Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Flying an old and broken-down TIE fighter was not the best decision she made, but it was a quick one: a smart one, a smart one at the moment. Already busting the tracking wires the second she got into the pit, so they couldn’t follow her when they realized she went AWOL. She was lucky this rust bucket had enough power to jump into hyperspace to the nearest planet. 

The second she could see the stars in a singular place, alarms started to blare in her ears, and a red flashing clouded her vision. Unfortunately, not unexpected. Flipping the emergency switch…dead the switch it’s… she’s going to die in this scrap if she doesn’t do anything. Quickly, she pointed herself to the planet, having the thrusters push her into the gravitational pull, switched the engines off, and started to free-fall into the atmosphere. Ignoring the flames growing around her, making her sweat, cooking her alive. Breaking the atmosphere, she saw the large green masses before crashing down into them. 

 Now lying down in an unknown forest, with the TIE fighter stuck between broken trees and mud, her consciousness gave out.

Waking up, pain shot through her nerves. Groaning, she sinks back down into the soft cot she rested on. Blinking the crust around her eyes, there’s a dim light on a table beside her, causing her to recoil at the brightness. Squinting, seeing that there are tables filled with jars, plant life, and piles of rags. Looking down at herself, she’s covered in a pale color blanket covering everything but her head when she hears footsteps approach her and shuts her eyes the second the door creaks open. 

The footsteps pace back and forth before getting closer to her. A warm, wet cloth brushes over her face as a finger brushes away her bangs. She hears what she assumes is the towel in a bowl of water brushing over her face again before the figure leaves for one of the desks. Taking this opportunity, she opens her eyes, trying to figure out who her captor is. The person has their dirty golden hair tied back into a high bun. A faded green tunic over a sapphire blue shirt. The cuffs were wrapped with brown wool as makeshift gloves. Around their waist was a worn obi that was equipped with pouches with green vines peaking out and a cylinder container. Tan pants covered with unknown stains with a knife were strapped to their right leg, and high-worn out boots that had their laces tied around their calf. 

Not a threat…unless they’re poisoning or experimenting on me.

The figure turned around, and she closed her eyes again, pretending to sleep while plotting to get possible answers and an escape. The blanket over her peeled off, revealing her body to the cold air.

“Sorry, sorry.” The voice whispers, soft and soothing, but their attention is on her wound. The bandages they placed on her must’ve been soaked with her blood. Hearing a sticky sound peel from her and into a container beside the two. Finally, the last layer was freed from her wound, exposing it to the air like the rest of her. Peeking an eye, she can see that the wound around her abdomen was burned, showing the weakened pink side. The person must’ve had another bowl out of her sight when she felt a cool gel brush over a small part of it. The shock made her squeeze her open eye shut and twist her head away. The person stopped at the sound of her movement, and she forced herself to calm down so they could continue without knowing she was awake. Slowly steadying her breathing from the ‘I’m awake from the pain ’ to ‘I rest once more, ’ a simple lie.

They either were convinced that she was still asleep or didn’t care yet continued with their task. The gel made the ache ease off, and just a bit cold. Relaxing into it, she let them do their thing. New bandages were placed over it, sealing her wound from the world. Finally, the blanket was covering her again, warming her up. A click above her head, and they moved away from her to put away their supplies. She couldn’t turn her head fast enough to try to get a glimpse of their face before hearing the door open and shut again. Leaving her alone once more.

Opening her eyes, the room was dim save for the small window letting the fresh air in. The sun was setting from the growing shadows on the walls.

More sleep won’t hurt. Shutting her eyes, exhaustion washed over her.

Some sort of animal must’ve been in the person’s care or happened to fly right to the open window to scream at her. Her eyes flutter open to glare at the beast. However, her body still ached. Arms heavy and sore, legs still stiff, even her feet felt heavy and cramped as if she had walked up mountains earlier in the week. And the noise it made slowly drove her mad, and a splitting headache started to arise.

Because of distraction, she failed to notice the footsteps, and the door swung open. Revealing the same person again in different color robes, a pale yellow undershirt, but the same getup.

“Hush, you.” Making her way to the window and ‘closing’ the entry with a shade. “Ah, you’re awake again.” Green eyes met brown. Crap. “Sorry to break it to you, but your hands gripping the sheets the other week gave you away.” The stranger smiles, showing off her dimples, filling out the strong yet soft jawline she has. She has golden brown brows as freckles litter her face. “I’ll grab you something to eat and drink in a moment. We have to get these cleaned first.” Gesturing to her covered body. 

