"…And remarkably enough, the starship they escaped in may be none other than the Millennium Falcon. We're running scans, of course. But so far, nothing."
This mission has become whole new levels of weird. In the control room, Poe faced his indomitable General. She was still fierce as ever, but after the briefing looked maybe a bit older, perhaps sadder, with the certain knowledge that Kylo Ren continued to actively work against the Resistance and misuse the Force. Use it to hurt, to… violate. A lingering throb twitched to life in Poe's skull.
He felt guilty about the mission going awry, about his divulged secrets. Almost as if he'd disappointed a parent. But of course there was no reprimand, only understanding and relief at his return… and he knew from General Organa's stony face that she was feeling guilty as well. He wished she wouldn't. Poe would never comprehend how the son of this woman he respected above almost all others in the galaxy had turned his back on everything his family stood for so thoroughly. Not for the first time, Poe inwardly cursed Ren (Ben, he reminded himself, the fucker's still Ben Solo no matter what concocted name he's calling himself these days) and his terrible decisions.
The news that BB-8's (and thus the map's) whereabouts remained unknown to all interested parties had left him feeling lukewarm at best, until Poe learned that a fugitive from the First Order was one of those suspected to be in possession of his wayward droid. Maybe Finn made it after all! His heart felt a bit lighter in his chest. And at least the First Order hadn't managed to get their hands on the map. Although the Resistance having no idea where in the galaxy BB-8 was either wasn't exactly comforting.
Alright, overall… the situation could definitely be better. Poe lifted a hand, tiredly brushing it through his hair. But damn, it feels good to be back. Back with his team, where he belonged. Back to a world with trees, for god's sake.
A soft smile ghosted across his lips as he remembered the look of wonder on Tali's face when she initially took in the forested planet. He glanced back towards where she stood, awkwardly a bit out of the circle that he, a few aides, the General, and the white-haired Major Caluan Ematt created. She was included in the discussion since Poe had quietly informed General Organa on the walk over that he trusted her, that she wished to join their cause, and that she already knew about the map. But Tali seemed to have been subtly increasing the distance between the two of them since they'd arrived on D'Qar, and her answers to the commanders' occasional questions had gradually grown less forthcoming. Whether the shift happened consciously or unconsciously he couldn't tell. But Poe found that he didn't like it. He also didn't like the nervous tension radiating off her small body, the way she looked as if she wanted to disappear.
The extreme paleness of her drawn face and the dark, dried blood stain on the sleeve of her tunic caught his attention, the colors garish under the large room's artificial light. Shit. Or maybe that tension is from the still untreated blaster wound?
Clearing his throat, Poe brought his gaze back to General Organa, who was peering at him intently. With the end of her explanation, the rest of the assembled party had begun shuffling back to their posts around computer monitors. "I'm ready to leave as soon as BB-8 is located, General. In the meantime, Officer Taliya should visit the medical bay."
The General nodded slowly, gaze flickering over his face. "You should pay medical a visit as well, Commander." Her words reminded him of the bruises and scrapes covering his body... not to mention the throbbing in his head. Probably should. Not that they can help with the mental fuckery. Her eyes dropped to his dirty clothing. "…And it appears some cleaning up is in order." She turned to Tali. "Dameron speaks highly of you, which is testament enough for me at the moment. Lieutenant Karana will situate you for now, and discuss in what capacity you may join us when you're fit to do so." Moving towards the bank of scanners with an aide, the General dismissed them both with a nod and a final "be ready, Commander," to Poe.
Tali murmured her thanks to the General as Karana, a statuesque grey-skinned Twi'lek woman, stepped towards her, dwarfing her small frame. Small but fierce. With a slight smile, the Lieutenant motioned Tali out and into the hall to head down to the medical bay. Poe moved to follow them, but the General's voice stopped him. "Poe. You're certain you're alright?"
He forced a smile, meeting her eyes across the room. She was asking whether he needed any recovery time before diving back into the fray, he knew, and a small part of him almost wanted to take her up on the veiled offer. But he was the best pilot in the Resistance. He had a mission to complete—one that had become personal. And a little thing like a head wound and mild exhaustion wouldn't be stopping him from carrying out his duties. Hell no. "Positive, General. Let's find my droid."
She studied him critically, lips thinned, but must have sensed the steel in his tone. She nodded resignedly, turning towards the computers in real dismissal this time, and Poe headed out after Tali.
