Disclaimer: Star Wars and all related indica are owned by Lucasfilm Limited. Star Trek and all related indica are owned by Paramount Pictures. This a fan work done for fun, not profit.

Intermission: The Last Of The Jedi

Dagobah.

A planet so full of life, yet with no indigenous technology, nor any presence of the Empire. They had ignored the Dagobah system, for reasons known only to one of the living planet's inhabitants. For that matter, only one of the inhabitants cared.

That solitude, however, was about to be broken. A single ship appeared out of hyperspace very near to the green and brown swamp planet. An old, battered freighter, it looked like the head of some exotic insect: circular and flat with two mandibles extending from the front of the craft, and a single "eye" on the ship's starboard side.

The Millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo and Chewbacca, was as infamous in the smuggling world as its pilots. It was a Corellian YT-1300 transport, endlessly modified and upgraded by its various owners over the decades. It sported the fastest known hyperdrive engine in the galaxy, an illegal military-grade sensor dish, and enough built-in redundancies that it could outfly any other freighter even if half the ship were offline.

Much to Solo's lament, the Falcon often flew in that state. Solo, a Corellian, had been a smuggler for many years after being drummed out of the Imperial Starfleet. His co-pilot and partner, Chewbacca, was a 400-year-old Wookie from Kashyyyk whom Solo had freed from Imperial bondage. He owed a life debt to the Corellian, and they were fast friends.

Solo looked out the front viewport of the Falcon's cockpit. "That must be it, Chewie. Dagobah. Not on any of the charts."

Chewie grunted an agreement in his native language, and barked a question.

"I don't know. If this Yoda guy they're looking for is really that powerful, that'd probably explain why he was able to keep it hidden."

Chewie shook his head and muttered a response.

"Yeah," said Solo. "Gives me the creeps too."

Solo thumbed the intercom mike. "Okay guys, we're here and sure enough, there's a planet in front of us. You sure this is the place?"

"We'll be there momentarily," came the reply.

"Just leave the damn 'droids down there," muttered Solo after switching off the mike. Chewie grunted in agreement.

Seconds later, the cockpit hatch opened and in walked two men. One was quite old, with gray hair and a beard. His soft baggy eyes betrayed his immense wisdom and years of experience. His look of wisdom was enhanced by the humble, dark brown cloak he wore over a simple farmer's jumpsuit.

The other was young, in his early twenties. He had a thick mop of blonde hair and a wide, curious look in his eyes. He wore tan Alliance fatigues with no rank or service insignia on them.

Chewie turned to the new arrivals and grunted a question.

"Yes," replied the old man, "that's our destination."

The old man sat in the seat behind Solo and stroked his beard thoughtfully. The younger sat next to him behind Chewbacca.

The older man had once gone by the name Obi Wan Kenobi. He was a Jedi Master, and one of the few Jedi to survive the Great Jedi Purge decades earlier. He had settled on the remote desert planet of Tatooine, watching over his current apprentice, Luke Skywalker. Luke, the son of the powerful Jedi Anakin Skywalker, whom Kenobi had also once trained, had been eager to follow in his father's footsteps.

They had hired Solo and Chewie to take them to Alderaan and deliver a droid containing detailed plans of the Imperial superweapon, the Death Star. When they arrived at the Alderaan system, however, they found nothing but debris. Kenobi had concluded that the Empire had destroyed Alderaan, though at the time he didn't know how.

They spent the next few weeks searching for Rebellion sympathizers across the outskirts of the Empire, intending to hand over the plans to them. During that time, in order to convince Solo to help them, Skywalker and Kenobi had managed to earn enough money for Solo to pay off his debts, with interest. Solo and Chewie, on the other hand, had begun to genuinely respect the duo.

It was about that time they witnessed, firsthand, the destructive power of the Empire's ultimate weapon: they narrowly escaped the destruction of the planet Raltiir. When Solo saw just how far the Empire had gone to secure its power, he could no longer sit on the sidelines. He opted to fight the Empire as part of the Alliance, and Chewbacca, whom Solo had often considered to be his conscience, was more than happy to follow him. Shortly after they found the Rebels in the Yavin system, Solo and Chewie flew with Luke in the attack against the Death Star. In that critical battle Luke fired the two shots that, as Solo put it, were "heard 'round the galaxy". The weapon that had killed billions of people between Alderaan and Raltiir was blasted into oblivion when Luke's torpedoes destabilized and erupted its power core.

After that victory the Rebellion began to gain support across the galaxy. Solo stayed long enough to help them relocate to their new base on Hoth before leaving to pay off his debts once and for all. He'd decided that, though he'd begun to share their ideals, he would do the Rebellion little good if he were constantly being chased by bounty hunters at the same time as they fled the Empire's wrath. Once he'd paid off Jabba, he intended to return to the Rebellion and help them rally forces across the galaxy to bring an end to the Emperor's "New Order".

