Leia sat sullenly on a crate deep within the ship. It was as far as she could reasonably get from the man in the cockpit who had spoken to claim her. She didn't want to know him, didn't want to be his, didn't want to be any body's. Why did he want her? How far had he gone, and how far would he go, to posses her and her brother? And why? Why was it personal? Couldn't he be cold and aloof? Why did he have to seem like he cared about her? Couldn't he have lied to them? Why, for that brief moment, did he have to show ethics? Maybe for once deception would have been better. And why had she said abandon? How could he have abandoned her if he had never known of her existence? Yet abandoned was what she felt like. Abandoned in that sterile, medical palace with cold, unreachable parents and a burden so heavy she feared being crushed. Maybe that wasn't the way it was supposed to be. If only she'd had a mother. If only the father had never become something so dark. She could live with a far away Jedi legend for a father, but how could she deal with the actual man? How did she treat him? Not like a father because of all he had done, even moments ago when he gave no thought to her competence, only to his ownership of her. Not like an enemy, because he was a hero in another life, and that was no way for a daughter to treat a father. Not like a hero, because of who he was now. He'd called her a child. No one had ever called her a child. She'd never even been given a chance to be one. There was always training for her future role or preparing her to be a senator. Bail had been kind, but he hadn't understood children. His wife had thought of them a little adults who would get over it soon, not as anything to be cherished or taught. This was someone with unknown motivations and purposes. How far could that temper of his be pushed until it snapped? What if all he wanted was his child?
Nothing was clear. She vaguely noticed that the ship hadn't taken off. Then she felt a hand slide around her shoulders. She looked into her brother's face. It radiated with concern. She stood and begun to pace. "He owns me? I'm young, untrained, and a child? As for untrained, I never want to hear another thing about the Force. I could end up like him. It's simply not responsible. I'll never touch it again." "Never?" her brother asked. "Never to feel it again, taste it in the air, never to use it, even when you breathe your dying breath? To die and simply cease to exist?" He was right, she thought. She'd felt it, it was a part of her now. She needed it, almost as if she were addicted to it's power. Would she break down, go mad, if denied that power? "Besides, you've already used it. You can't help it now." She spun to face him "When?" "You called it Coruscant, he thought "it's Imperial Center now," and you said, "Whatever." You didn't even realize it." "Damn." She grinned at him. "Why do you always have to be right?" Luke grinned back. "He also says he spoke over harshly." "So he apologizes?" she asked triumphantly. "I never said that." He retorted. "It's hard for him to hold his temper. I never knew, but he's using a considerable amount of the Force to keep himself alive. If he ever stops, even for a second, then it's all over. He hasn't relaxed in twenty years. Do you have any idea how much power something like that takes? He's harnessing the dark side in a way that I didn't know could be done. He's bound to be a bit irritable." "Who did it to him?" she asked, shocked. It had never occurred to her that the imposing giant had a weakness. "Obi Wan. He tossed his own student into a pit of lava, too cowardly to kill him himself. It's because of him he lives in pain. So, will you come up to the cockpit? Will you accept his apology? He didn't mean to." "All right." She grumbled. "But I still despise him. Don't think of this as selling out, because I haven't, and I won't." She looked up at him with an appraising eye. "You look good in black." He blushed. "No, I mean really, really, good." He glanced up wickedly. "Maybe it's genetic." Leia gave him a playful shove towards the cockpit.
Bespin. Such a pretty name for the worst memories of her life. Leia thought as the violently colored sky streaked past the shuttle. The ride had been quiet. The silence was stiff, almost alive. Now Luke pushed his way from a cockpit that had grown crowded, space eaten away by anger. He breathed deeply. Bespin's cool, peppermint air cleared out his head. Leia stepped out into the bright sunshine and sighed with appreciation. "Sunlight. I can never get enough of it." Her temper improved with each minute spent under the star. "Artificial light just doesn't hold a candle to the real thing." "You weren't spending that much time in lighted areas on the ship. As I recall you holed yourself up in the bedroom." Vader corrected. "You spend months on the Executor. Don't you ever miss real starlight and fresh air?" Luke asked with a wistful note. "You forget, I wear a respirator. And after Tattoine, aren't you tired of sun glare yet?" his father asked. Luke shook his head. "Never. Especially not after Hoth." "I'll never forget your reaction to snow." Leia teased, remembering her brother's gaping mouth. "And I'll never forget your face when I hit you with that snowball." He retorted. "Hey!"
