FIVE FINGER DISCOUNT
Chapter 10
Leia started tentatively up the rickety staircase, surprised that it could hold all three of them without collapsing. However, since neither Han nor Chewie seemed concerned, she gritted her teeth and continued up in their wake. They arrived at the door of what appeared to be an apartment above the derelict tavern.
"I'm thirsty!" Han shouted, as he pounded on the door.
"Settle down, you loudmouthed brat!" The door was flung open by a man with a Corellian accent but with the distinctive but somewhat foreshortened lekku that was characteristic of theTogruta . Though she couldn't be certain of his age, Leia guessed he was probably two decades older than Han. "Solo, you loser!" the being continued in a booming voice. "Good to see you! Come, come in! I'll even give you a drink."
"That'd be nice," Han commented.
Leia surveyed her surroundings. The apartment was modest but clean and comfortable looking. The sofa and two chairs were well-worn; the desk was a weathered antique constructed of some pale-colored wood, and there wasn't a holoscreen or datapad to be seen. It appeared that their host appreciated simplicity.
"Chewie, nice to see you, too," Zovri greeted the Wookiee, and Chewie slapped Zovri hard enough on the back that he nearly knocked the man over, which only made Zovri laugh. "Solo, your manners are still horrible! Who's the lovely young lady?"
"This is...Leia," Han said, not wanting to go into details.
"Leia, pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry you have to travel with someone who's got the manners of a bantha. Please, sit. There's nothing here that'll attack you unless it's my pitten, and that's only if she doesn't like you," Zovri assured her. Apparently the pitten understood that she was being summoned; a fat, fluffy mass of grey and brown fur appeared—seemingly out of nowhere—and promptly rubbed up against Han's leg.
"Messing up my boots again, you monster," Han said to the pitten, and picked up the large creature. "Zovri being mean to you?"
"I'm mean to a lot of beings but not to Ripples," Zovri said, more for Leia's benefit than Han's. "That pitten lives better than I do."
"She should," Han said, scratching Ripples behind the ears, causing the pitten to make a happy chirping noise. Leia marveled at the scene; Han was the last person she'd have taken for a pitten lover. It made her a little sad, thinking of her aunts' pittens, the ones she'd loved and played with growing up in the palace on Alderaan, even though the little monsters had taken the concept of spoiled brat to a whole new level. She'd never see them again…
She shoved the thought away and focused again on Zovri as he pulled out a crystalline decanter and poured four short glasses with one finger of whiskey. Leia hadn't really wanted to drink, but seeing as she couldn't afford to alienate her host, she sipped it gently. At least it wasn't a large amount.
"Twenty-five-year-old Corellian whiskey," Zovri informed her. "Very smooth."
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"So, let's get down to business, since this isn't a social call," Zovri said, turning briskly businesslike. "What's the old YT-1300 need this time?"
"She needs a few things, but that's not all we're here for," Han said to his host, sipping his whiskey, still massaging an appreciative Ripples.
"Oh? What are we talking about?" Zovri was still friendly enough, but there was caution in his face, now.
"This is for the Rebellion," Han said simply.
Zovri's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Solo, don't tell me you've committed to the cause. I'm not ready to have a coronary just yet."
Leia relaxed a little; clearly this being was a 'friendly.'
"I'm not committed to anything," Han responded, a bit too defensively. "But they're good beings, they do the right things, and they pay a fair rate."
"I see. So what do you need?" Zovri inquired.
Han rattled off a long list of parts. It was not lost on Leia that Zovri wrote nothing down.
When Han finally was silent, Zovri gave a harsh bark. "You don't ask for much, do you, Solo?"
"We've got payment," Han informed him. "Leia?"
Leia reached into her carryall and pulled out a small bag containing jewels that they'd stolen on
Kallistas. "If you want credits-"
"No, dear, I don't take credits. You're Alderaanian, aren't you?" Zovri asked her.
"Yes," Leia said, trying to bite back her nervousness.
"My wife was half Alderaanian and half Corellian. Beautiful world, Alderaan. Loved taking our kids there. When I had 'em."
