Star Wars_ Boba Fett 04_ Hunted - Elizabeth Hand [2]
Nobody had to know he was just a kid.
He cleared his throat, then clambered out of Slave I and into the docking bay.
The air of Tatooine struck him like a fist. Hot, dry air, so saturated with grit and dust that he could taste it on his tongue, despite the protective helmet. A few meters away, small service droids scurried and rolled beneath another ship. There were fuel lines and repair equipment scattered everywhere. Boba looked around for someone in charge, standing as straight as he could to project confidence.
"Sir!" a smooth voice greeted him, recognizing the ship. "Jango Fett, is it?"
A gleaming figure was approaching him - a silver-plated 3D-4X
administrative droid. Its blunt, tube-shaped head whirled as it looked from Boba to Slave I.
"Fett, that's right," Boba said. He felt a small surge of relief. A droid would be easier to fool than a human or an alien. "I need to leave my ship here for a while."
"Very good, very good," said the droid. It halted. Boba could hear a garbled stream of syllables coming through its communications transmitter. After a moment it turned back to him. "Master Qinx wishes you to be reminded that there is a small matter of an outstanding debit on your account."
Boba swallowed. Inside the helmet his face felt as though it were melting. He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and said, "I am aware of that. Here - "
Boba held out a credit chip, all that remained of his father's fortune. The droid scanned it, then rotated its head.
"That is not enough."
"I'm aware of that, too," Boba said quickly. He was glad the droid couldn't see his face. "Please inform your master that I have a private audience with Jabba the Hutt regarding some old business of my own. Once I've met with Jabba, I'll make payment in full."
"Master Quinx specifically stated that - "
Boba shook his head. "I am certain that your master would not want to make me late for my meeting with Jabba," he said in the warning tone he'd heard his father use so many times. "Of course, I can inform Jabba that there will be a delay...."
Boba turned and took a step back toward his ship. His breath came too fast in his throat. What if the droid knew he was bluffing?
Behind him he could hear the whine of the 3D4X's communicator.
"Very well," the droid said. Its smooth voice sounded slightly anxious. "Of course, we do not want to delay your meeting with Jabba the Hutt. Will there be anything you need upon your return?"
Safe behind his helmet, Boba grinned. Why not?
"Yes," he said. "Please provide a full overhaul and restocking of my ship. And refuel it."
"Very well, sir." The droid began to stride purposefully toward the service droids. "You, there! Leave that and get over here immediately!"
Boba watched as the droids began to surround Slave I, beeping and whirring. Then he turned and headed for the ramp that led down to the streets.
Maybe this will be easier than I thought! He smoothed the front of his tunic and walked outside, head held high. Jabba, here I come!
In less than a minute, he was hopelessly lost.
CHAPTER THREE
From the air, "Mos Espa had looked confusing, but not chaotic. Boba had recognized streets and alleys, even major roads leading into the desert. It was all complicated, but he assumed there was a pattern. And if there was a pattern, he would figure out how to use it.
But as soon as he stepped from the overhang of the docking bay, Boba realized there was no pattern here. There was no logic, except the, logic of buying and selling and stealing.
For just a moment, Boba forgot about appearing to be in control.
"Wow," he breathed, amazed.
From the air, Mos Espa - all of Tatootine