We're Wizards, Not Warriors: What If, Volume 7

by B.E.A.T.N

We once again tell the story of Sam Skywalker, brother to Luke and Leia. But in this AU, there's a BIG change. Sam was raised Ben Kenobi and given a terrible curse by a mysterious figure. This leads to many adventures with many characters from Star Wars and the Owl House. OC X Verosika Mayday X Oola X Hordak X Prime X Lucifer X Alastor X Adam.

17. Chapter 17

We're Wizards, Not Warriors: What If

Volume 7:

Chapter 17: The Death Star

A lone guard stands in a tower high above the Yavin landscape, surveying the countryside. A mist hangs over the jungle of twisted green.

….

Dodonna stands before a large electronic wall display. Leia and several other senators are to one side of the giant readout. The low-ceilinged room is filled with starpilots, navigators, and a sprinkling of R2-type robots. Everyone is listening intently to what Dodonna is saying. Han and Chewbacca are standing near the back.

"The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a firepower greater than half the star fleet. Its defenses are designed around a direct large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense", Dodonna said.

Gold Leader, a rough looking man in his early thirties, stands and addresses Dodonna.

Gold leader asked, "pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub fighters going to be against that?"

Dodonna said, "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."

R2 stands next to a similar robot, makes beeping sounds, and turns his head from right to left.

Dodonna continued, "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."

A murmur of disbelief runs through the room.

Dodonna said, "only a precise hit will set up a chain reaction. The shaft is ray-shielded, so you'll have to use proton torpedoes."

Sam and Luke are sitting next to Wedge Antilles, a hotshot pilot about sixteen years old.

Wedge said, "that's impossible, even for a computer."

Luke said, "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."

Dodonna said, "man your ships! And may the Force be with you!"

The group rises and begins to leave.

….

The Death Star begins to move around the planet toward the tiny green moon.

Tarkin and Vader watch the computer projected screen with interest, as a circle of lights intertwines around one another on the screen showing its position in relation to Yavin and the fourth moon.

Orbiting the planet at maximum velocity. The moon with the Rebel base will be in range in thirty minutes.

"This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion", Tarkin said.

Vader growled, "do not blow up this planet, under any circumstances."

Tarkin hissed, "now see here. I make the orders! Not-"

Vader slammed Tarkin into the wall!

Now Tarkin had a look of surprise and fear on his face.

Vader growled, "my son is on the planet. If you fire upon it, I'll castrate you with my lightsaber like a Rancor!"

Tarkin now felt true fear.

He was facing the unbridled rage of Vader.

Tarkin asked, "then what do you plan to do?"

Vader growled, "we wait for an attack, stop them, and apprehended the last of them."

Tarkin didn't like this plan, but he went with it just to avoid facing Vader's wrath.

No-one wanted to face Vader's wrath.

….

Luke, C3-P0 and little R2 enter the huge spaceship hangar and hurry along a long line of gleaming starfighters. Flight crews rush around loading last-minute armaments and unlocking power couplings. In an area isolated from this activity Luke finds Han and Chewbacca loading small boxes onto an armored speeder.

Han is deliberately ignoring the activity of the fighter pilots' preparation. Luke is quite saddened at the sight of his friend's departure.

Luke said, "so…. You got your reward and you're just leaving then?"

Han said, "that's right, yeah! I got some old debts I've got to pay off with this stuff. Even if I didn't, you don't think I'd be fool enough to stick around here, do you? Why don't you come with us? You're pretty good in a fight. I could use you. Especially to pull that couch out of the ship."

Luke said, "come on! Why don't you take a look around? You know what's about to happen, what they're up against. They could use a good pilot like you. You're turning your back on them."

Han said, "what good's a reward if you ain't around to use it? Besides, attacking that battle station ain't my idea of courage. It's more like suicide."

Luke said, "alright. Well, take care of yourself, Han. I guess that's what you're best at, isn't it?"

Luke goes off and Han hesitates, then calls to him, "hey, Luke…. May the Force be with you."

Luke turns and sees Han wink at him. Luke lifts his hand in a small wave and then goes off.

Han turns to Chewie who growls at his captain.

"What're you lookin' at? I know what I'm doing", Han said.

Luke, Leia, and Dodonna meet under a huge space fighter.

Leia asked, "what's wrong?"

"Oh, it's Han! I don't know, I really thought he'd change his mind", Luke said.

"He's got to follow his own path. No one can choose it for him", Leia said.

Luke said, "I only wish Ben were here."

Leia gives Luke a little hug, turns, and goes off. As Luke heads for his ship, another pilot rushes up to him and grabs his arm.

It's his buddy Biggs, who says, "Luke! I don't believe it! How'd you get here…. Are you going out with us?!"

Luke said, "Biggs! Of course, I'll be up there with you! Listen, have I got some stories to tell…."

Red Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, comes up behind Luke and Biggs. He has the confident smile of a born leader.

