Flying Solo

Prologue

Six years ago in a galaxy far, far away...

"Padmé." Leia looked down at her sleeping daughter as she shook her softly, not wanting to repeat the words she had just heard from her brother.

"Hmm?" The 18-year-old stirred at the disruption. "What is it?" She asked finally opening her eyes. Her eyebrows furrowing as she looked at the tear-ridden face of her mother. In the doorway was the tall figure of her father, head in his hands.

"Something has happened... with Ben." Leia was able to force out, eyes becoming cloudy.

"Is he okay?" Padmé rose instantly from her position to get a better view of her parents. "What happened? Where's Uncle Luke?" She asked anxiously.

"He—Ben, attacked your uncle. The dark side has gotten a tight hold on him, and I fear that we have lost him." Leia caressed her daughters cheek, brushing away the tears dampening it.

"You're lying, Ben would never do that!" She yelled looking over to her father. "It's not true is it? You know Ben would never." She cried.

"It's true Padmé... Ben is gone." Han Solo breathed out the words as he didn't know how else to say it. Like his daughter, he didn't want to believe it either.

That night changed their family for the worst as Han and Leia drifted apart, grieving in their own ways for the loss of their oldest child. Padmé, knowing that she might never get her brother back buried herself within the Resistance. Having been taught by her father and uncle on how to fly, she was one of the best pilots they had. Going on mission after mission, or leaving the cause momentarily to help her old man on his runs. Anything to help her forget what she lost that night.