Star Wars_ The Han Solo Trilogy 03_ Rebel Dawn - A. C. Crispin [132]
She and Han looked across the compound. In the pre-dawn darkness, they could make out the tower with the turbolaser atop it. “Good thing they can’t swing that thing down to hit targets on the ground,” Han said. “Or we’d be cooked.”
Jarik and Lando came up and the four friends stood off to the side as Bria ordered a few members of her squads to assist the wounded back to the ships, and to salvage the Nova Force weapons. “Remember, people,” she said, “we are taking it all. If it can be re-used, salvage it.”
They nodded.
Han looked at Lando and Jarik, crusted with mud, and shook his head. “Lando, if Drea Renthal could see you now …”
Chewie began laughing.
“Shut up, Han. You too, Chewbacca,” the gambler said, flicking fastidiously at his ruined clothes. Luckily for him, he’d donned rough clothing in preparation for the night’s work. “I don’t want to hear it. I haven’t been this dirty since … well, it’s a long story.”
Han chuckled, and looked at Jarik. “So … how’d you do, kid?”
Jarik nodded. “Pretty good, I think, Han. I got at least two of ’em.”
Han clapped him on the shoulder. “Great. We’ll make a warrior out of you, yet.”
Jarik’s teeth flashed white in his mud-blackened face.
As soon as the wounded were taken away by medics, Bria keyed her comlink, then ordered her waiting troops to advance on the double. “Let’s take that compound! Advance in squads! Demo teams, be ready!”
She turned up the volume on the comlink, and they heard: “Rainbow One, this is Green Two. I’m assuming command here. Green One is down.”
“Rainbow One copies, Green Two. What’s your status?”
“Almost done here. Just mopping up. Expect to have the target secure in five minutes.”
Bria made a face. “We’re running behind.” She clicked on. “Rainbow One, this is Red One. Front line resistance has been dealt with. Bringing up reinforcements, and advancing into the compound.”
“Red One, status on that turbolaser?”
“Rainbow One, I have two squads preparing to deal with that now. Red One out.”
“Rainbow One … out.”
Han and Chewie watched Paol’s group as they headed off through the jungle to come at the turbolaser crew from the east. Then they were busy, advancing with Bria’s troops into the compound. They met scattered resistance from Ylesian guards, which, for the most part, they dealt with easily … as they’d expected to. The night was no longer silent, even when the guns were quiet. The moans and pleas of the wounded, yells for assistance, plus assorted shouted alien words.…
As they advanced, Bria’s squads kept reporting in:
“Red Hand Leader, Squad Three reporting. Andris Factory secured. Demo teams are moving in.”
“Red Hand Leader, Squad Six reporting. Welcome Center secured. Demo team has been summoned.”
“Red Hand Leader, Squad Seven, we are moving in on the dormitory. It is under guard by the mercs … but there are only about six of them. Not expecting any trouble.…”
“Red Hand Leader, Squad Two reporting. We’re moving into position to take that turbolaser. Estimate attack will commence in … five minutes.”
Han and Chewie stayed close by Bria’s side, as the three guarded each other’s backs. Bursts of blaster fire echoed through the compound, mixed with screams, Gamorrean grunts and squeals, and alien wails.
Han figured that there were probably a platoon’s worth of mercenaries—thirty to forty troopers, all told. The Nova Force soldiers were truly professional. They fought bravely and well until it was obvious that defeat was inevitable, then they surrendered. They were fighting for credits, not a cause, and it made sense to live and fight another day.
Once a crazed Pilgrim toting a scavenged blaster pistol came leaping out of the shadows and nearly winged Bria. Han shot the female Bothan