Cinematic Adventures: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

by extremeenigma02

Rating: everyone
Tags: Thriller, Science Fiction, Adventure, Crossover, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Star Wars, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Human
Length: 75596

The Mane Six, Spike, and Sunset Shimmer are whisked off to a galaxy far far away in this out of the world adventure. Follow them as they help the Rebel Alliance battle the evil Galactic Empire in this action packed adventure.

After graduating from Canterlot High, Sunset Shimmer finds herself unsure of what she is to do next. Does she go back to Equestria for good? Does she stay and go off to college? An accidental malfunction with the television portal sends Sunset off to a galaxy far far away and it is up to Twilight Sparkle and the Mane Six to save her.

Follow them as they meet Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the Rebel Alliance who are in the midst of battling the evil Galactic Empire. Whether they win or fail, one thing is clear. The force shall be with them...always

Published 2021-05-04 13:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-06-20 13:18:12 UTC

The Empire Attacks

The vast regions of space, usually quiet and peaceful, were currently in the precipice of a Great War. The Galactic Empire that rules over space itself had been battling a growing rebellion against them for quite some time. The yellow planet of Tatooine emerges from a total eclipse, her two moons glowing against the darkness.

A tiny silver spacecraft, a Rebel Blockade Runner, fires its lasers from the back of the ship, racing through space and pursued by a giant Imperial Star-Destroyer. Hundreds of deadly laser-bolts streaks from the Imperial Star-Destroyer, causing the main solar fin of the Rebel craft to disintegrate.

<>

Aboard the Blockade Runner, Sunset Shimmer lay unconscious along the cold metal floor of the ships reactor room. Her teal aqua eyes slowly flutter open, as she regained consciousness. Sitting up, she clutched her aching head… only to realize its not her hoof she feels. She stretches her arm out realizing that she has assumed her human form, every portion of her body now humanized.

“The portal…” Sunset realized.

She looked around her surroundings, seeing nothing but metal walls covered in flashing lights and buttons. Sunset couldn’t help but feel panic and dread, having no idea where she was. Not only that, but she was alone… so very much alone.

“Twilight!” She called out. “Storm! Any pony!”

Just then she felt something press against the back of her head, making her feel stiff as stone.

“Don’t speak or move a muscle,” A voice ordered.

The voice, Sunset could decipher, belonged to a female. From out behind her stood a woman in her late twenties. A beautiful woman with pale skin and brunette hair tied up in a style consisting of two buns on both sides of her head. She wore an elegant white dress and held a strange looking gun in her hands.

“Turn around… slowly…” She ordered.

Without argument, Sunset followed her instruction till the gun was no pointing at her face. Sunset would’ve been fascinated by this gun and everything about this woman, if under better circumstances.

“Who are you?” The woman asked seriously. “What are you doing aboard my vessel?”

Sunset slowly got to her feet, as she stuttered and stammered to speak. Having a gun pointed at her didn’t exactly ease the extreme feeling of dread she was currently feeling.

“I-I-I’m S-Sunset S-Shimmer,” She stammered.

“Are you an imperial spy?”

Though terrified, Sunset quirked a curious eyebrow at the question. What was this woman talking about?

“An imperial spy?” She asked confused. “What do you mean?”

The woman only clenched the gun tighter; Sunset gulped in fear.

“I’m warning you,” The woman said. “I am not afraid to pull this trigger. Answer my question.”

“Okay, okay!” Sunset said fearfully. “But I swear I’m not a spy. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.”

The young woman looked into the girl’s eyes, seeing no hint of deception or falseness in her words. Slowly but surely, she lowered the gun and Sunset released a huge breath of relief.

“What are you doing here Sunset Shimmer?” The woman asked again.

“It’s kind of a long story,” Sunset answered. “You might think I’m crazy when I tell you this. But basically, my friends and I were sucked through a portal. Somehow we got separated and I don’t know where they are or where I am.”

“There’s more of you?”

“Yeah… I guess you can say that.”

“What planet do you come from?”

Sunset grew more and more confused by the minute, especially with all these questions.

“Um—well—Equestria?” She responded.

The woman tapped her chin, contemplating that answer.

“How very odd,” She said curiously. “I’ve never heard of such a place before in this galaxy. What solar system does that reside in?”

“Okay, look miss—um—”

“Oh, how rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Princess Leia of Alderaan.”

Leia held out her hand, as Sunset hesitantly reached out to shake it.

“You’re a princess?” Sunset asked amazed.

“You seem surprised,” Leia responded.

*BOOM!!!*

All of a sudden, a loud explosion rang through the room. The force of the blast knocked the entire ship apart. Sunset and Leia both tried to maintain their footing, but ultimately fell to the ground.

“What the heck was that?!” Sunset yelled.

Just then, the reactor room door slid open and two of the strangest looking things Sunset ever saw entered the room. Clearly they were robots if their appearance didn’t already give that away, slightly old and battered. One is a short, claw-armed tripod. His face a mass of computer lights surrounding a radar eye. The other is a tall, slender robot of human proportions. He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic surface of an Art Deco design.

“Forgive the interruption Princess,” The humanoid robot spoke. “But it seems that the Empire has found us.”

Sunset stared wide-eyed and slack-jawed at the robots; add to the fact they could speak.

“What… in Celestia’s name… is going on here?” She asked in shock.

The tall humanoid robot walked toward her side, reaching out an arm to her.

“Greetings and salutations stranger,” It greeted. “I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. This little Astro-mech here is R2-D2.”

The little droid on wheels spoke no words, only a series of beeping sounds. Sunset turned toward Leia, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.

“Do you not know a droid when you see one?” Leia asked. “This Equestria you come from must be of lesser technology if you don’t know what a droid is.”

“You can say that…” Sunset nodded slowly.

Leia then grabbed her gun back out, readied for a fight. She grabbed another from her dress and held it out towards Sunset.

“Looks like we’re fighting our way out of this,” She said determined.

“I’m not taking that thing,” Sunset shook her head. “I hate guns.”

“It’s either this or you die,” Leia warned.

“But I’ve never fired a gun in my life.”

“Then you better pray you never have to.”

Sunset looked at the gun in Leia’s hand, her mind abuzz over what to do. She really did not like guns, much less wanting to kill anything. Then again, she valued her own life greatly and didn’t want it to end here. Her hand shaking, she grabbed the gun from Leia and held it at the ready.

“Follow me and you’ll be fine,” Leia assured, turning toward the droids. “As for you two, find some place to hide. It is essential you are not discovered."

“You can count on us ma’am,” 3PO responded.

R2 gave his response in beeps, as the two droids made their way from the reactor room and slowly working their way down the hall. This left Leia and Sunset hiding behind the walls, waiting for what was to come next.

*BOOM!*

Another explosion rocked the ship as R2-D2 and C-3PO struggled to make their way through the shaking, bouncing passageway. Alarms began to blare, as a group of men, Rebel Troopers rush passed the robots.

“Did you hear that?” C-3PO asked. “They’ve shut down the main reactor. We’ll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!”

While the two droids continued down the hall, trekking toward where they needed to be, the Rebel troopers take their positions in the main passageway. They aim their weapons, single shot pistols, toward the door.

“We’re doomed!” C-3PO spoke.

The little R2 unit made a series of electronic sounds, that only another robot could understand.

“There’ll be no escape for the Princess this time.”

R2 continued making being sounds, as the tension began to mount. Suddenly, loud metallic latches clank and a scream of heavy equipment were heard moving around the outside hull of the ship.

“What’s that?” C-3PO asked, looking up.

The imperial craft has easily overtaken the Rebel Blockade Runner. The smaller Rebel ship was drawn into the underside dock of the giant Imperial starship.

The nervous Rebel troopers aim their weapons. Suddenly, a tremendous blast opened a hole within the main passageway and a score of fearsome armored space-suited Stormtroopers firing their way through the smoke-filled corridor. In a matter of minutes, the entire passageway was ablaze with laser fire. The deadly bolts ricochet in wild, random patterns generating huge explosions. Stormstroopers scatter and duck behind storage lockers, as laser bolts struck several Rebel soldiers, who scream and stagger through the smoke clutching shattered arms and faces. Those who weren’t shot made a hasty retreat down the passageway with the Stormtroopers in hot pursuit.

In the midst of all the chaos, Sunset Shimmer peered her head slightly out of the corner. An explosion sent her back as the robots appeared from another hall.

“I should have known better than to trust the logic of a half-sized themocapsulary dehousing assister…” C-3PO complained.

R2 countered with an angry rebuttal, as the battle raged around the two hapless robots. Soon as it was safe to cross, they worked their way into the other hallway where Sunset was hiding. The latter had already rushed back deep through the corridor, heading straight toward Leia.

“It’s chaos out there!” Sunset informed.

“I might have known…” Princess Leia sighed. “I hoped we’d at least keep them distracted so the droids can make for the escape pods; their numbers are more overwhelming than we thought.”

“What’re we going to do?”

“Move on to the next phase of the plan… but first I need one of the droids.”

<>

As the Stormtroopers cleared the passageways of the bodies of their fallen comrades and any other rebel prisoners, a heavy robotic breathing could be heard emerging through the smoke. All the troops stood at attention as the seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader, made his way into the blinding light of the main passageway.

His face obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backed away from the imposing warrior, as a deathly quiet swept through the Rebel troops. Several of the Rebel troops broke out into a run in a frenzied panic.

<>

Meanwhile, C-3PO stood in a hallway, somewhat bewildered. His companion R2-D2 was nowhere in sight. The pitiful screams of the doomed Rebel soldiers could be heard in the distance.

“R2-D2, where are you?”

A familiar clanking sound attracted 3PO’s attention, the roboto spotting little R2 at the end of the hallway in a smoke-filled alcove. A beautiful young girl, about sixteen-years-old, stood in front of R2. Surreal and out of place, dreamlike and half-hidden in the smoke, she finished adjusting something on R2’s computer face, then watched as the little robot joined his companion.

“At last! Where have you been?” C-3PO asked. “They’re heading in this direction. What are we going to do? We’ll be sent to the space mine of Kessel or smashed into who knows what?!”

R2 scooted past his bronze friend, racing down the sub-hallway. 3PO chased after him.

“Wait a minute, where are you going?”

R2 responded with electronic beeps. Princess Leia and Sunset Shimmer looked on as they fade deep in the smoke.

“You sure they’ll be okay?” Sunset asked.

“They need to be,” Leia answered. “The fate of the entire galaxy rests upon them now. Come with me.”

Princess Leia turned a corner, as Sunset Shimmer followed closely behind.

<>

The evil Darth Vader stood amid the broken, twisted bodies of his foes. He grabbed a wounded Rebel Officer by the neck, as an Imperial Officer rushed toward the Dark Lord.

“The Death Star plans are not in the main computer,” The Imperial Officer informed.

In response, Vader squeezed the neck of the Rebel Officer, who struggled in vain. Vader slowly lifted the Rebel off his feet by his throat.

“Where are those transmissions you intercepted?” Vader interrogated. “What have you done with those plans?”

“We intercepted no transmissions, aah…” The Rebel Officer choked, gasping for breath. “This is a consular ship. We’re on a diplomatic mission…”

“If this is a consular ship… where is the Ambassador?”

But the Rebel refused to speak, eventually crying out as the Dark Lord squeezed the officer’s throat, creating a gruesome snapping… choking… till the solider went limp. Vader tossed the dead soldier against the wall, turning toward his troops.

“Commander, tear this ship apart until you’ve found those plans and bring me the passengers,” Vader ordered. “I want them alive!”

The stormtroopers scurried into the sub hallways as the Sith Lord ordered. Vader turned back toward the doorway, as another man approached from behind him. The young man appeared to be in his mid-twenties with dark buzzcut hair. He wore a strange type of gear consisting of a dark tunic, gloves, and boots. This young man was Vader’s apprentice, Galen Marek a.k.a. Starkiller.

Vader looked at him through the dark-red receptors of his helmet before walking down the hallway with Marek following close behind.

“You truly believe the Death Star plans are here, my master?” The young man asked.

“Of this I have no doubt, my apprentice,” Vader responded.

Just then, Vader stopped mid-stride and Marek stopped as well. He looked at Vader as if he could sense a very strange energy aboard this vessel, one he had not felt in so long.

“What do you sense master?” Marek asked.

“I sense the presence of the force aboard this vessel,” Vader answered.

“That can’t be possible. We have hunted any and all force sensitives across the galaxy. None should remain.”

“It would seem we have not found them ‘all’. The Consular of this vessel must be harboring them. I want you to search the ship and find them. When you do, bring them to me immediately.”

The young man bowed before the dark lord, going off as his evil master commanded.

<>

Meanwhile, Leia huddled along a small alcove as the stormtroopers searched the ship. The fear in her eyes slowly gave way to anger, as the muted crushing sounds of the approaching stormtroopers grew louder. Just then, one of the troopers spotted her.

“There’s one! Set for stun!”

Lei stepped from her hiding place and blasted a trooper with her laser pistol. She broke off for a fun, only to fall prey to a paralyzing ray. The troopers inspect her inert body.

“She’ll be all right,” The Trooper confirmed. “Inform Lord Vader we have a prisoner.”

<>

Elsewhere, Galen Marek slunk slowly and quietly through the halls of the consular ship, searching for the force sensitive aboard the vessel. How any could still be thriving in the galaxy? Even Marek had no idea. For years, his master has had his inquisitors combing the galaxy. Hunting down and killing any force sensitive beings as was their mission from Vader. Surely none could still be alive right now… but apparently, there is.

Suddenly, he felt something in his very being. He could sense the force around him. Looking up, Marek sees a loose grate into the ceiling above. He lifted a hand to the grate, using the force to reach in, and pull whoever was in there…

“AAAH!!!”

A young girl screamed as she emerged from the grate and crashed to the ground before Marek’s feet. Sunset Shimmer desperately held out a laser gun, pointing it toward the man’s head. But with a raise of a hand, the gun slipped from her hand in mid-air. The fiery haired girl looked on in shock as the gun flew toward his grip, he examined it briefly, then tossed it aside. He slowly stalked toward the young girl, who backed herself against the wall.

“Very unwise of you Jedi scum,” Marek spoke coldly. “I don’t know how you managed to slip from our radar so long, but it was a matter of time we’d find you.”

“Jedi?” Sunset questioned, with confusion. “What’re you talking about?”

“You’re tricks won’t work against me. Now, you will come along with me quietly… or I ‘will’ hurt you, if I have to…”

Marek reached a hand toward the girl, who could find no means of escape.

“No—wait!!!” Sunset called out. “Please—”

Desperately Sunset Shimmer gripped the man’s arm before he could touch her. All of a sudden, her eyes started to glow brightly, and a vision flashed in her mind…

<>

Sunset’s eyes found herself in an unfamiliar place, a wooden shelter on some unknown planet. Suddenly, there was a crash before her eyes and a body burst from the wall rolling against the floor. All at once, a figure in a black cloak and helmet emerged through the smoke and debris, approaching the hooded man and somehow lifted the man high in the air. The figure gasped as if he were being choked, his throat cracking as if bones were breaking.

“I sense someone far more powerful nearby,” The black warrior spoke. “Where is your master?”

“The Dark Side has clouded your mind,” The man gasped. “You killed my master years ago…”

“Then now, you will share his fate…”

The man in black raised a glowing weapon of sorts, its blade a bright red. Suddenly, the weapon was thrust from his grip and the figure in black turned. The weapon ended up in ‘her’ hands… except they weren’t her hands. The being looked down at the weapon clutched in their grip, before turning back toward the dark one.

“A son?” The Dark One spoke, seemingly surprised.

“RUN!!!” The man shouted desperately.

*SNAP!*

The Dark One’s hand gripped tightly, the man’s neck was snapped, and his limp body fell to the ground to her horror. The Dark One slowly approached the mysterious figure, who raised the figure’s own weapon against him. Suddenly, a man in uniform with three white suited soldiers entered the room.

“Lord Vader!” The man shouted, turning toward ‘her’.

The moment they saw the figure, with ‘Lord Vader’s’ weapon in its hands, the man in uniform made a gesture signaling the white suited soldiers to aim their weapons ready to fire. Suddenly, the Dark Lord used his power to summon his weapon back and the figure watched as the Dark Lord hacked and slashed his own troops right before their eyes. With his soldiers dead, Lord Vader loomed over the frightened figure, his face completely covered by a breathing mask.

“Come with me… more will be here soon…”

<>

Galen Marek drew his arm away, just as Sunset’s vision came to an end. The man stepped back and stared in shock toward Sunset Shimmer, who’s eyes teared after going through such an ordeal. She stared toward the man, greatly shocked by what she saw.

“He saved you…” Sunset Shimmer gasped.

“What trickery was that?” Marek questioned. “How did you do that?”

“Lord Vader… he… he…”

Quickly, Marek made a quick gesture and used the force to knock out Sunset Shimmer before she could finish her sentence. The woman sighed and dropped to the floor; her entire body completely shut down… but not to the point of death. Galen Marek stood over the fallen body, looking at the girl very closely. It was hard to believe that this girl was a Jedi… yet how could she?

Eyeing her closely, she was dressed like a Jedi… but that power he experienced was unlike anything he felt in a while. He had heard of the Jedi possessing such power, but never experiencing it the way like this. Sensing a great strength in her, Marek lifted the unconscious girl over his shoulders and carried her away to make his return to his master.

<>

R2-D2 stopped before the small hatch of an emergency life-pod. He snapped the seal on the main latch, as a red warning light started to flash. The stubby astro-robot worked his way into the cramped four-man pod.

“Hey, you’re not permitted in there!” C-3PO called out. “It’s restricted. You’ll be deactivated for sure…”

R2 beeped something toward him.

“Don’t call me a mindless philosopher, you overweight glob of grease! Now come out before somebody sees you!”

R2 whistled something toward his reluctant friend, regarding the mission he’s about to perform.

“Secret mission? What plans?” C-3PO questioned. “What are you talking about? I’m not getting in there!”

R2, unhappy with 3PO’s stubbornness, beeped and twanged angrily.

*BOOM!*

A new explosion, this time very close, sent dust and debris through the narrow sub hallway. Flames lick at 3PO; after a flurry of electronic swearing from R2, the lanky robot jumped into the lifepod.

“I’m going to regret this,” C-3PO muttered.

<>

Inside the Imperial Stardestroyer, the troops capture the image of a life-pod on the main viewscreen. They are unaware of the terrified robots inside, speeding away from the stricken Rebel spacecraft.

“There goes another one,” The Chief pilot informed.

“Hold your fire,” The Captain ordered. “There are no life forms; it must have short-circuited.”

<>

Inside the lifepod, R2-D2 and C-3PO gazed out toward the receding Imperial starship. Stars circled as the pod rotated through the galaxy.

“That’s funny, the damage doesn’t look as bad from out here,” C-3PO remarked.

R2 beeped an assuring response.

“Are you sure this thing’s safe?” 3PO questioned.

<>

Meanwhile, Princess Leia was led down a low-ceilinged hallway by a squad of armored stormtroopers. Her hands are bound, she is brutally shoved, and is unable to keep up with the briskly marching troops. They stopped in a smoky hallway, as Darth Vader emerged from the shadows. The sinister Dark Lord stared hard at the frail young senator, but she doesn’t move.

“Lord Vader, I should have known,” Leia remarked. “Only you could be so bold. The Imperial Senate will not sit for this, when they hear you’ve attacked a diplomatic…”

“Don’t act so surprised, Your Highness,” Vader interrupted. “You weren’t on any mercy mission this time. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies. I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a member of the Imperial Senate on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan…”

“You’re a part of the Rebel Alliance… and a traitor. Take her away!”

On command, the troopers march Leia down the hallway and into the smoldering hole blasted along the side of the ship. An Imperial Commander addressed Vader.

“Holding her is dangerous,” The Commander warned. “If word of this gets out, it could generate sympathy for the Rebellion in the senate.”

“I have traced the Rebel spies to her,” Vader assured calmly. “Now she is my only link to finding their secret base!”

“She’ll die before she tells you anything.”

“Leave that to me. Send a distress signal and then inform the senate that all aboard were killed!”

Another Imperial Officer approached Vader and the Commander. They stopped and snapped to attention.

“Lord Vader, the battle station plans are not aboard this ship!” The second officer informed. “And no transmissions were made. An escape pod was jettisoned during the fighting, but no life forms were aboard.”

Vader turned to the Commander.

“She must have hidden the plans in the escape pod,” Vader inquired. “Send a detachment down to retrieve them. See to it personally, Commander. There’ll be no one to stop us this time.”

“Yes, sir,” The Commander nodded.

No sooner did the Commander leave when his apprentice, Marek, made his return before his master. Vader could see he did not arrive alone, noting the unconscious young girl over his shoulder. The young man laid the young woman down before his feet, and the Dark Lord could see she looked to be no younger than in her late teens.

“Master Vader,” Marek spoke. “I have found the force sensitive as we expected. Found her hiding out in the ship; subdued her before she could escape.”

Darth Vader leaned down toward the young girl, his breathing echoing along the hall as he silently examined her.

“The force is strong with this one,” Darth Vader confirmed. “Very powerful…”

“What do you propose we do with her, master?” Marek asked. “Do we slay her now before she has a chance to awake?”

Darth Vader kept his gaze toward the girl, his sight studying her through the rims of his helmet.

“No…” Darth Vader answered. “No, this power is far too great to extinguish… and we cannot allow her to just walk away either.”

Darth Vader then turned his attention toward the Second Commander.

“Set up a holding cell for the new prisoner,” Darth Vader ordered. “Then inform the crew to set a course for the Imperial City of Coruscant. The Emperor will need to see this girl for himself, and under no circumstances is she to be harmed till then.”

“Yes, Lord Vader,” The Second Commander saluted.

He proceeded to lift the unconscious girl onto her feet, the girl moaning and groaning a bit. As the second commander carried her back to their ship, Marek turned toward Darth Vader.

“And the rebel prisoners?” Marek asked. “What’s to become of them?”

“The distress signal has been set to inform the senate that all aboard are terminated,” Darth Vader informed his apprentice. “See to it that there are no rebels left aboard.”

Galen Marek stood silently before his master, his expression never faltering. He understood very well of his master’s intention and knew well than to disobey an order.

“It shall be done… master,” Marek bowed.

Darth Vader turned to leave for the ship, as Galen Marek turned back toward what remained of the rebel’s ship. Then, opening his hand, a handle is thrust from his hilt to his grip and inside a crystal ignites, shimmering in bright red. The man stares coldly with his lightsaber in hand, marching down the hallway… to cleanse the ship.

Tatooine

A death-white wasteland stretched from horizon to horizon. The tremendous heat of two huge twin suns settled on a lone figure, a farm boy who looked much younger than his eighteen years. His shaggy hair and baggy tunic give him the air of a simple but lovable lad. His name… Luke Skywalker.

A light wind whipped at him, as he adjusted several valves on a large, battered moisture vaporator which stuck out the desert floor like an oil pipe with valves. He is aided by a beat-up tread-robot with six claw arms. The little robot appeared to be barely functioning, moving with jerky motions. A bright sparkle in the morning sky caught Luke’s eye, he instinctively grabbed a pair of electrobinoculars from his utility belt. He stood transfixed for a few moments studying the heavens, then dashed toward his dented, crudely repaired Landspeeder (An auto-like transport that traveled a few feet above the ground on a magnetic-field). He motioned for the tiny robot to follow.

“Hurry up!” Luke called out. “Come with me! Well, what are you waiting for?! Get in gear!”

The robot scooted around in a tight circle, stopped short, and smoke began to pour out of every joint. Luke threw his arms up in disgust. Exasperated, the young farm boy jumped into his Landspeeder leaving the smoldering robot to hum madly. Little did the young man realized, a bright light flashed along the desert landscape… only to disappear just as quickly.

<>

As the heat waves radiated across the scorching desert planet of Tatooine, as the planet’s two suns shined brightly, a group of unconscious humans and a tiny little dog lay motionless along the hot desert floor. A pair of lavender eyes slowly pink open and instantly snapped shut as the blinding rays invaded their vision. Twilight Sparkle slowly sat up, stretching her tired limbs before taking a good long look. Seeing the many dunes along the dense desert landscape, her eyes instantly grew wide, and she looked down toward her unconscious friends.

“Guys!” She yelled. “Guys, wake up!”

As Twilight Sparkle walked around the group, she bumped into the first figure awake. She looked up and her face was stunned at the very sight. The Prince of Peace, a now human Storm Shield, had quite handsome features as a human. With peach colored skin, black hair with red streaks, and teal eyes. He looked over toward Twilight.

“Twilight?” He asked. “Something wrong?”

Twilight Sparkle stared silently, but then quickly snapped out of it as his eyes wandered around worriedly.

“Take a look around,” Twilight gestured.

Rubbing his eyes for a moment, Storm looked around as the others started coming to. At first, it didn’t seem like he noticed anything off. However, once he finally noticed where they were, his eyes too went wide. Only, more of a look of recognition than concern.

“I don’t believe it,” He said amazed.

The rest of the group, one-by-one, started waking up.

“Man… I’ll never get used to falling through that stupid portal,” Rainbow groaned.

“Ya’ll would think after six ah these adventures, we’d be used to it by now,” Applejack added.

Then as the girls turned to each other, they noticed they were no longer their usual pony selves. But rather, they all reverted to their human forms… with one exception.

“Oh my goodness, we’re humans again!” Fluttershy gasped.

“Yippie for you,” Spike moaned, looking at himself. “Of course I end up a dog again!”

“Not only that darling but look at the interesting ensemble we’re wearing!” Rarity pointed out.

Everyone looked down at themselves, noticing they were wearing some rather strange clothing made to fit their own specific selves. Even Storm Shield wore black-and-brown robes.

Of course, Pinkie Pie was most excited about everything currently going on.

“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! OH MY GOSH!!! This is so super-terrifically amazing spectacular wonderfully wow, wow, WOW!!! Look at our clothes; they’re so cute!”

Even Rarity couldn’t deny Pinkie made a good point, as she examined her own attire.

“Normally I’d disagree with you Pinkie, but I must admit this fashion is amazing!”

“Girls, I don’t think our clothes, cool as they may be, is the hot issue right now!” Rainbow Dash interrupted.

“Rainbow’s right,” Twilight agreed. “We’re stuck in our human forms, in an unknown location, with absolutely no way of knowing where we are!”

“Actually, I do,” Storm spoke up.

Everyone turned to face the young prince, all genuinely confused.

“What do you mean Storm?” Twilight asked.

Storm faced all the girls (And Spike), before turning back toward the landscape of the desert planet.

“This planet is called Tatooine, which lies along the Outer Rim of wild space,” He explained. “I’ve been here almost a thousand years ago; matter of fact, I’ve been to ‘many’ planets in this galaxy aside from this one.”

“Was that before you were sealed in the Philosopher’s Stone?” Spike asked.

“Precisely,” Storm nodded. “This galaxy has been at constant war between two heated rivals: the Jedi and the Sith. The Jedi have always been the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, while the Sith seek nothing but chaos and control.”

“Wait, how did you even end up here to begin with?” Rarity asked.

“About a few hundred years when the alliance with the Wizarding World was established, the three tribes managed to figure out a way to traverse through multiple universes through various portals. Mother always told me never to wander, but one night curiosity got the best of me and I ended up traveling through a portal to this dimension.”

“And you’ve traveled to other planets here too right?” Rainbow asked.

“Indeed I have. There are many planets in this galaxy: Hoth, Coruscant, Taris, Balmorra, Alderaan, Quesh, and even here, Tatooine. I could name all the ‘other’ planets in this galaxy, but we’d be here all day.”

Twilight approached Storm, looking toward the sky with a fascinated smile on her face.

“Wow!” She exclaimed excitedly. “I’ve always wondered if there was life anywhere in space. Hearing all that from you it’s… it’s indescribable!”

“Uh Twi, don’t know if you noticed but… there’s no life here,” Rainbow gestured to the barren wasteland.

“On the contrary Rainbow, Tatooine’s actually full of life,” Storm corrected. “That being said, most of the life here are… ‘unfriendly’. There’s Sand People, Jawas… and the Hutts, they are the worst! They practically run this whole place.”

All this made Fluttershy whimper, as she hid herself behind Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Spike leapt up into Twilight’s arms, huddling up as close to her as possible.

“What the hay are Hutts?” Rainbow asked.

“You don’t want to find out,” Storm answered.

It was then Twilight remembered one very important detail. She looked around, recalling they were missing one ‘very’ important member of their group.

“Oh my gosh, where’s Sunset?!” She exclaimed. “I lost hold of her in the portal!”

“I’m sure she’s around here somewhere,” Rarity assured.

This news seemed to worry Storm greatly.

“I’m not too sure about that.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“I mean if she got lost in the portal, there’s no telling where she ended up,” Storm explained truthfully. “For all we know, she might not have ended up on Tatooine.”

“Then we have to go looking for her,” Applejack spoke up.

“And how?” Rainbow asked. “This place is so huge we wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

“Luckily, I still have some things from my time here a thousand years ago,” Storm said.

Storm held up his hand, projecting his red magical aura. Within a moment, and a bright flash of light, there was a black transport speedster with aqua blue trimmings and laser guns sitting before them all.

Everyone stared at the vehicle wide eyed and their mouths hanging open.

“Now that is a stylin’ ride!” Rainbow smirked.

“How are we all going to fit in there?” Rarity asked. “It looks like it barely fits two.”

“Trust me Rarity,” Storm assured her. “This baby’s a lot more roomy than she looks.”

“She?” Spike questioned.

“You heard me! You always refer to these vehicles as a ‘she’.”

Storm opened the hatch, gesturing them all to climb in. Twilight was the first to climb aboard, blushing a bit when Storm offered some assistance. One by one, they all hopped in only to discover it was actually roomy enough to fit them all with plenty of room to spare.

“How is this possible?” Fluttershy asked.

“Magic,” Storm chuckled. “But all joking aside, it’s a simple expansion effect. Looks small on the outside, but much larger on the inside.”

Storm took his place in the driver’s seat, starting up the engine. The transporter sprang to life, ready to carry them to wherever they needed to go.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen, let’s find Sunset!” Storm declared.

“And where do we start first?” Twilight asked.

“I know a place…”

With that, the speeder shot across the desert sand towards where they hoped to be some form of civilization. The journey to find Sunset Shimmer had officially begun…

<>

Meanwhile, as the heat waves radiate from the dozen or so bleached white buildings, Luke piloted his Landspeeder through the dusty empty street of the tiny settlement. An old woman rushed out of the speeding vehicle’s path, shaking her fist at Luke as he flew past.

“I’ve told you kids to slow down!” The woman shouted.

Luke soon burst into the power station, waking ‘The Fixer’, a rugged mechanic, and Camie, a sexy, disheveled girl who has been asleep in his lap. They grumbled as he raced through the office, yelling wildly.

“Did I hear a young noise blast through here?” The Fixer asked.

“It was just wormie on another rampage,” Camie replied.

Luke bounced into a small room behind the office where Deak and Windy, two tough boys around Luke’s age, are playing a computer pool-like game with Biggs, a burly, handsome boy a few years older than the rest. His flashy city attire, a sharp contrast to the loose-fitting tunics of the farm boys, make it clear he was no resident of this place. A robot repaired some equipment in the background.

“Shape it up you guys!” Luke called out, seeing Biggs. “Biggs?”

Luke’s surprise over the appearance of Biggs gave way to great joy and emotion. They give each other a great bear hug.

“I didn’t know you were back! When did you get in?”

“Just now,” Biggs replied. “I wanted to surprise you, hot shot. I thought you’d be here… certainly didn’t expect you to be out working.”

A chuckle escaped Biggs’ lips, while Luke rolled his eyes with annoyance.

“The Academy didn’t change you much…” Luke replied. “But you’re back so soon? Didn’t you get your commission?”

Biggs has an air of cool that seems slightly phony.

“Of course I got it. Signed aboard The Rand Ecliptic last week. First mate Biggs Darklighter at your service…”

Biggs pulled up a salute which came off as slightly playful.

“I just came to say good-bye to all you unfortunate landlocked simpletons.”

Everyone chuckled. The dazzling spectacle of his dashing friend was almost too much for Luke, but suddenly he snapped out of it.

“I almost forgot,” Luke remembered. “There’s a battle going on! Right here in our system. Come and look!”

“Not again!” Deak moaned. “Forget it.”

<>

The group stumbled into the stifling desert sun. Camie and The Fixer complained, forced to shade their eyes. Luke had his binoculars scanning the heavens.

“There they are!” Luke pointed out.

Biggs took the binoculars from Luke, as the others strained to see something with the naked eye. Through the binoculars, Biggs saw two small silver specks.

“That’s no battle, hot shot…” Biggs shook his head. “They’re just sitting there! Probably a freighter-tanker refueling.”

“But there was a lot of firing earlier…”

Camie grabbed the binoculars away banging them against the building in the process. Luke grabbed them back.

“Easy with those!” Luke frowned.

“Don’t worry about it, Wormie,” Camie teased.

The Fixer gave Luke a hard look and the young farm boy shrugged his shoulders in resignation.

“I keep telling you, the Rebellion is a long way from here,” The Fixer spoke, matter-of-factly. “I doubt if the Empire would even fight to keep this system. Believe me Luke, this planet is a big hunk of nothing…”

Luke agreed, although it’s obvious he isn’t sure why. The group stumbled back into the power station, grumbling about Luke’s ineptitude. Luke Skywalker was just about to join the group when his ears picked up a sound. He turned around and looming in the distance an object seemed to come toward him. His eyes tried to adjust thinking it might be a mirage. But as it got closer, it turned out to be a zooming black transport speedster approaching the building. The vehicle slowed to a stop at the foot of the boy’s feet, as the hatch opened up revealing the pilot… Storm Shield.

“Morning sir,” Storm greeted.

“Um… hello,” Luke replied, uncertainly.

“I was wondering if you could help us out,” Storm continued. “We’re trying to find someone, but the engine’s acting up. And if you can, we’d like to know if there’s a joint that could provide some drinks for me and my friends.”

“Friends?”

Storm Shield nodded, before lifting himself out of the vehicle. To Luke’s surprise, six female heads peeked out from the hatch. One of the girls, the only one with glasses, held a purple dog with green tufts of fur in her hands. It took a moment for Luke to process the entire scenario.

“I’ll… see what I can do,” Luke spoke.

<>

Elsewhere, in another part of Tatooine, the escape pod carrying C-3PO and R2-D2 crash landed in Jundland (‘No Man’s Land’ as the natives call it), where the rugged desert mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-droids kick up clouds of sand as they leave the lifepod and clumsily work their way across the desert wasteland. The lifepod in the distance rested half buried in the sand.

“How did we get into this mess?” 3PO complained. “I really don’t know how. We seem to be made to suffer. It’s our lot in life.”

R2 answered with a series of beeping sounds.

“I’ve got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are almost frozen.”

R2 kept responding with beeping sounds, as C-3PO looked around the seemingly empty landscape.

“What a desolate place this is.”

Suddenly, R2 whistled and made a sharp right turn. 3PO turned as the little droid started off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas.

“Where do you think you’re going?” 3PO yelled.

A stream of electronic noises pours fourth from the small robot.

“Well, I’m not going that way. It’s much too rocky. This way is much easier.”

R2 countered with a lengthy whistle.

“What makes you think there are settlements over there?”

R2 continued to make beeping sounds.

“Don’t get technical with me!”

And R2 continued making beeping sounds.

“What mission? What are you talking about?” 3PO asked, growing annoyed. “I’ve had just about enough of you! Go that way! You’ll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap pile!”

3PO gave the little robot a kick and started off in the direction of the vast dune sea.

“And don’t let me catch you following me begging for help, because you won’t get it.”

R2’s reply was a rather rude sound. He turned and trudged off in the direction of the towering mesas, turning briefly toward 3PO who barely acknowledge R2.

“No more adventures!” 3PO called out. “I’m not going that way.”

R2 beeped to himself as he made his way toward the distant mountains, while 3PO took off in the opposite direction.

<>

Across the Dune Sea, C-3PO, hot and tired, struggled up over the ridge of a dune. Before his sights came several more dunes, which seem to go on for endless miles. He turned back to the direction of the now distant rock mesas.

“That malfunctioning little twerp, this is all his fault!” 3PO grumbled. “He tricked me into going this way, but he’ll do no better!”

In a huff of anger and frustration, 3PO knocked the sand from his joints. His plight seemed hopeless, when a glint of reflected light in the distance revealed an object moving toward him.

“Wait, what’s that?” 3PO observed, brightening. “A transport! I’m saved!”

The bronze android waved frantically, yelling at the approaching transport.

“Over here! Hey, hey! Help! Please, help!”

<>

Back at the Power Station, in the Anchorhead Settlement, Luke Skywalker shares a conversation with their new guests. Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, and their friends gathered together along a table sharing a malt brew. Not their first choice for a quick drink, but anything to quench their thirst from the dying sun (Course, they had to keep a ‘special eye’ on Pinkie Pie). Meanwhile, Fixer and the others are heard working.

“… so I cut off my power, shut down the afterburners and came in low on Deak’s trail,” Luke explained, animated. “I was so close I thought I was going to fry my instruments.”

“Then what happened?” Rainbow asked.

“As it was, I busted up the Skyhopper pretty badly,” Luke continued. “Uncle Owen was pretty upset. He grounded me for the rest of the season. You should have been there… it was…”

“Awesome?” Rainbow asked.

“Fantastic!”

“Heh… my answer’s better.”

“You ought to take it easy Luke,” Biggs spoke, approaching the boy. “You may be the hottest bushpilot this side of Mos Eisley, but those little Skyhoppers are dangerous.”

“Oh yes, I’ve seen what happens around Skyhoppers,” Storm nodded in agreement. “One minute, you’re driving at an accelerated rate and next… WHAMMO! You’re nothing more than a dark spot on the downside of a canyon wall.”

“Exactly!” Biggs nodded.

“Look who’s talking,” Luke argued, toward Biggs. “Now that you’ve been around those giant starships you’re beginning to sound like my uncle. You’ve gotten soft in the city…”

“I’ve missed you kid,” Biggs smirked.

“You two seem like pretty good friends,” Twilight observed.

“Oh yeah, we go way back,” Biggs replied. “And you are?”

“Oh! Where are my manners?” Twilight replied. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. And my friends over here are Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Storm Shield…”

“Ahem!”

Twilight looked toward the ground, seeing Spike scuffing her leg with his paw and raising a brow. She sighed with an eye roll, as she lifted her friend onto her lap.

“And this is Spike,” Twilight smiled.

“Luke Skywalker, nice to meet you,” Luke replied. “Things haven’t been the same since Biggs left. It gets so… quiet here.”

“There’s nothing wrong with a place being quiet is there?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

Luke merely shrugged, as Biggs leaned toward Luke.

“Listen Luke, I didn’t come back just to say good-bye…” Biggs confessed. “I shouldn’t tell you this, but you’re the only one I can trust… and if I don’t come back, I want somebody to know.”

Luke’s eyes widened over Biggs’ seriousness and loyalty. The latter turned as the girls and Storm leaned in curiously.

“This is kind of a ‘private’ conversation,” Biggs pointed out.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about us Biggsy!” Pinkie replied. “We absolutely, positively promise not to let anyone else know about it.”

“… Promise?” Biggs asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Pinkie promised, with the gestures.

Biggs nodded slowly, as he gestured for the group to come closer.

“I made some friends at the Academy,” He whispered. “When our frigate goes to one of the central systems, we’re going to jump ship and join the Alliance…”

Luke, amazed and stunned, was almost speechless… ‘almost’.

“Join the Rebellion?! Are you kidding!”

“How in tarnation y’all plan on doin’ that?” Applejack asked.

“Quiet down will ya!” Biggs hissed. “Sheesh, got mouths bigger than a meteor crater! Anyway, my friend has a friend on Bestine who might help us make contact.”

“You’re crazy!” Luke whispered. “You could wander around forever trying to find them.”

“I know it’s a long shot, but if I don’t them I’ll do what I can on my own,” Biggs explained. “It’s what we always talked about. Luke, I’m not going to wait for the Empire to draft me into service. The Rebellion is spreading, and I want to be on the right side—the side I believe in.”

“And I’m stuck here…” Luke sighed.

“What about this Academy we’ve been hearing about?” Twilight inquired. “If there’s a term coming up, maybe you should consider applying.”

“Not likely! I had to cancel my application.”

“Why?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“There has been a lot of unrest among the Sand People… they’ve even raided the outskirts of Anchorhead.”

“Your uncle could hold off a whole colony of Sand People with one blaster,” Biggs pointed out.

“I know,” Luke nodded. “But he’s got enough vaporators going to make the place pay off. He needs me for just one more season. I can’t leave him now.”

“I know the feelin’ sugar cube,” Applejack replied, understanding. “In the farm where I came from, our family’s always workin’ hard during the busiest season of the year. Cider Season’s the busiest… it takes time and a lot of hooves to provide the best cider for every po—everyone we do business with. Hardly any time for playin’.”

“I feel for you,” Biggs assured. “But you Luke are going to have to learn what seems to be important or what really is important. What good is all your uncle’s work if it’s taken over by the Empire?... You know they’re starting to nationalize commerce in the central systems… it won’t be long before your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving for the greater glory of the Empire.”

“Goodness!” Rarity gasped.

“Wait, what about that thing you said of how those ‘Empire’ guys won’t bother with this rock?” Rainbow pointed out. “No offense, Luke.”

“None taken,” Luke replied.

“Things always change,” Biggs replied.

“I wish I was going…” Luke sighed. “Are you going to be around long?”

“No, I’m leaving in the morning…”

“Ah, but we only just met!” Pinkie whined. “That means we probably won’t be seeing you for a couple dozen chapters or two!”

Everyone turned toward Pinkie Pie in confusion. Rainbow’s facial expression toward the two boys easily translated to, ‘Don’t ask’.

“Maybe someday…” Biggs spoke hopefully. “I’ll keep a lookout.”

“Well, I’ll be at the Academy next season… after that who knows?” Luke shrugged. “I won’t be drafted into the Imperial Starfleet that’s for sure… take care of yourself, you’ll always be the best friend I’ve got.”

“So long, Luke,” Biggs spoke.

Biggs turned away from his old friend, heading toward the far end of the power station. Luke sighed as the group slowly approached the farm boy. Twilight placed a hand upon his shoulder, causing him to turn.

“I know it might not mean much,” Twilight replied. “But perhaps until you and Biggs see each other again, we can be your friends if you want.”

Luke glanced silently toward Twilight and the group, seven young teenagers (Roughly) and a little dog that he only just met. Yet for some strange reason, he had a good feeling about this group as if there’s a special quality about them. A smile formed on his face, until The Fixer turned a corner.

“Your transport’s fixed up,” The Fixer replied. “Hope you got the money for this job.”

“Way ahead of you,” Storm replied. “Excuse me a second, ladies.”

Storm made his way toward the Fixer to discuss the matter of payment. That left Luke Skywalker alone with the girls and Spike.

“So… where are you guys staying while looking for this friend of yours?” Luke asked.

“Well… truth be told we don’t really know this place very well,” Twilight answered honestly. “We were honestly just passing through and hoping we might meet someone who’d know.”

“I’d let you all stay at my place,” Luke offered. “But it’s going to be tough convincing Uncle Owen.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t want tah take advantage of the hospitality,” Applejack assured. “We’ll be happy to work it off.”

“We?” Rainbow asked, till A.J. nudged her. “I mean, yeah… work’s cool. We can do that.”

“Hmm… well, if you’re all willing to follow me, I can at least show you where I live,” Luke spoke. “It’s actually not that far from here.”

“Sounds great!” Spike replied.

Luke looked down toward the little dog, realizing that he just spoke.

“Uh, I mean… woof?” Spike added sheepishly.

Luke looks up toward Twilight Sparkle.

“It’s kind of a long story…” Twilight smiled sheepishly.

Nevertheless, what matters now was that together they found a place to stay for the time begin. Whether or not this would get them any closer to finding Sunset Shimmer or not, just to at least have something close to shelter while in Tatooine would be more than enough for the group. Considering that they don’t know this place, apart from Storm Shield, nor do they hardly know anyone else here, they could use all the help they can get. Who knows what they’d run into if they stuck around these canyons at night?

<>

Elsewhere, the gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange foreboding mist, the ominous sounds of unearthly creatures filled the air. R2-D2 moved cautiously through the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise. He heard a distant, hard, metallic sound, and stopped for a moment. Convinced he’s alone, he continued on his way.

In the distance, a pebble tumbled down the steep canyon wall as a small dark figure darted into the shadows. A little further up the canyon, a slight flicker of light revealed a pair of eyes in the dark recesses only a few feet from the narrow path.

The unsuspecting robot waddled along the rugged trail till suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shot from the rocks and engulfed him in an eerie glow. He managed one short electronic squeak before toppling over forward. His bright computer lights flickered off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurried three Jawas, no taller than R2. They holster strange, complex weapons as they cautiously approached the robot. They wear grubby cloaks and their faces shrouded so only their glowing eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot onto their shoulders and carry him off down the trail.

The eight Jawas carry R2 out of the canyon toward a huge tank-like vehicle the size of a four-story house. They weld a small disk on the side of R2, then placed him under a large tube on the side of the vehicle and the little robot was sucked into the giant machine. The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small ladders and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.

<>

It was dim inside the hold area of the vehicle called the Sandcrawler. R2 switched on a small floodlight along his forehead, stumbling around the scrap heap. The narrow beam swung across rusty metal rocket parts and an array of grotesquely twisted, maimed astro-robots. He channeled a pathetic electronic whimper, as he stumbled off toward what appeared to be a door at the end of the chamber.

R2 entered a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In the middle of the scrap heap sat a dozen or so robots of various shapes and size. Some engaged in electronic conversation, others simply milled about. A voice of recognition called out from the gloom.

“R2?”

A battered C-3PO scrambled up toward R2 and embraced him.

“R2-D2! It is you! It is you!”

And as all this happened, the enormous Sandcrawler lumbered off toward the magnificent twin suns which slowly set over a distant mountain ridge.

Torture and Sandcrawlers

Darkness… despair… the only factors greeting Sunset Shimmer, the moment she finally regained consciousness after being knocked out. She quickly discovered she was in a dark, damp prison cell. Where she currently resided, she had no idea. One thing was utterly certain: She needed to get out now. She thought of calling out for help, but who would possibly be here to help her? Her friends were Celestia only knows where, they probably have no idea where she even is. It would seem that it was up to her.

Walking over to the cell door, she focused all her magical ability on unlocking it. Suddenly, an invisible sensation flung her backwards and she hit hard against the cold steel wall. Groaning in pain, she looked up and none other than Galen Marek a.k.a. Starkiller stood before her, glaring at her.

“Try as you may, you’ll never get out,” He spoke lowly. “This cell was designed specifically to contain even the most powerful force wielders. You’re not getting out unless you are let out… and even if you do, there’s no escape from here.”

Sunset picked herself up along her wobbling legs, weakly walking forward to grip the metal bars of her prison.

“Please…” She begged. “Just let me out of here. I don’t even know what’s going on.”

“Do not lie to me, Jedi scum,” Starkiller said venomously. “My master and I scoured the galaxy for years hunting your kind. We’d thought we eradicated all of you, but seems you managed to stay hidden… until now.”

“I told you… I’m not a Jedi!” Sunset croaked. “I don’t even know what they are; I’m not even from here!”

Marek merely chuckled darkly over her response.

“Typical Jedi lies… you’ll say anything for sympathy.”

“No really, I’m serious!” Sunset shot back. “I can prove it… if you’ll let me out.”

Starkiller stalked slowly and methodically toward her cell. Sunset stood back, as his icy glare penetrated through her very core.

“You can’t fool me,” He sneered. “Now that you are in the heart of the Empire, soon you’ll be gone… the same as all the Jedie before you.

To emphasize what he meant, Marek pulled the hilt of his lightsaber and ignited the blood red blade within. It pierced through the metal bars of the cell, nearly hitting Sunset’s chest. Thankfully, she had the knowledge to back away. Feeling the heat emanating from the blade, add to being locked in a cell, Sunset finally broke down as she collapsed upon the floor and cried.

Seeing this actually made Marek break his menacing demeanor, if only for a split second. Instead, as he deactivated his lightsaber and returned it in his robes, he stared at the sobbing girl… and he was confused.

“I’ve known the Jedi to weep,” He spoke confused. “Unless they maintain their will and strength till the end.”

Sunset looked at him again, tears streaming down her face.

“I told you… I’m not… a Jedi,” She spoke, between sobs.

Starkiller looked at her, almost in contemplation, as she lowered her head once more. Just then, the sound of opening cell room door made Starkiller stand at attention as three figured entered the room. Based on their physique, they were all female, demonstrated by their slim, slender bodies. They all wore dark armor and matching helmets signifying them as Darth Vader’s Inquisitors.

The one leading the group approached Starkiller.

“Has the prisoner said anything yet?” She asked in a disguised robotic voice.

