The next morning, Rey awoke to bright sunshine and a feeling of happiness.  She stretched languidly and glanced beside her.    It was only her in the small bed now, but she remembered how close she and Ben were snuggled last night, and how it felt to have his arms around her.  She had slept peacefully, and for once couldn't recall having any dreams whatsoever.   She had no idea how long the bond had stayed connected, but had obviously been asleep when it disconnected.  Hopefully Ben had been peacefully asleep too.

His confessions about constant nightmares made her sad.  She knew that she calmed him and made him simply more peaceful.  There were definitely flashes of Kylo Ren now and again, but that was simply him now – two halves of his whole.  As long as the Kylo Ren half wasn't a murderous monster anymore, she could live with that.

The thought shocked her.  Was she just getting used to the fact that he was Kylo Ren, and fooling herself into thinking that he had changed?  Or had he really been changing?  She closed her eyes and thought about it.   No – she wasn't fooling herself - he really had been changing, really seemed to be trying to do so.  Was it for her?  That thought made her smile.  But she knew that for change to be lasting, he had to do it for himself.

She had no idea if or how they were going to ever be together beyond this, but if the Force meant them to be together, and the bond allowed them to continue to get to know each other better, spend their nights together and gave him some peaceful sleep, then maybe – just maybe – they could figure this out.  The Future.

She sighed.  Ok, enough thinking.  It was time to get out of bed and go talk to Leia.

**

The first thing Kylo did when he left his chambers that morning was to seek out Hux.  He had to find out if they'd be attacking the Resistance base on Lothal today.  He sighed heavily.  How could he be the Supreme Leader and feel like he simply had no control over this situation?  He clenched his fists in frustration.  He needed to be very careful with this – or he could lose both Rey and the First Order at the same time.

Once Kylo tracked Hux down, he wasted no time.  "General.  I'd like an update on both the Vandorian negotiations and the location of the Resistance."

Hux turned to look at him, his typical sneer on his face.   "There are no real updates on the Vandorian front, but I am told that things may only seem to be going well."  He frowned at Kylo. "Perhaps if we just – "

Kylo cut him off  "Give it another couple of days General.   If negotiations are still stalled, then you can bring in your troops."

"Yes sir."  Hux's face was stone.

But a malicious smile then appeared.  "In terms of the Resistance, we have confirmed that they are indeed on Lothal.  I have ordered our troops to begin preparations for our attack and invasion."

Kylo's face was impassive, but his stomach clenched and inwardly he was a jumble of emotions. He had to give Rey more time.  "General – you will do no such thing without first briefing me, and the rest of the Generals who will be involved in the attack!   I want everyone in the main conference room in 1 standard hour and we will discuss our plans."

Hux sputtered, clearly taken aback. "But...why?  This battle is MY responsibility!   I do not need the permission and opinions of the other officers to complete it!  Snoke NEVER required this!!  Or do you have another reason for not allowing this to proceed?"  he sneered at Kylo.

Kylo leaned over intimidatingly and stuck his face right in Hux's.   He spoke very quietly, but there was no mistaking how serious he was.  "Maybe that has been the problem General.   I'm starting to see that you have too much freedom in terms of your decisions regarding such attacks.  How many times have you chased them down, only to fail at eliminating them completely?"  Kylo continued.  "I will remind you again, that Snoke is dead, and that this is not going to be the same First Order that he ruled.  Assemble the officers in 1 standard hour and we will discuss it.   Do not make me repeat it!"

Kylo took a deep breath, and continued – his tone even more menacing, as he stared Hux down.  "And General, if you EVER question my allegiance to the First Order again, those will be the last words out of your mouth.  Understood?"

Hux's face was so red he appeared to be beyond speech.  He simply nodded and turned to walk away.  Kylo sighed again as Hux stopped and began clutching his throat.   He whirled to face Kylo, his face going even redder. "General.   You.  Are.  Dismissed.  This will be my FINAL warning on this.  Do you understand?  The next time, I will NOT release my hold on you.   Is that clear?" Hux's eyes were now bulging and his face was a mask of terror.   He nodded frantically.

