A/N - Hey there all you Reylo Lovelies!  I have  one more relatively peaceful - but hopefully exciting - chapter for you.... the puzzle pieces are starting to come together, so I hope you like it!  Thank you to everyone who's kept reading!   As always, please please please let me know what you think - I love your comments and reactions!  And of course, don't forget to vote!  Thanks again!!

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The next morning, Rey sat in the cockpit of Ben's command shuttle in thoughtful reflection.    Their short stay on Naboo had been wonderful.   She'd loved everything about it.  Right from their arrival – from just being together and relaxing, to Ben teaching her how to swim, getting engaged, and then meeting the family she never knew she had.  She had learned so much in the past couple of days, and now felt like there were pieces of her - parts of her past - that were once missing that had suddenly snapped into place.   However, there was so much she still didn't know.

Ben had promised to search the First Order archives to see if there was anything about her mother there.  If she was known to be a Force user, its possible that they had had some information about her.   Rey's heart had swelled when he told her he'd do that.  She did want to learn about what had happened to her Mother, and who her father was.  But if she never found that, at least now she felt she had roots – and a family name.  Villerie.   Her connection to Naboo – the reasons she loved it so much and the feeling that she belonged there, now made perfect sense.

After the test had confirmed that Sismé was indeed her aunt, they had stayed for several more hours – just talking and getting to know each other better.  Rey had told her of her childhood – growing up scavenging on Jakku – which of course had shocked Sismé and made her very sad.   However, she also told her that while she had craved a family – had always wanted one – her difficult childhood made her into who she is today – made her strong.  And without that, she probably wouldn't have met Ben.

When she had said that however, he'd shook his head in disagreement.   "I don't think so.  We would've met.  The Force led us to meet then – just as it would have led us to meet had you grown up with your family.   I'm more certain of that now than I've ever been."

She had thought about that briefly before also nodding, knowing now that the Force meant for them to be together.   "Yes, you're probably right."

They had also loosely talked a bit about the ties between their families – how Ben's Grandmother was Padmé Amidala, former Queen.  With a slight shake of his head, Ben had cautioned her about giving too many details, in case the connection to Vader came out.   At first, Sismé was truly shocked – puzzled at how, generations later, the two young people would have found each other.  "Like Ben said – it's the Force.   It seems to have some sort of plan – or intention – for our families."

Their gazes flicked to one another.  Powerful light and powerful dark.   He spoke to her mind. They've been drawn to each other since the beginning.  Rey closed her eyes and just nodded.

Her uncle – Brak - had returned home late in the afternoon.  He seemed to be a kind man and appeared to be happy that his wife had found some more of her family.  She also found out that she had two cousins who lived outside of Theed, and promised Sismé that she'd return soon to meet them.

After all of the discoveries their visit had felt like a bit of a celebration.  Her uncle had brought out some wine and they ended up staying for dinner, comfortably chatting and getting better acquainted.  By the time they had left, Rey had truly felt like she had some roots.

Stealing a glance at Ben sitting in the pilot's chair, she was more certain than ever that their destinies were entwined, and that they were indeed supposed to be together.  It had always just felt right, but this seemed like cosmic confirmation that no matter what happened, they were meant for each other.  He would return her to the Resistance base today, and after a few days she would go back to the Finalizer.  Eventually, they would formally wed.  They were on the right path.

Ben could feel the happy and calm certainty radiating from Rey, and he wondered what had caused it. " What are you thinking about?"  He asked curiously.

Smiling back at him, she explained.   "Saying my goodbyes to the Resistance, gathering my things and returning to the Finalizer – to you – in a few days."

He could've sworn his heart stopped in his chest before it started pounding loudly.   He swallowed the lump in his throat, almost disbelieving that they'd reached this point.  She really was his.  They were two halves of a whole.   The Force had given her to him.  And had given him to her.  The corner of his mouth turned up in a small smirk.   "I can't wait Sweetheart."   He engaged the autopilot and turned to face her. "I have something for you."

His voice seemed unusually deep to her ears, and he looked a bit nervous.   "What is it?"  she asked curiously.

