Star Wars: Journey Through the Force

Disclaimer: I own nothing (unfortunately). All rights and characters in this fic belong to Disney, Lucasfilm, George Lucas and other respective owners and creators. I gain no profit from this. It's purely for fun. I only own my OC's.

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Chapter II

Breaking through the D'Qar atmosphere and descending over the Resistance base, Poe finally released a sigh of relief. He could never be too sure that he and Black Squadron were safe until they had their allies in their sights.

They place seemed to be buzzing below, with dozens, if not hundreds, of people scattered about and heading to their respective posts. It had been a few hours since Poe had sent the transmission, reporting what he and the others had discovered on the derelict, mining station. Any new developments involving the First Order, no matter how vague, were sure to cause a ruckus. On their journey back, Poe was left with his own thoughts, pondering what the First Order could have been delivering. But, there was a bigger question that pestered. Who attacked the station? The indication that a lightsabre had been used gave him one theory.

The flight of X-Wings made a precise arrival along the landing path. Each member of Black Squadron took their time to rise from their open canopy, allowing for a moment to breathe and relax. Poe, on the other hand, rushed to exit his vehicle with BB-8 following closely behind. The little droid rolled alongside his partner's legs as the pilot marched to the main quarters of the base, beeping frantically.

''I hope they got our message. It's the biggest news we've had in a long time,'' Poe retorted, glancing back at the droid.

BB-8 dragged his beeps out worriedly.

With a reassuring grin, Poe stopped and kneeled down. ''Don't let it get to you, buddy. Maybe we're panicking over nothing,'' Feeling a presence looming behind him, he turned around to see the young lieutenant, Kaydel Ko Connix, heading towards them. His grin slowly disappeared. ''Although, I think that's too much to ask for.''

He stood up straight and clasped his hands together, waiting patiently for his superior officer to address him. Two droids shadowed her, one of them being the golden protocol droid that never seemed to leave General Leia's side. This gave Poe the idea that the General wasn't around to comment on their mission, leaving the young lady before him to deliver any updates.

''Welcome back, Black Leader,'' Kaydel greeted and bowed respectfully, with Poe repeating her action. ''I'm glad to see that you and your Squadron returned in one piece.''

''It was a close call, but we pulled through,'' Poe bolstered. ''Did you receive our transmission?''

She nodded. ''We did, yes. That's actually what we need to discuss next. Can you call the rest of your team?''

Without hesitation, he turned his gaze back over to his team, watching them share a few quick words with each other. He whistled loudly and lifted his arm in the arm, signalling for them to come over. Promptly, the rest of Black Squadron marched forward and stood next to their leader, eyes locked with the lieutenant.

Kaydel's eyes skimmed over the team, never showing any favouritism to a particular person. ''The Council wishes to commend you. You went above and beyond what was required of you all in what was supposed to be a simple scout mission.''

Poe sighed. ''But we didn't get all the information we needed.''

''Perhaps not, but we know enough to plot our next course of action,'' She glanced at the larger droid to her right as it handed her small data pad which she examined attentively. ''We know that this particular space station had left the planet Kuat, in the Core Worlds region of the galaxy. The Council wants a few of you to go there and find out what the First Order were collecting and where they were transporting it too.''

Poe furrowed his brows. ''Are we not going to look into what attacked the station?''

''At a later date!'' She replied firmly. ''That information is scarce. Right now, this is all we have to go on. We need to know what exactly the First Order was transporting, and our best-case scenario is also learning where their cargo went and then we can find out who the attackers are.''

Huffing, Poe gave the lieutenant a worried nod. ''I prefer sooner rather than later. Because we know the First Order are going to pin the blame on the Resistance.''

''The Council's thoughts exactly. You will take an hour to recoup and prepare yourselves to travel to the Kuat system. Good luck, and may the Force be with you.'' After giving them the details, she bowed once more before turning back to the base. The two droids mirrored her steps and followed.

