In this installment we get back to some action as the Rebel Alliance plans a daring raid on an Imperial weapons factory. We also see Luke Skywalker starting to become a warrior, albeit still one with little practical experience at this point. Darth Vader, however, is not the kind of opponent anyone would want to face starting out … Thanks to new followers: Lord Loptr, ahsokatano191, and deathcornfive.
Chapter 30: Rebel Incursion
Yavin IV, 0 ABY, 1 month, 1 day
As the Corvala Dawn headed for Yavin IV, Ahsoka was in the lounge with Luke and Hedala. They both had plenty of questions for her, but she had some of her own for them. The three of them were sharing a cold herbal beverage made from one of Shaak's recipes. It provided a jolt of energy that kept both the Padawan and the Apprentice alert.
"So, Luke, was there anything you wanted to ask me?"
"Uh … nothing in particular… but I'm curious – when might Knight Maris be training me?"
Ahsoka smiled. "So you're looking forward to working with her …"
"Sure. I hear she's the best."
Hedala then laughed. "She will leave you with bumps and bruises – and a lot to think about. But … it helped me get better. Although I hated her at first."
Ahsoka chuckled. "Are you trying to scare our friend here?"
Hedala laughed again.
Ahsoka then got serious. "Luke and Hedala, we are taking this little trip to review the final preparations for the evacuation of the Yavin IV base. I am hearing good things about the speed and efficiency with which they are undertaking it."
They both nodded. Soon they dropped from hyperspace and R8-ND was taking the ship in for final approach. Ahsoka got on the com and was directed to a landing spot close to the base headquarters – or what had been the headquarters. When the three of them disembarked they went inside. Leia was waiting and greeted Ahsoka with a hug.
"So, Princess, did you get everything done?"
"Yes, Master Tano. I guess you heard a few things …?"
Ahsoka laughed. "As a matter of fact … can we talk privately?"
"Sure thing." Leia led her into a small office and invited the Togruta to sit. "Ahsoka. Of course you know all about Alderaan."
Ahsoka sort of nodded and shook her head at the same time, as if conveying sympathy.
Leia continued. "When I heard about some of the survivors, I just knew I had to help …"
Luke and Hedala were standing outside waiting for Ahsoka, when Han Solo and Chewbacca spotted them and came up.
"Hey, kid! Good to see you back among the living … we'd started to think you'd deserted us." Han laughed, while Chewie let out a good-natured half-groan/half-roar. Spotting Hedala, Han bowed slightly, took her hand as if to kiss it. The young Padawan chuckled. "Good to see you, Mister Solo …"
Han kissed the hand, then let it go and laughed. "Gee Luke, your taste in women has greatly improved …"
Luke laughed. "Right … considering I'd been a solo act… Han, this is Hedala Fardi. She's my co-apprentice under Ahsoka Tano. Hedala, you remember Chewbacca, right?"
"Sure do. How are ya, big guy?" she smiled as Chewie gave her a warm hug.
While that group continued to chat and catch up, Ahsoka listened to Leia tell her story. It turned out a rebel pilot had informed Leia that her people were in trouble, as the Empire was rumored to be hunting all surviving Alderaanians throughout the Galaxy. She took R2-D2 and stole away on a T1 shuttle and went to Naboo, where she and the pilot, an Alderaanian named Evaan Verlaine, posed as Imperial auditors. Leia met with an "old friend" who, instead of helping her as he'd pretended, actually turned her over to someone that knew who she was and was interested in collecting a bounty the Empire had put out for her capture. But she was able to turn the tables and then she forced her betrayer to give her a luxury yacht that she used to spirit some of her people off Naboo and over to Sullust. However, when they got there, another Alderaanian, Jora Astane, who refused to recognize her authority, also tried to betray Leia and Evaan to the Empire. Once the Imperials had been defeated – there weren't very many of them there at the time – Astane agreed to accept Leia as her sovereign leader. The group ended up going to the planet Espirion, where they agreed to settle, after thwarting the Imperials one more time. They wanted Leia to stay and be their leader as Princess but she decided she had to return to Yavin to continue to help the rebellion.
After hearing the whole story, Ahsoka was impressed with Leia's bravery and smarts, but more than a bit nonplussed over the risks she had taken. Kind of reminds me of myself when I was much younger, she mused.
"So, Ahsoka. I was able to help them and I also wanted to help you with the search for a new base."
"OK, but what I want to know – what Master Shaak will also want to know – is how were you able to leave Yavin without Dodonna or Ackbar giving you some kind of escort? Are you aware that the Empire has a ten million credit bounty on your head?"
