Disclaimer
All characters appearing in Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager are copyright Paramount Pictures. All characters appearing in the Star Wars saga are copyright Lucas Arts and the Walt Disney Cooperation. No infringement of these copyrights is intended and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
Star Trek/Star Wars – Galaxy at War: Part Sixty-Six A New Hope Part Six
by
Celgress
Star Wars Galaxy – September 0 ABY (2396 C.E)
The Millennium Falcon en route to the Alderaan System
"We've been traveling for nearly two days by my math. I thought you knew the way to Alderaan, Captain Solo?" Leia said.
"Excuse me, Jedi Princess, dodging Imperial patrols isn't easy. I don't know what you folks did but the Imps sure have their dander up about it." Han Solo said.
"Stop call me that," Leia said.
"What, Jedi, Princess, or both?" Han teased with a mischievous smile.
"Use my name when addressing, Leia Skywalker." Leia greatly annoyed by Han. The guy needled her every chance he got. He was insufferable. "I'll be shocked if this bucket holds together long enough to get us to Alderaan." Leia fired back. She had already learned Han was extremely sensitive about his precious ship.
"Hey, you can get out and walk if you want. No insulting me ships. She's a beauty." Han said angrily. "What's your brother doing? Playing with his laser sword to kill time?" Han asked noticing Luke who was off in a corner with Obi-wan, Ahsoka & Sabine.
"He's training, honing his skills," Leia said rolling her eyes.
"Are you sure he isn't just playing a holo-game and his laser sword is the control yoke?" Han said skeptically. "That helmet probably has a heads-up display."
"It's a sensory deprivation helmet," Leia said. "Luke is using the Force to sense a moving target and react accordingly. You saw us fight those commandos and their leader." Leia put her hands on her hips. "You don't believe in the Force, do you, Captain Solo?"
"I only believe what I can see and touch, and count Jedi Princess," Han said. Leia was about to snap at Han for calling her "Jedi Princess" again when she noticed a subtle shift in him through the Force. "We've dropped out of hyperspace. We've reached Alderaan, right on time."
"Wait, how can you be so sure?" Leia asked.
"I know my ship, how she feels and reacts," Han said.
Han led Leia and the others to the crowded cockpit. "Why did you drop us out of hyperspace, Chewie? Where is Alderaan?" Han said staring out into space filled with hundreds of asteroids. Chewbacca responded in his native language which only Han understood. "What do you mean these are the coordinates for Alderaan. There is nothing here but a debris field. Recheck the coordinates, there must be a mistake." Chewbacca whined frantically. "We have contact on the sensors. A TIE Fighter, impossible, TIEs don't possess faster than light drives one couldn't make it way out here.
Everyone glanced overhead. Through the cockpit windows, they witnessed a TIE Fighter zoom pass overhead. The TIE turned around and make a second pass before it seemingly disappeared.
"We're being scanned, by what? The TIE is out of range." Han said getting into the pilot's chair. An enormous shadow fell over the Millennium Falcon blocking out light from the nearby star. "What in the galaxy is that!?" The Death Star loomed over the ship capturing it in a powerful tractor beam
"Great, this thing again." Sabine groaned.
"Everyone listen up. we can't fight our way out of this but we can survive if you do exactly what I say." Han said.
Death Star, sometime later
"Looks like a derelict." One of a group of Stormtroopers reported after they had thoroughly inspected the vessel.
"How did it get here do you suppose?" Another Stormtrooper wondered.
"Beats me," A third Stormtrooper said. "We'll impound it until further notice. Reclamation will probably strip it for parts and material once they've downloaded the data core. An old freighter like this isn't good for much else."
"You, you, you and you, remain here to guard the vessel. I'll summon a service droid team. Have them start downloading the data core once they arrive." The Stormtrooper Commander (identified by his black right shoulder pad) ordered four of the troopers.
