~~~~I own nothing...~~~~
Two years, she was finally finished with the starfighter corps academy. A program she already had the training of in her teen years, but was adamant she take and complete. It was her life long calling to be a pilot, and today she sat in the cockpit of her X-wing jet having finished her last exercise, she now was an official pilot. She sat and reveled in the accomplishment finishing first in her class. She couldn't believe it, she had worked so hard for this, and she was meant to be in a jet, fighting for the galaxy.
When she finally jumped out after gaining the courage she was faced with her number two. He stood defeated again, something he should have been used to after two years of competition. But Poe still couldn't come to terms with defeat.
His small grin made Kara blush, but she tried to keep her emotions at bay with a raised eyebrow, "After two years you still think you could beat me? Sorry Poe, but guess you're going to have to finish the academy in second" She said trying to play it cool.
These last two years it was Poe who really pushed her, the person who made her into the pilot she was. If it wasn't for him she couldn't think of where she'd be. She'd probably drop out after a couple weeks, or worse not have been challenged the way she was. She couldn't help but admire him; he was the best at what he did. And she had him to thank for her success.
Poe smiled finally accepting the truth. He looked at her as she pulled off her helmet letting loose those sandy blonde waves. He loved the way she looked after getting out of a jet, the adrenaline still running through her, her hair wild from being in the helmet, and her expression as alive as ever. "Congratulations Kara" he said tilting his head, "But like always, you didn't beat me by that much" he said trying to defend his ego. "Just know I'll never be far behind" he said. It was a promise. He loved how she flew, she was the best pilot he'd ever seen, and his two years with her had been the best two years of his life. She had challenged him more than anyone he'd ever known.
2 years earlier:
She could hear the whispers "That's the daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leia. She's royalty, her parents saved the galaxy" She lowered her head as Admiral Attir listed off the names
The doubt started to sink in. She shouldn't have come. There were other ways to fly for the republic. Kara gave her head a shake. The whole reason for enlisting was so she could do it the right way. She prided herself on proving herself to the galaxy. That she was just as good as her parents, and she was going to make her own way.
But how was she going to last in flight school when she had already learned everything there is about flying? She'd been in the cockpit since she was a child. She learned how to take a part an xwing and put it back together. She worried that it wouldn't be enough, that she'd let her pride get the best of her. She was the daughter of Han and Leia after all.
While she knew she was a far more experienced pilot then her classmates, she knew that came with an added pressure. She feared she wouldn't learn anything that would really challenge her having already flown almost every ship in the republic's fleet.
Kara tried to talk herself out of her hole. She was going to make the most out of this experience, she was going to do well, and she was going to be humble about it all.
"Kara Solo" Admiral Attir called. Kara walked up taking the flight suit and equipment from the registration.
Admiral Attir nodded with a grin "Glad to have you Kara, I served alongside your parents and uncle in the battle of Hoth" he nodded
"Thank you Admiral" Kara nodded
"Don't think you'll be getting special treatment while you're here, remember that, you're just like the rest of the students here" he added "Head to hanger bay 4, you''' receive your jet assignment there"
Kara's smile grew appreciating the reminder "I wouldn't dream of it Admiral, thank you" she nodded walking toward the hanger. Her worries starting to ease.
They assigned her to an x-wing jet in stall number 8. A lot of the older models had been refitted and sent over to the academy once they were no longer battle suited. A lot of these jets have seen a lot of battles. Some her uncle has even flown in. As she walked over she noticed someone checking out her plane.
He turned with a crooked grin, "I heard this was Luke Skywalker's" he nodded admiring it "This puppy sure has seen a lot of battle" he looked at her.
She didn't notice him in the crowd as they listed off the names but he seemed to belong here. Kara didn't peg him for much other than being an admirer of the jets. But there was something about him that read arrogant. But he was handsome as ever. His dark curly hair as cut neat and his face clean-shaven. His narrow jaw and big brown eyes stared back at her as she tried to keep her expression even.
Kara tried to smile noticing he was right "That yours?" She pointed to the next one. "I don't remember seeing you in the group of new recruits" Poe nodded at the Blue x-wing
"Got lost, and never made it to the role call" he admitted with a Shrug, "But Attir pointed me here" he said looking at the jet
Kara smiled wondering if he knew about his Jet "You know that was Barion Raner's X-wing" she nodded, "That plane was at the battle of Sarif" she grinned
Poe smiled "You know your history" he looked at her nassuming. He didn't know who she was. But she was beautiful, and she knew jets and republic history well.
