Just a two or three more chapters left, give or take. Thanks for reading.
After things had cleared, and they deemed the area safe, the press and dignitaries involved with the press conference were all advised to leave the conference center and to return to their respective and for many temporary, residences. Leia was angry when she returned to the suite with her father. Mon and Evaan had joined them there, at Bail's request, so they could all get the chance to talk. Mon suggested they have a private interview with one of the larger core networks, such as QOTC and have it broadcast throughout the galaxy while they were still here on Naboo. Mon still didn't have all the details from what exactly went down with the blast in the press conference, but they still hadn't heard from General Cracken. It was also curious that General Rieekan had never made it to the press conference either, he being a former Alderaanian citizen. Of course, he was also holding a suspected corrupted agent in the shipyard, and may not have been able to leave his post. The news of the events of the press conference were everywhere, and what few questions that Bail was able to answer seemed to pacify the public as well as give the newshounds a bit to write about and conjecture. Leia didn't want the holonet on, but Bail turned it on and she grabbed her son and went into her room alone with him, while Mon, Evaan and he got caught up with the aftermath.
Luke arrived not long after, and with Bail, Evaan and Mon caught up with what the newsgroups had been reporting on the holonet. It was a bit of a relief to get a first person account of the capture of the suspect that had caused the blast in the conference center. Luke described the whole incident though he didn't know what General Cracken knew and told Mon that Cracken had gone to the shipyard to discuss the matter with Rieekan. He assured her that Cracken would probably update her as soon as he could. Evaan needed to take care of her schedule, excused herself and left for her quarters. Mon stayed behind, hoping to be able to work out the details of a possible person on person interview with him for the holonet.
At the shipyard, Cracken met with Rieekan. There was the issue of the current prisoner, Wanya, the deceased prisoner, Redwader and what to do with each of them, They decided to make a joint call to Draven.
"Draven here," the voice answered after going through a secretary.
"Rieekan and Cracken here," Rieekan called through the comm.
"Hold on. I'll call you back. Don't go anywhere. Draven out."
Cracken and Rieekan looked at each other a bit puzzled. Cracken stepped out to see Wanya was struggling tied to her chair with a blaster pointed at her ribs. Vitril pacing around her watching. She still had the rag, which Cracken figured out was some kind of oil rag that Solo had pulled out of his pockets and had a laugh at that. It must have tasted nasty. Her face was full of rage as she stared at him. Rieekan called him back up into the ship and Draven had gotten back on the channel.
"Cracken, you there?" Draven's voice came through.
"Cracken here," he answered.
"Look, I had to find another channel. This is one Rieekan uses and I figured it was the safest one. I have two of my people under arrest in your office here on Nakadia. I went in, took over your office and had them invade mine. They were clean about it, and I don't think it raised concern. We need to transfer them somewhere else, that's where you come in Rieekan," Draven said through the channel.
"What do you have in mind?" Rieekan answered.
"I really want to take them out to the middle of nowhere and put them before a firing squad to be honest with you, but the Chancellor would throw a fit. Didn't that aide of Mon Mothma used to be an IBS agent?" Draven said spitting with anger.
"You aren't seriously thinking of... No, Rath Velus wouldn't have the stomach for something like that, I know the man," Cracken replied.
"No, not him, but he might know, oh nevermind. Can't keep them in Nakadia though. Former spies make the worst prisoners. Look at Redwader. Coruscant. We can take them there, to the old Imperial prisoner interrogation cells. We got people there. Rieekan? You have to get back to your base correct?" Draven asked through the channel.
"Yes, they are expecting me. I had only planned for the press conference, but I never made it. The prisoner took top priority," Rieekan replied.
"Just get a few of your troops ready to return and put someone else in charge. Get them to throw Redwader out the airlock, space burial! We'll need you to stay there on Naboo for now. We'll send Redwader's next of kin a fruit basket or something. As for Wanya? How'd you catch her, Cracken? Details?" Draven asked.
"Luke Skywalker did most of the work. Vitril and I went scoping the crowd with Solo and Chewbacca. Heard a noise, followed it, and Skywalker already apprehended her," Cracken stated.
