Chapter 22 Ash and Dust

Ben led the small squad as they hovered over a planet. The cruiser began to scan for life forms as the few X-Wings kept a watchful eye around them. Ben typed in something and sighed. They were looking for a planet that was out of the way, small populations, a beach front property as requested by Rey and something that can hide them. So far after three months in space they haven't had any luck. And it was true the Order was looking for them at the known locations as the Resistance took out theirs. For now the war was more of a cat and mouse chase. Poe then came into the cockpit looking out.

"Any luck?" Poe asked as he sat next to Ben putting on the earpiece. Ben shook his head no looking a little defeated. The entire Resistance was getting antsy; they wanted to be on solid ground. Poe nodded looking at the planet. "What's down there?" Ben then leaned forwards pulling up the screen and Poe's eyes went big seeing the terrain. "We would need some big vehicles to drive around." But it wasn't the surface that was the challenge.

"And half the air is noxious gases." Ben added and Poe shrugged seeing how that was a deal breaker.

"Still, I say we need to get a new PT-A cruiser, that thing was sweet." Poe added and slightly looked to Ben.

"It's a shame we had to get rid of it." Ben commented as he was messing with the controls.

"That was a fun cruiser." Poe went on and he saw it on Ben's face, that small side smile forming. They can both remember driving it and crashing it but more so driving it. "We'll get another one." Poe assured the Commander but they both knew Leia was going to say no. While the General was happy to have the two best fighter pilots with her she also had to extremely reckless flyboys because of it. That cruiser was a trail run and they failed. "Alright, let's get the hell out of here." Poe suggested and Ben pulled forwards pulling on the controls and piloted out the system.

The Resistance fleet was floating in the Wild Space of nowhere as Rey sat at computer looking at other potential systems. This galaxy was huge, not all the systems have been charted or named. She sat back and sighed feeling a little tired. It would be nice to see land and trees again not just machinery.

"Miss. Rey," 3PO called to her as he made his over. "By my calculations there is a probability of four hundred and twenty to one in finding the system we are looking for." Rey just stared at the gold droid and nodded. "The likelihood of the Order find us in Wild Space carries a twelve percent risk factor." Meaning this was the safest place to be. But to run an attack, run missions and just overall health of the fighters, Wild Space was not optimal. Just then Chewie came in barking. "I've had just about enough of you Chewbecca." 3PO argued with the Wookie. Rey rolled her eyes and turned back to the screen and continued to map out more systems.

The cruiser and the X-Wings pulled out of hyperspace seeing the entire fleet before them.

"Still pretty to look at." Poe commented seeing the fleet before them. He and Ben have been out scouting for two weeks and nothing was appealing. Ben flipped some switches and little HOLOgram popped up.

"Commander Solo, Captain Poe, bay four is open and welcome back." The woman greeted them and Ben nodded. This wasn't home but it was nice to be back. They flew towards capital Solo with the X-Wings flying next to them. Ben piloted down the cruiser as some workers came over to refuel the ship. They didn't have any plans of going back out there anytime soon but they knew they will have to soon. Everyone was getting stir crazy around here. Ben and Poe left the cruiser to the docking bay and Poe could tell Ben was looking for some one in particular. Finn then came walking to them and Poe and him shook hands.

"I know you guys just got back but you know the General." Finn started as the three started to walk together. They headed to the main hub seeing more officers around; they were your corporals, sergeants and petite officers. The fleet was still growing even out in space. The three men then stood before the General as she sat at a small desk.

"I'm promoting you three." General didn't welcome back Ben and Poe but it was a nice surprise. She then stood up to officially give them their ranks. The fleet's command crew was growing and can give them higher ranks as others can take over. "Finn, you're Colonel of the Resistance Army," Poe smiled and looked to his best friend and Finn looked surprised and a little overwhelmed. "Poe, you will take over as Colonel of the Resistance Navy." Poe was not given his old title back but jumped ranks completely and Poe's smile remained on his face. Leia had a small smile for them knowing they've earned it. She then looked to her son. "Ben, I'm making you Fleet Admiral." Ben didn't say anything he just stood there in silence unsure how to react. It meant he commanded the entire fleet, ships and cruisers. Finn commanded the entire ground fighters under Leia; he was just under Leia. "You won't be alone though, Rey is Admiral as well, I need you both."

Ben felt a little better as his stomach stopped turning upside down. Leia knew he will not take that position without Rey with the equal or higher rank. Connix and Chewie were promoted to Commanders of the Army and Navy respectively. "We'll have the official celebration later tonight." Leia informed them. "Dismissed." Poe and Finn were still shocked and smiling as they left. Ben continued to stand there still unsure of his new position. "Ben, you've earned it. I've watched you closely since returning and they have to. You were always a leader." He could hear the confidence in his mother's voice; she was always a believer in him. The original thirty remaining Resistance Fighters from Crait were the new officers in someway. Ben left to join back up with Finn and Poe.

Leia sat back down feeling she made the right choice. She knows she can't be the General forever, hopefully this fight won't last forever but she knows it's in capable hands. The three men walked side by side and Finn walked a little taller knowing his new status. He went from a disposable Storm Trooper to Colonel of the Resistance Army. As the three walked Ben sensed Rey and she was close by. They would talk through the COMMs and HOLOs when he was on in two-week trip but it was never truly real. As three walked he caught sight of her walking with fighters around her. She too was Admiral of the fleet, once a no nothing scavenger to leading the fight of the Resistance. They all have come a long way. Rey then saw the three men smiled as she made her to them. Poe and Finn were like her brothers these days; she had a family.

