And Arck Montague was sitting on a pretty idiot.
How did he get here, you may be asking? Surely you've heard the name, Arck Montague. Certainly if you're from Toydaria you know it. Montague was just another bum name until he came around and swindled those fat cats. He used that money to enter himself into the races, and setting a record times around Wal-sree arena also gained him some serious cash. After tricking the guards out of the royal jewels, Arck finally decided he'd had enough of Toydaria. Then again, he'd also been sentenced to death, so what choice did he have?
Arck prowled the galaxy for the next several years, gaining as much adventure and excitement as he craved. The galaxy is a big place, and the fall of the Republic offered many opportunities for those willing to strike.
Of all those at the table, Cuddy Bascom was perhaps the least likely. He had been a bureaucrat working in the Senate during Chancellor Valorum’s time and remained in government when Palpatine become Chancellor. Launched into power during a war on his home-planet, Cuddy did not expect Palptatine to remain in power very long. Soon a new crisis would elevate a new Senator, and the democratic cycle would continue. But he had underestimated his charisma, as Palpatine seemed to change minds as much as bend people to his will. More than once Cuddy found himself agreeing to oversee projects he had no reason to support. When Palpatine formed the Empire, Bascom managed to survive the administrative purge through simple luck: He had gone on vacation the week before.
But his ties to the old Republic made him suspect to anyone he tried to work with. That he alone survived the purge only increased suspicion. Cuddy found the only ones who would work with him were outright criminals taking action against the rising Empire. It was the surest way the brightly-furred Shistavarian had of proving his change of allegiance.
But soon criminality began to take root within him. He had always been ambitious, and his years of surviving and rising in the Senate had honed his political skills. He could smell change in the wind months away. When Black Sun made an offer to buy out his employer, the Kunji Repute, he pushed hard for acquiescence. Why go to war when a deal could be made? And so Cuddy had become, once again, a top bureaucrat in a large organization.
Of course, some had gotten fat off the war, itself. Doc Surlock ran munitions for the Separatists during the Clone Wars. He was on Mustafar, or so he said, when Darth Vader came to destroy them. He barely escaped with his life, and his arm would never fully heal. But by then he’d gotten enough to pay others to run the munitions, while he reaped the profits of death.
Banthabill Tater had made his name as the meanest two-face in the galaxy. A talented Twi’lek singer working for Jabba the Hutt, he organized a mass break-out of his fellow slaves. But when they got to Mos Eisley, Banthabill betrayed them. He seized their slave papers and sold them all to junk traders and moisture farmers. Then he bought passage to Corellia to run spice, where he made a laughingstock of CorSec.
Snoova is well known to you, I’m sure. A Wookie in exile, he evened the score by selling his race out for safety and profit. Though officially an enslaved race, Snoova found a clever workaround by identifying himself as his own master on his papers. To other Wookies, this is sacrilege. No Wookie is an island. Each belong to a clan, and work for the benefit of others. Snoova has no need of such dependence – or loyalty.
Snoova proved himself valuable enough as a bounty hunter to the Empire that he no longer appeared on most-wanted holograms. But he rarely dealt with Imperials directly, both sides preferring a go-between.
That was the final table. The greatest sabaac players the galaxy has to offer, on display at the Pinnacle tournament, this year held at Bespin's luxurious casinos.
Lando Calrissian presided over the opening ceremonies. He's a famed gambler in his own right, though he recently turned the corner to go into more respectable enterprise. But in his day Lando was a big name in the Sabaac world. Some viewed him as an elder statesman of the game, but whispers persisted he had left because he'd gone soft.
"Swindlers, pirates, Womp-boys, and double-crossers of all sorts," the dark-skinned man said, with the easy geniality he was always known for, "I welcome you to the very best venue the very best system has to offer. You will find our casino has it all. Luxurious rooms, plenty of games of chance - and skill - race tracks, bars, and other, ahem, comforts for your style.” He paused, looking around, making some of the attendees shift uncomfortably when their eyes met. He went on.
“Of course, this tournament is center stage. Each of you will play on a table of five, beginning at noon. At midnight, whoever has won the most will advance. All others will be disqualified." His eyes suddenly gleamed as he said, "Be cutthroat."
"The winners will be randomized to the five semi-final tables. The winners at the end of that day will go to the final table. The final table will not have a time limit. We will play until one person remains, so you are, ahem, encouraged to lose as much as you wish." He chuckled deeply.
"Unclaimed sabaac pots from each table will be claimed by the City, itself. I mean, this style doesn't come cheap." He flashed his charming smile and everyone grunted. They all knew he'd skim some off the top.
"Of course, we're going to be playing standard Tournament Sabaac. Closest to 23 or -23 wins, negative preference. A zero beats that, which is beaten by -23, which is beaten by 23, which is beaten by an idiot. Ties split the pot. Sabaac pots are only taken on a -23, 23, or idiot."
He looked around the crowd. Everyone was sitting at their tables, mumbling that they already knew the rules, clearly anxious to begin. He looked at Lobot, his bald android companion, who held up three fingers. My, doesn’t he look like a real human? Lando looked at the crowd again. It is a fact of this world that if you have a room of thieves, gamblers, and gangsters it is unwise to get in their way.
He smiled widely and showed his palms to the crowd, saying “What do you say we start a few minutes early?” The crowd roared and pounded their tables. “Then let’s have a nice, clean, tournament, shall we?” The crowd roared in laughter as he bowed low. Few tournaments ever went without at least one accusation of cheating or theft.
And so we return to Arck Montague and his idiot. Winning the sabacc pot alone would let him bleed his opponents dry, slowly draining their chips away even if the cards turned against him. He only hoped one of them had a sabaac, and he might claim even more. Banthabill had folded that hand from the start. It was Snoova, Doc Surlock and Cuddy left.
Arck pushed a mere hundred credits in, to get the betting started. Surlock, glanced at his cards, paused, sighed, and folded. Arck began to worry. He didn’t want a folding waterfall. Cuddy glanced at Arck, then at Snoova. Though Arck had begun the betting, it was Snoova who piqued the most interest. He had five cards, an unusually large hand. Cuddy considered Snoova’s reason to pull such a bold move.
Cuddy glanced at Arck, then raised his bet to two hundred. Snoova, without hesitation, met the two hundred. He was so quick it took Arck a few moments to realize it was his turn.
“How much is in there, then?”
“500 total.” Cuddy responded quickly.
“I’ll raise three hundred,” Arck said, pushing in the four hundred credits needed.
After some thought, Arck met the bet. Snoova did, too.”
Arck didn’t hit, as he hadn’t all that hand. Cuddy didn’t hit, either. Arck felt his stomach drop. Snoova already had five cards. But if no one hit, there wouldn’t be another round of betting. While he’d win big, all of his opponents would remain in the game. The bleeding would take hours.
But then, to everyone’s shock, Snoova hit! Six cards in his brown and black furry hands! Arck looked to his face, but it was always hard to find emotion in those dark eyes. Still, another round of betting commenced. Arck felt invigorated.
He pushed in 150 credits. Greasing the wheels. Cuddy pushed to 300. He knew it was just as likely Snoova busted, or got a big card in the wrong direction. Snoova raised to 600 without hesitation.
Such a large increase was surprising. But an idiot is unbeatable. Arck kept the pattern, pushing t 1200.
“I see you and I think alike,” Cuddy said, glancing at him. “Snoova’s trying to buy his way out of a bust.” It was against tournament etiquette to discuss cards and bets while a hand was in progress – but the final table traditionally ignored that rule. Still, Arck felt uncomfortable and ignored the comment. Snoova, though, roared something about Cuddy having more pride than sense, and raised the bet again. 1200 was raised to 2400, and 2400 to 4800.
Arck was almost out of chips. He knew Doc Surlock and Banthabill were eagerly watching, looking forward to seeing an opponent or two knocked out without any risk to themselves. Cuddy, nearing the end of his own chips, folded. Snoova pushed in the chips needed to make the bet, and then a few more more. Just enough to make Arck go all in.
Then, a crackle over the PA system. From above, a familiar voice spoke. "Attention! This is Lando Calrissian. Attention! The Empire is taking control of the city. I advise everyone to leave before more Imperial troops arrive."
