This chapter of course will cover the events of original movie from 1977 that started the whole Star Wars franchise. But not everything will be the same. The familiar events will be touched upon, with certain moments mentioned in detail, but Ahsoka and her friends will have a direct impact … Welcome to new followers: AndyR76, mitchsharwig15 and austintrickshots.


Chapter 24: A New Hope


Tatooine system, aboard ISD Devastator, 0 BBY 0 months, 5 days

Princess Leia Organa, fleeing the Empire aboard Tantive IV, had made it to the Tatooine system. She was able to load the Death Star plan into her astromech, R2-D2, but at that point, the Imperial Star Destroyer Devastator, with Darth Vader aboard, had caught up to them and started firing. Leia knew her ship's shields wouldn't hold out long so she pushed the astromech into one of the escape pods. Soon, those aboard Tantive could feel the Devastator's tractor beam pulling them in. Before Leia could eject the pod, the protocol droid C-3PO also got in the pod. Once it was away, Vader and a squad of troopers came aboard Tantive, looking for the plans. Leia protested that they were on a peaceful mission but Vader accused her of being with the rebels and had her taken prisoner.

He soon realized the plans were no longer on board Tantive but it took awhile before he determined they had been jettisoned in an escape pod. Leia – whom he had zero idea was actually his long-lost daughter – was resistant to the mind probes and revealed nothing. She continued to insist there were no plans to anything. Vader then went to his private quarters and signaled to Ahsoka Tano, who had also just arrived in the system with Maris Brood aboard Corvala Dawn, being piloted by astromech droid R8-ND.

"We have the princess, Master Tano. What are your orders?"

"Send a squad of troopers to the surface. They will find nothing. Then join the Death Star. Let me know as soon as you are onboard. I need its position. And – see that the Princess is safe. She is not to be harmed."

"As you wish, Master."

"Thank you, Anakin. You will not regret this. Tano out."

Vader was relieved that his conversation with her was short. Though he believed that Tano had a secure link, he could never be certain whether someone might discover what he was up to. But thus far, he was in the clear, although he had a lot on his mind. What is Grand Master Ti's strategy? They will have two sets of Death Star plans. I only know I don't want to be on it when they pull the plug.


Tatooine, 0 BBY 0 months, 5 days

At this very moment, Ahsoka had landed on the surface of Tatooine, close to the home of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Maris laughed when they got out to look around for a minute.

"Seems like we just left this rock, Master Ahsoka."

"Right?" Ahsoka chuckled. "But we won't be here long. Keep your eyes open, though. I'm waiting for the destroyer above to send a trooper company down here."

Maris smiled. "Promise you'll leave some for me?"

Ahsoka pretended to be concerned. "Now, now …"

She then sent a signal to Shaak, who was back on Felucia.

"Mother, Maris and I are on Tatooine now."

"Good. What is the status, my child?"

"Anakin has set everything up. We will have both sets of plans."

"And young Skywalker?"

"Obi-Wan will be meeting up with him soon. After we're done here, we'll swing by on our way to Yavin. Unless you want to come in the Intrepid …"

"Thank you, dear. Let me think about that. See you in a couple of days."

"Love you, Mother, always. Ahsoka out."

Ahsoka and Maris each took a speeder bike and they went to find Kenobi.


Tatooine, 0 BBY 0 months, 4 days

Meanwhile, by this time, Luke Skywalker and his uncle, Owen Lars, had purchased the droids from the Jawas. Luke, while cleaning up R2, then discovered part of the message that Leia had recorded. He didn't know, of course, who Obi-Wan Kenobi was, but he thought it might be another name for Ben Kenobi, who lived near the Lars moisture farm. The next morning, R2 had seemingly wandered off and Luke knew his uncle would not be happy about that. They had spent good money to purchase the astromech, so he had better find it. As Luke started searching, Maris and Ahsoka quickly detected him via his Force presence.

"Ah, Master Ahsoka, our young friend is back."

"It seems so …"

They gunned their bikes and quickly caught up with him, only to see him suddenly being attacked by a group of Tuskens. Ahsoka leaped several feet into the air and came down with her white sabres slashing and the raiders immediately backed off. They had recently learned not to tangle with anyone wielding a lightsabre. Luke had located R2-D2 – whom Ahsoka immediately recognized as having once been Anakin's astromech back in the Clone Wars – and when the droid saw her, he came up to her and starting beeping excitedly. C-3PO, who was with Luke, also recognized her.

