The New Empire

Chapter 2 - Hush Now

Liv was mesmerized by the inside of the base. Everything was so bright and weird, but she loved it, especially the funny little droids. So much new things happened to her today. She was afraid she'll fall as her whole life took a turn. Although she was also a bit scared. She didn't want to fight against anyone. She was always the quiet, peaceful type who constructed detailed plans to avoid conflict, even if that sometimes meant her defeat. I just want peace. Why can't there just be peace? She started to ask this question more often as time flew. After taking the labyrinth like corridors they arrived to a grandiose conference room. The newly arrived officers were an open book for Liv. Sheer excitement with just a hint of suspicion. Maybe the Resistance wasn't lost after all? A new hope? - They thought. Liv took her place next to Leia. As she looked around slight nervousness blushed her usually pale cheeks. The cultivated and lettered officers' uniforms were spotless and bright while the hanging vials and sachets kept clanking on her rough leather belt, as her thick fur pelerine brought the fresh mountain air wherever she went.

"Liv, if you would tell something about yourself. We need to know everything, so we can help you." Leia felt Liv's anxiousness as her shaky hands tapped a disturbed beat on the glass table, and gave her a warming look.

"There's really nothing special in me." Liv started in a shy voice. "I was abandoned when I was little, I can't even remember my parents. A local landlord adopted me. I grew up in the village with the other children, but as far as I can remember I could always feel this call that kept growing stronger. But there was no one who could have explained this to me. In fact, if anyone would ever find it out they would have probably killed me for witchcraft. I became a simple shepherd and started to live a usual life until you came." Silence. She bit her lips as she felt how everyone was so fixated on her, but again without any threat.

"What's the earliest memory you can remember in your lifetime?" Leia asked with warmth.

"It's all blurred," It was hard for her to recall those events. "but maybe that I was tossed out from a spaceship-like thing and handed to that tyrant." Anger widened her pupils. Her own parents just left her, as if she was a boring and forgotten pet, who became too big and overwhelming.

"Interesting, just like me." Rey mumbled. She has obviously found some connection.

"We'll have time later to discuss that." Leia let go off the topic. "Right now, we need to plan out how we are going to destroy the First Order once and for all. But that is sure that Rey is going to start your training tomorrow. Rey do you think you can do it?"

"Of course, Ma'am." She was actually happy and excited. This was her time to shine and truly find out if she has learned her lessons well enough.

"So first of all, our main target is Kylo Ren. We need to capture him dead or alive." A picture of Ren popped up on a hologram.

Liv's blood froze in her veins as her heart pounded desperately to prevent her from fainting. It can't be. It can't be! A painful, internal scream echoed in the space between her bones and soul. No! NO! Suddenly everything started to blur together, maybe it was the tears she couldn't let fall down. Her sight became fuzzy, she was afraid she'll loose her head. She grabbed the side of the table until her fingers went white, so she wouldn't fall and faint. She couldn't normally function anymore. Her eyes were foggy opal, her gaze blank and meaningless. Her dry lips sometimes parted as if they wanted to cry out for help, but no words escaped her troubled mind. She remained mute until the end of the meeting, barely listening to the arguing officials.

Even though they tried their best, it was difficult for the Resistance to come up with a truly good plan. For now they settled on simple terms. Gather more weapons and troops, while staying hidden, lurking in the shadows. Liv had to get outside and clear her thoughts. Her eyes filled with subtle wonder when a beautiful sunset welcomed her. It was the second time this day she heard determined steps behind her back.