Streaking toward the shuttle in a series of corkscrew turns, Han feels relatively safe from a direct hit. The Imperial gunners are less likely to hit the Falcon than he is to fly into one of their shots. Unfortunately for Han, the Imperial gunnery officer quickly realizes this and adjusts his tactics accordingly.
Chewbacca remains silent, but Han can feel the Wookiee’s tension as the shuttle lays down a barrage of fire just outside of Han’s point blank range. To strike the blow he intends, Han will now have to fly through a wall of energy. Even the Falcon’s shields are not powerful enough to withstand the massed firepower of the shuttle. Han reluctantly fires a wild volley, then turns away and pushes the sublight drive to specification. He has to move away from the shuttle’s powerful weapons and think of a new strategy. The Falcon has more holes in her than a suborbital hopper caught in a meteor shower.
The Imperials have put up a stubborn fight so far. The battle has ravaged more than just the Falcon. Han’s guns have bettered, scorched, and even breached the shuttle hull in several places. Yet, the spacetroopers refuse to flee! Why?
One glance at the Falcon’s flight computer tells Han the answer. The Eradicator closes fast from one direction, and the other three TIE fighters approach from the other. The spacetroopers are awaiting reinforcements!