A/N - Hi Lovelies!  This took awhile to complete - but its a LONG one, so get cozy before you start reading 😊.  Thanks for your support and patience! Only two more chappies to go after this -  I hope you enjoy!  Thank you to all who have kept reading and stuck with the story - I never thought it would be this long!  I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please send me some comments and please vote if you like it!

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The sound of the door opening slowly registered in Rey's sleepy mind, waking her from a deep slumber.  Almost a week had passed since she'd been taken, and other than those first two visits she'd only seen the droid who'd brought her her meals every day.  She tried to cock an eye open, but was still too groggy and began slipping back into the arms of sleep.  Not long afterward she could hear the sound of someone trying to get her attention.

"Ssssssssssst."  There was a brief pause, and then she heard it again, a bit louder and more forcefully.  "Sssssssssst!"

Taking a deep breath, she rolled over and blinked her eyes open.  "Okay - I'm awake!"

Propping herself up onto her elbow, she saw the one called Cardo, standing in the middle of the room looking at her.  She raised an eyebrow.   "Yes?"

"Quiet."  He told her under his breath.

This immediately got her attention and she sat up, looking at the man in the mask, curious as to why he was here but so obviously didn't want anyone else to know.   He stood there silently watching her, completely still.   His helmet reminded her of a more basic version of Kylo Ren's.   "Why do you still wear the helmet?"  She asked him curiously.

He regarded her silently for a moment, before speaking solemnly.   "We're not permitted to remove them without the Master's permission."

Tilting her head, she replied.  "But he's not your Master anymore, so you're free to remove it."

"I have always worn it.  Only the other Knights – and the Master – have seen my face in a very long time."

She shrugged.   "It must be uncomfortable.   I'm sure it would be fine if you removed it."

He studied her again for what seemed like a long time before reaching up and unlocking the mask, sliding it over his head.  She was surprised to see a light-haired human gazing back at her with an expressionless face.  Giving him a brief nod, she asked.   "Why are you here?"

His face remained blank, but his eyes never left her.   "You spoke of Vitka, and her – desires."  She just looked at him silently and let him continue.  "It was you who removed her hand."  Rey nodded back at him.  "You said she wanted to be Mistress of the Knights of Ren.  How do you know this?"

Rey studied him, hoping that his faith in Vitka was waning.  "She told me – when she attacked me on the Finalizer – when we fought."  Her eyes glazed over remembering the altercation.   "She wanted to kill me then – to get me out of the way to pursue Ben – Kylo – to become the Mistress of Ren.  Not long afterwards, she escaped, and then he released all of you."  Looking up, her eyes were pleading.   "A few days ago, she told me that now she just wants my baby.   She's going to use the baby to blackmail Ben....Kylo into letting her become the Supreme Lady."

The Knight seemed to be absorbing this information, his gaze still never wavering from her eyes, her news not even causing any reaction to register on his face.  She had to admit that it was a bit disconcerting.  No one other than Ben had ever looked at her so directly – so intently - for so long.  "You call him Ben."

This gave Rey pause, unsure where the conversation was going, and whether this was a good or bad thing.   "Yes."   She replied, hesitantly.   "Kylo Ren....is dead."  He continued to watch her, waiting for her to go on.  "Once Snoke was dead, Kylo Ren began to slowly die too.   I....I've watched Kylo fade and Ben.....emerge."

Cardo just looked at her, regarding her silently for a long time.  It almost reminded her of....Kylo....back when he was so unsure of everything – unsure of her.  When he finally spoke, it was stilted, hesitant, once again reminding her of Kylo – Ben, in those early days.   "I don't....know... where I belong any more."  He swallowed.   "I have lived in darkness for so long.   I don't know anything else."

Rey looked at him with understanding, moving to sit at the edge of the bed.  "It was the same for Ben."  She said quietly, with compassion in her eyes.  "We'll help you.  Help you find something other than darkness."  Something flickered across his face, but was gone in an instant.   "If you help me now, Ben won't kill you."

At last, emotion flashed in his eyes, and she softly reassured him.   "Trust me.  He will understand."

He was silent for several more minutes before nodding and then placing his helmet back onto his head.  Turning to leave, Rey stopped him.   "Wait!  What does this mean?"

Looking back at her, he mumbled, "I don't know yet."  before exiting the room without another glance.

Rey fell back on the bed, unsure as to what just happened, but she hoped it was something good.

****

Cardo quietly slipped into the lounge, watching Vitka pace around the room, mumbling to herself.  Ushar was seated on a sofa, scrolling through a datapad.  Walking over to a small counter, he removed his helmet and poured himself a cup of caf, before turning to lean on it. Taking a sip, he continued to study the agitated woman.

His senses were screaming that something wasn't right.   When she had contacted him and asked for his help to kill the Jedi girl, and bring the Knights back to what they were, he'd jumped at the chance.   Since Kylo had released them, he'd felt.....lost.   Purposeless.  He'd hoped that with the girl gone, they could go back to the way things used to be.  But he was starting to think that that would no longer be possible – even if the girl were dead.

He'd had no idea that the Jedi girl was pregnant.  And because she was so strong in the Force, no one could hold her against her will without suppressing her powers, so she was undoubtedly with Kylo by choice.   She was clearly his mate – something he never would've expected from Kylo.  But, maybe he would from Ben.   If they killed her, Kylo – no, Ben – would never take them back.  And if Kylo Ren was truly dead, then so were the Knights of Ren.

Concentrating on Vitka again, he tried to figure out what was really going on.   Could the girl be right?  Was this all about Vitka's jealousy and obsession with Kylo?   She was clearly planning something.  Something she hadn't shared with the other two of them.   After a few minutes he finally spoke.  "Its been five days, Vitka."

She didn't seem to hear him, apparently lost in the musings of her mind.  Her pacing continued, along with the conversation she was having with herself.

"Vitka!"  Cardo interrupted forcefully, finally getting her attention.  "Enough of these games.   What is your intention for the girl?  We can't just wait here for Kylo to find us.   You know him, eventually, he will.  Are we going to kill her or not?"

Ushar looked up from the datapad he was reading, curious, and waited too.

The former Knight seemed to suddenly snap out of her reverie and regarded them speculatively.  The only one of the three who no longer wore her helmet at all, she tilted her head, looking confused.  "Why are you so concerned Cardo?   Kylo has no idea where we are – can no longer feel us in the same way since he released us.   He will not find us so soon."

"Have you already forgotten what he is like?   He will find us, Vitka.  We have his mate!"  Cardo's voice was stern, frustration evident in his tone.

She growled in irritation.  "I have everything under control.  You don't need to worry!"  She spat back.

Cardo took two steps toward her.  "You've kept us in the dark long enough!  What do you intend to do with her?  We came to help you kill her – knowing that she's a strong Jedi – probably Kylo's equal, since he chose her as his mate.  Yet you show no indication that you intend to actually do that."

Cardo had watched Vitka's face carefully when he'd called the girl Kylo's mate, and could clearly see her eyes flare in anger.   Her reaction and response bordered on hysteria.   "That scared little mouse is not his equal!"  Vitka screamed and continued pacing around the room.  "Rest assured, I will kill her – just not yet!!"

"And why not?  If you intend to kill her – intend for us to be able to reconstruct the Knights of Ren, then just get it over with and we can leave!"  Cardo barked.

There was a clear hesitation in her response, but eventually she continued.   "Because I want Kylo to watch me do it – to see her die!"  She ranted.

Ushar now joined into the conversation.  "Why is that so important Vitka?  By now, he knows its us.  By allowing him to find us, we almost certainly ensure that some or all of us will die too!"

"No!  No!  The three of us together are stronger than him!  We will not die – he will!

