Rey woke slowly, her head pounding as the disorientation faded. The room was dim and silent. Her wrists and ankles were bound to a metal chair, the restraints biting into her skin. Instinctively, she tried to move, but the binds held firm. She took a deep breath, centering herself as she reached out with the Force, trying to feel her surroundings.
The room was different from the rest of the temple. The ancient stone walls had given way to something more modern, cold metal, the kind used in military installations. She sensed people outside the door. She flexed her arms, testing the restraints again, but it was no use.
The door hissed open and a man entered the room. He was tall, slender, and his gray skin reminded her of ash. His hair was red and his brown eyes were cold and emotionless. She had never seen anyone like him. He studied her for a moment before stepping closer.
Rey reached out with the Force, probing his mind gently, searching for any trace of his identity. It hit her quickly, the name coming to her with a sharp clarity.
"Mar Corrik," she said.
He smirked, as if he had been waiting for her to say his name. "Rey Skywalker," he replied. "You don't belong here, Jedi."
"You sent assassins to kill Senator Connix."
Mar sighed and shook his head, as though disappointed by the simplicity of the accusation. "Galactic governments rise and fall, all the while, Jedi and Sith manipulate the Force, bending the galaxy to their will. The Path of the Open Hand seeks to put an end to this cycle."
"The Jedi do not manipulate the Senate," she said. "We are simply trying to help people in need, to protect them from those who would abuse power, people like you."
"Help people? The Jedi came here, to Dalna, 400 years ago during an event we refer to as the Night of Sorrow. Soldiers of the old Republic massacred my ancestors, with the help of the Jedi. You call yourselves peacekeepers, but all I see are the seeds of the next Empire."
Rey felt her temper rising as she listened.
"Who will hold you accountable, Rey Skywalker, when you and your partner, Kylo Ren, grow hungry for more power? The Jedi and Sith are two sides of the same coin."
Her hands clenched, her knuckles turning white as her temper flared. "You know nothing of me, or Ben Solo," she said through gritted teeth. "The Jedi don't seek power, we protect those who can't protect themselves."
Mar's face remained calm. He took a step back, his gaze fixed on her. "If the New Republic senators plan to continue using Jedi as soldiers, we will need to send another message. This time it will be harder to ignore." Without another word, he turned and exited the cell. The door slammed shut with a cold, metallic thud, leaving Rey alone once again.
She closed her eyes, trying to control the anger rising within her. Mar Corrik's words echoed in her mind, stirring doubt. But she pushed them aside. She needed to focus on escaping. She could feel Ben's presence, distant but strong, and she reached out through the Force, sending a message.
I've been captured.
—
Ben was standing in the cockpit of the Falcon. The sun was rising over the horizon, casting a soft orange glow across the landscape, his mind was fixed on Rey.
On my way.
He immediately moved toward the controls, ready to power up the ship, but her next words stopped him.
No, wait for backup. There are too many of them.
Ben hesitated, his instincts screaming at him to go to her right away, but Rey was calm and collected. She had a plan, and as much as he wanted to charge in lightsaber blazing, he trusted her judgment. He took a deep breath, pacing for a moment before reluctantly agreeing.
Alright, I'll be close by.
—
Senator Connix walked into Finn's ship, her security team close behind, BB-56 trailing dutifully at her heels. The pink and white droid chirped softly as it rolled onto the sleek metal floor.
Finn and Link greeted them as they entered. "How did it go?" Finn asked.
"We successfully blocked the bill," she said. "The Senate won't be expanding the New Republic Security Force. Not for now, at least."
Finn let out a sigh of relief. It was one battle won, though he knew there were more to come.
"Good," Finn replied. "That's one less thing we need to worry about."
Daro, standing beside Kaydel, crossed his arms and cleared his throat. "We should get moving, Senator. We need to head back to Dulathia."
As he said this, C-3PO rushed into the room, his metallic footsteps clattering loudly as he hurried over, hands raised slightly in a panicked flurry.
"Master Finn! I have terrible news. Mistress Rey has been captured by Mar Corrik!"
Finn's heart skipped a beat. For a moment, he stood frozen, the words hitting him like a punch to the gut. Rey was strong, she could handle herself in almost any situation, but he was still worried.
