Chapter 8
Greetings had to be quick as they all knew there were more Stormtroopers coming after them. They all quickly ran further into the forest and boarded the Millennium Falcon where Rose already had the ship ready to take off.
Rose practically tackled Saya into a hug while Poe and Rey flew the ship into the sky. From above, they could see the smoke and the survivors from the facility scrambling around. They all smiled at the success of the mission. The falcon quickly entered light speed and once they were safely away, Rey let the ship gently glide through the galaxy while everyone huddled together, desperately wanting to know where Saya had been.
She told them everything. From her being taken by Torin to the origins of her ancestors and her training on Bulvengard. Rose was happily listening while petting Bayard and scratching behind his ears.
"So, are you a Jedi now?" Rey asked.
No. That would take a lot longer than a year of training. I'd say I more on par with you at this point.
"But you completely destroyed the lab with only the force! I could never be able to do that"
Saya didn't really have an answer for her. She just didn't feel like she was a Jedi yet.
"How did you find us?" Finn asked, pulling her from her thoughts.
I don't know… I was on my way to another location when, I don't know, I just FELT like you needed help. So I followed my gut and found you guys.
"Well, you showed up right on time! AND destroyed the cloning lab!" Poe said with a smile
Was that what that was? I know you wanted it destroyed but I didn't realize what it was.
Rey gave Saya a sad look. "Saya, Kylo Ren is creating an army of clones. That was one out of three known labs. We need to find the other two and destroy them before it's too late."
Saya looked to the floor. She really shouldn't be surprised he would do something like this.
How dangerous are clones compared to regular humans?
"Very dangerous" Finn answered. "They have no humanity. When they are created for a single purpose, that's all they know and will ever know. There's no convincing them to fight for anyone else. If he gets a clone army, the galaxy is done for."
Saya nodded in understanding.
Then we find the other ones and destroy them completely.
Poe stood. "Exactly! We need to get back to the Resistance base and plan our next attack. We can talk more when we get home"
Saya stood and faced everyone.
Actually, I have one last selfish request before we return to the Resistance.
Everyone turned to Saya
There is one last place I need to go. I would love it if you all would go with me.
Poe smiled. "Well we do owe you for saving us back there. Where are we heading?"
Saya smiled at everyone.
I need to go to Mourdu. I need to see the Elders of the Healers Order.
-!-!-!
Kylo Ren was in a rage. He just received word that one of his cloning labs was destroyed. Everyone was trying their best to avoid him but his lieutenants did not have a choice but to stand before him in front of his command post.
"WHAT HAPPENED!?" He yelled.
One shaking lieutenant stepped forward.
"S-Supreme Leader, we believe members of the Resistance snuck into the facility and detonated bombs inside…"
He continued shaking in rage. The Resistance finally made a move against him.
The lieutenant continued "We have the security footage…"
Kylo turned to the monitor. "SHOW ME!"
They quickly played the footage from the lab. Kylo watched as the Resistance members in Stormtrooper uniforms placed the bombs around a few support beams then escaped the lab. The bombs went off but the facility wasn't completely destroyed.
He turned to the cowering men. "It wasn't completely destroyed! HOW WAS IT DESTROYED!?"
The computer technician fast forwarded the footage a bit. Kylo watched as, somehow, the remaining support beams bend completely on their own and the computers exploded all over the place. The lab had imploded on itself.
Kylo took a step back from the monitor. The lab wasn't destroyed because of the bombs. The lab had to have been destroyed by a powerful force user.
Could it have been the scavenger? No, there was no way she had become that powerful. He wasn't even sure he had the ability to do that on his own.
He had enough. Kylo ignited his lightsaber and completely destroyed the computer in a rage.
Once he was done, he took several deep breaths.
"ANYTHING ELSE!?"
His lieutenants continued shaking. "We-we have word from a survivor that the Resistance members had help. They say it was a Jedi who helped them-"
Kylo whipped round, held out his hand, and the man's throat was suddenly being squeezed by his hand.