____________________________________________________________________________
Banthabill Tater
Cuddy moved first, I saw it. A Shistervarian’s reflexes are always sharp, second only to their greed. No sooner had Lando recommended we all leave that he dove onto the table, no doubt to make a break for it with whatever he could grab. At that point the rest of the table went mad, with chips and gems and papers flying everywhere. Cuddy ended up on the floor with Snoova on top of him. Snoova growled loudly about finishing the hand.
The casino guard ran over to break up the fight, though what he hoped to do to an enraged Wookie who’d bet over six large on a single hand, who knew? Local security is always in over their heads, and Cloud City’s sky-blue uniform only makes them look even more ridiculous.
Doc Surlock stood up, dusting off his shirt. “This tournament seems to have come to a sudden end. Unfortunate. Now, I’m sure no one will mind if I at least retrieve my ship’s papers.” He reached for the Sabaac pot, but the guard knocked his hand away with his blaster.
“Unclaimed Sabaac pots are the property of the City.”
“And the City is the property of the Empire, now.”
“So I guess you’ll need to talk to the Emperor, then.”
Snoova interrupted, insisting the pot was not unclaimed. By now the room had emptied, except for the guard and the five of us. A brief glance around the room showed there was naught but casino chips left on the other tables, whose worth was dubious now at best. The dark-haired Wookie stood, though he kept a foot on Cuddy’s neck. He reached for his cards and revealed them to us all. The gasps were clear. Snoova had hit a perfect 23. I quickly tried to remember where Snoova’s ship had docked, plotting.
Seeing us react, Snoova lowered them to Cuddy’s eye level. He let out a harsh laugh at his victory.
“Impossible!” Cuddy shouted. “How do we know these cards are right? There’s been plenty of time to make swaps.” Snoova shouted about what Cuddy would look like if his legs were swapped with his arms, and the guard raised his blaster again. Snoova showed his palms, though the cards remained between his fingers.
“Snoova has a point,” said a small voice. We all turned to Arck Montague, who had yet to move, it seemed. “We should finish this hand.”
Cuddy Bascom
The announcement ended, and I took a moment to recompose myself. Such gambling tournaments had been hardly tolerated by the Republic. The Empire surely would not be more forgiving. And if they ran my name in their systems…
The guard did not seem perturbed by the situation. What did he knows? Had Lando sold us out, maybe? Certainly Tibanna Gas had value to the Imperial Navy. Had Lando planned this all? Sell out not just us, but all of Bespin, all to score a big win for himself?
Of course he would.
Once the guard was gone, we could go about the difficult task of dividing up the pot. And while no one wanted to lose their winnings, I was in a good position to make a case. With a hand of -22, there were only three hands that could possibly beat me. I would be claiming less than my right, and, given the situation, I wasn’t going to haggle. Escaping was the priority. I leapt onto the table, intent on tearing down the guard.
Now I’m not sure what happened the next second, but the second after that I was on the ground, pinned by Snoova, who was shouting about finishing the hand. Fool. I attempted to accept his challenge, but his paw on my throat was too much to form the words. By now the guard had come over, and our opportunity to overpower him was slipping away. Maybe if I could get this mophead to employ his strength usefully, we could do something…
Doc Surlock and the guard argued, and Snoova used this opportunity to replace his hand with his foot. While he was careful not to press on my throat as much, the threat was very much understood. Raising my eyes up I could see the upside down visage of Banthabill, who was reorganizing the cards in his hand. Of course he’d use this opportunity to cheat us out of everything. We all may be scoundrels, but Banthabill was a real villain. If I had to partner with him or Vader I’d choose him – but just barely.
Something blocked my vision. I was going blind! That stupid Wookie was going to crush me without even the courtesy of a final word. No, wait. My eyes refocused. It was a couple of cards. They added up to… 23?! I lost? No, I couldn’t! Snoova let out an easy laugh, mocking my situation.
“Impossible!” I gasped, “How do we know these cards are right? There’s been plenty of time to make swaps.” He prevented further protest by pressing down his foot. Snoova snorted another threat at me, but the guard said something and he turned away. Then he turned to the table. And then – at first I thought I was imagining my good luck – he raised his foot enough that I could roll from under him. I jumped up and saw everyone staring at Arck Montague.
“I mean, we were almost done with the hand anyway.” He said. “We’re here. Why not finish our game and then leave?”
“Easy for you to say,” Doc Surlock exclaimed. “You’re not on any wanted Imperial wanted lists. Some of us have businesses to get back to.”
“Yeah!” Banthabill cut in. He threw his cards into the middle. “No need to get into danger if you don’t need to.”
“Not all of us are afraid of a little adventure as you are, I guess.”
Doc Surlock shook his left shoulder, and his arm wiggled limply along. “I’ve seen enough! It isn’t bravery, Arck. You’re being an idiot.”
Arck’s mouth widened. “I was hoping you’d say that,” and he laid his cards face up on the table.
Arck Montague
“So I guess you’ll need to talk to the Emperor, then.”
I went to object, but Snoova was first. Good, I remember thinking. The less I say, the better.
Snoova picked up his cards and showed us the 23 he had. The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. He lowered the cards to Cuddy, who shouted weakly under the weight of the Wookie, who angrily threatened him in response. The guard lifted and primed his blaster, and Snoova turned to find it purring right in his face.
I knew right then I needed to intervene. I had an unbeatable hand. I needed that to matter. These were hardened criminals – people who had killed scores of enemies, sometimes personally! What’s an adventuring Toydarian to do? Small wrists, fat bodies, and no weapons experience. If I was to have any chance of leaving with what winnings were rightfully mine, I had to appeal to their sense of honor.
“But gentlemen, how can we leave in the middle of a round?”
This caught everyone’s attention. Even the guard was looking at me. I locked eyes with Snoova and nodded my head towards the floor. He shifted his weight and Cuddy came leaping up.
“I mean, we were almost done with the hand anyway.” I said. “We’re here. Why not finish our game and then leave?”
“Easy for you to say,” Doc Surlock retorted. “You’re not on any wanted Galactic wanted lists. Some of us have businesses to get back to.”
“Yeah!” Banthabill threw his hand into the middle. “No need to get into danger if you don’t need to.”
I stared hard at him. “Not all of us are afraid of a little adventure as you are, I guess.” I looked around. Snoova had already taken a seat, and was holding his hand so only he could see it. As if he hadn’t just shown us all what he had.
Doc Surlock shook his left arm. “I’ve seen enough. It isn’t bravery. You’re being an idiot.
Snoova picked up his cards and showed us the 23 he had. The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. He lowered the cards to Cuddy, who shouted weakly under the weight of the Wookie, who angrily threatened him in response. The guard lifted and primed his blaster, and Snoova turned to find it purring right in his face.
I knew right then I needed to intervene. I had an unbeatable hand. I needed that to matter. These were hardened criminals – people who had killed scores of enemies, sometimes personally! What’s an adventuring Toydarian to do? Small wrists, fat bodies, and no weapons experience. If I was to have any chance of leaving with what winnings were rightfully mine, I had to appeal to their sense of honor.
“But gentlemen, how can we leave in the middle of a round?”
This caught everyone’s attention. Even the guard was looking at me. I locked eyes with Snoova and nodded my head towards the floor. He shifted his weight and Cuddy came leaping up.
“I mean, we were almost done with the hand anyway.” I said. “We’re here. Why not finish our game and then leave?”
“Easy for you to say,” Doc Surlock retorted. “You’re not on any wanted Galactic wanted lists. Some of us have businesses to get back to.”
“Yeah!” Banthabill threw his hand into the middle. “No need to get into danger if you don’t need to.”
I stared hard at him. “Not all of us are afraid of a little adventure as you are, I guess.” I looked around. Snoova had already taken a seat, and was holding his hand so only he could see it. As if he hadn’t just shown us all what he had.
Doc Surlock shook his left arm. “I’ve seen enough. It isn’t bravery. You’re being an idiot.
The smile came before I even realized it, so I didn’t bother to hide it. “I was hoping you’d say that,” I laid my two cards on the table one at a time.
The ruckus it caused – oh oh! In my years venturing and daredeviling, I’ve rarely received such cheers and hoots. This is a story for my book, no doubt!
“Well!” Doc Surlock shouted. “Well, how excellent! But tell us, how do you intend to collect?”
“What?”