He says, "are you…. Luke Skywalker? Have you been checked out on the Incom T-sixty-five?"

Biggs said, "Sir, Luke is the best pilot in the outer rim territories."

Red Leader pats Luke on the back as they stop in front of his fighter.

He says, "I met your father once when I was just a boy during the Clone Wars. He was a great pilot. You'll do alright. If you've got half of your father's skill, you'll do better than alright."

Luke said, "thank you, sir. I'll try."

Red Leader hurries to his own ship.

Biggs said, "I've got to get aboard. Listen, you'll tell me your stories when we come back. Alright?"

Luke said, "I told you I'd make it someday, Biggs."

Buggs said as he went off, "you did, alright. It's going to be like old times, Luke. We're a couple of shooting stars that'll never be stopped!"

Luke laughs and shakes his head in agreement. He heads for his ship.

But then he stops as his thoughts go back to his little brother.

He turns to see Sam talking with Hera Syndulla, who was gonna be a part of the battle.

"Stay here Artoo. I have to do something first before we head into battle", Luke said.

R2 beeped as Luke walked over to Sam.

Hera had just walked away as Luke reached his little brother.

He asked, "Sam?"

Sam turned around to see Luke.

He said, "hey Luke."

Luke asked, "are you feeling okay…. Little bro?"

Sam said, "I…. I dunno…."

Luke then gave Sam a hug.

Sam slowly hugged his brother back.

"I understand how you feel Sam", Luke said softly.

Sam and Luke had both lost family during their adventure.

Luke lost his aunt and Uncle on Tatooine.

Sam lost his father.

"I'll always be here for you, little brother", Luke said.

Sam said, "thanks, bro."

Luke smiled and hugged Sam closer.

Sam gave a small smile.

"Luke…. Please be careful", Sam said.

Luke said, "I will. I promise."

Sam hugged Luke even more and said, "I love you big bro."

Luke said, "I love you too, little bro."

Luke then broke the hug and walked back to his ship.

As Luke begins to climb up the ladder into his sleek, deadly spaceship, the crew chief, who is working on the craft, points to little R2, who is being hoisted into a socket on the back of the fighter.

He asks, "this Artoo unit of yours seems a bit beat up. Do you want a new one?"

Luke said, "not on your life! That little droid and I have been through a lot together. You okay, Artoo?"

The crewmen lower R2 into the craft. Now a part of the exterior shell of the starship, the little droid beeps that he is fine.

Luke climbs up into the cockpit of his fighter and puts on his helmet. C3-P0 looks on from the floor of the massive hangar as the crewmen secure his little electronic partner into Luke's X-wing. It's an emotional-filled moment as R2 beeps good-bye.

The chief says, "okay, easy she goes!"

C3-P0 said, "hang on tight,Artoo, you've got to come back."

R2 beeps in agreement.

C3-P0 asked, "you wouldn't want my life to get boring, would you?"

R2 whistles his reply.

All final preparations are made for the approaching battle. The hangar is buzzing with the last minute activity as the pilots and crewmen alike make their final adjustments. The hum of activity is occasionally trespassed by the distorted voice of the loudspeaker issuing commands. Coupling hoses are disconnected from the ships as they are fueled. Cockpit shields roll smoothly into place over each pilot. A signalman, holding red guiding lights, directs the ships. Luke, a trace of a smile gracing his lips, peers about through his goggles.

That's when he and Sam suddenly hear, "the Force will be with you."

This made Sam tear up as he whispered, "Dad."

….

All that can be seen of the fortress is a lone guard standing on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The muted gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering din of ion rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in a tight formation and disappear into the morning cloud cover.

….

The princess, C3-P0, Sam, his lovers, his family and friends, and a field commander sit quietly before the giant display showing the planet Yavin and its four moons. The red dot that represents the Death Star moves ever closer to the system. A series of green dots appear around the fourth moon. A din of indistinct chatter fills the war room.

"Stand-by alert. Death Star approaching. Estimated time to firing range, fifteen minutes."

Hunter whispered, "they better hurry…."

….

The Death Star slowly moves behind the massive yellow surface of Yavin, as many X-wing fighters flying in formation zoom forward.

Light from a distant sun creates an eerie atmospheric glow around a huge planet, Yavin. Rebel fighters flying in formation settle ominously.

Red Leader lowers his visor and adjusts his gun sights, looking to each side at his wing men.

He says, "all wings report in."

"Red Ten standing by."

Biggs checks his fighter's controls, alert and ready for combat.

"Red Seven standing by."

Biggs said, "Red Three standing by."

Porkins said, "Red Six standing by."

"Red Nine standing by."

Wedge said, "Red Two standing by."

"Red Eleven standing by."

Hera said, "Red Twelve standing by."

Luke said, "Red Five standing by."

R2, in position outside of the fighter, turns his head from side to side and makes beeping sounds.

Red Leader orders, "lock S-foils in attack position."

The group of X-wing fighters move in formation toward the Death Star, unfolding the wings and locking them in the "X" position.

