BIGGS
Mark A. J. Cristobal
Copyright 2013 Mark A. J. Cristobal
Author’s Note
This is a novelette fan fiction about Biggs Darklighter. Certain parts were intentionally skipped because those were already told in previously printed licensed materials but there are certain areas wherein pre-published events were altered for narrative purposes.
Shooting Stars
Adrenalin, it was in such moment as this is when it is at its peak. Five kills since the first wave of Twin Ion Engine Starfighters were deployed from one of the multitude of hangars jutting out at the surface of the moon sized battle station and that couple of minutes felt like years already.
Red Six Jet Porkins, a good friend of his, sustained heavy damage just moments ago and the sluggish starfighter was finished off by a turbolaser from one of the enemy fighters.
No time to mourn right now, it wasn’t the first time he had lost friends, the loss of Sesi Eirriss was still fresh in his mind and heart and now one by one they were being annihilated.
One of the best things that happened to him on this day was the one he never expected to but has always been hoping for; to be reunited with his childhood bestfriend, Wormie.
But that name was never really liked by his old buddy unless of course he was the one calling him that.
Luke Skywalker ace amateur pilot and a wizard mechanic here on Yavin 4 and a rebel, Biggs Darklighter shook his head. It was so Luke to arrive just in time to get everyone into trouble.
It was just like that one time when he and Fixer got back from Tosche Station and went to Mos Espa to watch the Boonta Eve Classic. Luke almost crashed his Incom T-16 Skyhopper at them and when he and Fixer helped him out, they were chased on foot by a band of ruffians that Luke said was unconvinced that they were defeated fair and square by a mere farmboy on a swoop race.
He and Luke stole, no, borrowed two of the parked speederbikes and darted through the race course followed by the gang out to get them.
Zooming through the Mos Espa Circuit’s Jag Crag Gorge was one of the most thrilling experiences he have had with his bestfriend.
Now, flying side by side with his buddy in the trench of the Death Star, Biggs felt like he was back home and the sensation was overwhelming.
Another ship paralleled him, it was Wedge Antilles. He looked at him through the canopy and the Corellian gave one thumbs up sign at him.
A trio of enemy starfighters came down to follow and foil their attack run. It took all of his piloting skills just to dodge the persistent tail. Luke ordered them to split up to shake their tail and Biggs and Wedge pulled back a little to engage the three TIE fighters.
The gun turrets along the trench had stopped firing and the comm chatter subsided, it felt eerily silent for the first time since the battle began.
Biggs suddenly felt a strange feeling of heightening senses; it was as if he was watching everything through a crystal clear looking glass. He felt like floating and for a moment he thought his X-wing’s inertial compensator had failed but it didn’t.
And for the first time since he left Tatooine to join the Imperial Academy and then the rebellion, he felt a very strong sense of serenity.
His computer warned him of a target lock but Biggs was no longer seeing the trench, he was running on Beggar’s Canyon with Luke, laughing. It was the happiest moment of his life; meeting and befriending Wormie.
A searing pain violently snatched him from that memory and everything went black… forever.
Farewell Tatooine
The Old Man Huff Darklighter stood by the door silently watching his son pack his clothes.
Biggs, the young waterseller with a wild streak that Huff could only attribute to his wife’s stronger genetic influence wasn’t always in good terms with him, and they both knew that.
Too many times already that he no longer bothered to count; he and his only son had clashed with their different definition of responsibilities and priorities. But somehow deep inside albeit he never really admitted it even to himself, Huff knew this is what the Fates have in stored for the younger Darklighter.
“Where will you be staying? I hope it isn’t too cold out there…” Huff muttered, feeling really awkward, this is new territory he’s treading in; father and son talk.
“I heard we would be conditioned first to get our system adjusted to the new environment. I’ll be fine, besides I’ve already called ahead to Tank, I mean, Janek…”
“The Sunber boy, good lad,” Huff nodded absently.
“…he said he had spoken to the Barracks Officer and has listed me to be his bunkmate.” Biggs said while stuffing holoframes.
