Chapter 31 Seven Nation Army
Ben stood by the fire watching it as the rather dull party was going on. It was for the Commonwealth as a celebration. They have nearly a hundred systems joining in the fight and that was something to celebrate. Ben was wearing thensymbols of Alderaan. He was in all black with the black side cape and on his chest was the crest of Alderaan and the red sash going across his chest. He wore a small crown as well. Those around him were dressed up in their robes and crowns too.
"King Solo?" A voice asked and Ben faced a young woman. That title still sounded foreign to him. "Lyse of Onderon, Heir to the throne there." She held out her hand and Ben shook it. She was a small woman, red hair, blue eyes. "I've been following your work." She continued to stand next to him. She smiled at him; an heir to heir is most desired. "So, you may not be leading the Commonwealth but you've saved what we thought was a dead society. What's that like?" For Ben this was all small talk and boring.
"Stimulating." Ben was sarcastic but the young woman smiled and laughed. Ben knew what she was trying to do, get closer to him and even possibly sit with him at dinner.
"Well, you command the Resistance, two important jobs," Lyse was trying to continue the already dead conversation. "How does it all work?" Ben tried to be polite but he was dying of boredom, the music, the talk it was all of it dull. But this will be his life from time to time. Dining with the wealthy, the powerful, he might as well humor this. Just as he was about to speak someone else caught his attention.
"Excuse me," He more or less told Lyse and left her. Lyse saw a woman in all red walking around. Rey was wearing a red dress; her hair actually pulled back and styled, lipstick and some jewels that Leia provided. Leia was invited to this but she was feeling under the weather. Rey came in her place to represent the Resistance. She then saw Ben walking to her and he gathered her up and started to dance to the music. "You look nice." Ben commented.
"So do you." Rey added as she followed Ben's lead. "And you look incredibly bored."
"I am." Ben stated; he forgets these things can be boring.
"You're the one who accepted the invitation." Rey reminded him and Ben pushed that aside.
"I can see why my mom always said she was sick when these things happened." Ben added meaning Leia wasn't sick; she just had better things to do. Just then the music stopped and the announcement was made that dinner was ready. Just then Ben spotted Lyse coming over. Rey saw Ben divert his attention.
"New friend?" Rey asked.
"She's a princess." Ben answered and Rey knew what was happening.
"Ah, and she wants to be a queen." Rey didn't ask but confirmed. Lyse was probably attracted to Ben more than just his crown and title. Ben does turn heads whether he likes to admit it or not. The scar on face has turned him distinguished, his tallness and large stature shows strength and presence. It's not easy to over look. Ben looked to Rey begging for help.
"Hi," It was too late as Lyse was already there. She held out her hand to Rey. "And you are?"
"I'm Rey," She introduced herself shaking Lyse's hand.
"Oh ok," Lyse didn't seem to know the name. "Well, dinner is due to be served, care to escort a lady to dinner?" Lyse turned to Ben smiling completely blocking out Rey.
"I have one." Ben answered taking Rey's arm into his walking away leaving the Heiress to herself. Rey didn't smile big but she was giddy on the inside. She was far from royalty and any head of state or a prominent political figure. She had no money to her name and yet she had her arm wrapped around a king's. People heard of the rumor that Rey was not just a Jedi, the second Admiral or Ben's personal bodyguard; rumor has it they were more than that.
Rey and Ben sat down at a table and Lyse managed to sit at the same table across the way. Rey doesn't dine with the rich and looked at her plates all stacked and the range of eating utensils all lined up. She looked at several different glasses. She then leaned into Ben.
"All this for one meal?" She asked in a whisper hoping not be heard.
"This is a royal function, it's a ten course meal. Meal one was out there." Ben explained and Rey looked around.
"You mean those little cracker snack things was a meal?" She asked and Ben nodded.
"Just pace yourself." He added and Rey looked to her plates and bowls. Just then a liquid was poured into her bowel that sat on top a mountain of plates. Ben could see Rey was confused and leaned back in. "You start from the outside and work your way in." Ben answered keeping it simple and Rey looked back at her area. Rey picked up the outer utensil as Ben stated and she looked around to make sure she was doing it right, so far so good.
Rey made sure she tried to eat delicately like everyone else and the soup bowl was taken away. Then something was placed on Rey's plate, it was some type of creature of the sea and it's eyes were still attached. She looked to Ben wondering how to eat this so she just followed his lead once more. It wasn't bad though but to have your meal looking at you was a little disconcerting.
That plate was removed as Rey sat there wondering how she will eat everything but she realized that everything was rather small in portion.
"So, Lady Rey," A voice spoke up and Rey turned to the voice, she wasn't use to that title. "Tell us of the conditions in Jakku." The person asked.
"It's a wasteland, most of the old Imperial ships were placed there. The people take the parts from the ships and sell them." Rey was honest and then looked to Lyse.
"So, it's a planet of scavengers? How sad." Although Lyse didn't sound like she completely cared. "How did you manage to leave?"
