Chapter 33 Composing Hallelujah
Rey and Ben were slowly climbing up a tower. Within that tower sacrifices were happening and also within the tower one of those sacrifices was a Force sensitive user. They climbed over the railing and looked down. This mission wasn't in the books though and even Leia didn't know about his. Now they had to climb back into the tower and Rey grabbed the robe but Ben took her shoulder.
"It's ok Ben." She assured him with a smile and climbed down first and Ben followed. They made it down and a human sacrifice was already started. "What is this?" Rey whispered.
"An Occult." Ben answered as he looked around. "There in the dungeon area." Rey nodded and they both went down a very low-lit hallway. They descended down some stairs and came to the cells. Rey covered her nose as the place smelt of death. They started to look into the cells as they walked down the prison. One thing was for sure they couldn't leave these people in here like this. But about mid way in a small cell the found a person and both Rey and Ben felt it.
"I'm Rey of Jakku." Rey introduced herself and the young woman knew who she was. Ben began cutting the bars and she climbed out. Both Rey and Ben began to free the other prisoners as the young woman stayed close to Rey. Just then a small child screamed as a giant serpent came slithering out.
"It's their god." The woman explained and Ben rammed his saber up the snakes jaw. The giant snake tried to pull away but when it did the saber cut it's face nearly in half. The snake continued to move as it was dying. Ben slammed his saber down slicing it's head off and looked at his clothes. Some blood had got on him.
Rey and Ben returned to base and as they made their way through the hanger and Leia was there waiting, nothing could get passed her. Ben was still slightly covered in dried snake's blood and Rey was just a bit filthy as those cells were made into the earth back on that planet.
"We brought back a Forcer user." Rey explained and the Leia looked to her son, as he was a mess.
"Giant snake." He answered and Leia sighed and walked away knowing arguing wasn't worth it right now.
Rey and Ben cleaned up for the night. Rey finished some work on the computer and walked over to the bed as Ben stepped out of the fresher. He then watched her for a moment as she wore thin clothes. Rey felt Ben's gaze and turned facing him. She stood wondering what he was going to do. Ben walked to her leaning in for a kiss. He then bent down just slightly and hoisted Rey up into air while still kissing her. Rey pulled away a little with a small smile as Ben walk towards their bed.
Ben placed her on the bed and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Rey never let up the kissing as Ben sunk in closer to her as the heated kissing and groping continued. They weren't sure why this time around seemed more out of control but instead of questioning anything they just tore each other's clothes off or what they considered was left of clothing.
Rey and Ben were in a sparing match together. They were done teaching the new Force users or as the ancient text called them padawans. Ben seemed to overpower Rey faster than he usually does and usually they match one another. He then backed off as Rey stood there.
"Are you holding back?" Ben asked and sighed a little.
"Feel a little off like can't seem to get moving." Rey answered meaning she was having a bad training day. She didn't want to think that way because she can't not against a Knight or Antar because 'hey, I feel off, wanna try a different day?' wasn't going to wor. Rey gave a fighting stands meaning they can finish and she'll give it what she has.
A few days later Rey heard her alarm ringing and she shut it off. Ben was already gone probably to take care business for Alderran. She laid there for a moment knowing in an hour or so there would be the daily briefings. She felt wiped out though as if she didn't get any rest. She sat up in bed yawning and there was knock at the door. She knew who it was and he let himself in as she was getting breakfast in bed. She got use to the idea of breakfast in bed real quick.
"Do you require anything else Lady Rey?" Aramis asked and Rey smiled, he was such a nice man.
"No, thank you." Rey answered and he was off and Rey looked down to the breakfast but she wasn't hungry. She just wanted lay back down and she did but not before giving an uncomfortable sigh and her whole body felt sore. She and Ben had begun a different training regiment and that explains why she felt the way she did. She should eat to fuel herself so she can teach the new padawans.
Rey rolled over and opened her eyes and shot up. She didn't even remember falling asleep but the time was more than late.
Rey made it to the top of the mountain and the padawans were already in their meditation session. Ben looked over seeing Rey was there and finally awake. He had gone to wake her but she didn't budge. Although he has done that himself, oversleep. Rey made her way to him.