As Poe shifted his body so that he would face his team, seeing a dejected look planted on each of their diverse faces. This wasn't exactly the welcome back they wanted, but it was to be expected. Their numbers were already stretched thin across the galaxy, and any pilots that were available wouldn't rest for long when missions need attending. Feeling an air of gloom around them, Poe stepped closer. ''You heard the Lieutenant. Rest up, and then report back here within the hour. The sooner we find our answers, the sooner we can kick our feet up and rest.''

Snap grimaced. ''I would feel more appreciated if the Council delivered these missions to us in person!''

Poe smirked and walked over to pat her on the shoulder. ''They're very busy people. As are we. We just have more fun doing what we do.''

Snap rolled his eyes. ''I wouldn't call what we just experienced fun.''

The team shared a light chuckle at Snap's expense. However, Poe's smile vanished the quickest and his mind seemed to drift to a place elsewhere. Memories of what they found on the station led to another set memories for the confident pilot, of a much darker place. One where he saw nothing but darkness, sliced apart by a red light. Incoherent screams rang in his head, making him feel dizzy. Despite knowing he was safe and away from harm, the fiery claws of darkness squeezed his heart and made it difficult for him to breath.

''Poe,'' Jessika's concerned voice dragged him out of the pit. The darkness faded as he saw his team staring at him with narrow eyes. ''Are you sure you're okay?''

He couldn't hide it from them. There was still that fear that he was always being watched, always being haunted. But, in these desperate times, when the Resistance needed level-headed fighters, Poe thought it best to shake away those dark thoughts. ''I'm fine, really.''

Jessika looked like she was going to say more, however, a stern look from Snap sealed her lips.

Not wanting to leave things on a bleak note, Poe confidently smiled at them. ''Come on, let's rest up. That hour is going to fly by faster than the Millennium Falcon.''

Though he did a poor job of convincing them, they decided to leave it be. An hour of rest might be what was needed, not just to give Poe time to clear his head, but also help them stop the rapid beating of their hearts after their recent space battle.

The moment that they parted ways, heading to their respective hangers, Poe heard a commotion coming from behind. He turned to see the protocol droid next to Kaydel was hurrying towards him.

''Commander Dameron? Pardon me, Commander Dameron, might I have a word, please?'' C-3PO approached the pilot nervously, despite Poe giving him an amused little smile.

BB-8 rolled back and forth, beeping happily at his arrival.

The cautious droid stared down at him. ''Oh, I am most relieved to see you back safe and sound, BB-8. And of course, Commander Dameron,'' He sharply turned to Poe, almost as if he was afraid he had offended the pilot by not addressing him right away.

Poe waved his hands dismissively. ''Poe is fine. First name is good.''

''Oh, right, I will make sure to remember that for next time,'' C-3PO apologised. ''I'm terribly sorry, I didn't want to interrupt Lieutenant Connix's briefing, but General Leia wanted me to pass on a message to you.''

Folding his arms over his chest, Poe looked at the droid curiously. ''Is everyone too shy to deliver messages in person today?''

''Oh no,'' C-3PO replied defensively, not picking up on the hint of sarcasm in Poe's voice. ''I'm sure General Leia would have happily told you herself, however, she is off-world at the moment. She is heading to Arkanis.''

His eyes widened in shock. ''Arkanis? Is it about the Armada?''

''Indeed, believe me, I was just as stunned as you are. She said she wanted to interject her own thoughts to the governors regarding the matter.''

Poe bit his lip and shook his head, suppressing the urge to cackle. ''Oh, I would give anything to be there right now. The looks on their faces when the general gives them a piece of her mind would have been priceless to see.''

C-3PO hesitated, not sure how to respond to that comment. He had to say that he was on the opposite end of that opinion. He would never want to cross paths with an enraged Leia, no matter how well he knew her. It was a confrontation he would happily step away from.

''What was it?'' Poe suddenly asked.

''I beg your pardon?''

''The message, the one General Organa wanted to give me. The reason you called me over,'' He jested, eyeing the Droid quizzically.

''Oh yes, do forgive me, my hard drive was elsewhere,'' C-3PO explained. ''I think that you will happy to know that Finn is awake.''

