(Star Wars belongs to its respective owners and does not belong to me, it belongs to Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC and The Walt Disney Company)
This Star Wars comic was published by Marvel Comics in 1977, and I am doing a novelization of it.
Title: Confrontation in a barren world!
- HROOG! Argued the furry friend of the smuggler, noticing that the place they were going to was all too quiet.
- Yes, I know, Chewie, I know! It's also too quiet for me, I just didn't want to say anything. Han clarifies to his old comrade while continuing to ride.
- So, I suppose now you're going to talk all day about how you didn't want to talk? He mocked the rabbit sarcastically, seeing what the leader of his gang was saying.
"You can be replaced on this mission, you know, Jax?" Solo warned, watching as the alien got too smart with him.
- Yeah? And for whom? For you alone? It seems to me that you're already scraping the bottom of the barrel just to dig up this group! Jaxxon pointed out, implying that there were no other options but them.
- He's right, Solo, and you know it! How did you get into this mess, bringing Chewbacca and six scruffy spacers to what is sure to be a battle against bandits who outnumber us five to one? I thot I had overlooked that idealistic nonsense; a few months ago, I was smuggling spices for a scoundrel named Jabba the Hutt. There's nothing less idealistic than that! Solo thot to himself, reflecting on how he could have reached that exact point in his life.
- Then I got tangled up with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, and I actually ended up becoming noble for a moment. Sure, I tried to reestablish myself in the community of space mercenaries by paying Jabba what I owed him, only to be ambushed by space pirates who took the treasure the rebels gave us from Leia and left us with only the Millenium Falcon and the bounty Jabba put on our heads. Yes, that's how Chewbacca and I ended up in this hellhole called Aduba-3, agreeing to protect a group of farmers from a bandit named Serji-X. From what I can see, this job isn't going to pay us more than all the cacti we can eat, and we had to go thru one or two bar fights to get it! Reflecting on his thoughts and how he ended up in this situation.
- And the guys I recruited to help us! I must have been chewing spice to choose them. Don-Wan-Kioti, the crazy guy who thinks he's the last Jedi Knight. Jaxxon, a six-foot rabbit who gnaws on ham bones instead of carrots. Hedji, one of the few Spinners left... well, at least he throws a brutal spike. And Amaiza, well... I've seen her shoot the antennas off an ant at 600 yards. I don't know what made me bring Jimm, who wants me to call him the Starkiller kid. Beside, his droid Effie could be useful to us. He reasoned in his mind, the Corellian observing the strange gang he had recruited and how peculiar they were.
- The only thing is that I don't know how those six will hold up if Serji-x tries to ambush us before we reach the farmers' village. Maybe I should have remembered that my last name is Solo. Han thot to himself, but his thoughts were interrupted when he spotted some large birds in the sky in the distance.
- Kid! This is your planet! What are those large birds flying quickly toward us? Han asked Jimm, wanting to know what those beasts were.
- They are not birds, Solo! They are called hounds... and they are bloodthirsty scavengers. They will leave the farmers' crops without a trace if we don't destroy them! The young man warned, seeing that the beasts could devour the crops of the farms.
- I should have thot it thru better! Well, things with feathers kill us just as much as bandits with blasters. Come on, star jumper! Let's go get them! He ordered the Corellian to his group to go with him.
- GRUNK. Segundo encouraged the wookiee to his companion, ready to battle against the beasts.
In a new moment, the ground literally trembles under the wild Banthas...
Further ahead, several human inhabitants of the planet are being besieged by almost human, screeching, winged monsters similar to harpies. Not even a simple scarecrow was enough against such bloodthirsty scavengers! However, the scarecrows would be useless against creatures that feed on the stalks of the maze, the basic crop of Aduba-3.
Several of the beasts were struck by blaster shots to the surprise of the village inhabitants and witnessed the arrival of Han and his gang.
