Rey kicked at the covers, bunching the sheets around her ankles. She struggled to keep her eyes closed, pleading with the Maker to grant her sleep. The Jedi was faced with the toughest decision of her life and she needed rest.
An hour of meditation before bed didn't help. Going back to the hangar to work on Kylo's X-Wing didn't help either.
Communicating through the Force, Rey convinced Kylo Ren to meet on her terms. She spent the evening preparing an old X-Wing, in order to trap her lover. Rey worked for hours, adjusting components and making sure the fighter was hyperspace worthy. It was a welcome distraction getting her fingers, hands and elbows, covered in grease.
The Falcon gave her plenty of work from time-to-time, but Jedi training often disconnected her from the hobby she loved.
She rewired the autopilot feature and double-checked the fighter's navicomputer. Once Kylo entered the X-Wing, it would jump to hyperspace and take him to a set location.
He couldn't be followed and he couldn't double-cross her. The work was tricky and Rey insisted on doing it alone. It was the kind of mental challenge that should have left her drained.
Turning on her back, the Jedi Knight couldn't get Kylo Ren out of her head. Her mind drifted to him, every time her eyelids grew heavy. Rey pulled the pillow out from under her and shoved it against her face. She let out a primal scream, using the soft pillow to deaden the noise.
Rey's restlessness didn't escape the Sith Master's attention. Kylo pushed into their connection, trying to find any weakness to exploit. He felt her in distress and longed to help.
She refused to let him into her bedroom, as if teasing him with only a glimpse.
Frustrated, he started talking to her.
Let me assist you. Rey... he said through their connection, hearing General Phasma walking up behind him. Rey's name sounded more like a desperate plea, than anything else.
The Jedi kept him at bay, realizing that he must not be sleeping either.
She turned on her side, draping a hand over her hip. Kylo Ren abandoned his attempts to communicate with the Jedi, rather quickly.
"Hmm. So, soon?" she whispered, keeping her eyes pressed shut. The Jedi focused on the only lover she'd ever known.
Her thoughts shifted to her time aboard the Finalizer. She recalled Kylo's strong hands picking her up and carrying her into a darkened corner. Anyone could have walked by and seen them stripping layers off. Maybe someone did see them? And they kept quiet because they feared Kylo Ren, her lover, the biggest badass in the galaxy.
Rey bested him in battle and she had him eating out of the palm of her hand ever since. The control she had over him. The admission shook the Jedi to the core, making her breathing ragged.
Rey's hand drifted down, slipping under her waistband. She moaned, thinking about Kylo's rough, calloused fingers taking control and brushing across her thighs. Those hands of his, were responsible for such vile and destructive things over the years.
Yet, when they pulled at her clothing and caressed her skin, it didn't matter. His touch made her wet with desire, striking every chord.
On the Finalizer, Kylo Ren grabbed the nearest guard rail and leaned into it. His grip squeezed the metal tightly, as a grunt escaped his mask. The Force enhanced his natural strength and the metal bar twisted and clamped under his gloves, reverberating loudly from the pressure. The Sith Master looked out of breath, startling Phasma.
"What is it, Emperor?" she asked. General Phasma put a hand on his back, which was out of character for her.
The man in black purred, making an incoherent sound.
"I'm fine," Kylo replied after a moment. He was fortunate that his mask hid his blown out eyes and dripping forehead. The Sith Master held onto the railing like a vice, hunching his chest over the top rung. Angling to hide his lower half from Phasma, he managed, "Leave me, General. I must return to my quarters."
General Phasma left with a perplexed look. Kylo Ren awkwardly righted himself, unable to hide the growth straining against his pants. The Sith Master hurried for his accommodations, cursing Rey's name.
After a time, the Jedi Knight's face relaxed and she drifted off to sleep. Her hand fell off the side of the bed, dropping a washcloth onto the cool floor. The faint light from outside, bled through Rey's window—falling just shy of her bed. The forest grew brighter and more distinct, with every passing moment. Birds chirped just beyond her window.
Rey's breathing became slow and steady. She wouldn't have long to sleep before breakfast, if she woke by then.
