Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of the amazing characters!

Please RandR! I so enjoy your reviews and they help guide the direction of the story.

this chapter picks up immediately where the last one left off.

Enjoy!


Chapter 28:

Kylo turned to Rey.

"I can't let them be executed," he said with pleading in his voice. "Then we should head out," Rey agreed. "Do you have any idea where they are," Phasma asked. "Yeah, I do actually. It'll only take a couple of hours if we take my shuttle," Kylo said.

The three of them sprang into action while the rest of the resistance was stuck staring at the screen. Rey's heart was pounding in her chest and she knew that the anxiety spilling down the line of the bond was Kylo's but that didn't make it easier to deal with. Phasma seemed to be just as anxious.

"Where the hell do you three think you are going," Leia snapped suddenly. Kylo pinned her with a hard look, "I'm going to save my men from being executed." "Wait, what!? You want to risk Rey by rescuing high ranking members of the First Order," Finn exclaimed. "Yes," Rey said. "No," Kylo said at the same time.

They looked at each other.

"I thought you wanted me to go with you," Rey said. "I do and you are but I want you to promise that if we run into Ozoroth and his ilk that you will focus on getting Nikkinem, Datoo and Maatis out of there. Phasma and I will hold them off," Kylo said.

Rey opened her mouth to protest but Kylo chose that moment to press his lips to hers.

"No arguing otherwise you can stay here," he said. "But we are stronger together," Rey argued. "You can fly the shuttle, Phasma can't," Kylo said. "I would feel better by your side," Rey said. "And I'll fight better knowing you are safe," he said staring down in to her eyes.

Poe cleared his throat causing Rey and Kylo to look in his direction.

"I never said you could leave here," Leia said sternly. "Too bad I don't need your permission to save the lives of men loyal to me. Besides do you really want it to get out that your only son is big bad Kylo Ren," Kylo asked and every pair of eyes in the room landed on her.

Leia let out a sigh.

"Fine, go. I can almost guarantee that this is a trap but you obviously don't care what I think," Leia said. "Nope," Kylo hissed.

Rey slapped his arm.

"Kylo," Rey said. "What? There's nothing she could say or do that would stop me from going to get those three," Kylo said. "Well why the hell didn't you just bring them with you when you fled in the first place," Poe asked in a slightly annoyed voice. "Because we thought they were dead," Phasma answered.

Flash backs of that night hit both Rey and Kylo like a ton of bricks. Rey had been so scared that she was going to lose him and now all she could think about was the fact that this might all be a trap set up by Hux just to get Kylo in his clutches again.

Rey turned to Poe, "I know things are tense between us right now but you are the best Resistance pilot I've ever seen. The only way I see this going off without a hitch is if you come with us."

Poe and Kylo both looked like they were about to pass out.

"What? If Eshreal were here I would have asked her just to avoid how awkward this all is," Rey said.

Kylo briefly smiled down at her and brushed her hair back behind her ear.

You're so cute when you're trying to be helpful, he said in her head.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Finn said. "I'll do it," Poe said shocking everyone in the room.

Rey looked expectantly at Leia who sighed.

"Fine, go! We can't very well let Hux just murder those men. Even if they are First Order," Leia said.

And that was how Rey, Kylo, Phasma and Poe ended up hurtling through space in Kylo's shuttle.

"So, what's the plan guys," Poe asked as they neared Chandrila, the planet that Ben Solo was born on. "Hux is going to make a big show out of this. All we have to do is find where he's planning his big show and get them out. Rey and I will go and distract Hux by taking out the private army he will no doubt have waiting to keep anyone from stopping the execution," Kylo said. "What am I supposed to do," Poe asked. "You will help Phasma get my men out. Then when you have them you get the fuck outta there. Now this shuttle isn't some little X-wing, rebel. It's the only one of its kind so if you destroy it I will make you pay," Kylo said.

Kylo looked over Chandrila. He never planned to step foot on this planet again. Yet leave it to that sniveling little ginger to bring him back here.

Kylo hadn't been back here in a very long time.

Kylo suspected that if Hux had discovered his true identity, he would also know that he had been born in Hanna city, making it the likeliest place for Hux to set his trap. The more he was sure that they were on the right path the more he was sure it was a trap.

Then again who would suspect that Kylo would risk so much to save the men. Before Rey, Kylo never even would have considered going on a rescue mission. Not even for men who were completely loyal to him. He looked over at Phasma and wondered if he would have saved her, should she have needed it. Probably not.

Right away Kylo noticed the heavy First Order presence. Stormtroopers were patrolling every inch of Hanna city. It was either pure dumb luck that no one had spotted his shuttle as they set down in the forest or more confirmation of a trap.

