Hey everybody! We are so sorry that this chapter took so long - life seems like it's been trying its hardest to make it impossible for us to write. Our work has been taking up so much free time that it's been impossible to sit down and argue over what Ben would and wouldn't do. (Okay, that's not really our process, but you get the picture.) To top it all off, I fell sick with a case of bronchitis which I'm thankfully recovering from. (Marisa also happens to be proofreading and writing from her phone until approximately 11pm tonight, which isn't much help for a Sunday update schedule.) I hope you all enjoy this chapter, and we'll have an extra-long one just for you all next Sunday as our way of saying a much more helpful "sorry!". I look forward to hearing from anyone who still wants to see where Ben is headed, and I hope you had a good Easter and April Fool's, whatever that means for you.
-Marisa and Aminta

P.S. A review would be a really nice birthday present.


A Family Matter

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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-1; 5:11]

[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]

Dad,

I miss you so much. I wish we were allowed to use holo, but apparently we're not allowed to cause of the same reason we can't send pictures. And your work could never be boring, I'm sure there's lots of fun parts of it. You make everything fun. I can't wait to hear all about it once I get to visit home.

I don't think Mom could ever be a damsel in distress. Plus if you were gonna rescue her like in a story, you wouldn't have gone into the trash compactor. Why would a princess go in there? And you shouldn't let Mom smack you, going on adventures leads you to important stuff! Like that's how you met her, she shouldn't get mad about it right. I love you too Dad.

Tell Chewie that he should use holopad so we can talk directly. I miss him too. I haven't gotten a proper Wookiee-hug since I've been home, or any at all. That's one of the last things I'm realizing: I've never been somewhere that there was never a huggable Wookiee around at least some of the time. I miss being able to…well everything about having Chewie around. Do you think that he can come whenever I visit home?

I bet Luke was just jealous about your other tricks and liked that he had one you'd never done. Maybe we can have a big competition with lots of obstacles and get all the new Jedi to watch. Mom will for sure be able to see, I bet she'll agree if I ask. Maybe I'll add that in my next letter.

I've talked to him about the nightmares some. They're scary and I don't like how I feel when they're happening. It's like…it's like I'm not really me, but I know everything that's happening. They're so real. Are nightmares supposed to feel like they're really happening? You'll probably tell me to ask Luke. It might be a Force thing. You're also probably right that I shouldn't worry too much.

I'll tell you all about this planet once we can talk in person. It's so pretty, and everything here is just so relaxed and ready to be used for our training with the Force. It's hard to believe it's where I'm gonna call home until I'm a Jedi.

And I'll tell you all about the Force. I've learned so much that I can finally help you get it and why it's so amazing and a part of everyone and everything. The Force is so hard to explain, but the universe is just so amazing and the Force is a part of all of it. I'm doing all I can to be good about the Force, I promise, but I want to share it and be even closer to it than I already have been. I'm going to choose the light, I'm going to be a Jedi you can be proud of. I don't want to worry you about it so much…you don't have to doubt me being able to control myself and be on the side of the light. I won't disappoint you, Dad. The Force might be able to be used for the dark side but I'm not on the dark side and it's going to stay that way.

I don't think it's possible to have that much fun.

-Ben


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-2; 4:03]

[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;

TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]

Kid,

I know you have a lot of faith in your old man - for good reason - but you can't let yourself get cocky when it comes to this Force stuff. There's a reason the Jedi have failed in the past and I don't want you making any mistakes. Luke is better at all this than those old geezers but that means that all you kids learning need to be as good as him. I have complete faith in you Ben, but that doesn't mean I don't worry about the Force. It's a part of you and yet it's a part that can take over if you let it. I will admit that I've seen your uncle tempted to the dark side before and he's Mr. Super Jedi. Don't tell him I called him that he'll never shut up about it.

You make me proud just by being my son, Ben. Never doubt that.

I don't have the time for a longer letter, boring work again, but I'll tell Chewie that you love him and make him promise to give you a big hug when you come home. I'll remind him that he has to release you at some point too.

You can rely on your family, kiddo, you don't have to doubt that either. Talk to you soon.

