"We need to cool things down a bit."
Mya looked at Reese with her dark blue eyes, trying to read his expression. They sat on the edge of the vacant balcony, their feet dangling over the seemingly bottomless edge. She remained silent, watching him with the smallest ghost of a smile.
"I mean it Mya. My instructors are beginning to suspect something. If they ever find out about us, I'd never be able to see you again."
He looked at her, his heart racing as he observed her in the soft artificial light of the nearby buildings. Intoxicated by her loveliness, he didn't move in hopes of prolonging the moment. Her smile increased as she leaned in and kissed him.
"You do what you have to do," she whispered, her lips trembling only inches from his. She pulled back and squeezed his hand.
"It's not like we'll never see each other again," he continued. "I just can't see you every night. I'm falling asleep in my studies; my grades are starting to slip…"
"Reese," she said, her eyes dancing happily as they switched from his left eye to the right and back again. "You don't need to explain, I understand. I've actually been waiting for this talk. I knew you couldn't manage your studies and see me every night."
He nodded, slightly embarrassed. "I just like seeing you. When we're apart, I can't get my mind on anything else other than seeing you again."
Laughing, her smile increased. "That's because you're drunk on love, which is more potent than the drink you had that night we first met. Its effects will wear off though, sooner or later, and we'll grow bored with each other. That's why it's important for us to take advantage while it lasts. They say you spend the rest of your life trying to recapture this feeling. You may find it on rare occasions, in fleeting glances, but it never lasts." Her voice grew soft and sad. "Not like this."
"You sound like an expert on love," Reese scoffed.
"I speak out of experience," she said. Noticing Reese's frown she continued, "From observing my parents. They used to be so in love. Then one day, things were just… different between them. Even I could tell that they weren't happy. In the end they decided it best to divorce."
"So you don't think we'll last?" He asked.
"Look at us Reese. We're just so different. You have your Imperial future while I go and… I don't know yet, but I can't live the life you're destined to lead."
"Then why are we together," Reese asked, clearly hurt.
"Because of what we have now," She kissed him again before grinning wickedly, "and because I haven't given up hope that you'll open your eyes and see that I've been right all along."
"So you don't want me to cool things off?" He said, ignoring her comment.
"I never said I wanted you too," she confessed, her smile fading into a sadder expression. "I just said I understand." She paused and looked up at the night sky. "Reese… there's something else you're not telling me, isn't there?"
He looked away, growing uncomfortable. It was clear that something was weighing down his conscience. He sighed and looked back at her, smiling sadly. "I have to go away for a while. Now that I'm in the last four years of the program, they're encouraging us to start thinking about our future. I've enrolled in a summer internship program. There's a good chance I could be assigned to a military unit to observe first hand what it's like to be an officer. I'm hoping to be assigned to a ground unit in the army corps but I could be sent to a Star Destroyer."
She nodded silently, continuing to gaze at the light polluted canvas over their heads. "When do you leave?"
"Next month, at the beginning of summer quarter."
"I'll be here when you get back," she promised, turning her head to face him. "But I want you to promise me something."
"What's that?"
"Promise me you'll open your eyes while you're gone. I don't mean the Imperial eyes you've been trained to see through, but your real eyes, with your heart. Look at what the Empire does to its citizens. If you do, I know you'll see why I hate the idea of what you're becoming. Maybe," she paused, touching his cheek, choosing her words carefully, "maybe you'll leave that awful school one day and run away with me where we can go and make a real difference in the galaxy."
"A real difference?" He laughed. "Doing what? Feeding the hungry? Clothing the naked?" He paused, his face growing serious. "Or do you mean joining the rebellion?"
"Whatever it takes," she replied coolly. "Let's not argue. Just consider my request."
"And what if I decide I'm currently on the right path? Will you still continue to see me?"
Her eyes returned to the night sky as if it were the source for all her answers. "I don't know," she replied honestly. "I guess I have a lot to think about too."
Hal was waiting for him as he entered his room.
