Chapter 8 The Scoundrel
The base was in hustle and bustle as the fighters continued to work on it. Ben was at the Falcon with Chewie as he was trying to fix this hunk of a mess of a ship. Ben always felt there was more holding the ship together than the actual ship itself. Both Ben and the Wookie had on eye guards as they patched up the ship with some welding material. Ben finished on the landing gears and looked at his handy work. Chewie then barked about something and Ben nodded.
Leia saw the two working together and the sight made her heart happy. As she continued to walk to see that the base was coming along, slowly but there was progress. She then came to an X-Wing where Rey, Poe and Finn were working. BB-8 was with them and R2 was with Ben and Chewie. Leia watched as the three were trying to fix one of the X-Wings. They needed it and Rey was surrounded by cables and equipment as she tried to repair it. Poe was in the cockpit working on the gears there and Finn was handing them parts and whatever they may need.
Leia looked back to Ben and then back to the other three. An idea was forming together about them and she did have a proposition for them. Leia walked closer to the X-Wing as Rey came out from under it and looked to Poe. He then went to start it up and it sounded like it was trying to turn over. Poe was still hopeful though that more rewiring and tinkering it can work. He then saw his General and acknowledge her while Rey turned around and Finn joined up with her.
"How busy are you three?" Leia asked and BB-8 beeped and she smiled. "Four," She made sure to include the droid. BB-8 beeped out what sounded like a thank you.
"We can use a break." Poe sounded defeated at the moment as he came out of the X-Wing and joined up with the others.
"Well, one of you grab Ben and Chewie and meet me in my quarters." Leia insisted and they nodded.
"I'll get the Wookie." Finn spoke up.
"And you know, we can't leave all this stuff out, people might get hurt tripping over it." Poe added meaning no one wanted to talk to Ben. He just has the stiff and stoic demeanor that was off putting to normal people. He just always seemed to be angry. However, Rey seemed to be the only one he was willing to talk to let alone look at and not want to take your head off. Rey sighed and walked over to Falcon behind Finn.
As they got nearer they both saw Ben working and Finn headed inside to find Chewie. Rey walked closer to Ben as he set down the welding tool and turned around. He still had the eye guard and raised them up so they sat on his head. He didn't look so dark and menacing. Yes, when he was in all black robes he did. But these days he was force to wear what the Resistance wore, although his were on the darker hue.
"Leia wants to have a meeting with us." Rey announced and then Ben fully took of the eye guards and his gloves.
"About what?" He asked and Rey shrugged because Leia never said why.
"She wants to talk us, Poe and Finn oh and Chewie." Rey answered and she can tell Ben was already looking to count himself out. He didn't feel apart of this and if he was going to be with anyone it was with Rey only. Chewie was nice to hang out with because they were just fixing things, not a lot of exchange in words. Ben liked it quiet. "Ben," Rey already knew he was ready to just not be around all of sudden. "Maybe we can get out of here. I mean, yes it's nice but…I'm kind of bored."
Ben continued to look at her and she nodded. He always looked like he was judging you with those brown eyes. And those scars he has now didn't soften him in anyway. Only Rey has seen a small glimpse of his soft side. "Just hear your mom out." She offered.
Leia waited at her quarters sitting at her large desk. She looked up seeing Rey walking in followed by Finn, Poe and Chewie. The four of them sat down and Leia looked a little disappointed because she was hoping there would be a fifth. She had to shake it off and start.
"As you know we're running very low on tech and what we have here is…it's garbage." Leia was point blank on the subject. "If we are to start recruiting and anyone sees what we have it might not help the cause. Also, we are already out numbered in every way, outdated only makes this harder." So the mission was probably go and get things but how? The four agreed though with the General.
"What are we looking for and with what money?" A voice asked as everyone turned around and Leia looked up with a faint smile. Ben walked in and took a seat next to Rey at the end of the desk. That too was a valid point. They knew what they needed, they needed new computers, new ships, new everything. And the money?
"Don't concern yourself with the money." Leia assured him. "We do need to buy new equipment and Ben this is why I need you on this one." Leia looked to Ben.
"Infiltrate the First Order?" Poe asked because that sounded dangerous and exciting.
"Maybe worse." Leia added and Ben wanted to know. "I know an old gambler that can get the stuff we need." Ben then sighed and shook his head no.
