We're Wizards, Not Warriors: What If
Volume 7:
Chapter 26: Hoth Attack
1 year later….
A Star Destroyer moves through space, releasing Imperial probe robots from its underside. One of these probes zooms toward the planet Hoth and lands on its ice-covered surface. An explosion marks the point of impact.
A weird mechanical sound rises above the whining of the wind. A strange probe robot, with several extended sensors, emerges from the smoke-shrouded crater. The ominous mechanical probe floats across the snow plain and disappears into the distance.
A small figure gallops across the windswept ice slope. The bundled rider is mounted on a large gray snow lizard, a Tauntaun. Curving plumes of snow rise from beneath the speeding paws of the two-legged beast.
The rider gallops up a slope and reins his lizard to a stop. Pulling off his protective goggles, Luke Skywalker notices something in the sky. He takes a pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt and through them sees smoke rising from where the probe robot has crashed.
The wind whips at Luke's fur-lined cap and he activates a comlink transmitter. His Tauntaun shifts and moans nervously beneath him.
Luke said into his comlink, "Echo Three to Echo Seven. Han, old buddy, do you read me?"
After a little static a familiar voice is heard.
Han replied, "loud and clear, kid. What's up?'
Luke said, "well, I finished my circle. I don't pick up any life readings."
Han said, "there isn't enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser. The sensors are placed, I'm going back."
Luke said, "right. I'll see you shortly. There's a meteorite that hit the ground near here. I want to check it out. It won't take long."
Luke clicks off his transmitter and reins back on his nervous lizard. He pats the beast on the head to calm it.
Luke said, "hey, steady girl. What's the matter? You smell something?"
Luke takes a small device from his belt and starts to adjust it when suddenly a large shadow falls over him from behind. He hears a monstrous howl and turns to see an eleven-foot-tall shape towering over him. It is a Wampa Ice Creature, lunging at him ferociously.
Luke grabs for his pistol, but is hit flat in the face by a huge white claw. He falls unconscious into the snow and in a moment the terrified screams of the Tauntaun are cut short by the horrible snap of a neck being broken.
The Wampa Ice Creature grabs Luke by one ankle and drags him away across the frozen plain.
….
A stalwart figure rides his Tauntaun up to the entrance of an enormous ice cave.
Rebel troopers rush about unloading supplies and otherwise securing their new base. The rider, Han Solo, swings off his lizard and pulls off his goggles.
He walks into the main hangar deck toward the Millennium Falcon, which is parked among several fighters. Mechanics, R2 units, and various other droids hurry about. Han stops at the Millennium Falcon where his Wookiee copilot, Chewbacca, is welding on a central lifter. Chewie stops his work and lifts his face shield, growling an irritated greeting to his boss.
Han said, "Chewie!"
The Wookiee grumbles a reply.
Han said, "alright, don't lose your temper. I'll come right back and give you a hand."
Chewbacca puts his mask back on and returns to his welding.
As Han leaves, he sees a tired Eda walking his way.
"Eda", Han said.
Eda yawned, "hey Han."
Han asked, "the baby keeping you guys up again?"
"Yeah. Kane's crying is so loud", Eda said.
Han said, "he's a baby, what do you expect?"
"I agree with you on that", Eda said.
Han asked, "so what did you do to calm him down?"
Eda said, "Padme's breastfeeding him. He always falls asleep after that."
"Oh", Han said.
"But also seeing Sam, Luke or Leia calms him down as well", Eda said.
Han nodded and said, "well, I better go see General Rieekan."
Han then began to walk away.
A makeshift command center has been set up in a blasted area of thick ice. The low-ceilinged room is a beehive of activity. Controllers, troops, and droids move about setting up electronic equipment and monitoring radar signals. General Rieekan straightens up from a console at Han's approach.
He said, "Solo?"
Han said, "no sign of life out there, General. The sensors are in place. You'll know if anything comes around."
Sam walked in as Rieekan asked, "Commander Luke Skywalker reported in yet?"
Han said, "no. He's checking out a meteorite that hit near him."
Rieekan indicates a radar screen, "with all the meteor activity in this system, it's going to be difficult to spot approaching ships."
Taking a deep breath, Han blurts out what is on his mind, "General, I've got to leave. I can't stay anymore."
Princess Leia, standing at a console nearby, is dressed in a short white combat jacket and pants. Her hair is braided across her head in a Nordic fashion. She overhears their conversation and seems somewhat distressed.
"Han, you can't be serious", Sam said.
Han said, "well, there's a price on my head. If I don't pay off Jabba the Hutt, I'm a dead man."
Rieekan said, "a death mark's not an easy thing to live with. You're a good fighter, Solo. I hate to lose you."
Han said, "thank you, General."
Han held his hand out to Sam.
Sam asked, "Han, are you sure you want to do this?"
Han said, "if I don't, Jabba the Hutt is gonna send every bounty hunter after me."
Sam sighed and said, "I wish you luck, Han."
Sam then shakes Han's hand.
Han nodded.
Han then sees Leia.
Han said, "well, Your Highness, I guess this is it."
Leia said, "that's right…."
Sam rolled his eyes. They TOTALLY had feelings for each other.
Leia is angry. Han sees she has no warmth to offer him. He shakes his head and adopts a sarcastic tone.
Han said, "well, don't get all mushy on me. So long, Princess."
Han walks away into the quiet corridor adjoining the command center. Leia stews a moment, then hurries after him.
Leia followed him and said, "Han!"
Han stops in the corridor and turns to face Leia.
Han said, "yes, your Highnessness?"
Leia said, "I thought you decided to stay."
Han said, "well, the bounty hunter we ran into on Ord Mantell changed my mind."
Leia said, "Han, we need you!"
Han asked, "we?"
Leia said, "yes."
Han said, "oh, what about you need?"
Leia said, "I need? I don't know what you're talking about."
Han groaned, "you probably don't."
Leia said, "and what precisely am I supposed to know?"
Han said, "come on! You want me to stay because of the way you feel about me."
"Yes. You're a great help to us. You're a natural leader….", Leia said.
"No! That's not it. Come on. Aahhh- uh huh! Come on", Han said.
Leia stares at him, understanding, then laughs.
