Author's note. Okay, first off I need to say that I wrote this in 2003 as just a bit of fun. Seven years later, I am a member of this fan fiction site, and I just thought, why not.
George Lucas has described a New Hope as a Science Fiction fairy tale, and basically I wondered what the story would be like if you took out the Science Fiction. Essentially, this is what I came up with to that effect, hope you all like.
Please, no flames, I only accept constructive criticism. If you have any suggestion, don't hesitate to give them to me and I'll try and use them.
Enjoy and please review.
Extract from old Terra the travelling Minstrel.
"Hear me children and listen well as I explain to you how the world works.
"You see, you are special for you are lucky enough to be born with the holy Corisunti Empire with its many rich kingdoms that is ruled by our wise and exalted over ruler, Emperor Palpatine.
Ah yes, you have of course heard of his excellence, who twenty generations ago untied the many kingdoms of the civilised world, bringing peace and prosperity to us all. It was he who overthrew the corrupt old kingdom and destroyed it evil Knights who would take small children such as yourselves.
It was no easy task, and a lesser mortal would have faltered but did his excellence? Ah, no he did not and look where we are today, my children. Oh, the tales I could tale but they would take all night and the next to simply begin.
The second in line to this most holy Empire is the Lord Darth Vader, high Commander of his Imperial majesty's Fleet, Army and Air force. This dark clothed man's face has never been seen as he always wears a black helmet. It is said that it is because of horrendous scars that he received during battle against one of the last members of the treacherous Knights of the old Kingdom, known as the Jedi.
As well as being a fearsome warrior whose mere presence can terrify foes into submission, he is also a powerful warlock. Tales of his magic are legendary and are told throughout the kingdom, perhaps I shall tell you one someday.
Ayah, it is time for me to conclude. Between our mighty ruler and his faithful servant, there is nothing to threaten the security of the Empire. Nothing.
Shashhh.
Another cannon ball crashed into the ship. The Aldarrian ship was under attack by a larger Imperial ship which was forcing them onto the rocky shores of the desert Tatooine.
On board the Aldarrian ship the crew were desperately trying to bring the ship under control and escape the Imperials.
"Sir," yelled a crew member "We can't hold up, we have to surrender"
"No, we have to keep going" the captain yelled back but was thrown to the floor as another cannon hurled into the side of the ship.
"If we can reach the eastern currents," he gasped blood running from a gash on his forehead. "We arggg we…..can…still…save the orb".
They all fought to reach the eastern currents which would bear them swiftly away. The Imperials were merely trying to run them aground, they hadn't moved in for the kill.
But suddenly a dark shadow fell over the ship. A monstrous black dragon welded over head, circling the ship. Red eyes gleamed hungrily down at the ship, powerful clawed hands and feet flexed, dark scales gleamed from the horned head down to the tail with sharp spikes all along the spine. But perhaps the most terrifying thing of all was the dark figure astride the dragon.
"Oh my stars," stammered a shaking voice. "Darth Vader"
It was indeed the terrifying dark lord Darth Vader, one of the most feared men of that age and loyal right hand man to the Emperor. Gorenach his fearsome dragon suddenly dived tearing and ripping at the masts and rigging. Over head the moonlit sky had been blacken by a sea storm. Thunder crashed, lightning split the sky and rain pelted down.
As Gorenach swooped down for a second time, he tore the ship's wheel off, killing the two men at it. With no wheel, the ship was forced to go where the wind took it, straight at the sharp Tatooine rocks. Gorenach swooped over the ship again and Darth Vader leapt from his back, landing skilfully onto the deck. Gorenach meanwhile, settled on a large rock watching the ship draw closer. Men either ran from the dark lord or bravely tried to stop him. But with a sweep of his hand, he sent them flying with the mysterious power of his magic and braced himself for the impact.
The ship smashed straight into the jagged rocks which bit deep into the ship's hull. Water rushed in and the ship leaned to one side. The Imperial ship drew alongside and its soldiers leaped from it to take over the damaged one. The Aldarrians fought a losing battle with them while Darth Vader had seized the captain in a strangle hold.
"Where are the plans?" he growled, his deep voice rumbling its displeasure.
"I…akk…we're on a diplomatic mission to Aldaraan," the captain choked, clawing helplessly at the hand holding him bodily up.
"If this is an Ambassador's ship then where is the Ambassador?" Darth Vader asked, but it was a rhetorical question as he squeezed the last of the captain's life out.
Throwing the limp body aside he snarled at the nearby troopers. "Tear this ship apart until you find the what they are hiding and bring me the passengers, I want them ALIVE" he roared.
