Chapter 14 We Are the Warriors
A/N: This is a long chapter like 17 pages and 10,000 words according to Word long; pace yourselves and I'll see all of you at the end. Happy reading.
Ben made his way to a large room. It was a stadium type room as the fighters began to gather. He looked around and then spotted Poe and Finn near the stage area and headed that way. He can hear the whispers of the fighters wondering what was happening as they were called to the hanger and then filed here. Ben joined up with Finn and Poe and knew Rey was with Leia.
"Alright, see you guys soon." Poe patted Finn's shoulder and took off as he was going to go with Leia and Rey. Chewie then came in and sat down and Finn and Ben looked at one another. Chewie broke the stare and the two men and they sat down. Connix then came over and sat next to Ben as the room giant room was still in a chatter, as the last of the fighters came in. Ben turned around slightly looking at the size of the Resistance. They came from two-dozen or so to hundreds. But it still might not be enough. Ben faced the staging area and let out a sigh wondering what his mother was coming up with.
Just then he saw Rey and Poe as they went to take some seats off to the side and sat down. Rey was dressed a little differently though, her hair no longer up in her normal buns but swept to the side letting a braid hang over her shoulder. Her clothes were different just in the fabric alone. She was dressed nicely as she had to be; she was now representing the Resistance in a whole new way. He couldn't help but feel some pride about Rey. She literally came from nothing, rose in her Jedi power and now was the Commander of the Resistance and he hoped he helped in some way. He then caught Rey's eyes and they locked on to one another for a moment. Ben wanted to be up there with her and he could, but it was not his place, not now at least.
"Rise for the General!" Poe called out and the whole room rose to it's feet with Ben slowly rising as well. Leia walked out and looked to what came out of the ashes. She had the Resistance back and as she looked to the crowd her mind went back to the days of the Rebellion. All these people had hope for a better tomorrow that is what they fighting for. The room then sat back down to listen to her.
"I must say…thank you for being here, thank you for fighting." She had to acknowledge these brave men and women, humans and alien species alike. "Over the last few months we have gathered intel on the Order and we even with the help of a small task force dismantle a First Order weapons base." The room clapped because that was a victory. Ben didn't clap as he sat there; it was strange to hear it as they clapped for him, no one has ever done that. "With the help of…" Leia paused not knowing how the fighters would act but her son deserve the credit; he has helped out in more ways than he probably thinks.
"With the help of Ben Solo we've managed even deeper intel." Leia finished and there seemed to be no disgruntles within the room. "But one piece of information that has stuck me is that there is an attack coming. The Order feels it's time to show itself with it's new leader Hux." The room remained silent as they listen. "The Order wishes to attack a peaceful planet, the planet of Naboo." The chatter started as Leia looked around. "This small planet has done nothing to provoke the Order except it's peaceful and they want to demonstrate themselves."
Rey looked around the room wondering if they were ready to accept a fight. They had numbers and ships again but where they strong enough? She was she even ready to be their Commander?
"We cannot allow this, Naboo has no army, and they are defenseless." Leia made the point just how innocent the planet was. "We aren't alone, lucky for us we have two Jedi," She looked to Rey and then to Ben. "We have two of the best star pilots." She referred to Poe and Ben meaning they have a chance. "This is as real as it gets, the Order is calling a bluff; they want a fight. So, I propose to you, the Resistance, we go to battle." The room remained silent as Leia wanted to know if this was the right thing to do, the right time to strike. Just then one person from the crowd stood up and looked around.
"We got more fighters enlisting as we speak!" He called out and that sounded promising and then Connix stood up.
"They're coming in droves General." Connix added to show that the numbers here did not reflect just how big the Resistance was becoming. Just then out of maybe his own pure hope for a future, maybe even a future with Rey, a true future of no war, no hate; Ben stood up looking around. He was one of them, he had always been a rebel but never found what to rebel against, now he does.
"You guys ready for a war!" He asked, there was a moment of silence and the entire room erupted in a cheer meaning yes. Ben turned to Rey as she smiled a little. This wasn't going to be easy for Ben as he was going to face head on his past.
"Alright," Leia felt so excited in herself, they wanted this and that want is what will win. "We have thirty six hours and then we go to Naboo." She finished and Poe stood up with Rey as she came over. Thirty-six hours seems like a lot but the base will be working through the night on battle strategy and preparations. Thirty-six hours will pass them by.
Rey walked down the hall with a HOLO swiping through it, checking off tasks and looking at the ever growing list. Just then she looked up seeing Ben before her and she smiled a little. He then leaned up against the wall.
"You look nice." He commented and Rey looked down. Her fashion has grown since leaving Jakku and it felt different. She liked nice clothes but she felt best dressed to fight. She then handed the HOLO to Ben and he took it.
"We're having a meeting soon with Leia about this." Rey started as Ben swiped through it. "Can you be there?" She asked but the meeting was for certain people only. The General, the Commander, Lieutenants, Captains, leaders that held titles; of which he has none. He handed the HOLO back to Rey giving her answer though his look. "Ben, we can use you in that room." He was holding back, he was afraid to lead them but just like Finn she saw what he did back on the attack of the weapons building. He was the first one off that Falcon and the last one on. "We can use a leader like you."
