Star Wars - The Han Solo Trilogy - Hutt Gambit, page 17
Boba Fett stood there in silence, thinking hard.
For the first time in years, the bounty hunter was in a quandary, torn between his duty, his need for extra credits, and his own personal desires. Jabbas offer was tempting in many ways. Boba Fetts ship, Slave I, had recently been damaged in an asteroid field, and Fett needed some rather expensive repairs to get the weapons systems back up to full capability.
On the other hand, hed been looking forward to bring-ing Solo in for a long time, ever since he and that gambler friend of his, Calrissian, had captured, drugged, and robbed the bounty hunter. Boba Fett couldnt allow two space bums to get the best of him and live . . .
On the other hand, just last week, Lord Aruk of Besadii had contacted Boba Fett in an interstellar holo-communi-eation, and told him that he was no longer willing to pay top credits for Solo. Instead, he wanted a priority live deliv-ery bounty on a Corellian woman, Bria Tharen. Hed raised the amount, too. Tile bounty on her was fifty thousand credits. And the Hutt Lord had reduced the bounty on Solo to ten thousand credits, disintegration now permitted. Ter-oenza, Fett gathered, was unaware of this change.
Fifty thousand credits was the biggest bounty currently on Boba Fetts list. Hed immediately begun searching for this woman named Tharen, whom Aruk had described as being a leader in the Corellian rebel movement. The Besadii Lord said she had led a raid to Ylesia to rescue slaves, and she was also suspected of leading several space raids to free slaves bound from Ylesia to the mines of Kes-sel.
Fett had checked his sources, and traced the woman to CoreIlia, then to one of the Outer Rim sectors, but then shed dropped out of sight completely. There was one pos-sible lead linking her to a private yacht bound for Corns-cant, but that was an unconfirmed rumor at this point.
But . . . Fett hated the thought of not bringing in Solo to face a humiliating, painful end at the hands of the High Priest, Teroenza. Fett had tortured captives, when neces-sary, to obtain information. He didnt take pleasure in it- or in their deaths, when that was what the bounty required.
But for Han Solo, he was willing to make an excep-tion . . .
Well? Jabbas deep voice boomed, startling Fett out of his reflections. What do you say, bounty hunter?
Boba Fett thought fast, and finally. arrived at a solution that was, he felt, the best under the circumstances. It al-lowed him to maintain his integrity as a bounty hunter, while .also allowing him to do the practical thing. Very well, he said. Ill take the twentyfive thousand. Aruk wants me to tmrue Tharen c a priority anyway, he told himself, so Hl be.fi, lfilling the client wish. And the bounty on the Tharen woman is fifty th,ntsand, so when Ive brought her in, Ill send Jabba back his twenty-five, then hunt and kill Solo. Honor is satisfied, Ill have Jidfilled my commissions, and gotten the chance to see Sob die.
It was a good compromise, Fett decided. Everyone ex-cept Teroenza would be pleased-and, officially, Boba Fett wasnt working for the High Priest, he was working flit Lord Aruk. It was Aruks bounty, and the Besadii Lord had made it clear that all he wanted was Solo dead. Simple and profitable. Fett was satisfied.
Very well, Jabba boomed, obviously pleased. He. ,nadc a note on a pahn-sized datapad. A total of thirty thousand credits has just been added to your account.
Fett inclined his head in that not-quite bow. Ill show myself out, lie said.
No, no, Jabba said hastily. Ibb will have to open the blast door for you. He pressed a button on his datapad, and the Twilek appeared seconds later, head-tails flying. Lobb bowed repeatedly.
Farewell Fett, Jabba said. I shall keep you in mind for any further commissions Desilijic has.
Boba Fett did not reply, only turned and followed the majordomo out, stopping on the way to pick up Iris blast rifle.
The bluing sands of Tatooine seemed doubly bright af-ter the darkness of Jabbas throne room, but Boba Fetts Mandalorian helmet automatically filtered out the harmful rays, allowing him to see clearly.
Boarding Slave L lie took off, checking his departure vector, swooping low over the scorching desert. Fett glanced down at those featureless expanses, those dunes that rippled, almost like the waves of an ocean. Hed rarely been to Tatooine, and he couldnt imagine ever returning. What a desolate place He knew that there was supposed to be life in the deserts, but here, there was nothing. Just unmarked sand.
But wait . . . what was that?
