Across the Stars Ch.1 (Star Wars) - Early Access (Patreon)

All characters in this story are over the age of 18.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

ACROSS THE STARS

It is a time of uncertainty. Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, has vanished without a trace. The sinister FIRST ORDER have risen from the ashes of the Empire and declared war on the REPUBLIC.

Only General Leia Organa’s band of RESISTANCE fighters can stand against the rising tyranny, vowing to restore peace to the galaxy and capture the SUPREME LEADER who rules from the shadows.

As the Resistance responds to a clue of Luke’s whereabouts on Jakku, a young mechanic finds herself thrust into the galactic conflict…

Jakku was a peaceful planet. Before today, Rose Tico had never heard of this world.

Despite the desolation that was apparent at first glance, it boasted an assortment of indigenous life forms. Regardless of the absence of much in the way of visible vegetation, the distant isolated calls of the nocturnal native animals indicated that life was present even where none could readily be seen. The worlds of the galaxy would have no reason to suspect anything malicious from Jakku. However, as was the case with most small communities situated in desert worlds, its primitive and rural nature meant that it was the perfect place for secrets to lay dormant.

Rose gazed out of the ship’s window to watch the horizon. She had an excellent view of the activity happening around her. On one side of the ship, she could enjoy the tranquillity of the breeze carrying blankets of sand over small rocky hills. On the other side was the village of Tuanul; its occupants welcomed the small Resistance team with open arms. The people of this tiny settlement were joyful to have visitors. At first, Rose thought that it was a cover for their mission. It was only partly true. Whilst the rest of the small team was basking in the villager’s hospitable, Poe Dameron hurriedly set his sights on completing the mission.

To say that Poe was the Resistance’s best pilot would be an understatement. Rose had yet to see his skills in action, and she hoped that it would never come to that, she had heard stories from her sister about Poe’s aerial capabilities. He must have been quite the maverick if he was the one responsible to lead this covert mission on the orders of General Leia Organa herself. It had now been over two hours since Poe ventured into a large tent at the center of Tuanul to speak with the village elder, Lor San Tekka. Rose was curious to know what was being discussed inside. But, she kept to herself. She was aware of the importance of their mission. She didn’t want to interfere.

It wasn’t her place.

Rose was dragged out of her thoughts when she heard a faint metallic sound. The gold, teardrop-shaped medallion she wore on a cord around her neck had become magnetically attached to a piece of the ship. She grabbed the medallion and stuffed it back into her jumpsuit. The corner of her lip curled into a faint smile as she brushed the medallion with her thumb.

‘’Do you think it’s true?’’

Rose glanced over her shoulder. Thrand was a young man with stars in his eyes. He was the first to volunteer on this mission, despite Poe’s insistence that he could do this alone.

‘’Do I think what is true?’’ Rose asked.

‘’That this Tekka person has the other piece of the map to find Luke Skywalker.’’

Honestly, Rose didn’t know what to think. But, she feared that she would be dragged into a conversation she was not ready for, so she merely shrugged. ‘’I hope so. They’ve been in there a while.’’

Thrand nodded. ‘’Dameron is probably getting an earful of old war stories. I think Tekka knew Luke as well as Leia. That has to explain why he has the map.’’

Barely a second had passed before another voice was heard. ‘’I doubt it.’’

Rose turned to see Bellissa approaching. An athletic woman who was always ready to charge into a fight, even if it was something as minor as a scuffle over sharing drinks at a cantina. She hadn’t seen much action in her short time with the Resistance. That explained why she was so eager to join this mission, irritating Poe further when he had no choice but to let them join.

Rose didn’t know these two well. They were only colleagues. Their place was at the frontlines, whereas she was more than happy to keep her head down and let the real heroes stand tall.

Thrand arched his brow at Bellissa. ‘’What makes you say that?’’

‘’Why else would they be taking so long? Or, maybe they’ve realized this Luke Skywalker isn’t the legend everyone claims him to be.’’

‘’You shouldn’t say that about the General’s brother,’’ Rose murmured.

Bellissa waved her hand dismissively. ‘’If he’s so great, why did he run as soon as the First Order rose to prominence?’’

