"Rey, wait!" Ben shouted. Finally, after running nearly two hundred yards, she stopped just outside the Millennium Falcon's trap bay path into the ship.

Standing alone, she stared at the ship but did not ascend the steps. Eventually, once he caught up to her, he could hear panting, as if she had sprinted away from all her problems.

"Rey, I'm sorry if I said something that hurt you," he finally apologized.

"No, it wasn't you," she replied. "It's me."

Ben laid a comforting hand on her back. She flinched. "Can you just talk to me? Please."

She let out a sigh. "Before I found you, I was a mess. An emotional, depressed catastrophe. It felt like—"

"You were going insane," Ben finished. He gently turned her to face him. "Don't be afraid. I felt it too."

"I know, and it drove me crazy knowing you were going through it alone. I had my friends, and the Resistance. You had no one."

He smiled, grateful for her care. "Thank you, Rey. But I never really had anyone truly care for me, anyway. I was used to it."

"But I care for you," she replied.

"I know."

She sniffled, looking away. "I was so afraid of leaving you behind. That you would dwell only in my memories. But now that you're here, right in front of me, I'm still afraid. It's just evolved."

"Rey, what is it you are so afraid of? Tell me. Please."

She shook her head and rubbed potential tears away. "Not now, not here. I have to rest." Turning away, she serenely walked into the Falcon, stopping at the top. "Do you want to come in?"

He nodded, locking hands behind his back. When he reached the top, she shut the door. It locked in place with a loud bang.

Glancing once at Ben, Rey noticed he was staring into space. His jaw quivered and tensed, and his breathing was uneven. "Ben?"

"I know what I have to do," he replied, ignoring her completely. The Falcon looked cleaner than ever, shining bright thanks to the new lighting and revitalizing paintjob.

He moved forward, walking into the rounded corridors that led to the cockpit. Every step revealed a deep-seeded memory of times long ago. Times when, as a boy, he would play hide and seek with Chewie while Han flew them around. Sometimes, but usually quite rare, Han would take part in the game. Ben always had a feeling Han knew his hiding spot, but wanted his son to have the satisfaction of winning. It would be good practice for the future. Han would never know where his son had gone.

Smelling its unmistakable odor, Ben walked extra slowly, making sure to experience every square inch of the legendary craft. He brushed his fingers against the wall, producing dirty streaks. It had basically been his home before Han and Leia sent him away to Luke. The pain of that moment still felt new. For some reason, young Ben thought he would never see his parents again. And, sadly, he was right.

Eventually, he stopped outside the cockpit. His heart raced, beating through his chest. He was a step away from . . .

Without hesitation, Ben strode through. The split door slid back abrasively, revealing the octagon-shaped windows, two pilot's chairs, and one oversized, brown-haired Wookie. Noticing him, BB-8 raced away.

Ben froze, staring at Chewie from behind. The Wookie gazed out the windows, sitting upright in the copilot's seat. At the sight of him, Ben's heart filled with emotion. It felt like a dam was about to break. He pressed his lips together roughly, hoping that would curb an outburst.

Sitting in a chair behind Chewie, just like he did hundreds of times, Ben scanned the area. It was exactly the same. The ship itself might have gotten a facelift, but not here.

Low, strange noises escaped from Chewie. They sounded like whimpers. A tear broke through Ben's eye and crashed to the floor.

"Chewie," he muttered. Chewbacca did not move. "I . . . I . . . Uncle Chewie," he stammered, "It's me, it's Ben." He paused, desperately striving to contain himself, but failed. That dam broke, and when it did, he did not try to stop it. Cries resounded throughout the cockpit. His tears stained his shirt and rotating chair, but he mustered strength to continue. "I know what you . . . must think of me. A murderer, a traitor. I-I k-k-killed Dad, your lifelong friend. I ruined the galaxy. I was d-d-deceived." Chewbacca still did not move a muscle. Ben wiped snot off his face as dried tears paved a clean pathway for new ones. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry, Uncle Chewie. I only ever w-wanted to be with you and Dad. I never wanted any part of this. But it's my fault. It's all my f-fault! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I know you won't be able to forgive me. I understand. I just . . . Rey gave me a second chance to make it right, so that I wouldn't be remembered as a destroyer." He sobbed, unable to stop it anymore. "I love you, Uncle. I regret everything. I . . . I'm so sorry," he repeated, his words slowly drowning out. "I'm so, so—"

Before he could finish, Chewie spun around and flew into Ben, squeezing him just enough in a big, comfortable bear hug. Tensing up for a moment, Ben threw his arms around Chewie. Digging his head into Chewie's luscious fur, he cried endlessly. The hair muffled Ben's distraught cries. "I love you, Uncle Chewie," Ben garbled. Chewie made a noise in response, which prompted Ben to hold on tighter. "I love you."

The moment lasted on for ten minutes. Their embrace could not be broken. Neither wanted to let go, but Chewie, like so many times before, could feel Ben's heartrate slow, which always meant he was slipping into a deep sleep. Carefully, Chewie laid his body back onto the soft chair. Dazed, Ben fought the onslaught of slumber, but gave in. Chewie's form was the last thing he saw until that welcome blackness replaced it.

REY — SOMEWHERE IN THE FALCON

Once again on the floor, Rey sat in a meditative position, but simply could not find the focus. Since finding Ben, Nihilus had disappeared. She also wondered what secret Finn had discovered. He acted all weird about it. The moment she left the ship, she would find out. She didn't want a surprise like when she found out Finn was Force sensitive.

Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe it was luck, maybe it was something else entirely, but Nihilus contacted her mind the moment she thought of him.

You have done well, Rey Skywalker, Nihilus spoke. Although I can say I played a part in your victory.

Thank you, Nihilus, Rey replied. I never could've done it without you. I don't know how I could ever repay you.

Your success was enough of a payment, Nihilus said. Your hunger has been satisfied. Now, your Dyad can rid the galaxy of evil.

Yes, we can, Rey responded.

There is one more thing, before I return to my waiting place, Nihilus stated. I have been in contact with your friend, Finn, as well. He is very, very strong in the Force. His great uncle is Mace Windu, the powerful Jedi Council leader at the end of the Clone Wars.

"What?!" Rey blurted aloud. "Are you certain?"

Yes.

"How do you know this?" Rey questioned.

I told you before. I know many things. I am an embodiment of the Force, between life and death. I guide the living to their desires.

"Why are you telling me this?" Rey replied.

Because your friend is afraid. You must train him to hone his new powers. And, of course, I wanted to prepare you for his revelation. I have never kept anything from you.

Thank you, Nihilus, Rey replied, using her mind again. I am in debt to you.

No, young one. For now, I must rest once more. Be strong, be ready.

When the voice ceased, a new one replaced it — Ben's. He was weeping. She could feel his emotions in a whirlwind, which began to affect her own as well. Yet, she did not want to interrupt whatever was happening. He was probably with Chewie.

So, sitting alone in the captain's quarters, Rey let Ben's emotions flow through her own body, and did not hinder them. She could feel his every tremble, even from afar. The Dyad always worked in strange, unbelievably intimate ways.

And suddenly, he was there. All she saw was him. His arms were wrapped around something, or really, someone. He was crying uncontrollably. It was the most emotion he ever let her see. At the sight of it, a sadness surged through her like lightning. She took part in his pain, sobbing along with him. With each cry, both of their bodies shuddered in a perfect synchrony. It was as if they were one flesh.

Minutes trudged by, each seeming longer than the last. His wails began to die down, which affected hers as well. When she opened her tear-crusted eyes, he was asleep in a chair. Suddenly, his form began to waver and flicker like a static television. "No, Ben, wait!" she called, but went unanswered. And then, he completely evaporated. The connection was cut. She was alone.

FINN AND POE — EXEGOL BASE

After the feast had wrapped up and the cleaners did their job, Finn left and meditated underneath the Sith Citadel, despite Poe's ostentatious dissidence. Finn figured the strong Force energy could help him understand more about his place in the galaxy.

When Poe found him, Finn was sitting, legs-crossed, just inside the farthest edge of the floating Sith Citadel, beyond the wide southern tip of the Resistance base's runway. As always, the Citadel hovered only several feet above his head. He could hear a constant, steady hum, signifying the energy of whatever kept the edifice afloat.

Walking across the tough, dusty ground-turned Resistance runway, Poe met up with Finn. He stood outside the Citadel. Finn was deep in meditation. He was learning fast.

"Finn, listen, it's cold out here," Poe said. "Come inside. It's been a hot minute already."

"Yeah, I'll come in when I'm done," Finn replied.

Poe frowned. "Done with what? Looking like a spiced-up monk?"

"You'd never get it," Finn responded. He continued his conversation with Nihilus. I understand that, Nihilus. You're saying I should just totally forgive Ben Solo? He was a monster!

Everyone can change, Finn Windu, Nihilus replied. Look at yourself. Once of the First Order, now a Resistance legend.

Yeah, I know, but Ben was, well, totally different. He actually killed people. Innocent people. I know he's changed. But I just have no trust in someone like that.

"Are you talking to someone?" Poe randomly asked. "Your lips are moving."

"Shush, give me a minute, OK?" Finn retorted. "Geez." Poe held his hands up in defense.

Then let him give build your trust, Nihilus suggested. With he and the child of Sidious to help you, your Resistance has the best chance of ending this war.

All right, thanks, Finn replied. He got up and turned to Poe. "It's time to get the gang back together. Including Solo."

"Didn't you hear what I said before?" Poe replied. "You can't trust him."

"I don't," Finn replied. "But I trust Rey. And I trust the Force. I'm willing to give him a chance." He paused, laying a hand on Poe's shoulder. "And if it turns out I'm wrong, well, may the Force be with us."

REY — MILLENIUM FALCON

Still recovering from sensing Ben's emotional turmoil Rey sat alone and calmed herself down. Without any warning, the sliding doors of Han's quarters separated, and Finn and Poe walked in. She got up, trying to make it look as if she wasn't in the middle of an emotional meltdown. Yet, the dried tears were hard to masquerade. "Finn? Poe?"

"Are you all right?!" Finn inquired, rushing over. "What happened?"

She grinned in gratitude and hugged him. She held his shoulders. "It's nothing. What's up?"

"Are you sure?"

"A lot's happened. It's been crazy. But I'm all right. I promise." She glanced at Poe. "You're looking like he's about to say something stupid."

"Actually, no," Finn cut in, smirking. "I've just got something to tell you. About me." He paused, watching her eyes widen in expectation. "I've finally learned about my family, my place in all this. I was right, you know. The Force brought us together."