9 years after arrival/11 BBY

It was a hot day. The air conditioning unit was broken and the classroom was sweltering. Leia felt like she was vacuumed sealed to her duraplast chair with the heat. She felt heavy and lethargic like a watering Bantha. She was not paying much attention to the ramblings of Mr Darnak who was teaching her history lesson. The clock above the door showed that it was almost the end of the day. She absent-mindedly played with her long brown side plait, watching the numbers on it slowly tick down. Leia was eager for the bell to ring so she and Nadira could be free to go and hang out and play in the village. They loved getting shaved ice with Namana syrup, sitting on the wall in the shade by the shop and watching the world go by. She wondered if any more alien traders or travellers would show up. It was always fascinating to see new people in the village, it happened very rarely but it was so exciting.

"Leia, what do you think is the correct answer?"

She instantly sat up, heat rushing to her cheeks as she realised she'd been caught day-dreaming. She quickly checked the board but found no hint of what he was talking about. Mr Darnak's sweaty face looked at her impatiently.

"I'm sorry Mr Darnak, I wasn't listening."

"Pay attention!" he hit his pointing stick on the desk, making the whole class jump. "The history of Coruscant and its relation to the Core worlds will be on next term's big test! Luke, perhaps you can help your sister out?"

"Is it uh…" Leia watched him scratch the back of his blonde head from further ahead in the classroom. "One trillion?"

"Correct, the current population count is one trillion, and growing rapidly," he drew a chart on the board, referring to his text book. "The population has increased because of its strategic placement at the end of many of the galaxy's biggest trade routes! Can anyone give me the name of the largest trade route and the year it was established?"

And so the class wore on, Leia kept her eyes on the clock and tried her best not to day-dream too much again, though her posture was slouching and the heat made her sleepy. She was trying to focus on the Core trade routes when something hit the back of her head. It was a piece of paper screwed up in to a ball. An eruption of suppressed laughter sounded from behind her and she turned, staring her nemesis fearlessly in the face.

"Very funny Dumb-brain," she whispered sarcastically, flipping him the finger which she had seen adults do in the town.

The tall skinny human boy at the back of the class glared at her as he whispered back, "It's Dumbon, why don't you try paying attention, stupid."

"Why don't you just shut up and mind your own business?"

"Excuse me, I will not tolerate talking in my lesson. Turn around this instant!"

Red with anger and embarrassment, she turned back around. Why was it always her who was getting told off when the real culprit was Dumbon? He delighted in annoying her and her friends. She was sure she was going to get a more thorough scolding but she was saved by the bell. Immediately everybody was packing away their books and pens and rushing to get their bag.

"Remember the homework due next week! Wild Space and its resources!" Mr Darnak yelled over the commotion as the children started funnelling out the door.

Leia looked about for Nadira. She spotted her putting on her backpack and headed over to her.

"Finally it's over! Come on let's go to town! I've been waiting all day!" she grinned, grabbing her own backpack and stuffing in her books and supplies.

"I've been staring at the clock trying to make it go faster!" Nadira replied as she pulled her long dark hair up into a ponytail. She was a year younger than Leia at eight years old, but they were still the best of friends.

"Leia wait!"

She rolled her eyes as Luke approached. The two turned to face him, arms crossed over their chests. She firmly reminded him of their rules. "Luke, I told you it's a no boys allowed policy!"

"Yeah but mother and father said you had to take me with you at the end of the week."

"Nooo!" Leia whined, remembering that she had promised to do so after he had gotten upset the last time. She threw her hands down, exasperated. "Can't you go with someone else?"

"No one else is going to town. C'mon you promised Leia."

She felt guilty saying no, but at the same time she felt annoyed saying yes. Nadira gave her a look that said 'your call'. Her brother was with her all the time at home and at school, and they loved each other a lot despite the occasional fights. Surely it wouldn't matter that much to him if he didn't go with them this once. Besides, it was so hot that it wasn't a good day to go to town anyway.

"Luke, it's so hot today that you won't have fun with us anyway," she said.

"I will. I want to have the shaved ice and sit on the wall like you were telling mother."

Leia bit her lip. On impulse she grabbed Nadira's hand and they ran for it. They burst out into the sunny playground, weaving between the parents and children that stood about, and raced across the meadows towards the centre of the village. She felt a pang in her chest at abandoning her brother, but he'd get over it. Just this once she wanted to do what she wanted to do. She wanted her friend all to herself.

They stopped and caught their breath half way there. She looked back towards the school, a lumpy shape amidst a line of trees, but there was no sign of Luke. Good, at least he got the picture quickly.

"C'mon let's get shaved ice!" Nadira said, and they raced on despite the heat, full of energy that only children have.

It was glorious, sitting on the old stone wall in the shade and watching the world go by. The village was small but residents, farm animals and vehicles passed through the dusty road and there was a lot of life to the place. Leia was proud that her mother worked in the shop in the middle of town, and proud that her father was a teacher. Most other children's parents were just farmers. She was very happy with living in Namusa, but she was ever curious about what else was out there in the galaxy. One day she'd go and explore it all.

