Chapter 21 Home is Behind
A/N: As requested, a long chapter and Ben Solo is about to make you all blush a bit. Enjoy.
The snow began to fall from the grey sky and onto the barren ground. It was such a gloomy day out and the ruins of a town were sitting in the chilly day. The day was silent until TIE-Fighters ripped through the skies. Down in the ruins though waited a band of Resistance Fighters.
"Ok, Fighters, let's look alive." Poe looked around as he began to fire up his X-Wing. BB-8 beeped and sounded a little concerned. "No, BB-8, if that shield holds we got this."
"Don't like that word if." Finn commented into the COMM.
"Well, then the Jedi will have to be our shields." Poe added.
"I don't think that's how the Force works." Finn can imagine Han saying something like that again right about now. The TIES started to come closer to the ruins and began to fire. But the shield held up as the blaster rays were deflected. "They'll deploy ground troops." Finn warned everyone.
"Good, been looking for a fight." Poe added and he sat there ready. "Ok, ion cannon, fire." Poe gave the command and the cannon started to fire picking off the TIEs. The TIEs started to retreat but in the distance First Order cruisers began to land and deploy the ground troops as Finn warned. "Ok, ground fighters, that's you." A few dozen Resistance Fighters armed themselves ready. "Don't let these thugs scare you." Poe encouraged them as his X-Wing began to hover.
Out on the grounds in front of the fighters as the snow started to fall a little harder and the Storm Troopers began to advance two people stood between the Order and the Resistance. Rey and Ben stood side by side. Ben looked to Rey liking the new look she has taken on. She has ditched the scavenger look completely and now wore a dark blue tunic, black pants with black boots, a dark long blue thin coat and around her waist a brown belt to hold her saber. Her hair has remained down or slight up like it is now to do battle. Ben has noticed that she has even let her hair grow out a little more. Ben kept the black on black look with mark of the Resistance on the sleeve of his uniform. Although during battle he wore some armor chest plates but his side cape was always with him and it blew in the wind. Rey's coat whipped in the wind much like a cape as well.
The two continued to stand there as the Storm Troopers marched closer and at the same time ignited their sabers together. The red and blue sabers hummed as they waited. The two then took a fighting stands as the Troopers began to make their run and started to fire. Rey and Ben blocked the oncoming blaster rays easily and Poe's X-Wing flew overhead and laid down more fire. The Jedi and reformed Sith ran towards the rest of the Troopers with the Resistance fighters following in behind them. Rey swiped through the Troopers, as Ben swung hard at them. Rey looked to him and saw him punch down a Trooper hearing the punch break through the helmet. Rey always liked knowing that while Ben has a lightsaber, maybe the most dangerous and powerful weapon out there just every once in a while he decks his foe.
Rey then charged at a Trooper, jumped and dropped kicked the Trooper down and rolled back up and continued to fight. Ben ran ahead of her blocking a few rays and Rey came up to him and they were side by side again. Then a set of Troopers came forth, black Troopers known as Death Troopers. These were a little harder to take down but nothing Ben and Rey couldn't handle. The Troopers took their riot batons ready to fight. Rey and Ben both ran to them and Ben jumped into the air slamming his saber down at on as the Trooper blocked the red saber with his baton.
Ben swung hard at the Trooper catching him off guard as the former Sith continued on. Ben criss-crossed his saber in front of him and the Trooper took a swipe as Ben blocked and ducked. He then started to force the Trooper back with his swings. The Trooper tried to swing at Ben and he slightly stepped aside and then swiped his saber across the Death Trooper's chest.
Rey blocked the riot baton and kicked back the Trooper and jumped into the air taking on the Trooper. She looked around seeing the Resistance was pushing the Order back and Ben joined up with Rey hoping this would work. Another Order ship started to come into view as the Resistance started to line up behind their Commanders and Poe landed his X-Wing to join in. Chewie made his way to the front with Connix next to him and now they wait.
The ramp to the Order ship opened and an officer started to walk towards them.
"That's not Hux." Poe commented seeing the officer.
"He's too much of a coward." Ben explained and then he looked to Rey and she nodded. Rey stepped forwards with Poe walking next to her as they were going to talk. This planet system they just fought on was under discrepancy. This system was considered a grey zone since the days of the Clone Wars. It was never a part of the Galactic Republic or the Separatist, never with the Rebel Alliance or the Empire. This system has remained out of the war and now the Order wants it. The people here are few and no one really knows how it has managed not see war or take sides on it.
Rey stood before the officer as the snow continued to fall. Ben watched from afar and started towards them but Finn reached for him.
