Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of the awesome characters.
Chapter 11:
2 Weeks Later
Rey sat in her room. Her hands were shaking slightly as she laid her staff across her back. She would have felt better if she'd had her lightsaber too, but there really was no way around that. With nothing else to do she left out to find the other's gathered near the door to the dungeons.
Poe was standing with Chewie and BB-8. Sitting on the floor near the wall were four Jasmenerthian pilots, Thommen Ganes, Khalil Ganes, Tayven Zaston and Maddez Orene with Hux's lying unconscious before them. They were just waiting for Finn and Rose, then they could be off.
"Hey, Rey. You ready to face down that bastard Kylo Ren," Poe asked, grinning.
Rey flinched. She hadn't thought about it much, okay, she had forced herself not to think about it. Instead she'd been busy making friends with all the new comers that she'd almost scared off, getting to know Rose and Kaydel better, and scouting nearby planets with Poe and Finn.
Leia had been busy meeting with new ally leaders and preparing for this exchange. She hadn't had much time to spend with the younger people. Plus, she needed space to deal with the losses of so many friends and Rey could understand that. So, Rey and Poe tried to keep the others from running to her over every little issue and potentially stressing her out.
Rey had also been training up her mental defenses, though it was a lot harder when there was no one to practice with. She also found that not thinking about him kept her from invading his dreams and vice versa. The bond had also been quiet and that had helped her keep a clear mind when it came to whatever she was feeling for him. As long as he was sleeping with other people she couldn't allow her feeling for him to continue to grow romantically.
They needed to work together to defeat this new evil that was coming. Luke might think love could bring balance to the force, but Rey didn't think they had time for Kylo to grow up before the big bad showed up. So, the next time they got to speak privately she was going to ask him to train her and that they leave it at that. She needed to get stronger and reading and practicing by herself could only get her so far.
It hadn't taken long for that realization to sink in and she couldn't just go around announcing that she was Rey of the Resistance and she needed to be trained in the ways of the Force. What would people think? They'd take her as a joke and it could undermine the Resistance and Leia's influence. She couldn't allow that.
"Ready, as I'll ever be. I really just wanna fly an x-wing," she said, excitedly. "Me, too. It'll be nice to be back out there," Poe said. "I heard Leia was negotiating with some shipwrights in the Outer Rim for a new cruiser to go with the ships we are to get from the First Order," Maddez said in her singsong voice. "We may have enough people to operate one soon," Poe said with pride.
He was smiling though Rey knew he wasn't happy about seeing Kylo Ren and not being able to shoot him in the face with the blaster that was now always strapped to his hip, even in the base. Rey looked at the faces of everyone else and figured they felt the same way. At least Leia had ordered everyone to stand down unless the First Order made a move first. Rey hoped that Kylo wouldn't be that stupid and hateful.
"Soon the Resistance will be back up to standards and we can really work on taking that asshole Kylo Ren down," Finn said coming down the hallway leading Rose by the hand. "You got that right buddy," Poe said slapping Finn a high five.
Rey looked around at the group assembled before her and felt good about what they were getting ready to do. She took a deep breath and then smiled. These people were her friends and they were destined to succeed.
"Chewie, is the Falcon ready," Rey asked, and Chewie roared a yes. "Alright then crew lets head out," Poe called and together the 9 of them along with Hux slung over Khalil's shoulders made their way to the hanger where the Falcon was waiting.
As Rey settled into the co-pilot seat next to Chewie and yelled for the others to get strapped in. Rey felt better as the ship left the atmosphere. The planet where they were supposed to meet Kylo was only 10 hours away and it wasn't exactly a comforting thought. She could admit that she didn't fully trust him not to attack the Resistance, especially if she weren't there.
Chewie roared a question at her.
"I'm just nervous. This is my first big exchange and we are dealing with Kylo Ren," Rey answered. Finn stepped into the cockpit and said, "Well I was with the Order for my entire life and this is the first time there's ever been an exchange like this. I'm more worried than nervous. Snoke didn't play by the rules and I highly doubt that Kylo Ren will be any different." "So then why did you come along," Poe asked appearing behind him. "Because my two best friends in the whole galaxy decided that this was a good idea and I'm not a coward."