“No, she has not,” Starkiller responded. “She only just awoke when I arrived, Third Sister.”

The Third Sister turned back toward the other two inquisitors and nodded her head. They opened the cell door, drawing Sunset out before clamping her wrists with special cuffs that restrict force magic. The Third Sister approached Sunset and snatched her chin violently in her hand.

“W-W-What do you w-want from m-me?” Sunset sobbed.

“The Emperor wishes an audience with you,” The Third Sister responded simply.

The three inquisitors proceed to drag Sunset from the cell block as the door closed behind them. This left Starkiller standing alone, frozen in thought.

<>

The inquisitors dragged Sunset through the halls of the Imperial Palace toward what could only be described as the throne room. Dragged into the room, Sunset looked up and noticed a giant throne carved into a dark rock formation.

And sitting upon that sinister throne, a ghastly figured sat upon it. A figure completely covered by a robe from head to toe. But as it raised its head to look upon their ‘guest’, it appeared to resemble a rather ‘old’ man, yet his eyes scream with evil.

With a silent gesture of his left hand, the Inquisitors release Sunset, bow before their master, and casually step back. Sunset looked on as a force unclipped the cuffs from her arms, the girl rubs her wrist as the figure spoke.

“Take a good look around child,” He spoke sinisterly. “What do you see?”

Although frightened with horror, Sunset complied and looked around the throne room. It was difficult to see inside granted it was so dark. There was barely anything that stuck out apart from the usual trimmings and walls. The doorways from which they entered… but otherwise not much to look at.

“I see many ways you can try to escape from here. Walls that can be torn down, a floor to dig through, and perhaps you may try to run through that door… all of them fruitless attempts. But your bravery will not go unnoted.”

“W-W-Who are you?” Sunset quivered, with fear.

The old man in the black robe slowly rose from the throne, assuming his full height before her.

“I am Emperor Palpatine,” He introduced himself. “Dark Lord of the Sith in the Order of the Sith Lords. But you would not know that don’t you child?”

“P-P-Please… I have no idea what’s going on here. But this was all just a very big mistake. I came aboard this ship in the stars after I—“

“Stumbled here… from another world…”

The way the Emperor finished her sentence before she could, as if he could read into her mind, took Sunset Shimmer aback. The emperor merely chuckled sadistically while his Inquisitors remained silent.

“I’ve sensed from the moment you stepped into my galaxy that you are not like those I have come across in all my years,” The Emperor continued. “And yet I also sense something ‘special’ about you. A power even beyond my own imagination that no mere human like yourself should be able to possess, much less control… and yet… and yet you’re not even a human… are you?”

Sunset Shimmer almost answered that question, but then thought against it. While she had no idea what this person was capable of, this she learned from Celestia: Anything she says could be used against her and put others at risk. Instead she just looked toward the Emperor, trying to be brave even in an otherwise chilling atmosphere.

“I just… want to go home…” Sunset spoke. “I have a family… my friends… whatever you are planning, I have nothing to do with it!”

“Oh young Sunset Shimmer…” The Emperor smiled evilly. “I think you know as well as I why I can’t just let you leave.”

“How did—”

“You’re terrible at hiding things from me, Sunset. I can sense every part of your life just by looking at you. And as I was saying, you are more than just a human girl… likewise, you never were. You came from a world that wasn’t even yours from the start; you were born in a world where power such as yours are abundant. I trust you are aware I’ve been hunting down such power, bending those who harness it to their knees and fall before a might beyond measure.”

“… Are you going to kill me?”

“Maybe… maybe not… you wouldn’t be brought to me personally if my apprentices had not suspected you could be of some used to me. And I wouldn’t have dropped everything else if I did not see reason to believe you are ‘special’ in a sense. So let’s make this easy: Tell me about your power, be willing to share it under my rule, and no harm will come to you.”

Sunset Shimmer could feel something trying to claw its way through her mind, she grunted as she struggled to fight back against it. She gritted her teeth and stared down upon the Emperor, fighting tears threatening to come out. Meanwhile, the Emperor was completely still barely showing any effort. After a moment, something seemed to come to mind.

“Interesting… I can feel that your will is very powerful,” The Emperor nodded slowly. “Oh yes… I can see why they chose to let you live. But nevertheless, Sunset Shimmer… we have ways of making you… talk.”

<>

Moments later, Sunset found herself strapped down to a cold metal slab in the Emperor’s Torture chamber. The sick, maniacal Emperor himself stood off to the side as he watched with a wicked smile. The inquisitors had tightened the straps to the point Sunset was completely immobilized, utterly defenseless. Sunset looked over with tears in her eyes, as Palpatine slowly made his way toward her side.

“Please… please don’t do this,” She begged quietly.

Palpatine raised a shriveled hand from his robe, gently dragging it down her face as her tears fell. He chuckled with evil satisfaction as he stepped back.

“You have the power to make this all stop my dear,” He said gruffly. “You need only agree to be my apprentice and give in to the dark side. However much pain and torment you receive beforehand is entirely up to you. Now… you will experience the full power of the dark side.”

Palpatine raised his hands and bluish-purple lightning streamed from his fingers and contact Sunset. The fiery haired teen screamed in pure agony, the bolts of force lightning ravaging her body with unbelievable pain. She allowed her tears to fall from her eyes, as the torture continued on for hours.

Unbeknownst to her… this was only the beginning.

<>

The following day, four Imperial stormtroopers mill about in front of the half-buried lifepod that brought R2-D2 and C-3PO to Tatooine. A trooped yelled off to an officer some distance away.

“Someone was in the pod,” The First Trooper reported. “The tracks go off in this direction.”

A second trooper picked up a small bit of metal out from the sand and gives it to the first trooper.

“Look, sir—droids,” The Second Trooper spoke.

<>

The Sandcrawler moved slowly along a great sand dune. Inside, C-3PO and R2-D2 noisily bounce along inside the cramped prison chamber. R2 seemed to be shut off.

“Wake up!” C-3PO shouted. “Wake up!”

Suddenly, the shaking and bouncing of the Sandcrawler comes to a complete stop, creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. C-3PO’s fist banged the head of Artoo, whose computer lights popped on as he began beeping. At the far end of the long chamber, a hatch opened, filling the chamber with blinding white light. A dozen or so Jawas made their way through the odd assortment of robots.

“We’re doomed,” 3PO whimpered, turning to R2. “Do you think they’ll melt us down?”

R2 responds through a series of beeping sounds. A Jawa starts moving toward them with a threatening object.

“Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!” 3PO cried, raising his arms. “Will this never end?”

The Jawas mutter gibberish as they busily line up their battered captives, including R2 and 3PO, in front of the enormous Sandcrawler, which parked beside a small homestead consisting of three large holes in the ground surrounded by several tall moisture vaporators and one small adobe block house.

The Jawas scurry around fussing over the robots, straightening them up or brushing some dust from a dented metallic elbow. The shrouded little creatures smell horribly, attracting small insects to the dark areas where their mouths and nostrils should be.

Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limped Owen Lars, a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish eyes are sunken in a dust-covered face. As the farmer carefully inspected each robot, he was closely followed by his slump-shouldered nephew, Luke Skywalker, and two of the girls, Twilight Sparkle and Applejack.

Ever since Luke Skywalker lead them to where he and his family stayed, it truly took some time convincing his family (Especially Owen) to permit the group to stay with them till they could find their friend. The family would only agree to let them stay if and ONLY if they agreed to help with some of the chores. Granted most of them weren’t familiar with their work to know what was needed, but with Storm’s prior knowledge of what they do on Tatooine they managed the best they could. Least they were kind enough to offer a place to sleep, though not many beds to spare of course.

One of the vile little Jawas walked ahead of the farmer spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer, unintelligible language while the girls stayed close to Luke.

“Applejack! Twilight!”

A voice called out from one of the huge holes forming the homestead. Luke and the girls went over the edge and saw his Aunt Beru standing in the main courtyard.

“Luke, tell Owen that if he gets a translator to be sure it speaks Bocce,” Beru requested.

“It looks like we don’t have much of a choice, but I’ll remind him,” Luke called back.

“Thanks for the heads up, Miss Beru!” Twilight called.

The three return to Luke’s uncle, as they look over the equipment for sale with the Jawa leader.

“I have no need for a protocol droid,” Owen informed.

“Sir—not in an environment such as this—” 3PO replied quickly. “That’s why I’ve also been programmed for over thirty secondary functions that…”

“What I really need is a droid that understands the binary language of moisture vaporators.”

“Vaporators! Sir—my first job was programming binary load lifter… very similar to your vaporators. You could say…”

“Do you speak Bocce?”

“Of course I can, sir. It’s like a second language for me… I’m as fluent in Bocce…”

“All right shut up!” Owen interrupted, facing the Jawa. “I’ll take this one.”

“Shutting up, sir,” C-3PO spoke meekly.

“Luke, you and the girls take these two over to the garage, will you?” Owen instructed. “I want you to have both of them cleaned up before dinner.”

“Sure thing, Mr. Owen sir,” Twilight replied.

“But I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters…” Luke whined.

“You can waste time with your friends when your chores are done,” Owen retorted.

“Better listen to him, Luke,” Applejack shook her head. “Let’s just get to it.”

“All right, come on!” Luke ushered. “And the red one, come on.”

But at first, the one red droid seemed resistant to follow.

“Well, come on, Red, let’s go!”

While the three make their way back to the Homestead, Fluttershy comes up from the building and looks ahead. As the Jawas start leading the three remaining robots back into the Sandcrawler, she sees R2-D2 release a pathetic little beep and starts after his old friend, C-3PO. Unfortunately, he was restrained by a slimy Jawa, who zapped him with a control box.

“Aw… the poor little guy,” Fluttershy sighed sympathetically.

Meanwhile, as Owen was negotiating with the head Jawa, Luke, the two girls, and the robots start off for the garage when suddenly…

*BANG!*

A plate popped off the head of the red Astro-droid’s head plate, sparks flew wildly out of its circuits.

“What in tarnation!” Applejack shouted. “Mr. Owen!”

“Yeah?” Owen called out.

“This R2 unit has a bad motivator,” Luke pointed out. “Look!”

“Hey, what’re you trying to push on us?” Owen confronted the Head Jawa.

The Jawa goes into a loud spiel. Meanwhile, R2 snuck out of the line and moved up and down trying to attract attention. He released a low whistle, which draws the attention of the others, who peek their heads from the building. Storm Shield made his way out toward Luke and their friends.

“Excuse me, Mr. Skywalker,” Storm approached Luke. “But I think that R2 unit seems to be in prime condition.”

“Oh yes, indeed,” 3PO nodded, in agreement. “He is a real bargain.”

“Uncle Owen…” Luke called out.

“Yeah?” Owen answered.

“What about that one?”

“What about that blue one?” Owen addressed the Jawa. “We’ll take that one.”

With little reluctance, the scruffy dwarf traded the damaged Astro-droid for R2.

“Yeah, take it away,” Luke gestured.

“Uh, I’m quite sure you’ll be very pleased with that one, sir,” 3PO assured. “He really is in first-class condition. I’ve worked with him before. Here he comes.”

Owen paid off the whining Jawa, as Luke, the two robots, and the group trudge off toward a grimy homestead entry.

“As long as he’s willin’ to help out,” Applejack assured. “Can’t see why not.”

“Okay,” Luke nodded. “Let’s go.”

As they near the entrance to the homestead, 3PO turned toward R2.

“Now, don’t you forget this! Why I should stick my neck out for you is quite beyond my capacity!”

Nearby, Rarity caught a stench in the air. Sniffing around, she turned toward the droids and cringed over how battered and filthy they are.

“First thing we ought to do is get you boys cleaned up,” Rarity declared.

<>

Inside the Homestead, the garage was cluttered and worn. And yet, it was a friendly, peaceful atmosphere permeating the low grey chamber. C-3PO lowered himself into a large tub filled with warm oil. Near the two Landspeeders, little R2 rested along a large battery with a cord to his face.

“There we go, Mr. Roboto sir,” Pinkie jokingly replied. “A nice warm bath for you… and you’ll be shiny as gold in no time.”

“Thank the maker!” 3PO sighed. “This oil bath is going to feel so good. I’ve got such a bad case of dust contamination I can barely move!”

R2-D2 beeped a muffled reply. While some of the girls chuckled over the robot’s comment, they turned toward Luke, who seemed lost in his thoughts. He ran his hand over the damaged fin of a small two-man Skyhopper spaceship resting in a low hangar off the garage. Finally, Luke’s frustration got the better of him and he slammed the wrench across the workbench.

“Everything all right, Luke?” Spike asked curiously.

“It just isn’t fair,” Luke whined. “Oh, Biggs is right. I’m never gonna get out of here!”

“Never say ‘never’ Luke,” Pinkie replied. “If we started doing that, why we’d never know where to find Sun—”

Pinkie stopped mid-sentence when all her friends looked at her silently.

“You’re right… too soon.”

“Is there anything I might do to help?” 3PO offered.

Luke glanced toward the battered robot. A bit of his anger drained, as a tiny smile crept across his face.

“Well, not unless you can alter time, speed up the harvest, or teleport me off this rock!”

“Where we come from, we can do some of those spells,” Twilight admitted uncomfortably. “But I wouldn’t recommend altering time… it’s verydangerous.”

“And I’m only a droid,” 3PO added. “Not very knowledgeable about such things… not on this planet, anyways. As a matter of fact, I’m not even sure which planet I’m on.”

“Well, if there’s a bright center to the universe,” Luke replied. “You’re on the planet that it’s farthest from.”

“That is the ‘nicer’ way to describe Tatooine,” Storm shrugged.

“I see, Sir Luke,” 3PO nodded.

“Just Luke,” Luke chuckled.

“And I am C-3PO, human-cyborg, and this is my counterpart, R2-D2.”

“Hello,” Luke greeted.

R2 beeped in response. Luke unplugged the droid and began scraping several connectors on the robot’s head with a chrome pick. 3PO climbed out of the oil tub and began wiping oil from his bronze body. Twilight Sparkle approached R2-D2, examining the mechanical being.

“Wow… you boys must have seen a lot of action,” Twilight observed.

“With all we’ve been through Ms. Sparkle, sometimes I’m amazed we’re in as good condition as we are,” 3PO replied. “What with the Rebellion and all.”

“You know of the Rebellion against the Empire?” Luke asked, wide-eyed.

“That’s how we came to be in your service, if you take my meaning, sir.”

“When you say you’ve known the rebellion, does that mean you’ve been part of many battles?” Rainbow asked. “That would be cool!”

“Several, I think,” 3PO guessed. “Actually, there’s not much to tell. I’m not much more than an interpreter, and not very good at telling stories. Well, not at making them interesting, anyways.”

“You mean like the eyes of the soldiers in combat?” Storm inquired.

“You can say that.”

Luke struggled to remove a small metal fragment along R2’s neck joint. He used a larger pick.

“Well, my little friend, you’ve got something jammed in here real good,” Luke observed. “Were you on a cruiser or…”

Suddenly, the fragment broke loose with a snap, sending Luke tumbling head over heels. As the group helped him up, a twelve-inch three-dimensional hologram of Leia Organa, the Rebel senator, projected from little R2’s face. The image was a rainbow of colors, flickering and jiggling in the dimly lit garage. Luke’s mouth hung open in awe.

“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Leia spoke. “You’re my only hope…”

“W-W-W-What’s that?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

R2 looked around, sheepishly beeping an answer for 3PO to translate. Leia kept repeating the sentence fragment over and over.

“What is what?!?” 3PO asked, pointing at Leia. “He asked you a question… what is that?”

R2 whistled his surprise, pretending to just notice the hologram. He looked around, sheepishly beeping an answer for 3PO to translate. The Equestrians studied Leia, who kept repeating the sentence fragment over and over.

“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope… Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope…”

“Oh, he says it’s nothing, sir,” 3PO assured. “Merely a malfunction. Old data. Pay it no mind.”

But Luke and the group are still intrigued by the beautiful girl.

“That voice…” Spike spoke softly. “I heard that before…”

“Is that who you heard when the portal opened?” Rarity asked Spike.

“I’m sure it is… I think…”

“Who is she?” Luke asked. “She’s beautiful.”

“I’m afraid I’m not quite sure, sir,” 3PO shrugged.

“Hmm…” Storm pondered, wincing his eyes.

“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi…”

“I think she was a passenger on our last voyage,” 3PO implied. “A person of some importance, sir—I believe. Our captain was attached to…”

“Yeah, yeah… is there more to this recording?” Rainbow asked.

Rainbow reached for R2, but he lets out several frantic squeaks and a whistle. Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash back.

“Behave yourself, Dash,” Applejack scolded. “Whatever’s goin’ on, this is sensitive information.”

“It’s all right, you can trust them,” 3PO assured R2. “They’re our new masters.”

“Well, technically Luke’s the…” Pinkie began, stopping herself. “Dang it, Mudbriar!”

R2 whistled and beeped a lengthy message for 3PO.

“He says he’s the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi, a resident of these parts,” 3PO translated. “And it’s a private message for him. Quite frankly, I don’t know what he’s talking about. Our last master was Captain Antilles, but with what we’ve been through, this little R2 unit has become a bit eccentric.”

“Obi-Wan Kenobi?” Twilight questioned.

“Obi-Wan…” Storm repeated, stroking his chin.

“I wonder if he means old Ben Kenobi?” Luke inquired.

“I beg your pardon, Luke,” Rarity spoke up. “But do you know what little R2 is talking about?”

“Well, I don’t know anyone named ‘Obi-Wan’,” Luke admitted. “But old Ben lives out beyond the dune sea. He’s kind of a strange old hermit.”

Luke gazed toward the beautiful young princess for a few moments.

“I wonder who she is.”

“Whomever she is, sounds like she’s in terrible trouble,” Twilight observed. “But the only way to know more about the princess is to replay the whole message.”

“You sure you don’t just want to compare yourself to a fellow princess?” Storm asked, smirking.

“… No!” Twilight denied, turning away.

R2 beeped something for 3PO.

“He says the restraining bolt has short circuited his recording system,” 3PO translated. “He suggests that if you remove the bolt, he might be able to play back the entire recording.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Pinkie smiled.

Luke gazed longingly at the lovely, little princess. It seemed he really hadn’t heard what 3PO was saying at all.

“H’m? Oh yeah, well I guess you’re too small to run away on me if I take this off! Okay.”

Luke took a wedged bar and popped the restraining bolt off R2’s side.

“There you go,” Luke sighed.

But just as Luke looked back, the Princess immediately disappeared.

“Hey, wait a minute!” Rainbow cried out.

“Where’d she go?” Fluttershy asked.

“Bring her back!” Luke demanded. “Play back the entire message.”

R2 beeped an innocent reply, as 3PO sat up in embarrassment.

“What message? The one you’re carrying inside your rusty innards!”

“Luke?” Aunt Beru called out. “Girls! Come to dinner!”

Luke stood up, shaking his head toward the malfunctioning robot.

“All right, we’ll be right there, Aunt Beru,” Luke called out.

“I’m sorry, but he appears to have picked up a slight flutter,” 3PO apologized.

“It’s fine 3PO,” Storm assured. “We’ll see what we can do with him later.”

“We’ll be right back,” Luke concluded.

Luke tossed R2’s restraining bolt on the workbench and hurried out the room, the Equestrians following close behind.

“Just you reconsider playing that message for him,” C-3PO demanded R2-D2.

R2 beeped in response.

“No, I don’t think he likes you at all.”

R2 beeped.

“No, I don’t like you either.”

<>

Later, in the dining area, Luke’s Aunt Beru, a warm, motherly woman, filled a pitcher with blue fluid from a refrigerated container in the well-used kitchen. She put the pitcher on a tray with some bowls of food and starts for the dining area. Luke and the rest sat with Uncle Owen before a table covered with steaming bowls of food, as Aunt Beru carried a bowl of red grain. Spike sat by the floor, munching some food in a dish made for him.

“Ya know, if I didn’t know better,” Applejack replied. “I think y’all just purchased a stolen R2 unit thing.”

“What makes you think that Applejack?” Owen asked.

“Well, we stumbled across a recording while I was cleaning him,” Luke explained.

“Says he belongs to someone called ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’,” Pinkie added. “And I don’t mean Oobedoob Scoobi-Doobi Benubi either.”

Owen was greatly alarmed at the mention of his name (The former, not the latter). But somehow, he managed to control himself.

“I thought he might have meant old Ben,” Luke continued. “Do you know what he’s talking about?”

“Maybe he’s related to Ben,” Fluttershy guessed. “Maybe brothers… if that’s okay to imply.”

Owen breaks loose with a fit of uncontrolled anger.

“That old man’s just a crazy old wizard,” Owen insisted. “Tomorrow, I want you to take that R2 unit into Anchorhead and have its memory flushed. That’ll be the end of it. It belongs to us now.”

“With all due respect Mr. Owen, what if this Obi-Wan comes looking for him?” Twilight asked.

“He won’t, I don’t think he exists anymore. He died about the same time as your father.”

“He knew my father?” Luke asked, surprised.

“I told you to forget it!” Owen scolded. “Your only concern is to prepare the new droids for tomorrow. In the morning, I want them on the south ridge working out those condensers.”

“Yes, sir,” The girls and Storm spoke.

“I’m sure those new droids are going to work just swimmingly,” Rarity assured.

“In fact, I, uh, was also thinking about our agreement about my staying on another season,” Luke spoke up. “And if these new droids do work out, I want to transmit my application to the Academy this year.”

Owen’s face became a scowl, although he tried to suppress it.

“You mean the next semester before harvest?”

“Why not, sir?” Storm replied. “Seems to be there’s more than enough droids around here to keep the farm in tip-top form.”

“Harvest is when we need Luke the most,” Owen insisted. “Only one more season. This year we’ll make enough on the harvest, so I’ll be able to hire some more hands.”

“We’d be more than glad to help out,” Applejack offered.

“That’s kind of you, but no thanks,” Owen brushed off. “This is matter between family. Luke can go to the Academy next year.”

Luke continued to toy with his food, not even looking at his uncle.

“You must understand I need you here, Luke,” Owen insisted.

“But it’s a whole ‘nother year,” Luke argued.

“Look, it’s only one more season.”

Luke pushed his half-eaten plate of food aside and stood up.

“Yeah, that’s what you said last year when Biggs and Tank left,” Luke complained.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked.

“It looks like I’m going nowhere,” Luke answered. “I have to finish cleaning those droids.

Resigned to his fate, Luke paddled out of the room. Owen mechanically finished his dinner.

“We’ll just go talk to Luke,” Twilight spoke. “Maybe we can reason with him.”

Owen grunted, granting the group’s permission to be excused. One by one, Twilight and her friends, even Spike, made their way out of the dining area. But Storm Shield lagged behind, turning a corner and leaned an ear toward Owen and Beru’s conversation.

“Owen, he can’t stay here forever,” Aunt Beru insisted. “Most of his friends have gone. It means so much to him.”

“I’ll make it up to him next year,” Owen assured. “I promise.”

“Luke’s just not a farmer, Owen. He has too much of his father in him.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

Storm Shield pondered over the suggestive words shared between Luke’s Uncle and Aunt. He then looked ahead where the rest of the group were following Skywalker. His brows furrow as if something was coming up in his mind.

In the meantime, the giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind the distant dune range. Luke and the Equestria stood watching them for a few moments, silently taking in the atmosphere. Luke reluctantly entered the doomed entrance to the homestead while the rest stayed out for a while. Twilight couldn’t help but look out toward the horizon deeply concerned.

“Sunset… where are you?” Twilight asked.

<>

Later, Luke entered the garage to discover the robots nowhere in sight. He took a small control box from his utility belt similar to the one the Jawas were carrying. He activated the box, which created a low hum. C-3PO let out a short yell, popping from behind the Skyhopper spaceship.

“What are you doing hiding there?” Luke asked.

C-3PO stumbled forward, but R2-D2 was still nowhere in sight.

“It wasn’t my fault, sir” 3PO insisted. “Please don’t deactivate me. I told him not to go, but he’s faulty, malfunctioning; kept babbling on about his mission.”

“Oh, no!” Luke groaned.

Luke raced out of the garage, followed by 3PO.

<>

The Equestrians, with Storm joining later, were still staring along the horizon when a commotion drew their attention. They turned as Luke rushed out of the small-domed entry to the homestead. They quickly approached Luke, who searched the horizon for the small tripod Astro-robot. 3PO struggled out of the homestead and onto the salt flat as Luke scanned the landscape with his electro-binoculars.

“What’s the matter, sugar cube?” Applejack asked curiously.

“R2-D2’s gone!” Luke answered. “Have any of you seen him?”

“No, we thought he was still in the garage!” Spike replied.

“That R2 unit has always been a problem,” 3PO admitted. “These Astro-droids are getting quite out of hand. Even I can’t understand their logic at times.”

“Oh no…” Fluttershy gasped. “Who knows what could happen to R2 out there? He could be crushed… or even worse!”

“How could I be so stupid?” Luke berated himself. “He’s nowhere in sight. Blast it!”

“Why couldn’t we just go after him now?” Rainbow insisted. “I could get him back over here in ten seconds flat!”

“It’s too dangerous with all the Sandpeople around,” Luke answered.

“The best thing we can do right now is wait till morning,” Storm suggested. “He couldn’t have gone far.”

“Luke, I’m shutting the power down for the night!” Owen yelled out.

“All right, I’ll be there in a few minutes!” Luke called back. “Boy, am I gonna get it!”

“We’re all going to get it if we don’t get that droid back,” Twilight corrected.

Luke took one final look across the dim horizon, but it’s clear he’d never find him at this hour.

“You know that little droid is going to cause us a lot of trouble,” Luke told 3PO.

“Oh, he excels at that, sir,” 3PO replied.

“Let’s just hope those Sandpeople are the only creatures we have to worry about,” Twilight hoped. “That droid has the only message with a clue as to why we’re all here in the first place. The last thing we need are any more complications.”

“I sure hope you’re right about that, Twilight,” Storm nodded, looking ahead. “I really, really do.”

Obi Wan Kenobi

Laying flat upon the cold metal slab, pain skyrocketed through every nerve of Sunset Shimmer’s being. For hours, strapped to that slab, she was subjected to horrendous torture from the evil Sith Emperor. At some point, the tears stopped falling from her eyes as if she just couldn’t anymore. Finally, Palpatine lowered his hands and ceased the force lightning.

“It would seem your will is strong child,” He said lowly. “Why fight the inevitable? You need only agree to serve me. Learn the ways of the dark side of the force and only then will you understand.”

Sunset spoke no words, only moved her head to turn away from the evil old man. Palpatine merely chuckled evilly.

“Resist as you will…” He smiled wickedly. “They always resist… and it matters not. You will soon see the galaxy as I see it.”

He quickly snapped his head in the direction of the three inquisitors, who stood at attention.

“Take her back to her cell,” He ordered.

“Yes, your majesty,” The Third Sister responded.

They all came to Sunset’s side, slowly unbinding her from the slab.

“And when you finish, you will journey to the ruins of the Sith Citadel on Dromund Kaas. There’s a source of power I seek… do not return to me until it is found.”

“Understood,” The Fourth and Fifth sister bowed.

Once the inquisitors finished unbinding Sunset, they slowly dragged her limp body away.

“Oh yes… and one more thing,” Palpatine called.

The three stopped in their tracks and turned. With a single gesture from Palpatine’s frail hand, he beckoned the Sisters to force Sunset’s head back around. Forcing her to look into the dark, soulless eyes of the Emperor himself.

“Worry not my dear, we shall meet again… for another session.”

The Emperor released a sickly, maniacal cackle as the inquisitors dragged Sunset back to her cell once more. Arriving at the holding cell, the inquisitors violently shoved Sunset back inside and she just fell limply to the ground. She seemed so devoid of life, a woman without hope, lying on the cold floor motionless.

The three inquisitors left the poor girl to her cell, knowing she won’t be going anywhere. Slowly, they slither their way toward the hangar of the palace.

“Now it’s off to Dromund Kaas,” The Third Sister announced.

“I wonder what the Emperor seeks on the Sith’s old capital planet,” The Fourth sister questioned.

“That planet is rife with old artifacts and ancient Sith knowledge of those who came before. With luck, it will be a weapon to use against this rebellion.”

“What about what we seek in this planet?” The Fifth Sister asked.

“Worry not. We shall find what we seek and soon we shall consume all the force energy from this entire galaxy… and the one after that… and the one after that…”

The three inquisitors climbed aboard one of the Empire’s transport shuttles and made their way toward the old Sith capital planet.

<>

Morning slowly crept into the sparce, yet sparkling oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken by Uncle Owen’s yelling, his voice bellowing throughout the homestead.

“Luke? Luke? Luke? Where could he be loafing now?!”

The interior of the kitchen offers a warm glow, as Aunt Beru prepares the morning breakfast. Owen entered in a huff.

“Have you seen Luke this morning?” Owen asked. “And those kids he was with?”

“He said they had some things to do before he started today,” Aunt Beru answered. “So they left early.”

“Uh? Did they take those two new droids with them?”

“I think so.”

“Well, he’d better have those units in the south range repaired by midday or there’ll be hell to pay!”

<>

Meanwhile, along the wastelands, the rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur. C-3PO pilots the sleek Landspeeder gracefully across the vast wasteland. Luke leans over the back of the speeder, adjusting something in the motor compartment.

“How’s that?” Luke yelled.

3PO signals that ‘Everything is fine’, as Luke turned back into the wind-whipped cockpit, and popped the canopy shut. Alongside their speeder, the Equestrians sped forth in their own speeder with Storm Shield assuming the controls. The girls eyes look out toward the horizon, trying to spot a sign of where the little R2-D2 droid could be. Turned out finding one droid along the entire desert planet was like finding a needle in a haystack.

“You sure we’re going the right way?!” Twilight called out.

“Old Ben Kenobi lives out in this direction somewhere,” Luke pointed out. “But I don’t see how that R2 unit could have come this far.”

“Maybe we made a wrong turn at that last sand dune,” Pinkie suggested.

“Pinkie Pie, look around you!” Rainbow shouted, irritably. “There’s nothing but sand dunes everywhere!!!”

“Uncle Owen isn’t going to take this very well,” Luke moaned.

“Sir, would it help if you told him that it was my fault?” 3PO offered.

“Sure,” Luke answered brightly. “He needs you… he’d probably only deactivate you for a day or so…”

“Deactivate!” 3PO yelled. “Well, on the other hand, if you hadn’t removed his restraining bolt…”

“Hey you two!” Storm shouted. “Hate to break up your heart-to-heart banter. But there’s something dead ahead on the scanner.”

“It looks like our droid…” Luke observed. “Hit the accelerator!”

<>

From high along a rocky mesa, the tiny Landspeeders could be seen gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly, in the foreground, two weather-beaten Sandpeople shrouded in their grimy desert cloaks peered over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the marginally human creatures raised a long ominous laser rifle, aiming at one of the speeders. But the second creature grabbed the gun before it can be fired.

The Sandpeople, or ‘Tusken Raiders’ as they’re sometimes called, speak a coarse, barbaric language as they get into an animated argument. The second Tusken Raider seemed to get in the final word and the nomads scurried over the rocky terrain.

The Tusken Raider approached two large Banthas standing tied to a rock. The monstrous, bear-like creatures are as large as elephants, with huge red eyes, tremendously looped horns, and long, furry, dinosaur-like tails. The Tusken Raiders mount saddles strapped to the huge creatures’ shaggy backs and ride off down the rugged bluff.

<>

The speeders are parked along the floor of a massive canyon. Luke, with his long laser rifle slung over his shoulder, stood before little R2 with the entire Equestrian team surrounding them.

“Oh, I knew I should’ve brought some lotion,” Rarity moaned. “My skin’s going to be as red as a peach!”

“You could stand to use a bit of sun,” Rainbow remarked.

“Hey, whoa, just where do you think you’re going?” Luke asked R2.

“Y’all had us worried to death sugar cube,” Applejack added.

The little droid whistled a feeble reply, as C-3PO posed menacingly behind the little runaway.

“Master Luke here is your rightful owner,” 3PO scolded. “We’ll have no more of this Obi-Wan Kenobi gibberish… and don’t talk to me about your mission, either.”

“Totally! I mean who knows what could’ve happened to you…” Pinkie babbled. “You could’ve been blasted into a million tiny pieces. Or carried onto a conveyor belt, slowly toward a machine designed to crush appliances into tiny cubes of…”

“Pinkie… you’re not helping!” Spike muttered, through her teeth.

“Well anyways, it’s getting late,” Storm replied, observing the sky. “We need to leave this place immediately.”

“I only hope we can get back before Uncle Owen really blows up,” Luke spoke, worriedly.

“And not in the funny way like that show with the singing furry creatures,” Pinkie remarked.

“If you don’t mind me saying so,” 3PO offered. “I think you should deactivate the little fugitive until you’ve gotten him back to your workshop.”

“Oh, don’t be mean to R2,” Fluttershy scolded lightly. “He’s not going to try anything rash, aren’t you little fella?”

All of a sudden, the little robot jumped to life with a mass of frantic whistles and screams.

“Take it easy, little guy! Take it easy!” Twilight urged, turning to 3PO. “What’s the matter with him?”

“Oh my…” 3PO realized, turning to Twilight. “He says there are several creatures approaching from the southeast.”

Luke swung his rifle into position and turned toward the south.

“Sandpeople! Or worst! Come on, let’s have a look.”

“Y’all wanna go to the spot where those vermin might kill us?” Applejack asked sarcastically.

“Come on!” Luke urged.

“We’d better follow Luke just to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself,” Storm advised. “But some of us should stay behind with R2 and keep themselves hidden.”

“O-O-Oh… I don’t like confrontation,” Fluttershy stuttered, stepping toward R2. “M-M-Maybe I better stay… to watch R2, of course.”

“Better make that two,” Pinkie volunteered. “After all, Auntie Pinkie Pie has to make sure two of her bestest friends in the galaxy don’t let those big, meanie Sandy-Pants put their grubby hands on you… inappropriately.”

“Pinkie… I’m a year older than you,” Fluttershy whispered annoyed.

“I think I’d rather stay out of this one,” Spike spoke shakily. “N-N-Not that I’m scared… but figured they could use extra protection.”

“Aw, Spikey…” Rarity sighed.

“Thank you for volunteering Spike,” Twilight nodded. “You guys wait here and keep watch.”

“And if we’re not back in five minutes…” Storm added, tossing Pinkie the keys. “Take the speeder and get out of here as fast as possible.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy silently salute as they watch the rest of their friends, including C-3PO, follow Luke Skywalker toward the nearby ridge just south of their location.

<>

Once in position, Luke carefully made his way toward the rock ridge, scanning the canyon with his electro-binoculars. He spotted the two riderless Banthas. 3PO and the Equestrians struggled just behind the young adventurer. Storm Shield observed with a pair of his own binoculars, while the girls stayed behind him… though Twilight crouched ‘next’ to

“What on Earth are those things?” Rarity pointed out.

“Banthas, popular mode of transportation for the Tuskan Raiders,” Storm Shield observed. “If those beasts are there, then their riders aren’t too far… very territorial creatures, they lived off what this planet can provide for Celestia knows how many years and any who step on their grounds are an enemy.”

“Are they really as bad as you say they are?” Rainbow asked.

“Let me put it in a way you can understand… when it comes to Sandpeople, they live by their name. They’re not very social creatures, they prefer to live off the land and as far from civilization as possible. But the worst part… they rarely take prisoners… alive.”

Rainbow’s eyes widened to the size of pinpricks, a bead of sweat dropped from her head.

“Noted…” Rainbow spoke.

“There are two Banthas down there,” Luke observed. “But I don’t see any… wait a second, they’re Sandpeople all right. I can see one of them now.”

“Only one of them?” Twilight questioned. “Now why would he be out in the open all by himself?”

“I reckon he’s a scout?” Applejack guessed.

“No… Sandpeople never travel alone,” Storm answered. “If that one’s guarding the Banthas, then the other one must be…”

Suddenly, while the group watched the distant Tuskan Raider through their electro-binoculars, something hugged moved in front of their field of view. Before either one could react, a large, gruesome Tusken Raider loomed over them. The girls screamed at the sight, while a startled 3PO backed away… right off the side of the cliff. Rarity turned and he could be heard for several moments, clanging, banging, and rattle down the side of the mountain.

“3PO!!!” Rarity shouted.

The towering creature brings down his curved, double-pointed gaderffii—the dreaded axe blade that struck terror in the heart of the local settlers. Luke managed to block the blow with his laser rifle, which smashed to pieces. The terrified farm boy scrambled backward till he’s forced to the edge of a deep crevice. The sinister Raider stood over him with his weapon raised and released a horrible shrieking laugh.

*WHAM!!!*

The Tusken Raider was knocked aside by a devastating kick toward the mountain wall… his head hit the wall and knocked him unconscious. Applejack stood with one leg out, after releasing a devastating kick. Storm stood with his jaw wide at the sight.

“Whoa!!!”

All of a sudden, roars caused the group to turn as more Tusken Raiders leapt from the wall above them and stood before them, their own weapons ready to kill.

“Rarity, look out!” Twilight shouted.

Two of the Tusken Raiders quickly grabbed Rarity by the arms and the fashionista screamed. They tried to drag her away as the unicorn turned human struggled against their fierce grip.

“Guys, help!” Rarity shouted.

“Dash!” Storm shouted.

“Right… these two are all mine!” Rainbow spoke confidently.

Rainbow Dash made her way toward the Sandpeople, swaying her body and crossing her legs at a rapid pace like a boxer’s dance. They eyed the cyan skinned teen curiously, as she zipped side to side and hopping about her feet. Two of the raider raised their axes and tried to strike her, but she’s quick to duck and they clattered against each other. She hurled her fists toward their ‘lower regions’, causing the two to cringe and lean over. Another charged toward her with his weapon held high and she retaliates with a side kick knocking him back.

Another raider charged toward Applejack, who knocks him back with another side kick below the chin sending him off the edge of the cliff. Storm Shield fought another Raider, blocking his attacks and holding him back with a punch to the chest. As Twilight kept her guard up, another Tusken Raider jumped toward her with his weapon raised.

“WAIT!” Twilight held an arm out.

Twilight quickly removed her glasses from her face, folding them, and storing it in a pocket in her uniform. The Raider leaned its head to the side, as if utterly confused. Twilight then braced herself, squinting her eyes.

“You should never fight a woman with glasses,” Twilight spoke.

Suddenly another Tusken Raider grabbed her, wrapping its filthy arms around her waist. With a yelp, Twilight swung a leg below his belt out of instinct, knocking some air out of him, and clubbed him with an elbow to the face.

In all that time, Rarity tried to swing herself out of the raiders grip and kicked one leg toward one Raider in front of her, knocking him head-over-heels. She swung another leg toward one of the Raiders holding her, loosening his grip slightly. The girls and Storm fought as long as they could, though the Raiders proved very tough to keep down. At one point, while trying to defend herself, Twilight kept bumping into the Raiders due to her poor vision. Though she managed to dodge two of them, who nearly sandwiched the princess, they were quick to grab her and hurl her toward Luke. Twilight barely picked herself up before she heard a scream and Rarity was thrown on top of her, knocking the wind out of Twilight.

The Tusken Raiders lifted Rainbow Dash, who struggled in their grip, and they threw her into the pile of bodies like a trash bag. Even Storm Shield could barely keep his guard for as long as he could, until a Tusken Raider hurled him aside and sent him rolling amongst the girls. The numbers proved especially overwhelming for Applejack, despite landing a solid kick that sent a Tusken Raider rolling before she too was thrown atop her friends. Whatever remained of the Sandpeople, they gathered around the fallen heroes and they watched helpless as they loomed toward them, their weapons raised in the air.

<>

R2-D2, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike forced themselves into the small alcove within the rocks, as the vicious Sandpeople walked past carrying the inert Luke Skywalker and their friends. They were all dropped into a heap before their speeders. With the group unconscious, the Sandpeople start ransacking the speeders, throwing parts and supplies in all directions. And then suddenly… they stopped.

Confused, the remainder of the group looked on timidly and nervously as all was quiet… for a moment or two. Just then, a great howling moan echoed throughout the canyon which sent the Sandpeople fleeing in terror.

“W-W-What’s out there?” Fluttershy whimped.

R2-D2 responded with a series of beeps, just as nervous as the others.

“It sounds like a g-g-g-ghost!” Pinkie chattered.

They moved as tightly into the shadows as they could, feeling crushed between each other and the cliffs on both sides. The slight swishing sound that frightened off the Sandpeople grew ever closer, until a shabby old desert-rat-of-a-man appeared and leaned over the unconscious group. R2 made a slight sound and the figure turned, looked right where the others were hidden, and removed the hood over his head. His ancient leathery face, cracked and weathered by exotic climates was set off by dark, penetrating eyes and a scraggly white beard. He squinted his eyes as he scrutinized the nervous looking group.

“Hello there!” The old man greeted. “Come here my little friends. Don’t be afraid.”

R2 waddled over toward where the others crumbled in a heap, whistling and beeping his concern. The others slowly approached, as Ben placed a hand over Luke’s forehead.

“Twilight?” Spike spoke up. “Rarity?”

“Are they all right?” Fluttershy asked, with concern.

“Don’t worry, they’ll be all right,” The old man reassured.

The moaning and groaning from the group confirmed the old man’s suspicions, as the team starting coming to.

“Ow…” Twilight groaned, clutching her head. “What happened?”

“Rest easy, dear, you’ve had a busy day,” The man replied. “You’re fortunate you’re all still in one piece.”

As they all regained consciousness, while Twilight repositioned the glasses over her eyes, Luke looked up toward the man and instantly recognized him.

“Ben? Ben Kenobi!” Luke gasped. “Boy, am I glad to see you!”

“The Jundland wastes are not to be traveled lightly,” The old man spoke. “Tell me young Luke, what brings you and your friends out this far?”

“Well, that little rolling bucket of trouble for one thing!” Rainbow grumbled. “Thinks he’s searching for his former master…”

“I’ve never seen such devotion in a droid before…” Luke added, kindly. “There seems to be no stopping him.”

“He claims to be the property of one ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’,” Applejack spoke, brushing shoulder. “Is he a relative of yours? Ya reckon ya know who he’s talkin’ about?”

Ben pondered this for a moment, scratching his scruffy beard.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi… Obi-Wan? Now that’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time… a long time.”

“I think my uncle knew him,” Luke guessed. “He said he was dead.”

“Oh, he’s not dead, not… not yet…” Ben corrected.

“You know him?” Luke asked curiously.

“Well of course, of course I know him,” Ben replied, pointing at himself. “He’s me! I haven’t gone by the name Obi-Wan since oh before you were born.”

“You’re the Obi-Wan Kenobi!” Twilight gasped.

“That’s right,” Obi-Wan nodded, turning to Storm. “And it’s good to see you, Master Storm Shield.”

“Master Kenobi,” Storm bowed.

“Wait… you know this man?!” Rarity asked.

“Well, not personally… but that’s a longer story.”

“Then the droid does belong to you,” Luke concluded.

“Don’t seem to remember ever owning a droid,” Ben replied, looking at the droid. “Very interesting…”

Suddenly, he looked up at the overhanging cliffs and the group looked in his direction.

“I think we better get indoors. The Sandpeople are easily startled but they will soon be back and in greater numbers.”

“I don’t know about y’all,” Applejack replied. “I ain’t gonna wanna be around when they come back.”

Twilight and Storm helped Luke up, the young man rubbing his head. R2 let out a pathetic beep as Fluttershy turned toward him.

“What is it little guy?”

Pinkie Pie suddenly had a thought and started counting heads. Gasping loudly, she looked around.

“Where’s 3PO?!”

<>

Little R2 stood at the edge of a large sand pit, chattering away in electronic whistles and beeps. Luke, Ben, and the group stood over a very dented, very tangled 3PO lying half buried in the sand. One of his arms had broken off. Luke and Storm tried to revive the inert robot, the former shaking him while Storm flipped a hidden switch on his back several times. Until finally, the mechanical man’s systems rebooted.

“Welcome back Tin Man,” Rainbow remarked.

“Where am I?” 3PO asked. “I must have taken a bad step…”

“More like a great fall…” Spike joked. “But no, you were lucky we found you.”

“Can you stand?” Luke asked. “We’ve got to get out of here before the Sandpeople return.”

“I don’t think I can make it,” 3PO quivered. “You go on, there’s no sense in any of you risking yourself on my account. I’m done for.”

R2 made a beeping sound.

“No way Goldy, we’re not leaving you that easily,” Rainbow brushed off. “What kind of talk is that?”

“C’mon, we’ll carry you,” Storm replied. “We’ll have you repaired once we get somewhere safe.”

Luke and Ben helped the battered robot to his feet. Little R2 watched from the top pit. Suddenly, Spike’s ears perked up and he glanced around suspiciously. Sensing something, he stood on his hind legs and sniffed the air.

“We better get out of here guys…” Spike warned. “I think those sand monsters are coming!”

“Spike’s right,” Twilight agreed. “Let’s move!”

<>

A while later, the group found themselves in a small, spartan hovel cluttered with desert junk. Yet somehow, it still managed to radiate an air of time-worn comfort and security. Luke was in a corner repairing 3PO’s arm, while old Ben sat thinking.

“No, my father didn’t fight in the wars,” Luke said. “He was a navigator on a spice freighter.”

“That’s what your uncle told you,” Ben replied. “He didn’t hold with your father’s ideals. Thought he should have stayed here and not gotten involved.”

“And you fought in the… Clone Wars?” Twilight asked.

“Very brutal war…” Storm emphasized. “Too many casualties to count…”

“Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight the same as your father,” Ben answered.

“He does sound pretty awesome,” Rainbow spoke. “Would’ve like to have met him.”

“He was the best star-pilot in the galaxy, and a cunning warrior,” Ben described, turning to Luke. “I understand you’ve become quite a good pilot yourself.”

“Sounds like he was a really good friend of yours,” Twilight assumed.

“Oh yes… very much…” Ben nodded sadly. “Which reminds me…”

Ben picked himself up and goes to a chest where he rummages around. As Luke finished repairing 3P0 and started refitting the restraining bolt back on, 3PO looked at him nervously. Luke thought about the bolt for a moment, then put it on the table. Ben shuffled up and presented Luke a short handle with several electronic gadgets attached to it.

“I have something for you,” Ben offered Luke. “Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn’t allow it. He feared you might follow old Obi-Wan on some damned-fool idealistic crusade like your father did.”

“Sir, if you’ll not be needing me,” 3PO spoke up. “I’ll close down for a while.”

“Sure, give yourself a rest,” Storm replied. “You earned it.”

As 3PO shut himself down, Ben handedLuke the saber.

“What is it?” Luke asked curiously.

“Your father’s lightsaber,” Ben answered. “This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster.”

Luke pushed a button on the handle. A long beam of light blue shot out about four feet and flickered there. The light played across the ceiling. As Luke admired the lightsaber, Old Ben looked over at Storm Shield as a small smile formed.

“As for you Master Storm, I also have something for you as well.”

Ben walked over to another part of his tiny hovel, before returning with a long wooden case in his arms. He held it out to Storm and the young prince grasped it in his hands. A look of almost realization swept over his face.

“Is this what I think it is?” He asked.

Old Ben nodded his head, smiling in response.

“It would seem you left this behind a thousand years ago,” He explained. “Your master was able to recover it and kept it in his possession for all those years. Then when he left, he gave it to me with the knowledge that his greatest Padawan would one day return.”

“Well, I don’t know about the ‘greatest’…” Storm replied humbled. “And yet I… I…”

But as he slowly, shakily opened the box… he stopped. A smile formed as Storm admired the content inside. A long silver pike with gold trimmings which, even after a thousand years, was kept in pristine condition.

Storm could almost feel a tear of joy fall from his face as he picked the pike up from the box and held it in his grip. The pike itself measured up to about the same height as him (His human height).

“It’s been so long…” He said silently.

Everyone else in the group seemed confused.

“Uh Storm, what’s so great about a pole?” Rainbow asked skeptically.

Storm turned back to the cyan tomboy with a smug smirk.

“I’ll show you what’s great about this pole…”

Storm pressed a button on the end of the pike and a golden lightsaber blade ignited from the end. The girls and Spike took a step back yet looked on in fascination at the weapon. Storm whirled the pike around a few times rapidly between his fingers, switching hands a few times and made it seem so effortless. As an added effect, he pole-vaulted with the other side of the pike over the girls and landed behind them. For extra emphasis, he softly jabbed Rainbow with the blunt side of the pike.

“That is what’s so special,” He said smugly.

Rainbow had to pick her mouth up off the ground where it lay, shocked by what she had just witnessed.

“Could I get one of those, Mister Kenobi?” Pinkie pleaded.

“Heh-heh… all in good time dear,” Old Ben chuckled. “An elegant weapon for a more civilized time.”

“Wait a minute!” Twilight spoke, in shock. “Storm, you mean to say that you… are a Jedi?”