“There are four of us, Arck, and one of you. There’s no way we’re letting you, some interloper, out of here with such an amount. Not under these circumstances.”
Doc Surlock
Banthabill only tossed his hand into the middle because his hand was crap – obviously. As if we would forget he had already folded. Pure theatrics! If you have the raw power, use it. If not, appeal to humility and honor. If you can’t do that, back to power, but try to be clever. Banthabill was already on the lowest rung.
Arck parried Banthabill’s appeal, outright attacking his reputation. Big mistake. I knew then we wouldn’t get out easily. Well, if honor and cleverness won’t do it, might as well side with the power of the gun. Arck had underestimated us.
“I’ve seen enough.” I cut in loudly, sure to capture everyone’s attention at once. “It isn’t bravery. You’re just being an idiot.”
Arck put on this very dopey smile. He laid his hand on the table. A two, and a three.
An idiot.
The ruckus it caused – oh oh! In my years venturing and daredeviling, I’ve rarely received such cheers and hoots. This is a story for my book, no doubt!
“Well!” Doc Surlock shouted. “Well, how excellent! But tell us, how do you intend to collect?”
“What?”
“There are four of us, Arck, and one of you. There’s no way we’re letting you, some interloper, out of here with such an amount. Not under these circumstances.”
Doc Surlock
Banthabill only tossed his hand into the middle because his hand was crap – obviously. As if we would forget he had already folded. Pure theatrics! If you have the raw power, use it. If not, appeal to humility and honor. If you can’t do that, back to power, but try to be clever. Banthabill was already on the lowest rung.
Arck parried Banthabill’s appeal, outright attacking his reputation. Big mistake. I knew then we wouldn’t get out easily. Well, if honor and cleverness won’t do it, might as well side with the power of the gun. Arck had underestimated us.
“I’ve seen enough.” I cut in loudly, sure to capture everyone’s attention at once. “It isn’t bravery. You’re just being an idiot.”
Arck put on this very dopey smile. He laid his hand on the table. A two, and a three.
An idiot.
Snoova let out a howl and angrily threw his cards onto the table. Cuddy and Banthabill shouted accusations of either cheating or extraordinary luck. Snoova came to Arck’s defense, insisting he had won fair and square. What did he know? I used my good hand to reach out to the guard, who looked up when he felt my hand on his uniform. I reached into my purse and pulled out a handful of shiny credits, and nodded downward. He looked down, and back at me. Prego Huepa had always been a good business partner. He took the credits and nodded. Then I began the dominos.
Snoova
A Sabaac at a tournament finals is a rare sight to behold. You can only imagine my frustration to have it beaten by this green flea, Arck. Still, a game’s a game, and nothing to die over. I’d learned long ago the value of loyalty. While betraying my people had gotten me a quick rush of credits, they hadn’t lasted forever. And I’d been running ever since.
And who knew what lay beyond the door? The annual galactic tournament wouldn’t be a secret long held by anyone, and imperials would start pouring in demanding their cut. Or were Lando and his posse coming to claim what they could before hightailing out of there. The conflict at the table was just the beginning. We had to get out.
Doc Surlock threatened Arck quite directly. More than that, he roped me into his scheme. I chaffed, repeating my support of Arck, that a win was a win. Surely, after we left this gas ball, Arck would reward my support and return at least some of my losses to me. Or maybe not, and I could squash him. One on one, it wouldn’t even be fun. But everyone has to learn the value of loyalty somehow.
“You’re really willing to lose the 5000 you put down, not to mention what’s in the big pot, when you have the opportunity to get it back?” Doc Surlock said, incredulous.
“Snoova, be reasonable,” Banthabill put in. “We were playing one game, and then the rules changed. If you don’t change with them, you’re a relic.”
Arck Montague leapt at the opportunity. “And if you’re too flexible you risk a reputation as a flim-flam.”
“Says the petty adventurer,” Doc Surlock replied sharply. “What do you even need the money for?”
Snoova
A Sabaac at a tournament finals is a rare sight to behold. You can only imagine my frustration to have it beaten by this green flea, Arck. Still, a game’s a game, and nothing to die over. I’d learned long ago the value of loyalty. While betraying my people had gotten me a quick rush of credits, they hadn’t lasted forever. And I’d been running ever since.
And who knew what lay beyond the door? The annual galactic tournament wouldn’t be a secret long held by anyone, and imperials would start pouring in demanding their cut. Or were Lando and his posse coming to claim what they could before hightailing out of there. The conflict at the table was just the beginning. We had to get out.
Doc Surlock threatened Arck quite directly. More than that, he roped me into his scheme. I chaffed, repeating my support of Arck, that a win was a win. Surely, after we left this gas ball, Arck would reward my support and return at least some of my losses to me. Or maybe not, and I could squash him. One on one, it wouldn’t even be fun. But everyone has to learn the value of loyalty somehow.
“You’re really willing to lose the 5000 you put down, not to mention what’s in the big pot, when you have the opportunity to get it back?” Doc Surlock said, incredulous.
“Snoova, be reasonable,” Banthabill put in. “We were playing one game, and then the rules changed. If you don’t change with them, you’re a relic.”
Arck Montague leapt at the opportunity. “And if you’re too flexible you risk a reputation as a flim-flam.”
“Says the petty adventurer,” Doc Surlock replied sharply. “What do you even need the money for?”
“I don’t.”
This stopped the table cold. Banthabill laughed heartily. “Listen to him. What, you think you’re some kind of money Jedi, somehow above the fray?” He waved his hand wildly, a clumsy imitation of the old Jedi Mind Trick. “Please. We all have expenditures.”
“No, I mean, I don’t need the money. Not like you all do. I’ll take it – money can buy a lot of luxury. But what I really want is the prestige of winning. Money comes and goes. But I – what did you say Doc, an interloper? – can leverage a victory here until the day I die.”
He was right. It was his first time at the tournament – at any tournament. That he had won would be a bigl story. And if he really didn’t need the money, maybe we could all get out of here alive. Or, if I alone helped him escape, maybe he’d give it all to me.
Prego Huepo
I thought over what Banthabill said about changing with the rules. I’d been a guard in Cloud City all my life. I didn’t know much else. Lando had just been another administrator in a long line of them. My loyalty lay with the City.
But the City now was under Imperial control. Change would be inevitable. I might survive Imperial occupation, but escape surely would be better. I had never had this kind of access to so much money before. I’d be a fool to let the opportunity slip.
This stopped the table cold. Banthabill laughed heartily. “Listen to him. What, you think you’re some kind of money Jedi, somehow above the fray?” He waved his hand wildly, a clumsy imitation of the old Jedi Mind Trick. “Please. We all have expenditures.”
“No, I mean, I don’t need the money. Not like you all do. I’ll take it – money can buy a lot of luxury. But what I really want is the prestige of winning. Money comes and goes. But I – what did you say Doc, an interloper? – can leverage a victory here until the day I die.”
He was right. It was his first time at the tournament – at any tournament. That he had won would be a bigl story. And if he really didn’t need the money, maybe we could all get out of here alive. Or, if I alone helped him escape, maybe he’d give it all to me.
Prego Huepo
I thought over what Banthabill said about changing with the rules. I’d been a guard in Cloud City all my life. I didn’t know much else. Lando had just been another administrator in a long line of them. My loyalty lay with the City.
But the City now was under Imperial control. Change would be inevitable. I might survive Imperial occupation, but escape surely would be better. I had never had this kind of access to so much money before. I’d be a fool to let the opportunity slip.
Doc Surlock’s bribes were one thing. Those were free money. With an injured arm how could he hope to force the issue, if I disappeared at a crucial moment. But what was being suggested now was a real scheme. I needed to be careful.
Arck was explaining why the money was secondary to his reputation. I felt the gears in my head turn as never before. I looked around the table. Arck was exactly what he advertised. An adventurer more interested in being the subject of bets than the one making them. The rest were much more dangerous. Banthabill was a hardened gangster, and Snoova might kill me even by accident if he felt slighted. Still, I also knew that refusing carried a price. I didn’t want to become a loose end that needed to be knotted.
“So,” I spoke deliberately, working to keep my breathing regular, “What you’re saying is: If we get you out of here alive, you’ll share some of your winnings?”
“Yes! The sooner the better.”