Kylo walked by him before releasing his hold, and he heard Hux slump to the floor.  He sighed. This was not shaping up to be a good day.

**

Rey's conversation with Leia went surprisingly well.   Although she started out very cautiously, she soon began giving her more and more details about her and Ben's connection.  She had no choice – Leia would not believe her otherwise.  She told her how they started out as true enemies, but had now come to tolerate each other.  She did not let on that they were now friends – even more – as she did not want Leia to read too much into it.

Rey told her of Ben's desire to reshape the First Order, and to ultimately come to some form of peace with the Resistance.  And that to do that, he would likely consider meeting with Leia to negotiate.  She explained that he needed time to put the wheels in motion within the First Order, which is why he came to Rey and told her of the attack.   It wasn't a complete falsehood, but it sounded entirely plausible.

Through the whole thing, Leia just sat and listened, without saying a word.  Then she stopped her and asked, "When?"

"Likely later today or early tomorrow at the latest".  She nodded, and called in Poe through her comms.  When Poe arrived, he smiled his most charming smile at Rey, which took her a little off guard given the events that occurred yesterday, and looked to Leia.

"Poe, I need you to begin preparations for evac of the entire base by the end of the day."  She spoke very calmly.

Poe was shocked. "Whaaat?!  Based on what?"

Leia remained completely calm. "Based on some intel I've just received.  Poe, I need you to do it – now."

Poe looked to Rey, and then back to Leia before sputtering at Rey. "Where would YOU get intel on this??!"  Rey looked over at Leia with wide eyes.  Leia responded for her.  "I'm sorry Poe, but that's classified right now.  I know you won't like it, but telling you could endanger a lot of people.  You'll just have to trust me on this".

Poe continued looking back and forth between Rey and Leia, hands on his hips, his posture angry.  Then he swore. "Son of a Bitch!!  If this is for nothing, so help me!!"  He gave Rey one last glare then looked back at Leia. "Fine!  Fine.  I'll go sound the alarms.  But at some point, one or both of you is going to tell me what the HELL is going on!!".  He stormed out of the room without looking back.

Rey hesitantly looked up at Leia. "I'm sorry."

Leia sat back and sighed.  "Don't be.  We all know that Poe can be a hothead.  The fact that we are getting advance notice of an impending attack is very helpful, and you can thank my son for me.  But Rey, please, please be careful.  Based on his past behavior, he's not always stable.  I know you think that you know him because of this strange Force connection that the two of you have, but...".

"It's okay."  Rey began.   "I understand.  But I really think he is changing.  I think we can't underestimate the power – and the torture - that Snoke used on him, and the extent to which it twisted him into doing all the things he did."  Rey took a deep breath.  "Snoke tortured him brutally Leia, and twisted him into believing that he needed to be tortured to become stronger. It.....it messed with his head."  Rey had become upset at saying that aloud, and had to calm her breathing for a minute to collect herself.  "I'm not excusing him – he's not excusing himself – but it makes me think about what would've happened if Snoke hadn't gotten him.  Ben keeps saying he is of the Dark Side, and I think he honestly believes that he was born that way.  But I don't.  I have hope for him."

Leia had been staring at nothing in particular on her desk, lost in thought.  Slowly, she looked up at Rey.   "You care for him, don't you?"

Rey's mouth opened but nothing came out.  She tried again.  "I.... I.....".

At this, Leia held up her hand to stop her.   "Don't say anything.   It's written all over your face. That'll be a conversation for another time.  Maybe."

Rey nodded thankfully and got up to leave.  "I'm going to go help with the evacuation."

Just before she left the office, she was stopped by Leia's soft voice behind her.  "Thank you Rey". Rey didn't turn around - just nodded, and left.

**

Poe stood in the middle of organized chaos, directing the last minute packing and prepping of equipment and supplies.  He watched with narrowed eyes as Rey approached him with a smile.

