Chapter 10

"I'm Luke Skywalker," Luke said as he reached the area where the x-wing pilots had gathered. "I was assigned to this squadron."

"Did you say Skywalker?" the squadron leader, a man in his forties asked as he approached Luke.

"Yeah," Luke said, eying the man suspiciously. "Why?"

"Any relation to Anakin Skywalker?" the man asked.

Luke nodded. "My father," he said simply.

"I remember him from the Clones Wars," the squadron leader explained. "Helluva pilot, best I've ever seen," he said. "If you're half as good as he is, kid, you'll be pretty damn good."

Luke simply nodded as he watched the man walk away. Pieces of the puzzle that had been his father's life were slowly falling into place; creating a picture of a man that Luke would have given anything to know. But that man is gone now, Luke thought somberly as he made his away to the craft that had been assigned to him. Destroyed by the Dark Side.

"Hey, your Artoo unit seems a bit beat up," the technician who was serving Luke's ship told him. "You want a new one?"

Luke smiled as he climbed the ladder up to the cockpit. "Not on your life," he replied. "This little Artoo unit and I have been through a lot together. You okay Artoo?" he asked. The little droid whistled a most definite affirmative. "Good," Luke said as he settled into the cockpit.

Obi-Wan, Leia and Vader headed for the command center, where a large schematic of the battle was displayed. The Death Star, represented by a red dot, was growing closer to the Yavin System. Soon an ominous announcement was heard over the loudspeaker. Stand-by alert. Death Star approaching. Estimated time to firing range, fifteen minutes.

Leia looked up at her father at this alert. "They're almost here," she said.

Vader nodded. "It will be close," he said. "Let us just hope that your efforts are not in vain."

Soon the sound of chatter was heard over the loudspeaker as the pilots all reported in.

Look at the size of that thing! One pilot gasped as he caught sight of the enormous space station.

Cut the chatter, Red Two, he was cautioned by the squadron leader.

Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!

Vader watched the skirmishes as they were represented on the giant display before him, remembering all too well the exhilaration of being in the heart of such a battle. He reached out into the Force, searching for the distinctive, brilliant aura of his son. He could feel the boy's excitement, his fear and anticipation as the battle heated up. The Force will be with you, Luke, he told his son, knowing that the bond between he and Luke already existed.

High above the Death Star, Luke heard his father's words. The voice in his head was not the menacing, mile-deep baritone that he had come to associate with the Dark Lord. No, this was a different voice; the voice of his father, his real father, the man who had loved his mother, who had been a great Jedi. Luke shook his head, as though to shake the thoughts from his head, and refocused on the battle.

"They've passed the magnetic field," Leia said. She looked at the position of the Death Star on the display. "We're running out of time."

Vader nodded. "Red squadron must proceed," he said. "They are in the best position to reach the port. Gold squadron…." He stopped as he felt a great wave of terror emanating from his son. "Luke…"he uttered, grasping the edge of the display tightly. He closed his eyes, trying to determine what his son was going though.

"What is it?" Leia cried. "What is wrong?"

Vader was silent for a moment. Luke had come close to being engulfed in a fireball on the surface of the Death Star, but he was okay. He made it.

"He's alright," Vader told her. "A close call, but he's fine."

At that moment they heard Luke's voice over the battle chatter. "I got a little cooked but I'm okay."

Leia sighed with relief, amazed by her father's ability to sense Luke's feelings from so far away.

"TIE fighters," Vader said as they saw a new group of ships enter the schemata. "They must split up," he told Leia. "And engage those TIE fighters ship to ship."

It was soon apparent that the fighters had been spotted, and soon the pilots in both squadrons were engaged in dog fights above the Death Star's surface. The activity on the display map was chaotic, laser fire from ships as well as the surface guns everywhere. Chatter on the loud speaker was loud and chaotic as well as the pilots did their best to cover one another and stave off the enemy attacks.

Leia could feel the fear within her growing as the Death Star grew closer, as the battle above it increased in intensity and pitch. Despite her best efforts to do so, she could not stop thinking that if Han Solo had remained with the Rebellion, he would have made a huge difference in the battle; despite the fact that he was an arrogant, money hungry nerf herder, he was also a great pilot.

"Gold Five to Red Leader. .. Lost Tiree, lost Dutch…"

"I copy, Gold Five."

"They came from behind..."

"They mustn't waste all their pilots in one run," Vader told his daughter.

"What do you suggest?" Leia asked.

"I would reserve half of the squadron," he told her. "Cover the trench and hold off those TIE fighters. It will give them a chance at least to reach the objective."

Leia nodded, impressed and even a little proud of her father's battle savvy. She looked at General Dodonna who had been listening, despite trying to appear not to. He reflected on Vader's suggestion, and then nodded. At once he made contact with the squadron leaders.

"Red Leader, this is Base One," he announced. "Keep half your group out of range for the next run."

"Copy, Base One. Luke, take Red Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal...to start your run."

