Let the Light In

Chapter 2: Apprehension

Chapter 2: Apprehension

Rey didn't know what to expect, but an empty control room with only the emergency lights lit was a surprising turn of events. Only as her eyes adjusted to the light could Rey make out a huddled figure at the central hologram emitter. Chewie growled softly, an endearment, and the figure immediately regained composure that was unmistakeably General Leia Organa's. Chewbacca gave Rey a gentle nudge forwards, and when Rey made to rebuke him for it, he had already left the room.

The General paused for a moment, and Rey got the feeling that she was grappling with maintaining her poise, but when she turned, Rey saw no hint of grief or unrest on her face. Instead, the once-Princess exuded a strength that Rey felt could only come from years of hard choices and haunting decisions. Rey couldn't imagine what this woman must have seen and done to warrant that kind of unwavering will.

"Finally," the General surprised Rey with her gentle, even motherly, tone, "I can officially become acquainted with the girl I've heard so much about." She gestured to a chair beside hers, also haphazardly pulled to the emitter. "Sit, please. Rey, was it?"

Rey sat shakily on the chair she was shown, "Yes, General."

She flapped her hands at Rey, jerking her head back and forth, "Oh no please, none of that dear. Leia will do just fine." Leia surprised Rey again by actually smiling at her with just the faintest tinge of vivacity, "These are not working hours, nor do I currently have an oversized-death ball aiming its payload at my head. And you'd be surprised just how often that's happened."

Rey couldn't suppress a tiny laugh, "I believe you Ge- Leia."

Leia chuckled with her, but then was silent for a time before speaking again, "Rey," she seemed to be picking her words with care, "I'm truly sorry if this opens wounds but, I find myself needing to know. Whatever did my son want with you?" Her gaze pierced Rey to her core.

Rey knew something along these lines had been coming, and she was certain the conversation was going to get a lot worse. Thankfully, there was no pressure against her mind, and the 'bond'- for lack of a better word, though she loathed it- was mercifully silent.

"He wanted the map," Rey answered flatly.

Leia cocked a brow, "But why you, and not a much easier to manage droid? I hardly think a Bolo-ball-sized astromech would be hard to catch out in the woods, as a pose to something that is capable of shooting back." Somehow, Rey got the sense that Leia was looking for a very specific answer, and Rey knew she would fast tire of such games.

She sighed, "I don't know. All I know is he wanted the map. I won't pretend to know what Kylo-"

"Ben."

"-Ben wanted with me beyond that. Though he sure had a fun time picking around inside my head, till I kicked him out, that is." Rey could still taste how sweet it had been, to find his insecurity and get him with it.

But Rey felt guilty when Leia flinched at her words.

"I'm sorry, Rey. I haven't forgotten what he's become." Grief flickered across General Leia's face. It had been brief, but Rey had not missed it. "Or what he's done."

"Leia-" What could Rey ever say that would lessen this blow?

"No. I haven't forgotten. Nor will I. But this does not mean I don't want him back home."

Rey felt pity for the woman in front of her, but the certainty with which Leia spoke almost made Rey feel as if her pity was misplaced.

"Did Ben know you were Force-Sensitive when he captured you?" Leia asked, quickly diverting back to her questions.