“OK, I have an idea.” I stood up and went to one of the winnings rooms. I grabbed six armored suitcases and put them on the table. Everyone grabbed one and opened it.
Arck spoke up. “Let’s keep this simple. Just grab what you bet.”
“No way!” Banthabill cried. “I want Snoova’s Rough Hide. I don’t need these worthless chips.”
Snoova protested violently, shaking the table.
“You guys really need to broaden your understanding of value.” Arck said, picking a shiny blue chip up and turning it in his fingers as he looked at it. “Chips from the champion’s table, where the game was interrupted by an imperial occupation? They’ll sell double what they’re worth, at least!” He dropped it into his suitcase. “Everyone will want some.”
“What about me?” I asked meekly.
“What about you?” Banthabill’s words were thick with contempt.
“I didn’t bet. Obviously. What do I get?”
No one answered. I repeated myself. Nothing. No one was even looking at me. They were all staring at an empty seat.
Almost as one they all shouted, “Cuddy!” An argument began, whether he was a coward or a two-timer. Arck cut them all off.
“Doesn’t matter. Guard-guy, you get Cuddy’s share.”
“Which is that?”
“So,” I spoke deliberately, working to keep my breathing regular, “What you’re saying is: If we get you out of here alive, you’ll share some of your winnings?”
“Yes! The sooner the better.”
“OK, I have an idea.” I stood up and went to one of the winnings rooms. I grabbed six armored suitcases and put them on the table. Everyone grabbed one and opened it.
Arck spoke up. “Let’s keep this simple. Just grab what you bet.”
“No way!” Banthabill cried. “I want Snoova’s Rough Hide. I don’t need these worthless chips.”
Snoova protested violently, shaking the table.
“You guys really need to broaden your understanding of value.” Arck said, picking a shiny blue chip up and turning it in his fingers as he looked at it. “Chips from the champion’s table, where the game was interrupted by an imperial occupation? They’ll sell double what they’re worth, at least!” He dropped it into his suitcase. “Everyone will want some.”
“What about me?” I asked meekly.
“What about you?” Banthabill’s words were thick with contempt.
“I didn’t bet. Obviously. What do I get?”
No one answered. I repeated myself. Nothing. No one was even looking at me. They were all staring at an empty seat.
Almost as one they all shouted, “Cuddy!” An argument began, whether he was a coward or a two-timer. Arck cut them all off.
“Doesn’t matter. Guard-guy, you get Cuddy’s share.”
“Which is that?”
A great sigh came from Doc Surlock, who took some chips and dropped them into my suitcase. The others followed suit. It was a strange sight, seeing these champion gamblers giving me money.
“Alright,” Arck slid off his chair, hovering over the ground as his little wings flapped. “To my ship! Landing platform 317.”
Snoova shouted something about staying in the rear, and that everyone should give their suitcases to me.
“And here I hoped I could trust you at least a little. Fine. Guard-guy, go get a dolly to move the suitcases.” I quickly obliged. Doc Surlock came last, placing his case on top. He said, “Remember, my suitcase is the one on the bottom, right?” I nod inconsequentially. Rich businessmen are so used to buying local help it doesn’t even occur to them someone might not be sincere.
“OK,” Arck barked. “Guard-guy and I up front. Snoova, you’re in the back. Blasters up!”
The chaos was evident even before we left the resort district. People were running in all directions, parents dragging crying children, people lining up at the public landing platforms to sell their belongings to get off-world. I silently thanked my youthful indiscretions for never giving me a family of my own. We turned the corner to the private landing pads.
“Hey guard guy?” Arck said.
“My name is Prego.”
“Can you give me the suitcase on the bottom when we get there?”
I had no choice but to nod. Disagreement felt dangerous, and I didn’t have the breath to explain. My pulse quickened further as I realized I had sealed my own doom. How could I give them both the bottom suitcase?
We arrived at landing platform 317, but when we entered we saw a detachment of Cloud City troopers, in crisp blue outfits like mine, and Cuddy Bascom standing to the side.
“Halt! You are under arrest.”
Banthabill Tater
Cuddy, that shifty Shistavarian bastard.
I drew my own blaster and began firing back. No way was I going down like this – no way! I grabbed Doc Surlock as I sidestepped back toward the entrance for cover. Lasers converged on him, and his body went limp. Safely on the other side of the doorway, I threw him to the floor. One less person to share the winnings with. I fired a shot at him as he went down, just to be sure.
Arck and the guard had both ducked behind the dolly and were moving it towards the wall. I covered them. No way could I let Cuddy walk away with that money.
“Alright,” Arck slid off his chair, hovering over the ground as his little wings flapped. “To my ship! Landing platform 317.”
Snoova shouted something about staying in the rear, and that everyone should give their suitcases to me.
“And here I hoped I could trust you at least a little. Fine. Guard-guy, go get a dolly to move the suitcases.” I quickly obliged. Doc Surlock came last, placing his case on top. He said, “Remember, my suitcase is the one on the bottom, right?” I nod inconsequentially. Rich businessmen are so used to buying local help it doesn’t even occur to them someone might not be sincere.
“OK,” Arck barked. “Guard-guy and I up front. Snoova, you’re in the back. Blasters up!”
The chaos was evident even before we left the resort district. People were running in all directions, parents dragging crying children, people lining up at the public landing platforms to sell their belongings to get off-world. I silently thanked my youthful indiscretions for never giving me a family of my own. We turned the corner to the private landing pads.
“Hey guard guy?” Arck said.
“My name is Prego.”
“Can you give me the suitcase on the bottom when we get there?”
I had no choice but to nod. Disagreement felt dangerous, and I didn’t have the breath to explain. My pulse quickened further as I realized I had sealed my own doom. How could I give them both the bottom suitcase?
We arrived at landing platform 317, but when we entered we saw a detachment of Cloud City troopers, in crisp blue outfits like mine, and Cuddy Bascom standing to the side.
“Halt! You are under arrest.”
Banthabill Tater
Cuddy, that shifty Shistavarian bastard.
I drew my own blaster and began firing back. No way was I going down like this – no way! I grabbed Doc Surlock as I sidestepped back toward the entrance for cover. Lasers converged on him, and his body went limp. Safely on the other side of the doorway, I threw him to the floor. One less person to share the winnings with. I fired a shot at him as he went down, just to be sure.
Arck and the guard had both ducked behind the dolly and were moving it towards the wall. I covered them. No way could I let Cuddy walk away with that money.
Snoova and I hit a few of the troopers and the rest scattered behind Arck’s beat-up hammer-class. It was impossible to know how long they’d been waiting for us. Had Cuddy rigged it to explode, as a final resort? I couldn’t let those suitcases get on that ship. Simply winning this firefight was out of the question.
Arck and the guard made it to the wall. I motioned for them to come back. Slowly they came, wheeling the cases with them. Laser blasts bounced off the armored suitcases, ricocheting dangerously around, before escaping into the clouds behind Cuddy. I heard him order a halt. Behind the troopers I saw a few black dots against the pink and orange clouds. Could it be?
Arck and the guard made it to the wall. I motioned for them to come back. Slowly they came, wheeling the cases with them. Laser blasts bounced off the armored suitcases, ricocheting dangerously around, before escaping into the clouds behind Cuddy. I heard him order a halt. Behind the troopers I saw a few black dots against the pink and orange clouds. Could it be?
Soon all we could hear was the squeaking of the wheels as they slowly made their way out of the docking bay. There was nothing to be done but wait. The squeak was irritating. Could they go any slower?
But then another sound became clear. The dots from the horizon had taken shape. TIEs, with their unmistakable buzz. I saw Cuddy look behind him just as the green laser came from their cannons. I tried to move, but my damn legs wouldn’t move. Hell of a thing, bodies. The blast threw me to the floor.
My ears were ringing. My head tail was vibrating fiercely. There were shouts, shakes, booms, and dust everywhere. I remember thinking only one thing I have got to get those suitcases. I got on my knees and drew my blaster, but when opened my eyes I couldn’t see a damn thing. I went prone, where the smoke was thinner. At that very moment I saw the bottom of Arck’s ship slide down the broken landing pad and disappear off the side. Accompanying screams told me at least a few of Cuddy’s men had fallen, too. Maybe Cuddy himself, the bastard.
