Wow, I got a lot of reviews last chapter. Then again, it does have to do with the fact that we are entering the events of the first movie that started the best Space Opera series of all time, in my and many others' opinions. Things are just getting started and trust me when I say that things are going to be epic with these chapters. I'll also be posting a new poll on my profile soon in regard to a certain event in Volume 6.
Side note: STAR WARS RULES AND ANYONE WHO SAYS IT SUCKS CAN LET ME KICK THEIR ASSES AND THEIR NUTS! IT'S NOT JUST A SERIES, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE! Sorry, big time Star Wars fan ever since I can remember.
Now, let's stop the rambling and get onto the reviews.
Sorarocks531: I'd figured I would bring in that armor, since Red Vs Blue is also owned by Rooster Teeth and uses Halo. I love that armor, really makes a super soldier, plus I think it might have inspired the Katarn-Class Armor's shielding.
Monster King: Thanks.
54godamora: I was playing the theme myself and love the original trilogy myself, especially the dogfights. Probably already told you, but George Lucas took a look at WW2 dogfights.
BlindFaunusGirl: I didn't want Pyrrha to be captured, so I had her disguise herself as a Stormtrooper for that reason. Plus, it will really come in handy when her friends arrive at the Death Star. Jaune will get some extra training from Obi-Wan when it comes to the force, and I have plans for Jaune to honor the Jedi Master. As for Biggs, I've been thinking about that all the time when I reached this part in my head.
Infinity Prime: Thanks man, I hope you continue to read this story.
Dinosaur Imperial Soldier: Biggs won't be dying.
Luffy L Deathwalker: Didn't you read the part about Pyrrha getting a little training on how to mask herself by Plo?
42: Yep, I saw it.
Jack Smith1: 'bout time I heard from you again. I've been wondering if you lost interest in this story. Now as for some of the stories focusing on the clones, I think I can squeeze a chapter or two for the clones when I reach Volume 6, maybe even Volume 7. And yes, Ruby and co are lucky they didn't fight in the Clone War or encounter the likes of Grievous.
Spartan-626: I am sad to say I have that planned out and it will be hard for the Commander.
SunPhoenix90: That's a nice lightsaber you came up with.
Alright enough of the reviews, let's get on with the movie.
Disclaimers are the same as always. Please enjoy.
Chapter 78: A New Hope: Part 2
When they returned to Obi-Wans hut, Luke began to work on repairing Threepio's damaged arm while Obi-Wan told him about his father. Needless to say, Luke was skeptical about these claims. "No, my father didn't fight in the wars, he was a navigator on a spice freighter." Luke said.
"That's what your uncle told you. He didn't always hold your fathers' ideals and thought he shouldn't have gotten involved." Obi-Wan responded.
"You fought in the Clone Wars?" Luke asked.
"Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight the same as your father and Cody here was my second in command of my legion."
"Legion?" Luke questioned.
"To tell you the truth, I'm a Clone of a Mandalorian Bounty Hunter by the name of Jango Fett and fought by Kenobi's side for years. I was the leader of the 7th Sky Corps, sometimes taking command of the 212th Attack Battalion and I take no nonsense." Cody answered and let out a sigh. "Things were different then. Just us troopers and the Jedi standing between Grievous and his droids and the rest of the universe. I fought everywhere. From Kamino to Tatooine. Rodia to Coruscant. I saw worlds fall. And I learned much from the Jedi. Your father, Kenobi and your fathers Padawan, Ahsoka Tano. We stood together against everything they threw at us. We were heroes."
"Ahsoka Tano?"
"Your fathers Padawan. She was a good student and great friend of your fathers." Galen answered.
"I wish I knew him." Luke sighed.
"He was the best star pilot in the galaxy and a cunning warrior. I understand you've become quite the pilot yourself, Luke." Obi-Wan complimented. "And he was a good friend. Which reminds me, I have something for you."