He caught up to her and Karana as they walked through the doors into the medical bay, Tali answering the Lieutenant's questions about her training and relevant skills. The Twi'lek noted down her answers gracefully on a tablet computer. "Considering the relative… informality of your training, you might start with perimeter patrol or general mechanical repair…" the grey-skinned woman smiled softly at Tali, who hesitantly smiled back. "There's no shortage of things breaking around here. And if you want to join the next class of fighters for combat training, we can arrange that as well. The base is rather in flux at the moment, however, what with the threat of the First Order heating up. The schedule has been irregular." Good, have her fix kitchen equipment or some shit instead. Poe was beginning to realize that he didn't enjoy the thought of Tali being shot at by Stormtroopers. Again.
Karana continued, "and speaking of irregularities, the bunks are a bit crowded with recent recruits as well. You may share a room with a few other soldiers for the time being, or we could—"
"She can stay with me." The words were out of Poe's mouth before he was fully cognizant of the thought. The Lieutenant turned to him in surprise at the interruption, and Tali's wide eyes snapped to his face as well. He backpedaled, searching her face. "I mean, that is, if she wants. If you want. If that would make you feel slightly more comfortable, Tali." Oh shit wait did that sound creepy? Not trying to be creepy. Am I rambling? He glanced at Karana, "I mean, I rank high enough around here to have a couch," he explained slightly peevishly in response to her suspiciously raised eyebrows. And with any luck, BB-8 will be spotted and I'll be back out in space soon, so Tali can have the damn place to herself. Somebody might as well sleep in it.
The Twi'lek and Poe both turned towards Tali, who met his eyes with an expression that was partly hesitant but mostly grateful. "Um, I would appreciate that actually," she swallowed. "Just… for tonight or whatever. If you're sure that it's okay."
He nodded, lips curving in a slight smile he hoped was reassuring and not awkward.
"You're… sort of the only person I know here," Tali murmured under her breath, so low he wasn't certain she meant to speak the explanation aloud.
Karana looked between the two of them, tentacle headtails twitching. Poe met her gaze squarely. No way a lieutenant would argue with him, anyway. She didn't, simply switching off her tablet with a firm gesture. "…Well, alright then. We'll figure everything out for you soon enough. For now, I'll grab a spare uniform for you to change into." With a small smile towards Tali, Karana left.
A nurse arrived almost immediately. The dark-featured, older woman greeted them with a smile, motioning Tali towards a seat. "Sorry for the delay. I'm Nia, dear. And hello, Commander! So glad to hear of your safe return. My lord, the whole base was buzzing when we heard you were captured. I'll be checking you over in just a minute." He fought the urge to raise an eyebrow at the look the nurse ran over his body. Checking me over, or checking me out?
The older woman smiled at Tali. "I see we've got a problem on the shoulder here. Do you mind?" She brandished small scissors, preparing to cut the fabric away from the burn. Tali shrugged, so Nia began cutting at her sleeve, revealing a lighter sleeveless linen shirt layered underneath. Not that Poe was looking.
"Oh dear, blaster fire… I see. And what's your name, dear?" The nurse intoned softly, prodding gently at the grisly burn. Tali winced minutely but tried to smile. "Tali Zev, ma'am. And yep, I got clipped by a Stormtrooper."
Nia winced sympathetically, grabbing supplies from a medical droid that rolled to her side. "Are you a soldier, then?" She asked offhandedly, tapping a syringe. "This serum is protein enhanced, it'll help rebuild the muscle in that shoulder."
Tali nodded, watching as the nurse cleaned a spot with antiseptic. "Ah, not quite a soldier. Militia officer. I'm just joining the Resistance now." Nia nodded, administering the shot, and then returned the syringe to the droid, exchanging it for a tube of viscous white fluid.
"Well, welcome to the ranks!" The older woman announced kindly. "This salve will help repair your skin. It'll heal much faster. There'll still be a scar, I'm afraid."
Tali gestured dismissively with her other arm. "No worries, I've got a few," she said drily. "Thank you so much."
Nia smiled at Tali as she stuck a bandage over the wound. "Not a problem, young lady. Any other issues?" She surveyed Tali's body, then focused on the bloody spot on the side of her head. "Here's another cream to help that swelling go down… not much else to do for the head, unfortunately… there. You're all set."
Tali smiled, rising, and vacated the spot for Poe. Nia smiled at him. "Commander Dameron, it's always a pleasure to see you… although I do wish we could meet under more pleasant circumstances." Tali looked like she was trying not to laugh, and Poe managed a winning smile. "Ah, yes… well, under your care Nurse Nia, the circumstances are as pleasant as they could be." The older woman glowed at the compliment, fussing over him with salve and bandages.
