Dark Sides: A Star Wars Story
by Matthew Holmes

My fan fiction Star Wars story that takes place after the events of “Revenge of the Sith” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”

A long time ago in a galaxy far,

far away….

DARK SIDES

The Dark Side rules the galaxy. Emperor Palpatine and his Imperial forces are in complete and total control as a growing yet scattered REBELLION fights back in a desperate attempt to restore liberty and democracy.

With his expansion of powers, uprisings are squashed, and politicians exploit their own planets. Smugglers try to make a living by breaking strict Imperial laws but are captured or killed by bounty hunters.

Only a few remaining heroes continue to take on the might of the Sith EMPIRE as a young Jedi runs down an alleyway, being relentlessly pursued by a mysterious figure….

6 BBY: 6 years before the Battle of Yavin

A Jedi is in a desperate run through a dark alleyway at night in the capital of the Empire, Imperial City. His lightsaber is hidden at his side as he performs acrobatic moves, maneuvering through rubble and climbing walls to outrun someone or something that he feels is closing in on him. The sprinting Jedi doesn’t know who it is, but a figure is after him; he briefly saw a threatening large being when he broke out of an Imperial data facility while trying to leak damaging information to the public. Now, he’s dashing desperately for his life, running and running away, having found nothing. The Jedi turns a sharp corner, and there’s his pursuer, Darth Vader.

Standing menacingly in the dark, he waits for the young Jedi to approach him. Darth Vader’s deep voice slowly announces, “The Jedi are no more,” and he puts his hand out in the air while forcefully telling him, “You cannot run.” Vader squeezes his hand tightly with the Force and breaks the Jedi’s limbs, pulling them down in different directions, with his bones cracking and breaking under the immense pressure. The Jedi cries out in pain, begging for mercy. The Sith Lord ignores his pleas, saying, “Just another pathetic traitor,” and with that, he crushes and kills the young Jedi with the use of the Force. He walks up to the dead, mangled body and sees a lightsaber hilt lying on the ground. He aggressively stomps on it, crushing it to pieces, and pronounces loudly, “Long live the Empire.” Breathing deeply and slowly, Darth Vader looks out at the city skyline with the Imperial Fleet hovering overhead as he takes in the view of all that he has conquered…

TATOOINE

Obi-Wan Kenobi sits with his eyes closed in meditation, with a small fire calmly lit by his side. The night air is crisp and cool, and he’s enjoying being away from his homestead for a change of pace. Since the galaxy had been taken over by the Emperor and his army of stormtroopers, countless massive warships, bounty hunters, and Darth Vader in his pocket, the Emperor targeted Obi-Wan as the galaxy’s biggest traitor, along with Yoda. Therefore, he had to be careful about when and where he went out as Ben, his shortened secret nickname. It certainly wasn’t easy or normal for a former General of the Republic and Jedi Master like himself to stay in one place, especially doing nothing but babysitting, even though that baby was one of their last hopes. Ben found it questionable at times due to what happened to Anakin, although Yoda had always preached that a Jedi should not crave adventure. Ben thought to himself, “That’s all Yoda ever did was send Anakin and him on adventures.” Although those adventures were wrought with enemies, villains, and deathly dangers, all in the name of defending the Republic, they were nonetheless adventures.

Yet, everything had gone wrong, and now it’s only him in a desert sitting next to a small fire. He breathes in and breathes out slowly, focusing his thoughts. The embers from the fire are crackling in the air, which is the only light and noise in the empty deserts of Tatooine on this night. Ben Kenobi’s eyes open slowly as he realizes something has been on the fire for too long. “Oh dear,” he says, startled as he shuffles around to get to the object on the small fire. “I left the caf on too long again,” then Ben spills the caf as he tries to pick it up. “Blast it, can I do anything right?” An unknown voice out of nowhere follows up, saying, “Some things.” Ben quips, “Not now, Qui-Gon. I’ve heard enough about Anakin and the galaxy for a lifetime.” Qui-Gon’s Force Ghost answers, “Very well, Ben, but this concerns Luke.” Ben stops. He’s surprised to hear this. Looking at Qui-Gon intently, Ben says, “I’m listening.”

DATHOMIR

Darth Maul and Qi’ra are in a large, dark temple, both hooded in black robes. They stand in a Sith Master and Apprentice position, exactly where Qi’ra needs to be when reporting to her now-master, Darth Maul, who has survived being cut in two by Obi-Wan Kenobi years ago on the planet Naboo. The technology of the galaxy saved him; his legs are now mechanical, but his attitude and will are still purely Sith. As Darth Maul goes, so does Crimson Dawn, and Qi’ra answers to him as his Sith Apprentice, knowing full well that this was the life she chose and knows deep down it’s the best for everyone, Han included. She had to follow her own path in the galaxy, however dark it got. To Qi’ra, it was the way of things, the way of the Force. She found it very interesting, and having realized and built up her Force powers while learning from her Sith Master, she liked it. It felt good to have more power than men and beings alike. Anyone else who tried to cross her or tried to harm her would meet the wrath of her forming Sith powers. Learning to be a Sith was practical and useful, but it did have its downsides. Qi’ra is speaking to Darth Maul, saying, “The only planet left that I feel,” she pauses in thought, “something is on Tatooine.” Darth Maul sternly answers, “I have also felt the Force growing in strength there; it’s something I have not felt in quite some time.” Maul instructs Qi’ra, “Go to Tatooine, then report back to me here. I have unfinished business. There are many Crimson Dawn traitors, and they must be dealt with.” Qi’ra is worried when Maul says this and feels panic as her thoughts immediately go to Han, Chewie, and Lando, as she covered for them years ago by blaming Tobias Beckett for what they did together in helping the Rebellion. Qi’ra wishes she could forget about all of it, but she misses them. So, she composes a stern voice as her emotional state is fortunately hidden by her hood while answering Darth Maul, “Yes, Master, happy hunting.” Darth Maul gives her a sinister, pleased smile and walks by her, leaving the temple and her troubled, conflicted feelings to herself.

TATOOINE

Han Solo and his trusty best friend, Chewbacca, are on Tatooine at a space dock, where they’re already in the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit, getting ready to take off to deliver a shipment for Jabba the Hutt. Han says, “It’s going to be fine, Chewie. I know what I’m doing.” As Han gives Chewie a big smile, his friend roars back, “I thought Jabba was with the Empire!?” Han answers, “Chewie, Jabba is with anyone he can make a credit off of, especially us. Besides, he told me we’re doing this undercover, so I hope you’re okay with espionage, pal!” Han smiles with excitement on his face and in his eyes. The Falcon and the two smugglers begin their trip from Tatooine to the planet of Fondor.

IMPERIAL CITY: CORUSCANT

There are Imperial Star Destroyers around the planet in space and everywhere in the sky, guarding and policing the planet. Stormtroopers and Imperial vehicles are all over the cityscape, policing, harassing, controlling, and arresting aliens from other worlds and abusing their Imperial power as much as they please. Coruscant was always a massive city of life and structures, with skies full of vehicles and government-controlled places, but since the Empire came to be, Coruscant was renamed Imperial City. It showcased the Emperor’s wishes of having maximum control and influence not only in politics and war but in every aspect of planetary and galactic life. Whether a being went to get a drink, meet with friends, or break the law, no one could do so without a stormtrooper or bounty hunter knowing about it, as they were hired out by the Imperials to hunt down anyone who dared to break their strict laws or rise up against the Empire.

