She doesn't know how long she's been kept inside this cell. Since the First Order came down, attacked their ships and killed six members of her group... Since her son came to her, demanded for information on finding Rey and had his men take them all to his ship.
She doesn't know the status of her group, but she only hope that they're not being tortured.
Leia stared down at the cuffs on her wrists, that keeps her from using her tie to the Force. They're not cuffed together, but are just as uncomfortable as any other cuffs.
"Perhaps those lockpicking skills would've came in handy right about now, when Han kept offering to teach me." She grumbled, shaking her head. "Why didn't I take up his offer, after the incident with Jabba?*"
The fifty-three year-old general pushed her regret, knowing that doing so won't help her magically be able to be so good at lockpicking... And, no, that wasn't supposed to be a joke reference about the Force not being of any help her get out of this, especially when she's cut off from it.
The metal-door pulled open... In comes walk in her son, Kylo Ren.
She stood up from the plain, but surprisingly comfortable bed.
"Ben." She gasped out, feeling overjoyed to see her son in days and a bit nervous on what he's going to do to her and organization.
His mask covers his face, but it didn't take long before he removed it from his face and she gets to see his face... And, for the first time, she'd rather see him with the mask that looks similar to Darth Vader's own mask.
He gave her a dark, furious look. But, behind it, she can see the clear sign of pain and fear.
"Do you find this amusing, General?" He questioned, though sounded as if he was lecturing a child that did something bad.
Leia was confused.
"What do you-?" She started, taking a step towards her son, only to stop when he pointed a finger at her and cut her off.
"Stay where you are, General." He hissed. "You are not permitted to come near me, unless I allow you to."
She glared back at her son, but stayed where she stood.
"I thought Han and I taught you better manners than this, Ben." She reprimanded. "I shouldn't have to be given permission to come to you, let alone to embrace you."
Kylo narrowed his eyes at the middle-aged woman that is his mother.
"The only thing I learned from either of you, is how to abandon your problems and pass them aside to somebody that gives in to fear and grief to have me killed. So, really, it's a good thing that I didn't follow either of your examples and I won't do so in the future. Though, now isn't the time to discuss about our past or what I learned to not do from your examples and being allowed to embrace me, as if the wrong you did to me never occurred."
He folded his arms over his chest. His gloved hands holding tightly at his arms.
"I want to know why you, General of the Resistance, who claim to bring freedom, hope and rights to all beings within the galaxy, and had even declared to love all, would dare to use my Sonellia as a pawn for your selfish desires and then leave her feeling unwanted and as if she's nothing more than just some instrumental tool to be used for your own amusement and goal."
Leia's eyes widened to his words.
"How dare you accuse your own mother of such allegation?" She stated, getting very defensive. "I've done no such thing towards Rey; she's been loved and cared for by me, and those within the Resistance!"
Kylo took a few steps forward and sat his helmet down on the table that stood in the middle of the room. Then, he placed both hands on the table and leaned forward, glaring at the fifty-three year-old woman.
"You take me, your own son, for a fool? That I wouldn't know of all the things she'd been put through while under your care?" He replied. "I won't deny that my actions had, also, helped added on to the strain and problem to why she suffers. But, I had expected you to at least own up your own failure and do what's best to ensure the safety of those who work with you. And, when it comes to your 'people', you're responsible to keep them well behaved and don't try to put the blame on an innocent individual that they should've cared for as their own. Their most precious treasure that they believe to being the key to their success."
"Which I wasn't able to be there for her as I should have, since I was needed to hear from my Allegiant Generals on their status on however many Resistance Members we still have and if they're safe."
Kylo's anger rose.
"Once again, all you can give me are excuses. And don't think that I don't understand your plight, General'."
"Damn it, Ben! I am your mother!" She shouted. "Enough with the use of the title, Son! Your soldiers aren't here to see you as I do, so do the act!"
The thirty year-old raised an unimpressed eyebrow at her demand, having no interest to follow it.
"This isn't an act in the slightest, General." He stated. "And, yes, I do know that you're my mother. Otherwise, I would've had you shipped off to one of my First Order Prisons in the Dagobah System. Let alone, wouldn't had chosen to not attack your ship when you and your rebellion were making your escape to Crait."
She gave him a raised eyebrow, knowing why he didn't shoot when he had the chance. Though, was very much sad that he won't say it.
