High Heavens (Star Wars - Luke Skywalker)

XXXI - In the Trench

"You can land there, in that field," Lorelei said, leaning over Mara's shoulder. She pointed through the cockpit window.

Mara squinted, leaning over the controls. "Seems a little exposed. Are you sure it's safe?"

A cave, or even a narrow ravine, would be better. Mara could outmaneuver most Empire craft in tight spaces - if the Death Star was any indication. An open field? She had a better chance of getting blown up than getting away.

"Positive. The Imperial encampment is on the other side of the forest. They've been flying in from the south. We've never seen a ship come past our village. It'll be safe."

Although skeptical, Mara agreed to it, landing the Starbird into the grassy clearing. The lowering of the ship alerted the rest of the passengers that they'd arrived; Mara found Strata and the clones waiting in the longue.

"I should warn you," Delta started, "some of our people are, uh, skittish. New faces are rare around these parts. At least they have been lately. So if anyone is, uh, less than welcoming, don't, you know, take it personally."

Mara nodded. "Noted." Not that she thought it would be a problem. She had developed pretty tough skin.

The six of them (including Blinky) filed off the ship, the two clones at the lead. A cold breeze enveloped them, causing the rolling plains of green to dance. Mara pulled her jacket tight around her.

"Hmm."

Mara looked over to Strata. "What?"

"Reminds me a bit of Stewjon," Strata said.

"Your home planet?" Mara straightened up a bit. Strata never talked about her home planet - or anything else about her life before the Rebellion.

Strata nodded. "Yeah. Lots of grass. Open fields. Not much else. I bet the star gazing here is great. It was always so cloudy on Yavin IV."

Mara looked up at the cloudless blue skies above, and had to agree.

The village came into view as they peaked over one of the green hills. Nestled at the bottom of a cliffside were a few dozen small huts surrounded by a plains of farmland. The huts had a dome-shape, some of them connected by long corridors. They seemed a bit small to fit whole families.

"This way," Delta told them, gesturing to a long stone staircase, etched into the face of the mountain. "And watch your step."

Mara followed after Strata, keeping one hand on the wall to steady herself on the descent. The fall probably wouldn't kill her. She enjoyed having enough bones to shoot a blaster, though.

Chatter rose out of the village as Mara's group approached. A few droids farmed out in the fields, sowing and harvesting plants that Mara didn't recognize. The villagers mulled throughout the area. Some chased children around the circular huts. A few women carried baskets of fresh vegetables and wheat. Outside of some houses there were fire pits, where stew cooked over an open fire. Mara's stomach growled at the sight of real food; something other than Rebellion rations.

"Delta, Dusty."

A voice drew her attention, and Mara turned to see a woman walking up to them. Black, triangular markings were peppered over her pale green skin. A Mirialan. She carried a basket of fruit balanced against her hip, her expression inquisitive.

"It's good to see you all safe," she said. "Lorelei sent a transmission, about Calla." She shook her head. "I'm sorry."

Delta nodded, hefting out a sigh. "Thanks, Le'."

"Kirrie put Calla's name on our altar, too," the Mirialan woman said. "I know you're not much of a religious man, but..." She shrugged. "She thought it would help."