Finn sat on his lower bunk opposite a green-skinned, amphibious Nautolan. They were engaged in a serious game of Moebius chess, and Finn was deep in thought. It was a common game among the Resistance fighters, as it was easy to pack with the tiny holographic board, unlike the holo-table used for the game Dejarik. Although gambling was frowned upon, that did not prevent it from occurring. Even Grand Admiral Ackbar was rumored to gamble at chess from time to time.

The black eyes of the Nautolan studied Finn's move, obviously distressed by his options. He moved a small piece across the board and huffed in disapproval. His transceiver beeped. Balk looked at it and turned it off, not appearing to be anything important.

Finn, confident and celebrating internally, quickly made his move- the last move.

"Well, that's it," the Nautolan resigned. He pulled out a few credits and laid them on the game board.

"You almost had me, Balk," Finn complemented. "Try guarding your commander next time."

"Next time," Balk huffed, "We'll see. I've got to get ready for the briefing. What do you expect it'll be?"

"Same thing as always, Balk: new orders," Finn said. "Beyond that, haven't a clue."

With that, they gave each other a friendly salute, and Balk left. Finn began putting the game away.

"New orders? I've heard about that . . . Captain Finn." A female voice said playfully into the sleeping quarters.

He turned and looked up to see Rey in his doorway. His face brightened, and he dropped the game. It fell apart on the floor; the fragmented pieces bouncing and scattering under the bunks did not concern Finn. He did not care about such things now that he had heard that familiar voice again.

"Rey! What . . . When did you get here?"

He stepped instantly up to her and hugged her warmly. She closed her eyes and returned the hug.

"Just a few hours ago. I heard you were here, so I came first thing to find you."

"Well, come in, come in," Finn clamored to pick up the game and fix the bunks. More pieces ricocheted deep under the bunk as his boot swiped them. "Sorry, it's a mess."

She sat down where Balk had been, and Finn returned to his seat.

"So, a captain, now," Rey commented smiling.

"Yeah, it isn't that special," Finn commented awkwardly looking away from her gaze. "But how about you? Are you a Jedi now?"

"Well, it doesn't quite work that way, I don't think." It was her turn to look down and away from him.

Catching her discomfort he was sure to say, "Whatever we are now, I'm glad you're here."

The corners of her lips rose in an almost imperceptible smile, and her eyes returned to his.

"I've missed you." He said but stopped, surprised at what he said.

"I know exactly what you mean." Rey returned. "It would have been nice to have you on Ahch-To with me."

"Really?" Finn said.

"Well, Luke isn't exactly great company. He's a hermit after all."

Finn chuckled, "And a former stormtrooper can be such an improvement."

"Actually, yeah," she returned with a laugh of her own. "As I recall, you are a big deal."

Finn looked at her sheepishly and replied, "Yeah well, maybe not as big of a deal as I had thought before."

"You are enough," Rey added. There was a slight pause as each searched for words to say after that comment but found none. Finally, she asked, "What about the Resistance?"

"Some battles; some successful, some not," he replied, most of him ready for a change of topic.

"There were times when I hoped to be out here, fighting the First Order," she added.

Finn became serious, "And you've seen battle. You know it isn't pretty. Why would you want to be back out here?"

She looked at Finn and paused; but said, "A lot of reasons, I guess."

Balk came back to the doorway.

"Sorry, Finn, I forgot my . . . oh, I'm sorry to interrupt," he said.

"It's okay. What is it?" Finn asked.

"I forgot my transceiver on the bed," he answered.

It was resting on the bunk near Rey. She picked it up and handed it to him. "Thanks, miss. Finn, We're going to be late. You better get ready," Balk suggested.

"Yeah, you're right. See you there." He replied.

Balk left.

"Sounds like I need to go," Rey said. "But I'll see you there."

"You're going to the briefing?"

"Didn't you know? I've been assigned under your command, Captain."

….

Luke and Chewbacca arrived in Leia's chamber room, a twenty-foot circular room with a round, center table, which Leia had used for discussing strategies and plans with officials.

Grand Admiral Ackbar and two other admirals were exiting as Luke and Chewbacca arrived. Leia, seeing them, rushed to greet them, not caring how she might appear to the admirals.

"Luke," she cried and embraced him right away. He gladly returned her affection with a hug of his own. Chewbacca not being able to contain himself, wrapped his arms around both of them, his furry arms covering Leia's face and Luke's shoulders.

"It's been a long time," Luke said.

"Too long," she added. "Come in. We need to talk."

They all entered and sat around the table. Leia was always quick to get to business and set aside everything else. She was a woman of war, and as general she was used to setting aside her desires for the good of the galaxy.

"Luke, I wish I had the luxury of just sitting and catching up. I've missed you. We all have," she started. Chewbacca petted Luke's hair to show his agreement. Luke reached over and patted him on the shoulder.

"But we need you, and there isn't much time," she said.

Luke looked fearful of disappointing her. "Leia, I am not joining your fight against the First Order. I don't do that anymore," Luke said.

"In any other situation, I wouldn't ask you," Leia replied. "But this is different. You know why I need you."

Luke contemplated a moment, pregnant with thought before birthing the word, "Ben."

Chewbacca let out a low moan.

Leia rubbed her temples. "Yes, but not only that. We are making an attempt on Snoke and Ben. No one here is capable of taking on the two of them. We need the help of the Jedi."

"I don't know if I can," Luke said with a low voice. "You don't understand. The ways of the Force are changing. I am not sure I even understand anymore."

"Did you have problems training Rey?" she asked, inferring that there was a problem.

He sighed. "She is powerful- more powerful than any I have ever seen. She learns directly from the Force without instruction. But she is also full of fear and anger. I sense a great danger coming. If she faces Snoke, I do not know what will happen, but I am afraid that she will fall."

"I have already assigned you and Rey to Captain Finn for a special mission; but if what you feel is true, I will remove the two of you," she said.

"I'm afraid it won't matter. You cannot stop Rey. Once she finds out about her assignment, she will be determined to go. Then I must also."

"Does she know about her parents?" she asked.

"No," Luke replied, running his fingers through his hair nervously.

"You should have told her," Leia stated.

"I'm afraid. I don't want to lose her like I lost your son."

Leia furrowed her brow. "What was it that you said Yoda taught about fear?"

Luke bowed his head.

"I need to help Rey if I can, but if you place me in Ben's path, I don't know what will happen," he warned Leia. "I can't promise you I can bring him home; if that is what you want me to do."

Leia bowed her head. "I don't think that you can."

Her voice became soft so as to be hardly heard and she paused. "After he killed Han, I'm afraid we can never bring him back. I want to hope; but at some point, there is no hope left."

She allowed a few tears to fall. She took a deep breath, then wiped them away and straightened herself. "You must go with Rey, protect her if need be. But if you meet Ben in battle, I understand that you must do what you must. I will accept that."

Luke reached over the table and grasped her hands.

"Maybe we should not lose hope, Leia. Of all people, you and I should know about hope."

Chewbacca howled a cry that showed he himself knew what losing hope was.