Yeah, so, uh, five months. Been a while. And I am SO sorry. I never really knew how freakishly busy the word busy could be but yeah...so in that time, I finished my Masters degree, took the MCAT, and got a job working as adjunct faculty at a local community college. And my 23rd birthday wasn't that bad either! But yeah. Now that I no longer have to study for now (THANK GOD), I'll have plenty of more time to write. So yeah. This is the product of my free time. Don't know if any readers are still expectant but I hope this will at least be a pleasant surprise.
Something about being on the ship made her hesitate.
Rey knew what she had to do—first, to fill her stomach. She had a small headache pounding away at the back of her head at her lack of nourishment as of late. There was another unsettling feeling in her stomach—her unavoidable confrontation with other members of the Resistance.
The cockpit of Jarrok's ship was nothing short of homey. Rey walked into the main cabin. Her last memory of the area had been right after she had slaughtered Damesh and his accomplice. Still, she felt no remorse.
She plopped down in the pilot's seat and sighed. How easy would it be to start the ship and take off?
As much as she wanted to leave and return to the Finalizer, especially into Kylo's arms, she could not run away. She would lose face in front of the Resistance. They had to be dealt with.
Rey stood up and smoothed her outfit. She descended the hangar of the ship and latched it shut from the outside with the Force.
It was still early in the morning, but she knew that most of the Resistance members were early risers, being how the day for them usually started early. But still, to see no one walking in the hallways of the West Wing was a little strange.
Maybe I should just go into Coruscant and grab something to eat from a food stall, she muttered to herself.
That would inadvisable.
She spun around, banging her knee into the wall. "Ouch!" she grimaced, rubbing her knee rapidly to dispel the pain.
Kylo!
He was in clear sight—standing on the captain's deck, feet cemented onto the floor and staring out into the open space through the large glass screen with his chin up. His hands were behind his back. The rest of the First Order crew were busy scrambling behind him.
You were projecting. Not the first time.
She gave him a playful scowl.
I think you've just been eavesdropping.
He smirked at her. Regardless, perhaps it is time for another lesson.
Rey raised her eyebrow at him at the sudden image of the last time she had a private lesson with him aboard the Finalizer's training room. She remembered how he Force-pulled her to him and devoured her, staking his claim in her. A sudden rush of arousal hit her, so strong that she almost collapsed.
Stop sending me these impulses!
I have no clue what you're talking about, although…Kylo's eyes flickered to Rey's cheeks. It wouldn't be difficult to reach a concrete conclusion.
Rey smiled. Of course. I would gladly take a new lesson, Master. She let the last word roll from her lips and watched carefully as Kylo squirmed. Two could play at that game.
I see that you are in Jarrok's ship, Kylo said after he recovered. Those clothes become you.
Le—the only clothes I was given were Resistance clothes. It didn't feel right.
What's come between you and the Resistance?
Nothing, Rey began to fill him in. I just talked to Jarrok. She left out the part where Leia healed him. If Kylo's past outbursts whenever she mentioned Leia was indicator of something, it was that her name was taboo around him.
I need to eat. And meet with the rest of the Resistance.
Kylo growled.
No.
Rey leaned back, dumbstruck.
No?
I know what you mean by that. You're going to look for the blasted droid and his owner, the best pilot in the galaxy, Kylo mocked. And not only that, but your Stormtrooper traitor, FN-2187.
I have every right to do so. They are my friends.
No. I forbid it.
Not this again.
You forbid it? You do not own me, Kylo, let me get one thing clear.
Kylo Force-pulled her over until they were standing face-to-face, only millimeters apart. Rey found herself going cross-eyed in an attempt to lock her eyes with his.
I am your Master. You belong to me and the First Order now. Do you really think they'd still befriend you?
Rey pushed him back and bared her canines, growling as a defensive measure to cover up the hurt Kylo just inflicted.
You are against this idea because of your personal, selfish reasons. If you weren't so hard-headed and just admitted to me—
Admitted to you what? Kylo's voice raised even higher.
