Chapter 26 Wanted Man
The day was a bright one as Rey and Ben were training together with Leia and Poe watching. The sun was here for the day as the sparring sticks connected with one another. But it wasn't just Leia and Poe watching the training and a few people of Alderaan were too. This will be their home until a new home could be found. Not only that they claimed more of them were out there. Leia was even considering looking for them. For now she will stay.
"Move your feet." Ben instructed Rey as he slammed down his sparring stick at her and she blocked it. They have gotten comfortable with pushing more power at one another. As this was going on Finn came up and sat down to watch.
"You know, when I was fighting him back on Star Killer Base, he's scary like, he's huge and massive and whips that saber through the air." Finn explained to Poe and the pilot could see it. Ben was not one to get in a fight with and the Order seems to forget that. And then you have Rey, and she may be the only holding Ben back and she could be the difference in keeping you alive. You don't want to be on the wrong end of their sabers.
Rey twirled her sparring her stick as the two circled one another. They have yet to gain anything on one another because of their strength. Ben then criss-crossed his sparring stick in front of him ready for whatever Rey was going to deliver. She then ran towards him, jumped and slammed down her sparring stick and Ben blocked each strike but not without ease. Rey has gotten ten times stronger in the last year both physically and mentally. Their sparring sticks continued to meet up and it was like watching this elegant dance between them.
Rey spun but Ben blocked her, this time last year he could pin her down, he could push her back. But now he had to think faster, move faster. She should be able to hold up against a Knight but he couldn't think of that. He still had fear of her facing off a Knight but that's why he was training her harder. He might not be there and she had to hold on not have him swoop in. She was not a victim, she was not weak, and she was not helpless. He was not going to treat her as such and he had to understand that she will be alone and this was to make sure she survived. If anything he was training her to win.
There may come a day where he is killed and if he leaves her without a way to fight then he failed her. He failed his father; he has failed his mother and his uncle. But he'll be damned if he fails Rey. Rey then held out her hand, as did Ben and the Force pushed on them both. They both pushed each other back and they knew this match was tie. They let up to take a breath as Ben stood there. It was a quick breath because the Knights and those who will come to hate her will not give her a moment.
"Again." Ben demanded to Rey and she stood up straight. He wanted to push her passed her breaking point and then go a little more. It was getting harder to get to that point because she was getting stronger. She was no longer this scrawny scavenger. She had tone and definition; she was bigger in size, all muscle and power. When he first met her she looked starved and now she took up space with her presence. "Take me down." Ben wanted her to take him out so she charged at him and a new match began.
When they fought against each other out on the field they made up for in passion in the bedroom. They both laid there together in the quiet of their chambers. This was as peaceful as it gets for them even beyond mediation. This will be the happiest Ben will ever be and he knows it.
"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Ben asked and Rey propped herself up with her elbow and sighed.
"You don't want me to?" She asked and Ben's face was a mix of yes and no. One Admiral should go and other should stay. But this wasn't for the Resistance, this was for diplomatic purposes, it was bringing the people of Alderaan back into the galaxy. He was going to another system as a king not as the Resistance Admiral and he was going to talk diplomacy. This galaxy needed to form a new government and start that process to help push the Order back. If the Order sees this while it will create a deeper rift it can bring more peace.
"I want you." Was his answer meaning wherever he may go he needed her right next to him. He didn't want her to follow; he may not see her. He didn't want her to walk ahead because he may not catch up. But he wanted her to walk beside him where he can always reach out. Rey smiled knowing she was going with him. Ben pulled himself closer to kiss her and she wrapped herself around him.
The goal was to unit more systems under the Resistance, to form more alliances to combat the Order. Right now each system was its own governing body but that will be taken by Order at some point. Ben sat on the cruiser wondering how he can start uniting systems with his background and how he can get his people back on their feet. The cruiser flew with no indication of the Resistance to hide from passing star ships and to come under a neutral flag. As the ship was preparing to land Ben saw Rey walking to him. She was not in her Jedi robes or Resistance uniform. She was wearing a flowing blue dress that showed off her shoulders.
"You look nice." Ben commented and Rey looked down.
"It's…a lot of material but…I feel kind of naked." Rey admitted as she looked back to Ben and he walked closer to her. He was in his King's robes and wearing a smaller version of the crown. "So…" Rey started but the look Ben was giving her distracted her.
"You're highness," A voice interrupted and both Rey and Ben looked over seeing the man that Ben first met when freeing his people. His name was Aramis and he has now devoted himself to Ben as his personal assistance to the King, an advisor. Just as he walked in 3PO did the same but R2 joined. "We're landing now." Ben nodded and started for the exit as Rey went to join him. "Only a royal consort…"
"She stays next to me." Ben insisted before Aramis could finish. Ben knew some of the royal edicts and protocol but he was going to change that as time goes on. This was the first change. Rey was his best friend first and foremost, without her he would not be here. She was also the Admiral to the Resistance and was here to represent them. Title or no title she would walk next to him. Ben held out his arm so she can join him. Aramis nodded as the two left. The two left the ship seeing another man standing there with others behind him. The planet system was Nixor and it was a planet that once stood with the Empire. It has since become it's own not claiming to be a part of the Order or the New Republic.
