Author's Note

Hello everyone! I'm so sorry it has been so long since I have updated this story. Life kinda went crazy but now I am back and hoping to update more often. Please let me know what you think of where the story is going. Suggestions on maybe what you would like to see would be welcome too! Thanks!

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Chapter Four: Taken

"Why does the First Order have bases in the most extreme environments?", griped Finn as he stumbled in the sand, " Snow and sand. I'm starting to think they have a fetish for the uninhabitable".

"I don't think that hospitality is a high priority for them when they were choosing their evil hide out", Rey quickly bit the inside of her cheek in an attempt to not outright laugh at her struggling friend.

"Well, I don't think anyone would be knocking their door down even if they had this base on a tropical island. I'm just saying those sands are much preferable to these. Nothing wrong with enjoying a nice temperate climate. Instead of this maker forsaken place", grumbled Finn.

Rey smiled to herself and trudged along the dune in front of her. The scorching sun had been beating down on Rey and Finn for the last hour of their trek. Obviously the heat was starting to get to the ex-stormtrooper as they made their way to where the base supposedly was. The planet eerily reminded Rey of Jakku. Same shifting sands. Same heat that could make anyone unaccustomed to it crazy, like how Finn was feeling now. It made her feel uneasy. She could not tell if it was the deja vu she was feeling or if the Force was alerting her to some hidden danger. Rey assumed it was a little of both.

"The base should be just over that ridge", explained Rey as she peered over her shoulder. Finn was taking a large gulp from the canteen slung across his shoulder.

He wiped his mouth before answering, " Yeah well that kriffing ridge better be as close as you're saying it is. Otherwise I'm going to find Poe and tell him where he can stick his little save the world mission."

Rey turned away from Finn with a bark of laughter. Finn smiled behind her and followed suite. Rey focused on the landscape around her. There were dunes rising and falling well into the horizon. Making it seem like some giant had causally drug his fingers through the sand to create mounds that broke up the planets surface. Oddly enough, the sand before her was a dark grey. Unlike the sands of Jakku. Giving the land a somewhat washed out appearance. Although no one could accuse Jakku of being cheery, the grainy deposits gave the viewer the feeling of being in some kind of dream. Shaking the uneasy feeling from where it settled between her shoulders, Rey continued forward. The ridge was less than a mile away and they needed to keep moving if they were going to regroup.

The location of the base seemed much further than what Poe had originally divulged. Despite this, Rey and Finn trudged along. The ridge became clearer as they neared the bluffs of the canyon. Grey craggy rock erupted along the edge, providing a natural barrier. Their steps slowed as they came to the edge of the canyon they had been searching for.

"Keep to the rocks. Otherwise they will be able to spot us a mile away", directed Finn as he slowly crept to one looming rock. Rey followed suite, moving to the opposite of Finn. While Finn rummaged around in his bag for binoculars, Rey peered down into the canyon.

Rey could see why the First Order would choose it as the location for storing sensitive data. The walls of the canyon were so tight that only small TIE fighters and freighters could maneuver safely to the hangor, which opening yawned at the base of one of the canyon walls. Rey could see a few storm troopers milling around the entrance.

"They have a few ships in the hangor but none of them seem to have very much fire power. Destroying the base should be a little easier because of it. That's all I can make out though", Finn peered through the binoculars again to continue his scanning. Although it wouldn't do much good. The hangor was the only thing visible from the surface. They needed to get closer.

"Finn, we have to see what we are up against. I doubt Poe and Chewie can see this from their position. Do you think you could get us closer? Maybe even into the base?", Rey could see the apprehension on Finn's face.

"You are starting to sound like Poe. Did.. did you plan on this from the beginning?", Rey nodded her confirmation,. "We can't just waltz in and expect for them not to notice us!", Finns voice echoed around them.

"Well they were I'll know we are here now! Keep it down! We can't continue with this attack until we know more. It would all be for nothing. It's the only way we can keep everyone safe. Including Rose", Rey knew bringing Rose into it was a manipulative way to get what she wanted but she was desperate. She could feel something was very wrong here and didn't want any of them to get hurt. "Besides, I can disguise myself with the Force once I'm inside".

"You can do that!?", Finn exclaimed.

"Well I mean.. in theory. I read it somewhere," Rey replied sheepishly.

A dumbstruck expression flitted across Finn's face," You're telling me you have never tried it before but you want me to sneak you in there without personal experience of cloaking yourself... in a First Order base.. while on a secret mission?".

"... Yes", Finn's eyes rolled into the back of his head at her response, "To be fair I went onto the Supremacy and still escaped! There were way more storm troopers and personal on it than this base. Well that we know of.."

"Rey... we can't loose you. You're the hope the Resistance needs. You're the last Jedi!" Rey did not want to correct Finn that Luke had never finished her training so she technically was not a Jedi.

