Are You Still There?
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: OS9ER
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-4-6-5; 14:26]
[FROM: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
My dear son,
I've missed you so much! Life isn't the same without you, it's rather boring. I don't have my little ray of sunshine anymore to distract me from work. You wouldn't be able to believe how much stuff is on my plate, people keep having problems and they all land on my desk or in my inox. A very important piece of advice Ben: don't get famous. It's way too much work.
It's nice to hear about Uncle Luke, he's a busy, busy man. I bet he's glad to have his nephew around. I know you can't make me laugh anymore, but I bet Luke isn't immune. That boy has to be the goofiest person I know next to you. You should ask him about the time he threaded the Needle. And no, before you ask, I won't tell you what the Needle is.
Unfortunately Dad had to go off on some business. There are some negotiation on Kuat which require his presence. I've forwarded your message so he should be reading it once he has time. He took the Falcon, and you know how unreliable that thing is! Hopefully everything is working this time, but despite how many times it has saved my life, that thing is still a flying piece of junk. I'm pretty sure that some planets have been creating regulations to keep your Dad's ship far away. It really does look like it is going to fall apart and crash.
I'm happy that you've been enjoying your time. Uncle Luke is right when he says not to write any sensitive information. The First Order would love to find out where he's been hiding Force-sensitive kids. Don't let me worry you though, Uncle Luke has Artoo and he's sure to keep communications secure. Have you met Artoo yet Ben? He used to be my droid before he became Luke's. Artoo went on many secret missions, he even fought in the Clone Wars. Don't let his old model fool you, he's the most resourceful astromechs you'll ever find. In fact he's probably the most useful droid in the galaxy!
Mommy has to go, so I'm going to cut the message a bit short. The Senate is calling and I can't say my kid is running around naked to keep them away. Now remember Ben, you have to brush your teeth and stay warm. I don't want to hear about you getting sick. Stay safe, love, and I hope you have sweet dreams. Mommy misses you.
With enough kisses to fill the galaxy,
Your loving mother
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: SB3IJ
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-4-7-3; 20:59]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A]
Mom,
I think the Senate might be happy that I'm not distracting you anymore, but I still miss you. It's weird to not have my parents around when I'm learning new things. Once I almost yelled out Mom, but then I remembered you're hours and hours of flying away. I'm still doing my best to train here and be as good as possible. Uncle Luke has been an amazing teacher.
Part of what we've been learning about is the whole controlling emotions to not give in to the dark side. It's difficult. I get frustrated and want to hit stuff. But I haven't, and I haven't let the Force do it either. No incidents happening here, just like I promised.
Do you think Dad will send me a letter himself soon? I know he didn't say he'd write, but I miss talking to him. And to Chewie. Maybe Chewie could write to me for both of them. Does he know how to write on a holopad? Even if Dad's busy, Chewie might have time. Unless Dad's in trouble and Chewie needs to get him out. And you shouldn't talk so bad about the Falcon, it's the coolest ship in the galaxy! I'll learn to fly it one day.
I met Artoo while I was having dinner earlier this week, he's a really cool droid. I'm still learning how to understand him, but I talked some. He said that he used to know Uncle Luke's dad. Did he really, or was he just bragging like Dad likes to? I wish I could talk to you face-to-face without putting everyone in danger, everything here just makes me want to ask questions.
Did you know Uncle Luke can go through a gap between trees that's barely big enough for a speeder? It's crazy to watch him do it, he's had so much practice flying ships of all sizes he can just whiz through. He told me about the Needle, that's even crazier. Apparently that was this tiny, like slightly bigger than a speeder, hole in a cliffside that he would go through. Sounds scary! I wouldn't want to try before I try flying a speeder more where it's safer. I might get him to do it again just so I can see how he does it. He and Dad must've fought over who was the better pilot all the time during the fight against the Empire.
I did want to ask if you ever have really bad nightmares. I just had one, and it was scary. I couldn't get out. I won't write all about it, but do you think it's normal for me to have dreams like that? Maybe it's just part of being a Jedi. If anyone would know, it's you and Luke. I'm sure he's told you a lot about being a Jedi. Luke mentioned he has bad dreams sometimes, but he never tells us what they're about. I might ask him about it after training tomorrow.
