Before they left his office, Marko asked General Cracken, "Is Chewbacca here?"

 

Cracken hesitated. then he said, "Yes.  They arrived just before you did."

 

Marko looked at the general.  "I need to talk to Chewbacca."  He saw Arianne being taken off of the Lightblade.

 

"Now we need to get a renegade Wookiee."

 

"Good Luck."

 

Marko ran off.

General Cracken was in his makeshift office on Home One.  Good, Marko's team is home, he thought.

 

He was working on his datapad.  Tapping a few keys, he entered information that he needed to do.  Data work is so tedious and boring, he thought.  His comm beeped.

 

"Yes?"

 

"Marko Razmussen to see you sir.  Alone."

 

Cracken raised his eyebrows, "Where's Arianne Volar?"

 

"He says he'll explain, sir."

 

Curious, Arien nodded to himself and said, "Have him come in."

 

The door opened, and Marko walked in.  When it closed, Marko simply said, "We really need to talk, sir."  He sat down.

 

Cracken looked at him, confused.  "Please don't tell me someone followed you."

 

"No.  It's worse.  One of my crew, Roowooka sacrificed himself.  Unfortunately..."

He sighed.

 

Cracken stood up, went to the wetbar, and made a few drinks.  You don't become a general unless you know that information needs a drink to take care of the storm.

 

Marko nodded gratefully, took a sip of his Corellian Ale.  "Sir, I have a wookiee on my ship that is...was Roowooka's clan leader."

 

"Was?"

 

Marko nodded.  "Was.  Appearantly, wookiee culture bans use of their climbing claws in combat.  Roowooka did, in order to protect us.  I thought I knew wookiee culture enough." 

 

Cracken sighed, "I can understand your concern."

 

"It gets worse.  You know that the clan leader in a situation like this has to be informed.  After all, his clan was discraced.  I personally don't think so, because Roowooka used them to defend our escape.  We managed to break the blockade at Kashyyyk, met with his clan leader, Ruu'Khan.  That's when we found out his clan was disgraced.  He did thank us for informing of the circumstances."  Marko took a drink.

 

"Unfortunately,it seemed that he was betrayed.  Another clan leader and he had an arguement.  I myself felt something was wrong.  Arianne and I went back, and sure enough, there were some Imperial troops.  We managed to take them out, and escape."

 

Cracken nodded.  "So you're hoping that saving the clan leader can be redeemed?"

 

Marko shook his head, "No.  I initially thought if we could make a case with Chewbacca, being that he is perhaps their greatest hero, he might use his clout to redeem Ruu'khan's clan...and forgive Roowooka.  Unfortunately,  Ruu'Khan says that he and Chewbacca are mortal enemies."

 

Cracken sat back and sighed.  "I can see why you asked to speak alone.  Arianne is babysitting said wookiee?"

 

Marko nodded.  "Yes."

 

Suddenly, Marko's commlink beeped.  He looked at the general, and Cracken nodded.  "Yes?"

 

A hoarse and labored female voice said, "Hel---Hell--Help...ME!"

 

"ARIANNE!"

 

Cracken pressed a button, "Emergency!  Medical team to Lightblade!  Send in a squad as well."

* * *

 

Arianne fell to the floor after Ruu'Khan dropped her from choking her.

 

He walked towards the bridge.  He tapped a few keys.

 

 

Message sent.

The Lightblade left hyperspace, and as Marko predicted.  Another set of coordinates were sent, and the ship followed the orders.

 

Then she left hyperspace.  In front of the Lightblade was a massive fleet.  It seemed that the entire Alliance had gathered.  In the background was the planet Sullest, its blue glow shined.

 

 

Marko tapped a few keys.  He turned on the comm.  "This is Alpha-Tau-Omega-nine-one.  Transmitting confirmation code now."

 

Moments later, a response.  Proceed to Home One for debriefing, Lightblade."

 

"Copy, Home One, Lightblade out."

 

The ship landed on the Calamari cruiser.

 

Marko walked to the ramp.  "Arianne, I think it'd be best if we go one at a time for debriefing.  I'm not sure if word's gone this far, and I want to check the mood.  Don't protest.  it's an order."