Light on her feet, she wasted no time getting the towel, a bowl of water, and medicine, and sat right beside her. Pulling back the covers, she sees her body again, but in a better state. Fewer bandages were scattered around, and pale marks were left behind from whatever wounds she suffered from the crash. Layers of clothes faded with little brown were peeled off. The largest wound and her source of agony was healing nicely. She can see it get smaller, light pink skin slowly crawling back. The cool gel returned, but less of it, and layers of new bandages were placed.

“I have to check your foot.” 

What-

 “When I found you, it was pinned, and I was worried that I had to amputate it to get you. But luckily, your small stature, no offense, well, the fighter is already big itself. And you weren’t in a flight suit, and those are- I digress. I got you out in one piece, but it was injured and swollen, so you won’t be able to walk around alone for some time and without some sort of help.” Covering her chest, she uncovers her feet, revealing her left foot bandaged and raised on a couple of pillows. Her other foot only had whatever cuts that had been healed, but her left… she was scared of what was underneath the wraps. Its outer layer was white still, but if she was bleeding, the layers could be brown to black, absorbing whatever oozed out.

“I need to check the healing. Tell me if it hurts too much, okay?” She can only nod; she needs to see the damage itself. The layers peeled back, she was right in a way. The inner layers were brown and revealed what was red-brown and irritated skin. Gently, a finger brushes over the side where the wound ends. She flinches. “Okay, good, that’s good. Uh, sensory-wise.” A reassured smile before dipping her fingers into the gel and glazing over the wound. But she couldn’t hold still; it burned, making her want to cry.

“Take a deep breath for me. Slowly, there you go. As much as you might want to speed this process up, I’m afraid I can’t for your safety.” Grumbling, she turns away from the awful sight of her foot and back into the room. Cool gel met her skin, and she resisted kicking outward. 

She can see more of the room in detail in the morning or midday light. It’s decorated with scrolls scribbled with plants and their uses, and some of the hanging plants have a different colored tag. She guessed it's a sorting method. Piles of paper stacked beside it were all ragged on the edges from being held. There was an extension of the room around the corner where she could see a curtain pulled back, revealing a dark bag covered in dirt and leaves. Then a pile of metal sticks and flat steel stains with blood. 

Was that all…

“All done!” Tearing her eyes away, her foot was neatly wrapped up again. She couldn’t feel pain, just the weird numbness. “I highly suggest you don’t move at all. Well, more like try to move your foot flexion and extension movement, or up and down, in easier terms. Moving it left to right shouldn’t irritate it much, but I wouldn’t try it.” Finally covering her feet again, the woman gathered the supplies and placed them on a table. She opened a silver lid against the wall, and a faint orange glow came across her body. She watched her grab the bowl of used bandages into the pit, where sizzling met her ears. 

A fire pit must be small so it doesn’t burn any of the plants around.

“Alright, as I promised, I’ll get you food. You must be starving after being out for so long. And couldn’t exactly feed you when you're unconscious. I’ll be back, so sit tight!” Clearing her throat, the woman left with the bowls.

Left alone with her thoughts, she realized how dry her lips felt. Throat dry from being dehydrated for however long. 

She did say it’s been a while, and at the state of my wounds…

The footsteps return, and the healer returns with a tray in hand. Closing the door with a foot, she sets the tray on the flat surface beside her head.

 “Ah, I should’ve checked earlier, but your arms. Do you think you can lift them? I know your hands have been fine since the other day, but that could be more of a reaction rather than control, since you seem surprised that I knew you were awake. You might not feel them.” Lifting the blanket once again, showing a lightly bandaged arm. “Let’s start easy. Can you try moving your fingers?” Following her suggestion, she felt the muscles in her hands and managed to wiggle her fingers. Moving them side to side, up and down, even though it was slightly painful, she tested her grip on the sheets. “Great! That’s good,” a hand gently grasps hers. “Any pain?” A light squeeze, so she shakes her head. “Alright, now just your forearm. Bend your elbow as much as you can.” More of a struggle, but she manages a couple of inches upwards before having to set it down. “Ah, expected, but not to worry. Let’s do your left side now.” Peeling the blanket to double over her lower limbs, exposing her torso again. Her face warmed up. “Same process, okay?” Sighing-

I can’t- Trying again, nothing.

“Ah, okay, stop. Stop. Not worth straining an already strained muscle.” Covered once again, “Well, at least we know where to start. But first things first.”

