Star Wars_ The Han Solo Trilogy 02_ The Hutt Gambit - A. C. Crispin [83]
He cleared his throat. “To reach this goal, I am authorized to utilize deadly force. The Hutts will learn that they cannot flout Imperial law with impunity.” He raised a fist in a sweeping military gesture. “Law and order will prevail once more in our Territories!”
The holo faded out on Shild’s ringing last words. Both Hutts looked at each other for a long moment.
“This is not good, Aunt,” Jabba said, finally.
“Not good at all, Nephew,” Jiliac agreed. She cursed softly. “How can Shild have found the courage to go against us?”
“Obviously, he is now more afraid of Palpatine than he is of us,” Jabba said.
“We shall have to teach him his error,” Jiliac said slowly. “We cannot allow Nal Hutta to be governed by the Emperor and his wretched minions.”
“Indeed not,” Jabba agreed.
Jiliac considered for a moment. “However, as a compromise …”
“Yes, Aunt?”
“Perhaps we can reason with Shild. Buy him off. Let him have Nar Shaddaa and the smugglers. We can always find more smugglers …”
Jabba licked his tongue over the edges of his lipless mouth, as though he’d tasted something particularly sweet. “Aunt, I like the way you think.”
“We must send Shild a message,” Jiliac decided. “And gifts … expensive ones, so he will pay attention. You know how greedy he is. Surely he will … see reason.”
“Surely,” Jabba agreed. “But who will carry the message?”
Jiliac thought for a moment, then the corners of her huge, wide mouth turned up. “I know just the sentient …”
Han Solo stood before Jiliac’s dais, eyes wide. His mouth dropped open. “You want me to what?”
“Careful, Captain Solo,” Jabba cautioned. “You must address the Lady Jiliac with respect.”
Han ignored the Hutt Lord. “But … but …” he sputtered, “that’s crazy! That’s like asking me to point a gun at my own head and pull the trigger! We all heard Shild, how he was cracking down on smugglers. In case it’s escaped your notice, Your Ladyship, I’m a smuggler”—he jerked his thumb at his own chest—“and if I walk into Sarn Shild’s place to give him your gifts and your message, that’ll be the last free walk I ever take! No! I ain’t doing it!”
Inwardly he was a little surprised at his own temerity in speaking to the powerful Hutt leaders in such a manner, but Jiliac’s calm request had roused his temper. Just who did the Hutts think they were, anyhow?
“Captain Solo.” Jiliac did not take umbrage at Han’s words or tone. “Calm yourself. We will provide you with new clothing, the best of faked IDs, and one of our own courier vessels. No one will know you are Han Solo, smuggler. All they will know is that you are a diplomatic envoy from Nal Hutta, duly authorized and designated to deliver our message and our gifts.”
Han took a deep breath. Under those circumstances, maybe …
“What is it worth to you, to get your message delivered?” he asked, finally.
“Ten thousand credits,” Jiliac said, without batting an eye.
Han gasped. That much! For just flying to Coruscant and back!
He stared at the Hutt leaders for a moment, then turned to Chewbacca. “What do you think, pal?”
Chewie was plainly as torn as he was. The big Wookiee grumbled and rumbled, then finally commented that with that kind of money, they could start saving for a ship they could buy. But it was Han who’d be risking his skin, he added, so the final decision should be Han’s.
The Corellian thought for another moment, then turned back to Jiliac and Jabba. “All right,” he said. “I’ll do it for ten thousand. All of it in advance.”
Jabba began to protest, but Jiliac shushed him with a gesture. “Very well, Captain. Ten thousand in advance. When can you leave?”
“If you can get me the IDs and vessel today,” Han said grimly, “we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
“It shall be done,” Jiliac said.