“Here’s what we’ll do -” Han says.
“I give the orders here,” Sodarra interrupts.
“Who says?” Han demands. “I’m the captain of the ship, I give the orders.”
“These are my stormtroopers -“
“They’re deserters, and as long as they expect passage on my ship, they’re my deserters,” Han interrupts.
Sodarra glares at Han for a moment. Then his face softens as if he finally understands that desertion has deprived him of the Empire’s authority. He responds, “I forget myself.”
“Now that the chain of command is clear,” Han continues, “we’ll bury you and your troopers in the side of the furrow about two hundred meters away. Chewbacca and I will defend the Falcon from the inside. When the squad comes down the furrow, we let ’em have it at point-blank range!”
“Your plan has many shortcomings, commander,” Sodarra responds bitterly. “Most importantly, how do we prevent them from reporting our position before we attack?”
“Human nature,” Han says. “Nobody wants to look stupid by reporting before he’s sure of what he’s found – espeically in the Imperial army. He” wait until he sees what’s inside.”
“The odds are -“
“Never tell me the odds,” Han says. “If you’re that worried about it, have a marksman plug the officer first thing. But don’t hit the radio – we might have to fake a report.”
Sodarra still looks uncomfortable. Finally, he asks, “How do I know you won’t betray us?”
Han smiles. “You’ve got to trust somebody,” he says sarcastically. Han has separated himself and Chewbacca because he does not completely trust Sodarra. Although the man has charming mannerisms, he is an ex-Imperial. Han has heard too many stories about Imperial double-crosses to stand with stormtroopers – deserters or not – in battle. “We’re not going anywhere,” Han adds, nodding to the Falcon.
“Very well,” Sodarra answers. “Lieutenant Birdloe! Captain Solo is giving the orders – for now.”
Han prepares his ambush. Sodarra and his stormtroopers conceal themselves in the furrow walls a hundred and fifty meters away from the Falcon. Han and Chewbacca hide in the snow beneath the Falcon’s tail. Han carries a borrowed blaster rifle.
Two freezing hours later, the Imperial squad comes down the furrow. The officer and an assistant follow a point-guard. All three wear standard snowtrooper armor. The officer carries a long range communications pack and a blaster pistol. When they see the Falcon’s tail, the officer orderes a halt and prepares to speak into the long rang transmitter.
Han fingers the trigger of the blaster rifle. The officer stands partially shielded behind his assistant. It will be a difficult shot. Han wonders if it would be wiser to remain quiet and allow one of Sodarra’s stormtroopers to fire first.
If Han fires, Click Here
If Han holds his fire, Click Here