Rogue One: Jyn & Cassian One-Shots

(10) Political Pt.1

"so i woke up to this idea of a rebelcaptain au where cassian is a journalist and jyn an activist who meet during the political mess that's happening in the world and now i can't stop thinking about it" ~ winonasrider (my inspiration) on tumblr

*sorry not sorry if this doesn't agree with your political standing ;)

Trouble ~ Cage The Elephant

Young & Unafraid ~ The Moth & The Flame

Better for You ~ Said The Whale

-

Where would he be if he hadn't attended that protest?

That is a question Cassian would ask himself for years to come.

He shuffled through the mobs of people that stood with a cause, and he dared not doubt that. This was his first time out on the field representing a newspaper. He was nervous and didn't want to mess it up. These issues struck close to his heart as his community was threatened by  the government. 

There always seemed to be sides taken and sides ignored in a process that seemed detrimental to the mind at times. He couldn't take his eyes off the signs of protest that stabbed the blue sky above. He climbed up a small hill to get a picture of the massive crowd.

You'd think there would be faces of anger and aggression. He didn't see this. He saw inspiring smiles and mouths... so many mouths voicing their opinions in peace. He walked up to an elderly man and asked him what his purpose was at this event.

"I'm supporting human rights for everyone. My mother, my wife, my immigrant neighbors, and my gay boss," he said.

Cassian wrote this down.

"Do you mind if I take your picture, sir?"

"Not at all."

Cassian took different shots of the crowds and moved downhill.

He collected more responses.

I'm happy to be here surrounded by my friends and strangers alike protesting against someone we don't like.

I don't want to focus on the hate today, just the love and the power that love has over so many people. I mean looked at this place, it's packed!

Cassian had gathered enough photos to give to his publisher. He walked towards the outskirts of the protest but soon came across some angered voices.

"Does my opinion not matter to you?" a male voice spoke aloud.

"Oh it does. It matters because it's that very opinion that's going to ruin this country!"

"It won't ruin the country if so many people are fighting for it. It's just going to ruin your  ideals for this country. Just give up, Jyn!"

"The majority doesn't want it, and we're not going down that easy. In fact, we're never going down," she said with force. "I'm staying and you can't do anything about it."

Cassian went to leave but misjudged how far away the dispute had taken place. He ran right into the woman. He was quick to cushion his camera from the clash.

"Another camera... why aren't you up there where the crowds are?" she asked him. Her cheeks were red with anger.

"I-I was done actually... taking pictures."

"Oh," she said.

Cassian noticed a faint scar on her forehead that disappeared into her hairline.

Curious, he asked, "Where did that scar come from?"

"Well, I was in some of the more violent protests after the election. That's why my brother is so against me taking part in them."

Cassian took out his notepad.

"I don't mind telling my story," she told him, eyeing the notpad. "I have a temper you see. I took to the streets the night after and stood in a blockade along with others. I felt powerful until a piece of shrapnel hit my face. That night was the angriest I've ever been. I wanted to protest peacefully but when something like that hits, my emotions take charge of me. I know so many people will scorn me for taking part in it... I have no excuses for my actions."

Cassian stopped writing and set his notepad down before looking up at her. He hadn't written it all down but he knew he'd remember it all. "May I take your picture for my article?"

She nodded, adjusting her hair so the scar was showing more clearly. Cassian noticed his hands were shaking while he took it. Never had he seen such emotion crawling through a person. No amount of preparation could have prepared him for meeting humans with such purpose.

"And you brother?"

"He's my brother and I love him. Politics just separate us, and they always will."

She didn't seem to be leaving so he went to put his camera away to pass the time. By the time he reached for his notepad, he noticed a phone number had been written on it.

"Text me the link when it's done?"

"Yeah..." he said, fidgeting with the strap of his camera bag.

She turned around without another word to catch the remaining of the protest.

"Hey," he interrupted before she got too far away. "Could I join you in... protesting?"

She nodded with a smile. They walked together to hear the rest of the speeches. Her anger from the conversation with her brother seemed to wear off and was replaced with a smile. She cheered with enthusiasm.

Cassian was glad he put his camera away. He let his eyes eat up the scene before him. Jyn had a cause and reason to fight and therefore she had hope.

-

Part 2 anyone? Also sorry I haven't updated in... a year. That's the kind of writer I am... the inconsistent one.