Eight hours after their initial contact, the Resistance transports were finally within range of the rendezvous point agreed upon with Poe and Shay.
It was officially the next morning — or whatever time it was in their part of space — when Poe awoke to his portable time unit beeping. Since he was solely in charge of not missing the rendezvous point, he set a rough alarm for when he thought they might be near the point so there was no chance of missing it.
Reaching over, Poe silenced the timer and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Next to him, Shay slept soundly and peacefully. He slipped out from his position next to her as quietly as he could, hoping to let her sleep a little longer. It came to mind how helpful it would have been to have BB-8 with him. Since both of them had been so comfortable there, Poe could have kept sleeping and left his droid to run the ship in his absence. In any case, he still felt more refreshed than he had in days, and both his body and mind were ready to go for whatever awaited them next.
After returning to the cockpit and checking the onboard flight panel, Poe realized they were almost to the rendezvous point. He estimated another half hour or so to go. With a flick of a few buttons, he brought the ship out of autopilot and transmitted the coordinates to the Resistance, confirming their position. In just moments, the Resistance transmitted their positioning in return. He'd been close: less than 20 minutes before they reached their rendezvous.
By the time the Resistance transport arrived, Shay had joined Poe in the cockpit. He saw her slide into the co-pilot chair still looking slightly out of it. Her grogginess made him smile, as did her slightly mussed hair. "Good morning, Bed Head."
She smirked at him as she lifted on her headset. "How long have you been up?"
"Not long, don't worry."
Shay still looked dismayed. "You could have woken me, I wouldn't have been upset."
"I know." Poe reached over and patted her knee. "I wanted you to sleep as long as you could."
He gave her thigh a squeeze, and Shay covered her hand with his own. "You're sweet. Thank you."
Poe was glad to hear it. He let his gaze linger on her as she ran her fingers through her long hair, trying to straighten it and make it look less slept-in. Such a simple act brought Poe so much pleasure to watch.
"Are they close?" Shay asked as she pulled her hair into a ponytail.
"The Resistance is about five minutes out." He pulled his gaze away from her primping to the control panel in front of him. "Actually — make that one minute. They're coming out of hyperspace as we speak."
As the Resistance fleet appeared out of hyperspace, all the transports they expected to see hovered before them. This was quickly followed by two massive freighters that loomed on either side of the main transport, which neither Shay nor Poe expected to see.
"They sure brought a lot of backup" Shay said curiously. She glanced sideways at Poe. "What do you make of it?"
He gave a half-shake of his head. "Not sure…not yet, anyway." As much as he wanted to be surprised by this, he wasn't. It meant more than Shay realized, but he held off from telling her in case he was wrong. His guess was that Resistance scouts had been successful in locating the Ranc gang. This would explain why they brought freighters with them; they probably contained all they needed for the impending air strike. He'd hold his breath though, until he received official word that his hunch was either true or false.
The Resistance transport's massive docking doors slid open for their arrival, and Poe brought their ship in to the hangar. As he directed the ship onto the platform, he noticed his black and red X-wing parked in line next to the rest of Black Squadron's X-wings. Seeing this made him realize that his hunch was probably true.
He and Shay exited her brother's ship, grabbing their personal gear and headed for the main briefing room where they were to meet with the General. On their way there, Shay sensed something was afoot. Various members who passed them in the hallways kept a fast pace with little more than a quick acknowledging nod. She saw uniformed Lieutenants with datapads in their hands and pilots in their orange flight suits, carrying helmets at their sides as though they were heading somewhere.
The thing that gave it away to Shay was the determined look on Poe's face. "They found Brrang, didn't they?" she asked him, noticing his jaw tighten.
He looked to her with commiseration. "That's my guess."
Fuck, she thought. And he's going to lead the air strike.
They arrived together to see General Organa and her closest advisers, including one jittery-looking C3PO, standing together in a small circle that included some of Poe's crew. They were already dressed in their flightsuits, tubes and straps aplenty.
"So!" Poe said, entering the circle. "What'd we miss?"
Shay took a spot beside him, her eyes going straight to the General. She gave Shay a sympathetic look that spoke of apology for so many things.
"I'm glad to see you both" she told them. "Though I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Please tell me you found them" Poe said, eager to get to work.
"Our scouts near Andelm 4 intercepted their communications and caught up to them" Leia replied. Now, her shoulders collapsed a little, her head lowering. "I don't see how we can avoid a strike against them. However long they've been following you, we cannot allow them to reach the First Order. Not with the information they have now."
Poe straightened his spine. "You've got nothing to worry about, General." His eyes shifted to those in the Black Squadron standing nearby. "We've got this, don't we team?"
There was an utterance of agreement among the other pilots. Their sense of duty was visible in their body language as they stood by their Commander.
