Star Wars - The Han Solo Trilogy - Rebel Dawn

by A. C. Crispin

  Lando shrugged, and for once his demeanor was completely serious. I dont like bounty hunters, he said. Never have. I wouldnt turn my worst enemy over to one. To me theyre on a par with slavers.

  Hah nodded, then grinned. Good thing Dreas got a soft spot for you, pal.

  The thing that turned the tide there was reminding her that she owed you, Lando pointed out.

  Well, Ill have to let her know that I owe her one, now, Hah said. I just hope you showed her a good time on that little jaunt you took.

  Ofcourse, Lando said. If its one thing I know how to do, its show a lady a good time.

  So... when did Bria tell you she cared about me? The whole time you were with Fett, you were ordered to be quiet, Han said, thinking back over Landos account.

  Oh, I saw her again, here on Nar Shaddaa, Lando said.

  Hah stared at Lando balefully. Oh, yeah?

  Yeah, I did, Lando replied. Will you relax, old buddy? I just took her out to dinner. She got turned down by Jiliac and Jabba over some commando raid on Ylesia she wanted them to finance, and she needed some cheering up. Lando sighed. She spent the whole time talking about you. Really depressing.

  Hah felt a grin creep over his face. Yeah? he said, trying to sound casual. She did?

  Lando mock-glared at him. Yes, she did. Xendor alone knows why, but she did.

  Ive thought about trying to contact her, Han said. But after seeing her that time in Sarn Shilds place... well, I know now she was on assignment for the Resis-tance. I guess a good agent does whatever she has to do to get information ....

  I asked her about that, Lando said. She told me that even though Shild wanted everyone to think she was his mistress, she wasnt. And from what Ive heard about that guy, he did indeed have some very odd... tastes... in partners.

  Huh... Han said, mulling that one over. You say she talked about me, huh? She still cares?

  She cares, Lando said. If youd been a myrmin on the wall, your head would be even more swelled than it is already. He laughed shortly, and finished off his own drink, I told you, it was depressing, pal.

  Han smiled. Well... thanks. I owe you one for sav-ing her, Lando.

  You should look her up, if you can figure how to do it, Lando said.

  I might, Han said, then sobered. Lando, Im afraid I got some bad news yesterday. What?

  Its Mako Spince. Seems he got himself into some kind of confrontation out in the Ottega System with some NaQoit bandits. They found him, barely alive, and brought him back here. HeS in the rehab-facility in the Corellian section. Shug told me hes crippled. Wont ever walk again.

  Lando shook his head, his expression bleak. Oh... hey, thats terrible! Id rather be dead than crippled, I think.

  Hah nodded grimly. Me too. I was thinkin... you want to go see him tomorrow? I ought to. Me and Mako go back a long ways. But... Id rather not go alone, ya know? Between the two of us, maybe we could kinda cheer him up some?

  Lando shrugged. Sounds like a tall order, consider-ing the circumstances, he said. But, sure, Ill go with you. Lea.st we can do. Makos one of us. Thanks.

  The next day, the two friends went to the rehab-center. Hah had only rarely been inside one, and found himself extremely ill-at-ease. After querying the clerical droid at the desk, they were directed to a room. Han and Lando hesitated outside. Lando... I aint sure Im up to this, Han confessed, in a whisper. Id rather fly a run with Imps on my tail ....

  I feel the same way, Lando agreed. But I think Id feel worse if I went home without seeing him. Han nodded. Me too. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the room.

  Mako Spince was lying in a special treatment bed. There was a whiff of bacta in the air, and the scars on his rugged features were mostly healed, though Hah could tell his old friend must have been a mess. The NaQoit bandits werent known for their kind hearts ....

  Spinces shoulder-length hair was spread out on the white pillow. Last Hah had seen him, it had been black mixed with gray. Now it was the color of iron, dull and lank. Makos pale, ice-colored eyes were closed, but somehow Hah knew he was awake.

  The Corellian hesitated, then plunged ahead. Hey, Mako! he called out, breezily, Its me, Hah! Back from the Corporate Sector. Landos here, too.

  Makos pale, cold eyes opened, and he stared at his friends with no expression. He did not speak, though Hah knew he could. Makos right arm was damaged, and hed lost the use of his legs, but there was nothing wrong with his mind or his voice.