"Really? Were they just hanging around? I mean, where were the security detail? Geez Cracken, you got lucky. Give me the full briefing when I see you. Can you get to Nakadia right away?" Draven asked.
"Well, I could come with Vitril in his ship. What do we do with Wanya? Plus, I have Pumara Vergio in custody. What do I do with her?" Cracken scratched his head.
Draven paused, "Well, how did you get to Naboo?"
"I came in with Chancellor Mothma, she's sticking around a few days," Cracken guessed.
"Well, I've got no time to wait. Vitril's ship would be fine for the two of you, but two military personnel, a prisoner and a witness? How long is the viceroy staying there?" Draven asked.
"I don't know, probably at least as long at the Chancellor. Why. What does that have to do with anything?" Cracken answered.
"How did he get to Naboo?" Draven yelled into the comm.
Cracken rolled his eyes, "You aren't suggesting?"
"Yes I am, it's quicker than sending a ship, you should ask Solo if he'll bring you to Nakadia. Let me know if it works out. If you can leave tonight, it would be even better," Draven suggested.
"You're right Draven. I'll see if he's willing. Get back to you later, Cracken out."
"Vitril!" Cracken ordered. "We have to take care of Wanya here first, then I'm sending you out to headquarters on Nakadia. Keep an eye on her for now. Rieekan, can you get some back up over here? I shouldn't take long."
General Rieekan nodded. "I'll get her contained for travel. She'll be ready for you."
Cracken headed for the palace in their escorted speeder. The crowds had died down some, but there were still press around the palace in the aftermath of the mayhem. A few crews were reporting outside and more than a few spectators were standing back. Several palace squad guards and added New Republic security were there to aid any problems. Cracken had no trouble getting back into the hanger using an official palace vehicle and he made his way to the Millennium Falcon. The ramp was down, and he hoped the crew were inside when he knocked. He imagined that hanger security would have alerted him if they were not. Chewie poked his head out and roared, and he could hear a "Go ahead and send him in." in the background. He made his way up the ramp to the cockpit where Solo was seated fiddling with a few wires on the control panel.
Cracken cleared his throat, "Solo."
"Hey general, something I can do for you?" Han answered.
"I hope so. Last time I was on this vessel, I seem to remember spending a lot of time in the gun well shooting Imperials and blasting at reactor coils," Cracken laughed.
"Yeah, you were in on that, lucky you're alive with Lando at the helm," he laughed. "So what brings you back here?" Han wiped his hands off on a rag.
"I want to hire you to take me to Nakadia. As soon as possible if you can," Cracken got right to the point.
"What just to take you home? Then come back?" Han asked.
"I assure you that the New Republic will pay you," Cracken replied.
"OK, just you or what? Tell me what's up here," Han said knowing there had to be more to this.
"Well, that woman we captured, we need to bring her back to Draven immediately. I'll have some of Rieekan's men as backup, and Pumara Vergio. Lieutenant Vitril doesn't have the capacity on his ship, he will return separately," Cracken informed him.
"Well, you know I have a few reasons to be here on Naboo? Right?" Han questioned the man.
Cracken answered, "I understand that the Chancellor will be here a few more days, and it will probably be expected that Viceroy Organa will be staying as well. I'm sure you'll be able to return in good time."
"I could use a trip out of here a bit, I have to talk to Leia though, All right?" Han explained.
"I understand. I need to brief Chancellor Mothma as well, we don't have to leave immediately. The prisoner will have to be transferred. It may take a couple of hours before we can depart," Cracken answered.
"Well I just talked to her a few minutes ago, and Mon Mothma's in the suite, if you want to follow me up. Ship is ready to go," Han grinned.
"All right, lead the way," Cracken answered as he headed to the ramp.
"Hey Chewie! Want to go to Nakadia?" Han yelled out at him.
Chewie roared.
"Chewie's up for it. Let's go."
When they got to the suite, Leia, Mon and Bail were all sitting on the couch talking while Luke was playing with the baby. Chancellor Mothma stood up, "General Cracken, I've been meaning to speak with you. Luke has brought me up to date with everything that happened at the press conference, I'd like an update from you."
"Actually, that's why I'm here, Captain Solo told me you were still here, so I followed him up. Our prisoner is being detained by Rieekan as we speak. We are making arrangements to have her transported to Nakadia," Cracken briefed her.
