Chapter 32 My World
The capitol city was in a mad rush as Storm Troopers ran around, the First Order leaders within the city scrambled as well. The people of the city were being pushed inside, some to cells others into their homes. A curfew was being placed and it started now.
Some homes and office buildings were now in service to the Order as it's own staff were in a mad rush to something.
"Sir! Sir!" A First Order worker ran to an officer. The officer was heading to the main station at this time. "Our signals are scrambled we can't get any messages out and the manufacturing base has been blown over." Information was coming in slowly but because of the virus Rey and Connix placed the Order was only getting pieces of information making it difficult to understand and read. And any messages that were being sent beyond the system were bouncing back to them. The First Order techs were working on it but the coding kept changing.
"It's the Resistance." The Officer announced. "They're here somewhere. Get a hold of Antar as soon as you can." He commanded but it was going to take time. "Prepare a scout team to look for the Resistance near by." Just then another worker came running to them frantically.
"It's the Resistance!" That worker yelled. "They are advancing according to the scout of Troopers from the morning watch!" He explained.
"Where?" The officer asked at least they have some eyes out there.
"To here." The worker answered and the officer stood there motionless for a moment. He was the commanding officer of the city and the one about to lead the Troopers into battle. He had to start somewhere and looked around.
"Get all the Troopers to the front now!" The officer yelled and those around him started to prepare for the battle. The officer knew he needed back up but how was he going to get help. He couldn't spare any of his Troopers at the moment.
A few miles away the Resistance was getting ready to storm the city. The ground team led by Finn started for their cruisers. Poe and the squads did the same with the X-Wings. Leia walked through what appears to be chaos but to the seasoned war vet this was organized. Lyse was with the General and they will be brought closer to the city once more areas were secured. As the Resistance went to their respected places Ben was out on a hilltop looking through a pair of scopes.
"Hey there." Poe greeted Ben as he too looked out seeing the city from a far. They would need to take the city before nightfall and that was the plan.
"What's the status?" Ben asked the Colonel.
"Ready when you are." Poe answered and Ben looked to their distention. This wasn't going to be easy. Taking the city meant nothing. It just meant the Order was going to hammer down even more on them. War was coming and the only winners will be those who survive.
"Green light it." Ben gave the go and Poe nodded and lightly beat Ben's chest in acceptance and headed out. Ben faced back to the city and he could feel it. If the Resistance not only frees this system and wins then Order will start to lose their own ground. This will either make or break the Resistance.
The signal went out and Rey slung her saber across her back as she mounted a ground speeder. She flipped the switches and then looked over seeing Lyse. To Lyse, Rey looked like two different people. The Rey she meant at the dinner looked like an elegant woman. This Rey though, she's seen many battles and the horrors that come with them. Rey put on her goggles and wrapped the scarf around her face to protect her from the harsh cold air that she was about to ride through.
The ground cruisers began to take off and Rey's little speeder led them to the city. Lyse looked around seeing that not all the fighters were going in and she looked for Leia. She found the General and headed over.
"General Organa?" Lyse asked and Leia looked up. "You're not sending everyone?" She asked thinking that might be the only way to take the city.
"No, we need two lines, the front and back." Leia answered and Lyse nodded. War and planning it seemed complicated. Lyse then saw Ben heading over to the line of X-Wings along with the rest of the pilots. For Lyse, this was getting real; she was about to witness a full scale battle.
The ground cruisers neared the entrance of the city and they were already being fired at. Rey managed to dodge the blaster rays and the cruisers around her began to fire back. Rey pulled up to the entrance to the city where the iron door was shut. She dismounted her speeder and ignited her saber and ran it through the iron door. The door started to turn a red orange and slowly began to melt. The cruisers around her continued to cover her as she slowly melted the door.
The hole she was going to create wasn't going to be able to fit everyone and they would funneled in. She would need to get in and open the door completely so they can breach the city. Finn ran up to her with a blaster and he was going to go cover her if needed.
"How's it going?" Finn asked seeing Rey was slowly moving the saber to create an opening. She looked to Finn meaning he needed to be quiet. "Take your time." Rey then took a step back and Finn pulled out a grenade to blow the weaken door. He laid the grenade right up to it and the two went behind a cruiser for cover. The grenade exploded and the door was broken. Rey and Finn ran in and Rey was already blocking the oncoming blaster rays. Finn found the panel box and lifted the hatch and turned a switch. The door started to rise up and Finn started to fire at the Storm Troopers.