People stared openly as the bizarre trio strolled down Cloud City's main street. Jaws dropped, fingers pointed energetically, and whispers ran rampant through the air. "I didn't think my outfit looked that bad." Luke muttered to Leia. She couldn't help doubling over laughing. When she recovered, they continued. "You have to admit, we do look pretty strange together." "Who, me?" Vader quipped sarcastically. After a few minutes walking, Leia spotted a small booth strung with vibrant red fruit. "Look, promites! There my favorite, I haven't had one in ages." Luke gazed bemusedly at the scarlet lumps. "What the Sith are they?" Leia looked thoroughly surprised. "You mean you've never had one?" "Nope. I went straight from desert scud to rations. The only times I've ever eaten good food have been on away missions." "Well, that's it. Today is the day all that changes. No more will you eat imitators like those other brands, yes, now you too can eat real food!" She said like a corny holovid announcer. The carefree atmosphere had removed all her formality and caution of Vader. She felt almost relaxed, something which she'd not enjoyed for a very long time.
Leia strode to the vendor, a stooped old woman. "Two please, mamn." She asked kindly. "The woman obediently removed two fruits from the string, carefully wrapping them in paper and handing them to Leia. "One credit, mistress." The woman informed her. "One for you, and one for your family. May the force be with you." She said respectfully. She turned to her family as a broad smile spread across her face. She handed one to Luke before unwrapping her own. "Here, try it. I promise you'll love it" He took a cautious bite. Then a large, greedy one. "This is great! It's sweet and juicy and by the gods it isn't dehydrated! This is without a doubt the best thing I've ever tasted. Thank you so much." He said as he gulped down the fruit. "Remind my to buy you fruit more often." She laughed. "My pleasure." He said, licking the staining juice from his long fingers. "What I should have done is left a case of them in the carbonite pit." Vader said. "I doubt you would have even noticed the freezing process! You act as if you've never had anything on Tattoine but gruel." "Well," Luke said indignantly, "I haven't."
They walked on, but the crowd cleared in their wake. Luke was disturbed. People had always been drawn to his easy smile and healthy good looks. Now there was fear in their eyes, and not just because of his father's presence. Would he ever be a part of the normal world again, or would they shun him like the people of Bespin? A standard hour later, their shopping was done. Luke and Vader had waited on opposite sides of the door, while Leia purchased her more feminine necessities for the long journey. Luke was just short of whistling cornily when Leia stepped out of the store with a nondescript bag. "Oh for Force's sake you two, get a life! Standing out here like embarrassed Noghri." With a sound of exasperation, she walked on. The two men shrugged, and followed her. "Well, I'll look on the bright side, at least this means that looser didn't get her pregnant." Vader said to Luke. "I heard that, and he's not a looser!" She shouted with indignation, pouting. Leia had some how procured an account under an alias, and purchased everything as 'Ms. Gana Lea Or.' "Well," remarked her father, "That was a bit obvious." "Then why didn't you figure it out?" She asked sweetly. "I have better things to do." was the huffy reply.
They walked back to the ship. The streets became less and less populated as they needed the isolated dock. Finally they were alone. Luke was eager to board, he wanted to get his hands on the Interceptors blueprints and possibly modify that impressive shield to fit an X-Wing. He- Suddenly his father stopped. "Down!" He ordered sharply. Luke felt the sensation of danger milliseconds later. He swung himself, flat to the ground, and grabbed a confused Leia's ankle. "What?" She asked before she too was pressed into the causeway. The whizzing of bullets had burst into existence. Leia looked up in a panic. They should be safe from them, but her mouth opened in horror as the bullets swept in a downward arc. Damn, of all times for an assassin to be armed with heat seekers- She didn't know why, but instead of the expected searing heat, there was only a shock wave sound and a burst of light. She looked up to find that Vader had stepped gracefully around them and absorbed the bullets. Handy trick, she thought not for the first time. Luke looked up and nodded. That must be why I'm a Padawan, and he's a master, he thought calmly. Leia looked at Lord Vader unreadable, his mask held her eyes for a few precious seconds, and then she spun to her brother. "Come on!" She yelled, already running, cursing her lack of a weapon, "We've got to catch him!" With a sigh, Luke chased after her. Vader swirled away and walked with dignity to the nearest comn panel. "I require a full medic unit, equipped with an autopsy specialist." He commanded gravely. "Who is this?" Barked the voice on the other end. "If it's one of you clowns from landings, quit with the bad imitation and-" "I assure you," he said, slightly amused as he gripped the unseen man's throat with the Force, "That this is no imitation. Check you landing roster." There was an audible hack as the hold was released, followed be a loud gulp. "Yes- yes sir. Right away sir." The connection clicked off as Vader sat down to wait. Storm troopers. He should have choked the man for the common good and been done with it. He reached out to see how the twins were managing.