"Admiral." Finn greeted Rey with a smile and she shrugged. Like Ben, she was unsure of her status. Ben felt undeserving of it because of his past, Rey felt she was still that scavenger on Jakku.

"Follow me." She stated and three followed her as she walked them to the computers and she took a seat. Finn moved aside for Ben as he stood next to her and Rey typed and sat back. "It's done and it works."

"You did it." Poe smiled seeing that Rey created the lightspeed tracker and a counter tracker. Ben looked at the screen seeing the programming. They can replicate the counter tracker for the fleet and unless they run into the Order head on for a reason, they can always stay far out of reach. "Wow, you did it."

"Also," Rey pulled herself closer to the screen and started to type. The massive ship of the Order that looks like it was going to be a giant gun in space came up. This was their project as well to bomb it. "It's still not operational, based on the tech and schematics," Rey typed in something else and the screen went closer to a portion of it. "It can't carry the weight of the cannons."

"So, they make the ship bigger." Poe suggested and Rey nodded but not in agreement.

"That's what I thought." She then started to type. "But I ran some scenarios and numbers." She then pressed a key and before them the screen showed them possible outcomes if the ship would get bigger. "It falls apart and it's to massive, it's a target."

"Yeah, but other ships can help protect it." Finn added and nodded again but it wasn't in approval. Rey began to type again.

"The amount of fire power to have the cannon and the space, the reactor will be unstable, one direct hit even from one of our own X-Wings." Rey then pressed another key and different events were shown and all ended with the ship blowing up and Poe smiled.

"The Order can't then, it's done, we've got them." Poe confirmed and Ben shook his head no.

"We don't, maybe this but there's more they can still do. We take this ship out they'll build something else." Ben confirmed and Poe sighed folding his arms across his chest.

"So…what the Order comes off an assembly line?" Poe asked with some frustration.

"Yes." Both Ben and Finn answered at the same time and Poe looked at them.

"No, they really do." Finn added and it was true.

"We've been taking out smaller bases and outpost but they know what we're up to." Rey joined in as she started to close out the screens. "It's working but it's not enough." She then stood up. It meant a new plan will be needed and the four started to walk together. "We'll need to get the officers together and discuss another plan instead of gorilla warfare, it's moved us an inch only." And it was true; they weren't making much headway with their current strategies.

"When is this meeting?" Finn asked and Rey shrugged.

"Maybe tomorrow," She answered. "We have the official…ceremony and party tonight." Rey added but there was still no place for them to land. They have scouted for three months and nothing seemed to work for them. "We need to find a base soon." It's not just because everyone was on top of one anther, getting bored or wanted sunlight, they need a place lay out operations, plan and fight. The four then headed to an elevator and stepped in. "I've mapped out more systems that may have some potential."

"How fast will Leia wants us out there again?" Finn asked looking to the three.

"Tomorrow." Ben answered because they all wanted a new base. It wasn't a mistake coming out here; it was smart but getting old just floating around. The elevator then stopped as Finn stepped out with Poe.

"See you two at the party." Poe said to Rey and Ben as the doors closed. Just as the doors closed Ben turned to Rey in a flash and pulled her to him placing a kiss to her lips. He eased her to the wall as the kiss became a bit more feverish. Tomorrow they might be separated again and Ben didn't like that. He knew why and now both being Admirals, one would always need to stay behind just in case. But Ben pushed that aside, he was going to focus on the here and now. Ben pulled away looking at Rey.

"Hi," She whispered, finally greeting him.

"Hi," He responded back to her. Stepping off the cruiser thinking he would have a moment was unrealistic. To be surrounded people in such close spaces it's hard to be alone. Even the sleeping quarters were small but luckily they have the Falcon. The captain's room there was bigger and gave them more privacy. They were heading to the Falcon to have some quiet time together. Ben leaned in for another placing his hand gently to her cheek. He needed to re-center himself and she was the only one would could do that for him. Just then doors opened and the ride didn't feel long enough knowing they were not at the Falcon.

"Commander Rey," A voice was heard and the two looked to a Resistance fighter. Rey and Ben's official ranks have yet to be announced but that takes place later. For now they were still known as the Commanders. "You're needed with Lieutenant Connix about the systems mapping, still a few places to consider." Ben felt his body tighten up knowing he will have to continue to wait for Rey.

"I'll be right there." Rey assured them as they stepped away and that was her cue. She was about to leave but Ben's eyes kept her there.

"I need you." Ben's voice was low and in true need. Rey wanted to answer his call, she can fell him in the Force and it wasn't just the need for physical contact. It was the desire to be in her presence, to join together in the Force and find calmness and serenity. They both needed that but once more it will have to wait as duty and work calls before their hearts.

"I know; I'll be here." She assured him with a soft smile because she needed him to. Even when he's gone for a day it's like half of her is gone too. Rey stepped off the elevator and left and Ben headed to the Falcon alone. Once reaching the Falcon as it sat by it self in a smaller hanger he boarded the ship and headed to the captain's room. The bed was there and he laid down on it and sighed. He can hear the faint hum of the capital ship as it floated in space. It was quiet the way he likes it. He just took a moment to appreciate the quiet and the peace and closed his eyes.

