Star Wars_ Splinter of the Mind's Eye - Alan Dean Foster [37]
“I didn’t know the Imperials were hiring non-humans.”
“Apparently these two didn’t have any choice,” Luke explained, listening to Hin. “They don’t like the Imperials any more than we do. I’ve been trying to convince them that all humans aren’t like the Imperials. I’m pretty sure I’m succeeding.”
“I hope so,” Leia said, eying the massively muscled, long-armed creatures.
“Both Hin and Kee are young, about our age, and not very experienced in Imperial affairs. They signed themselves into—well, I guess you couldn’t quite call it slavery, but indentured servitude is too polite a term.
“When they protested, finally, some mine official waved a lot of documents at them and made jokes. So they took their equipment and started trying to fill in the mine instead of empty it out.
“According to Hin, the only reason Grammel didn’t have them shot immediately was because each of them does the work of any three men and because they were both intoxicated out of their minds. Apparently Yuzzem,” he added unnecessarily, “have long hangovers. Hin believes the Imperials will give them another chance. But he’s not so sure he wants one.
“They’re in here because the regular cells won’t hold them. Come say hello.” The Princess hesitated and Luke walked over to her and whispered, “It’s okay. I think we could count on them. But better not to tell them who we are.”
She nodded, walked over and reached out with a hand. It vanished into a hairy paw. Hin chittered at her. “The same, I’m sure,” she said, gaining confidence rapidly. Kee howled and both humans looked to the other Yuzzem, who babbled at Luke.
“Says someone’s been using a mining drill on his head for the past week.”
Leia began walking away from him, toward the single window. It showed a panorama of mist-obscured lights from the town and was blocked by the same configuration of thick, diagonally placed bars.
“I know someone I’d like to take a drill to,” she muttered disconsolately.
“You mean Halla,” Luke declared. “She couldn’t and can’t do a thing for us. If I were in her situation I’d probably be running, too.”
Looking over at him, she smiled dazzlingly. “You know that’s not true, Luke. You’re too loyal and responsible for your own good.” Her gaze turned back to the mist-shrouded roofs of the distant town.
“If we hadn’t lost control of ourselves back in front of the tavern, we wouldn’t have attracted the attention of those miners. We wouldn’t be here now. It’s my fault.”
He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Come on, Leia … Princess. This mess was nobody’s fault. Besides, it’s fun losing control once in a while.”
She smiled again, thankfully. “You know, Luke, the Rebellion is lucky to have you. You’re a good man.”
“Yeah.” He turned away. “Lucky for the Rebellion.”
There was a chattering from across the cell. Leia eyed Luke questioningly. “Kee says someone’s coming,” he translated.
Together with the two Yuzzem, they turned their attention to the corridor. Footsteps approached rapidly. Several stormtroopers appeared, an anxious Grammel leading them. He seemed to relax a little on catching sight of his prisoners.
“You’re both unharmed?” Luke nodded. “Good,” he declared, visibly relieved. His gaze traveled to the Yuzzem and back again to Luke. “I see you’re sharing your cell agreeably … so far. I’m pleased. I was afraid I’d have to move you, but if the Yuzzem can tolerate your presence then I think you should stay. You’ll be more secure in here. It develops that someone else has expressed an interest in your case.”
Luke looked blankly at the Princess, who stared back with equal lack of comprehension.
“Yeah, one of the enforcers back on Circarpous, I’ll bet,” Luke essayed boldly.
“Not exactly.” Another of those enigmatic half-smiles that sent chills down Luke’s spine. “An Imperial representative is coming here to question you personally. That’s enough for me. I know when to stand aside. So I’m not going to contact our sources