At first, Poe didn't know how to react. He could literally feel his heart leap and any previous dark thought that clouded his mind subsided. After so many months of hoping that his friend would recover, there was a part of him that was saddened to think he would never awaken. However, to actually hear it, it left him feeling speechless. Once it fully processed, he was overcome with joy. ''He's awake?''

A deafening noise came from BB-8. The little droid reeled his spherical body back in shock, gasping at C-3PO before circling around the droid's leg with blistering speed.

Before C-3PO could say another word, Poe and BB-8 dashed right past him, looking like they were racing each other to see who would welcome Finn first. Dazed by their surprising pace, the droid called out as loud as he could. ''Commander Poe? I can show you the way…''

Still sprinting, Poe glanced over his shoulder. ''No need, I know the way. Thank you!''

There was no stopping them. The droid watched as the two disappeared amongst the crowd, heading for the medical facility. Feeling content at managing his duty, C-3PO started to walk in the opposite direction, attending to his other needs.

The peacefulness of the lavish room was abruptly broken as a panicked man burst through the doors. His elegant attire and the way he stiffened his body when he turned his eyes to his superior indicated that he was a man of dignity and class. However, one wouldn't think so when looking at him now. He panted heavily and looked as if he had run through all the corridors in the building. ''Governor Alrucca! Forgive me for intruding, but this is an urgent matter.''

Sitting at a desk, not even bothering to lift her head to look at the alarmed servant, a middle-aged woman focused her attention on the screen of her datapad. Her blonde hair braided over her left shoulder, and wearing a sophisticated uniform with multiple badges of honour hooked on her chest heralded prestige.

With a flick of her wrist, the holograms floating from her datapad disappeared and she lifted her head.

She didn't say a word, so the servant took this as a sign to not prattle. He swiftly bowed, almost collapsing from exhaustion. ''General Leia Organa is here. She wishes to speak with you.''

Her brows lifted slightly and an amused grin slithered over her face. ''My, my, this is unexpected. Did she say what this was about?''

The servant opened his mouth to answer, quickly silencing himself with the governor held her hand up.

''Actually, I know what this is about,'' She stated in a hushed tone, a flicker of annoyance evident. ''Send her in.''

Quickly, the servant rushed out of the door. His bounding footsteps echoed in the hallway, even as the doors shut behind him.

Alone for the moment, the governor cupped her hands together and rested her head on them, deep in thought. To say she was surprised that Leia would be here, willing to speak to her of her own free will was an understatement. However, as the dawn of her Armada's deployment got closer and closer, she should have expected a visit from one of her fiercest rivals on the subject.

She looked outside of the window, overlooking the towering skyscrapers that lined up over Arkanis's horizon, many of them disappearing above the dark clouds. Brief flashes of lightning illuminated the sky, with torrential rainfall pouring down. This planet was a shiny shell that formed around a dark underbelly. One that was trying break free from a past filled with treachery. Once under the control of the Empire, and still carrying those loyal to the First Order, the New Republic knew that much work had to be done to snuff out the deceivers.

Hearing the sounds of footsteps approaching, Governor Alrucca turned away from the window, staring at her hands. Without noticing, she had tangled her fingers so firmly, they turned red and aggrieved her greatly.

Relaxing, she rose out of her chair and walked around her desk just as General Leia strutted in confidently. The servant was on hand to shut the door and wait outside, leaving the two women alone in the room.

''Governor Cera Alrucca,'' Leia titled her head. ''I hope that I'm not interrupting you.''

Cera shook her head and grinned. ''Not at all, this is just very surprising. You don't usually grace the New Republic with an appearance, whether it be an invited guest or otherwise.''

''I felt that this was an event I couldn't look past.''

''No, you wouldn't want to hide away from what is without a doubt the greatest military achievement in the Republic's history. Especially since your family knows all about hiding away.'' Cera stirred.

Rather than take offence, Leia scoffed. ''I see your tongue and wit is as sharp as ever…like a stormtrooper's aim.''

