Chapter 5: Discovery on Tatooine

It was less than three hours after the departure from Coruscant that the Millennium Falcon emerged from lightspeed. As the freighter slowed down, Han and Chewbacca saw the unmistakable glare of twin suns on their right side. Han had been hoping to avoid a visit to Tatooine for a little longer than five years, but if the First Order was planning to set up a colony on the primary trade planet in this sector while plotting to harm the New Republic, then he would finish the mission.

"Scopes show Tatooine is less than one-tenth of a parsec away," Han said as he looked over the ship's maps. "By my calculations, we should arrive in another two hours and thirty-three minutes."

Han was correct, for at the incredible speed the Millennium Falcon was flying, it didn't feel like the long trip it would be in terms of a more ancient spacecraft. Before the reconnaissance team knew, the lemon-yellow glow of planet Tatooine filled the windowed areas of the Falcon. In minutes, the freighter was slowed to a crawl as it entered the desert planet's atmosphere. Then Han and Chewbacca sighted the desert city and spaceport of Mos Eisley, where they had met Luke and his old Jedi mentor Ben Kenobi nine years ago when they had been looking for passage to the Alderaan system. Had Han known back then what he was getting himself into, he probably would have simply done the job and then gone straight back to smuggling for Jabba the Hutt. But in the present, he realized that he had truly found a friend in Luke and had grown close to Leia and to a number of Luke's closest friends in the Alliance, to say nothing of becoming a friend to R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Han instructed Chewbacca, "We're gonna land near the outskirts, Chewie. We don't want to attract unwanted attention."

Chewbacca barked his response and set the Falcon down on a rocky cliff directly overlooking Mos Eisley, though it was far enough away from the edge to hide it from even a set of macrobinoculars. After the ship had settled and cooled down, Han selected two other human crew members as well as the Ithorian, whose name was Okara-Dwan, and the two Rodians: Jon Farr and Gar Woll, to go to Mos Eisley to start the mission.

"The rest of you remain here with the ship so no one comes here to tear her up," said Han. "As soon as we have anything on this First Order and what they're planning to do to the Republic, the party will return, and then we report it to Luke and the Chancellor. Got it?"

"Yes, sir," the group of humans responded. With the plan set in motion, Han and Chewbacca led their search party down from the cliffs and into Mos Eisley. As they entered the port, Han mused that little had changed there in terms of living conditions and business establishments, but the inhabitants seemed as relieved as everyone else in the galaxy to be free of the Galactic Empire. However, Han and his group knew that would change if the First Order was as dangerous as Luke and Chancellor Mothma feared.

Han got a number of waves and bows from fellow humans, which he was still getting used to since becoming a hero in the New Republic. A group of children including a few young Rodians, Troikens, and Er'Kits hurried to greet the newcomers, and they thronged around Chewbacca in excitement. The Wookiee gave a barking laugh and lifted two of the youngsters on his shoulders, much to the amusement of Han, while the other members of the crew took some time to greet the other children and share some tall tales about their service in the Rebel Alliance. It lasted for a good ten minutes before Han led them on, and then the reconnaissance mission began.

The reconnaissance team had no run-ins with Imperial loyalists for the first hour, but they also saw no evidence that the First Order had made it to Tatooine. However, it became clear that something was amiss. Some individuals they passed gave them nervous glances, and two or three of the poorer folks of Mos Eisley frowned.

"You think we should try asking some of the moisture farmers about the First Order, Chewie?" asked Han.

Chewbacca gave a few barks and rumbles, and then Han told his party, "Chewie says we oughta try asking at the local cantina."

"You'll be lucky!" came a rather gruff voice from the group's right side.

Han turned around fast and saw an extraordinarily grubby man sitting in a shoddily constructed shelter of freighter plating and rocks. This fellow was unarmed, but he looked like the type who could easily box the ears of any trespassers. It didn't take long for Han to recognize him, and he said, "Say, aren't you the bartender of the Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina?"

