Leia's POV- 1 month ago

It had been a very exhausting day at the Senate for me today. I had gotten no sleep the night before, having searched for the Sith holocron and fought the Jedi Katarn in a grueling and savage battle. I had barely escaped the palace in time, having to use force mind tricks to get around the security guards that were all over the place. Jedi had come as well having sensed Katarn's death through the force, but luckily I was able to escape before they could get to me or figure out who I was. Unfortunately I had not been able to sleep when I made it back to our veranda, nor could I heal and replenish myself with the force with so many Jedi around. So I just ate some breakfast and went into work. I was forced to remain in the Senate almost the entire day as the idiots debated funding and other trivial issues, posturing for the upcoming elections and sucking up to the people. Oh how many times I had longed to reach out with the Dark Side...

A dark scowl spreads across my face at the vermin that I have to deal with every day and their Jedi allies. Soon I would act and the Sith would bring them all crashing down! But I have to be patient, continue playing their game, concealing my true identity until it is to late to stop me. All of my sacrifice, all my hard work and planning will soon pay off, and oh what a glorious day that will be!

I glance over to a small mirror on the wall and stop with a sudden start, cursing silently as I notice the yellow starting to appear in my eyes. I close my eyes and breath deeply, focusing on my center and counting to 10. Opening my eyes I smile seeing they are brown again.

I reach the door of my daughter's room carrying a glass of water for her and step inside. I smile as I see her on the floor playing with a doll collection Han and I had gotten her for her last lifeday. Her carefree youthfulness warms my heart every time I see her. Sometimes...sometimes I have doubts about what I am doing, I wonder if I'm doing right training under Lord Revan, if I'm doing right by my children. All of this...my training, my plans, my determination...it's all for them, so that they'll be free to live their lives in a safe and peaceful galaxy, so that they wont know the horrors of war I have faced my entire life. After sitting the glass of water down on the dresser I move over and pick her up under the arms.

"Time for bed Jaya". I tell her with a smile. She smiles back and giggles at me as I lift her in the air, giving me a look of pure love that makes me melt inside.

"Mama!"

I laugh before hugging her and gently placing her in the bed. I turn around to get the glass of water for her.

"Mama Sith!"

I stop dead in my tracks, the glass of water slips out of my hand and shatters on the floor. Nothing she could have said would have shocked me more than I am right now. A cold feeling of dread spreads through me as I slowly turn to her.

"What...what did you say?"

"Mama Sith!". She repeats with a look that pierces right through me, and absolute certainty in her young brown eyes. Does she know what she's saying or is she just repeating a word she heard once? How...how could she possibly know?!

"I..."

What am I supposed to tell her?

"I..."

As I look into her eyes I see that she knows exactly what she's saying. She knows. I don't know how it's possible but she knows, and I know that lying to her or denying it would be futile. I'm at an utter loss as to what to say. I choose my words carefully and take a deep breath.

"Yes I am Jaina".

"Why?". She asks me with a confused expression on her face.

"I did it for you Jaina. And your brothers and your father. So that I would have the power to protect you from those that mean us harm, and to ensure that you grow up in a galaxy at peace. I am creating an Empire for you Jaya, an Empire that you will one day lead in my wake. The force is incredibly strong with you, one day I will teach you to use it. Your Empire will be vast, and the galaxy will tremble at your power". She ponders this for a moment before looking at me again.

"Wha about daddy and unca Luke?"

"They wouldn't understand Jaya, they would try to stop us. This will be our little secret okay?"

"Okay mommy!"

"Good. Now get some sleep, you have a busy day tomorrow".

I tuck her in and kiss her on the cheek before turning to leave the room. Before I leave I stop in the doorway and look back over my shoulder.

"Your momma is going to conquer an entire galaxy for you Jaya". With that I flip off the light and close the door as I leave her room.

I head back down the hall and into the living room to join Han, who is sitting on the couch flipping stations on the holo. I move over and sit down beside him. Resting my head against his shoulder as I feel him put his arm around me.

"Anything on tonight?".

