Ben is Astra’s large white wolfdog companion. In Stellar Playfulness, his threatening appearance alarms a group of campers, but he lies down and invites petting. Astra recognizes that he needs a break and asks him to protect the campers.
He follows the sounds of the campers’ gun safety mechanisms and avoids Astra’s gaze when she offers help. Ben and Astra’s partnership is separate from other people named Ben and from other La Araña bearers.