By the time Rey had awakened, the twins were already gone from their rooms. She decided she would go down to the cantina and get some actual food. But when she reached into her bag to hook her lightsaber on her belt, she saw her commlink beeping furiously.
Curious, Rey took the commlink out and hit the receive button.
"Sunshine, you need to get down to command now!" Poe Dameron yelled.
"Sorry," Rey muttered. She threw it back in the bag, and sprinted at top speeds to Finn's office.
Rey skidded to a stop right as Kaydel Ko Connix crossed her path, carrying a tray of caffs for all of the top people in the Resistance. She had brought one for herself, as well.
Kaydel had become the most politically-apt member of their team, adept in negotiation and having the benefit of being known as Leia's protege politically across the galaxy.
"Sorry Rey," she said. She still sounded at least somewhat cheerful, so Rey was hoping whatever had prompted an angry and yelling Poe Dameron would at least be bearable.
"It's alright," Rey said. She approached the command table, where Finn was analyzing a holographic of a fleet of shining ships.
"Good, you finally joined us," Poe said, clapping Rey on the back.
"What's the situation?" Rey asked as she folded her arms across her chest.
"This fleet just showed up, and we don't know where it came from," Finn said. "That isn't a First Order fleet."
"No," Rey agreed. "And we've been very careful to not let the First Order find us here."
And Ben would never do this. He knows his children are on this base.
"We're going to try to contact whoever's on that ship and see what's going on," Finn said. "Poe is going to get our fleet ready for evacuation, if necessary."
"Do you want me to be the face?" Rey asked.
"Please," Finn said. "You're the Last Jedi— the last student of Skywalker, at least. That has to mean something to these people here."
"I'm ready," Rey said, tying part of her long dark hair back into a bun atop the rest of the dark waves. She then straightened her gray vest and plucked at the fabrics wrapped around her body. "Prepare the transmission."
"On it," Kaydel said, sitting in front of the most advanced transmission station the Resistance had.
They waited for the signal to boot up, and held their breath in anticipation.
Then appeared an old woman, who was rather lovely in appearance, covered in jewelry and all sorts of finery.
"Am I speaking to the leader of the Resistance?" Her accent was unusual and her voice was haughty and clipped.
"One of them, yes," Rey said. "I am Rey Skywalker, Grandmaster of the Gray Order of Jedi Knights. I am a leader within the Resistance. Who are you?"
The woman gave a pretty but still angry frown. "I am the Queen-Mother Jocasta of Hapes, and I will not speak to a mere small leader. I wish to speak to the leader of the Resistance."
Finn reluctantly stepped forward. "Grandmaster Skywalker, General Dameron, and myself are the leaders of the Resistance."
"Fine, then I shall speak to you three," the Queen-Mother said, pursing her lips painted blue-green.
Poe stepped into view of the transmission equipment.
"The Hapes Consortium would like to meet the new Jedi and the key leaders of the Resistance," the Queen-Mother said. "During a luncheon aboard my personal ship, if you will. I have a proposition to discuss, one that may end the wars that have plagued these stars for four generations now."
"When would you like for us to arrive?" Poe asked.
"Later this afternoon," Queen-Mother Jocasta said. "My grandaughter and heir, Princess Maia, will be waiting for you in the loading dock of the biggest of our ships, the Prince Isolder."
"We cannot wait to make your acquaintance," Finn said. "Thank you, Queen-Mother."
Something twinkled in the gray eyes. "I like this one."
The transmission ended, leaving the entire Resistance in silence.
"I don't like this," Rey admitted. "This deal is too good to be true."
"But they are clearly powerful," Poe said.
"We have to meet with them," Finn said. "They're too powerful."
"Let me think," Rey said. "I have to speak with an advisor of mine."
Everyone had learned by now that Rey had advisors she communicated with in the Force. They believed, however, that she was speaking to ghosts in the Force. No one knew that the advisor was secretly the leader of the other side.
I have to speak to Ben. This could change everything.
With that, Rey left the command center.