𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 - DIN DJARIN

Chapter 7: The Attack

chapter 7: the attack •••

You heave out a breath as you stand on the deck just outside the hut, looking out at the small village around you. The fortifications are set, the farmers are ready, and the children are being escorted to safety. The sun's setting, cuing your departure to the attackers' camp. You try to cling onto Din's reassurance of not letting any change come your way, but you can't help doubting his words at the sight. The only fire you'll be sitting around is—hopefully—a burning AT-ST.

A hand touches your shoulder gently, yet you still jump a bit in surprise. You turn and see Din standing there, having just emerged from the hut. You smile sheepishly, embarrassed by your startled reaction.

"You ready for this?" Din asks you, his voice full of both determination and concern.

"Yeah," you answer, changing your expression to match your words. "Let's take that hunk of junk out."

You go to step forward, but Din stops you, placing his arm across your chest. You look over at him with a raised brow, and he takes his arm away slowly before facing you seriously. "Astra," Din begins, his modulated voice low and honest as he speaks. "I've been thinking."

He pauses, and you don't like the way his demeanor has suddenly changed. "About what?"

Din's helmet tilts a bit as he looks down at you. I just wish I could see his eyes, you think to yourself. I need to read them. "The plan." Once again, he stops, waiting to see your reaction. He continues when your look doesn't change. "I want you to stay here while Cara and I provoke the AT-ST."

Your eyes practically double in size at his words. "Din, are you serious?" The words fall out in a chuckle. "Only the two of you are going to go into that camp? I can't let that happen."

"Don't worry about us," Din assures you. "Two people are plenty. These are raiders, not soldiers."

"With an AT-ST," you remind him. You swallow hard, breaking your gaze with his visor. "Do you... not trust me—?"

"No." Din's response comes out firm and almost angry. Your head snaps back to him at the sound of it. He's straightened his head again to show his honesty. "I trust you more than anyone else." He sighs, taking a small step closer to you. "It's the people. They need a leader here, and you—you're the only one who's capable. I've watched the way you've led these people over the past few weeks, and it's nothing short of how you described your father last night." Your cheeks heat up at his complimentary words. "You, Cara, and I can all fight. But only you can lead."

You nod, understanding his words. "Thank you." You look past Din for a moment, allowing your gaze to study the farmers who are anxiously crowded together and nervously fidgeting with their guns and sticks. You then look back at him. "I'll lead these people as best as I can." Din gives you a nod, but you continue before he can say anything. "Even though I don't like the thought of separating from you during all this."

Din's grimace is almost audible through his helmet. "Me neither. Trust me." His modulated voice is gruff. "But at least I'll know that you're safe here while I'm gone."

"But I won't."

Din lifts his hand to your shoulder once again. "I'll be fine. Promise. Don't think about me." He turns around, pointing at the group of farmers. "Think about them."

You give him another nod. "I will." You put a hand over the one that's still resting on your shoulder. "Just... please, be careful. I'd hate to lose a companion I just made."

Din uses his free hand to take your hand between his, holding it between the both of you. "You won't." His modulated voice is so soft that you barely hear it, causing your lips to curl up in a small smile. He then drops your hand and turns away, stepping off the deck and heading towards the group of anxious farmers. You follow him, taking a deep breath to suppress your worries and fulfill your duties as a leader.