XXVI. Water
He can tell it's something urgent because she's jogging and her hair is still wet. It slaps against her back, soaking her shirt. She passes by him without a sound, but he senses trouble and follows the trail of water she's left behind.
"-sooner than we thought," says the voice of some general. "We need to evacuate."
"Give the orders." She's standing still, and there's a puddle forming on the floor beneath her.
"Why can't we stand and fight?"
She shakes her head, spraying water across his face. "Captain Solo, some of us actually want to win this war."
XXVII. Fire
It's been forever since he's seen her, and the need is burning him alive. The absence and the loneliness suck at him, dry him out till the smallest spark, be it a picture on the news, the sound of her name, the sight of a woman with long brown hair, sets him aflame.
When he finally sees her again, it's been three months and he doesn't trust himself to speak.
"Are you all right, Ani?" she asks, and lays a hand on his forehead. It stings like hot metal. "You're burning up."
He swallows, smiles weakly. "You have no idea."
XXVIII. Earth
It feels good to be back on solid ground. After months of floating around on more tin cans than she cares to think about, she's thankful for a place to sleep where she doesn't have to worry about flying equipment and navigation malfunctions.
But tonight she doesn't feel like sleeping. She walks barefoot through the woods like she did as a child. The dirt is warm and soft in the little clearing, so she succumbs to her whimsies and sits on the ground, digging her fingers into the soil.
Technology can provide her every desire, but earth has a heartbeat.
XXIX. Air
"What's the matter, Leia? Never flown in an X-Wing before?"
"Not when the pilot's suicidal."
"I'm glad you trust my flying skills." Luke guided the craft through a low-flying loop, causing Leia to curse. He thought he heard a hint of enjoyment in her voice. "Relax. we're almost there."
"Thank the Force."
Their destination in sight, he couldn't help throwing in one last barrel roll. Leia was out of the ship almost before they landed. "Was that really necessary?"
Luke looked her over. She was flushed, her hair in tangles from the helmet. But she was smiling.
"Yes, it was."
XXX. Spirit
Alive, he had watched him when he could. Dead, he's with him always.
He hovers over the young man's shoulder through his every task , whispering wisdom into his ear. When he listens, he's as strong as his father. When he doesn't, he shows the same weakness. The way he guides him is different. Their mode of communication doesn't allow for the impatient banter that marked his conversations with his last student/ It's a spiritual connection, more than anything, one of wordless suggestion and reassurance.
He's done his share for the jedi and the Rebellion. This, he does for Anakin.