Trooper

Incentive

Yavin 4: 0 BBY
"Survivor"
Jess

Sleep wouldn't come that night. Jess kept his eyes shut, hoping that it would. Near dawn, he finally gave up and lay there, thinking. Ryn was in a deep sleep beside him, the faint trace of tears still covering her cheeks. He stared at her sleeping form, contemplating.

He still hadn't told her about Senator Mon Mothma's mission. Jess had been informed that he'd be leaving that very day, as soon as the sun had risen. He pressed a gentle kiss to Ryn's forehead and slipped off the bunk silently. Jess made his way into the ship's cockpit and sat down, staring out the viewport.

Azie whirred subtly as he charged in the back. Soft footsteps drew his attention back. Jess turned and spotted Zel hovering just within sight. She came forward, noticing that he'd seen her. Jess held a hand out and she let him wrap her in his arms.

"I miss Feylin," Zel sighed.

"I do too."

"I didn't know there would be so much death. I mean, I knew there would be, but I didn't."

"I know. We didn't want you to come with until you were older."

"But that's not really an option?" Zel turned her blue gaze, almost a replica of Ryn's, towards him.

He shook his head. "No, not really."

"Dad, what did Senator Mon Mothma say to you? When you came back, you seemed nervous and sad."

Jess smirked a bit. "You have your mother's senses." He rubbed his forehead a bit, trying to think. "All right. I'll be honest with you. They're sending me to the Death Star undercover."

"Isn't that the weapon that destroyed the building on Scarif and Jedha City?" Zel asked. He nodded. A fear filled gaze crossed her face. "Why do you have to go?"

"Because until Senator Organa's ambassador arrives with more help and the Death Star plans, we have no clue what we're up against. Someone has to find out everything they can about the weapon."

"But why you? Because you're a clone?"

"Partially. I was also a stormtrooper when I met your mom. My experience there will help."

Zel sighed. "Does Mom know yet?"

"No, and you don't get to tell her. I will."

"Ok. What are we going to do though?"

"Senator Organa is putting Mom in charge of the fleet. I imagine you'll stay here or be deployed."

"Oh." Zel fell silent and leaned into him. "Can I handle the guns while you're gone?"

Jess chuckled. "If Mom lets you." He let go of her and pushed her towards the door gently. "You should go back to bed."

Zel tried to protest, but a yawn interrupted her. She smiled sheepishly and hugged him again. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too."

Zel tiptoed out of the cockpit and back to her room. Jess winced, realizing that it was solely hers now. I hope she's all right by herself. She's used to sharing it with Feylin. Maybe that's why she wasn't asleep, he thought. He leaned back in the cockpit seat and waited for the sun to come up.

Yavin 4: 0 BBY
"Survivor"
Ryn Alera

Ryn blinked her eyes open wearily. Her head ached and she felt like she hadn't slept at all. Jess was gone. She sat up, briefly confused. Ryn rolled off the bunk and pulled her day outfit on, before stepping out of the cabin.