Chapter 32

AN: WOOHOO!! Finally, ff.net is up and running again. Here you all go! Enjoy!

Luke kept his eyes on his targeting computer as it ticked off the rapidly approaching target, but his concentration was broken as he saw blaster fire from the corner of his eye, hitting Wedge

"I'm hit! I can't stay with you," he announced and Ari saw him trying to pull at the sluggish controls

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

"Sorry!" Wedge apologized, sheepishly almost.

"I am almost done up here so you should be alright," Ari reported to him as she first nicked the wing of the last TIE, causing it to spin, before she chased it, shooting her lasers causing it to explode.

"Green Squadron mission completed, except for those TIEs with Red Squadron."

"Ari, stay there. Look for any more," Luke instructed, hoping she wouldn't see that he was just trying to keep her safe without looking like he was babying her.

Ari sighed. "I go where I am needed. Just concentrate on the Death Star," Ari instructed.

"Hurry, Luke, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't hold them!" Biggs shouted, his fear showing.

Ari glanced and saw Wedge join her but then saw three TIEs closing in on Luke and Biggs.

"Artoo, try and increase the power!" Luke instructed and R2's beeps could be heard over the intercom as he did. Luke was intent on the targeting device, looking at it then into it, ready to blast the proton torpedoes.

"Hurry up, Luke!" Biggs shouted.

"Come on, Luke. You can do this," Ari shouted and then bit her lip. After just a moment of hesitation, she dove her fighter down and to the right, back towards the enormous space station.

"Wait!" Biggs shouted as the TIEs were upon them. Ari rushed as fast as she could but was still too far away to do anything but watch helpless. Luke was trapped in the trench and also unable to help his friend as the lead TIE shot at him.

"Biggs!" Ari shouted as his fighter exploded. She was hit hard and stunned. He was gone, just like that.

Luke was silent, too upset to speak though tears were forming in his eyes and he blinked them back, saddened but angry too, his determination growing as he turned back his concentration back on the targeting computer.

"Luke, I'm coming," Ari breathed. "R4, increase power to engines," she ordered. Luke didn't answer her, and she didn't know whether to be thankful or not. All she knew was that he needed cover.

Luke couldn't answer because he heard nothing from anyone until he heard a familiar voice, not that of Ari's but of Ben's.

"Use the Force, Luke." Luke was a bit startled but looked back at his targeting computer, though he was hesitant.

"Let go, Luke." Luke paused again, looking towards the targeting device again. "Luke, trust me." Ben urged. That was all Luke needed and he pushed another button, causing the targeting device to move away.

"His computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?" Base asked, coming over the intercom.

"Nothing. I'm all right," Luke assured them.

"Are you sure?" Ari asked, trying desperately to catch up, but she wasn't getting there fast enough.

"Ari, I am fine. Just keep yourself safe," he instructed.

Ari was about to say something when the lead TIE fired a string of blaster fire at Luke's fighter, hitting R2, who in turn gave a shrill screaming sound.

"I've lost Artoo!" Luke called out, worry setting in him.

"I'm coming!" Ari shouted, but knew she was still too far away.

"Ari, there isn't time," he told her.

"The Death Star has cleared the planet. The Death Star has cleared the planet," someone from the base announced, fear evident.

Luke bit his lip, scanning for the exhaust port. He was so close. All he needed was a few more seconds.

The TIEs came closer, going in for the kill and the lead ship started to shoot at Luke, then all of a sudden his wingman exploded

"What in blazes…" Ari was shocked and glanced around then let out a small cheer when she was it was the Millenium Falcon. "Han! Chewie!" she exclaimed.

"Yahoo!" Han cried over the comm. heading straight for the two remaining TIEs. Ari watched as the second wingman tried to move and in the process knocked the leader, sending him flying through space before exploding himself against the canyon like wall.

"You're all clear, kid. Now let's blow this thing and go home!" Han exclaimed.

"Come on, Luke," Ari whispered, biting her lip, but a smile on her face. She had faith in Luke.

Luke was so relieved to have Han back and the TIEs gone. He couldn't dwell on that though. He had to take care of this space station once and for all. His concentration turned completely to the exhaust port that was now in sight. He took a deep breath then fired his torpedoes.

Luke leaned back and let out a deep sigh of relief as he pulled hard up and Ari did the same. The space station was about to explode.

"Let's get out of here," Wedge shouted, smile evident.

"I couldn't agree more," Luke replied.

"Sounds good," Ari laughed as they raced back to Yavin. There was a huge flash of light then as the Death Star exploded in a shower of flashes and star like flames.

"Great shot, kid. That was one in a million," Han complimented him.

"You did great!" Ari exclaimed.

Luke just leaned back with a smile, closing his eyes for a moment and he heard Ben once again. "Remember, the Force will be with you...always."

AN: I know this is kind of short, but important. So the more reviews and the sooner they get in, the sooner there will be updates! And yes…this is just the beginning of Ari's saga…