Planet: Yavin IV

2 Hours before Battle of Yavin

It was a miracle. That was all Jyn could come up with when word of the Princess escaping the empire and finding the plans had arrived to Yavin IV. She and her rescuers were now on their way to Base One with the hope that Jyn's father had created for the rebellion. Jyn had told Cassian of this news with enthusiasm, and he couldn't help but smile at her sudden flare for energy. He had been afraid that the fire he had seen in her eyes was dwindling, but no more.

The base was quiet when the Millennium Falcon touched down on Yavin IV. Jyn first caught glimpse of the trio that had escaped the Death Star as the hanger bay door slowly opened. They were being questioned outside by officials. Jyn desperately wanted to run over and ask them details about their escape and what the Death Star was like up close and personal. She refrained herself, feeling somewhat less superior. Draven walked up behind her, arms folded.

"Surprised you aren't with them," Jyn remarked dryly.

"General Cracken and Dodonna have authority with this," Draven replied.

"I heard the empire had the Princess imprisoned on the Death Star."

Draven nodded slowly keeping his gaze fixed ahead of him. "Their ship was tracked here. The Death Star is coming."

Very slowly, Jyn turned her gaze up at Draven. "Here? How long?" There was panic in her voice, even though she tried to restrain it.

"Estimated arrival is two hours," Draven replied. "We are evacuating what remains of the council. Erso, I'll need you to help intelligence officers transport back up files onto the evac shuttles. We can't take any risks."

Jyn frowned, wanting to stay and meet the Princess. Her persistence to break the rules was itching back up. This was turning out to be a difficult habit to break. Swallowing down a huff of annoyance, Jyn turned round and headed back into the hanger.

Jyn got her chance to meet them half an hour later when she was summoned into the command room to verify the Death Star plans were the ones she had transmitted. She let her gaze linger over the Princess, taking in her dirty clothes and loose strands of hair.

"This is Jyn Erso, daughter of Galen Erso," General Dodonna said, gesturing to her.

Leia took in Jyn's form before walking up to her and taking her hand. "I am so glad to finally meet you. My father, Bail Organa spoke wondrously of your conviction during the council's debate."

Jyn was taken aback by her immediate kindness.

"When I heard of your plans to infiltrate Scarif, I was so pleased to finally hear someone take the initiative and the fight to the empire," Leia continued, still holding Jyn's hand.

Jyn returned the kind words with a smile. "I couldn't let my father's dying wishes come to nothing. It was also our chance to finally make a real difference."

Leia nodded. "Thank you, again. You have truly given us hope in a dark time."

Jyn lowered her eyes, looking at her boots. "I'm sorry about Alderaan."

Leia opened her mouth to speak, but closed it. Gently, she shook her head. "It wasn't your fault."

Jyn looked up fiercely. "If we had acted sooner..."

Leia shook her head again. "There was nothing any of us could do. Do not blame yourself."

Jyn turned to look at the two male companions with Leia.

"This is Luke and Han," the princess said, turning to them. "They rescued me from the Death Star."

Jyn was impressed. They clearly weren't rebel soldiers. "How'd you manage that?"

"Luck," Han said. Jyn couldn't help but feel she knew him from somewhere. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to determine where it was she knew him from. This was going to gnaw at her.

"We couldn't have saved the princess without Obi Wan," Luke clarified.

Jyn's thoughts were snapped back to the present. "Who?"

"Obi Wan Kenobi," Luke said. "Darth Vader... he killed Old Ben." Luke sighed. "He was training me to become a Jedi."

Jyn's brows were raised. "A Jedi?"

"We do not have time for this," Dodonna interrupted. "The plans – we need to extract them from the astrodroid."

"Of course, General," Leia said smoothly. "Perhaps Jyn could help."

Jyn gave another small smile. "Thanks."

The astrodroid R2D2 beeped away as Jyn and a technical engineer plugged him into the main computer systems. Jyn watched the plans transfer onto the screen; a circular image appeared – the Death Star.

"The reactor system," Jyn murmured. "We have to locate the reactor system."

The engineer bought up the full schematics, using his finger to rotate the Death Star image, widening a section. "Here."

"My father said one shot to the reactor module will set off a chain reaction," Jyn said. She skimmed her finger along part of the trench line of the Death Star. "This trench line will be the easiest way to get to the reactor."

The engineer nodded. Jyn didn't notice Leia enter the room behind her.

Jyn narrowed her eyes, trying to get a better look at the plans. "Bring up this section."

"That's the main port," the engineer said.