Luke panted, but a month ago he would have stopped from exhaustion. Yoda's training had done him good. Leia, however, was faring less well. Luckily their attacker was tiring as well. The assassin had emptied his clip early on, and reloaded another with no success. His aim was not spectacular, and the one time he'd managed to hit Luke, it had struck his Force shield. Slowly, the immature shield had merged with the bolt and fortified itself, his desperation and will to live driving him. The energy was suctioned back into Luke, and he could feel only a slight rippling as the power flowed into him. Did I know I could do that? He wondered. It had been difficult, but his father's skill had adapted itself to Luke after he had observed it being performed. Could he always do this, or only in emergencies? What else could he learn? Surely his powers weren't his extensive. What he'd just done was almost too wonderful. Vader's words flowed back to him. You do no yet realize you power... he shuddered. If his father had realized it, Luke wasn't convinced he wanted to do the same.
Next the man entered an empty Tibanna gas warehouse where he'd hopped to loose his pursuers. Leia noticed the territory was no longer familiar, and concluded that they'd entered Lando's prize profitable industrial district. At close inspection, the attacker had nothing about him to identify his origin. Even his walking style was totally nondescript. Leia hoped they could catch him. She didn't like the idea of an unknown enemy. As they neared the end of the building's roof, the assassin turned around in a panic. He edged towards the ledge. "Stop!" Luke called. "We can work this out to your advantage! Just don't jump!" The man shook his head frantically, then stepped over. They ground to a halt. Neither watched his fall, and both winced at his scream.
An Imperial hover craft pulled up beside them. Vader stepped out, and the medic team was quickly lowered to collect the body and determine, if possible, his origin and employer. Luke looked at the autopsy expert questioningly. "I had no doubts you would kill him." Vader supplied. "We didn't!" Luke supplied. "Yet you were the ones chasing him, were you not? There was nothing you could have done to prevent it." "Maybe." said Luke quietly. "But I could have tried. With that the young Jedi Padawan walked back, his eyes storm blue-gray and clouded with thought. His family watched him go, then turned back to each other. "Are you injured?" He asked with concern. She shook her head and looked down. "Thank you." She said quietly. A man who she would have watched die with satisfaction had saved her life and that of someone she loved today. How could she react? He reached out, as if to stroke her cheek, then dropped his hand. "We must find your brother." With that he left her. After a instants pause, she turned and followed her father off the roof.
From the ground, a blond woman watched from the shadows. She watched the tanned young man exit, brooding, and cursed the absorption trick she had witnessed earlier. And who on earth had the girl been? Flipping out a comn link she reported. "Mission, total failure, new female human element, details when I'm home. Gurgi out." With a last glance at the mere boy she had been sent to oversee the death of, she slipped away.
