Dawn of the Empire
Chapter Two: Leaving Tatooine
Tatooine
Harry and Obi-Wan walk across the trackless desert towards the moisture farm of Owen and Beru Lars.
Harry, or Revan, walks towards the moisture farm.
The Mandalorian mask mainly was hidden by the hood Revan had over the helmet to ensure he had an appearance to Revan of old.
They approach the farm seeing some teenagers were sitting on one of the buildings.
Revan and Obi-Wan patiently waited outside the home when Owen Lars came out, looking disturbed by Obi-Wan's appearance.
"What are you doing here?" Owen Lars demands as politely as he can.
"We are here for Luke," says Obi-Wan.
"I told you to stay away," says Owen Lars.
"We're taking Luke Skywalker with us," says Revan.
"You're not taking him anywhere," says Owen Lars.
"You knew this day was coming," says Revan.
"What's going on?" says one of the teens walking forward.
Luke's friends follow to see what's going on.
"Nothing, they were just leaving," says Owen Lars.
"We've come to collect Luke," says Obi-Wan kindly.
"Ben? What do you want with me?" asks Luke.
"We're taking you off-world," says Obi-Wan.
"Ben?" repeats Revan in surprise.
"The name I've been going by since I've been on Tatooine," says Obi-Wan.
"Look, I told you to stay away…" began Owen Lars.
"An imperial transport is coming," says Revan.
"Imperials?" says Owen Lars.
"Speeders?" says Luke.
"It's an Imperial Troop Transport," says Revan.
"Where?" says Owen.
"Heading from the southwest," says Revan turning to face the open dune sea.
No one seemed to have believed him, but a few moments later, a K79-S80 Imperial Troop Transport appeared over the horizon before it slowly stopped in front of them.
Four stormtroopers, followed by an Imperial Lieutenant. Steps out and approach the group.
"Imperial license and registration," says the Lieutenant.
"Can I ask what this is about?" says one of Luke's friends.
"That's none of your concern," says the Lieutenant.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist, Lieutenant Briggs Darklighter. Imperial ID GJ-49-8."
Briggs hands his imperial id to the Lieutenant as the Lieutenant looks at it carefully.
"It appears to be in order. This is a routine inspection if you must know Lieutenant," says the Lieutenant.
"Clearly, you aren't valued if you're being sent to the middle of nowhere for nothing," says Revan.
"Quiet bounty hunter. I'll deal with you in a moment," snaps the Lieutenant.
"I'm not a Bounty Hunter," says Revan.
"Oh, then what are you? A smuggler? Or a hitman?" sneers the Lieutenant.
"I'm a Jedi," says Revan.
"A Jedi,…" scuffs the Lieutenant before his eyes went wide in alarm.
Revan ignites Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber. Pointing the tip inches off the Lieutenants face.
"Must you be so aggressive?" says Obi-Wan.
"We needed a ride to a spaceport. Now we got an Imperial Transport for a ride. We don't need the Stormtroopers," says Revan.
Obi-Wan shakes his head in amusement.
"Call in reinforcements," shouts the Lieutenant.
"We are not your enemies," says Revan.
The Stormtroopers who had raised their blasters paused before they lowered their blasters.
"You're not our enemies," says one of the stormtroopers.
"You are relieved to see us," says Revan.
"Thank goodness you are here," says the first trooper.
"Welcome," says the second.
Everyone was looking at Revan in surprise. Unsure of what trickery was going on.
"Drop your weapons," says Revan.
The stormtroopers did so without question.
"Pilots step out," says Revan.
The two pilots open the side door and step out and approach Revan.
"You all have done great service to the Empire. He now commands you to carry out one more duty. You are to walk across the Dune Sea until you can't walk anymore," says Revan.
"We will walk across the Dune Sea until we can't walk anymore," the Imperials repeats in a union.
They turn and start walking, leaving behind their comms and weapons. Revan stood there, watching them disappear into the Dune Sea.
