Battle Scars

Chapter V

Diana was filthy after another afternoon spent learning more about the inner workings of her ship. She started to feel concerned that she wouldn't be able to remember everything that Poe was teaching her. He knew she could pilot the fighter, but repairing it was another story. She sighed as she rested her head on the wall of the shower. Diana wasn't sure how long she stood there like that but she didn't care. 

A group of Blue Squadron pilots came back today from a rescue mission. The mission was a success, but only three out the five pilots came home. First Order pilots took them down as the Resistance pilots were escorting refugees fleeing from their burning villages. Diana wondered if it was her old squadron, but she was too scared to ask about the details. She must have looked like a pitiful puppy watching the three pilots hide their tears as they walked through the hangar doors. 

She banged her head against the wall as hot tears ran down her face wondering how many times did she cause that. Caused friends to come home and make that walk to the debriefing room holding in sobs. 

Diana held in her own sob as Mae tapped on the door. 

"You ok in there? You've been in there for some time now."

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to scrub the grease off." 

"Ok, well dinner is going to start soon. Don't wanna be too late or we'll get the nasty stuff at the bottom." Diana laughed at Mae. She had such a pleasant outlook on life, even after losing her brother. Diana finally pushed herself off of the wall and finished washing up. 

Mae was putting her hair up by the time Diana got out. Diana was working on putting her own up in a high ponytail with her signature brain on the left. She was slowly starting to leave parts of being a stormtrooper behind, but her past kept creeping up. 

Her roommate turned and smiled. "Ready to go? Heard Rapier Squadron was here tonight... all of them." 

"Wonder why they're all here," Diana said putting on her boots. 

"Maybe to meet you? Heard you referred to as Rapier Five over the coms today." Mae gave her a smirk. 

Diana laughed, "Yeah, I guess that's a thing now..." At this point, CD-23 was getting impatient. "Fine fine fine, let's go CB." 

"Good, cause I'm starving!" 

The mess hall was abuzz with chatter as usual. Many talked about the two lost pilots while others were wondering why all of Rapier Squadron was here. Diana stood in line trying to block out most of the background noise as she filled her plate with whatever they decided to serve. She was walking away from the line as Poe grabbed her shoulder. 

"Hey, we were wondering if you would sit with us tonight?" Poe pointed back at the table with two other pilots. Diana nodded and smiled as she followed Poe to the table. "Diana, this is Iolo Arana, he's Rapier Three." 

Diana realized by his bright eyes he was Keshian. She almost didn't dare to look directly into them. 

"And this is Kare Kun, Rapier Two." Poe sat next to a tanned skin woman with short blonde hair. 

"Nice to meet you both. Where's Rapier Four? I'm only wondering since I was given Five..." She realized the answer before they could even answer. 

"Muran was killed during a skirmish with the First Order before we joined the Resistance. We decided to leave Four filled in honor of him." Kare said. While Kare looked tough and could honestly beat up anyone here, she was kind in demeanor. Iolo was quiet but very attentive. 

"I'm sorry to hear that. I know I could never take his place... I'm sure." 

"Yeah, but we are glad to have you," Poe said with a smile. Kare's attention shifted to a pilot who was walking up behind Diana and sat down next to Kare.