Time of Death

"Time of Death" is a short story written by Cavan Scott for the anthology From a Certain Point of View. It focuses on the moment when Darth Vader strikes down the old Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi aboard the Death Star, and is told completely from the Jedi's point of view.
==Plot summary==
The Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi reflects on his last moments during his duel with Darth Vader aboard the Death Star. Kenobi's duel with Lord Vader is interspersed with flashbacks from various moments in his life. As Vader's lightsaber slices through Kenobi's flesh, Kenobi sees himself in his humble abode in Tatooine. Kenobi realizes that it is a flashback of his younger self after he had arrived on Tatooine.
Kenobi then sees a vision of a newborn baby, cradled in his arms, wailing as his mother breathes her last. Kenobi then sees his late Master Qui-Gon Jinn succumbing to his wounds from Darth Maul. This is followed by a vision of Maul's burning pyre. After hearing a voice calling his name, Kenobi finds himself in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. He encounters Yoda who tells him that there is a reason for everything.
Kenobi then sees a "ghost" of his younger self twisting and turning in bed. A voice tells the younger Kenobi that Luke Skywalker is in danger. Kenobi replies "Yes, master", and sets out on his steed, Neda. Kenobi rides on Neda to Owen Lars' moisture farm. His mind is flooded with fears of what could be threatening the young Skywalker and his family. Kenobi then finds himself back on the Death Star as he confronts Darth Vader. As Lord Vader greets his former master, Kenobi sees a vision of Padmé telling him that there is still good in Skywalker.
Returning to the duel, Vader tells him that the circle of master and learner is complete. Refusing to call Anakin by his real name, Kenobi retorts "only a master of evil, Darth" before parrying with Vader. While the two duel, Kenobi experiences a vision of himself training with the young Anakin using wooden sticks. As Kenobi and Lord Vader duel, Kenobi finds himself meeting with Owen Lars. Owen agrees to raise Skywalker but tells Kenobi to stay away from the boy and that the boy must know nothing about his father.
Fast forwarding to Kenobi's second visit to the Lars moisture farm, Kenobi sees a three year old Skywalker sitting cross-legged next to a moisture vaporator. Kenobi thinks that the boy resembles his father. Back on the Death Star, Vader taunts Kenobi for his weak powers. Kenobi warns Vader that if he strikes him down, he shall becoming more powerful than Vader can imagine. Kenobi then experiences a flashback of himself defending the young Skywalker from a group of bandits who had attacked the Lars moisture farm. Kenobi uses his lightsaber to fight off the marauders. A Gamorrean charges at Kenobi but Skywalker knocks him out with a toy starfighter.
Owen tells Luke to get away and Kenobi drives away the remaining bandits. He kills a Devaronian by slicing him in half. Luke runs towards Kenobi but Owen punches Kenobi in the face, telling him that he does not need his protection. Owen chastises Kenobi for almost getting the boy killed and vows to keep him safe. Aunt Beru Whitesun Lars shakes her head sadly and leads Luke back to the dome. Kenobi believes that he failed Luke because he had underestimated Owen's anger towards him.
Back on the Death Star, Vader tells Kenobi that he should never have come back. Though Kenobi is worried that he has not completed Luke's training, he hears Qui-Gon telling him to lay down his life so that Luke can escape. Making peace with himself, Kenobi allows Vader to strike him down. As Kenobi becomes one with the Force, he hears Luke crying out in grief. Through the Force, Kenobi tells Luke to run. Kenobi takes comfort in the fact that he will always be at Luke's side and that he will continue to guide Luke, even though he has died.
==Appearances==
==Sources==
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==Notes and references==
==External links==
*THE CAVLETTER 018: My Star Wars From a Certain Point of View story on The Cav Letter
Category:From a Certain Point of View