"I have to do this Finn. There has already been too many losses. The Resistance doesn't know we are here. There is no help if there is any trouble. I can go in and end it all right here", Rey desperately pleaded with Finn. The sudden need to reach that base and infiltrate it seemed so necessary. Something was calling her. Pulling her to it. She had to answer that call, "Besides, I'm used to doing things on my own. I can do this".

Finn still looked hesitant but gave his ascent by giving her a swift hug, " You aren't alone. You have us. You're the most important thing to the Resistance now".

Rey already knew this, but she could not still feel somehow detached from her group of friends. There was a a part of her they would never understand. To them she was the symbol of the Resistanc. The hope that kept them all going. Really she was a scavenger from Jakku. The only one who ever made her truly feel more than that was Kylo Ren. As hard as that was for her to admit it was the truth.

"Thank you Finn. You ready to do this with me?", Rey extended her hand to her friend. Finn took it and gave it a small squeeze. Oddly it did not feel the same way as when her hand touched Kylo's. Rey shook her head to rid herself of the thought.

(((())))

"Sir, we are approaching the planets surface", the stormtrooper spoke nervously as he gazed at the Supreme Leader sitting in lotus position. Appearing to be meditating in the common area of the ship. Making his trepidation of interrupting Kylo Ren ten fold. The stormtrooper was not fool enough to believe that even though his eyes were closed, Kylo Ren wasn't not aware of his surroundings. HB knew that the knight could snuff him out before he even knew what was happening.

Kylo's eyes remained closed as he replied," Thank you HB43098. That will be all". Kylo could sense the hasty retreat of the other individual. The stormtrooper seemed more than a little relieved to be dismissed by Kylo Ren. He hurried from the area as fast as his armor would allow.

Kylo was always slightly amused by the attempts of the others in the First Order to keep their distance from him. This was only to be expected since many had been a witness to his violent, often unprovoked, attacks. It was not uncommon for a stormtrooper to come around the corner to see Kylo slicing away at the first unlucky inanimate object in his path. Those witnesses would gossip about the event to anyone who would listen. This did not bother Kylo. It made it easier for him to keep others at a distance. Something he was always good at. Well, with one major exception.

The thought brought a scowl to his face. Breaking the concentration he had been trying to cultivate on the journey. Kylo was used to being alone. To have a scavenger so thoroughly invade that privacy, his mind even, was infuriating. Rey could break down his defenses in a way that no one else had. Not only the barriers of his mind but also the need to be alone. She made him feel his loneliness more sharply. Kylo had used the loneliness to fuel his power. Rey made it feel like a weakness.

"That will end today," he told himself as he brought his emotions under control. Kylo reached out with the Force to balance himself again. He knew that he could never truly balance himself. He had never been able to but he needed to come as close to possible for the impending confrontation. Kylo breathed deeply as he fought with himself to be centered again. He could feel her. Although his whole point in this excersize was that she wouldn't feel him till it was too late he drew closer.

Kylo could feel her uneasiness. The connection was not strong enough so that he could see her surroundings but he already knew what brought on Rey's nerves. He knew that Rey could feel him at this point. He wanted to play with her. Taunt her. Add to the unease she was already feeling. It was dangerous to his current mission but he could not help himself. He stroked against her consciousness like a lover. Trying to gain entry into her thoughts. Rey shuddered at the attempt. From revulsion or some other emotion he could not be certain.

One thought floated clearly through their bond, " Stay out of my head", Rey snarled at him. Kylo felt her throw up her barriers to keep him out after that.

Kylo chuckled to himself. He was slightly disappointed but knew it furthered his own goal. He did not want her to sense him before his plan could come to fruition.

"Soon, my little scavenger", the ship shuttered around him as they broke atmosphere, "very soon".

((((()))))

Rey shivered despite the heat. The invasion of Kylo Ren had taken her by surprise. Making her stumble as she and Finn made their way down the to the canyon floor. The craggy surface of the barricade making it easier for them to descend. Rey's emotions were a riot inside. His sudden appearance felt odd. His attempt to infiltrate her mind was gentle. Almost caressing. It was a sharp contrast from the last time they had connected. Rey could still sense him but now in wat he background of her mind. Like a heart beat, pulsing, letting her know of his existence despite the barriers in her mind.

Finn had stopped short when he heard her stumble," You all right?".

Rey quickly nodded that she was fine and motioned for him to continue down the path. Piles of rock and natural formations gave them adequate protection from any stormtroopers view if they happened to glance upward. The duo paused every now and again to make sure they had not been spotted. They had chosen to walk a few hundred feet in the opposite direction of the base to find their means of descending. They came upon the part of the canyon that curved slightly giving them some cover from the entrance of the hangor. It was a bold move but both agreed the quickest way in was to get as close as they could to the hangor and take down the few stormtroopers posted.

Finn raised his hand to signal her halt as he quickly ascertained it was safe to head toward the hangor. Finn nodded and they both began to softly jog to a rock outcropping in close proximity to the entry of the base. Rey willed that no stormtrooper looked closely into the shadows the pair were keeping to.

