Trooper

Taking Command

Yavin 4: 12 BBY
U-wing Fighter
Jess

Jess cast a wary glance back at the still Imperial droid. Azie was keeping an eye on it. Neither Ryn or Feylin had answered when they'd tried to contact the Broken Remnant. They dropped out of hyperspace shortly. Cassian maneuvered them down to the planet's surface. A deck crew was already waiting when they landed.

The crew began to unload the fuel. Several canisters were delivered across the bay to the waiting Rebel cruisers. "I'm going to take the Imperial droid to maintenance," Cass said. "Maybe they can help me reprogram him."

Jess nodded as Cassian loaded the droid onto a hover. "I'll report to Draven and Admiral Raddus, then. Come on, Azie." They headed in the opposite direction, towards the command center.

General Draven and Admiral Raddus were speaking with Arwen when they arrived. Arwen flashed Jess a brilliant white smile. "You're back earlier than expected. We didn't think you'd be back until tonight," Draven said, arching an eyebrow.

"Things went fairly smooth. We picked up an Imperial droid. Cassian took him to maintenance. I'm sure they'll recover whatever data he has and reprogram him," Jess replied.

"You got the fuel, then?"

"Yes, Sir." Jess pulled his helmet off and blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. "Has the Broken Remnant checked in yet?"

"Not yet. We lost contact with them shortly after they reached Kashyyyk," Admiral Raddus replied.

Jess's eyes widened and his hand clenched around his helmet. Arwen placed a hand on his shoulder before he could say anything. "If that's all, Gentlemen, I need to have a word with Jess," she said.

"That's all and thank you, Commander," Admiral Raddus said. He fixed a proud gaze on Jess.

Jess's mouth fell open before he could stop himself. "Commander, Sir?"

"I need a few commanders in my fleet when we leave. You've earned your place," the Mon Calamari said. "And actually, it was Senator Organa who suggested you."

"Thank you, Sir."

Admiral Raddus nodded and Jess followed Arwen out of the command center. He rubbed his forehead, trying to process everything. Commander? Senator Organa recommended me? What about Ryn and Fey? It's not like them to lose contact.

He drew himself out of his thoughts, hearing Arwen begin speaking. "...you didn't see that one coming," she laughed.

"No, not really."

"You don't sound too excited."

"I am. It's just really unexpected."

"And?" Arwen gave him a prompting look.

"I'm worried about Feylin and Ryn," he sighed. "Ryn never forgets to check in. I think something might've gone wrong." Arwen said nothing as he continued. "There was a stormtrooper on the asteroid that I used to know. He recognized me and still knew who she was. Not only that, he mentioned that another trooper is still looking for us."

"Hm. Well, I wouldn't know what's happening on Kashyyyk right now, but I do know this. Ryn and Feylin are both very capable women. They'll be all right," Arwen said.

"And what if they aren't?"

"Then it's only a matter of time until  the Admiral orders a rescue mission." Arwen stopped and looked him dead in the eyes. "You should stop worrying and get some rest. You've been looking rather tired lately and that can affect you inside and out." She tapped his forehead for emphasis.