"Presumably, since he didn't bother to check out of Aurora or wait tor an official discharge. Sompa followed instructions and allowed him to pay a midnight visit to his office. He managed to deactivate surveillance using a code we think he picked up from Ril Bezant."

"The psychotherapist?"

"During a session in her office, she briefly turned off the cams, either in the interest of earning Jadak's trust or to provide him with the code in the belief he would take matters into his own hands. He has a way, in any case."

Oxic inclined his head in interest. "Don't tell me..."

"He wanted to show me around Aurora."

"Why did you decline?"

"He was already suspicious about the insurance policy. I decided there might be some benefit to keeping him agitated. By the time I left he was ready to bite my head off."

"Your insight appears to have served us well."

"He didn't bother checking Sompa's office for redundant cams. Or maybe at that point he didn't care about being watched. He used Sompa's computer to execute a number of searches and requests, and discovered a Nar Shaddaa Holonet reference to the collision."

"Clever. But why would he opt to go to Nar Shaddaa? Surely Palpatine's opponents wouldn't have cached the treasure there."

Quire shrugged. "It could be that he's looking for additional in formation regarding the death of his copilot, Reeze."

Oxic shook his head. "Jadak wouldn't need to go all the way to Nar Shaddaa for that."

"Then perhaps he's hoping to pick up his life where it left off."

Oxic considered it. "I suggest we collect him."

"So soon?"

"I don't want to risk involving others in this matter."

"There's always a chance of that."

"Direct Cynner to attend to it."

Quire frowned. "Are you certain he's the one for this? My inclination would be to use someone more judicious. Gomman, perhaps."

"He is safeguarding our star witness for the trade case."

"The Colicoid? What did Gomman do to warrant that a.s.signment?"

"It's simply a matter of his having a high tolerance for bugs." Quire nodded. "I'll let Cynner know."

Oxic reclined in his seat. The next round of bidding was about to begin.

It was soon after he and Chewbacca returned from the Corporate Sector and began running spice for Jabba the Hutt that the Millennium Falcon started behaving erratically. One moment the ship would outperform herself and complete the Kessel Run in record time; the next, she would develop glitches in the worst possible situations, almost as if she were intent on drawing Imperial attention or involving him and Chewie in the Rebellion. He wondered if the Falcon's unpredictability owed to the fact that--part by necessity, part by design-he had transformed the onetime freighter into a well-armed, warship.

The lost barrels of glitterstim spice that had earned them the enmity of Jabba wasn't the first cargo they had been forced to jettison in those days leading to the trip to Tatooine. For a time it appeared that Imperial tariff vessels were lurking on the dark side of every planet they pa.s.sed or approached. It got so they had had to affix trackers to the loads before a run, just to ensure being able to recover them after dumping them and submitting to a search. But he always thought the Falcon had seemed peeved at having to partake in those missions.

Even the return to the Death Star after leaving Yavin 4 had seemed as much the Falcon's idea as Chewbacca's. Of course, it was sheer lunacy to think that a ship could think for herself or know right from wrong-even one equipped with a trio of droid brains that rarely agreed on anything. But the Falcon could be willful in that way, stubborn about going where he pointed her. And look what the about-face had led to. Aside from saving Luke's hide and thus being indirectly responsible for the destruction of the Emperor's superweapon, the Falcon had effectively enrolled him and Chewie in the Rebel Alliance.

But the Falcon had saved her finest act for later in the game, breaking down shortly before the forced evacuation of Hoth and seeing to it that he and Leia were thrown together for the slow trip to Bespin. True, he had been falling in love with Leia since their first encounter in a Death Star cell block, but their private time in sublight cinched- it for him.

His own high opinion of himself wouldn't let him credit the Falcon for actually bringing them together, or for playing any real role in their courtship and- eventual marriage. But he always thought that the ship deserved the equivalent of a Corellian Bloodstripe, not only for her actions during the Rebellion, but for helping to steer him into Leia's life and heart.

Chapter fourteen.

Han, Leia, Allana, and C-3PO gaped at the crowd of beings and droids a.s.sembled near the foot of the Falcon's boarding ramp.

"Lando," Han said out of the corner of his mouth.

Leia nodded. "He must have commed ahead."

"So much for trying to blend in."

"It never would have worked anyway." She sighed. "I just wish I had dressed more appropriately."

"You look great."

She smiled at him. "Then I wish you'd worn something more appropriate."