"I'm very sorry," Leia said quietly.
"Not your fault. The damn Empire took 'em, killed 'em. When they fired me from Corellian Engineering-I was a lead engineer there-I started an uprising. So they took my wife and two boys. I'm told that one should forgive one's enemies, but that's not gonna happen here." His voice took on a bitterness that diverged sharply from his earlier warmth. "And you know why I got fired?"
"For not being fully human?" Leia guessed cautiously.
"So you know. I still got friends there, lots of sympathizers. It's why I can get you the good stuff. But it costs."
Leia handed him the bag. He took it to his small desk and laid the gems out carefully. Ripples had now settled into Han's lap and was snoozing peacefully. Han ran a loving hand over the pitten.
"Not bad, not bad at all," Zovri announced. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna ask where you got them."
"Good, because I'm not telling you," Han replied. "Think it'll cover it?"
"Think so. If I run into trouble, can you cover the difference?"
There were still a fair number of jewels stashed away in the Falcon's hidden safe. "Probably," Han said noncommittally. "How long?"
"I'll get back to you on it," Zovri told him. "Few days, probably. I'll send a message through to the Falcon's comm, like always." His business demeanor slid away. "I have to open the bar soon. You staying for sabacc?" he asked with a friendly smile.
"Nah, not tonight," Han said.
Zovri again wore an expression of complete shock. "Solo, son, what's gotten into you? Are you in love or something?"
Han avoided responding to that suggestion by standing and moving Ripples, who protested by
sticking her claws into his hand and drawing a small stream of blood. "Always a pleasure doing business with you, Zovri. Thanks for the drink." He wiped absently at his wound.
"I'll catch you on the secure channel," Zovri said. "Clear skies."
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"What's next?" Leia asked Han and Chewie as they boarded the tram.
"I was thinking we'd grab provisions for the Falcon and I'd cook us a decent dinner," Han told her. Chewie arroowed his enthusiastic approval for the idea. Even Leia was looking forward to some good food; it was a rare treat nowadays. "Then I figured we'd overnight here. Lots of people do; we won't arouse suspicion by not taking off the same day we landed. I could use some sleep after today."
"My feet will be happy to get a break," Leia commented, her comfortable shoes were no longer doing their job. Also, she wanted to put on her new dress. She didn't know why-and she didn't care to figure it out—but seeing the dress had aroused in her a desire to feel feminine. It mystified her; she'd never really cared that much about it before. Maybe it's wearing uniforms all the time, she told herself, not daring to entertain the notion that Han Solo might appreciate seeing her in something pretty. And a day of shopping and walking for many kilometers meant that her current clothing needed to go through the valet. "And a nice dinner sounds delicious."
"It's going to be Corellian, but I promise not to burn your mouth off," Han promised her, grinning.
"That's very considerate of you," Leia said somewhat tartly, but she smiled; she was looking forward to the meal. "Are we going back through Traders' Plaza for provisions?"
"No way in hells," Han said vehemently. "They'll rob you blind in there. There're some good markets not too far from the spaceport."
{I'll make the salad,} Chewie offered. When Leia demonstrated some skepticism, Han told her not to worry, that Wookiees actually made great salads and no, they did not contain raw meat.
Leia had a million questions regarding Zovri, but they could wait till dinner. Right now, exhaustion was creeping up on her.
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"It's always good to be home," Han announced happily as the three trod up the gangway. Closing it behind him, he hit the lights and he and Chewie headed for the galley. "Princess, we've got it covered!"
"That's good, because kaf is about the extent of my talents in the kitchen," Leia called back, heading for the crew quarters.
She liberated her feet from her shoes and stretched out on the bunk. The cool air felt good, and Leia relaxed, closing her eyes for a moment. It had been a long, stressful day, but, she realized, not an unpleasant one, and it had been very productive. Of course, they still had quite a bit left on their 'shopping list,' but getting the parts had been a major coup. And the stormtroopers hadn't spotted them, which had been a relief.