The two girls talked about the village, their classmates, games and jokes and what they wanted to be in the future. Nadira wanted to be a teacher and Leia an intergalactic traveller. The shaved ice was wondrously cold and sweet. There was a slight breeze which cooled the sweat on their necks and wafted their hair about their faces. After a while, her mother had finished her shift at the shop and noticed Leia upon exiting.

"I'm going to pick your father up from the school and then head home," she said, fixing her bag and getting the key for the speeder. Her baby bump seemed to get bigger every day. Leia hoped with all her might that she would be getting a little sister. "Where's Luke? I thought he was going to be here with you on Fridays now?"

"He didn't want to come because it's too hot," Leia squirmed a little.

Her mother gave her a look that said she didn't quite believe her. She brushed aside her long side plait which matched Leia's hairstyle, which was a tradition they'd started together. Leia loved matching with her mother. "Alright, well, make sure to be home soon alright? And give my regards to your parents Nadira."

"Yes Mrs Kayla," her friend gave a shy smile.

Leia watched her pregnant mother leave and suddenly felt terrible for lying. She hoped she wouldn't be in too much trouble when she got home. The summer days were long, and they sat for hours chatting and then playing imaginary games in amongst the buildings. It was still busy in the village in the late afternoon despite the temperature, and they even caught sight of Dumbon and his friends playing nearby, though they avoided them. Eventually, they were too tired to play anymore, and they still had a long walk home ahead of them. They usually split half way on the route back as Nadira lived on a farm outside of town, but it was not as remote as Leia's home.

As they walked through the countryside they continued talking, planning games for the days ahead, when they were interrupted by a loud shout from behind them.

"Hey!"

The two girls turned and were met with the sight of Dumbon who had followed them from town. His dark hair was slick with sweat and his face showed no sign of being friendly. Leia instinctually stepped in front of her younger, less feisty friend and glared at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I just want to play whatever stupid girl game you have," he walked forwards with over exaggerated confidence and tried to intimidate her with his slight height advantage. Leia seethed.

"We're not playing right now, we're going home. Leave us alone or else."

He laughed in her face. "Or else what?"

"Or else you'll be sorry. We've fought before and I always win. I guess it must hurt being beaten by a girl." Leia stood with pride at remembering their previous fights, but then she remembered how they'd always been broken up by teachers when she'd had him pinned down. There was no body around here to step in and end things. Her courage wavered.

"You won't win this time," he snapped and took a swing at her, which she dodged instinctively, but instead it hit Nadira in the face who had been standing behind her. She fell back onto the floor with a cry, clutching her face with trembling hands.

"Why did you do that?" Leia shouted at him. "What's wrong with you?"

"Can't take being beaten by a boy?" he sneered and Leia lunged at him. They tumbled over in the dirt, trying to get a good angle on each other to do some damage. He grabbed at her throat and she kneed him in the groin. She managed to pin him down with his elbow painfully wrenched behind him until he begged for mercy. Once she was sure he was defeated she leapt up and ran to Nadira.

"Are you alright?" Leia helped her up and looked at the nasty bruise forming on her best friend's face. She was crying from the shock and Leia hugged her tightly. She was furious and so upset that she could have ripped that boy in two.

"Leia look-"

Before she knew what had happened, she was on the floor with the wind knocked out of her and Nadira had received another blow from Dumbon. Gasping for air, she got up and pulled him away from her, but the boy was physically stronger and he pushed her back down. Seeing red and desperate to get him away from her friend, Leia lashed out with what she thought was her hand alone, but to her horror she saw Dumbon go flying through the air, hit a tree in its highest branches and fall to the grassy floor with a sickening crack.

Unable to believe what she had just done with her forbidden abilities, Leia looked at the crumped heap of the boy. Surely he wasn't…

Dumbon groaned and held his arm, which was hanging from his body in an unnatural way. Ignoring him momentarily, she slowly regained her breath and then went to Nadira to help her up. They stood together, swaying slightly and staring at the boy. Nadira's crying had stopped. What now?

"How did you do that Leia?" her friend asked eventually.

"I don't know. But promise on your life you won't tell anyone," Leia whispered, still not believing what she had done. If father found out…

"You were protecting me. I promise I won't tell another soul," she replied earnestly and tightly held Leia's hand in her own. She gripped it back.

Dumbon was still groaning as he stood up shakily. He gave Leia a terrified look, one that shook her to the core. He said nothing to them, but started walking back to town as quick as he could, still clutching at his limp arm. Leia had never felt this kind of deep fear before in the pit of her stomach. She wished that Luke had been with them, and in that moment cursed herself for her selfishness. Getting in trouble for abandoning him was now nothing compared to this. But it had been an accident…she was just defending her friend. Maybe nothing would happen, maybe that stupid bully would say nothing to anyone, she was a girl after all. Maybe he would be embarrassed to tell anyone.