No way she’s going to-

“Like it or not, but your arms would hate you for doing multiple repetitive motions right now. Plus, with the injuries on your torso, you wouldn’t like to be moving as much. Plus moving your feet…”

Glaring at her, the woman’s green eyes pierced back. Unwavering, from what other people would’ve done when she looks their way.

…

Defeated…for now, she grunted, accepting this help. The woman smiled and stirred the bowl before lifting a spoon, holding liquid. Letting the excess drip off and hovering her other hand to catch any that spilled.

“Only soup for now. No solids for now since your jaw is sore as well. Though your cheek healed up nicely and quickly.” Not questioning what happened to her face, she let the stranger spoon-feed her until it was empty. The soup had a savory taste, not too heavy, and had a light texture that was easy to swallow. Better than what she was eating years ago. All bland and no life, just substances to keep you going. Letting the soup sit in her stomach, she felt exhausted again.

… She might’ve drugged me. No one’s this kind and doesn’t want something in return.

Blinking to keep herself awake, the woman watched her with what was probably amusement. 

“There’s no reason to fight off being tired. You can’t exactly go anywhere. Just sleep, I promise you that you’re safe. Just rest.”

Stubborn, she manages to keep herself awake a bit longer when a hand hovers over her before it descends to brush through her hair. The soft brushes make her eyes flutter in time of each stroke.

“Sleep now, and I’ll check every now and then to see if you woke up again. We- I’ll feed you your dinner. You seem to like it, then again, you’re probably starving.” The woman chuckles; she can only hum as her eyes flutter shut again.

“Sleep well.”

Chapter Text

Waking up again, doing the same procedure. Her healer will check in on her three times: dawn, midday, and dusk. She’s not awake during dawn; she is only semi-conscious, and she felt the healer check her left foot on one of her visits. Helping her clean herself up in the attached room. Thinking it was only a weird bubble to place stuff when it was a U-shaped room with running water behind where she rested. At least she doesn’t have to worry about being or smelling gross. She stopped being, or tried to, embarrassed by showing skin. The woman apologized, but it was either clean her or let the wounds infect and kill her internally. She would rather have a quick death than a slow one.

The healer made a routine for her hands and arms. About five minutes stretching her fingers before trying to move them individually, then a grabbing motion, trying to lift an object. Easy for her right hand, but it took forever for her left hand to get to the same point. Turns out her left hand was sliced in multiple areas, too close to nerves and tendons, with multiple fractures that her healer was worried that she also had to amputate.

All right… both left limbs cyber replacements. Slower and not as agile. A longer healing process. The weird sensation of not having flesh there. Not ideal.

Eventually, after a couple of weeks, she could rest in a more elevated position. Her wounds on her torso were bearable to be moved again. Her foot was still elevated with blankets, but she was finally able to move it more without stinging pain from even thinking about it. 

In a passing conversation, the healer mentions gathering a bag of belongings from the ruined TIE fighter. She would have already robbed her. Taking whatever she possessed and selling it off, but also could’ve learned who she is or where she came from. So when she checked, the bag’s leather was burnt on every side, handles missing, but it kept its shape. Opening, she sees her spare robe, small trinkets, and machinery she stole, and her weapon is still there, wrapped in cloth and untouched. She only gathered whatever remained in the spacecraft and left. 

She takes her spare clothes to change into and immediately regrets it. Maybe because she was sick and bedridden for months that her senses dulled. It smelled horrible. Made her gag, and her eyes teared up. She lets it drop to her legs and pulls her previous shirt on when the healer walks in with lunch. Making a sour face before seeing the discarded robe. Not saying a word, she’s given lunch and grabs the offending item. Leaving the room along with the smell. She doesn’t see that robe along with the clothes she wore months before. Until two weeks after the spare robe was taken. Her clothing was neatly stacked beside her head when she woke up. Looking at them, she can see new material sewn on with the faint smell of some sort of plant. Just like the ones she was changed into.

The healer also gave some of the ‘machinery’ to test her grip strength. A simple metal loop with worn-down grips. She nearly broke it with her right hand while thinking about where she was and how long it had been. From the time she was able to use both arms, at least three to four months have passed. Then, at least a month or two from when she first landed and was unconscious. And all those times, no one has tried to even look for her? As if, either the woman who found her got word of her and is patching her up for them to tear down once she gets onto their fleet. Or wants to use her for herself and do whatever labor as payment.