The old Jedi then stood up and walked towards a chest which he then opened. "Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn't allow it. He feared that you would follow old Obi-Wan on some damn-fool idealistic crusade." He said.
"Sir if you don't need me right now, I'd like to shut down for a while." Threepio requested, a request that Luke was more than able to oblige the golden protocol droid who powered down.
Luke walked towards Obi-Wan while Ruby, Jaune, Cody and Galen turned in the direction. "What is it?" Luke asked.
"Your fathers, lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster." Obi-Wan began as Luke ignited the weapons blue blade which hummed brightly in his hand. "For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire." He added.
Luke turned off his father's weapon and sat down next to Obi-Wan. "How did my father die?"
Ruby, Galen, Cody and Jaune looked at each other nervously. How would they be able to tell Luke that his father was still alive and a Sith Lord? They didn't have to answer when Obi-Wan beat them to after swallowing hard to answer a painful question. "A young Jedi by the name of Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. He betrayed and murdered your father." He explained, getting the other four to sigh with relief. "Now the Jedi are all but extinct. Vader was seduced by the Dark Side of the force."
"The Force?" Luke questioned.
"The Force is what gives a Jedi their power. It's an energy field surrounding all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together." Obi-Wan explained.
"It's really cool. You can pick up rocks with your mind and throw them at your enemies, blast away rubble and pull-down walls! It's so awesome!" Ruby squealed excitedly, getting a chuckle from Obi-Wan who remembered several younglings who thought the same thing when they were young.
"But if the Jedi had the Force, how did the Empire kill all the Jedi?" Luke asked.
"Its mostly my fault." Cody stated. "Well, not my fault entirely but the fault of me and my brothers. We clones were implanted with an inhibitor chip that installed total obedience into us, essentially turning us into living droids. According to the people who created us, they were installed into our growth cycle and the purpose of them was to limit our aggression, as in our host, Jango Fett. In truth, the chips were the tool the Emperor needed to wipe out the Jedi order. One my brothers learned the truth and almost died before he could reveal the truth. Luckily for him, another of our brothers saved his life and began to remove the chips from us, but we were too little too late." He explained, remembering the moment when Order 66 was issued.
"I'm sorry, Commander." Luke said.
Artoo beeped, getting Obi-Wans attention. "Now, let's see if we can't figure out what you are, my little friend and where you come from." Obi-Wan said to the droid. Unlike when Luke saw part of the message while cleaning Artoo, the silver and blue droid played the entire message for Obi-Wan.
The holographic image of Leia herself appeared before them. "General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to make this request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I'm afraid that my mission to bring you to Alderann has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must ensure that this droid is safely delivered to him on Alderann. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope." Leia said before her form vanished from view.
Obi-Wan put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment before he turned to Luke. "You must learn the ways of the Force as well if you're to come with me to Alderaan." Obi-Wan said to the boy.
"Alderaan? I'm not going to Alderaan. I've got to get home, I'm late enough as it is." Luke declared.
"I need your help, Luke. She needs your help. I'm getting too old for this. And there's only so much that Galen and his friends can do on their own." Obi-Wan said.
Luke looked at Obi-Wan and the others before he spoke again. "Listen, I can't get involved. I got work to do. It's not that I like the Empire, I hate it. But there's nothing I can do about, it's a long way from here." He protested.
"That's your uncle talking." Obi-Wan told the boy.
"My uncle. How am I ever going to explain this to him?" Luke groaned.
"Learn about the ways of the Force." Obi-Wan insisted.
Luke was silent once more before he spoke again. "Look, I can take you all as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport to Mos Eisley or wherever it is your going." He insisted.
"You must do what you think is right." Obi-Wan replied.
Galen however had something else in mind. "Look, Luke. I can already tell by looking at you that you're not meant to be a moisture farmer or someone who lives amongst the sands of this planet. You're in control of your own destiny and you're the son of Anakin Skywalker, the best pilot in the galaxy and one of the bravest Jedi Knights ever known. So, you have two choices, stay here on Tatooine or become a part of something greater. The choice is yours."