She nodded "It sort of came with the birth right" she admitted
Poe looked at her sideways "Birth right? What were parents part of the rebellion? Serve in the republic or something" he asked curious
Kara raised her eyebrows. He had to be the first person she met who didn't know who she was. She smiled "Yeah, something like that"
Poe was curious, "I bet there are a dozen of us here who had someone we know in the rebellion, maybe even the son of Princess Leia could even be in this program"
"Or daughter, you never know" Kara began inspecting her jet,
He smiled resting his hands on his hips, shaking his head, "I hope he or she's as good of a pilot as her dad and uncle" He was eager to jet in the jet and fly. He didn't really care who was in the program, he just wanted to fly for the new Republic, and he didn't care about anything else. He looked at Kara with a grin, trying not to get distracted, but there was something about her that made him smile.
Kara smiled looking at her feet wondering if he was going to test her. She had a feeling he was a good pilot, that if there were anyone here who could challenge her it would be him.
They had just finished their drills and Kara had beat Poe by a length. Grinning as she climbed out of the cockpit. Poe watched her confused "No one's ever beaten me" he said in shock
Admiral Attir climbed out as well "I think we have a winner, Kara Solo by a length" he announced
Poe's face dropped as Kara watched his reaction amused. She got down to the crowd and chatted about the drills with the other pilots while Poe was in shock. She was one hell of a pilot; he'd never seen anyone fly like that, not even him. She looked at him knowing her short time being just another student was gone. She raised her eyebrows watching as he got down from the cockpit.
"You never said anything.." he said slightly amused. She was the daughter of Han Solo, and Princess Leia. She must have been flying since she was a child if she could fly like that.
"You didn't seem like it made any difference to you" she shrugged. She found Poe's indifference refreshing, he only cared about being in a jet and flying. Kara related to it on so many levels and Poe was the first person to treat her as an equal.
Poe grinned knowing she beat him at his own cleverness.
Kara shrugged, "It's not something I really care to brag about, but you were making it too easy" she grinned "Sorry"
Poe nodded taking it. He was right, she was going to push him and he couldn't wait. "Ok ok, let's just take that as an introduction" he said sticking out his finger, "From now on, I wont make it easy" he grinned pointing up, "You've got some competition up there Solo" It was a harmless threat, but he knew he was going to have some real competition in Kara and he couldn't wait. He knew the next two years were going to be tough if she was flying next to him.
Kara nodded with a smile "Looking forward to it" she said surprised he was so sure of himself.
The months had gone by and Kara and Poe had become the best pilots in the program, they were each others competition, and also each others teachers. Poe was loved by everyone, and even though he was sure of himself, he was the kindest person she had ever met. Every woman loved him and every man wanted to be him. Kara shook her head at his celebrity, she found it ironic.
He came and sat with her in the hanger after dinner as she worked on her plane, "So why be a pilot" he asked swinging the wrench around his fingers, "Why not a Jedi, do you have the force? What is the force, can you move stuff around with your mind?" he said thinking out loud
Kara chuckled, "no I can't move stuff with my mind" she took the wrench out of his hand, "But there are Jedi who can, so watch it" she pointed
"So what's it like having the force?" he asked leaning against the jet
"I can feel things more strongly, I can sense when something bad or good is about to happen, I can feel when something happens to those who also have the force, to my family and those I love" she said looking at Poe
It didn't make much sense to Poe as he stood trying to analyze it all. Kara smiled as she watched the wheels turn in his head then went back to working on the jet. "It's too complicated to explain, even I don't fully understand it"
"Can you and your brother communicate using the force? Like do you send messages to each other" he asked in honest
Kara chuckled, "No" she straightened, "But I do feel him, he's got these really intense feelings, its either intense joy or anger almost" she said without thinking "But we don't communicate using the force, Poe"
Poe raised his eyebrows taking her word "So he's the Jedi and you're the pilot"
"That's how it played out" Kara said "I'm pretty sure I was born on a ship instead of on a planet"
Poe chuckled, "That's how it feels like to me sometimes"
Kara stopped and watched him, "Where were you born?" She asked "Why did you want to be a pilot?"
