“Blade Two to Admiral Ackbar — the course is clear. Tell General Calrissian he’s got nothing but empty space all the way to the Death Star.”
“Acknowledged, Blade Two. Good work.”
Stramm switched frequencies back to the squadron. “Blade Two to all surviving units, form up on me. This fight isn’t over yet.”
But all Moonsong could hear was the echo of static — static that had never made her feel more hollow.
“Blade Four here.” Fantys battered ship pulled into formation. “I think were the only survivors.”
“Not quite,” said a voice.
Moonsong and Stamm looked up to see Fox’s A-wing angling toward them. Even as they took that in, the Devastator started to explode behind it, lighting up the ships, a tiny daytime star in the skies over Endor. But Moonsong’s elation quickly faded as her sensors told her Fox’s ship was experiencing multiple critical systems failures.
“Eject Blade Leader,” she said. “We’ll recover your pod. Get out of there now.”
But Fox’s voice was resigned to the inevitable. “I already tried. The main interlocks are fused. They won’t let me disengage.”
“Hold course; I’ll intercept and —”
“That’s a negative Moonsong. Regroup and form up to assist the fleet. Nobody’s called off the war on my account.”
Moonsong hesitated. “You heard the man,” said Stramm. Was his voice breaking? Moonsong couldn’t tell. She steeled herself, locked course with Stramm and Fanty; the three B-wings veered off toward the rest of the rebel fleet. The fight was now raging all around the Death Star. The shield was down and rebel fighter wings were calling for help as they barreled in to attack the unfinished station. There were still a number of Star Destroyers trying to stem the seemingly endless tide of rebel interceptors. Moonsong watched as Fox’s ship faded on her rear screens.
Ahead lay the Death Star.
EXPANDED UNIVERSE
David J. Williams and Mark S. Williams co-wrote the short story “Maze Run,” which appeared in Star Wars Insider #131.
See more of Chris Trevas’ amazing art at www.christrevas.com
From Star Wars Insider 150 (07-2014)
11.6.18.15.14.5-1
Star Wars - Blade Squadron - Part 2 - David J. Williams & Mark S. Williams Page 2
