"I'm picking up three TIE fighters heading towards us," Haldane reported. "And they're gaining fast!"
"How much time until we hit maximum warp?" asked Podley.
"Risky until we leave the system," said Castle.
"I know of a way," said Watt.
"We'd be grateful of any help," said Podley.
"They head directly towards the sun."
"The sun?" said Haldane. "Are you mad?"
"No," Watt replied. "I think I know a way. I've studied your systems intently the past few minutes. Your weapons and drive systems are no match for three TIE fighters, but I know a way we can get rid of them. Officer Castle, please do as I ask."
Castle looked at Podley. Podley nodded, silently telling her to do what Watt said. Watt then seated himself next to Castle. She watched as he began to access the shield generators.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"Have you ever heard of meta-phasic shielding?" Watt asked.
"It was developed by a Ferengi scientist," said Castle. "If I recall, it allowed a ship to enter a star's corona, allowing anyone to study it from the inside."
"Earth's sun is nothing more than a big star," said Watt. "If I can alter the shields then we can use a trick Beverly Crusher once told me about."
The police transport continued on its way towards the sun, with the TIE fighters not far behind them. On board, Watt was pleased.
"I think I've got it," he said. "Captain Podley, we now have meta-phasic shielding! Officer Castle, please continue on this course."
The transport was now getting very close to the sun. To the surprise of everyone except Watt, the interior was not heating up.
"Take us into the corona," Watt ordered. "If the TIE fighter pilots are stupid enough, they'll try to follow us in."
Castle did as she was told, and Watt was right. The three fighters took up a position directly above them, just out of range of the sun's corona.
"Full stop," Watt ordered.
"Full stop?" asked Haldane. "Now what do we do?"
"We engage the warp engines in a few moments."
"Is that wise while still in the solar system?" asked Castle.
"It's our only chance if we're to get the fighters off our tail," said Watt. "Are the warp nacelles powered up yet?"
"Just about," said Brogan.
"Then on my mark, power the engines up to maximum warp, but hold a static position. Direct the warp field into the sun."
"But that'll destroy us!"
"Our shield should protect us. Now, Officer Castle, on my mark."
Castle was ready, her finger hovering above the control panel. "Three… two… one… mark!"
The warp engines activated, a burst of pure solar energy shot up around and above them, crashing into the TIE fighters and destroying them on impact.
"Full speed ahead, now!" Watt ordered.
Re-directing the plasma flow, the transport shot out of the sun and was soon out of the solar system.
In orbit around Earth was the Death Star. From the main control room, Grand Moff Tarkin watched as the police transport headed towards the Time of Legends at maximum warp. There was a slight smile on his face as Darth Vader stood beside him.
"I hope your plan will work, Darth," said Tarkin. "There's a lot riding on this."
"It will," said Vader. "Soon all the secrets of the so-called Free Federation will be ours. The Free Federation will soon be going the same way as the Rebel Alliance, towards total destruction!"
"The Alliance is not finished yet," said Tarkin. "I want to finish the Free Federation before they get as dangerous as the rebels."
A short time later, the police transport met up with the Flying Scotsman, and the transport soon docked with the Scotsman. The first one to disembark from the transport was Captain Watt, and the first thing he saw was a familiar face, the face of Phineas Magus. The old wizard had a huge smile on his face as soon as he saw his old friend. They soon hugged, both pleased at being back together again.
"It's been a long time," said Watt.
"Far too long, James," Magus replied. "But I fear we have a great task ahead of us. This task may test the entire galaxy. We may never be the same again!"
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