A/N - I hope everyone everyone has been enjoying the story so far!  This chapter is a bit of a filler, but completely smut free!  Please vote and let me know if you have comments!   They inspire me!

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Rey and Chewie were both silent during the first hour of the trip to the new base on Dantooine. This gave Rey a chance to think about all that had happened between her and Ben in the last day.   Sighing, she thought back to everything they had said to one another.  Although they were always connected by the bond, and could literally feel the others emotions and hear each other's thoughts if they allowed it, they just seemed to fit together.  Everything they'd gone through in their pasts, mostly their abandonment issues, seemed to bring them closer together. They understood each other, like no one else did.

However, after their day together, she felt on much stronger footing with him, and even though they were apart physically, they now they felt like a couple.  Also, they couldn't seem to keep their hands of each other.  She thought back to their repeated lovemaking, and it brought both a blush and a smile to her face.  The things they did to one another, and how it all felt.  The passion, the need, the want.   It had always been there – that pull – but now, she knew what it meant.  Just thinking about it made her breathing speed up and her blood heat.  She blushed again.

This time, Chewie noticed the blush.  Shaking his head and looking over at her from the pilot's seat, he asked.  "So how and when did this happen?"

Rey let out a deep breath and started explaining how it all happened.  When she was done, she told him.  "He's changed.  He's different.   More Ben Solo than Kylo Ren now.  And he wants to do something good with the First Order, doesn't want to keep invading and killing.   He even wants a truce with the Resistance."

At this, Chewie scoffed, disbelieving of the whole thing, and told her so.

"Its true."  She shrugged.  "You'll see for yourself eventually.  He should be planning a meeting with Leia soon."

"I'll believe it when I see it."  He quipped back at her.   "Oh, and one more thing,"  He drawled, "you might want to cover up those marks on your neck before we get to the base."

"Shit!"  She cursed, hearing him chuffing in laughter behind her as she ran out of the cockpit towards the fresher.

**

Kylo sat in the conference room listening to General Hux spew on about what he believed to be a secret plot by the Vandorians to defer the First Order from imposing the slavery ban on Vandor-1.  He had been at it for almost 30 minutes, outlining all of the unsubstantiated reasons he believed that they were being disingenuous in their negotiations.

He tried to stay focused on the discussion, but found it difficult to prevent his thoughts from straying to Rey.  She loved him.  It was like a chant that kept repeating in his mind over and over again.  The thought brought him such happiness, such sheer joy that he wanted to grin like a complete idiot.  And the way she responded to him when he touched her excited him beyond belief and made him lose his breath.  He smirked as he thought about the 'adult research' he had done beforehand, thankful that it had given him some ideas he hadn't thought of or wouldn't have tried.  Rey had certainly seemed to enjoy them, he thought to himself.  Realizing he was beginning to get aroused, he crossed his legs and decided that it was time to push these thoughts out of his head, and refocus on the meeting.

Hux was still droning on about Vandor-1.  He wondered if the General was lying about the Vandorians.  He had certainly not made it a secret that he disagreed with Kylo's ban on slavery, and his new approach to how the First Order did things.   Giving it some more thought, it seemed prudent to assign another general to this ongoing debacle, to assist Hux.  Kylo knew that Hux would lose his shit, but this was too important to leave in the hands of someone he didn't trust.  Decision made, he determined that he'd ask Varda whether he'd be willing to parachute in with Hux.  If so, at least he'd have a trustworthy officer on the job.

Hux finally fell silent, looking over to the Supreme Leader expectantly.  Kylo tilted his head before speaking.  "General, I will mediate on the matter to see if a solution presents itself.  I will speak to you about this issue tomorrow."  By then he will have had a chance to talk to Varda, or some of his other generals to see if they were willing if Varda was not comfortable doing it.

The General's face went beet red.   "But Sir, time is of the essence –"  Ren cut him off.  "General Hux, one more day won't make a significant difference.  We'll discuss it tomorrow."   Hux fell silent, and sulked in his chair.

"Now, I would like to discuss our future plans of dealing with the Resistance."  At this, Hux perked up again.  "I would like to meet with them to discuss the changes we are making, and attempt to come to terms on a truce."

There were several nods around the room, in addition to several shocked faces.   "Its time."  He said.  "We can't continue with these minor skirmishes that distract us from making real progress in the galaxy.  They also cause distrust among those we're trying to rule."

One of his more seasoned Officers, General Peavey, hesitantly asked.  "But Sir, do you really believe that the Resistance will be willing to even consider beginning negotiations with us?"