"WHAT JEDI!?"
He struggled for breath. "We don't know! They said it was a man with a white wolf and a gray lightsaber! They said his mask looked exactly like yours!"
He tossed the man away and left the command post. He needed to be alone.
It was impossible. There were no other Jedi in the galaxy. Skywalker was the last and the scavenger was hardly that powerful. However, that made no difference at the moment. His lab had been destroyed. The resistance was active again.
New steps had to be taken to ensure this wouldn't happen again. And he needed to find out who this 'Jedi' was.
-!-!-!
The Falcon landed a few yards away from the very large temple as Saya stripped off her armor, leaving her in just a tunic and black pants. Mourdu had always been a planet of eternal night with the stars and the lights on the temple the only way to see where you were going.
Saya, Rey and Poe made their exit from the ship while Rose and Finn still stood on the ship.
"I'm going to wait here. This place gives me the creeps. That ok Saya?" Rose asked.
Saya smiled in understanding.
I never liked this place either. I understand. We hopefully won't be long.
"Yeah, I'm going to stay here too." Finn said. "I'll just keep Rose and the wolf company"
Bayard have him a growl, making Finn jump.
His name is Bayard. He doesn't like it when people don't talk directly to him
Finn patted Bayard's head with a shaking hand. "Uh, sorry"
The three made their way to the large entrance and Saya loudly knocked on the double doors. A moment later, a young girl in a tan dress opened the large doors and peeked her head outside.
"Yes? Can I help you?"
I am Saya, a former member of the Healers Order. I have come to see the Elders of the temple.
The girl looked surprised. "One moment please." And she swiftly shut the door.
Poe looked over to Saya. "I'm guessing we shouldn't expect a warm welcome here?"
No. They don't like outsiders and I didn't exactly leave them on good terms.
Poe nodded and they all jumped when the large double doors opened for them a few minutes later.
Saya was met with the arrogant face of the Superior Mother. The woman had a look of triumph on her face, as if she had won a contest long in the running.
"So, you have returned to us Saya. Just like I said you would"
Saya rolled her eyes.
I am here to speak to the Elders of the temple.
The Superior Mother's arrogance didn't falter. "You will present yourself to them soon enough. First you must cleanse yourself and change-"
I am here to speak to the Elders! Will you take me to see them, or not? Otherwise you are wasting my time.
The Superior Mother glared at her. "…fine! The other two will remain outside."
They are coming with me. This is not a negotiation.
The Superior Mother huffed and gestured for them to follow her.
The three made their way inside while the Superior Mother led them down the hall, still trying to seem taller than all of them.
"Saya, you were raised here?" Poe asked.
Sadly, yes.
"I can see why you left. This place is colder than a mausoleum"
Saya smiled at him and continued down the hall.
The Superior Mother led them down the large hallway and Saya couldn't help but remember all the terrible things that she endured during her childhood. She remembered having to scrub all the floors, walls and doors. Being ordered around by the Superior Mother and the Elders. She was happy to be free of them.
Finally, another set of double doors opened and the three walked into the large white room with three grand seats against the far wall. In those seats sat the three Elders who ran the Healers Order.
"Saya, welcome home" One greeted her.
This is not my home. Not anymore.
The Elders cast a look to the Superior Mother who was standing to the side of the room. "Is that so? Your Superior Mother told us you have returned to us at long last"
Saya rolled her eyes again.
She would think that. No, I am here because you owe me answers. Answers I should have learned a long time ago.
The Superior Mother scoffed. "You will know only what we-"
"SILENCE ORVA!" One of the old women snapped. "We are in this position because of YOU! BE SILENT!"
Saya couldn't help but smirk at the Superior Mother. She hoped the woman knew what it was like to be silenced and put in her place the way she often did to Saya in her youth.
The Elders turned back to Saya.