Poe laughed. Rey let a half smile cross her lips. She knew the only reason that Rose was here on the Falcon because Finn was here. It made sense that Finn was only here for Rey and Poe. Rey knew he was slightly afraid of being dragged back to the First Order, not that Rey and the others would ever let that happen. But for him the fear is as rational as Rey's fear of being left all alone.
"I'm glad you are here. I want Rose to co-pilot with Chewie on the way back and I want you to man the gunner. Poe and I will be in X-wings and will try and give you guys cover but if all else fails I want you to do whatever it takes to make sure that the First Order does not find Olara," Rey said and everyone in the cockpit agreed.
Their mission might have been to retrieve those ships but their main priority was to protect Leia and the others.
Rose bounced into the room, "Why do you guys look so glum?"
Finn turned to her and put his arm around her shoulders.
"Rey was just telling us that it's our job to make sure everyone makes it back to Olara safely. And to make sure that the First Order doesn't trail us back there," he said with a smile in Rey's direction.
Rose looked confused.
"I want you to co-pilot for Chewie while Finn mans the turret. I think you two would be excellent co-pilots for Chewie," Rey said with confidence. "Wow, really Rey? That's amazing. I've never been a co-pilot before," Rose said excitedly. "I'm sure you'll do great. Why don't you guys go try and get some rest. We still have a while," Rey said and sent Poe, Finn and Rose out of the cockpit.
Chewie roared another question when the others left.
"Because I trust you to keep them safe. Neither Finn nor Rose has ever flown long distance like this. They'll be more help to you than flying an X-wing or the tanker ship. Khalil, Thommen, Maddez, Tayven, Poe and I are all more experienced pilots besides Rose just got better; I don't want her blown out of the sky. So as soon as the fuel tanker is up in the air I want you to get the hell out of there. The X-wings are fast enough to catch up," Rey explained.
Chewie nodded and Rey took that to mean that he would do what she wanted him to. That was all Rey needed to make herself relax.
She slumped down in the co-pilot seat and thought back to the night she ran into BB-8 on Jakku. If she'd known that the very next day she would be escaping the planet, she would have told Unkar Plutt where to shove it. Now she felt like it was too late. She really never wanted to see that tiny desert planet, especially knowing that her parents were never coming back to get her.
She'd been so devastated when Kylo had told her that her parents were nothing that she didn't have time to process the fact that a burden had been lifted. She tried to tell herself that she would have stayed on Jakku even if she weren't waiting for her family but the more she thought about it, the more she realized she'd trapped herself on an awful planet in an awful life for people who obviously didn't care about her. Now, she had a new family that she knew cared for her and that's what mattered.
She would do anything to protect the people on this ship and back on Olara. She realized that now. She might have loved Kylo Ren because of the Force; she loved Leia and the others because they cared for her. They had accepted her as one of their own. Rey had never felt more safe or at home in her life.
Could she really give it all up for a man who couldn't even stop screwing other women? Rey didn't know. She didn't want to have to. Her mission was to bring him back into the light by any means necessary. Her idea future was the two of them standing in the light surrounded by people who cared for them both.
Rey drifted off to sleep with dreams of her and Kylo marrying near the base on Olara with all of her friends, his mother and the droids there to witness their happy union. Just as Kylo bent down to kiss the bride, the sky became dark. The Supremacy blocked out the suns and fired.
Rey jumped as someone touched her shoulder. She blinked a few times before realizing that she'd fallen asleep in the co-pilot seat. Poe's was gently shaking her shoulder. He looked a lot grimmer than before she'd fallen asleep.
"What's wrong Poe," she asked, and he just nodded toward the Falcon's windshield.
They were already flying into Xaglosie's atmosphere. From what Rey could tell the planet was mostly deserted except for 7 dark shapes directly near where Chewie was bringing down the Falcon. The others were standing in the back, staring at Rey.
She looked down and could immediately feel Kylo even with her shields so tightly in place. He was reaching out to her, but she didn't give in. Instead she steeled herself against the thought of being in the same physical space as him. She had to protect her friends even if they didn't know that's what she was doing.
