Pandora's Box

Chapter 28 - The Rise of Skywalker

"Poe, something's happened." Commander D'Acy tells the group as they exit the Falcon.

"This can't wait." Finn replies, as they continue past her.

"We've gotta see the General." Poe tells her as he follows after them.

"She's gone." She calls. They stop to look at her, seeing the sadness on her face.

Pandora and Rhys sprint away, rushing to their parents' room. They open the door to find Cordelia and Din sitting on their bed, clutching onto each other tightly, eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Oh, my babies." Cordelia cries when she sees them, opening her arms. Her children rush to her, and she holds them tight as they start to sob. Din grabs a blanket and tucks it around them, sitting next to them.

Pandora climbs into his lap like she used to when she was a kid, wrapping her arms around him as she knows he's hurting but trying to stay strong for them. He holds her close, reaching out with his other hand to grab Rhys'.  Cordelia keeps her arm around Rhys, resting her hand over Pandora's.

The family sits together, crying as they mourn Leia.

***

After spending time with their parents, Pandora and Rhys leave their room to look for their partners. Rhys finds Finn with D-O, and they listen as he begins explaining his past with Ochi.

Pandora wanders around the base until she finally spots Poe sitting next to Leia's body. She hangs back as she hears him talking to her, not wanting to interrupt.

"I gotta tell you, I don't really know...how to do this. What you did...I'm not ready." He says, shaking his head.

"Neither were we." Lando tells him, entering through the other door. "Luke, Cordelia, Leia, Han, Me. Who's ever ready?"

"How'd you do it? Defeat an empire with almost nothing." He asks.

"We had each other. That's how we won." He answers. He smiles when he spots Pandora walk into the room. Poe turns and sees her, opening his arms to her. She steps into them, resting her head on his chest. He holds her tight, resting his cheek on the top of her head. Lando smiles at the couple before leaving them alone.

"I miss her." She whispers, tears filling her eyes again.

"I do too." He replies, stroking her hair. She pulls back to look at him and he cups her face in his hands, wiping her tears away.

"I don't want to lose anyone else. I can't." She cries, knowing she would break if she lost another person she loves.

"You won't. We're going to fight and as long as we have each other and have hope, we'll be fine. I promise you won't lose anyone else. I won't let it happen." He says.

"Okay." Pandora tells him, resting her head on his chest again. He scoops her into his arms and carries her back to their room. He lays her on the bed and tucks her in, kissing her forehead before leaving again.

Poe heads down to the cafeteria, grabbing her favorite snacks before returning to their room. He sets them on the table and climbs in bed next to her, pulling her to his chest. He continues rubbing her back until she eventually falls asleep, getting much needed rest.

He lays with her for a while, knowing everyone needs a break to mourn and think about what comes next.

***

"I gotta talk to you about something." Finn says as he and Rhys approach Pandora and Poe.

"I gotta talk to you about something." Poe repeats. "I can't do this alone. I need all of you in command with me." He tells the other three, tightening his hold on Pandora's hand.