"Where have you been?" He asked, clearly exasperated. "You're never home this late."
"I know. I just couldn't pull myself away tonight," he said as he began to undress.
"You're lucky you didn't get locked out. You know I've been butting out of this whole thing but I can't sit here and watch you throw everything away for this girl."
Reese frowned, clearly annoyed. "Look. If I want to spend my time seeing this girl, that's my decision and there's not a frelling thing you or anyone else could do about it. If I decided to run away from this place and marry her, that's my business."
"No, not entirely," Hal said, his tone clearly angry. "If you get caught, that means I'm in as much trouble as you. I'm duty bound to report you when you sneak out, and if I think you're jeopardizing my future with the Empire, I will."
Anger flooded Reese's system. "You do that and I'll tell them how you've been letting this happen for months, not to mention the times you snuck out with me."
Hal took in a deep breath, forcing himself to calm. "I'm just asking you to think about how this affects me if you get caught. If you won't stop seeing her then I'm going to ask to be reassigned to another room."
"You can't do that," Reese warned. "If you did, who knows who we'd end up with? I'd never be able to see Mya again!"
"Calm down," Hal sighed. "I won't do that if you just promise me you'll knock off seeing her to only a few nights a week? Preferably non-school nights?"
"If you must know, dad, we've already decided to do that; tonight in fact."
Hal frowned. "Really? What happened?"
Reese couldn't help but smile. "Now you're concerned about us? Nothing happened beyond the obvious. My studies are being affected so we decided to cool things off."
Hal nodded, his face serious. "Oh. Well that's good. It's the right thing to do."
Hal flinched as Reese unexpectedly threw a pillow at his face. "The right thing huh?"
Laughing, Hal retaliated. For a while, their problems were forgotten as the two friends pelted each other with pillows.
"Cadet Jade," Instructor Sumpet addressed Reese as he entered the empty classroom. He'd been asked to report to the instructor immediately after his final class of the day.
Reese stood at attention in front of the instructor's desk, waiting for whatever message Sumpet felt he needed to convey, be it a disciplinary measure or a question about his studies.
"At ease Cadet. You may have a seat," Sumpet said, nodding towards a nearby chair.
"Thank you sir." He pulled the seat in front of the desk and sat.
"I understand you have entered the summer internship program?"
"Yes sir," Reese nodded.
"Good," Sumpet nodded approvingly. "I was concerned, with your recent questionable performance, that you may have lost focus on why you are here. If you don't mind me asking, which internship where you hoping to get?"
"Something with the army corps, preferably."
Sumpet frowned. "Are you sure? The army is more dangerous than the Imperial Navy. I would have thought you more of a space man."
"I prefer my feet firmly planted on the ground, Sir. I also feel there's a closer bond between an officer and his men while in the field. The danger you speak of unites the men. I find the navy officers are more detached."
"I suppose that's an admirable reason, though I doubt you'll find it as satisfying as, say, commanding several fleets. There are also the psychological disadvantages. Many officers in the field find confronting their enemies face-to-face very disheartening. Have you ever looked into the eyes of a man defending his family for some misguided cause? Even though his err in judgment has marked him a traitor, it is much harder to command his death while he's begging for his life. You must have the stomach for such decisions because you will have to make them."
Reese nodded thoughtfully. "I've thought about that sir. That's why I want this internship. It will give me the opportunity to see if that is really what I want."
Sumpet observed him in silence, his face unreadable as he considered Reese's words. "So be it. I have a friend in the army corps on Tricompul. He's requested an intern. I was going to send Cadet Gulstar, but I think you'd be better suited for the job. This internship is a month longer than the others so you'll be leaving at week's end. I'll inform your other instructors to give you your final examinations before you leave. I suggest you go and study."
"Yes Sir," he said, standing at attention. "Thank you, Sir."
"And Cadet Jade," Sumpet added with a cold smile. "Don't tell any of the other cadets the specifics of your internship. As you will soon find out, this mission entails information that is not to be disclosed to anyone. If your peers have any questions, they may be directed to me."