"What's that line?" Jyn asked, pointing. "It goes straight into the reactor module."

"Looks to be a thermal exhaust port."

Jyn smile. "There, then. That's it. That's our way in."

The engineer shook his head bewildered. "It's far too small. Only two meters."

Jyn glared at him. "My father couldn't make his flaw too large or it would become obvious. An x-wing fighter can make a shot into that exhaust port. This is it."

"Jyn is right." Leia finally made her presence known. She knelt down to Jyn's level, examining the plans. "Good work. I'll inform General Dodonna of what you've found."

Jyn threaded her way through the hanger bay as x-wings were being prepped. Pilots hurried around her, making it difficult for her to get to the medical wing.

"Jyn!"

She turned at the sound of her name to see Bodhi running over to her, shouldering into a few pilots along the way.

"I heard you found the flaw," he said, catching his breath.

Jyn smiled. "We did. It's at the end of a trench line. Looks easy to get too."

Bodhi nodded, his face absorbed with thought. "So this is it then."

Jyn nodded. "The Death Star is approaching. Unless we exploit my father's flaw, then the rebellion will be over." Jyn paused, seeing distress etch over Bodhi's face. She placed her hand on his arm to comfort him. "At least we won't waste weeks or months finding it. And we will win, Bodhi. We've come too far for anything else."

Bodhi smiled. "You're right; we will win."

"I'm going to see Cassian." An idea crossed Jyn's mind. "Could you do me a favour?"

"Name it."

Jyn handed him a portable radio she had been carrying. "Could you link this up to the comm systems so we can listen to what's going on? Cassian is still confined to medbay, so I want to stay with him during the attack. You should stay with us too."

Bodhi took the radio. "Yeah. Yeah, of course. I won't be long."

When Jyn reached the medbay she ran into Luke, who was making his way out.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, eager to get past him to tell Cassian the news.

"They wanted to check my vitals before I get into an x-wing," Luke replied.

Jyn noticed his keenness. "You can fly those things?"

"Yeah, of course!"

"You're not part of the rebellion though, are you?"

Luke shrugged. "Nah. Was raised on Tatooine, but I had always dreamed of leaving that place."

"Tatooine," Jyn repeated. Her eyes lit up. "Did you find the Death Star plans?"

"Oh, yeah," Luke said. "My uncle bought the astrodroid that had the plans. Turns out the droid was sent by the Princess to find Old Ben."

"The Jedi," Jyn clarified.

"I had no idea he was a Jedi," Luke said, smiling at a memory.

Jyn knew Darth Vader was a Jedi, but she genuinely believed he was the last of his kind. Chirrut would have loved to have met Luke. Jyn fiddled at the kyber crystal around her neck. She had so many questions, but now was not the time.

"I'm sorry he died," she murmured. "But I want to thank you for finding the plans..."

"Well, I didn't exactly find them."

"You know what I mean. My father, he is the one who created the flaw that you and the others are about to attack. I was part of the team that went to Scarif to retrieve those plans. I wasn't what you would call 'happy' when I learned the plans had been lost."

Luke's brow rose. "You were at the Battle of Scarif? I saw that battle from Tatooine!"

"Really?"

"Yeah. It lit up the night sky!" Luke exclaimed. "Wow."

Jyn smiled. Before her was a young boy who clearly had no combat experience. He seemed younger than her, but not by that much. She wondered how long he would last against the Death Star.

"Anyway, I gotta get going," Luke said, gesturing at the doorway.

"Good luck," Jyn said. As he walked past her, she turned. "Hey."

Skywalker turned, a brow raised. Jyn smiled. "May the Force be With You."

Luke grinned. "Thanks."

Cassian was sitting up in his bed, more alert than he had been since he had awoken. "I hear the Death Star is approaching."

Jyn hummed, pulling the stool up to his bedside. She sat down. "I went over the plans. My father's flaw has been found. It's a small thermal exhaust port accessed by the trench line."

"That's good to hear," Cassian said. Jyn leaned her elbows on her knees.

"It's small; only two meters. I hope they'll be able to reach it and get a shot in."

"Hey," Cassian said, making her look at him. "Don't worry. Everything we have done, has led to this moment."

"This is it," Jyn said again. "It all feels so... surreal. I thought it would take months to find the Death Star again."

"Good thing the empire tracked that ship the Princess escaped on." Jyn assumed Draven had been by to debrief the new major.

The door opened to reveal Bodhi carrying the radio Jyn had given him. "All done. Though, I just saw General Draven, who asked where you were, Jyn."