Thrand chuckled. ‘’I wouldn’t go that far. I think this is all a big overreaction with the First Order. They’re nothing more than fragmented remnants of the Empire. The New Republic doesn’t think they’re a threat.’’

As the two discussed their mixed feelings regarding the mission, Rose lowered her gaze and kept her lips sealed. Her blood boiled at the mention of the First Order. Regardless of how imposing their forces were, they were the reason she and her sister were orphans. It was a simple case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. A detonation on a capital building was all it took to rip them away from her. She felt the tears pooling in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks. But, she held it together by distracting herself with her own theories on whether or not the legends of Luke Skywalker were more than fairy tales. Her parents seemed to believe in him. Although, they were from the generation that knew more about his exploits.

It's hard to believe that only 30 years ago, the galaxy was saved from the Galactic Empire. Rose had nightmares about the Empire, fuelled by scattered whispers she heard from children her age when she was younger. Ruled under a tyrannical Emperor’s iron fist, there was no grand democracy, liberties were abolished, obedience was mandated, propaganda infected the arts, and technology expanded only for the benefit of the Empire’s military. Rose had fleeting memories of her parents talking about how citizens lived in fear as worlds were conquered and plundered. For a while, it seemed like the flames of hope were on the verge of being extinguished. That is until a passionate few who cherished the principles of freedom and despised the Empire ignited a spark that set the Rebellion in motion. General Organa, who at the time was more commonly known as Princess Leia Organa, was among the first who led their heroics. But, it was when her brother, Luke Skywalker, learnt the ways of the Jedi, the tyranny of the Empire was brought to a halt and the New Republic was founded in its wake.

Rose looked to the stars. Her heart danced alongside her mind as she thought of the possibilities. ‘’I wonder what it was like to be alive when the Jedi were everywhere.’’

She didn’t mean to speak so candidly. She wasn’t planning to catch Thrand or Bellissa’s attention. They looked at her with conflicted emotions. ‘’It couldn’t have been that great,’’ Bellissa snarked. ‘’If they were, everything would have been different.’’

Rose didn’t know if she had a compelling argument. All she had on her side were myths and legends. Jedi Knights were believed to be the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. They were said to possess abilities beyond the ordinary; including powers of the mind, of invisible strength, and of foresight and wisdom. Yet, they could do nothing to prevent the rise of the Empire. And with that, their history was almost completely scrubbed from the galaxy’s memory. If not for Luke’s valiant efforts, the Jedi would have been extinct.

There were whispers that Luke was about to begin a new order of Jedi Knights. But, nothing came of it. The next thing everyone knew…Luke had vanished. At the same time, the New Republic struggled to keep the peace, for not all were swayed back to democracy. Worlds that championed imperial discipline broke away to form a new shadow faction, the First Order.

Rose didn’t know what frightened her more. The First Order with their goal to return the galaxy to the false glories of the Empire. Or the reluctance of many higher-ups in the New Republic to see them as a serious threat.

Drowning in her thoughts, Rose failed to notice that Thrand and Bellissa were leaving until she heard the hangar doors open, giving them free rein to exit the ship and walk towards Tuanul. ‘’Where are you going?’’

‘’I’m starving,’’ Thrand answered. ‘’It doesn’t look like Poe will be returning to the ship anytime soon. So, I’m going to grab a bite to eat.’’

‘’Are you coming?’’ Bellissa asked.

Rose linked her fingers together nervously. ‘’I think someone needs to stay behind and…’’

‘’Fine, you do that!’’ Bellissa rolled her eyes and walked away. Thrand seemed more sympathetic, but that didn’t stop him from joining his companion, leaving Rose alone to guard the ship.

She sighed in frustration, grabbed a wrench that was nearby and drummed it against her hand. With every hit, she beat the tool against her palm harder and harder until she stopped out of fear that she would bruise herself. The last thing she needed was to injure herself on a mission. She had one job; to maintain this ship and make sure that it was flyable for the journey back to the Resistance base on D’Qar. She wasn’t even supposed to be involved with this mission. But, she was the only mechanic available when Poe’s team was assembled.

