Chapter 18
None of them had any idea of what to expect when they landed on the swamp filled planet. Saya never would have thought that any kind of ore could be mined here. Poe landed the falcon in the safest place he could land. As soon as they walked off the ship, they were greeted by a young woman.
"Welcome. I am Lena. I represent the villagers that reside here. You are with the Resistance, yes?"
"We are" Poe said stepping forward. "We were told you guys needed help."
The woman nodded. "Yes. Please follow me to speak to the council."
Poe led the way followed by Rey, Finn, Saya and Bayard. They reached the small village and Saya could already feel the misery from everyone. Random women were crying and some were sitting outside staring into the dirt, as if lost to the world.
They were led inside a large hut when they all saw a large bonfire going and five elderly men sitting around it.
Lena stepped forward and spoke in a language no one in the group understood.
One of the men spoke back and Lena turned to the group.
"Please sit down by the fire. I will translate for the elders."
They all took seats around the large fire and waited for the men to speak.
The elders each took a turn speaking to Lena who, after a few minutes, turned to the group.
"The village has several loads of ore they are ready to give to the Varasys for your cause. However, the village was attacked by the First Order and they have taken all of the children. Along with a fowling the villagers have sworn to protect and raise here in safety."
Everyone felt sick. Saya felt like she was suddenly going to cry. The First Order kidnapped innocent children. Kylo Ren gave the orders for them to be taken. She had to fight the urge not to completely sob.
"The elders received a message two days ago from the First Order. The Order will trade the ore for the children. But we know that such a deal will never take place. They are giving the villagers two days to decide."
The group looked to one another and realization set in.
"So… you want us to save the children?" Finn said, going pale.
"The elders will trade you all the ore that is mined for the return of the children and the fowling."
"Where are the children now?" Rey asked.
"It is believed they are aboard the First Order's Star Destroyer."
The group went quiet and Saya could almost hear a pin drop.
"They are asking us to sneak on board the Star Destroyer and get the children back from the First Order?" Poe said, obviously still processing the information.
"Yes. That is exactly right."
Everyone was quiet and the group stared into the fire. The Elders were looking to everyone, obviously eager to get an answer.
Lena, if we go take the children back, the First Order will know and descend upon the planet just to take them back and probably kill everyone in the process.
Lena turned to address the elders. The elders quickly responded, waving their hands around while speaking.
"The elders are aware of the risks and are prepared. As soon as the children are returned, they are evacuating the planet. You will receive the ore and the current mines will be destroyed so the First Order cannot benefit from them."
Saya turned to Rey.
We have to do this. We need to save them
She didn't even care about the ore. They needed to save the children, ore or not.
"Umm… we want to help," Poe said "But we have no idea of how to get onboard the Star Destroyer. We did it once and got lucky. After that, I guarantee you they increased security and it will be near impossible."
"I can assist with that." Lena said without even addressing the elders. "I was once with the First Order. I was injured on a mission and they left me behind to die. The elders saved me and now I am committed to this village. I will help you get onboard the Star Destroyer. I know the ship and we can safely work together to save the children and fowling."
Poe turned to the group.
"Guys?"
Saya didn't hesitate.
Yes! We need to help those children!
Finn and Rey hesitated, but eventually nodded. Poe turned back to the elders.
"If you can lead us onboard the Star Destroyer, we will save those kids."
Lena quickly turned to translate and the elders smiled at the group, all speaking in their native languages.
Lena turned back to the group, also with a small smile on her face.
"The elders thank you. They will begin packing up the ore for shipment. The Varasys ships are ready to receive them. When we return, they will be loaded onto the ships and the village will evacuate."
Everyone began to stand and Lena gestured for them to follow.
"Um, were going right now?" Finn asked.
Lena turned and raised an eyebrow.
"You have something else that requires your attention at the moment?"
Finn slowly shook his head and Lena turned and continued walking.
Weren't we supposed to report back to Leia before we went on the mission?
Poe turned to Saya and shrugged.
"Let's just not tell her anything until we get back"
Saya sighed and followed the group. Lena led them deep into the trees and in a small clearing, a large First Order command ship was covered and leafs and mud from the swamps.
"This ship was left behind after the attack. It has several uniforms for you all to wear." Lena was opening the ship door as she spoke. She turned to look down at Bayard.
"The wolf will need to stay behind"
Saya knelt down and patted his head.
I know I keep asking this, but please go wait by our ship. We will be back as soon as we can.
Bayard seemed to groan in aggravation, but turned and trotted off towards the falcon. Saya stood to see Lena looking her over.
"You cannot speak with your mouth?"
No. I use the force to speak.
"You are a Jedi?"