Your favorite dad


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-3; 13:47]

[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]

Dad

If you're so sure about everything with the Force, why do you pretend not to know anything? You keep saying you trust me to choose the light and then warn me. I'm already nearly ten years old, I'm not a baby and I don't need you to protect me from the Force. You're right. It's a part of me and it's not a part I'm going to throw away because you're scared of me being able to handle it. It's been lifetimes since the old Jedi existed, now we can be ready to start a new Jedi Order that's better and won't let our own fall to the dark side.

The Force can't take me over, that's not how it works. Sure the dark side might influence me if I let it, but that's why Luke is training me. At least Mom understands why I am the way I am, but you're just scared of me being a Jedi and having something that you can't control. Like me learning to be a pilot. That's not any different than this. I'm going to learn to be a Jedi either way, and I want to learn to be a pilot too. They're both a part of me and what I want to be and nothing can change.

I know I can rely on Uncle Luke and Mom.

Thank you for talking to Chewie for me. I'll reply to your next letter whenever I get it.

-Ben


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-1; 23:22]

[FROM: Luke Skywalker, JDI-2356126T;

TO: Leia Organa, STR-3876651A]

Hi Leia,

It's been fun to have my nephew around. He's a bit of a rascal though, but I can manage him. I've been so busy lately and sometimes it's hard to make time for my nephew. It's unfair to show him special attention, but then we're family, it's hard not to.

Ben has been adapting well and gets along with most of the other kids. I think I've seen more pranks in the last few weeks than in the last year. I seriously hope that he never learns about some of my former students, I still have nightmares about that one kid that loved to prank people. She was worse than Ben. Ben just takes after Han and enjoys a good laugh, his jokes never border on malicious for which I'm grateful.

Ben told me about a message he got from a Snoke character, but I'm proud that he told me. It is worrying that they're reaching out to him, but for now it isn't dangerous. Ben is a responsible young man and I'm sure he can handle it. He was surprised by me trusting him, but he promised to tell me if Snoke continued messaging him and hopefully this won't be a concern. The most worrying aspect of the letter was how Snoke seemed to know of Ben's dream.

He's learning about Father, Leia. I need to tell him about who Vader was because he deserves to find out the truth from us. He's old enough to understand if he hears it from someone he trusts.

Love,

Luke


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-4; 19:56]

[FROM: Leia Organa, STR-3876651A;

TO: Luke Skywalker, JDI-2356126T]

Luke,

I'm glad to hear from you, but you're not telling Ben about Vader! I don't care that you believe him to have loved us or that he did the "right" thing in the end, he still stood by for genocide. He basically pressed the trigger himself. Not to mention he tortured me, which I still have nightmares about. The atrocities he committed still haunt this galaxy, and I'm confronted by those consequences on almost a daily basis. Ben doesn't need to know about your father. Vader is dead like he should be. Had he survived the war, he'd have been executed for all of his various war crimes. Forgetting Alderaan, he is singularly responsible for nearly causing the genocide of several species. Perhaps we are related by blood, but he is not my father. Bail Organa will always be my real father.

Leia


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-2-4; 22:11]

[FROM: Leia Organa,STR-3876651A;

TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]

Hey Ben,

Mother hasn't heard from you. You forgot to reply to my latest message or maybe the message got lost through the holonet. I do want to hear from you, my son. Dad said you two talked. I'm glad that he has finally found time to begin correspondences with you. He's a bit stressed lately. It hurts him for you to be gone. He keeps thinking back on his childhood when the Empire rose. I miss him, too, you know. There's so much stuff he keeps being called away for.

Today I found Threepio lamenting about being bored! Just think about that; the droid who gets scared about space fights, bored! Personally, I think he misses Artoo. Uncle Luke should definitely bring that astromech around, along with you and then we can have a good old family dinner. Actually, let it be a good new family dinner because I have some terrible memories of old family dinners.

Your uncle sent me a letter (well, he did quite a while ago), but I finally have received it. I think he is a tad too focused on security, talking to him via messages takes way too long. He isn't going to get my reply for quite a while. I did send it off though, so it should be somewhere stuck in the tangle of code that Artoo calls a secure connection. Tell him I love him, will you, Ben? He told me how good of a student you are. Keep up the good work, I'm quite proud of you.

