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Whatever the reason, they saw us and started firing.
    I have to hand it to Solo and Chewie—they certainly know what to do when blasters are firing. They had us all aboard, the door locked, and the Falcon powered before the Imperials even managed to get close to us. Ben and I strapped in, Artoo and Threepio plugged in, and Solo and Chewie took us up faster than even I imagined possible.
    But that didn’t get us out of trouble. There were Imperial cruisers in orbit—waiting for us.
    This was the first time I’d ever been off Tatooine, but I didn’t get the chance to enjoy it because the Falcon was dodging shots. Everything was exploding all around us, and we were getting thrown around like crazy. Artificial gravity has its drawbacks, and one is that it takes a few microseconds to switch back and forth when the ship’s on violent maneuvers. Solo must have been at least half the pilot he claimed to be, because he dodged the fighters and took us to lightspeed.
    And I was too shaken up to really appreciate it. But the change was still absolutely incredible. The universe goes all weird and then— wham! Lightspeed, and everything’s still, like you’re not moving.
    Time in lightspeed isn’t really like time in the rest of the universe. There, time ticks away on chronos and things happen. Once you break the light barrier, though, it’s not that simple. I don’t understand the physics very well—I’m not sure anyone does, really—but you can work out exactly how far and how long you need to go in which direction to get you to where you’re going.
    I just hoped that Solo or Chewie could plot a course the way they could dodge Imperial cruisers. If they could, everything would be fine.

    All my life, I’ve longed for something to happen to me. Something important. And now that it has, I’m not sure how to handle it. I’m glad to be off Tatooine. But I still haven’t seen anything of the stars, or the galaxy at large. And, to be honest, I’m really just a passenger along for the ride. Ben says he needs my help, but I haven’t been much help so far. He had to save me in the cantina, and it’s Solo and Chewie who got us off Tatooine.
    Maybe I’ll have something to do soon, other than practice trying to use the Force. Not that this isn’t a great challenge. Ben has already taught me the basics, like the proper grip and ready position. I never realized how important body positioning is. The idea is to start with just the right stance, so you’re immediately ready for attack or defense. And to avoid standing with your feet too wide apart, which kills your speed and agility. As Ben says, you must feel your center of balance.
    My training consists of lots of drills. Mostly using my lightsaber against a seeker robot. The robot sends out laser bolts and I have to ward them off—which is no easy feat. And when I’m done with the drills, I’m instructed to visualize them!
    Sometimes Ben stands behind me and guides me as I move from the first to the fourth defensive postures. As I listen to Ben’s voice, I try to empty my thoughts of everything, to use wide circular motions, fluid and confident, and to parry with a full movement. By focusing on the pattern of the drill, I’m supposed to tune the world out. That’s the goal: to let go of all rational thought and allow the Force to do the work.
    Unfortunately, it feels like I’m doing all the work. So, to help me get the hang of it, Ben had me use my lightsaber—while blindfolded! I had to just let go and feel. And guess what? I really sensed something. Some sort of energy. It was incredible! It was almost as though I could see in my mind’s eye which way to move. Maybe Ben’s right and I do have some aptitude for the Force—like my father had.
    I hope so. I don’t want to be in some great quest and great adventure and end up just being a passenger. I want to be able to do my share.

EIGHTH ENTRY
    Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, they’ve really