Don't forget about me too much, I love you so much. I'll stay good, and Uncle Luke will make sure I don't get away with too much just because I'm his nephew.
- Ben
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: OS9ER
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-4-7-4; 11:21]
[FROM: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C
My lovely child,
I've never realized how much I loved you until you left. My apartment seems so dull without your musical laughter ringing through it. I even miss the screams from when you throw a temper tantrum. It is abnormally quiet and I can't remember a time when you weren't there with me. It almost feels like I'm back on a Rebel Base and the Empire is hunting for us. But even on the Rebel Bases, it was never this calm. Your father had a tendency to destroy any peace we could find, he once spent an entire week following me around. Your dad was a bit love sick, I was too. I miss Han, I feel so alone.
I've had many nightmares Ben, I still have. If any kids make fun of you, tell Uncle Luke, he also has nightmares. Everyone has nightmares, they're quite common among kids your age because you've got an overactive imagination. I know Uncle Luke has nightmares about us dying, he used to come to me and we'd drink a cup of cocoa in the lounge. Sometimes nightmares are about things that have happened to us. When you were younger I'd dream that the Empire was there and I was being taken prisoner. It's normal for everyone, I don't think it is a Jedi thing.
I'm glad to hear that your training is going well and that you're having progress in controlling your emotions. Emotions are good, Ben, but not when they control you. I too have gotten in trouble when my hatred overwhelmed me. I did some stupid things. I'm sure your dad is proud of your training too, but I haven't heard back from him yet. Perhaps you should send him a message directly. He may be busy though.
You remember your friend Kylo? I told him hi from you and he asked me to say hi back. Due to your absence he seems to have made it his mission to insure that nobody knows you're gone. He's been causing enough trouble for the two of you combined! Earlier today he hosted "Attack of the Ewoks!" where he managed to bribe a bunch of other kids to dress up as Ewoks and stormtroopers. It was a mess, almost worthy of you Ben. Last I heard, his father grounded him him for the month. Don't you dare to reenact that scene! Uncle Luke has permission to ground you. Surprisingly I've been asked if I'm sure you've left due to the event. You're a famous troublemaker Ben! Do try to remember my warning and not become famous.
On a separate note, you forgot to clean your room properly. I found a bunch of stuff under your bed. Under the bed isn't a proper place to store things. Didn't you want to bring along the Exma Gaming System? I've safely stored it away. Should you still want it, I'll give to someone from the Order next time I see them. Maybe Uncle Luke can also teach you how to tidy up after yourself.
It has been nice hearing from you and I wish you the best luck at training. Should you encounter any trouble or if you're nightmares become worse, remember that Uncle Luke will be happy to help. He loves to help. I noticed you had questions, but Ben, I can't answer any of them if you don't ask. I still miss you.
Hugs and kisses,
Your mom who wishes she could be there besides you
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: SB3IJ
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-1-1; 20:17]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A]
Mom,
It's never quiet here, but it's so different. I still don't know most people here better than my classmates back home. It is nice to be around so many people who are so close to the Force. That can control it like I can. It's never been like this before. None of the kids at home really understood what it was to be so close to the entire universe…but here everyone is. Thank you for letting Uncle Luke train me.
If you say so. I'll ask Luke about nightmares. You're probably right about them, Mom. You're the smartest person I know when it comes to anything except flying and old Jedi stuff. That's what Dad and Uncle Luke know about. I'll tell him you told me the hot cocoa story.
I won't redo it, but I bet it was super funny! I don't like getting in trouble, but I miss doing stuff with Kylo. I hope he and the other kids had fun… Even though he got in trouble for it. I won't be famous around here, unless it's because I'm the Jedi who works the hardest to be the strongest. I want to be able to help you and Dad with the First Order, but I can't do that until I prove that I'm ready to be a Jedi. I hope you save some dark side for me to beat! (But not really, I want you to win.)
I didn't bring it because I wasn't sure if I'd be allowed to have lots of distractions, but I guess that was dumb of me. It can be lonely here but we have lots of fun with games and learning from Luke! I'll ask him if I can get it, maybe I could share it with the other padawans. I don't know how many of them even have had a chance to play on an Exma before.