That you were jealous! Rey shouted.
I am not jealous!
Then what? Then what? You don't want me to meet with my friends because you dislike them? That's even worse than feeling jealous. At least jealousy implies that you still have enough humanity in you to actually care!
There was an awkward silence. Unbelievably, Kylo averted Rey's gaze. There was a flash in his eyes and she felt instant remorse.
Kylo…she whispered, resting her palm against his chin. I'm sorry. That was uncalled for.
No. You're right.
I am?
Yes. I am jealous, Kylo admitted. Rey could tell how hard it was for him to say this, and she would try her hardest to make him feel accepted. Especially FN-2187.
Rey had to bite her tongue to stop herself from correcting him.
I've seen how you two act when around each other.
It's okay to feel that way, Kylo. But you have to understand…understand that Finn will never mean anything more than a friend to me. Rey grabbed Kylo's hand and put it on her heart. We are bound in more ways than one, Kylo. If the Force Bond didn't exist, I—I believe I'd feel the same way.
She saw his nostrils flare.
The first time I saw you without your mask, there was a stirring inside me. A deep feeling that I couldn't pinpoint until now. It was attraction. Dark attraction. And I know that was before the bond tied us, because the bond only formed when you decided to invade my mind, she finished lightheartedly. She could tell it was working, but he needed a final push.
Don't you see, Kylo? she begged. I belong to you. Everything—my heart, my soul, my being—it all belongs to you. It can't belong to anyone else. I am tied to you. I—
Her proclamations became difficult when lips suddenly crashed amongst hers.
Kylo! You're in front of dozens of people! They can see you!
Ignoring the throbbing sensation between her legs, she pried him off her with enormous difficulty. It was like her arms were refusing her brain's commands.
Kylo let out a frustrated moan.
I know, Kylo. I need you, but not now. When we get back. I'm all yours…her voice trailed off. Rey couldn't resist and gave him a quick peck on the lips before leaning back, just in time to a sudden wave of arousal from Kylo's end. It was physically painful to close the bond, but she did so anyways, albeit with a watery mouth.
The confrontation left her with shaky legs and it took her a few seconds to steady herself. She leaned her weight on the wall with the underside of her lower arm. Maker, that man would be the death of her.
"Excuse me, why are you here?"
Rey whirled around at the unfamiliar voice. The fact that this stranger had sneaked behind her without her notice unnerved her more than she cared to show, other than the fact that her hand was gripped tightly around her lightsaber.
"Who are you?" she asked, voice steady.
Her menacing stance did not escape the girl's eyes, and it was evident by the hardening of her face that she was aware of the situation.
"Why are you in this wing? You're supposed to stay on your own side," she spat.
Rey loosened her grip, slightly impressed at how she was standing her own ground, with only a slight quiver of terror in her voice. She liked this girl.
"Says who?" she asked, tilting her head to the side. She took a step forward. The girl's eyes flickered to the sharp click of her boot. With her second step, Rey could literally see her determination snap in her eyes.
There was a soft thud as the girl's back hit the wall, and an even softer voice when she spoke.
"No one wants you here, traitor."
Rey shoved down the small feeling of hurt.
"Be that as it may, you will not stop me. I am not here to seek reparations or befriend you or anyone else in the Resistance. All I am here for is to visit old friends."
The girl's face paled. "Finn," she whispered.
"You know him."
Her face scrunched up in confusion and then anger. Then Rey saw something else different entirely: protectiveness.
"I won't let you harm him." Whatever fire that had vanquished after her menacing approaches to her had reappeared. She pushed herself off the wall and stood directly under Rey's face, so close that all it would take was a simple lean forward before they their faces touched.
Rey sighed. She was already growing tired of this interaction. There was something different about her lately. Maybe Kylo was rubbing off, but she found her patience to be growing shorter and shorter as time passed.
"I'm only here to talk. It has been a while since I've seen all of them."