"We're passing through their magnetic field. Hold tight!", Red Leader said over the headset.

Luke adjusts his controls as he concentrates on the approaching Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted slightly.

"Switch your deflectors on. Double front", Red leader said over the headset.

The fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death Star now appears to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as the Rebel fighters approach. Complex patterns on the metallic surface begin to become visible. A large dish antenna is built into the surface on one side.

Wedge is amazed and slightly frightened at the awesome spectacle.

"Look at the size of that thing", Wedge said.

"Cut the chatter, Red two. Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys", Red leader said.

As the fighters move closer to the Death Star, the awesome size of the gargantuan Imperial fortress is revealed. Half of the deadly space station is in shadow and this area sparkles with thousands of small lights running in thin lines and occasionally grouped in large clusters; somewhat like a city at night as seen from a weather satellite.

Gold Leader said, "Red Leader, this is Gold Leader."

Red Leader said, "I copy, Gold Leader."

Gold Leader said, "we're starting for the target shaft now."

Red Leader looks around at his wingmen; the Death Star looming in from behind. Two Y-wing fighters bob back and forth in the background. He moves his computer targeting device into position.

Red Leader said, "we're in position. I'm going to cut across the axis and try and draw their fire."

Two squads of Rebel fighters peel off. The X-wings dive towards the Death Star surface. A thousand lights glow across the dark gray expanse of the huge station.

….

Alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo- powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the huge guns into position as crew adjust their targeting devices.

….

Laser bolts streak through the star-filled night. The Rebel X-wing fighters move in toward the Imperial base, as the Death Star aims its massive laser guns at the Rebel forces and fires.

Princess Leia listens to the battle over the intercom. Sam and the others are at her side.

"Heavy fire, boss! Twenty-degrees", Wedge said over the intercom.

"I see it, stay low", Red leader said.

An X-wing zooms across the surface of the Death Star.

Technical crews scurry here and there loading last-minute armaments and unlocking power cables.

….

Wedge maneuvers his fighter toward the menacing Death Star.

Luke nosedives radically, starting his attack on the monstrous fortress. The Death Star surface streaks past the cockpit window.

"This is Red five! I'm going in", Luke said.

Luke's X-wing races toward the Death Star. Laser bolts streak from Luke's weapons, creating a huge fireball explosion on the dim surface.

Terror crosses Luke's face as he realizes he won't be able to pull out in time to avoid the fireball.

"Luke, pull up", Biggs shouted over the headset.

Luke's ship emerges from the fireball, with the leading edges of his wings slightly scorched.

Biggs asked, "are you alright?"

Luke adjusts his controls and breathes a sigh of relief. Flak bursts outside the cockpit window.

"I got a little cooked, but I'm okay", Luke said.

Rebel fighters continue to strafe the Death Star's surface with laser bolts.

….

Walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out of the rubble. Standing in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and foreboding, is Darth Vader. One of his Astro-Officers rushes up to him.

They said, "we count thirty Rebel ships, Lord Vader. But they're so small they're evading our turbo-lasers!"

Vader said, "we'll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their fighters."

….

Smoke belches from the giant laser guns as they wind up their turbine generators to create sufficient power. The crew rushes about preparing for another blast. Even the trooper's head gear is not adequate to protect them from the overwhelming noise of the monstrous weapon. One troopers bangs his helmet with his hand in an attempt to stop the ringing.

Red Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak.

"Luke, let me know when you're going in"; Red Leader said.

The Red Leader's X-wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose down and starts his attack dive.

"I'm on my way now", Luke said.

"Watch yourself! There's a lot of fire coming from the right side of that deflection tower", Red leader said.

"I'm on it", Luke said.

Luke flings his X-wing into a twisting dive across the horizon and down onto the dim gray surface.

A shot hurls from Luke's guns. Laser Bolts streak toward the onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements erupt in flame. Laserfire erupts from a protruding tower on the surface.

The blurry Death Star surface races past the cockpit window as a big smile sweeps across Luke's face at the success of his run. Flak thunders on all sides of him.

The Death Star superstructure races past Luke as he maneuvers his craft through a wall of laserfire and peels away from the surface towards the heavens.

The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberate throughout the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the smoke and chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of explosions.

Biggs dives through a forest of radar domes, antennae, and gun towers as he shoots low across the Death Star surface. A dense barrage of laserfire streaks by on all sides.

Imperial star pilots dash in unison to a line of small auxiliary hatches that lead to Imperial TIE fighters.

….

Princess Leia, surrounded by her generals and aides, paces nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides technicians work in front of many lighted glass walls. Dodonna watches quietly from one corner.

One of the officers working over a screen speaks into his headset, "squad leaders, we've picked up a new group of signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.

….

Luke looks around to see if he can spot the approaching Imperial fighters.

He said, "my scope's negative. I don't see anything."

The Death Star's surface sweeps past as Red Leader searches the sky for the Imperial fighters. Flak pounds at his ship.