"You won't admit it's because you still love me, just as I still love you and forgave you, for working with the man who made you kill your father?"
His eyes narrowed and, if she was honest, thought she's seeing his eyes torn a haunting golden-yellow color.
"Or, perhaps, it could be as a way to pay my debt to him, whether I did killed him with my very own hands or was forced against my will to do so. But then, you'll believe what you believe to be true. So, I won't steer you away on what you want to be the answer. Just as how I believe you're changing the topic from Rey, so you don't want to admit your own fault and tried to use her to get to me."
Before she could say anything, Kylo turned to the wall to his right, showing to having a blank screen. And, with his hand pointing at the screen, he gave his mother a stem look.
"Look, and tell me that she was in the best of care, while under your non-supervision and the bane to your organization's trouble."
The screen flickered on, lighting the room. It's image shows another room. White-walls and a bed in white-sheets and pillow.
...What drew Leia's attention, is the nineteen year-old girl, sitting at the farthest corner away from the door, wearing a hospital gown, hugging her legs to her chest and burying her face on her knees. Sitting across from her, next to the bed, is one of the men in black. Their mask remains on, but appears to be keeping constant visual on Rey.
Her heart instantly broke at the poor girl on the screen, not knowing what's going on in her mind and unable to reach out to her through the Force.
"What's wrong with her?" She demanded, turning back to her son who, also, stared at the screen and having a painful, but angry expression on his face. "What did you do to her, Ben? Did you hurt h-?"
"Even if she'd bring out her saber and engage the both of us in a fight, I can never bring myself to harm a single hair on her head. -He doesn't care how Leia would view him to be, but he couldn't help but be hurt that she would dare think he'd hurt his Sonellia.- And don't forget, Mother, that I was with you on Sarvchi when she made an attempt on her life, for the second time."
Her eyes widened to the news.
"What? -She felt her knees shake, sitting on the bed when she couldn't hold herself up.- She... Already tried to-... -She looked up at her son, pleading for him to answer.- When did she-...?"
"Thirteen." He snarled. "She found her caretaker had committed suicide, after they had an argument. The guilt was too much for her to bare and, believing her own death will rectify the greatest tragedy that was befallen unto her, Rey made an attempt on her own life. But, apparently, someone called The Sitter saved her. If he hadn't been there in that very moment-..."
He didn't want to finish that sentence, let alone think on what his life would've been like if she never came to his life. Never was tagged by the Stormtroopers, and was never in Takodana when reports of the BeeBee-Ate Unit had been spotted at Maz's Castle.
...To never get the chance to hold her in his arms, and carry her into his shuttle... The Force bringing them together, while in separate parts of the galaxy.
...To never touch hands... To see each other's past.
...
...
...To never figure out that they not only share a real Force-Bond, but are also something much more than any had ever heard or seen in generations.
...A Force-Dyad.
Just by thinking of his childhood, all the times he was left with droids and feared by his uncle, Kylo didn't know how he survived so long without her stepping into his life or if he wouldn't had been to where he is at this moment than when he first heard of a girl being spotted with the Traitor.
He let out a deep breath.
"The donated organs needed to treat her Silicosis are nearly here, as we speak." He informed, looking over to the screen at the sight of his emotionless, numb beloved. "Since you're too prideful to admit defeat and help her Rey the best care she can get, my best medical staff will help her in her battle against her disease and fix where you failed to do for her."
She was deeply hurt by his words, but Leia knew he was right. And still, she kept fighting to maintain her innocence.
"We gave her the best care that we can give, with what little medical supplies we had with us and that she'd hang on long enough until we reach Takodana for Maz to get ahold of people she has contacts with that could help treat her." She sobbed, wiping her tears away with her thumb. "We couldn't gotten her help, months ago, if you weren't hunting for us, Ben! If you'd just come back home!"
"And expect me to be the obedient son you made to isolate back home on Chandrila, like I was your dirty little secret, as you, Father and Luke feared my powers and never thought to make any attempts to help me?" He growled, not feeling any form of guilt when the tears continued when facing her, again. "And even if you and your group had succeeded to reach Takodana, any help Maz would reach out to wouldn't have the best technology to help treat Rey's condition to a complete success. And from what Chewie told me, your 'best care' you and your group provided to her would be best compared to all the times Snoke would probe my mind to resist the Mind Probe."
She gasped at the mentioning of the Wookiee.