"Yes, sir," One of the Stormtroopers who would remain behind said. The remainder of the group departed leaving the four there.
Several minutes passed. Nothing out of the ordinary happened until the droid team arrived consisting of two Imperial Astromechs. While two of the four Stormtroopers were distracted the floor of the cockpit slid open to reveal a hidden storage area. The space was ideal for smuggling operations. Stealthily Obi-wan and Ahsoka incapacitated the two Stormtroopers while Luke and Leia did the same to the pair near the loading ramp. R2-D2 used his probe to sneak up on one of the Imperial Astromech shorting it out. Han and Chewie tackled the other Imperial Astromech Chewing ripping its dome clean off while Han kept it busy with his blaster pistol.
"Okay, now what?" Han asked.
"We have friends on this wretched thing. We need to rescue them." Leia said.
"Oh no, I'm not running a cruise liner. My ship is cramped enough already." Han said.
"Our government will pay you handsomely if you help us," Ahsoka said. She knew what buttons to push with Hans to motivate him. The man's heart was ruled by avarice.
"You think?" Han said as his mood brightened.
"Of course," Obi-wan said playing along.
"In that case, lead the way," Han said while Leia rolled her eyes in disgust.
"First, four of you are will need a change of clothes," Obi-wan said pointing at one of the Stormtroopers.
"You can count us out." Owen Lars grumbled. "My wife and I want no part of your crazy schemes. If we live through this you're going to drop us at the nearest inhabited world. We'll then go our way you go yours."
"Owen, don't be so rude." Beru Lars said.
"I'll remain here to protect them as well as the ship," Sakal said holding up his phaser pistol.
"You're an okay guy Sakal. I knew I liked you," Han said. Sakal gave Han a dirty look but remained silent.
"I'll stay here too. Being a medic I'm more use here than I would be fighting. I'm a warrior." Ishka said shivering at the possibility of more battles.
"R2 and I will remain here as well. We'll help hold down the fort." C-3PO offered.
"No, we'll need you but you can remain in the hanger bay," Ahsoka said.
"Oh, dear," C-3PO fretted.
Detention Block, later
"What are you four doing here and who is this?" The male Imperial Officer who was on duty asked.
"Prisoner transfer," One of the Stroomtroopers replied.
"I wasn't informed of any such transfer let all own that a Wookiee was onboard the station. Show me your orders?" The Imperial Officer insisted.
Without warning, the Stormtroopers opened fired on the eight Navy Troopers who were guarding this section of the deletion block. Chewie broke free from his unlocked handcuffs and clubbed the officer. The entire episode was over in under ten seconds.
"Captain Riker, Commander Troi, are you alright?" Luke asked taking off his helmet as the others save for Han did likewise. He, Leia, and Sabine rushed over to the two occupied cells.
"We came back as soon as we could," Sabine said.
"Where are the others?" Leia asked.
"Shipped off to prison camps I think. They left us here because we are considered 'high-value detainees'." Troi said explained. Both she and her husband were heavily bruised and their skin was burnt in places. They had been severely tortured for information.
"Except for Commander Data. They labeled him an "advanced droid" and sent him to some secret R&D facility. One of my interrogators let it slip it was the same place where they used to make clone soldiers for the Empire " Riker explained. Riker's words meant nothing to the youngsters, Han, or Chewie only Obi-wan or Ahsoka would have registered their significance.
"Can either of you walk?" Luke asked now that the cell forcefields were deactivated.
"I'm not sure. I don't think so." Troi said.
"I can't, not with assistance," Riker said trying to get up from the benching and falling back down.
"Those barbarians," Leia said.
"We'll get you fixed up," Han said removing his helmet.
"Who is your friend?" Troi asked.
"Captain Han Solo of the Millennium Falcon at your service, ma'am," Han said shooting Troi his trademarked lopsided grin.
"Only if you pay he is," Leia said.
