Due to my unfamiliarity with flying a ship, LE-B0B3 had to pilot for me to begin with. Once we got into space, I was able to take over for a little.
“So, LE-B0B3…you know, I should figure out something that was less clumsy to call you. Let’s see, how about Bob? Fits with the “B0B” portion of your designation.”
The droid acknowledged the idea. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Alright. Why don’t you tell me about this ship? What can it do, what can’t it do?”
“This is a Corellian Engineering Corporation YT-2400 Light Freighter. It is equipped with a class 2 hyperdrive and sublight engines that give it a maximum speed of 60mglts. For offensive and defensive purposes, it carries 4 laser cannons, mounted on 2 turrets, and 2 concussion missile launchers. A Titanium-alloy hull and deflector-shield system help to protect us from the vacuum of space and weapons fire.” Bob rattled off.
“That’s it?? Didn’t your previous master make any modifications to it?” I asked.
“No sir. The ship was new. He was going to have it worked on after he finished the job he was in the middle of. That’s when we were arrested.”
“Well, I intend to fix that. Our first stop will be on Alderaan. I understand it’s a beautiful planet, and I’m hoping I will have some ‘business’ there to take care of.”
I continued. “Now, show me how I setup the hyperdrive for the trip.”
As soon as we were underway, I began to evaluate the ship with Bob’s help. Before I could start throwing better equipment on board, I had to make sure I had enough power available to me. Bob’s estimates showed the ship did have available power, and plenty to go around. I had the feeling I picked the right ship.
“Question for you: Can I transfer power from one system of the ship to another? For example, if we are under attack, and our shields are about the fail, can we transfer power from the weapons to the shields and increase their strength?”
Bob’s reply was a reassuring yes.
That would help matters. We discussed the matter for the few hours it took to go from Imperial City to Alderaan.
When we arrived at Alderaan, local port authorities immediately contacted us. I explained that I was a representative from the planet Earth, and that I simply wished to view a planet I had heard was to be unparalleled in its physical beauty. After a few moments, I was given an approach vector and place to land. Within a few minutes, we were through the clouds and on our way. What a wonderful looking place.
I was surprised as we set down to see a well-dressed man and (his?) entourage waiting on the platform for me. I left my ship.
“Greetings, I am Viceroy Bail Organa. I am honored by your visit, and at the same time puzzled. We had not been informed of your arrival.”
As we shook hands, I replied.
“There is a simple explanation for that. There was no information sent. To explain this all very quickly, within the last 2 weeks, the Empire “discovered” my home planet, Earth. In order to help me learn and understand more about the Empire, I was allowed to leave my planet and visit Imperial City. The Emperor told me it would take 2 months before any Imperial diplomats would be able to visit my planet, so I was given a ship and some money, and allowed to strike out on my own to learn. Yours is the first planet I have been to since I left Imperial City. I heard that it was a most beautiful place to visit. I must honestly say I was not expecting that I would be greeted by the leader of the planet.”
“Well then, please come in and accept the hospitality of Alderaan.”
I was invited in, given food and drink, and expanded on my story. Organa seemed fascinated by the idea that humans existed somewhere and that only now, they had been found.
But the entire time I was talking with him, I had something else on my mind.
I wanted to let someone else the secret that Earth held.