"You're imagining things", Leia said.
Han said, "am I? Then why are you following me? Afraid I was going to leave without giving you a goodbye kiss?"
"I'd just as soon kiss a Wookiee", Leia said.
"I can arrange that. You could use a good kiss", Han said.
Angrily, Han strides down the corridor as Leia stares after him.
A familiar stream of beeps and whistles herald the approach of R2, HK-47 and C3-P0, who appear around a corner and move along an ice wall toward the main hangar.
C3-P0 said, "don't try to blame me. I didn't ask you to turn on the thermal heater. I merely commented that it was freezing in the princess' chamber. But it's supposed to be freezing. How are we going to dry out all her clothes? I really don't know."
R2 beeps a stream of protesting whistles.
HK said, "bored statement: I used to hunt low level targets, now I'm listening to this prissy protocol unit."
C3-P0 said, "oh, switch off. Both of you."
The three droids stop at Han Solo's space freighter. Han and Chewie are struggling with their central lifters.
Han said to Chewie, "why do you take this apart now? I'm trying to get us out of here and you pull both of these."
Chewie grumbles in irritation.
C3-P0 said, "excuse me sir?"
"Put them back together now", Han said to Chewie.
C3-P0 asked, "might I have a word with you please?"
Han asked, "what do you want?"
"Well, it's Princess Leia, she's been trying to get you on the communicator", C3-P0 said.
"I turned it off. I don't want to talk to her", Han said.
"Oh. Well, Princess Leia is wondering about Master Luke. He hasn't come back yet. She doesn't know where he is", C3-P0 said.
"I don't know where he is", Han asked.
"Nobody knows where he is", C3-P0 said.
Han asked, "what do you mean, 'nobody knows?'"
Han glances at the fading light at the entrance of the ice cave as night slowly begins to fall on the planet.
"Well…. Uh…. You see….", C3-P0 stuttered.
Han jumps down off the lift, as Threepio follows him.
Han called out, "Deck Officer. Deck Officer!"
C3-P0 said, "excuse me, sir. Might I inqu-"
Han abruptly puts his hand over C3-P0's mouth as the deck officer approaches.
The Deck Officer asked, "yes, sir?"
Han asked, "do you know where Commander Luke Skywalker is?"
The Deck Officer said, "I haven't seen him. It's possible he came in through the south entrance."
Han said, "it's possible? Why don't you go find out? It's getting dark out there."
The Deck Officer said, "yes, Sir."
The deck officer leaves hurriedly, as Han takes his hand off C3-P0's mouth.
C3-P0 said, "excuse me, sir. Might I inquire what's going on?"
Han said, "why not?"
C3-P0 said, "impossible man. Come along, Artoo, HK, let's find Princess Leia and Master Sam. Between ourselves, I think Master Luke is in considerable danger."
The deck officer and his assistant hurry toward Han as he enters the tunnel.
"Sir, Commander Skywalker hasn't come in through the south entrance. He might have forgotten to check in", the Deck officer said.
Han asked, "not likely, are the speeders ready?"
"Not yet. We're having some trouble adapting them to the cold" the Deck Officer said.
"Then we'll have to go out on Tauntauns", Han said.
"Sir, the temperature's dropping too rapidly", the Deck Officer said.
"That's right. And my friends out in it", Han said.
An assistant officer said, "I'll cover sector twelve. Have com-control set screen alpha."
Han pushes through the troops and mounts a Tauntaun.
The Deck Officer said, "your Tauntaun'll freeze before you reach the first marker."
Han said, "then I'll see you in Hell!"
Han maneuvers his mount out of the cave and races into the dark bitter night.
….
The jagged face of a huge ice wall sits gloomily in the dim twilight of a Hoth day. Luke hangs upside down, ankles frozen into icy stalactites, his extended arms within a foot of the snow floor. One side of his face is covered in a dried mask of frozen blood. He opens his eyes as a chilling moan of the hideous ice creature echoes off the gorge walls. Luke pulls himself up, grabs hold of his ankles, and futilely tries to unfasten the throngs.
Exhausted, he drops back into his hanging position. As he hangs there, he spies his lightsaber lying near a pile of his discarded gear, about three feet out of reach.
He focuses on the saber and, as his hand strains toward the weapon, he squeezes his eyes tight in concentration.
Just as the ice creature looms over Luke, the lightsaber jumps into Luke's hand.
The young warrior instantly ignites his sword, swinging up, and cuts himself loose from the ice. He flops to the snow in a heap. The startled creature moves back, his giant yellow eyes blinking. Luke scrambles to his feet. He swings his lightsaber and the beast screams in pain.
Luke staggers out of the gorge into the dark and snowy twilight. Weak and exhausted, he stumbles down a snow bank.
…..
A small, lone figure riding a Tauntaun races through the hostile vastness of snow and cold. As it runs, the Tauntaun's legs kick up large clouds of snow and ice into the snowy air.
….
R2 stands in the falling snow, beeping worriedly. C3-P0 moves stiffly over to him.
He says, "you must come along now, Artoo. There's really nothing more we can do. And my joints are freezing up."
R2 beeps, long and low.
C3-P0 says, "don't say thing like that! Of course we'll see Master Luke again. He'll be quite all right, you'll see. Stupid little short-circuit. He'll be quite alright."
C3-P0 turns to go back inside the main hangar as R2 mournfully keeps his vigil.
HK-47 walks over.
Lola and One-One walked beside HK-47.
HK-47 said, "statement: I am sure Captain Solo will find Master Luke."
"I hope so, Master Sam is really worried", One-One said.
That wasn't hard to believe. That was his brother lost out there.
Lola beeped.
"Master Leia will be happy if Han does find Luke", One-One said.
HK-47 nodded.
….
The wind is blowing quite strong now. Luke struggles to stay upright, but a blast of freezing snow knocks him over. He struggles to get up, but he can't. The young warrior from Tatooine drags himself a couple of feet and then collapses.
….
Princess Leia and Sam stand inside the dark entrance to the Rebel base, waiting for a sign of the two Rebel heroes. Leia shivers in the cold wind as, nearby, Chewie sits with his head in his hands. In the background, R2 and C3-P0 move through the doors. A Rebel lieutenant moves to Major Derlin, an officer keeping watch with the princess.