He says, "keep up your visual scanning. With all this jamming, they'll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up."

Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death Star horizon, four ferocious Imperial TIE ships dive on the Rebel fighters. Two of the TIE fighters peel off and drop out of frame.

Biggs panics when he discovers a TIE ship on his tail. The horizon in the background twists around as he peels off, hoping to lose the Imperial fighter.

"Biggs! You've picked one up…. Watch it", Red Leader said.

Biggs shouted, "I can't see it! Where is he?!"

Biggs zooms off the surface and into space, closely followed by an Imperial TIE fighter. The TIE ship fires several laserbolts at Biggs, but misses.

Biggs sees the TIE ship behind him and swings around, trying to avoid him.

Biggs said, "he's on me tight, I can't shake him…. I can't shake him."

Biggs, flying at high altitude, peels off and dives toward the Death Star surface, but he is unable to lose the TIE fighter, who sticks close to his tail.

Luke is flying upside down. He rotates his ship around to a normal attitude as he comes out of his dive.

He yelled, "hang on, Biggs, I'm coming in."

Biggs and the tailing TIE ship dive for the surface, now followed by a fast-gaining Luke. After Biggs dives out of sight, Luke chases the Imperial fighter.

The Imperial fighter races across the Death Star's surface, closely followed by Luke.

There is a shot from Luke's X-wing of the TIE ship exploding in a mass of flames.

"Got him", Luke shouted.

….

Darth Vader strides purposefully down a Death Star corridor, flanked by Imperial stormtroopers.

"Several fighters have broken off from the main group. Come with me", Darth Vader said.

….

A concerned Leia, Sam, Threepio, Dodonna, and others stand around the huge round readout screen, listening to the ship-to-ship communication on the room's loudspeaker.

….

Biggs yelled, "pull in! Luke…. Pull in!"

Wedge yelled, "watch your back, Luke!"

Hera yelled, "watch your back! Fighter's above you, coming in!"

Luke's ship soars away from the Death Star's surface as he spots the tailing TIE fighter.

The TIE pilot takes aim at Luke's X-wing.

The Imperial TIE fighter pilot scores a hit on Luke's ship. Fire breaks out on the right side of the X-wing.

Luke looks out of his cockpit at the flames on his ship.

He yelled, "I'm hit, but not bad!"

Smoke pours out from behind R2.

"Artoo, see what you can do with it. Hang on back there", Luke said.

Green laserfire moves past the beeping little robot as his head turns.

Luke nervously works his controls.

"Red Six….", Red Leader said.

….

In the war room, Leia stands frozen as she listens and worries about Luke.

Red Leader said over the intercom, "can you see Red Five?"

Red Ten said, "there's a heavy fire zone on this side. Red Five, where are you?"

Luke spots the TIE fighter behind him and soars away from the Death Star surface.

"I can't shake him", Luke shouted.

Luke's ship soars closer to the surface of the Death Star, an Imperial TIE fighter closing in on him in hot pursuit.

The Death Star whips below Wedge.

Wedge yelled, "I'm on him, Luke! Hold on!"

Wedge dives across the horizon toward Luke and the TIE fighter.

Wedge moves his X-wing in rapidly.

Luke reacts frantically.

Luke yelled, "blast it! Wedge, where are you?"

The fighter pilot watches Wedge's X-wing approach. Another X-wing joins him, and both unleash a volley of laserfire on the Imperial fighter.

The TIE fighter explodes, filling the screen with white light. Luke's ship can be seen far in the distance.

Luke looks about in relief.

"Thanks, Wedge." Luke said.

Leia, Sam ,Threepio, Dodonna and other Rebel officers are listening to the Rebel Fighter's radio transmissions over the war room intercom.

"Good shooting, Wedge", Biggs said.

"Red Leader….", Gold leader said.

….

Gold Leader peels off and starts toward the long trenches at the Death Star surface pole.

"This is Gold Leader. We're starting our attack run", Gold Leader said.

Three Y-wing fighters of the Gold group dive out of the stars toward the Death Star surface.

….

Leia and the others are grouped around the screen, as technicians move about attending to their duties.

….

Red Leader said, "I copy, Gold Leader. Move into position."

Three Imperial TIE ships in precise formation dive toward the Death Star surface.

Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars whip past in the window above his head.

Vader said, "stay in attack formation!"

Technicians are seated at the computer readout table.

Gold Leader said, "the exhaust post is marked and locked in…."

Gold Leader approaches the surface and pulls out to skim the surface of the huge station. The ship moves into a deep trench, firing laser bolts. The surface streaks past as laserfire is returned by the Death Star.

Gold Five is a pilot in his early fifties with a very battered helmet that looks like it's been through many battles. He looks around to see if enemy ships are near. His fighter is buffeted by Imperial flak.

Gold Leader races down the enormous trench that leads to the exhaust port. Laserbolts blast toward him in increasing numbers, occasionally exploding near the ship causing it to bounce about.

