Destinations {Poe Dameron}

VII: Maz Kanata

As we continued to fly through space at lightspeed, I had wondered to the back helping to tend to Chewbacca's wounds. I was lost in my thoughts. How am I, an ally of the First Order here. Helping rebels? I didn't bother to ask what has gotten into me, I know that if I dare make one mistake. Or say one thing out of line, or at least going past the line wherever that may be. That I'd be back in handcuffs, or possibly worse. I doubted it due to the fact my mind stored valuable information about the First Order, Kylo Ren, Snoke and so much more.

"I'm taking you to Maz Kanata's watering hole, she'll help you get to the Resistance base." Han announced walking into the area of the ship the four of were in. Rey followed closely. I knew that name, I can't remember how. But I know she's old, like super old. And honestly, I didn't care. I droned out their conversation, it wasn't long until we reached the planet.

Rey rushed out, stating how she could never imagine this much green in the entire galaxy. She looked around amazed, I rolled my eyes.

Just wait till you see Endor.

I walked further towards the water than the group that stayed near the ship. I began tying my hair up, a bun that rested on the back of my head. I pulled out a larger square piece of cloth, tying it in front of my face. And pulling my hood up. If I remember correctly, Maz Kanata's watering hole was crawling with spies from both sides of the war.

I received a look from the group, shrugging my shoulders.

"Kou, you're with us. Chewie is still hurt and needs to stay with the Falcon." Han stated handing me a blaster. Nodding, I was ready for something to go wrong again, because for some reason this last week nothing has gone right. We took off for Maz's palace.

"Solo, why are we here again?" Finn asked nervously, scoping out the greenery.

"To get your droid on a clean ship." He muttered, he wasn't wrong.

"Clean?" Rey asked, even though she had proven before to know nearly everything about Han Solo and his career as a smuggler she failed to understand the situation.

"If you think that they randomly stumbled upon their stolen ship, you're wrong. Their scanners picked us up, and you should know from just that. That the First Order is not far behind us." Solo nodded at me, affirming what I said.

"Wanna get BB-8 to the Resistance? Maz Kanata's our best bet." Han told her, we continued walking along our path. Until we reached the entrance to the courtyard. Above us stood a statue, with flags lined up surrounded the sky.

"We can trust her right?" Finn said as we reached the door.

"Relax, kid. She's run this watering hole for a thousand years. Maz is a bit of an acquired taste... so let me do the talking." Han informed him, before opening the door he turned back, "And whatever you do, don't stare."

"At what?" The three of us asked in unison. Our eyes darted between us.

He lifted his hands, trying to find the words. "Any of it." Han opened the doors, and that's when we could hear the music. Smell the food, and alcohol flowing about. Creatures of all forms were gathered. Having a good time, as good of a time with a war at hand. An orange little being turned towards the door.

"Han Solo!" She called out, the entire bar went silent. Looking at us, and deeming our band not worthy of their time.

"Oh, boy. Hey Maz." He sauntered to the old alien. She looked around us.

"Where's my boyfriend?" She glared at Solo. He rolled his eyes.

"Chewie's working on the Falcon."

She looked at us, eyes resting on each of us for a decent amount of time.

"I like that wookie." She turned around and began walking further into the establishment, motioning for us to follow her. "I assume you need something. Desperately. Let's get to it." She sat at a table filled with food. They began talking about BB-8, about a woman, and about the First Order. When Finn had an outburst.

"There is no fight against the First Order. Not one we can win. Look around. There's no chance we haven't been recognized already. I bet you the First Order is on their way right-" He was cut off by Maz crawling across the table, knocking over food and drinks as she went. She fixed her glasses.

"What's this? What are you doing? Solo, what is she doing?" Finn leaned back, nervous of what the old woman was doing.

"I don't know. But it ain't good." Han Solo relaxed into his chair. I placed a supportive hand on Finn's shoulder. Maz took notice of this, looking at me then to Finn.

"If you live long enough... You see the same eyes in different people. I'm looking at the eyes of a man who wants to run. And the eyes of a woman with a scaring past, lead astray by a lie." Maz now was looking at me. I retracted my hand from Finn, as he sat there breathing heavily.

Moving over to where Han sat, I leaned down to our pilot, "I'm going to walk around and keep an eye out."

I didn't allow him to say anything, I just left. Hand on my blaster that was hidden. How dare she? How dare she look at me like that, and how dare she say my destiny was a lie. I saw the pilot shoot my home, it was a stormtrooper who came to my aid. Finn was having another fit, I made my way outside.

I wasn't keeping look, I needed air. After having that alien look into me, I felt violated. It wasn't too long until Finn walked out with two other aliens. He didn't see me.

"Finn! Where are you going?" I called out, he turned to me.

"Odessa," I flinched at the name, "come with me, we can escape the First Order the Resistance." He belted out, I looked at him quizzically.

"What do you mean?" But before any answer could come from him, bright red streaks were seen in the sky. And suddenly it wasn't just us, everyone and thing was outside. There were explosions in the sky, like fireworks in space. The First Order, they destroyed the Republic.

"It was the Republic. The First Order, they've done it. Where's Rey?" Finn announced frantically. Maz held something, something I never thought I'd see other than from Kylo Ren. A lightsaber.

"I've had this for ages. Kept it locked away." Maz informed us.

"Where'd you get that?" Han said almost accusingly, he knew whose it was.

"A good question, for another time. Take it, find your friend! Those beasts. They're here." She uttered in disgust. My hands twitched, Han Solo took notice of it.

"Hey, kid. Remember the consequences." He warned me.

I sucked in a breath nodding, now is not the time to get killed.