Leia hung her head slightly, and sheepishly responded. "I'm sorry, Ahsoka. I didn't want you or Shaak to worry about me. I can handle myself pretty well, as it turns out."
Ahsoka's face made a slightly irritated expression. "You can explain it to Grand Master Shaak. Anyway, I'm just glad you're still in one piece. If you run into Boba Fett, maybe Hedala can put in a good word for you. Both he and Bossk are rather sweet on her since they met last year on Tatooine."
Leia did a double take at that. "Ha! … Really?"
"Yep it turns out they have a thing for green-eyed blondes swinging light sabres … go figure." Ahsoka snipped.
"Well I can't believe she would return the favor."
"Don't be so sure. Young Miss Fardi is very good at networking. What Fett and his pals don't know yet is that we pay in cash – and they will take jobs where the return is good and client is reliable. But I don't want you getting mixed up in it. I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to you … after I'd promised Bail and Breha I would keep you safe."
Leia blushed at the mention of her late adoptive parents. "OK, Ahsoka, you win. I won't do anything stupid."
Ahsoka nodded and suggested they go outside to meet the others.
Leia hugged Hedala and Luke in turn after they got outside, while Ahsoka was spotted by some of the Rebel leaders, who called her over. She then followed Admiral Raddus and General Dodonna inside the old temple and they went below for a quick strategy meeting. Admiral Ackbar and Senator Bel-Iblis were waiting, as was her Almanian beau, former Commodore Je'har, who gave her a quick kiss when she walked over to him smiling broadly.
Dodonna then presented a plan they had to attack and take out an Imperial weapons factory, located on a moon called Cymoon 1, in the Corellian Industrial Cluster. This would be a high-value target and a big win for the rebels if they could pull it off. Ahsoka immediately asked what role they saw her handling and Bel-Iblis figured she would be coordinating things while a group of operatives would land on the moon and gain access to the factory somehow, then set charges to blow the reactor power core, then everyone would get off the moon and back to rebel space. Ahsoka had some initial reservations about the attack strategy but agreed the target was a good one and could maintain the momentum they had gained after the Death Star's destruction. The risk was that Cymoon 1 was deep in Imperial territory and not far from Corellia itself, and that particular planet was now crawling with Imperials as the Emperor considered it a key sector to hold.
When Ahsoka shifted the conversation to the evacuation status, they assured her that everything was going according to plan. Riyo Chuchi and the Pantoran leadership had agreed to allow a rebel base in the area, provided it was on the main planet of Ordo Plutonia, which was a cold and icy world. The Almanian moon of Drewwa would be used as an arms and weapons depot and both of these places would see large scale excavation to create underground facilities. Tri'ku Je'har had helped to sell the Pantoran leadership on the satellite defense system when they journeyed to Almania to see it in action, while his family members on Almania committed some resources to the facilities being constructed on Drewwa.
When Shaak weighed in on this topic via hologram, she endorsed the choices but cautioned that even more facilities might be needed elsewhere in the outer rim. Shaak also was on board with the Cymoon 1 mission, but only if Ahsoka was placed in command. They readily agreed to that condition. Luke and Hedala were also going to be part of the group that went on the moon's surface to sabotage the weapons factory.
The Wheel, Maldrood Sector, NE Mid-Rim, 0 ABY, 1 month, 2 days
As Chelli Aphra landed the Ark Angel on a pre-directed platform at The Wheel, she contacted the person that had advertised a pair of CW-era droidekas that he had for sale. These units also came with separate missile launchers that she planned to use in customization. Aphra had extensive experience with droid design and programming and was the principal architect of the planetary defense system that she and Ahsoka had installed on Almania and which was now to be used in the Pantoran system. After making the purchase, she had the units loaded onto her ship and then she debarked to do a little looking around the station.
Making her way into a gambling establishment, she was met by a curious-looking blue-skinned older man, with a pair of breathing tubes attached to his face. He also wore a wide-brimmed hat.
"Welcome to Outer Limits, young lady," the man beckoned her to enter.
"Thank you … what can you tell me about this place? And whom do I have the pleasure?"
"The name's Cad Bane. A sometime bounty hunter, now more of a gambler and drinker."
"I'm Doctor Aphra. I build – and rebuild – droids."
Bane looked her over. "You seem a little young to be a doctor. Must be one of those whiz kids …"
Chelli laughed. "I've been called worse. What's the bounty scene like these days?"
