Jedi Council Forums - The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU where Luke didn't destroy the Death Star; updated 3/5)

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »

Locked Topic | Read Only Topic | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU where Luke didn't destroy the Death Star; updated 3/5)
lazykbys Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 11/27/04 6:02am Subject: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU where Luke didn't destroy the Death Star; updated 3/5) - Date Edited: 3/5/05 8:33am (16 edits total) Edited By: lazykbys
	This was inspired by a plot bunny posted by JediNemesis in The Plot Bunny Thread. ThePariah (thanks for letting have this!) had dibs , but the rabbit bit me pretty hard, so . . . Title: The Fires of Rebellion Author: lazykbys Timeframe: after ANH Characters: Han Solo, Wedge Antilles, Luke, Vader, etc. Genre: AU Summary: When Yavin IV is destroyed by the Death Star after Luke misses the shot in ANH, Wedge and Han decide to resurrect the Rebellion. Meanwhile, Luke is being held captive by Darth Vader on the Death Star. Disclaimer: Star Wars is the property of George Lucas. I own absolutely nothing. The Fires of Rebellion Part One: From the Ashes No matter how many times Han Solo shuffled the numbers on his datapad, they refused to become a positive sum. It was yet another hot day on Tatooine, and the Mos Eisley Cantina's air cooling system had developed an irritating buzz. Han added this to his growing list of grievances against the world. At the top of the list was the crimelord Jabba the Hutt, followed closely by his current financial status. The main problem was keeping his ship, the Millennium Falcon, in proper working order. While the Falcon appeared to be an old, beaten-up Corellian freighter barely capable of hyperspace, numerous modifications made it one of the fastest smuggling ships in the quadrant. However, those same modifications meant that at any given time the ship had a handful of systems working at cross-purposes, making it a Hutt-sized headache to maintain. Although Han loved the ship, sometimes he felt that the Falcon was a black hole that swallowed credits in large amounts. He glanced over the table at Chewbacca, who was frowning at the figures on his own datapad. "How's it look, Chewie?" The Wookiee's response was a pained expression and a low moan. He pushed his datapad over to Han, who cursed when he saw the figures that were lower and more realistic than his. "I don't get it, Chewie. With all the new tariffs the Empire's cooked up lately, people should be getting in line to have us smuggle stuff." Chewbacca rumbled something about the Empire's newest weapon, a Death Star capable of blowing up planets. The fact that Alderaan was now a ring of lifeless asteroids was making people wonder, "If they did that to a weaponless world only suspected of harboring Rebel activities, what would they do to someone who's actually caught guilty?" Of course, the Empire didn't exactly publicize the fact that it was responsible for the destruction of Alderaan. According to official Holonet broadcasts, Alderaan had been destroyed when a seismic weapon the Rebels were developing went out of control. Still, there had been no reports of even the slightest tremors before the incident, and news of the Death Star being employed in a glorious victory against the Rebels in the Yavin system was enough for people who could put two and two together. Yavin. Han winced at the memory. After delivering the droids and the princess, Han had left the Rebels before their suicidal attack on the Death Star. It wasn't his battle, after all, and he had his own skin to worry about. But something had made him change his mind, and the Millennium Falcon had returned just in time to shoot some TIE fighters off Luke's back. However, the kid had lost his targeting computer and was forced to aim manually. In the holovids, the only possible outcome was success and victory. In real life, not even a Corellian would bet against such odds. Luke's proton torpedo missed the target by a meter, and there was no time left for another pass. A short while later Yavin IV was no more, and with it most of the Rebel Alliance's leaders. The surviving Rebels hadn't even pretended they had a chance after that, and had punched out of the system as quickly as they could. Han had done the same after seeing Luke's X-wing spinning out of control, hit by a TIE's lasers. Han still felt guilty about not saving Luke. He wasn't sure what he could have done differently, and he'd done