The week was difficult as Reese struggled to pass his exams earlier than expected. He stayed up studying during the same period he'd normally see Mya. On two separate occasions he had to break dates with her, sending Hal to relay the message. By the end of the week he'd not been able to see her once.
"Blast," Reese cursed as he packed his bags for the summer. Excitement mixed with anxiety weighed heavily on his nerves. He looked around the dorm room for anything he may have forgotten.
"You'd better hurry if you're going to see Mya before you go," Hal warned. "It's getting late and she probably won't wait much longer."
"You think I haven't thought of that?" Reese shot irritably. "I haven't had time to breath this week. I'm out of time and I don't know what to do."
Hal walked over and placed his hands firmly on his friend's shoulders. "Calm down. I'll finish packing for you. Go see her before you leave or you'll regret it."
Reese smiled thankfully. "Hey, I don't know how to thank you for this…" He stopped, having lost his train of thought. Exhaustion was taking its toll.
"Go!" Hal commanded with a laugh.
Reese nodded before turning to leave. He opened the door and stepped out, looking around. A moment later the door closed and he disappeared into the night.
"I'm glad you made it," Mya smiled as he met her in their favorite spot on the vacant balcony. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, trying to stop the tears that had already begun to dampen her face. She pulled back and tried to smile again before losing the battle with her emotions completely. He pulled her to his chest as she broke down.
"Why didn't you come and see me sooner?" She asked; her voice muffled in the fabric of his shirt. She pushed herself away and raised fisted hands, wiping her eyes in frustration. "You stood me up twice!"
"I'm sorry," he stammered. "I wanted to come but I've just been so busy with exams-"
"And I'm not more important than some stupid exams?" She shook her head in frustration. "You haven't been worried about school the whole time we've been together!"
He stared at her, wanting to pull her back into his arms. He'd looked into the cynical eyes of many instructors who fiercely dished out threats and punishment; none were as hard to look into as the eyes that challenged him now. "You're right. It's just that I couldn't afford to fail them or I'd lose this internship-"
"Frack your stupid internship! I hate it!"
He'd never seen her act this way. He watched helplessly as she fought her many conflicting emotions.
"Mya, I'll be back by the end of the summer; you know that."
"I don't know if I will be here," she threatened, her tears betraying the coldness she was trying to convey.
"Don't say that. You promised me you would wait," he insisted.
"That was before you blew me off. You've made it very clear this week where your priorities lie. If you cared for me you wouldn't have slept at all if that were what it took. There should have been nothing to stop you from seeing me!"
He frowned, alarmed by her growing anger. He knew her well enough to recognize that his leaving wasn't a true cause of concern, nor the fact that he'd been unable to see her this week. The true source was a deep fear that he may never return; or worse, he'd return a different person, one who couldn't be the man she needed him to be. She was afraid he'd change and they'd be driven apart because of it. One look into her eyes confirmed this.
"Mya, You know how I feel about you. If I could have seen you without drawing suspicion from my instructors, I would have." He paused, knowing his words were useless. "I'm here now aren't I?"
She broke down again. Gratefully he pulled her back into his arms. She tried twisting out of his grip but he held her tight. She finally gave up her effort and collapsed into his embrace. Her body convulsed as she let out her emotions. His shirt was soaked with tears as it muffled her heaving sobs. After what felt an eternity, she stopped. He gently lifted he chin and wiped away her tears. She pushed her lips to his and kissed him hard. The frustrated emotions erupted into unbidden passion. He pulled away, holding her at arms length.
"Mya, I…" Her dark eyes, red and swollen, studied him intensely. "I promise I won't change while I'm gone."
She placed a finger on his lips and silenced him with a shake of her head. It was better not to make a promise that he may not be able to keep. What would happen would happen and their wasn't anything either of them could do to change that. The only promise they had was the love they shared on this final night before they parted and everything changed forever.
She threw her arms around his neck and placed her lips by his ear. In a quivering voice she requested that promise. "Tell me you love me."
