Two Sides of the Same Coin

Part VI

Chewie and Artoo had made it to Ahch-To in record time, much to Luke's relief. The two old friends embraced before Chewie drew Rey in as well. The Wookie was known to be a hugger, and both found it comforting after the last few days. However, it wasn't until they got on board that he told Luke and Rey about the most recent development.

"Kylo's on the Resistance base?" Rey exclaimed as Chewie revved the engine. Luke exhaled and rubbed his eyes.

"This is worse than I thought," Luke lamented. Rey glanced back at her teacher before looking at Chewie.

"Is he a prisoner? I highly doubt that he decided to switch sides," Rey scoffed before the Wookie bellowed in response. She sighed and shook her head before helping him takeoff.

Once they left the atmosphere, Luke went into the back to meditate on this new information as well as on his father. He had been unable to reach Anakin, and now he was growing desperate. Rey could feel Luke's uncertainty, and it scared her. Luke was a legend and someone who seemed to fear nothing.

"How's Finn?" Rey asked, needing another topic to think about.

Chewie told her about how Finn had woken up and that he was doing better. Poe, one of the pilots, had been looking out for him and his progress. Finn had also started to walk again, but still needed help for balance purposes. Rey smiled, relieved to hear that her friend was doing better. When she had brought him back to the base, Finn was in critical condition and there wasn't a thing she could do.

Chewie also went on to talk about Leia and how she had been coping. Rey bit her lip, wishing that the General wouldn't accept Kylo so easily, but even she had to admit that the situation was complicated. If he truly came to the light, then they would have an advantage over the First Order. However, if he was lying, then that could mean utter destruction for them and Luke. Kylo had tortured her and Poe for the map to Skywalker, and now he was going to walk right into his arms. Soon, she excused herself once Chewie could fly on his own for a while to practice her saber skills in the holding area.

Kylo wanted to wander around the base, which he did only by Cristin's supervision. While he had half a mind to give her the slip and explore on his own terms, he needed to gain her trust. With her trust, she could start to vouch for him, and he could be back on his own ship before the month was over. So, he followed the Togruta in silence and enjoyed the stares and glares he got from the other rebels. He relished in their anger and hate.

Cristin, however, was not excited by this little walk. She had better things to do than follow the prodigal son around the base. She wanted to get back to training with Poe and the other pilots. She also wanted to not be affiliated with the brooding human at her side, but she reminded herself that this was to get her back in the air.

"Hungry?" she asked as they started to approach the mess hall. Kylo snapped to her, surprised to hear her speak after silence. She looked at him before nodding to the building. "Might as well eat while we're here."

"I suppose," Kylo sighed. He didn't want to sit down and eat. He needed to know where the battle plans were and how to get to them. He had one job to do, and he hated how slowly his progress was. He had bet too much on his mother's blind trust. It wasn't as blind as he had expected, which also meant that she wasn't as foolish as he thought.

With a grumble, Cristin guided him inside. In truth, she was starving as she had eaten in the early morning and nothing since. It was now midafternoon, and she was surprised to see Kylo continue with little food. When they passed through the doors, Cristin could feel the strange looks and glares on her and her follower. He seemed satisfied by their reactions while she only felt shame and embarrassment.