Luke had been training under Kenobi for nearly a year, and was becoming quite adept as a Jedi Padawan. However, Kenobi knew from experience that his ability to train Luke was limited, and decided to take his apprentice to Yoda, the ancient Jedi Master that had been his own instructor almost a lifetime ago. Solo's decision to leave was a fortunate coincidence, as he was able to convince the ex-smuggler to make a side trip and drop the two of them at Yoda's adopted home, the swamp planet of Dagobah. Solo had accepted, calling it "just like old times".

Now that they'd arrived, however, Solo couldn't help but wish he'd left before they could ask. He turned to Kenobi and said, "I'm not picking up any landing markers. Where are we supposed to put down?"

Kenobi closed his eyes and concentrated for a second. Then, he said, "Go for coordinates 38.457, 112.9208. Be careful, though. You'll probably run into some…interference."

The ship jolted suddenly as it neared their destination. The sensor readouts scrambled, and winked out. "Thanks for the warning, old man," Solo growled. Although he and Kenobi had become friends out of mutual respect, he still occasionally found himself annoyed at Kenobi's calm, cavalier attitude.

"Don't know how I let you talk me into this." Solo flipped a few switches on his scope, and said, "Chewie, cut in the auxiliary sensors."

Chewie barked an affirmative. He flipped a few switches on the auxiliary scope. It came to life for a second and then winked out again.

Solo smacked his hand against it, and it lit up once more.

"I thought you were going to fix that," he scolded.

Chewie shook his head and grumbled a reply.

"Oh, that's right," Solo replied sheepishly. "Well, I got busy. I'll look at it before we take off again."

Chewie growled under his breath, shook his head, and began plotting the landing coordinates. Luke smiled and shook his own head. Chewie and Han were quite a pair. Even though Chewie owed his life to Han, the Wookiee didn't have any qualms about letting Han know how he felt.

Luke then craned his neck to look over the busy Wookiee's shoulder. "Ben, are you sure this is the right place?"

Obi Wan nodded dreamily. "Ever since the forced extinction of the Jedi Order, Master Yoda prefers security." His eyes then focused on Luke, and he gave a small, soothing smile. "Relax, Luke. Listen to the Force, and stretch out with your feelings. We will be all right."

"Ok, I see it," Solo interjected. "Hang on, fellas. We're getting a lot of hull ionization. This might be a little bumpy." The Falcon bucked slightly, but Han and Chewie's expert hands kept her as steady as possible. Moments later, they set down on the soft ground.

Before switching the engines to standby, Solo observed, "Hey, Ben, this ground seems a bit unsteady. You sure it'll hold up?"

Kenobi nodded slightly and said, "Trust me, it will."

"The last time you said 'trust me', we ended up in that stormtrooper training facility on Kamino," said Solo.

"I don't see any stormtroopers here, do you?"

Chewie chuckled. Han just shook his head and said, "Crazy old coot."

Luke and Obi Wan stood up and left the cockpit as Solo and Chewie made sure the ship's engines were ready to lift off at a moment's notice. Despite Kenobi's insistence, he wanted to make sure they could lift off quickly in case the ground gave way.

The Jedi and his apprentice made their way to the hatch and disembarked. Kenobi looked around almost lazily, taking in the air and the sensation of all the life around him. Luke, on the other hand, intently scanned the area with his eyes and with the Force.

"I don't sense anyone nearby. Are you sure this is where we're supposed to meet Yoda?"

"Yoda comes and goes as he pleases, Luke," said Obi Wan. "But I am confident we will meet him soon."

Han and Chewie came down the ramp moments later. Han's hand rested on his blaster, and Chewie held his bowcaster at the ready. "Well," Han said, "We're here, wherever 'here' is. Now what?"

"Now," said Obi Wan, "we go in search of Yoda. I'm sure he's not far."

Han and Chewie looked at each other. "You don't know where he is?"

"Don't worry, Han," said Kenobi in his grandfatherly manner, "You won't be delayed too long." He started walking into the forest, and Luke, Han, and Chewie closely followed.

"Yeah, but I'm worried about you guys, too. Chewie and me don't want to leave you with nothing but what's in your survival kits."

Chewbacca grunted an agreement.

Just then, there was a shouting from the landing ramp of the Falcon, coupled with a string of electronic beeps. "I simply cannot abide this kind of space flight! If I never fly again, it will be too soon!"

A golden, humanoid robot trod down the ramp, followed closely behind by a short, cylindrical machine on three wide, pyramid-shaped feet. The shorter robot replied with an indignant series of tweets and whistles.

"I am not whining! I simply stated…"

Chewbacca roared at the 'droid, who immediately stopped talking. C-3PO came to a halt when he stepped on the soft ground, and R2-D2 stopped right next to him.