“I see. I think so, yes, the Imperial Academy on Prefsbelt IV was said to be a fine institution…” Huff agreed.
“Nothing to worry about,” Biggs smiled and slung his duffel bag over his shoulder facing his father.
Huff and Biggs just stood there in uncomfortable silence, and then Biggs broke the ice and gave a quick embrace to his Old Man.
Huff nodded and stepped away feeling discomfited but returned the smile, “Sorry about that, you know I’m never been much of a hugger.”
Biggs knew his father was trying hard not to crack before him and spared Huff from it, “Where’s mom?”
“She’s locked up in our room. She said she couldn’t bear to see you go. I got her, don’t worry.” Huff assured Biggs and took his larger baggage.
Outside his uncle Jula Darklighter sat by behind the wheel of their landspeeder. Silya, his aunt, stood at the side holding the hand of his eight year old cousin Gavin.
“Olga?” Silya raised an eyebrow at Huff and the huge man simply cocked his head. Silya got the meaning and understood. Biggs was Olga’s only son, seeing him leave was something she couldn’t imagine being able to do should her own Gavin decides to go offworld as well.
Huff waved them goodbye, he too, despite his stern image couldn’t stand seeing Biggs board that transport shuttle in Mos Eisley Spaceport.
Cruising through the dunes from the Darklighter Homestead towards Mos Eisley, the uncle and nephew drove in silence.
Arriving at the spaceport, Biggs was surprised to see Laze ‘Fixer’ Loneozner with his wife Camie. The two spotted him and waved, Biggs laughed and hurried towards them while Jula stacks his baggage and duffel bag on the hovercart offered by the spaceport service droid.
“What are you guys doing here? I thought you have some gig to do on Mos Espa?” Biggs asked, Fixer just smiled and the pair stepped aside and Luke sprang and tackled his startled bestfriend.
“Think I’m gonna let you go just like that?” Luke laughed.
“Hey Fixer, don’t screw it, you have a great one there,” Biggs nodded at Camie who came forward and kissed his cheek.
“Luke, I’ll be waiting for you in the Academy. Remember, we’re a couple of shooting stars…” Biggs waved as he started to get on the ramp.
“…that’ll never be stopped.” Luke finished and watched in great longing as his bestfriend disappeared among the crowd of passengers and the ramp began to close.
Fixer, Camie and Jula stood behind Luke, respecting his moment.
Space Cadets
Biggs Darklighter made sure that when his father arranged for his passage offworld, he gets a seat right by the window, and he did.
Biggs was excited, even at his late teens he still felt like a little kid out for his first real adventure; which is not entirely inaccurate.
This is his first time to actually getting aboard a ship off-planet that gets to jump into hyperspace. The first time he tried for a ride like this didn’t quite end so well. But at least he was with Luke when they boarded that old converted Gallofree that broke down and almost crashed before even breaking out
of Tatooine’s atmosphere.
Luke had taken over the controls that time and safely landed them, but of course, the captain took all the credit of being the hero but that hardly mattered to them. Biggs still vividly recall how crestfallen Luke was for not being able to reach the moonport.
Biggs wished Luke was with him right now, as he was supposed to be, thanks to Uncle Owen.
The sand dot that was Tatooine was slowly receding now from the viewport and the voice of the captain in the intercom told them to secure their seatbelts and prepare for the jump.
Biggs stared at the window and watched in childlike amazement as the stars began to elongate until they became a stream of light streaks.
* * *
On a stopover on a space station Biggs couldn’t pronounce or even remember, several passengers checked out and was replaced by new ones. Most of them were young men about his age, this close to the Prefsbelt Sector; Biggs assumes these were also recruits like him.
A boy with a dark blonde hair took the seat beside him and another blonde sat across them, the two were playfully exchanging punches and laughing much to the annoyance of the Twi’lek couple behind the second blonde and the Kubaz behind him.
The young man smiled at him and offered a hand, “Hi there, name’s Derek Klivian of Ralltiir but I’d rather be referred to as Hobbie. That loser is Tycho Celchu of Alderaan.”