Your loving mother xoxo


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-1; 7:16]

[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;

TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]

Ben Chewbacca Solo,

I don't know why you're so angry. So maybe I'm a bit concerned about your training to be a Jedi. It scares me because it's something that I can't share or teach you. At least when your mom teaches you about politics I know that she is better at it than anyone else and that you're in good hands no matter what. But with the Force, it's as much your responsibility as Luke's to learn and control. I don't want you to throw it away. Ben, you have to be careful, but that doesn't mean you have to abandon this. It's important to you.

I'm not scared of you. I could never be scared of you. I'm not trying to control you, I know I can't control you and what you're going to be. I'm doing the parent thing where I worry. Just because your mom is more a part of this than I can be doesn't stop me from being your dad, one who wants the best for you.

The Force is completely different from being a pilot. You can abandon wanting to fly if you want to, but you can't do that with being a Jedi. If you're born with the Force that's a part of your life no matter what. And I understand that - it's kind of a condition when involved with your mom's family - but I am still going to do my best to keep myself a part of your life. I'll never stop being your dad, Ben, even when you're angry at me.

Dad

P.S. Chewie misses Ben-hugs too.


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-2; 22:18]

[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;

TO: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A]

Your Worshipfulness,

Let me start off by saying I miss you and am still totally in love with you. And I know what you're thinking, but this isn't to placate you. I'm, as always, being the ever faithful husband, but I need help. Ben is mad at me. He confuses me, and I'm so scared for him. They say you fear what you don't understand and I guess that's true. I just don't know how to relate to the kid anymore. It was easy when he was a little toddler and wanted hugs and Dad to play big bad Sith Lord for him to beat, now he wants advice. What do I tell him, Leia? Do I tell him that I grew up during the Clone Wars and watched the troops march to battle and get slaughtered, including hundreds of clones created to destroy? That I saw numerous executions of good men when the Empire rose? Kriff, my own family didn't want me Leia. When I finally tracked them down, they showered me with their hatred and promptly kicked me out back to the streets. They didn't care that I had been indentured to a pirate crew and had to work for my "keep," like the right to eat a bite of bread or sleep before I was literally sacking out in the middle of work.

Ben has had it easy. He got lucky to have someone as perfect as you for a mom. He's had the childhood I was envious of, but he doesn't understand the gift he was given. Luke will have to slowly break that bubble we have placed him in, but Ben doesn't know what we have protected him from. Remember when the Vader fannies tried to steal Ben to raise the next Emperor? I almost wanted to let you loose on them just to see them torn to pieces. It seems that my father-in-law can still torture from beyond the grave. I somehow pissed him off even though he never knew you were his daughter. I'd never have survived if he had known. Every year we got death threats because someone wanted Ben because apparently we don't deserve to raise our baby because you had an evil bastard for a bio dad. To some it was right to hold a little kid responsible for the welfare of the galaxy, they thought he wasn't doing enough! He was five, an innocent five year old. Then there are the people who'd like Ben on the throne, under their thumb. Or the people who want to kill him for being related to us or Vader. We didn't shout out the information from the top of the building, but it circled pretty well in the old Imperial groups. Just earlier today I came upon a drunken old Imperial calling for Emperor Ben. They really, really should come up with a better name if they keep pursuing this and want an extra second of me laughing before enjoying the company of my blaster. Ben, which happens to be a wholly unintimidating name, and, as much as I hate to admit, Solo doesn't work. Emperor Solo? Just no.

I'm a terrible father. I don't know how to be one. Remember when Ben was born, and you pressed him into my arms, and I was so scared that I was going to drop him? You told me you'd kill me if I did. Luke was laughing his ass off and, shockingly, that didn't reassure me one bit. I learned how to hold a baby. But now, I'm not a good father because I don't know how. I can somehow deal with young adults who I rescue off the Death Star, but with my own kid I just don't know. I know how to get people to do what I want, but they're adults. What do I do, Leia? You've always been so much better at this than me.

Ben is mad at me right now. I'm apparently being a hypocrite, if you ask him. This Force business scares me though, and it's not because I don't trust Ben, but because I remember Vader and the rumors of the Inquisitors. You probably remember from when you were a kid too. In my mind, if the most beloved Jedi Knight can fall and destroy the entire Jedi Order, there's something to the dark side that makes it seem the better choice. It isn't weak, perhaps deceptive, but it removes inhibitions and I remember how I wanted that. I could've been that if I were a Jedi back then. When my family rejected me, I wanted to lash out at them in anger, but my grief stilled me. From what I garner, the dark side removes the guilt factor. Everything is worth the cost if you know where it can get you. When I faced Vader, he didn't even need the machine to inflict pain and he was only doing it for his son. There were no thoughts on how Luke would take it, but just taking Luke. He just wanted Luke.