IMPERIAL PALACE: IMPERIAL CITY

Bright blue and white lights of Force lightning illuminate a room as a person screams in agony while being struck by the lightning. The unknown body drops to the ground with a large thud. The Emperor, Darth Sidious, a powerful Sith, cruelly says to the dead corpse, “I accept your proposition, young Senator,” and then laughs. With a serious face, he finishes his sentence: “that you are dead.” The Emperor puts his hands in the air as he continues to laugh, reveling in the power he holds. It’s a satisfying taste of pleasure and freedom for him, as he is the ruler of the galaxy.

Darth Vader enters the room as two Imperial guards drag the dead young senator’s body away. The Emperor switches emotional gears, greeting his faithful apprentice, “Ah, yes, Lord Vader, come in.” He sits down in a large, comfortable chair. Watching the body being dragged away, Darth Vader says, “I see you have found another Rebel, my Master.” The Emperor’s face turns mean and sour as he manipulatively states to his longtime servant, “There are too many of them, and that’s why I need you, my apprentice. I can’t save the galaxy alone.” Darth Vader quickly replies, “I am here for you, my Master.” The Emperor responds, “Good,” with a pause of satisfaction in his mind. He goes on with his orders, “There is a band of Rebels led by the terrorist extremist Saw Gerrera. I want him to be your next point of interest. Do I make myself clear, Lord Vader?” Darth Vader quickly replies, “Yes, Master,” and then turns around and walks out of the room, leaving the Emperor looking very pleased with himself. His lies are working out flawlessly, and he smiles with all of his power still after all these years.

IMPERIAL SENATE

Princess Leia, a Junior Legislator, is furiously walking down a large hallway in the Senate Building, where all the news on the Holonet is about how a Senator has gone missing. According to the Imperial reports, he apparently had debts to many people. But Leia knew he did not have any debts, nor did he go missing randomly. Rather, the young Senator was working hard on a proposal to present to Emperor Palpatine in person, hoping he could convince the ruler to consider reuniting families who were separated by planetary issues throughout the galaxy. It was a big deal, and it certainly didn’t go well, as now Leia feared the worst for him.

These were dangerous times, and she has to make it to a secret meeting of the Rebellion leadership, which is in need of her to go on a mission to Fondor by orders from her father, Bail Organa, and without being followed or caught along the way.

There was a large group of Senators up ahead because the Senate had just come out of the session. Leia knew they did not realize the extent of the Senate’s powerlessness. The Senator from Thrad and the others in the hallway were all under the impression that they made a difference by voting on important issues and that their votes were passed into law. The Emperor made sure the laws never came to be, even if they appeared to be made into law. This group of senators wasn’t even talking about legislation anyway. Typical politicians, Leia thought.

On top of this tragedy of an undemocratic Imperial Government, Leia often noticed that there were no attempts at any new deal-making or changes to the futile Senate. Only the concerns of their personal lives and their fellow Senators motivated most conversations. If Leia was ever going to get anything done, she knew she’d have to continue to pursue her rebel ways to bring democracy back to the galaxy. Alternatively, she could submit to a life of luxury and power, as she was a princess after all. But that life was not for her. There was too much at stake to be submissive to the Empire and the Emperor. So, Leia hastily walks through the group of Senators as they go on and on about vacations and credit-making schemes. She hastily continues toward the secret meeting place. However, having a missing senator search throughout the city planet made this particular meeting and mission much riskier than usual.

ABOARD THE MILLENNIUM FALCON

The Millennium Falcon is streaking through space on its way to Fondor, where Han and Chewbacca plan to meet their buyer for cargo. This buyer is no ordinary thief or mercenary; this is the Rebels, a faction of the galaxy that Jabba the Hutt himself is outwardly against, as the Hutts are aligned with the Empire for obvious financial reasons. That’s why Han and Chewie’s mission is under the table and secretive. In reality, the Hutts would do business with anyone, even the Rebellion against the Empire, as long as it pays. There are expendable smugglers to risk the transactions, like Han and Chewie. Han, knowing these risks, says to Chewie, “I think when we get this load to this Gerrera guy, we should ask for a raise. What do you think?” Chewbacca knows that in their line of work, safe is better than sorry. Han’s co-pilot replies, “Don’t push our luck.” Replying in a hurt tone, Han proclaims, “Hey buddy, luck is what this galaxy is all about, and I have a good feeling about upping our prices.” Chewie says, “Really?” Han reminds him, “Yes, really. Remember, we’re mixed up in all of this for the money!” It was a point well made, so Chewbacca let Han win the argument this time. Han would usually go with his advice and not just due to his sheer strength, but also because he was a voice of reason and his best friend. As the two make their way to Fondor, nothing else is said as both pilot and co-pilot are tired from all of the smuggling they have been doing.

THE CHIMAERA: IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER

A large Imperial Star Destroyer is making its way out of the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. The Chimaera is no ordinary Imperial warship because its leader is a Chiss by the name of Grand Admiral Thrawn. The Chiss are blue in color and have red eyes. Their society is advanced and more intelligent than most species in the galaxy. Thrawn rose to power in the Empire through his brilliance and victories, making him one of the most threatening leaders in the entire galaxy. The Emperor had sent Thrawn to the Unknown Regions to take them over, but also because of his alien prejudice; the Emperor only used him when needed, as Thrawn was a threat to everything. Grand Admiral Thrawn is an unparalleled military strategist and tactical genius who studied military intelligence, cultures, and, most of all, his enemies. Now, he has his eyes set on the planet Ryloth to invade, conquer, and occupy in the name of the Empire.

RYLOTH

An Imperial Palace on the planet Ryloth is in the middle of a gigantic party. The usual order of business when celebrating an occupation is that Moff Delian Mors is hosting the party, where her Imperial officers are the only guests. A chained-up band is playing loudly, and enslaved Twi’leks are the workers and dancers entertaining the Imperials who have ruled their home planet since the dawn of the Empire. Many officers are intoxicated from binge drinking and a substance called spice. It’s everywhere at the party, as they are using a never-ending supply for their pleasure. This ruling Moff, Delian Mors, is a spice addict with a habit of doing nothing but being high on spice, as it is the largest resource on Ryloth. The Imperial High Command on the planet has followed their leader in a trickle-down effect to party, enjoy their power, procrastinate, and neglect the serious threats of rebellion among the Twi’leks. As the party rages on and everyone is as happy as ever, except for the enslaved workers, Grand Admiral Thrawn and his Imperial Destroyer, the Chimaera, are approaching Ryloth, unbeknownst to Moff Mors and her drunken command.

