Chapter Text
It wasn’t Luke’s smoothest landing, that was for sure, but he was so filled with anticipation he couldn’t seem to care as his X-Wing touched down on the rolling hills of the Naboo countryside. He jumped down from the cockpit with as much grace as he could manage before bounding out into the field. His arms opened wide, letting the warm embrace of the Force envelop him. Luke simply had no idea how the masters expected him to stay cooped up on Coruscant day in and day out when the Force was so much stronger, out here, out in nature.
On Coruscant, there were no trees, not a single blade of grass on the whole planet. The air there was polluted and smoggy, and the stars could hardly be seen behind all the light pollution. It simply wasn’t the kind of place one could form a meaningful connection to the Force. Because of that, Luke stole away from the planet as often as he could get away with; not always to Naboo, but for some reason his connection felt even more amplified the second he entered Nabooian airspace in particular. It had been a week since his last escape from Coruscant, and he had been anxiously awaiting a spare moment ever since. The masters didn’t like it when he strayed too far from the temple, they always said he should devote himself to studying the Old Order if he was to one day rebuild it. But if rebuilding the Jedi Order meant he’d have to spend his life on Coruscant, bending to the will of the New Republic’s political games, then maybe it shouldn’t be rebuilt at all.
Here, however, all those worries and discontents could just slide right off his back with a deep inhale of the fresh air. He wandered through the field, letting himself sense the Force signature in each and every thing that surrounded him. It was a soothing, humming sensation in his mind, a stark change to the harsh grating he felt in big cities. The Force signature of the nature around him was like music, blending together in beautiful harmony. These hills were alive with the Force, their stories waiting and ready to relay themselves to Luke’s listening ears.
He used the force to lift a handful of pebbles from the ground, letting them dance around him for a few moments, his eyes following their movements gleefully, before lowering them back down to where he’d found them. Some birds flew overhead during his trek, and Luke greeted them with a wave, receiving their welcome in return. He came across a babbling brook, hopping over the divide with ease, but not without using the force to lift the water in time with his jump and splashing it back down, the spray lapping at his boots. When he reached the top of the hill, he sat cross legged on the grass, closing his eyes and allowing himself to become one with the force in meditation.
Luke wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting there before he became aware of an all too familiar presence intruding on his peace. “Hello, Ben,” he sighed aloud, not even bothering to open his eyes for the spirit.
“So this is where you’ve been,” the voice of his master said disdainfully. “And here I was thinking you were told not to leave the planet.”
“You know I can’t focus there, Master.” Luke opened his eyes, squinting as his vision filled with light again. He determined from the sun that he probably hadn’t even been meditating for 40 minutes. His gaze settled on the flickering blue apparition, trying hard to keep the reproach he was feeling out of his expression. “I’ll go back, I always do, but I need this every now and then.” He stood with a groan, brushing loose grass off his pants. The Force ghost opened his mouth, as though he were about to speak, but Luke cut him off. “I’m aware it’s easier for you all to appear in the temple, but I can barely connect with the Force. You can’t just imprison me there, or I’ll never become a Jedi Master.”
“I know, Luke,” Obi-Wan said simply. A heavy moment of silence followed, the master and student staring each other down before the spirit continued, “I just came here to let you know that your sister was looking for you.” And with that, Obi-Wan disappeared.
Luke squeezed his eyes shut as he pressed his face into his hands. He had slipped out in the middle of the night, completely forgetting that he was supposed to meet Leia that morning for meditation. He exhaled, allowing a quiet “oh Kriff” to escape his lips. His mood was officially spoiled by the unnerving conversation with Ben, so Luke decided he might as well start the descent back to the ship. Hopefully he could decompress a bit on the flight back to Coruscant.
Leia chewed her lip absently, still staring with furrowed brow at the rather puzzling message she had received that morning. She had been hoping that she might discuss it with Luke at their regular meditation session, but naturally, when she had gone to the temple her brother was nowhere to be found. She could tell the old Jedi masters weren’t happy about her brother’s disappearance, not that she spent much time talking to any of them besides Obi-Wan.
