When they reached Jiliacs audience chamber, a beautiful young blond woman was standing in the doorway. Hah looked over her shoulder, and saw Jiliac locked in mortal combat with a much smaller Hurt. The newcomer had a disfiguring birthmark that spread over his eye and down his face. The two creatures were bel-lowing and straining as they butted their massive chests together.
As Hah, Chewie and Jabba approached, the woman shook her head and put up a hand to halt their progress. No, she said. Do not interfere. Durga has challenged Clan Leader to Clan Leader, under the Old Law.
To Hans surprise, Jabba did not bat the woman out of his way and go to his aunt aid. Instead he inclined his head in the Hutt equivalent of a bow. You must be Guri, he said.
Yes, Your Excellency, she replied.
Just then a group of guards came stampeding up the corridor, force-pikes ready. Jabba whirled to block their way. The Gamorreans blinked at him in dull surprise. My aunt is having one of her temper fits, he said. You are not needed.
The leader of the guards looked doubtful, but Jabba did not move, and he could not see for himself what was going on. He hesitated, his porcine snout quivering with the urge to fight.
I said, you are dismissed! Jabba bellowed, waving his arms at the guards. They turned, grunting and snort-ing, and went trotting back down the hall.
Han glanced into the audience chamber and saw Jiliac bring her tail down with stunning force. The smaller Hutt barely managed to dodge out of the way in time. The Corellian looked at Jabba. You dont want to stop it? Chewbacca echoed Hang question.
Jabba blinked at them, his bulbous eyes full of cun-ning. Durga is the leader of Besadii clan, he said. Whichever of them wins, I win.
But... Hah stammered, I... I thought you were fond of your aunt.
Jabba looked at him as though he were a retarded Gamorrean child. I am, Han, he said, gently. But this is business.
Hah nodded and glanced at Chewie. He shrugged.
Sure. Business.
And, Hah?
Yes, Jabba?
The Hutt leader waved Han away. This is no place for a human, lad. Wait for me at my palace. I will join you later.
No place for a human? Hah wanted to say, but what about her? He glanced at the beautiful woman, and their eyes met. Han stared at her for a long second, and realized that there was something not right about this woman Jabba called Guri. She was perfect, but, after looking into her eyes, Han realized that all his instincts were telling him to give her a wide berth. He would no more have put his arms around her than he would have cuddled a deadly viper.
Uh, yeah, he said. Later, Jabba. Cmon, Chewie.
Turning, Hah and the Wookiee hurried away without looking back.
Durga was getting desperate. Despite his best efforts to wear Jiliac down, exhaust her, the older Hutt was still fighting with grim purpose. She was much stronger and heavier than he was, and if just one of her blows landed full-on, Durga knew hed be little more than a grease spot on the floor.
They rammed each other for the umpteenth time, their chests crashing together with such force that Durga cried out. He was bruised over every centimeter of his body-he felt like a piece of dough, pounded and rolled out to make fiatbread.
The long fight had taken them clear around the huge chamber, as the smashed furnishings and the holes in the walls testified. Durga suddenly realized they were approaching Jiliacg sled. She must have realized it, too, for suddenly she disengaged, and, wheeling around, she glided toward the repulsor sled at her fastest speed, wheezing and sobbing for breath.
Durga was right behind her, overhauling her. It was obvious to him that Jiliae intended to mount the sled, then use it as a battering ram against him. If she got atop it, he was finished!
He caught up to Jiliac, heading for the controls, only to gasp and dodge as the Desilijic leader swept her tail in a hard are under the sled, aiming for his face.
Durga reacted without conscious thought. Rolling forward onto his chest, bracing himself on his hands, he flipped his tail up over the top of his head. Aiming care-fully, he aimed the tip-end of his tail on the way down, sending it slamming into the Power On button on the sled, depressing it.
The repulsor sled fell like a stone, straight down onto Jiliaes tail, pinning it firmly.
Jiliac screeched with pain, struggling to yank her tail free. As he rolled back upright, Durga realized that she wasnt going to manage that. Wriggling backward, he positioned himself, then brought his tail down on Jiliacs head with all his strength.