"We have heard you can finally speak to us, in your own way. And you are right, Saya. It is the least we can do given how the Superior Mother has treated you. If we answer your questions, will you please consider returning to us?"
I will consider it ONLY if you answer my questions and tell me why you want me to return so badly. But you will answer my questions first.
The Elders looked at each other, then nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Ask your questions."
Saya took a deep breath. In truth, she only had one major question to ask.
… I was told I was thrown at the doorstep of the temple when I was a child. Is that true?
The Elders seemed to have a guilty look on their faces.
"In truth, you were born here in this very temple."
Saya straightened and felt anger inside her.
I was BORN here? I wasn't just abandoned!?
"One day, we heard frantic knocking on the door. We discovered it was a heavily pregnant woman with long silver hair and lavender eyes. It was reported to us that a ship was taking off and the woman was left on the doorstep. We brought her inside where she labored three days before you were born."
Saya couldn't believe what she was hearing.
What happened to her!?
The elders looked to the ground in shame.
"There was nothing we could do. She was bleeding heavily. She died after giving you your name and holding you in her arms."
Saya couldn't stop the small tears in her eyes. Her mother must have been too weak to heal herself after she was born.
That was it? She didn't say anything else? About who she was and where she was from?
"All she said was her husband had to leave her with us for safety. She asked us to please look after you and protect you. So we brought you up to be in the Order."
Saya wiped the tears from her eyes.
There is nothing else you know? What about my father?
"She said nothing else, Saya. We swear it."
Saya nodded. She believed them.
Now answer me this… Why are you so desperate to keep me here after I have broken your false vows?
The Elders looked taken aback.
"False vows?"
The Superior Mother finally spoke again from her spot in the room. "Don't you dare say our vows are false! You know nothing of what those vows mean to us you little-"
I know more than you think! SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU ABOUT THIS ORDER!
She turned back to the Elders, ignoring the angry scowl from the old woman.
Now answer me, why are you so desperate to keep me here?
Saya felt that she knew the answer already but wanted to hear it from them in their own words.
"Saya, you are the last woman of an ancient race of people. People with extraordinary powers in healing. We need you to return to help replenish that race and bring the Healers Order back to glory."
Saya blinked.
Wait, what do you mean 'replenish my race'? Are you talking about having children?
"We know it's a lot to ask! But a man who is from the same race of people came to us and-"
YOU SENT TORIN AFTER ME!?
There was a cold silence in the room and Saya was full of rage.
The Elder's looked horrified. "You-you know him?"
Saya clenched her fists and teeth.
He kidnapped me and tried to rape me!
Saya remembered back to his ship. He said he was taking her back to the temple. It all made sense.
You were planning on using me for children this entire time!? That's all I ever was, a brood mare!?
"You should be honored!" Yelled the Superior Mother. "Your daughters will bring the Healers Order back to glory! Your sons can bring back the Jedi religion!"
The glory of the Healers Order was destroyed a long time ago by all of you! YOU destroyed this Order when you cast out the ones who created it! YOU all cast out the Mahjai!
The Elder in the middle chair stood. "How do you know that name? How do you know about the race of people!?"
I know everything! I found my ancestral home! I found Mags, who told me everything!
"MAGS!?" The other Elder on the far right stood. "You know Mags!? She's still alive!?"
Yes, and she told me everything! You are all a disgrace! YOU all created these stupid vows! You cast out all the men and my race of people! This Order is dying because of all of YOU!
The Elders sat down, shaking and with tears in their eyes. None of them could deny her words. The Superior Mother was shaking with rage against the wall of the room.
If you wanted to use me for children, then why did you all put an infertility chip in my arm!? Did you lie when you said all girls get one upon completion of their training!?