"Shouldn't you have been more subtle?" says Obi-Wan.
Revan turns off the lightsaber and turns to face Owen Lars.
Revan flips the lightsaber in his hands and holds it outright.
"What did you do?" demanded Briggs Darklighter.
"They will walk to their deaths," says Revan.
"How did you do that?" demanded Briggs.
"I told you, I'm a Jedi. I am here for Luke. It's time for him to receive the training of a Jedi like his father before him," says Revan.
"No, my father was a navigator on a spice freighter," says Luke.
Revan turns and looks at Owen Lars.
"Understandable. That's what you're uncle told you. He didn't respect your father's ideals. He thought he should have stayed here and not gotten involved," says Obi-Wan.
"You fought in the Clone Wars?" says Luke.
"This is a conversation more in private, Luke," says Revan as he held the lightsaber for Luke to take.
"I can't accept that from you," says Luke.
"It's not mine to give. This is something your father left you before he died," says Revan.
"How did my father die?" asks Luke.
Revan could sense Obi-Wan's discomfort, knowing this was a conversation he's been dreading.
Obi-Wan's discomfort was nothing compared to the face Owen Lars presented.
"Your father fought during the Clone Wars. The 'Hero without Fear' fought alongside Master Kenobi during the war. A powerful Jedi. A Jedi full of ambition and pride who fought during the wars helped the Emperor hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. He's now known as Darth Vader. Vader murdered hundreds of Jedi's. Your father… was among those who fell before Vader," says Revan.
Luke says nothing as he looks off to the side, thinking about what Revan had said.
"Owens, the time has come to take Luke and train him as a Jedi," says Obi-Wan.
Owen Lars looked grim at the thought.
"Come back next year. I don't have the help this year. Next year… he can go with you," says Owens softly.
Revan shakes his head.
"I'm afraid it doesn't work that way. Once we leave, we won't come back. Luke must make the decision to come with us today… or he stays and remains here," says Revan.
Luke looks at Revan before turning to his Uncle Owen.
"Go, Luke," says a woman.
"Beru," says Owen.
"Luke can't stay here, Owen. We knew this day was coming. The day Obi-Wan would return to take Luke with him. We can't keep him here any longer," says Beru.
"The choice is yours, Luke. Be warned, you will face many hard and demanding trials if you wish to become a Jedi," says Revan.
Luke swallows the lump in his throat, unsure of his fate.
He wanted to leave, but he didn't want to abandon his aunt and uncle. He turns to face his aunt, asking that silent question.
"Don't worry about us, Luke. We'll get by. We always do. You will always be welcome here, but this is your path," says Beru.
Luke nods his head and turns to Obi-Wan as Revan climbs into the back, bringing the weapons and comms unit in the back.
Luke turns and says goodbye to his friends.
"You're not going to report me, are you?" Luke asks Briggs.
"Of course not, Skyboy," says Briggs with a smile.
"Aren't you coming with us, Imperial Pilot?" says Revan.
"What?" says Briggs.
"I sense your desire to leave the Empire," says Revan.
Briggs looks at Revan in surprise.
"I want to, but…" began Briggs.
"Awe… a coup is underway upon an Imperial Cruiser," says Revan.
"How do you know that?" says Briggs in surprise.
"A Jedi can sense and see things others can't," explains Obi-Wan.
"Once you have taken over the ship, head to Taris. I will arrive there in a month. Be warned, Taris is a dangerous place overrun by Rakghouls. You do not want to be bitten by one," says Revan.
Biggs looks at the two Jedi Masters and nods his head.
"Taris it is. I'll see you there," says Briggs.
With that said, Revan climbs in the Transport with Luke and Obi-Wan behind as the Transport roars with life and takes off, the moisture farm disappearing off in the distance.
"So we're going to Taris?" says Luke.
"No, we are going to Alderaan first," says Revan.
