Luke and Leia - Rebels [2]

11: A New Mission

One year later

This specific morning was the type of morning that Luke hated especially. It was a type of morning where his eyes felt so heavy that it was easier to leave them closed than to open them, and his body didn't want to move without him using more force than usual to do so. But eventually he did pry his eyes open and sit up, fighting the immediate pull of gravity back down.

Luke stifled a yawn and stood up, stretching out his back. "Artoo?" He mumbled, his voice hoarse from sleep.

The astromech's lights turned on and he looked at Luke inquiringly. "Good morning, buddy."

Artoo whistled cheerfully in response as Luke walked into his 'fresher and turned on the light, wincing immediately as his eyes adjusted. After brushing his teeth and hair and getting dressed, Luke walked out into the hallway and observed the immediate scenery.

Even though the sun hadn't risen yet there were already a fair amount of people up and about, most likely continuing work on repairs from the quick but devastating ground assaults the Empire had deployed continuously throughout the year and strengthening the base's defenses. It was revealed from the battle over a year ago that Hesk was one of the most fortified bases the Rebels possessed, and even though the Empire knew of it the cost of finding a new one outweighed the cost of staying here under another assault. Still, Luke felt a small weight in his gut that wasn't there before now that the Empire had a spotlight on Hesk. Maybe because of him.

He instinctively started walking faster, his brain immediately stuffing down the thought he just mustered. But it refused to be ignored because deep down he knew that the entire attack on Hesk had been because he wasn't fast enough to destroy the probe droid before it sent out a signal to alert the Empire. He hadn't brought that up to anyone else because he wasn't even completely sure that was the reason, but either way he still felt guilty.

"Hey, Luke." Wedge approached him, and Luke blinked the blurriness out of his vision and smiled.

"What are you doing up so early?" Luke asked his friend.

"I got assigned to shield generators last night." Wedge answered reluctantly. "You're looking at a guy about to work probably ten hours or more straight today trying to get them functioning again."

Luke winced. "Sounds fun. I'm going to find out my assignment now."

Wedge patted him on the back. "You'd better hope it's not maintenance or repairs."

"I am." He muttered to himself as Wedge walked away. He started back towards the main briefing area and searched for his name. Unfortunately, everything was by last name and the roster had been updated to have Leia as well so he wasn't sure which Skywalker he was. It was a problem that had never truly been sorted out even though Leia was only on the base every now and then, being sent out as a pilot more often than Luke. She had just returned from a supply mission that had taken a few rotations and he was looking forward to seeing her again after so long, unfortunately they were probably assigned to different tasks. But, he realized cheerfully, both twins were assigned to the same post. As he looked closer he frowned. Assignment. He read, his brows furrowing. What in blazes did that mean?

"Oh, Master Luke!" A familiar voice exclaimed behind him. "It is so good to see you again!"

"Hi Threepio." Luke flashed the droid a smile after he turned to face him. The protocol droid had arrived soon after Han and Leia, much to Han's chagrin. He has been one of the only survivors on Yaris, the planet that was obliterated in all ways except being nonexistent. The Empire had decided that was the planet

Artoo beeped in response, and Threepio turned to acknowledge the astromech before turning back to Luke. "Oh, yes. That horrible attack on Yaris left the entire planet decimated. It's a wonder I was one of the survivors."