Rey's padded boots barely make a sound on the marble floor, and yet several heads turn to look at her walking beside Luke Skywalker. Their steps are silent but swift, betraying the urgency of the call that had the two of them rushing from across the galaxy.

She catches glances of curiosity and maybe a little fear too, hidden behind the metal helmets of the guards stationed at the columns along the long hall. It is a grand structure this estate she is in. All ornate high ceilings and frescos, tall windows and marble columns. It makes the scavenger in her, the one that has followed her throughout the years of training in Luke's academy, wince at the waste of credits on such a basic need as a roof over one's head.

She steels a quick gaze at her Master. Luke's clear blue eyes are shadowed by a frown. The hood he has draped over his head hiding the rest of his tense features from curious eyes. She matches his long strides easily, the whisper of their plain, beige robes against the polished floor the only sound that betrays their presence.

Doors are parted for them to enter at the end of the hall, revealing a large chamber filled in morning light streaming through the windows. Some kind of a formal office or greeting room from what Rey can tell. In the middle of it, stands an older woman in Senator's robes who quickly turns at the sound of their entry. Next to her a golden droid whirls as well, tilting its head in acknowledgment.

"Master Luke. It is such a relief to see you so soon after the incident. Princess… Senator I mean… Leia was just telling me how much she has been looking forward to seeing you and the Jedi that will…"

A hand is raised in front of the droid silencing it.

"Not now Threepio," the woman says.

Luke's twin sister no doubt. They have no resemblance whatsoever physically. But Rey can't deny the unmistakable similarity in Force signature that the woman exudes.

She approaches Luke in a hurry and they grasp each other's forearms. "I am so glad you could make it on such short notice," she says looking up at him worriedly. "I didn't know what else to do…"

"How's Ben?"

"Lucky to be alive."

"Was he hurt?"

"Not a scratch. But Luke…"

He stares at her waiting.

"He used the Force," she says, nearly a whisper. "The Dark Side."

Rey watches as Luke clenches his jaw and tightens his grip on his sister.

"We always knew it was there, Leia. Let's be grateful he's alive. Rey and I are here to help."

Senator Leia looks at her and turns to greet her, extending her hand. "Thank you for agreeing to this," she says warmly.

Rey notices her brown intelligent eyes, so captivating in their intensity. She is nearly a head shorter than Rey but feels as if she's towering over her. Her hair is grey and twisted in an intricate braid on her head, held in place by golden pins that shine under the sun. She looks elegant. Rey clamps down the urge to run her hand through her own stringy hair still peppered in Tatooine's sand.

"It's an honor, Senator." She says wrapping her calloused fingers around the older woman's soft hand. "I'll do my best to keep him safe."

Leia smiles warily. "I'm sure you'll…"

Incoming footfall and the ruffling of heavy fabric interrupts the Senator's next words, and a man draped in Coruscant's black and purple politician's robes stalks into the room, tugging on leather gloves. He is tall. Much taller than Rey remembers him. And broad.

The man's initial stormy stride subsides as he sees who is in the room and comes to a gradual stop.

"Luke." His deep voice reverberates within the marble walls.

"Hello Ben."

The man doesn't greet back. Rey feels the intensity of his dark eyes crawl up her spine as he stares at her Master

So this is Ben Solo. How wonderful.

Rey is contemplating asking Luke right then and there to assign Nyxx to him instead. Dealing with spoiled, arrogant politicians is not her forte. She'll probably end up running her own blade through him and sparing the assassin the inconvenience of another attempt on his life.

She stifles a snort.

And then those dark eyes are on her.

"Is she the Jedi?"

"Ben…" Senator Organa steps in. "You said you would cooperate."

"I don't need their protection. I have my own men."

"… who are obviously not equipped to deal with a situation such as this. Ben… It was a Force-wielder you were up against. We'll need all the heIp we can get."

He tightens his lips as he studies Rey from the tips of her brown worn out boots to the last strand of hair sticking out from her three buns. And she sees the disdain in his features.

Of course.

"Of all the padawans in your precious academy, Uncle Luke, you decided to bring a woman to my aid."

Rey stiffens at his comment, narrowing her eyes at him but keeps her mouth shut. Yes, it would seem she will need every ounce of training she's had up until now to keep her cool around this man.

"Rey is not an padawan. She is a Jedi. And the best one I have. I would advise you not to underestimate her, Ben."

Luke's annoyance causes his nephew to chuckle coldly at him. "You are misreading my apprehension, Master Skywalker. I don't have a problem with my personal bodyguard being a female. But my betrothed will."

"Hannah is logical. She'll understand your life is more important than a few ancient traditions of her world."

"Will she, mother?" He snaps at Leia. "Or will all attempt at peace with her world and people be blown to smithereens because of your stubborn need to protect me?"

Rey feels his heavy eyes on her again. "This is a mistake," he says taking a step back. "I want another Jedi."

