All the final preparations are made for the approaching battle. The hangar buzzing with last-minute activity as the pilots and crewmen alike made their final adjustments. The hum of activity was occasionally trespassed by the distorted voice of the loudspeaker issuing commands. Coupling hoses are disconnected from the ships as they are fueled. Cockpit shield roll smoothly into place over each pilot. A signalman, holding red guiding lights, direct the ships. Luke, a trace of a smile gracing his lips, peered about through his goggles.

Cody, Rainbow Dash, Sal, Bucky, Spike, and Flash Sentry were just adjusting their own helmets in the cockpit of their own ships, feeling the adrenaline of the incoming battle.

“The Force will be with you…”

Ben’s voice spoke out, leaving Luke, Cody, and Rainbow confused. Luke tapped his headphones as if there’s a glitch. Meanwhile, Rainbow and Sal turned toward their friends, especially toward Applejack who stared toward her. Sal gave the thumbs up and a wink, with that same confident smile that made Applejack smile back with a blush.

All that can be seen of the fortress was a lone guard standing on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The muted gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering hum of ion rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in a tight formation and disappeared into the morning cloud cover.

Leia, 3PO, Twilight, Sunset, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and a field commander sat quietly before the giant display showing the planet Yavin and its four moons. The red dot, which represents the Death Star, moved closer to the system. A series of green dots appeared around the fourth moon. Indistinct chatter filled the war room.

“Stand-by alert,” The intercom announced. “Death Star approaching. Estimated time to firing range, fifteen minutes.”

The anxiety started to form on Twilight’s face, knowing that this battle will mean the difference between victory and defeat.

In the outer regions of space, the Death Star slowly moved behind the massive yellow surface of Yavin in the foreground, as many X-wing fighters and Y-wing fighter-bombers flew in formation toward the Death Star. Light from a distant sun created an eerie atmospheric glow around the huge planet. Rebel fighters flying in formation settle ominously in the foreground and very slowly pull away.

Cody made some adjustments in the cockpit and his visor then spoke up, “Everyone, tighten formation and call in!”

Red Leader lowered his visor and adjusted his gun sights, looking toe ach side at his wing men.

“You heard the Jedi. All wings, report in!”

One by one, all the Rebel fighters (Including Biggs, Wedge, Luke, and a guy named Porkins) check through their mikes.

“Red Ten standing by.”

“Red Seven standing by.”

“Red Three standing by,” Biggs spoke.

“Red Six standing by,” Porkins spoke.

“Red Nine standing by.”

“Red Two standing by,” Wedge announced.

“Red Eleven standing by.”

“Red Five standing by,” Luke added.

“Harmony Two standing by,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Harmony Three standing by,” Sal added.

“Harmony Four standing by,” Bucky spoke.

“Harmony Five standing by,” Spike spoke.

“Harmony Six standing by,” Flash added.

R2-D2, in position outside the fighter, turned his head side-to-side and made beeping sounds.

“Lock S-foils in attack position,” Red Leader instructed.

The group of X-wing fighters move in formation toward the Death Star, unfolding the wings and locking them in the ‘X’ position.

“Harmony Squad. Lock S-foils and turn your deflections on,” Cody ordered.

Rainbow Dash peered side to side, seeing the wings at work.

“This is going to be so awesome!!!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly.

“Just you wait, babe. It’ll get rough soon,” Sal replied.

“We’re passing through their magnetic field,” Red Leader spoke, over her headset. “Hold tight!”

Luke adjusted his controls, as he concentrated on the approaching Death Star. The ship began to be buffeted slightly.

“Switch your deflectors on,” Red Leader instructed. “Double front!”

The fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death Star now appeared to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as the Rebel fighters approach. Complex patterns on the metallic surface began to become visible. A large dish antenna was seen built into the surface on one side.

Inside his cockpit, Wedge was amazed… frightened even at the awesome spectacle.

“Look at the size of that thing!”

“Cut the chatter, Red Two,” Red Leader spoke, through their sets. “Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!”

As the fighters moved closer to the Death Star, the awesome size of the gargantuan Imperial fortress was revealed. Half of the deadly space station was in shadow, the area sparkled with thousands of small lights running in thin lines and occasionally grouped in large clusters; somewhat like a city at night as seen from a weather satellite.

“Red Leader, this is Gold Leader!” Gold Leader spoke, from his cockpit.

“I copy, Gold Leader!” Red Leader answered.

“We’re starting for the target shaft now.”

From his cockpit, Red Leader looked around at his wingmen; the Death Star looming in from behind. Two Y-wing fighters bobbed back and forth in the background. He adjusted his computer targeting device into position.

“We’re in position,” Red Leader announced. “I’m going to cut across the axis and try and draw their fire.”

Two squads of Rebel fighters peeled off. The X-wings dive toward the Death Star surface. A thousand lights glowed across the dark grey expanse of the huge station.

Alarm sirens scream inside the Death Star, the soldiers scrambled to large turbo-powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the huge guns into position as the crew adjust their targeting devices.

Around the Death Star, laser bolts streak through the star-filled night. The Rebel X-wing fighters moved in toward the Imperial base, as the Death Star aimed its massive laser guns at the Rebel forces and fire.

In the war room, Princess Leia listened to the battle over the intercom. 3PO and the girls stood at their side.

“Heavy fire, boss!” Wedge spoke, over the speakers. “Twenty-degrees.”

“I see it,” Red Leader answered. “Stay low!”

