Luck is a Four-Letter Word
Part I: Just Bad Luck
The tiny hairs on Jalen Shorne's neck stood up just moments before her bedroom door opened, allowing a tiny sliver of light from the hallway beyond to spill into the darkened room. Soon that sliver of light was replaced by the silhouette of a body, and the teenage girl found herself squeezing her eyes shut and crossing all the fingers and toes she could manage, wishing that it wasn't the man deep down she knew it was.
Part of her conscience screamed to her that it could be Han, it could be, back from his recent assignment and wanting to say hello before morning.
But it wasn't, and she knew before she opened her eyes that it was Garris Shrike and he did not want to just say hello before morning. He wanted something entirely different, and because he was the girl's captor, her provider, her only hope for three square meals and a bed to sleep in, he would get it.
**
Tears streamed down the pretty 15-year-old's face as she watched the Imperial Troopers handcuff her father and lead him out into the alley beyond their small rented cottage. Jalen Shorne somehow found movement in her legs once the last soldier exited, the swinging door barely hanging on by it's hinges slamming with a loud BANG! behind him.
They were still there when she took the same path the troopers had taken her father, out into the alley behind their home. They told her to remain quiet but she disobeyed, quietly whimpering for her father as they pushed him into the secure Imperial speeder.
"Daddy..."
Markan Shorne, looking as though his heart would break as he witnessed his little girl being restrained by the Imps, leaned out of the speeder as far as his governs would allow and reached for his daughter's eyes with his own. When the girl's liquid green eyes met her father's anguished brown ones, he smiled, ever-reassuring in even the darkest of times.
"It's okay, little one," he soothed, ignoring the trooper demanding his quiet. "Go to Lady Belisa, she will care for you until my return."
His words steadily got louder as the Imperials pulled his daughter away, though she fought all along, good girl that she was, fought to glimpse her father through the very last minute, until the very last second, just in case it was the last time.
**
The last time. One of these times, while Garris Shrike molested her in her own bed, would be the last time. Jalen tried hard to ignore his roaming hands, his impatient demands that she respond, as though she liked it, and his satiated grunts and groans from the small adjoining bathroom as he completed his release after sufficiently working himself up in her bed.
It was strange, really, that he didn't just rape her. Not that she was about to suggest it to him, but this wasn't much better. He touched, kissed, fondled and groped until he could stand it no longer, and always retreated to the bathroom to finish himself off. He never said why, and Jalen certainly never asked, but she supposed it was because he didn't want to soil her; she was still a virgin and that meant that when she turned 18 he could get a very nice sum for her sale.
During these late night rendezvous Jalen would plan. She'd plan for when it would be the last time Shrike violated her. One of these nights, she'd manage to steal a knife from the kitchen. She wasn't sure how yet, but one night she'd do it, and she'd have it waiting for Shrike to make his move.
It would be his last move.
Surely she'd be killed for harming, or murdering--if her aim was that good--the leader of their little "operation", but it would be far better than enduring this, wouldn't it?
**
Lady Belisa was old; so old that every time Jalen saw her she wondered if there would be another. But the elder woman helped whenever she could, and because of that, Jalen had come to depend on her when her father was working.
"Working" really was smuggling, which was a living, but not the most honest one. Jalen didn't mind, and her father did have his scruples: he never shuttled slaves or guns, and was a good enough pilot that he still got steady cargo for his ship. They made a decent living, enough credits in the bank to survive month to month, which was as decent as it came for families like theirs.
Families like theirs meant broken ones. Jalen didn't know her mother, and only heard rumors that she was a pleasure girl in one of the brothels in town. Her father denied it vehemently, but Jalen always wondered if her father even knew where her mother was, and if he was just denying it because he couldn't face that reality in his own mind. It didn't much matter, for as long as Jalen could remember it had been herself and her father, no one else, save for Lady Belisa who stepped in when she was needed but never pushed, never prodded, and never passed judgment on the wayward Markan Shorne and his daughter.
Showing up at Lady Belisa's flat that day her father had been arrested was almost surreal for the young girl. The live-in nurse answered the door, curtly informing her that Lady Belisa was sick and not to be disturbed. Jalen insisted, citing the recent emergency in her life and assuring the contemptible nurse that Lady Belisa would agree to see her if she knew the circumstances under which she came. The nurse disallowed it, slamming the door in the teenager's face and sending Jalen into the world utterly and completely alone.
The credits in the bank were frozen, and Jalen Shorne found herself with no money for food or rent. Twenty-eight days later she was evicted, and fifteen-year-old Jalen Shorne found herself homeless, with little more than a knapsack on her back and a hole in her heart where hope used to reside.
Exactly two days later, Garris Shrike found her, and Jalen Shorne became the newest member of the Trader's Luck family.
**
Han Solo forced down the rage that boiled up inside him every time he saw the hollow, haunted look in his friend Jalen's eyes. It was there this morning, seemingly worse than ever before, as he took his usual seat across from her in the small dining hall.
She didn't even smile back when he flashed her his crooked grin, and it immediately morphed into a frown across his ruggedly handsome features.
"He did it again," Han whispered, leaning forward and taking the hand Jalen had resting on the table into his. He squeezed it softly. "Was it bad?"
Han had been gone on a smuggling mission for Shrike for three days. In his fourteen years aboard the Trader's Luck, the first five years of his life being a complete void in his memory, Han had proven himself to be a better-than-average pilot, a talent that Shrike would not allow to go to waste. More and more lately, Solo was sent on smuggling runs in the most dangerous parts of deep space, the parts Shrike didn't want to send his "valuable" pilots to (but really places his "valuable" pilots couldn't handle), always heavily guarded in case Han decided to make a run for it. They were welcome reprieves for Han, he hated the ancient troopship relic they resided on, but it seemed that the horror Jalen endured multiplied by ten each time he left.
Han was the only person who knew about Shrike's penchant for the beautiful 17-year-old, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to pounce on the smug leader each time he saw him. Behavior like that would only get Solo killed, and Jalen's torture would go on and on. Instead he plotted. He planned and plotted his and Jalen's escape every chance he got. They would get off this ship, if it was the last thing they did. Han knew he was running out of time. In less than six months Jalen would turn 18, and the very day, Shrike would profit handsomely from her sale. Then she would be completely violated, her innocence taken, and that was something Han would never be able to get back for her.
When the girl didn't answer his question, Han leaned further in. "I've got a plan."
