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“Don’t move, Solo,” came a voice from the past.

Han froze.

The High Priest had a blaster rifle in his hand, and his eyes held a mad glitter that told Han there was no way to talk his way out of this one.

“Hands raised,” the Priest directed. Han, Chewie, and Bria all put their hands up. Han glanced at the others, trying frantically to think of a way to get out of this.

“I shall enjoy this,” the Priest said.

“Hey,” Han said, “Jabba’s a friend of mine. You kill me, he won’t take it kindly.”

The Priest laughed wheezily. “Hutts do not have friends,” he said. “Farewell, Solo.”

Pointing the blaster at Han, the Priest’s small, stubby finger began to tighten on the trigger.

Han shut his eyes. He heard the sound of the blaster’s whine—

—and he felt nothing. No pain. No searing heat.

After a prolonged moment, Han heard the sound of a body fall with a loud thud.

REBEL DAWN

A Bantam Spectra Book / March 1998

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

®, TM & © 1998 by Lucasfilm Ltd. Used under authorization.

Cover art by Drew Struzan. Cover art copyright © 1998 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: 978-0-307-79638-7

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 the memory of Brian Daley.

Just about two years ago now, Bantam asked me to write the story of Han Solo’s life in the ten years before Star Wars: A New Hope. I felt so honored, and a bit intimidated by the scope of the task that lay before me.

And now … it’s behind me. I can hardly believe it. For two years, I’ve “lived” in the Star Wars universe, watching the films over and over, reading the reference books, the other novels, and talking to Star Wars fans at conventions, in online chat rooms, and at book signings. Star Wars has, quite literally, been my life.

It feels funny to say good-bye to all of that, at least for the immediate future. I’m looking forward to getting back to my big fantasy trilogy for Avon, a project I interrupted (Thank you, John and both Jennifers!) to do these Han Solo novels. There’s sadness, too, in leaving behind this universe that I’ve enjoyed so much. But I’ve made so many new friends that I’m sure they’ll keep me up on Mr. Lucas’s universe.

The list of people who helped me with these books continues to grow. Rebel Dawn was a tough book to write. I felt as though I had a responsibility to “set the stage” for Han’s role in the Star Wars films—and that’s a tall order. I couldn’t have produced this novel without the help of many people. I tried hard to avoid any mistakes in Star Wars continuity, but if they exist, they’re my own. Many grateful thanks to the following folks:

First and foremost, my dear friend and crackerjack military expert, Steve Osmanski. Steve and his wife Mary have been my staunchest supporters and I could not have done it without you both.

Michael Capobianco, sweetheart, friend, partner. As always, Michael kept me on track, and spotted about a zillion plot holes before they became problems. I suspect at this point we’ve become two of the world’s foremost authorities on Hutts. A distinction to be proud of, truly!

Rich Handley, Craig Robert Carey (godfather of Wookiees!), Mike Beidler, and Pablo Hidalgo, for vital information regarding the Star Wars universe. Thanks, guys.

Peter, Paul, Eric, and Tim of West End Games.

Rob Brown and Curtis Saxton for information regarding the Millennium Falcon, “the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.”

R. Lee Brown of Echo Station