After being poked and prodded (possibly a bit more than strictly necessary—was taking off one's shirt usually required to treat bruised ribs with liniment?) by the (overly) attentive nurse and given pain medication and extra salve for later, Poe and Tali were free to go. An aide had dropped off a replacement communicator for Poe and a change of clothes for Tali while he was being treated. Poe led their way from medical to the residence wing, the structure built into the surrounding hilly landscape.
Most people they passed in the hall waved and smiled at him, his fellow pilots especially sharing relieved, friendly greetings. Poe usually hardly noticed the attention, but he couldn't help but do so now, with Tali shrinking slightly further back from him with every interaction. He frowned at that. She kinda antisocial or something? Finally, they entered a lift to his place on the upper floor. Once inside, he faced her and ducked his head, forcing Tali to meet his eyes. "You good?"
She smiled, but it was a slight thing hardly worthy of the expression's label. "You're kind of a celebrity around here, huh?"
He raised a brow. "Nah, it's just that everybody knows us pilots… it's the bright orange jump suits. Very memorable."
Tali's smile became more real. "Oh, really? Can't wait to see that." She sobered. "But, ah… thank you. Very much. For putting in a good word for me, and letting me sleep on your couch. I really appreciate it."
You don't have to sleep on the couch, I'll sleep on the couch. "My pleasure," he intoned gently as they got off the lift on a much quieter floor, starting down the long hallway. "I owed you one, anyway. Thanks for not leaving me in the desert to get eaten by raptors." He knocked gently into her (good) shoulder as she smirked at the tiled floor.
"Of course. If you were carrion, who would Nurse Nia flirt with?" Tali asked, eyes wide with feigned guilelessness. Touché. Poe snorted, rolling his dark eyes towards the ceiling, "probably every other Resistance fighter half her age. You should see her with new recruits." He stopped at his door, keying in a code, before motioning Tali inside. "Go on, you."
She brushed past him into the modest chamber, still smiling slightly. He decided that he liked it when she smiled for real. He motioned towards a smooth white door with his head, setting the communicator down on a small table. "Alright, and there's the bathroom. I'll be an exceedingly noble gentleman and offer you the chance to get cleaned up first."
Tali hesitated for only a moment before her desire for cleanliness apparently outweighed any desire to be polite. "…Well, if you insist. Thanks. I'll be fast." She threw a grin at him over her shoulder and disappeared into the bathroom. Hope she's not lying about the speed, Poe thought with a sigh. I need a damn shower. He ran a hand over the stubble on his jaw, accidentally smearing some of the antibiotic ointment spread over his cuts. Ugh. He unceremoniously wiped his hand on his shirt, then considered the article of clothing's state. Should probably burn this thing. He drew the sweat and blood stained linen over his head, bundling it up and tossing it haphazardly through the doorway into his bedroom. Another one for the grease rag bin.
Luckily for Poe, Tali bathed with the same characteristic efficiency with which she did everything else. She reentered the main room minutes later, startling Poe from where he leaned forward on the couch, elbows to knees, resting his eyes and both desperately wanting and dreading a call from the General about going out to retrieve BB-8. "Alright, sorry, it's all yours," she said breathlessly, then muttered, "this serum stuff works really well," experimentally flexing her wounded arm.
Poe found himself slightly unprepared for the sight that greeted him when he opened his eyes. Tali wasn't scantily clad or anything, she was just wearing a simple Resistance regulation tan tunic. But she was… clean, and a bit flushed from the warm water. And in his room, all barefoot and somehow softer looking away from the harsh desert, damp hair down and drying into messy waves around her shoulders. When she'd been dusty and covered in sweaty, bloody scarves, he'd known she was pretty, but now… he bit his lip. "You clean up alright, former partner," Poe deadpanned, making a blush rise to Tali's delicate features, which in turn made a slow grin spread across his face.
"Uh…thanks," she stammered awkwardly, dropping her eyes from his, before gesturing behind her towards the vacant bathroom again with the hand that didn't hold her bundle of filthy clothing. He was glad to see that her wounded arm was already in slightly better working condition—the muscle would rebuild more with sleep.
But yes. Shower. Poe nodded and brushed past her, hands lingering at her sides when he moved by perhaps just a second or two longer than necessary. He caught the scent of Tali's hair in the brief contact before he stepped into the tiled bathroom… she smelled like his soap. He liked it. …Maybe too much. He shut the door with a click.
Cold shower it is.