A male Lutrillian dressed like a Republic-era opera extra separated himself from the welcome committee. "Oseon Seven extends a heart-felt welcome to the esteemed Solo family," he announced with a courtly bow.

"Thank you," Leia said, speaking for everyone. "This is completly unexpected."

"And unnecessary," Han muttered.

"I am See-Threepio," the droid said, descending the Falcon's ramp.

The Lutrillian inclined his large head. "Welcome, See-Threepio." He turned to Han. "Is this your first visit, sir?"

"First time."

"Then we hope Oseon Seven will live up to its reputation." Han laughed shortly. "It already has."

The planet's sprawling and frenetic s.p.a.ceport swarmed with ships of all sizes and descriptions, from the most expensive yachts to shuttles crammed with tourists from worlds along the Perlemian Trade Route, ferried downside from the cruise ships in synchronous...o...b..ts. But s.p.a.ceport control had directed the Falcon to put down in a spotless and s.p.a.cious docking bay far from the princ.i.p.al terminals and customs areas. Inbound, Han had noted that a skyhook was under construction.

"Is there luggage, Captain Solo?" the Lutrillian said. Han indicated the Falcon with a nod of his head. "In the ship."

"May I instruct our droids to fetch your bags?"

"Uh, our droid will do it." Han glanced at C-3PO, who turned and climbed the ramp without comment.

An absurdly long repulsor limo floated into the docking bay. "Is that for us?" Allana asked Leia. "I'm afraid so, sweetie."

She whispered: "That's even bigger than my mom's!"

"We have already had you cleared through immigration and customs," the Lutrillian said. "The pilot will convey you directly to the resort by way of tunnels reserved for our special guests. Is there any service you wish done to your ship while you're onworld-washing, refueling, or routine maintenance?"

"No," Han said firmly. "The ship is off-limits."

"Of course, sir."

The rear doors of the limo began to elevate. When C-3PO emerged from the ship toting three small bags, Han raised the ramp and enabled the Falcon's security system.

"There is s.p.a.ce in the cargo compartment for your droid, as well," the Lutrillian said.

"In the cargo compartment?" C-3PO said in distress.

Han grinned. "That's all right, he can ride with us."

"Thank you, Captain Solo."

Han shoved C-3PO gently into the rear of the limo. "Don't say I never do anything for you."

Smoothly and quietly, the repulsor limo exited the docking bay and disappeared into a broad tunnel.

Allana slumped in the seat, disappointed. "I wanted to see the Ribbon."

"We will," Leia said, patting her on the knee. "After we check into our room."

I Ian decided he was fine with going straight to the hotel. Normally he and Leia traveled incognito, but what sense did it make to pretend to be someone else when they'd come to Oseon VII to peel back a layer of the Falcon's history? What's more, it would only be a matter of time before tourists on the Ribbon recognized them. Although on Oseon VII they could probably claim to be celebrity impersonators and get away with it.

One of several dozen systems that made up a region of s.p.a.ce known as the Centrality, the Oseon-much like the Corporate Sector-had been left to develop in its own fashion. Some of the galaxy's most unusual planets were located in the Centrality, but what set the Oseon system apart and made it a hub for tourism was an annual stellar event known as the Flamewind-a radiation storm of shifting colors that lasted three weeks and was said to provoke emotional reactions in spectators. Almost fifty years earlier, Lando and his droid-that-would-be-a-s.p.a.cecraft, Vuffi Raa, had been forced to negotiate the Oseon system during a Flamewind without the aid of the Falcon's navicomputer.

Over the centuries, Oseon VII had become not only a base for exploring the Centrality but a gambling center, as well, with elaborate casinos modeled after other wonders of the galaxy-both natural and artificial, past and present-strung out along a fifty-kilometer-long strip known as the Ribbon. The former Ithor and Vortex's Cathedral of Winds, present-day Kashyyyk, and even Republic-era Coruscant were among the planet's richly detailed facsimiles, lovingly re-created by an entertainment consortium known as PlanetDreams, Inc., whose current vice president was none other than the onetime owner of the Millennium Falcon, Cix Trouvee.

Attendants were on hand to see to the Solos' every whim when the repulsor limo came to a halt at the Oseon Resort's majestic entrance First to exit, Leia said, "Oh, no."

