Star Wars: Fall of an Empire - Part II

II - Rey

Dreadnought One was over the blue planet of Chandrila. The invasion was going as planned. The Resistance forces had landed and captured every part of Hanna City except the Senate house. The last Empire forces had fallen back there to protect the Chandrilan politicians.

Rey reached it before the rest of the troops and she was impatient to get it over with. There were many stormtroopers outside the building, but they were no match for her. She deflected their blaster shots and wielding her red lightsaber cut them down. She fought with anger and put all her intent behind each strike as Vicrul had taught her.

As their numbers dwindled the last few tried to run away. Rey made no effort to chase them. She simply raised her hand and held them still. Then she snapped their necks, killing them instantly. She held her lightsaber tightly in her hand and looked around for more.

She felt someone suddenly coming from behind and turned with violent intent. She stopped midswing when she realised it was Poe. His expression was one of terror as he looked at her eyes. The colour of her pupils had turned golden with a red ring around it.

"Rey," he whispered with fear.

Rey relaxed her grip and withdrew her lightsaber as Poe came near her. He held her hand and his touch made her feel like she was waking up from a bad dream. Her eyes slowly returned to their normal brown colour and tears had started flowing down her cheeks.

Poe was silent for a while not knowing what to say. Rey looked behind him at the soldiers of the Resistance making their way towards them led by Vicrul. He was unmasked and wore an officer's uniform, but he still carried his scythe on his hand.

"I'll let you deal with the politicians," she said pointing to the entrance of the Senate house.

"Their surrender will be quick," Vicrul said.

"All the Core Worlds are ours, now," Poe said. "The war will soon be over."

"It is foolish to think that," Rey said. "There are far too many territories still under the Empire's control. And we haven't met the main part of their army yet."

"Yes, but we hold the centre of the Empire."

"Ben is toying with us," she said scornfully. "I don't know the reason, but he is giving these planets up. It feels like he is sacrificing them on purpose."

Vicrul nodded sharing her concerns. "He also seems to have found an apprentice."

"Do you know who?"

"No, but I know that once again there are two. Following the rule of the Sith."

"I don't want to hear about that ancient religion," Rey cut him off annoyed.

"There is truth to it. No matter what you believe."

"I believe in this," Rey said tapping the lightsaber on her belt.

Vicrul was silent.

"Let's leave this planet," Poe said.

Rey nodded and turned to Vicrul. "We'll leave you to it," she said as Poe started to walk away.

"Are you sure you will not be tempted by Leia?" Vicrul asked.

Rey turned back. "There is nothing to worry about."

"The Skywalker bloodline is strong. You shouldn't face her alone."

"I won't be unsettled. I can keep both sides of the Force in balance. I'm not afraid of the darkness inside me anymore."

Vicrul smiled and bid her farewell. "If you endure the Shadow, the light will reach you."

Rey nodded and turned away.

Poe walked next to her. He felt sick as he looked at the number of stormtroopers that Rey had just killed. They were Imperial soldiers, but that didn't change the fact they were people. Most of them were no different to Finn and simply raised to fight someone else's war.

Once they were back in Dreadnought One and in their private quarters, he tried to put this thoughts in order. While they were in the bed he was restless and unable to sleep. Rey was in his arms, but he felt the distance between them was great as ever.

"What happened in the morning?"

"I lost control," Rey murmured.

"Your eyes," Poe whispered and paused not knowing how to explain it. "They changed colour."

"I'm alright."

Poe wasn't satisfied with that answer, but didn't want to press on. "I don't think it's wise to split up."

"Are you afraid that I can't protect myself?"

"It is not you that I worry about," Poe said smiling. "I'd feel safer, if I had you by my side."

"You'll have the whole army with you," Rey smiled. "I'm sure you'll manage to deal with Hux without me."

Poe nodded reflectively. "Is it this only for Leia that you go to the unknown regions?"

"Who else?"

"The Emperor," Poe said expecting a reaction from her. When she said nothing he continued. "He hasn't been seen for quite some time. Maybe he is there and you felt him reach out to you."

"I don't want to hear another of your jealous theories, Poe."

"I'm only saying that if you located him, you'd probably go there to kill him yourself," Poe explained. "You seem to want to put an end to the Empire alone."

Rey moved away from his grasp. "No, I haven't reached out to him."

Poe looked at her eyes that were cold again. "Do you really believe that Leia would turn against the Resistance?"

"I can't put my faith in people's words anymore. I have to see for myself."

"What will you do if it's true?"

"I will do what I have to," Rey said looking away from him. "There is no turning back now."

Poe didn't know what to say. Rey closed her eyes and he stared at her for a while. He sighed knowing there was no way he could change her mind about this or about anything actually. He closed the light of the room and his mood was darker than before.