"What are you doing?" Finn asked as the only way to get the Order to talk was for Rey only to do the talking, they didn't want Leia only Rey. It made Ben suspicious so he wanted in. He was also curious to know why Hux didn't want to speak to him because now was his chance.
"Going to pick a fight." Ben was honest and Finn looked confused and thought Ben was going to ruin this.
"This is as close as we're going to get to talking." Finn reminded Ben and the man nodded and continued to walk away knowing Finn won't stop him. Finn let out a sigh. Chewie then barked something. "Well, we didn't get dressed up just stand out in the cold for nothing."
"If you allow this system to remain under the Order," The officer started and then he saw Ben coming. "Allow the Order," Ben started to circle the group and that seemed to unsettle the officer. Rey and Poe were just find with it, in fact they took some comfort knowing Ben was hovering and if anyone stepped out of line he'll literally force them back in. "This system will," The officer tried to regain himself because he had forgotten just how big Kylo Ren was and how intimidating he is with or with out the mask. "Leave,"
"We are here to talk about maybe the only treaty we will sign with you. This system has remained out the war for decades, it stays that way." Rey declared as Ben stood next to her. "This place is for those seeking safety no matter the side." Rey finished and the officer looked to Ben.
"Supreme Leader Hux has extended the deal to this system to the Order and giving you amnesty to leave." The officer finally was able to speak a full sentence.
"I have a deal myself," Ben stepped in. "I want Hux, we agreed to speak to Hux not you." Ben stated clearly. "Either we speak to Hux or this deal is off. We defend this system and we'll start first by killing everyone single one of you." Ben then stepped closer. "Leave and on your way out you can stop by the other systems and ask for forgiveness for the war and poverty you've brought to them." The officer's face turned red.
"How dare you?" The officer spat. "You're nothing but a traitor!" Ben then stepped closer and the officer stepped back.
"I want Hux." Ben demanded again and the officer turned away and left to the cruiser.
"That was a short peace treaty." Rey commented as the three of them headed back.
"Poe, call in the Blue Squadron," Ben demanded as they met up with the fighters.
"Did they take the bait?" Connix asked and Rey nodded. She then went to her COMM. "CC Holdo, you're up." She confirmed. The fighters stood there ready.
In the cruiser Hux was there sitting in his chair as the officer came to him.
"They refused." The officer confirmed. "Kylo Ren…wishes to speak to you in person." He finished and Hux looked to him.
"We offered a safe passage, they failed," Hux started. "Empty the ground forces on them, this is our system." Hux ordered as he stood up and looked to the screen window and saw him. He saw Kylo Ren out in distance fighting for the enemy. As Hux gave his smile it quickly disappeared. In the distance one of the Resistance capitals pulled overhead and a squad of X-Wings flew straight towards them. "Liars," Hux whispered. "Take off,"
"What about our men?" The officer asked and Hux turned to him.
"They're already dead, take off, they win this round." Hux ordered as his ship took off while the ground Troopers did as they were told. The Resistance fighters didn't move as the X-Wings and the capital ship did all the work. Ben watched Hux's ship take off and while he wanted to go after it, he didn't have to. Rey then pulled out a device that was tracking the ship. While distracting the officer Rey was able to push a tracking device to the ship unnoticed.
"Finish here, let's go home." Ben ordered as the fighters began to leave as the Order's men were dropping quickly.
"Went smoother than I thought." Finn added and then looked to Ben. "You really think Hux was going to talk to you?" Ben shook his head no. He wouldn't talk to Hux though, maybe hug him through the Force and it would be a throat hug.
At the base Ben looked at himself in the mirror looking to what looked back. The scars were physical and emotional these days. He leaned forwards and splashed some water on his face and down his neck. He just let the water sit on his face for a moment and then dried himself. He left the fresher and stepped into the room. Rey sat at the desk as she wrote out some notes. He then just stood there, leaned up against the wall watching Rey. He liked to watch her do just about anything, sleep, train, read; it seemed to relax him in some way. But as he watched her he felt this flutter through him and he hasn't explained what it was. The first time he really felt it and at the time he thought it was a fight or flight moment was on Starkiller Base. When his grandfather's saber flew passed him and to her and she ignited it with no fear, that was the first time he felt it.
As time went on he found her to not just be powerful but beautiful. She was never weak when he first met her and in the recent year her strength, power and beauty seemed to grow. Ben then walked to her. She then felt his hands on her shoulders and he started to rub them. Rey stopped working feeling relaxed and feeling the sore muscles disappear.
