Cinematic Adventures: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

On the Run

Vader's Imperial Star Destroyer moved through space, guarded by its convoy of TIE fighters. Darth Vader himself stood in the back control area of his ship's bridge with a motley group of men and creatures. Darth Seraphina walked into the area with Grievous, the Dazzlings, and Demitria in tow. Admiral Piett and two controllers stood at the front of the bridge and watched the group with score.

"Bounty hunters," Piett muttered. "We don't need that scum."

"Yes, sir," The First Controller agreed.

"Those Rebels won't escape us."

"Sir, we have a priority signal from the Star Destroyer Avenger," The Second Controller interrupted.

"Right," Piett replied.

The group standing before Vader were a bizarre array of galactic fortune hunters. There was Bossk, a slimy, tentacled monster with two huge, bloodshot eyes in a soft baggy face; Zuckuss and Dengar, two battle-scarred, mangy human types; IG-88, a battered, tarnished chrome war droid; and Boba Fett, a man in a weapon-covered armored space suit.

"... There will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millenium Falcon," Vader instructed. "You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations."

"As you wish," Boba Fett spoke.

At that moment, Admiral Piett approached Vader in a rush of excitement.

"Lord Vader! My lord, we have them."

<>

The Millennium Falcon sped through deep space, closely followed by a firing Imperial Star Destroyer. A large asteroid about the same size as the Falcon tumbled rapidly toward the starship. The tiny Falcon banked to avoid the giant asteroid as smaller rocks pelted its surface. The small craft roared under the asteroid which exploded harmlessly on the hull of the vast Star Destroyer.

The ship shuddered as flak exploded near the cockpit window. 3PO checked a tracking scope on the side control panel, while Leia watched tensely out the window. Galen Marek stood close by the droid, watching the scope.

"Oh, thank goodness we're coming out of the asteroid field," 3PO sighed with relief.

"I wouldn't be too excited," Marek warned, looking out intensely. "Out of the frying pan, into the fire..."

Chewie barked excitedly as the rain of asteroids began to subside. A bolt from the Star Destroyer set up a fiery explosion on the back side of the Falcon, causing it to lurch to one side. Marek barely held on trying to keep his balance.

The Falcon itself was struck hard by another bolt from the Star Destroyer which created a huge explosion near the cockpit of the smaller ship. The Falcon tilted steeply, before righting itself in position. Marek climbed his way into the cockpit just as Han corrected the angle of his ship.

"At this rate, we can safely say the Empire are not interested in taking prisoners," Marek confirmed.

"No... you think?" Leia muttered.

"Let's get out of here," Han declared. "Ready for light-speed?"

Marek quickly grabbed onto something, preparing for full speed.

"One... two... three!" Han counted.

Han pulled back on the hyperspace throttle and—nothing happened. Flak bursts continued to rock the ship.

"It's not fair!" Han panicked frantically.

Chewie, very angry, started to growl and bark at his friend and captain. Again, Han desperately pulled back on the throttle.