Rey and I both are. I follow the Grey Jedi Code and Rey follows the Jedi Code.
She cast a look over the Rey.
"It is good that the Jedi religion is not extinct. The force will be useful for saving the children."
They boarded the ship and Lena showed them the uniforms.
"Change. Then we will go."
Saya felt herself begin to tremble as she dressed herself in the uniform. She couldn't deny how scared she was of this mission.
-!-!-!
Hux stood tall at Kylo Ren's command post. In the Supreme Leader's absence, it felt good to stand in the position of power, though he dare not take the risk of sitting on his throne.
He was quickly approached by Larz who seemed almost out of breath. He stepped close enough so only Hux could hear his words.
"Hux, is it true that Kylo Ren is away from the Star Destroyer?"
Hux smirked at him. "Yes. Can't you tell by the peace and quiet?"
Larz swallowed. "Then, couldn't we move the children before he returns? When is he coming back?"
Hux shrugged. "I'm not sure. I believe he is off interrogating a possible Resistance ally. But by all means, move the children. We will have the ore soon and then we can destroy the village."
Larz nodded and hurried off to make the arrangements.
-!-!-!
The entire flight to the Star Destroyer had Saya on edge. She was fighting to keep her mental shields up in the event Kylo tried to connect with her. God forbid he see her in the Stormtrooper uniform and she is found.
Lena gave the orders to them all to allow her to do all the talking. They were to be her subornments and she was their captain.
Saya couldn't believe how easy it was for them to land aboard the Star Destroyer. Saya and Rey hid their lightsabers inside the uniforms while carrying the traditional blaster. Finn and Poe had blasters as well but hid smaller ones inside of their uniforms. Lena was well equipped with her own weapons and was ready for any necessary battle.
Lena exited the ship first and the others followed behind her the way Lena instructed them too. They were quickly stopped by an oncoming lieutenant.
"Stop! What is your identification number?"
Lena spoke with confidence. "Number AN-2376. Myself and my crew were stationed down on the planet to guard the village to make sure the natives stayed docile."
The lieutenant considered her words. "And why have you all returned now?"
"The natives no longer have any weapons and have no fight left. I deem them as no threat and did not want to waste the man power any longer."
He looked over the group and Saya fought hard not to tremble.
Lena continued.
"If you wish, I shall report to the Supreme Leader."
"The Supreme Leader is not on board at the moment. For now, take your crew and decontaminate yourselves."
Lena have a curt nod and Saya followed, letting out a long and hard breath. He wasn't here. Kylo wasn't here right now. Maybe she could breathe a little now.
Lena led them down a series off hallways and swiftly took them into an empty common area. She turned to the group.
"Remember, we stick together and I do all the talking. I have an idea of where the children are. With the Supreme Leader away, security will be lax."
"Really? I figured they would be more on guard." Poe said.
"You know the expression 'while the cats away, the mice will play'? The First Order is no different."
"It's true" Finn said, nodding.
Saya couldn't help but wonder what Stormtroopers did for fun in the First Order.
Thy swiftly exited the room and were, again led down more hallways. It felt like they had been patrolling for hours when they finally approached a large lift.
"We need to go to the first floor. I can go into a command room and see what I can find out." Lena whispered to them.
They all nodded and the lift doors opened. They were suddenly faced with a few other Stormtroopers. They entered the elevator and swiftly huddled together despite the large open space in the lift. They went up one floor when the door opened again and Saya felt like she was about to pass out.
It was Kylo Ren. He wasn't away. He was onboard the ship. He and the small team that was with him entered the lift and the team was shoved back against the lift walls.
Saya could almost feel the blood rushing in her ears. He was so close. She could literally reach a hand out to touch him. She had to fight hard no to rush to him and jump into his arms.
"Supreme Leader, has the ally for the Resistance been terminated?" His lieutenant asked with a nervous voice.
"It was a false lead. I want to see General Rodan immediately. He is compromised."
Saya tried hard not to shake but couldn't stop herself. Someone was going to die today.
"Any news of the Resistance?" He demanded to know.
"None, Supreme Leader."
"And my wife?"
Saya tensed up and tried to breathe normally.
"I'm sorry, but no word yet. The bounty hunters are still looking."
Saya watched his fists clench and, despite blocking herself off from him, she felt his anger and frustration.
The lift doors finally opened and he swiftly exited with his small crew of men. Saya released her breath and felt her lungs burn.
One of the Stormtroopers next to her turned to her.
"He scares the hell out of me too." Then he swiftly exited the lift.
The group went up one more floor and Lena led them out. She was marching a lot faster now and led them to a utility closet. They quickly filed inside.
