Chapter Six
The Resistance crew gathered every blanket they had, with Chewie pulling extras off the Falcon, to bundle the children in. It didn't appear as though they'd been injured.
"Just scared and hungry," Rose said. The little Twi'lek girl, whose name Rey finally learned was Aya, had been reluctant to let go of Rey, even once everyone began to get settled. Then she saw Chewie, and Rey figured it was all downhill from there. Aya had never seen a Wookie before, apparently, and was completely enthralled by his fur and size. After a brief moment where Rey thought the girl might scream and run away, Aya leaped into Chewie's arms, a wide smile on her face, blue fingers curling around Chewie's fur. Rey couldn't help the laugh that escaped her at Chewie's stunned grumble and awkward shift of the child in his arms.
The crew pulled out their formerly sufficient supply of packaged rations to feed the malnourished kids.
"Let's see the flight plan, Rose," Leia said. They hooked the log up to the computer and sifted through the information. Poe read through the information, muttering curses before Leia batted at his arm, casting a glance at the kids in the room. He rolled away and stood up, running his hands through his hair. Rey tried to lean over Finn and Leia, to see what had Poe so upset.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Rey exclaimed. Leia didn't shush her, her own eyes covered with her hand as she took in the implications of the captain's log. The smugglers were taking the children to the First Order.
"I thought Project Resurrection got shut down?" Poe asked. He sounded desperate, as though there was possibly some benign reason why smugglers would be taking thirty children of many different species to the First Order. Finn shook his head.
"Only superficially," Finn said. "The headquarters in the Jinata System were were closed, but they were still bringing in recruits from somewhere. By the time I hit Jakku, there were hundreds more brought in from all over the Western Reaches." He frowned, tapping his fingers to his mouth. "But they were only human children, babies, actually. Not more than infants. These kids are almost too old to be entered into the training program." Finn's voice was clinical, as though he only stated facts and not the painful history of his own life.
Poe stopped his pacing to stare at Finn, mouth pinched in distaste and sadness. Rey wished Finn would look up and see it. She reached out and squeezed his hand. Anger, white hot, burned in her veins. She spun around and fled out of the hangar, down the hallways, finding the training room as she left it, with the exception of the tall, dark figure who'd been with her before.
"Kylo!" Rey shouted. "Kylo Ren!" Nothing. She felt stupid, spinning around, surveying the empty room. Stilling herself, she tried to open her mind to the Force, searching for the torrent of emotions that was the Supreme Leader himself. There. She flung the connection wide open, and received a barrage of hatred and fury, the likes of which she'd never felt before. Her own anger paled in comparison. And then he was gone, the connection closed off before it was even fully formed. How had he done that? Rey tried to open it up again, but it was like running and hitting a durasteel wall. Mentally, she pounded her fists, aware that tears were now running down her face. How could he? Rey sat down heavily on the floor, realizing with shock that the anger came from a sense of betrayal. But you couldn't betray an enemy. Alone on the dirt floor, Rey wondered if she'd ever stop hurting herself with the most impossible of hopes.
General Hux slid across the black tiled floor, his back slamming into the wall. He winced in pain, but before he could drag himself to his knees, Ren's hand was around his throat, physically pulling him up. Maker, but the man was strong, even without the magic he wielded so casually.
Hux hadn't welcomed the arrival of Ren aboard the Absolution, and now he wished he'd just jettisoned the bastard's transport and dealt with the subsequent tribunal, as he'd had half a mind to at the time.
"They were eating each other, Hux!" Ren growled. His fist tightened, and Hux dug his nails into Ren's wrist. With a final squeeze that Hux was sure had torn skin, Ren dropped him. Hux choked, gasping for air. He held up a hand, as though that would keep Ren from killing him. Still, Hux was fairly certain this was just another temper tantrum, and he'd come out of it bruised and humiliated, but what was new?
"Supreme Leader," Hux croaked. Ren walked away from him, hands clenching and unclenching. He hadn't worn his gloves, and Hux had a momentary fear that he actually had come very close to death. Might still.
"Why didn't you just have them all killed?" Ren asked. "Or transport them to the training facility on Caeth?"
Hux stood up slowly, hands rubbing his throat. They came away with smears of blood.
"They were insurgents, Ren," Hux decided to dispense with the fake obeisance. It wouldn't serve either of them at the moment. "What did you expect, a truce and counseling sessions to restore mutual trust?" Ren rounded on him, stalking toward him again. "If you try to kill me again, I will expose you for the traitor and murderer that you are," Hux said, throwing caution to the wind. Ren stopped, his face dropping. Hux snorted. "Did you really think I'd believe a little scavenger girl would best you, the praetorian guard, and the late Supreme Leader Snoke? At the same time?"
"If I kill you now, nearly all of my problems will be solved," Ren said, advancing again. Hux smiled slowly.
