We're Wizards, Not Warriors: What If
Volume 7:
Chapter 27: Dagobah
The Millennium Falcon speeds away from Hoth, closely followed by one huge Star Destroyer and four tiny TIE fighters.
As it is pursued, the Falcon races toward two very bright star-sized objects.
Inside the cockpit, Chewie lets out a loud howl. Han checks as the ship is buffeted by exploding flak. He appears to be doing six things at once.
Han groaned, "I saw them! I saw them!"
Leia asked, "saw what?"
Han said, "Star Destroyers, two of them, coming right at us."
C3-P0 bumps and bangs his way into the cockpit.
He says, "sir, sir! Might I suggest…."
Han said, "shut him up or shut him down! Chewie! Check the deflector shield!"
Chewie barks a reply as he readjusts an overhead switch. Padme is cradling Kane as Eda helps out.
Han said, "oh, great. Well, we can still outmaneuver them."
….
The Millennium Falcon races toward one of the huge oncoming Star Destroyers. Suddenly, the Falcon starts into a deep dive straight down, closely followed by four TIE fighters. The underside of the Star Destroyer continues on a collision course with two oncoming Star Destroyers. Slowly, it starts to veer to the left.
….
Out the front window, the two approaching Star Destroyers can be seen veering to the left.
An officer yelled, "take evasive action!"
Alarms sound all over the huge ship. The two other Star Destroyers get closer, one of them moving over the bridge so close that it makes brushing contact with it.
The Millennium Falcon races away from the colliding Star Destroyers, still followed by four TIE fighters. Laser bolts spark the pitch-black skies.
Things have calmed down a bit, but the race isn't over yet. Chewie barks at Han. Leia is still trying to recover from the steep dive.
The ship is buffeted by laser blasts.
"Prepare to make the jump to light-speed", Han said.
"But sir", C3-P0 said.
The buffeting of lasers becomes louder and stronger.
"They're getting closer", Leia said.
"Oh yeah? Watch this", Han said.
Expectantly, they look out the cockpit window as stars do not go into hyperspace, but just sit there.
Han and Chewie look at each other and are thrown into an acute state of concern.
"Oh that can't be good", Eda said.
Leia asked, "watch what?'
Han tries again. Still nothing.
Han groaned, "I think we're in trouble."
C3-P0 said, "if I may say so, sir, I noticed earlier that the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged. It's impossible to go to light-speed!"
Padme yelled, "we're in trouble!"
The explosions become heavier.
….
The Falcon races into the starry vastness, followed by the four Imperial TIE fighters and an Imperial Star Destroyer.
Stars race by as flak bursts outside the Falcon's window.
….
Han works furiously at some control panels while giving various orders to Chewie.
Han said, "horizontal boosters…! Alluvial dampers…! Well that's not it. Bring me the hydrospanners!'
Chewie hurries over to the pit and places the tools on the edge.
Han groaned, "I don't know how we're going to get out of this one"
Suddenly, a loud thump hits the side of the Falcon, causing it to lurch radically. Chewie tools fall into the pit on top of Han.
"Oww! Chewie", Han shouted.
More turbulence rocks the ship.
"That was no laser blast! Something hit us", Han said.
"Han, get up here", Leia said.
"Come on Chewie", Han said.
Han climbs out of the hold like a shot. Both he and Chewie run out of the hold and toward the cockpit.
Out the front cockpit window, they see hundreds of asteroids racing by.
"Asteroids", Leia said.
Han changes places with Leia who has been at the controls, and Chewie gets into his chair. Han works his controls as a chunk of rock crosses in front of the ship
Han said, "oh, no! Chewie, set two-seven-one."
Leia said, "what are you doing? You're not actually going into an asteroid field?"
Padme said, "you're as nuts as a Gungan going to Geonosis to cool off!"
Han said, "they'd be crazy to follow us, wouldn't they?"
Another asteroid thumps against the Leia winces at the jolt.
Leia said, "you don't have to do this to impress me."
C3-P0 said, "sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately three thousand, seven hundred and twenty to one."
Han said, "never tell me the odds!"
….
The Falcon turns into the asteroid storm and as the ship completes its turn, asteroids start coming straight at the cockpit windows.
A large asteroid tumbles away from the Falcon's path at top speed. Several smaller asteroids crash into the big one, creating small explosions on its surface. Other asteroids of all sizes pass by in every direction, some colliding and exploding. The tiny Millennium Falcon veers around the big asteroid and races past it through the rain of rocks, followed by four TIE fighters, which bob and weave around the asteroids.
One of the pursuing TIE fighters connects with an asteroid and explodes. The other fighters are pelted with a steady stream of smaller explosions.
Two huge asteroids tumble toward the Millennium Falcon, which quickly banks around both of them. The three TIE fighters follow in hot pursuit until one of the fighters scrapes an asteroid and tumbles out of control into deep space.
The massive Star Destroyer blasts oncoming asteroids as it follows the Falcon. Smaller asteroids explode across its vast surface.
The Falcon twists on its side as it races around an oncoming asteroid. Two TIE fighters follow in the distance, coming from either side.
