[Galaxy Of Fear] - 12(17)

Curious, Zak approached the metal object. As he did, he realized that it was very large. Creeping nearer, he saw that it was a ship. And when he was only a few dozen meters from it, he realized that it was a ship he recognized.

He’d seen it on the Shroud’s scanners.

The ship belonged to Boba Fett.





CHAPTER 10


“Boba Fett!” Platt spat the name out like a curse. “This is getting worse all the time!”

Zak had brought the news back to the village as fast as he could run. First, he had told Tash and Uncle Hoole, adding everything that had happened with the strange character called Yoda.

“Yoda,” Tash had replied. “There’s something about that name …”

“Intriguing,” Hoole had agreed. “There seems to be yet another being on this supposedly empty planet. But our first concern is the bounty hunter.”

So Hoole had gone immediately to tell the others. The smugglers had gathered in the center of the village to discuss Zak’s news, but the Children were nowhere in sight.

Apparently, they had managed to catch something in the swamps, and were eagerly preparing a rare feast. They had even converted Galt’s hut into a kitchen to cook the food they had found.

“How could Fett have followed us here?” Tash said in disbelief.

“I don’t know,” Platt growled angrily. “But if I’d known that killer was after you, I’d have dropped you off on the nearest asteroid and let you deal with him yourselves.”

Hoole stiffened slightly. “We thought Boba Fett had been eliminated. We had no intention of placing you in his line of fire.”

“Yeah, well, we’re there anyway, aren’t we?” Platt said. “And he’s already killed one of my men.”

Zak was surprised. “How do you know it was him?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Right now the odds are six blasters to one in our favor. He’s trying to whittle us down before he comes in for the kill.” Platt kicked at the soggy ground in frustration. “He’s probably out there right now, watching us. Waiting to make his next move.”

Zak scanned the surrounding trees, but all he saw was the endless swamp, moss-covered trees, vines hanging from gnarled branches, and the mist that drifted formlessly across Dagobah’s landscape.

“How long before the ship is ready to fly?” Tash asked. Platt scowled. “Twenty-four hours.”

“Long enough for Fett to take us all out,” Zak said.

“Right,” the smuggler agreed. “So we’re not going to wait for him. We’re going to go out there and get him.”

Tru’eb and the other smugglers were startled.

“Go after Boba Fett?” Tru’eb growled. “Have you come down with swamp fever or something? He’ll pick us off like fleas on a nerf.”

“And what do you think he’ll do if we stick around here?” the smuggler snapped back.

When Tru’eb had no answer, Platt started organizing her small gang into hunting parties.

“We could use you, Hoole,” Platt said to the Shi’ido. “With your shape-changing power, you might be able to spot the bounty hunter before he spots you.”

“Out of the question,” Hoole replied. “My first responsibility is to my niece and nephew.”

Tash spoke up. “I want to find this Yoda.”

Zak felt a pang of sudden jealousy and bit his lip to stop himself from saying “No!” He didn’t want Tash to meet Yoda. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt a connection with the little creature. He didn’t want Tash barging in.

So he was relieved when Hoole said, “No, Tash. Remember there is a price on your head, too. You should stay here.”

“And do what?” Tash replied. “Wait for Boba Fett to knock on the door while the smugglers are out hunting?”

“Tash, it seems-“

“Actually,” Platt interrupted, “it’s not such a bad idea. I’m curious about this little creature myself. He’s a wild card, and I don’t like wild cards. Why don’t I send two of my boys along with your niece and nephew to look for him? This creature talked to Zak once. Maybe he will again.”

In the end, Hoole relented. He knew his powers were best used in the hunt for Boba Fett. And with two armed smugglers for guards, Zak and Tash were as safe as they were going to get.

“Be careful,” Hoole said. He looked at Tash. “Listen to your instincts. And do not do anything rash. I will see you back here shortly.”

The smugglers broke into two parties. Platt and one of the smugglers went off in one direction, while Hoole, Tru’eb, and another smuggler went the opposite way. That left Zak, Tash, and the two remaining smugglers in the village just as Galt and some of the bony Children appeared, carrying a large pot pounded out of scrap metal.