Luke looked at Galen and began to think.
Meanwhile, thousands of lightyears away a massive space station traveled through the blackness of space. The now completed Death Star, the Empire's newest superweapon built to enforce law and order through out the galaxy with the threat of its devastating firepower which was greater than half the imperial fleet.
Inside the massive space station, High Imperial General Cassio Tagge and Admiral Conan Antonio Motti were arguing while Colonel Wulf Yularen listened to their argument annoyed. "Until this battle station is operational, we are vulnerable. The Rebel Alliance is too well equipped. They are more dangerous then you realize, especially with the clones and Jedi that survived the fall of the Republic." Tagge argued.
"Dangerous to your Starfleet, Commander, not this battle station, even if they have support of some old and whittered clones and Jedi." Motti responded.
"The Rebellion will continue to gain support within the Imperial Senate…" Tagge began before Vader entered the conference room, along with Wiluf Tarkin, Governor of the Outer Rim and the man who tried to execute Ahsoka Tano for a crime she didn't commit.
"The Imperial Senate is no longer of any concern to us. I've just received word that Emperor has dissolved the council permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away." Tarkin announced.
"That's impossible. How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?" Tagge asked.
"The regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station." Tarkin answered.
"I highly doubt that fear will stop the Galm and Garuda Teams." Yularen pointed out. The others looked to him curiously. "Those two teams have a high success rate when it comes to attacking military targets even if the targets are heavily defended."
"They are from a back water planet and are hardly any concern." Tarkin scoffed.
"And what of the rebellion? If the rebels have obtained a complete technical readout of this station, it is possible, however unlikely, that they might find a weakness and exploit it." Tagge said.
"The plans you refer too will soon be back in our possession." Vader assured.
"Any attack made by the Rebels against this station would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they've acquired. This station is now the ultimate power in the universe. I suggest we use it." Motti waved off.
"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've created. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant, next to the power of the force." Vader said to the Admiral.
"Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer ways, Lord Vader. Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes or given you clairvoyance enough to the location of the Rebels hidden fortress…" the Admiral continued before Vader walked over and raised his hand, using the force to choke him.
"I find your lack of faith disturbing." Vader said to the Admiral.
"Enough of this! Vader, release him!" Tarkin firmly demanded.
"As you wish." Vader replied before releasing his grip around Motti's neck who gasped for breath.
"This bickering is pointless. Now Lord Vader will provide us the location of the Rebel base by the time this station is fully operational. We shall then crush the rebellion with one swift stroke." Tarkin said to those gathered in the conference room.
With that, the meeting was adjourned, leaving only Colonel Yularen alone in the room. The colonel was deep in thought as he looked over the information gathered from the survivors of the Battle of Remnant. After action reports indicated that clone troopers from the 501st, 212th, 104th, 327th, Galactic Marines, 332nd, Muunilinst 10, 91st, several clone commando's and an experimental unit of clones were listed among the forces that fought for the planet, along with several Jedi that he knew the names of, one in particular stood out from the others, Ahsoka Tano.
He remembered when the Padawan was accused of treason and while he didn't hold a great fondness of the Jedi during the war, he knew from working with her that she innocent and constantly butted heads with Tarkin for his attempt to execute her for the crime she didn't commit, especially when it was revealed that it was another Jedi who was responsible for the bombing.
Though his fondness of the Jedi didn't change, he didn't think that they deserved to be executed for a crime he found to be very unlikely for them to commit. Then there was Tarkin, his quickness to accuse Skywalkers former padawan and willingness to execute the girl was, in his opinion was concerning, along with the Moff's other actions like when he landed his ship on peaceful protestors on the planet Ghorman. The Colonel gave a sigh before he got up from his seat, was the Empire worth all these actions? Were the rebels right in their cause? Was he wrong in serving the Empire? These questions began to plague the colonel's mind, especially the words he received when he contacted Garuda 2 about a month ago.