"Sorry," She apologized in a whisper but Ben understood. They have been working hard for a while and some times you need the rest.
"Finish up with them, I need to look over some things." Ben had to attending to some kingly duties today and Rey nodded. Ben will catch her up on anything else she might have slept through but she felt pretty good for now.
The evening rolled around and not much occurred for the base just business as usual. But for Rey the perkiness she had during the day was gone and she was back in her room in the fresher hovering over the lavatory. She wasn't sure how much more she could vomit but more came out. Finally she felt better and sat there for a moment in a cold sweat. She can count on one hand how many times she's been sick and it looked like she was coming down with something. She was slow, tired, achy and sore and now the vomiting. She could run to the medical bay and pick up a self-tester and figure out what it was.
Rey stood there and finished the steps and grabbed the little card reading it making sure she did everything right. She then rubbed her finger, as she had to prick it for a small blood sample. She now had to wait until the little machine beeped. Rey walked around the fresher feeling nearly sick to her stomach wanting to vomit again. Was she catching a virus? What if she was becoming ill? Hopefully the little blood test will give an answer or at least point her in the right direction. She just let out a sigh and then heard a small beeping sound. She then held up the card and looked for the matching number. It took a second to find the number but a nanosecond to drop the device and the card to the floor.
Rey looked into the mirror and barely could breathe. She turned on the fountain and splashed some water on her trying to cool down. But instead she felt worse and felt that nauseating feeling again swept over her. She went to the lavatory and threw up once more.
Rey swipe through looking at some information hoping to find something else but each test she took all were giving the same results. Well now it was time to accept the results and she punched in some numbers as recommended. Rey let out a sigh reading more information and it was all making more and more sense. She closed her eyes trying to calm herself. How did this happen?
Rey was somewhat zoned out as she sat in a chair out in the hanger.
"Rey?" Rey seemed to come to her sense and looked to Finn. "You ok?"
"Yeah, yeah," Rey stood up trying not upset her stomach. "Um…what were we doing?" She asked and Finn seemed confused.
"We were going to go over more data files." Fine seemed concerned for his friend. Rey could see his concern.
"Just been tired, think I might be coming down with something I don't know." Rey brushed it off and Finn nodded. He knew something was up but unless she wanted to talk about it then she wasn't going to say much.
The two were working on some data files they obtained from the Order back Ota. Rey concentrated really hard on the nausea as in trying to keep it at bay. But she did have a question to asked.
"Do you think…do you think Ben would make a good father?" Rey asked and Finn stopped typing and looked to Rey slowly. "Like he's a king now and he's doing ok with that and I know kings need children to keep the linage." Rey was rambling on trying to hide something that could be considered because yes if Ben remains king he will need an heir to the throne. "So, would he be a good father?" Rey finished. Finn wasn't ready for that question and it came out left field.
"Uh…I don't know…I mean…I don't…" Finn wasn't sure how to answer. "I've seen him with kids and…" Finn didn't know what to say. "Why? You want to started a family?"
"Oh no, just…you're right I've seen him with children and at some point…" Rey knew this was bad idea to ask. "It just something that popped up."
"I'm not the right person to ask." Finn stated. "Never knew my own father so I'm not sure what makes a man a good father." And he was honest which Rey did appreciate. "But in my honest opinion if Ben were to have a spawn of his own, I can see him owning it." Meaning Ben would live up to the duties.
Rey found Poe working on an X-Wing as this one was damaged. They can get a new one but before he scraps this one for parts.
"Admiral," Poe acknowledged and Rey smiled as he continued to work.
"Can it be saved?" She asked striking up a conversion. Poe shrugged looking at the X-Wing.
"Trying to, starter motor is gone, blown it'll need a new one." Poe explained. "Also one of the wings is gone." It was a stretch but there was a possibility of it being saved.
"I have a silly question." Rey decided to jump in. "Did you know your parents?" She asked and Poe looked to her. Poe knew that Rey's parent's dumped her off on Jakku when she was child so maybe she just wanted to know what parents were like.