Orienting myself, I crawled to the right, where the dolly had been. I saw a few suitcases strewn about, and beyond them the redding horizon. Even one would be enough to make a profit, and if I could snag two or three…
The buzz of TIEs rose again, but quickly fell. I saw the bottom of its wings flash by, gone almost as soon as it had been seen. But it whipped up a wind which suddenly sucked all the smoke out. My vision cleared and I stood up, blaster at the ready. Cuddy and his men were out in the open. “Let’s get this traitor!” I yelled, firing into them. I hit Cuddy’s shoulder and he stumbled backwards.
Suddenly, Snoova roared loudly and I turned my head to see why. I saw him grab Arck by the waist and hoist him up like a power generator under his arm. Then he was off, running down the hallway.
“After them!” One of the troopers yelled and they ran ahead. I smiled. I hated to admit it, but Cuddy had played it all right. Well, except he was on the ground, nursing his shoulder.
Arck and Snoova were gone. Doc Surlock was dead, and Cuddy soon behind. I was so proud of myself I almost didn’t hear the new voices behind me.
Arck Montague
Cuddy’s foresight would be his undoing. If only he’d stayed back, he’d know I was willing to give him what he wanted. Or maybe he had heard and didn’t like the deal. I couldn’t recall when he disappeared.
But now the game had changed. I certainly couldn’t hand my winnings to Cuddy now. Before my handout was a matter of generous practicality. A way to defuse the ticking time-bomb that was their collective greed. If it had all gone according to plan I’d be welcome in every den of thieves in the galaxy – an adventurer who at least had his priorities straight. Doors would be open to me forever. But now it would be perceived as weakness. If I gave anything to Cuddy it would be simply to save my own skin. One side or another had to win this battle.
The firing stopped, and looking at the entrance I saw Banthabill beckoning to us. Doc Surlock lay dead – shot down by the traitor, no doubt. What was Cuddy thinking?
The guard slowly moved the dolly as I lightly flapped my wings to stay behind it. The silence, save for the squeaky wheels, was overwhelming. I took a deep breath. I wasn’t used to being in mortal danger – I’d given up real crime decades ago. Racing swoops and eating unprepared peppers were the dangers I was used to. But I’d come too far to lose my cool now. How I handled myself here would be an inseparable part of my story forever.
My anxiety began to spike again. A sharp humming sound was bouncing around in my head. It quickly rose to be a dull, pounding roar. I looked around, wondering if anyone else heard it. But suddenly, everything went green.
Toydarians have wings, but they aren’t really for flying. We’re much heavier than, say, Geonosians, though there may be an evolutionary connection – I don’t know. We use the wings to hover a few feet off the ground. They’re small, but very strong. Our feet, meanwhile, are nearly useless.
I felt myself rolling on the ground. I reached out feebly. My ears were ringing. Smoke was everywhere and the ground felt slanted. Behind me, above the ringing, I heard some loud scraping and then screams disappearing into the din. No reward is worth this. I had to get in my ship and go.
But then another sound became clear. The dots from the horizon had taken shape. TIEs, with their unmistakable buzz. I saw Cuddy look behind him just as the green laser came from their cannons. I tried to move, but my damn legs wouldn’t move. Hell of a thing, bodies. The blast threw me to the floor.
My ears were ringing. My head tail was vibrating fiercely. There were shouts, shakes, booms, and dust everywhere. I remember thinking only one thing I have got to get those suitcases. I got on my knees and drew my blaster, but when opened my eyes I couldn’t see a damn thing. I went prone, where the smoke was thinner. At that very moment I saw the bottom of Arck’s ship slide down the broken landing pad and disappear off the side. Accompanying screams told me at least a few of Cuddy’s men had fallen, too. Maybe Cuddy himself, the bastard.
Orienting myself, I crawled to the right, where the dolly had been. I saw a few suitcases strewn about, and beyond them the redding horizon. Even one would be enough to make a profit, and if I could snag two or three…
The buzz of TIEs rose again, but quickly fell. I saw the bottom of its wings flash by, gone almost as soon as it had been seen. But it whipped up a wind which suddenly sucked all the smoke out. My vision cleared and I stood up, blaster at the ready. Cuddy and his men were out in the open. “Let’s get this traitor!” I yelled, firing into them. I hit Cuddy’s shoulder and he stumbled backwards.
Suddenly, Snoova roared loudly and I turned my head to see why. I saw him grab Arck by the waist and hoist him up like a power generator under his arm. Then he was off, running down the hallway.
“After them!” One of the troopers yelled and they ran ahead. I smiled. I hated to admit it, but Cuddy had played it all right. Well, except he was on the ground, nursing his shoulder.
Arck and Snoova were gone. Doc Surlock was dead, and Cuddy soon behind. I was so proud of myself I almost didn’t hear the new voices behind me.
Arck Montague
Cuddy’s foresight would be his undoing. If only he’d stayed back, he’d know I was willing to give him what he wanted. Or maybe he had heard and didn’t like the deal. I couldn’t recall when he disappeared.
But now the game had changed. I certainly couldn’t hand my winnings to Cuddy now. Before my handout was a matter of generous practicality. A way to defuse the ticking time-bomb that was their collective greed. If it had all gone according to plan I’d be welcome in every den of thieves in the galaxy – an adventurer who at least had his priorities straight. Doors would be open to me forever. But now it would be perceived as weakness. If I gave anything to Cuddy it would be simply to save my own skin. One side or another had to win this battle.
The firing stopped, and looking at the entrance I saw Banthabill beckoning to us. Doc Surlock lay dead – shot down by the traitor, no doubt. What was Cuddy thinking?
The guard slowly moved the dolly as I lightly flapped my wings to stay behind it. The silence, save for the squeaky wheels, was overwhelming. I took a deep breath. I wasn’t used to being in mortal danger – I’d given up real crime decades ago. Racing swoops and eating unprepared peppers were the dangers I was used to. But I’d come too far to lose my cool now. How I handled myself here would be an inseparable part of my story forever.
My anxiety began to spike again. A sharp humming sound was bouncing around in my head. It quickly rose to be a dull, pounding roar. I looked around, wondering if anyone else heard it. But suddenly, everything went green.
Toydarians have wings, but they aren’t really for flying. We’re much heavier than, say, Geonosians, though there may be an evolutionary connection – I don’t know. We use the wings to hover a few feet off the ground. They’re small, but very strong. Our feet, meanwhile, are nearly useless.
I felt myself rolling on the ground. I reached out feebly. My ears were ringing. Smoke was everywhere and the ground felt slanted. Behind me, above the ringing, I heard some loud scraping and then screams disappearing into the din. No reward is worth this. I had to get in my ship and go.
I took a few deep breaths and began flapping my wings. I rose off the ground, but soon dropped again. A wing was torn! All hope left me. What would I do, roll onto my ship? Panic gripped me. So the tale of Arck Montague comes to an end, I guess.
A screaming hum swept behind me and the smoke cleared suddenly. I saw Snoova standing by the door. He ran over to me, letting out a terrible growl and firing a few shots. Then he grabbed me and together – me under pinned under his hair arm – we fled the whole scene.
The rest of the trip was a blur of colors and sounds. People running by us in the hallway, occasional blaster fire heard in all direction. I was too dazed to think straight. I should have protested Snoova carrying me like a bit of luggage, but I was too relieved to be off the ground. I should have argued with Snoova about leaving so much money behind, but honestly it felt good to be free of it. I entered the tournament for the thrill of meeting some interesting characters – plus Bespin is a must-see destination. Winning would have been nice – oh what am I saying, it would have been incredible! – but ultimately too much money is a burden. More than you need and you suddenly have to keep an eye on the excess. Where’s the fun in that?
The world slowed and dimmed, and Snoova put me down, telling me to wait a moment. “What do you mean?” I said, but he ignored me. Where am I? My suspicions were confirmed when the room started to hum and lights began flashing. Snoova had brought me to his ship. Am I being kidnapped? Surely Snoova had noticed we didn’t bring any of the suitcases. Surely Snoova knew I didn’t run any enterprise like the rest of them. Ransom? I wasn’t worth much to anyone else, not unless I was breaking some record.
I lay there for what felt like hours until Snoova came back. It’s strange how time slows when you think you’re running out of it.