"Sir, all the patrols are in. There's still no contact from Skywalker or Solo", the Lieutenant said.
"Mistress Leia, Artoo says he's been quite unable to pick up any signals, although he does admit that his own range is far too weak to abandon all hope", C3-P0 said.
Leia nods an acknowledgment, but she is lost in thought.
Derlin said, "your Highness, General Skywalker, there's nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors must be closed", he turns to the lieutenant, "close the doors."
The Lieutenant said, "yes sir."
The lieutenant walks away. Chewie lets out a long, mournful howl, somewhat like a coyote. At the same moment, R2 begins a complex series of efficient beeps.
C3-P0 said, "Artoo says the chances of survival are seven hundred seventy-five…. To one."
Leia stands praying to herself as the huge metal doors slam across the entrance of the ice cave. The loud booms echo throughout the huge cavern. Chewie lets out another suffering howl.
C3-P0 said, "actually, Artoo has been known to make mistakes…. From time to time. Oh, dear, oh, dear. Don't worry about Master Luke. I'm sure he'll be alright. He's quite clever, you know…. For a human being."
….
Luke lies face down in the snow, nearly unconscious. Slowly he looks up and sees Ben Kenobi, barely visible through the blowing snow. It is hard to tell if Kenobi is real or a hallucination.
"Luke…. Luke….", Obi-Wan said.
Luke asked weakly, "Ben?"
"You will go to the Dagobah system", Obi Wan said.
Luke asked, "Dagobah system?"
"There you will learn from Yoda, the Jedi Master who instructed me", Obi Wan said.
The image of Ben fades, revealing a lone Tauntaun rider approaching from the windswept horizon
"Ben…. Ben….", Luke said.
Luke drops into unconsciousness. Han pulls up and leaps off his mount. He hurries to his snow-covered friend, cradling him in his arms. Han's Tauntaun lets out a low, pitiful bellow. But Han's concern is with Luke, and he shakes him urgently.
"Luke! Luke! Don't do this, Luke. Come on, give me a sign here", Han said.
Luke doesn't respond. Han begins frantically rubbing and slapping Luke's unconscious face. As he starts to lift the youth, Han hears a rasping sound behind him. He turns, just in time to see his Tauntaun stagger and then fall over into the snow. Han carries Luke to the moaning beast. Then, with a final groan, the Tauntaun expires.
Han said, "not much time."
He pushes Luke's inert form against the belly of the dead beast.
Luke groans, "Ben…. Ben…."
Han said, "hang on, kid."
Luke said, "Dagobah system…."
Han ignites Luke's saber and cuts the beast from head to toe. He quickly tosses its steaming innards into the snow, then lifts Luke's inert form and stuffs him inside the carcass.
Han said, "whew…."
Luke groaned, "Dagobah…. Yoda…."
Han said, "this may smell bad, kid…. But it will keep you warm…. 'Til I get the shelter built", he is struggling to get Luke inside the carcass, "ooh…. I thought they smelled bad on the outside!"
The wind has picked up considerably, making it difficult to move. Han removes a pack from the dead creature's back, taking out a shelter container. He begins to set up what can only be a pitiful protection against a bitter Hoth night.
….
Four snub-nosed armored snowspeeders race across the white landscape.
There is only one pilot, Zev, in the enclosed two-man craft. He concentrates on the scopes which ring his cockpit. He hears a low beep from one of his monitors.
"Echo Base…. I've got something! Not much, but it could be a life form", Zev said.
The small craft banks and makes a slow arc, then races off in a new direction. Small craft banks and makes a slow arc, then races off in a new direction.
The pilot switches over to a new transmitter.
Zev said, "this is Rogue Two. This is Rogue Two. Captain Solo, so you copy? Commander Skywalker, do you copy? This is Rogue Two."
There is a sharp crackle of static, then a faint voice.
Han says, filtered over Zev's receiver, "good morning. Nice of you guys to drop by."
Zev said, "Echo Base…. This is Rogue Two. I found them. Repeat, I found them."
….
The small shelter Han setup is covered with snow on the windward side.
A makeshift antenna rests gingerly on top of the snowdrift. Han spots Zev's snowspeeder approaching in the distance, and begins waving his arms frantically at the tiny craft.
….
Strange robot surgeons adjust a mass of electronic equipment. A switch is thrown and a sudden blinding flash obscures Luke in a bacta tank filled with a thick, gelatinous slime. He begins to thrash about, raving in delirium.
….
Luke sits up in a recovery-room bed, weak but smiling. His face shows terrible wounds from the Wampa's attack. C3-P0 and R2 enter the room.
"Master Luke, sir, it's so good to see you fully functional again", C3-P0 said.
R2 beeps his good wishes.
C3-P0 said, "Artoo expresses his relief, also."
Sam, Padme, Han and Chewie make their entrance. The Wookiee growls a greeting.
Sam said, "thank the Force you're alright!"
Han said, "how are you feeling, kid? You don't look so bad to me. In fact, you look strong enough to pull the ears off a Gundark."
Luke said, "thanks to you."
Sam said, "yeah, thanks Han."
Han said, "well, that's two you owe me, Luke."
Padme hugged Luke as Han turned as Leia entered the room. He looks at her with a big, devilish grin.
Han said, "well your Worship, looks like you managed to keep me around for a little while longer."
Leia said, "I had nothing to do with it. General Rieekan thinks it's dangerous for any ships to leave this system until we've activated the energy shield."
Sam said, "hence why most of us are still here. Thank the Force Rex and the Ghost crew managed to head out early on."
Han said, "that's a good story. I think you just can't bear to let a gorgeous guy like me out of your sight."
Leia said, "I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain."
Chewie is amused; he laughs in his manner. Han, enjoying himself, regards Chewie good-humoredly.
"Laugh it up, fuzzball. But you didn't see us alone in the south passage", Han said.
Luke sparks to this; he looks at Leia.
"My…! Why, you stuck up…. Half-witted…. Scruffy-looking…. Nerf-herder….", Leia growled.
Han said to Luke, "who's scruffy-looking? I must have hit pretty close to the mark to get her all riled up like that, huh, kid?"