Kylo Ren stormed toward the flight deck, followed by his clone troopers. Dressed in red and gray armor, the battle-tested infantry marched in perfect stride. Phasma's stormtroopers moved out of their way, warily minding the unique group. The Hux era stormtroopers had every reason to fear the clones.
The Sith Master walked past his command shuttle and came to a stop at his TIE Interceptor.
The Gray Commander stepped forward.
"Sir, we request permission to follow you," he said, resting both hands over his lowered blaster. The pose reminded Kylo Ren of archival footage he saw of the bounty hunter, Boba Fett.
These clones were genetically identical to the Fett bloodline, so it shouldn't be a surprise.
"That won't be necessary, Commander. I will return in two days with our Empress. If I don't check in, you know what to do." Kylo Ren hissed through his mask.
"Yes, Sir," The Commander replied. He flipped open a small panel on his wrist and started a timer. The holo readout began counting down, as Kylo Ren climbed into his Interceptor. Giving a gesture to the troops, he led the Gray and Reds off the flight deck.
Kylo Ren settled into his seat, strapping in. The Sith Master flexed his fingers over the wheel, gripping it tightly. Frustrated, he resisted the urge to snap the controls in his grasp. He was still fuming over Rey. She denied their connection, leaving him feeling powerless. Then the Jedi proceeded to tease and touch her own body. It was torture; he bitterly resented the authority she exerted over their connection.
Activating the comm link in the Interceptor, Kylo hailed Phasma.
"General," he called out sharply.
Phasma was out of uniform, in her quarters. Her pale, naked form was covered only by Hux, who rested his back into her chest. Hux wore nothing as well, keeping silent while he felt her breath against his neck. She ran her fingers through his ginger hair, carefully trimming the sides with a pair of shiny scissors.
"Yes, Emperor," she replied, humming to herself.
"Is the next phase of Backlash in place?" Kylo Ren asked, curtly. He punched in coordinates to the Veman system as he spoke.
"It is, Sir," she said with a pause. The Sith Master picked up on her inflection, missing nothing.
"What's the problem?" Kylo asked, sounding annoyed.
"It's General Nujaris. He has his reservations about this course of action," she stated, brushing a thumb over Hux's jaw. Phasma got the disgraced leader to turn his head toward her.
"I believe that's why we have clones in place, on every First Order ship." Kylo replied. He wanted to choke the life out of Nujaris himself. The man who called him Emperor in front of the entire fleet, was looking like a waffling traitor.
"I'm going to check on the Kaminoan colony, on Neman 3. Then I'm meeting our Empress at the location of her choosing. Execute Nujaris at the first sign of his hesitation."
Phasma leaned forward, pushing her chest deeper into Hux's back. He tried to sit up, but she wrapped her hand around his narrow waist, keeping him in place.
"Sir," she said, sounding concerned. The General had more to add, but was abruptly cut off.
"The perfect opportunity has risen." Kylo said, interrupting her. "We've waited long enough and I rather she'd not be...there." He added cryptically.
"I agree, Sir." Phasma said. She brushed her fingers in Hux's neatened hair. "I look forward to meeting the Empress...formally that is."
Kylo Ren smiled, starting the ignition to the Interceptor. "Give my regards to your pet." He said with a chuckle.
Phasma disconnected the call and leaned into her captive lover. "Did you hear that?" She whispered. Without warning, she bit down on his earlobe and sucked it into her mouth.
A knock came at Rey's door. Finn and Poe stood patiently, hearing the Jedi fumbling around in her room. Poe couldn't help but tease Finn.
"She's probably not wearing anything," he said in a low, husky voice. Finn felt his cheeks burn at the conjured image.
"Or very little," whispered the pilot.
Finn sighed, as Poe gave him a pat on the shoulder.
Rey cracked her door open slightly, tilting just an eye and part of her face at her friends.
"Uh...I can't seem to find—"
Finn held up a hanger holding a small, unisex mechanic's jumpsuit. Rey's eyes widened, grabbing the bluish-gray garment from him.
"Thanks!" She called out, leaving the door cracked just a little.
Both men stepped back, resting on their heels. Poe cleared his throat.
