Chapter Summary: Rey and Ben come to an agreement about the future.

Rey walks swiftly through the halls of the dreadnought, eyes forward. It's less crowded on the top floor but there are still people about— groups passing in twos and threes, droids whizzing by, a unit of Stormtroopers just ahead.

Rey tucks her chin as the unit approaches. They march by in a steady cadence, a wall of white armor. They're barely past when she hears the sergeant.

"Eyes forward!" He barks. "Another man looks back, and it's double PT for the rest of the week!"

Rey sighs, slowing her pace.

She's starting to dread passing troopers, only because this happens every time. No matter what she does, at least one turns to look at her, then immediately gets yelled at. The first day she was here, some would halt outright, their comrades running into their backs.

Poor things… They can't quell their curiosity, and she can't hide who she is. Apparently, most troopers are rabid fans of A New Hope, unable to distinguish the real Rey from the version they know in the radio show. When they pass by without a sergeant, they often stop to stare or wave, a few coming up to pepper her with questions.

To be honest, she's charmed by the attention. Most are sweet if a little over-eager, and she enjoys glimpsing the personalities beneath the helmets.

Rey scans the hall for more troopers, but all she sees are officers. Most look away when she catches their eye, but a few stare boldly, their faces like stone.

You don't belong here, they seem to say. You're a stain on this ship.

Rey fights the urge to look down.

She's no stranger to being hated. She's felt hatred from slavers, even people in the Resistance, but this is different. There's a purity in the way these officers look at her, as though hating her is what gets them out of bed in the morning.

She closes her eyes, reaching out through the Force. The only voices are whispers, but if she concentrates, she can catch snippets.

"… Resistance scum on the Supremacy…"

"… Ren might as well surrender …"

"… Did you hear he dismissed Sykes?"

"… Promoting lower-ranked garbage…"

Rey opens her eyes to catch an officer's glare.

He immediately looks away.

She shivers, wrapping her arms around herself. She searches the hall for warmth, anyone doesn't hate her, focusing on two women walking her way. One's whispering to the other but she quiets as Rey gets closer.

The women pass in silence.

Rey reaches out to sense their emotions, resentment and anxiety.

Her lips twist grimly.

Could be worse. At least they don't look at her like she's personally responsible for every decision Ben makes.

Rey takes a deep breath. For a moment, she tries to imagine what it's like to be one of these officers, to catch sight of someone who triggers all their insecurities about their place in a rapidly changing organization.

She lets her breath out.

She can't blame them, really. She'd feel the same if she were in their position. Since Ben retook the Order, he's initiated a massive restructuring replete with promotions and demotions, a few being dismissed altogether. The officers have borne the brunt of upheaval with Ben intent on weakening Hux loyalists. What was it he called it the other day?

"A purge of the old guard."

That's right, Empire enthusiasts who prefer a brutal method of rule.

It's not like Rey disagrees with the decision. Ben's been dying to do something like this, and with Hux out of the way, he finally can. He's eager to move forward with his vision for the Order, mold the organization into something different than it was.

But is now really the time for so much change? The First Order's gone through so much already, from one style of leadership to the exact opposite then back again all within a month. They've barely had time to recover…

Rey hasn't said anything, though. Truth is, the Resistance is going through the same thing. These upheavals have affected them too, challenged their convictions and sense of purpose. It's like they all have whiplash, and now they're scrambling to reorient themselves to the new terrain.

Last week, the Resistance was the target of total war, Hux ripping apart the galaxy to get to them. This week, Ben invited Resistance leadership to the Supremacy to publicly acknowledge their role in the coup.

Everyone went insane trying to interpret this, not just the Resistance but the whole galaxy, the same question on everyone's lips.

What now? Is the war over or will things go back to the way they were?

Rey squares her shoulders, picking up her pace.

If she has anything to say about it, everyone will have that answer by the end of the day.

She charges around a corner but nearly trips when she runs straight into a BB unit.

The droid jerks back, cursing in beeps and whirs.

"I'm so sorr—" Rey stops. "Wait a minute…" She scowls at the droid. "Why don't you watch where you're going, huh?"

The droid eyes her through its photoreceptor, beeping once.

Her jaw drops.

The droid rolls past, nonchalant.

"What did you just call me!?" She whips around.

It ignores her, rolling away.

Rey gapes.

Why are First Order droids so mean? Is it just her, or they like that to everyone?

She jerks around, making a mental note to ask Ben about this. That's not her first unpleasant encounter with a droid on this ship, and she's starting to get the feeling it's part of their programming.

She folds her arms, continuing down the hall.

It might just be something she'll have to get used to. If all goes as planned, she'll be spending a lot of time with the First Order from now on, and she'll need to learn to navigate its culture.

Just like that, there's a clench in her belly. She hardens, trying to squelch the feeling.

No luck. It grows, fists of anxiety spreading to her chest and limbs.

She's not nervous about meeting with Ben, at least not too much. She's pretty certain what the outcome will be, but it won't be an easy conversation. She's practiced with Leia, though, has the talking points fresh in her mind, so she feels prepared.

No, it's what comes after that really has her in knots. She feels like she's about to climb a mountain, looking up at the base to see it stretch so high she can't see the peak.

She takes a slow breath, clinging to Leia for comfort.

"It's not like I'm throwing you to the wolves." Rey pictures the older woman sitting back in her chair. "There'll be a transition period, a long one, where I'll serve as your mentor. We'll do this together until you're ready to move forward on your own."

Rey nodded, but Leia must've sensed her uncertainty.

"Rey…" She got that motherly tone. "You're ready for this."

"That's not what everyone else will think."

"So?" Leia shrugged. "No one thought I was ready when I took my father's place in the Senate, but that just made me all the more set on proving everyone wrong." She got a sly look. "Stubbornness can be an attribute as much as a flaw, you know…"

Rey managed a smile.

"Listen." Leia reached for her hand. "No matter what, you're going to be nervous, terrified even, and that's good. It means you're not going into this blind. You know how hard it will to be, and because of that, you won't get discouraged when things get rocky because you knew it would be that way."