The Desilijic leader screamed.
Durga slammed into her head again. And again... It took five hard blows to drive Jiliac into uncon-sciousness. Die! he thought, walloping sodden flesh. Die! he bellowed. DIE!
He wasnt sure when she died, actually. At some point Durga became aware he was pounding mindlessly on what was now a bloody, crushed ruin of flesh and brain matter. Jiliacs eyes were smashed holes, and her slimy tongue lolled from her mouth.
Durga forced himself to halt, to look around. At the entrance to the room, Guri stood beside Jabba. Some-how Xizor assassin had prevented the guards-and Jabba-from entering. Whatever the young woman was, she was more than she seemed, Durga decided, his mind dull with exhaustion.
Moving as though he were nine hundred years old, Durga managed to haul himself onto Jiliac sled and ac-tivate it. He was too tired to even wriggle across the room. He barely had the strength and mental where-withal to guide the sled.
He glided across the audience chamber, leaving the dead Jiliac sprawled in his wake.
When Durga reached the entrance, he paused to confront Jabba. The Besadii figured that at the best of times, he might be evenly matched with Jabba. At the moment... there was no way.
Guri stepped forward to bow slightly, respectfully. Congratulations on the successful outcome of your challenge, Your Excellency.
Durga turned to regard the woman. Guri. You are Prince Xizor assassin, correct?
I serve the Prince in whatever capacity I may, she said, composedly.
Could you kill a Hutt? Durga asked.
Most certainly, she replied.
Then... kill Jabba, Durga said.
Guri shook her head slightly. No, Your Excellency. My orders were to help you effect your revenge against Jiliac. That is accomplished. We will leave now.
Durga made an abortive move toward Jabba, only to have Xizors assistant step between them, her unspoken message very clear. We will leave now, she repeated.
Jabba moved aside to let them pass as Guri swung herself up nimbly onto Jiliacs repulsor sled. Hearing the pound of running feet, Durga saw guards running toward them, but Jabba stopped them in their tracks with a raised hand.
I dismissed you earlier! he said. Now leave!
The guards obeyed with alacrity.
Jabba looked at Guri. I did not want to lose them.
They are an effective defense against most invaders.
Guri nodded, and sent the sled gliding away. Durga glared balefully at Jabba, but the last of his strength was gone. He could only slump atop the sled, too exhausted even to savor his victory....
Jabba slowly approached his aunts massive corpse. He could scarcely believe she was dead, and he knew he would miss her. But, as hed told Han Solo, this was business. For the good of Desilijic as well as his own ....
The sight of the ruined, shapeless head actually had the power to turn his stomach. Jabba knew he wouldnt be hungry for a while.
He considered for a moment, wondering what should be his first actions, now that he was the undis-puted leader of Desilijic. Hed likely be summoned to appear before the Hutt Grand Council, but once theyd heard that this was a Clan Leader Challenge under the Old Law, there would be little they could say.
And, if asked, Jabba would tell them Jiliac had in-deed caused Aruk to be poisoned ....
Without warning, Jiliac moved.
Startled, Jabba jerked upright, incredulous. She coming back to life/ Shell be angry/ No! His hearts thudded wildl
y in shock. What could be happening? There was no doubt his aunt was dead, no doubt at all-
The massive corpse moved again, and then Jiliacs baby slithered out of her abdominal pouch. Jabba re-laxed. I should have realized, he thought, embarrassed by his momentary superstitious fear.
The little grub-like creature scooted forward, waving its little stubs, gurgling mindlessly.
Jabba stared at it malevolently. He knew he would be confirmed leader of Desilijic no matter what, but why leave any loose ends?
Slowly, purposefully, he slithered toward his aunts helpless offspring ....
The day after Durga defeated Jiliac, the Besadii leader was so stiff and sore that he could barely move. However, he managed to conceal his pain when Teroenza called him, telling him that Kibbicks body had been shipped home, per Durgas orders.
Your Excellency, the High Priest said, I need more guards, and therefore I have taken the liberty of hiring some, at my own expense. It is my hope that Be-sadii will reimburse me, but I must have additional pro-tection. These Rebel raids cannot be countenanced.