Silence filled the room. Cera was eerily quiet and seemed to be inspecting Leia. There was almost something mischievous about the way she regarded the general, playing mind games and seeing if she could get her to crack.

Finally, Cera smiled at her. A poignant smile. ''General, we've made it no secret that our opinions differ. Greatly differ. However, I do want to make it clear that I wish you no ill, and hope that you see what a great service the Armada will do for the galaxy.''

Leia's smirk widened. ''I love how you know why I've come here, despite making no such mention of your Armada.''

''Because I know that is why you're here.'' Cera suddenly snapped. Her patience was wearing thin by this point. ''If you're trying to convince me otherwise, you will have more luck conjuring for the end of all wars using the Force. You may have convinced a few governors throughout the New Republic, but all that's done is slow down the inevitable and put us at risk of a renewed attack by the First Order.''

Leia didn't hesitant, answering vigilantly. ''I think that your declaration regarding this Armada is putting the galaxy at a far greater risk than I ever could with a few words.''

''Words can be dangerous with your kind.'' Cera spat.

Leia waved her hands dismissively. ''No, words can be dangerous with any kind. And hopeful with any kind. Every voice has a place and can be heard giving the right circumstances. I'm not against hearing the words of others, no matter how aggressive. It's when people in power attempt to snuff out those voices. That's what troubles me.''

The governor acknowledged Leia's words carefully. ''What are you implying? General.''

''There are things that do not sit well with me about this Armada. From the rapidness of its development to the message it's sending to the people.''

''A message that we're fighting for peace and stability against tyrannical forces?''

''A message that we're fighting tyranny by becoming tyrannical ourselves! I can't question your reputation…''

Before the general finished her sentence, Cera stepped forward, closing the gap between them. ''That's right, you can't! You may have had connections to both sides during the Galactic Civil War, but I also fought through it, since before I could even speak. So, if you're trying to indicate that my Armada is some kind of oppressive dictatorship, I strongly disagree. Because, I know what an oppressive dictatorship is, and that's not what this Armada will be.''

Leia remained silent, allowing Cera to speak her mind and get what she needed to off her chest. No matter how much the governor barked, or how stern her tone became, Leia didn't falter. ''As I was saying, I can't question your reputation. However, after we witnessed what happened to the Hosmian System, I'm concerned that with your Armada, the New Republic will want to enact vengeance using the same means.''

Cera narrowed her eyes. ''Are you actually suggesting we'll use the Armada to destroy systems as the First Order did?''

''The thought had crossed my mind, yes,'' Leia confirmed.

''I told you, this would not be an oppressive dictatorship…''

''You don't have to call it oppressive. As long as you claim you're bringing peace, you can call it whatever you want and the people on your side won't question it. Instead of dousing the flames with water, you are fighting fire with fire whilst claiming you're not using fire. If you don't realise that soon, then it will be too late to stop the galaxy from burning.''

Raindrops patting against the window filled the void of silence that filled the room yet again. As the second passed, the vicious expression plastered over Cera's face slowly vanished. Now, to Leia's bewilderment, she felt disappointment radiate from the governor. ''General Organa, I respect you greatly. I do actually support what you and your Resistance stand for. We're both fighting the same enemy. With that being said, considering who is working for the enemy, I think your feelings about the First Order and this Armada might be clouded.''

For the first time, Leia kept her mouth shut.

Just when it seemed like she was getting under her skin, Cera decided to twist the knife a little deeper. This was her domain. She didn't want the general to storm in and think that she had control over her. ''Is your son still missing?'' Cera taunted. ''Or how about your brother? Where was the Jedi when the First Order destroyed trillions of lives in the blink of an eye?''

Leia dared not shift her gaze away from Cera's eyes, afraid that if she did so, she would not find a way to turn back. Her heart was heavy and she felt the sting of tears threatening to fill her eyes. This was a discussion she couldn't win with anyone because she was in the dark just as everyone else was. When they found the map, she thought that it would be the first step to a brighter future. But the longer Luke remained missing, along with Rey, the harder it was for her to win her battles with the governors and senates of the New Republic.