Ben then leaned in resting his chin to her head and ran his hands down her arms and then planted a kiss on top of her head. He then wrapped his arms around her chest and she responded leaning into his strong arms knowing she should get some sleep. Ben then started to place kisses down her face and then stopped at her neck and remained there. She already started to feel that desire rise. It was like a switch he knew how to flip at his own will. Rey reached behind her just to pull him closer as he continued to shower her with kisses letting his hands roam freely.
Rey then turned to him, hungry for his lips, she loved how pouty they can get and how they felt on hers, how at times she likes to bite them; she found and locked his lips to hers sharing in a calm moment as he kept his arms wrapped around her, but she wanted his hands all over her even more. They pulled away resting their foreheads to one another. It was time to call it a night. Ben moved so he was in front of her and reached down as Rey literally climbed up to him and he carried her to bed.
He laid her down gently while kissing her and she ran her hands through his hair. He pulled away and made a trail of kisses down her neck to her chest. Rey closed her eyes letting Ben do whatever he wanted she was just going to let herself get lost. Ben continued to kiss down her body and she felt her own body shaking wanting him. She looked to him as he started to kiss her inner thigh and it his eyes and face spoke. The dark room with the few lights cast a shadow on him and she can see both the light and dark on him. His black hair slightly covered his face, his eyes held all his emotions and his soul. He gazed at her so he can see her; his eyes filled with lust as he went back to kissing her thigh still looking at her just to see her response, his dark eyes seduced her even more. The sensation Rey felt sent her into a spiral of sounds and her heart raced.
Ben could hear his name knowing whatever he was doing was working. He could answer to his name as she begged for him but he ignored it. He wanted to draw this out; he wanted to take his time to memorize her. He continued to kiss her inner thighs for a moment longer. Ben slowly crawled back to her seductively and Rey watched him and she felt like she could drool. She was completely in his thrall now. He leaned in for a deep kiss, letting his tongue explore her mouth. Rey pulled him closer, pulling his hair and letting herself access the Force to intensify the feelings. Ben then felt her legs wrap around him and he pulled one closer wanting to be one. But this wasn't over; he wanted to wait a little longer.
Ben pulled away looking at Rey the same way he did when they were first alone together when they were enemies. He can remember studying her, captivated by her but he didn't know why. Now he does, he has committed her face, every inch of her to his mind. He was fascinated by her then and still is; he still hasn't understood why he was so drawn to her. Maybe she truly was his equal in all things and he wanted it stay that way. Ben then rested his hand to her cheek still studying her, gazing upon what was and only his. He found the only person who knows what he was, the only person who trusts him and would die for him. He didn't take that lightly and to prove it he was going to worship his equal, the one person who had his soul.
Ben leaned in for another kiss as Rey wanted him even more, she wanted get lost and turn off her mind. Ben could feel her tension rising knowing she was still begging but he wanted her to beg a little more. He was pulling apart the rest of their clothes knowing Rey wasn't going to allow him to take over for much longer but he still enjoyed it. He then met her eyes with his and felt that first thrust in wanting to see her reaction.
"Ben," His name escaped her and Ben felt this raw energy, he feels this every time when they are like this. It was a primal energy, this ancient desire and need. He could and would sell his soul for the high she gives when he does this. Ben continued watching her then felt Rey rake her nails down his back knowing she was going to leave marks but he liked it; it meant he was giving her everything she wanted when they made love and it satisfied him.
Ben looked down at Rey as they continued and their eyes locked onto one another. Rey's face was covered in the look of lust. The look Ben was giving her, she was going to give him whatever he wanted. Rey reached out touching the scar as he could heal it completely if he wanted to. But that scar made her that much more apart of him. It was an extension of what he was, internal and external scars, slightly cracked but not broken.
The sensations were rising, their grunts and moans, continued and Rey called his name over and over just begging for the release and eventually he'll give it to her but he wanted this to be slow and thoughtful. He just wanted to lengthen the time and enjoy peace. They were one mass of flesh and in the Force they were one in the same; the dark and the light meeting each other. Ben rested his forehead to hers again giving her quick kisses and then she pulled him closer feeling her whole body tightening up. She then felt that last thrust that sent her over the edge, crying out to him into the night, digging her nails into his back and she started to shake. He always made her shake, quiver. She continued to hold him close and felt him kissing and nipping at her neck. She responded back in the same manner kissing and biting his shoulder still feeling shock waves through her body.
Ben then hovered over her and that half smile formed. One day she thought, she'll get him to fully smile but the half was still more than he has ever done and he does it for her. That half smile carried something with it depending on what he was smiling at. Right now, he knew what he was able to make her feel and that half smile said he was pleased with himself. Rey ran her fingers through that messy black hair as he leaned in for a kiss but he wasn't done. He wanted more and he wanted to show Rey just what she meant to him, he wanted to continue to worship his equal and maybe the only person he truly loves.
