Star Wars - The Han Solo Trilogy - Rebel Dawn

by A. C. Crispin

My stateroom, number 112, in, say, thirty minutes? she said.

  Thirty minutes, Lando said. I will be counting them, every one.

  She smiled at him, a smile that held rueful amuse-ment as well as pleasure, and turned and left Lando standing on the edge of the dance floor. He watched her walk away, a pleasant occupation. She reached the portal of the lounge, brushed past an Anomid who was loitering there, watching the dancing and listening to the music, then disappeared from sight.

  Lando smiled. Now to find the best bottle of wine in this ship, and some flowers, he thought, and headed briskly for the bar. Twenty-nine minutes and counting...

  Bria told herself to settle down as she hurried down the corridor toward her stateroom. But she was ex-cited, realizing that she was finally going to get news of Hah! Lando Calrissian was obviously more than just a casual friend. Bria was so eager to reach her stateroom that she was almost jogging as she approached the door of 112. At last! Someone who knows him well, who can tell me how he doing, what he been cbing . . . where he is!

  Just as Bria reached the door to her cabin, she had the sudden thought that perhaps Han was on Nar Shad-daa, her ultimate destination. Was it possible that in forty-eight hours or so, shed actually get to see him? The thought excited her, even as it filled her with trepi-dation. After more than nine years, what would it be like to be close to him?

  As she unlocked her stateroom door, her hands were shaking. She was so absorbed in memories of Han that she had no warning, no warning at all. One moment the door was opening before her, and the next a powerful thrust propelled her through the portal and into the liv-ing room of the suite with such force that she didnt even have breath to cry out.

  Her high-heeled slippers skidded on the polished floor, and she tripped, trying to catch herself. Just as she started to fall, Bria felt something sharp sting her back.

  She had only an instant to realize that shed been shot with some kind of knockout drug. As she fell, she man-aged with the last of her strength to turn slightly, and saw a strange Anomid standing behind her in the door-way. Bria managed a soft, choked cry of warning to her friends before everything around her faded, faded... Faded...

  And went black.

  Boba Fett watched the Tharen woman sag to the floor, then lie there, motionless. Quickly he shut the door to the corridor behind him, and started forward- just as the older men Tharen had been traveling with rushed out of the sleeping cabin on the right.

  Boba Fett extended his arm, flexed his hand, and a deadly da (unlike the soporific one that had felled the woman) shot toward the older of the two Resistance of-ricers and embedded itself in his throat. The man had time for one strangled gasp, and was dead before he hit the floor.

  The other man did not hesitate, but came straight in. Boba Fett swept aside the Anomid cape and stood poised as the man, with a wordless yell, attacked.

  The Rebel leader might have been a decent officer in plafining strategy and attacks, but he was no expert at unarmed combat. Boba Fett blocked his blow with one forearm, then came in with a hard, lethal blow that crushed the Corellian larynx.

  Fett watched dispassionately as the Rebel officer died. It took no more than a minute.

  He bent over the dead man, planning to drag him and his fellow off to the corner of the room and throw some sheets over them-more to muffle the stench of voiding from the suddenly deceased bodies than from any sense of decorum.

  Boba Fett peripheral vision was compromised by the mask he was wearing. Without his Mandalorian hel-met with its special sensors, the bounty hunter had only an instant warning of danger. He dodged just as the Rebel bodyguard struck, silent and with the expertise the two older men had lacked.

  The bounty hunter whirled away from the younger man, and as he did so, Fett whipped off the Anomid heavy cloak and flung it into the bdyguard face. With one smooth movement, his opponent disentangled him-self and came in again. He was perhaps in his early thir-ties, and was bare-chested, barefoot, and wearing only shorts. The man had evidently been asleep in the other room when his officers had made their ill-fated attack.

  This fellow, Fett knew instantly, was a combat sol-dier, trained to use his hands and feet as weapons-and trained also in using the vibroblade he held in one hand. Behind his two masks, Boba Fett smiled slightly, pleased to be challenged, and by someone who plainly knew what he was doing. He had another lethal dart he could have used, but he decided against it. A little exer-cise would be welcome. It had been a long time since hed indulged himself in unarmed combat; few foes were worthy of his time.