Rey sighed, nodding.

"You'll take setbacks in stride and success too, staying fixed on the long game."

"A very long game." Rey widened her eyes.

"Your legacy." Leia squeezed her hand. "Your destiny, you and Ben's. Things will never be the same after this. You two are about to redefine the meaning of diplomacy. Truth be told…" She sat back. "I'm a little jealous."

"Don't be. If we make it to the end of this, it'll be your victory as much as ours. You're the one who came up the plan."

"We did." Leia dipped her chin. "And trust me when I tell you there will be many revisions, starting in…" She looked to her chrono, then balked. "Right now." She rose from her chair. "Come on. Let's not keep the leaders waiting."

Rey stood slowly, her nerves already on edge.

"Mask on." Leia tapped her chin. "A confident front's half the battle."

Rey schooled her features.

"Atta girl." Leia winked, then turned for the door. "Connix!" She called as soon as she was in the hall. "I hope you're well-rested because this meeting will go overtime, I guarantee it."

That turned out to be an understatement.

The leadership met until well into the night, people nodding off in their chairs. Leia had to call a break so they could catch some sleep, then resume in the morning. It was hours of yelling and fist slamming, heated back and forths followed by quiet tension. People questioned Rey's sanity and Leia's too, threatened to leave the Resistance, split the organization in half. More than once, Rey was certain they wouldn't get enough votes, that she'd be forced into an impossible position.

But just as many times, she read the room and swelled with hope. There was a change in many of the leaders, pliable where they were once rigid. It's difficult to say what caused the shift…

Maybe it was the strike, seeing the loyalty Ben inspires in his people.

Maybe it was his announcement that he was dismantling the weapon on Starkiller and declaring all such weapons illegal.

Or maybe it was just seeing him in person— how he treated his mother with respect, defended the people of the First Order, showed genuine concern for their lives.

Whatever it was, it made all the difference. When it came time to vote, they got the majority they needed to push the plan through.

It was close, though. Very close. Ultimately, it came down to a single person, one vote that tipped the scales.

No one was more surprised than Rey at who it was.

"I didn't do this because of him," Poe told her afterwards. "I did it for Daja and Finn and all people in the First Order who might not be murderous assholes, but…" He stuck a finger in her face. "If this doesn't work, I'll be the first one in an X-wing dropping bombs on dreadnaughts, understand?"

"That's fair." Rey nodded. "But it won't come to that. I promise."

"We'll see…" There was warning in his tone.

Rey rubs her hands together, too caught in her thoughts to notice her surroundings. She only looks up when she realizes she's close, not by sight but feeling. It's easy to get lost on the Supremacy with its uniform halls, but she doesn't need to know her way around to find Ben.

She could find him anywhere.

She turns from the main hall into a narrower one, dim lights along the floor and ceiling. Troopers stand guard at regular intervals, turning to watch as she passes. An officer stands by a door at the end of the hall, absorbed in his datapad. He doesn't look up when she approaches.

Rey halts in front of him. She waits several seconds before clearing her throat.

The officer keeps his head down. He's about sixty from the looks of it, with cropped gray hair and wrinkles that suggest he rarely smiles.

"Um…" Rey shifts. "I'm here to meet with the Supreme Leader."

"You're not on the schedule." The officer scrolls through his pad.

"He's expecting me."

"You're not on the schedule."

Rey tilts her head. "Do I need to be?"

The officer's eyes slide up. "Everyone needs to be on the schedule." His tone is clipped. "All the Supreme Leader's appointments go through me, and you haven't submitted a request which means you haven't received approval which means you will not be meeting with the Supreme Leader."

Rey raises her eyebrows. "Alright…" She steps back. "But you realize he knows I'm here, and after I leave, you're the one who will have to explain why."

"And you realize there are protocols here, yes?" He shoots back. "Protocols that must be followed regardless of rank, status, or favoritism."

Rey sighs. "My apologies." She suppresses an eye roll. "I'll speak to the Supreme Leader about following protocol next time, but for now, may I be given a pass?"

The officer lowers his pad. He makes a show of deliberating, though Rey senses he's made his decision.

"You may enter." He steps to the side. "But just the once. I have to rearrange the entire schedule now, push back a dozen meetings."

"Sorry." Rey feels a slight pang. "I'll do things right next time. I know how hard scheduling can be."

The officer grumbles, returning to his pad.

Rey steps past him, pressing the panel by the door.

It whirs open to reveal a narrow corridor leading to a larger room. Rey hears voices as she enters, rounding the corner to find Ben, Sylas, and an officer standing at the end of a long conference table.

Ben's already looking for her when she enters, but Sylas and the officer turn, surprised.

"Rey!" Sylas lights up. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"You're late," Ben says curtly, but there's a smile in his eyes.

"No, I'm not." She walks up to them. "I said I'd be here in the afternoon, and it's still afternoon."

"Late afternoon."

"My meeting ran over. I'm sure you're no stranger to such things." She squints at Ben.

The officer looks uncomfortable, but Sylas is smiling and moving to towards her. "You're not on the schedule." He points at her. "I can't believe Casden let you in. What'd you do? Mind trick him?"

"I have my methods."

"Yeah, I bet." Sylas glances at Ben. He's speaking with the officer now, a square-jawed man Rey vaguely recognizes.

"I got a tongue-lashing, though." Rey tsks. "Apparently, protocol's serious business around here."

"Rookie…" Sylas shakes his head. "So green. I remember what it was like when I first got here, all the rules and regulations. You'll get used it, assuming you'll be around more often…?"

"Should be." Rey nods. "I'll know more after I talk with Ben."

"Well, that settles it. If it were up to him, you'd be moving in."

"Yes, and I'm sure everyone here would just love that…"

"Hey!" Sylas protests. "People here like you!"

Rey raises an eyebrow.

"Troopers like you. I like you."

"I suppose that counts for something, especially since your promotion." Rey nudges him.