The man, Wuher by name, gave a sigh as though Han's words had been kind enough to ease him. He said, "I was the bartender, all right. But you won't find any help at the cantina. The First Order practically torched it a month back because my employers were adamant about keeping Imperial slime from endangering our patrons."

Han and his reconnaissance party exchanged shocked looks and then Han resumed questioning Wuher. "Wait a minute. The First Order is here? Right now, on Tatooine?"

"Yep. The scum practically idolize the ways of the Empire," the former bartender spat. "They're made up of officers, troopers, spies, and assassins. They've been landing on planets throughout the Outer Rim, running locals off their land, setting up outposts where they marshal troops and build weapons. It's said they want to establish themselves as an independent territory that rules by the same force that the Empire did."

Han gave Wuher a very serious look and said, "They may want more than just to take the Outer Rim."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that they want to get rid of the New Republic," replied Han urgently. "Six bounty hunters launched a failed assassination attempt on Chancellor Mon Mothma and one of them claimed that the First Order hired them to do it. If it's true that they are on Tatooine, then we need to find them and drive them off."

Wuher nodded and said, "There's talk of a base being constructed far from Mos Espa. The First Order has been sighted running civilians out of Anchorhead, and now they've begun sending their raids here. Hundreds of stormtroopers." He leaned in closer to Han and said in a very soft voice, "If you want to really kick the First Order out of here, you'll need permission to travel through all territory run by the Hutts. I suggest getting an audience with Rotta the Hutt. He's the new crime lord in charge here on Tatooine, but you didn't hear it from me."

Han nodded and then said, "Thanks for your help. I promise, the New Republic will do what it can."

However, as he led the group back to the Falcon to formulate the next phase of the reconnaissance mission, he said, "Chewie, I have a bad feeling about this."

…

Han and Chewbacca led the group for several miles from Mos Eisley until they came to the edge of the Dune Sea that was nearest to Jabba the Hutt's old palace. It clearly had not had a redesign, which to Han was a sure sign that it was as slovenly and uncomfortable as ever. However, when Han and his crew came within five feet of the huge entrance gate, it creaked and groaned and then slid upward. From the yawning entrance came a pair of Weequays and Gamorrean guards, but the one who led these guards was entirely new to Han, Chewbacca, and the Republic troops. A protocol droid sporting cobalt-blue finishing approached and said, "Welcome. I am GL-22 at your service. Why have you come?"

Hoping that he would not sound too hasty, Han replied, "We bring a message to your master, Rotta the Hutt. Will he hear it?"

"His Excellency the great Rotta the Hutt has had no word of your coming here. But he is not one to turn away a visitor," answered GL-22. "He will hear your message. But first, your weapons, please."

Han immediately handed his blaster over to the droid while the other members of his party handed their blasters to the guards. Chewbacca was quite reluctant to relinquish his bowcaster, but he did so at Han's urging.

"Relax, Chewie. I'm sure that this Rotta isn't going to be as big a hassle to us as Jabba was," Han said to his Wookiee friend.

Chewbacca wasn't too reassured, but he swallowed his discomfort and walked beside Han as the reconnaissance party was led into Rotta the Hutt's palace.

When the group reached the main audience chamber, Han had to admit that the palace had definitely been cleaned up in the time he had begun his service to the New Republic. There were more light fixtures to provide a more peaceful atmosphere, there were draperies hung on the ceiling and over the entrances, and music filled the chamber. Despite this, Han, Chewbacca, and their party weren't surprised to see dozens of humans and non-humans gathered in the room enjoying drinks and playing the gambler's game of sabacc.

When they got their first look at the new criminal kingpin in charge on Tatooine, Han nearly jumped in surprise. Rotta the Hutt rested his corpulent form on the same dais on which his father Jabba had once sat. Though he was as meaty as most Hutts prefer to be, he looked at Han's party with orange eyes that were more open and alert. Han noticed that Bib Fortuna, the Twi'lek majordomo of the palace, was standing beside him with his red eyes focused mostly on Han and Chewbacca. Apparently, Boba Fett was there too, though how he had escaped from the Pit of Carkoon was a mystery to Han.

