Smuggler's Gambit is a fanon audio drama that was recorded live at Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida. The script was written by , who also directed, and . Rebel Force Radio co-host Jimmy "Mac" McInerney produced it and created over 100 sound effects and music cues.
The plot involves Han Solo and Chewbacca deciding to leave the Rebel Alliance several months after the Battle of Yavin, only to find that their newfound fame works against them.
Set your speakers to hyperspace and buckle up for a rip-roaring, all-new Star Wars adventure – Smuggler's Gambit — starring everyone's favorite scoundrels, Han Solo and Chewbacca! Performed in the spirit of the classic Star Wars NPR radio dramas and set in the original trilogy era, Smuggler's Gambit tests Han and Chewie's commitment to the cause as they venture off to reclaim their glory days, only to realize that their decision to help the Rebellion take down the Death Star was not without consequence...
Ro Kurota and Ryder Thorn.
Han Solo and Chewbacca were assigned by Princess Leia to find a new base for the Rebel Alliance. Han and Chewbacca were scouting on Abrossos VI and were attacked by rival smuggler Sweeper, and his gang. Han and Chewbacca made a daring escape and reached the Millennium Falcon, but lost their hope of using the planet for the new Rebel base.
When Han and Chewbacca returned to the Rebel Fleet, Princess Leia was angry with them for failing the mission. Han decided he and Chewbacca were no longer needed in the Rebellion, and the two left to try to return to the smuggling business.
Han and Chewbacca received an offer to smuggle stygium crystals by Ryder Thorn, a young female smuggler. Han and Chewie accepted, but were double-crossed by Ryder's partner, Ro Kurota. Ryder was unaware of Ro's plan to capture them, and was forced to submit.
Ro Kurota intended to sell Han and Chewie in a bidding war between Black Sun and Jabba the Hutt.
They arrived at the bidding point, and Prince Xizor and Bib Fortuna, accompanied by bounty hunter Boba Fett bickered over the fate of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon.
Han and Chewie, in captivity, convinced Ryder Thorn that her best option was to free them and escape together.
While Ro Kurota tries to sell the two smugglers, Han sends an emergency distress call to an Imperial garrison, reporting a disastrous fuel leak, and an Imperial-class Star Destroyer is hailed at the scene. In the confusion of the Star Destroyer arriving, and the auction, Han, Chewbacca and Ryder Thorn dash to the Falcon, dodging and returning blaster bolts.
The Falcon makes it off-world, but are pursued by a very angry Kurota in his ship, the Idiot's Array. In order to lose Kurota, Han programs his hyperdrive, allowing Kurota to lock their location, but cuts the power to the ship at the last second, so Kurota is blasted billions of parsecs away.
Ryder joins the Rebellion, and Han and Chewie return to finding a new base, only to be sent off again on a Mission to Ord Mantell with Luke Skywalker.