Trooper

Smuggler's Gambit

Tatooine: 13 BBY
"Broken Remnant"
Ryn Alera

    Ryn let out a sigh of relief once they were back on the ship. They had spent a few hours with Han and the Wookiee, Chewbacca, coming up with a plan that had a chance of succeeding. She still had her doubts, but they were less than before.

    Ryn slid into her seat and prepared to take off. The boarding ramp hissed shut and Jess clattered around in the back of the ship. As they rose into the sky, she spotted a small Corellian freighter taking off. Han and Chewie would be following them to Cantonica, before Han came aboard their ship. She didn't blame him for being cautious.

    "Hey, can we talk?"

    She glanced over her should, raising an eyebrow. Jess strode into the cockpit and took his seat. "Sure, I guess?"

    "I just...I'm sorry about the argument we had the other day."

    She smiled softly. "I'm sorry too."

    "I know you want to fight. I'm not going to be offended if you go."

    Ryn narrowed her eyes momentarily. "I do want to go, but I was hoping you'd want to come with me."

    Jess opened his mouth to reply, then paused. At last, he sighed and shook his head. "I don't want to argue again. I'll only be trouble for the Rebels, but you'll help them. After we help Han escape, you can take the ship and go."

    "Take the Remnant? What will you do?"

    "Han already told me he'd take me wherever I need to go when you leave."

    "You talked this over with him?"

    "On the way to our ships. He asked if there was anything he'd be able to do to help out since we were doing this for him."

    "Oh." She couldn't help the disappointed sound that surrounded the word.

    Jess bit his lip. "So, what's your history on Tatooine?"

    "It's not a good one," Ryn sighed.

    "You don't have to tell me."

    She stood abruptly. "Hey, if we're splitting up, you should show me a few more moves. Just in case?"

    "Um, ok?" Jess quickly wiped the confused expression from his face.

    As soon as the ship was safely in hyperspace, they headed back to the cargo hold. Ryn fell into position while Jess took his own stance.

    "What are we going to do?" She asked.

    "I'll demonstrate," Jess said with a grin.

    Her eyes widened as he ran towards her. At the last minute, he turned and bent over. He grabbed her arm and twisted, yanking her over his back. Ryn gasped as she hit the ground. Jess offered her a hand and pulled her up.

    Jess took his position up again. Ryn waited a moment before attacking. Her gaze flashed to Jess's hand just as he swung at her. She blocked the blow and twisted, grabbing his arm. Ryn bent and turned again, yanking him over her back. He crashed to the ground, grinning.

    "Good job. Let's try it again."

    They broke apart and took their stances. For the next few minutes, they traded blows. Ryn managed to get past Jess's guard and flip him again. The ship rocked, throwing her off balance. Ryn cried out in surprise. Jess gasped and grabbed her shoulders as she landed on top of him. Ryn braced her hands on his chest.