Revan places the E-11 Blaster Carbine on the weapons rack.
"Alderaan? Why Alderaan?" says Luke.
"To fight the Empire, we need allies. I have an ally on Alderaan who can help us. He can point us in the right direction. I also need a quiet place to train you," says Obi-Wan.
"Best keep that lightsaber hidden, Luke," says Revan.
"How are we going to get to Alderaan?" asks Luke.
"We are going to meet an old friend of mine who runs a smuggling operation here on Tatooine. He'll be able to get us to Alderaan," says Obi-Wan.
"Who?" asks Luke.
"His name is Saponza. A famous smuggler in the outer rim with strong contacts all over the Galaxy. He's the one who smuggled us to Tatooine when the Republic fell," says Obi-Wan.
"Us?" repeated Luke.
"You were a baby back then, Luke. So you wouldn't remember," says Revan.
Luke looks back, realizing there was so much he didn't know about his past.
"Who is driving?" asks Luke.
"I am," says Revan.
"How are you driving the transport if you're in the back?" asks Luke.
"The Force," says Revan simply.
"The Force?" Luke repeats in confusion.
"The Force is what gives the Jedi his powers. It's an energy that consists of all living things that bind the Galaxy together. Jedi's have for thousands of centuries studied the Force to learn as much as possible," says Obi-Wan.
"A Jedi can feel the Force and manipulate it to their desire," says Revan.
"If you have that kind of power, why don't you destroy the Empire?" says Luke.
Revan turns to look at Luke.
"The Force is powerful, but that doesn't make us invincible. Remember, Darth Vader is a powerful Force practitioner as well. We may have the power to use the Force, but that doesn't mean we're unbeatable. You will have to learn your limits as much as your strengths," says Revan.
"Why did you want to take me?" asks Luke.
"Because it's time to begin your training," says Revan.
"I'm also getting too old to be taking the front. I can support you where I can, but it would have been a matter of time before the Empire discovered you," says Obi-Wan.
The Imperial Transport suddenly comes to a stop.
"Why did we stop?" asks Luke.
"We're here," says Obi-Wan.
Revan stands up and opens the back door stepping out. Already he could sense dozens of blasters being pointed at him.
Obi-Wan quickly follows suit, with Luke trailing behind.
They had entered a place that had the appearance of a small spaceport in a cavern.
"Where are we?" asks Luke.
"Outlaw's Den," says Obi-Wan.
"Saponza has run this operation for over three decades. Long before the Clone Wars. If the Hutts or the Empire knew he was hidden here, they would attack him at once," says Obi-Wan.
They could see several guards walking forward with various types of Blasters.
A Nikto, holding his blaster, points it dangerously at the group.
Luke looked uneasy at the sight of so many thugs.
Revan turns and follows Obi-Wan, with Luke keeping close by.
They walk inside what appeared to be a private lounge and sit down patiently.
A Weequay was bartending and cleaning some plates and cups.
"How can I help you?" says the bartender.
"Three cups please," says Obi-Wan.
"What would you like to drink," says the Weequay.
"We brought our own," says Obi-Wan.
"We don't get many guests here these days," says the Weequay.
"Well, the suns don't set," says Obi-Wan.
A key phrase.
The Weequay paused in the middle of his cleaning.
"I'll get you the cups," says the Weequay as he turned and poured some drinks into three cups.
Obi-Wan says nothing as three cups were given to him. They turn around and sit at a booth with the cups.
Revan waves his hands as freshwater fills the cups.
"Drink," says Revan.
Obi-Wan takes his cup and drinks, feeling the refreshing cold water on his lips.
Luke looks at the cup seeing the water as if trying to comprehend Revan's strange powers.
A few moments later, a male twi'lek and human walk up to the group.
"The boss wants a word," says the human.
Obi-Wan stands up and calmly follows the pair as Revan and Luke follow.
They enter a larger building that looks more like a private residence.