 

Arianne nodded, "I quite understand.  What if something happens?"

 

"Then we face our consequences, plead our case--"

 

No.  If other wookiees have heard, all is lost.  I am dead, and perhaps you as well, Ruu'Khan barked.

 

Marko looked at the Wlaking Carpet.  "I have to try.  You of all wookiees know that Chewbacca may help us."

 

*ROAR!*   You do not understand.

 

"Understand what?" Arianne asked.  Marko looked confused as well.

 

As Marko stood up to go to the cockpit, Arianne motioned for Ruu'Khan to sit down.  She went to go get a medpac to treat his wounds.

 

She looked at the Wookiee, "What in spaces did that other Wookiee do?"

 

Ruu'khan lowered his head, He used his claws on me.

 

Shocked, it took her a moment to let the information sink in. "Wouldn't that restore your honor?" Arianne asked.  "And why did he do it in the first place?"

 

He was working with the Empire, Ruu'Khan said softly.  He made a deal with the slaver Trandoshans and the Empire that he would freely enlsave my people, in return if would become supreme ruler of our world.

 

Arianne was speechless for a moment.  She [laced a stimpac on one of his wounds.  He purred.

 

Marko came back into the lounge area saying, "Ok, I know where the---what's wrong?"  He looked at Arianne, and Ruu'Khan.

 

Arianne explained.

 

Marko sighed.  "We're definately in trouble."  He picked up the bottle, and took a sall sip.  "Like I was about to say, I know where the fleet is..well, atl least where they're going to gather.  I just hope Chewbacca is there."

 

"Where?", Arianne said.

 

"I can't say just yet.  All I know is that coordinates I received were downloaded into the astrogator, then were wiped from the message.  I was told that at the next jump point, where-ever it is, we'll get another message."

  He paused.  "And, if I try to slice into the astrogation computer..."  He made a gesture that was rather obvious.

 

Arianne scowled.  "You're making this up.  You just don't want to tell me."

 

Marko shook his head.  "Fraid not.  I've used the same technique when I was in charge of an important mission where assets had to make a meeting point.  All I know is, it's from Admiral Ackbar himself.  Only a handful of the leadership know the coordinates."

 

 

"That's the tough part about it.  We won't know until we get there."

 

Arianne said, "Wait.  When we were in the Minos Cluster, how did you know how to contact Leia?"

 

Marko sighed.  "When this is over...whatever it is, I'll explain."

"You wouldn't have any clue as to where the fleet is?"  Marko asked.

 

Arianne looked at Marko, "You outrank me, you oughta know."

 

Thank you for rescuing me, Ruu'Kan barked softly.  Roowooka would be honored to know he had friends risking their lives to restore his honor.  However, the fact remains, our clan is discraced, even it was to initiate a life debt.  I am now banished within my culture.  And so are you.

 

Arianne looked at the Wookiee.  "Are you positive?"

 

 

"Dammit, I want to almost say to hell with your culture insynchronicities!" Marko said.  Ruu'Khan rose to his full hieght.

 

I will forgive you, this time, human for your comments, Ruu'Khan roared.  Perhaps I should go rest.  I have to mourn.

 

Ruu'Khan left.

 

Marko sighed, "Dammit."

 

"You sure have a way with beings," Arianne said.

 

Marko sighed, "I'm just frustrated."  He went to get an ale.  "I know a bunch of Wookiees.  I just feel I just might have cost us safe passage among them, if we come across any."

 

"How so?"

 

Marko took a drink.  He offered Arianne the bottle.  "Trust me, you'll understand."  Arianne took a sip.

 

Marko simply said, "Once the Wookiees discover what happened here, we might not be having friends in their community.  Clans will spread news."

 

Arianne nodded, taking a sip from the bottle.  "We did rescue a clan chief from the Empire."  She took another drink.

 

Marko nodded, "That's our wildcard.  However, if we can get a hold of Chewbacca, he'll set things right."

 

Scowling skeptically, Arianne said, "How's that going to help us?  Or Ruu'Khan?"  She took another drink.

 

"He's got clout."  Marko paused.  "Look, we have no choice.  He's their shining light.  Surely...and it's a long shot...He could spread messages to Wookiees to aid us."