"The Superior Mother told us of your affair with the Jedi apprentice! We had to take precautions to make sure-"
Saya wasn't listening anymore. She was shaking and tears were streaming down her face. But they were not tears of sadness. They were tears of anger. These women used her and treated her like she was nothing despite knowing what she was. They sent Torin after her to rape and use her for children just so they can use them for their own means. And they also assumed she was a whore and would sleep with other men, just because she fell in love with Ben.
She had enough. She needed to leave and be done with them.
She turned to Poe and Rey who also had looks of anger and disgust on their faces.
I'm ready. Let's go home.
"NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE!" Screamed the Superior Mother. "You cannot come in here and treat your Elders in such a way! You were raised to be in the Healers Order! You belong here! YOU BELONG TO US!"
Another spike of rage went through Saya and she turned to face the Superior Mother head on.
Why do you hate me so much!? What have I ever done to you!? From the moment I could ever remember anything, you hated me and treated me like trash! WHY!?
The woman said nothing but glared at Saya. Suddenly, her hand went up to her head as if in pain.
"She's jealous of you." Rey said.
Saya looked over to her to see her hand raised and looking directly at the Superior Mother. She was reading her thoughts and looking into her memories.
The Superior Mother cast a glare at Rey. "STOP IT! RIGHT NOW!"
Rey dropped her hand and stood glaring at the old woman.
"She's jealous it wasn't her. From the moment you started showing your power, she has been jealous and envied you."
Saya turned back to the Superior Mother, looking like she pitied her.
It's funny. I envied all those other girls who were here. The ones you treated like your own children. All I ever wanted was to be loved like them. I suppose our jealousy and envy is something we finally have in common.
The three made their way out of the room. Right outside the doors was a small group of girls all wearing white dresses and looking scared. Saya realized in horror they were about to take their final vows and commit to the Healers Order entirely.
She paused in front of the trembling girls.
You don't have to stay here.
The girls jumped and looked at Saya with wide eyes.
This is not the Healers Order anymore. It's a disgrace and nothing like is used to be. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. You can leave with us if you like.
The girls hesitantly looked around at each other. The girl closest to the room held her head high and scoffed.
"We are fully committed to the Healers Order, unlike you! You should leave this place traitor!"
Saya shook her head, feeling sorry for the girls. She began walking down the hall with Poe and Rey when she heard footsteps.
"WAIT!"
They all turned to see three of the girls.
"Can we really leave? Will you take us away from here!?"
Saya smiled at them.
The Resistance could use all the help it can get. You are not required to take any vows or be forced into things you don't want to do.
The girls all smiled and nodded.
Poe sighed. "More girls for me to teach how to fly"
They all made their exit to the temple and the girls all quickly ran into the ship, happy to be free of the temple.
Before Saya stepped into the ship, she heard yelling from behind her.
"WAIT FOR ME!"
Saya and Rey turned to see another young girl running to the ship.
"May I please come to?"
Saya nodded and the girl quickly shuffled into the ship. Before Saya could close the door, she heard more yelling.
"GIVE THEM BACK!"
It was the Superior Mother.
"GIVE THEM BACK! THEY BELONG TO THE ORDER!"
Saya stood tall and looked down to the old woman.
No they don't. They don't belong to anyone. They are free.
Saya closed the door as the Superior Mother screamed into the sky. The ship quickly took off and Saya bid a silent good riddance to the Healers Order.
The girls had all huddled into the corner after making small introductions to the others. Saya sighed and walked down the hall to be alone while Poe navigated the ship away from the planet.
She sat down at the small table in the kitchen when Rey joined her.
"Did you get the answers you were looking for?"
Yes. And learned more than I wanted to. But it's done. I'm ready to go home now.
"Saya, I really want to ask some more questions. Is that ok?"
Saya smiled at her. I have never had a problem answering them.
"Well… how did you do it? How did you destroy the cloning lab?"
Saya thought for a moment.
I don't know… I just felt like I looked into the mountain and knew how to use the force. I wish I could explain it better. I just knew what to do.
