Rise of the Order: A Star Wars Story

Chapter 22: Worries

Finn and Chewie were already outside the med bay when Rey came running with the two Council members, BB-8 rolling hurriedly beside them. The med bay wasn't as extensive as it could be, and was definitely not prepared for an outbreak of a deadly disease, but the Galacians did what they could. They sealed off anyone from coming in, and were dressed in the best protective gear they had--which wasn't much in Finn's opinion. Just a facemask and gloves. 

Finn was looking in through the windows, sullenly watching as some of the sick were placed on the floor. The sound of Rey's footsteps echoing in the catacomb-like hall broke him from his daze.

Chewie roared in greeting, and probably said a bunch of other stuff that Finn had no way of understanding. So he stood and admired Rey's hair instead, liking her sudden change of looks. Although he had no time to compliment her on it before she turned to him.

"So this has all happened this morning?"

Finn nodded, grimly. "I don't know how. We literally just got here."

"And we closed down all space traffic to and from the planet," Lila added. "How is this possible?"

Finn locked eyes with Rey. He had an idea, albeit not a pleasant one, and really didn't need the Council members listening. "Could we talk? In private?"

Rey just curtly nodded. She turned to the Council members. "Could you excuse us for a minute?"

The Council members didn't object, so the three stepped away with BB-8 at their heels. Once alone, Finn huddled them up, much to Rey's confusion. "Is there something wrong?" She asked.

"Maybe," Finn whispered. 

"Oh, so we're whispering?"

Finn gave a furtive glance around. "Yes. Listen, we have to consider the possibility that perhaps we carried the disease here from Celanon."

Chewie shook his head. 

"We were there, Chewie. We could have it."

"Then how come we're not in med bay ourselves?" Rey asked--not whispering at all.

Finn shushed her. "Could you please lower your voice?"

Rey rolled her eyes. "Finn, we don't have it."

"Well, we don't really know how it spreads--"

"Oh, stop being paranoid. Think. Those people got sick in about the same time as we have been here. If we were carrying the disease, we'd be in there with them."

Finn knitted his eyebrows. "Okay, you have a point," he agreed, the words slowly coming out at the pace of his understanding.

Chewie released a roar that sounded quite like a chuckle. 

"Don't laugh at me," Finn scowled. "I'm being cautious."

"It still leaves the question of how the disease got here," Rey stated, ignoring the two. 

"You heard my theory so...that's about all I can offer." Finn shrugged. "The First Order must've beaten us here, I guess."

It was probably the most obvious thing that Finn has ever said. But it got Rey's mind working like gears. "You're right," she nodded. "The First Order beat us here--before the borders were closed. Something, or someone, must be on the planet administering the disease." 

"So...you're saying they could still be here?" 

"Yes." Rey twirled her padawan braid in thought. "Or at least, they should still be. From here on out, we need to be vigilant. If we can catch the culprit, we might be able to save Gala."