"We have to hurry and find them" Lena's voice was now nervous as well. "With Kylo Ren back on the ship, restrictions and patrol will be tight. We all must stick together. There is a command room not far from here. Stay here and I will go and sneak inside."
"Wait, you want us all to stay in this closet!?" Poe asked in an urgent voice.
"It will be easier for one person to go rather than everyone. Stay here and wait for my return."
Before anyone could protest, Lena left and the four were all huddled together in the small closet.
"So… we just sit and wait?" Rey said.
"No, screw this lets go find the kids!" Poe said, trying to get to the door.
Saya pushed him back.
No! We have to trust Lena. If something goes wrong, we're all dead! Please, let's just wait here!
Before anyone else could argue over the matter, the door swiftly opened and they came face to face with two Stormtroopers.
"What the hell are you guys doing in here?" One asked.
They all looked to each other, clearly panicking.
The one Stormtrooper started laughing.
"Guys, the Supreme Leader is on the lower level. You guys can get back to your posts before he notices. Just hurry it up already."
They all quickly shuffled out of the closet while the other two soldiers laughed at them as they rushed around the corner.
Poe took a breath. "Well, looks like we're on our own!"
Poe, we need to try and find Lena!
"We can look for her while we look for the children. Come on, let's go!"
Poe turned and everyone grudgingly followed him. They walked back to the lift and Saya began to panic.
Poe, we need to stay on this floor and wait for Lena!
Poe turned to see Finn and Rey nodding in agreement.
"We need to wait. Lena may have found the children. There's no need to go playing guessing games if Lena found their location" Finn said.
Poe huffed. "Fine. Let's head back."
Before they could move, the lift opened and the team jumped. A team of five soldiers and a lieutenant were in the lift.
"You four! Are you still on patrol on this level?"
"Yes sir!" Finn quickly responded.
He nodded. "You don't need all four of you. I need one more soldier to accompany me to the lower level for a mission."
The four looked to each other, clearly panicked.
The lieutenant rolled his eyes and reached out to grab Saya's arm. She was suddenly pulled into the elevator and the lieutenant closed the door before the others could say anything. Saya was shoved behind everyone and the lift quickly went down several floors. As soon as the doors opened, the team filed out and Saya followed silently behind them.
"We will swiftly report to the Supreme Leader, then go to the loading bay to go retrieve the ore. The villagers are defenseless and will fall easily."
Saya felt her heart pound in her chest and she slowly fell behind the team of soldiers. To her right, she suddenly saw a lift door. She took the opportunity once she was a safe distance back and quickly pressed the button. The door opened a second later and Saya jumped inside.
She took a breath and then gasped when the lift started to go up. She looked around and saw no other buttons in the lift to go to any other floors. She was going straight up to the top.
Saya lifted her blaster and tried to prepare for whatever would be on the other side of the door once it opened.
It took a few minutes but the lift finally stopped and the doors opened. Saya slowly stepped out and took in the familiar scenery. She walked forward and realized where she was.
The room was suddenly surrounded by windows to see out into the galaxy, but nothing else seemed different. The large throne was still intimidating. She walked forward and tried to imagine Kylo sitting in it while addressing his subornments.
She removed her helmet for some air and realized the room had another addition. Next to Kylo's throne was a slightly smaller one right next to it. Saya couldn't stop herself from walking closer to it and his words entered her mind.
"I can't wait to see you on the throne"
This was what he was talking about. A throne right next to him.
She found herself standing right in front of the throne, wondering what it would be like to sit in it and rule next to him.
"Sit down…"
The dark voice had returned to her.
"Sit down and fell the power you can possess. Power you and your love could possess together. Sit down and take your proper place."
Saya's hand had reached out to touch the arm of the chair. As soon as she made contact, she swore she felt electricity run through her fingers.
"Yes! Feel the power of the Dark Side!"
Saya slowly turned and began bending her knees.
"YES! Sit down and fulfill your destiny!"
A sudden chill went up her spine and she heard the lift door close and suddenly drop down. She stood upright and felt the blood drain from her face. The lift was going down. Meaning someone was coming up.
Panicking, Saya looked around and realized the only place she could hide was behind the throne. She quickly squeezed herself behind Kylo's throne and was tightly between his throne and the window.
The lift door opened and she heard the shuffling of footsteps.
"Why the hell are we here, Hux!? Kylo Ren could be here at any moment! We need to move the children!"
Saya placed a hand over her mouth and nose, scared to even breathe too loudly.
"Will you shut up!" Hux yelled at the man. "Ren still has no idea and it will stay that way! If we move the children now, he will notice!"
"Several other men have already noticed! You can't hide a group of children on the ship and expect no one to find them!"
Saya heard a smacking sound.
