As they approached the ancient freighter, they could see Rey exiting the ship. She stood at the bottom of the ramp, smiling at them. Ben walked down the ramp looking stoic as usual. His eyes briefly met Finn's, and he offered a nod before heading toward the temple.
"Hello, Master Solo," Link said as he passed by.
Ben turned his head slightly and gave her a soft smile. "Hello, Link," he said, before continuing on his way.
Ben was often quiet around the temple, he was still adjusting to his new role, after a lifetime of inner turmoil and darkness. Though the shadows had faded, they were never far from him.
Rey, on the other hand, lit up with the same vibrant energy that Finn had come to know so well, and she quickly stepped forward to embrace him.
"Welcome back."
"It's good to be back," Rey replied, stepping back and glancing at Link. "I've missed seeing you two."
Link was beaming and bowed slightly. "Master Skywalker."
"How was the mission?" Finn asked.
"It went well," she said. She turned to Link and smiled, trying to keep the conversation light. "And how's your training going?"
Link hesitated. "She's a natural," Finn interjected proudly.
Her face flushed with pride, and she smiled widely. "Thank you, Master."
Rey placed a gentle hand on Link's shoulder. "I can tell you've been working hard. The Force is strong with you."
Finn gestured toward the droid. "Threepio sounds like he needs fresh oil. Link, could you help him with that?"
"Yes, Master," Link nodded. She turned and followed C-3PO, who had been waiting patiently by the edge of the platform.
—
Rey led Finn into the library, a small room overflowing with books and ancient texts. The space was a reflection of Rey herself—organized in a chaotic way that only she seemed to understand. Piles of books were scattered on the shelves and even on the floor, some neatly stacked, others left open as though she had been in the middle of reading them before being pulled away by more urgent matters.
Rey went straight to one of the piles on the floor, her brow furrowed in thought. "Their leader's name is Mar Corrik."
Finn, standing near the doorway, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Does Kaydel have proof that Mar Corrik was behind the assassination attempt?"
"No, but I'm going to find him and get it."
"A New Republic Security team went to the Path temple on Uvond, it's abandoned."
Rey finally found the book she was looking for—a thick, weathered tome with a worn cover. She pulled it out from beneath a stack of others and opened it with a sense of triumph. "Got it!"
Flipping through the pages, she stopped at a particular section and pointed. "Here. Dalna."
"Dalna?"
Rey glanced up at him. "It's a planet in the Outer Rim. The Path of the Open Hand built their first temple there centuries ago."
"You think Mar Corrik is hiding out there?"
"I know he's there."
Finn waited for her to elaborate.
Rey's gaze became distant. Her eyes narrowed slightly as though she were listening to something far away. Ben was reaching out to her through the Force. She welcomed his words into her mind.
Do you know where he is?
She responded aloud, "He's on Dalna."
Finn blinked, caught off guard. "Yeah, you said that."
Her focus snapped back to Finn, a confused expression on her face. Finn's shoulders slumped as he sighed in mock frustration. "You know it's super creepy when you guys do that."
Rey laughed. "Sorry."
Finn couldn't help but smile. Rey's connection with Ben had grown stronger over the past few years. It was a bond that still amazed him, though it also made him feel slightly disconnected at times.
"Alright," Finn said, shifting back into mission mode. "We know where we're going."
Rey's expression became serious again. "No, Finn. I need you to go protect Kaydel, her life may be in danger."
He opened his mouth to speak, but she continued, "I trust you to keep her safe. Ben and I will go to Dalna."
Finn wanted to protest, to tell her that they should all go to Dalna together, but he knew Rey too well. When she made up her mind, there was no changing it. Besides, she wasn't wrong—Kaydel was likely in danger.
"Okay… I'll go."
Rey started to leave the library, but stopped in the doorway, turning back to face Finn. "And take Link with you," she added softly. "She's ready."
Finn blinked, surprised. "You sure?"
Rey nodded. "She's learned everything she can here. She needs real-world experience now, and with you watching over her, I know she'll be safe."
Finn looked at Rey for a long moment, considering her words. Link was young, but Rey was right. In many ways, she reminded Finn of himself when he had first joined the Resistance, eager to learn and prove himself. But taking Link into a potentially dangerous situation? That was something he hadn't fully prepared for.
"I'll take care of her."
—
Finn found Link in the training courtyard, practicing her lightsaber drills. She was focused, her movements precise and controlled, a sign of how much she had improved since the day she started her training.
"Link!" he called out as he approached.
The young twi'lek stopped mid-swing, her lekku twitching in surprise as she turned to face him.
"I've got a mission," Finn said, his expression serious, "and you're coming with me."
Her eyes widened with excitement. "Really? Where are we going?"
"We're going to protect someone important. It could be dangerous."
She stood up straighter. "I'm ready, Master."
Finn studied her for a moment, seeing the determination in her eyes. She was ready.
"Good, let's get moving."