"You heard about that, huh?" Sylas puffs up. "It's a pretty big deal. I'm co-leading the diplomatic division with Kas." He sticks a thumb to the officer. "I'm a major, now."

"Major Bonden…" Rey looks him over. "I like it. It suits you."

"You can call me Sylas." He winks. "I'm gonna try to stay humble, keep to my roots, ya know?"

"Because humility's always been your signature…"

Sylas grunts. He opens his mouth to speak but twists around when the officer calls him.

"Come along." The officer walks up, touching his arm. "We've got orders to pass down, and I want it done by 1800."

"Right." Sylas looks around, snatching a datapad on the table. "Good to see you." He turns to Rey. "Catch ya later." He scurries after the officer already rounding the corner.

Rey waits until they disappear before turning to Ben.

He's smiling now, shoulders relaxed, eyes warm.

They step forward at the same time, meeting in less than a second. Rey slips her palms up his chest, and he cups her cheek, leaning in.

"Hey, Ben!"

They jerk apart at the interruption.

"Sorry…" Sylas shrinks. "I just wanted to confirm that meeting with Voigt tomorrow. 0900, right?"

Ben nods. "Tell Casden."

"Yep!" Sylas ducks away.

Rey gapes after him. "Ben?" She looks up. "Ben? Since when does Sylas call you Ben?"

"Since I told him he could." He slides his hands around her wait, leaning in.

"Whoa, whoa." She pushes against him. "Is this a thing now? Are you going by Ben?"

"No." He jerks straight. "Only a select few may call me by that name."

"Uh huh." She narrows her eyes. "By select few, you mean me, your mother, Sylas, Rose—"

"Don't go encouraging your Resistance friends to use my given name."

"Oh, of course not." There's a glint in her eye. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"I'm serious, Rey. If I ever hear that pilot—"

Rey grips a chunk of his hair, pulling down.

His protest is forgotten the moment his lips touch hers. He wraps an arm around her, pressing close.

"I missed you," she murmurs between kisses.

"I missed you."

"It's been three whole days."

"A lifetime."

"How did we ever do it? Be apart from each other so long?"

"It was torture." He swings her to the table, lifting her onto it. "Madness. We should never do it again."

"Agreed." She wraps her legs around him.

The room fills with soft, wet sounds, their kisses hungry and impatient. Gradually, they taper, growing languid, more intentional. They often pause to smile or brush noses, enjoying the intimacy. After a minute, Rey shifts, pressing her face to Ben's shoulder, struck by a sudden urge to bury herself in him.

Strong arms tighten around her, a hand cupping the back of her head. She sighs, melting into the warmth.

Time passes. She knows it does, but she doesn't feel it. To her, the moment is suspended, the universe moving around them.

"This is strange." His voice breaks the reverie.

Rey pulls back.

"Having you here." He brushes a strand of hair from her face. "Like this. You came on a ship. You walked through the Supremacy. Everyone outside knows you're here."

"It is strange..." Her eyes glaze as she thinks about it. "It's almost like I dreamed it, like I'm here through the bond, and I'll disappear any second."

"Not funny." He rests his forehead on hers.

She smiles, closing her eyes.

A second later, she jerks straight.

"What?" He searcher her.

She doesn't answer, working out the numbers in her head. She does it once, twice, three times to be sure.

How is she just noticing this? The bond's been such a major part of her life, you'd think it would have occurred to her before now.

"It's been three weeks." She looks to Ben. "Just over three weeks."

"Since what?"

"Since the bond brought us together."

He clouds, counting silently. "It has…"

"That's not right. It's never been that long before. It usually brings us together every two weeks, sometimes less."

"Maybe… it's done." He shrugs. "Served its purpose."

She cocks an eye, doubtful.

"It makes sense, doesn't it? The bond brought us together because circumstances kept us apart, but now, circumstances have changed."

"But…" She shakes her head. "Things aren't resolved yet. There's so much to do, figure out."

"Rey." Ben grunts. "Nothing is ever resolved. Haven't you learned that by now? As long as you're still living, there's always things to do or figure out."

"Yes, but didn't you think the bond was leading us somewhere, somewhere that would feel like an end?"

"It did— here. We got rid of Hux, made the galaxy safe again, and now I can change the Order into what it needs to be. You're free to come and go as you please, and the Resistance—" He stops. "I…" Suddenly, he's less sure of himself. "I'm assuming the leadership didn't put me back in power just to destroy us."

"Ben." She dips her chin. "The Resistance helped you because Hux was tearing the galaxy apart. That does not mean they support you or the First Order."

He stiffens.

"Come on, now…" She tucks a lock of hair behind his ear. "Surely, you didn't think the Resistance was just going to shrink away, did you?"

"I…" He hesitates. "I honestly haven't thought about it much. I've been too busy here, but… perhaps we might come to some sort of agreement?"

"I'm glad to hear that." Her lips curl. "Because it's why I came today."

"Is it, now?" He cocks his head. "And here I thought you came to see me."

"That's just a benefit." She perks up, sliding her arms over his shoulders.

"Well, then…" He leans in. "I guess we should get to business."

"I guess we should." Her response is swallowed by a kiss, one becoming two, then three. "This isn't getting to business…"

"I disagree." His lips graze hers. "This very important business."

"Oh, yeah? How's that?"

"Let me show you." He trails kisses along her jaw.

"Ben…"

He runs a hand down her thigh.

"Ben…"

He nuzzles her neck.

"I'm here in an official capacity. The Resistance sent me to represent their interests."

"Is that right?" He lowers her back to the table.

"Yes."

"And what are your interests?" He nips her ear.

"They're… They're to…"

He slips a hand under her shirt.

"Ben, I'm serious." She pushes against him, trying to sit up. "The leadership spent hours hashing this out, and they're expecting an answer by the end of the day."

"Hashing out what?" He mumbles in her hair.

"All kinds of things. You're not the only one who's been restructuring."

Ben stills. He pulls back slowly, eyes narrowed. "Restructuring? What kind of restructuring?"

"Give me some space, and I'll explain."

He lingers a moment.

