A group of men sat around the meeting table, all dressed completely in dull gray and wearing strained expressions.
Kylo Ren always stood out at meetings such as this, sporting his contrasting jet-black suit and mask.
"Are you positive she will not betray us again?" a commander asked, piercing through Ben's drifting thoughts.
Kylo gave a curt nod. "Yes, I'm sure. A temporary outrage, that's all it was, when she killed the prisoner."
"How can you be sure?" the man opposite interjected. The tone of suspicion was obvious in his voice.
"I searched every inch of Rey's mind and found no sign of treason," Kylo Ren continued, "Her allegiance is with the First Order and always will be."
God, it's so easy to lie.
The men around the circular table didn't seem fully convinced, but at least they knew better than to contradict Kylo. He could strangle every single person in the room if he wanted to, without hesitation.
"Very well," said a commander reluctantly, "Send word to discharge the prisoner."
She was never a prisoner, Kylo thought to himself, but had sense enough not to say aloud.
She was just a bird deprived of sky. She still had wings.
The meeting concluded.
Kylo Ren gave a nod of appreciation to the icy men around the table, and then stood up and swiftly exited the room.
Rey waited in her cell, patiently, silently.
Soon, they would come for her and let her out. Soon, she could see the stars again, without any chains or prejudices.
But her thoughts were interrupted by a resonation in her head. Just when Rey thought she wouldn't have to put up with his intolerable voice anymore, that soft cold tone that belonged to Kylo Ren entered her mind, like a slithering snake poised to strike.
It drove her wild.
They're coming for you now, Kylo said to Rey, having nothing better to do than to talk to her through their little "connection." He descended a flight of stairs, and continued speaking.
Try not to act too suspicious when they release you… and don't kill any guards.
Silence. And then her voice, echoing in Ben's head.
What did you tell them? She asked, rocking impatiently on her bed. How did you convince them to free me?
Kylo didn't notice that his pace had slowed, almost to a stop. By the time he answered, he was standing completely stationary. I said that you never meant to betray us, that your outburst was only a case of…
He smiled slightly, deviously.
… Mental imbalance.
Ben could practically hear her scowl.
I can't believe they fell for that! Rey hissed in disbelief. You're a terrible liar.
Only to you, he whispered softly, too softly.
Rey didn't answer him. But she wasn't scowling anymore, Ben was sure of it.
He even dared to hope to find a smile on her lips.
After a short and patient wait, guards arrived and discharged Rey. The door slid open, and the Storm Troopers swiftly escorted her out. Rey was more than happy to oblige.
Rey shook off the Troopers after a few corridors, and set off alone.
The first place she went, now that she could go anywhere, anywhere at all, was the ship hangar, where her faithful TIE fighter was waiting for her.
Time to fly.