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Han bent forward to scoop up the pot, and the Barabel female let out a roar. “Cheater! He’s got a skifter! No one can be so lucky!”

Han sat back and looked at her, outraged. He had cheated at sabacc plenty of times, using skifters—cards that would assume different values when their edges were tapped—but this time he had won fair and square. Shaking his head vehemently, he said, “I wasn’t cheating. You were just outplayed, sister!” When Han reached for the last of the card-chips, the Barabel roared again. One armored, sharp-taloned hand came sweeping down in a mighty blow that smashed the table in two, sending board, credits, and card-chips flying. Snarling, she advanced on Han. “I’m going to bite your head off, cheater!”

Han took one look at her gaping maw, realized that she was big enough to make good on her threat, and went for his blaster. His right hand dropped down to his thigh with blurring speed, then the well-worn grip was there, nestled against his palm.

His hand, still moving with extraordinary speed, started back up as he began his draw—

—only to stop short when the blaster hung up in the holster!

Han had barely a second to realize that the blaster’s front sight, mounted on the end of the barrel, was caught at the bottom of his holster. He tugged, trying to free his weapon.

The Barabel leaped for him. Han jumped back, but not far enough.…

THE HUTT GAMBIT

A Bantam Spectra Book / September 1997

SPECTRA and the portrayal of a boxed “s” are trademarks of Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc.

®, TM & © 1997 by Lucasfilm Ltd. 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: 978-0-307-79637-0

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, 1540 Broadway, New York, New York 10036.

v3.1

This book is dedicated to my good friend and fellow writer, Kevin J. Anderson, with thanks for all the help and encouragement.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As I noted in my previous Star Wars novel, The Paradise Snare, being invited to write in the Star Wars universe is rather like being adopted into a big family. Writers and fans share information, anecdotes, and stories of how much fun they’ve had in the Star Wars universe over the years.

I feel privileged to be the first writer to produce a book using the expanded information and visuals provided by the new special editions of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. It was very helpful seeing the newly restored films with their added footage—especially the scene where Jabba moves under his own steam.

With the caveat that all mistakes herein are my own, I’d like to thank the following people for their help:

First and foremost, my friend Steve Osmanski, who helped me with military, strategic, and technical information throughout, patiently answering my hundreds of questions, reviewing the battle scenes numerous times.

My friend Mary Frey, Steve’s wife, for allowing me to “borrow” her husband for hours on end as we planned battles and went over strategies.

Tim O’Brien, expert on every aspect of the Imperial military, who answered questions and gave patient advice.

(Steve and Tim O’Brien designed the battle plan for the Battle of Nar Shaddaa, and I am forever indebted to both of them for their expertise in Star Wars battlegaming.)

Bill, Peter, and Paul, of West End Games, who answered my endless questions about the Star Wars universe and its denizens.

Michael Capobianco, closet Star Wars fan, who used his experience as SFWA President