A note from your humble author: One more lemon before shit gets real. Please don't be too angry with me after this chapter, and most importantly – hold onto your butts!

The X-Wing pilots were finishing their squadron practice for the day, and Rando had a free moment away from his Jedi training.

It felt a little awkward to be learning the basics alongside a very young Ewok child, but he was grateful for the opportunity to learn at all. He knew the basics of piloting, but he was no ace at it. He had always been disappointed that he had never quite been the pilot that his father was, but perhaps he could make up for it by fighting in other ways. He was eager to offer any help that he could to the resistance.

He and Yibya were not yet ready to make their own sabers, but Master Luke had supplied them with vibro-swords to practice with in the meantime in lieu of low-powered practice sabers which had not been procured yet. It had felt unusual to wield anything but a blaster at first, but he was gradually getting used to it.

He watched the pilots walk in from the tarmac as he rested in the shade of one of the tall Takodana trees.

Jessika spotted him and immediately waved and made her way towards him. Between her squad practice and his Jedi training they had little time to see each other, but they were both beginning to look forward to whatever brief moments together they could find.

"I see Luke Skywalker gave you a break for once!" she declared as she joined him.

"He was called to a meeting with the General. I figured I'd hang out here and see how you were doing."

General Organa had finally convinced the rest of the superior officers to relocate the base. Most everyone was busy with preparations as they were set to relocate first thing in the morning.

They had received a transmission from the Millennium Falcon; Rey and Ben would be returning by the end of the day; just in time before the entire resistance operation pulled up stakes.

They had been gone about a week, and he had missed them both terribly. He was dying to know all about how their mission went, if they found Ereus Ren, and most importantly, if Ben got to enter any races. He also especially missed seeing Rey. Though he had given up on her ever feeling anything more for him than friendship, a part of his heart would always be in love with her, even though he knew not to expect anything from it. That realization had been a bitter pill to swallow, but he did find that being with Jessika somewhat eased the pain in his heart.

Jessika was sweet and charismatic and she did share many of his interests, but she only knew him at his best. He had never opened himself up to her the way he had to Rey. He had never shared the pain and vulnerability that he had so freely expressed to Rey. A part of him wanted to. He was still dealing with the terrible pain at the loss of his father, an open wound that afflicted his heart every day since the battle on Endor. Often he would still seek time alone to weep where no one would see. He still felt the burning hatred against the First Order, Snoke, and his terrible Knights of Ren for all that they had taken from him. He was glad to have his mother back, but at the same time he knew he would never get back all the years with her that he missed while growing up, that were forever taken from him. And the terrible knowledge of the torment and pain that she had endured while under the control of the First Order; and knowing that she too, had lost his father.

His mother was the only person he felt entirely comfortable talking to about the loss of his father. The only one who felt that pain and loss as much as him, but at the same time, he had to learn to know her all over again.

Rey and Ben faced many similar demons to his own; it was why he felt the most understood in their company, but Jess, she was innocent. To share his sorrows with her, would only steal the smile from her pretty face, and he did not want that. He didn't want to do or say anything to rob her of her cheerful disposition. Jess had seen the face of war as much as any resistance pilot, and even lost people in her own life, but unlike him, she seemed to rise above her adversity in a way that made it seem as if almost nothing could ever dampen her spirits.

"I heard Ben and Rey are returning tonight," she commented as she accepted the canteen of cool water that he offered her, knowing that she would be tired and thirsty after her practice.

"Just in time. I hope they have good news about their mission. Just a shame I can't join them, I'd love to get my hands on that Aldo Ren," he confessed, in one of the rare moments when he wasn't the charismatic upbeat version of himself that he usually reserved for when he was in her company.

She knew he had become more solitary since the loss of his father, and that it wasn't just because of his new Jedi training, and she had been hoping that he would be willing to talk to her about it. Sometimes talking things out helped with the pain, which she knew he was trying to hide, and she hoped that he would feel comfortable enough with her to confide in her. She decided to seize this rare moment.

"I'm sorry about what he did to your father. I heard he was a really great guy…a hero. You can talk to me you know, about anything."

"I don't want to depress you with all my problems," he admitted.

"Everyone needs someone to listen to them once n' a while. I don't mind, really, I don't. I'm here for you if you need me."

"Jess…thank you," he replied, and he watched as she gave him one of her pretty smiles that instantly melted his heart. He reached out and gently caressed the side of her face and was surprised when she leaned forward and tenderly kissed his lips.