"He'll try to cheat us, he's a cheat." Ben added and the others were ready to know what this was about.
"That…that he is but he knows people, he can get us everything." Leia added and Ben was growing more uncomfortable.
"Who?" Finn asked and Ben looked to the former Storm Trooper and Finn sort wanted to take back asking.
"Lando Calrissian, he's cheat, one of Han's old friends." Ben answered and that threw everyone off. "He's a scoundrel, mom likes those." He decided to add that and Leia cocked an eyebrow. The room just got a little awkward.
"Wait, wasn't he a General in the Rebellion?" Poe asked and was confused.
"Yes." Leia answered but that lessen the confusion. "He left once the Republic started to form. From what I know he owns a gambling business."
"Probably swindled some old lady for it." Ben quietly added and Leia couldn't deny or confirm it.
"He can help us." Leia insisted and that's why she needed Ben and Chewie. She couldn't risk going but Lando will recognize Ben and Chewie especially. Ben sat back in the chair thinking. He knew what needed to be done but Lando will always take the better deal. Also it depends how deep your pockets go. The room was quiet and then Chewie let out his opinion and he wanted to see Lando again. Ben wasn't going to win this one.
The small crew started to pack up an old ship and not the Falcon. The Falcon was too easy to spot and the Order was probably on full watch for it. It was a target that said shoot me. Instead a smaller and more beat up cruiser is the choice of travel for this mission. Poe finished the packing of some supplies while Ben headed to the pilot chair and started to fire the ship up. Chewie joined up with him to help while the others would sit and enjoy the ride. But before going to make a deal with Lando they needed to stop off somewhere and buy some clothes to look the part.
Ben founded the plant of Adumar. It was in the wild space region, good place to hide and conduct illegal gambling. Chewie was asking what Ben thinks Lando has been up to all these years. Ben can only imagine but he was worried what Lando will think when he learns or already knows of Han's death and that he's the reason why. Ben landed the ship out of the city as to not draw too much attention to them.
Finn looked down at himself as he was dressed nicely and Poe wore something similar. Black pants with black boots, deep color tunic, grey for Finn and blue for Poe, and jackets with longer tails. Ben went to go change as he got close to the two.
"Matching outfits," Ben muttered as he looked around for Rey. Poe and Finn ignored the angry man. "Where's Rey?"
"Oh, she's still trying on her clothes." Poe answered because the guys got one or two "business" type outfits, Rey picked up a few more. Ben went to see if she was ready because his won't take much. He knocked on the door and it opened and Rey stood in the little room looking at the mirror. She then looked to Ben very frustrated. It was black and purple frumpy dress and it went literally from her neck to her toes, pass the toes.
"It's really hot, and itchy," She complained and turned back to the mirror pulling on the collar. "It's choking me." She wasn't happy. Ben looked to the hanging rack of clothes they had pick up from a near by system. The idea was to look wealthy but not be able to name where they were from. Rey has never been in a dress and didn't know much about fashion. Her clothes were design to keep her as cool as possible in Jakku's heat and design to be functional and light. Ben then reached for a dress holding it to her.
"Try this one." He offered and she looked to him. It was a blue and grey dress and she took it. He looked to her meaning she needed to change and hurry up but she didn't move. Then it hit him he needed to leave and he did.
Out in the main part of the ship Finn and Poe had their backs to Ben as he was quickly changing. This all felt weird as they heard Ben changing. This whole trip seemed awkward to say the least. Ben was done as he was finishing and he cleared his throat to let Finn and Poe know they were fine. Poe and Finn didn't seem that impress with Ben's look. Black pants, black boots, black tunic with a black belt and side cape to match.
"That's not going to scream Kylo Ren." Poe muttered but it wasn't the First Order look, it was more clean cut with straight lines. Chewie gave a low grumble but Ben ignored the comments. Then the door to where Rey opened. Finally she was done but when the three guys looked to just greet her and move they all stopped and stared. Rey walked out in the dress Ben handed to her. The top came across one shoulder wrapping around her mid section and then leaving one side exposed and then cascaded down her legs with a long slit going up one side.
She looked at the three guys as they stared at her and she shrugged wondering what it is that interested them so. But it was her hair that needed to be fixed. She had it in her three buns so Rey pulled on the cords that held them and let her hair fall.