He retrieved something from his pocket, and extended his hand.   His fingers were closed, and when they opened she gasped.  In his palm was a delicate ring made of a silver toned metal set with a vibrant green stone.   "I had bought this with the scarves.   I saw it and know how much you love the colour green, and well.... I...felt that... something was telling me to buy it too."

She held a hand over her heart, and her traitorous eyes filled with tears.  "Oh Ben, its simply beautiful! I do love the colour!"   Her smile was blinding.  "Thank you...."

He motioned for her to hold out her left hand and he slid the jewel onto her ring finger.   "It can now seal our engagement."   He whispered deeply.  "And because its from Naboo, I think that makes it even more special."

Her mouth opened in surprise as he captured her lips in his.  "Yes!  A token of our engagement!  From Naboo!   Ben, I absolutely love it!"  She exclaimed, grinning down at it.  "I'll treasure it forever."  She leaned up and gave him a tender kiss.

"I love you Sweetheart."  He whispered.

"I know."  She smirked back at him, and he rolled his eyes.

When they landed on the base a short time later, a small crowd had formed – but admittedly it was smaller than the first time Rey was returned to the base just one week earlier.   Rey could see Rose and Kay at the front of the group, but there was no sign of Finn or Poe.   Good, she thought.  She simply wasn't in the mood to deal with either of them just yet.  Honestly, she wasn't sure what she'd do when she actually saw them for the first time.

Ben lowered the ramp and turned to her with a sigh, still sitting in the pilot's chair.  She wandered over and sat in his lap, wrapping her arms around him.   "I guess this is goodbye again."  He said, giving her a tight squeeze.

"It'll only be a couple of days.   I just need to visit with a few people, and gather my things.  Can you send a shuttle for me day after tomorrow?"

He rubbed his cheek against hers, as a feeling of anticipation coursed through him.   "Okay."  He told her with a small smile.

She could feel his happiness flow through the bond, and it lifted her mood too.   Leaning over, she gave him a tender kiss, which quickly started to deepen.   They were both breathing heavily when they pulled away.  "I'll see you in two days Sweetheart."

"I'll see you tonight."  She said, giving his bottom lip a small nip, causing him to groan and pull her hips tightly against his arousal.

Placing a kiss below her ear he whispered.  "I'm already looking forward to it."

"Behave."  She quipped.

"You started it."  He growled back, trying to pull her face to his again.

She gave him a small shove.  "Unh unh.  I need to go before they all wonder whether you've killed me in here."

Rolling his eyes, he held her hips still as he told her.   "I might need another minute."  He could feel her giggle.   "Hopefully your mother's not out there then...".  He looked at her in horror as she chuckled again.   Mention of his mother immediately solved his problem, and he gave her a sardonic look as she climbed off of him with laughter still in her eyes.

She gathered her things together and took his hand as they walked down the ramp.  She could see Rose and Kay watching them curiously, and she gave them a bright smile.  Turning back to Ben, she tugged on his hand as she gazed into his eyes.  "I'll see you later."

He nodded, and reached down to softly stroke her cheek.  "Goodbye Sweetheart."  Bringing her left hand up to his lips, he gently kissed her fingers just below her new engagement ring.   He let go of her hand and moved to take a step back, but saw a quick flash of mischief in her gaze.  Surprising him, she slowly leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.

"Bye."  She whispered with a smirk.

He just stood there – stunned – for a few seconds.  She had kissed him in front of everyone, declaring publicly that they were a couple.  Again, his heart pounded in his chest.  She never ceased to amaze him.  His stunned visage was quickly replaced with a smug smirk as his eyes followed her till she turned back and gave him a quick wave.  He did the same before retreating into the ship and taking off, her parting kiss warming his lips for a long time afterward.

Rey turned to watch the shuttle as it took off, and heard Rose's words behind her.  "I think I get it now."

"Get what?"  She turned to her.

"You and him.  Together.  I can see how he looks at you – and how you looked at him.  How you look right now.  You really do love him."  Rose said, wonder in her voice.

Rey smiled.  "I do."  She looked at the ground and back up at Rose.  "He's brought me so much – I've learned so much.  We make each other better.   Rose,"  She said excitedly.  "I found my family!"

