Kare stood in the doorway of her and Snap's quarters. Everything looked exactly the same. She trudged over to the bed, sat down, and glanced at the picture of her and Snap on her nightstand.
Kare walked into the common area of the base and looked around. Poe was the only familiar face so far, and he was nowhere to be seen. Oh, scratch that- Poe was in the far corner talking to a Duros and an older, human male. She headed over.
Poe turned to Kare and put his arm around her. "Hey, Kare. This is my uncle L'ulo and Snap Wexley. Guys, this is Kare Kun."
"Hi." Kare waved.
"So, are you two...?" Snap asked.
"We're friends. We were in the New Republic Navy together." Poe explained.
"Oh! I'm sor- it's nice to meet you." Snap said, embarrassed. He and Kare shook hands.
Kare smiled at the memory and gazed at her wedding ring.
Snap and Kare stood under Snap's A-wing. Snap got down on one knee. Kare's heart fluttered with anticipation.
"Kare...when we first met, it was as if I've known you forever. When I first held your hand it was as if I held it a thousand times." Snap said. "You've made me so happy this past year, and you find ways to make me fall in love with you all over again. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, that being said..." Snap pulled out a ring and held it up. "Kare Kun...will you marry me?"
Kare sniffed and nodded. "Yes. Yes, I'll marry you." They chuckled and kissed.
Kare glanced over at her comlink.
Once Kare jumped to hyperspace, she sent a transmission to Snap. "Hey."
"Hi. Here we go again, huh?" Snap replied.
"Yep." Kare nodded. "The fun never ends, does it?"
"Hopefully, it will after this." Snap replied. "Then maybe we can talk about maybe having a child?"
Kare smiled. "That would be nice. The victory kid having a victory kid. That has a nice ring to it."
Snap chuckled. "I love you, babe."
"I love you more." Kare smiled.
Snap chuckled softly. "If you say so."
Kare held the picture close to her chest and just let out her emotions. Wracked sobbing echoed off the cave walls. Kare didn't even notice two people come in until someone put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see Norra sitting down next to her and pulled her into her arms. She cried until she was too exhausted.
"It just feels like I haven't had enough time with him." Kare said wearily.
Norra nodded. "I know. You know, on my way here, I went through each year of Temmin's life- all forty-six of them- to see if he was happy. And these last two years with you...he was at his happiest. I want to thank you for that, Kare."
Kare smiled and nodded. "Of course."
"I just wish I'd gotten there sooner." Wedge lamented. "Maybe I could have saved him."
"Wedge, don't do this to yourself. You don't know what would have happened."
Wedge sniffed. "Still. I should have hugged him and contacted him more."
"He knew how much you loved him, honey." Norra assured him.
By now, Kare had stood up and walked over to Snap's wardrobe and pulled out his flight jacket, put it on, and took in the scent.
"You know, you...you hear about people dying on the holonet all the time and you turn it off because it's too horrible to think, and..." Norra swallowed back a lump. "how do you breathe, honey? How do you go on like...? I mean, you get up in the morning and for a moment you forget...that your only child has..." Norra let out a sob. "But you do get up...and you remember, and it's like getting that message every time. And you remember that you're still a parent even though you don't get to have a child anymore." Norra broke down and Wedge pulled her into a hug. Kare sat on the opposite side and joined the hug.
XXX
Poe slowly wandered around the base. It seemed so much bigger now that the Tantive IV was gone. Destroyed in battle along with Nien Numb. He looked around at the hundreds of people- both human and alien- talking with their friends and hugging their families and sighed wistfully.
"Poe!"
Poe turned and saw his father, Kes Dameron walking towards him, smiling. Poe swallowed back tears and fell into his dad's arms, hugging him tight.
"Oh, my son." Kes hugged Poe back. "I'm so glad you're all right."
"Of course I am." Poe said. He pulled away.
"I heard about Snap and Leia." Kes said sadly. "Kid, I'm so sorry."
"Thanks, uh...I know how much Leia meant to you, too." Poe replied. "We're having a memorial for those we lost. Would you like to say something? About Leia and L'ulo and Nien?"
Kes nodded. "I'd like that. Wedge told me about everything that's happened this past year."
Poe winced in embarrassment. "Everything everything?"