"We will need to blend in. There is a clothing shop not far from here. Once we find where Hux plans to execute Datoo, Nikkinem and Maatis, Rey and I will find Hux and try to draw most of his men to us. I trust you two can take out whatever men Hux leaves to guard my men. You get them out of there and back to the shuttle. If they start closing in I want you to get the hell outta there Dameron. No matter what. Rey and I won't have any trouble stealing a ship to get back to Olara. Phasma I'm leaving it to you to make sure he leaves with it without us," Kylo said. "No, I absolutely will not leave this rock without you two. Leia made me promise," Poe said.

Kylo fought not to get angry with the stubborn pilot. He should have known his mother wouldn't let her pet rebel go without giving him instructions of her own. Kylo looked to Rey who had been quiet this whole time.

"I don't think it will be a problem, Kylo," she said, strapping her staff onto her back. "Are you sure," Kylo asked. "Yes. If Ozoroth and the others show up I would rather not be stuck here without any way to escape. We are powerful, yes, but I still lack a true weapon," Rey said holding up the staff that Taliah had given her all those months ago on Jasmenerth. "Fine let's just go," Kylo said. "This way," Phasma said stomping off through the Forest.

The group made it to the clothing shop incident. With a little help of the mind trick, they all had new, less conspicuous outfits. Phasma stuffed their old clothes into pack that she slung onto her back.

As they walked through the city it was very hard not to hear all the whispers about the execution that would be taking place in the center of the city. Now that they knew what direction to head in, Kylo began navigating through the busy streets, careful to avoid any Stormtroopers they saw along the way. They were a few blocks from the heart of the city when they came across a building that was guarded by two Stormtroopers.

"That's the first building we've come across with guards at the door," Rey pointed out. "Can either of you tell if your guys are in there," Poe asked.

Rey nodded at Kylo who closed his eyes and concentrated. He could just barely feel the life energy to 7 people, two outside the only door to the building, two guarding the entrance to the room where Maatis and the others were being held. He looked at Rey with hope in his eyes.

"They are in there. What if we can just get them out without Hux knowing," he asked. "Uh, love. I don't think that's going to be possible," Rey said and pointed.

Hux was walking into the building with Queen Thalia to his right and Ozoroth to his left and 10 Stormtroopers behind them. Rey pulled Kylo and the others into the shadows and watched as Hux and half of his small army went into the building. When they came back 3 Stormtroopers had blaster rifles pointed at Maatis, Nikkinem and Datoo's backs as they marched them their certain doom.

Rey pulled her hood up and began following the group. The others followed her lead after a moment. Rey could feel Kylo's anger, anxiety and fear pouring down the line for just a second before he wrangled it all back in. His face was closed and cold. She knew he was getting ready for what was to come.

"Rey and I will go first. Wait until we get most of the Stormtroopers away before you two come out of the shadow," Kylo said as Hux and his group approached a hastily put together stage. "We got it Ren," Phasma said pulling her Sonn-Blas F-11D blaster from her back.

A crowd was gathering around the stage already. Rey and Kylo waited until there were more people standing around before they joined. They stood near the back so that they could see the stage and Poe and Phasma as they inched closer to the back of the stage where the three Stormtroopers still had their blasters pointed at Kylo's men.

Three Stormtroopers guarded the front of the stage. There was one at both staircases leading up to the stage. Hux and Thalia were surrounded by 6 Stormtroopers with Ozoroth looking over the crowd, no doubt looking for Rey and Kylo.

Rey could feel the fear coming from the crowd. Most of them didn't want the First Order anywhere near their home. She and Kylo looked toward the stage as Hux walked to the edge. He raised his arm and silence fell over the crowd.

"CITIZENS OF CHANDRILA! AS MOST OF YOU KNOW, I, SUPREME LEADER OF THE FIRST ORDER ARMITAGE HUX HAVE DECLARED WAR ON THE MEMBERS OF THE RESISTANCE AND ANY ONE WHO SUPPORTS THEM," Hux bellowed out.

The crowd remained silent. Most of them were old enough that they remember when Leia Organa and Han Solo called this planet home. Back when the Republic still reigned supreme over the galaxy. They weren't happy that Hux and his men were here calling out the Rebellion.

Hux continued even though he didn't get the resounding support he'd been hoping for, "AS MY FIRST OFFICAL ACT AS SUPREME LEADER WAS TO DECLARE WAR. MY SECOND WILL BE TO EXECUTE THREE FORMER OFFICERS OF THE FIRST ORDER WHO ARE STILL LOYAL TO THE DEFECTOR KYLO REN."