Rey was already pushing through the crowd of Troopers paving the way. She kicked down a Trooper and then slashed at another. The cruisers outside began to let out the ground fighters as they piled in and pushed back the Storm Troopers. Rey held out her hand knocking back a few Troopers and continued to push through.
"Keep any civilians inside or far back!" Rey ordered through her COMM. Finn then threw another grenade as far as he could causing Troopers to run and allowed the Resistance to advance. Just then the X-Wings flew over the city and the all black Wing flew low and fired at the Troopers.
"Whoa!" Finn smiled. "Never gets old." He commented as Ben's X-Wing continued to down the road and the ground fighters continued to push into the city.
Deep within the city the command crew of the Order were watching on the screens what was happening. The commanding officer wasn't sure what to do though. Should he hold or evacuate his men? This city can't be taken but from the looks of it the Order was vastly out numbered at the moment.
"Sir?" A lower officer came over. "We have reports that their large capitol ships are coming." The officer continued to look at the screens knowing he needed to make a choice and it had to be now.
"All commanding officers, they need to leave, get the message out and contact the outpost." The officer ordered. "I'll stay and hold the city for as long as possible." The rest of the officers did as ordered and the commanding officer looked back to the screens knowing the city was going be lost to the Resistance. Of course he was going to put up and fight to buy time.
Rey crashed through a window with a group of town's people being held hostage. Rey looked around and ignited the second portion of her lightsaber and fought off the Troopers and protected the people. She punched one Trooper down and stabbed at another Trooper. One of the young girls in the group slowly reached for a metal pipe and swung at a Trooper and Rey blocked a blaster ray from hitting her. The two girls then went back to back to fight off the rest of the Troopers. The rest of the hostages all got up taking some of the fallen blasters and whatever else could be used as weapon and went to help Rey.
Ben continued to fly over the city taking out the Troopers he could see. He then piloted down the X-Wing to help the ground fighters as the Resistance continued to storm the city. As he fought a few Troopers easily he could see a tower that didn't seem to belong with rest of the buildings.
"Chewie?" Ben asked in the COMM and got a bark on the other end. "There's building about a mile into the city from the front gates, get a squad to secure it." There was another bark meaning Chewie was one his way. Ben started to fight off the Troopers in the area while he waited for the Wookie. Then the Falcon roared across the skyline firing on the Troopers as Ben continued his way through. The Falcon landed with another set of Fighters with Chewie following up behind them. "Come on," Ben instructed the Wookie and the two headed inside the building with the Fighters.
Chewie fired at the Troopers with his crossbow as Ben blocked the blaster rays. The squad will need to head upwards to the main room.
Rey found Finn as the Resistance continued to get into the city freeing those they could and pushing the Storm Troopers back.
"Death Troopers." Finn pointed out and Rey twirled her saber ready. The regular Storm Troopers were easy; Death Troopers took more to take them down.
Leia's cruiser pulled into the city and the General looked around holding her own blaster. Lyse followed seeing the capitol ships hovering over the city. This couldn't be that easy and there was more to come. The Resistance had to establish headquarters in someway. A few others of the high command gathered with the General to brief her.
"We're taking heavy fire about mid city. Solo is at the command tower with Chewie, Rey and Finn are leading some ground Fighters through the city." The officer informed the General.
"Have all X-Wing squads head to the back end of the city and begin to take control." Leia ordered and the command went out to Poe.
In the First Order Command center the officer continued to watch the city falling to the Resistance and then heard blasters going off. He grabbed his own blaster for protection. The doors then opened as the officer fired at Ben. Ben held up his hand blocking the blaster rays and then called the blaster to him. He squeezed the small blaster in his hand crushing it. The officer went to run but it was no use as another door opened and Chewie grabbed the officer.
"Get him to the command station." Ben ordered and Chewie nodded. "Search for any others." Ben went to leave and continue on into the city.
Rey and Finn along with the other Fighters were pinned down by the Death Troopers and a few tanks came rolling up behind them. Rey peaked over the building and right now there wasn't much of a way through. Rey then looked the other way seeing Ben's X-Wing coming in and started to fire giving them cover. Rey got out first followed by Finn firing at the enemy and Poe's X-Wing came in taking out the tanks with Ben.
