A few weeks later it was time for her to leave. She woke early and walked outside to watch the suns rise. As desolate as Tatooine was, there was something beautiful about it; something that touched her soul. If she never returned she would always remember the sunrises and sunsets of Tatooine.

She felt his presence behind her. Without turning she said, "Good morning Ben, I hope I did not wake you." He walked up to stand beside her and they exchanged glances. "You did not wake me. Are you alright?" She let out a sigh,"I feel apprehensive about leaving. I feel like I am facing an impossile task. When I return to Alderaan I will begin seeking others willing to join our cause, but it all seems so futile."

He reassured her, "You are strong Amira. Your conviction and your love for the Republic are beyond measure. I envy your passion." She sighed, "I don't feel strong." He placed his hand on her shoulder, "Trust your instincts and remember what you have learned. The Force will be a powerful ally."

She continued to stare out at the rising suns, "I dreamed of Jade again. The last time I saw him he was trying to teach me everything he could. It sometimes felt like he knew it would some day be important." He nodded, "He probably did."

He turned her to face him, his face growing very serious, "It is important that you understand what having these abilities will cost you." She was frightened by his sudden change in mood, "What do you mean?"

He continued to hold her by the shoulders and look into her eyes, "The dark side is powerful and it can be very enticing." She interrupted him, "Ben, I won't turn to the dark side."

He replied, "Hear me out…One of the reasons Anakin struggled so between light and dark is because he feared losing Padame. He was convinced by the Emperor that the dark side of the Force was powerful enough to save her. He could not let go. You have to be able to let go."

His hands slipped from her shoulders down to her hands and he grasped them in his, "We are taught from the very beginning never to form attachments. This is easier said than done."

He took a deep breath and released it, "I learned this with Anakin. The council expected me to kill him. When he was helpless and dying on Mustufar I could not finish him because I loved him as a brother. Now he is Darth Vadar, it would have been better had I killed him."

He lowered his eyes and stared at the ground for a moment breathing deeply. She waited for him to continue. Finally he looked back up at her and said, "You have already formed attachments; with family, with friends.You have never been taught anything different. It will be more difficult for you. Do you understand?" He waited for her response. "I understand." He released her and said, "You should come inside and eat something before we get started,"

They traveled in silence across the Jundland Wastes to Mos Eisley. As they stood outside the transport terminal he looked around at the other travelers, "I cannot stay with you." She nodded quickly, "I know. You've risked too much already taking me here."

He did not turn to leave; instead he stood staring at her. She asked, "What is it?" He replied, "Be safe Amira. The galaxy is a dangerous place for a Jedi." She smiled, "I am not a Jedi, so don't worry."

His eyes pleaded with her, "You know what I mean." She walked up to him and to his complete surprise she wrapped her arms around him, kissed his cheek and touched his mind, "I will remember your teachings and I will carry you with me. " His arms went around her and they embraced.

After a moment he responded, "It wasn't the ale, I will miss watching the suns set with you." They released each other and she backed away slowly, never taking her eyes from his. He found it extremely hard to turn away but he knew he must go. He gave her a smile and one last thought before he turned to walk away, "May the Force be with you." She swallowed the lump in her throat, "And with you."

She watched him walk away from the terminal and around a corner and he was gone. She felt suddenly alone and despite the oppressive heat of the midday suns she shivered. Although it would be a long time she hoped to one day see him again. She made her way inside the terminal and registered for the next ship going to Alderaan.

The ship was crowded and she had only a small space in the corner which suited her fine. She reached into her pack for a snack. The energy bar she pulled out had a note attached to it. She looked around at the other passengers then carefully opened it and read-

Amira,

I wanted to let you know that you were an apt student and to my surprise I enjoyed teaching you. Although you learned much in a short time, there is still much you should know. It is not a decision to be made lightly as it represents a great deal of danger. I think you understand this. If you decide to further your instruction go to the Dagobah System. There you can complete your training. Amira, you lifted my spirits during a dark time in my life. My hopes and dreams go with you. I will not watch the twin suns of Tatooine set without thinking of you. I will be with you always.

Ben

She folded the letter and placed it carefully back in her pack. His words touched her deeply. She was filled with joy knowing she had helped him during such a terrible time in his life. It had not been her intended goal upon reaching Tatooine but it was just as important to her. After eating the energy bar she placed her pack under her head and closed her eyes to sleep.