Asteroids race by the cockpit window as Han pilots his trusty craft through the dangerous field.
Looking out the cockpit window, the Falcon crew sees a big asteroid drop past the window, narrowly missing their ship.
Chewie barks in terror as a slightly smaller asteroid comes especially close, to close; and bounces off the Falcon with a loud crunch. C3-P0's hands cover his eyes. He manages a short peek at the cockpit window. Princess Leia sits stone-faced, staring at the action. Han gives her a quick look.
"You said you wanted to be around when I made a mistake; well, this could be it, sweetheart", Han said to Leia.
"I take it back. We're going to get pulverized if we stay out here much longer", Leia said.
The group watches as more asteroids race by outside the window.
"I'm not going to argue with that", Han said.
C3-P0 asked, "pulverized?"
"I'm going in closer to one of those big ones", Han said.
Everyone shouted in disbelief, "closer!?"
Chewbacca barks the same word, only louder.
The Millennium Falcon dives toward the surface of one of the moon-sized asteroids. There is a continued display of explosions against the starry void as smaller asteroids collide with larger chunks of rock. The two remaining TIE fighters follow the Falcon to the large asteroid.
The Falcon skims the surface of the giant asteroid as, all the while, small asteroids explode on the surface of the ship.
The TIE fighters approach the Falcon, but a giant asteroid hurtles directly into their path. As the asteroid continues on its way, it leaves the remains of the two exploded TIE fighters to tumble into deep space.
Rattled by the violent rocking of the starship, C3-P0 is nearly in hysterics.
C3-P0 yelled, "oh, this is suicide!"
Han notices something on his main scope and nudges his faithful Wookiee, pointing.
Han said, "there. That looks pretty good."
Padme asked, "what looks pretty good?"
Han said, "yeah. That'll do nicely."
C3-P0 asked Leia, "excuse me, ma'am, but where are we going?"
Out the cockpit window, they see that they are skimming the surface of the enormous asteroid and nearing a large crater.
The Millennium Falcon dives into the huge crater and disappears.
Leia said, "I hope you know what you're doing."
Han said, "yeah, me too."
The Falcon races down into the crater. The walls are barely visible as the ship speeds through the funnel-like opening. A small cave appears on one side of the crater, and the Falcon turns, slows, and scoots into it.
….
The tiny X-wing speeds toward the cloud cover of Dagobah. R2, riding on the back of the fighter, turns his head back and forth with some anxiety.
The Ebon Hawk flies right behind it.
Luke watches R2's words as they are translated and screened on the computer scope.
Luke said into his comlink, "yes, that's it. Dagobah."
Sam said, "looks like a place one would hide."
R2 beeps a hopeful inquiry.
Luke said, "no, I'm not going to change my mind about this. I'm not picking up any cities or technology. Massive life-form readings, though. There's something alive down there…."
Sam said, "well, hiding in a vastly populated city wouldn't be the smartest course of action."
R2 beeps, this time a slightly worried question.
Luke said, "yes Artoo, I'm sure it's perfectly safe for droids."
HK-47 said, "worried statement: I should hope so."
The X-wing continues its flight through the twilight above the cloud-covered planet. The Ehom Hawk follows behind.
Luke sees the cloud race by as he takes his craft closer to the planet.
He must operate his controls carefully since the cloud cover has completely obscured his vision. An alarm buzzes in the background, R2 beeps and whistles frantically.
The Ebon Hawk seems to be having a much easier time.
"I know, I know! All the scopes are dead. I can't see a thing! Just hang on, I'm going to start the landing cycle….", Luke said to R2.
The blast of the retrorockets is deafening, drowning out R2's electronic squeals. Suddenly, there is a cracking sound as if limbs were being broken off trees and then a tremendous jolt as the spacecraft stops. Luke pulls a switch and his canopy pops open.
The mist-shrouded X-wing fighter is almost invisible in the thick fog. Luke climbs out onto the long nose of the spacecraft as R2 pops out of his cubby hole on the back. The young warrior surveys the fog, which is barely pierced by the ship's landing lights. About all he can make out are some giant, twisted trees nearby. R2 whistles anxiously.
Luke said, "no, Artoo, you stay put. I'll have a look around."
R2 lets out a short beep.
The Ebon Hawk lands soon after, having a much cozier landing. Sam and the others slowly exit.
Verosika said, "ew, This place is nasty."
As Luke moves along the nose, R2 loses his balance and disappears with a splash into the boggy lake.
Luke asked, "Artoo?"
Sam yelled, "Artoo!"
Luke kneels and leans over the plane looking for R2, but the water is still and reveals no sign of the little droid.
Luke yelled, "Artoo! Where are you?"
A small periscope breaks the surface of the water and a gurgly beep is heard. The periscope starts to move to shore. Relieved, Luke starts running along the nose of the fighter to its tip.
Luke sighed, "Artoo…. You be more careful."
The outline of the shore is now more than ten feet away.
Luke jumps off the X-wing into the water, scrambles up to the shore, and turns to look for R2. The periscope still steadily moves toward shore.
"Artoo, that way", Luke said.