- Alright, guys! Now we know that those little birds are not immune to well-aimed blasters. It's time to practice target shooting while we wait for Serji-X and his guys. Solo encouraged his allies, and thus they began to unleash their laser shots on the beasts.
Thus, shooting, the eight astonishing ones delve into the very heart of the unequal fray.
And proceeds to unbalance it in a completely new way! Amaiza, former member of the fearsome Black Hole gang, is wanted dead or alive in six star systems, and it's not for her needle-threading skills.
Meanwhile, Jaxxon takes down a hound with each weapon he wields.
As for the Spiner named Hedji, who refrains from using a blaster, he only has to exercise his muscles in a precise and predetermined manner.
To turn the most prominent hawk-men into an ancient living pincushion with their spines!
As for "the last of the Jedi Knights,"
- Damn you, filthy feathered demons! In the name of justice, may this planet be cleansed of the filth of you and your descendants! Declared Don-Wan as he sliced thru the beasts with his lightsaber.
"I'm not sure what you just said, old man, but I'm with you in spirit!" Cheer up, Jimm, as he wielded his gun against the beasts.
—While I do all the work. As always. The automaton complained next to its owner.
- You know, Amaiza? When this babysitting mission is over, how about we team up? The lepi consults his companion while taking down one of the birds with his blaster.
- No, thanks, Fang! Without meaning to offend, but if I were to hang out with a guy who looks like a huge green rabbit, people might start talking. Foxtrain questioned, rejecting Jax's offer and not finishing the conversation because his boss was at risk.
- And Alone! Right there...! Amaiza warned, implying that one of the beasts was going to attack him.
- Thank you, ma'am! Han thanked and turned to the side she indicated, firing a shot that brought it down.
- One of the locals, chased by a bloodhound. But... even if I eliminate it from this distance, it could collide with her! The smuggler thought, fearing the risks of shooting the beast.
Indeed, the young woman has already closed her eyes, surrendering her soul to any god she worships, but suddenly she is caught by the Corellian, who fires his shot at the winged beast.
- Take that, feathered one! Try chewing on a laser beam for a while! No, it would be too easy without teeth, or rather, without a head! The smuggler joked while defending the young woman from the winged creature.
The very next moment, with their ranks severely diminished, the grotesque scavengers take to the air once more and, in a few seconds, vanish from sight.
- I hope Serji-X and his cloud riders surrender like... Well, then that's it! Things are getting better on Aduba-3. The Corellian assured, looking at the situation with optimism.
"I thank you, kind stranger, for rescuing me... but I don't understand." I doubt the bewildered blonde girl is looking at her hero.
- She will, ma'am... Yes, we'll stay here long enough. Maybe it's worth saving this place after all. The smuggler asserted, reflecting that his mission was not just a waste of time.
A few minutes later, in the village...
- Sorry for not arriving earlier... But we had a small problem getting the spaceport people to lend me these banthas with my ship as collateral. The Corellian argued the delay of his arrival.
- As you can imagine, Mr. Solo, the news of your arrival preceded you. And it couldn't have arrived at a better time than just in time to save my daughter. I praise the older man, thanking the smuggler for saving his descendant.
- Eh, let me help you down, miss. Declared the smuggler as he held her with his hands to help her dismount the saddle without any problems.
- I see that this is not the best time to continue our little conversation. I dismiss it, just observing that you seemed a bit uncomfortable talking here.
- HRARK! The wookie declares to his companion about the situation.
- No gaps, Chewie! Alright, star jumpers. These good people say we can set up our banthas behind this building. I assure Han, explaining that they could leave their mounts.
- Yes? I wonder where they'll park us. I doubt Jaxxon, puzzled, a bit distrustful of the locals' intentions.
- Don't mock my people, rookie! Remember that I was born in this town... even if I've been trying to forget it. Doshun asserted, somewhat offended by the rabbit's words.
So, when the relatively small banthas are well tied up
- Now, perhaps it's time for some introductions and a few more details about Serji-x...? I assert. Just wanting to know more about the man and his daughter, who cares.