"My mother Shara Bey, was an A-pilot and my father was Kes Dameron, he was part of a special ground force known as the Pathfinders led by Han Solo just after the Empire fell." Poe explained; he came from the Rebellion when you think about it. Rey smiled a little at that. "During a mission my father was killed in action, I remember him a little, he died when I three." Rey felt sympathy for him. "My mother she came down with a Red Fever and couldn't shake it, she died when I was fifteen."
"I'm sorry." Rey was because losing a parent had to be hard. Poe didn't seem bothered by it though.
"Not much to say, they were both heroes in the Rebellion and I guess I'm keeping up with that now." Poe continued to tinker and Rey smiled a little. He was at peace with the past as his parents' memories and legacies lived on through him.
"Did…did you know Ben before he turned?" Rey asked and Poe sighed.
"In passing," Poe answered. "I'm about three years old than him but I can say I remember seeing him when he was younger. Never forgot those big ears, at least he grew into them." That made Rey smile a little bigger but Poe knew she had deeper questions or at least thoughts. "Why you ask?" Maybe she was trying to get an understanding who Ben was before the darkness.
"Well," Rey sighed, she was burning to tell someone but she couldn't, not yet. "This is another question and honest answer…you think Ben would make a good father?" Poe was quiet as he was actually thinking about it. It would make sense Rey would ask this, she and Ben were together, this war could end and Ben being a king will need to produce an heir if he wanted his bloodline to continue. But would he or could he be a father.
"Depends on what you consider a father is." Poe answered and Rey didn't understand. Rey didn't know what a father was and the closes thing that she come to as a father was Han. She tried to find a father in Luke but he kept her out. On Jakku there aren't very many families so she's never seen a male species take care of its offspring. "There's two types in my mind on what makes a father," Rey listened. "I think any male out there can be a father but I think it takes a real man to be a dad." And that made sense. Many male species father a child but not all raise that child. "As for Ben…I can see it, I can see him protecting his kid and loving it. I didn't think Ben was capable of love until you came around." That last part made Rey's heart happy.
Rey was in the fresher looking at the mirror and turned to the side. She had a flat stomach, always had. It was still flat as she lifted her tunic seeing the skin. She placed her hand on her belly and closed her eyes and went into the Force. She went into the Force to relax but to possibly see. Her eyes flashed opened feeling this energy. She felt her eyes get hot with tears as she looked into the mirror. She tried to calm herself, crying wasn't going to change anything, not now. She wiped a tear away as the emotions were getting to her.
This wasn't the right time at all. How unfair would it be to bring life into this galaxy the way it is now? The war, the death, and to bring in something so small, so innocent, that it may be fighting for it's life the moment it takes it first breath; how could she do this? And then Ben, what about Ben? She will have to tell him, she can't hide this forever. How would he react? Anger? Fear? Doubt?
Rey stood at the beach with the sun setting letting the water wash on her feet. She only had questions and no answers and she felt exhausted. Rey took a seat in the sand and just knew she needed to be by herself for a moment. Maybe the clean air will let her breath, clear out this sickening feeling she now has constantly. Rey then laid back and looked into the sky of blues, pinks and greens. She decided to shut her brain off, that's all she could do.
The room was dark and Rey could hear Ben's soft breathing as she sat up next to him. She looked over to him as he slept completely unaware. Rey then looked to the time, she could get up now if she wanted. Ben would be waking up in another hour or so. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his bare back and with a light touch let her fingertips glide down his back. She got up slowly and went to get ready.
The day started out as normal but the food before not only looked unappetizing but the smell was slowly flipping her stomach. She eats but once a day if she can even hold it down. She sighed pushing down the nausea and went to eat knowing she had to.
After breakfast it was the high command briefing and as Leia talked Rey just wanted to sleep. She pushed back a yawn and rested her head in her hand propping her elbow on the table. Ben slightly looked to her seeing she was falling asleep. He nudged her slightly and Rey sat up. She then looked to Ben and he gave her a concerned look. She brushed it off and refocused.
"When is the next Commonwealth meeting?" Leia asked looking to Ben.