"And why should I believe you?"
Rey sighed again. "Listen. You're getting quite on my nerves. I suggest you remove yourself before I do it myself."
The girl's chest swelled to a novel size and Rey resisted the urge to chuckle at her sophomoric behavior.
"So be it," she muttered. She raised her hand and was getting ready to push her to the side, but then had a better idea.
"Where are they? Poe, Finn, BB8?"
"Like I'd tell you!"
"Maker, you really are exasperating, aren't you? How many times do I have to tell you that I mean no harm to the Resistance?"
She could see the girl's resolve cracking, but it wasn't enough. She spat on Rey's face. It wasn't a small bit of saliva, it was something hacked up from the back of her throat. Rey flinched backwards, both disgusted and angry. Her fingers twitched and she seriously contemplated on cutting the girl's hand off, but thought better of it.
"If this is how you want to play it…"
Rey had never invaded someone's mind before, but she found it extremely easy since the girl was that of a non-Force user; she could erect no defense against her attack. Rey slipped through her mind with relative ease. But from there on, it was kind of like running on ice. Not only was Rey new to the dark art, but also unprepared. Every time she slipped, she pried too deeply and it caused the girl mental pain. She could see her grimacing every time this happened. However, since Rey was naturally gifted at virtually everything she put her mind to, she got used to the sensation of navigating around a different person's mind with relative ease. Although, she still gave her a few deliberately jabs here and there just to teach her a lesson.
The answer to where the people she sought for was right on the brim of her consciousness, but Rey ignored it. She was curious as to what else she would see about this girl's life and how she came to join the Resistance. She saw the same face in virtually every memory she poured through—from when the girl was a child, to when she joined the Resistance, to when they were sleeping in the same bunk—it was all made available. Perhaps it was her sister. But then there was a new door, and Rey could sense heavy anguish. That was her cue. She went back to the forefront of the girl's mind and got what she needed, but not before witnessing something that astounded her completely: her and Finn kissing.
"I was not expecting that."
The girl collapsed to the ground, her legs no longer having the ability to support her. Rey lifted her up with a simple lift of her hand. A sliver of pity ran through her and she let the girl's weight rest on her shoulder, taking care as to keep her lightsaber away from her in case the girl had sinister plans. A few moments later, she removed herself from Rey's support, leaning backwards with a small sheen of tears coating her eyes.
"You got what you wanted. Are you happy?"
Rey focused her attention to a dusty spot on the girl's shoulder and she brushed it, watching as the dust floated to the floor. "I thought it was a little early for brunch, but I guess they've been working hard, haven't they? It wouldn't have been so hard if you just told me in the beginning where they were. My story hasn't changed—I'm not here to fight. Just to talk." Originally, Rey barely paid her attention. But now, she scrutinized her. She was shorter than Rey by a whole head, geared in standard Resistance clothes, the same girl with the oriental looks that scowled at her when she descended Jarrok's ship with her Knight in tow. "Speaking of which, I was surprised to say the least by what I saw." She waited for the girl to say something, but all she got in response was a flushed sniff.
"Finn is mine," she finally said, looking at anything and everything but Rey.
Rey threw back her head and laughed in disbelief. Her noises seemed to unsettle the girl, if only for a second. A look of offense came to her face and it was too priceless. Giving another chortle, Rey brushed by the girl and passed her without another word. She would let her ruminate on what her laugh meant.
Her chuckles slowly died down as she approached one of the doors that led to the cafeteria. She knew that everyone she wanted to talk to was behind this door—after all, the girl who she just ran into had just left all that information at the forefront of her mind.
The door was sensored and automatically slid open when Rey approached. There wasn't any code needed—after all, she doubted that the Resistance expected any visitors.