Ben sighed not knowing if he should. Hiding in the crowd felt safer. "Well, if you change your mind the meeting is fifteen minutes." Rey offered and then left to hanger to oversee preparations. She then turned back to Ben. "People don't follow titles, they follow leaders." She looked at him. "I followed you." She then left as Ben stood there.
In the small chambers was the small group of Resistance leaders. General Leia Organa, Commander Rey, Captain Poe Dameron, First Lieutenant Chewbacca, Second Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix and Resistance High Commander Finn. Before them was the battle strategy but they knew as much as they will try to execute it, plans change. They wanted to be prepared but the Order still holds the numbers well above theirs. In fact looking around the room the Resistance didn't have many leaders, just few when there use to be so many more. This was going to be an uphill battle.
"We have warned the Naboo about the strike and that we are coming." Leia began. That would hopeful get enough people to some kind of safety and get the queen to a hiding spot in time. "The question is how will the Order strike?"
"Based on their patterns they will create a blockade," Poe jumped in and Finn nodded. "They'll send in ground troopers for show of force."
"Then they'll wait to see if we show." Finn finished and looked around the table. So now they had to come up with a counterstrike.
"If we get their first then we maybe able to surprise them." Connix joined in. There wasn't a way to know when the Order will be there as Naboo has gone dark. The last word out was the warning and the acceptance of the warning; there won't be any further news until the Resistance gets there. Leia looked to the HOLOgram of the little planet before her. She then reached out to zoom in on Theed the capital. That's where the Order will go first. Hopefully the queen was long gone and that will surprise the Order. So far they have the element of surprise on their side.
"Send out a scout to report to us as we get ready." A voice came in and it was Ben. Rey smiled a little as he stood at the table. He even felt a sense of welcome among the group. "They can monitor and send encrypted messages, it'll keep us in the loop." He finished and there seemed to be an agreement in that plan. The question will be who goes?
"Rose can go." Finn spoke up. "Her language is rare, 3PO can interpret it."
"Send a few others with her and we'll meet them there." Leia agreed with plan. "How are we doing with the fleet preparations?" She looked to her son and he nodded meaning it was good so far. They still had time but the clock was ticking. "We all leave before dawn." But the word "we" struck them all. There would be some of the fighters that stayed behind to help communicate and keep the base running and for the return home.
"Mom," Ben looked to Leia and to hear that name from him was different. He was slowly changing. "We need you here," But Leia came from a different world of fighting. She was always with the fighters, on the ground with a blaster in her hands. She never sat back. For Finn and Ben it was strange to hear a General wanting to join in the battle themselves.
"In my experience Generals don't hide behind closed doors, they fight with their soldiers, some even die with them." Leia finished and no one was going convince her otherwise. She has never seen herself above the fighters; she was always one of them. She looked around the room for objections. These people were going to fight, they were leaders and they will join in and so will she. They could try and object to her but this was Leia, there was no arguing with a princess.
They will continue to plan based on what Rose will be reporting. "Dismissed." Leia announced and everyone started to leave to get back to preparations but Rey and Ben stayed as they were told to. The only three Force sensitive people stood in the room. Leia never trained as a Jedi but she can tap into the Force when needed. She could feel both Rey and Ben and their presence was different. Rey's was much lighter while Ben's had an anchor. Leia then looked to Ben hoping he will take up the title she offered; they needed more leaders.
"I can't." Ben answered but he didn't have a reason other than it feeling like he was handed a title. He already carried the name of Skywalker and the title of Prince of Alderaan, the last of the bloodline for both. It felt like a title given not earned and not only that did he even deserve a rank in this?
"You can't but I can." Leia was insisting. "I need a second Commander." There was no fighting this. "Commander Solo, continue to oversee the fleet." Rey looked to Ben and he looked defeated but she knows he'll get use to it later and as time goes on. The two Commanders left the room to continue to the preparations.
Ben walked through the hanger as ships were being pulled out and lined up outside. He then headed outside seeing four different large vessels. One was the medical freighter dubbed the AH Holdo, there was the main capital ship the Echo One, and the two subsequent capitals the CC Star Dust and the CC Solo. All the names meant something and were in honor of someone within the fight for freedom. They had a few squadrons building: Black, Blue, Gold and Red. Ben looked at the fleet and it continued to be surreal he was here.
Rey was sitting in the hanger somewhat staring blankly into the day. Night was about to fall and by sunrise the fleet will be taking off to Naboo. So far from the messages from Rose and her team known as Paige after her sister, they have reported that the First Order hasn't arrived. But they had several hours to go. Rey rested her head in her hand wondering what to do next. The fleet was lined up; the final check offs were being made. Everyone would sleep in shifts to finish the smaller things but was anyone really going to sleep?
Rey looked over seeing Ben making his way to her with the dying sunlight at his back. She looked up at him as he squatted to the ground. Everyone was tired and they will need rest.
"The fleet is ready." Ben informed her and Rey nodded. "You need to get some sleep." And once more Rey nodded.
"How?" She asked and that was a great question. This was the first battle of many more to come and the first she was commanding; how does one sleep on the eve of battle?
"We'll meditate." Ben offered. They can quiet their minds together; allow their inner thoughts to rest. Rey liked that idea, as there wasn't much more to do. Ben stood up and held out his hand to her and she took it as they left the hanger. A few people will be up receiving updates from Rose and that was about it.
