Learning to Fly - A Star Wars Fanfiction - Part One of the "Balance" Trilogy

Morgan

Another knock came three hours later. Morgan had dressed herself in the clothes they'd offered by now: a beige tunic and brown cargo pants. She kept her long hair down, some of it falling over her left eye. She hated not having her helmet, the one she'd had for years on the Ring.
"Come in," she said, loud enough for whoever was outside to hear her. The door slid open slowly and a boy walked in, unsure of himself. She realized she recognized him. "You," she said after a minute. He frowned.
"Me?"
"You're the guy who was on the Ring of Kafrene, the one who got captured." He looked at her, uncertain.
"Who - Oh," Recognition. "Were you about to shoot those troops? Are you the... The helmet guy? Girl?" Morgan nodded.
"Yeah. I didn't know they were transporting a Resistance fighter."
"Off-duty," he said quickly. Then, regaining composure. "The others don't know about my little, ah, side mission. Keep it that way?" He pressed his lips together, looking uncomfortable.
"Yeah," Morgan agreed. "Yeah, of course." They stared at each other for a moment.
"I, uh," he scratched his head, breaking the silence. "I'm Jay. Jay Russo."
"Morgan Knight," Morgan replied. "Nice to see you again. Meet you. I - Yeah," Jay gave a short laugh, smiling. "Thanks for the coordinates, Jay Russo."
"I must say, I admire your ambition. 'Hey, let's just, you know, steal a TIE and fly away from the First Order. What could possibly go wrong?" Morgan smiled.
"Not a day in and I've already got an admirer," she joked. Then, sighing, she turned to business. "I'm assuming the General sent you." He hesitated, then nodded.
"Yeah," he replied, then paused. "Actually volunteered. For once, I'm not the newbie. I'm taking advantage of this," he held out a hand. "May I do you the honours of showing you around?"
"I know how to walk without holding someone's hand," Morgan rolled her eyes, smiling a little, then walked ahead, ignoring his gesture. She turned back to face him. "You coming or not?" He grinned.
"I like you," he laughed.
    "Slow down, my friend," she smiled slyly. "Not seventy words exchanged and you're already developing a crush. You should be careful," she opened the door, leaning on the frame. "I could be dangerous."
    "You?" he chuckled. "Haven't even given you a blaster yet and you think you can take over the world."
    "Wrong," she raised her eyebrows. "I know I can."
    "What's got you so convinced?"
    "I've got a secret weapon," she laughed. Then she walked out into the hall. He shook his head in amusement and chased after her.
    "And what would that be?" he asked, curious.
    "You'll see. If it comes into play," she sighed. "But I have a feeling I shouldn't use it here. The General doesn't trust me, does she?" He frowned.
    "What gives you that impression?"
    "Funny feeling," she shrugged, then continued on her way.
    "You get those feelings a lot?" he jogged to catch up.
    "Not many people trust me, so, yeah," she smiled.
    "And why wouldn't they trust you?" Jay stepped in front of her. Then, shaking his head in exasperation, "You don't even know where you're going." She looked up at him. He was maybe two inches taller than her.
    "Sure I do," she crossed her arms. "You're about to take me there." He raised an eyebrow, holding back a smile.
    "I finally understand how a fifteen-year-old escaped the First Order," he said with finality. She motioned for him to continue. "They just couldn't stand you."
    "No one can," she smiled, impressed. "You," she glanced at a clock on the wall. "Just beat the record."
    "It's an honour," he told her. She laughed.
    "Okay, flyboy. Where are you taking me?"
    "I have orders to give you the grand tour," he informed her. "Welcome to Endor."