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They were marched through the town under armed convoy. Luke took the opportunity to study the surrounding structures. Few showed much difference from those they’d already encountered. In a town like this, interchangeability was an economic necessity, he reflected.

Those inhabitants who encountered them pressed close to the walls of the buildings and whispered among themselves, pointing from time to time at the unlucky miscreants. The spectators obviously had some idea what was in store for them.

Luke wished he did, too.

“Where do you suppose they’re taking us?” he murmured to the Princess.

“To the local jail, where else?”

Luke nodded forward. “If that’s it, I’m impressed.”

They were approaching a massive, forbidding ziggurat of ancient Mimbanian architecture. It was constructed of gray and black stone, exactly like the ruins Luke had spotted when searching for the Princess’ ship. The edifice towered, despite its roughly tapering shape, over the more recent, simpler structures of the mining town.

“Not your average lockup,” he commented softly as they strode under the thick stone arch over the entrance. Boldly, he queried the trooper next to him. “What is this place?”

The helmeted soldier turned to him with, “Prisoners and violators of the law are to provide answers, not questions.”

Surprisingly, as they moved down a stone corridor lined with modern tubing and electronic componentry, the trooper volunteered some information. “This is one of the old temples built by the natives of this world.”

Luke’s surprise was genuine. “You mean, those pitiful wretches who beg for drinks?”

Unexpectedly, the man laughed. “Good, you’ve got a sense of humor. You’ll need it. Greenies, building this? You must spend all your time in the mines. Not me.”

The trooper swelled with self-importance. “I’m always trying to improve myself. As you know,” he began, “there are several semi-intelligent races on this world, besides the greenies. Some are more degenerate than the others. Whatever race built these places,” and he gestured with his rifle at the stone roof arching overhead, “has long since died out. At least, insofar as the Imperial survey has been able to determine.” They turned another corner and Luke marveled at the size of the structure.

“This one’s been converted to house the mine offices and Imperial headquarters for Mimban.” He shook his head. “You miners, you don’t know much of anything except your own work.”

“That’s true,” Luke admitted, feeling no remorse at damning all miners. They hadn’t been particularly hospitable to him since he’d landed in their company. “We’re from another town,” he added for good measure.

The trooper’s brief venture into camaraderie vanished and he replied coldly, “That may or may not be. You chronic brawlers lie a lot. Just because the Empire tolerates a limited amount of disorder here as a safety valve for you people is no reason to abuse the privilege. You make it tough on all your fellows.” He pointed ahead, to the trooper who was hefting the satchel of confiscated weapons.

“When killing devices are involved, it becomes more than a question of worker discipline. Charges will be brought. Too bad for you. I hope you get what you deserve.”

“Thanks,” said Luke drily.

One of the miners grumbled, “Not our fault. Saberman and the woman led us on.”

“Shut up, you,” ordered the sergeant. “You’ll have your own chance to tell your side of it to Captain-Supervisor Grammel.”

That caused both Luke and Leia to start violently. Grammel was the man Halla had warned them about.

“Perhaps he’ll be generous,” the sergeant went on philosophically. “Good workers are difficult to get here. He may leave you most of your fingers.”

“I wish we’d asked Halla more about this Grammel,” Luke murmured.

“Yes, Halla.” The Princess sounded discouraged. “She didn’t break her back trying to save us, did she?”

“What could she do,” Luke countered, “against Imperials?”

“You’re right, I guess. But I would’ve thought she’d try something.” Leia shrugged. “I suppose I can’t blame her for saving herself.”

“At least Threepio and