Saving the Monster

Chapter 20

They began the slow process of loading the newest resistance members onto the two transports they had.  More flocked onto the Falcon, Chewbacca roaring his objections.

Between the three ships they had taken over half the people and Rey felt far more positive as she strapped herself into the Falcon next to Finn and they chatted to the new faces onboard whilst Poe and Chewbacca flew upfront.

The talk was fighting talk, everyone wanted the First Order broken apart and everyone wanted Kylo Ren dead. Everyone that was except Rey, she wanted Ben Solo, she wanted the man whose emotions she had felt, she wanted him, not the monster.

Finally Ajan Kloss came into view, its tall palms and bright green bracken a welcome sight after the sands of Jakku.

Leia was waiting to greet them along with R2 D2, C3PO and a very excited Rose who jumped into Finns arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as they kissed. Rey came down the ramp after Finn and Leia embraced her, pulling back to look at her, her face serious, "Are you alright?"

"Of course she is and you will be too when you see what we've got". Poe said as he excited the Falcon next with Chewbacca, BB8 rolling up to greet him. Just at that moment the tree tops began to sway and two more transports landed next to the Falcon.

Leias eyes flew to meet Poes and then she watched in disbelief as twelve people excited the Falcon, led by Zorri and Babu. Another twenty came from each of the two transports and Leia clapped her hands together in delight, "You've done it, you've sparked the flame, we're saved"

"This is only half of them General, we'll leave right away to collect the others" Poe said proudly, standing tall as he watched people filter into the base, led by Connix.  Next to Poe Zorri coughed, "Oh and this is Zorri" Poe added.  Zorri coughed again, shooting a meaningful glance in his direction, her eyes narrowed within her mask.  Poe rolled his eyes, "Zorri led us to these people"

Leia smirked as she stepped forwards and took Zorri's hand in hers, "So we have you to thank.  Thank you".

The food and engine parts were carried off the Falcon and then it, and the two transports, readied to leave.  Rey was staying, by Leias request more than anything.  She noted that Rey was pale and tired looking and instructed her to bathe and then get some rest.

For once Rey was far too tired to argue her Generals decision and she headed down to the peace of the lake to wash.

The water was cool and soothing after the heat of the desert. Rey tilted her head back, allowing the cool water to rinse her scalp. She closed her eyes, listening to the sound of blood pumping in her ears. Had she soothed him? Had she soothed the Supreme Leader of the First Order? Her supposed enemy? It had certainly felt that way.

Again an unhealthy urge to go to him bubbled up in Rey's mind. He was suffering, quite clearly torn, quite obviously lonely. If she went to him, if she was able to offer him real comfort then he might turn, he might breakdown and become the man she'd seen in her vision.

Rey's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Poe, his hand held to his eyes this time, partially blocking his view of her.

"Not looking!" He announced.

Rey laughed but ducked down in the water just to be sure that her modesty was covered, "What's up?"

Poe risked a peek, lifting his hand away fully once he knew Rey was covered, "All the new people are here now, they're settling in and then Leias holding a meeting, wants everyone in the main control room in one hour"

Rey nodded, "Thanks, I'll be there"

Poe nodded his head once as he turned to walk away and then stopped, glancing back at Rey, "It was good to have you out there with us, you know on the Falcon. You should come out more, keeps the group balanced"

Rey gathered that Poe was paying her a compliment by saying that she kept them balanced.  She knew that usually there was a lot of arguments, especially between him and Finn, she knew that because every time Finn came back he would wax lyrical for a good half hour about all the ways Poe had upset him. 

Rey nodded her thanks and then watched until Poe had disappeared into the trees, before holding her breath and sinking under the water.