The Clone Wars shook the entire galaxy. It wasn’t just a fight between the Republic and the Separatists—it was the beginning of everything that followed. When the war ended, the Republic fell, and the Empire rose under the control of Emperor Palpatine.
We all know what happened next. The Clone Troopers were phased out and replaced by Stormtroopers, becoming relics of the past.
But did you know that one Clone didn’t just survive—he actually joined the Rebellion after meeting Luke Skywalker?
Yeah, this actually happened—but only in Star Wars Legends. Here’s how the story played out.
The story comes from the Star Wars: Empire comic series, specifically issues #26 and #27 from Dark Horse Comics.
As for the plot, we begin with Luke Skywalker and the Red Squadron flying escort for a secret Rebel intelligence operation on a remote planet called Lubang Minor.
When the Red Squadron lands on the planet, they begin setting up a Rebel intelligence base. While everyone is unloading supplies from their X-wings, Luke decides to wander around the area.
What Luke finds is a graveyard for fallen Clone Troopers. He also discovers an old LAAT/i gunship. Curious, Luke takes a look inside—and realizes someone is still living there.
While Luke is out exploring, the Rebels at the base are suddenly attacked by TIE fighters. Moments later, the Empire sends in Stormtroopers to finish the job.
The entire place turns into a battlefield within minutes. The Rebels realize they’re hopelessly outnumbered.
In the middle of all this, a group of Stormtroopers stumbles across a Phase I Clone Trooper. He steps out of hiding and says: “Able, One Seven Oh Seven, reporting for duty.”
But instead of welcoming him, the Imperials immediately order their men to open fire, believing he’s sided with the Rebels. Able is forced to flee under heavy fire.
Meanwhile, Luke is still on the run when he finally crosses paths with the Clone. But their meeting isn’t easy. Able points his blaster at Luke and demands to know who he is. He even asks if Luke and the Rebels are from the Separatists.
Luke and his Rebel friend try to explain. They tell Able that the Empire attacked them, and those soldiers aren’t Clones—they’re Stormtroopers.
They explain that the Clone Wars ended a long time ago. The Jedi are gone. Then Luke shows Able his lightsaber and declares that he’s a Jedi, trained by Obi-Wan Kenobi.
When Able hears the names “Kenobi” and “Skywalker,” something clicks. He responds: “General Skywalker was one of our most important leaders. If the Jedi have taken up arms against this Empire… Then I am yours to command, General. Able One Seven Oh Seven, reporting for duty.”
And just like that, a Clone Trooper joins the Rebel Alliance.
But the story doesn’t end there. After joining, Luke and Able work together to rescue their captured Rebel friends and escape the planet. The plan? Wear Stormtrooper armor and sneak into the Imperial holding area.
Disguised as guards escorting prisoners, Luke and Able make their way into the Imperial camp. But an officer stops them and says, “Remove your helmet, Trooper. Who was your last commanding officer?”
Able slowly takes off his helmet and answers: “General… Shaak Ti.”
Then he opens fire, taking out the officer. Luke removes his helmet, too, and the rescue mission begins.
The best part? Able shows just how much of a fighter he still is. When an Imperial ship tries to take down the Rebels’ escape vessel, Able doesn’t hesitate. He runs straight into the enemy ship and takes it out with a grenade, giving the Rebels the chance to flee.
The story ends with Able escaping the planet along with the entire Rebel team.