“More or less,” Storm nodded. “A thousand years ago, when I landed in this world, I quickly learned that I wanted to fight against the Sith Empire and their evil corruption. One of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy saw potential in me and decided to train me. For years I worked and fought hard to battle the Empire. I even remember this one conflict I had with Darth Bane.”

“Darth… Bane?” Twilight asked curiously.

“That’s an even longer story…”

“For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic,” Ben added. “Before the dark times, before the Empire.”

But for whatever reason, Luke hadn’t been listening at all.

“How did my father die?”

“A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights,” Ben answered. “He betrayed and murdered your father. Now the Jedi are all but extinct. Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force.”

The group were in shock over how a single man could be responsible for the death of warriors as famous as the Jedi Knights. Still, one part of their conversation sparked their curiosity.

“What’s the Force?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power,” Ben explained. “It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.”

“Sort of like our magic in Equestria,” Twilight compared. “How it helps grow all the plants… changes the atmosphere in the sky… even keeps us safe from the Windigos.”

“Exactly that,” Storm nodded.

R2 made beeping sounds, drawing the group’s attention. But mostly Ben Kenobi’s.

“Now, let’s see if we can’t figure out what you are, my little friend,” Ben spoke. “And where you come from.”

“We only saw one part of the message,” Spike replied. “We were wondering if you could—”

The recorded image of the beautiful young Rebel princess, projected from R2’s face, cut Spike’s words short. The team looked toward the hologram of the fair maiden with awe.

“I seem to have found it,” Ben replied.

Luke gazed toward the lovely girl’s image, as it flicked before his eyes.

“General Kenobi,” She spoke. “Years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father’s request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I’m afraid my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.”

After some slight static, the transmission cut short. Old Ben leaned back and scratched his head. He silently puffed on a tarnished chrome water pipe, while Luke had stars in his eyes. The group turned toward one another, as Spike stared with his jaw intact.

“I figured someone was in desperate need of help…” Spike spoke, in shock. “But this is bigger than I imagined it was going to be.”

“Well Spikey, good thing you went with your instincts fiddling with the portal,” Rarity replied. “Now we know what brings us all here right now.”

“You must learn the ways of the Force if you’re to come with me to Alderaan,” Ben told the group.

“Us?!” The Equestrians (Minus Storm) gasped.

“Alderaan?” Luke chuckled. “I’m not going to Alderaan. I’ve got to go home. I’m late, I’m in for it as it is.”

“Luke, I think we have bigger things to worry about than being late for dinner or chores,” Rainbow remarked.

“It’s bad enough one of our best friends is lost in the galaxy or worst,” Twilight added. “But now there’s someone else in peril, probably someone of great importance. If we’re to find this woman and hope to find clues about Sunset’s disappearance, we’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“The young Princess is right Luke,” Ben agreed. “She needs your help. I’m getting too old for this sort of thing.”

“I can’t get involved!” Luke argued. “I’ve got work to do! It’s not that I like the Empire. I hate it! But there’s nothing I can do about it right now. It’s such a long way from here.”

“That’s your uncle talking.”

“Oh, God, my uncle,” Luke sighed. “How am I ever going to explain this?”

“Learn about the Force, Luke,” Ben advised.

“Kenobi’s right…” Storm nodded. “The war may not be coming to you now, but if Darth Vader was after this princess then he’s sure to suspect what he’s looking for was in R2-D2. He’ll send his entire army down here and everyone on this planet will be in danger.”

“I’m all about family and responsibilities too Luke,” Applejack stepped up. “But if I thought like that back home and mah family were in peril for doin’ nothin’, I’d regret it fer the rest of mah life.”

“Besides, you said you wanted an adventure,” Twilight reminded. “This is the best chance you have.”

Luke Skywalker thought about it for a moment, as if deep down he was struggling between what he wanted to do and what he felt he needed to do. On one hand, he could spend another season content with his chores and dreaming about another opportunity he’ll miss out. But on the other, he’d get to have that adventure and perhaps play an important role in this rebellion like his friends, exploring the galaxy, seeing planets, and daring the odds… and yet to do all that, all of it, he’d leave his only family behind.

“Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead,” Luke compromised. “You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you’re going.”

“You must do what you feel is right, of course,” Ben nodded.

“Well… if Luke’s not going to go,” Storm motioned. “I’m going with you. To finish where I left off.”

“The portal brought us all here for a purpose,” Twilight added. “If we help you get this message straight to Alderaan and possibly save that woman, we could use your help to find our lost friend.”

All the girls and even Spike stepped forward, standing beside Twilight and Storm as they look toward Ben Kenobi. He looked toward the entire group, even the nervous Fluttershy who tried to be brave in the wake of an unknown peril. He nodded with silent approval, despite the fact most of them have no experience with his ways… still, he saw potential in each and every one of them. And Luke looked on from the doorway, silently wanting to join in… but feels bound by his own sense of duties.

Dromund Kaas

Never before had life seemed so bleak; so utterly helpless than it currently felt. At this very moment, Sunset Shimmer laid sprawled along the cold floor of her prison cell in the upmost pain she had ever felt her entire life. The force lighting constricted all her muscles, making it next to impossible to move. For the moment, all she could do was silently hope and plead that her friends were looking for her. Never before had she felt so helpless and weak in all her life… until today.

The sound of the cell doors sliding open drew her attention, though she was unable to move and see who just entered. The sound of boot stepping before her made her shut her eyes tightly, praying that whatever about to happening would be quick. When nothing happened, she slowly opened her eyes and saw Starkiller knelt beside her, just ‘looking’ at her.

“It’s so bizarre,” He said simply. “Never before have I seen someone tortured as much as you… and still maintain their façade.”

Sunset would have responded if she could, but the pain was still far too much for her to bare. Starkiller quickly looked around, making sure no one else was present. Then, he reached into his armor pocket and pulled out a syringe with an unknown liquid inside. Seeing this, Sunset began to panic on the inside.

“Relax…” Marek said quietly. “This will restore function to your body and ease the pain you feel. It will be quick. But I won’t lie to you… it will hurt.”

Unable to protest or agree, Sunset just laid there and waited. Starkiller quickly jabbed the syringe into her arm, injecting the liquid into her system. He was not lying when he said it was painful. It felt like another surge of force lightning coursing through her. Thankfully, it passed after a moment, and she was finally able to move her arms and legs. Sunset gasped for breath as Marek slowly helped her sit up.

“W-W-What do you want?” Sunset asked shakily. “Come to heal me so you can bring me in for another torture session?”

Marek gave no answer, only standing back on his feet. He began to pace the cell, as he tried to comprehend something in his mind.

“I don’t understand you…” He said honestly.

“Understand what?” Sunset asked.

“You stand in the Imperial Palace, tortured by the Emperor himself, and still you feign innocence.”

“I’s because I am innocent,” Sunset reiterated. “I’ve already told you; I’m not one of these Jedi you talk about.”

Marek shook his head as he stopped pacing, turning toward her as she slowly stood up.

“Then how is it that you possess the force?” He asked.

“Where I come from, magic is a very common practice many possess,” Sunset explained. “If you’d like, I can show you. Maybe you’ll believe me.”

While the idea certainly was intriguing, Starkiller was by no means a fool.

“You can’t deceive me with your mind tricks,” He snarled.

“It’s no trick,” Sunset responded. “Just let me show you. If you still don’t believe me when it’s over, you can strike me down where I stand.”

This really got Starkiller’s attention. Not only was she willing to show him exactly where she was from, but she was prepared to die if he didn’t believe her. Sunset held out one hand and Marek just looked at it for a moment as he considered his next move. Deciding to take a chance, he slowly reached out his own hand and grabbed her smaller one. And in a flash, Sunset’s eyes glowed white and Starkiller started seeing many different memories course through his mind.

<>

He saw her as a unicorn Pony under the tutelage of a tall regal unicorn with wings and a rainbow mane… Celestia…

He saw her when she was first sent to Canterlot High, a pony emerging from a portal and instantly transformed into a human…

He saw her transform into a horrible she-demon, beckoning an army of brainwashed humans toward the portal…

Finally, he saw her defeat by the magic of friendship and ultimately her reformation…

<>

When the visions came to an end, Marek quickly drew his hand back and stared at Sunset in shock. There were not many things that surprised the young Sith, but this was certainly different.

“You are telling the truth,” He said amazed. “You’re not a Jedi nor are you even from this galaxy. You’re an innocent in all of this.”

Finally, Sunset released a breath of relief knowing he finally believed her.

“Yes…” She sighed. “My friends and I were teleported to this place. I got separated from them during the trip. All I want is to find them and go home.”

This caused Starkiller to scoff at the idea.

“The likeliness of that happening are slim to none,” He said. “Escaping the Empire is futile. They are the most powerful force in the galaxy and with the power of the Dark Side, they are unstoppable.”

“You can’t seriously believe that!” Sunset spoke shocked. “After what they’ve done to you… killing your father… filling your head with lies…”

Starkiller stopped in his tracks, slowly turning around to face Sunset. Anger clouded his vision, as he quickly moved toward her in a single stride and lifted her high in the air by her throat.

“Don’t you ever speak about that again!” He growled. “You had no right to look into my mind and see what you’ve seen. You’re lucky I don’t cut you down right here, right now!”

Sunset tried to respond, but his grip on her neck was so strong it was nearly impossible. All she put together were a series of gasps and wheezes. When his anger faded, Starkiller quickly let her down. She sputtered and coughed as her breath returned to her. Seeing her like that made Starkiller feel something within him he thought had died out many years ago…

Sympathy…

Kneeling down again, he helped her back to her feet.

“I apologize,” He said sincerely. “Sometimes when my anger takes over, the dark side becomes strong enough that it blinds me to what I’m doing.”

Sunset rubbed her throat as she tried to offer a response.

“You used to be good once,” She said. “They took you away, darkened your mind and soul. Why do you still side with them?”

Hearing this question truly made Marek think about ‘why’ he remained loyal to the Empire. True, Vader saved him from the Imperial troops all those years ago… but he still killed his father. Shaking his head, he quickly snapped back to reality and quickly exited the cell before locking it shut again.

“Come tomorrow, I will escort you to the Death Star and you will bear witness as my master demonstrates the full power of the Empire. Do NOT try to escape… you will die.”

Marek quickly turned and left the cell block, leaving Sunset to fall back to the floor in despair. She could only hope her friends were on their way. The sooner she got out of this galaxy, the better.

<>

An Imperial shuttle soared effortlessly through the depths of wild space as it approached the former capital planet of the Sith Empire: Dromund Kaas. The dark planet, plagued by constant storms, was once the seat of power in the galaxy during the time of the Old Republic. As the shuttle flew past the raging storm clouds, it soon flew within the vicinity of Kaas City. Though the city has been through years of war and strife, its skyscrapers still stood tall and pristine as though they hadn’t been touched in a thousand years.

The shuttle slowly touched down along the outskirts of the city and the exit hatch opened. From within the shuttle, the Three Sister inquisitors emerged along with a barrage of Stormtroopers. They all walked through the streets of the old Sith city, admiring the many skyscrapers that reached almost to space itself. It wasn’t till they reached the center of the city they all looked up and saw the Imperial Citadel.

Nearly three thousand years before their time, the Sith Emperor constructed this domain to house the most intelligent, most destructive Sith that ruled the galaxy. The Citadel was once watched over by the leading power of the Empire: The Dark Council. These ancient Sith ruled the Empire while the Emperor remained silent.

The Third sister led the charge, as her fellow inquisitors and the Stormtroopers made their way inside the ancient structure. While the outside didn’t look quite so bad, the interior was definitely worse. The Citadel sat in shambles after the great Galactic War, many of the Sith abandoned this world afterwards leaving the Citadel to rot.

The Third Sister scanned the room with the sensors in her helmet to detect any forms of life that could possibly remain in the area. Sensing nothing, she turned to the Stormtroopers.

“Remain here and secure the vicinity,” She ordered. “The three of us will collect the ancient artifact from here.”

“Yes my lady,” The captain nodded.

He motioned the other troopers forward and they ran in different areas to scout. Meanwhile, the three inquisitors made their way through the many halls of the Citadel. As they walked, they could almost hear the ancient voices of Sith long since passed as if they were guiding them in the right direction. After some time walking, they finally come to the one room they had been seeking:

The Dark Council’s meeting chamber.

The moment they took one step inside the chamber, a vision coursed through their heads.

<>

The Dark Council currently sat in congregation, each sitting at their seat which represents their Pinnacle of Power. Leading the council was the heavily armored Sith: Darth Marr. Other members such as Darth Vowrawn, Darth Ravage, Darth Mortis, and Darth Acharon were all in attendance. Currently Darth Thanaton, head of the Sphere of Ancient Knowledge, stood before the members of the council making his statement.

“My lords, his master was corrupt,” He spoke. “He is corrupt.”

“And what are you suggesting we do about it?” Darth Marr asked.

“You know what the situation requires. Order must be preserved; punishment meted out. If we are to conquer our enemies, Zash’s former apprentice must die!”

“I’m flattered that you would talk about me to all of your friends, Thanaton.”

The addition of a new voice to the mix caused every Dark Council member to look toward the entrance of the chamber. In walked a young man dressed in dark Sith robes and armor. He had dirty blonde hair swept to the side and strange tattoos adorning his face. He walked with a certain style both mythical and almost graceful as he walked to the center of the room. Everyone heard about him, yet they had never come to meet him… till now.

Lord Andromedis…

Even with having only been a Sith for a short time, this young man already conquered so much in the galaxy. He trained on the ancient Sith world of Korriban and soon became an apprentice to Darth Zash. Sometime later, he trapped his master in the body of his beastial Dashade servant Khem Val, which ascended him to become a Sith Lord. Since then, he has consumed the force ghosts of ancient Sith Lords giving him immense battle and recently had a battle with Darth Thaanton on Corellia. Thanaton, being the coward he was, fled from the duel which brings them to this very moment.

“Our talk concerns the future of the Sith order,” Thanaton told Andromedis. “A future without you.”

“Then why haven’t you killed him yet?” Darth Ravage asked.

“You know as well as I do that these things must be done properly,” Thanaton responded.

“The Kaggath is a playground game. Murder has no rules.”

“The Kaggath is an honored tradition of the Sith,” Thanaton retorted. “Tulak Hord competed. Marka Ragnos! Ludo Kressh!”

“The question stands,” Darth Marr interrupted. “Why has this apprentice, this child, proved impossible for you to kill?”

“He’s had ample opportunities to kill me,” Andromedis mocked. “He lacks the strength to finish the job.”

Being mocked before his fellow council members made Thanaton increasingly angry.

“I am a member of the Dark Council,” He growled. “I am your superior!”

“I swear if you don’t silence Thanaton, I will!” Ravage said to Mortis.

“I will not be betrayed!” Thanaton said. “I will not die. And when I’ve killed this slave, you will all answer for it.”

Thanaton and Andromedis then became locked in an epic battle, both sides throwing lightsaber strikes and force lightning trying to gain the advantage. However, in the end, Andromedis emerged the victor while Thanaton knelt in defeat in a matter of minutes.

“No…” He shook his head. “I won’t be defeated; I can’t be!”

With the last of his strength, Thanaton threw as much force lightning as he could against the young Sith. Andromedis merely knocked the strikes aside as though they were child’s play. Finally, Thanaton drew his lightsaber attempting to run at Andromedis. Seeing the incoming blow, Andromedis used the force to stop Thanaton in his tracks and bend him to his knees. With one last bout of lightning, he hurled Thanaton across the room. Too weak to stand, Thanaton crawled to the very center of the chamber, as all the other council members stood around him.

“I’m sorry Thanaton,” Mortis apologized.

He used the force to snap his neck and Thanaton’s lifeless body fell limp on the ground.

“Good riddance to him,” Ravage spat.

“He was a better Sith than you give him credit for, Ravage,” Marr said.

“Let us hope his ‘successor’ is as worthy,” Mortis added.

The elder Sith stood before Andromedis, who in turn stood over his fallen adversary.

“My lord… your seat,” He said.

The Sith lord gestured to Thanaton’s seat of power. Andromedis stopped in his tracks as he gazed upon a spot with the council, then back toward the other members in shock.

“My lords, I am truly honored,” He said in shock. “I was not expecting this honor.”

“You just killed a Dark Council member in fair combat,” Marr pointed out. “What do you expect?”

“He’s only a Lord!” Ravage protested. “You can’t put a lord on the Dark Council!”

“Quiet Ravage!” Marr yelled at him. “He’s earned his place… unlike ‘some’.”

The annoyed Ravage grumbled to himself, as he made his way back to the other council members. Marr took his seat above the rest, as he looked at Andromedis.

“By order of the Dark Council, and in light of your reputation as a master of the Dark Side, you are now Darth Nox.”

Andromedis bowed his head before the rest of the council in acknowledgement..

“I appreciate the honor my lords,” He thanked. “However, if it is any consolation, I’d prefer to be addressed as Darth Andromedis.”

“Whatever title you deem necessary,” Marr nodded.

With that in mind, Darth Andromedis took his seat beside Marr, along with the rest of the council.

“You are head of the Pyramid of Ancient Knowledge,” Marr explained. “You are charged with keeping the mystical knowledge of the Sith and guarding the secrets of our order. With us, you are ruler of all Sith, answerable only to the Emperor himself.”

“Will I get to meet the Emperor?” Andromedis asked. “Why isn’t he here?”

“The Emperor will summon you ‘if’ and ‘when’ he wishes,” Mortis answered. “Our business here is complete. You would do well to meet with the rest of your followers and ensure their loyalty. We will summon you the next time the Dark Council congregates.”

<>

As soon as the visions came to an end, The Third Sister found herself standing at the seat of the councilman. The metallic hand caressed along the arm length of the chair, as the sensors of her helmet gazed upon the other chairs. The most powerful Sith in the galaxy all sat in this very spot, looming over all the followers who ever came before them. And now all that remains was an empty room, rot with age, like it hadn’t been touched until their arrival. Yet somewhere in this very spot, the treasure they seek was hidden somewhere and the Emperor made it very clear they would not return until they claim it.

The other sisters stand around the center of the room, scanning the chamber in search of clues for where to find this source of power. One sister took one step along the floor… and suddenly the ground began to shake. A once silent chamber was now greatly disturbed by vibration and a growling sound that caused the two sisters to turn toward a dark hallway. The Third Sister stood tall along the councilman’s chair, looming toward the distance and slowly unveiled her lightsaber.

Suddenly, before their very eyes, a terrifying creature appeared before them. It stood at about 3.2 meters, a number of spines protrude from its back, and a pair of flaps (Tusk-like projections) stuck out from its jaw. It’s massive claw, four to a hand, clutched and opened. The moment it saw the intruders standing before them, it growled as its eyes glowed red.

“What… the hell… is that?” One sister asked.

The Third Sister pushed the button on her lightsaber handle, the crystal blade glowing red… at three angles. The lengthy part at the top of the handle and two blades protruding from the east and west side above the handle.

“A test…” The Third Sister answered.

The Third Sister flipped from the councilman’s chair, landed hard upon the ground, and charged toward the monster. One of the other sisters unsheathed and activated her own lightsaber and charged alongside the Third Sister. The other stood back, observing as the fight commenced between two of her sisters and the terrifying monster. They swung their lightsabers against the beast, who kept a great distance from the deadly blades.

The monster retaliates with a sweep of his claws, keeping the Inquisitors on the move as they flipped and dodged over its attacks and tried to contact the beast with their lightsabers. When that didn’t work, they unleashed their force lightning against the beast but either the electricity merely bounced off the beast or it barely grazed it. Whatever the case, their endeavors made the beast angry as it rushed toward the two Inquisitors. They just flipped aside as the beast charged toward a wall…

*CRASH!*

The beast left a severe dent against the wall of the ancient council chamber, pulling its spines out from the wall, sending rubble and dust falling from the walls. Slightly dazed, the creature slowly turned back to the center as the one unarmed sister stood at the center of the floor. Rather than pulling out her own lightsaber, the Inquisitor just stared at the beast through its visor and positioned her hands into a fighting stance.

The monster roared against the act of defiance and charged forward; its claws extended for the kill. It raced toward the Inquisitor, who stood perfectly still as if waiting for their moment. The monster was inches away from catching the Inquisitor in its clutches until…

*WHAM!!!*

One fist from the Inquisitor lunged directly against the monster’s abdomen. The beast seemed to gasp in shock over the intensity of the rib crushing blow, so much so the beast spat a bit of blood from its mouth. But the Inquisitor was not finished with the monster. The inquisitor proceeds to throw rapid, hard punches along that same spot. The two other Inquisitors see that the monster was left in position and with their lightsabers handy, they race toward the beast, leap forward, and…

*SLASH!*

The monster stood perfectly still, it’s jaw extended, and eyes widen. After a few seconds passed, the monster’s head slid off the neck and crashed onto the ground. And the remainder of the creature’s entire anatomy fell sideways, and its lifeless body laid upon the ground. The three inquisitors stood over the deceased body, it’s blood spilling from the slash wound. A parade of footsteps stormed into the chamber, an army of stormtroopers rushed in with guns at the ready… only to find the trio standing over the corpse.

“And I thought the Rancors were ugly,” One Inquisitor replied.

“It is a Rancor… or was,” The Third Sister replied. “They called it Terentarek, smaller than a Rancor and subjected to years of mutation by Sith hands. By the looks of it, an 'ancient' one. Be glad their tusks and claws did not touch you… highly venomous.”

Suddenly, a light illuminated around the Inquisitors causing each of them to slowly turn. A glow illuminated from a dark hallway, as if something were beckoning to the three.

“What do you think we’ll find there?” An inquisitor asked.

“The reward for passing the test…” The Third Sister replied. “Come… let us claim it so that the Emperor may proceed to the next phase of the plan…”

Han Solo and Chewbacca

Author's Note

Another big thanks to Dramamaster829 for all of his help with this chapter

Han Solo and Chewbacca

An Imperial Star Destroyer headed toward the evil planet-like battle station the ‘Death Star’. Eight Imperial senators and generals sit around a black conference table. Imperial stormtroopers stand guard around the room. Speaking before the group was Commander Tagge, a young, slimy-looking general.

“Until this battle station is fully operational we are vulnerable,” Tagge informed. “The Rebel Alliance is too well equipped. They’re more dangerous than you realize.”

The bitter Admiral Motti twisted nervously in his chair.

“Dangerous to your Starfleet, Commander,” Motti pointed out. “Not to this battle station!”

“The Rebellion will continue to gain a support in the Imperial Senate as long as…”

All heads suddenly turned as Commander Tagge’s speech is cut short and the Grand Moff Tarkin, governor of the Imperial outland regions, entered. Following behind is his powerful ally, the Sith Lord, Darth Vader. All of the generals stand and bow before the thin, evil-looking governor as he takes his place at the head of the table. The Dark Lord stood closely behind him.

“The Imperial Senate will no longer be of any concern to us,” Tarken announced. “I’ve just received word that the Emperor has dissolved the council permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away.”

“That’s impossible!” Tagge spoke, in shock. “How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?”

“The regional governors now have direct control over territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station.”

“And what of the Rebellion? If the Rebels have obtained a complete technical readout of this station, it is possible, however unlikely, that they might find a weakness and exploit it.”

“The plans you refer to will soon be back in our hands,” Vader assured.

“Any attack made by the Rebels against this station would be a useless gesture, no matter what technical data they’ve obtained,” Motti spoke. “This station is now the ultimate power in the universe. I suggest we use it!”

“Don’t be too proud of this technical terror you’ve constructed,” Vader advised. “The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.”

“Don’t try to frighten us with your sorcerer’s ways, Lord Vader. Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes, or given your clairvoyance enough to find the Rebels’ hidden fort…”

All of a sudden, it all happened so fast. Lord Vader approached the man and lifted his hand slightly. All at once Motti felt his throat tighten, choking him, and he found himself clutching the collar of his uniform gasping for breath as his faced turned blue under Vader’s spell.

“I find your lack of faith disturbing,” Vader spoke simply.

“Enough of this!” Tarken ordered. “Vader, release him!”

“As you wish.”

On command Vader released his force-like power over Motti and the man dropped to the desk, slowly recovering from that painful experience.

“This bickering is pointless,” Tarken continued. “Lord Vader will provide us with the location of the Rebel fortress by the time this station is operational. We will then crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke.”

<>

Meanwhile, along the wastelands of Tatooine, the two speeders stop before what remained of the huge Jawas’ Sandcrawler. The Mane Six, Spike, Storm, Luke, and Ben walked amongst the smoldering rubble and scattered bodies. Spike used his newfound senses as a dog, sniffing the grounds to uncover any scent that could give away what happened.

“How dreadful!” Rarity gasped, disgusted.

“Ah’m feelin’ the same way as you, Rarity,” Applejack nodded.

“Who could’ve done all this?” Fluttershy asked, looking around.

“It might’ve been the Sand People we encountered a while ago,” Twilight assumed.

“I think you’re right, Twilight,” Luke agreed. “It looks like Sand People did this, all right. Look, here are Gaffi sticks, Bantha tracks. It’s just… I never heard of them hitting anything this big before.”

Scanning the grounds, Pinkie Pie comes upon the tracks supposedly from the Banthas.

“Oooh… look at the size of these feet!” Pinkie admired.

“Looks can be deceiving,” Storm spoke. “I’ve got a gut feeling this is not the work of Sand People.”

In the midst of all the contemplating, Ben crouched along the sand studying the tracks.

“They didn’t,” Ben spoke. “But we are meant to think they did. These tracks are side by side. Sand People always ride single file to hide their numbers.”

“These are the same Jawas that sold us R2 and 3PO!” Luke realized.

“And these blast points, too accurate for Sandpeople,” Ben added. “Only Imperial stormtroopers are so precise.”

“Stormtroopers?” Spike questioned.

“Infantry soldiers of the Galactic Empire,” Storm clarified. “They’ve been serving the Empire since its inception at the end of the Clone Wars.”

“Why would Imperial troops want to slaughter Jawas?” Luke asked.

“They wouldn’t waste their firepower on Jawas… unless they were looking for something.”

Luke and Storm turned back toward the speeders, where R2 and 3PO inspect the dead Jawas. It wasn’t long till they both put two-and-two together, their eyes turning toward one another. Curious Rainbow Dash approached Luke.

“Luke, something wrong?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m not sure, Rainbow Dash,” Luke admitted. “But there’s something I’ve been thinking.”

“Wut do ya mean, sugar cube?” Applejack asked, approaching.

“Well… if they traced the robots here, they may have learned who they sold them to. And that would lead them… home!”

Reaching a sudden horrible realization, Luke raced for his speeder.

“Wait, Luke!” Ben called out. “It’s too dangerous!”

“Luke, wait for me!” Twilight shouted, following Luke. “I’m coming too!”

“Come on, girls!” Storm called out. “We better follow them quickly!”

As Storm and the others prepared their speeder, Luke and Twilight hopped into the formers and raced off. Storm’s speeder followed Luke’s, thereby leaving Ben and the two robots alone with the smoldering Sandcrawler.

<>

For some time, Luke raced across the wasteland in his battered Landspeeder with Twilight sitting anxiously beside him. Not far behind, Storm’s speeder followed their friends’ while the group sat inside hoping and praying they could reach the Lars Homestead soon. A look of heavy concentration remained locked upon Storm’s face, as he looked out toward the horizon as if he knows something was bound to happen.

Eventually, the speeders arrive at the homestead… only to find it burning severely. Storm’s speeder pulled to a stop, the hatch slowly opened, and the group piled out of the vehicle one at a time. They looked around at the horrifying sight before their eyes.

“Wut happened here?” Applejack asked, stunned.

“Exactly what I was afraid of,” Storm spoke.

Luke jumped out of his own speeder, while Twilight climbed out the other side. She looked on as Luke raced toward the smoking holes once his home. As the group observed, debris was scattered everywhere as if a great battle had taken place in their absence.

“Uncle Owen!” Luke called out. “Aunt Beru! Uncle Owen!”

Luke stumbled about in a daze, searching desperately for any sign of his aunt and uncle. When all of a sudden, he came upon a horrifying sight: All that remained of his family, now only smoldering corpses. Luke stood stunned, unable to speak of the horror he sees before him. Hate soon replaced fear, as if a new resolve washed over him. Twilight raced toward Luke, not knowing what happened.

“Luke! What’s going on?” Twilight called out. “Where’s your—”

Twilight stopped when her eyes spotted Owen and Beru’s burning skeletons. A gasp released from her lips, as her eyes widened while she clutched her mouth with her hands. She slowly turned toward Luke, who only looked toward the ground with a sigh. Twilight gazed toward him sadly as the rest of their friends approached.

“Twilight…?” Fluttershy spoke worriedly. “Luke…?”

Twilight silently turned toward the rest of her friends, including Spike and Storm Shield. The group could feel the sadness welling up within her. As for Luke, when he faced his friends, they could see the slight trace of fear amidst his anger.

“We were too late…” Rainbow Dash sighed.

Storm looked on silently, before turning his gaze back up toward the sky. Looking past the clouds hanging over the tragic landscape, it’s as if he were trying to concentrate and determine if the ones responsible for this terrible tragedy are looming above them somewhere… somehow…

<>

Elsewhere, within the Detention Corridor of the Death Star, two stormtroopers open an electronic cell door. Doing so allowed several Imperial guards to enter. The cell’s single occupant, Princess Leia, glared toward them with defiance. But that face slowly gave way to fear as a giant black torture robot entered, followed by none other than Darth Vader.

“And, now Your Highness, we will discuss the location of your hidden Rebel base,” Darth Vader spoke.

The torture robot gave off a steady beeping sound, as it slowly approached Princess Leia. The robot extended one of its mechanical arms, bearing a large hypodermic needle. Without question, the needles were filled with a means to force the truth out of Leia and all she could do was watch while the rest of the Imperial Guard stood at attention.

The door slid shut, leaving the long cell block hallway appearing rather peaceful. Even as other guards walked passed, they could scarcely hear the muffled screams of the Rebel princess herself. Unbeknownst to her, the ‘worst’ was still to come…

<>

Back on Tatooine, a large bonfire of Jawa bodies blazed in front of the Sandcrawler. Ben Kenobi and the robots were nearly finished burning the remains of the dead by the time the two speeders returned. Luke left his speeder, while the others emerged from Storm’s. As Ben walked over to them, he could see the look of gloom on their faces knowing that they had bear witness to a horrible tragedy… one he knew they’d take very hard.

“There’s nothing you all could have done had you been there,” Ben Kenobi spoke. “You’d have been killed, too, and the droids would be in the hands of the Empire.”

“But I don’t understand,” Twilight spoke softly. “Those people would never antagonize anyone; why would the Empire kill Luke’s family? Or any of those creatures?”

“The Empire aims to keep galaxy under control through chaos and fear,” Storm explained. “If they sought the plans hidden within R2, they must’ve assumed they were ‘traitors’ to the Empire. More likely they were sending a message against those thinking to take part in the fight.”

“Those horrible monsters…” Rainbow grunted, gritting her teeth. “If I ever see those gun wielding bums, I’m gonna give ‘em the ole’ one-two!”

“It’d be wise not to do anythin’ rash,” Applejack advised. “We ain’t in Equestria no more.”

“And unless they have no idea about our arrival, the Empire may be looking for us too,” Rarity guessed.

“Poor Sunset… they must already have her just like that Princess…” Fluttershy spoke fearfully. “And this galaxy is so big, they can be anywhere. Oh Luke, what’re we going to do?”

Luke had been quiet up until their arrival back to the Sandcrawler. And now… the young man turned to Ben with a newfound resolve.

“I want to come with you to Alderaan. There’s nothing here for me now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father.”

“So do we,” Twilight stepped forward. “If it’s the only way to save Sunset Shimmer and put a stop to the Empire, we’d like to be able to use the force to our advantage.”

“We do?” Spike asked.

Twilight quickly nudged Spike’s shoulder.

“Uh, I mean… certainly, we’d be glad to!”

Storm and Ben looked toward each other before turning back to the group.

“It’s going to be very dangerous from here on out,” Storm warned. “And I admit there’s only so much about being a Jedi that I know… but we’ll do whatever we can to teach you along the way.”

And with that settled, they beckoned the group into their speeders as they made to leave the remains of the Sandcrawler, and much of what they’ve seen of Tatooine as far behind them as possible.

<>

A short while later, the landspeeders carrying Storm and his friends in one, with Luke, R2, 3PO, and Ben in the other, zoomed across the desert wastelands. The speeders come to a stop by a bluff overlooking the spaceport: Mos Eisley. A haphazard array of low, grey, concrete structures and semi-domes. A harsh gale blew across the stark canyon floor. Luke adjusted his goggles and walked to the edge of the craggy bluff where Ben stood.

“Mos Eisley Spaceport,” Ben spoke. “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”

“Well that’s just peachy,” Rainbow remarked. “We’re on the run from an evil empire, looking for help in a hive of scum and villainy, and in the middle of a desert… any pony having Klugetown flashbacks?”

“Yep!” The girls and Spike answered, in unison.

“Ooh! Maybe we’ll meet another dashing, but morally ambiguous, rogue!” Pinkie guessed. “With a hidden heart of gold, who becomes one of our bestest friends, and returns to help us fight the bad guys!”

“Yeah… I wouldn’t bet on that, Pinkie,” Twilight disagreed.

“Mos Eisley has tons of rogues for sure, but most of them aren’t friendly,” Storm added. “If they don’t pick your pockets or steal your mode of transportation, they’ll likely kill us on sight if they want to. My advice: Stay close together as possible, don’t stray, and we’ll be just fine.”

The Equestrians looked toward Luke, who gave them a determined smile. If Luke Skywalker also knows what they are getting into and how dangerous Mos Eisley is, at least he’s going in ready to take the chance. All they can do was hope that they don’t attract ‘unwanted’ attention.

<>

Cruising along the streets of Mos Eisley, the speeders zoom along the crowded streets. All of a sudden, Luke’s speeder comes to a halt before several combat-hardened stormtroopers. The Equestrians silently watch from their own speeder, doing well to keep their presence scarce, while these troopers examined the two robots occupying Luke’s speeder. One of the troopers approached Luke for questioning.

“How long have you had these droids?”

“About three or four seasons,” Luke answered.

“They’re for sale if you want them,” Ben added.

“Let me see your identification,” The trooper demanded.

The Equestrians looked at each other nervously, before turning back to Luke, who fumbles to find his ID. All but Storm of course, he turned towards Ben Kenobi, as he faced the trooper.

“You don’t need to see his identification,” Ben spoke, in a very controlled voice.

“We don’t need to see his identification,” The trooper spoke.

“Huh?” Twilight uttered.

“These are not the droids you’re looking for,” Ben continued.

“These are not the droids we’re looking for,” The trooper repeated.

“He can go about his business…”

“You can go about your business.”

“Move along,” Ben told Luke.

“Move along…” The trooper gestured, swaying his arm. “Move along.”

Luke’s speeder zooms about with Storm’s following close behind. Some of the girls turned back toward the trooper as he and his comrade continue about their business. How that old man persuaded them to let them by so easily is a mystery even for them. Yet when Twilight turned toward Storm, she can judge by the gleam in his eyes that he knows something. Then again, like Ben he’s supposed to be a Jedi… which leads to more questions.

<>

Later, as they pass a large assortment of aliens and man, the speeders pulled up before a rundown blockhouse cantina, just along the outskirts of the spaceport. Various forms of unusual transport, including several strange beasts of burden, are parked just outside the bar. A Jawa rushed up and fondled the speeder.

“I can’t abide these Jawas,” 3PO complained. “Disgusting creatures.”

As the group emerged from their own speeders, Luke tried to shoe the Jawa away.

“Go on, go on!” Luke shouted. “I can’t understand how we got by those troopers. I thought we were dead.”

“Yeah… that’s one of the coolest tricks I’ve ever seen,” Rainbow added. “How’d you do that old man?”

“The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded,” Ben answered.

“Really?” Pinkie nodded. “Hmm…”

Pinkie turned toward the front of the screen and waved a hoof.

“You will like, review, and get this story ‘Featured’…” Pinkie spoke, in a controlled voice.

“What’re you doin’?” Applejack questioned.

“Putting that Force ability to the test!” Pinkie answered. “Maybe I’m using the wrong hoof.”

“Pinkie Pie, the Force is more than just waving your arms and saying the words,” Storm explained. “Anyone interested in learning about it, provided they are willing to take the time to learn, you’ll find the force to be as powerful an ally as all of magic itself.”

“Do you really think we’re going to find a pilot here that’ll take us to Alderaan?” Luke asked Ben.

“Well, most of the best freighter pilots can be found here,” Ben answered. “Only watch your step. This place can be a little rough.”

“Let those bums try and make their move,” Rainbow Dash replied confidently. “I’m ready for anything!”

“The sooner we find our pilot the sooner we can get off this planet,” Twilight spoke. “Come along, guys.”

The group make their way through the entrance to the Cantina, hoping that they won’t have too much trouble finding a pilot.

<>

Inside the Cantina, our young adventures and the mechanical servants follow Ben Kenobi into the smoke-filled cantina. The murky, moldy den filled with a startling array of weird, exotic alien creatures and monsters looming along the long, metallic bar. At first, most of the girls were utterly horrified. One-eyed, thousand-eyed, slimy, furry, scaly, tentacled, and clawed creatures huddled over drinks. All the girls were intimidated… save for one.

Twilight looked around and performed a double take when she saw Pinkie Pie standing in front of the stage, grooving out to the jazz music playing in the background. A few of the girls shook their heads knowing this was exactly what Pinkie Pie would do in this scenario. Ben moved along to an empty spot at the bar near a group of repulsive, but human scum. The rest followed the old man, when a huge and scary looking Bartender stopped them.

“Hey! We don’t serve their kind here!”

Luke, still recovering from the shock of seeing so many outlandish creatures, at first didn’t catch the bartender’s drift. The rest of the girls looked around, wondering who the man was talking to.

“What?” Luke asked.

“I beg your pardon?!” Rarity added.

“Your droids!” The Bartender pointed out. “They’ll have to wait outside; we don’t want them here.”

Luke looked around for old Ben, finding him too busy talking to one of the Galactic pirates. The rest noticed several of the gruesome creatures along the bar, giving the outsides a very unfriendly glare.

“Oh yeah… this is definitely like Klugetown all right,” Rainbow confirmed.

“Listen, why don’t you wait out by the speeders?” Luke suggested to 3PO. “We don’t want any trouble.”

“I heartily agree with you sir,” 3PO nodded.

“Me and Fluttershy will wait outside with them,” Rarity volunteered.

“Thanks a lot Rarity,” Luke nodded.

“Uh, we will?” Fluttershy asked nervously

Rarity didn’t hear Fluttershy’s objection, as she leaned down and picked up Spike into her arms.

“You best come along too Spikey,” Rarity suggested. “This is no place for precious little guys like you.”

“No complaints here,” Spike replied.

Rarity, with Spike in hand, lead Fluttershy out of the cantina as 3PO and his stubby partner follow close behind. Fortunately for the others, most of the creatures at the bar did not give them any trouble and the majority were back to their drinks. In the meantime, Ben stood next to an eight-foot-tall savage-looking creature resembling a huge grey bushbaby monkey with fierce baboon-like fangs. This was a creature known as Chewbacca, his large blue eyes dominate a fur-covered face and soften his otherwise awesome appearance. Over his matted, furry body he wore two chrome bandoliers, and little else. A two-hundred-year-old Wookie, approximately, and quite a sight to behold.

Ben spoke to the Wookiee, pointing to Luke several times during his conversation and the huge creature suddenly let out a horrifying laugh. Luke, along with A.J. and Rainbow Dash, stepped up to the bar and ordered a few drinks to blend in while the rest scouted around the cantina. To say they were disconcerted was an understatement, most of them pretending not to hear the conversation between ben and the giant Wookiee. Luke was especially terrified but tried not to show it.

He quietly sipped his drink, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked over the crowd for a more sympathetic ear or whatever. A large, multiple-eyed creature suddenly gave Luke a rough shove drawing Rainbow’s attention.

“Negola dewaghi wooldugger?!?” The creature spoke, in his native tongue.

“What the hay is his problem?!” Rainbow frowned.

“Pay ‘em no mind Rainbow,” Applejack advised. “He’s obviously drunk…”

Luke tried to ignore the creature, turning back on his drink. Just then a short, grubby Human and an even smaller rodent-like beast joined the belligerent monstrosity.

“He doesn’t like you,” The alien spoke.

“I’m sorry,” Luke apologized.

“Don’t apologize Luke,” Rainbow retorted. “You’re not in the wrong here.”

“I don’t like you either,” The man spat.

“We don’t know you and you don’t even know us!”

The big creature, growing agitated, yelled some unintelligible gibberish toward the now nervous, young adventurer and his friends.

“It doesn’t matter, you best watch yourselves!” The man said. “We’re wanted men. I have the death sentence in twelve systems.”

“Likely story,” Applejack nodded.

“We’ll be careful then,” Luke added.

“You’ll be dead!” The man threatened.

“You punaks wanna go?!” Rainbow stood up. “Why don’t we settle this right now?!”

The rodent released a loud grunt, sending everything and everyone at the bar moving away. Luke tried to remain cool, but that alone wasn’t easy. His three adversaries ready their weapons, while his two allies took a fighting stance. Just then, Old Ben moved in behind the trio.

“These little ones are not worth the effort…” Ben reassured.

“Come on Obi-Wan, we can take ‘em!” Rainbow insisted.

Obi-Wan merely turned toward Rainbow, retaining his tone.

“Not necessary Rainbow…” He replied, before facing the aliens. “Now let me get you something.”

A powerful blow from the unpleasant creature sent the young would-be Jedi sailing across the room. He and the girls crashed through tables and broke a large jug filled with a foul-looking liquid. With a blood curdling shriek, the monster drew a wicked chrome laser pistol from his belt and leveled it at old Ben.

“No blasters!” The bartender panicked. “No blasters!”

Before the others could rush to help, with astounding agility, old Ben’s laser sword sparked to life and in a flash an arm lied on the floor. The rodent was cut in two, the giant multiple-eyed creature laid doubled, cut from chin to groin. Ben carefully and precisely turned off his laser sword and replaced it on his utility belt. Luke and the girls, shaking and totally amazed at the old man’s abilities, stared with wide eyes. The entire fight lasted only a few seconds.

“That was so awesome!” Rainbow spoke, in awe.

“He certainly can handle himself,” Applejack agreed.

The cantina goes back to normal, although was given a respectable amount of room at the bar. Twilight and the others help their friends to their feet, as Luke rubbed his bruised head.

“You alright Luke?” Twilight asked.

“I’m okay…” Luke answered.

The old man approached the group, pointing toward the Wookiee.

“This is Chewbacca,” Ben introduced. “He’s first-mate on a ship that might suit our needs.”

They look toward Chewbacca, who slowly approached the group. They stared in awe as the beast towered over them, eyeing them silently as if studying this group.

“Sup!” Rainbow greeted.

<>

Outside the Cantina, the rest of the group were waiting for their friends. 3PO paced in front of the cantina, as R2 carried an electronic conversation with another little red Astro-droid. Rarity applies some suntan lotion along her arms and around her neck, while Fluttershy sits beside Spike who takes a snooze along her lap. Just then, Spike’s nose starts to twitch and sniff, as the little guy slowly opens his eyes. A creature emerges from the cantina and Spike sniffed in his direction… and his eyes went wide.

“Guys!” Spike barked.

The group faced Spike’s direction, and the girls silently gasped. Before their eyes, the creature from the cantina approached two stormtroopers patrolling the street.

“I don’t like the look of this,” 3PO spoke.

“Should we get back inside and warn the others?” Fluttershy asked Rarity.

“No, that won’t do,” Rarity shook. “If they see us going inside, we risk our friends being captured. But don’t worry… I have an idea!”

<>

In the meantime, Pinkie Pie’s head bopped to the beat from the strange creatures playing exotic big band music with their odd-looking instruments. Luke, still giddy, downed a fresh drink as and the rest followed Ben and Chewbacca to a booth where the creature’s captain sat. A tough, roguish star-pilot about thirty years old. A mercenary on a starship: Simple, sentimental, and cocksure.

“Han Solo,” The man introduced himself. “I’m captain of the Millennium Falcon. Chewie here tells me you’re looking for passage to the Alderaan system.”

“Yes indeed,” Ben nodded. “If it’s a fast ship.”

“A fast ship!? You never heard of the Millennium Falcon?”

“Should I have?”

“It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.”

Rainbow Dash folded her arms to her chest seeing this is the man’s stupid attempt to impress them with ‘obvious’ misinformation.

“I’ve outran Imperial Starships, not the local bulk-cruisers, mind you,” Han continued. “I’m talking about the big Corellian ships now. She’s fast enough for you, old man.”

“Ooh… fascinating!” Pinkie smiled.

“Yeah… I’m sure I can pull off this Kessel Run faster than that!” Rainbow bragged.

“Rainbow, now’s not the time fur boastin’,” Applejack advised.

“Wait!” Twilight interrupted, blinking. “Isn’t a parsec a unit of distance, not time?”

“Up-bup-bup! Don’t go Twilight on us now, Twilight,” Rainbow smirked.

“You really think you can do better kid?” Han asked Rainbow.

“I can perform a Sonic Rainboom! Faster than the speed of sound!”

“The Falcon can go faster than the speed of light.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes turn to pinpricks, her jaw completely dropped to the ground in shock. Pinkie Pie turned toward her friend, waving a single hand in front of her face. But Rainbow doesn’t speak, barely makes a sound.

“I think you broke her, Mr. Solo sir,” Pinkie observed.

“So, what’s the cargo?” Han asked, ignoring Pinkie.

“Only passengers,” Obi Wan informed. “Myself, the boys, seven girls, a dog, two droids, and no questions asked.”

“And before you ask, our other friends are just waiting outside the cantina,” Storm added.

“What is it?” Han asked curiously. “Some kind of local trouble?”

“Let’s just say we’d like to avoid any ‘Imperial’ entanglements.”

“Well, that’s the trick, isn’t it? And it’s going to cost you something extra.”

“How much?” Twilight asked nervously.

“Ten thousand in advance,” Han answered.

“Uh… that’s in yen right?” Pinkie asked.

Han Solo shook his head, even Chewbacca did the same. The kids’ eyes went wide, but none more so than Luke Skywalker.

“Ten thousand?” Luke gasped. “We could almost buy our own ship for that!”

“That there’s high-way robbery!” Applejack added.

“But who’s going to fly it, kids! You?” Han asked, sarcastically.

“You bet we could pretty boy!” Rainbow snapped. “Heck, our friend Luke here’s not such a bad pilot… probably not as good as me, but that’s beside the point!”

“Yeah, we don’t have to sit here and listen…” Luke spoke, ready to leave.

“We haven’t that much with us,” Ben interjected. “But we could pay you two thousand now, plus fifteen when we reach Alderaan.”

“Seventeen, huh?” Han replied, interested.

The pilot ponders the offer for a few moments, as the group keeps their fingers crossed hoping the man sitting before them will agree to it.

“Okay, you guys got yourself a ship,” Han agreed. “We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready. Docking bay Ninety-Four.”

“Ninety-Four,” Ben repeated.

Just then, Han’s head turned to the side.

“Looks like somebody’s beginning to take an interest in your handiwork.”

The group turned around only to see four Imperial stormtroopers examining the dead bodies and asking the bartenders some questions. Much to their chagrin, the bartender points to the booth.

“All right, we’ll check it out,” The trooper spoke.

The stormtroopers look over at the booth… but the majority of the group already left. The bartender shrugged his shoulders in puzzlement, as he wiped the counter of any spilled beverages. That left Han and Chewbacca sitting there letting it sink in that they hit the biggest payload of their lives.

“Seventeen thousand!” Han smiled. “Those guys must really be desperate. This could really save my neck. Get back to the ship and get her ready.”

Chewbacca gave the gesture meaning ‘Understood’ and proceeded to leave for the docking bay, as Han could scarcely believe their fortunes were turning around.

<>

Out on the streets…

“SEVENTEEN THOUSAND!!!” Twilight shouted.

“Shh!! Wake the whole neighborhood why don’t you!” Rainbow hissed. “This is not the best time or place to freak out.

“This is the perfect time to freak out! How in Equestria are we ever going to make that much money?”

“We’ll have to sell the speeders,” Ben answered.

“Hmm… well mine’s still in good shape even after all these years,” Storm sighed. “I’m sure she can still make quite a bargain.”

“Oh Stormy, I hate for you to have to part with your vehicle,” Pinkie whimpered.

“Ah, it’s fine! I can always come back here and buy it back soon as we deal with this Imperial business.”

“Not me… I’m never coming back to this planet again,” Luke replied.

As the group started to figure this out, a thought suddenly comes upon Twilight Sparkle, who casted her head around.

“Where’s Spike and the others?” Twilight asked.

<>

Back in the Cantina, Han was just about ready to leave. Suddenly, a slimy, green-faced alien with a short trunk-nose, poked a gun in his side.