The first deck of Capital Solo was cleared out and set up for a dinner party. The entire Resistance deserved a dinner and something fun to do. The grungy work uniforms were gone and everyone's clothes were clean and had the proper creases for this. At the main table up front sat the General and her new high-ranking officers. She announced Rey, Ben, Finn, Poe, Chewie and Connix's new status and the new leadership as well. Ben took a sip of his drink and then slightly looked over Rey who sat on the other side of his mother to balance out the high leadership. Rey was in an evening dress, her hair was swept to one side and she looked so different. She could pass finishing school looking like that. Ben himself was dressed to the nines with his side cape as he looked around.

Out before him sat the thousands of fighters; all different races and species all here for one cause to fight for one goal. They were here to restore peace and justice, to restore hope in this galaxy. Each of these people had a story, had a life that was affected by the Order and the Empire in one way or another. Starting from Crait of just over two-dozen fighters to thousands, to just the Falcon to an entire fleet, to just a spark now a fire. It was something amazing to see. The Order doesn't have what they do; they have heart, compassion and courage. They fight for a belief the Order fights to dominate. Ben was apart of the fight for them and for Rey.

The dinner party continued with cocktails and light music as the fighters all mingled with one another. They were just celebrating how far they have come. In the Order there would be nothing like this, no one would get to meet their superior officers in conversation. The fighters down to just the technicians shook hands with Ben congratulating him and salute him. As Kylo Ren, he would never look to the lower ranks but here he knew these "low ranks" made the foundation of this fleet. Everyone's role was important and no role was too small. As Ben sipped some type of drink he caught site of Rey. She was talking and smiled at those who she was speaking to but she knew she was being watched.

Rey looked over to Ben slightly as he looked to red evening gala dress. She excused herself and headed over to the Admiral and Ben continued to stand there. Rey faced him looking up and seeing the new insignia on his arm. From a far Finn saw the two as he mingled in the crowds. The torch for Rey has died down but it was still there. Once in a while his heart would ache knowing they were not together. Maybe if he was able to go with her when she found Luke things would have been different. There was no use on dwelling on what could be because that ship has long since sailed. He could though tell Ben truly care about her, it was written all over him.

Finn watched as Rey wrapped one arm around Ben's as they were leaving the party. The party was just starting as the dinner portion and the ceremonial speeches were done. He knew they were going to cut out early because most likely Ben will be back in a cruiser scouting again after tonight. He knew Rey and Ben wanted some peace to their own before work started. Finn pushed all that out of his mind knowing he needed to enjoy the party before him before it was time to get back to work. As Colonel, there was going to be more asked of him in the coming days.

In the Falcon, just like back in their old room small candles were lit and Rey even added something a little new and different. Ben had told her once that her presences was that of a warm breeze and wild flowers and always hit him like that when she was around. So to help Ben relax a little more with the low lights she added an oil to the air, a flower oil just to enhance that her presence was with him. Maybe it enhanced it just a little too much because Ben seemed to rush in a little faster than normal but Rey didn't object to it.

She got him to slow down a little knowing they needed to just relax and enjoy each other's presence, there was no need to rush. The Falcon's ramp was pulled up and locked, the cockpit door was closed and the ship was all dark but their little space. They were in a very, very low traffic hanger that barely anyone comes to. Everyone was at the dinner party; it was just them, just as they are.

Ben was sitting slight up against the wall on the bed as Rey towered over him lightly kissing him on his forehead, his cheeks, his chin, running her fingers gently through his hair. He was at peace just feeling her presence, taking in the scented oils and her own smell of the light perfume. He felt her gently touch on his face just letting all his tension go away and letting his mind wonder from running thoughts and break into a black abyss. He then felt her soft lips making a small light trail of kisses down the scar of his face that started just above his brow. She made soft kisses down the scar to his cheek then to his jaw. The scar continued down his neck and Ben arched his neck back a little more to help Rey out. Ben was reaching that black abyss where there was nothing but her. He then felt Rey making her way down his bare chest and it started to stir up more desires but he refrained.

Ben like Rey, while jumping in was what they wanted; they wanted to be slow and just enjoy what each other has to offer. Rey then met her lips with his pulling her self closer as Ben felt the thin material she was wearing. He liked the red on her despite his favorite color being blue. Maybe he only liked the color red when it was on her. Ben pulled her just a little closer letting his hands run down her sides to her thighs that were exposed by the high slits in the dress. He sat up a little more but Rey wasn't going to let him take over. She slightly pushed him back down and he looked to her as she smiled with her red lipstick. His heart started to pound unsure what she was thinking but there was no reason to fight her, he would just let whatever she was thinking happen, he knows he won't be disappointed.

Rey rested a hand to his cheek as she just wanted to touch and feel. She missed him even if he was gone for a day. They were never apart for very long since the Throne room. He had disappeared for three months and that was the longest since then. Both Rey and Ben know they can survive without one another, they have their whole lives but that doesn't mean they wanted to. Just because they could doesn't mean they will.

They found something with one another, a true match and an equal. The galaxy had very few Jedi in it, very few Force wielders. Since the days of the collapse of the Republic when the Jedi fell so did those who could be Jedi. Some were killed and those out there may never know what power they have. Luke had begun to revive it but finding those who could use the Force was difficult, the Jedi were nearly wiped out, those sensitive in the Force were nearly wiped out. It was like just enough were spared in to keep the Sith going. Ben had destroyed what was left of the Jedi that Luke started but it wasn't with out hesitation. Other than the Knights, Luke, Leia and Snoke; Ben was the last of the Force sensitive beings known. Meeting Rey, an equal in his own strength meant he wasn't alone.

