The Case for Rebellion

Darth Vader, aboard the Death Star, elucidates to Tarkin his strategy: he deliberately sacrificed four TIE fighters (along with their respective pilots) to "enhance the credibility of the Rebels' escape." He is now utilizing a homing device to track the Millennium Falcon, intending to follow it directly to the Rebel base. Vader's concern for retrieving the Death Star plans has diminished; his sole objective is now the destruction of the Rebel base. Tarkin then instructs Motti to monitor the signal and elevate the station's alert status.

Onboard the Falcon, Han Solo and Artoo-Detoo liberate See-Threepio from a hazardous entanglement of live wires, a predicament he encountered during the space engagement. Han develops a newfound respect for the droids upon learning that Threepio sustained injuries while assisting Artoo in extinguishing a fire.

Han then joins Princess Leia in the cockpit, dispatching Chewbacca to the rear of the ship to aid in repair efforts. Han proudly recounts his accomplishments during the rescue operation, but Leia remains unimpressed, convinced that their vessel is being tracked. Han inquires whether they should make a detour to remove the tracking device; Leia responds that such an action would only incite the Empire to destroy additional planets. Their only recourse, she argues, is to proceed to the base, analyze the Death Star schematics, and devise a swift method of attack against the station. Han reiterates that his involvement is solely motivated by the expectation of payment, a statement that distresses Leia, prompting her departure from the cockpit just as Luke enters. Sensing Luke's attraction towards Leia, Han playfully teases him about it.

The vessel touches down within an ancient temple situated on the Fourth Moon of Yavin. Han expresses his dismay at the dilapidated condition of the base and its snubfighters; Leia counters that the course of history will be determined by individuals, not material possessions. Commander Willard of the Rebel forces extends a greeting to Leia, who informs him of the Death Star's imminent arrival. Willard concurs with her assessment that their only viable option is to stand their ground and fight, while also admitting that the Rebels face a severe shortage of pilots. Willard expresses gratitude to Luke, Han, and Chewbacca for their valor during the princess's rescue, but Han promptly demands his compensation. Willard objects, citing the lack of available currency; Han proposes accepting precious metals as an alternative. He threatens to disseminate information regarding the Rebel Alliance's unreliability in fulfilling business agreements if his demands are not met.

As Willard directs technicians to measure out the agreed-upon metals for Han and Chewbacca, the smugglers proceed to the pilots' Ready Room to refresh themselves before their departure. Luke follows, hoping to persuade them to remain and fight alongside the Rebels. Luke reveals his intention to volunteer as a pilot for the Rebel cause; Han then attempts to dissuade Luke from what he perceives as a suicidal undertaking. Neither succeeds in swaying the other's decision, and their interaction concludes with mutual frustration. Following Luke's departure, Leia arrives to present her case. Han redirects the conversation by informing her of Luke's decision to engage in combat. While outwardly Leia expresses agreement with Luke's choice, her underlying concern is evident.

Luke reports for training, meeting an officer who turns out to be his long-time friend, Biggs Darklighter. Biggs directs him to enter a flight simulator to experience simulated combat within an X-wing fighter. Luke demonstrates proficiency. Leia arrives and, in a private conversation, attempts to provide Luke with an opportunity to withdraw from the impending battle. Willard interrupts their discussion to provide feedback on Luke's performance in the simulator: he was only defeated twice – an impressive feat, considering "Biggs was throwing the entire Starfleet" at him. This performance secures Luke a position in Red Flight for the upcoming assault.

By this point, Rebel commanders have formulated an attack strategy capable of destroying the Death Star, prompting Luke and the other pilots to attend a briefing on the mission. A precisely aimed torpedo strike on a two-meter thermal exhaust port will initiate a chain reaction within the station's reactor system, leading to its destruction. Other pilots express skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a precise hit, but Luke remains confident in his ability to strike the small target. With the Death Star rapidly approaching, the pilots prepare for battle. Luke and Han exchange a final farewell.

"The Case for Rebellion" introduces several additional scenes and dialogues to the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. These additions primarily serve to elaborate on the narratives of Luke and Han as they arrive at contrasting decisions and embark on separate paths. These expanded sequences encompass: Han's demands and threats directed at Commander Willard regarding his promised remuneration, Luke's disagreement with Han within the pilots' ready room, and Luke's training session within an X-wing flight simulator. The reunion between Luke and Biggs bears similarities to, but is not identical with, a scene that was removed from the film and subsequently reincorporated in the 1997 Special Edition. In the radio adaptation, the scene unfolds prior to the mission briefing, whereas in the film, the two reunite as they are boarding their respective fighters.

Similar to certain other radio episodes, "The Case" employs terminology that deviates from that found in other Star Wars media. The episode refers to Red Squadron as "Red Flight" and uses the term "photon" instead of "proton" torpedoes, a term borrowed from Star Trek.