Ben was here to hopefully to get it to be a part of the Resistance and hopefully the new government once that becomes established. As Ben walked towards them he got this unsettling feeling. They weren't bad or this feeling of a hidden agenda but something was off.
"They Royal Highness of Alderaan, Solo," 3PO introduced Ben. The apparent leader of Nixor came forth and nodded in reverence.
"To know Alderaan still stands is a welcoming thought." The man began. "My name is Goran Matare, Chancellor." He introduced himself. "Come, we have much to discuss." He out stretched his hand to have Ben follow and he and Rey began to move forwards. "You're escort, she can go to the common area." Ben then stopped moving and looked to Rey.
"She's with me." Ben insisted and Goran looked to Rey, looking down at her.
"Who is she then?" He asked and Ben looked back to Rey realizing that some worlds will accept her and others won't if she's not tied to him. It depends how she is presented and right now no one has given her a title next to his. They're assuming she's just a girl. If that's the case Ben will make sure she has something to her name.
"She's Rey of Jakku, Jedi Knight and Admiral to the Resistance." Ben stated and Goran looked back to Rey. Goran didn't say anything and continued to walk allowing Rey to join.
Ben sat down with Rey next to him as a chamber of men started to settle. Rey looked around seeing it and didn't understand. She stood out not just because everyone was dressed the same and in black and she was in blue. She was the woman here that she could tell. Rey sat back a little waiting for this to start.
"Welcome," Goran was in the middle of the room. "May I introduce Ben Solo, the standing King to Alderaan?" He held out his hand towards Ben to show him to everyone. "This meeting is to discuss our involvement with this war and where we stand." He began. " We also have King Enis of Hollstin and Prime Minster Horrif of Kwenn."
Horrif of Kwenn stood up, as he was a humanoid of some kind, dressed in his black robes looking around. These systems were part of the Outer Rim, part of the poorer systems. They were needed in this war.
"I understand a reprehensive of the Resistance is here." He added and looked to Rey.
"Yes, the Admiral of the Resistance is here as we are to decide if we join them as well." Goran answered but everyone looked around the room but never at Rey, they seemed to be looking for someone else. "The meeting has started." He looked around the room. "Who will take the floor?" He asked. Rey then leaned in towards Ben and he leaned to her too.
"This is politics?" Rey asked in a whisper. Ben nodded and Rey looked to him. "It's…"
"Boring," Ben finished and he wasn't going to lie. Politics were not his thing, his mother was the politician but she was not here. She was not the representative of Alderaan anymore; she was the General of the Resistance.
"The Order has been good to us, we provide material, they leave us alone." Enis went on making it sound like they were not ready to join. Rey listen to him but she didn't understand. "While I do not agree with their methods or…anything, my people stay safe." Rey thought about that. Jakku was once a beautiful planet but now it was nothing but a wasteland because of the Empire. One planet she liberated, a mining planet, was becoming what Jakku is now. The people were suffering because they were slaves. This leader's planet will become a wasteland someday.
Rey then stood up and Ben looked to her but allowed it because she was here to represent the Resistance.
"Excuse me," She started but the talking went on and no one paid any attention. "Excuse me," She started again a little louder but again nothing. She looked to Ben and he looked up at her.
"It's politics Rey, you need to yell." Ben offered his advice and Rey looked to everyone.
"Hey!" She yelled dropping the politeness. The room went quiet and they all looked to her. "I'm from Jakku and…" She had to form something in her head to get her point across. Ben could sense she was nervous but knew what she wanted to do. He reached out into the Force to offer her guidance. "Jakku was destroyed into a wasteland because of the Empire. The Order will do the same. I've seen it, they won't help you once you have nothing to offer." Rey finished.
"Who's this woman who speak as if she has some importance?" A man asked and Rey looked to him but that question did not sit well with Ben. He shot up from his seat.
"She's the Admiral of the Resistance and you will give her that respect." Ben answered the question. Some of the people looked skeptical of this.
"Let's hear her, she may have a point." Enis offered and now Rey had the floor as Ben sat down, this is why he hated politics.
"The Outer Rim and poorer systems have always been the victims of war." Rey started to explain. "But the Order does need you, if you want to establish something other than tyranny then stop helping."
"You make it sound like it's that simple." Enis seemed to understand what Rey was saying but something in him was afraid. "We have some safety by siding with the Order,"
"The Resistance, the General has offered protection, my word is hers." Rey could see she was forming a connection with Enis. "I know…I know it's something that can cause damage but we have to start something or nothing will get done, the Order will destroy us all." Ben liked that and in that moment he looked to Rey thinking she wouldn't make a bad politician. "Uniting the Outer Rims, you guys, it's start." Enis locked eyes with Rey as he started to understand something.
"You said you were from Jakku?" Horiff asked her and Rey nodded. "A scavenger, a no one from nowhere is the Admiral of the Resistance?"
