Chapter I: The Empire's Attack
Ahsoka walked down the corridors of the Echo Base. She had been working with the rebels for years now and had led the Alliance's intelligence division. She had made quite a name for herself within the organization, confronting Tarkin, Thrawn and even played a role the attack against the Death Star piloting the last remaining Y-Wing Fighter. Upon her her return she had discovered the involvement of Luke Skywalker the son of Anakin Skywalker along with his friends Han Solo and Chewbacca an old friend of hers from the Clone Wars. Having known his father and from authorization from Mon Mothma and General Organa Ahsoka began to train Luke in the ways of the force. He learned quickly as skills advanced. Ahsoka even took some time to instruct him in some fundamental Lightsaber combat. He showed significant promise and she hoped that together the two could confront Vader and the emperor and put an end to their tyrannical rule. As of right now Luke was out on reconnaissance and she had been summoned to the command center, hopefully nothing had gone wrong.
Han Solo was with Chewbacca repairing the Falcon after a recent incident on Ord Mantell. The old girl was banged up but when wasn't she? They were putting on the fisnihing touches when he was contacted by command. "Stay here Chewie, I'll see what's going on". He then proceeded onward to the command center to see AID (Alliance Intelligence Division) Director Ahsoka Tano along with General Rieekan and Leia with worried expressions across their faces.
Leia was talking with some of the Rebellion men when Han showed up. She glanced at him before looking back at her work. General Rikeaan looked at Han. "Captain Solo." He nodded, acknowledging his presence.
Ahsoka glanced at Han solemnly. We've lost contact with Luke and we have idea where he is. We have a relatively good idea of his last known position. However the storm is to thick fly through.
Han looked with confidence at the generals. "Then we better get him back". Han looked to see Leia's reaction.
She glanced at him. "Someone needs to look for him." She looked at General Rikeaan, who was talking with some of the others.
"Then I'm going out there on tauntan!" Han then began to leave the room and begin his search for Luke.
Ahsoka's eyes widened. "But You'll freeze to death out there!"
Han quickly snapped back, "Then I'll see you in hell!"
Leia watched them leave, worried.
Han road out into the blizzard in search of Luke. "Come on Kid, don't let me down".
Meanwhile Luke had just escaped a Wampa's lair and the storm intensified and visibility was getting worse. Luke was wandering through the snow. He was cold, weak, and lost.
Han searched desperately for Luke until he found him laying unconscious in the snow. Han dismounted and attempted to wake him, but suddenly the tauntan died because of the cold. This prompted Han to use Luke's Lightsaber to cut open the creature's guts and hide both themselves in it until morning. The following day a recovery squadron led by Rogue Two located and brought Han and Luke back to Echo Base. Soon after Luke wasn't healed thanks to the bacta tank. Han looked at Luke. "How you doing kid?" At the same time Ahsoka, Leia and Chewbacca entered the room.
Ahsoka looked over at Han and Luke with a proud look on her face. "You've perceived Luke. You have made use of what you have learned and survived this situation. Good Job". She then turned to Leia.
Luke smiled. "I'm fine. Thanks to you."
Leia sat nearby, watching them.
Ahsoka looked questioningly at Leia. "You've haven't been talking much Leia. Is something bothering you? You can tell me if you don't want the others to know".
"I'm fine." She said. "I was just worried about Luke." Luke looked at her. Leia glanced at Han.
Han looked at Leia. "Well thanks to you, it looks like I'll be staying a while longer".
"I had nothing to do with it." She replied. "General Rikeaan says no ships should leave the system until the energy shield can be opened".
"That's a nice story. I just think you can't bare to let a gorgeous guy like me out of your sight".
Leia looked at him. "I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain." Chewie chuckled.
"Laugh it up fuzzball. But you didn't see us alone in the South passage, where she expressed her true feelings for me".
Leia glared at him. "My what? Why you stuck up, half witted, scruffy looking, Nurf herder!" She told him, a little angry.
"Who's scruffy looking?! Must have hit pretty close the the mark to get her all rioed up like that huh kid?".