"Switch power to front deflector screens", Gold Leader said.

Three Y-wing skim the Death Star surface deep in the trench, as laser bolts streak past on all sides.

An exterior surface gun blazes away at the oncoming Rebel fighters.

Gold Leader asked, "how many guns do you think, Gold Five?"

Gold Five said, "I'd say about twenty guns. Some on the surface, some on the towers."

….

Sam, Leia, Threepio, and the technicians view the projected target screen, as red and blue target lights glow. The red target near the center blinks on and off.

"Death Star will be in range in five minutes."

Sam muttered, "come on…."

….

The three Y-wing fighters race through a hail of laserfire.

Gold Leader pulls his computer targeting device down in front of his eye. Laserbolts continue to batter the Rebel craft.

Gold Leader said, "switching to targeting computer."

Gold Two, a younger pilot about Luke's age, pulls down his targeting eye viewer and adjusts it. His ship shudders under intense laser barrage.

He said, "computer's locked. Getting a signal."

As the fighters begin to approach the target area, suddenly all the laserfire stops. An eerie calm clings over the trench as the surface whips past in a blur.

Gold Two said, "the guns…. They've stopped!"

Gold Five looks behind him.

"Stabilize your rear deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters", Gold Five said.

"They're coming in! Three marks at two ten", Gold Leader said.

Three Imperial TIE ships, Darth Vader in the center flanked by two wingmen, dive in precise formation almost vertically toward the Death Star surface.

Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars zoom by.

"I'll take them myself! Cover me", Vader said.

"Yes, sir", a Wingman said.

Three TIE fighters zoom across the surface of the Death Star.

Vader lines up Gold Two in his targeting computer. Vader's hands grip the control stick as he presses the button.

The cockpit explodes around Gold Two. His head falls forward.

As Gold Two's ship explodes, debris is flung out into space.

Gold Leader looks over his shoulder at the scene.

The three TIE fighters race along in the trench in a tight formation.

"I can't maneuver", Gold Leader said as he panics.

Gold Five, the old veteran, tries to calm Gold Leader.

"Stay on target", Gold Five said.

The Death Star races by outside of the cockpit window as he adjusts his targeting device.

Gold Leader said, "we're too close."

The older Gold Five remains calm as he says, "stay on target!"

Now he's really panicked.

Gold Leader yelled, "loosen up!"

Vader calmly adjusts his targeting computer and pushes the fire button.

Gold Leader's ship is hit by Vader's laser.

Gold Leader explodes in a ball of flames, throwing debris in all directions.

Gold Five moves in on the exhaust port as he says, "Gold Five to Red Leader…."

Luke looks over his shoulder at the action outside of his cockpit.

"Lost Tiree, lost Dutch", Gold Five said.

"I copy, Gold Five", Red Leader said.

"They came from behind….", Gold Five said.

One of the engines explodes on Gold Five's Y-wing fighter, blazing out of control. He dives past the horizon toward the Death Star's surface, passing a TIE fighter during his descent. Gold Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spins toward his death.

Luke looks nervously about him at the explosive battle.

….

Grand Moff Tarkin and a Chief Officer stand in the Death Star's control room.

"We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by….", Officer said.

"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances", Tarkin said.

Tarkin turns to the computer readout screen. Flames move around the green disk at the center of the screen, as numbers read across the bottom.

"Rebel base, three minutes and closing", a voice said over the speaker.

….

Red Leader looks over at his wingmen.

"Red Group, this is Red Leader", Red Leader said.

Dodonna moves to the intercom as he fiddles with the computer keys.

"Rendezvous at mark six point one", Red Leader said.

"This is Red Two. Flying toward you", Wedge said.

"Red Three, standing by", Biggs said.

Hera said, "Red Twelve, standing by."

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

Red Leader said, "copy, Base One. Luke, take Red Two, Red Twelve and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal…. To start your run."

Luke nods his head.

Hera said, "yessir!"

The X-wing fighters of Luke, Hera, Biggs, and Wedge fly in formation high above the Death Star's surface.

Luke peers out from his cockpit.

Two X-wings move across the surface of the Death Star. Red Leader's X-wing drops down to the surface leading to the exhaust port.

Red Leader looks around to watch for the TIE fighters. He begins to perspire.

"This is it", Red Leader said.

Red Leader roams down the trench of the Death Star as lasers streak across the black heavens.

A huge remote-control laser cannon fires at the approaching Rebel fighters.

The Rebel fighters evade the Imperial laser blasts.

Red Ten looks around for the Imperial fighters.

The Rebel fighters evade the Imperial laser blasts.

Red Ten looks around for the Imperial fighters.

Red Ten said, "we should be able to see it by now."

From the cockpits of the Rebel pilots, the surface of the Death Star streaks by, with Imperial laserfire shooting toward them.

Red Leader said, "keep your eyes open for those fighters!"

Hera said, "there's too much interference!"

Three X-wing fighters move into formation down the Death Star trench.