I love you so much Mom. I want you to be here and not so far away all the time.
- Ben
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: SB3IJ
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-1-1; 22:36]
[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;
TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]
Dad,
I hope Mom showed you all my letters like she said. I miss you too, but Mom said I should send you a letter in case you were too busy to give her something to send. I'll add everything I've wanted to say, just in case.
I bet the reason you're busy is something really important. All Mom wrote was that you had business and took the Falcon. I bet it's important top-secret things that you can't tell me. Maybe just a clue? I know your work is important but I won't tell anyone about it. I can keep secrets really good, you know I can. We have to keep a lot of secrets when we send anything out of here, otherwise it's too dangerous for Luke and the others. And me too I think.
I've been learning a lot about the Force and how to be more like a Jedi. I think I can control it better now, even when I get really mad. Uncle Luke says part of being a Jedi is controlling emotions and keeping them in check. I've only thrown one thing by accident since I got here, and nobody got hurt, I just had to clean up the mess after. That was only after a week though, and now I've gotten even better. I'm still not ready to get a lightsaber, but the older kids say it takes a lot of time to prove that you're ready for one. I know I can be ready and I can learn to be the best Jedi I can, and then our family can all fight the dark side together.
Have you and Chewie had a lot of adventures since I've gone away? I know it hasn't been very long, but adventures can happen really quickly. I mean it was less than a week between when you met Uncle Luke and saved Mom from Vader, right? Way more than that could happen in way more weeks! I love hearing all your stories, and maybe since you don't have me around to keep an eye on you'll have new ones when I see you again.
I've had nightmares since I got here. I told Mom, and I'm going to talk to Uncle Luke, but it's still scary. Do you ever get nightmares? Maybe having them this bad is just a thing for people with the Force but I wanted to ask you because I know Mom has it even though she doesn't want to be a Jedi like Luke and me.
Did you ever thread the Needle like Uncle Luke did? He told us about it and showed us how well he can fly his speeder. It seems like it'd be impossible, but I bet you can do it too. Don't tell Uncle Luke, but I think you're the best pilot in the galaxy. How else could you do such awesome things with the Falcon for so long? Once I am a better Jedi you and Luke can teach me to be a better pilot too.
That's all I can think of right now, and I've gotta go to bed. I love you Dad. Write back soon ok?
- Ben
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: OS9ER
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-1-3; 11:43]
[FROM: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
Dear son,
Please do not follow your parents on their shenanigans. I want you to have a good life and be free to choose. Being declared as a traitor brings a lot of pain, even years later. People, while not having the clearest memories, hold grudges. There are still those that hate me for things the Rebellion did years ago.
I packed the Exma in a little box and it's ready to be given off. I'm glad to hear that you're considering sharing. You used to be a little hoarding monster, you know that? There was one time when you refused to let me grab your dirty clothes because they were yours. I'm sure the other kids will enjoy playing with the Exma.
What types of games have you been playing Ben? I'm most curious what Uncle Luke finds to be a good game for youngsters. When he was young, he just played with toy ships. I was always in lessons, but I had a couple of dolls which would fight against the evil Empire. I think my father had a heart attack when he found out about that.
I've been busy lately and I'm being called away to another talk with the First Order about border disputes. They also want to meet Uncle Luke, but he isn't going to come. You kids are more important than some petty officers' egos. I'll be fine, but they'll be monitoring the holonet connection. I know you're careful about not sending anything confidential, but I want you to be a bit more careful. I don't want anyone to somehow find you. I also won't be able to reply promptly, I will be really busy, as not able to sleep busy. Don't worry about me though, if anything happens Uncle Luke will know and come to the rescue.
At times like these, I admit I want to simply stay at home and pretend the galaxy didn't exist. It's a nice little dream where not everybody would know my name the moment I walked through the door, where my existence wasn't a painful reminder to everyone. Stay out of war Ben. I know you wonder why we don't simply fight the First Order, but we can't. Fighting leads to death and destruction. Years later, it has been around nine years now, people still feel the effects of our fight against the Empire. In war people die and unlike in kid games, they do not get back up. That's what saddens me when I go to these negotiations, be they friend or foe, I still have to look them in the eye, knowing I inadvertently caused the death of their loved ones. Peace is the only thing to strive for and while war may seem to be the only way to achieve it, we must never have war until we exhausted every other option.