Up in space, an X-wing zoomed across the surface of the Death Star.

Technical crews scurried here and there in the Death Star itself, loading last-minute armaments and unlocking power cables.

Wedge maneuvered his fighter toward the menacing Death Star. X-wings continue in their attack course on the Death Star. Luke nosedived radically, starting his attack on the monstrous fortress. The Death Star’s surface streaks past the cockpit window.

“This is Red Five, I’m going in!” Luke spoke.

“Harmony Leader on your tail!” Cody added.

“Right behind you, Luke!” Rainbow said.

The X-wings race toward the Death Star. Laser bolts streak from their weapons, creating a huge fireball explosion on the dim surface. Terror crossed their faces as they realized they won’t be able to pull out in time to avoid the fireball.

“Luke! Rainbow! Pull up!” Biggs shouted.

“Harmony Squad! Pull up!” Cody added.

Their ships emerged from the fireball, with the leading edges of the wings slightly scorched.

“Are you all right?” Biggs asked.

In his own cockpit, Luke adjusted his controls and breathed a sigh of relief. Flames burst outside the cockpit window.

“We got a little cooked, but we’re okay,” Luke assured.

“Good here, Red Three,” Bucky added.

“Good thing we trained for this. Right, Sal?” Rainbow said.

“Right, babe. You and A.J. are definitely getting something hot for dinner when this is over.” Sal replied, flirtatiously.

From the war room, Applejack chuckled and shook her head as the battle raged on in space. It was now up to the Rebellion to hold their own against the Death Star.

Rebel fighters continue to strafe the Death Star’s surface with laser-bolts. Inside the station, walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out from the rubble.

Meanwhile, Red Leader flew through a heavy hail of flak.

“Luke, let me know when you’re going in,” Red Leader spoke.

The Red Leader’s X-wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose down and started his attack dive.

“I’m on my way in now…” Luke answered.

“Harmony Two got your back, fly buddy,” Rainbow added.

“Watch yourselves!” Red Leader warned. “There’s a lot of fire coming from the right side of that deflection tower.”

“We’re on it,” Luke acknowledged.

“Just let ‘em try!” Rainbow scoffed. “I can outfly or outshoot them anytime!”

“Talk is cheap Rainbow,” Luke replied.

“Only if you can’t back it up!” Rainbow bragged.

“We’ll cover you both, Luke and Rainbow,” Cody said.

“I’m going in,” Biggs spoke. “Cover me, Porkins.”

“I’m right with you, Red Three,” Porkins responded.

The X-wings fire their lasers toward another tower, blowing it away and sending stormtroopers back by an explosion. The Empire fires back with their laser cannons toward the ships. Unfortunately, Porkins’ was having problems with his X-Wing.

“I got a problem here,” Porkins spoke.

“Eject!” Biggs commanded.

“I can hold it.”

“Pull up!”

“No, I’m alright—AHH!!!”

A deflection tower struck the X-Wing and Porkins was shot down in a fiery blaze.

Luke flew his X-wing into a twisting dive across the horizon and down onto the dim grey surface. A shot hurls from Luke’s guns, as laser bolts streak toward the onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements erupt in flame. Laser fire erupted from a protruding tower on the surface. It was then Luke heard a rather familiar voice.

“Luke, trust your feelings,” Obi-Wan’s voice spoke.

The blurry Death Star surface raced past the cockpit window as a big smile swept across Luke’s face at the success of his run. Flak thunders on all sides of him, as Luke maneuvers his craft through a wall of laser-fire and peeled away from the surface of the superstructure toward the heavens.

The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberate throughout the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of explosions.

Biggs dove through a forest of radar domes, antennae, and gun towers as he shot across the Death Star surface. A dense barrage of laser-fire streaks by on all sides. Imperial star pilots dashed in unison to a line of small auxiliary hatches leading to Imperial TIE fighters.

Inside the war room, Princess Leia, surrounded by the Equestrians, her generals, and aides, paced nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides, technicians work in front of the many lighted glass walls. Dodonna watched quietly from one corner. One of the officers working over a screen spoke through his headset.

“Squad leaders, we’ve picked up a new group of signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.”

“WHAT?!?!” The group shouted, in unison.

Luke looked around, trying to spot the approaching Imperial fighters, “My scope’s negative. I don’t see anything.”

The Death Star’s surface swept past, as Red Leader searched the sky for the Imperial fighters. Flak pounds at his ship.

“Pick up your visual scanning,” Red Leader instructed. “With all this jamming, they’ll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.”

“Picking up bogeys boys!” Rainbow shouted. “Here they come!”

Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death Star horizon, six ferocious Imperial TIE ships dove toward the Rebel fighters. Two of the TIE fighters peeled off and dropped out of frame. The remaining two TIE ships accelerate at another angle.

“Watch it! You got one on your tail,” Red Leader warned.

An Imperial TIE fighter was in pursuit of one of the rebel pilots. Despite his best effort, the Rebel could not outshake the TIE fighter as its pilot proved relentless.

“I’m hit!!!”

Just like that, the Rebel ship was blown apart and another rebel blew into dust.

“Karabast!!!” Rainbow gasped.

Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash found herself pursued by two imperial TIE fighters that were currently firing all cylinders at her x-wing.

“I’m taking heavy fire here!” Rainbow yelled, over the intercom.

“Need any assistance?” Biggs asked.