Cardo scoffed at her.  "Now you talk of killing Kylo?"  He said, taking a step towards her.  "If you really want to recreate the Knights of Ren – without Kylo – we could have done it without stealing – and killing - his mate!  So, Vitka, what is this really about?"

Ushar sat quietly and curiously watched the scene between Cardo and Vitka play out.  When she looked at him for help, he just shrugged.  "Don't look at me.  I'm only here because you asked for help.  But Cardo does have a point.   What is going on Vitka?"

She looked back and forth between the two men, trying to come up with something to placate them.   She still needed their help.   "He chose her over us – after all of our years of loyalty!  After everything we did for him!  And for that, he-"

"He never forced us into becoming Knights of Ren."  Cardo replied quietly.  "And we could have stayed, Vitka.  He gave us the choice.   You, on the other hand betrayed him.  Because of the Jedi girl – whom you seem to be extremely jealous of."  Her eyes glittered at him angrily, as he stepped close to her.  "Tread carefully, Vitka."  His voice was menacing.   "I will not be party to petty games of jealousy!"

****

Ben led Finn and Chewie through the halls of the Ascendancy as he walked them to their temporary quarters.   They had just arrived on the ship – the Falcon docked in one of their bays.   Ben had been anxiously awaiting their arrival, eager to leave and begin searching the list of planets that his staff had provided to him.  There were 8 of them in total, scattered from the area around the Core Worlds through to the Outer Rim.   They could probably get to all of them within 2 days if they pushed it.

The first thing out of Finn's mouth upon seeing him was "Wow Solo, you look like shit.  Have you slept at all in the past 6 days?"

Ben had simply glared and given a sharp shake of his head.  "Deep Force meditation helps replenish my strength – a little bit."

Finn was now looking around in wonder.   "I have to give it to you, Solo – you don't think small.   This ship is huge!  And it seems.... different than many of the others I've been on.  More comfortable, somehow..."

Ben smirked, followed by a brief flash of pain as his chest clenched.   "Rey said the exact same thing."  He told them quietly.   "I had it commissioned just after.... Crait.   To replace the Supremacy."  He sighed.  "I wanted it to be bigger and better than any of the other First Order ships."  Glancing at Finn, and then to Chewie he admitted sheepishly.  "Looking back, it was stupid and selfish."  When Finn just raised an eyebrow in question, Ben replied with mild disgust.   "Let's call it a form of self-aggrandisement when I first became Supreme Leader."

Finn and Chewie exchanged a silent look.  Arriving at a door, Ben pressed is hand to the sensor and it whooshed open.   "These will be your quarters while you're aboard."  Walking in, they could see it was a small apartment.  "There are 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and a living area."  He turned to see Finn and Chewie staring back at him in amazement.  "What?"   He asked in confusion.

"You're giving us quarters?"  Finn asked, his face still showing his shock.

Ben looked between the two of them, and then back at the room.  "This might take a few days.   Where would you stay during all that time?"

"In the Falcon."  Came his Uncle's soft mewl.

"No."  Ben looked up at him.  "It's better that you stay in here.  It'll be less likely for some of the more.....daring, First Order staff to accidentally find their way to the Falcon."  Finn frowned, perplexed, and Ben shrugged back.  "Former Resistance members – other than Rey – are still not necessarily welcomed here."

Finn just sighed and nodded in acknowledgement.  "Fine.  Fair enough."

"You're not confined to your quarters per se, but it might be best if you limit your travels around the ship – unless you're with me.  The staff would probably not pay you any attention, Finn, but the sight of a Wookiee wandering around the ship might.....concern them."

Chewie trilled back at Ben.   "I can handle them."

"I know you can, but I don't want to have to clean up bodies of my staff and crew every few hours...Sorry, Uncle Chewie."

Finn interjected, with a slight laugh.  "Don't worry – I'll keep an eye on him.  If he does venture out, I'll make sure he doesn't rip anyone's arms off."

Ben raised an eyebrow and gave him a sardonic glare.  "I wish you luck with that."  Turning to leave he told them.  "Make yourselves comfortable.   We're 7 hours from our first stop.  The kitchen should be stocked.   If there isn't anything there to your liking, you can request food be brought in.  I'll comm you when we arrive."

Just before he walked out the door, Finn stopped him.  "Solo."  Ben turned back in response.  "Try to get some rest.  We'll find her soon."  When he just nodded, Finn continued.   "Thank you – for letting us help.  We know you didn't have to..."

He nodded back at them.  "Thank you, Finn.  I know Rey can always count on you."

The two men stared at each other for several heartbeats before Chewie let out a quiet moan.   "Always.  We'd do anything for Rey.  And you too, Little Ben."

****

The Ascendancy dropped out of hyperspace as they arrived in orbit outside of the 3rd planet on their list.  Fondor.    Finn and Chewie were on the bridge with Ben and Allegiant General Pride, after Ensign Tiga had escorted them from their guest quarters.  Vicrul refused to join them on the bridge, choosing to remain alone in his quarters until they'd found her and he was in fact needed.

Ben just stared at the purple and white planet and sighed.  Turning to Finn, Chewie and Tiga he spoke.   "Come with me."

They entered a large office off of the bridge, furnished with a sofa along a wall and two comfortable chairs positioned in front of an expansive desk.   "Have a seat."  Ben motioned to the sofa and chairs.

"Wait.  What are we doing?"  Finn asked, confused.  "Do you think she's here?"

There was a vacant space next to the desk, and Ben dropped into a meditative pose on the floor.   "I don't think so."  He responded.  "I'm going to try to focus for a few minutes to be certain though."  His voice sounded despondent.

He slipped into a meditative state, focusing his Force, trying to locate her through the bond.   The others just watched as he sat cross-legged silently, breathing deeply and evenly with eyes closed.  Finn was looking around nervously, clearly uncomfortable, never having seen Ben – the man he used to know as Kylo Ren – so silent and still.   Tiga frowned at him and shook his head when it looked as if Finn was just about to whisper something.

After about 5 minutes, Ben opened his eyes and declared, "She's not here."

"How do you know that?  How are you so certain?"  Finn asked quickly.

Chewie trilled out "Quiet." and gently cuffed Finn in the side of the head.  Finn just glared back.

Ben took a deep breath, trying to push down his disappointment.  He knew they still had 5 more planets to check, but they were running out of time.  "Its our bond."  He explained.  "I can feel her in the Force.   How do you think I found you on Corellia?"

"Wait – you can feel where she is?"  Finn asked incredulously.

"Yes.  Most of the time.  But they're suppressing her Force abilities somehow, which is making it more difficult."

"That's creepy."  Said Finn.  Ben narrowed his eyes and gave him an annoyed look, while Chewie cuffed him once again.  Finn snapped his head to face Chewie.  "Would you stop doing that?!"

Chewie mewled back.  "Stop saying stupid things and I will stop."

A ghost of a smirk crossed Ben's face at his Uncle's behaviour.  Chewie never could tolerate stupidity.  He was simply too logical for that.  Scrubbing a hand over his face he continued with his explanation.   "Even though she's being suppressed, I can still feel a small spark from her – but not all of the time."  He swallowed thickly.   "I...I think it might actually be the baby."   Looking up at him, they could see the anguish in his eyes.

Tiga chimed in.  "You will find her, Sir.   I know it.  I can feel it."  Something akin to surprise flashed briefly in Ben's eyes, before silently nodding back at the young man.

Finn looked at the young Ensign and back at the Supreme Leader, noting the respect and friendship between the two men.  For the first time since this all began, he realized that Ben really did have everything to lose, and that if they didn't find Rey, or if her or the baby were....harmed – or worse, lost - he wasn't entirely sure what would happen.   "I think so too." He told them all.  "Don't give up, Ben.  You'll find her – and soon.   I feel it too."