The droidcontinued, "Master Solo has also reported that Mar Corrik is planning a military strike on Chandrila."
Link spoke up. "We need to go to Dalna."
Finn took a deep breath, his instincts pulling him in two directions. Rey needed help, that much was clear, but so did Kaydel. She was still a high-profile target, and getting her back to Dulathia safely was paramount.
"We need to get the Senator back to Dulathia first," Finn said. "She's still in danger. Once she's safe, we can go help Rey."
"No." Kaydel stepped forward. "We're going to Dalna, now. All of us."
Finn was surprised by her response. He knew Kaydel was brave, but he didn't expect her to want to charge headfirst into a potential warzone. "Kaydel, that's too dangerous. You've already been targeted multiple times. If we don't get you somewhere safe..."
"Rey is my friend," she interrupted. "She's saved my life more times than I can count. I'm not sitting this out. I refuse to stand by while she's in danger. We're going to Dalna."
She looked at Daro and he gave a firm nod.
Finn rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of responsibility press down on him. They were all right, Rey needed them, and every second they wasted was another moment she was in danger. But the risk to Kaydel was real. If anything happened to her, it could destabilize the entire New Republic, not to mention the personal guilt he'd carry.
But she wasn't backing down. He could see it in her eyes, she wasn't asking for permission. She had already made up her mind.
He exhaled, knowing that arguing further would be pointless. "Alright," Finn said, meeting her gaze. "Let's get moving."
BB-56 beeped in agreement, and Link smiled, clearly eager to get into the action.
—
The cell door opened, and three guards entered, their blaster rifles at the ready. They wore no hoods now, revealing their faces. One was a dark-skinned human man, another was a green-skinned rodian man, and the last was a pantoran woman. Rey remained still, her mind focused, though her body still ached from the stun shot that had knocked her out earlier. She could sense their emotions, duty, fear, and something darker, an undercurrent of fanaticism that worried her more than their weapons.
The rodian circled around her, moving silently until he was behind the chair. She could hear the soft click of a button, and suddenly, her wrist cuffs detached from the arms of the chair. The metal binders snapped together in front of her, securing her wrists together with magnetic force. At the same time, the ankle cuffs clicked open, releasing her legs.
"Get up," the pantoran woman commanded.
Rey rose to her feet and asked, "Where are we going?"
The human guard shoved her forward roughly. "Quiet."
Her jaw tightened, but she obeyed, knowing it wasn't the time to resist, not yet. The door slid open, and the guards flanked her as they moved into the dimly lit stone corridor. They walked in silence, the guards keeping close watch. Rey's senses were alert, her mind stretching out with the Force, feeling the space around her, feeling for Ben. She reached out gently, her thoughts brushing against his.
Something is happening.
—
Ben, standing far outside the temple, was already watching the structure closely. He had positioned himself near the treeline, concealed but with a clear view of the building. As he looked on, a massive rumbling noise broke the stillness, and to his astonishment, part of the stone building began to shift. It was a gigantic hangar door. It opened slowly, groaning under its own weight, revealing the hangar inside.
The Path is preparing to leave. We can't wait for Finn. I'm coming in.
Ben ran across the clearing, making his way toward the side of the temple. Two guards stood at the smaller entrance, and as he rounded the corner of the building, they spotted him.
"Halt!" one of the guards barked, raising his blaster.
Ben didn't slow down. His hand shot up, and with a flick of his wrist, both guards were yanked off the ground by the Force. They hung in the air for a brief second before he slammed them into the stone wall. The guards crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Without hesitation, Ben ignited his lightsaber and began cutting through the metal door, sparks flying as his weapon carved a molten path.
—
Inside the hangar, Rey was led forward, the guards flanking her as they approached the center of the enormous space. The scene around her felt chaotic. Soldiers, technicians, and pilots moved in all directions, loading supplies and weapons onto transports. Starfighters were being prepped for launch.
The guards stopped in the middle of the hangar, and Rey's attention was drawn to the tall figure standing at the center of it all. Mar Corrik was waiting for her. His slender form was wrapped in dark, flowing robes, his presence commanding but calm.
"What's going on?" Rey asked, trying to buy time as her eyes scanned the room, looking for weaknesses and exits.
"We are abandoning this base, and you, Jedi, are coming with us."
