Chapter 34 Nova
A/N: Finally a new chapter. Please, enjoy.
Rey stirred awake and sleeping on her side was her new normal. But getting up each day was getting more and more difficult. Rey swung her feet over the side of the bed and slowly sat up and took a deep breath. She placed her hand on her belly that was now out stretched and she could no longer see her feet and putting on shoes proved difficult but that's what Ben and Arimis were for. She took a moment and then looked over seeing Ben was already awake. He was on overtime with her making sure she was comfortable and let's say he makes a great body pillow to stay comfortable when she sleeps.
The last few months she has had to step back on her duties or at least the fighting side. She was still training though, still working but maybe just not on the battlefield, which she did miss. She then smiled as she looked down and felt the baby kicking; he or she was awake too. Rey could remember when she first felt the baby move, it was this light tickle, this light flutter movement. Now they were full on kicks. And she has realized when Ben was close the baby kicks even harder. When she talks to the baby the movements are softer. It's like the baby knows who she and Ben are. Ben came over to help pull her up to a standing position and once more the baby was kicking faster.
"It's kicking." Rey stated and Ben knelt down placing his hand to her belly to feel it. He felt something too, these little movements. He then leaned in and placed his ear to her belly to listen. "Hear anything?" She asked. He can hear a lot so he tapped into the Force really feeling the baby. He pulled away with a face looking content and relaxed. Ben stood up holding out both hands and Rey took them and he helped her up. Ever since finding out he was father to be he has been at a lost for words.
Then Arimis came in with another person holding trays of food for them. These days the nausea was long gone and Rey ate like a starving man. The trays were being set down on a small table where the two now usually eat at breakfast time. Mornings were usually the slowest for them as their schedules shifted for Rey. They enjoyed the quiet moment while they ate until duty calls.
"Good morning your Highness, Lady Rey." Arimis greeted them. "It's about eight, weather is once again beautiful." He added and Rey smiled. "Shall I bring in the new documents your Highness or leave them on your desk?" He asked Ben wave it off meaning he'll get to them when he gets to them. "Ah, Lady Rey you look radiant today." Arimis commented and she could tell he was honest. "Healthy breakfast just for you." Rey has been well taken care of since joining the Resistance and it was amplified since being pregnant. Rey sat at the little table to enjoy her breakfast. "Would you two be requiring anything else?" He asked.
"No," Rey answered and they were off a Ben sat at the table to eat. "Are we studying or saber training today?" Rey asked as the day started and Ben thought about it, their padawans were leaning faster each day.
Ben walked the halls of the base to his office leaving Rey to study with the padawans while he worked on his kingly duties. He sat at his desk and took the papers and started to work. The biggest task ahead was where to rebuild his people. His people were living just outside the base, making a home here and he and Leia even talked about staying here. If they can win this war then the base could be refurbished into the great hall, a castle if he wanted. They could live here and not leave. It was still up for debate though. There was talk about merging with Naboo as both Alderran and Naboo were similar.
Naboo was still rebuilding and Ben wasn't sure about living there, taking over. At least out here they could build, recreate and not infringe on other people. There will be more talk about because where will Rey and his newborn live? Things just kept piling up and there was more to sort and swim through.
Rey made it back to the hanger as maintenance was being done to the ships and cruisers, keeping everything ready for the next battle. She spotted Poe, Finn and Chewie and made her way over. Rey removed her scarf as it was cold outside today. It never got cold enough to snow but it was enough they need a coat at times. Poe and Finn were going over some data while Chewie oversaw stocking the ships. Rey got closer and couldn't help but yawn, staying warm and incubating a baby was a lot of work.
"Holy cow." Finn commented and Rey's eye widen and BB-8 who was there as well beeped in disapproval. "I mean not you Rey, I wasn't calling you a cow because…I mean that cold wind…"
"Quit while you're head there pal." Poe knew Finn was digging his own grave.
"You're very pretty today Rey." Finn hoped that would save him. Rey rolled her eyes and wondered if she could help.
"Anything missing?" She asked just then R2 and 3PO came rushing over as R2 beeped frantically. Chewie roared and started to run and the others followed.