Jyn refrained from rolling her eyes. "What'd you say?"

"That you were here," Bodhi answered. "I think he was expecting you to be in a command centre."

Jyn merely shrugged, turning to Cassian. "Bodhi hooked up that radio the comms. We can hear what's going on from here." Jyn lowered her eyes as Cassian smiled fondly. Bodhi found a second stool on the other side of the room and pushed it over next to where Jyn sat. He turned on the radio.

"Stand by alert. Death Star approaching. Estimated time for firing range fifteen minutes."

Jyn sat up straight, staring at the speaker. "How many fighters do we have?"

"Thirty, I think," Bodhi answered. "Red and Gold squadron."

"What about General Merrick?" Cassian asked.

"He and blue squadron are escorting the evacuation," Bodhi said.

"All wings report in."

Fifteen minutes, Jyn thought. Her palms were starting to sweat under her gloves and she itched to take them off. Fifteen minutes until the reckoning.

"Red Five, standing by."

Jyn recognised the voice. "That's Luke."

"Who?" Cassian asked.

"Luke," Jyn repeated. "He infiltrated the Death Star and rescued the Princess. He also found the plans on Tatooine."

Cassian looked impressed. "Never heard of him."

Jyn smirked. "He isn't part of the rebellion. I got the impression he had never left Tatooine before now."

"We're passing through the magnetic field. Hold tight!"

The three of them turned back to the chatter on the radio.

"Accelerate to attack speed."

Jyn's heart started to beat faster, her breaths coming quicker. She tried to keep her masked calm demeanour as her hand clenched into a fist on her pants. She desperately wished she could fly an x-wing at this moment. It felt only fair that she could be part of this attack run.

"Red Leader, this is Gold Leader. Starting for the target shaft now."

Come on, come on, Jyn thought, her knee tapping. The suspense was killing her.

"Heavy fire! Stay low!"

Jyn closed her eyes. How many more people were going to die because of this creation? The tally was beyond counting anymore. She felt Cassian grabbed her hand from her knee, placing it up on the bed. She opened her eyes and gave him a weak smile. He appeared calm, but Jyn could feel the tenseness in his grip.

"Seven minutes until Death Star in firing range."

"Cutting it close," Bodhi remarked. The colour had drained from his face.

Jyn didn't say anything. Her eyes were fixed on her hand clasped with Cassian's. She couldn't look at anyone at this moment. Everything around her felt too close, like she was suffocating. If it wasn't for the glaring bright light of the medical room, Jyn would have been sure she was back in that cave.

"Watch your back, Luke! Watch your back!"

It would make sense that the naive young boy would die. Jyn didn't want him to, but she wouldn't be surprised. The kyber crystal was heavy on its string, as if it could sense something in Luke. With her other hand she pulled it out from under her shirt, holding the crystal tightly. She thought of her mother's last words. Trust the force.

"I'm hit, but not bad. R2, see what you can do with it."

Jyn took a deep breath, frustrated. "Come on, why haven't they attacked the reactor yet?"

"Jyn," Cassian said softly. "Relax." Jyn couldn't. She wanted to glare at him for even suggesting it.

"Red Leader, this is Gold Leader. We're starting our attack run."

About time, Jyn wanted to say aloud. She chose not to after taking a glimpse in Bodhi's direction. Cassian seemed to be the only one fairing well. Then again, he did mask a perfect spy facade when he wanted to.

"Marked and locked in."

"Five minutes until Death Star is in firing range."

Jyn tightened her grip on Cassian hand, trying to will the suspense to be over. Die or not, the outcome had to come soon. Was she prepared to die? Jyn wasn't sure. She had had close brushed with death before, and in Wobani prison she had accepted that she would die at the hands of her cellmate. These days, her situation was different. She was beginning to feel somewhat at home. Jyn never considered herself to be the luckiest person in the galaxy, so it would not astonish her if she would perish right after she found somewhere to consider home.

"Switch to targeting computers."

"The guns, they've stopped."

"Watch for enemy fighters!"

"Sounds like they know what we're trying to do," Bodhi remarked. He was wringing his hands in his lap.

"They don't know about my father's flaw," Jyn said.

"...can't manoeuvre."

"Stay on target."

Jyn winced as she heard a pilot scream as his x-wing was hit and destroyed. She went to remove her hand from Cassian's, but he gripped tighter. His gaze on her was intense, as if he could will her to remain calm.

"Should be able to see it by now."

"I'm in range."

Another pilot shouted over the comm, his x-wing gone.