Feeling satisfied to see Leia keep quiet, Cera walked over to her desk. She typed in a few words and the room darkened as the windows were sealed. Before Leia could question her actions, a bright hologram flashed from the governor's desk. It revealed the blueprints for a massive fleet of ships, enough to shadow even the largest of planets. Cruisers, fighters, and space stations of various shapes and sizes drifted along, each proudly marked with the flag of the New Republic. Many of the smaller ships soared over the nearby planets, and they rotated before displaying flags of their own, marking new territory for the New Republic.

To see it on a hologram was one thing, to imagine this Armada on full display in the flesh would be a breath-taking sight. However, seeing this plan in motion, it left the two woman feeling contrasting emotions. Leia only saw the dark shadows that the Armada left in its wake, while Cera's eyes gazed over the many systems that would be considered safe under her control.

''That is why I commissioned the development of this Armada.'' She said to Leia. ''We can't rely on old tales of heroes to use the Force and save us. We need a fleet willing to do what is necessary to wipe out all those who will bring disorder and terror. A fleet greater than any that has come before it. If the Empire or the First Order can develop these superweapons, why can't we?''

With the simple press of a button, the hologram disappeared and the curtain binds lifted upwards. The light pouring in highlighted the shadows of the running droplets on the window.

Cera waited for Leia's response, wondering what the general had to say now.

Finally, Leia stared back with a grim expression. ''I can see that you won't waver. I've said my piece.''

''As have I. So, if there's nothing else, I bid you farewell.'' She waved her hand, gesturing towards the door.

With as much respect as she could muster, Leia bowed and turned heel to leave the room. Whether or not Cera deserved that respect, it was up for debate. She spoke of safety while provoking the idea of domination. It left Leia feeling uneasy.

Leia opened the door. The servant outside helped the rest of the way, but she didn't leave immediately. She turned around to address Cera one final time. ''You should be careful how you go about with this Armada. You're a governor, but you're speaking like an emperor.''

Cera's lip twitched. Keeping her composure, she sat on her chair and rested her arms on her desk. Locking eyes with Leia, Cera's expression darkened. ''There are no more Emperors. There are no more rebellions. And there are no more Jedi. This is a new age, one that will see peace and stability reign throughout the galaxy. And when we capture Kylo Ren, he will pay for his crimes. There is no stopping that.''

The knot in Leia's stomach tightened, as she felt anger boil inside of her. She left the room and headed back to her ship before her emotions betrayed her and she would end up saying something she would regret.

On the one hand, the governor was right, Ben should answer for his horrible acts. However, Leia couldn't bear the thought of him being taken away before she got a chance to see him again, to look him in the eyes for the first time in years and see if there was any part of her son that was still alive in the monster that Snoke had created.

Finn was almost afraid to peer over his shoulder, in fear that he would see the damage Kylo Ren inflicted on him.

The doctor treating him, Lira, rolled a soft sponge, spewed in some kind of blue gel, over the scar running down his back. Finn couldn't stop a hiss from passing through his lips. He clutched the side of the bed, hoping that the pain would pass quickly. The doctor had warned him that while this substance would help him heal and prevent skin infection, it would also be excruciating to sit through. A sharp bolt of pain coursed throughout his body, starting from a light sting, but once the healing gel started to take effect, that's when the real agony started.

He let out a few shaky breaths and, to the Lira's surprised, resisted the urge to curse out or throw some kind of vulgar remark. The doctor noted a few smaller scars and cuts on his back and shoulders that had long-since healed. While Kylo's mark was the largest, each painted a picture of Finn going through something like this multiple times in his past with the First Order.

Growing up in their ranks, trips to medical bays would be a common occurrence, and it was most likely unwise to speak ill when being treated.

Clearing her throat, the doctor spoke with a gentle tone. ''Just a little bit longer. You'll thank me in the long run.''

Finn huffed. ''No need, I can thank you right now.''

''That would be very kind of you. However, once I am done, I would advise remaining as still as possible for a few more minutes. Otherwise, this substance won't take effect correctly and you put yourself at risk of infection.''