I understand, Durga said. I will attempt to get more guards.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
When he cut the connection, Durga turned to Guri, who had just been taking her leave of him. He is get-ting ready to make his move, Durga said. He is preparing to make his break with Besadii.
Guri nodded. I beheve you are correct, Lord Durga.
Since the Ylesian troops may well be loyal to Teroenza, Durga said, I need some way to keep the High Priest in line until I can replace him. Thus I have a request for your master, Prince Xizor. Yes, Lord Durga?
I ask you to convey to him my request that he grant me some military aid. If he would send troops to Ylesia, that would ease the transition-allow me to get rid of Teroenza, while keeping the Sacredots and Pilgrims content. I know that the prince has extensive resources and several mercenary units at his command. With an effective, modern fighting force on the planet, there is no way that Teroenzas guards would dare mount an armed challenge. He faced her squarely, despite the pain of his bruised body. Will you ask him for me, Guri? Explain the situation?
I will, Guri said. However, His Highness rarely dispatches troops except to protect his own interests.
I know that, Durga said dolefully. He didnt like what he was about to say, but better this than to lose everything. In return for his support, tell your prince that I will offer him a percentage of this years Ylesian profits.
Guri nodded. I will convey your proposition, Lord Durga. You will be hearing from His Highness. She bowed slightly. And now . . . I take my leave of you, Your Excellency.
Durga nodded as well as he could with his aching, stiff neck. Farewell, Guri.
Farewell, Lord Durga.
Bria Tharen was working in her office aboard her Marauder corvette, Retribution, when Jace Paol ap-peared on the holocomm. Commander, we have an in-coming message for you, your private code, on a verdi secure channel.
HQ? she said.
No, Commander. This is a civ transmission.
She raised her eyebrows in surprise. Really? Not many outsiders had her private code. A few of the Intel-ligence operatives-Barid Mesoriaam and others of his ilk-but they would hardly contact her this directly. Well... patch it through to me here, please.
Moments later, a small image formed atop her comm unit.
Bria stared in surprise. A Hutt? The only Hutt who had her private code was Jabba, so this must be he... though Hutts looked alike to her, especially in a fuzzy holo-message. She spoke to the image. Jabba? Is that you, Your Excellency?
It is I, Commander Tharen, the Hutt replied.
Yes... well... to what do I owe the pleasure of this call, Your Excellency?
The Hutt leader inclined his head slightly. Com-mander Tharen, I ask that you come to Nal Hutta im-mediately. I am now the leader of Clan Desilijic, since my aunts unfortunate demise. We must talk.
Bria caught her breath. It had been only a month since her interview with Desilijic. And now Jiliac was dead?
She decided she didnt want to know. Bowing her head respectfully, she said, I will come immediately, Your Excellency. I take it you wish to re-open our nego-tiation regarding the Ylesian enterprise?
Yes, said Jabba. I have begun placing operatives on Ylesia to take care of the tlanda Til. I am ready to proceed with the Ylesian raid. It is time to put an end to Besadii economic tyranny.
Ill be there in two days, Bria promised.
Five days after Jiliacs death, Han Solo and Chewbacca visited Hans favorite tavern in the Corellian section of Nar Shaddaa. The Blue Light didnt serve food, only liquor, and it was just a little hole in the wall, but Han liked the place. There were holo-posters on the wall that depicted famous landmarks on Cor eIlia. And the management served Han favorite brand of Alder-aanian ale.
The bartender, Mich Flenn, was an aging Corellian who had been a smuggler until hed accrued enough credits to buy the bar. Han enjoyed hearing his yarns about the old days, though he had to take everything the old geezer said with a big grain of salt. After all, who ever heard of sentients with strange powers who could leap ten meters into the air and turn somersaults, or project blue lightning from their fingertips?
Han and Chewie stopped by there most evenings. This particular one, they were standing at the bar, side by side, sipping their drinks, listening to another of Michk tall tales. The Corellian was dimly aware that someone came in during the story and stood beside him, but he did not turn to glance at the newcomer.