They enter what appeared to be a lounge area and sit down.
A few moments later, the doors hiss open as a large man walks inside. The moment he sees Obi-Wan, he lets out a large smile.
"Obi-Wan!" shouted Saponza.
"Hello, you old pirate," says Obi-Wan as he hugged Saponza in a hug. Patting him on the back.
"What brings you in this neck of the woods? I didn't think you need any supplies for another month," says Saponza.
"We need transportation to Alderaan," says Obi-Wan.
"I have to say, you're looking younger than the last time I saw you," says Saponza.
"A little trick I learned recently," says Obi-Wan.
"Jedi business," says Saponza.
Obi-Wan nods his head.
"A ship to Alderaan. You know that's not easy. The fuel cost is rising," says Saponza.
"We have brought an Imperial Troop Transport full of weapons and anything else that's inside," says Obi-Wan.
"That's impressive, but avoiding the Empire isn't easy these days, Obi," says Saponza.
"If you make sure you get us to Alderaan, we'll pay twenty thousand upon arrival," says Obi-Wan.
"You really want to get to Alderaan," says Saponza leaning back in his seat.
"There are matters I must attend to," says Obi-Wan.
"I'm an old man Obi-Wan. I'm not young as I was during the Clone Wars. So my young protegee will take you to Alderaan," says Saponza.
Revan turns his attention to a young girl standing by the door, watching them closely.
"You've got to be kidding," says the girl.
"It's good pay!" says Saponza light-heartedly.
The girl looks at Saponza and sighs.
"I don't have the fuel to reach Alderaan," says the girl.
"We'll have to refuel at one of the local spaceports," says Revan.
"Excellent! That settles things!" says Saponza.
The girl looks at Saponza before sighing and turning to leave.
Obi-Wan gets up to follow the girl with Luke and Revan behind him.
They follow the girl towards the hanger, where a VCX-100 Light Freighter was parked.
"Corso, is the ship ready for take-off?" says the girl.
"It is Captain," says Corso.
"Wheres the closest spaceport?" asks Luke.
"Mos Eisley," says Obi-Wan.
"That place is thick with imperials," says the girl.
"We'll be fine," says Revan.
Revan climbs up the latter and heads towards the cockpit as he begins to get the ship ready to fly.
"What are you doing?" says the Captain.
"You could use a co-pilot," says Revan.
"This is Saponza's freighter," says Obi-Wan.
"My ship was stolen some time ago by a thief named Savak. I got into some trouble with Rogun the Butcher when I was making a delivery for some weapon crates. Saponza saved me and took me, trying to help me locate Savak and repay my debt to Rogun," says the Captain.
"You got a name, Captain?" says Revan.
"Captain Bria Tharen," says Bria.
"What ship did you fly?" asks Revan.
"An XS-800 Light Stock Freighter," says Bria.
"Are they good?" says Luke.
"They're one of the best freighter ships in the entire Galaxy. Very reliable. If a pilot and ship mechanic knows what they are doing, an XS-800 Stock Light Freighter can be a very nimble and powerful ship. Could take on the Imperials Arquitens-Class Commander Cruisers if configured correctly," says Revan.
Bria Tharen looks at Revan in surprise. His knowledge of spaceships, especially from Corellian Engineering Corporation, was astonishing.
"The YT-Series were modeled after the XS-Series," says Bria.
The engines roar with life as they fly low towards Mos Eisley.
"I don't see any available spaceports," says Corso.
"We'll have to land one under the Empire's," says Revan.
"Are you crazy! We'll never leave if we land there!" shouted Corso.
"Leave that to me. If anyone asks, say you've been hired for a job," says Revan.
"I don't like this, Captain," says Corso.
Bria looks at Revan at the side of her eyes.
"You better be right about this. I'll shoot you myself," says Bria.
"Make a list of anything you need," says Revan.
Bria quickly lands in the spaceport as Stormtroopers move with their blasters at the ready.
