(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: Star Search!
The planet is called Aduba-3, a remote world, one of many on the galactic fringe, too poor, too distant for the empire's dark interests.
The ship is the Millenium Falcon. To some, it might seem like a shabby and ordinary freighter... If they had never smuggled spice in the Kessel Run...
He challenged the TIE fighter of the Sith Lord, Darth Vader, in the Battle of the Death Star.
- You'd better say goodbye while you can, Chewie... I am calculating for the hyperspace jump. I declare Solo as he was making his calculations for the hyperspace jump.
- That piece of rock and sand wasn't much, but it was a sweet home for a while. When they put a price on your head like they did to us... That's all you can expect from any place! The smuggler assured, recalling his visit to that world.
- GROWK! The wookie commented on the acquaintances they met and appreciated, the adventure they lived together.
- Yes. you're right. We also made some interesting acquaintances there! Quite a crew. Really... Considering that he had first labeled them all as definite star jumpers! The smuggler expresses himself somewhat nostalgically about the battle they fought.
- Who knows? Maybe someday the survivors will reunite. but for now, I think instead of running from one world to the next.
- VORP? The furry companion of Han asks if they could see their rebel acquaintances again.
- We could also take the risk of meeting with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia at the rebel base. The Corellian declared, thinking about the possibility of reuniting with his old friends.
- No, not because I miss them! Don't let a few good deeds make you think I'm softening... It's a clever strategy, that's all! I'm not going to lose my status as a mercenary. Now, hold on tight... we're going to jump at light speed. The smuggler argued as he pressed the controls that activated the hyperdrive.
And suddenly the stars turn into distorted vapors as the Millenium Falcon enters hyperspace!
- Back to sublight, Chewie, we're still far from the Yavin system... but if the Imperial forces have reappeared there, we won't be helping by showing up right in the middle of them! I reason with the smuggler, thinking about the odds.
- URROWK! Inform the wookie about the presence of an imperial battle cruiser.
- I see the target, Chewie! A cruiser is approaching us... at battle speed! Attack the deflectors and prepare for...! One moment! I just noticed that it looked like a ship he had seen before.
— That is not one of the imperial ships! It's our old pirate friend... Jack Crimson! The one who took our treasure. It can't be a coincidence! That fortune-hungry parasite must have planted some kind of tracker on board the first time they caught us! I hate this kind of dirty tricks... especially when I don't use them first. I reason They have seen how events repeat themselves in the same way as when they previously encountered the pirate.
Jack fires several times as a warning against Solo's ship.
- There's your warning shot! Shut down the engines, Chewie... I have an idea! Solo asked the Wookiee to let themselves be captured by Jack.
And shortly after, some tractor beams drag the Millenium Falcon into the hangar of the giant ship. There, a horde of anxious waiters swarms aboard, the pirate chief looks down from a high walkway in the room where the ship is.
- Well, well... Just! My little playmate, Jolli, said I had wasted my tracker... He said you would never be stupid enough to stray into my sector again! Crimson reasoned, thinking about the return of his old acquaintance.
- But I take pride in recognizing a stable customer. I praise the pirate leader, seeing how Han came back into his clutches.
- This time he comes with empty hands, captain! There's nothing here that can buy him and that furball's life! One of the subordinates reports as they enter the smuggler's freighter.
- WORK? The furry partner consults, waiting to see the arguments his companion would have.
- No problem, buddy... the rebels could use a cruise like this. I'm going to play with old Jack's greed to bring him straight to them! We will probably be rewarded again just like when we rescued the princess and... He was going to continue arguing his point of view but he could see Princess Leia walking down the aisle.
- I see it, but I don't believe it. The Corellian declares, surprised, observing the noblewoman of Alderaan held captive by the bandit leader.
- Wurg! The furry buddy suspected something was off when he saw that Solo's plan had failed in seconds.
- Don't jump to conclusions, Chewie... but yes, this could mean a big obstacle in my plan! Argument Han still believing in making a plan to defeat Jack.
- I'm still attentive to the ladies, eh. Only? Even with the tail in a sling..! Well, this one is special, a very fine princess and senator, no less. And a rebel too! The redhead praised the smuggler's good taste in women.
- I imagine the alliance will pay a smart ransom for her... Only that she won't tell me where her base is! Jack complained, seeing the woman's lack of cooperation.
- So, will you be able to sell that information to the empire? This cruiser will rust around your ears before I tell you anything. I assure you, Leia is refusing to disclose the information about the Rebel base.
