Chapter 9.

I don't know how this story is going to end in canon, but here is where I'm taking it. I like the idea of Phasma surviving that confrontation and a few other things will probably end up different as well. If anyone survives what happened in TLJ, Phasma will. It's an AU, they tend to do that and go there.

The Hidden Resistance Base.

Leia's contacts had come through from various parts of the galaxy as a few ships had arrived on the base containing supporters, supplies, and even a few new recruits. Poe was excited as they could use one of the ships to make a contact with an important spy who they had tried to contact previously, but had been spotted by the First Order in space. They could use one of the ships to make the connection regarding the spy network without broadcasting that it was necessarily from the Resistance. Their spy network was having a difficult time recovering, and even C-3PO was having difficulties with his droid contacts throughout the galaxy. Breaches had been made and they were basically starting all over again.

Rey, having just come out of meditation, came out of her tent to check on the activity. The vision she had during her meditation was disturbing. She had heard screams and shouting in a city in the clouds as she was standing on a landing platform that was empty and felt a very dark presence. Then she heard a voice she didn't know but had heard before somewhere. It sounded like a very kindly old man who was telling her she had to go to Arkanis. She feared it was a trick, like what Snoke had said about the connection she and Ben had being manipulated by him. It was odd they were still connected even though she had thought she had blocked Ben out. She was glad she could now. Maybe that was part of it, her deep feelings she had, or that was actually the will of the Force and for some reason she didn't understand. She planned to meditate on this again as things were not very clear right now. She didn't want to talk to Leia about it, just not this time. She was going to keep this to herself. Perhaps she'd see Ben again and ask him, as he was in the vision as well. In the vision, Rey was holding Kylo Ren's lightsaber. The place seemed to be similar to the ships she had scavenged on Jakku, and Ben was laying on the floor while she was taking on First Order stormtroopers, or maybe it wasn't really Ben at all? The next moment, he was standing beside her looking down on himself. What did it mean?

She found Finn who stood with her as they watched twice as many people at the camp with fresh supplies and able bodies. Chewie with his large size helped unload some of the crates to hovercarts. Some of the x-wing pilots who had been on patrols had returned, many of whom had been on other missions during the battle of Crait.

"Why aren't you working?" Rey asked Finn as they stood watching.

Finn leaned back and laughed. "Why aren't you?"

"I'd just feel like I was in the way. I needed to think. At least we'll have some new supplies. I've grown up with very little, but it's amazing what you get used to once you have it. At least Chewie likes to hunt. It's nice to have fresh meat," Rey said. "I just got out here myself."

"More people though," Finn noted.

"Not like I see you much lately anyway. You're always with Rose," Rey smiled.

"She works a lot, but yes, I do spend time with her. Does that bother you?" Finn said wondering if Rey was a bit jealous of his new relationship.

"I'm happy that you have her, Finn. It's hard to explain, but truly, I'm glad. You were my first true friend ever. Even on Jakku, it was just people I knew, but they weren't real friends or family. I feel we bonded a bit over our … adventure," Rey said with a touch of sadness.

"You seem to speak with General Organa a lot. I see you spend a lot of time with Chewie as well. Poe flirts with you," Finn said giving her a jab.

"Poe flirts with everyone. He flirts with you. That's just Poe!" Rey said jabbing her friend in the arm.

"Yeah, he does," Finn laughed.

"Finn, can I talk to you about something?" Rey whispered looking around.

"Sure, anything," Finn said quietly putting his head down.

"Maybe we should find some place quiet," Rey said moving towards her tent.

Finn followed then went in, "Alright, what's up."

"I'm thinking of borrowing one of those ships. I have a tracker, like I took with me when I went to see Luke, so I can get back. It's something I may need to do," Rey whispered.

"Why not get Chewie to go with you in the Falcon?" Finn said shaking her head.

Rey moved her head closer, "It will be recognized there. I need a ship that won't be recognized, the whole First Order knows that ship!"

"You're going into the First Order territory? Rey, you can't!" Finn whispered with concern. "Where?"

"Arkanis, the leadership is there now. Finn, like I said, it's something I have to do," Rey answered.

"But Rey, there's a warrant for you! You can't go there! They are accusing you of killing Supreme Leader Snoke," Finn spoke quiet with worry and anger.

Rey tightened up a bit, "I didn't kill him."

"I know you didn't. How could you have even been near him! I'm not sure he's really dead," Finn answered.

"Finn, few know this, only Chewie and Leia. You have to promise not to tell anyone. I was there when Snoke died," Rey whispered then froze up.