“Biggs Darklighter, Tatooine.” Biggs shook his hand and nodded at Tycho who in turn gave him a friendly salute.
“Tatooine? Never heard of it, is it similar to Mantooine, Dantooine…” Derek asked.
“Ignore the fool, this was his second time to meet another human, first one was me of course.” Tycho interjected and the two laughed.
Biggs chuckled, “I’m not familiar with those worlds, but I’m sure those aren’t anywhere near Tatooine. We’re pretty much a backwater world.”
“Nah, I’ve been in Tatooine once, as a little kid. Terrible place to live in, no offense.” Hobbie shrugged.
“None taken, most of us wanted to get away from that hellhole anyways.” Biggs admitted.
The three talked about their respective homeworlds and their dream of becoming ace pilots for the Empire one day. Biggs came to enjoy the company of the two and was even more pleased when they told him they were also heading for the Imperial Academy of Prefsbelt IV.
“Ever heard the name Soontir Fel?” Tycho asked Biggs.
“Uhm… Sorry. No,” Biggs shook his head.
“He’s the best pilot in the Imperial Fleet, and the youngest one with the most kill and battles won. I hope we get listed under his class.” Hobbie informed him.
“He’s a teacher at the Academy?” Biggs remarked.
“Currently but he can be called to active duty anytime.” Tycho supplied.
“Is he strict?” Biggs inquired.
“Yes, it’s the only way he could straightened up creeps like us.” Hobbie nodded.
Biggs lowered his voice, “So, what about the rebellion I’ve been hearing about, are they for real?”
Hobbie and Tycho looked at each other then around them, the Alderaanian got up from his seat and crouched at the side of Hobbie and whispered.
“Word of the wise, you should never ever mention that word and anything pertaining to it the moment you step out of this ship and in Prefsbelt soil.” Tycho warned him.
“The Empire is overly strict, and swift, in dealing with any hints and hunches about treason.” Hobbie added.
“I just don’t get it why there are people who would oppose the New Order. I mean, our galaxy has never been this better and perfectly organized.” Biggs said to them.
“True. The Emperor did the right thing on reorganizing the Old Republic and putting the Senate in a shorter leash. Military rule is the best thing ever happened in our history.” Tycho agreed.
“And what about the Jedi…” Biggs fished.
“We don’t thread that line of conversation.” Tycho shook his head.
“Why?”
“Little is taught about them on our schooling. The Empire wanted nothing to do about the purged legion of sorcerers.” Hobbie explained.
“Still, there are people who secretly support or believe in the old ways.” Tycho muttered.
“Tell me about it. Seriously, Senator Organa will not be able to fool the Emperor for long…” Hobbie nodded.
“Can we just leave politics out of our topic?” Tycho fidgeted.
“Alderaan is loyal to the Republic but of course they had no choice but to submit to the New Order, Senator Organa may be a Yes Man to the Emperor but Lord Vader suspects otherwise, at least that was what he implied during his speech in Ralltiir.” Hobbie explained to Biggs.
“Lord who?” Biggs frowned.
“That’s it. I’m going to the bar, want any drinks?” Tycho stood up shaking his head.
“Vintage Corellian rum would do,” Hobbie said to him then return his attention to Biggs, “You mean you’ve never heard of Darth Vader? The Dark Lord of the Sith?”
“Uhm, no never heard of him…” Biggs thought then added, “Should I have?”
“He’s a relic of the kind similar to the extinct Jedi, their counterpart actually. They were what we call Force users, and he’s the only one left of those people.” Hobbie said to him.
Tycho came back with a bottle of Corellian rum and three small glasses, “Transport Liners like these are slow jumpers, if we start now this would be empty by the time we hit real space.”
Hot Shots
Biggs slammed his fist at the controls as the simulation has ended then buried his face with his hands in frustration.
“Tell me what just happened there?” a stern reprimanding voice snapped at him.
“Sir, the BTL Y-wing starfighter should never have been able to maneuver that way, my counter attack should have destroyed it…” Biggs started to explain.
