**************************************
Chapter Eleven: The Plan
*
Grand Moff Tarkin stood in the control room of the Death Star, deep in thought about the operation ahead of him. He and his station were being sent to the now located rebel base, but the station's awesome firepower was not to be used to destroy it. Instead, Tarkin was to commit the troops on his station to a ground assault on the rebel stronghold. He was not told why, only that the Emperor ordered it. That was, of course, enough for an Imperial officer to obey.
Yet, Tarkin somehow felt cheated. He wanted his station to be used to destroy the rebellion with one shot. It would save time, resources, and would bring him greater glory. But, alas, it wasn't to be. On extremely rare occasions, Tarkin silently questioned the Emperor's capacity to rule the Empire. But he dared not even think it too often, for fear that somehow, the all knowing Palpatine would find out and kill him.
Tarkin silenced his thoughts as he heard the familiar footsteps of Darth Hister come up behind him. The Grand Moff turned to face the Sith Lord.
"Are your troops ready for the assault?" asked Hister.
"Yes," said Tarkin. "All will be prepared once we get to the Yavin system. We should arrive within an hour. It's a good thing our spies were able to monitor rebel communications so that you could learn of the rebel courier's arrival at Solast, thus allowing you to plant that tracking device."
"Yes," said Hister. "All is proceeding as the Emperor wishes it to. I will accompany the ground forces. The Emperor wants me to personally see to something for him."
"Very well," said Tarkin. "I will inform General Bliloc that you will command his forces."
"No," said Hister. "I will only be going with them. I can not be bothered with commanding the ground forces. The Emperor's errand is my priority."
"As you wish," said Tarkin.
Then, the Grand Moff turned back towards the view screen. Hister stood silently for a moment before speaking again.
"I sense you are not pleased about the Emperor's choice to launch a ground assault," said Hister.
Without turning around, Tarkin replied. "I merely believe it would be a better use of our time and resources to simply destroy the planet and the rebels along with it." But then, he was sure to add. "But, the Emperor, I am sure, has his reasons, and I would never question them."
"I should hope not," said Hister. "You are an able commander. The Empire values your service. But don't let that go to your head. You can be...replaced, if absolutely necessary."
Tarkin turned to face Hister, no hint of fear on the cool officer's face. "Are you quite finished?" asked Tarkin. "I would hate to keep you from preparing to fetch what your master wishes you to retrieve."
Hister sneered slightly, before turning and leaving the control room. Tarkin turned once again back to the screen, and smirked ever so slightly, feeling some small measure of victory.
**
"Are they certain?" asked Master Windu.
"Yes," replied a young rebel officer. "Our scouts confirm that the Death Star will arrive in the Yavin system within the hour."
Windu was one of a number of rebel officials gathered around a planning table. Among the group of officials was Obi-Wan Kenobi, who's face bore a look of quiet concern at the news of the Death Star's impending approach. Also standing with Kenobi were Anakin and Padme, quietly taking each other's hands in a sort of mutual gesture of comfort.
"This makes things more urgent for us," said one of the rebel officials, Mon Mothma. "We have our fighters ready to go, but will this plan we have worked out work?"
"It has to," said Windu. "It is our only chance of defeating the Death Star. If it doesn't, all is lost."
"Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "You've had a chance to look over the plan. You are an experienced combat pilot. What do you think?"
Anakin was thoughtful for a moment before replying. "Its daring, and its dangerous. But, this plan would also work to our advantage in some respects. The Death Star's defenses are planned around the idea of a massive assault against it, not for a defense against fighter assaults. They don't believe mere fighters to be a threat to them. Our pilots should be able to slip past the Death Star's defense and hit the target. With the force on our side, of course."
"I agree," said Master Windu.
"Master," said Obi-Wan to Windu. "I believe that Anakin should brief the pilots on the attack. Being a pilot himself, they would respect his views and be more likely to feel confident in the plan."
"But they do not know Anakin," commented Windu.
"True enough," said Obi-Wan. "But I believe Anakin can win them over because of the simple fact he is a pilot. He speaks their language. We know these pilots would die to destroy that station. But I think they would perform even better if they were fully confident in the plan. All of our hopes ride on this plan."
Windu nodded. "Very well," he said. "Anakin, is it true that you and your Padawan will be flying on the mission?"
"Yes," said Anakin. "I've already spoken with the squadron commander. He could use two more pilots."
