Han and the TIEs begin trading energy bolts at maximum distance, but the enemy fighters circle away before reaching point blank range. Serveral damage control warnings demand Chewbacca’s immediate attention. Han forces the damage from his mind and turns his thoughts to the Imperials.
The TIEs, now distinguishable from stars only by their movement, circle to regroup yet again. They try to force Han back toward the Eradicator and avoid a decisive tangle themselves. They want merely to hold the Falcon until the Eradicator arrives to clean up the mess. Han does not intend to wait for big brother. Ignoring Chewbacca’s protests, Han accelerates beyond specification and corkscrews toward the two fighters.
Two laser bursts flower over the Falcon and she lurches heavily. Four blue energy bolts answer the attack as Han fires the Falcon’s weapons. A fireball erupts in the distance.
“We got one!” Hanyells.
Chewbacca groans in response.
“What do you mean it won’t do us any good?”
“Gggrroogh,” Chewbacca explains.
“So what if they hit the ion drive?” Han asks. “It takes more than that to stop the Falcon.” In answer, the Falcon decelerates to half its velocity. Han checks his instruments, then reluctantly admits, “But not to slow it down.” Han’s stomach sinks. They are in trouble now and he knows it. He has only a few options, and he isn’t sure any of them will save the Falcon. First, he can run for the shelter of Mon Torri’s rings if he is lucky, he will reach them before the TIEs blast the ship into nothingness. Second, he can attack the TIE head-on. This will work only if he manages a quick kill, for it will not take long for the Imperial pilot to recognize his opponent’s handicap. Third, he can present his flank to the TIE making the Falcon, a narrower target while allowing him to train both laser banks on the Imperial starfighter.
If Han runs for Mon Torri’s rings, Click Here
If Han accelerates toward the TIEs at maximum speed, Click Here
If Han approaches steadily and targets carefully, Click Here