more than they'd been paid him to do by going back when he had, but still there was the nagging feeling that Luke's death was, somehow, Han's fault. It's not my fault, Han thought angrily. Heck, they owe me for the Falcon's damages. Those damages - those extensive damages - from the battle had cost Han more than he'd bargained for. Even with minimal repairs, the amount of credits he had left had barely been enough to convince Jabba to get the bounty lifted off his head. He still owed the Hutt more than he should, and the recent lack of business wasn't helping. "Maybe we should just get out of here," he mused. "Take a hyperspace jump to the Unkown Regions. Somewhere where Jabba can't get us." Chewbacca's lips curled back in a sarcastic grin. Unlike localized governments and corporations who lacked the budget, the time, and the personnel for tracking down debtors who jumped systems, the Hutt's criminal organiziation was extensive. Plus, Jabba never forgot or forgave anyone who tried to cheat him. They'd have bounty hunters coming after them night and day. A shadow fell on their table. Han looked up and saw a human male in a stained jumpsuit. There were bags under his eyes and his face was gaunt, as though he hadn't slept for an year. Han ran the face against his list of people to watch out for and drew a blank. "Move it, buddy," Han snapped. "This is a private booth." "Good," the stranger replied. "I don't want people listening in. Han Solo, right?" "Who wants to know?" Han asked, giving him another look-over. He didn't look like the sort who usually hired him. The way he stood and carried himself said "pilot", but still, sometimes even pilots needed other people to fly for them. "I don't deal with nameless guys. Unless they pay extra." "You don't remember me?" The stranger shook his head. "I guess you wouldn't, we only said a few words the last time we met." There was something else about him, though, something that reminded Han of Luke. Then suddenly his mind subtracted five years from the face, coming up a teenaged pilot who had looked optimistic even when about to engage an enemy that both outnumbered and outgunned them. "Antilles, right? From Yavin?" "That's right. Wedge Antilles. Took you long enough, Solo." Han shrugged. "You look different. Thinner. What did you do, die or something?" "Running from the Empire, mostly. Only a handful of guys made it to the rendezvous point, and we've been doing what we can to survive." "Really," Han said. Something told him this was not going to be a profitable conversation. Wedge looked Han in the eye. "I need your help, Solo." "Help? Listen, kid, I'm not exactly overflowing with credits right now." "You know that's not what I meant." "No." Han looked at Wedge, and the sinking feeling in his gut got stronger. "No way. Like I told the princess, this is your fight, not mine. Besides, what chance have you got? Your leaders are dead and the Empire has a weapon that can win wars just by showing up. Face it, pal, you've lost. If I were you, I'd keep my head down. No sense sticking your neck out for a lost cause." "It's not a lost cause!" Wedge shouted, and for a few seconds the Cantina became silent as all eyes and other sensory organs turned to see what was going on. But since it didn't look like there was going to be any entertaining violence, the hubbub resumed shortly afterwards. Wedge showed his teeth in a feral grin. "I'm a Corellian, Solo, same as you. Don't quote me the odds. Anyway, it's not over yet. There's rumors of a resistance group in the Middle Rim." "Oh yeah? Then why are you here and not there?" "Because I can't contact them, no matter how hard I try. But I figure that with your smuggler connections, we should be able to -" "Hold it!" Han said. "What's this we you're talking about? What makes you think I'd help you guys?" Wedge sighed, and for the moment was just a tired teenager with broken dreams. "You came back, Han." "What in the galaxy are you talking about? After the moon blew up, I hightailed it and ran. I never went to regroup with you, and I didn't even try to keep in touch. So what do you mean, I went back?" Wedge shook his head. "Not there. Back to Yavin. You didn't have to, but you did." "Well, yes, I guess I did, but -" Han looked over at Chewbacca for help, but the Wookiee simply sat there with an amused look on his face. Han returned his gaze to Wedge, who had a look in his eyes that made him want to squirm. It was the look he'd last seen on Luke Skywalker just as he was getting ready to leave the Rebels, a mixture of hope and hurt. It was the