Smuggler's Gambit is a fanon audio drama. It was performed and recorded in front of a live audience at Celebration VI which was held in Orlando, Florida. Kyle Newman and F.J. DeSanto penned the script, with Newman also taking on the role of director. Jimmy "Mac" McInerney, who co-hosts Rebel Force Radio, acted as producer and contributed more than 100 original music cues and sound effects.
The story centers on Han Solo and Chewbacca. Some months following the Battle of Yavin, they come to the conclusion that they should leave the Rebel Alliance. However, they soon discover that their notoriety has become a hindrance.
Prepare for an exhilarating Star Wars experience! Smuggler's Gambit, an all-new adventure featuring the iconic duo Han Solo and Chewbacca, is here. This production, reminiscent of the classic Star Wars NPR radio dramas and set within the original trilogy timeframe, explores Han and Chewie's dedication as they seek to relive their past glories. They quickly realize that their assistance in the Rebellion's destruction of the Death Star had significant and lasting consequences...
Princess Leia tasked Han Solo and Chewbacca with locating a suitable new base for the Rebel Alliance. While scouting Abrossos VI, Han and Chewbacca were ambushed by Sweeper, a rival smuggler, and his crew. After a daring escape, they reached the Millennium Falcon, but their hopes of using the planet as a Rebel base were dashed.
Upon their return to the Rebel Fleet, Princess Leia expressed her displeasure with Han and Chewbacca's failure. Consequently, Han decided that their services were no longer required by the Rebellion. The pair departed, intending to resume their smuggling activities.
Ryder Thorn, a young female smuggler, offered Han and Chewbacca a job smuggling stygium crystals. They accepted, only to be betrayed by Ryder's partner, Ro Kurota. Unaware of Ro's scheme to capture them, Ryder was forced to comply.
Ro Kurota's intention was to auction off Han and Chewie to the highest bidder between Black Sun and Jabba the Hutt.
At the auction site, Prince Xizor and Bib Fortuna, accompanied by bounty hunter Boba Fett, argued over the fate of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon.
While imprisoned, Han and Chewie managed to convince Ryder Thorn that their best course of action was to free them and escape together.
As Ro Kurota attempted to sell the two smugglers, Han sent a distress signal to an Imperial garrison, falsely reporting a major fuel leak. An Imperial-class Star Destroyer responded to the call. Amidst the chaos caused by the Star Destroyer's arrival and the ongoing auction, Han, Chewbacca, and Ryder Thorn made a dash for the Falcon, exchanging blaster fire as they fled.
The Falcon successfully escaped the planet, but Kurota pursued them in his ship, the Idiot's Array. To evade Kurota, Han initiated a hyperdrive jump, allowing Kurota to lock onto their coordinates. However, Han cut power to the ship at the last moment, sending Kurota billions of parsecs off course.
Ryder decided to join the Rebellion. Han and Chewie, once again tasked with finding a new base, were immediately dispatched on a Mission to Ord Mantell alongside Luke Skywalker.