"Miss Ahsoka! So good to see a familiar face out here on this desolate outpost … we've had a dreadful time so far."

"Yes, it's me, Threepio," she chuckled.

Maris and Ahsoka helped Luke to his feet, and at about that time, Obi-Wan had joined them. After Luke had assured everyone that he was all right, they rode together over to Kenobi's place. R2 then played Leia's holo message, which explained about the Death Star plans he was now carrying.

"It's what we've talked about, Obi-Wan," Ahsoka noted. He nodded, and then proceeded to explain everything to Luke. When they got to the part about Anakin, Ahsoka told him all about how close she had been to his father during the war. But when Luke asked about how his father died, she did not contradict Kenobi when he told Luke that Vader had "killed" his father. Per Shaak's orders, Obi-Wan was not yet permitted to know about the Order's arrangement with Darth Vader, nor what their plans for him were.

Maris wanted to speak to Ahsoka in private, so the two ladies excused themselves, while Kenobi then showed Anakin's former lightsabre to Luke, and how to use it.

"Ahsoka, I think the Imperials are here. We have to cut them off!" Maris spoke with urgency.

"Let's go!" she responded quickly.

They both sped off to the Lars home, and were just in time to see the arrival of the squad of troopers, who were aggressively questioning Owen and Beru. When the ladies quickly ignited their blades, it drew the attention of the storm troopers – a couple of whom fired at them with blasters. Maris quickly swatted the shots away, while Ahsoka took charge.

As she approached, Owen and Beru quickly took cover, thankful for the diversion.

"What seems to be the trouble here?" Ahsoka asked the squad leader.

"We have orders to search this area. From Lord Vader himself!"

"Is that so?" Maris mockingly asked. "Well, we're cancelling those orders."

"Not if we have anything to say about it!"

Maris scoffed. "You don't have anything to say about it." Her pink blade came out immediately.

Ahsoka tried to get things under control, but one trooper tried to be a hero and aimed a blaster at Maris and was about to fire when she spun around with lightning speed and sliced him in half. The others tried to shoot Ahsoka but she leapt 20 feet into the air and came down with both of her sabres humming. Within a few seconds she and Maris had disposed of the entire squad. Owen and Beru nervously peeked out from where they had been hiding, and listened carefully to the two ex-Jedi:

"Well, Ashli, I guess we did Anakin's work for him this time, huh?" Maris snipped. "I sure hope there are more of them."

Ahsoka shook her head wearily. "OK, partner, please stand down. We need to inform these good people."

Owen then politely spoke. "Madam, could you tell us what this was all about? Why was the Empire looking for us?"

Ahsoka looked him in the eye. "You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

At this time, Obi-Wan and Luke had arrived in the speeder. Luke informed Owen that he and Obi-Wan were going to Mos Eisley to find transport off-world. When Owen protested, Ahsoka then whistled loudly and waved her hands in the air.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lars, but this was going to happen sooner or later. It seems your nephew here, Luke, has decided that he is joining the rebellion against the Empire. Obi-Wan here, whom you may know as Ben, is old friend of mine and of Luke's father Anakin."

Owen then spoke. "Madam, we owe you two our lives. The Empire doesn't take no for an answer. We have no idea what they were talking about either."

"They wanted the droids you bought yesterday. These aren't just ordinary machines, they are with the Rebel Alliance and they contain top secret information. And – they belong to me. I am Ahsoka Tano, Master of the Order, and Luke will be in my care going forward. Obi-Wan will accompany us."

"But I really needed Luke to stay on for another year. I knew he had his heart set on going to the Academy, however."

Luke spoke up. "Uncle Owen, I had wanted to do that, but I would much rather go with Ben and Ahsoka. The Empire is evil and we have to fight back."

Ahsoka then broke in. "Mr. Lars, I feel it is no longer safe for you here. On behalf of the Order, however, I would like to recompense you for the droids and also enable you to purchase additional units to make up for Luke's departure."

Owen sighed. "That seems fair. I never wanted to stand in the boy's way."

Ahsoka then offered them 25,000 credits to cover their expenses, which they gladly accepted. Owen and Beru both hugged Luke and wished him well. They left the speeder behind, as it was the family's property. Then Obi-Wan rode with Ahsoka, while Luke hopped on behind Maris, as the speeder bikes then whisked everyone back to Ahsoka's ship, and everyone climbed aboard. R8-ND engaged the engines and the ship made a quick trip over to the spaceport and landed just outside of town.

