I am trying to create a 'death star' of sorts that will wipe out enemy colonies in a single blow. I have made it from the Dunov TEC cruiser, no remodel or textures, though. The weapon that I use is the KOL beam, firing at the planet. I have a few questions to go along with that.

1. Is there anyway to create a pre-firing glow such as what happens during and after firing the KOL beam.

2. How do I change the color of this glow.(My beam is currently green.)

3. How do I, if it's possible, add in the sounds made in the Star Wars movie as the Death Star charges and fires. I want it to make the charging sound and the sound as it travels through space.

4. How do I increase the charge-up time for the bombing effect?

5. How do I shorten the length of the beam and change the time at which the damage is applied. Right now my beam fires for about 5 or 6 seconds, but the colony is wiped out (explosions every where) at the first "impact" of the beam.

6. Does anyone know the exact timings for all of the Death Star effects in the movies?

7. How do I change the size of the beam considerably?

8. How do I make the explosions on the planet bigger?
 
My desired effect would to have the beam charge up for about 5-10 seconds, then discharge for about one second, having the colony destroyed almost immediatly.
I know this is a lot to ask and any help will be appreciated.