"As you wish," said Windu. "May the force be with you, and with us all."
***
The commander of the rebel fighter squadron stood up before a ward room full of pilots. Donned in his flight suit, the commander spoke to his men.
"Alright, people, listen up," he said. "The briefing today will be conducted by Anakin Skywalker, one of my new flight leaders. He is an experienced combat pilot...and a Jedi Knight."
Murmurs went through the gathered pilots after hearing their commander's last words. They had heard rumors that a Jedi was going to be flying with them, and the commander just confirmed them.
Anakin came up to the podium, donned in a rebel flight suit, and turned to face the pilots. Sitting in the fourth row back was his son, Luke, sitting between his two new found friends, Wedge and Biggs. Luke smiled slightly, and nodded, as if telling his Father a silent "good luck."
"Here is the situation," began Anakin. "Very soon, the Death Star will be arriving. If that station is not destroyed, this rebellion against Imperial tyranny will become just a memory. Its up to us, the fighter pilots, to stop that station before it can be used against us. Not only against us, but against the innocents of this galaxy, as it has already been used to destroy Naboo and its people. We have to end the threat of this station now."
Anakin turned and activated a viewing screen, and a display of the Death Star came up on the screen. "The plan to destroy the Death Star is as follows. Red squadron will sweep into the Death Star's defenses, drawing fire from their defense guns and from their fighters. We have to keep them busy, while Gold squadron flies in an knocks out the Death Star's main reactor. In order to accomplish this, the Gold squadron pilots will have to fly through this main trench at the station's largest circumference. You will eventually come up on a small thermal exhaust point about two meters in size. A volley of proton torpedoes should enter into the port, causing a chain reaction that will knock out the main reactor, which will cause a massive secondary explosion which should destroy the station in a matter of moments."
"Excuse me, sir," said one of the pilots. "But this sounds impossible. Hitting a target two meters in size, after hopefully getting through the outer defenses and not getting shot down. The computer targeting systems are accurate, but I don't think they are that accurate."
"Those who know the systems think the computer can hit it," said Anakin. "Look, I'm an experienced combat pilot. In fact, I've been a pilot nearly all my life, from the time I was a boy pod racing on Tatooine. After that, I flew in the defense of Naboo against the Trade Federation invasion many years ago, and on a hundred missions since then. I'm sure many of you out there are just as experienced. But I tell you, as a pilot, that I think this can be done. The Empire thinks that we are not threat to them. They think that a good pilot is no match for their machinery and armament. I say they're wrong. I say that a good pilot can beat their station, with skill and marksmanship on their side. We are all that stands between our people and that station. We are the first and only line of defense. Are you going to run in the face of the Empire's tyranny? I'm not, because, as they say, 'the bigger they are, the harder they fall.' I think its time to teach these Imperial goons what good pilots can do. What do you think?"
The room was quiet for a moment before someone stood up and said. "I'm with you." It was Luke.
Biggs and Wedge quickly followed, along with the squadron commander and several other pilots. More of the pilots stood up, until every rebel pilot was on his feet. As they each stood up, they said "I'm with you."
After all of the pilots were standing, Anakin smiled. "Then mount up, gentlemen. And may the force be with you."
The pilots began filing out of the ward room and heading to their ships. The squadron commander came over to Anakin, and shook his hands.
"I'm glad to have you with us, Skywalker," said the commander.
"Thank you, sir," said Anakin.
Padme, who had watched the whole thing silently in the back of the room, walked up to Anakin after all of the other pilots had left the room. "Well done," she said, putting her arms around Anakin.
"Thank you," said Anakin, taking Padme into his embrace. "That means a lot, coming from someone far more experienced at making speeches than I am."
Padme looked deeply into her husbands eyes. She couldn't break away from looking at him, and Anakin knew what his wife was feeling. She was scared of losing him.
"Don't worry, Padme," said Anakin. "I'm going to help destroy that thing that took your world from you, then I will come back. And together, we are going to keep fighting until Palpatine and his Empire are finished for good."
Padme put her hand on Anakin's cheek. "You'd better come back to me," she said. "I couldn't bear the thought of living without you."
The two lovers then kissed each other passionately, and crushed each other in a tight embrace. They held each other for a long time, each not wanting to let the other go. Finally, Obi-Wan came into the room.
"Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "Its time."