In fact he has continued to help her understand her powers in a way he had wished others would have done for him. His parents feared his powers, Luke nearly killed him because of it and Snoke used him for it. Rey though, she only nurtured it, accepted both the light and the dark. And when Luke was supposed to be Rey's mentor, nurture her, it was Ben that did. He saw the equal power she had, the raw strength and he fed it instead. Their own family, their own masters all left them at some point and maybe that's how they found one another. And since that faithful day when they were face to face in the woods, they have grown into something truly special. They have gown side-by-side in the Force and grown even closer to one another.

Rey cradled Ben's face in her hands planting a deep kiss to his lips and he had to pull her closer and this deep burning desire rose in him. He sat up more just to pull her closer wanting to be equal with her. They pulled away slightly resting their foreheads to one another and out of the blue, out of some unconscious state in his mind it finally came out.

"I love you," It was the softest almost an inaudible whisper. Rey pulled away and never once in her life, thinking back as a child did she ever hear those words spoken to her, maybe in that Force dream he said he love but not like this. He said he kneels to the one he loves but not that he loves her. It hit her gut hard and she couldn't hold back the tears she felt already forming. She knew what he felt for her, she's heard people even say he was in love with her. But to hear it from his own lips, that when he whispered those words they came out so shaky because he was so afraid of what he may not hear in return. Ben looked into her brown eyes as they were glassy and tears started to spill over.

"Ben," Her own voice was shaking, she was shaking all over as Ben pulled her closer and she stop just short of his lips. "I love you…Ben Solo." She said his full name just so he knows who it was she said it to. Ben pulled her in for another kiss, maybe the most passionate kiss he can give her. She didn't see his own tears falling but she felt them as they started to mix with hers. Rey felt herself falling back as he now towered over her. They confessed their love to one another and now it was time consummate it in the most traditional act to show love to a person. She's been wanting to tell him for so long but didn't know how or even if he would return it, now she didn't have wait any longer.

Ben pulled up her dress and Rey started to smile as if all of sudden what they were doing was new. They were acting almost like first time lovers smiling and for a flash, just a flash he smiled, truly smiled for her. Ben pulled down his pants and Rey pulled closer to him while the dress was still bunched up. They stared at one another in the eyes for a moment scared of the new chapter they were going to start. But they had each other and they went for it. They weren't going to wait any longer they didn't want to. She started to cry out again to him, calling his name and it only fueled him more to know their true feelings for one another just made their love making that much more intense. And they have all night alone now and they can continue this until they said they were done. The tears were gone and dried and they can only hear their own heavy breathing and their own names in their own room in their own moment and it was moment they will not forget and a moment that can never be taken away from them.

Ben sat in the cruiser flipping the switches as Poe joined him. They were heading back out again and checking a new sector. Ben then looked up seeing Rey out the window. He just gazed at her for a moment and let a small half smile form. All his memories from the night before with Rey flooded his mind and it just gave him peace and clarity. He didn't want to leave right now but the faster they find a base the faster they can stay together. Ben stared to pilot the cruiser out with Poe by his side. He was going to store those memories away for the long two weeks and for the up coming battles and fights.

Cassy sat alone in her quarters and opened into the Force to find Ben. She hasn't been able to find him since returning to Antar. She also doesn't know how to connect in the Force and the effort Antar had to use to just see Ben drained him. She closed her eyes tapping into the Force to at least try and sense her former master.

Ben piloted the cruiser out of hyperspace and saw a planet before him and began the scanning process. As he sat there he felt a strange jolt. Ben automatically felt threaten as soon as he felt it and went to close himself off but not before he felt Cassy and he hasn't felt her presence sense he left to command the First Order. Ben stood up and looked around knowing she wasn't here but knew she was trying to find him. In fact his and Rey's Force bond was something that should kill them but they used it so effortlessly and he still doesn't know how or why. He can feel Cassy and then she was gone.

"You ok Ben?" Poe walked into the cockpit and sat down. Ben was still standing there and Poe noticed the Admiral was tense. "Admiral Solo?" He decided to call Ben by his formal title. Ben looked to Poe and shook it off and sat back down. "You look like you just saw a ghost."

"What makes you say that?" Ben asked and Poe shrugged.

"You look white, like not your normal white." Poe answered and Ben looked to him. "Being honest, are you ok?" Poe sounded concerned and Ben sighed as he hit a switch.

"I don't know yet." Ben answered as he continued to scan the planet. The numbers and data started to pop up as Poe started to look at it.

"Breathable air, stable terrain…" Poe continued to look. "Seems ok from here." Poe looked out the huge window thinking then turned to Ben. "Should we take a deeper look?" He asked the Admiral and Ben thought for a moment and nodded. "Ok, squads, we're heading down." Poe spoke over the COMM as Ben started to pilot the cruiser down. They came through the clouds and saw the land below. Ben set the cruiser down and powered down the cruiser. "Hey, check it out" Poe pointed to what looked like a beach. "To good to be true." Poe grabbed his blaster as Ben got up from his chair and they left.

The squads walked around as Ben and Poe walked off the cruiser followed by another team to research the planet.

"What's this place called on the map?" Poe asked as he looked around.

"Kalee." Ben answered as he stood there looking around. The teams behind them started to set up equipment to get a better idea on what was out there. Ben listened and could hear in the faint air birds chirpping, the wind was soft and it seemed comfortable.