Ben wrapped his arms around her pulling her up so they both sat up eye to eye and she smiled at him. She ran her fingers through his hair again to see his face and continued to smile. Those thick pouty lips were begging for her but she ignored them and leaned in nipping at neck. He closed his eyes pulling her in closer. She then moved to his ear learning early on that was a trigger for him. One nip or kiss to his ear and she had him on his knees just like now. Ben then found her neck again and it was about to start all over again as Rey leaned back letting him have access to whatever he wanted and Ben was going to take it, all of it. It was going to be a long night but for all the right reasons.
The Resistance Command crew with their General stood around a table as the screen was on and they watched the moving parts. Ben was leaning up against the table with Rey right by side, he always wanted her right there and he'll be damned before he allows that to change. He had to stand up though because his back was sensitive. That morning when he woke up and saw his backside, Rey did a number on him and if anyone saw it they may think some animal got to him. Although he kept it to himself, he was still coming off the high of last night so it was slightly hard to focus on business but he did his best.
"The ship has stopped here," Connix pointed and started to punch in something to the keyboard. A planet then pulled up as the leaders looked. "Fondor."
"It's an old Imperial manufacturing center." Leia explained as she looked.
"Home base for them?" Finn asked because he can't recall every being there or hearing about it so he looked to Ben. Ben then looked to the planet and like Finn he wasn't sure if he can recall knowing about it.
"It's probably like here," Leia started. "The buildings and equipment are there but old."
"So, maybe a new base." Poe added because it could be.
"It's too obvious." Rey joined in as she looked.
"This place was obvious and on the map, who's to say they won't just show back up?" Poe added because they went back to a known base of the Rebellion. But he also understood what Rey meant as well. "You think they'll revive it?"
"It's possible." Ben answered, the more they can build the faster they can pump out the army. It was becoming an arms race these days, out gun the other. The Resistance was growing daily as more wanted to join but that creates more screening. They have to be careful who they let in because they know the Order has sent out spies to join the cause. In fact Ben and Rey were going to leave soon to a recruiting outpost to look at possible new recruits.
"We'll keep watch, in the mean time, negotiations failed I take it." Leia looked to her officers.
"Negotiations never took place." Ben answered and Chewie pointed to Ben explaining what had happen as mother and son looked at one another. Leia wasn't impressed to hear what her son had done.
"The system is still a grey zone though." Poe sort of defended Ben and Leia looked to the pilot. "No loss," Poe's voice faded out knowing he wasn't defended Ben that well so he stopped.
"Hux won't speak to us not unless we surrender." Ben informed them but it was worth a shot, sometimes pride takes over.
"He won't speak to you." Finn corrected Ben. "Because let's face it, you, you're little scary sometimes, you look like you're going to kill everyone." Ben didn't look at Finn but that scary look Finn was talking about was showing. "Like right now, you're scary." Rey then looked to Ben and reached out to him and placed hand on his back letting him know she didn't find him scary just misunderstood. Rey then smiled thinking about last night letting her mind wander but met Leia's eyes and the smile went away. Leia didn't want to think about what Rey was thinking but she didn't mind Ben looking big and mean, it gives them an upper hand but she also understood Finn as well.
"Dismissed." Leia ended the meeting the six leaders broke from the room as Leia watched them leave. Maybe their work was sloppy, that was putting it nicely, but they did get the job done. War wasn't pretty, clean cut; it was messy and unrefined at best. But the six of them while all opposite of one another, all from different walks of life and battles and maybe in a perfect galaxy they shouldn't be able to function together, they did. It was sometimes awkward, sometimes way off the marked trails but when it was time to fight and win, they did. Leia liked that, they were the faces of the Resistance, not very well put together but when it was time, they put their heart into it.
The Resistance outpost changes just to make sure they can't be found. Rey and Ben walked together seeing those who wanted to join the cause and there were a fair few. Just then one came forth to Rey with wide eyes and took a knee before her.
"Rey of Jakku, I have come to fight and die for you." The man declared and that threw everyone off. Poe and Finn were with Rey and Ben and Poe smiled a little seeing that this man might have a torch for Rey although Ben will snuff it out.
"Please, stand up." Rey felt uncomfortable and Ben continued to study the group of what might be Resistance fighters.
"I've come to fight." The man insisted but then there was a laugh as another Resistance recruit came forth looking at the four of them.
"This, this is the mighty Kylo Ren, the Sith Lord that left the Order?" The man asked as Ben stood there. "Thought you'd be a little taller and…older."
"Sorry to disappoint." Ben's voice was flat and low.
