Inspiration for Chapter 10: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story".

*.*.*

Jane slept in Braxton's arms. They had been given their own space in Maurice's house. It was a small, tight space, but it would do. Hanging on the walls were drawings of roses, pencil sketched on white sheets of paper. A large window showed off the bright sunlight, cast into the room.

Jane smiled. She didn't mind being in human form with her Braxton. After all, it was what made them special. And here she was! Sleeping with her beau. If anything, it made the world happy.

Jane looked around her. How long had she been asleep? She looked at Braxton, in his human form, complete with his curly dark brown hair, chiseled, rugged features, and pale skin. She sighed, grateful the brown vest, the blue shirt, and his brown trousers fit him well.

While she was grateful for this, she was even more grateful when she got to pick out her red dress and fluffy vest, which kept her warm on the second floor of Maurice's house. It was the last dress she received, before the First Base was caught on fire. She had kept it all this time, waiting for the day to wear it. And so, she did wear it, happy that Braxton liked it.

Jane turned her attention to their boots and socks. Yes, they were still present next to their twin bed they were sleeping in.

Jane turned to Braxton now, smiling at him. It was wonderful being with him. Now, if only they could…

…Jane's thoughts were interrupted by a loud humming sound. She whispered to Braxton, "good morning", when a fighter ship zipped above the house. Jane moved off of Braxton, shocked to hear the sounds of ships flying in.

"This can't be right!" Braxton pointed out. "Belle's world isn't supposed to have fighter ships! That's the Galaxy Far, Far Away!"

Jane looked at him now, understanding. "Maybe they just dropped in for a visit."

Braxton shrugged, getting on his socks and his boots, strapping his boots down over his feet. "Maybe, but I don't know. I hope the villains aren't at work here."

Jane moved in to put on her boots. She approached a rocking chair, sitting down on it to get her boots and socks on her feet. "Hopefully, they don't come to stay."

"Maybe you're right. Come on! Let's go," Braxton said, standing up and rushing to grab his royal blue jacket.

Jane joined him, not knowing what was about to happen.

.

Jane ran outside, surprised to see so many starships hovering above the skies. She didn't get it. Why were there so many ships about the place? She looked back at Braxton as he joined her, keen on finding out what was going on.

"Come on. Let's go," Braxton said, taking Jane by the hand down the village streets, where they went straight for the village square.

As soon as they came to the village square, they were met by soldiers wearing space helmets. Their armor was white and black, and they carried blaster rifles.

Jane couldn't believe this. The soldiers… they were armed and ready to attack. Oh, what could she do?

"Get back!" Braxton said, moving Jane back behind a wall. He kept her there, unsure what to do.

"No! Let me see," Jane said, looking out and spotting two of her friends—Cyndera, the grey and white tabby cat, and Patton, the brown house cat—were out there, defending themselves against the space soldiers. Jane only knew them as Stormtroopers. "What are they doing here?" Jane asked Braxton, referring to the Stormtroopers.

"We…" Braxton's thoughts were cut off. It was in that moment that a Stormtrooper aimed his blaster rifle at Braxton and Jane. Braxton looked up, ready for anything.

"Get out of there! Come on," the Stormtrooper said, forcing Braxton and Jane out of their cubbyhole. As they walked, the Stormtrooper looked to his comrades, telling them, "I found another bunch. I think the Empire will approve."

A second Stormtrooper, the one the first Stormtrooper spoke to, laughed. "Good. I think the Empire will have a good day. More prisoners for the Emperor to take care of. We'll take them with us."

"Come on. Let's go!" the first Stormtrooper said, gesturing for Jane, Braxton, Cyndera, and Patton to head to their ship.

"This isn't over! Everything's messed up, ever since we got here," Cyndera shouted.

"Yeah, yeah. Tell that to the Emperor," the first Stormtrooper said.

Jane and Braxton were put in shackles, led straight into the ship after Cyndera and Patton. Jane looked back at the village streets. She hoped Belle and Maurice were all right.

.

Belle opened the front door. She couldn't believe what she saw. The starships were present and leaving. She knew what she saw, but she couldn't believe it. What were starships doing in France? It was over her head and beyond her wildest dreams. What could she do? What could her father do?

"Father, look! Look!" Belle cried, right as a group of Stormtroopers entered hers and her father's house. "What is the meaning of this?"

"You've had fugitives in this house," the first Stormtrooper said, eyeing Belle suspiciously.

"They're not fugitives! They're…" Belle stopped, raising her hands in the air, as the same Stormtrooper pointed his weapon at her. Belle looked at him in angst, telling him, "They're my friends. You have no right…"

"Oh, don't I?" the Stormtrooper said.

"There's no one else here, but an old man and this woman," a second Stormtrooper said, returning to the first Stormtrooper.

The first Stormtrooper shook his head. "We'll take them both. We'll see who's right."

"Well, I never!" Belle cried, angrily. She fought back against the Stormtroopers, whacking them in the arms. Two of the Stormtroopers pinned her hands behind her back, shackling her wrists. "I won't be deterred! You can't do this!"

"Oh, I think we can," the first Stormtrooper said, convinced he was doing the right thing. "You'll see in time." He turned to his fellow Stormtroopers, "Bring the old man! Our ship awaits."

"Belle!" Maurice cried, just as he was shackled, too.

*.*.*

References:

The Stormtroopers and the Emperor come from the "Star Wars" galaxy.