Revan gets out of the cockpit and quickly grabs a poncho, throwing it over him.
He opens the ramp and walks down the ramp to meet with the Imperial Officer.
"License and Registration," says the Imperial Officer.
"Are you in charge?" says Revan.
"I'm the one who is asking the questions here," sneers the officer.
"I'm here on important business," says Revan.
Revan hands him the stolen imperial officer identicard.
"Officer 22-87-2224, Imperial Security Bureau," says the officer. He pales slightly.
"I'm here under the direct orders of Governor Tarkin," says Revan.
"I understand, sir," says the officer snapping into attention, as does the stormtroopers.
"My orders are simple. Pick up cargo for Governor Tarkin. Refuel this ship for take-off at once. Governor Tarkin also wants his 'payments.' This is a level one priority," says Revan.
"Understood, sir! My men are at your disposal," says the officer.
"This conversation never happened, and there are to be no recordings of this, do you understand," says Revan.
"Yes, sir," says the Lieutenant.
"I will return with Governor Tarkin's cargo. I expect this ship ready for take-off with Tarkin's taxes when I return," says Revan.
Revan took off and headed into the spaceport as the Imperial Technicians refueled and repaired the ship.
Obi-Wan knew he took a page out of his playbook while observing Revan's actions.
Obi-Wan couldn't help but let out a smile.
Revan used the Force to persuade and control the officer and the stormtroopers into believing he was an actual ISB Officer.
Obi-Wan lowers the hanger ramp as the Imperials begin to load all the gold they've ransacked from the people. This was primarily used in bribes and contraband in all Imperial Outposts on Tatooine.
Revan walks the streets, not minding any of the vendors. Or the people who were walking around.
Trusting in the Force, he walked into a dealer shop known for its black market dealing.
Revan walks inside, seeing a male Nikto sitting behind the counter.
"Welcome, how may I help you?" says the Nikto.
"I need an Astromech and Protocol Droid. As well as ship parts for a VCX-100," says Revan.
"Awe, yes, we have plenty of droids and ship parts," says the Nikto.
The Nikto leads Revan outback, where he sees many scraps and parts.
"These are some of my best droids I have," the Nikto says proudly.
Revan checks the droids and sees most of the models were busted and broken down.
He spots one droid in the corner, wearing a restraining bolt on his chassis.
Revan knew from his predecessor's memories. This was an HK Unit. A lethal assassin droid capable of defeating Jedi and Sith.
"I'll take that one," says Revan.
"That one is no good. Every owner it has had died in mysterious ways," says the Nikto.
"Good, I'll take him," says Revan.
Revan knew the HK unit discretely killed its previous owners.
Revan pauses as he comes across the door sealed shut.
Revan sense lifeforms behind the door. A sense of fear and dread.
Using the Force, Revan forces open the door and sees alien women all crowded with one another. Teenagers to women in their early to mid-twenties. Humans, Twi'leks, Mirilians, Togruta's, Zabraks, and Nautolans. Wearing nothing but raggy shirts that barely offered any coverage or protection.
"I thought this door was locked," says the Nikto.
Revan says nothing feeling his anger return to his face. He remembers the times he, too, was a slave to his relatives. Force to wear hand me down too big for him. Forced to cook and clean while he was fed scraps. Force to sleep in the cupboard under the stairs. While his cousin had two rooms for himself.
"Would you like to purchase your own slave? I guarantee you will be satisfied…" says the Nikto before he grasps his throat.
The Nikto thought he had something in his throat as he tried to clear it out before realizing his windpipe was being choked by an unknown force.
The Nikto begins to claw helplessly at his throat as Revan looks at the slaves who looked down and were uncertain what was happening.
Revan couldn't leave these women to their fates. They were likely going to be sold off to Jabba the Hutt. A cruel Hutt gangster who had dozens if not hundreds of young female slaves of various species.