"Thanks," Han muttered to Chewie. "Wonder if Luke'd mind too much if I shot Goldenrod's vocoder off."

Ignoring Han's idle threat, Luke said, "He's close, I think. I can feel something..." He paused for a pair of beats.

"And what feel you?"

Luke, Han, and Chewie quickly spun around. As Threepio shrieked and Artoo gave a surprised whoop, Han and Chewie instantaneously drew their weapons and trained them on the newcomer. Luke put his hand on his lightsaber, but stopped himself just short from drawing and igniting it. Obi Wan, on the other hand, turned casually and observed their new friend. No one noticed the nostalgic and slightly amused look on his face.

"…like we're being watched," finished Luke, cautiously.

"Away put your weapons! I mean you no harm," came the high-pitched, gravely voice. The little creature, having instinctively shielded himself with his arms, slowly came out of hiding. He was very short, about one meter in height. A gray-skinned, elfish-looking alien, he had long, pointed ears sticking out the sides of his squashed-looking head. He wore a tattered robe and carried a worn walking stick.

"I am wondering," he continued, "why are you here?"

"We're looking for someone," Luke answered carefully. He felt something strange about the little creature, as if it were not all that it seemed. He couldn't place it, though.

"Looking? Found someone you have, I would say. Hmm?"

Luke chuckled slightly, despite himself. The creature certainly had a charm, if a strange one. Han and Chewie, on the other hand, kept their weapons trained on the creature and looked to Luke and Obi Wan for their next move.

Obi Wan stepped forward, waving Han and Chewie off. "We are looking for the one named Yoda."

As Solo and Chewbacca slowly holstered their weapons, the creature looked at the old man thoughtfully, yet with another, slightly hidden emotion. "Yoda you say? Long has it been since I have seen him. But know where he is I do. Help you I can."

Luke sighed impatiently. "Look, I'm sure you'd like to help us, but…" He was interrupted by a hand placed on his shoulder. He looked to Obi Wan, who shook his head slightly.

"We don't know our way around here, but I'm sure he does. It's almost always a good idea to accept help that is offered in good faith." Then, to the creature, "We would be greatly appreciative of your help, but unfortunately, we don't have much to offer in return."

"Then join me for dinner you must," the creature replied. "Not often do I have guests. Then take you to Yoda, I will. But first, must eat. Come." He motioned for them to follow as he got up and started walking deeper into the forest.

"Ben," muttered Han, "You sure it's such a good idea to follow somebody who was able to sneak up on us like that? Chewie and me have a pretty good sense between us, and we didn't even notice him."

Obi Wan motioned for them to follow. "It is true that this fellow is not all that he seems, but I sense no danger at all. Aside from some of the local fauna, this is probably the safest planet in the galaxy for us." He followed the creature, with Luke close behind.

Chewie looked around and growled nervously.

"Yeah, me too," said Han. "Just keep your eyes open. I like the old man, too, but sometimes I think he gets a little cocky."

Chewie nodded in agreement.

"Uh, excuse me, sir," came Threepio's voice from behind. "I think it might be better…"

"Stay with the ship, you two," Han ordered. "Make sure no animals or insects get inside, or I'll have the two of you going around inside with flyswatters and digh nets."

"Well, then…" Threepio replied nervously, "I believe we shall go back inside the ship."

VVVV

They arrived at the little creature's home, a mud hut that was too short for the average human to stand up inside. For Chewbacca, it was literally impossible. He opted to stay outside and watch from a window.

"Fortunate you are," said the creature, "expecting company I was. Much food have I." He ladled some of a thick, green, lumpy liquid from a cauldron into several bowls and handed them out to the humans. Han passed a bowl and spoon to Chewie through the window. He took a bite of his own, and was surprised by the sharp taste. It tasted a lot like the root stew Chewie's sister had made for them the last time they'd visited Kashyyyk.

Chewie thoroughly enjoyed the taste of the stew and purred approvingly.

"Thank you," said the creature, "not often do I have guests for dinner."

Luke stirred the stew slightly, disapprovingly. He'd eaten some not-so-palatable things before, mostly out of his ration pack, but this looked downright disgusting. He looked over at Ben, who took a spoonful into his mouth and savored it. He looked like he'd had it long before, and had anticipated this moment for some time.

"Eat, eat," said the creature when he saw Luke had not yet tasted the stew.

Luke took a small spoonful and, reluctantly, placed it in his mouth. He winced at the strong taste, doing his best to avoid spitting it out. It tasted to him like something used only for medicinal purposes. However, not wanting to insult their host, he ate more. To his surprise, it started tasting better with each mouthful. Slightly better.

"Where is Yoda?" asked Luke. "Will it take us long to get there?"