"I was born on Yavin" he said, "In a small village near one of the rebellion bases actually" he said almost in a trance, he grew up in the memory of the rebellion, learning to defend and fight even when there was peace, "I had learned all about the rebellion, I've seen the camps, and I knew I wanted to be part of keeping the peace they fought so hard for, my parents were part of it actually, my mother was a pilot, she taught me to fly" he said "I grew up with that same duty they had to protect the galaxy, and that's why I'm here now" he said shrugged
Kara looked at her hands admiring his heart "Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like living in those days of war" She shook her head "Makes me appreciate all those people who fought for the peace we live with today, for the people we love"
Poe smiled looking at her feeling the sense that he would fight for her, feelings were coming over him that he'd never felt before. He looked down trying to shake the feeling. He needed to concentrate on his training. But there was something about her that made him in awe.
Present Day:
She was brought out of her thoughts as the rest of the squadron assembled and they finished out the commencement ceremony. She marched down the hanger and saw her parents in the crowd and gave a small grin. Chewie was in the back raising his arms, probably bring chastised by C3po. She shook her head at the embarrassing sight and kept walking. They approached the stage and she could feel Poe behind her. Poe tried to breath in her scent as he tried to focus on the ceremony. "And now to address the graduating class along with friends and family, Kara Solo, starfighter's top pilot finishing at the top of her class"
Kara gave a humble smile. She approached the podium and glanced at Poe. Poe was clapping along with the audience grinning proudly. His grin grew once Kara and him made eye contact and he gave her a small thumbs up.
"Good afternoon and thank you all for coming and your continued support" she started. She glanced at her Father as he shifted in his chair. Han tried to be supportive of Kara's dreams of being a pilot, but watching his only daughter growing into a woman far too similar to himself made him worry. Leia leaned into her husband with a grin
"These past two years my classmates and I have learned what it takes to become a republic pilot, we've been tested, tried, put to battle, put in some very dangerous situations" she paused, "Sorry father" she quipped as the audience laughed "We've learned and studied for any and almost possible scenario when we're up there, as well as down here" she looked around, "We learned about the dark days the galaxy has endured, and the fighters and brave people who fought to protect our galaxy. Going through all of this taught us just what it takes to continue protecting the galaxy today" she nodded to her parents along with the generals and commanders present, "And as hard as these two years have been, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. Just like my classmates and fellow pilots wouldn't be able to either, all that testing and teaching has made us the pilots we are today, and we are excited to continue serving and protecting this galaxy that a lot of you have made better for us. So to my classmates, thank you for these hard and great two years, and to you all, thank you for supporting us, teaching us, and giving us the opportunity to what we love to do" She nodded "Thank you"
The crowd and her classmates applauded and Kara smiled looking over at her parents then to Poe as he gave an approving nod. She stared at him for a moment wondering if he'd ever feel the same way about her, she looked back out at her parents. Han stood proud of what her daughter accomplished and tried to sit in that feeling. But he still wished she would never have to live the life he once had to, nor Ben. He hoped his kids never had to live in the war him and Leia had to, for their only option to risk their lives.
As the ceremony finished Kara walked down to her family and tried to smile but couldn't hid her curiousness as to Poe's direction. "You spoke beautifully Kara" Leia hugged her daughter
"You did great kid" Han smiled, "Ben wished he could have been here, Luke too"
Kara shrugged knowing how difficult it would be to leave while training the young Jedi's.
Han sighed, "So this is it, you're a full fledged pilot now" he said trying to fight his worry. Leia could feel his anxieties.
"Han don't" Leia said quietly
Kara sighed waiting for him to say it.
The last thing he wanted was for his only daughter to be fighting in a war. Not as if there would be one anytime soon, but Han feared his kids would end up in the same danger he, Leia and Luke always seemed to. "What? I'm just" he stopped
"Father, I was a pilot long before I entered the academy, now it's just more official" Kara looked down knowing how worried he was, yet he didn't handle his emotions well at all, seeing as this was the first time he had come to see her since she started. She sighed, "Father" she looked at him "You can't blame me for being a product of this family"
Han looked down, "No I can't kid, but I just can't help but worry at the danger your putting yourself in"
"Thanks to you, Mother, and Luke, there isn't much danger to be in danger of" she grinned "And again, product of this family" she pointed to him
Leia raised her eyebrows "She has a point" but also tried to hid her anxieties, she was sure her daughter was capable and able to live her life, it was the fear since the war ended that had her always on edge.