"I was helping a friend and we stole the Falcon and got out." Rey summed it up.
"Well, hopefully we can change that as the Commonwealth grows." Someone else stepped in and Rey looked down seeing a little bit of a bigger meal before her. Ben can tell Rey was nervous and out of place. She then felt his hand on her knee giving her reassurance. She then saw different liquids placed in each different glass. She looked to Ben and would follow his lead.
For Ben he has done these dinners before, Han always made it fun or funny not always following etiquette. Usually if Han didn't go then Ben wouldn't either. Ben reached over taking Rey's hand into his making sure that she needed to please no one. He knows what she's capable of; she's warrior and a good person. Most of these people at this party have never participated in war other than funding it. They aren't in the trenches like her. Lyse maybe ideal to be the proper person to be with because she is royalty. But that's not what Ben wanted. Rey understood him maybe more than he understood himself at times. Rey provided emotional support for him and that was more important than a title.
The main entrée was done and something was placed before Rey in a fancy glass cup. Rey took a bite of the soft food and it was cold but sweet. She kind of smiled and kept eating it with some delight.
Once that was done that rather pretty glass was removed and more food was placed before her. She then looked back to Ben thinking what she just had was dessert.
"It's pallet cleanser." Ben explained and Rey nodded as she looked back. She continued to eat and once that meal was done a plate of greens were placed in front of her. She continued to eat although this seemed a little tasteless. Once the greens were done some type of pastry was brought out. Then another small bowl was brought out fruit and that seemed to be end as Rey saw everyone was slowing down. If she was able to eat like this on Jakku she would have sleep better with a full belly. Most nights she went to bed starving. She won't be doing that tonight for sure.
While that seemed to be a lot of food it was rather light because Rey already knew she would be hungry a little later. Maybe that's why these people were skinny, they don't eat much. Once those plates were taken a sweet treat was served and Rey thought it was delightful. All the while as she ate she knew Lyse was looking to her trying to understand why Ben picked her. Rey never had formal education, no finishing school, no real dance classes. While the education was needed Ben taught her and she was street smart. Knowing the difference between a small fork and large fork, how to waltz didn't seem important to her. Rey grew up surviving not in a lavish penthouse. But to get a glimpse of the rich was interesting. Rey looked up seeing Lyse studying her but Rey pushed it away. Just then a man stood up laughing meaning the dinner was coming to an end.
"There will be some light drinks in the lounge and light dancing for those who care to join. On behalf of the Commonwealth thank you all for attending and your generosity for the war effort." The man said and there was a light clap and he started to leave. Rey then leaned towards Ben.
"I'm going to be starving soon." She whispered and Ben nodded because he was to. These dinners were very light despite having several different plates of food. Ben started to rise from his chair and Rey followed.
"Ah, your Highness, care to join us in the drawing room for some drinks?" Another leader asked as more people got up. Rey stood up fixing her dress.
"No thank you, we need to return to the fleet early tomorrow." Ben declined the offer and Lyse continued to watch Ben and Rey. She quickly got up to say good night to Ben.
"Well, your Highness," Lyse began holding out her hand. "It was a pleasure." She smiled but Rey was confused, they barely talked. Ben took her hand and Lyse was ready for him to kiss it but he shook it instead. That threw her off for a moment.
"You as well." Ben added and then reached for Rey. He pulled Rey closer to him wrapping his arm around her and walked away. Rey took a glance back at Lyse with a smile. "Let's get some real food.
"Where?" Rey asked as they left the party. They'll find a place.
After some real food the two had retreated back to the dorms the Commonwealth had rented out for everyone. The room for Rey was a little too much; it was grand with a waterfall for a shower. It was made of marble and stone. But it was quiet and calm. The door shut behind them locking as Rey walked to a small table using it as support to take off her shoes. She was getting better at wearing heals these days and not tripping or stumbling as much. When she turned around she saw Ben standing there and she smiled. The look he was giving was a simple look. He does that from time to time, just let his eyes adore her for a moment. She was a bit self-conscious today especially with Lyse.
Lyse came from royalty and money and she was beautiful. She matched Ben's stature more than she did. Rey has come along away but her origin was that of a scavenger and a nobody. But that's not how Ben saw it and she was the only woman in that room he could see. Ben slowly walked to her she felt her heart race. He reached for the small crown and tossed it aside and then reached to the latch of the cape letting it fall. He got closer to Rey pulling her in gently. She threw her wraps around his shoulders taking in the calm moment. Ben leaned in for a soft kiss and it was time to end the night. He didn't want to because even when she's gone to work for a few hours, not seeing her made him feel lonely.
Ben then reached down picking Rey up cradling her in his arms. The first time he did this she was so small in his arms, so innocent and unaware of the horrors out there. He wished he could shield her from it. She was still just as small in his arms as he walked to the bed and she continued to kiss him. He gentle laid her down and pulled away. Her hand roamed his face and she smiled at him. His look turned a bit serious as he always thought about how he didn't deserve this.