Han pulled Leia into the bedroom and shut the door. Bail asked, "Should I leave?"
"You may stay," Mon urged, "Luke, you were there, you might be able to add some more to the story."
Luke took the baby to the cradle and turned Elsie back on. Luke sat near Bail.
"We'll be taking Pumara Vergio with us to Nakadia as well," Cracken replied. "Draven wants to put her in a safe house and hold her for the investigation. Chancellor, Draven had two others in his department involved and they are in custody as we speak. We are going to have to go through with a fine toothed comb and go over every detail, my department, Nakadia security, and I didn't say this, but since the incident on Hosnian Prime, Rieekan's base as well. Wanya said that Bail wasn't the target, but she didn't talk. We got an explosive off of her and a few other things she had hidden. Luke, did you tell her about the explosion?"
Luke nodded his head.
"I'm going to need a medical droid to examine her from top to bottom. I'm taking no chances. We may be going in Solo's ship. It's here, it's fast and we don't have to wait long. Rieekan's staying here. It seems we've gotten the threat here under control. I feel confidant about that. Skywalker, thanks a lot for your help earlier. I'm sorry you're not with us anymore. You're a good man," Cracken reached his hand out to Luke.
Luke gave him his prosthetic hand and shook it. "I've got my own work to do, sir, but thank you."
"Would you like to come with us to Nakadia?" Cracken asked.
Bail moved up when he started to hear muffled arguing in the other room, and walked toward Leia's door.
Luke scratched his head and answered, "No, I believe I'm needed here right now, but thank you."
Cracken smiled and nodded.
Luke pulled Bail over to the kitchen, "How about some tea, Bail?"
"General Cracken, Princess Leia would like to speak to Pumara Vergio before you leave if that is all right. Make sure she is treated well. I want you in charge of her care." Mon said calmly.
"Of course, your excellency. I can't imagine the state Draven is in right now. I'm sure he blames himself. No one saw this coming," Cracken remarked.
"General Cracken, I imagine the fight for the power structure is all they have with the war over. Draven has always been a great commander. Think of it as cleaning house. General Cracken, you should be making preparations for your departure. Please keep me up to date," Mon spoke and ushered him to the door.
"Chancellor some tea? Bail and I were just going to go sit out on the balcony for a bit, why don't you join us?" Luke smiled.
"I need to speak to Leia, she's going to want to speak to Ms. Vergio before she leaves..." Mon said.
Muffled arguing still coming from the room.
"Yes, maybe I will, it will be nice to get some fresh air," Mon followed them outside.
At the children's home, Boyo and Emile were enjoying a pleasant afternoon with Simper and Ambrilla. They were all having fun playing on the floor with Ambrilla, who taught them a game she had made her own rules to, and a game which was designed that only she could win. It made everyone laugh. At one point Ambrilla said to Simper, "Do your trick! Simper! Do your trick!"
"Nah, I don't want to, not now Ambrilla," Simper said with a contrary attitude.
Ambrilla grunted. "You never do your trick for anyone."
"What trick is that? Ambrilla?" Boyo asked.
"Dancing sticks," Ambrilla laughed.
Boyo just shook his head and couldn't figure out what that was.
It was sometime before Dr. Cax arrived with the results of the test. She had two assistants return the children to their quarters. Boyo and Emile gave them hugs before they left and promised to see them later, or first thing tomorrow. Dr. Cax then sat down and Boyo sat next to her with Emile taking a chair nearby. Her expression was very hard to read.
"Mr. Boyo, the results, are at 50 percent. I was actually hoping they would be at closer to 60 percent, but at 50 percent, there is a high chance you are a close relation, but it's still considered inconclusive. There is another way. You said there was another possible relative on her mother's side?" Dr. Cax asked.
"Yes, but he's stationed on another planet. Why isn't there a way to see if Simper and Ambrilla are relatives?" Boyo questioned.
"That still wouldn't help your particular situation Boyo, though it seems you do have some contacts in the New Republic government. It would still take some time. If we could get in touch with this man..." Dr. Cax said looking at the data.
"I could get back into the palace, but from what I understand, right now that is difficult. I called his base from there," Boyo informed her.
