"Sir, the X Order representative is here to see you as you requested." General Hux announces, standing by to partake in the meeting. He has become Kylo Ren's second in command, still plotting to overthrow him. He knows he has more military capabilities than his former equal in command under Snoke's reign. If only Kylo Ren was not force-sensitive.
An idea.
What if General Hux found an unknown force-user to counter Kylo Ren's power? He could wield that power to overthrow the Supreme Leader. Or better yet. The girl is his weakness. What if he hurt the Empress? He is getting excited by this developing plan. That's it.
He needs to take down the girl.
"Do you think it will work?" Rey cautiously asks.
"It will have to. I understand you have hope for him, but we need to protect you too." Finn explains with Chewie's response in agreement.
"I-" Rey is cut off by a sharp pain growing stronger by the second, screaming in agony. She collapses to the ground, clutching her stomach. Finn rushes to her side, attempting to assess the source. She continues to scream as the pain gets worse. It is a stabbing pain in her abdomen.
Yet, suddenly the pain disappears, leaving no mark of what caused it.
"What the hell was that?" Finn is checking her out. During his brief time with the Resistance, he has been taught basic medical training. Her face is soaked with sweat, feeling no energy to pull herself up.
"I-I don't know. I-" Before she can finish, she is pulled into a force connection with Ben.
"Rey, are you okay? I felt your pain as if it was my own!" Ben is frantic, clearly sweating himself.
She looks over at Finn as a warning not to talk. He has come to sense when his friend is in a force connection. As part of the part, he must remain anonymous to the First Order as the one to help Rey escape.
"Ben, I have no idea what that was. I-I was examining the escape pod I'm in and I collapsed in pain. But then it disappeared as if it never happened."
"Well, I'm glad you're alive. Good to know what you feel, I feel as well." Ben takes a deep breath. "Where are you? I know you said you need time, but we need to figure out what is causing this pain. Where is the ex-stormtrooper?"
"I left him on a planet on some planet. I'm take refuge in a planet called Naboo." She explains, lying through her teeth. "He has immunity, right?"
Ben sighs. "Yes, he does." As much as he dislikes the traitor, he did help his beloved escape. From what Rey has said, he was never interested in the fight for the Resistance, just to get out of the fight itself.
"Ben, I love you." Rey admits for the first time. This is true. No matter what side either one of them are on, she loves him. It is love that is driving her to save his soul.
"I love you more." He smiles.
"Can you help us, sir? We need a place to stay as we repair our ship." Rey begs a Naboo local. Ironically, their cover to Ben became a reality.
"Sure." The gungan responded, way too cheerfully. In between excessive conversation tactics, it is revealed that his name is Kif-Kif. "Let me show you the way!"As they are walking by, Rey and Finn see the locals peacefully interacting. When they reach the Rey looks around and notice a shrine of a young girl. She is beyond beautiful.
"Kif-Kif, who is this?" Rey must ask.
"That is Queen Amidala. Beautiful girl. She died young, leaving behind a planet who adored her." He explains, sorrowfully.
"What happened?"
"Our queens are young girls. She served her time as our queen, wise beyond her years. She went out to become a senator, before the rise of Emperor Palpatine. No one really knows what happened, but she died pregnant with twins." Kif-Kif leads them to the common area for rest. "Queen Amidala, even all these years later, is held very dear to our hearts. She fought the hard fight, even if it wasn't the easy way."
"I know the feeling." Rey sighs. Still, there's something familiar about this girl. Something in her face...
"We hold her to our hearts to remember to keep fighting the fight, no matter the price that may come." He explains, as if he knew what lies in Rey's heart.
"If you don't mind, I need to rest." She wants to ask Ben if he knows anything about her. She goes to a room that holds a bed, good enough for her to meditate and reach out to him. A force connection begins, but it is not who she is expecting.
Luke Skywalker.
A/N Dun dun dun…. A few big things happened, right? General Hux has a new plan of attack. Rey and Ben said 'I love you.' Rey learns about Padme! And a big cliffhanger of Luke's return! Until next time, my loves!
I don't own Star Wars!