"Well, you missed breakfast," He spoke up, shifting his eyes to Finn. "But you're just in time for lunch."
"General Organa came to check on you this morning. She had your hiking garments and vest laundered. They'll be ready before you head out," Finn said, with a hint of disappointment in his voice. He didn't like the idea of Rey facing Kylo Ren once more. It was like playing hot potato with a thermal detonator. She kept getting away, but eventually her luck would run out.
"Oh, Kriff." Rey muttered, thinking about what little clothing she fell asleep in. She wondered why a sheet was draped over her when she woke. The Jedi quickly worked on her hair, getting her sleepless knots into something presentable.
"I'm starving," Rey said, pushing the door open. She smiled brightly at her friends, before jumping into Finn's arms. Surprised, he wrapped her into a hug. Poe's eyes grew wide, happy for his best friend.
"You too," she said, wrapping an arm around Poe. "You were successful, then?" Rey asked, pulling away to look at them both. There was an optimistic ring to her voice.
Finn had the device in his hand and flipped it into the air, casually catching it.
"Of course, it's us," he replied, sounding a little cocky. Rey used the Force to snatch it, when he tossed it up again. Finn cleared his throat in response, avoiding Poe's teasing smirk.
The Jedi inspected every inch of the restrictor, walking towards the mess area.
"Thanks," she said softly, lost in thought. Her temperament shifted so quickly, that Poe and Finn exchanged puzzled glances.
"Uh, wait up Rey," Finn called, chasing after her.
"You want to try some of this?" Poe asked, showing Rey the fish protein on his plate.
She turned away, covering her nose.
"Er, that smells revolting," she said, sounding harsher than she meant. Rey's reaction stunned her friends. The pilot moved his tray to the far end of the table, getting it away from the Jedi Knight.
Her eyes watered and she apologetically gestured towards Poe.
"Sorry," she called out faintly.
"What's gotten into you lately?" Finn asked, leaning across the table. Rey usually ate everything in sight, but her appetite was just one of the things that he found odd.
"I've got this headache that won't go away. Kylo's present at all times, like a dull sensation behind my ears."
Rey set her fork down and picked up the data tablets that Finn swiped from the abandoned Separatist facility. She skipped past files belonging to a cybernetic life form known as 'Grievous.' Towards the back end of the tablets, she came across ancient Sith Droid armor designs. They were eerily similar to Darth Vader.
"This is what I need," she said softly.
"Maybe you can make heads or tails of that? We considered taking it straight to General Organa but—"
"I'm glad you didn't," Rey said, resting her hand against the side of her head.
She flipped through the engineering schematics, finding additional armor pieces that matched Darth Vader's suit. After a few minutes, Rey let out a deep sigh and set the tablet down.
Finn watched his friend closely, waiting for her to speak. "It self guides. Of course it does," she said, snorting a little. The Jedi shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe things had come to this. "Apparently, once the restrictor is in...it's in for good. Removing it is too dangerous, even for someone as strong as Kylo Ren."
Well good! Finn thought, wanting to jump all over the statement. He held his opinion in check, lowering his gaze.
"Are you having second thoughts about this?" he asked softly, wanting to rub Rey's back and comfort her. As usual, he refused to act in the moment.
"No," Rey said confidently. She rose from the bench and grabbed the restrictor. "That's the problems," she added, leaving before he could stop her.
Finn spun around on the bench, watching Rey walk away. She looked good, even in the baggy jumpsuit.
"Was it something you said?" Asked Poe, hunching next to him. He picked through Rey's half eaten tray.
The Jedi headed into the bunkers underneath the base. Dantooine was perfectly suited for the Resistance, having once served as an extensive Rebellion base. The Jedi skipped down the steps to the command center, in a hurry to find Leia Organa.
She was greeted by BB-8 at the bottom, who whistled loudly.
"Yes, thank you BB-8," she replied, smiling at him. The little droid informed Rey that her clothes were finished and in her quarters. A little more than a year ago, the Jedi couldn't imagine having someone else do her laundry. Water was so scarce and precious on Jakku, doing laundry was considered to be a luxury. Practically every world she had visited since, was lush and green.
