Disclaimer: All Star Wars characters are property of Walt Disney. Some minor characters have been created by me to compliment the story.

Author's Note: Things get heated here. Brace yourself.

Temptation

"So what exactly happened?"

Finn was walking as fast as he could while still trying to make sense of everything.

"I told you, General Organa and I were discussing the First Order's arrangements on Ryloth, when one of the guards came to the door and said that Hux was ready to cooperate. Then she told me to go find you immediately" Tolla replied.

"Yeah but, why?" Finn asked surprised.

"You mean why is Hux giving up?" Jessika chimed in while walking in unison with her two comrades. "I mean think about it, he's been locked up a long time. It was only a matter of time before he started to snitch."

"Yeah but…"

They came to a stop in front of Leia's office. Jessika looked at Tolla who was just at surprised at Finn's hesitance.

"What's the matter Finn?" Jessika asked.

He looked back at two girls confused, "Why did she want me to come?"

The two girls looked at each other again, even more confused, almost as if they hadn't even considered that question themselves before.

"Is this unusual? I was under the impression that you were someone that the General would normally alert on such matters" Tolla said.

"Well, I mean I'm not the Captain or anything..."

"That doesn't matter right now Finn. She asked for you for a reason. Either way you need to go see the General."

"Right" Finn looked back at the door one last time in thought. "It's probably best if you two wait here then."

He waited for them each to give him a nod in agreement before he opened the door and entered the office.

Finn walked in to see Poe who stood with patience as he watched Leia scramble around to organize her office. It was clear that she had a lot going on lately. The scene made Finn feel for his General who appeared to be under a lot of stress.

"Finn!" Leia blurted out when she looked up. "I trust Tolla gave you the news?"

"Yes. I came as soon as I could."

"Good then let's be off" Leia finished with her desk and quickly moved to the door, ushering the two men to follow her.

Leia didn't even notice Jessika and Tolla when she exited, but Poe did. He looked at the girls briefly before glancing back at Finn with a blank expression. The moment was short, but enough to make Finn stop in his tracks. Before he could address it, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back to see Jessika who wore a serious face, reminding him that he had to focus on the task at hand. He gave the girls a short wave before moving to keep up with Leia and Poe.

"Do you really think he will cooperate General?" Poe spoke up as they walked on.

"Yes. He's slowly been cracking. After I dropped the news about Ryloth, I believe he felt a certain way that none of his old team seemed to be concerned for him." Leia affirmed.

"Yeah the First Order believes that when someone is left behind, it's for a reason" Finn followed up.

Poe shook his head. "That's sick."

"Yes but Hux is a proud man who will try to fool us once more. Don't let up" Leia stated.

When they arrived at the prison, they made their way toward Hux's cell. He was deadly leaning against the wall with his mouth open staring at the ceiling. His clothes were wrinkled, his hair was a mess, and if you didn't know any better, you would think he had just went through a battle. But the truth was he simply was bored and annoyed beyond his wits.

Leia, Poe, and Finn stopped in front of his cell but Hux took no notice. Finn could only look on at the shameful sight in front of him. Here was the man the imprisoned countless innocent people, yet he couldn't even last a short amount of time behind bars with much better treatment than he ever gave to others. Just by looking at him, Finn could tell Hux was losing his mind and honestly, he hadn't even been locked up that long. What Finn was looking at was a symbol of why he hated the First Order.

Leia lightly tapped on the wall near her. Hux's eyes immediately shot over to the three of them and he quickly crawled over to them in desperation.

"Took long enough! I told that guard to get you forever ago!"

"What do you want Hux?" Leia said starring down at the pathetic man in front of her.

"When I call, you better answer fast!" Hux shouted.

"Fine we'll leave" Leia said turning around.

"WAIT!"

Leia turned back to see Hux, shocked at his own desperation. Finn almost couldn't believe it. The General of the First Order was literally on his knees begging for attention from who was supposed to be his enemy. Finn wondered if the other Storm Troopers could see this, what would they think. He thought they might realize how sad the Dark Side truly is in more than one way.

Hux cleared his throat and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He sat up on his knees in an attempt to regain some dignity.

"Where's Snoke?" Leia asked.

Hux closed his eyes with tension. "As I've said countless times, I don't know."

"Then why did you ask for me?"

"Because, I know how you can get to him" He opened his eyes and paused as if he was contemplating once last time if he would go through with this confession. He ultimately gave up. "The brat. He usually goes off for a little while and returns with an assignment from Snoke. He always goes off in the same part of the galaxy as Ryloth. Follow the brat and you may find something. I don't care what you do with him."

These words struck Finn. Images flashed in his head as if Hux had recalled a forgotten memory of his. In his mind, Finn saw Kylo talking to Snoke through a hologram.

What is this? This is familiar, Finn thought.

He was confused to why this was on his mind, until he remembered what happened earlier.

Rey...This is her memory.

Before Leia could comment, Finn spoke up. "The place he goes, is it Snoke's hideout?"