Rainbow looked from the control panel back at the pursuing TIE’s, trying to find a means of escaping this. Looking straight ahead, she spotted two more fighters rapidly approaching from up front. It was then a tiny invisible lightbulb went off in her head.

“No need Biggs, I got this!”

Rainbow grabbed the controls and went full speed at a 90 degree angle. The two pursuing TIE fighters quickly changed direction, following her directly. Soon as Rainbow reached a high enough altitude, she suddenly jerked the controls and went for a nosedive.

“Going down!” She yelled.

The Two TIE’s quickly maneuvered downward and now they were all barreling downward. Rainbow observed as the other two fighters were not coming at her from the front again. Her own ship was just racing in their direction.

“Not just yet…” Rainbow whispered to herself. “Wait for it… and…”

Suddenly, she jerked the controls to the side causing the x-wing to spin into a rapid barrel roll. Rainbow held on for dear life as she spun out of control towards the two fighters. Just as they were upon her, the intense spinning actually gave her a tiny little opening where she flew right between the gap of the fighters.

Unfortunately, that also meant the two fighters chasing her crashed right into the two others and they collided in a massive explosion. Rainbow took control once more, pulling her ship back up into a steady flight of passage.

“WOOHOO!!!”

“Smooth moves, babe,” Sal said.

“Sal, Bucky, I’ve got two on my tail!” Spike shouted, looking behind his Y-wing.

“We’ll help you, Spike,” Bucky replied.

Sal and Bucky flew their X-wings towards the TIEs chasing Spike. Just then, they opened fire on the TIEs and shot them down.

“Thanks, guys,” Spike said.

“No prob, Spike,” Sal replied.

Things looked pretty dark for the Rebels. Biggs panicked when he discovered a TIE ship on his tail. The horizon in the background twisted around as he peeled off, hoping to lose the Imperial fighter.

“Biggs! You’ve picked on up… watch it!” Red Leader shouted.

“I can’t see it!” Biggs looked around. “Where is he?!”

Biggs zoomed off the surface of the Death Star and into space. An Imperial TIE fighter followed close behind, firing several laser bolts but missing every shot. Biggs could see the ship behing him and swung around, trying to avoid him.

“He’s on me tight, I can’t shake him.”

Biggs flew at a high altitude, peeled off and dove toward the Death Star surface. Unfortunately, he’s unable to lose the TIE fighter, who stuck close to his tail. Seeing his friend in danger, Luke flew upside down and rotated the ship around to normal altitude as he emerges from his dive.

“I’ll be right there!” Luke called out.

Biggs and the tailing TIE ship dove for the surface, now followed by a fast-gaining Luke. After Biggs dove out of sight, Luke pursued the Imperial fighter. In the foreground, the Imperial fighter raced across the Death Star’s surface, closely followed by Luke in the background. Just then, the Imperial looked back for a second before Dash’s ship appeared.

“Surprise!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Shots fired from Dash’s X-wing exploding the TIE fighter in flames, and she pulled up just before flying into Luke’s ship.

“A little warning next time Dash!” Luke called out.

“You’re welcome,” Rainbow smirked.

“I got some my tail!” Flash shouted, “They’re all over me, I can’t shake ‘em!”

“We’re coming, Flash!” Cody replied.

Cody flew his X-wing towards the TIEs on Flash’s tail, with Spike flying alongside in his Y-wing. They opened fire and shot down all the TIE fighters in their sights.

“Thanks, Cody,” Flash said.

“Anytime, Flash,” Cody replied.

Cody, Sal, Bucky, Spike and Flash saw some more TIE fighters coming towards them.

“More TIEs incoming!” Cody shouted, “Pick your targets,”

The boys locked onto the TIE fighters and shot them all down.

Back in the War Room, a concerned Princess Leia, 3PO, Dodonna, Twilight, and the other girls stood around the huge round readout screen, listening to the ship-to-ship communication on the room’s loudspeaker.

“Pull in!” Biggs shouted, over the speaker. “Luke… pull in!”

“Watch your back, Luke!” Wedge shouted.

“Fighters above you!” Rainbow shouted, over her headset. “Coming in red hot!”

Luke’s ship soared away from the Death Star’s surface, as he spotted the tailing TIE fighter. The TIE pilot took aim at Luke’s x-wing, scoring a hit on Luke’s ship. A fire broke out on the right side of the X-wing.

“Luke, are you all right?” Rainbow called out. “Talk to me buddy, what happened?”

Luke looked out his cockpit toward the flames on his ship.

“I’m hit, but not bad.”

Smoke poured from behind R2-D2.

“R2!” Luke’s voice called. “See what you can do with it. Hang on back there.”

Green laser fire moves past the beeping little robot as his head turned and he quickly went to work on the damage. Meanwhile Luke nervously worked his controls.

“Red Two…” Red Leader shouted, over the headset.

In the war room, Leia and the girls stood frozen as they listened and worried about Luke.

“Can you see Red Five?” Red Leader asked.

“There’s a heavy fire zone out there,” Wedge answered. “Red Five, where are you?”

Luke spotted the TIE fighter behind him and soared away from the Death Star Surface.

“I can’t shake him!”

Luke’s ship soared closer to the surface of the Death Star; an Imperial TIE fighter closed in on him in hot pursuit. In the meantime, the Death Star whipped below Wedge.

“I’m on him, Luke!” Wedge spoke, over the headset. “Hold on!”

Wedge dove across the horizon toward Luke and the TIE fighter. Wedge moved his X-wing in rapidly. Luke reacted frantically, as he searched the starry skies.