"What is it?" She asked softly and he shook his head. Ben leaned in for another kiss and Rey accepted pulling him closer. It was time to enjoy each other's company before the war picks back up. Before they go back to base where everyone demands their attention. Rey pulled him in a close and allowed her fingers to ruffle his neat hair, she liked the messier look anyways. Ben sat up and started to take off the robes and all Rey had to do was pull the small straps that tied her dress from the back around her neck and she did. She sat up smiling, as Ben was once more bare in front of her. Ben smiled just slightly at her and their lips met again for another kiss as he pulled Rey closer.
Ben walked through the hanger where the ships were for the Commonwealth. He said his good bye to a few others and next month a meeting will be held. He made it to his cruiser and waited for Rey but some how once more Lyse found him.
"Why not disclose the location of the base?" Lyse asked and it was a valid question. While the Commonwealth was secured there was breach before.
"When the war over I tell you." Ben answered the question and Lyse smiled. Ben then saw Rey walking to the cruiser but she wasn't in formal wear anymore. She wore her Jedi clothes and slung behind her was the lightsaber. She got a bit more attention because of it. Ben was in the all black Resistance uniform with the purple sash of Alderaan. Just then Rey joined up next to Ben and then it seem to hit Lyse.
"You are the Jedi Knight, I thought I recognize the name." Lyse commented but last night she seemed confused. "It's an honor to meet a Jedi. I thought you were just like his secretary."
"She's a very good secretary." Ben added because that diminished everything Rey was. Lyse then caught a glimpse of Ben's saber and nodded. Rey continued to look at Lyse for a moment and then turned away. Rey and Ben headed back to the cruiser as Lyse stood there. Rey took the pilot's chair and Ben already picked up she was a little upset so he sat quietly in the co-pilot chair as Rey took off. Once they reach hypserspace Rey sat back in the chair and thought for a moment.
"Secretary?" She asked and looked to Ben.
"It's a person that," Ben started to explain.
"I know what they are." Rey stopped and he knew he was a bit of trouble.
"You're not my secretary." Ben had to get himself out of this. Anytime his father upset his mother he could remember Han always trying to get out of it even it was a kiss on the cheek. Ben hasn't had an argument though with Rey before, this seemed rather petty in the grand scheme of things but it bothered Rey. Ben wanted it to come out as joke but that's not was interpreted. "Rey," But he just couldn't seem to figure it out.
"It's fine." Rey ended the conversation and Ben knew that phrase and it meant nothing was fine. For now it was time to let go but it will be brought back up. He didn't want to revisit this and sat there thinking what he could say or do. Some woman sized herself up to Rey and tried to put her down thinking she was nothing more than a second citizen. Even if it was clear that Rey was in command of the Resistance and the new growing Jedi Order, this heiress didn't see that.
"You know," Ben started to talk even though Rey wasn't looking at him and looked more annoyed than anything. "If I actually grew up in the royal courts then Lyse would be someone that I would be paired up with. And I've been around women like her." Ben paused hoping Rey was interested. Rey was listening even if she wasn't making eye contact. "That's not what I would want." Rey finally looked to him.
"That was weak." Rey added knowing what Ben was trying to say but he could never put his feelings to words. He did try and he was far from a poet. It was easier for Ben to show her his feelings so he did that and got up and placed a soft kiss to her cheek. Rey leaned in it to knowing she shouldn't worry and to trust in herself. She then turned to him and planted a kiss to him accepting his apology.
The base continued it's daily chores, check ins with those keeping a look out for the Order and keeping a check on the galaxy itself for distress calls. Rey and Ben where out sparring as the General walked the base making sure everything was running smoothly. Looking around seeing how far they have come from just a handful to now, it was nothing short of amazing. And now with a new government forming it made her even more hopeful. Ever since the Rebellion, they were always the ones to push tyranny and fear back.
Poe caught sight of the General and walked over to her and they walked together to update one another.
"All seems quiet." Poe stated but was suspicious of the quietness. It meant an attack was coming but no one knew when. Leia nodded as they walked. "I heard the Commonwealth dinner went well." Leia smiled because there was a good report about it. "Maybe I can go to the next one."
"Oh, Poe, those things are not for you." Leia added and the pilot looked at him wondering what she meant. "It's the snake pit, wealthy people, dry talk and then how to eat; well there's a whole class on that." Leia finished and Poe seemed confused.
"There's a proper way to eat?" Poe asked and Leia nodded
"Oh yes, and if you don't do it right that can seriously harm your reputation." And she wasn't lying either. Poe was like Rey, a fighter; they can crawl in the trenches and get out of nearly impossible situations. But Rey experience first hand proper dinner etiquette and fighting a battle was easier. Poe then wrapped his arm around Leia's shoulder as they continued to walk the base.