Finn almost nodded, but thought best not too, especially after just being given advice not to move. It didn't help his nerves. He wanted to heal as quickly as possible. ''Why wasn't this applied while I was out?''

''It actually was, when you were first brought in. However, because you were touch-and-go, we couldn't risk applying this to your body without knowing if you would have a negative reaction.''

''I suppose you don't get many cases with treating lightsabre wounds,'' Finn mumbled.

An amused huff came from Lira. ''You are actually the first I've treated. Broken bones, torn limbs, and incisions from blaster fire…I've seen it all. A lightsabre scar? Those are rare. Especially with those becomes becoming a rarity, along with those who can masterfully wield them.''

''I got to use a lightsabre,'' Finn added excitedly. ''I wouldn't say I was a master at it, but I think I did a good job on my first try.''

''I'm sure you did,'' Lira replied. The sensation on his back still burned so intensely, he hadn't realised she removed the sponge.

Hearing her stand and move about, Finn tried not to turn around. The smallest inkling of movement was enough to send another surge of blood running through his entire body. Sweat poured down his forehead and his bare chest heaved with every pant. After years of seeing the damage that a lightsabre could do, Finn was still astounded to find out just how painful a cut from the blade really was. However, he couldn't remember what it felt like at the moment of the strike. It had overwhelmed him so much that for a split-second he felt the heat when Kylo slashed it at him, and then nothing. It was as easy as drifting to sleep.

Hanging his head over slouched shoulders, he flinched when he felt Lira dab a wet cloth over his face, rubbing the sweat away. ''You're going to be okay.'' She said decisively. ''Just don't go on anymore crazy rescue missions anytime soon.''

Before he could comment, something screeching in the background caught his attention. It only took him a second to recognise the frantic beeping and whistling, as it got louder and louder, heralding his arrival. An ocean of memories washed over him, and a smile tugged at his lips. ''BB-8?'' He whispered to himself.

On cue, the little droid whizzed through the door, twisting his head around until he found Finn. His body bounced slightly as he powered over to Finn's bed, almost bumping into Lira's feet. The doctor stepped back, puzzled to see the droid burst into the room.

BB-8 hummed a chorus of noises, unable to keep himself still, rolling around excitedly. That excitement rubbed off on Finn, who flashed a happy smile. ''Am I glad to see you!''

Another loud beep indicated the feeling was mutual.

Not long afterwards, Poe entered the room and stopped when he saw Finn sitting up and glanced over in his direction. ''You're awake!'' The pilot beamed.

Finn couldn't hide his delight seeing a familiar face. He wanted to jump up and greet his friend, but couldn't pry himself off the bed.

Poe rushed over, however, Lira stepped in between them, holding her hand out and stopping him from taking another step. ''I wouldn't recommend that,'' She turned back to Finn. ''Not unless you want to stay in that bed for a few more days.''

Finn swallowed. ''No thanks, I want to get out of here as soon as possible.''

She chuckled at his comment and threw another glare towards Poe. To get her point across, she gestured towards the sponge lying on the table nearby. ''I've just applied some Bacta-Lit. He'll be okay to move in about half an hour. For now, just don't work him too hard. I'll give you both a moment to catch up.'' With that said, Lira picked up her datapad and left the room.

Finn's throat was dry as he breathed, trying to not strain himself too much and let the medicine do its thing. He stared at Poe, meeting eye contact with him. The pilot walked over, standing beside his bed. BB-8 rolled nearby, still singing with happiness in his own unique dialect. Finn opened his mouth few times without really thinking of what to say, so thought best to wait for his friend to start the conversation.

''How are you feeling?'' Poe asked after a long moment.

Shaking his head and sighing loudly, Finn was still unsure of what to say, how could he answer that? He was still trying to wrap everything around his head and understand what he's been through. ''I'm awake…so that's a start.''

Poe nodded, seeing that this was a lot for the young man to take in. ''Well, you're right about that. Trust me, I've been in this place more times than I'd like to count. Recovery takes time. In fact, last time I was here was after you and I got separated on Jakku.''

