“All fighters report in.” Anakin’s voiced resonated
over the comm. as the flight team floated in the unending
expanse of space.
“Red 2, standing by.” Came the first reply by Genne
Copper
“Red 3, standing by.” Konyr Huttun responded.
“Red 4, standing by.” Drake Antaree reported.
“Red 5, standing by.” Luke’s smile lit up his face
as he reported in.
“Master Kenobi?” Anakin inquired.
“Ready when you are, Padawan.” He replied
sarcastically.
“Master, I’ll be sure to whip up my best pie tonight,
just for you!” Anakin grinned, knowing his former Master
would know what he was referring to.
“Hmmm, sounds delicious, Padawan!” Obi-Wan
grinned, recalling the mud fight from long ago.
You know you’re in for it, don’t you? Anakin
mentally linked with Obi-Wan
My dear, dear Padawan, oh, former Padawan, where’s
your sense of humor? He answered.
Oh, don’t worry, you’ll see. Now lets show these
younglings a thing or two.
Anakin heard Luke snickering over the comm. and turned his
attention to their mission. “You all have been briefed
that this is a routine patrol, however, Master Kenobi and
myself have decided to incorporate some training into it
as well.”
Anakin and Obi-Wan grinned at the hoopla and cheers
radiating over the comm.
“Glad all of you are so enthused.” The elder Jedi
Skywalker grinned. “Just remember to monitor for the
Imperials as well.”
“We’ll split into teams but still follow our original
flight path. All of you switch over your real lasers to
mock.” Master Kenobi instructed them. “Copper,
you’re with Skywalker.”
Genne Copper chuckled and replied, “Which one?”
Obi-Wan knew he’d set himself up for that joke. “Which
one do you want?”
Genne smiled, she knew the answer to that question without
even thinking about it. “I guess I’ll take Luke.”
She sighed, as if to show her concession, over the comm.
“Remember that when you come across a certain Senator.
Alright, Huttun, Antaree, pair up.” Obi-Wan stated
smugly.
Anakin’s voice came over the comm. again. “Master
Kenobi and I will be the aggressors. Your objective is to
shoot us down with precise hits, as we have grilled into
you relentlessly, not a series of laser fire – accurate
hits only. Follow the flight plan, we’ll deviate
slightly but remember – we’ll be firing at you as
well. Always keep in mind that this is a patrol. Everyone
ready?”
“Ensure all laser fire is in the mock/training
position.” Master Kenobi reiterated. “We don’t want
REAL casualties!”
“Unless it’s TIE fighters!” Konyr Huttun commented.
“All X-Wings in attack position.” Obi-Wan commanded.
No sooner had the fighters responded to the Jedi
Master’s command than Obi-Wan mentally linked NOW!
with Anakin and simultaneously their engines roared to
full power and the Jedi split in different directions.
“Great!” muttered Huttun over the comm. “C’mon
Drake, let’s catch a Jedi.” He punched his accelerator
and flew after one of the ships.
“Right behind you, Spaz.” Drake Antaree laughed.
“I told you to stop calling me that.”
“Aw, lighten up. I’m just playin’ with ya.”
Konyr Huttun let out an indignant grunt. “I hate that
name.”
“Then don’t act like one and I’ll stop calling you
that.” Drake fired back.
Genne Copper’s senses went on alert as she looked around
and tried to find their ‘aggressors’. Deviate
slightly, huh? “Luke, you see either of them?”
“Not yet but we better get moving or we’ll be dead
before we ever get started.”
The hum from the two ships sang in harmony as their
engines fully came to life. Genne had more X-Wing
experience than Luke and so she took the lead leaving Luke
to fly at her starboard side but back a bit.
“You see the others?” Luke wondered.
“Not yet. Let’s accelerate a little.
Luke felt not only self-assured, but also comfortable in
the X-Wing’s cockpit. His own love of flying rivaled
that of his father although he had much to learn before he
felt confident to fly in Anakin’s stead. Their shared
passion for flying and exploration enamored the elder
Jedi. Anakin grinned roguishly when he witnessed Luke
shadow his own daring escapades in the cockpit. They were
alike in so many ways, which unnerved Master Yoda and
emitted a groan from Obi-Wan on more than one occasion. To
Luke’s credit, he was much more controlled and sure of
himself than Anakin had been at his age.