"This scavenger survived the brutality of the Order with no weapons and no training." Ben reminded everyone.
"This is also the Jedi we hear so much about?" Horiff was diminishing her and Rey wasn't sure why?
"You were expecting someone else?" Rey asked because that was the impression. She looked around the room seeing what they were expecting. "I'm not a man right? You were expecting a man?" She asked but no one said anything and Ben stood up.
"The Order will continue to take, the offer is to stand with the Resistance. Your fate if you choose to do nothing will be that of Alderaan." Ben finished.
"You should know," Horiff looked to Ben. "You are Kylo Ren." The air from the room was sucked out. A lot of the galaxy does not know that Kylo Ren and Ben Solo are the same person. "You take the crown of a dying race, how do we know that you aren't with the Order?"
"Because I wouldn't have killed Snoke myself," Ben's demeanor changed, the Kylo Ren was coming out. These people insulted Rey and in turn insulted his mother a bit. Ben then took a step further. "If I was still with the Order knowing that you may commit treason against them right now in this very room, you all would be dead before you even saw it coming." Ben's voice was that low and dark tone as he finished and looked around. "The offer is clear, stand with the Resistance, help form a government a long standing government, you have our protection." That was the offer, plain and simple. Rey looked around at the room wondering what they were all thinking. Ben then took Rey gently at his side and they left and the chatter and bickering started. Enis watched as Rey and Ben left.
"That was a waste." Ben began as they left.
"We tried." Rey countered the statement.
"They're afraid." Ben stated and Rey stopped in her tracks and Ben looked at her.
"They are." Rey didn't deny it and Ben could tell she had something to say. "I was afraid…" Rey trailed off as Ben walked closer to her. "Jakku…Jakku is a desert you've seen it. They had the offering like these people and then we were left with nothing, nothing to eat or drink and the planet is dead. The people will die to." Rey continued on. "They see as long as they give then they're safe but once they leave there is no guarantee."
"It's fear." A voice joined in and both Rey and Ben turned to Enis. "Trust me, they would love to turn their backs to the Order. But to leave isn't simple and to place trust onto another," Enis' voice trailed off. Ben then stood next to Rey. Enis was looking at two people who have fought against the Order and wanted to help others. There was a rumor that Kylo Ren did betray the Order and he is proof you can fight. "The Outer Rim has been forgotten even when the New Republic was formed."
"That's why we're here," Ben joined in. "The new government starts here, in the lowest, you have more to offer." Enis nodded understanding.
"Not all of the Outer Rim will follow." Enis warned them and Rey nodded.
"They don't have to, it's free will." Rey added letting them know this wasn't join us or you're one of them.
"Some of the Outer Rim like them in there, they feel there's too much to lose, money being one, crowns and titles as well." Enis added and Ben looked to the leader.
"Not everyone follows titles, they follow leadership, my mother is one, so is she." Ben looked to Rey. Enis then looked to Rey as well. Ben got closer to him. "If you decide to join, because it only takes one, others will follow."
"Ben Solo," Enis started. "I've read about your father. I know where you come from and…" he stopped and took in a deep breath. "You are the son of royalty and of poverty." It's true, his father was a scumbag and gambler, his grandfather was a slave. "And here you are a King." Enis then held out his hand and Ben looked down to it. "Hollstin will stand with the Resistance, General Leia." Ben then reached out taking his hand into firm grip and nodded. Enis then bowed his head to Ben and then walked over to Rey. He then held out his hand to her. Rey took it and Enis kissed it gently. "My Lady, Rey," He stated and Rey smiled as he left. That was one of the three and it was better than nothing.
"My Lady," Rey repeated with a little smile and then looked to Ben but he didn't look as happy.
"Queen sounds better." It was more a mutter than anything as he turned around to leave. Rey stood there thinking what he just meant. In order to become queen though they needed to get married. She then turned all the way around looking to Ben as he went back to the ship wondering what he actually meant.
Ben sat down quietly and let out a sigh. This was going to be difficult and he knew this. But word will get around that he is also Kylo Ren. Kylo Ren is a wanted man in this galaxy. That name does strike fear and some how he had to convince others that he's not Kylo Ren. That was another hurdle and some will try to turn him for a reward. He has a huge price on his head, a bigger one than his father ever had. He has blood on his hands, a lot of blood. As he sat there thinking he removed the small crown off his head and looked at it. He studied it wondering what made him deserve it other than blood.
Just then he looked up seeing Rey standing before him. She could see concern in his eyes.
"I'm sorry I put you through that." He apologized for the meeting as it under minded who she was. Rey shook her head to him.
"It's good to see what's out there." She assured him and once more Ben sighed as he held the crown in one hand. The pressures of being king have yet to take full swing and this was just a small taste. Rey walked a little closer to him.
"Kylo Ren was brought up." It came out as sigh as he sat there.
"You're not Kylo Ren." Rey started and Ben disagreed.