Rey and Ben sat in front of one another in his chambers. It was time to relax, calm themselves and one another. They sat cross-legged on the floor closing their eyes and opening into the Force seeking solace. They began to sync their minds and breathing bouncing off one another. They needed this if they were going to lead the Resistance into battle.
The entire base started to shut down, the fighters all knowing they needed to sleep but being on the edge of war will keep them up. Leia sat in the hanger looking around and out into the last of the day setting on them. She looked around seeing what they have managed to rise from but something was missing. Two things were missing and that was Luke and Han. Oh, how she wished her boys were here. Looking back on those early days, when it the three of them against the galaxy, she felt a small tear form. She cried for Han and she ached for Luke. She still held out hope for Luke's return because Han came back as did Ben. Just then she felt a furry hand on her shoulder and she looked up seeing the Wookie.
"You're still a giant walking carpet." Leia mentioned with a smile and the Wookie wrapped his arm fully around her pulling her in as they watched the sunset on the base completely.
The early hours of the morning hit the base as finally they were sleeping. Rey was asleep but felt herself stirring awake. She wondered how long she had been asleep. She opened her eyes she noticed something. Rey looked around and then up. She was still on the floor in Ben's chambers but cradled in his arms as Ben was up against the wall sleeping. She didn't want to move out of his embrace. She pulled herself up slowly and gently as to rest her head on his shoulder. His embrace didn't let up though. Her head rested on his shoulder comfortably, her face just centimeters from his own, she could even pick up the faint beats of his heart, as it was slow and steady. Rey sat there in his arms wanting to sleep a little longer knowing the alarm they set will go off soon.
Ben stirred awake and looked around and then saw Rey's head asleep on his shoulder. He pulled her in a little closer seeing the time knowing he only had a few more moments in the calmness. As he sat there all he could do was think about what was to come and whom he might face. He was going to hold onto Rey just a little longer while he could.
The sun will be peaking over the mountain soon and the base was awake. The fighters started to finish the final preparations as Ben stood there watching the final stages. He decided to don the black, as that is who he was. But on the black of the sleeve was the emblem of the Resistance and to the right of his chest was that of a symbol of a Commander. He even wore the side cape just for show. Then that presence of a breeze hit him as he looked over seeing Rey making her way to him. She was dressed for battle; her version of Jedi robes in greys and blues, her hair half up but out of her face ready to fight the Order. She also had his old black scarf as it draped around her.
Waking up earlier was both difficult and awkward for them. They should have said something but instead they rose up from a rather unrestful sleep and Rey left his chambers to get ready in her own. In fact in that moment she left he wanted to reach out and pull her close but instead stood there.
The two went to the main hanger where the General was. She was going over the final plan to the fleet command crew and the squadron leaders. Rey and Ben stood in the circle because once they enter hyperspace they won't be able to communicate very well until Naboo. And so far the Order hasn't reached Naboo but that didn't mean that they will exit hyperspace with the Order in front of them.
Leia began and Ben just watched his mother. She has been doing this all her life, this is the life she knew of war and retaliation. She was never the follower but the leader and always will be. This was always the image of his mother, her standing in the middle of fighters telling them what to do.
She is and will always be the opposite of being on stage. She is in the middle of the fighters, fighters taller than her. She was the stage and these people will have command of some of the largest and deadliest weapons in the galaxy. Hell, he and Rey fought with lightsabers. But it was his mother, this woman, that will tell you what do with these weapons and when. And when she is done they will answer always with a 'yes ma'am.' Regardless of what side he chose to fight on, his mother was always the baddest woman he knew.
"Everyone understand?" Leia asked and there was nod.
"Yes ma'am." Everyone agreed together.
"To your stations." Leia ordered and they broke off. Rey and Ben headed back to the fleet as the base was clearing out. The newest of the fighters were staying behind, as they will see another battle. The two Commanders walked together heading to the main capital ship Echo One. The Falcon will be going with them managed by Chewie and the Resistance task force. The rest of the leaders will be in Echo One with the General. Rey and Ben walked up to the ramp and headed to the bridge together as they could hear the fleet firing up.
Poe passed them heading to the hanger bay where the X-Wings were lined up and ready for battle. Rey and Ben made it to the bridge and looked around, this was it. The Commanders stood side by side and once they got word the General was onboard and that the fleet was ready Rey gave the command to start the flight sequence. She looked to Ben after giving the order and he looked around as Echo One started to hover and slowly head for the sky. Solo and Star Dust flanked Echo One with the AH Holdo behind the capitals. More ships will be sent to them to build the fleet but the three capitals carried the smaller battle cruisers and X-Wings. The Falcon followed alongside the AH Holdo as they left orbit and were space.
"Place the coordinates for Naboo." Ben ordered as some one started to place the coordinates and one last update from Rose came through, so far Naboo was not under attack. "Start the hyperspace process." All the ships heard the command and began. The two commanders left the bridge as the new Resistance fleet jumped into to lightspeed and to their first battle.
The fleet pulled out of lightspeed before Naboo and waited for a moment. Just then a message came in from Rose and the Order had arrived not but an hour ago. The fleet lined up and the blockade was just forming. Ben and Rey were on the bridge and Rey looked to Ben wondering what the best move was.
