Danger Zone

Chapter 2: Relief

It has been several days now, and still no word on my sibling's condition. Everyone was starting to tell that my worry was slowly increasing day by day and were always giving me soft, soothing comforts. But they don't help too much. The reassurances only aid in keeping my hope of seeing Poe again or at least knowing what has happened to him. All the while, I try to carry on my duties to assist in distracting me from the possible dreadful occurrences that are brewing in dreams of my one and only sibling's demise. Each time I sleep, I wake in cold sweat; each time I close my eyes, brutal images of my brother being beaten, bloodied and pale in appearance appear into my vision. It's one long and nightmarish wait for at least one word....one single word....on the leader of the X-Wing squadron known as Black Squadron and a dear sibling.

But, at long last, we receive news. No, better than news.

Everyone starts crowding the landing area, where a foreign ship is being landed while General Leia and I arrive a little late due to us conversing about Poe. Yes, indeed, it is an unfamiliar ship but a familiar face emerges from it and receives many warm greetings from everyone. Until things go quiet as they make way for the General and I.

As soon as I see him, as soon as my eyes lay upon his friendly and fraternal face, I can't help it. He's 'home'. My brother has returned at long last. I sprint to him as soon as we make eye-contact, ending up in a forever needed, tight embrace that almost brings relieved tears to my eyes. A brotherly kiss is placed upon my head and I can't help letting a single tear stream from my tired eye, down my soft cheek and dissolving into Poe's shirt. Within a moment, we have forgotten where we are, who is around us and what is going on in the galaxy; none of it matters in this moment.

It feels like a lifetime before we finally break from the hug, but it's only been a mere minute. I gaze at Poe's face again, taking in every detail like as if it is going to be my last time to do so. There were few scratches, cuts and bruises, at least a couple of days old and minor; the most noticeable ones being the cut on his right cheek and the two nicks side-by-side on his lip. It disheartens me slightly to see them but looking into his kind, caring eyes lifts my spirits.

"I feared the worst," I admit in a soft voice, sounding like I am on the edge of crying in both happiness and sadness.

Giving me one of his reassuring smiles and gently gripping my shoulders, my older brother replies in the same tender tone "I'm sorry, my dear sister."

With Poe pulling me into another brotherly hug, we're reminded of where we are and who is around by spontaneous cheering that starts off small but ripples as everyone catches onto it. It is a happy moment that every single individual at the Resistance Base on D'Qar knows will end shortly but are savouring each and every passing second....but nowhere near as much as us two siblings. We both know it had been torture for the other, being separated like this; having been inseparable our whole lives, especially after our parents' deaths. And now, being reunited with one another after what seemed to us like an eternity, feels so overwhelmingly emotional that it is difficult resisting the stinging threat of tears lurking in my eyes.

The Base quietens down once more as Poe and I pull away while General Leia steps forward. In the back of my mind, I feel slightly guilty and sorry for Leia as my eyes look upon her hopeful mixed with haunted eyes; she hadn't seen her twin brother, Luke, in a couple of decades and is in desperate search for him for his aid in this riling battle. And here Poe and I are, embracing each other again after the dangers Poe had faced in his quest. Poe, too, turns his attention to the superior officer and walks to meet her halfway with me by his side, my line of sight drawing to the ground.

"It's good to have you back safe and sound, Poe Dameron," the General welcomes with her slightly gravelly and exhausted voice that always has gentleness and motherliness; saying his name with much calm joy as if he had come back to life.

With humbleness enlaced in his voice, my brother returns the greeting with "It's good to be back, General. Although, there is much I need to brief you on and little time to do so."