"You were there? On the Supremacy? How did I not know this?" Finn said a little louder, but not loud enough for anyone to really hear.

"Would you keep it down," Rey said lowering her head and getting closer to his ear. "There's a lot I can't tell you. I went there. I thought I could help him."

"Help Snoke? Are you crazy!" Finn whispered loudly.

"No, Kylo Ren. He killed Snoke. Kylo Ren took me to Snoke. I didn't think he would do that. I don't know what I thought what he would do. Snoke tortured me, Finn. Kylo Ren then killed Snoke rather than kill me. Then we took out the guards together. I left after that. I got out and met Chewie who came to get me. You can't tell anyone," Rey said seriously. "Promise me. It feels good telling you. I can't believe it. But promise me."

Finn nodded, "I don't believe this!"

"Well I don't believe what you and Rose did either. Maybe you should have let someone know your plans?" Rey scolded him.

"Maybe you should tell someone yours?" Finn scolded back.

"I am, I'm telling you. I just can't tell you when I go. Later, when it's quiet," Rey whispered. "Let Leia know when I go, and only her. She may understand. I'll have my tracker."

"I should come with you," Finn insisted.

"No! You shouldn't. They know you. I need to do this alone. Finn, I need you here," Rey pleaded.

"They know you! We need you here," Finn said angrily.

"I can handle myself," Rey insisted.

Finn shook his head, "I don't believe this. Why would you do this?"

"I'll explain when I get back," Rey said. She had to give him something. "You better not come after me, Finn. I swear."

Finn shook his head. "If you need me, let me know alright?"

Rey nodded. "I'm not even sure that I'm going. It's just a heads up, Finn."

Finn grabbed her shoulder out of concern.

The Executor

Kylo Ren had several restless nights. At one point, he thought he woke up in his hotel suite in Arkanis. He was paralyzed and couldn't move and he was alone. He felt extremely angry and tried with all his will to wake up, but could not no matter how hard he tried. He was feeling that he had finally been able to return to his time, and when he fell back to sleep, was only frustrated to find himself back on the Executor stuck in the past.

Admiral Piett had arranged for more work in his room, but after some time he was being trusted with duties outside and had been able to work in the hanger from time to time with supervision. He hadn't been called to Darth Vader's chambers in a few days, and he wasn't sure what the ship was up to in regards to it basically chasing his parents and Uncle Chewie. It was weird to think of them like that again and since he had come to the past, he really felt more like Ben then Kylo Ren anyway here, no matter how much he tried to push himself away from the light. He noticed he hadn't even flinched when he was referred to as Ben by Rey. On the ship, it took him some time to remember he was Antilles, and since he wasn't the only one, even he was sometimes referred to as Ben by some of the others working in the hanger. Looking back at his life before this weird time jump, it did seem as if he were two people in the same body, with the current side usually more pointed towards the light, and always being pushed out of the way by the more angry darker pulled side. Here, it was if it were more equal. Both sides of himself having aspects of both in one way or the other, but with one side of his self more light, and the other more dark. This way though, now almost separated, he felt more balanced and stable and in control with he just being a conduit of the Force as just the Force. With the exception being for those episodes he had in his sleep when he was very conflicted and angry and felt as if he were more darker. His anger now was more of frustration.

He hadn't seen Rey in a while, and he really missed her. Time probably had not passed nearly as quickly where she was, and it was possible it was only a couple of hours, when he himself had spent days. He was beginning to lose hope that he would ever return, and wondered if the next time they stopped in a system, he'd somehow get planetside and leave, as his mother had suggested. Something began to break the new routine, when one of the officers, he didn't know which one, he wasn't going to make friends here if he could help it, came to escort him to Admiral Piett.

"Have I done something wrong?" Kylo Ren asked as he was led to the bridge.

The officer responded, "I don't think so, but then, I'm not sure why you've been called." The officer looked down at him with disgust, "You may want to change your clothes. I'll take you to your room. Where is it?"

Kylo Ren told him and the man's eyes raised. "Really? What rank are you to get one of those suites!"

"I don't know, it's just where they put me," Kylo Ren answered then followed as the man shook his head.

Once they got to the rooms, he had the man take a seat and saw him eyeing the fruit. Kylo Ren rolled his eyes and said with a sigh, "Help yourself."

"It's just..." the man started.

"I know," Kylo Ren said as he went into the bedroom to clean up and change.

Windrider, Ree and Sai had known about the fruit and still occasionally stopped by, but now that he was busy and not in his rooms all the time, so it wasn't as often. He knew they only came for the fruit, and that they had probably kept that information for themselves. When he came out, a bit cleaned up, he said, "You may want to keep it quiet you kept some. Not for me, but others who have been have done so. Not sure if it's contraband or not."