Jalen made a face, as much effort as she could give right now to be humorous. Han seemed to appreciate it and smiled widely, raising his eyebrows in a gesture that clearly said "trust me". Jalen did, Han knew, as precarious as trusting him could be at times. And that made his need for success even that much greater. Jalen was the only thing he cared about in the world, other than himself and flying. He could give a vernom's ass about money, nice clothes or the finer things in life. To him, the finer things in life were Jalen at his side and a fast ship under his control. Maybe the occasional sabbacc game, the desire to win more for bragging rights than credit chips.
**
The first person Jalen Shorne met on the Trader's Luck was Han Solo. Shrike wasn't much of a people-person, so he'd simply shown her to her quarters, explained that she was to eat three square meals in the dining hall, and obey him and the guards above all else.
When Solo flopped down at her lone table and extended his hand, Jalen thought he was cute, in a goofy sort of way. He had to be the most arrogant son of a bitch she'd ever met. But he ignored her tears and shaky voice, and she'd appreciated that. So she let him stay.
"Han Solo," he introduced, taking her hand in his and shaking it vigorously. He flashed a grin and leaned forward. "And you are...?"
"Jalen Shorne," she'd managed, though her voice surfaced squeaky and scared. She looked around. Every other person in the meal hall was young, like them. She figured Han to be at least 17, if not older. But it seemed no one was over 20, certainly none of the girls. All the females in the room just seemed young. Very young. "How come everyone here is so young?"
Han raised his eyebrows and looked around, as if noticing it for the first time. He shrugged. "I know you're new here, cause I woulda remembered if you were around before."
A blush crept up Jalen's cheeks and she managed a smile. Her first in three days. Han smiled back, triumphant.
"So you must not know much about what you're here for," he continued. He grew solemn quickly and Jalen felt her heart skip a beat. "I'm not gonna lie to you, Jalen. Shrike uses us for...well, whatever we're good for. The youngest ones, the kids you see, they get dropped off on a planet every two days to beg for money. Each kid has a sector that he has to cover, and he better not come back with less than their quota."
"Or what?" Jalen asked, green eyes widening.
Han shrugged. "I don't know. I always made my quota. I pickpocketed rather than begged," he set his lips into a thin line. "I don't like begging."
Jalen stared at the young man with awe. "You've been here that long?" she asked, unable to keep the fear and suspect out of her voice.
The young man pushed his hair off his forehead and shifted somewhat in his seat. Jalen realized she'd made him uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry," she amended quickly. "It's none of my business."
Han smiled half-heartedly. "It's not that," he said with less confidence than before. "I'm an orphan. I was raised here." He paused, studying the girl for any changes in her expression. He saw none. "It's no big deal."
Pushing the food around on her plate, Jalen kept her eyes fixed downward. She shrugged mirthlessly. "I don't see how being an orphan is something to be embarrassed about," she muttered. "You're not the one who should be ashamed, it's the people who left you." Jalen stopped, closing her eyes quickly and giving a quick apology to her father in her head. "I mean," she amended, "if they had a choice to leave you. If they didn't, it's no one's fault, it's just...bad luck...?" smiling sheepishly, she trailed off into a question. 'Bad luck' hardly seemed the term for it, but Han noticed her meaning and smiled in appreciation as well.
"I don't know if I was abandoned or if it was just...bad luck," he chuckled. "I don't remember my first four years at all. My earliest memory is when Shrike found me begging for food on Correlia."
Jalen nearly laughed at the irony.
"Shrike found me begging for food on Correlia too. But that was only three days ago."
Han was unsure whether to laugh or cry. It seemed so unfair. This girl was more than beautiful, she was...radiant. Something about her glowed from the inside, even after all she'd been through. He was itching to hear her story, to find out what in the world would bring a gem like her into a place like this. Settling back, Han smiled.
"Tell me."
**
Ten hours later found Han and Jalen in the exact same place they were that morning, this time sitting together over a less-than-appetizing dinner rather than breakfast. Jalen was still listless and despondent, Han noticed, and he realized that he'd done the right thing, spending most of the day preparing for their escape. He'd hoped to do it at a different season; sometimes Shrike had less guards for weeks or even months than other times; but he'd decided this morning that it couldn't wait. They had to get off Trader's Luck now, for good, or Jalen was going to sink further and further into depression. Depression turned to desperation, and, Han knew, she'd probably kill Shrike one night, which would only get her killed soon after.
And there was no way Han could deal with that.
"We're escaping tonight," Han revealed without preamble, leaning as close to his friend as he could get in the chairs that were bolted to the floor of the meal hall.
Jalen widened her eyes in interest, but continued eating her soup so the guards wouldn't get suspicious.
Han nodded at her and smiled. "Good girl," he praised. "See? We're pulling this off already."
Jalen shot her counterpart a look that said 'don't get cocky' and settled back with a roll, picking at it as she always did and popping sections into her mouth. She waited for him to explain.
"Tonight, right after the sleep cycle begins, you need to come to my room through the ventilation shafts, the same way you always do."
Jalen narrowed her eyes. She went to Han's room some nights, but always waited until the time Shrike came in, just in case he did that night. If he didn't, she often fell asleep waiting. If he did, she snuck out as soon as he vacated the bathroom to cry softly in her friend and mentor's arms. She'd never, ever snuck out before Shrike's time, as much as she'd wanted to avoid his machinations. But she knew if Shrike found her in Han's room, he'd separate both of them, or worse, and they'd probably never see each other again.
"Right away?" Jalen whispered urgently, her eyes flitting around the dining hall.
Han nodded. "Right away," he confirmed. "I figured the chances of Shrike coming for you tonight are smaller, since he came last night, right?" Jalen nodded sadly and Han continued. "So chances are, they won't realize we're missing until morning. That'll give us more than enough head start."
"And if he does come for me? His time's running short you know, maybe he's trying to make up for lost time," Jalen commented bitterly.
Han bit his bottom lip and tried not to let anger surface. He hated to think of anyone touching Jalen in any way that wasn't reverent, but Shrike's stratagems were too much for him to bear. Instead, he fixed his brown eyes on the girl across from him and spoke firmly. "It doesn't matter, baby, because either way we'll be out of here before the bastard knows what hit him."
Looking down at her plate still full of food, suddenly feeling no appetite whatsoever, Jalen sighed. "What's the plan?" she asked half-heartedly.
Han frowned. "Hey," he complained, reaching across the table to brush her arm with his hand. "Hey, don't you trust me? This is it, kiddo! We're getting out of here. For good. Doesn't that merit just a little excitement?"
Jalen frowned back. "I'll be excited when the plan is successful," she said honestly. "I do trust you Han, it's Shrike and his goons I don't trust. So would you just tell me what we're doing so I can be prepared?"
