This is for everyone who ever loved a story. Acknowledgments George Lucas, as always, for his great gift. Shelly Shapiro, for her patience and guidance. Sue Rostoni, for believing. Karen Traviss, for getting me involved in the first place. Mary GT Webber and Jason Fry, for their invaluable feedback. Everyone behind the scenes at Del Rey and Lucasfilm, who work so hard to support the Star Wars authors. The fans, who keep the flame burning bright. Richard Errington, who won the Star Wars Charity auction to raise money for the victims of the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Thanks, mate. You really made a difference. Dramatis Personae Ahsoka Tano; Jedi Padawan (Togruta female) Anakin Skywalker; Jedi Knight (human male) Bail Organa; Senator from Alderaan (human male) Bant’ena Fhernan; scientist first level (human female) Greti; child (Lanteeban female) Jaklin; teacher (Lanteeban female) Lok Durd; Separatist general (Neimoidian male) Obi-Wan Kenobi; Jedi Knight (human male) Padmé Amidala; Senator from Naboo (human female) Palpatine; Supreme Chancellor of the Republic (human male) Rikkard; head miner (Lanteeban male) Taria Damsin; Jedi Master (human female) Tryn Netzl; biochemist (human male) Yoda; Grand Master of the Jedi Order (nonhuman male) Chapter One Anakin couldn’t believe it.