A small question for you Ben, do you know if you get any vacation? I want to look upon your face again. Maybe send me a hologram of yourself, I'm sure that you've grown, you're like a weed.
Looking to the stars,
Mom
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: BC6LW
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-1-5; 7:13]
[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
Hey kiddo
Mom sent me your letters alright, work just got too busy to sit down and write. It's been too long since I've seen you or talked to you; Luke's your family too, guess I can't complain too much. Doesn't stop me from missing you. Work is one thing, but my favorite son gets priority over anything (don't tell your mom).
I really would tell you if I could, but I was sworn to secrecy because of holonet monitoring. It's dangerous to send information like this, even over secure channels like your uncle's. It has been important, and I can tell you all the stories about my boring work some other time. You don't want to hear about this nonsense. And it's good Luke's made you promise to be careful, I don't want you putting your fellow students in danger. You and Kylo did that plenty when you were running around causing mayhem at home. The good kind of mayhem, the kind that gets your mom all riled up and needs cute baby-eyes to waive punishments. The Falcon isn't the same without you or Mom or Luke, though, so I'll have to keep that in mind next time you get to ride in it.
The Force is the one thing I don't know anything about. I know you want to be a Jedi, but be careful Ben. I know that your mom's family is very powerful in the Force, but that can lead you either way. Luke will teach you to choose the light side, and you need to listen to anything he says. I'm sure you'll impress us all, believe me, but all this Jedi stuff is intense. It's something you have to master, so I'm told. Being a part of the Force…it's something your dear old dad can't quite help you do. So this is from what I've got. I'm not trying to discourage you; by all means, I know you've always wanted to be a Jedi. I think I just love you a little too much to let you go into this without thinking about it or knowing what you're signing up for. Like I said before, listen to your uncle. This is his territory.
We haven't had lots of adventures, no, just one long one that can't seem to let itself be over with. And you are certainly correct about the saving your mom. She was a damsel in distress, and your uncle and I swooped in to the rescue, right into the garbage compactor. I've told you this story before, and your mom has a completely different version. I saved her, she didn't save us. I'll try to have some new stories for you by the time you get to visit us, lots of dangerous things your mom'll smack me for. Only because she loves me, and don't I know it. Chewie says hi, by the way, and wants to know if you've been eating well and if you miss him. I told him I'd ask you.
I've never threaded the Needle, and Luke didn't shut up about it once he heard! Even after I pulled off a million other daring tricks that he'd never even thought about. And I don't know about who's the best; maybe we'll have a race, or a competition to see who's the best in the galaxy. It'll be a tough call, whoever the judge is. Probably your mom, seeing as she's an unbiased party. Or biased towards both of us. That probably counts just as much. Whoever wins gets first dibs on you as our co-pilot-in-training, how about that?
Now, about those nightmares. I definitely have had nightmares, kid, but yours might have something to do with the Force. I said so before and I'll say it again: I don't know about this. Your uncle is the Force territory, and he's there to talk to you about everything. He does love you (not quite as much as your mom and I do, but he's working on it) and can talk to you in person, which Mom and I can't do right now. You might just be a teenager who's trying to think about stuff and ends up with a weird adventure in your mind. But you might be right, and it might be a Force thing. If you figure out anything else, I'll try to be ready to talk to you. Nightmares can be no walk in the park if your mind decides to play a trick.
Have enough extra fun for your mom, me, and Chewie combined, alright?
Your favorite dad
ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: GD6HB
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-1; 3:52]
[FROM: (NAME), DID 000-91073370;
TO: Leia Organa-Solo, DID STR-3876651A]
Dear LEIA ORGANA,
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ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: PK0HN
Status: Undelayed, clear
Transmission: Authorized
[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-1; 21:56]
[FROM: Anonymous, DID 000-38766460;
TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]
Hello
You do not know me and might never, but I hope you'll let yourself get to know me. In the past couple of years, I've found myself lonely. You see, I'm a man of great knowledge, but few to share it with. I know the greatest secrets and fears of your parents and their greatest triumphs. I know you too, Ben, and I ask that you don't fear me. I'm a friend and your ally. I only wish to share the truth; the Force is also trying to tell you the truth, and that's why you have the dreams. I know of the Force, and I'm not a Jedi. There's so much for you to learn. Tell or do not tell your parents or Master Skywalker about me, it doesn't matter. I have nothing to hide, only everything to give.
