Hylas and the Nymphs

nearlycracked with restraint. "But this is the last time. If you disappoint me again, if youtrample my generosity in your mocking laughter, I'll put a price on your head so largeyou won't be able to go near a civilized system for the rest of your life, because onevery one your name and face will be known to men who'll gladly cut your guts outfor one-tenth of what I'll promise them." "I'm glad we both have my best interests at heart," replied Solo pleasantly as heand Chewbacca started past the staring eyes of the Hut's hired guns. "Don't worry,Jabba, I'll pay you. But not because you threaten me. I'll pay you because…it'smy pleasure." "They're starting to search the spaceport central," the Commander declared,having to alternately run a couple of steps and then walk to keep pace with the longstrides of Darth Vader. The Dark Lord was deep in thought as he strode down one ofthe battle station's main corridors, trailed by several aides. "The reports are just starting to come in," the Commander went on. "It's only amatter of time before we have those 'droids." "Send in more men if you have to. Never mind the protests of the planetaryGovernor—I must have those 'droids. It's her hope of that data being used againstus that is the pillar of her resistance to the mind probes." "I understand, Lord Vader. Until then we must waste our time with GovernorTarkin's foolish plan to break her."

Madonna Litta

hadrejoined them, "and there's Chewbacca. He seems excited about something." Indeed, the big Wookie was waving over the heads of the crowd and jabberingloudly in their direction. Speeding their pace, none of the foursome noticed thesmall, dark-clad thing that had followed them from the transporter lot. The creature moved into the doorway and pulled a tiny transmitter from a pouchconcealed by its multifold robes. The transmitter looked far too new and modern tobe in the grasp of so decrepit a specimen, yet its manipulator was speaking into it withsteady assurance. Docking bay ninety-four, Luke noted, was no different in appearance from a hostof other grandiosely named docking bays scattered throughout Mos Eisley. Itconsisted mostly of an entrance rampway and an enormous pit gouged from the rockysoil. This served as clearance radii for the effects of the simple antigrav drive, whichboosted all spacecraft, clear of the gravitational field of the planet. The mathematics of spacedrive were simple enough even to Luke. Antigravcould operate only when there was a sufficient gravity well to push against—like thatof a planet—whereas supralight travel could only take place when a ship was clear ofthat same gravity. Hence the necessity for the dual-drive system on any extrasystemcraft.

Naiade oil painting

cut and run-down as the majority of Mos Eisley. Its sloping sides were crumbling in placesinstead of being smoothly fashioned as they were on more populous worlds. Lukefelt it formed the perfect setting for the spacecraft Chewbacca was leading themtoward. That battered ellipsoid which could only loosely be labeled a ship appeared tohave been pieced together out of old hull fragments and components discarded asunusable by other craft. The wonder of it, Luke mused, was that the thing actuallyheld its shape. Trying to picture this vehicle as spaceworthy would have caused himto collapse in hysteria—were the situation not so serious. But to think of traveling toAlderaan in this pathetic… "What a piece of junk," he finally murmured, unable to hide his feelings anylonger. They were walking up the rampway toward the open port. "This thingcouldn't possibly make it into hyperspace." Kenobi didn't comment, but merely gestured toward the port, where a figure wascoming to meet them. Either Solo had supernaturally acute hearing, or else he was used to the reactionthe sight of the Millennium Falcon produced in prospective passengers. "She maynot look like much," he confessed as he approached them, "but she's all go. I'veadded a few unique modifications to her myself. In addition to piloting, I like totinker. She'll make point five factors beyond lightspeed."

precious time

had watched them in operation. Chewbacca had lingered behind at the docking-bay entrance. Now he rushedup the ramp, a hairy whirlwind, and blabbered excitedly at Solo. The pilot regardedhim coolly, nodding from time to time, then barked a brief reply. The Wookiecharged into the ship, pausing only to urge everyone to follow. "We seem to be a bit rushed," Solo explained cryptically, "so if you'll hurryaboard, we'll be off." Luke was about to venture some questions, but Kenobi was already proddinghim up the ramp. The 'droids followed. Inside, Luke was slightly startled to see the bulky Chewbacca squirm and fighthis way into a pilot's chair which, despite modifications, was still over-whelmed byhis massive form. The Wookie flipped several tiny switches with digits seeminglytoo big for the task. Those great paws drifted with surprising grace over the controls. A deep throbbing started somewhere within the ship as the engines wereactivated. Luke and Ben began strapping themselves into the vacant seats in themain passageway.

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.