Ben made it to the medical bay and into a room where the small porg was wrapped up in a little blanket.
"It's amazing it's survived this long off it's home planet, you did good taking care of it Chewie but…it's, it's time." The medical personal stated and Chewie gave an understanding bark but also a little whimper in it. He walked over to the little porg and picked it up as the little bird chirped weakly. It was rather sad because Chewie did like the little thing it's been with them for two years now.
The little porg finally passed but not without respect. A small stone marked the spot of it's finally resting place and surrounded by Chewie were Leia, Poe, Finn, Rey, Ben, Connix, BB-8, R2 and 3PO. Poe finished packing the dirt and stood there.
"So…do we say something?" Poe asked because this seemed a little awkward. Chewie then started to give his little eulogy to the porg. Rey then started to cry and Finn looked to her not realizing how much this affected her. He reached out putting his hand on her shoulder for comfort.
"I'm sorry, I can't control it." Rey wasn't actual devastated even though she was sad for Chewie.
"It's the hormones." Leia explained why Rey was crying. She could remember crying even at the most simple things like flowers when she was pregnant with Ben. Chewie finished up paying his last respects and Ben patted his back.
"It's alright." Ben assured the Wookie because Chewie was sad, he wasn't going to go into depression but it was a loss.
"Yeah, it was good little porg, he'll be missed although our cables will last longer now." Poe added and Connix couldn't help chuckle at that. The group stood out there for a moment longer for Chewie.
Ben sat in a chair as Rey ran her hands through his hair checking that the length of his hair was ok as she cut it. It has grown out a little bit more than he wanted, down just passed his shoulders. He's been taking on extra duties since Rey stepped back and his hair went a little out of control. Rey didn't mind the length though and suggested he keep it. She finished and it was back to it's length again, just barely touching his shoulders, the layers to really make appear thicker. Poe called it pretty boy hair but not directly at Ben's face. Ben ran his fingers through it and felt better.
He got up knowing he'll be leaving soon to the Commonwealth for a meeting but Rey was getting to the end of her pregnancy though, very close as in a matter of weeks or sooner. He debated if he should sit this meeting out. He could send someone else but then again the whole Resistance didn't want to do anything not with a small miracle out of war about to come forth. And then the people of Alderran were also prepping for the royal birth and it was like the coming of some sort of savior.
"You sure you're ok with me leaving?" Ben asked and Rey nodded. She would go as well but the other reason she has stayed back was to hide the child. She could go of course but the Commonwealth will talk and the word will spread and it will find it's way to Antar. Just like with Luke and Leia, this child was to stay hidden for as long as possible. She and Ben had discussed that just days after he had found out. Ben did not trust the leaders of the Commonwealth to hold their tongues. But there was another fear he had. Luke and Leia were Anakin Skywalker's children, strong in the Force. Leia, while she never trained as a Jedi still knew how to wield the Force when needed and like her father she was strong and she had Ben. Ben, like his grandfather is strong with the Force and Rey may be even stronger; there's no doubt this child will be Force sensitive.
Ben knew when the baby is born it will create a ripple like he did and Antar and the last of the Knights will sense it. That was his fear. He could control other people from knowing; he can raise the child in the shadows and keep it well hidden. But he can't control how strong the baby maybe, what kind of vibes it will give off. Luckily they were remote so hopefully it will help.
"Yes, it's fine, the baby isn't due for another three weeks and so go and keep the galaxy safe." Rey played it down even though she wanted to be selfish and keep him here. She smiled at him but saw just how nervous he was becoming. The day was arriving faster now and he was starting to self doubts like what it the baby hates him. "Oh,"
"What's wrong," Ben was ready for it.
"It's ok," Rey answered and shifted a little. "It was on one side and it just slammed itself to the other." She held her belly meaning the baby made a big shift. "Please, go to sleep." She begged the baby because all day it has been moving and kicking non-stop. Ben got closer and placed his hands on her belly feeling the light movements. He let a small smile break through. Rey stood up taller to met him and give him a kiss.
