Dreams and Disasters

Joining the Rebellion

"Welcome to the Rebel base, Francesca." A golden android with a weird accent ushered me into the base itself. It was huge, and I spun around, desperately trying to take it all in. There were stolen TIE fighters, X-wings, and people running around.

'Very impressive, C-3PO," a young man said as he approached us. "Giving our newest cadet the VIP tour?" 

"Oh, but wait, Master Luke, I was just about to tell her where the emergency exits and first aid are. Better to be safe than sorry!" C-3PO's parts cranked and squeaked as he talked. 

"Oh, 3PO, you never cease to amaze me," the young man said, shaking his hand. He wore the traditional Rebel pilot uniform: a bright orange jumpsuit and black boots. He had a helmet with the Rebellion's emblem on it. His sandy blond hair was a little long and his blue eyes twinkled. 

"You must be Francesca, our newest cadet," he said, reaching out his hand for a shake. 

'Thank you for finally using my name instead of referring to me as 'the new cadet'." 

He laughed. "Sorry about that. We're pretty informal around the base. Even my sister hates being reminded that she's a princess." 

"You have a sister?" I thought about my siblings back home: a younger sister and a younger brother. My parents were worried about me making the trip from our galaxy to this one, but they supported me away. They even bought me my own ship, the ISS Thunderbird. 

A funny look came over his face. "Yes, her name is Leia. She used to be a representative for the Senate but came to the Rebellion a while ago. I joined up, and so did a bunch of new cadets. Including you."

"Cool," I said. "'Where can I get a uniform like that? I look fantastic in orange!" 

Luke laughed again. "Okay, let me show you around the place. Afterward, we'll see about getting you a uniform."

I followed him through the area when he shook hands and slapped the backs of many people. Boy, was he friendly!

"Hey, kid! You gonna introduce her to me or what? I'm obviously the most important person in the Rebellion!"

I knew that voice-and arrogance- anywhere in the galaxy. It was Captain Han Solo. He had light brown hair that was a touch shaggy and mischievously hazel eyes. He wore a black vest over a khaki shirt and he wore a tool belt, his elbow smudged with grease.

"Captain Solo," I greeted, sticking out my hand for a shake. He shook with enthusiasm, for a sarcastic, arrogant playboy. He reminded me of Tony Stark. They'd make great friends, getting drinks and bragging about their accomplishments.

"Nice to see a fresh face on the team," he said. Captain Solo went back to his repairs, and I turned back to Luke, pissed.

"Didn't even bother to ask me my name," I muttered. "How's he landed himself a nice wife with the proper manners when he lacks common courtesy himself?"

Luke winced. "I sincerely apologize for my friend. He can be a little brusque at times, but you'll warm up to each other."

"Shouldn't be hard," I wisecracked. "After all, we've got the same sense of humor, charm and amazing good looks."

"You think him good looking?"

"Of course I do. He's Han Solo. Any argument you have against me is strictly invalid."

I walked off to explore some more, and I smiled when I heard Luke laughing from behind me.