"Hey Poe, what do you need me to do?"

He watched her and thought about their recent meeting in Leia's office, but figured that now was not the time to get into it.   He had to give himself a mental shake before responding.  She was just so beautiful, she flustered him when she was near, and her smile made him lose his train of thought.  He had desperately hoped to get closer to her in the past few months, but they'd all been so busy, there had been no time for that.  Also, Rey somehow seemed to hold herself apart from the rest of them.  She was definitely their friend, seemed to enjoy their company, and was fiercely loyal to them all, but there was something about her that was closed off.

Despite his bumbling attempt to kiss her yesterday and her fierce assertion that she only thought of him as a brother, he didn't believe it.   He knew they'd be good together.  She was simply afraid to let anyone get too close, and had never had the chance to get to know him.  And once she did, she'd see it too.  He just needed to figure out a way to get her to let him in.  He would make it his mission to get closer to her once they arrived at their new base on Dantooine. For the time being though, he'd pretend that yesterday never happened.

"Hey Rey, I think Chewie needs another pair of hands over in the hanger.   If you could go help him out, that would be great.  We're trying to launch the first transports within the hour."

Rey nodded. "Ok, no problem."  She paused.  "Poe, about this morning...".

Poe shook his head and stopped her.  "Not now.  Later.  Once we're on Dantooine.  You owe me a drink, maybe dinner, and an explanation."

Rey nodded, and grinned. "Deal."  She reached out a hand, which he grasped and shook. "Thanks Poe."

He returned her grin. "I look forward to it."  His tone turned serious.  "Rey.   I know you.  Don't leave it too late.  Make sure you get yourself out in time."

"Why does everyone keep telling me that?"  She laughed.

"Because Rey, we KNOW you, and love you, and want to keep you safe.  Now go help Chewie."  He shook his head while he watched her go.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure I'm out with plenty of time.   OK?"  She called over her shoulder as she walked away, a niggling feeling in her gut, over his use of the words 'we know you and love you'.  She hoped he would get over this, and quickly.

Rey swiftly made her way to the hanger, but couldn't help continue thinking about what Poe said.  Ben had told her the exact same thing.  Their relationship was definitely complicated, and they were now more friends than enemies, but could he be growing to love her?  She knew her feelings for him were changing.   Especially after the last couple of days.  Her face went red when she remembered the heat between them and the passion that they had shared.  But she smiled. She couldn't wait to be in his arms, and to kiss him again.  The mere thought made her breathless.  Maybe tonight....??  She shook her head.  Now was definitely NOT the time to be thinking about this.  She had more important things to do.

As she entered the hanger, she saw Chewie packing up a bunch of boxes.  "Hey Chewie, I'm here to help.  What do you need?"  He trilled back at her, and she nodded and went to work.

**

The officer's meeting had just wrapped up and Kylo was very pleased.  While they were still continuing with the attack, and had a plan, it had almost – ALMOST – been averted.  The senior Officer's opinion's were definitely changing.  As usual, he sat quietly and listened, while Hux spouted his hatred of the Resistance, and all the reasons why now was the perfect time to destroy them, and how they had to strike hard to eliminate them.

The Officers also sat quietly and listened, and at the end of Hux's tirade, one brave officer – General Varda – asked the question he almost never expected to hear from someone else in the First Order.

"Can someone please explain to me why we have to eliminate the Resistance?"  There was silence, and Hux's mouth dropped open. "I mean, we've discussed and are trying to implement many changes that our Supreme Leader has suggested, like the negotiations we've begun on the elimination of slavery, creating infrastructure on impoverished, but populated planets, and willing recruitment to the First Order ranks, as opposed to forced membership.  Why not consider negotiating some sort of truce with the Resistance?  If they see the things we're trying to do, they may not want to fight us anymore."

