Trooper

Republic Refuge

Orto Plutonia: 11 BBY
"Survivor"
Ryn Alera

    Ryn struck up the heat generator as soon as she had returned to the ship. Feylin huddled beside it, letting out a small sigh of relief. The thin warmth filled the cabin at least. "If we keep the door shut, it'll stay warm in here," Ryn pointed out.

    Azie whistled and rolled over to her. Ryn nodded and handed the small bag of supplies to him. "Good luck," Feylin called as Azie slipped out the door.

    Ryn hunkered onto the bunk with Feylin. "How are you feeling?"

    "I've got a headache but that's it. I think I'll live," Feylin replied. "Do you think anyone will come for us?"

    "I hope so. I'm not sure we can get the ship to fly."

    "You mentioned LAATs at that Republic base. Do you think they'd fly?"

    Ryn shook her head. "They've been here at least nine years, if not more. The snow and ice would've corroded their power cells and engines beyond repair. They're probably frozen to the ground anyway."

    "Then I suppose the best we can do is try to send out a transmission," Feylin sighed.

    "If Azie can get the blasted thing to work. I tried all night," Ryn muttered. She squeezed her eyes shut and held her crystal in one hand. Its warmth was comforting.

    "Ryn?"

    "Hm?"

    "You wouldn't tell me what Arwen said was wrong with you. You said that it'll be better with time. Maybe I'm overthinking this, but are you..." Feylin began.

    "Yes," Ryn said, cutting her off. "I am."

    "How long have you known?"

    "Only since we left. Arwen said I'm a few months along at least, though."

    "Do you think it'll be ok?"

    "I hope so." She hadn't really let herself consider the possibilities. Ryn rubbed her forehead wearily.

    Azie burst into the room suddenly, whistling with concern. "There's an Imperial convoy headed our way?" Feylin repeated. "Why now? Why wouldn't they have come before?"

    "Because the snow is letting up now. Come on. We've got to get out of here." Ryn leaped to her feet and motioned for Feylin to get up. "We'll go to the Republic base. It's large enough to hide in, even if they come and search." She turned to Azie. "Az, I need you to gather everything we have here that could jeopardize the Rebellion. Once you have it, come to the base. Stay hidden if they reach the ship before you can leave."

    Azie straightened and whistled. Ryn rubbed his dome affectionately, before following Feylin off the ship. The cave was still biting cold as they took off running. Ryn grabbed the spear from where she'd left it and slung it over her back.

    "Um, what made that?" Feylin asked, her eyes widening slightly.

    "I have no idea." She could hear the hum of engines in the distance. "I'd say we could steal their ship but chances are, we'd just get shot down again. It's better if we convince them we're dead or something."

"Right, convince them. Another hour in this cold and we'll be really convincing," Feylin muttered.

"Come on." They slowed to a jog as they reached the cave opening. Ryn glanced out but saw no ships. It was a straight line to the base. They crept out of the cave and darted towards it. Wind whipped past them, flinging up snow. Thankfully, there wasn't an actual storm.