Scoundrel’s Luck – 51

Han approaches the TIE fighters head-on at full speed. With the Falcon’s firepower and forward-angled shields, she more than matches the two small craft. As the distance shrinks, Han itches to trigger th laser cannons. He hopes to keep the Imperial pilots too busy dodging his fire to target accurately. If the Imperial pilots are inexperienced, he might sneak past the two TIE fighters before their pilots realize what he intends to do. And if he is lucky, he just might destroy them as he passes.

The TIE laser cannons flash at maximum range. Han smiles; they will have to get closer to penetrate the shields. He targets on the port side TIE. Any second now –

Han fires! The energy bolts flare and flower, obsuring both his physical and mechanical view of the TIEs. Han wonders if he has hit them both. A moment later two winged balls streak out of the laser bursts, their own weapons still blooming. Han curses his bad aim and begins a series of corkscrew turns.

Han’s shots do force the Imperial pilots to re-evaluate their opponent. The TIEs split, hoping to lure the Falcon into following one of them. “Even shields!” Han orders, steering a course directly between the fighters. Two seconds later, the TIEs have reached close range. Both craft attack from the Falcon’s flanks, catching her in a deadly crossfire. A few bolts penetrate the shields; Han winces. That will mean several hours of repair!

He targets the closest TIE and opens fire. The laser cannons flash at the starboard TIE – once again, they find only empty space.

But when Han looks forward, he smiles, the outside shots forgotten. The TIEs have left him a clear run toward the shuttle and the besieged corvette. Though the Falcon isn’t as fast as the TIEs, she is pointed in the right direction and they are not! Of course, while the Imperial escorts cannot sop him from firing at the shuttle, they can pepper his tail if he does.

If Han attacks the shuttle, Click Here
If Han abandons the corvette and flees, Click Here