A long time ago in a Galaxy far,
far away…
STAR WARS
REBELS
A NEW HOPE
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships,
Striking from a hidden base, have won their first
Victory against the evil Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal
Secret plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon, The
DEATH STAR, an armored space station with
Enough power to destroy an entire planet.
Pursued by the Empire's sinister agents
Princess Leia races home aboard her starship,
Custodian of the stolen plans that can save
Her people and restore freedom to the
Galaxy…
Over the planet Tatooine, two weeks before the Battle of Yavin… four years after "A Loss of Hope"…
A single Blockade Runner roared through space rapidly being overtaken by a massive Imperial Star Destroyer, firing its cannons on the small ship. It wasn't long before the faster, more powerful ship used its tractor beam to pull into the Star Destroyer's docking bay.
Inside the Rebel ship, Princess Leia Organa's defenders stood at the ready. They were very much nervous, but stood brave with their blasters armed. Flames exploded from the docking hatch door as Imperials cut through and Storm Troopers flooded into the hall, firing on the Alderaanian princess's guard. An astromech droid and a gold-plated interpreter droid quickly moved down a hall to escape the blaster fire. Once the firing began to dissipate, Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the entered along with an Inquisitor in dark robes and a visored mask under his Sith-style hooded cloak. The Sith Lord and Inquisitor wordlessly observed the Storm Troopers taking prisoner any survivors.
After a few moments, a Storm Trooper approached the Sith Lord with a prisoner from the bridge. "The Death Star plans are not on the ship's main computer." The Trooper informed.
Vader turned, and lifted a captured honor guard by the throat, "Where are those transmissions you intercepted? What have you done with those plans…"
"We intercepted no transmissions… this is a councilor ship… on a diplomatic mission…" the guard wheezed. Vader crushed his throat and threw him to the ground, and then turned to his Inquisitor.
"Inquisitor Adeptus," Vader glanced to his masked and black-clad companion. "Find the Princess and the plans, and bring them both to me."
The dark Inquisitor bowed then made his way through the halls of the ship. He glanced to the side and narrowed his yellow eyes behind his mask as an escape pod and feel toward the desert planet below them. Something was important with that pod, but he wasn't sure what. He didn't think on this on as he began to sense another presence nearby. Adeptus took a step toward a central chamber and easily found someone hiding among cargo. "I know you're there. Show yourself." He said, using the force to move the box a girl was hiding behind.
"Don't come any closer…" the young girl, no older than nineteen stood up warned holding a blaster rifle. He studied her, her attractive figure was covered by a white gown and her hair was tied up in double buns. "I'm warning you!" She said, firing the blaster, and the Inquisitor silently sidestepped the blast. He reached with one hand behind his back to grab one piece of his weapon on the back of his belt and the other hand grabbed a second piece dangling from a hook on his side. With practiced ease he put the two pieces of his lightsaber together, and it ignited with a pop hiss, illuminated the flickering lights of the ship with a red light.
The girl opened fire on the Inquisitor, and he easily deflected the blasts harmlessly away with the crimson blade of his lightsaber.
He moved in close and with a slash of his lightsaber, cut her blaster rifle in half. Before she could respond, he reached for the girl, shoving her against the wall with the power of the Force. He lifted her up the length of the wall and holding her tightly there. "Your name," the Inquisitor's muffled voice spoke through his mask.
"Go jump out an airlock!" The girl spat.
"Your name, one last time," the Inquisitor narrowed his reddish yellow on the girl. "What I do with my lightsaber depends on your name." he said, and to add to his threat, placed the tip of the red energy blade to neck.
"I am Leia, Daughter of Bail Organa, Princess of Alderaan!" she growled, showing no fear at all of the Sith Inquisitor or his lightsaber, "I demand you release me."
"Where are the plans?" Adeptus growled out.
"I don't know what you're talking about…" She shook her head. Before she could say anything else, he used the Force to slam her against the far wall, knocking her unconscious.
"We shall see, Kid…" He said, deactivating his lightsaber, disassembled it, and replaced it on his belt. He turned and walked back toward his Master, dragging the unconscious girl behind him with the Force.