Red Ten said, "Red Five, can you see them from where you are?"

Luke looks down at the Death Star surface below.

"No sign of any…. Wait", Luke said.

Red Ten looks up and sees the Imperial fighters.

"Coming in point three five", Luke said.

"I see them", Red Ten said.

Three TIE fighters, Vader flanked by two wingmen, dive in a tight formation. The sun reflects off their dominant solar fins as they loop toward the Death Star's surface.

Red Leader pulls his targeting device in front of his eyes and makes several adjustments.

"I'm in range", Red Leader said.

Red Leader's X-wing moves up the Death Star trench.

"Target's coming up", Red Leader said.

Red Leader looks at his computer target readout screen. He then looks into his targeting device.

"Just hold them off for a few seconds", Red Leader said.

Vader adjusts his control lever and dives on the X-wing fighters.

"Close up formation", Vader said.

The three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star surface.

Red Leader lines up his target on the targeting device cross hairs.

Vader and his wingmen zoom down the trench.

Vader rapidly approaches the two X-wings of Red Ten and Red Twelve. Vader's laser cannon flashes below the view of the front porthole. The X-wings show in the center of Vader's computer screen.

Red Twelve's X-wing fighter is hit by Vader's laserfire, and it explodes into flames against the trench.

Red Ten works at his controls furiously, trying to avoid Vader's fighter behind him.

Red Ten said, "you'd better let her loose."

Red Leader is concentrating on his targeting device.

He yells, "almost there!"

Red Ten panics and yells, "I can't hold them!"

Vader and his wingmen whip through the trench in pursuit of the Rebel fighters.

Vader coolly pushes the fire button on his control stick. His well-aimed laserfire proves to be unavoidable, and strikes Red Ten's ship. Red Ten screams in anguish and pain.

Red Ten's ship explodes and bursts into flames.

Grimly, Red Leader takes careful aim and watches his computer targeting device, which shows the target lined up in the cross hairs, and fires.

"It's away", Red Leader said.

An armed Imperial stormtrooper is knocked to the floor from the attack explosion. Other troopers scurrying about the corridors are knocked against the wall and lose their balance.

Leia and the others stare at the computer screen.

"It's a hit", Red Nine said.

"Negative", Red Leader said.

Red Leader looks back at the receding Death Star. Tiny explosions are visible in the distance.

"Negative! It didn't go in. It just impacted on the surface", Red Leader said.

Darth Vader peels off in pursuit as Red Leader's X-wing passes the Death Star horizon.

Vader swings his ship around for the next kill.

"Red Leader, we're right above you. Turn to point….", Luke said.

Luke tries to spot Red Leader. He looks down at the Death Star surface.

"... oh-five; we'll cover for you", Luke finished.

"Stay there….", Red Leader said.

A wary Red Leader looks about nervously.

"... I just lost my starboard engine", Red Leader said.

Luke looks excitedly toward Red Leader's X-wing.

"Get set to make your attack run", Red Leader said.

Vader's gloved hands make contact with the control sticks, and he presses their firing buttons.

Red Leader fights to gain control of his ship.

Laser Bolts are flung from Vader's TIE fighter, connecting with Red Leader's Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader buys it, creating a tremendous explosion far below. He screams and is destroyed.

Luke looks out the window of his X-wing at the explosion far below. For the first time, he feels the helplessness of his situation.

….

Grand Moff Tarkin casts a sinister eye at the computer screen.

"Rebel base, one minute and closing", the voice said over the speaker.

….

Dodonna, Sam and Princess Leia, with the others all beside them, listen intently to the talk between the pilots. The room is grim after Red Leader's death. Leia nervously paces the room.

….

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

The horizon twists as Wedge begins to pull out.

Wedge said, "right with you, boss."

Hera said, "let's hope this works!"

The three X-wings peel off against a background of stars and dive toward the Death Star.

Biggs said, "Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?"

Luke said, "it'll be just like Beggar's Canyon back home."

The three X-wings move in, unleashing a barrage of laserfire. Laser Bolts are returned from the Death Star.

Luke's lifelong friend struggles with his controls.

Biggs said, "we'll stay back far enough to cover you."

Flak and laser bolts flash outside Luke's cockpit window.

Wedge said, "my scope shows the tower, but I can't see the exhaust port!"

Hera asked, "are you sure the computer can hit it?"

The Death Star laser cannon slowly rotates as it shoots laser bolts.

Luke looks around for the Imperial TIE fighters. He thinks for a moment and then moves his targeting device into position.

Luke yelled, "watch yourselves! Increase speed at full throttle!"

Wedge looks excitedly for any sign of the TIE fighters.

Wedge asked, "what about the tower?"

"You worry about those fighters! I'll worry about the tower", Luke said.

Luke's X-wing streaks through the trench, firing lasers.

Luke breaks into a nervous sweat as the laserfire is returned, knocking one of his wings close to the engine.