Dr. Cax tapped her datapad, "Oh, we have facilities here. We could try and get in touch with him from here. Follow me."
Dr. Cax took them to the information library located behind the offices of the facility and then asked Boyo which base to call. Then they got through to Uyter's base.
"Uyter base, how can I be of assistance?" the voice answered.
"Yes, My name is Zim Boyo, I would like to get in touch with Lieutenant Wam Sifster."
"Hold on, please." the voice answered. After several minutes the voice came back. "Mr. Boyo? I'm afraid Lieutenant Sifster has taken leave of the base."
"Do you know where he is?" Boyo answered frantically.
"Hold on, please," and several minutes passed. "Mr. Boyo?"
"Yes, I'm still here."
"Lieutenent Sifster is listed as having taken a shuttle to Theed on Naboo." the voice answered.
"Theed? Thank you!" Boyo answered with relief. "He's on his way here. I just hope he finds the right place."
"I can let the dispatchers at the shipyard to inform me when his ship lands and direct him here if you like." Dr. Cax answered.
"Thank you." Boyo answered.
"Mr. Boyo, not to put a damper on your excitement, but do you believe that Lieutenant Sifster would try to take custody of the child himself? If she is his relative." Dr. Cax.
"I didn't think of that. I haven't seen Wam in several years, but he seemed happy to see me when I spoke with him. I imagine we will find out when he arrives." Boyo answered.
"These results, I don't want you to be discouraged Mr. Boyo. In all likelihood, she is your brother's daughter, and with more extensive testing, which would take time, we could determine that. Markers can be different among siblings, but in many cases, they are very close which is why I took this chance. Most cases where there are no relationship, the paternity test is much lower. Stay positive. Let me know when you would like to see the children again, and we will bring them to you." Dr. Cax said with a smile and directed an attendant to escort Boyo and Emile.
Boyo thought to himself, 'What if Wam was coming to get his sister's child? Or Simper? Surely Simper would be released to him, not Wam?'
In the suite, Leia came out of her room in a bathrobe and her hair a bit out of place. She looked around for her father, but couldn't find him in his room. Threepio was in the kitchen so she asked him, "Threepio have you seen my father anywhere? Or Luke?"
"Princess Leia, His grace and Master Luke are on the balcony out for fresh air. May I get you some tea?" Threepio said pouring some water into some cups already waiting there. Leia noticed that there were three.
Leia opened the door to the balcony and was shocked to see Mon Mothma still there, "Mon!" she shrieked in embarrassment as to her current attire. It didn't bother her so much that Bail and Luke were there. It was their suite, and she was known to kick back in a robe from time to time.
"Leia, I'm sorry to um have disturbed you, but I needed to have a word with you so I waited," Mon said clearing her throat and smiling and she got up and went into the common area where Leia followed.
"What do you need, Mon? I have to get ready to see Pumara before she leaves." Leia said letting out a deep breath.
"Yes, that's exactly what I need to discuss with you. Cracken is taking her to Nakadia, there's something else. Do you have somewhere private?" Mon asked.
"We can go to Chewie's room. Han is getting ready to leave for Nakadia with Cracken," Leia answered.
Leia led the way and Mon took a double take at the bed that was pushed together and the strange arrangement of blankets. She wasn't really sure about how Wookiees lived, but she imagined he was only making the best out of whatever situation he was given. Mon spoke, "Leia, there's something you have to know. Ms. Vergio has been working for Draven. I couldn't let General Cracken know. Draven has had a lot of issues in his department, and Pumara helped him with the agent they caught yesterday. She had been close to him, but it seems he has died. Suicide cap. I'm not sure Cracken will mention it to her. It's important that Cracken doesn't know she is working for Draven. It's for his protection and for the protection of his agency. When you speak with her, I just wanted you to know that she will be eventually released. They will make her comfortable on Nakadia once she gets there. Please assure her when you talk to her. I've given Cracken instructions that she is not to be harmed in anyway, though I'm sure he believes that she is a criminal. In a way she is, but she's our criminal."
"So many secrets behind so many backs, I imagine it's important, so I won't question it. Should I let Han know? It might be good that someone on that ship realizes she's not a prisoner? What about what she said about Coruscant though?" Leia said raising an eyebrow.