She had overheard the little green one, Yoda, lamenting how uncommitted Luke was to becoming a Jedi master and arguing with Obi-Wan about how best to deal with the distracted young Jedi. At the time she had rolled her eyes, she didn’t know what they had expected. As long as she had known him, Luke had always been one to pursue new adventures and experiences, and she knew he wasn’t happy being stuck in the temple doing the same thing every day. It reminded him too much of being a sheltered kid back on Tatooine. She knew that trying to get Luke to stay planet-bound was as much use as trying to keep a wave upon the sand. Which was why Leia had decided to discuss the message with the masters instead; it might be a solution to their problem, at least for a little while.
A small blue figure flickered into existence in the corner of her periphery, so she looked up to settle her full gaze on the ghost standing in her office at the New Republic Senate. She resisted the urge to groan when she saw who it was. “Master Yoda,” she greeted, bowing her head respectfully, “Thank you for answering my summons.”
“A problem, it is not,” Yoda said, his tone of voice coated in a characteristic mirthfulness. “Talk about your brother, I presume you want?”
Leia sighed. “Yes. I’ve been worried about him. He seems…” She trailed off for a moment, trying to think of the proper word, “... Unhappy, dissatisfied-”
“Hrmm, distracted and undedicated, Luke is,” stated the master gravely, closing his eyes in thought.
“That’s not… exactly fair, Master Yoda.” Leia frowned, frustrated by Yoda’s assessment, “Luke, he cares deeply about the Force, and about continuing the Jedi legacy. He just… Being a Jedi is his life, but however you’re teaching him must not be working.” She pinched the bridge of her nose in an attempt to stall her oncoming tension headache.
Yoda opened his eyes again, looking at Leia with an overly knowing expression. “Patience, he has not.”
It was undeniably true, so Leia nodded in response. “Which is why I wanted to talk to you,” She paused, nervous about continuing, “I was thinking, maybe if we let Luke get his wanderlust out of his system for a bit, give him something new to do. Maybe he’d come back ready to focus on his studies.”
The Jedi master considered this for a moment. “Hmm, interesting proposition, this is. Speak, you do, of the request you received?” He waited for Leia’s silent affirmation before responding. “Work, that just might. Good learning experience for the boy, this will be.”
They were joined at that moment by Obi-Wan, who greeted them both as he faded into existence near the office door. "Master Yoda. Senator." He nodded towards them both in turn.
"Ben, good to see you." Leia smiled at the apparition. This was a ghost she didn't mind talking to. Obi-Wan was always warm and understanding with her. He was becoming increasingly like a paternal figure to the Twins, quite unlike the ghost of the father-who-shall-not-be-named. Luke could make his peace all he wanted, but Vader knew better than to show himself around Leia. She noticed Kenobi's rather tense expression and sighed, "I trust you've located my brother?"
"I have." The Jedi Master rubbed his temple. "He made his way to Naboo again."
"That figures," Leia hummed. Luke had been half obsessed with the planet since she had brought him along with her on a diplomatic visit with Senator Naberrie and the Queen a couple years ago. "I was just talking to Master Yoda about a possible solution to your… 'Luke problem'." She spoke the words bitterly, not liking to speak ill of her brother behind his back. "We thought he might settle into the Jedi lifestyle easier if he were given a break. I have an assignment here he'd be perfect for. You know he likes feeling like he's helping people."
“Huh.” Obi-Wan seemed impressed. “That’s a very smart idea, Leia. I told Luke you were looking for him a few hours ago, Naboo time, he should be back any moment now.”
As if on cue, Leia could feel her bond with her brother warm as she picked up on his familiar Force signature making its way down the hallway. Within seconds, Luke was bursting through the door with a worried countenance.
He rushed forward to her desk, not even noticing the ghosts as he took her hand in his and sat down in the chair across from her. “Oh, Leia, I’m so sorry!” His brow was furrowed in guilt and Leia felt a pang of sadness for her brother’s distress. “I couldn’t sleep last night, and the Force was calling to me, I just couldn’t help myself. I didn’t mean to miss our plans this morning, I just- I forgot. Please forgi-”
“Luke,” She smiled sympathetically, “You don’t need to apologize, I understand.”
He squeezed her hand, and bent his head in penance, “Please, Leia, let me ask for forgiveness.”
Leia chuckled softly, “If that would make you feel better, Luke.”
He smiled and breathed a sigh of relief, “It would. Just the sky on Naboo is so blue, and everything's so green and fragrant. After a week here, I just couldn’t take it anymore, I had to be a part of it. I don’t know what’s happening to me, Leia. I can’t seem to stop myself from taking off in my X-wing at a moment’s notice, no matter my obligations. I can’t seem to focus, and I can’t stop saying things either, whatever I’m thinking or feeling.”