"Nah just the same ol same ol. Sitcom re-runs, politics, commercials, more commercials, politics, Galactic swimsuit special..." he looks down at me "which I have absolutely no interest in! And did I mention politics? Kriff! I wish they would do the elections already and get it over with, I'm sick of hearing about it on every channel".

I roll my eyes and smile at him. "You should try it for a living flyboy. All the arguing, backstabbing and back room deals. Sometimes I feel like I'm surrounded by Tach monkeys and can't escape".

"Then why do it?".

"Imagine if I didn't".

"Good point. I don't think they'd last a day without you".

"Besides it's important for the kids to be raised in a safe and stable galaxy, with a stable government that can protect the people. And I can't imagine doing anything else". He ponders this, unaware of its hidden meaning.

"Well you could be a stay at home mom..." he looks down at me again "Or not. How about smuggling? You know the Falcon so well you'd be perfect for it".

"Yeah I can see it now- Princess Leia quits Senate to become a pirate! Nice try scoundrel".

"Well...maybe you could be a Jedi".

With those words everything comes to a stop for me, I tune him out as the hatred I have for them surfaces. My anger rises as I think about the crimes and injustices committed by them, not the least of all their part in the tragedy that befell my birth family and my home planet. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears as the Dark Side calls to me, singing its siren song, begging me to unleash its power.

"I know I've always dismissed it all as hokey religion, but what can I say? I can't argue with what I see with my own eyes. The kid is a Jedi Master now. I know you've got it in you too, maybe Luke can finish your training?". He goes on, oblivious to my rising anger next to him.

The Dark Side beckons stronger with each word, thundering in my mind now, begging me to seize its power and silence his blasphemous tongue. I shut my eyes tightly and begin shaking, desperately trying to resist this temptation. It would be so easy...

"Leia?"

I realize his attention is on me now and push away the temptation, breaking out of the Dark fog that had come over me, hoping that Han hadn't noticed.

"Hmmm?"

"What do you think? About becoming a Jedi?"

I grit my teeth in rage as I struggle to come up with an answer, aware that he is waiting for one. Knowing I'd have to mince words or I'd give everything away.

"It's just not for me Han. I know I have the force, Luke has told me as much. But I just don't have the time or the dedication to be a Jedi. Besides I can't leave politics with the Republic in the state that it is. Infighting and corruption are rampant problems, people are losing their jobs and homes, crime and poverty are on the rise, more than half the people of the Republic don't have health care, and there's been a surge in attacks by the Imperial Remnant. I have all of that to deal with and 3 kids to raise at home. It's just not possible right now".

"Always worrying about other peoples problems. I love you for it but you're going to run yourself into the ground at this rate".

I let out a sigh. "I know that Han, but there's nothing I can do about it. Can we just drop this? It's been a long day, I'm tired and I just want to relax right now".

"Fine Your Worship. No need to get all up tight, we can watch the holo then".

I look up at him as he begins flipping through the channels again. I can tell he's a little peeved that I cut him off, but I don't care. I'm just glad to be off the Jedi subject. What had happened was frightening. I had never felt the urge to harm one I loved like that before, I had come very close to lashing out at him for something that wasn't even his fault, and I have no doubt I could have seriously hurt him if I had.

Troubled I swallow hard and turn my attention to the holo as Han flashes it by a game of smashball. We watch for a few minutes until he switches it onto the news. What I see makes my blood run cold.

It's a picture of Kyle Katarn's body...exactly where I had left it in Palpatine's hidden passage. There was crime scene tape surrounding the area, along with several investigators and Jedi scoping through the room. I could see them carrying various artifacts out of the room and flagging potential evidence. I nudged Han telling him to turn the volume up.

"The big news today is the mystery surrounding the death of Jedi Master Kyle Katarn. Katarn was found late last night brutally murdered, as he was investigating what appears to be a secret chamber in the former Emperor Palpatine's throne room here in the Imperial Palace. Investigators are on site searching for any possible clue as to the identity of the murderer. Details are sketchy at this point but we have been told that a lightsaber, yes a lightsaber was used in the killing. Here with us now is Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. Luke what details can you give to us at this time?". I watch in horrified silence as Luke appears infront of the camera and begins speaking.