Again, there was silence.  Until some of the officers began chiming in with their opinions.  Some agreed with Varda, whereas some did not.  Kylo listened carefully, and kept track of the tally of opinions in his head.   Of his 12 officers, 5 were for negotiation, and 7 were for attack.  He simply couldn't stand down on it right now, and save face.  Especially given Hux's suspicions.   He wasn't sure if he was referring to his Mother, or Rey, but he wasn't going to give him the opportunity to press that case further.  So the attack would move forward later today – with a slightly smaller contingent than planned.  Their main objective was now no longer to kill their people, but to take out as much of their equipment and infrastructure as possible.  With the exception of Hux, they all agreed that they no longer needed to completely wipe them out – just to send a final message to them that the First Order wasn't going anywhere.

Hux was absolutely furious, and was the first to storm out of the room after the meeting ended. Kylo sighed and turned toward the viewing windows to gather his thoughts.  He heard someone approach him from behind and knew it was General Varda.

"Supreme Leader, Sir".  Kylo turned to face him.   "If I may, Sir.  I would like to say that I think the changes you are trying to make are admirable, and are absolutely necessary for the First Order to become what we should be."

Kylo continued to look at him, and could feel the hesitation coming from Varda.  "I feel you have more to say.  Go on."

Varda looked down at the ground briefly before looking back up.  "I just wanted to let you know that while it may be obvious right now that not everyone agrees with this new direction, given time, I think that more of them will come around."  Again, he paused.  "But sir.  General Hux....." he took a breath.   "He is poison to what you are trying to do.   He will never come around.  And his venom will lengthen the amount of time it will take the others to do so."  At that he was silent.  The implication left hanging in the air between them.

Kylo just stared at Varda, trying to keep his face neutral.  He had a completely new appreciation for this General, who before now had been very quiet, only rarely expressing his opinion in meetings.  He was still trying to process the fact that he might actually have an ally.  Maybe more than one.  He mentally shook himself and addressed Varda.   "Thank you General.  I am very aware of Hux's position, but I appreciate your candor all the same.   So, what would you suggest? Demotion if he should step out of line?"

Varda thought about that for a period of time.  "I don't think so sir.  He would continue to spread his poison against you and all you seek to do, even if he were a Commander, or even of the lower ranks."  He paused.   "I would suggest that more drastic actions may be necessary."

Kylo couldn't hide his reaction to that.  His eyes widened for the briefest second, before Varda caught on to what Kylo had mistakenly understood.  Varda quickly interjected. "No – sir – I..I am not suggesting that!  I mean... I know in the past.... But I thought....."  He stopped, took a breath and continued. "I am suggesting that he may need to be expelled from the First Order."

The corner of Kylo's mouth turned up into a slight smirk. "Thank you for your clarification General.  Your concerns are valid, and your point is noted.  Again, I appreciate your opinion, and it's something I'll consider carefully going forward.  Dismissed."

"Thank you sir."

Varda turned to leave, but Kylo stopped him.  "And General, I hope you feel comfortable coming forward with any and all opinions in the future."

Varda's eyes widened before he responded again. "Yes sir.  Thank you, sir."

Kylo turned back to the viewing windows and took a deep breath.  The attack on the Resistance aside, things were looking up.  He just hoped that nothing went really wrong with the attack, or Rey might never forgive him.

As he headed back towards his quarters to grab a quick meal before preparing for the attack later this afternoon, he was stopped by another one of his officers – General Avanti, en route. The only female of her rank, she had a quick mind, and he was generally impressed by her work ethic.  "Supreme Leader, Sir.  Could I have a moment of your time?"

Buoyed by his recent conversation with Varda, and his recollection that Avanti was also one of those opposed to the attack, he gave her a small nod.  "Of course, General."

"Sir.  I have to say that I am very impressed with some of your ideas for moving the First Order forward into the future."  She paused, considering, before continuing.   "I have a few novel ideas of my own, but am hesitant to introduce them amongst all of the other officers."

Kylo just looked at her.  When she was silent, he prompted.  "Go on."

"Well, Sir."  She stuttered. "I was hoping that we could discuss them in a more private setting. Maybe over dinner?"  Something in her voice, and in the way she was looking at him told him that she might be considering this to be more than an official business meeting.