“Some might call that honesty, Luke.”
“It’s terrible, Leia!” Luke was emphatic by now, “You know how Master Yoda makes me kiss the floor whenever we have a disagreement?” Leia nodded stiffly, it had been news to her. “Well, lately I’ve taken to kissing the floor whenever he appears, just to save time.” He noticed Leia’s tense stare, and followed it behind him to where Yoda and Obi-Wan were flickering. Luke felt his face grow hot.
Obi-Wan stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Luke’s shoulder. “Luke,” he spoke, his voice steady, “When you wanted me to begin training you in the Force, it didn’t necessarily mean that you were prepared for the way the Order bids us to live, did it?”
Luke looked sad, his eyes meeting Obi-Wan’s above him. “Well, no, Master. But I try, I really do try. And I am learning, I promise!”
“And what lesson,” Yoda asked, “is most important, do you think?”
Skywalker’s eyes glanced around the room, thinking for a moment. “That if you’re patient and have faith, the Force will show you where to go?” His tone was cautious and unsure.
The two Force ghosts looked at each other before Obi-Wan turned back to Luke, stroking his beard thoughtfully. “Luke, it seems as though the Force is bidding you to leave us.”
Luke’s heart dropped. “Leave?” He asked quietly, completely crestfallen. His breathing sped up, starting to catch in his throat as tears pricked at his eyes. Looking frantically around at the three figures in the room, Luke felt as though the walls were closing in on him like a trash compactor.
He was only grounded again by his sister lightly squeezing his hand. “Luke…” She spoke gently, “It’ll only be for a little while.”
“Please don’t send me away!” The tears broke, falling down his cheeks and catching in his dimples. “This is my home, my family is here, the Jedi are here. I can’t leave. It- It’s my life!”
“But ready for this life, are you?”
Luke turned to Yoda with wide, pleading eyes, “I am, I promise. I’ll do whatever you need me to, be whoever you need me to be.”
“But you’re miserable, Luke.” Leia’s deep brown eyes were filled with concern as she gazed at her twin. “We’re worried about you.”
Obi-Wan stepped back to give Luke some room before speaking, “We thought, perhaps, if you were to take a break from your training, knowing what the Jedi Order expects of you, you would be given the chance to decide if you can really expect it of yourself.”
“I know what you expect, and I swear I’ll be better-”
“Luke.” Obi-wan said, firm but reassuring.
Luke rested his forehead in his hands, letting his nails scratch at his scalp. This went on for a moment, the sensation allowing the tension to slowly drift away. Looking back up at the group, he pouted, sinking further into his chair. “Yes, Master. If that’s where the Force is guiding me,” He conceded. Satisfied, the ghosts allowed themselves to take their leave.
With the spirits out of the way, Leia relaxed a bit, and opened up her datapad to the message. “I received a request this morning,” She explained, “From a Mandalorian who needs a Force user to help care for a youngling.”
“Why would they need a Jedi’s help with that?” Luke’s brows shot up, surprised and utterly confused. From what he understood, the Mandalorians had never really been on excellent terms with the Jedi; and with the Jedi’s history of separating younglings from their families, he didn’t know why he’d be wanted near one of their children at all.
Leia exhaled deeply, “It seems as though the child in question is largely non-verbal, and can only communicate through the Force. Your job would be to stay with the family on Mandalore to advocate for the child, and otherwise help care for him when his father is unable to.”
“Huh,” Luke considered it. It didn’t sound like a bad deal. He’d never been to Mandalore before, had never done anything like this before. It seemed like a straightforward enough assignment, and despite his very limited experience with them, kids had a tendency to make every day interesting. Maybe this was exactly what he needed to get out of his rut. “I’ll do it!” He decided, beaming back at Leia.
“Perfect,” She met his smile with her own and began typing a reply into her datapad, “I’ll let the Mand’alor know to expect you in a couple days.”
“Uh,” A layer of apprehension entered his voice again, “Mand’alor?”
Leia looked up from the message she was composing, taking a moment before she realized what the confusion was, “Oh, the request was from the King of Mandalore,” She noticed Luke’s eyes getting wide, “Don’t worry, Luke, the New Republic doesn’t know much about him yet, but he’s already garnered a reputation for being a brave and benevolent ruler. It’s just him and the child, and I understand he’s had quite a difficult time getting a caretaker to stick around.”
