Star Wars_ The Han Solo Trilogy 03_ Rebel Dawn - A. C. Crispin [1]
My editor, Pat LoBrutto, who is one in a million, and to whom I owe a homemade lasagna dinner with all the trimmings. Also, Tom Dupree, for choosing me to work on the project in the first place. And Evelyn Cainto, who keeps the Star Wars editorial department running, and who is always a sympathetic ear.
Sue Rostoni of the Lucasfilm Licensing department, who helped immeasurably, keeping me consistent with the rest of the Star Wars universe.
My fellow Star Wars novelists, who created material I “borrowed” for Rebel Dawn: L. Neil Smith, Brian Daley, Kevin J. Anderson, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Steve Perry, Mike Stackpole, Timothy Zahn, Rebecca Moesta, and Michael P. Kube-MacDowell.
The Star Ladies and all my on-line friends, who made suggestions and took such a keen interest in Han Solo’s further adventures. You all know who you are.
Cathy Cathers, Chris Petescia, Roseann Caputo, Glenn Thibert, Linda Jean Weldon, Tim, and Aaron.
Drew Struzan, who designed and painted the great book covers. I loved every one!
And, of course, George Lucas, who started it all. Thank you, Mr. Lucas. It has truly been an honor.
May the Force be with you all …
Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter One - Winners and Losers
Chapter Two - Promises to Keep
Chapter Three - Mallatobuck
Chapter Four - Domestic Bliss and Other Complications
Chapter Five - “From One Side of this Galaxy to the Other”
Chapter Six - Farewell to Nar Shaddaa
Chapter Seven - Hutt Justice and Rebel Retribution
Chapter Eight - The Queen of Empire
Chapter Nine - Offers and Refusals
Chapter Ten - What Goes Around …
Chapter Eleven - Death Challenge
Chapter Twelve - Ice …
Chapter Thirteen - … And Fire
Chapter Fourteen - The Battle for Ylesia
Chapter Fifteen - The Last Kessel Run
Chapter Sixteen - Toprawa … and Mos Eisley
Epilogue
About the Author
Also by This Author
Introduction to the Star Wars Expanded Universe
Excerpt from Star Wars: Shadow Games
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
Han Solo leaned forward in the pilot’s seat of the Wayward Girl. “Entering atmosphere, Captain,” he said. He watched the system’s big, pale sun slip into the great curve of ruddy light at the world’s edge and disappear behind the planets limb. Bespin’s huge, dark nightside loomed up to blot out the stars. Han checked his sensors. “They say Bespin’s got some big flyin’—or should I say, floatin’—creatures in its atmosphere, so keep those forward shields at maximum strength.”
One-handed, his co-pilot made an adjustment. “What’s our ETA to Cloud City, Han?” she asked, a hint of strain in her voice.
“Not long now,” Han replied reassuringly, as the Girl sliced into the upper atmosphere, swooping over the planet’s dark pole, lightning far below making a flickering fog of dim light. “ETA twenty-six minutes. We ought to be in Cloud City in time to catch a late dinner.”
“The sooner the better,” she commented, grimacing as she flexed her right arm in its pressure-sling. “This thing itches like fury.”
“Just hang on, Jadonna,” Han said. “We’ll get you straight to the med-facility.”
She nodded. “Hey, Han, no complaints from me. You’ve done great. I’ll just be glad to get this arm into bacta.”
Han shook his head. “Ripped cartilage and ligaments … that’s gotta hurt,” he said. “But Cloud City’s sure to have adequate meds.”
She nodded. “Oh, they do. It’s quite a place, Han. You’ll see.”
Jadonna Veloz was a short, stocky, dark-skinned woman with long, straight black hair. Han had met her two days ago, after she’d advertised from Alderaan on the spacer-nets for a pilot to fly her ship to Bespin. Veloz’s arm had been injured when it was struck by a malfunctioning anti-grav loader, but, determined to meet her tight shipping deadline, she’d postponed real treatment until she delivered her cargo.