While the Colonel pondered his thoughts, Vader decided to attend to their 'special guest'. Accompanied by two Death Star troopers, Vader strode into the detention block and entered Leia's cell. "And, now Your Highness, we will discuss the location of your hidden rebel base." Vader announced as an IT-0 interrogator droid hovered into the room.
Leia looked in fear as the droid hovered and gave off a steady beeping as it approached her, and she eyed the large hypodermic needle in its mechanical arm. The door to her cell soon slid shut and her muffled screams were silenced as the interrogation of the rebel princess had begun.
Back on Tatooine, Luke, Obi-Wan, the droids, Galen, Ruby, Jaune and Cody were riding through the desert back towards Anchorhead where Luke planned to drop the group off so they could find a transport to Mos Eisley and find a ship to take them to Alderaan. They were even able to pick up the XP-38's that they had abandoned which surprisingly were in still good condition as if the Sand People didn't even bother to loot them. Luke was able to get the speeders back up and running so they could continue their journey.
They came to a stop when they came upon a Sand Crawler that was completely destroyed and the Jawas that owned it were all dead. "It looks like the Sand People did this alright. Look there's gaffi sticks, bantha tracks. It's just, I've never heard of them hitting anything this big before." Luke said, noticing the items laid across the ground.
"They didn't, but we are meant to think they did. These tracks are laid side-by-side. Sand People always ride single file to conceal their numbers." Obi-Wan explained.
"These are the same Jawas that sold us R2 and 3P0." Luke realized.
"And these blast points, too accurate for Sand People. Only Imperial Stormtroopers are so precise." Obi-Wan added.
"But why would imperial troops want to slaughter Jawas?" Luke asked before his eyes came on Artoo and Threepio along with a terrible thought. "If they traced the robots here, they must have figured out who they sold them to, and that would lead them back… home!" he exclaimed and ran towards his speeder.
"No wait Luke! It's too dangerous!" Obi-Wan protested but was unable to stop the boy from leaving for his home, leaving the others behind except for Ruby who had already jumped into his speeder.
When the two returned to the homestead, they found it completely destroyed and smoking. "Uncle Owen! Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen!" Luke called out before he spotted the skeletal and smoldering remains of his aunt and uncle, as did Ruby who could only look away in horror at the sight she gazed upon.
"I'm sorry, Luke." Ruby told the boy who walked back to his speeder and returned to the Sand Crawler with Ruby after they buried his aunt and uncle. When they returned, they found that the Jawas were also laid to rest in a funeral pyre. Galen noticed Ruby's face while Obi-Wan comforted Luke.
"There's nothing you could have done, Luke. You would have been killed too and the droids would now be in the hands of the Empire." Obi-Wan told the boy.
"This is what the Empire does." Galen said. "They rule through fear and anyone they think is supporting the rebellion is made an example of. What happened to your aunt and uncle, yes it was terrible, but this is what happens all the time and will continue to happen unless we stop the Empire."
Luke raised his head before he looked into Obi-Wans eyes. "I want to come with you to Alderaan. There's nothing for me here now. I want to learn the ways of the force and become a Jedi like my father before me." He stated.
Obi-Wan and Galen smiled before the group climbed back into their speeders and continued through the desert until they came to a stop on a cliff overlooking a familiar settlement that Galen had been too before. "Mos Eisley spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious." Obi-Wan told the group before they climbed back into the speeders and drove through the town.
They didn't get very far before they were stopped by an imperial checkpoint. "How long have you had these droids?" one of the Stormtroopers asked Luke.
"About three or four seasons." Luke answered.
"They're up for sale if you want them." Obi-Wan offered, surprising Jaune but Cody put his hand on his shoulder to keep the blonde knight from doing something foolish.
"Let me see your identification." The commander ordered.
"You don't need to see their identification." Obi-Wan instructed the trooper with a wave of his hand.
"We don't need to see their identification." The trooper repeated.