THE CHIMAERA: IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER

Thrawn is sitting in thought as Captain Pellaeon enters his chamber aboard the Star Destroyer Chimaera. Captain Pellaeon, apologizing, says, “Sorry to disturb you, sir.” Thrawn immediately answers, “We are here at Ryloth. There is nothing to be disturbed. Report.” Pellaeon, startled as usual when Grand Admiral Thrawn surprises him, continues, “Yes, sir. I believe our local Moff is throwing a party. We’re having much difficulty contacting her.” Thrawn, in thought, states, “These Moffs are interesting to me. They want power, but then they do not use it in a way I would.” Pellaeon agrees with his line of thinking, saying, “Of course, sir. What shall we do?” Thrawn smiles and knows he has already won. He tells Captain Pellaeon, “Patience is my favorite weapon, Captain. We will let them party and, in the meantime, deploy our forces where I see fit.” He further goes into detail about coordinating the plan: their tactics, timing, and ship squadrons for each region of the planet. Impressed, Pellaeon nods his head, thanks him for the swift instructions, turns about face, and confidently heads to the bridge of the Chimaera. He can’t believe how easy things are when you have a competent Grand Admiral calling the shots.

Captain Pellaeon now stands confidently on the bridge of the Chimaera, looking out at the planet Ryloth. He begins giving instructions to his crew. “The Admiral wants to deploy our scout ships, TIE Fighter Wing, and V-19 Torrent Starfighter detachments to the designated areas of Ryloth that our Admiral has deemed worthy of relieving the Moff of her command and finding the insurgents.” Lieutenant Tschel, a very young officer for his rank, replies, “Right away, sir.” He has his own reservations: “But Captain, I… we already know what we have for ships.” Pellaeon quickly corrects his young officer in a serious, firm tone: “This is the bridge of an Imperial Star Destroyer, Lieutenant. Routine information is the most important information.” Tschel gulps, red-faced, and answers, “Yes, sir.” From the Chimaera in space, its forces are deployed to Ryloth in various directions. “Squadrons at the ready for any resistance or attacks,” Pellaeon orders. “Tell me if anything suspicious is seen or heard from the Moff as well.” This is either going to be easy or even easier than Pellaeon had originally thought. The Empire was still at its peak for all these years. Now, it was time for him and his admiral to shine in the known regions of the galaxy.

RYLOTH: MOFF MORS’ IMPERIAL PALACE

At the party, Moff Mors quiets the crowd and proclaims, “A toast to Ryloth! May we always be one with the galaxy!” Everyone laughs and drinks merrily, shouting and hollering with joy, as an Imperial officer rushes up to her, scared, and says directly to his boss, “Um, ma’am, we have a slight problem.”

TATOOINE

After a late night of Ben’s questions going mostly unanswered, Qui-Gon’s Force Ghost bows his head with his hands together, smiles, and slowly fades away to nothingness. “Until next time, Obi-Wan,” are his last thoughtful, caring words that linger in the air. Ben says, “Thank you, Master, yet I feel like I need to speak to Master Yoda so my confusion with all of this will be complete.”

Ben smothers out the remnants of the coals that were a fire earlier in the night and begins the walk back to his homestead. He realizes that he is out of caf, and so he makes it a point to fix that as soon as possible and suggests to himself, “What is a Jedi Master without a cup of caf here and there?” As he is walking up to his place among the emptiness of the planet, not only does something not feel right, but there is a black speeder bike parked outside that is not his. Certainly, a guest is inside doing who knows what, he thought to himself, messing up his organized, clean setup. Ben can’t believe this is happening without his knowledge of ever inviting someone, let alone anyone, finding him way out here in the middle of nowhere. There are a couple of lights on, too, which is troubling because they obviously don’t care about being caught. It is unusual, to say the least, to have a visitor like this. It is still dark out but now early morning because Ben’s walk was far away, and he liked to take his time.

He walks up to his partially lit home and says gently out loud, “Nice speeder, and those are fast. So, is anyone there?” He unclips his lightsaber, holding it at his side and doesn’t ignite its blade. He stops walking and stands outside next to the speeder, then says very loudly to the house, “Hello there!” He smiles to himself, thinking that’s funny-an inside joke, as it was his favorite saying, but he had never said it with no one around. There is no answer. Ben walks to the front door and slowly enters his homestead with his unlit saber in his hand. He says to whomever is there, “Look, I hate to give you the bad news, but I just spilled the last of my caf, so I can’t offer you a drink unless you would like something a bit stronger?” Ben looks straight ahead down the hallway as a dark figure in robes appears. It’s an unknown young woman he has never seen before, hooded in black robes, and her face is semi-hidden, standing in his home and pointing right in his direction.

She whispers and hisses, “Kenobi, the Force is here on this planet.” A surprised Ben says, “Well then, I don’t know a Kenobi, so you’re going to have to leave my home now.” She smiles, knowing who he is, and replies, “My Master will want his revenge!” He asks, “Who are you?” The young woman yells, “I am Qi’ra!” She jumps toward him in her black hooded robes, igniting her red lightsaber blade to attack while in the air. Ben ignites his blue lightsaber blade in a defensive, bracing posture. They clash, parrying one another’s moves, and go from dueling outside to inside his homestead.

As Ben and Qi’ra battle, she uses the Force to throw his own household items at him, and he chops at the items, falling backward, dodging, blocking, and being on the defense. Qi’ra smashes open a box where Ben has Anakin’s old lightsaber stored away. He grabs it, and with the use of two ignited lightsabers, he blocks her and then checkmates her life in his hands, defeating her in the duel. She must accept defeat or be killed in her eyes. Qi’ra backs away, turning and running out of his house. She jumps on her speeder and angrily speeds away, leaving Ben shocked and concerned. He’s halfway on the ground with the two lightsabers in a wrecked and disheveled house, not understanding what has just happened and who Qi’ra is. He has a concerned expression and is deep in thought as he gets up, trying to figure out what to do next. He turns off the two lightsabers. Ben looks down at them, glistening in the dawn’s early light, and says, “Thanks, old friend.” Anakin has saved him again.

DAGOBAH

A small luxury yacht is making its approach to the planet from space. The ship slowly comes down to hover over the jungles of Dagobah, and standing on a ladder as it descends from the bottom of the ship is Bail Organa. He is lowered to the ground gracefully and easily, as he has experience with the galaxy and its planets. He steps foot on the jungle floor in an opening with a water-filled swamp and a small hut nearby, where a small robed green creature is waiting. This being, by the name of Yoda, stands quietly before him. Yoda knew he was approaching the planet’s surface before Bail even did. As a 900-year-old Jedi Master, Yoda had been through it all and had stayed hidden since the reign of the Empire began.

Yoda greets Bail Organa, “My old friend. Come to say hello again, have you?” Bail Organa, with a worried face, replies, “Yes, Master Yoda. I’m sorry for the theatrics.” Yoda continues slowly, “Graceful you are, Bail Organa. Much to discuss, there is. Danger for the boy. And your daughter. Even more danger. Protect them. Help them. We must.” Bail knew when the time was right; that was the plan, but it seemed that Yoda was set on staying on Dagobah, where his presence was hidden by the planet’s Force energy. “We will need a course of action, Yoda, and I don’t know what that could be,” Bail asks. Yoda thinks on it and says, “Stronger the Jedi were with our Jedi Council. The same is true for your Rebellion as well, Bail Organa.” Bail is happy and nods agreeingly at him. Yoda smiles softly in return, and they speak a while longer on what has been going on in Imperial City and the rest of the galaxy. On his way back to his ship, Bail turns and says to Yoda, “We will grow the Alliance Council and the Rebellion. Thank you, Master Yoda. Stay safe, and I will return. May the Force be with you.” “And with you,” Yoda replies as Bail leaves on his ship. Yoda watches his ship fly away, knowing the time is getting closer to rise up with their new hope against the Empire.