Raising his eyebrows in surprise at the sudden verbal attack, Han sat back. He contemplated pouting, then thought better of it and allowed himself to be pumped up enough for the both of them. "Okay, we're gonna escape on a life pod," he whispered conspiratorially.
Jalen leaned forward. "Escape on a life pod," she repeated flatly. "I recall several people trying that before and the Trader's Luck picked up their coordinates in twenty minutes flat."
Han nodded knowingly. "I know, I know, that's why we've never taken that route before. But listen, I've hit gold. I overheard some of the workers talking about programming all of the life pods to be jettisoned tonight. They've got specific coordinates, in case any of us try to stow aboard. Shrike figures that's his safeguard." Han smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. Jalen knew that meant he was proud of himself for finding a way around it. She waited until he continued speaking. "One of the workers, you know that one that's always smoking something? I gave him 200 credits to "accidentally" leave his computer code in after he programs the coordinates for life pod 211."
Han grinned. Jalen frowned. "So what if the spice smoking worker decides it's not worth it to die under Shrike's torture when the boss finds out what computer programmed that particular life pod and tells him where we really went?"
"He doesn't know," Han confided. "The guy's so messed up in the head, he just left his computer on and sauntered away. I kept the original coordinates and used code to program in the alternate coordinates. Right before we hit hyper space, all I have to do is punch the button for the alternate, and off we go to never-never land! They won't know we didn't' use the original route until they reach whatever planet it was going to, and don't find it there."
Jalen smiled. "And since it will appear all the pods went to their rightful destinations, they won't know what pod we were in until they check all the pods where they landed. Where's number 211 in the line up?"
"Fourth to last, out of 22," Han revealed, grinning even more broadly. Quickly he looked around and took a few slurps of his soup, desperate to hide his manic happiness and excitement. The plan seemed almost fool-proof. It should have worried him--no good plan was without a few hang-ups. But Han was in way too good of a mood to let anything spoil it.
He'd no sooner finished this thought when he looked up to find Jalen frowning at him. "Not that frown again," he complained, setting his spoon down in his bowl with a loud clatter. "What now?"
Jalen tilted her head. "Why is Shrike getting rid of the life pods?" she asked, confusion written all over her face. "Sounds very un-Shrike like to me. He's always panicked about having the best of everything on this stupid hunk of junk. Why would he choose to have a ship with no life pods?"
Han shrugged. "You just answered your own question," he said smugly. "Shrike needs the best of everything. He's getting a shipment of new, state of the art life pods tonight. He needs to be rid of the old ones so he's got room to dock the new ones. The old ones clear out at 0140 hours, the new ones come in at 0200 hours."
Jalen thought about this, her mind racing. There had to be a loop-hole somewhere. "What about scanners? Can't they scan for which pods have life forms on them?"
"What do you think I was doing all day? I jammed each and every scanner on each and every pod. They're not reading anything from the insides of those things."
"You're pretty proud of yourself aren't you?" Jalen asked, taking in her friend's gleeful smile, his arms crossed over his chest in quiet triumph. Han nodded. Jalen smiled. "You should be," she finally admitted, taking another large bite of her roll and chewing thoughtfully.
Han mimicked her. They ate in silence for a while until Han finally said, "so can I get just a little excitement or what?"
Staring at him for a long while, Jalen considered. She hadn't even asked him where they were going. It hadn't crossed her mind to care. Any place was better than the Trader's Luck. Any place without Garris Shrike was a paradise to her. She wanted to be excited, but she couldn't be. If they were caught, their lives would be worse than ever. And she couldn't imagine anything worse than being caught at Shrike's mercy without Han to keep her sane. If it wasn't for Han, she'd have gone completely mad long ago. No one could endure that much torture, physically and emotionally, and remain coherent. No, Han was her safe haven. He couldn't stop what was happening, but he did provide comfort and understanding until the morning after. He'd been strong for her when she needed it, and he'd cried with her when she needed that too. Jalen was suddenly fearful. Their plan had to work. It had to. If it didn't, and they were separated, Jalen realized without Han, she had nothing.
**
Han didn't think his friendship with Jalen bothered anyone on the Trader's Luck until Shrike cornered him one day. They'd been practically inseparable since she'd been brought on board, Han taking the scared young girl under his wing and teaching her the ways of life as a member of the Trader's Luck "family".
Shrike's accusing voice three months later both surprised and angered Han though he had to struggle not to show it. He hadn't been all that successful and had earned quite the beating for his efforts.
"She's young you know," Shrike sneered, leading Han away from his cleaning detail and into the Captain's stark office. "Young and innocent," he continued, settling himself on the edge of his desk, leaving Han to stand nervously in the center of the room. "I don't want that spoiled, Solo. I plan to make a nice profit off the beautiful young one when she turns eighteen."
Han hadn't responded right away, only wondered why Garris was telling him this. He almost asked as much, then decided against it. Instead, he remained perfectly still, staring straight ahead and trying desperately not to project any emotions whatsoever.
"Have you spoiled that yet, Solo?" Shrike asked menacingly, standing and positioning his tall, lanky frame directly in front of the young pilot's. "Have you taken her innocence? She's enraptured with you, you know. Though I can't for the life of me figure out why."
Han shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about, sir," he managed, keeping his voice even and steady, not allowing himself to show fear. Above all, never show fear. That's what he'd told Jalen and that's exactly what he planned to do just now. "I'm not sure what you're asking."
A wild backhand caught Han squarely in the jaw and he winced and backed away. His hand immediately flew to his bruised face. He did not complain, nor fight back. He merely stood there, his cheek stinging in the aftermath.
"You know exactly what I am asking," Shrike accused. "Don't get smart with me, boy! I raised you. You should be thanking me rather than mouthing off every chance you get." Han didn't respond and Shrike continued his tirade. "Little Jalen Shorne is fifteen, Solo. And she's mine. You may not touch her in any way that crosses the lines of friendship, do you understand me?"
Han didn't know what to say, so he simply nodded. He was numb. He wanted to attack Shrike right then and there. Their builds were similar and Han was sure he could take the graying captain. But Shrike always carried a weapon. And he was quick on the draw to say the least. Han probably wouldn't make it one step before he was blasted down. So he just stood there, numbly. He listened to Garris Shrike call his sweet friend "his" and swallowed down every ounce of vile hatred for the man that he could.
Shrike seemed satisfied with the kid's ready acceptance to his terms regarding the girl, but part of him still burned with anger. Han Solo was a good-looking kid. A promising young pilot, and definitely smooth with members of the opposite sex. Garris Shrike knew it wouldn't have been hard to coax the young innocent into his bed. At this very thought, Shrike growled, lashing out once again at Solo. "Now answer me, Solo. Have--you--slept--with--Jalen--Shorne?!"
