Star Wars Journal - Hero for Hire by Han Solo by Donna Tauscher Read Free Book Online Page B

was so mad or stunned or something that he just stood there firing back. I was trying to cover him some, but it wasn’t easy. It’s never easy when firepower is coming your way, and don’t let anybody tell you different. I finally got the kid’s attention and shouted to him to blast the door shut. He did. That trapped Vader on the other side and kept more of the Imperial insects from joining the fray.
    We had made our way over to the Falcon when Luke finally recovered enough to get himself into the ship. The droids were already inside. At least they know how to take care of themselves. I guess we all did. Because now we were back together and ready for the ultimate test.

DATA PAD ENTRY 11
    Han: This was it. The moment of truth. Did the old man get the tractor beam out of commission? The thought of making a grand exit only to be snared again wasn’t exactly appealing.
    No problem. We were out of that docking bay and into free, glorious space faster than you could say, “Old man, you were one crazy antique, but you knew what you were doing.”
    Well, not quite free space. We still had to earn that. The sentry ships had us spotted and those TIE fighters were moving in on us. It’s lucky you don’t have much time to think about it while it’s happening or you could get real depressed.
    I was worried about the kid being able to help. He looked so stunned after watching the old man go down. But he came back fast. He’s a lost child, sometimes, Luke is, but he always manages to come through. He’s got guts and he learns quick. It’s a natural fighter’s skill. He took to the Falcon’s defense system quicker than an asteroid flash. Held his own, too. You should have heard him when he took down his first ship.
    Well, aren’t I sounding like the proud papa?
    Anyway, I didn’t do too bad either. Luke and I were swinging around in those gunner seats, honing in on the planes like we were playing Cockpit Daredevils back on Mos Eisley. There’s a game for you. Only the stakes were a little higher in this showdown.
    We took care of those TIE fighters better than any ace right out of the Academy. Chewbacca and the princess were holding down things in the cockpit. Seems Chewie melted a little when the princess gave him a big hug. He immediately forgot the walking carpet comment.
    Chewbacca: Narowrrr!
    Han: Come on, buddy, I’m not making fun of you. The princess works her charms on all of us. You gotta watch that stuff, is all.
    Anyway, we fixed the problem standing between us and hyperspace and made the jump. Man, that’s a great feeling to go reeling into hyperspace and know no Imperial goon is gonna be able to follow. Smooth. Easy.
    Too easy, the princess informed us. She was sure they let us go, that being the only reason for our escape. Now that got me. Once again I’ve rescued her, and she’s saying it was too easy. That they were tracking us.
    Ever notice how mad you get when you suspect someone is right and you don’t want them to be? She’s a smart number, that girl, and… hmmm…
    Sai’da: Are you tired again, Mr. Solo? Do you wish to rest?
    Han: No. I was just thinking.
    Sai’da: Please share your thoughts, if possible. I am not just interested in what happens to you, per se. I am curious about how you interpret events, how you develop bonds with your comrades. The changes in your emotional state are intriguing.
    Han: Intriguing, huh? You’re a piece of work, Sai’da, the way you talk. But I guess that’s one way of looking at it.
    Actually, I was just thinking of the old man. I guess he knew all along it was his last mission. It sure was hard on the kid, though. I mean, Luke lost not only his Jedi mentor, but a father figure, too. He was pretty much alone in the galaxy now. He seemed even younger to me then. I had this impulse to take care of him, but I got a hold of it. ’Cause that was the last thing I needed, a kid brother to worry about.
    I had enough worries. I had to deliver this group to the