Luke tilted his head, using a finger to brush his bangs out of his eyes, “Why has it been difficult?”
His sister just laughed, shrugging noncommittally, “I’m sure that the Force will show you in its own time, Luke.” She stood, walking around her desk to embrace him. “Now, I believe you have some packing to do?” Luke nodded, stepping back and towards the door. Leia leaned against her desk and waved after her brother, “Luke, may the Force be with you.”
He turned to look at her from the half open doorway, “May the Force be with you too, Leia.”
Back at the Jedi temple Luke was training alone, letting go of some steam. The training remote was set to a much higher difficulty than the one he used on that first day on the Millenium Falcon, so much more focus was required in order to leave the room still conscious. He crossed his lightsaber in front of him, deflecting a shot, before doing a backflip to avoid another. Artoo trilled from the corner, rocking back and forth. Luke closed his eyes and deflected three more shots, he really wasn’t in the mood to be lectured again today.
“I don’t know, Artoo.” He grumbled, his jaw clenched from the intense concentration, “I should be excited about this. Since we settled on Coruscant, I’ve been wanting to do something new, and here it is. But for some reason I can’t shake the feeling that I’ll mess it up. What’s the matter with me?”
He dodged another shot as Artoo let out an extended series of beeps.
Luke rolled his eyes. “Thanks Artoo, but that was supposed to be rhetorical.” He lost focus for a second, getting zapped by the training remote for his troubles, but he just shook it off and continued deflecting the next volley of shots. “I’ve never backed down from an adventure before, and this is hardly the riskiest thing I’ve signed up for- Ouch!” He got zapped in the arm again and promptly turned off the training remote to collapse on the floor, hands covering his face. “Why am I so scared, Artoo?”
The droid whistled in response.
The Jedi scoffed. “Yeah, ‘just a Mando and a kid’,” he repeated the droid’s words with disdain. “More like just a warrior king and a force-sensitive kid. No, you’re right, Artoo, what’s so fearsome about that?” He groaned loudly, letting his arms fall out to his sides, hands laying limply on the training room floor along with the rest of him. The silence was palpable for several painful minutes. “I have to stop worrying so much about this and trust myself,” his voice was shaky, unconvincing, “or else I’ll change my mind and call this whole thing off.”
He rolled over onto his stomach, looking at his droid with his chin perched on his palms. Artoo’s dome swivelled expectantly, but he stayed quiet. Luke hummed, “You think I can pull it off, don’t you, buddy? You think I can do a good job at taking care of a kid? Or at living with the Mandalorians without causing a diplomatic incident for Leia to deal with?” A breathy laugh escaped his lips. “I honestly don’t know which part I’m more nervous about karking up.”
Artoo rocked enthusiastically, beeping an affirmation.
“Really?” Luke smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I appreciate the vote of confidence, I really do.” He sighed, growing wistful, “The Masters have been so disappointed in me lately, I can only hope this assignment will show them that I’m actually worthy of being a Jedi… maybe I’ll even show myself.”
Shaking off the doubts seeping into his mind, Luke leapt to his feet. Calling his lightsaber to his cybernetic hand, he activated the training remote again and assumed his defensive position. “Let Mandalore do its worst,” He said, steeling himself, “I can take it.”
The rest of the training session was a piece of cake, with the newfound confidence Luke managed to instil in himself. Since then, a day had come and gone, and it was late morning yet again. Mandalore was expecting Luke within the next few hours, and so Leia, along with Han and Chewie, had gathered in Luke’s hangar to bid him farewell. The group was nestled up against the X-wing, all a bit teary-eyed to be saying goodbye.
Luke was instantly winded when Chewbacca picked him up in a tight bear hug. He wrapped his arms around the Wookie, patting him on his furry back, a bit helpless to do anything more. Chewie roared a heartfelt sentiment, as he released Luke from his grip.
The Jedi smoothed out the wrinkles in his black tunic. “Aw, I’ll miss you too, big guy,” he put a hand on the Wookie’s arm, and smiled up at him, “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be back before you know it.”
