Rey sat cross-legged on the low settee, facing Ben, who's enormous frame dwarfed the delicate furniture. The protocol droid had rolled in and deposited "a light repast", before informing them the other guests were being bathed, and would be fed afterwards. Rey sent it with a short video message for Leia and Windu, to assuage any worries they might have, and asked that they let her and Ben discuss everything and talk to them the next day. She knew it probably wouldn't remove their anxiety, but they trusted her enough to wait. She hoped. Ben was just beginning to lay out the beginnings of a plan and she was feeling some anxiety herself.
"I don't command the loyalty of the Order's generals," Ben began when the droid was gone. "Hux does. His grasp is not strong though. They know he has some tactical abilities and the desire to subdue the galaxy, but he isn't someone they'll want to see installed once peace is established. Unfortunately, neither am I. But I think I can be, with time and help."
He looked at her. "Specifically, your help. But I need you to know that what I'm about to propose is dangerous, risky, and could easily end with both of us dead. I know that, but I have no better option."
Rey took a deep breath. "Propose it."
"I want you to join me in the Order."
Rey had not expected that. Ben could be an obstinate idiot, but to repeat the same request she'd denied on the Supremacy? She was about to jump up from the settee and stalk off when Ben reached forward and grabbed her hand, forcibly yanking her closer to him. "Not like that." He self-consciously let go of her hand. "Not like that."
Rey calmed herself and settled down again. "Then explain. Because that sounded awfully familiar."
"In some ways, yes. To outward appearances, you would still be joining me, but for different reasons and with a different goal in mind. The Order's leadership, and Hux in particular, hold you responsible for Snoke's death. I sold them that lie to maintain power, but I need you to help me sell them a new lie. They need to believe Hux is a traitor. Beyond that, they need to believe I can be the leader they now lack."
"Where do i fit in to this?" Rey queried. "I'm just the scapegoat for your takeover. How will telling them you killed Snoke help?"
Ben nodded, "They will still believe you killed Snoke. I need them to for two reasons. They can't know it was me, but also because when I reach a lasting peace with Snoke's killer it will go a long way to cement both peace and my… our position. Especially when it comes out that Hux was behind the assassination of Snoke and manuevered you into his throne room, still armed and with orders to kill."
"They'll never believe it," Rey said, more stunned than anything.
"Not without proof. But proof can be made and although they obey Hux, they know him for the sniveling, grasping rat that he is. He's delusional, so believing he wanted Snoke's position won't stretch even the least limber imagination."
"But… the Resistance? Leia? Poe and Finn? What about training with Windu? You're asking me to leave everything I believe in and just, what? Be your lackey? A pawn?" She was getting heated again.
"Rey," he said quickly, "I know that you don't believe what they do. That's not it. But you have a home, and i know what I'm asking when I ask you to leave that. I do, believe me. But this is a chance for lasting peace. A chance to end the war and the Star Killers and the endless destruction. Maybe not exactly how you'd like, but the Resistance is nearly gone. I cannot remove Hux by myself. I need you if we're to find some sort of peace for the galaxy." He took her hand again. "Please."
Rey was silent for a long time. He felt her mind caress and explore his. He let her; she needed to know he was sincere. There was no trick or trap. It wasn't what she wanted, he knew, but it was his best idea to end the war and put himself at the head of the Order instead of Hux. Finally he felt her retract along their bond.
"Where am I sleeping?"
"The droid can show you. But Rey, will you give me an ans-"
She cut him off. "I need to think about it, Ben. This is… a are asking me to leave everything and do, I don't even know what yet. I'm not sure you know what either. It's…" she shook her head and stood, drawing away from him. "I need to think." She quickly walked from the room, not looking back. He could hear the faint monotones of the droid escorting her to her room, Rey's footsteps fading with it.