Scoffing, Hux interjected.  "Of course they won't!   They're all a bunch of murderous traitors. They'll never bow to us!"

"We're not asking them to bow General."  Kylo shook his head.  "We'll be asking them to consider what we're doing, the progress we're making, and accept it.  They will likely have terms or conditions for doing so."  He shrugged.  "The question will be, whether we can accept their conditions, or find a compromise."  Smirking, he looked over at Hux, and said sarcastically. "That's why they call it negotiations."

Looking around the table, he asked,  "Does anyone have any questions?"   When nobody responded, he told them.  "Good. I want us to develop a plan and contact them in the next two weeks.  Is there anyone who would like to volunteer to draft the plan?"  One of his more junior staff, General Needa made a motion with his hand.  "I'll do it Sir."

Kylo nodded.  "Excellent.  I'll expect a preliminary report in four standard days.  Come to me directly if you have any questions before then."  Moving on, he scanned the faces of the rest of the Officers in the room.  "Does anyone else have anything to discuss?"  He was met with silence. Nodding, he told them.  "Dismissed."

As the room emptied, he motioned for Varda to stay, anxious to plant the seed and give him some time to think about his request.

Leaning back in his chair, he almost sighed out loud.  Everything was starting to fall into place, and for the first time in his life, he was actually happy.

**

Rey made her way through the base with Chewie at her side, on her way to immediately see Leia.  She kept her head down to keep as few people as possible from stopping her on the way, with Chewie glaring at anyone who thought to try to catch her attention.  Normally, she would've left Chewie on the Falcon, but since she didn't know the layout of the new base, he agreed that it was easier if he took her to Leia's office.

She had changed into a fresh set of clothes she had stored on the ship, and felt much better. They were clean, and her pants – no longer cut up from the ankle - hid the small cast on her leg. She'd have to stop by the MedBay when she was done to find out about when the cast could be removed.

Stopping in front of a door, Chewie trilled to let her know that they had arrived, and turned to head back to the Falcon.  Upon hearing the knock, Leia called for her to enter.  When she saw Rey, Leia immediately rose from her chair and rushed over, embracing her in a warm hug.   "Rey, thank goodness!  Chewie said you were hurt – are you okay?"

"I'm totally fine Leia.   I have a minor fracture in my leg, but its fine."

Leia looked down at the leg.  "I don't understand.  You have a fracture?  How was it treated?"

Rey shifted uncomfortably.  "Leia, can we sit for a bit?  This may take a while to explain."

Seeing her expression, Leia went back around to her desk, and Rey sat in one of the vacant chairs in front of it. Not sure how to start, she thought that simple was best.  "Ben was there." Leia's head snapped up.  "He came to oversee the attack.  But he was really there to make sure that I had gotten out safely."  She sighed.  "Of course, I had forgotten the Jedi texts in the hanger – so went back, and didn't make it out in time."  Leia's eyes widened.  "Its fine – I was able to protect myself from most of the rubble, but I couldn't get to the Falcon in time, so I decided to stay put under the rubble until they all left."

Leia's eyes closed in a gesture of strained tolerance.  So much like Ben.  Rey thought.   "You remember what I told you about our connection – Ben's and mine?"  Leia nodded, and Rey continued.  "Well, we can also feel each other's presence when nearby.   So when Ben's ship landed on Lothal, he knew I was still there."

"And what did my son do when he found you?"  Leia's sharp, intense gaze never left Rey's.

Rey looked away.   "He was angry."

"Oh I'll just bet he was."  Leia smirked.

Frowning, she glanced back at Leia.   "But he was only angry because he was worried about me! So he sent everyone back to the Finalizer, and then got me out of the rubble."  She said simply.

"So, he got you out and then treated your injury?"  Leia asked pointedly.

"Yes. His command shuttle has a small MedBay complete with a medical droid."  Rey lifted her leg and raised her pant leg to show Leia the cast.

Leia stared at the small cast.  "That's a pretty advanced cast."  She paused for a moment.  "And after you were treated?"  Leia's eyes bored into Rey's.

Rey hoped she wasn't blushing.  "He made me dinner and we talked."

Shock was written all over Leia's face.  "My son, Kylo Ren, made you dinner?"

"No   Ben did."  Rey replied with a small smile.

"And then Chewie picked you up this morning?"

"Yes."  She said.  Rey did not feel comfortable mentioning that she had asked Chewie to hold off on returning for her until today, but she suspected that Leia already knew that.

Leia just nodded.  "Is there anything else I should know?"

"You should expect to hear from him shortly about the possibility of starting negotiations for a peace treaty."  Rey told her softly.