"Rey," called General Organa from the middle of the room. The Jedi flashed her eyes at Leia, letting her know she needed a word in private.
A tall advisor caught Leia's attention, "We haven't seen this kind of First Order activity since Kylo Ren took over." His deep voice made the General turn back to the display overhead.
"What are you up to?" she muttered aloud, talking to her son without realizing it.
The First Order regrouped in the past few days and changed all their communication signals. They were now operating on old, Imperial frequencies. The thought sent a tingle down Leia's spine.
"Could they be planning a raid. Possibly a resource grab?" asked Admiral Ackbar. He turned to Leia, hoping for some guidance from the Force. Her thoughts lingered on Rey, waving the Jedi forward.
"What do you think, Master Jedi?" Leia said, drawing everyone's attention.
Rey tilted her chin up and approached the table. She suddenly wished she was in something other than a jumpsuit—like Jedi robes.
"Kylo Ren has the entire First Order convinced that the Resistance took out their engineering facilities and eliminated Hux's officers. So they will be looking to find and eliminate this base, at all costs."
"How does that differ from the First Order's typical agenda?" The tall commander replied with a huff.
"Because Kylo Ren is going to turn every ship they have into a flying, reckless dagger.
He's going to trade ship for ship," Rey said, getting a stunned look from everyone, including Leia.
"But how—" Asked Admiral Ackbar, his mouth opening wide in shock. "His losses would be just as great as ours!"
"Kylo Ren has another army; a Clone Army. He doesn't care about the First Order… not anymore. The Sith Master believed he had someone in his possession that could control the First Order, unconditionally," Rey said, pausing for a moment to look down.
"The First Order has been reduced to pawns, sweeping the board clear of enemies. It was the Clone Army that sacked the engineering facilities. They also helped him take over the Finalizer and defeat Snoke."
Rey titled her head and pried into the thoughts of Leia's council. She hoped there was no misunderstanding here. The Resistance needed to be on their toes, for a very different kind of assault.
"He doesn't want anyone interfering," Leia said, watching her council closely.
"They'll offer no quarter, do you understand? That's the orders he's handed down. Every First Order ship will be like a giant warhead; every stormtrooper will be a walking thermal detonator," the General stated with confidence.
The Jedi Knight had gleaned much from Kylo Ren, taking full advantage of their connection. Leia understood where the intel came from, but was grateful her senior leadership was accepting it as gospel.
"Where would this Clone Army be getting ships and its supplies from?" Admiral Ackbar asked. Leia squeezed her eyes together, dreading the answer, before she heard it.
"I'm sorry to say, from us. The Rebellion, I mean. In the years after the Emperor's death, volunteers went after the Remnants of the Empire. The equipment and ships they collected, went to the outer reach junkyards. I grew up on a planet, Jakku, that had such Imperial vessels. Some crash landed as a result of this campaign."
"The Battle of Jakku," Leia interjected. Her council exchanged glances, as if suddenly realizing their careless mistake. Many of the advisers on staff served in the Rebellion and led the crusade against the Remnants.
"Yes," Rey replied. "Other battlecruisers were stored there because the planet was dry and could preserve the ships. The ones that flew or could be salvaged, didn't stay in the desert for long. They were purchased. I worked my childhood away, collecting parts. Many of which, are currently in the possession of the new Empire."
She shuddered at the thought.
Leia's advisers became really quiet, listening to Rey. The General herself became misty-eyed at this. The love of her life, Han Solo, led the charge against the Remnants. A sick feeling hit her stomach. The smuggler turned war hero, never spent much time with Ben; not when it counted most. He was gone chasing down the last of the rogue Star Destroyers. Obviously, their son was well aware of the missions that kept his father away.
"If I could borrow the General for a moment," Rey said, stepping away from the limelight.
Leia followed Rey into the nearest corridor. BB-8 kept watch at the end of the hallway, making sure the pair wasn't disturbed.
"Your son," Rey said, keeping her voice lowered. "I need to know he won't be imprisoned or executed." She said, flashing Leia a look of determination. "I won't allow it."
