A/N - Hi Lovelies!  WOW!!!  3k IN VIEWS!!  Thank you so very much to all who have stuck with me, and all of the love and encouragement you've given.  Special shout outs to  @rainyday0307 @brhr14 @rose20811 and  @michellechill66 for their continued comments and banter!!  The pieces of the puzzle are hopefully starting to come together now!  We're not quite in the home stretch yet... but we're definitely on approach!  Please continue to send me your comments, reactions and thoughts - I really do love them!  And please don't forget to vote!  Thank you to all! 

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Rey awoke feeling well rested, and ready to face the day.   She could feel Ben's arms still wrapped around her, his leg thrown over hers, completely enveloping her.  Smiling, she thought to herself, I love waking up in his arms like this.  It took her a minute however, to remember that she wasn't actually on the Finalizer any longer – that she had gone to him through the bond last night, after the campfire.  And the bond had held throughout the night.  Joy blossomed in her chest, as she rolled over to face him.  His eyes started to open as he felt her moving within the circle of his arms.   She leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss, a happy secret smile on her face.  "Good morning."  She whispered.

"Good morning."  He smiled back.  She just kept grinning at him for a full minute before it dawned on him too, his sleepy expression turning into joyful awe.   "Wait!  You're still here!"  She nodded happily, and he pulled her to him, hugging her tightly.   "Wow.  I guess its still getting stronger."

"Maybe."  She told him, rolling away from him.   "I should go though....in case anyone comes looking for me if I miss breakfast."

Kylo rolled closer to her and pressed his hips against her backside as he kissed the back of her neck.   "Do you really have to leave so soon?"  He whispered.

"Ben!"   Her voice sounded indignant, but he could feel her resolve weakening, as he rubbed his hardening length against her.  He continued to kiss down to her shoulder, and scraped his teeth over it.  He knew she liked that, and could feel her answering shiver in response.

"What?  I'm just feeling happy that the bond stayed open all night."  He cajoled as he continued to place teasing kisses along the back of her neck.

A soft sigh escaped her lips, and she arched back against him.   "Oh, I see.  That's the reason you're trying to seduce me?"

She could feel a chuckle rumble through him as his hands started to wander over her body, finding dampness between her legs as he slipped one hand into her panties and gently stroked her.  The other hand was easing them over her hips, raising his leg and using his foot to slide them off completely.  She inhaled sharply and her head fell back onto his shoulder with a soft moan.  He continued kissing her neck and shoulder while he quickly removed his sleep pants and underwear.   Rubbing himself against her, he let out a deep groan, moving her leg forward slightly.    "Sweetheart?"   He asked quietly, positioning himself at her entrance.

Whimpering, she replied, her voice husky.  "You already know the answer."

Of course he knew the answer, but he couldn't help making her admit it after her weak protests.   Smiling, he ran his hands back up her body and began to slide into her.

****

Kylo stood in front of his closet, finishing getting dressed after his shower.  Rey had already "left" to go back to the Resistance Base.   It took them both a few minutes to figure out how to disconnect the bond at will, but eventually it worked, and she disappeared from where she was sitting beside him on the bed.

He smiled, thinking about everything that had happened in the last 24 hours.   Starting with their desperate and passionate goodbye kiss in the hanger, to Rey's cathartic confessions to her friends, and finally, their bond staying open all night for the first time.   Even though she had left for the Base, it was a good day.   A really good day.

He was startled out of his reverie by his holopad ringing.  Walking over, he snatched it off his desk.  "Yes?"

"Sir."  He could hear the sound of the person on the comm clearing his throat.  "Sir.   It would seem... that... um...."

Kylo sighed in irritation.  What the hell?   "Spit it out.  Please."  He added at the end.

"Sir.  The prisoner.  Your knight.   It would appear... that she's escaped."

Rage immediately coursed through him.  How could she escape?  She was in a Force restricting cell!  He took a deep breath, thinking through the possibilities.  Obviously, she'd had help.   His voice was even when he responded.  "Scan the ship.  See if you can still detect her tracker on board."

The voice over the comm was clearly hesitant.  "We already did that Sir."  After a short pause, the voice continued.   "She's not on board."