“Blast it! Biggs, where are you?” Luke muttered.

The fighter pilot in the TIE fighter watched Wedge’s X-wing approach. Another X-wing, Rainbow’s, joined him, and together they both unleashed a volley of laser fire on the Imperial fighter. The TIE fighter exploded into white light. Luke’s ship could be seen in the far distance. Luke himself felt quite relieved.

“Thanks, Wedge. Thanks Dash.”

“Now was that so hard?” Rainbow replied.

Leia, 3PO, Storm, the Equestria Girls, Dodonna, and other Rebel officers are listening to the Rebel Fighter’s radio transmissions over the war room intercom.

“Good shooting, Wedge!” Biggs congratulated.

“Red Leader…”

Luke looked nervously about him at the explosive battle. Rainbow too looked on as Gold Five’s fighter crashed directly into the Death Star. This battle was certainly becoming more dangerous by the minute.

“This is going to be harder than I thought…” Flash thought to himself.

As the Rebel fighters go head-to-head against the Empire. Most of the Gold team recently perished in their attempt to reach the exhaust pole leaving very few of the Rebel fighters left. Red Leader looked over at his wingmen.

“Red boys, this is Red Leader,” Red Leader spoke.

Listening from the War Room, the Equestrians anxiously hear the commotion while Dodonna moved toward the intercom fiddling with the computer keys.

“Rendezvous at mark six point one,” Red Leader instructed, over speaker.

“This is Red Two,” Wedge answered, “Flying toward you.”

“Red Three, standing by,” Biggs spoke, over speaker.

“Red Leader, this is Base One,” Dodonna reported, over headset. “Keep half your group out of range for the next run.”

“Copy, Base One,” Red Leader responded. “Luke, take Red Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal… to start your run.”

“Red Squad, this is Harmony Leader. We’ll cover you,” Cody said.

The X-wing fighters of Luke, Biggs, and Wedge flew in formation high above the Death Star’s surface. Luke peered from his cockpit as two x-wings move across the surface of the Death Star. Red Leader’s X-wing dropped down to the surface leading to the exhaust port.

Red Leader looked around for TIE fighters, as he began to perspire.

“This is it!”

Red Leader roamed down the trench of the Death Star, as lasers streak across the black heavens. A huge remote-control laser cannon fired at the approaching Rebel fighters, who narrowly evaded the Imperial laser blasts. Red Ten looked around if any Imperial fighters showed up.

“We should be able to see it by now,” Red Ten spoke.

From the cockpits of the Rebel pilots, the surface of the Death Star streaked by, with Imperial laser fire shooting toward them.

“Keep your eyes open for those fighters!” Red Leader instructed.

“There’s too much interference!” Red Ten called.

Three X-wing fighters move In formation down the Death Star trench.

“Red Five, can you see them from where you are?” Red Ten’s voice asked.

Luke searched the Death Star surface below.

“No sign of any… wait!” Luke spotted.

Red Ten looked up and saw the Imperial fighters.

“We got fighters coming in point three five!” Rainbow Dash reported.

“I see them,” Red Ten confirmed.

Three TIE fighters, Vader flanked by two wingmen, dove in tight formation. The sun reflected off their dominant solar fins as they looped toward the Death Star’s surface. Red Leader pulled his targeting device in front of his eyes, applying several adjustments.

“I’m in range!” Red Leader reported.

Red Leader’s X-wing moved up toward the Death Star trench.

“Target’s coming up!”

Red Leader looks through his computer target readout screen, gazing through the device.

“Just hold them off for a few seconds.”

Meanwhile, Vader adjusted his control lever and dove toward the X-wing fighters.

“Close up formation,” Vader instructed.

The three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star surface. Red Leader lined up his target on the targeting device cross hairs. Vader and his wingmen zoomed along the trench, Vader rapidly approaching the two X-wings of Red Ten and Red Twelve. Vader’s laser cannon flashed below the view of the front porthole. The X-wings showed in the center of Vader’s computer screen.

Red Twelve’s X-wing fighter was struck by Vader’s laser fire, exploding into flames against the trench.

“They’re getting killed down there!” Rainbow shouted, through the headset. “We gotta do something—”

*BAM! BAM! BAM!*

Laser fire zipped passed Rainbow’s ship, drawing her to look up. Additional TIE fighters were approaching their formation, firing toward the group. Rainbow Dash was not having it.

“Oh you did not just try to shoot at me!”

Rainbow Dash quickly broke from formation and furiously punched the button on the stick, sending a wave of fire power toward the TIE fighters. Most of the fighters exploded upon impact, the rest split off to avoid the mad fighter as Rainbow Dash pulled back trying to rejoin the others. Cody and the others managed to shoot down the fleeing TIEs and return to formation.

Meanwhile, Red Ten furiously worked his controls, trying to avoid Vader’s fighter behind him.

“You’d better let her loose!” Red Ten called Red Leader. “They’re right behind me.”

Unfortunately for Red Ten, Red Leader’s focus was on his targeting device.

“Almost there!”

“I can’t hold them!” Red Ten panicked.

“Just hang in there Red Ten!” Rainbow called.

Vader and his wingmen whipped through the trench in hot pursuit of the Rebel fighters. Vader coolly pushed the fire button on his control stick. Darth Vader’s well-aimed laser fire proved unavoidable, striking Red Ten’s ship. Red Team screamed in anguish and pain, as the ship exploded and burst into flames.