Leia's face registered mild surprise. "Okay, I'll expect it.  And, since my son seems to be comfortable with you, I'd like you to be involved with the negotiations, when they happen."

Rey nodded, giving her a small smile.  "Of course."

Leia took a deep breath, and smiled back.  "Thank you, Rey.  For everything."

Smiling back at her softly, Rey said,  "You're very welcome.   I'm going to find my quarters now, if that's okay?"

"Absolutely.  Go get settled.  And make sure you visit the MedBay to check on when that cast can come off."  Leia told her.  As Rey walked away, Leia added.  "Oh and Rey, before I forget, I like the new look."

Rey turned to her, confused.   "New look?"

Leia motioned to her neck area, and gave Rey a sly smile.  "The neck wraps.  They look nice."

This time, Rey did blush, as she mumbled a response and made a quick exit.

Leia remained at her desk for awhile after Rey left, thinking about everything the girl had told her.  And everything she didn't.  She took a deep breath, as a tear rolled down her cheek, and a smile appeared on her face, her heart full of tender hope for the first time in a long while.

**

Rey made her way across the base in bright sunlight, looking for a familiar face to ask for directions.  She saw Lt. Kaydel Connix up ahead and called out to her. "Kaydel!"

Lt.Connix turned around at the sound of her name.  "Hey Rey!  You're back."

"Yes, just returned, but am hopelessly lost and need some help!"  She smiled.

After getting directions, Rey headed off to the new MedBay.  She was almost there when she heard her name being called, and saw Poe running towards her.  Upon reaching her he scooped her up in his arms and hugged her.  "Rey, where were you?  Are you okay?  Chewie said you stayed on the planet and wouldn't be back till today!"

She gave him a pat on the back and told him to put her down.   He grinned at her as he set her down, but didn't remove his hands from her waist.   Uncomfortable, she stepped out of his reach and told him.  "I'm fine Poe.   I just took too long getting some stuff onto the Falcon, and so sent Chewie away while I hid and waited them out.   Eventually the First Order left and I was able to come out, and Chewie came back and got me.  Its not a big deal."  She said, shrugging.

"I – we- were so worried about you.  You were there alone!"  He looked at her like she just went through an ordeal.

"Poe, I am not helpless.  I spent most of my life alone, in worse conditions than that.  One night is nothing."

"But –"

She cut him off.  "Poe, really, I'm fine.  But starving.   Want to grab something to eat?"  She suggested as a peace offering.

"Uh, actually I can't right now.  Can you wait for an hour?"  His eyes pleaded with her.

"You know better than to keep me from food when I'm hungry Poe."  She quipped.

Sighing, he conceded.  "Okay.  Maybe we can catch up later then?"

"Actually, I'm kind of tired – it was a long night."  Don't blush, don't blush she told herself.   "I think I'm going to turn in early.  Maybe tomorrow?"

She could see his disappointment. "Um.  Okay.  Tomorrow then."  He stuttered.  Looking toward the hanger he told her,  "I gotta go."

"Tomorrow."  She smiled as he walked away.

Turning back to her with a genuine smile, he called.  "Hey, I like the new look!"

Letting out a deep breath, she growled. Was everyone going to comment on the damn neck wraps?  She also belatedly realized that she shouldn't have invited him to get food.  He didn't appear to have given up on her, and spending more time alone with him would only give him false hope.  Men.  She thought.  Why don't they listen?  Shaking her head, she headed to the MedBay.

The base's doctor was very impressed with the cast, and after some quick scans let her know that it could probably come off the next day.  She told her that wherever she was treated, they had access to far more expensive and advanced methods than the Resistance.  Rey just nodded and didn't elaborate.

Before she left, Rey requested that her treatment and any discussions about it remain private. The doctor assured her that it would be, and feeling comfortable with this, Rey decided to also ask about contraceptives.   She knew how babies were made, and admitted that now was not the time for that to happen.  The doctor explained that she could be given a shot which would be effective for either 6 months or a year, depending on her choice, but the shot could only be administered on the first day of her cycle.

Rey told her she would come back for the shot at the right time, but wasn't quite sure when that would be.  Because of how she was so deprived of food and water growing up, her cycles were not at all regular.  With access to regular meals now, they were starting to get better, but were still unpredictable.

She was starting to feel exhausted after such a long day, and decided to find her new quarters and try to get in a nap before trying to connect to Ben.   She hoped that if she was not able to connect that he would keep his promise and come to her.  But she knew that a lot had happened yesterday, and he might be feeling insecure about it.  Hopefully, she'd finally be able to figure out how to connect to him at will.