Once again, it was Master Luke who greeted them as they landed the Falcon upon their return.

Luke could tell the moment he saw them that their mission had not gone quite as they had hoped.

"Ereus Ren is dead," reported Rey. "We weren't able to find out if he knew the location of Aldo Ren."

"Trust the force! I feel your disappointment, but the force makes no mistakes. The good thing is that there is only one Knight of Ren left, and sooner or later he will be found. You both did well."

"Master Luke, this may come as a surprise to you, but we found several more force-sensitives on Tatooine, and two of them are Kenobis," said Rey.

"Kenobis?" he asked, and Rey could tell that it was indeed news to him.

"All we know is that they're twin children who were born to Dan and Ann Kenobi, and that Dan Kenobi died on Tatooine searching for his father. Do you think his father could have been Obi-wan Kenobi?" she asked.

Master Luke grew quiet and thoughtful for a moment. Eventually he shared his thoughts; "Obi-wan confessed to me that there had been a woman who came to Tatooine. It was long after the clone wars and several years before I ever found him. She had asked him to leave Tatooine with her, but he wouldn't abandon his mission of staying to watch over me. He never saw her again. Yes, yes it is possible, but if it is true, Master Obi-wan never knew. Where are these children?"

"We couldn't bring them. We tried, but Ann Kenobi lives in fear of the First Order, she felt the children would not be safe here with us. But, her heart is weak, and I sense she will not live much longer. I gave the children our com-link, and Crom, a force-sensitive pod-racer, offered to keep a watchful eye over them. I suspect in time we will be returning for them," explained Ben.

"That's a shame. I very much would like to meet these children, and see for myself if they really are of any relation to Ben Kenobi, but you made a wise decision."

"How is everything here?" asked Ben.

"Tomorrow we will move our base back to Yavin 4. I rather look forward to it. I haven't seen Yavin 4 since I was a young lad."

"Mother was able to convince the officer's council?"

"She knows how to get her way. I only hope we're not too late. There is other news I take it?" he asked with a twinkle in his sharp blue eyes.

Rey and Ben blushed a little, and both nodded. Ben's mother undoubtedly had told Luke that her son was planning to ask for Rey's hand.

"I'm happy for you two. I believe the force meant for you to find each other."

"We believe that too," agreed Ben.

"Well, you best let Chewie know. He'll be heartbroken if he isn't one of the first to hear."

Rey and Ben found Chewie playing a game of Dejarik with Maz Kanata, who seemed content to let the Wookiee win. He jumped up and warmly embraced them both, roaring his happiness at their return.

When they told him and Maz the news of their engagement, he practically lifted them off the ground in his enthusiasm. Even Maz approved, but in her more reserved manner. Eventually when Chewie got over his initial excitement he was able to mention that he was sorry Han would not be able to see his only son be married, but that his spirit would be there.

Again Ben felt the familiar stab of anguish in his heart at the mention of his father. No amount of time would ever wash away the guilt he would always feel, but he wanted to believe that what his uncle said was true. He knew his father would never be a force ghost of any kind, but part of him wanted to believe that somehow a part of his spirit would always be around.

"Thank you, Uncle Chewie," he replied, trying to not well up with emotion.

He felt Rey gently squeeze his hand.

While Ben went to have a word with his mother, Rey decided to go check in on Poe and Finn.

She found them eating dinner outside with Yibya, enjoying the cool air as the sun began to set.

"Rey!" Finn cried jumping up and nearly dumping his tray onto himself.

"You're just in time for dinner!" added Poe, who dished a second helping onto Yibya's plate.

The Ewok child waved happily to Rey as she joined them.

"Ben and I ate aboard the Falcon just before we got here. We figured we'd starve if we waited until after we finished talking to everyone."

There would be no bonfire gathering tonight for their return, the base was too preoccupied with the upcoming move, and most were either still busy or exhausted.

"How was the mission?" asked Poe.

"It…could have gone better. We didn't get the information we were hoping for, but we did eliminate another Knight of Ren, and we found several more force-sensitives. I'm so relieved that there are more people with the force than I originally imagined."

"Have you seen Rando yet? He's dying to know if Ben got to do any racing," asked Finn.

"Not yet, but let's just say Ben would have made him proud," she said with a smile.

