Star Wars: The Lost Jedi

Chapter XIV

Serer stared at General Organa for a moment of utter blankness. How was she supposed to respond to this? Her eyes seemed to grow larger and larger the more she thought about Ben Solo having compassion for her. She had also at one time shared compassion for him, but those feelings seemed to disappear. Serer could feel her heart beating quickly within her chest as her mind continued to process this information.
"I'm sorry... I can't-I can't stay here." Serer spoke quietly as she rapidly shook her head. Without another moments hesitation, she sprinted out of the room.
"Serer!" Leia called desperately after the girl, but could feel no hesitation in Serer's actions.

Serer ran through the winding hallways, passing other Rebel soldiers as they shot odd glances at her. If she could only find her way out of this place, she would be golden. All she would have to do was take an X-Wing and leave without being detected or followed. Serer suddenly stopped running, standing in the middle of the hallway as though she were frozen. Poe came to her mind. She couldn't leave him, even if she wanted to, but she knew he would never leave with her. Poe was too devoted to the cause and his General to ever think of following his heart.

Gage looked at Serer's unmoving figure for a moment, trying to decide what had happened to her. "Serer, are you okay?" He asked kindly, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Her heart was racing and breaking at the same time. "Gage, do you remember how I helped you?"
"Every day of my freedom." He responded.
"Now I desperately need you to help me."

Serer knocked on Poe's door for a moment, hoping he would answer. She was delighted when the door opened to reveal Poe looking quite concerned. His facial expression, however, lightened at the sight of Serer.
"Serer, are you-" Before he could finish, she had kissed him with such passion and devotion it had almost knocked him off his feet.
Serer knew tonight very well might be the last night she would ever see Poe, and it broke her heart into a million pieces.
Serer looked into Poe's eyes, which showed complete confusion and shock within them. "I love you, Poe Dameron. I've loved you since the first moment I saw you, but never had the gumption to tell you until now."
Poe smiled widely, picking Serer up in his arms and twirling her around the room. He kissed her cheeks sweetly. "I love you, Serer."
Little did Poe know what was going to follow the next morning. She was going to be gone and on another planet before he had even woken up.
Her face must have darkened, because Poe swiftly picked up her chin as though to look into her eyes. "You're planning something, and I would like to know what so I can help you."
"I'm not planning anything, I'm just thinking." Retorted Serer convincingly. "I probably should be going."
"You mean, you aren't going to stay?" Now his face shown that of complete and utter defeat.
Serer giggled, "No, Poe, not tonight."
She quickly reached up and kissed his scruffy chin before walking out the door. He was going to follow her, she knew he hadn't  quite trusted her yet when it came to honesty.

Serer rounded a corner to where Gage was waiting for her. His eyes looked dark and cold watching her approach him. He had reluctantly agreed to this plan after she had reminded him how she had saved him.
"It's up to you now, Gage. Thank you." Serer spoke silently, grabbing the backpack out of his hand.
"Why can't you just stay here? You're loved, safe, and cared for here. Seems pretty perfect to me." Gage whispered while shooting glances at Serer as she put on the supply backpack.
"Only if you understood why I had to leave, Gage. Now, go before he leaves." Said Serer.
Gage hugged Serer tightly. He had never given a hug before, but enjoyed it. His worst fear was losing people he loved, and she was one of them. A trustworthy friend, and a gracious ally.
"Don't worry, Gage. We'll see each other again." Serer spoke kindly, placing a kiss quickly upon his cheek.
She began walking down the opposite hallway as hot tears flooded to her eyes.
"Serer!" Gage called loudly, alarming Serer. "May the force be with you."
She nodded as the silent tears now rolled down her already flustered cheeks while watching Gage turn the corner to distract Poe. This was the end, and beginning, of her most perilous journey.

Gage suddenly burst into Poe's room, causing a grave look of alarm to take over his facial expressions.
"You need to go after her, you don't have much time." Gage said as Poe rose to his feet in a hurry.
"What are you talking about, Gage?"
"She's leaving. She's going to take an X-Wing and leave. If you don't stop her, she'll go, and you'll never get her back."
"Where would she be going? What planet?" Asked Poe with alarm.
"Hoth."

Serer had prepared the X-Wing, making sure no one was in sight. The engine roared as she placed the fighter helmet upon her head. Serer started to fly as soon as possible away from the base, leaving a heartbroken Poe and worried Gage in her dust.