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The meeting room was tense. Leia just dropped the biggest bombshell but no one was staring at the general. They were staring at Rey.

"This is an outrage!"

"She's one of them!"

"Traitor!"

"She's a menace!"

"She'll get us all killed!"

The room burst into chaos. Officers stood and hollered their apprehensions and anger. Rey sat there and took it. She was expecting this reaction and made sure to prepare herself for this. She didn't blame any of them for their concerns, she would have acted the same way.

"Everyone quiet! Quiet!" Leia shouted. She ended up standing as well to get her voice heard. Rey could only stare at the table to hold in her insecurities. Surprisingly enough, Ren hadn't commented on her feelings yet. He was always punctual and he always had something to say.

"We're doomed!"

"She could be feeding them information! I bet they're listening in on us right now!"

"Everyone calm down! For the love of-"

"This is a security breach that could kill us all!"

"We need to get rid of her she's a-"

Fists slammed on the table "EVERYONE SHUT UP!"

The room stilled. Rey looked up and stared at the source of the outburst. It was Poe. Rey was terrified of his opinion most of all. He was her friend and no doubt Finn would agree with his opinion. Poe stood and stared down the whole room.

He let out a heavy exasperated sigh "Thank you. Alright, I know this is all hard to believe, hell I hardly believe it. But can we at least let our general and our Jedi friend explain?"

Nobody spoke a single word. The room was tense and deadly silent. Rey even forgot to take a breath. In a way she was relieved that Poe was willing to listen, but she was still troubled by the fact that he didn't even look at her.

"Thank you Poe. Now if everyone could take a seat we can continue,"

Rey glanced at Poe again and again. He was attentively listening to Leia, but Rey watched as his expression flicker. His eyes became grave for a split second before he shook it off as if he were shaking off sleep. For the first time ever, Rey wished Ren would butt in and ask her what was wrong. She desperately needed the distraction.

"Yes, everything you heard is true. Our Jedi, Rey, has some sort of mental connection to Kylo Ren. And before we break out into chaos again let me tell you the plan," the center of the meeting table glowed. There was a large dot in the center and all sorts of shapes surrounding the dot. "We've located a base on Acarro. It's big, and intel suggests this could be the First Order main base,"

A chill went down Rey's spine. Even though it was just a hologram, the mere size of the base was incredible. It had to be bigger than Starkiller.

"This is our chance. Snoke has to be here. And with Starkiller gone, no doubt other high profile targets are regrouping here. We don't have much time-"

"What does this have to do with your Jedi?" A voice from the other side of the table spoke up. Rey turned her gaze to them and saw the hatred in his eyes. She's never met the man personally, but Rey has noticed him by Leia's side many times. Now that she thought about it, Rey didn't even know exactly who most of the people in the room were and what they actually did. After all, she was just a solitary scavenger with no military background to speak of.

"From my understanding, they basically share a mind. They feel each other's emotion and they can communicate via thoughts," whispers erupted in the room. Rey shot a glance at Poe who was still attentive to Leia. "We can use this to our advantage. Lure Kylo Ren off Acarro and into our trap. He'll have all the information we need," a tinge of sadness caught Rey's ear.

The man who scowled at Rey earlier stood. "General, with all due respect, I believe this operation is of too much personal value to you. Kylo Ren may be your son, but he's still dangerous. How do you expect to hold him on this base anyway?" his voice was stern and much too harsh for such a delicate topic. However, a part of Rey couldn't help but agree with the man. This mission is too personal for Leia.

Leia looked over to Rey and Rey nodded in return. Standing, she took a deep breath and held her hands behind her back professionally. Perhaps if she could at least fake the role of a soldier by looking like one, she could be a soldier in their eyes. "That would be my job, sir-"

"Colonel Ares Wiker," he answered promptly. Now that Rey was standing, she noticed more of the Colonel's features. He was taller than her, older by at least a couple decades, and looked as though the sun had never touched his skin before. He wasn't yet wrinkled, but the lines around his green eyes showed signs of age. His blonde hair was slicked back and not a single hair was out of place.

"-Colonel Wiker, sir. I can subdue Kylo Ren in captivity-"

"And how, my dear, will you manage that?"

Rey paused. Really, she didn't even know herself. "...The force,"

"The force this- the force that, I've heard enough of this force to last me three lifetimes. This is no game, girl. The force can't possibly do everything. General do you honestly believe our Jedi is capable of subduing Kylo Ren?" Wiker raised his voice and turned to the general. Rey sheepishly looked to the general as well. "Yes," no hesitation; which made Rey feel grateful but pressured at the same time.

"Colonel, as someone who cannot possibly understand the capabilities of the force and of Jedi, I suggest you remain seated," the inner stern mother was out of Leia and she commanded the room. The colonel muttered and sat down again, a scowl on his lips.