look that had haunted him until he decided to turn back, despite the fact that there was no hope of profit. "Don't look at me like that," Han snapped. "What?" "I mean . . . listen, Antilles. Nothing personal, but I just can't go with you. I owe Jabba a lot, and I'm gonna lose more than my ship if I'm late with the payments." "So you'd be willing to help us if we got your debts squared off?" "Um, I don't think that's what I said -" Wedge drew a credit voucher from his pocket and tossed it in front of Han. The amount was more than enough to cover Han's debt. "Most of the Alliance's accounts - the Senators' accounts, anyway - were seized by the Empire, but I managed to save this much. It's all we've got, but it's yours if you'll help us." Han looked at the voucher suspiciously, as if it were a trap. If he took it, his immediate problems would be gone. However, it would mean becoming committed to something he couldn't fly away from when things got too hot. If nothing else, his conscience, emerging from the depths of his soul like some sea monster, would never allow it. "Solo?" Wedge said, his voice pleading. "Help us. Please." Han glanced at Chewbacca, who was giving him an intense look. Do the right thing, his dark eyes seemed to say. "All right," Han finally said. "I'll go with you. But only till we find this other Rebel unit, okay?" "I knew you'd say yes," Wedge said, extending his hand. Han shook it, wondering what he was getting himself into this time. "So, Han - what's our first stop?" "Not so fast, kid. My first stop is at Jabba's. Then we go visit an old friend of mine." ----- Ysef Kayb hated being the bearer of bad news, especially when the recipient was Darth Vader, a man feared throughout the Imperial Navy for his fierce and capricious temper. However, the fact was that the prisoner they'd interrogated had turned out to be a nobody, a young man still in his teens who had joined the Rebellion just a few days before the Death Star's destruction of Yavin IV. "I'm afraid there's little to report, my lord," Kayb said. Somehow he managed to keep the tremor out of his voice. "The prisoner was relatively new to the Rebels, and knew very little. What little he did know is largely irrelevant, given the deaths of those traitorous elements on Yavin IV." He waited for the inevitable outbreak of rage from the Sith lord. It did not come. "The prisoner," Darth Vader said. "His name is Skywalker, I see." "Yes, my lord." Kayb risked letting a note of incomprehension enter his voice. "I ran it against the list of known and suspected Rebels, but found no matches." The dark lord ignored his querying tone. "What is his present condition?" "The prisoner has been placed in restraints, my lord. He tried to goad the interrogators in a pitiful attempt to get himself killed, as well as several other suicide attempts. It seems he feels guilty for the Rebels' destruction in the Yavin system." "I see." Kayb did not. Still, he knew better than to ask. "My lord . . . I feel that further interrogation of this prisoner will prove fruitless and a waste of resources. I recommend he be executed for treason." "No." "My lord?" "He is strong in the Force. I have uses for such a one." "Yes, my lord," Kayb said, wondering what Vader had in mind for the prisoner. Luckily, his imagination was not a graphic one. "Shall I schedule for his re-education, then?" "No. I will tend to it personally." Kayb shivered in unconscious sympathy for the doomed prisoner. "Yes, my lord." -----signature----- I would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism you can give me. Please feel free to PM me with your comments. . by the same author (click and scroll dowwwn): http://boards.theforce.net/m/b1/17609715/r17736763
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
GreatOne Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 11/27/04 7:24am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	So this is ANOTHER story with a dead Leia?? - Leiacide is running amok! waves hands around frantically Great start!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
kayladie97 Registered: Jun '03	Date Posted: 11/27/04 8:00am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	Oh, very interesting so far! (Sorry about the 'Leiacide' GreatOne, but like you can talk! ) Can't wait to see what happens. Is Luke going to be strong enough to resist the Dark Side, untrained and depressed as he is? Ooh, give us more and soon! -----signature----- My new philosophy of life (borrowed from Elvis Presley) "The sun's down and the moon is pretty. It's time to ramble."