"That helps her to not look like the prettiest girl you've seen." Poe whispered to Finn and Finn felt his face get hot. "Alright," Poe now spoke in a normal voice. "We all look spiffy, let's do some business." The five then head out to the city to find Lando. As they exited Ben still looking to Rey as he was impressed. Rey walked a little awkwardly because this was the first time she's worn a dress and it was different.
"We stay close, people here are looking for money." Ben added so it meant no one wonder off alone.
It took some listening to and asking the right questions but they were able to get a hit on the location of Lando. As they made it to a building they could already hear the music and chattering of people.
"So, what's inside?" Finn asked and Ben looked to them.
"Just watch your step." Ben answered and then gently reached out to Rey placing his hand on her back walking with her. The group walked in seeing a see of people and aliens talking, drinking and gambling in different ways. Finn has seen a place like this before; it was similar to Canto Bight but a little bit more dingy and a hell of lot more shady. The five of them walked together looking around and only Ben and Chewie knew what Lando looked like. "You three head that way." Ben indicated for Finn, Poe and Chewie to go to the left. Finn still didn't want to leave Rey with Ben even though they have been training for the last three months together. He still didn't like it especially that she looked the way she did.
But then again no one was going to mess with her not with the mighty Kylo Ren at her side let alone she was one not to trifle with. Rey walked with Ben and he then held out his arm. She followed suite to look the part wrapping her arm his. These people needed to be accept in a place like this.
Chewie barked something with Poe and Finn as they were given a description on what Lando looks like.
"So, this Lando," Finn started. "What was he like?" And Poe shrugged because he's only heard of the man. Chewie led the way and then made a bark and two saw someone sitting in a booth talking to some people. Chewie let out a louder bark and the older gentleman looked up. He has aged gracefully but the full mustache was long gone. His soft brown complexion was still there and he looked to Chewie. He looked to the people he was talking to and they all began to leave.
"Chewie?" The man asked as he got up still wearing a cape after all these years. Chewie confirmed it was him as Lando stood before the tall Wookie and a smile formed. "What are you doing here?" Lando reached out and hugged his old friend and Chewie did the same. But the people Chewie was with interested him.
Ben and Rey walked to the table where they spotted the others with Lando. Lando looked up and saw Ben Solo. He hasn't seen since he was young teenage boy. Lando got up to greet the young Solo and he looked so much like Han. The two stood facing one another and Lando let out a smile and a slight laugh.
"Solo." Lando held out his hand and Ben took it and they gave one another a strong handshake. Lando then brought Ben in for a quick hug. "It's good to see you." But when Rey stepped out his attention was no longer on Ben. "My name is Lando Calrissian and…who might you be?" He asked as he reached for Rey's hand.
"I'm Rey," She answered and Lando kissed her hand. Ben then reached for Rey's hand taking it away knowing how Lando worked, he was a player and despite his age he can still swoon the women.
"Alright," Ben wanted to do business and Lando looked back to Ben and gave him a wink. Rey didn't see it as she headed to the table to sit.
"Chewie here says you needs some…equipment." Lando went ahead and skipped the small talk. Lando was not interested in the war nor what side needed his help. He was fine with the money that paid for his lifestyle.
"We do," Finn answered and looked around a little paranoid.
"Kid," Lando leaned towards Finn. "Stop, no one cares what we're talking about. Half these people are drunk." Lando then sat back.
"What do you have?" Ben asked and Lando shrugged.
"How much?" Lando asked and Poe knew they were going to be bargaining. The young Solo and the older Calrissian looked at one another holding their ground. Lando cocked a half smile, a smuggler's smile. "You are a Solo aren't you? I have computers, COMMs and some ships I'm looking to sell right now. I know a third guy who can help."
"We buy, this deal never happened. And everything gets shipped to the system of our choice." Ben laid out the terms and Lando nodded.
"Ben," Lando now had some questions. "Last I heard, you were Commander of the First Order and now here you are. What happened?" He asked and Ben wasn't going to say anything but that scar cutting across his face said something to Lando. "Come with me." Lando stood up as did the others and they followed him. Lando then looked to Rey and held out his arm to usher her wherever they may be heading. Rey went ahead and wrapped her arm around his and walked side by side. However Ben, Finn, Poe and even Chewie didn't look impressed.
Lando led the group to the back area where his office and home was. He left Rey with the others and walked to what looked like a table and turned it on showing ships, cruisers and different computers to choose from.