- I am Oncho, whom the villagers have chosen as their spokesperson. My daughter, whom you saved, is named Merri. The local man from the village introduces himself to the Corellian.
I will be eternally in your debt. I appreciate the work of the Corellian, but the latter interrupted it abruptly.
- Forget it! Your emissaries at the spaceport promised you that eventually you would pay us whatever little you could to protect your village, right? Let's say we start early. Han demanded the shortened payment they had offered at the bar.
- Imagine that! Han Solo, the last of the fiery space smugglers. Softening up for a girl no bigger than a Wodanian forest sprite. Amaiza sarcastically jokes about her boss's attitude.
"Amaiza, have you ever been told that you talk too much?" The Corellian complained, seeing that his acquaintance was talking too much.
- Once, a guy. The last time I heard, his widow was living the high life with his death benefits. The woman with white hair recounted with a small mocking smile.
- I deserve it for giving you a chance. The Corellian mocked himself.
- Alright, "goblins," because I need to get something going! When Serji-X shows up next time, we want to be ready for him! Solo asked, wanting to know everything they could say about the bandit and his gang.
After a few moments, the Corellian was able to observe the villagers working and carrying things.
"They are willing and capable, Chewie, but when those sky bandits come roaring in, it will take more than good intentions to drive those miserable clowns back." Han said, watching the locals go about their daily tasks.
Time is a practically insignificant concept in the vast sea of stars. However, if the word "meanwhile" has any relevance, this is what is happening at that very moment on the fourth moon of the distant planet Yavin.
Or rather, beneath the surface of the jungle-infested satellite.
— I don't like it, General Dodonna! We should have already heard from Luke! I declare worried the princess, thinking about where her hero might be.
— You like this young "Luke Skywalker," don't you, Your Highness? Jan inquired, intrigued by the attention Leia was giving the boy.
- As much as someone with my responsibilities can afford to please someone in these difficult times. Organa reasoned with his general about his concerns.
- Oh, if only I could have gone with him and his droids! Leia complained, having wanted to go with the blonde.
- Luke, Luke, where are you? She asks, somewhat agitated by the well-being and the parade of her acquaintance.
For us, however, the demands of time and space do not exist.
Thus, let us cautiously traverse the void of space, to where Luke Skywalker's small spacecraft has just entered orbit around an unnamed planet: from the star Drexel.
Location: In the outer rim territories /Sector: lol /System: Drexel/
- Good. C-3PO and R2, this is it! Skywalker concluded, observing the situation they were in now.
- Excuse me, Master Luke, but as you know, space travel is not my specialty... Or even anything that Luke really likes. Would you mind giving more details? The golden automaton asked its owner, wanting to know what he was doing.
- They sent us here to find a new world to which the rebels can emigrate, before Darth Vader sends the entire imperial war fleet against them. Skywalker explained the dangerous situation they were in now.
- Beep - boop - beep - boop. Consult R2-D2 about his owner finding a new home for the rebellion.
- Yes, R2... it sounds like he found what he was looking for, doesn't it? The protocol droid hesitated, seeing that Luke had possibly found what he was looking for.
- You can bet I have carbon scoring marks! And that's not all. The time has come to break the silence of the transceiver long enough to tell Princess Leia! The chosen one concluded, ready to speak again with the communicator to his unknown sister (of course, he didn't know she was his sister yet).
- Oh, don't worry so much! Brief periods of instant communication will not jeopardize our location. The golden automaton assured, knowing that interception of communications by the empire was unlikely.
- Breep, Breep. Questioned the astromech droid, cautious about what could happen when communicating from such a distance with the Yavin 4 base.
- Not while the encoder is operating to confuse the enemy. Isn't that right, Master Luke? C-3PO asked his owner to see if he was correct.