Leia clasped her hands behind her back and carefully looked at each one of them. "This won't be easy. They've got sophisticated equipment, for a bunch of lousy bounty hunters, thanks to the damn First Order."
"They may have more money, but they don't have us" Poe told her. "And they sure as hell don't have our spirit."
It was the first smile Leia had that day. "You've got that right, Commander."
Poe felt proud not only of her, but of the rest of the Resistance. This was a true chance to silence a nagging source of frustration that had been irritating him and the rest of the Resistance for far too long. He looked forward to being the one to put an end to it.
"The gang's positioning has been located, all we need is to get this show on the road" Leia continued. "Please assemble the rest of your squad and meet back here in no more than 30 minutes. We've got a little time, but not much, so make it quick. I'll give you my final briefing and then we'll begin the strike." With a tip of her head, she eyed Poe's in his current attire. "And I know you look sharp in that, Dameron - but see about changing before you fly out, would you?"
A smirk crossed his face. "Yes, General."
With this, she dismissed them. As the small group disintegrated, Poe motioned for Shay to walk with him. He noticed earlier when the General had mentioned the imminent air strike that Shay's eyes had lost their glimmer. He liked to think he knew her enough by now to sense when she became troubled by something, and he sensed it there in the briefing room.
"Hey" he said, gently massaging the back of her neck. "Don't look so worried, okay?"
"How can't I?" she replied. The tension she felt was obvious in the tone of her voice. "The General said this wouldn't be easy. I have a tendency to believe her, after what we've seen."
Poe stopped in the middle of the hallway and faced her. "You remember what I said to you before Lahsbane?"
Shay partly rolled her eyes. "You said that it normally isn't easy" she answered, remembering well the moment he first said it.
"And..."
"And...we'll take it step by step."
Poe smiled at her. "Exactly."
Shay's mind was arguing with all of this inside herself, but Poe's kind gaze quieted some of the storm that was brewing. Despite this, she still felt on edge. There were so many emotions between the two of them now. Their connection wasn't just some passing thing. It had real depth, and Shay didn't want to lose that. Every mission going forward meant more was at stake of being lost...and she was tired of loss.
Taking a step closer, Poe studied the worried look on her face. "You're actually afraid, aren't you?" His voice was full of realization. He could read her expression, seeing the distress in her eyes as she nodded. Without another thought, he drew Shay into his arms and held on tight. "Please don't worry."
She paused long enough to close her eyes. "I already told one man I love goodbye today" she said, her voice muffled against his arms. She pulled back and looked into his dark eyes. "I don't want to have to do it again."
Poe felt his blood halt in his veins. There was question written all over his face as he stared at her. "You...?"
Nodding, Shay began to smile. "Yes, Poe."
He stared at her in awe, feeling his heart nearly burst. "So we're doing this now?" Glancing around, he let out a disbelieving laugh. "Right here in the hallway?"
Shay nodded again, trying to keep a straight face but he was making it difficult not to. "What's there to hide?" she said, repeating the very phrase he'd used on her at the cantina.
A wild grin spread across Poe's face. In the catch of her breath, he took her mouth by force, thanking her, proving to her what he felt in return. He was always trying to prove to her. He would never stop.
"I'm not going anywhere" he breathed, his forehead pressed against hers. "I will come back to the person I love."
His admittance caused Shay to exhale in relief. She caressed the stubble along his jaw affectionately. "Promise?"
"Promise."
Those words had become their thing, but so had one other gesture.
Shay pulled the chain she still wore from beneath her top and slid it over her head. This time, she was the one to wrap it around Poe's neck. "I think you're the one who should be wearing this right now" she told him, eyeing the band lovingly. "Let it be my promise, as well as yours."
Poe didn't think Shay understood the importance of her act, and that's why he loved her for it. He knew he had a way of placing too much symbolism on certain objects that were sentimental to him, but they gave him strength. Now, he would bring both of the women he cared for on his missions.
"You'll be listening in, I'm guessing?" he asked, referring to the raid about to take place.
"Of course." Shay gripped his chin and stared at him. "Don't do anything stupid to show off."
Humbly, Poe shook his head and smiled. "I won't."
This pleased her enough to let go. "Please be careful, Poe."
He pressed a single kiss to her forehead and drew her back into his arms. "I will, babe."
As Poe went to change into his gear and gather the rest of his squad, Shay went back to her quarters and grabbed a few select tools from her collection. She hurried back to the hangar where dozens of people were helping to get the ships ready for imminent take-off. With purpose, she headed right for Poe's X-wing and called up to the external socket area behind the cockpit.
"BB-8!" She waited until the little droid's domed head appeared. "You got a second?"