"If I fight with you, I kill the Order?" The man asked and Rey shrugged.
"Yes," Rey answered and the man smiled.
"Wonderful." The man sounded excited and the four leaders looked to one another, these fighters seemed to get weirder and weirder. Just then Ben ignited his saber, which threw everyone off. The first recruit who knelt before Rey stood there staring at Ben.
"All will bow to the First Order!" He yelled and went to take out his blaster but Ben called to the man to him grabbing his throat and rammed the saber through him and then dropped him. The Order has spies looking and Rey looked to Ben as they had spoken through the Force while all this was happening, subtle details make the difference. Rey could tell the man was nervous when they stood before the recruits, he seemed too eager and wanting trust right away.
"Never liked him." The second recruiter added and it was him who helped tip off Rey and Ben because he put himself between them.
"Anyone else?" Ben asked making sure they understood what just happened. Ben got the answer in silence and turned back to the ship and Poe smiled and looked to Finn, Finn just looked over it.
"Yeah, he might be scary like, don't cross him but he's on our side." Poe reminded Finn what they had. Finn filed in the new recruits in, as they will be heading back to base. Rey stood there looking around making sure they weren't being watched or followed. She looked to the dead man and felt bad for him for the choice he made and the death he had to endure. She followed in as Ben waited for her; he was the first off the ship and the last to follow her in.
Hux walked through the old halls of a once Imperial settlement. Some would say this was an honor, something so many would wish for. As he neared the end of the hall the doors opened and a figure clad in black waited for him. Hux may present himself as the Supreme Leader but he was not, that title was stripped a long time ago. That title was divided to the Knights of Ren. Once they learned of Snoke's demise they came back to seek revenge and the throne.
"Your puny man failed." The Knight spoke through his mask as he faced Hux. The Knight much like Kylo began to pace. "Skywalker remains free and Kylo Ren has denounced his name and his loyalty and the Resistance has returned."
"Supreme Leader Ren," Hux began but was silenced.
"Enough!" The Knight yelled. "My two fellow brothers have failed against the Jedi." He seemed to be thinking. "Ben Solo has trained a Jedi, our focus has shifted to him not Skywalker. If this continues a new order will form." That was the part the Knights were worried about. Ben could create a new order; reignite the Grey Jedi. "Targeting the Resistance Base is ineffective so stop. Infiltrating maybe one possibility but I have another, that Jedi."
"Kill Rey of Jakku." Hux stated and the Knight looked to him. She had Ben Solo guarding her and getting through him was asking for death.
"She is his everything now, his purpose, his balance." The Knight knew this. "Strip him of it, he either turns or he dies."
"You want him to turn back?" Hux asked because that seemed like it was counterproductive.
"Keep your friends close Hux, but your enemies, keep them even closer." The Knight warned Hux and stood there. "Go," He demanded Hux and the red hair leader left. The Knight then went to sit down and decided to try something.
Ben was asleep with Rey. He held her close to him after another session of using the Force, just in a different way. He was in his deep sleep, the black abyss of nothing. But something reached out to him. Ben's eyes opened slowly as he looked around the dark room. He felt something was in the room with them, a burning presence and he held out his hand calling his saber to him, ready. He then looked to Rey as she remained asleep and he continued to look around the room.
"Where are you?" Ben demanded and then the shadows parted seeing a Knight there. "Antar," Ben whispered and looked around knowing he was dreaming and the saber would do nothing.
"The black pit," Antar commented seeing this is what Ben dreamed of, nothing. But then he looked over to a sleeping Rey. "There she is, the Jedi."
"If it's me you want," Ben tossed the saber away. "I'm here to talk." Meaning he wanted to keep Rey out of this.
"Such a soft side to you Solo." Antar commented as he stood there. "You've opened up into the Force you weren't difficult to find, always wearing your emotions." Ben stared at Antar looked to Ben, his mask was long gone. "That pretty face of yours, marred like you. She has twisted you, changed you." Ben continued to stare down his former colleague.
"I haven't changed." Ben insisted and Antar pulled his helmet off. His long brown hair fell around his shoulders.
"You have." Antar then walked closer and smiled. "You're in love, admit it or not, you fight for them and for her." He then looked to Rey, as Ben hasn't made her go away in his dream. She wasn't real but it gave him comfort. "You were never balanced, always seeking approval." He then smiled with his pale skin and red eyes. "The more you have with her, the more you share with her, the more you care about her, the easier it will be to break you." Ben didn't move knowing this was not a warning but a threat. "You can try and run but I will find you and her and when she dies it will be your fault. You will not protect her or the Resistance, you will fail and I will kill you."