Rose was still questioning if she was offended or relieved by that fact.

The sound of static echoed throughout the ship’s interior. Rose quickly turned and followed the sound, leading her to a small screen where a face was trying to come into focus. A muffled voice called out her name.

‘’Rose? Rose…can you hear me?’’

Beaming with joy, Rose reached underneath the screen to adjust the wires so that the figure could be seen more clearly. When the sisters locked eyes, it became a competition to see who could smile the brightest.

‘’Hey, Paige,’’ Rose greeted excitedly. ‘’Are you okay?’’

Paige laughed. ‘’I should be asking you that question. It’s not often that you’re the one on a mission during our calls.’’

‘’Did you lack faith in me?’’ Rose jibbed sarcastically.

‘’Never,’’ Paige said. ‘’Have you found what you’re looking for?’’

‘’Poe hasn’t come back yet. I don’t know what they’re talking about. I just hope that it’s good news.’’

‘’I hope so too. Having a Jedi on our side would be a big advantage against the First Order.’’

Rose nodded before looking away from the screen in embarrassment. ‘’I feel so out of my element here. You’d have been a better option for this mission.’’

‘’Not this again,’’ Paige sighed. ‘’Poe is three pilots wrapped into one. They don’t need me there. You are important. Besides, if you didn’t feel comfortable taking on this mission, why did you say yes?’’

Setting her brooding aside, Rose grinned. ‘’There was no one else. Plus, I wanted a new flight suit.’’

She got a laugh from her sister. As Rose clutched her medallion, she took a moment to admire Paige. For as long as she could remember, she believed that the genetic lottery had bestowed Paige with more poise in her little finger than Rose’s entire body. The idea of being in battle made her stomach clench and heave. That never happened with Paige. The gunner was always calm, no matter the situation. She faced danger with a smile and always assured her sister that she would return home. Her head was always high. She inspired others.

That’s why you’re a Resistance hero and I’m a maintenance tech.

Rose almost said that aloud. But, she managed to keep her mellow thoughts to herself. She exhaled and quickly switched back to their topic of discussion. ‘’Besides, you’re the one who encouraged me to take more responsibility for myself.’’

‘’I know that, but I’m your sister. I’m always going to have your back, even if we’re not in the same place. We’re connected to each other, and to home.’’ Paige said with a smile, showing her medallion on the screen.

Rose smiled and caressed hers. ‘’Are you and Jessika stationed together?’’

‘’No,’’ Paige frowned.

Her eyes twinkled for a brief moment, eliciting an amused chuckle from Rose. ‘’You’ve only been dating for two weeks, and you’re smitten.’’

‘’I won’t deny that,’’ Paige shot her sister a teasing look. ‘’You know…Kaydel was asking about you before I told her you were on a mission.’’

Rose felt the warmth in her cheeks as she tried not to giggle. ‘’Stop! She’s the Lieutenant. It’ll never happen.’’

‘’I think you’ve got a shot. If not with her, then another lucky woman is going to have you sweep them off their feet.’’

The sisters shared a hearty laugh. Rose became overwhelmingly flustered at the thought of being with someone. If she had a relationship that was half as romantic as the one her sister had with Jessika Pava, she would consider that a success. But, she was far too swamped with her work to consider opening her heart, despite Paige’s best efforts to set Rose up with women around the Resistance base. Rose hoped that once this conflict with the First Order was resolved, she could find the time to be with someone. For now, she was perfectly content with sharing her life with Paige, and only Paige.

But, Rose hoped that the right person would come along eventually.

She stared at the screen. ‘’Thanks, Pae-Pae,’’ Rose said quietly, using her pet name for her sister, the one left over from their childhoods. ‘’I really needed this talk.’’

Paige’s expression softened. ‘’Are you feeling homesick?’’

‘’I don’t know,’’ Rose said. ‘’I think I’m just trying to find my place in all of this. I want to…’’

Rose stopped mid-sentence as she gazed out of the window and saw something moving above the clouds. She stood up and took a closer look. When she identified what it was, she gasped.