  The man was already dancing in, balanced, his eyes level, vibroblade ready for a disemboweling slash. Boba Fett let him come, then dodged at the last possible sec-ond, pulling himself into an arc like a null-gee dancer, and then spinning around, out of the way. As he moved, his hand moved out and dealt the soldier a stunning clip behind his right ear.

  The soldier managed to dodge at the last moment, though, and the blow that had been meant to render him unconscious only dazed him. He staggered a little, shook his head, then came back for more.

  Boba Fett was pleased to oblige. They sidestepped around each other in a grim parody of the way Lando Calrissian and Bria Tharen had danced in the Star Winds Lounge only minutes before.

  The guard lunged again, and again Boba Fett waited, then evaded the movement at the last possible second. Another blow made the Corellian gasp-this time Fetts instep impacted with the back of his knee. The guard leg buckled, and, for the first time, Fett saw fear in his eyes. He now knew he was totally outclassed, and yet he conquered his pain and weakness and moved in again. A man who knows his duty and does not shrink from it, Fett thought. Admirable. His reward for his courage shall be a quick and easy death ....

  For the first time, Fett went on the attack. His foot lashed out in a precise blow, and impacted with the man wrist with stunning force. The vibroblade went flying. Fett spun in for the finish. Another sweep be-hind the other knee, and the man sagged, his legs un-able to hold him. But that did not matter. Fett already had him around the neck in a grip as hard and relentless its durasteel. One quick, sideways jerk, and the guard sagged in his arms, dead.

  Boba Fett dragged the man over to the corner, and laid him down, then brought the others over, too. He tossed the covers from one of the beds over the bodies. As he was finishing the task, he saw that the Tharen woman was beginning to stir.

  When Bria regained consciousness, she found her-self bound so efficiently that she didnt even bother struggling past the first moment. She was alone in the living room, sitting on the lush carpet, propped up against one of the armchairs. Her head was muzzy, and she was terribly thirsty, but she was otherwise unharmed.

  Except for the fear. Bria had been in tight situations before, in battle, but shed never been captured like this. It was the most helpless feeling in the world, to sit there alone, and wonder who had done this to her... and why?

  It had to have been that Anomid, but Bria had never had any dealings with the aliens before, and she couldnt imagine why any of them would wish her harm. Perhaps the Anomid was a bounty hunter. That was the only explanation that made sense ....

  She wet her lips, took a deep breath, and prepared to scream a scream that would be heard even outside the closed door of the stateroom. It was then that she no-ticed two things the bodies of her companions, covered with bedclothes and stacked efficiently out of sight of anyone at the door-and the sound sponge. The little device was set up on the floor near her and the blinking light showed that it was on. It would effectively muffle any outcry she could make. Bria shut her mouth and her eyes and leaned her head back against the chair. Great. Whoever that Anomid is, he thought of everything.

  Who could he be? The alien had evidently dealt with Darnov, Feltran and even Treeska (and Bria knew his reputation at unarmed combat) in a matter of minutes.. She could see the wall-chrono, and realized shed only been out about ten minutes.

  As she sat there, struggling to think of something she could do
, the Anomid opened the door to the stateroom and entered, carrying a huge, heavy case that he placed on the floor with a thud. Seeing that Bria was awake, he went into the fresher and soon returned, carrying a glass of water. He knelt beside her, turned down the sound sponge so she could hear his voice. That sleep-ing drug causes great thirst. This is plain water. I have no intention of harming you. The bounty on you is for unharmed delivery.

  He held out the water, and Bria leaned toward it, then hesitated. She didnt dare drink it. What if this was an Imperial bounty hunter or agent? What if the water was laced with truth drug? Even though her thirst was now a raging hell in her mouth and throat, she shook her head. Thank you anyway, she managed. Im not thirsty.

  Of course you are, the Anomid said. I care noth-ing for your pitiful Resistance secrets. He shoved his vocalizer-mask aside and took a long drink. The water is safe, he said, holding it back out.

  Bria blinked at him, then her thirst won out. She drank deeply as the Anomid helped her. He pushed his vocalizer-mask back into place. As Bria leaned back against the armchair, she said, Youre not an Anomid. They cant speak without their vocalizer-masks. Youre obviously a bounty hunter in disguise. Who are you?