- That's the theory, C-3PO. Now it's my turn. Wait! I'm contacting the rebel base, and. Skywalker confirmed the hypothesis of his golden droid, but he couldn't finish the conversation because he managed to communicate with Leia.
- Princess! It's great to see you again! The hero is glad to see his esteemed acquaintance.
- And you, Luke. Are you okay? Organa asked, wanting to know the situation of the blonde.
- Have you found a new safe haven for our rebel force? Time is running out. I consult Leia, knowing that they had little time left before the Empire retaliated against them.
- Yes, I think so, Your Highness, it's a planet in the Drexel system, which. I was going to confirm the new location to establish the new rebel base, but I saw something in the readings that alerted me.
- And now what the hell? No! That's not possible! The blonde cursed upon seeing something that disturbed him and left him worried.
Suddenly, the signal was cut off.
- Luke! Luke?, the image is gone! More power, ensign! You have to give me more reception power! Leia demanded worriedly, seeing how the signal had been cut off.
- It's useless, Your Highness! He has stopped sending! And there's no way to reestablish contact from this end. We've lost it! The officer in charge of the communications console explained.
- If we keep sending, it's likely that some lost imperial ship will do it. The lieutenant warned, as it could attract the attention of imperial ships.
- Then, stop sending! He asked the officer to stop using long-range communications.
- Princess, where are you headed? The lieutenant asked, puzzled, wanting to know where his superior was going.
- I'm going to do what I wanted to do in the first place... what they told me not to do. I'm going to find Luke Skywalker... No matter what! Organa replied without a trace of fear in her voice, ready to go after her acquaintance.
Really bold words for someone whose social position would lead her to deliberate on state matters. But while Princess Leia reflects on how to find a person lost in the vastness of space.
The tension in Aduba-3 is reaching high levels right now.
- Alright, misfits! It won't be long before the fireworks stars explode! Do you want to hurry up and unload those weapons and energy packs? I don't think serji-X is going to wait for us! Han asked his partners to hurry with the plan in case the bandits came.
- Wait, young man! I would have a few words with you before with you. I doubt an elderly man with a fair complexion, barely any hair, a necklace and golden headdress, dressed only in a long loincloth.
- No, grandfather, not now. I dismiss Merri, her ancestor, what she was about to say now.
- Huh? Grandfather?! Listen, old man. It's not safe to sneak up on a guy with a temperamental blaster. The smuggler warned that he shouldn't meddle in a matter like this.
- Luckily for you, Merri will call you grandpa, or your old age could have been cut short! So, what do you want? But do it quickly, because I'm quite busy right now! He asked, somewhat annoyed, wanting to hear what the ancestor had to say.
- I'm here to tell you that your help and that of your companions is not needed here! The grandfather assured, making it clear that they did not need the support of Solo and his partners.
- Listen, old man! Time is a waste, then. He was a bit indignant just with the old man's words, seeing how he belittled him, but before he finished speaking, the old man got to the point he wanted to make.
—You think I'm joking, young man! But it has been many decades since I spoke lightly! I tell you with complete sincerity that we do not need you or your alien horde to expel those outlaws from our village! Why waste the vital fluids of your friends when there is a simpler solution to my people's problem, a mystical solution I once contemplated in my youth? He explained to the grandfather about the solution he had in mind to deal with the bandits.
— First of all, not all those characters are my friends! And second, they knew what they were getting into when they accepted this job! And third, I had already outgrown fairy tales by the time I learned to talk! The Corellian complained, thinking the old man was just rambling about the solution he had for this matter.
- No, listen to me, mercenary. The grandfather questioned, wanting Han to take seriously what he was saying.
- Maybe another time, okay? I estimate that he will only listen to you after he finishes whatever business he is currently involved in.
- "Then you won't listen!, granddaughter... hide before Sergi-x arrives." The ancestor warned Merri to take refuge.
— While I do what I was born to do... alone! I proclaim the grandfather ready to fulfilll his purpose for which he was made.