An engine snaps out of her thoughts. Shuffling of some sort of fabric and metal. A door opening, something getting dragged, a door shutting, more dragging than another door, a giggle before silence. 

… She’s so weird.

There have been multiple times she’s been awoken by the healer messing with something. She’s never asked what she’d work on, but there have been times when she can see oil and grease stains on her clothing when she gives or takes away her meals.

Another week passes, and she’s been updated with the inhabitants' recent dramas and what trade her healer was able to manage. Humming along to keep her talking. Keeping her from losing her mind from staring at the same walls and hearing that awful crawling from the aero-reptiles that flew too close. When she was surprised with a chair.

“I thought you’d want a change of scenery? I think being cooped up in a single room for nine months wouldn’t be good while trying to recover.”

The chair looked like one from an old fighter ship command. The paint was worn and peeling, showing the metal keeping it together. The seat itself had padding but mismatched patterns. Replacements go figure. Then a glowing keypad on the right armrest. A hover chair.

“Plus, with winter coming, this room gets the coldest, especially with no glass to cover this anymore.” Gesturing to the window where cool breezes come through. “I’ve prepared a room with a better bed and more room for this, so you’re not just stuck in one place. So, wanna give this a spin?”

Blinking, they stare at each other. Throwing caution to the wind, she nods. And the healer beams. 

I need to see what I’m dealing with. If she learn anything besides being a threat, it was to know where you are. Plan as many steps ahead as those around you. 

Eagerly, she pulls the blanket away and shuffles when she’s stopped. Before she could give a questioning look, she was lifted, and she instantly grabbed whatever she could. Bring both of their bodies closer to one another. She could smell er-

“Woah, it’s alright. I'd rather not strain your arms with your body weight just yet. You haven’t moved this much in a while.” She was set down on the chair and instantly melted into it. The cushions were soft and hugged her body nicely. Unlike the steel chairs she’s grown used to. “See, you seem to like this more than the bed. Well, I guess so since I haven’t been able to- Anyways wanna try the controls?”

Looking down, there was a compass-shaped remote. Pressing down on a curved arrow, she rotated in that direction. She tried again with the other and ended in the same position. And the arrows moved her slightly in the corresponding direction. 

“I haven’t managed to get a shift stick. Seems no one has those. But I guess with the built-in one it wouldn't hurt.”

What a bundle of joy.

“Well, if you would be so kind and follow me! I’ll show you to your new room!” Bag in hand to the healer makes her way to the door and holds it open. Slowly, on her new chair, she goes through. She's met with the same color walls but more plant life that crawls up. Almost encasing the entire house itself. The healer moves past her, and she follows. Windows with their blinds up show the large towering trees surrounding the house. She briefly sees the front yard and the vehicle before moving into another room. The kitchen, a simple one too, had a furnace placed to the side with a fire and a scent of meat cooking inside. A cauldron filled with what she assumes is water and cupboards with stone to cook on. Then, pushed to the side was a stool with a deep brown desk merged with the wall. 

“This is the kitchen, obviously, then this is the front door that leads to the front yard. And this is the front room, and it has hologram chess if you ever want to play. And some books on the shelves if you ever want to read what’s there, but I did leave some in your room too, so you don’t have to just sleep or stare at the wall.” She turns to the hall on the right, where it splits off into four directions. “This is another bathroom, and this one leads to the backyard, and this one is yours!” A short hallway with indents holding potted plants. 

The door is propped open when she enters. The bed is fairly larger than the one she was recovering in. Thicker blankets and more pillows. Across the bed were large open cupboards that had different items and clothing in them. Like the healer said, there were books stacked on the table beside the bed. A large rectangular window with dark curtains held to one side to show off the backyard. Moving, she brushes her hand over the material. The plushness told her it was heavy but soft to touch. Pushing them over the sheets was a silky red. Looking at the healer, she was lifted again and onto the bed. She lied if the chair was soft, then this is a cloud that you can rest on. Her body easily melted into it. A small grunt comes from the back of her throat. But hearing it, she realized it was her stomach.

The healer chuckles. “Lunch is about ready, so don’t worry about going hungry. I’ll grab a hover table so you don’t have to balance your food on your lap. Is there anything you want me to grab?”

Shaking her head, “Thank you.” Voice raspy. She made the realization that she had never truly spoken to anyone after the crash, only hums and grunts.

The healer, momentarily shocked, placing her belongings on the shelf beside her, smiled, “Anytime.” Leaving the room swiftly, and shut the door behind her.

