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"You know the agreement we made," Gilramos went on in his smooth, sickly voice.

Boba reached the opening. He crouched safely in the shadows. He stared inside.

In the center of the room stood the tall Neimoidian. His elaborate robes glowed purple and deep blue. His reptilian face was split by a sneer. At his feet sprawled a small figure - Murzz. Ygabba stood protectively beside him.

"Please, Master," she begged.

Boba shaded his eyes, squinting.

Was this another virtual image of Gilramos Libkath? Or was it really him?

The Neimoidian leaned forward. He grasped Murzz's shoulder. The boy cried out in fear and pain.

Boba's fists clenched angrily.

It was truly Gilramos, all right.

The Neimoidian's clawed hand tightened. His other hand gestured angrily.

"You have failed me! There are supposed to be seventeen cartons of weapons here! And how many do I see? Sixteen!"

Boba leaned forward to get a better look. Many crates were stacked around the perimeter of the room. Each had the same bright label.

GORGAL SPRINGS GENUINE PURE WATER

But some of the crates were open. And they did not contain water.

They were filled with weapons. Small missiles made with technology banned by the Republic.

Enough to outfit an army. And not an army of children, either. From the corner of his eye, Boba saw several battle droids, their armor gleaming in the shadows.

Boba jumped as Gilramos's voice rang out commandingly. "Who am I, children?" he demanded.

In the room around him, numerous small figures stood. Each raised a hand. In each hand an eye glowed.

"You are our Master, Libkath," the children said as one.

Gilramos nodded. "That is so. Who cares for you, children?"

"You do, Master."

The eyes glowed brighter. In the darkness, the battle droids moved, raising their arms menacingly.

Some of the children whimpered. Murzz kicked angrily at Gilramos.

"Let me go!" he shouted.

Gilramos only clutched him tighter.

"Who gives you refuge?" he said.

"You do, Master," repeated the children.

"That is so." The reptilian sneer became a scowl. Gilramos reached for Ygabba, grabbing her by the shoulder. "And what do I ask in return?"

"Obedience, Master."

"And if I do not receive it?"

Quickly Boba looked around. A pile of bricks stood near the entrance. He grabbed one.

"Answer me!" shouted Gilramos. He shook Ygabba angrily. "If I do not receive obedience?"

Boba crept to the very edge of the doorway. He took aim. He threw.

Bull's-eye!

With a grunt Gilramos staggered backward. His tall hat tottered then fell. He clutched his head. Immediately Ygabba grabbed Murzz and darted away. All around the room, children raised their hands. Shining eyes glowed brightly, then flickered. With an ominous whir, the battle droids moved into position.

"Who dares to strike me?" shouted Gilramos.

"Why don't you pick on someone closer to your own size?" Boba shouted back. He grabbed another brick and heaved it.

Barn!

This time Gilramos stumbled and nearly fell. With excited squeals the children raced away from him. They clambered up the walls, taking shelter on the shelves circling the room. Only Ygabba remained where she was, staring as Boba stepped into the room.

"Boba Fett!" she yelled. She grinned so broadly that for an instant he forgot about Gilramos and the droids.

"That's me!" Boba yelled back.

"Fett?" repeated Gilramos. He lurched up again. A trickle of pale yellow fluid ran down his face. "You dare to strike me?"

"That's right!" retorted Boba. He held up his hands, palm out. "You don't control me!"

"But I will!"

Gilramos raised his arm. A bolt of crimson light flowed from it.

Was it some sort of power or just a trick? Boba wasn't about to find out.

He ducked, then jammed on his jet pack. He soared upward, kicking at the Neimoidian's head.

"Argh!"