Ben never took his eyes off of Antar. The darkness started to close in and when he looked over to Rey she was gone. He looked to Antar and Rey stood in front of him. "What's your darkest fear Ben Solo?" He asked and took out his double bladed saber ran it through Rey.
Ben shot up in a cold sweat, called his saber to him and ignited it. Rey woke to the sound of the hum and saw Ben sitting there ready to defend them from whatever they were under attack from. She realized it was just a dream as she had to bring back to the here and now.
"Ben!" She called to him and he turned to her. He lowered the red saber and deactivated it as he came to reality. She got closer to him and he sweating and she knew it was bad dream. "It's ok." She assured him as he was breathing heavily. Rey placed both hands on his face and as always placed her forehead to his allowing him to know she was real. "It's ok," She whispered and Ben closed his eyes and pulled her in for hug just to hold her. But he still felt Antar in the room. He felt like their privacy was invaded and threats he made to Rey started make his blood boil. Not only did he threaten Rey, he threatened his mother and the Resistance, his friends. Yes, he considers the command crew his friends even though he won't admit it, not out loud.
Antar waited for the arrival of another Knight. Once Kylo Ren was given the title of Commander of the First Order the rest of the Knights disbursed throughout the galaxy. They were doing single covert missions of various tasks such as hunting down future Resistance Fighters and those who could be potential Jedi. Of course they were always on the look out of Skywalker. Antar was the second strongest of the Knights, second to Kylo. As he waited the doors opened and a woman clad in black walked in and Antar smiled.
"Cassy," He stood up and she took a knee before her leader. Antar walked to her and she rose up. Cassir was another Knight, strong in the Force. Her fiery red hair ran down her back with her bright yellow eyes standing out. The two then shared a hug. The Knights were close; they trained together for so long until Snoke had broken them up. And the biggest betrayal was Kylo. He was their leader not Snoke. Snoke was their trainer but Kylo was their Master. There was talk of the future that Kylo would kill Snoke and rise as the Supreme Leader and they would follow. Kylo has died with Snoke and Ben Solo has emerged, that was the ultimate betrayal.
"Antar, it's been too long." Cassy greeted him and they began to walk together. When she heard Kylo Ren had killed Snoke she was ready to follow, her dreams were coming true; she was ready to sit at Kylo Ren's right hand side and possibly more. But that dream has been dashed.
"Cassy," Antar has started. "I've seen him in the Force, he's weak, he's…" Antar trailed off and faced her. "He's gone." Cassy nodded understanding Kylo Ren was dead. "You said he would kill Snoke and lead us,"
"It's visions, not the true future." Cassy interrupted. Cassy's gift in the Force was the seeing into the future. Her visions were so clear, almost perfect but there were always pieces missing, things change.
"I need to know," Antar started and Cassy looked uncomfortable. She hated looking into the future because then that's all you can see. It helps in the near future such as closed quarter combats, fighting your enemy but long term; you could go insane. "Will I become Supreme? Will I defeat Ben Solo, rule this galaxy?"
"Antar," Cassy was trying to divert but she knew should not be able to. She then closed her eyes and tapped into the Force. She can see the future in flashes, images and fast sounds. She took in deep breath seeing it. Antar watched her as she looked to his fate. "Your hand will sweep over the galaxy," She began to explain. "The Order…the Order becomes the true government." Antar listened. "You are the Supreme leader." She continued to look into the flashes. She can see Antar sitting on the throne and before him lays the waste of the Resistance. "But a word of caution, Solo, I see him, if he fights, you fail." She then opened her eyes looking to Antar. It means he must end Ben Solo.
"What gives him the need to fight so?" Antar asked but he knew why. "It's that Jedi."
"There's something else…" Cassy trailed off. "It's her, I see her at his right hand…but I feel…" Cassy didn't know what it was because the future is never set. It can change and that is what she felt. "She does give him reason but there's…" She saw some blur, some strong power but nothing more.
"We kill this Jedi and in turn Ben Solo dies." Antar was plain and simple but there was nothing simple about it.
"If you kill Rey of Jakku you will awaken a monster we have yet to see." Cassy warned her leader. She just saw a blip on the destruction that Solo will bring. He'll turn back to the dark; she can see it passing through her eyes. She can see Ben holding Rey's lifeless body in his arms and the rage that ensues. No one will survive it.
"That's what we will do." Antar kept thinking, as Cassy knew she needed to stop looking into the future for Antar's sake. "We kill Rey and let Ben destroy himself, the ultimate suffering."
