The first sun was rising, and Miri still slept. Obi-Wan drew his cloak about him to guard against the morning chill that desert planets so often have. They had been back mere hours, and the exhaustion his wife felt had ensured her swift journey into sleep. Obi-Wan, however, was restless. He tried in vain to sleep, but when he could not, he settled for the lounge chair instead, watching over her as she slept. He could feel her emotions ebbing and flowing in her sleep, and could see them playing out on her face as she dreamed.

When she woke, Miri looked at her surroundings blankly. Obi-Wan watched as she did so, feeling his heart swell knowing she was safe.

Miri looked over at her husband, and breathed a sigh of relief that he was there.

"Took me a minute to remember I was home," she said, swinging her legs over the bed and planting her bare feet on the synstone floor.

"You're safe, with me," Obi-Wan said, rising to plant a kiss on Miri's forehead. He sat beside her, and gently turned her face towards him, looking into her eyes to calm her.

"I can't help…" Miri started, placing her hand over Obi-Wan's, but keeping it where it rested on her neck. "I can't help but worry about the future. It feels too easy. What if we are doing exactly what the Emperor wants?"

Obi-Wan gave a weak smile, recalling a lesson learned from his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.

"I have felt the same before. Master Yoda did say to be mindful of the future. But Qui-Gon… He had other feelings about it."

"What were those?" Miri searched his face for comfort.

"That you shouldn't be mindful of the future at the expense of the moment. You're home and safe. The baby is too." Obi-Wan brought his hand to Miri's belly, still not yet visible with the signs of pregnancy.

"I promised you that he would be safe, and we would do our best to train him in the ways of the Light. Do you believe me?"

Miri sat a moment, searching her feelings. "I do."

"The Force has a will of its own. I do not think that will includes the Dark winning. It may happen when we are gone. But there will be balance within the Force one day. That I believe."

Together, Miri and Obi-Wan Kenobi walked out of their small hut in the outskirts of the Dune Sea, looking out over the rocky bluff. The suns rose, and together they welcomed a new chapter in the story of their lives, and a new chapter in the life of the Force.

AN: Finally, I am finished! I am so sorry this story took me so long to finish. I had too much going all at once, but I am happy to report that this isn't the end of my rendition of the Star Wars saga. The story picks up years later with our new characters Rey, Poe, Finn and Kylo Ren, but is definitely linked to this story. They can be read separately or together, but if you are interested in following through, there are several chapters already up. It is called Off Autopilot.

The release of the teaser trailer today got me inspired to start wrapping this story up, and to make more progress with the new story.

As always, reviews are appreciated, and even though I have finished this story, I will come back periodically and read your reviews. They always bring a smile to my face. Thanks to all who stuck through the story.