October challenge at Discord - use the word - "fear"
Story Set before ESB
Never Bet at Putt Putt
Han Solo was a confident man. So when he made his bet, he was certain he would prevail. Now, however, he was having doubts. It was difficult to concentrate with the whispers and snarky comments behind his back.
The Corellian carefully lined up his shot, taking special care to time it just right so the durasteel obstacle wouldn't create any issues. He could feel the beads of sweat on his forehead, and heart pounding, felt a real sense of fear for the first time that morning.
He let loose with his volley, and the tiny orb rolled forward. To his dismay, it collided with the metal arm of a miniature windmill, careening the ball toward the left.
His tormentors let out a yell, and Wedge stepped forward, slapping him on his back. "You missed! You owe us a hundred credits, Solo!"
Frustrated, Han tossed down the metal pole, then pointed toward the red and white barrier with cartoon, happy nerfs painted on the sides. "That kriffin' thing started moving faster at the last second! I should get a second chance!"
"No second chances," Luke informed him. "Everyone has to play by the rules."
"These are stupid rules," Han grumbled. "The entire game is stupid. In fact, whoever invented this game should be blasted and locked up down in the mines of Kessel."
"Just pay up and quit complaining," Wedge said happily, smiling as Han threw the credit chips in his direction and stomped off toward the safety and solitude of his ship.
"You can come out now, Wes," Luke called as Janson stuck his head out from the interior of the small windmill house.
"You sure Solo will never find out we fixed the game?" Wes asked, pushing aside the wiring that controlled the speed of the blades as he maneuvered out of the metal housing.
"You'd better hope he doesn't," Leia said, stepping out from the shadows, shaking her head in amusement, or perhaps dismay. "If he does find out, the three of you will be dodging blaster bolts and a huge Wookiee with a life debt."
Wes gulped, his face paling with sudden fear. "You won't tell him, will you?"
"A hundred credits should be enough to buy my silence," Leia stated thoughtfully.