Star Wars_ The Han Solo Trilogy 01_ The Paradise Snare - A. C. Crispin [0]
They were now only a kilometer above the surface of the planet, coming in with a rush. Too fast! Han slowed them, using the brake thrusters roughly. G-forces seized him, and he felt as though something were squeezing his chest in a giant vise. He was gasping steadily now, and he dared to look down at his air pak.
Empty! The status indicator was solidly in the red zone.
Hold together, Han, he counseled himself. Just keep breathing. There’s got to be enough air in your suit to support you for a couple of minutes—at least.
He shook his head, feeling light-headed and dizzy. His breath began to burn in his chest.
He braked again, lightly, and the ship bucked suddenly.
I’ve lost my forward stabilizer!
SW: PARADISE SNARE
A Bantam Spectra Book/July 1997
SPECTRA and the portrayal of a boxed “s” are trademarks of Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
All rights reserved.
®, TM, ©, 1997 by Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.
Used under authorization.
Cover art by Drew Struzan. Cover art copyright © 1997 by Lucasfilm Ltd.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
For information address: Bantam Books.
eISBN: 978-0-307-79636-3
Bantam Books are published by Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc. Its trademark, consisting of the words “Bantam Books” and the portrayal of a rooster, is Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in other countries. Marca Registrada. Bantam Books, New York, New York.
v3.1
This book is dedicated to my friend, Thia Rose. When we were twelve, we swore we’d always be best friends …
… and, more years later than we like to count, we still are.
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter One: Trader’s Luck
Chapter Two: Ylesian Dreams
Chapter Three: Crash Landing
Chapter Four: Muuurgh
Chapter Five: Spice Wars
Chapter Six: Alderaan and Back Again
Chapter Seven: Bria
Chapter Eight: Revelations
Chapter Nine: Lost and Found
Chapter Ten: Farewell to Paradise?
Chapter Eleven: Escape Velocity
Chapter Twelve: Togoria
Chapter Thirteen: Return to Corellia
Chapter Fourteen: Down and Out on Coruscant
Chapter Fifteen: Out of the Fire
Epilogue: Rebirth
About the Author
Also by this Author
Introduction to the Star Wars Expanded Universe
Excerpt from Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy: The Hutt Gambit
Introduction to the Old Republic Era
Introduction to the Rise of the Empire Era
Introduction to the Rebellion Era
Introduction to the New Republic Era
Introduction to the New Jedi Order Era
Introduction to the Legacy Era
Star Wars Novels Timeline
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writing in the Star Wars universe is like becoming a part of a community—or, even, a family. The writers are encouraged to read each other’s books, and there are dozens of nonfiction and technical books devoted to the characters, hardware, planets, and so forth. Writers trade information and tips back and forth, and generally help each other out.
Thus, many, many people helped me with this book. With the caveat that any mistakes readers may find are my own, I would like to thank the following:
Kevin Anderson, who gave me my first chance to write in the Star Wars universe. Kevin and Rebecca Moesta also helped with information about the Star Wars background and characters, as well as hand-holding, encouragement, and sage advice.
Michael Capobianco, fellow writer and significant other, for brainstorming, research help, intelligent advice, and fixing dinner when I was too busy writing to even realize I was hungry. Thanks, dear.
Bill Smith and Peter Schweighofer of West End Games for helping me figure out answers to such odd and esoteric questions as, “What does Han wear for underwear?” They “unstuck” me from quandaries more times than I can count.
Tom Dupree and Evelyn Cainto of Bantam Books for assistance, advice, and encouragement.
Sue