THE PARADISE SNARE(30)

“Thanks,” Han said shortly, and retired to treat the affected areas.

The stuff smelled horrible, but it soothed the irritation. Then he got dressed, admiring himself in his first real pilot’s uniform. The colorful patches looked quite spiffy.

Han refused to let himself worry about the pilgrims he’d seen last night.

Nobody had forced the weakminded fools to come here, so he wasn’t going to waste any time imagining their fate. He was going to take care of Han Solo—or, more accurately, he was going to take care of Vykk Draygo.

Besides, Han told himself, I’m going to be piloting for these Ylesians.

I’ll have access to a ship. If I decide I don’t like it, I’ll just take my money and ˇ . . vanish. What can they do to stop me, after all?

Feeling cocky, Han smiled at his reflection in the mirror and gave himself a snappy salute. “Cadet Han Solo reporting for duty, sir!” he whispered, trying it on for size. His dream of the Academy had never seemed so close, so attainable.

When Han stepped out of the infirmary, the first person he saw was Teroenza. Han nodded pleasantly to his employer. “Good morning, sir!”

The High Priest inclined his massive head. “And to you, Pilot Draygo.

Allow me to present someone you are going to be spending a lot of time with, during your employment with us.” The High Priest beckoned, and Han heard someone behind him. He whirled around, and couldn’t stop himself from taking a quick step back.

His first impression was of height, and the second was of sharp teeth and knifelike claws. This being stood nearly three meters tall, taller even than a Wookiee. The creature had a mouthful of needle like fangs, and claws that looked like they could rip through durasteel. It was furred, but it wore a pair of breeches. A curved knife hung on its belt, and a holstered blaster was strapped to its thigh. Sleek muscles rippled everywhere.

The newcomer grinned, baring even more of those teeth. “Greetings . .

.” it said, speaking Basic with a pronounced lisp. “This is Muuurgh,” Teroenza introduced the being. “He’s a Togorian, one of the most honorable sentients in this galaxy. The Togorian reputation for honesty and loyalty is unparalleled, did you know that?”

Han looked up at the huge being and swallowed. “Uh, no …” he managed.

“We’ve assigned Muuurgh to be your … bodyguard, Pilot Draygo. On planet or off, Muuurgh will accompany you everywhere … isn’t that correct, Muuurgh?”

“Muuurgh has given word of honor,” the Togorian affirmed.

The High Priest folded his undersized arms across his massive body, and his mouth curved up in what almost appeared to be a mocking smile.

“Muuurgh is going to make very sure, Pilot Draygo, that no matter where you go, or what you do … you will be … safe.”





4


Muuurgh


Han stared at the huge, black-furred creature, realizing that the jig was definitely up. Teroenza’s meaning was unmistakable—step out of line, and Muuurgh will rip you in two. Han eyed the Togorian, realizing that the alien could easily do just that.

He managed to pull himself together and smiled up at the Togorian.

“Pleased to meet you, Muuurgh,” he said. “It’ll be nice to have real company on those long flights.”

“Yess …” the bodyguard said, stepping closer. Han realized with dismay that the top of his head barely reached the Togorian’s breastbone. The alien appeared so feline that Han was surprised to realize he didn’t have a tail. “Muuurgh enjoys space travel …”

the bodyguard said in his strongly accented, lisping Basic. His facial fur was black, but his whiskers and chest fur were white. His eyes were a startling light blue, with brilliant green slitted pupils.

“Muuurgh goesss many spaceports, the more the better.”

Han had a little trouble understanding the Togorian’s Basic, but he could make it out. The young Corellian wondered just how smart this being was.

Have to get to know him, Han decided. Just because he can’t speak good Basic doesn’t mean he’s dumb. But if he is …

Han smiled.

“We’d thought we’d give you a day to settle in, Pilot Draygo,” Teroenza said. “Move into the quarters we’ve assigned you, in the Administration Building. Muuurgh will show you where it is. Then, tomorrow, we’d like you to begin ferrying goods and personnel back and forth between the colonies. By the time our next shipment of spice is delivered to our space station, you will be ready to ferry that down for us. After today, I am going to order Jalus Nebl, our other pilot, to take a rest. He has been working too hard.”

Han nodded. I’ve got to meet up with this Sullustan and compare notes.