Ok, guys, so this story continues after the end of TLJ. As before, I'm rediscovering my passion for writing so any comments left are greatly appreciated (just please be nice). Also, as before, I do not own anything from the Star Wars universe. I'm just venting my creative opinions.
Chapter 1
Rey
The remainders of the Resistance had taken refuge on a small planet, seemingly harmless and unknown to the First Order. Leia still retained hope. She was reaching out to her contacts within the Republic for assistance. She needed anything at this point, but mostly sanctuary for her people.
Finally, Leia received news, though good or bad she was unsure. The Republic was eager for her to present herself before them, seeking answers as to what was going on with the First Order.
"So basically, they've summoned you?" Po asked. "For what?"
"Who knows. They've been hit, badly, and now want answers as to why. No one believed me when I felt that the First Order was as big a threat as they seemed back then."
"It seems to me they want someone to blame," Finn added.
"But they can't expect for you to answer to them! You broke away from them so many years ago," Rose said passionately.
"They can. And they have. I've secretly been receiving support from many senators within the Republic for years. Now, as it seems, none of them know what to do. The Order has never been so open about their movements against us before. And now that we've forced them out, there are many things that must be reevaluated," Leia explained.
Rey sat quietly at the table, trying to absorb everything that was going on. "So what does this mean for all of us? We've got to regroup, right? We need more help. I'm not giving up on this fight!"
Leia glanced in Rey's direction with compassion. She knew the young Jedi wanted to keep going, it's all she had ever known after all. But she knew the hardest bit of news would shock everyone.
"I know that you all want to keep going. So do I. But the thing is, ah…"
Every eye looked to her. Rey, Finn, and Rose sat with Leia at a small table on the balcony of their sanctuary while Po leaned against the stone railing, arms crossed.
"…the Republic has called for an armistice, a sort of laying down of arms."
Leia had expected to be met with anger and yelling, but instead, silence hung between the group.
"What?" Rey seemed incredulous.
"Many years ago, the Republic forced the remaining Empire loyalists to sign the Galactic Concordance, a treaty restricting the power and reach of those remaining who seceded from the New Republic. Although Hosnian Prime was home to most of the Republic's senators and armies, the Republic still maintains authority over the galaxy. And this means that the First Order has now been called into questioning before the Republic. And surprisingly the Order has agreed to a meeting."
"You…you can't be serious! They're going to try to negotiate with the Order? What makes them think they have any actual control over those beasts?" Rose all but screeched.
Rey was filled with dread. She knew nothing of politics, only that the Resistance must live to fight another day.
"Can any of us really trust the Order? How do we know they won't destroy whatever planet this meeting is set at?" Finn asked. Rey could sense the anger simmering beneath the surface of her friend.
"Certain precautions will be made. My source in the Senate has told me that they plan for the meeting to take place on a neutral planet, with—shall we say—few surroundings. Just in case there is, well, another incident. And they've made specific demands. We are all expected to be there, as well as the new Supreme Leader…" Leia trailed off. Rey knew this bit troubled her of all things.
Supreme Leader Kylo Ren would be attending this meeting.
Ben. He would be there. So close, yet so distant. Could this really work?
Would the Republic get the answers and assurances they wanted? What did they want? There was no going back from the First Order's attacks out in the open. What could really be done now?
And what was Kylo's angle? What did he get out of this? It seemed to have been quite easy for the Republic to get him to agree to appear before the Senate.
"Can you do that? Can you see him again?" Rose said to Leia gently.
Leia lowered her head slightly, a sad look crossing her features. "I have to. We'll all have to," she said, looking back up, sharing a moment with Rey.
Rey couldn't help but feel a slight thrill at the thought of seeing Ben again. Yet for every feeling of hope, she also felt a sense of dread at seeing Kylo Ren.
Kylo Ren/ Ben
"An armistice!? Are you completely insane?" Hux spit.
This was getting old. Hux, of all people, had no right to question the Supreme Leader. He was prideful and arrogant, not exactly an intelligent man to say the least. At every turn, he was a challenge. He must be dealt with. Publicly.
