Chapter 6: Dreamhours
Dare
Stay here, you'll be safe.
That's what Paps had said as he urged me into one of the hidden compartments in the floor of the ship, pressing a blaster into my hand.
"We'll be right back, we're going to go find help." He said.
"Paps-" I squeaked out.
"It's okay Dare." He soothed me, though I could tell even he looked anxious. And Paps never looked anxious. "Stay here you'll be safe. I'll come back for you, Sweetheart."
I had done what he had asked, staying quietly crouched beneath the floor grate of the ship's main hallway. Not fifteen minutes after he had left, there had been a blast that rocked the ship followed by the sound of boots announcing the presence of intruders.
"Search the ship for lifeforms." A modulated voice came not far away on the small Resistance freighter.
Boots halted on the grates above my head, and I turned the safety off of the blaster I was holding in my small, shaking hands. The boots moved forward and I released a ragged breath as quietly as I could.
"Gotcha."
The modulated voice was my only warning before the grate was lifted from above my head. I fired and missed, hitting the ceiling above the intruding Stormtrooper's head. I was grabbed on either side by two troopers, firing off two more shots before the blaster was wrenched from my hand.
I kicked and screamed as I was dragged off the ship, but it was to no avail. Pulled over to a group of white, plastisteel troopers, one of which was marked with a red shoulder pad as the leader. Between my screams and struggling, I only caught bits of their conversation.
"Their daughter?...I'm sure she'll think twice now before…Take her to the base."
My voice was giving out, and so was my strength as I was dragged away and onto one of the speeders the First Order was using for transport in this area. My mind raced with what to do as the speeder started and jolted off into the forest, carrying me away from the ship, away from paps. A moment later there was an explosion, and I turned to see smoke coming from where the ship had been.
I could not go to the First Order. I had to get back home somehow.
I saw a clearing ahead of us, and I took my chance. Throwing myself overboard the speeder. The wind was knocked from me, but my adrenaline drove me to my feet.
Run.
I ran, even as troopers closed in behind me. I prayed to the Force to help me, to urge me on, and when I could no longer run, I climbed.
The trees were tall on this planet, taller than any on Chandrila, but the taller the better I supposed. I climbed higher and higher, clinging to the branches and digging my fingers in as the troopers shot stunning bolts into the bark close to my hands, but never quite hitting me. When I found a good spot to stop and rest, dozens of feet above the Forest floor, I did. My entire body was shaking, tears threatened my eyes.
But eventually, the troopers gave up. Either leaving for better supplies to get me down or giving up all together. Either way, I wasn't taking any chances on them returning. I began descending, a far more precarious process than climbing. My little limbs shook from exhaustion and my hands began to sweat.
My hand slipped, then my foot and I went tumbling backwards, freefalling into a scream. And, then, nothing.
I startled awake, thankful at least, the scream in my memory did not transfer from my dreamstate to reality. Sitting up, I did my best to wipe the sweat from my brow, but I knew that I had gotten all of the sleep I was getting for tonight.
Checking the clock, I noted it was even less than the night before. Which was saying something.
Walking over to my vanity, I wetted a towel in the basin of water I kept there and wiped my face to cool it. My hands were shaking, but it would go away in a few minutes.
"Can't sleep? Me neither." The low voice of Kylo Ren came from across the room.
I nearly jumped, and I hoped in the dark he didn't see my startled expression in the mirror. I looked at the large black figure that was visible in the mirror from across the room. K-9 had taken himself out of charging mode. Foolishly, I had nearly forgotten Ren was here, but he was still safely tied up, and I didn't respond to him - too shaken.
Knowing that I might as well prepare for the day, I stepped into my private en suite for a quick shower, grabbing a change of clothes from my wardrobe. I trusted K-9 and my own roping skills, but I made the shower as quick as possible to ease my worries.
Afterwards I dressed quickly and efficiently, wearing the same cream-colored linen shirt and loose fitting blue linen pants that made up the casual, unarmoured part of my wardrobe. I found that the simple wardrobe made it easy to dress for any situation a pirate would need, and I kept quality duplicates of the pieces in slightly varying colors. Carefully, I brushed out my hair, letting it rest down for now, rather than putting it in its typical tight braid. Pulling on my trusty, correllian leather vest, which held most of my necessities, from its post at my vanity chair, I stepped towards my desk.