Both slid to a stop behind the boulders they had designated as their protection," Alright, I am going to take out those troopers. Once I do that we need to very quickly get you inside. We don't know if there are more inside the hangor but that's where the Force shielding comes into play".

Rey nodded as a knot formed in her throat," Thank you again Finn".

Reluctantly he nodded as he pulled his blaster from his side. Rey reached around her back and took hold of her staff. Knowing it was useless unless she could get close enough to disarm the troopers. Rey prayed silently that Finn would take out the stormtroopers swiftly.

Finn looked to Rey and nodded. Both leaped from around their small sanctuary and charged. Finn lifted his weapon and unceremoniously shot the first trooper to the ground. Leaving just one other to deal with.

The element of surprise allowed for Rey to charge rapidly at the second stormtrooper. This surprise wore off as the trooper raised his blaster at the oncoming Force user. As he raised the weapon Rey became more focused. She reached out with the Force to anticipate the blaster shots. Thinking of the short training she had with master Luke.

"Breathe. Reach out with your feelings," the voice of her old Master drifted through her closed her eyes. She could feel the troopers intent as his finger squeezed the trigger. Rey dodged to the left and could hear the hiss of the blast as it shot past her head. Moving swiftly she twirled to miss another oncoming blast.

"Rey, move!", Finn took aim and shot the trooper in the leg. Bringing the trooper to his knees. Rey was upon him before he could collect himself and brought her staff down across his head. Despite the helmet the stormtrooper had on he slumped into the sands.

She straightened and whirled around to face Finn. Sliding to a stop he exclaimed," You need to hurry. Someone is bound to notice that these two are out of commission," he turned to the hangor door. "Doesn't look like there is any trouble lurking but you know what to do", he placed his hand on her shoulder, "Be safe. I'll be right out here. If you run into trouble, run the opposite direction of it".

"I don't feel like that even needs to be said", huffed Rey. Peering into space before her. She could see a few ships but no other troopers.

"When it comes to you it does," Finn nudged her inside," Here is a communicator just in case. Contact me when you're headed back". He moved back in the direction of the outcropping of boulders they had originally hid behind.

Rey nodded, placing the communicator in the sack attached to her back. Cautiously, Rey crept into the cavern before her. She could smell the fuel for the ships around her and headed further into the hangor. A few TIE Fighters were the only vessels in the area. Rey could see that the room around her was similar to the one the Resistance currently occupied. Not much had been added to the natural structure of the space around her. Usually the First Order made a point to cover everything in chrome plating. This base was either very new or very old if they had not yet covered it.

There was very little activity around her. Rey could feel very few life signatures as well. Rey focused her energy to cloak herself as she spotted the entrance into the base itself. Rey approached the portal at a purposeful clip. She did not see or hear anyone approaching and slipped into the hallway. The walls around her now looked more familiar as she couldn't see any of the natural bedrock beneath. Taking a left she skittered down the hall.

The further Rey emerged into the base the more her disquiet grew. The base gave the appearance of being completely deserted. There should have been troopers and droids should have been roaming around her. She met no one. Coming around a brightly lit corridor, Rey stopped dead in her tracks. She had arrived at what should have been the command center of the base. It was empty. Panic began to set in.

"This cant be happening. This can't be happening," Rey's mind frantically whispered to itself. "The intel Poe received wasn't real. We wandered into a trap".

"Ah. So the scavenger has discovered the subterfuge", Kylo Ren was suddenly in her consciousness. The protection around her mind had crumbled once she realized the faulty in her plan. She couldn't push him out now. He was too entrenched in her mind. Shifting through her bewilderment and fear.

"No. This can't be your doing", Rey whispered back. Realizing how dire their situation was. Rey's thoughts flashed to Finn.

Kylo Ren snarled at her turn of thought, "Yes scavenger. I have your traitor out here. He is waiting for you. I advise you come out here quickly before my men become restless. He is not popular among our ranks".

" Don't you touch him. If you do I'll...", Kylo Ren interrupted Rey before she could continue her tirade.

" You are in no positions to make demands of me! My patience is waning thin scavenger. I'd suggest you hurry", he projected annimage of Finn. Kneeling before him with blood sluggishly running from the corner of his mouth.

Rey could not control the swirling emotions in her body. Kylo Ren was here. He was intent on revenge. Rey could sense that through their bond. It was still wide open at the moment and he could feel every part of her panic. Rey's breathing echoed loudly around her in the carnivorous space around her. Rey lunged back the way she came. Sprinting to reach the opening of the bay. Lights blurred past her as she exited the hall into the hangor. The mouth of the opening was awash in brilliant sunlight. Making it difficult to see the commotion outside. The presence of Kylo Ren was overwhelming.

Rey burst through the to the harsh exterior, blinded by the suns rays above her. For a moment she could see nothing until her eyes came in to focus. A voice filtered through the incandescent light.

" And here she is. The Jedi of the hour", sneered Kylo Ren.