Help me Leia, you're my only hope.

Love,

your Han not-Solo

P.S. Get me out of these negotiations!

P.P.S. Extra love you.


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-4; 1:56]

[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]

Dad

So you're not scared of me, you're scared of me training with Uncle Luke? He's going to train me and I'm going to be the best Jedi I can, whether or not you think I can do it. It's going to be the most important thing to me because I know what I want my life to be. That doesn't have to include you if you're doubting me. The way you can encourage me to be the best is to trust me and to trust Uncle Luke to give me the best advice he can. You say you want the best for me but apparently you don't think this is the best for me.

You won't stop being my dad but that wont mean I'm not mad.

Ben


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-4; 14:32]

[FROM: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]

Laser Brain,

Don't call me that!

What did you do now? I'd suggest apologizing and admitting your faults. Tell him you love him because you do and I bet he just misses home, and his parents. It's hard for any child to be away from home, even though he has Luke. I miss him, too. On the bright side, he seems to be adjusting well and his frustration seems to be focused on you. You're the fun Dad, unfortunately, and that happens to be hard to maintain through the holonet. I think he was also a little put out about you not contacting him sooner. I'm not blaming you about that bit, I know you were busy. Ben doesn't fully comprehend his parents' lives yet.

Mostly I'd suggest to keep in mind that with the Empire looming over us, we both grew up faster than we should have. Also Ben is younger even than we were, he's nine. Sometimes he acts mature and I love him for being able to do that, but he's still a kid. He never had to worry about saying the wrong thing because it could get someone executed. Let him keep his innocence for a while longer.

So what do you have in mind for Ben's birthday? Luke said he'd try to bring the trainees around, and I want it to be special. We have some time, but probably should start planning. I'm thinking of taking them to see some nebulas, an adventure in the old Falcon? What do you say?

Much love,

Your charming wife

P.S. We're not introducing them to Corellian whiskey.


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-5; 1:56]

[FROM: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C;

TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]

Ben,

I shouldn't have said everything the way I did. I'm not the best at doing all of this, it's still stuff I don't know much about. I know you're going to blow the galaxy away with your Jedi skills. I believe in you more than I have anything else in my life. I won't bother you any more about this, I know you can handle it.

You're my son and I love you more than anything in this life. Whatever your life turns out to be, I know you'll make the best of it. You're a Solo, we're good at that. And you can tell me all about your training when I get to see you. I can't wait to hear about it.

I love you - we all love you, Ben.

Your dad


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[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-5; 15:37]

[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;

TO: Leia Organa, DID ]

Mom,

I'm so sorry that I didn't reply! I was so busy training and then had to study up on history (yuck) then I was mad at Dad. I totally forgot that I hadn't replied to your message. Love you Mom, I really do. You're the best mom, like the most super duper awesome.

Dad apologized so I think I might be sending him a message later. Should I apologize to him, Mom? I was sort of rude. I'm still mad at him and I don't think I'm really ready to forgive him.

I told Artoo that Threepio missed him and he started to whistle and beep a lot. No idea what he wanted me to pass along. Uncle Luke says it was somewhere along the lines of "Stop moaning, you're a protocol droid. At least you don't have mud in all your joints. I miss you too stop making it worse." I think he paraphrased a lot because Artoo then tried to shock him. It was funny. Oh yeah, Uncle Luke met a girl today. I asked her if she knew where she was, she laughed and said no. I don't know what she was doing, but she and Uncle Luke were inspecting the security systems. They were weird together and were holding hands. That's disgusting. Sacha and N'Edth, they're older, are also doing that. They were kissing yesterday! It was gross! I get enough of that when you and Dad get all mushy and blech-y. I ran away and told Uncle Luke, I think he still hasn't stopped snickering. What's so funny about it? I really don't understand. It was just gross.

Well, it's bed time in a minute.

Hugs,

Ben

P.S. Tell Kylo that the alphabet is very colorful and that I miss him.