One of the moons of Jakku was blanketed by the silhouette of a colossal battle cruiser. While it was a considerable distance away, its immense presence made Rose’s bones quake with fright. Its design resembled that of Star Destroyers that had been used by the Empire. That could only mean one thing…the First Order had found them.

‘’Rose?’’ Paige called out, sensing something was wrong going by Rose’s stunned reaction. ‘’Rose, what’s happening?’’

The mechanic glanced down at her screen. Suddenly, something on the horizon caught her eye. Four imposing transport vessels, almost invisible to the naked eye, soared across the desert under the cover of darkness. The short time that Rose thought she had to warn the others had been dismantled. Fear consumed her. She turned and hurried out of the ship. Paige’s frantic screams were drowned out by the booming sound of the vessels descending onto the outskirts of the village. The seemingly peaceful folk of Tuanul armed themselves, ready to defend their home. However, when the vessels docked and opened their doors, it instantly became apparent that the villagers were outnumbered and outgunned. As Rose sprinted to the far end of the village, she looked back to see a wave of soldiers in glistening white armor march forward. Stormtroopers. Their appearance was nearly identical to the army that served the Empire. The people of Tuanul mounted a courageous defence of their home. Unfortunately, there was little they could do against the First Order’s advanced weaponry.

Rose ducked down as blasters were fired from all sides. The Stormtroopers swarmed over the village like a plague. Homes were reduced to ashes by specially equipped flame troopers. Men. Women. Children. None lasted long against the onslaught. It was almost over before it ever began. The barbaric acts sickened Rose to her core. There was no reason for this massacre.

This was what happened to those who challenged this radical regime.

In the distance, she saw the Resistance ship being fired upon by troopers with heavier weapons. It only took a couple of blasts to reduce the ship to charred scrap. The thunderous explosion reverberated not just across the village, but the dunes as well.

Searching for a route of escape, Rose was knocked off her feet when a blaster bolt struck the ground where she was standing a moment ago. She winched and rolled over just as a pair of stormtroopers came up on her. Their weapons were pointed at her, fingers on the trigger. Rose closed her eyes and gripped her medallion tightly.

I’m sorry, Paige.

Rose heard the blasts. But, she was still breathing.

She opened her eyes and saw that the stormtroopers had both been shot. An arm grabbed her and hoisted her up, away from the danger as they took cover behind a high rock. Rose looked over to see the dark-haired figure who had saved her.

‘’Poe?’’

Poe Dameron ignored her for now. He looked back and forth, trying to find an opening. However, every road to freedom was cut off as the stormtroopers gunned down everyone who stood in their way. ‘’Damn it!’’

Rose was still trying to catch her breath. Her chest heaved violently with anxiety. She heard the horrifying cries of the villagers who were overwhelmed by the stormtroopers. She wanted to cup her ears, curl into a ball, and pretend none of this was happening. But, that wouldn’t help anyone. She tried to imagine what her sister would do in this situation. The frantic nature of everything happening around her wasn’t helping. All she could do was be thankful that Poe had arrived in her time of need.

Although, the hotshot pilot also looked out of his depth as he gripped his blaster tightly and pounded his fist against the rock. ‘’Damn it all! How did they find us?’’

As Poe kept searching for a way out, Rose nearly jumped out of her skin when a droid hidden behind the ace pilot rolled into view. Consisting of a rounded head floating above a much larger sphere, he was dull white with striking orange markings. He beeped and whistled loudly in cybernetic panic.

‘’I know, BB-8! I know!’’ Poe yelled at the spherical droid. ‘’We’re not going to get out of here without a distraction.’’

‘’Distraction?’’ Rose yelped. ‘’What can we distract them with?’’

Poe’s eyes flickered back and forth between her and the droid. Contemplation flashed across his fatigued face. ‘’Get as far away from here as you can, and take BB-8 with you!’’

‘’What?’’ Rose gasped. Her shock was dwarfed only by the anxious response from BB-8 as he rolled over to Poe, trying to persuade Poe out of his grand gesture of self-sacrifice.