"You may let him know. Just let him know that only he is to know that. I know his abilities to keep a secret. It may be helpful to have at least one person on the ship who is aware of her status. As for Coruscant, oh my dear, one thing at a time. You were always so diligent. I'll be staying here for a couple of more days. I'll will see you later," Mon patted her arm and left.
Leia went back in her room, put her arm around Han and gave him a peck. She then whispered about the Pumara working for Draven secret and that Cracken nor anyone else on the ship could know. She then went to get ready to see Pumara before they left.
Han went out to the common area and found Luke and Bail sitting on the couch with the baby.
"Chewie and I are taking Cracken to Nakadia, but we'll be back. Luke, I promise you won't be stuck here. I'm sure your ship is fine where it is. You know you can come with us if you want." Han said taking the baby and bouncing him up in the air a bit, the baby laughing.
"I'm sure the ship will be fine. I came out this way to see Bail, and Naboo might still have some things that would be of interest to me. I think I'll stay. See you in a few days. Take care of yourself." Luke answered.
"And you too, Bail," he kissed the baby. "And look after this little guy ."
Bail stood up and grabbed his arm firmly in gesture, and took the baby from him.
"Hey sweetheart!" He yelled, "Come down with Cracken's people and see us off." Han then turned around and left, with just a small bag of things.
After Han left, Bail looked at Luke and Luke looked back. "Do they always disagree like that?" Bail said quietly.
Luke looked at Bail and said, "That wasn't just arguing, Bail. Trust me, you don't want to know. Sometimes I know a little too much about my sister. More than I really want to know."
Bail thought a moment, then wished he hadn't thought about it at all.
Leia came back out, dressed and ready. "I'll try not to be too late. I'm not sure what they have planned for this evening, but I can't imagine it will be too big a deal. We can always just have something prepared here I imagine. Father, has Mon said anything more about the interview?"
"Yes, she did. She told me she had someone setting it up and she would inform me as soon as she heard anything," Bail answered.
Leia gave him a peck on the cheek and left to see Pumara.
"Bail, do you have anything planned right now?" Luke asked as soon as Leia left.
"No, what did you need?" Bail asked.
Luke described the trade embargo material that he and Leia looked through earlier in the day. Bail pondered the information and asked, "Do you think you can bring that holo up again?"
"Sure, Artoo!" Luke entered the numbers in and the holo appeared.
"I imagine it could be him, of course, I only knew him when he was older, he was probably around the same age that you are now," Bail said studying the holo.
"That Gungan. He was the one from the street? Do you think we could talk to him?" Luke asked watching the holo.
"Luke, I'm not sure you really want to have him wonder about Artoo. You must be remember he would know Artoo. Wouldn't that be a risk to you?" Bail asked with caution.
"Maybe, but was he aware of what became of my father?" Luke asked.
"I'm really not sure I want to risk that, for your sake or for Leia's," Bail answered. "I believe that there are only we that know the secret of who 'he' really was."
"We could get a flimsy, and ask him about himself? Perhaps he would just fill in the rest without even asking? Of course, he would know you knew Obi-Wan and my mother," Luke said looking at the holo again.
"You really want to press this, Luke?" Bail asked cautiously.
"We'll be careful," Luke said calmly.
"You do know that many blame Jar Jar for giving power to the Emperor? I can't imagine he is very well liked in fact," Bail informed him.
"I didn't get the feeling he was a terrible person, Bail. I got the feeling he was sad and lonely," Luke told him.
Bail sighed. "All right, perhaps we can seek him out tomorrow, if things have calmed down outside. Today may not be the day. Can you get a flimsy of part of the holo?"
Artoo immediately made one.
"Sure can!" Luke said holding it up.
"I never knew he could so that!" Bail exclaimed.
The squad guards escorted Leia to the room Pumara was being kept in. It was a nice suite, much like Mon Mothma's, but smaller. Pumara stood up with a smile and offered her hand and sat down with Leia on the lounger.
"How are you, Pumara? Are they treating you well?" Leia asked with concern.
"Oh yes, I have the chancellor to thank for that, and the queen has even checked in on me. Cracken get's a bit blunt with questioning, but I understand it." Pumara informed her.
