Green. That seemed to be the only colour that existed on D'Qar. It spread to the horizon like a veil on the planet, or like an infinite ocean of trees and grass. From above, it was impossible to guess the size of the many plants jutting out of the earth, for they almost had the same colour as the weeds under them. Despite this, the way they bent gracefully under the breeze gave an utterly breath-taking setting; everything seemed harmonious, and neatly arranged to form this landscape.
However, Teebasha did not share this opinion.
"Damn green," she grumbled under her helmet, still piloting her starfighter, "there's nothing here, except green. R2? Could you please give me the precise location of the base? I feel like we missed it."
Higher than the dorsal socket, the droid's head rotated as a series of his beeps echoed in the young woman's helmet.
"We didn't even miss it… I swear that if Kylo Ren gave us false coordinates and that we're getting right into a trap, I'm going to kick his ass!" she paused, as R2 answered her. "You know I can!"
The young woman activated her radar, in hope of being informed if any structure was spotted. R2 started to beep again, making her roll her eyes and shake her head.
"Oh, really? Are you sure their base is hidden?" she mocked the droid. "I'm quite sure they put a huge light panel that indicates where the entrance is!"
R2 protested, and Teebasha slowed down. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, but once again, she saw nothing. Not even one single colour that would stand out from the plain green landscape of D'Qar.
"Alright, R2, I'm sorry I mocked you," she sighed. "Did you see anything? Even the slightest detail?"
Just when she finished her sentence, her radar screen started to beep loudly. She looked down at it and frowned. There was another starship around them.
"R2, fly low. We have company."
The Jedi Interceptor lost a bit of altitude, and was now skimming the forests. Teebasha inspected her screen and tried to identify the other starship. She squinted her eyes and immediately recognised the shape of it.
"It's an X-wing!" she exclaimed happily. "It's ahead of us! Follow it!"
R2 accelerated and tracked the X-wing. Inside the cockpit, Teebasha was tapping her foot nervously. She deeply hoped the other pilot was heading towards the base, and not going on a mission. Relying on the droid to pilot the Interceptor, she focused on the starfighter of the Resistance.
Still flying low and at high speed, they kept following the X-wing for a few minutes. The young woman started to lose her patience. This mission could play a crucial part as to the future of the Galaxy; she refused to spend it chasing starfighters on D'Qar. Even the dumbest person in the world would know it was something that could not be taken lightly.
All of a sudden, the X-wing started to lose altitude. Teebasha sat up on her seat and pressed a few buttons.
"R2, the X-wing is landing. We're going to land near the woods, we can't land there directly. We don't know if they have shields."
The Jedi Interceptor followed the X-wing a bit longer, and Teebasha noticed an ideal spot for landing. The starship touched the ground, and she cut the engines. R2 immediately came out of his socket and bypassed the Interceptor, waiting for instructions. Teebasha left her cockpit and jumped off the ship. She checked her backpack and turned to her droid.
"You're coming with me, R2."
The duo entered the forest next to them and followed the way towards which the other ship had flown. Dry leaves covered the ground and cracked under each of Teebasha's steps; behind her, an endless sound of cracking leaves resonated under the droid's wheels. All the trees were identical, yet the young woman did not get lost at all. For once, she was glad she had a good sense of direction.
Almost half an hour later, they finally caught glimpse of the exit. They hurried towards it and finally, the forest was behind them. For the first time since she had entered the atmosphere, Teebasha spotted a stony ground. As they moved forward, she saw lines of X-wing starfighters, with pilots dressed in orange and white, and droids gathered around some of them.
Teebasha looked all around her in awe as she crossed the vast X-wing park. She could feel the quizzical looks of the pilots on her as she passed them by. R2 followed close behind, beeping at her.
"You're right, it's quite impressive," she replied without turning her head.
At the other end of the park was a wide gate built out of stone, leading underground. There were armed guards on each side, and two others in the middle, making sure that no stranger would enter the base without permission. Teebasha swore under her breath and kept walking up to them.
The four guards clutched their weapons, ready to defend the base and themselves. She immediately understood she was their target in case one of them started to shoot.
Clearing her throat and straightening her spine, Teebasha stood before them, raising her hands to show she was unarmed.
"Gentlemen," she started. "I am not with the Resistance, as you can see. But I need to talk to either General Organa or Luke Skywalker. This is really important."
"Who are you?"
"Um, my name is Teebasha Varn, former bounty hunter. My Master sends me."