Back in their quarters, the weary Rebels and their father discussed the teams findings. "He was after Luke, not me." Leia insisted. Her ripped green dress was gone, replaced by dark brown slacks and a creamy tan top. "He only aimed at Luke as we tracked him, ignored me until I became a threat." "Now, who would wish to kill Luke?" Vader asked lazily, though he already knew. Leia's head bobbed up. "No." she said darkly. 'He hates you all right, but he wouldn't dare... would he?" "Who?" asked Luke with exasperation. "Xizor." They said at once. "The one you hate?" Luke asked. "The feeling is pretty mutual." Leia injected. "But he wouldn't be so foolish. To risk your wrath like that?" "Luke wasn't going to be captured until mere weeks ago. I can't tell how Palpatine would react." Vader told her. "What do you mean, not going to be captured?" Asked Luke in alarm. "Calm yourself." said his father. "Palpatine has been convinced that you are worthy of continued existence." "Thank you." said Luke stiffly. "I rather enjoy living. It would be such an inconvenience to end it all." Vader snorted. "I can imagine." "Xizor wouldn't have dared unless he had nothing to loose, and everything to gain, or maybe if-" she trailed off, then began again. "Did Xizor know something we didn't?" "No." He answered, not questioning the we. "He had to have a strong motive, so strong he would risk his position with Palpatine to crush you. Did you perhaps hurt his family?" There was a long, pregnant pause. he turned suddenly to the computer terminal. After a few silent minutes, in which Leia and Luke unsuccessfully tried to look over the giant's shoulder, then gave up and sulked, waiting for him to report his findings, Vader straightened. "Once upon a time our dear Faleen's father was a minor king on his home planet. I had a minor project of mine there, and the endeavor ended unpleasantly." Luke looked up. "What kind of project?" He asked, harshness creeping into his voice." He didn't speak. "Biological weaponry. The city had to be... quarantined." "You mean you purposely experimented on innocents?" Leia shouted. "Of course not! How unprincipled do you think me? There was a spill at the laboratory. We tried to contain it, but all attempts failed. It wasn't even meant as a weapon. It was actually an experimental cure, in it's very volatile stages. Yes, I've had more sinister projects, but nothing of this sort was ever intended to happen!" He'd shouted at her, and she'd taken a few steps back. "Forgive me." She said with all honesty. "I didn't know." With that, she left their quarters, walking quickly. With a last look at Luke, pensive and deep in thought, he turned to leave. "What was it a cure for?" Luke asked softly. Vader turned. "Your mother was so sick, Luke. She was pale, slow, I was so afraid. I didn't know she was carrying twins. She said she was fine, I assumed she was hiding her frailty, just like always. She was never that strong, and twins took so much out of her. I did everything I could to find a cure for... It was a disease common in the mates of Force users. I thought I could help every one. I thought I was killing her, and I devoted all my resources and energy to curing it. I loved her. She was never meant to die. Not because of me. Not because I killed her. And then in the end, she died anyway, I killed the only person I loved in more ways than I could ever have imagined." With that he left, and Luke was alone. "Good night, father." He said softly, crawling into his bed.
It was the next morning. Leia had not returned to face her father, and Luke assumed she was in hiding, and had found some place to rest, or simply hadn't slept. In his mind he could see her red rimmed eyes, for she would have been crying in that soft way she did when she thought no one was looking, as if she was disobeying someone by crying and was still as afraid as a child of being punished, her tiny body curled into a corner. Her pretty hair askew, wondering if he would come to rescue her. Stop it. He told himself. Let her come to you. She has to decide what she wants. She's not a child. If she needs you she'll call. Disobeying his own advice, he searched the Force for her. Nothing at all, not even a glimmer. She was lost in thought, and didn't want to be found. I miss you. he sent, but even more than missing Leia, he missed himself. The carefree boy he'd been, the clueless na•f who believed in inherent simplicity and goodness. Now that was gone, swept wantonly away like foolish travelers in a sandstorm. Now he was simply- who was he? Was he a farm boy? A pilot? A Jedi? A brother? A prince? He didn't know anymore, it was all a jumble that he couldn't define and it scared him. What kind of person can't look in the mirror and see himself? He pushed it away for later. There was no sense in worrying about something only the gods knew, if they existed.
He found himself wandering the ship. His father had again left for the bridge. They had finally set out for Coruscant, and heavy intimidating was needed to get anything done with sluggish, shore leave dulled officers. If he'd worried about Leia, it wasn't set aloud, merely obvious to them both. There were jerky moves, statements started, then stopped. Glances at the empty, still made bed. "I wonder..." Luke began, about to ask if she'd be all right. "Yes. She always is. That's as much a part of her as being a princess. She's just shaken." Luke smiled faintly. "As are all of us. Give her time." Vader smiled faintly, thought it could not be seen. "For her, for you, all the time I have."
