[Han Solo] - 03(96)

Moving as though he were nine hundred years old, Durga managed to haul himself onto Jiliac’s sled and activate it. He was too tired to even wriggle across the room. He barely had the strength and mental wherewithal to guide the sled.

He glided across the audience chamber, leaving the dead Jiliac sprawled in his wake.

When Durga reached the entrance, he paused to confront Jabba. The Besadii figured that at the best of times, he might be evenly matched with Jabba.

At the moment … there was no way.

Guri stepped forward to bow slightly, respectfully. “Congratulations on the successful outcome of your challenge, Your Excellency.”

Durga turned to regard the woman. “Guri. You are Prince Xizor’s assassin, correct?”

“I serve the Prince in whatever capacity I may,” she said, composedly.

“Could you kill a Hutt?” Durga asked. “Most certainly,” she replied.

“Then … kill Jabba,” Durga said.

Guri shook her head slightly. “No, Your Excellency. My orders were to help you effect your revenge against Jiliac. That is accomplished.

We will leave now.”

Durga made an abortive move toward Jabba, only to have Xizor’s assistant step between them, her unspoken message very clear. “We will leave now,” she repeated.

Jabba moved aside to let them pass as Guri swung herself up nimbly onto Jiliac’s repulsor sled. Hearing the pound of running feet, Durga saw guards running toward them, but Jabba stopped them in their tracks with a raised hand.

“I dismissed you earlier!” he said. “Now leave!”

The guards obeyed with alacrity.

Jabba looked at Guri. “I did not want to lose them. They are an effective defense against most invaders.”

Guri nodded, and sent the sled gliding away. Durga glared balefully at Jabba, but the last of his strength was gone. He could only slump atop the sled, too exhausted even to savor his victory ….

Jabba slowly approached his aunt’s massive corpse. He could scarcely believe she was dead, and he knew he would miss her. But, as he’d told Han Solo, this was business. For the good of Desilijic as well as his own ….

The sight of the ruined, shapeless head actually had the power to turn his stomach. Jabba knew he wouldn’t be hungry for a while.

He considered for a moment, wondering what should be his first actions, now that he was the undisputed leader of Desilijic. He’d likely be summoned to appear before the Hutt Grand Council, but once they’d heard that this was a Clan Leader Challenge under the Old Law, there would be little they could say.

And, if asked, Jabba would tell them Jiliac had indeed caused Aruk to be poisoned ….

Without warning, Jiliac moved.

Startled, Jabba jerked upright, incredulous. She’s coming back to life!

She’ll be angry—No—His hearts thudded wildly in shock. What could be happening? There was no doubt his aunt was dead, no doubt at all-The massive corpse moved again, and then Jiliac’s baby slithered out of her abdominal pouch. Jabba relaxed. I should have realized, he thought, embarrassed by his momentary superstitious fear.

The little grub-like creature scooted forward, waving its little stubs, gurgling mindlessly.

Jabba stared at it malevolently. He knew he would be confirmed leader of Desilijic no matter what, but why leave any loose ends?

Slowly, purposefully, he slithered toward his aunt’s helpless offspring ….

The day after Durga defeated Jiliac, the Besadii leader was so stiff and sore that he could barely move. However, he managed to conceal his pain when Teroenza called him, telling him that Kibbick’s body had been shipped home, per Durga’s orders.

“Your Excellency,” the High Priest said, “I need more guards, and therefore I have taken the liberty of hiring some, at my own expense.

It is my hope that Besadii will reimburse me, but I must have additional protection. These Rebel raids cannot be countenanced.”

“I understand,” Durga said. “I will attempt to get more guards.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency.”

When he cut the connection, Durga turned to Guri, who had just been taking her leave of him. “He is getting ready to make his move,” Durga said. “He is preparing to make his break with Besadii.”

Guri nodded. “I believe you are correct, Lord Durga.”

“Since the Ylesian troops may well be loyal to Teroenza,” Durga said, “I need some way to keep the High Priest in line until I can replace him.

Thus I have a request for your master, Prince Xizor.”

“Yes, Lord Durga?”

“I ask you to convey to him my request that he grant me some military aid.

If he would send troops to Ylesia, that would ease the transition-allow me to get rid of Teroenza, while keeping the Sacredots and Pilgrims content.