As far as worlds habitable by human beings went, D'Quar was an unremarkable planet. Its rolling green hills and vast meadows were no different from those of Naboo or Dantooine. While the climate was fairly temperate, most in the galaxy didn't give it a second glance.

This was exactly why the Resistance had chosen this world on which to build their base. The network of natural caverns had been expanded to house the hundreds of base personnel, technicians, strategists, and pilots that had volunteered to set aside the Republic to put up a front against the deadly First Order. While their latest gambit had been a success, their world was no longer a secret. General Leia Organa assured her fellow Resistance fighters that Starkiller Base was only the beginning. The First Order was not going to throw in the towel because of one destroyed base. Since Resistance would no longer be able to rely on the Republic's destroyed fleet for backup, every pilot was needed to be ready to fly at a moment's notice.

Only one of those pilots was not in the hangar, the repair bay, the command center, or the barracks. Though he had a thousand responsibilities to attend to, Commander Poe Dameron had chosen to spend his time in the medical bay. He had spent a couple of hours there every day, awaiting the recovery of his friend Finn, who had been dealt a severe cut to the back by Kylo Ren's lightsaber. His spine had been badly damaged.

Poe leaned against the nearest wall, still in his orange jumpsuit, watching Finn sleep. He saved my life, thought Poe with his brows knit, and the life of everyone on this base. He deserves better than this. Presently Poe shifted his weight to his other foot and crossed his arms. "C'mon, buddy. Wake up."

After being brought to the base by Chewbacca and Rey, Finn had gone through three surgeries and five bacta treatments to repair spine and spinal cord. Whether or not Finn would be able to walk without assistance was still up in the air. The medics had done all they could. Now it was up to Finn.

While Poe knew that Finn was healing, it still pained him to watch his friend lie motionless on the cot as he had for the last three days. Only this time, he wasn't completely lifeless. Finn's eyes twitched about under his eyelids as the young man dreamed. It couldn't have been very pleasant, judging by his grimace and the beads of sweat on his forehead.

Then, suddenly, Finn gave a cry. "N-no!" His eyes flew open and darted around.

Poe flinched in surprised and quickly moved next to his friend. The pilot's face was a mask of concern. "Finn? Finn, it's all right. You're safe."

Finn's head snapped around to look...an act which punished him by increasing his pain. He paused, biting his lip, then calmed somewhat in recognition. "Poe? What're you doing here?"

Poe's mouth twitched into something of a smile. "Waiting for you. It's good to see you awake. How you feeling, buddy?"

Finn lifted his head, winced, and lowered it back to the pillows. "Great. Never felt better. Ugh..." The former stormtrooper lowered his head, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. "How'd I get here?"

Poe's smile widened a little. "It was Chewbacca. He came back in the Falcon and picked up you and Rey just in the nick of time."

Finn's mouth wanted to twitch into a smile of its own, but his warm feelings were cut short by thinking of the other person that Poe had spoken of. "Rey!" He lurched upright yet again, only to yelp. "She was hurt. Is she all right? I gotta see her-"

"Hey, hey. Easy, buddy. Lie still," calmed Poe, touching Finn's shoulder to hold him down. Well, he's moving. That's a good sign. "Don't worry about Rey. She's fine. Kicked Kylo's butt, from what I heard."

"Rey did?"

"Guess so. She didn't really say much when you guys got back. She was too upset."

Finn nodded slowly as the horrible memory of what had happened to Han Solo returned. Brown eyes narrowed in anger. "I hope she killed him."

Poe had to shake his head. "No...but Starkiller Base is history. I don't think we have to worry about him anymore."

Finn looked skeptical, but didn't want to argue. "So...so it's gone? For good?"

Poe smiled and nodded, taking Finn's shoulder. "It's gone. We did it. I don't think you have any idea how many lives you saved-"

Sadly Finn shook his head. "Nah. I didn't do much. It was Han Solo who did the real work." His eyes stung, and he blinked. "Did Rey tell you...?"

Poe's smile faded into a deep frown. He still couldn't believe that Han Solo was dead. But he had to nod. "Yeah. She told us. Solo was a great man. He'll be deeply missed by everyone."

"Same here," nodded Finn. "Didn't know him that long, but..."

"You didn't really have to."

"Yeah."

An awkward silence followed. Poe shifted his weight from foot to foot before speaking again. "So how's the back?"