****

A giggle escaped Rey's lips as she looked down at her abdomen, marvelling at her baby's antics.  Her daughter was actually playing with her!  She'd discovered the game quite accidentally.  When lightly pressing her fingers to her belly to check on whether the baby was awake, she'd been delighted to feel her kick back in the same spot where her fingers had pressed.  Doing it again in a different spot, she'd been surprised to feel yet another small kick in the new area.  By the third time, she knew that her daughter was playing with her.  As the game progressed, she could feel that small spark of feeling flow through her – through her Force.   It was happiness. Innocent, unadulterated happiness.

Rey continued the game, trying different things.  Short, quick little pokes, and long stroking motions over her belly.  The baby mimicked them all.  "My smart, clever girl!"  Rey cooed.   "I'm so proud of you!  Your Papa will be so proud of you too!"  Again, she felt a spark of happiness and what she was sure was a warm flow of love from her child.

She thought of Ben, and tried to reach out to him, knowing that he was unlikely to feel anything from her, but she had to keep trying.  She'd been reaching out every couple of hours or so, but it took a lot of effort to try to get past the Force suppression, which left her extremely tired, so there was only so often she could do it.  He was probably going out of his mind with worry, and she hoped that everything was – okay.  She didn't know how she herself would react if Ben was taken away from her like this.  It was possible that she'd be overcome with dark thoughts – and knew it was much harder for him to keep those at bay.  "Where are you Love?  I'm here.  I know you're coming – I know you are.  Please find us soon."

The door swished open suddenly and Vitka breezed in with a smile on her face.  "Hello Mother mouse."

Rey just raised an eyebrow at the new nickname that had been bestowed upon her.  "Hello Vitka.   Come to see how your breeding vessel is doing today?"  She asked sarcastically.

"As a matter of fact, yes.  That is the exact purpose of my visit."  Vitka smiled innocently.   "How near are you to delivery?"  She asked.

Ah, so that's it.  Thought Rey.  "I'm not exactly sure.  Maybe another month or more?"  She lied.

"Oh come now, you can't expect me to be that stupid?  You're big as a wampa!  I'd say you're a couple of weeks away at most."  Vitka gloated.

Rey leaned her back up against the wall while still sitting on her bed.  "You're so sure are you?   Size means nothing.  Maybe its twins?"

"Its not twins."  She responded.   "I can only feel one Force Signature."

Damn.   "Don't you know Vitka?  With identical twins you can only feel a single signature, because they're so in tune with each other."  She paused before going further.  "And if they're not identical, its possible that only one of them has the Force."  Rey hoped her lie would work.

Vitka frowned at this, unsure whether that was true.  "Still, even if it is twins, you can only handle them till they're so big – so you'd probably have them early."  Her evil smile was back.

Shit.  Rey thought.   "I guess we'll see then, won't we."

"Yes, Mother mouse, we will."  With that parting shot, Vitka turned and left.

When she was gone, Rey breathed a deep sigh of relief.  While Vitka had been in the room, the baby had been blessedly still, immediately stopping their game.  Looking down at her belly, she sighed nervously.  "I'm going to have to try to figure out a way to protect your Signature from her somehow...but I'm not sure how I can...."  Then, closing her eyes and focusing once again, she tried reaching out to Ben.  "We're going to need you to hurry, Love.  Vitka seems to be getting impatient...."

****

As soon as the ship dropped out of light speed at Lola Sayu, Ben could feel it.  That spark that was Rey, yet not quite.  He was on the bridge of the Ascendancy, gazing at the purple planet, his heart pounding with relief.  He'd found them.   Well, sort of.  She was still being blocked or shielded somehow, so the signature was much weaker, but thank the Gods he could at least still feel her.

Now he just had to get to them.   It would be much more difficult than when finding her on Coruscant, as they needed stealth this time, and his former Knights would almost certainly be on the lookout for him.  Although they had broken their bonds with him, he could still feel them – as he could feel any other beings with the Force unless they shielded themselves.  Their Force Signatures were very evident to him – but not clearly discernible.   He didn't think the one remaining former Knight – Kuruk – was with them too, but he had to be prepared for that eventuality.  He could not underestimate them – would take no chances with Rey's life nor that of his unborn child.

Grabbing his comm-link off his belt, he rang Finn and Chewie.   "She's here – on Lola Sayu.   I'll have Tiga escort you to my Conference Room in 5 minutes."

"Solo – are you sure?"  Finn asked skeptically.   "We literally just dropped out of light speed."

"Yes.  There is no doubt.  I'll see you and Chewie shortly."  

Almost as soon he ended the call his comm link rang.  It was Vicrul.    "Master.  I sense the presence of some of the others....."

"Yes.   They're here with Rey.  On Lola Sayu.  I can feel them too."  He told Vicrul.  "Come to my Conference Room.  We need a plan."

"Yes, Master."

Ben hesitated before adding.  "Vicrul.  After today, I'm expecting you will no longer be calling me that."

There was a long beat of silence before he finally heard a response.   "I hope for that too.  For both of us."

An hour later they were all seated in the conference room, a rough plan already formed.   It had been decided that the Supreme Leader and Vicrul would go first, and hopefully engage the Knights, followed by 2 contingents of Stormtroopers, just in case they needed more assistance in the event that Vitka had employed any other guards or mercenaries to keep watch.   Finn and Chewie would come in last, launching a surprise rescue, and potentially acting as backup if anything went wrong with the first stages of the plan.

Ben was extremely nervous.   Rey's safety – and the baby's – was paramount to him, and he just wasn't sure what Vitka would do when cornered.  She'd always been extremely unstable, and he could only assume that the previous events with him and Rey further added to her madness.

He sighed anxiously.   There wasn't really much else he could do – other than try and make sure that Vitka and the Knights didn't simply try to kill her if things went awry.

It was a solid plan, even if they were wingin' it a bit.   Unfortunately they simply didn't have the time to properly scope out the circumstances without the likelihood of being discovered.   They just needed to find her precise location, and adjust the plan for the situation.  Ben would go first in his TIE Silencer to find exactly where on the planet she was being held, and he'd signal for the rest to follow once he'd found her.

They'd be leaving in an hour, so everyone disbanded to prepare.   Ensign Tiga would be in charge of communicating the plan to the selected contingents of Stormtroopers.  Rey's loyal friend Delta had been chosen to be the captain of both squadrons for this mission.

Ben remained in the conference room after everyone had left, sitting with his elbows on the table, his head resting in his hands.  This was it.  This was what it came down to.  Everything was on the line for him.  He swallowed the lump in his throat.  They must not die.  He'd do anything to prevent it.  If it came down to it, they could take his life in exchange for theirs.  At least he'd die knowing that Rey would survive – as would a part of him that she'd have to love and cherish in his absence.  His hands were shaking and his eyes were glassy as he thought of not being able to meet his daughter in the flesh – to hug her and watch her grow.   His emotions were spiraling out of control and he had to take a deep breath to try to calm himself before he lost it.

Not realizing that he was no longer alone, he heard his Uncle's sarcastic voice behind him.  "I truly hope you're not thinking of doing anything stupid, Ben."

Looking up, he literally growled at Luke, ashamed that he'd seen him in such a state.   "Can you not at least give me some privacy?   A little warning at best?"

Luke just regarded him skeptically.  "Don't try to deflect."  He shot back.   "Ben, what are you doing?"  He asked, a frustrated but pleading note in his voice.  Ben was silent and just regarded him in stoic resignation.

Luke sighed.  "You know, you're sitting here projecting so strongly that we can all hear you.   Please tell me you're not considering trading yourself for her – for them.  You know she wouldn't want that.  She couldn't live with that."