Rey nodded. "I feel the same way sometimes with the force. How come I couldn't feel you? Whenever I was close to you before, I have never felt more powerful. But when you landed and saved us, I felt nothing. I still can't feel anything"
I learned how to shield it.
Saya took a deep breath and let her shields drop, letting Rey feel her power.
I can share it with whoever I choose to now. I hope it works with Ben too. He never had a problem feeling my presence and power."
Rey thought for a moment.
"Where did you get that armor and helmet?"
The armor was apparently left by one of the Mahjai on Bulvengard. Or maybe the man was dead and all that was left was his armor. Either way, Mags showed me how to adjust it to my size. And she helped me make the helmet. I can't believe how much she knew about armor.
"…It looks like his. It looks like Kylo Ren's helmet."
Saya bowed her head.
Yeah… it does…
"Your lightsaber has a cross guard on it. Like his"
I saw him in battle with it. It seemed useful on the saber so I made it that way.
Rey was quiet for a moment. Saya knew that she wanted to ask why she made the helmet and lightsaber that way but she must have known. This was the only way she could keep Ben close to her in some odd way.
"Saya, why did you bother with armor and a helmet? Why wear them?"
I think there are still bounty hunters after me. I didn't want to risk them finding me or recognizing me.
"What will you do with them when we return to the Resistance? Everyone will recognize you."
Saya thought for a moment.
Maybe… I can keep it on. Maybe we don't have to tell them who I am. I'll keep the armor and helmet on. It may keep word from getting out where we are and the bounty hunters will look elsewhere!
Rey thought for a moment. "Maybe… we may be able to! Let's talk to the others and see how we can pull it off!"
Saya smiled as Rey ran off the grab the others.
-!-!-!
He had to be alone. He sent the guards away as he sat silently on this throne, desperate for some peace and quiet. Kylo's helmet sat on the arm rest and his eyes rested on the smaller seat beside him. He needed to think of some way to ensure his other cloning labs were not interfered with. His army had hardly just begun to form.
Kylo sighed and let his mind drift away for a time. He drifted back to the first time he ever saw Saya…
*flashback*
The stars were bright as he made his way through the sand. He wanted to get away from the training temple and everyone in it. Including his Uncle.
All of them were afraid of him. During his training, they stared at him as if he could snap at any moment. His parents cast him away. They claim it was for him to train and become a Jedi but it felt more like they just wanted him gone.
His uncle Luke told him to try and socialize. To try and make friends. But none of the other apprentices wanted to be near him. He didn't know why.
Ben looked up at the stars and wondered if there would ever be anyone who wasn't afraid of him. Someone who would actually want to be near him.
He was lost in thought until a flash of silver to his right caught his attention. Ben looked over and saw a small figure in the distance walking up a small sand dune. A young girl with silver hair. He had never seen silver as a hair color.
Ben found himself following the girl. He didn't know why. Maybe because he hadn't seen her before. Uncle Luke told the apprentices that the Healers Order also had a training temple. The boys often made jokes of sneaking off to the temple to see the girls. None of them had the guts to actually do it.
Ben watched as the girl finally reached her destination. She sat down against the only tree on this desert planet and wrapped her arms around her knees.
Ben slowly crept closer, hoping she wouldn't see him. But her focus was entirely on the stars above them. She wasn't paying attention to anything around her at all.
Once he was close enough, he knelt down below the sand dune. Enough to where he could see her but also hide if she began looking around.
He was able to focus on her face now. She was beautiful. Her silver hair was in a high ponytail and her skin was slightly tanned thanks to the desert sun. What intrigued him the most was her eyes. She had beautiful lavender eyes. He had never seen anyone with that eye color before.
She girl suddenly sniffed and wiped her face with her hand. She was crying.
Ben had the sudden urge to run to her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and protect her from whatever was hurting her.
However, he seemed rooted to the spot. His cowardice wouldn't let him move. He stayed frozen and watched her for what felt like hours.