  Hey, Mako, Lando said. Its good to see you alive. Sorry to hear that things got so rugged out there in the Ottega system... uh...

  When Lando ran out of words, Hah jumped in. Any-thing was better than the echoing silence. Yeah, those NaQoit are scum. Uh... well, this is a tough break, all right, but, hey... dont you worry about a thing. Me and the others, we took up a collection, you know? Plenty there to get you set up with a repulsor chair. Those things scoot right around . . . youll be up and around in no time, they say.

  Hah finally ran out of words, and he turned to Lando, questioning with his eyes. Mako still hadnt moved or spoken.

  Uh, yeah, Lando said, trying valiantly to keep up his end. Listen, Mako, is there anything you need? You just ask, and well get it. Right, Hah?

  Sure, Han said. He struggled for something else to say, but words utterly failed him. Uh . . . Mako? he said. Hey, buddy...

  Makos expressionless face never altered. But slowly, finally, he turned his face away from his friends, and the unspoken message was clear. Go away.

  Han sighed, shrugged, then looked at Lando.

  Quietly, they walked out of the room, leaving Mako Spince alone with his silence.

  Han got a much better welcome from Jabba the Hutt. He went to see the Desilijic leader in the kajidics headquarters on Nar Shaddaa. Jiliacs Nar Shaddaa ma-jordomo, a human woman named Dielo, looked up when he walked in, and smiled welcomingly. Captain Solo! Welcome back! Jabba instructed me to bring you in immediately.

  Since Hah was used to being kept waiting when he visited Jabba, this was indeed encouraging news.

  When Hah walked into the huge, bare, audience chamber, he found Jabba alone. The Hurt lord undu-lated toward him, his stubby arms spread wide. Han, my boy] It wonderful to see you! You were gone too long!

  For an awful second, Hah thought that Jabba actu-ally intended to hug him. The Corellian stepped back hastily, trying not to wrinkle his nose. Hed have to get used to the smell of Hutts all over again ....

  Hey, Jabba, Your Excellency, he said. Nice to know Ive been missed.

  None of that Your Excellency, now, Hah! Jabba boomed, speaking, as usual, in Huttese, which he knew Han understood well. Were old friends, and no formalities are needed!

  The Desilijic lord was practically oozing cama-raderie. Han smothered a smile. Business must be hurt-ing, he thought. Nothing like being needed, I guess .... Sure, Jabba, Hah said. So, hows business? Business... business has been a bit... slow, Jabba said. Besadii, curse them, is trying to build up a ship-ping fleet of their own to challenge Desilijics business. And the Imperials have been, unfortunately, all too ac-tive lately. Between the Imperial customs ships and the pirates, the spice business is suffering.

  Besadiis being their typical pain in the butt, eh? Jabbas chuckle boomed out in response to Hans wit-ticism, but, even to Hans ears, the laughter sounded a bit hollow. Han, Besadii must be dealt with. I am not sure exactly how.

  Han ged at the Hutt lord. I heard the Corellian Resistance wanted Desilijic to back em in a raid on Ylesia.

  Jabba didnt seem surprised that Hah had his own sources for information. The massive head nodded. We were approached by an acquaintance of yours...

  Bria Tharen.

  I havent seen her in ten years, Han said. I under-stand shes a Rebel leader now.

  She is, Jabba affirmed. And I was very interested in her proposition. However, since my aunt refused to back the Corellian resistance, I am looking for alterna-tives to bring down Besadii. We must do something. They are stockpiling the best spice, holdin
g it back to drive up prices. Our sources indicate that their ware-houses are crammed, and they are building new ones to hold the overflow.

  Hall shook his head. That aint good. And Jiliac?

  Hows she doin? And the baby?

  Jabba grimaced. My aunt is well. Her baby is healthy.

  Why the sour expression, then? Han asked.

  Her attention to motherhood is admirable, I sup-pose, Han, Jabba said, but it has meant a greatly in-creased workload for me. My business interests on Tatooine are being neglected, and it is difficult to keep up with all of Desilijics concerns. The Hurt lord sighed. Hah, it is getting harder and harder these days to find the time to get everything done.

  Yeah, I know what thats like, Jabba, Hah said. He shifted restlessly from foot to foot.

  The Hutt, who was in an unusually perceptive mood, noticed the Corellians restiveness. What is it, Han?

