My parents are heroes. It’s hard, walking in their footsteps.

My father was a scruffy scoundrel who was half-forced into the war with the Empire. My mother played a big part in leading it. She’s a diplomat, though.

I don’t know who I’m most like. Jaina is so much like dad it’s scary. If dad were a girl…well, it’d be weird. My point is, they’re exactly alike except Jaina’s a girl and dad’s not. They’re both the best pilots ever, and great mechanics. Jaina has always taken care of me.

Jacen’s like mom. He has her caring, calm nature, and they understand people and creatures that aren’t like them. Sometimes I don’t understand Jacen, though.

But me…I don’t know who I’m like. Every night I dream about who I’m afraid to be like, who I can’t help feeling like I am like, or will be if I’m not already. My grandfather, Darth Vader.

Of course, my real grandfather is Anakin Skywalker. That’s what Uncle Luke tells me. But I don’t see the difference. Anakin and Vader are the same people. They both did bad things, and went to the darkside. And that’s my worst fear, which is kind of ironic.

Uncle Luke is the only one who knows anything about my grandfather, and he doesn’t even know that much. But I know Uncle Luke, and he’s a real legend, a hero. He taught me, and Jacen too. Sometimes I don’t see how he thinks the way he does, like I don’t understand Jacen, but I know he’s smart.

Aunt Mara is so different from Uncle Luke, it’s kind of funny. She’s snappy and harsh, but she has a good heart, and she’s really protective of Ben. Ben’s still young, so I don’t know much about him, but I can’t wait to watch him grow up to be a great Jedi.

My family has always been in danger from something. But it’s worth it. We’re doing good things. We’re being heroes.

<^*^>

My parents are dead. It’s hard, not knowing who they are.

I know that they saved a Sand Person when I was a baby. And then the Sand People killed them and raised me.

I don’t hate them, though. They raised me, and I understand them.

But the Jedi have always been my true family. I love them.

Except most of them are dead.

Master Ikrit died. Lusa died. Lyric died. Lots of Jedi have. Seems like all the family I’ve had is dead. Anakin’s dead, too. Anakin’s dead too, and that hurts worst of all. I loved him more than like a sister loves a brother, I just loved him.

And it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t worth it. I’m sick of having to be a hero, sick of people I love being heroes, because that’s what kills them.