Outside after a productive sparring match Rey sat on the beach with her bare feet in the water cooling off at the moment. Ben walked to her and took seat enjoying the calmness and the salty air. They were now just talking but as they talked and relaxed for a moment they heard something and looked up. Something came out of the sky crashing down into the water. Rey and Ben stood up wondering what it was and looked to one another. It wasn't too far out and without words they knew what to do. Ben ran into the water as Rey raced back to the base and get the alert system up.
Ben dove under water and began to swim towards the bottom of the ocean as he saw the small cruiser already sinking. He got closer looking inside seeing two people banging on the font window to get out. Ben placed his hand to the glass and began to concentrate causing a crack to form. He went to punch out the glass knowing it was going to be difficult. Enough of it shattered away and the water began to pour in. The two people to started to get out as they swam for the surface. Ben followed them to the shore as Resistance fighters lined up on the beach.
The two people got to the shoreline but were greeted with blasters pointing at them. Rey made it to Ben as he called his saber to him ready. The two people were dressed in peasant type clothes and they looked scared and not just from the crash landing.
"Who are you?" It was Leia asking and the two people a man and woman looked around confused. The woman started to speak but it was in a language no one knew. She was frantic though. Leia sighed and looked around letting everyone know to lower their weapons. "Find 3PO." She ordered.
The man and the woman sat in the medical bay area with blankets over them as 3PO was there. Once he gathered all the information he left to the high command and they were all right outside the room.
"They are refugees," 3PO started. "They claim they are from the system of Ota and the Order has settled there taking their resources and starting to build." 3PO finished and as he finished Poe brought up the map of the galaxy. He zoomed in on Ota showing its frozen tundra.
"What's the Order doing in place like that?" Finn asked and looked to Ben. Ben glimpsed at Finn and then looked to the planet again.
"Resources, location," Connix added some ideas and Poe began to type.
"Mining." Poe answered the question. "And based on the looks of things they have been working pretty hard there. Looks like these two manage to get out without the Order noticing."
"Call the Commonwealth to a meeting." Leia ordered and high command nodded.
The meeting location was busy as the leaders gathered and among them was both Rey and Ben. This was the beginning of the first acts of a government now. They had to decide how to proceed with this and what is at stake. Galaxy was slowly falling behind the Commonwealth and resisting the Order. If the Resistance goes in then they had to be careful, this wasn't a rescue mission, information gathering or a search and destroy; this was going to be a fight. The Resistance will have to pull out all the stops on this one, it was going to be bigger than Naboo and anything the old Rebellion did.
Leia joined Rey and Ben at this meeting because an entire system was being over run and it's people were now enslaved and forced to work.
"If we don't do something the Order will continue to push forwards, we cannot give them that platform." One member argued.
"We can possibly be diplomatic in this, have a treaty proposed," Lyse spoke up. "Order stays, allowed to work but keep the people out of it." It seemed peaceful until another way could be found. War should never be the first answer but that's what the Order likes, war.
"The Order will sign the treaty but they won't follow." Ben jumped in and he got some looks. "I should know I was their Commander." It meant if he says that the Order will do something then they will. "They're trying to rebuild and unless you show yourself in this then they will never see you as threat or a power." Ben finished.
"General Leia Organa," A voice joined in and Leia stood up and the room was quiet, the room always shuts up to hear what she has to say. Leia was a war hero and a war veteran. Her thoughts and opinions mattered and those here will listen whether they agree or disagree with her. A few of the older people of the Commonwealth bowed their heads as Leia stood up; some still see her as royalty. It never got old for Ben to see the power his mother still carries with her. One day when she does pass the light of the galaxy will dim and it'll remain empty for reasons unknown. "The Resistance, how prepared are they?"
"I can have them mobilize tonight if needed. We are fully operational." Leia was saying if the Commonwealth was ready to declare war and activate the Resistance as it's first act of a governing body then so was she.
"You will run the battle, who are the following commanders?" Lyse asked because it looks like her idea was out of a treaty.
"My son is Admiral of the fleet and so is Rey," Leia started but maybe Lyse doesn't understand fully who Leia is.
"I know of this Jedi, Rey but do you think she can control a fleet in a fight of this scale?" Lyse began to question the General. "She's been in this war for a year now while others longer. She's a scavenger at best, groundwork at best. What about Dameron?"
"Excuse me," Ben was now going to make sure the Commonwealth understood his stands. They have pushed around Rey, poked fun at her since the start. Ben stood up so everyone could see him. "Rey has survived on her own since she was five on a desert planet with no help, no weapons and no training. She's already saved more lives than anyone else in this room. The General picked her for a reason so yes she remains in charge." Rey didn't smile but she felt better. "I'd like to see you on the battle field." And the room was once more quiet and it was settled for now.
Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn, Connix and Chewie sat in a room at a table devising the battle plan. The Order had a blockade and control of the capital and surrounding areas. They were also spread through out the planet.
"We need to get a crew out there and scramble the signals so the rest of the fleet can mobilize and land." Finn continued on with the plan.
"I can do that." Rey announced and Chewy barked meaning he would help.
