Chapter 18 - Just another decoy

Kylo had just finished meditating and was finally feeling like he was back to full strength. He climbed out of the bed and stretched.

"Better?" Rey inquired.

"Much," Kylo replied.

It had nearly been an hour since they had been left alone.

Kylo looked up to met Rey's gaze. "Before you spoke about a decoy… did you want to let me in on this plan of yours?"

"Oh… yeah that might be a good idea," she chuckled. "I was thinking that we split up."

"What?" Kylo responded with surprise.

"You know …JK and I leave out of one exit…" she explained while pointing forward at the door… "you and Captain Parlux leave out another," she then pointed to the refresher. "We certainly can't leave together given the amount of press crawling all over this place."

Kylo nodded with relief. "I really don't like us being apart right now given your… accident."

Rey waved a hand. "Yeah, but it was an accident, so I'll be fine."

Kylo shook his head. "Rey.. I'm not so sure."

Rey shushed him. "I'll be fine," she uttered. "I promise."

Kylo pursed his lips. "That doesn't instill much confidence," he paused and grit his teeth, "...but you're right we can't exactly leave together."

He sighed. "You need to stay with JK at all times…" he instructed. "I carefully selected him for his specialised combat training. That's why I assigned him as your personal guard."

Rey rolled her eyes. "I don't need protection."

"Rey, you're the Empress now. I need to know you'll be safe when you're not with me," he asserted. "I was planning to get him to infiltrate the Resistance to join you."

Rey nodded and raised her eyebrows. "That's actually a good idea… having back up would be helpful when I go back."

Kylo stepped closer to her. "Rey..."

Rey continued her train of thought. "He could even pose as my boyfriend… that might even get Poe to back off once and for all…"

"Rey…" Kylo gently repeated.

Rey snapped back to attention. "Sorry…go on."

"Do you remember me telling you about our home on Naboo?" Kylo questioned. "We may need to go there before the trade negotiations."

Rey jumped up and wrapped her arms around Kylo's neck. "We have a home," she excitedly exclaimed, "I forgot about that."

Kylo chuckled. "Yes… I don't want us spending our entire lives living on ships."

Rey pulled him into a kiss, crashing her mouth against his.

He smiled against her lips and spoke between her peppered kisses. "It was a property that my grandparent's married at," he murmured. "It's in Ben Solo's name."

She pulled back from the latest kiss. "Wouldn't someone be able to search that?"

"They would need to know the planet, the area and then pay to search the title," he breathed out. "It's not public record. Think of it as our own little safe house."

Rey beamed.

"Now…I can sense that Captain Parlux and JK are nearly here." Kylo ran a hand through his hair. "Let's get ready to leave."

Rey picked up the remote and pushed the green button. She was ready to inform the medical team that they would be departing soon.

JK and Captain Parlux arrived back to Rey's hospital room. JK was still dressed in the hospital scrubs he had commanded earlier, and Captain Parlux was wearing her First Order uniform. JK knocked on the door and they walked into the room after they heard Kylo's voice.

"Enter," he commanded. Kylo nodded for them to stand to the side.

Neither of them spoke while Captain Parlux shut the door behind her and assumed the position next to JK, both standing at attention.

Kylo was leaning against the wall near the bed head with his arms folded across his chest with a smirk on his face.

Rey was back in the hospital bed with a blood pressure cuff on, smiling at Cris and Doctor Stephens as it was deflating. "As I said before …I'm fine," Rey happily chirped.

Dr Stephens observed the newest reading before looking at Kylo. "It does appear that her heart rate and blood pressure results have all returned to normal," he skeptically replied.

Rey yanked off the cuff and kicked off the covers. "I told you," she stated while scooting to the edge of the bed.

Cris stood in her path before she could get up fully and put her arms up. "I know you're excited, but we need to confirm that everything is okay." Cris shook her head. "We've never seen injuries heal so fast… especially leaving completely no trace."

"Exactly," Dr Stephens interjected. "We need to make sure that internally your injuries have healed as well. We don't know if this magical force actually healed below the surface too. "

Rey began examining her missing injuries. "My bruises are practically gone and most of my wounds are too," she said while pointing to each section, even her burn from prior to the accident was now missing as well. "I feel good. I promise you," she confidently affirmed.