FONDOR: IMPERIAL SHIPYARDS

Boba Fett is on the planet Fondor, fighting Rebels. The Empire paid well for his services, so Fett would take on any job against anyone or any faction the Imperials wanted. This time, it happened to be clearing out Rebels from the Empire’s chief manufacturing center. Fondor was home to the Imperial Shipyards, where everything from vehicles to Star Destroyers was created and worked on. The bounty hunter, Boba Fett, is blasting Rebels who just blew up a half-built Star Destroyer. It’s chaos, with fires, explosions, stormtroopers hurt and dying everywhere, but not Fett. He uses his jetpack to go up a level, continuing to land every shot he fires, killing Rebel after Rebel.

Boba Fett says out loud, “Nest.” Enfys Nest, a young woman wearing thick armor and a battle helmet, appears with a large staff in hand. As a Rebellion leader, Nest has not only been fighting the Empire in strategic attacks at their weak points but has also been using stolen credits to buy ships, fuel, and weapons for the Rebellion. Years earlier, she and survivors of Imperial enslavement, along with Han, Chewbacca, and Qi’ra, helped begin the flow of credits to the Rebellion by acquiring stolen coaxium from Kessel. Boba Fett knew Enfys Nest by the bounty put on her by the Empire and says, “Fancy seeing you here. I suppose you should say goodbye to your friends while you have a chance.” Enfys Nest shouts back, “The only goodbye will be yours!”

Their battle begins as a fast, close-combat, bounty hunter-style fight-a boxing match mixed with blasters and Enfys’ staff. Blow by blow and block by block, the two battle one another amidst all the chaos. Boba Fett knocks down Enfys time and again, with Enfys getting up and defending against finishing blows and attacks. Fett is knocked down once, but when Enfys does this, his helmet comes off, rolling away on the ground. His appearance resembles that of Jango Fett, his deceased father from years ago during the Clone Wars. Boba Fett is so angry about this that he jumps up sideways, swinging around with his side blaster in hand, and shoots Enfys in the chest, killing the Rebel instantly. Enfys quickly and suddenly falls to her knees, letting go of the staff and landing forward on the ground. Boba Fett puts his helmet back on and, while walking away, says, “Goodbye, Enfys.”

RYLOTH

Lando Calrissian is in his ship, the Lady Luck, in a cave in the Ryloth underground. He’s recording his Calrissian Chronicles, talking to himself out loud: “So, I was on this date with a beautiful Twi’lek, Hera, and she tells me she’s part of the Free Ryloth movement and she needs my help because her people have been enslaved by the Empire. Now, I thought Ryloth would be a nice place for a date, of course, not thinking about it too hard. So, now I’m waiting to meet her father. Hiding in this cave. You know, for protection. I want to help, but it’s a lot for a first date.” Hera calls out to him outside of his ship, “Hey Lando! Come on down, I’d like you to meet someone!” Lando ends his recording of his chronicles and says to himself, “Here we go.” He heads down the ramp of his luxury ship and sees someone who is not Hera’s father next to her. Lando states, “I didn’t know your father was a beautiful Togruta. My, oh my.” Hera awkwardly introduces her friend, “This is Ahsoka Tano, and we have a plan to get our sister Twi’leks off this planet to freedom if you care to help.” Lando says, “I’m all ears to help, of course. What’s a man in this galaxy worth if he runs away from the fight?” He smiles and winks at Ahsoka. She rolls her eyes and then begins to speak about their plans. “Good, so the Moff is throwing a party, and we already have our people on the inside. Furthermore, there are Imperials above the planet who we think are not friendly to the Moff. The timing is ideal to pull this off and save our sisters. We need you and your ship to fly them out of here because they will be hunted down again and again if they stay on this planet. Can you do this for us, Lando Calrissian?” Lando, with a big smile on his face, says, “Sure, I’m always glad to have a ship full of beautiful Twi’leks!” Both Hera and Ahsoka just stare at him with blank faces as he’s smiling happily in satisfaction.

IMPERIAL PALACE PARTY ON RYLOTH

Imperials are scattered everywhere, running to the command room as Moff Mors is red-faced, dizzy, and screaming at her officers, yelling, “How did this happen!? The Admiral has no jurisdiction here! I must contact the Emperor to stop this treason!” A large hologram video screen image of Grand Admiral Thrawn appears in front of the Moff and her chaotic room full of scared, drunken officers. Thrawn begins, “Good evening, Moff Delian Mors. I hope I’m not interrupting your big party.” Moff Mors angrily answers, “What in the name of the Emperor is this!?” Thrawn explains, “As you party, there are elements of a resistance among you and this rebellious planet. The Emperor has instructed me to put an end to them and your lackluster performance here.” Moff Mors, still high and drunk, trying to defend herself, begs him, “We have kept the Rebels at bay, Grand Admiral, and I have been doing everything in my power to do so! Please let me stay here! It’s been my home for so long now.” Thrawn answers coldly, “You have only used your power to strip the resources, but not the people. You are relieved of your command, Moff, and your forces will now be under my control.”

Moff Mors turns from pleading and begging to all-out rage at his answer. “How dare you speak to me like this! I am an Imperial Moff!” She then suddenly throws up and, after doing so, begins to cry, still drunk and high on an overdose of spice and drinks. Thrawn, having witnessed this before his eyes, remarks, “Disgusting and pathetic.” He continues, “My forces are already at your bases and stations throughout the planet. Don’t make this any harder than it has to be, and go clean yourself up. You’re a pathetic excuse for a Moff.” Then, a surprise in the command room as rebels burst in and a firefight begins, attacking the shocked, drunken Imperials. Grand Admiral Thrawn can’t believe what he is seeing. It is worse than he thought. Nevertheless, he is going to defeat all of these forces in the end. It doesn’t matter what side they are on; they are all against his aspirations of taking over the galaxy.

FONDOR

Han and Chewbacca in the Falcon are landing on Fondor in a run-down area of the planet. The landing dock is falling apart and very old, with no security, lighting, or anything. As their ship makes the final touchdown, a sigh of relief comes from Saw Gerrera’s Rebels, who have been waiting for their cargo load to help them fight the Imperials, who are not too far away. Han is oblivious to all of this as he boasts to Chewie about faking out Imperial security again, saying, “Let me do the deal like usual,” with a big satisfied smile on his face. “Remember, pal, we’re upping our price.” Chewie rolls his eyes and looks away. They land the Falcon with no problems and walk down the ramp, where a small group of Saw’s Rebels is gathered outside the Falcon. Saw is not there. Typical, Han thought to himself. You never meet the leader of these things.

Han loved to put on a show, so he begins with a big, loud “Hey there, guys!” He gives a big smile with his arms spread in the air, hands waving, and says, “Greetings from Tatooine! Jabba sends his best. Which is us!” Han laughs out loud. Saw’s group stands in silence, and nobody is laughing. A battle-hardened Rebel soldier walks forward, getting up close to Han. He looks him up and down, stating, “You’re earlier than expected.” Han quickly replies, “Well, yeah! Have you ever heard of the Millennium Falcon? It’s the ship that did the….” Han gets cut off as the Rebel says, “Perhaps.” Han is surprised and speechless for a moment and finally replies, “Oh.” The exchange is quick. The cases are swapped fast, with Han and Chewie’s payload for Saw’s credits and a hand shake to seal the deal. Han finishes with a casual, “Pleasure doing business.” The Rebel quickly replies, “This never happened.” Han, with a smirk, says, “Right. You got it, pal.”

