Six years later, and Ben's sanity was hanging by a thread.

The things that Snoke has had him do … the things that Leia has urged him to do regardless of how much it cost him … had eaten into his soul, ripping away everything that had made him the person he was meant to be. At some point- and to her shame she can't remember when- she realized that things had gone too far … she had pushed Ben too far, made him do too much … for there to ever be a hope of a safe return for him.

And yet … their efforts had borne fruit. The Resistance has grown … they have ships … weapons … and enough people to prevent a noticeable threat to Snoke's plans. In between whispers and the ever more infrequent pleas to come home, Ben had told her of the Starkiller weapon, of Snoke's plans to destroy Luke Skywalker before he could create another generation of Jedi. Ackbar, Amilyn Holdo, and other influential veterans of the Rebellion have joined her cause … and though they sometimes disagreed with her, she still had her way most of the time.

But all the intelligence that Ben had provided her had not been able to save Hosnian Prime.

Ben had tried. He had tried to convince Snoke that it was unnecessary, but the Supreme Leader had overruled him. He had watched the destruction, and called out to Leia.

Mother, you have to convince them to leave. It's only a matter of time before Snoke aims the Starkiller at your base. I will do what I can to delay it, but Leader Snoke has decreed the destruction necessary. I cannot protect you.

I understand, Ben. You've done well. She always tried to project support and warmth to her son, but it was becoming increasingly difficult.

I have become a monster. Just a creature in a mask.

An image came into her mind … an image of a dark haired young woman … barely more than a child. Who is this girl, Ben?

A scavenger from Jakku. She's strong with the Force. I tried to convince her to show me the map to Luke, but she resisted. When I tried to read it from her mind, she was able to turn the tables and read my mind as well. I couldn't get the map; that's why Snoke has decided to destroy your base.

This girl … Leia could feel her rattling around in the Force now. An untutored child, but with a power that potentially matched her son's. A loose cannon … a weapon for Snoke … or for the Resistance. And more than that … Leia could sense Ben's fascination. His attraction to her.

Leia had always had her son's loyalty. Luke had failed and ultimately betrayed him. Han … Han had found it easier to be gone more than he was there. And for all Chewbacca's love for Ben, he had followed Han as he always had.

Ben trusted in her. He listened to her. When Snoke drove him to madness, she was able to soothe him. She was able to help him gather the fragments of his will. She had shaped him to be her weapon, her blade at the heart of the First Order.

Because she was all he had.

This girl … this girl was a danger to her plans.

Ben … there is still time. You need to get the map from the girl. Do whatever is necessary.

Snoke has already decided to fire the Starkiller.

You're in danger, Ben. She could destroy all our plans. You cannot let Snoke gain an apprentice with such power.

Mother … Mama … I can't. I won't.

Leia felt the stirrings of unease at this unexpected rebellion. Ben … you know what we have worked for. All the things you've had to do … all the lives you have taken … we can't let that be for nothing.

I see her in the Force, Mama. She … I can't explain it.

Ben …

Mama, never mind the girl. You have to make sure that Dad stays away from me. Snoke has ordered me to kill him as a sign of my dedication. I can't protect him if he comes here. Don't let him come here, Mother. Whatever you do, make sure that Han Solo stays away from me.

Leia bit her lip.

Mother?

He's coming to you, Ben. He's coming to stop the Starkiller. They're coming for the girl. Leia sighed. And I told him to bring you home.

What?! Why did you do that? You've said that I had to stay here.

Leia bit her lip again. How to explain to her son that having Han back after so long had made her heart overrule her head? She had wanted him back- wanted both of them back. In a moment of weakness, she had said what she knew Han wanted her to say- said what she had wanted to say herself for so long. You'll have to try to stay away from him, Ben, but if he finds you –

If he finds me, Mother?

She knew what Ben wanted her to say: Come home. Just come home, son.

But she knew what she had to say.

Do what you have to. We can't stop now. We're closer than ever to stopping the First Order once and for all.

Mother … Mama, you can't mean-

Do what you have to, Ben. I won't hate you for it. Your father would understand.

Perhaps he would. Han Solo had been a General in the Rebellion, once. He had sent men to their deaths. But could he condone this … could he countenance dying at the hands of his son? Making his son be his killer?

Leia could not think any more. Do what you have to, Ben.

And she broke their connection.