The reaction from the people inside the room was similar to the reactions of the First Order when Rey entered the cafeteria back on the Finalizer. The sounds of plates shifting and silverware clattering screeched to a halt, followed by the stunned, wide-eyed open stares at her and her lethality as she took two steps inside. This time, though, Rey would show no shyness. She stepped further inside to the point where the door behind her shut. There was a brief pause in which everyone—a little more than a dozen people—held their breath.
"She's here to kill us!" the boy on her right shouted. Immediately, this set the entire room off. Resistance members, males and females alike, scrambled to their feet in desperation to get as far away as possible from her. The members who were cautious enough to take responsibility at all times withdrew their blaster guns from their belts and fired at her. Rey wasted no time, immediately channeling the Force and stopping the bolts in their place. Their faces grew pale.
"I'm not here to fight," Rey said, half resisting the urge to roll her eyes. This was too easy. From the corner of her peripherals, she saw that a select few individuals didn't move—the boy that guided her to Leia's room—she had to think for a bit before she remembered his name: Elland. Him and the bulky man that moved her to the prison when she first got off the ship were eating together, sitting one table apart from—
Rey inhaled sharply. There they were—the people she sought.
Finn and Poe.
Something about the sight of them filled Rey with surrealism. To her, it was like she hadn't seen them in years, even though neither of them had changed, besides the small glimmer of defensive reticence she caught in their eyes. They had yet to move, and instead followed every single movement of Rey's. She felt monitored. Their expressions were as inscrutable as Leia's was as Rey stepped off the ship.
Rey flicked her hand to the side and the blaster bolts dropped. Another wave of her hand pushed the Resistance members—the ones who had scampered about or bothered to attack her—back into their respective seats. She walked forward and weaved through the few tables, ignoring the stares and the hostility of some of the members. She was relieved that no one had the audacity to fire again, for stopping a shot from near-range would be quite difficult. But they probably didn't know that.
Rey closed the gap between her and Finn and Poe. There was an empty seat. Feeling as if it would be rude to intrude, Rey asked, "Mind if I join?"
Finn's mouth opened and then closed before he opened it one more time. The start of a word came out, but his throat was too dry. He cleared it.
"By all means," he said, right as Poe violently stood to his feet and stabbed his finger in Rey's chest.
"Leave."
If anyone was meticulous enough, they would've seen Rey's shoulders droop ever-so-slightly. Poe's finger jab didn't hurt. Physically, at least. A flash of disappointment washed through her. Perhaps hoping for the best had been a mistake.
"Poe, we should listen—"
"Shut up!" Poe whirled, jabbing his other finger in Finn's face. "We don't have to listen to anything she says."
"Poe, I—"
"Forget it." His voice was firm. "The best thing you can do for us is just leave."
Rey didn't know where all of her vulnerabilities suddenly came from. She felt weakened, as if a part of her was staked through and incapacitated by the rejection of who she once considered her friend.
"Finn," she tried appealing to him. His name caught in her throat, and by the looks of things, he himself was struggling with his decision. The hurt was evident—it not only flashed through his eyes, but settled there like some debilitating, chronic disease.
"Rey, I don't think this is a good idea." For someone who originally was against Poe's decision, he now seemed hesitant on allowing Rey in.
Tears began to well in her eyes, but anger quickly retaliated before she lost her composure. She could feel it begin to seep from the corners of her soul, from deep within her. Her vexation oozed out of her and quickly suppressed her hurt, the hurt that had manifested by Finn's doubt. It encompassed her being until she could see nothing but red. Nothing but betrayal, and nothing but another two pitiful lives that she could slaughter in an instant. The ringing in her head grew until it was almost painful, coaxing her, telling her to end things once and for all. To destroy anything in her path that caused her inexplicable pain. Sadness was something that should be squashed. There was no room for weakness.
Suddenly, the two people in front of her were no longer her friends. They were her enemy.
A grotesque growl erupted from Rey's pink lips. Her hand went to her lightsaber and her knees involuntary bent into a fighting position—
Beep!
The unexpected droid sound ripped her involuntary state away. The beast in her roared at the interruption and then quickly turned its anger at her defiance—Rey straightened herself and let her hands fall slack.