 

 

Both humans looked at Ruu'Khan, and looking at each other, then looking at Ruu'Khan, they nodded.

 

"Are you sure?"  Arianne said.

 

 

Both Marko and Arianne said at the same time:

 

"Thank You."

Marko suddenly felt a tingle.

"We need to go back."  He started to head back to where he just left.  Arianne said, "What's wrong?"

 

Marko ignored Arianne, and walked briskly back to the conclave.  She followed.  he held up his hand.

 

Pointing to his hip, he made gestures.  Arianne looked at him and mouthed, ARE YOU NUTS?  He winked.  He smiled slyly.  Trust me.

 

Roars from within the conclave were heated.

 

You have dishonored us, Marko heard a Wookiee roar.

 

The human seemed genuine.  My decision stands.  I trust him, Ruu'Khan roared.

 

You have dishonored us, Rawralla said.

 

 

Marko looked at Arianne.  We need to get him out of here, he gestured.

 

You're crazy.  We're going to die.  Arianne mouthed.

 

Marko pulled out his blaster, and silently made his way to the conclave door.  Suddenly, Stormtroopers arrived, marching towards the two Rebels.

 

Marko held up his hands, and so did Arianne.  Both gave up their weapons.  Marko looked at Arianne.  Trust me.

 

"Rebel scum."  The commanding officer said.

 

"Scum?"  Marko looked around.  "I see a bunch of scum, just not my type of scum."

 

Arianne said, "I agree.  Scum."

 

She slapped him.  "You dragged me into this.  You're scum!"

 

Marko wiped the blood off of his lip, and winked.

 

Suddenly, there was a roar from behind.  Ruu'Khan was bleeding. 

 

Both Marko and Arianne acted.  They dove and picked up weapons and began to defend themselves.  Marko looked at Ruu'Kan, "Follow us!  There's no time!"

 

I will sacrifice myself, the Wookie roared.

 

Marko said, "Over my dead body."

 

Blaster fire became intense, and amazingly, no one was injured.  They made it to the ship.

 

Marko ran to the cockpit, and started up Lightblade's engines.

 

How in blazes am I gonna get out of this one? he thought.

 

Amazingly, Lightblade left Kashyyyk space, unimpeded.

I look at Arianne, simply say,  "I need to do this.  Alone."

 

She looked back.  Arianne looked me square in the eye.  "No.  He sacrificed himself for not just both of us, but for the Alliance."

 

She took his hand, and looked at Ruu'khan.  "Take us to your clan."

 

Ruu'khan nodded, and led us to a meeting chamber.  It was circular, wide open.  Even though the Empire made Kashyyyk a slave world, somehow, the Wookiees found a way to assemble in private to mete their form of justice.

 

Which is why this meeting was disturbing.

 

Ruu'khan looked at both of us.

 

 

I looked at Arianne.  She repllied, "He did what he had to do."

 

 

I spat.  I literally had enough of this conversation.  "You know, you weren't there.  Roowooka did what he had to do.  He swore a life debt to my crew.  Are you going to condemn your clan for a Wookiee who did an honorable deed?  He risked his life for not only us, but for the Alliance.  And your people.  Are you so set in your ways to condemn a hero?  Besides, it was his choice.  Not yours.  If you're so damned rigid to not to consider the circumstances of death, I consider you to be dishonest."

 

Ruu'khan roared.  How dare you question our culture!  Suddenly, I saw his claws.

 

I looked him in the eye.  "Now you understand why."

 

Ruu''Khan looked at me.  He nodded, and simply said,

 

 

I nodded sadly.

 

"I accept your judgement.  If you ever need my assistance, I'm sure you will find a way to contact me, or Arianne."

 

Thank you, my friends. 

 

Of all the things in my life, having to not only get to Kashyyyk without a problem, dealing with the Wookiees can be..in a word, touchy.

 

Especially considering the subject I need to discuss with Roowooka's clan.  See, the second I explain his death is the second that his clan will be dishonored.

 

He died a brave death.  He fulfilled his Life Debt to me and Arianne and my crew.  But the fact renains is, he used his claws to kill.

