--Poe--

I wouldn't necessarily call myself a ladies' man. Sure, I enjoy interacting with women, and they seem to enjoy my company as well, but I don't make them swoon on purpose. 

Okay, that just makes me sound like a douche. Let me start again.

I've never had any problem holding a conversation with anyone. I like to talk, and people generally like to listen, so it always seems to work out. That being said, I cannot for the life of me fathom why it is so damn hard for me to even form simple words around Rey. It's not like she's exceptionally beautiful. 

Wait, that sounded douchey too.

Don't get me wrong. Rey is very attractive, but there's something about the fire in her eyes and strength in the way she carries herself that is incredibly intimidating. Again, not that I don't find her attractive, but I think everyone on the base would agree that she's pretty scary.

Maybe it's that air of danger around her that draws me in. Whatever it is, it's intoxicating, and also highly distracting--hence the inability to form sentences in her presence. But, like Finn reminds me after every wistful sigh, she is way out of my league. She is a Jedi, after all. 

Which brings us here, now, to the mess hall, where I start every day with the two most important people in my life.

Rey is deep in a conversation with us about strategies. What strategies, you ask? I wouldn't know. And I couldn't care less, apparently, because it isn't until Finn elbows me in the side that I realize Rey has been staring intensely into my eyes, waiting for a response.

"Sorry, what?" Jeez, I hope I'm not drooling.

"I was just asking what you thought of my plan. Are you in?" She asks again, eyes bright.

I glance quickly over at Finn, who gives a quick little shrug. "I, uh..." Come on, Poe. Spit it out! "I...think it's a great idea."

"Really?!" She beams at me and briefly squeezes my arm. "That's so great to hear. I knew you'd be on board. I just have to inform General Organa that the mission is back on." Rey jumps up from her seat and speed walks down the corridor to the bridge.

I'm left slightly dazed and very much confused as I watch her disappear around the corner. 

"Finn, buddy?"

"Yeah?"

"What the hell did I just sign up for?"

Finn laughs. "Man, you have got to stop drooling in front of her. If she didn't know before, she definitely does now. You're not even slightly subtle anymore." He picks up his fork and scrapes it against his already empty plate, trying to get every last molecule of food.

"Knows what? What are you talking about?" I try to play it cool but I'm pretty sure acting isn't one of my talents.

"That you're in love with her," Finn taunts, drawing out the L-word like a childish, well... child.

"I don't love her," I growl, shoving away from the table. Finn laughs and jogs to catch up with me as I stomp toward the infirmary. "She's the first Jedi I've ever met. I thought they were just a myth. She's legendary, buddy. That's why I'm so interested."

Finn shoots me that stupid shit-eating grin he always does when he thinks he's being clever. "Sure, Poe. Keep telling yourself that."

The infirmary comes into view but I stop Finn before he walks away. "What did I sign up for?" 

"A mission. The big mission. You seriously didn't hear a word she said?" Finn asks incredulously.

"Shut up. Just tell me."

"Rey is going to kill Snoke. And she's taking Ren."

My blood runs cold and chills run down my spine. "WHAT?!"

"Yeah, that's what you signed up for. You're their backup."

* * * * * * * * * *

--Leia--

"Absolutely not. That is completely out of the question."

Luke's shoulders slump. "Look, Leia, I see where you're coming from. I underst-"

"No!" I snap, cutting him off. "You don't understand. You don't have children. Ben is my life. If anything were to happen to him, I wouldn't survive. I've already lost half my heart." Just the thought of Han makes my chest ache with his absence.

My brother's expression is soft now, and slightly defeated. "What do you suggest, then? Who else knows the First Order the way Ben does?" He asks.

"I-" I'm cut off by the hiss of the door sliding open. Heavy boots cross the threshold into the command center, and suddenly I'm meeting the determined gaze of my son. "Ben, what is it?"

"I'm going," he states, voice void of emotion. "Not for you, for the Resistance, or anyone else. I'm going for me. For what he took from me." He stands up a little straighter, every bit as proud and confident as his father.

"Ben, I can't lose you, too," I whisper. His posture doesn't change, but his eyes soften. "Please don't do this."

"Who else can do this but me? I can go places no one else can. My abilities are beyond anyone else's on this damn base. If you're going to do it, now is the time, and you can't do it without me." He shakes his head and looks at Luke. "I'm going," Ben says forcefully, "and no one can stop me."

