Chapter 3
Rey surveyed the new Resistance base that Poe Dameron had been building since the death of Ben Solo. Alongside her were Finn, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, all part of the group until Finn decided to embrace his Force sensitivity and pursue his dream of becoming a Jedi with Rey as his mentor. This new faction, called Red Dawn, had focused its efforts for the past eight years on establishing safe havens for those fleeing oppression. They worked tirelessly to recruit and train new members in combat and strategy, while also engaging in sabotage operations to disrupt enemy supply lines and infrastructure.
Even though the dark side was slow to recover after the fall of Palpatine and Kylo Ren, Red Dawn still faced lingering threats, including planets oppressed by stormtroopers and dark side generals searching for a new Emperor. Many speculated that Kylo Ren might still be lurking in the shadows or that a clone could emerge, but Rey knew it wasn't that simple. A shift in the Force was real, but she couldn't discern its nature—was it a new Supreme Leader, a Sith warrior, or something even worse? Fortunately, many dark side remnants believed Rey was dead, sparing her from their pursuit as she honed her own powers in secret, connecting with other Force-sensitive beings and studying ancient Jedi texts, including teachings from the gray Jedi.
The past eight years had brought both challenges and cherished moments: building her new yellow lightsaber, training under a gray Jedi master, and spending quiet nights with friends gazing at the stars, feeling Ben's presence through the Force. After his death, Rey was consumed by shock and haunted by nightmares of his sacrifice for her. She threw herself into training and missions, trying to keep the galaxy safe, yet sometimes it wasn't enough.
One night, while exploring an old Jedi temple, she found a semblance of peace and spoke with Ben. He reassured her that he was still waiting for her and that he loved her. Those words meant everything to her. He urged her to find happiness and perhaps even love, but she firmly shook her head, declaring that her heart belonged to him alone. Losing her other half made it difficult for her to trust or connect with others. While she didn't allow bitterness to take root, after eight years, a sense of resentment toward the galaxy and Palpatine began to creep in for taking Ben from her.
Despite occasional nudges from Finn and Rose to date, her attempts at relationships fell short. She had one serious connection, but it never progressed beyond a few intimate moments such as kissing and touching; as soon as things escalated to her partner wanting intercourse, nightmares of Ben's death returned, overwhelming her with longing for him. Watching Finn and Rose officially start their relationship felt like a dagger to her heart, yet the visions of Ben in her dreams provided her with solace. She held on to the hope that she could find him again someday.
Rey was clearly lost in thought as she trailed behind Poe through the fortress. She had heard that Poe had acquired some technology to assist her and Finn in locating Force-sensitive individuals and gauging their interest in training with them.
Poe glanced at Rey. "Why are you so quiet? I thought you'd be excited that I found this—it's a database of Force-sensitive children and young adults! You'll have the chance to help so many people." He opened the database and gestured for Rey to sit down and take a look.
Rey forced a smile. "You're right," she replied, her gaze drifting to two names—siblings who were almost adults. She pondered the idea of not following the Jedi's path of taking young children from their families. It felt more right to allow teenagers to make their own choices about their future.
These two look promising, Rey thought, observing Keira and Sky Lucas. The girl was nearly eighteen, and Sky was over eighteen, she felt confident their parents would be open to letting them begin their training with her and Finn.
Rey and Finn said their goodbyes to their friends, with Finn giving Rose a hug and smiling at her. "Be safe," he told her as he pulled away. Finn also hugged Poe, while Rey waved goodbye to both Rose and Poe. BB-8 trailed after Finn and Rey as they boarded the Millennium Falcon. Rey took the pilot's seat, and Finn settled in as co-pilot. Though he wasn't the best pilot, Poe had taught him a lot over the years.
Rey journeyed through the galaxy to a planet located near the Outer Rim. While the Outer Rim territories weren't always safe, she felt hopeful that these two siblings could be the ones she and Finn needed to begin their new Order.
The Millennium Falcon soared through the gray clouds that shrouded Eadu, the planet's rugged terrain looming beneath. Rey glanced out the viewport, taking in the rocky cliffs and dark waters that surrounded the small island they were approaching. Eadu's atmosphere was thick with mist, lending the landscape an otherworldly quality, as if it were caught between realms.
As the ship touched down, the roar of the engines quieted, and the two companions stepped out into the damp air. A light drizzle began to fall, soaking the ground and giving the rocky soil a glossy sheen. Finn adjusted the collar of his jacket, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This place feels... isolated," he remarked, his voice barely audible over the soft patter of rain.