"You spoke to Chewie?! -She got to her feet and almost ran to him.- When did you-...?! You didn't-...?!"
He had to bite the inside of his cheek.
"I did spoke to him, while we were saving Rey's life. And no, Mother, I didn't make any attempt to hurt one of my few family that never did any wrong doing to me. And, unlike you and your group, he isn't my prisoner. He's my guest*."
Her eyes widened at his word.
"He's here?!"
Kylo rolled his eyes.
"He'd put up a fight, if I'd tried to take Rey off Ahch-To without him. And, because he cares and loves Rey to do whatever it takes to protect her and stand beside her, while on those little 'errand runs' you would put them in, I saw no reason to deny him. And, because she'll be under anesthesia for weeks after her surgeries, his presence will be of great support to her if he stays. But then, you'd expect me to be like Snoke and kill him, like Han Solo."
"He is your father!" She scolded.
Kylo slowly shook his head.
"A true father would do all that he could to care for his child or children, love them and never abandon them. And, even if he has reason to fear them, he wouldn't make it so obvious, that he would never bother to keep in touch and compare me to a monster that was caused by both the Sith and the Jedi." He stated, remaining calm but burning in rage on the inside. "And even after how he agreed to hand me off to a man that was supposed to help me but had seen me as a lost cause, I didn't hate him. If I'd a choice on the matter, I wouldn't had killed him and gave him and the others the one chance to leave Starkiller Base. But, of course, even after sparing your life when making your escape to Crait, you still believe I'm too much like the man you refuse to acknowledge as your true father and that I'm completely lost in the Dark to be 'redeemed'."
"That's not true, Ben!"
Leia's denial finally had him reach the limit of his patience, and allowed himself to raise his voice.
"It is! -In the process, he slammed his fist against the table, not caring that his mask is now on the ground or how much it startled his now frightened mother.- And it's because of the image you and your group painted me to be, Rey now thinks she's a threat to those she calls her friends and those who don't understand what a Force-Bond, let alone a Force-Dyad truly means, now sees her as some sort of spy, after you carelessly told them of our Bond!"
He can no longer stand being in the room with her. And now sees his time had been wasted on trying to get her to see she lost, that him telling her what he's gonna do with her and her group had now changed.
He leaned down and grabbed his helmet, putting it on as he headed for the door.
"Ben, wait!" She cried, taking a few steps forward.
He did stopped when the door pulled back, and then turned to stare at her.
"I wanted to inform you on the status of her health, and how I'll be making a big announcement to the entire galaxy on what I shall do with you and your little band of thieves and murderers." He revealed. "And when it's over, the Resistance shall be no more and most of you won't be around, on this ship, anymore."
A great shudder of dread ran down Leia's spine, no longer able to find the words she wanted to tell her son, as she watches him leave her in her room.
She went back to her bed, sat back down, and lead her head in both hands.
She then looked up at the screen, watching Rey remain on the floor and the man in black slowly taking his leave and leaving the nineteen year-old alone.
Her lip quivered, followed by achoked sob.
"What have we done?" She whispered, turning away from the screen and cried silently in her hands.
...Though, while the dread remained in her spine, she also felt no fear on what her son is going to do to her and her fellow Resistance. And yet, she doesn't know why.
Meanwhile, with the Prisoners...
"Keep going, Traitor!" A Stormtrooper ordered a slightly panting Finn, who was forced to keep hammering the new set of pieces of Stormtrooper armor to make it take the shape of the chest-piece.
After some bed rest and given the all clear by the doctors, he's been placed to work. He's been at it for hours, only given an hour for food and fifteen minutes in two hours for water break and/or to relieve his bladder in the bathroom.
Some of the other workers, most of them being females, had been granted more privileges than he was. No doubt, as a former Stormtrooper, punishment to those labeled as traitors to the First Order must be given a harsher labor. And, since the First Order has replaced the metal for the Stormtrooper's armor with what the Death Trooper's made out of, makes Finn's job even more harder.
"Pathetic, FN-2187." The Stormtrooper mocked, seeing the metal had barely took shape for the chest piece. "I've seen some of your female inmates do a faster job on finding ore than you take to swing your hammer."
Finn glared up at the Stormtrooper, JH-4498, a higher rank Stormtrooper that clearly has a bone to pick with him.
"When we get out of here, I'll make you pay if I hear you harmed even just one of them." He hissed, voice a bit shaky from exhaustion.