Left alone, she picks up a book. Recently dusted off based on the smears of cloth on the covers. The cover read a history of planet Krant and how some colonies were made. It was annotated, small marks and underlined passages. Torn paper in pages that showed more interest and referring to other books to cross-reference. But what caught her eye was the handwriting. As if-

THUD

A whisper of words and footsteps coming closer. The door opened again, a hover table carrying a plate of freshly cut meat, steaming along with some vegetables, and a glass of water.

“As promised, your meal. I’ll be working in the hangar, engines having a rough go. So when you’re done, you can, as usual, leave the table beside you.” Waving, she's left alone again.

Opening the book again, she scans the text on how, after certain months, there was a constant rain and it was unwalkable at times.

So, flooding essentially.

Closing it again, she decides it’s better not to fry her brain more and scarf down her meal. Being able to access the house now, she might be able to learn where she landed. Based on a skim of Krant’s history, she wasn’t there. But one of the few planets where there is a large forest but a small population. Finishing her water, she picks up the other books. Three were novels about an adventurer, the other two were a biology study of two other planets: Hoth and Dagobah.

Weird choices, lady…

Flipping through the pages, she deduced that the three books about planets weren’t where she landed. So she’ll have to scout the shelves. Carefully, she scoots herself to the edge. Straining her arms, she raises herself onto the chair. Crashing into it as she feels a sharp pain by her side. Usually ignoring it, but given her condition…yup, she’s bleeding. The red already stained her shirt, and the armrest where she had collided. She should’ve listened, but the lesson was learned just a little too late.

Steering the chair to the door, she opens it to the hallway where the healer rounds the corner. A bag was strapped to her side, and her eyes were shocked.

“What in- I can’t leave you alone in a new place for a moment, can I?” Huffing, the lady scoops her up with no effort, brushing past the chair. She’s placed upright when her hands ripped off her top. Exposing her torso to cool air. Goosebumps raised, but the woman’s hands were burning against hers.

The bandages soaked through just like the first time she saw them, just a brighter red. Layers were peeled off and placed on the discarded shirt. Wound open, she sees small bubbles in a couple of places and a small pool of it in the center.

“Stay still, and I mean it.” Gray eyes glared at her. She nodded, lay against the pillows, and the healer dropped the bag on the shelf and quickly went. She hears noises of bowls and drawers opening and shutting. Returning with a bowl and rags. She uses a couple of rags to soak up the blood before putting that gel on her again. 

“You manage weird things, my friend. But I guess that’s how you survived.” She snorted at that. Bandages were replaced, and the pain was fading away. The clean-up was as fast as the injury occurred. Gathering the bloody items, she left for a moment before returning, grabbing a shirt from the open shelves. “Arms up.” Raising her arms, a shirt is wrapped around her. “Five days. You’re not allowed to move from this bed unless I’m here. Got it?” Like a disappointed mother finding their child taking sweets from the cupboards.

She wanted to refute. But the better part of her listened and agreed. “Okay…” still raspy .

“Besides getting you water, would you like something to write on? I bet it’s been a while since you wrote something. It’d be good practice.”

Nodding, she went to receive the items and returned as fast. The healer mentioned grabbing more supplies, nodding to the bag, and left. The notebook had a worn red leather cover. The edges were just recently brushed off of dust, pages were yellowed from the years, and empty pages flashed by as she flipped through. The pen she was given was a slim design, a wooden handle was smoothen, but a lighter brown was shown where it was held. A golden ring where a line of black ink swishes from the movement.

Thinking about it, she could start writing down clues and what she knows. Quickly drew what she assumed to be the layout of the building on the first two pages. Writing down where the furniture was and her two exits were. Not ideal, but if she’s well enough, she could go through her window as well. Maybe wait til it possibly rains, covers her sounds, but what if it doesn’t rain? Then warmer seasons could be better, but what if there’s more wildlife that could kill her if she steps into their territory? She needs answers.

Duh! Write questions for the lady so you learn about your whereabouts . She slaps her forehead.

“Ow…”

Chapter Text

She’s stubborn, she knows that, but as weeks passed, she made some progress. She’s now able to stand and waddle around like a porg with the assistance of a cane.  She fell and caught an embarrassing number of times. But her caretaker always caught her. 

The cane was made out of a sturdy metal that had an open cuff for her forearm to slip in. Handmade as well. She can see where it was welded together and the paint strokes to cover them. Her caretaker took any time of the day to do this for her.

Speaking of her, she was waiting on the edge of her bed, looking through her notebook.

