Title: Trepidation

author: Cindy Ryan

notes and summary: See part one

When BB8 rolled into the tent saying he had a message from Rey Poe had squatted down so he was closer to the small droid's level. Now after hearing the message twice he rocked back on his heels and scrubbed a hand over his face and sighed. Finn who had been hovering nearby moved closer. Poe really needed to train Finn on translating BB8.

"What is it?"Finn asked worriedly. "What's wrong?"

Poe stared at his droid for a long moment. BB8 beeped with concern and rolled in place.

"Rey's gone; taking some time to think."Poe finally explained as he stood resting a hand on BB8's head.

"What?"Finn exclaimed worriedly. "Should we go after her?"

As tempted as Poe was to look for his fiance he knew her too well. Knew that if he chased her down and brought her home it'd be a blow to their relationship and future.

"No, she'll come home when she's ready."Poe stated grimly.

"But..."Finn protested.

"You can sense her."Poe prompted. "You'll tell me if I need to find her?"

Finn nodded tightly. Just as Poe was about to speak Rose rapped her hand lightly on the tent's flap opening.

"There you two are."Rose began as Poe gestured she enter."There's intel you need to see."

Poe felt a chill creep up his spine. Things had been quiet since the First Order fell; too quiet.

"Palpetine's followers?"Poe inquired as he and Finn followed Rose out of the tent.

"No, something else. Something new."Rose replied grimly.

Exchanging a worried glance with Finn, Poe followed.

Even after the successful battle at Exogol the Resistance had stayed on the moon in the Endor system. Rey was glad they had. She found the forest comforting. After leaving the camp Rey had made her way into the depths of the trees staying away from the familiar of her training course. She hadn't been in this area before but Rey let her instincts and the Force guide her.

As she walked Rey's thoughts drifted to what and who she'd left behind. She hoped Poe would understand. Rey knew he'd be hurt that she didn't turn to him. However, Rey was certain that Poe trusted her; trusted his heart. Their relationship hadn't been an easy one. They'd had many things to over come. Many adventures that had tested that bond. They'd always come back to each other. Rey hung onto that thought now.

Later that afternoon Rey found a small clearing to make camp in. She set about to do that. Once settled Rey sank down onto her bed roll suddenly very tired. Maybe she'd left too soon, but Rey knew she had too. A memory of the heartbeat monitor surfaced and Rey thought of those two lines. Reality slammed into her hard and she drew in a hiccuped breath that wasn't quite a sob. Parents; she and Poe were going to be parents. Something she had only in the first early years of her life. Knowing what her parents had done for her; to keep her safe...

Placing a hand over her stomach Rey thought of what her parents had done. With the lives she and Poe led their child would be at risk. The thought of losing her family terrified Rey. She knew that moment could come and wasn't sure she'd be strong enough to face it. Curling up on the bed roll Rey stared up at the canopy of trees.

Poe looked at the group of surviving Resistance members as they stood around the computer monitors in one of the command tents. They'd picked up several new recruits from the group that had answered Lando's call.

"Listen up."Poe began drawing everyone's attention. "We knew this was a possibility after Exogol. We knew we hadn't gotten everyone in the First Order. This intel proves that splinter groups have come together and are trying to rebuild. We're going to be sending out recon missions over the next few days. First one leaving tonight. Your team leaders will have your schedules. Dismissed."

The group slowly broke apart. Poe saw the tension and the worry on their faces. He'd hoped they'd have a longer time to heal, but life wasn't like that. Poe glanced over at Finn who was frowning at the data on the screens.

"You're going to head out with tonight's mission."Poe instructed. "Remember this is a fact gathering op only."

"Got it."Finn said as he moved to leave. "But if we have the opportunity..."

"Record and come back home."Poe insisted. "We need to know what we're up against."

Finn nodded and stepped away.

"Be careful."Poe warned.

"Always."Finn responded with a grin.

Poe watched him go and BB8 rolled to a stop next to him. Poe rested his right hand lightly on the droid's head. BB8 beeped with concern.

"Nothing to worry about yet, BB8."Poe said softly as he looked at the data.

Still Poe knew rumors had a smidgen of truth to them most of the time. If the First Order was rebuilding they had to take care of it now before they had the chance to gather forces.