JH-4498 simply chuckled at his threat.
"I hardly doubt it, Traitor." He replied.
Before either could say or do, the Stormtrooper then lifted his head.
"Captain? -It didn't take long for Finn to figure out that Phasma contacted him.- Right away, Captain. -The Stormtrooper looked down at the sweaty, tired Finn.- Is your lucky day, Traitor."
He went over to his prisoner and, removing the chains that kept him to the fire pit and putting on cuffs, jabbed his blaster into his back to make him walk.
"Where are you taking me?" Finn grumbled, more than relieved to be out of the forge but having done difficulty walking on shaky legs.
"You'll see. Now, keeping moving." JH-4498 ordered, again jabbing him in the back with his blaster.
Many Stormtroopers ran passed them, but even with their helmets on Finn can seems them glaring at him and, for some unknown reason, heard some say "Traitorous Scum". Though, while it sounds to be out in the open, he felt it more being spoke in his head.
A few jabs to the back and catching a few seconds leaning again the wall to catch his breath, he soon finds himself in the main hall of the Finalizer's Prison.
Almost instantly, his eyes zeroed in on Rose, who he hadn't seen in days since they were separated on Sarvchi.
"Rose!" He cried out, running to the door
short, exhausted, dust-covered girl.
Her eyes lit up from the sound of his voice.
"Finn!"
She ran, also cuffed, and the two leaned against each other.
Jessika, who was with Rose and Kaydel, with the other girl glaring at the JH-4498, went to them.
"Any word on Poe?" She asked, instantly, worrying for her boyfriend's whereabouts.
The twenty-three year-old, looking towards the worried woman, shook his head.
"He's still held up in the Detention Cell," he answered. "If they're keeping him locked up this long, it could be for gathering intel on the other location of the Resistance Bases that the First Order missed to find the rest of our missing comrades or something more important."
"Like what?" Kaydel asked, keeping her eyes on the Stormtrooper.
"No idea."
"Hey! You four! Get back in line!" Another stormtrooper ordered, walking towards them and using their spear to force them back with the other prisoners.
Snap, having to be forced to help repair the TIE Fighter ships' blasters that were severely damaged from the battle on Esseles, joined them.
"Whatever's going on, has to involve Kylo Ren. Something about some important speech, that's going to be broadcasted throughout the entire galaxy." He quickly informed, keeping his voice low.
Jessika sneered in disgust.
"No doubt, to announce he's gonna keep us prisoners until we die. Or, that he's going to kill our general and then turn us into mindless Stormtroopers." She claims.
A few minutes later, Phasma came. Following behind her, Agent Tierney, Agent Engell... And, the very men that brought them down, all six of the Knights of Ren. One having an arm wrapped around a beautiful, but clearly dangerous, woman.
Bringing up the rear, a loathing Hux, forced to follow Allegiant General Pryde. All heading for the stage.
Then, after them, to the prisoners' surprise, different species of, judging from their nice clothes and a couple of military uniforms, high-classed important people. It was almost as if every race from all over the galaxy was here, yet for reasons why, nobody was certain.
Phasma, standing before the prisoners, appeared to be scoping the area.
One of the Stormtroopers came to her and whispered to her.
She acknowledged what her soldier told her, nodded to the soldier, then turned back to the prisoners.
...Then, before them, she clipped her blaster to her hip and, with both hands, removed her helmet.
Before them, all stared at the third degree burn on the left-side of her face. The mark she gained from her fight with Finn, on the Supremacy. Though, many were more amazed to see the smooth, light-tan of her skin, the short wavy-gold hair and the piercing blue-eyes any had ever seen.
"The Supreme Leader, himself, has come to bless us with his presence and bring us enlightenment to what he decides to ask of your fates." Her voice, harsh yet melody-like, echoed within the large-room.
As soon as she finished, firm footsteps caught their attention... And, in all of his glory and armor, in comes in Kylo Ren.
Immediately, all the Stormtroopers, the generals, the guests, and knights turned and bowed to him. Even Hux, reluctantly, bowed to him.
All the prisoners had mixed reactions: Many glared. Some shivered in fear from his intimidating appearance. A couple had even tried to go up to him, only for some of the Stormtroopers to bring them to their knees and keep them pinned.