"Let's get a drink, I'll fill you in," he laughed, then gestured to a table, with a built-in setup to place bets and order food and drink.
As they talked, Chelli pulled up a pod-race sportsbook and was doing some quick calculations in her head. She then placed a 10,000 credit bet on a parley of racers. Within minutes, the race had been run and she had made a quick 5K. She then ordered a refill on her whiskey. Bane seemed impressed.
"Not bad, young lady. Not bad at all. I'm thinking we could do business together."
"What did you have in mind, Mr. Bane?"
"I know some people that might be in the market for some reconditioned droids. Out in the Corporate Sector."
She chuckled at that. "Just where I was headed. What kind of people?"
"Some pirate groups. But they pay cash."
"OK it just so happens I will have a couple of units ready in a few days. Droidekas from the Clone Wars. Still in excellent shape. Probably perfect for their needs."
Bane gave her his card, with his contact information. "Just let me know when you're ready to make the trip."
Tatooine, 0 ABY, 2 month, 2 days
Four weeks later, Darth Vader was putting his plan in motion to start building a private army, with which he could start eradicating the pirate groups on the Outer Rim. At the same time, he also had to keep General Tagge satisfied, so it was a juggling act of sorts because Master Tano also expected him to report in. So many masters, but only one true aim, he thought. The absolute last thing he wanted was to look weak or ineffective in front of his old Padawan, so the relationship with Ahsoka came first. Only by keeping her happy could he hope to score any points with Grand Master Shaak. If the Lady plans to rule the Galaxy, I must be part of making that happen for her – or what use will she have for me?
Tagge had asked him to work out an arrangement with the Hutts to secure raw materials for the weapons factory on Cymoon 1. A make-work job, it seemed to him, and he gnashed his teeth angrily as he departed the Super Star Destroyer (a.k.a. as a "dreadnought") Annihilator via his TIEx1. He figured he had better work things out with Jabba directly so he set his course, wearily, for Tatooine. The desert planet of course had been his home during childhood, but he loathed the place now and the frequent sandstorms would play havoc with his cybernetic setup and his breathing apparatus. Vader set his ship down as close to Jabba's palace as he could. As he strode up to the building, the Dark Lord was in no mood to trifle. He quickly forced his way in and shoved aside guards or anyone else standing in his way. Jabba was somewhat amused as Vader came before him and demanded the Hutt to dismiss his court so they could talk privately.
Jabba spoke, which was translated for Vader: "Hmm. I see you know enough to tread carefully. But tell me … are you brave or foolish?"
"That is not the question, Hutt. The question is, are you?"
"Oh, Jedi. Always making everything so difficult."
Vader scoffed. "I am no Jedi. I come on behalf of the Grand Master, her supreme majesty, Shaak Ti."
Jabba laughed. "The great lady herself? She deigns to assign jobs to you?"
"I know enough not to question her orders. You would do well not to question mine."
"You realize, do you not, that there is a substantial bounty on your head as well – placed by the syndicates. Are you quite sure Grand Master Ti has not hired them for this purpose?"
Vader was starting to grow irritated at this line of questioning.
"The Grand Master knows of my loyalty. Can she expect the same from you?"
"I am – and remain – on the best of terms with Her Majesty. Perhaps we can … arrange something, Lord Vader. I propose to assign two of my best agents to work with you. Boba Fett and the Wookiee, Black Krrsantan."
Vader grimaced inwardly at the seeming familiarity the Hutt seemed to think he had with Shaak.
"I will meet with them separately … but our business is not concluded."
Vader then sent a pair of storm troopers to explain the needs of the Empire with regard to raw material shipments to Cymoon 1. When he met with the pair of agents, he assigned Fett to learn of the identity of the pilot that helped to destroy the Death Star. Though he was well aware of both Ahsoka and Shaak's roles in that, for his own purposes, he had to find out who that pilot was. Because whoever it was, he had a strong Force sensitivity. Ahsoka had recently disclosed to him that he had not one, but two, children, but that was all that Shaak, apparently, would permit her to say about it. For some strange reason, he had the suspicion that the pilot was one of those children. But he couldn't be sure. Fett was considered one of the best in the business at finding things out.
At the same time, Vader had come to learn of another presence at the Emperor's side, one that might be angling for an enforcer's role. If he hoped to regain Palpatine's trust, he could ill afford to have any rivals. He had to learn more. The Emperor simply dismissed him when he'd inquired about the agent's identity upon seeing him in the Imperial Palace, so he knew this person had to be someone important enough that Palpatine did not want him to learn of. He then assigned the job of finding this agent to the Wookiee.
