May the Force be Ever in Your Favor

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"You know, I think it's been two hours." Rey said suddenly. "Who's taking next watch? Faesh and Zah? Yes, that's right. I'll go get them."

Before Jude could answer her, Rey jumped up from the ground and made her way into the cave. Her mind was racing, and she needed to conceal her face so that nobody could determine how excited she was to have finally heard from Ben.

Rey's feet rushedly stepped over sleeping bodies and detected Faesh and Zah in the dark. She shook them awake. "Your turn for watch." She said distractedly upon their dazed faces. Before they could respond, Rey quickly raced to her sleeping bag and threw the cover overtop of her head. All she could do was pray that no cameras had been planted inside her sleeping bag as she closed her eyes, concentrated, and let her mind open to the force.

Ben? Where have you been? It's been days, I thought you were dead, or Snoke hurt you, or you were just deciding not to answer me because I-

Rey. Ben consoled. Shh.

The connection completed itself, and Rey had to hold in a gasp at the sight before her.

For the first time in many days, here was his face right before hers.

All the outside noise dimmed as the connection strengthened, and she took in all the features of his dark face in the bright surroundings.

He didn't appear to be harmed on the outside at all, which made Rey breathe a quiet sigh of relief. But she took a second glance after she saw the hurt in his eyes.

What's wrong? She transmitted across the void of space between them. Why has it been so long? Ben, I need answers.

I know, Rey. And you'll get them. I just- it's taking a lot of effort to do this right now. Ben ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. The past few days have been incredibly strenuous. And stressful, he added. Snoke heard me transmitting to you the last time we spoke. That's why I haven't contacted you since then. I couldn't risk it.

Rey's heart skipped a beat. What did he do?

That's the thing. He didn't seem to realize it was me. He thought it was Skywalker, and now we've been spending hours at a time over the best few days trying to locate him.

How could he have heard you? Wait. Rey blinked. I'd completely forgotten about Skywalker.

So had I. Ben admitted. But I was so preoccupied with worrying about whether or not you were safe that I stopped taking the precautions I should've been taking in order to talk to you. That's how he caught me. I have to be much more careful.

Rey felt a surge of irritation, though she figured she probably shouldn't. But that didn't prevent her from responding, You don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself.

Trust me, I don't doubt that. I know more than well that you can. Ironically, it's been me who's not been able to control himself.

A small, suggestive smirk crept across Ben's features.

Especially right now.

There was something sultry in his voice, totally unfamiliar to Rey. She flushed, and tried to ignore what he was implying as she switched the subject.

So you're telling me that for the past several days, all that you've done is attempt to locate Skywalker? And you just haven't had a second to contact me?

It's not like I haven't been watching the Games. Ben argued. And trust me, Rey, I had to stop myself several times from trying. Me transmitting you was what got Snoke all worked up in the first place, remember? If I tried again, who knows what he would've heard? The only reason I'm contacting you now is because I'm somewhere he'll never be able to track my thoughts.