Kylo turned and raised his arm, hand cupped but relaxed. Hux couldn't gasp for another breath. He could feel the blood rushing from his head, becoming dizzy. The only sound in the room was that of a few struggling grunts. Kylo, however, was calmer than ever. He knew that the only way to deal with Hux's insubordinance was to humiliate him in front of the not only the crew but also the other generals. An example had to be made. Hux simply made himself an easy illustration of what was to happen to those who questioned authority.
"Wars are not only fought by blowing things up General."
Every syllable of Kylo Ren's contempt fell heavily upon the conference hall. The images of the holograms seated at the table quivered with the Supreme Leader's might—and anger. Every body seemed to tighten in awareness. Would this be it? Had Hux finally met his end?
As quickly as he had snatched up the General, Kylo released him. No need to waste excess energy on a "cur", as Snoke had once called him.
The Supreme Leader turned his back to the table once again, choosing to view the galaxy before him. Hux recovered with as much grace as he could muster after being shamed so overtly. He retook his seat among the others.
When the Supreme Leader spoke again, it was as if the incident had never happened.
"War must also answer to a certain delicacy. Politics are as important to our efforts as ships and weapons. Although part of the Republic was annihilated, there are still numerous Senators and rebels among them that remain loyal to the Resistance—that give them aid and resources. The Resistance lives, weak as it may be."
Silence rang throughout the expansive hall.
"I intend to crush them; from within if I must."
Rey's face crossed Kylo's mind. Her image seemed to be distracting him more and more lately. He agreed to the meeting with the Republic, his only condition being that General Organa be present. Would Rey be there? Kylo hardly had to ask himself the question. She would be by her beloved General's side, and he would see her again.
Kylo turned from the floor to ceiling window, striding confidently out of the room and on toward his quarters. The Supreme Leader could typically be found in a handful of places: the bridge, the conference room, his training room, or his personal quarters. He could control the First Order with minimal effort or disruption from his own interests.
His guards fell back slightly, relieving those already posted outside the entryway door.
Kylo was alone at last.
He immediately removed his black jerkin, feeling smothered by the strong leather. His tunic and boots were removed next. Fresh air kissed his bare skin, cooling his overheated flesh.
Kylo crossed the room, seating himself on a mat in front of a window that made up the entire outer wall of his quarters. He crossed his legs, hands on his knees, preparing to clear his mind.
The space was too quiet.
With a frustrated huff, he stood and when he turned, was face to face with Rey.
The scavenger.
The rebel.
The only person who understood him.
The woman he had offered everything to.
Frozen in place, Kylo took this time to observe her. She didn't seem bothered by being connected to him still. He didn't sense any resentment within her, surprisingly. There was only—curiosity. And hope.
How dismal.
"I know what you want. It's impossible, so leave."
She merely blinked and studied his features. She realized that he was exposed again, but this time disregarded the fact and kept looking at his face. There was a slight pinkness to her cheeks, but her expression remained vacant.
He stepped closer to her, expecting some kind of reaction. If she wouldn't leave he would try to make her uncomfortable. She remained, having only to crane her neck slightly upward to retain eye contact.
Fine.
Kylo moved ever closer, their bodies almost touching this time. He stared down into her face, focusing on her warm brown eyes. He could practically see the question swirling around in her irises. With their connection just as strong as ever he could read Rey like a book. But he wouldn't give her the satisfaction. If she wanted to stay silent, he could do the same. He had never been fond of useless conversation anyway.
Rey's lips parted slightly. Kylo couldn't help but watch her mouth, waiting.
Without realizing, Kylo had lifted his hand to Rey's arm. He stroked her skin with his thumb, with just the lightest of touches.
Rey lowered her gaze even with Kylo's heart. Her eyebrows scrunched as if she could see it pumping if she just concentrated hard enough. She raised her right hand and placed it flat against his chest, over his heart.
"I'll see you there." And with that, she disappeared.
Kylo Ren staggered to one knee, then the other. He slumped slightly, his hands resting loosely on his thighs. His whole body was on fire. If he had looked down at his chest he could have sworn there would be a small red handprint there. He shuddered in a breath.
He would, indeed, see her-soon.