The city was secured for the most part. The Troopers that had survived were arrested and those who lived in the city were rounded up to the medical frater to make sure they were ok. Those who were went home for now. The First Order tower now belonged to the Resistance and Connix was already hacking their system or further information.
Rey walked through some of crowds and they greeted her and thanked her. Lyse watched the moment seeing how these people were slaves and it had to be a long time, some were nearly skin and bone. No one was thanking her though even though she was among the Resistance.
Lyse made it to the command center and found Ben there setting up a few things before heading back to a capitol to clean up. She knows she hasn't seen it all yet.
"Now what Admiral?" She asked Ben and he looked to her.
"More will come." Ben answered her and she nodded.
"To here?" She wanted to know what was going to happen next.
"Sir, perimeter markers are up." A Fighter informed Ben and he nodded.
"If they come here all these people," She was scared for them seeing just how long they have been without help.
"We take the fight to them." Ben answered and Lyse nodded. Ben could see that she might be regretting this, coming out here.
"Why do you fight?" She asked him as Ben stood up looking back to her. "You were one of them, what changed?" That was a good question and one he kept to himself.
"I found something here the Order does not have." Ben answered her honestly. He wasn't here to gain power or fame. He was right on the ground with the rest of them. Rey came walking in and stopped seeing Lyse was here. She hid within the shadows to listen wondering what they were talking about.
"And when it's over then what?" Lyse asked another question understanding his answer from the first question. Although what really brought him from the brink was Rey and he stays for her but that's something he will always keep to himself.
"I'll go back to rule my people." Ben answered because that is what he was going to do. He took to the oath to do so. He'll sit upon his throne with his crown and rule over his people.
"If all returns to normal that's what I intend to do as well, my people, be their princess." Lyse added. She sighed knowing she should get this off her chest because it was awkward when they were around one another. "I wanted to join not just to meet Leia but to be here with you to understand. I'm not a fighter but I can offer something to the war and to you." She gave a sincere smile. "You have something a lot of men don't." Rey left the room to see what else might be needing her attention.
Lyse walked around the medical frater seeing the wounded and the very sick. This was the hard part of war. The fighting was one thing but the aftermath and death to follow was another. She saw those in pain and in need and those who will possibly die. Just then she saw Rey wiping her hands of blood. She was tying to help save a life but they had passed but they didn't pass alone. Rey's eyes were a bit teary as she looked to Lyse.
"What can I help with?" Lyse asked seeing she had a free set of hands.
"Some of them need water." Rey answered and Lyse went to see where she was needed. Rey headed out into the last hours of daylight. The air was getting colder and the last bit of shelters were going up. She didn't know why Lyse was bothering her so much and why it made her think so lowly of herself. It's because she's still seen as that scavenger. That will always be apart of her. But that wasn't her now, people needed her so she went back to tend to those who needed help.
Ben was finishing up in one of the capitol ships as the last of the defenses were set up. Just then the COMM started to blink. Ben pressed the button and one of the Commonwealth members was before him.
"What is the status Admiral?" The man asked and Ben folded his arm across his chest.
"The capital is secured, we'll continue to move once we know more. We've sent out scouts to keep us informed. Also our techs have hacked the rest of the computer systems." Ben updated them.
"Admiral Solo you are not engage in another battle until we send in some more members." The man stated and Ben nodded.
"If I ask why will you tell me?" Ben knew that answer and he knew why they were interfering.
"Stand down until then." The man ordered and screen went off as Poe and Finn joined Ben.
"Didn't catch that last part." Poe was saying he was ready for the next attack.
"Yeah, so what's the next step?" Finn was ready as well. There wasn't much right now though, the waiting was sometimes the hardest.
"Get everyone shifts ready." Ben gave the last order for the night from him and headed out. He went to find Rey.
In the medical frater Rey once more washed her hands knowing it was time to rest. She's helped where she could and the medical people can handle the rest. A few people died, some of their own and some of town's people. It was never easy but none of them died alone and that's what mattered. Rey looked up seeing Ben making his way to her and she sighed. He could see it on her face and wasn't going to ask any questions right now. Instead he reached out and embraced her knowing that's what she needed. Rey could fight any battle but when the innocent are the ones suffering, that took it's toll on her. Seeing the innocent suffer was her weakness and that's what made her human. Ben continued to hold her as they went to turn in for the night and try to rest.