"Wow! Tell us everything that happened on Tatooine! Don't spare any juicy details!" added Poe.

"It's a long story, and I'm pretty tired after flying halfway across the galaxy. I'll have to give you all the details tomorrow, but I guess I can tell you one other thing that happened while we were there," but instead of telling she showed them her hand as she displayed the glittering ring that Ben had given her.

Poe's mouth fell open, which was an unpleasant sight as he had been halfway through chewing his food. Finn and Yibya looked at the ring, but seemed confused, and Rey had to remind herself that Finn had grown up under the restrictive training of a stormtrooper.

"Ben asked me to marry him," she announced.

Thankfully Poe snapped out of his stupor and closed his mouth, but still looked as though he was about to choke. Finn let out a startled gasp, and young Yibya just cocked his head, still confused.

"Wait, does that mean you said 'yes'?" asked Finn.

"It does."

Rey was having a hard time reading Finn's emotions on the news. Poe initially felt shocked, but she could feel a giddy sense of excitement rising from him, whereas Finn's emotions seemed to be all over the place.

"I…wow…really? Why? Well…I mean…that's cool. Are you sure?" he stammered.

Rey just smiled and explained; "Yes, Finn, I'm sure. I love Ben. We love each other. I know he hasn't always been a good person, but he is different now. I know I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I hope you'll be happy for me?"

"Rey…I am happy for you. And you're right…he isn't quite the psychotic maniac that he once was…I think. He seems to be doing…good, actually. I'm honestly amazed, but if anyone can change a man, and I know this from experience, it certainly is you. I just want you to be happy, Rey, that's all that matters. If you like that big scary guy that much, then you better invite me to that wedding!"

"Me too!" piped in Poe, who then added; "Ben's not so bad, really. I can genuinely see how much he loves you. Anybody can see that just from the way he looks at you, and he's been a major help to the resistance since he defected from the First Order. He's not the only one who left the First Order and changed for the better," he said giving Finn a nod.

"Yeah, but I didn't join on purpose!" argued Finn. "But really, Rey, I am happy for you both," he added.

Rey was relieved to know that she had the blessings of her two dearest friends and that they would be there for her when the day finally came.

General Leia Organa was beaming with excitement.

"We can have the wedding on Yavin 4! I can take Rey to Coruscant to shop for a wedding dress!"

She had been just as excited when Ben had told her that he was planning on asking Rey to marry him, and now knowing that Rey had agreed, she was practically uncontainable in her joy.

"We haven't really set a date just yet. We haven't even discussed when," explained Ben, trying to bring his mother back down from the clouds.

"Yes, you're right," she said, trying to recompose herself, but not fully being able to wipe the satisfied grin from her face. "Besides, this war might get in the way. I'm sorry you guys weren't able to get the information from Ereus Ren, but the fact that you two seem to be finding more and more force-users gives me hope. Snoke's power is in his ability to control others, and you two have devastated his most powerful assets, all the more reason why I want us off of Takodana. We've had several decisive victories against the First Order, but they always strike back."

Ben was all too familiar with the devious way Snoke's mind worked, and he had to agree with his mother in this instance. There was nothing Snoke hated more than the loss of his power, and there was nothing he loved more than vengeance.

"Once we're settled on Yavin 4 we'll prepare our next offensive against the First Order's fleet. Between Rando supplying us with more starfighters and Poe having excellent progress in training so many new pilots, it shouldn't be long before we're ready. Perhaps this, Aldo Ren, will show his face in battle."

"I hope so, though Snoke may want to keep him close now more than ever after having lost all of his other knights," added Ben.

He watched as her face softened and took on a sad sort of look. "Your father would have been so proud of you Ben. I know the pain you feel whenever I bring him up, but it's true. He loved you so much. All he wanted was to bring you home, and you're here. You're really here, and you're stronger now in the light than you've ever been before. I'm only sorry that he won't be there to see you get married."

Ben couldn't fight back the tear that rolled down his face. "I miss him every day, mother. It never stops hurting."

General Organa reached out and held her son. Even though she was so very tiny compared to him, Ben couldn't help but feel comforted in knowing that he at least still had her in his life.

Ben was heading back outside the fortress to find Rey when Rando found him first. He instantly wanted to know how their hunt for Ereus Ren went, and after debriefing him on their mission, Ben could tell that he was greatly upset that they weren't able to find the location of Aldo Ren.