 

From what I understand, using their climbing claws to kill is dishonorable.  Even in self-defense, it is dishonorable.  If you use your claws, you dishonor your clan.

 

I now have to explain to his clan about his dishonor.  They might even execute me.  If so, I will accept it.  He died for me.  I can die for Roowooka.

 

Justice will be done.  No matter the cost.

 

I see Roowooka's clan-chief.  I look at him, nod, and simply tell him, "Whatever judgement you sentance me with, I will accept it."

 

Ruu'khan nodded.  So be it, human.

I've decided to let y'all know who is my dream cast for Marko's legacy.  As Marge has constantly told me, it's what's in my head.  It's my creation.  I'd love to debate about my choices.

 

Marko:  Keifer Sutherland

Theron: Al Pacino

Arianne: This one is a trbute to my friend Steve, who played the character in our RPG.  Linda Hamilton circa Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

Rick Oman: Dennis Hopper

 

I'll add when I figger out the rest.

 

Marko led Jared to the lounge.  Arianne walked in.  "We're in hyperspace now."  She paused.  "That was dangerous."

 

Marko nodded, "I know.  It had to be done."  Jared looked  back and forth, eyeing both of them.

 

"You two sound like you're married or something,"  he quipped.

 

Arianne laughed.  "Hardly."

 

Marko smiled, and gestured.  "Jared Andros,, meet Arianne Volar."  Rick took Arianne's hand, and kissed it.  "Such a beauty you are."  Arianne smiled, and looked at Marko.

 

Marko chuckled, "Ok, you old smoothie, we need to talk."

 

Jared looked at Marko, walked up to him, and gave him a hug.  "Glad you're alive, nephew."

 

Marko smiled back, patted Jared's back.  "Thanks, Uncle."

 

Arianne looked at both of them.  "I can't believe this, Mark...you seem to be related to everyone."

 

Both men laughed.  Finally, Jared said, "We need to talk."

 

Marko nodded.  "Uncle, there's something I need you to help us with."  Jared looked puzzled.

 

"What is it?"

Marko sighed.  "You know more about the Wookiees than I do.  Our mission---no, obligation---is to explain why one of our crew used his claws.  It was his last request before he died."

 

Jared sighed,  "Getting to Kashyyyk is hard enough.  Getting to his family, is another story."

 

Arianne said, "We know."

 

Marko nodded, "Yeah, we know."

I've not written about the exploits of Marko for the simple fact, I needed a break.

 

Also, I needed to reflect on the character.  I also figured to explain him some to my readers.

 

Marko is essentially the Han Solo/Indiana Jones of my personality.  And what's funny is (and Marge and I spoke of this influence in detail), he's got a lot of Jack Bauer in him.  Funny thing is, Marko had Jack Bauer in him long before 24 was aired.

 

You need to understand, this character, Marko Andreyvich Razmussen has been my macho side.

 

I'm a physically small guy, with piss poor eyes.  With the exception of soccer, I was poor in sports.

 

I spoke to my friend Marge at length about the direction of where I'm going with him.

 

One of my other influences for Marko is Bruce Boxleitner, from Babylon 5.  Again, Marko wqas created long before B5 was placed on TV.  Captain Sheridan is compassionate, headstrong, but also rash.

 

I figured I needed to clarify my influences.

 

Marko Is me.  He just follows where my influences go.

 

Enjoy the third act.  I'll enjoy writing it.

 

 

 

 

 

As a member of Alliance Intelligence, there is a code I must follow, and adapt it to every situation that presents itself.

 

I'm in public.  I am a Rebel.  So a firefight is out of the question.  I don't want to bring attention to myself, and also, not have innocents die in a firefight.  I need to think of another way to deal with this.

 

There's Jared.  A few men surrounding him.  They've stopped walking, as though they're waiting for something, or someone.

 

I have no choice, I need to make a scene.  But I must.  Arianne doesn't know, but I took some charges from Lightblade.  The problem:  How to not only plant them without alerting the enemy, but also not kill Jared.  Plus the crowd factor.

 

Then I come up with a plan.  Fire.  Cause confusion with the repellant system.  I look for the nearest sensor, and throw up a charge.  I walk away, and still, my targets have not moved from their position.  I tap on my comm.  I send a signal to the charge, and it explodes.