Leia looks vulnerable for a moment, then the mask falls again, and she focuses on Luke.
Leia said, "why, I guess you don't know everything about women yet?
Leia was about to lean in to kiss Luke!
Sam went wide-eyed and quickly used the force to pull her back.
Leia exclaimed, "what the!?"
Sam said, "do not use Luke to make Han jealous."
Padme thought, 'thank the Force he did that. That would've been disgusting.'
Suddenly, in the distance, the muffled sound of an alarm is heard.
"Headquarters personnel, report to the command center."
The voice repeats the order and Han, Leia, Chewie, R2, Padme, Sam, and C3-P0 hurry out of the room, bidding farewell to Luke.
Han said, "take it easy."
C3-P0 said, "excuse us, please."
….
Rieekan looks up grimly from a console screen. He calls over to Leia, Sam and Han.
Rieekan said, "Princess…. We have a visitor."
The group hurries over to Rieekan.
Rieekan said, "we've picked up something outside the base in zone twelve, moving east."
Sam said, "it's metal."
Leia said, "then it couldn't be one of those creatures that attacked Luke."
Han said, "it could be a speeder, one of ours."
A senior controller said, "no. Wait - there's something very weak coming through."
C3-P0 steps up to the control panel and listens intently to the strange signal.
C3-P0 said, "Sir, I am fluent in six million forms of communication. This signal is not used by the Alliance. It could be an Imperial code."
The transmission ends in static.
Han said, "it isn't friendly, whatever it is. Come on, Chewie, let's check it out."
"Send Rogues Ten and Eleven to station three-eight", Rieekan said.
….
The dark probe robot moves past the smoldering ruins of station three-eight and down a ridge toward the Rebel base. It raises a large antenna from the top of its head and begins to send out a piercing
signal.
The probe droid has spotted Chewbacca who, not thirty feet away, has popped his head over a snowbank. Instantly, the probe robot swings around, its deadly ray ready to fire. But before it can get a shot off, it is hit from behind by a laser bolt, and explodes in a million pieces.
Han Solo replaces his blaster in its holster and peers intently at the smoldering remains of the Imperial probe.
Leia and Rieekan listen to Han on the comlink.
"Afraid there's not much left", Han said over the comlink.
Leia asked, "what was it?"
"Droid of some kind. I didn't hit it that hard. It must have had a self-destruct", Han said.
"An Imperial probe droid", Leia said in worry.
"It's a good bet the Empire knows we're here", Han said.
Rieekan said, "we'd better start the evacuation."
….
Darth Vader's Star Destroyer, larger and more awesome than the five Imperial Star Destroyers that surround it, sits in the vastness of space. The six huge ships are surrounded by a convoy of smaller spacecraft. TIE fighters dart to and fro.
….
Controllers working the vast complex of electronic controls hear ominous approaching footsteps and look up from their controls. The squat, evil-looking Admiral Ozzel and the young, powerfully built General Veers, who have been conferring near the front, also feel the approaching presence and turn toward it. Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith, enters like a chill wind. As Vader moves across the wide bridge, Captain Piett hurries up to Ozzel.
Piett said, "Admiral."
Ozzel said, "yes, Captain."
Piett said, "I think we've got something, sir. The report is only a fragment from a probe droid in the Hoth system, but it's the best lead we've had."
Ozzel said, "we have thousands of probe droids searching the galaxy. I want proof, not leads!"
Piett said, "the visuals indicate life readings."
Ozzel said, "it could mean anything. If we followed every lead…."
Piett said, "but, sir, the Hoth system is supposed to be devoid of human forms."
Vader moves to a large screen showing an image of the Rebel snow base. Rebel speeders can be seen approaching the base in the distance.
Vader asked, "you found something?"
"Yes, my lord", Piett said as he showed Vader the image.
Vader said as he studied the image on the console screen, "that's it. The Rebels are there."
Ozzel said, "my lord, there are so many uncharted settlements. It could be smugglers, it could be…."
Vader said, "that is the system. And I'm sure the Skywalker's are with them. The Emperor orders us to find the Rebels. Set your course for the Hoth system. General Veers, prepare your men."
….
Back on Hoth….
A captain issues instructions to two of his men at the entrance to the main transport bay. Several Rebel transports behind them are being loaded by men carrying heavy boxes and moving quickly, but not in panic.
"Groups seven and ten will stay behind to fly the speeders. As soon as each transport is loaded, evacuation control will give clearance for immediate launch", a Rebel Captain said.
Alarms sound. Troops, ground crews, and droids rush to their alert stations. Armored snowspeeders are lined up in attack formation near the main entrance.
In the midst of all this activity, Han does some frantic welding on the lifters of the Millennium Falcon.
Han finishes his work and hops down to the hangar floor. He pulls out his comlink, all the while eyeing problematic lifters.
Han said into his comlink, to Chewie, "okay, that's it. Try it…. Off! Turn it off! Turn it off! Off!"
Smoke rises from a minor explosion on the lifter. Exasperated, Han surveys the new damage.
….
Luke dresses in readiness for the evacuation as his attending medical droid stands by.
It says, "Sir, it will take quite a while to evacuate the T-forty-sevens."
Luke said, "well, forget the heavy equipment. There's plenty of time to get the smaller modules on the transports."
The droid said, "take care, sir."
Luke said, "thanks."
Pilots, gunners, and R2 units scurry about. Luke, pulling on his heavy-weather jacket, is headed toward a row of armored speeders. He stops at the rear of the Millennium Falcon, where Han and Chewie are trying to repair the right lifter with even more haste than before.
Luke asked, "Chewie, take care of yourself, okay?"
As Luke pats Chewie on the arm, Chewie puts his arms around Luke and gives him a tight hug. Han is discussing the lifter with a repair droid when he sees Luke.
Han said, "hi kid", he then looked at a droid, "there's got to be a reason for it. Check it at the other end. Wait a second"; he looked to Luke, "you alright?"
Luke said, "yeah."
Han said, "be careful."
Luke said, "you too."
Luke smiles, then waves at his friend and walks on. After a few steps, he stops and looks back. Han glances up and the two exchange a silent communication, each wishing the other safety, happiness; many things, all difficult to verbalize.
