"We did not mean to disturb you, Your Highness," said MacCleod.
"It's okay, Admiral," Leia replied. "I was just thinking about a few things. Will you join me in a drink?"
Soon, all three were seated around the conference table.
"The truth is, we've known about the Empire's new propulsion technology for some time," Leia said. "But until now, we've found no way of getting in touch with your Federation".
"Our Federation was in no shape to be contacted," said Watt. "Servalan was bleeding it dry".
"But what matters is that we have made contact with you," said MacCleod. "And now we have the plans for the Death Star we have a chance of finding a weakness in their most powerful weapon. We could score the victory we have been looking for".
"And then what?" asked Leia.
"An alliance between our two forces could prove too great for the Empire," said Watt. "Even as we speak here, President Spock is making efforts to gain new allies in the Alpha Quadrant".
Leia got to her feet, and once more stared out towards the stars.
"I only wish I share your optimism, gentlemen".
Within the next few hours, Watt and MacCleod, along with Leia, walked along the corridors of the Rebel's underground base on the moon of Yavin IV. Leia showed them into a room. There waiting for them were two people. One, a middle-aged woman, had an air of authority about her, as if she commanded great power and even greater respect. The other, a grey-haired man with a bushy beard, wore a type of military uniform, and showed the stress and the scars of many battles.
"Gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Yavin IV's military commander, General Jan Dodonna, and the head of the Rebel Alliance, Mon Mothma".
As the formal greetings were exchanged, Mon Mothma smiled broadly.
"Even in this distant sector of space, your exploits, and those of your comrades, are widely known," she said. "Especially now, in a time when we both share a common goal".
"We have much to discuss," said MacCleod. "Especially since you now have the plans to the Death Star".
"Our scientists are studying the plans now," said Dodonna. "Trying to search for some kind of weakness".
"That is what we wish to talk to you about," said Watt. "Princess Leia has obviously told you about our small fleet. We would like to place it at your disposal".
"Are you sure that's wise, Captain?" asked Mothma.
"With all due respect," said MacCleod, "Nothing in your fleet matches up to a Federation starship".
"We need their help," said Leia. "They also have with them possibly the finest fighter squadron from the Alpha Quadrant".
"I agree," said Dodonna. "Your help is most appreciated, gentlemen".
"Then perhaps we should get our computers working on those plans".
"Our allies from the Free Federation have found an apparent weakness in the Death Star's defenses. A small, one meter wide exhaust port, located at the end of the equatorial trench, leads straight into the station's reactor core. A photon torpedo launched into this port should be enough to cause a chain reaction in the core, causing the destruction of the station".
One Rebel pilot raised his hand.
"Even with the targeting computers, we won't be able to hit a target only one meter wide".
"It's possible!" said Skywalker. "I use to hit womp rats in Beggar's Canyon in my Skyhopper. They're not much bigger than one meter".
Dodonna continued with his briefing.
"Our X-wing and Y-wing squadrons, supplemented by forces from the Free Federation, will punch through the outer defenses and maneuver the equatorial trench until they reach the exhaust port".
As General Dodonna continued with his briefing, the operators in the main control room picked up a large object on the long range sensors. The Death Star had just entered the Yavin system.
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