Leia looked at him, walking forward. "I guess you don't know everything about women yet." She leaned forward and kissed Luke.
Han looked rather stunned as Leia kissed Luke. Ahsoka eyes widened at the sight as well. However suddenly the alarm was raised and Han, Leia and Ahsoka were called to the command center. The Imperials had arrived. General Rieekan looked grimly at the trio its time to evacuate.
Ahsoka slammed her fist down on the table. "How could we have let this happen?" Rieekan looked down without answer. Ahsoka's conviction strengthened. "Han, take care of the Generals, Ahsoka raised Luke on the comm, Luke prepare the squadrons for a ground assault. I'll be the last line of defense to stop them from entering the base. Any Questions?"
"No." Luke said to Ahsoka. "Good luck."
Leia was with General Rikeaan and the others as the battle began. Leia wasn't sure if they could win, but she was determined to try.
The battle began but the tide was turning in the Empire's favor. Most of the snowspeeder aircraft had been disabled along with Luke himself. Vader now leads his troops into the base. Vader was coming down the corridor to the control room where Ahsoka, Rieekan and Leia were stationed. "Get out of here!" Ahsoka yelled as she activated one of her white lightsabers and prepared to confront Vader.
Leia hesitated before leaving the room Ahsoka was in. She had no idea where to go now, and she hoped Ahsoka would be okay. She felt bad for leaving her alone, but knew she wouldn't be any help with the battle.
Ahsoka charged Vader clashing violently with his blade. He was stronger than she thought. The two exchanged blows back and forth. Ahsoka was on her back foot, on the defensive. "Dammit! Where's Luke!"
Han was running down the hallway when he ran into Leia. "Leia! The base is lost we got to get out of here! Wait where's Ahsoka and what about Luke!"
Leia looked worried. "Ahsoka is with Vader, and Luke is out in battle. You have to get out of here." She was really worried about Ahsoka and Luke.
Han looked concerned. "Then let's move!"
Meanwhile Ahsoka continued to battle Vader but her stance was withering. She reached out into the force in a desperate plea for help. "Luke where are you!"
Luke heard Ahsoka and was worried. "My ship has crashed, but I'm alright. Is something wrong?" He asked.
"YES! Something is terrible wrong! I've engaged Vader and I'm on the defensive! Is there any way you can get to me! I don't know how long I can hold out!"
Leia nodded, walking quickly down the hall. Suddenly part of the ceiling caved in.
Leia looked a little frightened as the ceiling caved in. She couldn't see because of the dust, but she hoped Han hadn't gotten hurt.
Han looked at Leia. "Come let's go this way!"
Luke was even more worried. "I'm not sure I can make it over there without getting killed. I can try." He got out of his damaged speeder and ran toward the base.
Ahsoka clashed with Vader once more. Suddenly Ahsoka felt the smith lord grabbing her with the force as she wasn't flung across the room. She landed painfully on the holo table. Vader brought his light saber down on her but she managed to successfully role away at the last possible second. "Dammit Luke where are you!?
Luke ran toward Echo Base and somehow managed to get inside. He hurried to where Ahsoka was, hoping he wasn't too late.
Han led Leia to the Falcon "Quickly get on board!"
Ahsoka scrambled to her feet. She charged to Vader but the with lord once again reached out with the force grabbing her throat. She gasped for air as her toes left the ground. Suddenly Luke entered the room.
Luke looked at Vader with shock and surprise. He quickly grabbed and turned on his lightsaber. Thanks to Ahsoka's training, he knew how to use it well.
Han started up the engines at blasted the falcon out of the hanger with Leia, 3PO and Chewbacca onboard.
Ahsoka still gasping for air managed to fire a force Blast at Vader knocking him back on his knee thanks to Luke momentarily distracting him. This caused Vader to release his grip on Ahsoka letting her fall to the floor.
Luke looked at Ahsoka. He was worried about her, and the Rebellion. He turned to look at Darth Vader, trying to stay calm.