….
Alarms sound throughout the hidden Rebel base. In the control room, a controller urgently gestures for General Rieekan to check a computer scan.
….
"General, there's a fleet of Star Destroyers coming out of hyperspace in sector four", the officer said.
"Reroute all power to the energy shield. We've got to hold them till all transports are away. Prepare for ground assault", Rieekan said.
Rieekan exits hurriedly.
….
The dark cubicle is illuminated by a single shaft of light which falls on the brooding Vader as he sits on a raised meditation cube. General Veers enters the room and approaches the silent, unmoving Vader. Although seemingly very sure of himself, Veers is still not bold enough to interrupt the meditating lord. The younger general stands quietly at attention until Vader speaks.
Vader asked, "what is it, General?"
Veers said, "my lord, the fleet has moved out of light-speed. Com-Scan has detected an energy field protecting an area around the sixth planet of the Hoth system. The field is strong enough to deflect any bombardment."
Vader said, "the Rebels are alerted to our presence. Admiral Ozzel came out of light-speed too close to the system. The Emperor isn't going to like this."
Veers said, "he felt surprise was wiser-"
Vader said, "he is as clumsy as he is stupid. General, prepare your troops for a surface attack."
Veers said, "yes, my lord."
Veers turns smartly and leaves as Vader activates a large viewscreen showing the bridge of his mighty ship. Admiral Ozzel appears on the viewscreen, standing slightly in front of Captain Piett.
Ozzel said, "Lord Vader, the fleet has moved out of light-speed, and we're preparing to-"
Vader said, "silence. You have failed me for the last time, Admiral. You're being demoted. Captain Piett."
Piett steps forward, as the admiral moves away, slightly confused and ashamed.
Piett said, "yes, my lord."
Vader said, "make ready to land out troops beyond the energy shield and deploy the fleet so that nothing gets off that system. You are in command now, Admiral Piett."
Piett said, "thank you, Lord Vader."
Piett's pleasure about his unexpected promotion is not an unmixed emotion. He glances warily at the now Captain Ozzel who, with a final sigh, walks away in shame.
….
Back on Hoth….
With a sense of urgency, Leia quickly briefs a group of pilots gathered in the center of the hangar.
"All troop carriers will assemble at the north entrance. The heavy transport ships will leave as soon as they're loaded. Only two fighter escorts per ship. The energy shield can only be opened for a short time, so you'll have to stay very close to your transports", Leia said.
Hobbie asked, "two fighters against a Star Destroyer?"
Leia said, "the ion cannon will fire several shots to make sure that any enemy ships will be out of your flight path. When you've gotten past the energy shield, proceed directly to the rendezvous point. Understood?"
"Right…. Okay", the pilots said.
"Good luck", Leia said.
"Okay. Everyone to your stations. Let's go", Derlin shouted.
Rebel troops carry heavy bazooka-type weapons and position them along the snow trench. Men hurriedly respond to their officers' yelled orders and brace themselves against the rhythmic gusts of bitter-cold wind.
Other troops load power packs into a gun turret and swing its guns into position. Near the base power generators, troops rush to set up their heavy battle equipment. Buzzing loudly, the generators send along, sparking fingers of energy into the bitter Hoth wind.
….
The long line of Rebel controllers is tense, as are Princess Leia, Padme and General Rieekan, who are trying very hard not to show any fear.
Rieekan said, "their primary target will be the power generators. Prepare to open the shield."
….
The Rebel transport and two escort fighters begin their departure from the ice planet.
….
A huge Imperial Star Destroyer rest against a sea of stars, far above the white surface of the planet Hoth.
….
An Imperial controller approaches his commander.
He says, "Sir, Rebel ships are coming into our sector."
The commander said, "good. Our first catch of the day."
The controller thought, 'like he knows how to fish.'
….
Rebel base….
"Stand by, ion control…. Fire!"
The giant ball-shaped ion cannon rotates into position and blasts two red energy beams skyward.
The Rebel transport and its escort race away from the white planet, closely followed by the two red energy beams.
As the Rebel transport races toward the waiting Imperial Star Destroyer, it is overtaken by the two scarlet energy bolts. The Imperial Star Destroyer is hit in the conning tower by the powerful bolts, which set up fiery explosions on its metal hull.
The big Star Destroyer veers, then spins wildly out of control. As the Imperial ship careers into deep space, the Rebel transport races away to safety.
Pilots, gunners, and troopers hurry to their stations and their vehicles.
"The first transport is away", the voice said over the speaker.
Everyone cheers at the announcement, which echoes through the hangar. Luke turns and walks on, heading toward his snowspeeder. His gunner, Dack, a fresh-faced, eager kid, is glad to see him. They climb in.
Dack said, "feeling alright, sir?"
Luke said, "just like new, Dack. How about you?"
Dack said, "right now I feel like I could take on the whole Empire myself."
Like said, "I know what you mean."
….
Sam and Hunter were getting the Ebon Hawk prepared for takeoff.
….
A thin horizon line cuts across the bleak landscape. Small dot-size objects begin to appear on the horizon, moving in the direction of the Rebel base.
A Rebel officer lifts a pair of electrobinoculars to his eyes. Through the lens he sees a very close view of a giant Imperial snow walker. He adjusts the view which then zooms back to reveal three more of the ominous battle machines. Small flashes of yellow fire billow from the guns of the lumbering snow walkers.
The officer lowers his binoculars as the regular rhythmic pounding begins to make the ground vibrate. The pounding grows louder and is accompanied by a high-pitched, metallic rattling. The officer speaks into his comlink.
An officer said, "Echo Station Three-T-Eight."
Pilots and gunners race to their waiting snowspeeders. Ice and snow began falling from the walls of the corridor, shaken by the pounding Imperial snow walker as they drew ever nearer.
"We have spotted Imperial walkers", a Trench officer said.
Imperial walkers on the north ridge.
The Rebel troops aim their weapons at the horizon as explosions erupt all around them. They are nervous and their grip on their weapons tightens from the cold and from fear.
Behind the troops a dozen snowspeeders race through the sky.
"Echo station Five-Seven. We're on our way", Luke said.
