Kriff, he hated this already. What he wouldn't give to be in an X-Wing right now, flying reconnaissance for the fleet rather than stuck here on the bridge of the Organa directing others to do so. He had made arrangements to take his ship out later, wanting to keep sharp and burn off some steam of his own, but he couldn't until all the others had finished their runs and had returned to the Organa. Keeping an eye on the enemy and trying to forecast their actions took precedence over everything else right now, including his own cabin fever. So far, he thought he had done well in keeping confrontation to a minimum these past two weeks, dealing with only a handful of skirmishes along the Mid Rim. He knew the Traagmol were probing at their defenses, trying to get as much information on their enemy as possible, so Poe made sure to send only enough fighters to succeed in chasing off the enemy vanguard; there was no sense in letting them know just how large of a force the Republic had available.
He took a deep breath and focused on the console in front of him. Fortunately, he wasn't showing his agitation outwardly. At least, he didn't think so. He had enough friends on the bridge with him that he would like to think one of them would have called him out if he was displaying un-General-like behavior. In fact, one of them had just walked onto the bridge, her manner efficient and businesslike, as always.
He turned to Kaydel, noticing immediately the unfamiliar woman walking behind her. "General Dameron," Kaydel said as she reached him. She motioned toward the other woman. "This is Mikaela Dean. She's the Ambassador from Naboo that Chancellor Berreth mentioned at the last meeting. She's here to observe for the council." While her voice was professional, Poe could tell from the tightness in it that she didn't approve. Poe hadn't, either, when they had been told of this Ambassador. The last thing they needed was a civilian on board asking questions and poking her nose where it didn't belong during a battle.
"Thank you, Commander Connix," Poe told his friend, remaining equally professional. It wasn't easy when half the people on the bridge were people he had been fighting alongside of since before Starkiller Base. Kaydel nodded, then turned back to her post, giving him a bit of a side-eye while doing so. Poe bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling, then held out his hand to the woman, giving her a quick assessment as he did so. "Ambassador."
She smiled and took his hand. Poe was struck by how beautiful she was. She was small, barely topping five feet he guessed, with outrageously long blonde wavy hair that was held back with an elaborate clip to keep it off of her face. Her eyes were a brilliant blue and her smile was shy. She wore a simple jumpsuit in burgundy that hugged her figure and had a brilliant sapphire colored pendant around her neck that matched her eyes. "Please, call me Mikaela," she said, her voice surprisingly low in tone. It reminded Poe of another woman whose voice had surprised him the first time he had heard her talk; Rey's deep tone had never seemed to match her baby face, but she had long ago learned to use it to her advantage in almost every situation she found herself in, whether in a way that commanded respect or in other more intimate ways.
Poe gave the woman a small smile as he released her hand. "I assume you've been shown your quarters already, Ambassador?" he continued. "Please let either Lieutenant Dalai or Ensign Vassalg know if you need anything." He motioned toward his human and Quarren aides as they both stood at attention.
"I have, and thank you, General," she responded, seemingly unfazed by his continued use of her title. She nodded toward the two aides and gave them a polite smile, but then looked back at Poe. "I would certainly like a tour of the ship when you have time�"
"Oh, I'm sure both Angelica and Voen have the time right now," he said brightly. He looked at them. "Right?"
Angelica Dalai and Voen Vassalg looked a bit surprised, but immediately smiled and nodded. "Of course," Angelica said. "Ambassador, please come with us." She gestured toward the door that lead to the main corridor.
Dean gave Poe a warm smile, but he could see the look in her eye. She knew exactly what he was doing. "Of course, you shouldn't have to leave the bridge at a time like this for something as silly as a tour," she said smoothly. "I'm sure it won't take too long?" The humor in her gaze caught him off guard. "I would hate to miss anything important." She turned toward her tour guides. "Lead on," she told them, flashing Poe another smile as she began to follow Dalai. Poe felt a twinge of contrition as he watched them walk away. It wasn't her fault she had been assigned here; the council had required it.
He sighed and turned back to look out the main viewport, catching Kaydel's look as he did so. "Smooth, Dameron," she said with a smile.
He smiled back and shook his head. He had a feeling keeping the Ambassador occupied and out of his hair wasn't going to be easy. He was pretty sure she had only given in this time out of politeness.
It was going to be an interesting war.
XXXXXX
A/N Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! See you on Monday!