Ben walked down the halls of the base to the hanger seeing the fighters everywhere doing their jobs. He was upset though. Antar had invaded his mind while sleeping. He saw the more intimate parts of him and Rey and it well, it pissed him off. It unsettled him too as it meant he was getting stronger in the Force. As he walked around he saw Rey among the fighters as something in the air was stirring. There was a change happening and he didn't know what. Rey caught site of him and walked to him. They were going to have a debriefing here soon.
"Ben?" She asked and he stood there. Just then their COMMs went off and it was time for official business. Ben reached out placing his hand to her back and walked with her. She could feel this change to but like Ben she could only feel it. She also knew Ben will tell her when he wanted to. The two Commanders entered the command room as the officers entered with Leia waiting. The officers sat before the General for the daily briefing.
"Morning," Leia greeted her crew and then 3PO came in with both R2 and BB-8 following in. The droids came in with food and drinks for everyone. R2 rolled up to Ben with a cup of a hot drink to him. R2 beeped something at Ben.
"Thanks," Ben said to the droid and sipped it. Rey smiled at Ben as she took another cup from R2. C-3PO set food out for everyone to eat if they wanted to, as they would go over the agendas and future ideas. Poe leaned in and took some baked good and began to eat. They were gaining better footing on the Order but they didn't have a way to take them out. They take a base or defeat a convoy then more would come. They have to pinpoint something.
"So, anything on the manufacturing station?" Leia asked as she sat before her officers.
"Nothing that indicates they're doing anything with it." Poe answered as he ate his sweet food. "It might be a dud on that." They would keep up with it.
"We need to hone in something else." Connix jumped in. "We keep going after the small bases, we kill one, two more pop up."
"You're saying there has to be one location." Poe spoke up and looked to Finn and Ben.
"Not that I'm aware of." Ben answered because he was never aware of a central location. Starkiller Base was the only location he knew of. The Order has many locations but there could be one central location.
"The Order is like Ji-ant hive." Poe started.
"They're not like a hive and ji-ants don't have hives, hrelans do." Ben corrected the pilot.
"Ok, but still that's where the queen is…" Poe then looked Ben. "Excuse me, leader which is Hux. But he's hrelan like." Ben looked to Poe and then turned away ignoring it. "Just missing those big beaty eyes." Poe finished.
"You think there is such a location?" Leia asked looking to Ben. That was Starkiller Base but now. After the base was destroyed the Order reconvened in Destroyers. They may be looking for a new location though and the place they have tracked them to has potential. Ben tried to think of places they would go but because he has left the Order those places were taken off the map.
"The only way to know is to send someone out there." Connix jumped in and Chewie barked in agreement. She looked around the room and there was an agreement.
"How about we just take out all their known locations." Rey spoke up. "They're doing what we did, take them out."
"We do that then they'll do the same to us." Leia reminded them but that seemed to be the only way and it made sense. Drive them out and to one location.
"It means we're leaving then." Poe sounded defeated and looked to his General.
"Better to do it now then later." Leia knew they would have to leave some day and she leaned back in her chair thinking. They would have to scout a brand new location though, something way off the maps even the uncharted Rebellion bases were not on the table. This was going to be hard to do, this was home for them and they've made it a home. They would be floating in space as they looked. They would head into deep and wild space to stay safe.
Ben sat at the foot of the bed looking to the room seeing the bags packed. He actually didn't want to leave. He liked it here; there was some peace to it. But Rey was coming with, he wasn't leaving anything valuable behind, he had everything he needed. Home is where your friends and family are and his were coming with. Ben stood up grabbing some of the bags, there were not many to hold. As he stepped outside the door he took on look back. The bed was stripped; the room was bare. It held many memories, talks, her laughing and endless love making sessions. They can create more where they're going. But he didn't want to leave; this was home for him.
The base was busy packing everything, the computers all of it. They didn't know where they will go but this will be needed as they will need to build again from the ground up. This time around they were not on the run and they had thousands of helping hands. Ben headed to the Falcon, he didn't want to fly in a capital as they leave; he wanted to pilot the Falcon. As he walked in he headed into the cockpit where Chewie was with the little Porg that was still chirping around.
Chewie looked to the young Solo seeing those eyes. He would see it in Han's eyes when he was defeated or sad. Ben had his father's eyes now. Chewie then said something to Ben and Ben looked to the Wookie. It was words of comfort. Ben then looked to the hanging dye knowing that always brought Han luck. While Luke told him there was no such thing as luck Ben reached out and touched the dye just in case. He would command from the Falcon and later take it to a capital when needed.
Rey walked through the base as it was back to it's bare bones once more. She sighed as she walked around because this was another place she was leaving. It was to protect them as they were now going to take out old Imperial bases. The Order will learn quickly and they will in turn do the same. This was just ensured the survival of the Resistance. The hanger was cleared out and all the smaller crafts were on the major ships. The people were heading to their places and a few X-Wings will fly out with the ships as escorts until they need to reach deep space. She then headed to the Falcon.