Finn, Rose, Snap, Jessika and Kaydel stayed quiet, and glared. In their heads, they were ready to attack him if they learned he harmed Poe and Rey. Especially Finn, who's more protective over his sister-figure and feeling guilty for not being able to help her.
When Kylo Ren stopped before them, he stayed quiet.
None can see his face, so they couldn't tell that he was glaring at every single prisoner that's before him and beneath him. And when his eyes zeroed in on Finn, it took nearly every ounce of control within him to not put him in a Force Choke for interfering with his relationship with Rey. That, and seeing how the young-man stood protectively over the smaller-girl, as a predator would guard their mate, gave him more reason to not jump to conclusion and remind himself that he and Rey are Bond-Mates.
As soon as he removed his gaze from the traitor, Kylo looked out to the crowd of his prisoners and his high-ranking Stormtroopers.
"...My high-ranking soldiers. Honored guests. And-... Of course, my thorn in my thigh. -He earned glares from the prisoners for the title he referred to them by. It didn't bothered him in the slightest.- For those who are watching this broadcast, I would like to take this opportunity to start by thanking you for your undivided attentions and only request that you listen from the beginning to the very end on what I have to say, before you decide how you wish to view me and the First Order as such. But, do know that if you still choose to view me a your enemy, so long as you don't attack me or my fleet, I swear to you all that we won't go to your planet and destroy your home or take your lives."
In their eyes, he knew that not one single prisoner, let alone a Resistance Member, believed him and would rather leave the room to not hear what he has to say. His guests, on the other hand, looked at him in awe and great respect. Hux, in the back, had a stoic expression, but his eyes showed great distaste and disproval on addressing to all watching the broadcast as if they're important and mattered.
"I, also, want all who work under the First Order, who couldn't be here for this meeting, due to our lack of space to have our entire army to be present since our base had been destroyed and that this matters involves our prisoners, that your hard work and loyalty to me won't be ignored. Hopefully, as soon as this important announcement is over, the First Order will begin the process on finding a planet to form our new base to become our new home, too, and bring us closer to our goal on bringing order and peace to the galaxy."
The Knights of Ren looked on ahead. Vicrul, still having his arm around Bazine, who agreed to commence their gateway after the speech, kept constant visual on Finn and his group. Kuruk, closer to the stage, stood behind Phasma, appearing menacing and protective to any males that dare to look at his woman as if she's either a hideous creature from her burn-wound on her face or a hint of lust. Ushar, near the exit, gently took Agent Tierny's hand... Also, keeping an extra eye on Hux.
Kylo, let out a deep sigh, ready to say what needs to be said.
"What I have to say, will be honest and nothing but the whole truth." He started. "And I will start off, by saying: Yes, I worked for the Former Supreme Leader of the First Order, Snoke... And, yes, I have followed his orders, without any shadow of a doubt to question his authorities, and killed many. I won't hide what I did in the past and if you expect me to make up an excuse to why I worked under Snoke, then you'll be greatly disappointed to hear none from me. I made the conscious choice to follow those orders, and had every chance and opportunity to refuse and leave, even if it resulted labeling a traitor or even had me killed on the spot. Just like all the captains, generals, Stormtroopers and allies that worked under Snoke."
He stared up at the metal-ceiling, imagining seeing Snoke's face of disappointment and displeased on his face whenever he did something he doesn't approve. And, since the very day he and Rey were connected through their Force-Bond, he stopped caring on being judged by the cold-hearted creature that turned him into a dangerous weapon.
He never regretted turning on Snoke and killing him, and he still doesn't regret it to this very day.
He then looked back to his prisoners.
"I knew, even then, that my use to him would come to an end and, the moment he decides my life is no longer of value to him, would kill me. Just as I had killed many for him... And, honestly, I would've let him do so. After all, an eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth... A life for a life, as the old saying goes. And if that was all it took to repay for all the deaths I caused, I would give my own, without question... Then, that fateful day on Takodana... Where I first saw her."
Almost immediately, Finn spoke out.
"You mean the day you kidnapped Rey, and probed her mind to get the map to Luke Skywalker!"
JH-4498 went over and hit him in the back, forcing him to his knees.
"Interrupt the Supreme Leader, and you'll be executed on the spot, Traitor!" He threatened, placing his blaster to Finn's head.
Rose attempted to charge and attack, but Kaydel and Jessika held her back.
Kylo didn't like to be interrupted, but any who dare try to picture him as the bad guy and he has an answer for it, will help him more of his political image and, most importantly, who and what kind of Supreme Leader he's going to be.