Still, Luke recognized the fact that his father was an
exceptional pilot and he knew better than to discount
anything regarding flying with him.
Restless and bordering on impetuosity, Luke reached out to
the Force, to cradle himself in its fine mists. As he
began to relax he suddenly felt his father’s presence
and immediately shouted into the comm. “Here he comes,
let’s move!”
Copper looked around wildly but saw nothing but space.
“Where?” She exclaimed excitedly.
“Just move, I feel him!”
The X-Wings sprang to life and accelerated to near attack
speed as Anakin came at them from beneath, soaring right
toward them.
Anakin smiled with satisfaction as the pair separated and
maneuvered their fighters to try and get behind the Jedi.
“Ahh, not so easy, my son!” Anakin rolled portside
then shot straight up and arced his X-Wing back and cut
off the two pilots.
The stunned younger pilots attempted to maintain visual as
the masterful Jedi pilot, Anakin Skywalker, flashed by
them in a series of expertly executed dives and rolls, all
by the deft skill of his dexterous Force-enhanced
movements. Luke again tapped into the Force and held on,
it was the only way he had even a remote chance of keeping
up with his father. Eagerness gave way to frustration as
Anakin placed a perfect shot on Genne Copper’s cockpit.
One moment she had the elder Skywalker in her sights, the
next he had vanished. Genne turned her head in every
possible angle – trying to glimpse the cunning Jedi.
From within the confines of dark space he mysteriously
appeared on her starboard side, fired one laser shot then
twisted the X-Wing portside and adroitly dived beneath
her. To her dismay, her inability to react quickly enough
caused her demise. Genne growled at the sight of her panel
flashing inside the cockpit showing her the fatal blow.
“Very good, Luke. Use the Force. It will enhance your
skill. That’s it, keep coming.” Anakin spoke to
himself as he proudly watched his son. “Sorry Genne.
Next time.” He called over the comm.
“I’ll be sure to practice Commander Skywalker.” She
replied downtrodden. “Red 2 switching the weapon system
to standard.”
“Acknowledged. Every experience teaches us something,
remember that.”
Luke found himself slightly unnerved at the calm in his
father’s voice as it came over the comm. As though
Anakin were taking this exercise lightly and Luke wanted
to shake his father up – the young Jedi wanted to prove
himself. Using the Force as his guide, he launched into a
series of dangerous turns and rolls to evade his pursuer.
Father and son raced through space as if their lives
depended on it. Luke dove and rolled then slowed down as
his father streaked above him. Accelerating quickly, he
maneuvered to get a shot but Anakin wouldn’t allow it.
Instead, his father became a blur and Luke quickly
discovered that he was once more on the offensive.
Their ‘combat’ raged on and Genne Copper watched the
pair with a mixture of envy and pride. A sly grin formed
on her lips as she watched Luke hang on. “Even if it is
by your fingernails,” she smirked. The pilot desperately
hoped to best the renowned Jedi and disappointment filled
her being by her failure. “Next time,” she vowed, “I
hope.”
Minutes later, the fighter jolted hard and Luke, shaking
his head, knew instantly.
He almost succeeded.
Luke’s cockpit flashed red, indicating he’d been
critically hit. He let his head fall back against his seat
and frowned. “Your son is dead because he was stupid.”
He called over the comm.
“No. Just a little too reckless. With more practice
you’ll master those moves you just did Luke. Not only
that, but you let the Force guide you. I’m
impressed…with both of you.”
The encouragement in his father’s voice made Luke smile,
his earlier dissatisfaction floating away into the past.
Genne too, smiled, a compliment from Jedi Skywalker was
high praise in her book.
“Obi-Wan, come in.” Anakin hailed his friend and
mentor on a private frequency.
“I’m assuming you’ve ‘killed’ the youngsters?”
The Master Jedi snickered.
Anakin chuckled. “Yes. You?”
“I let them chase me for a while then got to business.
Are we done now?”