"Yep. Even the mutiny." Kes replied. "But also that you've come a long way since then. You've matured and you lead the galaxy to a victory. It takes an extraordinary man to accomplish that. I am so proud of you. And I know your mother and L'ulo would be proud, too."
Poe smiled and got choked up. "Thanks."
"So, what will you do now that the war is over?" Kes asked.
"Well, we need to rebuild the Republic and make sure the First Order stays dead." Poe replied.
Kes nodded. "That sounds good. What about in the meantime?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you know...come home for a while, maybe meet someone..." Kes raised an eyebrow.
Poe scoffed, shook his head, and smiled in spite of himself. "I knew this was coming."
"Dammit, son, I want grandkids!" Kes exclaimed. Poe laughed softly. "I just don't want you to miss out on what life has to offer."
"I'm not missing out." Poe insisted. "Flying is all the joy I need." He turned and shared a quick glance with Rey, who was walking with Kaydel and Rose. Rey quickly looked away and walked faster. Poe sighed quietly.
Kes noticed the exchange and raised an eyebrow, quizzically. "Wow. You could cut the tension with a knife."
"It's nothing, Dad." Poe said, avoiding eye contact and walking over to a fallen log and sat down.
Kes sat next to him. "Doesn't look like nothing. Come on...talk to me. Is she your girlfriend?"
"No."
"Ex-girlfriend?" Kes guessed.
Poe scoffed. "No. Honestly, I don't even think we're friends."
"Why not?"
Poe exhaled sharply and went over his fight with her. "It's just so hard to understand her. I mean, I know she spent most of her childhood alone on Jakku, but she's been with us for a year now. You would think she'd pick up on things like empathy and common courtesy and common sense."
"You could be a little more empathetic yourself." Kes said calmly. Poe just stared at him in disbelief. "Rey lost the one person who could truly understand her because of the Force. He came back to the light and gave up his life for her. Yes, he did terrible things, but from what you told me Rey said about him...he was manipulated his entire life. He didn't stand a chance!"
"He could have risen above that." Poe said, folding his arms.
"I agree." Kes nodded. "I'm not saying we should mourn Kylo Ren. But we should mourn Ben Solo for what he used to be and for saving Rey's life. Besides...I'm sure Leia would want her son to have a proper burial."
Poe took a deep breath. As much as he hated to admit it... "'Kay, fine, you've got a point there."
Kes smiled and nodded. He decided to change the subject. "So...tell me about Rey."
"She's from Jakku and is strong with the light side of the Force. Her parents sold her to a junk trader. She's been a scavenger ever since until she ran into BB-8 after he and I got separated. She's been with us ever since." Poe replied. "She is hard to get to know- private and cagey and reckless and impatient. She's so generous and kind and willing to help others, so full of hope, has a sense of humor, and she listens. She's just all around the most amazing woman I've ever met."
Kes was surprised at Poe's sudden transition from complaining about Rey to completely admiring her. He smiled knowingly. "Well, I already like her better than the last girl you picked."
Poe scoffed. "Dad, come on. Zorii wasn't that bad."
"She's a bad influence." Kes stated simply.
"Okay, okay." Poe said impatiently.
"Anyway, Rey seems like an amazing young woman. And I approve." Kes replied.
"There's nothing to approve of. We're just friends." Poe insisted.
"Okay. It just seems like you really like this girl." Kes replied.
Poe shook his head. "I just...I don't want to lose her like you lost Mom or like Leia lost Han and Kare lost Snap and Yeager lost his wife and daughter..."
"Oh..." Kes nodded. "Poe, just because we suffered losses doesn't mean it's going to happen to you. And if it does, yes, it's tragic, but to have someone in your life to share your life with and love, it's...the most amazing feeling. And sometimes, if you're lucky, it'll happen again."
Poe turned to his father, slightly bewildered. He noticed Kes seems happier than he's seen him in a long time. "Are you seeing someone?"
"Yes, actually." Kes replied, smiling. "She came to Yavin 4 the day after you left in Black One."
Poe laughed and smiled. "Dad, that's amazing! What's her name? What's she like?"
Kes chuckled. "Her name is Maiko, and she's actually a Hosnian Prime refugee."
"Really? You know, I know a couple of people in the Resistance who were from Hosnian Prime. I wonder if they know her." Poe said.
"Well, what are their names?" Kes asked.
"Kazuda Xiono and Hugh Sion."
Kes's eyes widened and he nodded. "Kazuda is Maiko's son."