  The Anomid regarded her from featureless silver-blue eyes. Observant, Bria Tharen. I am pleased by your reaction. Hysteria is wearing and useless. As to my identity... you would know me perhaps by my adopted name. Boba Fett.

  Boba Fett? Bria sagged back against the armchair, eyes wide, fighting the fear that even the casual men-tion of that name brought. She found herself praying to childhood gods for the first time in years.

  After a moment, she wet her lips. Boba Fett . . . she managed. I do know that name. I didnt think you bothered with dinky Imperial bounties. The one the Imps have on me isnt worth your time.

  The bounty hunter nodded. True. Besadii clan bounty is a hundred times that.

  Teroenza... Bria whispered. It has to be. Last I heard, it was fifty thousand, not a hundred.

  Following your capture of Helot Shackle, Besadii doubled that.

  Bria tried to smile. It so nice to be popular, she managed. Helot Shackle was a slave ship. I had to stop them. I have no regrets.

  Good, he said. That should make our short asso-ciation as pleasant as possible. Would you like more water?

  Bria nodded, and Fett got another glass. This time she took a drink without being asked. Bria was trying to remember her training in what to do if captured. She wasnt in uniform, and thus had no lullaby available to end her suffering. Besides, she was a long way from Nal Hutta or Ylesia , . . a lot could happen between here and there. She decided to bide her time and keep Fett talking, if she could. All her instructions said that the more captors came to regard a prisoner as a real person, the easier captivity became, and the greater the chance that someone would get careless.

  Bria was also aware that the chance of Boba Fett slipping up was incredibly unlikely. Still, she had noth-ing else to do at the moment, did she?

  She tried not to look at the sheet-covered bodies in the corner.

  You know, she said, Ive heard a lot about you. Makes me wonder if all the things they say about you are true.

  Such as?

  That you have your own moral code. You are the consummate hunter, but no bully. You take no pleasure in inflicting pain.

  True, he said. I am a moral person.

  What do you think of the Empire? she asked, as he began checking the heavy case hed lugged into the room. She caught a glimpse of his famous helmet.

  I believe that the Empire, though morally corrupt in some ways, is the lawful government. I obey its laws.

  Morally corrupt? she asked, cocking her head, how so?

  Several ways.

  Name one.

  He gave her a glance, and she wondered if hed tell her to shut up, but after a moment, answered, Slavery. It is a morally corrupt institution, degrading to all parties.

  Really! she exclaimed. Then we have something in common. I dont like slavery much either. I know. I was a slave, she said. It was horrible.

  I know.

  You know a lot about me, I guess.

  Yes.

  Bria wet her lips. You know that Teroenza and who-ever is running Besadii these days are planning to kill me in some protracted, hideous fashion, right? Yes. Unfortunate for you, profitable for me.

  Bria nodded, and fixed him with an appealing gaze. Since you know so much about me, you know that I have a father, right?

  Yes.

  Then maybe . . . I know this seems unusual, but under the circumstances . . . perhaps you wouldnt mind . . . Bria trailed off, fighting for control. It was really sinking in now that she was done for, that she wasnt going to be able to get out of this. What?

  She took a deep breath. I havent seen my dad in years. We were always close. My mom and brother arent worth much, but my dad . . . Bria shrugged. You get the idea. When I started in with the Resis-tance, I knew it was too dangerous to see him any more. Too dangerous for both of us. But Ive found ways-- safe ways-to let him know Im alive. A couple of times a year, he gets a message through very roundabout channels. Just, Brias okay. Like that.

  Go on. The bounty hunters voice was absolutely expressionless.

  Anyway... I dont want him to wait and wait for a message from me. Could you . . . let him know Im dead? He means a lot to me. HeS a good man, a decent man. Pays his Imperial taxes, honorable citizen, all that. So . . . if I gave you his name and location, could you just send a message? Brias dead. Thats all.

  To Brias surprise, Boba Fett nodded. I will do so.

  What is-

  The bounty hunter broke off as the door chime sounded. Bria jumped, and Boba Fett rose to his feet in one seamless motion, like a hunting animal.

