Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel (Star Wars)

by James Luceno

“I thought Vallt had laws against false arrest, Chieftain.” “New constitution,” Gruppe said in an offhand way. “Essentially we’re free to do just about anything we wish—anytime, anywhere, and to anyone.” “I’m certain you’ll be a wealthy landowner before you know it.” “An ancillary benefit, to be sure.”

Lyra held up her hands. “I only meant that the Jedi never would have wanted that energy to be turned to an evil purpose.” “Of course they wouldn’t,” Galen said. “And I was concerned about that very thing happening during the war, but not now. This is the Emperor’s dream.” Lyra wrinkled her nose. “Can’t we just call him Palpatine—in private, I mean?” Galen ignored that.

“Did it work?” “Did what work?” “Defiance. Was that enough?” “That wasn’t the point.” “What was?” “Believing that your actions mattered, and believing that a good end would come of them, even if you didn’t live to see the results.” Has snorted. “Cheery thought. Throw dirt in your enemy’s face, get crushed underfoot.” Saw stopped what he was doing and walked over to him. “Look at it this way, Has. If we can persuade enough people to start throwing dirt …” Realizing that he was supposed to finish the thought, Has considered it, then said: “Eventually we bury them.”