To Chewie’s left, Han cleared his throat to get Luke’s attention, before pushing past Chewie to hug his brother-in-law. As they separated, Han placed a sturdy hand on Luke’s shoulder, looking him in the eye. “If those Mandos give you any trouble,” He said with complete seriousness, “Call me and Chewie. We’ll be there to bail you out in no time. Okay?”
Luke laughed and nodded, “Thanks, Han. I’m gonna try and give my hosts the benefit of the doubt, but I appreciate the concern.”
“Hey, you can never be too careful around Mandos.”
“Han.” Leia chided sternly, “Stop that.” She stepped forward and took Luke’s hands in both of hers. “You’re sure you packed everything?”
“Yes, Leia” He rolled his eyes.
“And you received the files I sent you on Mandalorian culture?”
“Yes, I read a bunch of them yesterday. Leia, I’ll be fine.” At Luke’s words, Leia hummed, reassured. Sniffling, she blinked back tears, and Luke pulled her into a tight embrace. “Don’t cry, Leia, this was your idea,” He sighed.
She wiped a tear away with the back of her hand, “I know, I’m sorry. I just- I’m going to miss you. If you’ve changed your mind, I’m sure the Mand’alor won’t be too upset with me for cancelling.”
Luke laughed, “And now you’re trying to talk me out of it?” He stepped back to look his sister in the eyes, taking a moment to wipe away the rest of her tears, “Don’t worry about me, okay? It’ll be a challenge, but it’s one I’m really looking forward to.” He beamed, the force warming around him, telling him that his words were the truth, whether or not he really believed them yet. Leia nodded, giving his hands one last squeeze and then letting him go
The group gave Luke enough space for him to climb up the side of his X-Wing, making sure Artoo was situated before turning to Leia so she could pass his small trunk up to him, tucking it behind the pilot’s seat. It’s a good thing he didn’t have many possessions to speak of, the cockpit of his ship was crowded enough as it was. He buckled himself into the pilot’s seat, leaning over the side of his ship to take a last look at his friends.
“Stay out of trouble, kid.” Han called up, Chewie roaring an affirmation behind him.
Luke smirked at the smuggler, “I’ll be fine, Han. I’ll win the Mandalorians over with my sparkling personality.” This brought a hearty laugh from Han.
“I believe in you, Luke.” Leia’s voice welled with pride, “Don’t forget to stay in touch. I love you, may the Force be with you.”
“I love you too, all of you. I’ll comm you as soon as I get a chance.” A bittersweet smile played on his lips, and he had to take a deep breath to quell the tears that threatened to build. “Don’t miss me too much, okay? May the Force be with you.” He waved at his friends, and activated the cockpit canopy to seal him in. Leaning hard into his seat, Luke made himself take a few deep breaths, willing himself to see this through, to not turn back now. The Force is with him, and he is one with it. His eyes snapped open and he engaged his engines, determination flowing through him. Taking a last, sparing, glance at his family, all waving goodbye, he took off.
With the hyperdrive activated, it was only about an hour to the Mandalore system, giving Luke plenty of time to reassure himself that this was a good idea. He was bouncing his leg, not really aware that he was doing so, as he allowed himself to gaze aimlessly at the stars bending around him. If there was anything he was undoubtedly looking forward to with this assignment, it was the freedom to make mistakes without the ghostly Jedi council breathing down his neck, telling him what a failure he was. He laughed to himself, imagining Master Yoda going crazy without access to his favourite Jedi Knight to torment. And who knew, maybe this assignment would give him a new sense of purpose in the force.
He smiled, allowing his thoughts to drift to the Mand’alor. Really, it was the title that scared Luke more than anything to do with the actual assignment. He knew it was a title earned through martial prowess, and Luke couldn’t help himself from picturing the intimidating man that could out-fight any Mandalorian to keep his power. But then, Leia had reassured him that the Mand’alor was considered as a respected and benevolent ruler; and then there was the kid. The Mand’alor was a father, like any other, caring enough for his child to seek out a special caretaker to make sure his son’s needs were met. At this thought, Luke’s mind drifted to picturing a Mandalorian in chipped armour, holding a small child in equally small matching armour. Luke’s cheeks grew warm, the mental image was almost too adorable to handle, but it certainly made the job seem less frightening. He didn’t know about Mand’alor, the king; but Mand’alor, the father, Luke was sure he could impress through caring for his child with a firm and kind heart. And the child, Force be with him, he would look up to Luke.