"But you" Han pointed at Lei and Leia shook her head
"But what?" Kara looked at her parents
"Nothing" Leia sighed, she never gave much detail regarding the senate; no one knew just how many remnants of the empire still lurked in the darkness. "Han's just afraid you're going to caught in some mission or end up on the other side of the galaxy"
She smiled, "Lucky for me I had one of the best pilots in the galaxy as a father"
"Stop it" he pointed again
Chewie gargled throwing his head back, "I know she gets it from me" Han snapped at the Wookie, "Don't use my tricks" he said to Kara who grinned
"We'll see you in a few days on Hosnian Prime?" Leia asked
Kara nodded, she had a few more days on Mirrin before being assigned on Hosnian prime. She was looking forward to the break between then. She hugged her family goodbye "Farewell Princess" 3po said with a stiff wave.
"Goodbye guys" she said watching them walk back towards the Tantive 4 ship. Certain commanders and generals were greeting them as they made their way back.
She stood for a moment trying to decompress from the conversations as she was starting to get approached by Republic members and generals asking about her time. She glanced around the hanger to find Poe speaking with who she assumed were his family. She went back to the conversations trying to push the pilot from her mind. No matter how hard it was to wonder now that their time together was coming to a close.
Their last two days at the academy were spent celebrating; Kara couldn't come to terms with how quick her time there had gone. But in a couple of days they would be off facing reality, real assignments, and real duty. They were headed off to Hosnian for assignments and after tonight Kara and Poe could end up on other sides of the galaxy. The party in the common halls of the compound were getting a little too cramped for her, and she caught herself watching Poe more than once spreading himself from group to group. He was the social butterfly of the academy, not one person had a bad thing to say about the man. The woman loved him and the men envied him.
She strolled into the hanger and gazed at the X-wing jets she had flown while at the academy. She walked over to hers running her hand along the nose of the Jet. "Saying goodbye?" she heard behind her
She turned to see Poe walking in with his hands in the pockets of his trousers. Kara couldn't help but flush a little embarrassed. "Maybe I was" she said
Poe smiled as he approached the jet "Certainly got used to flying these girls huh"
Kara nodded, "The thought of possibly flying a freighter for the next four years made me a little nostalgic for old Red here"
Poe chuckled, "The chances of Kara Solo flying a freighter are about as slim as the emperor rising to power again"
Kara chuckled, "That's not funny" she pointed, "And if my mother has any pull, it's a possibility" she shrugged
Poe didn't take into account the influence General Organa could have on Kara's career. "Well it would be a mistake if it did happen"
"Why aren't you in the party, chatting everyone up" Kara nodded back to the base trying to put her worries aside.
"Because I've already chatted everyone up" he smiled "All except one" he gave her a lingering stare
Kara smiled trying keep her emotions even "oh my, such an honor" they both laughed, "I'm sure one of your many admirers are heartbroken you've left the party so early Poe"
Poe shifted with a smirk, "Admirers huh"
Kara shook her head amused, "Oh now you play all coy and humble"
Poe knew he couldn't get away with that act with her as he raised his hands in surrender, "alright alright" he laughed watching Kara grin with a raised eyebrow, "I can't help it if I have a natural charm about me"
"Charm? Is that what they call it now?" Kara poked Poe laughed. She could always see through his act. Another quality he loved about her. No matter what line or story he could dish out, she always threw it back at him. He didn't have to pretend with her.
"Some of us have to work at it a little harder, we can't all be Kara Solo" he said as he leaned against the jet "The galaxy's princess" he smiled
Kara shook her head, "There is nothing special about me Poe" she said looking at the jet
"I beg to differ" he said as Kara looked over at him. She smiled but it quickly faded
Poe took a step towards her, and Kara felt a shiver run down her spine. He was closing in front of her with an expression she'd never seen before. Poe took the chance, not knowing when or if he'd have another one. "Poe.." Kara started as she rested her hand on his chest
Poe held the side of her face and kissed her. Giving in she ran her hand up his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. She could feel the fireworks in the kiss, two years of that built up tension finally released as he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist and continued kissing her. She was everything he imagined and more, her smell was sweet and firey, he ran his hands through her hair and had never felt anything so soft.
Kara pulled away and stared at him for a moment trying to form a thought. She had her hands gripped in his dark curls and then rand her hand down his chiseled face. Knowing this moment would affect her life moving forward, the risk of surrendering to him. But she looked into his eyes and his grip still held firm, he wanted her as much as she wanted him. She gave in as she moved to his lips again.