- How brave, Mr. Solo! We caught her alone, jumping into the void... nervous, but naive, of course. A good example could cure the princess's stupidity. That is your Wookiee friend and your Corellian friend. The redhead explains how he managed to find the princess.
- Jolli, you and the guys, set your blasters to simmer! Let's fry a couple of star explorers without a dime, to show them what awaits Leia Organa if she doesn't cooperate! Crimson warned, ready to kill both of the princess's acquaintances.
"Not a chance, sir... the life of the pair of smugglers is about to become short and fiery." I assure you, the female with purple hair, the pirate's henchwoman.
- I need time to talk... and you'll have to buy it for me! Asked Han while hiding behind his furry partner.
The giant wookie doesn't need any more instructions! With a speed seemingly impossible for his large size, the furry companion withstands blaster shots due to his thick skin, which absorbs the lasers from the weapons set to kill slowly. The wookie starts punching Jack's henchmen left and right.
- Excellent, first mate! I praise Solo as he pulls out a pistol with rifle attachments from one of the boxes he had extracted from the ship.
- Call your men, Jack! You have the men and the fire to finish us off. But it will be hard to boast without a head! I threatened Han with my weapon in hand, aiming at the pirate.
- A point worth considering, sir. Only if my men don't eliminate you first. You can probably argue about it for a few moments before someone tries. Crimson argued, seeing the tense situation they were in.
- Someday, Jack, we'll talk when you don't have men, but if Chewie and I die now, you'll lose the treasure and waste this opportunity to get what you want from the princess easily and without bloodshed. The Corellian reasoned, seeing that the pirate had that possibility.
- What treasure, Solo...? We took it from you last time. The bewildered redhead inquired while pondering which treasure he was thinking about.
- And I cried a lot because of it! Then I realized there was a way to get more... but it would take a cruiser to achieve it! Why do you think I let you take the Millenium Falcon without even chasing Jack? Anyway, I was going to make you this proposal! I explain to the Corellian his way of planning things.
- Solo, I trust you as much as I would trust someone traveling in a barrel of spices thru a meteor swarm. But you have intrigued me enough to give you a pardon and a free meal. Jack reasons, wanting to hear the smuggler's plans.
And a little later, in the pirate captain's quarters, a feast is being held... everyone sprawled on sofas, while the captain of the Millenium Falcon speaks hurriedly.
— I'm in a bad position to negotiate, Jack. So I'm willing to settle for a 50% split. I approve. I just see that their situation wasn't the best to demand more loot.
— You provide the attack force, I'll give you the location of the loot. Jolli, fill me up again, will you, darling? She asked the Corellian with a smile, her hair purple.
— I'm going to smash your face with the tip of my blaster, Corellian conspirator! Captain, how much longer are we going to put up with his annoying presence? Protestante, Jack's subordinate, watching how he allowed the arrogant Han on his ship.
- I'm our new partner! Even if I was a bit quick on the trigger back there in the warehouse. He praised himself, implying that he was part of his boss's crew.
- And it could be again. "Mate!" Dessert is over, but I'm still hungry for solid proof of this treasure business, or of your ability to make Princess Leia cooperate! Jack demanded to know more arguments and evidence that this matter was authentic.
- Happy to please you, Jack! You see, that good fortune you snatched from me was a reward... Straight from the treasure of the rebel alliance. The smuggler explained, implying that there would be more riches where that came from.
- To rescuing this lady from the clutches of the empire! I praised the smuggler as he raised his wine glass with a smile.
- For the black nebula, there have been rumors about such a rescue! Exclaimed Crimson in surprise upon seeing how Han proclaimed himself as the savior of the noblewoman from Alderaan.
- But what no one knows is that during that rescue, the modest and proper princess. Han declared as he caught Organa off guard and brought her face to face, joining their lips, a sign that the noblewoman had fallen in love with him.
"Put some feeling into it, your highness... our lives are at stake." The cheeky Corellian whispered as they were together.
- Thank you for keeping quiet until now... I know it's against your nature not to shout about what I'm doing wrong. The smuggler thanked while continuing that daring maneuver.
- Actually, I'm speechless. It's been so long since I escaped from the Death Star that I had forgotten how confusing your rescues are! Leia recalled while she was puzzled by the behavior of her acquaintance.
- What is this supposed to achieve? The princess asks, bewildered by the behavior of her old ally.
- I'm not sure, but at least it's fun! And the more Jack has to think about his friend, the longer he will keep us alive! I reason only as long as he continues with the charade of love between them.
- Then allow me to make a contribution. I assure you, the unknown sister of Luke.
