Chapter 25

"Is Finn almost done his saber?" River asked, digging more trenches in the dirt, preparing the soil for new seeds in the gardens. They had finally found a good rhythm of planting that allowed for continual harvesting of both food and medicine. Thanks to some new Force sensitives who had green thumbs, Rey now had more help than she knew what to do with in the greenhouses.

"I think he's close," Rey replied, smiling as she planted the seeds in the trenches River created. "He's been working on it for close to a month now. Just a few key components and he can finally add in his crystal."

"He must be so excited," River replied dreamingly. As someone who was still so new to the Force and the teachings of the Grey Path, River did not expect to hear the call of the kyber crystals for quite some time. For now she would have to live vicariously through Finn and his very obvious and infectious excitement.

"Oh yes," Rey chuckled in response, knowing exactly how excited he was. It was the main topic of dinner conversation at least a few times a week. "Let's just hope he doesn't have to use it anytime soon." The expression on her face became sombre as she thought about the threat of the Crimson Dawn. Through Chewie's connection with the Guavian Death Gang, there were rumours of the network expanding into New Republic territories.

She, along with Ben and Finn, had been discussing their possible role if an expansion turned out to be true. Historically, the Jedi were the guardians of peace in the galaxy and while they were not Jedi, they were the closest thing the New Republic had to Force warriors. They knew it was at least a possibility that they could be called upon by the prevailing government and they wanted to be ready just in case.

Rey turned to see River clearly distracted, hands in the dirt. Her mind was elsewhere and she could feel the waves of nervousness and hesitation as they rolled off of the young Force user. She had noticed that River had been less than present in the last few shifts she had at the greenhouse and while Rey didn't want to pry, there was clearly something on her mind.

"River," Rey said gently, pulling the young woman's attention in her direction. "You seem distracted. Is there anything you want to talk about?" The feelings of nervousness heightened, as Rey could feel River's mind bouncing around erratically. She simply tapped her temple gently, reminding her to use her shields.

"Sorry," River mumbled, immediately putting up her shields, causing her overwhelming thoughts and emotions to quiet. Ben and Rey had been continually working in this technique with all of the Force users, wanting to work on their defensive Force abilities just as much as their offensive. "I'm fine," River replied, clearly not telling Rey the whole truth as she avoided her gaze.

"River, you can talk to me if you want," Rey said softly, reaching for the young girl's hand. River looked up at her and sighed.

"I just don't want to disappoint you," she huffed, looking back down at the dirt on her hands.

"You won't," Rey replied. "Now what is going on?"

"I want to apprentice with Maya," River blurted out, unable to look Rey in the eye, trying desperately to hide her fear and worry.

Rey bubbled with joy and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Sweet girl, why do you think this would disappoint me? I think it's a wonderful idea."

"You do?" River squeaked, finally meeting Rey's gaze. She could feel the young girl finally relax, her Force signature calming and regulating. "I just thought you would be mad because I couldn't help in the gardens anymore."

"I want you to be happy," Rey replied, pulling River's hands into hers. "That is what I want for all of you. Happiness and a fulfilling life. If working with Maya will do that, then I am pleased." River was beaming with joy, unable to hide her happiness as a wide grin spread on her face.

"I was at an appointment with Rose and Maya," she gushed, her eyes twinkling. "The way Maya supported her, answered her questions; it was magical Rey." Rey simply smiled as she listened to River share her experiences. "I could feel the Force signature of the baby," she added in a whisper.

"You could feel it too?" Rey replied in awe, her tone hushed not wanting others working in the gardens to overhear their conversations. Lina had not yet shown any Force sensitivity, but these things can awaken at any time in life, although most commonly in childhood. But just because she hadn't, it did not preclude her sibling from showing strength with the Force early on.

"I didn't tell Rose," River said quickly. "I was just there as an observer, but I know Maya can feel it too. The way she uses the Force to help mothers…" she trailed off looking towards the sky. "I want to do that, Rey."

"Well then you should," Rey replied matter of factly. "Have you asked Maya about apprenticing?"

"She asked me actually," River said quietly. "I didn't know how to bring it up to you. I've been pulling double shifts for the last week and it's exhausting."

"River, I don't want you to ever be afraid to talk to me. We're all family here and we help each other. I have lots of help in the gardens so I am not worried about that at all. Your happiness however, that is something that is very important to me."

Rey stood up and held her hand out for River to take. "Come on now," Rey said with a smile. "Let's go find Maya and make this official."

. . . . .

The pair walked through the greenhouses and worked their way across the compound heading towards the medical bay. Dr. Kalonia was happy to share her space with Maya, especially considering her services weren't called upon as frequently these days. Maya however, was very busy. With the war essentially coming to an end, life was buzzing on the base, with many people starting families.

As they approached the med bay, they could see Maya speaking with Poe, the discussion looking somewhat serious with tears in the midwife's eyes.

"Thank you Poe," she replied softly, wiping the tears from her face.

"Glad we could accommodate," he replied, putting his hand gently on her shoulder. "Next time come to me sooner okay?" Maya nodded and smiled as Poe walked away, giving a quick nod and hello to both Rey and River. Maya turned her head to see River and Rey standing off to the sides and smiled warmly.

"My husband and daughter are going to be joining me here," she replied, still wiping tears from her happy face. "Now I wish I had asked sooner," she laughed. "My daughter is just about your age, River. I think you and her will get along wonderfully."

"I didn't know you were married," Rey said with a smile. "You've been here for months without them?"

"I knew the work here was important," Maya replied, " but I also knew you were short on housing facilities. I didn't want to impose. Now, to what do I owe this lovely visit?"

"River has mentioned that she would like to apprentice with you," Rey smiled, "and I would like to make it official. She was worried that I would be disappointed, but it's far from the case."

"Oh good," Maya said with a warm smile, wrapping an arm around the young girl. "We've got three babies due in the next two months and I could use the help." Rey watched as the pair walked towards Maya's office. She smiled softly and couldn't help but wonder when she would be in need of their services. Her heart quivered at the thought as she turned and headed back to the greenhouse to finish planting seeds.