"Not far," said their host, as he gave himself a generous serving of the stew. "Yoda not far. Patience. Soon, you will be with him.

"Tell me," the creature then asked, with a mouthful of stew, "Why wish you to find Yoda, hmm?" It eyed Han with what he assumed was a bemused expression.

Han held up a hand and said, "Don't look at me and Chewie. We're just their ride."

Obi Wan swallowed his spoonful of stew and said, "This young man is training to be a Jedi. I have taught him for the past year, and he has learned much. However, there is much more Yoda can teach him that I cannot."

"And believe you that Yoda wishes to train this one?" the creature asked.

Luke furrowed his brow, unsure if he should be insulted. Obi Wan, sensing Luke's emotion, said, "That is my hope, and I intend to convince him." He smiled wryly at the creature.

The creature looked at Luke, almost examining him. "Hmm, yes. Follow in the footsteps of his father, he wishes? Powerful Jedi was he. Powerful Jedi."

Luke stared at the creature quizzically. "Wait a second. How can you know my father? You don't even know who I…"

Luke stopped. He examined the creature as closely as the creature examined him. "You're Yoda, aren't you?"

The creature, immediately dropping all amused pretense, nodded. "Felt it you did, from the moment we met. Yet not confident in your feelings are you, or known it immediately you would have."

Yoda turned to Obi Wan. "Well you have done in training this one, Obi Wan. Had you more time, more confidence in the Force he would have learned. But well you did in bringing him to me. Together we can ready him for the difficult destiny that lies ahead of him."

Luke watched the small Jedi Master intently. He was not at all what he had expected of a great warrior. He was, frankly, surprised that such a small one could hold so much power.

Yoda sensed his surprise, and said, "One thing must you take to heart, young one, is that size and shape matter not, when it comes to the Force. But learn you will. Trained many Jedi, I have. Much potential have you, but anger you still feel. Anger over your father's death at the hand of Darth Vader. Anger over your aunt and uncle's death at the hands of the Empire. Hmm?"

Luke looked into the large, suddenly wizened eyes. He instinctively turned away, feeling some shame at the truth of Yoda's words.

"Become a Jedi you may, but first learn to dissolve your anger, you must."

Luke nodded. He still did feel anger over Vader's taking of his entire family, and wasn't sure right now if he could face Vader, or one like him, without giving in to his rage.

"I won't fail you, Master," said Luke, looking up again. "I'm not afraid."

Yoda's ears perked up when he heard this. "Hmm? You will be, young one. You will be."

VVVV

Han brought down Luke's gear bag and said, "That's everything. You sure you'll be all right?"

Luke nodded, and Obi Wan said, "Yes, we will be fine. Thank you for bringing us here. We are in your debt."

Han shook his head. "That's what got us in all this mess to begin with, isn't it?" He gave his signature half-smile. "Don't worry about it. But remember, when you need another lift, just give us a call." He reached out and shook Luke and Obi Wan's hands.

"You take good care of them," Han said to Yoda. "We've been through a lot together."

"Worry not, Captain Solo," replied Yoda. "In good hands, they are."

Chewie came down the Falcon's ramp and told Han that the ship was ready for take off. Then, he strode up to Luke and engulfed him in a giant hug. Luke laughed and said, "Okay, okay. You take good care of that pirate, you hear? Don't let him get you both blown to pieces, okay?"

Chewie gave an affirmative, and said something else in the Wookiee language. Luke, who was finally starting to understand his language, got the message of friendship loud and clear.

Artoo whistled at the pair. Han gave a half-wave and said, "See you around, Artoo. Don't go letting Goldenrod get eaten or anything."

Artoo gave an electronic chuckle, to which Threepio replied, "Oh, really! I'm just not sure what all this moisture will do to my systems! I'm an interpreter, not a marine biologist."

"You can come with us if you want to," Han said, his arms crossed.

"I…I…" He turned from Solo to Luke, unsure what he should answer. Luke was his Master, but...

Chewbacca grumbled a snide remark. Threepio gasped and said, "What do you mean, 'switched off and locked in the hold'?"

"Take it or leave it, Threepio," Han replied.

"I think I'll stay with Masters Luke and Obi Wan," Threepio said.

With a chuckle, Chewie went to Obi Wan and granted him farewell. Obi Wan replied with a traditional Wookiee farewell, spoken in the Wookiee language. Chewie nodded, and headed back into the ship.

"Well," said Han, "we'll see you guys later. I'll give General Rieekan your regards when we get back to Hoth." Luke and Obi Wan waved to Han as he got back up the ramp and closed the hatch. Moments later, the large ship lifted off and flew upward, away from the planet.

After the Falcon was out of sight, Obi Wan and Luke turned to Yoda. Yoda said to Luke, "See your friends again, you will. Intertwined are your destinies. But first, become a Jedi you will."