"Hey, a guy has to make a living," Han said. "Let's hope beard-oh and the Togruta chick disabled the tractor beam or we aren't going anywhere."
"That 'Beard-oh' is my dad." Sabine snapped.
"And my master," Luke said.
"And that 'Togruta chick' is my master," Leia said.
"Wow, sorry, I didn't realize you're all so sensitive," Han said earning him glares from Leia, Luke, and Sabine.
With Riker and Troi in tow, the group left the detention block. After almost being detected by a battalion of Stormtroopers and one fall into a garbage disposal unit later, during which Luke and Riker were nearly drowned by a squid type creature. Thankful R2-D2 and 3-CP0 (mostly R2) saved them from being crushed by the trash compacter via a skillful system hack. They made it back to the cargo bay after having to swing across a chasm.
"Wonderful, more Stormtroopers," Leia said. A new group of the white armored goons was standing directly between them and the Falcon.
"3-CPO, you and R2-D2 you need to provide a distraction. Lead these Stormtroopers away." Leia said into her communicator.
"May I ask how we are to accomplish the desired task, mistress Leia?" C-3PO asked.
"I'm sure you'll think of something." Leia hissed. C-3PO grated on her nerves at times.
Adjacent Hallway, ten minutes ago
Obi-wan and Ahsoka were racing back to the Falcon after disabling the tractor beam generator complex when they froze in their tracks. "Do you feel it?" Ahsoka asked.
"Suffocating heat, all-consuming hatred, a building supernova of the Dark Side ready to explode at any moment," Obi-wan said.
There between them and the distant hanger bay side corridor storm a towering shadow, Darth Vader. Vader drew his lightsaber and ignited it. "Welcome Jedi, to my Empire. It is only fitting that you Obi-wan and you Ahsoka Tano should bear witness to the ultimate triumph of Darth Vader, heir to the Sith Legacy." Vader said standing perfectly still. Obi-wan drew and ignited his lightsaber while Ahsoka did the same with her lightsabers. "Our long-awaited reunion has come at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but the student now I am the true master of the Force. Behold my power and despair." Vader moved forward closing the distance between them until he stood but a meter (or three feet) away.
"You are only a master of evil, Darth," Obi-wan said.
"A Sith perceives the true nature of the Force as much as a utensil perceives the taste of food," Ahsoka said.
Their cutting remarks elected an immediate and dramatic response. Vader charged in swinging his crimson blade wildly first at one then at the other. His ferocity and speed were unprecedented. Despite having the numbers advantage Ahsoka and Obi-wan could hardly defend themselves. Vader's chaotic application of Juyo was beyond any previously recorded in the annals of the Jedi. Amid this ceaseless onslaught, Vader switched his lightsaber from one hand to the other further befuddling his foes. The corridor walls and floor were left with deep molten gouges from four swirling lightsabers.
"Your powers have grown weak. I doubt either of you is a challenge for me." Vader taunted.
"Prove it," Ahsoka said breaking a saber lock with Vader.
Vader used the close proximity to brutally kick Ahsoka in her torso with his right leg. His durasteel boot cracked three of her ribs. Ahsoka doubled over in agony. Vader approached her ready for the killing blow.
"Farewell, Snips," Vader said
Vader raised his blade high overhead. He brought it down with terrible force but by then Obi-wan had positioned himself between Vader and Ahsoka. Obi-wan blinked sweat out of his eyes. His entire body strained as he tried to hold back Vader.
Rallying Ahsoka jumped up and spring-boarded off Obi-wan's shoulders. She spun around hoping to decapitate Vader. Vader sensed her attack coming and captured her in midair with the Force. He rag-dolled Ahsoka ping-ponging her off the walls until she was barely conscious. Vader then violently propelled Ahsoka nearly out of sight down the long hallway.