Revan activates the chain pulling the women to the hovercraft as he moves the Nikto inside the shed. Revan breaks Nikto's neck using the Force before sealing the door shut.
Revan had to act quickly.
Revan sense where the money is being kept and quickly grabs containers moving all the money inside. Taking everything of value and placing them inside the containers.
Revan moves to the HK unit and places him in the container.
Once he has everything, he moves outside to see an ITT nearby.
Revan again manipulates the troopers into moving the Transport for his personal use using the Force.
"Sir, ITT 7-17 reporting," says the Sergeant.
"Move the slaves and the cargo into the ship and prepare for departure," says Revan.
"Yes, sir," says the Sergeant.
They moved the women and the cargo back to the spaceport, where they came across no trouble.
The Lieutenant, clearly trying to make a good impression, had his men ready and moved the women and the cargo into the cargo hold.
"No trouble, sir," says the Lieutenant.
"Good, make sure it remains so. Governor Tarkin is concerned over certain activities of Jabba the Hutt," says Revan.
"Should we expect trouble, sir?" says the Lieutenant.
"Governor Tarkin wants you to remain vigilant, Lieutenant. Imperial Security Bureau has been watching the Hutts closely, and we suspect they made be supplying and financing rebel cells. Keep a sharp eye out, Lieutenant," says Revan.
"Yes, sir," says the Lieutenant.
Revan climbs aboard the VCX-100 as Bria Tharen takes off from the planet.
The VCX-100 clears the atmosphere before jumping into lightspeed.
"Captain! You need to see this in the cargo hold!" says Corso.
Revan enters as Bria Tharen enters, seeing dozens of women in chains seated.
"Well now, I knew I sense lifeforms but slaves Revan?" says Obi-Wan.
"What are you doing to do with them?" asks Luke.
"Nothing," says Revan.
With a click, their shock collars and chains fell off them.
"I have been a slave once before. I will never keep one or have one be a slave. I couldn't leave them," says Revan.
A young twi'lek picks up her shock collar and looks at it carefully. The realization of her freedom slowly hits her.
Revan walks past the women, opens one of the containers, and activates the HK unit.
"Statement: Running diagnostics. My systems have errors. Requiring upgrades. Statement: Hello Master, I see you have freed from the servitude of my last Master," says the HK unit.
"State your unit number," says Revan.
"Statement: HK-55, model A-5974A standing ready. Observations: my processor and combat efficiency have deteriorated over the years. I require upgrades Master," says HK-55.
"I'm shutting you down. I'm going to be installing some upgrades," says Revan.
"Statement: Understood," says HK-55.
HK-55 shuts down as Revan begins to go through the other junk pieces he collected from the dead Nikto. The Seeker Droid, droid parts of the B2 Super Battle Droid, and the BX-Command Droid.
"What will become of us?" says a Togruta.
"I'm taking you to Alderaan, where Senator Organa should be able to help you," says Revan.
"How safe are we?" asks Luke.
"We're in lightspeed. Even if the Empire can track us during the Corellian Run, they won't know where we're going. Given that the Corellian Run goes to Coruscant, where they assume we are going, they won't know for sure. We'll be passing Corellia, where thousands of VCX-100's pass through every hour. We'll be safe," says Revan.
"I'll scramble my ship signature and change its output signature," says Bria.
"Is that droid really worth it?" asks Luke.
"An HK unit is more valuable than a legion of stormtroopers," says Revan.
"I don't have any clothes for them," says Bria.
"I'll make do," says Revan.
Revan snaps his fingers as the rags on the woman turn into decent clothing.
Everyone pauses as they look at him in amazement.
"Better start your lessons," says Revan as he began to remove the tops of his containers.
Revan enters a seated position as he begins to float in place.
The pieces around him began to float around as he prepared to provide upgrades for HK-55.
Once they reached Alderaan, it would take some convincing Senator Organa to agree with Revan's plans.