"So, the Order has no idea you steal their stuff and resell it?" Finn asked and Lando smiled seeing it didn't take Finn long to figure out the operations.
"Kid, the First Order might be powerful but they can be very stupid. There are those who work in the Order and smuggle stuff. The boss here," Lando then looked to Ben. "Doesn't always pay well. So, what kind I get you guys?" Ben walked to the table and started to browse at what they can buy. Rey looked to and Ben rather have Rey pick because she knew her tech. Rey came to the table and leaned in to browse a bit. This was a scavenger's dream to say the least.
"I say start small," Lando added as Rey was looking at everything in Hologram form. "If you need ships I can get you that." Rey continued to look as Ben leaned closer to her. Ben then leaned in closer so it was only them.
"Do you trust him?" Rey asked in a whisper but to the others they had no idea what they were talking about. To Lando though it looked more like two sweethearts whispering not business partners.
"No," Ben answered to Rey honestly. "He knows not cross me though. I am Kylo Ren." Ben finished and Rey nodded and continue to look. Whatever Rey picked Ben was going to get.
Ben walked through the club that Lando owned. For everyone it was just that a forever open dance club for people to gamble, blow their money, come together to create plans and just to get wasted with no consequences. As Ben walked through the club a few girls of a few different species where interested in Ben. He then spotted Lando and wanted to speak to him privately. The others were at the bar getting a few drinks before heading out. The music was pumping as Ben sat down in front Lando. He indicated those that were around him to leave.
"I know what you did." Lando's sweet swagger mask was removed as he leaned forwards. "You…" Lando looked like he could punch Ben and he wanted too. "You son of a bitch. I hope you go to hell for it." Ben kept his composure though.
"I'll see you there." Ben added and Lando sat back. Ben knew the first interaction was just an act. The news of Han Solo's death spread fast and that Kylo Ren was the one who killed him.
"He loved you, you had a father and that's hard to come by in this galaxy," Lando started but Ben turned away already hearing this lecture. He didn't need to feel even more guilty.
"Well, I did kill Snoke." Ben added and Lando nodded.
"That doesn't save you." Lando continued to sit there. "I don't care what you do to redeem yourself. You can become a saint but you're still lower than anything in this galaxy. You killed Han, he was my best friend." Lando continued to look at Ben. "I'll deal with you because I know Leia can still kick my ass and I am more afraid of her. I'll have more respect for her as my General than I will have for you even if you were the Supreme Leader." Ben understood. He wasn't here to make friends or rekindle a relationship. He was here for a mission. "Now, I've been around a long time and I know that look, who's the girl?"
"None of your business." Ben answered as a server came over and dropped two drinks for the two. "She's a friend." Lando nodded holding up the glass as did Ben. Their glasses click to seal the business deal. Ben sat back and sipped his drink.
"Sure thing Solo." Lando didn't believe him and sipped his drink too.
At the bar Rey, Poe, Finn and Chewie sat with each other as the server gave them some drinks. Rey brought the drink close to her nose and smelt it and it smelt like it was going to burn. She then saw Poe and Finn drink their drinks fast. She can tell it burn them too and wasn't sure if she wanted to even taste it.
"First one is the hardest Rey." Poe explained and Rey took down the drink and felt it go all the way down.
"What is that?" She asked setting the glass down and Finn smiled. Poe laughed too and this was nice, just some friends hanging out. The three then looked to Chewie as he was eating something and looked satisfied.
"Let's get another." Finn waved to the server but Rey shook her head no but another glass was before her.
"We do have to fly out of here." Poe reminded them meaning they can't make bad choices as he down another drink.
"Auto pilot." Finn answered as he took a drink. "Besides, Ben can drive he looks like fun isn't in his vocabulary." Rey took the glass and drank again and that was enough. Poe laughed at the comment from Finn. Just then someone came over. It was big man, like he lifted more weights than needed. He sat next to Rey smiling and she looked away a little. Finn and Poe picked up that someone was going try and pick up Rey.
"What's your name little lady?" He asked Rey and she looked to him. She looked to the server and he brought another glass to her and she was getting good at putting drinks down.
"I'm not interested." Rey answered but the man persisted.
"I see you're not here with anyone." The man went on even though Poe and Finn were right next to her. Although if Ben was here then he might go full Kylo Ren on this person real quick.
"The lady isn't interested." Poe joined in but it wasn't going to be that easy.