Taken aback, Kylo had to work to keep his face impassive.  When he was Snoke's apprentice, of course there were women who offered themselves to him, despite his fearsome reputation.  After all, he had been in a position of power, and he knew that power drew certain types of people.  He just never took them up on it, having Snoke's disdain for lust foremost in his mind. However, never in all his years could he recall a woman wanting to have dinner with him.  That implied a sense of getting to know one another, rather than just throwing herself at him for sex. It completely baffled him.  Was he so different now?  Or was this just another way for a woman to attach herself to power.

He scrutinized the general for a minute.  No, he didn't think so.  She didn't seem to be the type. Aside from the fact that he obviously wasn't interested, it would be inappropriate for such a relationship to occur.  He was her direct superior, and anyone who got involved with their subordinates was just asking for trouble.

Not wanting to offend her in any way, he was cautious, but professional when he replied. "General.  I would be very interested in hearing your ideas.  Today, however, is a busy day.  But perhaps we could have lunch in the Officer's Canteen sometime in the next few days?  I would expect you to come prepared with draft proposals that I could peruse in more detail at a later date."

Something flickered in her eyes, as she processed his subtle let down.  But she nodded, and responded.  "Thank you, Sir.  I look forward to it.  I will try to book an appointment in your calendar."

"Very good, General.  Dismissed."  He said, turning and walking away.   What the hell was that about?  He thought.

When he reached his quarters, he quieted his mind, and tried to speak to Rey through his thoughts.  Rey.  It's this afternoon.

Almost immediately, he heard her response.  Okay.  Thank you.  See you tonight?

Despite the situation, he smiled.  Yes, tonight.

**

They were here.  It was the end of the day, and most of the transports had already left by the time the First Order ship jumped out of light speed in the sky above Lothal.  Rey looked up at it. There was only one.  She thought that was odd.   There were usually at least 3 or 4 battle cruiser's when they attacked.  She gave herself a sad smile.  Maybe Ben was able to do a little something to help them then.

There were very few of them left on the planet.   Most equipment and ships had been removed, and only the Falcon and a couple of x-wing fighters remained.  Because of their still low numbers, and the advance warning, Leia had decided that they would not engage them, but simply flee to the new base on Dantooine.  Moving bases was hard, but now they had gotten used to always finding and preparing their next base BEFORE they got blasted out of their current one.

They were loading the last few boxes of equipment when the First Order ships showed up.   Rey told the x-wings to get the hell out of there, and that her and Chewie would leave within a couple of minutes.  She heard them respond and watched them take off, just before the first blast hit the building that formerly housed their barracks.

She was dragging the last of the boxes into the Falcon when Chewie roared that they had to leave NOW!   She looked up at the sky and saw the transports bringing in the First Order ground troops.  She gave up on the box she was dragging and headed for the ramp, when she realized that she had not yet loaded the box with the Jedi texts.

"Chewie!"  she screamed. "Did you grab my small wooden box out of the hanger?"  He trilled back that he hadn't and Rey felt sick.  It was still in the hanger.

"Start her up, but leave the ramp down!" she yelled.  "I'll be back in a minute!"  Chewie roared back that she was crazy, and she needed to get her ass onto the Falcon right now.  She just shook her head.  "I can't – the Jedi texts are in there!   I will NOT lose several thousand year old priceless relics due to my stupidity!  I will be RIGHT BACK!!"

She ran into the hanger frantically searching for the box, which she could see sitting on a work bench against the far wall.   She grabbed it and turned to dash back to the Falcon when the next blast hit, bringing down the roof of the hanger.  

A/N -   This was almost a non-Reylo chapter (maybe one of the first so far!), but I did manage to insert - A Cliffhanger!! Dunh dunh dunh!  What will happen?  I'll update tomorrow - so keep reading my lovely Reylo's!!  As always, please vote and comment!  I hope you're liking it so far......if so, please spread the word!