Chapter 4: Boundaries

Rey could feel the rush of panic beginning to form in her chest.

"I have to speak with Leia," Rey quickly said, as she tried to push past Rose.

"Wait Rey, before you do that," Rose began, as she stopped Rey for a moment, "We must tell Finn and Poe that you personally know Kylo. Leia planned for all of us to go on this mission. We can't have them blind sided about your relationship, especially since this mission has grown important than just stopping Palpatine, it's about saving Kylo too."

Rose was right.

"I'll be there with you to give support," Rose assured as she grabbed Rey's hand and gave a firm squeeze. Rey nodded in return. Her Resistance Family was more than she could have ever asked for. She truly felt blessed in this moment.

"Thank you Rose," Rey replied, "I appreciate you."

Rose told Rey she would grab Finn and Poe and have them all meet in one of the secluded rooms within the base. It was the best spot to keep away from any listening ears and prying eyes. Rey took her time getting ready. She took a longer shower and slowly fixed up the buns in her hair. She hoped with all her heart, Finn and Poe would understand, but deep down she knew they would be upset after learning the truth. There were moments where she felt Finn knew something was going on. There was moments when she would say she wanted to be alone or had to cut time their short from hanging out together. Finn jokingly asked her one time, "Is there someone you're secretly meeting Rey?" And she would quickly reply, "No! I just wanted to train more on my own. You never know when the next big mission would be!"

She put her hand to her forehead and gave a firm rub. She realized how foreshadowing her words were. She didn't ask for this, she didn't want this…She hoped after Snoke died, there would be less to worry about with the First Order.

As she tided up the last bun in her hair, she gave herself one more check and tried to put on a smile. She took a deep breath and began walking towards the door.

"I can do this," she whispered, "I can do this..."

"WHAT?!" Poe screamed after Rey explained herself, "THIS IS INSANE REY!"

Poe slammed his fist onto the table as he stood up and took a couple steps away from the table. Finn looked upset and shook his head. He couldn't give Rey any eye contact. He was taking this a lot well than Rey expected. It was Poe that surprised her, she thought he wouldn't lose his cool.

"Do you remember what he did to both of us?!" Poe demanded as he gestured between him and Finn, "We were interrogated and one of us was TORTURED to give that guy information! Now you're telling us, he's a good guy because he has you as a girlfriend?!"

Rey was taken back. In simple terms, yes almost everything is true. But Ben completely good? There still needed to be proof.

"Look Poe, I know it's a lot to take in right now, but you have to remember, Darth Vader was the last person to kill Palpatine. Maybe Kylo could help us in the same cause. I mean after all, he did kill Snoke, that's still something," Rose calmly explained as she placed her hand on Rey's shoulder for support.

Poe shook his head and gave a heavy sigh.

"Maybe! But I'm not ready to forgive him," Poe responded, "Look Finn, what do you think? I'm surprised you're not as upset as I am."

"I think I knew what was going on the entire time," Finn replied still not making eye contact, "I mean the way Rey was constantly running off. How some of our missions felt too easy. Kylo may be helping Rey, but if you think about it, he was helping all of us too."

"So that's it huh? You're forgiving Kylo Ren?" Poe asked sounding frustrated.

"No, not that easily," Finn spoke back, "I'm still trying to wrap my head in all of this. I can't forget the way he treated us the first time around."

"I'm not asking all of you to forgive him," Rey clarified, "I know how he has treated you all and that it's up to each of you of when you will forgive him. But what I need the most right now, after explaining all of this, is helping me find out what happened to him. Especially since we know Palpatine is back, I can't do this mission by myself."

"Rey, I have a question," Rose cut in, "Let's say we do rescue Kylo during the mission, would you be willing to put him through trial for everything he has done?"

"Of course!" Rey assured, "Look despite that I may be his girlfriend, I still know right from wrong. I know Ben isn't innocent from everything he has done and is complicit to. I want him to face justice as much as all of us, but we need to rescue him first."

"It's a huge favor Rey," Finn quickly said.

"I understand," Rey replied with concern, "I want you all to know, when you all confront him, I'm not holding any of you back nor will I try to defend him. I want you all to make peace with him in your own terms. Please understand, it's me that's asking for help, not him."

The room was silent for a moment. Poe took a deep breath.

"I'll help you Rey," Poe confirmed, "But I'm not helping Kylo. You need to rescue him yourself. If he gets mind controlled and tries to hurt you, Finn and I will take the first shot."

"I agree with Poe," Finn chimed in, "We'll be there for you."

"Thank you to both of you," Rey smiled with relief, "I'll take care of Ben."

"Don't thank us yet, let's hear what Leia has to say about all of this," Poe commented.

~to be continued...