- How dare you, Han Solo?! How dare you betray my feelings for you?! Leia Organa declares as she grabs the smuggler's head with her hands and, quickly and unexpectedly, slams it against her raised knee while pressing down with her elbows from above to strike him against both limbs.
- I can't stop you from bringing these vermin to our treasury in the Drexel system... you already know the access thru their defense network. But Luke Skywalker is also there... That means some surprises are in store for you! Leia indirectly indicated where she wanted to be taken.
- Captain... I would like to return to my cell! He asked for the noble list to return to his captivity.
"—Take her back, Jolli!" Crimson asked his esteemed subordinate.
And while they take the only survivor of the ruling house of the planet Alderaan,
I doubt you'll ever convince that troublemaker to cooperate, Solo... but she'll be a valuable hostage if this Skywalker causes us any trouble. Who is she? Indago, the pirate leader, wanting to know who the person is.
—Eh... a kind of rival... seems like he manages to get his way. Comment from the Corellian recording his old acquaintance.
—Then it will be better if we move ourselves! Let's go to the bridge... and start plotting our course to the Drexel system! Jack concluded, knowing where they had to go.
"I never thot I would say this to a spice smuggler like you, Solo... but it seems you have spoken the truth." I praised the pirate leader as he marched toward where he said he would go.
- GRRLURR? I doubt the wookiee was sure of the reason they seemed to be winning.
- Sure, sure, Chewbacca... suddenly everything is going well for us. Why do I feel like I've been fooled?
- It's that princess! We meet and, suddenly, I find myself caught up in a silly situation. As if I were playing the hero! He wonders, Have they noticed their own act?
— Move, two star jumpers, before those crafty rebels move their treasure! Jack demanded, ready to go in search of the treasure.
While I was in the detention block
- For being a spoiled noble lady, you handled that foul-mouthed Correllian quite well, Princess. Of course, I would shoot him in the stomach if he tried to kiss me. Jolli assured as she pressed the cell controls.
- Is it Han Solo that you don't like, Jolli... or Corellians in general? Asked the noblewoman of Alderaan, wanting to know her point of view.
- They are men, ma'am... The whole damn race! A handsome, annoying man is no better than any other and maybe worse! I despise the girl with purple hair with a bit of anger.
- There are good men, Jolli... a pirate ship might not be the best place to find them. I certainly have had problems with Mr. Solo, but he kisses well. I reasoned Organa grabbing the smuggler as he entered the cell.
—Well, what does a rebellious, haughty, and disheveled princess know about anything? Keep your thoughts about men and kisses to yourself! I dismiss the scoundrel while giving Leia a kick in the back, almost making her fall.
The pirate storms out of the detention, disturbed by her own anger, not knowing why it suddenly erupted.
Leaving Princess Leia alone in the darkness with her own thoughts in her captivity
Right now, he has many problems, from the destruction of his home planet, Alderaan, to the challenges of fighting against an empire that is still strong, putting him in immediate danger. However, her mind is primarily focused on the visions of a young man, a farmer from the desert world of Tatooine turned star warrior, known as Luke Skywalker.
—Oh, Luke! Luke! If you hadn't volunteered for that exploration mission, we would both be safe in our main base on the fourth moon of Yavin. I'm sorry that Leia saw how you ended up in this dangerous situation.
— It never recovered! Something happened to you and your ship while you were orbiting an unnamed planet in the Drexel star system, and I knew it. I couldn't rest or think about my duties until I found out what happened to Luke. And instead, Crimson Jack captured me! But if Han Solo picks up the clues I gave him, the search will continue. I insist, Organa to herself, wanting to keep indicating what happened to her dear acquaintance.
Meanwhile, on the spaceship's bridge, several crew members and pilots could be seen operating consoles while Crimson pointed out on a map what he meant to Solo.
- This Drexel system is little more than a name to me... and our graphic prints don't contain much data either. The pirate chief stated, implying that this system was not very well known or detailed in its specifics.
- You've been working in the same sectors for too long, Jack... It makes piracy comfortable for you, but it narrows your view of the universe. I question the smuggler, seeing the way his partner plunders.
- The space jumps force us to keep a much more detailed set of maps on board the Falcon. The brown-haired man reasons, making his point clear.
- Wurfle. Suggested the furry partner of Solo about merging the information from the navigation charts of his ship with the information from the redhead.
- Is it okay for Chewie to connect our computer system with yours so we can work on them? The smuggler asks his pirate ally with a slight smile.
- As long as your dear first officer doesn't mind an escort... or the possibility of being killed by them if he tries something suspicious! The redhead demanded, wanting to make sure they didn't try to do anything against him.
