[b]Yavin IV,
New Republic Citadel[/b]

[center]~-~-~-~-~-~[/center]

Witnessing firsthand how fractured High Command was becoming had hit Nareia much harder than she believed possible. She heard the rumors; Mon Mothma’s belief in a peaceful solution was respectable, to say the least, but Garm’s pursuit for absolute victory resonated with her more—as it should with anyone who has fought and bled for the Rebel Alliance. Though she tried to sympathize with the Chancellor’s position, Nareia couldn’t find it in her to take her side on the matter. The Imperial Remnant was a threat not only to them, but to every civilized world that had the courage to defy them. That didn’t change with the victory at Endor.

The meeting abruptly concluded, and she could breathe again. For a moment there, she thought Garm insane enough to separate himself from the New Republic and form his own splinter group. There was enough restlessness in the hangar bays and the barracks to create a sizable attack force, but the resulting recruitment could cause a minor civil war. Garm was a courageous man with many years of tactical experience under his belt. Men and women from all branches of the New Republic’s fighting forces respected him—herself included. If anyone could lead the New Republic to victory, it was him.

[color=fff79a][b]“You think he’ll do it?”[/b][/color] 

Nareia glanced at the man close beside her, shoulder-to-shoulder. [color=bc8dbf][b]“No.”[/b][/color] 

Rayce gave her a slight nod before peering down at the emptying chamber. The collection of men and women around them were quick to depart and debate among themselves. By trying to cut the conversation short, Mon Mothma only succeeded in starting more. Garm would almost assuredly pull more support between them. If that were to happen…

[color=bc8dbf][b]“I can see why Wedge doesn’t attend these meetings often,”[/b][/color] she said softly, her voice barely audible even to Rayce. [color=bc8dbf][b]“If we can’t fight the Empire then we’re just fighting each other. Everyone’s on edge. Sooner or later, people might—"[/b][/color] 

[color=fff79a][b]“Rebel?”[/b][/color] Rayce joked somberly. [color=fff79a][b]“But you’re right. And if that were to happen, and the Remnant makes a move, the New Republic might collapse before it’s fully risen.”[/b][/color]

Nareia drifted from the balcony’s edge and turned away, Rayce instinctively following close beside her. The pair shuffled out of the building together and exchanged pleasantries with the others. None dare bring up the meeting just yet. There would be talk of it later tonight and undoubtedly over a game of pazaak; whiskey was included; rum, too. Whatever Kyrin brought to the table, it wouldn’t leave unless it was emptied.

[color=bc8dbf][b]“I don’t know about Ackbar, but Dodonna and Madine have gotta be itching to end this.”[/b][/color] Nareia continued once out of earshot of others. [color=bc8dbf][b]“We’ve got Alara doing patrols with Marvo and Noob wherever she can. Kyrin, well, if there’s a good cantina involved, he’ll be sure to patrol that sector. And Wedge might be looking to add some newer blood.”[/b][/color]

[color=fff79a][b]“Not much point. We’re grounded.”[/b][/color] Rayce shook his head before looking skyward; a pair of X-wings were returning to the Massassi Temple nearby. Another patrol, waiting for anything. [color=fff79a][b]“If General Iblis finds something for us to hit, what are you thinking?”[/b][/color]

[color=bc8dbf][b]“You mean what side I’m on?”[/b][/color] Nareia turned to Rayce while keeping step. [color=bc8dbf][b]“The Remnant can’t be allowed to regain strength; every day we waste here while Mon Mothma tries to find a peaceful solution, they’re rebuilding warships and conscripting more soldiers. Rogue Squadron isn’t the only battle group wasting away out here.” [/b][/color]

Rayce nodded thoughtfully. [color=fff79a][b]“Kyrin’s been itching to do something bold. Alara’s the complete opposite; she’s content learning the B-wing for now.”[/b][/color]

[color=bc8dbf][b]“Gold Squadron.”[/b][/color] Nareia reflected on the unit’s skill with bombers; they agreed to take Alara out earlier that morning.[color=bc8dbf][b] “She’s in good hands.”[/b][/color]

The two continued their trek across the temple grounds and passed multiple craft; fighters, freighters, and supply ships sat idle. Like the pilots that handled them, these ships—resources for war, and for liberation—wasted away. It pained her to see the New Republic she fought for be in such a sad state.

Entering the hangar bay of Rogue Squadron, Nareia and Rayce cast eyes on their own idle ships, well maintained and in prime condition, before continuing forward. After several addresses between those they knew, the duo approached Wedge Antilles.

[color=bc8dbf][b]“It went just as you thought it would,”[/b][/color] Nareia started, [color=bc8dbf][b]“and just like you thought, Mon Mothma and Garm still can’t come to an agreement. We’re stuck here for the foreseeable future.”[/b][/color]

[color=fff79a][b]“There has to be something for us by now, Wedge.”[/b][/color] Rayce’s voice filled with hope. [color=fff79a][b]“We all know this isn’t over. Any word from our spies? Anything at all?”[/b][/color]