He wouldn't look at Luke and his voice was flat when he responded. "And if she – both of them – die instead?  Do you think I could go on without them?"   His gaze finally raised to his Uncle's.   "No – I could not – and I'd make sure I'd follow shortly after."  Luke practically gasped.  "So what do you say to that Uncle?  That outcome is far less palatable to me than simply letting them take my life, knowing that they'll both live instead."

"And you think Rey wouldn't want to follow you too?"

Ben shook his head vehemently.   "No.  She won't.  She has the baby to think of."  Clenching his fist, he pounded it against the table, trying to release his frustration, barely holding onto his control.  "Trust me.  It's not my preferred option.   I would like the chance to live my life – to meet my daughter and help raise her – as well as have a few more of them."  His face was serious.   "But if I'm left with no choice I'll do it in a heartbeat."

"Ben –"

Ben's control finally snapped.  "No!  Can't you understand?"  He was shouting now, tears streaming down his face.   "I don't want to do this, but if it's the only way to protect them, then I accept that fate!  My life is a fair price to pay for all that I've done anyways!"

"Ben – don't think like that!   You are not that person anymore!  You're working to make the galaxy a better place – and are already making progress."  Luke stepped towards him, his voice lowered and calm once again.  "It won't come to that Ben.   Again, trust in the Force.   Don't act in haste – trust in the Force!"  Luke told him emphatically, while looking directly into his eyes, as if trying to convey a bigger message than with his words.

Luke's pointed stare seemed to be burning holes into him, causing Ben to frown, perplexed.  Was he trying to tell him that it would all be okay?  There was no way that they could possibly know that.... But, maybe they can see things?  He was pretty sure they knew about the baby projecting to him.   Fucking Force Ghosts.  Their messages were always so bloody confusing!    However, maybe this was the one way his Uncle could get around their rules on "meddling" with the future.

Ben stared back, cocking his head slightly, continuing to try and read his Uncle's expression.  Finally, he sighed in resignation, running his still shaking hand through his hair.   "Alright Uncle Luke.  I'll trust in the Force."

That was clearly the answer he wanted to hear, his face softening into a rueful, relieved smile before he began to fade away.  "Good.  See ya around kid."

Sighing again, he continued to stare at the spot where his Uncle had been.  Force Ghosts. Honestly, he suspected that one day they would cost him his sanity.

An hour later, Ben was in his Silencer, breaking the atmosphere of the planet.  The landscape in the immediate area was mountainous – the volcanic rock having a purple hue, and he could see flatlands in the distance that appeared to be covered in purple coloured grasses.  Just like his dream, he thought.  Reaching out, he let the Force guide him to where the Force Signatures were the strongest.

It wasn't long before he could see what looked like an old military base in the distance, and he could feel the Force start to spark around him.  Reaching out a bit more, he could feel the Signatures of his former Knights, but he could also sense what felt like little pulses of bright feelings hitting his senses.  They almost felt like - anticipation?  Whatever it was, they were definitely here, so he punched in his current coordinates and contacted the rest of the team to follow.

Not wanting to alert Vitka and the others to his presence, he landed his ship a distance away, choosing to walk the few kilometers to the abandoned base.   But first, he'd wait for Vicrul.

****

Rey was dozing – waffling between sleep and wakefulness when the baby suddenly started moving frenetically.  Worried, Rey jolted up and put her fingertips on her belly.  What is it my little love?  Are you okay?   A burst of feeling hit her through the Force, one that she could only describe as excitement, but there didn't seem to be anything wrong.  It almost felt as if the little one was wriggling in happiness.  Rey's concern immediately calmed, but the little bursts of feeling kept hitting her, and her daughter refused to stop fidgeting.  What could possibly be making her do that?  Rey tried reaching out, but as always, she felt absolutely nothing beyond the baby with these damn cuffs.

She sighed.   It felt so foreign – so uncomfortable – not feeling the Force around her, and she felt so empty not being able to feel the bond.  Not being able to feel Ben, nor hear him in her head.  Ben.  She'd tried not to dwell on him too much, afraid that if she did, the depth of her fear would take over and she'd fall apart.   So she'd pushed those thoughts from her mind and just concentrated on the fact that he would find her in time.  She absolutely knew he would.

A sharp kick, followed by more squirming and pulses of happiness jolted Rey out of her musings.   She laughed, putting her hand on her belly.  What has gotten into you today?  Why are you so excited, little one?

A thought suddenly struck her.  Could the baby maybe feel Ben?  Looking down at the cuffs on her hands, she was pretty sure that they were doing their job.  But – she could still feel things from the baby – through the Force.  So..... that would mean that the cuffs don't work on her daughter.   And conversely, if she could feel the baby, then maybe so could Ben?  Leia had once told her that Force sensitive parents almost always share a Force bond with their children.  Not as powerful as the one between her and Ben, but a bond nonetheless.  Her heart began to pound.  If he could feel the baby, then he could find her – find them.

She tried to tamp down her excitement, but could feel her daughter continue to wriggle around excitedly in her womb.  Force, please.  Maker, please, let him be on his way.  Tired already from everything that seemed to be going on, she lay down once again and drifted off to sleep.

Sometime later she was awoken by the door swooshing open.  Rubbing her eyes and blinking back her sleepiness, she sat up.  Cardo was waiting by the door, watching her warily.   Unsure as to what was going on, she tried a passive approach with him.

"Hello Cardo.  Is...everything okay?"  She asked.

He continued to regard her for a moment before answering.   "Vitka would like you brought to the hangar."

Her anxiety spiked.  "Why?  None of you have let me out of this room the entire time."

"You just need to come with me now."  He told her, his modulated voice sounding flat.

"Cardo – please!  What's happening?"  She pleaded.

He ignored her question and simply held out his hand.   "Come."

Her heart plummeted into her stomach, and she suddenly felt queasy.  What were they going to do to her?  Had something happened to change Vitka's plan?  Gingerly swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she stood carefully, feeling a bit lightheaded.   "I'm suddenly not feeling very well."

Cardo continued to regard her silently, his hand still extended. Finally he spoke.  "I will ensure that you don't fall."

His sudden flicker of what seemed to be compassion gave her a bit of hope and she continued towards him until he firmly grasped her elbow in his.  "Thank you. I....I appreciate it."

Tilting his head down to her, she could see him give a brief nod before turning her to walk from the room.

When they arrived at the large hangar, Rey looked around, seeing three different ships that were docked inside.   One for each of them, I guess.

Up ahead, Vitka was pacing angrily, Rey's saber ignited in her cybernetic hand.  Spotting Rey, she turned on her.   "You!  How did you do it?!  Tell me!"

Taken aback, Rey looked at Cardo in surprise before shifting her gaze back to Vitka.   "Do what?"  She asked in confusion.  "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Vitka scoffed.  "Like you don't know!  Those are Force dampening cuffs!   He's HERE!!  How did you contact him!?  How!?  Tell me how!?"  Her voice had risen in intensity as she'd gone on, until she was practically screaming.

Hope blossomed in Rey's chest.  Vitka's answer could only mean one thing.   Ben was here.  He had found them.  Trying to suppress the joy from showing on her face, she shrugged.  "I didn't do anything.  You're right – these cuffs make it impossible to use the Force in any way.  So, if Ben has found you, it had to be some other way."  Rey was now almost certain that it had been the baby, but she wasn't about to tell Vitka that.

"You LIE!"  She screamed hotly, stalking towards her angrily.  "There was NO WAY he could have found us.  No clues to follow!  He simply couldn't have gotten that lucky.  HOW DID YOU DO IT!!"  Vitka's madness was clearly showing, and she could even feel Cardo's hold tighten on her elbow slightly as she got closer and closer to them.

She continued to stalk towards Rey, her saber raised in her hand as if to strike, when suddenly they all heard a sharp shout behind them and Vitka's arm froze in mid-air.   "Vitka – Stop!"