"Rey!  That's amazing!  I'm so happy for you!  Your parents?"  She asked, giving Rey a warm hug.

"No,"  She told her with a rueful smile.  "but I have an aunt, an uncle and two cousins!  And I at least know who my mother is.  Or was.... Her name is Nihla."

Rose just beamed at her.  "You must feel so....amazed!"

She nodded.   "My Mother's family is from Naboo."  She smiled.  "I have so much to tell you – maybe tonight – but first Rose, I need to find Finn and maybe Poe."

The expression on Rose's face sobered.  "I know what happened Rey – what they did.  Finn confessed it to me when he got back.  I was so angry at them!  I screamed my head off, and I want you to know that I started kicking Finn's ass for you..."  Rey giggled a bit.  "But Rey, Poe is gone.  Leia sent him away."

Rey took a deep breath and nodded.   "Good.  I'm not sure what I would've done if I saw him just yet.  But I still need to talk to Finn."

"Oh I know."  Rose intoned.  "I fully expect you to give him hell Rey.   And don't worry about my feelings when you kick his ass.  As long as you don't kill him, and anything that you break can be fixed, I'm good with it."

Rey laughed as she responded.  "I'm not going to physically hurt him Rose!"

"Then you're a better person than me, because I certainly would."  She told her as they walked toward the barracks.

****

Kylo had been back on the Finalizer for a couple of hours when he received an urgent meeting request from General Varda.   Making his way to the main conference room, his mind was focused on the tasks that he needed to complete, and the other meetings scheduled for later that afternoon.  Because of his unexpected absence while away with Rey, his schedule was jammed for the next two days.   Glancing up from his thoughts, he once again noticed the number of his staff who greeted him as he passed.  Most of them passed with a deferentially uttered "Sir.", but some wished him "Good Afternoon", while others said "Welcome Back Sir."   Shaking his head, his mouth turned up slightly.  Whatever perceptions his staff had of him after the assassination attempt seemed to be lasting.   Maybe Rey was right – maybe it was a good thing that the staff saw him as human – more like a normal man.  A Force wielder, yes – but someone who wasn't a twisted, mangled monster like Snoke.

Varda was already waiting for him when he reached the conference room, and stood upon Kylo's entry.   "Good Afternoon, Sir.  Thank you for seeing me on such short notice."

"Of course General."  He gestured for Varda to sit.  "What was so urgent that you needed to speak to me immediately."

Varda's face pinched into grave concern.    "Its about everything that happened on Vandor-1."  Pausing, he took a deep breath.  "I began to get a bad feeling about it, and suspected foul play.   Maybe even potential tampering by an internal First Order traitor."

Kylo was taken aback, but didn't show his reaction outwardly.  He cocked his head at Varda.   "What kind of tampering?"

"Sir.  Just before I left the planet, I was approached by the head of their former militia.  He survived our attack."  Varda looked straight at Kylo.  "He told me that everything was not as it seemed."

"Go on."  Kylo encouraged.

"According to him, the traitor has been feeding the ruling administration misinformation since the beginning.   It's why they resisted the slavery ban."

Kylo's anger began to spike and boil through his veins.  "You're saying that someone from the First Order intentionally sabotaged our efforts to enforce the ban on Vandor-1?"

"Yes Sir."

Kylo's voice was low, but laced with incredulity when he responded.   "That is a serious accusation, Varda.  Do you have any proof?"

Varda nodded.   "After I spoke to the militia leader, I similarly demanded proof.  The man arranged for me to meet two Vandorian high officials.  After hearing what they had to say, I brought them back here with me for you to speak with them personally."  He noticed the Supreme Leader's brows raise in surprise.  "With your permission Sir, I will have them brought in."

Nodding his assent, Kylo tried to calm the fiery anger coursing through him, as Varda picked up his comm link.   It could only be one person.  He would get the answers from these two high officials, and then he would finally be able to carry out the one thing he had wanted to do from the beginning to move the First Order forward.