Leia looked up at her father and smiled. "Good call," she said.

"I've been in a few battles in my life," Vader replied simply.

"Yes, I'm sure you have," Leia replied, returning her attention to the battle scene in front of them. Two X-wings moved across the surface of the Death Star. Red Leader's X-wing dropped down to the surface leading to the exhaust port.

"This is it!"

Everyone held their breath as Red Leader entered the trench and began his run.

"I'm in range."

Leia and Vader watched as Red Leader's X-wing moved up the Death Star trench.

"Target's coming up! Just hold them off for a few seconds."

"Look," Leia said in alarm as they spotted three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star surface.

Vader nodded. "They are headed for the trench," he said. Sure enough, no sooner had Vader said the words, then the three TIE fighters zoomed down into the trench at breakneck speed. Red Twelve's X-wing fighter was hit by laser fire, and it exploded into flames against the trench.

"You'd better let her loose!" the panicked voice of Red Ten was heard over the intercom as he desperately tried to hold off the fighters that were rapidly approaching.

"Almost there!"

"I can't hold them!" Red Ten replied, and soon his death screams were heard as his ship was hit from behind. It exploded and bursts into flames.

Red Leader continued his run, approaching the target rapidly. Soon he reached it, and fired his proton torpedo.

"It's away!"

Everyone in the command room watched with bated breath, waiting for the explosion to follow.

"It's a hit!" Red Nine's voice exclaimed excitedly.

"Negative,"Red Leader announced, his voice heavy with disappointment and frustration. "Negative! It didn't go in. It just impacted on the surface."

Leia released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She looked up at Vader. He turned and looked at her, wishing he had some words of comfort to offer her. Instead he merely put a hand on her shoulder. "There's still time," he told her.

Leia nodded and they both returned their attention to the battle.

Luke's voice was the next one they heard on the intercom. "Red Leader, we're right above you. Turn to point...oh-five; we'll cover for you."

Red Leader's voice was heard next.

"Stay there...I just lost my starboard engine. Get set to make your attack run."

The next sound was one of Red Leader's screams as his ship was hit. And then, after a moment of shocked silence, Luke's voice was heard once again. He spoke with calm authority that made his father proud.

"Biggs, Wedge, let's close it up. We're going in. We're going in full throttle," he said.

"Right with you, boss," Wedge replied.

The two X-wings took off at tremendous speed and dove into the trench "Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?" Biggs asked.

Vader couldn't help but smile to himself when he heard his son's response. "It'll be just like Beggar's Canyon back home."

"Sounds like a young pilot I used to know," Obi-Wan commented, looking up at Vader.

Vader nodded. "Just as reckless," he muttered.

Obi-Wan chucked.

The three X-wings move in, unleashing a barrage of laser fire.

Laser bolts were returned from the Death Star.

Luke could feel the exhilaration as he realized that it was now up to him and his friends: the battle was in their hands.

"We'll stay back far enough to cover you," Biggs told him.

Flak and laser bolts flashed outside Luke's cockpit window as he continued.

"My scope shows the tower, but I can't see the exhaust port! Are you sure the computer can hit it?" Wedge asked doubtfully.

Luke looked around for the Imperial TIE fighters. He thought for

a moment and then moved his targeting device into position. "Watch yourself! Increase speed full throttle!" he ordered Wedge.

"What about the tower?" Wedge asked.

"You worry about those fighters!" Luke told him. "I'll worry about the tower!"

In the command center Vader watched the progression of his son's vessel, feeling the sense of expectation, of exhilaration that his son was experiencing.

"Artoo...that, that stabilizer's broken loose again!" Luke's voice was heard. "See if you can't lock it down!"

It gave Vader some small degree of comfort to know that Artoo Detoo was there to help his son. The little droid had always been very resourceful in tight situations, and this was no exception as he worked furiously to repair the damages.

Laser cannons fired on the fighters as they continued on their way, Luke's fighter in the lead. The TIE fighters in pursuit of them were deadly in their aim and accuracy, and soon Wedge found himself in a difficult position.

"I'm hit! I can't stay with you," he told his comrades.

"Get clear, Wedge," Luke told him. "You can't do any more good back there!"

"Sorry!" Wedge replied apologetically.

The three Imperial pilots allowed him to escape, concentrating their efforts on Luke. Luke's X-wing sped down the trench as the three TIE fighters in perfect unbroken formation, trailed close behind.

"Be careful, Luke," Leia murmured, her anxiety level growing higher the closer the TIE fighters got to her brother's craft.

"Hurry, Luke," Biggs cautioned him. "They're coming in much faster this time. I can't hold them!"

Leia moved closer to her father, as though seeking his comfort. He was as anxious as she was, for the TIE fighters were moving in ever closer to Luke. Managing to squeeze a tiny more power out of his engines, Luke put on a burst of speed, moving a little further away from his pursuers, giving him a little breathing room. Biggs, however, was not so lucky, and in a matter of moments, he was blown to the stars by the relentless Imperial fighters. Luke was all alone.

