Ben and Saya will be reunited soon! Please review and let me know what you think so far!
Chapter 9
Saya made sure that the girls from the Healers Order knew she was leaving to go into hiding. They seemed nervous but slowly followed Rose and Poe out of the ship and into the Resistance's camp. Rey flew the ship back out of sight and after a couple of hours of conversations and biding their time, Saya quickly put her armor back on while Bayard napped in the corner of the room. They all needed to be sure no one in the Resistance would believe she was back.
Her new identity, however, would be hard for her to pull off.
So… I'm a Mandalorian?
"Yes" Finn said. "Their armor part of their religion. They never take it off! It's going to be hard but no one will recognize you. You just can't speak to anyone but us"
Saya shrugged.
That's fine. I can direct my thoughts to only specific people now so not everyone will hear me when I communicate. But is no one seriously going to be suspicious of a random Mandalorian who doesn't speak to anyone just randomly joining the Resistance?
"We will tell them you saved us" Rey answered. "You destroyed the lab with us and saved us from being caught. They will be open to accept you then!"
Well, at least that part wouldn't be a lie.
So what did Poe and Rose tell everyone when they showed up and you both didn't?
"That we found you and are taking you into hiding. Hopefully this works."
Saya prayed it worked too.
Rey once again landed on the planet and Saya secured her helmet over her head. She was already used to wearing it for long periods of time so having it on constantly won't be an issue for her.
She hid her Lightsaber in the small bag Rey handed her and took a deep breath. Rey and Finn made sure she carried a blaster with her in the same fashion a Mandalorian would.
The doors opened and Saya had to hide her anxiety.
Rey and Finn were the first to exit the ship. Saya followed behind with Bayard walking besides her, standing tall and looking straight ahead. She hated that she couldn't communicate to anyone she was once friendly with but she also didn't want to risk bounty hunters finding her and risking their location again. Bounty hunters didn't care about the war and wouldn't sell out the Resistance's exact location. They only cared about lining their own pockets using the target they were assigned to. But if the bounty hunter could find them, who else could?
Rey and Finn hurried to the largest hut while Saya and Bayard silently followed behind. She ignored the amazed stares from everyone around her and followed them into the large hut.
As soon as she entered, Saya was greeted with the sight of Rey giving a tight hug to Leia. Bayard happily sat near the door as if anticipating this to be quick.
"Leia, this man helped us destroy the lab!" Rey turned and drew Leia's attention to Saya.
Leia smiled at her. Almost sarcastically.
"Did he now?"
Rey continued. "He's a Mandalorian who wishes to join us. He destroyed the lab and saved us from the First Order!"
Leia shook her head still smiling.
"Finn, please close the door to the hut."
Finn passed a glance at Rey then slowly walked over to the hut and closed the small door, leaving only Saya, Finn, Rey and Leia inside.
Leia patiently folded her hands in front of her and gave a sarcastic smile to Saya.
"I have, and always will be, a mother. I know when I'm being lied to. Now… want to tell me the truth?" Leia said to everyone.
Saya couldn't help but smile as she lifted the helmet off her face. Leia's smile lit up the room as Saya ran into her open arms.
I've missed you so much! I have so much to tell you!
Leia broke the hug and continued to smile in Saya's face.
"I've missed you too. Welcome home"
Saya stepped back and Leia looked Saya over.
"Well, you've certainly been busy. And you have a new friend" She said gesturing to Bayard. "I can't wait to hear all about it. We will talk later tonight. For now, we need to get everyone together."
Is it ok for me to stay hidden as a Mandalorian? I'm a danger to you all if any of the bounty hunters find me.
"Saya, we will always do everything to protect you. But if you wish to remain hidden, I understand. I will introduce you to the Resistance as a Mandalorian."
Thank you.
Leia addressed all three of the now.
"It's time to gather everyone together. We can share the good news to everyone that one lab has been destroyed and I can introduce you to everyone."
Leia looked back to Saya.
"What should I say your name is?"
Saya thought for a moment. She suddenly remembered all the stars and constellations above her and Ben as children.
…Orion. My name is Orion.
Leia nodded. "All right. It's time to gather everyone."
Saya quickly placed her helmet over her head while Rey and Finn ran to gather everyone.
-!-!-!
It had been several days and within those days, the new spy for the First Order was hardly useful. She had no navigation skills and didn't even know what planet she was on. The planet had been described as a large forest that kept the Resistance well hidden. That was hardly any held as there were many planets like the way she described.
What angered Kylo was the news that Saya had gone into hiding. There was absolutely no sign of her with the Resistance. However, he did hear word that they now had a Mandalorian with them.
Kylo had his oldest Generals in his conference room, listening to the news that was coming to him from their new spy.
"Do we have confirmation that it is an actual Mandalorian?" He demanded to know.
"No Supreme Leader. Apparently the man's name is Orion. No one has seen his face nor does he speak to anyone. He seems to stay mostly to himself."
"What about the Jedi that supposedly destroyed the lab?"
