Chapter 26
AN: Since ff.net is being bad, this will be being posted asap. However, since I will be gone for two weeks, a good friend of mine, Steph (Silentthunder086) will be updating in my absence. Thanks Steph. Now, onto the chap!
The briefing room was abuzz with activity and many different voices all clamoring to be heard by others in the group.
General Dodonna stood in front of a large wall display, along with Leia and a few others, who seemed to be in deep discussion.
Ari slid into a seat just as they started, right behind Luke, who either hadn't noticed, or was still to mad to say anything about her being there.
Her orange flight suit matched the others and she instantly felt connected to the others in the room. They all shared the same goal and purpose.
After a few moments, Dodonna stepped forward and the room quickly was quieted as he grabbed everyone's attention.
"The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a firepower greater than half the star fleet. It's defenses are designed around a direct large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense."
One man who was standing next to Princess Leia, spoke up, not at all hesitant to ask questions. "Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub fighters going to be against that?"
"Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station. The approach will not be easy. You are required to maneuver straight down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The target area is only two meters wide. It's a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station."
The screen showed the trench and the gun turrets they would be up against before it closed in on the exhaust port.
"Only a precise hit will set up a chain reaction. The shaft is
ray-shielded, so you'll have to use proton torpedoes," Dodonna continued
"That's impossible, even for a computer," the man next to Luke spoke up and other pilots murmured their agreeing sentiments.
"It's not impossible. I used to bull's-eye womp rats in my T-sixteen back home. They're not much bigger than two meters," Luke replied. Ari had to agree. They were about the same size and she knew that Luke and Biggs were great shots in their T-16s.
"Man your ships! And may the Force be with you!" Dodonna announced, dismissing the meeting as the air filled with the hum of voices as everyone seemed to be having their own conversations.
Ari started her own way out, seeing Luke talking to the man next to him as he headed towards what she assumed would take him to the flight simulator. At the back she saw Han and Chewie. "Han, Chewie," she called, catching up to them as they turned to leave.
Han gave her a half smile as he saw her but frowned seeing her flight suit, and helmet tucked under her arm.
"I am surprised you are still here," Ari continued, hoping they had changed their minds.
"We're just waiting for our reward to be counted out. They don't use currency so they have to measure out some metals," Han answered offhandedly, starting down the emptying hallway.
Ari sighed. "Han…they could really use you and the Falcon up there."
Han waved a hand to cut her off. "Listen, your buddy Luke already tried to talk me out of leaving. But what good are we dead?"
"You could be what wins this battle. Han, they need everyone they have up there. With you and Chewie-"
"Ari," Han interrupted. "You saw how big this is. They have to have close to a million people on there, the best trained pilots and troopers."
"So, that's it? You're just going to turn your back on them, on us?" Ari asked as Han turned to walk off once more, but froze in midstep.
"Listen, do you know how long a new pilot like you will last up there? What the average expectance is? One minute," he answered, looking at her.
"Then I am going to have either beat the odds, or make that one minute count," Ari responded, determined. "You aren't a new pilot, Han…" she continued, softly.
"Chewie and I have used up our time, overused our luck…."
"It is worth fighting for though. This isn't for spice or anything. It is for freedom. Do you honestly think that the Empire is just going to let you and Chewie keeping with your line of work?" Ari asked, hands on her hips.
"If we mind our own business…"
Chewie had been watching all this, eyes going from Han to Ari and back again. He had been silent this entire time, but finally barked out something at Han, who nodded.
"I know. I was getting to it." He turned to Ari once more. "Listen, Luke already tried to talk me into helping out for 'the cause'" he emphasized the last two words almost sarcastically.
Ari opened her mouth to protest, but Han cut her off. "When I told him what I told you, he asked me to try and talk you out of it."
"Excuse me?!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms up frustrated. She turned away slightly "He didn't!"
"I was going to ask you and him to come along as it was," Han replied. "He seems good in a fight. And from what I have heard and seen of your handiwork you aren't too bad yourself. And quick on your feet."
Ari looked up at Han, determination in her sparkling blue eyes. "Thanks, but no. I have to do this. And you can tell Luke that if you see him again," she answered as they started to walk again.
"If you are going up there I doubt I have to tell him," Han replied as they came out to where the Falcon was waiting, along with a grav sled with bins of metals on it, at the ramp of the Falcon.
"Looks like they came through. Ok, Chewie. Let's load them up," Han said before turning back to Ari. "I can't change your mind?"
"I'm as stubborn as you," Ari answered, sad he wouldn't help.
"Then take care of yourself up there," Han answered. Chewie jumped in with a few barks. "Chewie says the same thing."
Ari nodded, biting her lip. "I know I don't have to tell you the same," she answered, bitterly. She started towards her ship and squadron, raising her arm in a sign of farewell that Han returned, before he quickly looked down to load more metals in.
AN: Please R&R all! I will still be checking up and I want to know you guys are still here and enjoying, even if ff.net is acting up.