Leia stood on the bridge, her mental shields as good as she could make them. Luke and Vader had both finally left, and she'd been free to slip in and change into the black uniform she'd been given and had refused. She'd spent the long night in a small shipping bay, crying her brown eyes out. Not only because of misjudging and wounding her father, whom she'd accused and was innocent, but because as she left she could hear Luke and his father's conversation ringing in her mind. All the pain in her father's voice as he'd told him of the death of their mother, something he didn't trust her with, had softened her. She assumed he'd killed her all along, that he was remorseless. But to regret it, to still love her, was to much to bear. Now she stood here, seemingly emotionless, starring out at the stars. Their vastness comforted her in a way she couldn't describe. She was startled when she felt a heavy head on her shoulder, and jumped. She tried hard and restrained herself from crying out. Her father witnessed this and said nothing. You're in my spot. He thought gently. I'm sorry. She responded quickly, surprising herself. She thought to leave, a bit horrified at loving the very thing her father had watched as he had plotted the destruction of worlds. It was also the place he'd stood as he mourned the woman he loved. He was human, not some monster to be feared, she reminded herself. Instead of leaving, she carefully moved aside, inviting him to stand beside her. Even more to her shock, he did so without comment.
Piett watched them in shock. He'd thought it bizarre that the Rebel girl had come on to the bridge at all, let alone without escort. Then she'd stood in Lord Vader's coveted position. No one dared to set foot within ten feet of that area, let alone take it over. Perhaps she didn't know? Then Lord Vader had come in, gently maneuvered her, and she'd moved to stand beside her captor. He shook his head. This was too strange. He was probably seeing things. Why oh why had he skipped his last health check?
Vader stood at the helm of the stars with command, his child with calculating observation, the demeanor of one who would someday rule. They stood there for what seemed an eternity, until Leia became uncomfortable. Why do you stare at me? She asked her father through the Force. Vader shrugged. I find you beautiful. You're quite pleasant to stare at. She didn't know how to respond to that. She was quiet for a few moments, uncomfortably digesting the information, as her father patiently waited. It's because I look like her. Leia replied without emotion. Not really. I find the comparison startling, yes, but you have an appeal all your own. I don't - he paused, searching for the perfect words. You're not here with me because you remind me of your mother, or only because you're my child. You amaze me all on your own. As does your brother, though his saber hook was a bit less pleasant than your insight. Leia smiled. Thank you. Then she turned to worry. Is that why you've been favoring your right arm? Are you all right? Does it hurt? Her father interrupted. Calm down child. it's nothing to patronize me over. I assure you, I hardly notice it. Against the background of his far older pain, it was merely the brush of a butterfly wing. I'm sorry. She said again. I believe we covered that. Vader mentioned. Not about your stupid spot. I'm sorry for last night, for everything. And for all you go through. He said nothing, then turned. "Admiral, I must inform you that you are to obey the Princesses commands only second to my own. Her and her brother have my permission to do anything short of ordering military strike. Is that clear, Piett?" Piett nodded frantically. "Good." Said Leia, taking a mental cue from her father. "It would be unfortunate if there were to be any insubordination, or for that matter any of our words reaching beyond the confines of this bridge. I shall see to it that you are" she smiled grimly "punished, should either occur. Father? Shall we?" She asked, having received her father's permission to provide the explanation. "Of course, my child. Admiral? Continue." With that, they left the bridge.
Piett's jaw hung open as things slid into place. Daughter? Daughter and brother? Vader was the father of the two Rebels, who were now apparently working with him? Had they been spies in the Rebellion? Had they even been raised as their father's children? He'd never heard of a younger Vader. Quickly he went to a computer terminal and searched for them. He typed it in, waiting with confusion. Officers gathered around him, just as curious. Then the screen beeped, and their names appeared. Prince Lucian and Princess Lelian Vader, twenty year old twins. "twins?" asked one commander. "Prince and Princess? But that'd make them..." "Galactic heirs. The eventual Emperor and Empresses." Piett finished grimly. Someone whistled. "Yeah." mumbled Piett. "Sir," asked another, "look at the holonet corner." Piett did. The funny thing was, there was no holonet sign. All that was there was the ominous emblem of the Executor. "This information's restricted to the ship, and I bet only bridge computers. Why?" There were no photographs either. No mother, no place of birth, almost no record of any kind, save four words: reconnaissance and Force training. "Boys," said Piett, "We have two new Force wonders in our midst. To top it off, they're Vader's son and daughter. They're in line to rule the galaxy, and must have been through heavy intelligence, strategy, and reconnaissance training to get in the middle of the Rebellion like this. They're Rebel positions are probably why their records are still shady. They were important enough to the Rebellion to still need their personas rather than discard them. Any thoughts?" There was nothing save murmurs. Finally a pit lieutenant spoke. "Duck and grab your throat?" He suggested.