"Admiral Solo, Colonel Dameron," A woman walked up to them. "That way there is some rock formations." She pointed and Poe nodded and looked to Ben and he can tell something was off.

"Go ahead, we'll start there." Poe stared and then went back to Ben. "Sense a disturbance Master?" He asked and Ben shook his head slowly as he studied.

"It's the name of the planet." Ben then turned to Poe while still looking around. "Heard about it a long time ago." Ben answered and Poe nodded.

"Well, let's check out the potential new house. Be nice to finally land somewhere." Poe added and they headed to the rocks. The came before the formations and looked around and Ben heard more birds and started to hike up the rocks. The team followed him and once they reached the top they saw the beach and the ocean. "That's a view." Poe sounded happy. "Let's see what's underneath.

A few of the workers started to drill into the rock as Ben and Poe waited and continued to scout the area. More date came back and this planet seemed that it could work. There were settlements but they were far enough away from that they shouldn't draw attention to themselves. Ben walked over to some of the workers seeing what progress was done.

"How are we looking?" Ben asked because he wanted to see what it looked like on the inside.

"Sexy, you and I aren't trying that hard." Poe jumped in and the pushed away some of the rocks. Ben ignored the comment and looked into the small makeshift entrance. Ben started to go in and the tunnel didn't last long as he stood in a cavern. Poe joined him and lit a flare and they looked around. "It's big." Another worker came in and started to scan the place.

"This is the rough map." The worked then handed the screen to Ben as he looked at it. The formation went out and down as well.

"We're buying Ben?" Poe asked hoping they found a place. Ben continued to stand there looking around trying to feel for anything that could warn him of danger. He then turned to Poe.

"Get in touch with the fleet." Ben ordered and Poe smiled.

The Resistance fleet had landed and the caverns and caves were already lit up with makeshift lights and everyone was already working on setting the place up. It'll take some time but with all hands on deck it won't take weeks. Leia walked around as Poe led her around laying out where things would go. The one problem they faced is this rock was not like the mountain from Dantooine where it was thick and they can hide. They were going to have to reinforce it somehow and soon. They were still on the edge of Wild Space and can launch attacks when needed.

Rey and Ben walked around the long caverns as workers set up stair systems to get to the lower parts. If done right then this place will serve as a fortress and a strong one. But Ben wanted to show Rey a view, the perfect place to train physically and within the Force. He took her to the top and she saw the beach and the vast ocean and smiled. She stood there looking at the blue ocean and felt the warm breeze. Ben walked up next to her looking out knowing this was good pick. Rey then looked down to the beach itself wanting to get down there and sink her toes into the sand but there was work to be done, maybe later.

Night had rolled around and the work for the day was ending. The living quarters of the base were going to be down into the caverns and above will be the hanger and communication rooms. They still had a lot of work for the next few days but it was nice not be floating in space. Some of the crew and workers will be up all night to monitor the surroundings and defense systems were being set up. Ben walked into what will be the communications room as everyone was still working, completing their tasks.

Ben found his mother as she stood before a screen looking.

"Sensors are in place." Ben told Leia and she faced him. "Defense grid is up too." Leia smiled and nodded.

"Thank you Ben." Leia acknowledge his work and then Ben caught sight of Rey off to the side. She was standing behind some workers as they punched in numbers. She then looked up at him and his eyes meant to find him out of this room. Rey finished up what she was doing knowing they were in the process of shutting down for the night. Leia turned around to ask Ben a question but he was gone and she knew Rey was just here to. She sighed but she wasn't upset either.

As the base was powering down Ben led Rey out to the beach area. The sun was just below the horizon now giving off that dark orange glow to the skies. If he just wanted to watch the sunset with her, Rey had no objections as she stood there smiling. Ben then took her hand and walked backwards leading her to the beach and the water.

"I still can't swim, I mean maybe to save myself but," Rey started and Ben nodded.

"I'll teach you how to swim." Ben offered as Rey smiled, as they stood right where the water and sand met. The water was chilly as it washed up to them. They then started to work off their boots and tossed their sabers onto the beach. Ben pulled her closer carrying her into the cool water and she pulled closer because she was trying to stay warm. The water was calm once they got past the waves washing up on the shore. Rey looked to the sun as it was about to make it's final descent into the night. She then felt Ben pull her closer to him and she looked up at him.

Rey reached out and fixing his hair so it framed his face better. She then rested her hand back on his cheek as he continued to stare at her. Rey pulled herself closer to him and leaned in for a kiss, which he always accepted. He then pulled her in for hug as he pulled her down into the water and it wasn't so cold now, nothing was as cold as it was before. Rey pulled away from the embrace and for some reason she just wanted to look at him. Thinking back to the first time seeing him to now, he's changed, everything about him has changed.

"I was thinking," Rey started as she noticed he was allowing them to float a little more out in the ocean. "What happens when the war is over?" She asked and Ben looked at her puzzled because he didn't know. Rey doesn't know a life beyond war and cruel working conditions. The war will end in someway that was true.

"I don't know." Ben was honest because no one really knows what life will be like after war, what you will do or how you will be.

"Well, you grew up in a time of peace." Rey started. "What was that like?" She asked but he didn't grow up peacefully. His parents were constantly gone, he was being manipulated by Snoke and he had no idea what to do with his powers. But there were some moments that were ok. He had to think about what he saw around him to know, looking in as he stood out.

"People…people were happy." Ben answered because they were. They truly thought this twenty some year war was done. "People…got married and…had babies…they were happy." Rey smiled a little because she never saw any of that not on Jakku.