Lyse saw the small moment between them. And in the last few hours working with Rey she was even realizing she couldn't do this day in and day out. This was the result of war. The battles and fights were one thing. But the aftermath, the destruction of homes, the loss of life and families, that was war. Lyse looked back to the entrance of the medical ward knowing more was coming and she stood there thinking if she had both the strength and energy to keep up tending to wounded, sick and dying.
Antar was in his chambers as a First Order officer came in with a disk. Within the room were Bleys and Yelnic and a handful of high officers of the Order. There was a briefing going about the status of the Order. The three Knights had finished up a training session as Antar sat in his chair while the two officers spoke.
"We have routed three hundred Troopers here and supply shipment will arrive to the 501 in two weeks." One officer stated and Antar nodded as the other officer handed the disk to Yelnic and the Knight took it. He walked to a computer as Antar sat in his chair closing his eyes to relax in the Force and the meeting was finishing up. Yelnic began to type as a message came up and Bleys walked over to the screen. The message was scrambled, missing words and making little sense. But it didn't take long for both Yelnic and Bleys to realize what the message said and they looked to one another and then to Antar.
"S…sir," Yelnic's voice was a little shaky and Antar's eyes opened slowly revealing the red and yellow puplis he now holds. "Supreme Leader…Solo and the Resistance they've…" Yelnic knew once this was said there was no going back. "They've made it to Ota and…they've sacked the capital." The room got heavy all of sudden. If Ota is taken then that is half their supplies and fire power. Antar sat there for a moment.
"Yelnic, Bleys, Croper and Shutx stay, everyone else leave." Antar was quiet and it only made things worse. The air was anything but quiet and something was about to break. Once the room cleared out Antar remained quiet looking around. "Ota's capital is gone!" There it is, the anger that they all knew was coming. "What the hell do I have you all for when we lose one of our main sources!" Everyone remained quiet. "How! How in the hell did they even know about Ota! Find me the person who betrayed us on that one! Hux, my only loyal officer is now locked up!"
"We are loyal to you Supreme Leader," Croper choked out.
"The hell you are!" Antar went on. "I am up to eyes in shit that you bring! You can't seem to counter the Resistance! And now, now they are building a new form of government! Ota was the main drive in this and Solo and Rey of Jakku may take it!" Antar held out his hand making Croper fly to the wall. "They have access to all of our data out there! Have we've shut it down!"
"We can't," Shutx spoke up as he looked to the garbled message. It's a miracle the message even made to them. "They must have some code,"
"A code! Then fix it!" Antar yelled even louder. "I want the last of our troops on Ota to burn the Resistance where they stand! I want Ben Solo and Rey of Jakku brought me!" Antar continued to rant and scream. "You fail at this Croper and Shutx consider yourselves replaced! Go to Ota and lead the charge! Prove your lives to me! If you fail and want to live you will not return!" Croper stood up as Shutx marched out of the room knowing the task at hand. Bleys and Yelnic stood there waiting for their orders. "They will fail." Antar's voice was quieter at the moment. It meant something was boiling. He sat back down taking a moment. "It's not the Resistance." He seemed to be talking to himself.
Antar tried to quell the anger he felt rising higher in his chest. He wanted to so desperately find Ben himself and confront him; stand face to face and fight saber to saber with nothing else but the Force. "As long as Solo and Rey lead they will find a way to cripple the Order." The Resistance can be crushed easily if the right people were taken away.
"Supreme Leader," Bleys spoke up. "It's Rey," And Antar nodded, he's known this for a while. Rey was Ben's driving force; she's the one that has created all of this. But he was given a warning about Rey by Cassy. Should he kill Rey then it won't be Ben Solo that comes for him nor Kylo Ren. He will be facing some monster of true and raw anger and hate. But maybe, just maybe in that raw power it will end up killing itself.
"We will see if Ota can remain in our grasp but we will work in destroying the Resistance from within." Antar began to form a plan.
"We have tried to get our people in but both Solo and Rey have been known to smell a trap." Yelnic added.