Rey's eyes flickered around, taking in the sheer number of soldiers in the hangar. There were hundreds, and she could sense even more in the levels beneath. Fighting her way out alone was impossible. But she could sense Ben. He was getting closer.
Mar gestured toward a large transport ship nearby. "Get her on the transport."
Just as they began to move, Ben dropped down from above. His hand shot out, and a wave of Force energy surged through the hangar, sending the three guards flying away from Rey. They slammed into the side of the transport, knocked unconscious by the impact.
Before anyone could react, Ben turned toward Mar and sent another powerful shove through the Force. He slid backward, gracefully remaining on his feet, his robe billowing as he steadied himself. Ben moved quickly to Rey's side. He ignited his lightsaber and brought it down, cutting through the magnetic binders around her wrists.
"Thanks."
Ben unhooked another hilt from his belt, and held it out. Rey blinked in surprise. It was Luke Skywalker's lightsaber.
He handed it to her. "You might need this."
Rey took it, igniting the green blade. Blaster fire erupted from all sides as the Path soldiers opened fire. Rey and Ben moved as one, deflecting the incoming shots with ease. The green and blue blades whirled through the air, redirecting the bolts back toward their attackers. Soldiers fell as their own weapons were turned against them.
"We need to get to the exit," Ben shouted.
Rey nodded, and they sprinted toward the doors. More soldiers poured into their path, trying to block their escape. Rey reached out with the Force, her mind focused on the five men in front of them. With a simple gesture, she threw them all aside like rag dolls, clearing the way forward.
They burst through a door, out into the open air. Rey felt a dark presence behind them. She turned just in time to see Mar Corrik leaping into the air. His agile form soared over their heads, and he landed with a heavy thud, blocking their path forward. Rey's eyes widened in surprise.
"Did he just..." she started.
Ben's eyes narrowed. "He's a terrelian. They jump high."
Mar Corrik stood tall, and in his hand, he held Rey's lightsaber. He ignited the yellow blade.
"I wasn't planning on killing you, Skywalker. But you've left me no choice."
They charged at him together, their lightsabers humming as they closed the distance. His blade met theirs with a clash of energy, and the sound of their strikes echoed through the clearing. Rey moved with fluid grace, her green blade dancing through the air as she tested Mar's defenses. Ben was more aggressive, each of his strikes meant to overpower their foe.
But Mar was fast, faster than either of them had expected. He moved like a shadow, blocking their attacks with precision, the yellow blade flashing as he parried and countered.
As the battle raged, more soldiers poured out of the temple, moving to surround them. Rey and Ben fought on, but it was clear they were outnumbered.
Ben connected to Rey. We need to end this now.
With a fierce growl, Ben reached out with his free hand, attempting to hurl Mar aside with the Force. But Mar anticipated it. He reached down, digging his long fingers into the ground, holding himself in place. Ben's eyes widened.
"I will end the Jedi," he growled, "and make sure the galaxy is never ruled by Force-wielders again."
They were completely surrounded now, an army of soldiers closing in from all sides. Blaster rifles were aimed at them, ready to fire. Rey's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing as she tried to find a way out.
Then, a low rumble filled the air. It grew louder and louder, and suddenly, the sky above them was filled with ships. Dozens of New Republic shuttles flew low overhead, their engines roaring as they descended toward the clearing. The ramps began to lower before they even landed, and New Republic soldiers poured out, blasters raised.
Finn's shuttle swooped down toward the battlefield, its sleek frame gleaming in the light of the sun. As it passed overhead, the ramp opened, and two figures leaped out, landing with a thud behind Mar Corrik.
Finn and Link stood tall, their lightsabers igniting in unison. "Need some help?" Finn asked, a slight smile on his face.
Rey smiled in relief, her grip tightening on Luke's lightsaber. "You're just in time."
The New Republic soldiers spread out, engaging the Path's forces in a fierce battle. Blaster fire filled the air as the two armies clashed, but Rey's focus remained on Mar Corrik. The Path's leader still stood, holding Rey's yellow blade as he faced Rey, Ben, Finn, and Link.
"You're outnumbered, Mar," Ben said.
Mar Corrik's eyes flashed with anger. "I've faced worse."
Rey stepped forward. "This ends now."