The high command was in their daily briefing as small attacks were being made but no large scale assaults since Ota. They knew the Order wasn't done; they were regrouping. Ben and Finn were right, the Order will show it's ugly face over the horizon soon enough. The Resistance of course will meet them head on but the time and place and how was uncertain. The radars were quiet, the scopes were clear and the signals were reading static, it was silent for now. That made all this a little more on edge for Rey and Ben.
Yes they were expecting their first child and while the slowness has made them enjoy what was happening, it also made them nervous. It was what they didn't know or see that made them scared of what was walking to them.
Ben sat in his little office reading through the parchment of papers as he was not only rebuilding a galaxy but a planetary system and the Jedi Order and a baby was coming. A vacation would be nice but the Order does not take vacation nor do the Knights. Ben signed a few papers and set them aside. As he worked he knew it was late and should go to bed soon, the work will get done sooner or later. Ben finished up and left the room letting the door shut behind him. He walked down the quiet halls of the base to his quarters.
Once he walked inside he headed to smaller section that up until now was never used. It was about to serve a purpose and it will be the baby's new room. He walked in seeing Rey was finishing the final touches. She built this room, it was nothing more than an empty space and now it was warm and cozy, it was made into something more. There was a crib within the room for baby. Seeing the crib made Ben's heart sink with fear. He has had nightmares finding an empty crib, someone taking his child.
They were just dreams but they have been hard to shake off at times. Rey took a step back looking at her work. She did have slight artistic side to her. She knew how to build and tinker as well so she knew what she is doing. The room was lit with a warm light and the rocking chair was in the corner ready. Ben leaned up against the entryway looking around.
"Now we wait." Ben spoke up and Rey turned around and smiled. She was glowing, she was close to giving birth and Ben was finding every reason to stay. Rey walked to him placing a kiss to his cheek and walked into their actual room. Ben looked back once more to the baby room seeing it was ready, but was he?
"Something on your mind?" Rey asked and there was always something on Ben's mind. He should share his fears with her even if they sound crazy. But this is Ben Solo, like his father before him, sharing feelings wasn't easy. Ben walked closer to pulling her for a hug. He then pulled away and leaned in for a kiss and Rey knew something was bothering him. It could be anything though and she was just going to let him talk about it when he was ready.
"I should stay, I can patch through the meeting there." Ben offered a solution.
"What's wrong Ben?" Rey asked now because she can tell the difference in his voice. "Tell me." It was a request. He looked to her knowing she would listen.
"Antar is going to know, sooner or later." Ben started and Rey already understood that if he leaves and something were to happen he would never forgive himself. They knew this baby was going to change everything and has changed Ben. "I've…I've had dreams the baby is gone." Rey reached out placing her hand to his cheek. "I'm going crazy." Rey shook her head no because what he was feeling meant he cared. He was worried for his own child even before it's here meaning he already love it.
"I'm scared too." Rey stated so he knows he's not alone. "But…we have us and the Resistance and our friends and your mother." Meaning they were safe, if someone was going to try and take this baby they would need to get through a lot of people to do so. Rey then placed both hands on his cheeks, letting her fingers get tangled in his hair and pulled him closer so their foreheads rested together. This helped though and Ben pulled her as close as he could with her outstretched belly between them and placed a very deep kiss to her.
Ben was up early knowing he needed to leave for the meeting. He sat on the edge of the bed strapping his boots on as Rey laid asleep. The sun wasn't up and the night shift was still out. Ben took a moment thinking of just laying back down and not leaving but he willed himself up. He walked around the bed to Rey's side and leaned in to kiss her goodbye whether she wakes or not. He didn't want to wake her though, she needed all the sleep she could get. Ben then pulled some of the blankets over her to make sure she remained warm. He then called something to him from across the room. It was a few flowers and he laid them on the nightstand next to Rey. He stood up taking one last look and then left. Amiris had all his belongings packed away for the trip.
Finn was up early yawning seeing Ben make his way over. He was already dressed in his travel king clothes knowing the meeting will start quickly.
"How long will this be?" Finn asked as they boarded the cruiser and Ben took to the pilot's chair.
