(Star Wars belongs to its respective owners and does not belong to me, it belongs to Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC and The Walt Disney Company)
This Star Wars comic was published by Marvel Comics in 1977, and I am doing a novelization of it.
Title: Doomworld!
— The rider who controlled that monster also did something to the other one! It no longer attacks our ship... He is pushing it! Skywalker watches, bewildered by what they were witnessing right now.
- Oh master! Is that good or bad in terms of what we are? The automaton consults, not knowing what to think of it.
- I know it's fantastic, C-3PO. But... I think they want to save our spaceship. The blonde boy deciphered the intentions of the sea beast rider.
- Excuse me, sir. 2D is causing quite a commotion. He noticed the robot watching the sounds his companion was making.
- WHISTLE. I alerted the astromechanic about the presence of mechanical vehicles approaching.
- He claims that his sensors are detecting some kind of mechanized vessel in the area. The golden automaton noticed what it wanted to inform its companion.
- Frankly, Mr. Luke, I believe splashing in the water before leaving the ship may have corroded your perception filaments because I detect nothing. Concluded the robot, seeing the judgment of his partner, unable to sense anything on his radar.
"Wait, C-3PO! Behind us... on the horizon... the Hydra ships... I don't know what they're called here, but they glide over the water like I used to circle around Tatooine in my old land speeder!" Luke commented, reminiscing about his old days on his home world.
- Isn't that a somewhat strange analogy, sir?!, since there doesn't seem to be any land. I doubt the mechanical being sees its owner's strange comparison.
"Whatever they are, C-3PO, they're armed and firing at those sea monsters, with us caught in the middle!" Luke warned, seeing the dangerous situation they were in.
The air fills with the whine and crackle of laser beams, while with luck on their side, none of the shots manage to hit the escape pod.
While the monster rider waves his strange staff in the air, he makes no notable sound or signal.
However, both its serpentine slope... and its dragon-like counterattack respond immediately as if they were stimulated.
Then, for a moment, they disappear into the dark depths. Their armed attackers advance constantly, and then the beast descends beneath the water and rises, capsizing one of the boats with its head as if it were a toy.
But the other two vessels are not so easy to catch. Turning sharply in the foamy waters, they aim their weapons and fire shots at the enormous sea dragon.
- Encircle the miserable sea spawn! He will pay for destroying that Hydra-skimmer. I order one of the occupants of the war boats.
- "Catch him in a crossfire! And stay alert." Ordered one of the occupants of the floating ships as they fired their weapons.
- The dragon lord. One of the occupants reported seeing the green sea lizard emerge again, which capsized another boat.
However, even as the snake rider sinks the second slider.
His reptilian mount approaches the third one's searing laser fire line!
- We got it! A few more shots and 'that's it!' commented one of the occupants of the maritime vessels.
But the rider does not wait, with the two wounded creatures at his command... he retreats.
- Stop shooting! They're out of range! Fleeing like battered rats! I notice one of the crew members implying that it was pointless to keep fighting against the sea giants.
- Some lashes... They cost us two skimmers and we got nothing to show for it! Complained one of the survivors of the overturned vehicles while those in the boat threw ropes to pick up the castaways.
- Don't be so sure! The grand prize may have sunk, but something is moving out there. And it shines like metal. I spot one of the crew members, Luke's capsule.
Deploy the magnetic hooks. One of the occupants ordered one of his subordinates to do so, which he did, and these magnets with ropes shot directly toward the young Jedi's vehicle and magnetized to it.
- C-3PO, I think we're rescued... whether we like it or not, or so I believe, although I don't know what their intentions are. Doubtful Skywalker watching without confidence about what could happen now.
- Why, sir, do I have the feeling that it won't be like that? I question the droid, fearful of what might happen next.
Moments later, the sensitivity of the golden translator droid is put to the test... as the capsule is dragged into the hydra-ship.
— Damn! That cast iron stew pot still has some pieces of meat! Joked one of the occupants of the boat.
—But... One of them is wearing a metal suit! One of the crew members noticed upon seeing the droid.
"That's not a suit, idiot!" Have you forgotten all your extraterrestrial tradition...? I inquire, another crew member.
—The young star-hopper travels with an authentic droid! That little piece of nuts and bolts next to him is too! And either of them has enough components for the governor to forgive us for the lost skimmers. One of the crew members laid out the possibilities.