Yavin IV, 0 ABY, 2 months, 5 days
Ahsoka had called together the team that would carry out the mission to destroy the Imperial weapons factory on Cymoon 1, and they were meeting on Yavin IV. For the most part, the Alliance had moved all its assets off the moon of the gas giant, but the Massassi Temple was still intact. On the team were Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Leia, who would travel via the Millennium Falcon. Luke and Hedala would go with her on the Corvala Dawn. But, as they were making preparations to leave, Ahsoka received a transmission from Darth Vader. She went to her private quarters to take it.
"Master Tano. I have concluded negotiations with the Hutt. Now heading for Cymoon 1 and the weapons factory. Do you have any orders for me?"
She thought about it for a few seconds. This could present complications.
"Anakin, when will you be arriving there? I am bringing a strike team with me. We are going to shut that operation down."
Vader was more than a bit surprised, but, at the same time, pleased that she had tipped him off.
"I see, Master. I will be there within three standard hours. Will be meeting with Overseer Aggadeen to review the shipments I have scheduled with the Hutts."
Ahsoka took a breath and exhaled. "OK, we will delay our arrival until after your meeting has concluded. I want you to lead the resistance to our plans. It must look as though you attempted to prevent the outcome."
"I understand, Master. I will await your arrival."
"Very well, Anakin. Tano out."
She then made a last check of her ship, then spoke with Leia. R2-D2 and C-3PO would be accompanying them on the Falcon. Her droid, R8-ND, communicated with R2 to synchronize their arrival on Cymoon 1 and then the two ships departed Yavin IV and made the jump. Vader was already en route, and Ahsoka expected him to have at least a three-hour head start. The distance to Cymoon 1 from Tatooine was about the same as from Yavin, but they were coming from very different directions.
As they traveled, Ahsoka pointed out that Hedala would be taking the lead on the attack on the factory's main reactor complex and Luke would be backing her up. At the same time, she wanted Solo and Chewbacca to plant explosive devices at strategic points around the complex. Leia would be covering them. Ahsoka herself would monitor everything from her ship with R8-ND, but would be in a position to quickly intervene wherever she might find it necessary. Luke's lightsabre training at this point was very much a work in progress, and though Hedala was showing real promise as a swordswoman, neither of them could be expected to offer Darth Vader much in the way of opposition. Ahsoka knew she would be giving them significant assistance, even if from a distance.
"So – are we clear on the assignments?" She looked at both Hedala and Luke.
"Yes, Master, I am ready," Hedala declared confidently. Luke nodded.
"Very well. This is your first big assignment to take the lead, Dala. I will be here if you need me. Please do not hesitate to call me as my com will remain open."
Hedala again sounded confident. "You can count on me – on us – Master."
Luke felt a surge of excitement, knowing he would be battling the Empire this day. I'm still that shooting star, Biggs … We will fight for your memory and all the others that lost their lives fighting the Death Star, he thought, with conviction. He looked at Hedala, who smiled back. "Don't worry, Luke. You'll do great."
Vaynai, NE Outer Rim, 0 ABY, 2 months, 6 days
Chelli Aphra had a successful trip and she and Cad Bane had traveled to the Corporate Sector world of Kalla. A group of operatives for the Crymorah Syndicate had purchased the reconditioned droidekas from her and these included a missile launch capability that she had programmed in after doing the necessary engineering. Bane marveled at the young woman's skill and her cocky attitude. After the deal had been done, she invited him to the nearby resort world of Vaynai, where she had many contacts and allies, dating to her days of working with Ahsoka Tano and the Almanian Self-Defense forces.
It might not seem obvious to those of us on Earth today in the 21st Century, but one of the areas of study in archeology in the Galaxy "far, far away" was about cybernetics and various machines, particularly those with artificial intelligence. Chelli had studied many different aspects of the discipline but grew most fond of AI and had quietly become a true expert in the field at the tender age of 25. Being an expert in this field made her rather valuable, as she found out when Ahsoka hired her to develop the droid satellite system for orbital planetary defense. Now this system was about to go into use on another world far away from Almania, and Ahsoka, being a fair-minded person, thought Chelli should reap some of the benefit that others were gaining from her work. The problem was, no one knew how to contact Dr. Aphra and anyone that wanted to would just have to wait until she contacted them.
While Aphra and Bane were seated, waiting for another pod race to begin on the table-side video screens, she asked him. "You say you used to be a bounty hunter … what made you stop?"