"We have to get going," Ahsoka announced, "So we will drop both of you here in Mos Eisley first. You can then arrange transportation off-world from here. On behalf of the Alliance, here are 10,000 credits which should be enough to cover your expenses. The droids will also travel with you."

"Where should we go?" Obi-Wan asked. "I had the feeling that Princess Leia wanted us on Alderaan."

"That should be fine. We will catch up with you later."

Luke asked, "Where are you going?"

Ahsoka smiled. "We have business with the Order first. Then we will likely be going to the Rebel base."

Obi-Wan cautioned Luke against asking any more questions, even though he could see that the boy wanted Ahsoka to come with them. She had already made a strong impression, with her quick reflexes and sabre technique.

As Luke and Obi-Wan started down the ramp to leave, Maris then shook hands with both of them. "May the Force be with you both," she said cheerfully. "See you soon …"

From this point, Obi-Wan and Luke made their way into town, where they of course met smuggler Han Solo and his pal Chewbacca. They arranged payment for passage to Alderaan and Han's ship, the Millennium Falcon, was soon on its way. Along the way, Obi-Wan started Luke's training with the Force and using a lightsabre, which Chewie and Han scoffed at.

"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid," Han said matter-of-factly, while Chewbacca howled derisively.

Luke responded, "you don't believe in the Force, do you?"

"Kid, I've been from one end of this galaxy to the other. I've seen a lotta strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make me believe there's one all-powerful force controlling everything. It's all a lotta tricks and nonsense."


Aboard the Death Star, Alderaan System, 0 BBY 0 months, 3 days

Darth Vader was on the Death Star by this time and it had reached the Alderaan system, a known center for rebel activity.

Governor Tarkin (also Grand Moff) was trying, unsuccessfully, to get Leia to tell him the location of the rebel base. They intended to destroy it with one shot from the battle station's super laser that they had earlier used on both Jedha and Scarif. Leia was still resisting, so Tarkin then threatened her with the destruction of Alderaan itself. Desperately, she mentioned Dantooine, but Tarkin went ahead with the order anyway and the Death Star proceeded to destroy the planet entirely, leaving behind a large field of asteroids and other debris. Leia watched in horror and thought of her adoptive parents, Bail and Breha Organa, who were at home on the planet when this happened, along with one billion other innocent souls. The level of evil represented by the Empire could scarcely be comprehended.

Leia was then taken back to her cell in the detention block, while Vader reached out to Ahsoka, still en route to Felucia.

"It is done, Master Tano."

"What is?" Ahsoka was somewhat confused.

"Alderaan has been destroyed completely," he said matter-of-factly, with seemingly no emotion.

Ahsoka was deeply shocked by this news. "Anakin! Why?"

"I had no choice. If I had stopped them it would have ruined our plans."

"Really …"

"Yes, Ahsoka."

She sighed. "Well, we will just have to ruin theirs."

"I will await your further instructions, Master Tano."

"Oh … it's on!" she spat.

When Ahsoka and Maris landed on Felucia, Shaak was waiting for them with a strained look on her normally inscrutable countenance. "Come with me, my child. Knight Maris, please wait. We will return in a bit."

Maris nodded obediently as Ahsoka and Shaak headed for the woods and the secret underground mini-temple.


Aboard the Millennium Falcon, Alderaan System, 0 BBY 0 months, 2 days

As the Millennium Falcon dropped out of hyperspace, the first thing they noticed was that Alderaan was seemingly missing, but they soon felt the effects as debris and rock remains of the planet started buffeting the ship. Obi-Wan, who had felt a massive disturbance in the Force along the way, realized what had happened.

"Destroyed – by the Empire."

Han couldn't believe it. "That would take over a thousand ships, with more firepower than …"

He was cut off by Chewie, who noticed a TIE fighter giving them chase. Han wanted to destroy the fighter before it could report back, but then they all noticed the Death Star looming in the distance and growing bigger each second. Han tried to pull away but realized they were caught in a tractor beam, which eventually pulled them into the battle station.