Anakin reluctantly released Padme, kissing her on the cheek one more time before walking towards the door. He came over to Obi-Wan, and the two shook hands.
"Obi-Wan, if...anything..." began Anakin.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I will protect Padme and Leia with my life, I assure you," said Obi-Wan. "But I know you will come back. I refuse to see any other possibility."
The two men then embraced as a Father and son would. After sharing their hug, Anakin walked into the hanger. As he did so, he saw Leia approach him.
"Father," said Leia, tears falling from her eyes. "Please be careful."
Anakin kissed his daughter on the cheek, and gently wiped away her tears with his thumb. "Don't you worry, Princess," he said. "There's nothing in this universe that will keep me from seeing your pretty face again. So, be strong, and have faith."
Luke walked over at this point, and Leia gave her brother a big hug. "You be safe, too, little brother," said Leia.
"I'm only your little brother by five minutes," said Luke. "I wish you wouldn't call me that. But, don't worry, I'll come back. After all, who else is going to be around to make fun of your hairdos."
Leia playfully hit her brother on the shoulder. "That will be enough out of you, pretty boy."
"Luke," said Padme, who walked up and joined her family. She put her hand on her son's cheek, and then fixed his hair slightly in a Mother's gesture. "I want you to be safe. Don't try and be a hero."
"I'll be alright, Mom," said Luke. "And don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Dad here."
Padme smiled. "My little boy all grown up," she said. Then, she kissed Luke on the cheek. "I'm very proud of you. Good luck, my son."
Anakin and Luke went to their fighters. Before splitting off to board their respective ships, Anakin put his hand on Luke's shoulder. "Remember, Luke," said Anakin. "Watch your back. And be cautious on tight turns. You could black out if you are not careful. And..."
"I'll be alright, Dad," said Luke. "You taught me well."
Anakin smiled. "I did, didn't I?"
Then, Father and son hugged one another. After breaking the hug, Anakin spoke. "May the force be with you, my son."
"And with you, Father," replied Luke.
Anakin and Luke were in their fighters, within a minute or so, and a few minutes after that, they're fighters joined the other rebel ships in launching out of the hanger. The squadron of rebel fighters streaked up into space to confront the Empire's Death Star, with the determination to save the galaxy from its evil.
Chapter Eleven: The Plan
*
Grand Moff Tarkin stood in the control room of the Death Star, deep in thought about the operation ahead of him. He and his station were being sent to the now located rebel base, but the station's awesome firepower was not to be used to destroy it. Instead, Tarkin was to commit the troops on his station to a ground assault on the rebel stronghold. He was not told why, only that the Emperor ordered it. That was, of course, enough for an Imperial officer to obey.
Yet, Tarkin somehow felt cheated. He wanted his station to be used to destroy the rebellion with one shot. It would save time, resources, and would bring him greater glory. But, alas, it wasn't to be. On extremely rare occasions, Tarkin silently questioned the Emperor's capacity to rule the Empire. But he dared not even think it too often, for fear that somehow, the all knowing Palpatine would find out and kill him.
Tarkin silenced his thoughts as he heard the familiar footsteps of Darth Hister come up behind him. The Grand Moff turned to face the Sith Lord.
"Are your troops ready for the assault?" asked Hister.
"Yes," said Tarkin. "All will be prepared once we get to the Yavin system. We should arrive within an hour. It's a good thing our spies were able to monitor rebel communications so that you could learn of the rebel courier's arrival at Solast, thus allowing you to plant that tracking device."
"Yes," said Hister. "All is proceeding as the Emperor wishes it to. I will accompany the ground forces. The Emperor wants me to personally see to something for him."
"Very well," said Tarkin. "I will inform General Bliloc that you will command his forces."
"No," said Hister. "I will only be going with them. I can not be bothered with commanding the ground forces. The Emperor's errand is my priority."
"As you wish," said Tarkin.
Then, the Grand Moff turned back towards the view screen. Hister stood silently for a moment before speaking again.
"I sense you are not pleased about the Emperor's choice to launch a ground assault," said Hister.
Without turning around, Tarkin replied. "I merely believe it would be a better use of our time and resources to simply destroy the planet and the rebels along with it." But then, he was sure to add. "But, the Emperor, I am sure, has his reasons, and I would never question them."
"I should hope not," said Hister. "You are an able commander. The Empire values your service. But don't let that go to your head. You can be...replaced, if absolutely necessary."