Suddenly, through the thick fog layer, a dark shape appears, moving toward the little droid. The dark, sinuous bog beast dives beneath the swampy water, making a loud clunk against R2's metal hull. The droid disappears from sight, uttering a pathetic electronic scream.
Holding his ignited lightsaber before him, Luke wades a few feet into the murky pool, looking for any sign of his little friend.
"Artoo", Luke called out.
Hunter said, "what the Hell was that thing!?"
The black surface is still as death itself…. Until a few bubbles begin to appear. Then, phheewaat! The runt-size robot is spit out of the water, makes a graceful arc, and comes crashing down into a patch of soft gray moss.
Sam said, "oh no!"
Everyone runs over.
Luke helps R2 to his feet and begins wiping the mud and roots from his round metal body. R2 responds with feeble, soggy beeps.
Luke said, "oh, no! Are you alright? Come on. You're lucky you don't taste very good. Anything broken?"
R2 beeps a no.
Hordak said, "if he's saying coming here was a bad idea, I'm beginning to agree with him."
Luke said, "me too. Oh, what are we doing here? It's like…. Something out of a dream, or, I don't know. Maybe I'm just going crazy."
Prime said, "going?"
As Luke glances around at the spooky swamp jungle that surrounds him, R2 ejects a stream of muddy water from one of his cranial ports.
….
Admiral Piett hesitates in the entryway to Vader's private cubicle.
After a moment, he steps into the room and pauses at the surprising sight before him.
Vader, his back turned, is silhouetted in the gloom on the far side of the chamber. A black, insect-like droid attends him. Among the various apparatuses surrounding them, a respirator tube now retracts from Vader's uncovered head. His hair was a mix of brown and gray, cut short.
The black droid then lowers the mask and helmet onto Vader's head. When it is in place, he turns to face Piett.
Vader asked, "yes, Admiral?"
"Our ships have sighted the Millennium Falcon, lord. But…. It has entered an asteroid field and we cannot risk….", Piett said.
"Asteroids do not concern me, Admiral. I want that ship and no excuses", Vader said.
"Yes my lord", Piett said.
….
The pirate starship rests in a dark, dripping asteroid cave. It is so dark that the cave's exact dimensions are impossible to determine.
Han and Chewie busily shut down the engine and all electronic systems. The others watch worriedly.
Kane was whimpering and Padme was doing her best to calm her baby down.
"I'm going to shut down everything but the emergency power systems", Han said.
C3-P0 asked, "sir, I'm almost afraid to ask, but…. Does that include shutting me down, too?"
Chewie barks a yes.
But Han thinks otherwise.
"No, I need you to talk to the Falcon, find out what's wrong with the hyperdrive", Han said.
Suddenly, the ship lurches, causing all the loose items in the cockpit to go flying. Chewie howls.
C3-P0 said, "sir, it's quite possible this asteroid is not entirely stable."
Han said, "not entirely stable? I'm glad you're here to tell us these things. Chewie, take the professor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive."
C3-P0 said, "oh! Sometimes I just don't understand human behavior. After all, I'm only trying to do my job in the most…."
The sliding door closes behind the indignant Threepio as Chewie and he
move back to the hold. Suddenly, the ship lurches again, throwing Leia across the cabin into Han's arms. Then, abruptly, the motion stops as suddenly as it started. With some surprise, Han and Leia realize they are in each other's arms.
Leia said, "let go."
Han said, "sshh."
Leia said, "let go, please."
Leia flushes, averting her eyes. She's not exactly fighting to get free. But, of course, Han blows it….
He said, "don't get excited."
The anger rises in Leia.
Leia said, "captain, being held by you isn't quite enough to get me excited."
Han said, "sorry, sweetheart. We haven't got time for anything else."
Han grins quickly wickedly at Leia as he turns and exits through the door. Leia's confused emotions show clearly on her lovely face.
….
Back on Dagobah….
The mist has dispersed a bit, but it is still a very gloomy-looking swamp.
Luke pulls an equipment box from the shore to the clearing. He ignites a little fusion furnace and warms his hands before it. Taking a power cable, he plugs it into R2's noselike socket.
"Ready for some power? Okay. Let's see now. Put that in there. There you go", Luke said to R2.
The droid whistles his appreciation.
"This place is giving me the creeps", Bendy said.
Luke then opens a container of processed food and sits before the thermal heater.
Luke said, "now all I have to do is find this Yoda…. If he even exists."
Ahsoka said, "he exists. I knew him during the clone wars."
Nervously, Luke looks around at the foreboding jungle.
He said, "still…. There's something familiar about this place. I feel like…. I don't know…."
"Feel like what?"
Luke and the others jump out of their skin. R2 screeches in terror. Luke grabs for his lightsaber as he spins around, looking for the speaker. Mysteriously standing right in front of Luke is a strange, green creature, not more than two feet tall.
Ahsoka instantly recognizes him, but keeps quiet.
The wizened little thing is dressed in rags. It motions toward Luke's lightsaber.
"Like we're being watched", Luke said.
"Away with your weapon! I mean you no harm", the Creature said.
After some hesitation, Luke puts away his weapon, although he really doesn't understand why.
The Creature asked, "I am wondering, why are you all here?"