"Two weeks." Ben answered knowing it meant he would need to attend. The meeting went on but Ben needed to talk to Rey.
The two were on top of the hill over the base with their new padawans, ten of them now. The young Jedi were doing their warm ups as Rey watched. Ben came up to Rey and stood close to her.
"Are you ok?" He asked and his voice held concerned.
"Yeah," The answer was very absent and Ben didn't buy it.
"Rey, you've been sleeping a lot, you're unfocused and you look tired." Ben pointed out his observations. "What's wrong?" Now was not the time, but when will there be a time.
"Later, I'm not feeling well," Rey then started off back to the base leaving Ben there. Something was off he knew it but he would wait because she always did for him.
Rey sat in the medical bay knowing she needed to be sure. She sat in the room waiting as a medical person took some blood work. Maybe it was something else and part of her hoped it was. The door slid open and Rey looked to the medical person. He nodded in confirmation and Rey let out a big sigh.
"I need you to start taking these." He handed her a bottle of something. "Nourishment pills, you need to take one each day." He instructed her and Rey took the bottle. "I want to see you once a month." He kept going on but Rey was in a daze looking at the bottle, this was happening. He then handed her a disk. "It has the weekly breakdown and information to read. Now, lay back,"
"What?" Rey asked finally coming back.
"Lay back," He instructed and Rey did and he held a small machine. "Lift up your shirt." He stated and Rey did that and he placed the little machine on her belly and then it began to print something. He took the machine off her stomach and Rey sat up fixing herself and he hand the little picture to her. "It's small, but it's there." Rey looked at the image and fought the tears.
Rey sat in the Falcon feeling this could be the safest place right now. She studied the picture before her and placed her hand on it. It was just this little blob if anything but she couldn't take her eyes off of the picture. The tears were no longer fresh and slowly drying. She then set the picture down for a moment.
"Come on, come on," She was trying to put some kind of strength into her. She wiped the tears away. This was bigger than her, than the war. She took in a deep breath and let out a long sigh causing her whole body to actually relax. She can do this. She survived on her own nearly fifteens years, she beat Kylo Ren, became an Admiral of the Resistance and hell she may be a queen some day; she can do this. Rey grabbed the little picture and it was time to tell Ben. She tucked the picture away and would show him, that would say everything.
Rey left the Falcon and now she needed to find Ben but first she was super thirsty; finally her stomach wanted something in it. She headed to the mess hall to get something and she was craving something sweet if anything. Once she reached the mess hall she took caution not to breathe deep or her stomach could flip. She made it to the drink area and found what she wanted and poured her drink and left.
The cold sweet bubbly drink was amazing right now and she felt a little energy from it. Just then her COMM went off.
"Rey," She answered it.
"We need you in the computer station." It was Connix. Rey wanted to speak to Ben first but it might have to wait but then again she can prepare herself even more.
"On my way." Rey confirmed and turned back around but in doing so she bumped into Finn. Rey managed to save her drink but something else fell.
"Oh, so sorry," Rey apologized but Finn smiled and Poe was passing by and saw the small funny moment but then saw something on the ground. "Oh, no wait," Rey wanted to grab the paper but Poe beat her to it. Poe looked at it for a moment and then looked to Rey in shock. Rey stood there motionless and Finn was confused. Poe looked around and reached out to Rey and Finn pulling them away from the crowds to be more private. Poe then hugged Rey and that confused Finn even more.
"You're pregnant?" Poe asked pulling away and Finn's eyes widen and he grabbed the picture to look at it. Poe then hugged Rey again. This wasn't the reaction she thought she would get but it felt good. Poe pulled away and Rey looked to Finn and he looked away from the picture and likewise took Rey into a hug. He was gentle in the hug too. Finn pulled away and Rey took the picture from Finn looking at it.
"It's not a big deal." Rey brushed it off but the two men's eyes widen and Poe shook his head no, this was a big deal. Then Finn looked to Rey's drink and quickly took it from her. "Hey," Rey protested and Finn held it further away.
"Yes, yes it is a big deal and first no," Finn then tossed the drink to a nearby trashcan. "Only water for the baby." Finn made it clear but there were more questions.