The fleet of snowspeeders races above the ice field at full throttle. They accelerate away from the base and head toward the distant walkers.
"All right, boys, keep tight now", Luke said.
"Luke, I have no approach vector. I'm not set", Dack said.
"Steady, Dack. Attack pattern delta. Go now", Luke shouted.
The cannons mounted on the walker head fire at the speeders. Other walkers loom in the background. Two speeders race away past two of the enormous walkers and bank to the right.
"Alright, I'm coming in", Luke said.
He turns his speeder and heads directly at one of the walkers, flying toward its towering legs. The horizon twists as the speeder banks between the legs.
Luke asked over the comlink, "Hobbie, are you still with me?"
Two speeders race directly at the head of a walker, then split and fly past three other walkers march onward, firing all cannons.
Rebel troops fire on the approaching walkers, as the snow and ice explode all around them.
A speeder banks through and away from the legs of a walker. Two other speeders pass the first speeder from the opposite direction. Other Rebel craft race just above the icy plain.
A giant walker head swivels and fires, striking a snowspeeder and sending it crashing in a ball of flames.
General Veers and two walker pilots keep a careful eye on the racing Rebel snowspeeders as they maneuver their lumbering war machine forward.
Luke's speeder banks in from the side of Veers's walker and heads straight for its viewport, blasting away. An explosion hits the walker window, but dissipates, doing no harm. The speeder roars up and over the impregnable war machine.
Luke looks back at the walker as it grows smaller in the distance.
Luke said, "that armor's too strong for blasters."
On the horizon, another walker moves up past Luke's cockpit window, twisting out of sight as Luke banks and starts another run.
Luke said into his comlink, "Rogue Group, use your harpoons and tow cables. Go for the legs. It might be our only chance of stopping them. Alright, stand by, Dack."
Dack is at the gunner's controls.
Dack said, "Luke, we've got a malfunction in fire control. I'll have to cut in the auxiliary."
Luke said, "just hang on. Hang on, Dack. Get ready to fire that tow cable."
Barely keeping his seat in the tumbling ship, Dack struggles to set up his harpoon gun.
Luke swings his speeder around and heads toward an oncoming walker. Laser bolts and flak fill the air, creating a deadly obstacle course for the tiny craft.
….
Rogue Leader and another snowspeeder fly in tight formation toward the walker as explosions burst all around them.
….
After sustaining a heavy volley of fire, Luke turns around to see if Dack is all right.
Luke said, "Dack? Dack!"
Dack is lost. Blood streams down his forehead, which rests on his smoldering controls. Out the back window, an Imperial walker recedes in the distance.
….
Rebel troops fire the dish-like ray gun while explosions erupt around them.
….
HK-47 was boarding the Ebon Hawk with Ahsoka, Bendy and Sam's husbands and wife.
….
Two walkers lumber toward the Rebel base as a speeder between them explodes in a ball of flames.
….
The dish-like ray gun is hit by a laser bolt and instantly explodes.
….
Through the cockpit window, Veers and his pilot can see the Rebel power generators in the distance.
A hologram of Darth Vader appears on a control panel screen.
Veers said, "yes, Lord Vader. I've reached the main power generator. The shield will be down in moments. You may start your landing."
"Rogue three", Luke said into comlink.
"Copy, Rogue Leader", Wedge said.
"Wedge, I've lost my gunner. You'll have to make this shot. I'll cover for you. Set your harpoon. Follow me on the next pass", Luke said over the comlink.
"Coming around, Rogue Leader", Wedge said.
"Steady, Rogue Two", Luke said.
Wedge's speeder races through the legs of one of the monstrous walkers.
"Activate Harpoon", Wedge said.
Wedge's gunner reaches for a firing switch to activate the harpoon. The harpoon flashes out, and speeds toward the receding legs of the walker.
The harpoon hurtles toward the walker, In an instant it is embedded in one of the walker's legs.
"Good shot, Janson", Wedge said.
The speeder Rogue Three races around one of the giant walker's feet, trailing the cable behind it. Continuing around the back foot, Rogue Three then circles the walker around the tail end.
Wedge checks his controls and banks around the front of the walker.
"One more pass", Wedge said.
"Coming around. Once more", Janson said.
The speeder sweeps left to right in front of the giant legs, towing the cable behind it.
"Once more", Janson said.
Wedge swings the speeder between the legs of the giant walker.
Janson said, "cable out! Let her go!"
Wedge said, "detach cable."
The cable release on the back of the speeder snaps loose and the cable drops away.
Janson said, "cable detached."
The speeder zooms away into the distance. The tangled legs of the enormous war machine attempt a step, but as they do the giant Imperial walker begins to topple. It teeters for a moment, and then crashes onto the icy ground, sending snow and metal pieces flying.
The troops in the trenches cheer at the sight of the crashing walker.
An officer gives a signal to his men and Rebel troops charge the fallen war machine.
A trench officer yelled, "come on!"
The troops run toward the downed walker, followed by two Rebel speeders flying overhead. Just as they reach the walker, it explodes, the impact throwing some of the men onto the frozen ground.
Wedge lets out a triumphant yell, banking his speeder away from the fallen walker.
Wedge yelled, "whooha! That got him!"
Luke said, "I see it, Wedge. Good work."
….
Large chunks of ice tumble into the command center as Leia, Padme and General Rieekan monitor computer screens.
Rieekan said, "I don't think we can protect two transports at a time."
Padme said, "Eda and Kane were last at the Falcon. I'm gonna go make sure they're safe."
As she ran off, Leia said, "it's risky, but we can't hold out much longer. We have no choice."
Rieekan said, "launch patrols."
Leia said, "evacuate remaining ground staff."
….
Muffled distant explosions create widening cracks in the ice roof of the hangar. Trying to ignore the noise and falling bits of snow, Han works on one of the Falcon's lifters while Chewie works on one of the wings. Noticing Chewie attach a wrong part, Han grows impatient.
Han said, "no, no! No! This one goes there, that one goes there. Right?"
In another area of the hangar, C3-P0 watches as R2 is raised up into Luke's X-wing fighter.
"Artoo, you take good care of Master Luke now, understand? And…. Do take good care of yourself. Oh, dear, oh, dear", C3-P0 said.