"They haven't finished the blockade, fire through it." He ordered and that's what the three massive ships started to do. That was the surprise element they have as the fleet started to fly through the blockade and the Order couldn't defend itself at the moment. But what was on the ground is what they will have to face. Ben went to step off the bridge seeing this was under control.
"We're going to deploy the squadrons." Rey informed Ben and he nodded as they walked to the hanger. They met up with Poe and Finn and before they needed the word they already knew what was about to happen. But one thing did worry Ben; this wasn't going to be easy as there were more from the Order coming. For now they needed to get down to the planet and get a base set up. The X-Wings will go first to clear the way and small cruisers will deploy for ground assault.
"Ready my ship." Ben demanded to a fighter as he walked to an X-Wing. Poe was going to lead the Red squadron, Ben the black. Rey was going to help Finn and get the ground team assembled. Ben climbed into the X-Wing and forwent the helmet, he found those things created more problems but if you asked Poe he would say Ben didn't like messing up his hair. Rey stood there as Ben fired up the ship and he looked to her. She heard him through their bond 'See you on the ground.'
The black X-Wing hovered and left the hanger with his squad behind him. Poe's X-Wing then took off with his squad behind him as the fleet continued to take out the blockade. Ben held onto his controls seeing the planet.
"All wings report in." Poe commanded and Ben was the last one to report but all were accounted for and ready.
"Follow my lead." Ben ordered and the two squads headed for the planet to the capital. As they entered the planet the First Order was still in the process of setting up and began to fire at the oncoming X-Wings. Ben started to fire back and spun the X-Wing holding down the gunner button and then pulled up. The battle has started. The X-Wings started to take out the ground canons as the Resistance cruisers came into view. Five cruisers landed and ground fighters were deployed with Rey and Finn within them. Finn held up his blaster firing and overhead the Falcon came into view.
Rey blocked a few blaster shots from the Troopers and looked around. The capitol still held people in it but the monarch was safely hidden. Rey then charged in with her fellow fighters and she heard something. She looked to her side and saw more Storm Troopers coming on land speeders. She saw one Storm Trooper coming and she ran towards him with her saber ignited and blocked the oncoming blasters. As she ran to the Trooper he was unaware of what to do and Rey jumped at him and with the saber slashed him and then grabbed onto the speeder and sat down as it continued to drive on.
"That was cool." Finn muttered and Rey started to ride the speeder gunning down the Troopers and then continued on to the capital city. The ground fighters all ran in behind her. The two squadrons of X-Wings followed from above with Ben's X-Wing just above Rey's speeder. The Resistance fleet entered into the planet ready to set up for landing.
The X-Wings from above started to line up seeing the city and the gunners. Blasters started to fly towards them and the X-Wings fired back. Rey took out her saber to block any blaster rays from hitting her. She had given some distances from her and the ground team and leveled out her speeder. She slowly started to stand up from it and then jumped from the side letting the speeder crash into a line of Troopers. Rey tucked and rolled and when she got back she jumped into the line of Troopers swiping at them. The line was broken as Ben saw from above what happened and he wanted to get to the ground and fight along side her.
Rey raced into town with blasters firing at her but it did not stop her. Just then a black X-Wing flew over her giving her covered and blasting down some of the Troopers. Ben peeled away as Rey continued and the rest of the ground team was here. The city wasn't held captured for long as the team started to spread out and take out the Troopers.
Ben piloted the X-Wing down and jumped out as soon as he could. He ignited his red saber as four Storm Troopers gathered and went to fire at him. Ben blocked the rays and held out his hand throwing all four Troopers back. Ben then raced through the city and as he ran he looked up seeing Rey was running on the rooftops. She was getting a survey of her surrounds to see what they were up against. Rey jumped off the roof and landed next to Ben and they looked around and joined back to back.
A dozen Storm Troopers came charging at the two but they blocked the blaster rays and fought together in sync as the fended of the Troopers. Then they looked up seeing the Falcon overhead and it took out the surrounding the Troopers for them. Ben and Rey continued to run through the city seeing the streets were empty but the people were inside hiding as they were told to. The planet was on alert and this was good.
Rey and Ben were now at the fountains of Theed just before the capitol building. They looked up seeing the X-Wings continued to clear the way and huge Resistance ships started to hover above. Ben looked to Rey and she looked to him. This was too easy and they both knew it. Something else was coming but for now they'll take this victory.
Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn and Chewie stood in a line as the General was now coming out. Leia looked around the city seeing rather minimal damage. But like her son, she knew something else hadn't shown up. The Resistance started to set up a base camp and quickly. The General joined up with her leaders.
"Good work so far." She commented.
"It's too easy and I don't like it." Poe added and they all agreed.
"We did come as a surprise but you are right, something bigger is coming." Leia agreed and she looked up to the sky. A bigger force was going to hit them and they needed to prepare for it. "Finish setting up base camp. The capitol building is where we will set up the command center." She finished and they all their orders.
Rey sat at a computer typing as Ben stood behind her. The fleet was lining itself up to gear up. Rey typed a mile a minute as she looked at the screen. Rey then stopped and nodded.
"Ok, we're set." She stated and Connix who sat next to her also nodded. They will know if anything decides to come in First Order included.
