Star Wars Journal - The Fight for Justice by Luke Skywalker (10 page)

Everyone is relieved that the Rebel Alliance is still alive, and that the Death Star was destroyed. We can’t stay here, of course. Grand Moff Tarkin must have reported where he was going, so the Empire’s bound to have some forces out looking for us soon. The packing’s begun, and our next base is being decided on right now by Leia and Admiral Dodonna and a few others. I was asked to sit in, too, but I declined. I really don’t feel comfortable in there with all those officers. They’ve all been in the Rebellion so much longer than I have.

The past few days here have been some of the best and worst days of my life.

Worst, because I can’t help thinking about all of those who didn’t make it. Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru…. Just a few days ago, I was complaining about having to work for them for another year. If I could bring them back, I’d go and serve that year without complaint. I really miss them.

Then there’s Biggs. He and I grew up together. We learned to fly T-16s at the same time, and we learned to fire blasters in the same canyon. He was like a brother to me, and I know he felt the same way about me. He was always there for me, right until he left for the Academy. Like he was there for me earlier today, when we faced the Death Star together. Biggs and Luke, together like always.

Only no more.

Yet, somehow, I’m not grieving as much as I’d expected. Because I can still
feel
him, somehow, through the Force. He’s gone, but he’s still a part of my life. In my memories, in my emotions, in the Force. If there’s one thing that Ben has taught me, it’s that death is not an ending. It’s a change, the chance to move on to a new level. So Biggs has beaten me to it again. He’s moved on to start something new, and left me behind to catch up later.

I’m truly glad for everything we’ve shared—from shooting womp rats to fighting together for the Alliance. We’ve had some very special times that will always be a part of me.

Biggs is one of the heroes of Yavin. And Leia promised me that once this fight is over with the Empire, there will be a monument to the fallen, and that Biggs’ name will be on it in a prominent place. He’d have liked that. He always wanted to be somebody, to make a difference, to me and to everyone else. He bought me time to finish off the Death Star. Rest peacefully, my friend.

And, above all, there’s Ben Kenobi. I only really knew him for a couple of days. But no man I’ve ever met has impressed me more. His quiet dignity, his wisdom, his compassion. The way he saw something special in me, and encouraged me to live to my full potential. He was so
alive
, so real.

And… I’m not sure that he’s dead. Oh, he’s not alive as the rest of us are. But he’s still around somehow. Of that I’m certain. He’s spoken to me several times, and I know the voice is Ben’s, not just wishful thinking or delusions. He only speaks when I absolutely need to hear something, and it’s always to encourage me. If he was looking out for me while I was alive, he’s not letting death deny him his job.

Although I’ve lost some very important people, I’ve gained some new friends, and a new cause. There’s Artoo and Threepio. They might be droids, but they’re friends, too. Oh, they can be real pains at times. Especially that Threepio; he’s a real earful. And they’re both a bit too independent-minded for their own good sometimes. But they’re irreplaceable.

And then there’s Han and Chewie. A couple of disreputable smugglers, with an eye for fast profit. I know my uncle would have disapproved of them at first sight. But as stubborn as Uncle Owen was, he’d have realized that Han and Chewie are not your typical smugglers. And Aunt Beru would have definitely fallen for Han’s free-spirited charm.

Han tells me I’m a fool to believe he’s capable of anything good. But I know exactly what he’s capable of. I know he can be trusted. Yeah, Chewie, too.

Finally, there’s Leia—princess and Rebel. I can’t help being impressed with her. Oh, not because she’s a princess, oddly enough. But because of her courage, her conviction, and her absolute determination. When the Rebellion beats the Empire, she’ll be one of the people to thank most. And she’ll probably say she’s done nothing. Because she’s only doing what she thinks is right, and she’s doing it with all of her heart.

How can you not admire a woman like that?

What a thrill. I will never in my life forget that fight. That I was finally able to actively do something. And summon a powerful ally—the Force. It was the single most intense moment of my life. But along with this huge high, I’m feeling the lows and emptiness of loss. Ben and now Biggs… I never even got to catch up on things with Biggs. Which makes me sad.

But I guess that’s the price one pays for having big dreams and going after them. For stretching to the limits of one’s potential. If Biggs and I had stayed on the farm, we’d never need to catch up. We’d have all the time in the world. But maybe we’d have nothing meaningful to say.

There’s lots for us to do now. The Empire’s been given a bloody nose, but this won’t stop it. The destruction of the Death Star is going to sound the signal for all the Rebels throughout the galaxy. They’re going to be fired up by our victory and encouraged by our resistance. The Empire’s going to discover lots of pockets of trouble in the days to come. But they’re going to want to show everyone that the Rebellion can’t possibly succeed. They’re going to want to stamp us out, once and for all.

The immediate future is clear—the Empire is going to strike back at the Rebellion. So, we’ll have to run and fight and run again. And we’ll gather strength. Tyranny can’t win forever. One day, the Emperor is going to be held responsible for his crimes. Darth Vader, too.

It’s going to be pretty hectic for a while. But I’m certain we’ll win—in the end. I don’t know how long this will take. Or how many lives will be turned upside down, like mine was. But I know Ben was right. The Force
is
with us.

The fight for justice has begun. And I’m ready for it.