‘’You will go in the opposite direction I go!’’ He ordered. ‘’I’ll draw those buckethead’s fire and take out as many of them as I can. When I’m done, I’ll use one of their ships to come and find you.’’

Rose hesitated. ‘’I-I can help…’’

‘’You’ll just get in the way!’’ Poe replied. ‘’I can’t fight them if I’m worrying about you two. I need BB-8 to be safe. You have to take him. I promise I will come and find you.’’

There wasn’t much room for Rose to argue. She nodded. BB-8 beeped frantically. But, when the pilot remained indifferent to the droid’s repeated cries, he knew that it was futile. BB-8 lowered his round head and gave a light whistle. Poe leapt into action. He ran to their right, blasting at a few stormtroopers who had their backs turned. Half a dozen dropped to the floor before Poe was spotted. The troops chased after him, gunning through any villagers that still remained and who were willing to fight.

Looking to her left, Rose saw a pathway clear. ‘’Come on!’’

BB-8 swivelled his head around once more. It was only when Poe had completely disappeared from sight that the droid finally sped along with Rose.

Rose’s chest hurt as she ran as fast as she could. BB-8 effortlessly paced alongside her. She guessed that he was trying to communicate with her as he beeped at her. ‘’I have no idea what you’re saying?’’ Rose responded, causing BB-8 to emit a higher-pitched shriek.

It wouldn’t have mattered if she could understand the droid anyway. All Rose could hear was the sound of gunfire. Explosions echoed throughout the area. They weaved around the destruction and jumped over dead bodies. Rose’s eyes stung as she witnessed the carnage that surrounded her. They had reached the fringes of Tuanul when Rose suddenly stopped. BB-8 halted to the best of his ability after accelerating. He spun a few times and looked back.

Rose didn’t know Thrand and Bellissa all that well. However, that didn’t mean she felt any less upset upon seeing their dead bodies in front of her. Their eyes were still open. But, there was no life in them. Small pillars of smoke billowed from the wounds in their chests. They didn’t even have a chance to use their weapons. Their deaths were quick.

BB-8 rolled towards Rose. His beeps were quiet. Rose had a feeling she knew what BB-8 was asking her. She released a shaky breath. ‘’We were just talking not even ten minutes ago.’’

‘’Stop where you are!’’ a voice declared.

Rose felt her heart stop. She had been given one mission and she had failed. Although, she was surprised that she wasn’t shot in the back like most. She lifted her arms instinctively and slowly turned around. BB-8 could have fled. It would have been the right choice. Yet, the droid was willing to stay by Rose’s side. The mechanic trembled with fear as a lone stormtrooper stumbled forward. There were blood stains streaked across his helmet. He had his weapon raised at her. The blaster’s muzzle looked cold as if the weapon hadn’t been fired once. The trooper appeared to be panting just as heavily as Rose was despite the power imbalance in their face-off. Her anger eclipsed her fear as tears finally rained down her face.

He glanced down at the bodies on the ground. He slowly shook his head. ‘’This wasn’t supposed to happen. I thought we were taking prisoners.’’

Rose didn’t know why he was hesitating. He looked afraid. She was so puzzled by the trooper’s actions, she almost failed to notice that he had lowered his weapon. BB-8 bumped himself against Rose’s ankle, bringing her out of her shocked stupor. When her terrified paralysis was broken, Rose bolted towards freedom with BB-8 close by. For a moment, Rose feared that the stormtrooper would raise his weapon and open fire on her as she ran; turning this into a sick, twisted game of cat and mouse. But, he didn’t. He watched Rose and BB-8 escape before turning around and walking back towards the village.

Before long, Rose was too far away to hear the end of the battle. They had no way of knowing Poe’s fate. But, when they didn’t see a single ship departing Tuanul, they feared the worst. The only reason BB-8 didn’t stop to grieve was that if he didn’t keep rolling, he would have tumbled down the sandy dunes.

Rose thought back to the video call with her sister. Paige should have informed others by now of what had happened. A rescue team would come after them. That’s what she told herself. Until then, she and BB-8 would have to hope that the First Order wouldn’t come looking for them, as well as survive Jakku’s harsh deserts.

She dared not think about what she would find out there.