"Huh. How 'bout that. Kaz was just mentioning to me that he was going to look for his parents..." Poe replied, then he realized something. "Wait...what happened to his father? Kaz told me his father contacted him after the attack and hasn't heard from him since."
Kes's eyes darkened slightly. "They're divorced, actually. It was finalized before the attack on Hosnian."
"Oh, I was gonna say..." Poe shook his head. "Okay, well, I'll grab Kaz and tell him the good news."
Poe and Kes stood up. "Wait, Poe, he doesn't know that his parents are divorced. Maiko wants to tell him herself. And also that..." Kes stopped himself, then cleared his throat. "also about his father."
Poe nodded confused and curious. "Okay. Well, I'm at least going to tell him that his mother is on Yavin 4. Does she live with you?"
"She lives across the road from the farm." Kes replied.
"Okay, great." Poe replied.
XXX
Poe didn't have time to look for Rey and Kaz. The memorial was about to start. Everyone was gathered in a large clearing. Commander D'Acy stood in front of the crowd.
"Many lives have been lost during our struggle with the First Order. This memorial isn't just for those who we lost in the battle of Exegol" Commander D'Acy was saying. "Their losses were not in vain. Because of their brave sacrifices, the galaxy is free again. It has been my privilege to know General Leia Organa, Nien Numb, Temmin Wexley, and all those we lost. I will now read a list of names that have been added. If you knew any of these people, please feel free to come up here and say a few words." She pulled out a datapad and pulled up a list. "Gial Ackbar, Amilyn Holdo, General Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, L'ulo L'ampar, Lor San Tekka, Boolio, Temmin Wexley, Nien Numb..."
Poe leaned towards Rey, who was in front of him. "Hey. I'm surprised you didn't add Ben's name to that list."
Rey sighed and turned around, slightly. "I changed my mind. You were right- it wouldn't be a good idea to include Ben in the memorial."
Poe nodded. "Okay."
C-3PO translated for those who did not speak the languages of the droids, Chewie, and Nien's sister. R2D2 spoke about how he was with Leia when she was born and he was there when she died. Chewie said that he always thought that he'd see Leia again after all of his journeys.
Next up was Kare. "Nobody treat me with kid gloves, okay. I miss him, too. I loved Temmin, and..." She swallowed back a lump. "he loved me. He loved all you guys. He brought laughter and happiness to my life. He kept me grounded, and I feel so lucky and blessed to have known him. We'd only known each other a couple of years, but, we did everything to make each other feel each other's love. Our fallen heroes will forever be in our thoughts." Kare let out a few sobs and walked back to her seat.
Poe squeezed Kare's shoulder lightly as he walked up to the front. He sighed. "I've been to far too many of these things lately. I remember saying at my Uncle L'ulo's funeral two years ago that we don't talk about the Force much anymore, since it probably went out of fashion. Man, the difference two years can make. General Organa admitted to being a Jedi, then the long search for Luke Skywalker, then Rey came into our lives."
Kaz was confused. Leia was a Jedi? Poe believes in the Force? It's just a myth!
"Leia, Temmin- Snap, as everyone knew him, Nien, everybody we've lost died as they lived: fighting for freedom and peace for the galaxy." Poe continued. "Leia, Snap, L'ulo, everyone we've lost are never truly gone. They're right here." Poe put his hand to his heart and felt his mother's ring under his shirt and gave it a little squeeze. "I'll remember the love that they gave me and to all of us. Snap and I once made a promise to each other, both soldiers with a vow to defend: no retreat, no surrender." He smiled wryly. "Unless of course the bad guys are picking us off one by one of course." Some Resistance officers chuckled at his joke. "Anyway...may the Force be with those we lost...and with all of us."
XXX
Afterwards, Poe caught up with Ransolm Casterfo.
"Hey, I'm a little surprised you didn't say anything." Poe said.
Ransolm sighed quietly and shook his head. "I didn't really have the right to. I did ruin Leia's life, after all."
"She forgave you for that." Poe assured him. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have risked our asses saving yours."
Ransolm chuckled. "I guess that's true. I doubt I've earned her forgiveness."
"Well, she sent you on a mission to contact the surviving senators, right?" Poe asked. Ransolm nodded. "Great! Have you contacted any of them?"