"What's that like? Getting married, having children?" She asked and Ben shrugged and Rey's smile faded seeing his own face. He grew up in peace but his life was turmoil.

"I don't know." Ben answered her and she felt his sadness. "And I don't think I cared because…I never thought about it happening to me." He continued. "Joining the Order, I saw nothing but war, pettiness, dishonesty, hate." He continued to think about the horrors and the darkness he saw. "It almost feels like the galaxy doesn't deserve peace, it just continues to tear itself apart."

"But it's not about deserve Ben," Rey started. "You're right, maybe this galaxy doesn't deserve peace or justice because when you give it that it only destroys it." Rey sighed thinking on she always wanted in life back on Jakku and how much hope she held out. But what does this galaxy need? She thought Luke Skywalker, it needed it's hero and legend again but that failed. "This war…the awfulness you saw…the whole galaxy is to blame for it." She then looked to the last light of day. "I thought Luke would some how bring back balance and the war would end…but he sees what you see." Both Luke and Ben saw the dark and they've tried so hard at saving the light that they were both defeated.

"Then what does this galaxy deserve?" Ben asked. "Not you, they don't," He trailed off meaning not only does the galaxy doesn't deserve Rey's belief in it but neither does he.

"It needs compassion," Rey answered and that seemed to hit Ben hard. "And hope, something to believe in, something to feel like…there is a better tomorrow." Rey pulled away a little as Ben listen. "That's what I think." She finished and Ben never thought it that way. He then pulled Rey in a little closer. He didn't know what to say though because what can you say after that? This galaxy will always be in a state of ever destruction but to give it some kind of peace it needs to know there's compassion and hope. That's hard to give when there's hate.

"That's why I don't deserve you," Ben whispered but Rey leaned in to give him another soft kiss. He can think that all he wants but Rey couldn't see herself anywhere else right now. So many have given up on Ben but she was here for the long haul, that's why she took his hand. She took his hand and in turn she took his whole life too. Ben pulled her in closer to deepen the kiss and she responded.

In a Dreadnought, Cassy stood at the bridge as they neared a planet. She looked down at the green planet, it was a peaceful planet but it was about to be hit. This took a lot of time to think about and what they would unleash when they do this. But it was time to stop playing the war games and start the real war. An officer came up to Cassy and whispered something to her and she nodded.

"Fire it will." Cassy ordered and the huge cannons started to fire.

Ben and Rey shot up in bed feeling it and they looked to one another. They got up and raced out of their room from the Falcon and to where Leia was. As they raced down the hall they found Leia holding herself up using the wall. The three Force sensitive people all felt it. Then Rey couldn't hold back the shaking and the tears.

"Children, there were children," Rey trembled and Ben turned to her. He felt it too and his whole body ached in the Force. "They were innocent."

"Rey," Ben placed his hands to her shoulders knowing the feeling she felt was overwhelming. "It's ok, it's ok," He then pulled her close trying to calm her in the Force. He could feel it to and it hurt, the three of them heard the cries of help and it was silent again. Leia looked to Ben with her wide eyes, something terrible had happened.

The base was woken up in the night as Connix and others sat typing at the computers. Connix stopped typing seeing what had happened. Everyone slowed down as the distress calls poured in and Leia felt it in her gut.

"Why would they do this?" Poe asked feeling it as well.

"Because they can." Ben answered in a dead tone.

"General, motion to strike?" Finn asked knowing what this was about. Leia stood there looking at the screen. The city of Theed was in ashes on the screens, they were attacked at night in their sleep, Naboo was under attack for no other reason but to get the Resistance out here. Naboo provided them with safety and they had nothing to do with this war, they never did. This was the act of tranny and hate.

"Permission granted." Leia said without hesitation.

"Prep battle cruisers, get the squads ready and prepare the bombing fleet." Ben stepped in. "Two hours to launch." The entire base started to prepare, as they were about to go to war. Rey then looked to Ben seeing the anger on his face set in. Theed was wiped out completely that included the tomb of his grandmother; it was all gone.

The base was in a hustle as they were going to war. Quick plans were drawn up but it looks like this was going to be a battle in space.

"One Dreadnought, five Destroyers Admiral." A fighter handed the notes to Rey as she looked at it. She then headed to the high command crew and they looked at more information and started to plan out what the final censuses would be.

"We come out of hyperpace here," Finn pointed as they looked to the screen before them. "Give the fighters a chance to attack the major cannons."

"They'll deploy the TIEs," Poe pressed a button to simulate the possibilities.

"Cruisers will provide cover of the TIEs for the X-Wings to take out the surface cannons." Finn finished.

"Bombing fleet enters here, one for each Destroyer, two for the Dreadnought." Rey added as she pressed some buttons and the screen showed what the attack will look like. "The Medical Frater will go to the planet surface along with Holdo and Star Dust to gather the injured." Hopefully people survived and they had to get out there fast before any more cities were taken out. "Solo remains in orbit, full cannons and gunners."

Leia looked to the battle knowing this was less than perfect and everything that can go wrong will. This was to get the Resistance out there knowing they wanted something. But they can't ignore the cries for help, that's why they were here.

"Cassy is on that Dreadnought." Ben finally spoke up.

"Ex of yours?" Finn asked and Ben looked around.

"A Knight." He answered and they nodded.

"You want to duke it out with her or something?" Finn asked again and Ben looked at the hologram ship.