The storm troopers hurried to do his bidding. But in all the confusion no one noticed two figures climb out of one of the ships windows. The first one was carrying a large bundle and leading the second through the shallow water. But Gorenachs keen eyes caught movement and the figures had only gone a few more meters before the dragon let out a roar. They both tripped falling into the water one letting out a shriek of fear.
As Gorenach edged closer a flash of lightning illuminated the figures. The one carrying the bundle was a young woman dressed in white, the other a shaking Elf. As Gorenach let out another roar the young women pulled the Elf to his feet and ran out from the water and onto the rocky beach. Darth Vader who had been inside the ship rushed to the windows when he heard the roars. Looking out he saw the two jumped out of way as they were lit up momentarily, by Gorenach who let out a jet of fire just behind them. Using his mind power he warned the dragon to capture them alive and ordered a couple of foot soldiers to then bring the two to him.
The two were sprinting to a massive rocky hill which had a small opening. Gorenach charged forward as the pair dunked and dodged the many potholes and boulders littering the ground. But as Gorenach neared the pair tripped and fell. Just Gorenach skidded to a halt and raised clawed hand to seize them the young women suddenly plunged a hand into the bundle and threw a fist sized ball into the dragon's face. It exploded in burst of blue light and Gorenach reared letting out a roar of pain and rage. The pair scrambled to their feet's as the dragon was distracted and ran into opening which turned out to be a tunnel which led to the other side of the hill.
Knowing they only had a few minutes until Gorenach recovered they put on an extra spurt of speed. As they came out they saw before them an old wooden shack and a few barrels beside it. Next to the shack was a half covered well leading down to fast flowing Underground River. The young women lowered the bundle to the ground before dragging the well's cover off and then grabbing a barrel. Unwrapping the bundle to reveal a waist high Elf, she placed the material in the bottom of the barrel.
"Get in," she ordered the larger Elf.
"I, I, I don't think I can" he stammered.
"Just get in," she said desperately.
As he got in she whispered to the small Elf patting the small ball on a cord around his neck. He smiled encouragingly as she helped him in the barrel with the other Elf muttering darkly. She smiled briefly at them before quickly securing the top on. Quickly she had shoved it into the well and shoved the cover back on. She started scrambling up the next hill as Gorenach appeared from over the hill. She climbed as fast as she could but Gorenach landed right in front of her so abruptly she collided into him.
As he spun to face her she drew a dagger from around her waist and slashed at his arm. He roared as a gash appeared there but as she tried to strike him again he knocked the weapon from her. Clawed hands seized her and carried her over the hill where two soldiers were waiting for her. Gorenach dropped her onto the ground and they pulled her to her feet and bound her hands.
As Gorenach flew over head they dragged her over to lord Vader. Even bound and dishevelled the Princess Leia of Alderann still had a steely determination to her. She was known as a beautiful girl with brown hair in the shape of two cinnamon buns each on the side of her head. This same head that she now tossed back and glared at Lord Vader.
"The Imperial High Council will not hold with this attack," she snapped at him.
"Don't play games with me, your highness," growled Darth Vader as Gorenach landed behind him. "You intercepted a rogue spy and gave him safe passage, pity he is now dead. However, I know he gave you something before that happened and I wish to know what has become of it?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, we were on voyage to…." she began.
Darth Vader overrode her. "What happened to it and that Elf you were seen with?"
The young girl stared coolly at him. Darth Vader took her chin in one gloved hand.
"So you're not talking," he drawled in a chilling voice. "Very well, we'll find whatever it was, never fear and you will tell me where the location of the rebels you hide."
Turning away from her he ordered the nearest troopers. "Take the prisoners to the mining fields of Xerza."
Turning to Gorenach he saw the gash that was oozing dark blood down the dragons arm. Leaning forward he touched the wound and it healed. The dragon dropped an object into the dark lords other hand. It was the Princess's dagger still with a smear of blood on it. He stared at it for a moment then raised the hand with dragon blood to the Princess's face.
"You did this?" He said softly. The guards holding the princess cringed.
She didn't answer, just raised her chin defiantly. Vader dropped his hand and turned away, then suddenly swung his fist with tremendous force into the side of her face. She was knocked out of the guards' hands and crashed to the ground where she doubled up in shock and pain. Vader calmly turned away again to face the captain while she was lifted to her feet.
"Send out search parties immediately for that Elf, see to it personally," ordered Vader.
As the captain saluted, he added. "Burn that ship."
"And as for the princess.
He turned back to face her "Secure her to Gorenach to wait for me."
Turning to the captain again he said. "Find those plans, captain or I will hold you responsible."
The trembling captain could only salute another yes as the dark Lord turned his back and strode away. Do well, and you were rewarded, but fail and the reward was death. If you were lucky.
Author's note. Well, I hope that wasn't too awful for everyone. Remember if you have suggestion, I'm very open to them. Till next time.