"It pains me that you think I'm stupid, Ren. After all we've accomplished together." Hux straightened the collar on his coat. He would have another one made, this one was torn. Bastard. "If I don't code in on my personal channel every day, the revelation of your treason will be broadcast to the entire First Order fleet."
"I could easily take the code from your mind, Hux. You've seen me do it before."
"Which is why I don't actually know the code. It's scrambled daily and is generated by a droid that isn't even on this ship," Hux said. He felt very brave now, confident that Ren wouldn't - couldn't - kill him. At least not right now. He stepped toward Ren, stopping only a foot away. "Don't get me wrong. Maker knows I have nothing against murdering one's way to the top and lying about it. So, no judgment on that." Hux took a particular delight in the hatred twisting Ren's mouth. "But I loathe you, Ren. It's personal, you see? But I also feel that together, we can bring back the glory of the First Order. The galaxy needs a figurehead, and the Jedi Killer is a good one." Hux looked him up and down, taking in the scar across the man's face with disgust. "If you could be bothered to maintain the reputation." Hux walked past Ren to the door. "Please feel free to destroy anything in this room. It's easily replaced." Hux threw over his shoulder, before disappearing through the door.
Outside his quarters, Hux was met by Lieutenant Mitaka.
"Lieutenant, how goes the preparations? Has the doctor received everything she's asked for?" Hux asked, storming down the hallway. Mitaka followed, hesitating only briefly.
"Yes, sir. Dr. Lekk Masra has informed me the construction should be complete in a matter of days. She has asked to speak to you regarding a trial run."
"Sounds delightful. I know the perfect candidate to test the weapon's capabilities."
For the next two days, Kylo haunted the Absolution like a spectre. He despised this ship, to be honest, but he hated and trusted Hux even less. For his part, the general didn't seem put off by Kylo's continued presence, even going so far as to delegate extravagant personal quarters for the Supreme Leader. An extravagance that was complete with exotic meals delivered to him by a perfunctory droid. The bowl of rasta berries, bread, and hatha cheese remained untouched on the small table beside the bed.
"You should have killed him when you had the chance," Luke said. He sat cross legged on the floor, mirroring Kylo's position. Kylo always found meditation to be relaxing, a key tool to focus his mind and energies. This was not one of those times. He didn't open his eyes, instead inhaling deeply and mentally bearing down on the obstacle that sat across from him. "You know that little trick doesn't work on a ghost, right?" Luke said helpfully.
"Kill him, like you should have killed me when you had the chance, years ago?" Kylo asked bitterly. Luke sighed, a sound full of long-suffering. Kylo gritted his teeth.
"And there aren't enough apologies in the universe for that moment, Ben," Luke said. Kylo snorted.
"You're just sorry you didn't follow through."
Luke stood up and walked to the window. Kylo peeked one eye open, curiosity coloring his anger. Luke's figure cast no reflection in the glass.
"I knew I had failed you the moment the thought crossed my mind." Luke spoke as though from a great distance. "I just never realized exactly how, until Rey called me out."
Now Kylo opened both eyes, giving his uncle his full attention.
"Rey?"
Luke nodded.
"She's wicked with a bo-staff, let me tell you!" Luke chuckled ruefully. "I think when she constructs her own saber, it should be double ended. She'll be much more efficient and comfortable with it."
Kylo swallowed thickly. Against his better judgment, the question came out.
"What did she say? To you?" About me? Kylo didn't finish, letting the question hang in the air.
"After giving me a well-deserved beating, she told me my mistake was assuming your choice had been made already." Luke turned to face his nephew again. "She was only half-correct. I should have seen the conflict in you for what it was. I should have supported you. That's what I'm sorry for, Ben."
Kylo stared at his hands, willing them to remain still. When he looked up at his uncle again, he tried to project resolve and confidence.
"My choice was, is made." Kylo stood up in one graceful motion. "I've worked too hard for anything else. And I won't kill Hux yet because it'll ruin me, ruin everything I've built."
"You don't need any help with that, kid!" Luke said. "You've been on that path for a while now."
Kylo whipped around.
"Get out!" he shouted. Luke didn't move.
"Your grandfather would say the same, were he able to," Luke said.
"He wouldn't, and hasn't," Kylo spat. He ignored the niggling fear that his visions of his grandfather had been fabricated by Snoke. "He's visited me, you know?" Kylo challenged Luke.
Luke laughed a little.
"Oh, I doubt that. My father, Anakin, passed on long ago, before you were born. I watched him." Luke's eyes took on an almost dreamy, serene light. "He walked into the light of the beyond, hand in hand with my mother, your grandmother, Padme."
Kylo couldn't say why he believed his uncle, except that it only added proof to his suspicions; everything Snoke had told him was a lie, even the words that didn't come from Snoke's mouth.