 

Panic ensues, and my quarry is surprised.  With my vibroknife, and the confusion, I manage to kill every man around Jared.

 

I calm the old man down, and tap my comm.  "Arianne, you there?"

 

"Loud and clear," she says.

 

"Meet me on the north platform.  I have Jared."

 

Jared and I run to the platform.  He keeps asking questions and thanking me, but I tell him that we can talk later.

 

Lightblade lands, and we run to the ramp.  Behind us, blaster fire nearly hits me and Jared.  It pelts the Lightblade.  We barely make it up the ramp.

 

You see, rules are meant to be broken.  Improvisation is an option.  If I've broken any rules, or hurt civilians, I'll pay the price.  But it is worth the price.

Marko  looked at his datapad.  They're close, he thought.  Minding the crowd of humans, droids, Duro, and other species, he walked his path.  "Thumper to Base, copy?"

 

Arianne said, "I copy."

 

"I think I'm close to them.  Wait."  He looked down at the datapad.  "Does R2's track concur that the target has stopped?"

 

"Yes.  Where are you?" 

 

Looking around Marko saw something.  Putting his hand on his blaster, he moved slowly, minding the crowd.  Dammit, I don't want to make a scene.  He made a choice.

 

"Arianne, copy?"

 

"Copy."

 

"Get the blazes out of here.  I'm going to probably regret this, but it needs to be done."

 

* * *

 

Arianne sighed.  "What are you going to do?"

 

It seemed like years before the answer came.  She was thinking to herself, He's got the targets.  He's in a public place.  She tapped the comm,  "Are you CRAZY?"

 

"Maybe.  But trust me, I know some people here.  Just get the hell out of here.  I'm expendable."

 

"You know too much!  If you're captured, they'll break you!"

 

* * *

 

Marko sighed.  "Look, there's no time to discuss this in a committee.  I have to act now.  They won't break me."

 

From the other end of the comm, Arianne said simply, "May the Force Be With You."

 

Marko nodded silently to himself.  "Goodbye, Arianne."

 

And then he acted.

Jared took the chips and codes, and began to work as his friend went off by himself.

 

Glad the boy is alive, he thought.  He worked on the codes, and managed to get them working.

 

Suddenly, his eyes widened, a dull pain in the back of his neck.  Weakly, he said, "Mark..help."

 

Silently, the commander of the squad signaled silently, Leave the Rebel out there alone.  Let him come to us.

 

Before Jarad passed out, he weakly reached into a pocket, and dropped some chips.  There were four, not three.  He ground his teeth together, and his last thoughts before losing consciousness was, May the Force Be With You.

 

* * *

 

"Arianne, I'm gonna do a quick search again.  If I find nothing, then we just leave."

 

"Acknowledged, " Arianne replied.

 

Dammit! Marko thought.  He went back into the shop, took a quick glance around.  Nothing.  He was about to leave, when something caught his eye.

 

 

Marko looked down, and picked up some chips.  One of them had a blue light flashing.  Looking around with his eyes, he saw nothing.  He tapped his comm and said softly, "Arianne, copy?"

 

"I copy," she said in his earpiece.

 

"I think Ive found something.  Looks like Jared managed to get the chips made, but there's one more."

 

"Describe it."

 

Marko looked at it for a moment.  "I'll bring it aboard.  Thumper out."

 

* * *

Marko placed the chip on the table.  "I've never seen something like this.  Have you?"

 

Arianne looked at the blinking light, and noticed something.  "R2, come here!"

 

R2-D9 came up, beeping.  Arianne reached down towards the droid, and inserted the disk. Suddenly, R2 showed a holomap.  It was of the city of Coronet.  A blue blip moved.

 

Arianne said, "He's given us a means to track him."

 

Marko nodded, then squinted.  "Here? To the spaceport?"

 

Pulling out his blaster, I'm going out there."  He placed a comm in his ear. "Check."

 

Arianne sighed, but heard the call. "Check."  She said, "You're crazy."