Once they had landed, they expected a boarding party, so Han, Luke, Chewie, and Obi-Wan hid in the secret compartments aboard the Falcon. They used the element of surprise to knock out the troopers and then stole their armor, and used a ruse to gain entrance to the control room over the landing bay. R2-D2 plugged into the Death Star's computer system and was able to locate the controls for the tractor beam, while Luke discovered the detention cell where Leia was being held. He insisted they rescue her, while Han was opposed, at least until Luke convinced him the reward for her could be large. When they reached her, Leia was a bit upset over how little planning had gone into their operation, while Han was rather irritated with her attitude as well. But somehow they were able to all make it back to the ship, while hoping desperately that Obi-Wan had disabled the tractor beam system.

At the same time, Darth Vader became aware of a Force presence that he had not felt in many years. Soon he realized it was Obi-Wan Kenobi, once his master, dating back to when he was a nine-year-old on the planet Naboo after they had defeated the Trade Federation. That victory was largely due to Anakin's quick thinking and gutsy moves that led to the destruction of the federation's flagship, which then disabled the droid army on the planet's surface below. Fond memories, indeed. Vader had started to feel less and less angry over his past and wondered whether he could truly return to it, as Shaak had told him. Still, he had major doubts. At this time, he had to play the hand he was dealt.

Kenobi's presence drew Vader to him and after short acknowledgments between the two, Kenobi had drawn and ignited his blue blade, while Vader soon responded with his red sabre. The battle was on, but it felt different this time. The last time they had met was on the fiery volcanic world of Mustafar when they had dueled seemingly to the death. Anakin had made a seemingly fatal miscalculation and Obi-Wan took full advantage and hacked off both of his legs and one arm. Kenobi too felt his mind return to that fateful day, when he told him: "You were my brother, Anakin – I loved you. You were the chosen one – to bring balance to the Force and defeat the Sith, not join it!"

Vader was seemingly unmoved by such nostalgia. He was rapidly gaining the upper hand in this, the return match. "Your powers are weak, old man," he gloated. "Once I was but your student – now I am the master."

"Only a master of evil, Darth …" Obi-Wan retorted.

At that moment, the others had returned and were waiting to board the Falcon, when they turned to watch the sabre battle. Obi-Wan turned for a second and saw Luke, then smiled.

"You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

Vader scoffed at that and then saw Kenobi raise his blade overhead in seeming surrender. The Sith's red sabre sliced right through him as Luke screamed in agony. Han, realizing that they had the diversion they needed, ran for the ship, followed by the others.

As Obi-Wan fell, his body seemed to completely disappear, baffling Vader momentarily. Leia shouted at Luke to join them, as Han and Chewbacca fired at the storm troopers who were no longer watching the lightsabre duel. Everyone made it aboard, though, and Han fired up the engines and they exited the Death Star hangar bay. As they moved out into space, Luke sat, devastated over what had just happened. "I can't believe he's gone …" He said aloud, to Leia, who tried to comfort him. Han remarked, "we should thank the old man, he gave us the chance to get away."

But soon, the Millennium Falcon was being chased by two TIE fighters. Han and Luke manned the turrets and they were eventually able to shoot them down. Then they made the jump to hyperspace and were on their way to Yavin IV, which Leia had said was the location for the rebel base. She also told them they were likely being tracked, which was why the Empire let them escape.

"At least the droids got away safely," she said. Han wanted to know what R2 was carrying and she told him about the Death Star plans and how much effort and how many lost lives went into getting them.


Felucia, Shaak's Holocron Vault, 0 BBY 0 months, 3 days

Shaak and Ahsoka sat underground in the holocron vault area, which had become the secret temple for the Order. They started checking all of the information in their secret recon network and it wasn't long before they had confirmed the destruction of Alderaan.

"I would really liked to have seen it, at least once more. What a beautiful place it was. Hedala will be so devastated by the loss. Master, do you think Bail and Breha died there today?"

"I cannot confirm that, my child. But I suspect it is very likely."

Shaak extended her arms toward Ahsoka and they clasped each others' hands and started to hum in a low tone. Ahsoka felt her mind drifting and she closed her eyes. Soon she felt she could see the entire galaxy, with each star a point of light that she could focus on and zoom in closer to. Eventually, they could sense the Death Star, its massive form making its way toward Yavin IV. After reaching a sense of inner peace, Shaak and Ahsoka opened their eyes and smiled at each other.

"Time to take it down, my child."

"Yes, Mother. That it is."

