Froome Skyrider has been called to answer to a panel of Jedi masters. Whispered questions have been asked by some as to whether he truly is the Jedi knight of ancient prophecy, destined to bring balance to the Force, as suggested by Mace Wiggo. His consummate mastery of the Force is not in doubt, but his phenomenal skills have driven some to question his intentions, and raised suspicion that he might turn to the Dark Side like so many before him.
Meanwhile, the rebels get wind that the Empire has the plans for the dreaded TimeWarp device on the heavily guarded and remote ice planet of Ghapp. While Froome faces the harsh interrogation of the Jedi Council, a select group of rebel fighters is sent to retrieve the plans in order that the rebels can neutralise the device. Included in the team is Hansen, popular veteran of the Giro, the reliable droid K4DR1, and the fierce Tusken Raider Gilbert.
The formidable Rui Costa snatches the plans from the rebels. (AP photo/Laurent Rebours)
The rebels are unaware that the Separatists have been able to smuggle a listening device into the rebel Headquarters, and have been monitoring all communications. Sensing their opportunity to defy both the Empire and the rebels, the Separatists decide to mount a stealth mission to Ghapp. Wanting the plans for the TimeWarp device for themselves, and furious at having lost the Quintana to the rebels, the Separatist faction of Movistarr send the formidable Rui Costa to the fore at the Manse pass on the approach to Ghapp to snatch the plans before the rebels can reach them.
Rui Costa is able to take the rebels unawares, and speed past them unnoticed. The Empire’s guards are occupied with the rebel group and Rui Costa is able to slip into the unguarded chamber and take the TimeWarp plans unchallenged. Eventually overcoming the Empire’s guard, the rebels reach the chamber, only to see the form of Rui Costa disappearing into the darkness. The rebels give furious chase, but Rui Costa is too far ahead and is able to make the jump to hyperspace, and back to the delighted Separatists.
Skyrider and Solo in a furious race to catch the other rebels nearly leads to disaster. (Laurent Cipriani/AP photo)
The loss of the plans to the Separatists is a crushing blow to the rebels. Relations even become strained between Skyrider and Contdor Solo. Dismissed by the Jedi Council, satisfied with his answers for now, but warning that they will be paying closer attention to Skyrider in the future, Skyrider and Solo race off to join the others attempting to stop Rui Costa disappearing with the plans, but to no avail. Not for the first time, Skyrider questions Solo’s commitment to the rebel cause after the latter overcooks a manoeuvre on the chase, forcing both comrades into evasive action. Skyrider, allowing his emotions to get the better of him, suggests Solo is reckless, and even goes so far as to shake his head at him. Once again, it appears the rebel alliance is in tatters.
To be continued…
No Comments