Then, he steps back, hands sliding from her body.

"The Resistance just passed a vote." She hops from the table. "We're making some changes to our organization."

"Like…?"

"Like…" She folds her arms. "Your mother. She's stepping down as the head of the Resistance."

He raises his eyebrows.

"And I'm taking her place."

"You?" He balks."You're the head of the Resistance?"

"Yes."

"You're the head of the organization committed to destroying the First Order?"

"Actually…" She tucks her hands behind her. "We've updated our mission. Our purpose is no longer to destroy the First Order."

He studies her, suspicious.

"It's to facilitate a transition."

"Facilitate a transition?" He grunts. "That's my mother talking."

"She is the one who came up with the plan. Well…" Rey tilts her head. "We did. Then the leadership made some revisions, took a vote, and now I'm here to present you with the terms."

"Terms for what?"

"For the end of war, and the beginning of negotiation."

His face falls even. She senses the change, a sharpening of focus. "Negotiation." He clasps his hands behind him. "And what will that entail?" He moves to the other side of the table.

Rey takes a breath.

She's ready for this. She's practiced a dozen times, with Leia and in her head, but now that the moment's arrived, a part of her seizes. Rather than fight the feeling, she lets go, insecurities crawling to the surface. They crest and break like waves, Rey watching, a dispassionate observer of emotion.

"The negotiation will come in three phases." She moves opposite to Ben. "From beginning to end, it will last fifteen years."

"Fifteen years?"

"That's just an estimate. It could take more less time depending on some variables, and given the differences between our organizations, we should expect an extension will be needed."

He narrows his eyes. For a moment, he stares, his face a mask. "These phases…" He starts to pace. "Tell me about them."

"Phase one…" Rey mirrors him, pacing on other side of the table. "Is accountability and reform. The First Order will open its doors and allow the Resistance to conduct of a review of its operations."

"And why would we do that?"

"Because you're in sore need of accountability." She doesn't skip a beat. "So far, the First Order has operated independently, concealing the details of its structure and practice. The Resistance believes it's time for transparency. If you intend to rule the galaxy, the galaxy has a right to know how this is being done, who you are as an organization."

"Sounds reasonable." Ben continues pacing. "But why should the Resistance be the one to conduct the review?"

"Because we're best suited for it. We're a diverse group, representing all sectors of the galaxy, and our views reflect those most concerned with First Order governance."

"Doesn't that make you biased?"

"It does," Rey concedes. "But it also lends authenticity to the review. We aren't First Order pawns or sycophants. The galaxy will trust what we have to say because they know the Order could never buy us off."

"And how will the galaxy trust that the results are fair?"

"Because we'll take steps to minimize bias."

"What steps?"

"The Resistance and First Order leadership will determine that. The review will be guided by a committee with representatives from both organizations. They'll work out the details before the review, then meet regularly to assess its progress."

"This committee…" Ben turns, pacing the other way. "They'll determine the subjects of review?"

"Yes, but the Resistance already has some ideas. For example, Finn wants to take a look at Stormtrooper recruitment and training. And Admiral Madani— you remember her."

Ben rolls his eyes.

"She's very interested in First Order negotiations, your intentions with all the resources you've been hoarding."

His shoulders tense.

"And Daja."

He halts, snapping to face her.

"She mentioned something about the Knights of Ren."

"She…" He swallows. "She did? What did she say?"

"She just told me to tell you she's in." Rey studies him. "I thought you'd know what she meant."

He appears neutral, but there's a rush inside, something like relief. "Good." He resumes pacing. "Very good. And once the review is complete, you'll release the results to the galaxy?"

"Yes, along with recommended reforms."

"You understand there are certain things that will need to be kept classified, things the Resistance won't be allowed to divulge or even examine."

"Perhaps…" Her face is careful. "But that will be determined by the committee with a two thirds majority agreeing to it."

"And if agreement can't be reached?"

"You better hope it can." She turns sharply. "Because if negotiation falls apart, the Resistance will revert to its original mission. In fact, we'll convene every three years to assess the negotiation's progress and take a vote on whether it's best to continue or achieve our goals through harsher methods."

Ben darkens.

"It's either negotiation or war. The leadership wants that made clear."

He tightens his jaw. Rey stands directly across from him, the table a rift in between. For a moment, they share a hard look.

"Rey…" He softens. "There will be things we can't agree upon. You must know that. If we're going to do this, we have to be practical, design procedures for when agreement becomes impossible."

"I know…" She says gently. "And we'll discuss that when we form the committee, which won't even happen until six months from now. We both need time to prepare, lay the groundwork so the review goes as smoothly as possible."

"This will be anything but smooth…" Ben drags a hand over his face. "First Order leadership will thrash against it, and there will be only so much I can do to minimize the backlash."

"Of course. There's no version of this that's easy, but it is possible if you and I guide our people with the right spirit."

He quirks an eyebrow.

"Ben…" She plants her hands on the table. "You and I see differently on so many things, but we've learned to listen and compromise. Now it's time to lead others to do the same. We will set the example, show everyone that conflict can be productive if the goal isn't to destroy one another but make each other better."

He looks down, quiet for a minute.

Rey steps back from the table, watching. His emotions are complex, but she senses her words struck him.

When he finally looks up, his eyes are on the wall and not her. "What's phase two?" He starts pacing again.

"Phase two…" She takes a breath. "Is reparations."

He stops dead. Suddenly, the room is cold, his demeanor sucking the warmth from it.

Rey swallows. She knew this would get harder as she went along…

"You…" She hesitates. "You and I both know that the First Order has done things, terrible things, in their rise to power. A lot of lives were lost, communities destroyed. That must be answered for."

He bows his head. Rey marvels, not for the first time, how he can seem so even when inside he's choking on pain and regret.

"So…" He starts stiffly. "This about punishment."

"No." She turns her head sharply. "It's not about punishment or even about justice. If it were, this would be a very different conversation."

He tenses.

"Ben…"

His eyes drag up.