With that, the Masters left their inner sanctum and came to the Assembly Hall. Xendar Silkaw and Maris Brood were discussing the various goings-on while Maris had been away. Soon they were joined by Hedala Fardi and Frehya Lumoxa, both of Ahsoka's Padawans, who had missed being with their master. Ahsoka informed the two of them that they would accompany her to Yavin IV on Corvala Dawn and that something huge was about to go down. Shaak decided to bring Maris with her in the Intrepid V.

Knight Xendar dreamed of the day when the Grand Master – or Master Tano – would include him in the affairs taking place off-world from Felucia, but Shaak pulled him aside and informed him that once another Padawan had earned his or her place as a Knight of the Order, this would start to happen on a more frequent basis. Xendar and the others were so loyal to Shaak that her words and actions were never questioned – something Ahsoka thought was a little extreme, but she didn't want to presume to tell Shaak how to run things at this point. She too was overwhelmingly grateful to Shaak for showing her formidable new powers, and for providing a sense of family, that – apart from the Jedi (and the Order felt much more like a family) – she'd never really had before. Looming on the horizon was the possibility that her beloved old master Anakin could also become a part of the Order – someday – when the time was right. He still had so much healing and transformation to go through. But part of Ahsoka was still unsure about Anakin/Vader. How much influence and power did the Emperor still have over him? Only time would tell.


Yavin IV, 0 BBY 0 months, 1 day

When the two ships reached Yavin IV, there was much to do before the Millennium Falcon arrived. Both Shaak and Ahsoka knew it was coming as Leia had transmitted ahead once they had left the Death Star. She also told them they had at most a two-hour window before the battle station arrived and was able to get within firing range. Ahsoka then loaded her copy of the plans into the system and the rebel leadership started to study them, but she told them at least three possible paths of attack would work. The main reactor was rather unstable – due to the extreme power load needed to run the station, not to mention take it into hyperdrive or power the huge lasers with their highly unstable and massive Kyber crystals.

Shaak spoke to the leadership and outlined the attack plan. Small ships – fighters in particular – could get close enough to attack through the exhaust shafts they had found in the plans. Shaak and Ahsoka both would command one wing of fighters each from their own command ships and they would use the mobile satellite defense system to destroy any TIE ships that would attempt to defend the Death Star. Once the short meeting was over, Ahsoka and Shaak each met with their pilots, one of whom was Hera Syndulla, Ahsoka's old compatriot from the early days of the rebellion. Her droid, C-10P "Chopper" would fly the Ghost while Hera was in an X-wing. Once the Falcon had landed, Ahsoka and Shaak each wanted to greet Luke and also meet the smuggler Han Solo, who had now become a part of the rebellion – whether he knew it or not.

When Chewbacca saw Ahsoka, he let out a roar of recognition and they ran to each other and hugged. Leia was quite surprised.

"What … you know this guy, Ahsoka?"

"Oh yes. We go back a long way – we served together in the Clone Wars. Chewie and I helped liberate the prisoners on Felucia, including his fellow Wookiees. This was before Shaak took over the place."

Han shook his head. "Been holding out on me Chewie? You never told me you knew the great Ahsoka Tano …"

Ahsoka laughed at that. "That wasn't supposed to happen …"

Han chuckled at her. "Yeah, I heard about you from Lando. Seems you were quite the hero during the wars. Pretty fair pilot too."

Luke then joined the conversation. "Great to see you again, Ahsoka."

She took him aside. "Luke, there is someone I want you to meet." They walked over to where Shaak had concluded her briefing session with the fighter pilots. "Mother, this is Luke Skywalker … Anakin's son. He has just joined us. I want to take him on as another apprentice."

Shaak looked at Luke warmly, walked over to him and smiled. "Young man, it is good to finally meet you. We had heard much from Obi-Wan about you. I am Shaak Ti, Grand Master of the Order."

Luke bowed respectfully to Shaak. "I am honored to meet you, Grand Master. Ben had told me about the Jedi but he said they were no more."

Shaak looked at him more deeply, then smiled again. "That is true, young Skywalker … but we have started a new order, one that will restore justice and equality to the Galaxy. These are exciting times." He waited patiently and she then continued. "Extend your hands, please." As he did so, she took both his hands in hers. He then started feeling a strange surge of energy, such as he had never felt before. A new feeling of deep awareness started to come over him. As Shaak smiled gently, he looked into her eyes and it was as if the entire universe was somehow there. It felt strange, but at the same time, wondrously empowering. It was as if the great lady was inviting him into her private domain.

She then released his hands, then put her right hand on his shoulder.

