Work Text:
Going AWOL
“Leaving a bad place, a bad situation, even an Empire, can be, hard.’
It had been long time coming. The idea brewing inside of his head. And tonight, he would leave.
The getup was ready and waiting on the bed. He did not have much in belongings and what little he had decided to take with him was already packed in the light backpack.
Crosshair had it all planned carefully.
The excuse, the escape route, the vehicle waiting for him. It was all in place.
Or at least he hoped his contact would come through.
After all, the credits were already gone. What few Crosshair had left now, he needed to rent lodgings to stay in for a while before the worst of it blew over. Somewhere safe, having picked the location already.
After that, well? It was all up and in the air.
The plan for now, was to hitch a ride with the falsified chain codes he had managed to obtain and to get some place far, far away. Away from the Empire.
Now, as the plan was made and set in motion, there really was no turning back.
Well…
But no, Crosshair had made his mind up. He would leave, not matter what.
And so, changing into the getup for the trip, Crosshair was ready to set on his chosen path.
*
Out the dorm, across the halls, past the guards on duty, all done in a cat like stealth. Moving in the darkened corners, the shadows, away form observing eyes… Crosshair was made for this kind of stuff.
Nobody was the wiser as this one clone, hit the road.
Another one simply having gone AWOL.
Well, there was little more to that statement.
As the Empire, despite their seemingly casual demeanour whenever a clone defected wasn’t exactly that. Because if caught, they would be shot on sight.
No questions, no trials, no nothing, only death. Period. The end. Finished.
Quick on his feet, making his way to the building where the speeder would be waiting for him.
At least, that was the agreement.
Because if it wasn’t there, then it would certainly put a dampener on the planned escape route.
Having booked a flight on a freighter leaving during the night, Crosshair needed to be on it to leave Coruscant. And the Empire. Far behind.
And so, he half ran across the now silent streets, void mostly of any foot traffic at this hour.
Reaching the building, Crosshair hacked the door lock and got inside.
The now empty office building had no guards, and getting to the lift and up and to the roof was easy enough. The one single reason he had chosen the structure in the first place.
As the lift reached the top floor, the doors opening, Crosshair scanned the area.
There was nothing or no one there to be seen. Meaning his contact had double crossed him after all!
“Dank Farrik!”
Crosshair cursed out loud.
He was just about to turn back, when he noticed something in the far corner of top built structure. And then immediately knew what it was.
Jogging to the spot, he could see it. The speeder. Only hidden there from plain view.
“Thank the Force!”
Yeah, Crosshair let that out loud too!
Jumping on the bike, the engines ignited, Crosshair started on his way.
*
“Trooper! Stop immediately and turn off your engine!”
The order cast over the loud speaker echoed in the upper levels of the building.
The driver did as ordered.
After all, getting shot by imperial guards was never a good thing.
“Trooper, face this way.”
The two imperial soldiers hovered beside the speeder now, having been caught in action.
As the driver did as ordered, the guards were surprised, to say the least.
“You… you’re not a clone trooper!”
The driver simply laughed and replied.
“Not the last time I looked in the mirror!”
“What’s your name driver?”
The other imperial asked curtly.
“It’s Dirk. Dirk Solo.”
And with that very comment, the speeder sped away in a flash and such a speed, there was nothing anyone could do to follow them.
Leaving two imperial soldiers glaring with their mouth agape and looking so so confused.
“Do we report this, Sir?”
“What exactly?”
“This incident, the escaped clone?”
“What clone?”
The imperial soldier gave the other a stern glare, speaking volumes.
“Yeah, what clone indeed!”
Under his breath simply stating.
“Dirk Solo! What a jerk!”
*
Somewhere in the Outer Rim a solemn figure disembarked the transport ship.
Glancing around the sparse scenery, this was still a haven for them. A place where the Empire’s tentacles had yet to slither to.
Indeed, he liked it there, a place to feel safe in. At least, for now.