Two Sides of the Same Coin

Part IV

It had been touch and go for a while, but finally she was well again. Sure, she had a new nasty burn on her arm and torso, but the doctors seemed to think it would fade. She had banged into a metal wall during the attack on Starkiller, which had been the first problem. To her knowledge, it looked like a scratch and a dent. Nothing to worry about. After she came out of hyper speed on the way home, however, was different. Warnings showered her with beeps and red light as she tried to make it down to the ground. She had landed just outside the Resistance base right before her ship exploded in flame.

She was lucky that some of the Resistance fighters had seen the trail of smoke and followed it. Most of them believed that it was from a Tie Fighter or something, not one of their own. They quickly dragged her from the wreckage but was unable to retrieve the droid. She remained unconscious for about a week before waking up in the hospital. By then, most of the wounds had healed and they wanted to keep her there in case of infection.

The Togruta woman emerged from the building, finally glad to be out of there again. It was her third time getting treated for burns and wounds. She tended to catch her ships on fire, but she swore none of it was intentional. The General was never happy to hear about the incidents, though always glad to see that she was okay in the end. Of course, she'd never blown up a ship before. Regardless, she made her way toward the center of the base.

"Hey!" a voice called out, causing the woman to turn around. Poe came running over, waving his hand. "They let you out already?"

"They say that my burns are in the clear. They should be fully healed within the week," she replied as he laughed.

"I half expected them to keep you in the psych ward," Poe teased as she glared back at him. "How many ships have you damaged?"

"Three. I was on my way to talk to the General about it now."

"Probably a good idea, Crispy," Poe replied with a grin.

"Don't call me that," she growled. With her reddish orange skin, her burns were more prominent.

"With that many burns, I think it suits you," Poe jested as she threw her bag at him. He laughed and ducked. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. Besides, I'm the least of your worries. The guys are not going to let you live this one down."

"You're right. I might have to go into hiding after this," she whispered before Poe left again, spouting some nonsense about a tour for the enemy as he ran off. She watched him leave for a second, wondering why he left so soon. She turned around and found the General standing at the doorway, staring at her.

"How are you feeling, Cristin?" she asked kindly as the woman looked away, embarrassed. "I'm glad to see you up and around so soon."

"I am glad, too, General. I apologize about the ship-" Cristin began before the General waved her hand, silencing her.

"Don't worry about it. You came back safe and sound. Although, you will have to work off that ship to get a new one," Leia informed before Cristin nodded frantically.

"Of course, ma'am. Whatever you say," she insisted, wanting nothing more than to fly again. Leia smiled and patted her arm.

"Good. Then I hope you won't mind another assignment."

"Assignment?" Cristin repeated, thinking that she was going to get janitorial duty before an assignment. Leia merely nodded with a slight smile.

"Yes. It seems that our luck is getting better, but I fear that luck will come at some risk. I need you to make sure that risk isn't an issue," Leia replied, losing Cristin. The General sighed and shook her head. "My son has returned, but I fear for the worst. I want to trust him, but there is something that is bothering me. I need you to keep an eye on him. Be his bodyguard. I appointed that bounty hunter that duty, as well, but something seems odd about her. Until we can figure this out, monitor my son. Keep me updated, and soon, you will have another ship."