  The chime sounded again. Dimly, from outside the cabin, muffled by the sound sponge, Bria heard, Bria? Hey, its me, Lando!

  Calrissian, Boba Fett said quietly. Quickly the bounty hunter turned the sound sponge all the way back up. Going over to the portal, he keyed it open, standing back behind it.

  Lando, no! Bria shouted. Go away! The sound sponge soaked up the noise, absorbing it. Instead of fill-ing the room, her shout was no louder than a whisper.

  Clutching his flowers and the bottle of fine wine,

  Lando stepped eagerly through the door to Bria Lav-

  vals stateroom. Sorry Im a few minutes late, he was

  saying. The florist was closed, and I had to-

  Calrissian broke off in confusion, his eyes widening as he took in Bria, sitting on the floor by the armchair, her arms bound behind her, and the sheet-covered mound in the corner. He backed up, realizing hed just made a very bad mistake.

  Behind the gambler, the portal shut. Whats going on? Lando demanded, only to hear his voice emerge in muffled, subdued tones. Seeing the direction of Brias gaze, the gambler turned and found an Anomid regard-ing him.

  Nice to see you again, Calrissian, the Anomid said. You are fortunate that I never mix business and pleasure.

  What- Lando started, then he caught a glimpse of the big case, lying open on the floor. His dark eyes widened. Fett... he said.

  Yes, the bounty hunter said. That had better be the last word I hear out of you, Calrissian. I am not here for you. Cooperate, and I may let you live. You might come in handy.

  Lando knew better than to argue. Meekly, he put down the wine and flowers. Moments later, he found himself sitting several meters away from Bria, just as ef-ficiently bound, his back propped against the sofa.

  Boba Fett regarded Bria intently. Tomorrow, when we dock with Nar Hekkas docking platform, you and I are going to leave the Queen, walking closely together. I will be armed, but not with any weapon a visual in-spection or security scan could discern. You will stay close by my right side at all times, and remain silent. Understood?

  She nodded. Yes. But what about Lando? The note of fear in her voice for him made the gambler glance at her appreciatively.

  Calrissians life depends on you, Bria
Tharen. If you give me your word that you wont alert anyone, I will leave him behind, bound and gagged, but alive.

  Bria raised her eyebrows. You would trust my word?

  Why not? he asked, with tn undertone of mockery. You value the lives of innocents more than you do your own. I know your type. But just to make sure... I plan to wire Calrissian before we leave with a remote control detonator. If we encounter any problems, the cleaning droids will have to scrape his remains off the walls. Lando swallowed painfully.

  Bria glanced at the gambler and gave him a reassur-ing smile. Youre fight about me. I give you my word that I wont cause any trouble.

  Good, Fett responded. At the moment-

  The bounty hunter broke off as an alarm suddenly shrieked through the Queen of Empire with an ear-splitting volume. Lando sat bolt upright, his eyes widening. What the...

  Fifteen seconds later the entire Queen bounced- there was no other word for it. The huge ship heaved like a buoy on a stormy sea. Lando stomach lurched, and he fell over on his side. He looked over at Bria, who had managed to remain upright, saw her gagging, strug-gling not to be sick.

  What going on? she gasped. Lando, remember-ing Boba Fett order to remain silent, struggled to right himself.

  We came out of hyperspace, Fett said. The fail-safes must have encountered a sudden gravity shadow and reacted automatically.

  Lando silently applauded the bounty hunter for his acumen as he managed to roll back over and sit up. It was hard work, with his hands bound behind him.

  What would cause that? she said. An engine malfunction?

  Possible, Fett said. But more likely an attack. An Impefial Interdictor cruiser could bring a ship out of hyperspace.

  But why would the Imperials attack a cruise ship?

  Bria asked.

  Lando had been wondering that same thing, and couldnt think of an answer. Bfia frowned as she con-centrated on the straining vibrations of the ship. Youre fight about the attack, she said. Were caught in a tractor beam.

  Grabbing his case, the bounty hunter dragged it be-hind the oruamental screen that decorated one wall of the luxury suite. Faintly, Lando could hear the swish of robes being doffed.