[Boba Fett] - 4(21)

The speeder raced toward Jabba’s citadel. Boba glimpsed the outline of a Mandalorian skull symbol glowing red against silvery armor.

“That is Durge,” said the droid. “Jabba heard he was on Tatooine and made him a large offer.”

The droid gazed at Boba. Its round eyes were empty of emotion.

“Whoever fails will be given to Durge as a reward,” the droid continued. “That is how he keeps his reflexes keen. He practices upon living prey. That is why he is the greatest bounty hunter here.”

Boba stared back into the droid’s eyes. He shook his head. “Durge is the greatest bounty hunter?” he said, thinking of what his father might say. “Well, I think it’s time for a change!”

Boba’s words sounded braver than he felt. But the droid did not notice.

“Come,” it said. Behind them, Gamorrean guards stood impatiently, their weapons drawn. “I will escort you to the throne room.”

“Thanks,” said Boba. “I’ve never been here before.”

“Do not thank me,” the droid said in its cold, mechanical voice. “I doubt that you will ever come here again.”

Without a word, Boba followed the droid down the ramp and into the shadow of Jabba’s fortress.





CHAPTER NINETEEN


The inside of the palace was dark and cool. Boba breathed deeply in relief.

“Boy, that’s better!” he remarked to the droid.

But his relief did not last long. A large, spider-like form on long metal legs tiptoed past. What looked like its head was actually a clear globe filled with fluid. Inside the fluid floated what looked like a brain.

Boba stared at it. He said, “Is that a monk?”

“No,” said the droid. It began to walk down a dim hall. “That is the last bounty hunter Jabba sent after Gilramos. What remains of him, anyway.”

Boba watched the creature stalk toward the shadows. Then he hurried after the droid. Behind him the click of the spider-droid’s legs faded into silence.

“Why hasn’t anyone been able to capture Gilramos?” he asked.

“Tatooine is a very big planet,” said the droid.” A very desolate planet. There are many places to hide in the desert. One could spend a lifetime searching for an enemy and never find him.”

“Is that where Gilramos is hiding?” asked Boba. “In the desert?”

“So the bounty hunters think. Here - “

The droid stopped. It motioned at a high, carved arch. “This is Jabba’s throne room. I must leave you here.”

It turned and left.

Boba watched it go. His heart felt like a rock in his chest. He looked at the archway.

Once he passed through, he would be at the center of Jabba’s realm.

He would be at Jabba’s mercy.

No! he thought. He put his hand into his pocket and touched the book there. Immediately he felt calmer.

Fear is energy.

That is what his father had taught him. If you contain your own fear, it becomes power.

And power makes you strong.

Boba drew a deep breath. He felt his heart pounding, but now it did not frighten him. He looked at the arch.

From inside, he could hear music. He could hear voices. He could hear shrill cries and deep, powerful laughter. He could hear a voice dry and merciless as a desert storm.

Jabba.

And Durge.

“Time to go to work,” said Boba.

He walked inside.

The throne room was large. Flickering flames rose and fell inside tall lamps. Shadowy figures danced and leaped. Someone trilled on a flute. Boba could smell smoke.

And roasting food. Near Jabba’s throne a spit turned. On it was a huge demon squid, its tentacles nicely browned. Boba lost his appetite.

“Bounty hunter!” Jabba shouted, a mountainous figure in the center of the room. “Approach!”

Boba stepped forward. “Your Huge Huttness,” he said. He bowed. “I have come to receive your orders.”

Boba looked up. On his throne, Jabba reclined. He watched Boba through slitted eyes. Around him, the dancers and singers stopped. They stared at Boba, too. Their eyes were round with fear.

And with anticipation.

“Did I ask you to speak?” roared Jabba. He leaned forward, his shadow falling across Boba. “N-no,” faltered Boba. “But - “

From Jabba’s shadow another figure emerged. Huge and muscular, his silver body-armor shining.

It was Durge.

“Shall I destroy him now?” he cried. He raised his arm and pointed a blaster at Boba. On his chest the Mandalorian skull seemed to burn.

Boba tensed. From the corner of his eye he could see Jabba’s guards, dozens of them. The doors were blocked.

He looked down. He could see a long groove in the floor.

A trapdoor. Jabba kept pit beasts for his depraved entertainment. And to punish those he was unhappy with. There would be no exit that way, either.