"How far?" Poe asked because by the picture there was clearly something in there.
"Eight weeks almost nine." Rey answered and tucked the picture away making sure now it was more secured.
"Rey, wait, does Ben know yet?" Finn asked because that question about if Ben was going to make a good father came back. It now made sense why she asked but did Ben even know.
"No, not yet." Rey was honest and before she ran into the boys and before Connix called she was going to tell him.
"I mean sooner or later he'll find out." Finn made sure she knew and Rey nodded. She knew they were trying to help and it but she needed to continue on.
"I need to get back to work." Rey wanted to push this aside for now.
"No, no you need a fluffy soft pillow and rest." Poe insisted because she did. He sees how hard she works and she continues to do so despite the unfolding news.
"I'll rest later." Rey wasn't going to back down. "Please, don't say anything right now." She begged and they knew she was serious. Both Poe and Finn nodded promising and she knew they could. Finn couldn't help but hug her again and Poe joined in. They let go and Rey headed off leaving them.
"Didn't think Solo had it in him." Finn commented as the two boys stood there and Poe chuckled a little.
"We're going to be uncles." Poe added realizing it and that just made Finn smile even bigger.
Rey made it to the computer room and quickly took a seat with Connix.
"Sorry," Rey apologized again and Connix shrugged it off. "What's going on?" Rey asked as she looked to the screen.
"We've mapped out these sectors," Connix began to type and talk at the same time. "After Ota and the data the Order wants to build refineries for weapons and machinery production. These systems are a potential target if not already." Connix finished as Rey looked.
"Send some scouts to see if they are taken?" Rey suggested and that seemed to be a good idea. "That one," Rey pointed. "That one is close to home." That would be system number one to check and to watch closely. "Get a report going for Leia and Ben can also present it to the Commonwealth." Rey gave the instructions and stood up.
"You ok?" Connix asked because Rey was slow moving.
"Yeah, think I'm catching something, feeling sluggish." Rey answered and Connix nodded meaning she could handle this. Now Rey had to find Ben.
Ben was at the Falcon with Chewie as they were going to work on the external landing gears. They were actually in good condition but replacing them now may save them later. Ben was wielding new pieces together on one landing gear while Chewie worked on another. Poe and Finn came over to Admiral to summon him. They didn't know if Rey has said anything and if Ben was working and tinkering it meant he didn't know.
"Solo," Poe's voice cracked and Finn gave him the oddest look. Poe cleared it and went to try again. "Excuse me." Poe hoped he didn't pick up on that. Ben set aside the wielding gun and stood up removing his mask and picked up a towel wiping his hands. "Leia is calling for some briefing."
"Some briefing?" Ben asked because that came out weird and Poe looked over to Finn because Ben was looking at him with a confused face. Poe saw Finn was smiling ear to ear and Poe nudged him to break him out of it because not only was he smiling he was staring at Ben so it might even look creepy.
"Twenty minutes." Poe gave a time frame and he went to leave and Finn stumbled away. Chewie then barked something that sounded like a question.
"Who the hell knows." Ben answered and put his wielding mask back on and continued to work.
Ben was the last one into the room and took a seat next to Rey, as she seemed a little more with it now. Maybe after this she can tell him. Leia stood up to started the meeting.
"No reports of the Order attacking and I'm sure they have changed as much as they could from the data we did obtained." The General started. "We now have some information one possible systems under threat and those potentially in the line of fire."
"What do you propose then?" Poe asked because the Ota battle was successful, the Commonwealth was giving the Resistance money and backing. They were now a legitimate threat against the Order once more and may be even worse than before. They can't just wait for an attack and would have to shift their focus on preventing attacks but how? They had to be careful on that front. They had to be watchful but not create fear they were infringing on those of the galaxy. It's one thing to go and save the day but it's another neutralizing a threat before all information was gathered.
"I am calling for an early meeting with the Commonwealth and it won't just be Rey and Ben going, Poe and Finn as well." Leia stated. "We need to work with them closely now," The shift was happening. Had the New Republic allowed and worked closer with the Resistance then maybe they wouldn't have been wiped out. Rey, Ben, Finn and Poe weren't sure about the full team up though. But that's why all four were going to join forces but draw some lines. This is how a new government was formed but checks and balances were key and both the Resistance and the Commonwealth will have to check one another in this.