"It's away!"

Jyn held her breath, looking at Cassian. Their eyes locked, waiting.

"Is it a hit?"

"Negative, negative. It didn't go in."

Jyn let out her breath roughly, wrenching her hand out of Cassian's. She stood up and began to pace.

"One minute until Death Star within firing range."

Bodhi was paler, if it were even possible. Jyn hated this. She hated any situation she couldn't contribute to. After all these years she finally found hope in the cause and now to have it all taken away so quickly, it just wasn't fair. She stole a glance in Cassian's direction. The emotions in his eyes matched hers; hopelessness.

"Hurry up, Luke! They are coming in much faster this time. We can't hold them!"

Jyn wandered if she could drag Cassian out of his bed with the help of Bodhi and make it to the hanger. No, there wasn't time. There wasn't any point in trying to escape. If Yavin IV fell, then so would the rebellion. So would they.

"His targeting computer is switched off. Luke what's wrong?"

"The Death Star has cleared the planet! The Death Star has cleared the planet!"

It was the longest minute of Jyn's life. Claustrophobia was gnawing away in her mind. She remembered the sensation she felt back on Jedha when the Death Star struck the city. Would she lose her balance again this time? Will the walls around her shake and crumble like in Saw's hideout? Bodhi was hunched over, his head cradled in his hands as if expecting the blow to come at any moment.

"Yaaahoooo!"

Jyn's head snapped to the radio and she rushed over, sitting at the end of Cassian's bed.

"You're all clear kid, so let's blow this thing and go home!"

The voice of Han Solo filled the room. Kriff, where did she know him from? A great shockwave hit the medbay, causing various medical equipment to rattle. In an instant, Jyn believed the Death Star had struck the moon. By the look on Cassian's face, so did he.

"Great shot kid, that was one in a million!"

"Death Star has been destroyed! Death Star has been destroyed!"

Jyn's ears rang with a hollow buzzing. The Death Star had been destroyed. The shudder around them had been the impact wave of the explosion. Bodhi had his head lifted, staring dumbly at the radio. Jyn choked on a laugh. In the distance they heard shouting – cheering.

Jyn pulled Bodhi up and hugged him, laughing. Was this a dream? They were not even a minute away from death. How could this be? She let go of Bodhi, who had also started to laugh. He had tears brimming in his eyes. Jyn turned to Cassian who was grinning in disbelief. She sat next to him, but hesitated. She wasn't sure if hugging him was a good idea. Nevertheless, Cassian sat up, pulling her into his warm embrace. She wrapped her arms around his back, leaning into the crook of his neck. They fell back onto the pillow, both laughing breathlessly.

Eventually, after their laugher had died and their breathing returned to normal, Jyn sat up, holding Cassian's hand and then taking Bodhi's. The Death Star had been destroyed. All of their work had finally been accomplished. For the first time in ages, Jyn felt a heavy weight being lifted off her shoulders.

...

4ABY: Planet Hosnian Prime

Jyn had been in pain all morning. It felt like she was getting her period with similar cramping. The cramping had started relatively mild in the early hours of the morning, and gradually developed into the day. She knew she wasn't in labour as she had two weeks to go. Still, no matter how she sat or how much she attempted to stretch her tired muscles, the pain continued.

It had also come to the point where Jyn was bored. She was so fed up with sitting around having very little to do. This was not her kind of lifestyle. When she had fallen pregnant, she had expected the empire to remain a threat for a while longer than it ended up, so she assumed she would work within the rebellion fleet long into the pregnancy. Endor had happened, the New Republic formed and Jyn found herself grounded on Hosnian Prime in an apartment she was starting to get sick of. She longed to get out off planet and travel; go anywhere! She missed the thrill of a fight and the adrenaline of a successful extraction. While she was more than glad to see the empire fallen, it turned out that old habits die hard.

Cassian was currently out, busy assigning his new agents to various sectors of the galaxy. Jyn envied him for his freedom. She wondered if after all this time and planning, if she was suited to being a mother. Of course she wanted her child, but she felt hesitant on whether or not she would be the kind of mother a child deserved. Did all new mothers-to-be go through these feelings of second guessing? Jyn certainly hoped so.

Sighing as she heard the front doorbell ring, Jyn heaved herself up from the couch, hating herself and her body with every coming day. Opening the door she was met by Bodhi, whom she had been expecting that afternoon. He was holding a box in his hands – no doubt a gift for her unborn daughter.

"Bodhi, hey." Jyn was really tired. She was always tired these days.