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dianethx Registered: Mar '02	Date Posted: 11/27/04 10:24am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	I'm also interested to see where you are going to take this. I could imagine that Luke would have tried to end his own life after missing the shot. Looking forward to Wedge/Han/Chewie's rebellion trip as well as the Luke/Vader interactions. Sorry about Leia, though! Good job with this. -----signature----- Betrayal - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b1/10935143 updated 9/22/08 Fragments of Illusion- http://boards.theforce.net/bts/b10475/28456473 updated 8/16/08 Freeze frame - http://boards.theforce.net/s/b10476/27820434 Master to jedidas3 Impeach Bush!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
ThePariah Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 11/27/04 2:48pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	Oooh, it's up already! bounces And it looks terrific! I'm very happy I gave up this plot bunny to you, because you've done what I wouldn't have been able to--cover the Han and Wedge side of the story. You'll be able to do this bunny justice. "You look different. Thinner. What did you do, die or something?" That's just classic Han. I can't wait to see more! -----signature----- Eternal Groveler to rhonderoo, VaderLVR64, Knight_Aragorn, Oba, & the SJRS crew Has a postcard from the Dark Side. "I suspect that most if not all the world's ills could be cured by humour transplants."--Karen Traviss TEMPORARY SET-UP!!!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Hananiah Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 11/27/04 4:05pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	I'm really enjoying this and I'm glad Han's back in the game. I can't wait for the next post. great plot bunny and great interpretation -----signature----- Buffy:"Laura Ashley is definitely back" Willow: "You think?" Buffy:"She's back and this time it's personal.You see they mated her with the home depo guy and that's how we got Martha Stewart" BTVS unaired pilot
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
JediFalcon Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 11/27/04 9:18pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et
	what? execute Luke The son of Vader is he out of his mind more soon -----signature----- Rogue Three in FFC Rogue Wing, Ward rm #306 Council Member of the Lightside Master to Stridarious Crimson makes my heart go Master of BYS AHBY The Impeccably Patient Drugged-Out Lunatic of the Skies I wonder whats my purpose in life
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
lazykbys Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 11/29/04 1:44am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Luke didn't destroy Death Star: Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, et - Date Edited: 12/11/04 1:54am (2 edits total) Edited By: lazykbys
	GreatOne: So this is ANOTHER story with a dead Leia?? She was already dead when I adopted the rabbit! It's not my fault! kayladie97: Is Luke going to be strong enough to resist the Dark Side, untrained and depressed as he is? You'll have to ask the rabbits. He won't be completely without support, though. dianethx: I'm also interested to see where you are going to take this. I know where I want it to go, if only the rabbits will let me. ThePariah: I'm very happy I gave up this plot bunny to you I'm glad you like it . . . so far. evil laugh Seriously, I promise I'll do my best. Hananiah: great plot bunny and great interpretation It's a nice rabbit, isn't it? I hope I'm not changing things too much. JediFalcon: what? execute Luke The son of Vader is he out of his mind Yep, must be. He's gonna get Force-strangled for sure. Luke lay in the darkness, plagued by the screaming faces. You failed us, Leia said accusingly. You let us die. "I'm sorry," Luke cried. You put your trust in some kooky Force instead of your instruments, Wedge spat out. Look where it got us. "I'm sorry. I thought I could do it. I really did." I shouldn't have come back for you, Han said. In fact, I should have just left you to rot on that kriffing sandpile. Thanks for nothing, kid. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so very, very sorry -" . . . Luke . . . do not lose hope . . . all is not yet lost . . . "Ben?" When he opened his eyes, Luke thought he could see the faint shadow of the old hermit standing close by. But he was gone in the blink of an eye, to be replaced by the harsh whiteness of the cell wall. "Ben?" he called out tentatively. "Are you there?" There was no reply. He hadn't expected one, but his voice had seemed so real. Then again, so had all the other voices in his recurring nightmare. Luke shook his head. Ben's voice was probably just part of that dream. He remembered the other time he'd heard Ben's voice after his death. It had been when he was speeding down the trench, just seconds away from launching his proton torpedo. Ben's disembodied voice had told Luke to trust in the Force, and so he had. Only something had gone wrong and the torpedo had missed. It had been a very close miss, but a miss nevertheless. Luke wondered bitterly if listening to Ben's voice this time was going to do him any good. The cell door opened, interrupting his thoughts. The tall, imposing figure that entered was not in any uniform, but clothed entirely in black. Then Luke started as he realized who it was. Darth Vader! Luke tried to get up, but the stun shackles on his arms sensed the movement and sent a shock through his nerves, forcing him down on the small cot. "Leave us," Darth Vader said to the stormtroopers, who obeyed instantly. He then gestured to the shackles, which opened and dropped to the floor as if by magic. Luke gave Vader a look of utter hatred. This man - this monster - had killed Ben before his very eyes, and according to Ben had killed Luke's father as well. And Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru, and all those people at Yavin as well - With a primal scream Luke hurled himself at Darth Vader, only to be held back by an unseen hand at his throat. "You want kill to me," Vader said, his voice approving. "That is good." "What?" Luke choked. "Anger makes you strong. Hate gives you power." The invisible grip around Luke's throat loosened, allowing him to breathe again. "You will learn the ways of the dark side, Skywalker. In time, you may actually become strong enough to kill me." Vader leaned forward until Luke could see his own face reflected in the eyes of the black mask. "But until then, you are mine." ----- Darth Vader sat in his hyperbaric medical chamber, trying to gather his thoughts into some semblance of order. His son was alive! Impossible, he thought, the denial automatic from years of practice. The child was never born. I saw the report. But if that was true, what was the bond he felt through the Force? It would be a simple matter to check the medical records, to match Luke's genes with his own. If necessary, he could call up Padmé's as well from Imperial Center's archives. No, he shook his head. He is my son. I know it to be true. He wondered how he could have remained ignorant of this fact for so long. Granted, he had never looked into his extended family since his mother Shmi had died, but even still, a child with the Skywalker name should have raised some warning flags somewhere. Vader knew firsthand how thorough the Emperor had been in his purge of the Jedi. It was unthinkable that he would have missed even this small detail. On the other hand, he hadn't known of Obi-Wan's continued existence on Tatooine, either. Had Obi-Wan made a deal with the Hutts to conceal their presence, somehow? Or perhaps there had been suitable bribes to officials here and there to ensure their safety. No matter. The boy is here. That's all that counts. His brief visit with Luke had told him that although the Force was strong in his son, he lacked all but the most rudimentary Jedi skills. For whatever reason, Obi-Wan had not taken him under his wing until circumstances had forced him to. Now the task is mine, Vader thought. I will teach him well. I must. Like a flash of lightning, he saw a future spreading out before his eyes. He saw himself with Luke at his side, the two of them scouring the galaxy of corruption and stagnation. Together, they would bring about what the Emperor's New Order had promised but never delivered. But first, he must instruct his son in the ways of the Force. His anger toward me is useful, but I cannot rely on it alone. I will need another lever. He ran the contents of Luke's interrogation through his head and found the name of a man who was probably still alive. Han Solo, he thought. A smuggler. His bloodless lips split in a humorless smile. "Perfect." -----signature----- I would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism you can give me. Please feel free to PM me with your comments. . by the same author (click and scroll dowwwn): http://boards.theforce.net/m/b1/17609715/r17736763
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