She drew a couple of trees and animal life based on the books she read to lower suspicion. Written in the margins, she was able to gather some thoughts. 

Where  am I are  we? Who else is on this planet? The people you trade with?

What do you mean by nine months? She only remembers six or seven. Or was she at death’s doorstep before she was found? It was only a small comment, but it sent her reeling through her time here.

Why did you save me?  

The TIE fighter you found me in was it too close to you when I crashed?

Most of the questions she had already had some sort of answers. But it would be better for the definite answers. However, she would also have to consider that the lady might lie to her. To keep her in the dark… no, with the amount of gossip she’s ranted to me. She was finally able to move enough to see what she was dealing with. No more relying on small information.

The door swings open, and the notebook snaps shut and is shoved under the pillows. 

“Hey, are you ready?” Dressed in a similar outfit, she wore thick pale robes with a hood and mask hanging from her neck. “Or did you change your mind and want to stay warm and comfy? Fully trusting me to pick for you.” She’s being teased and she knows it, feeling the heat flood her body. She just rolls her eyes.

Shaking her head, she straps on her boots. Padded for snow and mud, but doubles as a supporting boot. It was a bit big on her, but snug enough that she wouldn’t slip out. Grabbing the cane, she hoists herself up and up to the door.

“Before we leave, you have to wear these,” holding up a red scarf and goggles. “Yes, you have to wear it. I’d think you’d appreciate being able to feel your face after this.” Face-to-face, the scarf was wrapped around her. “Keep your hair mostly tucked in. It’s easier to brush off the snow on the scarf than on your hair, in my opinion. And here are your goggles, you can put them on later.”

The way she dresses her up reminds her of her younger days.

“Come on now, if we leave too late, then we’re not going out at all after this.”

She was led to the front of the house where a bronze speedster of an old model waited for them under a clothed canopy. Besides where the speedster waited, light snow blanketed every surface, with only a few brown and green leaves sticking out like a sore thumb.

She was lifted into the passenger seat as the lady hopped into the driver’s seat. The glass dome shuts around them as the engine roars to life.

“We should be quick. Even with this light fall, nature can be quick to turn.”

It didn’t take long before she saw lights in the distance. Quickly growing, she catches a landing zone with blinking lights. Their vehicle slows down when a figure in a scooter of some kind hovers to the driver’s side. The lady pulls out a gray card that the person looks at, then points them away. The hangar had a semi-closed metal door covering the top half, where she could see a few vehicles parked.

“The traders get here a day early to set their last trade-ins. And since we got here early, we can get our pick of the litter of what we need to get you for the winter.” The engine shuts off, the glass pops open, and she hops out. Coming around, she’s picked up from her side. When her boots touched the ground, cold crawled its way up. “Trust me, it would’ve been worse if we got here later. I figured you don’t want to be in a crowded area for a long period.” 

Carefully, her goggles were placed over her eyes. The glass made everything shaded in a light tan.

“There’s some with dense smoke,” she leaned closer to her ear. The smell of mint fills her nose. “Act like you belong here, there’s the usual trouble makers; the occasional travelers, traders, spies, bounty hunters, and stormtroopers here. There’s always a tension between them. Always looking for prey.” She can feel her heart spike. She could be the prey, and with stormtroopers, she wouldn’t be able to defend herself. “Stay with me, okay?” A hand rested against her cheek, another on her shoulder.

“Okay.” Pulling away, she was led into a doorway where she was met with a blast of smells of different orders. She could see heat waves from the lights radiating heat, disorienting her vision of objects around her.

“We pass the food vendors into another corridor where we’ll find our necessities. Or do you want to try the food here?” It was pretty empty, and the scent of food made her mouth water, but she would rather get in and out sooner rather than later, so she shook her head. “Alrighty then, I have a friend who could hook us up with what we need. So we should be in and out quickly.”

Leading the way, they go through the corridor into another section of the building. Each vendor had tents that glimmered. There were colors shoved in her face that she never could’ve dreamed of. It was breathtaking. They go up a ramp into another part of the hangar. Most likely, where the pilots and the air control communicated with each other. Turning the corner, her caretaker whistles in a low pitch.

“Honey! You made it and on time for once.” A short, light blue skin with black patterns came out of a closed-off section of her space. Wrinkles creased where she smiled. If she saw her first, she would’ve guessed she was only a decade older than her, but her voice, cranky and worn, gave away how long she had lived. When she looked at her, she stared at the green and purple eyes, which flickered up and down. “I know I’m still a beauty after all my years.” A hand brushes her hood as if it were hair. “Take as much time to stare, I don't mind. Well, I guess she would.” A wink, and she tears her eyes away. The trader laughs.