He paused for dramatic effect and Rey grabbed onto Kylo's arm. He looked down at her and she could see his darkness like a shadow around his aura. Hatred for Hux burned in his dark brown eyes.

"We need to stop him before he tells everyone you are Leia's son," Rey said softly. "I don't care about that Rey. Just getting my men out alive," he said.

He pulled his lightsaber from his hip and ignited it. People scattered as the crackling of the red blade drew the attention of the Stormtroopers. Hux looked toward Kylo and Rey who threw their hoods off, exposing their faces.

"ALSO KNOWN AS BEN SOLO. THAT'S RIGHT. THE FORMER SUPREME LEADER OF THE FIRST ORDER IS REALLY THE SON OF YOUR PRECIOUS GENERAL LEIA. IF YOU DONT BELIEVE ME ASK HIM YOUSELF. WELCOME KYLO REN OR SHOULD I CALL YOU BEN SOLO NOW THAT YOU'VE RUN HOME TO MOMMY," Hux called and the panic was evident in his voice. Hux turned to Ozoroth and said, "Seize them."

Shocked gasps and murmurs of 'Unbelievable' filtered through the crowd. Rey and Kylo began shoving through the panicked crowd. Ozoroth jumped from the stage and moved forward with 9 Stormtroopers, leaving 2 with Hux and Thalia and 3 guarding the hostages.

Once the first blaster shot was fired, the crowd erupted into chaos with people pushing, shoving and running in every direction. Kylo deflected blaster bolts with his lightsaber while Rey fought off Stormtroopers with her staff. Amid the chaos Rey saw Poe and Phasma shoving their way to the back of the stage.

Hux's face was violently red as he stood on that stage and watched his hard work and plans fall to shit. Kylo and Rey cut through the Stormtroopers like a knife through butter. They might as well of not been there.

"Give it up Hux," Rey called as she knocked out another Stormtrooper. "Ozoroth, you promised me this wouldn't happen," Hux exclaimed. "And I told you that my master did not care if those three got away as long as Kylo Ren's true identity was revealed," Ozoroth said. "That is not what we agreed to! We were to capture Ren and his whore and then execute his men for the whole galaxy to see," Queen Thalia screamed. Ozoroth turned to Hux and said, "Control your bitch, Supreme Leader or Zroyais will find someone else to rule Jasmenerth."

Thalia released a growl and removed her long sword from her spine sheathe. Hux put his arm out to stop her as Ozoroth finally made it to where Kylo and Rey were standing together. Rey looked to Kylo.

Let me take him on this time. We already know that lightsabers don't work on his fancy armor but I am guessing that good old fashion stone and durasteel will do the trick. You go after Hux. Remember we are trying to create a distraction, Rey said directly into Kylo's head. Okay. Just be careful and call for me if you need me, Kylo said kissing her quickly before moving away from her.

"Hey you! You're fight is with me! You tried to kidnap me," Rey exclaimed. Ozoroth cocked his head at her and said, "I will defeat you and take you back to my master, little light girl."

While Rey was keeping Ozoroth busy, Kylo used the Force to leap onto the stage. Thalia pushed Hux behind her and faced off with her Electro-Sword. Kylo fought not to laugh.

"Hiding behind a woman now Hux? I knew you were a coward, but this is a new low," Kylo taunted. "Armie is the Supreme Leader now. It is my job as one of his subjects to give my life protecting his," Thalia said. "He'd push you on my blade if he thought it would serve his needs," Kylo said with a savage smile.

That was enough to make Thalia hesitate for a second. She glanced to Hux who was watching the two of them with a sick fascination. Kylo could feel how much Hux wanted them to kill each other in that moment. Apparently, Thalia saw it on his face because she totally dropped her guard and started walking toward Hux.

Kylo moved forward swinging his blade in wide graceful arches. Surprisingly Thalia was able block most of its deadly blows with her blade. She looked at Kylo with contempt as she flipped to the offense, pushing Kylo back with power blows from her powerful body. Kylo let her, feeling each of her movements before she made them.

This was the first time Kylo had gotten a chance to have a real fight since training with Rey all that time. He had started off testing Thaila's strength and skill. She was pretty good but if this was her best she wouldn't last long once he actually started putting effort behind his attacks.

Over the back of the stage Poe and Phasma had taken down the men guarding Datoo and the others were freeing them now. Kylo took that as his cue to start pressing Thalia. He pulled her toward him with the Force while knocking her blade away with his lightsaber.

