The Legend of the Jedi Queen

59. The Crew of the Suncrusher

Amilyn Dameron stood in her mother's office, her best friend by her side, letting her hold his hand as her mother replayed the recording. From the moment the clip began, Amilyn could tell something was wrong. There was something just off about her friend's face, some quality about it that betrayed the makeup slathered on her face to hide something terrible. Then to hear her scream that she was being held against her will, and then to watch one of the strongest people she'd known get pulled to her feet screaming—

Amilyn shut her eyes, but it was too late. The clip was already done. Hastily, she opened her eyes to see Kaydel surveying her reaction. Amilyn swallowed, trying to gather her thoughts.

"We need to rescue her," Amilyn said. "She's going to be the galaxy's queen one day. We can't let her stay there."

"My thoughts exactly," Kaydel said.

Sam gently squeezed Amilyn's hand before letting go. "I can trace the transmission. Give me two days max, and I will have the location."

Kaydel nodded. "I was hoping you'd say that. We have to assemble a team."

"Did someone say team?"

Kaydel, Sam, Amilyn, Poe, Finn, and Rose turned around to see Jaina Solo having stormed through the doors.

"Hey, this is a highly secure office," Poe protested. "You can't just—"

"Save it, flyboy," Jaina said, staring past him at Kaydel. "Are we rescuing my apprentice?"

"You know that was always the plan," Kaydel said softly.

Jaina nodded approvingly. "So, who are we taking with us?"

"I have to stay here," Kaydel said. "And so do the rest of us." She gestured at the other adults. "We need to clean up the scandal regarding the Suncrusher that came out at the Artorian conference. And make a press statement about our intentions of the whole Nellith statement."

Jaina turned to Sam and Amilyn. "How do you feel about helping?"

Amilyn nodded, her face set into a determined expression. "Someone has to bring the Jedi to justice."

"I'll go wherever she goes," Sam said. "I'm already working to slice the source."

"Good," Jaina said. "How much time do you need, kid?"

"Two days," Sam repeated.

"Good, just enough time for me to make a visit to an ally," Jaina said. She looked to Amilyn. "Could you prepare which ship we're going to take? It'll be critical."

Amilyn nodded. "And I'll gather blasters for Sam and I."

"Take the Suncrusher."

Everyone turned to see Rose, who had just spoken for the first time.

"Are you sure?" Jaina asked. "There have to be senators calling for its destruction."

"That's the point," Rose said. "I want my creation to be flown at least once. Besides, the Jedi might just be crazy enough to think you'll fire it."

"It's bargaining power," Poe realized, looking to Rose. "I like the way you think."

"I'm not sure I consider that a compliment," Rose said stiffly. She refused to look at her old friend.

"Come on, how many times do I need to apologize?" Poe demanded.

"Leave her alone," Finn said, stepping between his wife and friend. "We need to focus on the mission at hand. Would you like for me to give the statement on Nellith's situation?"

"Go ahead," Kaydel said. "I need to talk to Poe."

In a single-file line, everyone left the office, and the doors locked behind them. Jaina turned to Rose.

"Thank you for letting me fly the Suncrusher," Jaina said. "It'll be an honor."

"Won't be just you," Rose said quickly. "You need three pilots and two gunners to fire the thing."

"Kyp will be coming with us," Jaina said quickly, "as well as the ally I'm recruiting. I take it Sam's a pilot."

"Wedge says he's the best," Rose said with a smile.

"I'll be back with Kyp and my friend by tomorrow afternoon," Jaina promised.

"May the Force be with you," Finn said.

Jaina nodded. "And also with you."

Through the twin doors guarding the throne room, Jaina Solo strode in the way only a Solo could. She had the confident swagger, with an air of recklessness and luck entwined. She had a plan, an extremely dangerous, uncertain one, but it was near guaranteed it was going to land her way.

Queen Miranda Galfridian, affectionately known as Miri by her people, knew this all too well from her experiences with Nellith. So when Jaina Solo came swaggering in, she knew that no matter what she said, she was getting dragged into an adventure. A mischievous grin spread up her face and she rose to her feet.

"Whatever you've got, Jaina Solo, I'm ready to go," Miri announced, much to the alarm of all of her counselors. Counselor Traytor in particular looked dismayed.

"I need your assistance rescuing Nellith," Jaina said.

Miri's expression flickered into mixed anger and sadness. "I saw Kiernan Solsaur's broadcast."

Jaina nodded, her own expression having faltered. "You'll be able to distract Kiernan and the rest."

"I can do that," Miri agreed with a nod. "When do we leave?"

"As soon as Sam Tico traces the source," Jaina promised.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Miri asked, sounding somewhat cheerful. "Let's go rescue Nellith!"