-SW-
Mos Eisley Tatooine, a few days later…
A twenty one year old Mandalorian woman in multicolored – mostly pink and purple- armor stood into a smoky, smelly cantina watching the patrons. If it wasn't for her full helmet all present would see her look of disgust. The bland colored, run down bar bored her more than anything, but at least the band played a song with a catchy beat.
The Mandalorian touched the side of her helmet and spoke softly, "Spectre Five to Spectre One, Can we go back to the ship yet?"
Across the bar, a young dark haired man, around nineteen years old in a brown jumpsuit and darker jacket, sat at a table also observing the people. Even after the team had insisted he took Kanan's call sign, it still felt uncomfortable. "Negative, Spectre Five, whatever's going to happen hasn't happened yet."
"I'll tell you what's going to happen, Honey," the Mandalorian hissed, "I swear if I get groped One. More. Time. I will blast every last one of these slime bags. Maybe THAT is what the Force called you here to see. Do people have no fear of Mandalorians anymore?"
"Well, your armor is mostly pink… That could possibly hurt the intimidation factor with some people…" Spectre One smirked to himself and gave a little laugh at his friend's low growl. "Don't shoot the messenger. And, if the Force did send us here for that, I do enjoy seeing you lashing out in anger. It's usually a good show."
"Well, I am getting angry," he heard her voice grow slightly amused, "Why not let me help you train with your lightsaber instead of Chopper… with live fire."
He laughed not all that certain she was kidding then a tall figure in the corner of the room caught his attention. "Heads up, Spectre Five, at two o'clock, is that who I think it is?" Spectre One asked.
She turned and glanced to see a towering wookie walking into the bar. "Chewbacca… if he's here…"
"Solo can't be far, if Chewy hasn't killed him yet. We haven't seen them since Kessel." Spectre One noted.
"Good, maybe I'll catch up with Han," Spectre Five said with a flirty playful tone.
"Sabine…" Spectre One said warningly.
"What, I've been a good girl way too long," Sabine Wren gave a slight giggle, enjoying the fact that her friend was playing right into her hand. "Just because you stay Light Side doesn't mean the rest of us can't play in the dark."
"Not funny," Spectre One almost snapped.
"Jealous?" Spectre Five asked teasingly.
"HEY!" the bartender called out, pointing toward the entrance. "We don't serve THEIR kind!"
Spectre One watched the young man, in a white tunic and slacks tell his droids to remain outside. His blue eyes scanned the bar, and ran a hand through his shaggy blond hair before moving to the bar.
"This is a regular reunion day it seems…" Spectre Five moved to the table with Spectre One. "Recognize his droids, Ezra?"
Ezra Bridger watched the astromech and the protocol droid then blinked. "They're the ones that helped with that mission with the Disruptor rifles… All the way out here… the Force is moving here, Sabine…" He glanced around the bar, "And it's circling that guy." He said watching the young man who moved to the bar.
"Ezra…" Sabine gasped as she saw who Chewbacca was speaking with, "Look… is that…"
Ezra looked himself and his eyes widened. "It… it can't be…"
Standing with the tall wookie, in the same brown robes and tunic, while aged many years, was the man from Kanan's holocron. "Obiwan Kenobi…"
"Spectre One and Five, this is Spectre Four, if you two are finish flirting and taking in the sights, this kid may be in more trouble than he can deal with," the other member of their group spoke up, and Ezra glanced to see Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios seated at the bar a few spaces away from the young man they had been watching.
First the young man was shoved by an alien thug, then one of the thug's friends got in the young man's face. "He doesn't like you."
"Sorry…" the kid said, returning to his drink.
"I don't like you either," the thug continued, "You just watch yourself. We're wanted men. I have the death sentence in twelve systems."
"I'll be careful," the young blond replied.
"You'll be dead!" The thug yelled, jerking him around.
Ezra and Sabine glanced to each other and started to rise when Obiwan came to the boy's side. "This little one isn't worth the effort. Come, let me get you something…" the thug shoved Luke to the side sending him tumbling into into a table. The thug drew his blaster and turned on Obiwan, and before even Ezra's Force enhanced senses could make him jump into action, Obiwan Kenobi activated his lightsaber with a 'Pop Hiss' and blocked his blaster bolts then effectively disarmed him, literally.
