In the early days of being a Star Wars fan, finding new adventures of my favorite characters was hard. We had a small handful of books like Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, the Han Solo trilogy by Brian Daley, and a trio of Lando Calrissian adventures (which I still adore.) We were also lucky to have something special by way of “Rebel Mission to Ord Mantell.” Scripted by Brian Daley (who wrote those wonderful Han Solo books and the NPR adaptations of the films), we’re given a window into an adventure that took place between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. This purports to be the story that causes Han to change his mind about staying with the rebels on Hoth. It’s not the best of radio dramas, or even the best of Star Wars stories, but certainly worth a listen once. I still have it on vinyl and pull it out on occasion. It fills me with many memories and makes me hopeful for the increasing installments of Star Wars we’re getting in the future. Here it is in its entirety:
From the back of the album cover:
The Rebel Alliance has just destroyed the dreaded Death Star—but their fight against the evil Galactic Empire is far from over. Forced to set up a new base on the inhospitable ice world of Hoth, the Rebels must divert the Empire’s attention from the move. Han Solo and Luke Skywalker are sent out as decoys against what they think is a lone Imperial Star Destroyer. Unfortunately, the Rebel attack analysts haven’t given our heroes all the facts! And without money, the Rebellion cannot continue its fight for freedom. Princess Leia and her Rebel team attempt a daring heist of Imperial funds—unaware of the treachery that awaits them. It is a time for daring, clever droids and a lightning fast trigger finger. Join Han, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO on their REBEL MISSION TO ORD MANTELL!