Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and General Leia Organa were going to die. The one comfort they could take was that they would at least die together. The Force was in turmoil around them telling them so, along with the resignation they felt in their bones. How everything had gone so badly after the defeat of the Empire was still a depressing mystery to them, one which wouldn't matter anymore to them in the next five minutes. The First Order had found them and there was no time for escape. They were about to be incinerated where they stood as well as everyone else who wouldn't be able to escape the planet in the next, now four minutes. They looked at each other and sent comfort through their Twin Bond. To be reunited if only to die and finally get a respite didn't seem so bad after all. They had failed, and that's all there was to it.

As the blast hit them and incinerated them on the spot, all they felt was peace - finally, peace. They could feel their consciousness floating in a white light, cradling them gently. They were not quite one with the Force yet, Luke could tell. They were in some limbo, cradled in the only part of the Force that wasn't in turmoil, but rather a sense of anticipation. Greetings, a smooth, disembodied voice spoke in a soothing manner.

Luke? What's happening? Leia asked.

I'm not sure. But, I believe we should listen very carefully right now. He told her back.

The Force wrapped tighter around them, and spoke to them again: My children, I fear that our plans did not work as originally intended. The Balance that was sought had been too damaged by the last Sith Lord, Sidious, and there was no possible way for you to have succeeded in the face of such a disaster. The hope was there, but the scope of the Purges was so vast, and the amount of death so grand, that the Dark overwhelmed everything against all odds. It is my hope that you will accept my offer, for a second chance, in order to help truly bring Balance.

Luke and Leia took a moment to absorb what was just said. Leia was angry: If everything that we tried to accomplish was in vain, why would you have allowed us to get to this point? Why not intervene before?

The Force seemed to heave, and replied: As a rule, the Force does not seek to control sentient life. It is a balance in and of itself - life feeds the Force and makes it grow, and beings can use the force, either for good or bad. However, the current amount of destruction is weakening the Force beyond repair. So many worlds are dead and gone, that there is no way that the Galaxy can replenish the sheer amount of lives lost. These are dire circumstances, which is why the offer for a second chance now stands - save yourselves and the Force. Bring the Balance that was supposed to be brought by others. The burden you shared was an unfair one, and in this way perhaps you can even save yourselves from unnecessary guilt you are feeling right now.

Quiet reigned for a minute, as the twins considered this. They had already saved the Galaxy multiple times, and it did not seem to be too grateful to them for their efforts. But at the same time, the sense of duty that was as much a part of their DNA as the Force itself seemed to assert itself. However, Luke knew, that nothing this daunting would be accomplished without some kind of unpalatable parameters. What's the catch? He voiced.

The Force seemed to relax some and continued on: If you should accept, there will be some rules, which cannot be broken, or all will fail. First, you must not take matters into your own hands. You may know what will happen in the future, but you must not take direct matters. Second, you must listen and learn as well, for it is the only way for you to make sure that the same mistakes are not made again. Learn as much as you can from your surroundings before you take any action. Third, you will have a limited time frame in which to work in, which shall become apparent to you once you have gotten your bearings. Please be mindful of who you interact with, as there is very real possibility of undoing your own existence, and thus ruining this second chance, as you would simply cease to exist. If these rules seem too onerous and restrictive, then by all means, you shall be allowed to become one with the Force. This is not something you must do, this is only a chance, should you take it.

The twins mulled this information and passed their thoughts back and forth to each other. What if they failed again? Is this truly worth it? Is it possible they could make things worse? Leia, for one, was so exhausted, so tired of fighting and fighting and never getting any respite. The fact that her own son was responsible for so much evil made her feel even guiltier. Luke felt her hurt as keenly as his own, the massacre of all his students still fresh in his mind, even after all these years. The decision was made: We agree.

The Force brightened at that moment, and if it could be said to feel pride for its children, then that is the feeling that the twins were experiencing at the moment. Suddenly, everything felt like it was spinning, as if they were trapped in a vortex. The Force spoke to them one more time: Remember the rules, or all will be lost again.