The doors hissed open, and two elderly men in flowing white and gold robes entered, followed by Ensign Tiga.  Both Kylo and Varda stood, and Varda made the introductions.  "Supreme Leader, this is Alderman Kyne and Alderman Rute."  Kylo gave each man a brief nod.  "Gentlemen, please have a seat."

Kylo sat back and regarded the two for several minutes, an intense stare on his face.   His prolonged intimidating silence was a common tactic he used make people nervous, and more likely to make a mistake if lying.   "General Varda here tells me you have quite a tale for me."

"Yes, Supreme Leader, Sir."   The one named Rute spoke timidly.  "First of all, we would like to apologize for any –"

The Supreme Leader cut him off with a slow raise of his hand.   "Before you apologize, tell me what happened so I know exactly what you're apologizing for."

Rute cleared his throat and continued while nodding.   "Yes, Sir."  He noticeably swallowed. "As you are aware, Vandor-1 relies heavily on the sale of servants, helpers, and paramours as a key part of our planetary economy.  Our operations are large, clean and exceptionally well run.  When we were first told of the slavery ban, it was originally outlined as being intended for rogue operations, rather than sanctioned businesses like those on Vandor-1."  Glancing between Varda and the Supreme Leader, he went on.   "As time went on, we were told not to worry, that this was a just passing phase and everything would soon go back to normal.  Every time we met with the First Order, we were told that we didn't need to do anything."

The Supreme Leader regarded them with his typical impassive stare.  "Keep going."  He told them sternly.

At this point, Alderman Kyne continued with the story.  "Eventually, General Varda here joined the discussions and suddenly the tone of the meetings changed."  Looking at Varda he said.   "Frankly, we were very confused. We went from "You don't need to do anything" to "Why are you resisting?" almost overnight."   Shaking his head, he looked between the two First Order staff.   "We should have realized that something was off, right then.  But when we asked about it, we were quietly told we had to keep up appearances, so the other planets where the ban was being enforced wouldn't rebel against it.  That actually made sense to us, at the time....."

Rute picked up the story again.  "A few weeks later, we were told that we needed to make it look like we were putting up a fight, and act out against the First Order – again, to make it look like we were putting up a real resistance, for the benefit of appearances to the other worlds.  But we were promised that no harm would come to our people.  So we put together a militia and staged an attack."

Kylo turned to look at Varda.  "I was taken in by their ploy too."  Varda shamefully admitted.   Kylo's expression gave nothing away as he returned his gaze to Rute.

"When the First Order attacked us, we were shocked.  We lost more than half of our militia and our largest trading operation."  Rute's face became fearful.    "Many of our business owners and those in the ruling class were outraged at being double crossed.  We felt that you – Supreme Leader – were the one responsible.  Your General,"  his eyes flicked to Varda, before returning to the Supreme Leader  "not him – the other one – suggested that if you were eliminated, that everything would go back to normal.  That it was the solution to all of our problems.  And that he would help us – because he only wanted peace and stability for Vandor-1."

Kylo was unmoving, but his body language radiated tension.  He regarded the two Vandorians with patronizing contempt.   "So, you organized the assassination attempt on Coruscant."

"Yes, Sir.  We knew exactly where you'd be, and when.  It...it should've succeeded.  We're not quite sure why it didn't.  But – whatever it was that went wrong – we're glad it did, Sir.  We were used."

"Willingly!"  Kylo spat at them loudly, pounding his fist on the table in front of him, startling both men at the outburst.  Gaining a measure of control, he asked.  "So, why come forward now?  Do you think you can exonerate yourselves?"  Kylo leaned forward in his seat.  "You tried to murder me – and three of my staff along with me!"

Both men gulped audibly, and began to shake with fear.   "Yes, Sir.  But, we feel that we were duped.  At the time, we felt that you personally double crossed us.   It wasn't until after the attempt was unsuccessful that we realized that your General likely acted alone – that General Varda here didn't know what was going on."  His tone became desperate.   "After the attempt on your life, there was no more contact with the General.  He refused to answer our hails – refused to speak with us.  And then there was the second – more devastating – attack.  We lost many of our trading businesses, almost all that was left of our militia, and several of our leaders that day.   That was when we knew we had to try to approach General Varda to tell him what had actually happened.  To save what was left of Vandor-1."