"He's still in here and he's still out in the galaxy." Ben looked at the crown again. "That name will be used against me for a very long time." And Rey knew it would be; it was used against him in the beginning when they first restarted the Resistance, everyone was afraid of him, afraid of Kylo Ren. But it was Rey who saw Ben Solo first. "I'm…different people," He then looked back up to Rey. "I'm Kylo Ren, I'm Ben Solo, I'm the Admiral of the Resistance, I'm now a King…" He was frustrated because of the names and depending on who you talked to and what they know and see is who he'll be to them.
Rey walked a little closer to him and she won't ever say she understood what he was going through. That was impossible because since his birth he was placed with a burden. He carried a lot on his shoulders and he continues to do so. Now his very name was at stake and that will unite or divide the galaxy even more.
"Who do you want to be?" She asked and he shrugged because he didn't know. "I have been reading something in the old Jedi text. There's like a deep meditation ritual you can do, find clarity and answers." Rey explained because it seemed like that's what he needed. "It's a whole ritual and herbs and…but maybe." She offered and Ben nodded knowing it couldn't hurt. That recommendation seemed to help but not entirely. Rey looked around seeing they were alone and then pressed a button closing the door and she punched in a code to lock it. She walked over to Ben and as she got closer he sat up a little more seeing as Rey now propped her self on his lap.
By royal standards what she was doing is more than scandalous but he was an unconventional royal. "I know who you are." Her voice was soft and he needed it. That seemed to be more important to him, what she thought of him. He has blood on his name, he was feared and by all accounts on both sides he should be jailed and tried for treason and put in hell for his deeds and crimes. Rey placed both hands on his face. She told him that he would turn and she would be there to help and so far she has made good on that promise. She leaned in and kissed his lips and he felt that shock through his body.
Ben started to fall into her trans forgetting the meeting and what he was worried about. In the end whether the Resistance wins, the galaxy falls apart, as long as he could walk away with Rey then it was all worth it. Ben dropped the crown hearing it clank on the ground as he pulled her closer. Rey swung leg over his lap easing herself down never breaking the kiss. Just then he felt her reaching for something else down below and he pulled away a little.
"Rey, political meeting," He reminded her although his voice didn't seem all that convincing.
"The meeting is over." She whispered to him and he couldn't deny that statement. He felt her continue on and his eyes close and his head started to fall back as she kissed his neck. She was the only person who knew who he was and the only person that could really control him. Ben pulled Rey closer planting another kiss to her lips with a small smile. She knew how to keep him calm and keep his head where it needs to be. Ben pulled her closer feeling that sensation him that only she could make him feel. Rey pulled away to see his eyes as they continued on. They're eyes locked not breaking even with the sensations rising slowly between them. Rey smiled a little at him knowing this wasn't the most private spot to be doing this but it was rather exciting. Rey leaned in again letting her fingers get tangled in his hair. Ben pulled her closer as they went on.
It was nice to be back home and out of the suits and back into their normal clothes. Rey liked the pretty dresses but she was always afraid if she had to fight then how could she fight in a dress? It seemed more for ceremonial purposes.
Rey sat on the ground in their room reading through the text and would go back and forth between the readings and what was before them. Ben came into the room as Rey looked up at him and he sat before her.
"Ok, so, this well according to the text, it a very deep session of meditation. It's…supposed to send you within in the Force to…pull back the vale of which you have." Rey then looked to Ben and he looked confused. "This may take some time for you to get there, says for some it takes hours." Ben didn't look convinced but would try anyways. He then reached for a jar that held something in it.
"What's this?" He asked and Rey took it from him.
"Feathers from a glog." She answered and Ben looked confused. "People sell weird things." She added and Ben could only imagine. Rey continued to go back and forth reading and checking everything. "Ok," She then looked back to Ben as he sat there waiting. Rey stood up and started to place the ingredients she had in some sort of order around Ben; most of if it was oils and types of powders or spices. She then dropped the some feathers around him.
"Why fathers?" He asked as he reached for one looking at it.
"According to the text…to…lift you…" She didn't sounded like this was going to work; it seemed more like magic than anything. Ben placed the feather away and figured most of this was for show, to put you in the mindset that these were needed when really it was some very deep thought. However the spices did give off a sweet relaxing smell. Rey then dimmed the lights and only a few candles were lit. This was to decrease all external stimulation and to have him relax and focus.
"So, how long do I meditate?" He asked as Rey sat down and nodded.
"It says until one achieves…self unity." Rey answered and Ben nodded.
"Ok, a really long time." Ben answered and began to get into the meditation position and started to take deep breaths. He scratched his shoulders, rolled his neck and began to relax his body. He took in more deep breaths and the sweetness of the spices took over. Ben closed his eyes and started to push away his thoughts, trying to quiet is loud mind. Rey knows it's hard for him to start the process and it takes him time. He can reach into the Force easily that wasn't the problem but to close himself off from everything, to try and do that was hard for him at times. And now that he has to do it in such a different way, it was going to take longer.
