The jump

Astra took her seat at the navigator’s station, her fingers brushing over the console as she prepared for the upcoming jump. Her mind was sharp, but her body betrayed her exhaustion. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Dr. Varnic’ahri’nalor entering the bridge, his purposeful stride directed toward the central walkway where Admiral Thrawn stood, hands clasped behind his back.

She rolled her eyes, already anticipating the conversation.

“Admiral, I apologize for the interruption, but this matter is both important and vital to the success of our mission,” the doctor began, his voice calm yet insistent.

Thrawn turned to face him, his expression unreadable as ever, his calculating gaze fixed on the doctor. “Very well. What is it, Doctor?”

“The jump needs to be postponed,” Varnic stated firmly. “Alternatively, Ezra Bridger should take over navigation for this leg of the journey.”

Thrawn’s brow arched slightly at the suggestion, his piercing red eyes shifting briefly to Astra. She met his gaze with a defiant glare, her expression clearly communicating, I’m fine.

“Sir, I saw her earlier,” the doctor continued, his tone growing more urgent. “She is on the verge of an overloaded spell. If she navigates now, she will collapse and be incapacitated for days.”

Thrawn studied him for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “I see,” he said at last, before turning back to Astra.

“Skywalker Astra,” he said, his voice calm and deliberate, “can you complete this jump?”

“Yes, Admiral,” Astra replied firmly, her voice steady despite the flicker of fatigue she felt creeping in.

Thrawn regarded her for a long moment, as if weighing her response against his own analysis. Then he gave a slight nod. “Very well. Doctor, you may stand by to treat her if necessary. Skywalker, proceed with the jump whenever you are ready.”

Astra straightened in her seat, giving a resolute nod. She turned her focus back to the controls, tuning out the tension on the bridge as she prepared the ship for hyperspace.

Dr. Varnic stepped aside, his lips pressed into a thin line. Though his recommendation had been dismissed, he positioned himself near the wall, ready to intervene if Astra faltered.

Within minutes, the Chimaera surged into hyperspace, the familiar vibrations of the jump reverberating through the ship. Astra exhaled a controlled breath, focusing intently on the swirling currents of the third sight. She felt the pull and flow of hyperspace, guiding the ship smoothly through the intricate pathways of the galaxy.

Behind her, Thrawn stood motionless, his eyes on the star map, while the doctor watched Astra like a hawk. Though they had entered hyperspace successfully, Varnic’s concern lingered. She was pushing herself too hard, and he knew it was only a matter of time before her body gave out.

For now, though, Astra held her ground, her determination burning brighter than her fatigue.