"This isn't about blame; it's about healing. It's about moving on, not just for the galaxy but the First Order too. It's time to show everyone who you are now."

"And what's that?"

"You already know." Her lips curl. "You know what you want the First Order to become, an organization that's as compassionate as it is strong, that doesn't hide from the past but faces it."

His eyes flicker.

"The Resistance wants to help you, help transform First Order into something different than it was."

He studies her, considering. "And what exactly does the Resistance have in mind?"

She gives him a long look. "We think you should build things." She squints at him. "And not just in systems where you're negotiating for resources but places that really need it, that suffered during the First Order's rise. We'll help you identify key planets and communities, work with them to determine what they need most, and oversee your efforts to repair them. We'll train your people for humanitarian outreach and serve as intermediaries should any conflicts arise."

Ben listens silently. He doesn't say a word after she finishes, eyes on the floor.

She watches, a twist in her heart. "You're not alone, you know."

He looks up.

"I know how daunting it is to think about the past, trying to right your wrongs, but it's not just your burden to bear. Many played a part in what happened and many will be needed to move on. Let us help you. Let us be a part of building something new, together."

He softens.

She looks into his eyes, focusing on warmth in her core. The warmth rises, kindling his own until their feelings start to blend.

He gives a slight nod. "What's phase three?" He turns, resuming his pacing.

Rey takes a deep breath.

Here comes thehard part.

"Phase three…" She squares her shoulders. "Is the creation of a democratic government."

He halts. He shifts slowly to face her, eyes sharp. "Rey…" He draws out her name. "You do realize the First Order is an authoritarian organization?"

She nods.

"And you understand what that means, the philosophy behind it?"

She nods again.

"So, you understand that by asking us to participate in the creation of democracy, you're asking us to abandon our core ideology?"

She twists her lips to one side.

"No." He shakes his head. "No. I can accept the review and reparations but not this, never this."

"Why? Because the galaxy can't be under anyone's control but yours?"

"Rey, this isn't about me; it's about the First Order. I have to uphold the ideals of this organization, and we believe representative government breeds corruption and chaos."

"There are plenty of systems that maintain order just fine through the rule of a senate."

"Systems, Rey. Systems." He points at her. "Democracy can work for a cluster of planets but for the galaxy?" He widens his eyes. "There are billions of planets to oversee and trying to give each one a say in governance is a farce."

"It's farce for people to have a say in how they're ruled?"

He rolls his eyes.

"It's farce for people on a planet like Jakku to worry that a leader who's hardly been there, who thinks of their home as a shithole, is in a poor position to consider their interests?"

"Rey, it's not like the Supreme Leader makes decisions without council. I have generals and advisors to keep me informed, help me understand the context for specific situations."

"Oh yeah?" She crosses her arms. "Tell me, Ben— what sector of the galaxy do most of these advisors come from?"

He stiffens.

"Or how about this— How many of them have spent more than a couple of weeks on the planets you rule, enough to truly understand their culture and values?"

He opens his mouth, then closes it.

"Because I gotta tell you, based on what I've seen, it seems the bulk of your officers are from either the Inner Rim or the Core and spend most of their time on dreadnoughts far removed from the realities of life on desperate, resource-poor planets."

"I know that," he bites. "Why do you think I'm restructuring? It's not just about purging Hux loyalists but getting fresh blood in the upper ranks, people from different sectors of the galaxy, people like Sylas."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that." She pauses. "But it's not enough."

He groans, throwing his head back.

"It doesn't change the fact that one person is in charge of making decisions that affect the entire galaxy, and even with proper advisors, there's no way you can account for diversity of perspective. You have limits, Ben." She leans into the table. "You don't know what it means to be Mon Calamari or Derosi or Kaminoan. You can surround yourself with advisors of different species, but you'll never be able to think or make decisions like they do. It's not fair." She shakes her head. "You can't act unilaterally for people you don't understand."

"And what's the alternative? Gathering representatives from a billion planets, most of whom will be richest of the population, then hoard them in an arena to vote on matters affecting systems a thousand parsecs from their own?"

She presses her lips together.

"Authoritarianism isn't perfect, but it's better than the disaster that was the galactic senate. I grew up in that circus. You didn't." He stabs at her. "You didn't watch senators argue for hours only to fail to come to a decision. You didn't hear about atrocities on planets begging for help only to see them get nothing because the senate fell short of majority vote. It's madness, and I will not plunge the galaxy into it again." He shakes his head. "The answer is no. As long as the creation of galactic democracy is part of the terms, I reject negotiation. If that means war, so be it." He turns his back to her.

Rey tightens her jaw. She senses his resolve, a wall of self-righteous obstinance.

There must be a way to get him to listen…

She brings a finger to her lip, thinking. She runs through her practice with Leia, every argument she said Ben would throw at her.

"If all else fails, hit close to home." Leia's words echo in her mind. "Something in his world."

"Ben?"

He doesn't move.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

She rolls her eyes. "Tell me." She folds her arms. "How did you get here?"

He turns slightly.

"I mean your position. How did you become Supreme Leader?"

"Succession." He shifts to face her. "Snoke was Supreme Leader. I was his apprentice, so when he died, I took his place."

"You're sure about that…?" She tilts her chin up.

"You were there, Rey. You know what happened."

"No. That's how you came to power the first time. How did you become Supreme Leader now?"

He stiffens, realizing where she's going.

"You're Supreme Leader right now…" She continues carefully. "Because a majority in this organization want you to be. In essence, they voted for you."

His face is blank, but she senses him waver.

"That must've been quite a shock to First Order ideology, huh? You believe in the chain of command, those at the top give the orders, those below follow, but you're here now because those at the bottom decided not to follow orders. That must've challenged the way the people think about authority around here, where the Supreme Leader's power comes from…?"

He eyes her coolly.

"Your authority doesn't come from being Snoke's successor; it comes from the support you earned from the majority of the Order. That's quite democratic for an authoritarian organization, don't you think?"

He hardens. "I won't deny recent events have raised questions about the nature of authority in the Order, but that does not amount to a fundamental change in our philosophy. We still believe a single sovereign is needed to maintain the rule of law."