And, she was forced to admit, the day had been rather fun. Fun was something that was largely missing from her life; it always had been, save for the times when she and Winter had rare free day from their lessons, or when she played with the servants' kids. That seemed like a very long time ago. On base, drinking and card games were the primary forms of entertainment, along with the occasional holofilm, generally some superhero action-adventure type of selection.
What Leia really wanted now, though was a shower. She'd settle for a sonic one this time; the Falcon's shower water was recycled, but she didn't want to be greedy.
And it gave her another chance to wear the robe. It was still in her quarters, folded on the bed. She picked it up, running her fingers over the soft fabric. Picking it up, she breathed in its scent; despite her having used it, it still smelled like Han. And why are you finding that so intriguing? she scolded herself.
After she showered, she would definitely put on the purple dress, she decided. I'm wearing it for me, not for him, she assured herself as she shed her clothing and bundled herself into the soft robe.
Delicious smells were emanating from the galley, making Leia's mouth water as she made her way to the shower; it was clear that Han and Chewie were cooking up something good. The sounds of their good natured bickering drifted down the corridor. Somehow, it was comforting to hear them going back and forth, as if for a moment, all was right in the galaxy.
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{This galley's too small for both of us!} Chewie protested as he finished putting the seeds on the salad he'd prepared.
"This galley's too small for one of us, but dinner's almost ready, assuming Her Worship ever gets here," Han grumbled. The food was nearly done; anything longer than two minutes, and the food would be overcooked. Han had already pulled Chewie's traladon steak off the broiler; Chewie's concession to human sensibilities was that he'd brown the outside of his meat. "Lay the table, wouldya?"
{You're so bossy,} Chewie complained.
"I'm the captain and I'm in charge, that's my job!" Han reminded him. "You seen Her Highness anywhere?"
"I'm right here," called an alto voice, making her way into the lounge.
Han looked up and nearly dropped the cooking tongs he was using to wield landak tails onto plates. Leia was standing before him in a purple dress that looked new—obviously that was the package she wouldn't tell him about earlier-her hair hanging long and loose. His mouth dropped open and the surge of heat he was experiencing had nothing to do with the oven.
"Han? Do you need some help?" Leia asked, one eyebrow cocked.
"Uh...no, no, got it under control, thanks!" He grabbed the traladon steaks and set them on to the three plates, almost dropping them in the process.
She has no idea what she's doing to me, he thought, gazing upon her. She's so feminine-looking, so gorgeous...just a hint of cleavage, her beautiful curves…
He hoped he could get through dinner without spilling anything.
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"I'm curious about your friend Zovri," Leia said between forkfuls. She hadn't had a meal such as they were enjoying in ages. Everything was delicious-tender traladon steaks, luscious ladnak tails, mashed tubers, and Chewie's strange but wonderful salad. She knew she'd have to take it easy, though-Han had bought an air cake for dessert. She loved air cake and was determined to have some.
"Zovri doesn't have friends," Han answered with a shrug. "Not since his wife and sons were killed."
Chewie lowed a mournful agreement.
"That part I understand." Leia leaned forward. "But Han, you rattled off a long list of part numbers-and he never wrote anything down."
Han dragged his eyes away from enticing view of the princess's décolletage.
"Zovri was one of the most gifted engineers Corellian Engineering ever had," he explained. "He's worked on every aspect of spacecraft design, both civilian and military, and he's got guys on the inside that were pissed as all hells that he got fired for being part Togruta. And, he's got an eidetic memory." Han patted the seat of the lounge banquette. "He also designed my baby."
"Everyone's entitled to one mistake," Leia said dryly, but then her tone became serious. "It was obvious he had no technology whatsoever in his apartment, not even a holovision," Leia commented.
Han grinned at her. "You didn't see his bedroom. No one ever does, usually. But I had to use the 'fresher one time, and you have to pass through it to get there. He told me not to look at anything, which is a little hard when he's got it set up like Universe Central. He's plugged into everything-manufacturing, media outlets, intelligence outfits, you name it. He's got a bed in there, but I think he sleeps on the sofa in the living room."