“Ah yes, your dislike of flying. I didn’t see anything
out of the ordinary out here so yes, I think we can
land.”
“I DON’T dislike flying. I just prefer the
ground.” Obi-Wan stated slightly miffed.
“As you wish, my friend.”
************************************
The young pilots gathered in the ready room for their
debriefing. Each of them were formally acquainted with
Master Kenobi’s infamous lectures [which they surmised
he enjoyed giving too much] and found themselves dreading
it when he came into the room.
“I hope all of you are prepared for today’s lesson in
torture – Master Jedi style.” Konyr chuckled.
Genne smirked then wiped the smile from her face.
“Apparently a lesson well earned.”
Genne had garnered respect of all the pilots with not only
her exceptional flying skills but as a natural leader. She
always seemed to be smiling yet when necessary, she could
be brash and could fly circles around most of the pilots.
A hush fell over the room as if they were instantly guilt
ridden as they sat and waited. A few whispered amongst
themselves until the two Jedi strode into the room,
immediately silencing everyone.
“What have all of you learned today?” Obi-Wan inquired
as he casually walked to the front of the room.
“Not to fly against a Master Jedi.” Konyr Huttun
blurted out with a grunt.
In the back of the room, Anakin smiled but Obi-Wan would
not be as forgiving. He walked up to Konyr and bent down
until he was inches from the young man’s face. “So you
find out you’re up against a Jedi and turn tail and run?
Is that what you plan to do Huttun?”
Konyr straightened in his seat, his face flushing from
embarrassment. “No, of course not.”
Obi-Wan stopped glaring at Konyr, stood up and focused his
attention on all of them. “You never know who will be in
the cockpit of the ship you’re after. It could be
anyone, even the Emperor himself. My point is that you
give every effort to shoot down your enemy before they can
do the same to you. Thousands of people count on us to
keep them safe, they must be able to rely on us.”
“Also,” Anakin stepped forward, “never let your
guard down. Always be aware of where your enemy can come
from. Be alert but not afraid. Calmness in the face of
adversity may save your life and those of your team.”
Each of the pilots nodded in quiet agreement.
“Dismissed.” Obi-Wan commanded.
They are young and impetuous. Obi-Wan frowned as he
mentally linked to his friend while he watched the last
person leave.
I was no different. Anakin answered as he walked
forward.
No, you were worse!
Anakin grabbed Obi-Wan into a bear hug. “But you love me
anyway.” He laughed.
“What, are you a Wookiee now? Let go of me!”
“Oh, that’s right, I’m not exactly Sakoya, am I?”
Obi-Wan smiled cheerfully as Anakin let him go then Force
pushed him backward. The look on the Jedi’s face
registered complete shock! Obi-Wan would never forget the
bulging eyes or Anakin’s mouth hanging open as he flew
back, arms flailing. Priceless – as far as Master Kenobi
was concerned – absolutely priceless.
He wants games, does he? Anakin proceeded to
Force-lift his friend off the ground and plaster him to
the ceiling, face first and in a prone position.
************************************
The mock Force battle raged on between the two friends for
quite a while until they finally gave in – too exhausted
to engage in any more mischief. Padmé and Leia had been
looking everywhere for the both of them and at long last
checked the last place they thought to look [as they
should have been gone long ago].
“What’s going on here?” Padmé asked, her hands on
her hips as she glanced around the room, obviously not
amused.
Guiltily looking on like two caught, naughty children the
two Jedi glanced around at the magnitude of destruction
that surrounded them. Overturned chairs and scattered
tables littered the room – even a few datapad’s
hadn’t escaped unscathed. Reluctant to meet the
glowering gaze of the Senator, the grown men cowered
before her.
“Looks like they had a bit of fun, Mom.” Leia laughed.
“Well, you ‘boys’ better do something about this.”
She managed a brief smile then turned on her heel and
left.
“Must be that woman time thing.” Anakin mumbled with a
shrug.
Obi-Wan winced, “Oh, Force, I learned quickly about that!”
Anakin wrapped his arm around his friend’s shoulder
sympathetically; he knew just what his friend meant.
“Yes, but at least you don’t have two of them to
contend with, as I do!”