"We take this one slowly." Antar knew they are about to tread dangerous waters. If they plan on killing Rey then they must prepare for a storm and a massive one. This won't be an easy plan to carry out and they will need time. Bleys and Yelnic knew this plan can end the Order indefinitely but something had to give.
On Ota Ben was in his small quarters on CC Solo reading up on reports that seemed never ending. The Resistance had been forting the city and the people were trying to get back to their daily lives and rebuild. The Resistance was waiting to make the next move. A knock then was heard at the door as Rey looked over and Ben got up opening the door. A Resistance officer was there.
"High command meeting in ten minutes sir." The woman announced and Ben nodded and Rey heard that and got up. Ben called his saber to him and the two headed out to the command center for the briefing. As they made their way in so did Lyse and Leia waited. It meant some kind of new development was happening with the battle. Once the room was quiet the General spoke.
"The Order did manage to get a message out a very small and nearly incoherent message but one nonetheless." Leia began. "We are currently monitoring the situation with our scouts and intelligence committee. But as we continue to monitor we will plan for an attack both on the ground and in the air." Leia spoke to the high command. "I cannot tell you how long we have to plan so I am going to give no more than five hours of prep time." To Lyse that sounded like a lot of time but as she looked around the rest of the command didn't look impressed. "Dismissed." And the leaders got up with their work cut out for them.
Rey and Ben were together approving another plan as the battle preparations continued. But the two were called back to the command center. As they made their way in Lyse waited with a few new faces.
"I've brought in some oversight." She began as four members from the Commonwealth were here. Ben folded his arms across his chest and Rey knew that look. It was the look of not impressed. "Before you ask for authorization, the Commonwealth will take over operations." She seemed to say it a little proudly. Ben nodded his head but because he was accepting the new terms. He knew this ploy and he also knew how to work around it.
"You don't like how things are?" Rey asked wondering what was really happening.
"I have disclosed the entire report of this battle to Commonwealth and it wasn't much. They are not happy with the lack of information." Lyse answered and Rey continued to stand there.
"It's war, there's no…play by play or…handbook." Rey tried to educate Lyse because it was true. There is no structure to war. You can plan and go in with the intention of executing that said plan but there's always something that will change it.
"Admirals, we would like the full reports from start until now of this operations." One of the Commonwealth people stated. "From there we will operate what we deem necessary."
"What's necessary?" Rey asked as she felt some anger rising.
"Yes, there could be holes in the reports and plans and we want to be perfect in this." Lyse answered sounding sweet but there was ugliness in it. "Sometimes reports even your own aren't perfect."
"Excuse me Lyse, but there are no holes in any of mine or Resistance command crew's reports." Rey stated clearly.
"Prior to this," Ben finally spoke up. "This operation was granted clearance by the Commonwealth to Resistance," Rey knew he was getting somewhere. "Correct?" He asked.
"That is true Admiral but," Lyse was cut off before she could finish.
"So all this is under the jurisdiction of the Resistance headed by General Leia, Admiral Rey, myself, Colonel Dameron and Colonel Finn." Ben finished meaning unless an unexpected death happens to any of the high officers or possible conflict of interest then the Commonwealth could not take over like this. Ben then walked towards them. "You're more than welcome to stay." And Ben left as Rey stood there not wanting to smile but she let a small smirk show.
Ben was outside in the cold weather looking out to the horizon before him. He knows the political game and he wasn't going to play well with it. But right now his focus had shifted from the Commonwealth to what was before him…nothing. He bent over and took a handful of snow looking at it. Snow should be packed, cold and nearly solid. But the snow in his hand was more like slush. He then knelt down pushing aside more snow getting down to the ground itself. There was dirt and it should be rather solid but it was wet. As he touched it and while he had gloves on he could still feel the texture. It was sludge. The planet was already dying and if it falls to the Order then the snow will stop falling, the dirt will continue to turn into black sludge, the entire planet could have this happen.
Ben stood back up looking back to where the land and sky met. The cold wind blew and time was ticking. He knew the Order was coming but not from above, not directly. They wouldn't be able to take the city. They would need to draw the Resistance out. Ben headed back into the city knowing what the Order was going to do because he knew Antar's tactics.
The people of the city were placed in the medical frater and left the planet and will stay in space for now. The other capitol ships will also be within the system range but hidden from the Order. The city will become a ghost town for now as the Resistance empty out and headed north. The Resistance mobilized out of the city and into the wild country of snow. Lyse and the few Commonwealth leaders followed them as the Resistance marched out.