"So, you'll go through with it?" Leia asked, watching Rey carefully. She wasn't sure how Kylo Ren would respond to having his powers leashed. Qui-Gon Jinn's warning made her wary. Imprisonment may be the only recourse, if only a temporary measure. There were serious trust and security issues, if Rey managed to subdue him.
"I need your word." Rey said, folding her arms.
"I'll have it in writing by the time you get back." She said softly. Her expression was one of fleeting optimism. "I need your word on something, too." Leia said, collecting herself.
"If Kylo… if Ben can't be captured, safely," she started, choosing her words carefully. "If it comes down to your life or his, because it might—save yourself." The General said, hoping that Rey understood what she was trying to convey. The Jedi put a hand on Leia's arm, squeezing it affectionately.
After a brief moment to reflect, Rey spoke up. "There is something I need to ask you, something personal. It's about the years following the Battle of Endor."
Leia gave Rey a small smile, trying to lift her own spirits.
"Do you recall a woman named Talsi?" Rey asked, her voice cracking. The Jedi Knight's eyes were sparkling in the dim corridor. She felt like she was asking the General a favor, simply by mentioning the name of a ghost.
"Why, yes of course." Replied Leia, slow to pick up on where Rey was going with this.
"Talsi, was my mother." Rey said quietly. Leia tilted her head and squinted for a heartbeat. Suddenly, her worn face brightened with a look of surprise, followed by a big smile.
"Oh my, of course." Leia said, recalling the instant connection she had with Rey. It was skin deep, from the moment she laid eyes on her. The General reached out and pulled the Jedi in for a hug. Leia's hands cupped Rey's face, drinking in her features carefully.
"Of course! She was so brave, oh your mother. Talsi hunted down the Remnants for years." A tear ran down Leia's cheek.
Rey grinned widely, letting Leia examine her, like she was seeing the young woman for the first time. "I do have a question...and it's imperative I get an answer." She said, letting her smile fade.
The Jedi exhaled deeply. "I'm not sure how to phrase it. I am in love with your son."
Leia reluctantly pulled her hands away from Rey, but kept her smile. This wasn't news to the General.
"It's just, the Jedi aren't talking right now." Rey said, biting her bottom lip. "And Obi-Wan conveniently left something out." The young woman looked down, embarrassed, before finding Leia again.
"Did Talsi—did my mother have a relationship with Han Solo?" Rey asked, feeling her stomach reach up into her throat.
Leia's eyes darkened, her face looking like she had been punched by a Wookiee.
"Excuse me?" The General asked, in a whisper.
"Is there a chance that Han Solo is my father?" Rey asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Oh, hell no!" Finn yelled, watching Poe attempt to beat his pull-up record. The pilot was surprising the small crowd near the landing strip, with his exhibition. No one had gotten this close to Finn's record, but Poe was running out of steam.
From across the runway, Rey stormed towards the Millennium Falcon. She changed out of the jumpsuit and was in her signature vest and hiking gear. Chewie took long strides from behind, trying to keep up with her. Artoo and BB-8 trailed far back, chirping at the pair.
Finn noticed Rey and called to her. When she didn't stop, he sprinted toward the Falcon.
"I want us on the same page with this," Rey stopped, letting Chewbacca pass her. The wookiee roared in response. He clearly was unhappy with her directive, but he'd get over it.
The sooner she had Kylo Ren, the better, the Jedi thought. She adjusted the tendrils drifting across her forehead, watching Finn approach. The Jedi wasn't sure why she kept styling her hair the same way. It was just a stubborn habit now; a memorial to a family that she'd never know.
I like it, hissed a familiar voice. And we'll start a new family. Rey turned abruptly, slamming their connection shut. Kylo Ren was somewhere in the Galaxy, laughing to himself. She could feel it.
"Rey," Finn said, slowing down and planting in front of her. "Did you speak with Luke Skywalker yet?" he asked, avoiding all the things he wanted to say.
"He's in the forest, trying to reconnect with the dead." Rey said flippantly, flashing a glance at the tree line. "I know what needs to be done."
"What's wrong?" Finn asked, reaching for her hand. He carried such a torch for her and she had trouble acting ignorant anymore. It was tiring and heartbreaking at the same time.