"We're looking for someone", Luke said.
The creature said, "looking? Found someone, you have, I would say, hmmm?"
The little creature laughs.
Luke tried to keep from smiling as he said, "right."
The creature said, "help you I can. Yes, mmmm."
Sam said, "well, we're looking for a great warrior."
The creature said, "ahhh! A great warrior", he laughs and shakes his head, "wars not make one great."
With the aid of a walking stick, the tiny stranger moves over to one of the cases of supplies. He begins to rummage around.
R2 moves to the edge of the case, standing almost eye level to the creature who is carelessly handling the supplies, and squeaks his disapproval.
Their tiny visitor picks up the container of food Luke was eating from and takes a bite.
Luke said, "put that down. Hey! That's my dinner!"
The creature spits out the bite he has taken. He makes a face.
He says, "how you get so big, eating food of this kind?"
He flips the container in Luke's direction and reaches into one of Luke's supply cases.
"He's so funny", Bendy snickered.
"Listen, friend, we didn't mean to land in that puddle, and if we could get our ship out, we would, but we can't, so why don't you just….", Luke said.
The creature said in a teasing tone, "aww, cannot get your ship out?"
Lucifer whispered, "what's wrong with that thing?"
The creature spots something of interest in Luke's case. Luke loses patience and grabs the case away. The creature retains his prize, a tiny power lamp, and examines it with delight.
"Hey, you could have broken this. Don't do that. Ohhh…. You're making a mess. Hey, give me that", Luke said as he walked over to the creature.
"Mine! Or I will help you not", the creature said as he retreated with the lamp.
"We don't want your help. I want my lamp back. I'll need it to get out of this slimy mudhole", Luke said.
"Luke! Don't be rude", Sam scolded.
The creature, "Mudhole? Slimy? My home this is."
Artoo grabs hold of the lamp and the two little figures are immediately engaged in a tug-of-war over it.
R2 beeps a few angry, "gimme that!"
The creature said, "ah, ah, ah!"
Luke said, "oh, Artoo, let him have it!"
The creature grabbed a stick and started wacking Artoo as he said, "mine! Mine!"
Prime said, "Artoo!"
The creature said one last, "mine!"
The creature lets go with one hand and pokes R2 lightly with one finger. R2 reacts with a startled squeal, and let's go.
Luke said, "now will you move along, little fella? We've got a lot of work to do."
Alastor said, "come on, Luke. Be polite."
The creature laughed, "no! No, no! Stay and help you, I will. Find your friend, hmm?"
"We're not looking for a friend. We're looking for a Jedi Master", Luke said.
"Oohhh. Jedi Master. Yoda. You seek Yoda", the creature said.
Luke asked, "you know him?"
It took all of Ahsoka's will not to laugh.
"Mmm. Take you to him, yes, yes. But now, we must eat. Good food. Come", the Creature said.
With that, the creature scurries out of the clearing, laughing merrily. Luke and the others stare after him, All they see is the faint light from the small power lamp moving through the fog.
"Let's follow the green creature", Sam said.
Adam said, "HK, TeeThree, Artoo, stay with the camp. We'll be with that little guy."
Artoo, very upset, whistles a blue streak of protest.
R2 beeps even more frantically. But as the group disappears from view, the worried little droid grows quieter, and utters a soft electronic sigh.
….
C3-P0 whistles and beeps a strange dialect into the control panel in front of him. The control panel whistles back a few mystifying beeps.
C3-P0 said, "oh, where is Artoo when I need him?"
Han enters the hold area and kneels on the floor near the control box.
C3-P0 said, "sir, I don't know where your ship learned to communicate, but it has the most peculiar dialect. I believe, sir, it says that the power coupling on the negative axis has been polarized. I' you'll have to replace it."
Han said, "well, of course I'll have to replace it."
He hands a wire coil up to Chewie who is working near the ceiling.
Han said, "here! And Chewie…."
Chewie brings his head back through the trap door in the ceiling and whines. Han glances back at Threepio, then speaks quietly to Chewie so only he can hear.
Han said, "... I think we'd better replace the negative power coupling."
Eda and Padme rolled their eyes.
Leia finishes welding the valves she has been working on and attempts to reengage the system by pulling a lever attached to the valve. It doesn't budge. Han notices her struggle, and moves to help her. She rebuffs him.
"Hey, your Worship, I'm only trying to help", Han said.
Leia said, "would you please stop calling me that?"
Han hears a new tone in her voice. He watches her pull on the lever.
"Sure Leia", Han said.
"Oh, you make it so difficult sometimes." Leia groaned.
"I do, I really do. You could be a little nicer, e on, admit it. Sometimes you think I'm all right", Han said.
She lets go of the lever and rubs her sore hand.
"Occasionally…. When you aren't acting like a scoundrel", Leia said.
"Scoundrel? Scoundrel? I like the sound of that", Han laughed.
With that, Han takes her hand and starts to massage it.
Leia said, "stop that."
Han said, "stop what?"
Leia is flushed, confused.
She said, "stop that! My hands are dirty."
Han said, "my hands are dirty, too. What are you afraid of?"
Leia said, "afraid?"