"There's just you." Rey spoke softly to help guide him into meditation. The sound of her voice was calming and her presence soothing. "Only you, nothing else in this room. There's only you, let everything…fall away." Ben heard her voice and controlled his breathing. All the chattering noise in his head, the tiny fingers prying at him, he set up a block to close it all down.
Ben's eyes opened and he felt rather relaxed as he looked around but he stood up quickly. He wasn't with Rey, he wasn't anywhere as he looked around. Ben stood up slowly as he looked around the blackness. He felt he should be worried but he wasn't. Was this what deep meditation looks and feels like? Ben began to walk around hearing his footsteps echo into the darkness. As he walked around not knowing where to go he saw the tiniest light from afar.
Ben neared the light and it got bigger the closer he got. It was like a tunnel as he continued and from the light he could see blue skies, he could hear the waves crashing, the ocean moving, smell the salty air. Ben came out of the darkness and looked out feeling the wind on him. He looked around seeing the cliffs of a green island. He knows this place, he's seen it before in Rey's head; this was the island she dreamt as a child, when she was looking for comfort in loneness. He stood there for a moment and saw at the edge of the cliff almost like a seat. Ben started to walk closer to it slowly. But before he reached it, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up; there was chill that ran up his entire spine. He stood there in fear; his heart raced nearly beating out of his chest.
Ben turned around slowly and stood stiff. From the entrance of which he came stood before him was Luke.
"Where's Rey!" Luke yelled as Ben stood there. Luke look deeply at Ben. "She's the only one who knows of this place, so where is she?" Luke demanded again but Ben stood there.
"This is a dream." Ben finally spoke.
"Some how…our minds are here." Luke seemed confused as he looked around. This wasn't the Force connection like he and Rey had is it? Ben walked closer to Luke and his uncle flinched causing Ben to flinch too. "You're not strong enough for this type of mind control."
"How do you know what I can and cannot do?" Ben asked.
"Then why are you here?" Luke asked again but once more Ben stayed quiet.
"Snoke is dead, I killed him." Ben started and Luke looked less than convinced.
"And now you're Supreme Leader. That was the plan all along?" Luke asked and Ben let out a sigh standing there.
"It doesn't matter what I say, you're never going to believe me." Ben decided to be honest. "Right?" Luke held his ground. "I know this place, I know where you are so if I wanted you dead I would have killed you a long time ago." And that was true as Ben stood there. "If I wanted to kill Rey I would have a long time ago."
"So, where is she?" Luke asked again and Ben continued to look to his uncle.
"She leaves, has been gone for a year and what have you done? Nothing?" Ben didn't answer the question but questioned his uncle. "You taught her nothing, you left her." Luke stood there. "You never came after her, she was tortured by Snoke and you did nothing."
"That's why you killed him?" Luke asked because Ben did say he killed Snoke.
"I turned my lightsaber to my true enemy." Ben answered.
"Then where is Rey?" Luke asked.
"She's the last Jedi, you would like to know wouldn't you?" Ben was turning to that defiant student. "You've done nothing to find her, you don't deserve her."
"And you do?" Luke asked and that seemed to punch Ben in the chest. He was about to answer no because he didn't. Everyday he feels Rey was better than him and deserved more. He was now king and the survivors of Alderran deserved a better king; Han and Leia deserved a better son. "How ever you were able to do this, leave."
"You never could see past your own arrogance." Ben spat out and Luke's eyes widen. "You let your name become vanity."
"You're one to talk." Luke added as they stood there. "You killed your own father for what? You were born into privilege Ben Solo, you never once suffered."
"I have suffered!" Ben yelled back. "Snoke!" He had to remind his uncle.
"He clouded you but you could have resisted instead you went straight to the dark!" Luke countered him.
"Because you've never been tempted by the dark." Ben threw back and Luke stared at him hard. "I needed you, I needed you as a teacher, as my uncle and you tried to kill me." Ben reminded him just to make sure he remembers. "You failed me and you failed Rey."
"Rey will come back to complete her training as I did with my master." Luke ensured Ben.
"She's not coming back, not to you." Ben stated feeling his fist tightening.
"Then where is she?" Luke asked once more.
"She's with me and you stay away from her." Ben answered with demand. Luke held out his hand and Ben did likewise in defense feeling Luke trying to push him away with the Force. Ben called his saber to him igniting it. Luke ignited his saber as well as Ben ran to his uncle and threw his saber down. Luke blocked the blow and swung around. Ben held his ground and twirled his saber slowly. The two Skywalkers clashed again, a master and his student. Ben kicked Luke back but Luke swung his saber and Ben dodged it. The red and green sabers made contact a few more times and they held stood off.
"I am sorry I failed you Ben." Luke finally spoke.
"I'm sure you are!" Ben yelled at him but Luke did noticed Ben's fighting style was not ruthless as he thought it would be or could be. Ben had control and even in that statement, it had control. "I thought I could find some answer, I was wrong." Luke then deactivated his saber wondering what that meant. "You hold nothing, you're just…you're not the Luke Skywalker this galaxy believes…not anymore." Ben deactivated his saber. He didn't feel the fear and dread anymore. Luke did not hold that emotion over him. Ben was stronger now, he has gotten stronger because of Rey. She was the only person in the galaxy that gave him that emotional need. "I don't need you and neither does Rey."