"Search the video feeds.  I want to know when she left and how!"  He barked.   "Are any of the other Knights on board?"

"Scanning now."  Came the quick reply.  "No Sir."

Sighing again, he replied.   "Summon them.  Tell them to return here."

****

Although Rey was a bit late for breakfast, she was still in time to get some food.  The canteen was starting to empty out, but none of her friends were there, so she grabbed a plate of food and sat down alone.  Looking down at her plate, she had to admit, while she originally didn't mind the food here at the Base, she much preferred the offerings on the Finalizer.  After taking a few bites, she shrugged.   It wasn't as tasty as some of the meals she had eaten recently, but it was still much better than the portions she was limited to on Jakku.

She was almost finished when Poe wandered in.  When he saw her, he stopped for a second, before continuing on to grab a cup of caf.  Once he did, he turned and came to join her.  "Hi."  He said, looking down at his cup.  "It is okay if I sit?"

Rey studied him for a minute before making a decision.  "Sure, Poe."

Taking a seat, he took a sip, and set his cup down, sighing.  "Rey.  I...I'm not sure what to say.   I don't understand, and I certainly don't agree with the things that you've told me, but... I.... would like to stay friends.  Somehow."  He lifted his gaze to look into her eyes.

"You could start with an apology."  She told him.

He leaned back in his chair and studied her.  "Would it really matter, Rey?   I'm not sorry for all the things I've said.  I'm concerned about you – about the decisions you've made – and I refuse to apologize for that."

She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to tamp down her irritation.  She just kept on staring at him, tight lipped for several minutes, until he spoke again.   "Look, just because I don't like your current boyfriend doesn't mean we can't be friends."

Her irritation had started to subside, but came back in full force at his last statement.  She rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated breath.   "Poe.  You call him my "current boyfriend" like this is a short-term, or passing thing.  I assure you, its not."

"Really?  How can you be so sure Rey?   Isn't he your first fling?  You don't really have the experience in this area to know.  Trust me, I've had lots of "girlfriends" and it isn't that easy to find "the one", especially your first time around, when everything is shiny and new."

He sounded so patronizing that she had to tamp down her anger, afraid she might really lose her temper and start screaming at him.  Instead, she got up, and turned to leave, delivering a parting shot.  "Poe, has anyone ever told you that you're a condescending ass!"

She headed out of the canteen and stormed to the hangar, on her way to the Falcon where she was hoping to find Chewie.  By the time she reached the hangar, her anger had dissipated to mild annoyance.  As usual, Chewie was there, making some repairs.  When he saw her, he dropped his tools, striding over to engulf her in a furry embrace, trilling and yeowling his displeasure at her extended absence.   "I know Chewie, I'm sorry.  But certainly Leia told you that I spoke with her, and let you know that I was okay?"

He trilled at her again, asking if she had been with Kylo Ren.   "No."  She told him.  "I was with Ben."

Letting out a loud chuff, he scoffed – but she retorted.  "Its true.   He's changed."  She looked up into his face.  "He loves me.  And I know that he loves Leia.  And you too."

This time his response was angry, as he turned away from her sharply, with a loud, but sharp chirp.  Rey tried to figure out what he was trying to say, but couldn't quite make out the translation.  The closest thing she could come up with was.  "Bullshit!"

Reaching out her hand, she stopped him.  "One day he accidentally called you Uncle Chewie.  It just slipped out.  I swear."  She waited a beat before continuing.  "He was actually kind of embarrassed by it."

Turning back to her, he just stared for a minute, before making a quiet, mournful wail.   She gave him a small smile and nodded at him.   "Deep down, that little boy you remember, your nephew, is still there."

He continued to stare at her before giving a silent nod, and walking away.

Progress.  She thought.  A little bit at a time.

****

Kylo paced back and forth in front of the now vacant cell, while a couple of technicians inspected the locking mechanism and another checked the computer logs and video feeds.  To look at him, it would appear that he was only mildly agitated, but inside, he seethed.  He was trying to keep his temper in check, but the smouldering intensity of it threatened to burst free at any moment.  Someone had helped Vitka escape – he was sure of it.  Likely someone who wanted to see him fail, rather than any sort of friend of Vitka's.  She was, well, quite simply, a narcissistic bitch, and had no friends on board that he was aware of.  Quick to anger, and extremely self-centered, most others on the Finalizer steered clear of her.  And since none of the other Knights were on board when she escaped he could rule them out.