The company of humans, Rodians, Quarren, Weequays, and other non-humans was unnerving enough for most of the group, but Han easily noticed that like Jabba, Rotta had a particular fondness for dancing girls for his entertainment. He noticed a lovely female Dubravan named Jovina sitting on the dais, clad in a dancing costume of bronzium and lasha silk. There was also a female Devaronian named Sho Kai, and Han easily noticed Rystall Sant was still an entertainer at the palace. However, there was no more time to muse on how well Rotta had rebuilt his father's criminal organization. It was time for business.

The protocol droid GL-22 said to his master, "Great Rotta the Hutt, master of the Hutt clan in ten star systems, these outsiders come to you with a message. They will not say what, but perhaps because it is to be given only to you."

Rotta looked at Han and his companions and rumbled, "Goodee da lodia. Haku doth me wankee?"*

Han approached the dais and said with as much respect as he could muster, "Greetings, honorable Rotta. I am General Han Solo of the Second Galactic Republic. We have learned that several Outer Rim worlds including Tatooine have been visited by loyalists of the Galactic Empire who have organized with possible intent to overthrow the New Republic along with any Outer Rim governments who might join or ally with us. We seek to form an alliance with the Hutts so we may drive these aggressors away from the Republic's borders and allow stability to be kept in the Outer Rim."

Rotta and his cohorts all shared a hearty laugh at this, but it was not done out of derision. The Hutts' crime operations had been disrupted due to the martial actions of the First Order, and even their legal operations of interstellar trade had been cut off by these would-be Imperials. Rotta wanted his businesses to thrive, and if the New Republic could help him rid Tatooine of these invaders, he would gladly sign a treaty to allow the New Republic safe passage through the Outer Rim.

Bib Fortuna whispered something to Rotta, possibly suggesting that Han, Chewbacca, and the other members of the reconnaissance party should be thrown out or imprisoned. However, when he finished, the Hutt let out a gurgling growl and shoved Bib off the dais, which got a grin out of Han and another round of barking laughter from Chewbacca. Then Rotta said to Han and his party, "Jee noa-a kolka bai wacha ba kankahuesa."*

Han gave Chewbacca and the others a smile as if an agreement had just been reached. However, Rotta added, "Um koo, uba katka yauma mi."*

"The illustrious Rotta declares he would be pleased to form an alliance with the Second Galactic Republic," GL-22 translated. "However, he requests help from the Republic concerning the raids conducted by these loyalists to the fallen Empire."

Rotta's bulky face soon fixed into a cold, grim scowl, and he rumbled, "Mon duhofwacha see kohchema boht bu satasna see kougine D'empierolo boga cot Hokaaen, duapoba pacahla du tah danko. Bauboka doth sehianbet dowaahliettah jaa bohw an moocha dan peee bagn la caiot boonowa. Uba katka youkesa hoohah."*

Han simply replied, "We'll do what we can to keep these troublemakers from making this situation any worse."

He bowed and then led his party from Rotta's palace, and together they headed back to the Millennium Falcon. Han said, "That Rotta the Hutt said soldiers were landing on Tatooine. I'd bet five Naboo jewels that they're stormtroopers." Then he turned to Chewbacca and said, "Chewie, when we're back on the ship, patch us through to Coruscant. Let's hope they can send help."

But in their haste to return to the ship, neither Solo, the Wookie, nor the other Republic agents noticed a hooded figure stopping several feet behind them to activate a holoprojector.

A Resurgent-class Star Destroyer floated through space for Tatooine's sector accompanied by twelve other Imperial-class vessels. On the bridge of the Resurgent-class vessel Devastator, a man clad in a dark suit of armor stood before a holotable on the bridge. A lightsaber hung on his belt, but a blaster sat in a holster on his right side.