It only took an hour but north of the town was the main Order fortress and they were finishing up lining their troops. Most likely they were going to attack at nightfall but they saw the Resistance in the distance.
"They're here!" An officer yelled and the plans would now to hold. The Resistance was out of range for blasters so they will need to scramble for the bigger canons. And the TIEs were not ready.
"Ok, we've caught them in the middle of prep, good." Finn added as Ben looked around. "So, are we going to charge in?"
"Yes." Ben answered point blank. Chewie barked in disapproval to the answer.
"I hope that's the sarcastic side of you Solo." Finn knew though that was the plan. Ben then faced Finn, Chewie and Connix.
"Rey and I will go in first, break the line a create a diversion. First and second squad will follow in upon your command." Ben stated.
"Poe will come in overhead once we've breached the gates." Rey finished.
"Copy that." It was Poe's voice over the COMM.
"This mission will fail then." Lyse stated as she came forwards. Ben didn't move a muscle in his face because whatever Lyse had to say didn't mean anything. "You shouldn't even be in battle, you're a king." She played that card.
"Then as a king, what I do is not up to you." Ben stated and turned back to Rey waiting on her signal to charge. Rey looked on to what they were about to face and it was take the both to get this done. She let out sigh and started walking and Ben followed but the Resistance stood still.
"They're going to charge in by themselves?" She asked and her heart dropped. Rey and Ben were walking side by side knowing they will draw most of the attention to them. As they walked some blasters rays were fired but missed. Rey started to pick up her pace and began to run and Ben ran right with her.
"It's Kylo Ren!" Storm Trooper yelled and the Troopers all pointed their blasters. Rey and Ben took out their sabers blocking the rays getting closer. They had to back off but just like on Craite Ben held out his hand using the Force holding off the rays. Rey joined him as the Troopers continued to fire.
"Let's move!" Finn called out and the first wave of Resistance fighters ran to the gates. Lyse and the Commonwealth people stood there watching all this. Down on the ground as the two Force users continued to block the rays Rey let out a small whimper, things were getting heavy. Ben didn't break focus but he looked slightly to Rey as she took a knee. Ben did the same and with his free hand reached out placing it Rey's shoulder. It meant she was doing perfect and he was right with her. But it didn't last long. The rays started to disappear and the two looked behind them. The Resistance was firing back and they got up with their sabers and charged on.
Ben jumped high into the air slashing at the Troopers breaking the line as Rey slid to the ground taking more out. They would push through while the rest of the Resistance took out the enemy. Ben met back up Rey as the fought side by side and Rey made it to the front gate and looked up. She could do what she did to the city wall but that will take time. Ben met up with her and looked up too. Ben took a few steps back and charged at the wall and ran up it and reached for the ledge. He pulled himself over and Rey knew what to do. Ben held out his hand and Rey followed suite and he grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
They looked down seeing more Troopers and the huge base before them. They maybe way in over their heads looking at what was before them. This was going to be pushing a boulder up a steep hill but Ben ignited his saber seeing in the distance TIEs coming in. Rey ignited her saber as well letting both ends illuminate. They jumped down attacking the Troopers as Rey went to panel and slashed at it and the doors opened. The sirens began to sound and they've only just started.
In the skies the TIEs and X-Wings met head to head. Rey and Ben began to take on the Troopers as Resistance Fighters started to pour in. Ben then pulled Rey close to him as a tank fired at the Resistance. Rey and Ben's job were to take out the nuances of the Order and allowed the fighters to move with better ease. Rey then ran to a small Order gunner and took it and aimed. Ben moved through the clearing she was creating and some of the Fighters followed in. She then heard Chewie roar and smiled. The Wookie took control of the gunner as Rey went back to the fight.
Lyse ran into the fight seeing how fast the Resistance was clearing the place but it was far from over.
Ben and Rey came to a less crowded part of the base but the fight could be heard. They needed to take out the main tower. Doing so will smash whatever defense they have. It would also stop whatever signals going out to the Order and Antar would not send anyone else. It won't end the battle right away but the capitol ships will them come in with the second wave.