"Kiss me." Rey replied, searching his thoughts.
He looked stunned and tensed up. "Um," was all he could muster in response.
The Jedi rolled her eyes. She leaned in and pulled him in for a kiss, finding his hesitant lips. Her eyebrows snapped together, trying to feel something more for her best friend. He relaxed and explored Rey's mouth, losing himself in the moment.
She pulled away, placing both hands on his chest. Finn kept his eyes closed, unable to find his voice.
It was nice, but it wasn't quite right. "If this was all I could offer, would it be enough?" She asked, swallowing the lump in her throat.
Finn's eyes opened slowly. "What do you mean?" he croaked.
"I am a Jedi Knight. Which means, we can never be together," she pointed out, sounding colder than she meant to. Her eyes saddened, watching Finn's confusion.
Finn looked away for a second and rubbed the back of his head. "But—but you could be with Kylo Ren, is that it?" he asked, stumbling over his words. He felt heat rising to his cheeks.
"I'm not sure I can be with anyone," she answered, sounding miserable. "You've only ever been good to me. I know how you feel, but all I can ever offer you is friendship." Rey said, biting her puffy lower lip. The two had been such good friends.
It wasn't enough for Finn and he shook his head in disgust. "You should never have kissed me." He said, turning away from her. He kicked the ground, sending dirt and grass away from them.
"It was worth it, even if you never speak to me again. I envy the woman that steals your heart next." Rey headed into the Falcon, leaving Finn outside. "Or man," she added under her breath.
BB-8 stayed by Finn, watching the Jedi disappear from view. A part of Finn felt like he was leaving with her. It made him feel frustrated and more alone than ever. He rested both hands on top of his head, wanting to scream into the setting sky.
The Millennium Falcon's landing lights flashed on and off. It's engines powered to life. Finn backed away, getting a brief look at Rey behind the controls. He heard a voice in his head, like someone whispering a secret in his ear. "Kill," it hissed.
Finn spun around, looking for the disembodied voice. He saw Poe approaching, but didn't see anyone close enough to sneak up on him.
The Millennium Falcon took off into the sky, followed by Rey's altered X-Wing fighter.
"Hey... what gives?" Poe asked, walking up to Finn. "Why would Rey get a different pilot to fly the X-Wing? Did you see who it was?"
BB-8 whistled loudly in response. "Anders?" Poe said, looking at his disgruntled best friend for confirmation. BB-8 rolled forward, relaying the conversation he overheard.
The best pilot in the Resistance knelt to one knee, listening closely. "Rey's concerned about what attack—do you mean here, BB-8?" He asked, suddenly feeling like the Jedi kept him there for a reason.
"I applaud your work here, Casna," Kylo Ren approved, staring out the large viewports. The sight before him was picturesque; legions of Clone troopers were lined in formation. Star Destroyers from a previous generation landed in the distance to collect them. Operations in the expanse below were running smoothly.
These warriors didn't need someone like Hux to order them around. The Clone Army would be loyal to the bitter end.
Casna hovered above Kylo Ren, looking pleased. Her elongated form, dark round eyes, and calm personality, never gave the Sith Master a reason to doubt her. The Kaminoans were grateful that Kylo Ren rescued them from near extinction. What was left of their race, managed to survive on Neman 3 for over a decade.
"I haven't forgotten my promise," Kylo stated, before releasing the clasps and placing his mask on the table next to him. He removed the top layers of his uniform, exposing his back to his long time ally. She approached and looked intently at a small scar. It was one of many imperfections on his skin, but this one she was specifically responsible for.
"This implant will have to get replaced," she noted, without needing to scan the bio chip. Casna grabbed a small white gun from a stainless steel tray and punched it into Kylo's back. He didn't so much as flinch, as the faulty chip pried out of his skin.
"Just as we feared, it malfunctioned in battle," Casna continued. Her Black eyes had galaxies for pupils, making her race difficult to read; even for a Sith. "When you didn't make contact for a few weeks, we began to worry."
She sounded deeply concerned for a Kaminoan.
