Han turned to Chewbacca and pulled the Wookiee aside. “Chewie, I need you to do something right now,” he said.
“Arhnnnn?”
“We’ve got this area secured, but it sounds like Mrrov and Muuurgh could use some help up in the Admin Building. Where the Treasure Room is . I want you to check on ‘em, make sure they’ve got it secured, give ‘em a hand if they need it. Your night vision is about as good as a Togorian’s, and if they’re chasin’ some of those guards through the jungle, you could be a big help, and you know it.”
“Hrrrrrhhhhh!” Chewbacca, as usual, took a dim view of being separated from his partner.
“Come on!” Han said. “I’m worried that some of those guards might break in and start stealin’ Teroenza’s collection! That’s our stuff, remember?”
Chewie grumbled, but his resistance was weakening.
“Listen up, furball,” Han snapped, “I don’t have time to argue. I trust Muuurgh and Mrrov, but I don’t know those other Togorians. And all it would take is one busy guard who managed to break in. So you help Muuurgh and Mrrov secure the place, make sure the Treasure Room is still locked up, and come straight back. Shouldn’t take you half an hour. You remember the location of the Treasure Room on that plan I sketched for you?”
“Hrrrrrrnnnnnnnn …”
“Good. Get your furry butt in gear.”
Chewbacca was not happy, but the Wookiee departed without further argument.
By now, ships were dropping from the pink-tinged sky like metal rain, landing in the center of the compound. Han was just taking a swig of water from his flask when a dark figure ran toward him. Han pushed up his goggles, squinted in the wan predawn light, and realized it was Lando. Even before he saw the gambler’s face, Han knew something was wrong. He hurried toward his friend.
“Han… it’s Jarik. Kid took a hit He isn’t going to make it.
He’s calling for you.”
“Blast!” Together, they ran.
Lando led him over to the temporary aid station the medics had set up, then pointed to a stretcher. Han walked over, looked down, and recognized Jarik’s unruly hair—and that was practically all. The young man’s face was a scorched, reddened horror. At first Han thought he was dead, then he saw that Jarik was still breathing. He looked up hopefully at the nearest medic. The Alderaanian shook her head grimly, mouthed, “Sorry.”
“Hey … Jarik … can you hear me?” Han took the grimy hand in his, grasped it firmly. “Kid … it’s Han …. ” Jarik no longer had much in the way of eyelids, and Han knew he must be blind. But he turned his head slightly, and his mouth moved. “Han…”
“Don’t try to talk … you’re gonna be fine. They’ll pop you in a bacta tank, and you’ll be chasin’ girls and shootin’ Imps in no time.”
A faint thread of expelled air, and Han recognized it as the ghost of a laugh. “Liar …. Han … got … to … tell you.”
Han swallowed. “Yeah? I’m listenin’ …”
“Name … my name … it ain’t … Solo. Lied to you.”
Han cleared his throat. “Yeah, I know, kid. That’s okay. I give it to you. Far as I’m concerned, you earned it long ago.”
“You … kneW?”
“Sure. I’ve known from the beginning, Jarik.”
The lax fingers tightened once, and then released. Han leaned over, checked for a pulse, then gently released his grip and stood up. His eyes were stinging, and it took him a second to regain control. The medic bustled by, and Han grabbed her sleeve. “He’s gone. Where’s his ID?”
She handed him a com-chip. Han took it, then keyed in, “Jarik Solo,” under the “name of deceased” field.
The medic called for help, and two labor-droids trundled forward. Han watched as they efficiently wrapped the dead youth in the sheet, then carried him over to the row of bodies laid out neatly on the ground.
Before he could turn away, they were putting another wounded Rebel onto the stretcher. “Water …” the woman croaked. Han took out his flask.
“You’re gonna be okay,” he said, as he helped her to drink. “Don’t worry.”
The woman drank thirstily. “Thanks “she slumped back onto the stretcher.
“That’s okay,” Han said. “What’s your name?”
“Lyndelah Jenwald …. “she muttered, and winced. “My arm hurts …. ” “We’ll get you some help,” Han promised, and went in search of a medic.