Clearing her throat, she shuffles behind her- Honey, the lady called her Honey. For nearly a year, her caretaker and they both failed to communicate their names. Honey. Her name is Honey, a fitting name for someone who’s sweet enough to care for a random stranger. A rare treat where she grew up. She faint

“Well, I don’t bite, I promise. I was promised a good trade to help you.” Gesturing her inside, there were metal crates. Faded paint splattered around it as the scent of smoke reached her nose.

“Thank you, Lyr.” Honey opens the crates to reveal some machinery. “Seriously, this looks like it’s in mint condition.” Pulling a part out, she can see wheels spinning with a soft hum. The bronze metal encased the cylinder contraption. Honey flips it gently, examining it from each side with a gentle smile.

“I’m glad you like it. It was surprisingly easy to trade. Now let’s get your friend situated.” She was pulled to the side. “Can you stand without your cane?”

“No. Not really.”

“It’s alright, dear, sit here and give me your cane. I’m going to take your coat and goggles. You’ll be cold for a bit, but not for long. And raise your arms like this. Perfect. This will only take a few seconds.” Lyr took a strip of flat rope and wrapped it around her arms and torso. Fighting off chills, she sees Honey messing with her bag, muttering to herself.

“Alright, you can cover yourself again.” Lyr walks away to grab a chest. Placing it in front of her, “Three of each. They’re good materials, so it’ll last you however long.” Opening, there were thick robes of different designs. She pulls out a dark maroon shirt. The wool was a smooth design that had gold linings, making patterns on the sleeves like vines. She puts it on her lap. She pulls out two others: a red and a grey shirts. Plain but not flashy, easier to blend in. And a dark overcoat with gagged swirls around the stitching.

If anything, she can store these in her bag when she finally leaves. They’d be in mint condition; however, it might look like she stole them if she doesn’t break them in. 

“Thank you for this, this will do,” Lyr whispers to Honey. They’re whispering about the trading, but she couldn’t help but grind her teeth.

Grabbing her clothes, she gently shuts the chest.

“Oh, you’re finished? Dearest, I said three each.”

“I’ll be fine…thank you.” Nodding her head, Honey thanks Lyr. She ignores the way Lyr’s hand lingers on Honey’s forearm.

Her clothes are taken to be wrapped up in a brown cloth, each folded neatly in a square. Easily portable for Honey to slip into her bag.

They exit the small space when she hears chatter everywhere. 

“Come on, we took longer than expected. It’ll get rowdy soon.” Pulling down a flap, Honey shows her how quickly the market fills with different people. But the stark white metal she zones in on quickly. There are about four groups in this section alone in the standard doubles. There are probably several more groups in other sections of the hangar. Hunting. They know her face, they know her name. They could’ve hired mercenaries to track her first and bring her in. Pay off however much they wanted and not have to break a sweat.

So much for being free. I didn’t even last a whole year. Let alone one day outside of Honey’s house.

“Hey. Hey, it’s alright. I know this isn’t your type of space, but I promise you that you’re going to be alright.” The flap is flipped up again. “I know my way around. If it's the buckheads you’re worried about, then I know how to avoid them. They have a pattern while patrolling. Usually thirty to forty feet away from each other.” They’re face to face again. Honey’s eyes are a soft orange color as she gazes into hers. It reminds her of the mornings and afternoons of her first few days of healing. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” Eyebrows furrowed with concern, tilting her head to the side.

“I’m…I’ll be alright. Not a big on crowds.” Not a whole lie, but not truly the truth either. Prying her eyes away, she sees Lyr smirking at her.

“Don’t look at me. I have to be here all day to make sales. You two have fun.” Waving them away, she turns her back on them.

“If you’re worried about showing your face, your goggles cover your eyes. And if you’re worried about your whole face, you can just,” her hands reach around her neck when a flap flips up like a mask. “Now no one can see your face!”

…

“As much as you want to gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. We’re both on a time hunch, aren’t we?” Lyr glares at them judgmentally and hands on her hips.

Honey apologizes as they step out of her shop. She can feel the heat rising in her face, so she pulls the goggles on and hood over her. The room felt too hot.