Dr Stephens sighed. "We can't let you leave until we've done a CT Scan."

Rey looked to Kylo. "I don't want any more tests," she pleaded.

Kylo pushed himself off the wall, uncrossed his arms and assumed his full height. "You heard her," he commanded. "No more tests."

Dr Stephens nodded. "We will need you to sign a medical release form then."

Cris picked up the holopad off the bedside table and began inputting information with the stylus before turning it to face Rey. "I will need you to both sign this form, stating that you are wanting to be discharged against medical advice."

Rey grabbed the stylus without pausing. "Of course." She signed Lady Ren as cursive as she could. She then passed it over to Kylo, who had moved to the same side of the bed as Cris. He then signed his name before he passed the stylus back to Cris.

"Well, all the best to you Lady Ren," Dr Stephens stated and bowed to her.

Cris curtsied. "You know where to find us if you need anything further," she added. They both turned towards Kylo to repeat their actions before leaving the room.

Captain Parlux stepped forward while holding out the clothing. "I apologise for the delay my lady," she said. "I wasn't on the Finalizer, so it took me a little while to get here."

Rey nodded. "I need you to be my decoy."

"Of course, my lady," she smiled. "I assumed that's why you called for me."

"I'll need you to dress up as the Empress." Rey grabbed the clothing for Kylo and handed it to him, leaving Captain Parlux holding her attire. "You can change in there," she stated while pointing to the refresher.

Captain Parlux turned on her heels and disappeared to go and change.

Rey turned to JK. "I need you to go and find me some scrubs to match yours. "Of course, my lady." He bowed and then disappeared out of the room.

Now you need to change too," Rey instructed Kylo.

"Yes, your highness," he said while kicking off his boots.

"Ha…ha," she replied.

"No, I'm serious," he stated while pulling off his pants and tunic. "I like seeing you in charge."

"I don't mind being on top," she mischievously said.

"I am looking forward to that part," he countered.

Kylo pulled on the new pants and tunic, then slipped on his boots again before Captain Parlux and JK returned.

Kylo glanced to JK and Captain Parlux who were now in the room. He shook off his hesitation and closed the gap between him and Rey in a couple of strides. He brought his lips down to hers. They kissed gently.

He pulled back and turned to JK. "You protect her with your life," he ordered.

"Yes, my lord," JK responded.

Kylo turned to Captain Parlux. "You ready?"

"Yes, my lord," came her reply.

Kylo smirked. "Let's make them believe your my Queen."

Kylo stepped forward and offered out his arm to her. Captain Parlux linked her arm with his, pulling her hood up which covered most of her face.

JK opened the door to go into the corridor and instructed the stormtroopers that it was time to depart.

Kylo spared one last look at Rey who retreated into the refresher to change her clothing. Kylo turned and exited out through the door. He nodded to JK who went back into the hospital room and closed the door behind him.

The stormtroopers outside the room began marching ahead of Kylo and Captain Parlux clearing the corridors as they moved through. People began to scurry out of the way or lingered in doorways to catch a glimpse of the Emperor and who they think is his Empress.

Captain Parlux had her head down and the hood shielded most of her sight, so she relied on Kylo to navigate her to the transport. The doors opened to the walkway leading up to the ship. Captain Parlux listened to all the reporters shouting questions and could hear the clicking of cameras.

"Show us your face." One reporter shouted.

"Let us see the Empress," a lady called out.

Kylo and Captain Parlux did not stop and continued forward.

They made it onto the ship flanked by multiple stormtroopers. Once the transport's ramp was up, Captain Parlux dropped the hood. "I wonder how JK and Rey went."

Kylo cocked an eyebrow at her.

"My apologies my lord," she continued. "I just hope JK and our Empress made it to their transport safely... like us."

Kylo nodded. "She's still making her way there as we speak."

Kylo got into the pilot's seat and set the course to the Finalizer. As they launched out of the atmosphere, he could barely sense Rey and he sent her a parting message. I'll see you soon my love.

Back in the hospital on Insugai. JK and Rey were starting to navigate their way through the corridors to exit the hospital.