Ben's eyes flashed open and he looked around. His head was on the floor as he rolled over. The candles were nearly dying and the sweet smells of the spices were long gone. He then saw Rey asleep on the floor. Not once did she leave him while he was in the trans. Ben slowly sat up feeling groggy. He shook off the heaviness and got up. He walked over to Rey and in once swift and gentle move he scooped her up in his arms. She didn't stir as he carried off to bed. But instead of laying her down, crawling in next to her; Ben sat there cradling her in his arms. He took a moment to study her. Why did he see Luke?
Rey was at the computer typing and entering data. As she did this Connix joined in with BB-8 behind her. They were continuing to update the hyperspace tracker. Rey reached for her drink as she sat back letting the data run.
"After this Leia wants us to look up some information about the Old Republic." Connix spoke and Rey looked to her.
"What does she want us to look for?" Rey asked.
"The old constitution." Connix answered and Rey smiled a little.
Outside Ben stood off to the side as a several hundred people stood out on the beach. Antar was training the Storm Troopers; Ben might as well train his forces to. Finn had some basic fighting skills as all Troopers do, that's how he was able to defend himself from Kylo Ren even if Ren was just toying with him. Finn was overseeing the new training program with Ben approving the skill set. Within this group Poe was standing among them. Ben gave him some pointers but he felt this could be handy in the upcoming fights.
This was going beyond the standard defense they have been taught. They were going to learn a little more so the fight can be fair. Ben was off to the side watching seeing some of them were interested and others probably felt that a blaster will save them. Ben walked over to one man that caught is attention.
"Hit me." Ben demanded and the man was unsure if he heard right. The fighter took a swing and Ben easily dodged it with no effort. "Again." Ben demanded and the man took another swing and this time Ben grabbed his hand and flipped him to the ground. "Blaster or no blaster you're already dead." Ben stepped back letting the man get up. "The new Supreme Leader, he's training the Order differently, your average Storm Trooper will become what the Death Troopers are now. And the Death Troopers, they're getting private lessons from a Sith."
Ben wanted to make sure that these people knew what they were going up against. The fight was changing and it was going to get harder. Just like with Rey, he was going to make sure these people could fight and if they did die, they went down fighting. These men and women were not Jedi by any means but it doesn't mean that they can't learn a thing or two.
In the communications room a small alarm was going off. Rey was already gathering information as Connix radio in the command crew. Leia was already in the room as Ben, Poe, Finn and Chewie rushed into the base.
"What is it?" Leia asked as Rey pulled up the information on the screen.
"Dreadnought." Rey stated as the rest of the boys came in looking.
"Proximity?" Leia asked and Connix typed up some information.
"Three systems away." Connix answered. They did extend their sensors so they would pick up more.
"What the hell is Dreadnought doing all the way out here in Wild Space?" Finn asked crossing his arms across his chest.
"Passing by?" Poe asked as they looked to the screen. It's rare for a Dreadnought to be alone let alone being all the way out here.
"You think they're looking for the fleet?" Connix asked. "Our fleet?"
"They're a few systems away but it couldn't hurt to put on our cloakers." Poe added and Rey went ahead and typed in some information that would cloak the base just in case. "They're way out of range for the Ion cannon."
"No, but we can reach them." Ben suggested and Poe smiled nodding.
"Rey has been working on the small cloaking fields for the X-Wings." Poe added.
"You want to attack a Dreadnought with nothing but X-Wings?" Leia asked and Poe shrugged not seeing it as a bad idea. "Take out a Dreadnought?"
"But that could probe the Order to come out here." Connix added.
"Not if it appears it's the fleet that attack in space." Ben jumped in and Poe seemed a little too happy seeing Ben was really siding with him. "They don't know how much we have."
"Just two of the capitals for show." Poe added and Leia continued to look at them. "Blue, Black and Red squad attack, we use the new cloaking device. Take out their surface cannons, blow up their system reactor from the inside. Ben knows that pathway. Two capital ships show up literally for show, Ben pulls the trigger, boom, we'll be home by dinner."
Everyone looked around wondering if Leia will even budge on that plan. It all relied on the hopes that the X-Wings were cloaked for it be even close to working. They could take out another Dreadnought and this time not lose anyone. Leia then looked to Rey and Ben. Then Rey and Ben looked to each other. Rey then went to type something and pressed a button.
"Blue, Black and Red squads are cloaked." She stated waiting for the final approval. Poe smiled and looked to Leia.
"By dinner." Leia stated firmly and Poe nodded and looked to Ben and everyone started to leave. Leia then looked to Rey as the young girl smiled. "Fly boys." Leia sighed as she took a seat next to Rey. "Dangerous, reckless, impulsive," Rey continued to smile Leia because while Ben won't admit he is a 'fly boy' he was one. He got a rush when he flew. He comes from that stock. Han was a reckless fly boy same with Luke and Anakin. Rey got up to see Ben off.