Grand Moff Gideon was not a Sith Lord, but he was as fanatical for galactic domination as the most devoted agents of the Empire had been. He had been a decorated officer of the Galactic Empire until its downfall following the Battle of Endor. Following the rise of the New Republic, Gideon had commanded only a remnant of Imperial forces, but that changed when he was chosen by the First Order to be next in command to the Order's single leader. Now he was the master of the stormtrooper armies and eager to bring the galaxy under the heel of the First Order as Palpatine had done to the Old Republic.

The holotable hummed and glowed briefly until a life-sized human figure appeared before him and gave a salute that was punctuated with a fist. Moff Gideon acknowledged the man and said, "What news from our advance units on Tatooine?"

"Agents of the New Republic have visited Rotta the Hutt, my lord," the spy answered. "They plan to send aid to remove us from this sector and secure the borders of their pathetic Republic from us."

Gideon scowled at that and said, "Were there any Jedi with these visitors?"

"No, my lord. Only three men, a Wookiee, a hammerhead, and two Rodians," the spy went on.

Moff Gideon was not willing to let the New Republic ensure the end of the Tatooine raids. He would deal with the matter himself, he thought, and if there were any Jedi coming to Tatooine, he would be glad to put them out of their idealistic misery. He told the spy, "Continue with your investigation. I will contact the Supreme Leader."

"Yes, Master."

The spy's hologram faded, and then Moff Gideon pressed a glowing button on the holotable. The image that appeared was frightening to look at for anyone but men of Gideon's position. While Emperor Palpatine had seemed like a walking corpse, this being was something of a cross between human and non-human. The being's face was well-shaped on the right side, but the left side was disfigured quite extensively. His body had a long spine that seemed perpetually stiff, his limbs were elongated in a mismatched way, and he was clad in a robe that gave him the look of a statue that had been left unattended for uncounted years.

"What is it?" the unsightly figure hissed impatiently.

"A troupe of agents from the New Republic has begun negotiations with Rotta the Hutt, honorable Supreme Leader Snoke," Moff Gideon reported. "It is possible they may force us into combat to remove our foothold in the Outer Rim Territories."

The Supreme Leader stirred within his robe and replied, "Are any Jedi involved in this plot?"

"I have no report that any Jedi have been aiding them," Moff Gideon answered. "But if there are any on Tatooine, I will find them."

The Supreme Leader Snoke pursed his mouth and said, "We cannot lose the foothold we need to rise above the ranks of this stupid and futile Republic. The Empire's way was strong, and I am sworn to restore it. Begin landing more troops once you reach Tatooine. Have them prepare the next stronghold, and be sure to keep any of those local scavengers from seeking you out."

"And what of these meddling Republic agents?" inquired Gideon.

"If their nameless Chancellor brought them into this, they will pay for it," Snoke replied sharply. "If they are found, kill them immediately."

Moff Gideon only gave a bow as the hologram faded away. Then he sent a message over the comlink for his fleet to set positions in orbit the moment they were over Tatooine. As for the meddlers who would interfere with the First Order, he put it out of his mind for the moment. Whoever these Republic spies were, he would deal with them, even if a Jedi were to try and stop him.

A/N: How was this chapter, my readers? Let me know in a review if you'd like. When Chapter 6 comes, here's where the fun begins!

Huttese to Basic translations:

- "Good day to you. What is your message?"
- "I would be pleased to form an alliance."
- "But first, you must help me."
- "Hundreds of warships bearing the design of old Imperial vessels pass Tatooine every hour, blockading trade in this system. Soldiers are raiding the local towns and stealing goods wherever they can find. You must stop them."

I decided to have Supreme Leader Snoke be his own individual instead of a clone of Palpatine because from what I have seen, everyone is fine with Anakin turning back from the dark side and defeating the Emperor in Return of the Jedi, so Snoke will have a different origin that will be explained in a later chapter.