JK kept his eyes scanning the passageways, pausing to check doorways.

Rey broke the silence between them.

I need to ask," Rey said. "Do you have someone special in your life?"

JK looked around and lowered his voice, "we aren't meant to fraternise my lady. Our work keeps us pretty busy."

"There has to be someone," she pleaded.

JK looked around again before responding. "Well Captain Parlux and I are close."

Rey bit her lip. "I'm glad to know. I really like her."

JK smiled. "Now tell me something I don't know about you."

Rey snorted. "My story isn't that interesting."

"I don't know… a force user who joined the Resistance and is now a double agent for the First Order and is our Empress," he retorted. "Your story is pretty interesting," he declared.

Rey laughed, "that's probably all the interesting parts."

"Come on there must be more," JK asked.

"Well I come from a planet called Jakku…" She stated. "What about you?"

"I'm from Corellia," he replied.

JK pointed to the sign on the roof illuminated in green. "The exit is this way," he stated.

They turned down a corridor and towards a set of double doors.

"What happened to the stormtroopers guarding the exits?" Rey inquired.

"I instructed them to be moved to our Emperor's exit to make it more believable that the Empress was leaving with him," he responded.

JK pushed the door open and the flashing of cameras began. Rey put her head down, momentarily blinded by all the flashes and the echo of voices asking questions. She felt JK grab her hand and pull her to the right and she followed him without hesitation. The voices died down and she could hear the disappointment.

"That's not the Empress," a female voice shouted.

"They have probably taken her out another entrance," a masculine voice added. He pulled out a radio. "Jim, anything on your side?"

Rey heard the radio crackle and a response said, "The Empress and the Emperor are coming out of my exit." Rey watched as a stampede of reporters began running to the other side of the building away from them.

"Rey," JK whispered. "Our transport is this way."

Rey nodded and sighed. That should be me.

JK noticed the reporter with the radio was watching them still. He furrowed his brows. He turned his attention towards Rey and JK. Moving closer and snapping a few pictures.

Rey reached out her mind and brushed the surface of his. What if that girl is the real Empress and the other is a decoy?

Rey's eyes grew wide. He knows.

JK was still holding Rey's hand and she pulled him closer to her, so they couldn't be overheard. "That reporter knows."

JK shook his head and began to drag Rey to the direction of the transport. "It doesn't matter. Who's going to believe him."

"You're right," she responded while breathing out slowly. They briskly weaved there way through the people outside of the building. It was mostly, patient's, visitors and a few hopeful creatures that wanted to see a glimpse of the Emperor and his Queen.

Rey and JK turned down a path and JK let go of her hand. Rey looked up overhead and saw Kylo's transport flying up into the atmosphere. She then heard Kylo's thoughts call out to her. I'll see you soon my love.

JK was ahead of her, and he turned to the left through some bushes. She followed his silhouette as they weaved between some trees and then out into a clearing. A transport was waiting for them. It was flanked by multiple sets of stormtroopers.

"This way my lady," JK gestured. The stormtroopers heard his introduction and bowed to her as she approached the transport.

Unexpectedly, the ship before them exploded and the strength of the blast propelled JK and Rey backwards. A high-pitched ringing began in her ears, her senses became dull and the only noise that her brain was focusing on, was the laboured breaths escaping her lips.

Rey was now flat on her back; she lifted her head to see the ship before them being engulfed in flames. Rey blinked and saw movement in her peripheral vision, her head turning towards it.

JK was already pulling himself up to stand and advancing towards her. His voice sounded very distant, even though he was now at her side attempting to pull her up to stand. She focused on his face as he mouthed the words. "We need to move."

Rey nodded and allowed JK to pull her to her feet. She looked to the other side and saw Kylo now standing right next to her. Desperation was plastered on his face. He reached out to grab Rey's arm, but his hand passed right through it. They both looked to the spot he should have been able to touch her, but couldn't.

Rey's attention moved back to JK who had seized her hand and was now pulling her into the opposite direction. She spared another glimpse at Kylo who disappeared again.

JK and Rey were running back through the tree line. Once they were through, JK instructed her to crouch by a nearby boulder.

