Now I needed to find a destination. Knowing the galaxy was fully under control of the Empire I thought it best to skirt the more populated systems and stick to the sticks as it were. My first stop was Ithor. A system similar in many ways to Yavin. Possessing vast jungles kept in a wild state by the planets people, the Ithorians. Commonly referred to as the Hammerheads, they kept their planet in a natural state. I recalled them from my studies, years ago at the Academy. It was a short jump from Yavin and the system had no love for the Empire or it's view of how the galaxy should be. I landed near a large settlement, on the outskirts. My approach was noted and I was met by a party of Ithorians. They were not happy to see me. It seems I had done some damage to the foliage in landing my craft. I attempted to speak with them, but I do not understand Ithorian. I paid attention the best I could and apologized profusely for spoiling their garden, such as it was. After trying various hand gestures I was able to communicate to them some of my basic needs. Food, water, clothing. These they hurried to give me once they saw I had a means of paying. It wasn't much really. Simply little fragments of gold and some semi-precious uncut gemstones I'd found in my years on Yavin IV. Worth little to me at present, but thankfully they possessed value here. Once I had purchased supplies I was encouraged to leave. I had hoped to try further communication. I had not realized how truly lonely I had become over the years, but they insisted and no one could understand me well enough for me to tell them that all I sought was news of the Empire. To help me fill in the gaps in my knowledge of my years of wandering through peoples minds from afar. Once in space again I needed a new destination. I could think of none so began searching the star charts for nearby systems. Ord Mantell? No, I'd rather not go there. Myrkyr? No, there was something simply wrong about that planet, as if it did not belong. Anobis? I knew nothing of the system, too risky. Then I saw it, Alderaan, a system friendly to the Alliance and not too far away. I set my course and began the jump. It was interesting to look upon a planet without dense jungles. So pleasant to contemplate. As I prepared to enter the atmosphere, something attracted my attention. I could feel tens of thousands of new lifeforms suddenly appear. A ship entering from hyperspace? What ship could be that big? Perhaps it was a fleet? Any fleet that large had to be Imperial. I left orbit immediately, from the far side of the planet. Keeping my ship out of view of whatever Imperial problem had come my way. Were they searching for me? Did I somehow fail in covering my tracks and the Emperor or Vader knew of me and my whereabouts? I could not sense the Emperors presence, but I did sense Vaders. With him was the very familiar woman he had captured over Tattooine. Apparently he had brought her to this fleet. Again, I find myself running from problems. I hope the people of Alderaan are safe. After all at worst the Empire could simply occupy their planet. Occupations can end. They will be safe. These were the thoughts I comforted myself with as I left Alderaan. Looking for a new place to run to. That is when I felt it. The Princess, Leia, crying out. Such a strong and vibrant mind. Such potential.......then I felt it. The life force of the entire planet of Alderaan. Snuffed out like a candle, mere fractions of a second later the shockwave hit my ship and sent it reeling through space out of control. Fighting frantically to regain control the spin became worse. I realized that I needed to calm myself, slow bursts of the control thrusters. I gradually managed slowing the spin and regaining control of my ship. Once stabilized I assessed the damage to my ship. It was still whole and functioning, but it needed help and soon. I looked for a nearby system, seeking blind in the night. It was then that I again felt the Imperial fleet and noted my original error. It was one vast ship. A marble of dull grey metal floating in space. It appeared to be huge. I tried to estimate it's size without instruments and guessed it was between 100 and 150 kilometers in diameter. Little by little it hit me. This had flown through hyperspace. This had destroyed a planet. This had literally hundreds of thousands of men on board. Not the initial tens of thousands I had felt. This was the Death Star. How could I have missed it after only days ago helping the Rebels steal the plans? Simple, I had not considered the consequences of the plans. Where were they now? Leia had them over Tattooine Headless of the consequences I searched the ship. I passed over Leia. Grieving for her people. Vader, my long lost friend, no more. I went from scientists to technicians to commanders. That is when I found him. Grand Moff Tarkin. I've rarely encountered so sadistic and calculating a mind in my life. He had potential. It is indeed fortunate no Jedi ever bothered to show it to him. Here was the man who had destroyed a world with his creation. I do not have the time or the resources to deal with him now. First to find a place to repair my ship, then find a way to help the Alliance. I find a nearby system, which would be ideal for my ships, repairs except for one thing. The Empire runs it. The planet Kuat, home of the Kuat Drive Yards. I don't really have a choice. I set a course and make the short jump to Kuat. Once in orbit I am immediately challenged by Imperial Security. I tell them I have a damaged vessel and request landing instructions to a repair facility for my ship. There is a great deal of debate as to whether I may be allowed to land at all, then they insist on searching or seizing my ship. I accept the search, telling them I will be glad to allow it. Finally they give me docking coordinates and allow me to land. I am met by a squad of stormtroopers and a commanding officer of a rank I do not recognize. He informs me I must step aside and allow my ship to be searched. I agree telling him " Of course you may search my ship. There is only the repairs of concern.". He then obediently turns to the lead Stormtrooper and tells him " We need only concern ourselves with his repairs. You men are dismissed." as he waves them away. I tell him " If the repairs are not possible, you will of course help me another way.". He again obediently responds in the affirmative. To think I was afraid of being around Imperials. I should have gone after Tarkin while I had the chance. Fortunately they were able to make repairs without much trouble. The officer was falling over himself to please me. I nearly was given a Nebulon B Frigate. Fortunately he understood I could not pilot it myself and settled for supplying me with faster drives and a systems upgrade of my navi-computer. With all current Imperial worlds listed. My job had just become easier. I left the system and decided to test my luck in getting onboard the Death Star. I was a little late for that. During my jump I felt someone die. Master Kenobi. Was all lost now? Who would train young Skywalker? As I left hyperspace I saw a ship leaving one of the docking bays. In pursuit were 4 TIE fighters. My first thought was to assist the ship, but then I sensed Tarkin on the Death Star. He was watching in interest. There was no concern about the TIEs succeeding or failing. Only a sense of anticipation for the ship to escape. I could feel Leia onboard the escaping ship. With her was young Luke. The two so similar. What was it about them, which made them so familiar? It was then they escaped and made the jump to hyperspace. I was preparing to resume my course of action and dispatch Tarkin. At the instant the ship had left for it's jump, Tarkin made clear his intent. They were tracking the ship. They would be lead to the base. The place I'd left only a few short days ago suddenly became the most important place to get to. I set my course and hoped I could reach Yavin IV before the Empire could.