"I'll join." Connix added, Ben wanted to join but he was going to be needed to command the fleet down.
"We convene here," Finn pointed to spot that was a factory outside the capital. "How long can you keep the signal down?" He asked Rey and she shrugged.
"I can put a coding in, they won't detect us landing." Rey meant as long as they needed.
"How am I getting you guys down there?" Ben asked because they can't take just any cruiser. Plus once they are down there it will be enemy territory. Poe smiled a little while raising his hand slowly.
"I have a really bad idea." Poe finished.
Rey, Ben, Chewie, Connix and Finn followed Poe to a smaller part of the hanger to a covered ship. Poe pulled the covering off revealing a First Order cruiser. The group looked at the ship seeing it was a bit worn but the idea was clear. They all looked at one another and Chewie gave a both worried and disapproving bark.
"I don't even want to know how you got this." Finn added as Poe opened the ramp and the six started to head inside. They looked around the place knowing this might be their best bet for now.
"It's a supply cruiser and even though it's beat up it does fly." Poe added as Ben crossed his arms in front of his chest not completely convinced. The plan had too many chances of failure. It's an older ship for one; the Order rolls out new lines every year to keep them in top shape. One ding mark, one scratch that ship can be put out of commission.
"We'll need a code clearance." Ben made everyone aware. That was another issue and the reissues codes often as to counter hacking.
"We got the two best techs, I'm sure they can hack it." Poe looked to the girls. Rey and Connix looked at one another knowing they could get a code, it would take some time but it can be done. Ben continued to look around the cruiser making a checklist of items needed.
"We're going to need to fix this ship up," Ben started. "It needs to look like it just came off the assembly line. Gut out the place for a command crew that is needed, ground troops too." He finished and it looks like they have their jobs cut out for them. Just then their COMMs went off meaning another meeting was needed. The six left the cruiser to the hall.
After the high command gathered the screen before them turned on and it was a member of the Commonwealth.
"I have a request before you send the fleet to war." Goron stated and Leia let out a sigh. She was all for the new government but the Resistance should still operate nearly independent from them until the Order is defeated. "I want to send in Lyse to help oversee the war preparations and to observe."
"May I ask why?" Leia wanted to know.
"We are working as one correct? You send in one of your commanders, we send in ours." Goron made his point and while Leia didn't like it, it was valid. "We can send her to a meeting point, from there you can take her to the base." The command crew knew if they said no they could lose support of the Commonwealth, something they needed.
"Ok." Leia knew how to play politics and that's what some of this was.
Lyse walked through the base seeing the war preparations in order as the fleet checked their weapons and the ships. She was going into the chambers and main hall as the final plan was to made and confirm. The room was in a light chatter and she looked for Ben because he was the only one she knew out of everyone here. She couldn't find him though and she saw a long table near the front of the hall. The rest of the chairs were in rows facing the table. Lyse walked to the table and took a seat figuring this is where the leaders sit. A few of the officers saw her but the looks they carried were more in annoyance.
"The General." A voice rang out and the room stood still as Leia walked in followed by Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn, Connix and Chewie. Everyone started to take their seats and Rey walked to her chair where Lyse happen to be. Lyse stepped aside letting Rey sit and Lyse noticed there were only seven seats, she didn't have one. She walked over to Leia as the General was talking to another commander.
"Excuse me," Lyse whispered and Leia turned to her. "I don't have a spot at the table."
"Of course you don't, you're not part of the high command." Leia answered.
"I am in the Commonwealth." Lyse added and Leia didn't look impressed.
"You may sit with the others." Leia offered and Lyse looked offended. She then looked to Rey then back to Leia.
"She holds no titles yet she sits with the Commonwealth leaders." Lyse fired back and Leia smiled. She could see this wasn't all about overseeing the battle and reporting to the Commonwealth, some one like her son.
"Oh sweetie, you couldn't handle my son if you tired." Leia then walked passed Lyse and took her seat. Lyse stood there for a moment and then went to find a spot, all the way in the back. "We have prepared a battle plan for this mission. Unlike Naboo, this will be on a larger scale but we cannot go in full force, we will need to infiltrate so, Colonel Dameron will brief you all." Poe stood up and from the table.
"We have stolen a First Order supply cruiser and right now we are working on it. This cruiser will smuggle a team to the planet where they will deactivate the shields and scramble their network. The fleet will fly in once the shields and defense grid is gone." Then Lyse raised her hand and stood up.
"First, how did you get this cruiser and who will command this mission?" She asked and everyone looked around wondering who she was.
"This is Lyse from the Commonwealth, she is here to observe us." Leia answered the confused look.
"Well, Admiral Rey will lead the this mission although she doesn't have a full command base and crew." Poe finished and already several hands went into the air to volunteer. Poe shrugged seeing that wasn't hard. "Once they deactivate the shields we will go in. This isn't going to be an easy run either, plan being there for a few days." The room went into a small chatter. "Any questions?"
"This is an ice planet?" One officer asked and Finn nodded.