"Are you all ready," Rey asked.
Seven solemn faces nodded back. Chewie set the Falcon down and there was a hissing sound as the door opened. Rey was the first one to step off the ship. The X-wings were spread out and looked to be in pristine condition. Behind them the larger fuel taker stood to one side. And behind it all was a First Order transport shuttle.
It was black and menacing. 4 rows of 5 stormtroopers stood before 2 figures, one in chrome, the other in all black. Rey didn't recognize the one in chrome, but Finn clearly did. Rey could feel the panic and anxiety pouring off of him.
"Who is that, Finn," Rey asked. "Phasma. She's one of Ren's captains. She tried to kill us on the Supremacy," Finn said. "I thought she was dead," Rose said. "Me too," Finn said and BB-8 beeped in agreement. "Well apparently the First Order has better healing technology than we thought," Poe said, frowning slightly. "Yeah," Rey said.
Rey nodded, and Tayven came forward with an unconscious Hux over his shoulder. For the first time Rey noticed that Kylo was moving forward and he wasn't wearing that godawful helmet. He looked over her with hungry eyes and again she felt the press of his mind against hers. She subtly shook her head.
"We have your general. You will see that he is unharmed," Rey called.
She and Poe moved forward together without realizing.
"We will be the judge of that," the woman Phasma yelled.
She felt angry waves coming her direction.
"We need the security codes," Poe yelled.
Rey felt a burst of anger from Kylo and glanced in his direction. She was shocked to see his face. His angry expression spoke of his hate for Poe. Rey looked to Tayven.
"You can set him down there. Let the stormtroopers drag him to their ship," she said. "Yes, Rey," Tayven said in his gravely voice. "Officer Jones, give the access codes to the pilot," Kylo snapped.
The man visibly jumped as he realized Kylo was talking to him then hastily began walking toward Poe and Rey. They moved to meet the man in the middle. Poe handed the device to BB-8, who confirmed that they general security codes that most resistance pilots knew.
Two stormtroopers moved forward to take Hux but the giant stood in their way. They looked at each other and then back to their Supreme Leader. Kylo looked exasperated.
"What," he snapped. "Our people will confirm that these codes work and 4 of the ships will leave. Along with the Millennium Falcon. Then your men can have Hux and you can leave," Rey said, meaning every word.
She watched Kylo's expression as he regarded her. His scowl didn't lessen as though he wasn't happy with what he was seeing on her face. Poe grabbed Rey's arm to pull her close. Rey caught the astonished look on Kylo's face.
"What are you doing, Rey? That wasn't the plan," Poe said in a harsh whisper. "It's the only way we can assure that at least the tanker and 3 x-wings get away. You have to go with that group, too. Tayven and I will stay to make sure that guys make it out of the atmosphere without running into any issues," Rey said.
Poe searched her face for what she could possibly be thinking. Worry etched lines into his handsome face that Rey hadn't noticed before. She stared up at him, her expression calm.
"Leia will be pissed if we leave you two alone," Poe insisted. "I will deal with Leia when I get back. You have to trust me, you all do," she said peeking around Poe at their friends.
She caught a glimpse of Kylo's angry expression and sighed. He really should have worn his helmet. She quickly diverted her eyes back to Poe's anxious face.
"We do trust you, Rey. It's him we don't trust," Finn said pointing toward Kylo.
It seemed that that was the moment Phasma chose to notice Finn and Rose standing as close to the Falcon as they could without being back on the ship. She pulled her weapon from its holster. Rey had only seen a weapon like that when she and Kylo were fighting Snoke's guard.
"You don't have to trust him. Poe, I want you and the others to go to the ships and start them. As soon as the four of you confirm that your ships' hyper drives work, I want the tanker to take off first, then the Falcon followed by the X-wings," Rey said. "Are you sure about this," Poe asked for the last time.
Rey nodded. She went and hugged each of her friends. She knew she would see them soon but she would rather have hugged them each just in case one or some of them didn't make it back to Olara. She threw her arms around Poe last. He squeezed her tightly and before she could pull away Poe pressed his lips to hers and held her close. The kiss lasted for maybe 10 seconds but that was just enough time for all hell to break loose.