"So who else does he do business with?" Leia asked, her face uncertain.
"He's worked with smugglers ever since he got fired from Corellian Engineering, but he'll help anybody who's against the Empire." Han's face was sober. "For obvious reasons," he added.
"He works with the Alliance a lot, too, but he doesn't advertise. Also for obvious reasons."
"I would think I'd have heard of him." The princess's brows drew together.
"No, you wouldn't have. You don't just go to Zovri. You get referred. And he insists on anonymity."
Leia nodded. "How does he know who he's doing business with?" she asked.
"That's easy. If Ripples likes you, you're in."
"The pitten?" Leia almost choked on a bite of ladnak tail.
Chewie laughed at the surprised look on the princess's face.
"Ripples can sniff out an Imp even better than a Wookiee. Although considering how plugged in he is, I think he checks the clients out pretty carefully. Told me about one time some pirates wanted to do business, and said they were working for the Rebels. They checked out, but Ripples wasn't having it, and she lunged at those guys to where they've still probably got scars left. Turns out they were Imp spies." Han smiled at the pitten's skill.
"How long have you known him?" Leia asked.
"I didn't meet him till about five standard years ago, but everyone in the smuggling business works with Zovri, since he can get good parts. I was lucky enough to be referred to him."
"I noticed he took jewels, not credits."
"Easier to hide and transport," Han said, with a nod. "He takes credits at the bar, but that's not his real business."
"You didn't negotiate with him, either," Leia pointed out.
"You don't negotiate with Zovri. It's flat pricing. But he's fair-to his clients. He'll do anything he can to hurt the Imps. This is his little way of evening the score."
"I wish every negotiation were so easy," Leia sighed. "I have a feeling the rest of them won't be."
"Not likely," Han agreed, trying not to stare at the neckline of her dress, wondering what those creamy breasts would look like fully exposed.
His moony-eyed meanderings were sharply interrupted by Chewie.
{There's someone outside,} the Wookiee growled.
Han's head came up sharply.
Leia had heard nothing, and clearly Han hadn't, either, but Chewie's hearing was incredibly sharp.
"Excuse us," Han said, his face intense, as he and Chewie headed for the cockpit to observe. Leia was not about to just sit there and followed along.
The three peered out the transparasteel, carefully surveying their surroundings.
{It's aft right now,} Chewie barked softly, his head cocked to one side, listening.
"What, or who, do you think it is?" Leia asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"What're you doing up here?" Han hissed at her. "Stay back in the lounge!"
"I don't think so," Leia snapped, although she kept her voice down.
"I can guarantee you it's not friendly, whatever it is," Han said. He flicked a switch on the comm unit, opening a channel. "Traffic control, this is the YT-1300 on Platform 1674, requesting permission for departure." He hoped that they'd missed most of the departing shoppers.
{Bounty hunter!} Chewie arroowwfed, pointing at the figure now outside the bow end of the ship.
"Bossk. I hate that guy," Han groaned. "Traffic control?" He was still waiting for clearance, and wanted to shout, Now would be good!
Bossk opened fire on the vessel, which, Han knew, was one of the drawbacks of waiting for traffic to wane. They'd planned to sleep over, but it appeared that that wasn't going to happen.
"Traffic control, Platform 1674, awaiting clearance!" Han called out, his voice urgent. "And get security out here!"
Bossk was firing on the fuselage, and while Han had no belief in deities, he was hoping with all his might that one might be there to tell them they could get the hell out. They had two choices: open the gangway and open fire on Bossk, which was likely to be an exercise in futility, or hope they'd get clearance before Bossk's weapons managed to do some serious damage to the Falcon. Han wasn't one to run from a fight, but in this case, it seemed prudent to avoid a direct encounter.
Besides, Leia might get hurt, and Han was going to do everything he could to make sure that that was not going to happen.
"Permission to depart, Platform 1674, YT-1300," came the controller's voice.
Han dropped into the pilot's seat and grabbed the yoke. Leia hurriedly took the seat behind him.
"Punch it!" he ordered Chewie, and the Falcon sprang to life.