After some time passed, she rose and wiped away the last of her tears. Ben stayed still, afraid of catching her attention. She sighed and slowly started walking back down the sand dune. After she was a distance away, Ben finally stood and walked over to the tree. He watched as she slowly made her way back to the Orders training temple.
Ben decided that he had to meet her. He NEEDED to speak to her.
Perhaps she was someone who felt as alone as he did…
*End of Flashback*
Kylo was jolted back to reality when the sound of the lift began. Someone was coming. He donned his helmet and waited to see who was stupid enough to disturb him.
The lift opened and General Hux stormed off the lift. He tried to stand tall and arrogant every time he approached Kylo, but failed every time. From behind him, an old woman stood at the entrance of the lift. She was waiting for the signal that it was ok to walk forward.
Smart woman.
Hux stopped in the middle of the room, still trying to sound in charge.
"Supreme Leader"
It must hurt him every time he addressed him as such. Kylo took some pleasure in knowing how much he hated that it was him with the title.
"Someone is here requesting an audience with you. She says she had information on the Resistance."
"Very well."
Hux turned and waved the old woman forward. She walked with her head tall and her entire presence just leaked with arrogance. She had a tight bun on the top of her head and wore a long white dress.
She stood in the middle of the room and cleared her throat. She was trying to act as if she wasn't afraid.
"Supreme Leader. I am the Superior Mother of the Healers Order. The Elders have asked me to come and speak to you"
"And what do you want?" He snapped.
"Two years ago, we lost our most valuable healer to the Resistance. They refused to return her to us. And a couple of days ago, she returned to the temple to interrogate and insult our Elders. Then she had the nerve to take several other healers with her. I am here to offer an alliance with the First Order and make a bargain with you."
Kylo clenched his fists. He knew EXECTLY who she was talking about.
"And what exactly do you want from the First Order? What about your neutrality?"
The Superior Mother scowled. "Our neutrality no longer exists. The Elders wish to fully commit only to the First Order. We wish to ask for an exchange."
"An exchange of what?"
The old woman suddenly had a smug smile on her face.
"One of the girls she took with her has a communicator. She is with the Resistance now. I can provide inside information about the Resistance."
"In exchange for what?" His patience was wearing thin.
"We want our healers back. All of them. She convinced those other girls to run with them before they took their vows."
Kylo continued to clench his fist.
"And who was the one that took the healers from you?"
The old woman had a look of pure hatred on her face.
"She was in your custody for a short time. Her name is Saya."
Kylo then had to resist the urge of wanting to choke this woman. He remembered all the nights under the stars of Saya telling her of this woman's cruelty towards her. He watched the lashes she received on her hands slowly fade away as he wiped the tears from her eyes and held her close. She had to stop him several times from him wanting to hunter her down and give her the same dose of pain. But he couldn't kill this woman. Not yet. Not if she could lead him to Saya.
"What did this healer want from the Elders when she returned?"
She scoffed. "She demanded to know of her birth. She demanded our elders tell her information about herself. She has become arrogant and believes she is higher than the Healers Order."
He wanted to push the issue further. He wanted to know everything they told to Saya. But now was not the time. He could just ask Saya directly when he got her back.
"So… You offer information on the Resistance in return for the girls she has taken from you?"
"We want the girls AND Saya. Saya must be returned to the Healers Order. As arrogant and defiant as she is, she is crucial to the survival of the Healers Order."
General Hux cleared his throat. "Supreme Leader, a spy inside of the Resistance will be a great assistance right now. We wouldn't want to lose another cloning lab"
Kylo wanted to throw him against the wall. But he was right. The First Order needed a spy inside the Resistance.
He turned back to the old woman.
"If the information you provide to us from the Resistance is useful and brings them to destruction, then we will return the healers that the girl stole from you."
The old woman now had a smug smile on her face, not realizing exactly what he had said.
She could have the girls Saya took from them back. But she would not get Saya.
Saya was his… now and always.