THE PARADISE SNARE(52)

The minute the High Priest saw Han, his expression (which Han was beginning to be able to read) turned positively benevolent. “Pilot Draygo!” he boomed. “I understand you are a hero! Your bravery and courage are beyond price, but I have ordered a bonus to be placed in your account.”

Han blinked, then smiled. “Thanks, sir.”

“We have lost two ships that failed to return from their rendezvous points over the past year and a half,” Teroenza continued. “You are the first pilot to get a look at your attackers and return to tell us who they were.

What did you see?”

Han shrugged. “Well, it all happened real fast, and I was kinda busy, sir.

But I’m pretty sure that the ship I destroyed was a Drell-built ship.

Looked like it. That chisel-shaped prow and stubby stern are pretty distinctive.”

“Did they communicate with you? Give you a chance to surrender before attacking?”

“No, they shot first, and just kept on shooting. They weren’t trying to destroy the Dream, because if they had been, they’d have done it. But they had no interest in the ship, which was strange—most pirates would try to disable the ship enough to take it, while leaving it easy to repair so they could use it or sell it. These guys were out to cripple the Dream, and kill me and Muuurgh.”

“How did they attack?”

“From behind. They could’ve nailed us before we even knew they were there.

They had at least two clear shots, and the shielding on the Dream isn’t that good.” As he remembered the battle, Han took a deep breath. “I think we need to strengthen the shielding, sir.”

“I will order that to be done, Pilot,” Teroenza agreed. The huge t’landa Til folded his tiny arms, and his massive forehead wrinkled as he considered what Han had told him. “Interesting that they attacked first, without engaging a tractor beam and attempting to gain your surrender.”

“Yeah … that’s what I thought.”

Han had known several traders aboard the Luck that had spent time on pirate crews, and had listened to them bragging about their adventures.

A straight-out attack wasn’t the usual pirate style; it would have been more typical for a deep-space pirate to fire a warning shot, then, after the pilot had surrendered, board the ship. “It’s funny, it’s like they planned to disable the Dream, probably killing me and Muuurgh in the process, and then board her when she was dead in space.” “No communication or demand for surrender at all.” “None,” Han affirmed.

Teroenza smoothed the loose folds of flesh beneath his chin thoughtfully.

“Almost as though they were willing to risk destroying the Dream and her cargo rather than communicate with you …”

“Yeah, I’d say so.”

“How close were you to the rendezvous point when you were attacked?”

“We’d come out of hyperspace less than five minutes before. No doubt, sir, they were waiting for us. They knew we were coming.”

“Had you made any transmissions referring to your course or coordinates, Pilot Draygo?”

“No, sir. As instructed, I maintained strict silence on all frequencies.”

Teroenza rumbled thoughtfully, deep in his chest, then nodded his massive horned head. “Again, I commend your bravery. How is Muuurgh?”

“He’ll be okay. Took a hard blow to the head, though.”

“I will want to speak to him when he is well enough. Very well, Pilot, you are dismissed.”

Han stood his ground. “Sir … I’d like to ask a favor.”

“Yes?”

“My blaster was taken from me when I arrived on Ylesia. I’d like it returned. If there’s any chance I might be boarded by pirates sometime in the future, I want to be able to shoot back.”

Teroenza considered for a moment, then nodded agreement. “I will order your weapon returned to you, Pilot. You have certainly demonstrated your loyalty and earned our trust by your actions these last few days.”

The huge being waved a small hand. “Tell me, Pilot Draygo, did it never occur to you to attempt to sell your cargo and tell us it had been stolen by the pirates?”

Han shook his head. “No ssir, it didn’t,” he said earnestly.

“Very good. I am … impressed.” Teroenza’s wide, lipless mouth curved up in what was evidently meant as a smile of approval. “Most impressed . .

.”

Han walked out of the Administration Building, thankful that he’d been able to lie convincingly since he was seven. He was especially proud of his ability to fabricate on a moment’s notice.

His footsteps took him down the path toward the infirmary. Time to check up on Muuurgh, see how the Togorian was doing. Also … it was time to meet Jalus Nebl, the Sullustan pilot who’d been placed on sick leave.