Outside Leia glared at her father. "I meant what I? said, I didn't expect a reward." Her father smiled down at her. "I didn't think you did. I have great respect for your honor. Now I need the same respect for your loyalty. I am trusting you with my ship, Leia. It's important to me. I'm trusting that you and Luke will use this opportunity for learning, not as an escape. Do I have your promise that you won't use this as an opportunity to cheat me?" He'd been robbed so many times in his life, and he refused to let the twins, his greatest prize, be lost as well. If Luke and Leia proved to him that they could command a star destroyer, he could trust them with ships of their own someday, and take them with him instead of leaving them behind at his palace in treacherous Imperial City. "I swear." She said solemnly. "I wouldn't damage something so important to you." "You and your brother are the most important things to me, far more valuable than any flag ship. Never forget that. You are my crowning accomplishments, the finest things I have ever produced." She nodded, showing a gracious, sincerely pleased smile. Though pleased, she was still angry at being owned, even if she and her abilities were possessed with great pride. Her resolve to hate him was slipping away, and she was frightened at what mere days had done to her. She had to remind herself of the monster he really was, the murderer of thousands, the heartless killer of innocents, or she'd slip completely under the spell of being his daughter.
Bless her mental shields, her father hadn't heard her. She didn't know how she knew, but she felt protected and secure in her thoughts. "Now change out of uniform and go get your brother. You both have a lot of Force training to accomplish, and you must be taught piloting." "This is my uniform? And I can train with you and Luke, not Palpatine?" She'd been dreading being taught by Palpatine. What if she refused the emperor's dark methods, and he killed her for her impudence? "Yes, it's your uniform. You required something more distinctive than a standard uniform, and befitting your newly created rank. I would rather train you myself, and have Palpatine become your master no more than in name.
You and Luke will know both the Force's sides, as I do. You two will be the greatest Jedi in history, child, using all your power, not portions. Dark isn't necessarily wrong, just as light isn't always right, merely different. You and your brother aren't naturally inclined to pacifism. This will serve you far better than it would have. I ache at the thought of Luke's future as a Jedi, hollow and afraid to feel, bound by the strict confines of a dead creed. And of you, my daughter, afraid to develop your natural power at the thought of becoming trapped in the dark. It is Palpatine who is what you think of as the dark side. He who chained me to hate and suffering, who causes me to use such extreme power, which he limits to Sith emotions like pain and anger. What I know now is not the emotion of the dark side. What I know now is a hell of Palpatine's making. A hell from which I intend to save you with my training, not Palpatine's. What you think of as the Sith is true, for they were born of evil and will always be so. What you and the Jedi know of the Force is so narrow. Luke must feel for himself what he considers the dark. Only then can he see the truth. Find your brother, sweet child. I await you in my quarters."
Luke was lost now, and checked his crono. He frowned. Wasn't it almost the time he'd had lunch with Jemmis? His family had dinned in quarters yesterday, but now he yearned for a friendly conversation. Locating a computer terminal, he dragged directions from out of the bureaucratic operating system. Finally he was satisfied he would end up in the mess hall and not a trash compactor, and he set off. Eight minutes later the mess hall doors whooshed open and he spotted Jemmis at the same table as before. He was instantly beckoned over. Where were you yesterday? Did you hear that Vader took down two prisoners in chains as an example yesterday and was attacked?" Luke tried not to smile. Chains? Well, there was a stretch. Suddenly the door slid open again, and this time everyone slowly turned. There stood a beautiful young girl in a well tailored crimson dress. The shirt underneath it was ribbed and black, and her boots looked as they must each weigh fifteen pounds. Luke, in a flight uniform he'd found in the closet (his father apparently knew about Jemmis and considered it amusing), felt like sloppy and badly dressed compared to his twin. She'd obviously been back to the room. She appeared to be looking for someone. Good. Luke thought. She came all on her own, without any prompting from him. It meant she knew she needed him. She suddenly smiled when she saw him and began walking his way. Jemmis let out a long breath, then realized she really was coming towards them. Luke smirked. Apparently a woman on the Executor was an object of wonder. She reached her twin, kissing each cheek, and slid down next to him. "Well, who are your friends Luke?" She asked more quietly than usual, seemingly still humbled be her father.