Finn stirred, grimaced, and lay still. "I feel like I've been filleted."

Poe's brow wrinkled in concern. "I'll bet. You were pretty beat up when you came in. Had everyone pretty worried."

Finn scoffed and closed his eyes. "Yeah? Like who?"

Poe pursed his lips. "Everybody. C'mon, pal. You helped destroy a station ten times bigger than the Death Star. Even General Organa stopped by to see you. You're a hero." He took Finn's shoulder.

Finn didn't smile back. "I'm no hero. All I did was tag along and get myself hurt trying to rescue Rey...and she's the one who ends up saving me."

Poe frowned at his wounded friend. "Finn, look at me. You're the only one who insisted on going back for her when everyone else told you it was impossible. You risked everything to save your friend. That makes you a hero in my book." The pilot offered Finn a smile.

Finn's tentative return smile was cut short by another wince. Fear and uncertainty were written in them. "Poe...tell me the truth. How bad was I hurt?"

"Pretty bad. That lightsaber went straight through your spine from bottom to top," grimaced Poe in sympathy.

"Am I gonna walk?" Finn wanted to know.

"These medics are doing everything they can to make sure you do. You've had three surgeries and five dunks in the bacta tank." Poe gave another smile. "Hey, come on. You're gonna be fine. Just wait. A couple weeks, you'll be running circles around us."

"Hope so." Finn's return smile was somewhat reserved. His gaze traveled to his bare feet, debating over whether to try moving them.

"Well, hello there," said the voice of the Resistance's lead medic as she approached the pair with a smile. "It's good to see you awake, Finn. How are you feeling?"

Finn squirmed. "I've been better."

The medic's brow wrinkled and she nodded, looking the young man over as Poe stepped aside. "I can imagine. You've been through a lot these last five days with one of the most serious spinal injuries I've ever seen. But you're healing. It's not going to happen overnight, but I promise to do everything in my power to put you back on your feet." She gave Finn another brief smile. "Now, let's see if you have any motion. That should give us some idea of how you're going to recover. Can you lift your head?"

Finn lifted his head until his chin touched his chest. While it made him wince, it was possible.

She seemed pleased at this. "Good. Now, your arms. Start small. Try and made a fist with each of your hands."

Finn did this with surprising ease. Relief rose with each movement that was performed, bending wrists, elbows, and finally shoulders. His limbs felt heavy and clumsy, but the mere fact that it was possible lifted his spirits considerably.

Finally it was time for the real test. The medic asked him to wiggle his toes.

Finn moistened his lips with nerves. Slowly, carefully, he curled his toes and flexed the top of each of his feet. That took a bit more effort and concentration than usual...but he did it.

Yes...yes, he's moving his feet! Poe, leaning against the nearest wall, let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding and broke back into a smile.

The medic was nodding in affirmation. "Good, Finn. Very good. This is an excellent sign and shows that the damage to your spinal cord has been repaired."

Finn's spirits lifted as he turned to the medic. "Does this mean I'll walk again?"

"You have an excellent chance at this point." The medic took a few notes on her datapad. "After you've eaten something, you can start physical therapy on your arms and legs to get your strength back."

Finally the young man was able to give a full, relieved smile. "The sooner, the better."

An announcement rang out over the intercom, calling Poe to the command center. It had to be now. The pilot made a face and turned apologetically to Finn. "Blast. I gotta get going. See you later, okay?"

Finn nodded as his bed was raised to a 45 degree angle. "Okay. Hey, Poe?"

Poe paused in the doorway. "Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"Just...being here."

Poe reached out and gave Finn's shoulder an encouraging slap. "Anytime. Take it easy, buddy. We got you covered." With one more smile, the pilot ducked out the door, pondering the strange circumstances. He had known Finn for less than two weeks. Instant friendship just didn't happen under normal circumstances. Poe had heard stories of how Luke, Han, and Leia had grown so close so quickly, but until meeting Finn, hadn't quite understood it. Battles had an odd way of bringing people together and creating bonds that lasted. Plus Finn was just plain likable, with a lot of energy, loyalty to his friends, and a great sense of humor. All he lacked was self-confidence. Poe was proud to know him and hoped to see him back in action soon.

Hang in there, pal, thought Poe as he looked over his shoulder one last time. We're gonna need you.