 

Marko shook his head, "No.  Loyal.  That man saved MANY of us, Arianne.  We owe him."  He paused.  "We're wasting time.  I've got the data on my pad.  If I don't come back with Jared alive, you get this ship off, and get the hell out of here.  Get to the fleet.  Those chips there are the transponders.  I had one made for a female captain named Morgana.  Ship is Avalon.  Don't ask me where I picked those names, ok?"

 

He went to Arianne and kissed her gently on the lips, "I'll be back."

 

R2-D9 rolled up to Marko. near the ramp. Marko bent down, and placed a disk into the droid, and said some words.  He stood up.  "Go, my friend.  Show her what I put in you.  She'll know what to do."

 

Beep. oouwa! R2 said.

 

I'm not THAT crazy, Marko thought, as he ran off the Lightblade.

 

Corellia is a rather interesting planet.  Much of it is grassland, and wheat fields, with rivers criss-crossing it.  It's a very fertile planet.  Some of it is mountainous, but beautiful.

 

Coronet City is the capital.  If one needs something on planet, this is the place to be.

 

Skyscrapers dominate the sky, the lights even glow at night because of business dealings.  One must know the city to understand it.  It truly is a smuggling city.  It's where mercenaries can make profit, as well as smugglers, and assassins.  You just need to know the right beings.

 

Marko made his way to a small thrift shop.  Looking around, he saw that no one followed him.  He entered the shop.  Immediately, he smelled incense, and saw the smoke rising from below.  He's still on spice, shit.  He walked down the steep spiraling stairs to the basement.  The door was of course closed.  I hope he hasn't changed the signal, he thought.

 

Marko rapped, scratched, and muttered, "Homage to the God-King of Coronet."

 

Silence.  Then a voice said, "Who bothers me while I make my goods?  Stuff only smugglers love?"

 

"Smugglers love your wares," Marko said.

 

The door opened, and a middle-aged Corellian smiled.  "So glad to see you.  What can I do for you?"

 

Marko handed over some credits and some datachips.  "What can you do with these?  They seem to not want to grow.  You do know Father is dead.  He'd want these to carry on."

 

Jared nodded, took the chips.  He went over to a console and punched a few buttons.  Satisfied, he returned and said, "Damned good to see you, boy.  What do you need?  No cost, of course."

 

Marko smiled, and placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I need three fake transponders matching my ship., along with three different names.  The ones I used to have seem to be known now.  What can I pay you?"

 

Jared took the information in, and said, "Passage off of Corellia.  Imperials are cracking down.  I'd not trust anyone, but you I do trust."

 

Marko's eyes narrowed.  "How much time you need?  If you can leave now, I've got the means now."

 

"As soon as possible."

 

Marko nodded, "Second."  He walked away some, clicked his comlink, "Thumper to Two, copy?"

 

Arianne replied, "Copy."

 

"We need to get the slicer off planet now.  I'm with him.  I'll walk our way to the bay.  Keep an ear on transmissions, over?"

 

 "Roger."

 

Marko said, "Ok, Jared, re-"

 

Jared was not to be seen.

 

Marko looked around, searching.  Nothing.  He punched a line to Arianne.  "Arianne, I've got a bad feeling about this.  Jared disappeared without a trace."

 

Arianne sat back, and just sighed, "Wonderful."

The Lightblade drifted into open space.  It seemed that from what data they had gathered over the last week or so pointed that they were safe.  The main Imperial fleet seemed to have become obsessed with something else.

 

"Now what?" Arianne said, as she sat down and looked at the charts.

 

Marko thought.  "Well. We need some fake transponder codes, that's for sure. Some that have clearance to Kashyyyk, and I think Corellia.  I've still have friends there."  He thought for a moment.  "I don't exactly know if we should head to Nar Shaddaa, even though one of the best slicers I know is based there."

 

"Well, what are our priorites?"

 

"Getting fake codes, identification, then to figure out how in blazes we're going to pass through the Imperial blockade."  He sighed, "Not to mention, finding Roowooka's clan, and THEN explaining why he dishonored them without getting ourselves killed.  And personally, he didn't dishonor them, but tell that to a Wookiee."

 

"I don't like any of them, really."

