From The Ashes

Chapter 5

We finally made it to the safety of hyperspace, and I relaxed.

Remi didn't hesitate after making the jump. He came right over and started patching me up.

His fussing made me uncomfortable, and I slapped his hands away until he chuckled and handed me the bacta patch. I slapped it on my shoulder, wincing as the cold hit the burning wound.

I stood up, somewhat shakily, and strode towards the cockpit, where Remi had retreated.

"So," I began.

"So," he repeated.

"Now that the Empire is on our tail, where to?" I asked.

"I was thinking of Dorin. It's my home planet."

I was confused. "Isn't the atmosphere... Not safe for humans?"

"You can be there for a short time. I just wanted to pick up some supplies," he explained.

I nodded, understanding. "Alright. But after that?"

"Well... How do you feel about a mining colony?"

I raised an eyebrow. "A mining colony?"

"That's what I just said."

"Really? Hadn't noticed. Thank you." I drew in a breath. "What's the planet?"

He planted his feet on my chair and crossed his legs. "Bespin."

I shoved his legs off and sat in the(my) chair. He plonked them right back on me. I punched his foot.

"I've never heard of it," I replied skeptically.

He gave me a sly look. "Exactly. So maybe the Imps have never heard of it."

I paused. He made a good point. "So we can lay low for a while... Without the Empire finding us."

He nodded. "See? I can be smart."

I stood back up and whacked him upside the head. "Sometimes. You have your moments."

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As he predicted, our trip to Dorin was short-lived. He greeted a few friends, a sister, and a cousin (and introduced me as a "powerful friend"), got our supplies, and returned us back to the ship in a surprisingly short amount of time. Which was good, cause the atmosphere, with its very little amount of oxygen, gave me a huge headache.

Seeing him without his mask and eye coverings... It was an experience all right. Who knew Kel Dors looked like that?

Before we took off, he said goodbye to his family and friends outside the ship. I stayed on board to give them some privacy, rummaging through the provisions we'd picked up. Nothing fancy in there; some native fruits and meat, some medical supplies, an extra blaster. The basics.

I picked up the blaster, weighing it in my hand. It was extremely well-balanced and light, and small. Small enough that I could hide it in the inside of my waistband.

I watched as Remi gave his little sister a fierce hug, promising that he'd see her again, soon. But both of us knew that may be a lie.

That thought made me sigh. I couldn't just let that happen. I had to let him go. Maybe it'd be better if I was on my own. It would be hard at first, for sure, but if it meant he could stay with that little girl, who obviously adored and admired him, it would be worth it. He'd be safe.

So as the little one clung to his waist desperately, I walked over. "Remi?" I laid a hand on his shoulder. "Can I talk to you?"

"Yeah, just a sec." He gave the kid one more reassuring squeeze, and came with me.