The Other Solo - Part II A Shadow of Hope

Chapter 24

Kylo Ren leads his troopers into the abandoned mine. Hux trails slightly behind. He doesn't try to hide his loathing. Ren cost them their victory. The Resistance was well within their grasp but Ren had to get greedy. Hux knew it was a trap, he doesn't even have the force helping him.

Ren breaks off from the pack. He steps into an adjacent room. Two troopers stands guard while Hux waits outside with a disdainful glare.

Something on the floor catches Ren's eyes. He leans down to pick up the gold dice. Turning them over in his hand, he recalls them hanging from the Milennium Falcon. His father's voice rings in his ears.

"They've always brought me good luck." Han chuckles with a young Ben on his lap.

The youngling bounces excitedly. "When I grow up will they bring me good luck too?"

"Maybe, " Han takes the dice and hangs them on a lever. "if you're worthy."

Ren looks up as the force reveals the last of the Resistance boarding the Falcon. Jaina freezes at the bottom of the ramp. She feels her brother's gaze on her. She glances at Rey who also stops at the top of the ramp.

Ben sees them together, fleeing.

Don't go. Stay with me.

Jaina's heart aches from the pitiful plea. Rey hesitates. The bond she feels with Ben is strong. She wants to go to him but not like this.

Not this way. She turns her attention to Jaina. Rey feels her need to help her twin. "I still need you."

Jaina breaks contact with her brother and walks up the ramp. "I'm with you."

Rey looks one last time at Ben.

Don't run away.

Goodbye Ben. She shuts the door of the Falcon, severing their connection.

Ren jolts from the connection ending. He looks down at the dice in his hand. It disappears just like the illusion of Luke. He clenches his fist.

You're not worthy. Not yet.

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The Falcon glides out of the atmosphere and into hyperspace. The mood is jovial inside. Everyone let's out a sigh of relief. They made it, they're safe.

Chewie hugs Leia tightly. BB-8 excitedly chirps to Rey. She plays with his antenae.

"It looks good."

Poe steps closer to her and his droid. "Hi."

She stands. "Hi."

"I'm Poe." He offers his hand.

"Rey."

"I know." He gives her one of his charming smiles. "Thank you for what you did."

Rey blushes. "It wasn't ..."

"I don't mean the rocks." He glances at Jaina talking to Finn. "I know you saved her."

Rey follows his gaze. "She saved me."

"You're good for one another. She's been..." He rubs the back of his neck. "well, she's been a bit lost lately but I can tell she's finding her path with you. She's more at peace when you're around."

"I need her too." Rey smiles.

Finn opens a drawer searching for a blanket. He runs his hands over some old books. They catch Jaina's eye.

"What do you got over there?"

Finn grabs a blanket. "I need this for Rose."

Jaina nods. She waits until he's gone to reopen the drawer. The books call to her and she pulls one out. The language is an old one, but she recognizes it as a Jedi transcript.