“RED LEADER, TAKE THE SHOT!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Grimly, Red Leader took careful aim and watched his computer targeting device, which showed the target lined in the cross hairs. He took fire.

“It’s away!” Red Leader shouted.

An armed Imperial stormtrooper was knocked to the floor due to the attack explosion. Other troopers scurried about the corridors, knocking against the wall and losing their balance.

In the war room, Leia and the others stare at the computer screen.

“They hit it!” Pinkie shouted.

“But did he hit the target?!” Sunset asked.

“Negative,” Red Leader spoke, over speaker.

Red Leader looked back at the receding Death Star. Tiny explosions are visible in the distance.

“Negative! It didn’t go in. It just impacted on the surface.”

“Red Leader! Vader’s on the prowl!” Rainbow shouted. “Six o’clock!”

Darth Vader peeled off in pursuit, as Red Leader’s X-wing passed on the Death Star horizon. Vader swung his ship around for the next kill. Luke tried to spot Red Leader, scanning around the Death Star surface.

“Red Leader, we’re right above you!” Luke informed. “Turn to point o-five, we’ll cover for you.”

“Stay there!” Red Leader ordered, over headset.

A wary Red Leader looked about nervously.

“… I just lost my starboard engine.”

Luke looked excited toward Red Leader’s X-wing.

“Get set to make your attack run,” Red Leader concluded.

Vader’s gloved hands contact the control sticks, pressing their firing buttons. Just as Red Leader fought for control of his ship, laser bolts flung from Vader’s TIE fighter. The blasts connected with Red Leader’s Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader screamed as the ship zoomed toward the surface below.

Luke and Rainbow looked out their X-wing windows as a tremendous explosion ignited far below. For the first time, they could feel helpless of the situation.

In the war room of Massassi outpost, Dodonna, Princess Leia, and the Equestrians, with 3PO beside them, listen intently to the talk between the pilots. The room’s grim after Red Leader’s death, as Princesses Twilight and Sunset paced around the room.

“They’ve just lost both leaders,” Twilight panicked. “They’re on their own out there! What’re we going to do?!”

“Calm yourself Twilight,” Sunset advised. “We’re not out of this fight just yet. All we can do is hope our remaining pilots can pull through. It’s up to Cody to lead them now.”

“Biggs, Wedge, let’s close it up!” Luke ordered, over speaker. “We’re going in full throttle. That’ll keep those fighters off our back.”

The horizon twisted as Wedge pulled out.

“Right with you, boss,” Wedge confirmed.

The two X-wings peeled off against a background of stars, diving toward the Death Star.

“Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?” Biggs asked.

“It’ll be just like Beggar’s Canyon back home,” Luke replied.

The three X-wings moved in, unleashing a barrage of laser fire. Laser bolts returned from the Death Star. Luke’s lifelong friend struggled with his controls.

“We’ll stay back far enough to cover you,” Biggs spoke.

“We’ve got you boys covered,” Rainbow Dash spoke, looming over. “Those TIE fighters are not getting past me this time.”

Cody and the other boys flew over to help Rainbow.

Flak and laser bolts flash outside Luke’s cockpit window.

“My scope shows the tower, but I can’t see the exhaust port!” Wedge spoke, over headset. “Are you sure the computer can hit it?”

The Death Star laser cannon slowly rotated as it shot laser bolts. Luke looked around for the Imperial TIE fighters. Thinking for a moment, he moved his targeting device into position.

“Watch yourself!” Luke warned. “Increase speed full throttle!”

Wedge looked excitedly about for any sign of the TIE fighters.

“What about the tower?”

“You worry about those fighters!” Rainbow shouted. “Luke and I will deal with the tower!”

Luke’s and Rainbow’s X-wings streaked above the trench, firing lasers.

Luke broke into a nervous sweat as the laser fire returned, knocking one of his wings close to the engine.

“R2…” Luke called. “… That, that stabilizer’s broken loose again! See if you can’t lock it down!”

R2 worked to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushed by in the background, making his delicate task seem more precarious. Two laser cannons fire toward the Rebel fighters. While firing at the towers, Rainbow looked up and spotted the TIE fighters.

“These guys don’t know when to quit!” Rainbow muttered.

Luje’s targeting device marked off the distance to the target, while Vader and his wingmen zoomed closer. Vader adjusted his controls and fired laser bolts at two X-wings flying down the trench. He scored a direct hit on Wedge.

Leia and the others grouped around the computer board, watching anxiously.

“I’m hit!” Wedge spoke, over speaker. “I can’t stay with you.”

“Get clear, Wedge!” Luke advised. “You can’t do any more good back there!”

“Sorry!”

Wedge pulled his crippled X-wing back away from the battle. Vader watched the escape but issued a command to his wingmen.

“Let him go! Stay on the leader!”

Luke’s X-wing sped down the trench; the three TIE fighters, still in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind. Biggs, growing worried, looked around at the TIE fighters.

“Hurry Luke, they’re coming in much faster this time!” Biggs panicked. “I can’t hold them!”

The three TIE fighters moved ever closer, closing in on Luke and Biggs. Luke looked back anxiously at R2.

“R2, try and increase the power!”

Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping R2-D2 struggled to increase the power, his dome turning from side to side. Stealthily, the TIE formation crept closer. Vader adjusted his control stick. Rainbow saw the TIE fighters approaching Biggs’ ship. Luke looked into his targeting device. He moved it away for a moment, pondering its use. He looked back into the computer target system.