Luke huffs exasperated while Leia shakes her head dejectedly.

"You're not getting another Jedi," Rey's clear voice rings in the vast room for the first time. She captures his dark eyes with her hazels and watches his features turn into stone. He seems very unpleased. But Rey could care less. "You either accept my help or you don't. The decision is yours. Don't waste my time."

He remains still as a statue for a long moment, studying her while Rey holds her breath. He is nothing like the boy she remembers, she manages to think vaguely. And wonders briefly if he has any recollection of her. It doesn't seem that way because he finally breaks away, turns around and stalks towards the exit, a whirlwind of black garments following his gait.

Rey blinks, shoving the stinging of his rejection aside. No matter the years it is not a sentiment she has come to terms with. Jakku and her wretched childhood have left an ugly scar on her psyche.

He halts.

At the doors. Turning his sharp profile over his shoulder. But not giving her a single glance. "Will you be gracing me with your company, Jedi? Or should I carry on without you?"

Rey quickly reigns in her dumbfounded expression. Much quicker than Luke and Leia have, who are staring at the man with wide eyes.

She straightens her back and brushes her hand on the edge of her saberstaff perched on her back. Its presence that of a comforting friend's.

He resumes his exit and she follows his retreating back, making sure to remain two steps behind him as he makes his way down the long hall and through the heavy wooden gate. A blinding sunny day receives them along with a half dozen guards who flank their side as they head towards a ship prepping for take-off.

"Where are we headed?" She asks. He doesn't seem to hear her as he continues his hurried pace on the landing bay. That or he chooses to ignore her. Rey believes it's the later but pretends it's the first as she opens her mouth to repeat the question a little louder.

"Hosnia Prime," he informs her flatly not bothering to look at her. He walks up the ramp of his sleek ship, barely nodding at the pilot saluting him.

Rey notices the crew stiffen upon his entry or scurry to get out of his way as he stalks further inside. A man, around her age approaches him offering a datapad.

"Our guest?" He asks gesturing at her.

"My personal Jedi." His tone is borderline sarcastic and Rey presses her lips in a thin line, clenching her fists. "She'll be accompanying me to my affairs indefinitely. Find her a seat," he orders and disappears behind a set of whooshing doors. A guard comes to stand in front of them, clutching at his armed belt and signaling at Rey not to approach any further.

Insufferable man.

Rey halts in the middle of the corridor trying but failing to contain her aggravation. Crew members pass her by in their hurried preparation for take-off when she feels a light touch on her arm. It is the man who had offered Ben Solo the datapad. His smile is friendly and he raises his hand to show her the way politely.

Thank the gods.

She nearly smiles back in relief.

"Is he always like this?" She can't help but ask.

"Sometimes. Most of the time he's worse."

Ah.

"I see."

"You'll get used to him."

"I doubt that."

He chuckles. Warmly. "I'm Jeff Hudson, by the way. His public relations manager. Welcome aboard. Let me show you to your room. We'll be leaving Coruscant shortly."

"Thank you."

He escorts her to a door a few paces away setting his hand on its panel. It opens and he hands her the codes to her room, before bidding her a good rest.

Rey hesitates. "Mr. Hudson?"

"Yes?"

"What is Mr. Solo's position? I mean… What is it that he does exactly?"

He blinks at her a little startled to be honest with herself. And it makes her feel as if she's been living under a rock all her life.

"Why…He's the Governor of Coruscant, my lady. And quite possibly the next High Chancellor of the New Republic in these coming elections. Despite his young age. I figured you were aware…"

"Of course! Right." She nods enthusiastically.

Gods.

She prays he doesn't find out about this.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Hudson," she adds quickly. "If you don't mind I'd like to roam around the ship a bit. Get a feel of things."

"By all means. Senator Organa has informed me of your presence. I'll make sure you have unlimited access to all areas."

He bows curtly and departs, leaving Rey to stand alone again. She feels the ship vibrate smoothly as its thrusters lift it in the air and she glances one last time at the Governor's doors still shut like a clam with the guard standing rigidly in front of them.

She shakes her head and decides to head towards the cockpit first. Hitting hyperspace is her favorite part of space travel and she has to somehow lift her spirits after that horrendous introduction to one of the galaxies most powerful leaders.

No wonder Nyxx disappeared upon the mention of Ben Solo.

Luke should have at least prepared her for his nephew's foul personality. Or at least given her the choice to decline the assignment.

His best Jedi, my ass.

Rey huffs, blowing a strand of hair out of her face as she sets foot in the cockpit. The immaculate surfaces and latest technology screens and systems easily distracting her from her previous thoughts. Perhaps if the captain allows her to ease the ship out of the atmosphere than this whole ordeal won't be that bad.

Rey frowns, her hand resting on the smooth metal surface of the entrance.

She wishes.