"These aren't the droids you're looking for." Obi-Wan said with a wave of his hand again.
"These aren't the droids we're looking for." The trooper repeated again.
"They can go about their business." The old Jedi told the trooper with another wave of his hand.
"You can go about your business." The trooper repeated once more before he ushered the three speeders to move from the checkpoint and continued their way through the settlement, with Ruby and Jaune letting out a sigh of relief.
The three speeders came to a stop outside a rundown looking Cantina, one that Galen and Ruby knew well from their last visit to Tatooine a year ago. As Luke chased away a Jawa that was fondling their speeder, the ex-farmhand turned to Obi-Wan. "I can't understand how we got by those troops, I thought we were dead." Luke admitted.
"So did I." Jaune admitted as well.
"The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded." Obi-Wan told them.
"Yeah, you could probably make someone throw themselves out a window if they think they're surrounded by enemies." Ruby added. "Just saying." She added.
Luke looked around the cantina and voice his doubts. "Are you sure we're gonna find a pilot who will take us all the way to Alderaan?"
"Most of the best freighter pilots are found here, only watch your step. This place can be a little rough." Obi-Wan warned the young Skywalker.
"I'm ready for anything." Luke said confidently.
"Let's just focus on find a way of world, first." Cody remined the boy and walked into the cantina, followed by Jaune, Ruby, Galen and the droids. The cantina was abuzz with activity as aliens of various species mingled with one another, had a drink or listened to the band.
Luke stepped into the cantina and looked around for the others when the bartender called out to him. "Hey! We don't serve their kind here."
"What?" Luke questioned.
"Your droids! They'll have to wait outside; we don't want any trouble." The bartender declared. Threepio agreed when Luke suggested that he and Artoo wait by the speeder. While the droids headed back outside, Luke walked over to where Obi-Wan and the others were and took a seat next to them.
"Don't let your guard down here, Luke. I was here a long time ago and from my experience, it's best to stay on your toes." Galen told Luke. He was right when a rather drunk Aqualish by the name of Ponda Baba growled at Luke who ignored him.
His companion, the disfigured sociopath and surgeon named Cornelius Evazan got Luke's attention. "He doesn't like you."
"Sorry." Luke told the man, but the man still tried to bully him into a fight.
"I don't like you, either. You just watch yourself. We're wanted men. I have the death sentence in twelve systems." Cornelius boasted as if he was proud of his work.
"I'll be careful." Luke replied, but Cornelius grabbed him by the shirt.
"You'll be dead!" the doctor growled.
"Hey! Back off!" Ruby practically shouted. "He did nothing to you, so beat it!"
"Stay out of this girl!" Cornelius snarled and shoved Ruby to the ground. Galen was about to react when Obi-Wan stepped in.
"These little ones aren't worth your effort. Come let me get you something to drink." Obi-Wan said trying to ease the situation.
Cornelius however shoved Luke to the ground while his partner pulled out his blaster. "No blasters! No blasters!" the bartender shouted as Obi-Wan drew his lightsaber, slicing Baba's arm off and wounding him while killing the doctor.
The mood of the Cantina patrons soon returned to normal as Obi-Wan helped Luke back to his feet, as did Galen with Ruby. "Chewbacca here is first mate on a ship that might suit our needs." He told the group, gesturing to the Wookie he was talking to earlier, who led them to a table where a man of twenty-nine with hazel eyes and brown hair sat. The mans attire consisted of a long-sleeved white t-shirt, leather belt, black vest, black pants and boots sat with a calm demeanor.
"Han Solo. I'm captain of the Millennium Falcon. Chewie here tells me you're looking for passage to the Alderaan system." The man introduced himself.
"Yes indeed, if it's a fast ship." Obi-Wan corrected.
"Fast ship?" Han asked, sounding offended. "You've never heard of the Millennium Falcon."