"And who will be sovereign after you?"

The question catches him off guard.

"What's the protocol for succession— do you pick the next Supreme Leader or do the officers take a vote?"

"I…" He flusters. "I choose an apprentice to train over the course of my reign."

"Oh! I didn't know you had an apprentice. Who is it?"

"That… has yet to be determined."

"Really?" She feigns shock. "So, if you were to drop dead right now, the First Order would be leaderless?"

"No," he snaps. "In the event of my untimely death, rule would pass to the second in command, which is currently General Kas."

"Then he chooses an apprentice?"

"Rey…" Ben sighs. "That's just emergency protocol. I don't plan on dying any time soon."

"Ben, no one intends to die soon, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. You didn't intend for Hux to overthrow you, but that happened."

He bristles.

"Think about it, think about the way you felt when he locked you in that hole, the First Order yours one day, then his the next. If the past month has taught you anything, is it not how easy it is to lose control?" She widens her eyes. "If one person has all the power, the galaxy is vulnerable to coups and sudden regime changes. Democracy makes that more difficult."

"But not impossible. Or have you forgotten the past century?"

"That's… true," she concedes. "Democracy isn't invulnerable but it is more stable. Can't you see that? It's much harder to remove a group from power than it is a single person."

He huffs but doesn't retort.

"Democracy may have flaws but so does rule by dictator. What if you die before you choose someone to succeed you? What if you can't find someone fitting? What if you can, but he's overthrown by someone like Hux or Snoke? What if the galaxy knows peace under your reign but war and famine under someone else's?"

She senses a pang of doubt.

"Maybe ruling the galaxy by senate is madness but it's no less mad than putting all the power in the hands of a single person. You sacrifice stability for efficiency, not to mention fairness."

"Then, tell me." He crosses his arms. "If both forms of government are flawed, how do you choose the lesser evil?"

"Maybe you don't."

He jerks back.

"Maybe what's needed is to develop something new, something different than what's been. Just imagine it, Ben. Imagine what we could accomplish if the best of your people get together with the best of my people to study the mistakes of the past and design a government that accounts for them."

"Rey…" He rolls his eyes. "That's a fantasy, and you know it. You're talking about people whose ideologies are so different, they can't be reconciled. It's not possible."

"It's not?" She tilts her head. "It's not possible for people with opposing viewpoints to come together and over time, learn to compromise?"

His mask falters.

"It's not possible for people who think differently to develop a relationship and grow to respect each other's way of seeing things?"

His eyes soften.

"Because I think it's possible. And I think you and I are the ones to do it. I think we're meant to do it."

He holds her gaze. There's no mask now, just him, the expressiveness in his eyes. After a moment, he turns away.

Rey watches silently. She feels him working, the intensity of his thoughts.

"When you say the Resistance want to create a democracy…" He brings a hand to his jaw. "What exactly does that mean?"

"Nothing specific." She shakes her head. "Just that the galaxy won't be ruled by one person but a group, the size and composition of which will be determined by a committee of Resistance and First Order leaders. Though…" She hesitates. "To be honest, most in the Resistance assume it'll look something like the New Republic."

Ben sighs.

"But I'm hoping in time, they'll be open to other options. The last phase isn't set to begin for another decade, and by then, well…"

"What?"

"Things will be different," she answers softly. "The First Order and Resistance will have already worked together— learned to collaborate, developed collegial relations. We won't be anonymous faces anymore. It makes a difference, you know? When you don't see the opposing side as an enemy but something closer to home."

Ben looks down. For a moment, he's still.

Then, he starts pacing.

Rey watches from across the table, noting the change in demeanor— shoulders relaxed, hands clasped loosely. She feels him descend deeper in his thoughts, the kind where he runs through different scenarios, testing.

A minute passes, then another. She waits, trying to be patient.

Finally, he turns to face her. "It seems I was right."

She clouds.

"You are a good negotiator. Though…" His lips twist grimly. "When I said that, I thought you'd be on my side…"

"Ben." She instantly moves around the table. "I am on your side. I'm always on your side. Don't you know that?" She comes up swiftly, reaching out.

He's a little stiff but doesn't flinch when she cups his cheek.

"Just because we're on opposite ends of negotiation doesn't mean we're not together. That's the whole point— coming together, not just us but our organizations too. We may have different ideologies, but when it comes down to it, we all want the same thing— peace and stability, what's best for the galaxy. You know that in your heart. I know you do." She strokes his cheek. "If you think about it, this is what you wanted, isn't it? To lead the galaxy together, forge a new path for the future?"

He grunts.

"So, what do you say? Will you join me?" She squints at him. "Will you be my partner, lead the galaxy with me?"

His eyes flicker.

"Will you accept our terms, let the Resistance help you bring peace and prosperity?"

He takes a breath.

She searches him, trying to read his answer.

He's on the verge of agreement, but something's holding him back. She sees it in his eyes, a speck of uncertainty.

She fights to stay confident, but doubt creeps in, anxiety unfurling in her stomach.

He doesn't miss it.

"I accept your terms." He squares his shoulders. "On one condition."

She gulps.

Uh oh.

This isn't good… He's nervous, she can sense it, which means this condition must be something the leadership won't like. They'll have to take another vote, only this time they may not get the majority…

He steps in, eyes fixed on hers. The silence drags, and it's all she can do not to tell him to just spit it out.

He stares at her for what feels like forever.

Then, he lifts a hand to her face. "I want you to marry me."

Her jaw drops. "What?"

"I want you to marry me." He enunciates each word.

Rey gapes, bug-eyed. She tries to speak but struggles to find her voice. "W-why?"

"Because I love you." He frames her face. "And I want you as my partner, not just in this negotiation but in life. And…" His eyes tighten. "I'm better with you— a better leader, a better person."

She catches her breath.

"I'm not whole without you. We're not whole without each other, and I want the galaxy to know that. I want them to know that when things get tough, when this negotiation seems like it'll fall apart, it won't because we would never let that happen." He drops a hand to her waist, pulling her in. "Because we love each other too much."