"I did indeed took Rey, after I made my own conclusion, without using the power of the Force, that she'd seen the map to Luke Skywalker." He admitted, confirming with Finn's accusing of him to kidnapping her. "And, yes, I did use the Mind Probe on her, but I didn't immediately started looking for the map; before I even met her, I was told that a girl had been seen with the droid and ex-Stormtrooper FN-2187 and since then, I grew curious and wanted to learn more about her. Imagine my surprise, when seeing the little details on what her life is like, I saw how very similar we are. But, it wasn't until I did attempted to get information out of her to see the map, that when she tapped into the Force for the first time and told me something that nobody else knew but me, right there and then, that I first developed feelings for her and wanted to teach her the way of the Force. To see my side of the story... And, to have me think for myself for the first time and see my former-master as an obstacle that's in the way."
Then, before everybody within the entire room, he slowly removed his helmet, showing the entire galaxy his face.
Many eyes grew wide at the appearance of his face. Let alone, the scar on his face.
"On Starkiller Base, we had our lightsaber fight and, using the Force for a third time, Rey took me down and left me with this scar. This mark that I wear, proudly, for everybody to see right this second, that I see as her way of marking me. Shattering my very soul, only to help strengthen it and lead me further to fall for her. The very woman the Resistance had dubbed as 'The Last Jedi', after finding Luke Skywalker, himself. The very man who was once my master... And, my uncle by blood. Thus, General Organa, Princess of Alderaan and, birth and blood, Naboo, one and only son."
All at once, many of the prisoners voiced out their reaction.
"What?!"
"Impossible!"
"It can't be true!"
"How is that possible?!"
"There's no way that our leader would have an evil, Sith-Lord for a son!"
"He's just like Darth Vader, himself! A tyrant, power-hungry monster!"
Phasma, getting her Sonn-Blas F-11D blaster rifle off her waist, sent a warning shot in the air, hitting the ceiling and getting all the prisoners to grow quiet.
"We had one too many interruptions from one traitorous prisoner and many of you spoke out such insults to our Supreme Leader, when you've all been lied to or are lying to yourselves on what lead to your downfall!" She yelled, her voice echoing throughout the room. "Any of you who like to continue pushing your lucks and speak more false words about our leader, you'll be removed and your service will be no longer needed when your carcass are taking too much space!"
Beside her, Kuruk groaned lowly, none being able to hear him but Phasma. He was getting turned on by her being authoritative towards their prisoners, and wanted to take her to his quarters right this second. But, he is needed to be there for Kylo, just as much as Phasma has to influence order to any who step out of line.
Kylo turned to Phasma and nodded to her, before he continued his speech.
"As you are all aware, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa are twins, children of the late Padmé Amidala, Her Highness and Queen of Naboo. And, yes, children to Darth Vader, one known as Anakin Skywalker. A Jedi, and husband to Her Highness. Thus, my grandparents by blood. And, if any of you demand proof of my claims, I've already had the medic from the First Order Med Bay, Doctors from Batuu. And, of course, Senators from Naboo, in place for Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker's cousin, Pooja Naberrie. The current Queen of Naboo."
Two humans, both males, wearing coats made of basketweave-like heavy fabric with typical Naboo-style bloused sleeves, stepped up. One wearing dark-red held up a datapad in the air.
"We conducted a DNA, blood and genetic test between the Supreme Leader of the First Order and Queen Pooja of Naboo! And, can confirm, that Her Highness and the Supreme Leader are related by blood, as second cousins! Thus, confirming that the Supreme Leader is, indeed, the Grandson of the late Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo!"
"We had already informed our empress of the news, and is awaiting for the Supreme Leader to contact her and immediately welcome him to Naboo!" The second senator, wearing a yellow and white bloused sleeve, added.
Kylo nodded to the two senators in thanks, then turned back to the prisoners and hovering Cam droids.
"Many of you were told, had been informed, that Rey killed Snoke. A claim which I, myself, had stated... I'm here to tell you that what you heard, was actually false... It was I, who had cut Snoke in half, with my grandfather's very own lightsaber."
Hux's eyes glazed with hate and the immediate intention to murder Kylo Ren, even more. But, one step forward and Pryde laid a hand on his right-shoulder. But, it wasn't until the nozzle of a small-blaster was pressed up against his ribs that made him freeze and contemplate to not make a move towards the Supreme Leader.