Growling, he reached the most probable conclusion.  Hux.  The problem was, unless the video feeds showed him visiting her – which he doubted, Hux just wasn't that stupid – he had no proof.

One of the technicians approached him.  "Sir.   The lock has not been tampered with in any way.   After scanning the computer logs, we found that it was opened with an access key card at hour 02:47 standard time."

Kylo's anger spiked momentarily before he tamped it down.  "I assume it was an unassigned access card?"

"That's correct, Sir."

"Of course it was."  He growled.   "Is there anything on the video feeds?"

"Yes, Sir."  The technician responded.  "She can clearly be seen in several corridors after 02:50 standard hours, and entered an unused ship in hangar S4 at 02:55 standard hours.  The ship took off from the hangar 4 minutes after that."

Kylo clenched his fists and took a deep breath.  "Was there a tracker on it?"

"We're checking that right now Sir."

"Good."  Kylo responded.   "And check her personal tracker."

The technician's gaze hesitantly flicked up to the Supreme Leader.   "Already done, Sir."  He hesitated before continuing.   "It appears to have been disabled."

That was a bit more than Kylo could take.  His temper flared and he yelled out a frustrated curse.   "Arrrggghh!  Fuck!"  He could see the technician's eyes widen as he took a step back in fear.  Trying to calm himself, Kylo took some deep breaths before turning back to the technician.   "Keep me apprised of any information on the ship's tracker.  But I'm going to assume that it will also have been disabled."

The tech swallowed nervously, but recognized that the Supreme Leader seemed to be in control once again.   "Of course, Sir."

As he walked away, Kylo realized that Vitka would likely go after Rey at some point.   He'd have to warn her to be on her guard, just in case his former Knight made an attempt before Rey returned.

If Hux was behind this, he'd rip him apart limb by limb.  He just needed proof.

****

Rey settled herself into the chair in Leia's office and waited for her to speak.  A bit earlier, Kaydel had come to find her in the hangar and let her know that Leia wanted to speak with her.   After she cleaned up a bit, she went straight to Leia's office.

"Good afternoon, Rey.  How was your first day back?"  Leia asked warmly.

"It was fine – actually, better than fine."  She took a deep breath.  "I... I finally told them all Leia.   About Ben and I.  And it felt like a huge weight was lifted off of me."

Leia smiled at her, and reached out to grasp her hand.   "Oh, Rey, I'm so glad for you.  And how, may I ask, did they react?"

"As you would've expected."  She paused.  "Finn said he needed time – but he didn't completely freak out, so that was good.   Rose and Kaydel were a bit more accepting."  Her shoulders fell a bit.  "Poe was, well, Poe."

"He wouldn't accept it, would he?"  Leia asked, mild concern on her face.   Rey just shook her head.  "He probably also needs time.  That and acceptance from everyone else – I'm sure that'll help."

Rey sighed.   "I hope so.  But I've kind of already come to terms with it.  Poe's been an ass lately, and, well, his personality is starting to grate on me a little.  So if he can't accept it, that's too bad."  She remembered her discussions with Ben about it, what she had said to him, and smiled to herself.

Leia caught the look on Rey's face.   "What are you thinking about?"

Her face coloured a bit.  "Its nothing, really..."  Leia's brows raised questioningly.  "Oh all right.   Ben and I decided that if anyone can't accept it, well, our attitude will just be, well.... Fuck them."

Leia coughed before she chuckled and drolly replied.   "Well that's one way to deal with it."

Rey shrugged.   "I'm serious.   I can't keep doing what others expect or want me to.  I have to do what's best for me – what makes me happy.  And that's exactly what I intend to do."

"Welcome to adulthood Rey."  Leia smiled.   "Actually, I did have a reason to ask you here today, although after what we've just discussed its okay if you say no."

"What is it?"  She asked.

"I've asked Finn and Poe to go on a supply run to one of our contacts on Corellia, which is still controlled by the First Order.  The two of them thought it might be good if you could go with them.   I do too.   It might give all of you some time to reconnect with one another?"