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Transmission: Authorized

[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-5; 16:41]

[FROM: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C]

Dad

Thanks. I know I am, I'll send you another message when it's not bedtime. Love you too.

Ben


ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: VQ1AF

Status: Delayed, Arrived: 25,066-5-4-1; 2:15

Transmission: Authorized

[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-3; 23:59]

[FROM: Luke Skywalker, DID JDI-2356126T;

TO: Leia Organa, DID STR-3876651A]

Leia,

I want you to consider if this is the right choice to not tell Ben. There are some people who know the truth about our heritage and I still remember how heartbroken I was when I discovered that Vader was my father. Perhaps Obi-Wan was right to not tell me. And even now, I still weigh the pros and cons of his decision. Vader is dead, you keep talking like he's still a danger to us. Only good can come out of telling Ben, you need to realize. Should Snoke know the truth about Vader and reveal it to Ben, the consequences will be drastic. If Ben finds out, I won't lie to him. I respect your decision, he's your child, but you cannot ask me to lie. Especially when it's about Father.

Luke


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Transmission: Authorized

[TIMESTAMP: 25,066-5-3-4; 2:17]

[FROM: SenTrip, DID 000-74619750000-92173820;

TO: Han Solo, DID GNL-6223379C000-62233790]

Mr. SOLO,

Have you ever dreamed of wealth beyond your wildest dream and having people bow down to you. Welcome to the life of an influential senator! For a limited time 6,000 credits can set you off on your path to power.*

Our program offers various advantages over other programs. We have a six week long workshop with teachers fluent in at least the five most common languages in the galaxy. The workshops are renown through the galaxy for their success in helping people overcome their fear of public speaking and make friends. We also offer courses through the Holonet for an additional 1,000 credits.

Make your dream come true and buy your way into the illustrious life of a Senator today!

*Be aware though that this generous offer ends at the end of the month when prices will return to the normal 12,000 credits.


The other initiate shook his head in disappointment at Ben, and a sneer stretched across the royal blue face. Ben growled, but tried to restrain his fury. A deep breath let him release some of his frustration and prevented him from attacking the other child. He would keep his promise and try to control his anger. He needed control.

His hands trembled and the elder youth crossed his arm and stared down at him, sneering, "Are you angry, child? Perhaps you should run off to your uncle, I'm sure he'd love to come and protect you."

Ben narrowed his eyes and pressed his fingernails into his hand. "I think you should leave. We're not supposed to act like this."

A mocking laugh broke free from the other boy, and he took a step closer to Ben, who promptly took a step back. "What a failure you are," he added a mocking pout, "Does that make you upset? Does it?"

As the boy strode forward, Ben tried to move backwards and maintain a buffer zone of empty air between them. "Leave me alone. I haven't done anything to you. We both want to be Jedi."

A wall pressed into his back, and he watched with wide eyes as the other youth walked right up to him. "What sort of weaklings are your parents, to have spawned something so incompetent? You can't even defend yourself against me. Did they beg for mercy when the Empire hunted them? A bunch of outlaws, right?"

Anger was boiling within him, bursting to get free. Something about the boy in front of him felt off. "The only one somewhat strong in your family is your Uncle, but he turned down power. What sort of idiot does that? He was weak and that's why this galaxy is in such turmoil."

Desperate to get space, Ben shouted at the other boy, "You're wrong! Uncle Luke is more powerful than you will ever be. Strength isn't measured in what you can force people to do, but by compassion."

The boy lifted his hand and it wrapped around Ben's throat, gently squeezing. "But he isn't here, is he? I can't believe he said you were related to the most powerful Force-user to roam the galaxy in thousands of years. It's got to be a lie. You're weak! Does compassion help you? Maybe, maybe if you beg like your parents did, I won't kill you," he threatened, laughing cruelly he tightened the grip and gestured with the other hand. "Show your compassion! Beg like your worthless parents did! Beg!"

The anger poured through his body and he growled. "Leave my parents out of this. They're by far the bravest people to ever have roamed the galaxy." Darkness eagerly calling to him, and it encouraged him as he hissed, "Mock them again and I'll make you regret it."

Ben's opponent laughed again and punched him in the gut before yanking Ben's head to the side and whispering into his ear, "They killed hundreds of people in their cowardice and never accomplished anything. Even though they don't succeed in anything. But you, you are even more worthless than them." He shoved Ben into the wall again and let him go. "You're weak. A disgrace. I think I'll teach your parents their place next time I see them: below my boots."