"Don't be hasty. This plan hasn't been tested enough for us to be sure of anything." I'm desperate now, and he knows it.

"The longer we wait, the less likely we are to succeed. We have to do this my way, right now, or we'll miss our chance." My son's voice is impatient but almost gentle, as if he suddenly cares for me and my state of mind.

A feeling of helplessness washes over me and tears burn behind my eyes. "I won't try to stop you, but I hope you know what you're doing," I say, tone intentionally bleak. Ben nods tersely and leaves as quickly as he had arrived. As soon as the door clicks shut, I slump down in my chair, face buried in my hands. I can't believe I just let him walk out like that.

Luke senses my despair and walks over to stand behind me, hands on my shoulders. "Leia, look at how much he has endured, how strong his survival instincts are. He's too stubborn to let himself get hurt."

I nod and close my eyes. "That's the same thing I thought about Han, and I still lost him. No one is invincible."

Luke doesn't say anything after that. There's nothing he could say to make me feel better in that moment. We sit in silence for a long time, just thinking and hoping and praying the Maker would have mercy on our people. I don't know if I would survive more loss. My heart would give out.

The door hisses again and slides to reveal Rey and Finn, with a dazed and concerned Poe following behind them. I blink the tears from my eyes and straighten in my seat, assuming the posture of the General I'm supposed to be.

"General Organa," Rey greets me, and I nod in acknowledgment, "we have prepared the cruiser for the mission. Poe's X-Wing is ready to go, and Ben is overseeing the refueling of both ships. We're ready to depart on your command."

Pride surges through me at the transformation I've seen in the girl who stands before me. From timid but strong scavenger to brave, powerful Jedi, ready to lead troops into battle... she is an inspiration, and restores some semblance of hope in my heart.

"Thank you, Rey. Commander Dameron, were you briefed on the details of the mission?" I ask, and his face turns red.

"I, uh...yeah, I was," he stammers. Finn snickers and Rey looks between the two, clearly confused.

"What's so funny?" She asks. I wonder the same thing.

Poe's face goes even redder and Finn is now doubled over laughing. "Nothing is funny!" He snaps, punching Finn in the arm. "I'll be in the hangar," the pilot grumbles. "Ma'am." I smile and nod his dismissal.

"I'm so confused," Rey says, watching Finn wipe the tears from his eyes.

"I'll tell you one day," he promises, winking at his friend. I have a feeling I know what it's about. Poe isn't exactly a subtle man.

"Thank you for your bravery and willingness to serve our cause. May the Force be with you all in the days to come." I smile gratefully at the two who have come to feel like my own children.

"And with you, General," Rey replies.

A few minutes later I'm alone again, and the silence is deafening. There's nothing that makes me feel more anxious than watching people I care about leave, not knowing when or if they will return. Guilt consumes me, but I know what they're doing is for the good of the galaxy, not for me. 

The two ships disappear into the sky.

* * * * * * * * * *

--Rey--

"Prepping for lightspeed."

Poe's voice comes across the comms, easing some of the discomfort I feel. I'm not sure why, but having him here with us makes me more confident in the success of our mission. It was reassuring, knowing how sure he was, given the lack of hesitation when he first agreed to the mission. At the time I wasn't sure he'd been paying attention, but he was here all the same.

"Copy. Coordinate check?"

"Course set for the Castilon system, coordinates -340.11, -79.72, 1.06."

Yeah, I'm definitely glad Poe is here. "Copy that. Preflight checks complete, prepare for jump to lightspeed." I push the hyperdrive into position and the stars blur, launching us through the galaxy. 

"Are we sure this information is legit?" Finn asks, glancing hesitantly over his shoulder at Ben.

"Yes, I'm sure. Snoke has been using the Colossus to refuel for years. If he's not there when we arrive he will be soon." Ben sounds almost bored, and I can't help but wonder how long it took him to become so numb to the possibility of a suicide mission.

Poe chimes in now, voice slightly warped. "If they're building up their military, which we know they are based on the fact we just blew up most of their troops, they need fuel and supplies. Sources tell us that somebody on Castilon is helping them."

"See? Nothing to worry about," Ben says, rolling his eyes at Finn.

They start to bicker, Ben mentioning something about not trusting a traitor, Finn reminding Ben that he's now on his way to kill his Master, on and on and on...

I hear a dramatic sigh across the comms. "This is gonna be a long trip," Poe groans.

"You can say that again."