As he neared that threatening black sphere for the second time, Luke's breathing

grew faster. Automatic life-support machinery detected the respiratory shift and

compensated properly.

Something began to buffet his ship, almost as if he were back in his skyhopper

again, wrestling with the unpredictable winds of Tatooine. He experienced a bad

moment of uncertainty until the calming voice of Blue Leader sounded in his ears.

"We're passing through their outer shields. Hold tight. Lock down freeze-

floating controls and switch your own deflectors on, double front."

The shaking and buffeting continued, worsened. Not knowing how to

compensate, Luke did exactly what he should have: remained in control and followed

orders. Then the turbulence was gone and the deathly cold peacefulness of space

had returned.

"That's it, we're through," Blue Leader told them quietly. "Keep all channels

silent until we're on top of them. It doesn't look like they're expecting much

resistance."

Though half the great station remained in shadow, they were now near enough

for Luke to be able to discern individual lights on its surface. A ship that could show

phases matching a moon...once again he marveled at the misplaced ingenuity and

effort which had gone into its construction. Thousands of lights scattered across its

curving expanse gave it the appearance of a floating city.

Some of Luke's comrades, since this was their first sight of the station, were

even more impressed. "Look at the size of that thing!" Wedge Antilles gasped over

his open pickup.

"Cut the chatter, Blue Two," Blue Leader ordered. "Accelerate to attack

velocity."

Grim determination showed in Luke's expression as he flipped several switches

above his head and began adjusting his computer target readout. Artoo Detoo

reexamined the nearing station and thought untranslatable electronic thoughts.

Blue Leader compared the station with the location of their proposed target area.

"Red Leader," he called toward the pickup, "this is Blue Leader. We're in position;

you can go right in. The exhaust shaft is farther to the north. We'll keep 'em busy

down here."

Red Leader was the physical opposite of Luke's squadron commander. He

resembled the popular notion of a credit accountant-short, slim, shy of face. His

skills and dedication, however, easily matched those of his counterpart and old friend.

"We're starting for the target shaft now, Dutch. Stand by to take over if

anything happens."

"Check, Red Leader," came the other's reply. "We're going to cross their

equatorial axis and try to draw their main fire. May the force be with you."
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