"I know, Mon told me, about..." Leia began to whisper. "Draven."
"The chancellor did tell me she was aware," Pumara whispered. "It's not safe to...here."
Leia nodded her head. She whispered, "You should know this before they take you to Nakadia, you are going on my husband's ship. He knows as well. So, you'll be looked out for. Draven is meeting you at the ship on Nakadia."
"Thank you," Pumara spoke and touched her arm.
"I intend to make sure that things in Coruscant improve. I'm sure you'll be able to return at some point." Leia said in a more normal tone. "You did get your voice heard. Do you have someone looking out for your interests?"
"I do, but they are young. I taught them though, and I trust them." Pumara answered.
Soon after there was a knock on the door and the New Republic security assigned to the hanger were waiting.
"I'll walk down with you. I need to see the ship off anyway," Leia answered. "Do you have your things?"
"I didn't have much. I was loaned a few outfits even," Pumara answered.
"Well, at least take one for the ship. You'll never know if you'll need it." Leia smiled as Pumara picked up a few articles of clothing and placed it inside a shopping bag.
When they got to the ship, General Cracken was standing outside with two of Rieekan's soldiers and a cylinder medical container. They had put the prisoner in stasis as a precaution.
Cracken smiled, "After what happened to the other prisoner..," Cracken said looking at the Princess who obviously was questioning it, but then he saw her she shake her head, and Cracken realized what he had started to say. He had started to talk about Redwader's suicide and remembered that Pumara Vergio had known him.
"Right, this one is in stasis and will be riding along with us. It made Solo a bit nervous, Ms. Vergio, we've got you set up on board. Take a seat at the table." Cracken said as she walked up the ramp. He turned to the princess, "Does she know about Redwader?"
"I didn't tell her?" Leia answered.
"I didn't either, I wonder if the chancellor did. If not, maybe I'll leave it to Draven." Cracken answered.
Leia shook her head. "You mind if I head up to the cockpit before you leave?"
"Go right ahead, we still have to secure the prisoner in the cargo bay," Cracken replied.
Leia went in and said goodbye to Han and Chewie and then met Pumara's eyes as she passed her. "After you get into hyperspace, have them get you something from the kitchen, all right? Or feel free to help yourself." Leia said as she left. She went down the ramp and then over to the other security people in the hanger and waited for the ship to leave.
Cracken went up to the cockpit, "Mind if I sit up here instead of the lounge?"
"Knock yourself out, Cracken," Han answered as he and Chewie went over all the controls getting ready for take off.
They got out into hyperspace and Cracken smiled. "I love watching when that happens. There's something about being in space."
"I've been on that planet a few days myself, a little too long. I get itchy sometimes. The need to get out into the stars," Han answered.
Chewie roared.
"You would say that, Chewie." Han said pointing at him.
"Say, Solo, you remember when we sent you out for that Dragon Void run?" Cracken asked.
"Remember? Of course, I remember! That was ...well I can't find the words," Han thought back how wonderful he felt during that whole experience.
"I could see you doing something like that. I know I never trusted you in the first place with that at the time, forgive me, but you did it. And you were great. You ever think of racing? I mean more often," Cracken said looking out the cockpit window at the blue hue blasting on the windows.
"Maybe, I don't know," Han answered leaning back with his hands behind his head and smiling and wondering.
"These runs you are always doing for us, I imagine they can't be as satisfying to you as some of those runs and missions we had during the war. I know you feed off that excitement. I'm just seeing that with a lot of these guys now, making their way after the war. I think that's part of what's happening to some of these corrupt spies, just talking to Pumara out there. Racing though, I really could see you doing that. Just saying is all," Cracken smiled.
"I never knew you cared so much, general. I never thought you even liked me much to be honest," Han said looking back at him.
Chewie laughed.
"I was just thinking about that whole Dragon Void mission is all, and remembering it," Cracken patted his shoulder.
"Say, Cracken, how do you like living on Nakadia?" Han asked.
"It's quiet. I live just outside the city. Lots of farms and such. It's really nice there though. Close enough to the city without being in it," Cracken answered.
Han pulled up a place on Nakadia and showed it to Cracken. "What do you know about this area?"