For now, at least.
"He wanted me to kill Rey, the first and only person that understood the suffering I was put through and gave me the desire to live. I could never bring myself to do so, and knew that it was the only opportunity that he'd have his guard down and for me to bring an end to his ruling. But, I couldn't tell Rey my plans, because Snoke would figure it out while probing her mind to find Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To. But, he couldn't read mine. The only way I'd hope she sees past my actions, was the love and concern I had for her through my eyes. And with Snoke boasting of his victory and distracted to watch me make the fatal blow, he paid the price with his own. And when we both against his guards, side-by-side, I knew that it was time to take up the throne of the First Order and redo all the wrong that this never-ending war had caused to the galaxy... And, it was there and then, I offered my hand to Rey. To join me, as my equal... My empress... My Sonellia. To bring order, balance and peace."
The two senators from Naboo both were stunned, but very much pleased when Kylo revealed he wanted Rey to be his Sonellia. Those who understood the Alderaan Language when speaking of a Life-Mate/Bond-Mate, were also pleased or intrigued by the reveal. Those who aren't familiar with the language, were confused.
To Kylo, that day was very important to him. Being the toughest, happy... And, sadly, one of the most heartbreaking, and frustrating day of his life.
If he could change what he did that day, he would've called off the fleet, as she begged him to do, and had thought harder on what to say to her that would've had her accept his poor excuse for a proposal and started living their lives... Along with killing Hux, knowing the spineless toad would come after his beloved as soon as he learns she's going to rule beside him.
Of course, Luke would still be alive and the Resistance would continue to cause mischief in his plan to bring order, but it would've resulted with fewer casualties and time wouldn't had been wasted for the First Order to find and locate Rey.
And in the time she went hidden, members of the Resistance turned their backs on her and only pushed her to burning out for their cause. And for that, he'll never forgive them.
"Unfortunately, she believed that I would be like my grandfather, Darth Vader, and rejected the bond we both have. A bond that hadn't been heard of for many generations, yet so much stronger than any Force-Bond that ever existed. A Force-Dyad, two living individuals that each carries a piece of the Force, itself. -He turned his gaze towards Finn and his group, clearly seeing them as the ones at fault.- The bond that connects me and Rey in body, mind and soul, that the Resistance view as an act of great evil from the Dark Side of the Force, after Leia Organa revealed our bond to them in her attempt to use her to get to me."
Many gasps of shock echoed within the room.
Some of the guests seemed to have trouble to believe that were to be true, while many were very much in rage and appalled by the news.
Kylo was glad that they're just as angry with his mother as he was, let alone the Resistance Members that had rejected and used Rey.
"You can try and deny it, but most of your droids, including See-Threepio and Artoo-Detoo, had shown us the evidence how many of you treated and spoke of Rey with so much disgust, hatred and dare to point the blame on her for the fight on Crait. Especially, after learning that she was born and raised on Jakku, after her own parents sold her for paying off their drinking debts and escaping Jakku. And I assure you, while death seems to be the proper punishment for the way you treated her, I will deal with your actions, fairly."
"In the meantime, Supreme Leader, what shall you do with Leia Organa?" One of the governors from Batuu questioned, wanting to hear what he has planned to do and, silently, hope he doesn't take any more lives.
Kylo gave him a calm expression, took in a deep breath and turned back to the droids.
"...I know you all expect me to kill her, my own mother, after she, my father, Han Solo, abandoned me to my uncle... Whom, when u was twenty-three, tried to kill me in my sleep and painted me as the monster who killed all of his students." He started. "As a monster, I would have her brought here, before all to see, and kill her... But, even though it seems I hate her... Believe me or not, when I say that I still love her. And, had decided to reach out to the one person who I trust to take her and some of the Resistance that were kind to Rey into his care... While she serves her sentence in exile, in Cloud City on the planet: Bespin."
"Exile?!" Many voices called out at once.
He knew the First Order weren't going to be thrilled by the news, and those Affiliating with the New Republic and/or Galactic Empire would be very much taken back.
He knew, and it was going to play in his favor. Both, by imagine, and, as he revealed, for his relief to know his mother will be safe, even though she and Han abandoned him into his uncle's care.