"Should I have?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. I've outrun imperial starships. Not the local bulk cruisers, mind you. I'm talking about the big Corellian ships now. Is that fast enough for you?" Han explained.
"That's fast enough." Jaune replied.
"Glad it appeals to someone." Han muttered to himself before turning back to Obi-Wan. "So what's the cargo?"
"Only passengers… myself, the boys, the girl, the man in clone armor, two droids and no questions asked." Obi-Wan answered.
"What is it, some kind of local trouble?" Han asked.
"Let's just say we're hoping to avoid any imperial entanglements." Obi-Wan told the smuggler.
"Well, that's the real trick, isn't it? And it's gonna cost you something extra. 10,000. All in advance." Han said, giving his price to the group.
"10,000? We could almost buy are own ship with that!" Luke exclaimed.
"And who's going to fly it, kid? You? The runt?" Han asked.
"Hey!" Ruby exclaimed.
"You bet I could. I'm not such a bad pilot myself. Come on, we don't have to sit here and listen to this." Luke replied and stood up, but Obi-Wan stopped him and renegotiated the terms.
"We'll pay your 2,000 now. Plus 15 when we reach Alderaan." Obi-Wan said.
Han did the math. "Seventeen, huh? Alright, you guys got yourselves a ship. We'll leave as soon as your ready. Docking Bay ninety-four." Han told the group. He then noticed the stormtroopers entering the cantina, no doubt investigating the reports about the fight from earlier. "Looks like someone's taken an interest in your handiwork." He noted, but the group was able to make a quick exit before the troopers even noticed.
He then turned to his Wookie companion. "17,000! Those guys must be really desperate. This could really save my neck! Get back to the ship, get her ready." He instructed the Wookie who got up the moment he could.
However, before Han could leave the cantina, he found himself facing the blaster of a certain Rodian bounty hunter. 'Going somewhere, Solo?' the Rodian asked in their native language.
"Yes, Greedo. As a matter of fact, I was just about to go meet your boss. Tell Jabba that I've got his money." Han told the Rodian as he sat back down in the booth with Greedo still pointing his blaster at him.
'It's too late. You should have paid him when you had the chance. Jabba's put a price on your head so large, every bounty hunter in the galaxy will be looking for you. I'm lucky I found you first.' Greedo bragged but Han wasn't worried in the slightest.
"Yeah, but this time, I've got the money." Han assured the bounty hunter.
"If you give it to me, I might forget I found you." Greedo suggested.
"I don't have it with me. Tell Jabba…" Han clarified, reaching for his blaster.
'Jabba's through with you. He has no time for smugglers who drop their shipments at the first sign of an Imperial Cruiser.' Greedo told the smuggler.
"Even I get boarded sometimes. Do you think I had a choice?" Han rebuked, pulling his blaster out of his holster as he kept Greedo talking.
'You can tell that to Jabba. He may only take your ship.' The Rodian threatened.
"Over my dead body." Han threatened back.
'That's the idea. I've been looking forward to this for some time.' Greedo said.
"Yes, I'll bet you have." Han rebuffed before he fired his blaster at Greedo, killing him with a single shot and the body of the bounty hunter fell onto the table. The shot disturbed the other patrons, but being as it was Tatooine, things like what had occurred were commonplace. Han got up, walked from the booth and left the Cantina. "Sorry about the mess." He said to the bartender, throwing a few credits their way.
And the second chapter of A New Hope has been finished. We got introduced to Han and Chewie this chapter, but there wasn't any action. That will change soon. I promise you that much, especially with the Death Star coming into the story.
Speaking of which, I just posted a new Poll on my profile for a certain event that happens in Volume 6. Please cast your votes for the poll.
Now onto SilverFox3456's review: I remember Jyn and Caesus and I agree, if they did make it off planet, they would have made excellent Rebel Commanders, hell she would probably even impress Rex, Wolfe and maybe even the Bad Batch. Now as for Biggs surviving, I'll make his fate a surprise until I reach the Battle of Yavin.
Until then, read and review.