"A fool who fell from power for compassion," Kylo ground out. It wasn't as harsh and angry as he meant for it to sound. To his own horror and humiliation, his own voice sounded almost wistful?
"Anakin was made stronger in Padme's love!" Luke retorted. "His mistake was forsaking that love, forsaking her for power! It was his downfall, and the galaxy's."
Kylo tried desperately to hang onto the fury and hatred he'd been instilled with.
"So she died for him, he died for you, and you - what did you die for, Luke?" Kylo demanded. "An idea? A movement you refused to be a part of until it was too late? Old crimes, Luke. You were always the more passive type." Kylo turned around, meaning to leave the ghost, even if Luke wouldn't leave him. To his shock, Luke's arm snaked out and gripped his own.
"I did it for you!" Luke shouted. Kylo went very still, his breath held in his throat. Luke released his arm and ran a hand through his hair. In the back of his mind, Kylo recognized the gesture as one Han Solo performed many times, one he himself was guilty of. A family trait, apparently. His chest tightened.
"I told myself it was for Leia. And then for the ideology, as you say. Even for Rey, as an apology for abandoning her hopes. But it was for you. Ben," Luke said, imploring.
"Why?" Kylo asked when he could speak again.
"You had so much blood on your hands, Ben. I couldn't let you wash in more of it, until there was nothing left that could be forgiven, no one left to forgive you. That was my apology," Luke said. "You're not required to accept it. It was given freely. But that is what happened, and I don't regret it."
Luke clasped his hands in front of him. He looked more at peace then Kylo could ever remember seeing him. Then he tilted his head to the side, and a mischievous light came into his eyes.
"Be nice to her. She challenged - and bested! - a Jedi legend for you," Luke said.
Kylo didn't have a chance to respond, even if he could, because Luke faded, the blue glow around him lingering for a moment afterward.
Rey sat cross legged in the spot Luke had just vacated. Kylo felt his stomach drop and a dryness coat his throat when he realized she wasn't alone. A small twi'lek child sat in her lap, the two of them putting together what Kylo thought might be - generously - called a doll. The knot in his stomach grew, but he refused to name the emotion. He ran his fingers through his hair, electing irritation for the moment.
"Am I to be visited by every Force user, past and present, today?" Kylo demanded of nobody in particular.
Rey stiffened, but didn't look up. Very carefully, she tied the remaining knot in the thread that held the doll's head together and handed it to Aya with a forced smile.
"I think it's about time for bed, yeah?" she asked the girl. Aya lifted her head and looked around the room, a small frown furrowing between her brows.
"It feels different in here," the child said. Rey opened her mouth in surprise. The child seemed to look straight at Kylo, but through him. "You have something to do. I'll go to bed," Aya decided. She stood up, taking her new doll - completely different from the one she'd had at home, but still nice - and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. The training room, as Rey called it, smelled funny anyway, and Aya wasn't sure she liked the sudden change in the air around her.
Once she was gone, Rey stood up, facing Kylo.
"She looks a little like you, anything you want to tell me?" Kylo joked, trying to provoke Rey and break the tension at the same time. It didn't have the desired effect, at least not on Kylo, as the thought of Rey having a child with - with anyone - made the blood drain from his face. It didn't have the desired effect on Rey, either, apparently. He watched with interest as her fists clenched at her sides, and he just knew she was mentally cataloging every weapon that was within reach.
"You manipulative bastard!" Rey hissed. Kylo recoiled. That was unexpected.
"And how's that?" Kylo demanded.
"You made me believe - I thought -" Rey shook her head, her face screwing up in disgust. Kylo stayed silent, searching her face for answers. "And this whole time, you've been kidnapping children - children! - to expand First Order ranks!"
Kylo was stunned. And confused. How could she possibly know what transpired with J-Sec, and have misinterpreted the information so thoroughly?
"What are you talking about?" he asked. Rey laughed mirthlessly.
"Well, once again, I beat you to the punch. Your latest batch of recruits are here, with us. And the First Order will never get them!"
Kylo felt like he was watching a holovid with only half the dialogue. He was missing something huge, something vital. He tried again.
"I had nothing to do with Project Resurrection, and it was shut down years ago, besides," Kylo hedged.
"Yeah, formally, in Jinata. Now you employ smugglers to abduct children from their homes." Rey shook her head in disgust. That was enough of that. Kylo stepped forward; Rey stepped back.
"I don't know what you think I've done, but if you're going to throw out accusations, at least make them coherent," Kylo said lowly. Rey blinked, her mouth opening and closing. Her confusion was fleeting, though, and her eyes turned to steel.
"A band of smugglers landed here, open-fire. We won, and reclaimed their cargo. They were hauling thirty children, all under six years old, on a flight path back to a First Order base on Vodran," Rey said, speaking slowly.
