• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

“Red One, this is Rainbow One; say your status,” Blevon’s voice was still calm.

Bria was calm, but a little winded. “This is Red One. The turbolaser has been knocked out, and we hold most of the factories. We’re attacking the warehouse and dormitory right now. Should be done in ten minutes.”

“Understood, Red One. Will you need White One?”

“I don’t think so, Rainbow One. We’re beating them.”

“Rainbow One copies.”

They waited, listening tensely. Then … “Rainbow One, this is Gold One. Objective secure.”

“Rainbow One … copy that.”

A minute later, they heard, “Rainbow One, this is Orange One. Target is secured.”

“Rainbow One. Copy that.”

The other commanders from all the colonies except Colony Three reported in, one by one. By that time, Bria had checked in with all her people. “Rainbow One,” she said. “This is Red One. Report target is secure here.”

“Rainbow One, copy that.”

“We still haven’t heard from Colony Three,” Bria said, worriedly. “They’re the ones who needed backup. Hope everything’s okay.…”

As if in answer to her concern, a different voice spoke up. “Rainbow One, this is White One, reporting from Colony Three. Target is secure.”

Blevon said, “Acknowledged, White One. Where’s Blue One?”

The new voice was bleak. “She’s dead.”

Bria looked up. “Well, that’s it. Ylesia is ours, gentles, except for mopping up. Let’s call in those ships.”

Han turned to Chewbacca and pulled the Wookiee aside. “Chewie, I need you to do something right now,” he said.

“Arhnnnn?”

“We’ve got this area secured, but it sounds like Mrrov and Muuurgh could use some help up in the Admin Building. Where the Treasure Room is. I want you to check on ’em, make sure they’ve got it secured, give ’em a hand if they need it. Your night vision is about as good as a Torgorian’s, and if they’re chasin’ some of those guards through the jungle, you could be a big help, and you know it.”

“Hrrrrhhhhh!” Chewbacca, as usual, took a dim view of being separated from his partner.

“Come on!” Han said. “I’m worried that some of those guards might break in and start stealin’ Teroenza’s collection! That’s our stuff, remember?”

Chewie grumbled, but his resistance was weakening.

“Listen up, furball,” Han snapped, “I don’t have time to argue. I trust Muuurgh and Mrrov, but I don’t know those other Togorians. And all it would take is one busy guard who managed to break in. So you help Muuurgh and Mrrov secure the place, make sure the Treasure Room is still locked up, and come straight back. Shouldn’t take you half an hour. You remember the location of the Treasure Room on that plan I sketched for you?”

“Hrrrrrrnnnnnnnn …”

“Good. Get your furry butt in gear.”

Chewbacca was not happy, but the Wookiee departed without further argument.

By now, ships were dropping from the pink-tinged sky like metal rain, landing in the center of the compound.

Han was just taking a swig of water from his flask when a dark figure ran toward him. Han pushed up his goggles, squinted in the wan pre-dawn light, and realized it was Lando. Even before he saw the gambler’s face, Han knew something was wrong. He hurried toward his friend.

“Han … it’s Jarik. Kid took a hit.… He isn’t going to make it. He’s calling for you.”

“Blast!” Together, they ran.

Lando led him over to the temporary aid station the medics had set up, then pointed to a stretcher. Han walked over, looked down, and recognized Jarik’s unruly hair—and that was practically all. The young man’s face was a scorched, reddened horror. At first Han thought he was dead, then he saw that Jarik was still breathing. He looked up hopefully at the nearest medic. The Alderaanian shook her head grimly, mouthed, “Sorry.”

“Hey … Jarik … can you hear me?” Han took the grimy hand in his, grasped it firmly. “Kid … it’s Han.…”

Jarik no longer had much in the way of eyelids, and Han knew he must be blind. But he turned his head slightly, and his mouth moved. “Han …”

“Don’t try to talk … you’re gonna be fine. They’ll pop you in a bacta