“Hurry up, Luke! Quick!” Biggs shouted, over headset.

“Hang on Biggs!” Rainbow said loudly. “I’m coming!”

The cyan girl quickly turned her ship toward Vader’s direction, pushing full throttle speed toward him. Vader and his wingmen raced through the Death Star trench. Biggs moved in to cover for Luke, but Vader was gaining. Biggs saw the TIE fighters aiming at him.

“QUICK!”

Vader squeeze the fire button on his controls. Biggs’ cockpit exploded around him, lighting him in red. Biggs’ ship burst into a million flaming bits, scattering across the surface.

“BIGGS!!!” Rainbow yelled.

Leia and the others stared at the computer board.

Luke, stunned by Biggs’ death, felt his eyes watering. But also, anger growing.

Vader took aim on Luke, talking to the wingmen.

“I’m on the leader,” Vader informed.

“Oh no you don’t!!!” Rainbow yelled, turning the ship.

“Rainbow, what’re you doing?!” Luke asked. “It’s too dangerous.”

“No way we’re losing another friend to that big-masked moron! Come on, squad! YAH!!!!!!”

Rainbow Dash furiously pressed the button on the stick, firing lasers toward Vader’s ship. Somehow Vader expertly dodged every shot, as Rainbow kept the ship in range. Eventually, Dash had no choice but to pull up to avoid crashing into Vader’s ship struggling to regain formation. While Dash kept Vader distracted, Luke’s ship streaked through the trench of the Death Star.

Cody and the others could see five additional TIEs headed towards Rainbow as she stayed on Vader’s TIE Advanced.

“Rainbow! You got five more TIEs incoming!” Cody said.

She looked behind her and just kept on Vader. The other TIE fighters kept coming at her.

“Pick your targets, boys!” Cody ordered.

It was then that Cody, Sal, Bucky, Flash, and Spike opened fire on the five TIEs and shot them down.

Princess Leia returned her general’s worried, doubtful glances with solid, grim determination. 3PO seemed nervous.

“Hang on, R2!”

“They’re gonna make it!” Sunset spoke nervously. “They have to make it! C’mon…”

Luke concentrated his targeting device, as the three TIE fighters charged away down the trench toward Luke. Vader’s fingers curled around the control stick; Luke adjusted the lens of his targeting device. Luke’s ship charged down the trench as he lined the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting device’s screen. He gazed through the targeting device, ready to take his shot.

“Use the Force, Luke,” Ben’s voice spoke.

As the Death Star trench zoomed by, Luke looked up after hearing the voice. He started to look back into the targeting device but was having second thoughts.

“Let go, Luke…”

Grim determination swept across Luke’s face, as he closed his eyes and started mumbling Ben’s training to himself. Rainbow could see Luke’s fighter streak through the trench.

“What’s he doing?” Rainbow asked.

“The Force is strong with this one!” Vader uttered.

Vader followed Luke’s X-wing down the trench. Luke looked through the targeting device, then away trying to decide what to do.

“Luke, trust me…” Ben’s voice insisted.

Finally, Luke’s hand reached for the control panel… and pressed the button. The targeting device moved away.

Leia and the others stand watching the projected screen.

“He turned it off!” Twilight gasped, in shock. “Why’d he do that?”

“Luke, you switched off your targeting computer,” Base voiced, over speaker. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Luke’s voice answered. “I’m all right.”

Unable to take it anymore, Applejack grabbed a headset from a nearby technician.

“Rainbow! Sal! Can y’all hear me!” Applejack called out, distressed. “Why did Luke switch off his targeting device?”

“You tell me! I’m as confused as you are!” Rainbow answered, over speaker.

Luke’s ship streaked ever so closely to the exhaust port, as the Death Star surfaced streaked by. R2-D2 turned his head from side-to-side, beeping in anticipation. Rainbow and Cody could see all the action from above.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Obi-Wan…” Cody voiced his thoughts.

The three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen, followed Luke’s X-wing down the trench. Vader maneuvered his controls as he looked at his doomed target. He pressed the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laser fire shoots toward Luke’s X-wing fighter. A large burst of Vader’s laser fire engulfed R2. The arms go limp on the smoking little droid, as he made a high-pitched sound like a scream.

“R2!!!!” Rainbow shouted.

Luke looked frantically back over his shoulder toward R2, as smoke billed out around the droid and sparks began to fly.

“I’ve lost R2!”

And R2’s beeping sounds slowly died out. Rainbow, bearing witness to it, felt tears streaming down her face as she slammed her fists on the controls in frustration!

“VADER!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Rainbow screamed.

Along the surface of the Death Star, the three TIE fighters zoomed down the Death Star trench in pursuit of Luke, never breaking formation. Luke looked anxiously at the exhaust port. Vader adjusted his control sticks, checking his projected targeting screen. Luke’s ship barreled down the trench. Rainbow Dash flew from behind Vader’s formation, her targeting computer swinging around into position. Of all the ships, she was aiming for Vader.

“C’mon… c’mon… get in range…” Rainbow muttered, sweat pouring.

Vader took careful aim on Luke’s X-wing fighter. Cody and the others took notice of this from above.

“Luke, take evasive action!” Cody shouted.

“I have you now,” Vader spoke.

He pushed the fire buttons. The three TIE fighters moved in on Luke. As Vader’s center fighter unleashed a volley of laser fire, one of the TIE ships at his side exploded into flame. The two remaining ships continued to move in. But the blast didn’t come from Rainbow Dash though she almost pushed her button.