The rational thoughts that once existed in Ben's head fled and he let out a primal roar. Despite the aching ribs, he stood up and launched himself at the other child, who stood there in surprise.

"Take that back, you Sith bastard!"

Anger coursed through his veins and the first punch landed on the child, knocking him to the ground. But he couldn't stop himself, so he released another punch. Pitiful moans escaped the youth, angering Ben even further.

"Who's weak now? Who! Take it back!"

The anger that had accumulated from talking to his father was thrown into the punches. The homesickness and longing was turned into anger. The child in front of him was responsible for everything. It was his fault. The insults to Ben's parents, were funnelled into the kicks.

"Ben! Ben stop!" Someone shouted, but he didn't register them.

Strong arms wrapped around him and waves of comfort pierced the shield of darkness.

Ben… Come back to me… Ben… It's alright… I love you…

He stopped struggling and tears began pouring down his face. He turned around and hugged Uncle Luke, feeling terribly guilty.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry Uncle Luke, please, sorry, I don't know, please, please."

His uncle gently massaged his back and drew him in an even tighter hug, "Shh, Ben it's alright. Everything will be fine."

Hiccuping slightly, Ben looked at his uncle, "Thank you. I'm so sorry."

Worried eyes stared at him, "You alright?"

Embarrassed, Ben nodded and stepped out of the hug, pulling his arms around himself.

Luke gave him a small smile and looked at the blue skinned boy, "Does one of you want to tell me what happened?"

The other child pointed his finger at Ben, "He just attacked me! He's stark raving mad!"

"The truth," Luke hissed, his voice colder than Ben had ever heard it, "The Force always knows when you're lying."

A growl escaped the other boy. "It's blatant favoritism. Just cause he's your nephew. He's evil, he was going to kill me!"

Luke straightened his body and gestured to a young girl, who was hiding behind him. "She fetched me. Now, to be clear, both of you are going to be punished and all privileges suspended. I'll be talking to both of you because there are obviously some issues that need to be worked out. But I do know this; you, B'Malt, provoked the attack. Ben didn't respond properly, but you set out looking for a fight and now are upset because Ben had sharper teeth than you thought."

B'Malt tried to open his mouth to protest the punishment, but Uncle Luke cut him off by saying, "Both of you go. I'm very disappointed."

Ben looked at his uncle and quickly glanced back down at the floor, ashamed. He had acted wrongly, not like a Jedi should. Slowly, he wandered back to his room. The computer stood there invitingly, he paused and glanced at it longingly. Perhaps his Dad could help. This decided, he opened his mail.


ENCRYPTION BYPASS IDENTIFICATION: PK0HN

Status: Undelayed, clear

Transmission: Authorized

[TIMESTAMP:25,066-5-3-5; 10:12]

[FROM: Anonymous, DID 000-38766460;

TO: Ben Solo, DID JDI-1557933C]

Hello again Ben,

Family lets people down often - I think your uncle knows that. You've probably let him down many times. I wonder, though, if your parents know that, the naïve fools they are. I will tell you that there was someone who did everything possible to not let his family down. In the end, he failed. He was let down by his own son, betrayed. He's your grandfather.

I know many things. I know how to make people respect you and how to wield great power. And I know about you, Ben, I know about your family. You told them, didn't you? You told them and they said "Good job Ben, what a good little boy you are." It's disgusting because they're holding you back. You're powerful, Ben, you could surpass your uncle. Have you felt powerful lately? Your family warns you against anger, but, when harnessed, you can surpass others, not through those weak Jedi ideals your uncle wants you to conform to.

You're smart, you must have figured out that I know more than you think I should. I'll know about everything you do, sometimes before you do. I know you had a fight today and that you won because of your anger. The boy will be back, you know, and he'll try harder to kill you next time. You can't trust me, but if he does as I say he will, consider trusting me. Obviously your uncle can't even save you. Perhaps in time I will tell you about your grandfather, a truly remarkable man, deserving of your admiration.

Ever looking out for you,

Snoke


Marissa and I extend our numerous apologies for our tardiness. Sorry... Please forgive us. Next update will be Sunday.