At once, they all turned towards the voice, relief flooding through Rey's veins.  Ben was standing across the hangar, his arm extended, with what was clearly another former Knight beside him.

"Ben!"  Rey called.  He glanced towards her and could see the Force blocking cuffs on her wrists.

"Are you all right?"   He yelled.

"Yes."   She responded, their eyes meeting, speaking volumes with just a glance.

"Ushar!"  Vitka yelled.   Rey could see him turn and begin stalking towards the person beside Ben.

"Vicrul."  Rey heard Ushar growl out.   "Why am I not surprised that you're still acting as Ren's lap dog."

Ahhh....of course.  Vicrul.  She thought.  The one Knight who'd remained loyal to Ben.

Vicrul didn't take his eyes off of Ushar.  "I'll deal with him.  You go get your Lady from Vitka."

Ben nodded and stalked over to Vitka – still having kept her in his hold.  He could see Cardo holding Rey, his arm now snaked around her throat instead of at her elbow.  Vitka spat out.  "Go ahead, kill me, Be-en."  She taunted in her sing song voice.  "But know that the moment you strike, Cardo will snap her neck in two!"  He halted his progress and glared over at Cardo, hearing sabers clashing behind him as Ushar and Vicrul faced off.  "So, are you strong enough to hold both of us, Ben?  Are you willing to risk her life to find out?"  She sang out in that voice that grated on his nerves.  "Or were you only strong enough as Kylo Ren?"

Ben's eyes were flitting around the hangar, trying to stay calm, but quickly trying to assess his options.  "I don't think you want to test that, Vitka."  His saber was in his other hand, already ignited, and he twirled it around menacingly.  "Your quarrel is really with me.   Let her go."  Ben implored, his voice deep.

Vitka's eyes glittered with malice and hatred as she laughed, her body still frozen.  "Shows how arrogant and ignorant you are.  You think this is about you?  That bitch took my hand!"  She screamed.  "She took everything that should have been mine!"

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Cardo's head swivel to Vitka ever so slightly. Interesting.   Ben thought.  Maybe Cardo wasn't fully on board with Vitka's plan.

This was not going the way Ben had intended; he needed to do something to gain the advantage over his former Knights.  They'd lost the element of surprise – Vitka somehow figured out that he was there - and as he'd suspected, she was unpredictable when cornered.  Ben's heart had almost stopped in his chest as he witnessed her nearly striking Rey down – being able to Force freeze her literally in the nick of time.  And now he was trying to calm her down – to stall and give the Troopers as well as Finn and Chewie some time to arrive.

He glanced over at Rey once again, seeing that her eyes were now wide and fearful, as Cardo continued his hold around her neck.   "Cardo.  Don't do this.  Whatever Vitka told you – this is not any sort of campaign to bring the Knights back together.  Its personal – between her and Rey, her and me."

Suddenly Ben could hear the sound of marching feet as the Stormtroopers showed up and began surrounding them all, their weapons trained on the three former Knights.  Good.  He thought.   Hopefully this will start to turn the tide.   He signaled the Troopers to hold their positions.

Glancing aside, he could see that the fight between Ushar and Vicrul was also heating up, with Ushar continuing his taunts to Vicrul as they clashed sabers.   "Why would you stay with him Vicrul?  Do you not want your freedom?  You don't need to die for him.  Join us and finish this – finish him!"

Vicrul's saber met Ushar's, then struck back with a quick blow.  He was disturbed by Ushar's words.   "How could you have abandoned your loyalty so quickly, Ushar?  Kylo was always a good Master.  He trained us well – taught us what we needed to know and always protected us – never let Snoke abuse us like he did him."

"No!"  Ushar screamed.  "He took everything from us!  That night – he took it all!"  Suddenly Ushar's strength seemed to double, and his strikes to Vicrul became more vicious, as his sudden rage further fueled his darkness within the Force.  Vicrul was only barely able to hold him off when he faltered, slipping on the floor, which allowed Ushar to push him down, disarming him as he fell, his saber flying through the air as Ushar delivered a mighty blow to it.

Sensing Vicrul's imminent danger, Ben's head snapped to him, breaking his concentration and his hold on Vitka.   Vicrul was on the ground, weaponless as Ushar raised his saber to deliver the death blow.  Suddenly, Ushar's head exploded from his shoulders.  As he fell, Ben could see Chewbacca standing with Finn at the edge of the cluster of Stormtroopers, his bowcaster in hand, having fired the fatal shot.

"Nooooo!"  Vitka screamed from behind him.   She took one step towards Ushar's prone body, then swung back to Rey.  Seeing that they were now outnumbered, it was all starting to unravel around her.  "Kill her!"  She shrieked at Cardo.  "Now!"

No.... Rey thought, as her heart pounded furiously in her chest.  But she could feel Cardo's sudden hesitation.  Could feel his conflict.  "Cardo, please."   Rey whimpered.   "Think of what Ben – Kylo said.  What Vicrul said...Please, don't do this...."

The next events were almost a blur to her.  It all happened so fast.  When she thought about it later, it would seem as if it played out in slow motion right in front of her, watching as a detached spectator would see it, rather than from someone who was an actual part of what had happened.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ben take two quick steps towards her to try to stop Cardo.  Vitka was still closer though.  Seeing Cardo's hesitation, she screamed in rage and ignited Rey's saber once again, raising it for the second time to cleave Rey in two, uncaring that Cardo was still holding her and would also be hit.

She could hear Ben's desperate scream as he lunged for Vitka, but he wasn't close enough to get there in time to save her.  Suddenly, Cardo unexpectedly threw Rey behind him and she landed hard on the floor, crying out and almost blacking out from the sudden intense pain that radiated up her tailbone.  She took a deep breath and grasped her belly, hoping that the baby was okay.   Looking up, she could see Vitka stalking toward her, saber raised, and her heart froze in her chest.  Goodbye Ben.   I'm so sorry my Love.   I wish we could've lived for you.  But I'll visit you often.  I promise.  Her eyes were just drifting closed, not wanting to see the saber as it struck, when she could see a saber swiftly cut through Vitka's neck, detaching her head from her body.  As her corpse fell, she could see Vicrul standing behind where Vitka had been, panting hard, his glowing saber still held in his hand.

Relief flowed through Rey, making her almost lethargic.  Sitting up, she could see Cardo's body – in two pieces, having been cleaved in half at the waist.  Crawling over to him, she used her still-bound hands and felt around for the latches in his helmet, removing it once she heard it click.   Looking down into his unmoving face, she stroked a soft hand over his cheek.  "Thank you, Cardo.   Thank you."

Suddenly, she could feel pulses of what she thought was sheer panic begin coming from the baby.  What is it little love?  Turning to find Ben, she could see his still form on the ground only a few feet away, with a rapidly growing puddle of blood forming on the floor below him.  "No!" She screamed, scampering over to him, her hands and feet slipping on the bloody floor.  "No, Ben!  No no no no no!"  Reaching him, she could see that his eyes were still open and blinking, but his breathing was shallow and laboured.   "Ben, Love, please, no!"  She whimpered.   She was desperately trying to focus on Ben, but the baby's obvious distress was making it difficult – almost painful – to ignore.

"Rey.  Sweetheart.  You're safe now.  You're safe."  He rumbled softly.

"What happened?"  She wailed.

"Vitka's saber caught me as I tried to stop her.  I would've been too late though.  She had already struck Cardo.  That would've been you had he not pushed you away.  The tail end of her swing through him hit me, before she Force pushed me away."   Pain was evident in his voice and on his face.   "Please.  Calm the baby.  She's upset.  She knows.....what's happened."