"Luke, I understand that Master Kenobi left us earlier today. I know that had to be a shock for you, but I want you to understand that he is still with us in spirit. It is now our role to continue the teaching that he was giving you. Master Tano will be your trainer now. You will work with her and her apprentices, Hedala and Frehya. We are all members of the Order. We want you to succeed and we know that you will."

Luke somehow felt much better at this moment, despite the horror of watching Ben die before his eyes. The Grand Master seemed so comforting, as if she could not only read his mind, but touch his soul as well.

As she let him go, she wished him well and said they would meet again soon. At that moment, Luke's old friend Biggs Darklighter came up behind him and slapped him on the back. Turning around, Luke was elated to see him.

"It'll be just like old times, Luke! So glad you could make it."

"Biggs – it's like we said: we're a couple of shooting stars, we'll never be stopped."

It soon was time for the X-wing pilots to man their ships as the Death Star had just arrived from hyperspace. Ahsoka insisted that Luke take R2-D2 as his astromech for the mission. Luke heartily agreed, and she told him, "That droid and I have also been through a lot together. He once served your father, long ago."

"I never realized that … wow, thanks for telling me, Master Tano."

"Luke – do your best. I know you can. Remember what Obi-Wan told you. Use the Force. It will never let you down."

She looked him in the eye and nodded. He returned the look, then got into the cockpit, ready to do battle.

"I feel like I could take on the whole Empire myself."

She chuckled. "I know that feeling."

As the X-wing squadrons started to assemble, Ahsoka and Shaak met briefly before going to their ships.

"My child, I want us to approach the Death Star from opposite sides. When the TIE's start coming for us, we go to stealth mode. Then deploy our satellites. We will give them so much more than a black eye."

"Exactly, Mother. This is the moment. Let's tear this thing apart. I understand my old pal Tarkin is aboard. I owe him."

Hedala and Frehya were already aboard Corvala Dawn, awaiting Ahsoka's arrival. As she got in and took the left seat, Frehya settled in next to her on the right.

"Dala, I want you to monitor the satellite system. Remember everything I showed you."

"Aye, Master Ahsoka. I'm ready!"

"Freh, you've got the main cannons. When we get in range, fire on my mark."

"You can count on me, Master. I've been waiting for this a long time."

Ahsoka smiled at her, and patted her on the back.

"Let's go."

With that, Corvala Dawn quickly lifted off the surface of Yavin IV. As they gained altitude, Ahsoka and Frehya could see the X-wings forming up in front of them.

"We will swing in behind Red Squadron first, then break off."

At the same time, Shaak had lifted off in her vessel Intrepid V. Maris felt a surge of excitement from being part of a major battle. It just felt so right for her. Shaak had asked her to control the satellite system and she had spent time practicing it with simulators back on Felucia. Now it was showtime.

Red Squadron moved in quickly and starting picking off targets on the surface of the Death Star. Their quickness enabled them to easily evade the defensive emplacements. Gold Squadron moved in and started having similar success. Aboard the Death Star, an Imperial captain reported to Lord Vader that they couldn't stop the fighters as they were moving too fast. Vader then ordered the TIE's to be deployed in response.

As they started appearing, Ahsoka and Shaak each went to work. Frehya fired the cannons repeatedly at the surface of the battle station, each blast ripping apart large chunks of the infrastructure, as the blasts were concentrated nuclear fission devices. It was as if each shot deployed the equivalent of a small nuclear warhead. The commanders on the station repeatedly failed to identify where the shots were coming from. However, the station's exterior shell concealed armor almost 2 km thick. Even the nuclear detonations would not do sufficient damage quickly enough to prevent the Death Star from getting within range to fire its super-lasers. It was clear to Ahsoka and Shaak that the original plan – to fire proton torpedoes into the exhaust ports – would still be necessary.

The TIE's initially took the X-wings by surprise and their superior maneuverability gave them a strong advantage. Ahsoka, taking note of this, swung her ship into action, then ordered Hedala to activate the satellites. The first fifty of these flew straight into the battle and into pursuit of the TIEs – as they had been pre-programmed to do. Each TIE ship found itself being triangulated by Kyber crystal-based lasers – each from units no larger than a basketball – and the Imperial pilots were being picked off quickly. After more than twenty had been destroyed, Vader ordered more into the battle.