"Start assigning shifts." Ben ordered because this was going to be a long night. Ben then walked away to start as Rey continued to monitor the screen but she felt Connix was watching her.
"Yes?" She asked and Connix shrugged.
"You two are really connected." Connix added and Rey looked to her. "I mean not just in the Force as Jedi but on a personal level. You've seen things." The blonde finish and Rey sighed. Now is not the time talk about their relationship if you can call it that.
Night had fallen as the Resistance continued to work and getting everything ready. Ben was checking some stuff as well and Rey was with him. Ben knocked on a structure that was built as a type of shield to guard the ground fighters.
"For what it's worth." Ben commented as Rey took out a piece of paper to read it. It was a message from the queen. "What's next?" He asked and she looked up at him and shrugged.
"We all try and get some rest." A voice chimed in and it was Leia as she walked to them. That was a good idea, eat and then try to sleep a little. Ben was going to do another perimeter check though. He was a bit antsy and on edge knowing something big was going to happen.
Rey was in her small quarter on Echo One. She had just finished washing up for the night and knew she was going lay in that small bed wide-awake. She was going to lay there and think about what was going to come out of the sky. But then there was a knock at the door. Rey went to answer it and Ben was there.
"I…I was making sure you were…ok…" Ben stuttered and Rey stood there and nodded. "Ok, ok good."
"Are…are you ok?" She asked and Ben shrugged and nodded. "I mean, the Order isn't here and I know when ever they do show up…it's…it's going to be bad." Then the silence fell because it was true, things were going to get ugly. Ben then leaned up against the entrance letting out a sigh and folded his arms across his chest. "You think…you think we're ready?"
"No, because we will never be." Ben was honest and Rey appreciated the honesty. "At least try to rest and be ready to move." Ben added and Rey nodded. At any moment they could get word of that the rest of the First Order had arrived. Ben continued to stand there though as did Rey. The have some other things to talk about but they just stood there. The moment was growing as they stood there. Rey thought maybe she should offer him to come inside maybe to meditate a little.
"Good…good flying today." Rey felt she made it weirder and Ben nodded accepting the compliment. "It was good."
"Ok," That seemed to be the cue to go that they should depart and reconvene in the morning or if the Order comes. But they continued to stand there he at her doorway. "Right." Ben knew he needed to leave.
"Right" Rey add and sighed. "Then I'll say good night." Ben nodded but they still stood before each other. They closed the gap a little more feeling the pull knowing they should pull away.
Rey looked at him and he looked to her. Rey reached up to his face letting her hand graze over his cheek. Ben felt his heart skip a beat then flutter. The two then leaned in as he reached to her and gently pushed some hair slightly out of her face and then let his hand stay on her cheek. The two were close and the space between started to disappear. Ben leaned in and Rey did likewise and their lips met. The kiss was very soft. Ben pulled her closer and she began to wrap her arms a little more around him. It was going be some good night kiss.
Ben then pulled away as he started down the hall. He couldn't do this and what happened was a mistake, he allowed them to get too close. Even though the Force was pulling him towards her and he desired her, he couldn't. Ben's soul was in the edge and it was her bringing him away from the cliff. If she were to disappear in any way then he would fall. The more distance he could put between them the better. He rather stay on the edge with Rey next him than lose her and his soul never returns.
"Ben?" She asked and he wanted to walk back to her and just hold her. She pushed all the darkness away. He felt like he belonged to something but instead he walked away. Rey didn't cry but she did feel broken. She had a small lump form in her throat as she watched him leave.
Ben sat on his little bed, stiff and thinking. He then got up paced and maybe take a cold shower. He could still feel her lips on his, her presence so strong around him. Yes, he needs a really cold shower.
Rey was on her bed sitting up too. She felt so much energy in her and even some anger. She tried to push Ben out of her head but the more she tried the more she just wanted to go to him. Rey then threw the blanket away and got up. She was at least going to give him a piece of her mind.
She opened her door but before her was Ben. He looked at her with those brown eyes. He looked so nervous and caught off guard but instead of leaving again, something pulled them together. Rey and Ben reached out pulling each other in. Their lips crashed at one another. She's been wanting to do this for long and ran her fingers through his thick hair while he pulled her even closer. He pushed her back into her room and closed the door with Force so they could be completely alone.
Ben picked her up off the ground slightly carried her pushed her back was against the wall but they didn't stop kissing. Ben hoisted her up even higher and she wrapped her legs around his waist and that nearly sent him over the edge. He pulled her closer and just walked over the little bed and the kiss never broke. They sat on the bed together and he pulled away and looked to her. She sat up a little and started to pull away at his robes and he didn't give an objection. He was shirtless in front of her again but instead of it being a Force projection this was real. She reached out to feel his soft skin and she ran her hand down the scar she created. He had more scars, his body was marked but she looked back to his eyes.
She got to eye level with him pulling closer she placed her hand on the scar on his face. It would always be a reminder that she was with him. Ben ran his hands through her brown hair and leaned in for another kiss. It wasn't as hungry as the first just tender and passionate. She pulled herself closer as close as she could get holding him letting her chin rest on his strong shoulder. She wanted to melt within him. Ben held her close. He was trembling as he held her. This was a mistake but he had to take it. He had everything to lose if he loses her. But he had everything to gain as well. He felt Rey kiss his head and he buried his face into her neck. Their lips finally met again for another hungry kiss.