GreatOne Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 11/29/04 5:29am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	OH NOOOO!!! Run Han!! RUN!!! hides Hanny-bear from evil Vader and wicked plot bunnies
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Hananiah Registered: Jan '03	Date Posted: 11/29/04 5:32am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	Using Luke's best friend against him...bad, bad Vader, good update -----signature----- Buffy:"Laura Ashley is definitely back" Willow: "You think?" Buffy:"She's back and this time it's personal.You see they mated her with the home depo guy and that's how we got Martha Stewart" BTVS unaired pilot
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
JediFalcon Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 11/29/04 7:25am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	nooooooooooooooooooo run Han run more please -----signature----- Rogue Three in FFC Rogue Wing, Ward rm #306 Council Member of the Lightside Master to Stridarious Crimson makes my heart go Master of BYS AHBY The Impeccably Patient Drugged-Out Lunatic of the Skies I wonder whats my purpose in life
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 11/29/04 7:27am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	A great story! I can't wait for more. But, Han - RUN! -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Uldir_Fenn Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 12/1/04 4:13pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	Oh no!!! (Gets out a big stick to wack the rabbit with) But still, very good. -----signature----- Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi Aussie Oi Aussie Oi Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
DarthIshtar Title: Former CR Star Wars Trivia Hostess Registered: Mar '01	Date Posted: 12/1/04 4:27pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29)
	AUGH! Creepy. Love Wedge/Han. -----signature----- "You are some self-important encyclopedia with too much time on his hands. I will see to it personally that you are used for spare parts every time my speeder needs an overhaul. You and that overpriced forklift out there." ~Dr. Bel Maden
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
lazykbys Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 12/3/04 1:53am Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 11/29) - Date Edited: 12/20/04 1:47am (3 edits total) Edited By: lazykbys
	GreatOne: OH NOOOO!!! Run Han!! RUN!!! JediFalcon: nooooooooooooooooooo run Han run VaderLVR64: But, Han - RUN! (to the theme of "Da Doo Ron Ron") I saw the bounty posted and my heart stood still Oh, do run Han, run - oh, do run Han! It said Darth Vader doesn't want him killed Oh, do run Han, run - oh, do run Han! . . . sorry about that, but I just had to get it out of my system. And yikes! VaderLVR64's reading this story! frantically starts looking over upcoming Vader scenes Hananiah: Using Luke's best friend against him...bad, bad Vader My guess is that Anakin became Vader because of his love for Padmé. Luke doesn't have a girlfriend at this point, so Han gets picked. . . . and no, I'm not implying any slash 'ships here. Uldir_Fenn: Oh no!!! (Gets out a big stick to wack the rabbit with) No! Don't hit them! Beating them only makes them grow! DarthIshtar: AUGH! Creepy. Love Wedge/Han. Thank you! Writing Wedge in this story is hard for me because I keep thinking how he is in the X-wing series. I have to keep telling myself, "He doesn't have the experience, he's just a kid." "There it is, Chewie," Han Solo said, a grin appearing on his face as he gestured at the unlikely structure floating in Bespin's atmosphere. "Cloud City. Lando's in charge, you know." He adjusted the starboard repulsors a hair as he mumbled, "At least I think he is." Chewbacca's response was a questioning roar. "Don't worry, he'll be there. Trust me." "I thought you said he ran the place," Wedge's voice came from the comm unit. "He does! Did, anyway. Won it in a sabacc game." "A sabacc game? What kind of businessman is he?" Chewbacca made a sound that was half laugh and half snort. "Lando's more of a gambler than a businessman. But that's why he'll be there, even if he's not in charge any more. He wouldn't miss the Cloud City Sabacc Tournament for a shipload of glitterstim." "I hope you're right." "I am right. Now cut the chatter. We're almost in traffic control's comm range." "Sorry." Han Solo checked the Millennium Falcon's transponders one last time. The false data that was being transmitted claimed she was the merchant vessel Slow and Steady, captained by Travid Sloan. Wedge's X-wing had a similar electronic disguise, making it just another freelance