 

"Neither do I.  Ideas, Arianne?  If we can get the codes, enough of them for multiple use, we're set.  Most of mine have been compromised at least once."

 

Arianne thought for a moment.  "We can't go to Nar Shaddaa?"

 

"Not without a new transponder.  I'm too well known there with my current codes.  Since Yavin, I haven't had time to---"

 

Marko thought, "Wait a minute. Wait just a minute."  He looked at the charts.  "We're close to Corellia."

 

Marko turned to Arianne.  "You happen to know a slicer in Coronet City named Jared Andros?  He was a contact with my father.  Good slicer, too."

 

From Arianne's reaction, she knew him.  "He's my brother.  But totally freelance.   He broke away from the Alliance because of our father. He might turn us if we approach.  Does he know you directly?  The second I show up, we're blown."

 

Marko thought.  "Dad had me ask him to run information once.  Just across the city."  He thought for a moment, "Unless you know someoene else on Coronet, this might be our only option."  He paused.  "You aren't like going to kill each other, are you?"

 

Arianne sighed.  "That depends on him."

 

"It means, we have to contact him in such a way to pursuade him to help."  Marko thought solemnly.  "I'll need to find him.  Alone."

 

He looked at the comm for transponders, and found one.  "Arianne. Do you trust me?"

 

Arianne looked at him, "You're not thinking what I am thinking."

 

Marko nodded.  "We land several kilometers due south of Coronet.  This is a code not used, so if you need it, use it.  Jaien Feros.  The ship is Montegue.  You're a free trader.  Never been traced."

 

Arianne looked at he credentials and was surprised.  "Where'd you get these?"

 

"Hakes.  So do we have a plan?"

 

Arianne looked at Marko, "How expect to find my brother?"

 

Marko smiled sheepishly, "I know all the streets.  Trust me.  Wait for my signal.  If trouble occurs, I am expendable."

 

She simply nodded, amd plotted a course to Corellia.

Marko set the course,  Kashyyyk, he thought.  How in blazes we going to break that blockade?

 

I think it's time I need to talk to her, he thought.  Being the fact that they were in hyperspace, they had plenty of time.

 

He walked to the lounge.  He picked up a sabacc deck, and just shuffled it.  Mark laid cards down, pressed on the table.  He got a pure sabacc hand first try.

 

Pure sabacc, he thought.

 

"what's wrong?" he heard.

 

Marko stood up, and motioned for Arianne to take a seat.  "Sit down," he said softly. " We need to talk."

 

* * *

 

After the talk, Arianne stood up.  "You were SPYING on us?"  Marko simply nodded.  "I'm sorry Arianne, but the Alliance have had too many units compromised!"  He threw the deck of cards away in anger.  He sat down.  Arianne knelt down, and began picking up the cards.  Marko stood up, and helped her.  Their hands brushed against each other.

 

Pause.

 

They looked at each other. Marko looked down, and continued to pick up the cards.  Ariannne took his hand, and pulled him up.

 

She looked at him and said,  "Thank you for at least telling me the truth."  She led them to his quarters, and the door closed.

 

 

Arianne took control of the Lightblade, but suddenly, it seemed the ship took a mind of herself.

 

Tractor beam!  Arianne thought.  She kept on punching the controls.  Still nothing.  But then, she noticed the ship was controlling itself.  Marko, she thought.  That's when she ran to the lower gunner's turret.  She saw many snowtroopers killing.  She fired.

 

The ship kept moving as though a pilot was flying it.  She kept her instincts, and just fired.

 

Finally, the ship landed, and she sighed in relief.  Then she heard over the comm, "Arianne, keep them off of us.  We're getting out of here!"

 

"Acknowledged."  Arianne scanned the base site, and saw a ship fly out.  "Marko, looks like the Falcon made it.  Trying to communicate with them."

 

"Copy, Thumper Two."

 

Arianne was shocked.  "Tumper Two?"  "There's no time, patch into the Falcon!"

 

As the ship flew out, Arianne shot several TIE-Fighers and destroyed them.  "I hope you have a jump ready."

 

"I do, Arianne.  Get me the Falcon, dammit."