A surprised and excited wrrrrpppp! was heard, then the droid disappeared again. A few moments passed before Shay saw his body drop from the holding point onto the ground.
She knelt as he rolled forward, nudging him happily in response to his greeting. "Good to see you too, cutie." She held up the tools she had in both her hands. "You guys have a big mission ahead, and I don't want any unforeseen mishaps occurring as long as I'm able to prevent it. You care if I poke around and make sure you're ready to go?"
BB-8's photoreceptor eye moved and refocused on her, processing what she was saying. Poe never allowed anyone to touch him for repairs, and he was given strict orders not to allow it to happen. But he liked Shay, and he knew Poe liked her even more. All of it went against his coding, though, so there was some hesitation.
Shay nodded, understanding. "I know what you're probably thinking, but…." She looked down, her face strained as she allowed a bit of fear touch her heart again. "I just don't want to lose him, you know?" Her eyes moved up to the droid. "Either of you."
A sad little Wrrrmmmm emitted from BB-8. It went against his coding, but he trusted Shay. He saw Poe and her kiss. He saw Poe leave for her room and not come back until the next day. He may have only been a droid, but he understood what all of it meant.
And so, in one quick motion, BB-8 opened all of his tool bays for inspection.
Shay's face brightened, and she began to laugh.
"Excellent — this won't take long" she told the droid. "I'm just gonna tighten everything up and make sure you won't have an hesitation in helping him up there."
BB-8 spun his head on top of his body in cheer.
It was the first time BB-8 allowed anyone, other than Poe, to do maintenance on him. It was a sure sign of the trust Shay had already established not just with Poe, but Poe's right hand droid and best friend. Though Poe never saw this happen, BB-8 would later tell him - and Poe's growing love for Shay would triple as a result.
Like every other mission the Resistance embarked on, a crowd had gathered inside the communications room. Many were mechanics like Shay, while others were of different ranks and positions. All stood around in nervous anticipation, their eyes downcast as they listened in.
Shay sat on one of the nearby benches, her hands clasped in front of her with her elbows resting on her knees. She stared at the floor, her expression shielded by her hair. She tucked a piece behind her ear and sat up, wiping her clammy hands on her pants.
Breathe, Shay. Just breathe. It'll be alright.
The General stood near a few of her Lieutenants at their desks, communicating directly with Black Squadron and the other fighters who joined the raid. Various voices could be heard over the speakers in the room, Leia listening to each pilot as they began the attack. Then, it was nothing but periodic explosions followed by commands given by Poe.
Shay sat listening, trying to make sense of the utter chaos that was taking place. Prior to now, she never really listened with this much investment before. She usually just waited to hear how much work she'd have to do once the missions were over with. Now, Shay sat listening solely for Poe's voice among the barrage of laser fire, wishing against wishes he wasn't one of the explosions that rattled the speakers within the room.
"Keep your sights to the west, Blue Squadron - we don't want them sneaking up on us."
"Copy that, Black Leader."
More explosions, followed by more silence.
"Black Leader - watch your back!"
"COPY - I see him! Alright Black Squadron - I need ya. Attack formation!"
A longer moment of silence now. Only Shay's imagination could only assume what was happening. General Organa bent over one of the desks, getting a better look at something on one of the Lieutenant's screens.
"Get me Dameron" she instructed.
Shay's attention perked as she watched Leia speak directly to Poe.
"Commander, you've got seven TIEs behind you coming out of hyperspace" she radioed.
"TIES? Where did—"
An explosion cut his voice off for a moment.
"Where the hell are they coming from?"
Leia switched screens at the desk. "They must have a base somewhere close by we weren't aware of….Just watch yourself - be ready when they arrive."
"Ohhh I'm ready, trust me!"
Shay smirked from her seat. She could almost hear the grin on Poe's face.
Leia stood upright again and began to pace, wearing away the minutes of silence that hung over the room.
"I have visual! Seven TIEs coming at us, Black Squadron. Defend the fleet."
"Copy that, Black Leader."
"Copy Black Leader. Already locked and loaded on two of 'em."
"BB-8, fire all thrusters. Let's get these bastards!"
It went on like this for an indefinite amount of time. Shay lost herself in her own thoughts as she tried to play out the events she was listening to in her mind's eye. There were just too many out there; all different call signs from different squadrons. The only people she recognized was Poe, and those she met on Lahsbane.
When she heard the first loss from Black Squadron, she lowered her head into her hands. It was one of the Black Squadron members that had spoken to her around the fire on Lahsbane. One of those that came to her and Poe's aid after they'd been tortured. It hurt to hear, especially when Poe radioed to the others.
"May the Force be with you, Black Nine. Stay tight, Black Squadron. Don't let his life be lost in vain."