"I'm sorry, Rando. We're not giving up," offered Ben.

"I suppose I shouldn't have got my hopes up. What you and Rey are doing isn't easy. I wish I were more trained in the force so that I could be useful."

"In time you will be."

"I guess it can't be helped. Well, enough of the depressing news. Master Luke has kept me so busy I wasn't able to catch any of the races on telecast. So did you find time between being a bad-ass warrior to enter any races?" he asked, and Ben marveled at how swiftly his moods could shift.

"You might be happy to know that you're a richer man."

"Yes! Tell me all about it! How did you like my pod-racer? Who did you beat?"

"The Red Comet is a great pod-racer; Ray in particular seemed impressed." Ben watched as that statement seemed to exceptionally please Rando. "Most of my competitors were of no challenge, but I was primarily racing against Crom."

"What? Crom? Are you kidding me? Wait…wait…are you telling me…that you beat Crom at a podrace? The Crom? The four-year running champion of the Boonta Eve Classic Podrace? Why would he even be competing in the early qualifying races?"

"He didn't need to qualify, I'm sure, but I ended up getting into a wager with Rotta the Hutt…trust me, it's a long story, but yes, I entered a race against Crom…the Crom. He's a hell of a pod-pilot and it was a close match, but I managed to come out ahead, at odds of ten to one, plus what Rotta wagered me. Did you know that he has the force?"

"What? No! Son of a…so that's why he's so good! He's always managed to stomp every single one of my pod-pilots before. I never would have even imagined you'd end up against him on the track."

"Before I go, I suppose I should tell you the news," mentioned Ben.

"What news?"

"Rey and I are getting married," announced Ben. He wanted Rando to hear it from him, rather than have him find out through someone else. Even though Rando had relinquished his pursuit of Rey, Ben was aware Rando still harbored feelings for her. He wasn't breaking the news to Rando because he wanted to hurt him, or further crush his heart into the dust, Ben no longer held Rando's feeling against him. Even trying to imagine himself in Rando's place, being the one to lose out on Rey to another, made his heart ache in an unbearable manner. He could understand why anyone could easily fall in love with her, and he could also imagine how badly it would hurt to have that love never be reciprocated. He no longer felt jealousy towards his charming friend, only pity.

"I see," stated Rando, and it was obvious by the look in his eyes that he took the news like a knife slowly twisting in his heart. "Ben, you're a friend, you and Rey both. You guys are unbelievably awesome! I want you two to be happy, I mean that. But, I'm sure you sense it, don't you? I'm as transparent as glass…always have been. I'm trying to get past it, I promise I am. It's just going to take time. Jess and I seem to have a good thing going now. I like her. I really do. Maybe if I can get Skywalker to give me a break next month, I'll take her out to Tatooine for the big race. I haven't personally met Crom yet, but I'd like to. You didn't happen to get his autograph did you?"

Monitoring the airspace around Takodana was more complicated than around their other more secluded operations. Takodana still had a regular influx of traders and travelers that would often use the remote planet as a jump-off point to their intended destinations. The resistance radar technicians closely monitored for any signs of battle-cursers, tie fighters, or enemy drones. They also had spies working undercover as regular patrons in Maz's tavern to keep an eye on any suspicious looking ships or travelers.

No one paid much attention when the spaceship of Zeego Hue approached Takodana's airspace, and was immediately granted clearance to land.

The bounty hunter's ship had been abandoned aboard the Finalizer during the infiltration and rescue of Kylo Ren. General Hux had wanted its removal, but Aldo Ren had requested they keep it. At long last they were able to gather enough information through their spy network that the resistance base was sitting right under their noses on Takodana, and the Supreme Leader had assigned him a special mission.

Aldo Ren landed the ship near the hanger where most other traveler's left their vessels. Stalking outside he happened upon a Rodian who was parked near the tavern on his speeder and approached.

Before the Rodian had time to even acknowledge his presence, Aldo Ren had locked him in a force grip and using his vibro-sword, he ran the owner of the speeder through. Aldo Ren unceremoniously chucked the lifeless body into the forest and mounted the stolen speeder and made his way away from the tavern, and towards the resistance base.

It was a warm night on Takodana, and the forests were aglow with bioluminescent insects that flitted through the air. He found her waiting for him under the starlight, and was reminded of the first night they shared together.

"Your mother wasn't too disappointed that we didn't complete the mission?" she asked.