"How did you find our base?"
She let out a sigh and let her arms fall. R2 turned to her anxiously, hoping she would not lose her temper.
"My Master had the geographic coordinates of your base. Then, I got lost and I followed one of your X-wings."
"Who's your Master?" the guards asked with distrust.
"This is confidential. But I absolutely need to meet General Organa. This is crucial for the future of the Galaxy."
"You're not going in."
R2 shook his head, beeping at her to discourage her from doing what he knew she was about to do. Teebasha took a deep breath and started to run, jostling the guards. She entered the base, but did not go very far. Two guards picked her up, holding her by each arm, and carried her towards the exit.
Teebasha kicked her legs and struggled to free herself, in vain.
"Put me down! I know some things that might help the Resistance, please let me in!"
Without a word, they kept walking. R2 hurried up to them and reached out for their legs. A few lightning bolts escaped from his arm and sent electric discharges behind their knees. The guards let out a scream of pain, but R2 did not stop. One of them kicked the droid, who fell heavily and noisily on the ground.
While the guards were busy kicking her out, high-pitched beeps echoed in the dim corridor leading to the base. R2 turned his head and shouted in fear as a shadow in the shape of an eight approached him quickly. The droid started to wiggle as it was getting closer and closer. After a few seconds, the light hit the shadow and revealed the figure behind it. It was another droid, quite different from him. Its body was spherical with white and orange paintings, and its head was smaller than its body, and looked like a sphere cut in half. Its head was painted in the same colours as its body; it had a big black lens with a smaller one next to it, and a blue flashing light. On top of it stood two antennas.
The second droid beeped happily as it stood close to R2. It bumped into him lightly, and the two droids started to beep at each other, having what seemed to be a friendly conversation.
"BB-8!" a voice called from the corridor. "BB-8!"
A man was running towards the other droid. He was wearing the uniform of the Resistance, consisting of a light brown jacket tightened at the waist with a black leather belt, darker trousers and brown boots. On the left side of his chest was pinned a sort of multi-coloured badge, probably indicating his rank in the Resistance. He had black hair parted on the side, slightly wavy, a tan, and dark eyes.
He ran up to the second droid – whose name was BB-8 – and knelt down beside him, resting a hand on his back.
"Who's this droid?" he asked, puzzled. "Is that R2-D2?"
BB-8 shook his head negatively, and the man helped R2 up. As soon as R2 landed on his wheel, he thanked the man and started to beep nervously. The man frowned and looked up, noticing Teebasha still struggling with the guards.
The young woman had managed to free herself from the guards' grip. Now, the four of them were surrounding her, as well as two others. She was stuck in the middle of the circle they formed, defending herself from their hits. She kicked one of them in the abdomen, but the guard behind her wrapped his arms around her from behind and picked her up.
"PUT ME DOWN!" she screamed again, kicking his knees as hard as she could.
She looked up and noticed the man running up to them, with R2 and BB-8 behind him. She squinted her eyes and gasped.
"Varn?" he called.
"Poe Dameron!"
"Guards, leave her alone," Poe ordered to the guards, raising his hands before him to show them to stop the fight. "She has saved me from the First Order."
The guards shared puzzled looks, and the one holding Teebasha freed her. They all went back to their positions, leaving her and Poe alone. The latter rested a hand on her shoulder and looked at her with concern.
"Did they harm you?"
"No, no, I'm alright."
"What are you doing here?" he enquired with a frown. "I thought you said the First Order wouldn't track me if I left."
"Don't worry, we didn't track you," she said before whispering. "Listen, I really need to meet either General Organa or Luke Skywalker. Remember when I told you that I felt that something about Ren was about to change?"
"Yes. Yes, I remember."
"It's happening."
Poe's expression changed. He was so astonished he let the hand that previously was on Teebasha's shoulder fall. He looked away for less than a second and nodded. He showed her the way, and they entered the corridors side by side. BB-8 pushed R2 inside, and they followed their respective member.
After a minute or so of silence, Teebasha leant towards Poe and whispered to him.
"You know I didn't save you, right?"
"I didn't find anything else to say to make them stop," the pilot admitted. "By the way, what's happening to Ren? Something's about to change?"
"He wants to destroy the First Order from the inside. But he also needs someone to destroy it from the outside. He wants to join the Resistance secretly."
"Wow. Are you sure it's true?"
"I had a moving heart to heart conversation with him. He is full of remorse and regrets. I think you've guessed it too when you were there."