"Just drop in and say hello." Ben answered meaning yes.

"Well, if there's no objections to the plan then I say we saddle up." Poe was ready and they all broke.

The six of them, Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn, Chewie and Connix flew together. They were going in not just to face down the Knight but arrest some the officers if possible. It wasn't enough to fight but they had to show punishment for the war crimes that was just committed. The Order attacked a peaceful city in the night in cold blood. The hyperspace tunnel surrounded them as they continued to track where they were.

"Five minutes until go time team, let's get our mean faces on." Poe announced and they all started to get ready and Rey typed in something. Leia did object to all her high commanding officers to go together like this but they insisted.

"Cloaking device is activated, we should be unnoticed." Rey stated and they pulled out of hyperspace seeing the Order before them. Ben started to pilot to the Dreadnought knowing where to go. Ben piloted the cruiser to small hanger and the six started to leave quietly. They wanted to capture Cassy and any high commanding officers if possible to start the process of a government and prosecute them for war crimes. This would give a face to the galaxy on just who was attacking them.

The six started to sneak around quietly but most of the ship's crew was going to be on or near the bridge at this time. The group formed up so they can see all angles around them. Just then a squad of Troopers came their way with Poe, Finn, Chewie and Connix firing at them but their blasters barely made a sound.

"These are awesome." Finn looked to the blaster as it was something new and not even the Order had just yet. The six headed down the hall and Poe switched a blaster to a tazer and tazed an officer coming down the hall. Connix then cuffed him and they moved on. Ben then brought his wrist COMM to his face quietly giving an order to the fleet in deep space to start the hyperspace sequence.

The six then turned down a hall and a woman all in red stood there.

"Kylo Ren," She hissed and surrounding her were guards in black holding the electric riot batons.

"You've been busy." Ben stepped forwards as she broke out her two sabers.

"Very," She answered and held out her sabers and the guards ran to the six and started to attack. Ben and Rey called their sabers to them igniting them and started to block the batons and the four of them started to fire.

"Rey, Ben!" Poe called out. "You guys get the red hair witch! We'll cover from here." Poe announced and it was time push down the hall. Ben held out his hand pushing back some of the guards. Ben then jumped into the air and slammed down his elbow to the guard nearly knocking him out and then rammed his saber through him. Rey slid to the floor thrusting her saber out at another oncoming guard stabbing him in the gut. Then Finn jumped and kicked back from the wall and fired at another guard and got a perfect shot in the head. Poe turned around covering them from some more Troopers and Chewie growled firing onwards.

Ben swiped his saber and held out his hand again sending one guard up slamming him to the ceiling as he advanced. Rey blocked a few strikes from another guard and kicked him back. Poe and Finn switched places and Connix and Chewie continued to take perfect aim. Ben ran right passed the guards and straight to Cassy and swiped his saber at her.

Cassy ducked and Ben swung a kick to her and she blocked it and then twirled her sabers as Ben blocked both and swung around and their red sabers clashed. Rey then ran towards Cassy and she held out her second saber blocking Rey's blue light. The three started to duel down the hall but Cassy was Knight, she trained under Kylo and Snoke and a Jedi in training should be easy to take out. She appeared to throw a punch to Rey but the Force is what sent her back. Cassy then closed the door so it was just her and Ben now.

Ben charged at Cassy and she kicked him back and Ben skid across the floor as she twirled her two sabers, criss-crossing them in front of her. Ben jumped to his feet as Cassy swung at him and he dodged the blows and then swung back at her. Cassy blocked the blows as Ben spun around slowly twirling the red saber. Cassy then jumped into the air slamming down both sabers. And Ben wiped his across the air just cutting the tip of one hers off. Cassy was now down to one and she jumped back into the air spinning and swung her saber at him as Ben bent away.

Ben threw a punch and she blocked it, she swung a kick and he blocked her. Ben then lowered himself and ran for her middle grabbing her and picked her slamming her down and she smiled.

"Oh, I've missed you Kylo." She giggled as Ben slammed down his saber and she blocked it and kicked him hard back and got to her feet. She held out her hand and Ben did likewise feeling them push with the Force at each other. Just then Cassy looked up as Rey came from above and landed in front of Cassy and pushed her back with the Force and the red headed Sith flew back to the wall. Ben then walked next to Rey as Cassy looked up to them. "Balance," She hissed feeling it. "You going to kill me?"

"If we have to." Ben answered and Cassy got to her feet and held out her saber pointing it at them.

"Do it," Cassy threaten them. "Antar will kill you if you do." She was breathing heavily. Both Rey and Ben held up their sabers ready as Cassy charged at them swinging huge and in anger. Rey slammed her saber down at Cassy and pointed it down to the ground. Ben swiped his saber down causing sparks to fly making Cassy back off. Rey then slid back to the ground on her knees and came up from the other side so now Cassy was in the middle. "You, you left us for her."

Ben held out his saber again and Cassy saw those dark brown eyes but they were not filled with darkness though, not like before. Cassy smiled at him. "Love…that's an illusion." Her smile went away and she spun in the air swiping at Ben and he blocked her saber. Rey ran up to her a delivered a blow as Cassy blocked her. Cassy's saber nearly grazed Rey's face and then blocked another move. Ben then cut deep at Cassy and she knew what they were doing, they closing in. Cassy then went to throw a punch at Ben and he caught her fist and tossed her across the room. Rey held out her hand calling Cassy's saber to her now leaving the Sith somewhat defenseless.

