As Han Solo's partner, Chewbacca the Wookiee (or Chewie, as Solo calls him) distinguished himself as a talented pilot, starship mechanic, and smuggler. After being rescued from Imperial slavers by Solo, Chewbacca pledged a life debt to the rogue pilot and followed him to several different planets as their relationship grew and the two became close friends and partners. When Solo acquired the light freighter Millennium Falcon, he and Chewbacca began their successful career as intergalactic smugglers. Chewbacca's reputation as a brawler gave him a distinct advantage in shady business negotiations, and it was he who initiated the deal to transport Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker from Tatooine to Alderaan. Chewbacca aided in the rescue of Princess Leia, posing as a prisoner to allow Solo and Skywalker (disguised as stormtroopers) entrance to the Death Star's detention area. After their daring escape, Chewie convinced his friend Solo to assist the Rebel assault on the space station, which gave Luke Skywalker the chance he needed to destroy the Empire's dreaded Battle Station.