“Going somewhere, Solo?” The creature spoke, in a foreign tongue.

“Yes, Greedo,” Han nodded. “As a matter of fact, I was just going to see your boss. Tell Jabba that I’ve got his money.”

Han sat down, as the alien ‘Greedo’ sat across from him holding the gun on him.

“It’s too late,” Greedo spoke. “You should have paid him when you had the chance. Jabba’s put a price on your head, so large that every bounty hunter in the galaxy will be looking for you. I’m lucky I found you first.”

“Yeah, but this time I got the money,” Han insisted.

“If you give it to me, I might forget I found you.”

“I don’t have it with me. Tell Jabba…”

“Jabba’s through with you. He has no time for smugglers who drop their shipments at the first sign of an Imperial cruiser.”

“Even I get boarded sometimes. Do you think I had a choice?”

Han Solo slowly reached for his gun beneath the table.

“You can tell that to Jabba,” Greedo offered. “He may only take your ship.”

“Over my dead body,” Han responded.

“That’s the idea. I’ve been looking forward to killing you for a long time.”

“Yes, I’ll bet you have.”

Suddenly, the slimy alien disappeared in a blinding flash of light. Han pulled his smoking gun beneath the table, as the other patrons looked on in bemused amazement. Han picked himself up and started out of the cantina, flipping the bartender some coins as he leaves.

“Sorry about the mess,” Han replied.

<>

Back on the planet of Dromund Kaas, the three sisters found themselves crossing a dark corrider leading to who really knows where. After defeating the Terentarek in the Dark Council’s chambers, a strange light beckoned them down the desolate path. As they walked, they kept a close, vigilante eye for any other traps lurking in the dark. No doubt the Dark Council would not just leave important treasures lying around without some form of protection.

Eventually, a light at the end of the tunnel greeted them as they walked through the stone archway. When they came out the other side, a very interesting sight greeted them. There they stood in the entrance of a huge dark chamber, with gigantic statues lining the hall. At the end stood a statue that stood above them all, showcasing a figure with no face but clearly holding some form of great power and influence.

“Where the hell have we just walked into?” The Fifth Sister asked.

Though it could not be seen under her visor, The Third Sister grinned malevolently.

“The Dark Temple,” She replied. “Where the Sith Emperor of the Old Republic built his base of power.”

“Where exactly are we going to find this artifact?” The Fourth Sister asked. “This temple’s massive; I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”

“Follow the voices…”

This answer confused the other two Inquisitors, but they quickly abandoned the feeling when they began to hear more whispers like they heard from the Citadel. Following the voices, the three sisters walked through the multiple corridors and pathways of the temple until their path took them up a gigantic winding staircase. Reaching the top, they walked again through another corridor until coming to another chamber. There was not much difference than the other except for the evil looking throne sitting atop the staircase formation at the end of the room.

“Behold…” The Third Sister grinned. “The throne of the Sith Emperor.”

Leading the way, the Third Sister beckoned the two others toward the end of the room and right toward the dark throne. To their astonishment, floating mid-air on the seat, was the very object they sought: An ancient Sith holocron of incredible power.

Ever so slowly, the Third Sister approached the throne and reached out for the holocron. The moment her fingers scraped the ancient metal, the temple immediately began to shake. Tremors so powerful, the temple itself started to collapse all around them.

“RUN!!!” The Third Sister yelled.

In a blink of an eye, the three sisters scrambled as fast as they could toward the temple exit. They dodged tons of falling debris as the chamber fell apart. Just as they were about to make it, a giant pile of rocks and boulders fell right in front of it.

“Great, now what?!” The Fourth Sister yelled.

“We must combine our powers in the force to move the obstruction,” The Third Sister instructed.

“Will it truly work?” The Fifth Sister asked.

“Let the Force do your bidding and it will not fail.”

Standing side by side, the three inquisitors raised their arms and channeled focused their attention on the force. This power caused the massive blockade to lift effortlessly into the air and the inquisitors threw it off to the side. They began to race down the path back to the Dark Council chambers. They did not stop, however, as everything around them continued to collapse. Eventually they were able to make it back to the entrance of the Citadel as their Stormtrooper brigade came running out as well.

“My lady, the city’s collapsing around us!” The Captain yelled. “We must leave Kaas City now!”

“I am well aware of this Captain!” The Third Sister yelled back. “Everyone return to the shuttle immediately!”

As the city fell to ruin around them, both troopers and inquisitors raced back to the imperial shuttle and quickly climbed through the back. The minute everywhere were aboard, the pilot quickly lifted the shuttle off the ground and flew back into orbit. As the shuttle left the vicinity, the Third Sister looked out toward all of Kaas City crumbling to the ground. The Sith’s old capital was no reduced to nothing more than ruins. She, however, grinned in victory as she held the holocron close to her and the shuttle flew back into Wild Space. Their mission had been a success and now the galaxy would soon belong to them…

The Death Star

In the dark, cold cell block of the Imperial Palace, Sunset Shimmer laid along the hard ground. She silently prayed to Celestia that her friends would soon rescue her, or at least something good to happen soon. Since arriving at this new world, all she experienced was pain and anguish. From the very first torture session with Palpatine, there had been at least ‘six’ more… each more painful than the last. At this point, Sunset became so accustomed to it she no longer shed a single tear when the painful force lightning rippled through her body.

The sound of the cell block door opening made her sit up almost instantaneously, as Starkiller made his way into the block. He unlocked the door to her cell, gesturing for her to step forward.

“Come with me,” He instructed.

With no fight left in her, following the period of torture and isolation, Sunset did just as she was ordered. Sunset shakily got to her feet, slowly approaching the young Sith boy. He shackled her in a pair of force resistant cuffs, as he proceeded to lead her out of the jail cell.

“Where are we going?” Sunset asked quietly.

“My master ordered me to escort you off world,” Starkiller explained. “We will board an imperial shuttle and make way for the Death Star immediately.”

Sunset let her head hang low, as she walked alongside Starkiller toward the palace hangar. As they walked, Marek looked down at Sunset and saw that her demeanor had been much worse since he last saw her. She seemed so lost… so broken. All of a sudden, Sunset collapsed mid-stride but thankfully he caught her before she completely hit the floor. Leaning her against the wall, Starkiller noticed her skin was losing color, her hair flattened, and she grew thinner due to lack of food.

This sight truly made the young man feel ‘slightly’ bad for what she must be going through. Seeing her in such a state, he made a quick decision. Reaching into his robe pocket, he pulled out a tiny device.

“I know you must look upon me and see nothing more than a cold, conniving killer,” He spoke. “I won’t argue with those claims, as they are mainly true. But unlike many in the empire, I have some sense of compassion.”

Pushing a button in the device, a small needle protruded from the pack. Quickly, he jabbed it into her arm and Sunset gave out a startled yelp of pain. But then… a different sensation washed over her. For the first time since her capture, she actually felt… good. Her pale skin slowly regained its glow, her hair grew its luster back, and her figure slowly returned to normal. After a moment, Starkiller removed the device and Sunset faced him with confusion.

“What did you just do?” She asked.

“I administered a stimpack to you,” Starkiller explained. “Your health is being restored.”

Sunset looked down at herself, seeing he was telling the truth. Now she was healthier than she had been in days. Looking back toward the Sith, Sunset can’t wrap her brain around it. Only one question plagued her mind.

“Why did you just help me?”

Marek sighed to himself before looking her dead in the eye.

“Despite what my master or the Emperor believe, you proved to me you are indeed innocent. I cannot simply stand idly by while an innocent woman suffers.”

Hearing the answer actually made Sunset smile for the first time in days.

“I knew there was a good man in there,” She said softly.

Without thinking, she quickly threw her arms around Marek’s neck and hugged him tight. Starkiller went stiff as a board, while the young girl hugged him. Never having actually had physical contact with anyone unless it was to kill them, it took him by surprise.

“Thank you…” Sunset whispered in his ear.

After a moment, Sunset finally let go and looked at Marek in the eyes. Their eyes met, and instantly they could feel some strange connection. Marek couldn’t understand it, but clearly he felt the presence of the force. Shaking his head quickly, he helped Sunset off the ground and they both made for the hangar again. Not a word was spoken between the two for the remainder of the walk. Finally reaching the hangar, Starkiller lead Sunset aboard a shuttle prepped to leave, the shuttle lifted off, and zipped off into the dark of space.

<>

Aboard the Death Star, a certain ‘Dark Lord of the Sith’ grew more and more frustrated by the minute. His tactics to pry information from the Princess have thus far proven unsuccessful.

“Her resistance to the mind probe is considerable,” Vader spoke. “It will be some time before we can extract any information from her.”

Just then, an Imperial Officer interrupted the meeting.

“The final check-out is complete. All systems are operational. What course shall we set?”

“Perhaps she would respond to an alternativeform of persuasion,” Tarkin suggested.

“What do you mean?” Vader asked.

“I think it is time we demonstrate the full power of this station,” Tarkin answered, facing the soldier. “Set your course for Princess Leia’s home planet of Alderaan.”

“With pleasure,” The solider nodded.

The Trooper made to leave when he stopped as if realizing something he almost forgot.

“Lord Vader…”

The Dark Lord faced the Trooper.

“Lord Starkiller’s vessel is approaching,” The Trooper informed. “He’ll be arriving shortly.”

“Prepare for their arrival,” Vader commanded.

With that settled, the Trooper saluted and made for the docking bay. Vader turned toward Tarkin.

“A guest will be joining for the demonstration,” Vader informed.

“Very well…” Tarkin spoke, understanding.

<>

Meanwhile, back along the streets of Mos Eisley, four heavily armed Stormtroopers moved menacingly along a narrow slum alleyway crowded with darkly clad creatures hawking exotic goods in the dingy little stalls. Men, monsters, and robots crouch in the waste-filled doorways, whispering and hiding from the hot winds. C-3PO peaked out from one of the doors, seeing that the Stormtroopers were coming.

“Lock the door, R2,” 3PO instructed, shutting the door.

“All right, check that side of the street,” A trooper ordered.

One of the troopers checked a tightly locked door, tapping along its surface.

“Door’s secure. Move on to the next door.”

As the Stormtroopers marched down the alleyway, the door slid open with a crack. 3PO, Fluttershy, and Rarity, the latter holding Spike closely, peeked out. R2-D2 was barely visible in the background.

“Phew! That was scary,” Fluttershy sighed. “I thought we’d be caught for sure.”

“It’s a good thing I managed to convince one of the residents to let us borrow this place,” Rarity nodded in agreement. “Let’s hope we can get off this planet before they start asking for ‘special’ favors.”

“I would much rather have gone with Master Luke than stay here with you,” C-3PO grumbled to R2. “I don’t know what all the trouble is about, but I’m sure it must be your fault.”

R2-D2 made some beeping sounds and Fluttershy gasped quietly.

“You watch your language mister!” Fluttershy bereted, pointing at the droid.

The droid made a beeping sound that made him sound rather ‘sheepish’. Spike looked up to Fluttershy in confusion.

“You actually understood what he just said?” He asked curiously.

“No…” Fluttershy admitted. “But I don’t appreciate the tone he used.”

“Let’s hope the others are having better luck than we are,” Rarity hoped.

“I don’t know,” Spike shrugged, leaning against Rarity. “I actually like this arrangement.”

Rarity patted Spike’s head as they resealed the door in case the Stormtroopers come back.

<>

Meanwhile, the group consisting of Ben Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, Storm Shield, and Twilight Sparkle stood by a sleazy used speeder lot. The whole time they spoke with a tall, grotesque, insect-like used speeder dealer hoping to make some form of arrangement.

“What do you make of this Han Solo character?” Twilight asked Storm. “You really think his ship is as fast as he says?”

“I certainly hope so Twi,” Storm replied uncertainly. “The longer we stay in Tatooine, the more tyranny and chaos the Empire is sure to bring. Not to mention what could become of Sunset in the process.”

This terrified Twilight to no end, just thinking about what’s happening to her friend. Days have gone by and still they’ve made no progress leaving this planet to find her. She could only hope by the time they found her it won’t be too late. Strange exotic bodies and spindly-legged beasts passed by as the insect concluded the sale by giving Luke some coins.

“He says it’s the best he can do,” Luke informed the group. “Since the XP-38 came out, they’re just not in demand.”

“It will be enough,” Ben reassured.

Ben and Luke leave the speeder lot and walked down the dusty alleyway past a small robot herding a bunch of anteater-like creatures. Twilight made to join them when she turned toward Storm, who gave one last forlorn look at his faithful speeder.

“A thousand years since we’ve traveled together,” Storm spoke softly. “Now we have to part again.”

“Don’t worry Storm,” Twilight spoke. “You’ll get it—‘her’, you’ll get her back somehow. It’s more than just a mode of transportation to you; it’s like one of your best friends.”

Storm Shield turned toward Twilight Sparkle, smiling as if she were using the right words.

“Thanks Twi,” Storm smiled. “I’ll be with you in a moment; I’d just like one last look.”

Twilight Sparkle nodded in understanding, before making herself around the corner to rejoin the two men. Looking down toward his speeder, Storm lifted one hand and gestured to the dealer. The dealer slowly approached Storm… who suddenly grabbed the dealer by the collar, and forced him to look into his eyes… which suddenly glowed red.

“もし私が彼女に1つの傷やへこみを聞くほどなら、私は銀河のいたるところであなたを捕らえ、あなたの家族全員の前であなたを去勢します。分かる。！”

If the dealer could show any form of expression, its eyes would widen and its ‘jawlike’ structure would drop. But instead, the dealer just tentatively nodded. Storm’s eyes start to dim and suddenly his demeanor changed almost instantaneously.

“A pleasure doing business with you,” Storm replied calmly. “Good day…”

And just like that Storm Shield turned away to rejoin the group, leaving the dealer startled and seemingly frightened. It did not take long for the Jedi to rejoin the others as they made way for Docking Bay 94.

“If the ship’s as fast as he’s boasting, we ought to do well,” Ben spoke.

“We better meet with the others and let them know,” Twilight advised. “Then somehow we need to find the rest of our friends before we run into any more trouble.”

Unfortunately, their presence did not go unnoticed. A darkly clad creature emerged from the shadows as they passed, watching them as they disappear down another alley.

<>

At Docking Bay 94, Jabba the Hutt and a half-dozen grizzly alien pirates and purple creatures stood in the middle of the bay. Jabba, the grossest of the slavering Hutts, his scarred face a grim testimonial to his prowess as a vicious killer. A fat, slug-like creature with eyes on extended feelers and a huge ugly mouth.

“Solo!” Jabba called out, in his tongue. “Come out of there, Solo! Solo!”

“Right here, Jabba.”

A voice directly behind the pirates startled them, as they turned around to see Han Solo and the giant Wookiee, Chewbacca, standing behind them with no weapons in sight.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Jabba,” Han spoke casually.

“Have you, now?” Jabba asked suspiciously. “I expected you would be.”

“You didn’t think I was gonna run, did you? I’m not the type.”

“Han my boy, there are times when you disappoint me…” Jabba spoke, fatherly-smooth. “Why haven’t you paid me… and why did you have to fry poor Greedo like that? After all we’ve been through together.”

“You sent Greedo to blast me,” Han pointed out.

“Han, why you’re the best smuggler in the business,” Jabba replied, with mock surprise. “You’re too valuable to fry. He was only relaying my concern at your delays. He wasn’t going to blast you.”

“I think he thought he was,” Han answered, unconvinced. “Look Jabba. Next time you want to talk to me, come see me yourself. Don’t send one of those twerps.”

“Han, Han… if only you hadn’t had that dumped that shipment of spice…” Jabba replied. “You understand I can’t just make an exception. Where would I be if every pirate who smuggled for me dumped their shipment at the first sign of an Imperial starship? It’s not good business.”

“Look Jabba, you know even I get boarded sometimes…”

“WAH!!!”

As Han circled around Jabba, he purposely stepped on the mob boss’s tail, and he wailed in pain.

“… You think I had a choice, but I’ve got a nice, easy charter now and I can pay you back, plus a little extra. I just need some more time.”

Jabba pondered as if he were weighing his options, then he turned toward his men.

“Put your blasters away!” Jabba ordered.

All of his cohorts performed as instructed, as Jabba turned back toward Han.

“Han, my boy, I’m only doing this because you’re the best and I need you,” Jabba implored. “So, for an extra, say twenty percent I’ll give you a little more time…”

“Fifteen, Jabba,” Han demanded. “But don’t push it.”

“Okay… ‘fifteen’,” Jabba agreed. “But this is it. If you disappoint me, fail me again, I’ll put a price on your head so large you won’t be able to go near a civilized system for the rest of your short life.”

“Jabba, you’re a wonderful human being,” Han replied sarcastically. “I’ll pay you because it’s my pleasure.”

With business settled, Han climbed aboard his ship for final preparations. Jabba made a gesture and he, along with his cohorts, made their leave from the docking bay. Among Jabba’s band of deadly pirates, one of his most deadly associates stood among them: A heavily armored bounty hunter, wearing a customized suit of Mandalorian armor. One of the most feared bounty hungters in all the galaxy… Boba Fett.

He glanced around silently, not uttering a single word, before he followed the Hutt gangster and his cohorts.

<>

Twilight Sparkle crossed around the streets hoping to catch a trace of Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike, the droids included. She comes by one of the doors and leans her ear upon it silently, hoping to catch a faint voice. Curiously, she lifted her hand toward the door.

*KNOCK! KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK, KNOCK!*

*KNOCK-KNOCK!*

Recognizing the signal, Twilight Sparkle stood back as the door slid open and her eyes found the droids and her friends clumped together. Her eyes catch Spike, nestled between the two breasts of the two girls. Her eyebrow widens a bit at the unusual scene.

“Let’s face it, Twilight,” Spike commented. “This is not the worst thing you’ve caught me doing.”

Twilight shook her head and held her arms out, as Rarity takes Spike and placed him back in Twilight’s possession. Looking around to make sure they haven’t been spotted. They work their way down the street before meeting up with the rest of the group.

At the alleyway near the Docking Port Entry, Chewbacca waited restlessly at the entrance to Docking Bay 94. Ben, Luke, Storm, the girls, and the robots made their way up from the street. Chewbacca jabbered excitedly and signaled them to hurry. They pass the giant hulking creature when Fluttershy paused a moment to look up toward Chewie in awe… before continuing her way forward. The darkly clad creature, which followed them from the speeder lot, stopped at a nearby doorway and spoke into a small transmitter.

Chewbacca, in the meantime, lead the group into a giant dirt pit that is Docking Bay 94. Resting in the midst of a huge hole was a large, round, slightly beat-up, pieced-together hunk of junk that could only loosely be called a starship.

“That’s… the Millenium Falcon?” Rainbow replied, unconvinced.

“What a piece of junk!” Luke remarked.

The tall figure of Han Solo emerged down the boarding ramp.

“She’ll make point five beyond the speed of light,” Han replied. “She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kids. I’ve added some special modifications myself.”

Luke and Twilight scratched their heads. Han could obviously see by the look of their faces that they are uncertain about his claims. Chewbacca rushed up the ramp, urging the others to follow.

“We’re a little rushed,” Han added. “So if you’ll hurry aboard we’ll get out of here.”

The group rushed up the gang plank, passing a grinning Han Solo. Rarity stopped just along the ramp to face Han Solo.

“She’s tres joli [very pretty] indeed, but is she seaworthy?” Rarity asked seriously.

“Don’t try to be cute with me sweetheart,” Han replied.

Pouting, Rarity climbed her way aboard as Han Solo kept watch for any sign of trouble. The droids were the last to board the ship.

“Hello, sir,” 3PO greeted.

But the man barely acknowledged the droid’s greeting.

<>

Inside the Millenium Falcon, Chewbacca settled into the pilot’s chair and started the mighty engines of the starship. No doubt anxious to leave Tatooine as soon as possible.

<>

Eight Imperial stormtroopers rushed toward the darkly clad creature.

“Which way?” The lead trooper asked.

The darkly clad creature pointed to the door of the docking bay.

“All right, men. Load your weapons!”

The troopers, holding their guns at the ready, charge down into the docking bay entrance.

“Stop that ship!” The trooper ordered.

Han Solo looked up and saw the Imperial stormtroopers rushing into the docking bay, ready to fire.

“Blast ‘em!”

Just as the troopers started to fire, from out of nowhere, Storm Shield jumped clear over their heads and grasped his saber pike from his back, igniting the blade. The troopers all fired their blasters at the Jedi prince, but Storm spun the blade of his saber with one finger and sent the blasts back toward the troopers. Jumping into action, Storm swung the blunt end of the pike at a trooper, which dazed him to the point Storm could pole vault over him and swing his blade straight across the trooper’s back.

Han drew his laser pistol and popped off a couple shots which forced the stormtroopers to dive for safety. Storm Shield, shutting off the blade, raced past Han Solo, as the pirate ship engines whine and Han hit the release button slamming the overhead entry shut.

“Chewie, get us out of here!” Han shouted.

Storm Shield rejoined the group, as they all strapped in for take-off.

“Oh my, I’d forgotten how much I hate space travel,” 3PO whimpered.

“If it’s anything like flying, I don’t blame you,” Fluttershy agreed worriedly.

<>

On the streets of Mos Eisley, half a dozen stormtroopers at check point heard the general alarm. They turned to the sky as the huge starship rose above the dingy slum dwellings, quickly disappearing into the morning sky.

<>

Within the Falcon’s cockpit, Han climbed into the pilot’s chair next to Chewbacca, who chattered away as he pointed to something on the radar scope. As the Corellian pirate ship zoomed into the farthest depths of space, Han frantically typed information into the ship’s computer. Little R2 appeared momentarily at the cockpit doorway, making a few beeping remarks, before scurrying away.

“It looks like an Imperial cruiser,” Han observed. “Our passengers must be hotter than I thought.”

He quickly delivered instructions to Chewie.

“Try and hold them off. Angle the deflector shield while I make the calculations for the jump to light speed.”

<>

The Millennium Falcon raced away from the yellow planet of Tatooine, followed by two huge Imperial Star Destroyers.

<>

Over the shoulders of Chewbacca and Han, Spike and the girls looked on toward the galaxy spread before them. Luke and Ben made their way into the cramped cockpit where Han continued his calculation.

“Stay sharp!” Han shouted. “There are two more coming in; they’re going to try to cut us off.”

“Why don’t you outrun them?” Luke asked. “I thought you said this thing was fast.”

“Watch you mouth, kid, or you’re going to find yourself floating home,” Han argued. “We’ll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, I know a few maneuvers. We’ll lose them!”

“You better hurry!” Spike yelled, pointing a paw. “They’re coming!”

“I’d really prefer not to die today!” Rarity added.

<>

Imperial cruisers fire toward the pirate ship, which shuddered as an explosion flashed out the window.

<>

“Here’s where the fun begins!” Han announced.

“Exactly how is any of this classified as fun?” Rainbow asked, annoyed.

“How long before you can make the jump to light speed?” Ben added.

“It’ll take a few moments to get the coordinates from the navi-computer,” Han answered.

The ship rocked violently as lasers bounce against it.

“Are you kidding?” Luke asked incredulously. “At the rate they’re gaining…”

“Traveling through hyperspace isn’t like dusting crops, boy! Without precise calculations we could fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova and that’d end your trip real quick, wouldn’t it?”

The ship was now constantly battered with laser fire, as a red warning light began to flash.

“What’s that flashing?” Luke pointed out.

“We’re losing our deflector shield,” Han observed. “Go strap yourself in, I’m going to make the jump to light speed.”

Quick as a whip, the girls, Storm, and Spike found a seat and strapped themselves in. The galaxy brightened and moved faster, almost as if crashing a barrier. The girls and Spike screamed as they held tightly on whatever they can grasp as they felt the pressure pushed into them. Stars become streaks, as the pirate ship makes the jump to hyperspace and the Millennium Falcon zoomed into infinity in less than a second.

<>

The planet of Alderaan loomed behind the Death Star battle station, as an Imperial shuttle zoomed through space toward the giant station. When the shuttle landed in the station’s hangar, the black hatch opened up and Starkiller lead Sunset Shimmer, along with a barrage of Stormtroopers.

In the control room, Admiral Motti entered the quiet control room and bowed before Governor Tarkin, who stood before the huge wall screen displaying a small green planet.

“We’ve entered the Alderaan system,” Motti informed.

Soon Vader and two stormtroopers enter with Princess Leia, her hands bound. Seconds later, Starkiller’s group entered the control room and among them Sunset Shimmer. She looked around the control room, before catching sight of the princess.

“Princess Leia!” Sunset gasped.

“Sunset…” Leia responded.

Unable to reach one another due to their captives on tight guard and restrained enough as they are, all they could do was look on now well aware that they’ve both been captured.

“So… you must be Sunset Shimmer,” Tarkin spoke, approaching Sunset. “I’ve been told much about you…”

Sunset Shimmer did not respond to the man, only stared at him with whatever amount of a rebellious streak remained in her eyes.

“Governor Tarkin,” Leia spoke, breaking the silence. “I should have expected to find you holding Vader’s leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on board.”

“Charming to the last,” Tarkin replied. “You don’t know how hard I found it signing the order to terminate your life!”

“I’m surprised you had the courage to take the responsibility yourself!”

“Princess Leia, before your execution I would like you, and your little friend, to be my guests at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational.”

“What’re you talking about?” Sunset asked.

“Think of it as a message to all of our enemies,” Tarkin replied. “No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.”

“The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers,” Leia snarked.

“Not after we demonstrate the power of this station. In a way, you have determined the choice of the planet that’ll be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the Rebel base, I have chosen to test this station’s destructive power… on your home planet of Alderaan.”

Sunset Shimmer’s eyes went wide hearing what Tarkin was planning.

“Wha-NO!!!” Sunset yelled.

The stormtroopers held her back, even when she didn’t move. Even Leia herself tried to object.

“Alderaan is peaceful. We have no weapons. You can’t possibly…”

“You would prefer another target?” Tarkin interrupted. “A military target? Then name the system!”

“YOU ARE GENOCIDAL, MURDERING—” Sunset growled.

“SILENCE!” Tarkin waved menacingly, before facing Leia. “I grow tired of asking this. So it’ll be the last time. Where is the Rebel base?”

Leia could overhear an intercom voice announce the approach to Alderaan. Her eyes briefly turned toward Sunset Shimmer, her eyes begging for her to do something. But seeing there was no other choice, and not wanting to put her people in danger, she lowered her head.

“Dantooine…” Leia answered softly. “They’re on Dantooine…”

Sunset eyes lowered seeing the princess give away the rebels’ location. On one hand, she knows Leia did it to save an entire planet (No doubt her family must be down there). But on the other hand, people were still going to die especially those who believed they could stand against these homicidal maniacs. Tarkin smiled triumphantly, pleased with the results, as he faced Vader.

“There… you see Lord Vader, she can be reasonable,” Tarkin assured, facing Motti. “Continue with the operation. You may fire when ready.”

The moment Tarkin uttered those words, Leia and Sunset’s head reeled up violently.

“What?” Leia shouted, shocked.

“You made a deal monster!” Sunset barked. “She told you where the base is; you promised…”

“You’re far too trusting…” Tarkin replied smugly. “Dantooine is too remote to make an ‘effective’ demonstration. But don’t worry… we will deal with your Rebel friends soon enough.”

“I won’t let you do it!” Sunset shouted.

She tried to push her way through the stormtroopers, but only one hand was holding her back. Sunset turned around as Starkiller prevented her from moving forward, his eyes telling her to ‘Stop!’. She glared toward the young man, tears streaming from her eyes as Leia too was held back under Lord Vader’s grip. The two women were faced with no choice but to witness the inevitable.

“Commence primary ignition,” The Death Star Gunner instructed.

A press of the button switched on a panel of lights. A hooded imperial solider reached overhead and pulled a lever. Another level was pulled soon after. Vader reached for still another lever, as a blanket of lights on the panel and wall lit up. A huge beam of light emanates from within a cone-shaped area, converging into a single laser beam out toward Alderaan…

*BOOM!!!*

The small green planet once called Alderaan now blew into space dust. Sunset looked on with horror and shock, all that remained of the planet and the people residing on it… now nothing more but flying rocks forever drifting through space. She slowly turned toward Tarkin, who only looked at her coolly.

“Murderer…” Sunset growled. “MURDERERS, ALL OF YOU!!!”

“Take them away,” Tarkin waved off. “We’re done with them.”

As the Stormtroopers proceed to take Leia and Sunset away for containment, a deeper growl escaped Sunset’s lips as she swung her restraint arms against one Stormtrooper knocking him aside. The other Stormtrooper tried to wrap his arms around Sunset, but she knocked him aside with the back of her head and a kick to the sternum. She tried to rush toward him, but other Stormtroopers piled on top of her forcibly struggling to take her away as Starkiller tried to lead them away. Sunset struggled in their grip before she was able to lift her face, her eyes suddenly glowing red as she glared at Tarkin.

“I’m going to get you…” Sunset threatened. “You hear me, Tarkin?! I’M GONNA BUCKING GET—”

But the doors sealed shut before she could finish her sentence. Tarkin seemed unphased by Sunset’s threat as he turned toward Darth Vader.

“A fiery one you’ve collected,” Tarkin acknowledged.

“Yes… she is slowly embracing the Dark Side,” Darth Vader declared, looking on. “It won’t be long now…”

<>

Later, in the central hold of the Millenium Falcon, Ben Kenobi and a few Equestrians watched as Luke Skywalker practiced the lightsaber with a small ‘seeker’ robot. Ben suddenly turned away and sat down, faltering as if he could almost faint. Just then, Storm Shield released a grunt of pain as he clutched his chest, falling to one knee. And as if that weren’t enough, Pinkie Pie started to shake rapidly, uncontrollably. Twilight quickly rushed over to check on her friends.

“Obi Wan, Pinkie, Storm!” Twilight cried. “Are you alright?”

“What’s wrong?” Luke asked.

Pinkie’s shaking finally stopped, as she fell back. Twilight luckily caught her before she hit the ground.

“I… I’ve never felt my Pinkie Sense do that before,” Pinkie sighed.

“I felt a great disturbance in the Force…” Obi Wan confirmed. “As if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.”

“I felt the same Master Obi Wan,” Storm groaned. “I can feel the agony of millions dying all at once. This has caused a tumultuous rift in the force.”

“It’s like…” Pinkie tried to speak. “Like all the laughter in the world turned to screaming… and then… nothing. Just nothing… at all…”

Pinkie shivered as Twilight helped her sit down. Some of the others were freaked out knowing that when Pinkie Pie’s scared, that’s when things are serious. Ben rubbed his forehead, seemingly drifting into a trance. Then he fixed his gaze on Luke.

“You’d better get on with your exercises,” Ben suggested.

It wasn’t long before Han Solo entered the room.

“Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs,” Han informed. “I told you I’d outrun ‘em.”

But hardly anyone paid attention. Luke once more practiced with the lightsaber. The others, including 3PO, watched Chewbacca and R2, who are engrossed in a game in which three-dimensional holographic figures moved along a chess-type board. Fluttershy gazed toward Chewbacca, as if something about this creature was so fascinating… it seemed to distract her from the previous news.

“Don’t everyone thank me at once,” Han grumbled, irritated. “Anyway, we should be at Alderaan about oh-two-hundred hours.”

Chewbacca and the two robots sat around the light table covered with small holographic monsters. Each side of the table had a small computer monitor embedded in it. Chewbacca seemed very pleased with himself, as he rested his lanky fur-covered arms over his head. It was then he became aware of a pair of eyes watching him, slowly turning toward Fluttershy.

“You sure are a cute big fella,” Fluttershy smiled, facing Han Solo. “What kind of animal is he, Mr. Solo?”

“Actually Fluttershy, Chewie’s no animal,” Han Solo corrected. “He’s a Wookiee.”

“A Wookiee?” Fluttershy asked confused.

“That’s right Fluttershy,” Storm confirmed, addressing Chewie. “Our friend here’s part of a species of tall, hairy humanoids native to the planet Kashyyyk. They are among the strongest species you’ll find anywhere in the galaxy. Their planet is mainly swampland and forests, but they can actually adapt to icy worlds without protective clothing, gloves, or boots.”

“I see…” Fluttershy nodded, interested.

Speaking of the Wookiee, he just finished his latest move on the board. 3PO looked at the board nervously.

“Now be careful, R2,” 3PO advised.

R2 immediately reached up, tapped the computer with his stubby claw hand, and caused one of the holographic creatures to walk toward the new square and take down the one in its path. Rainbow Dash smirked over the move.

“Not bad little guy!” Rainbow replied, with a thumbs up. “That’s your biggest move yet!”

A sudden frown crossed Chewbacca’s face and he began yelling gibberish at the tiny robot. Rainbow Dash and 3PO intercede on behalf of their small companion and an argument ignited with the pair against the huge Wookiee.

“He made a fair move,” 3PO pointed out.

“Yeah, screaming about it won’t help you ya big lug!” Rainbow yelled, pointing a finger.

“Let him have it kid,” Han interrupted. “It’s not wise to upset a Wookiee.”

“But sir, nobody worries about upsetting a droid,” 3PO pointed out.

“And I ain’t scared of a walking hairball!” Rainbow replied.

“You should be,” Storm advised. “I forgot to mention ONE thing about Wookiees: They’ll pull their enemies arms out of their socket when they lose.”

“What-the-WHAT?!?!” Rainbow gasped, wide eyed.

“He’s right,” Han nodded. “Wookiees are known to do that.”

Rainbow Dash and 3PO turned back toward Chewbacca, who just stared at them with a low hum. Rainbow looked down at her arms and quickly folded her arms under the pits of her arms, as Applejack approached her.

“Maybe you ought to take a seat somewhere else, sugar cube,” Applejack suggested softly.

“Yeah… you’re right,” Rainbow nodded. “I like my arms just the way they are.”

Applejack lead Rainbow Dash away, leaving the droids to deal with Chewie.

“I see your point, sir,” 3PO acknowledged Han, facing R2. “I suggest a new strategy, R2. Let the Wookiee win.”

In the midst of it all, Luke stood in the middle of the small hold area seemingly frozen in place. He held the humming lightsaber high over his head. Ben watched him from the corner, studying his movements. Han watched with a bit of smugness.

“Remember, a Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him,” Ben advised.

“You mean it controls your actions?” Luke asked curiously.

“Well… partially,” Storm surmised, waving his hand. “It also obeys your commands.”

Suspended at eye level, about ten feet in front of Luke, the ‘seeker’, a chrome baseball-like robot covered with antennae, hovered slowly in a wide arc. The ball floated to one side of the youth then the other. Suddenly, it made a lightning-swift lunge and stopped within a few feet of Luke’s face. Luke doesn’t move and the ball backed off. It slowly moved behind the boy, then made another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood red laser beam as it attacked. It struck Luke in the leg, causing him to tumble over. Han released a burst of laughter as the rest turned to him.

“You think that’s funny?” Rarity frowned.

“Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, doll,” Han replied smugly.

“You don’t believe in the Force at all, do you?” Twilight assumed.

“Kid, I’ve flown from one side of this galaxy to the other. I’ve seen a lot of strange stuff, but I’ve never seen anything to make me believe there’s one all-powerful force controlling everything. There’s no mystical energy field that controls my destiny.”

“Well, in your viewpoint perhaps,” Twilight replied. “But in the world where we come from, the magic that flows in our landscape controls just about everything. The weather, the agriculture, life in general… it’s all part of us as we are part of the magic.”

“Maybe the problem Hans is not that you don’t believe in what you can’t see,” Pinkie pointed out. “It’s that you don’t understand it.”

“It’s Han,” Han replied. “And I’ll understand it… when I see it. It’s all simple tricks and nonsense.”

“Why you arrogant—”

Twilight reached out toward Han, but the rest of the girls held the girl back. Even Spike had to push his hind legs against Twilight’s legs as best as he could.

“He’s just trying to get to you Twi,” Spike insisted. “Don’t let him get in your head.”

Seeing that someone in the party needed convincing, Ben decided ‘another’ approach was needed. He reaches for a large helmet, which he places upon Luke’s head. The helmet completely covered his eyes.

“I suggest you try it again, Luke,” Ben instructed. “This time, let go of your conscious self and act on instinct.”

“With the blast shield down, I can’t even see,” Luke chuckled. “How am I supposed to fight?”

“Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them.”

“I’d listen Luke,” Twilight agreed. “If years have learning under Celestia, and a few lessons with Zecora taught me, you can’t always rely on your five senses to perform magic like the Force. Sometimes… you just have to reach deep within yourself, and it just comes naturally.”

“Hmm… not bad Twi,” Storm nodded. “You’d make a pretty good teacher.”

“Well she does run a whole school, so…” Spike pointed out.

But Twilight can’t help but blush toward Storm Shield, despite her best efforts to hide it. Han skeptically shook his head, as Ben throwed the seeker into the air. The ball shoots straight up in the air, then dropped like a rock. Luke swung the lightsaber around blindly missing the seeker, which fired off a laser bolt and truck Luke square on the seat of his pants. He let out a painful yell, attempting to hit the seeker. Rainbow held a hand over her mouth, trying so hard not to laugh.

“Stretch out with your feelings,” Ben instructed.

“Don’t overthink it,” Storm added. “Just feel it… let it come to you…”

Luke stood in place, seemingly frozen. The seeker made a dive toward Luke and, incredibly, he managed to deflect the bolt. The ball ceased fire after multiple shots and reassumed its original position. The group stared in awe at the display.

“Oh my…!” Fluttershy gasped silently.

“Not bad, young’un!” Applejack smirked.

“You see, you can do it,” Ben nodded with approval.

“I call it luck,” Han retorted.

“In my experience, there’s no such thing as luck.”

“Look, going good against remotes is one thing. Going good against the living? That’s something else.”

Before another argument can commence, a small flashing light, from the far side of the control panel, drew Solo’s attention.

“Looks like we’re coming up on Alderaan,” Han informed.

The captain and Chewbacca climb their way back into the cockpit, leaving the group in the holding area.

“That man is very difficult to convince,” Rarity observed.

“You know girls, I did feel something,” Luke marveled. “I could almost see the remote.”

“That is the Force my friend,” Storm clarified. “It’s weird at first, but it will prove very useful where you’re headed.”

“You have taken your first step into a larger world,” Ben added.

“Speaking of larger worlds,” Spike spoke up. “If and when we get to Alderaan, hopefully they are willing to narrow down our search for Sunset. I can’t imagine what must be going on out there.”

<>

Back at the Imperial Palace, Emperor Palpatine sat upon his throne as he relished in the pain and torment he felt through the force. His connection to the dark side allowed him to feel the agony and turmoil of the denizens of Alderaan as they were disintegrated into dust. It made the twisted old man smile in sick delight, so much chaos reigning supreme. His plan worked perfectly and soon the rebel alliance would fall just as easily as Alderaan.

The sound of the Throne Room door opening interrupted his thoughts, as the three sisters walked in. Normally, he’d be raging mad at having such thoughts rudely interrupted. However, his wicked smile only widened when he saw the Third Sister carrying a box in her arms as they approached the throne. Reaching the foot of the stairs, the inquisitors all bent the knee to the imperial master.

“How faired your search for the artifact on Dromund Kaas?” He asked.

The Third Sister presented the box to the Sith Lord, opening it and revealing the holocron.

“We have obtained the artifact you requested, your majesty,” She responded. “However, the holocron was rigged with a force that shook the foundation of Kaas City to its core. The city now lies in complete ruin.”

Palpatine slowly stood from his throne, as he descended the stairs to stand before the bowing inquisitors. Reaching out, he pulled the holocron from the box and held it before his eyes. A low chuckle emerged from his throat as he observed the ancient artifact.

“Kaas City was no more than a means to an end,” He said. “What matters most is that you were able to walk away with the only thing that truly mattered.”

The Emperor then climbed back to his throne, as the three sisters stood back on their feet.

“What would you have us do now, your majesty?” The Third Sister asked.

Palpatine sat back on the throne, as he admired the holocron in delight.

“I no longer require the use of you three at this moment,” He answered. “You may go about and conduct whatever requires your attention. Should I need of your services further, we will be in touch.”

The inquisitors bowed their heads before turning away and exiting the throne room. The evil Emperor’s maniacal cackle could be heard echoing behind them. When the throne room door sealed behind them, the three sisters marched down the hall.

Now that our services are no longer needed, shall we attend to our own mission?” The Fifth Sister asked.

“Worry not sister,” The Third Sister answered. “Korriban still awaits our arrival.”

“Before we leave, perhaps it would be beneficial to check the status of the Emperor’s otherproject,” The Fourth Sister suggested.

“Surely our scientists made further progress since last time,” The Fifth Sister added.

“Very well,” The Third Sister nodded.

The inquisitors made their way to the Imperial Palace Robotics division. The moment the laboratory doors slid open, that’s when all the scientists stood at attention the moment they entered the room.

“Doctor Alderick?!” Third Sister yelled.

A tall, lanky man wearing gray robes and round spectacles quickly made his way to the front of the room before the inquisitors.

“Yes Lady Inquisitor?” He asked fearfully.

“I require an update on the status of Project X,” She demanded.

“R-Right away my lady,” Alderick stammered.

He quickly led the three inquisitors toward a large operating table, one worked by a series of repair robots. They were all crowded around a large object covered by a tarp.

“As you can see, our droids have been able to reconstruct the subject’s cybernetic intelligence,” Alderick informed. “However, there was a problem with constructing a physical form for the Emperor’s liking. We had to scrap the project and start from scratch unfortunately.

This was not the information the Third Sister wanted to hear, as she slowly turned her head to meet the terrified scientist.

“If I am understanding this correctly, Doctor,” She spoke. “You failed. Is that not correct?”

Alderick gulped loudly, as he fumbled to fix his glasses.

“Forgive me my lady, we just need more time to…”

A choking sensation over the scientist cut his words off. He desperately clutched his throat, as the Fourth Sister heled out her hand, forcibly choking the poor Doctor.

“We gave you specific instructions to have this project done on time Doctor,” Third Sister continued darkly.

“P-Please my lady!” Alderick choked out. “J-Just give us a little more time!”

The Third Sister glared at the doctor from under her visor before eventually signaling the Fourth Sister to cease her action. The Inquisitor nodded her head and released the force choke. Alderick coughed, gasping for breath as he rubbed his throat and stared at the head inquisitor.

“Worry not Doctor, I understand your position,” She spoke calmly. “Perhaps what this project needs is a fresh start. When a mistake has been made, sometimes it’s essential to start… from the beginning…”

Alderick sighed, relieved that the Inquisitors understood. Then in the blink of an eye, he felt a hot burning sensation in his abdomen and gasped. The Third Sister ignited her lightsaber, stabbing it through his gut. Drawing the saber out, the poor doctor fell to the ground dead, leaving the other scientists wide eyed and horrified. Holding her still ignited lightsaber, the Third Sister pointed toward another scientist in the corner.

“You!” She exclaimed. “You’re head of this project now. I do not care what you must do to complete this project on time. Work omg hours, sleepless nights if need be, but this project must be complete within the coming days. Do I make myself clear?”

The doctor fell to his knees, almost in prayer.

“Yes! Yes my lady,” He spoke frightened.

The Third Sister deactivated her saber, placing it at her side before the three turned to leave the lab. From under the tarp, a large metallic claw slipped from under its cover…

Garbage Room

The team of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Twilight Sparkle, Storm Shield, and a few others made their way through the halls of the Death Star. Thankfully, they were able to rescue Leia, but still were not able to find Sunset Shimmer anywhere. Right now, they were in the process of continuing their search while trying to find a means out of this place. Eventually they stumble upon the elevator.

“You all wait here,” Han ordered. “Chewie and I will check it out.”

“I’m going with you,” Storm replied.

Han chuckled slightly, with a head shake.

“All due respect kid, I think you’d be better off staying here.”

Storm glared at the narcissistic space pirate.

“And all due respect to you old man, I’m a thousand years older than you and more battle tested than you could ever hope to be.”

Storm pushed past Han, who stood there mouth agape as he watched the young prince walk by. Beside him, Chewbacca growled in a fashion that looked like he was laughing. This earned him a playful punch in the shoulder, courtesy of Han.

“What are you laughing at you overgrown carpet?” He joked.

That being said, Han and Chewie readied their guns as they walked around the corner and joined with Storm. Storm grabbed his saber pike from his back, ignited the blade, and held it at the ready. An ominous buzzing sound was heard on the other side of the elevator door. Chewbacca responded with a growling noise.

A series of explosions knocked a hole in the elevator door through which several Imperial troops began to emerge. Han and Chewie fired their laser pistols at them through the smoke and flame. Storm, meanwhile, charged full speed and took out any imperials in sight.

“Watch your left!” The trooper shouted. “They went down the cell bay!”

When the smoke finally cleared, the line trooper was the last standing as Storm cut the rest of his squadron down before returning to the group. They turn and race down the cell hallway, meeting up with Luke and Leia rushing toward them.

“Can’t get out that way,” Han spoke.

“Looks like you managed to cut off our only escape route,” Leia stated the obvious.

“Maybe you’d like it back in your cell, Your Highness,” Han retorted sarcastically.

“Is this really the best time to start arguing?” Rainbow questioned them.

“She’s right,” Twilight nodded. “If any of us even have hope of getting out of here, we need to be on the same page.”

Luke takes out a small commlink transmitter from his belt, as they continued exchanging gunfire with stormtroopers making their way down the corridor.

“C-3PO! C-3PO!” Luke called.

“Yes sir?” C-3PO called, over the commlink.

“We’ve been cut off! Are there any other ways out of the cell bay?... What was that? I didn’t copy!”

<>

3PO paced back and forth inside the control center, while little R2 beeped and whistled a blue streak. Applejack and her little group were preparing for a fight. 3PO yelled into the small commlink transmitter.

“I said, all systems have been alerted to your presence, sir,” 3PO repeated. “The main entrance seems to be the only way in or out; all other information on your level is restricted.”

*BAM! BAM!*

All heads turned as someone was banging against the door.

“Open up in there!” A trooper’s voice called.

“Oh, no!” Spike muttered.

“Looks like we’ve company y’all!” Applejack yelled. “Arm yerself with whatever ya can pick up.”

“Oh… my…” Fluttershy whimpered.

<>

Luke, Leia, Twilight, and Rarity crouched together in an alcove for protection as they exchanged fire with the troops. Han and Chewbacca barely kept the storm troopers at bay from the far end of the hallway. The laser fire grew very intense, smoke filled the narrow cell corridor.

Meanwhile, Storm and Rainbow battled another wave of troopers coming from the other end of the hall. During the battle, Storm passed Rainbow a blaster, which she proved to be a natural with. She blasted any of the troopers coming from the hall.

“This is totally awesome!” She yelled excitedly. “It’s like a video game!”

“Yeah except in this game you actually die,” Storm retorted, blasting a trooper.

“There must be a way out of here!” Twilight called.

“There isn’t any other way out,” Luke spoke.

“I can’t hold them off forever!” Han called out. “Now what?”

“This is some rescue,” Leia remarked. “When you came in here, didn’t you have a plan for getting out?”

“Tell you the truth it was more of a ‘make it up as we go’ kind of plan darling,” Rarity admitted.

“He’s the brains, sweetheart!” Han pointed to Luke.

Luke managed a sheepish grin, shrugging his shoulders.

“Well, I didn’t…”

The princess grabbed Luke’s gun, firing at a small grate toward the wall next to Han. The blast nearly fried him.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Han shouted.

“Somebody has to save our skins,” Leia snapped. “Into the garbage chute, flyboy.”

The princess jumped through the narrow opening as Han and Chewbacca looked on in amazement. Chewbacca sniffed the garbage chute and spoke something in his native growling.

“Get in there you big furry oaf!” Han ordered. “I don’t care what you smell! Get in there and don’t worry about it!”

Han gave Chewbacca a kick and the Wookiee disappeared through the tiny opening. Twilight and Rarity quickly made their way toward the grate.

“The princess is right!” Twilight yelled. “It’s our only chance to escape.”

But Rarity took one look down the chute and immediately started gagging.

“Oh sweet Celestia!” She gasped. “I am NOT going down there! My hair will end up a complete mess and don’t get me started on how many baths I’ll have to take to get rid of the odor.”

Rainbow quickly rushed up after shooting another trooper, when suddenly she pointed down the hall.

“Rarity, look!” She yelled.

Rarity quickly snapped her head the direction Rainbow pointed in and didn’t notice the latter using her foot to shove her forward and through the chute, screaming as she fell. Rainbow tried to contain her laughter as she looked over at Twilight who only folded her arms and glared at Rainbow.

“Hey, if I didn’t do something we’re all going to die,” She said defensively.

Twilight just rolled her eyes and jumped down the chute with Rainbow close behind her. Luke and Han kept firing as they worked their way toward the opening.

“Wonderful girl!” Han remarked. “Either I’m going to kill her or I’m beginning to like her. Get in there!”

