𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 - DIN DJARIN

Chapter 61: The Siege

chapter 61: the siege •••

You steady yourself with a calculated breath as you view the holoplans in front of you.

"Pirate King Gorian Shard is captaining a Cumulus Class Corsair carrying a complement of snubfighters," Bo-Katan informs the group through the intercom, though you stand alongside Paz and the Armorer inside the Gauntlet's cockpit. You watch the model of the ship appear in the blue light. "It has aerial bombardment capabilities."

You grimace at that. It gives the pirates an advantage you and Din haven't seen in any of the villages you've helped thus far. You cross your arms over your armored chest.

"The N-1 will distract the Corsair and her snubfighters as we drop in to liberate the planet below," Bo goes on. You've been well aware of this plan, but the mention of your family's starfighter still makes your stomach tighten with fierce nerves. "Nevarro is an independent planet and no longer under remnant Imperial or New Republic protection. But it's that very independence that makes it appealing for you to settle."

You smile at the memory of what you and Din discussed the night before. A place of your own, perhaps a cabin style, fully furnished with a warmth that can't quite be put to words. It could be just in reach.

"You lived there once, hiding in the sewers," Bo reminds them. You recall the haunting twists and turns of the tunnels you explored during your escape from Nevarro so long ago. "But now, you can be heroes."

Bo-Katan looks around the group and nods. Paz turns to you and gestures with his helmet towards the drop seats you'd come from. "Let's return to our post."

You nod to agree and start to follow Paz. You stop for a moment and turn towards Bo, the corners of your lips lifting in a small smile. "Keep an eye on the crazy pilot of that starfighter, will you?"

Bo chuckles with amusement. "You've got it, sister."

You beam at the endearment and continue to follow Paz. You return to your seats alongside the other members of the covert, bringing a rush of adrenaline through your veins. It's been many months since your last battle at Mos Espa, aside from the quick fight you participated in against the cyborg on Mandalore. But just as Din had reminded you before, you've been training for this, and now you have armor and additional weapons that will help you.

It's not the battle you're nervous for, though. It's the fact that most of your heart remains in the sky above the village, preparing to take the heat of the attack to allow for you and the others to move in. You would never doubt Din, and you won't start now, but love doesn't allow for rationality and logic. Your heart won't beat in its same steady rhythm until all three of them are back in your arms, safe and sound.

The drop out of hyperspace is loud from where you sit. You tighten your gloved hands into fists on top of your armored thighs. You wish you could have a helmet to hide the way your lips twist in worry at the thought of Din starting the plan. Instead, you look down, comforting yourself the best you can with memories of Din's cleverness and strength in times such as this.

"You're a protective pair," Paz observes, drawing you from your thoughts as you look up at him. His helmet's tilted at you.

"The galaxy hasn't always been kind to us," you inform him. The scar that stretches across your face tells the stories you don't wish to relive.

"I understand." Paz's modulated voice is low. His armored shoulders rise and fall in a deep breath. "But it seems that with each challenge you've faced, you've become stronger." He gestures to the armor you now wear. "This time won't be any different."

Your jaw relaxes and makes way for a small smile. "Thank you, Paz."

Paz nods, letting your attention return to the task at hand. You can sense the Gauntlet's gentle cruise through Nevarro's atmosphere as you wait for Din's signal. You tap your gloved fingers upon your cuisses in anxious repetition. You can only hope that Bo relays his comm to you.