"Have you shut down the remainder of your trading operations?"  Both men nodded in unison.   "Then there will be no further action on Vandor-1 by the First Order."  Kylo told them.  "We can assist you in transforming your economy to a more stable trade basis.  Your planet is rich in the mineral Iberite.  There have been recent developments in the use of Iberite in the manufacture of a new metal similar to Durasteel.   As such, its value has increased significantly in the past year."

Both men looked stunned at this news – and at the prospect of saving their planetary economy. "Thank you, Supreme Leader.   We would welcome any assistance the First Order can provide."

Kylo nodded.  "We – I – appreciate that you have come forward with your story."  His eyes burned with rage as he leaned closer to them and asked menacingly.  "I only need one more thing from you.   I need to hear it.   The name of the General who turned traitor to me and the First Order."

"Yes, Sir.   It was General Armitage Hux."

****
"Come in!"  Leia called in response to the knock at her office door.  Seeing that her visitor was Rey, she smiled in relief and stood, walking over to embrace the young woman.  "Rey!  You're back!  Thank goodness!   Are you okay?"

She gave Leia a warm squeeze, and stayed in her embrace for a moment.  "I'm okay.  It took a couple of days, after Ben used the Force to calm my mind a bit, but I'm okay."  She leaned back and her eyes glassed over as she told her.   "Leia, they tried to brainwash me.   Tried to get me to forget Ben, and be afraid of Kylo Ren again."

Leia growled.   "I know Rey.   I'm so sorry that happened.   I think that Finn is truly sorry for his part in it, and feels foolish.  But Poe...."

"I know.  Rose said you sent him away."

"I certainly did!  Rey, he still hadn't learned his lesson, and was angry – outraged – that Ben was able to "rescue" you."  She sighed.  "Given that, I thought it would be best if he left us – for at least awhile.  I'm....I'm not sure I could welcome him back though.  Not after what he did."

Rey looked at Leia thankfully.  "Thank you Leia.  I appreciate that.  I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive him for what he did.  They hurt me.  Drugged me.  It was pretty close to mental torture.  But... I won't really be here for much longer, and I don't think you can afford to lose a pilot like Poe."

"Rey, this isn't really about you.  Well, obviously indirectly it is.  However, Poe's actions show a deeper problem.  A problem accepting things he doesn't believe or like, which causes him to act on his own – often with disastrous consequences.  We've seen this before...."  She had a quiet resolve when she spoke again.   "We can't afford that kind of instability here.  That's why I sent him away."

"Okay.  Fair enough.   I'm glad that I don't have to see him – I'm honestly not sure what I would've done to him."  She smiled.   "Ben said he didn't hurt either of them because he was leaving that for me."  Leia chuckled.  "He told me he contacted you."  Leia nodded, her face full of hope.  "I'm glad."

Leia took a deep breath.   "I was so surprised that he did.  But.....happy.  We didn't speak much, but I felt that it was a start."  Her expression turned mischievous, a sly smile appearing on her face.  "He contacted me again before he took you to Naboo too."

Rey blushed.   "Yes, we went to Naboo."  Her face lit up.   "Leia – I loved it there!  From the moment we landed, I felt this.... connection to the planet.  Everything was just so beautiful, but I felt like the Force was humming inside of me – leading me somewhere.  Then, we went to the market and someone recognized me!  Gave me some clues about who my family might be!  So Ben and I went to see them.  Leia.....I found them.....I found my family!"

Rey could hear a sharp gasp escape Leia, and her hand shot to her mouth which was hanging open in shock.  "Oh, Rey!   That's wonderful!  I'm so happy for you!"  She grabbed her into a tight hug, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I still don't know much about my mother and father, but at least I know my mother's name - Nihla.  And I have an Aunt and Uncle, and two cousins!"  Rey was practically dancing with happiness.  "But there's more!  Leia.... My grandmother – Reyla – was in the Queen's Guard.  She served your Mother, Padme!  Ben and I – our Grandmothers were friends!"