" Artoo…. The stabilizers broke loose again! See if you can't lock it down", Luke said.

T2 works to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushes by in the background, making his delicate task seem even more precarious.

Two laser cannons are firing on the Rebel fighters.

Wedge looks up and sees the TIE ships.

Luke's targeting device marks off the distance to the target.

Vader and his wingmen zoom closer.

Vader adjusts his controls and fires laser bolts at two X-wings flying down the trench. He scores a direct hit on Wedge.

Leia and the others are grouped around the computer board.

Wedge yelled, "I'm hit! I can't stay with you."

Luke said, "you and Hera get clear, Wedge. You can't do any more good back there!"

Wedge yelled, "sorry!"

Hera yelled, "good luck!"

Wedge pulls his crippled X-wing back away from the battle with Hera beside him.

Vader watches the escape but issues a command to his wingmen, "let them go! Stay on the leader!"

Luke's X-wing speeds down the trench; the three TIE fighters, still in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind.

Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters. He is worried.

Biggs yelled, "hurry, Luke, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't hold them!"

The three TIE fighters move ever closer, closing in on Luke and Biggs.

Luke looks back anxiously at little Artoo.

"Artoo, try and increase the power", Luke said.

Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping Artoo-Detoo struggles to increase the power, his dome turning from side to side.

Stealthily, the TIE formation creeps closer.

Vader adjusts his control stick.

Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters.

Luke looks into his targeting device. He moves it away for a moment and ponders its use. He looks back into the computer targeter.

Biggs yelled, "hurry up, Luke!"

Vader and his wingmen race through the Death Star trench. Biggs moves in to cover for Luke, but Vader gains on him.

Biggs sees the TIE fighter aiming at him.

He yells, "wait!"

Vader squeezes the fire button on his controls.

Biggs' cockpit explodes around him, lighting him in red.

Biggs' ship bursts into a million flaming bits and scatters across the surface.

….

Leia and the others stare at the computer board.

….

Luke is stunned by Biggs' death. His eyes are watering, but his anger is also growing.

….

Grand Moff Tarkin watches the projected target screen with satisfaction.

"Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing."

….

Vader takes aim on Luke and talks to the wingmen, "I'm on the leader."

Luke's ship streaks through the trench of the Death Star.

….

Sam and Leia return the general's worried and doubtful glances with solid, grim determination. Threepio seems nervous.

C3-P0 said, "hang on, Artoo!"

Luke concentrates on his targeting device.

Three TIE fighters charge away down the trench toward Luke.

Vader's finger's curls around the control stick.

Luke adjusts the lens of his targeting device.

Luke's ship charges down the trench.

Luke lines up the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting device's screen. He looks into the targeting device, then starts to hear a voice.

"Use the Force Luke."

The Death Star trench zooms by.

Luke looks up, then starts to look back into the targeting device. He has second thoughts.

"Let go, Luke."

A grim determination sweeps across Luke's face as he closes his eyes and starts to mumble Ben's training to himself.

Luke's fighter streaks through the trench.

Vader growled, "the Force is strong with this one!"

Vader follows Luke's X-wing down the trench.

Luke looks to the targeting device, then away as he hears Ben's voice.

"Luke, trust me."

Luke's hand reaches for the control panel and presses the button. The targeting device moves away.

….

Leia and the others stand watching the projected screen.

Sam said, "his computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?"

Luke said, "nothing. I'm all right."

….

Luke's ship streaks ever close to the exhaust port.

Luke looks at the Death Star surface streaking by.

R2 turns his head from side to side, beeping in anticipation.

The three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen, follow Luke's X-wing down the trench.

Vader maneuvers his controls as he looks at his doomed target. He presses the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laserfire shoots toward Luke's X-wing fighter.

A large burst of Vader's laserfire engulfs R2. The arms go limp on the smoking little droid as he makes a high-pitched sound.

Luke looks frantically back over his shoulder at R2.

Smoke billows out around little Artoo and sparks begin to fly.

"I've lost Artoo", Luke said.

R2's beeping sounds die out.

….

Leia and the others stare intently at the projected screen, while Threepio watches the Princess. Lights representing the Death Star and targets glow brightly.

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

….

Tarkin glares at the projected target screen.

"Rebel base, in range."

Tarkin, disregarding Vader's threat, said, "you may fire when ready."

"Commence primary ignition."

An officer reaches up and pushes buttons on the control panel, as green lighted buttons turn to red.

The three TIE fighters zoom down the Death Star trench in pursuit of Luke, never breaking formation.

Luke looked anxiously at the exhaust port.

Vader adjusts his control sticks, checking his projected targeting screen.

Luke's ship barrels down the trench.

Vader's targeting computer swings around into position. Vader takes careful aim on Luke's X-wing fighter.

He growls, "I have you now…."

He pushes the fire buttons.

The three TIE fighters move in on Luke. As Vader's center fighter unleashes a volley of laserfire, one of the TIE ships at his side is hit and explodes into flame. The two remaining ships continue to move in.