Fett leaned closer to his viewscreen as Slave I swooped over a huge pit that yawned open at the bottom of a de-pression in the sand. Fett thought he saw something mov-ing within the pit . . . spiky fronds or perhaps tentacles.
Wonder what that thing is? he thought, sending Slave I soaring up into the atmosphere. Guess there is something living in that desert, after all.
Moments later the stark brownish world was far behind the bounty hunter, so distant it was not even a mem-ory . . .
One week after leasing the Bria from Lando, Han Solo was cursing the little freighter, himself, Lando, and the universe in general.
Chewie, old pal, Han said, during a moment of un-compromising honesty, I am an idiot for picking this ship. Shes nothing but a pain in the ass.
Hrrrrrrrnnnnnn, rumbled Chewie, in complete agree-ment.
The Bria needed considerable work, they discovered from almost the very beginning. Shed flown fine during their test spin, but as soon as the lease was finalized, the problems erupted like geysers on the methane moons of Thermon. The first time they took their new acquisition out on a smuggling run, for the first ten minutes the ship worked fine . . . then the aft stabilizer shorted out, and they had to have her towed back to Nar Shaddaa via tractor beam. They fixed the stabilizer, aided by Landos little ten-tacled droidl Vuffi Raa (whom, it seemed, was the Millen-nium Falcons main pilot these days), and then tried again. This time the bow stabilizer blew.
Han and Chewie fixed the Bria again, cursing and sweat-ing through the repai, then tried again. And again. Some-times their little SoroSuub Starmite worked fine; other times they were lucky- if they could limp back to Landos shipyard for repairs.
The Brias navkmputer developed amnesia and her hyperdrive went on vacation. On her good days, Hah was such an expert pilot that he could coax a fair turn of speed out of her, but n earIv every time they took her out on a test run, some new problem surfaced in the strip.
Hau complained to Lando, who only pointed out that the lease ttan had signed said as is, and that hed made no gnarantees about the ships spaceworthiness. Also, Lando pointed out-correctly-he was leasing the little Starmite to Hah at a very reasonable price.
Han couldnt argue with that, but it didnt help when the Bria just quit cold, as she did at least half the time.
Han mentioned his ship woes to Mako, who introduced his friend to yet another of his acquaintances.
Master starship mechanic, pilot, and repair tech Shug Ninx, meet Hah Solo and his partner Chewtacca. They got a ship needs some work.
Sting Ninx was humanoid, but though he looked mostly human, Han could tell immediately that he had some alien hlood. He was tall, with spiky brownish-blond hair and pale blue eyes. The sicin on the lower half of his face was mot-tled with pale spots, and his hands only had two fingers plus an extra joint in his opposable thumb. It gave him great dexterity when fiddling with machinery.
Han could tell from the mans wary expression that Shug Ninx bad frequently met with suspicion because of his mixed blood. Most of that distaste had probably come from Imperial officials. They regarded anyone who was a half-breed as a lower-class citizen.
Hah held olJt his hand, smiling. Pleased to meet you, Shug, he said. Think you can help me get this bucket of bolts up and running?
We can sure give it a try, Shug said, visibly relaxing. Bring her over to my spacebarn today, and well check her out.
To reach Shugs facility, Hah had to fly the Bria down a narrow abyss between the tall, vertical towers of two huge, jumbled building complexes. When Hah and Chewie reached the spacebarn, Shugs huge spacedock and ga-rage, located deep down in the warren that was Nar Shad-daa, he was impressed with the facility. Wow, he said, looking around at all the ships in various states of assembly, this place beats any Imp spacedock I ever saw. Youve got just about anything you could want here.
Equipment lined the walls, and was kicked into corners. At first glance the place seemed chaotic and cluttered, but as Hah was soon to discover, Shug Ninx could immediately locate any piece of equipment in the place.
Yeah, Shug said proudly, obviously pleased by Hans frank admiration. I saved for a long time to buy this place.
After Shug had a chance to check out the Bria, the half-breed shook his head mournfully. Hah, half your problem with this ship is that shes been modified using non-SoroSuub pas and components! Everyone knows that SoroSuubs dont take kindly to that!
Can you help us get her running? Hah asked.
Shug nodded. Wont be easy, but well try.
Over the next few weeks, Hah and Chewie helped Shug Ninx fix up their new ship. The two smugglers worked each day until they were exhausted, tinkering and learning the intricacies of starship repair from the master mechanic.