Rey's face was uncertain, and her voice hesitant when she started to respond.  "Leia, I appreciate you thinking about me –"

Leia held up her hand to stop her.  "They don't leave until tomorrow.  Why don't you give it some thought and get back to me later today.  If you really don't feel comfortable, I'll assign someone else."

Rey pondered for a minute.  "Okay.  I'll do that."  She was silent for a minute, looking down at her hands before she looked back up.  "Leia, last night, when I told everyone about Ben and I..... I also told them all that I'd be staying with Ben most of the time..."

Leia's face registered shock, and then joy as a happy smile transformed her entire face.  "Rey, that's wonderful!  We'll miss you but... I'm very happy for you.  I... I didn't realize that things had really progressed to that point."

Rey nodded.  "They have.  We really don't want to be apart for long periods of time.  And, when the treaty is finalized, you truly won't need me here....."

"Now you know that's not true –"

"Yes, Leia, it is.  But that's okay.  Because I'll come back and visit – you won't get rid of me that easily.  And I still intend for you and Ben to somehow meet, and if possible, reconcile."

A small, sad smile appeared on Leia's face.   "I'd really, really like that Rey.  But he doesn't seem to want to."

Rey sighed.  "He has some sort of phobia about you.  I'm not sure why.  But I know – Leia I know – that one day, he will want to see you, and talk to you.  Have faith."

"I will."  She sighed.   "Thank you Rey.   For everything.  Even if he decides he never wants to see me, I'm happy knowing that he's found some happiness...."  Rey nodded as she got up to leave.   "And please, consider going on that mission?   It might really be good for your relationship with those boys."

"I will.  I'll let you know.  Thanks Leia."

Once Rey had left, Leia opened a drawer and pulled out an old family picture of her, Ben and Han.  They had looked so happy.  Ben was riding on Han's shoulders, and Leia was holding Han's arm.  They were all smiling – laughing – in the photo.  Her heart clenched, and her eyes filled with happy tears as she thought,  "She did it Han.  She brought him back.   Maybe not to us, but enough for them both to be happy.  I'm so glad you found her – that you both did."

****

Kylo was nervous as he walked to the conference room to meet with his remaining 5 Knights.  He would brief them on what had happened with Vitka, and then he would release them to go wherever they wanted and do whatever they wanted.  As long as they didn't wreak havoc on the galaxy.   He had trained them as Snoke had trained him, and that was one of his biggest fears – that they would kill wantonly, as they all had under Snoke, and under his own rule too.

As always, they stood when he entered, and then took a knee, bowing to him in respect.   "Master."  They uttered in unison.

"Knights.  Rise, all of you, and have a seat."  He told them, motioning to the chairs around the conference table.  They looked back at him warily and he felt uncertainty flow through to him at his command to take a seat.  Normally, they were required to stay on a knee during the entirety of such meetings.

Once they were all settled, he began.   "As I'm sure you've all noticed, one of you is missing."  He paused, before continuing.  "Vitka is no longer one of us."  He could feel their shock ripple through their Master-Apprentice bond.  None of them said a word, so he continued.   "About a week ago, Vitka arrived here on the Finalizer.  The girl, Rey – the Jedi I have spoken about before, was also on board.  Despite my orders to you all, she viciously attacked her.   For that, she was arrested for treason and placed in one of the Force restrictive holding cells."

Again, he could feel their shock and unease at his statement.   Aplek began speaking.  "Master–"  but Kylo held up his hand to cut him off.

"Last night, she escaped."  He paused once again.  "But she had help!"  He gritted out angrily.   "Since, to the best of my knowledge, Vitka did not have any close friends here, it was someone who is my enemy.  I suspect General Hux, but have no proof."

They were all still silent - watching, waiting for his orders.   "I want her found."  He told them.  "As soon as possible."   He looked at all of them.  "But there is something else first."  He took a deep breath.  "I am changing the First Order.  We no longer do things as Snoke did.   And for that reason, I am releasing you all."  He felt a cacophony of emotion from the group for a few seconds before it died down.  Most of it began to flicker out, as one by one, he could feel the bonds break, as they accepted their release.  All except for one.  So be it.  He thought.