"She was too busy being happy, about the news…about us," he said as he joined her beneath the trees.

The moonlight wasn't very bright, but he could sense that she was blushing beside him. "Are you happy, Rey? I mean…that we're getting married?" he asked, just wanting her to tell him what he needed to hear, what he would always need to hear.

"Yes, Ben. I love you. I really do. No matter what happens ahead of us, I'm not afraid, because you're with me. All my life I've been so alone, but I'm not anymore. I wanted someone to want me. You've given me that," she said as she reached up to gently caress the scar on his face. His skin was so fair it seemed to glow in the darkness, but she loved the warmth of him, she loved that he was strong and firm, yet soft and gentle.

He leaned down to kiss her warm lips and sighed in content when she opened her mouth and allowed him to delve deeper. When he finally pulled back from their kiss they were both short of breath. She could see his dark eyes staring deep into hers as he finally breathed; "You're mine. You're really here with me, and you're mine. I still can't seem to believe how lucky I am. I never thought I would know the happiness you have given me. It's so much more than I deserve. I can't wait until we're married! I'd do anything for you, Rey. For the rest of our lives, I promise."

"Ben," she whispered his name in the darkness, and he felt a shiver roll up his spine as she spoke. He gently grasped her face in his hands and pulled her into another deep kiss, and he could feel her hands roam down his chest and begin pulling at his shirt. They quickly began tearing each other's clothes off and as soon as they were free of their physical barriers she pounced on him. She straddled his lap as he knelt on the forest floor and she wrapped her arms around his strong shoulders.

"Rey, my Rey, you're so beautiful," he breathed as he admired her gentle curves in the moonlight. He gently tilted her head back and ran his lips down the length of her soft neck, sucking and nipping the flesh along the way. He felt her gently grind into him, which drove him mad, and he ached to impale himself within her, but he could sense she wanted to dictate their pace this time, and he loved submitting to her.

She ran both her hands through his jet black hair and lifted herself up so that his mouth could explore lower down her body. She felt a throbbing ache between her legs as he claimed one of her nipples with his mouth and gently sucked and pulled on it, the sensation making her grow wetter by the minute.

She slowly lowered herself onto his throbbing erection and he groaned in bliss. He was never more happy, more complete, than when he was inside of her. He gripped and squeezed her ass as he pulled her onto him.

She slowly began moving up and down his smooth shaft and she gently cupped his face in her hands as she delved deeply into his mouth with her hungry tongue. When she finally broke their kiss she began tasting the salty flesh of his throat and she could feel his need intensify through their bond as she gently scraped her teeth along his collarbone.

He slid his hands up and down her body as she continued to ride him, and he could feel himself getting closer to the edge, but he could also sense that she was not far herself.

She cried out as she felt her walls tighten around him with the intensity of her orgasm, but she continued to move her body on top of him until she could feel him shudder and release within her, groaning her name and clasping her to him as he pulled them both to the mossy forest floor.

He held her tightly to him as they lay under the stars and watched the glowing insects pass through the night air. He gently caressed her hair as he tasted her lips one more time. They stayed that way for quite some time, but he could sense her growing tired and eventually they got up and redressed themselves and returned to the fortress.

It was late at night when Aldo Ren pulled up near the resistance base. He stopped his speeder before he got too close, most of the base would be sleeping and he would need to get in quietly.

He stalked through the forest and out towards the radar tower. He ducked into the shadows as patrolling guards passed by and slipped silently inside.

Once within the radar tower he found only one technician at his post and stealthily he crept up behind him. He covered the startled guard's mouth with one gloved hand as he used his other hand, which wielded a knife, to slit the technician's throat. As soon as his victim stopped struggling, he pulled out his com-link.

"This is Aldo Ren," he reported through the harsh mechanical filter of his dark mask. "I have dispatched the radar personnel, send in the forces."

Rey and Ben were awoken to the sound of a blast that shook the fortress around them.

"We're under attack!" Ben shouted as they scrambled to throw on their clothes and grab their sabers.

They ran out of their room to find the halls of the old fortress filled with people running and shouting and panicking as another blast struck the base.

"Mother!" he called, as he and Rey ran towards the general who was shouting commands.

"Get them out! Evacuate the fortress! Start the transport shuttles. Ben?" she cried when she saw her son and Rey running towards her.

"We didn't hear an alarm!" cried Rey.