Her eyes start to glisten.

"Marry me," he whispers, close to her face. "Be my wife, my partner, my home. Just be with me."

Tears trickle down her cheeks, but she hardly notices. Her heart's so full all she can feel is that heavy pain, a crush of emotions.

"Yes." She nods. "I'll marry you."

She barely utters the words before he captures her lips with his.

Everything melts away as they become lost in warmth, his arms wrapping around her, her fingers weaving through his hair. He grips her so tightly he trembles, and she can feel it in the embrace— how precious she is to him, how he never wants to let go.

They only pull apart when their lungs are about to burst, and even then, they stay close. He curls a hand behind her head, and she brushes locks of hair from his eyes, enraptured in them. They're both smiling and so warm, heat rising from their bodies and their hearts.

The bond hums between them, blending their feelings into single experience, joy and release but most of all, disbelief.

This can't be real… They can't be here together, actually together, wrapped in each other's arms and on the verge of becoming one in every way possible— as leaders, as husband and wife. They'll be a political team and a family. Even their organizations are coming together. In time, perhaps they'll merge, no longer the First Order and Resistance but whatever they become through negotiation.

Suddenly, Rey gasps.

"What?"

She doesn't see Ben but an image burning in her mind, a memory from not so long ago...

It's a playing card… with a star in the center.

"The coming together of opposing forces," she whispers.

"What's that?"

"Oh." She snaps to the present. "Uh… nothing. Just something someone told me once. About destiny."

"Destiny, huh?" His lips twinge. "So, you think this is it, that we've done what the bond wanted us to do?"

"I think…" She considers a moment. "The bond lead us right where we need to be, not to the finish but the start. I think you and I will be achieving our destiny for many years to come."

He grunts. "Sounds like we have a lot of work do."

"Yes." She smiles. "Together."

His eyes crinkle. He leans in, lips grazing hers. "And what do you want?" He murmurs. "To do together? Not just negotiation, but anything?"

"Hm…" She tilts her head. "What do I want?" He stays close as she deliberates, teasing with his lips. "I know what I want," she whispers. "I want to start that haven we talked about."

He pulls away, confused.

"Remember— on the Falcon when we were looking at the Jedi texts?'

His eyes light in recognition.

"I think you were right. I think whatever breaking the mold means, it's about more than just politics. We need to explore the Force beyond light and dark, and the best way to do that is build a community where we can learn from others like us."

"Let's do it." He nods. "I'll start now, put together a team to search for Force-sensitives."

"Perfect. Thank you."

"Of course." He brushes her nose with his.

"And what about you?" She caresses his cheek. "What do you want to do together?"

He stills. The question seems to surprise him, and he takes a while to think on it, face close but eyes faraway.

Finally, he straightens. "I want to rebuild in Corellia."

"Corellia?"

"Yes. Have you ever been there?"

She shakes her head.

"It's a dump. It used to be one of the best ship manufacturers in the galaxy, but then the Empire came along and…" He sighs. "The First Order didn't help matters. But I want to restore it— clean up the cities, drive out the gangs."

"How can I help?"

"Well… there are a lot of orphans in Corellia, and the First Order isn't exactly well-suited to find homes for them. In fact…" He hesitates. "We're not exactly well-suited for that sort of work in general. You saw that in the operational camps, I know."

She presses her lips together, thinking about the slaves after invasions, what a disaster those camps were…

"Maybe the Resistance could assist in those kinds of activities until we're better prepared?"

"I think that would be a good idea." Rey nods. "I know plenty of people who would be happy to do that kind of work. I'll look into it straight away."

"Good." He sounds relieved. "Thank you."

"Just one question." She tilts her chin up. "Of all the places to start rebuilding, why Corellia?"

His face falls. Suddenly, he's cold, a clench in his heart. "It's…" He swallows. "It's where my father was from."

"Oh." Her lips part.

Of course. She should've recognized that twist of pain, deep and unforgiving.

"He hated it." His throat tightens. "But I'm going make it a planet people actually want to grow up on, a place they feel safe."

"I think your father would like that," she says softly. "And…" She gets a glint in her eye. "I think he'd also want you to build a statue of the Falcon in the capital."

Ben shoots her a look.

"Oh, come on! It's the most famous ship from the planet, is it not? It could be a symbol of pride and scrappy resilience, the ship that made the Kessel run in less than—"

"Twelve parsecs." He rolls his eyes. "I know. We all know." He turns her to the door.

"Your father loved that the ship, and what better way to honor him than— Whoa." She stops when he pushes her forward. "Where are we going?"

"Out. We have an announcement to make."

"The negotiation?"

"And the marriage." He kisses the top of her head. "The galaxy's been on edge all week wondering if we're still at war. It's time to set everyone's mind at ease."

"Right." She bites her lip. "Though I'm sure a lot of people in the Order won't be too happy..."

"They won't, but they'll do as I say. That's the benefit of strong chain of command."

She grunts. "I guess I'll need to get used to the way things work around here… Oh! Speaking of which…" She twists around. "I need an office on the Supremacy."

"An office?" He guides her forward.

"Yes. And quarters. I'll be spending a lot of time here, and I need a place to stay. You can have the same in the Resistance, if you like."

"Quarters, huh?" He leans in behind her. "Sorry. No spare quarters. You'll have to stay with me." He presses a kiss by her ear.

"I think I can live with that…"

They're both smiling when they get to the door.

Ben presses a panel, and they walk into the hall.

"Sir!" The officer outside steps back. "I've rearranged your schedule. The meeting with—"

"Cancel the rest of the meetings. We'll discuss rescheduling in the morning."

The officer stiffens, but Ben doesn't see it. He takes Rey's hand, squeezing gently as they start down the hall. She tries not to smile as they walk, but she can't help it.

The troopers standing guard turn to watch as they pass, gaping in their helmets.

Leia knows when her son announces the negotiation.

It's not because she sees the holo. She hasn't even touched the holocaster since noon, cloistered in the silence of her office.