He enunciated every word, each one grating on Han's nerves. His head was aching steadily now, and he felt a small trickle of blood inching down from the corner of his mouth. But he was proud of himself, for both heavy blows he hadn't fallen. Licking the sticky blood off the corner of his lip, Han smiled ferally at the man who raised him.
"I'm really not the kind of guy that brags about his conquests," he said smartly, bracing himself for another attack.
When it didn't come, Han was stunned. He relaxed slightly, keeping his guard and starting at Shrike. The Captain had a look of complete and utter disbelief on his face. Han nearly smiled in triumph. Not many people could knock Garris Shrike off their game. Han knew his victory would be short-lived, for he'd get the beating of his life once Shrike realized he'd been back-talked and mocked all at the same time. So he tried to enjoy the feeling while it lasted, and forced himself to remain steely calm in the face of the man that would soon beat him senseless.
Instead of beating Han with his fists, Shrike walked calmly around to the other side of his desk and pulled out a silver pen knife. It's blade glinted in the late-day artificial sunlight that was filtering through the window. Han swallowed, realizing that this little game he was playing was probably a big, big mistake. Shrike smiled and took the few short steps to where Han was standing.
"You know, you're not worth all that much to me," Shrike said menacingly, pressing the tip of the blade up against the column of Han's throat. He held it tightly, pushing just enough to break the skin if Han so much as swallowed. "You're a damn good pilot, and you make a lot of money for me in those swoop races," he admitted, "but I've got lots of other kids who can make me lots of other money too. And your sweet little girlfriend Jalen? She's gonna make me the most money of all."
Han winced and he felt the blade cut into him, just slightly. It hurt, but he made no other noises and forced his body to stop trembling from the inside.
"So you see how important it is to me that she remain a virgin until I sell her," Shrike continued, his voice hissing into Han's ear like an unwelcome parasite. "So if you've ruined that, you're both worth nothing, do you understand that?"
When Han didn't answer, Shrike continued, tracing the tip of the knife across Han's throat, from one ear to the other. He'd only cut the young man in one place, and he paused there, digging the tip in a little further, forcing Han to cry out in pain.
Shrike laughed. "That's right, Solo. You're not as strong and brave as you put on, now are you?" The manic Captain stepped back and swiftly delivered an uppercut to Solo's jaw. Han staggered backward, holding his mouth as he felt blood gushing out of his tongue. It seeped through his teeth and into his fingers, but still Han held it there, refusing to let Shrike see how badly he was wounded.
"Now I'm going to ask you one more time, Solo," Shrike threatened, stepping toward the younger man once again with the pen knife. "Have you slept with Jalen Shorne?"
Han's head was spinning. He was beginning to get very dizzy, and Garris Shrike standing above him was starting to blur in and out. Come on, Solo, don't pass out, he told himself desperately. Don't pass out in front of this monster. Just answer his question and get the hell out!
Heeding his own conscience, Han mumbled something that sounded like a negative, and managed to stand. Shrike offered him a hand, but Han refused it, using the wall he was leaning up against to pull himself upward.
Shrike nodded, proud of the boy he'd raised. "Good, good, kid. Now listen to me. Don't touch her and you'll be just fine, you got that?"
Han nodded slowly, looking longingly at the door. When he was dismissed, he practically ran from the room.
That night was the first night Jalen snuck to Han's room and told him of the degrading things Garris Shrike had begun to do to her.
**
Jalen felt her way through the ventilation shaft as she had a million times before. She always kept her eyes closed, it was so dusty in there that her eyes would be infected for a week if she dared open them. But she knew the way, every turn, every grate, two hundred and twenty three crawling steps until Han's room.
Dropping soundlessly to the floor, Jalen brushed herself off as Han reached up and secured the grate. She flung her knapsack to the bed and followed it, flopping down as she watched Han throw his few belongings into a knapsack much like hers. When he was finished, he knelt on the floor in front of her, placing both his hands on her knees and staring solemnly into her eyes.
"You ready?" he asked, his voice not betraying fear or apprehension, as it never did, but his eyes telling a whole different story, one that Jalen had learned to read long ago. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Before Han stood and pulled away, however, she flung herself so violently into his arms he stumbled backwards, keening with a bang into the closet behind him.
Both froze, listening for the steps of the guards that were positioned on both sides of the hall. They heard nothing. Han eventually let his breath out and released the girl, pulling her up to a standing position with him. He threw her a crooked smile and shook his head. "See now, I don't know what that means, sweetheart. Yes you're ready or no you're not."
Jalen smirked at him and slipped her arms through the knapsack straps, securing it on her back. "That meant thank you for doing this, or at least trying to do this. And if we get captured just know that I love you."
Han didn't blink at her admission of love for him, they'd been saying it for almost a year now. As far as Han knew, it didn't stretch over the bounds of friendship, and that was fine with him since the last thing he wanted to do was hurt her in any way. And he was a much better friend than he was a boyfriend, that he knew. It had been harder as of late, not to look at her and wonder--though she'd always been beautiful, now, at seventeen, she was a woman, and Han, being a perfectly normal, red-blooded man, couldn't help but think...
But he tried really hard not to, since she was nowhere near ready for a relationship like that, especially after the year of torture she'd been subjected to by Garris Shrike. Then and there, Han vowed, if he ever saw Garris Shrike again, he'd kill him.
And with this thought, he took the girl into his arms again. "We're gonna be free in..." he looked at his watch over her shoulder, "fifteen minutes. And once we are, I promise you, no one will ever hurt you again. Not Garris Shrike, not anyone."
Jalen nodded in his arms and sniffled, causing Han to pull back and look at her face. He smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek. "Save that for the tears of joy and gratitude you're going to shed once we're in that life pod and on our way," he teased, lifting her in his arms so she could unhook the ventilation grate once again and climb into the dusty shaft.
**
About thirty yards, or ninety crawl steps into their journey through the ventilation shaft, Han stopped abruptly. Jalen slammed right into his backside when he did, causing him to let out a surprised whoop of pain. Opening her eyes, Jalen blinked and looked around.
"That hurt!" Han whispered, reaching around to rub his posterior.
Jalen laughed and rubbed her head. "I bet it hurt me more than you," she teased. "You and your bony butt. Why'd we stop anyway?"
Han reached around a corner and grabbed a plastic sack. In it were two pairs of goggles. "Put these on. I can't exactly find my way to the launching pad with my eyes closed. And maybe if you're eyes are open too, you won't smack into me every time I stop."