"Come on, let's go," Nadira pulled on her hand. "We need to think of a story to tell our parents about why we look like this."

ooooo

Dumbon's father was quick to get in contact with the authorities in Salis D'aar. He was furious with what that little bully had done to his son, but he was also keen on acquiring the monetary reward that came with reporting force sensitives to the Empire. The money from this could pay for the new extension on his house.

"Yes, I would like to report a force sensitive child in the village of Namusa. She broke my son's arm, she's very dangerous," he spoke over the Holo call, glancing at his son who was lying in bed with a nurse droid hovering over his arm and applying a splint, bandages and bacta.

"Can you please provide the name, address and details of this child?" the administration officer replied whilst inputting the information over the projection.

"Her name is Leia Kayla. She lives with her brother, Luke and her mother and father, Ben and Priya Kayla. You should take the son too, he might be force sensitive as well. They're always giving trouble to my son. They live on the far outskirts of town away from everyone. Looks like we know why now. If you follow the south track for a good few miles you will find their home by the forest I believe. If not, you can follow Ben or Priya home from their workplaces. I can give more information if needed."

"Thank you for you cooperation. A small unit of specialist Stormtroopers will be dispatched as soon as possible. You and your son can rest easy that the threat will be removed from your village permanently should your story be true. We will deposit the reward money into your account upon successful acquisition of the child, or children."

The connection dropped and he looked over with satisfaction at his son. This was a good day.

ooooo

Luke watched from the kitchen table as Leia was berated by their parents as soon as she stepped through the door and removed her shoes. It felt good to have her told off. Next time she would think twice about being selfish. He'd missed out on a good tree climbing session too by the looks of it. Leia was filthy and her dress was ripped, evidence of a good adventure game. She was a tomboy and often arrived home dishevelled, but as she was getting reprimanded Luke could feel something shifting in her through the force. There was something off about her. He could sense through their connection that something else had happened. He would ask her later, though he doubted she would tell him anything, let alone speak to him. She would probably blame her scolding on him.

"I can't believe you ran off without your brother. How would you feel if Luke did that to you?" father spoke sternly to her with his arms across his chest. He stood over her, his height making her appear very small.

"I'm sorry," she looked down at the floor, appearing remorseful, though he didn't know if it was genuine or not. "It won't happen again."

"That's what you said the last time Leia, you know better than to lie to us. We do not tolerate lying in this house!"

Luke was shocked when she started to cry, and judging by the look on his parent's faces, so were they. It was very un-Leia-like. She often boasted about how she never cried anymore. Something was definitely up. Maybe his dad couldn't quite sense it but he could. He often felt everything Leia was feeling and vice-versa.

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, using her palms to wipe at her eyes and her running nose. Luke watched as his parents exchanged knowing glances.

"Leia, you told me in town that Luke didn't want to go with you because it was too hot. You lied to my face, and that is inexcusable," mother said from her seat at the table. There was disappointment in her voice, which was far worse than anger.

"We are very disappointed in you young lady," father said seriously. "You're going to go to bed with no dinner tonight, and you are going to stay at home for the whole weekend and think about what you've done. Now go to you room," he pointed.

Leia hurried away, slamming the door to their bedroom behind her. They could hear her crying through the wall as they awkwardly continued eating dinner. After a while she stopped crying and Luke could sense she'd fallen asleep. When he went to bed that night he could feel her troubled dreams. He hoped that nothing too serious had happened, and that she'd tell him about it in the morning.

Luke awoke the next day to the smell of pancakes. He jumped out of bed and hurriedly shoved on his everyday summer clothing which was a light cotton tunic, tan coloured leggings, a thick belt and his indoor shoes. He ran into the kitchen shouting "pancakes!"

With delight he watched his mother expertly flip the delicious golden cakes. He found out father had gone to pick berries for their breakfast in the forest, and he was excited for them to eat together. The HoloProjector on Saturday mornings had some children's shows that he loved to watch with Leia and in his head, he pretended his new brother or sister in mother's stomach was watching with them too. He could hear Leia getting dressed and washed, and hoped that since it was morning, everything could go back to normal and she'd no longer be upset.

"I'm going to keep these warm in the oven until your father gets back," she said as she put away the pile of pancakes, rubbing her hand on her swollen stomach.

Suddenly, like a bomb detonating, a million things seemed to happen at once. Luke saw three terrifying creatures knock the front door down. Dressed in white and black armour, they crashed into the house over the shards of broken wood with black guns raised. In a moment of horror he recognised the armour from the Holonet. Stormtroopers. Before he could even process what was happening, one of them shot his mother with a stun ray, catching her as she fell forwards unconscious.

"She's pregnant, could be another FS here!" he heard it speak in a muffled voice inside its mask. "Report that back to base!"

Luke screamed and seemed to run in slow motion towards his parents room, desperate to reach the lightsabers in time.

"Get the boy and the girl!"

Luke bolted the door to save him precious moments of time and lifted up the floorboard with shaking hands. He only had time to stuff one of the sabers in his tunic before the door was kicked open. He shoved the floorboard back and attempted to run to the window to escape, double back round and save Leia, but he heard the stun ray fire, and suddenly his vision turned black.