In the hanger the squads were being prepped and the pilots with them. R2 came rolling over to Ben's X-Wing ready to join him. Ben climbed up the small side latter and got into the cockpit as R2 took his spot in the back and started to run some tests. Ben then looked over seeing Rey on top of the latter facing him.
"You know as king, they won't let you fly forever." Rey reminded him Ben nodded but it didn't mean he was agreeing. Rey then reached for the headset as Ben refused to where the helmet. She helped him get set up as he began to flip the switches. Once he was wired he looked to Rey and she smiled at him. "Home before dinner." Ben couldn't help but chuckle with a small smile. He then leaned in, placing his hand to Rey's cheek and sweetly kissed her.
"My Lady," He said softly and she continued to smile as she climbed back down the latter and headed back to the communication room. Ben pressed a button as the cockpit closed and the engines started to fire up. Ben then flew out of the hanger first with everyone following.
Rey sat down at the computer and put her headset on and started to track them and the Dreadnought.
"All Squad Leaders report in." She ordered and each leader reported in. That meeting a few days ago hit her and what Ben had told the leaders there. She was a scavenger, once. She did survive all on her own and she fought Kylo Ren with no training. She has made her way to the top and now ordering for the Squad Leaders to report to her, she was equal to General Leia. It didn't matter what the old men thought, maybe they thought a woman like her couldn't dot it and yet here she was. The voices within her earpiece listen to her command. They reported to her and like Leia they will response with a 'Yes Ma'am' every time.
Out in space the squads did not need to jump into hyperspace. The Dreadnought may pick up something coming to them but they won't see it. Ben led the group as he piloted the X-Wing. Holdo and Star Dust were hovering outside of range and ready to pull in when the time was right. Ben then saw the Dreadnought in view and reached up holding on to a lever.
"R2 power up and lock on to the ship." Ben spoke to the droid. R2 beep in response and Ben looked to a screen seeing a bar going from red and hopefully green. The squads of X-Wings started to form up.
"They haven't been able to lock in on you, they don't even know you're within firing range." It was Rey's voice and that was good to know. They might actually pull this off. Ben looked to his screen seeing the red bar go to yellow as he kept his hand on the lever.
"Take out all the surface cannons. Be prepared for enemy fighters." Ben ordered. TIEs will come forth and they will be able to see the X-Wings. The bar was green and Ben slammed the lever forwards as the X-Wing powered through space. R2 let out a long beep that Ben swore it was more of a 'Yahoo'. Ben spun the X-Wing and started to fire across the surface of the Dreadnought. He didn't fire randomly as he hit his targets. The X-Wings flew in and started to follow. They breached their shields easily and the cannons all over started to blow up.
"Woo!" Poe cheered as he steered gunning down the cannons that have yet to fire because to the Dreadnought there was nothing to fire at. Poe pulled up waiting for TIEs to show up, it was only a matter of time. Ben looked to his screen seeing R2 was talking and doing the calculations on the best point of entry for them. As they waited Ben continue to fire on the Dreadnought to cause some damage because the rest of the X-Wings were about done taking out the cannons. "Here comes the party!"
A block of TIEs roared out of the Dreadnought started to come their way but the X-Wings met with firing on them to push them back.
"Fly close to the surface, they can't track us well." Poe ordered and the squads began to fly to the surface.
Ben flew a little away from the fight trying to find the best way in and out of the Dreadnought.
"Did you find a way in?" Ben asked and R2 beeped at him. "Behind us?" Ben asked and turned the ship around as R2 gave instructions and Ben sighed. "Of course it's that way." Ben muttered looking to the fight that he will have to get through. R2 beeped again. "Watch the language." He added and R2 gave him a sassy beep. Ben gave a sigh and headed straight into the fight and started to fire. "Poe, I got a way in but I need to cover so they don't follow."
"Red Squad," Poe called out. "Five of you guard Black Leader, don't let any enemy fighters follow." He ordered and a few of the Red Squads headed towards Ben taking out some TIEs. R2 continued to talk to Ben letting him they were almost there.
"We're going through a hanger?" Ben asked questioning the droid. R2 frantically beeped and Ben didn't feel like arguing as R2 gave his reasoning. "Fine, fine through the hanger it is." Ben then did a backwards pull and dived into the hanger and saw even more TIEs. "This was a bad idea." He then pulled the trigger and started to fire at them. Ben flew as fast as he could. "R2 charge the engine again, we'll need to get out in a hurry. And you do have a way out right?" Ben asked and R2 beeps seemed a little offended that Ben would ask that. Ben continued to fire at the TIEs as the hanger was turning into flames. He then went left into tunnel and followed it. He checked his radar seeing he wasn't being followed.
"The Dreadnought has placed out a distress call." Rey's voice came over the headset.