The ship pulled out of hyperdrive, and Mandalore appeared before him. Luke smiled, the butterflies in his stomach now more excited than nervous. With each passing moment as he approached the planet’s surface, he was more and more certain everything would turn out fine. He had confidence in himself and his abilities.
“Approaching X-Wing Starfighter, please state your business on Mandalore.” the voice crackled over his ship’s transmitter.
He pressed his intercom, “I’m Luke Skywalker, the Mand’alor’s new Jedi caretaker. I was told he was expecting me?” He waited a few moments for the response.
“...Yes, everything’s in order. You’re cleared for docking at Hangar 5-B in Sundari. You can make your way straight to the palace from there.”
Luke set his ship on course for the capital city, taking his time to better observe the Mandalorian scenery. From what he had heard, Mandalore had been turned to glass ruins by the Empire, but by the looks of it, great strides had been made in the reconstruction process. Cities in transparisteel biodomes dotted the planet’s surface, and the sprawling deserts between them were inhabited by large trees whose thick, twisting trunks branched off into large, shady canopies of green foliage covered in yellow blossoms. On the far horizon, he could see what looked like a lush jungle, and perhaps a distant ocean.
Artoo beeped from his spot on the ship, indicating that they were approaching Sundari. Luke directed the X-Wing towards his assigned hangar, right outside the domed city walls, touching down smoothly. As soon as the hatch was opened, Luke slid himself out of the cockpit and onto the ground below with his trunk in hand. He strode out the hangar door, and through the tunnelled hall that led into Sundari’s biodome, Artoo rolling behind him.
With a spring in his step, Luke made his way through the streets, swinging his trunk in his right hand with near frivolity and murmuring affirmations to himself. Strength doesn’t lie in numbers. Strength doesn’t lie in wealth. Strength lies in faith that you can accomplish anything. He gazed with wide eyes at the sturdy buildings lining the street. They were beautifully constructed out of worn, pale stone; varying in height, but never more than a few stories. There was a river, built to run through the middle of the city, and Luke took note of the various armoured couples leaning along the railings or walking hand-in-hand along one of the many bridges, stopping to gaze at the greenish-blue water. Luke smiled. All I trust I leave my heart to. All I trust becomes my own. He crossed through a park, watching younglings of all different species play together in the grass, supervised by their armour-clad guardians. There was a sweet smell in the air, and Luke vaguely wondered if it had anything to do with the small, white flowers that grew all over the city, bunches of them planted in gardens arranged in a pattern in the garden square that he was sure would look lovely from above.
He paused for a moment to admire the flowers, deciding they were definitely the source of the sweet smell that lingered through the entire city. They had thin, uneven petals laid out in what almost resembled a star, surrounding a cluster of yellow pods in the centre. Reaching out to touch one of them, Luke was surprised to find it soft to the touch, the petals and stems covered in woolly fibres. He had never seen a plant quite like it. Feeling out through the Force, Luke was able to sense their unique Force signature, bright and tinkling like crystalline bells.
Luke turned and continued his walk through the garden, stride picking up again. It was hard not to be happy in a place where the Force was so warm and joyful. Whoever the Mand’alor was, his people seemed contented. He walked past a fountain, running his free hand through the cool water, before exiting the park and continuing down the street. The palace was close, he could feel it. He was practically skipping at this point, heart full and excited, his trunk swinging along with him. I have confidence in confidence… alone… “oh, force help me.”
As he turned a corner, the palace was suddenly right in front of him. It was immense in size but run-down, obviously not a priority in Sundari’s restoration; a wing of the stone structure still collapsed. Luke’s footfalls slowed, his nerves returning, heart practically jumping into his throat. He stood outside the weathered gate, willing himself to start breathing again before pushing the gate open and stepping through. The grounds were extensive, and as equally well tailored as the gardens in the city centre. If Luke allowed himself to do anything beyond worry at that moment, he might have imagined himself coming out here to meditate in the mornings, maybe even bringing the kid with him, if the child was interested. He just needed to breathe, and have faith that the Force was guiding him in the right direction. Something resembling courage picked up within him, his pace picking up and nearly tripping over himself on his way to the entrance.
I have confidence in me. He broke out into a run, landing on the front step and pressing the buzzer. Anxiously, he caught his breath, and waited. It wasn’t but a moment before the double doors began to open, and it was far too late now for Luke to look back now.