Star Wars_ Episode V_ The Empire Strikes Back - Donald F. Glut [53]
Lando looked longingly over his shoulder as he and Han began to walk across the landing platform, followed by Leia, Threepio, and Chewbacca. 'That won't be easy, my friend,' Lando said regretfully.
Then he turned to Han. 'What brings you here anyway?'
'Repairs.'
Mock panic spread across Lando's face. 'What have you done to my ship?'
Grinning, Han glanced back at Leia. 'Lando used to own the Falcon,' he explained. 'And he sometimes forgets that he lost her fair and square.'
Lando shrugged as he conceded to Han's boastful claim. 'That ship saved my life more than a few times. It's the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. What's wrong with her?'
'Hyperdrive.'
'I'll have my people get to work on it right away,' Lando said. 'I hate the thought of the Millennium Falcon without her heart.'
The group crossed the narrow bridge that joined the landing area to the city - and were instantly dazzled by its beauty. They saw numerous small plazas ringed by smooth-edged towers and spires and buildings. The structures that constituted Cloud City's business and residential sections were gleaming white, shining brightly in the morning sun. Numerous alien races made up the city's populace and many of these citizens leisurely walked through the spacious streets alongside the Falcon visitors.
'How's your mining operation going?' Han asked Lando.
'Not as well as I'd like,' Calrissian answered. 'We're a small outpost and not very self-sufficient. I've had supply problems of every kind and ..." The administrator noticed Han's amused grin. 'What's so funny?'
'Nothing.' Then Han chuckled. 'I never would have guessed that underneath that wild schemer I knew was a responsible leader and businessman.' Grudgingly, Han had to admit that he was impressed. 'You wear it well.'
Lando looked at his old friend reflectively. 'Seeing you sure brings back a few memories.' He shook his head, smiling. 'Yes, I'm responsible these days. It's the price of success. And you know what, Han? You were right all along. It's overrated.'
Both burst out laughing, causing a head or two to turn as the group moved through the city walkways.
See Threepio lagged a bit behind, fascinated by the bustling alien crowds in the Cloud City streets, the floating cars, the fabulous, fanciful buildings. He turned his head back and forth, trying to register it all in his computer circuits.
As the golden droid gawked at the new sights, he passed a door facing the walkway. Hearing it open, he turned to see a silver Threepio unit emerging and stopped to watch the other robot move away. While Threepio paused there, he heard a muffled beeping and whistling coming from behind the door.
He peeked in and saw a familiar-looking droid sitting in the anteroom. 'Oh, an R2 unit!' he chirped in delight. 'I'd almost forgotten what they sound like.'
Threepio moved through the doorway and walked into the room.
Instantly he sensed that he and the R2 unit were not alone. He threw his golden arms up in surprise, the expression of wonder on his gilded faceplate frozen in place. 'Oh, my!' he exclaimed. 'Those look like-'
As he spoke, a rocketing laser bolt crashed into his metal chest, sending him flying in twenty directions around the room. His bronzed arms and legs crashed against the walls and settled in a smoldering heap with the rest of his mechanical body.
Behind him, the door slammed shut.
Some distance away, Lando guided the small group into his hall of offices, pointing out objects of interest as they moved through the white corridors. None of them had noticed Threepio's absence as they walked along, discussing life in Bespin.
But Chewbacca suddenly stopped and curiously sniffed the air as he looked behind him. Then he shrugged his huge shoulders and continued to follow the others.
Luke was perfectly