"Yeah, there were a few...around twenty senators who survived." Ransolm replied. "Half of them are First Order sympathizers."
Poe exhaled sharply. "What about Senator Xiono? His son is in the Resistance."
"I'm not sure. I haven't seen him since before I was arrested, actually." Ransolm replied.
"Oh. Can you ask some of your contacts if they've seen or heard from him?" Poe asked. Ransolm hesitated. "What?"
"It's just...okay, this was seven years ago, so things might have changed...but...last I saw of Senator Xiono, he was a Centrist." Ransolm replied. "He supported the First Order."
Poe's blood ran cold. Poor kid. "Well, like you said, it's been almost a decade. And since the First Order destroyed his home system, and his son could have been killed, maybe that opened his eyes."
Ransolm nodded. "I'll get in touch with my contacts to see if they've heard from Xiono, and I'll get back to you."
"Thanks." Poe watched Ransolm head off and sighed. He knew some senators were corrupt, and if Hamato Xiono is...but...he couldn't possibly be okay with the First Order destroying his home system, can he? But, then again...Kaz said his father would never approve of him being in the Resistance, he overheard his father call them "extremists", no one's heard from Hamato except Kaz, Hamato and Maiko got divorced right before the attack, and the look on Kes' face when he brought him up, plus apparently, Hamato was a Centrist...
"Poe?" Poe turned around to see Rey walking towards him. "Is everything okay?"
"Oh, yeah. Well...not really." Poe admitted. "I owe you an apology. I-it's just what you said about Ben, it kind of set off something inside me, so...I'm sorry."
Rey smiled "It's all right. I should have been a bit more considerate and understanding. I'm sorry, too."
"You're forgiven." Poe nodded. "I really do care about you, Rey. I guess...I've just been focusing on winning this war, that I kind of lost myself."
Rey smiled and nodded. "I care about you, too. And I do enjoy bantering with you."
"Oh, really?" Poe smiled and raised his eyebrows. They chuckled.
"So, what was on your mind just now?" Rey asked.
"I think I may have learned a terrible truth." Poe admitted.
"About what?" Rey asked.
"You met Kaz, right?" Rey nodded. "I think his dad may be in the First Order." He went over the clues he thought up.
"Hmm." Rey nodded. "You said he also contacted Kaz on the Colossus last year?"
"Yeah."
"Well, the First Order blocked and controlled all communications throughout the galaxy, right?" Rey asked.
"Yeah."
"Norath and Venisa both used a Resistance frequency to get through...so how was Senator Xiono able to get through if he's not with the Resistance?" Rey questioned. "And sending an unscrambled transmission like that was super risky. You would think he'd be more careful, especially since he's a senator and his son is in the Resistance."
Poe exhaled sharply. "You're right. All signs do point to Xiono being First Order...oh, this is going to kill Kaz."
'Trust me- it's not.' Rey thought sadly. "Are you going to tell him?"
Poe shook his head. "It's not my place. Besides, his mom wants to tell him herself. I can soften the blow, though..."
"You mean prepare him for the revelation?" Rey asked.
"Yeah...and I know just how to do it." Poe replied. He pulled out his comlink and contacted Kaz. "Hey, kid, you haven't left yet, have you?"
"I was just about to leave, actually. Why?" Kaz replied.
"I need to talk to you about something. It's important." Poe replied. "Will you please meet me at my cave in five minutes?"
"Okay, sure." Kaz replied. "Can I ask what this is about?"
"You'll find out in five minutes. Bye." Poe switched off, then contacted Zorii. "Hey, Zorii, have you left yet?"
"No. And no matter how often you ask, Spice Runner, I am not going to kiss you." Zorii replied.
"Relax, I wasn't going to ask that of you." Poe replied. "I actually need another favor..."
Once Poe and Rey got to Poe's cave, Rey turned to him, a little miffed. "So, why exactly do we need Zorii? I'm right here."
"Don't worry, you're part of the plan, too." Poe assured her.
"Are you gonna tell me what it is, or am I gonna have to start a mutiny?" Rey asked half-jokingly. She ignited her lightsaber and held it up. "General Dameron, I am relieving you of your command."
Poe scoffed. "Wow. Okay, you know what? I was going to promote you to general, but now you can just forget it."
"Fine. Whatever. I don't wanna be general, anyway." Rey turned off her saber and put it away. They both laughed and turned to see Kaz standing at the mouth of the cave looking dumbstruck.