….
The fierce battle on the vast snow plains of Hoth rages on. The Imperial walkers continue their slow, steady assault on the Rebel base, firing lasers as they lumber ever onward. In the snow trench, Rebel troops fire large bazooka-like guns and dish-like ray guns as explosions erupt around them. A gun tower is hit by a laser bolt and instantly explodes. Another blast destroys a ray gun.
….
General Veers studies various readouts on his control panel.
He says, "all troops will debark for ground assault. Prepare to target the main generator."
….
Luke's speeder and Rogue Two fly in formation, banking from right to left and flying above the erupting battlefield. Flak bursts all around them.
Luke, glancing over, sees Rogue Two on his left. His ship shudders as flak bursts nearby.
Luke said, "Rogue Two, are you alright?"
"Yeah. I'm with you, Rogue Leader", Zev said.
"We'll set a harpoon. I'll cover for you", Luke said.
The two speeders race across the horizon toward the giant walkers.
"Coming around", Zev said.
"Watch that crossfire, boys", Luke said.
"Set for position. Ready", Zev said to the gunner.
"Stay tight and low", Luke said.
Luke's speeder moves in formation with Rogue Two, when suddenly Zev's speeder is hit by a laser bolt. His ship bucks violently under the impact and the cockpit explodes in a ball of flame.
Spewing smoke, the speeder hurtles toward a looming walker. Before they collide. Rogue Two explodes in a million flaming pieces.
Desperately, Luke works the controls of his flak-buffeted ship. Suddenly, the speeder is rocked by a huge explosion. Luke struggles with the controls with a look of terror on his face. The speeder fills with smoke, and electrical sparks jump about the cockpit.
"Hobbie! I've been hit", Luke said.
Apart from the distant thunder of laser blasts, the corridor is strangely quiet and empty. Running footsteps echo through the freezing hallway, then Han appears. Cracks have appeared in some of the walls and some pipes have broken, sending hot steam billowing into the underground hallways. Han hurries into the command center. It is a shambles, but some people are still at their posts. As he enters, a gigantic cave-in almost obliterates the room. He finds Leia and C3-P0 near one of the control boards.
Han said, "you alight?"
Leia nods. She is surprised to see him.
She asked, "why are you still here?"
Han said, "I heard the command center had been hit."
Leia said, "you got your clearance to leave."
Han said, "don't worry. I'll leave. First I'm going to get you to your mom, then your ship."
C3-P0 said, "your Highness, we must take this last transport. It's our only hope."
Leia said to the head controller, "send all troops in sector twelve to the south slope to protect the fighters."
A blast rocks the command center, throwing C3-P0 backward into Han's arms.
An announcer said, "Imperial troops have entered the base."
Han said, "come on…. That's it."
Leia said to the head controller, "give the evacuation code signal. And get to your transports!"
Leia looks exhausted. Han grabs her and starts to lead her out.
As Han, Leia, and C3-P0 run out of the command center, the code signal can be heard echoing off the corridor walls.
The head controller said, "K-one-zero…. All troops disengage."
C3-P0 yelled to Han and Leia, "oh! Wait for me!"
….
Rebel troops retreat under the awesome Imperial onslaught.
An officer yelled, "begin retreat!"
A second one yelled, "fall back!"
Troops flee from the battle, the ground exploding around them.
Three of the giant walkers, firing lasers, advance toward the Rebel continuing their retreat, the Rebels see the walkers looming ever nearer.
On the battlefield, Luke watches as a walker foot rises and moves over him. He looks up at the underbelly of the huge walker, passing overhead.
Running beneath the monstrous machine, Luke fires his harpoon gun at the walker's underside. A thin cable follows the projectile from the gun. The magnetic head and cable attach firmly to the metal hull.
Still running under the walker, Luke attaches the cable drum to his belt buckle. Soon he is pulled up the cable and hangs dangling underneath the walker.
The walker's giant feet continue to pound onward across the frozen snow. Stray laser bolts whistle by Luke as he climbs up the cable to the walker's hull, reaching a small hatch. Hanging precariously, Luke cuts the solid metal hatch with his lightsaber.
He takes a landmine from around his neck and throws it inside the Imperial machine. Quickly, Luke starts down the cable and crashes onto the icy ground far below. He lies unconscious as a giant rear leg passes by, and just misses him.
The giant walker stops in mid-step. A muffled explosion comes from within; and then the walker's mechanical insides are spewed out every conceivable opening. The machine sits dead in its tracks, smoking like a locomotive on stilts.
Veers's walker continues to advance toward the Rebel base. The smoldering walker that Luke exploded stands smoking just to the right of Veers's path.
….
Inside his walker, General Veers prepares to fire on the Rebel power generators.
Veers asked, "distance to power generators?"
The pilot said, "one-seven, decimal two-eight."
Veers reach for the electro rangefinder and line up the main generator.
Veers said, "target. Maximum fire power."
….
The Rebel troops continue their desperate retreat, pushed back by the relentless Imperial assault.
….
With C3-P0 lagging behind, Han and Leia race through the crumbling ice corridors. Suddenly, there is an explosion. Han turns, grabs the princess, and pulls her to the wall as a tremendous cave-in blacks their path.
He took the comlink from his pocket and said, "transport, this is Solo. Better take off. I can't get to you. I'll get the princess out on the Falcon."
Han and Leia turn and race down the corridor.
C3-P0 said, "but…. But…. But…. Where are you going? Uh…. Come back!!"
Imperial troops have reached the base. As they push through the blocked passageway, Darth Vader strides behind them.
….
We see Sam and his husbands and wife along with Ahsoka and Hunter getting everything on the Ebon Hawk.
Bendy said, "we gotta get outta here as soon as possible!"
"I can sense him getting closer….", Sam said.
Ahsoka said, "I can sense it too. We need to leave."
The others hurried as fast as they could.
They all got into the ship as Hunter hopped into the pilot seat.
"Everyone, hang on", Hunter said.
The Ebon Hawk began to take off.
Han and Leia run toward the entrance of the main hangar where the Millennium Falcon is docked. C3-P0 still lags behind.
C3-P0 said, "wait! Wait for me! Wait! Stop!"