Han saw why. A lavish runner had been rolled out for them, lined on both sides with uniformed Centran species staff members and servant droids. Accustomed to pomp and circ.u.mstance, Allana took all of it in stride, and C-3PO in undisguised delight, but it had been a long while since Han had allowed himself to be subjected to such deferential treatment. The lobby had been cleared of guests, and a small army of managers, a.s.sistant managers, concierges, event planners, and hospitality specialists was arrayed before the front desk. Off to one side stood a group of A-list celebrities and entertainers, some of them making discreet use of their comlinks to capture holoimages.

"Captain Solo, Princess Leia, and Mistress Amelia," a thin-faced, spotlessly attired human began, "if only we had been notified sooner of your arrival, we would have been better prepared. It's a pity you were not here last month for the Flamewind, which was spectacular this year. Regardless, we have moved guests from the penthouse suite to accommodate you. Naturally, the suite and all services will be complimentary, and a personal staff will be placed at your disposal. You will enjoy unlimited credit in the casino, and, of course, should you prefer private games..."

"Actually, we're not here to gamble," Han said. "Oh, I see. Well, in that case, private performances can be arranged. At the moment the Oseon is proud to present the Saffin Omlick Group, Moosh Kole, and the Kinetic Krew of the Molpol Circus, among a host of others." The manager gestured to his subordinates. "The Oseon would also be happy to arrange sightseeing visits to Rafa Four, Trammis Three, the ThonBoka Star Cave Nebula, or other destinations in the Centrality."

"That won't be necessary," Leia said pleasantly. The manager bowed slightly. "Of course. If you've come simply for privacy..."

"We were hoping for a chance to speak privately with Cix Trouvee," Han said quietly.

The manager stared at him.

Han returned a blank look. "Isn't he still the owner?"

"Captain Solo, I'm sorry to have to report that Cix Trouvee pa.s.sed on some weeks ago."

Han lowered his head, but before his full disappointment could show, the manager added: "But the Oseon is now owned by his children, and I'm certain they would be more than happy to speak with you about whatever matter has brought you here. In fact, they had hoped to fete you privately once you were settled in."

Han, Leia, and Allana traded smiles.

"That would be great," Han said.

The office occupied the summit of the Oseon Tower. A round room decorated with exceptional examples of sculpture and statuary, it en-joyed a kilometer-high view of the planet, from the Ribbon clear to the s.p.a.ceport and nascent skyhook. A ridge of arid mountains stood sentinel on the horizon, and the lavender sky, crosshatched by contrails, was filled with ascending and descending ships. Leia sat on a cushioned bench at one of the transparisteel windows, Allana on her knee, pointing to different resorts along the Ribbon.

"That hotel with the giant wings is a replica of a building on a world called Thyferra," Leia said.

"Where bacta comes from."

"Exactly. And those gardens are similar to ones on Ossus. And look, do you recognize that one?"

Allana followed Leia's finger down to the crenellated turrets of a fanciful castle fronted by a gargantuan fountain.

"Is that supposed to be Hapes?"

Leia nodded. "It's called the Seven Moons Casino. We can go there tomorrow if you'd like."

"That'll be weird."

"You're right, it will be weird. But it will also be fun."

Allana reached up to wrap her arms around Leia's neck and hugged her. "I love you, Grandma," she whispered into her ear.

Leia shut her eyes and tightened her embrace. "I love you, too."

Allana pulled away and Leia smiled. "Mistress Amelia."

Allana twittered a laugh and hurried to one of the adjacent window panels. Leia stood and moved toward Han, who was speaking with the three siblings from Cix Trouvee's first marriage. As with many long-term residents of Oseon VII, they were holding on to their natural good looks with the help of surgical procedures and other rejuvenation techniques. Leia stopped to regard a wondrous sculpture of a double helix.

"Is this piece from Alderaan?"

"It was made there," Doon said, the oldest of the three, tan, slim, and fit. "But it spent many years in the presidential suite of the Hotel Manarai on Coruscant. We were fortunate enough to acquire it at a recent auction."

Leia turned to take in the other sculptures. "Are these others genuine?"

"How we wish-since it is our goal to make the Oseon Resort as authentic as possible. Unfortunately, most Coruscant Republicana now resides in the hands of private collectors. But they are museum quality reproductions."

They ambled over to where Han was seated with the daughter and younger son. A droid had delivered a small feast of snacks and drinks. "What is it you wished to speak with my father about, Captain Solo?" Doon said.