It's not because Connix tells her, either. She gave the lieutenant explicit instructions to keep everyone out.

No, it's the console. About an hour ago it started going crazy, red and blue flashing signaling incoming comms.

She hasn't answered a single one. She probably has a thousand messages by now— from allies, corporate partners, heads of state.

She sighs, glancing up from her datapad.

She'll get to them later.

She spent all last night and this morning in the meeting of the century, a dozen admirals yelling at her. The last thing she needs is more talking. She isn't taking comms, messages, anything.

Leia's always prided herself on being available, but every now and then, a leader has a right to some peace and quiet.

That doesn't stop her from eyeing the console, though. She looks at those red and blue flashes and wonders who's sending the comms, what they have to say…

Surely, some just want to congratulate her. There are plenty in the galaxy who'll be thrilled to hear about the end of the war.

Some will be inquiring about demilitarization, if their X-wings and battle cruisers will soon be on the market.

And some will be furious, certain she's just condemned the galaxy to millennia of oppression and war-mongering.

Leia sets down her datapad. She stares at the console a moment, then shifts to the opposite wall. It's tastefully decorated with art, gifts from friends and allies. She studies each piece, trying to remember the faces, the stories…

The console keeps flashing behind her. She sees flecks of red and blue in the gilded tapestry from Andalia.

Leia closes her eyes, letting her surroundings melt away. She turns her attention to the energy inside her, the thrum of life and death, hope and loss.

Her lips curl.

She's learned over a lifetime of stress how to spirit away from the present moment, retreat to an inner haven. Sometimes she just meditates, feeling the Force within. Sometimes she revisits old memories, ones that give her peace.

That seems like the order of the day. Where shall she go this time?

In an instant, an image fills her mind— a forest under a canopy of stars, bonfires stretching as far as the eye can see, little ewoks dancing around them.

Leia grunts.

Of course, that's what she would think of now.

She relaxes as the memory washes over her, not just the images but the feelings. She sees Han and Luke and Lando, all so young, Rebellion fighters and pilots, smiling and laughing, their hearts so full they could burst.

What a night it had been, what joy and release. They'd finally done it— defeated the Emperor, destroyed the Empire, brought peace to the galaxy. They were so relieved, so satisfied, flushed with a sense of resolution— it was all over.

She bows her head.

Oh, how wrong they'd been…

She's wiser now, too battle-hardened to fool herself into believing this negotiation is the end of things. The war may be over, but victories breed new challenges, sometimes harder than the ones before. There's work to be done, pitfalls to look out for, and she of all people needs to be aware of that. There will be no dancing around bonfires for her this time.

Still… There are things to celebrate.

She finally has her son back, and what a magnificent leader he's become. He's learned the value of compromise and compassion, and she can't wait to for him to show everyone he's the man she always knew he could be.

And she has Rey, the opportunity to nurture a new leader, one who will outshine her own accomplishments a thousand times over.

And she has peace, of a sort, a future where she won't have to watch her people blasted into the silence of space. The battles ahead will be hard, but they won't end in casualties, at least not those kind.

And she'll get to watch her son grow older. She'll get to watch him with Rey, see their relationship develop. Who knows? Maybe one day she'll have grandchildren…

Leia presses her lips together.

"I wish you could be here," she whispers to the silence. "I wish you could see our boy now."

She closes her eyes.

Han lingers in her mind, the way he looked the day of their wedding, every inch the rascal. She can almost smell him, feel his fingers on her cheek.

She swallows past the catch in her throat.

Her thoughts drift to another face, one just as close to her heart.

"I wish you could be here too," she whispers. "I wish you could see how it all turned out, that you didn't fail, not really."

She takes a deep breath.

I do see, Leia.

"Luke?" Her eyes snap open.

She twists around, looking right, then left, behind her…

But there's nothing. Her office is empty, the console still flashing with comms.

I see so much now.

Leia freezes in her chair.

Luke's voice is so clear in her mind, his presence strong, like he's sitting across from her.

I see time stretching forward and back. I see faces from long ago and faces that will be. And I see you, always you.

She covers her mouth with a hand.

You were the best of us. It's right that you made it this far. It's what you were aways meant to do.

Tears well in her eyes.

I wish you could see it, Leia. I wish you could see how beautiful it is. I wish you could see how everyone will look back, and they won't see violence or destruction; they'll just see you, the leaders you nurtured. They'll look at everything that's happened and remember it as the war that was won with love.

Leia gasps, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Now go. Celebrate. Spend time with your son.

She nods, wiping her face.

And your daughter-to-be.

"Daughter-to-be?" Leia shoots straight.

The next second, she's on her feet, hurrying to her commlink. She snatches it from the desk, bringing it to her lips. "Connix?"

She lowers the comm, waiting.

"Yes, General?" The answer crackles through.

"Prepare my ship."

"Yes, ma'am. Destination?"

"The Supremacy."

"Departure time?"

"As soon as possible. And Connix…" She hesitates. "Do I have a daughter-to-be?"

The comm is silent a moment.

"Yes, ma'am. You do."

Leia bites back a squeal, tensing with a rush of joy.

"Congratulations, General."

"Thank you," Leia gasps. "I'll meet you at the port."

"Heading there now. Over and out."

Leia whips around, searching her office, thinking of things she needs to do before departure.

No.

Her thoughts halt.

That doesn't matter now. Her son is what matters, her daughter-to-be…

"Daughter-to-be…" She scurries to the door.

She presses the panel and starts into the hall but stops abruptly. She turns to her office, scanning the empty room.

"Thank you," she whispers. "For reminding me what's important."

She feels Luke's answer, a swell of warmth in her core.

May the Force be with you. Always.

She smiles. For a moment, she's still, surrendering to the peace.

Then, she's out the door and into the hall, visions of a wedding playing in her mind.

Thank you for reading!

I wish you all a fabulous time at the theater next week! Remember that no matter what happens, we'll always have fanfiction. :)

May the Force be with you. Always.

*Cue Star Wars theme music*