Ben pulled her closer and then with one hand reached the bottom of the tunic. Rey pulled away and he could already sense she was nervous. He could feel her heart racing so he placed the hand that was on the tunic back to her cheek. Just like in the throne room and in the hut, his touch was so soft and yet he was this big man that could crush anything if he tried. He let his hand glide down her face to her neck then he reached for her hand caressing it. He wanted this to slowly build; there was no need to go fast. She looked at him as he seeked her approval. He always seemed to seek her approval.
Rey looked to his hand. When they first met in the woods he was covered in black, everything was black. Then he removed his mask just for her. She saw a man and not a monster like she thought. Then within the Force he removed a glove just to truly be able to touch her hand. Since joining her, the gloves stayed off. The black started to melt too. And now before her was just a man, showing his true self. He was fully ready to bare himself to her. No helmet, no mind wall, no cape, no armor, nothing just him.
Rey looked to his hand that engulfed hers and she brought it to her lips. Ben watched as Rey kissed some of his knuckles and he felt a rush hit him. That was the approval. Rey pulled his hand back down to bottom of her tunic and he grabbed it while she threw her arms above her head. He pulled the thin material over her while at the same time feeling the curves of her body and the softness of her arms. He tossed it away and let a smile form on his face. Rey looked to his eyes again and leaned forwards and kissed him. He wrapped both arms around her pulling her closer, feeling the skin-to-skin contact. He held closer gently lowering her into the bed.
Rey continued to hold him close as he towered over her. Ben held out his hand to dim the lights a little more. With that same hand he placed it back on Rey's cheek and leaned in for another kiss. Their nerves were calming down the more they kissed and felt. This was even better than the Force dream. Ben did the same thing he did in that dream and made a trail of kisses down her face neck and Rey closed her eyes to feel. He then went back to look at her, those soft brown eyes. Luke did tell her she opened herself up to the Darkside for a pretty pair of eyes. Maybe Ben opened to the light for her eyes too.
There was no turning back now as Ben maneuvered her pants off of her and she did likewise to him. The mighty Kylo Ren then let out a noise of completely submission before the scavenger and their lips crashed together again.
Both their bodies and minds meld together. The intensity and the pleasure they felt between one another and through the Force was nothing they could explain just like their first kiss on the Falcon. They were both tangle and twisted in the sheets with one another. Ben held her close and his mind was completely shut down except for calling to her. There was no dark, no light just them and nothing more. Rey was able to glimpse into his eyes as they were face to face. There was no more pain in his eyes and there may even be a shimmer of true hope. He rested his forehead to hers once more as she let her fingers get tangled in his hair and they continued to feel.
She called to him again while he intertwined his fingers with hers holding tight. Their breathing was shallow, the deep pleasure rising, their bodies glistening with sweat and their minds together in the Force, the rocking and thrusting they both did to one another; but in the end they were both balanced. They felt as one, they both felt this intense release of pleasure as Rey held him tightly feeling if she let go this was all a dream. Ben's rocking motion started to slow down but his grip on her didn't let up. He then started to plant kisses again on her neck and found her lips again.
Ben finally pulled away and they looked into each other's eyes both smoldering, both feeling the ecstasy they both created with nothing but their own bodies. Rey then reach out pushing some hair out of his sweaty face as Ben continued to breath heavily.
"You're trembling," He whispered to her, her whole body was shaking under him but she liked it.
"I'm ok," She answered softly to him and he nodded. He leaned in for another passionate kiss, begging to let his tongue enter her mouth and she allowed it. The kiss was deep for a moment he pulled away to see her again,. He closed his eyes reliving that moment in his head. Rey then pulled him closer to kiss his forehead and then he rested his head on her chest taking in deep breaths, both taking in deep breaths together syncing with one another.
Rey's head rested on Ben's bare chest as she felt light and nearly falling asleep. She felt Ben's hand run up and down her back lightly with his fingertips tracing random patterns. She was in this pure high. Maybe she will fall asleep with a smile. Just then she felt something that jolted her awake and looked up to Ben.
"What are you doing?" She asked and his eyes held a dangerous look. She felt him grab her side but it felt funny. Ben realized something; she was abandon at such a young age that this never happened to her. He was tickling her. "Ben," She laughed a little and he started to smile. "Stop," She tried to sound serious but she couldn't. She started to laugh as she fought but Ben persisted. She sat up slightly to get away and then looked to him giggling but she could see a true smile, it was small but for Ben it was real. The tickling stop and Ben reached out to Rey and rested his hand back on her cheek. Rey pulled herself closer and kissed him. Ben wrapped both arms back around her and he didn't want this to end. There was nothing to feel and he didn't want to deal with the outside world.
Rey then sat up straddling Ben and he felt his heart about to beat out of his chest. He then rose up to meet her, eye to eye as he wrapped his arms around her and they kissed. Rey ran her fingers through his messy hair that she created. She felt the passion rising again and she wanted to do this all over again and repeat it until the end of time. Rey pulled away arching back baring herself to him as Ben placed gentle kisses down her neck and to her chest. He heard his name escape her lips as he pulled her closer. He then eased her slowly down to the bed not letting up the kisses and he felt her wrap her legs around him keeping him close.
