"You seem troubled."
I had climbed a hillock to overlook the valley between the purple mountains. A river wound its way between, giving me the impression of a snake among giants.
"Jen, is all that your husband says true?"
She sat beside me, viewing the valley and the way the shadows became denser in the lower regions, turning from lilac to indigo to midnight blue. She did not hide her mind from me, at least.
"Yes. The Light Side is a curious master. Every now and then it… inhabits a Force adept and gives him or her an extended life. The Dark Side does the same, and that is why Joe confronted the first Lord."
"You mean that they were supreme vessels of the Light and Dark Side of the Force?"
"Yes, until another comes along. That is why the Sith Lord died of old age and Joe did not – while Marka Ragnos' purpose was to establish the Sith Order, Joe's work was not yet done. I believe the Force gives prolonged life in order for him to accomplish a task."
"What do you think it is?"
She simply looked at me. I blinked.
"No."
"Yes. Not lightly did Joe take you under his wing – you are his replacement."
"Me? A carrier of the Light Side?" I laughed, on my feet, "I have slain hundreds for the sheer pleasure of it."
"Yes, the Dark Side flows strongly through you, but you have not forgotten your master."
"What does he have to do with me?"
"Everything, really. You still hold a place in your heart for that father figure."
"Lies."
"I do not lie. You have buried your feelings, yes, but you yearn for the days when life was as simple as father and son."
"Why do you anger me with this, this truth?" I demanded, clenching my fists and pacing (for I would dare not touch her), "How can it turn me to the other Side?"
"Truth is the Light Side. Though your emotions ravage you, though you slay for more power, you are the little boy smiling at your master as he tells stories of his youth."
"NOO!"
The ground shook beneath my rage, causing a landslide to block the river below. Unruffled, Jen stood.
"How symbolic. Your little snake among giants has had its back broken. Perhaps now it will learn its place."
She walked by me. I collapsed into a sit, weary, watching water fill half the valley below and overflow my petty landslide to continue on its ageless way.
"Will the Light Side overtake me as easily?"