Tarkin turned to face Hister, no hint of fear on the cool officer's face. "Are you quite finished?" asked Tarkin. "I would hate to keep you from preparing to fetch what your master wishes you to retrieve."
Hister sneered slightly, before turning and leaving the control room. Tarkin turned once again back to the screen, and smirked ever so slightly, feeling some small measure of victory.
**
"Are they certain?" asked Master Windu.
"Yes," replied a young rebel officer. "Our scouts confirm that the Death Star will arrive in the Yavin system within the hour."
Windu was one of a number of rebel officials gathered around a planning table. Among the group of officials was Obi-Wan Kenobi, who's face bore a look of quiet concern at the news of the Death Star's impending approach. Also standing with Kenobi were Anakin and Padme, quietly taking each other's hands in a sort of mutual gesture of comfort.
"This makes things more urgent for us," said one of the rebel officials, Mon Mothma. "We have our fighters ready to go, but will this plan we have worked out work?"
"It has to," said Windu. "It is our only chance of defeating the Death Star. If it doesn't, all is lost."
"Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "You've had a chance to look over the plan. You are an experienced combat pilot. What do you think?"
Anakin was thoughtful for a moment before replying. "Its daring, and its dangerous. But, this plan would also work to our advantage in some respects. The Death Star's defenses are planned around the idea of a massive assault against it, not for a defense against fighter assaults. They don't believe mere fighters to be a threat to them. Our pilots should be able to slip past the Death Star's defense and hit the target. With the force on our side, of course."
"I agree," said Master Windu.
"Master," said Obi-Wan to Windu. "I believe that Anakin should brief the pilots on the attack. Being a pilot himself, they would respect his views and be more likely to feel confident in the plan."
"But they do not know Anakin," commented Windu.
"True enough," said Obi-Wan. "But I believe Anakin can win them over because of the simple fact he is a pilot. He speaks their language. We know these pilots would die to destroy that station. But I think they would perform even better if they were fully confident in the plan. All of our hopes ride on this plan."
Windu nodded. "Very well," he said. "Anakin, is it true that you and your Padawan will be flying on the mission?"
"Yes," said Anakin. "I've already spoken with the squadron commander. He could use two more pilots."
"As you wish," said Windu. "May the force be with you, and with us all."
***
The commander of the rebel fighter squadron stood up before a ward room full of pilots. Donned in his flight suit, the commander spoke to his men.
"Alright, people, listen up," he said. "The briefing today will be conducted by Anakin Skywalker, one of my new flight leaders. He is an experienced combat pilot...and a Jedi Knight."
Murmurs went through the gathered pilots after hearing their commander's last words. They had heard rumors that a Jedi was going to be flying with them, and the commander just confirmed them.
Anakin came up to the podium, donned in a rebel flight suit, and turned to face the pilots. Sitting in the fourth row back was his son, Luke, sitting between his two new found friends, Wedge and Biggs. Luke smiled slightly, and nodded, as if telling his Father a silent "good luck."
"Here is the situation," began Anakin. "Very soon, the Death Star will be arriving. If that station is not destroyed, this rebellion against Imperial tyranny will become just a memory. Its up to us, the fighter pilots, to stop that station before it can be used against us. Not only against us, but against the innocents of this galaxy, as it has already been used to destroy Naboo and its people. We have to end the threat of this station now."
Anakin turned and activated a viewing screen, and a display of the Death Star came up on the screen. "The plan to destroy the Death Star is as follows. Red squadron will sweep into the Death Star's defenses, drawing fire from their defense guns and from their fighters. We have to keep them busy, while Gold squadron flies in an knocks out the Death Star's main reactor. In order to accomplish this, the Gold squadron pilots will have to fly through this main trench at the station's largest circumference. You will eventually come up on a small thermal exhaust point about two meters in size. A volley of proton torpedoes should enter into the port, causing a chain reaction that will knock out the main reactor, which will cause a massive secondary explosion which should destroy the station in a matter of moments."
"Excuse me, sir," said one of the pilots. "But this sounds impossible. Hitting a target two meters in size, after hopefully getting through the outer defenses and not getting shot down. The computer targeting systems are accurate, but I don't think they are that accurate."