—Return the boy, the fish... Dismantle the machines so they don't cause any problems. One of the crew members ordered his comrades to attack the blonde.
"Now wait a minute." The future Jedi Knight asked politely.
Unfortunately, the crew became quite unpleasant and very aggressive toward Luke, so the latter activated his lightsaber and made warning thrusts.
- A lightsaber! The little pup with the exposed face is a Jedi! One of the crew members is surprised to see the weapon.
"I said wait!" The blonde declared with his weapon raised so they wouldn't get closer.
Jedi! Even in this moment of danger, Luke gets excited by the word... and wishes it were true, wishes he were like his father, whose saber he wields, and like Obi Wan Kenobi, the man who trained him.
- I'm not yet. He expressed, the blonde, while thinking about being a Jedi.
- Ben Kenobi was the last of the proud line. And he had barely started teaching me about the Force when he fell in a duel with Darth Vader. However... sometimes, I still feel as if he were with me. The young soldier thot as he kicked and thrust warning stabs while cutting the crew's weapons.
- At least his words certainly are! The blonde boy estimated, watching his opponents as he continued launching defensive attacks.
- Even if that laser blade just grazes... You're sliced algae! One of the occupants warned as he backed away in fear.
- He can't turn it in all directions at once! Attack him quickly from all sides! One of the crew members of the ship ready to fight the young Jedi suggested.
- BADEEP. Expressed R2, seeing the disadvantage they were in now.
- You're right, R2! Poor Master Luke! Certainly, we are doomed at this moment. I regret the droid seeing the risky situation it was in now.
- R2! You're dripping lubricant on the deck. Someone could clean it up. He asked the robot kindly, but before he could finish speaking, he quickly saw what his little friend was up to, and that was that the oil was used to make several pirates fall to the ground by making them slip.
Luke jumps over the oil and starts hitting and kicking the crew members while they were holding their weapons, which the blonde cut with his saber, until he reached the ship's controls.
- Alright!, enough!, any more moves against me or my droids. And I use my lightsaber to destroy the navigation controls. The blonde threatened as he placed his weapon near the ship's control consoles.
- Calm down, kid! That would leave us stranded... at the mercy of any dragon lord that appeared. One of the sailors negotiated so that the blond wouldn't do anything reckless.
- So, will they put aside their hostilities? Is it a deal? I want to speak with your "governor." Skywalker demanded of his opponents to know more about them and their leader.
- And I want my friends and me to be in one piece when we do! He demanded again from the blonde while taking a seat next to his automatons.
Luke is obeyed grudgingly by the crew, the old ship moves toward the distant horizon and the wonders that await beyond.
Upon arriving at their destination, they see giant wooden ships, with an artistic and handcrafted appearance, where there were several homes and buildings on top of them.
- I love Luke... I'm afraid this represents more information than my comprehension circuits can assimilate! The golden droid commented, bewildered, as he gazed at the enormous vessels.
- I'm not sure what it is either, C-3PO! But I hope our meeting with the "Governor" can change all that! I declare, young rebel soldier, hopeful that it will be so.
- When we first approached the exploration distance of this aquatic world, the instruments of our ship detected what I thot was a large mass. Evidently, it was this! The blonde boy exclaimed as he was able to observe with his own eyes what their sensors had detected.
- I remember, sir, we were hoping this world would serve as a new rebel base. The droid recalled the possibility of using this planet as a new base.
- Now I just hope it doesn't serve as our final resting place. The yellow robot feared for its possible fatal fate.
- BADOOP. Suggested the astromech droid, wanting to see if they could get an oil bath.
"No, R2, that's not what I mean by an extended lubrication bath!" C-3PO complained, seeing the desire of his partner.
- Don't worry, C-3PO. I think I can reason with the person in charge. We hope he is reasonable. Luke asserted, hoping that the leader of the fleet of ships would be negotiable in his way of thinking.
- You'll have your chance, son! That's Governor Quarg waiting at the dock! One of the crew members spotted their boss near their destination.
Governor Quarg looked like an adult human man, mature, with white skin, a corpulent body, dressed in a light blue military uniform full of medals, a red cape, and a military helmet on his head.
- When we show up with several fewer skimmers, it's likely he won't be in a good mood upon seeing that! One of the crew members assured, predicting the possible frustration and anger of their leader upon seeing that they had lost several ships.
And how the vessel docks at the pier
- Guards! Grab everyone on board! I want them hanged for traitors!, in our war with the dragon lords. Men are expendable. The skimmers definitely are not! I despise the governor without any pity upon seeing how he had returned with fewer vessels than before.