Not all the leaders were out here but enough of them were and the others will get the memo later. Ben was among some of the leaders as they congratulated him for Ota. Two older men of the Commonwealth who were not entirely for Ben stood together watching. Not only was Ben in the spotlight but so was Rey.
"Some act as if he's a god." The first older man commented. "Kylo Ren still is there. He's not going to rule the Commonwealth when this is over." And that came out more as a threat than a comment.
"No, but the galaxy is loving him therefore we must kiss ass until then." The second man added, hopeful Ben will just disappear for them when the war ends. Everyone was being called forth to early meeting. Poe and Finn haven't been to a meeting and seeing Ben wearing the smaller crown, a crown really, jarred them a little with what information they knew. They gathered around to talk and to collaborate as much as possible. If this war is to end, if tyranny is to end that has started with the Empire then they all needed to be on the same page.
Day one of the meetings were completed and day two will start in the morning. Ben was talking with some of the leaders well more or less listening and wanting to get away. Rey was in the quarters alone and once more vomiting. She managed to control it during the grueling six hour talk. She sat back feeling better but exhausted. She pulled herself up and went to the sink to wash her face hoping to get some sleep. She looked into the mirror and down to her belly, still flat for now. She left the fresher and climbed into bed and stretched out. She then heard something as Ben came in as he de-robed and set aside his crown.
He then made it to the bed and crawled in knowing something was wrong with Rey but he didn't know. She should say something but if she did then he would be less focused and he needed to be focus until they left.
"Rey?" His voice was deep and husky and she looked up to him knowing he wanted to know what was up. Rey propped herself up and had to come up with an excuse but it made her upset knowing she was hiding being pregnant, being pregnant with his child.
"I'll be ok, just tired and feels like we need a vacation." Rey answered and part of that was true, they needed a break. Ben still felt shut out but pressing on wasn't going to get him anywhere. But Rey could see how lonely he looked nearly on the other side of the bed with a large gap between them. She was keeping her distance because what if he sensed the baby because she could. She had to push that aside, Ben needed some sort of comfort from her. Rey got closer and then placed herself right on top of him. Ben welcomed it and wrapped both arms around her. She placed a kiss to him and then rested her head on his chest and felt him relaxing. She even felt relaxed and comfortable in the moment.
Just as the moment was taking hold of them their COMMs went off and the light was red meaning an emergency. They both got up and headed out.
In the main hall Leia's HOLOgram was before them.
"A distress call was made, it's the Order." Leia spoke to them. It meant that she needed her leaders back. Rey felt Poe and Finn looking at her wondering how she was going to fight. Leia continued to talk about the situation. It wasn't an entire system but a town being taken hostage, it just might be a ploy but something needs to be done.
The four of them were meeting up with the fleet at a meeting point to further the plans. The Commonwealth will reconvene later although Rey could have stayed behind but she felt she needed to be here. She changed into her normal clothes but something didn't feel right. It all felt tight and uncomfortable. She just needed to focus on something else. But before leaving she needed to hover over the lavatory for a second.
The cruiser landed as CC Star Dust was floating. The four of them were walking the halls and this was either going to be a negations or a fight. They were on a system that was protected by the Commonwealth and most likely it will be the latter. Rey, Ben, Poe and Finn walked to five First Order officers ready to talk civil.
"This system is under the flag of the Commonwealth." Poe started out and it meant they could not be here legally.
"The Supreme Leader does not recognize the Commonwealth as anything more than a terrorist organization that gives way to the Resistance." One officer spoke up. "We are mining, no harm to the people, we may even boost their economy."
"Doubt it." Finn commented.
"For the sake of innocent lives, leave." Rey joined in. "You're out numbered." She made it clear they weren't alone.
"The Supreme Leader," One officer started.