Luke looks about, wondering whose laserfire destroyed Vader's wingman.

Vader is taken by surprise, and looks out from his cockpit.

Vader shouted, "what?!"

Vader's wingman searches around him trying to locate the unknown attacker.

It's the Millennium Falcon!

….

Han and Chewbacca grin from ear to ear.

Han yells, "yahoo!"

….

The Millennium Falcon heads right at the two TIE fighters. It's a collision course.

The wingman spots the pirate ship coming at him and warns the Dark Lord, "look out!"

Vader's wingman panics at the sight of the oncoming pirate starship and veers radically to one side, colliding with Vader's TIE fighter in the process. Vader's wingman crashes into the sidewall of the trench and explodes. Vader's damaged ship spins out of the trench with a damaged wing.

Vader's ship spins out of control with a bent solar fin, heading for deep space.

Vader turns round and round in circles as his ship spins into space.

Solo's ship moves in toward the Death Star trench.

Solo, smiling, speaks to Luke over his headset mike, "you're all clear, kid. Now let's blow this thing and go home!"

….

Leia and the others listen to Solo's transmission.

Hordak yelled, "I knew he'd come back!"

….

Luke looks up and smiles. He concentrates on the exhaust port, then fires his laser torpedoes.

Luke's torpedoes shoot toward the port and seem to simply disappear into the surface and not explode. But the shots do find their mark and have gone into the exhaust port and are heading for the main reactor.

Luke throws his head back in relief.

An Imperial soldier runs to the control panel board and pulls the attack lever as the board behind him lights up.

….

"Stand by to fire at Rebel base", the intercom voice said.

….

Two X-wings, a Y-wing, and the pirate ship race toward Yavin in the distance.

….

Several Imperial soldiers, flanking a pensive Grand Moff Tarkin, busily push control levers and buttons.

"Standing by", the intercom voice said.

The rumble of a distant explosion begins.

….

The Rebel ships race out of sight, leaving the moon-like Death Star alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes appear on the surface. The Death Star bursts into a supernova, creating a spectacular heavenly display.

Han said, "great shot, kid. That was one in a million!"

Luke is at ease, and his eyes are closed.

"Remember, the Force will be with you…. Always…."

The ship rocks back and forth.

Vader's ship spins off into space.

….

The Rebel ships race toward the fourth moon of Yavin.

Luke climbs out of his starship fighter and is cheered by a throng of ground crew and pilots. Luke climbs down the ladder as they all welcome him with laughter, cheers, and shouting.

Sam and Leia rush toward him.

Leia yelled, "Luke!"

Sam yelled, "Luke! Luke!"

They throw their arms around Luke and hug him as they dance around in a circle. Solo runs in toward Luke and they embrace one another, slapping each other on the back.

"Hey! Hey", Han said.

"I knew you'd come back! I just knew it", Luke said.

"Well, I wasn't gonna let you get all the credit and take all the reward", Han said.

Luke and Han look at one another, as Solo playfully shoves at Luke's face. Leia moves in between them.

"Hey, I knew there was more to you than money", Leia said.

Luke looks toward the ship.

"Oh no", Luke said.

The fried little R2 is lifted off the back of the fighter and carried off under the worried eyes of Threepio.

C3-P0 said, "oh, my! Artoo! Can you hear me? Say something!"

One-One asked a mechanic, "you can repair him, can't you?"

The mechanic said, "we'll get to work on him right away."

C3-P0 said, "you must repair him! Sir, if any of my circuits or gears will help, I'll gladly donate them."

Lola beeped in agreement.

Luke said, "he'll be alright"

Sam said, "we'll make sure of it."

"Artoo will make a full recovery", One-One said.

Everyone gave sighs of relief….

….

Some time later….

Luke, Han, Hera, Wedge and Chewbacca enter the huge ruins of the main temple. Hundreds of troops are lined up in neat rows. Banners are flying and at the far end stands a vision in white, the beautiful Leia.

Luke and the others solemnly march up the long aisle and kneel before Senator Leia. From one side of the temple marches a shined-up and fully repaired R2. He waddles up to the group and stands next to an equally pristine C3-P0, who is rather awestruck by the whole event.

Sam, his lovers, Ventress, Bendy, Ahsoka, the Ghost Crew, Hunter, Satine, Steela, Rex and the droids stood nearby.

Dodonna and several other dignitaries sit on the left of Princess Leia.

Leia is dressed in a long white dress and is staggeringly beautiful. She rises and places a gold medallion around Han's neck. He winks at her. She then repeats the ceremony with Luke, who is moved by the event.

Leia also gives medallions to Hera, Wedge and Chewie. They turn and face the assembled troops, who all bow before them. Chewbacca growls while R2 and Lola beep with happiness.

Sam smiles at the sight.

Things seemed like they were going to get much better from here on out.

….

Reviews:

SuperSentai199: yeah. It was hard to write. But I think the story turned out all the better.

….