The man who haunts your dreams was the most powerful Sith Lord ever to live, Darth Vader. What were the Sith and who were the Sith Lords? They were a group of dark siders who embraced power and brought order to the galaxy. They had their faults, but they destroyed the Old Republic, a corrupt institution always engaged in war. When systems tried to leave, the Old Republic would attack them and strike them down, causing others to remain out of self-preservation. It was before your parents' time, for the most part. Your father may have some young childhood memories of life under the Old Republic. You may ask him. His companion, Chewbacca, also fought in the Clone Wars; perhaps he can tell you of the Old Republic.
For your ease of mind, I'll give you a name to call me by:
Snoke
"You cannot possibly comprehend true power…unless you make the choice to leap."
It was home, comfortable and familiar among the familiar places and things. Nothing stood out, because it was all just…normal. It all blended into what he knew was home and safety. Kids walked by, parents and other adults hurried as if they had somewhere to be sometime soon, and breeze whistled through the foliage planted to give the area a natural feeling.
Ben heard the words in his head, but they weren't…words. They were more like a pounding, a rhythmic pull from the base of his psyche. It made him think what if, but even his own thoughts weren't words. The world seemed to almost melt into a neutral backdrop, with his eyes going dark. There was no more wind on his face.
It was a still cold, his breath stung his throat with a bladed chill. Someone was there, pacing, approaching. Another person's breath behind him. And then the voice, this time not coming across in thought, but in words that cut as much as the cold did, "You have so much potential, it cannot be wasted serving a conservative group that seeks to eliminate so much of what can give us our power. Do not hinder yourself by answering the call of hindrance."
He could see again, but he was frozen still, watching the open area. Snow was thick beneath him, but the night sky seemed clear to his mind, the air not daring to move. Arcs of lightning curved across the empty view, and instead of trying to turn his head like he thought he was supposed to, he just stared.
"You feel it. Do not attempt to give away what's been given to you. It's in your blood, and I have seen no others who could even dream of the power you could have.
"Ren."
The word felt like it belonged, like it was something he'd thought of himself and made cleverly. All of this didn't feel like he was in danger, though logic was screaming that he was. It felt like he was being welcomed to something new, something better.
He found himself wanting to answer, to acknowledge this welling of feeling in him, but he still could not move. Instead, he felt the hands of the speaker on his shoulders, as if to present him. The cold was stifling now. "You are on the precipice of a great change. Do not hesitate to grasp it and follow the path of your making. Shrug the chains of love away and you'll be free."
A new hand clamped down on his shoulders and the hissing sound filled the air, the monster was back. The hand rested there and the peace seemed to evaporate, something was wrong. The hand shoved him forward and he stumbled, noting the dark confining walls and a woman of stunning beauty lying on the floor. She looked up, not seeing him, fear in her eyes, and he turned around.
"I won't tell you anything Vader," she hissed.
The monster, Vader, stood still before lifting his hand, choking the young woman, "Don't worry, all the information I need is in your head. Those that talk too often lie."
A rush of breath and blankets were torn off when he woke up, and then Ben remembered that he was sitting there in his pajamas, wishing he hadn't thrown away the blankets because of the memory of the cold. His throat still seemed to hurt from the dream, the cold still lingering on his skin, especially on his cheeks. Whoever was in the dream had praised him, unlike how others were telling him to hold back. Vader had been there too, like Snoke had said. He knew their family had to be strong in the Force…but was he strong enough? Vader was strong and he couldn't understand how his family had ever stood up against that monster. He reluctantly pulled his blankets back over himself, the warmth beginning to remind him of his exhaustion. He missed his parents, but he missed dreaming too, only the nice dreams though. It took far too long for him to go back to sleep, but eventually he did doze off til morning.
And here is chapter two right on time, yay. If you're reading this please click that nice follow button or drop a review below telling us what to work on and what you liked. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.
Until next time...