"Yes sir it is, bring your winter coats." Finn answered and everyone seemed ok. "You have all been given your tactical plans for your squads, any additional plans or suggestions needed to be present to anyone of us in the next seven hours, after that we roll out." The officers in the room stood up meaning they had no further questions.
"To your stations." Leia ordered and everyone filed out. Lyse was a little confused seeing that very little was said but the trust and understanding was felt.
The preparations had been made and the Resistance fleet was in formation leaving the planet. There would be the skeleton crew of the Resistance staying behind including the new Jedi recruits. The high command agreed to the plan and reported it to the Commonwealth and the green light was given. But there in order for the approval Lyse had to be present within the battle not watch from afar. Leia got the feeling after seeing this Lyse would either have a greater respect for war or she will be disgusted.
Down in the hanger the stolen Order cruiser was being packed with weapons and a squad. The cruiser was cleaned up looking new. But on the inside it was outfitted for assault. Blasters lined the walls, hand held computers were ready and bags that held water a rations were packed and ready for the crew.
"Once we land we'll set up base," Connix informed Leia as the General went to see them off. "Code word after the signal is down is Gen X." General nodded as Connix went to help loading the last of the cargo.
"You all be careful down there." Leia was always worried for them. She trusts them but war is unpredictable at all times. Ben walked with Rey hating being separated; he always felt they fought together the best. But right now this was the best option. They could not mount a full-scale assault but the Resistance always worked better this way. Rey and Ben stopped short of the cruiser and the crew filing in for the mission.
They didn't exchange words as Ben leaned into Rey giving her a kiss even cupping both her cheeks. When their relationship was new he would barely show any public display of affection. But these days he didn't care who was watching. Poe and Finn exchange smiles because this was the softer side of Ben, most of the time he was just big and scary. Ben pulled away and Rey smiled while he pressed his forehead to hers. There was always a risk of losing one another and they knew it.
"Be careful." Ben whispered and Rey nodded knowing he always meant it. Rey pulled away as she headed inside the cruiser and Ben watched her step inside safely. When Ben turned away he saw Poe and Finn smiling but the reformed Sith walked away to take care of his own business. But it wasn't just those two; Lyse saw it and Ben continued to walk away ignoring her.
"Time to get to work." Poe knew the fun had to end as he headed off with Finn following. In the cruiser Chewy took the co-pilot chair and Rey sat in the captain's chair. Connix came into the cockpit as well to help navigate.
"This is base one to Order cruiser." A voice came over the COMM.
"This is Admiral Rey, we are ready for take off." Rey stated.
"Order cruiser you are cleared." The voice confirmed and Rey started to flip the final switches and she started to pilot the cruiser as Connix placed the coordinates. Ben watched the cruiser leave the planet as he stood outside with the sunset approaching soon. He headed back towards the base knowing that the rest of the fighters will need to get ready to leave.
"Do the final check, be prepared to take off in one hour." Ben ordered as he headed for the main cruiser.
The stolen first Order cruiser came out of hyperspace and neared the blockade to the planet. Chewie was complaining about something as Rey looked to him.
"No, I don't think the Order had Wookies in mind when they designed this." She added and Chewie just brushed it off.
"Here we are." Connix announced as Rey piloted the cruiser. "If they figure this out then we'll need to get out of here quick." She added as she sat down. Rey knew they needed an exit strategy but she remained calm for now.
"We have you on our coordinates, please identify." A voice came over the COMM and everyone was quiet. Rey reached for a switch hoping this will work.
"This is Alpha cruiser requesting landing to the facility." Rey stated.
"Alpha cruiser, send in your clearance code for landing." The voice replied.
"See if that code works." Connix mumbled as Rey typed in a few things and sent it. Chewie then barked a little bit as if he was asking a question and Rey shrugged. "I don't know, just fly causal I guess." Rey answered.
"Alpha cruiser what is your cargo and destination?" The voice asked.
"Parts and supplies for base replacement." Rey answered and once more they waited as the seconds ticked by. Rey had her hands on the controls ready to pull up and get out of here fast. They would either be cleared or fired upon.
"Alpha cruiser you are clear to proceed." The voice stated and there was a collective sigh in the cockpit. Rey got up to alert the rest of the crew as Chewie piloted the cruiser down. The hardest part wasn't over. Now they had to land, hike it to the base, take it apart and then wait for the rest of the Resistance then fight. The cruiser landed in a wooded area as the crew stepped off into the snow. Rey saw her breath in the hair and cold hit her. She pulled out a navigator as they tried to get as close as possible.
"We're a day's walk; maybe two." Rey informed the crew.
"Alright then, better cover as much ground as we can before dark." Connix added and the small crew started off for their long hike.
The fleet was now hovering in space as they waited. Ben sat in a chair at the main station. It was quiet right now. He knew this was going to be longer than usual battle because they were not liberating a town or village; this time they were going to liberate an entire system. There will be those caught in the crossfire of this and homes will be damaged. They were not sure of the strong hold of the First Order but they were preparing for the worst. Also waiting for the call was going to make this seem longer.
