Rembrandt Biblical Scene

they headed straight for theenigmatic figure who whispered something to the lead trooper and gestured to thedocking bay. The information must have been provocative. Activating their weapons andraising them to firing position, the troops charged en masse down the docking-bayentrance. A glint of light on moving metal caught Solo's eyes as the unwelcome outlinesof the first troops showed themselves. Solo thought it unlikely they would pause toengage in casual conversation. His suspicion was confirmed before he could openhis mouth to protest their intrusion, as several dropped to their knees and opened fireon him. Solo ducked back inside, turning to yell forward. "Chewie—deflector shields, quick! Get us out of here!" A throaty roar of acknowledgment came back to him. Drawing his own pistol, Solo managed to snap off a couple of bursts from thecomparative safety of the hatchway. Seeing that their quarry was neither helplessnor comatose, the exposed troops dove for cover. The low throbbing rose to a whine, then to a deafening howl as Solo's hand camedown on the quick-release button. Immediately the overhead hatch-cover slammedshut.