Ahsoka yelled over to Luke from the ground. "What are you waiting for!" Vader turned to face Ahsoka at that instant. She gritted her teeth in anticipation.
Meanwhile the Falcon left the atmosphere and entered into a blockade of star destroyers. Han mauevered the best he could until he found an opening. Then he said to Chewie. "Prepare for lightspeed!"
Luke looked at Ahsoka for a moment, then back at Vader. He faced Vader and slowly walked toward him. He was a little nervous, but tried not to show it. He stayed calm.
Leia looked out the window, a little worried.
Ahsoka eyed Luke. "What are you waiting for!" Suddenly a blaster bolt came from no where. It was an injured General Rieekan lying on the floor. He had managed to hit Vader squarely in the respirator. Ahsoka looked to Luke, "Now's your chance!"
Luke took a deep breath and hurried toward Vader, his blue lightsaber clashing with his red one.
Leia looked over at Han. "Can I help somehow?" She asked.
Han looked at Leia. "Hold on-" Suddenly he heard the sound of the hyperdrive failing. "Leia take the controls. I'm gonna take a look in the back".
Ahsoka rolled to her feet and cocentrated all of her force power to rip the ceilin down on Vader and Luke's position. "RAHHHHH"!" Ahsoka only hoped Luke would dodge in time so they could escape together.
Leia sighed and sat down in Han's seat, taking the Falcon's controls. She hoped they were going to be alright.
Luke saw the ceiling caving in and he quickly moved out of the way.
Ahsoka yelled to Luke. "Come on!" She then picked up her lightsabers and ran outside to where her personal dual seated star Fighter was stationed. She hopped in and began to fire up the engines. "Anyplace in mind Luke!?, knowing full well Vader was close behind.
Luke quickly got into the ship. He knew Vader was close behind, and really wanted to get out of here. He heard Ahsoka's question. "Dagobah." He replied.
"Alright then!" Ahsoka flew the ship out of the atmosphere and set the destination for Dagobah.
Luke looked out the window as they flew into hyperspace.
Han suddenly a large bang against the side of the ship. "That wasn't a laser Blast". Han then scrambled up to the bridge and took the controls. "I've got a bad feeling about this".
Leia looked a little worried as she got out of Han's chair and sat down again. "What are we going to do now?" She asked.
Han dodged and swerved the incoming asteroids. "Hold on! I'm taking us in closer to one of the big ones!"
Leia looked at Han, surprised. "Closer?"
Han flew the Falcon into the asteroid dodging debris and lazerfire before he finally managed to escape Imperial pursuit and land inside a deep crater.
Ahsoka landed her ship next To the swampy terrain and jumped out. "Hey Luke I'd figure now would be a good time to relax and talk things over and then maybe tomorrow morning we could continue your training".
Luke nodded. "That's a good idea." He sat down in the grass, lost in thought. "Ahsoka, did you ever meet my father?" He asked after a moment.
Ahsoka looked at Luke. "He was a great man, taught me everything I knew. He was my master and a friend. We went into countless battles with each other during the Clone Wars. We've saved each others' behinds more times than I can remember. Anakin...Anakin...I do wonder if he ever forgave me though. For leaving him behind". Ahsoka suddenly stopped as of there wasn't more to the story that she wasn't letting on.
Luke sighed. "I wish I could have known him, and could have seen him before he died." He wondered what had happened to his father, when he had died.
Ahsoka looked at Luke. "I know what you're thinking. I should have been by his side back then. I had abandoned him and left the Jedi Order disappointing him. If I was there maybe Vader wouldn't have destroyed him".
Luke sighed. "I wish we could have saved him." Suddenly Yoda appeared in front of them, smiling. Luke looked surprised. "Ahsoka, good to see you again, it is." Yoda said, looking at her. He couldn't believe she was here, along with Luke.
Ahsoka eyes widened. "Master Yoda?!" Suddenly she realized what was going on. "Luke that's why you wanted to come here isn't it to train with him? Well than this could work! But first why don't you shown him how far you've come! Do you want to spar with me or show him the power in the force you have gained?"