— Please ignore the old man, Han Solo. He thinks he's a mystic... a shaman... Capable of summoning some legendary monster to save our village! He asked Oncho to the smuggler, so that he wouldn't pay attention to the grandfather.
— Hey, yeah! Well, let me tell you something, Oncho. After we use up our last bullet. Maybe we'll accept the old man's offer. He reflected, almost hopelessly considering the possibility that what the ancestor offered was real.
- Are all the heroes ready? Blasters at full power... sharp feathers and all that? The smuggler asked as a final check to see if his allies were ready for battle.
- Ready when you give the order, Solo! I secure the spinner with the spines of its exposed arms ready to attack.
- My robot and I are ready, leader! The young jimm declared with his blaster raised.
"Speak for yourself, kid!" FE-9Q affirmed to its owner.
- Ready! And if what they say about rabbits having good eyesight is true. Jax boasted, being able to spot the bandits from far away.
- Then I suggest we get rid of the cotton tails. Because I have a feeling that trouble is on the way. The lepi declared, watching as Serji-X's gang approached closer and closer, and pointed his finger toward where the gangsters were coming from.
You could see the bandits arriving at full speed thru the skies and shooting in all directions.
- I hope you, peasants, appreciate our spectacular entrance this year! But we had to overcome our last appearance in your miserable village. When we simply crashed into some of their homes! Do you remember? But you already know why we are here, so let's not waste any more of my valuable time. I declare Serji with total pride as he continued his assault on the village.
— You can start distributing the tribute you have been saving for us all year! Okay? And that includes the cream of the crop, who have just reached the age I like! You know, what's her name? The bandit leader declared, wanting to enjoy "the harvest."
- Damn, you're taking more from this town, arrogant. I assure you, the smuggler was ready to defend the settlement.
- And if you think you're going to lay a dirty finger on that girl. Jax declared, ready to fight the bikers.
- I can't take it anymore!!! Very well, star jumpers! Let them take the plunge! I declare the Corellian ready to fight without hesitation.
- So, the gunslingers didn't heed my warning. They are still hares! Well then, if these space rats are so eager to die, let's give them what they want. Serji declared: "Ready to eliminate his rivals without any mercy."
The shooting started, where they managed to take down and eliminate several members of the gang.
- You know? Maybe it wasn't such a brilliant idea! At least when we fought against the Death Star, we were in ships! But here, those outlaws can wipe us out like sitting womp rats. Right now, I would love to have that strength I've heard so much about! Han said, seeing that they were at a disadvantage in this dangerous situation.
In the midst of the battle, one of the motorcycles that came close to the ground was grabbed by one of FE-9Q's robotic arms, who managed to seize the vehicle and hold it near Han's Wookiee friend, who took the opportunity to strike and kill the vehicle's driver.
- You know, Chewbacca and I! We make an efficient team and more outlaws are stealthily approaching from the rear! Effie the droid warned, pointing out how more gang members were approaching from behind in the scuffle.
- What was that you said, Effie? I can't hear you over all these gunshots?! Jimm hesitated while taking cover and firing his shots.
- I'm just a tractor robot that isn't really programd for this kind of thing! But even tho the Starkiller kid isn't my master, I can't allow that outlaw's weapon to take him down. Proclaimed the droid, stepping in the path of one of the bandits' blasters aimed at Jimm and taking the shot for him.
- Even if it means my destruction. I assure you without fear of ceasing to exist, taking blaster shots while protecting the boy.
- Effie!! Jimm said, lamenting the fall of his mechanic partner.
- Chewie...! Amaiza, Don Wan... You three better watch your backs! I say, watching a member of their team fall in battle.
- Yes! That's a pretty simple order to give, big shot. But these space dragonflies are also coming at us from all other directions! Foxtrain complained as he watched so many of Serji's minions appear, and he kept shooting them down with his two blaster pistols.
"Be careful, beautiful maiden! Behind you." The supposed Jedi warned while still wielding his lightsaber.