"Depends." Ben answered so there is no time frame. As Ben flipped the switches he paused for a moment and Finn could see he was thinking. Ben was seriously considering powering the cruiser down and not leaving. Before he left Rey, he felt the baby kicking and it made him want to stay. Finn knew Ben was looking for a reason to not leave but this is war and nothing waits for war. Ben started to pilot the cruiser out as Finn started to place coordinates and was Ben navigator.
The room was full of leaders of other worlds. Finn hasn't quite seen anything like this. Ben introduced Finn as the Honorable Representative of the Resistance and Finn liked that title. The two men sat side by side, Ben wearing his black robes, the side cape, his red sash with the emblem of Alderran pinned to it and a small crown. Finn wore his polished Resistance uniform. The meeting started with the role call, nearly a hundred and fifty systems so far.
Rey was on the beach with the padawans as they were in saber training. She might be at the end of her pregnancy but that didn't mean she wasn't any less stronger. She could still spar when needed. Right now it the new Jedi were going through the basic forms as Rey called out the commands. Leia was standing from a distance watching and witnessing a new order forming once more.
Finn felt like he could nap with all the bantering and sat up trying to adjust himself.
"This is boring." He commented with a sigh.
"It's politics." Ben answered meaning politics are boring but a somewhat necessary evil. The meeting went as Finn looked around seeing everyone listening, taking notes and looking involved. He wondered how Rey gets through this when she goes with Ben. Finn sighed gaining Ben's attention knowing he was bored. They couldn't skip this though because if the Resistance does win then democracy will resume and this is part of it.
After the meeting Finn stood around the room with all heads of state, the leaders of their worlds that have joined in this. The numbers have grown since the first group of people came together some time ago. Finn looked around not knowing anyone here except Ben. Ben was talking to a few people across the way dressed in his semiformal attire. Finn walked over to Ben seeing what they were talking about and it was small talk, boring small talk. Finn cleared his throat trying to get Ben's attention and to get him away because Ben looked bored. Ben stepped away and joined Finn.
"Thank you." Ben whispered and Finn shrugged as a 'you're welcome.' And they walked through the crowds together heading back to their rooms. Finn knew Ben wanted to speak to Rey.
Rey sat at the desk going through some data. Over the last few months she's become skilled at typing with one hand while her other hand remained on her belly always feeling for movement. The last few weeks though have been a toll on her though. She has become tired easily and getting into any comfortable position let alone staying in that position. Her lower back was hurting right now but she pressed on. She was limited very little physical activity these days but she will still train.
As she sat and typed she felt the kicks happening as the baby was outgrowing it's house. She was due soon and she could feel it. She was getting scared though, excited, different thoughts of joy and fear cross her mind. Rey looked down at her belly and sighed and the hunger started to sink in, it was time for a snack.
Ben sat at the small table reviewing some parchment notes. He checked the time and grabbed a HOLO comm and started to type. Hopefully Rey was up to talking and he just wanted to make sure everything was ok.
Finn walked down the hall with a disk needing to show Ben. As he was about to knock he heard Rey's faint voice and refrained from disturbing them. He couldn't help but listen in. The voices were soft but he could tell Ben was happy. The voices then stopped knowing the conversion was over and then Finn knocked. Ben opened the door allowing Finn in and he sat at the desk and held up a disk.
"Yes, you my sit." Ben's voice was more than sarcastic but Finn ignored it.
"We might have a problem." Finn announced as he finished typing and Ben took some interest and looked over. "One, the language isn't being processed or at least it can't be." Ben looked confused. "Every droid says it can't be deciphered."
"Why?" Ben asked and Finn shrugged and handed the small disk to Ben and he took it.
"It's not a language known to anyone, droids too." Finn answered and Ben placed it into a reader and started. He hit a button and the voice started to come through. "Droid?" Finn asked because it didn't sound organic. Ben started to type and on the screen it showed different layers. "What are you doing?" Finn asked as Ben continued aZS to work.
"It has an origin we just need to find it." Ben answered while Finn continued to watch.
