AN: Chapter Next, because I can't think of anything better to do and I like making things more difficult for our gang.

Chapter 4

"That gun - it's definitely here," Finn answers in response.

"Where?" Ben and Rey ask in unison.

"In the high rollers suite. I saw it before I left and wasn't sure why everyone was so interested in some beat up old relic."

"It has a past. The types attracted to Canto Bight all desire that sort of thing - strange bragging rights."

"And you're sure?" Rey asks, focusing her attention on the former Stormtrooper, trying to determine if she'll have a chance to tell him the truth at some point during this crazy evening.

Which truth would that be, Rey?

I…

That I was the one to kill Snoke?

Maybe.

Or is it something else?

What could you possibly be referring to? Who says I've even thought of you since Crait?

Our bond indicates something different.

"Yes," Finn answers, interrupting their telepathic conversation.

"Do you know who has it now?" Rey asks, ignoring a look of self-satisfaction coming from Ben.

"A woman." Finn finishes his drink with a grimace. "Well, a female creature. She was playing jah mong and dressed in some sort of elaborate red dress. I had no idea what was going on, so I stepped back to observe."

"We have to hope she's still here, and that she hasn't gambled away the gun."

"And what? We're just going to steal it from her?" Rey asks, arms crossed.

"Do you have a better idea?"

"It's not right!"

"I don't have enough credits!"

"Guys, we've got a problem."

Poe's voice sounds from the transponder, and Finn moves to retrieve the device from his interior pocket. Sharing a worried look with Rey, they both know the use of the machine is for emergencies only.

As Rey nods, Finn responds, "What do you mean?"

"We're not alone."

"Define, 'we're not alone?'"

"The First Order… I'm not sure how they tracked us, but there is a small contingent who just landed. That good for nothing ginger practically ran off the ship."

"Hux!" Ben hisses.

Now it is Rey and Finn's turn to look expectedly at the Supreme Leader. Finn's left fist clenches, and he says, "This is a trap. You led them here. This is all some sick game for you!"

As Finn makes his way towards Ben and the taller man rises to the challenge, Rey throws her hands out and without entirely meaning to, uses the Force to push the men back into their chairs. Slightly flustered, she says, "Not right now. I know it's difficult to believe, but Ben did not lead them here."

"Ben-?"

"You need to move." Poe's voice comes over the intercom. "Disguises, run, hide, anything - you have less than five minutes."

In her elaborate makeup and elaborate hair and ensemble, Rey feels safe, but Ben's eyepatch doesn't hide his recognizable face or memorable build. Although unorthodox, she has seen travelers to Jakku with bandanas around their face, revealing only their eyes, to protect them from the harsh sun of the planet. Or the hyper War Boys, with their silver stained teeth and blad heads.

We are not cutting my hair.

Fine.

As she tries to determine their best move, Ben looks to Finn. "You're not going to like my suggestion."

"Which is?"

"I stashed a Stormtrooper uniform in the last stall of the bathrooms. It's in the ceiling panel."

"If I take that...uniform, what will you do?"

"He'll be my servant!" With only a moment of hesitation, Rey rips off the beautiful silk sleeves of her dress and hands them to Ben. "Put this on."

"Servants aren't allowed in Canto Bight," Ben answers but begins wrapping the painted violet silk around his head.

"Quit being useless! Do you have any better ideas?"

"I wasn't finished. Servants aren't...but 'companions' are."

Rey flushes pink, but says, "Whatever gets us out of here alive."

Ben quirks an eyebrow, while Rey exasperatedly tries to help with his veil. Not having access to any fabric this fine, she has no idea what she's doing. She finally manages something that looks like the men and creatures she's seen on Jakku. It's not ideal, but it's their only chance. Appraising him for the last time, he's more approachable with just his eyes visible - they are kinder somehow.

"It's not enough," Finn says, and Rey agrees.

Hoping Ben's signature temper won't make an appearance, she forcefully rips the sleeves from his tuxedo jacket, revealing his muscular arms. Although the situation is rather dire, she can't help but share a smile with Finn. The Supreme Leader of the First Order, made to look like some sort of sensual errand boy.

If we could show his lips, this would be more believable...

Ben's face, or at least what she can see of it, remains unresponsive. From behind the veil, he says, "If he sees you, Hux will want to talk to you."

"How do you know?"

"He has a thing for women from Naboo. Thought my grandmother was the most beautiful creature in the universe."

"Well, that is something creepy we can unpack another day, but you're sure?"

"There's no doubt."

"I can't… The accent… The language... He will know immediately."

"Fortunately, the chink in Armitage Hux's proverbial armor is women. He has no idea how to talk to them. Furthermore, I'll be right next to you. I can help you through this. I know of their customs."

"Then I guess we will have to make him believe I'm not some lonely scavenger from Jakku."

You're more than that.

Not the time. We should run.

Why?

This may all be a game to you, but there are people counting on results from Finn and myself.

We can use the Force.

I won't kill anyone.

No… When you speak to Hux, use the Force to make him believe you are everything and I am nothing.

Ben, you're not…

What I am or what I am not will have no bearing when you meet the Commander. Remember that. Believe it and he will too.

Here, in the middle of a casino, far from the ships and First Order, there is no dark or light. There is only the young woman in front of him. If only it could always be this way.

Ben?

I won't run. The plans are more important than you know. My mission is essential and took too much coordination to fail.

"Any minute, now." Poe's voice is desperate.

Finn looks at both of them, "I'll do what I can to remain unobtrusive in the uniform. I'll make an exit and rendezvous with Poe, and hope the First Order don't see me." He tosses the communicator to Rey. "As much as I don't trust him, I trust you. I'll let you know when I'm safe. Take care of yourself until then. Poe will know what to do. You'll have our support just as soon as I find him."

"Take care. And Finn?"

Finn turns. "Yes?"

"Leave if you have to. I know where the meetup point is. Do not put your life in danger. Do you understand?"

Finn crosses the room and hugs her tightly, "I'll do no such thing."

Softly kissing her cheek, and looking smugly at Ben, Finn departs from the rear entrance of the room, leaving Rey and Ben alone.