“What the what?!” Rainbow shouted.

Luke looked about, wondering whose laser fire destroyed Vader’s wingman. Vader, taken by surprise, looked out from his cockpit.

“WHAT?!” Vader shouted.

Vader’s wingman searched around him trying to locate the unknown attacker. Rainbow Dash looked up toward the darkly heavens and her eyes widened.

“No way…”

“YAHOO!!!!”

Han and Chewbacca grinned ear-to-ear, as the Millenium Falcon headed right at the two TIE fighters. It’s now a collision course. The wingman spotted the ship coming at him and warned the Dark Lord.

“Look out!”

Vader’s wingman panicked at the sight of the oncoming starship, veering radically to one side, colliding with Vader’s TIE fighter in the process. Vader’s wingman crashed into the side wall of the trench and exploded. Vader’s damaged ship spun out of the trench with a damaged wing (A bent solar fin) heading for deep space. Vader turned round and round in circles struggle to get his ship in control.

Rainbow Dash saw Solo’s ship moved toward the Death Star trench.

“Captain Solo…” Rainbow gasped, in shock. “You’re really here…”

Solo smiled as he spoke to Luke over his headset mike.

“You’re all clear, kid! Now let’s blow this thing and go home!”

Han’s transmission could be heard in the War Room. Leia and the others listened intently.

“Han Solo ya sneaky devil!” Applejack smiled.

Pinkie’s expression immediately brightened, and her hair sprung to life, “YEAH!!! HE CAME BACK!!! I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW IT!!!”

“You got this, Luke!” Cody said.

Luke looked up and smiled before he concentrated on the exhaust port, then fired his laser torpedoes. The torpedoes shoot toward the port seemingly disappearing into the surface and not explode. But the shots found their mark, going through the exhaust port, toward the main reactor.

“THEY’RE IN!!!” Cody shouted. “Now let’s get out of here!”

Luke threw his head back in relief, the force truly on his side.

Six X-wings, Three Y-wings, and the Millenium Falcon raced toward Yavin in the distance.

The rumble of a distant explosion began. The Rebel ships raced out of sight, leaving the Death Star alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes appeared on the surface… until the Death Star exploded into a massive inferno.

“Great shot kid!” Han cried out. “That was one in a million!”

“Now that was 20% cooler!” Rainbow smirked. “No… make it NINETY percent cooler!!! WAHOO!!!”

Luke felt at ease after a stressful fight, his eyes closed.

“Remember, the force will be with you… always,” Ben’s voice spoke.

As the Rebel ships raced toward Yavin 4, Vader’s ship spun off into the depths of space realizing too late that the battle is lost. The only survivor of the entire fleet, Darth Vader’s ship raced away from the field of battle to report his failure to the Empire.

Luke climbed out of his starship fighter to a string of cheers from a throng of ground crew and pilots. Luke climbed down the ladder, as they all welcome him with laughter, cheers, and shouting. Princess Leia rushed toward him.

“Luke!” Leia shouted. “Luke! Luke!”

“Leia!” Luke shouted.

“Woohoo! Way to go, Luke!” Twilight said.

She threw her arms around Luke, hugging him as they danced around in a circle. Cody, Rainbow, Sal, Bucky, Flash, and Spike just slid down the ladders of their own ships when their friends piled on top of them, laughing and crying as they held onto Rainbow. She and Sal barely shared a celebratory kiss, then brushed their way through the pile when they saw Applejack standing there. For a moment, the two just stare each other in the eye, not saying a single word.

“We told you we’d be—”

But Sal doesn’t finish before Applejack pulled Sal toward her and smashed his lips onto hers. Sal’s arms flailed before they slowly wrapped around Applejack, playfully pushed Applejack’s hat off and kissed her back.

“Bucky! You’re safe!” Pinkie shouted.

Just then, Pinkie eagerly jumped into Bucky’s arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. It was then that they shared a passionate kiss. They soon broke it as Fluttershy approached them.

“I’m glad you’re alright,” Fluttershy said.

“C’mere, Flutters,” Bucky replied, pulling her into a kiss.

Twilight and Sunset approached Cody and he shared a kiss with both his wives.

“We’re glad you’re in one piece, Cody,” Twilight said.

“Good thing I managed to keep away from Vader,” Cody replied.

“Spikey-wikey!! You’re safe!” Rarity shouted.

“Thinking about you kept me in one piece, Rarity,” Spike replied.

Rarity eagerly hugged Spike and smothered him in her chest and kissed both his cheeks, making him blush.

Han raced toward Luke and they embraced one another, slapping each other in the back.

“Hey! Hey!” Han chuckled.

“I knew you’d come back!” Luke said, laughing. “I just knew it!”

“Well, I wasn’t gonna let you get all the credit and take all the reward!” Han replied.

Harmony Squad soon joined up with their fellow rebels.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in!” Pinkie joked. “So… you finished paying off your debts already?”

“Actually… we never made it to Tatooine,” Han admitted. “What can I say? I just can’t stay away… and Chewie was very persistent.”

Fluttershy turned toward Chewbacca, who bellowed with a friendly growl. Fluttershy smiled as she hugged the big lug.

“I missed you too, Chewie!” Fluttershy smiled tearfully.

Luke and Han looked at one another, as he playfully shoved Luke’s face. Leia moved in between them.

“Hey, I knew there was more to you than money,” Leia chuckled.

