Seeder's pov

I would do anything to fall back asleep right now.

No light peeks in through the shudders in my room, reminding me that I'm being slowly swallowed by the all-consuming darkness of space in the dumb First Order command ship.

What I would give to be snuggled in my white blankets at Resistance Base.

I hate that I refuse to take care of myself if it means I have to leave my baby sister in the wrong hands.

If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here right now; I would've escaped this horrid place or died trying.

My annoyed thoughts are interrupted when I finally notice frantic footsteps echoing outside my door.

Footsteps don't usually phase me here; troopers and guards roam the halls all day and all night, without any break.

It makes me wonder how they could've possibly been so unproductive all this time.

I push the cheap, scratchy blankets from my waist and stand, taking extra time to yawn and stretch my arms over my head.

I open the door to see the man I'd least expect to be pacing in front of it.

"Some kind of dilemma, Crylo?" I smirk, crossing my arms. He's startled out of his state by my words and looks down at me, barely flinching at my use of nickname.

"Yes, actually. I need to talk to you." His tone is worried. I raise and eyebrow, leaning my shoulder on the door.

"Alone." He adds.

I groan, slinking my body out of the way to let him inside. His eyes skirt over my messy floor and few belongings quickly before turning to face me.

"I need you to do something for me." He says.

"Really? I'll have you know, I've rotted in a prison for months because of you; I lost my parents because of you. I don't owe you anything." I seethe, appalled that he'd even consider asking me a favor.

"There's something in it for you. Do you really think I'd expect you to do something for me for nothing in return?"

"Yes." I answer immediately. He sighs.

"Will you hear it or not?"

"Whatever, Crylo. This better be good. I want to hear what you'll do for me first, though." I relent, settling my recently crossed arms at my sides.

"If you'll do this for me, I'll let you leave this base. Unharmed." He reasons. He doesn't sound finished, as if there's something caught in his throat that would pain him to say.

"And?" I encourage.

"You can take your sister with you." His lip trembles, leaving her name from his sentences.

"Wait a second. You're serious?" I gasp, suddenly intent on hearing anything he'd ask me to do.

"Of course I am." He exasperates.

"Why are you doing this? Why are you willing to do this for me?" I narrow my eyes, suspicious. It is well known to many that the two of us hate each other very much. I'd never go the lengths to do something for Ren, and I'd expected he'd felt the same way.

"I'll lose her forever if I don't. It's for her safety only."

I process his words, realization suddenly hitting me.

"You really love her, don't you?" I say. The faintest pink shade appears over his pale cheeks.

"That's none of your concern." He swallows.

I grin, opening my mouth to tease him, when I'm interrupted.

"Will you let me finish?" He hisses in his angry, usual way. I shrug, uttering for him to continue.

"I need you to organize an attack on the Finalizer." He reveals, forcing my jaw to drop.

"Wait, you want me to bring the Resistance here? Last time they attacked you you had your asses kicked."

"Let me explain." He groans.

"Whatever." I frown.

"Everything I say to you after this must never be repeated. Especially to Mali." He warns, to which I shrug again.

"I'm serious, Seeder."

"Yeah, I know. You made that pretty obvious." I state, wishing he would go on with his words. I hate talking to him and he's dragging it on longer.

"The Supreme Leader has warned me that if I do not rid of Mali to continue my climb to power, he will destroy her himself, as well as..... our child." He clenches his teeth. My eyes go wide.

"You got her pregnant?" I whisper. He nods sullenly, looking completely torn.

"You filthy piece of shit! You're worth less than the scum on the bottom of my shoe, Crylo!" I cry, slapping him hard in the face. He touches his hand to his reddened cheek and glowers, his dark eyebrows scrunched together.

"I am aware of how you feel about me and my relationship with your sister, but hitting me isn't going to keep her alive, is it?" He frowns.

"I hate you." I respond, to which he rolls his eyes.

"As I'd just said-"

"Tell me how I can help her." I interrupt. He closes his mouth, his shoulders sinking.

"I will provide you with a communication device. You'll contact the Resistance, as I'm sure you know how," he glances at me; I nod.

"Plan an attack on the Finalizer and relay me details. I will convince anyone to land the ship where it's necessary for attack."

"During the attack, I will preoccupy myself in a way that Mali can't find or help me. That's where you'll come in. You must watch her, I know she'll attempt to look for me."

"Make sure there is a ship at the ready for your escape. It must take you far away from here. I will have someone waiting for you on the planet of Takodana. I barely care where you choose to go from there, but make sure Mali stays. Ask for Ava and Draco; she will find a home with them. This is the only way I can ensure her safety." He finishes, taking a deep breath.

I stare at him a second, chewing on my lip with wide eyes.

"That's a lot of information to process in a short amount of time." I comment.

"Do you have any questions?" He ignores my observation. I puff out my cheeks. I have a lot of questions, I realize.

Most of them center around being able to trust him.

"How do I know I can trust you?" I start.

"I would do anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant.... even if it required betrayal. I swear on my life." He decides, looking unsure of his answer.

"How do I know you won't ambush the Resistance soldiers? Or me and Mali, on Takodana?"

"You have my word." He promises, only seriousness swimming in his eye. I watch him for a moment, trying to decide if I should believe him.

"This sounds too good to be true." I sink down on my bed. If I did this for Ren, would it mean I owe him something? Is that what he's searching for?

"No, this isn't so you owe me. After this, our slates will be clean and I'll never have to see you again. You won't have to see me. Isn't that enough?" He asks, reading my thoughts. I groan in annoyance.

"Fine. Whatever." I mumble, caving in. The corners of his mouth twitch up in satisfaction. He turns to finally leave me to myself on the room, his words left hanging in the air.

"Crylo, wait." I call. He pauses mid-step.

"Be quick with that communication device." I say in place of what I originally planned to say.

Still, from the way Ren raises his eyebrows in surprise, I know he heard what I was thinking.

"I'll take care of her." He assures, slipping out of the room.

Freedom, here we come!

-

hey everyone!

first I'd like to apologize for only updating once over spring break, I'm super sorry:(

I'll try to make the next few updates fast, but I obviously can't promise anything!

this chapter was weird to write, because I see Seeder as much different than Mali in most of her personality traits but i found myself drifting back to Mali style while writing

I don't know if that actually made sense

anywho

make sure to vote and comment as you always do:))

ily

kait