“Cadet, are you insinuating that the Academy’s simulation program is at fault and used inaccurate data?” Captain Soontir Fel crossed his arms.
Biggs hesitated and looked at Tycho, Hobbie, Laine, Rens and the other cadets but their instructor barked at him, “Don’t you even think about getting the others in this. This is all yours Cadet, now answer me.”
“No sir, I do not insinuate, I am positive that the simulation is inaccurate.” Biggs steeled himself for the inevitable chastising of Captain Fel.
“Are you willing to repeat that statement under oath?” Fel glared at him.
“Yes sir,” Biggs said quickly this time with more confidence.
“Very well, present to me three copies of your full report in regard to this matter and have them at my table in an hour. Dismissed!” then he turn around to regard the astonished cadets, “Everyone.”
* * *
“Cheers!” Tycho said and all five of them, including Biggs raise their glasses.
Biggs, Tycho, Hobbie, Laine and Rens chatted and laughed at their table on the Vesmonte Bar just five blocks east of the Academy building.
“Biggs, are you sure you’re not a Tusken Raider? I can’t believe you managed to talk that way to the Captain and got out of it alive.” Laine grinned.
“Honestly I thought that was the end of my career…” Biggs said.
“I just got news from our Insider. We’re going on actual flight run next week!” Rens said to them and they all shouted in excitement.
“Alright, here’s the new deal… Five hundred credits from each cadet on our batch to whoever gets the highest score on the first flight test.” Tycho proposed.
“Deal!” everyone said in unison then Rens added, “I’ll up the ante, ten thousand credits, from my own account, if anyone can top the all time record.”
“Woooh!” the other cadets began to converge on their group, getting interested at the betting.
“Captain Fel was only second to the record holder and none of us has ever defeated him in all of our simulation runs.” Tycho shook his head.
“Then my mone
y is safe!” Rens laughed.
“Who was the record holder anyways?” Biggs asked.
“Lieutenant Han Solo.” Captain Soontir Fel step through the crowd. Everyone gasped at his sudden arrival and an awkward silence fell.
“Where is he now?” Biggs asked.
“Court marshaled with a dishonorably dismissal. He assaulted a superior officer and stood by with his principles. He is now but an outlaw, a smuggler, but before any of you judge him let it be known that you heard this from my own lips, off the record of course, that Solo was an honorable man and I am proud to have come second to him.” Captain Fel said.
“But the next time we meet, we would be enemies. That can go on the record. Now, drinks are on me for the rest of the night!” Fel smiled at them and raised his glass.
* * *
Biggs rechecked the seals of his suit, his chest plate and breather tubes before taking his TIE pilot helmet on. He began flipping on the power switches and checked the rest of systems thru the HUD. When he was assured that the F-32 flight avionics system was working perfectly he gave a thumbs’ up on the forward viewport to where Captain Fel stood by the hovering monitoring platform.
Captain Fel nodded and tapped his finger on his headphone mic. Biggs switched on the comm and the voice of the instructor filled the brand new TIE/LN starfighter.
“Remember the sequence, Cadet Darklighter and try to stick on it for a change.” Fel reminded him, “Follow the flight path and time your executions, nothing fancy. Begin when you’re ready.”
“Yes sir,” Biggs grinned from ear to ear and was glad that his face was covered by his breathing mask and his tinted helmet.
The steady purr of the twin ion engines grew and the repulsors kicked in, from the platform Captain Fel retracted the clamps and the TIE remained in stationary hover. The ion trails behind started to scream and the starfighter buckled slightly.
Biggs Darklighter held his breath, he imagined Luke saying to him; Punch it Biggs!
…and he did.
The Rand Ecliptic
Cadet Tamis Dayle became Biggs’ wingman during their actual flight sessions. Captain Fel had explained to them that he had intentionally paired the leading cadets to the low graders to improve the leadership and tactical side of the top students and give a chance for improvement to those who haven’t doing well.
Biggs was proud that Dayle’s scores from academic to practical levels have vastly improved since the two of them became a team.