As Saw’s Rebels walk away with the cargo load, Han gives them a little salute with his other hand on his belt and says to Chewbacca at his side, “See, Chewie, nothin’ to it. I’m liking Fondor. This place is as easy as flying TIE fighters.” Han turns around and walks up the ramp, leaving Chewie speechless because Han got kicked out of the Imperial Academy for flying TIE fighters. The two are back in the cockpit as Chewie says, “You didn’t up our price!” Han explains, ruffled, “I didn’t up our price because they were desperate. I felt bad for them going up against the Empire.” Chewie directly says to Han, “You were scared.” Han replies, “No, I wasn’t scared. That’s silly. I’m not scared of very much in the galaxy. Maybe you, if we miss a meal.” Han starts to laugh as Chewie starts to laugh, too. Han realizes his absurd reasoning and says, “Look, buddy, let’s get these credits back to Jabba so we can get our share and celebrate with a meal on me.” Chewbacc roars approvingly!

RYLOTH

In a speeder racing to the Moff’s headquarters, Lando asks, “So, what are we doing again, my ladies?” Hera tells him, “Just sit back and relax, Lando. We’re taking care of this end of things.” Lando says, “Great! Can we stop for a cold beverage on the way? If I’m just going to be sitting here, it would be nice to feel refreshed.” Ahsoka is already frustrated with this guy, answering him impatiently, “Not likely. We’re meeting up with our group just ahead. Although we are badly outnumbered, if all goes to plan, this little distraction in the Moff’s command room will buy us enough time to get our Twi’leks out.” Hera looks over at Ahsoka and yells, “Drive faster! We have to get there faster!” Lando, seeing he’s lost the drink battle, says, “Oh, so that’s a no to the beverage?”

RYLOTH: IMPERIAL PALACE

The battle in the upper level of the Moff’s palace continues as soldiers on both sides are being blasted to pieces. Below, in the lower level of the palace, there is a prison where the Twi’lek dancers have been locked up following the fiasco at the party in the upper level. The Rebels are positioned to take the lower level prison as Hera, Ahsoka, and Lando arrive on their speeder. They all see that there are four troopers guarding the entrance to the prison cells, so the distraction worked by all appearances.

A lone figure in gray robes lands in front of the guards from above. Two lightsabers ignite! The troopers immediately drop their guns, putting their hands up instantly. The lead trooper states, “We don’t even like the Moff. She makes us clean refreshers constantly. The prisoners are all yours if you let us live.” The lone figure is Ahsoka, who smiles and tells her fellow Rebels to get them quietly out of the way. They proceed to take the troopers away. Ahsoka elegantly slices off the prison entrance handle, walking in with the group following behind her, saying, “That was easy.” Hera sternly orders, “Let’s go! Move it, everyone!” The prison doors are unlocked, and the Twi’leks are freed. A young Twi’lek girl calls out, “Hera! It’s you!” Hera says happily, “Yes! We’re getting you off-planet. Now come on!”

Ahsoka makes her way up to the command center above to help out any remaining Rebels as Hera, Lando, and the rescued Twi’leks make their way back to Lando’s ship. She enters the Moff’s command room cautiously, and it’s abandoned of life, with only damaged consoles and deceased bodies from both sides strewn about from the firefight. Ahsoka looks up, sensing something in the Force, as a large hologram turns on to reveal the face of Grand Admiral Thrawn. He confidently says, “Ahsoka Tano. Right where I expected you. Cleaning up after those before you lay down their lives. Typical Rebel heroics.” Ahsoka asks, “What do you want?” Thrawn says, “Nothing, of course. The Moff has run away into hiding. So now it’s just you, me, and your Master. He will want to know.”

FONDOR

Boba Fett is in his ship, Slave I, in the pilot seat. He is sending a video message to the Imperials for his expected bounty collection payments and to share the location of the Rebels’ hiding place on Fondor, after he hunted down the fleeing survivors from where he killed Enfys Nest and numerous rebels at the shipyard. Finishing his message, he’s satisfied with the day’s outcome as many more credits will soon be deposited in his account. Boba Fett knows he’s the best bounty hunter in the galaxy, and nobody could ever take him down, especially not any of his prey.

RYLOTH

On Ryloth, back at Lando’s ship, the Lady Luck, the rescued Twi’leks are boarding as Hera and Lando say their goodbyes. Lando says, “Are you sure you don’t want to come along? It might be hard to get a second date with a guy like me with a ship full of beautiful women.” Hera, not listening to Lando, responds seriously, “I want to thank you, Lando, for your help. You know where to find us.” A big smile from Lando: “Sounds like a second date.” Hera answers ruthlessly, “Not a chance.” Lando pauses and smoothly says, “A true gentleman is always a gentleman,” as he sways his cape to his side to reach out his hand to gently touch her hand. “Until next time, Hera,” kissing the top of her hand with a smile, he turns and goes to the Lady Luck, now filled with Twi’lek ladies. Go figure, Lando thought, what are the odds of all of this?

IMPERIAL CITY: CORUSCANT

Grand Admiral Thrawn knew what Darth Vader was up to when he was going to Fondor. As a tactician and out of a selfish desire to gain more favor with the Emperor, Thrawn wanted to lure Vader away from the fight in order to purposely delay him, putting Vader in trouble with the Emperor. Thrawn knew that finding Ahsoka was the perfect bait. Darth Vader was aboard his Star Destroyer above Imperial City, looking out from the bridge, awaiting a jump to hyperspace to Fondor. The Emperor had instructed him earlier to take on the mission, but there was an incoming message via a small hologram. It was Grand Admiral Thrawn, who knowingly said, “Lord Vader, I see you’re planning a jump to Fondor.” Vader answered, “Yes, Admiral, Rebel business.” Thrawn threw out the bait, “I just spoke with Ahsoka Tano. I thought you’d like to know she’s at Moff Mors’ palace on Ryloth.” I am very busy, and you have plenty of time to do both. “Unfinished business, right?” With a smirking smile, he watches and listens to see if Vader takes the bait. Darth Vader angrily speaks out loudly, “Ahsoka!” Thrawn knew Vader was easily manipulated, saying, “Yes, Lord Vader, that’s the Jedi’s name,” as he smiles in delight while cutting off the transmission with him immediately. In a rage, Darth Vader orders the jump to hyperspace to Ryloth.

DATHOMIR

In a Sith Temple, Ben Kenobi walks out from hiding as Darth Maul is packing up for his trip to confront Kenobi on Tatooine. Without turning around to face Ben, Darth Maul says, “Now who’s the one doing the surprising?” Ben replies, “Nice legs. I didn’t know a Sith could survive being cut in half.” He pauses in thought and finishes with, “Huh, that’s a first.” Maul arrogantly asks, “How’s your dead Master doing? What was his name again?” Ben ignites his lightsaber, and Darth Maul ignites one side of his double-bladed lightsaber.