"Well we haven't finished analyzing the scene just yet. There are no witnesses to the crime and Palace security reported no breach or unauthorized entry to the Palace last night. Video surveillance shows nothing of use. But I can confirm that the murder weapon was a lightsaber".

"What does this mean? Is there another Sith out there?"

"Well we don't want to jump to conclusions just yet. But based on what we know about the murder weapon, lack of notice by Palace security, and the condition of the crime scene it does appear to us that the force was used in the murder. The Jedi will investigate this matter fully. We will find whoever was responsible and bring that person to justice".

"Thank you Luke. Well there you have it. Kyle Katarn was a legendary hero. Forever will he be known for his part in gaining the plans to the first Death Star, defeating Jerec and his group of Dark minions, and stopping Desann and his Imperial followers. He died at the age of 29".

We sit in shocked silence for a moment, I'm vaguely aware of Han turning off the holo but am quickly lost in my thoughts trying to process what I had just seen. I had taken every precaution going into and out of the Palace last night. I had worn gloves as I always did on my late night excursions, to not leave finger prints. I had used the force to conceal my presence from the security guards that patrolled the area, and to disable any security cameras I had come across. I spend a moment considering every variable, every possibility and come to the conclusion that I am covered. There is no way I could be placed at the scene, I know Katarn had followed me in but I was certain no one else had...had they? Could someone else have been there with him watching from the shadows? Do the Jedi know about me? Has my plan been compromised? Relax Sadus, if anyone had been there they would have interfered to help Kyle. Yes, the plan is safe, I'm fine, I'm covered.

Luke's presence was troubling though. He had a knack for getting to the bottom of things, and him leading the investigation was not a comforting thought. Truth be told I don't even know how I'm going to deal with Luke when the time comes to face him, and come it will. I know it's only a matter of time before he discovers the truth but the question is what will I do when that happens? He is the Jedi Grandmaster and by virtue my greatest enemy. He is as powerful in the force as I am and represents a great threat to my plans. But at the same time he's also my twin brother, and one of the last living family members I have besides Han and the kids. His power is as great as mine which would make him a great asset if he could be turned to the Dark Side. But Luke had resisted the temptation against Palpatine and Vader, so what chance did I have of doing it? Would I be forced to kill him? I am prepared either way, and will extend the offer when the time comes. If he doesn't take it he will only have himself to blame for what happens.

"I...just can't believe it Leia. I've known Kyle a long time, we go way back him and me. I've known him since the academy".

I look over at him taking in the distraught look on his face, he's upset over the loss of his friend.

"I'm...sorry Han, I don't know what to say". I tell him, hiding my delight at the Jedi's death.

Han's voice breaks slightly as he speaks. "They...they said he was killed by a lightsaber. Do you think it was a Sith?"

My mind flashes back to last night. Remembering the look of pain and horror on Kyle's face as my lightsaber went through his chest. I once again replay the battle with the Jedi in my mind, every stroke of my blade, every use of the force. Going toe to toe with one of the Jedi's best and killing him. I bask in my triumph, the corner of my mouth curling into a grin unnoticed by Han.

"It's possible". I tell him, trying to hide the glee in my voice.

"Argh! How could this have happened? He was one of the strongest Jedi, a soldier with elite military training. No third-rate wannabe would have been able to take him down. Palpatine and Vader are dead, Luke took care of C'baoth, Jerec and Desann were killed along with their followers, so how could there be a Sith now?".

"The Sith will never die out Han, the Dark Side will always exist in one form or another. It always has and it always will. The Sith thrive on the assumption that they are extinct, striking from the shadows when least expected. It's what the Sith have done for thousands of years to survive. The teachings stand the course of time, passed on from generation to generation. You have to respect them for that".

"Respect?! You respect the Sith?". He shouts at me, his emotions pouring out over Kyle's death.

"I respect their will to survive in spite of what they have faced, the devotion they have for their cause, the fact that they have stood the test of time for millennia. You can respect their drive and determination, even if you don't agree with their methods".