"Is not here." Ben walked closer and for these officers to see their former commander with a face seemed to scare the more. He was a man and a powerful one. "The Resistance is only giving you two options, take the deal." Ben was offering save passage away. Rey then felt something and ignited her saber blocking some blaster rays. Ben kicked back one of the officers and ignited his saber and blocked more rays. Poe and Finn took out their smaller blasters and fired and more Fighters came in to fend off the Troopers. It was a set up well sort of, the officers were hoping it would be Leia and not Ben but they followed through anyways.
Rey dodged a blaster ray and for some reason this primal force came from her, this intense feeling took over. She held out her hand sending a few Troopers flying back and one of the officers fired at her continuously and she blocked them with her saber but instead of taking the officer out she grabbed him and held out her saber and using him as shield.
"He dies if you take one more step." Rey threaten as Ben held a fighting stands and everyone was still. "Leave this planet, just go, this never happened." Rey suggested which was an odd suggestion but an effective one.
"We wanted Leia but Antar will be just fine with you and Solo." Another office spoke up. Rey knew that to be true.
"Please, just leave." Rey begged and that made Ben worry, something was very much off. "Just for a while, peace, we don't attack and neither do you."
"Why?" The officer asked because that was a lot to ask. Rey kept herself together knowing she was in harms way and she was trying to get out of it.
"We can," Rey didn't finish because even if she says why, that there was truly innocent life among them, a life that cannot fight for itself; would the officers even listen. Rey shoved the officer away still holding onto her saber. "If this was any other day, we would not stand down." Rey made it clear he was going to let them go. "Just not today." It washed over her that she was now responsible for someone else now. "Please," She asked again and everyone was confused.
"Why?" The officer wanted to know because why just go home. Rey then looked to Ben who was focused on the Storm Troopers surrounding them. They were far from out number and Star Dust will wipe them out so what was happening. This wasn't the place or the time but something had to be said because the more time that past the more likely more Troopers could come. But realizing what was happening there would never be a right time, a right moment. The galaxy will continue to move.
"Because…" Rey didn't know what to say and right now she was tired of the fighting and the death. Seeing so much death knowing what she could bring into the galaxy made it harder. "I understand you're protecting your leader." This was a new level of negations for sure. "And protecting what you think is yours, I am too." That last part made Ben turn to her. He looked to Rey and for a moment he tapped into the Force and felt what she did, this burst of energy. Ben turned back facing the officers and the Troopers griping his saber tighter.
He then slammed his hand down to the ground using the Force to send all the Troopers and the officers flying back. Poe took that as a cue and took Rey to the cruiser as Finn held up his blaster ready to fire. Ben stood up and even Finn felt scared of him. Ben twirled his saber wondering who was going to die first. The first blaster ray flew at him and stepped aside and outstretched his hand calling the Trooper to him and stabbed him with the saber. Finn started to fire and a shadow covered the area as Star Dust would take over. Ben then saw the officers and wanted to kill them, he was about to but he turned to the cruiser as Poe came running out. Ben headed for the cruiser to take off to the safety of Star Dust as Poe and Finn would continue down here.
Rey sat in the medical bay in a room. Ben was standing in the corner of the room as they finally met one another's gazes.
"How long have you known?" Ben asked and there was no keeping this a secret.
"I found out a few days ago." Rey was honest.
"How far along are you?" Ben asked the question and Rey sighed.
"Almost ten weeks." Rey was now counting and Ben nodded a little.
"And you never bother once to tell me?" Ben sounded hurt and angry.
"I'm pregnant." Rey stated but it was too late for that. "I've been trying to find the right time." Ben felt her sincerity from her. She was scared and tired. The last few weeks made sense, her mood, her fatigue and her lack of engagement. If anything she had been trying to keep everything normal. "Ben," She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what to do except let some tears fall. "I'm scared." Because she was and Ben came out from the corner to the small bed to her side and crouched down.
"Then let me help. You're not doing this alone." Ben assured her because she wasn't alone. She's been alone for so long that if she were back on Jakku pregnant she would have no one. She probably would have given birth alone in that AT-AT. Ben looked at her seeing fear in her eyes. They both made this baby and they were both responsible. Words were not going comfort her so he reached out and took her hand into his. "You're not alone." He reassured her knowing she was going into survival mode. Rey nodded with more tears knowing he wasn't going anywhere nor was he angry or upset now.