Han looks at her with a piercing look. He's never looked more handsome, more dashing, more confident. He reaches out slowly and takes Leia's hand again from where it is resting on a console. He
draws it toward him.
Han said, "you're trembling."
Leia said, "I'm not trembling."
Then with an irresistible combination of physical strength and emotional power, the space pirate begins to draw Leia toward him…. Very slowly.
Han said, "you like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life."
Leia is now very close to Han and as she speaks, her voice becomes an excited whisper, a tone completely in opposition to her words.
Leia said, "I happen to like nice men."
Han said, "I'm a nice man."
Leia said, "no, you're not. You're…."
He kisses her now, with slow, hot lips. He takes his time, as though he had forever, bending her body backward. She has never been kissed like this before, and it almost makes her faint. When he stops, she regains her breath and tries to work up some indignation, but finds it hard to talk.
Padme walks in, but then slowly backs away with a small smile.
Suddenly, C3-P0 appears in the doorway, speaking excitedly.
"Sir, sir! I've isolated the reverse power flux coupling", C3-P0 said.
Han turns slowly, icily, from their embrace.
"Thank you. Thank you very much", Han said.
"Oh, you're perfectly welcome, sir", C3-P0 said.
The moment spoiled, Han marches out after C3-P0.
The Imperial fleet moves through the asteroid-filled void, intently seeking its prey.
….
Asteroids collide, creating a fireworks display outside the bridge window. Darth Vader stands, staring out the window above the control deck. Then slowly turn toward the bridge. Before him are the hologram images of twenty battleship commanders. One of these images, the commander of a ship that has just exploded, is fading away quickly. Another image, in the center and a little apart from the others, is faded and continually disrupted by static. It is the image of Captain Needa, commander of the Star Destroyer most hotly on the tail of the Millennium Falcon. Admiral Piett and an aide stand behind the Dark Lord.
"... and that, Lord Vader, was the last time they appeared in any of our scopes. Considering the amount of damage we've sustained, they must have been destroyed", Needa said.
Vader said, "no, Captain, they're alive. I want every ship available to sweep the asteroid field until they are found."
The Imperial star captains fade out one by one as Vader turns to Admiral Piett.
Piett said, "Lord Vader."
Vader said, "yes, Admiral, what is it?"
The admiral is scared, his face white as a sheet.
Piett said, "the Emperor commands you to make contact with him."
Vader said, "move the ship out of the asteroid field so that we can send a clear transmission."
Piett said, "yes, my lord."
….
Vader's Imperial Star Destroyer moves against the vast sea of stars away from the rest of the fleet.
….
Vader is alone in his chamber. A strange sound enters the room and a light begins to play across Vader's black figure.
He looks up and bows quickly.
A twelve-foot hologram of the Galactic Emperor materializes before Vader. The Emperor's dark robes and monk's hood are reminiscent of the cloak worn by Ben Kenobi. His voice is even deeper and more frightening than Vader's.
Vader asked, "what is thy bidding, my master?"
"There is a great disturbance in the Force", Malakis said.
Vader said, "I have felt it."
Malakis said, "we have a new enemy…. Your sons. Luke and Sam Skywalker. They could destroy us."
Vader said, "they are just boys. They pose no threat."
"The force is strong with both boys. They are too dangerous", Malakis said.
Vader said, "please…. They are my only flesh and blood left."
Malakis growled, "if you won't stop them…. I will…."
Vader froze, he couldn't let that happen…. He would not let Malakis harm either of his sons.
Vader said, "very well…. My master…."
"Good…. I expect an update when you capture your sons", Malakis said.
Vader nodded solemnly.
Malakis' hologram fades away.
Vader sighed sadly.
He wanted to find a way to keep his sons safe.
Even if it cost him his life….
….
Back on Dagobah….
A heavy downpour of rain pounds through the gnarled trees. A strange baroque mud house sits on a moss-covered knoll on the edge of a small lagoon. The small, gnomish structure radiates a warm glow from its thick glass windows. As rain tap-dances a merry tune on R2's head, the stubby little droid rises up on his tip-toes to peek into one of the glowing portals.
T3 and HK were back at the Ebon Hawk.
R2, peeking in the window, sees the inside of the house; a very plain, but cozy dwelling. Everything is in the same small scale as the creature. The only thing out of place in the miniature room is Luke and the others, whose height makes the four-foot ceiling seem even lower. He sits cross-legged on the floor of the living room.
The creature is in an adjoining area, his little kitchen, cooking up an incredible meal. The stove is a steaming hodgepodge of pots and pans. The wizened little host scurries about chopping this, shredding that, and showering everything with exotic herbs and spices. He rushes back and forth putting platters on the table in front of Luke, who watches the creature impatiently.
Luke said, "look, I'm sure it's delicious. I just don't understand why we can't see Yoda now."
The creature said, "patience! For the Jedi it is time to eat as well. Eat, eat. Hot. Good food, hm? Good, hmm?"
Moving with some difficulty in the cramped quarters, Luke sits down near the fire and serves himself from the pot. The others have already served themselves and are sitting around the place. Tasting the unfamiliar concoction, Luke is pleasantly surprised. As are the others.