Obi-wan somehow broke the saber lock. Stepping aside he continued the duel with Vader. Their duel continued for many minutes down the corridor until they reached the cargo bay entrance where Ahsoka lay. Obi-wan glanced through into the cargo bat. He saw his daughter, his students, and his friends. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ahsoka struggling back to her feet her lightsabers ready. Dark blue blood trickled from her swollen mouth. Her body was battered, bruised and cut. She wobbled unsteadily on her feet. Sabine, Luke & Leia ran towards the door as did a group of Stormtroopers. There was no way he could defeat Vader, fend off the Stormtroopers, and keep everyone safe. Obi-wan knew in that moment he had to make a choice perhaps the most important choice of his life.
Using every bit of the Force he had left. Obi-wan hoisted up and threw Ashoka over the heads of the Stormtroopers while pulling them inside. "If you strike me down Vader I will become more powerful than you could imagine," Obi-wan said as he slowly used his waning influence over the Force to push the cargo bay doors closed.
"Your attempts to confuse me with your Jedi philosophy won't save you, Obi-wan. I've grown beyond your feeble ideas. Now you will die!" Vader said.
Obi-wan raised his guard. And closed his eyes. 'I love you Satine, Sabine, Luke, Leia, my family, and all our wonderful friends, the Jedi Council, the peoples of our new home. Know that I take this action in your name because there is no other way. May the Force protect you, always.' Obi-wan thought, making peace with the Force.
As the others watched with mounting horror and disbelief Vader's red blade cut through Obi-wan's form. But for those who watched especially closely, a strange thing occurred. Instead of Obi-wan's dead body hitting the floor his empty robes fluttered onto it. This was cold comfort to his loved ones in attendance, however. Vader poked the empty robes with his boot them with the tip of his lightsaber
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Luke cried followed almost instantly by Sabine who had to be physically restrained by Leia and then Luke once he recovered from the initial shock.
"We have to get out of here now, or we won't at all!" Han said shooting the door controls effectively locking the Stormtroopers and Vader outside the hanger bay. Han helped Ahsoka to her feet and into the Falcon while Chewbacca helped Riker and Troi inside.
Main Bridge, a short time later
"I trust this will work, Lord Vader. We are taking a terrible risk allowing them to escape with the plans." Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin said when Vader entered accompanied by two Red Royal Guards.
"I have no doubt these miscreants will lead us directly to the Rebel base we have been searching for," Vader said. "Is the subspace tracking beacon I had placed on their vessel functioning properly?"
"It is, we are receiving the signal loud and clear, my lord." A female technician reported from her station.
"Excellent, the end of the so-called Rebel Alliance fast approaches," Vader said. He turned to Tarkin. "Is the superlaser fully charged, Grand Moff Tarkin?"
"It will be within roughly four hours, Lord Vader," Tarkin reported.
"Follow the signal," Vader commanded.
"At once, my lord," A male technician said engaging the hyperdrive.
Millennium Falcon in Deep Space
"Where are we going?" Han asked his demoralized passengers but none had an immediate answer. Sabine stared into space while Luke sat next to his friend who rebuffed any attempt he made to comfort her. "Look, I know you are grieving but we're sitting ducks out here if that battle station comes after us again."
"Yavin IV," Ahsoka said softly.
"Yavin IV, why there?" Han asked.
"Because a friend told me it is where we need to be right now. We'll find the purpose we are lacking on Yavin," Ahsoka said.
"May I ask who this friend is?" Han said skeptically. He had not seen Ahsoka use a communicator maybe she had done so while on the battle station?
"Qui-Gon Jinn," Ahsoka said.
Up Next – The Battle of Yavin and its aftermath as "A New Hope" concludes.
To Be Continued
Author's Note -
It was hard to say goodbye to Obi-wan but necessary for the plot to properly move forward. Additionally, I did not want to mess too much with such an iconic confrontation. His tragic death will give everyone needed motivation, especially Luke and Sabine (unlike idealistic Leia they've been lukewarm about adding the Rebellion). Still, I shed a tear when I wrote that scene.