Cuddy Bascom
“We were playing one game, and then the rules changed. If you don’t change with them, you’re a relic.” Banthabill’s words echoed in my mind as I raced down the hall. He certainly knew what he was talking about, but he didn’t dream big enough. I wondered when they’d notice I was gone. They were either on my tail already, or else they’d figure it was much too late and make a race for Arck’s ship, happy to have more to split among themselves.
I reached security headquarters and began knocking like a madman. “Ya gotta help me,” I shouted, trying to sound breathless. “I gotta get out of here, but the thieves – you gotta help me, please!” The door opened, and one of the blue-uniformed guards stared at me over a steaming mug.
A screaming hum swept behind me and the smoke cleared suddenly. I saw Snoova standing by the door. He ran over to me, letting out a terrible growl and firing a few shots. Then he grabbed me and together – me under pinned under his hair arm – we fled the whole scene.
The rest of the trip was a blur of colors and sounds. People running by us in the hallway, occasional blaster fire heard in all direction. I was too dazed to think straight. I should have protested Snoova carrying me like a bit of luggage, but I was too relieved to be off the ground. I should have argued with Snoova about leaving so much money behind, but honestly it felt good to be free of it. I entered the tournament for the thrill of meeting some interesting characters – plus Bespin is a must-see destination. Winning would have been nice – oh what am I saying, it would have been incredible! – but ultimately too much money is a burden. More than you need and you suddenly have to keep an eye on the excess. Where’s the fun in that?
The world slowed and dimmed, and Snoova put me down, telling me to wait a moment. “What do you mean?” I said, but he ignored me. Where am I? My suspicions were confirmed when the room started to hum and lights began flashing. Snoova had brought me to his ship. Am I being kidnapped? Surely Snoova had noticed we didn’t bring any of the suitcases. Surely Snoova knew I didn’t run any enterprise like the rest of them. Ransom? I wasn’t worth much to anyone else, not unless I was breaking some record.
I lay there for what felt like hours until Snoova came back. It’s strange how time slows when you think you’re running out of it.
Cuddy Bascom
“We were playing one game, and then the rules changed. If you don’t change with them, you’re a relic.” Banthabill’s words echoed in my mind as I raced down the hall. He certainly knew what he was talking about, but he didn’t dream big enough. I wondered when they’d notice I was gone. They were either on my tail already, or else they’d figure it was much too late and make a race for Arck’s ship, happy to have more to split among themselves.
I reached security headquarters and began knocking like a madman. “Ya gotta help me,” I shouted, trying to sound breathless. “I gotta get out of here, but the thieves – you gotta help me, please!” The door opened, and one of the blue-uniformed guards stared at me over a steaming mug.
“Citizen, calm down. The Empire has taken control of the city. We aren’t giving any clearance to launch, just go. But watch for traffic as you leave – no rescue crew will respond if there’s a crash.” He started to close the door.
“You don’t understand!”
“Look, we’re no friends of the Empire here, but we don’t want to make enemies with them, either. Just be glad it was only things, and not your life, you were robbed of.”
“No, no. I was,” I stood up straight, and flattened the fur on my face and head that was standing on edge. “I was in the sabaac tournament, yeah? And I won. You know, I won everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Anyway, then that announcement came and the others took what’s mine. They took everything – EVERYTHING. That’s why I’m here.”
“Sounds like a not-my-problem. So it’s not.” He pushed the door quickly, but I stopped it with my foot. I leaned in.
“I don’t think you heard me.” I said deliberately. I let him digest the surprise that arose in his eyes. “They took EVERYTHING. How many are you?” I craned my head and counted the troopers around the table. “Seven of you? Listen. You help me overpower a couple of greedy gamblers, you’ll all get more than you can make in a year!”
I led the troopers to Arck’s landing pad. I’d overheard him say it sometime over the tournament, a bit of information logged away like so many other tidbits. All my years in the Senate taught me information is the most valuable weapon of all. Blasters could take down an enemy at 100 meters, 150 if you were a real crackshot. Information had no such limit. With information, you could crush your enemy without even being in the same sector.
“You don’t understand!”
“Look, we’re no friends of the Empire here, but we don’t want to make enemies with them, either. Just be glad it was only things, and not your life, you were robbed of.”
“No, no. I was,” I stood up straight, and flattened the fur on my face and head that was standing on edge. “I was in the sabaac tournament, yeah? And I won. You know, I won everything. I mean EVERYTHING. Anyway, then that announcement came and the others took what’s mine. They took everything – EVERYTHING. That’s why I’m here.”
“Sounds like a not-my-problem. So it’s not.” He pushed the door quickly, but I stopped it with my foot. I leaned in.
“I don’t think you heard me.” I said deliberately. I let him digest the surprise that arose in his eyes. “They took EVERYTHING. How many are you?” I craned my head and counted the troopers around the table. “Seven of you? Listen. You help me overpower a couple of greedy gamblers, you’ll all get more than you can make in a year!”
I led the troopers to Arck’s landing pad. I’d overheard him say it sometime over the tournament, a bit of information logged away like so many other tidbits. All my years in the Senate taught me information is the most valuable weapon of all. Blasters could take down an enemy at 100 meters, 150 if you were a real crackshot. Information had no such limit. With information, you could crush your enemy without even being in the same sector.
Behind us I heard the familiar whirr of TIE fighters. It seemed getting the goods would be the easy part. My Black Sun transport was no match for a TIE and the insignia would only attract attention. Maybe I’d have to steal Arck’s ship, too.
Though I suggested the commander take cover behind the ship, he refused. “We’re here to arrest thieves, not do battle. When they see our numbers, they’ll surrender.” He hit his chest hard with his fist. “This is OUR TURF. I’ll be damned if I hide from some card-tossers.”
Fine. Let them pay for honor with their blood. The more troopers that die, the less I’ll need to share.
Suddenly Arck and the guard – what was he doing here? – were pushing a dolly full of suitcases. That must be it. The commander shouted they were all under arrest, and Banthabill, the bastard, started firing at us! Arck and the guard disappeared behind the dolly, which deflected any blaster fire. Crystasteel-coated suitcases. Of course. Leave it to Lando to spring for the nice ones.
Snoova and Banthabill had retreated to the doorway, blasters ready but not firing. Doc Surlock lay dead. The dolly slowly moved back and to the right “Hold your fire!” I shouted. Sooner or later one of those deflected shots was going to hit one of us. The commander looked at me. I glanced to him and raised my blaster to the door, and he and his men did the same. Time for a parley. I considered what to say. Appeal for a reasonable resolution? Bluff that more troopers were on the way? Just start firing again? It was hard to-
What was that? I felt it before I heard it. We Shistavarians have a sixth sense for danger. I turned my head back and saw the green bolt zipping right towards us. The wall to the hallway suddenly exploded, and the whole world spun.
Though I was flying backwards, I felt myself turning in the air, my knees loose and ready for impact. It’s funny how you can go through life making intricate plans and multi-layered plots, but when simple instincts are needed, they just take over. Somehow, I knew what to do. I hit the side wall feet first, my legs absorbing much of the shock. Then I – is this really me? – pushed outward and, hitting the floor, tucked into a rolled that ended in a kneel. I took a moment to orient myself. Though the air was thick with smoke, the sounds were quite clear. To my left, the dull sound of wind, though suddenly joined by a terrible scratching sound, and then panicked voices quickly fading. I took a few steps forward, not sure how close I was to the edge.
The whirr of a TIE came and went in an instant, kicking the smoke up and out of the landing platform. I steeled myself against the sudden wind. At that moment I saw I was standing near some of the troopers, who had been shielding their eyes from the smoke. The suitcases were scattered over the ground and I saw Arck’s rounded body rolling on the ground, in obvious pain. The guard was standing beside him, looking concerned. Suddenly a blaster bolt caught my shoulder. As I fell backwards I saw Banthabill on the ground, his blaster trained on me. His smile was something from a nightmare. I really hate that guy.
“After them!” One of the troopers shouted, and they ran towards the hallway. After who? But the troopers never made it to the hallway. They put their hands up and turned around. My heart sank as I saw Stormtroopers marching onto the landing platform, blasters in hand, white armor dirtied by dust and smoke. Behind them followed their commander, a short man who wore a crisp, black uniform and strolled into the landing bay, arrogant as if he owned the place. “Just what is going on here, then?”