"You idiot! All you had to do was keep them under wraps! It will be both our heads if were caught!"
Saya couldn't deny the feeling of relief. Kylo didn't order the children to be taken. He had no idea they were aboard the ship.
She heard the lift doors close again and the lift swiftly went down. But the men were still in the room.
"He's coming! Hux, what do we do!?"
There was silence and a few minutes later, the doors opened again and Saya felt electricity run through her. Even though she closed herself off from him, she would always know when he was in a room.
Kylo Ren entered the room with what Saya could tell was a group of other men.
"Supreme Leader, welcome-"
Saya suddenly heard a gagging noise.
"WHAT ARE THE VILLAGE CHILDREN DOING ABOARD MY SHIP!?"
There were gagging and coughing sounds.
"Supreme Leader, I caught General Larz hoarding the children with the intention of using them to force the village to give us the ore they have mined."
Hux was betraying his partner. Saya wasn't surprised. She heard more gaging and a sickening crunch. Then a thud to the floor.
"I will say this only ONCE and I expect my orders to be executed immediately. The children are to be returned to the village, NOW!"
"Supreme Leader, the ore-"
Hux was cut off.
"Did you not hear me, Hux!?"
There was a silence, then the rustle of feet. Saya heard the lift doors open and close but she knew Kylo was still in the room. She heard him slowly walk closer and sit down on the throne. Saya couldn't stop herself from turning and placing her hand and forehead against the back of it.
She was so close to him. It took all the strength she had no to run to him, to sit with him.
She heard him release a breath.
"Saya…"
She suddenly felt pressure in her head. He was trying to connect with her. She placed her arms against her ears and gritted her teeth, desperately trying not to connect. He would find her in a heartbeat.
Saya felt his frustration.
"Saya, please!"
She had tears running down her face. She didn't want to reject him. She wanted to see his face. But she would be caught. She couldn't let herself be caught. In truth, she didn't care if she was. But Saya wouldn't let him hurt the others.
She jumped when he suddenly slammed his fist onto the arm of his chair and began marching out of the room. As soon as she heard him enter his lift and leave the room, Saya broke down and cried.
She slowly moved out from behind the throne and looked with tear filled eyes to the seat he had occupied only minutes ago. In that moment, Saya would have sold her soul just to turn back time and live ignorantly in his room aboard Starkiller Base with him.
Saya wiped her eyes and concentrated her thoughts to reach out to Rey.
Rey can you hear me?
"Yes! Where are you!? We found Lena! She knows where the children are! "
What floor are you on? I'll come find you!
"Level two. We're heading to the children now."
Rey, Kylo Ren didn't order for the children to be taken! His Generals did! He just ordered for the children to be returned!
"How do you know?"
I overheard them talking! Trust me, we can use this! We can pose as the team that's returning the children!
"Ok, meet us on level two! We will find you!"
Saya broke the connection and placed the helmet back over her head. She quickly ran to the lift and rode down to the bottom level. She quickly walked with purpose, hoping no one would question her.
None of the soldiers seemed to question her at all. It took a few minutes, but she found a regular lift and went to level two on the ship. She began marching again and opened her thoughts to Rey again.
Rey, I'm on level two. Where are you?
"Going to the children. Finn is coming to find you. There's enough soldiers around that he can walk around with no issues."
Ok. How will he know me?
There was silence for a moment.
"Hold your blaster under your arm. Finn said he will look for you"
Ok. See you soon.
Saya quickly adjusted her blaster and began marching again. She entered another hallway that suddenly opened up to the loading bay. The bay itself was on the next floor down but she was on a walkway with no guard-rail. Saya wondered how many men have accidently fallen off the ledge.
She marched with her blaster when suddenly a soldier came out from a side hallway.
"Saya?" Finn whispered.
She let out a relieved breath and nodded. He sighed in relief as well.
"Ok, I know where the others are heading. Let's go!"
He turned right in time to run into two patrolling Stormtroopers. Finn lost his footing and Saya watched him fall off the ledge.
FINN!
On reflex, Saya reached out her hand and Finn froze in mid-air. She quickly lifted him up and safely back onto the ledge. Finn released a breath of relief and looked to her.
Saya then felt her blood run cold and her heart was pounding in her ears. She just used the force. In front of everyone. Saya looked around and the entire loading bay was staring at her.
"SAYA!?"
She swore her heart stopped. Saya turned to see Kylo Ren staring right at her at the entrance of the loading bay. He was standing amongst a group of his Generals, no doubt making sure all of them had the orders to return the children.
Saya turned to look at Finn.
Finn… RUN!
Saya used a blast of power to knock the Stormtroopers near them back and she and Finn ran down the hallway.