Michk tale was a long one, wilder than ever, about a sentient tree that had once been a powerful sorcerer, and a race of beings who transferred their essence into battle-droids in order to become the perfect fighting force.
Finally Mich ran down, and Han shook his head. Mich, that was a real doozy. You oughta write all the stories down and sell era to the tridee producers. Theyre always lookin for crazy stuff like that for their shows.
Chewie voiced an emphatic agreement.
Mich grinned at Han, then began polishing a glass industriously and addressed the newcomer. And what will you have, pretty lady?
Han reflexively glanced to his right to see the person Mich was addressing-and froze, startled. B ria !
At first he told himself he was seeing things, that it was just a chance resemblance, then lie heard her speak in that low, slightly husky voice he remembered. Just some Vishay water, please, Mich. Itk her. Bria. Itk really her.
Slowly she turned her head, and their gazes locked. Hank heart was hammering, though he was pretty sure his face was under control. All those sabacc games had taught him something.
She hesitated, then said, Hi, Han.
He wet his lips. iHi, Bria. He stared at her, then a sudden movement from Chewie made him remember his paner. And this is Chewbacca, my partner.
Greetings, Chewbacca, she said carefully, speaking in almost passable Wookiee-obviously shed been coached by Ralrracheen. I am honored to meet you.
The Wookiee voiced an uncertain greeting, obviously wondering what was going on. Uh, Han said, long time no see.
She nodded gravely at the ridiculous understatement. I came to see you, she said. Could we sit down and talk for a minute?
Hank emotions were mixed, to say the least. Part of
him wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her until
she was breathless, another part wanted to shake her
while screaming curses and accusations at her. Still an-
other part wanted to just turn around and walk away,
prove to her that she meant nothing to him-nothing
But he found himself nodding. Sure. As tie moved to pick up his mug, Chewie laid a hand on his arm, and growled softly at him.
Hah gazed up at his partner, grateful for Chew-baccak sensitivity. He would rather talk to Bria by him-self. Okay, pal. Ill see you at home, later on.
Chewie gave Bria a nod, then left the Blue Light. Picking up his mug of ale, Hah led the way to a
booth in the rear of the dimly lit, nearly empty bar.
Watching Bria approach and then slide in opposite him, he got a good look at her for the first time. She was wearing tan fatigues, military in style, though they bore no insignia or indications of rank. Her hair was pulled up and slicked back in a severe style. Han couldnt de-cide whether it was cropped short, or just worn in a tight bun.
She wore no jewelry. A well-worn BlasTech DL-18 (Hans own weapon of choice was the heavier BlasTeeh DL-44) in a tie-down holster rode her right thigh, low down, the way he liked to wear his own. Her gunbelt was studded with extra power paks and bore a vibro-blade in a sheath. From the slight bulge in the top of her boot, Hah was willing to bet she had an auxiliary weapon cached there.
As she sat there, regarding him, Han struggled to find words, but all he could do was look at her, hardly able to believe she was actually there, that this wasnt some dream-or nightmare.
She was staring at him, too, her eyes searching his features. Bria started to speak, stammered, and then took a deep breath. Im sorry, she said. For staling you. I should have said something, but my mind went blank. There didnt seem to be anything I could say. You came here looking for me? Hah asked.
Yes. When I saw your friend last month, he said this was one of your favorite hangouts. I... I took a chance youd be here tonight.
Youre here on Nar Shaddaa on business?
Yes. Staying in those rooms above the Smugglers Rest. She smiled wryly. Its even sleazier than that place we stayed that night on Coruscant.
ttans dazed brain was slowly beginning to function again, and his anger was building. He remembered that sleazy little hotel on Coruscant. That had been their last night together. He remembered falling asleep . . . and he remembered waking up alone, abandoned.
Suddenly his hand shot out, and he grabbed her wrist tightly, feeling the shock of touching her flesh throughout his body. Her slender bones felt so delicate in his hand... as though he could just snap them. And he was almost angry enough to try. Why? he said. Why, Bria? You think you can just walk back up to me a decade later? You gotta lot of nerve!
She stared at him, her eyes narrowing. Hah, let go of me.
Star Wars - The Han Solo Trilogy - Rebel Dawn Page 24
