9.

                                    

                                          
Happy Memorial Day! Part 9 posted early to celebrate the holiday!
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The floor was starting to grow uncomfortable.
It had been hours since Saedii had settled down in the cockpit, finding a small, inconspicuous corner to tuck herself into. And that was where she had been, refusing to move except to keep Echo in her sights as he adjusted his weight in the pilot's seat. 
If her constant glares made him uncomfortable, Echo didn't show it. He sat silent as a statue, listening to the comm channels. Every now and then, he'd glance up and ask if she needed anything. She met each question with silence. 
A bit later, he disappeared for a moment, only to reappear with water and a ration bar. He placed them on the floor beside her. "Feel like eating yet?"
Saedii turned away from him. 
"Fine then. I'll leave it there for when you change your mind."
She glared daggers at his back as he returned to his seat. 
That jug of water and ration bar sat inches away, tempting her for hours. It was by sheer will alone that she managed to resist, even as the room began to shimmy around her. A tired voice whispered in her mind, begging her to take just a sip. Just a bite.
She ignored it, pulling her knees up tight to her chest and resting her head on them. 
The others were close by, in the living quarters. She could hear them talking. Wrecker, obnoxiously loud, and Omega, excited, were talking about going to test out the plasma bow she had strung over her shoulder. Hunter, in that gravely voice of his, put an end to the discussion as he reminded Omega of the late hour and her waiting bed. 
Slowly, the noises of the others died off as, one by one, they turned in for the night. Saedii envied them. She would get no sleep tonight. Not in an enemy stronghold, surrounded by Clones. 
Soft footsteps had her lifting her head, tensed in case it was Crosshair, come to finish her off. But it was only Hunter.
"Thought you could use these." Folded under one arm, he had a sleeping mat and a blanket. Both of which looked surprisingly clean. 
Saedii watched him but said nothing. Just held his gaze. 
Echo nodded towards the rations bar. "Good luck. She still hasn't eaten or drank anything."
"It's just a mat. To make you comfortable for the night."
Still, Saedii made no move to accept them. 
Hunter heaved a sigh as he placed them on the floor beside her. Then, without looking at Echo, muttered, "I've got it from here."
With a solemn nod, Echo stood and headed back in the direction of the bunks. 
"Listen, kid –"
"Saedii."
 "Saedii, then." He rubbed at his jaw, following the line of the tattoo there. "We're only doing this to protect us. And you. The food and water isn't meant to be a peace offering or anything. There are no strings attached."
Saedii held firm. "I won't break."
He leaned back in his seat, looking tired. "The Jedi teach you this tactic? Or are you just stubborn?"
"I wouldn't know. Your lot killed them all off."
Whiskey-colored eyes narrowed, but not in anger. In pity. "Must be tough, being all alone. You're too young to be going through this by yourself."