"Deploy Holdo and Star Dust." Ben ordered as he continued to fly. He then pulled up and now was at the main reactor. "Ok R2, hopefully you have a way out, if not this is going to be a real short trip." Ben then grabbed his torpedo launcher and a small screen turned on. He didn't need help aiming for the reactor as he pressed the trigger and the torpedo was off and hit the reactor dead center. "Get us out of here R2!" Ben yelled and the droid beeped sounding like he was on it.
Ben flew through the belly of the Dreadnought as the flames behind him were growing. The turbo engine of the X-Wing was charging up just in case they needed something else. Ben flew but R2 in the back telling him they needed to go faster didn't help Ben. He kept checking the screen see if the engine was ready. The yellow then went green and he placed his hand on the lever. The fire was getting closer and R2 yelled and Ben slammed down the lever again the X-Wing spread through the tunnel and then out just as the Dreadnought fell apart.
"Alright, let's get the hell out of here!" Poe ordered as the two capital ships continued to fire on the last of the TIEs. The small fleet started to fly back to base while Holdo scanned the sector making sure that nothing was coming.
From the base Rey and Connix also monitor the sector and so far they were ok. They couldn't stay long to be on the safe side. She looked to the screen seeing everyone was flying back and saw Ben's X-Wing far behind everyone else. But one other X-Wing was flying back and she knew it was Poe's waiting on Ben.
The base remained cloaked and on guard as a few Destroyers did show up. There was nothing to show up to though and the Resistance remained ever quiet. Of course though there was a little bit of a celebration because that was a win if you could ever call one. They needed to embrace that win because a loss will happen it was inevitable at some point.
The small party inside the base continued but Ben stood outside on top of the hill by himself. The sun was setting; the ocean was a bit choppy tonight. He stood there was the wind blew. The sun was already setting on darkness as a storm was coming in for the night. He stood there alone, he should celebrate but he couldn't, not right now. There was still conflict in him but not the light and dark fighting. The conflict was deciding who he was. What was the point of going to that dark place to see Luke?
He felt like he more questions and no answers. Ben watched the sun slowly disappearing and the cool night setting in. He could smell the rain coming. What happened today will only provoke the angry beast that is the Order. Ben then closed his eyes feeling that push and pull again. What happens if he just decided to walk away? That's what he wanted to do for a long time, long before meeting Rey, before joining the Order. He wanted to walk away from it all. Was he needed in this?
Just then he could see Luke in his head, the memory of the deep meditation session. Why was it Luke he saw? Why not his father? Why not some random and wise Jedi? Why Luke? Why someone who tried to kill him? Ben felt that lump in his throat, that deep hurt in his chest of betrayal by someone who he trusted. Snoke was going to kill him someday deep down he knew that. Ben then called his saber to him as he looked to the unfinished hilt, the unfinished work. He let the hilt drop to the ground. He continued to stand there feeling alone and even if Rey was next to him she would not be able to comfort him. Why was he here? Who was he?
Ben closed his eyes once more feeling himself slowly dropping to the ground to his knees.
'If you walk away,' A voice whispered to him as Ben kept his eyes closed hearing the voice. Ben opened his eyes and before him he saw that same man in his dreams. Those same eyes he has, that scar above one mirroring the one on Ben's face. 'This galaxy will be forever doomed. The Sith will rule with no balance, nothing.' Ben looked to the man, his grandfather. 'I failed, the Jedi failed, but where they failed you can succeed.' Ben then looked down as his grandfather held Ben's lightsaber to him. 'The weapon of a true Jedi.' Ben looked back to his grandfather. 'You are stronger than our blood.' Anakin held the lightsaber to Ben and Ben slowly reached out and took it back.
Ben's eyes opened and he was still standing there and looked to his hand seeing the saber back in it. He looked out and felt the Force and it was strong. The conflict was not there. Ben was able to take in a normal breath as he looked out seeing the last light of day. He saw Luke to see himself.
Ben didn't need Luke anymore; he can cut that part of him off. He was still seeking approval from Luke after all these years. Ben turned to the light on his own, he's made his own choices and all for the better. Luke was not there for them. Whatever density was out there he could set it, because that is all he has been doing. He was whoever he wanted to be and he wanted to be Ben Solo. Ben ignited the saber as the red beam glowed before him. But something was different with the blade, the deep red was no longer there, it seemed a little more pale this time. Ben gripped the hilt a little tighter as he looked out into the night seeing the lightening coming towards him.
A/N: Ok so what do we think about this chapter? A few things happened. We get to see Ben as a king doing king things. We see Rey has stepped into a different role and she still hasn't quite gained the respect she deserves…yet. A little steamy scene in there for you super Reylos. Now what about Ben? The struggle between the light and dark seems to be small so now he's fighting between different names. His journey is far from over finding out who he is.
What about Luke? What did you all think of that moment? And what about grandfather and grandson? What did you get out of there?
Who's ready to see another Knight? It's been a while since the last Knight. What do you want to see next? What do you think will happen next? Ben has a lot of enemies now and everyone can see his face and that's the whole title of the chapter, he's a wanted man and is wanted by different people. Let's discuss.
Thanks for reading, following and commenting.