He laughed. "Got too old … besides, I made enough money. Now I'd rather let those young bucks be the ones getting shot at." They both laughed at that.
While they were doing that, a well-dressed gentleman (or at least he seemed to be one) approached their table and spoke in well-articulated Basic. "Good afternoon, Doctor. My associates and I would like to see if we might interest you in a unique opportunity."
Chelli replied. "I'm listening."
"Yes. It has come to our attention that you are a master designer and maintainer of advanced droid systems. We would like to offer you membership in our organization, the Droid Gotra."
"I've heard of you. But why would I want to be a member of a group of former Separatist battle droids?"
"We also work for the Crymorah Syndicate and we are pleased with the units you worked on for us. You showed a rare understanding of AI for an organic being."
Chelli laughed. "I suppose I should be flattered … but, just the same …" It was at this point that she realized her interlocutor was actually a droid himself, but one remarkably life-like.
"Doctor Aphra … we can offer you another opportunity. We are interested in gaining something called the Triple Zero Personality Matrix. This is a valuable piece of programming that can be applied to any protocol droid and allow that droid to assume any identity desired."
Chelli perked up at this mention. "Interesting. Tell me more."
"We also would like to recover our BT-1 assassin droid prototype. We will pay well for both of these."
"How well?"
"Perhaps as much as 500,000 credits … and there is one other need. There is a mobile droid factory still existing on the planet Geonosis. It seems the former Geonosian Queen, Karina the Great has it in her possession."
Chelli glanced over at Bane, then back at the droid. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am interested in these assignments."
"Very well, Doctor. Someone will be getting in touch with you soon to provide all the details."
As the representative for Droid Gotra left them, Chelli turned to her partner.
"Cad … what do you know about the Droid Gotra?"
"Only that they aren't very fond of the Empire … and the feeling is mutual."
"Would you take that job?"
"It depends … what they are describing sounds potentially lucrative – to the right buyer."
"Yes … it does …" She smiled. Then she ordered another round of drinks. "The race is about to start …"
Cymoon 1, Core Region, 0 ABY, 2 months, 5 days
A few hours later, the Corvala Dawn and Millennium Falcon came out of hyperspace together. As was Ahsoka's normal custom, she preferred to approach most planets and moons from a reasonable distance so she could gain a good vantage point. On this particular day, there was not a large amount of activity around Cymoon 1, only a few supply ships coming and going. She did a quick scan and R8 analyzed it and they quickly deduced where they wanted to land. Once both ships had landed, she called for Han, Leia and Chewie to join them aboard Corvala Dawn. Ahsoka then reviewed her plan:
"Han … you and Leia will go in to see the Overseer. He will be expecting an emissary from the Hutts, which you will be impersonating. After you are in, signal us and Hedala and Luke will come in behind you, with Chewbacca. R8 has obtained the floor plan of the factory, which indicates where all the important shatter-points are located. As you two leave, you will be placing detonators at the points marked in red on this display."
Ahsoka then printed off copies of it and handed one each to Han, Leia, Chewbacca, and Hedala, then continued with her briefing.
"Luke, stay close to Hedala as much as you can. The two of you are to work as a team. When you find the reactor core, use your lightsabres to breach the security devices on it. Once inside, you won't have much time. Stay in communication with me as you enter the core area."
She then turned to the group. "Any questions?"
Han spoke up. "What happens if the storm troopers show up?"
Ahsoka smiled. "Use your blasters. Hedala and Luke will back you up."
Han then smiled and gave a gesture with both hands extended toward her. "I hope you will also be backing us up."
"I won't be far away, I promise …" As everyone rose to leave her ship, Ahsoka called out: "May the Force be with you."
As the group headed toward the factory entrance, Han and Leia went ahead while the others waited out of sight. After contacting Overseer Aggadeen, stating he was there representing Jabba the Hutt, he and Leia were allowed in. When they reached the office of the overseer, they pulled blasters and took out the storm troopers guarding his office, then forced their way in. Leia then knocked out Aggadeen as well after he confirmed the reactor location. Han then alerted Ahsoka that they had penetrated the factory.
Hedala then led Luke and Chewie inside, as storm troopers, who now were aware of the situation, moved to confront them. Lightsabres were drawn by Hedala and Luke, and both of them were successful at deflecting blaster fire as they ran into the building. Chewie then started placing charges at some of the targeted locations as Han and Leia had left the overseer's office to catch up with him. Everything seemed to be going according to plan, when Darth Vader then appeared.
