Prologue

Sand



"Well, if there's a bright center to the universe, you're on the planet that it's farthest from."




        There are billions of planets in the Galaxy, with billions more waiting to be found in the uncharted depths, and yet... for some inexplicable reason, one has never had a more important part in shaping the history of the galaxy then a desert dustball out in the fringes of the Outer Rim, ruled by a Hutt and crawling with scum and villainy:

        Tatooine.

        Long ago, the planet was once rich and full of life, but an ancient Empire, the Rakata's, decimated it until it was nothing but sand. Now, ruled by the crimelord Jabba the Hutt, it's a haven for pirates, smugglers, bounty hunters, and slavers. No one other then the bold or the foolish would dare set foot on this planet without risk of becoming a target, a slave, or lunch to the many beasts that roam beneath the sands. 

        And yet, it was home to a figure of key importances to Galactic History: Anakin Skywalker. Born a slave, he was later freed by Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and recruited into the Jedi Order, becoming one of their most skilled swordsmen and their most proficient pilot, with many calling him an Ace. After his fall to darkness and rebirth as Darth Vader, the planet became a hiding spot for his son Luke, who, after a twist of fate brought him to his twin sister Leia and best friend Han Solo, would go on to quell the evil and train the next generation that would finally bring an end to the darkness.
        There is something about this dust ball that makes it unimportant and important at the same time; it's too insignificant to be taken seriously, and Jabba makes taking control of the planet impossible, and it's too remote to be strategically important, yet too far out of the way to hide something important. It is a living conundrum. 

        It is that conundrum that made it perfect for the Rebels.

        Some time after the destruction of the first Death Star at Yavin, a Rebel task force was sent to Tatooine to set up a remote supply base and pilot academy, figuring its remote status would deter any Imperial investigations, and they were mostly right: like the Republic of old, the Outer Rim was never high on the Core Worlds priority list, save for some important worlds like Ryloth, Mon Cala, Sullust, Bespin, and Muunilinst.

        About a year before the fabled Battle of Hoth, Rebel Command, with Jabba's hesitant permission, had established several small bases on the desert world: a flight academy called Tac/Comm out near Begger's Canyon, a hidden base in Mos Eisley, and a couple of supply depots far out in the boondocks, along with a few smaller outposts. Due to the Empire stepping on Jabba's toes the last time they were here, the Rebels stationed thought the Empire would be stupid to come back and risk his anger and thus the Hutt Cartel's wrath.
    
        Everyone was wrong, for War has no boundaries. 

        On one bad day, the Rebels of this world will be crippled, and the survivors scattered and struggling. This planet is a harsh mistress, and the Empire ruthless, and it will take all of their cunning, skill, and tenacity if the Rebels ever hope to survive...






The Sands of Tatooine