Prime said, "this is very delicious."
"I agree", Hordak said.
"You are a good cook", Alastor said.
The creature chuckled.
"I agree with my husbands", Sam said.
Ahsoka said, "indeed."
Luke asked, "how far away is Yoda? Will it take us long to get there?"
The creature said, "not far. Yoda not far. Patience. Soon you will be with him. Rootleaf, I cook. Why wish you to become Jedi? Hm?"
Luke said, "mostly because of our father, I guess."
The creature said, "ah, your father. Powerful Jedi was he, powerful Jedi, mmm."
Sam asked, "you knew our father? How?"
"Oh, come on. How could you know our father? You don't even know who I am. Oh, I don't know what I'm doing here. We're wasting our time", Luke said angrily.
"Luke! Show some respect! You are being too disrespectful", Sam scolded his big brother.
The creature sighed and turned away.
"I cannot teach him. The boy has no patience", the creature said.
Luke's head spins in the direction the creature faces. But there is no one there. Luke is bewildered, but it gradually dawns on him and the others that the little creature is Yoda, the Jedi Master, and that he is speaking with Ben.
Ben's voice says, "he will learn patience."
Yoda said, "hmmm. Much anger in him, like his father. His brother…. Much less so."
Ben asked, "was I any different when you taught me?"
Yoda said, "hah. He is not ready."
Luke said, "Yoda?"
Ahsoka smirked and said, "hello, Master Yoda."
Yoda smiled at Ashoka and said, "hello, young Ahsoka. Good to see you again, it is."
Sam bowed his head and said, "it's an honor, Master Yoda."
Yoda smiled at Sam.
Luke said, "I am ready. I…. Ben! I can be a Jedi. Ben, tell him I'm ready!"
Trying to see Obi Wan, Luke starts to get up but hits his head on the low ceiling.
Yoda said, "ready, are you? What know you of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained! A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. All his life has he looked away…. To the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. You are reckless!"
Luke looks down.
Sam comforts his big brother.
He then turned to look at Yoda.
Sam said, "I know my brother has his flaws, but I know he'll make a great Jedi."
"Wise you are, Skywalker", Yoda said to Sam.
Sam smiled and said, "thank you, Master."
Yoda smiled.
Yoda turns his piercing gaze on Luke, as though the Jedi Master's huge eyes could somehow determine how much the boy had learned. After a long moment, the little Jedi turns toward where he alone sees Ben.
Yoda said, "will he finish what he begins?"
"I won't fail you…. I'm not afraid", Luke said.
Yoda said, "oh, you will be. You will be…."
….
The Imperial fleet around Vader's ship is surrounded by the asteroid storm. Asteroids big and small pelt the vast exteriors of the menacing ships. One of the smaller Imperial vessels is hit by a huge asteroid and explodes in a brilliant flash of light.
….
The cockpit is quiet and lit only by the indicator lights on the control panel. Princess Leia sits in the pilot's seat.
She runs her hand across the control panel as she thinks of Han and the confusion he has created within her. Suddenly, something outside the cockpit window catches her eye. The reflection of the panel lights obscures her vision until a soft suctionlike cup attaches itself to the
windscreen. Leia moves closer to see what it might be. Large, yellow eyes flash open and stare back at her. Startled, she jumps back into her seat, her heart pounding. There is a scurry of feet and a loud screech, and in an instant the eyes are gone. The young princess catches her breath, jumps out of her chair, and races from the cockpit.
The lights go bright for a second then out again. C3-P0 and Chewbacca watch as Han finishes with some wires.
"Sir, if I may venture an opinion….", C3-P0 said.
"I'm not really interested in your opinion, Threepio", Han said.
Leia rushes into the cabin just as Han drops the final floor panel into place.
"There's something out there", Leia said.
Han asked, "where?"
"Outside in the cave", Leia said.
As she speaks, there comes a sharp banging on the hull. Chewie looks up and barks anxiously.
Kane begins crying in fear.
Padme cradles him as Eda says, "what the Hell was that?"
C3-P0 said, "there it is. Listen! Listen!
Han said, "I'm going out there."
Leia said, "are you crazy?!"
Han said, "I just got this bucket back together. I'm not going to let something tear it apart."
He and Chewie grab their breath masks off a rack and hurry out. Eda and Leia follow.
Leia said, "then I'm going with you."
C3-P0 said, "I think it might be better if I stay here and guard the ship."
Padme rolls her eyes.
….
It is very dark inside the huge asteroid cave, too dark to see what is attacking the ship.
Leia stamps her foot on the floor of the cave.
Leia said, "this ground sure feels strange. It doesn't feel like rock at all."
Han kneels and studies the ground, then attempts to study the outline of the cave.
"There's an awful lot of moisture in here", Han said.
"I don't know. I have a bad feeling about this", Leia said.
"Yeah", Han said.
Chewie barks through his face mask, and points toward the ship's cockpit. A five-foot-long shape can be seen moving across the top of the Falcon. The leathery creature lets out a screech as Han blasts it with a laser bolt
Han said, "watch out!"
