Chapter 8 Shuttle Launch and Insertion into Endor

A couple of hours after the briefing, imperial shuttle was being readied for launch. Lieutenant Munro and his Hazard team had already beamed over to Home One and boarded the shuttle. Solo and Calrissian were walking toward the shuttle.

"Look, I want you to take her. I mean take her." Solo was saying

Calrissian gave him a sad look "You need all the help you can get she's the fastest ship in the fleet." Solo continued

"Alright old buddy. I know what you mean. I'll take good care of her she won't get a scratch." Replied Calrissian.

"Right." Said Solo he started to walk toward the shuttle again. "I got your promise now, not a scratch."

"Would you get going you pirate." Said Calrissian

"Good luck."

"You too."

Solo walked away and up the ramp of the shuttle. He took his place in the pilot's seat. Then he saw the Falcon. He froze. Leia tapped his shoulder "Hey, you awake?"

"Yea, I just got a funny feeling. Like I'm not gonna see her again."

She smiled "Come on General, let's move."

He started the power-up sequence. "Ready everybody?"

"All set." Said Luke

"We're ready to go General." Said Munro

"Alright, let's see what this piece of junk can do."

R2 whistled. "Here we go again." Replied 3PO

The shuttle lifted off from the deck turned and exited the hanger. The shuttle set its course and entered hyperspace.

A few hours later the shuttle exited hyperspace, in orbit around Endor was the Imperial fleet. The shuttle flew closer and closer to Endor until it reached the Imperial command ship, a Super Star Destroyer. There were several other Imperial vessels of various classes present as well. General Solo turned to Telsia Murphy. "Ensign, launch the hyperspace probe with a message. Tell them the Imperial Fleet is present and that we're attempting to land on the surface."

"Aye sir….Probe away."

The stealthed Class-1 probe fitted with a hyperdrive and navi-comp, launched out of the aft torpedo launcher of the shuttle and jumped to hyperspace immediately. Solo turned to the comm.

"Shuttle Tydierium, requesting deactivation of the deflector shield." Stated Solo

"Shuttle Tydierium, what is your cargo and destination?" asked the Imperial controller

"Parts and technical crew for the forest moon." Solo replied

"Shuttle Tydierium, deactivation of the shield will commence immediately, follow your present course." Said the controller

"Acknowledged." Replied Solo and he cut the channel.

"Ok…I told you it was gonna work, no problem." Said Solo to his passengers

The Shuttle entered the atmosphere, but instead of heading for the landing pad, Solo faked a loss of control and managed to land a mere six hour's journey from the shield generator. The group of rebels exited the shuttle but soon ran into a patrol which took off on speeder bikes. Munro and Leia pursued on two more speeders. Later on they ran into the Ewoks. After the initial misunderstandings, the Ewoks agreed to help them in their fight against the Empire. In the morning a band of Ewoks led the team, minus Luke Skywalker to the front door of the shield generator.

"This isn't gonna be easy." Said Leia

"Don't worry, Chewie and me have gotten into a lot more places more heavily guarded than this." Replied Solo.

Then one of the Ewoks said something. "He says there's a secret entrance on the other side of the ridge.