- Growf! The wookie assured both of them, implying that there was no obstacle to it.
- No problem, Jack. As Chewie says. I confirm the calm Corellian ready to do what was necessary.
- What's the point of being a couple if you can't trust each other? Don't worry about the wookiee, Jack... He'll just do what he's supposed to do. Meanwhile, let me start with the preliminary calculations. There is a long jump to the Drexel system. Surely they are prepared for him, like his companion, to do what is necessary to go to the star system they need to go to. I assure you, just doing what he had to do to achieve his goal.
Wookie is leaving with the Crimson men.
- And it's one of the few places in this galaxy that I've never been to! But why bother my bearded friend with that information? Or the fact that any veteran space traveler he has spoken to has said it's a place to avoid like a black hole? He reflects in his mind, the brown-haired one with a somewhat mischievous smile, could think about the risks Jack would face and his journey in that place.
- I don't know what Luke Skywalker is doing there, but the princess has organized everything, so let's find out! Yes, boy! Wherever you are and whatever trouble you're in, we're coming for you, kid. Keep thinking, Han, remembering his favorite blonde friend.
Meanwhile, in a system close to where Solo was heading
Location: Outer Rim Territories / Sector lol / Drexel System / Planet: Drexel
In the maritime world of Drexel, Luke fought against a huge sea beast while on his ship with R2-D2 and C-3PO.
- R2! C3PO back inside the ship! The charge of my blaster has weakened too much. These shots won't stop it! Luke reasoned as he fought with the sea beast, attacking with his shots.
- Beep! Astromechanic commented on the terrible situation they were in.
- Go inside, Master Luke, R2-2D... I'm sure he already knows the ship is sinking! I notice the protocol droid about that maybe it wasn't a good idea to get inside.
- It will stay afloat longer than us if that creature attacks! Move, you two... that thing is getting less shy with each attack. Affirmed the blond boy while waiting for the golden automaton to get inside.
- Hurry, Master Luke! The ugly beast is attacking. The yellow robot warned as it saw the creature attacking with its mouth, but just then its owner had boarded the ship and closed the hatch.
- I managed to close the emergency hatch just in time! But if that blow didn't split the ship in two, the next one will! I feared Luke knowing what the sea beast outside could cause.
- WHISTLE! The white droid indicated a place where they had to go, speaking in binary as always.
- What do you mean by "come over here" 2D? It's your integrated logic terminal screwed in upside down. The humanoid robot scoffed at the strange suggestion from his companion.
- Obviously, the water is deeper in that direction, if there's anything I hate more than space travel... it's swimming! The automaton complained, seeing the situation they were in.
- I think I know what he's doing, C-3PO. Follow him! I order the former farmer to the golden automaton.
- Exactly as I was about to suggest, sir! You can also please the little and stubborn droid. make his last moments before happy short circuits and. The robot declared, following the game of his astromech droid partner, seeing that it might be one of their last moments.
They saw how the little robot took out a plasma torch and started opening a section of the ship.
- R2! What are you doing now? I inquire, the automaton of dubious protocol, about the actions of his companion.
- They're opening the life chamber! inside... before it floods! Argumented Luke seeing what he was trying to do.
- Things are happening too fast for my comprehension reactors! I question the golden droid, not knowing how to react to this.
- One moment we're safely orbiting this planet... the next, all systems shut down and we crash into an apparently endless ocean...! then that creature. C-3PO lamented, seeing the terrible situation they were in now.
- Seal the security door. 2D! And we pray that this capsule can still eject. The hopeful automaton declared, wanting to see if the capsule would really work.
And long moments later, when the capsule has risen to the surface
"Can you see anything, Master Luke?" The droid asked while the young human looked thru the capsule's exit hatch with a small telescopic monocle.
- The end of our spaceship C-3PO! That giant water worm is about to deliver the final touches! Report the unknown descendant of Darth Vader.
- At least we put some distance between us so that... wait a minute! The blonde was surprised, interrupting his own dialog upon seeing something unexpected in the place he was observing.
- Oh dear! Don't tell me there's a new danger, sir! The mechanical being feared, wanting to know what new information it could provide to its owner.
- I don't know what to think. the thing stopped.. He looked around as if he had heard some sound... or signal... Skywalker noticed someone riding on top of another sea creature.
—And now... A second creature has appeared! And this one has a rider. Inform Luke by noting the above.
"—Are those huge slimy beasts under someone's control?! Master Luke, what kind of world are we in?" The automaton asks himself in bewilderment.
- The end -