Jemmis choked slightly before looking at Luke. "You lucky dog. How the Sith do you get to bring along your beautiful girlfriend?" They both laughed, and all the men looked confused. "Oh no." said Leia. "We're twins, not lovers!" Luke corrected. "And they let you on?" Another asked. "Leia is very talented." Luke stepped in smoothly. I'm quite relieved they let her in, I don't think I would have even wanted to come without her." She smiled. "Luke, that's adorable." "And so are you." This was fun, Leia thought with a grin. The first time I've just gotten to be his sister. I really do love him. "Can I get you something?" Luke asked, hopping up. "They have rubei biels. Canned, but palatable." Taking her cue, Leia nodded. "Great. I'll seen what I could find in the way of practice space. I need you to teach me how to fly with a real simulator." Her look told him that flying wasn't all she wanted to practice. "I'm not sure certain people will approve of that." She smiled again. "Certain people suggested it. And certain people can leave me alone. This is between us, and I want it like I've never wanted anything. I want you to teach me. Besides, you should hear what certain people told me." He smiled. "Deal then." "Tomorrow morning?" "Tomorrow morning."
After drinking a rubei biel, and being introduced, she glanced at her crono. "It's been great meeting you all, but I've got to get up to my quarters and change into a uniform for my next shift. Coming Luke?" She asked with a mental hint that they needed to talk. "In a second, go on up." He replied. "If she's only your twin, can I-" Jemmis asked when the girl had left. "No. Bad idea." Luke said sharply. "She's taken. And her boyfriend is friends with a wookie." He added, pantomiming choking. Jemmis sighed. "Damn. Life is so cruel." Luke shook his head. "You have no idea."
Luke entered the central room, surprised to find Leia in the clothes her father had given her, standing near the door to the sparing room. She touched her brother's hand, drawing him into the sparring room as she let all that had happened flow over their force link. "But how can that be?" Luke asked. His father emerged from the door, in time to witness the shimmering arrival of a familiar specter.
"Ben?" Luke asked. "Hello, Obi Wan." drawled Anakin. "Come to sulk over your ruined plans?" Obi wan ignored his former apprentice. "Luke," he said "You are in grave danger." "A few days late for this talk." Answered Luke. "Hanging from a weather vane after being shamelessly lied to, that was a wee bit dangerous. A conversation with a parent that you haven't managed to screw up, that's usually pretty non hazardous." "Luke," said Obi Wan, "I do not know of what the Darth speaks of. I was only aware of one way to view the dark side. The way of the Sith, which I know to be wrong." "You don't know because you never looked, Obi Wan. You were so damn sure. Would it surprise you to know that there is a full spectrum of colors within the Force? That this spectrum coexists with Jedi views of light and dark, is not wrong but simply different? Yes I suppose it would. It's quite fortunate that you only know now, after your end, when you can do no harm to those who would learn this way. Jedi's never were much for tolerance, were they?" Obi Wan looked shocked, Anakin smug. "I must insist you cease interfering with my offspring. They've had enough of you and their lies. They, unlike you, see the wisdom inherent in learning other ways, not the supposed blaspheme. If you'd only bothered to dig deeper, if you'd only looked through a Dark Jedi's eyes, you would know that the Sith were not alone in their use of the dark side. Yes, the Sith were and are evil to their black core. Yes their influence is intoxicating, and yes, I am caught like prey in that web of hate. But look back in years, you who I once called friend, and things may be far different. You might be surprised by the turn of events" Despite these words, Obi Wan still looked wary. "All that I know," he began, "Is that the Sith have driven you to terrible things on a diet of lies. Things I can see you regret. Palpatine's hold on you weakens. You have hope in your children's eyes, but I fear for their safety at Palpatine's hands. Perhaps your son and daughter can redeem you, perhaps it is too late, the hold too tight. But whatever you do, you whom I still call my friend, seek the man you once were, for he was a testament to the inherent goodness of the human soul, and the power of the Force."