Bodhi was grinning, excited. "Jyn! I'm so sorry I haven't been to visit earlier."

Jyn led Bodhi into the apartment, over to the couches. She vowed she was not getting up ever again.

"You're so big!" Bodhi exclaimed, staring at her belly.

"Really? I never noticed," she replied dryly.

Bodhi blushed, gingerly holding the box out for her to take. "I hope you like it. Cassian sent me a message that you're having a girl."

Jyn rolled her eyes. "He was supposed to keep it a secret."

"Ah... well, he was very excited."

Jyn sat up straighter, placing the box next to her as she opened it. The gift was a small pillow embroidered with patchwork colours of blue and purple patterns. "It's lovely."

"I came across a market stall on my last trip to Ryloth that was run by former refugees from Jedha. It's handmade."

Jyn smiled warmly. "That's... that's wonderful. Have they settled on Ryloth permanently?"

"I think so," Bodhi replied. "It's not a large community, but at least it's something."

Jyn ran her hand over the pillow. It truly was a lovely piece. "So, how have your travels been?"

Bodhi had been working in cargo transport for the New Republic, running convalescent trips to planets in dire need of support after imperial occupation.

"It's been great," Bodhi said, smiling. "I made a stop by on Yavin IV not long ago. Kes and Shara are doing well. The colony is growing; almost a hundred."

"Wow," Jyn remarked. "Part of me wishes we had settled there."

"Really? I thought you said Hosnian Prime was the better choice?"

Jyn sighed, flinching as she felt her muscles cramp again. "It is. Cassian's work is here, and so is mine I guess. Well, I could train recruits anyway if needed."

"But?"

"But, I'm not used to this kind of lifestyle. I'm so kriffing bored, Bodhi! I haven't left the apartment in three days. Three days!" Jyn rubbed her belly as the pain subsided. "I dunno if I can live like this."

Bodhi tried to look hopeful. "Maybe you'll feel differently once the baby is here."

"I hope so," Jyn replied wishfully. "I don't think the size I am now is helping my mood either."

Bodhi chuckled. "Well, I may have some news for you that might brighten you mood."

"Oh?" Jyn arched a brow.

"A chance for you to travel off planet once the baby is born."

Jyn was intrigued. "You have work for me?"

"No, no," Bodhi said. He hesitated, quietly laughing to himself. "I asked Sarli to marry me."

Jyn blinked. "Kriff! Bodhi, that's wonderful! Congratulations!" She went to hug Bodhi but the swell of her belly got in the way. "See what I am dealing with?"

Bodhi laughed. "Thanks, Jyn. It's great. I can't believe it!"

"Bodhi, you've been involved with Sarli for two years. Of course she would say yes."

"Yeah, but it wasn't like you and Cassian. You two got to see each other often. Sarli and I only got see each other on the rare occasion. It was hard."

"I know," Jyn said gently. She placed a hand on his knee. "I'm happy for you, both of you. I always liked her."

"We're getting married on Chandrila since it's her home planet. The wedding is in two months." Bodhi paused, looking at her belly. "I'll understand though if you won't be able to make it; having a new baby and all."

"Don't be ridiculous," Jyn said, playfully slapping his arm. "I am not missing your wedding. The baby and I will be there on the day. Cassian too, if I can pry him away from his work."

"Thanks, Jyn. It means a lot. My family is long gone now. In a way I feel you, Cassian and the rest of Rogue One are my family."

"You're inviting us all?"

"Of course," Bodhi grinned.

"I can't wait..." Jyn gasped, holding her belly, but she found touching her abdomen made the pain worse.

"Jyn?" Bodhi asked nervously. "What's wrong?"

"Just some mild cramping. Nothing important."

"That seems more than mild, Jyn," Bodhi remarked. "Are you... is it... like... are you going into labour?"

"No of course not," Jyn snapped. "I still have two..." Jyn shouted out in pain. She grabbed hold of Bodhi's shirt. "Help me up."

"Are you sure..."

"Help me up!"

Bodhi held Jyn by arms as she gradually got up on her feet. She was breathing heavily. "Can you help me to the bedroom? I just need to rest."

"Jyn, I think you should go to the hospital," Bodhi said concerned. "You don't look very well."

Jyn buckled as a new wave of pain swept over her body. "Maybe..." She huffed, holding onto to Bodhi tightly. "Maybe you're right. Can you call Cassian once we get there?"

"Yes, sure."

As Bodhi led her out of the apartment slowly, Jyn knew deep down that this was labour. It had to be. What else would be causing this?