Luke ducked laser fire as he jumped into he darkness. Han fired off a couple quick blasts creating a smoke cover, before sliding into the chute himself. Storm kept fighting off troopers until eventually he was the only one standing. With the area clear, he made his way over to the chute ready to jump.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Storm froze where he stood, before slowly turning his eyes and caught a glimpse of Starkiller, the Sith standing behind him with his twin red lightsabers ignited.

<>

Han tumbled into the large room filled with garbage and muck. Luke was already stumbling around looking for an exit. He found a small hatchway and struggled to pry it open, but it won’t budge. Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash stood close beside Leia while Rarity leaned against the wall. She was hyperventilating, her hair was covered in that muck and her eyes were twitching as if trying to keep herself from screaming.

“Oh! The garbage chute was a really wonderful idea,” Han spoke sarcastically. “What an incredible smell you’ve discovered!”

“Don’t… mention… the smell!” Rarity muttered, gagging.

“Let’s get out of here!” Han declared. “Get away from there…”

“No, wait!” Twilight called out.

But it was too late! Han drew his laser pistol and fired at the hatch. The laser bolt ricocheted wildly around the small metal room. Everyone dove for cover in the garbage, as the bolt exploded almost on top of them. Leia climbed out of the garbage with a rather grim look on her face.

“Will you forget it?” Luke shouted. “I already tried it. It’s magnetically sealed!”

“Put that thing away!” Leia ordered. “You’re going to get us all killed.”

“Absolutely, Your Worship,” Han retorted. “Look, I had everything under control until you led us down here. You know, it’s not going to take them long to figure out what happened to us.”

As the humans bickered amongst each other, Twilight Sparkle slowly looked around and started counting heads. It was then she noticed someone was missing.

“Where’s Storm?!” Twilight called out.

“I thought he was right behind us!” Rarity answered.

“He must’ve stayed behind to fend off those troopers,” Rainbow assumed. “The guy gets all the action while we’re swimming in garbage.”

“Rainbow Dash, you don’t understand!” Twilight argued. “Storm Shield is Princess Celestia’s son! It’s bad enough that Sunset’s out there, probably taken back to that Coruscant planet. But if anything happens to Storm, Celestia will kill me!”

“It could be worse…” Rainbow shrugged.

A loud, horrible, inhumane moan worked its way from the murky depths. Chewbacca let out a terrified howl and began to back away toward the door. Han and Luke stood fast with their laser pistols drawn. The girls looked around rapidly, leaning toward the walls.

“It’s worse,” Han replied.

Suddenly, Rarity felt something slimy crawl up her legs, and she released a loud scream. She raced toward Twilight Sparkle, clutching onto her as she felt the goosebumps after being touched by something lurking beneath the trash.

“What is it, Rarity?” Twilight called out.

“There’s something under the garbage!” Rarity shook, pointing below. “I felt something slimy touch me…”

“Just stay calm!” Twilight soothed.

“That’s your imagination,” Han replied.

Just then, Luke Skywalker quickly turned around.

“Something just moved past my leg!” Luke called.

As they looked around the garbage, Rainbow Dash suddenly saw what looked like a slimy creature swimming in the murky muck.

“Look! You guys see that?”

“What?” Han asked.

For a moment, neither one moved nor spoke a word. All eyes looked around through the garbage, trying to spot the mysterious creature. What neither one spotted was a single eye peek out from the water scanning the group standing in its wake before slinking back into the water. It was deathly quiet in the chute, as they each braced themselves.

“HELP!”

The group turned as Luke was suddenly yanked under the garbage.

“LUKE!!!” The girls shouted.

“Kid!” Han shouted. “Luke!”

Solo tried to get to Luke, digging through the water trying to see him. Just then, Luke surfaced with a gasp of air and thrashing of limbs. A membrane tentacle wrapped around his throat.

“Luke!” Rarity cried out.

Thinking quick, Leia extended a long pipe toward him.

“Luke, Luke grab a hold of this!” Leia called out.

“Blast it, will you!” Luke groaned. “My gun’s jammed.”

“Where?” Han shouted.

“Anywhere!!!”

Solo fired his gun downward, as the girls tried to pry the tentacle off Luke’s neck. But the slimy tentacle pulled Luke back down into the muck knocking the group back.

“Luke! Luke!” Han shouted.

Suddenly, the walls of the garbage receptacle shuddered and moved a couple inches. The group looked around as everything suddenly turned deathly quiet. Han and Leia gave each other a worried look, while Chewbacca howled in the corner. Just then, the girls spot a rush of bubbles and muck as Luke suddenly bobbed to the surface.

“There he is!” Twilight pointed. “Grab him!”

The girls helped Luke to his feet, noticing he seemed to be released by the thing.

“What happened?” Leia asked.

“I don’t know,” Luke gasped, coughing. “It just let go of me and disappeared…”

As Luke cleared his throat, that familiar rumbling sound emerged again. Everyone looked around, trying to figure out just what was going on.

“I’ve got a very bad feeling about this…” Han broke the silence.

Before anyone can say any more, the walls rumbled and slowly edged toward the Rebels.

“The walls are moving!” Luke called out.

“No kidding!” Rainbow retorted, looking around.

“Don’t just stand there,” Leia called out. “Try to brace it with something.”

The group dug around and grabbed poles and long metal beams. They tried placing them between the closing walls, but most of them simply snapped and bent as the giant trash-masher rumbled on. The situation was not looking good for our heroes.

“What a way for us to go!” Rarity whimpered. “We’re about to be crushed by walls in the middle of all this disgusting sludge and our friends don’t even know we’re even here!”

“Wait a minute!”

Luke pulled out his commlink and tried to contact the others.

“3PO! Come in 3PO!” Luke called. “3PO! Where could he be?”

<>

A soft buzzer, followed by the muted voice of Luke calling out could be heard on 3PO’s hand commlink, which sat on the deserted computer console. Spike, the other girls, R2, and 3PO are seemingly nowhere in sight. Suddenly, there was a great explosion, and the door of the control tower flew across the floor. Four armed stormtroopers entered the chamber.

“Take over!” The First trooper ordered, standing over a dead officer. “See to him! Look there!”

A trooper pushed a button and the supply cabinet door slid open. The other girls, all dressed as Stormtroopers, emerged along with Spike, who was held in one stormtrooper’s arms. R2-D2 and his bronze companion, emerged out into the office.

“Thank goodness you’re all here!” A stormtrooper cried out energetically. “It was terrible; horrible! Those people were madmen! They’re heading for the prison level! Hurry and you might catch them!”

“Follow me!” The First Officer ordered his troops. “You stand guard.”

The troops hustled off down the hallway, leaving a guard to watch over the command office.

“Come on, y’all!” One stormtrooper told the droids.

The one guard aimed a blaster at the group before they could leave.

“Oh! All this excitement has overrun the circuits of my counterpart here,” 3PO spoke up.

“If you don’t mind sir, we should take him down to maintenance,” A stormtrooper spoke softly.

“All right,” The male trooper nodded.

The guard allowed the other troopers and 3PO, with little R2 in tow, to hurry out the door. Spike, held by one trooper, waved a salute to the guard as the guard did a double take. But they were already on their way before the guard could question.

“Brilliant plan Pinkie Pie,” A trooper spoke, with a southern accent. “I don’t reckon they suspected nothing.”

“A wise man did say there are ‘alternative’ means for fighting,” Pinkie replied.

<>

Meanwhile, as the walls rumbled and slowly closed, the trash room grew smaller and smaller. Chewbacca whined and tried to hold a wall back with his giant paws. Han and Rainbow Dash leaned back against the other wall. All around them, the garbage snapped and popped. And in all that time, Luke tried to reach 3PO or at least someone else topside.

“3PO! Come in, 3PO! 3PO!”

Han and Leia tried to brace the concentrating walls with a pole. Rarity, in her effort to help, felt herself sinking deep into the trash.

“Ooh… I can feel it sinking through my clothes!” Rarity whined.

“Get to the top!” Han shouted.

“I can’t!” Leia shouted back.

“Where could he be?” Luke muttered. “3PO! 3PO, will you come in?”

Twilight struggled her way through the trash, reaching for the commlink and desperately shouted.

“APPLEJACK! FLUTTERSHY! PINKIE, SPIKE! ANYONE!!! ANSWER US!!!”

<>

“Girls, I have a bad feeling something’s happened to them!” Fluttershy spoke to the group. “What if they got captured trying to find Sunset?”

“We have to hope that’s not the case,” Spike replied. “Our friends are much tougher than that!”

Little R2 carefully plugged his claw arm into a new wall socket and a complex array of electronic sounds spew from the tiny robot. The girls, still in their disguise, looked around making sure their actions weren’t caught.

“C’mon Twi!” Applejack moaned. “Where are y’all?”

<>

Back in the garbage room, the walls are only feet apart. Leia and Han braced against the walls. Princess Twilight and her friends were frightened as they struggled to hold the walls back, the only other thing they can do was face each other. Leia reached out and took Han’s hand, which she grasped tightly. For the first time, they could see the terror in Leia’s eyes. Suddenly, she groaned as she feels the first crushing pressure against her body.

“One thing’s for sure,” Han replied. “We’re all going to be a lot thinner!”

“Oh, that was a really bad joke!” Rainbow groaned.

“We’ve got to get out of this!” Twilight shouted. “Try to get on top of it!”

“I’m trying darling!” Rarity cried, clawing her way up. “I’m trying!”

<>

“Good thing those troopers haven’t found them yet!” Pinkie replied, looking around. “But where could they be?”

R2-D2 frantically beeped something to 3PO.

“’Use the commlink’?” 3PO asked, realizing. “I forgot I turned it off!”

“YOU TURNED IT OFF?!?!” The girls and Spike shouted.

<>

Meanwhile, Luke laid on his side trying to keep his head above the rising ooze. Luke’s commlink suddenly buzzed and he ripped it off his belt. Muffled sounds of Luke’s voice over the commlink could be heard, but not distinctly.

“Are you there, sir?” 3PO called out.

“3PO!” Luke shouted.

“3PO, is that you?!” Twilight called out.

“We’ve had some problems…” 3PO began.

“Will you shut up and listen to me?” Luke shouted. ‘Shut down all garbage mashers on the detention level, will you? Do you copy?”

“Shut down all the garbage mashers on the detention level!” Twilight shouted.

<>

“Shut down all the garbage mashers on the detention level!” The commlink shouted.

“No. Shut them all down!” 3PO cried to R2. “Hurry!”

The girls listened anxiously, while 3PO held his head in agony. From the commlink, the shuddering and rumbling ceased… followed by incredible screaming and hollering from Luke’s commlink.

“OH NO!!!” Fluttershy cried out. “Twilight! Girls!”

“Listen to them! They’re dying, girls!” 3PO whimpered. “Curse my metal body! I wasn’t fast enough. It’s all my fault!”

“Oh… Dash…” Applejack sighed, looking down.

“YO A.J.!!!” Rainbow shouted. “We’re all right!”

“Huh?!”

<>

As it turned out, all the screaming and hollering was actually joyous relief. The walls stopped moving and everyone embraced in the background while Luke and the girls spoke through the commlink.

“We’re all right!” Luke repeated. “You did great!”

Luke moved toward the pressure sensitive hatch, looking for a number.

“Hey… hey, open the pressure maintenance hatch on unit number… where are we?”

“Three-two-six-eight-two-seven!” Han shouted, over the commlink.

<>

In the midst of all the chaos, Ben Kenobi entered a humming service trench that powered the huge tractor beam. The trench was seemingly a hundred miles deep. The clacking sound of huge switching devices could be heard. The old Jedi edged his way along a narrow ledge leading to a control panel connecting two large cables. He carefully made several adjustments with the computer terminal, and several lights on the board drop from red to blue.

<>

Finally, the group exited the garbage room into a dusty, unused hallway. Han, Luke, and the girls removed their trooper suits and strapped on the blaster belts.

“When we get back to the falcon, I’m the first one in the shower!” Rarity declared, sniffing her shoulder. “Urgh!!! I’m going to have to shower with bleach!”

“If we can just avoid any more female advice, we ought to be able to get out of here,” Han remarked.

Luke smiled, scratching his head as he took a blaster from Solo.

“Hopefully, Ben was able to weaken the tractor beam,” Twilight spoke. “We still don’t know where Sunset is and now Storm’s missing… probably taken too! We just have to find them!”

“Well come on, let’s get going!” Rainbow ushered.

Before they could get moving, a slithery tentacle rolled from the garbage room hatch, edged behind Rarity, and clasped her left cheek. Rarity’s eyes went wide, and she screamed loudly, racing away from the hatch. Chewie growled, pointing toward the hatch, as he raced after Rarity.

“Where are you two going?” Han called out.

The creature, called the Dia Nogu, banged against the hatch as the long, slimy tentacle worked its way out the doorway searching for a victim.

“Not so fast, pervert!” Rainbow shouted, aiming her pistol.

“No wait!” Leia shouted. “They’ll hear!”

But Dash fired at the doorway, the noise of the blast echoed relentlessly throughout the empty passage. Twilight groaned, as she simply shook her head in disgust. Han turned toward Chewie and Rarity, who huddled closely together.

“Come here, you big coward!” Han gestured. “Chewie! Come here!”

But Chewie shook his head ‘no’, while Rarity whimpered and leaned against the Wookiee. The Alderaan princess soon approached Han, after finally having enough.

“Listen. I don’t know who you are, or where you came from, but from now on, you do as I tell you. Okay?”

Han stood stunned by the command of the petite young girl.

“Look, Your Worshipfulness, let’s get one thing straight!” Han argued. “I take orders from one person! Me!”

“It’s a wonder we’re still alive,” Twilight sighed. “But we really should be far from here before the troopers start looking.”

“First smart thing I’ve heard today,” Leia replied, facing Chewie. “Will somebody get this big walking carpet out of my way?”

Han and the rest watched her start away, as the man faced Luke.

“No reward is worth this,” Han groaned.

“And I thought having to deal with ‘our’ princess’s ‘Twilighting’ was rough enough,” Rainbow shook her head.

To which Twilight rewarded that response with a glare, as she wiped the muck off her glasses.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” Twilight muttered.

Nevertheless, the group followed Princess Leia as they swiftly moved down the deserted corridor. The Equestrians prayed to Celestia that the rest of their friends were okay, as they hoped to get themselves out of this station as soon as possible.

Vader vs Obi Wan

Old Ben Kenobi continued to slink his way unnoticed through the halls of the Death Star. Thus far, the old Jedi had successfully avoided detection from the Imperials. Suddenly, a door behind Ben slid open and a detachment of stormtroopers marched to the power trench. Ben instantly slipped into the shadows, as an Officer moved to within a few feet of him.

“Secure this area until the alert is cancelled,” The Officer ordered.

“Give me regular reports,” The First Trooper added.

All but two of the stormtroopers are left, as Old Ben Kenobi tries to makes his way around them.

“Do you know what’s going on?” The First Trooper asked the other.

“Maybe it’s another drill,” The Second Trooper guessed.

Ben moved around the tractor beam, watching the stormtroopers as they turn their backs to him. Ben gestured with his hand toward them, as the troops think they hear something in the other hallway. With the help of the Force, Ben deftly slipped past the troopers and into the main hallway.

“What was that?” The Second Trooper asked, looking around.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” The First Trooper brushed off. “Don’t worry about it.”

<>

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia Organa, and the Equestria Girls raced down an empty hallway. Eventually they stop before a bay window overlooking the Millenium Falcon. Troopers are milling about the ship. Luke takes out his pocket commlink.

“There she is,” Han observed.

“The only ones stopping us are those goofy bucketheads!” Rainbow added.

“C3PO, do you copy?” Luke called.

“For the moment,” 3PO’s voice answered. “Uh, we’re in the main hangar across from the ship.”

“What about Applejack and the others?” Twilight added. “Are they alright too?”

“Just fine and dandy, Twi,” Applejack’s voice responded. “Borrowed some ah them there fancy armor like y’all and just passed security.”

“We’re right above you,” Luke informed. “Stand by.”

Han observed the dozen or so troopers moving in and out of the pirate ship. Leia moved toward Han, touching his arm and pointing out the window to the ship.

“You came in that thing?” Leia questioned. “You’re braver than I thought.”

“Nice!” Han frowned. “Come on!”

Without another fuss, they start off down the hallway. They round a corner… only to run straight into twenty Imperial stormtroopers heading toward them. Both groups are taken by surprise and stop in their tracks.

“Oh, for Celestia’s sake!!!” Rarity cringed.

“It’s them! Blast them!” The First Trooper ordered.

Without thinking, Han drew his laser pistol and charged toward the troopers, firing. His blaster hurled one stormtrooper into the air. Chewie followed his captain down the corridor, stepping over the fallen trooper on the floor.

“Get back to the ship!!!” Han shouted.

“Where are you going?” Luke called out.

“Come back!” Twilight shouted. “We can’t lose you too!!!”

But Had had already rounded a corner, not hearing a single word.

“He certainly has courage,” Leia replied.

“Can’t argue with that one sister,” Rainbow Dash nodded.

“What good will it do us if he gets himself killed?” Luke asked. “Come on!”

Though Luke was furious, there was no time to think about it. The muted alarms begin to go off down the Hangar deck. Luke and Leia start toward the starship hanger, while Twilight and the others follow close behind.

“On the other hand, if anything happens to Han, does this mean I get to pilot the ship?” Rainbow asked.

“NOOO!” The girls shouted in unison.

<>

Meanwhile, Han pursued the stormtroopers down a long, sub-hallway. He yelled while brandishing his laser pistol till the troopers reached a dead end and found themselves forced to turn and fight. Han stopped a few feet from them, assuming the defensive position as the troops raised their laser guns. Soon, all ten troopers move into an attack position in front of the lone star pirate. Han’s determined look began to fade, as the troops began to advance. Solo jumped backward as they fired at him.

Chewbacca ran down the sub-hallway in a last-ditch attempt to save his bold captain. Suddenly, he heard laser fire and yelling. Around the corner was Han, pirate extraordinaire, running for his life followed by a host of furious stormtroopers. Chewbacca turned and started running the other way also.

<>

Twilight and the others raced down the halls after Luke and Leia. Suddenly, they found their path blocked by a barrage of Stormtroopers.

“Hold it right there all of you!” One trooper yelled.

The girls quickly turned and starting running the other way, when another group of troopers appeared as well. Their laser guns aimed right at them.

“It’s all over now,” A trooper spoke smugly.

Just as they were about to fire, a gleaming gold blade flew like a boomerang and took out multiple Stormtroopers. It then flew back and landed in the clutch of on Storm Shield. Twilight and the others looked on with wide eyes and smiles toward the prince.

“Storm!” Twilight yelled joyfully.

“You didn’t think I’d miss the party, did you?” Storm chuckled.

“Less talking, more fighting!” Rainbow interrupted.

“Oh… right!”

Using his force abilities, Storm force-pushed the other barrage of troopers back which allowed the others to make their way back to Storm. Once the troopers got back to their feet, they fired toward the group. Thankfully, Storm used the force to pry off a piece of the metal wall and use it as a barricade.

“Rainbow, cover me while I get out and do my thing alright?” Storm instructed Rainbow.

“I’m with ya chief!” Rainbow saluted.

“Everyone else, stay put till I give the word!”

Storm and Rainbow leapt into action with Storm using his saber pike to slash down a series of troopers, while Rainbow expertly blasted the others trying a sneak attack. Deciding to use a technique he hadn’t used for some time, Storm mustered as much Force energy he could muster before slamming his fist to the ground. A massive shockwave sent every Stormtrooper flying in every direction successfully knocking them out cold. With the troopers down, Storm deactivated his saber and placed it back on his back.

“You guys can come out now!” He called out.

Twilight and the others slowly emerged from their hiding spot, as Storm approached Rainbow.

“Not bad out there Rainbow,” Storm complimented, with a fist bump.

“I could say the same for you, your princliness,” Rainbow joked.

Storm chuckled briefly when Twilight suddenly raced toward him and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“Thank goodness you’re alright!” She said relieved.

Though stunned at first, Storm hugged Twilight back while Rarity and Rainbow stood offside and looked with smirks on their faces. Finally, Twilight pulled away from Storm and the prince gave her a smirk of his own.

“You must’ve been pretty worried about me Sparky,” Storm chuckled.

Twilight’s face immediately went from its usual lavender purple to bright red, which she tried to hide in her hair.

“N-N-No, of course not!” She stammered. “I just didn’t want to be on the end of your mother’s wrath if you were taken.”

“Luckily for you, I’m alright.”

“What happened to you anyway? We thought you got captured like Sunset.”

“As a matter of fact, Sunset’s actually part of the reason I was gone.”

Storm’s answer caused the three girls to look at him very confused.

“Let me explain…” Storm began.

<>

Storm Shield stood defiant and prepared as he eyed the Sith Apprentice, Starkiller. The young Sith stood before him with his two red lightsabers drawn and ready while Storm held his saber pike in his grip. Both men seemed ready for an all-out battle to ensue.

“If I were you Sith, I’d seriously think about what to do next,” Storm warned. “I may look younger than you, but I’ve been a Jedi Master for nearly a thousand years. I’ve battled the most ruthless foes in the galaxy and won, so this is nothing to me.”

Starkiller glared at the young Jedi prince so fiercely that it seemed his gaze could burn right through his very being. However, the glare quickly softened, and he deactivated both his sabers.

“Luckily for me, I haven’t come here to fight you.”

This caught Storm by surprise, his eyes widened briefly. That wasn’t something he expected would happen. He half expected an all-out brawl with the Sith. Nevertheless, he kept his saber pike at the ready just in case. After all, Sith have always been known to be masters of deception.

“You expect me to believe that?” Storm questioned.

“No…” Stormkiller responded. “But you will if it pertains to your friend Sunset Shimmer.”

Hearing the fiery haired girl’s name sent Storm leaping through the air and quickly snatched the young Sith by the neck of his robes. While this would frighten most people, Marek didn’t even blink.

“Where is she?!” Storm asked threateningly. “What have you done with her?”

“I’ve done nothing but kept her safe,” Starkiller responded.

Storm only glared harder toward Starkiller.

“I don’t believe you,” Storm spoke, through gritted teeth.

However, Storm reluctantly released Marek and backed away.

“But I do have ways of finding the truth.”

“I’ve nothing to hide from you,” Starkiller assured.

“We shall see,” Storm said. “Many years ago, when I was but a Padawan, I learned an ancient ability that allows me to sense what’s inside a person’s heart and find exactly where their true loyalties lie.”

Starkiller merely gestured for the Jedi to go on and stood completely still. Storm folded his hands, closed his eyes, and focused through the force. A white light faintly glowed from his body, as he sensed Starkiller’s internal being.

“There is a great contradiction within you,” He said. “I sense great darkness, full of anger and hatred. But there’s also light as well, kindness and mercy.”

Finally, Storm opened his eyes and the light receded as his Force energy faded away. He looked Starkiller up and down, observing for any sign of falseness. He did not find any.

“You only appear to be an agent of the dark side,” He observed. “But it’s just a mask.”

“And I have finally chosen the path I truly want to follow,” Starkiller answered, with a nod.

“If that’s true, then answer for me one question: Where is Sunset?”

“She’s safe. I sent her back to Coruscant with my most loyal troops. Once I’m finished here, I plan to return myself so I may devise a way of freeing her. I must maintain the illusion that I still follow the dark side, so the Emperor is none the wiser to my true intentions.”

Storm nodded his head in approval as he stepped forward and shook the young Sith’s hand. Once he did, Starkiller took something from his robe and placed it directly into Storm’s palm.

“A holo communicator?” Storm questioned.

“Before I sent her back to Coruscant, I instructed Sunset to record a message to all of you on it,” Starkiller explained. “This way it would assure you she’s okay.”

Storm glanced at the device in his hand, then back toward Starkiller who ran off down the hall to rejoin his forces. Storm looked after him with a small smile before running the other way to find the others. At least now they had an ally on the inside.

<>

“And that’s how I ended up with this,” Storm concluded, holding out the device. “We need only to push the button, and we’ll know for sure Sunset is okay.”

Before he can do so, laser fire echoes from the hall drawing the group back.

“I don’t think now’s the best time,” Twilight spoke. “We’ve got to get back to the Falcon before the stormtroopers take us.”

“Right then!” Storm nodded, putting the device in his pocket. “Follow me girls! I know a shortcut!”

<>

Elsewhere on the Death Star, Luke fired his laser pistol wildly as he and Leia rushed down a narrow sub-hallway, pursued by several stormtroopers. They quickly reached the end of the sub-hallway and raced through an open hatchway onto a narrow bride, which spanned a huge, deep shaft that seemed to go into infinity. The bridge had been retracted into the wall of the shaft, and Luke almost rushed into the abyss. He lost his balance off the end of the bridge as Leia, behind him, took hold of his arm and pulled him back.

“I think we took a wrong turn!” Luke gasped, looking down.

“Boy you sure did all right Luke!”

Luke and Leia’s eyes went wide as they turned behind them, and for some strange reason Pinkie Pie & Applejack were standing right behind them.

“I’d probably say you should’ve taken that left turn at Albuquerque, but I doubt you’d know what that is,” Pinkie continued.

“Who are you two?!” Leia asked, raising a brow.

“Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie shook Leia’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person Princess. Oh, and this is my PFF and possibly cousin from another family, Applejack! We came to save you two!”

“Girls, how’d you two even get over here?” Luke asked, baffled.

“I… don’t even know…” Applejack spoke, stunned.

*BAM! BAM!*

Blasts from the stormtroopers’ laser guns explode nearby, reminding them of the oncoming danger. Applejack took out a laser pistol as she and Luke fired back at the advancing troops. Leia reached over and hit a switch that popped the hatch door with a resounding boom, leaving them precariously perched on a short piece of bridge overhang. Laser fire from the troopers hit the steel door.

“There’s no lock!” Leia observed.

“Hold it!” Pinkie replied, raising a hand.

Pinkie then lifted her own laser fun and blast the controls, causing it to explode.

“There… that should hold it for a while!”

“Pinkie… how we gonna cross the bridge with nothin’ to extend it?” Applejack pointed out.

“Ooh… yeah, I can see why that would be a problem.”

“They’re coming through!” Leia cried out.

They could hear the ominous drilling and pounding from the opposite side of the door, no doubt the Stormtroopers trying to pry the door open.

“If only I had my lasso, we could swing our way across!” Applejack sighed.

“You mean like ‘this’?” Pinkie replied, pulling a rope from her hair. “In case of lasso emergency.”

Before anyone could report, laser fire struck the wall behind them. Luke and Applejack aimed their laser pistol at a stormtrooper perched on a higher bridge overhang across the abyss from them. For a few minutes, they exchange fire as two more troops appeared on another overhang. One trooper got hit and clutched his chest. Another standing on the bridge overhang was struck by Luke’s laser fire and plummeted down the shaft. Troopers moved back off the bridge, as Applejack handed her gun to Leia.

“Hold this.”

With the lasso in her hand, Applejack positioned herself while Pinkie provided covering fire toward a trooper appearing on the bridge overhang. She and Leia return the laser volley as another trooper appeared and fired at them. Suddenly, the hatch door begins to open, revealing the feet of more troops.

“Here they come!” Leia shouted.

Leia hit one of the stormtroopers on the bridge above, and he too fell into the abyss. Finally, Applejack tossed the lasso across the gorge, and it wrapped itself around an outcropping of pipes. She tugged on the rope making sure its secure, as she grabbed onto Pinkie and Luke grabbed the princess in his arms.

“I sure hope she can hold four!” Applejack hoped.

Leia turned toward Luke, then kissed him quickly on the lips. To say Luke was very surprised was an understatement.

“For luck!” Leia said simply.

Pinkie Pie turned toward Applejack, who gave her a look.

“Don’t even think about it…” Applejack warned.

Pinkie Pie merely smiled with a squeal, as Luke and Applejack pushed off. They swung across the treacherous abyss to the corresponding hatchway on the opposite side (“YEE-HAW!!!”). Just as the four reached the far side of the canyon, the stormtroopers broke through the hatch and fired at the escaping duo. Luke returned fire before they ducked into the tiny sub-hallway.

“Miss me, miss me!” Pinkie teased. “Now ya gotta kiss—”

*ZOOM!*

One laser shot right across Pinkie’s hair, leaving a slight bald spot as her face dropped with wide eyes.

“Uh… never mind!” Pinkie finished, before running away.

<>

Meanwhile, Ben hid in the shadows of the narrow passageway while several stormtroopers rushed past him in the main hallway. He checked to make sure they’re gone, then raced down the hallway in the opposite direction with his lightsaber out and adjusting the hood over his head. Darth Vader soon appeared from the far end of the hallway, starting after the old Jedi as he used the force to summon the hilt of his own lightsaber from his belt.

<>

3PO and Fluttershy, with Spike in her arms, looked around at the troops milling about the Falcon’s entry ramp.

“Where could they be?” 3PO asked.

“Should’ve gone with them,” Spike spoke worried. “Twilight’s helpless without me.”

R2-D2, plugged into the computer socket, turned his dome left and right, beeping a response. Fluttershy turned back and realized something’s wrong.

“Where’re Applejack and Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy asked confused.

<>

Racing down the long corridor, Han and Chewbacca ran with several troopers hot on their trail.

“Close the blast doors!” A Trooper ordered.

At the end of the hallway, blast doors began to close in front of them. The young star-pilot and his furry companion raced past the huge doors just as they closed, managing to get off a couple blasts at the pursuing troopers before the doors slammed shut.

“Open the blast doors! Open the blast doors!”

“MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!”

<>

https://m.

Ben Kenobi hurried along one of the tunnels leading to the hanger, where the Millenium Falcon waited. Just before he reached the hanger, Darth Vader stepped into view at the end of the tunnel, not ten feet away, and the old man stopped. The Dark Lord ignited his saber, breathing heavily as he stood before the old Jedi. Ben also ignited his own light saber, as he stepped forward slowly. The two Galactic warriors stood perfectly still for a few moment, sizing each other up and waiting for the right moment. Ben moved with elegant ease into a classical offensive position, while the fearsome Dark Knight approached with a defensive stance.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Obi-Wan,” Darth Vader spoke. “Our long awaited meeting has come at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now I am the master.”

“Only a master of evil, Darth,” Ben retorted.

Darth Vader swung his lightsaber and Ben Kenobi barely dodged to his left, Vader’s lightsaber striking the walls with a fiery spark. Lightsabers ignite as two fierce warriors battle to the bitter end, as Vader was heavy on the offense as Ben did his best to block all the deadly blows. Eventually, their blades collide as the two warriors lean toward each other, the sparking of the lights glittering off the front of Vader’s helmet and creating a low buzzing sound. Ben can feel an increasing pressure and strain take hold, like an invisible weight placed upon him.

“Your powers are weak, old man,” Vader observed.

Kenobi forced himself away, throwing a few swings with his own lightsaber which Vader was able to block.

“You can’t win, Darth,” Ben spoke. “If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”

“And I will show the true nature of the force!”

One of the crates lifts high into the air and soars toward Kenobi, who splits it in half with a mighty swing. The force sent another container toward Kenobi, who swung with his lightsaber…

*BOOM!*

And made the canister explode around them. Vader fought against the flames as he made a masterful slash toward the old Jedi, who manages to keep the lightning quick Sith lord at bay with his defensive maneuvers. Lightsabers swing toward each other, their blows countered at every turn. Their lightsabers continue to meet in combat, sending them down the halls. The blows of their sabers make the walls around them turn bright red.

“There is no escape,” Darth Vader spoke darkly.

Still the Old Man kept his focus intact, as a blow managed to strike Vader across the armor. And the duel between two powerful warriors continued blow for blow. Vader desperately used his left arm to ward off the old Jedi, while he used the other to attempt the killing blow. Eventually, Vader used the force to propel Ben backward and sent him crashing into the wall generating an explosion. Obi Wan fell onto the floor, his lightsaber discarded, and laid there exhausted.

Vader swung his lightsaber toward Kenobi like a boomerang, the blade missing the old Jedi by a few inches. Vader attempted to use the force to swing the blade to the side, but Kenobi calculated the Sith’s maneuver and quickly ducked. Vader pulled the lightsaber back to his grip as he stalked toward Kenobi. The old man summoned his lightsaber back and the fight continued between the two ancient warriors.

<>

In the meantime, Han Solo and Chewbacca, their weapons in hand, leaned back against the wall surveying the forward bay, watching the Imperial stormtroopers make their rounds of the hanger.

“Didn’t we just leave this party?” Han questioned.

Chewbacca growled a reply, as Luke, the princess, and the two Equestrians joined them. Not a moment later, Twilight and her own party arrived.

“Told you we’d get here quickly,” Storm replied.

“What kept you?” Han asked.

“We ran into some old friends,” Leia replied.

“Hiya girls!” Pinkie smiled.

“Where’s Spike and Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.

“They’re waitin’ with the droids,” Applejack answered.

“How’s it look out there?” Rainbow asked.

“Is the ship all right?” Luke added.

“Seems okay if we can get to it,” Han observed.

“Let’s hope Kenobi got that tractor beam out of commission!” Rarity prayed.

<>

Little did they know, the powerful due between Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi continued. As they hit their lightsabers together, lightning flashing on impact, the doors opened up. The nearby troopers looked on in interest, as the old Jedi and Dark Lord of the Sith fought to the death. From their hiding place, Fluttershy and her group watched as the troopers left their position.

“Now’s our chance!” Spike spoke.

“Come on, R2, we’re going!” 3PO gestured.

Fluttershy, Spike, 3PO, and R2-D2 leave their hiding spot and stealthy reached for the ship as the seven stormtroopers guarding the starship rushed past them. As they made their way, Fluttershy turns and sees her friends with the others. She silently yet frantically waves her hand toward them drawing their attention.

As Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi lock their blades once more, Vader pushed the old man back, hacking and slashing toward the Old Man who tried to block the ongoing assault. During which point, the other Equestrians and their allies were just making their way toward the ship when Luke and Storm turned toward the battle.

“Ben?” Luke spoke.

As Luke curiously approached for a better look, the rest of the Equestrians turn toward Luke’s gaze and see the Dark Lord for the very first time.

“Whoa!” Rainbow gasped silently. “Who’s the guy with the helmet mask?”

“I think… that’s Darth Vader,” Twilight Sparkle gasped, horrified.

Fear and awe stemmed from the faces of the Equestrians and some of the group upon seeing the fight before them. But none were more shocked than Storm Shield, only his reaction was for a very different reason.

“Anakin…” Storm spoke quietly, far from ear reach.

The group could only watch as Ben & Vader emerged from the hallways on the far side of the docking bay, watching the duel between the battling knights. Ben was briefly distracted by the troops charging toward him, realizing he’s trapped, when Vader slashed Kenobi across the leg and he bent down to the ground. Vader lunged for the killing blow, when Kenobi used all his strength to force Vader backward giving him room to breathe.

But the Dark Knight merely regained his posture, looming over the fallen warrior who could only look up silently toward the Dark Lord. Echoes of the past rang from their minds, memories of a tragic encounter from many years ago. Only now the tables had turned, the Dark Lord appeared to stand triumphantly over a now mere shell of a Jedi’s former self. The Jedi forced himself back to his feet, reigniting his lightsaber for one last act of rebellion. Seeing there was fight left in the old man, Darth Vader stormed toward the old Jedi Knight.

Ben swiftly turned to the side, looking over his shoulder toward Luke and Storm, who looked on with horror. Then the old warrior turned back toward Darth Vader and smiled toward him.

“You should not have come back, Obi-Wan,” Darth Vader spoke. “Now, you’ll die…”

The old Jedi merely lifted his sword from Vader’s, watching his opponent with a serene look on his face. Vader brought his sword down, cutting old Ben in half. Ben’s cloak fell to the floor in two parts… only Ben is not in it. Vader, puzzled at Ben’s disappearance, poked and prod the empty cloak. The Equestrians silently gasped with horror, Twilight Sparkle covering her mouth to prevent from screaming. Luke and Storm, seeing Ben cut in two, started for him.

“NO!!!” Luke shouted.

“VADER!!!!” Storm shouted.

The stormtroopers turned toward the pair, firing at them. The robots, Fluttershy, and Spike already climbed up the ramp into the Millennium Falcon, while Luke, transfixed by anger and awe, returned their fire while Storm summoned his pike saber, ignited his blade, and block the blasts with a rapid spin. Solo and the other Equestrians joined in the laser fire, holding off the stormtroopers as best as they could. Vader looked up, seeing the group, and advanced toward them while his troopers are struck down one by one.

“Come on!” Han shouted to Luke.

“Storm, we’ve got to go!” Twilight shouted.

“Luke it’s too late!” Leia insisted.

“A.J., blast the door!” Rainbow shouted.

Applejack, with careful aim like a marksman, fired her pistol at the door’s control panel, and it explodes. The door began to slid shut. Three troopers charged forward firing laser bolts, as the door slid to a close behind them, shutting Vader and the other troopers out of the docking bay. A stromtrooper laid dead at the feet of his onrushing compatriots. Luke started for the advancing troops, while Solo, Leia, and the Equestrians moved up the ramp into the ship. Luke kept firing, hitting a stormtrooper, who crumbled to the floor.

“Run, boys! Run!” Ben’s voice called.

Luke and Storm looked around, trying to see where the voice came from. Instead, Storm took Luke by the arm and started toward the Millenium Falcon, ducking Imperial gunfire from the troopers and raced back into the ship.

<>

From the cockpit, Han pulled back on the controls and the ship began to move. The dull thud of laser bolts bouncing off the ship’s outside echoed, as Chewie adjusted his controls.

“I hope the old man got that tractor beam out of commission,” Han muttered. “Or this is going to be a real short trip.”

“Punch it!” Rainbow shouted.

Chewbacca growled in agreement, as the Millenium Falcon powered away from the Death Star docking bay, making a spectacular turn, and disappeared into the vastness of space.

<>

Behind the sealed doors, Darth Vader stood there as his head looked around. As if somehow, during this moment, he thought he could still feel the presence of his fallen adversary.

“Kenobi…” Vader spoke.

Making nothing of it, Darth Vader turned around and used the force to take Obi-Wan’s lightsaber, taking it as his own as he stormed past his troopers. Whatever he was feeling in that moment was nothing more than a painful memory he'd sooner rather forget.

TIE Fighter Battle

Across the sea of stars and endless blackness, the Millennium Falcon flies as far from the Death Star as she possibly can. The Equestrian Heroes gathered in the central hold area of the ship itself, huddled together in utter silence following recent events they had witnessed. Among them, the tragic loss of one of their close allies, who sacrificed himself in a bitter fight against the evil Lord Vader just so they could escape.

Among the group, Luke Skywalker was deeply saddened by the loss of Obi-Wan Kenobi or ‘Old Ben’ as he knew him by. The group looked toward Luke, but they can think of nothing to do nor what to say. Even the robots themselves could only look on silently seeing there was nothing else that can be done. Princess Leia wrapped a blanket around him protectively, Luke turned and eventually looked up at her. She sat down beside him while all the Equestrians could do was wait and hope they could escape.

From the cockpit of the ship itself, Captain Han Solo spotted enemy signatures approaching the Millennium Falcon. There was no denying it: The Empire were after them and this time they were not looking for prisoners.

“We’re coming up on the sentry ships,” Han informed Chewbacca. “Hold ‘em off! Angle the deflector shields while I charge up the main guns!”

Chewbacca proceeded to carry out his captain’s orders, as Han worked his way toward the main guns. In the meantime, Luke just looked sadly shaking his head back and forth. Princess Leia smiled comfortingly at him.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” Luke sighed.

R2-D2 beeped a reply, the rest of the Equestrians nodded sadly. Pinkie Pie herself was so deeply sad about the entire scenario that her hair deflates to a flat appearance

“I’m replaying this same exact image in my head over and over again,” Pinkie sighed. “And I’m seeing the scene reply in so many different scenarios, even ‘stop motion’. But still… we just lost a really great friend. I don’t know how I’m going to cope with this…”

“There wasn’t anything you could have done,” Princess Leia spoke.

“I’d have begged to differ…” Rarity replied sadly.

“Yeah… back in Equestria, we had ‘all’ them fancy powers to prevent moments like this,” Applejack mourned.

“Even when we were humans we at least retained some ability,” Rainbow Dash added angrily. “We should’ve been able to stop that chump!”

“But Princess Leia is right…”

The girls turned toward Storm Shield, who had been sitting quietly in the corner. Even more quietly than Fluttershy.

“If we had tried to interfere during that battle, we’d have only endangered ourselves more,” Storm Shield explained. “The plans would’ve been taken, the Rebels would be annihilated, and worse we’d either be forced into slavery… or killed. I ‘knew’ Obi-Wan had been preparing for this moment; I ‘knew’ this was probably how he always wanted to go.”

Twilight Sparkle turned toward Storm Shield, seeing him look down at the counter. She sympathetically places a hand over his shoulder.

“I’m so sorry…” Twilight apologized softly. “He was a really good mentor.”

“Yes… he was,” Storm sighed, turning to Twilight. “Listen… there’s something I probably should’ve mentioned before—”

Before Storm Shield could talk, Han rushed into the hold area and approached Luke.

“Come on, buddy, we’re not out of this yet!”

“Hey, what about us?” Spike asked. “What’re we ‘chopped liver’?”

“The Empire’s sending their troops after our ship,” Han informed. “I need Luke to man one of the gunports.”

“We can help!” Rainbow insisted.

“There’s only two gunports on this entire ship kid. You kids wait here and guard the princess. We’ll do the rest.”

Han and Luke proceed to leave the holding area, while the girls looked on. Several of them even pouted.

“Men…” Rarity pouted, turning toward Storm and Spike. “No offense!”

“Eh! I’ve been called worse…” Storm shrugged.

<>

A few seconds later, Han Solo assumed his attack position along the topside gunport. Luke Skywalker moved toward his gunport, while Leia and several of the Equestrians work toward the cockpit. Rainbow Dash eyed the controls of the ship, rubbing her hands together, when a furry hand stopped her. Rainbow turned toward Chewbacca, who shook his head with a growl and Rainbow pouted toward him. Eventually, Luke climbed down the ladder into the gunport cockpit, one of the two main laser cannons mounted in large rotating turrets on either side of the ship.

Han adjusted his headset as he sat before the controls of his laser cannon, adjusting the attached microphone over his lips.

“You in, kid?” Han spoke. “Okay, stay sharp!”

Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and several of the Equestrian Heroes searched the heavens for attacking TIE fighters. The Wookiee pulled back on the speed controls as the ship bounced slightly. Computer graphic readouts form on Solo’s target screen, as Han reached for the controls. Luke sat in readiness for the attack, his hand on the laser cannon’s control button.

Chewbacca spotted the enemy ships and barked.

“Bogies twelve o’clock!!!” Rainbow shouted.

“Here they come!” Leia spoke through the intercom.

Flying across space, the Imperial TIE fighters move toward the Millennium Falcon. One of each veered off the left and right of the pirate ship. The stars whipped past being the Imperial pilot as he adjusted in maneuvering joystick.

Ooh my…

NOT THAT JOYSTICK, YOU MORON!!!

*Clears throat* The TIE fighter raced past the Falcon, firing laser beams as it passed.

Inside the Hold Area, C-3PO sat next to R2-D2 with Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike close by. The ship bounced and vibrated as the power goes out in the room and comes back on.

“Ohhhhhh myyyyyyyyy!!!” Rarity squealed.

“Uh… passengers please remain seated until the epic space flight comes to a complete stop!” Pinkie announced. “Thank you!”

“Very helpful Pinkie Pie!” Spike cried out.

In the gunports, a TIE fighter maneuvered in front of Han, who followed it and fired with the laser cannon. Luke did otherwise, as the fighter streaked into view. Unfortunately, the ship suffered a minor hit and bounced slightly as the two TIE fighters dive down toward the ship.

“Guys, what’re you doing up there?!” Rainbow called out.

“They’re coming in too fast!” Luke called out.

The Millennium Falcon flies through space, as the two TIE fighters charge through the background. Laser bolts streak from around the craft. The ship shuddered as a laser bolt hit close to the cockpit. The Wookiee chattered something toward Fluttershy.

“It’s okay… it’s okay…” Fluttershy assured, slightly worried. “Our friends will take care of the big, mean spaceships! It’ll all be over soon…”

The TIE fighter proved very fast as it soared across the frame, firing toward the Millennium Falcon. The two TIE fighters fired a barrage of laser beams, one of which streaked along the side of the ship. The ship lurched violently, throwing poor 3PO into a cabinet full of small computer chips.

“Oooh!!!” 3PO screamed.

Spike nearly flew off his feet when Rarity caught him in mid-air.

“Hold on, Spiky-wikey!!!” Rarity shouted.

Leia and Twilight watched the computer readout, as Chewbacca manipulated the ship’s controls.

“We’ve lost lateral controls!” Leia announced.

“Oh, I hope this ship can hold just a little longer!” Twilight hoped worriedly.

An enemy laser bolt struck the ship’s control panel, causing it to blow out in a shower of sparks.

“That ain’t a good sign!” Applejack spoke.

“R2-D2, a little help!” Storm called out.

R2-D2 advanced toward the smoking sparking control panel, dousing the inferno by spraying it with fire retardant.

Luke swiveled his gun mount, following the TIE fighter with his laser cannon. Solo in turn aimed his laser cannon at another enemy fighter. All the while the TIE fighter streaked in front of the ship, the gunners watching as it flew over. The fighter headed right for the ship, as Luke followed it across his field of view firing lasers from his cannon. But the TIE fighter dived past the ship while Luke kept firing.

At the port, Han followed a fighter in his sights, releasing a blast of laser fire. He connects and the fighter exploded into fiery dust. Han laughed victoriously.

Two TIE fighters moved toward and over the Millennium Falcon, unleashing a barrage of laser bolts at the ship. Another TIE fighter moved in on the ship and Luke, smiling, firing the laser cannon at it, scoring a spectacular direct hit.

“Got him! I got him!”

Han turned, giving Luke a victory wave which Luke gleefully returned.

“Great kid! Don’t get cocky.”

“Yeah! That’s my department!” Rainbow called out.

Ignoring Rainbow Dash, Han turned back toward his laser cannon as two more TIE fighters cross the front of the ship. While Chewbacca manipulated the controls, Leia turned, looking over her shoulder out the ports.

“There are still two more of them out there!” Leia called out.

“They just keep coming!” Twilight shouted.

“Of course they would… the Empire aren’t letting us go ‘that’ easily!” Storm remind.

A TIE fighter moved toward the ship, firing laser blasts at it. Luke and Han looked toward their respective projected target screens. An Imperial fighter crossed Solo’s port, as Han swiveled in his chair following it with blasts from his laser cannon. Another fighter crossed Luke’s port, and he reacts in a like manner, the glow of his target screen lighting his face.

The TIE fighter zoomed toward the ship, firing destructive blasts at it. Luke fired a laser blast at the approaching enemy fighter, and it burst into a spectacular explosion. Luke’s projected screen gave a readout of the hit itself. The Millennium Falcon bounced slightly as it was struck by enemy fire.

The last of the attacking Imperial TIE fighters loomed in, firing upon the Falcon. Solo swiveled behind his cannon, his aim describing the arc of the TIE fighter. The fighter drew closer, firing at the Falcon, but a well-aimed blast from Solo’s laser cannon hit the attacker, which blew up in a small atomic shower of burning fragments.

“YEEHAW!!!” Applejack shouted.

“That’s it! We did it!” Luke chuckled.

The princess and Fluttershy jumped up and gave Chewie a congratulatory hug.

“We did it!” Leia and Fluttershy cheered.

“Yo girls, everything all right back there!” Rainbow called out.

“We’re all right Dashie…” Pinkie called out. “Although we seem to have a ‘teeny’ tiny little problem back here.”

“Why? Are the Droids okay?” Storm called out.

“Well…”

<>

In the passageway, 3PO lay along the floor of the ship completely tangled in the smoking, sparking wires.

“Help! I think I’m melting!” 3PO called out, turning toward R2. “This is all your fault.”

R2 turned his dome from side to side, beeping in response.

“Gracious! I’m sorry for him, but all he does is nag, nag, NAG!!!” Rarity cried out. “Seriously, who does that?”

“… I would not know,” Spike spoke sheepishly.

The victorious Millennium Falcon moved off majestically through space, continuing their trip hoping for no more surprises.

<>

Back in the Death Star, Darth Vader strides into the control room, where Governor Tarkin watched the huge view screen. A sea of stars loomed before him.

“Are they away?” Tarkin asked Vader.

“They have just made the jump into hyperspace,” Vader informed.

“You’re sure the homing beacon is secure aboard their ship? I’m taking an awful risk, Vader. This had better work.”

<>

In the meantime, Han removed his gloves and smiled his way back to the controls of the ship. Chewie moved into the aft section to inspect the damage while Leia sat near Han and Rainbow Dash loomed over.

“Not a bad bit of rescuing, ‘captain’,” Rainbow replied smugly.

“Sometimes I even amaze myself,” Han smirked.

“That doesn’t sound too hard,” Leia spoke. “Besides, they let us go. It’s the only explanation for the ease of our escape.”