"No word of a Jedi. Perhaps they were mistaken and thought the Mandalorian was a Jedi."
That would be a stupid mistake to make if that was the case.
"And no one has any word of my wife?"
The Generals now looked nervous. "No sir."
Kylo bowed his head over the table and began shaking in anger. He took a breath and stood tall again.
"I have called you all in here because you three have been with the First Order since its creation. I will entrust this information to you three only. The Resistance has a spy aboard this ship."
The Generals looked at each other in disgust.
"Supreme Leader, how can you be sure?"
"It's the only way the Resistance could have known were the cloning lab was. Someone has leaked them the information. And until the spy has been removed, the other locations are at risk."
The General's stood tall. Kylo knew these three would truly live and die for the First Order.
"What do you command of us, Supreme Leader? How would you like us to handle the situation?"
Kylo brought their attention to the large map laid out on the table.
"We leak a false location. And when the Resistance arrives, we capture them all"
The Generals smiled and nodded.
If this plan succeeds, he will have captured the majority of the resistance. And he will interrogate and tear apart every one of them until someone told him where Saya was.
-!-!-!
Saya had grown accustom to isolation and hardly anyone speaking to her. Everyone seemed to be afraid of her. Or rather, afraid of her alternate persona. The only ones who spoke to her were Poe, Finn, Rose, Rey and Leia. Everyone else avoided her. Bayard also seemed to help keep people a distance away from her.
Once news got out of one of the labs being destroyed, it sparked a large ray of hope amongst the Resistance members. No one even cared that the small group had taken the mission for themselves before the others even knew where it was. It was gone. That's all they cared about.
Leia gathered everyone inside the large hut, ready to make plans for the next chance to destroy another lab.
"Everyone, I'm happy to report that we received word of a new location. This time on the desert planet of Nahrth. The problem is we have no map of this location and according to our source, the lab is located deep into the planet."
Poe stood from his seat. "General, may I make a suggestion of a plan?"
"By all means, go ahead."
Poe stood and addressed everyone in the room. "I say we have a small team go and investigate the area. We can maybe scout the area and come back to form an attack plan."
Leia considered his words and nodded. "I can agree with that. I say you and about a dozen others go and scan the planet."
Several people stood to volunteer. Saya stepped forward from the corner she was standing in. She directed her thoughts only to Leia.
Leia, I wish to go.
Leia immediately meet her gaze and smiled.
"Orion, you wish to go?"
She nodded.
"Very well. Poe will lead a small team to the planet to see how we can destroy the lab."
Poe looked to Saya and gave her a smile. Finn also stood.
"I would like to go as well."
Leia shrugged. "I'm leaving Poe in charge of this mission. If he doesn't mind, by all means go ahead."
Poe have a sly smile to Finn. They both already knew Finn was set to go.
Leia smiled. "Poe, begin assembling your team and prepare to leave immediately."
The meeting finished and Poe began gathering the members he felt would be the best for this mission. Saya walked over to Rey while everyone else filed out the door.
Not going this time?
Rey smiled at her. "I think you guys can handle without me. They have you if they need the force. I'm going to keep training."
Saya nodded. Rey couldn't see it, but Saya was smiling at her.
Ok. I'll see you when we get back.
Rey smiled and nodded. They wanted to hug each other, but that wouldn't look right for Saya's cover.
Rey left and Saya gently bent down and scratched Bayard behind his ears.
Stay here with them. I'll be back soon. Protect them while I'm gone.
The wolf seemed to almost nod in understanding and hurried off after Rey. Rey seemed to be his favorite person other than her.
Saya walked over to the small team. The men he gathered looked nervous around her but Poe and Finn smiled at her.
"Ready to go Orion?"
She nodded. None of them could see the smile on Saya's face.
-!-!-!
The word had been sent out only to specific Generals amongst Kylo's ranks. Only those few knew of the leaked location. Now it was a waiting game to see if one of them was the traitor and if they would catch the Resistance.
After some time, one of his oldest Generals approached him at his command post.
"Supreme Leader, we have confirmation that a ship is approaching the planet Nahrth. We believe the Resistance has taken the bait."
Kylo nodded. "Good. Capture all the Resistance members. We need them for interrogation."
The General nodded and quickly sped off.
-!-!-!
The planet gave Saya an uneasy feeling as they all slowly walked off the transport ship. They landed the ship in a small cavern, hoping the First Order wouldn't notice it. She behind everyone with her blaster in hand while Poe and Finn led the small team.
Poe looked around the corner of the large boulder to his right and waved them forward.
"I think that's the entrance."
When everyone walked forward and Saya was finally able to turn the corner, she saw the entrance Poe was talking about. It was a large opening that seemed to lead into the planet.
Saya did not feel right about this at all.
Poe, this isn't right. Something is wrong here.
Poe knew not to respond as the other members of the Resistance couldn't know how she communicated. But he gave a small wave behind him to indicate that he heard her.
They approached the entrance cautiously and Finn peeked inside.
"I can't see anything. It's way too dark."
