Star Wars: A Resistance Story. Book 1.

Chapter 9: Affavan.

Ly'ra flew over Affavan Prime slowly, the thick mist forcing her to slow down. Poe was silent next to her, his eyes trying to pierce through the grey clouds to have a better view of what was waiting for them. From what he could see, the city was quite large, with high and dark buildings, racetracks and arenas. This last vision was quite surprising and he frowned. Ly'ra, who followed his gaze, answered to his silent question.

"The Hutts always loved bets and fights. For a long a time, they sent their prisoners to fight against Rancors but here, they found something more thrilling: They send them to fight against gladiators. Professional killers who slaughter unarmed people in front of a happy public house!"

The pilot stayed silent. Even if, to be honest, the young woman's revelation wasn't really a surprise. The Outer Rim was known to be extremely dangerous and this, for at least a hundred years. The ship left Affavan Prime to fly over a little forest at the edge of the city. The woman made a skilled move and hid it carefully behind the trees. Once on the ground, she stopped all the engines, maintaining the hiding shields. She then stood up with Dameron and they both stepped out of the cockpit, followed by BB8.

They joined the rest of the crew who was waiting for them in the main room. All of them, except Niv, who was still laying in his bed. The two groups were still standing apart when Poe signed them to come closer. They then formed a circle and studied Ly'ra who was about to speak. She stared at the group, trying to find the good words. She never liked speeches but today, taking the lead of a mission with Dameron, they were all waiting for an advice or a warning from her.

"The mission is simple. The Commander Dameron, myself and some of you will go to Affavan Prime to find this man..."

Ly'ra made a sign for BB8 who showed an holo-image of a man in his forties. Black eyes and chestnut hair.

"His name's Valek. He might be in possession of the last Stygium Crystals. The Resistance wants them before the First Order. As you know now, this mission seems easy but, we're in the Outer Rim and this complicates a lot everything. Without talking about the Hutts who we will probably meet, there's a big chance that the First Order also knows about the Stygium and they could be on Affavan too. We're gonna leave with a very small group, so we won't be noticed. Niv is staying here, just like Bango. I need Dante and Switch just in case we need to force some locks. BB8 will also come with us. People staying in the Dawn will stay in perpetual contact with us and they'll have to make regular reports to Leïa. Any questions?"

In the end, her little speech went pretty good. The young woman studied the group once again, waiting for any interrogation but everyone stays quiet. She then turned towards Poe who was pointed at Jay.

"You're coming. Nodin you're staying so you can keep an eye on Niv. And his hands still need cares so someone needs to do his job for now."

The pilot nodded silently. He didn't discuss the orders. Ly'ra crossed her arms on her chest, smirking slightly.

"Now that we're all agreed, we're gonna lend you some clothes."

Seeing the surprised and interrogating gazes from Poe and Jaycris, the young woman let out a amused smile.

"Guys, you look like the typical Resistants! Dante, please take care of these men while I'm going to change."

With a small laugh, the woman disappeared into her room. If they wanted some kind of discretion, typical pilots outfits was a mistake. She chose her black trousers. It was close to her body and allowing her to fight without any problem. Her red leather bodice and her black coat. She tied her hair, changing her long brown curls into a braided bun. She then fixed her blaster to her waist and her leg and finished by hiding her laser daggers into her boots. A small gift from Dante when he took her in. They were very small light sabers, knife sized, with red blades. When she stepped out of her room, the young woman couldn't hold back a surprised smile seeing Dameron. The pilot was wearing military trousers, a beige shirt and a brown leather jacket. Ly'ra arched a brow, tilting slightly her head.

 "Nice... This jacket... It suits you... You should keep it..."

Poe tried and failed to hide his blushing cheeks, while ignoring Jay's laughing smile  behind him. But, if he wanted to be honest with himself, it wasn't just the young woman's compliment that made him turn red but also her outfit. The woman was a total showcase by herself. An awkward silence followed, only broken by Dante's throat clearing. Ly'ra and Poe turned to face the mercenary and the young woman put on her hood, taking the lead of the group and heading towards the trapdoor. The men behind her adjusted their weapons and left the Dawn, walking firmly towards Affavan Prime.