Star Wars_ Millennium Falcon - James Luceno [44]
“Captain Solo, Princess Leia, and Mistress Amelia,” a thin-faced, spotlessly attired human began, “if only we had been notified sooner of your arrival, we would have been better prepared. It's a pity you were not here last month for the Flamewind, which was spectacular this year. Regardless, we have moved guests from the penthouse suite to accommodate you. Naturally, the suite and all services will be complimentary, and a personal staff will be placed at your disposal. You will enjoy unlimited credit in the casino, and, of course, should you prefer private games—”
“Actually, we're not here to gamble,” Han said.
“Oh, I see. Well, in that case, private performances can be arranged. At the moment the Oseon is proud to present the Saffin Omlick Group, Moosh Kole, and the Kinetic Krew of the Molpol Circus, among a host of others.” The manager gestured to his subordinates. “The Oseon would also be happy to arrange sightseeing visits to Rafa Four, Trammis Three, the ThonBoka Star Cave Nebula, or other destinations in the Centrality.”
“That won't be necessary,” Leia said pleasantly.
The manager bowed slightly. “Of course. If you've come simply for privacy—”
“We were hoping for a chance to speak privately with Cix Trouvee,” Han said quietly.
The manager stared at him.
Han returned a blank look. “Isn't he still the owner?”
“Captain Solo, I'm sorry to have to report that Cix Trouvee passed on some weeks ago.”
Han lowered his head, but before his full disappointment could show, the manager added: “But the Oseon is now owned by his children, and I'm certain they would be more than happy to speak with you about whatever matter has brought you here. In fact, they had hoped to fête you privately once you were settled in.”
Han, Leia, and Allana traded smiles.
“That would be great,” Han said.
The office occupied the summit of the Oseon Tower. A round room decorated with exceptional examples of sculpture and statuary, it enjoyed a kilometer-high view of the planet, from the Ribbon clear to the spaceport and nascent skyhook. A ridge of arid mountains stood sentinel on the horizon, and the lavender sky, crosshatched by contrails, was filled with ascending and descending ships. Leia sat on a cushioned bench at one of the transparisteel windows, Allana on her knee, pointing to different resorts along the Ribbon.
“That hotel with the giant wings is a replica of a building on a world called Thyferra,” Leia said.
“Where bacta comes from.”
“Exactly. And those gardens are similar to ones on Ossus. And look, do you recognize that one?”
Allana followed Leia's finger down to the crenellated turrets of a fanciful castle fronted by a gargantuan fountain.
“Is that supposed to be Hapes?”
Leia nodded. “It's called the Seven Moons Casino. We can go there tomorrow if you'd like.”
“That'll be weird.”
“You're right, it will be weird. But it will also be fun.”
Allana reached up to wrap her arms around Leia's neck and hugged her. “I love you, Grandma,” she whispered into her ear.
Leia shut her eyes and tightened her embrace. “I love you, too.”
Allana pulled away and Leia smiled. “Mistress Amelia.”
Allana twittered a laugh and hurried to one of the adjacent window panels. Leia stood and moved toward Han, who was speaking with the three siblings from Cix Trouvee's first marriage. As with many long-term residents of Oseon VII, they were holding on to their natural good looks with the help of surgical procedures and other rejuvenation techniques. Leia stopped to regard a wondrous sculpture of a double helix.
“Is this piece from Alderaan?”
“It was made there,” Doon said, the