Leia was completely taken aback.  "That's.....that's....weird.  But amazing and wonderful."  She thought about it all a bit more, and Rey could see the wheels turning as the pieces clicked into place.   "Huh.   It would appear that our families have been connected for awhile.  I'm assuming that the Force had something to do with all of this."

Rey nodded.  "I think so."

"Hmm."  Leia grunted.  "I'm almost afraid to wonder what else it has in store for us."  She mused, looking up at Rey warily.

"Well...."  Rey hedged.   "I'm kind of glad you're sitting down..."  She said as she held out her left hand...

****

Kylo stormed onto the Command deck, looking for his quarry.  He was seething, barely able to restrain himself from losing control.  He hadn't felt this angry since – well, since before he and Rey had reconnected again.  Hux had gone too far this time, and his retribution was long past due.  Kylo had stalked through the ship looking for Hux, but no one seemed to know where he was.  Giving up, he decided to ask Pride, figuring he might be the only one to actually know where Hux was hiding.

Pride had charge of the ship, and was engaged in a conversation with one of the communications technicians when he noticed the Supreme Leader waiting impatiently.   Dismissing the tech, he turned his attention to Kylo.  "Sir.  Welcome Back."

Kylo didn't beat around the bush.  "Thank you General.  I only have one question.  Where.  Is.  Hux?"  He bit out.

Pride could tell by the Supreme Leader's tense posture and the tone of his voice that something was very wrong.  "Sir.   The Ascendancy was completed a few weeks ahead of schedule.  Hux left two days ago to take possession of the ship – and will meet us in two days to deliver her into your hands."

Growling, he clenched his fists and hissed out a breath, struggling for control.  It was probably a good thing that Hux wasn't on board.  He wasn't sure what he would have done to him if he had found him.  He felt Rey nudge against his mind.  Ben?  Are you okay?  Is everything all right?  You feel.....really angry.

He tried to take a calming breath.  I'm okay Sweetheart.  I'm just dealing with a....situation.   Don't worry – I won't kill anyone.   Yet.  He quipped.

Not funny.  She replied.  Not when you're as pissed as you are right now.

Sorry.  I'll tell you about it tonight.

Okay.  Ben?  Just – take a deep breath.  She coaxed, and he could feel her send a soothing wave through the bond.

He instantly felt calmer, and smiled to himself.  I will.   Thank you Sweetheart.   He could feel her smile as the connection drifted closed.

Pride noticed that the Supreme Leader seemed much more composed – but still on edge - when he spoke again.  "Patch me through to him – now."

Pride continued to study Kylo.   Something was clearly very wrong.  He hadn't seen the Supreme Leader act like this in relatively long time.  Given his current temperament, it was likely best not to anger him further.  "Of course Sir.  Right away Sir."

Stalking over to the comm, he could see Hux's face appear on the holoscreen.  His voice and demeanor were positively jovial when he saw Kylo staring back at him.   "Ah.   Supreme Leader.   You're back on the Finalizer.  What can I do for you?"

"Who authorized you to accept delivery of the Ascendancy?"  He barked.

Hux seemed taken aback.   "My apologies Sir, but this was always the plan."  He sneered.

"Oh really?  Whose plan?"  Kylo demanded.

It finally dawned on Hux that he could be in real danger.  "Well, Sir..."  Kylo just raised a brow.

"I want your ass back here with the Ascendancy by tomorrow!   Is that clear?"  Kylo hadn't raised his voice, but his tone made it obvious that he was deadly serious.

"Perfectly Sir.  Very well.  Tomorrow."  Hux severed the connection suddenly without the Supreme Leader's dismissal, and Kylo's anger spiked once again.   He immediately wanted to smash something in rage.  Clenching his fists, he calmed himself before he alarmed Rey once again.

Pride had been standing next to the Supreme Leader and had witnessed the entire exchange.  He cleared his throat.  "Sir, if you would prefer, I'm sure we could track their location and meet him."

"No.   I don't want to start a game of chase with him.   If he wants to evade us – he can.  The Ascendancy is equipped with state of the art anti-tracking technology, and I don't trust him not to lead us all over the Galaxy.  We'll assume he'll come to us as ordered tomorrow.  Until he does otherwise, we wait."