The pressure was off though but new ones will weigh in.
"What if…what if Antar sense the baby and did what Snoke did to you?" That was true fear Rey had and Ben shook his head no.
"I'll kill him." Ben stated clearly because that's what Han and Leia wanted to do as well. Rey nodded knowing his words were true but she still trembled. She was afraid for the safety of the baby because of the war, this child could be a target. Ben then leaned in pulling Rey in even closer letting her finally cry the way she was supposed. Ben did imagine one day of having children with her, the moment would have been beautiful and joyous. But right now he had to give Rey comfort and even take comfort in her. He pulled away resting his forehead to hers and he felt her calming down. Just then a medical person stepped in with some equipment.
Ben didn't leave Rey's side still holding her hand as the equipment was set up. A little block was set on Rey's belly and on the screen attached to the equipment popped up the image from inside. Ben stood still, barely breathing as he looked to the screen. On it was a little thing, the shape of a bean there moving ever so slightly. Then the medical person flipped a switch and Ben felt a tear rolling down his cheek as her this loud pulsing sound, the heartbeat.
Rey smiled hearing it and the tears nearly disappeared. She then looked to Ben who's gaze was glued to the screen. She saw the silent tears realizing this was real. Rey squeezed his hand and he looked down to her and she smiled at him.
"Our baby." She reminded him and he nodded as he was having an out of body moment. Ben looked back to the screen as the medical person finished up and then a new picture was printed. The medical person removed the little device and then hand the picture to Ben and he took it. He stared at it and then looked to Rey with no words to follow. But she knew what he was feeling because she felt it too. It was every emotion one could feel and was almost painful. Ben slowly lowered himself back down so he was eye level with Rey.
Rey pulled him closer for a hug because now their fears were shared and starting to dissolve and the reality set in. Ben then tapped into the Force and once more felt that burst of energy and it was growing. Ben pulled away looking to Rey realizing he was about to take on an even bigger challenge than being an Admiral or a king, he was going to be a father. There was even more at stake and more to lose. He knew he was going to lose everything to Rey but it all seemed worth it especially now. He finally leaned in for a kiss and she graciously accepted and wanted it. She pulled him closer to deepen the kiss and he pulled Rey closer just to be close. They pulled away and continued to hold one another knowing things were going to change drastically but they can face this together.
Ben scooped Rey into his arms to take her back to their room where they could be alone to talk or to do nothing but hold one another. He held her close protecting what was his and he was ready to die for this baby as much as he was ready to die for Rey. She pulled herself closer resting in the crook of his neck. He knew the tears were still there but he didn't care, right now nothing seemed to matter and what has happened almost seemed so little compared to what was happening now.
They made it back to their room with the door locked and COMMs off. It was time to be alone and with just one another. They were both coming to terms on what has happened and what was to come. But just like with everything else, they had one another and they were not alone, they were never alone now. And with a baby they could never be alone no matter what, it was going to be more than just them. And the more they thought about it, the more held one another it made even more sense.
They decided to celebrate with love as Rey was on top but it seemed just a little different.
"Are you ok?" Ben asked in a whisper and Rey was going to need to get use to that question more and more. She nodded in reply to him as they slowly rocked.
"Yeah, are you?" She asked and he nodded back.
"Just feels like we have an audience now." Ben commented and for some reason that just made Rey laugh but that laughing made Ben happy. Rey leaned in for a kiss and he pulled her in closer. Rey then lowered herself so her head rested on his chest and she felt relaxed calm, the calmness was setting in. Ben laid there gently rubbing her back. Rey didn't see it but there was a small smile on Ben's face and the more he thought about it even as scared as it made him, this made him happy and he wasn't going to let anything take that happiness away, he'll fight for it, he'll fight for his baby, for Rey.
A/N: The title comes from the song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. And what a chapter this was. We're having a baby. But what kind of trouble will that lead to? What happens if Antar finds out? So many questions so let's discuss. What do you think happens next?
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