"Yes, I believe in Rey. Yes, I know she's on our side. And yes, this mission is too personal for me. Which is why I'm allowing Rey to conduct this mission,"

'Wait, what?' Rey thought. This wasn't what they agreed on. This topic was never discussed between them. Why would Leia even consider Rey as the head for this operation? Rey had zero experience in the military and even worse she had zero experience leading others. She couldn't possibly lead this operation. And others in the room (not Poe) seemed to agree. She almost hopped onto the protester's side.

After a heated debate, Leia moved on.

"Now, Acarro. From recent reports I gathered, we certainly don't have the resources for this mission. The base is too big and those Anti-X-wing guns are everywhere," Leia highlighted to visible heavy guns on the hologram and sighed. "Now unfortunately, we cannot afford to run into battle right now like I originally planned. But, we also cannot wait too long. We're still not sure what they're planning next, but we can't give them enough time to whip up a new plan…"

And for the next hour the plan of attack was decided. They were going to execute Operation Citadel within a year. For now, the resistance must recruit more soldiers and gather up any resources they can find in a year. Rey's mission however, was to plan out Operation Homecoming and share the plan with the team Leia assigned to her.

In the hall, Colonel Wiker bumped Rey's shoulder as he passed her. Rey scowled at his back but continued walking. 'Something definitely wasn't right about him…'

'Right about who?' Now he decided to show up.

'Don't worry about it,' Rey internally sighed. Ren suddenly disappeared. Rey attempted to stifle a gasp that threatened to erupt. This has only been the third time he's shut her out, but the feeling this time was stronger. It was as if he were ripped from her mind this time.

Suddenly she was brought back to reality. All eyes were on her again. "Rey?" Leia's voice took her attention. "You okay?" She asked. Rey looked at all of the faces in the room. Many were horrified, some were in disgust, Poe was finally looking at her with his eyes wide. "I-I'm fine…" she nodded her head at Leia and took a deep breath.

"I don't think so. Rey you're as pale as a Nexu," Leia sighed. "Alright, meeting adjourned. We'll continue after supper," several officers stood abruptly and swiftly exited. Rey sat there, waiting for the commotion to settle so she may talk to Leia in private.

Rey eyed Poe from across the table. He was still sitting there, still staring at the First Order Acarro base map. Rey wanted to talk to him, but she feared his current mentality. It was likely that he hated her for lying or just simply because of the bond. 'But it was also possible that he found this to be an advantage for the Resistance just like Leia said'.

"Did you want to talk to me Rey?"

"A-ah, yes," she stood and they began their trek back to Leia's office space. Rey took one last glance at Poe and met his eyes by chance. She shot him an apologetic look while his eyebrows furrowed into an expression Rey couldn't read. Rey turned back to face forward and continued down the hall.

Once they reached Leia's office, Leia took no time in asking "What happened? Was it Ben?" Rey nodded. "He disappeared. He's disappeared before, but this is the first time I felt anything physical from his absence."

Ren hated this. He hated him. He hated everything. He didn't need a babysitter, he was an adult. The fact that he basically had one was humiliating and Ren could just sense the mockery from the Stormtroopers behind his back. However, the thing he hated most was the fact that he needed to conceal the bond from him. Ren didn't know if this man could even sense the bond, he wasn't a force user after all. But Ren couldn't risk it. He was an unknown.

Malek was a man of few words. He hid behind a mask- strikingly similar to Ren's old mask. He was almost as tall as Ren was but he seemed to tower over him all the time. It's only been an hour with him guarding Ren, but it's already felt like an eternity. And what's worse, it's been an hour without Rey. He didn't have time to explain to Rey the current situation and blocked her out as soon as Malek appeared.

As Ren strode down the halls of the Acarro base, he started thinking more about Malek. He'd never seen him before nor heard a whisper of his name before today. Ren didn't even know what his mission actually was. All he did was deliver a holo message of Snoke ordering Malek to watch Ren and boom, he was following him around like a shadow. The man obviously had no trace of force controlling capabilities, but from Ren's own experiences, the force could be sensed by anyone who knows how to feel it. This man could most likely sense the force since Snoke ordered him and only him to shadow Ren.

Hours passed. Ren filled out paperwork, trained, meditated, and ate in silence. He never addressed the looming figure. Occasionally he disappeared. The only times he disappeared were supper time, and for a time while Ren was training. He most likely ate in his own quarters, which gave Ren some free time with Rey.

'Rey?'

'Ren?'

Ren sighed in relief at the quick response. He felt remnants of anxiety from her side fade.

'Are you okay?'