JK kept a lookout, and couldn't see any movement, except the flickering of the burning ship in the distance. He had his hands pressed up against the rock they were taking shelter behind.

Rey now had her back leaning against the boulder with her knees pulled up against her chest.

Rey's hearing was starting to come back to normal.

JK was surveying the area without looking down at Rey. "Are you okay?"

Rey started to check herself over, touching each limb. "I'm okay," she finally responded after a slight pause. "What about you?" She stated while looking up at him.

"I'm good," he firmly responded. Frustration now on his face.

"What is it?" Rey found herself whispering.

"The only people who knew we were moving you separately was the First Order," he growled.

Rey's eyes grew wide with the realisation.

"Someone in the First Order is targeting you," he stated firmly.

Rey looked to the side and saw Kylo had reappeared before her again. "It's not safe for me to return to the First Order," she found herself saying to both men standing before her.

"Exactly," JK responded. "Where do we go?"

Kylo sighed. "Naboo."

"Naboo," she parroted.

"We'll need a new transport then," JK replied.

Rey checked her breast pocket and dug out the communicator that linked back to Resistance. "I've got an idea."

Rey looked back at Kylo who nodded and disappeared again.

"Solo to base."

The communicator crackled. "Base to Solo… Go ahead."

"We've come into some trouble," Rey said. "We need an extraction."

"Way ahead of you Solo," came the response.

Rey looked at the communicator. "What do you mean?" She said with confusion.

"Your rescuer should be there any second... he's tracking your communicator."

Rey looked up to see the Millennium Falcon appear above them and fly overhead towards the clearing of their exploded transport.

"Thanks…" Solo out."

Rey looked towards JK.

"I'm guessing that's for us," he stated.

"Time for you to join the Resistance," she responded with a smirk.

At that moment a blaster bolt hit the boulder near both of them. They turned to face where it came from to see a bounty hunter dressed in armour with a jet pack, hovering above the ground.

Both JK and Rey ducked to avoid the steady stream of blaster bolts that were being fired towards them. They ran back in the direction of the Millennium Falcon.

As they raced through the clearing, they could see that the ramp was already lowered and Chewbacca was standing there with a blaster providing cover fire. "Rrrraaawwwrrrr," he shouted.

A few more blasts narrowly missed them. As they ran closer C3PO and R2D2 came into view just inside the ship. Rey raced past Chewbacca and the droids. She pressed the button to close the ramp at the same time.

"Oh dear," C3PO said. A series of happy beeps came from R2D2.

"Hi guys," she responded while continuing to run past.

Rey snaked her way through the walkway to the cock pit with JK hot on her heels. She jumped into the pilot's chair and began the sequence for take-off. Chewbacca assumed his position in the co-pilot's chair pressing a series of buttons as well.

"Where are we going?" C3PO asked.

"Naboo," Rey replied. "Chewie… engage the cloaking device and punch it."

The Millennium Falcon shimmered to be nearly invisible and propelled up through the atmosphere into space.

C3PO stated, "I have a bad feeling about this."

"Have a little faith," Rey replied and engaged the hyperdrive. The stars began to streak before them and the Finalizer came into view when they exited hyperspace.

R2D2 chirped a few worrying beeps.

Rey slowly navigated through the airspace towards Naboo weaving between the ships around the Finalizer.

"Grrrawwwhhh," Chewbacca stated.

"We'll be fine," Rey confidently replied. "How's the cloaking device?"

JK peered at the gauge. "It still states it's operational."

C3PO turned to JK. "Who are you?" he asked.

"Be quiet and let me concentrate," Rey said. Rey could finally sense Kylo again. Can you see me?

I've instructed the crew to ignore your ship's faint beacon. Kylo's voice responded in her head.

They made their way past the Finalizer without incident. Thank you, I'll see you later. She breathed a sigh of relief.

Be safe, my love. Came his reply.

The Millennium Falcon made it down through the atmosphere of Naboo.

"Told you," Rey exhaled. "Do any of you know how to get to Varykino Villa?"

R2D2 chirped in response and rolled over to the interface to plug in the coordinates.

"What do you mean we've been there before?" C3PO said.

R2D2 beeped back.

"What do you mean I've forgotten?" C3PO replied.