This is the story of Ruthia Skywalker. The daughter of Luke and Lainee Skywalker. She was born mute with the ability to communicate with the Force.
((Mummy, I don't want to go.)) Lainee Skywalker sighed as her daughter touched her mind.
"We've been through this. You have to go. Everyone does. It is part of being a Jedi. You do want to be a Jedi, Right?"
((I guess so. Were you a Padawan? Who was your master?))
"Daddy."
((Why can't Daddy be my Master?))
"He is really busy at the moment. And so am I. So you need to hurry up dear. The flight leaves in 30 minutes."
((Can you carry me?))
"No. Your a big girl now. I'll carry your case. Hold BeeBee" Lainee passed a small ragdoll down to her young daughter. "Lets go to the speeder. Daddy and Zathe are waiting."
The Family arrived at the ship dock. A familiar ship awaited them. Leaning against the side of the battered and worn Millennium Falcon stood Han Solo. He had his arm around a young lady who rushed over to hug Luke. Han gave Luke a friendly pat on the back, kissed Lainee on both cheeks and gave Zathe a nod.
Leia looked at her 8 year old niece, who she had only seen a few times. The last time was when the girl was 5 at her eldest brothers Funeral. Now she was to become her padawan. She really needed to visit her brother more often. "It's been too long Luke." She voiced her opinion. "I know we are fighting on different fronts of a war... But 3 years is pushing it." She ruffled Zathe's hair affectionately and smiled at her brother teasingly.
She felt her niece touch her mind. ((Where are Anakin and Darin?))
"They're at home sweetie. Sorry. Coruscant is a long way." And it was a dangerous journey, she added in her mind, forgetting that Ruth would "hear" it. Han sighed and said "It is nice talking to y'all.. but I am really hungry. What's for Grub?" Everyone laughed and Luke motioned to the speeder. "Jump in!"
After dinner Leia looked at her niece, who had been virtually silent throughout the meal, in mind and words, sitting next to Luke. The similarity was obvious, as was the love between the two. Lainee never took her eyes off her daughter throughout the meal. The child was pale skinned and quite small and skinny for her age. She had a vulnerable look about her wide, blue eyes but if you looked closely you could see the wiry muscle on her arms.
When it came to the time for them to leave there were tears in the eyes of Luke, Zathe and Lainee, but Ruthia's face showed only determination. She took Leia's hand and walked toward the ship that was to become her home. She looked over her shoulder at her small family once, and lifted her left hand in a small wave.