Ben found her lips and felt her warmth around him again. The rocking started as they looked into each other's eyes once more. They were together in the Force feeling the intensity and the energy they were creating. And they both wanted this to last, to last and this is all they do. Ben felt nothing eating away at him if anything he felt love…for the first time he felt loved. And for once Rey truly felt accepted and not alone, she to felt like she belong to something.
The sun crept over the horizon as the Resistance continued to wait for the Order. They knew they were coming but when. They were ready. In the small room Ben fixed his belt as Rey buckled her boot and stood up. The bed was torn apart from the night before but they felt more whole than anything. Rey tossed Ben's saber to him as he clipped it to his belt. She walked over to him and he just reached out to pull her closer. They shared a sweet kiss and Rey smiled as Ben slightly picked her off the ground. She then just hugged him drawing out the last of this peaceful moment. They weren't sure when the next one will come so they held on just a moment longer.
Ben walked outside feeling the cold wind in his face. He could see his breath and the skies were going from black to grey. Rey was with him wearing his large black scarf. The Resistance was on high alert as the two made their way to the command center. As they walked they were saluted or acknowledged by the fighters. They walked side by side and while no one else could see it they locked a few fingers together, still trying to draw out the moment.
Once in the command center Rey took a seat at a computer next to Connix as Poe and Finn came in. Rey looked over Connix and she had sly smile. Rey cleared her throat wondering what Connix smiling about and the Second Lieutenant went back to work.
"It was quiet all night." Poe spoke as Leia came up but Connix snickered a little and ignored the glaring look she knew Rey was giving her. Ben then walked over to Rey looking at the screen.
"All sectors are clear." Rey announced but how long with that last?
"They'll be here." Ben assured everyone. The Troopers have either sent out a distress call or because of lack of communication the Order will arrive. Just then a signal popped up and that got everyone looking as Rey started to type. Ben placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's a Destroyer." Rey confirmed and Leia nodded to Poe to place the signal. Ben stood up straight knowing this was it.
"Let's saddle up!" Poe called out as Rey stood up and she and Ben headed out. The fighters ran to their positions but Ben wasn't going to lead the Black Squadron, he wanted to be on the ground with Rey. He'll jump into the X-Wing if need be but not yet. There was a second Black Squad leader and she will take over for now.
The Resistance started to line up knowing they won't be fighting ground Troopers but TIEs. Rey and Ben stood side by side looking to the horizon and waited in the cold morning. She then felt Ben tug on her belt.
"Stay with me." He whispered and Rey only knew he felt something and she knew to listen. Just then in the distance they saw what looked like a huge black cloud but it wasn't. It was a huge group of TIE Fighters. AT-ATs will be behind the TIEs. Rey looked over as Ben leaned up against the protection wall. He was steadying himself while they waited. They didn't want to attack to quickly or they may burn up in a blaze faster than they should.
The ground troops gathered as the X-Wings could be heard firing up. Ben then looked to Rey and she back at him. She then reached out placing a hand on his shoulder giving the last feeling of comfort until this was done. Ben the leaned into her hand resting his face gently on it; oh, how he wished they could go back to last night. He didn't want to leave that room, he wanted to stay there with her but that's not going to happen not until this was over. But it was nice to feel her touch before this.
Rey pulled away as Ben looked up and the ground shook. He knew what that was and the AT-ATs were coming with the howl of the TIEs flying in. Rey took in a deep breath knowing it was time. Rey and Ben decided to lead the way and left the protected area and came forth. At the same time both ignited their sabers as the TIEs were closer but overhead the X-Wings made their approach to cover the fighters. Rey and Ben then charged and the ground fighters charged behind them.
The TIE-Fighters and X-Wings started to fire upon each other. The AT-ATs were slow moving but they pack a lot of power. Ground Troopers charged as well and started to fire. Rey and Ben blocked some of the oncoming blaster rays. The two halted at the same time still blocking so the fighters could continue. Ben held out his hand forcing some the Troopers back. He saw Rey still charging on and she jumped into the air swiping at the Troopers. The Resistance has now shown they are back.
Poe's X-Wing flew over Rey and Ben giving them cover then headed to the AT-ATs to take them out. Finn led the ground fighters and then the Falcon came above. Ben met up with Rey looking around knowing they had to take out the AT-ATs to have a chance. Rey looked to him wondering what he was thinking. Then a blaster ray was held still then Ben sent it back to the Trooper that fired it and killed him.
"We have to take out the AT-ATs." Ben stated to Rey and she looked to five huge metal war machines.
"Sure…how?" She asked and that was the question. Ben looked up seeing the X-Wings and TIEs fighting.
"They won't expect us, just two people, come on." Ben then started to run and Rey followed after him as the two charged on as the battled continued. Rey and Ben dodged the oncoming blasters but a wave of Troopers were coming up and the two stopped for a moment. They ignited their sabers and started at a walking pace towards the line. The Troopers then held up their blasters and both Rey and Ben picked up their pace and continued forwards. A few blaster rays were fired and the two blocked them. But the rays continued and the two had to stop and use the Force to hold them back. But then the Falcon cleared the way and the two Jedi ran towards an AT-AT.