"Those who know the systems think the computer can hit it," said Anakin. "Look, I'm an experienced combat pilot. In fact, I've been a pilot nearly all my life, from the time I was a boy pod racing on Tatooine. After that, I flew in the defense of Naboo against the Trade Federation invasion many years ago, and on a hundred missions since then. I'm sure many of you out there are just as experienced. But I tell you, as a pilot, that I think this can be done. The Empire thinks that we are not threat to them. They think that a good pilot is no match for their machinery and armament. I say they're wrong. I say that a good pilot can beat their station, with skill and marksmanship on their side. We are all that stands between our people and that station. We are the first and only line of defense. Are you going to run in the face of the Empire's tyranny? I'm not, because, as they say, 'the bigger they are, the harder they fall.' I think its time to teach these Imperial goons what good pilots can do. What do you think?"
The room was quiet for a moment before someone stood up and said. "I'm with you." It was Luke.
Biggs and Wedge quickly followed, along with the squadron commander and several other pilots. More of the pilots stood up, until every rebel pilot was on his feet. As they each stood up, they said "I'm with you."
After all of the pilots were standing, Anakin smiled. "Then mount up, gentlemen. And may the force be with you."
The pilots began filing out of the ward room and heading to their ships. The squadron commander came over to Anakin, and shook his hands.
"I'm glad to have you with us, Skywalker," said the commander.
"Thank you, sir," said Anakin.
Padme, who had watched the whole thing silently in the back of the room, walked up to Anakin after all of the other pilots had left the room. "Well done," she said, putting her arms around Anakin.
"Thank you," said Anakin, taking Padme into his embrace. "That means a lot, coming from someone far more experienced at making speeches than I am."
Padme looked deeply into her husbands eyes. She couldn't break away from looking at him, and Anakin knew what his wife was feeling. She was scared of losing him.
"Don't worry, Padme," said Anakin. "I'm going to help destroy that thing that took your world from you, then I will come back. And together, we are going to keep fighting until Palpatine and his Empire are finished for good."
Padme put her hand on Anakin's cheek. "You'd better come back to me," she said. "I couldn't bear the thought of living without you."
The two lovers then kissed each other passionately, and crushed each other in a tight embrace. They held each other for a long time, each not wanting to let the other go. Finally, Obi-Wan came into the room.
"Anakin," said Obi-Wan. "Its time."
Anakin reluctantly released Padme, kissing her on the cheek one more time before walking towards the door. He came over to Obi-Wan, and the two shook hands.
"Obi-Wan, if...anything..." began Anakin.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I will protect Padme and Leia with my life, I assure you," said Obi-Wan. "But I know you will come back. I refuse to see any other possibility."
The two men then embraced as a Father and son would. After sharing their hug, Anakin walked into the hanger. As he did so, he saw Leia approach him.
"Father," said Leia, tears falling from her eyes. "Please be careful."
Anakin kissed his daughter on the cheek, and gently wiped away her tears with his thumb. "Don't you worry, Princess," he said. "There's nothing in this universe that will keep me from seeing your pretty face again. So, be strong, and have faith."
Luke walked over at this point, and Leia gave her brother a big hug. "You be safe, too, little brother," said Leia.
"I'm only your little brother by five minutes," said Luke. "I wish you wouldn't call me that. But, don't worry, I'll come back. After all, who else is going to be around to make fun of your hairdos."
Leia playfully hit her brother on the shoulder. "That will be enough out of you, pretty boy."
"Luke," said Padme, who walked up and joined her family. She put her hand on her son's cheek, and then fixed his hair slightly in a Mother's gesture. "I want you to be safe. Don't try and be a hero."
"I'll be alright, Mom," said Luke. "And don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Dad here."
Padme smiled. "My little boy all grown up," she said. Then, she kissed Luke on the cheek. "I'm very proud of you. Good luck, my son."
Anakin and Luke went to their fighters. Before splitting off to board their respective ships, Anakin put his hand on Luke's shoulder. "Remember, Luke," said Anakin. "Watch your back. And be cautious on tight turns. You could black out if you are not careful. And..."
"I'll be alright, Dad," said Luke. "You taught me well."
Anakin smiled. "I did, didn't I?"
Then, Father and son hugged one another. After breaking the hug, Anakin spoke. "May the force be with you, my son."
"And with you, Father," replied Luke.
Anakin and Luke were in their fighters, within a minute or so, and a few minutes after that, they're fighters joined the other rebel ships in launching out of the hanger. The squadron of rebel fighters streaked up into space to confront the Empire's Death Star, with the determination to save the galaxy from its evil.