"I've told you before, the chip is to ensure Rey's survival—more than anything," Kylo replied, leaning forward on the medical table. "If something happened to me, the Clones would be there to protect her."
Casna injected him again, putting in a new monitoring chip into his shoulder. "What do you mean, you worried?" He asked, getting back into his tunic and robes.
The tall creature ushered him out of the observing wing and into a different part of the facility.
"Well, Master Ren, you're monitor sent us a flat line signal," she informed.
Kylo arched and eyebrow in surprise. He kept his mask tucked in the crook of his arm, entering Casna's thoughts.
"It appears for a brief moment, your heart stopped." Casna kept her eyes facing forward. She moved so gracefully, compared to Kylo Ren's usual stalking stride.
The Sith Master thought about the statement for a moment, before his eyes lit up.
"The Empress," he scoffed. "We dueled on the Tower and she nearly sent me to my death. The Jedi was terrified she had killed me." Kylo savored the memory, recalling the panic that she felt.
"Oh my. Then I must apologize for the confusion on our end," she replied, placing a hand on a wall console.
"What do you mean?" Kylo eyed her skeptically. "You didn't try to clone me, did you?"
The metallic privacy screen in front of them faded away like a force field. The screen revealed a window to a dark room. Kylo Ren couldn't make out what was in there, but he felt a strong presence.
"Cloning a Force Sensitive is impossible. Combining genes however, is a different story." Casna clarified, flashing her stellar eyes at him.
Kylo Ren looked perplexed, narrowing his gaze into the dark room. The lights finally flickered on, revealing a medical suite with a glass cylinder in the middle.
"What is this?" he snapped, demanding that Casna explain quickly.
"When a clone couldn't work, we went to something more natural. You brought us bandages from the Empress, if you recall."
Kylo Ren dropped his helmet. The sound echoed loudly in the empty hallway. His voice went dry, looking into the cylinder across from him.
"That was so Rey would have a blood supply in the event of an emergency." His forehead leaned onto the glass. "She's... going to gut me over this," he said aloud, stunned at the sight before him.
"How would you like for us to proceed?" Casna asked, resting her long hands in front of her thighs.
"I have to speak with the Empress first. For now, make sure the baby survives." Kylo answered, pressing his head on the glass. A strange feeling washed over him; he suddenly wished he could speak with Leia.
"Very well, Sir."
"As for my promise. I've learned of a planet called Ahch-To. Your people will flourish there—it's population have all moved on. There aren't any pollutants. It was once the home of the Jedi Order," Kylo continued, turning to face the cloner.
Casna brought her hands near her long neck and clasped them in joy. "That sounds wonderful, Master Ren," she chirped. "At last, my people can live in peace."
Kylo Ren shook his head.
"Peace is a lie," he stated, summoning his mask to his outstretched palm. The Sith Master walked away from, pulling the mask over his ears.
Later that evening...
"I should have known you'd pick a desert," Kylo called down to Rey, watching her emerge from a grove of palm trees. "You could have talked to me a little, my love. That was a long flight."
He stood up in the X-Wing and leapt down with ease. The precautions Rey implemented had worked perfectly. The Sith Master came alone.
Rey clenched her jaw, keeping her expression neutral. Her lightsaber was clearly visible; clipped at her waist. The sight of the gleaming weapon and her determination, excited the Sith Master.
"At least the sun is down and it's surprisingly cool," he offered, circling the Jedi from a sizeable distance. Rey was fast and her intentions to fight were evident.
"I did not come here to battle," he announced, raising a hand to calm her. Kylo was hoping to set her mind at ease.
"Fighting is the only thing you love in this galaxy," she mocked, gritting her teeth. "Remove that mask." In her heart, she knew that wasn't true.
"Only if you'll hear me out first," Kylo replied, surprising her with the sound of his sincerity. "Please come closer, it would make this easier."
"I suppose it would," Rey smiled, thinking about the restrictor attached to the back of her belt.
"We were interrupted before," he continued, removing the mask so she could see him clearly. Kylo set it on the ground and pulled off his gloves next. The Sith Master draped them over his mask, keeping his eyes on Rey. She was tense and difficult to read.
He took a step closer, his fierce gaze burning into hers. "That lightsaber belongs in the family."