Jalen took the goggles from him and slipped them over her head. She felt better about looking around instantly. Watching as Han slipped his own pair over his eyes then stashed the bag back where he'd got it, Jalen asked, "how'd you get these up here anyway?"
Han smiled and continued crawling forward. "When I was unloading some crates for Shrike a couple months ago, this was the cargo. I slipped them up here just in case. You wouldn't believe what I've got hidden in these walls."
**
About a month after Garris Shrike started using her as his own personal plaything every few nights, Jalen felt like she would never sleep again. She hadn't done much sleeping in the past month as it was, and her insomnia didn't seem to be getting any better.
One particular night, the same day Shrike had dislocated Han's jaw with his fist, he was particularly rough and took a particularly long time to get himself aroused enough to retire to the bathroom. Once he did, Jalen let out a low moan, sobbing so hysterically into her pillow she felt like she'd never stop. Usually she was just numb, but this time, she hurt. Bad.
Inside, outside, and through her, pain coursed relentlessly. She felt like she would throw up if she moved, or she'd throw up if she didn't move, she wasn't sure which. Her ribs ached from the austere grip he held as he rubbed up against her, her breasts ached because of constant touching, stroking, biting, and her throat howled in pain, constricting so tightly so that she didn't scream as he fondled her it was difficult to breath, difficult to talk, difficult to think.
No, she had to get out of that bed.
Without thinking, Jalen pulled on a robe and stepped out into the hallway. Immediately both guards turned toward her, blasters trained.
"Return to your room, Miss Shorne," one instructed flatly.
Jalen felt like her heart would break. There was no getting out of that room until the sleep cycle was over. Slowly, she retreated and flopped back on her bed. It was then that she gazed the ventilation grate.
It took her over an hour to find Han's room. The only reason she knew it was his was because of the overstuffed orange chair that sat in one corner. The room was dark, but she could vaguely make out it's shape. No one else had a huge overstuffed chair in their room, that was for sure. Jalen hesitated in releasing the grate and jumping down, scaring Han into a screaming fit and bringing the guards on his floor running. She wasn't sure how else to get in, and vaguely considered turning around and following her track marks through the dusty shaft back to her room.
Her throat constricted into tears again and she futilely swallowed them back. No, she had to tell him, she had to get this huge weight off her chest. It was killing her inside. He wouldn't be able to stop it, but at least someone else would know. At least, if she killed Shrike one night, and got killed by the guards in return, Han would know why.
As quietly as she could, Jalen released the latch on the grate. It swung open soundlessly. Lowering herself down into the room but careful to keep hold of the edge of the shaft, Jalen allowed herself to dangle, gauging her landing before dropping herself down onto the carpet. She landed with a slight thud, and Han only muttered in his sleep and turned over. Breathing a sigh of relief, the young girl dusted her robe off then slipped it over her shoulders, leaving it hanging on the back of the overstuffed chair.
For a while she stared at Han as he slept. He seemed so peaceful, so young. Reaching out, she traced the scar that ran horizontal across his chin. The young man stirred again. Deciding on the way to wake him with the least chance of startling him so badly that he made any noise, Jalen whispered his name.
"Han."
No response, just a light snoring that caused the girl to smile.
"Han." This time she said it a little louder, perching herself on the edge of the bed. "Han, wake up."
Finally the young pilot did, shifting his weight before he fluttered his eyes open and blinked, trying to focus on the figure in his room. When he saw it was Jalen, he smiled. It quickly gave way to a frown as he came fully into consciousness and sat up.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gruff with sleep. "What's wrong?" She noticed his jaw was still swollen and pink from the beating he'd received earlier. Han hadn't told her what it was about, but rumors were flying that it was about her and she suddenly felt guilty.
This brought the tears, and the girl did nothing to stop them as she began to sob quietly, burying her face into her hands. Han immediately pulled her to him, bringing her against his bare chest and wrapping strong arms around her trembling form. She cried, nestled against him, for a long time until her choked sobs finally quieted and all that could be heard in the room was her labored breathing and his soft, quiet words of comfort.
Pulling away, Jalen wiped at her face impatiently and smiled. "I'm sorry," she muttered, gesturing to his chest that was now damp with her tears. Han shook his head and didn't bother to look down. Instead he stood and gathered her robe from where she'd left it on the chair, dusting it off.
"Did you come through the ventilation shaft?" he asked somewhat amusedly, wrapping the warm material around her shoulders then reclaiming his spot on the bed.
Jalen nodded and looked up at the grate that was still hanging open. Han noticed and stood quickly, refastening it easily. Jalen watched, marveling at the shape and contour of his body. He seemed so skinny with clothes on, and now, in only a loose pair of sweat pants, the broadness of his chest and shoulders was clearly defined. She looked away quickly when he sat back down.
"Alright, what happened?" Han asked, reaching out to brush a strand of her chestnut brown hair out of her face.
Jalen swallowed hard and looked down, suddenly uncomfortable to tell him. Han reached out again and used one finger to tip her face up to his. "Hey, it's me," he assured her. "You can tell me anything, right?"
Nodding, though not seeming completely sure, Jalen looked across the bed. She patted the comforter with her hand, as though testing it, then looked back to Han. "Can I--can we lay down? It's easier to tell you this if I don't have to look you in the eye."
Han raised his eyebrows but said nothing. He settled himself back against his pillows and opened his arms, allowing Jalen to crawl into them. Cradling her tiny body against his chest, resting his injured cheek against the softness of her hair and breathing in the sweet honeysuckle scent of her hair, Han closed his eyes. He mentally tried to prepare himself for whatever she was about to tell him. But instinct told him it wasn't good, in fact, it was horrible, and nothing could stop the anger boiling inside of him.
"It's Shrike," Jalen began, tears already choking up her throat and threatening to spill from her eyes. She forced herself to relax and concentrated on the steady beating of Han's heart beneath her head. He was strong and brave, and she could do that too...she had to do that too. She could learn from him how to get through this. Yes, she'd done the right thing coming here.
"He comes to my room at night," she continued, renewed and grateful to be able to rid herself of the terrible secret. "He doesn't rape me, but he--he touches me and kisses me and--" her voice rose several octaves and Jalen found herself panicking again. "Han I don't know what to do! It makes me sick every time and I don't' think I can take it anymore!"
Han wrapped his body tighter against his young friend's and stroked her hair. She managed to tell him the rest, through muffled sobs into his chest, and finally dissolved into another set of tears. Han blinked back his own tears. He was surprised at how much he cared for this girl, and how much anyone hurting her angered him. He had other friends, but none he cared about this much, none he was willing to give his own life to protect.