'Where the hell have you been? You were gone all day!' her emotions twisted into anger. He did leave her alone for several hours, after all.

'I'm sorry, I must be quick, I don't know when he'll be back," Ren looked over his shoulder for Malek, who was thankfully still absent.

'He? Who-'

Time was limited 'Snoke is having me followed. I don't know if he can sense our bond and I don't want to risk it. I just want to let you know that I'll be in and out frequently, okay?'

"What seems to be the problem Kylo Ren?" Malek's twisted voice almost made Ren jump out of his skin.

Scowling, Ren took another bite from his ration goo. It didn't taste like anything, but that was better than having it taste like shit. "I can't believe this is all we have on this rock. You don't happen to know the incompetent fool in charge of the supplies do you?" he spat as he took another bite. Hopefully Malek didn't notice. His question did hint that he may know a little something about the force.

Malek seemed to ignore his question "I have a message from you from Supreme Leader Snoke," his voice was monotone now. He held out the holo and turned it on. Snoke's image showed up in a flickering green. "Kylo Ren, I've received word of the Resistance attacking Kanu tomorrow. I'm certain our little Jedi will be there. Show her no mercy." he was gone without a farewell.

"I will not accompany you tomorrow, but I will be watching," Malek's monotoned voice irked Ren but the news was at least a tad bit hopeful.

Malek nodded to Ren and left his quarters, leaving Ren in silence again. Once Ren was sure he was out of range, he removed the barrier and Rey's mental voice echoed in his head.

'What's going on Ren?'

'As I said before, I'm being followed. Snoke ordered a personal babysitter for me,' Ren mentally grumbled. He felt Rey's mockery loud and clear.

'Wow. What did you do this time? Steal the last cookie from Snoke's personal cookie jar?' Rey made sure he could feel the smile that was spread across her face. She was relentless whenever she teased him.

Ren scoffed. 'No, but I am concerned that Snoke may be suspicious of our bond. Also, may I ask what business do you have on Kanu?'

Rey's shock made Ren chuckle 'Someone's feeding you inside information, right?' she asked solemnly. 'I'm afraid that's classified. But I felt it only fair to give you warning,' why exactly was he telling her this?

Rey remained silent. 'What, no thank you? I may have just saved your life,' Kylo teased. Rey flushed at his words.

'See you tomorrow,' and like that she unfocused from the bond.

She originally wanted to ask him why the bond suddenly hurt so bad, but now that he's brought up the possibility of a traitor on D'Qar, all of her focus was on the readiness of the fleet.

Springing up from her bed, Rey beelined for Leia's quarters. It was funny in a way. The enemy of the Resistance probably saved the fleet heading out tomorrow from total annihilation.

"Thank you," she muttered as her cheeks turned pink. Why did that keep happening to her? He'd say things that would make her heart race, her cheeks turn pink, and her lips curl into a smile. He was her enemy and she needed to remind herself of that fact. She needed to brace herself for the possibility of never bringing Ben Solo home. But now, it was hard to be even a few hours without him in their head. "Stop that Rey," she'd constantly mutter to herself. "He's only going to hurt you... Like everything else," the darkness shifted in her.

Ren felt her panic and embarrassment when she left. He smiled unknowingly but then broke out of his daze with a scowl. "You need to let go," he muttered. "She's not coming back. She's not the same," he shook his head as if it would rid him of these thoughts that continued to haunt him.

Rey was never going to join him on the Dark side, he realized. Snoke wanted her dead at this point and she had sworn to neither dark nor light. In a way he respected that. However, he felt the yearn to have her by his side. And it only seemed to grow by the day. Ren didn't know if it was the bond itself or their repeated interactions and constant company that pulled them closer to each other, but it was sure to be his ruin at this rate. She haunted his thoughts endlessly and his interest in her was borderline obsession. Rarely did his thoughts exclude her. He reminds himself of the danger that was inevitable if he continued the way he has.

How was he going to get through tomorrow?

Ok first of all, to clear up any confusion:

The officers are gonna be made up by me. They will not be canon.

The people in the Resistance call Rey a Jedi even though she isn't. She lets them believe she is just because it's easier than explaining her feelings.

Malek is made up, but I did make him up based on Benicio del Toro's possible role in Episode 8 as an antagonist. We don't know his character yet, but there is talk of him being (older) Ransolm Casterfo from Bloodlines by Claudia Gray. The Reylo fam had the genius prediction that Benicio del Toro will basically be Kylo's babysitter cuz he fucked up on Starkiller. And because of tel Toro's character being around, Kylo aint gonna like that and he's gonna throw a bitch fit and that could possibly get the redemption wheels in motion.

Remember, I will be editing so I wouldn't expect another chapter in maybe another week. It all really depends on my time and motivation.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!