"Oh I know, thank you," the officer said stuffing one in a pocket trying to hide it.

"I didn't ask for it. Don't blame me," Kylo Ren said as if he really didn't care and he really hoped this wouldn't be another hanger on who would come to his room trying to befriend him for special treatment fruit. He really didn't understand why he still got it, though he still wasn't allowed to go to mess.

They went to Admiral Piett on the bridge, and Kylo Ren was asked to take a seat. It seemed the activity had picked up again, as they had a period of somewhat quiet while he imagined Lord Vader allowed the bounty hunters to do their thing whatever that was. When Piett was finished his current work, Kylo Ren was brought to Lord Vader's chambers, and Kylo Ren was again left alone with Lord Vader.

"Have a seat. I hope you're new arrangements are suitable?" Darth Vader inquired knowing how bored Kylo Ren had gotten the last time he had seen him.

"It's adequate, thank you. I'd rather go back to my own time, but since that hasn't been possible..." Kylo Ren started.

"I didn't ask you here for pleasantries, Kylo Ren. We are nearing Bespin in the Anoat sector. One of the bounty hunters has done his work and has conjectured that the Millennium Falcon has set a course to land there. He believes the ship to be having some mechanical problems, and it's captain has a known associate there. Is there anything that you know about in regards to that system? Is this where I am to meet my son? I merely ask for confirmation," Darth Vader said pacing the room.

"Yes," Kylo Ren answered softly.

"Are you sure? I sense you are not sure?" Darth Vader snapped.

Kylo Ren said quietly, "I'm sure. It was how it happened."

"Yet, it bothers you for some reason?" Darth Vader questioned him.

"It is how it happened in the past, that is all," Kylo Ren answered trying not to think about it too much. "You will lure Skywalker there."

"But you are hesitant, very interesting. Would you tell me why? Am I not successful?" Darth Vader asked pointing at Kylo Ren.

"It's not about Skywalker, Lord Vader. You will be successful in luring him to you," Kylo Ren said sitting up.

Darth Vader stood looking at the man before him. He was hard to read, but there was something...

"Where are we?" Rey said suddenly appearing next to Kylo Ren.

Kylo Ren looked over at her without saying anything and then looked back at Vader.

"What is that?" Rey asked noticing some of the monitors near where Kylo Ren was sitting. She tried to focus more into the room. She was able to see some of where he was usually, especially if it was close to him or nearby.

"Lord Vader," Kylo Ren spoke, "He will come to Bespin. He did so in the past. I know this."

Rey's eyes grew wide and she moved closer to Ben. As she moved closer, she could see him and her mouth opened and she mouthed 'Darth Vader' and covered her mouth with her hands.

Darth Vader sensed something odd, but he wasn't aware it was Rey.

"What are you doing?" Darth Vader asked wondering if Kylo Ren was trying to use the Force against him.

"My connection to the future. She's here. In this room. With me. She just appeared," Kylo Ren spoke then looked at Rey as if to apologize and then made a sterner face in her direction.

"The connection you spoke of? Your so called enemy? I can not sense her, but I feel something..." Darth Vader said a bit puzzled. "It's as if you are projecting more than usual."

"I promise you that it's nothing I'm doing on purpose," Kylo Ren spoke.

Rey spoke, "Ben, I really need to talk to you, can you get out of here?"

He shot her a wide eyed look. She felt everything he was feeling and it affected her and she shook.

"The city in the clouds?" Rey asked having seen them herself in her own head.

"Cloud City," Kylo Ren said out loud.

"You do know," Darth Vader spoke, not having heard Rey. "This young woman is still here? Can she hear me?"

"You can't hear him can you?" Kylo Ren said looking over at Rey.

She shook her head no vigorously. She was shaking.

"No, she can't hear you. She asked if it was the city in the clouds. She knows," Kylo Ren answered.

"What are you hiding? You are hiding something?" Darth Vader asked in anger.

"Nothing, Lord Vader. Nothing," Kylo Ren answered. "It's probably just her being here."

"You feel protective?" Darth Vader asked. "I'll come to you later. Perhaps your uninvited guest will be gone. You can confirm that this will be the location."

"Yes," Kylo Ren answered.

"Good, you may go," Darth Vader stated, disturbed by the other intruder. He could almost feel her Force signature. He would have to question Kylo Ren again when she wasn't around. He almost wondered if it was more than just protecting the future girl.

"Thank you, Lord Vader," Kylo Ren answered, then walked across the bridge and whispered to Rey. "Stay with me if you can."

