Author's notes: Star Wars, Mara Jade etc. belong to Lucas. You get the idea.

Wow... reviews... I had to update. Yep, dialogue is here.

Urazz – Here's the next chapter. Enjoy.

Revan – Revan? Please read my KoTOR story then, Dark Lord. Thanks and read on.

SithKnight-Galen – Considering I never read any EU book, I find this to be the highest praise. Thank you.

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Chapter III

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"He must be allowed to speak."

"You weak-minded fool! He's using an old Jedi mind trick." Jabba shouted at the Twi´lek when he repeated Skywalkers request, quite emotionlessly. I had to agree with the Hutt, for once. That was a little trick that all Force users sometimes pulled off... including me.

"You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me." Skywalker said to Jabba. I had to smirk. Apparently, he was not familiar with the fact that some species were naturally immune to mind affects... and Hutts were definitely on the list.

"Your mind powers will not work on me, boy." Jabba backed up my statement smugly.

Nevertheless, I'm taking Captain Solo and his friends." Skywalker noted, quite coldly. But I could sense a nagging feeling... that guy was up to something. There was a reason why he didn't have his lightsaber... but when he stepped on the trap door, I really couldn't help but snigger. "You can either profit by this... or be destroyed! It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers."

My snort disappeared in the echoing laughter. Maybe I could even kill him in the middle of the arena... that would be interesting...

But I didn't fail to see the protocolar droid he sent trying to warn him. "Master Luke, you're standing on..." it never finished the sentence, however.

"There will be no bargain, young Jedi." Jabba noted, extremely smug. His misshapen hand moved to the trap door control button. I gritted my teeth – the Hutt had decided. I wouldn't get to play with my pray this time. He would never find out I was even there to witness his death and bring news to the Emperor. Shame. "I shall enjoy watching you die."

Skywalker seemed almost calm... and pulled a blaster to himself, using the Force. The guard tried to reach for it... and I immediately whipped out my own blaster, trying to get a good aim while staying hidden. I had only a few seconds.

Unfortunately, the brain-dead Gammorean guard that wanted his blaster back blocked my view. I had only one shot if I was to be precise and I couldn't get a clear aim.

"Bascka!" Jabba ordered.

The Hutt triggered the trap door... and the guard and Skywalker were sent into the pit below. I couldn't really do anything, except creep to the throne and watch the show, trying not to be noticed by the Hutt. Still, he was too preoccupied with Organa, so I had a fair chance of being nothing more than shadow to the others.

"Oh, no! The Rancor!" Skywalker´s protocol droid noted when the aforementioned beast made its appearance. The Gammorean guard was a nice appetizer for it. And Skywalker was next. I stood there, silent, watching as the others laughed and cheered.

The perfectionist part of me wished Skywalker would get away... so I could finish him off myself. But my sadistic self decided that it would be fun to watch. And the rational part decided this was better – I wouldn't have to bother shooting him or maybe even dueling him.

Meanwhile, Skywalker was busy trying not to be eaten. He used an arm bone of some victim or another as a club. But the rancor took him up... I eagerly watched... but the Jedi wedged the bone into the rancor's mouth... and got dropped. Damn.

Such a simple trick – why do monsters always have to be so dumb? Ah, well. He wouldn't get away. Well, he did finally notice the utility door while hiding in a crevice in the wall. And he got there, surprisingly, by smashing the rancor's finger when it reached for him.

Well, that was quite impressive, if I do say so myself. But nothing would stop the rancor from getting its meal – but the barred gate would sure stop Skywalker from getting away. The monster followed Skywalker to the tunnel. I thought for sure he was done for.

I couldn't believe it when I saw it. He actually came up with a logical idea – he threw a skull at the panel that triggered the door, effectively decapitating the rancor. My eyes widened as the crowd gasped, stunned. I glanced at the Hutt, who was practically red with rage.

"Bring me Solo and the Wookiee. They will all suffer for this outrage." Jabba ordered. And the guards did, while the two guys talked a bit.

"Han!"

"Luke!"

"Are you all right?"

"Fine. Together again, huh?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

"How are we doing?"

"The same as always."

"That bad, huh?" I had to smirk. "Where's Leia?"

"I'm here." The Princess replied.

As they stood on the trap door once more, Jabba snarled some commands at the protocolar droid. I understood it at once, but I wanted the translation to check that I heard correctly. If I did, someone would pay

"Oh, dear. His High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to be terminated immediately." That was just fine with me.

"Good, I hate long waits." Solo commented.

"You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlacc." The droid added. Now I gritted my teeth. I think I heard correctly.

"Doesn't sound so bad." Solo noted, clearly oblivious to what a Sarlacc is.

"In his belly, you will find a new definition of pain and suffering, as you are slowly digested over a thousand years." The droid finished.

Yup, I heard correctly. Crap.

That means I have to get there. Now just how am I supposed to be sure the little group won't get away while I´m stuck here?

"On second thought, let's pass on that, huh?" Solo amended. I rolled my eyes. The Wookiee said something I didn't listen to.

"You should have bargained, Jabba." Skywalker noted calmly. That guy sure knows how to be ominous. I have to practice that sometimes. "That's the last mistake you'll ever make."

Wow, talk about grudges. But alas, I agree with you, Skywalker. Once I´m done here, there'll be one less Hutt in the galaxy. Because I highly doubt he'll allow a new dancing girl to go there... if he's at least semi-intelligent, that is. And I refuse to show any more skin to that slug. I have to try... no. There is no try. I will do what I was ordered to, by whatever means.

The trio was escorted away. And I couldn't help but have my suspicions whether or not Skywalker glanced in my direction before he left.

Am I getting paranoid, or what? He couldn't get past my shields... good. But he could have noticed them... bad.

When they left, the dancers (including me) were ordered to perform. I took my place, in the corner, so I wouldn't be noticed much. My thoughts were elsewhere, though. I would kill Skywalker... it was just a matter of time. And judging by the applause, I think those thoughts showed on my dancing, too.