SYNOPSIS
Han and Luke race into the twin cannons of the Millennium Falcon, readying to confront the squadron of TIE fighters that are attacking the ship. Taking a couple of hits, some control panels blow out, but soon Luke is able to blast one of the TIE fighters to space-dust. After a few more close calls and tense moments, the last of the Imperial space craft have been destroyed. Leia has doubts about their escape. She feels that it was far too easy, but at least the plans for the Death Star battle station are safe within Artoo.

Back on the Death Star, Darth Vader confirms to Grand Moff Tarkin that the Rebels have successfully escaped. Tarkin has his doubts, but Vader has no such misgivings. He has seen the end of the Jedi Knights and indicates the Rebellion will be next.

En route to the Rebel base, Han indicates he is only in this enterprise for the money. Leia is affronted by his greediness and storms off. Luke muses after her, as Han vocalizes his interest in the Princess. This upsets Luke, and Han realizes he is unsure why he said it.

The Falcon touches down at the rebel base on the fourth moon of Yavin, where a boxy landspeeder whisks the crew into the underground hangar of a large, ancient temple. They are greeted by an older rebel leader, Commander Willard, though Leia rushes the meeting so that the plans that Artoo carries can get analyzed as soon as possible.

Later in briefing room, General Jan Dodonna describes the layout of the Death Star to a group of Rebel pilots. The only way to destroy the battle station is thermal exhaust port that must be hit with proton torpedoes. Some pilots express surprise and disbelief at the sheer impossibility of a task, but Luke counters by saying he used to bulls-eye womp rats in similar fashion. General Dodonna concludes the briefing and directs all pilots to their fighters.

Luke says his good bye's to Han and Chewie, who are loading their reward onto a skimmer. Leia then catches up to him and wishes him good luck. Finally Luke runs into his old buddy Biggs Darklighter, and Blue Leader. Biggs tells Blue Leader that Luke is the best pilot in the outer rim and they all depart for their ships.

The Generals and Princess Leia are gathered around a display screen that indicates the progress of the Death Star into the Yavin system. At the same time, a squad of X-wings blast into the morning sky, ready to take on the Empire's evil battle station, or die trying.