Poe glanced at her thoughtfully and nodded. They crossed a few more corridors, until they faced a blast door; the pilot stepped aside and typed a code on a small box on the wall. The door opened, and the four of them went inside.
Teebasha admired the room with her jaw dropped. It was huge in size and height; there were computer and panels here and there, alongside benches. There were droids guarding the only other door of the room, which seemed to be the main entrance.
On her left, she noticed two middle-aged men in uniforms talking to a smaller woman. She was older than them, since her cheek and the back of her hands were wrinkled. She was wearing her long greyish hair in a neat braided crown. Unfortunately, Teebasha could not see her much, as she was turning her back to them.
Poe walked up to the woman, keeping a certain distance nonetheless, and cleared his throat.
"General Organa?" he called her softly, joining his hands behind his back.
The men stopped talking and glanced at their colleague, while General Organa turned around slowly. Her brown eyes landed on the pilot, and her long and thin lips stretched into a brief smile.
"Yes, Pilot Dameron?" she replied softly.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, General, but this woman here would like to meet you. I think you would be highly interested in what she has to say."
General Organa turned to Teebasha and squinted her eyes briefly. She examined the young woman thoroughly, her arms crossed against her chest.
"What is your name, young lady?" she asked.
"My name is Teebasha Varn, General Organa. It is such an honour to meet you at last."
"The feeling is mutual. I have heard a lot of things about you. You are the deadliest bounty hunter."
"I would say I was. I quit being a bounty hunter," Teebasha explained. "General, the reason why I come to you today is of utmost importance. As I have said to Poe Dameron, it might even be determining for the future of the Galaxy, and even the Resistance. May I request a private conversation? I have weapons inside my bag, but I can leave it outside if you wish."
The older woman chuckled and shook her head, beckoning her. She then turned to her two previous interlocutors.
"I hope you will forgive me, gentlemen. I need to talk to this young lady alone. Please leave the room too, Pilot Dameron."
"Of course, General."
The two strangers left the room by the other door, and Poe proceeded to leave by the door he had used a few moments before.
"Pilot Dameron?" General Organa called him.
"Yes, General?"
"If I need you to come for this lady once we are done, where can I find you?"
"Um. I will be with Finn, General."
"Of course," she smirked, "with Finn. As usual. You may leave now."
Poe blushed and nodded. He left, followed by BB-8. R2 was hiding behind Teebasha's legs, being quite anxious about the whole situation. General Organa went up to a bench and gestured towards it.
"Have a seat, Teebasha Varn."
Teebasha obeyed and stepped forward, only to sit on the bench the general had showed her. She put her backpack down on her knees, clenching her fingers nervously around its clutch. General Organa sat in front of her, joining her hands on the table standing between them two.
"What do you want to tell me, miss?"
"It might be long, but I think I should start from the beginning," Teebasha observed with a frown. "As you may know, I was a bounty hunter, that is, until three months ago. I joined the First Order afterwards."
General Organa's face turned pale as she pressed her back against the bench, but Teebasha immediately tried to reassure her.
"However, I joined them only to be trained to use the Force. I have always been Force-sensitive, and all the things I knew I learnt by myself, either from documents about Jedi arts, or simply by intuition. Kylo Ren came to me to ask me to become his apprentice. I hesitated at first, because I despise their acts. For the past three months, we have been training intensively, but I was wondering why he wanted me to become his apprentice. Me, a bounty hunter."
"Don't… Don't call him that way. This is not his name."
Teebasha gulped and noticed how tense General Organa was now. The latter shook her head, letting out a sigh.
"Forgive me. Go on."
"You must have been surprised to see that Poe Dameron has been released whereas he had been held by… him."
"We're still trying to figure that out."
"I had a conversation with him. He told me the reason why he took me under his wing, and why he released Poe Dameron after he'd told him everything he knew about the First Order's next move," Teebasha said before taking a pause. "He plans on destroying the First Order from the inside."
The older woman stared at her in surprise and shook her head once again. She rose from her seat almost angrily, and started to pace up and down, one arm against her chest, and the tip of her other thumb resting on her bottom lip. Teebasha watched her silently, waiting for another reaction.
"That is impossible," General Organa said curtly.
"General, he wants to join the Resistance secretly. He can overthrow Snoke with me, we are strong enough for that, but he needs the Resistance to help him dismantle the First Order in its entirety."
"Why would he tell you this? Why didn't he come all by himself?"
