[Han Solo] - 03(8)
She paused. “The Corellian movement has long considered this proposal.
We are fully aware what a radical change this would entail—and how difficult such an alliance would be. As long as we are individual groups, the Empire cannot wipe us all at one blow. If we were to unite, they might conceivably be able to destroy all of us in one battle. We also know how taxing it can be for different species to work together. Disparate ethical and moral systems, ideologies, religions—not to mention equipment and weapon design differences—all of these things can present problems.”
Bria faced her onlookers steadily. “But, my friends, unite we must.
Somehow we must find ways to work around our differences. Surely we can do that … and that’s the subject of this conference.”
The Duros representative tapped his fingers on the table. “Your words are stirring, Commander. In spirit, I agree with them. But let us face facts here. In asking the nonhuman worlds to ally with you, you are asking us to put ourselves at far greater risk. Everyone knows the Emperor’s disdain for nonhumans. If an alliance challenged Palpatine’s forces, and lost, the Emperor’s wrath would be mostly directed at the nonhuman worlds. He might well destroy us as a lesson to the human Rebels.”
Bria nodded. “Your point is well taken, Jennsar.” She glanced around the table. “Minister Dalhney, what are your thoughts?” “We of Alderaan have supported the Rebel movement from the beginning,” the man said. “We have provided intelligence, funding, and technical expertise. But this talk of battles is anathema to us.
Alderaanian culture is built on the absence of weapons and violence.
We are a peaceful world, and the way of the warrior is abhorrent to us.
Count on us to support your efforts—but I cannot imagine that we would ever be able to join you as combatants.”
Bria gazed at Dahlney somberly. “It is possible, Minister,” she said, “that Alderaan may not have the option to refrain from violence.” She turned to the little Sullustan. “Sian Tevv, what are your initial thoughts?”
“Commander, my people are so crushed beneath the heel of the Empire that few of them have the wherewithal to plot any kind of rebellion.”
The little alien’s jowls quivered, and his dark, liquid eyes were sorrowful.
“Though many complain about the Imperial troops under their breaths, only a handful of my people have ever dared to openly resist. Our caves are places of fear. The Soro Suub Corporation essentially controls my world, and their biggest client is the Empire. If we were to join a Rebel Alliance, it would cause civil war!”
Bria sighed. It’s going to be a long conference, she thought bleakly.
“I recognize that all of you have valid concerns,” she said, keeping her voice level and neutral. “But it won’t hurt anything, or commit you to anything, simply to discuss these issues, right?”
After a moment, the delegates from the three worlds agreed to talk.
Taking a deep breath, Bria started in ….
I can’t believe I’ve made it this far, Han thought wearily, as he eased himself into the seat at the one remaining sabacc table. It was night on the fourth day of the tournament, and only the finalists were left.
If only my luck holds out a little longer…
Slowly he stretched the kinks out of his back, wishing he could sleep for about twenty hours. The past few days had been grueling …
hours of unending play, with only a few breaks for meals or sleep.
The other finalists had also taken their places around the table. A diminutive ChadraFan, a Bothan male, and a Rodian female. Han wasn’t sure whether the ChadraFan was a male or a female. Both sexes wore the same long robes.
As Han glanced around at his fellow players, the last player, another human, sat down opposite Han in the last empty chair. Han groaned inwardly. Somehow I knew this would happen. What chance can I have against a professional like Lando?
Han was very conscious of the fact that he was probably the only “amateur” player at the table. It was a fair bet that the others, like Lando, made their primary living by winning at sabacc.
For a moment he was tempted to just call it quits, walk away. To lose now, after all these days of play …
Lando nodded tightly to his friend. Han nodded back.
The dealer approached. In most games of sabacc, the dealer actually played for credits, but in tournament games, the dealer only dealt the card-chips and monitored the game … he or she was prohibited from playing.
The dealer was a Bith. The alien’s large, five fingered hands featured both an opposable thumb and little finger, giving the dealer considerable dexterity as he dealt. The lights of the monstrous chandelier in the ballroom gleamed on the alien’s large, bare, cranium.