"Hey, Kaz. Uh...how much did you hear?" Poe asked.
"Uh...well, I got here when Rey pulled out her laser sword and talked about starting a mutiny." Kaz replied.
"Oh, yeah. I was teasing him." Rey explained. "Poe started a mutiny against Vice Admiral Holdo 'cause she wouldn't tell him her plan for survival."
Kaz stared between Rey and Poe in shock. "What?! Why would you do that?!"
"I'm not used to people not telling me their plans..." Poe explained lamely. "Not my proudest moment."
"And that was after he got our entire bombing fleet killed in order to destroy a dreadnaught." Rey said.
"Which would have destroyed us all, anyway." Poe reminded her. "And you weren't even there!"
"Doesn't mean I can't comment on it." Rey pointed out.
Kaz smiled and nodded. "So, how long have you two been married?"
BB-8 let out a mechanical laugh and Poe turned to glare at him. [What? You two do fight like an old married couple!]
"We do not, Beebee." Poe rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, um...Rey, why do you have a laser sword? Isn't that a Jedi weapon?" Kaz asked.
"Why, yes. I am a Jedi." Rey said simply. Kaz just stared in disbelief. "You don't believe me. Oh well. Seeing is believing." Rey used the Force to lift Kaz off the ground.
Kaz sighed in frustration. "Okay, who turned off the gravity?!"
"Kid, we're on land." Poe said simply. He pointed to Rey's hand, which was up. Rey moved Kaz up, down, forward, and backward.
Kaz's eyes widened and he yelped in panic. "Put me down. Put me down!"
Rey set Kaz back on his feet, and he started gasping for breath. He shook his head slowly. "I don't understand. This is a myth!"
"Well, we learn something new every day." Poe replied.
Just then, Zorii stormed into the cave. "Hey, Spice Runner! Where's that Captain's medallion I loaned you?"
"Oh, yeah." Poe pulled the medallion out of his pocket and handed it to Zorii. "Thank you for letting me borrow this."
"Don't get used to it." Zorii said simply, then walked off. "That's three you owe me, Dameron."
Kaz turned to Poe in shock. "You were a spice runner?"
"Yes." Poe replied.
"Poe, are you kidding me?!" Kaz demanded.
"It was a, uh...rebellious phase..." Poe said.
"Who are you? It's like I don't even know you!" Kaz exclaimed. "Did you ever kill anyone for that drug?"
"Why, yes. I had to kill a police officer as an initiation." Poe said sarcastically. Rey sighed and shook her head in exasperation.
Kaz shook his head slowly, then sighed. "Okay. Well, it looks like you really turned your life around. You're a good person now, so that's good."
"Thank you. I appreciate that." Poe replied.
"You're welcome. And I guess I can't really judge." Kaz shrugged. "I'm in love with a former pirate, one of my friends used to be in the First Order, and one of my father-figures used to be in the Empire."
"Uh, which father-figure?" Poe asked.
"Doza." Kaz replied simply. "He and his wife also asked me to be godfather to their baby."
"What?! Kid, that's amazing!" Poe exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks."
"So, who's this former pirate you're in love with?" Poe asked.
"Synara." Kaz replied. "She's the Miralian we rescued from that freighter on Sector Six."
Poe just stared at Kaz. "We rescued a pirate?!"
"I also rescued a former spice runner, apparently." Kaz replied, raising an eyebrow.
"...Touche." Poe said. "Anyway, the reason I called you here is because I know where your mother is."
Kaz was surprised. "What?! Where? How?"
"She is actually on my home planet of Yavin 4." Poe replied. "She and my father are-" He caught himself. "friends now, apparently."
"But why Yavin 4? She wouldn't be seen dead in that uncivilized wasteland." Kaz replied.
"Hey, watch it! That's my home planet!" Poe snapped.
"Kaz, until you've been to Jakku, you don't know the meaning of the phrase 'uncivilized wasteland'." Rey stepped in.
Kaz held up his hands. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry. What about my father? He's not with my mother?"
"No." Poe replied. 'In more ways than one.'
"No one seems to know where he is." Rey replied. "Senator Casterfo made contact with other senators and no one's heard from him."
Kaz looked away. This was very worrisome. "How can this be?"
"We want to help you find him, Kaz." Poe said.