"I'll try. Hold my hand," Rey said surprised at herself for suggesting such a thing.

Ben stopped and looked at her. It caught the attention of another officer on the bridge, "Something the matter, lieutenant?"

"No," Ben almost smiled, then took Rey's hand and walked slower. She kept pace until he could find a quiet place to speak. "Tell me what you need to tell me, quickly," he whispered as he found a dark corner and ducked inside.

"I had a voice tell me to go to Arkanis. It seemed urgent. At first I was on a platform. The platform was located at a city in clouds. I heard screaming. Then I saw you laying on the floor. There were First Order stormtroopers and I was holding your lightsaber! I feel the need to go to Arkanis. It's very strong," Rey answered a bit shaken. "I didn't know you would be speaking with Vader just now. I just appeared. I can't control that."

"I'm not in my room now. You saw Cloud City," Ben answered. "That's where they are headed now. That's how it happened. I heard the story when I was young. Enough of the story to know, anyway."

"But your lightsaber? The stormtroopers? I know they are different in the past, we had the helmets on Jakku. They had been left there. These were First Order," Rey said looking at him very seriously.

"Who was speaking to you? Who?" Ben asked quietly.

"I don't know! I feel it's the right thing to do, whatever that means," Rey answered.

"Have you spoken of this to...her?" Ben whispered.

"No, and I won't. If I leave, she won't know until I'm gone," Rey spoke softly.

Ben nodded. "Be careful." He squeezed her hand.

Rey looked down. Then she squeezed back. She felt something warm all over her body suddenly. She felt he really cared. She didn't know how to take or understand that. Then she looked up into his eyes. He was staring back at her. His eyes were warmer, and she just wanted to...

"Excuse me, where are you supposed to be?" a bridge captain approached Kylo Ren wondering why this young lieutenant was tucked alone in a corner.

"I'm sorry, I just stopped to think. I'm returning to my quarters, sir," Kylo Ren said as he turned around suddenly letting go of Rey's hand.

When he turned back she was gone.

The Finalizer- The Present

Phasma was finally relieved to be back on board the Finalizer and was having the droid medic exam her in her private quarters.

Her ordeal for the past few weeks had taken a lot out of her, but it wasn't the worst she'd ever endured. She had crawled up from the flames after her battle with the traitor, FN-2187, willing herself to live by any means possible. When she got to a flat surface, she made her way until she came to an escape pod on the Supremacy where she killed the two officers ahead of her who were trying to activate it as she approached. Once on board, she found a nearby inhabited planet and treated her wounds with the medical kit found in the escape pod and fashioned a salve using the dirt and some grease from a kill she made on planet. She hid in some rocks for several days while trying to heal from her injuries. When she felt she was strong enough, she bandaged the part of her helmet that had been damaged to cover the area around her eye. She was determined that no one see her face or any portion of her body. She found a nearby village where she stole some food. The real truth was that stole wasn't really the right word, as she killed the inhabitants of the small home when she was discovered. After taking a few supplies from the home, she took off into the dark looking for a ship to steal. The only ship she could find was a skyhopper that probably rarely left the planet and had very little as far as fuel. Once she reached space, she sent the signal to the First Order that was located within her armor. If she hadn't received a ping, she assumed she might be able to return to the planet and try it all again with another ship, but was relieved to get that ping in return. She merely needed to wait.

When the rescue ship arrived with a medic on board, she refused all treatment. She ordered the crew to take leave of her until they reached the Finalizer. After she had been treated her in her room, Lieutenant Mitaka came in and updated her with the current events such as Kylo Ren declaring himself Supreme Leader, and the activities of the First Order. He couldn't tell her what she really wanted to know, where was the Resistance and did FN-2187 escape with his life. She would speak to Hux though whenever he was available.

The Executor-Kylo Ren's suite.

It was later when Darth Vader arrived in Kylo Ren's suite. Kylo Ren knew who it was before he came into the room, as he could feel his Force signature. It was strange having the Sith Lord in his space rather than going to his chambers, and somehow it made is seem more unsettling. He had a broken droid he was tinkering with in the living space and Darth Vader eyed it with fascination.

"Do you often find yourself working on droids?" Darth Vader asked after quietly coming into the room.

Kylo Ren, standing further away said, "No, not usually. It was left here, when I wasn't allowed to leave and it gave me something to do. I have more experience with engines, but I'm no expert, Lord Vader."

Darth Vader seemed disappointed in his answer, as if he could tell that this wasn't the boy's passion, only something he was able to do, "Interesting. What kind of background did you have? Nakadia is very agricultural. Did you farm? Repair equipment?"

