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By Root 2270 0

molded Jacen and set him on the path. He had been taught his specialness, but had misunderstood it. While every being was unique and had a gift to offer the galaxy, Jacen had seen his uniqueness as a destiny—one that gave him the right, perhaps even the duty, to trample whatever stood in his path in order to do what he felt was best. He had started the Swarm War in an attempt to prevent a dark future, had convinced himself that the means justified the ends, and by the time of his death at his twin’s hand had been willing to sacrifice trust, love, family—everyone and everything except Allana, who seemed to be his last tie to his humanity. All this, to stop the vision he had seen of the dark man on the throne.

The true tragedy of Jacen Solo lay not in what he had done, but in why he had done it.

Luke sensed her at the door, waiting for permission to enter. He turned, projecting welcome and warmth into the Force, and the door slid open.

Master Saba Sebatyne entered, stopping a few paces away from Luke and dipping her head in acknowledgment. He was surprised at her physical appearance and her presence in the Force. Saba had always been a warrior Jedi, fierce, strong, proud of her heritage, with a passion for doing what was right unclouded by the personal doubts and second-guessing that often plagued humans. He could both see and feel the toll her tenure as acting Grand Master had taken. She seemed slightly … smaller in stature, as if she had been diminished, and her presence in the Force reeked of self-doubt and uncertainty. Quickly Luke hid his surprise, lest she misinterpret it as censure.

“This one is gratified by your safe return to your proper role, Grand Master Skywalker,” she said. Even her voice was subdued.

“And I am glad to be back, Master Sebatyne,” Luke replied.

“This one presentz herself for the judgment of the Grand Master. This one is filled with regret at the repercussionz of her actionz in your absence,” Saba continued. “The death of Master Hamner was in no manner the desired outcome.”

Had she been a human, Luke would have gone to her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Instead he merely smiled, again sending out calmness and comfort in the Force.

“I would have known that without knowing any of the details, Master Sebatyne. I read your report, and those of others. And I am ready to render my judgment.”

She straightened, her tail twitching slightly, regarding him steadily.

“Master Hamner was my friend,” he said. “He was yours, as well. I believe that everything he did, he did thinking only of what was best for the Jedi Order. Do you believe that also?”

The tail-lashing increased. “This one did not think his judgment the right one. But this one would never have accused Master Hamner of knowingly doing something to harm the Jedi.”

“Yet in your opinion—and the opinion of all the other Masters—he was doing precisely that.”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Yes.”

“Master Hamner could not relinquish the responsibility he was given,” Luke said. “As a military man, he could not do something he saw as abandoning his post. He did everything in his power to stop you from doing what he felt in his heart was wrong.”

He sensed Saba’s confusion and increasing worry in the Force. He disliked drawing out the ordeal, but felt strongly that she needed to comprehend everything. He could forgive her, but Saba also needed to be able to forgive herself. And that kind of forgiveness could only come with true understanding.

“You were faced with a terrible decision,” Luke continued. “Let Master Hamner die and permit the fleet to launch, or ground the fleet—probably for a long time—and spare him. Did it occur to you that Master Hamner expected you to make the choice that you did? Was even relying on it?”

She lifted her head sharply in surprise. Clearly such a thing had not occurred to her.

“His duty would be to escape—by any and all means necessary. To win back the seat that, in his mind, he was not at liberty to abandon, not even by force. He entered into conflict with you knowing he would most likely die. And sooner