"If the First Order was still under the ruling of Snoke, then all of the Resistance Members on board of the Finalizer would've been sentenced to death, after immediate capture." He claimed, silencing the questioning of rambling. "And, as I already assume, many would expect of me to follow in his footsteps and do just that. But, as soon as I took the throne, I made an oath to myself that I would make immediate changes, for the better. That includes putting an end to the continuous war between the First Order and the Resistance, without it requiring more blood needing to be shed or the casualties of life to be taken. And many of you would think I'd be doing this, because Leia Organa is my mother, but the truth behind the reason is more to what I swore to do to prove her wrong, for all the times she abandoned me for a position that she'd failed to do, time and time again."
Another leader, a female Savarian, took a step forward.
"You take the title as Supreme Leader, yet you have stated that you and the First Order don't have a base, in terms a planet, of your own to claim. Are we to believe, when the time comes that you go see Empress Pooja, that you plan to claim a planet as your own in that time frame?"
Kylo, to their surprise, nodded towards her.
"Hopefully, we'll have a planet of our own, when that time comes. Perhaps, if we're lucky, very soon. Since I do plan to one day have a planet for the First Order to call home, after Snoke had decided to have his followers to kidnap children and enforce them into the Stormtrooper Program. However, I, also, plan to help relocate any who wish to live civilized lives on their home planet or to help find any trace of their family to return to. I do apologize to all who were taken from their loved ones and how long overdo they're owed to be given the choice to leave the First Order, whether I had any involvement to the continuous cycle of supplying the order with soldiers or not. But, now that I'm taking full control of the First Order and with the help from those who truly see that we're going to help bring order, peace and balance, I can finally commence with the relocation of any worker within the First Order who wishes to live civilized lives. And before any question on how that'll effect the First Order Army, I've already issued on requesting any and all lifeforms in the galaxy to join, willingly and of their own volition, the First Order and will be treated as living individuals. Of course, because many planets have laws that limits on who are eligible to participate in armies, we will abide to their rules."
Most of the rulers looked very well pleased, satisfied, and even astonished to the announcement. Some were surprised and didn't know what to think to the sudden changes.
Another leader, a male Kaminoan, raised his hand.
"We were told that you have many suppliers, most being wealthy First-Class civilians, that involves enforced child slavery and testing subjects. At least, the Former Supreme Leader did. Are you still having them as your suppliers, let alone paying them in riches, for their cruelty?"
It wasn't in any way of accusation towards him, and Kylo was glad that this certain subject has been brought up.
"No." He answered, strong and cleared. "Once I gathered all my men and began to cleanse all the wrong Snoke allowed and permitted, I had my generals search for all the suppliers he paid for their 'servitude', revoked all they were given from earnings that they didn't deserve, claimed all they had that they've been supplying the First Order with and, of course, freed all that were forced to suffer from enslavement and find them homes, even their family. And, to rectify what was taken from them, my generals and I had given each and every one of the freed slaves a sum amount of credits that their 'masters' made through their service, and helped them find ways to gain proper educations to help function in their new life-style. As such, our new suppliers are those who we make trades with, and are hardworking civilized workers that don't abuse power or force others to work for the First-Class and be paid with hardship."
The prisoners couldn't believe what they were hearing, and are completely adamant to not believe a single word that comes out of his mouth. While the leaders and governors, all were very pleased to hear the changes.
Then, a Mon Calamari spoke out... A question that caught many off guard.
"The girl, Rey of Jakku. What's to be of her? Will you prevent her from performing her duties as the Last Jedi?"
The Knights of Ren can feel a burning rage building within him, knowing that the title they call her by and what many expect from his beloved to do angers him to no end.
And it was time to put an end to the matter, once and for all.
"...Before I answer that question, there's a matter that needs to be brought up and be corrected. -The gloved hand not holding his helmet tightened into a fist.- The Last Jedi... Is dead... I had killed the Last Jedi."
TBC
: I like to think, Han being a smuggler, he'd pick up a few tricks to help get him out of situations that involved being cuffed. And, if he did and had shown Leia how to do so, she could've caught Jabba and his men by surprise if she'd freed herself sooner during the Sarlacc Pit scene. Plus, she should've learned more skills to aid her in dangerous situations than just Jedi Training.
:...Yeah, you can tell me that this feels like I took this from "Beauty and the Beast". But, really, it just felt like something Ben would say on explaining Chewie being on the ship... That, and he used those similar lines when telling Rey that she's his guest when on Starkiller Base.
RR