star wars - Why was the Rebel Blockade Runner so close to Tatooine?

At the beginning of Star Wars: A New Hope, we see the Rebel Blockade Runner with Princess Leia and the Droids being pursued by a Star Destroyer above the planet Tatooine. Practically directly above it, close enough that it could almost be in orbit.

It seems an incredibly strange coincidence that they should run so close to a planet that just happens to play host to Darth Vader's estranged son and former mentor before his turn to the Dark Side. Moreso that they'd fly so close to any planet at all, when space is so vast and empty.

What reason did the Rebel Blockade Runner have for being so close to Tatooine during this chase?

Answer

This is not a coincidence at all.

Princess Leia was travelling to Tatooine to meet Obi-Wan Kenobi and ask him to help the Rebel Alliance. When her ship is intercepted, she has to improvise, so she sends R2-D2 to the planet's surface with a message for Obi-Wan:

General Kenobi. Years ago, you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I'm afraid my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed.

Comments

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