Chapter One

Luke had his eyes shut as he made minute adjustments to the X-wing’s computer, using the Force as an instinctive compass – no, not using. He was more asking the Force to lead them to the planet where he and Lisa were to build the future of the Jedi Order.

He paused before pressing the hyperspace control, opening his eyes and frowning.

“You okay?” asked Lisa from her seat behind his pilot’s chair.

Brushing her with their link and the Force, he said, “I’m…worried?” He took a breath. “I’m afraid I’m going to fail these future students.”

She reached forward to put her hands on his shoulders. “I know. I get it. I’m afraid, too. Of becoming responsible for people emotionally depending on me.”

Luke put his hands on hers and squeezed. He tried to joke, “Got enough of that with me?”

She snorted. “I love you. Comes with the territory. Not everyone can sense emotions, so I’ll probably be the in-between for a lot of them.”

“You’ll do great.”

“So will you.”

He had to smile. She sounded so sure of herself.

“Hey,” she added softly, “no matter what happens, we’re in it together.”

Luke nodded, giving her hands another squeeze. “Together.”

As if responding to their resolve, the Force gave Luke a little tug. He adjusted the controls again and took a deep breath.

“Here we go.”                                       

The hum of hyperspace was soothing in a way; Lisa dozed off and even Artoo was quiet. Luke sat back in his chair and watched the streaks of stars out the cockpit window.

For the last four years, every time he’d gotten into this ship it was either to destroy something, rescue someone…survive. Now there were no squadrons waiting, no tactical objective.

This time, they were going to build something. Just instinct, faith, and hope.

And each other.

End chapter one

Back *~*~* Chapter Two