Fear like she'd never felt before crawled up her spine at the implication of his words, practically freezing the blood in her veins.  Looking down at her cuffed hands she screamed.  "Somebody get these off me!  I have to help him!   I have to stop the bleeding!  Please!  He's dying!  I can save him!  Somebody help me!"  She could see Vicrul step up to her, with Finn and Chewie not far behind, and the binders suddenly clicked and fell from her wrists.

"There, Lady.  Please – help him."  Vicrul's voice was quiet.

Her hands immediately went to his cheeks, pulling his gaze to hers.  "Ben.   Ben, look at me.  Please look at me."  He blinked again, his focus clearly wavering.  She could feel his Force Signature dimming rapidly.  "I need to stop the bleeding, but I need you to stay with me.  Can you hear me, Ben?  STAY WITH ME!"

His hand reached up to weakly stroke her cheek.  "Its okay Rey.  Its...its too late I think."  He moved his hand down to her belly.  "Take care of her.  You'll be a wonderful Mother.  I know you'll give her all the love that we both would have given."  His breathing stuttered and he let out a small grunt of pain.   "I love you."  He breathed.   "Now and forever."  He painfully exhaled a shaky breath.  "Into eternity, remember?  I'll come visit you – both – as much as I can."

"No."  She whimpered.  "No Ben.  Just no.  Don't do that.  You can't do that!  Don't say goodbye."  She begged.  "Please just stay with me."  She had already placed her hand on the very large gash in his side, that went almost a third of the way through his torso at the base of his rib cage.  Desperately trying to slow the bleeding, her panic increased as she felt his Signature continue to dim, and his eyes fluttered closed.  His breathing stuttered again and wheezed out of him slowly as his chest stilled.

"Noooooo!"  She screamed, anguish tearing at her heart, feeling as if it was being frayed into tiny pieces.  She slumped over him, sobbing uncontrollably, never having felt such pain and utter despair.  How could she go on without him?  How could the Force be so cruel as to take him from her now?  She could hear Chewie's anguished wail, and she glanced over at him and Finn, who was also openly crying at the sight of her pain, grief and sorrow.

A low voice sounded behind her.   "Its not too late Rey.  He's not completely gone yet.  You can still save him – but you have to hurry."

Turning her head, she could see two incandescent forms crouched beside her.  It was Luke, and someone else she hadn't yet met.  He was a younger man, with wavy, sandy brown hair, and a facial scar that almost matched Ben's identically.  A flicker of recognition flashed through her mind.  Anakin Skywalker.  "How?  Tell me how to save him!"  She asked desperately.

Luke's voice was quiet and soothing when he spoke, almost lulling her into a trance.  "Use the Force to heal him Rey.  Close your eyes and draw on it.  Deeply.  Use the strength of your love for him – the power of your bond with him, and the power of the child within you who is right now begging to help you.  She's very powerful.  Close your eyes Rey.  Close them and feel.  You can find him.  He's still there.  Find him and let the Force of everything flow through you into him – to make him whole once again."

Her eyes drifted closed and she began breathing deeply, evenly, falling into the hypnotizing tone that Luke had used when he spoke.   She went deep within herself, finding the string that tethered her to Ben.  Luke was right – it was still there, not yet gone, but she could feel it floating further and further away.  She grabbed hold of it and held tight – pulling it back towards her.  She thought of Ben and remembered the first time he'd smiled at her, when she'd seen the beauty that was him and the light that was within him – that drew her to him so powerfully.  She felt the depth of her love for him, the depth of their connection when they were together – and when they made love.  Those times when the Force sparked and shone around them so brightly – when it was a brilliant ball of light that wrapped itself around them, binding them together.   And she felt the love and the power of her baby daughter, still nestled within her, the innocent beauty of her child's Force Signature so vibrant to her with the cuffs gone.   Rey pulled all of these feelings together, and anchored them to the string that tethered her to Ben.  Then she sent them all flowing towards him, and spoke as fervently as she could.  Please Ben.  Feel us.  Come back to us.  We love you – so much.  We need you.  You can't go yet – it's not your time.  Take what we're giving you.  Please Ben.   Let it light your way back to us.....

She stayed that way for a half a minute more, before she heard Luke say.  "That's enough Rey.   Let go now."

"No!"  She responded forcefully.   "I have to give him what he needs!"

"Its okay Rey.  Open your eyes."  He commanded softly, his voice still quiet and calm.

As her eyes fluttered open once again, she realized that the baby was now still and calm.  She could feel her Force Signature burning brightly, but she could also feel.... exhaustion.   Her baby was tired, and was now sleeping soundly.  Looking down at Ben, she could see that his eyes were still closed, but his chest was rising and falling slowly once again.

It all hit her at once.  Maker, she could feel him again.  He was alive!   Complete and utter relief streamed through her, making her feel both dizzy and exhausted at the same time.  Breaking down, she began sobbing once again, overwhelmed by all that had happened, so grateful that she hadn't lost him after all.

Trying to pull herself together, she sat up and swiped at her face with her sleeve, taking deep, cleansing breaths to re-center herself.   Shifting her focus back to Ben, she took his hand in hers and kissed it fervently.  "I love you Ben.  Thank you, thank you – for choosing to stay."  Needing to reassure herself that he was actually all right, she ran her hands over him, searching for any other injuries that she may have missed, but found none.  Checking his wound, she was shocked to see that it was completely healed, with not even a scar blemishing his skin.  Her mouth was hanging open as she looked at the two Force Ghosts and stuttered out.   "How?"

It was Anakin who replied.  "Force healing.   It's a skill that only very powerful lightsiders have ever learned to wield.  Most however, would not have been able to heal a wound as grave as Ben's.  But you were able to draw on the power of your child to help you – as well as the deep bond that you have with him."

She glanced back at him, a small smile forming on her lips.  Leaning over to stroke his cheek, she jumped back in surprise.   "Maker, his scar is gone!"

Luke cocked his head.  "Hmmm.  That was powerful indeed."  He glanced at Rey.   "It was quite amazing – and beautiful, to watch.  Your power – your bond – is truly unique."

"Your combined power is quite astounding, really.   I don't think any of us have ever seen anything like it."  Anakin told her, sounding a bit awestruck.   Then he smirked knowingly.  "I'm glad my grandson found you, Rey.  You truly helped him to save himself."  Her eyes settled on him, seeing a number of similarities between him and the people she loved.  Ben, Luke, Leia.   She could see little pieces of all of them in his face, and smiled back at him.

"Thank you.   I'm glad he found me too.  That we found each other."  She leaned over and kissed Ben softly, reveling in the slow return of peace to her soul.  "He changed my life too – we changed each other's."

He looked back at her.  "He'll probably sleep for awhile, and I suspect you'll need to sleep yourself.   But you should know.... I sense that......I don't think you're purpose together is quite fulfilled yet."

Rey's eyes shot to Anakin's, and she could hear Luke sigh beside her.  "Father...."

"I know Son.  Now is not the time."   He smirked again.   "You still have time... years, we think.   But, I just want you to stay vigilant.   It would be too easy to be lulled into a sense of false security.  One day, it'll all become clear."

Rey narrowed her eyes, but then sighed and gave him a softly thankful smile.   "Thank you, Anakin.  I'll be sure to remember that."

Anakin just nodded as they both began to fade away.   "Take care of your family Rey.  We'll always be here when you need us."

She shook her head to clear it, amazed that she'd just met the famous Anakin Skywalker.   Glancing up at Vicrul, she could see him watching her carefully.  "Thank you so much Vicrul.  You certainly saved my life.  Your continued loyalty to Ben is appreciated."

He smiled back at her solemnly.  "You're welcome.  And you may call me Talek, Lady Rey.  That is my birth name."