“No time like the present. Let’s get out of here. I'd rather not be part of the scuffle again.” She pulls out a thin rope from her bag and laces it around a loop of her pants before covering it. “Here, if I get too fast for you when we’re down there, I’ll slow down.” Taking it in her hand, she loops it around her third finger. Honey pulls down her disguise. “Let’s go.”

Led down the same path, she follows Honey. She’s quick, but she doesn’t dare tug the rope and keeps the same pace. Does it feel painful on her foot? Yes, but it’s a small sacrifice if it guarantees her being free.

They make it back to the first room when she can hear the stormtroopers chattering. Accepting orders, asking questions, she nearly ran into Honey trying to get out. Before she could ask, she was gently tugged aside into a small wedge between shops. They do this a couple more times until they’re by the walls.

“One of them cut the other’s limb off. I think you wouldn’t want to see that. It wasn't pretty.” Catching her breath, she tugs down her mask for better circulation. “How’s your foot?”

Glancing down, it was at least sore from being walked on for however long, and she rolled her ankle a few times.

“It’s fine, but I want to go.” 

“Agreed. I’ll treat you to dinner.”

“You always treat me to dinner.”

Honey laughed and nearly toppled over her. “You got me there.”

Someone screamed then there was yelling. She heard the tuned voices barking orders. 

“Time to go. Everyone’s being,” sighing as she pulls up her mask.

Ignoring the growing pain crawling up her leg. They make their way around the commotion. She spots at least three groups of the troopers talking to them.

They escaped the crowd and into the vehicle hanger that was filled with other cruisers of different shapes and sizes. Some of them looked too tall to get in.

They make it to their vehicle when she’s helped place in her seat. She was about to take off her scarf from her face when two pairs of clunky boots made their way to her. 

“Halt.”

Damn it .

“Greetings, officers. Is something wrong?” Honey calmly puts herself between the two of them. As if this is a usual conversation between both parties.

“We need to see your identifications before you leave here.” The one on the right says.

“Oh? Is this a new rule they emplaced here? Usually, they let us leave, because they check when we enter.” Opening her bag, she fishes around before pulling out a thin silver rectangle and hands it over to one of them to inspect.

“It’s a new rule. We have orders to check who comes in and goes during trades.” Taking Honey’s ID for both to see.

“Well, good thing you only need to see mine. I’m not going to be causing you guys trouble.”

“Good to know. You’re free to go.” Handing back her ID, she slips it into her bag.

“Good day, officers.” Honey doesn’t move from her spot and watches the two as they leave, looking for whoever.

Finally out of their line of sight, Honey quickly gets to her seat, and the engine roars to life.

She swears Honey is speeding because the second they’re off the platform, she feels her stomach drop, and thought they went into hyperspeed. The snow zipping past them didn’t help. Squeezing her eyes shut, she wills herself to calm down.

Opening her eyes again, her body felt sluggish yet relaxed.

“Hey, sleepyhead. Are you feeling alright?” Blinking sleep away, she sees Honey above her brushing her cheek. Concerned, the back of Honey’s hand presses against her cheeks and forehead. “I can’t tell if you have a fever or not since you wore your scarf and goggles the whole ride back.” Gently removing her bangs from her eyes.

Right, she was so worried about being caught that she didn’t dare to take it off at all.

“I need to check your foot if you don’t mind. You were…in distress when you took your nap. I worry that our trip might’ve been too much.”

It might’ve been since she can only feel a tangle where her ankle is.

“Yeah…it’s numb.” Straightforward, but seeing Honey’s face morph into guilt, she wanted to take it back.

“Okay, here.” Using one of the spare pillows, Honey folds up her pants and pulls off the layer of socks she was given. Revealing the bandages that kept her skin from meeting anything. Peeling the wraps away revealed the pink and swollen skin. Honey’s hand gently trailed, waiting for something, when she hissed in pain. “Sorry. I just had to test where it hurt, and you sprained a muscle. I’ll get you some snow.”

“Snow?” It came out too quickly and sounded startling.

Humming, “Yep, need to ice your wound for a bit, and snow is perfect since it’s lighter than ice and wouldn’t sit as heavy when I get you your food.”

Nodding along, Honey left to get her snow. She came back a few minutes later with a cloth.

“As you know, never place ice or cold items on skin with no protection. You don’t want to develop frostbite.” Carefully, the clothed snow was placed and immediately worked its magic. A small noise of relief escaped her. “I’ll make us dinner since I owe you.” Winking at her, Honey leaves.

Yawning, she relaxes into her bed. The warmth of being home lulls her to sleep.