Vader could feel his son's devastation at the loss of his friend. But, on the heels of the sadness, Vader sensed another emotion. Anger.

"It's all up to Luke now," Obi-Wan said. "He's the only one left."

Vader looked down at his daughter, sensing in her the same trepidation he himself felt. "The Force is strong with him," Vader told her. "He will make it."

"I hope you're right," Leia said softly. She looked down at the display where she saw the TIE fighters gaining even more ground on her brother's ship. Silently she and Vader watched as Luke's ship streaked through the trench of the Death Star. Ever in pursuit of the quarry, the three TIE fighters charged away down the trench toward Luke.

Vader reached out to his son, realizing that it was all up to him now. Use the Force, Luke, he told his son. You can do it…I know you can…let go and let the Force guide you.

Luke heard his father's voice again, but was unsure if he ought to follow his advice. He looked through the targeting sites once more, adjusting the controls.

Luke, trust me.

Luke was startled by how easily his father could communicate with him. He could feel the sincerity of his words, and made his decision. Reaching for the control panel, Luke pressed the button and the targeting device moved away.

At once a voice was heard on the intercom. His computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?

And then Luke's voice was heard, calm and full of confidence. "Nothing. I'm all right."

Vader smiled to himself, pleased that his son had heeded his words. He looked down at Leia. "Don't worry, Leia," he told her. "Your brother knows what he's doing."

Leia could only nod in response and hope her father know what he was talking about. She looked down at the display and watched as

Luke's ship streaked ever close to the exhaust port. Behind him the three TIE fighters followed him in close pursuit. Suddenly a large burst of laser fire engulfed Artoo. The little droid made a squealing sound and became inoperative.

"I've lost Artoo!" Luke cried.

Leia, Vader and the others stared intently at the projected screen, as

lights representing the Death Star and targets glow brightly. Over the intercom, an ominous announcement was heard.

The Death Star has cleared the planet. The Death Star has cleared the planet.

Leia and Vader look at one another, bracing themselves for the worst. Tentatively Vader reached over and took his daughter's hand, half expecting her to pull it away. She did not, and squeezes her father's hand back as they waited for what seemed like an eternity, the battle in the trench above them raging on as Luke continued to race to the exhaust port.

Out of no where, another ship entered the display. It fired upon the center TIE fighters, causing its pilot to lose control and go spinning out into space as the wingmen crashed into the sides of the Death Star trench. Then the familiar voice of Han Solo was heard over the intercom, to the utter surprise of all, and secret delight of Leia.

"You're all clear, now let's blow this thing and go home!"

Luke fired his torpedoes toward the port, using the Force to guide him. He moved out of the trench, smiling to himself as he realized that they had found their mark. He sped away from the Death Star, seeing the Millennium Falcon close by. They and the handful of Rebel ships made their way back toward the Yavin moon as behind them the mighty Death Star exploded in a spectacular display of light.

"Great shot kid, that was one in a million!" Han exclaimed.

Well done, young one Luke heard the voice of his father say. The Force is strong with you, my son.

Luke was oddly pleased to have his father's admiration, and hurried back to the moon of Yavin, feeling as though the course of his life had just changed irrevocably.

Inside the command center, the mood was jubilant. Cheering and shouts of excitement were heard from all quarters, even the staid and serious generals were seen clapping one another on the back.

Vader stood amid the celebration, feeling more relief than anything else. The fact that thousands of clones, hundreds of officers, many of whom he had served with were dead now didn't bother him at all. In fact, if he were honest with himself, he would have to admit to being glad that Tarkin and his band of cronies had been blown into space dust.

Leia turned to her father, after receiving hugs of congratulations from the other Rebel leaders in the room. "We did it," she said to him. "Largely thanks to you," she added.

Vader shook his head. "Your brother is the hero here, Leia," he said. "Not I. He'll be back soon, why don't you go out and meet him? I'm sure you are anxious to see him and your Corellian friend, Captain Solo."

Leia blushed ever so slightly at her father's suggestion, but merely nodded her head. "I'll be back soon," she told him, and then hurried out of the room to greet the returning heroes.

Obi-Wan watched the exchange between Vader and his daughter, still amazed by the change that his children's presence in his life had caused in the Dark Lord.

"Luke will make a strong Jedi," Obi-Wan said tentatively, not quite sure how Vader would react.

Vader turned to him. "Luke's destiny is his own," he said. "I will have little impact upon it."

Obi-Wan frowned. "Why do you say that? You're the boy's father."

"Yes," Vader replied, looking over Obi-Wan's shoulder. "But I am also a wanted man."

Obi-Wan turned and looked behind him to see a group of heavily armed Rebel soldiers approaching. "They can't do this," he said. "This is wrong, terribly wrong."

Vader made no reply, but simply watched as the soldiers approached, him, realizing that the moment of truth was upon him.