Chapter 2

After leaving the club, the two companions made their way to an alley on the other side of town. It took them a few hours to get there. When they arrived, Chewbacca growled a question concerning their location.

"Don't worry Chewie, I know where we're going," said Han, "in fact we're almost there."

Just then something moved across the alley. Han reached down, pulled out his blaster and aimed at where he had seen the movement.

"Now, what kind of welcome is that for an old friend, Solo?" Came a scratchy voice from the dark alley.

Han smiled and put away the blaster. "You shouldn't hide in dark alleys Froank. It could be hazardous to your health."

Froank laughed and stepped out of the dark. He was a skinny, hunched Farghul, whose fur was starting to turn grey. He wore only dirty, tattered robes and had a long beard that reached almost down to his knees.

"How have you been old friend?" Froank asked. "I haven't seen you since that run on Ord Mantell."

"Never been better, Froank. I see you're still living the high life." He gestured to Chewbacca. "I'm sure you remember my partner, Chewie."

"Ah, of course, how could I forget that big fur ball?"

Chewbacca growled a warning.

"I'm only joking, Chewie," laughed Froank. "Have a sense of humor."

"Alright, Froank, we're not here for your games. We need your help."

Froank coughed, "With what? You know I'm not in the spice business anymore."

"I'm not looking for spice. I'm looking for something else. And I'm sure that you're the only one on this planet that can get me one."

"What exactly are you looking for?" Froank said with a smile.

"Granite Slugs," Han said returning the smile.

"Why in the galaxy would you need Granite Slugs, Solo?" Froank asked.

"I'd rather not say, besides you probably wouldn't even believe me if I did tell you."

"Try me." Froank said with a smirk.

Han sighed. "The Falcon's been taken by the Empire and they're holding her in Hanger 119. They tried to arrest us as soon as we stepped on to the planet. So we've been spending the last two weeks or so trying to stay one step ahead of Imperial stormtroopers."

"Why'd they try to arrest you? What you do this time, Solo?"

Han faked a smile. "Yeah, real funny, Chewie and I were shipping a load of spice for a Twi'lek I ran into on Ryloth, named Gyb Ruhtann. He paid well and I was going to be heading to this end of the galaxy anyway, so it seemed like a good deal."

"Damn, I was wrong," continued Han, "somehow the Empire must've known that we had the spice, because they accused us of carrying it as soon as we landed. We were barely able to escape. Maybe they had gotten to Ruhtaan and found out that we were headed to Cato Neimoidia. So we need the Slugs to get into the hanger."

"That's a dangerous plan, Solo, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Froank asked.

"Yes," Han answered without hesitation. "There's no other way."

Froank sighed. "Very well then I'll help you out. I can get you your damn Granite slugs but after that you and Chewie are on your own. I'm not going to get involved with the Empire, especial with my record."

"Thanks, Froank, I really appreciate this."

"Don't mention it Solo, but just remember that this isn't going to be easy, if not impossible."

Han gave the Farghul a crooked smile. "Since when has accomplishing the impossible ever been a problem for me?"

Han turned around and he and Chewbacca started off back down the alley.

Froank gazed after them and muttered. "Good luck old friend."