Spark of Hope

Chapter IV

In the War Room, General Organa recapped everything that had befallen the Resistance, starting with the evacuation on the planet D'Qar. When prompted, Rey also told her tale of training with Master Luke Skywalker, and the events that happened aboard Snoke's ship. She kept from mentioning the Force Bond that developed between her and Kylo Ren—they didn't need to know specifics, especially personal ones.

Quite a large number had gathered to listen to their retellings. Races varied along with genders: the hammerhead Ithorians, Sullustans that had huge, mouse-like eyes, large ears, and flaps of jowls around the cheeks, the Besalisk and Koorivars she had met on the landing pad, a few Mon Calamari—aquatic humanoids with goggle-like eyes and high-domed heads—some tan Abednedo—mammalian with dangling mouth tendrils and fleshy nostrils—and humans. Rey was uncomfortable with so many as her audience. But her unease became worse as she sensed someone's attention being solely on her. Her eyes constantly scanned the faces, but she couldn't find anyone focusing on her.

All had rejoiced at the news that Snoke was dead, but then their joy dropped at learning that Kylo Ren had taken his role as Supreme Leader. Outright dismay and helplessness infected them at also hearing that Luke Skywalker was dead too.

"What do we do now?"

"We're doomed!"

"There's nowhere we can run to get out of the First Order's reaches," a male Ithorian said, disheartened.

"How can we possibly stand against the First Order now?" a male human, Garik Gyyll, asked. "The Master Jedi is gone, his apprentice is now the Supreme Leader, and all we have are a few Resistance fighters, no fleet, and a Force Sensitive girl, who hasn't trained enough to even be called a Jedi! It's impossible to win!"

Embarrassment made Rey look down to her hands clenching on her lap. One, she felt guilt at not learning more from Master Luke. Two, she felt anger at hearing Garik doubt her so easily.

She would show him; she would show them all not to doubt her.

"Rey, pull back."

Realizing what she was doing, Rey quickly let go of her ire and her hands loosened. Now, she felt shame for giving in to her emotions—Master Luke had stressed that was the way to the Dark Side. But who did that voice belong to? It felt familiar, like knowing a friend's voice, but she couldn't put it with a face.

"That is enough, Garik!" Senator Stasimo said, bringing her back to focus. "Do not so hastily assume all hope is lost. We do have Rey, one who is skilled in battle, masterful at surviving from being a Scavenger, and who has trained under a Master Jedi—even if short. We still have supporters, resources, and a determination to be free."

"As long as hope lives, the Resistance can never be defeated," General Organa stated.

Everyone looked at General Organa and slumped shoulders straightened at her words. She could be very persuasive.

As the downhearted mood changed, Leia leaned over. "I'm sure you wish to escape, and I am giving you leave. Now, we move on to diplomatic talks. Go. Roam the palace halls—familiarize yourself with them—and, perhaps, seclude yourself in your room and take a look at those Texts..."

Rey gratefully took the chance to slip out—getting away from the boring talks, all those people, and those eyes that she never identified.

With the door shut behind her, Rey released a heavy sigh, then headed down the hallway in front of her. Large groups of people always make her nervous, due to her living on her own. Even though she never wanted to go back to Jakku and be lonely again, it was what she knew.

Like the General suggested, she took her time walking the massive hallways to learn the layout. The corridors were all wide, with high-vaulted ceilings, and huge windows looking out on Myrra. The red, light blue, and yellow buildings greatly contrasted the dark green of the surrounding jungle. This city wasn't a major target, so there was no need to blend in.