Hylas and the Nymphs

Don't worry," Solo told her, with as much hope as confidence, "she'll holdtogether." He gave the walls a pleading stare. "You hear me, ship?" holdtogether! Chewie, try to keep them on our port side. If we—" He was forced to break off as a Tie fighter seemed to materialize out of nowhere,energy bolts reaching out from it toward him. Its companion craft came up on thefreighter's other side and Luke found himself firing steadily at it, ignoring theimmensely powerful energy it threw at him. At the last possible instant before itpassed out of range, he swung the weapon's nozzle minutely, his finger tighteningconvulsively on the fire control. The Imperial fighter turned into a rapidlyexpanding cloud of phosphorescing dust. The other fighter apparently consideredthe shrunken odds, turned, and retreated at top speed. "We've made it!" Leia shouted, turning to give the startled Wookie anunexpected hug. He growled at her—very softly. Darth Vader strode into the control room where Governor Tarkin stood staring ata huge, brilliantly lit screen. It displayed a sea of stars, but it was not the spectacularview, which absorbed the Governor's thoughts at the moment. He barely glancedaround as Vader entered. "Are they away?" the Dark Lord demanded. "They've just completed the jump to hyperspace. No doubt they are at this verymoment congratulating themselves at their daring and success." Now Tarkin turnedto face Vader, a hint of warning in his tone. "I'm taking an awful chance, on your insistence, Vader. This had better work.Are you certain the homing beacon is secure aboard their ship?" Vader exuded confidence beneath the reflective black mask. "There is nothingto fear. This will be a day long remembered. It already has been witness to thefinal extinction of the Jedi. Soon it will see the end of the Alliance and therebellion."