snubfighter guarding the freighter from possible pirate attacks. The subterfuge was Wedge's idea. Although the mining colony of Bespin wasn't formally part of the Empire, he thought it best if they didn't show up using their real names. Han didn't think so, but had had little success convincing Wedge to cut down on his paranoia. It was also Wedge's idea that only he accompany Han and Chewbacca on their trip to Bespin. The other Yavin survivors had wanted to come as well, but more than one X-wing was too much of an escort for a hunk of junk like the Falcon appeared to be and they refused to trust their lives to another pilot's flying. Put bluntly, there were too few of them left to take any chances. A pair of twin-pod cloud cars appeared, flanking the Falcon and Wedge's X-wing. "This is Cloud City traffic control," a bland voice came through the comm. "Incoming vessel, identify yourself." "This is the freighter Slow and Steady from Tatooine. Would you mind hurrying things up? I've got a hold full of bantha steaks." "Yes, I do mind," the voice said testily. Still, there was only a short pause before he said, "Slow and Steady, you are cleared for landing on Level 60, Docking Bay 5B. Transmitting vectors now. Deviate from this course and you will be shot down as aggressors." "Thanks," Han said as the transmission ended. Chewbacca hooted sarcastically. "Yeah. A real friendly guy." The docking bay turned out to be located in the grimier areas of the floating city. A squad of guards with blaster rifles stood nearby, looking ready to shoot anything that was out of place. "Uh-oh," Han muttered. "Chewie, look." He pointed through the cockpit window at the dark-skinned man who stood with his arms crossed over his chest, his foot tapping impatiently. With his neatly trimmed mustache and flashy crimson cape, Lando Calrissian looked like one of the better-dressed pirates from an action/adventure holo. "Okay, so maybe he's still mad at us. Don't worry, I can handle it. Just leave the talking to me." A short time later when they stepped down from the ramp, they were greeted by half a dozen blasters and Lando's look of cold fury. "You slimy, cheating, worthless son of a Hutt," Lando hissed. "You've got a lot of nerve showing your face." "Um, listen, Lando, I can explain everything." Lando stepped up to Han in a few quick steps, drew his hand back as if to strike him - and broke into a big grin as he embraced Han. "Han, old buddy! Long time no see! How've you been, old pirate? And you, Chewie. Still with this bum?" He glanced over at Wedge, who was just getting off his X-wing. "Who's the kid?" "It's a long story. You mind getting my cargo unloaded? I really do have crates of bantha steaks in the hold." Lando gave him a disbelieving look. "Hold on, are you going legitimate? Giving up smuggling at last?" Han shrugged. "Yes and no. I'll tell you all about it over dinner." ----- An hour later they were in Lando's penthouse suite at the Cloud City Hotel. Han had to admit the view was great, with Bespin's multilayered clouds filtering the sunset into a million hues. Despite what he promised Lando earlier, he avoided the subject of his immediate past, instead ribbing Lando about becoming a respectable businessman. Wedge remained quiet, more out of a lack of trust than respect for the friends' reunion, and refrained from drinking more than etiquette required of him. "So, Han," Lando said, pouring himself some more Alderaanian wine. "Just what did you do to get that bounty on your head?" "I had to dump some spice before I got boarded by Imps," Han told him. "It's old news. I paid Jabba and he called the bounty off, and that's all." "Not that bounty. I'm talking about the twenty-five thousand credits Darth Vader's put on your head." Han almost sprayed his mouthful of Corellian whiskey across the table. "Vader? Twenty-five thousand credits? What in the galaxy are you talking about?" Lando pulled out a datapad, punched a few buttons, and slid it towards Han. "It came out about ten hours ago. You're wanted for treason against the Empire. Alive, it says." Han looked at the datapad and sure enough, his face and name was there, along with his known aliases. There was also a bounty for Chewbacca as well, though at a significantly lower price. "Tell me, Han," Lando said, his face serious. "What did you do to make the Emperor's hatchet man angry?" "Nothing!" Han said defensively. Then he remembered breaking the Rebel princess out of imprisonment on the Death Star, and fighting with the Rebels at Yavin. Something also made him think of the modified TIE fighter that