AWAKEN

86

WALKING THE base of D'Qar was fifteen year old, Amara Solo, for the first time. She had been escorted by a few Resistance soldiers that her mom had offered to bring her to the base. Amara had known so much about the Resistance, and not just from what the New Republic was saying about it.

Her mother was Leia Organa after all.

"Solo, huh?" A female voice gained her attention.

Amara halted by a few X-Wings being tinkered by mechanics. One had been looking at her, another female human. The female woman looked to be about nineteen, maybe a little older.

"Uh, yeah." Amara nods saying, "I'm Amara Solo."

The woman placed her tools in her tool box, "I know who you are. The General has mentioned you so often to us, that I basically know all about you."

Amara awkwardly smiles, "Oh uh- really?" She asks, "My mom talks about me in the middle of war?"

The other woman smiles, "Of course. We all know how important family is to the General." She says.

Amara frowns a little bit.

The woman seemed to understand how hard that comment might have hit the younger woman. So the mechanic stepped over to her.

"I'm Vira, Vira Kalo." Vira introduced.

Amara smiles a little, "It's nice to meet you," She says.

Vira held a smile, "Look, I know it might be a little hard coming here after what had happened with your-," Vira paused, "You know what, I am not going to mix myself up in the General's family business."

Amara raises an eyebrow.

"Besides the point," Vira continues, "I know being here without knowing anyone is going to be hard. You'll fit in soon, and obviously find a place that you work great at."

Amara smiles a little, "Maybe politics might be my strong suit," She says, "If my mom can handle them, it can't be that hard."

Vira giggles a little, "Such a spitfire, huh?" She asks, "I think I'm gonna like you, Mar."

Amara hesitates for a moment, "Uh- um."

Vira's eyes widen, "Oh shit," She shakes her head, "Did I overstep?"

Amara then shakes her head.

It felt nice. It felt genuine that someone just gave her a nickname. It had been years since she had a nickname.

"No- No it's, uh, it's great." Amara says, "Thanks."

Vira nods, "Oh- Oh okay, good." She says, "Why don't I give you a tour?"

Amara smiles, "I'd appreciate that, Vee." She says.

Vira gives Amara a grin, "Ah, so I get one too, huh?"

Amara also grins.

It felt right. It felt natural. Them just casually talking.

Bonding.

It felt like years since Amara had someone who wasn't a tutor or a bodyguard who spoke to her. She felt so isolated for years. After the death of Ben and after her father leaving, her life felt so empty, hence her joining the Resistance. Better be closer to family than alone.

Amara and Vira walked the entire base. They saw the command center, the med center, the mess hall, the quarters, the droids, the staff, and lastly the hangar.