"Very well."  He told them.   "I know that we have all lived in the Dark for a long time.  Your choices from here onward are you own.  However, know that wanton death and destruction will not be tolerated."  He looked at each of them, one by one.   "I hope that you can find contentment, and if you ever require assistance you only need to ask."  Pausing, he went on.  "I have only one request.  Should you come across Vitka, please inform me."  Nodding, he finished.   "You may go."

Getting up, he turned his back to them and walked to the observation window, gazing out at the hive of activity.  He could hear the doors open, and the shuffle of feet as his former Knights filed out of the room.  Only one presence remained.   Vicrul came up beside him.   "You've changed."

Kylo turned to face him.   "Yes."

Vicrul took a deep breath and let out a long exhale before he spoke again.   "Since the girl killed Snoke, I have felt.... different."  His eyes were focused downward, as if he was ashamed.

Kylo's eyes widened in surprise.  "What do you mean?"

"I always used to hear his voice in my head.  Stirring up my emotions – my anger and hate over anything and everything.  Kept it bubbling all the time.   That's....gone now."

Kylo's anger spiked momentarily before he shook his head in frustration.  Snoke had done the exact same thing to his knights as he had to him.  Yet another thing that Snoke had deceived him about.   "I should have known.  I saw you all as my Knights, following my direction and training – not Snoke's.  I should have known he would've gotten into your heads too – to make sure that you ultimately answered to him, instead of me."

Vicrul's eyes flicked up to Kylo's.  "Then that's why you've changed too."   Kylo gave him a terse nod.  "Yet you still go by the name Kylo Ren."

"To the First Order, that's who I am.  And you're wrong about Snoke – I killed him.   To save the girl – to save Rey."

Vicrul's expression changed to one of compassion.    "I'm sorry about the girl Master."

"Don't call me that any more.  I've released you.  The fact that you choose to stay is your decision."   He turned his head to look at him.   "And you misunderstand.  Rey is fine.  She was injured in the altercation, but she mortally wounded Vitka – removed her right hand and almost her right leg too.  She could have killed her any number of times while they fought, but she chose to spare her, and only severely injure her instead."

Vicrul was surprised.  He cocked his head to the side and looked at Kylo intently.  "You said the girl – Rey – was here, on board.  I am assuming she was here as your guest."  Kylo nodded.   Vicrul pondered the situation for a moment.   "She's a Jedi.  No wonder she didn't kill Vitka.   And she bested her."  Realization suddenly dawned.  "She's your mate, isn't she?"

Kylo, whose eyes had never left Vicrul's, gave a curt nod.

"And Vitka was jealous.   That's why she attacked her."

Kylo gave yet another curt nod.   "She told Rey that she wanted to be the Mistress of Ren."

Vicrul sighed.   "I should've realized that Vitka would be a problem for the girl.   I knew she was watching you, and was jealous when you mentioned that the girl would be joining us.  But I didn't realize she was doing it to become your right hand – your 2nd in command.  I should've told you my concerns.  It was my duty."

"Vicrul – none of us could have predicted that she would directly disobey my order – while on the ship no less."  He reached out and placed his hand on Vicrul's shoulder.   "The blame is Vitka's alone."

"Nonetheless – I will find her for you.  And will kill her if the situation presents."  He took a breath and pledged.  "Once that is done, I will become Talek once more, no longer Vicrul, a Knight of Ren."

Kylo nodded.  "Thank you, for your continued loyalty.  I... appreciate it."

Vicrul gave him a slight smirk in return.  "You're welcome – Ben."

****

"I released my Knights today."  He told her quietly, as she lay within the circle of his arms, facing away from him.

She turned and glanced over her shoulder.  "How did it go?"

He sighed.  "Four of them got up and left without saying a word."  He replied.   "Only one – Vicrul – chose to stay.  He's going to help search for Vitka."  He had told her of Vitka's escape, and how he suspected that Hux was behind it.

Rey took a deep breath before turning to face him, looping her arm around his neck.   "Can't you just leave it Ben?"