The fight begins! They clash with sabers and Force attacks as the energy is blasting off the two warriors as Qi’ra is watching and feeling the powers from both sides. Bright blue and red lightsaber colors light up the temple walls, and on Qi’ra’s face. The battle continues with jumps, attacks, and blocks. Blow by blow, it’s a close combat duel, with Darth Maul full of anger for what Obi-Wan did to him, cutting him in half years earlier, and Ben full of purpose and love, thinking of his long-passed-away master Qui-Gon, brutally killed by Darth Maul himself.

The duel leads outside the temple, as Qi’ra keeps her distance while slowly following them. Ben is slowing down in exhaustion. Darth Maul happily chimes in, “IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE, JEDI? IT’S TIME I FINISH YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL, KENOBI!” Sensing Ben’s weakness, Maul uses the Force to grab and throw his lightsaber out of his hand. Ben can’t withstand the Force move since he’s worn down from dueling for so long. Darth Maul ignites the second blade of his red lightsaber and begins to spin it around himself, preparing to cut down Ben. Suddenly, Darth Maul’s lightsaber leaves his grip and spins around him, circling in the air on its own. Like a wind machine, it’s Qi’ra controlling his lightsaber using her Force powers. Darth Maul gives a final glance towards Qi’ra as she ignites her lightsaber using the Force, pulling it to her side. Qi’ra screams and falls in pain. Darth Maul looks back at Ben in shock as his own lightsaber flies into his chest, killing him instantly as he falls down with a thud. His lightsaber turns off, hits the ground, and rolls away. Ben realizes Darth Maul has been killed again, but this time permanently, and he is relieved beyond words. Luke will now be safer than ever, and it was thanks to her.

Ben runs over to Qi’ra, putting his arms around her on the ground, and says, “You saved me.” Qi’ra, struggling to stay alive, tells Ben, “You remind me of someone. Someone who is brave. Who I love. You see the best in people like him.” She pauses to cough, struggling to breathe, and continues, “For so long I’ve been lost with Masters using me. You have freed me, Ben. Thank you.” Ben, trying to comfort her, says, “It’s okay, I’ll get you help. We’ve got to get you out of here.” Listening to her mind and feeling her body giving out, she softly says, “The Force will be with me.” Qi’ra’s eyes close, and she dies in his arms.

RYLOTH

Darth Vader takes a shuttle down to Ryloth from his Star Destroyer. He walks off the ship and faces Ahsoka, who is waiting for him outside the Moff’s palace. Vader calls out to her, “I see you have been waiting for me.” Ahsoka answers back, “I knew you’d show up where the suffering is.” Vader soothingly says, “You don’t have to be upset. The Force is a gift, Ahsoka.” She yells, “A gift that you have destroyed!” He questions her, “Perhaps, or perhaps you are the one who has been led by the real destroyers of the galaxy-these Rebels. It is not too late to join the Empire, Ahsoka.” “I’ll never join the Empire!” she yells, and with that, Ahsoka runs at Darth Vader and takes a jumping first swipe at his lightsaber, trying to disarm him.

Darth Vader easily dodges her strike and turns, pushing her with the Force using his hand to guide his move, and she goes tumbling away. Ahsoka catches herself and rolls to regain her balance, facing down the Sith Lord. Vader comments, “You are fast, but you are still unskilled in the ways of the Force. Your Master was weak.” Ahsoka replies, “Yeah, I guess he turned out to be weak, but Anakin was a good man and a great teacher before this thing took him over. A robot in a shell!” They clash again and again, blocking and swiping at one another, remaining at a draw blow by blow. The intense duel is a stalemate for a while. Ahsoka runs at Vader again, ready to pounce with her two sabers. “It would be wise not to get too close,” Vader says in his coldest tone. Ahsoka strikes at him, but Vader’s saber smashes one of Ahsoka’s sabers into pieces, and her other saber catches him on his facemask, cutting a large gash out of it, leaving Vader’s face partially visible to her. His eye is yellow and bloodshot, and his skin is pale white. His breathing becomes a struggle. Ahsoka yells, “Is this what you want!?” Vader is in shock, staring at her in anger.

A ship comes swooping down from above them. Hera is on the boarding ramp, yelling for Ahsoka to come away with her. Ahsoka looks at Vader one last time and turns off her saber, running toward Hera and the ship. They get away, and Vader does not pursue, having been hurt too much to do any more. He slowly focuses and uses the Force to partially weld together his damaged facemask to help his breathing while walking away in painful contempt, leaving Ryloth on his shuttle.

FONDOR

Han and Chewbacca receive a message as it broadcasts on special frequencies sympathetic to the Rebellion. The message is a request to tie up Imperial forces long enough for them to carry out a mission to save some of their forces at Fondor, of all places. The Falcon picks up the coded message and translates it quickly thanks to L3, Lando’s old droid, who is now in the ship’s navigation system. Lando also receives the coded message from one of the Twi’leks he helped save, as she is a codebreaker, and they are listening for any Imperial chatter flying out of Ryloth to ensure the rescued Twi’lek dancers’ safety. After Han and Chewbacca hear the message, they redirect to Fondor.

They arrive sometime later. Han looks over at Chewbacca and says, “What do you think, pal? We’re here.” Chewie looks at Han and says, “We should help.” Han answers, “You know we could get caught, lose our credits, owe Jabba, and either be killed or sent to Wobani forever.” Chewie roars, “It’s worth the risk. Han, just one last time we help the Rebels because they need us.” Han agrees, “Okay, but let’s not tell Jabba or anyone for that matter. Our little secret.” Han smiles but is really worried as they head out to meet the Imperial Fleet that is surely about to surround them.

FONDOR

The Battle of Fondor reignited once the Imperials received word from the bounty hunter Boba Fett about the rebels’ location on the planet. Outnumbered, the Rebels had to resort to fighting in the rubble, among the tunnels, and using guerrilla-style tactics. In doing so, the Rebels were winning the battle as they had advantages all around the run-down area of Fondor where they had been based and were more familiar with the terrain. The Imperials were landing more and more troopers from small transport ships, and tanks with infantry were being torn apart by the Rebels as the chaos and battle went on and on. It looked like nothing could help the Imperials besides stopping their advance or just giving up entirely and leaving the area.

A large shuttle with a TIE fighter escort is landing in the only clearing that is left in the destroyed landscape of the battle that has been going on since the day began. A late arrival due to the Thrawn and Ahsoka events on Ryloth, Darth Vader walks down the ramp of the ship and steps onto Fondor’s surface. An Imperial Officer runs up to him to explain the situation. “My Lord, we’re taking heavy casualties. Our stormtroopers are being picked off one by one in all of this mess. The rundown area is proving to be a challenge for our vehicles and for coordinating anything.” He pauses, scared to death, and says, “I . . . I don’t know what to do.” Darth Vader angrily remarks, “The Emperor will not tolerate such incompetence. You may start again by telling me where the Rebel Base is, and don’t give me any excuses.” The Imperial Officer puts his best answer together in his mind and says to him, “Lord Vader, we think their base is underground. Somewhere around here, there must be an entrance. We just can’t seem to find it. I’m sorry, my Lord. We’re doing our best.” Vader points at him and says, “Your best is not good enough. They are hiding in this mess that you have created!” The Imperial Officer is stunned and yells over to his Death Troopers to come over, telling them, “Show Lord Vader to the battle! Go!”

