noon
He spent the next few anxious hours alternating between Tarlac and the cave entrance . The Ranger was doing as well as Dave had dared let himself hope , but rebel cars were moving by more often , and seemed to be centered closer to the cave . Once , he could have sworn he glimpsed an Imperial Marine troop lander , but decided that had to be wishful thinking ; if the Marines were getting ready to land , the rebels should be running for cover , not continuing to search for escaped prisoners . A little after noon , what he 'd been dreading happened . Half a decade rebel aircars descended , and moments later he heard shouts and the sound of people forcing their way through brush . He checked the disruptor one last time , then moved back to the side passage he 'd chosen . He was n't as frightened as he 'd thought he would be in such a situation , even though he was certain he 'd be dead soon .