“But why they hay would they make it easy?” Applejack asked confused.

“Their tracking us!” Leia answered.

“Not this ship, sister,” Han retorted.

Frustrated, Leia shook her head.

“Well… at least the plans in R2 are still intact,” Twilight changed the subject.

“What’s so important?” Han asked. “What’s he carrying?”

“The technical readouts of that battle station,” Leia informed. “I only hope that when the data is analyzed, a weakness can be found.”

“Then this mission is far from over,” Storm nodded.

“It is for me!” Han argued. “Look, I ain’t in this for your revolution, and I’m not in it for you guys. I expect to be well paid. I’m in it for the money!”

“You needn’t worry about your reward,” Leia fumed. “If money is all that you love, then that’s what you’ll receive.”

The princess angrily turned, with the Equestrian Heroes in follow. As they start out of the cockpit, they passed Luke coming in.

“Your friend is quite a mercenary,” Leia grumbled.

“Friend is a bit of a strong word to describe Han,” Rainbow replied, folding her arms.

“I wonder if he really cares about anything… or anyone.”

“I care!” Luke shook his head.

“I don’t know about you, but I think I’m going to take a rest in the holding area,” Twilight spoke. “Just let us know when we get to the base.”

Luke nodded as the rest of the Equestrian Heroes join the others in the holding area. Luke sat in the copilot seat, as he and Han stared out toward the vast blackness of space.

“So… what do you think of her, Han?” Luke asked.

“I’m trying not to, kid!” Han muttered.

“Good…” Luke replied, under his breath.

“Still, she’s got a lot of spirit,” Han admitted. “I don’t know, what do you think? Do you think a princess and a guy like me…”

“No!” Luke spoke, with finality.

Luke looked away, as Han smiled over young Luke’s jealousy. Little did they know, Pinkie Pie overheard the whole thing… and kept her mouth closed, trying so hard not to talk…

<>

Eventually, the battered ship drifted into orbit around the planet Yavin, proceeding to one of its tiny green moons. Entering the ‘fourth’ moon, the ship soared over dense jungle. An alert guard, his laser gun in hand, scanned the countryside. He set the gun down and looked toward the temple, barely visible in the foliage.

Rotting in a forest of gargantuan trees, an ancient temple lay shrouded in an eerie mist. The air was heavy with the fantastic cries of unimaginable creatures. Han, Luke, and the others are greeted by the Rebel troopers Luke and the group rode into the massive temple on an armored military speeder.

The military speeder stopped in a huge spaceship hangar, set up in the interior of the crumbling temple. Willard, the commander of the Rebel forces, rushed up to the group and gave Leia a big hug. Everyone was pleased to see her.

“You’re safe,” Willard sighed, holding Leia. “We had feared the worst.”

Willard composed himself, stepping back and bowed formally.

“When we heard about Alderaan, we were afraid that you were… lost along with your father.”

The mention of Princess Leia’s father, among the people killed by the Death Star, made the Equestrians bow their heads in guilt knowing a princess lost a member of her family.

“We don’t have time for our sorrows, Commander,” Leia spoke, straight to business. “The battle station has surely tracked us here.”

She pointed toward Han, who merely frowned.

“It’s the only explanation for the ease of our escape,” Leia continued. “You must use the information in this R2 unit to plan the attack. It is our only hope.”

Off to the side, Twilight Sparkle and Storm Shield made their way to the center of their friends, who all waited anxiously.

“Are we really mounting a full-scale assault on the Death Star?” Rainbow asked.

“Looks like it Rainbow,” Twilight nodded.

“How in the wide world of Equestria are we possibly going to do that?” Rarity asked. “We had a hard enough time escaping the Death Star and their TIE fighters. Now you want us to go back?!”

“She’s got a point Twi,” Spike agreed. “How are we possibly going to destroy that thing?”

“Um well, I-I hate to admit, but…” Fluttershy whispered. “I-It does seem a little um h-hard to do…”

“Celestia almighty knows just how hard it’s been fer us tryin’ tah find Sunset,” Applejack pointed out.

Just then, Storm remembered something very important.

“That reminds me…” Storm spoke up.

Reaching into his robe pocket, he pulled out the holo communicator Starkiller gave him.

“Wut in tarnation is that thing?” Applejack asked.

“Oh wait, let me guess!” Pinkie said excitedly. “Is it a speaker? A waffle maker? A light projector? A party box?”

Everyone turned toward Pinkie Pie, like she was completely off her rocker before Storm continued.

“This is a holo communicator,” Storm explained. “Apparently Sunset recorded a message for us to let us know she’s alright.”

Hearing this made all the girls’ eyes widen, even Spike.

“Why didn’t you just say so darling?” Rarity asked.

“Go ahead and play this sucker!” Rainbow said.

Storm clicked a tiny button on the side of the device and a tiny holographic image of Sunset Shimmer appeared.

“Hey guys, it’s me Sunset. If you’re listening to this, it means I’m alive and well. Currently I’m being held captive by the Empire and on my way back to the Imperial Palace on Coruscant. Before you start worrying about me, I’m not in trouble but I need you all to relax… especially you Twilight…”

Twilight Sparkle chuckled slightly yet smiled toward Sunset with a tear rolling down her right eye.

“I have a friend on the inside who’s planning my escape as we speak. They call him Starkiller, but his real name is Galen Marek. He may be a Sith, but he’s actually one of the good guys here. He’s going to help me get out of here. As soon as I’m free, I fully intend to get back to you guys as soon as we can. I love and miss all of you. I’m going to be back with you again soon…”

Nearing the end of the message, Sunset Shimmer seemed to turn back as if seeing someone coming. She turned her head back forward as if she were looking toward Twilight Sparkle.

“And Twilight… whatever happens, don’t ever give up on me no matter how long it takes. You never lost faith in me before, and I know you won’t now. You’ve always been there for me when I needed you most, not just as my teacher… but something ‘more’. Whatever you do, don’t let me lose sight of what we have. You’re my very best friend, Twilight Sparkle. Find me again as I intend to find you…”

And just like, the message ended, and the holographic Sunset faded to non-existence. Everyone stood watching as Sunset’s image disappeared, all of them joyous and relieved.

“She’s alive!” Pinkie yelled happily.

“Guys… do you know what this means?” Twilight asked. “There’s no need for us to rescue Sunset!”

“Are you crazy Twi?” Rainbow asked shocked. “I thought the main objective was to find Sunset so we can go home!”

“You don’t understand. If what Sunset said is true, this Starkiller person or Marek or however he wants to be called is helping her escape from the Empire. He’s going to bring her back to us.”

“Then what do we do then?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“We do what we can for the rebels,” Twilight assured. “All we can do is hope Sunset will find us… we just got to believe she’ll come back to us.”

Nodding reluctantly, the Equestrians make their way toward the base to regroup with the others. Twilight and Storm stayed behind as the princess turned toward the Alicorn stallion.

"Thanks for telling us about Sunset's message," Twilight smiled tearfully. "I really needed to hear that."

"You're welcome," Storm nodded, sighing heavily. "Except... it wasn't exactly what I wanted to tell you before."

"Oh? Then what is?"

"Um... I'll tell you all later. Let's get this Death Star deal figured out."

The alicorn princess nodded her head in agreement, as the ponies turned humans work their way into base. Without Twilight knowing, Storm Shield turned back toward the sky hoping everything would go accordingly.

<>

Deep in the far reaches of space, a single imperial transport shuttle zoomed through space in the wake of the fugitives escape from the Death Star. Aboard the ship, Sunset Shimmer sat in the midst of a large amount of Stormtroopers that watched her every move. Starkiller assured her they were all his own personal troopers, and they’d ensure her safety when they returned to Coruscant. Still, the way they just stared at her creeped Sunset off.

“So… are you guys ‘clones’?” Sunset asked, trying to start a conversation. “I only ask because you all look alike with the suits…”

“Oh no, the cloning operation on Kamino was shut down when the Empire turned to conscription,” One Stormtrooper spoke up. “Now it’s all about recruitment just to fill up the ranks—”

“SHUT UP, GARY!” A trooper shouted.

“Sorry…”

Suddenly, one trooper emerged through a pair of hatch doors and spoke to what Sunset could only assume was the captain.

“Sir, we’re coming up on the Fury,” The trooper announced.

“Excellent,” The captain acknowledged. “Bring us in close and we shall connect to their docking port.”

The trooper only nodded his head before returning back through the hatch to the front of the craft. While all this went on, Sunset watched with confusion.

“Excuse me, Captain…”

The stormtrooper captain slowly turned to look at her which made her extremely nervous.

“What’s going on?” Sunset asked nervously.

“Transfer from this shuttle to another ship,” The captain responded plainly.

This really got Sunset’s attention.

“I don’t understand… I thought we were on route to Coruscant.”

“It seems you’ve been severely misinformed!” The captain spat venomously.

Sunset reeled back by the captain’s outburst. Sunset started growing worried, surprised by the turn of events. Starkiller promised her she’d be on her way back to the Imperial Palace, that she’d be safe until he returned. Why were they in the process of boarding another ship? These questions raced through her mind, all while the shuttle came into view of another ship. Sunset snapped out of her thoughts for a brief moment for a look at the ship she’s transferring to. It was not a huge ship by any means, but it was definitely something fierce.

Soon as the two ships were in proximity to one another, a long tube came from the side of the transport shuttle to the rear docking port for the ship. Once it finished, Sunset was roughly dragged from her seat by one of the troopers.

“Move it prisoner!” He yelled at her.

“But—”

*BAM!*

Her words were cut off abruptly when the trooper bashed her nose with the back of his laser rifle. Sunset grasped her nose that now hurt profusely. When she finally pulled her hand away, she was shocked to see she’s now bleeding as well. The troopers clearly didn’t care, as they just pushed her forward and towards the tube that connected the two ships.

“Why are you doing this?” Sunset asked.

“Orders…” One trooper said simply.

“But Starkiller said we were going back to the Imperial City! That no harm would come to me! When he hears about this…”

Suddenly, two large hatch doors to the connecting tube slid open and Sunset’s eyes widened in shock. Standing in the door were none other than the three Inquisitor sisters along with a barrage of other troopers.

“Unfortunately for you, these troops no longer take orders from Starkiller,” The Third Sister said. “They now take orders solely from us.”

When those words escaped her mouth, the troopers aimed their rifles at Sunset and the flame-haired girl now understood what was going on. Clearly, the three Inquisitors had taken command of Starkiller’s forces, and he was none the wiser. This truly scared Sunset now because she had absolutely no idea what’s going to happen now.

“What do you want from me?” Sunset asked fearfully.

The Third Sister slowly walked forward until her visor covered head was merely inches from Sunset’s.

“We’re planning a little side project, and you’re going to help us.”

“NO!” Sunset denied determinedly. “I’ll never do the bidding for that sick twisted old man you call Emperor!”

*SLAP!*

Sunset’s head whipped violently to the side, nearly falling over from the force of the slap across her face. She held her now stinging cheek and her bloodied nose as hot tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Quickly shaking her head, she composed herself as best she could. She would not give them the satisfaction of making her cry. Pulling her gaze back to the inquisitor, she kept a fierce, determined look on her face.

“That was a warning,” The Third Sister said. “As for our project, the Emperor has no knowledge of what we’re doing today. We’ve done his bidding well already; whatever happens now is our business alone.”

Then the two other sisters stepped forward.

“What we had in mind requires something that’s been lost for the last few thousand years,” The Fourth Sister spoke up.

“Which is why we require you,” The Fifth Sister added. “We require that special talent of yours to find exactly what it is we’re looking for.”

Sunset’s eyes widened again.

“How’d you know about—”

“Did you truly think a talent like yours can’t be felt through the force?” The Third Sister asked. “The time for questions is over; we move in with our plans.”

The three Inquisitors turned on heel and headed back towards their own ship. A few troopers pushed Sunset forward and onto the ship behind them. Once aboard their ship, the hatch doors sealed quickly and the tube connecting the ships retracted. With that, the imperial shuttle flew off back to Coruscant. Sunset was led back to her feet by a few other troopers leading her to the command deck of the Fury. The three inquisitors stood at the head of command, giving the order to their troops.

“Make way for our destination at hyperdrive speed!” The Third Sister ordered.

The imperial agents aboard quickly punched the coordinates they were ordered, and the ship shot across the galaxy at hyper speed. After a while, the ship finally slowed down entirely. The face of the ship was now in sight of a red-orange planet that seemed to emit a glow. Sunset looked on in shock and fear toward the planet, feeling an evil, dark energy emitting from the planet.

“What is this place?” She asked.

The three sisters stood in anticipation, as the ship began to edge closer to the planet. From beneath their visors, they all smiled wickedly.

“The ancestral home of the Sith,” The Fifth Sister answered.

“Where the original Sith first emerged,” The Fourth Sister added.

The Third Sister released an evil chuckle, admiring the planet.

“Korriban…”

The Rebellion

The sky burned a reddish orange, which perfectly matched the landscape of the ancient Sith world of Korriban. For thousands of years, the planet served as the cored world for training the ancient Sith Lords. So many come to this planet as nothing more than slaves and gone on to become the most powerful figures in the galaxy. Once this planet was home to many, not it served to house a few remaining Sith.

The imperial shuttle slowly set down in the midst of the Valley of the Dark Lords. The back docking hatch of the shuttle slowly opened, as a barrage of Stormtroopers slowly emerged. Following them out the shuttle, the three Inquisitor sisters emerged and took a good long look at the dark, sinister planet from beneath their visors. They took notice of the giant Sith Academy Pyramid that still stood tall and terrifying as it had thousands of years ago.

“Korriban…” The Third Sister admired. “Where all the great Sith Lords of old emerged from.”

“All the greats that have stepped from this planet,” The Fourth Sister added. “Marka Ragnos… Tulak Hord… Ludo Kressh…”

“Bring out the prisoner now!!!” The Fifth Sister ordered.

Two more troopers emerged from the cargo port dragging along a resisting Sunset Shimmer. Sunset did everything in her power to pull away from the troopers’ grasp. If she weren’t wearing the stupid magical binding restraints, she’d have sent them all flying by now. Sunset looked toward the three Inquistors with such a hateful, disdained look.

“I don’t care what you do, I won’t help you!” She yelled at them. “When I get back to my friends, I swear I’ll make you regret this!”

Only a chuckle emerged from the Third Sister.

“Such intensity,” She mused. “Such fire… fine qualities of a Sith.”

Sunset only glared harder, shaking her head.

“If you’ve brought me here to turn me dark, you’re wasting your time!” She barked determined. “My friends will find me and your whole empire will come crashing down!”

*WHAM!*

“SILENCE PRISONER!” The trooper captain yelled.

Sunset’s head whipped to the side again after receiving another blow to the fast from the blunt end of a blaster rifle. She took a moment to recompose herself, spitting out some blood. All this served to do was to entertain the three wicked Inquisitors.

“Make idle threats all you wish Sunset Shimmer, but they serve only to ensure your demise is swift.”

The Third Sister yanked Sunset by the hair, which caused Sunset to gasp in pain while the Sister dragged her, and her entourage walked forward. They traversed through the valley before coming upon the opening of a cave carved deep in the mountain. The Third Sister threw Sunset near the mouth of the cave and all the troopers aimed their weapons at her.

“Behold… the Tomb of Marka Ragnos,” The Third Sister explained. “Hidden deep within these crumbling ruins lies the key to ensuring the future of the Sith Order. You’ll use your ability to see into the past and lead us to exactly where we need to go. Fail… and you’ll find yourself a permanent resident of this tomb.”

Sunset slowly picked her sore, aching body off the ground and stood facing the tomb’s entrance. She contemplated running or at the very least leading them off track, but what could she really do? Every single trooper had a gun aimed at her back and the three Inquisitors held a strong connection with the dark side. Even if she found a way to escape, where would she possibly go? How could she get out of this? With no other alternative, she slowly marched forth and into the tomb with the rest of the group following close behind.

*BEEP! BEEP!*

A signal emanating from The Third Sister’s right hand has the Inquisitor hold out her hand. An image of Governor Tarkin appears before her.

“Yes Governor Tarkin?” The Third Sister spoke.

“We are approaching the planet Yavin,” Tarkin spoke. “The Rebel base is on a moon on the far side. We are preparing to orbit the planet.”

“Excellent… we’ll be along shortly.”

Governor Tarkin nodded in satisfaction before his holographic image disappeared.

“Soon as we take care of… business,” The Third Sister muttered sinisterly.

<>

Overlooking the jungles of Yavin, a lone guard stands in a tower high above the Yavin landscape. He surveys the entire countryside, while a mist hung over the jungle of twisted green.

Meanwhile, a fellow named Dodonna stood before a large electronic wall display in the war room briefing area. Leia and several other senators are on one side of the giant readout. Aside from the Equestrians, the low-ceilinged room was filled with star-pilots, navigators, and a sprinkling of R2-type robots. Everyone listened intently to what Dodonna was saying, while Han and Chewbacca stood near the back.

“The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a firepower greater than half the star fleet,” Dodonna informed. “It’s defenses are designed around a direct large- scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense.”

Gold Leader, a rough looking man in his early thirties, stands and addresses Dodonna.

“Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub fighters going to be against that?”

“Well, the Empire doesn’t consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they’d have a tighter defense,” Dodonna explained. “An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station.”

R2-D2 stands beside a similar robot, makes beeping sounds, and turned his head from right to left. Fluttershy watched nervously as Dodoona presents a simulation of the Death Star and the target area.

“The approach will not be easy,” Dodonna continued. “You are required to maneuver straight down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The target area is only two meters wide. It’s a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station.”

Twilight Sparkle jotted down the notes rapidly on a notepad, while beside her Rainbow Dash was snoring. Her right elbow was on her right leg, her head resting along the palm. Murmur of disbelief runs through the room between our heroes and all the other pilots.

“Is that all?” Spike muttered, under his breath.

“Only a precise hit will set up a chain reaction,” Dodonna emphasized. “The shaft is ray- shielded, so you’ll have to use proton torpedoes.”

Sitting beside Luke was a hotshot pilot around sixteen years old. His name was Wedge Antilles.

“That’s impossible, even for a computer.”

“It’s not impossible,” Luke replied. “I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-sixteen back home. They’re not much bigger than two meters.”

“Then y’all better be a good shot Luke,” Applejack advised. “Every pony—I mean, ‘everyone’ in this room only has one shot at that there reactor. Can’t afford to make any mistakes.”

A snore draws the group toward the side, Twilight finally noticing Rainbow Dash sleeping away the whole time. Rolling her eyes, Twilight Sparkle aims her fingers toward her nose… and flicks her.

“DAH!!!” Rainbow shouted, waking up. “What happened? What I miss?”

“Man your ships!” Dodonna instructed. “And may the Force be with you!”

The group rose, as Rainbow Dash watched everyone leave.

“Oh good… lunch time.”

Rainbow Dash proceeded to walk off in another direction while the group watched her, shaking their heads.

“Sometimes I worry about that girl…” Storm sighed.

“Believe it or not, she was like this when we tried to prep her to join the Wonderbolts,” Twilight Sparkle replied. “Let’s just say ‘our’ methods didn’t go so well.”

“Actually made it much worse,” Rarity added.

“Hmm…” Storm pondered.

<>

In the outer regions of space, the Death Star began to orbit around the planet toward the tiny green moon. Inside, Tarkin and Vader watched the computer projected screen with interest. A circle of light intertwined around one another on the screen showing its position in relation to Yavin and the forth moon.

“Orbiting the planet at maximum velocity,” The intercom spoke. “The moon with the Rebel base will be in range in thirty minutes.”

“This will be a day long remembered,” Vader declared. “It has seen the end of Kenobi and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.”

<>

Back in the main hangar deck, the Equestrian ‘Heroes’…

*Eyes the audience*

*Clears throat* The Equestrian Heroes, Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, and little R2-D2 enter the huge spaceship hanger and hurry along a long line of gleaming space-fighters. Flight crews rush around loading last-minute armaments and unlocking power couplings. In an area isolated from this activity, the group (Spike included) discover Han and Chewbacca loading small boxes onto an armored speeder.

“All flight troopers, man your stations,” A voice spoke, over the loudspeaker. “All flight troops, man your stations.”

But as they see, Han deliberately ignored the activity of the fighter pilots’ preparation. While Luke was quite saddened at the sight of his friend’s departure, most of the Equestrians were disappointed.

“So it’s true…” Applejack observed, like a disappointed mother. “Yer just takin’ yer reward and ditchin’ us just like that?”

“That’s right, yeah!” Han confirmed. “I got some old debts I’ve got to pay off with this stuff.”

“We do understand, one of our friends was just the same,” Rarity spoke. “But what do you intend to do after that?”

“Look lady, even if I didn’t, you don’t think I’d be fool enough to stick around here, do you? Why don’t you come with us? You’re pretty good in a fight. I could use you.”

“Come on! Why don’t you take a look around?” Luke asked, getting angry. “You know what’s about to happen, what they’re up against.”

“They need a good pilot… like you,” Fluttershy frowned. “At least we’re not turning our back on them. Why are you any different?”

“What good’s a reward if you ain’t around to use it?” Han retorted. “Besides, attacking that battle station ain’t my idea of courage. It’s more like suicide.”

“But… but I thought we were going to have to have some buddy-comedy relationship,” Pinkie spoke, beggingly. “You know, like we’re the good natured, eccentric girls who get the larger fanbase and you are the neurotic straight-man who screws up in all his endeavors. And we laugh and then one of us says, ‘AH, HERE IT GOES!!!’, and then… and the hilarity… and the situational comedy?”

“It’s no use…”

Everyone turned toward Twilight Sparkle, who stood in the back watching them silently during this time.

“A deal is a deal after all,” Twilight spoke up. “He’d help us get the Princess back with the Rebels, we’d ensure he gets his money, and he never puts up with us again. That was our agreement, and a promise is a promise.”

“All right…” Luke gave up, addressing Han. “Well, take care of yourself, Han. I guess that’s what your best at, isn’t it?”

“Well fine… I guess that’s that…” Applejack sighed, tipping her hat. “So long, Han.”

“Yeah… bye,” Fluttershy sighed sadly.

Luke and the group go off. Han hesitated before he calls out:

“Hey, kids… may the Force be with you!”

Luke and the group turned, as Han winked at them. Luke lifted his hand in a small wave, as did all the others, before they go off. Fluttershy waved meekly toward Chewbacca, who waved back as she turned away with a tear in her eye. Han turned toward Chewbacca, who growled at his captain.

“What’re you lookin’ at? I know what I’m doing.”

In the meantime, Luke and the group meet up with Leia and Dodonna under a huge space fighter.

“What’s wrong?” Leia asked.

“Han actually left…” Twilight sighed. “Despite everything, I truly thought he’d change his mind.”

“He’s got to follow his own path,” Leia replied. “No one can choose it for him.”

“The princess is right Twilight,” Storm agreed. “Every decision we make in life defines our story; we can only hope Han made the right choice.”

“I only wish Ben were here,” Luke sighed sadly.

In response, Leia gave Luke a tiny kiss, before turning off. Just as Luke heads for his ship, another pilot rushed up to him and grabbed his arm.

“Hey, Luke!”

The group turned and were shocked by who it was.

“Biggs!” The Equestrians gasped.

“I don’t believe it!” Biggs smiled. “How’d you get here… are you going with us?!”

“Nah, most of us are stayin’ with the princess,” Applejack replied. “Luke’s the one takin’ the helm.”

“I’ll be up there with you!” Luke spoke proudly. “Listen, have I got some stories to tell…”

Red Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, came behind the group. He has the confident smile of a born leader.

“Are you… Luke Skywalker?” Red Leader asked. “Have you been checked out on the Incom T-sixty-five?”

“Sir, Luke is the best bush-pilot in the outer rim territories,” Biggs replied.

Red Leader patted Luke on the back as they stop in front of his fighter.

“I met your father once when I was just a boy, he was a great pilot,” Red Leader informed. “You’ll do all right. If you’ve got half of your father’s skill, you’ll do better than all right.”

“Thank you, sir,” Luke smiled. “I’ll try.”

Red Leader hurried to his own ship.

“I’ve got to get aboard,” Biggs spoke. “Listen, you guys can tell me your stories when we come back. All right?”

“Fingers crossed,” Storm said simply.

“Hey Biggs, I told you I’d make it someday,” Luke added.

“You did, all right!” Biggs replied, heading off. “It’s going to be like old times, they’ll never stop us!”

Luke laughed, shaking his head in agreement. Just as he heads for his ship, another voice called out.

“Hey guys!!! Check it out!”

They turn around and their eyes widen in surprise. Rainbow Dash, who had been absent the whole time, approached the group. Only she was dressed much like a starfighter, even carrying her own helmet. Only in comparison to the standard orange outfits Luke and most of the pilots are wearing, Rainbow’s outfit comes in a dark blue that matches her cyan skin tone.

“What do you think?” Rainbow asked, presenting herself. “I’m officially part of the flight team; even have my favorite color!”

“W-W-Wait a minute, you’re on the flight team?” Twilight asked. “When did this happen?”

“Yeah…” Pinkie asked, pulling out a book. “I don’t remember this in the script…”

Gimme that!!!

*A hand takes the script back, as Pinkie gives a toothy grin*

“They actually agreed to let you pilot one of these ships?” Rarity asked.

“Well actually, no…” Rainbow replied. “But I really thought I could take part in the fight, given I’m the best flier in Ponyville. So I asked Leia if she could slip me in… and she said yes.”

“She did all that because you asked her?” Twilight repeated.

“Uh yeah, that’s what I said. She said the Rebels need all the help they can get and there happened to be an extra ship available… turns out the pilot got sick and couldn’t make it. So I’m going to be up there helping us bring down those Empire scum!”

“But Dash… are ya sure you wanna do this?” Applejack asked worriedly. “You realize most of these pilots ain’t likely to make it back! What if ya get blown up?”

“Applejack has a point darling,” Rarity agreed. “This isn’t like performing a stunt show with the Wonderbolts. This is war we’re talking about.”

“Girls, I’m flattered your worried about me. But if piloting a ship is anything like flying, I’ll figure it out. And if they are going to shoot me, they have to catch me first. Besides, one of us needs to have Luke’s back.”

Luke smiled over Rainbow’s words. But suffice to say, while Applejack knew there’s no talking Rainbow out of it she can’t help but worry.

“Just… just promise me you won’t do nothin’ stupid out there,” Applejack insisted.

Rainbow Dash smirked as she planted a kiss on Applejack’s lips.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”

Pinkie Pie’s lips sputtered, as tears form in her eyes.

“Our little Dashie is all grown up… ready to kill people…” Pinkie bawled.

Rainbow Dash makes her way to her own assigned ship, as the group looked on and saw her approach an X-Wing. As Luke began to climb the ladder into his own sleek, deadly spaceship, the crew chief, while working on the craft, pointed to little R2, who was being hoisted into a socket on the back of the fighter.

“This R2 unit of yours seems a bit beat up,” The Chief observed. “Do you want a new one?”

“Not on your life!” Luke replied, on the contrary. “That little droid and I have been through a lot together.”

“Yeah, the little guy’s going to be all right,” Spike replied. “Right R2?”

The crewmen lower R2-D2 into the craft. Now part of the exterior shell of the starship, the little droid beeped that ‘he is fine’. Luke climbed into the cockpit of his fighter putting on his helmet. 3PO and the girls looked from the floor of the massive hanger, as the crewmen secured 3PO’s little electronic partner into Luke’s X-wing. It’s an emotional filled moment as R2 beeped good-bye.

“Okay, easy she goes!” The Chief instructed.

“Hang on tight, R2,” 3PO spoke. “You’ve got to come back.

R2 beeped an agreement.

“Don’t worry 3PO, the little guy’s going to be all right,” Storm assured. “Besides, your life will be pretty boring without him.”

R2 whistled something similar to a chuckle, as 3PO stared at Storm (Which he could only guess was a glare). All final preparations are made for the approaching battle. The hangar buzzing with last-minute activity as the pilots and crewmen alike made their final adjustments. The hum of activity was occasionally trespassed by the distorted voice of the loudspeaker issuing commands. Coupling hoses are disconnected from the ships as they are fueled. Cockpit shield roll smoothly into place over each pilot. A signalman, holding red guiding lights, direct the ships. Luke, a trace of a smile gracing his lips, peered about through his goggles.

Rainbow Dash was just adjusting her own helmet in the cockpit of her own ship, feeling the adrenaline of the incoming battle.

“The Force will be with you…”

Ben’s voice spoke out, leaving Luke and Rainbow confused. Luke tapped his headphones as if there’s a glitch. Meanwhile, Rainbow turned toward her friends, especially toward Applejack who stared toward her. Rainbow gave the thumbs up and a wink, with that same confident smile that made Applejack smile back with a blush.

<>

All that can be seen of the fortress was a lone guard standing on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The muted gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering hum of ion rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in a tight formation and disappeared into the morning cloud cover.

<>

The princess, 3PO, the Equestrians, and a field commander sat quietly before the giant display showing the planet Yavin and its four moons. The red dot, which represents the Death Star, moved closer to the system. A series of green dots appeared around the fourth moon. Indistinct chatter filled the war room.

“Stand-by alert,” The intercom announced. “Death Star approaching. Estimated time to firing range, fifteen minutes.”

The anxiety started to form on Twilight’s face, knowing that this battle will mean the difference between victory and defeat. Then she feels her hand being held and Twilight slowly turned, as Storm Shield turned toward her and slowly nodded his head with reassurance. Twilight’s face widened, and she quickly turned back to the display to hide the blush on her cheeks.

<>

In the outer regions of space, the Death Star slowly moved behind the massive yellow surface of Yavin in the foreground, as many X-wing fighters flew in formation toward the Death Star. Light from a distant sun created an eerie atmospheric glow around the huge planet. Rebel fighters flying in formation settle ominously in the foreground and very slowly pull away.

Red Leader lowered his visor and adjusted his gun sights, looking toe ach side at his wing men.

“All wings, report in!”

One by one, all the Rebel fighters (Including Biggs, Wedge, Luke, Rainbow, and a guy named Porkins) check through their mikes.

“Red Ten standing by.”

“Red Seven standing by.”

“Red Three standing by,” Biggs spoke.

“Red Six standing by,” Porkins spoke.

“Red Nine standing by.”

“Red Two standing by,” Wedge announced.

“Red Eleven standing by.”

“Red Five standing by,” Luke added.

“Element three standing by,” Rainbow Dash spoke.

R2-D2, in position outside the fighter, turned his head side-to-side and made beeping sounds.

“Lock S-foils in attack position,” Red Leader instructed.

The group of X-wing fighters move in formation toward the Death Star, unfolding the wings and locking them in the ‘X’ position. Rainbow Dash peered side to side, seeing the wings at work.

“This is going to be so awesome!!!” Rainbow Dash spoke excitedly.

“We’re passing through their magnetic field,” Red Leader spoke, over her headset. “Hold tight!”

Luke adjusted his controls, as he concentrated on the approaching Death Star. The ship began to be buffeted slightly.

“Switch your deflectors on,” Red Leader instructed. “Double front!”

The fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death Star now appeared to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as the Rebel fighters approach. Complex patterns on the metallic surface began to become visible. A large dish antenna was seen built into the surface on one side.

Inside his cockpit, Wedge was amazed… frightened even at the awesome spectacle.

“Look at the size of that thing!”

“You think that’s big, wait till your inside that thing!” Rainbow spoke.

“Cut the chatter, Red Two and Element Three,” Red Leader spoke, through their sets. “Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!”

“Ahem!” A throat cleared.

“… and you too Element Three.”

As the fighters moved closer to the Death Star, the awesome size of the gargantuan Imperial fortress was revealed. Half of the deadly space station was in shadow, the area sparkled with thousands of small lights running in thin lines and occasionally grouped in large clusters; somewhat like a city at night as seen from a weather satellite.

“Red Leader, this is Gold Leader!” Gold Leader spoke, from his cockpit.

“I copy, Gold Leader!” Red Leader answered.

“We’re starting for the target shaft now.”

From his cockpit, Red Leader looked around at his wingmen; the Death Star looming in from behind. Two Y-wing fighters bobbed back and forth in the background. He adjusted his computer targeting device into position.

“We’re in position,” Red Leader announced. “I’m going to cut across the axis and try and draw their fire.”

Two squads of Rebel fighters peeled off. The X-wings dive toward the Death Star surface. A thousand lights glowed across the dark grey expanse of the huge station.

<>

Alarm sirens scream inside the Death Star, the soldiers scrambled to large turbo- powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the huge guns into position as the crew adjust their targeting devices.

<>

Around the Death Star, laser bolts streak through the star-filled night. The Rebel X-wing fighters moved in toward the Imperial base, as the Death Star aimed its massive laser guns at the Rebel forces and fire.

<>

In the war room, Princess Leia listened to the battle over the intercom. 3PO and the Equestrians stood at their side.

“Heavy fire, boss!” Wedge spoke, over the speakers. “Twenty-degrees.”

“I see it,” Red Leader answered. “Stay low!”

<>

Up in space, an X-wing zoomed across the surface of the Death Star.

Technical crews scurried here and there in the Death Star itself, loading last-minute armaments and unlocking power cables.

Wedge maneuvered his fighter toward the menacing Death Star. X-wings continue in their attack course on the Death Star. Luke nosedived radically, starting his attack on the monstrous fortress. The Death Star’s surface streaks past the cockpit window.

“This is Red Five, I’m going in!” Luke spoke.

“Element 3, on your tail!” Rainbow added.

The X-wings race toward the Death Star. Laser bolts streak from their weapons, creating a huge fireball explosion on the dim surface. Terror crossed their faces as they realized they won’t be able to pull out in time to avoid the fireball.

“Luke! Rainbow! Pull up!” Biggs shouted.

Their ships emerged from the fireball, with the leading edges of the wings slightly scorched.

“Are you all right?” Biggs asked.

In his own cockpit, Luke adjusted his controls and breathed a sigh of relief. Flames burst outside the cockpit window.

“We got a little cooked, but we’re okay,” Luke assured.

“We don’t cover this often in Wonderbolt training.” Rainbow replied. “On the other hand, A.J.’s definitely getting something hot for dinner when this is over.”

<>

From the war room, Applejack chuckled and shook her head as the battle raged on in space. It was now up to the Rebellion to hold their own against the Death Star. Unbeknownst to them, the real threat was taking place elsewhere.”

<>

The depths of the Tomb of Marka Ragnos were as dark and cold as the very man the tomb had been built for. Having been untouched for thousands of years, the tomb still held many mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Sunset Shimmer walked through the desolate caverns of the tomb with an entourage of Stormtroopers and the three Inquisitors following behind. Having been walking these caves for about an hour or so it’s safe to say they had pretty much walked right into its heart.

“Do you sense anything here?” The Third Sister asked.

Sunset gave no answer but a shake of her head. Since the moment they stepped into the tomb, the Inquisitors hounded her every step of the way. Whatever they were looking for, they were very determined to find it. As they walked through the cave, a small glimmer caught Sunset’s eye from a crumbled pile of rock. Approaching the crumbled pile, slowly she reached her hand into it. Pulling it back, she was shocked when she pulled out a very old lightsaber that was clearly damaged.

The moment her eyes landed on the old weapon, her eyes immediately shot open and glowed white as she saw the past:

She saw Coruscant from thousands of years before the Jedi Temple stood at the epicenter of the planet. A tall dark figure in a black robe and a blue skinned Twi-lek girl made their way into the temple. A battleship crashed through the doors and an army of Sith Lords emerged to battle the Jedi. She saw this dark figure, Darth Malgus, strike down the Jedi Master Ven Zallow and the Sith Order destroying the entire city. The last thing she saw was Malgus emerging from the burning temple, covering his masked face with his hood once more.

https://m.

Sunset gasped as her vision ended, dropping the saber to the ground. That weapon had seen very dark days and was held by a very evil man. The Fifth Sister quickly used the force to draw the lightsaber to herself and observed it.

“Darth Malgus’ lightsaber,” She observed.

“Not what we’re looking for,” The Third Sister responded. “But certainly of great interest.”

The Third Sister grabbed the lightsaber, placing it in her cloak.

“Keep moving!” She ordered Sunset.

Sunset took a moment to collect herself after seeing such horrible past events. To think the Jedi Temple had actually been sacked by the Sith, it was too much for her to bare. Continuing forward, eventually the group entered a large chamber in the tomb. Taking one step inside, Sunset immediately felt faint and could sense a strong presence of the dark side in this very chamber. The Third Sister noticed, smirking under her helmet.

“This is it,” She announced. “Look around… and find something of value.”

The troopers fanned out in separate sections of the chambers, searching for anything they could find. Suddenly, Sunset’s eyes snapped open again and glowed. After a moment, she blinked, and her eyes were back to normal. She walked over to a section of the chamber where a giant statue sat there. Reaching behind it, she noticed a stone lever, reached for it, and pulled. The cave instantly shook and trembled as a portion of the cave floor slowly slid open and a platform rose from the ground. Laying atop the platform resembled a large block of some material, the mold resembling the shape of a figure. Stepping toward it cautiously, the three Inquisitors gazed in admiration.

“After nearly three thousand years, finally you have risen,” The Third Sister said eerily.

“What is it?” Sunset asked.

“Nothing that concerns you… yet.”

“Men, get the transport in here and move this out now!” The Fourth Sister barked.

“Yes ma’am,” The captain nodded.

Within an hour, the troopers brought down a transporter and loaded the block onto it. The Third Sister walked toward Sunset Shimmer, crossing her arms.

“You’ve done well for yourself,” She spoke. “But don’t think for a moment this changes anything.”

Sunset wasn’t given an opportunity to speak when the Fourth Sister came from behind her and stuck a syringe into her neck. Instantaneously, Sunset collapsed into the cavern floor completely unconscious.

“Captain, take her out too!”

“Yes ma’am…”

The captain ran up, scooped Sunset over her shoulder, and carried her off with the rest of the entourage. The three Inquisitors followed soon afterwards. They were so busy feeling victorious, they took no notice of ghostly apparitions hiding in the dark.

“What are we to do now?”

“We cannot do anything till he’s released from the carbonite…”

“The poor girl has been through so much torture… so much torment…”

“I could sense her presence across the galaxy, as well as her friends. They are strong… I only hope we’ll be able to help them…”

“Now that the carbon prison has been discovered, we are finally free to leave Korriban. My only hope… is that we’re not too late…”

Assault on the Death Star

Rebel fighters continue to strafe the Death Star’s surface with laser-bolts. Inside the station, walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out from the rubble. Standing in the midst of the chaos, a vision of calm and foreboding is Darth Vader. One of his Astro-Officers rushed up to him.

“We count thirty Rebel ships, Lord Vader,” The Astro-Officer informed. “But they’re so small they’re evading our turbo-lasers!”

“We’ll have to destroy them ship to ship,” Vader spoke. “Get the crews to their fighters.”

<>

Smoke belches from the giant laser guns as they wind up their turbine generators to create sufficient power. The crew rushes about preparing for another blast. Even the troopers’ head gear is not adequate to protect them from the overwhelming noise of the monstrous weapon. One trooper banged his helmet with his hand attempting to stop the ringing.

Meanwhile, Red Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak.

“Luke, let me know when you’re going in,” Red Leader spoke.

The Red Leader’s X-wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose down and started his attack dive.

“I’m on my way in now…” Luke answered.

“Element Three got your back, fly buddy,” Rainbow added.

“Watch yourselves!” Red Leader warned. “There’s a lot of fire coming from the right side of that deflection tower.”

“We’re on it,” Luke acknowledged.

“Just let ‘em try!” Rainbow scoffed. “I can outfly or outshoot them anytime!”

“Talk is cheap Rainbow,” Luke replied.

“Only if you can’t back it up!” Rainbow bragged.

“I’m going in,” Biggs spoke. “Cover me, Porkins.”

“I’m right with you, Red Three,” Porkins responded.

The X-wings fire their lasers toward another tower, blowing it away and sending stormtroopers back by an explosion. The Empire fires back with their laser cannons toward the ships. Unfortunately, Porkins’ was having problems with his X-Wing.

“I got a problem here,” Porkins spoke.

“Eject!” Biggs commanded.

“I can hold it.”

“Pull up!”

“No, I’m alright—AHH!!!”

A deflection tower struck the X-Wing and Porkins was shot down in a fiery blaze.

<>

Governor Tarkin looked on intensely inside the Death Star. The visual display shows the Rebel base nearly in range.

“The Rebel base will be in firing range in seven minutes…” The Imperial Speaker informed.

<>

Luke flies his X-wing into a twisting dive across the horizon and down onto the dim grey surface. A shot hurls from Luke’s guns, as laser bolts streak toward the onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements erupt in flame. Laser fire erupted from a protruding tower on the surface. It was then Luke heard a rather familiar voice.

“Luke, trust your feelings,” Obi-Wan’s voice spoke.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash found herself pursued by two imperial TIE fighters that were currently firing all cylinders at her x-wing.

“I’m taking on fire here!” Rainbow yelled, over the intercom.

“Need any assistance?” Biggs asked.

Rainbow looked from the control panel back at the pursuing TIE’s, trying to find a means of escaping this. Looking straight ahead, she spotted two more fighters rapidly approaching from up front. It was then a tiny invisible lightbulb went off in her head.

“No need Biggs, I got this!”

Rainbow grabbed the controls and went full speed at a 90 degree angle. The two pursuing TIE fighters quickly changed direction, following her directly. Soon as Rainbow reached a high enough altitude, she suddenly jerked the controls and went for a nosedive.

“Going down!” She yelled.

The Two TIE’s quickly maneuvered downward and now they were all barreling downward. Rainbow observed as the other two fighters were not coming at her from the front again. Her own ship was just racing in their direction.

“Not just yet…” Rainbow whispered to herself. “Wait for it… and…”

Suddenly, she jerked the controls to the side causing the x-wing to spin into a rapid barrel roll. Rainbow held on for dear life as she spun out of control towards the two fighters. Just as they were upon her, the intense spinning actually gave her a tiny little opening where she flew right between the gap of the fighters.

Unfortunately, that also meant the two fighters chasing her crashed right into the two others and they collided in a massive explosion. Rainbow took control once more, pulling her ship back up into a steady flight of passage.

“WOOHOO!!!”

<>

The blurry Death Star surface raced past the cockpit window as a big smile swept across Luke’s face at the success of his run. Flak thunders on all sides of him, as Luke maneuvers his craft through a wall of laser-fire and peeled away from the surface of the superstructure toward the heavens.

The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberate throughout the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of explosions.

Biggs dove through a forest of radar domes, antennae, and gun towers as he shot across the Death Star surface. A dense barrage of laser-fire streaks by on all sides.

Imperial star pilots dashed in unison to a line of small auxiliary hatches leading to Imperial TIE fighters.

<>

Inside the war room, Princess Leia, surrounded by the Equestrians, her generals, and aides, paced nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides, technicians work in front of the many lighted glass walls. Dodonna watched quietly from one corner. One of the officers working over a screen spoke through his headset.

“Squad leaders, we’ve picked up a new group of signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.”

“WHAT?!?!” The group shouted, in unison.

<>

Luke looked around, trying to spot the approaching Imperial fighters.

“My scope’s negative. I don’t see anything.”

The Death Star’s surface swept past, as Red Leader searched the sky for the Imperial fighters. Flak pounds at his ship.

“Pick up your visual scanning,” Red Leader instructed. “With all this jamming, they’ll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.”

“Picking up bogeys boys!” Rainbow shouted. “Here they come!”

Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death Star horizon, six ferocious Imperial TIE ships dove toward the Rebel fighters. Two of the TIE fighters peeled off and dropped out of frame. The remaining two TIE ships accelerate at another angle.

“Watch it! You got one on your tail,” Red Leader warned.

An Imperial TIE fighter was in pursuit of one of the rebel pilots. Despite his best effort, the Rebel could not outshake the TIE fighter as its pilot proved relentless.

“I’m hit!!!”

And just like that, the Rebel ship was blown apart and another rebel blew into dust.

“Holy… buck!!!” Rainbow gasped.

Things looked pretty dark for the Rebels. Biggs panicked when he discovered a TIE ship on his tail. The horizon in the background twisted around as he peeled off, hoping to lose the Imperial fighter.

“Biggs! You’ve picked on up… watch it!” Red Leader shouted.

“I can’t see it!” Biggs looked around. “Where is he?!”

Biggs zoomed off the surface of the Death Star and into space. An Imperial TIE fighter followed close behind, firing several laser bolts but missing every shot. Biggs could see the ship behing him and swung around, trying to avoid him.

“He’s on me tight, I can’t shake him.”

Biggs flew at a high altitude, peeled off and dove toward the Death Star surface. Unfortunately, he’s unable to lose the TIE fighter, who stuck close to his tail. Seeing his friend in danger, Luke flew upside down and rotated the ship around to normal altitude as he emerges from his dive.

“I’ll be right there!” Luke called out.

Biggs and the tailing TIE ship dove for the surface, now followed by a fast-gaining Luke. After Biggs dove out of sight, Luke pursued the Imperial fighter. In the foreground, the Imperial fighter raced across the Death Star’s surface, closely followed by Luke in the background. Just then, the Imperial looked back for a second before Dash’s ship appeared.

“PEEK-A-BOO!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Shots fired from Dash’s X-wing exploding the TIE fighter in flames, and she pulled up just before flying into Luke’s ship.

“A little warning next time Dash!” Luke called out.

“You’re welcome,” Rainbow smirked.

<>

Inside the Death Star, Darth Vader strode purposefully down a Death Star corridor, flanked by Imperial stormtroopers.

“Several fighters have broken off from the main group,” Vader informed the troopers. “Come with me!”

<>

Back in the War Room, a concerned Princess Leia, Threepio, Dodonna, and the Equestrians stood around the huge round readout screen, listening to the ship-to-ship communication on the room’s loudspeaker.

“Pull in!” Biggs shouted, over the speaker. “Luke… pull in!”

“Watch your back, Luke!” Wedge shouted.

“Fighters above you!” Rainbow shouted, over her headset. “Coming in red hot!”

Luke’s ship soared away from the Death Star’s surface, as he spotted the tailing TIE fighter. The TIE pilot took aim at Luke’s x-wing, scoring a hit on Luke’s ship. A fire broke out on the right side of the X-wing.

“Luke, are you all right?” Rainbow called out. “Talk to me buddy, what happened?”

Luke looked out his cockpit toward the flames on his ship.

“I’m hit, but not bad.”

Smoke poured from behind R2-D2.

“R2!” Luke’s voice called. “See what you can do with it. Hang on back there.”

Green laser fire moves past the beeping little robot as his head turned and he quickly went to work on the damage. Meanwhile Luke nervously worked his controls.

“Red Two…” Red Leader shouted, over the headset.

<>

In the war room, Leia and the girls stood frozen as they listened and worried about Luke.

“Can you see Red Five?” Red Leader asked.

“There’s a heavy fire zone out there,” Wedge answered. “Red Five, where are you?”

<>

Luke spotted the TIE fighter behind him and soared away from the Death Star Surface.

“I can’t shake him!”

Luke’s ship soared closer to the surface of the Death Star; an Imperial TIE fighter closed in on him in hot pursuit. In the meantime, the Death Star whipped below Wedge.

“I’m on him, Luke!” Wedge spoke, over the headset. “Hold on!”

Wedge dove across the horizon toward Luke and the TIE fighter. Wedge moved his X-wing in rapidly. Luke reacted frantically, as he searched the starry skies.

“Blast it! Biggs, where are you?” Luke muttered.

The fighter pilot in the TIE fighter watched Wedge’s X-wing approach. Another X-wing, Rainbow’s, joined him, and together they both unleashed a volley of laser fire on the Imperial fighter. The TIE fighter exploded into white light. Luke’s ship could be seen in the far distance. Luke himself felt quite relieved.

“Thanks, Wedge. Thanks Dash.”

“Now was that so hard?” Rainbow replied.

<>

Leia, 3PO, Storm, the Equestria Girls, Dodonna, and other Rebel officers are listening to the Rebel Fighter’s radio transmissions over the war room intercom.

“Good shooting, Wedge!” Biggs congratulated.

“Red Leader…”

<>

Gold Leader peeled off and started toward the long trenches at the Death Star surface pole.

“This is Gold Leader,” Gold Leader spoke. “We’re starting our attack run.”

Three Y-wing fighters of the Gold group dove out of the stars toward the Death Star surface.

<>

Leia and the others group around the screen, as technicians move about attending to their duties.

“I copy, Gold Leader,” Red Leader spoke, over the speaker. “Move into position.”

<>

Three Imperial TIE ships in precise formation dive toward the Death Star surface. Darth Vader calmly adjusted his control stick as the stars whipped past in the window above his head.

“Stay in attack formation!” Vader instructed.

<>

In the War Room, technicians are seated at the computer readout table. Gold Leader’s voice echoed over the speaker.

“The exhaust post is…”

<>

“… marked and locked in!” Gold Leader declared.

