prologue
THE SKYWALKERS' BEDROOM,
ROTUNDA ZONE, CORUSCANT: 0300 HOURS
This is going to be another sleepless night.
But should I have killed him?
Maybe I should try some meds. Warm milk, even.
I've taken a lot of lives. Ever since Ben asked us how many, I've been counting. Maybe Luke's been adding up the tally, too. But he hasn't mentioned it since.
Where's Ben ?
I was better placed than anyone to assassinate Palpatine. Now I look back on it and wonder how history would have turned out if I'd come to my senses and killed him when I had the chance. I'd have been a traitor then; I'd be a hero now. And he'd still be dead either way.
Perspective is a funny thing.
How many people died because I didn't make that call? I didn't even realize that I could.
Ben, I feel you're alive. But where are you? It's been days.
So . . . how would I have known when it was the only option left?
When things had gone too far, and someone had to do it? And how come Luke is sleeping like a comatose nerf? I wish I could. If I switch on the holonews, though, even without the audio, it might disturb him.
Meditation isn't working, either. Maybe I should just get up and go for a walk.