"No."  He said quietly, studying her intently.   "I know her Rey.  Know her mind – don't forget we shared a bond too – as Master and Apprentice – so I understand how she thinks.  She'll come after you – try to kill you - I have no doubt about that.  She'll come after me too.  Especially if this is Hux's doing.  We just need to anticipate it and be prepared.  But I'd prefer to find her first."

"And if you or Vicrul find her, will she be arrested again?"

He continued to stare into her eyes, wanting her to understand his motives.  "No."  He took a breath.  "Even if we did that, the end result would be the same."

"But Ben-"

He cut her off.   "No Rey!  I will not risk your safety."  Shaking his head he told her.  "This is not about my soul.  She's lethal.  There wouldn't be any more cat and mouse.  She'd probably prefer to just ambush you to kill you as quickly and easily as possible.   Do not ask me to risk that.  I won't.  I.... I can't."  He swallowed thickly.

Her lips thinned, and she nodded.   "Okay.   I don't agree with it, but I do understand."

Switching gears she told him,  "Leia is sending me on a mission to Corellia with Finn and Poe tomorrow."

"Why?  Why would the Resistance want to go there?  Its filled with smugglers and low lifes, not to mention the First Order."  His voice was filled with concern.

She smiled back at him.  "But the First Order won't hurt us if something happens, right?"

"Rey, I can't control every single member of the First Order."  He said in exasperation.  "I can have comms send a reminder to the stations there, but if they capture you, I can't guarantee they won't inflict some pain..."

Leaning over she gave him a soft kiss.  "I'm pretty sure that's why Leia wants me to go along."

He growled.   "I don't want you in harm's way!"

"Ben, you can't shield me from every little thing.  And besides, you know I can take care of myself."  She smiled.

He started to rant.  "Its not you I'm worried about.  Its what might happen while you're trying to protect those two –"

"Be nice Ben..."  She said in a stern voice, causing him to growl and sit up.

He raked his hands through his hair in frustration, and turned to look down at her while she gazed up at him calmly.  "Promise me you'll be very careful."

She rolled her eyes at the words he seemed to be constantly repeating and felt his annoyance spike at her action.  "I promise.  For real."  She held out her hand and when he took it she tugged him back down.  "I want to go.  Leia actually gave me the option to say no, but I think it could actually be the last mission I go on with them, so...."

Searching her face, he saw the truth written there, and relented.   "Fine."  He said resignedly on a long exhale.  "I won't harass you about it any more.   But...."

"But what?"  She asked.

He knew she wouldn't like what he was going to ask next, but he needed her to understand.   Even at the risk that she might change her mind about staying on the Finalizer with him.   "Would you please try to limit any such missions in the future, even to help your friends?"  She started to respond but he stopped her by placing a finger against her lips.   "Rey.  Once it becomes common knowledge that you – Rey of Jakku are... well... that we're...."  He became tongue tied, and she smirked at his discomfort.   "That you're the Lady Rey...you'll.... need protection...when you're not with me, off the ship."

Her eyes flared.   "What kind of protection?"

"Probably an escort of some sort – maybe a few elite stormtroopers that would act more like a personal guard."

She looked away, her face a mask of distress, as she digested that.  "But...."

"Think about it Rey."  He said, stroking her cheek.   "Because of your tie to me, you will be at risk.   You know its true.  I know you can take care of yourself, but you can't be an open target for anyone who might think to kidnap or try to assassinate you too."

Her eyes slowly lifted to his, and he could see that they were filled with concern, and dawning comprehension as she whispered.   "You'll always be a target....."

"Yes."  He told her.   "It just is what it is.  Every leader or figurehead faces this.  My mother did for years as a senator in the Republic, and she always had a bodyguard."

"But –"

"Rey, please.  This isn't about me – it's about your safety.  Just tell me you agree."  He asked quietly.

She nodded, and pulled him close to hug him tightly.  He could feel her fear for him through the bond, and he rolled his eyes.  "Don't worry about me Rey.  After Coruscant, I'm much more careful."  Hugging her back, he said.  "You just be careful too."

Pulling back a bit, she looked into his eyes, a serious expression on her face.  "I will."

He smiled at her before giving her a tender kiss.   "And have fun."

She smiled back.   "I definitely will."