"Whoa…" Ezra and everyone else in the now silent bar stared at the aged Jedi Master, holding his blue lightsaber before him. After a moment, interest was lost, the band started playing and everyone went back to what they were doing.
Obiwan replaced his lightsaber, and with Chewbacca went to help the boy up. "Are you alright, Luke?"
"I'm alright," Luke replied taking his hand and getting to his feet, still staring at the thug's arm and blaster laying on the floor.
"Chewbacca here is first mate on a ship that might suit us," Obiwan explained as they followed the Wookie to a corner booth where a human with dark hair, slacks and a black vest sat with his hands behind his head.
"Spectre Four," Ezra spoke into his com.
"On it," Zeb nodded, easing away from his seat and casually moving closer to the both where the four were conversing.
Zeb got into position and listened as they spoke. "Han Solo, I'm Captain of the Millennium Falcon, Chewy here tells me you're looking for passage to the Alderaan system."
"Yes indeed," Obiwan nodded, "IF it's a fast ship."
"Fast ship? You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon?" Han asked in disbelief.
Obiwan and Luke glanced to each other a moment before speaking up, "Should I have?"
"It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs," Han said braggingly, and Obiwan glanced to the side when he heard Zeb snort at the comment. "I've out run Imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers, mind you. I'm talking about the big Corellian ships, now." Han smirked confidently, "She's fast enough for you, old man. What's the cargo?"
"Only passengers, myself, the boy, two droids…" Obiwan gave Han a hard look, "And no questions asked."
"What is it? Some kind of local trouble?" Han asked curiously.
"Let's just say… we'd like to avoid any Imperial entanglements…" Obiwan said with a nod.
"Well, that's the real trick, isn't it?" Han said, putting on his game face. "And it's going to cost you something extra. Ten Thousand. All in advance."
"Ten Thousand!" Luke gasped, shaking his head, "We could almost buy our own ship for that!"
"But who's going to fly it, Kid? You?" Han smirked in amusement.
"You bet I could!" Luke stood up, "I'm not such a bad pilot myself! We don't have to sit here and listen…" Luke started to leave, but Obiwan caught his arm, "We can pay two thousand now, plus fifteen once we reach Alderaan."
"Seventeen?" Han nodded, while his eyes showed he liked the offer. "Ok, you have yourself a ship. We'll leave as soon as you're ready. Docking Bay 94." Han then nodded behind them, where a group of Storm Troopers were talking to the bar tender.
"Spectre Four, pull out, get back to the Ghost and give Spectre Two an update," Ezra ordered.
"What about you two?" Zeb asked.
"We need to catch up with someone," Ezra replied quizzically.
"Right, Jedi crap, roger that, see you guys soon," Zeb rolled his eyes, moving away from his stool and disappearing into the crowd before the Storm Troopers got too close.
Ezra and Sabine walked out of the cantina together, but Sabine caught sight of another familiar figure in the shadows. "Ezra, go on and catch Master Kenobi, I'd… just slow you down."
"Sabine?" Ezra asked glancing to her, giving her a look that told her he could see through her, "As much as you hate people lying and keeping secrets…"
"OK, maybe I just saw someone… I used to know and would like to say hi…" She glanced away, grateful for the masking helmet.
Ezra stared at her for a moment in thought, "OK, I'll give you this one but you're fessing up when we get back to the Ghost." Ezra warned his friend as he crossed his arms. "I'll let you know where we can meet up after I speak to Master Kenobi," He sighed, "just be careful, ok?"
"Relax, I'm a big girl, remember?" She nodded, and then patted her twin blasters on her hips, "And besides, my friends will be with me."
Ezra watched her walk off before he hurried after Obiwan and Luke.
"You'll have to sell your speeder," Obiwan said to his young companion as they approached the droids R2D2 and C-3PO.
"That's ok, I'm never coming back to this planet again," Luke replied.
"Master Kenobi!" Ezra called out as he approached them. Luke turned quickly while Obiwan slowly turned with his hand on his lightsaber.