Her eyes widened in surprise.   "Of course.  Thank you, Talek, for being Ben's friend."  He gave her a small nod and a hint of a smile.  Looking over to Chewie and Finn she asked.   "Did you bring the Falcon?"

"Of course."   Chewie trilled, as Finn nodded, still in complete shock from what he'd witnessed.

"Can you please help me get him to the ship?   He needs rest, and I don't think we'll be able to wake him."

Chewie replied with a yeowl that he'd carry Little Ben to the Falcon, making Rey smile.   Finn finally found his voice and spoke up.  "You need rest too, Rey.  The Ascendancy is in orbit.  We'll get you there and you can sleep as long as you both need to."

She nodded at them. "Thank you.  I am exhausted.   Can you please grab our lightsabers – as well as those from the two Knights?  I don't want to forget them in this hellhole."

Just then, a Stormtrooper jogged up to them.  Rey's eyes brightened when he removed his helmet and she saw who it was.   "Delta!"

He gave her a deferential nod.  "Lady Rey – I'm so glad you're safe."  Glancing down at Ben, concern was evident on his face. "Is the Supreme Leader all right?"  

She smiled back and nodded.  "Yes, thank the Force.  He just needs rest now.  We'll get him back to the Ascendancy."

Delta nodded once again, his relief showing.  "Okay.  Good.  The squadrons are searching the premises to ensure that there are no other threats, but I believe the situation has been handled – no thanks to the Supreme Leader and the rest of your friends."  He said, looking around.   "Is there anything else that you need right now?"

Glancing around, she took in the grisly scene before responding, making it more of a request than a command.  For all she cared, the bodies could stay here and rot, but that just didn't seem right.  "Can you maybe clean up this mess?"

"Of course my Lady."

****

Rey woke to the feeling of suddenly being engulfed by warmth.  She was lying in bed in their quarters on the Ascendancy, with Ben tucked beside her.   He'd been sleeping so deeply, he hadn't even woken when they'd moved him.   She had called Pride from the Falcon and asked him to clear the docking bay before they'd arrived, knowing that Ben would not like any of the staff or crew to see him seemingly incapacitated.  When they'd arrived, they had passed a few staff that looked a bit concerned to see a Wookiee carrying the Supreme Leader through the ship, but Rey just greeted them with a smile to let them know that all was okay.  Once in their quarters, Chewie simply placed him on the bed and helped remove his boots while Rey crawled in the other side and pulled the covers over them, falling asleep almost instantly.

She sighed deeply and pushed herself back into her husband's warmth and the arms that were wrapped around her.   His very alive, very tightly squeezing arms.

"Please tell me we're not all dead."   He whispered softly behind her.

"Nope.  We're all very much alive and well, safe on the Ascendancy."  She quietly replied.  She could feel his arms squeeze a bit tighter.

"How, Rey?   I...think I remember....slipping away."

She shuddered at that memory.  It was something that she'd never forget for the rest of her life – and probably beyond.  Turning to face him, she smiled softly at his serious look, and stroked her hand along his left cheek.  "Hi."

He nuzzled into her hand and closed his eyes in contentment.   "Hi back."   He replied quietly, before turning his head and kissing her palm.  He opened his eyes once again and gazed back at her intently.   "Tell me how, Rey."

"First of all, how do you feel?"  She asked, gently combing the hair out of his eyes with her fingers.

"Groggy.   More tired than I've felt in ages.   But then again, I haven't really slept in 7 or 8 days."

Her hand froze momentarily and her eyes were regretful as she gazed back at him.  "I'm so sorry, Ben."  She knew they'd eventually get to that conversation, but now was not the time.  "Other than tired, do you have any pain or discomfort?"

"No.  Nothing."  He said in confusion.  She could feel his hand leave her as he felt the area where his wound should be, hearing his gasp when he found nothing there.  Sitting up, he looked down at himself, seeing the tear in the front and back of his tunic where the saber had cut.  It was stiff with dried blood, which was also all over his abdomen and trousers.  His mouth opened in shock, but it took him several seconds before he found his voice.  "What did you do Rey?"

She smiled up at him softly, reaching her hand out to gently run her fingers over the tear in the fabric.  "Luke and Anakin.  They came.   They said you weren't completely gone yet.   And.... they told me what I needed to do to heal you."

Ben's eyes widened even further and his face paled by at least two shades.  He fingered the tear, looking at the extent of it, and shook his head in confusion.  "You....you healed me?"  She nodded up at him and he just shook his head again.  "I've heard of some Jedi that could heal small wounds and injuries, but Rey, what you're saying, that's just not possible.  The saber – she cut me almost half way through!  I was basically dead!  I know it Rey!"

Her eyes teared up and her bottom lip began to tremble.  She swallowed thickly, trying to regain the ability to speak.   "You almost were!   I thought you were!  I felt...."  She began to sob, and Ben reached down and pulled her into his arms.

"Shhhhh.  Shhhh.  It's okay.  I'm sorry.   I shouldn't have pushed you to talk about it."  He quietly soothed.

"No!   No..."  She pushed out of his arms.   "You need to know."   Taking a deep breath, she continued.   "I felt you slip away!  I watched you stop breathing.   I felt our tether start to float away.   I literally grabbed onto it just in time!"  She was sobbing softly again.  "You were leaving!   Leaving us!  You said goodbye Ben!"

Ben leaned over and wiped her tears with his thumbs.  Looking up at him, she could see that he was now crying too, as he stared remorsefully into her eyes.  "I'm so sorry Sweetheart.  I didn't mean to....leave.  I didn't want to....I would never want to.   But it was as if I was being ripped away from you...."  His voice cracked and he pulled her forward to bury his face in her neck.   "I was so....relieved...that you were safe.  But I would never willingly leave you, Rey.   I love you so much.  You and our daughter."  His hand slipped down to rest on her belly.  "I can't wait to meet her, and am so glad that you were able to....heal me – to bring me back."

He could feel his throat close up and fought to talk through it.   "I don't remember much, but what I can recall is feeling cold.  So cold.  I was drifting – moving farther and farther away from you and the baby, and......I didn't have the strength to drag myself back.  Then suddenly there was a sharp tug pulling me closer to you, followed by the feeling of overwhelming warmth, love and this blinding light, all pouring into me – from you.  You and the baby.  And then.....I was moving back towards you, following the tether – that red string that binds us together – until I was beside you in the Force once again."

Rey's arms tightened around him as she nodded.  "Yes.  That pretty much describes it.   I pulled everything together – all my memories, feelings, strength – mine and the baby's – Luke told me that I needed to use her power too - and I sent it all to you along the tether.  Eventually, you came back to me.  To us."  She pulled away slightly and rested her forehead onto his, tears still softly streaming down her face.   "I love you Ben.   Like you said, into eternity.  But its not time for that just yet."

She could feel his smile as he lifted his face to kiss her forehead before gathering her close once again.  "No.  It's definitely not."

"It was the baby that helped you find me, wasn't it?"  She asked quietly.

He nodded.  "I think so."  His hand gently stroked her swollen middle.   "She's very special, isn't she?"

Rey put her hand over his.  "Yes.   She's strong in the Force.  Really strong."  At that moment, the baby kicked where their hands were, and both felt a warm spark of feeling flow from her.  Her eyes met his and she smiled softly.   "She's happy."

"Yes.   I feel it too."  He leaned in for a kiss.  They stayed like that for several minutes, just enjoying the peace and contentment of being together – feeling whole - once again.  Giving her another quick kiss he murmured.  "I'm going to have a shower.  I still have blood all over me."

Running her hands over his chest, she told him.  "I'll join you in a minute.  I haven't bathed properly since they took me.  I had to revert to sponge baths, so I feel all grimy.  But I'm going to have some food sent up so its here when we're done.  I'm positively starving, and I'll bet you are too."