  Han shrugged. Tm okay. Sometimes I wish you had a human-style chair in this audience chamber, though. Having a conversation standing up the whole time is hard on my feet. He hesitated. Mind if I just park my rear on the floor while we chat?

  Ho-ho.l Jabba chuckled. I have often thought that feet must be inconvenient things to depend on, Han my boy. I can do better than the floor. Turning with far more flexibility than Han would have given him credit for, Jabba curled his tail forward and patted it invitingly. Here. Sit, lad.

  Han, recognizing that Jabba was doing him a great honor, silently told his protesting nose to shut up. He walked over and sat down on the Hutts tail just as he would have a tree trunk. He smiled, though the reek was awful, this close. My feet thank you, Jabba, he said.

  The Hutts laughter at such close quarters was enough to rattle Hans eardrums. Ho-ho-ho! Han, you amuse me almost as much as one of my dancing girls.

  Thanks, Hah managed, wondering how soon he could decently get up and leave. Jabba was curled around so he could speak to Hah nearly face-to-face.

  So, said Han. What did you think of Commander Tharen?

  For a human, she seems quite intelligent and com-petent, Jabba said. Jiliac declined her proposition, but I found it of interest.

  As I said, I havent seen her in years, Han said.

  Howd she look?

  Jabba chortled, licking his l ips. I would hire her to dance for me any day, my boy.

  Hah grimaced, but was careful not to let Jabba see. Uh, yeah. . . well, she might have somethin to say about that. You dont get to be a commander just on good looks.

  Jabba sobered. I was impressed with her. I believe her proposition may be feasible.

  What was she proposing, exactly? Han asked. Jabba outlined the basics of the Corellian Resistaneek plan. Han shrugged. Theyd need some good pilots to get through that atmosphere, he said. Wonder how Brias plannin to handle that?

  I do not know, Jabba said. Tell me, Han, approxi-mately how many guards did each Ylesian colony have when you were there?

  Oh, it ranged from maybe a hundred to a couple hundred per colony, depending on how many slaves they had working the factories, Han said. Lotta Gamorreans, Jabba. I know you Hutts like em because theyre strong and theyll take orders, but, lets face it, as a modem fighting force, theyre pretty pathetic. Most of the males are too obsessed with using those antique weapons of theirs on each other. Their clan battles spill over into their jobs. The sows are better, smarter, clearer-thinking, but they dont hire out as mercs.

  So you believe that a modem force of Rebels would have no trouble capturing those colonies.

  Han shook his head. It would be a piece of cake, Jabba.

  The Hutt lord blinked his bulbous eyes. Hmmmmm, as usual, Han my boy, you have been valuable to me. I have a load of spice that is ready to ship. Are you and your ship ready to go back to work?

  Han, recognizing the implicit dismissal, stood up. He could feel the oily residue from Jabbas skin on the seat of his pants. Great, I suppose Ill have to write this pair off, he thought. Ill never get the stink mt ofem ....

  Sure we are, he said. Chewie and me are ready.

  The Falcon is faster than ever.

  Good, good, my boy, Jabba boomed. Ill have someone contact you about the pickup this evening. Han... good to have you back.

  Hah smiled. Jabba, its good to be back ....

  Kibbick the Hutt stared at his cousins holo-image in consternation. What do you mean the tlanda Til have brought their mates here? he asked. Nobody told me.

  Durga, leader of Besadii clan, glared. Kibbick, you wouldnt notice if there was a tlanda Til female perched on your tail! They covered their tracks well, and it was nearly a week before I found out they were gone! Do you realize what this means?

  Kibbick thought hard. It means that the tlanda Til priests will be happier, more content? he ventured, finally.

  Durga waved his little arms in frustration and groaned aloud. Of course theyll be happier! he shouted. But what does this mean to us? To Besadii? For once in your life, think, Kibbick?

  Kibbick ruminated. This means well have to ship more food in for them? he asked, finally.

  No! Kibbick, you idiot! Durga was in such a rage that gobbets of green goo spattered on the holovid pickup, making holes appear in his three dimensional image. It means that we have lost our most important hold over the tlanda Til, my retarded cousin! Now that we no longer have their mates here on Nal Hutta, Teroenza and his Priests could cut all ties to Besadii and Nal Hutta! Thats what it means?

  Kibbick drew himself up. Uncle Aruk never spoke to me like that, he said, greatly offended. He was al-ways polite. He was a better leader than you will ever be, Cousin.

