The Fallen Star (Star Wars: The High Republic)

by Claudia Gray

“Without the Force,” Stellan said, still gazing into a vague distance. “This is where you’ve been. Where I am now.” “You’re not fully cut off from the Force.” Elzar didn’t know exactly what was plaguing the Jedi on Starlight Beacon, but he refused to believe they could be severed from the Force entirely. The Force was too vast for that; its power was eternal and universal, and would always be. “It’s just more difficult for you to call upon right now.” “And this is what you chose for yourself, in order to turn away from darkness.” Stellan’s face creased in a small, sad smile. “I wouldn’t have had the courage.” Elzar couldn’t have heard that correctly. “What?” “I’ve never asked myself who I would be without my control of the Force. Without the Jedi Order to structure and define my life.” “Because you’re a great Jedi, one of the greatest of us all,” Elzar said. “Stellan, surely you don’t doubt that?” Stellan shrugged, his gaze still looked far past Elzar, past this room. “Greatness can mean a lot of different things. I’ve always believed it meant—duty, honor, selflessness. But how can you be selfless if you’ve never defined yourself? Because I never have, Elzar. I’ve lived as the Jedi exemplar—poured myself into a mold shaped by others. Take away my ability to use the Force, and I find myself left as…as a man I hardly know.” Elzar put his hands on his friend’s shoulders. “Stellan. You’re hurting. This isn’t the time to question your entire existence—” “It’s exactly the time.”...