"I'm gonna stop him," Han said in a low voice. He hasn't even aware he'd said it aloud until Jalen lifted her head and braced herself against him, staring straight into his eyes.
"No, you can't, Han," she whispered desperately. One hand came up and stroked his injured cheek. "Look what he's done already. He'll kill you if you do anything more! Then where will that leave me?" Sheer desperation laced her saddened expression. "Not only will Shrike continue to do what he's doing to me, I won't have anyone! I'll be alone to deal with it! And I can't," she shook her head strongly. "I can't be alone right now, Han. Please understand that."
Han reached up, cupping both the girl's wet cheeks in his hands. "I understand," he said gruffly. "But you have to understand me. I can't know this is going on and just let it happen."
"You have to," Jalen said firmly. "Just like I have to let it happen. You can't stop it, because if you try, he'll kill you. I didn't tell you this so you would feel like you had to play the hero. I told you this because I couldn't keep it inside anymore. I need for you to let me come here afterwards, so I can sleep, so I can feel safe. Please, Han. That's all I want from you."
Han shook his head, swallowing back tears. The pure misery and acceptance on her face cut through his heart like a hot blaster bullet. "How long--?" he croaked. "How long has he been doing this to you?"
Jalen paused, laying her head back down against his chest. She squeezed her eyes shut as she heard Han's heartbeat quicken beneath her. He was angry, so angry, and she'd brought it on. She had to convince him not to do anything stupid. Getting himself killed wasn't going to help her at all.
"About a month," she said, stretching the truth just a bit but not feeling guilty one bit. "He only comes in once every few days. Sometimes only once a week. And it usually doesn't take very long for him to--you know--"
"Go into the bathroom?" Han finished for her, relating from her earlier recount.
Jalen shuddered. "Yeah, go into the bathroom," she agreed. "It's not that bad--"
Han jerked her away from him so roughly it startled her, causing her to squeak in protest. Han held her by the shoulders away from his body, fury flashing in his eyes so severely Jalen found herself afraid.
"Don't ever, ever discount how horrible this is, Jalen," he commanded, releasing his grip as he saw tears fill her eyes. "Oh, I'm so sorry," he amended, gathering her once again into his arms and holding her as she cried. "I didn't mean to scare you. You know I'd never hurt you right?"
She nodded immediately and Han relaxed. "I just don't want you to play this down so that I don't freak out," he explained. "I hear what you're saying. Fighting Shrike on this will only get me killed. And I'm not going to leave you alone. I told you that before. So we'll have to have a plan B."
Jalen pulled away once again and picked at the comforter. "I already have a plan B," she revealed.
Han dipped his head down to see into her eyes and waited for her explanation. Jalen swallowed hard. "One day I'm going to figure out some way to sneak a weapon into my room." Her voice took on a hard edge and shivers crawled up Han's spine at the anger flashing in her green eyes. "I'm going to kill him, Han, I swear it."
Han lay down once again and pulled the tiny girl to him. He let silence settle over them for some time before speaking. "That's only gonna get you killed," he revealed slowly. "And I don't think it's fair if I promise not to leave you that you go and leave me." He stroked her hair lightly and thought, wondering if she'd fallen asleep. She was so still, her breathing so even. But then she moved and he realized she was jut thinking.
"Okay, plan C then," Jalen proposed. "We escape."
Han smiled. "Now that's more like it," he agreed.
**
Dropping onto the launching pad as quietly as Jalen had dropped into Han's room hundreds of times before, she scurried toward the high pile of crates Han had disappeared behind. She was surprised not to see the place crawling with crew, and voiced this to Han when she joined him.
Han shrugged. "They'll be here once the pods detach, getting ready for the new shipment. It's not very exciting to be around when the old ones get released. They're all programmed in already. All they need is someone on each computer to let them go one by one."
Jalen nodded and looked around the hangar. There was one guard at the entrance, as there always was, but Han was carrying a blaster that he'd hidden in the ventilation shafts almost a year ago. If he did give them any trouble, and hopefully he wouldn't even see them, Han was sure that he was a good enough shot to take him down without much noise. Jalen hoped he was right. She instinctively gripped onto Han's free hand and he gave it a light squeeze.
"That's 211 right there," he muttered, pointing to the ship closest to them. Jalen was glad. She wondered if he'd picked that ship because of it's proximity to the exit of the ventilation shaft, or because it's computer operator was always high on glitterstim and easily bribed. Perhaps it was just a wonderful coincidence for both. Most of the way to the pod was covered by some type of box or crate, in fact, as far as Jalen could see, there was only about three meters of uncovered hangar they'd have to run through to get there.
Another thought gripped Jalen like a vice. "How are you going to get the pod door open?" she asked urgently.
Han looked around, trying to gauge whether it would be better to make a run for it now, or wait until it was closer to the launch time, thus risking more guards wandering into the hanger. He decided now was the time, the chances of guards coming into the hangar was greater than the chances of the pods being searched before they were jettisoned. He felt Jalen tugging urgently on his hand and remembered she'd asked a question.
"Oh," Han muttered. "It's the same as their number." As an afterthought he added, "Shrike only seems smart."
Jalen nodded and followed as Han pulled her through the maze of crates and landing gear. She kept her steps as quiet as possible and kept focused on Han, not daring herself to look left or right for fear she'd see something that would make her scream out. Like a guard. Or a vernom. Once they got to the open space, Han stopped and crouched. He debated on which of them should go first.
Deciding that he would, he turned to Jalen and gripped her by the shoulders. "Okay kid, I'm going. Real quiet-like, I'm just gonna slip on over there, open the pod and cover you while you run inside, okay?"
Jalen bit down on her lip and looked at her watch. She could already hear the pods in the line up before them being detached. Each launched ten seconds behind the other, which meant 211 was less than a minute from being jettisoned. She nodded resolutely, giving Han a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be careful," she whispered.
Han smiled. "Don't worry," he assured her with a cock of his head. "It's me."
Jalen held back a laugh as she watched him sprint to the pod. So far so good. The guard hadn't even turned their way. The hiss of the door as it opened seemed unbearably loud to Jalen's ears, but as she strained and watched the guard, he merely paced as usual. Waiting a beat until he was headed away from them, Jalen ran the short distance to the safety of the pod. Just as she climbed inside, she heard the butt of the blaster clang noisily against the side of the door.
the guard turned.
"Hey!"
Han cursed under his breath and squeezed off a shot. He'd done it with his eyes closed and missed the guard by a mile. The guard fired back and Han ducked into the pod, hearing the blaster bullet wing off the metal door frame.