"Your Majesty?" A voice asked and Ben slowly responded seeing Lyse there.
"It's Admiral for now." Ben answered meaning when he was in combat mode he was Admiral. Lyse nodded and took an empty chair next to him.
"You've seen many battles, what's it like?" That was an odd question and Ben wasn't sure how to answer. He knew Lyse wasn't going to partake in this battle but more or less observe. Maybe he should prepare for what she might see.
"From what side?" Ben asked because he has been on both sides of the war. Lyse didn't answer forgetting that he was Kylo Ren at one point. "For what it's worth, you never forget the screams." Ben finished hoping that would end the conversion. Lyse leaned back in the chair wondering how to now carry on this awkward conversion.
"How did you and Rey meet?" Maybe lightening up the mood could help. Ben looked to Lyse and sat up knowing what she was doing.
"Lyse, I know why and I also don't know why the Commonwealth sent you out of everyone." Ben answered.
"I volunteered." Lyse was honest.
"And why would you do that?" Ben asked because not everyone volunteers for war not lightly. Usually they have been affected by it.
"It was a chance to meet the legends, Leia, you, hear the stories about Han Solo. I grew up on all that." She seemed sincere about it. "I know this isn't the best time to meet my idols but how could I pass up the opportunity?" Ben leaned back in his chair once more. "So, we wait?"
"We wait." Ben answered and Lyse knew she wasn't wanted at the moment. But before she left she turned back to Ben. "There's talk among the Commonwealth about your past and that a few of the leaders are afraid you might turn or even be a double spy."
"I know." Ben knew there would be those who would never trust him no matter what he did.
"I'm going to be a queen someday and…how do you do it? Move passed the talk?" She wanted to know.
"Not everyone will like you Lyse, it's impossible. But I know who I am and I am trying." Ben answered with honesty.
"And Rey, rumor has it that she saved you." Lyse added wanting to know.
"She did, more than once." Ben added. "But that's not why we're together." Ben then stood up and Lyse kept forgetting how tall he was. "She's like me and she's one of the few I can trust in this galaxy. If anything, I'm fighting this war for her. And unlike you, she came from nothing and that means something to me." Ben then walked away leaving Lyse there.
Rey rolled over hearing a beeping noise seeing her COMM was flashing telling her to wake up. She felt that if she moved she would freeze to death. She was in her little tent and checked the location seeing they still had a few more hours of travel. She laid there for a moment letting the sleep go away and it was still dark out. She sat up knew the faster she got dressed the more warm would stay. They couldn't have any fires because it could give away their location so everyone probably froze a little bit overnight.
The squad was on the move and nearing closer to the base they were looking for. Rey looked through her scopes seeing the base was guarded and it was going to take some sneaking around.
"How do you want to do this Admiral?" A fighter asked as Rey removed her goggles and scarf off her face.
"Systematic detonation." Rey answered and while she couldn't see everyone's faces she knew they were smiling. "Meet back here in ten minutes." She finished the orders and everyone took off plant bombs. It would get enough of the Troopers away and they can get in.
Out in space the fleet still hovered. They were in position to go into lightspeed and be within the planet system in a matter of minutes. So far while no news was good news out in space, time just seemed to stand still. Everyone was worried for their comrades and for the fight to come. Each ship had like a training, gym area and for Ben he needed to burn off nervous energy and the punching bag in front of him was taking the hits. As he took a hard swing Poe and Finn came in.
"No word yet." Finn sounded frustrated because the three of them wanted be down there as well. Ben held the bag steady knowing he should probably clean up. He began to unwrap the tape around his hands.
"We just remain calm, not much more we can do. All systems are a checked and a go." Poe gave them that much meaning it was a waiting game.
"Go ahead and run another systems check, make sure all ground fighters are accounted for." Ben ordered as he tossed the tape away and grabbed a towel and took off.
"He's massive." Finn commented and Poe nodded.
"It's good thing he's with us." Poe added because to be on the wrong side the battle field with him charging you wouldn't run at him, more like away from.
The fighters met up with Rey as they were at back end of the control station. Connix linked up the detonators and they were ready. She pressed the button and the explosions went off. The base started to empty out and they headed in. Rey led the way as the fighters spread out putting up a perimeter and safety checks. The doors opened to the control room and Chewie roared and started fire at the Order workers. Rey and Connix headed to the computers and began to work.
"Put up a shield guard so they don't come this way, jam the lines too." Rey ordered as Connix began to work on that. Rey began to break down the defense grid and the shields so the Fleet can just fly in. As she did this she pulled up another screen getting all the data she could get about the nearby areas and operations. The codes they were putting in will be found but Rey and Connix were good about covering their tracks so it'll take them a while.
"They're in!" Poe yelled as he ran into the main deck. Ben got up from his little corner he's been hanging around in as Leia and Finn came in. The deck officers were at work and Lyse came in to see what was happening. Ben, Leia, Finn and Poe hovered over a big computer as data started to pour in.