''Oh man, Jakku…'' Finn groaned but with a smile this time. He could still feel the heat from that planet burning against his skin and the sand nestled underneath his fingernails. His life truly changed on that planet, and it such a short space of time. Disturbing visions of the First Order slaughtering a village plagued his mind. It angered him to have been there and not do anything about it, but also terrified him because he was reminded of how powerless he was. After leaving and helping Rey on their quest, after helping the Resistance, and even after using Luke Skywalker's lightsabre, he was still no match for their might.

When not in the First Order, he still felt insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Realising he had retreated into his thoughts and left the moment to drag into silence, he returned his gaze to Poe. ''Everything still feels like it happened yesterday.''

''In your eyes, it did happen yesterday,'' Poe quipped.

''But it's been…'' He paused. ''Has it really been five months?''

Poe nodded.

Somehow, Finn felt humiliation sink into his stomach. He knew that he shouldn't feel this way. He wanted to believe that he had helped the Resistance in their fight against the First Order. But he now had a chance to look at the bigger picture. He had helped in one battle while missing out on so much of what happened in the aftermath. It made him look away, ridden with guilt and shame. ''There's so much I've missed.''

Sensing the doubt coming from Finn, like smoke rising from the fire, Poe crouched down until he was eye level with his comrade. The pilot exchanged a quick glance with BB-8. Even the small droid could recognise the defeated look on Finn and felt compelled to roll closer. ''Actually,'' Poe started. ''Thanks to you, the First Order haven't been as active.''

If Poe thought that his words would help Finn, he was sadly mistaken. With a shake of his head, Finn continued dolefully. ''I didn't do much. It was all Rey. She stopped Kylo Ren. She's the hero.''

''She couldn't have done it without you.''

Hearing that, Finn felt somewhat better. His heart leapt when he thought about Rey, imagining her voice and her smile. Serenity swept him up and made him forget about his pain and his doubt. The longer he thought about her, the prouder he felt seeing how far she went. ''She found Luke Skywalker.''

Poe creased his brows. ''You know?''

Finn sharply turned, his smile slowly starting to return. ''General Organa told me before she left. They finished the map, and Rey went after him. Is it true?''

For some reason, Poe seemed conflicted to answer. ''Yeah…yeah, she did. Not too long after you were brought in, she went to find him.''

Finn could feel that something was wrong. It wasn't hard to read from his tone. Not to mention the way he seemed to avoid eye contact after mentioning Rey after being unable to tear his eyes away from Finn since he entered the room. A sad sounding beep he faintly heard coming from BB-8 left Finn to believe that something was troubling, and General Leia had either lied or left out a large part of the story.

He was afraid to ask his next question, but he needed to know. ''Where is Rey now?''

His question immediately changed the atmosphere in the room. Poe locked eyes with Finn, who stared at him with a look of pure grit and determination. ''What exactly did the general tell you?''

Finn frowned and needed a moment to remember the exact words he had been given. It was possible the antibiotics he had received were numbing his mind. Eventually, he recalled what he had been told. ''She told me that Rey was fine. That she was with Luke Skywalker and that they were both safe.''

Poe had doubts on whether or not he should say anything. If General Organa had told him this story, there had to be a reason, and knowing Finn, it was probably to stop him from jumping in before thinking clearly. He would be going against her wishes. However, Finn wasn't going to let this go, and if he didn't hear it from Poe, he was going to hear it from someone else.

Afraid that he would regret this, Poe sighed and whispered. ''Rey and Luke never returned.''

''What?'' Finn gasped, his stomach beginning to churn.

There was no turning back now, so Poe continued. ''Rey went to find Luke Skywalker. He was hiding on the planet Ahch-To. But after a few days, we lost contact with her and the R2 unit she was with. We haven't heard anything from them since. They're missing.''

To Be Continued…

If you'd like, you can follow my original stories on Wattpad. My penname is Thomas-LF. Thank you for your time, if you do read them, I hope you enjoy them.