"BB-8!" she exclaimed, turning to the side where the droid had made its approach.
BB-8 gave a happy chirp that suddenly died away into a low series of beeps when he spotted something he didn't like in Rey. He started sliding until he reached Poe, hiding himself behind his owner for a few seconds before tilting himself to the side and dubiously peeking out from behind Poe's leg.
"No, BB-8, it's still me," Rey reassured, walking closer to BB-8 before getting on one knee. She ignored the leg that belonged to Poe. "It's Rey."
BB-8's head swiveled on his side in what looked like a shake of his head. He gave two low beeps.
Rey tried again. "Come here, BB-8. Your antenna's slightly bent again."
At her mention of his antenna, BB-8 immediately became alert. He pushed himself from Poe's leg just slightly before beeping to himself and retreating again. Rey gave a low chuckle at the cuteness of the droid's indecisiveness.
"I won't bite, BB-8. I promise."
That did it. BB-8 squealed—and faster than a blink of an eye—rolled to Rey. He gave some lighthearted beeps to which Rey chuckled again.
"Bend down."
BB-8 obliged, leaning his head downward so Rey could bring her hand to his antenna, just like she had when they first met. She did just that, twisting it a little bit before straightening it. BB-8's body wiggled back and forth as she did this. She knew it was his favorite, to have his antenna played with.
"Is this a new antenna?" she asked, taking note at how the cap at the top was slightly bigger.
BB-8 let loose a long beep that started off low but ended on a high note.
"Yeah, I like it a lot. It looks good."
BB-8 head nodded and Rey's contacted hand swiveled back and forth as she tried to keep up with his movements.
"Not so fast, BB-8. I haven't finished straightening it yet. Be patient, okay?" she asked, after BB-8 gave a petulant whine. She gave it a little bit more of an adjustment, with her eyes on BB-8's sensor. She looked into it, losing herself and cherishing the unorthodox bond they had that started from that day they had met—when BB-8 had been caught in another scavenger's net.
"Nostalgic, isn't it?" she asked. BB-8 beeped in agreement. Rey smiled.
"There," she said, finishing her last adjustment before patting BB-8 on his head. "All better?"
BB-8 nodded. Rey got up from her knees and stepped back, waiting for Poe's response. He still wore a scowl, but at least his frown had lessened in severity ever-so-slightly. BB-8 turned to his owner and gave him a series of chirps.
"You think so BB-8? Yeah, I know. Still—" Poe warily stared at Rey. "Yes, I know, BB-8, but we don't know if she—"
BB-8 vibrated his body and gave his loudest beep yet.
"Okay, fine," Poe relented. Rey smiled at the interaction. "But if you're wrong, this is on you."
BB-8 gave a happy squeal. His motor hummed as he shuffled his way over to Rey and bumped into her leg.
"Just so you know," Poe started. Rey took her attention off the droid and redirected it to the barely-restrained dislike in his eyes. "BB-8 trusts you, but I don't. I won't hesitate if I think your intentions are anything less than just."
"Is that a threat?" she asked, playfulness sparkling in her eyes.
"Yes. Yes, it is."
Rey gave a low chuckle. "That's a good enough answer for me." She turned to the droid. BB-8 sure had a way to diffuse tense situations.
"I want you both to understand something," she said, immediately turning serious. BB-8 scooted back a bit and gave an impressed beep at the authority in her voice. "I am not here to bring fall to the Resistance. I am not here as an associate of the First Order. I am here on my own free will because I want to see you two. You guys are the only people of the Resistance other than Leia that I care about."
Poe's eyes softened at her expressive declaration.
"I understand completely, Rey. But you can't forgo reality. War comes first."
"I know."
"Come on, Rey. Have a seat with us, yeah?" Finn swiveled his head to the seat next to him.
Rey nodded.
"Have you eaten yet?" Finn asked.
A shake.