Shay heard the hurt in his voice and it made the moment all the more real. How Poe managed to do what he did, day in and day out, she had no idea. Just when you were befriending someone, learning to trust them with your life, their lives were taken. This was the first time she'd experienced it, but Poe did this over and over again. It gave Shay a new perspective on just how strong and resilient he was.
"Incoming, Black Squadron! We've got a battleship cruiser on the playing field. Stand by."
Leia spun on her heels. "A battleship?"
Watching with wide eyes, Shay saw Leia return to the command desk.
"Commander Dameron! Do you copy?"
"Loud and clear, General - just a little busy here!"
Several explosions could be heard in the background. Leia waited until they were no longer audible. "Explain what you see, Commander."
"Single ship. 150 meters in length. Possible cloaking device. Definitely a Sienar Fleet."
"Shit" Leia uttered.
More silence.
"We're losing too many, General" came Poe's voice. It sounded strained, but not desperate. "I'm going to engaged the battleship. We gotta do something here, or we're gonna lose everyone AND the mission."
Shay shot up in her seat. He's going for the battleship?
Leia was shaking her head. "Commander, listen to me - DO NOT attempt to take out the battleship alone. We'll send more backup—"
"Already on the approach, General! Not far now."
Leia was staring at her Lieutenant, her mouth a tight line. "Why do I even bother…"
Shay would have smiled, but she was too nervous. She glanced around at the others in the room, but none of them seemed phased. They did, however, move closer to the speaker system.
"Black Squadron, this is Black Leader - I've got a clear shot at this thing. Cover me as I go in."
"Copy, Black Leader. Right behind you."
More blasts. More screams. More death - from what Shay could tell - and not a utterance from Poe. She had no idea how much time passed during that stretch, and not a bit of what she heard sounded good for the Resistance. She wished she could see what Leia saw at the desks. She wished she knew what was going on rather than sitting there helplessly listening to the chaos.
Several minutes passed with no update from any of Black Squadron. Even the General seemed nervous now, her expression turning graver by the minute.
Leia pressed the comm button and radioed Poe. "Commander Dameron, come in."
Silence.
Shay could hear her heartbeat in her ears as she held her breath.
"Commander Dameron, do you copy? Come in" Leia repeated.
Still silence.
The seconds ticked by like molasses.
"Affirmative, General! This is Commander Dameron. Do you read me?"
The crowd within the room uttered a collective sigh of relief. Shay's shoulders collapsed as she finally exhaled, thankful to hear Poe's voice once more. She looked across the space between her and General Organa, whose eyes connected with hers. Leia gave her a sympathetic smile, then radioed Poe once more.
"Update us, Commander: What's going on out there?"
Poe's comm line was left open, and Shay could hear him struggling with something. There was more than one voice, which didn't compute. She looked to General Organa, and she could see in Leia's expression she questioned the struggle and other voices on the line.
"Commander Dameron, I order you to explain what is going on—"
"—Great news, General!" said Poe, interrupting her. "I kinda took a detour and wound up inside the battleship. I've apprehended Brrang and have him cuffed. I'm bringing him back with me."
A chorus of cheers sounded across the briefing room. Shay sat silently amidst the clamor around her, too stunned to move. He actually went onto the ship and got the bastard, she thought it pure awe.
General Organa, against everything inside her that told her to do otherwise, radioed Poe and congratulated him. "Fine work, Commander. Now get you and your squad back here ASAP."
"Copy that, General. Is my mechanic there?"
Shay heard this and looked at Leia in surprise. All other eyes in the room turned to Shay in just as much surprise as she felt in that moment.
General Organa smiled. "She is, Commander."
"Great. Tell her I'm coming home - and she's gonna have her hands full when I return."
Whether it was out of relief or out of love, Shay exhaled a soft laugh. Her gaze met General Organa's, and all she could do was raise her hands and smile. Leia understood all too well. She returned Shay's gesture with a respectful nod.
"Looks like she's ready for you, Commander" she told Poe. "See you when you arrive."
"On our way, General. Black Leader out."
A round of applause rose within in the briefing room. After all the failed missions - the Resistance could finally notch a success in their belt. A sense of renewed hope was evident in everyone as they hugged and high-fived each other.
Shay felt the overwhelming love in the room and her love for Poe in that moment. She closed her eyes and wished a silent prayer of thanks, then headed straight for the hangar.
AUTHOR NOTE:
Hello everyone! We're almost to the end of this particular installment in the world of Shayavi and Poe, with one final chapter left to go.
I have grown to love these two as I have written them, and have plans at the end of this story to discuss where they'll go from here once I wrap it up. So stay tuned for the last chapter, the finale of this story, and my final note at the end. -Winter