Trooper

What is 'Skywalker'?

I sit quietly in my quarters, hours have gone by since Lord Vader executed our Commander in front of the rest of the squad.

What does 'Skywalker' mean? I think to myself.

I'm normally not a nervous person. in fact it's usually quite the opposite... but my interactions with Vader has shaken me deeply. His power is overwhelming, yet confusing and mysterious, "Don't disappoint me, Commander" repeats through my head, almost as though he was still speaking to me. Having seen the consequence of disappointment I definitely don't want to go down that path. The problem is that I have no idea where to start.

How does one find a one-word needle in a galactic-sized haystack? I'm trained as a fighter, and I'm damn good at it. Surely there's got to be somebody better suited for this research and discovery work? Show me a tactical situation and I'll give you a plan to win, but this is so much different, which causes my mind to keep running in circles.

I have an idea. I jump up out of my seat and fly out of my quarters. After a few minutes of navigating corridors, I march into a comm station where two young ensigns are hunched over their consoles.

"I need to send an off-ship message" I barked. Already starting to prepare an excuse in my mind for such an absurd request from a Stormtrooper.

"As you wish Commander."

My face likely showed a surprised expression, but I'm completely unaware of it. I'm still not quite sorted with my new level of autonomy.

The ensign points towards an unused console on the opposite wall. "You can use that terminal there Sir, I've unlocked it for you"

"Thank you ensign" I reply, trying not to sound surprised.

As I sit down to the console, I realize that I've never had a need to send an off-ship message before, I don't know the protocol. I examine the screen in front of me, it seems straight-forward enough... I start with the large 'record' button and the screen switches so that I can see my face reflected back to me. It's a short moment of silence before I realize the recording has started before I start my message:

"Boba Fett, not long ago your assistance was invaluable in helping us track down some rebels on Tatooine. The Empire requires your assistance once again to identify a target."

As I talk, I can see the computer transcribing my spoken words into text, it's rather distracting, "we seek to understand what 'Skywalker' means to the Rebellion. Information and a location will be rewarded."

I review my message once more on the terminal, watching myself talk back from the screen is a discomforting experience, luckily my message is short enough that I don't have to bear it for long.

I hit the 'send' button on the screen and immediately see an error. The ensign speaks quietly from his console, "Sir, you need to indicate where the message is to be sent, and with what priority."

"I'm aware of that ensign." I bark back, defensively, though it's not entirely a lie as I can see the message indicating precisely that on the screen in front of me. Crap, how am I going to do this?

"Sir" the ensign is talking again.

"If you've finished your message, I can make sure it gets delivered for you."

"Thank you, Ensign, notify me immediately of any reply".

"Of course sir." the ensign confirmed, then immediately turned back to his terminal.

I stand and quickly scan the area before making my way towards the exercise yard in hopes of straightening out the millions of thoughts running through my head. I have a strong feeling that until I understand what 'Skywalker' truly means, sleep will be elusive, so I might as well do something productive.