Vader was immediately aware of the presence of both Luke and Hedala. The young lady is very prominent, he thought. The two of them were able to compromise the security and were about to enter the reactor core when Vader came up behind them. Hedala spun around and ignited her green blade, with Luke, standing behind her, doing the same with his blue blade. Vader then answered with his red sabre and Hedala bravely stepped forward to confront him. She advanced quickly with an Ataru slash and darted quickly around to come at him from behind. Impressive, the Dark Lord thought as he deftly cut her off and gave a slight nudge with the Force to knock her backwards. Luke then took his opportunity to strike but the figure in black quickly parried his blow and then gave him a strong surge that knocked him backward as well. Hedala got to her feet and tried to leap at Vader with her blade high, but he raised his other arm and Force-lifted her two metres off the floor, then slammed her back into the wall, knocking the wind out of her. As he stepped over to finish her off, Luke again charged and was able to draw the Sith's attention away from the Fardi girl.
At this, Vader suddenly detected something interesting about the young man facing him with his sabre held high. He tried a thrust, and to his surprise, Luke made a reasonably good defensive response. Using both hands on his hilt – as Ahsoka had taught him – he doggedly hung on and was able to keep Vader busy. Hedala then groggily got to her feet and shook her head sharply as if to shake off the cobwebs. She then charged Vader from the other side. Somehow, the two of them were able to back him up … and then, almost out of nowhere, Ahsoka had appeared.
Upon seeing her, Vader feigned surprise and she lit both of her white blades and stepped in front of Luke and Hedala. Wide-eyed, they watched Ahsoka push Vader back as she then turned to them and shouted, "The reactor, get inside!" At which they went inside the core area, slashed with their blades at the control panels and then planted detonators. While this was happening, Ahsoka spoke to Vader.
"OK, Anakin. That what was what I was looking for. Well played, sir."
Vader stopped for a second and stared at her. "Master Tano, I was not faking anything. Your apprentices show real ability, although they are very inexperienced, especially the boy. But I was impressed with their teamwork. You are a good teacher, my former apprentice."
Ahsoka chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment, former master … now I need you to give the others a scare."
Vader then left the area, and then looked for Imperials. He planned to let them know the reactor was about to be compromised. At this point, Han, Leia and Chewie had placed all of their charges.
Ahsoka then called for Luke and Hedala to follow her out. "Good job, both of you. I like how you both stood up to Darth Vader. Are you all right, Hedala?" Fardi indicated she was good.
"OK, back to the ship." Ahsoka ordered and they ran off with their sabres still lit, in case any Imperials confronted them.
Vader had caught up to Han and Leia and he threw Force pushes at both of them that caused them to fall backward. Chewbacca drew his blaster and started firing at Vader, who raised a hand and deflected the shots. Chewie took cover and continued to snipe away at Vader as best he could. Han and Leia were able to get away and they got into an AT-AT walker which had been left unattended. Solo then piloted the walker in the direction of where they had left the Millennium Falcon. Vader was finally able to neutralize Chewbacca, who then took off running in the other direction, just as Vader noticed the hijacked walker. Leia implored Han to attempt to crush Vader with the AT-AT's feet but he was able to avoid them. R2-D2, who had accompanied Han and Leia, was also aboard the walker and he was able to get the cannon functional. Leia, who blamed Vader for the destruction of Alderaan, fired the cannon at him and was able to temporarily incapacitate him, allowing them to make their escape back to the Falcon.
Ahsoka then realized what had happened to Vader and went to his side as the Imperial troopers had started firing heavily at the stolen walker. Vader signaled to Ahsoka that he was not seriously hurt and then told her he would handle it from here. Feeling somewhat relieved, Master Tano returned to her ship. She then contacted Han and Leia.
"Are you OK? I'm going to blow this place … get to the Falcon … Now!"
By remote control, Ahsoka started exploding the charges, beginning with those placed inside the reactor control room. As the explosions started reverberating throughout the factory, the Imperials were running around in all directions, not sure whom to follow. Vader took charge, ordering everyone to evacuate the factory, then he made it to his TIEx1 Starfighter and was soon gone. Once that happened, Ahsoka gave the order and both rebel ships – Corvala Dawn and Millennium Falcon – lifted off and returned to Yavin IV.
All in all, the mission had been successful. The factory had been destroyed and Vader had a reasonable explanation for what had happened. Of course, both the Emperor and General Tagge would be less than pleased, as this factory was key for the Empire and the capability they had lost would take months to replace.
(to be continued …)
