He slammed himself to the floor. Above him Durge’s blast struck Gilramos. The Neimoidian fell. Another blast struck a droid with a muted explosion as the others tried to blast Durge.
“This way!” Ygabba shouted. “Fast!”
Like a flock of birds, the children scattered. Ygabba stood by an opening and yelled at them. Children raced everywhere. They dove through holes in the walls. They clambered through gaps in the ceiling. Everywhere glowing eyes shimmered and shone as the children yanked one another to safety.
All but Boba.
“Now you!” Durge roared. Another blast roared from his weapon as a droid strode toward him. The droid fell, and Durge laughed. “You’re next!” he cried, and aimed at Boba.
Boba glanced back. He saw Gilramos crawling across the floor. His hat was beside him.
Neimoidians place huge value on their hats. Boba knew that. They represent power and prestige. No Neimoidian would ever be without one.
Not unless he was dead.
Boba grabbed the hat. Gilramos gave a desperate cry. “No!”
Boba turned. Another voice rose from the room. “Boba!”
He looked up. All of the children were gone - except for Ygabba. She stood by the open passage, waving at him. Beside her rose a pile of weapons.
“This way!” she shouted.
Boba clutched Gilramos’s hat to him. He looked down at Durge, surrounded by the remaining battle droids. Boba reached for the ignition of his jet pack. He jammed it as hard as he could.
He flew.
“You die!” bellowed Durge. He swung around, the droids forgotten. His blasters pointed at Boba. Boba soared above him. He swooped down, one arm reaching for Ygabba.
“Grab hold!” Boba shouted.
She grabbed his hand. In front of him was the passage leading from the chamber. Behind him were Durge and the Neimoidian’s droids.
“Hold tight!” Boba yelled.
He flew toward the pile of weapons. At the last possible instant, he swerved, zooming into the tunnel.
“My hat!” screeched Gilramos. “Droids! Stop him!”
“Take that!” thundered Durge. And fired. This time his
blast ricocheted into one of the crates.
Immediately the world exploded. Ygabba cried out, but she hung on. Boba kept his head down, soaring toward freedom. Behind them deafening explosions rocked the gutted Theed Cruiser.
“You okay?” shouted Boba above the din.
“You bet!” yelled Ygabba.
“Good! ‘Cause we’re almost out of here!” Ahead of them, light bloomed. Behind them the explosions grew muted, like far-off thunder. Moments later, they were outside again. They were free.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“That was some entrance you made back there!” said Ygabba.
Boba nodded. He reached for the jet pack’s ignition. They touched down.
“Yeah,” he said, grinning. “And some exit, too!” They ran until they were a safe distance from the alley.
“Don’t worry,” said Ygabba. She looked back. “Those Theed ships are built to withstand hyper-space. Everything inside may be gone. But the damage will be contained.”
Boba nodded. A few meters away, a throng of small figures stood, watching them.
“Ygabba!” someone cried. “You made it!”
Ygabba ran up to them, beaming. The youngest children ran over to hug her. “I sure did - with a little help from my friend!”
She looked at Boba. He pushed back his helmet, then glanced at what he still held - Gilramos’s hat. He looked back and frowned.
“I don’t know if he’s gone or not,” he said.
Ygabba walked over to him. She also looked back. “You’re right,” she said. “I don’t think anyone could survive that, but…”
“Ygabba, look!”
Ygabba and Boba both turned.
Around them a circle of children raised their hands, palm out. Scores of glowing eyes stared at Boba, unblinking.
Then, like water seeping into dry sand, the eyes faded beneath their skin.
“They’re gone!” gasped Murzz.
“Yes!” Boba punched his fist at the air triumphantly.
He raised Gilramos’s hat above him. The children cheered.
“What about Durge?” said Ygabba.
Boba’s face clouded.
“Good question,” he said. He looked at the alley. Smoke crept along the ground. “He might be dead. But I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Thoughtfully, Boba fingered the ignition of his jet pack. He glanced at the fuel tanks.
“They’re nearly empty,” he said. He pushed his helmet farther back on his head. He stared at Ygabba. “Now what? How can I return to Jabba’s fortress? I can’t afford to pay for the repairs on my starship until Jabba pays me.”
Ygabba looked at him. She grinned. “Wait one minute,” she said.