"I waited, Your Excellency." One of the crew members pled with his superior.
"Look what we brought!, robots!, they more than make up for those broken skimmers, sir!" One of the crew members announced while showing the pair of automatons.
- Yes. Sir! They couldn't have endured another mission anyway! Another crew member assured, implying their lack of effectiveness in combat.
- Perhaps I will have the chief engineer dismantle your capture and judge its worth. Then I will decide for you. Questioned Quarg, wanting to know if the droids were worth it.
- Governor Quarg, you better listen to me before making any decisions! I don't think there's anyone in this whole floating mess of yours who knows how much these droids are really worth... and in one piece! Skywalker stated, implying the value of his mechanical companions.
"Well said, sir!" Support the protocol droid to its owner.
- Who the hell is this?! Quarg asked, bewildered, looking at the reckless unknown boy.
- I found him with the robots. He wielded a lightsaber like one of those Jedi knights from the stories. He mentioned one of the crew members to his leader.
- Being a Jedi is much more than that... or so my father always insisted. He compared them to priests, warriors, or wizards. But, of course, he also hated and feared them! He remembered the leader of the sailors about what he had heard about the Jedi.
- I'm not as naive as Dad, my young and rough friend. But you have piqued my curiosity enough to listen to you. Of course, if I don't like what I hear... you'll be the first to be hanged. Warned Quarg as he turned around.
— Guards! Bring him and his metal friends with us. I order the chief of the floating settlement.
While the guards' blasters follow him, Luke sheaths his saber and climbs with his companions onto the dock.
— This way, kid... and quickly! As the governor of this ship, I have better things to do than entertain a castaway from outside the world. Are you going to tell me something or not? I inquire of the leader of the floating settlement.
— What I wouldn't give for Han Solo's gift of gab... or at least, for his self-confidence! Better yet, I would love to see the Millenium Falcon roaring to get us out of here! I regret Luke in his thoughts remembering his old acquaintance.
And curiously, that wish is not as far-fetched as Luke feels when he sees the large wooden door slam shut behind him. Meanwhile, light-years away.
A powerful battle cruiser is making the jump to hyperspace. Its destination is the Drexel system.
In the hold of the great vessel is Han Solo's Corellian smuggling ship, the Millenium Falcon.
And on his cruiser bridge is none other than Han Solo himself, feeling unusually tense.
- How do I get myself into situations like this? Being with Crimson Jack, one of the deadliest space pirates in the galaxy. Solo thot with a worried mind that the redhead would discover his deception.
- As he headed toward a star system that most veterans say should be avoided like a stampede of banthas, with the princess who planned this move locked below deck waiting to be rescued! The smuggler lamented, knowing the dangers he now faced.
- What happened to the old days when I was just a simple smuggler... and all I had to worry about was outrunning the Empire's ships and being killed by disgruntled employers like Jabba the Hutt? The Corellian reflected in his mind, seeing the risky situation he had gotten into and remembering the times when everything was simpler.
- Problems, Mr. Solo? The pirate captain inquired, watching as his partner manipulated the controls to navigate the system to their destination.
- I would hate to think that my new partner has something in mind and isn't sharing it with me. Crimson complained, seeing that his comrade was very thoughtful.
"Well, I didn't want to hurt your feelings, Jack, but this ship is a piece of junk to handle." Han complained, saying this to divert attention.
- It enters deformation with all the grace of a Verulian terrestrial slug. It has the size and firepower to do everything I need, Mr. Solo. Jack protested, seeing his partner's doubts.
- Although I must admit that it received some pretty rough service just before I acquired it from the imperial fleet. The redhead clarified where he acquired his ship.
- Quite an achievement, Jack..! How did you manage it? Han asks, wanting to know how he managed to get his beloved ship.
- By being in the right place at the right time, Solo. Shortly after the Rebel Alliance achieved its first major victory over the Imperial forces, this cruiser was one of them. Apparently, it escaped the main battle, only to be left adrift and powerless when its reactors failed, at which point my team and I seized the opportunity to take it over. I tell the redhead how I seized the opportunity.
- They managed to put several TIE fighters into defensive action against us, but my crew and I rose to the challenge; the previous battle had eliminated most of their crew. We boarded with light resistance, intending to loot and flee. He continued recounting to the pirate captain while walking alongside Solo.