Luke nodded, looking at her. "Remember when I was lost in the snow a couple days ago, after I got clawed by the wampa? When I was lying in the snow, just before Han rescued me, I saw Obi Wan. He told me to go to Dagobah, and to train with Yoda. I was going to tell you, but then the battle started."
Ahsoka looked at him. "Obi-Wan? that's unexpected. But now that we aren't here we'd should train. Ahsoka activated one her light sabers and put in training mode. "You know what Luke how about I train you in light saber combat while Yoda instructs you in the force. Double the teachings, twice a single fast. Now come at me!"
Luke turned his lightsaber on training mode and quickly came at her. "Thank you for teaching me." He smiled a little.
Ahsoka smiled. "You've improved so much". Ahsoka clashed her lightsaber against Luke's and pushed forward. "Show me what you can do!"
Luke smiled too and quickly moved his lightsaber, trying to attack her.
Ahsoka laughed. "You're wide open!" She swung her blade horizontally at Luke's hip.
Luke quickly moved his lightsaber, just barely blocking her blade. "I guess I need to keep working." He smiled a little.
Ahsoka took a step back. "Not bad!" She ignited her second lightsaber. "Lets see how you do against this" She charged with both blades in hand.
Luke took a step back, then quickly moved to the side as Ahsoka charged. In a second he was behind her.
Ahsoka eyes widened. She had over extended. Now she was wide open to Luke's next attack.
Luke smiled a little, and charged toward her. Yoda watched from nearby, very pleased with Luke's training.
Ahsoka yelped in pain when Luke's training saber crossed her back. She fell onto the floor defeated. Soon after she managed to get to her feet. "I've thought you everything I can about lightsaber combat. However that's not everything. The force surrounds and behinds us all together. Ahsoka picked up a large boulder. "Catch this!" She then threw it at him.
Luke carefully caught the boulder. He had a little trouble, but still caught it.
Ahsoka smirked. "Not bad Luke". She pulled the boulder away and back to the ground. "Try lifting our ship".
Luke looked at the ship, then closed his eyes, concentrating on the Force and the ship. It slowly started to lift off of the ground.
Ahsoka looked at Luke. "Concentrate, focus. You can do it!"
Luke concentrated, and the ship went higher off of the ground. He carefully began moving it out of the water it was stuck in, and onto dry land.
Ahsoka eyes widened. She couldn't believe Howe far Luke had progressed. He may have already surpassed herself. She waited for Luke to put the ship down to hear both Luke and Yoda's reaction.
Luke finally set the ship down, opening his eyes. Yoda smiled. "Done well you have." Luke smiled too. "Thank you master. I had a very good teacher." He said, looking at Ahsoka.
Ahsoka smiled back at Luke. "I think you're ready to start your foresight training. Come sit down". Ahsoka sat down on the ground and crosse down her legs in a pose that resemble that of a meditating Buddha. "Join me"
Luke nodded and sat down beside Ahsoka, crossing his legs as well. He was eager to learn a new skill.
Ahsoka closed her eyes. "Relax Luke, empty your mind"
Luke closed his eyes and relaxed. Yoda sat nearby them and did the same.
Ahsoka concentrated on the force. "Luke sink deep into the force's currents. What do you see?"
Luke concentrated. He suddenly gasped, and opened his eyes, looking afraid. Yoda looked at him. "Through the Force, things you will see. The past, future, old friends long gone." Luke looked at Ahsoka. "I saw a city in the clouds."
Ahsoka looked at Luke, "What happened?"
"I saw Han and Leia. They were in pain." He said, his eyes wide.
Ahsoka looked at Luke with conviction. "Then we must go!"
Luke nodded and stood up, hurrying to the ship.
Ahsoka hopped into the ship and fired up the engines. Before she took off she shot a concerned look over to Yoda. Then the two left for cloud city.
Luke looked at Ahsoka with worry as they went into hyperspace. "Do you think they'll be alright?" He asked.
Ahsoka answered, "The future Ian always clouded, but I think that everything will be alright".
"Good." Luke was relieved.
EARLIER...
