hour from now!" came a blaring Dobber before turning and limping away out of the hangar.

"You know," came Veela's voice from behind Paul "You'll get yourself into a lot of trouble if you carry on like that."

"I know, but hey, don't worry about it." Paul turned towards her and opened up his arms. Veela did the same and they both stood there and hugged each other for a while. Paul spoke first. "You promise you watch yourself around him," he said as he nodded his head back towards the ATR on which Eckheart boarded.

"I will. You look after yourself also, flying around in those tiny things." Veela stepped out of Paul's embrace, turned to leave and then quickly turned back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Stay in touch."

"I will." Paul watched as she walked on to her transport then turned and took the outstretched hand of Ras'Kaart and shook it. "Look after yourself Gunnery Sergeant."

"You too, Captain." Both men saluted each other before Ras'Kaart turned and followed Veela on to the transport.

The two transports lifted off and slipped through the MAG CON field into the darkness of space. A minute later they had disappeared into Hyperspace.

[Dobber's Office, one hour later]

"You're damn lucky I don't bring you up on charges, Paul." Dobber was sitting at his desk while Paul stood at attention in front of it. "What you did in the hangar was out of order. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good. Don't let it happen again."

"Chief?" Paul looked quizzically at Andrew. He had expected more than this from his commanding officer.

"Well I could continue if you like Captain," Dobber flicked off his terminal and looked back up. "But I've just filed a report on Captain Eckheart concerning my reservations on his judgment during the mission. Hopefully, Command will take the necessary steps to make sure it doesn't happen again, if you know what I mean."

"I guess we'll see. Anything else Chief?"

"Yes. That pile of reports needs finishing and filing," Dobber said with a big grin pointing to a large stack of datapads on a nearby desk. "Have fun!"

"Cheers Chief. You're all heart." Paul went over to the other desk where the reports were stacked and sat down. He looked at the first datapad and sighed, muttering to himself, "Join the Alliance; see the galaxy; and vape bad guys….and wade through mountains of reports!"