The TIE fighters approach head-on. Instead of firing at long range, as inexperienced pilots do, they concentrate on cutting off the Falcon’s escape routes. It is a wise move. The coma’s dust – even at a single grain per cubic centimeter – dissipates energy beams at long range. By concentrating on positioning instead of wasting shots, the TIE pilots narrow Han’s options. He can execute only two or three simple maneuvers without challenging the twin suns’ overlapping gravity wells.
“Target the port side fighter!” Han orders through the intercom. He is glad to have Sodarra’s gunners. Though he can control the computer-enhanced targeting systems from the cockpit, the weapons are more effective when manually operated.
As the Corellian was expecting, the TIEs split just before reaching medium range. The port side TIE slides high and to the left. The other dives low and to the right. “Power the chields, Chewbacca!” Han orders. He swings the Falcon into an upward left-hand turn to meet the port side attack.
“Uuugh?” Chewie asks.
“I’m thinking!” Han replies. If he tells the Wookiee to angle the shields forward, he can move in for a closer shot – practically guaranteeing they will destroy it. But that will leave his tail vulnerable to attack, which is foolish when facing expert pilots. Angling the shields backward will protect his weak point, but it means a longer battle.
The TIE laser cannons flare, creating a storm of energy blossoms near the Falcon. An instant later, four blue streaks answer from the Falcon’s weapons.
If Han tells Chewbacca to angle the shields forward, Click Here
If Han tells Chewbacca to angle the shields backward, Click Here