Kylo took a moment to process what she'd said. It was impossible. Not that the First Order would abduct children for recruitment tactics, that was fact.
"Vodran doesn't have a training facility," Kylo said, more to himself than to Rey. "It has, literally, nothing. Just swamp and weapons storage." He felt no alarm at having revealed such details of a First Order base. Even if Rey had still only been an enemy, it wasn't as though the Resistance was equipped to launch an attack against a mostly unoccupied planet.
"You're saying the First Order isn't responsible for this?" Rey asked, incredulous.
"I'm telling you I'm not responsible for this," Kylo said. Rey frowned.
"You're the Supreme Leader of the First Order," Rey said. Kylo turned away from her. "They follow your orders!"
"You have a very childish opinion on how politics work!" Kylo said.
"Snoke ruled the Order with an iron fist. Don't pretend you haven't taken up his mantle," Rey said. She may as well have run him through with a lightsaber and followed it up with salt.
"There are many things that went unnoticed by Snoke, as I'm sure you'll recall," Kylo said softly. He moved toward her again, but she didn't step back or give any ground. "If every one of Snoke's orders had been followed, you'd all be dead. You would be dead."
Rey lowered her gaze to stare at her feet. Kylo dipped his head to try and meet her eyes again. He could feel the tension in the room, between them. The push and pull. It was like a string tied so tight that one touch would cause it to snap. It startled both of them all the more when the silence was broken by the low grumble of Rey's stomach.
Rey's head whipped up, her face bright red. Kylo's brows shot up.
"Really?" he said, amused. An idea, just a small revenge, formed in his mind, and he walked casually over to the table where the fresh fruit, bread, and cheese still lay in the bowl. His hand hovering over the fruit, he picked one and popped it in his mouth. Only after chewing and swallowing did he think to pray that Hux hadn't poisoned him. It would be incredibly humiliating to die in such a way in front of Rey when he was trying to make a point. He looked at her to make sure she was watching him. She was.
"You know, if you had accepted my offer aboard the Supremacy, you could have had anything and everything." Kylo tore off a piece of bread, chewed it slowly, as though considering. Rey watched the movement. "You wouldn't be hungry. You wouldn't be holed up in some backwater hovel with a small group of people who are probably more afraid of you than they are your friends." Another berry.
"Ah yes, the perks of being a despot," Rey spat. "I'd rather starve!"
It took effort for Kylo not to squeeze the handful of berries he'd picked out into a mushy pulp. Instead, he held them gingerly in his hand, walking back toward Rey. He extended them to her. Suddenly, the idea of her eating from the palm of his hand was the only image in his brain. He felt his blood burn and rush south before he had control over himself.
"Are you sure?" Kylo asked, holding out one large piece of fruit toward her. He saw her jaw twitch before she walked around him. He popped the handful in his mouth, and considered if he really wanted to know the answer to the question he was about to ask. "Why did you come to me, if not to be - to stand with me?"
Rey had sat down on something wherever she was, but to him it looked like she was sitting on the bed. At this moment, it wasn't as alluring as he'd expected. She slumped forward, arms propped on her knees, hands clasped.
"I would have. I was ready to. I thought you would - I thought I could -" She didn't finish the thought. Kylo did it for her.
"You thought you could turn me. You were ready to stand by me, if I gave up everything and joined the Resistance," Kylo stated, flatly. Rey jumped to her feet.
"Yes! I told you I would! I told you I would help you!" Rey hugged her arms to herself. "And when you killed Snoke, when we fought together, I believed in you," she finished quietly.
"You rejected me. You never believed in me," Kylo said. "You only believed in yourself, that you had the power to change who I am, to change me!" It was out now. There wasn't any going back, Kylo knew that now. Rey didn't. Her face transformed into fury, and she actually poked him in the chest.
"How dare you!" she shouted. "You're right, I believed I could turn your mind from darkness, but I didn't fly myself to the largest First Order ship with the delusion that I could take on the entire fleet by myself!" She shoved another finger into his chest."I knew I was in danger. I knew Snoke was waiting for me! I knew I could be imprisoned and executed! But I did it anyway! Because I trusted you!" Rey flung her arm out to side, smacking into the bowl and sending its contents to the floor.
They both froze, staring at the object. Neither had been able to interact in the other's environment before. Objects would appear only when one of them picked it up. Kylo had seen the child Aya when she sat in Rey's arms, the girl appearing to have vanished into thin air once the physical contact was broken. How was this possible?
Rey turned panicked eyes to Kylo, and the connection was abruptly severed. He cursed, and kicked the foot of the bed.
"Rey? Rey!"
The connection remained silent, and he was alone again.
A/N: Back with another chapter. The once a week updates are more than likely how the rest of the story will continue.
Thank you all for reading. Special thanks to those who have followed and reviewed this story. Seriously, thank you so much! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and I'll catch up with you next week.