Han was so tired by all of the work, he almost quit going out, but one evening, on impulse, he stopped off for a drink in a local tavern he frequented in the Corellian sector. The Blue Light served only liquor, and was mostly a dive, but Hah kind of liked the dark little place with its holo-posters of Corellian cities and natural wonders on the wall. It was too dark to see them well, of course-especially after a drink or two. But it suited him better than the glitzier joints.
While he was sitting at the bar, sipping an Alderaanian ale, a fracas erupted in the back of the place. Hah jumped to his feet at the sound of a womans curse, then a mans drunken growl. Hey, baby, thats no way for a lady to talk!
Tm no lady, a woman said in a deep, angry voice. Peering into the dimness, Han could make out two strug-gling figures, hear the sounds of a scuffle, then a slap. Cmere, you tramp! the man said.
The woman swore, then Han heard the meaty sound of a punch. The man yowled, then lunged at her. As he raced toward the back, Hah saw the mans feet leave the floor. The woman tossed him, using a single-shoulder throw that was accompanied by a popping sound. The man shrieked, a short, bitten-off scream, then thumped to the floor and lay there, sniveling and whimpering.
When he reached the back of the dimly lit bar, Hah found a short, spindly smuggler and thug-for-hire he knew only as Jump moaning and writhing at the feet of a tall woman. As Jumps buddy (who had wisely not joined the fracas) helped the thug sit up, Han could see that his arm hung at an odd angle, plainly dislocated. The woman stood over them, hand on the grip of her undrawn blaster, eyes narrowed, not even breathing hard.
As Han approached, she turned on him. Mind your own business, man!
Han took a step back before her flashing amber eyes. She was as tall as he was, with skin the color of Landos, and a wild frizz of black curls standing out from her head like a brelets mane. She looked tougher than neutnmium, and mad clear through.
The Corellian hastily put lip both hands ill a gesture of peace. Hey, Im not one to interfere. lJooks to me like the situations been handled.
I can take eare of myself, she snapped, striding past him on her way toward the front entrance. Her boot heels clicked on the scarred floor. She wore a long, tan-colored skirt, a brown silk blouse, and a half carapace of black ar-mor, festooned with metallic studs. Her blaster rode her hip, and Han could tell by its worn grip that she knew exactly what to do with it.
Intrigued, he jogged up to tile front of the Blue Light, then, carefid not to stand between her anti the front door, Han gestured to a couple of empty bar stools. So . . . do you have to rush ofF? Cant I buy you a drink? he asked.
She studied him for a long moment, her anger fading. In the back, ]umps whimpers faded as the thug was led out the back way by his friends. Maybe, she said. Sticking out a gauntleted hand, she said, Salla Zend.
Han Solo. They shook, then Hah threw a leg over the nearest bar stool. What are you drinking? Salla sat down, tot). Mad Mrelf, straight up.
Right, said Han, carefully not showing any reaction to the strong liquor. He wouldnt have drunk Mad Mrelf on a bet-tales abounded of spacers w4o had gone on a Mad Mrelf spree, and wound up in Imp labor camps-or worse.
They talked, and Hah discovered that Salla was also a smuggler, newly come to Nar Shadtiaa. Ive got a ship, she said. The Rimrunner. But it needs some work. Ive got some inodificatiens Id like to make.
Hey, Hah said, do I know a place for you. My ships getting some work done, too. The guys a real wizard. Name of Shug Ninx.
Im a pretty good mechanic myself, Salla said. Id like to meet your friend.
Im going back to work on the Bria tomorrow morn-ing, Han said. If you like, why not meet me tomorrow, and we can go over to Shugs spacebarn together?
She gave him a measuring glance, then smiled, a slow, amused smile. Ive got a better idea, she said. You come home with me tonight. Can you cook?
Hans eyes widened. Well/Talk about being direct/
He smiled back at her, his slow, lopsided grin. He could tell that even Salla wasnt immune to its effects-or maybe it was the drink. Sure, he said. One of my best friends was a cook.
Salla laughed. Hey, Solo, give a girl a break and turn off the charm. Want to break my heart?
No, Han said, reaching out to touch the back of her hand with one finger, I want to fix you dinner. Sounds like a great plan to me. You like traladon steaks? Sure, she said lightly. Rare.
Ill keep that in mind, Han promised.
When they finished their drinks, they went out into the squalid Nar Shaddaa street. Salla hooked her arm through Hans. Im glad I found you. I burn water, so I dont even try cooking anymore. I love the prospect of a home-cooked dinner.