"There wasn't one," declared Luke Skywalker as he and Chewie joined them. "We have to get out. The fortress won't take another hit!" he urged as they heard the roar of tie fighters overhead.

"You two, see if you can get to the X-Wings, you have to provide cover for the transport shuttles," the General Shouted over the sound of the tie fighters.

"What about you?" asked Ben, who was fearful to leave his mother behind.

"It's all right, Ben, hurry!" reassured Luke.

Several resistance soldiers and Chewie were digging for survivors through the rubble. The general cried out in shock when she saw the fallen body of Admiral Ackbar and buried her face in her hands.

"I'm sorry, Leia, but we have to get out," said Luke with authority, as he grabbed his sister's arm. Chewie followed them, leaving the rubble behind and being closely trailed by a panicking C3PO.

"R2! R2, where are you?"

"He's on his way to the X-Wings. Rey will need him. You better get your rusty behind out to the Falcon," shouted Maz who had a blaster in her hand as she too fled from the devastated fortress.

Rey and Ben raced out to the tarmac and on their way; they found Finn, with Yibya close at hand, and Rando holding off ground troopers with blasters.

"You two, we're evacuating! Get everyone into transport shuttles as fast as you can. We're going to hold them off?" ordered Ben.

"Take the first shuttle; I'll hold them off!" Rando shouted to Finn, who grabbed Yibya by his small furry hand and ran with him to the nearest transport shuttle. Poe and BB-8 had already made it to the Black One and were circling around overhead, accompanied by Blue Leader, together they were knocking out as many tie fighters as he could while the rest of the pilots made for their starfighters.

Rey and Ben met Jessika who was also racing to her X-Wing.

"Where's Rando?" asked Jess.

"He's helping load the transport shuttles. We have to hold off these ties or they won't make it off this planet!" answered Rey as she scrambled into the Grey Wolf. She was surprised to find that R2 was already close behind her.

The Black Wolf was so new and sophisticated it didn't require a droid co-pilot, though the ship was equipped to include one if the pilot so desired. Ben fired up his X-Wing and cast one look to Rey where she sat in her own starfighter as he strapped on his flight helmet. He couldn't shake a terrible feeling of dread.

Several of the X-Wings were destroyed as they sat on the tarmac, and Rey watched in horror as some of the red squadron pilots were killed in the blasts. As they pulled up they could see that the First Order had already successfully landed several transport shuttles of their own and stormtroopers were flooding out in great hoards while resistance ground troops struggled to hold them off.

Grey Wolf, Black Knight, and Blue Three fired their canons into the whirling tie fighters that bombed the base from overhead.

They could all see above the atmosphere, the Finalizer was in orbit, and more ties were on the way.

Black Leader shot down three ties as he watched Finn's transport shuttle lift off. "Blue Leader, help me cover transport twelve. Do you copy?"

"I'm on it!" called Blue Leader as he mowed down two more ties, but then found himself assailed by several more coming in from all directions.

Black Leader could hear his terrified scream over the com-link as two different ties simultaneously shot Blue Leader from the sky.

"Snap!" cried Black Leader, who furiously pivoted to fire at more ties, their numbers seemingly inexhaustible.

Grey Wolf and Black Knight joined Black Leader as they cleared the way for the first series of resistance transport shuttles that began lifting off the planet.

Grey Wolf cried out in horror as transport shuttle eighteen was blasted from the sky, despite their best efforts to guard it.

On the ground General Organa was still shouting commands to her ground troops who were desperately trying to hold back the swarming stormtroopers.

Ashani Calrissian was wielding her vibro double-blade and standing with the General who was also firing shots.

"Leia, we have to leave!" begged Luke.

"I'm not leaving without my people!" she argued stubbornly.

"Take the next shuttle. I'll stay here and help our ground forces. I'll follow you with Chewie in the falcon. Please, Leia!" he begged.

"I'll help as many as I can into transport twenty two," offered Ashani, who ran off to gather as many of the resistance soldiers as she could pry away from the fight.

Reluctantly the general nodded her head and ordered several more of her ground forces to follow her into transport shuttle twenty. Luke held his breath as he watched the shuttles lift off into the air.

A swarm of ties descended upon the next batch of shuttles trying to take off, but Blue Three was quickly on them, blasting them out of the sky in a rain of fire with her energy canons.

"Blue Three to shuttles twenty, twenty two, and four. You are clear and covered," she called over the com-link as she pulled her X-Wing into a tight roll and shot down two more ties.