"I came on his behalf. He didn't come because he fears rejection. He's terrified at the idea that you might push him away, especially since what happened with Han Solo," the young woman said sympathetically. "I know you are related."
General Organa stopped in her tracks, her back facing her guest. She was staring into space, her sight getting blurry as she heard this name that was now too painful to hear. Teebasha stood up silently, leaving her bag on the bench, as she stared at her interlocutor.
"You know there's still light in him," she whispered. "Just like me, you can feel it."
"Han's death is something I'm still bitter about," the general replied through gritted teeth. "I am still heartbroken. But in a way, I am ready to forgive him. The only thing I don't understand is why he killed his father despite the presence of light in his heart."
"There are two reasons to that, General. He did it to get closer to Snoke and gain his trust. Han knew about it all. It was more of a sacrifice than murder. And the other reason is that he didn't want to have the same weakness as Darth Vader. He wanted to make sure he wasn't too attached to his family. He soon realised it was the case. He has the same weakness."
General Organa let out a desperate sigh and sat on the edge of a table, burying her face in her hands. She allowed herself to sob silently, before collecting herself right after. Teebasha came closer and stood before her.
"I'm sorry to bring back this painful memory, General."
"What does he ask for?"
"He wants to join the Resistance in Snoke's back, but still act as Kylo Ren until we're all ready for action. Then, once the First Order is destroyed, he will come back to you. He asks for a private meeting on a neutral planet with you. If you accept, he will come unarmed."
The blast door of the main entrance, guarded by the two droids opened suddenly. The two women turned their heads towards it, and Teebasha's eyes widened. An impressive man was standing at the doorstep, his hands on his hips. A long beige robe covered his shoulders and arms, and a hood was dangling in his back. Under his robe, he was wearing cream-coloured clothes Teebasha knew were Jedi clothes. He had piercing blue eyes, a grey beard, and long greyish hair.
Luke Skywalker.
This sight amazed Teebasha; never had she thought she would ever find herself face to face with the last Jedi in the entire Galaxy.
"I will go," he declared almost harshly.
"Luke," General Organa squeaked as she stared at him worriedly, "I can't let you go. Who knows what will happen? And what if he lied to his apprentice? What if it was a secret attack against the Resistance?"
"I can sense that this young lady isn't lying, Leia. It is always easy to notice when someone is lying: you can judge it by their behaviour, or even in their tone. Yet, the most obvious way to find out is to read their hearts. Your son's apprentice means no harm."
Teebasha gulped and watched Luke walking up to them. With each heavy step he made, her pulse quickened, as she feared what was going to happen next. The Jedi stood next to the two women and rubbed his bearded chin as he stared at the stranger.
"What makes you think that what he said was true? The Force is strong with you, but did you really use it to make sure that his intentions were real?"
"I could sense it, Master Skywalker," the young woman answered, lifting up her chin. "I did use the Force, but I could not reach his heart. Anyway, his behaviour was enough for me to understand that he was leading an inner battle."
Luke crossed his arms and examined her suspiciously.
"You've seen him crying, am I right?"
"Yes, Master," she nodded. "And I believe him. Of course, I acknowledge the fact that he's done awful things, but I think you should give him a chance. From the day I met him, I felt that there was this burning pain inside him, and that he was lost. The fact that he revealed such important information to both Poe Dameron and myself must be a sign that he wants to fight for the only cause that is worth it. Yours."
Leia Organa sighed and stood up, her eyes still focused on Luke. The latter was breathing deeply, his eyes closed under his frown as he pondered over the whole situation. Teebasha felt something bothering her, like an invisible thing trying to penetrate her mind. Understanding it was Luke, she let him in, hoping it would be enough to prove him or even Leia that everything she had said was true.
It lasted around a minute or two, and suddenly, Teebasha felt relaxed, and even empty. Luke had stopped his mind trick. The Jedi had opened his eyes and looked calmer than before.
"You understand the pain he's going through because you experienced it too," he spoke. "Almost at the same time, you both left your families. But you, you knew it wasn't your choice, you had to flee. And you never forgave yourself for doing so."
"I-Indeed," she admitted painfully, "it may be a reason why I believe him."
"That's why you don't want him to do the same mistake as you. You don't want him to just keep living with fear of rejection and remorse."
"You are right, Master."
Leia turned to Teebasha, then back to Luke. The latter took a deep breath and rested his hands on his hips again.
"I will go and meet him."