They stood under it looking up and Ben ran to one of the moving legs, jumped and used the Force again to jump a little higher. Rey did likewise and they both climbed up. Ben used his saber and cut a hole into the haul and climbed in. He held out his hand and helped Rey in with him. They looked around and only Ben would know where to go. Ben led Rey through the AT-At and they both stopped as they made it to the control center seeing five Strom Troopers and two commanders.
"Hello there." Rey called out and the seven people turned around.
"Hi." Ben greeted and the two ignited their sabers again blocking the rays and killed the crew and now it was time to commandeer the AT-AT. They took to the controls and studied what was before them. "My turn," Ben whispered and started to fire at the Storm Troopers, TIES and the other AT-ATs. The Resistance picked up real quick what was happening and went to guard them as they continued to fight. Rey smiled at this.
"I like this." She looked to Ben and he looked to her seeing her smile. They continued to fire but it won't last not for long.
"Rey, go," Ben meaning that they were a huge target now. Rey got up to leave and Ben started to work the controls to a certain setting and then slammed his fist to the panel causing sparks and damage. The AT-AT continued to fire and walk and Ben went to leave. He found his way back to hole he created and jumped down. Rey saw him land perfectly and she kept it to herself that one she didn't land so gracefully and two something about his landing was rather…sexy. The two ran to avoid the AT-AT knowing it was going to be taken out.
As they cleared the way another AT-AT was destroyed. Ben then pulled Rey towards him and then pushed her a little more ahead of him and then jumped. He covered himself over her shielding her as the AT-AT they took blew up and pieces were flying everywhere. The two sat up and saw that there were three to go. Just then a Trooper on a speeder came racing to the two firing at them but Rey and Ben held their ground blocking the rays. Ben then jumped into the air slashing at the Trooper causing the speeder to crash into some enemy fighters. Rey and Ben charged on.
Finn yelled Ben's name and looked to him as Finn threw Ben something and he caught it seeing it was a makeshift bomb. He then threw it hard to an oncoming AT-AT and it latched itself to leg of the AT-AT. Finn took aim and the bomb blew up. Ben pulled Rey to him and turned around once again using himself as she shield to protect her. They then turned around seeing that AT-AT fall and now two more to go. The three then saw a group of X-Wings fire at another AT-AT with the help of the Falcon and they gunned that one down. The three headed back into the city seeing the AT-ATs were taken care of.
As the fight continued Ben looked to Rey for a moment seeing around them that the Resistance was actually pulling this battle off. They looked to one another in the heat of battle knowing they could win this. Rey flashed him a smile and Ben kept his face straight as always but she could see the glint in his eyes. Ben then ran to a speeder that was sitting there, slammed his body into it causing the Troopers on the other side to fall back and then flipped it with the Force towards the Storm Troopers. Rey blocked a few more blasters and killed off a few more Troopers. Poe's X-Wing continued to clear the skies of TIEs.
The Falcon flew overhead taking out two more ground Troopers and Rey slid to the ground cutting her way through a few more Troopers. Finn fired at a few more Troopers and in the distance you could hear the last AT-AT falling. Ben walked over to Rey and they stood back to back defending one another, ready to continue as the Order was thinning out and fast just then over the COMMs a message came through.
"The Order is retreating, I repeat the Order is retreating." Then there was a collective cheer throughout. The Destroyer that was orbiting Naboo had left leaving whatever ground team here by themselves with no help. The Resistance continued to fight claiming their victory.
The battle of Naboo was over as Ben looked to the last of the Troopers that they had captured. If it was the other way around there would be no prisoners but he was not with the Order. The Troopers will face court and justice. Leia walked around seeing that there was damage but the lives of the Naboo were spared, they can rebuild. As Leia looked she saw the five of them standing together Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn and Chewie. As she looked to them she can see it, the future of the galaxy. She felt the age of the Jedi; the age of heroes was gone but looking at the five that was far from the truth.
Rey sat in her little room back at the Resistance base and a much deserved rest was needed. But before that she was at her little desk reading the Jedi text. While they hold knowledge they did make her a little sleepy. Just then she could feel Ben, he wasn't far away. Rey got up to her door and opened up seeing Ben standing there waiting to be invited in. Rey reached out to him holding him and held her just a little closer as we walked inside and the door shut behind them, giving them the quiet and rest they will need.
Luke sat on the stone looking to the setting sun, feeling the breeze kick up. As he continued to sit there allowing himself to dip into the Force he felt a kick, this huge push. It was something he hadn't felt before. He felt something similar with Ben a long time ago and with Rey when he began her training. But this was something else it was like if their powers and strength had clashed, formed into one. Luke dipped a little more into the Force trying to feel for this power and in a flash, just a blink he saw Rey and Ben…together, standing as one, standing as one in the Force.
A/N: And there you have it. The Resistance stood against the Order and won. Our two warriors fought side by side in a most epic way. Of course they finally did the deed like finally. I hope you enjoyed that bit. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. So now what happens? Luke finally sees Rey and Ben as one unit. How do you think he'll interpret that? I have more coming like you don't even know yet. We still have six Knights of Ren to face and the rest of the First Order. There's so much more to come.
What did you all think? Are you liking this so far? What do you think will happen down the road? Let's discuss.
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