"The council did research and they found nothing." Finn didn't want to have Ben waste his time. Ben continued to listen to the message and the garbled voice. Finn could see Ben was going to find out and he wasn't going to stop. Finn sighed as he sat back to wait.
Finn jolted awake from his sleep in the chair. The room was dark other than the computer on screen with the voice still replaying and Ben still looking at the screen. Finn rubbed his eyes awake and looked to Ben.
"What time is it?" Finn asked still blinking the sleep out of eyes.
"Late." Ben answered as he continued to work. Finn watched the sound waves move while Ben pushed and pulled them apart. "Done," Ben finished and Finn looked confused. "It's a language but it was both encrypted and scrambled."
"To do that it means its very important." Finn leaned into the screen listening to the voice but the language was not anything Finn has heard. It was a whispering, hissing type voice speaking. "We can run it through a data base, see what the origin is,"
"It's the language of the Sith." Ben stopped Finn right there as Finn's head snapped to Ben. The harsh whisper continued over and over sounding like it was on repeat. Ben looked calm but on the inside his heart was racing, his mind was in a panic. He got up quickly while taking the disc out. "I want to know where this came from, get the Commonwealth together now." Ben ordered Finn and somehow he will have to wake a lot of people. Ben rushed to his stateroom and quickly made a call.
Leia was working on some strategic battle plans within a model. While no real fights have broken out she knew things would change. The Resistance needed be ready to strike and she wanted to have everything in place. Just as she took notes she saw a call come through.
"Ben?" she asked seeing his image. "Ben, it's the middle of the night there." A mother's concern over her sleepless child could be heard.
"Mom, the council will work on it but I think we can find out information faster." Ben started as Leia listen. "Someone recovered a disc with an message, broken and coded. I've been able to put it together but it's in the language of the Sith." Ben finished and Leia felt a chill go down her spine. "I'm sending a copy to you while we work on it here."
Meanwhile Rey was asleep. She gets tired quicker but only sleeps a few hours at a time. She woke up quickly feeling something. She had to sit up slowly and held her large belly and took a moment. Something brought her out of sleep as she got up and at the same time there was knock on her door.
The Commonwealth was awake but everyone was tired. Ben had the room telling them of the news.
"What does it say?" One member asked but Ben drew a blank. "You were Sith once," And while true it didn't mean anything.
"That language is dead, those who can or could speak are dead." Ben stated so this was alarming. He knew none of the Knights could speak it, so who was this? "I never learned." Ben was honest. The voice kept saying the same phrase over and over again. They all listened and only guessing what it could be saying.
"How could we translate it?" A member asked and everyone looked around at one another. "A droid?" That didn't sound bad.
"Most droids aren't equipped to do decode more than a dozen languages, doubt Sith is one of them." Finn pointed out. Ben sighed knowing right now this was a dead end, for now. But that voice though, he's heard it before but wasn't sure where.
The wind blew as Ben stood outside seeing the sun rising. The voice stilled played over and over in his head, it was like it was there next to him. It whispered those words and he knew it meant something. Something was coming over the horizon soon and that voice was the start of it. Just then Ben felt a presence and turned around seeing Finn walking.
"Ship is ready to leave first thing tomorrow, head back to base, maybe decode that message." Finn began to speak and Ben nodded and turned back to the setting sun. Finn walked closer to Ben and stood next to him. "That message bothers you." Finn commented.
"When we get back, double security, find and train new recruits." Ben stated and it meant he was doubling down. "That message means something, something is coming and we need to be ready."
"Do you know what it means or could be?" Finn asked as Ben stared off into the distance.
"It's a warning," Ben answered and Finn nodded with a sigh. Ben took in a deep breath closing his eyes and Finn could see he was going into meditation and into the Force. The Force might give them some guidance or at least point them into the right direction. Ben concentrated on the voice and the ancient words trying to trace it to something. As he continued to mediate Finn looked up into the darkening sky as a bolt of lightening cute through the incoming day. Finn was hoping to leave today but a storm was going to make it difficult so they were grounded for a day.