had been on Luke's tail, the one he'd sent spinning out of control. "Han? Are you all right?" "I'm fine." He took a deep breath. "All right. Did you hear about the fighting at Yavin?" "Only on the Holonet. The largest gathering of Rebels ever, and the Empire's new weapon blew them to atoms." Lando frowned as realization dawned. "Don't tell me. You were there." Han cocked his head at Wedge. "So was Antilles." Lando looked at Wedge as if noticing him for the first time. He raised his hands, palms forward in an attempt to shield himself from Han's words. "I don't want to know the details, okay? Just tell me what you need and I'll do what I can. But I'm not doing anything that might put my city in danger, and you'll have to leave as soon as you can." Wedge started to protest and was silenced by Han's glare. "Thanks, Lando. I knew I could count on you." "Yeah, right. Just don't make me regret it." He leaned forward, his wine forgotten. "So . . . tell me what you need." ----- Alyn Byar did not think of himself as a criminal or a bad man. While it was true that he took advantage of his position as Portmaster to indulge in a little stockpiling of tibanna gas and speculative stock manipulation, he reasoned it was for the city's benefit. As for his getting rich as a result of those actions, he figured it was his just reward. Besides, it was no secret that Administrator Calrissian had started out as a gambler himself, so while he couldn't give official sanction, unofficially he probably approved. However, lately Byar's luck had been poor. A series of bad decisions had left a hole burning in his private account, forcing him to "borrow" some funds from the city's budget as seed money. However, the trends he'd been counting on reversed themselves just afterwards, putting him in more trouble than he had ever been in before. Which, he knew, was nothing compared to what would happen if his indiscretion was discovered. Byar needed credits and he needed them now - and Luck, it seemed, had returned to his side. When the Slow and Steady had shown up on Cloud City's enhanced sensors, Byar had noticed slight inconsistancies in the ship's lift/mass ratio. More checks had lead to the conclusion that the ship's transponders had been doctored, meaning it was probably a smuggler's vessel. He'd called up security, only to be informed by Administrator Calrissian himself that he knew the ship and its captain, and had been told to stand down. Calrissian had taken a squad of guards with him, but only as a practical joke. While the cargo was being unloaded, Byar had taken a closer look at the ship itself. He had found that its true name was the Millennium Falcon, and that it was registered to Han Solo. The man with the twenty-five thousand credit bounty. Twenty-five thousand credits wouldn't cover the amount he "borrowed", but it was a start. With luck, he'd be able to multiply it tenfold before the audits began. The problem was that the bounty was for Solo's delivery, and Byar had no means of capturing the smuggler as he had never even held a blaster before. Still, there were other ways to keep a man incarcerated. It might even be possible to do it in such a way that Administrator Calrissian never knew it was Byar who was responsible for his friend's capture. Nodding to himself, Alyn Byar began composing his message to Darth Vader. -----signature----- I would greatly appreciate any constructive criticism you can give me. Please feel free to PM me with your comments. . by the same author (click and scroll dowwwn): http://boards.theforce.net/m/b1/17609715/r17736763
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Fan Fic Manager in Combat Boots Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 12/3/04 1:13pm Subject: RE: The Fires of Rebellion (post-ANH AU; Han, Wedge, Luke, Vader, etc.; updated 12/3)
	How did I miss this update? YIKES! The problem was that the bounty was for Solo's delivery, and Byar had no means of capturing the smuggler as he had never even held a blaster before. Still, there were other ways to keep a man incarcerated. It might even be possible to do it in such a way that Administrator Calrissian never knew it was Byar who was responsible for his friend's capture. Nodding to himself, Alyn Byar began composing his message to Darth Vader. This is not good, not good at all. I have a bad feeling about this... -----signature----- If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories. Proud New Army Mom - off to bootcamp!
	~~Locked Topic~~ \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Jedi Council Forums » Fan Fiction » The Saga »