"I didn't ask you." The man wanted Poe to back off and stood up. Rey's eyes went a little wide but she stood up and before the man could even punch Poe Rey grabbed his wrist. The man looked at her as she held his wrist and he tried to pull away but she was much stronger than she looked. Rey was using the Force to hold him in place. Then at the same time she threw him she used the Force to push him back further. Rey looked to the man and the other people looked at the scene and then went back to whatever they were doing. Ben had just arrived to the bar seeing Rey throwing the man and joined the group.
Rey looked to Ben and it was nice to know her training was paying off.
"Well then," Lando was with Ben and looked to Rey. "She's beautiful and she can punch you in face. Good for you Ben." Lando patted Ben on the shoulder. Rey looked to the old smuggler and waved it off. The group decided to leave before some other poor weak man tried to hit on Rey. As they left Rey saw a bunch of people together but it looked strange.
"What are they doing?" Rey asked and Ben looked and he knew what they were doing.
"Dancing." Ben answered and Rey looked to him. "It's…a different dancing."
"Yeah, most young kids do that in the basements alone with each other." Lando walked passed her and Rey decided to not look anymore. Rey can handle herself but she still has yet to see the entire galaxy. The group let the club hopefully for the final time. Ben turned back to Lando meaning he'll see them on the non-disclosed location soon. The five of them got to the ship and went to leave as they boarded. Rey headed straight to the pilot chair and she was a little angry.
That man wasn't going to leave her alone and she looked down at her dress. Did this piece of clothing change her that much? On Jakku no one man of any species paid attention to her. Was it because she looked like she had money? Ben joined her in the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot chair and looked to Rey. She looked back to him and if looks could kill. He then felt her through the Force through their bond as teacher and student and as friends. She was more upset than anything. Had she been alone while she probably would have handle it on her own it was the fact that some one had made an advancement to her and she had to resort to violence.
Ben then looked to her again knowing what she was feeling. Rey has never been the object of affection to someone, the apple of someone's eye. That's not what that was supposed to be. When that man sat next to her she picked up on him and she saw something horrible, felt something horrible. That person was going to have nothing to do with her as a person just something else. Rey has never had that happen to her.
Rey then flipped the ship on already plugging in the coordinates to get back to the base. She was focused on what was before her and Ben continued to watch her. She even felt her eyes starting to burn with tears. She still felt that man's presence on her as if he was still next to her. She grabbed the controls and piloted the ship out and Ben still didn't stop looking at her.
Thinking back when they first met in the woods when she took a shot at him, he never did sense fear. He never really sensed any fear from her not until now. Ben could see she was trying to fight the tears as that man really shook her. He's done awful things to women and she could have been next. The ship then went into hyperspace and Rey sat there. Ben then reached out and Rey felt his hand on her shoulder. Rey then looked to Ben and he could see fear in her eyes and it rattled him deeply.
"Rey?" He asked as he felt her tremble a little. Ben almost wanted to turn back around, find that man and beat the living hell out of him. "Rey, it's ok." She shook it off trying to realize she was ok. She only glimpsed at what could have happened. "Rey," His voice was soft, it was only ever soft for her.
"I'm ok." She assured him and looked back to space. "I'm ok," She repeated more or less to herself.
"You are." Ben confirmed and Rey looked back to him. "You're safe." Then Ben let a very small smile cross his face. "You completely kicked his ass too." Rey managed a smile and the fear started to fade. A few tears manage to run down her cheeks and in blind instincts Ben reached up to her and wiped them away. He then took off the side cape and wrapped it around her to keep her a little warmer. They both stood up as Ben followed her out of the cockpit knowing it was going to be a while before they reached home. They walked to the back room and sat down before one another to meditate.
Rey closed her eyes as Ben went to find her in the Force and was going to try calm his student. He was going to calm himself too. Ben then closed his eyes and that soft breeze and the wild flowers washed over him. He opened his eyes again seeing Rey still there going into a deep meditation. That look of fear was still with him. He never wanted to see that look again. Whatever she saw really did hit her. If anyone actually tried to pull something like on her they would never see him coming. Ben closed his eyes to join Rey in the Force.
And everyone ready? Aww. Hope you liked Lando's appearance and that he is aiding the Resistance. So, what's next? I have plans. Hope you are all enjoying it. Thanks for reading, commenting and following. You readers are awesome.