The Other Solo

Chapter 12

"The Resistance... will not be... intimidated." Poe struggles to get out.

He's bruised and bound to a torture table as an omnious figure sits before him. His breaths are labored as sweat and blood drip down his face. Jaina can sense the fear and pain within him but can do nothing.

The figure raises his hand and Poe's face distorts in agony. The back of his head slams against the table causing a loud thud to vibrate throughout the dank room. Poe releases a gut wretching scream that causes Jaina's blood to curtle. She feels hands tightly around her shoulders shaking her violently.

"Jaina!"

She opens her eyes to see the look of concern on her father's face. Disoriented she looks around to find herself in her bedroom.

"It was just a dream." Han soothes helping her sit up.

Jaina shudders uncontrollably as tears flow from her eyes. "It felt so real."

Another vision.

"It's all right now..." Han rocks her back and forth in his arms. "Maybe you should sit this one out."

"No, no I'm fine. I can still go." Her voice is raspy and trembling.

Han pauses and looks down at her with a frown.

"Really, Papa... I'm good now. Besides I'm the only one that knows where and what to look for."

He contemplates this before shaking his head. "It's too soon..."

"I'm going!" Jaina says sternly pushing her father away. "You can't do this without me! It was my idea!"

A smirk spreads across Han's face. "Stubborn and strong willed just like your mother."

"And my father." She winks at him.

She follows Han closely out the door and down the staircase. At any sound they freeze and slip into the shadows until the coast is clear. The palace is eerie and still which reminds Jaina of the Jedi temple before the attack. Beads of sweat form around her mouth and on her brow. She feels the begins of a panic attack and struggles to stifle it. 

They manage to tiptoe out the front door and into the cool night air. The panic begins to dissipate with each step away from the palace. 

Han had Chewbacca move the ship into the woods far from the palace in hopes it wouldn't wake anyone when they take off. As they approach Chewie has already begun to start the engines.

Han takes his seat in the pilot's chair with Chewie in the Co-pilot seat. Jaina can't help smile at the familiar sight of the two of them as she sits behind Chewie.

"Did Poe leave already?" Jaina asks once settled.

"Yes, a few hours ago for his recon trip. Chewie, has he contacted us yet?"

Chewie lets out a slight growl and Han translates, "He's orbited around the planet and doesn't see anything or anyone."

Jaina relaxes a bit knowing he's safe. Maybe it was just a dream and not a vision.

"Hang on!" Her father yells over his shoulder as he launches into the atmostphere.

From a distance Leia stands on a balcony and watches the Millenium Falcon take off.

"Be careful." She whispers.