"Just get in here!" Jalen commanded, trying to pull her friend to safety. Han shook his head and pulled himself in the opposite direction. He didn't' have time to explain, but he had to take the guard out...now.
Poking his head out of the small opening, Han aimed and fired once more at the guard who seemed to be calling for reinforcements. The guard's arm was flung from his face, and he crumpled to the ground then lay still. Han grimaced then flung himself into the small pod, jamming Jalen up against one wall. He reached out and flicked the close door switch, then peered out one of the view ports. "Come on, take off," he commanded under his breath, looking at his watch briefly. " Come on...211...take off!"
Jalen came up behind him, clinging to his black vest with tiny fists. "What if he called the computer operator before you shot him?"
Han shook his head. "I don't know, sweetheart," he muttered, feeling his heart thumping in his chest as more seconds ticked by and the pod stayed rooted to the spot. Realizing that they just might not take off, Han turned to Jalen. "I'm so--"
His apology was cut short when the pod lurched and hissed with activation. Neither stowaway said a word, afraid to speak too soon. Staring out the view port, both saw the massive air freighter slowly getting farther and farther away as their pod floated into darkness. Han jumped with realization. He leaned over the control panel and selected a switch. Pushing it abruptly, the pod lurched into hyper space, bypassing the original coordinates and sending them into another realm of space. Far away from Garris Shrike and the prison that was the Trader's Luck.
**
Correlia would have been great to go back to--it was familiar and Han would have easily been able to find them a place to stay. But it was the first place Shrike would look, and Han knew he had to get himself and Jalen as far away from any place Shrike would look as fast as possible. He'd planned to have them land on one planet, then hitch a ride somewhere entirely different, so if the pod was found, they'd be long gone from that planet.
Nar Shaada. A small moon orbiting Nal Hutta controlled by the Hutt. Han picked it because it was a bustling spaceport and he figured it would be easy to hitch a ride somewhere else.
It wasn't.
Han and Jalen found themselves in a small, dark cantina watching a game of sabbacc. Jalen stayed close to Han, not enjoying the leers she was receiving from the patrons at all. Han, meanwhile, was itching to get into the game.
"I just need to sit down for ten minutes, ten minutes!" he insisted to the dealer. "Just spot me the chips, I'll win, you'll see! I'll repay your credits and give you 50% of the winnings as well."
The dealer, a large furry Togorian, bristled and stared Han directly in the eye. "No ante, no deal!" she insisted, dismissing him with a wave and dealing the cards to the players.
One of the human men sitting at the table studied Han as he turned to Jalen and whispered in her ear. He leaned over, tugging at Han's pant leg. "Hey, kid. I'll spot you the ante if you'll split your winnings with me, 50-50," he offered, giving Jalen an ominous smile. Han looked suspect.
"And?"
The patron sat back, a decidedly hurt look crossing his face. It slowly dissolved into a menacing smile as he crossed his arms over his chest. "If you lose, you let me borrow your girl there for the night."
Han moved to get off his barstool but Jalen gripped his arm, fury flashing through her eyes. She picked up Han's drink and murmured into his ear, "I'll buy you another one." Han knew she wouldn't, since she didn't have any money and he was rapidly running out, but the look on the patron's face when she splashed part of the ale into his face, and poured the rest of it in his lap, was well worth the price of the drink. Growling one curse after another at him, Jalen picked up her purse and stalked out of the bar.
**
A deep, smooth voice rumbled behind her, nearly scaring Jalen out of her shoes as she stood outside the bar waiting for Han.
"Kind of a dangerous port for you to be out here by yourself," the voice said, moving from behind her to her side where he stood a respectable distance away.
Jalen was appreciative for that. She studied the man, chocolate colored skin, wavy black hair and a thin, wiry mustache gave him a distinguished look. He was handsome, she surmised, with deep, dark eyes that seemed to reach all the way down into his soul. They were laughing eyes too, gleaming with mischief and adventure, seeming in no way harmful. Still, she kept her wits about her, discreetly gazing at his person and realizing he was wearing a blaster and kept his grip pretty close to it as they faced off.
"I'm fine," she muttered softly, in response to his comment, casting her eyes toward the entryway of the cantina, desperately wishing Han would come outside. She hoped he wasn't fighting with that vile man. "I'm waiting for someone."
The stranger stepped a slight closer, smiling an off-kilter smile, not quite as cute as Han's but endearing in it's own way. He tilted his head and gazed at Jalen with those eyes, almost as though he was studying her, remembering her...appreciating her. "I don't know what kind of man would keep a beauty like you waiting," he lamented bowing slightly as he did so and causing a slight chuckle to surface from Jalen's lips.
The stranger began to laugh too but abruptly stopped and raised his guard as Han stepped outside, wiping a slight trickle of blood from his lip.
"Hey," he breathed, placing his other hand on Jalen's back in a protective gesture and studying the unknown man from head to toe. "You okay?"
Jalen ignored the other man for the time being and focused on Han. "Yeah, are you?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at his injured lip and reaching into her purse for a handkerchief. Pulling his hand from his lip and holding the kerchief up to it, Jalen frowned. "Why'd you fight with him, Han? I thought I did pretty good myself."
The young pilot laughed then winced at the gesture, finally addressing the other man. "Who're you?"
The other smiled and held his hand out. "Lando Calrissian," he introduced, shaking Han's hand vigorously and nodding politely at Jalen.
Han nodded as well. "Han Solo," he returned. "This here's Jalen Shorne."
Jalen glanced at Han quickly, wondering if he should have used their real names. Han said he would get them fake id's but he had to play in a few sabbacc games first to make some money. Han shrugged in a gesture toward Jalen that said 'too late now.' Lando noticed the exchange and cocked his head.
"I don't mean to pry," he began smoothly, immediately stopping when Han threw him a warning look.
"So don't," the pilot said sharply.
Calrissian smiled. "In the fighting mood tonight are we kid?" he asked, taking a slight step back as he saw Han shift on his feet. He wasn't kidding, this one was itching to release some tension. Lando glanced at the girl he'd introduced as Jalen. She looked tired, hungry, and positively terrified. And she was young, younger than the other, and he looked pretty young to Lando as well. He felt sorry for her and smiled softly, hoping to appeal to her since it obviously wasn't working with her boyfriend.
"Look, what do you need? Some money, a place to stay?"
Jalen opened her mouth, about to respond, when Han interrupted her, his temper flaring. "We don't need your charity!" he spat.
Calrissian raised his eyebrows and chuckled softly. "Okay buddy, hey, then why don't you just go home? Your girlfriend looks beat."
