Star Words: Episode VI, Part 27

Now we come to the full disclosure. Luke tells Leia of his psychic connection to Vader and how it endangers their mission. Then, of the familial connection. Leia is still reeling from this revelation when Luke soberly prepares her for more. If he fails, she is the only hope. Leia reflexively pulls back from this truth, insisting that Luke's power is far beyond her. But when Luke says outright that she is his sister, Leia doesn't deny it.

"I know. Somehow...I've always known."

First off, have some fun using this phrase in response to ordinary bits of information. Mom, we're running out of milk. *Mother looks wistfully into the distance* I know. Somehow...I've always known. Everything suddenly becomes ten times more portentous and melodramatic. Ta-da!

Anyway, I'm a big fan of this idea of knowing-without-knowing. Truths that come to you intuitively, even if you can't explain them or express them in words. Obviously if Leia consciously knew that Luke was her literal brother, she wouldn't have used him as bait to goad Han during their romantic tussles. She would have done a lot of things differently. What she knew, instead, was an instant connection to Luke that could not be explained by any rational source. They formed an instant bond, becoming life-long friends after only a few hours' acquaintance. They sensed each other on Bespin, calling out across time and space. All these inexplicable senses are now explained, as Leia realizes that their bond has formed and developed alongside the Force sensitivity they inherited together. It's a lot to take in.

And now her long-lost brother is leaving, probably to his death. I do awfully like the lyrics I wrote for this moment in my Episode VI-version of One Day More: I watched my brother walk away/I learned the truth, but now we've parted/I dreamed a dream, but now today/I've seen it end before it started

Next time, words that break my heart and provide further grounds for Luke being the Absolute Best Character Ever.....