Poe turned to the team. "Everyone, weapons drawn. Be prepared to run like hell if we have to!"
Saya's heart began to beat rapidly.
Poe, this isn't right! There aren't any guards at all! No sign of life! We need to leave, now!
Poe shot a look to Saya. He was determined to do this.
"Everyone ready?"
The men nodded and Saya sighed in defeat.
They all silently walked into the dark cavern.
-!-!-!
Kylo patiently waited to hear more news from the planet. A few moments later, a soldier approached him.
"Supreme Leader, the Resistance members are now in the cavern."
"How many members?"
"Just a dozen, sir."
Less than he thought but no matter. One of them would reveal the location of the Resistance and Saya.
"Close them in and prepare my command shuttle. A want a small force to accompany me."
The soldier nodded and quickly ran off. There was no need to bring the entire First Order for such a small group.
-!-!-!
They walked deep into the cavern but saw no signs of life. Finally, Poe realized there truly was nothing there and turned to the small team.
"It was a false lead, guys. I'm sorry. Let's head back."
They all turned to leave when the ground around them began to shake. Saya knew they never should have come here. They all quickly ran to the entrance when all of a sudden, the entrance was suddenly blocked and all light inside the cavern was gone. The men scrambled to get flashlights and Saya had to resist the urge to withdraw her lightsaber for light.
Poe and Finn flashed their lights to where the entrance was. They were trapped. Saya approached the large boulder that blocked them in and placed her hand on it. She could easily move the rock but the problem was, she didn't know what was on the other side.
She closed her eyes and concentrated. Master Qui-Gon spent a lot of time teaching her how to look past the things in front of her and see what lied beyond obstacles in her way. She breathed and looked past the boulder to see about six Stormtroopers guarding the entrance. They were waiting for someone. Saya didn't need the force to know that Kylo Ren was coming. It was time to face him.
Saya turned to Poe and Finn.
Do you have the communicator to the Resistance?
Poe nodded. "I already sent out an SOS signal."
Good. I'm going out to distract them.
Poe and Finn suddenly looked angry.
"You're not going out there!" Finn snapped. "Not alone! We can all fight through this!"
Saya actually had to suppress a laugh at the other men looking at Poe and Finn like they were insane. None of them could hear Saya's words.
Please listen to me… I HAVE to do this. I can feel it! I will keep them distracted while you guys run to take cover. Run and hide until the Resistance can get here. Please, I need to do this!
Finn looked defeated but Poe was not having it.
"Saya, no! You're not doing this!"
She sighed and stepped closer to him.
Poe… you are one of the best friends I have. Please, I need you to trust me when I say I need to do this. I can feel it. I'll take care of the guards outside. You guys run while I cover your escape. I promise I'll find you. I'll always return to the Resistance, one way or another.
They stared at each other for several moments until Poe grappled her into a hug.
"I swear to God Saya, if you don't come back I will hunt you down and drag you back!"
Saya smiled and stepped away from him. Finn gave her a quick hug as well.
She stepped to the entrance and took a deep breath.
Remember, keep running and hide until the Resistance comes for you. Don't bother going to the ship. They probably found it already.
Poe turned to the rest of the men who were standing there, confused.
"Blasters ready!" Poe ordered.
They all quickly listened and Saya took another breath. Moving the rock was easy. She was able to move it just enough for them to slip through.
She withdrew the handle of her lightsaber and prepared to fight. She now addressed her thoughts to everyone in the cavern.
EVERYONE RUN!
Saya rushed out and thankfully surprised the Stormtroopers standing guard.
Poe and Finn were able to blast two of them while running. Saya used the force to repel the other four but Saya noticed other soldiers closing in. She ignited her lightsaber, ready to fight. The four Stormtroopers stood back up, blasters in hand.
"FREEZE REBEL SCUM!"
Saya risked casting a glance behind her. The group made it away. Now they just had to avoid the coming soldiers and hide until the Resistance could rescue them.
Saya never liked to lie, but she did to Poe. She didn't think she would see any of them again.
She stood tall and faced the four Stormtroopers who held blasters up, ready to stun her.
Saya slowly sank to the ground on her knees and sat back, turning off her lightsaber. The men looked at each other, confused.
She opened her thoughts so they all could hear her.
I await your Supreme Leader here. Tell Kylo Ren I am waiting for him.
The soldiers looked to each other, then began laughing.
"Stand up, rebel trash. You will see him soon enough. You're coming with us!"
Saya flicked her hand and the soldier was suddenly flung back into the dirt, just narrowly missing a large boulder. The other three men looked to each other again and lowered their guns.
I'm not going anywhere. Tell your Supreme Leader I will face him right here.
One of the men quickly ran off to one of his TIE fighters, ready to send the message. She already knew he was coming. She needed to distract him long enough for him to not be able to give the orders to go after the Resistance members.
Not only that, but it was time. It was time to finally face him. Saya felt in her heart, today was going to be her last day.
Saya felt that by the end of the day, she was going to die.