Rey was looking through some parchment for Ben making sure everything was signed. She placed her hand on her belly as the baby moved a bit; the house was getting too small. She then set down the papers as she felt something different. For the last few hours she felt this mild twinge in her lower belly but it didn't bother her. But then there was this tightening in her belly and she took a seat. Just as she did Arimis came in.
"My Lady," He walked over to her. "Are you alright?" He asked and Rey nodded.
"Yeah, I'm ok." She then got up slowly as that not so annoying twinge started to get worse. She took in a deep breath and it went away just as fast as it came.
"I'll escort you to the meeting room." Arimis insisted and the two walked together. They got into the room as the high command was there. It was just the end of the briefing that was happening. It made Rey happy as she was extra tired today and was more than happy to turn in for the night. She had been in weird tired state all day and just wanted to turn in for the night. But just as she sat in the chair that twinge came back.
"Reports," Leia began and Rey shifted in her chair. It was hard to be in any comfortable position no matter what. Of course she was heavily pregnant so it must be the extra weight on her tiny frame, a small human in her belly and whatever else pregnancy does to a woman. Poe looked over to Rey as she continued to mover around. She made eye contact and sighed in annoyance.
"Sorry," Poe apologized softly to her and Rey sat still for a moment. Poe continued to watch her from the corner of his eye because something wasn't right. Arimis from a distance also continue to watch Rey. Leia continued to talk as Rey continued to shift, which caught Leia's attention. Rey then stopped moving seeing the whole room was looking at her.
"I'm fine everyone, just trying to get comfortable." Rey assured them as she settled. Leia went back to speaking but she couldn't hear anything as the twinge came back. Rey took in another deep breath at that seemed to help.
"Dismissed." Leia announced and Rey slowly got up. She waddled her way out just wanting to sleep. Arimis made sure Rey got to her room and she crawled into bed. But as she laid there she continued to toss and turn not finding a comfortable position. She wished Ben was here.
Ben sat on the ground in his stateroom in deep thought. He was trying to listen to those words as the audio played over and over. The voice echoed in his head as he began to tap into the Force. But the Force was not guiding him anywhere. He was in a black abyss of sea searching for some sort of light, something to grab to. 'Isaiwinokka, Hoyakuts, Itharii Exegol, Eternal One.' Ben's eyes opened to the last part. 'Eternal One' Ben looked around the room feeling some one was in the room with him.
Ben called his saber to him and igniting it ready to fight. He looked around the low lit room as the audio played. He began to settle down and shut the audio off with the Force but his saber still remained ignited as it hummed in the now quiet room.
The crew was having breakfast before the day started. Rey debated if she was going to do anything. She was up all night long. Of course she had a pass to go back to sleep so she might just take it. Poe was laughing at something Connix said but for Rey those twinges were coming on stronger. She realized she wasn't hungry as she looked to her food.
"Oh," Rey didn't mean to say that out loud but didn't move. She felt this liquid coming out between her legs and looked around frantically. Everyone was talking as she looked for one person in particular but he wasn't here, but the next best person was. Leia has been watching Rey since last night and she was watching her now. Leia heard the 'oh,' and got up and headed over to Rey. Leia getting up made the room quiet down as the General made it to Rey.
Leia looked down seeing what looked like water everywhere. Rey's eyes were wide having no idea what just happened.
"How long has that pain been going on?" Leia asked and Rey completely forgot that Leia gave birth once too. Leia saw what looked like a pool of water. "Let's get you to the medical bay." Her voice was soft and made it feel like Rey was in complete control. But everyone else knew was happening.
"Ok, ok, ok, ok, ok," Poe repeated but remained calm as he slowly approached Rey. She sat there not moving as she processed the moment. "Listen, we're calm, we're all calm, this is calm," His voice was soft and he tried to keep a smile on his face. "We've prepared for this, so we're calm and,"
"Get Ben!" Rey demanded and Poe nodded to the order as Leia assisted Rey up.
"Ok, ok it's happening!" Poe let go of the calmness and the room broke out. "Battle stations everyone! And someone get Ben!" The room went into an organized chaos.