"They are murderers Leia! Nothing but cold blooded killers who care for no one or nothing but the power they wield. I respect NOTHING about them and I can't believe you do! For force sake Leia these people destroyed your home planet and have torn apart the galaxy for the last 20 years! I hope Luke finds whoever is responsible and makes them suffer, I know I would love the chance to".

I can feel my anger welling up again as he speaks. My eyes flash red and yellow as the Dark Side returns, begging me to snap his neck. The temptation roaring through every part of my body, impossible to ignore. I again feel my heart pounding in my ears as the Dark Side swirls around me, calling me to it. Through the fog I can tell Han is unaware of what's happening to me. Just let go...it's impossible to resist...so I give in. Before I'm aware of what's happening I can feel the Dark Side gathering to choke the life out of him.

"The last thing this galaxy needs is another Vader" he says mere seconds before I could begin the choke.

Everything comes to a halt at those words. What...what am I doing? I was about to kill him! What is this? What's happening to me?! I feel the tears gathering in my eyes as they begin falling down my face. I can feel myself shaking in fear of what I'd almost done, and this time it does not go unnoticed by Han.

"Leia? Sweetheart what's wrong?" he asks me with panic in his voice. I continue shaking, the tears on my face obvious.

"I...I have to leave, I can't deal with this right now" I tell him as I get up and move over to the rack to get my jacket. Han gets up and follows me.

"Deal with what? Leia what's going on?!".

"I'm sorry Han. But I need to be alone for a while, please understand". I can feel the Dark Side looming even as I tell him this, still tormenting me with this temptation.

"Leia it's the dead of night! It's to dangerous to go out this late on Coruscant, much less alone!". I feel the Dark Side rising again as I struggle against it. I can't take this, I have to get away now.

I ignore him as I slip on my jacket and move over to the door to exit the veranda. I reach down to open the door when I suddenly feel his hand grab my shoulder.

My body goes rigid at the touch. I don't move, I don't breathe as I feel the hand on my shoulder, and a thousand images begin to flash through my mind. I'm back on the Death Star screaming about Alderaan as Vader holds my shoulder from behind. That cold lifeless hand forcing me to watch the death of everyone I had ever known and loved, knowing that part of me had died with them. Then suddenly it's Han again, then it switches back to Vader holding me in place as my life is destroyed before my eyes.

The vision shifts to Bespin as I see Vader lowering Han into the carbonite chamber on top of the glowing platform. His hands are shackled and he's looking at me, resigning himself to his fate. Then suddenly Vader is gone and I see myself wearing dark robes. Han is looking at me with a look of sadness, but also a look of love and forgiveness. I stare back into his eyes and begin choking him with the force. I see him gasp for air as the grip tightens, slowly crushing his jugular. I watch in horror as my husband falls to the ground lifeless and desperately try to stop the vision, but I can't.

It shifts again and this time I see myself on the bridge of a Star Destroyer as my fleet carries out an orbital bombardment on the helpless planet below. I can feel the screams and deaths of billions of people as fire and explosions rain down on the planet. I see myself reveling in the death and destruction, tilting my head back. With a start I realize I'm not alone. My 3 children are standing by me, all are fully grown and dressed in black robes as I am. They all have their arms crossed over their chests and are relishing the deaths in the force as I am.

More images flash through my mind. I see war, killing, devastation, burning planets, massive battles. I see images of myself sitting on a throne, then fighting my children who will betray me. Endless possibilities and outcomes flash before my eyes in seconds. Throughout the vision I hear the ominous sound of Vader's breathing, as the vision takes me back to the Death Star with his hand on my shoulder, forcing me to watch Alderaan's destruction again and again.

'The last thing this galaxy needs is another Vader'

"NOOOOOOO". I scream at Han in an inhuman voice as I snap out of the vision. Before he can respond I lash out at him with the Dark Side, sending Han flying across the room and crashing into our china cabinet with vicious force. The glass breaks and the cabinet buckles from the force of it, Han is instantly knocked unconscious. The sound of the shattering impact echos through the house and I know it woke the kids. But I don't care.

Without another thought I open the door and flee into the night.