Settled

Jakku

It had been four weeks since The Supremacy, once Snoke's proud vessel, now Kylo's, was lost to an unknown enemy. Most of the fleet evacuated to nearby moons and planets, some units jumping to lightspeed, trying their best to elude the enemy. Unfortunately, some lives were lost and a small memorial for them was given by Rey. Afterwards, Rey made a heartfelt message for the families of the lost ones and how it was best to stay united as a whole. Though those words were hard for her to utter as she had not been whole herself.

A month since Rey had seen or felt Ben. The knights had traveled to a planet all too familiar to Rey, Jakku. She had not set much foot on the planet after leaving it behind years ago, though would randomly visit on small tours she and Ben would make. They had made sure the outpost she once worked for was corrupt free and changes were made as well. Jakku was still a wasteland but slowly, small cites began to appear throughout the years.

The Solos had a small house on the planet, much like they had on Takodana and different planets. Rey did not wish to have the kids live on a ship as they grew older. She wanted them to experience all the seasons the planets offered, and experience all the people in the galaxy.

"Sight for sore eyes." A familiar voice echoed behind Rey. The empress turned around to meet her dear friend. "I missed this hug."

Rey hugged tighter. "Finn."

Someone behind Finn pushed the ex-stormtrooper out of the way. "I'm here too."

Rey laughed at his childish behavior and went in for a hug. "Poe."

"We brought a present." Poe revealed as he let go of Rey. "A big one."

Rey gently pushed Poe out of the way and ran towards her front door. "Chewie! My stars, Chewie!" She cried as the furry, tall, Wookie engulfed her into his arms. "It's been too long." Chewie gently lowered Rey onto the ground and expressed how much he had missed her as well. "And yet you refused to live with us." Chewie shrugged at Rey's playful tone.

"How are you?" Finn asked as the group sat in the living room. "Has," Finn cleared his throat, "he reached out? Leia informed us."

Rey did not want to think the worse, she refused. "I'm sure he will soon. He is probably busy and doesn't want me to worry." She exhaled. "But he knows how I worry when he doesn't reach out. The twins are constantly asking for him and I – I assure them he will come soon...because he will." She knew the last statement was more for her than anyone else.

"Yes, he will." Poe softly promised.

Chewie, sitting next to Rey, gently patted her on the back. The Wookie comforted the small empress as best as he could.

Finn leaned in and clapped his hands together. "Enough with the heavy. We are here to help as much as we can! What do you need us to do, boss?"

Rey smiled politely at her friends, afterwards she escorted them to her office where she had been tracking the abductions and the recent attack. For the past month, Rey had occupied herself with her empress duties and had not informed the galaxy the emperor was missing. For if they found out, there was no doubt in Rey's mind, more panic would ensure among the galaxies.

The surroundings felt cold and wet. Ben did not know if his eyes were open as the darkness around him felt dreadful. He tried to move his limps but found them bound to the brick wall behind him. His head pounded as if he was hit by a heavy object. Ben remained calm while his mind went to his family. Something he would often do as the days turned into weeks.

"Sir?" a familiar voice sounded through the darkness. "Are you finally awake?"

Ben shook his head while trying to shake off some level of confusion. "Hux?" He asked softly.