The Empire's Fall (Pt.1)

Chapter Nine: Destroying the Death Star

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. A trace of a smile graces my lips, and I peer about through my goggles.

"Luke, Leeda, the Force will be with you."

I swear I just heard Ila talking to me. No, no it can't be her. I shake myself, then tap my headphones.

We're about to take off, when a voice comes from the intercom again.

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

The X-wing fighters, which include me and Luke, fly in formation toward the slowly moving Death Star.

"All wings report in." Red Leader says.

"Red Ten standing by."

"Red Seven standing by."

Then Biggs checks in,

"Red Three standing by."

"Red Six standing by."

"Red Nine standing by."

Wedge checks in next.

"Red Two standing by."

"Red Eleven standing by."

"Red Five standing by," Luke says. Now it's my turn.

"Red Four standing by," I say.

"Lock S-foils in attack position," there's the order. I guess this battle is really starting now.

Our 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," Red Leader chimes in over the headset. "Hold tight!"

I adjust my controls as I concentrate on the approaching Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted slightly.

"Switch your deflectors on. Double front!"

The fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death Star now appears to be a small moon rapidly growing in size as we approach.

"Look at the size of that thing!" Wedge exclaims.

"Cut the chatter, Red Two. Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!"

"And girl!" I say into my headphones.

Our fighters move closer to the Death Star, the awesome size of 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.

"We're in position. I'm going to cut across the axis and try and draw their fire."

We dive towards the Death Star surface.

Laserbolts streak through the star-filled night. Our X-wing fighters move in toward the Imperial base, as the Death Star aims its massive laser guns at our forces, and it's firing at us.