The black shape tumbles off the spaceship and onto the ground in front of the princess. Eda bends down to investigate the dead creature.
She said, "oh great. It's like you said, Han. Mynocks."
Han said, "Chewie, check the rest of the ship, make sure there aren't any more attached. They're chewing on the power cables."
Leia asked, "Mynocks?"
Han said, "go on inside. We'll clean them off if there are any more."
Just then, a swarm of the ugly creatures swoops through the air. Leia puts her arms over her head to protect herself as she runs toward the ship. Chewie shoos another Mynock away with his blaster. Several of the batlike creatures flap their wings loudly against the cockpit window of the Falcon. Inside, C3-P0 shudders at their presence.
"Ohhh! Go away! Go away! Beastly little thing. Shoo! Shoo", C3-P0 said.
Han looks around the strange, dripping cave.
"Wait a minute", Han said.
He unholsters his blaster and fires at the far side of the huge cave. The cavern begins to shake and the ground starts to buckle. Chewie barks and moves for the ship, followed closely by Leia and Han. The large wings of the Mynocks flap past them as they protect their faces and run up the platform.
As soon as Han and Leia are on board, Chewie closes the main hatch. The ship continues to shake and heave.
Han yelled, "alright, Chewie, let's get out of here!"
The Wookiee heads for the cockpit as Han, followed by C3-P0, rushes to the hold area and checks the scopes on the control panel. Leia hurries after.
Leia said, "the Empire is still out there. I don't think it's wise to…."
Han rushes past her and heads for the cockpit.
He said, "no time to discuss this in committee."
And with that he is gone. The main engines of the Falcon begin to whine. Leia races after him, bouncing around in the shaking ship.
She yells, "I am not a committee!"
Han is already in the pilot's seat pulling back on the throttle. The cave-quake has greatly diminished.
"You can't make the jump to light-speed in this asteroid field….", Leia said.
"Sit down, sweetheart. We're taking off", Han said.
As the ship begins to move forward, Chewie barks. He notices something out the window ahead. C3-P0 sees it too.
C3-P0 said, "look!"
Han said, "I see it! I see it!"
Suddenly, a row of jagged white stalagmites and stalactites can be seen surrounding the entrance. And as the Falcon moves forward, the entrance to the cave grows ever smaller. Han pulls hard on the throttle, sending his ship surging forward.
C3-P0 said, "we're doomed!"
Leia said, "the cave is collapsing."
Han said, "this is no cave."
Everyone yelled, "what?!"
Leia's mouth drops open. She sees that the rocks of the cave entrance are not rocks at all, but giant teeth, quickly closing around the tiny ship. Chewie howls.
….
The Millennium Falcon, zooming through the monster's mouth, rolls on its side and barely makes it between two of the gigantic white teeth before the huge jaws slam closed.
The enormous space slug moves its head out of the cave as the Falcon flies out of its mouth. The monster tilts its head, watching the starship fly away.
The Falcon races out of the asteroid crater and into the deadly rain of the asteroid storm.
….
Back on Dagobah….
With Yoda strapped to his back, Luke climbs up one of the many thick vines that grow in the swamp. Panting heavily, he continues his course, climbing, flipping through the air, jumping over roots, and racing in and out of the heavy ground fog.
"Run! Yes. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger…. Fear…. Aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi Wan's apprentice", Yoda said.
Luke said, "Vader. Is the dark side stronger?"
Yoda said, "no…. No…. No. Quicker, easier, more seductive."
Luke said, "but how am I to know the good side from the bad?"
Yoda said, "you will know. When you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack."
Luke said, "but tell me why I can't-"
Yoda interrupted, "no, no, there is no why. Nothing more will I teach you today. Clear your mind of questions. Mmm. Mmmmmmmm."
R2 beeps in the distance as Luke lets Yoda down to the ground. Breathing heavily, he takes his shirt from a nearby tree branch and pulls it on.
Sam approaches, saying, "man, mama Ahsoka gave me quite the workout as well."
The brothers turn to see a huge, dead, black tree, its base surrounded by a few feet of water. Giant, twisted roots form a dark and sinister cave on one side. They both stare at the tree, trembling.
"There's something not right here", Luke said.
"I agree with you big bro", Sam said.
Yoda sits on a large root, poking his Gimer Stick into the dirt.
"I feel cold, death", Luke said.
Sam asked Yoda, "what is it?"
Yoda said, "that place…. Is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is. In you must go."
Luke asked, "what's in there?"
Yoda said, "only what you take with you."
Luke looks warily between the tree and Yoda. He starts to strap on his weapon belt.
Yoda said, "your weapons…. You will not need them."
Luke gives the tree a long look, then shakes his head "no."
Yoda shrugs.
Sam, however, leaves his belt behind, trusting Yoda's words.
Luke reaches up to brush aside some hanging vines and enters the tree.
Luke moves into the almost total darkness of the wet and slimy cave. The youth can barely make out the edge of the passage. Holding his lightsaber before him, he sees a lizard crawling up the side of the cave and a snake wrapped around the branches of a tree. Luke draws a deep breath, then pushes deeper into the cave. The space widens around him, but he feels that rather than sees it. His sword casts the only light as he peers into the darkness. It is very quiet here.