Han approached Leia in the back of the Falcon, "Need a hand?"
Leia shook her head, still working. "I'm fine."
Han leaned in. "Come on, let Ken help you". He grabbed Leia's hand gently.
She looked up at him. "Stop that." She said quietly, but didn't pull her hand away.
Han pondered. "Why?"
She looked up at him. "My hands are dirty."
"My hands are dirty too, what are you afraid of?"
"I'm not afraid." She said quietly.
"There is no reason to be scared. Han moved in to kiss Leia".
She looked at him, a little surprised, but didn't move away.
Han continued to kiss Leia when 3PO suddenly interrupted. "Captain Solo, Captain Solo. I've isolated the reverse power coupling!" Han looked a little awkward. "Wonderful"
Leia looked at Threepio, then at Han. She left the room a moment later.
Han continued with Chewie to inspect and work on the ship when he noticed Leia heading back to the bridge.
She sat down, keeping an eye on the ship. She was almost asleep when she saw something flying by outside the Falcon.
Han heard Leia scream from the bridge. "What's wrong!"
She looked at him, her eyes wide. "There's something out there."
Han looked at Chewie, "Come on, we'll go check it out!"
"I'll come with you." Leia said.
The trio went outside. Han blasted off a couple creatures. "It's what I thought, myknocks". During the scuffle however Han had managed to blast the floor causing the chamber to shake. He then did it again and the hole cave started moving. "We got to move now!"
Leia almost fell over, and she clung to the Falcon for support. "You're right. Let's get out of here." She said, and hurried into the ship.
Han blasted off in the Falcon, narrowly escaping the space slugs clutches as its mouth closed. The Falcon drifted out of the asteroid field before Han looked to Leia and Chewie. "The coat is clear, Plot a course to Cloud City. There we'll meet Lando".
Leia nodded, looking out the window. "Can you trust Lando?" She asked, looking at Han.
Han looked at Leia, "Don't worry he's an old friend"
Soon after Han and Leia had reached their destination. The ship descended through the atmosphere and afternoon some smooth talking they at the landing pad. Lando walked out. "Han old buddy, It's so good to see ya!" He gave him a rough hug anencephaly then he turned his attention to Leia. "Hello there what have we here?"
She looked at him, smiling a little. "I'm Leia."
"Oh, well you're beautiful. Follow me inside". Lando led them into the building. "Why don't we head to the dining hall for something to eat and talk over?"
Leia blushed a little and walked beside Han into the building.
As they enetered the dining hall. Han took a step back in surprise. Sitting at the table was Darth Vader himself. He fired hi sir blaster to no effect. Soon after they were surrounded by storm troopers and thrown into the brig. Han was tortured terribly and thrown back into the cell with Leia, Chewie and the others.
Leia hurried to his side, tears filling her eyes at the sight of him. She put an arm around Han and tried to help him sit up.
Han looked at Leia, "They never even asked me any questions".
Suddenly Lando entered. "Darth Vader wants all of you to come with me. Han will gen frozen in Carbonite for the bounty hunter and you'll be used as bait".
Leia kissed Han's forehead and glared at Lando. "Bait for what?" She asked, angry.
"He's after somebody called Skywalker, no way come!" Lando lend them to the carbon freezing chamber. Han was escorted into the center. He shot a look over to Leia.
Leia looked over at him, worried and afraid. Chewie howled angrily and lashed out at some nearby stormtroopers. Leia tried to calm him down, but he paid no attention to her.
Han looked at him. "Chewie, you have take care of the princess. It's your responsibility". Chewie calmed down.
Han stepped onto the platform that was about to descend and looked over to Leia.
She looked afraid and worried, but leaned forward to kiss him gently one last time. "I love you!"
"I know" Han began to descend into the carbon freezing chamber and was blasted by carbonite until he emerged as a frozen block. Vader ordered Lando to escort the prisoners away. Vader would remain in the chamber for Luke and Boba Fett would stand guard in the hallway.
The star Fighter Ahsoka and Luke were in exited space and approached Cloud City.