She could quickly see that they were being outnumbered. "Blue Three to Black Leader, I need more cover. Come in Black Leader?"

"We're on our way!" called Black Leader, as he and the rest of Black Squadron dove in to clear the path for the shuttles.

But the rest of the squadron was too late and they could all see as Blue Three's X-Wing was overwhelmed amongst enemy fire.

"Jess, get out of there! Jess, get out!" shouted Grey Wolf.

Blue Three managed to hit her eject button just before several ties beset upon her X-Wing and blasted it from the sky.

Jess clenched her teeth together as everything toppled around her. One moment the world was below her, the next the sky, as she spun wildly through the air. She watched as her drogue chute finally managed to deploy and she cried out as her entire body yanked up with a sickening jolt as the rest of her parachute unfurled. Unfortunately she was landing directly behind enemy lines.

There were too many of them and it was all Grey Wolf and Black Knight could manage just to keep themselves from being blasted out of the sky, but that was when Black Knight saw it; the torpedo that had been launched at shuttle twenty. He watched in abject horror as he was powerless to stop it, and cried out as he watched it slam into the side of the transport ship, and he knew, his mother was inside.

Rando cried out as he saw Jess's X-Wing blown from the sky, but he sighed in relief as he watched her chute open. His joy was short-lived when he realized where she would be landing.

He looked up again to see one of the transport shuttles take the full brunt of a proton torpedo and he began running as she watched the flaming ship slowly lose all control then dive back down into the surface of the planet.

He had to find Jess before the enemy did.

Luke too, saw the shuttle crash back into the forest planet, and he and Chewie wasted no time in running out to meet the wreckage.

Rey could feel the soul-rending agony of Ben through their bond, and she struggled to choke back tears that threatened to cloud her necessary vision. That was when another surge of ties descended upon the planet and suddenly she was surrounded.

Jess thrashed wildly, trying to break the branches of the tree that held her above the ground. She had no knife with which to cut herself down and no blaster as she watched her enemies surround her.

"Resistance scum!" she heard a voice shout up to her, and she looked down to see a chrome-armored soldier pointing a blaster up at her. She was accompanied by many troopers. She felt her heart jump as she watched the chrome soldier aim her weapon and slowly squeeze the trigger.

Grey Wolf pulled into a desperate barrel roll, but even as Black Knight dove in to eliminate the tie threat, she couldn't shake all of their fire and took a direct hit into her left wing. R2D2 began beeping warnings, but rather than eject herself, she hit the eject on the small droid and sent him careening from the ship. She struggled to hang onto the ships controls as her ship began spinning out of control.

Rey! Get out! Get out, Rey!

Shouted Ben through their bond, but the way her ship was flipping she would not be able to safely eject and the ground was steadily growing closer.

Rando ran across the forest floor until he felt his heart would burst from the exertion, but he arrived too late. He looked up just in time to watch as the chrome-armored trooper opened fire on Jessika, who hung helplessly from her chute.

He seemed to see it all happen in slow motion as blast after blast shot into her body. He watched as the blood burst forth from her chest, her horrible blood curdling screams as still the blasts kept coming, several of her limbs were shot from her body and still her blood rained down, and finally one merciful blast pierced her straight through her heart, and he watched as her head slumped forward, her eyes still open, the look of horror that he would never forget.

Luke searched for the bond that he shared with his sister, it was faint, but it wasn't gone. He and Chewie ran past hoards of troopers and he showed them no mercy as he cut them down with his saber left and right. Chewie launched his bowcaster ahead of them to help clear the path as they ran towards the downed shuttle that smoldered in wreckage.

When they reached the shuttle, Luke was horrified by the bodies strewn all around. He used the force and searched for Leia, and then he felt her. With Chewie's help they managed to lift some of the debris of the shuttle, and there they found Leia Organa.

Rey managed to stop the wild spinning of her ship and regain some manner of control just as the Grey Wolf skidded erratically through the treetops. With a horrible smash the X-Wing struck a particularly large tree and finally came to a halt. The impact had been so rough that the ship was utterly destroyed, and Rey was knocked out cold.

Rando shouted in horror as he dropped to his knees. The troopers finally turned and noticed him; they had been too busy watching the carnage to even see the young man's approach.