"What's this?" Lyse asked as she squeezed in.
"They're giving us everything, infrastructure, timelines, all of it." The desk worker answered and Leia smiled.
"They're good." Finn commented.
"This means what?" Lyse asked as a line of coding came through spelling out Gen X. Leia looked to her boys and nodded.
"Saddle up people." Poe ordered and the deck started to place out the calls.
Down in the hanger while it may look like chaos it was all organized as orders were being yelled. The fleet was in hyperspace and they'll be arriving soon. Lyse walked around the fighters as they ran to their areas grabbing their weapons. She then spotted Ben climbing into a black X-Wing. She got closer watching him get ready while R2 was placed in his spot. BB-8 rolled to another X-Wing where Poe was gearing up too. Finn walked to Ben's X-Wing giving him the thumbs meaning they were just about ready. He did the same to Poe's and he head to his own cruiser to join the ground fighters.
As Lyse stood there she then saw what looked like an armor vehicle rolling to her. Leia then stood next to her.
"This is ours." Leia explained meaning they were going on the ground as well. Lyse then realized this was real, they were going into battle and she was going to see it all. The ramp opened and she followed Leia in. Leia was followed in by more commanders and went to sit up front as she placed on her earpiece. Lyse took a seat and buckled in. "I want all squadrons to report in." They were making their finally preparations and Lyse took in a deep breath not knowing what was to come.
Down in the snow the fighters ran through the thick powder. The main base of operations was further away but there was manufacturing area that they will need to take down and within the factory were civilians working day and night. This wasn't a small factory either; the Order has been working out of this system for a while now.
The fighters got closer and formed up. They knew the fleet was coming but they could go ahead and start to make their way in. Rey saw the entrance and Chewie barked something and she nodded.
"Wait here," Rey ordered and she started for the base. She took out her saber and started to cut through the door and kicked it down. She went in and was met with blasters but she easily blocked them. Her fighters then came in firing back at the Troopers. They moved forwards in the factory knowing that their presence was known. The sirens started go off the small team formed knowing more Troopers were coming but they still pushed through.
Just then there was a cry that caught their attention and Rey ran towards it. It was a group of the planet's people caged up. A woman out stretched her hand crying as if she was pleading. Rey without though took hold of the woman's hand. The woman was telling her something and was in tears. Rey knew that they were prisoners and they near starving too. Rey stood up knowing she couldn't leave them behind and she ignited her saber and cute through the cage.
"One of you stay with them." She ordered a fighter and one fighter stepped forwards to do so. The rest of the fighters continued to move down the factory. Just then from the bottom, the top and from side to side more Troopers came charging. The fighters circled up and started to defend themselves. As the Troopers were closing in Rey looked up hearing that familiar sound and she spotted one X-Wing in particular that she could pick out from a mile away.
"The fleet is here!" Connix yelled and the X-Wings started to fly into the factory, which distracted the Troopers. Ben flew into the factory clearing a way for the fighters and he got a glimpse of Rey knowing she was good. Rey pushed forwards knowing she needed to free the workers and get them out as the ground fighters were already storming the building.
Outside Leia's ground cruiser pulled up to the factory and the General stepped out as some Storm Troopers were trying to come out and fight. Leia held up her own blaster and took some shots hitting them. She was one General that was never afraid of a fight.
Ben spun his X-Wing through the factory firing at all the white uniforms he could see. He pulled up and back into the skies to get a look at where they were at and if any enemy fighters were coming. It looked like the code worked at least for now. Ben then piloted the X-Wing down and got out to help the rest of the fighters if needed. He ignited his saber and went into the factory and fought off a few Troopers. He could tell they were trying to call for help but they couldn't.
Ben then looked up as he saw Rey jumped down to his level and joined him back to back. All the Troopers could do was engage in the fight but with each passing moment they were becoming out numbered. And with two Force users they were greatly out numbered.
The factory was cleared out with the prisoners on the medical frater. Rey, Ben, Poe, Finn, Connix and Chewie were finishing the planting of the bombs to level the place. A couple of snow speeders were waiting for them and waiting on one speeder was Lyse. The six-man crew ran to their speeders and hopped on. Ben climbed into one as Rey joined up with him and they all took off. Lyse looked back and once they were in a safe distance the building exploded and began to fall. Lyse then looked to Ben and Rey as they ahead of everyone else. This wasn't the battle though; this was barely a glimpse. Where they were going was the capitol where the Order was and more will come. Lyse started to realize just how big this will get, hopefully the Resistance was ready.
A/N: Part one of the battle is done if you could call it a battle. The next part we'll see more. So now the Commonwealth is becoming stronger but anyone feel a little annoyed that they are sticking their fingers into the Resistance? And Lyse? What's her deal? Just think of her as a spoil brat about to have a rude awakening. Lot's more to come guys. What do you think so far? What do you hope to see in the coming chapters? Let's discuss.
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