"Perhaps. I've actually wondered that myself, but I don't know. He mainly talks to the brat these days" Hux said in disgust that Finn could tell Leia didn't like since he was referring to her son.

Hux turned his attention full on Finn. "You'll need me. Most likely you'll need executive access on our territory. You know it."

Finn looked over at Leia who thought for a moment before making a decision.

"One moment Hux. Follow me boys."

She ushered her two soldiers follow her down the hall. Once they were out of ear shot, she felt comfortable to discuss.

"What's on your mind Finn?"

"First Order superiors are given exclusive rights to a lot of things. And I can't really explain it, but I know he's telling the truth about Kylo going to see Snoke.

"I see. But I don't trust Hux."

"Neither do I, but you have to trust me on this General."

Leia looked down in thought. "Hmm. If Kylo is going to see Snoke, then he won't be on Ryloth."

"Yeah that's right!" Finn perked up. "If him and Snoke are both gone, Hux is here, and we already took care of Phasma, then there won't be anyone left in charge. That will be a good time for us to go back on Ryloth to save the planet before it's fully converted into a base!"

Leia nodded. "Yes but how can we be sure of how great their numbers are on Ryoth?"

The question slowed down Finn's enthusiasm. He didn't like the idea of sending people into battle but he hated the idea of what the First Order was doing to people on Ryloth even more. More than anything, he couldn't get the image of Kylo and Snoke talking out of his head. He knew he didn't want to pass on this opportunity.

"Well, we don't. But our soldiers are better, we know that. The only problem usually is that they have Force power and are well planned. The First Order always believe in strength in numbers. Since the battle was only a few days ago they'll probably still have many troopers there. However, usually more than one superior is present while a planet is being converted into a base. And since the planet hasn't been converted yet, we can probably still save the planet and a bunch of lives."

"But like you said, their numbers are great. I hate the thought of sending a lot of soldiers into an onslaught. We are in this war to save lives."

"General, what I'm saying is without leadership the troopers won't know what to do."

"It will still be an onslaught Finn."

"Not necessarily. Listen, we were taught to attack when commanded. That was our only purpose" Finn said sadly. His own words made him briefly recall his days as a Storm Trooper. He recovered when he saw Leia looking at him curiously. "Without leadership, they will fall or retreat."

He truly believed what he said and Leia could tell, but she was still contemplating. Finn realized her hesitance and couldn't really blame her. She couldn't understand his eagerness to end the war with this particular suggestion because she didn't have the same vision as him. He saw inside Rey's head and somehow she knew Kylo and Snoke were planning to see each other. He would have to figure that out later, for now he had to focus.

Looking around, Finn swallowed his pride and tried something he knew he should have did earlier.

"Poe what do you think?"

Poe looked up surprised. It was clear he didn't think anyone would care about his opinion. Yet, there he was with the attention of both the General and Finn. Finn gave a nod to show he was serious about his question.

"Well, I have noticed the lack of skill in the troopers. Their only means of strategy is to send large numbers at once. If executed properly, and if Hux is telling the truth, I believe we can take them."

With Poe's agreement, Leia was sold on the idea and confirmed it with herself before speaking.

"Then it's decided. We will go through with this lead and purse right away. We have a lot of planning to do."

After confirming with Hux that they will follow his suggestion, the three exited the prison. It was decided that Poe and the General would immediately get to planning and Finn was to return to training until him and all the other soldiers were alerted with more information.

"Things are about to change now boys, I can feel it." Leia neither looked happy nor sad when she said this. She wanted the war to end but still hated the fact that they were in the war, she was nearly drained of emotion and talking to Hux never helped matters.

Finn hated seeing the General like this. He liked it when she was happy but that was something he didn't get to see too often lately. Out of impulse, he took her hand.

"General, Hux was just trying to get to you when he was talking about your son" Finn said, knowing Leia was affected by the 'brat' comments Hux made. "I don't know if it's possible to bring him back after all he's done. If there was a way I wou-"

"No Finn. I've understood for a long time what must happen" Leia said looking firmly at Finn.

Her sad look forced Finn to look down but still nod in agreement. He looked back up when he felt her take his free hand.

"I've also known for a long time not to let my past ruin my future. That is why we are with the Light Finn, we don't let our emotions destroy us."

Finn again nodded, this time much more proudly. Leia then pulled him in for hug. A hug that full of warmth that Finn had not felt in a while.

"You make sure you make it through all of this alright. You're one of us now."

"Yes General. Thanks."

Leia pulled away and walked down the path to her office. Before he followed, Poe turned his head back to Finn.

"She's right you know. Don't let Hux get to you either. You're not like them."

Finn was nearly stunned. Poe hadn't talked to him in what felt like ages but those words he just spoke hit Finn hard in a good way. Too emotional to respond, Finn just gave another nod before the two went their separate ways.

Rey paced around her quarters trying to relax. The vision she shared with Finn was more powerful than she realized. Before things got too tense she got out of there, not wanting Finn to see her lose control.

