TRAELYN'S FIRST BALANCED FORCE DAY

Traelyn awoke in the middle of the night, a jolt in the Force causing all her senses to come awake. As always when she needed to think, she left her small shelter and wandered down to the river. Settling herself in her favorite spot, she leaned back against the rocks and closed her eyes, extending her consciousness into the Force.

Something was definitely different, the pall of the Dark Side that had clouded her Force vision for many years was gone, and she realized it was clarity that was confusing her, for the Force was clearer than it had been since she was child.

She sighed. If something had happened, Obi-Wan would eventually appear to tell her. She would have to be patient. The sounds of the water running by were soothing, and the warm water steamed in the cool night air.

Feeling a stirring in the Force, she opened her eyes to see Obi-Wan's ghostly form appearing in front of her. Incredibly, Anakin Skywalker was with him. Instinctively, Traelyn reached for her lightsaber before realizing that Anakin was also a ghost.

Instead of igniting the weapon, she just stared.

Traelyn, Obi-Wan said, Palpatine is dead. Anakin has returned to the light.

"I sensed a shift in the Force," she said cautiously. "But what is HE doing here?"

Anakin looked at the ground. I've come it apologize.

Traelyn laughed, humorlessly. "That's a good one."

An aura of light shimmered nearby, and Masters Qui-Gon and Yoda appeared next to her.

We've come to celebrate Balanced Force Day with you! Qui-Gon said.

"Balanced Force Day?"

Wonderful, it is. Clear and light, the Force is, replied Yoda.

Traelyn stared at all of them.

"Balanced Force Day? Big Frackin' Deal!" And she stomped off towards her shelter. Obi-Wan followed her.

Traelyn, what's wrong? This is a wonderful thing!

"Big Frackin' Deal!" She repeated. "It's a wonderful thing for all of you," she indicated the four dead men. "But I'm still stuck here on this moon! Twenty-Three years I've been here without stimcaf, chocolate or sex!"

Obi-Wan blushed, in spite of his blue appearance.

Traelyn! Qui-Gon said in shock. You don't understand, this may very well be the fall of the Empire!

"Right now, I'd join the Empire for a mocha latte and a good frack."

Yoda covered his head. Hear this, I cannot!

"Master Yoda, with all due respect, stick it in your pointy ear!"