"I'm but an old hermit, young man," Obiwan replied, "You must be mistaking me for someone else."
"I'm not with the Empire," Ezra said, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "The Force drew me and my friends here, I'm pretty sure we're supposed to meet… I think… " Ezra explained nervously, and the aged master studied him a moment, before finally sighing and nodding toward the young man.
Obiwan glanced toward the lightsaber on Ezra's belt then looked up into his eyes. "You carry a unique lightsaber, also you are far too young to have belong to the Jedi Order," Obiwan pulled his hood back. "Who are you, young man?"
"My name is Ezra Bridger of Lothal," Ezra introduced himself, "I was trained by a Jedi who survived the Purge. His name was Kanan Jarrus."
"You're a long way from home, young one… and you say you were trained by a Jedi called Kanan Jarrus…" Obiwan looked thoughtful, but shook his head. "I do not recognize the name…"
"Oh, he changed his name after he escaped the Empire… he went by Caleb Dume during his time with the Order," Ezra explained and Obiwan eyes lit up in recognition.
"Caleb Dume… Ah yes, Depa Billaba's Padawan," Obiwan nodded, "A very bright young fellow, but he lacked in patience. He was responsible for giving me the idea of the warning beacon, alerting Jedi away from the Temple when it was made into a trap during the rise of the Empire… You mention him in past tense?"
"Yes, Kanan… He… was killed four years ago, Master," Ezra nodded sadly, "We were lured into a trap by an Inquisitor and Darth Vader himself… He… he died buying us time to escape." Ezra said, looking down, missing a look of guilt crossing Obiwan's face.
"My condolences, my young friend," Obiwan said softly.
"I know you've already hired a ship to get you to Alderaan, but is there anything we can do to help?" Ezra offered extending his hand.
"Perhaps," Obiwan nodded, his eyes focused on Ezra's lightsaber, "Or perhaps I can help you…"
-SW-
Sabine walked through a dark, shadowy alley her eyes crossing every shadow with enhanced sensors built into her helmet. Finally she spotted who she had been tracking. Who had been leading her to this private spot.
She stopped at a corner of the alley and leaned against the wall. "Are you after us or someone else?" Sabine asked, as she glanced toward the sky.
"There's plenty of bounties out for you and your little band," a voice from the shadows replied. "But you should know I'm waiting on more singular bounties instead of ones with you included, Sabine."
"Thanks I think," Sabine nodded. "So how much is the Empire paying you to come out here?"
"The Empire isn't paying me on this one," the figure replied, "I'm working for another client."
"Ah, good for you…" Sabine breathed, glancing away.
"It isn't too late, Sabine," the voice said, in an almost hopeful tone, "I could use your help on some bounties I have on tab. I'll say you were working for me so it'll drop the bounties on your head. Don't be foolish. A death mark is a hard thing to live with."
"I appreciate the concern, but my loyalty is to my friends," Sabine replied.
"Your friends," the voice spoke, "or your Jedi?"
"Have you been spying on me?" she asked, irritation growing into her voice.
"The Jedi are soulless monsters, Young One," the voice growled, "They sacrifice their feelings for power. Everyone who has ever opened up to a Jedi has met a very painful death. A lucky few had quick deaths."
"He's my friend, my best friend, and he's not like the old Jedi," she shook her head, "He's… very unorthodox."
"He's going to get you all killed," the voice sighed in frustration. "Darth Vader himself seems to have taken interest in your Jedi and your friends. If nothing else, I wanted to warn you. Take care of yourself, Sabine. Ret'urcye mhi."
"Ret'urcye mhi…" Sabine said softly, "Father…"
To Be Continued…
Disclaimer: Star Wars and all related characters are owned by Lucasarts which is now owned by Walt Disney Productions. This story was written for pure enjoyment.
And so my Star Wars Rebels Trilogy begins. Ezra, Sabine, Hera, Zeb, and Chopper join Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, R2D2, C-3PO and Master Obiwan Kenobi in striking back against the Empire and their super weapon. What friendships and rivalries will form? You never know who else may pop up. More to come! May the Force be with you!