The Force of the Dyad

• Ahch-To •

Three days later, right on schedule to meet Poe, they reached the planetary system that housed the tiny hidden planet Ahch-To.

As they docked the Ewok into the landing deck of the large transport vessel, Ben exerted himself, using the force to appear not only visible, but physically present to others; and General Poe came out to great them personally.

"Well well well, now Kylo Ren is on MY ship huh, and at MY mercy!" He bantered, as he shook Rey's hand firmly up and down. "How are you Rey?" he grinned his cheeky lopsided grin at her. "Oh, and don't worry big guy no ones gonna hurt ya," he turned, biting his lip, fake punching Ben in the gut and then clapping him once on the arm. Rey opened her mouth at the exchange and gave Ben a look, but he just delicately raised one eyebrow, his face marble.

"We've brought you your little droid back, safe and sound," she finally spoke, the sound of a laugh in her voice, "I've grown quite attached to him after all this time, I really hate to see him go." While she spoke, BB-8 rolled full speed past her, beeping and chirping, round and round Poe's legs. Their reunion was noisy and sweet, as Poe ducked down to the droid's level, hugging him as he grinned from ear to ear.

"Well, that being over with, perhaps we should be on our way," Ben politely spoke up. "Aww nonsense, I was just messin with you before buddy," Poe rebutted, with another playful arm slap at Ben (Ben stifled an irritated sigh). "You all have got to be famished for a real meal (at least you Rey...huh?)" he winked, "and let me tell you, that's something we can provide." Motioning an order to a member of the staff in the background, he continued, "This is a food convoy ship my friends, we're dropping off supplies to a couple of planets in the neighboring system; they were hit pretty hard by the wars. Follow me, my table has just been set for lunch."

Rey smilingly tripped after him, dragging Ben behind her by the hand, "Is it ok if I just merge with the force for a bit?" He whispered from the side of his mouth to Rey, and he was only half joking. She smiled at him saucily, shaking her head no, and they soon were seated with Poe at the General's table.

Lunch with Poe was actually rather enjoyable after all. Rey was starving, and ate her fill;  as they snacked they spoke of the old days of the rebellion, shared news and gossip of their mutual friends, and even bickered a little about how long Poe was going to have custody of BB-8 before giving Rey her turn again.

When it was time to leave, Rey gave Poe a friendly hug, then tenderly laid her hand in farewell atop of BB-8's head; and Ben even roused himself so far as to smile politely and shake Poe's hand.

On the way now to Ahch-To, Ben was starting to feel a bit nervous, much to his surprise. It was hard to place a finger on WHY exactly. He told Rey that the closer they got to the ancient Jedi Temple, the more worried he was about being so close to it's corresponding opposite that was in the dark place Rey had found deep under ground.

He wasn't afraid for its influence on him... that wasn't possible anymore, he was sure he was now safe from the torture of the dark side controlling his thoughts and preying on his mind. But he didn't want any mournful memories to intrude on his happiness, and wisely determined to avoid that part of the island altogether.

Rey relived all of her previous experiences on the Island out loud to Ben, as they walked up the many stairs towards the ancient temple and living quarters. They passed by a few busy little island caretakers, who looked at Rey with misgiving and disapproval in their eyes. She had brought quite a bit of disorder and chaos to the little island the last time she had come.