Ben saw a huge black formation in front of him. The wind howled around him, the lightening clashed and would hit the ground. Ben looked around the desolated place feeling the air choking him. He made his way to the formation and ignited his saber for defense. Ben went inside the dark place looking around. The floor then started to descend down as he remained there. He looked around seeing huge statues, statues of old Sith leaders. He's seen these before at the Sith Temple under the old Jedi Temple. The platform continued down into the darkness and he stepped off as it hit the ground.
Ben began to look around the place, the dark empty place. The wind from outside was felt in this place, it was cold as he could see his breath in it. Something was watching him; he could feel it. It was that same watching presence from growing up. Ben turned around quickly with his saber but there was nothing there.
"At last," A voice rang out. It was horse, low and Ben looked for it. It was in the air as the flashes of lightening were seen. Ben walked around looking for the source but he knew he wouldn't find it. But that voice, he knew that voice. "Snoke trained you well." The voice complimented him. Ben continued to walk through the darkness with a chill running up his spine.
"Snoke's dead, I killed him." Ben made sure the voice knew as he continued to look. "I'll kill you too." He threated still searching.
"My boy," The throaty voice came back. "I created Snoke." Ben stopped walking and looked around. "I have been every voice," Ben continued to look but the voice changed. "You ever heard," Ben heard Snoke. "Inside your head." He heard an old breathing apparatus. Ben continued to walk deeper into the temple. "The First Order was only the beginning. I can give you so much more." The voice was back.
"What could you give me?" Ben asked as he came into a large room as the lights flashed. He stood before a huge empty throne with spikes coming from it. Ben looked around and heard that phrase again, soft as a whisper. The room was empty as he looked to the big empty chair. It lit up with the lightening from outside.
"Immortality." The voice answered. "Accept you're fait, accept you are the heir apparent to Vader, and you will live forever." The voice answered as Ben looked to the Throne. As he looked at it he could see a shadow sitting there. A huge bolt of lighenting struck the temple and Ben saw an old face, scarred with it's yellow eyes and a grin of rotted teeth looking at him.
Ben's eyes flashed open as he laid in bed in a cold sweat. Ben looked around the dark room as the storm outside continued. He felt paralyzed and couldn't move. He reached over hoping to reach out to Rey, hoping she was there. Just then his door opened.
"Ben!" Finn called out, managed to sit up and called his saber to him in defense. Finn wasn't surprised at the move because he probably would have pointed his blaster at whoever woke him up. "It's Rey, it's time!" Finn informed Ben. Ben flew out the bed and started to leave. He can get dress in hyperspace. "I've got the ship ready but taking off in this storm might not be easy." Ben didn't say anything meaning he could do it. He pushed that dream out of his mind knowing something more important was about to happen.
Poe waited in the hanger and saw the ship coming in. The ship was coming in fast so he stepped aside. Ben landed the ship but it was a rocky landing at best. Inside the cockpit Finn held onto the armrest of the co-pilot chair as Ben powered down the ship and started to get up.
"Way to stick the landing." Poe greeted them as Ben and Finn exited the craft.
"Where is she?" Ben greeted back.
"Rey, is doing fine…I mean besides the pain and being in labor she's doing great." Poe sounded nervous as if that was the wrong answer to the test. Ben ignored him and headed to the medical bay.
In a room Rey was in between contractions and they were getting closer and closer together. The tossing and turning from last night was part of her labor. Between the time she felt that first twinge to now the flow blown contractions the medics determined she has been in labor for nearly 16 hours. As Rey felt another contraction coming on she felt a sense of peace and a presence coming closer.
"Ben," She managed to greet him as he came in. He was pale and riddled with fear. He knew this day was going to come, the baby couldn't stay inside Rey forever but at least it was safe. But he was still afraid and nervous. Was he ready to be a father? Ben took Rey's hand and felt her tightly grip it as another contraction took hold of her.
"She's nearly fully dilated and almost ready to push." A medic informed Ben meaning the baby was due soon. He could feel Rey through the Force in how much pain she was in but yet it wasn't because of actual hurt, it was natural and non-threatening. He couldn't do much but hold her hand. Ben reached out to her and placed his hand on her forehead.
