The Lady of Ren

Quatervois

You take BB.

He slides atop the sand with no care in the world, his spherical body twisting and turning madly. A few times he's chirped at Kylo and you assume he's speaking to you through the intimidating knight. But of course the brooding man doesn't translate and, instead, ignores the little droid.

You pat BB on his head, carefully avoiding his antenna. "It's alright, BB. We wouldn't let anything happen to you."

At this, you hear Kylo scoff. You hit him on the shoulder.

BB groans at the ragged sight of Mos Eisley. He tilts his head in your direction as though to say, "Are you sure?"

Hux exhales dramatically. "Gods, this place is a disaster. It's even worse at night."

The city of Mos Eisley has been lit up. The mud caked buildings show signs of life within, as the firelight flickers brilliantly against the stone establishments. Drunken creatures exit cantinas, reeking of alcohol. A few sober civilians seem to be walking home after a long day, as they carry tools underneath their arms.

BB makes a low noise; it sounds distressed.

"He's just being dramatic," Kylo mutters, referring to the droid. He walks onward.

You make a noise in your throat. "Hilarious, coming from you."

While Hux and Kylo argue about where to go, you and BB people watch. You notice that there's barely any women out. You've seen a couple but concluded they were prostitutes by their garb and heavy makeup. They stand in entryways of smelly establishments, disoriented, and babbling on about cheap sex.

A human woman with a head of bright red hair and thick lashes stalks up to Kylo. She seems to be the only sober(ish) prostitute you've seen so far (as she hasn't waddled or tripped over herself like her companions...yet).

"Hey handsome," she says in basic. Her voice is higher than yours; it glides off her tongue like honey. She reminds you of a damaged, fairy-tale-like creature. "Looking for some fun tonight?" Her words are rehearsed. You feel your stomach drop for her.

Kylo's face tells that woman that he isn't interested but she doesn't quit.

"How 'bout you?" she turns to Hux and winks.

Hux seems extremely uncomfortable; you know this only because you've so recently seen him blush for the first time. To an outsiders point of view, he seems as put together as a military man can be; but you notice the subtle way he situates his feet and clears his throat.

She sighs once more and finally turns to you. "What about you? I don't usually do girls but...you're kinda pretty." She smiles, open mouthed, and her breath smells like rotted teeth. Your stomach churns and you feel queasy.

You twitch your lip. "No thanks."

"Oh, why not? Is mister tall-dark-and-handsome givin' it to you?" She pauses, eyes sneaking towards Hux whose eyes are narrowed. "Or the ginger maybe? He seems more your type." She reaches out to pet your hair but you grab her wrist.

"Don't," you warn her. Your voice drops an octave.

"What?" she turns to the two men who stop in their tracks rather abruptly. You see Kylo's fists clenching at his sides and you understand it's taking everything in him to not blow his cover. "Strike a nerve? Does the broody man not know you have the hots for red here?"

Anger was penetrating within you. How dare she assume something so serious? Besides, this was Hux she was talking about.

You clench her wrist tighter in your hand. "Go find someone else to barter with, you rotted mouth bi..."

BB starts to beep wildly, interrupting your threat. He turns to a man carrying a plate of hot meat; its delicious aroma fills the air. At least, that's what you assume he's referring to.

But then you see the orange and white droid.

You drop the woman's hand. "You will leave now," you say, staring deep into her dull eyes.

The woman blinks, her entire persona changing instantly. "I will leave now." She walks towards a cantina robotically.

Once she's gone, you point in the direction of the BB unit across the way. Kylo tenses and Hux immediately recognizes the droid. All of you do.

Except BB, because he's now darting towards his fellow droid in a maniacal speed.

"BB!" you shout. You glance desperately at Kylo. "They don't know my face," you sputter. "I have to get him."

Kylo opens his mouth to protest but slams it shut when you hear the mutual, mechanical squealing from BB's direction.

You don't wait for his permission; you don't need it.

Dodging various civilians, you jog towards the two spheres. They beep at one another in friendly conversation despite their opposite affiliations. You're about to bait your droid away when you see an olive-skinned man with thick, black hair walking towards you. He's donning a brown leather jacket and trousers but you know he's a resistance pilot. Your hands immediately bring the hood of your gown over your face, covering the majority of your observable identity. BB continues to chirp happily at his new friend.

"Hey there." The man smiles brilliantly at you. He pats the orange and white droid. "I see you've got a BB unit too."

You nod mutely.

"He's a strange color. Black and grey? I've never seen one of those," he muses.

BB-4 begins to say something but you softly kick his side. Your little droid stops his yapping immediately.

"How'd you find him?" he asks you, bending down to inspect the behaved droid. Your muscles clench.

"My husband gave him to me," you say. You realize that it's the truth...for once.

"Did he find him at an outpost?" the man pets BB and your droid chirps sweetly.

You shake your head. "I'm not sure."

"Hmm..." the man says. He stands up, wiping his hands together before stretching one out to you. "I'm Poe Dameron."

You shake his calloused hand mechanically. "Nice to meet you."

He waits for a moment. "And you are...?"

The first name that pops in your head comes sputtering out of your mouth. "Lyla. Gnight. With a G."

Poe smiles handsomely. "Well, Lyla...with a G. It was very nice to meet you." He glances down at your patient friend. "And very nice to meet you, too."

BB sings a sweet reply and nudges your calf.

"He really likes you," Poe says with a grin. "Droids sense the good in people."

You can't help your lips from spreading into a faint smile. "Thank you," you mumble sheepishly. You turn on your heels, sauntering towards the two men cloaked in the shadows.