As he paced hurriedly through the corridors of the Death Star, Vader started thinking it would be much better to get off the battle station. He knew fully well what Ahsoka and Shaak had planned and he could feel both of their Force presences radiating huge levels of energy. The Grand Master is showing her hand now – and there may not be much time. He hurried to his own personal ship, the TIEx1. As he and two more TIEs joined the action, they were quite effective. Most of Gold Squadron was destroyed, even as Ahsoka and Shaak's satellites were shredding the TIEs they faced. It was then time for Red Squadron to take a run on the trench and attempt to hit the exhaust ports. One of them got within range and attempted a shot but it failed to enter the shaft leading to the interior of the Death Star. All the while, the battle station was getting ever closer to firing range on the rebel base.

Ahsoka began to think she would have to do this herself. Shaak then reached out to her through the Force. We should get in position now. Ahsoka and Frehya then located one of the exhaust ports and headed for it. At the same time, however, Luke was also bearing down on one. Vader, closing in on his son (though not recognizing him as such), started to detect another strong Force presence. He assumed it was Tano, but could not determine exactly where she was. Aboard the Death Star, Imperial officers began to detect the threat coming from the rebels and had deduced the danger. They reported as much to Governor Tarkin and recommended he be prepared to evacuate. Tarkin scoffed at the notion. He was within minutes of complete and total victory over the rebellion and was not about to let this chance go by.

As Vader closed in on him, Luke saw his wingmen taken out. First, Wedge Antilles, who got clear, then Biggs Darklighter, who was destroyed. There was little time to lose as the Death Star was now less than one minute away from firing range. Ahsoka and Shaak had each closed in on their targets and were ready. Frehya had lined up the port, just as Luke was about to do the same. Vader then hit R2-D2 with another shot and Luke then could clearly hear a directive from Ben Kenobi to "use the Force" and now the Death Star was in range. Vader was about to destroy Luke when almost out of nowhere, Han Solo and the Millennium Falcon rammed into Vader's TIE group, clearing the way for Luke to take his shot. Both Shaak and Ahsoka gave the firing orders. Maris and Frehya let fly their torpedoes, just as Luke fired his. Vader got clear of the Death Star, knowing that it would soon blow. Ahsoka, Shaak, and Luke quickly pulled away as the torpedoes hit home. About five seconds later the impact was felt on the main reactors deep inside the Death Star. As Shaak pulled away from the exploding battle station, her ship captured several images of the destruction.

Everyone then headed back to the base, which had erupted in jubilation. Luke then heard Kenobi again. Remember, the Force will be with you, always. It was then and there that he truly began to understand what that meant and it was a feeling he had never before felt in his young life. Shaak also reached out to him in a congratulatory way. Young Skywalker, we are honored by your presence – you are now officially part of the Order.

Of course, Vader did not go to the base on Yavin IV. Instead, he reached out to Shaak, asking what she wanted next from him. She thought about it for a second, then was wondering if Anakin had double-crossed her by almost destroying Luke. But then she realized he was just doing what he thought she wanted, in order to continue to give the impression that he was still loyal to the Emperor. He of course knew that Ahsoka and Shaak would destroy the Death Star anyway, so what was one less rebel pilot? They'd already taken out so many. Shaak responded that she would issue his next directive in a few days' time.

On Yavin IV, it was time to celebrate. One after another, fellow rebels were congratulating Luke and Han. Leia greeted them both with jubilant hugs and soon Ahsoka and Shaak did the same. Luke was then introduced to Frehya and Hedala and welcomed formally into the Order by Shaak. It was truly a great day for the rebellion as what would come to be known as the Battle of Yavin had concluded as an historic event for the Galaxy. Medals were given to both Luke and Han, and Leia hung them around their necks in a thrilling ceremony held in the ancient temple of the Massassi on Yavin IV. Along with the others, Wedge Antilles and Hera Syndulla had also survived the battle and were on hand to honor Luke and Han. Ahsoka and Leia embraced warmly. Ahsoka had earlier told Leia how sorry she was that they were unable to prevent the destruction of Alderaan and the loss of both of her adoptive parents. Ahsoka knew she would always miss Bail Organa, who was a great leader for many years and also a good friend. If not for him, she was unsure if she would have ever joined the rebellion at all.

But once the celebrations had died down, it was clear that the next phase in what was now being called the Galactic Civil War had now begun. The Empire had been dealt a serious blow, but they were far from out. The struggle would continue.

(to be continued …)