"I appreciate the compliment, Don-Wan." The girl with white hair thanked while struggling with the bandit.
- But now I need your help much more! Amaiza complained, hoping for the knight's support.
- So if you really know how to use that lightsaber of yours, help me. The woman kindly asked her partner.
- Yes, in the name of justice, I will use it! The old man proclaimed, ready to wield his saber, and so he did.
"May you die, scum who dares to stain the flesh of this beautiful lady!" Kihotay declared, delivering a deadly horizontal slash to the bandit.
- Not bad for a veteran!, but it's not fast enough... and there's a speeder approaching, too fast for me to catch it in time. Amaiza noticed as a motorcycle was heading toward the knight from behind.
- Farewell. Beautiful damsel; at least you will live. I pity the old man as he was struck down by the aerial vehicle, unable to crouch fast enough.
Out of the corner of his eye, Han Solo sees the brave old man fall, but the praises must wait.
- We are two fallen, and it seems the rogue forces are not giving up! Han stated, seeing how there were still more motorcyclists hovering over the village and its surroundings.
- But at least it seems we have taken down the last of those stealthy attackers. But the Corellian couldn't finish speaking because he could see the hidden soldiers he thot he had dealt with.
- Uh, oh, oh!, it seems I just got ahead of myself. He complained to himself alone while watching how there were still more left.
- Hedji to your right!! The smuggler warned his partner about more outlaws.
- I'm not a fan, Han. But thanks anyway for the heads up. He thanked the Spinner for shooting its spines at his opponents, where his boss told him.
- "Yeah?!" Well, someone should warn Grandpa that it's not healthy to wave his arms around like that. Unless he likes becoming an easy target! Lepi pointed at the elder with the golden headdress and necklace, who was invoking with his gestures the power he had claimed to possess.
But the shaman seems not to hear the sounds of the battle, for his mind is elsewhere.
His thoughts burn thru the solid stone with the ease and intensity of a lightsaber.
Until an almost inhuman scream escapes from his mouth.
- I don't know why grandpa howls! And now I'm too busy to worry! I declare Solo as he fought and shot at the bandits.
- There! That takes care of the last of those sneaky attackers as far as I know! The smuggler declared as he took down the last of his enemy spies.
"But our main attackers keep coming from the sky!" Jax exclaimed as he wielded his pistols and took down as many motorcyclists as he could.
- Hey, Jaxxon! How are our munitions holding up? He consults the Corellian while continuing to fire.
- I'm not complaining, Solo! And if I run out of energy, I can always throw those cloud riders off! The lepi declared as he continued fighting.
- Well, unless you have some hidden extra-long feet trick, you'd better keep shooting! I joke only about his partner's physical abilities.
- Do you see that, rabbit? Han asked his partner while he had managed to eliminate several motorcyclists in the skies.
- We're talking about flying directly into the line of fire!!! Jaxxon scoffed as he watched several of the bandits fall.
No one has noticed yet that the old shaman has relaxed his concentration...
— Listen to me, sleeper! I beg you to awaken as you did in decades past! Our minds are now united as one! Come out of your stone chambers! Save us, whose ancestors once worshiped you! The shaman recites, his chant as his invocation rite brings forth what he wanted to awaken from the nearby relief where he was standing.
When the rock starts to move, even Han Solo must notice!
- Oh, hell! If we didn't have enough to worry about! He cursed. Just watching the ground rumble, he saw two claws emerge from the slope, displacing part of the terrain, revealing the face and head of a titanic creature like a reptile with large jaws.
The carnage of the battle continues, with blasters barking their miniature explosions... and the skies ablaze, with the wreckage of skyspeeders erupting.
But, somehow, Serji-X and his grim band come second in Han Solo's priorities.
While the smuggler looks on in astonishment, while the mountain itself tears apart from within
Obviously, the real battle has not yet begun!!
- The end -