"You know I do," he replied into hers.
"Then tell me," she begged.
"Mya, I love you."
Hal had barely begun to drift off when Reese returned. He could here his roommate shuffling in the dark, undressing quietly. As he started to fall back to sleep he thought he heard another person in the room.
"Hal."
Reese gently shook his roommate in an attempt to wake him. Hal opened his eyes and looked at him with confusion.
"What time is it?"
"It's time for me to go."
Hal sat up and looked around in a foggy haze. "Hey, good luck. I'll see you at the end of summer."
Reese nodded before replying. "Thanks. I have a favor to ask before I go."
"Sure, anything. What do you need me to do?"
Reese hesitated before continuing. "Mya's here. She's in my bed."
"What?" Hal said a little too loudly, his exhausted features transforming into a look of panic.
"Quiet down!" He hissed in a low tone. "She's asleep. I didn't want to wake her before I left. I need you to sneak her out for me."
"Reese! Are you crazy? You sneak a girl in here and I'm just supposed to escort her out?"
"Calm down," Reese begged. "She'll stay here until tonight when it's safe."
"And what if they decide to do a surprise inspection?" Hal was on the verge of panic.
"Then hope she's good at hiding," Reese joked halfheartedly. He knew he was asking a lot from his friend.
"Very funny." Hal sighed, clearly having no other option but to comply. "I guess I don't have a choice."
"Thanks," Reese said with a sigh of relief. "I owe you one."
"Damn right you do," Hal said. He watched as his friend began to leave. "Hey Reese. I know they frown on us saying this, but, may the Force be with you."
Reese nodded. "You too. I'll see you at summer's end. Oh, and good luck with your internship."
Hal smiled as he watched his friend leave.
Mya awoke to an empty room. She cried softly into Reese's pillow, both upset and thankful that he'd not waken her before he'd left. She smiled at the memory of sleeping in his arms. They couldn't bear to leave each other the night before. She'd escorted him to his school and had been surprised when he asked her to come inside. She nervously walked to his room, afraid they'd get caught and she'd loose him forever. In the quiet darkness of his dorm, they'd held each other as they drifted off to sleep. A perfect gentleman, he was completely satisfied with holding her only, though she doubted she'd have resisted if he'd wanted to make love. That was just one more thing to look forward too when he came back. If he came back. She would wait for him, as long as it took. She knew that now. She laughed to herself as she contemplated the irony that she'd fallen in love with an Imperial.
The shuttle was waiting for him as he entered the hanger. Instructor Sumpet was also there to see him off. Reese stood at attention and saluted, perfectly aware that his instructor was looking him over for any flaw in his appearance. Sumpet returned the salute and commanded him at ease. Satisfied that Reese was up to standard he retrieved an envelope and handed it to him.
"These are your official orders. Do not open them until you are safely underway. This shuttle will take you to The Interdictor. You will be assigned to temporary living quarters until you reach Tricompul, where you will report to General Reuben. He will be monitoring your internship. You will do as he instructs, no questions asked. At the end of summer quarter he will grade you. I need not warn you that any insubordination will be viewed as a punishable offense and you will suffer the same fate as an enlisted man who fails to follow orders."
Reese didn't think he could feel any more nervous than he already had. Thanks to Sumpet's warning he'd been proven wrong. Images of men struggling for air against the invisible grip of Darth Vader's wrath filled his head. Could he really be executed as an intern? Based on what he'd learned about the dangerous Sith Lord's lack of tolerance for any form of incompetence, he didn't doubt it.
"Thank you sir," he replied.
Sumpet looked him over one more time before dismissing him.
Retrieving his bag, Reese struggled to get his legs moving as he headed for the Lamda-class shuttle. A lieutenant stood near its ramp, giving him a disapproving look as he approached.
"Cadet Jade?" The officer asked.
"Yes sir," Reese replied, once again standing at attention.
"No need for that," the officer said. "Just get on board so we can go. We're already behind schedule."
"Yes sir."