[Boba Fett] - 4(19)

The voice faded. Jango Fett’s face filled the screen, staring directly at Boba. “There is one rule, and one rule only, when dealing with Jabba the Hutt,” his father’s image pronounced solemnly. “Do not fail.”

“I won’t fail,” murmured Boba. His finger traced the outline of his father’s face. For a second, Jango smiled at his son. Then the image disappeared, and the screen went blank. Boba saw his own reflection then. He didn’t look like his father yet, but he wasn’t the kid he used to be. His eyes had gotten fiercer. His mouth looked unaccustomed to smiling much.

Boba put the book away. He ran a hand through his hair by way of combing it, and stood. Light filtered through cracks in the barge walls. On the deck above he could hear footsteps and the clanging of a bell.

“Wake up, you slobs!” someone bellowed. A Gamorrean’s twisted face appeared at the hatch atop the ladder. “We’ll be docking in fifteen minutes!”

The sleeping guards groaned and grunted. They began stumbling to their feet, kicking at those still dozing on the floor. In his hammock Gab’borah stirred. He yawned, then clambered out, stretching.

“Morning already! I trust you slept soundly?” he asked Boba, and winked.

“Like a baby,” Boba replied.

“That is good. Sleep is important for a warrior. And so is breakfast.”

Gab’borah looked around stealthily. Then he pulled two small packets from his robe.

“Here,” he whispered, giving one to Boba. “Gleb rations. Not as tasty as what you had last night, but it will fill your stomach and give you a day’s worth of nutrients.”

Boba unwrapped the package. Inside was a small flat bar of what looked like cardboard. He sniffed it.

It smelled like cardboard. He looked curiously at Gab’borah, who was busily munching his rations. Boba shrugged and took a bite of his.

It tasted like cardboard, too. But it was better than nothing. Quickly he finished.

Just in time.

“You’re wanted on deck!” A Gamorrean shoved a hairy fist

at Gab’borah’s stomach. The old man bowed and started hurrying for the ladder. Boba waited an instant, then started after him.

“Hey! No one said he wanted you!”

The beast grabbed Boba by the shoulder. In its cage, the vrblther let loose a warbling cry.

“He’s getting hungry!” the Gamorrean said, his piggy eyes glinting with malice. “How’s about we give him a little snack!”

Boba struggled against the guard. “I’m here at Jabba’s request!” he shouted. “Let me go, or you’ll pay!”

The guard sneered. “Jabba won’t miss another bounty hunter - he’s lost so many already!”

Boba landed a kick in the Gamorrean’s stomach. With a roar of pain and rage the guard drew back, his fist raised. “Why, you - !”

“Excuse me.” Gab’borah cleared his throat and gave the Gamorrean a cold look. “This warrior is here at Jabba’s special request. And my own - he is to help prepare Jabba’s morning repast.”

The guard glared at the old man.

Gab’borah glared back. “I would not like to be the one responsible for making Jabba wait for his breakfast,” he said. “Come-“

He beckoned for Boba. With a snarl the Gamorrean watched as Boba hurried to join the ancient chef.

“Are you really making Jabba’s breakfast?” he whispered as he clambered up the hatch.

“No.” Gab’borah stretched a hand out to pull Boba on deck. “He mostly eats those revolting white worms. And slimy little wuorls. But the Gamorreans are too stupid to remember that.”

“Good thing,” agreed Boba.

Gab’borah looked at Boba, his expression wistful.

“You are a courageous young man,” he said. “And lucky. Many your own age here on Tatooine have disappeared. Kidnapped. Their families never hear from them again. Their fate is lost to us.”

The old man’s eyes grew sad. Gazing at him, Boba felt sad, too, but also excited.

“I saw them!” he began. “They - “

Before he could continue, the dark-robed figure of Bib Fortuna appeared.

“You!” he ordered in his thin voice. His clawed finger pointed at Gab’borah. “You are to proceed to the kitchens - immediately!”

Gab’borah bowed. “As you wish,” he said to Bib Fortuna, then glanced at Boba. “I will proceed to the seventh kitchen,” he murmured. “That is my customary place of employment.”

Boba looked at him. He understood that this was the old man’s way of telling him how he could be found.

“Good-bye,” said Boba. Gab’borah smiled, then walked away. Bib Fortuna turned impatiently.