Kara woke up in Poe's room the next morning to his arms wrapped around her still. She caught herself smiling as she rolled gently to face him but to also make sure she didn't roll off the small twin bed. "Very graceful" he mumbled with his eyes still shut
"It is one of my traits" she adjusted under his arm. "Is that why you've got me strapped in here so tight" she said "So I wouldn't fall out"
Poe nodded trying to wake up, "only because I've fallen out so many times, I couldn't risk it"
Kara ran her hand down his face, feeling the slight stubble that was forming on his cheeks and chin. He finally opened his eyes. She was just as beautiful first thing in the morning as she was last night. Kara wondered if the allure had worn off for him. That all last night was a goodbye for them. She didn't want to find out. "I should head to my room and start packing" she said softly
Poe looked at her not wanting her to go, but they were off in a few hours. He laid trying to stay in the moment, to hold on to the perfect night they shared. He nodded quietly, not wanting to say anything to ruin the moment but wanted to tell her everything, that he had been in love with her for the last two years, that he wanted to be with her. He just stared at her revealing in how beautiful she was. He ran one hand through her face and hair. Knowing there wouldn't be any good in telling her how he felt.
She got up and dressed and headed for the door. "Don't be late for the transport Leuitenant Dameron" she grinned walking out.
Kara walked off the freighter into the Republic base and headed to the barracks. She'd been to Hosnian Prime many times, but never into the base. The women's barracks were separated from the men's. She stood with the group and saw Poe from across the way. He winked as he was already gazing at her.
"Welcome to the Hosnian System, here is our base of operations for the New Republic. Over there are your dorm postings. Go find your room and at 1400 you will be briefed and then assigned to your squadrons" General Attirm announced
The group headed to the posting. She found herself looking back at Poe more and more, with the realization becoming more real that this was it. This was the real world now for them. Poe did the same not wanting to check the postings, but he looked back at Kara wondering what their night meant for her. That it was a fleeting goodbye and all it would be to her is just a memory. He smiled as Snap came over to him "You and me Dameron"
Poe tried to smile patting his shoulder "Sounds good bud, I'll catch up" he said as Snap made his way in to the barracks
He watched Kara check her room and took one last look before heading inside. Poe looked down disappointed with the realization that his dreams of being a pilot wouldn't coincide with a future with Kara.
Admiral Attir stood in front of the groups "Alright, I trust you all settled in, but please be advised that those barracks are not your homes" he started as the pilots looked around, "You will hardly be in those beds, so best to not get used to them"
Kara was late approaching the group and squeezed in managing to stand next to Poe "Nice of you to join us Captain Solo"
Kara winced at the public chastising "Sorry Sir, got lost"
"I find that hard to believe" he moved on, "I'm going to list off the commanding officers then the pilots names, once I have finished reading off the list report to your division and you will be instructed further"
Kara let out a sigh, this was it, "Admiral Ackbar's division" Attir announced, "Poe Dameron" he called
Poe closed his eyes and looked at his feet happy at the selection. He stood with his head down listening for Kara's name to be called, but nothing. Kara sighed again looking at Poe, "Congratulations" she whispered
Poe reached down for her hand and held it for a moment. "In case I don't get to say goodbye" he whispered
Kara held in the tears before looking at Attir, he went through the entire academy it felt like and still her name wasn't called. She knew Leia was behind it. "Alright everyone, report to your commanding officers"
Poe still had Kara's hand in his, she looked at him as he stood at a loss 'Why didn't they call your name" he asked wanting to go to Attir to find out.
Kara held him back "Take care of yourself Poe" she reached to wrap her arms around his neck "Don't worry about me"
Poe looked down at her focusing his attention on what mattered. Her. He didn't know when he'd see her again. The realization was burning inside of him as he looked down at her. The hope that they would fly together was gone. And now he had to go out there and face the galaxy on his own, without her.
He held her and buried his face into her neck. "I wont be far behind"
Kara smiled.
Poe looked at her and held her face, he walked towards Ackbar's team and Kara headed for Attir
"Sir, my name wasn't called for active duty" she asked trying to hold in the tears. She had just lost Poe, and the reality that she wouldn't be flying for the republic was starting to weight.
He held the clipboard knowingly, "You've been assigned senate pilot for your mother"
Kara couldn't help it but her face fell, she straightened, "Thank you admiral, shall I head to the senate then?"
Attir nodded, "Lieutenant Solo" he called as she started, Kara turned trying to hid her emotions, "It would have been a pleasure to have you in my division, you're a very talented pilot" he nodded knowing her disappointment.
Kara tried to smile, "Thank you Admiral"