Though I suggested the commander take cover behind the ship, he refused. “We’re here to arrest thieves, not do battle. When they see our numbers, they’ll surrender.” He hit his chest hard with his fist. “This is OUR TURF. I’ll be damned if I hide from some card-tossers.”
Fine. Let them pay for honor with their blood. The more troopers that die, the less I’ll need to share.
Suddenly Arck and the guard – what was he doing here? – were pushing a dolly full of suitcases. That must be it. The commander shouted they were all under arrest, and Banthabill, the bastard, started firing at us! Arck and the guard disappeared behind the dolly, which deflected any blaster fire. Crystasteel-coated suitcases. Of course. Leave it to Lando to spring for the nice ones.
Snoova and Banthabill had retreated to the doorway, blasters ready but not firing. Doc Surlock lay dead. The dolly slowly moved back and to the right “Hold your fire!” I shouted. Sooner or later one of those deflected shots was going to hit one of us. The commander looked at me. I glanced to him and raised my blaster to the door, and he and his men did the same. Time for a parley. I considered what to say. Appeal for a reasonable resolution? Bluff that more troopers were on the way? Just start firing again? It was hard to-
What was that? I felt it before I heard it. We Shistavarians have a sixth sense for danger. I turned my head back and saw the green bolt zipping right towards us. The wall to the hallway suddenly exploded, and the whole world spun.
Though I was flying backwards, I felt myself turning in the air, my knees loose and ready for impact. It’s funny how you can go through life making intricate plans and multi-layered plots, but when simple instincts are needed, they just take over. Somehow, I knew what to do. I hit the side wall feet first, my legs absorbing much of the shock. Then I – is this really me? – pushed outward and, hitting the floor, tucked into a rolled that ended in a kneel. I took a moment to orient myself. Though the air was thick with smoke, the sounds were quite clear. To my left, the dull sound of wind, though suddenly joined by a terrible scratching sound, and then panicked voices quickly fading. I took a few steps forward, not sure how close I was to the edge.
The whirr of a TIE came and went in an instant, kicking the smoke up and out of the landing platform. I steeled myself against the sudden wind. At that moment I saw I was standing near some of the troopers, who had been shielding their eyes from the smoke. The suitcases were scattered over the ground and I saw Arck’s rounded body rolling on the ground, in obvious pain. The guard was standing beside him, looking concerned. Suddenly a blaster bolt caught my shoulder. As I fell backwards I saw Banthabill on the ground, his blaster trained on me. His smile was something from a nightmare. I really hate that guy.
“After them!” One of the troopers shouted, and they ran towards the hallway. After who? But the troopers never made it to the hallway. They put their hands up and turned around. My heart sank as I saw Stormtroopers marching onto the landing platform, blasters in hand, white armor dirtied by dust and smoke. Behind them followed their commander, a short man who wore a crisp, black uniform and strolled into the landing bay, arrogant as if he owned the place. “Just what is going on here, then?”
The guard spoke up. “We found these ones thieving, sir. Gambler scum. We caught them just before they escaped.” The guard came over and kicked me in the stomach. Then he kneeled down next to me. “We all want to get out of here alive. Play along, eh?” He took my blaster and threw it towards the wall. A bit dramatic. He walked over to Banthabill, who was still holding his drawn blaster. Banthabill could have shot him right then and there. That smile had been wiped away, though. He was looking between the guard and the Stormtroopers. Come on, you big idiot, or you’ll get us all killed.
The guard finally got close enough to kick his weapon out of his hand. I let out a breath I scarcely realized I was holding. For all his faults, Banthabill wasn’t stupid. The guard grabbed him by the collar and pulled him to his knees. One of the troopers came up to me and did the same. I felt the end of a blaster against my neck. The rules had changed again.
Prego Huepo
Every recruit in Cloud City security academy dreams of scenes like this.
“We all want to get out of here alive. Play along, eh?” I grabbed his blaster, but it slipped out of my hand and went sailing into the wall. Good enough. Then I walked over to Banthabill, whose weapon was still out, though his head turned listlessly me to the stormtroopers. He looked to be in shock. Certainly not like the scoundrel who... Anger rose in me again as I remembered that scene. I’d seen it clearly. As soon we arrived he grabbed Doc Surlock like a shield, and the blaster bolts poured into him. When he dropped him, he had shot him again. Doc Surlock was no real friend of mine, but the injustice of it burned in me. Swiftly I kicked the blaster from his hand and grabbed his collar.
“Play along with us.” I hissed at him as I stood up straight to address the captain. “We can take these ones from here. I’m sure you noticed the Wookie fleeing the scene? If you could capture him, we’d like nothing more than bringing them all to justice.”
The captain stood still as a rock for a few moments to say. “This facility is now under Imperial control. Do not presume to make commands.”
I stared at the little captain. Did he not understand what I’d said? The silence thickened briefly until he said. “We will pursue this Wookie. They are always top priority targets. Bring these criminals to the detention block. There, we will process-“
“You’ll never take me!” Banthabill cried suddenly, and he stood up and ran. I quickly fired, and he fell through the doorway, dead.
The officer pointed to Cuddy, “Well, bring him in, at least. Alive. Our methods don’t work once they’re dead.” He turned crisply on his heels and pointed out the door. The stormtroopers, who had fanned out professionally against the wall, blasters aimed at us the whole time, swiftly lowered their guns and left the room quickly.
I turned towards Cuddy, still kneeling on the floor. He turned and smiled at me. “That was close.”
I could have killed him then. Then I and the troopers could have split the prize and left in the chaos. I could become a new man. With that kind of money I could settle almost anywhere. It’s a big galaxy.
But the thought sickened me. Even killing Banthabill, treacherous as he was, didn’t feel like a victory. Everything was happening so first when he ran that I shot him on instinct, but thinking on it now left me feeling hollow, not happy. I hadn’t joined the academy to abuse or kill people. I hadn’t even done it out of a sense of duty. It was a job – we all needed jobs. And we all needed to sleep at night. I holstered my blaster and extended my hand to Cuddy.
“You can say that again,” I said, a smile coming to my face. I found myself chuckling, despite myself. I turned to the troopers, motioning to the suitcases on the floor. “He promised you some, too?” They nodded, though sheepishly.
“A deal’s a deal. There’s honor even among us gamblers.” Cuddy said. “Come on, those cases will be he-.”
The sound of laser cannons made us flinch. Looking outside, an orange Cloud Car was spinning towards us, smoke spilling out behind. I dove out the doorway, and Cuddy landed on top of me. The whole hallway rocked with the impact.
When we turned around the landing pad was on fire, the orange smoking wreck still hissing as the engine died. The bodies of the troopers were strewn about. Suddenly the whole landing pad cracked, tilting downward.
“We’ll have to move quickly to-”
A squadron of TIEs flew by, and the platform creaked loudly at the supersonic sound. Smoke spiraled into the clouds and there was another ear-splitting crack. The next moment, the whole landing platform had fallen into the clouds.
We turned around and saw Banthabill’s body. Cuddy turned to me. “You know, there’s no reason today has to be a total loss.” When we were done, we threw his body into the clouds. Good riddance.
Snoova
“Halt! You are under arrest.”
Cuddy had obviously not prepared these troopers for the likes of us. That we might surrender to the law was laughable. We drew our weapons and started firing back, forcing them to take cover. Banthabill and I reached the doorway and took cover on the other side. Doc Surlock’s body lay still, evidently cut down by in the initial onslaught. He survived Vader, but was cut down by municipal security.
Arck and the guard had taken the dolly and ran to the side of the landing pad. Though the troopers fired, their shots bounced dangerously off the suitcases. Banthabill motioned for them to come back to us. Slowly, they came.
Once that dolly was close enough, I could just grab a suitcase and run. My mind filled with all the things I could buy. Or, I thought. Or I could just shoot Banthabill right here. He’d never expect it. Then strike a deal with Cuddy. He hated Banthabill enough to forgive me, everyone knew that. I rolled the possibility over in my mind.
But then a churning sound came from the landing pad. Banthabill’s eyes filled with fear. It occurred to me that in all our encounters I’d never seen him look that scared before. He was planted to the ground, half in the doorway and half out. I had half a mind to yank him from whatever his eyes were locked on when suddenly his face started to glow green.