She went to find Ben knowing where he was and went to the cockpit as he sat in the pilot chair. She walked over to him placing a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her. He could sense it, she didn't want to leave and no one did. They built this place with their hands; the rose out of their own ashes so to leave could be felt as a defeat.
Ben reached out to Rey pulling her to sit on his lap. She did and he nuzzled in close.
"I'll give you home someday." He whispered because she always wanted one, a place to say it was hers. Rey looked at him knowing he was holding onto that promise of a better tomorrow. "We'll have a home." She then reached out to him pushing some of his hair aside. Whatever she called home, here, another base, a ship, it would be home if he was there. Ben wanted to give her a nice place to live, quiet, calm, something with a fireplace. Some place they can look at and never want to leave. But for Rey, the Falcon will do as long as Ben was here. Rey settled in his embrace resting her head on his shoulder looking out as the last of the packing was happening.
Leia stood outside the huge entrance of the base. She let out a sigh knowing she may never see this place again. But to see it after all these years it made her smile. It served it's purpose, it continue to give hope and light in such a dark place. She then turned around and at the tree line she can see the top of that white tree that has stood there just as long. The breeze rolled by and Leia closed her eyes letting it wash over her. She smiled knowing this was the right move and they will continue to thrive. She then saw Poe walking to her and he will escort her to the capital ship Solo.
Rey and Ben sat in the quiet cockpit together alone, the way they like it. They were just waiting to hear everyone was ready to leave and then the Falcon will lead them out. Rey can sense the place was getting quiet knowing it will be time to leave.
"General Leia is aboard the Solo, all other crew members and fighters are accounting for." A voice came over the COMM and that was the signal. Rey sat up knowing Ben was going to need her help. Rey then placed a kiss to his cheek as she got up and Chewie came back in. Chewie would help navigate and Rey will be Ben's co-pilot.
"Ok, Solo, you're up time to impress us." It was Poe's voice. Ben pulled his chair closer to the controls and began to flip the switches firing up the Falcon. Rey started to put on some earpieces as the Falcon hovered and slowly took off. The entire Resistance fleet was starting to follow. Rey then stood up and leaned over to Ben and put on his earpiece and microphone headset as he began to pilot the Falcon off Dantooine maybe for good. Before she sat back down they gaze at one another for a moment and then went back to flying. Rey sat back down and started to help co-piloting as the Falcon passed through the blue sky and into the darkness of space. Chewie typed in some numbers and let Ben know the coordinates were in. Ben looked to where they were going. It was wild space meaning it was uncharted and a great place to hide. When they get there, there will be nothing and they can just float for a while.
"All ships report in." Commander Solo ordered and each ship did letting him know that they were ready as he flew around the huge convoy of ships. They have five major cruisers and these were major cruisers, built for war with the proper gunners. They rebuilt their bombing fleet completely and then there were the three main capitals and the medical frater. And within the war cruisers were small heavily armed cruisers and X-Wings.
Rey looked at where they have come because the last of the Resistance just a year ago were all on the Falcon, just a hand full of them. And now looking to what they built, the Rebellion of the Imperial war would be proud of it. She looked over to Ben who seemed at complete ease just flying as he wove through the fleet. He flew to the front of the massive convoy that can hold its own in a fight.
"Initiate hyperspace sequence." Ben announced and then paused for a moment looking around at the stars. Getting out to wild space was a huge jump. They were about to fly across the entire galaxy. The Falcon will hold up until they reach wild space and then he'll go to a capital. He just wanted to be in control of something for a bit. The X-Wing escorts were flying into the main ships knowing they can't make it to wild space on their own.
As Ben fired up the hyperdrive and he was glad they were doing this. Antar invaded his mind and something wasn't right. Wild space won't protect his mind but at least he can think and figure out what his old friends were up to. Ben then looked to Rey letting her know that they were ready for lightspeed. The rest of the Resistances ships reported in that they were ready as well. Rey reached out to the controls and lifted it up. The stars around them got long and they felt that push back. The Resistance was going off the grid completely for now and going across the galaxy.
A/N: No real action, don't worry it's coming though. What do you all think? Now we have a plan of attack but even more is brewing in the dark. When will Rey and Ben face the next Knight? Soon and very soon and their relationship is nothing short of sweet and steamy. What's next? There's more coming and yes the next chapter I have a huge fight coming, just wait. Hope you guys are enjoying it. What happens next? What would you like to see? Let's discuss.
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