“Desert Son” - From a Certain Point of View

"Desert Son", by Pierce Brown, comes from the perspective of Biggs Darklighter. This story follows "Duty Roster."

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WARNING: This is a plot summary of the short story, spoilers ahead:

Biggs Darklighter had taken a long road to get to this point, but he couldn't have been more thrilled to have Luke by his side again. It was almost too incredible to imagine what series of events brought Luke to Yavin, but there he was. There was so much to catch up on, but there was no time. Biggs and Luke were always good friends. Back on Tatooine, Biggs was always "first", as he was taller, wealthier, and better with girls. But Biggs always knew that he was edged by Luke in leadership. He was happy to be Luke's wingman here and now. He trusted nobody as much as he trusted Luke when it came to flying, and said as much to Wedge as they entered their T-65's.

In flight, Biggs was nervous, but hearing Luke's voice over the comms had a calming effect, something that brought him back home, and gave him confidence. Luke started out the battle a little rough, probably just getting used to the X-Wing controls. But soon thereafter, Biggs and Luke got into the zone, and were bobbing and weaving together as if they were veteran pilots doing something they'd perfected their whole careers. They toyed with the TIE fighters, baiting them into traps, while each took turns picking them off, helping clear the laser turrets and distract TIE's to help their comrades on their bombing runs.

The flight from Gold Team failed, and were followed by Red Leader's attack run on the exhaust port. Biggs, Luke, and Wedge were going to move in to help, but Garven Dreis ordered them to stay back for a last run if necessary. Biggs watched as the three fast TIE's followed the flight into the trench, and picked off Garven Dreis's wingmen. They had done their jobs, sacrificing themselves in the process. Red Leader had reached the target, but his torpedos had missed. As he escalated away from the target, he was hit. He bravely ordered the last flight into the trench, rather than try to save him. He died moments later, and Biggs and Wedge followed Luke into the trench.

The run was tight, and the three TIE's were back, including that one of the advanced design. They needed to give Luke time. Suddenly, Wedge was hit. Biggs thought their ships would collide, but Wedge managed to maintain enough control to leave the trench. Biggs was alone. He did what he could to shield Luke from the TIE's. That advanced TIE was fast, and even at full throttle, with all power to the engines, he couldn't hold it off. Green laser bolts were all around, and the ship was hit. Biggs was scared. He thought of home. Of his family. As the sparks and smoke erupted into the cabin, he knew Luke was going to take care of everything, like he always did. Everything was going to be fine.

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