Star Wars: The Lost Jedi

Chapter XIII

Serer helped Poe out of the Resistance transport slowly, enjoying the smell of fresh grass and trees. They all stood on the top of a green hilltop, taking in the view. It truly did feel like home, back to when Serer lived on Endor. She looked at Poe's back through the slice in his outfit, which was all bandaged, and then up at his relaxed face.

"Welcome home." Spoke Poe, radiantly smiling down at Serer.

Many pilots hustled and bustled around the base, as did other rebel soldiers. The Resistance base was in full swing. Serer, unaware of what was going to happen next, was excited to see what opportunities the Resistance held for her.

Gage, looking around in astonishment, couldn't believe his eyes. For all these years, he had only ever known StarKiller Base. And now, he was gazing upon green grass and tall trees. He was ready to make himself a new beginning.  "I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my life." Gage now spoke, walking next to Serer and Poe.

Serer smiled at Gage, who gladly returned one. Without knowing him for very long, she trusted him. Gage, from the neck down, was still in his Stormtrooper armor, and Serer could tell he wanted nothing more than to be out of it.

"The General will be ecstatic to meet you," Said Poe, placing his arm around Serer, "And you as well, Gage."

"You need rest." Stated Serer, "We'll be able to locate her on our own."

"Nonsense." Retorted Poe as he started walking down the grassy hill, "See? I'm able to walk just fine."

"I'm serious, Poe. You need your rest!"  Serer called after him, running down the hill towards Poe as Gage followed closely behind.

The trio walked towards one of the X-Wings as Serer noticed many watching her every movements and whispering to one another. Taking hold of Gage's bicep, she was determined not to let anyone think of him as anything but a hero for saving her life.

"There's someone I would like you two to meet," Spoke Poe as he rushed in the direction of the X-Wing, "Bee Bee - Eight?"

Gage and Serer exchanged looks as Poe searched around the X-Wing until a little sphere of white and orange rolled towards him, beeping happily. "Bee Bee - Eight! I missed you, pal!" The sphere then rolled quickly towards Serer as she bent down, releasing Gage's arm.

"Hello," She said with a smile, "I'm Serer."

Bee Bee - Eight whistled happily, bumping into Serer. Poe laughed at his little companion and couldn't help but smile, even though he was in pain. Serer caught the look of discomfort in Poe's eyes and stood, walking past Bee Bee - Eight and in front of him. He lowered his head slightly, his shaggy dark curls hanging over his eyes.

"Please, go rest." Pleaded Serer as Poe's eyes looked down into hers kindly. After debating what to do for a moment, Poe nodded as Serer reached up and quickly kissed his chin. He was indeed very tired.

Bee Bee - Eight, caught off guard by this action, rolled backwards slightly until he was summoned by Poe. The sphere whistled happily due to his best friend finding such a partner, especially one Bee Bee - Eight approved of as well. Gage, looking over at Serer, couldn't help but wonder what it was like to have such compassion for someone else.

"I think it's best we find General Organa, don't you?" She asked Gage, catching him in his gaze.

"That would be wise." He responded as the two made their way towards an entrance to the Base itself.

***

"Well, here you are, at last." Spoke General Organa as the pair was escorted to her. She embraced Serer, an action she was not expecting from a General. "Glad everyone's here in one piece, and in new pieces as well." She said, now embracing Gage.

"Thank you...For everything." Spoke Serer as General Organa placed a hand on her cheek, "We would have all been dead if it hadn't been for the help of the Resistance."

"And you, Gage, thank you for helping us save Serer. The Resistance is forever in you debt. You are our true hero, and we'll do whatever we can to repay you." Smiled General Organa, taking his hand into her own.

"I wish to join the Resistance and fight alongside you," Spoke Gage as his back straightened, "Please."

General Organa smiled at Gage for a moment, "Of course, and please, call me Leia. Where is Poe?"

"Poe was injured... I sent him to go rest." Stated Serer as she looked down for a moment, "The medics onboard the transport took very good care of him on the way back here."

General Organa's facial expressions now showed concern for her dear friend, "Where is he now?"

"Resting, I suppose." Responded Serer, not completely sure of Poe's whereabouts, "I'm not sure where."

Leia's eyes met Serer's for a moment, "Could we please have a word in private?" Spoke Leia as Gage nodded, leaving them alone in the room.

"So, you've met my son." Stated Leia as her eyes filled with sadness, "You must be very brave to continue this journey, even though you've been through so much already."

"Your son?" Questioned Serer while she tried to imagine who it could be.

"Kylo Ren." Leia spoke as she now walked past Serer, "You two have known each other for a very long time, haven't you?"

"He's your son? Wait, Han Solo is your husband... Luke Skywalker is your brother... Ben Solo is your son." Serer realized, her skin turning cold.

"You seem rather shocked?" Asked Leia, her eyebrow raising itself.

"I've never truly made the connection before... I'm sorry." Serer whispered as Leia kindly turned her head back towards her.

Leia then spoke, "I need you to tell me Luke's whereabouts."

"Luke abandoned me on Endor, and I haven't seen him since."

"He what?" Asked Leia as confusion flooded her face, "Why?"

"My training was complete, I suppose he didn't have a reason anymore to stay."

Leia sighed, "I thought you were going to be the one to solve all my questions. Nevertheless, you'll be a great help to the Resistance and our cause. You're a courageous girl, Serer, I honor you for that."

"I wish I could be of more help." Responded Serer, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"He has great compassion for you." Leia now spoke, staring into Serer's eyes sternly, "Possibly even more for you than her ever did me."

"Luke?" Scoffed Serer, "I highly doubt that, I'm not his sister like you are."

Leia paused for a moment, "Ben."