Gold Leader approached the surface and pulled out to skim the surface of the huge station. The ship moved into a deep trench, firing laser bolts. The surface streaked past as laser fire returned from the Death Star.

Among Gold Leader’s team was Gold Five, a pilot in his early fifties with a very battered helmet which looked as if it been through many battles. He looked around to see if enemy ships are near. His fighter was buffeted by Imperial flak.

Gold Leader raced down the enormous trench leading to the exhaust port. Laser bolts blast toward him in increasing numbers, occasionally exploding near the ship causing it to bounce about.

“Switch power to front deflector screens,” Gold Leader instructed.

Three Y-wing skim the Death Star surface deep in the trench, as laser bolts streak past on all sides. An exterior surface gun blazed away toward the oncoming Rebel fighters.

“How many guns do you think, Gold Five?” Gold Leader asked.

<>

“I’d say about twenty guns,” Gold Five answered, over speaker. “Some on the surface, some on the towers.”

Leia, 3PO, the Equestrians, and the technicians view the projected target screen, as red and blue target lights glow. The red target near the center blinked on and off.

“Death Star will be in range in five minutes,” The Intercom voice spoke.

“Come on Dash,” Applejack silently prayed. “Just get Luke in fer that moment and y’all can blow that hunk ah metal tah bits.”

Close by, Storm Shield’s eyes were also closed, breathing in and out as if he were meditating while standing. As if deep down, he too prayed for the rebels knowing that time was not on their side.

<>

The three Y-wing fighters raced forward, through a hail of laser fire. Gold Leader pulled his computer tracking device down to the level of his eye. Laser bolts continued to batter the Rebel craft.

“Switching to targeting computer,” Gold Leader informed.

Gold Two, a younger pilot about Luke’s age, pulled down his targeting eye viewer and adjusted it. His ship shuddered under intense laser barrage.

“Computer’s locked. Getting a signal.”

As the fighters began their approach to the target area, suddenly all laser fire ceased. An eerie calm clung over the trench as the surface whipped past in a blur.

“The guns… they’ve stopped!” Gold Two observed.

Gold Five looked behind him in his cockpit.

“Stabilize your read deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters.”

“They’re coming in!” Gold Leader informed. “Three marks at two ten.”

Three Imperial TIE ships, Darth Vader in the center flanked by two wingmen, dove in precise formation almost vertically toward the Death Star surface. Darth Vader calmly adjusted his controls tick as the stars zoomed by.

“I’ll take them myself! Cover me!”

“Yes sir,” One Wingman spoke.

The three TIE fighters zoomed across the surface of the Death Star. Vader lined up Gold Two in his targeting computer. Vader’s hand gripped the control stick as he pressed the button to fire.

The cockpit exploded around Gold Two, sending his head forward. As Gold Two’s ship exploded, debris flung out into space. Gold Leader looked over his shoulder at the scene, as the three TIE fighters raced along the trench in a tight formation. Gold Leader started to panic.

“I can’t maneuver!” He gasped, through his mic.

“Stay on target,” Gold Five advised.

The Death Star raced by outside the cockpit window as Gold Leader adjusted his targeting device. While Gold Leader was really panicking, the oldest pilot (Gold Five) remained calm.

“We’re too close!” Gold Leader insisted.

“Stay on target!” Gold Five repeated.

“Loosen up!”

Vader calmly adjusted his targeting computer and pushed the fire button. Gold Leader’s ship was hit by Vader’s laser, exploding into a ball of flames throwing debris in all directions. Now it was all up to Gold Five, as he moved on toward the exhaust port.

“Gold Five to Red Leader…” Gold Five began.

Luke looked over his shoulder at the action outside his cockpit.

“Lost Tiree, lost Dutch,” Gold Five finished, over headset.

“I copy, Gold Five,” Red Leader confirmed.

“They came from behind…”

One of the engines explode on Gold Five’s Y-wing fighter, blazing out of control. He dove past the horizon toward the Death Star’s surface, passing a TIE fighter during his descent. Gold Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spun toward his death. Luke looked nervously about him at the explosive battle. Rainbow too looked on as Gold Five’s fighter crashed directly into the Death Star. This battle was certainly becoming more dangerous by the minute.

“This is going to be harder than I thought…” Rainbow thought to herself.

Battle Rages On

Inside the Death Star, Governor Moff Tarkin and a Chief Officer stand in the control room surveying the scene.

“We’ve analyzed their attack sir, and there is a danger,” The Officer warned. “Should I have your ship standing by?”

“Evacuate? In our moment of triumph?” Tarkin questioned. “I think you overestimate their chances!”

Tarkin turned toward the computer readout screen. Flames move around the green disk along the center of the screen. Numbers read across the bottom.

“Rebel Base, three minutes and closing…” A voice spoke.

One way or another, Tarkin was seeing this battle all the way to the bitter end. But there was no doubt in his mind that victory was at hand. Soon the rebellion will fall, the Empire will rise, and the entire galaxy will be in the palm of their hands. No one in the universe will stop them now…

<>

Meanwhile, the battle heats up along the Death Star, as the Rebel fighters go head-to-head against the Empire. The Gold team recently perished in their attempt to reach the exhaust pole leaving very few of the Rebel fighters left. Red Leader looked over at his wingmen.

“Red group, this is Red Leader,” Red Leader spoke.

<>

Listening from the War Room, the Equestrians anxiously hear the commotion while Dodonna moved toward the intercom fiddling with the computer keys.

“Rendezvous at mark six point one,” Red Leader instructed, over speaker.

“This is Red Two,” Wedge answered. “Flying toward you.”

“Red Three, standing by,” Biggs spoke, over speaker.

“Red Leader, this is Base One,” Dodonna reported, over headset. “Keep half your group out of range for the next run.”

“Copy, Base One,” Red Leader responded. “Luke, take Red Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal… to start your run. Element Three provide covering fire.”

“Roger Red Leader!” Rainbow Dash nodded.

The X-wing fighters of Luke, Biggs, and Wedge flew in formation high above the Death Star’s surface. Luke peered from his cockpit as two x-wings move across the surface of the Death Star. Red Leader’s X-wing dropped down to the surface leading to the exhaust port.

Red Leader looked around for TIE fighters, as he began to perspire.

“This is it!”

Red Leader roamed down the trench of the Death Star, as lasers streak across the black heavens. A huge remote-control laser cannon fired at the approaching Rebel fighters, who narrowly evaded the Imperial laser blasts. Red Ten looked around if any Imperial fighters showed up.

“We should be able to see it by now,” Red Ten spoke.

From the cockpits of the Rebel pilots, the surface of the Death Star streaked by, with Imperial laser fire shooting toward them.

“Keep your eyes open for those fighters!” Red Leader instructed.

“There’s too much interference!” Red Ten called.

Three X-wing fighters move In formation down the Death Star trench.

“Red Five, can you see them from where you are?” Red Ten’s voice asked.

Luke searched the Death Star surface below.

“No sign of any… wait!” Luke spotted.

Red Ten looked up and saw the Imperial fighters.

“We got fighters coming in point three five!” Rainbow Dash reported.

“I see them,” Red Ten confirmed.

Three TIE fighters, Vader flanked by two wingmen, dove in tight formation. The sun reflected off their dominant solar fins as they looped toward the Death Star’s surface. Red Leader pulled his targeting device in front of his eyes, applying several adjustments.

“I’m in range!” Red Leader reported.

Red Leader’s X-wing moved up toward the Death Star trench.

“Target’s coming up!”

Red Leader looks through his computer target readout screen, gazing through the device.

“Just hold them off for a few seconds.”

Meanwhile, Vader adjusted his control lever and dove toward the X-wing fighters.

“Close up formation,” Vader instructed.

The three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star surface. Red Leader lined up his target on the targeting device cross hairs. Vader and his wingmen zoomed along the trench, Vader rapidly approaching the two X-wings of Red Ten and Red Twelve. Vader’s laser cannon flashed below the view of the front porthole. The X-wings showed in the center of Vader’s computer screen.

Red Twelve’s X-wing fighter was struck by Vader’s laser fire, exploding into flames against the trench.

“They’re getting killed down there!” Rainbow shouted, through the headset. “We gotta do something—”

*BAM! BAM! BAM!*

Laser fire zipped passed Rainbow’s ship, drawing the Equestrian to look up. Additional TIE fighters were approaching their formation, firing toward the group. Rainbow Dash was not having it.

“Oh you did not just try to shoot at me!”

Rainbow Dash quickly broke from formation and furiously punched the button on the stick, sending a wave of fire power toward the TIE fighters. Most of the fighters exploded upon impact, the rest split off to avoid the mad fighter as Rainbow Dash pulled back trying to rejoin her squad.

Meanwhile, Red Ten furiously worked his controls, trying to avoid Vader’s fighter behind him.

“You’d better let her loose!” Red Ten called Red Leader. “They’re right behind me.”

Unfortunately for Red Ten, Red Leader’s focus was on his targeting device.

“Almost there!”

“I can’t hold them!” Red Ten panicked.

“Just hang in there Red Ten!” Rainbow called.

Vader and his wingmen whipped through the trench in hot pursuit of the Rebel fighters. Vader coolly pushed the fire button on his control stick. Darth Vader’s well-aimed laser fire proved unavoidable, striking Red Ten’s ship. Red Team screamed in anguish and pain, as the ship exploded and burst into flames.

“RED LEADER, TAKE THE SHOT!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Grimly, Red Leader took careful aim and watched his computer targeting device, which showed the target lined in the cross hairs. He took fire.

“It’s away!” Red Leader shouted.

<>

*BOOM!!!*

An armed Imperial stormtrooper was knocked to the floor due to the attack explosion. Other troopers scurried about the corridors, knocking against the wall and losing their balance.

<>

In the war room, Leia and the others stare at the computer screen.

“They hit it!” Pinkie shouted.

“But did he hit the target?!” Spike asked.

“Negative,” Red Leader spoke, over speaker.

<>

Red Leader looked back at the receding Death Star. Tiny explosions are visible in the distance.

“Negative! It didn’t go in. It just impacted on the surface.”

“Red Leader! Vader’s on the prowl!” Rainbow shouted. “Six o’clock!”

Darth Vader peeled off in pursuit, as Red Leader’s X-wing passed on the Death Star horizon. Vader swung his ship around for the next kill. Luke tried to spot Red Leader, scanning around the Death Star surface.

“Red Leader, we’re right above you!” Luke informed. “Turn to point o-five, we’ll cover for you.”

“Stay there!” Red Leader ordered, over headset.

A wary Red Leader looked about nervously.

“… I just lost my starboard engine.”

Luke looked excited toward Red Leader’s X-wing.

“Get set to make your attack run,” Red Leader concluded.

Vader’s gloved hands contact the control sticks, pressing their firing buttons. Just as Red Leader fought for control of his ship, laser bolts flung from Vader’s TIE fighter. The blasts connected with Red Leader’s Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader screamed as the ship zoomed toward the surface below.

Luke and Rainbow looked out their X-wing windows as a tremendous explosion ignited far below. For the first time, they could feel helpless of the situation.

“Celestia help us…” Rainbow prayed.

<>

In the meantime, Grand Moff Tarkin cast a sinister eye toward the computer screen.

“Rebel base, one minute and closing,” The intercom spoke.

<>

In the war room of Massassi outpost, Dodonna, Princess Leia, and the Equestrians, with 3PO beside them, listen intently to the talk between the pilots. The room’s grim after Red Leader’s death, as Princess Twilight Sparkle paced around the room.

“They’ve just lost both leaders,” Twilight panicked. “They’re on their own out there! What’re we going to do?!”

“Calm yourself Twilight,” Storm advised. “We’re not out of this fight just yet. All we can do is hope our remaining pilots can pull through.”

“Biggs, Wedge, let’s close it up!” Luke ordered, over speaker. “We’re going in full throttle. That’ll keep those fighters off our back.”

<>

The horizon twisted as Wedge pulled out.

“Right with you, boss,” Wedge confirmed.

The two X-wings peeled off against a background of stars, diving toward the Death Star.

“Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?” Biggs asked.

“It’ll be just like Beggar’s Canyon back home,” Luke replied.

The three X-wings moved in, unleashing a barrage of laser fire. Laser bolts returned from the Death Star. Luke’s lifelong friend struggled with his controls.

“We’ll stay back far enough to cover you,” Biggs spoke.

“I’ve got you boys covered,” Rainbow Dash spoke, looming over. “Those TIE fighters are not getting passed me this time.”

Flak and laser bolts flash outside Luke’s cockpit window.

“My scope shows the tower, but I can’t see the exhaust port!” Wedge spoke, over headset. “Are you sure the computer can hit it?”

The Death Star laser cannon slowly rotated as it shot laser bolts. Luke looked around for the Imperial TIE fighters. Thinking for a moment, he moved his targeting device into position.

“Watch yourself!” Luke warned. “Increase speed full throttle!”

Wedge looked excitedly about for any sign of the TIE fighters.

“What about the tower?”

“You worry about those fighters!” Rainbow shouted. “I’ll deal with the tower!”

Rainbow’s X-wing streaked above the trench, firing lasers.

Luke broke into a nervous sweat as the laser fire returned, knocking one of his wings close to the engine.

“R2…” Luke called. “… That, that stabilizer’s broken loose again! See if you can’t lock it down!”

R2 worked to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushed by in the background, making his delicate task seem more precarious. Two laser cannons fire toward the Rebel fighters. While firing at the towers, Rainbow looked up and spotted the TIE fighters.

“These guys don’t know when to quit!” Rainbow muttered.

Luje’s targeting device marked off the distance to the target, while Vader and his wingmen zoomed closer. Vader adjusted his controls and fired laser bolts at two X-wings flying down the trench. He scored a direct hit on Wedge.

<>

Leia and the others grouped around the computer board, watching anxiously.

“I’m hit!” Wedge spoke, over speaker. “I can’t stay with you.”

<>

“Get clear, Wedge!” Luke advised. “You can’t do any more good back there!”

“Sorry!”

Wedge pulled his crippled X-wing back away from the battle. Vader watched the escape but issued a command to his wingmen.

“Let him go! Stay on the leader!”

Luke’s X-wing sped down the trench; the three TIE fighters, still in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind. Biggs, growing worried, looked around at the TIE fighters.

“Hurry Luke, they’re coming in much faster this time!” Biggs panicked. “I can’t hold them!”

The three TIE fighters moved ever closer, closing in on Luke and Biggs. Luke looked back anxiously at little R2.

“R2, try and increase the power!”

Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping R2-D2 struggled to increase the power, his dome turning from side to side. Stealthily, the TIE formation crept closer. Vader adjusted his control stick. Rainbow saw the TIE fighters approaching Biggs’ ship. Luke looked into his targeting device. He moved it away for a moment, pondering its use. He looked back into the computer target system.

“Hurry up, Luke! Quick!” Biggs shouted, over headset.

“Hang on Biggs!” Rainbow said loudly. “I’m coming!”

The cyan girl quickly turned her ship toward Vader’s direction, pushing full throttle speed toward him. Vader and his wingmen raced through the Death Star trench. Biggs moved in to cover for Luke, but Vader was gaining. Biggs saw the TIE fighters aiming at him.

“QUICK!”

Vader squeeze the fire button on his controls. Biggs’ cockpit exploded around him, lighting him in red. Biggs’ ship burst into a million flaming bits, scattering across the surface.

“BIGGS!!!” Rainbow yelled.

<>

Leia and the others stared at the computer board. The girls, Spike, and Storm were all in shock that Biggs was blown sky high. Fluttershy sobbed as she hugged Rarity closely, the latter trying to comfort her. Pinkie’s hair deflated once again, as her somber nature took over. Applejack hung her head low as she tipped her hat in respect.

<>

Luke, stunned by Biggs’ death, felt his eyes watering. But also, anger growing.

<>

Grand Moff Tarkin watched the projected target screen with satisfaction.

“Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing,” The intercom announced.

<>

Vader took aim on Luke, talking to the wingmen.

“I’m on the leader,” Vader informed.

“Oh no you don’t!!!” Rainbow yelled, turning the ship.

“Dash, what’re you doing?!” Luke asked. “It’s too dangerous.”

“No way I’m losing another friend to that big-masked moron! YAH!!!!!!”

Rainbow Dash furiously pressed the button on the stick, firing lasers toward Vader’s ship. Somehow Vader expertly dodged every shot, as Rainbow kept the ship in range. Eventually, Dash had no choice but to pull up to avoid crashing into Vader’s ship struggling to regain formation. While Dash kept Vader distracted, Luke’s ship streaked through the trench of the Death Star.

<>

Princess Leia returned her general’s worried, doubtful glances with solid, grim determination. 3PO seemed nervous.

“Hang on, R2!”

“They’re gonna make it!” Storm spoke nervously. “They have to make it! C’mon…”

<>

Luke concentrated his targeting device, as the three TIE fighters charged away down the trench toward Luke. Vader’s fingers curled around the control stick; Luke adjusted the lens of his targeting device. Luke’s ship charged down the trench as he lined the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting device’s screen. He gazed through the targeting device, ready to take his shot.

“Use the force, Luke,” Ben’s voice spoke.

As the Death Star trench zoomed by, Luke looked up after hearing the voice. He started to look back into the targeting device but was having second thoughts.

“Let go, Luke…”

Grim determination swept across Luke’s face, as he closed his eyes and started mumbling Ben’s training to himself. Rainbow could see Luke’s fighter streak through the trench.

“What’s he doing?” Rainbow thought.

“The Force is strong with this one!” Vader thought.

Vader followed Luke’s X-wing down the trench. Luke looked through the targeting device, then away trying to decide what to do.

“Luke, trust me…” Ben’s voice insisted.

Finally, Luke’s hand reached for the control panel… and pressed the button. The targeting device moved away.

<>

Leia and the others stand watching the projected screen.

“He turned it off!” Twilight gasped, in shock. “Why’d he do that?”

“Luke, you switched off your targeting computer,” Base voiced, over speaker. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Luke’s voice answered. “I’m all right.”

Unable to take it anymore, Applejack grabbed a headset from a nearby technician.

“Rainbow! Can y’all hear me!” Applejack called out, distressed. “Why did Luke switch off his targeting device?”

“You tell me! I’m as confused as you are!” Rainbow answered, over speaker.

<>

Luke’s ship streaked ever so closely to the exhaust port, as the Death Star surfaced streaked by. R2-D2 turned his head from side-to-side, beeping in anticipation. Rainbow could see all the action from above.

“I hope you know what you’re doing old man…” Rainbow voiced her thoughts.

The three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen, followed Luke’s X-wing down the trench. Vader maneuvered his controls as he looked at his doomed target. He pressed the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laser fire shoots toward Luke’s X-wing fighter. A large burst of Vader’s laser fire engulfed R2. The arms go limp on the smoking little droid, as he made a high-pitched sound like a scream.

“R2!!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Luke looked frantically back over his shoulder toward R2, as smoke billed out around the droid and sparks began to fly.

“I’ve lost R2!”

And R2’s beeping sounds slowly died out. Rainbow, bearing witness to it, felt tears streaming down her face as she slammed her fists on the controls in frustration!

“VADER!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Rainbow screamed.

A Dark Path

Back in the cell block of the Imperial Palace, Sunset Shimmer slowly regained consciousness after being injected with a mysterious liquid by one of the Inquisitors. With her vision fully regained, she looked around only to find herself locked in a cell. She groaned to herself until the sound of cell block doors sliding open caught her attention. She soon noticed Starkiller making his way inside. Seeing him, she quickly got up and grasped the bars of her cell.

“Galen!” She cried.

Starkiller quickly made his way to the cell.

“Are you alright?” He asked concerned.

“Not exactly!” Sunset shook her head. “Things got more complicated than they were before.”

“What happened?”

“Turns out those three Inquisitors gained control of your guards, captured me, and took me to Korriban. They forced me to help them find something they needed. Next thing I know, they knocked me out and three me back here!”

Hearing this made Marek’s eyes widen in shock. To know his own personal troops had been stolen from him and now under the command of Vader’s Inquisitors. His master never told him this and he started to wonder why. He quickly shook this from his head, remembering the reason he came. He unlocked the cell door and pulled Sunset out.

“Thankfully, our opportunity to escape has come.”

“How?”

“Turns out your friends made it into the Rebellion. They are currently attacking the Death Star. From what I can tell, they have the means to destroy it once and for all. When they do, the Emperor and Vader will be so focused on the fallout of the disaster they won’t even notice we’re gone. By the time they realize what happened, you’ll be gone from this place forever.”

Sunset smiled so widely it seemed impossible. Then she did something she had no concept of due to her overwhelming joy. She quickly threw her arms around Marek… and smashed her lips to his. Marek’s eyes widened in shock, as did Sunset’s when she realized what she’d done. Quickly pulling away, she faced the shocked young Sith, and her face burned bright red.

“Um—well—I uh—I’m sorry that wasn’t…”

Before she could apologize, Starkiller quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back to him as their lips met again. Surprised once more, Sunset’s eyes widened before she slowly melted with the kiss and her eyes fluttered closed. After a moment or two, the two finally pulled away from one another and just stared into each other’s eyes. It felt like an eternity before Marek finally snapped back to reality.

“I’m sorry to say this, but I must bring you to see the Emperor,” He said.

“But I thought we were leaving right now!” Sunset spoke fearfully.

“And we will… but the Death Star is still up there. In the meantime, the Emperor demands I bring you to the throne room at the top of the palace.”

“What if he tries to turn me?”

“He won’t!”

Marek stroked his hand across her cheek to calm her, which thankfully did.

“There’s no way he could possibly do that to you now,” He spoke confidently. “You’ve proven to be far more resilient and stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. We just need to buy a little more time while he’s none the wiser, then once word of the Death Star gets blown up… we can leave immediately. If anyone can resist the Dark Side, it’s you. Trust me.”

Sunset smiled once more hearing such encouraging words before allowing Marek to lead her out the cell block. Now she was more determined than ever, confident that her friends would succeed. And when they do, she and Marek will escape this place and never looks back. Things were definitely starting to fall into place… or so they thought.

As they rounded the corner, out of sight, they failed to notice the Third Sister hiding in the shadows. She grinned wickedly to herself under her visor. A small beeping noise caused her to reach into her cloak, pulling out a holo device. Pressing the button, the holo image of Doctor Caz appeared.

“My lady Inquisitor, I have called to inform you that our work is finally complete. Project X is ready.”

An evil chuckle escaped from the Inquisitor.

“I shall be down momentarily.”

Placing the device back in her cloak, the Third Sister made her way down the dark halls toward the laboratory. It was time to take the fight to the rebels on a completely new and dangerous level.

<>

Inside the war room of Massassi Outpost, Leia and the others are shocked to learn that R2-D2 was blown up during Luke’s initial run through the Death Star trench. They stare intently at the projected screen, while 3PO watched the Princess undoubtedly upset for his friend. Lights representing the Death Star and targets glow brightly.

“The Death Star has cleared the planet,” The intercom announced. “The Death Star has cleared the planet.”

“Why do we have to cut these things so close?!” Rarity whined.

“It’s up to Luke and Rainbow now!” Storm voiced his concern. “If they lose… we lose.”

<>

Inside the Death Star control room, Tarkin glared at the projected target screen.

“Rebel base, in range,” The intercom announced.

“You may fire when ready,” Tarkin instructed calmly.

“Commence primary ignition.”

An officer reached up and pushed buttons on the control panel, as green-lighted buttons turn red.

<>

Along the surface of the Death Star, the three TIE fighters zoomed down the Death Star trench in pursuit of Luke, never breaking formation. Luke looked anxiously at the exhaust port. Vader adjusted his control sticks, checking his projected targeting screen. Luke’s ship barreled down the trench. Rainbow Dash flew from behind Vader’s formation, her targeting computer swinging around into position. Of all the ships, she was aiming for Vader.

“C’mon… c’mon… get in range…” Rainbow muttered, sweat pouring.

Vader took careful aim on Luke’s X-wing fighter.

“I have you now,” Vader spoke.

He pushed the fire buttons. The three TIE fighters moved in on Luke. As Vader’s center fighter unleashed a volley of laser fire, one of the TIE ships at his side exploded into flame. The two remaining ships continued to move in. But the blast didn’t come from Rainbow Dash though she almost pushed her button.

“What the what?!” Rainbow shouted.

Luke looked about, wondering whose laser fire destroyed Vader’s wingman. Vader, taken by surprise, looked out from his cockpit.

“WHAT?!” Vader shouted.

Vader’s wingman searched around him trying to locate the unknown attacker. Rainbow Dash looked up toward the darkly heavens and her eyes widened.

“No way…”

“YAHOO!!!!”

Han and Chewbacca grinned ear-to-ear, as the Millenium Falcon headed right at the two TIE fighters. It’s now a collision course. The wingman spotted the ship coming at him and warned the Dark Lord.

“Look out!”

Vader’s wingman panicked at the sight of the oncoming starship, veering radically to one side, colliding with Vader’s TIE fighter in the process. Vader’s wingman crashed into the side wall of the trench and exploded. Vader’s damaged ship spun out of the trench with a damaged wing (A bent solar fin) heading for deep space. Vader turned round and round in circles struggle to get his ship in control.

Rainbow Dash saw Solo’s ship moved toward the Death Star trench.

“Captain Solo…” Rainbow gasped, in shock. “You’re really here…”

Solo smiled as he spoke to Luke over his headset mike.

“You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!”

<>

Han’s transmission could be heard in the War Room. Leia and the others listened intently.

“Han Solo ya sneaky devil!” Applejack smiled.

Pinkie’s expression immediately brightened, and her hair sprung to life.

“YEAH!!! HE CAME BACK!!! I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW IT!!!”

<>

“No problem-o, Luke!!!” Rainbow shouted. “You got this!”

Luke looked up and smiled before he concentrated on the exhaust port, then fired his laser torpedoes. The torpedoes shoot toward the port seemingly disappearing into the surface and not explode. But the shots found their mark, going through the exhaust port, toward the main reactor.

“THEY’RE IN!!!” Rainbow shouted. “Now let’s get the heck out of here!”

Luke threw his head back in relief, the force truly on his side.

<>

An Imperial soldier raced to the control panel board, pulling the attack lever as the board behind lit up.

“Stand by…” The intercom spoke.

<>

Three X-wings, a Y-wing, and the Millenium Falcon raced toward Yavin in the distance.

<>

Several Imperial soldiers flanked a pensive Grand Moff Tarkin, busily pushing control levers and buttons.

“Standing by…”

The rumble of a distant explosion begins…

<>

The Rebel ships raced out of sight, leaving the moon-like Death Star alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes appeared on the surface… until the Death Star exploded into a supernova, creating a spectacular heavenly display.

“Great shot kid!” Han cried out. “That was one in a million!”

“Now that was 20% cooler!” Rainbow smirked. “No… make it NINETY percent cooler!!! WAHOO!!!”

Luke felt at ease after a stressful fight, his eyes closed.

“Remember, the force will be with you… always,” Ben’s voice spoke.

As the Rebel ships raced toward the fourth moon of Yavin, Vader’s ship spun off into the depths of space realizing too late that the battle is lost. The only survivor of the entire fleet, Darth Vader’s ship raced away from the field of battle to report his failure to the Empire.

<>

Luke climbed out of his starship fighter to a string of cheers from a throng of ground crew and pilots. Luke climbed down the ladder, as they all welcome him with laughter, cheers, and shouting. Princess Leia rushed toward him.

“Luke!” Leia shouted. “Luke! Luke!”

She threw her arms around Luke, hugging him as they danced around in a circle. Rainbow Dash just slid down the ladder of her own ship when her own friends piled on top of her, laughing and crying as they held onto Rainbow. Spike climbed over the pile and licked Rainbow in the face as she chuckled. She barely brushed her way through the pile when she saw Applejack standing there. For a moment, the two just stare each other in the eye, not saying a single word.

“I told you I’d be—”

But Rainbow doesn’t finish before Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash toward her and smashed her lips toward her. Rainbow’s arms flailed before they slowly wrapped around Applejack, playfully pushed Applejack’s hat off and kissed her back. While the two were busy, Solo raced toward Luke and they embraced one another, slapping each other in the back.

“Hey! Hey!” Han chuckled.

“I knew you’d come back!” Luke laughed. “I just knew it!”

“Well, I wasn’t gonna let you get all the credit and take all the reward!”

The rest of the Equestrians joined up with the Rebel allies (With Rainbow & A.J. preoccupied at the moment).

“Well, look what the cat dragged in!” Pinkie joked. “So… you finished paying off your debts already?”

“Actually… we never made it to Tatooine,” Han admitted. “What can I say? I just can’t stay away… and Chewie was very persistent.”

Fluttershy turned toward Chewbacca, who bellowed with a friendly growl. Fluttershy smiled as she hugged the big lug.

“I missed you too, Chewie!” Fluttershy smiled tearfully.

Luke and Han looked at one another, as Solo playfully shoved Luke’s face. Leia moved in between them.

“Hey, I knew there was more to you than money,” Leia chuckled.

“You’re definitely in so much trouble if the guys you owe money to hear of this,” Spike smirked.

“Hey… if I’m going to be punished just like you rebels,” Han smirked. “I might as well ‘be’ a Rebel… if you’ll have me.”

“At least we’re all together again,” Rarity smiled.

Twilight Sparkle turned toward Luke’s ship; her face dropped to a sorrowful look.

“Not all of us…”

Luke turned toward Twilight’s direction, suddenly realizing.

“Oh no!”

The fried little R2-D2 was lifted off the back of the fighter, carried off under the worried eyes of 3PO.

“Oh my! R2! Can you hear me?” 3PO called out. “Say something!”

But the droid was nonresponsive, as if the little droid were already dead. Worried, 3PO turned toward a nearby mechanic.

“You can repair him, can’t you?”

“We’ll get to work on him right away,” The Technician assured.

“You must repair him! Sir, if ay of my circuits or gears will help, I’ll gladly donate them.”

“He’s going to be all right 3PO,” Storm reassured. “We promise.”

“I don’t know about all of you,” Rarity spoke up. “But this battle has really taken a toll on my nerves. I could use a chance to settle down.”

“Rarity’s right,” Twilight agreed. “Let’s find ourselves a place to settle down. I have a feeling we’re going to have quite a celebration later today.”

“OH YEAH!!! PARTY TIME!!!” Pinkie squealed.

The group slowly make their way down the hall to prepare for the upcoming celebration. Along the way, Storm shook his head when Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still going at it.

“Come along, you two!”

Smirking, Storm pushed the girls down the hall though their lips remained locked. Twilight Sparkle stayed behind to see the open hangar smiling proudly toward the horizon.

“Sunset Shimmer… that was for you!” Twilight spoke. “See you later.”

Twilight Sparkle finally turned away to regroup with her friends, knowing that one battle was finally over.

<>

The doors to the Emperor’s throne room slid open, allowing Starkiller to lead Sunset directly to the center of the dark chamber. Sitting atop his throne, the sinister Emperor Palpatine slowly rose and descended the stairs to the floor.

“It seems the Rebellion struck a powerful blow to the Empire,” He spoke coldly. “The Death Star has been destroyed.

“Guess I should be thanking them,” Sunset smirked cockily.

From under his hood, Palpatine bit back a vicissitude growl.

“You think yourself unbreakable dear?” He asked grimly. “You think your will is powerful? I wonder how much your will shall crack after what I have to show you.”

“Say or do what you want, but the answer is no!” Sunset retorted. “Not you or anything else in this entire galaxy will make me change my mind!”

Palpatine only gave a wicked smirk.

“Not even when it concerns your friends?”

Sunset’s stone cold demeanor suddenly broken, as she stood frozen with wide eyes.

“What’re you talking about?”

“Tell me dear, why is it that your so-called ‘friends’ would rather waste their time consorting with rebel scum instead of searching for you?”

Sunset shook her head quickly, trying to regain her demeanor.

“My friends stopped your twisted empire’s plans!” She responded. “They’re coming to find me and together we’ll take you down. And you know that!”

Palpatine released an evil cackle.

“Is that truly what you believe child? Your friends have known for a while now where you were. Yet they did not even concern themselves with coming to save you.”

Sunset turned toward Palpatine and Starkiller. Marke shook his head, mouthing words to her.

“He’s lying!” He mouthed. “Don’t listen to him!”

“I believe your friend, Twilight Sparkle, was the one who said, and I quote, ‘We do not need to rescue Sunset’.”

“You’re lying!” She shouted. “Twilight would never say that; I know her!”

Palpatine slowly turned to face her again, as the doors to the throne room opened once more. The three Inquisitors slowly entered the chamber along with a broken droid, which they tossed to the center of the room. Along with the inquisitors came another creature all together. A towering cyborg comprised of nine white armor/cybernetic metal plates beneath a dark cloak. It was believed he died during the Clone Wars, yet here he was… alive.

Palpatine noticed his presence and smiled upon his approach.

“How wonderful to see you returned to your former glory.. General Grievous.”

The tall cyborg general slowly bowed in the presence of the sinister ruler.

“I am most grateful for your agents retrieving my broken remains and restoring my being, Lord Sidious,” Grievous spoke, in a heavy robotic voice.

“Now that you have been returned with nothing more of your former anatomy to weaken you,” Palpatine admired. “You are once more capable to leading the Empire’s forces and crush the rebellion for good.”

“You need only direct me, my lord,” Grievous responded. “I serve to obey only my masters.”

Palpatine once again returned his attention to Sunset.

“Since you refuse to accept my word,” Palpatine grinned. “Perhaps its best to see the evidence yourself.”

He stalked slowly toward the broken droid, ripping its metal head open. Pulling out a small chip from the robots subatomic brain, he approached the Third Sister. The Inquisitor produced her holo device and handed it to the Emperor. Palpatine inserted the small chip into the device and clicked it on. A holographic image of Twilight appeared.

“Guys… do you know what this means? There’s no need for us to rescue Sunset!”

The device continued to replay the holo over and over again.

“Guys… do you know what this means? There’s no need for us to rescue Sunset!”

“Guys… do you know what this means? There’s no need for us to rescue Sunset!”

Sunset’s eyes widened in horror, slowly walking forward and looked at the tiny image of Twilight.

“This was taken from a rebel droid my spies were able to return to me from the Rebel base,” Palpatine explained. “It seems neither she nor any of the others intended to come for you at all.”

Finally, Marek couldn’t take a note of this.

“Don’t listen, Sunset!” He yelled. “This is all…”

Palpatine quickly turned and shot a powerful surge of force lighting at him, propelling him back. Rolling across the ground before coming to a stop, Marek groaned in pain from the lightning’s effect. Palpatine turned back toward Sunset Shimmer, the girl kneeling on the ground and staring at the holo device. Hot tears raced down her face watching the holo Twilight repeat the phrase over and over and over.

“I thought—I thought you’d never give up on me,” Sunset sobbed. “You promised you’d always find me!”

Sunset sobbed as the feeling of pain and betrayed overcame her. The feeling of a hand upon her shoulder caused her to look back. Palpatine looked at her, almost in a comforting way.

“I did not wish to show you this my child,” He spoke softly. “But time you learned the truth: Friendship is weakness. It feels real at the beginning, but it’s all an ‘illusion’ that fades over time… until you are left with nothing. It is power, ‘true’ power, that lasts forever.”

Sunset slowly stood up, wiping away the tears from her cheeks. She looked from Palpatine, the three Inquisitors, and the cyborg general surrounding her.

“We can offer that very power,” Palpatine continued. “You will never have to rely on anyone else to get what you want. The entire galaxy can be yours… you need only accept.”

“Just as we did…”

Sunset faced the three sisters moving towards her.

“Once we were like you, till we found sanctuary in the dark side of the force,” The Third Sister continued. “You have no earthly idea of the power it wields.”

“It gave us such strength we no longer resort to ‘old’ tactics of gaining power,” The Fourth Sister added.

“You can hold that power too Sunset,” The Fifth Sister added. “Just accept it; we hope to turn our trio… into a ‘quartet’.”

As Sunset stared at the three Inquisitors, one question dawned on her that she had been wondering since the beginning.

“Who are you?” She asked.

“Oh… I think you know who we are Sunset,” The Third Sister smirked.

Sunset rolled her eyes in frustration.

“No, I don’t know! Enough with the riddles and get to the point!”

The three Inquisitors looked toward each other before they nodded. Reaching up, they simultaneously removed their visors from their heads and Sunset stared in shock. For standing before her were none other than Adagio Dazzling, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk… The Dazzlings.

“YOU!!!” Sunset pointed.

“Surprise!!!” Sonata smiled. “It’s us!”

The three sirens grinned as Sunset stared at them in shock. These were the same Sirens who tried to manipulate the entire city of Canterlot until she and the others stopped them. But the last time she saw them was at the Starswirled Music Festival, living in a van and performing as Red Herrings for the bigger acts. Now here they stood, directly in front of her better than ever.

“You see Sunset, after we lost our powers, we were lost in a world not our own,” Adagio explained. “We tried to make the most of it, we tried… then one day, we found ourselves in this universe thrusting us right into the arms of the Empire itself!”

“The Emperor offered us power far beyond our wildest dreams,” Aria continued. “The ability to do whatever we want, whenever we want.”

“Now you have the chance at that exact same power,” Sonata continued. “Think about it! Why should you care for friends when clearly they couldn’t care less about you?”

Sunset could not think straight, conflicting emotions course through her body. She felt hurt, angry, heartbroken, confused, and betrayed all at once. She couldn’t believe her own friends had no intent to save her. It only made her anger grow She looked toward the Emperor, taking a deep breath.

“What must I do?” Sunset asked.

Palpatine grinned menacingly.

“Become my apprentice, and I will teach you the ways of the dark side,” He answered. “With you and Vader at my side, no one in the galaxy will dare oppose us. The empire will be yours to command.”

He gestured for Sonata to come forward which she gladly obeyed. She carried with her two cases, one slightly larger than the other. She stood before the Emperor and Sunset, opening both cases. Sunset looked inside to see a set of black Sith robes clearly fashioned for a lady and a double-bladed lightsaber hilt.

Sunset closed her eyes for a moment as the anger continued to course through her. Slowly, she knelt to her knees before Palpatine.

“I pledge myself to your teachings,” She said.

Palpatine once again gave an evil grin.

“Good…” Palatine said amused.

“On one condition.”

“Anything…”

Sunset looked the emperor in the eyes, glaring fiercely.

“No one in the Empire gets to lay a finger on Twilight Sparkle… except me! You can keep the galaxy and do what you want with the Rebel scum, but I must face Twilight Sparkle myself… alone. Not you… not your troopers… nor your Inquisitors, your generals, or your apprentices. I must be the one to destroy her… no. I must… kill Twilight Sparkle.”

Palpatine chuckled but admired the fire in his eyes.

“Fulfill your training apprentice… and the princess is all yours,” The Emperor declared. “But you will not fight her as ‘Sunset Shimmer’. Henceforth, you shall be known as… Darth Seraphina.”

Sunset slowly stood back up, as she turned back to the holo device toward her friend… no… her former friend…

Feeling the anger and pain course through her well-being, Sunset channeled her emotions through song:

https://m.

Sunset felt an immense power flow through her, as she threw her hand out toward the holo device and shattered it to a million pieces.

Within a flash, Sunset Shimmer snapped her fingers and adorned the Sith robes from the first case. Looking down at her new self, she smiled with evil satisfaction. She channeled the force to draw her new lightsaber toward her and ignited it.

While doing this, Palpatine climbed back to his throne and pulled something behind it. The Sith holocron the inquisitors retrieved from Dromund Kaas. Setting it down on the seat of the throne, running a cold hand over it, the device activated. It floated above the seat and glowed blood red. Sunset froze as she felt a sensation pulling her towards the throne. She looked up, saw the glowing holocron, and she felt… attracted to it.

Sunset reached for the holocon and the moment her finger touched it that her eyes snapped open with a white glow. She felt a hot searing feeling overtake her, as the power of the dark side flooded over her. When it finished, she knelt to the ground completely drained. She felt the power course through her and suddenly she stood up. Snapping her eyes open again, instead of moderate cyan, now they were blazing bright Sith red.

Throwing her arms into the air, she blasted a huge amount of force lightning which ripped a hole through the ceiling and emerged from the top of the palace. Palpatine cackled in sick delight, as he watched such unrelenting power flow through the young girl.

<>

Later…

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Rainbow Dash entered the huge ruins of the main temple. Hundreds of troops lined up in neat rows. Banners flew overhead, at the far end stood a vision in white, the beautiful young Senator Leia. Garbed in a long white dress, she is staggeringly beautiful. Standing beside her was Princess Twilight Sparkle, dressed in a regal gala outfit that matched her skin-tone and crown specifically prepared just for her. Even Storm Shield, the Prince of Peace himself, stood beside her cleanly dressed, his hair slicked back, and donning his own regal crown.

Luke and the others solemnly marched the long aisle, kneeling before Senator Leia and the Equestrian royals. From one side of the temple marched a shined-up, fully repaired R2-D2. He waddled up to the group and stood next to the equally pristine 3PO and the remainder of the Equestrians, all awestruck by the whole event. Chewbacca, of course, was quite confused but Fluttershy giggled slightly. Sitting just to the leg of Princess Leia were Dodonna and several other dignitaries.

Princess Leia rose and placed a gold medallion around Han’s neck. The space captain merely winks at her. She repeats the ceremony with Rainbow Dash, who smiled toward Applejack, whose cheeks glowed Apple red. And finally, Leia bestows a medal to Luke, who is moved by this whole chain of events. He feels a nudge at his shoulder, as he turns toward Rainbow Dash.

“Your aunt and uncle would be very proud of you,” Rainbow smiled.

Luke nodded with a smile, before they turned to face the assembled troops, who all applauded for the brave heroes. Chewbacca growled, R2 beeped happily, and the group of weary travelers smiled before the masses.

“It almost feels weird,” Pinkie replied casually. “Normally by this point the portal would open up and we’d all be going home seeing as how we beat the bad guys and saved the day.”

“We only won a battle Pinkie dear,” Rarity replied. “That does not mean the war is over.”

“So long as the Empire’s still plotting and Sunset Shimmer is still out there in the galaxy, we’re going to be stuck here for a while,” Spike observed.

“Oh… poor Sunset,” Fluttershy sighed sadly. “I hope we’ll be reunited again soon; I can’t help but fear for her.”

“Now don’t y’all worry about nothin’ every pony,” Applejack replied, with a wink. “I bet that Starkiller feller’s bringin’ Sunset home to us as we speak…”

<>

https://m.

At the Imperial Palace, a huge assembly of Stormtroopers stood at attention in the square below the palace. Atop the balcony, overlooking the very square, Sunset Shimmer walked toward the edge. From her sides emerged the three Dazzlings to her left (In their Inquisitor disguises) and General Grievous to her right. Sunset Shimmer stared before the thousands of troopers gathered at attention.

“They’re ready to receive your orders,” The Third Sister grinned wickedly. “Time to show the galaxy who’s really in charge.”

She turned toward Sunset, holding something for her. Sunset looked down and saw she was holding an ancient Sith mask.

“Think of this as your ‘initiation’,” The Third Sister spoke simply. “The galaxy must have a ‘face’ to fear.”

Sunset reached out and grabbed the mask from Adagio’s hands. She slowly placed it on her head and adjusted the hood of her robes over it. And now… any and ‘all’ traces of Sunset Shimmer were gone from the galaxy. Only Darth Serephina remained, grabbing her lightsaber from her side, igniting one side, and held it high over her head. The troops began to chant:

“ALL HAIL DARTH SERAPHINA!” The chanted. “ALL HAIL DARTH SERAPHINA!”

From behind the group on the balcony, the demonic Emperor Palpatine grinned with pleasure. Finally, a new weapon was at his disposal which he fully intended to use to his advantage. Soon enough, the rebellion would be nothing more than a pile of ash. For now…

It’s time for the Empire… to strike back!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Graduation Day

A few white puffy clouds lined the otherwise clear, sunny sky overlooking Canterlot City. Normally, one would believe this beautiful sunny day would take place in Equestria. However, today was a special day in this alternate universe. For today was the day the senior class of Canterlot High would be graduating. Amongst this group was none other than the alternate human versions of the Mane Six and Sunset Shimmer. All the girls stood at their place beside the stage as Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna stood before them, addressing the gathered crowd.

“Thank you all for your attendance today everyone,” Celestia spoke, through a microphone. “Today is a most momentous day for the students and faculty here at Canterlot High. For today, the senior class will be taking their place upon this stage for one last time before they venture off towards their own futures.”

“We have been very proud to have been their principals these last few years and we are most proud of all of them,” Luna added. “We have all been on many exciting, and interesting, adventures during their time here. But now, they must go forth and create their own adventures.”

As Sunset stood in her cap and gown alongside her friends, she looked out amongst the gathered crowd and could faintly make out a few figures in the background. The ponified Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia both stood at the back of the crowd, waving in Sunset’s direction. Sunset in turn waved at them before turning back toward her human friends.

“I can’t believe this day has finally come,” Sci-Twi said excitedly. “It feels like only yesterday I came here from Crystal Prep.”

“I know exactly what you mean darling,” Rarity agreed. “What a momentous few years this has been. Seems like it went by much too quickly thought.”

“No kidding!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “I still got a lot I could offer the Wondercolts. What if this is all some weird practical joke to keep my away from tryouts next year?

“Y’all sayin’ y’all don’t wanna graduate Dash?” Applejack inquired.

“No! I’m just saying it all seems like a bit of a joke.”

“Considerin’ yer grades, it does seem funny for you tah be graduating at all.”

Raimbow gave Applejack the bigger glare she could muster, while the farm girl chuckled to herself. Pinkie, of course, was the most energetic of all the girls as she jumped up, down, and all around in great excitement.

“Oh, this is so super-duper mega ultra-exciting!” She exclaimed excitedly. “We’re finally graduating! Tonight I’m throwing the biggest graduation party anyone has ever seen! There’ll be cake, games, punch, cake… wait, did I say cake already? Probably, I’m not sure.”

“So… what’s everyone’s plan now that we’re all graduating?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m going to Filldelphia to attend veterinary school.”

“I’m going off to college at Canterlot University to study finances while serving as part time librarian,” Sci-Twi answered.

“I shall be traveling to Manehatten to study in one of the finest designing academies in the entire world!” Rarity added.

“Ah’ll be doin’ part time classes on agriculture while workin’ full time on the farm,” Applejack said.

“I got a whole bunch of schools offering scholarships for my awesome sports skills,” Rainbow bragged. “Not sure which one I’m gonna do, but I know I can pick any one I want.”

“I’ll be attending culinary classes at Canterlot University!” Pinkie said excitedly. “I sent in a few samples of my cupcakes and they sent me my registration the very next day!”

“How about you Sunset?” Sci-Twi asked.

All the girls looked at Sunset for her answer, but the flaming orange-haired girl just looked down at the ground with a hint of uncertainty.

“Sunset, are you alright?” Sci-Twi asked concerned.

Sunset finally looked up from the ground, trying to present a more cheery face.

“Yeah, I’m alright,” She nodded. “Just thinking I guess. If I’m being honest, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be doing.”

“What do you mean darling?” Rarity asked. “Surely you must’ve thought at least a little bit about what you want to do.”

Sunset shrugged her shoulders, as she turned back toward the audience. Her eyes could pick out Princess Twilight and Celestia from the crowd.

“I have… but I’m still not sure,” She spoke. “I could go back to Equestria, I was born there after all. But… even then I don’t fully know what I’d do there. I could stay here and go to college; except I have no idea what my main area of study would be.”

A soft, comforting hand nestled along her shoulder and Sunset Shimmer turned back toward Sci-Twi, as she and all the other girls smiled at her.

“No need to worry about it Sunset,” Sci-Twi assured. “You’ve still got plenty of time to think about it. But right now, let’s just live in this moment and just enjoy it.”

Sunset formed a small smile along the corner of her mouth as she nodded.

“You’re right. It’s our graduation day after all. We’ve earned this; we’re going to enjoy it.”

After that, the graduation ceremony went off without a hitch. The human Celestia and Luna read off each student individually and one-by-one they all came up on stage to receive their diplomas. After all was said and done, a few honor students made a few speeches. Finally, Principal Celestia and Luna stood upon that stage before the students and audience once more.

“Attention students, please move your tassels to the left side of your caps,” Celestia instructed.

Each student grabbed the tassel on tehri caps and moved it to the left, signifying their completion of school. They all had big bright smiles on their faces, as did Celestia and Luna themselves.

“Congratulations Canterlot High graduates!” Celestia and Luna announced together.

All the students stood, cheered loudly, and threw their caps in the air. Everyone in the audience stood, clapped, and cheered for this momentous occasion. A few students broke out in tears of joy, others hugged each other, and many danced in celebration. Once the ceremony had ended, Sunset walked to the back of the audience where the pony Twilight and Celestia (In their human forms) both stood waiting with smiles on their faces.

“Congratulations Sunset!” Twilight smiled.

Sunset hugged her pony-turned-human best friend.

“Thanks Twi, that means a lot coming from you,” She said thankfully.