I dove backwards into the hallway just as the wall I’d been leaning on exploded.
Smoke and terrible screams came pouring out into the hallway. I saw Banthabill laying on the ground, Crawling. No honor in killing him now. I needed to escape. Still, there was the question of the loot.
As if answering my wishes a TIE flew by, and the smoke rushed out behind in its wake. Arck’s ship was gone, but a few troopers still stood, plus Cuddy. The suitcases were strewn about the ground. Somewhere Banthabill shouted. It was now or never.
I started firing wildly as I charged into the room. Cuddy fell. Then I gave a roar as I reached down and grabbed a suitcase, fitting it under my arm. It was even heavier than I expected. I fired a few more shots back as I went back out the door. On the other side of the broken wall I turned to run, but saw a patrol of Stormtroopers marching forward. I couldn’t possibly take them. I turned and ran.
I kept my eyes on the Landing pad numbers, watching them tick down. Arck’s was, what, 337? I was 120. Quite a way to go. I peaked over my shoulder, but no one was chasing me. Everyone was running on their own little errand of panic. I got no more than the usual number of funny looks – Wookie’s are uncommon sights – though particular attention was paid to my suitcase. I hoped no one felt desperate enough to rob me.
I was relieved to see Rough Hide parked exactly where I’d left her. I ran in and put the suitcase down on the cargo bench. I glanced down at it, and… Wait a moment!
We turned around and saw Banthabill’s body. Cuddy turned to me. “You know, there’s no reason today has to be a total loss.” When we were done, we threw his body into the clouds. Good riddance.
Snoova
“Halt! You are under arrest.”
Cuddy had obviously not prepared these troopers for the likes of us. That we might surrender to the law was laughable. We drew our weapons and started firing back, forcing them to take cover. Banthabill and I reached the doorway and took cover on the other side. Doc Surlock’s body lay still, evidently cut down by in the initial onslaught. He survived Vader, but was cut down by municipal security.
Arck and the guard had taken the dolly and ran to the side of the landing pad. Though the troopers fired, their shots bounced dangerously off the suitcases. Banthabill motioned for them to come back to us. Slowly, they came.
Once that dolly was close enough, I could just grab a suitcase and run. My mind filled with all the things I could buy. Or, I thought. Or I could just shoot Banthabill right here. He’d never expect it. Then strike a deal with Cuddy. He hated Banthabill enough to forgive me, everyone knew that. I rolled the possibility over in my mind.
But then a churning sound came from the landing pad. Banthabill’s eyes filled with fear. It occurred to me that in all our encounters I’d never seen him look that scared before. He was planted to the ground, half in the doorway and half out. I had half a mind to yank him from whatever his eyes were locked on when suddenly his face started to glow green.
I dove backwards into the hallway just as the wall I’d been leaning on exploded.
Smoke and terrible screams came pouring out into the hallway. I saw Banthabill laying on the ground, Crawling. No honor in killing him now. I needed to escape. Still, there was the question of the loot.
As if answering my wishes a TIE flew by, and the smoke rushed out behind in its wake. Arck’s ship was gone, but a few troopers still stood, plus Cuddy. The suitcases were strewn about the ground. Somewhere Banthabill shouted. It was now or never.
I started firing wildly as I charged into the room. Cuddy fell. Then I gave a roar as I reached down and grabbed a suitcase, fitting it under my arm. It was even heavier than I expected. I fired a few more shots back as I went back out the door. On the other side of the broken wall I turned to run, but saw a patrol of Stormtroopers marching forward. I couldn’t possibly take them. I turned and ran.
I kept my eyes on the Landing pad numbers, watching them tick down. Arck’s was, what, 337? I was 120. Quite a way to go. I peaked over my shoulder, but no one was chasing me. Everyone was running on their own little errand of panic. I got no more than the usual number of funny looks – Wookie’s are uncommon sights – though particular attention was paid to my suitcase. I hoped no one felt desperate enough to rob me.
I was relieved to see Rough Hide parked exactly where I’d left her. I ran in and put the suitcase down on the cargo bench. I glanced down at it, and… Wait a moment!
But there wasn’t any time to wait. I ran to the cockpit and quickly began the launch protocol. The Sacul shuttle grumbled to life, and soon was in the clouds. A TIE flew under me, but gratefully didn’t turn around to fire. The hull shook as we began exiting Bespin’s thick atmosphere, and the viewport went white with the heat before suddenly giving way to the blanket black of space. To the left I saw a Star Destroyer, an even bigger one than I’d ever seen before. I have to get out of here. I set a course for…
What do I do with Arck? He thinks himself an adventurer, but he’s no use to anyone as my captive. I’d hardly get his worth in weight. How could I be so stupid to grab him instead of one of those suitcases. Oh, that Banthabill must be having a good laugh now. I hope Cuddy’s men managed to kill him. To hell with all of them.
I set a course for Anoat. I had some friends there, and maybe they could set me up with a job. But what I really needed to do was to get out of this sector. First Hoth, now Bespin. The Empire was really extending its reach. Was Anoat even safe? I reset my course to come out of hyperspace outside the system. If I see Imperial ships there I’ll take off.
While the ship was in hyperspace I went back to Arck.
“Aaah, his majesty returns!”
I growled this wasn’t what I intended, either.
“Well none of this was anyone’s plan.” Arck said, sitting up.
I responded that plans had never done me much good anyway.
“Well, you’ve got me. Now what?”
I told him the plan to go to Anoat. He nodded in approval.
“And if the Empire is there?”
I shrugged. I said we keep running, and asked where he had in mind. Did he have a home? Did he want to go to Toydaria, perhaps?
He laughed cruelly. “And after that you’ll go back to Kashykk, too?”
I growled angrily, hitting the wall of the ship with my paw. Funny the effect that name has on me, even after all these years.
“We’re both exiles, then.”
A silence fell between us. The ship started beeping, indicating we were close to Anoat. I went to the cockpit, and saw Arck lie back down. Reverting to realspace, I took in the sight. There lay Anoat, and its single moon. But no Star Destroyers. Not yet, anyway. I shouted back the news to Arck, and began paging the Anoatan landing authority.
Copyright ©️ 2020 Maslow Stories
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Thanks for taking the time to read my story! I consider this story still a draft, and edit it occasionally. If you have any feedback for me, I'd love to hear it! Email me at armaslow@gmail.com. Please put "Star Wars Stories" in the subject line. Thank you!
What do I do with Arck? He thinks himself an adventurer, but he’s no use to anyone as my captive. I’d hardly get his worth in weight. How could I be so stupid to grab him instead of one of those suitcases. Oh, that Banthabill must be having a good laugh now. I hope Cuddy’s men managed to kill him. To hell with all of them.
I set a course for Anoat. I had some friends there, and maybe they could set me up with a job. But what I really needed to do was to get out of this sector. First Hoth, now Bespin. The Empire was really extending its reach. Was Anoat even safe? I reset my course to come out of hyperspace outside the system. If I see Imperial ships there I’ll take off.
While the ship was in hyperspace I went back to Arck.
“Aaah, his majesty returns!”
I growled this wasn’t what I intended, either.
“Well none of this was anyone’s plan.” Arck said, sitting up.
I responded that plans had never done me much good anyway.
“Well, you’ve got me. Now what?”
I told him the plan to go to Anoat. He nodded in approval.
“And if the Empire is there?”
I shrugged. I said we keep running, and asked where he had in mind. Did he have a home? Did he want to go to Toydaria, perhaps?
He laughed cruelly. “And after that you’ll go back to Kashykk, too?”
I growled angrily, hitting the wall of the ship with my paw. Funny the effect that name has on me, even after all these years.
“We’re both exiles, then.”
A silence fell between us. The ship started beeping, indicating we were close to Anoat. I went to the cockpit, and saw Arck lie back down. Reverting to realspace, I took in the sight. There lay Anoat, and its single moon. But no Star Destroyers. Not yet, anyway. I shouted back the news to Arck, and began paging the Anoatan landing authority.
Copyright ©️ 2020 Maslow Stories
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for taking the time to read my story! I consider this story still a draft, and edit it occasionally. If you have any feedback for me, I'd love to hear it! Email me at armaslow@gmail.com. Please put "Star Wars Stories" in the subject line. Thank you!
