Star Wars Journal - Hero for Hire by Han Solo (9 page)

Han:
No kidding. Have you ever considered they might not let
you
out of here? Of course, how different can this be from the monk’s life?

Sai’da:
Oh, very different. To be deprived of my books would be unthinkable.

Han:
You know, I understand your interest in history. I really do. I’m not without a certain interest myself. But sometimes don’t you want to actually be out and
living
life, making some history of your own?

Sai’da:
It is a desire I try to contain. It is not considered a proper concern in my order.

Han:
Sure, but that doesn’t change the desire, does it? I mean, let’s say I get out of here with a little assistance from you. Wouldn’t you like to take a look at some of those places you read about? Maybe see a few ancient scrolls? Walk through a temple of unknown origin?

Sai’da:
You do those things?

Han:
You’d be surprised at the interesting situations you get into as a smuggler. It’s not all a matter of life or death. Tell me you wouldn’t like to take a cruise around the galaxy on the
Millennium Falcon
.

Sai’da:
Well, certainly, I understand the appeal. Although it is heresy for me to even admit that. But I am, after all, human. Far too human to be worthy of the B’omarr Order, I fear.

Han:
We’ve all got our inner battles, it seems. One thing about being in carbonite, I realize situations are a lot more complex than even I figured.

Chewbacca:
Waarrk!

Han:
Chewie says he hears someone coming. You expecting the guard?

Sai’da:
No. I would not think so soon.

Han:
Listen, my friend, whatever happens, don’t forget the deal we made. I can trust you, right?

Sai’da:
Yes. Most assuredly.

Han:
Chewie, who is it? Did Sai’da leave?

Chewbacca:
Arroarwwk!

Han:
Boba Fett?

Sai’da:
I will return…

Han:
I was just saying the smell couldn’t get any worse in here. And you show up, Fett, and make a liar out of me. So, what brings a rat like you down—

Sai’da:
My conversation with Han Solo has come to a halt—a temporary one, I hope. But there is no telling what Boba Fett, the most notorious bounty hunter in the galaxy, will do to him.

I am standing outside the doorway of Han’s cell, unable to move. A strange feeling has come over me. I am a religious man, a man of compassion in spirit and words—but not in action. I cannot prevent the death of Han Solo. I am no match for a bounty hunter. And never before has this been a source of frustration!

Mr. Solo has given me a lot to think about. The virtues of bravery and action. Loyalty and comradeship. Humor.

I walk away from Han Solo’s cell now. But only to get a glimpse of his princess. Perhaps I had better learn some of the ways of Mr. Solo, if I am to protect her.

Until then, I pray for the continuation of Han Solo’s history…

11.6.18.15.14.5-1