What was all that? She recalled the images from her Force Bond earlier. I didn't recognize it.

During the Force Bond, she convinced herself to share with Finn her first experience with the Force, as he did with her. But she had not counted on what else was in her head.

Snoke. I saw Kylo talking to Snoke about meeting. But I never saw that before in real life.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock.

Confused, Rey decided to answer "Yeah?"

Luke entered, much to Rey's demise.

"Look, I'm not in the mood for more training alright. I told you I didn't want to do that Force Bond."

Luke wasted no time in stating his concern. "Rey I'm worried about you and your actions."

"My actions? There's nothing wrong with my actions."

"We know Snoke calls to you for your power. He believes he can manipulate you like he did Ben."

Rey grew angry in an instant.

"You're comparing me to him? You think I would do what he's done?"

Luke put his hands up slowly in defense. "Rey, the Dark Side is powerful. It can seduce you as it has done many others. I believe your connection with Ben may have something to do with it. Remember how you told me you were awakened? During that time in your mind, you and him may have formed a bond due to your history."

"I share nothing with Ben Solo. We are nothing alike! He killed Han! He killed my mother! Ben is dead to me. I have no family!" Rey shouted. Luke put his hands down, slowly losing his composure.

"No. I am your father."

Rey was taken back and her eyes widen in offense. Her angered boiled she couldn't contain it any longer.

"How... dare...you. How dare you! You left me. You left me alone on that trash of a planet. Do you have any idea what it was like! I waited and waited for you to come back for me and you never did!"

"Rey..."

"No. Get out now." Rey said threateningly as she shifted her feet into a fight stance.

Seeing this, Luke was at a loss of words. He felt guilty, angry, but most of all, sad. So he did the only thing he knew how to do, he left.

Night came early that day. It was only fitting since Rey considered that day to be one of her worst. She spent most of it in isolation, constantly going over the events of the morning.

She couldn't get her visions out of her mind, or Luke's warning. She rejected the idea of being seduced by the Dark Side but wondered if she really did have a bond with Kylo and Finn. Either way, she hated the idea of someone in her head. She didn't like feeling scarred, hurt, or angry, and lately that's all she had been feeling.

So on this night, she sat alone on a large rock by the river. She sat for long time staring out into the water, longer than she expected. Yet she couldn't bring herself to leave.

"I thought I'd find you here."

Rey looked up to see Finn approach and stand next to her. She looked at him for a moment just to make sure it was really him and not her imagination.

"I should've figured you would stroll by here. Look I'm not in the mood for company."

"That's a lie. You came here to see me. I knew you'd be here, I felt it. You knew too.

She turned her head away from him. "It's just a coincidence."

They stayed in their places for a moment, neither of them really knowing what to say. The only sound that could be heard was the movement of the river near them.

"I saw more visions of Kylo" Finn blurted out, causing Rey to nearly turn her attention back to him. "They were different than before."

So he did see that, Rey thought. She had her suspicions that he did despite her hope that he didn't. She figured there was no point in lying about it.

"Those were new. I never seen Snoke before."

"Me either"

Finn sat down next to her. He didn't make a move to take her hand as he normally would when they were together. Instead he just sat by her casually. Rey didn't mind the closeness, despite the voice in the back of her head.

"Kylo's going to see him. Hux confirmed it."

Finn now had her full attention.

"When do we leave?"

"I don't know yet. General Organa will let us know."

Rey jumped up. "We can't wait for her. There's no time to waste!"

"Yeah but we need a plan and a squad."

"For what?! You beat him last time. I beat him before. He's weak!"

"Rey..."

"He has to die! Your family is dead Finn! Don't you care?"

"Shut up!" Finn screamed and jumped to his feet. "What's wrong with you? Stop yelling!"

"No! He killed my family! I was weak back then, now I am strong."

Their eyes locked. Rey's body heaved from her yelling. Finn's hands clinched and his arms shook with anger. The two young Jedi, riled with emotions, lifted the Force within them. Their energies collided at an even match. They stood only a few inches apart but so much of the Force was building between them that neither one of them could move. Around them, the dirt spread from the ground, the rocks rolled back, and the river splashed loudly with unnatural waves, all at the building eruption of power from the two Jedi.

The power was the strongest Rey ever felt. It was an unnatural feeling of pleasure and pain. The energy felt good, but the anger was unbearable. Her mind ran wild with thoughts of betrayal and vengeance, until her focus finally settled on what was in front of her. What she saw were eyes that stared at her with fury, but not hatred. Eyes that held pain, but hope. Eyes that held betrayal, but trust. These eyes were unlike Kylo Ren's, these were human. These eyes belonged to Finn, eyes of the Light.

Her energy dropped and she stumbled back. At this sight, Finn dropped his energy as well. They continued to stare at each other, now calmer, while trying to catch their breaths from the lost energy.

After a moment of silence, Rey turned and walked away, deciding that she was ready for the day to finally be over.

Author's Note: What seems worse, the actual war or the internal war?

Till next time, Later