Captain Phasma waved her hand, giving the order for execution, but as one of her troopers took aim and fired, the blast was stopped as the man pulled out a vibro-sword at the very last moment and deflected the shot.

His eyes blazed with dark hatred, and he charged forth with a furious war cry.

"Leia! Leia, wake up!" shouted Luke, as he tried to rouse his fallen sister. Her body was partially crushed and he could feel her growing weaker by the moment.

Chewbacca roared in misery.

"Keep the troopers back Chewie, I'm going to try to heal her!" asked Luke as he gently pressed his hands over his sisters bleeding abdomen and called upon the force.

Aldo Ren reveled in the carnage all around him. He bathed in the blood of his enemies, their shouts of pain and death the sweetest of music to his ears. He had seen the X-Wing of the female Jedi fall and stalked towards the wreckage, hoping to be able to report to his master that at least one of the Jedi could be confirmed dead, but she was still alive.

Ben abandoned the fight the moment he saw Rey's X-Wing crash. He managed to land the Black Wolf and ran through the forest, dodging blaster fire and deflecting shots with his saber as he tore through the trees. As he ran he cut down stormtroopers left and right, but when he reached the wreckage of the Grey Wolf - Rey was gone, and there was fresh blood in the cockpit.

Rando felt the fury of the darkside flow through him as he cut down his enemies. He sliced off limbs and removed heads, and still there wasn't enough blood to satisfy him as he thinned out their numbers. He had one goal in mind; he would have the head of the chrome soldier who murdered Jessika.

Captain Phasma fired at the charging resistance soldier, but he either dodged her shots or blocked them entirely with his vibro-weapon. For the first time in ages she felt the grip of fear seize her as she looked into the hate-filled eyes of her enemy.

She reached for the Z6 Riot Baton of one of her fallen troopers just in time to block the crackling blade of her attacker. She was taller than him, but he seemed to be fueled by some inexplicable rush of adrenaline and she found herself struggling to hold him off as he rained furious blows against her baton.

She tried to swipe his legs from beneath him, but he leapt over her with a flip and with one powerful slice, he watched as her chrome helmet, head and all, was removed from her shoulders.

Luke was exhausted, but he could feel that Leia's life-force had stabilized before he allowed himself to stop.

Chewie was firing his bowcaster all around them as he fended off the invading troopers who were slowly starting to advance on them.

Luke carefully picked up his sister in his arms and called for Chewie.

"Quickly, Chewie, we have to get her to the Falcon and get out of here."

Chewie roared in question.

"I don't know if she'll make it, she needs a medic. Come!" he replied as he passed Chewie his sister so that he could wield his saber past their enemies.

"Rey! REY!" shouted Ben as he pulled apart the wreckage of the Grey Wolf; suddenly he heard the familiar beeps of binary behind him.

"R2!" he cried as he watched the droid roll out of the forest, his parachute straps still trailing behind him. "Did you see Rey? She's not here!"

The droid beeped that he had seen Rey be taken by a Knight of Ren. He had tried to follow them, but the forest terrain had prevented him and so he had returned to the crashed ship.

"Where did they go?" asked Ben, as he felt the panic spike within him.

He ran through the forest in the direction that R2 had indicated, but he was too late. He could see a First Order transport shuttle lift off into the air, and he could feel through the force that Rey was inside.

Suddenly he heard his com-link go off. When he answered it, he heard the voice of his uncle.

"Ben? Where are you? Where is Rey?"

"They've taken her! They took Rey!"

"We'll get her back, Ben. I have your mother on the Falcon. She's alive, but she's badly hurt. Do you still have the Black Wolf? Do you need me to come back for you?" asked his uncle.

"Yes. I have it. R2 is with me," he replied.

"I see one more shuttle lifting off. I think it has Rando and the last of our troops. Take R2 and get out of there. Hurry!"

A note from your humble author: Phew. My god! What have I done? Poor Jess! I gave her the Robocop treatment. And poor Rando! I think I invented his character just to torture him! Will I ever give that poor guy a break? Will he come back from his walk in the darkside? Will Leia survive? Rey is captured and shit got wrecked! We're drawing close to the completion of this story. Not sure how many more chapters it'll take, but I can guarantee you guys I'll do my best to make it a wild ride. I know it was a dark chapter, but hang with me. I'll get you through it!

Thank you to all my readers and followers. I love every bit of feedback that I've received from you guys and I'm so very grateful. Please Please Please keep the reviews coming!