The two saw the tower knowing something was protecting it and this will take some time. Rey got to the door and type in a number and it open and they went in. Just the two of them will be more efficient than more people. They looked around the darker place ready to possibly even face a Knight although neither one felt any Darkside vibes.
They move swiftly and quietly and made their way to the center of the tower. They would need to go up the long flight of stairs they could see above them. But something was coming and they went back to back igniting their sabers. Death Troopers came out of the shadows and instead of blasters they had similar weapons to the Praetorian guards that Snoke had. That was this place security system.
They've done this before and that was what felt like a long time ago. The Troopers came in swinging and Rey and Ben blocked the weapons. Ben kicked one Trooper back and Rey Force pushed another away. Then Ben bent over as Rey rolled over his back slashing at one Trooper and Ben stabbed at another. For Ben this was the dancing he liked rather than that formal stuff. When they were like this they were both so in tune with one another just like in Snoke's Throne room. When they first went back to back that's when he felt the most balance he had ever felt. And now it only continues.
Rey and Ben stayed closer dodging the weapons and blocked them. There were only six more to take out but things were about to get a bit more complicated. Rey blocked an oncoming blaster ray that came from above. Ben looked up briefly seeing more Troopers coming. Ben kicked away another Death Trooper knowing they would need to think fast. But then another blaster came through and the owner of that ray stepped into the light, it was Lyse.
She continued to fire at the Troopers allowing for Rey and Ben to take on the Death Troopers and taking them out one by one. Once the place seemed cleared the three started for the stairs up. But the quietness was short lived as more blaster rays came in. Ben stopped climbing and blocked off the rays allowing Rey to keep going and Lyse followed.
Climbing the stairs was hard and Rey thought enough of this and jumped out to a higher section. Lyse saw the massive leap and knew she couldn't do that so she continued to go up by foot. Down below Ben saw their progress but it was still taking time as he continued to fight off the Troopers.
"Solo?" It was Poe. "We're making our way down, what's your status?" The pilot asked.
"Busy!" Ben answered as he slashed through four Troopers at once.
Rey then ducked and dodged some oncoming Troopers and ignited her saber and continued to plow through them. Lyse ran up after Rey to help. Rey kicked one Trooper over the railing and turned to face Lyse but more Troopers came in from behind.
"Lyse! Move!" Rey yelled and the young woman turned around and ducked as the blaster rays came in. Rey blocked them and Lyse rolled over and began to fire at them helping Rey. The Troopers were gone but then Rey let out a cry of pain and fell. Lyse watched as Rey rolled down a few steps and then grabbed her leg. Lyse stayed low as she got close to Rey seeing the blaster ray went through Rey's thigh. Lyse aimed at the Trooper killing him and tend back to Rey who was already getting up. Lyse helped her and they continued their way up the stairs.
Down below Ben heard the scream and it dropped his heart and made fight harder to get up the stairs. As he was being slightly overwhelmed a familiar Wookie came roaring in with his crossbow. Up above Rey and Lyse made it to the lonely computer. Rey began to type away and down below Ben was climbing his way up. A few Fighters came in as well to clear the area and a few more ran up the stairs as well.
Ben made it to the last floor as Rey continued to work. But he caught her wound on her thigh as it was bleeding. Ben grabbed one of his sleeves and ripped it off. He walked to Rey as she worked and he started to tend to her wound by tying the sleeve around her thigh to stop the bleeding. Then a few Resistance Fighters made it to the top and without any orders started to plant bombs.
"Ok, distress signal is on hold and I reorganized the external messages telling the rest of the Order to leave." Rey stated. That last order will look like a message from the high command of the First Order and they will follow it.
"Time to go then." Ben stated and then scooped Rey into his arms knowing he needed her off her feet and also to get her downstairs and out the door on one leg wasn't going to work. The wound was an easy fix but for now he'll just carry her. Ben climbed the railing and jumped down landing with ease as Lyse watched. She followed the rest of the Fighters out and once the building was cleared it was blown. Once that happened then capitol ships will come in and make rain taking control.
The battle was still going on as Ben continued to have Rey in his arms. She slipped out and ignited her saber blocked more rays and Ben followed suite. A blaster wound to the leg wasn't going to sit her out of this one.
Antar destroyed the high command crew of the First Order and stood before their wasted bodies. He would need to find more competent ones and consolidate his powers. Ota was lost and the battle plans would need to change, but how?
