Project Boussh: Pilot Briefing
by Vickie Boyd



Wedge Antilles stood on the podium in front of the pilots who were about
to risk their lives. He rubbed his eyes. This was always hard. Sending
people to possible death. Many of these were green pilots. The
Mendellians knew very little about fighting the Imperials. It was going
to be a challenge, as always.

Tycho stood to his right looking over a datapad. He checked off several
things before handing it to Wedge.

Wedge took the pad from his XO and skimmed it. He nodded, agreeing with
the choices. "Ok, let's make this quick so we can get out of here and
get our people back and Thrawn out of your solar system."

He waited until everyone had settled down, which didn't take long. He
could feel the tension in the room. It was so thick you could cut it
with a knife. "First, thank you all for getting here so quickly. This
will not be a normal briefing since we want to get airborne as soon as
possible.

"You each should be receiving on your datapads the assignments and call
names. The Rogues, Wraiths and Terrans will go by Red. We decided to do
this to avoid any confusion. Lord Thayer, your three squadrons will assist
the Reds with the _Admonitor_. Our New Republic friends will take care
of any other ships that may join the battle.

"Our objective will be to disable the Star Destroyer if possible. Aim
for gun turrets and engines. We expect quite a bit of resistance, which
will include fighters. Leave those to the more experienced pilots.

"If you are damaged or need to refuel, the _Peregrine_ will be open.

"Any questions?"



Vickie looked down at her pad. Her jaw fell open when she saw she was on
Wedge's wing. It opened more when she realized what her designation
would be.

Red Two.

Wedge's call sign at the Battle of Yavin.

What evil was this going to harbor? Or would it be her savior?

"Are you okay over there," Pash asked with a nudge.

She looked up at him and conciously closed her mouth. "Yeah, just having
movie flashbacks." His confused look put a smile on her face.
"Nevermind. I need to go find a flightsuit."

"You could borrow Corran's spare again." He grinned and winked.

She chuckled. "No, I think I'd rather find something that might fit a
bit better this time. I'm sure Atner's barracks should have something."

"Oh darn."

"Silly boy." She bumped him with her shoulder, a huge smiled on her
face, and pushed past him.


On the other side of the room, Josh Cochran stood speaking with Ooryl.
"So, it's very much like a Terran aircraft."

"Ooryl believes so. You will adapt quickly, Josh." The Gand smiled and
clasped the human's shoulder.

Josh grinned. "I still can't believe it, though. Me, flying an
honest-to-god X-Wing."

"It is quite a thrill the first time," Ooryl responded. "We must get
ready, though."

He nodded and followed his wingman to his new love.