Rey nodded, her senses attuned to the environment. The remains of the Eadu Energy Conversion Laboratory were just a short walk away. Despite its dilapidated state, the structure loomed like a forgotten giant amidst the small stone homes that dotted the landscape. Moss clung to its crumbling walls, and rusted metal pieces jutted out at odd angles, remnants of a once-functioning facility.
They approached the laboratory, its massive doors slightly ajar, creaking eerily in the wind. "It looks like it hasn't been operational for years," Rey observed, tracing her fingers along the cold stone surface. The lab had been designed for harnessing energy, but now it stood as a monument to a past that had been swallowed by time.
"Think anyone's still around?" Finn asked, stepping cautiously inside the shadows of the structure. The air was thick with dust, and broken glass crunched underfoot. He peered into the dim interior, where remnants of old equipment lay strewn about, half-buried in debris.
Rey took a deep breath, feeling a disturbance in the Force, as if echoes of the past lingered here. "We'll need to check the nearby homes. If there are any Force-sensitive individuals, they might know more about the area."
As they ventured further, they passed clusters of small stone houses, their weathered exteriors blending seamlessly with the rugged landscape. Some had gardens filled with resilient plants that thrived despite the harsh conditions. A few structures appeared inhabited, with faint lights flickering inside and the sound of voices carrying on the breeze.
"Let's split up and see what we can find," Rey suggested. "I'll check the homes on the left, and you take the right."
Finn nodded, a determined look on his face. "Be careful," he replied, as he headed toward the cluster of houses.
Rey moved through the damp air, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. This was a critical step in their mission. As she approached the first house, she could hear laughter—a sound that felt out of place in this desolate landscape.
Taking a deep breath, Rey knocked on the door, hoping that the person inside could provide the connection they needed to establish their new Jedi Order. An older woman, around fifty, opened the door, and her daughter stood nearby, curious.
Keira the women's daughter was a tall young woman, about three inches taller than Rey. She had a fairly average build, with brown hair that framed her face. Her warm golden-brown eyes sparkled with curiosity, and her tan skin suggested she spent a good amount of time outdoors. At seventeen, she had just finished her education but was uncertain about her next steps.
Eadu offered limited career paths: scientists, laboratory assistants, engineers, scavengers, fighters, pilots, and teachers. Keira felt she wasn't particularly suited for most of these roles, though she believed she could thrive as a laboratory assistant, as she had a passion for biology. Despite the lack of diverse plant life on her home planet, she had always been fascinated by the natural world and dreamed of exploring different ecosystems.
Rey introduced herself, explaining that she was part of a new Jedi Order and sharing their mission and training methods. The woman listened intently before inviting Rey inside for tea. Soon, her husband joined them for the discussion.
"It's up to Keira," he said firmly, looking at his daughter.
The mother turned to Keira, adding, "If you can convince Sky, and if you truly want to go, we'll agree. Just promise to visit often and keep in touch."
Keira nodded and kissed her mother's cheek before heading to her room to pack, but she froze when she heard the door open. Just then, Sky walked in, having just returned from his job as a local engineer. Rey was slightly taken aback; although his records indicated he was younger, he looked to be about twenty-five, making her realize she was around eight years older than him. He stood tall, around six feet, with dark brown hair that was almost as dark as Ben's, she noted. His piercing blue eyes, inherited from his mother, contrasted strikingly with his shaggy dark hair.
Sky was equally surprised by Rey's presence. She's beautiful, he thought, wondering how he could get to know her better.
"Sky, this is Rey Skywalker," Keira introduced. "She's a Jedi Master, and I've decided to train with her. Will you come with us?"
Sky, typically skeptical about anything related to the Force, felt a change in his thoughts the moment he saw Rey. He didn't care what she would be training him in; he simply wanted to be near her. Having finished his apprenticeship in engineering, he believed that taking some time away wouldn't be a problem—he could always find another job later. Known as a local heartthrob, he was one of the best-looking men on his home planet. Though he had never fallen in love, he often sought out girls to date and have fun with.
Rey noticed Sky staring at her, his face flushed, and felt a twinge of unease. She quickly looked away, reminding herself that she was still in love with Ben, so she didn't dwell on Sky's attention beyond wondering why he was staring.
"Let me just message my partner," Rey said happily.
"Your partner?" Sky pressed. "So, you're married?"
"No," Rey replied, shaking her head. "He's another Jedi Master. But yes, I am with someone." Though Ben was no longer alive, she still felt a deep connection to him.
Keira shot her brother a warning glance. "Stop asking personal questions! I really want to go. Mom told us all those amazing stories about Luke Skywalker—remember? Just pack!"
Sky nodded, turning to gather his things.
As he started packing, Finn arrived and began talking with Sky and Keira's parents, exchanging greetings and catching up on the latest news.