Han opened his mouth immediately but Jalen was ready this time, clamping her hand around it and muffling his words. She smiled sweetly at Calrissian who was obviously amused. "We need a ride to--" she looked at Han. "What's that place called?"
"Bespin," Han muttered.
"Bespin," Jalen repeated. "We don't have any money to pay someone..."
Lando held up a hand, nodding knowingly. "It happens," he said. "Bespin, huh? I've been meaning to head that way myself one of these days. Big sabbacc town. One could make a lot of money there, if he needs it. Is that why you're going?"
He was addressing Han but Jalen answered anyway. Han had fallen silent, sulking as he always eventually did when he was in a bad mood and had already let off steam.
"Yeah...I mean, Han is. If he can just get the entry fee for one round, he'll be able to win enough to keep playing, and eventually get us back on our feet again."
Lando raised his eyebrows and glanced at Han. He spoke to Jalen. "You're pretty confident," he observed.
Jalen nodded then shrugged. "I've never seen him lose," she said simply. "Do you know of anyone who would be willing to take us there and accept payment in a few days? We don't have much for collateral, but..." she fiddled with the silver locket around her neck that was her only remaining possession from her father. "I have this," she said quietly.
Han looked up and shook his head. "No, sweetheart, we're not giving that to anyone to hold on to while I win money," he said strongly. "We'll find some other way."
Jalen looked at Han, unshed tears swimming in her eyes. "There is no other way. No one is going to accept payment late unless we give them something to tide them over. People aren't just gonna trust you, you know."
Pulling the girl's hand from her neck, Han shook his head again. "Well too bad, we're gonna have to--"
Lando held up a hand, stopping the disagreement before it ensued. "Listen," he offered, shoving his hands into the pockets of his black designer slacks. "I have a ship that I don't know how to fly. I'll take you to Bespin, and take payment after you win. No collateral needed because I won't leave you alone until I get paid. All you have to do is find me a pilot that's willing to work for a reasonable price."
Han and Jalen smiled widely at each other. Lando shook his head. "Don't get too excited kids," he warned. "You're not going to find a pilot on Nar Shaada that's willing to work for a reasonable price."
Han's grin widened. "I've already got one," he announced proudly. "Me."
Lando looked at him skeptically. "You?"
"Yeah, me!" Han said confidently. "You're looking at the first ranked swoop pilot in the central galaxy," he bragged. "Look it up if you want, Han Solo. It's there. On paper and everything."
Pausing, Lando thought this over. "Han Solo," he repeated, a moment of clarity dawning on his handsome features. "Right, right, I know why your name sounds so familiar now...I lost a bunch of money betting against you a couple of years ago." He smiled. "Thanks a lot, pal."
Han grinned back, placing an arm around Jalen. She leaned into his side, apparently wearing out quickly. "So when can we leave?" Han asked.
**
Han hesitated before he turned the light dimmer to 'off' in the spacious cabin Jalen was sleeping in. He glanced one more time at the girl tucked beneath the covers and sighed. It crossed his mind, as it had a thousand times that day, that this may not have been the right thing to do. But when he thought about Garris Shrike touching her, he realized this was the only thing to do. Right or not, she was away from Shrike and that was all that mattered.
Han allowed himself one more gaze over Jalen's sleeping form then switched the light off and made his way back to the cockpit.
Lando glanced up from the manual he was reading when Han entered. "So how did you know what coordinates to set the navi computer to?" he asked, flipping through the pages of the thick book.
Laughing, Han took the book from Lando and threw it into a corner. It's pages splayed against the wall before collapsing unceremoniously to the ground. "I keyed the planet into the computer and it spit out the coords for me. It's not that hard, Calrissian."
Eyeing the pilot for a long while, Lando finally allowed his gaze to fall to the mottled starlines beyond the canopy as they rocketed through hyper space. It was silent for a while, both men lost in their respective thoughts, until Calrissian finally broke the moment, clearing his throat and sitting up straighter in his chair.
"Jalen get to sleep okay?" he asked, turning his body so that he was facing the young pilot. He propped his feet up on the console and Han winced, leaning forward and glancing at the space the other's feet rested upon to ensure he wasn't pressing any important buttons.
"Yeah," Han muttered absently, settling back in his chair and shooting Calrissian a chagrined look. He looked around. "This is a real nice ship."
Lando shrugged. "She's okay," he murmured disinterestedly. "I never was much into flying but public transport is so time consuming, not to mention really difficult for smuggling."
Smiling, Han nodded. It had occurred to him that he could have great success as a smuggler. It fascinated him to hear Jalen's stories of her father and Solo was dying to meet the old pirate some day. But smuggling meant you had to have your own ship, a fast ship, an expensive ship. And it would take a lot of sabbacc games to rake in that kind of dough.
he was about to comment when Lando spoke again. "So you gonna tell me why you and your girlfriend are hungry and homeless with no money or destination to speak of or am I going to have to draw my own conclusions?" he asked.
Hesitating, Han stared at Lando for a long while, sizing him up. He wasn't about to trust someone right off the bat, but this one seemed like a good guy, just needing a little companionship and a whole lot of flying lessons. "She's not my girlfriend, first of all," Han revealed, leaning back and hooking his hands at the back of his head.
Lando raised his eyebrows. "She's not?" he asked, somewhat disbelieving. "You sure act like it."
Han laughed. "Yeah, well...I try to protect her," he admitted, still grinning.
"Rather fiercely," Lando interjected.
Shaking his head, Han rid himself of the smile and turned serious. "Well, there's a lot of not-so-nice guys out there," he defended. "And she's young, you know? Real young."
Lando frowned. "How young?" He wasn't about to get arrested for harboring some kind of runaway, that was for sure. He'd drop them off at the next planet if that was the case. Imps were cracking down lately, and the last thing he needed was trouble with the Empire.
Han shook his head as though reading the other man's mind. "Not that young," he amended. "17. I met her when she was barely 15 and kind of took her under my wing. We were..." Han hesitated, afraid to give away too much. "We were in a situation where it was every man for himself. So I looked out for her. We became friends. I care about her a lot."
"I can tell," Lando admitted, feeling a pang of envy at that kind of closeness, the blind friendship that everyone seemed capable of but him. "She adores you, that's obvious," he observed further, laughing at Han's smug look as he said the words. "Though I can't figure out why."
Leaning even further back into his hands, Han exhaled sharply, giving Lando a coy look. "What can I say," he muttered. "I guess I'm just irresistible."
Pushing up from his seat, Lando stood above Han and laughed. "You keep telling yourself that pilot," he muttered. "Meanwhile, I'm going to get some shut eye."
TBC…