Han smiled at her again, putting every bit of charm he possessed into it. Dinner it is. Then maybe . . . break-fast?
She laughed and shook her head. You are a rogue, arent you!
I try, Han said modestly.
Well, dont push your luck, honey, she warned, smiling to let him know she wasnt offended. I can take care of myself.
Remembering how Salla had handled Jump, Han had to agree. He nodded, and resolved to back off . . . for the moment.
Over the next few weeks, Han and Salla continued to see each other, and their relationship developed and grew closer. By the time thevd been dating for a month, ttan was fixing her breakfast, and everyone recognized them as a couple.
They had a lot in common, and Han enjoyed tile time they spent together. She was an exciting, vibrant woman, smart, sensual, and direct. As Han got to know her better, he discovered she did have a tender side, though it didnt surface often.
Hah introduced Salla to Shug, and the two of them hit it off immediately, too, though not romantically. It turned out that SMla was an expert technician, more at home with a lasertorch than most smugglers. She told them shed been a tech on a corporate transport before shed managed to ac-quire Rimrum;er. Salla occasionally ran spice, but her cargo of choice was weapons. She was an expert gunrunner, fear-less and efficient.
Soon Salla was a regular at Shugs spacebarn, where all the smugglers hung out, fixing their ships, swapping stories, and vying with each other to set new performance records. Han fimnd that, sooner or later, most of the human smug-glers, and many of the non-humans, wound up at Shugs spacebarn. Many of his pals from Smugglers Run ap-peared, even, on one notable occasion, XVynni.
Zeen and Kid, a smuggler and thief named Rik Duel, Sinewy Ana Blue, Roa and Mako . . . all of them had good times at Shugs spacebarn. Shug had only three rults no intoxicants of any kind, pay promptly for use of tools or his or his techs services, and clean up after yoursell .
Hah eventually wound up introducing Salla to Lando, and the two of them hit it off, also. Hah could tell they were attracted to each other, but Salla made it clear that Hah was her choice . . . for the moment.
One day, when Hah was up on the top hull of the B,ria, working on the main defieetor, Chewbaeca roared at him, telling him to climb down, someone wanted to see him. Han scuttled down the ladder, to find a youth standing there, a handsome kid with brown hair and brown eyes. He reminded Han a little of himself, when hed been in his late teeus.
The young man held out a hand. Han Solo? Its an honor to meet you. Im Jarik. Jarik Solo.
Hans eyes widened as he shook hands. Solo? he asked blankly.
Yeah, the kid answered. Solo. I think we must be related. Im Corellian, too.
Since Hah knew of only two relatives he could e]aim (and he didnt choose to claim them-his aunt Tiion was a reclusive paranoid and her son, Hans cousin Thrackan Sal-Solo, was a sadistic creep . . . asstuning either of them was still alive), he wasnt sure how to reply to this. Really? he said finally. Thats interesting. What branch are you from?
Uh, well, I think that nay uncle Renn was your fathers second cousin, the youth said glibly.
Renn was a eoxnmon name on CoreIlia. Han smiled.
Could be, he said. Cmon over here and lets talk.
Ite led the youth into Shugs cluttered office and poured them both a cup of stim-tea. Chewie followed thein in, and Han introduced the t, Vookiee properly. Chewie hrrrrrmn-ned at Jarik, and ttan couM tell he liked the young man. So, whyd you look me up? ttan asked.
Well, ld like to learn piloting, the boy replied. And I hear youre the best. Ill work, if youll teach me, sir. I promise Ill work hard.
Well-ttan glaneed over at die Wookiee-we conld use a hand with getting the Bria fixed up, I guess. You any good with a hydrospanner?
Yessir Jarik said. I sure am.
Well see, Hah said.
At first he invited the youngster to hang around because he wanted to keep an eye on him. Han didnt believe that the boy was from CoreIlia. He just didnt look right, some-how. He asked Roa, as the senior smuggler, whether he knew anything about a young man named Jarik.
It took a month, but Roa was able to discover that young Jarik was a street kid, born and raised in the depths of Nar Shaddaa. Hed grubbed for every mouthful, every credit, turning his hand to whatever work he could find. His par-entage was unknown, probably even to him. Hed always been a denizen of Nar Shaddaa, hanging out in the Corel-lian sector. It was possible that at least one of his parents was Corellian.