"That's not too far from me, close to the city, but far enough for it to be quiet. Nice area. Not too much trouble," Cracken said passing the datapad back.
"Know this building?" Han asked passing it back to the general.
"Yes, I believe it was the country house of some Imperial government official when they had a garrison here." Cracken answered. "I've passed it a few times."
After a few hours, they landed on Nakadia with Draven waiting there for them. He had an escort speeder for Pumara and a group of Cracken's people ready for the prisoner. Han and Chewie got out and shook hands with General Draven and then Han asked Draven, "Where can we rent a speeder?"
"I'll get you one, just a moment," Draven called into a comm link.
"Speeder's coming. Thank you, Solo for taking care of this," Draven said patting his arm.
"Don't mention it," Han answered.
"I can't talk about it here, but I'm sure you know some. It's just..." Draven started.
Han put his hands out, "Say no more, hey, I'm just the delivery guy. Just put my credits in my account and we are good. No explaination needed." then he whispered, just make sure Pumara makes out all right, OK.
Draven whispered back, "She'll be fine. Look, here's your speeder, just leave it here when you're done, and they'll let me know when you clear out, all right?"
Han put the ramp up and motioned for Chewie to get in the speeder. He rode through the city looking for an address and found it and walked in. The clerk, a Pantoran woman was standing at the desk and asked, "May I help you?"
"Yeah, um, I was wondering, if it's available. Could I look at this property right here?" Han asked the clerk.
"If you'll just wait one moment please." the clerk walked to the back office and Han and Chewie stood there waiting. There were some seats so they took them. Chewie looked at Han with nod of the head and a chirp.
"What? Can't I check out something? I just want to see this place. I saw it on an advertisement when I was on Rieekan's base," Han said to Chewie.
Chewie nodded his head and looked for something to eat. There were some nuts in a bowl, so he just took the whole bowl and poured them in his mouth.
"Um, Chewie, I don't think that was how..." Han then stood up as a human woman came out.
"You wanted to see this property? Would you like to make an appointment?" the woman asked.
"Well, see, I'm expected back somewhere. You wouldn't be available right now would you?" Han asked.
She looked Han up and down. "Are you sure you are really interested in this place, I mean, it might be..." the Pantoran woman whispered in the human woman's ear.
The human woman looked at him again and then Chewbacca. "You're Han Solo?"
"You heard of me?" Han said and grinned.
"Sure, sorry I didn't recognize you. Tringer, cancel the rest of my appointments. Let's go look at this property, shall we?" and the woman showed Han and Chewie out into the street.
When they got to the house, it was a little grand for Han's taste, and it was big. They walked into the house, and it had a large room as you went into the house, and a large dining room. The woman led them upstairs to where there were four large bedrooms.
"It says there's an office here?" Han asked.
"Oh, we missed that, follow me," the woman said.
She took them back down stairs, and off to the side of the room where they first came into the house was a den.
"Where's the kitchen?" Han asked.
"It's off the dining room, I'll show you." she said.
Chewie roared.
"Yeah, Chewie you could get lost in here." Han replied.
"You understand him?" the woman asked.
"Sure, and he understands you, too. Right Chewie," Han answered with annoyance.
Chewie roared.
"I meant no disrespect. I had heard about him, it's just, I didn't realize..."
"Well, now you know!" Han said loudly. "Let's look outside."
She took them outside where there was grass and a shed and some land, surrounded by some fields. You could see other houses not far away, and a cluster of houses nearby around the street.
"Could you land a small freighter here?" Han asked with a big grin.
Chewie laughed.
"You probably could, I imagine. Might want to look into the local codes, but I do know that the home across the way has a landing pad. There's always the docking bay, if not. It's not far," She answered.
"Hmmm, what do you think Chewie?"
Chewie roared.
"No, I don't expect you to move here you hairball! Look lady, I'll give you a credit certificate then can you hold it for me?" Han asked.
"Um, sure." She answered dumbstruck.
"I have to be somewhere, but I'll be in touch. I'm trustin' ya. Don't steal my credits you hear? You're holding this." Han said gritting his teeth.
"No, sir, I'll be glad to hold it for you."
"Chewie, I think I've just bought some real estate."