"Wait here. I'll get you some food."
"Thanks, Finn," Rey murmured, suddenly feeling much like herself in the past than who she was now—and with it held a sense of vulnerability.
She sat down next to Finn's seat. Poe took a seat across from her. The two of them stared off in silence at first. It wasn't wrong to admit that it was awkward.
"Rey—" Poe finally began, but before he could continue, BB-8 gave a sharp protest and then propelled himself onto the surface of the table with his hooks.
"BB-8!" Rey laughed. "I see your nosiness is still at the forefront of your personality."
He gave a little purr and spun around in a full circle.
"You can listen, but don't interrupt, BB-8." Poe said.
A beep.
This…this is what Rey needed. A break from everything that had been going on as of late—not because it was bad, but because it was too much. The transition and the speed at which her life moved in the last couple of weeks took a toll out of her, with hardly any time for rest. Rest that she could get by seeing her two friends again.
"I missed you guys," she muttered, dipping her eyes to the table. The fingers on her left hand brushed against the surface of the table while the other rubbed circles on her thigh.
"In all honesty, Rey, we missed you too." Poe's response was slow and held just the slightest bit of hesitation.
"I want to know everything. Everything that has happened, everything that you two have been doing—"
"Rey, I don't think—"
"Please," she insisted, fully aware of what he was going to say had not interrupted him. "Please."
Poe sighed and slumped forward in his chair. "It's been chaotic," he finally admitted. "We have a few more additional members from Canto Bight and several more from Coruscant, but…"
Rey held a hand up. "Not the Resistance. Just you two. Something normal. Something you."
Poe looked taken aback but then gave her a smile. A real smile, one that she had gotten used to around the campfire after Starkiller Base.
"Well, I'm still the best pilot in the galaxy."
Rey felt the corner of her mouth lift into a smirk. "Still? You weren't that good to begin with!"
"Says who?"
"Me," she answered. "And if I remember correctly, you still owe me a race." She propped her elbows on the table, hands clasped, resting her chin on them. "Or are you avoiding it because you're too scared?"
Poe snorted. "I bet BB-8 could even outpilot you. I'm avoiding you because you're not worth the time."
"Ouch, Dameron," Rey said, just as BB-8 gave his robot version of a laugh. A moment later, there were two more voices of laughter ringing around the room.
"You two sure look chummy."
Rey whirled around. Her eyes darted to Finn, but quickly dropped to the massive pile of food plopped on the biggest plate she had ever seen.
Finn smiled at Rey's bulging eyes.
"Here," he said, pushing the plate to her. "If I hold out on you any longer, sanitation's going to hate when they have to clean up buckets of drool."
"Hey!" Rey said, accepting the plate and pushing him gently at the same time. "I do not drool!" At Finn's narrowed eyes, she relented. "Okay, maybe a bit. But not buckets!"
"Potato, potahto. I still haven't gotten my hug."
Initially, Rey was slightly hesitant. After all, the hug he gave her on Crait revealed much more about his personal feelings to her than she would have liked. But leaning into his frame now offered no emotions extending beyond the line of friendship. Rey's mind quickly went to the girl—what was her name? She had her to thank for that.
The sudden growling of Rey's stomach broke them apart. She sat down, sweeping her eyes around the spectacle. Mountains of rich meats and a variety of greens stacked messily upon her plate, just as she liked it.
"Are you going to be able to eat all that, or have I given you too much?"
Rey was about to answer, but Poe beat her to the chase.
"Are you kidding me? Her stomach is the size of the Unknown Regions."
Rey's mouth dropped open. "Excuse you—" but her voice was cut off by the sudden handful of bread BB-8 shoved in her mouth. "Idoaneaahmuck."
"What?"
Rey forced herself to swallow the food, wincing as it got stuck in her throat. She hastily took a swig of water from the cup that Finn provided.
"Maker, this is amazing. Where did you guys get this?" And indeed it was, on levels that the First Order's food even reached.