Kylo Ren laughed slightly then spoke, "No. It was only one of many places I lived. They asked for a home world and it was the first I remembered. That was all. I only was able to get experience in repairing things from helping my father growing up."

"Why did you move around so much?" Darth Vader asked trying to learn more about the descendant before him and perhaps get an idea of how they may be related. If he would have remembered his son perhaps?

"I'd rather not talk about my past, if you don't mind," Kylo Ren said a bit agitated.

"This upsets you? Tell me this then, did you know my son?" Darth Vader asked bluntly, "Would he say be your grandfather?"

"No, he isn't my grandfather," Kylo Ren said even more agitated. "I thought you wanted to know what I knew about Cloud City." Changing the subject.

"Great-Grandfather?" Darth Vader said clenching his fist.

"Enough, I won't answer that," Kylo Ren shouted and sat down. "Lando Calrissian, that's the associate the bounty hunter told you was on Cloud City."

"Yes," Darth Vader answered looking down at Kylo Ren who no longer was looking in his direction.

"You are avoiding my questioning. How do you know these things?" Darth Vader asked pacing a bit and thinking.

"I don't know everything. It's history," Kylo Ren answered quietly.

"You are hiding something! What are you hiding!" Darth Vader shouted.

"Skywalker will come to you on Cloud City. Like I already told you, I don't know everything!" Kylo Ren answered. "I can't tell you everything. I wasn't there! What are your plans, Lord Vader?"

"My plans?" Darth Vader asked. "You wish to know my plans?"

"Yes, with Skywalker," Kylo Ren asked bluntly.

Darth Vader stared at Kylo Ren. "What happens on Cloud City? When Skywalker comes to me?"

"I don't know," Kylo Ren answers. "I only know that he does."

"What happens!" Darth Vader shouts.

"Skywalker loses his lightsaber," Kylo Ren grins a bit and then adds, "Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber."

"What!" Darth Vader answered as he stopped pacing and eyed Kylo Ren who was calm and sitting hunched down in a chair looking at his hands.

"That's what happens. It isn't all written down. You keep asking me to tell you things I don't really know. And yes, there are some things I am not telling you, but I have my reasons. I need to protect myself," Kylo Ren spoke. "I really don't care what happens to Skywalker. That lightsaber, I've seen it. I've held it. And I've seen a vision of you in Cloud City."

"Will I die there?" Darth Vader asked.

"That I can answer for you, no, you do not. You should know this. Search your feelings harder. Pay attention," Kylo Ren said looking at the Sith Lord, stalling him. "When you are there on Cloud City, pay attention. Do not be distracted."

"You tell me this! Maybe you should join me there!" Darth Vader shouted.

Kylo Ren stood up, "No!"

"No? I order you to be part of my shuttle party when I arrive. Is that understood?" Darth Vader insisted again pacing. "You could be a great asset. You are hiding something, this I am sure of and I may need to consult with you from time to time."

"Grandfather, no. I don't wish to..." Kylo Ren said nervously, then realized he slipped. He paced and put his hand through his hair.

"Grandfather? Is Skywalker your father?" Darth Vader spoke sternly.

"No! He isn't. It was a slip. I am your descendant after all. I may just refer to you as 'Grandfather'. A term only as respect," Kylo Ren said sweating and anxiously.

Darth Vader stood there his fist under his chin as if deep in thought. "Skywalker is your grandfather? No, I sense he isn't?"

"I can't say, but I am your descendant," Kylo Ren answered. He felt he had dug a hole he needed to bring himself out of fast.

Darth Vader stood there quietly looking at Kylo Ren. "Skywalker has a sibling? They were twins? Weren't they?" He watched Kylo Ren's movements change.

"I don't know," Kylo Ren answered.

"You do know. I sense it," Darth Vader answered. "You don't believe you are telling the truth."

Darth Vader reached out and tried to pull Kylo Ren closer to him. Kylo Ren did not move, he merely pushed him back. Darth Vader tried to pull Kylo Ren again and he did not move. He merely stood there looking at him sadly almost pleading.

"I'd like it if you would stop trying that," Kylo Ren answered. "It won't work. I'm just as powerful as you are. What happens if the Emperor finds out that I'm here?"

Darth Vader straightened himself up. He was angry, but he spoke calmly. "I expect you to stay in your suite for now. I will come again if necessary."

Kylo Ren nodded.

Darth Vader looks back at him and asks again. "Twins?"

Kylo Ren says nothing. Darth Vader gets no answer.

"I will learn the truth," Darth Vader said as he turns to leave.

"Sithspit!" Kylo Ren whispers to himself.