“You’re definitely in so much trouble if the guys you owe money to hear of this,” Spike smirked.

“Hey… if I’m going to be punished just like you rebels,” Han smirked. “I might as well ‘be’ a Rebel… if you’ll have me.”

“At least we’re all together again,” Rarity smiled.

Twilight Sparkle turned toward Luke’s ship; her face dropped to a sorrowful look.

“Not all of us…”

Luke turned toward Twilight’s direction, suddenly realizing.

“Oh no!”

The fried little R2-D2 was lifted off the back of the fighter, carried off under the worried eyes of 3PO.

“Oh my! R2! Can you hear me?” 3PO called out. “Say something!”

But the droid was nonresponsive, as if the little droid were already dead. Worried, 3PO turned toward a nearby mechanic.

“You can repair him, can’t you?” 3PO asked.

“We’ll get to work on him right away,” The Technician assured.

“You must repair him! Sir, if ay of my circuits or gears will help, I’ll gladly donate them.”

“He’s going to be all right 3PO,” Cody reassured. “We promise.”

“I don’t know about all of you,” Rarity spoke up. “But this battle has really taken a toll on my nerves. I could use a chance to settle down.”

“Rarity’s right,” Twilight agreed. “Let’s find ourselves a place to settle down. I have a feeling we’re going to have quite a celebration later today.”

“OH YEAH!!! PARTY TIME!!!” Pinkie squealed.

The group slowly make their way down the hall to prepare for the upcoming celebration.

Later…

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Cody Ando entered the huge ruins of the main temple. Hundreds of troops lined up in neat rows. Banners flew overhead, at the far end stood a vision in white, the beautiful young Princess Leia. Garbed in a long white dress, she is staggeringly beautiful. Standing beside her was Princess Twilight Sparkle, dressed in a regal gala outfit that matched her skin-tone and crown specifically prepared just for her.

Luke and the others solemnly marched the long aisle, kneeling before Princess Leia. From one side of the temple marched a shined-up, fully repaired R2-D2. He waddled up to the group and stood next to the equally pristine 3PO and the remainder of Harmony Squad, all awestruck by the whole event. Chewbacca, of course, was quite confused but Fluttershy giggled slightly. Sitting just to the leg of Princess Leia were Dodonna and several other dignitaries.

Princess Leia rose and bestowed a gold medallion to Han. The space captain merely winks at her. She repeats the ceremony with Chewbacca, Rainbow Dash, Cody, Flash, Spike, Bucky, and Sal, who smiled toward Applejack, whose cheeks glowed Apple red. Finally, Leia bestows a medal to Luke, who is moved by this whole chain of events. He feels a nudge at his shoulder, as he turns toward Rainbow Dash.

“Your aunt and uncle would be very proud of you,” Rainbow said to Luke.

“You made your mom and dad proud, Cody. They’ll be happy to hear about what happened today,” Twilight said.

Luke and Cody nodded with a smile, before they turned to face the assembled troops, who all applauded for the brave heroes. Chewbacca growled, R2 beeped happily, and the group of weary travelers smiled before the masses.

Once the ceremony was over, Cody approached General Dodonna.

“General, since the Empire most likely knows we’re here, might I suggest an immediate evacuation?” Cody asked.

“I understand your concern, Prince Cody. We shall evacuate once the ceremony is over,” General Dodonna replied.

“I also suggest clearing out the data centers so that the Empire can’t access any of our secrets,” Cody said.

“I’ll get my best people right on that,” General Dodonna replied.

Cody then rejoined his wives and friends. Twilight went up to Han and asked him, “Han, since our own ship was shot down and totaled on Tatooine, can you please give us a ride back home to Equestria on the Falcon?”

“Of course. We shall leave immediately,” Han replied.

“Thanks, Han,” Cody said, then turned to the others, “Come on, everyone. We’re going home on the Millennium Falcon.”

It wasn’t long before Harmony Squad, along with Han, Luke, Leia, Chewie, R2, and 3PO boarded the Falcon and left the base.

“If you don’t mind, Han. R5 is gonna plot our course,” Cody said.

“R5 says our course is laid in, Captain Solo,” 3PO spoke up.

“Punch it, Chewie,” Han said.

Chewbacca growled in reply as he activated the hyperdrive. Just then, the Millennium Falcon entered hyperspace, headed for Equestria.

Soon enough, the Falcon reached Equestria and touched down on the landing platform in Canterlot. Harmony Squad was greeted by Princesses Celestia and Luna, Prince Blaze, Rex, and Commander Dagger.

“Welcome home, Cody,” Celestia said.

“Hi, mom,” Cody replied, “There’s some new friends of ours we’d like you to meet.”

Cody introduced his family to Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, and the droids. Blaze easily remembered R2 from the Clone War and to an extent, C-3PO. Harmony Squad filled Cody’s family in on everything they’ve been through lately, including the destruction of the Death Star.

“I’m sorry about Obi-Wan,” Blaze said.

“I’m glad you’re home, Cody,” Rex said to his brother.

“Hi, Rex,” Cody replied, hugging him.

It wasn’t long before Luke, Han, and the others had to leave.

“Assuming you’re in need of a new base for the rebellion, you’re always welcome here on Equestria,” Cody said.

“We’ll think it over,” Luke replied.

It was then that Luke and his friends boarded the Millennium Falcon and headed elsewhere.

Author's Note

This is the last chapter set during A New Hope.

In loving memory of Carrie Fisher
1956-2016
&
Peter Cushing
1913-1994