"My father," Rey interrupted. "You know his identity." It wasn't a question.
Kylo scowled in response. "What difference does that make right now, Rey?" Kylo deflected, becoming quickly annoyed that she was interrupting him. He moved closer again and she twisted away from his reach.
"Since when are you afraid of me touching you?"
"I'm not," she snapped, feeling herself blush.
"Rey…" he purred, reaching for her hand. "Let me say this please, and you can have whatever answers you need. You can cut me down afterwards."
The Jedi reluctantly gave in, allowing her hand to be dwarfed by his larger one. Her pulse quickened with the contact.
The Sith Master got onto one knee and Rey panicked. She fought to get her hand back, but he cupped it with both palms.
"You are my light," he declared.
"No," she breathed, her voice shaking. Kylo Ren was undeterred by her protests.
"There's so much we share. There's much to look forward to," he reassured, placing a hand on her stomach.
"We can have a life together. A future where it's safe… for our family."
"What are you saying?" she gasped, her eyes traveling down to fingers.
"You're my family; you're my home," he said longingly. Kylo Ren could feel the second Force signature within her.
"You haven't noticed anything changing in your clothes or appetite? How about the increase in our connection? That foolish apparition thought it was the Dark Side tearing you apart. I guess we know who the child will take after."
Rey felt like she was going to hyperventilate. She may be young, but how could she miss the signs? How could Leia, for that matter? The Jedi wanted to pull away from him, but her feet wouldn't budge. Her eyes remained fixed on his hand.
She felt it too. She felt him.
Kylo wrapped his hands around her back and pressed the side of his head into her stomach. Rey's fingers instinctively found the back of his head. Her eyes swelled, unable to find her voice.
"You saw our son in your trials, didn't you?" he asked, grinning into her belly.
Rey's head swam; she was left speechless.
"Marry me, Rey. You're the mother of my children. You're my Light. I could never cast you out; I'd never want to. The galaxy can be safe again. With our passion and love, we'll bring balance to the Force."
Rey closed her eyes, fighting her nerves.
"Children?" She whispered. After a moment, she found her voice. The Jedi stroked Kylo's hair as she cleared her throat.
"How? How could we bring balance… through bloodshed?" she asked.
"It's all but taken care of, my love. I've become strong enough to protect you from any threat. I can even bring you back from the brink. Please say something, Rey. Please say, yes," he begged, leaning back on his heels to look into her sparkling eyes.
"Yes," Rey answered, biting her lower lip. "I will marry you."
Kylo's face lit up, he motioned to stand up, desperate to kiss his fiancée. Rey pushed down on his shoulders, holding him in place. The Sith Master smiled and leaned his head against her stomach again.
"I'm... sorry," Rey said.
A sharp pain drilled into Kylo Ren's neck. The Jedi held him tightly, feeling his pain through the Force.
Kylo wanted to scream, but nothing came out. He wanted to push Rey away, but his arms fell limp at his sides. He was fragile, remaining on his knees only because the Jedi held him up. She ran her fingers through his locks, wishing only to comfort him.
Rey cupped his face with her left hand.
"Kylo," she repeated, watching his eyelids grow heavy. "We'll get past this," Rey stressed, trying to pry into her fiance's mind. "Kylo, who is my father?"
She felt him fading and fell to her knees to embrace him. He sank into her, dropping his head on her shoulder.
"Your father?" he asked weakly. His breath was soft against her ear.
"I..." his voice trailed off.
"Tell me, Ben," she snapped, hoping to elicit a coherent response by using his given name. Kylo's chin rested on her shoulder. He felt safe in her arms and drifted to sleep.
"Ben!" she shouted, shaking him.
"I killed him," he muttered, before passing out.
The restrictor cemented itself into Kylo Ren's spinal column. The ordeal was excruciating and overpowered his nerves. The Sith Master would need ample time to recover.
Rey sobbed openly, wrapping both arms around him. She felt his pain and was relieved that the worst was past. It didn't matter what Kylo said. She knew this decision would cost her, but she never imagined this much was on the line.
"Forgive me," she whispered, pulling him impossibly close.