 

Arianne punched her comm.  She thought for a moment, and didn't know what to say.  Considering that there was a an Imperial blockade, codes should be used.  She punched the comm,  "Thumper to Bird of Prey, can you read?"

 

Silence. 

 

"Arianne, you get a hold of them?"

 

Just before Arianne answered Marko's question, she said "Wait."  She saud,  "The Princess is safe, and on the way out"  She paused.  "Moment."  Arianne listened. "Seems Luke got out as well."  Arianne paused.  "Are we going to the rendevous point?"  Lightblade managed to jump into hyperspace.

 

Marko's eyes narrrowed as he piloted the ship.  "What's wrong?" Arianne asked.

 

Marko sighed.  Since the ship was on autopilot, there was time to talk.  "Arianne, do you trust me?"

"Implicitly", she said, but she seemed confused.

 

Marko lowered his head.  Then he stood up, went to the bar, and said,  "Alderaan Sunrise, correct?"

 

"Yes."  Marko made the drink.  He handed it to her.  He made a Corellian Ale for himself.

 

Marko simply said, "Alderaan was beautiful."

 

Arianne simply said, "And her skies were blue."

 

Marko smiled, took a sip of his ale, and said, "Pleased to meet you General."

 

Arianne said, "Likewise."

 

Suddenly, Arianne pulled out her pistol, and pointed it threateningly at him.

 

Arianne looked at Marko.  "i'm grateful for your help, despite your unoriginal intent to join the Alliance."  She pulled out her blster, and pointed it squarely at Marko's chest.

 

Marko looked at Arianne.  "What?  Two suns ago set on Tatooine!"  He waited for the killing shot.  It never happened.  She holstered her pistol.

 

Arianne sat down, hosltering her pistol. She downed her drink, and asked for another.  Marko provided a drink.  "Mark, I am so sorry."  That was all that Arianne could say.

 

 

Imperial walkers were heading towards Echo Base.  Snowspeeders flew out, and began engaging, as the walkers began firing mercilessly at the outer defences.  It didn't look good.

 

Shit, Marko thought.  We can't take these!  I think we'll have to pull back.

 

Suddenly, a couple of snowspeeders managed to take down a walker with of all things, a tow cable.  Once the walker dropped, Derlin yelled, "MOVE!"

 

Marko heard the order.  "Thumpers, Move in!"

 

The battle was fierce, and the Rebels had to pull back. The Imperials were just too many.  Tower after tower, speeders up, and the parimeter was breached.

 

Marko lost all of his squad, and hid by a snowdrift.  Blaster fire shot above him, and he ducked.  He looked over the drift and saw the shield generator explode.

 

Meanwhile, in the command room, as explsions shook the room, Leia said, "Give the evacuation codes.  And get to your ships!"

 

Surprisngly, Arianne had her blaster out.  Her only option was to get herself to the Lightblade.   She was one hell of a pilot, but this was not her day for that.  She knew that she'd had to get the Lightblade out.  Considering that Marko had modified the controls of a standard YT-1300 freighter, it took her a few minutes to figure it out.

Derlin looked at Marko, "I hear you pretty good at commanding ground troops."

 

"Yes."  He surveyed his troops.  "Major, I may outrank you, but you're the commander on this field.  Thumper Squad is at your disposal."  Derlin nodded, then asked plainly, "By the way, where did you get your call-sign, Thumper from?  Curious."

 

Marko smiled, "Dunri.  Corellian rodent, about the size of a Galactic dog with big ears.  And they hop, as opposed to running.  They don't make a sound.  You'd expect a thump, right?"

 

Derlin understood immediately, "Move softly, be passive, be quiet, be fierce."  He paused.  "I heard your unit was good just through that motto.  Never knew who lead it."

 

"Bren, I ask you for one thing."  Marko looked Derlin in the eyes.

 

"Yes?"

 

"Take care of Arianne for me, will you?"

 

You'll make it back, sir.  You know the rendevous point.  Your ship is there, and we have three crews for her if necessary."

 

Marko nodded to Derlin, "Thank you, my friend."  He held out his hand.  Major Derlin clasped it.  "May the Force be With You, my friend."

 

Marko barked, "Thumpers!  SILENCE!"

 

And they walked off to the front.