The door to the hangar closes in his face.
C3-P0 said, "how typical."
Quickly, the door reopens as Han reaches out and pulls the golden droid through.
He groans, "come on!"
Chewie paces under the shelter of the Millennium Falcon's landing gear.
Eda and Padme are holding Kane on the couch. Kane looked like Eda, but with Padme's eyes.
The giant Wookiee pats the underbelly of his beloved ship and barks a few reassuring words. As he searches worriedly for his captain, something at last catches his eye.
Chewie lets out a relieved shriek at seeing Han and Leia running toward the ship. The Wookiee runs out into the falling ice, lets out a howl, then runs up the ship's ramp. Han and Leia run up the ramp after him, closely followed by C3-P0.
"Hurry up, goldenrod, or you're going to be a permanent resident", Han said.
"Wait! Wait", C3-P0 said.
….
Imperial troops run through the base corridors. Vader surveys the place. A huge chunk falls, almost hitting him, but he calmly, purposefully, continues around it.
….
A distant, huge, explosion rocks the hangar deck. Ice cakes come crashing down on the Millennium Falcon.
Han, standing before a control panel, is busy flipping switches as Chewie watches a troublesome gauge. A worried Leia observes their efforts.
Han asked, "how's this?"
The Wookiee barks a negative reply.
Leia said, "would it help if I got out and pushed?"
Han said, "it might."
Eda muttered, "young love."
C3-P0 clunks into the hold.
C3-P0 said, "Captain Solo, Captain Solo…. Sir, might I suggest that you…."
Han gives the gold robot a devastating look.
C3-P0 said, "it can wait."
They move to the cockpit where Han flips some more switches. Leia watches him, impatient, disbelieving.
Leia said, "this bucket of bolts is never going to get us past that blockade."
Han said, "this baby's got a few surprises left in her, sweetheart."
Padme said, "let's hope so."
The group look out the cockpit window and see a squad of stormtroopers rushing into the far side of the hangar.
Quickly, Han straps himself into the pilot's seat and Leia into the navigator's chair. Stormtroopers hurriedly set up a large bazooka-like weapon. Behind them the giant hangar doors open slowly.
A laser gun appears on the Falcon and swings around to aim at the Imperial troops.
The stormtroopers, preparing to fire their bazooka cannon, are hit by the Falcon's fire and are thrown about in all directions.
Chewie rushes into the cockpit.
Han said, "come on! Come on! Switch over. Let's hope we don't have a burnout."
A laser hits the window near Chewie as he is settling into his chair. Letting out a loud whelp, Chewie quickly pulls back on the controls and the first stage of engine fire can be heard. Han flashes a big grin at Leia.
Han asked, "see?"
Leia said, "someday you're going to be wrong, and I hope I'm there to see it."
Eda said, "me too."
Kane actually nodded as Han looked at Chewie.
Han yelled, "punch it!"
The roar of the Falcon's main engines blasts out everything as the ice-cave wall rushes by outside the cockpit window.
….
More stormtroopers run into the hangar, closely followed by Vader. Hearing the loud roar of the Millennium Falcon's engines, Vader looks toward the main hangar doors just in time to see the Falcon lift up and disappear outside the cave.
….
Luke and two other pilots look up as the Millennium Falcon races above them, flying very close to the ground.
The three pilots turn then, and trudge onward toward their X-wing fighters, each going to his own ship. Luke waves farewell, then heads toward his own fighter.
R2, seated on his cubbyhole, chirps an excited greeting as Luke climbs aboard the spacecraft.
"Artoo! Get her ready for takeoff", Luke said.
From his ship, Luke sees Wedge in his own X-wing, preparing for takeoff.
"Good luck, Luke. See you at the rendezvous", Wedge said.
Luke smiles and nods at Wedge, then lowers himself into the cockpit of his X-wing while R2 waits in the cubbyhole, beeping impatiently.
"Don't worry, Artoo. We're going, we're going", Luke said.
The canopy over the X-wing lowers and snaps shut.
Luke's fighter, its wings closed, speeds away from the icy planet. Soon it disappears into the stars.
….
Luke, looking thoughtful, suddenly makes a decision. He flips several switches. The stars shift as he takes his fighter into a steep turn.
The X-wing banks sharply and flies away in a new direction.
The monitor screen on Luke's control panel prints out a question from the concerned R2.
Luke said, "there's nothing wrong, Artoo. I'm just setting a new course."
R2 beeps once again.
Luke said, "we're not going to regroup with the others."
R2 begins a protest, whistling an unbelieving, "what?!"
Luke reads R2's exclamation on his control panel.
Luke said, "we're going to the Dagobah system."
"Say wha?!"
Luke turned to see the Ebon Hawk next to him.
Sam was the one speaking on the comms.
"Sam! You scared me a little", Luke said.
Sam asked, "why the heck are you going to Dagobah?"
"Well…. Obi Wan's spirit appeared to me and told me to go there…. Cause he said a Jedi called Yoda was there", Luke said.
Ahsoka asked, "Master Yoda? You know where he is!?"
"Yes, he is on Dagobah", Luke said.
Sam said, "we'll meet you there. If dad told you to go there, it must be important."
"That's why I am going there right now", Luke said.
Sam said, "we'll meet you there as soon as we can, Luke."
"Understood", Luke said.
Luke checks his readouts and makes a few adjustments. He rides along with only the soft hum of the instruments to break the silence. Finally, R2 chirps up.
Luke said, "yes, Artoo?"
R2 utters a soft, carefully phrased steam of whistles.
Luke chuckled, "that's alright. I'd like to keep it on manual control for a while."
The little droid lets out a defeated whimper. Luke smiles, and continues on his course with the Ebon Hawk following close behind.
….
On the Ebon Hawk….
Sam was going to send a message to his mother.
One-One was helping him.
Although the message was simple.
They were headed to Dagobah, but they'd meet back up with the rebellion as soon as they could.
"The message was sent, Master Sam", One-One said.
Sam said, "good. Now let's follow Luke."
Then both Luke's X-wing and the Ebon Hawk jumped into lightspeed.
Their destination…. Dagobah….
….
Reviews:
SuperSentai199: indeed. Such a wholesome chapter!
….