- Then I started to realize. There was a lot of damage, but much of it was superficial, and that made me think. Crimson reflected on how he repurposed the damaged ship for his own purposes.
- Why abandon it, when it could be reclaimed instead? Jack, I never thot I would see it... You are a visionary pirate! Alago Han, seeing that his comrade was a visionary with plans for the future.
"But the cost to restore it is excessive... even for a moderately successful man in his trade like you." The smuggler questioned, seeing that it must cost a lot to get a ship like this up and running.
"I found sponsors, guys... willing to share in the future profits." The pirate leader stated, implying that he had support to repair his ship.
- So... You're practically a corporation! Impressive... but where's the romance? I doubt the Corellian seeing the pirate leader's lack of humility in having such a big ship.
- I'll leave it to star jumpers like you, Mr. Solo. I have ambitions beyond being a pirate, and that rebel treasure you're taking us to in the Drexel system will be a good shortcut to making them a reality. I long for Jack, hopeful of being able to achieve his dream.
- Let's hope you never find out that this particular shortcut is the product of Princess Leia's imagination! Solo thought, hoping the pirate would never know the truth.
Something interrupted Han's mind, and those were the screams of the crew members of the spaceship.
- Captain! Captain! There are problems on the observation platform, sir! Jolli has gone crazy! One of the pirate subordinates alerted, indicating the risky situation they were in.
- "Jolli?!" What has happened now to that bloodthirsty lady? The bewildered leader questioned upon hearing that his esteemed subordinate was acting out of line.
The smuggler and the pirate ran to where the girl with purple hair was, who had a blaster rifle in hand and was shooting at some pirates taking cover behind a piece of furniture.
- Useless, nebula dustbag! I'll fry you for daring to lay a hand on me! The girl threatened, angry about what they were trying to do to her.
- Back off, woman! You were the one who started talking about kissing. My companions and I tried to please you a little. Protested one of the pirates upon seeing his companion's indecision.
- Enough, girl! What the hell do you think you're doing in civilized star systems? Jack questioned as he snatched the weapon from his agitated partner's hands.
- Cooking a space monkey! Just because someone talks about something doesn't mean they're ready to do it! The girl with purple hair questioned the behavior of her comrades.
- Anyway, it's Princess Leia's fault! She is the one who made me think with all her nonsense. The female pirate asserted, holding the princess responsible for the ideas she put in her head.
- About what, Jolli? Solo asked, puzzled, wanting to know what the noblewoman of Alderaan said.
- About you and how well you kiss, Corellian clown! Jolli mocked as she tried to slap the smuggler, but he dodged just in time.
Then the angry woman walked away from the two men.
- First the princess swoops in on you... and now, Jolli. What is that power you have over women, Mr. Solo? He asked Jack with a bit of grace about the aggressive vibe that attracted his partner.
"I don't know, but I hope to lose it soon!" The brown-haired one stated, wanting to lose that negative attraction.
Meanwhile, in the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon, resting in the cargo hold of the cruiser, a certain hundred-year-old wookiee finishes the task assigned to him.
- ROAR! Chewbacca announces that he has his homework ready.
- What does that mean? I ask, one of the pirates unsure of what to make of the furry companion's words as he spoke with his partner.
"I don't know... but I don't want to argue with him." The other pirate doubted his comrade.
- Yes! Watching him isn't my idea of fun either! If he's done with that touch on the computer that Jack wanted, let's go. The other pirate asked his companion, and both of them left.
And a little while later, on the bridge of Crimson Jack... the instrument lights start to flicker.
- It's time to drop to sub-light speed, Mr. Solo. Now we'll see how accurate the charts Solo provided from the Falcon are. I doubt the pirate leader wanting to know if Solo's ship data was reliable.
- There you have it, Jack! Drexel...! And it's just one planet. No one keeps charts more detailed than an old star explorer like me. I assume the Corellian is interested in your navigation knowledge.
- Not so fast, buddy! Something's wrong! According to our scanners... It's an aquatic world! The rebels couldn't have a treasure there! Crimson asks, incredulous that the rebel alliance could have their fortune here.
- So, Solo...? I'm waiting for news on this... but not too much. I dismiss Jack, seeing as the chances of there being a treasury on this planet were almost nonexistent.
Jack, everything is fine. Just bring the princess here and I'll show you. I assure you, the Corellian wanted to show that he was right.
- Oh, die trying! Han thot to himself.
-The end-