  Durga managed to contain himself with an effort. Forgive my rash words, Cousin, he said, with a palpa-ble effort. I am a trifle... overworked... these days. I am waiting for some important news regarding my par-ents demise.

  Oh. Kibbick thought about making more of an is-sue of it, but as long as Durga had stopped yelling, he was so relieved that he didnt. Well, Cousin, I can see how that would be bad. What shall we do?

  Youll have to have .all the female tlanda Til brought to Colony One and then ship them home to Nal Hutta, Durga said. See to it personally, Kibbick. I want you to be able to report to me that you watched them get aboard the ship and leave. I want you to use your best, most trusted pilot for the task. Send a contingent of guards, so there will be no trouble from the females on the voyage.

  Kibbick thought that one over for a moment. But . . . Teroenza wont like that, he said. And neither will the others.

  I know that, Durga said. But the tlanda Til work for us, Kibbick. We are their masters.

  Thats true, Kibbick admitted. Hed been brought up ever since he reached the age of Hutt sentience that Hurts were the most superior species in the galaxy. But imagining himself giving Teroenza orders wasnt an at-tractive proposition. Teroenza was sly and tricky. He was the one who always gave the guards their orders. All Kibbick had to do when he wanted something done was tell Teroenza, and the High Priest would always do it-promptly and efficiently.

  But what if he disobeyed, this time? Kibbick could picture him refusing to send his own mate back to Nal Itutta. And then what would he, Kibbick, do?

  But, Cousin... what if he says no? Kibbick asked plaintively.

  Then you will have to call the guards and have them take him away and lock him up until I can deal with him, Durga said. The guards will obey you, Kib-bick... wont they?

  Of course they will, Kibbick said, indignantly, though privately he wondered if all of them would.

  Good. Thats more like it, Durga said. Relnem-ber... you are a Hutt. A natural lord of the universe. Correct?

  Of course, Kibbick said, his voice a bit stronger this time. He drew himself up. I am a Hutt just as much as you are.

  Durga grimaced. Thats the spirit, he encouraged. Kibbick, now is the time to take control. If you delay, the situation will only grow worse. Its possible that Teroenza is actually planning a revolt against Besadii. Has that occurred to you?

  It hadnt. Kibbick b
linked. A revolt? You mean... a real one? With troops, and shooting?

  Thats exactly what I mean, Durga said. And in a revolt, who is the first to go?

  The leader, Kibbick said, his mind racing.

  Right. Very good. Now do you see why you must take control before Teroenza can make his plans? While you still have the upper hand?

  Kibbick was feeling threatened now, and he didnt like that. He realized that following Durgas advice and taking control back from the High Priest was definitely his best course. Ill do it, he said, firmly. Ill tell him what to do, and make sure he obeys me. If he refilses to obey me, Ill have the guards take care of him.

  Now thats the spirit! Durga said, approvingly. Good! You sound like a true Besadii now! Call me and tell me as soon as the female tlanda Til are on their way home!

  I will, Cousin] Kibbick said, and cut the transmis-sion.

  Kibbick promised himself that hed take care of this matter right now. Before he could lose the pumped-up feeling of Hutt superiority. The Hutt lord didnt bother with his repulsor sled, but immediately undulated his way through the Administration Building of Colony One to Teroenzas office. He didnt bother activating the door signal, just barged right in.

  Teroenza wag in his working sling, at his datapad. He looked up in surprise as the Hutt came undulating his way into his office.

  Kibbick! he exclaimed. What is going on?

  Lord Kibbick to you, High Priest! Kibbick said. We have to talk! I just spoke with my cousin Durga, and he tells me that you have brought your female tlanda Til here in secret! Durga is most upset!

  The female tlanda Til? Teroenza blinked as though he hadnt the faintest notion what Kibbick was talking about. Where did he get that idea, Your Excellency?

  Dont try that with me, Kibbick said. They are here, and Durga knows it. He has instructed me to tell you that they must return to Nal Hutta on the next ship. Summon the guards and have the mates brought here to Colony One for shipment off 1esia. Do it now.

  Teroenza settled back into his sling, his expression thoughtful. Other than that, the High Priest didnt move.

  Did you hear me, Priest? Kibbick was feeling al-most intoxicated with righteous anger. He drew himself up. Obey, or I shall summon the guards!