"Wait, my mother doesn't know where he is, either?" Kaz asked.
"No." Poe shook his head. "When was the last time you made contact with your father?"
"Last year, about a week after the Hosnian Cataclysm." Kaz replied. "He sent a holotransmission through the Colossus."
"He must have been desperate to get to you." Rey said. "Sending a transmission like that would have been very risky. Especially with the First Order intercepting every transmission."
"Maybe they managed to not control the Colossus." Kaz shrugged.
"What did he say? Did he give any hint as to where he is?" Poe asked.
"He just told me that our family were not on Hosnian Prime when it was destroyed, he and my mother had been trying to contact me for days, and that bounty hunters might be coming after me..." Kaz sighed. "Then the transmission was cut off. I haven't heard from him since."
"Hmm." Poe's brow furrowed in confusion and he folded his arms. "There was no bounty placed on your head, Kaz. Or on any of the surviving senators."
"How do you know?"
"Because we did a routine check every week for bounties set by the First Order." Poe explained. "There was no bounty placed on your head or your father's."
"So, what- you're saying he's lying?" Kaz asked, a little miffed.
"No! I mean, maybe he thought bounty hunters might be after him and/or you..." Poe replied. "I mean, it's not like we're saying he's with the First Order or anything."
"He must have been so relieved and happy you survived the cataclysm." Rey said before Poe could do more damage.
Kaz stared at Poe in exasperation. "He was relieved."
"Kaz, I'm sorry. It's just that Senator Casterfo also said your dad was a Centrist, and Centrists support the First Order." Kaz was about to protest, and Poe held up a hand to silence him. "But, but it has been seven years. Maybe he changed his mind. Especially after the Hosnian Cataclysm."
Kaz nodded and calmed down. "My father may be strict and uptight and have sky-high expectations and low tolerance, but he would never join the First Order, especially since they destroyed his home planet and could have killed his family!"
Rey closed her eyes and nodded. "You're sure about that?"
Kaz glared at Rey. "Yes, I'm sure." He turned to Poe. "Thank you for telling me about my mother."
"You're welcome. I'll send you the coordinates to her home." Poe promised.
"Thank you. Excuse me." Kaz stormed out of the cave.
Poe sighed. "So, what do you think?"
"We definitely got through to him." Rey replied. "He's having doubts."
Poe nodded. "Good. Hopefully that will soften the blow."
"Hopefully." Rey echoed.
Finn walked into the cave. "Hey, there you two are."
"Hey, Finn. What's up?" Poe asked.
"I came to say good-bye." Finn replied. "Lando, Jannah, and I are leaving."
Poe nodded. "I'm gonna take off too, actually. My dad has a new girlfriend I've yet to meet. I need to make sure she's good enough for him." Rey and Finn laughed. Poe pulled out his comlink. "I am giving you both the coordinates to my home. You two are welcome anytime."
"I might take you up on that offer." Rey replied. "I'm going to Tatooine to bury Luke's and Leia's lightsabers. It's where it all began, so it's fitting."
"Oh, we'll come with you." Poe said.
"No. This is something I want to do alone."
Finn sighed. "Rey, come on..."
"Finn, this is personal and private, and I'd like to do this on my own." Rey insisted.
"We understand." Poe put a hand on Finn's shoulder to silence him. "But, will you at least take BB-8 with you? He won't bother you or talk much."
Rey nodded. Having BB-8 with her does seem a little easier than having Finn and Poe with her. "ARe you sure?"
"Well, there are no trees on Tatooine, so..." Poe smiled. Rey smacked him playfully and they laughed.
"I'll bring Beebee back to Yavin 4 as soon as possible." Rey promised. "I also want to check out that Force tree you told me about."
"Of course." Poe replied. "Good luck. Both of you."
"Thanks." Rey and Finn said.
"I'll keep in touch." Finn promised.
"Us, too." Rey replied.
Finn smiled, backed out of the cave, and waved good-bye to his friends before heading out. Poe sighed and turned to Rey. "Well, guess this is it."
"Yep. See you in a few days." Rey nodded.
"See you." Poe replied. He knelt down to BB-8's level and put a hand on his domed head. "See you soon, buddy. Take care of Rey for me."
BB-8 beeped in affirmation and rolled after Rey. Poe smiled, turned around, and started packing his stuff. His friends were separated again, but at least this time there won't be any danger.