"Breathe," He reminded her. Even if she was already doing so it felt like he was helping because he felt completely helpless. The contraction went away and Rey looked over to Ben and he could see just how exhausted she was. But then she smiled at him.
"Hi," She greeted him and he felt like crying. "Hi," She said again.
"Hi," He greeted back knowing they had about another 90 seconds before the next contraction took hold.
"Are you ready?" She asked him and with honesty he shook his head.
"No," Ben answered and Rey smiled because she wasn't ready either. She let go of his hand and placed a hand on his face and he kissed her palm. Rey nodded letting him know another contraction was coming so he took her hand back into his.
"Let's get her set up, she's ready." The medic announced and out of nowhere when the room only had Rey, Ben and once medic about nine more people came in. It takes a lot of people to deliver a baby. Like a well-oiled machine the room was being transformed and Rey's bed was changed. "Now, Rey with each contraction you're going to push just like as if you're going to the bathroom. We'll count for you." The lady's voice was calm and soothing as the rest of medics finished setting up. "Ben," The medic knew Ben would like to help in someway. "Count with us."
Rey's contraction eased up as she got in a position that was comfortable to her. Ben didn't let go of her hand either and unit this was over he was not going to let go. Rey felt the contraction coming and just as the medic instructed she pushed but instead of feeling pain it actually felt good, and felt purposeful. It wasn't easy just to push but it felt normal. The contraction eased up and Rey breathed and took a break. A few more seconds passed and as the contraction came back she felt the urge to push and the instincts of a woman took over. She went into some other place, digging deep, this raw and primal instinct took over. Her body did what it was meant to do, birth a child.
Ben held Rey's hand resting it against his forehead. He was within the Force trying to feel and maybe take away the discomfort from her. But at the same time while he always knew Rey was strong, today he was seeing and feeling just how strong she actually was. The whole room went quiet and in the quietness a small but loud cry filled the room. Ben looked up seeing a tiny baby being held up.
"She's beautiful." A medic commented as Ben couldn't move or form a thought. Rey smiled as they laid the baby on Rey's chest as they cleaned the little human up. Ben watched and as his daughter, he has a daughter now, cried he reached out and with the gentlest fingertips he touched the baby and her cries became soft coos. Her little eyes looked around trying to understand the new world. Rey looked to Ben as she had happy tears and smile. The pain was gone instantly and the eutrophic feeling took over. Ben had a few tears running down his cheeks realizing what just happened.
Rey was asleep, a much-needed sleep as Ben sat in the chair next her holding a small six-pound baby in his arms. His baby was asleep too and perfectly snugged in his arms. Ben was calm and it at peace. The fear of having child was long gone now as he relaxed further. But since Rey fell asleep and Ben took their daughter he hasn't stopped staring at her. He brought her closer and she even smelt like a baby, his mom was right babies have this scent and it made him love her even more.
Ben stood outside as the day has long passed, the excitement was still in the air though. He stood outside seeing the royal decree in six different languages. While a baby was born a princess was born too. Ben took a moment to read his daughter's name and he read her full title. He was told as soon as his people got word that the baby was born the same horn that blew at his coronation did for his daughter announcing her. He felt the ripple in the Force announcing to the galaxy of her arrival. Seeing the official decree was something but his daughter's name stood out. Her name said who she was and what she will be come. Nova means a transient astronomical event that causes the sudden appearance of a bright, apparently "new" star. She wasn't born into this galaxy with a cry but born into it like him, with a loud bang. The decree read 'His Royal Highness the King of Alderran and Rey safely delivered of a girl at 1030pm today. It is with great honor to welcome Princess Nova Solo.'
Ben stepped back looking once more at the decree. If he can't achieve balance with the Force then he knows Nova will. He then turned into the deep night looking out. That dream he had was able to be buried for the last few hours but the feeling came back. He felt Nova in the Force when she was born and he knew Antar must have felt something too. The war was going to shift into something else now and he could feel it.
Just then he could feel the darkness, a cloud over the land hit. He ignited his saber in the night. A single figure standing guard at the entrance ready to fight. Something was coming, a new storm on the horizon and he needed to be ready for it, the entire Resistance would need to be ready.