Deliberately ignoring any attention from or toward the other two beings in the room, I focused on the task at hand. Ever since Ren had been brought aboard the ship, I had been organizing a list of who I needed to correspond with and how, even if I had been putting it off. First, the First Order would be notified of negotiations, while we were still in deep space and could not be tracked. The Resistance would be notified next of my visit to Chandrila for negotiations. Finally, the other pirate lords would need to be notified, gathered at King's Cape once every offer was gathered and we could make a decision via council.
Consulting my contacts book in my desk - an old-fashioned paper and ink book, I found, was best to avoid hacking - I found the contacts I had retrieved from informants for the Supreme Leader. The comm code changed weekly, but my informant was reliable, and I chose the most recently reported code to send the message to.
Meet the Kingship at the Escet Gala. No arms. One representative on either side will present our offers for the safe return of Kylo Ren and the Kyber in full.
Captain Selene Dare of the Andromeda, Lord of Pirate Lords
I ordered a cup of tea from the kitchen via my Data pad, a luxury I normally reserved for when I was ill, but I figured was warranted in this situation. No sooner had I ordered than my Data Pad beeped with the comm link attached to my arm simultaneously.
Captain,
First Order officers are not invited to such things. Your accompaniment will be necessary - if you yourself have access to such an event. Where do you suggest we meet?
General Armitage Hux
Of course Hux acted as the Supreme Leader's aide-de-camp - the Supreme Leader had a small circle of those he trusted, that much was certain. Why the officer was awake at three standard time was curious, but I paid it no mind. I sent the address of the rendezvous point and the dress code to the event.
That was surprisingly easy. I thought, and made a mental note to thank my informant and warn them of the possible suspicion they may face due to me using the code.
Next was the Resistance. I didn't need my contacts book as I had come across General Organa's private code long ago, and she was who I wished to speak with. I would settle for no one else when it came to this matter. This letter took more thought. I would type a few words, then erase them, type and erase.
A kitchen attendant from the night crew came in with my tea. A young boy we were having do odd jobs around the place - not dissimilar to the jobs I had taken up when I had first joined the Andromeda's crew. Mouse, the crew was calling him, though I thought I remembered his name being Tak, a Togruta boy who hadn't grown into his montrals - no more than early teens. I had mixed feelings about the presence of such a young boy, but reminded myself, like I had, he needed a home.
"Captain." Mouse said, setting down a small tray and saluting.
"The salute is unnecessary, but thank you." I said, thankful for some small talk to distract me. "How are you adjusting? The crew isn't giving you any trouble, I hope."
"No, trouble at all, Captain. Although, the night shifts can be boring at times...Hope he's not giving you any trouble." He said, jabbing a thumb in Ren's direction with a grin on his face.
"He can hear you." Ren piped up, though his eyes remained closed, his head resting against the wall behind him.
Mouse's grin faded and his face paled, but I couldn't help but smile.
"Don't worry about him." I assured him, then added with a smile. "He's just having trouble sleeping. If you wouldn't mind, could you take the leftovers from dinner back to the kitchen. And make sure Enrik is reminded to provide two breakfasts, although tell him the extravagance is unnecessary."
"Yes, Captain." The boy said, stepping towards the table between Ren and my desk.
I saw the boy's eyes dart back and forth, his feet hesitating as he drew closer to that side of the room.
"Don't worry." I said. "He's tied up good. You'll have much greater dangers to face than him aboard the Andromeda so you best get over your fears now."
Gods. I sound just like old Captain Farse when I was a kid. I thought, listening to myself.
He bussed the table quickly and efficiently. Leaving with only the nod of his head and his figurative tail tucked between his legs once he was done.
"He reminds me of you when you were that age." K-9 piped up, as the kid left the room.
I rolled my eyes.
"You're just trying to keep me from dropping him off at the next port." I argued. "He should have better opportunities than this. Piracy is no place for a child."