Darth Vader and the Imperial group move towards the fighting. This group includes Imperial officers, death troopers, stormtroopers, and special forces with specialized weapons, as well as tanks and TIE fighters overhead in support. This large group is intimidating, and the Rebels begin retreating once they see Darth Vader on the battlefield. His reputation in the galaxy is that he is invincible, an indestructible power, and if you were to go up against him, it meant certain death. As Darth Vader and his group walk through the area, there are bodies everywhere, scattered across the rubble, along with injured troopers and many suffering. The Imperials have been held back for a long time-a tragic mistake by Vader, as he realizes he was late to Fondor because Grand Admiral Thrawn sent him on a chase after Ahsoka. Whatever feelings he has left, Vader is upset and angry at the sight of all the death and destruction the Rebels have inflicted on his forces.

He stops in the middle of the carnage in a crazed scene of power being witnessed by the Imperials and remaining Rebels alike. Breathing slowly and steadily, feeling the Force, Vader pauses as the sounds go muffled in his mind. All he hears are the panicked Rebels retreating to the tunnels underneath them. Then the sounds come back in his mind. He says angrily, “FOLLOW ME.”

Han and Chewbacca are in the Falcon above Fondor in space, dodging and keeping numerous Imperial ships and TIE fighters scattered, but they are also in chase of them. There are several Imperial Star Destroyers pointed in every which way, spread out, and it’s chaos everywhere. Han yells to Chewie, “YEEEHOOO!! Yeah! We’ve got the moves, buddy!” He roars back at Han, “We need more than moves. We need help!” Han is sweating this one out. “Hey now, Chewie, I’ve got plenty more moves, but I know we could use some help!” Lando Calrissian’s ship swoops in from deep space! Lando chimes in just in time, “Hello, Han and Chewbacca! I have a ship full of Twi’leks who want revenge! I figured, why not entertain them for a change? So here we are, and it looks like you beat me to the place where we lose our ships, our credits, beautiful women, and our lives!”

Han calls out, “Lando!” Chewbacca comments, “What a guy!” Lando answers both of them, “For the record, I came to help Chewie and my ship, and I’m giving my friends here a whack at the Empire, ha ha.” Han, starting to regret helping the Rebels, says, “Great to have you all, and the more the merrier. Look, Lando, we can’t help the Rebels for much longer, and I don’t want to go out like this, so do you have any ideas?” Not any more optimistic than Han, Lando jokes, “Oh, I don’t know, I was thinking we could draw them out in space and then go around circling Fondor like a fathier racetrack, ha ha ha.”

Han thinks about it, “Huh. That sounds pretty good to me.” Lando wasn’t being serious, replying, “Really, Han? I was joking.” Han says, “Let’s do it and confuse them, but then high-tail it out of here.” Lando takes a deep breath and agrees, “Okay, Han, we’ll give it a go. Lead the way; I’m right behind you.” They make their way together, and the Lady Luck begins firing all its guns at the chasing TIE fighters. The Twi’leks finally got their payback against the Imperial war machine that had enslaved them. The cover fire they were providing was invaluable to saving not only Han, Chewbacca, and Lando but the Rebellion itself. The galaxy had a way of course-correcting troubles to redemption, Han thought as he watched TIE fighter after TIE fighter being blasted to pieces by the Twi’leks.

FONDOR: UNDERGROUND TUNNELS

Darth Vader and his large entourage of troopers are in an underground tunnel. It’s dark, with no fighting and hardly a sound other than Vader’s breathing and the footsteps of the group. Vader is speaking out loud to everyone, saying, “They will not expect us this way. We will have them surrounded. Saw Gerrera will have to go through me if he wants to live. Troopers, prepare for my arrival.” A Death Trooper answers the group in a muffled voice, “You heard Lord Vader; take the lead.”

The troopers move forward at a faster pace when a loud animal roar echoes in the tunnel, and then all goes quiet. Out of nowhere, troopers start getting picked off in the darkness by small side tunnels that they are passing, which are dark and they can’t see into. The troopers are being grabbed by a vicious creature, and there are no sounds other than one at a time. A trooper yells in surprise and then disappears without a trace or sound. The creature is a stratt, a mammalian, black-furred quadruped-a vicious and deadly nocturnal hunter that grows to nearly two meters and prowls about at night. Its dark fur makes it difficult to spot in the shadows. Over the years, enough stratts escaped from captivity that a self-sustaining population formed in the lower sub-levels of Coruscant, but this one had made it to the Fondor underground.

Darth Vader says very loudly, “Stop, you fools!” An Imperial Officer relays his message, “You heard Lord Vader, stop!” Everyone stops, and Vader tells the group, “Let me deal with this thing.” He turns down a pitch-black side tunnel where the last stormtrooper was picked off and taken down, disappearing into the dark. The war party looks down the dark tunnel, concerned and scared of what could happen. Vader’s red lightsaber turns on, and he makes one fast slash from his top right to his bottom left. There is an animal moan and a large thump. He kills the Stratt in one clean saber move, and the tunnel where he is goes dark again. Vader walks out into the main tunnel where the war party is and says, “The Rebels are like these creatures hiding in the dark. Soon, they will be found and wiped out, so keep moving.” They come out of the large tunnel into an even larger area of the Fondor underground, entering a big open circle with tunnels branching off in all directions. In the middle, there are control boards, supplies, Rebels, Saw Gerrera, and a young girl named Jyn Erso. Everyone stops what they are doing in stunned silence.

FONDOR: ABOVE GROUND

The sky is completely empty of Imperials. The newly assembled Rogue Squadron comes out of hyperspace just above the planet and makes its descent to the surface. It’s a small strike force of A-wings, X-wings, and a small transport ship. Wedge Antilles calls out, “Where is everybody?” Merrick, a skilled X-wing pilot, adds, “Someone is looking out for us because it’s our lucky day.” Leia answers from the transport ship, “It’s not luck, pilots. The Force is with us. Now, let’s get to that extraction point where my father told us.” Merrick quickly replies, “Yes, ma’am. You heard her, squad. Cover our transport; we’re going in!”

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FONDOR

Han says, “Hey, Lando, what are your thoughts on us getting out of this?” Both of their ships are in a huge mess of a space and sky battle with TIE fighters all over the skies. Lando answers, “I’d say not so good, Han!” Chewie roars, “I have an idea.” “Any idea is a great idea at this point, buddy!” Han says emphatically. So, Chewie continues, “A jump to hyperspace in opposite directions!” Han repeats, “A jump to hyperspace? In opposite directions? That sounds good to me.” Lando agrees, saying, “I think we’ve done all we can do for the day. The Twi’leks have been firing off so many shots at these attacking TIE fighters; my ship is spent, and I think that would confuse the Imperials, saving ourselves at the same time.” Han says his goodbyes, “Hey, Lando, let’s do this again sometime. It was fun.” Lando answers, “No, it wasn’t fun, Han, except this last part might be, and we are all lucky to still be alive.” He adds, “And may we not see one another again unless you want to give the Falcon back to me in another round of sabacc.” “Sure, Lando, take care of yourself until then,” Han replies. Lando says goodbye, “You too. I’ll miss you, Chewbacca, and take care of my ship for me.” Chewie says approvingly, “Will do. Goodbye, Lando!” Both ships circle around to fly at one another in a game of collision. As they are about to crash, both pilots bank their ships, just missing one another, and simultaneously jump to hyperdrive, disappearing into lightspeed, leaving the Imperials scattered, confused, and dumbfounded.