Rey sat outside the central post on Ota. Her thigh wound was healed but sore. Ota was a battle won and the system pledge itself to the Commonwealth. The Resistance will leave in a few days once all First Order Troopers and officers were taken into custody. The sun was setting and the cold winds were approaching. She should probably get into some place warm soon. Being in the cold from time to time was nice, it was a stark contrast to the desert. Lyse shook her for some reason and she shouldn't have even though they worked well as team by the end. Rey then looked up seeing Leia walking to her and she took a seat on the boulder next to her.
"Beautiful." Leia commented the setting sun against the surrounding mountains. "What's on your mind Rey?" She dived right in and looked to the young woman.
"The Commonwealth, interfering." Rey answered and that was bothering her.
"It's all politics and war Rey, that will never go away." Leia stated clearly. "But it is the Commonwealth or a certain some one within the Commonwealth?" Leia knew there was more. Rey didn't answer and just looked to the sun. Leia scooted closer to her. "At some point in time Rey, Lyse would have been the perfect choice for Ben; Royalty and power. They would have been married to expand territory, maintain blood lines and grow their wealth." Leia was honest and she knew she had to be. "There was such a time." Leia looked to Rey. "That time has long disappeared."
Rey then looked back to Leia. "Ben is not going to be a traditional king when this is over. He will not marry royalty; he has barely followed royal protocol. And you are the only woman he can see." Rey wanted to smile but she didn't, she just felt like crying. "You are both his greatest achievement and love and you will be greatest loss and sorrow." Leia wanted to have a heart to heart with Rey because she can very well be the next queen of her people.
"Why me?" Rey asked and Leia smiled.
"Sometimes people are born with greatness. Ben was, he carries the blood of Skywalker, he comes from queens, he comes from greatness. But other times greatness and power are thrown on us whether we wanted it or not." Leia answered simply and it made sense. "You have been chosen for some greater good and he sees it. You may one day be queen of my people Rey," That was a scary thought.
"You believe that?" Rey asked because she didn't fully. Leia gave a warm smile and nodded.
"I do." Leia answered. "It's not going to be easy though, you'll put aside certain things, another form of duty calls. The one thing that goes aside and Ben will have to do this as well if he hasn't already, is to say good bye to your former self. You will no longer be Rey of Jakku or Lady Rey. You will take on a royal name and title."
"And what will that be?" Rey asked.
"Possibly Rey Regina." Leia answered and that made Rey nervous about that name, a very real name. "But that's…" Leia trailed off. "The job, the titles and the crowns, the names…that's not your job or your role. Ben is as you are to him." Rey continued to look to Leia. "When you take away the title, the crown, the robes it will just be him. He will fight for his name because Kylo Ren will still be known. As a possible queen, it will be your duty to defend his name as it will be his to defend you." Rey can do that. "You both will be the sole purpose of your duties, loving one another as you do now. The center must hold and a queen will always protect her king." Rey smiled a little bit. But there was an understanding between the two. Ben was still susceptible to the dark and corruption and Rey could still very much lose him to the Darkside. But Leia was asking not to protect Ben physically but emotionally, to be the foundation he needs if he ever breaks; to be there if no one else will.
Too many have given up hope for Ben and some still believe he is not worthy of where he stands. Many will continue to believe that but it's up to Rey to be there when it all goes dark. And so far she has, she went to him first to save him when Luke told her he could not be saved. When all is taken away and it's just them, it maybe all they have. Sometimes you live on love alone and if Ben has no love or loses belief in love he will die and something more than Kylo Ren will take over. For Leia, she was looking at the person who saved her son and she knew Rey will continue to do so.
Leia reached out taking Rey's hand into hers. Rey accepted the gesture and the new duty she will one day take on. Rey scooted closer to Leia and rested her head on her shoulder as the two watched the sunset together but the battle still continues.
A/N: Well…a lot has happened and we're not done yet. Now that the Commonwealth is gaining speed and pairing up with the Resistance do you think that creates more of an alliance or possible friction? The Resistance has taken out an Order establishment what happens next? What's Antar's plan and will it work? What about Rey and her possibly future with Ben? Their relationship is fine but what does the future look like as they continue to get closer? And who wants an Antar and Ben Solo stand off? Oh lot's to come. Let's discuss.
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