He gave her another quick kiss.  "That sounds perfect.  Don't be too long."  He murmured deeply, causing her to shiver.   "I need to feel you in my arms...preferably naked."

She kissed him back deeply, running her fingers through his hair, raking her nails across his scalp.   "Me too."  She whispered, nipping his neck, feeling him shiver and eliciting a soft groan from him in response.

Extracting himself from her arms before he got any more distracted, he headed into the fresher.   Rey was just swinging her legs off of the bed when she heard his stunned exclamation.  "What the hell?"   He came striding back into the bedroom, pointing to the right side of his face.  "The scar?!  What did you do?"

She was immediately contrite, realizing she hadn't mentioned it.  "Oh...I'm sorry.  I forgot to tell you....."   Sighing she tried to explain.   "It would appear that when I healed you..... I accidentally also healed your scar.   I didn't mean to – I know you kind of liked it."   She held her breath and waited for his response.  When still met with silence after about a minute, she added hesitantly.   "You might want to check your other ones too.... I have a feeling it may have worked on all of them..."

Growling, he ripped off his tunic and stalked up to her.  "Well?"  He asked in irritation.  He liked his battle scars!

Looking at his beautiful, unmarred chest, she bit her lip and ran her hands over him.  They were all gone - her scar along his right collarbone, the one on his left side from Chewie's bowcaster, and all of the other small, miscellaneous marks he used to have.  Her apologetic gaze flicked up to his.   "I'm sorry Ben."  He growled at her once again.   "But if that's the price to pay for you still being here, I'd pay it again 1000 times, Love."  She vowed.

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to release his annoyance.   She was absolutely right. He didn't mean to get angry with her – she didn't heal all of his scars on purpose.  But she'd been correct – he did love his facial scar – wasn't vain enough to let it bother him at all.   Every time he saw it, he'd been reminded of what he used to be, how strong she was and how she'd saved him – in so many ways.  Now, all that was gone.  He'd have to get used to it not being there and find other ways to keep reminding himself of how far he'd come.

Her eyes were still hesitant and full of regret as she gazed up at him.  Reaching over he stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers and leaned in to give her a soft kiss.  Sighing in mock exaggeration he told her.  "Well, I'm sure you'll manage to give me a few more when we eventually get back to your training."

She threw her arms around him and laughed.  "I'll certainly try."  When she looked back into his eyes she trailed her fingers over his now perfect right cheek and leaned up on her tip toes to kiss the area where the scar used to be.  "Your face is perfect again.   My beautiful Ben."  His face reddened slightly at her compliment.  "Now I really am going to have to fight off the visiting Queen's and dignitaries when they see you – both men and women, I'm sure."  She joked, and he just rolled his eyes.

"I think it's going to be the other way around Sweetheart...."

Chuckling again, she shook her head, but told him quietly.   "Then we'll just have to fight them off together."

****

Sometime later, the only sound that could be heard in the room was that of their heavy breathing as they came down from the high of their lovemaking.   Ben tightened his hold around Rey and let out a contented sigh as he continued to nibble and kiss her neck.  They'd both needed each other so badly – needed their touch to confirm that the other was truly all right. The passion and intimacy were intense; he was still tingling and could feel aftershocks and deep contentment still coursing through Rey via the bond.

For whatever reason, the Force and maybe even the Gods had decided to spare him, to let him have yet another chance to live his life.  A happy life – with the family that he and Rey were creating.  Thinking about all he'd done, he simply couldn't believe it.  He would've thought that if there was any sense of galactic justice, his life would definitely have been forfeit.  But here he was, in bed with his wife, having once again experienced the bliss of their lovemaking, the sweat still cooling on their bodies.  He was grateful to be alive, grateful that Rey and his child were back in his arms, alive and unharmed, and grateful that the saga with his Knights was finally over.

She was on her side, her back to him, in one of the only comfortable positions for her to make love while so hugely pregnant.   One hand was thrown over her hip, resting on her swollen belly, while the other was underneath her, her head resting on his bicep while his hand covered her breast, still lightly stroking.  He pulled her closer and breathed her in, tears pricking his eyes.  She was here, and they were okay.  He'd been terrified that Vitka would kill her and the baby.  Honestly, he was shocked that she hadn't harmed either of them in any way.

"Rey?"  He murmured quietly.

"Mmmm..."  Came her soft reply.

"Can we talk about Vitka now?"

He could feel her inhale deeply.  "Okay."   She was quiet for a minute.  "I'm sorry Ben.  I should have listened to you and taken more guards.  She wouldn't have been able to pull it off if I had."

His lips ghosted over her shoulder, ending in a small nip.   "You're probably right.  But I'm glad its over.  She would've eventually gotten to you somehow though – it just would've taken her longer."

She rolled over rather ungracefully to face him, giving him a small smile as she did.  "Its not so easy to do that anymore."  He smiled back at her lovingly.   "Ben, I promise I'll never disregard or argue with you ever again when you want me to take extra precautions – anything!  I am so sorry, Love."  She reached out and stoked his hair back from his face, as he gazed searchingly into her eyes.   Hers began to fill with tears.   "You were right about her.   I swear I'll never do that to you again – never be careless and allow anything like that to happen again!"  Her fervent vow ended on a small sob.

Ben reached over and tugged her closer, wrapping his arms around her, tucking her face into his neck.   "I know Sweetheart."

"You almost died!  Because of me!"  She wailed quietly.

"No.  Not because of you.  Because of Vitka.  She was completely insane."  He rubbed soothing circles on her back.  "I'm actually surprised she didn't hurt you or the baby in any way."

She tilted her head up to see him.   "I think her original plan was to kill me.  But she didn't know I was pregnant.  When she saw that I was, she changed her mind."

He looked down at her curiously, and asked warily.   "What was she going to do?"

Inhaling deeply, she blew out a slow breath.  "You're right about her being insane.  She wanted the baby, Ben."  His expression darkened as she continued.  "She told me that she was going to take the baby from me – then kill me – and bring her to you, to use her safety as blackmail so you'd to make Vitka the Supreme Lady."   She could feel Ben's rage spike through the bond. "She told me that she was going to raise her in the Dark!"

"If that bitch wasn't already dead I'd kill her again."  He growled.

"I'm glad it wasn't you."  Rey whispered softly.

"What do you mean?"

She stroked her hand over his perfect cheek.   "I'm glad it wasn't you who killed any of the Knights."

"It wouldn't have mattered Rey.  They needed to be dealt with.  I would have done whatever was necessary."   He told her seriously.

"I know.  But I'm still glad it wasn't you."  Leaning closer she kissed him softly as he rolled his eyes.  After a few seconds she pulled away.    "Cardo felt lost after he left you.  Its why he did what he did."

Ben looked at her in surprise.  "He told you that?"

"Yes.  Not in those exact words.  But he was conflicted.  And I told him that if he helped me you wouldn't kill him."   Ben nodded.  "I didn't think he'd decided to help though."

A shudder coursed through him.  "If he hadn't, I never would have gotten to you in time.  Vitka would've killed you had he not pushed you out of the way."  He pulled her close and tucked her back into the crook of his neck.

"I know.  I'm sorry he died because of it, and won't ever forget him."  She sighed deeply, and Ben could feel her sadness and regret.  "I'm just so glad that we're all okay.  Thank you for finding me and bringing me home.  Again."

He moved to be able to look into her eyes.  "I'll always come for you – no matter what.  I would do absolutely anything for you – to make you happy.  Or keep you safe.  You and the baby."

"I know that Ben."  She smiled, rubbing her cheek against his.   "And I would do the exact same for you."

Kissing her softly once again, he closed his eyes, simply reveling in all that was her.   His everything.  His Light.  His life.   His Rey.