"You didn't think so when you were his age." K-9 argued.
I dropped my data pad on my desk with a sharp sigh.
"You should mind my opinion now. Not from when I was twelve." I said, firmly. "Go back to charging. I have work to do."
I swore I heard some murmuring from the droid, but he went back to charging as I suggested. Ren was blessedly quiet throughout the ordeal, but I had no doubt he was listening with closed eyes. Turning back to the task at hand, I beat down the building nerves and steeled myself to write the letter.
General Leia Organa,
I am writing to notify you that, on behalf of the Kingship, I will be visiting Chandrila's Resistance base with the intention of negotiating an alliance of our organizations with you. As you may or may not be aware, Kylo Ren, as well as much intelligence about the First Order, are currently within the Kingship's possession. I wish only to speak to you directly. Further information will be discussed in person. I will be alone, and I will surrender my arms upon landing. I look forward to seeing you.
-Captain Selene Dare
Before I could erase and rewrite the note, I hit the send button, and the digital letter was off to General Organa.
Checking the last few items off of my list, I arranged the invitations to the Escet Gala, arranging for a meeting with Landria, who would provide me with whatever I needed. Already, I dreaded the hours of preparation for the event and trip to Coruscant, but decided it would be worth it. Besides, it wasn't for another few days, so I had time.
Finally, I checked the Andromeda's place on the map. We would be approaching Endor early in the morning, only a few hours from now. The thought brought my nerves right back - albeit with a touch of excitement to them, and I sipped my tea to calm them.
She'll know what to do. I thought. Everything will be okay.
"Hey, are we still going to Endor today?" An overly loud voice came over the comm in my arm, causing me to splash a bit of tea on myself, though I gratefully didn't spill the whole thing.
I loved Malek, but she was too loud for four in the morning, especially considering the circumstances. Looking over at Ren, I saw that he appeared to be sleeping, his aura calm, though I suspected he was meditating.
Briefly, I stepped into the hallway, already bustling with early morning activity as the morning crew awoke and the night crew retired.
"Yes, Malek." I said, pressing the comm button and talking into my arm.
I supposed losing the old one had certain perks.
"Oh, good you're up!" Malek said, approaching me in person, giving me a friendly pat on the shoulder to notify me of her presence.
"Why didn't you just visit me in my office?" I nearly hissed, immediately regretting my tone. "Sorry, I just forgot to turn my comm down."
"Oh," She said, unaffected by my tone. "I'm just so excited! The village you said we're going to has just the part I need."
The Zeltron woman had the gall to look flawless this early in the morning, while I was sure that the dark circles under my eyes could scare the dead. Still, Malek calmed the nerves that had been building all morning, and she was exactly what I needed.
"Here," She said, handing me a full cup of Caf she was holding. "I brought you this.
I didn't feel too bad about taking it, as I knew Malek drank coffee almost constantly, and it would do her some good to do without for a few hours.
"Thanks." I said, leaning against the wall and enjoying the hot liquid.
It was nice to get a break from the tension in my office - Ren's emotions were chaotic and it was taking its toll. Malek's species was known for their ability to pick up emotions and project them onto others, so while I knew she wouldn't want to stay on this part of the ship for long. Still, it was nice to feel her excitement and little joy over the part she had found.
"He giving you any trouble? I could, you know…" She gestured vaguely, alluding to her ability to calm him down.
It wasn't a bad idea now that I thought about it.
"As long as you're okay with it. He can be...volatile." I warned.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." She said, waving her hand. "Can't be any worse than Ari on a good day."
She followed me into my office and I ordered us breakfast. We chatted idly, and Malek calmed down from her excitement, focusing on sending Ren into sleep. By the time we entered the system that was Endor's home, he was fast asleep. I strapped on my weapons and packed a small bag of what I would need.
I instructed Ari and the twins to keep a close watch on the prisoner - still fast asleep - and Malek and I boarded a small shuttle craft to Endor's surface.
It was training day.
***Author's Note
Thank you for reading! I hope things are getting clearer even as the plot thickens. Back with some Jedi Action next week.
Sincerely,
Captain Dare's Metal Arm