Sunset hugged her former mentor next.

“It is truly a momentous occasion you have achieved,” Celestia admired. “The first pony ever to graduate from a human school.”

“Yeah, I know,” Sunset nodded.

“Well, we should probably be getting back to Equestria for your graduation party,” Twilight spoke up. “Pinkie’s been planning your party all week long.”

“When Pinkie plans a party, I have no idea whether to be excited or terrified,” Sunset said honestly.

All three ladies burst out laughing over how true that statement actually was. With Pinkie’s parties, it truly could go either way. Nevertheless, they all loved the energetic party pony.

“Well I suppose we should get back,” Celestia suggested. “Don’t want to keep your guests waiting.”

“Good idea!” Sunset agreed.

The three of them walked over to the huge statue in the school courtyard, serving as the portal between Equestria and the human world.

<>

Back in Equestria, the party for Sunset Shimmer rolled on just as every pony expected it. Twilight’s castle was the most liveliest it has ever been in Equestria’s history. Every creature that was invited for this party had a great time. Twilight and all the girls stood in a circle talking amongst themselves.

“So Rainbow, A.J., how’s the relationship going?” Twilight asked.

“Man, it’s totally awesome!” Rainbow replied. “Me and A.J. go out on dates all the time.”

“It true!” Applejack nodded. “Ah remember this one day, we was walkin’ down by the creek and Rainbow found this perfect bloomin’ daisy. You know what she did with it? Plucked it right outta the ground, snuck up behind me, and put it in mah mane without me even knowin’ it.”

Both Rainbow and Applejack leaned in, giving each other a quick peck along the lips. Since the last adventure when they finally admitted their love for each other, they were inseparable. Normally Rainbow was not all for mushy-gushy love stuff, but after finally admitting her love for Applejack, it’s like she just changed. Suddenly, she’s become more romantic and quite frankly, it made many of their friends wonder if she was even the real Rainbow Dash.

“Personally, I think that’s fantastic darling,” Rarity smiled. “Perhaps we could double date sometimes. You two and me and Erik.”

“Ooh, ooh, don’t forget me and Cheesy!” Pinkie piped in. “We’ll make it a Triple Date!”

“Uh Pinkie… I thought you two didn’t go out much anymore since you had Lil’ Cheese,” Rainbow pointed out.

“Well ‘originally’ because it’s so hard finding a sitter with a sense of humor for my little guy. But I think we’ve finally found the right pony for the job. I tell you that pony’s always full of laughter.”

<>

Meanwhile, at Sugar Cube Corner, Maud Pie was currently reading a bedtime story to her little nephew.

“… And so the prince and princess married in a beautiful ceremony and lived happily ever after,” Maud read in her monotone voice.

Lil Cheese yawned cutely in her hooves before drifting off to sleep. Maud carried the little colt onto her back and laid him in his crib.

<>

“Oh yeah, that’s sure to be one hay of a riot,” Rainbow said sarcastically.

All the girls laughed at that when suddenly Twilight turned for one moment, and her shoulder bumped into a passing pony. She gasped as she saw Storm Shield behind her, his punch spilling along his coat.

“Hello!” Storm chuckled.

“Oh, hey—um—you—hi Storm,” Twilight said awkwardly.

“Nice to see you again too Twilight.”

Ever since Storm Shield made his return to Equestria, after being trapped in the Philosopher’s Stone for the last thousand years, Twilight tried on so many occasions to get to know him. It’s not every day that Celestia’s long lost son appears out of nowhere after all.

“So… enjoying the party so far?” Twilight asked.

“Oh yeah, it’s pretty cool!” Storm nodded. “So this Sunset Shimmer, I understand that she was my mother’s student… then she was plotting revenge on her and Equestria… and now she’s your student?”

“Yeah, crazy right?” Twilight chuckled. “Sorry if that’s… pretty weird.”

“Nah, it’s all good! She seems pretty cool from what mom’s told me of her. A bit temperamental sure, but she seems nice. Would’ve liked to have known personally how mom’s sessions with Sunset were like—but there’s a downside with being trapped in stone for a thousand years.”

“That’s rough… I mean, you being in stone… you know, not like being isolated… even though it must’ve been… I mean… what was the first thing you thought of? You know when you finally got out?”

If Twilight Sparkle thought things were getting awkward between a princess and a returning prince, it wasn’t helping that Twilight was struggling with her words. But Storm was actually playing it cool.

“Heh-heh… well, aside from a crick in the neck, the one thing I could think of as soon as I got out… I was hungry.”

“Really?” Twilight nodded. “I’d never would have guessed.”

“Enough said,” Storm replied. “You won’t believe how much life moves quicker after the time I’ve had. The body still feels the same, the mind matures slightly, and it’s like waking up from a deep coma. You know I spent the last three days just eating and sleeping trying to recover. And check it out?”

Storm flexes one of his hooves as Twilight’s eyes starts to widen a bit, while trying to keep a straight face.

“Not a single bit of body fat below the neck no matter what,” Storm replied. “Unbelievable, right?”

“That’s hot…” Twilight whispered, realizing. “Uh… that is… um, what I mean to say… you must feel really hot with all this activity going on. I mean… some pony should crank the AC, you know?”

“Well, actually…” Storm began.

“Oh! How neglectful of me!” Twilight interrupted, smiling awkwardly. “I’ve spilt your punch! I, uh… let me just go… and get you another one! Yeah, I’ll totally get that! Enjoy the party!”

Twilight quickly made a break for it before Storm could even have a chance to say another word. Soon as she was far enough and while her back was turned, a heavy sigh escaped her lips groaning over how embarrassing that conversation turned out to be.

“The first thing you thought of Twilight?!” Twilight argued, with herself. “You don’t just ask some pony a question that personal! What were you thinking?!”

Course as Twilight Sparkle left to ‘fetch some punch’, little did she know that Storm Shield was watching Twilight the whole time as his brow raised with the slightest trace of interest.

“She’s a funny one,” Storm remarked, with a smirk.

<>

Standing along the balcony of Twilight’s castle, Sunset Shimmer gazes upon the tiny town of Ponyville. One would think she’d be inside enjoying the party, celebrating a grand occasion such as this. Yet here she was, standing alone outside with a look of uncertainty on her face.

“You know the party’s downstairs, right?”

The sudden voice almost made Sunset jump in shock. Calming herself quickly, she turned around and saw Twilight, holding a cup of punch, standing beside her. Taking a deep breath, Sunset turned back to look at the night sky.

“Just needed to get some air,” Sunset replied. “I’ll be back down in a few minutes.”

Twilight walked up beside her friend, looking out over the town she called home.

“It’s a great sight isn’t it?” She asked.

“Yeah… it really is,” Sunset nodded.

“So, what’s bothering you?”

“What do you mean?”

Twilight turned toward Sunset, with a knowing smirk on her face.

“Sunset, in all the years you’ve known me, have you ever been able to keep anything from me?”

“Heh-heh… okay, you caught me!” Sunset chuckled, raising her hooves. “Nothing gets past you princess.”

Sunset laughed about it for a while, until a long heavy sigh came out. Becoming serious in the moment, Sunset turned toward Twilight Sparkle.

“All my life, I always thought with all my talents I could do whatever I wanted,” Sunset explained. “I thought I had everything figured out, only to realize… I don’t. One instance I’m aiming to become the next ruler of Equestria, something I wanted so bad I’d brainwash an entire school to lead an invasion.. boy did that backfire on me quickly.”

“Yeah… I remember,” Twilight recalled.

“Because of you and the other girls I was able to realize that what I really needed was a group of friends to show me there’s more to life than having things my way. But is that really all there is for me? Just being that one part of a friend circle who are like you and the ponies except… not? Now I’m finally graduating Canterlot High, and everyone already knows what they want to do for themselves. But me… no point in being a leader when you’re friends move on without you.”

Twilight looked on with concern, nodding with understanding of the position Sunset was in. The princess can only watch as Sunset paces back and forth along the boundary, weighing in all her options.

“When I look at myself, I wouldn’t say I’m as smart as you Twilight,” Sunset admitted. “Just considerably intelligent enough to develop computer applications. I could pursue scientific research; I’ve always preferred the more ‘hands-on’ approach… but I don’t know if that’s for me. I do love to paint, especially sunflowers… those are my favorite… no, I couldn’t make a career of that. I do run my own Internet gaming channel, doing ‘Let’s Plays’ and stuff. You’d be surprised how much money you can make for doing videos. But… it’s really more of a hobby for me.”

“They do sound like pretty good choices,” Twilight assured. “Least you have time to decide what you want to do with yourself.”

Now it was Sunset’s turn to address Twilight Sparkle, as a sigh escaped her own lips.

“I’m really starting to love the idea that I could be a princess, understanding why that meant something to you before,” Twilight continued. “But honestly, it still feels like a life that was made ‘for me’ and not so much because I ‘wanted’ to be a princess. I always assumed all I needed besides my books was the company of my best friends, to be able to do things for others not out of duty but because we care about our fellow ponies. Now I’m suddenly having the responsibility of all Equestria and someday I know I have to take the throne… yet I feel like I didn’t have much say in it.

“And now it turned out that my own mentor has a son. Can you believe it? Princess Celestia… having a child? A pony none of us ever knew until today… some pony who already had the title of royalty before I did.”

“No, I know what you mean,” Sunset spoke. “I was Princess Celestia’s student for a time, and not once had she ever mentioned she had a son. Course, back then I didn’t care enough to ask… not like I’d want to. ‘Family’ has always been a difficult subject for me.”

“You know, you never mentioned your family,” Twilight pointed out. “I’m surprised no pony you knew even showed up for your own graduation.”

“Let’s just say… the last time I ever spoke with my parents… we didn’t end things as well as we could’ve. It’s been so long; I don’t even remember them anymore.”

As they both discuss about some difficult matters on their hooves, they both looked out toward the sky as a shooting star flowed over them. The evening air drifts over their manes, making them sway back and forth.

“I guess what worries me is if there really is a future for me,” Sunset sighed. “If I even have a sense of purpose when it’s all over.”

“My concern is whether I can still be the Princess I actually ‘want’ to be,” Twilight added. “Yet now with Storm’s arrival, as much as I want to get to know him, what if it turns out I was just the ‘back-up’ plan until Celestia’s son comes back.”

“Celestia would never treat you as a back-up, Twilight,” Sunset assured. “She’s the kind of pony who cares for others more than herself… even cared for me despite how hard of a time I gave her.”

“She is very special…” Twilight nodded.

“Twilight… would it be okay, before I decide what to do, that I could ‘stay’ here in Equestria for a while? Just until I feel ready to get out on my own hooves.”

“You’re always welcome here Sunset; we even have a room just for you in the castle. Don’t ever feel like you need to decide right away. I can give you all the advice I can based on ‘my’ experiences, but at the end of the day… you alone must decide for yourself how you want to live. It is your story, after all.”

Sunset turned toward Twilight, smiling warmly toward her teacher/best friend.

“You are going to make a great princess, Twilight,” Sunset assured, with a smirk. “You’re talking just like Celestia, so that’s a start.”

“Oh, shut up!” Twilight laughed, nudging Sunset’s shoulder.

The two girls laughed it out as they stood upon the balcony, under the bright stars and Luna’s moon hanging over them.

<>

Meanwhile, while the party was going on, Spike was just strolling down the hall with a carefully wrapped graduation present for Sunset Shimmer. A little gift he and Twilight prepared shortly before she & Celestia left to pick her up. Now that she was here and settling back in Equestria for a while, now was the time to bring it out to her. Just as he was on his way back to the party…

“Help me…”

A feminine voice made Spike stop in his tracks. His eyes dart side to side, as his head slowly turned.

“Hello?” Spike called, looking around. “Some pony there?”

“Help me… Help me…”

Spike turned until his head faced the door beside him. Carefully putting the gift down, he slowly edged his way toward the door and opened it slightly. Peeking his head inside, Spike’s eyes caught a glimpse of the television within the one vacant room of the castle where the throne was kept. For some strange reason, the television was turned on and static was shown on the screen. And the voice he heard… was coming from it.

“Help me… Help me…”

Spike couldn’t make heads or tails as to what was going on. Naturally, the television has been rather tricky to manage at times. Just a while ago, the T.V. caught a signal that messed with its circuitry and when they adjusted it a butterfly flew out and beckoned him and the others to enter the portal. No portal was on this time, but somehow it appears ‘something’, or ‘someone’, was trying to make contact. Spike knew that he shouldn’t… but if someone needed help so badly, it wasn’t in the dragon’s heart to leave a plea unanswered.

“Maybe if I can adjust the signal…” Spike thought. “Perhaps I can get a stronger reading…”

Spike slowly reached out toward the lever which was connected to the wires hooked up to the television. As his claws firmly clamp onto the lever, Rarity happened to be passing by the door.

“Oh, there you are Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity greeted. “I found the present you said you were bringing to Sunset, and I was wondering—what are you doing?!”

But it was too late. By the time Spike turned his head, the lever was already pulled… and the television started to shake and spit out sparks from the circuits. Spike fell back as the television began to rumble, the room itself began to shake and a mass of energy was building up. Rarity quickly approached Spike.

“Spike, what in Equestria were you doing?!” Rarity asked.

“I didn’t mean to!” Spike insisted. “Someone was crying for help—I just pulled a lever and—”

“Wait, someone was trying to contact us?”

Before Spike could concur, the castle itself suddenly began to shake as their eyes turned toward the television. Sure enough, a portal was starting to form… only it was getting bigger and bigger by the minute…

“That’s… not… good…” Spike said, wide-eyed.

<>

The disturbance did not go unnoticed as the gathered crowd nearly lost their balance. Shouts and screams filled the air, as everything began to shake from the unforeseen tremor below their hooves. The rest of the Mane Six and Storm twisted their heads around, trying to figure things out. Princess Celestia tried to maintain order amongst the ponies.

“Every pony remain calm!” Princess Celestia bellowed. “Drop for cover, hold onto something!”

“What in tarnation’s goin’ on around here?” Applejack called, holding her hat.

“O-O-O-Oh my!!!” Fluttershy shuddered.

“H-H-H-H-H-H-HEY! W-W-W-W-What gives?” Rainbow asked, holding onto A.J. “A-A-A-Another stampede?”

“Something tells me this isn’t that kind of story, girls!” Pinkie called, bouncing up and down.

Amidst all the chaos, of ponies falling over or clutching onto something solid, Storm Shield worked his way toward the group.

“Where are the others?” Storm asked.

<>

The force of the quake was so great, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer held onto the railing of the balcony looking around frantically.

“Twilight, what’s going on?” Sunset asked.

“I-I-I don’t know!” Twilight answered. “We don’t usually get something this big in Equestria! Unless…”

Suddenly, Twilight’s eyes went open as a gasp escaped from her lips. Quickly she grabbed onto Sunset.

“Hold on! I think I know what it is!”

Concentrating with all her might, Twilight Sparkle summoned all the magic she could muster and together the two ponies teleported themselves away from the balcony.

<>

Soon as they reappeared, shaking the dizziness aside after landing, the two girls looked ahead, and their jaws dropped. A huge portal formed in front of the television screen, Spike and Rarity were holding on for dear life as the portal tried to suck them in.

“SPIKE!” Twilight called out. “What happened?!?!”

“I don’t know!” Spike cried, through his teeth. “Something was up with the television; a message tried to get through! I pulled a lever and—and—”

“Oh Celestia’s sake, HELP!!!” Rarity cried.

“HANG ON, GUYS!!!” Sunset called out.

Holding onto each other, Twilight and Sunset slowly worked their way toward their friends while trying to keep a firm footing against the suction from the portal. As they made their way closer to their friends, the rest of the Mane Six, including Storm Shield, skidded toward the open doorway and discovered the calamity before them.

“The portal’s open!!!” Applejack called out.

“Twilight! Sunset!” Storm called out. “Get away from there!”

The group raced toward them, but the force of the portal caught them in it’s path. It proved so great, it carried the group into the air, and they flew about screaming. The four girls barreled passed Twilight & Sunset, crashing directly into Rarity & Spike sending them through the portal. Before either of Celestia’s students could react, Storm Shield crashed beside Sunset Shimmer, knocking her off her feet. They flew toward the portal till Twilight Sparkle grabbed the pair by the hoof.

Twilight Sparkle found herself planting her hind legs onto the ground, flapping her wings as hard as possible to back away from the force of the portal. This proved difficult as she held Sunset Shimmer in one hoof and Storm Shield with the other. The unicorn and alicorn prince held on as best as they could, as Twilight sweated profusely, and the strain formed upon her face. She tried so hard to save her two friends, not wanting to choose who to hold onto the most.

“Sunset, look at me!” Storm called out.

Sunset Shimmer turned toward Storm Shield, tears streaming from her eyes.

“We’re going to be okay!” Storm assured calmly. “Everything’s going to be fine, just don’t give up! Whatever happens, don’t give—”

Suddenly, the portal proved too strong for Twilight Sparkle and the three ponies flew directly inside screaming their heads off. By the time Princess Celestia and other ponies raced toward the room, the portal had already closed, and the tremors ceased.

“Twilight! Sunset!” Celestia gasped.

<>

Screams filled inside the rapidly swirling portal. The bodies of the Mane Six, Spike, and Storm Shield stretched and squeezed as they flew through a sea of spinning colors, carried away to parts unknown. The whole time Twilight Sparkle retained her grip on Sunset and Storm, her best friend and fellow alicorn both struggling to hold on. But all at once, Sunset Shimmer found her grip slipping away as Twilight squeezed harder.

“I can’t hold on much longer!!!” Sunset screamed.

“Sunset, hang on!!!” Twilight shouted.

But despite her best efforts, despite all her pleas, Sunset’s grip eventually slipped, and she fell from her friend, crashing into the wall of the portal and disappeared.

“SUNSET!!!!!!!!!!!!” Twilight screamed in horror.

https://m.

Rescue Mission

Author's Note

A big thanks to Mr Dramamaster829 again for helping me out with being in writing rut as of late. Thanks for the help buddy

Rescue Mission

Walking through the numerous halls and passageways of the Death Star, Starkiller lead the group of Stormtroopers holding Princess Leia and a struggling Sunset Shimmer hostage. Leia was in complete shock after watching this massive orbital station completely obliterate her entire home world with a single shot. Sunset, on the other hand, was completely furious. She had seen and done her share of many horrible acts in the past, but never before had she witness an entire planet explode. She struggled against the Stormtroopers’ grip, as they dragged her along.

“Let me go!” She yelled. “I swear when I get free, you’ll all going to pay! I’ll grab Tarkin by the throat… I’ll rip his head off… I’ll make him watch as I tear the rest of him apart!”

“Silence, prisoner!” One stormtrooper demanded.

Eventually, the group reached a four way of different halls with one section of Stormtroopers taking Leia back to the detention block. The others dragged Sunset back toward the hanger to return her to the Imperial City. As they walked, Starkiller allowed a few troopers to march ahead so he could walk alongside Sunset. Looking around quickly, he leaned over toward Sunset.

“Don’t get up till I tell you,” Starkiller whispered.

Sunset looked at him in confusion.

“What?” She asked.

Starkiller quickly shoved her, and she felt to the ground as he grasped the bolt of his lightsaber and ignited the blade. In one sweep, he quickly cut down the stormtroopers in front of him. The two behind him noticed and quickly aimed their guns. Being greatly skilled in the force, Starkiller grasped the weapons with a force grip and whipped them aside before cutting the last two in half.

The now dead troopers laid along the ground, as Sunset Shimmer stared in shock over what took place. To say she was confused was most certainly an understatement. Starkiller quickly deactivated his lightsaber, quickly helped Sunset off the ground, and lead her down the hall.

“What the heck just happened?” She asked confused.

“Don’t talk, just walk,” Starkiller responded.

Before Sunset can retort, she quickly goes against it. She keeps quiet despite having so many questions. Why did he strike down his own troops? What was going on? All major questions that will have to wait. Meanwhile, Starkiller leads Sunset down the hanger where the shuttle to the Imperial City waited. In a quick flash, he pulled Sunset aside to speak with her.

“I assume you probably have questions,” He spoke, stating the obvious.

“You could say that…” Sunset nodded. “How about we start with what the heck happened back there?! I thought those were your troops!”

Starkiller sighed, as he looked Sunset in the eyes.

“Tell you the truth, my master and I don’t approve of the Emperor’s Death Star,” He admitted. “We never believed it should have been built, let alone fired. Soon as I saw the devastation that occurred, I was horrified.”

“But I thought you always sided with the Empire.”

“Perhaps, but I don’t side with a mad ruler who seeks to cause chaos for the sake of chaos. I may be a Sith, but I have morals.”

“Then… what happened back there…”

“Was me choosing exactly who I want to be,” Marek interrupted. “I will never serve a mad Emperor.”

Sunset immediately formed a smile on her face, so elated she took absolutely no notice of standing on her tip-toes to quickly give Marek a kiss on the cheek. This shocked both Starkiller and her, as they stood there looking at each other in complete shock. Starkiller was about to say something, when suddenly he felt a strange sensation flow through him. Sunset noticed this, facing him with confusion.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“I sense a presence of the force drawing near,” Marek responded. “Matter of fact, I sense many.”

The idea of force sensitives heading their direction made Sunset’s eyes widen with joy.

“My friends!” She cried. “They’re coming! I have to find them!”

Just as she turned to run, Starkiller quickly snatched her wrist and held her in place.

“Let go!” She snipped. “I have to find them!”

“Don’t you understand where you are right now?” Starkiller asked. “This is a heavily guarded fortress. You go anywhere here without me, and you’ll be shot immediately.”

“What am I supposed to do?” Sunset asked.

“Just do as I say, work with me, and we may just get out of here alive.”

Sunset looked deeply into his eyes, before sighing to herself. Deep down, she knew he was right. Running through this place was a sure fire way of winding up dead. So far, he kept her alive throughout this entire ordeal. Perhaps following his plan was the best course of action.

“What do you have in mind?” She asked defeated.

“You must board the shuttle,” Starkiller informed her. “My troops will escort you back to the Imperial Palace.”

“You’re sending me back to be locked up and tortured again?”

“I promise no harm will come to you, so long as you do as I say. You’ll be locked away only temporarily; when I return, we’ll work together to free you.”

“What about my friends? They’re coming all this way and I won’t get to see them.”

“What if I could ensure there’s a way for them to receive a message from you? This way they’ll know you’re alive.”

“How?”

Starkiller reached into his robes, pulling out the small metallic device and held it out toward her.

“This is a holo communicator,” He explained. “You need only record a message into this, and I can ensure that your friends find it here.”

Sunset looked down at the little device in the young Sith’s hand, before tuning back to him with a nod.

“I will get you back home…” Starkiller concluded. “I promise…”

<>

Meanwhile, in the conference room of the Death Star, Imperial Officer Cass stood before Governor Tarkin and the evil Dark Lord Darth Vader.

“Yes,” Tarkin spoke.

“Our scout ships have reached Dantooine,” Officer Cass informed. “They found the remains of a Rebel base, but they estimate that it has been deserted for some time. They are now conducting an extensive search of the surrounding systems.”

“She lied!” Tarkin growled. “She lied to us!”

“I told you she would never consciously betray the Rebellion,” Vader replied.

“Terminate her… immediately!” Tarkin ordered the officer.

The officer delivered a salute to Tarkin, before turning away to inform the others to carry out the execution order.

<>

Deep in hyperspace, the Millenium Falcon is about ready to emerge. A strange surreal light show surrounds the entire ship as everyone inside brace themselves.

“Stand by, Chewie, here we go,” Han said. “Cut in the sublight engines.”

Han pulls back the control lever. Just outside the cockpit window, the stars begin streaking past, seemingly decreasing in speed before drawing to a complete stop. Suddenly, the starship began to shudder and violently shake about. Asteroids race toward them, battering the sides of the ship.

“What the hay’s going on up there?” Rainbow called out.

“Talk about bumpy ride!” Pinkie exclaimed excitedly.

“Aw, we’ve come out of hyperspace into a meteor shower,” Han groaned. “Some kind of asteroid collision. It’s not on any of the charts.”

The Wookiee flipped off several controls, seemingly very cool in the emergency. Luke and a few Equestrians climbed their way into the bouncing cockpit.

“What’s going on?” Luke asked.

“You didn’t overshoot us past Alderaan, did you?” Twilight added.

“No, our position is correct, except… no, Alderaan!” Han answered.

“What do you mean, no Alderaan?” Fluttershy asked worriedly.

“It’s got to be here,” Spike looked around. “Where is it?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, kids,” Han explained. “It ain’t there. It’s been totally blown away.”

“Blown away?!” Twilight raised an eyebrow. “But how?”

“Unless…” Pinkie pondered anxiously. “Maybe during Hyperspace, we traveled so far into the distant future that the planet’s core eventually burned up so bad that the whole planet suddenly exploded like a star!”

The group slowly turned toward Pinkie Pie.

“What? I read astrology too…” Pinkie pouted.

“Alderaan’s been destroyed by the Empire…”

The group turn their heads back as Ben and Storm Shield moved into the cockpit behind them, just as the ship began to settle down.

“Just as Ben and I feared…” Storm added on. “The Empire must’ve discovered that the plans in R2-D2 were to be sent to Alderaan. By the time we eventually got on our way… they must’ve reached the planet before we did.”

“Meaning…” Spike wondered fearfully.

“We’re too late,” Ben spoke regretfully.

“The entire Starfleet couldn’t destroy the whole planet,” Han argued. “It’d take a thousand ships with more fire power than I’ve…”

Suddenly, a signal starts flashing against the control panel and a muffled alarm starts humming.

“Now wut?!” Applejack asked.

“There’s another ship coming in,” Han observed.

“Maybe they know what happened,” Luke thought.

“It’s an Imperial fighter,” Ben spoke.

Chewbacca barked his concern, as the rest of the group looked out. A huge explosion burst outside the cockpit window, shaking the ship violently. A tiny, finned Imperial TIE fighter raced past the cockpit window.

“It followed us!” Luke pointed out.

“No kidding!” Spike yelled.

“No, it’s a short-range fighter,” Ben corrected.

“There aren’t any based around here,” Han noted. “Where did it come from?”

“Does it matter where it came from?” Twilight asked. “Let’s just get out of here before it blows us to smithereens.”

“Right… like ‘one’ tiny fighter is going to blow up the Millenium Falcon?” Han asked sarcastically. “Please…”

“It sure is leaving in a big hurry,” Luke observed. “If they identify us, we’re in big trouble.”

“Not if I can help it,” Han spoke, determined. “Chewie… jam it’s transmissions.”

“Han, maybe we should just let it go,” Storm suggested. “It’s too far out of range.”

“Not for long…”

The Millenium Falcon zoomed away into the vastness of space, following the Imperial TIE fighter. Tension mounts as the ship gains on the tiny fighter. In the distance, one of the stars becomes brighter until it is obvious the TIE ship is heading for it. Ben and Storm Shield stand behind Chewbacca.

“A fighter that size couldn’t get this deep into space on its own,” Ben observed.

“It must have gotten lost, been part of a convoy or something,” Luke added.

“Well, he ain’t going to be around long enough to tell anyone about us,” Han assured.

The Equestrians look closely and see that the TIE fighter was losing ground. The distant star ahead can be distinguished as a small moon or planet.

“Look!” Twilight pointed. “It’s headed for that small moon.”

“I think I can get him before he gets there…” Han spoke. “He’s almost in range.”

But the closer they travel, the more they can see that the small moon began to take on the appearance of a monstrous spherical battle station. Ben and Storm’s eyes widen in shock.

“Oh no…” Storm groaned.

“What is it?” Twilight asked concerned.

“That’s no moon!” Ben spoke. “It’s a space station.”

“It’s too big to be a space station,” Han argued.

“They did it…” Storm gasped silently. “They actually did it…”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Luke spoke.

“Yeah, me too…” Fluttershy uttered nervously. “Can we please leave now?”

“Working on it…” Han spoke. “Full reverse! Chewie, lock in the auxiliary power.”

The ship shuddered and the TIE fighter accelerated away toward the gargantuan battle station.

“Captain Solo… why are we still moving towards it?” Rarity asked.

“We’re caught in a tractor beam!” Han answered. “It’s pulling us in!”

“But there’s gotta be something you can do!” Luke insisted.

“There’s nothin’ I can do about it, kid. I’m in full power. I’m going to have to shut down.”

“Let those bucketheads bring us in!” Rainbow threatened. “They’re not going to take us without a fight!”

Ben Kenobi places a hand upon Rainbow’s shoulder.

“You can’t win,” Ben warned. “But there are alternatives to fighting.”

“… Fine, let’s do it the ‘easy’ way.”

As the battered starship towed closer to the awesome metal moon, the immense size of the massive battle station becomes staggering. Running along the equator of the gigantic sphere was a mile-high band of docking ports into which the helpless ship was dragged toward.

<>

Through the port doors of the Death Star, the helpless Millenium Falcon was pulled past a docking port control room and huge laser turret cannons.

“Clear Bay twenty-three-seven,” A voice over the intercom spoke. “We are opening the magnetic field.”

The ship was pulled through the port doors of the Death Star, coming to rest in a huge hanger labeled ‘Docking Bay 2037’. Thirty stormtroopers sand at attention in the central assembly area.

“To your stations!” An officer ordered, approaches another. “Come with me.”

Through the hallway, stormtroopers race to their posts and enter Hanger 2037. A line of stormtroopers march toward the ship, ready to board, while the rest stand with weapons armed to fire.

“Close all outboard shields!” An officer ordered. “Close all outboard shields!”

<>

In the conference room, Tarkin pushed a button responding to the intercom buzz. Darth Vader stood behind him.

“Yes,” Tarkin spoke.

“We’ve captured a freighter entering the remains of the Alderaan system,” A voice responded. “Its markings match those of a ship that blasted its way out of Mos Eisley.”

“They must be trying to return the stolen plans to the princess,” Vader spoke. “She may yet be of some use to us.”

<>

Later, at Docking Bay 2037, Vader and a commander approach the troops as an Officer and several heavily armed troops exit the spacecraft.

“Unlock one-five-seven and nine,” A voice over intercom ordered. “Release charges.”

“There’s no one on board, sir,” The officer informed. “According to the log, the crew abandoned ship right after takeoff. It must be a decoy, sir. Several of the escape pods have been jettisoned.”

“Did you find any droids?” Vader asked.

“No, sir. If there were any on board, they must have also jettisoned.”

“Send a scanning crew on board. I want every part of this ship checked.”

“Yes, sir.”

Then Vader stopped, looking around as if he was able to feel something.

“I sense something…” Vader spoke. “A presence I haven’t felt since…”

Vader turned quickly, leaving the hangar.

“Get me a scanning crew in here on the double,” The officer ordered. “I want every part of this ship checked!”

<>

Inside the hallway of the Millennium Falcon, a trooper ran through the hallway heading for the exit. In a few moments, all was silent.

“There’s no one here,” The Trooper spoke.

The muffled sounds of a distant officer giving orders finally fade. Suddenly, two floor panels popped up as Han Solo and Luke emerged. Ben Kenobi stuck his head out of a third locker, whilst a few of the Equestrians peek from their individual hiding spots.

“Boy, it’s lucky you had these compartments,” Luke sighed.

“I use them for smuggling,” Han spoke. “I never thought I’d be smuggling myself in them.”

“This is ridiculous,” Spike groaned. “We gotta get outta here!”

“Even if I could take off, I’d never get past the tractor beam.”

“We need to find the controls for the beam and turn it off,” Storm added.

“Leave that to me!” Ben spoke.

“Damn fool,” Han muttered. “I knew that you were going to say that!”

“Who’s the more foolish… the fool or the fool who follows him?”

Han shook his head, muttering to himself while Chewbacca agreed. Twilight gazed out toward their only exit from the ship.

“First thing we got to do is sneak out of that ship and past those troopers,” Twilight observed. “Applejack, what do you think? Applejack? Rainbow?”

Twilight Sparkle turned but neither of the girls peeked out. She looked around until she heard a moaning noise. She peeked down toward the bottom of the floor panel where Luke and Han emerged. Rolling her eyes, Twilight Sparkle peeked her head above the opening.

“Girls, we don’t have time for this now!” Twilight called out.

Lifting up over the opening, Rainbow Dash and Applejack peek out from the floor panel. Rainbow Dash chuckles lightly, as Applejack adjusts her hair.

“To be continued…” Rainbow replied.

<>

Back in the main forward bay, crewman carrying a heavy box board the ship past the group of stormtroopers guarding either side of the ramp.

“The ship’s all yours,” The trooper informed. “If the scanners pick up anything, report it immediately. Alright, let’s go.”

The crewmen enter the ship. Suddenly, there’s a loud crashing sound from inside the ship.

“Hey down there!” A male voice called out. “Could you give us a hand with this?”

The stormtroopers enter the ship… and a quick round of gunfire was heard.

<>

In a very small command office, near the entrance to the ship, a Gantry Officer looked out his window and noticed all the guards are missing. He activated the commlink.

“TX-four-one-two, why aren’t you at your post?” The Gantry Officer spoke. “TX-four-one-two, do you copy?”

A stormtrooper emerged down the ramp of the ship, waving to the gantry officer, and pointing to his ear indicating his commlink isn’t working. The gantry officer shook his head in disgust as he headed for the door, all while giving his aid an annoyed look.

“Take over,” The Gantry Officer ordered. “We’ve got a bad transmitter. I’ll see what I can do.”

As the officer approached the door, it slid open revealing the towering Chewbacca. The gantry officer, in a momentary state of shock, stumbled backward. With a bone-chilling howl, the giant Wookiee flattened the officer with one blow. The aide immediately reached for his pistol but is blasted by an Imperial Trooper… who turned out to be Han Solo. Ben and the robots entered the room quickly, followed by Luke, Storm, and the girls also dressed as stormtroopers. Spike was the last to enter, though how the Empire missed a tiny puppy crawling by nobody knows. Luke Skywalker removed his helmet.

“You know, between his howling and your blasting everything in sight, it’s a wonder the whole station doesn’t know we’re here.”

The rest of the girls proceeded to remove their own helmets.

“Maybe they already do,” Twilight sighed.

“Yeah cuz Mr. ‘Shoot First, Stealth Later’ over there can’t keep his finger off the trigger,” Rainbow added.

“Bring them on!” Han challenged. “I prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking around.”

“Then you’d be really bad at those stealth shooter video games,” Pinkie shook her head.

“We found the computer outlet,” 3PO called out.

“Excellent 3PO!” Storm approached. “Let’s find out where we are.”

Ben began to feed some information into the computer, as a map of the city appeared on the monitor. He began to inspect it carefully, as 3PO and R2 looked over the control panel. Just then R2 found something that made him whistle wildly.

“Plug in,” Ben commanded. “He should be able to interpret the entire Imperial computer network.”

R2 punched his claw arm into the computer socket, as the vast imperial brain network comes to life, feeding information to the little robot. After a few moments, he beeped something.

“What’s he saying 3PO?” Fluttershy asked.

“He says he’s found the main computer to power the tractor beam that’s holding the ship here,” 3PO translated. “He’ll try to make the precise location appear on the monitor.”

The computer monitor flashed readouts.

“The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to leave.”

“If that’s the case, the best strategy is to get to the closest terminal,” Storm advised. “Given how big this station is, saves us all the trouble.”

Ben studied the data on the monitor readout.

“I don’t think you can help,” Ben spoke quietly.

“What?” Storm faced Ben.

“I must go alone.”

“Whatever you say,” Han shrugged. “I’ve done more than I bargained for on this trip already.”

“I want to go with you,” Luke insisted.

“So should we,” Twilight Sparkle added. “We can’t let you go by yourself.”

“Be patient, kids,” Ben advised. “Stay and watch over the droids.”

“But I’ve trained for this sir,” Storm insisted. “I can…”

“They must be delivered safely, or other star systems will suffer the same fate as Alderaan,” Ben informed the group. “Your destiny lies along a different path than mine.”

Storm Shield lowered his head and released a sigh, knowing deep down Ben made a point. As the door opened, Ben looked out before turning back toward the group.

“The Force will be with you… always!”

Ben adjusted the lightsaber on his belt, as he silently stepped out of the command office. The Equestrians looked on worriedly, watching him disappear down a long grey hallway. Chewbacca barked a comment, while Han shook his head in agreement.

“Boy you said it, Chewie,” Han remarked, facing the group. “Where did you dig up that old fossil?”

“That ‘old fossil’ is one of the greatest Jedi Knights who ever lived!” Storm argued, offended. “You’d be wise to show him the proper respect as a warrior and a great man!”

“Yeah, great at getting us into trouble.”

“I didn’t hear you give any ideas…” Luke pointed out.

“Well, anything would be better than just hanging around waiting for him to pick us up…” Han replied.

“Who do you think you are?” Rainbow confronted Han. “Just because you’re some big shot space pilot or whatever, that does not give you the right to—”

Suddenly, R2 began to whistle and beeped a blue streak. Luke and the others approached him.

“What is it?” Luke asked.

“I’m afraid I’m not quite sure, sir,” 3PO replied. “He says, ‘I found her’, and keeps repeating, ‘She’s here’.”

“Well, who… who has he found?”

“Is it Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight asked, her face brightening. “Is she here?”

Artoo whistled a frantic reply.

“Princess Leia…” 3PO translated.

“Ohh…” Twilight sighed sadly.

“Hold on!” Applejack spoke up. “The princess is here?”

“Princess?” Han asked. “What’s going on?”

“Where the hay is she?” Rainbow asked.

“Level five,” 3PO answered. “Detention block A A-twenty-three. I’m afraid she’s scheduled to be terminated.”

“TERMINATED?!?!” The Equestrians shouted.

“Oh no! We’ve got to do something!” Luke insisted.

“What are you talking about?” Han asked.

“The droid belongs to her,” Luke informed. “She’s the one in the message…”

“And… if Princess Leia is here,” Twilight thought, realizing. “Then surely Sunset Shimmer must be… we’ve got to help them!”

“Now look, don’t get any funny ideas,” Han warned. “The old man wants us to wait right here.”

“Han does have a point,” Spike spoke. “If the stormtroopers catch us roaming down their halls, they’ll put every one of us down!”

“But now we know they’re here,” Twilight argued. “R2-D2, check and see if there’s a path to that detention block.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Han argued.

“They’re going to execute her!” Luke reminded. “Look, a few minutes ago you said you didn’t want to just wait here to be captured.”

“Luke’s right,” Rainbow agreed. “Either we go out there and rescue our friends… or we stay here and leave them to die!”

“Marching into the detention area is not what I had in mind!” Han argued.

“But they’re going to kill her!”

“Better her than me…”

“Well, aren’t you just the big hero!” Rainbow spat sarcastically.

“Look kid, I didn’t come here to rescue a princess or your friend alright?” Han retorted. “I was hired to get you guys off Tatooine, to Alderaan, and that’s it. As far as I’m concerned, once I get back to my ship, I might just leave you all here.”

“She’s rich…” Luke pointed out.

Chewbacca growled and suddenly Han’s attention turned to Luke.

“Rich?” Han repeated.

“Yes. Rich, powerful!” Luke emphasized. “Listen, if you were to rescue her, the reward would be…”

“What?”

“Well more wealth than you can imagine.”

“Absolutely-posilutely!” Pinkie nodded rapidly. “Why you’ll be so and famous, they’ll start making motion pictures about you!”

Han Solo turned toward Pinkie Pie with an eyebrow raise. Aside from finding Pinkie’s babbling odd, something still bothered him.

“I don’t know,” Han spoke. “I can imagine quite a bit!”

“You’ll get it!” Luke insisted.

“I better!”

“You will…” Twilight ensured. “You help us get the Princess and Sunset out of the Detention Block, you can have all the money you can ever ask for and you’ll never have to put up with us again.”

“All right, kid,” Han sighed. “But you better be right about this.”

Hen turned toward Chewie, who gave a short grunt.

“All right princess,” Storm spoke, approaching Twilight. “So what’s your plan?”

“Well, if we’re going to find Sunset Shimmer and Princess Leia, it’s not wise to leave the droids defenseless,” Twilight explained. “Ergo, the best we can do right now is split up into two groups. Half of us will look for our friends, while the other half stays behind and keeps the droids safe.”

“And how are we supposed to do that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“You, Rarity, Storm Shield, and I will go with Luke, Han Solo, and Chewbacca.”

“That won’t be a problem, Twilight,” Rarity nodded.

“What about us?” Spike asked curiously.

“Spike, I think you should stay with Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie to guard 3PO and R2.”

“Not a bad idea,” Applejack agreed. “We’ll handle any stormtroopers that try to cross us. Right y’all?”

“I uh… I think so,” Fluttershy nodded worriedly.

“Now… what are we going to do about furball here?” Rainbow motioned to Chewbacca.

The wookiee growled at the cyan colored teen, slightly offended by that remark.

“Uh… 3PO, hand me those binders there will you?” Luke requested.

3PO hands Luke the electronic cuffs, and the young man cautiously approached Chewbacca.

“Okay. Now, I’m going to put these on you…”

Chewie released a hideous growl, sending Luke back. Before the beast can get confrontational, he felt a gentle grip on his arm and turned. Fluttershy shushes him softly, as she caresses his arm feeling the tension go down.

“It’s okay…” Fluttershy cooed. “I know you don’t like it, but we need you to play along.”

“Han, I think you better put them on,” Storm suggested. “Aside from Fluttershy, he trusts you more.”

Luke sheepishly handed the binders to Han.

“Don’t worry, Chewie,” Han reassured. “I think I know what he has in mind.”

The Wookiee faced Han and Fluttershy with a worried, frightened look on his face as the man binds him with the electronic cuffs.

“Master Luke, everyone!” 3PO called out. “Pardon me for asking… but, ah… what should we do if we’re discovered here?”

“Easy,” Rainbow smirked. “Just lock the door.”

“And hope they don’t have blasters!” Han added.

“That isn’t very reassuring,” Applejack frowned.

“One more thing,” Twilight spoke up. “In case we do run into trouble, let’s all meet back near the Millennium Falcon.”

“What are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Let’s do this!”

“Yeah! SUNSET SHIMMER, HERE WE COME!!!” Pinkie Pie cried out.

Her friends quickly covered her mouth and shushed her violently.

“You have to keep your voice down, Pinkie!” Storm advised quietly. “We’re in enemy territory!”

“Oh… sorry,” Pinkie Pie smiled sheepishly.

Luke, Han, Storm, and Twilight’s group put on their armored stormtrooper helmets and start off toward the giant Imperial Death Star.

“Try to be careful, Dash!” Applejack called out.

“Hey, come on!” Rainbow smirked, putting her helmet on. “It’s me, remember?”

<>

Near the elevator tubes, Luke’s group tried to look inconspicuous in their armored suits while waiting for a vacuum elevator to arrive. Troops, bureaucrats, and robots bustle about ignoring the group completely. Only a few give the giant Wookiee a curious glance, but otherwise suspicion was at a low right now. Finally, the tiny elevator arrived as the group enter one-by-one.

“I can’t see a thing in this helmet,” Luke complained.

“And you thought Twilight’s eyesight was bad enough,” Rainbow joked.

“Oh shut up!” Twilight snipped.

A bureaucrat raced to get aboard, but Han signaled him away. The door to the pod-like vehicle slides closed and the elevator car took off through a vacuum tube.

<>

Meanwhile, several Imperial officers walk through the wide main passageway. They pass several stormtroopers and a robot similar to C-3PO, except with an insect face. At the far end of the hallway, a passing flash of Ben Kenobi appeared, disappearing down a small hallway. His appearance was so fleeting it’s difficult to tell if he’s real or just an illusion. No one in the hallway noticed him.

<>

Entering the Detention Security Area, the group step forward to exit the elevator, but the door slid open behind them. The giant Wookiee and his five guards enter the old grey security station. Guards and laser gates are everywhere.

“This is not going to work,” Han whispered to Luke, under his breath.

“Why didn’t you say so before?” Luke asked.

“I did say so before!”

“Just stay frosty…” Storm advised. “Be ready…”

The elevator doors open in the Detention area. A tall, grim looking officer approached the group.

“Where are you taking this… thing?”

Chewie growled a bit at the remark, but Han nudged him to shut up.

“Prisoner Transfer from Block one-one- three-eight,” Storm informed.

“I wasn’t notified,” The Officer replied. “I’ll have to clear it.”

The officer goes back to his console, to punch in the information. The disguised girls noted only three other troopers are in the area. Luke and Han survey the rest of the situation, checking all the alarms, laser gates, and camera eyes. Han unfastened one of Chewbacca’s electronic cuffs, and shrugged to the group, like a silent signal. Suddenly, Chewbacca threw his arms out knocking a trooper back and unleased one of his ear-piercing howls. He grabbed Han’s laser rifle.

“Look out!” Han shouted. “He’s loose!”

“He’s going to pull us all apart!” Luke shouted.

“GET HIM! GET HIM!!!” Rarity shrieked.

The startled guards are momentarily dumbfounded, as the five troopers pulled out their laser pistols and blasted away. Their barrage of laser-fire missed Chewbacca, but hits the camera eyes, laser gate controls, and the Imperial guards. The officer, last of the guards, fell under the laser fire just as he pushed the alarm system. Han rushed to the commlink system, which is screeching questions about what’s going on. He quickly checked the computer readout.

“We’ve got to find out which cell Sunset and the princess are in,” Twilight spoke. “Han, can you find anything?”

“Here it is…” Han pointed. “Cell twenty-one-eight-seven. You go get them; I’ll hold them here.”

“Hold on Sunset!” Rainbow called out. “We’re coming!”

Luke, Storm, and the girls raced down one of the cell corridors, while Han handled the buzzing commlink.

“Everything is under control,” Han informed, sounding official. “Situation normal.”

“What happened?” A voice over the intercom asked.

“Uh… had a slight weapons malfunction,” Han answered nervously. “But, uh, everything’s perfectly all right now. We’re fine. We’re all fine here, now, thank you. How are you?”

“We’re sending a squad up,” The intercom informed.

“Uh, uh, negative. We had a reactor leak here now. Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak… very dangerous.”

“Who is this? What’s your operating number?”

Han blasts the commlink, exploding it.

“Boring conversation anyway… Luke! Girls! We’re going to have company!”

<>

“Sunset!!!” Twilight called out, passing the cells. “Sunset it’s me, Twilight! Can you hear us?!”

Rainbow Dash zipped as fast as she could toward the cell Han Solo mentioned and skid to a stop before that very cell.

“It’s this one!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Luke approaches the front of the cell and blasted the door away with a laser pistol. When the smoke cleared, the group could see the dazzling young princess-senator. She had been asleep, and now looked at Luke with an uncomprehending look on her face. Luke, stunned by her incredible beauty, stood staring at her. If she could see beneath his helmet, his mouth hung open.

“Aren’t you short to be stormtroopers?” Leia asked, breaking the silence.

“What?” Luke spoke. “Oh… the uniform.”

Luke and the group proceed to remove their helmets, coming out of it.

“I’m Luke Skywalker,” Luke introduced himself. “I’m here to rescue you.”

“You’re who?” Leia asked.

“We’re here to rescue you,” Rainbow Dash corrected.

“We’ve got your R2 unit,” Rarity added.

“And we came here with Ben Kenobi,” Twilight concluded.

“Ben Kenobi is here?!” Leia gasped. “Where is he?”

“Just come with us and we’ll explain on the way,” Storm spoke.

Luke, Storm, and the girls lead Leia out of the detention block and back toward the direction to the hangar. As they ran, Twilight looked over toward Leia.

“Princess, I was wondering,” Twilight spoke. “Have you seen our friend Sunset Shimmer anywhere aboard this place?”

“Sunset Shimmer?” Leia asked back. “You know her?”

“Yes, we’re her best friends,” Twilight nodded.

“We came here looking for her,” Rainbow added. “We thought she’d be with you.”

“Do you by any chance know where she is darling?” Rarity asked.

“I haven’t seen her since we separated some time ago,” Leia answered. “My guess is she’s either somewhere still aboard or she’s been taken back to the Imperial City on Coruscant.”

“Then for our sakes, I hope we’re not too late,” Twilight hoped.

<>

Inside the conference room, Darth Vader paced around the room as Governor Tarkin sat at the far end of the conference table.

“He is here…” Vader confirmed.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi!” Tarkin guessed. “What makes you think so?”

“A tremor in the Force. The last time I felt it was in the presence of my old master.”

“Surely he must be dead by now.”

“Don’t underestimate the power of the Force.”

“The Jedi are extinct; their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that’s left of their religion.”

A quiet buzz on the commlink disrupted their conversation.

“Yes,” Tarkin answered.

“Governor Tarkin, we have an emergency alert in detention block A A-twenty-three,” The intercom’s voice confirmed.

“The princess!” Tarkin realized. “Put all sections on alert!”

“Obi-Wan is here,” Vader confirmed. “The Force is with him… and he’s not the only one.”

“If you’re right, they must not be allowed to escape.”

“Escape is not his plan. I must face him… alone…”