FONDOR: UNDERGROUND TUNNELS

The Rebels and Imperials are all facing one another as the underground tunnel battle is about to begin. Saw Gerrera yells, “EVERYONE! YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!” Saw presses a detonator switch, and before the Imperials know it, they are being squashed by the ceiling imploding and coming down on them, leaving the three other tunnels from the large main room unaffected. There are only a dozen or so Imperials left, and those are the ones next to Darth Vader as he is using the Force as a shield while the collapsed ceiling and explosions have fallen down around them.

The blasters and shooting start after the explosion. Both sides are taking casualties because there are not many places to run or hide. In no time, the Rebels and Imperials are obliterated, leaving no troopers alive and only a few Rebel soldiers left, along with Saw and Jyn. Once the firing is over, only Darth Vader of the Imperials remains, having blocked the shots the Rebels took at him. Vader, using his red lightsaber as a boomerang, throws it at the remaining Rebel soldiers, easily killing them as it winds around their position. Jyn and Saw are the only two who successfully dodge it and are now the only survivors of the Rebels. Vader’s lightsaber comes back to him, and he grabs it in mid-air. It’s only Jyn, Saw, and Darth Vader left among the destruction and countless bodies of dead troopers and Rebel soldiers.

Saw yells to Jyn, “GET OUT OF HERE!” Jyn yells back at Saw, “NOT WITHOUT YOU!” Saw answers, “This is my fight, Jyn.” Darth Vader begins to walk towards them from his position in the battle, his red lightsaber ignited with the purpose to kill. Saw tells Jyn, “You know where to go! Get to the bunker! Stay there until I come for you!” Jyn yells, “And what if you don’t!?” Saw replies, “I promise I will. Now, quick, get out of here!” Jyn hesitates but then runs from their position to get away, but Darth Vader grabs her with the Force, stopping her in her tracks, and says, “WHERE ARE YOU GOING, LITTLE GIRL?” Saw, seeing this, jumps out from the same defensive position and charges at Vader, yelling. The Sith Lord lets Jyn go in the Force, and she finally escapes down a tunnel. Vader turns his full attention to Saw, who is charging at him.

Darth Vader proclaims, “SAW GERRERA. WE MEET AT LAST.” Saw swings at him in anger. They clash staff to saber and begin to battle! Saw gets a few hits on Vader, but the Sith Lord is too powerful and knocks Saw’s staff away from him, leaving Saw defenseless. He slashes at Saw more, reducing him to a broken, injured, suffering heap of pain. Vader’s lightsaber hacks off parts of Saw. He falls to the ground with no way out, struggling just to stay alive. The fight is so fast that Saw can’t believe he has no chance against Darth Vader one-on-one. The planet and life itself are going dark in Saw’s mind. He sees and hears people coming from one of the tunnels while Jyn Erso is escaping down another tunnel as she’s unaware of any rescue attempt. Princess Leia and her guards are armed with blasters and a stretcher and are now standing in front of Darth Vader.

Darth Vader stops and turns off his lightsaber as he is just about to finish Saw Gerrera, but Leia and her guards have entered just in time. “Witnesses that could use him as a martyr,” Vader thinks to himself. It annoys Vader greatly-the galaxy and its timing. He comments, “Princess Leia. You have chosen a side, I see.” Leia answers, “You and your Emperor will not intimidate the galaxy, break laws, or the Senate.” Vader says, “Are you here for this scum?” Leia replies, “That’s right, he belongs in custody with cooperation with the Senate’s inquiry into anti-imperial activities.” Darth Vader frustratingly obliges, “As you wish, Princess,” and he steps aside.

A guard runs up to Saw Gerrera and checks his vitals. He then looks down at Saw and speaks gently, “Stay with us,” and yells to the others, “Let’s go! Move him out!” Darth Vader lets them go without attacking as they leave down the tunnel they came out of. Vader breathes slowly and menacingly, standing there watching them leave. He now knows that the Princess, her friends in the Senate, and her home planet are the Rebellion’s allies they had been looking for since the dawn of the Empire. However, convincing the Emperor of these Rebellion connections is another thing entirely, and that’s why he let them go for now. Too much was at stake to make a martyr out of an incapacitated Saw Gerrera or to murder a young legislator of her stature without enough proof of treason. But now, Darth Vader has his starting point, and he knows he can begin to root out their connections, find the heart of the Rebellion, and take them out if and when the opportunity presents itself.

Saw is asking for a girl, mumbling, “my girl, where’s my girl?” He tells the Rebels who are carrying him, “She’s safe, I know she’s safe.” He passes out on the stretcher as they make their way out of the tunnel. His Rebel forces are wiped out with no survivors, and the Imperials had already left the area, so it’s a clean getaway for Leia, Saw, and Rogue Squadron, just as they entered leaving Fondor and jumping to hyperspace.

Princess Leia is sitting beside a bed with Saw Gerrera resting on it after several surgeries and time in a bacta tank. They’re on a transport ship with Rogue Squadron flying next to them in formation. Leia is worried as Saw wakes up. He is struggling to breathe, sounding similar to Vader’s breathing. Saw Gerrera sees Leia and asks, “How am I alive?” Leia confidently answers, “I rescued you. Well, the Alliance rescued you.” Saw, looking confused, questions, “Why?” Leia replies, “Because us Rebels have to stick together.” “What if I don’t want to stick together?” Saw sternly says. “That, my fellow warrior, is up to you,” Leia gives him a dose of wisdom he was not expecting. Saw looks over at Leia for the first time in their conversation. “You’re so very young, but a leader of leaders, not just a Princess.” Leia smiles at him, continuing his line of thought. “And you’re so old, but still helping the Rebellion all these years later, not just a pirate.” Again, there is more wisdom from Leia, which impresses Saw as he finally says, “I know. We must defeat the Emperor.” Leia remarks, “Now that’s something we all can agree on.” Leia gets up from where she was sitting close to Saw, walks over, and looks out the window. She looks out at space flies by.

THE DEATH STAR

The Death Star is in its final stages of being built. The Emperor is overseeing it from a vantage point as Darth Vader walks up to him at his side. The Emperor proclaims out loud to Vader and to himself, “MY DEATH STAR WILL SOON RULE THE GALAXY,” as he laughs and laughs and laughs, with his powers flowing from his body to his hands, as Force lightning crackles in them with energy from all that is his: Darth Vader, the Death Star, his fleet, the Empire, and his subjects-everything.

TATOOINE

A young Luke Skywalker is working on a landspeeder. There’s a rush of wind, with the Force calling out to him, but Luke doesn’t understand it. He stops what he’s working on and looks up at the twin suns setting at this time of day, as he always does. Luke looks down and sighs in thought. He then looks back up, thinking of what he could be doing out in the galaxy. Ben Kenobi is watching Luke do this from a distance in meditative thought. He would continue to protect Luke and keep him hidden from the evils of the galaxy until the time was right. Then, a return of the Jedi could bring balance to the galaxy, as the prophecy had stated long ago, before the dark times, before the dark side.

THE END