"OZOROTH, STOP PLAYING WITH THAT LITTLE BITCH AND COME AND HELP ME. OR CALL FOR BACK UP. DO SOMETHING! BE USEFUL," Hux called to Ozoroth.

Rey had him on the defensive. Her new bladed staff and chipped into him armor and there was skin exposed with blood running down in places. He looked away for a second and Rey swept his feet from under him. As he went down he pushed himself toward so that he fell into Rey taking her down.

Kylo saw it and felt Rey's panic as Ozoroth fell on top of her. Kylo moved to go for her and momentarily forgot about Thalia. She took the opportunity to retrieve her blade and lunged for Kylo. At the last second he moved out of the way but the tip of her sword caught his pointer finger on his left hand. The pain of losing the digit enraged Kylo, making him lash out. Thalia held on to her blade with both hands as she blocked Kylo's blows at the last seconds. She couldn't understand how he was suddenly so much stronger and faster. Kylo hacked at her with his red blade. He needed her out of the way so that he could get to Rey.

While they were fighting a ship appeared with more Stormtroopers. Kylo opened the bond a little more and was relieved to feel that Rey was back on her feet. Rey had knocked Ozoroth's helmet off but he had cut her fancy new staff in half with his lightsaber. She wielded the two pieces just fine though taking out Stormtroopers all around her and well as using the Force to dodge blows from Ozoroth's orange red blade. Hux noticed Poe and Phasma leading his captives away.

"NO," Hux cried and pulled his blaster from his hip.

He began firing shots at the five fleeing figures. Thalia flung Kylo's blade back at him and smirked at him. Two of Hux's shots had landed one to the back of Datoo who stumbled and then fell and the other to Poe Dameron's shoulder. The small group stopped to grab the fallen man but kept moving.

Kylo swung the blade back at her from the left while snatching at her sword with the Force using his right. The long Electro blade landed on the ground on the far side of the stage. Thalia went for her weapon but Kylo caught her with the Force around the throat, choking and kicking as she rose from the ground. Hux was so busy firing shots at the fleeing figures that he never saw the giantess flying at him.

Thalia hit Hux knocking them both from the stage. Rey had taken out most of the Stormtroopers around her but more were coming. She had abandoned the pieces of her staff was using anything she could find to hurl at Ozoroth who never saw Kylo coming. With a thought Kylo knocked the man unconscious using the Force.

"I had him right where I wanted him," Rey said.

Kylo could feel the battle lust coursing through her veins. He had long sense come to terms with the fact that he found her incredibly sexy when she was like this. From that moment on StarKiller when she first raised a weapon to him on and now it was even worse because he knew what it was like to be with her like that. Hell if they weren't fleeing from the First Order he'd probably drag her off somewhere to have his way with her but now was not the time.

"I know, sweetheart but we need to go now and he's coming with us," Kylo said hefting the man over his shoulder. "Did Poe and Phas get the others to the ship," she asked as they ran together with the bond open as they'd done back on Florn, sharing their strength and stamina. "Yes."

In the distance they could hear Hux screaming at his men. They ran through the crowded streets with Rey using the Force to create a path for them through the panicking people. Kylo fought not to think about this place that he used to call home so, so long ago. When they made it to the shuttle Poe was already in the pilot's seat preparing for takeoff. Kylo dumped Ozoroth on the ground.

"Glad you two could make it," Poe said. "Up, rebel. I am here," Kylo said. "No way man. You're hurt and losing blood," Poe said indicating Kylo's hand and the blood pooling on the floor. "Gods, Kylo that woman cut your finger off," Rey exclaimed taking his hand in hers.

Kylo inspected the wound with a bored expression. Then looked at Poe.

"You were shot in the shoulder," Kylo said. "Great, so you're both injured! Let me fly," Rey said as a shot from a TIE fighter rocked the shuttle. "Fine," Poe and Kylo said at the same time.

They exchanged a glance. Then Phasma came out of the back with blood on her hands as Rey took off. The look on her face was grim.

"What is it Phasma," Kylo asked. "Datoo is gravely injured. Our only hope is if the newbies got back with that Bacta already," she said. Kylo let out a growl and said, "Hux is going to pay dearly if that man dies."

Rey felt like she got them back to Olara in record time. She landed Kylo's shuttle right outside of the base's force field. She ran from the shuttle calling for help and was immediately greeted by Eshreal, Cade and Zer-o.

"Rey, we are so glad you're back," Eshreal said before noticing the look on her face. "What's wrong? Why do I smell blood," Cade asked. "Kylo, Poe and one of the men we rescued are injured. Datoo was shot in the spine with a blaster. We also managed to capture Ozoroth," Rey answered. "Zer-o, go let Asera know that we have three injured and tell Leia that we have another prisoner," Cade said.