"It's Coruscant. Leia—" at the mention of her, Rey looked up from her plate of food. They were still watching her, but both of them now sported a firm purse on their lips. "She still has some influence over the region."
Rey decided not to push and instead soaked her bread into the rich oils of the meat. Things had fallen quiet between them now, the only sound being her rough chewing.
"What have you been up to? I know Poe's been spending every hour tinkering away on his ship or BB-8." At that, both droid and owner grunted.
"Things have settled into a lull here. Honestly, Rey," Finn scrunched his eyebrows. "People have been getting complacent. Ever since Coruscant, it's almost as if the majority of the Resistance has lost the will to fight. A lot of members spend more time going into the city and drinking and having fun at the bars than remembering we're in the middle of a war."
Rey finished a corner of her plate and thought. "Sometimes it's okay to take breaks. Sometimes we need normalcy in our lives. Otherwise, we begin to lose our sense of identity, what makes us who we are."
"I know, but this…this is different. Many of us have just accepted things for what they are, and it's unsettling even for us. I went out into the city yesterday and it's so different. Everyone knows about the war, but they're not actively participating. It's as if the war is just some side issue, a minor annoyance. The citizens prioritize their shopping lists and errands instead."
"Finn," Rey sighed, covering one of his hands with hers. "They only treat it as such because the war doesn't directly affect them."
"I know that!" Finn shouted, drawing the attention of a few tables. "I know that," he said again, much quieter. "But that doesn't mean I like it."
"What Finn here is trying to say, is that he's envious."
"I am not! It's just—"
"What?" Poe piped up. "We've been over this, and you're still in denial. You're envious, mate."
"What changed?" Rey asked. She stared into his eyes, expecting to read him. "You were the face of the Resistance's efforts against the First Order."
"And I still am! But things, as much as it pains me to admit," he gritted. "Have improved. The Supreme Leader," he said in a bout of mockery, "is a lot better than Snoke ever was."
Rey lifted her eyebrow. "Describe better."
"Well, we haven't had to tuck tail or flee for the last two weeks, have we now? According to the HoloNet, more and more people are starting to understand and even sympathize with the First Order. Apparently the First Order is more rational and less savage now that Snoke has been replaced."
By Kylo Ren, were the unsaid words, but Rey could hear them all the same.
"Maybe that's why people treat the war as a minor annoyance now. If the First Order is more rational, then their goals are in line with the Resistance's."
"I know, but—"
"Finn." Rey put her hand over his. "Don't you think it's time to just accept things for what they are?"
Finn stood up. Rey had just a split second to take in the offended glare he shot her before he began shouting.
"Give up?"
"No!" Rey protested, getting to her feet as well. "That's not what I was saying!"
"I think you forgot the reason why I left the First Order to begin with. They treated the Stormtroopers like scum. Found every excuse to dish out reconditionings, used us for the dirty work. Until the First Order is gone, we will never be free. Never."
"Finn…"
"I still have friends in the First Order. Those that want out but can't. They're stuck, trapped."
"Buddy," Poe stepped in. "Don't you think that's stretching things a bit? You admitted it yourself—the First Order have changed. For the better. I don't think the way they treat Stormtroopers is the same as they used to under Snoke."
Finn shook his head. "No. No. I know they're still suffering."
"How in the world do you know that?" Rey asked out of curiosity.
"RS-2678. One of my friends. He's in a different squadron but we had cleanup—"
Rey's attention drifted away from Finn before she could hear the rest of his sentence. RS-2678…that name sounded oddly familiar.
"—of the Knights attacked them in the hallway. Didn't even provoke her, just—"
"Oh," Rey said. It wasn't a question, or an exclamation. It was just a simple 'oh' that drifted from her lips as quietly as a breath of air.
Only BB-8 heard her. Rey turned and threatened him with her eyes, but it was too late. He gave a confused beep.
"What about Rey, BB-8?" Poe asked.
Maker, this was not going to go well.