Chapter 37
The Falcon had taken off, but TIEs were still on there tail as they rose through the atmosphere. There were no medics on board, the most qualified person was crew member who had studied human biology growing up, and had taken military first aid like every other soldier. She examined her but than turned to Poe and shock her head, she than stepped back. Leia tried to speak, but her voice could only manage a whisper.
"Poe, he's gone-"
Barely able to hear her Poe shouted at everyone.
"Out, give me some room, just go."
Everyone but C-3P0 left the room, Poe knelt next to where Leia was laying so he could hear her better.
"I am promoting you to General."
"No, no, you are going to be fine, and you said it yourself that I am a reckless leader. The Resistance needs you."
"No, the Resistance needs you Poe. You followed your gut to catch the spy, you flew us to safety, and you spoke on behalf of Phasma who we would have surely killed. You have shown to have great judgement in people."
Leia held out her hand and Poe took it, she than placed the famed golden dice of Han Solo in his hands.
"These belonged to the best pilot in the galaxy, and the most selfless man I've ever met. That man is now you."
Leia began to wheeze as she spoke, and Poe could tell she was using the very last of her strength to tell him these things.
"You have been like a second son to me Poe, I have watched you come from hardship and pain, yet you still grew up to be a great man. The Resistance needs you. You have made me so proud, finish my dream, bring peace-"
Leia stopped squeezing his hand. And before Poe's very eyes she faded from existence, leaving behind only her gown. A small amount of tears started to stain Poe's cheeks, C-3P0 broke the never ending silence.
"She is gone."
Poe called everybody, including Chewie and Lando into the main room, all ships had successfully entered hyperspace and were heading for Parnassos, and Poe had an open com to them all. Some crew members were crying, some looked like they wanted to fight, and some just looked broken and hopeless. Everyone was looking at him expectantly, and he didn't know were to start, but he than looked at all the faces he had fought besides, the same faces that had survived until now fighting for what was right. He looked at Finn who stood close by and gave a half-hearted smile to Poe in support. Poe took a deep breath.
"Leia is dead, and so is so many others who were apart of the cause or were innocent bystanders. Her final act was to make me the General, leaving a great responsibility on my shoulders, but I don't plan on carrying it alone. As we have, and will continue fighting for the galaxies freedom you all have supported me, and I know that together we can survive and rise from the ashes. To rephrase what a wise leader once said, we the Resistance, are the spark that will light the fire, that'll burn the First Order down! We will be able to do this if we fight together!"