Zer-o nodded and ran off.

"Who is Asera," Rey asked as she walked back to the ship with Eshreal and Cade. "She's a healer from Rhinnal who happens to be Force sensitive. She can heal with the Force," Eshreal said excitedly. "What," Kylo interjected, dragging Ozoroth by a rope tied around his ankles. "We found another Force user while away on our mission and Zer-o convinced her to come back with us. Now we have a bunch of Bacta and a doctor who can heal with the Force. She even said she would try to teach the rest of us," Eshreal said.

Eshreal saw Poe's shoulder and ran over to him. She inspected the wound while Rey took Cade to where Phasma was waiting with Datoo. Kylo and his other two men carried Ozoroth toward the base, just missing Asera who came out with a stretcher.

"Where is the man with the spinal injury," the red woman asked looking from Poe to Rey to Eshreal before her eyes landed on Phasma sitting by Datoo's head. "I am afraid to move him," Phasma said.

The woman seemed to recognize Phasma and Datoo as First Order but didn't say anything.

"We need to get him to a bacta tank and then I will check out the other injured. I will lift him over to the stretcher using the Force. Eshreal will you help Phasma hold the stretcher steady," Asera asked and Eshreal compiled.

Rey was impressed with the red woman's control of the Force and knew she was going to be a great addition to the team. The 6 of them made their way to the med bay where Datoo was submerged in a bacta tank. The Asera healed Poe's wound with the Force, which was amazing to watch. Kylo refused to be treated until after he spoke to Leia so the two of them along with all six members of the Last Hope, including Gear who was doing much better, headed to her office.

Rey and Kylo were shocked when Leia threw her arms around her son. Kylo just stood there in the smaller woman's embrace for a few seconds before he hugged her back. They separated and Leia threw her arms around Rey too. When she stepped back Rey saw that there were tears in her eyes.

"It's okay, Leia. We made it back relatively unscathed," Rey said with a small smile. "I take it you guys haven't heard," Leia asked. "All the deals I was making with my allies fell through as soon as Hux told everyone who Kylo really was. We are all alone. Thankfully no one has defected yet but there has been some unrest. Kaydel and I have been putting out fires but I don't know how effective it will be," Leia said.

Rey looked at Kylo who was projecting his guilt down the line of the bond. She shook her head at him. There was no need to go down that road now.

"I will do what I can to stomp any defectors," Rey said. "And we will help," Poe said and the members of the Last Hope nodded in agreement. "What we need to do is question Ozoroth. Or I can rip the info from his head. Either way we need to prepare for the war that is coming. That means longer training hours and we need lightsabers for every Force user that can fight," Kylo suggested.

Rey and Leia agreed with that and all the members of the last hope including the new girl looked excited.

"We are still going to need more manpower," Rey said thoughtfully. "Rose, Finn and I could put together recruitment teams. Send out the more loyal but less known members of the Resistance," Poe suggested. "That could work," Leia agreed. "I want to bring in the Knights of Ren. Most of them are loyal to the First Order only because I brought them into it," Kylo said. "I don't think that is a good idea," Leia dismissed. "Me either," Poe said. "Why not? We need all the help we can get as far as Force Users," Rey said and the members of the Last Hope agreed.

Leia sighed and Poe shook his head.

"If you think you can control them then I can't really say no," Leia caved. "What? Leia, no. We already have 5 high ranking members of the First Order here. Do we really need Ren's personal death squad too," Poe asked. "Yes," Kylo, Rey, and Cade said at the same time. "The more fully trained Force Users we have the better. We are only so good," Zer-o said.

Poe threw up his hands.

"For fuck's sake! Whatever. I just think bringing them here will cause more civil unrest," Poe said. "Duly noted. Now we all need to get some rest. We start boot camp at sunrise," Kylo said, turning to Eshreal, Asera, Cade, Taliki, Zer-o and Gear who nodded and headed off to their individual rooms.

Leia dismissed the others claiming she needed time to process, plan and deal with the fact that she was abandoned by her friends all over again. Phasma, Rey and Kylo headed outside to their own huts, taking Maatis and Nikkinem with them. Rey knew she should plan on building more huts as none of the former First Order members felt comfortable within the confines of the Resistance base.

Now that they had part of a plan all that was left was to follow through with it.


What do you guys think they'll learn from Ozoroth? How will Hux deal with failing again? Or did he really fail? I mean who the hell knows what this Zroyais guy is playing at.

Wanna know what's going on with the newbies, don't forget to check out Star Wars: The Last Hope. Chapters out every Monday.