Then, a loud HISS!
Darth Vader appears across the blackness, illuminated by his own just-ignited laser sword. Immediately, he charges Luke, saber held high. He is upon the youth in seconds, but Luke sidesteps perfectly and slashes at Vader with his sword. Vader is decapitated. His helmet-encased head flies from his shoulders as his body disappears into the darkness.
The metallic banging of the helmet fills the cave as Vader's head spins and bounces, smashes on the floor, and finally stops. For an instant it rests on the floor, then it cracks vertically. The black helmet and breath mask fall away to reveal…. Luke's head.
Across the space, the standing Luke gasps at the sight, wide-eyed in terror.
The decapitated head fades away, as in a vision.
….
Meanwhile, Yoda sits on the root, calmly leaning on his Gimer Stick. Sam stands nearby.
Luke comes out of the cave, a shaken look upon his face. He walks by Sam. Sam takes a deep breath and enters the cave.
Sam felt a little nervous as he was now in the cave, but he maintained a strong look on his face.
Slowly some sort of creature began to rise from the ground.
Sam exclaimed, "what the!?"
The creature slowly took the form of Kylo Ren!
Sam had a shocked look on his face. Especially as Ren's body twisted and turned.
"What the kriff", Sam said.
The Deer Beast seemed to form out of Ren's torso as he slowly turned around.
Sam now had a scared look on his face.
Especially as another face emerged from Ren's back. The twisted form Vader.
Sam felt himself shaking in fear.
This thing was frightening.
Sam began to back away.
All three faces snarled in rage.
"No! No! It's not real! It's not real", Sam said.
Sam tried to steal his nerves.
The three headed beast kept approaching Sam.
Sam took a deep breath.
"I know this is fake…. Cause the Deer Beast is nothing like this", Sam said.
Sam stared at the monster with a firm glare.
"Which means you are not real…. Monster", Sam said as he raised his hand.
The monster started to melt.
Sam kept glaring at the monster as it kept melting.
Soon, it melted into nothing but a pile on the ground.
Sam sighed in relief. He walked forward.
Sam then looked around.
He wondered what else was there to see.
Sam then see's something else.
Several figures.
Sam whispered, "who are they?"
Sam got a closer look.
He could see the figures now….
One was a young man who looked like him with a white streak in his hair and small black horns.
Sam whispered, "what in the world?"
Next to the young man was;
A young girl with pale skin and blonde hair. Two boys with blue and brown hair, red eyes and pale skin. A girl with gray hair and pale skin. A young woman with red hair and eyes. A Twi'lek girl with light green skin. And a baby who looked very much like Adam.
Sam asked, "wait these people…. Can they….?"
The figures smiled at him.
Sam reached his hand towards them.
But then they all vanished.
"Wait", Sam said.
But it was too late. They were gone.
Sam sighed. He then left the cave.
….
"Master Sam is taking a bit more time", One-One said.
HK said, "statement: he'll be out soon."
Then Sam walked out of the cave.
One-One exclaimed, "Master Sam!"
Sam's lovers tackled Sam to the ground.
Verosika said, "we were worried sick!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize how long I was in there", Sam said.
Prime asked, "what did you see?"
Sam said, "I think…. A glimpse into the future."
Sam's lovers gasped.
Hordak asked, "really?"
Sam nods his head.
He said, "I'll tell you about it later."
Yoda walked over to the two Skywalker brothers.
They looked down at him.
Luke asked, "well Master Yoda, how did we do? Did we pass?"
Yoda said, "only one of you did."
Sam asked, "who?"
Yoda pointed his cane at Sam.
Sam had a surprised look on his face.
He asked, "me?"
Yoda nods his head with a smile.
Sam asked, "but wait, what about Luke? Why didn't he pass?"
Yoda said, "brought his weapons, he did. Saw a vision he could not overcome, he did."
Luke looked down in sadness.
Sam said, "not everyone can face the darkside in one day."
"Ahsoka taught you well, she did", Yoda said.
Sam said, "I've taken her teachings and the teachings of my father to heart."
Ahsoka smiled at her adopted son.
Sam asked, "but Master Yoda…. Don't you think it's best for there to be some new changes to the Jedi Order?"
Yoda asked, "like what, young Skywalker?"
"I think it's best if the Jedi are allowed to have attachments and for Padawans to see their families, and for the new generation to learn about the dark side and its dangers", Sam said.
Ahsoka approached and said, "he makes good points. Think of how many Jedi turned to the darkside because of the code forbidding these things."
Yoda looked at the two.
He pondered their words.
Sam asked, "what do you think, Master Yoda?"
After a few moments, Yoda said, "agree, I do."
Sam smiled.
Ahsoka said, "let's hope we can lead the remnants of the Jedi to a better future."
The others nod their heads.
Sam said, "now, why don't we rest for a bit?"
"I agree with you little bro", Luke said.
Everyone began heading back to camp.
'I'm proud of you Sam.'
Sam smiled as he heard Revan's voice. It made him overjoyed as he walked back to camp….
….
Reviews:
SuperSentai199: agreed. One of the best moments in the film.
….