Ben stood before the Knight as she was on the ground.

"In the name the Force, you surrender, come with us and you will be spared." Rey announced and Cassy smiled.

"The Force, you act like you hold authority little girl," She then sat on the ground. "Antar, he's the Supreme Leader now." She then looked to Ben. "I wanted it to be you…" She trailed off and her smiled went away looking to Ben. "I would have followed you." Her voice was soft. Rey looked to see how broken Cassy was over Ben leaving. Cassy slowly stood up regaining herself. "You won't win, we're everywhere." She declared and then held out her hand trying to call her saber back to her. But in a flash Ben's red saber went into her. He knew what she was about to do, she wasn't going to call her saber to her but ignite while Rey held it, killing her.

Cassy let out small cry of pain and looked down seeing Ben's red saber in her stomach. She then slowly looked up to Ben and he could see her tears.

"I would have followed," Her voice was soft and calm. "I…I loved you." Ben thought that would hit and maybe even hurt him but it didn't. Cassy took in another breath of sharp pain still looking at Ben. "Hail…Supreme Leader…Kylo Ren." She was declaring what she had flet of him as Ben removed the saber and Cassy fell to the ground. Ben stood there for a moment and then looked to Rey. He has killed his Master and three of his only friends for her; he's turned his entire back on his belief system for her.

"Ben," Rey's voice was full of sorrow for him. He couldn't keep anything he wanted but not this time. He had what he wanted and no one would come between him and Rey. Ben brought the wrist COMM to him.

"Deploy the fleet." He ordered. As much as he wanted to save Cassy because they were close, she was a friend to him when they left Luke and always remained a friend, she could not be saved. He felt it, she was too twisted in the dark. Ben deactivated his saber and walked over to Rey as she stood there. "We need to go." But before he left Rey grabbed him arm knowing what he did was painful.

"Ben," She was sincere and he felt it. That was one thing the Knights did not have that Rey does, compassion. Ben then pulled her closer letting her know he was ok; he was angry but ok. Now they had to get off the Dreadnought before the Resistance took it out. As the team of six met up at the cruiser with some officers Poe held up a control meaning they were going to start the fireworks show early. They boarded the ship and left heading back to CC Solo and will rejoin the fight in space in a moment. As they left Poe pressed the button and started to blow up the Dreadnought from the inside. It wasn't enough to blow it to pieces but enough to cause chaos.

Ben stood before the ruin city of Theed. The Resistance members were in search of anyone who could have survived. Now the planet was left without a capital, leadership and a queen. The First Order has begun to rein their true plan, disorder. There was no need to take out entire systems, take out the leadership instead. As Ben stood there seeing the once proud and shining city in ash Rey walked to him. She then stood next to him as tears ran down her cheeks. She's never seen such destruction. She let out a few sobs and then felt Ben interlock his fingers with hers.

"It's far from over." Ben declared and Rey nodded. She then felt him wrap an arm around her pulling her in.

Ben and Leia stood before what should be a tomb and a shire but it was in pieces and in flames. Leia's mother, Ben's grandmother's grave was literally desecrated. That delivered a kick to them and if the Order wanted to send a message then they did. This war was a banter of back and forth, you win one they win one. But now, to know what they were ready to do, Leia could not stand for it. Innocent lives were now the targets and as a leader, a General and a peacekeeper she will not allow that.

"It won't…" Leia started choking on her words because she saw just this blank of nothing. "It won't stay like this for long…it can't." She was at a loss as Ben looked to her. "There will be some…something."

"Mom," Leia looked to Ben as he towered over her. He didn't have to say it she saw it in his eyes, his eyes were so much like Han's. She can see what Ben wanted and it wasn't revenge but justice and righteousness. Ben then pulled his mother in for a much needed embrace.

The Resistance did all they could for the city. Others of Naboo came to help and clean up. They found some survivors…too few. The Resistance looked around as they did what they could as Theed still remained in smoke. This was not a battle won by any means. This was what war looked like, people dying with no reason, no cause, they only died for hate and a selfish purpose. Ben walked around and something caught his eye as he knelt down and picked up what looked like a small bracelet that would fit a child. He held it in his hand looking around. He felt his heart get heavy. So much was gone in an instant, so much pain.

Ben stayed on his one knee for a moment, a moment to take in what has yet to be understood. He looked around seeing his people, yes his people still trying to take hold of the situation. He saw the Resistance trying to instill hope when it looked liked it was gone. Ben then looked down to the little bracelet, the delicate chain. He closed his hand around it as he stood up and continued to look around. Another scar was placed upon him, a burden to right this wrong. He started to walk towards the brokenness and began to help in what he felt like in the most helpless way.

A/N: And…not the most feel good chapter at least the ending. We only had a few good moments which I hope you liked them such as the 'I love yous.' And that was probably the best part and Rey's speech to Ben about hope and compassion because they need that now. Now because you all have gotten this far with me I have something for you.

Here's some chapter titles in no particular order for you guys to mull over also no these are not the only chapters just some titles, got lots coming. Any idea what they mean? Listen to the song Arsonist's Lullaby and just think about that, it's haunting and oh when you finally get there because I have a summary for that chapter. Anyways, now what? Ben and Rey have confessed their love to one another, another Knight is dead, the Resistance has a new base, we saw what devastation the Order has done. Let's discuss.

Future chapter titles:

Crystals

Nova

Thy Kingdom Come

Arsonist's Lullaby

My Wayward Son

We can be Heroes

Not a Failure

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