Wraith Squadron Read Online Free PDF Page A

Destroyer, Iron Fist , against a New Republic military base established near the border to Zsinj-controlled space.
    “We don’t need misfits representing the New Republic,” the general continued. “We need heroes. Men and women with proper character and clean records. Hologenic pilots who’ll look good in the broadcasts, good in the archives.”
    “With all due respect, General, that’s equivalent to piloting a course right into the dark side of the Force.”
    Crespin’s head snapped around and he glared at Wedge. “You’re insolent. Explain yourself.”
    Wedge took a deep breath. Contain your anger. Make him an ally, not an enemy . “First, since the Alliance was first formed, we’ve made it a policy to accept Imperial defectors.”
    “I know that. I’m one of them.” Crespin’s chin came up, as if he were inviting Wedge to address the question of his loyalty.
    “Yes, sir. So, as you know, sometimes these people had just been waiting for the chance to side with us. Like yourself. Sometimes they jumped when our position was stronger than the Empire’s. Sometimes they jumped for purely selfish reasons. We never cared, so long as they did their jobs, continued to aid the New Republic, and stayed loyal to our goals.”
    “So?”
    “So all these defectors are retreads, General. Many are men and women with spots on their records. Sometimes more than spots. Here’s an example. We pulled Black Sun criminals off Kessel, introduced them onto Coruscant, and kept the faith with them so long as they did with us. You seem to be saying that their contributions should be ignored, kept hidden—the only people whose efforts we acknowledge will be those with spotless records, uniforms, and faces.”
    “Ridiculous.”
    “Second, this idea that appearance needs to be a factor in the choice of new pilots so they’ll look good on holograms and broadcasts—sir, I understand your reasoning, and I approve”—the lie nearly stuck in Wedge’s throat but he accelerated past it—“but it exposes the New Republic, theProvisional and Inner Councils, to a danger I think you’ve overlooked.”
    “Which is what?”
    “If all our pilots have to look a specific way, meet or surpass some arbitrary degree of beauty, we’re exactly the same as the Empire, which kept hundreds of sapient species under its heel because they weren’t human. Because they didn’t meet specific human standards of appearance.”
    “Preposterous!” But Crespin looked a trifle shaken by Wedge’s last accusation.
    “Of course it is, sir. It’s more than preposterous, it’s idiotic. Especially in light of all the nonhumans in Rogue Squadron and other units. But put that argument into the hands of Imperial insurgents working within the New Republic and you’ll have insurrections, protests from every New Republic signatory race that isn’t represented in the cockpit of an X-wing or A-wing somewhere.”
    Crespin grimaced but didn’t answer.
    “Third, the new squadron’s makeup allows for better, not poorer, public relations. Every pilot who makes it will be a success story, a come-from-behind story, suited to a holodrama or series. Most importantly, they’ll be common-being stories. Not everyone can identify with Corran Horn from Corellian Security, or with Bror Jace, millionaire prince of the bacta-producing monopoly on Thyferra. But some tug pilot who joined the Alliance, fumbled his career into the gutter, and then recovered it, repaired the damage he’d done to his life—”
    “Yes, yes.” Crespin waved for him to be quiet. “Very well, Commander. Your passion for this experiment is obvious. Your reasons are sound. Do it your way for now. Do note that I expect this experiment to be a disaster … and I’ll be on hand to clean it up when it detonates in your face.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “You’ll have to be aware of some changes implemented since the last time you were stationed here. You may have noticed when landing that the base’s