"Luke!" Leia cried. "I can't let you go! I don't want to lose you like I lost Han, and… and we've just been reunited!"
"Leia, my sister, don't worry about me. I will not be alone with him," Luke spoke softly before turning to the young woman. "Your name is Teebasha Varn, is that right?"
"Yes, Master."
"Teebasha, you will be there when I meet him. I want you to be around in case something bad happens. I heard you say you despised the policy of the First Order. Do you know what your new role implies now?"
"My new role, Sir?"
Luke paused and sat down slowly, his hands resting on his knees. He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair, before putting it back on his knee. He stared at his sister, who nodded at him, although she still was suspicious about it all.
"Do you think the Resistance is a good cause, Teebasha?"
"Yes, I do."
"Kylo will become a sort of double agent in that case, do you realise that?"
"Yes, Master."
"Since you're with him in that, you too will become a double agent. Do you agree?"
Teebasha smiled widely and proudly. She glanced at Leia, who nodded in approval. The young woman turned to the Jedi.
"I am more than glad to become one, Master, General. I would like to thank you for your trust."
"We do not fully trust you yet," Leia interrupted her. "We're not against you, don't get the wrong idea. But we need the meeting to happen to ensure this is not a trap. If Luke thinks you'll be helpful, then I cannot disagree. But we need you to prove that you are trustworthy. Once you do, and the meeting will be enough, you will be granted the rank of double agent."
"I understand, General."
"The meeting will take place in two days on Kidron," Luke declared. "It's a planet of the Outer Rim, in the Metharian Nebula. I will come unarmed, and you will make sure that Kylo Ren comes unarmed as well. However, you will carry a weapon."
"Why, Master?"
"If anything happens, whether it's a temper tantrum from him, or an attack led by the natives if they feel offended by our presence, Kylo Ren and myself won't be able to fight back. If my intuition is correct, you own a handmade lightsaber, do you?"
"I do, Master."
"Perfect."
Luke stood up and started to pace up and down. He turned to Leia and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll be safe. I won't let him get me if anything gets out of hand."
"I trust you, Luke."
"I think I will bring Rey with me. I think she's ready to come with me on a mission. Her training is going more than well."
Leia shrugged and Teebasha went back to the bench where she had sat on before. She picked up her backpack and threw it across her shoulder. She turned to the Jedi Knight and the General.
"I promise I will do everything I can to bring him back to you. Now, I think it's time for me to leave, unless you have anything else to tell or ask me."
"No, I think we are done," Leia smiled weakly. "Thank you, Teebasha Varn. I am glad that we had this conversation. Where did you land your ship?"
"I landed near the woods, General."
"Next time, land in our park. I will tell my guards that you have the permission to land there. Next time you won't have to fight them."
"I apologise for my behaviour, General."
"Apologies accepted. You may leave now. Make sure to meet Luke on Kidron in two days."
"Yes, General," she nodded before straightening her spine. "Goodbye, Master, General. May the Force be with you."
R2, who had remained silent all this time, observing the scene, beeped, and the two of them left the room by the door they had come from. After they crossed all the corridors, they walked up the tunnel, and Teebasha noticed Poe in the dark. He was holding someone else's hand, another young man with dark skin.
When he heard her footsteps, Poe turned his head and immediately let go of the other man's hand. He ran up to her, and the other followed him.
"Are you leaving already, Varn?" he asked.
"Yes, Poe Dameron. I achieved my mission, I must go now."
"What has been said?"
"Master Skywalker is meeting Kylo Ren in two days, on a planet of the Metharian Nebula. They will discuss their plans and they will decide whether he will become an ally or not."
"You cannot be serious," the young black man exclaimed. "Kylo Ren? An ally of the Resistance? This can't be. He's too much of a monster to actually turn his back to the First Order and the Dark Side."
"Oh," Poe interrupted, "Varn, let me introduce to you Finn. He was a Stormtrooper, but he deserted. Now, he's one of us."
"Nice to meet you. You'd be surprised if you knew what his real intentions are. I am his new apprentice, and I'm here on his behalf. Things are about to change, Finn."
Finn shrugged and looked down, quite puzzled. Poe cleared his throat and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I hope this will lead to something, and that we'll finally be able to dismantle the First Order. I guess we'll meet again soon?"
"Most likely. Goodbye, Poe Dameron. Goodbye, Finn."
The two of them waved at her, and she left, followed by R2. They crossed the park and the woods, until they reached their Interceptor. Soon enough, it took off, and both were gone.