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Imperial City, Coruscant
Night on Coruscant was far from dark, even though no stars peeked out from the heavy cloud of pollution. Thousands of lights pierced the darkness of night, showing Imperial City to be a very active city, even at night. And people say the city of Theed never sleeps. Armand Naberrie thought to himself, as he peered out his small room's window. Taren Lunceford and his wife Nadine, were more than hospitable. They owned a large hotel situated right next to the Imperial Palace's spaceport, and had offered him, Dor and his guards all separate rooms, despite the fact that they filled up the rest of the very popular hotel's room.
Armand had been surprised to find out that Taren was actually Nubian, having been stranded on Coruscant at the time of Naboo's supposed destruction. He was forced to make a living working as a bellhop at the Mayan, and slowly worked his way up to the top, picking up a beautiful wife on the way. He'd been devastated by his home world's supposed destruction, but still remained fiercely loyal to Naboo, or rather, its memory.
So, when Armand's father, King Richard, contacted with him over a month ago, he had been ecstatic, to say the least, and more than willing to help. He'd vacated security positions in his hotel to make room for Armand's guards, and had used his connections to get Armand a supervising job at the Palace's spaceport, where he would be able to run into the NR's higher-ups, and observe them. Dor was given no job other than that of playing Armand's great uncle.
Everything was going perfectly except...
His door slid open, letting Dor Sceran in. "Your Highness."
That. Dor couldn't seem to call him anything else but Your Highness, and his guards were no better. Even Taren had taken to it, though only in private. Armand didn't turn around. "You're going to have to stop calling me that, Dor."
"Only in public." Dor stepped further into the room. "I do not believe I have had the chance to tell you how much I disapprove of your working."
Armand sighed, turning to face his old Governor. "I believe you have," he said smoothly. "Twice now."
"Well." Dor scratched his full head of gray hair. "There is no harm in mentioning it once more."
Shaking his head,. Armand sat down on the large bed. "Go ahead."
"Well," Dor stood to face his Prince. "First of all, work such as this is far below your stature, and unbefitting a Prince."
"Which is what makes it such a good disguise," Armand commented, ignoring the disapproving look Dor gave him. "Go on."
"Second, do you have any idea how dirty that Spaceport is? You'll ruin all your clothes, come home stinking, and pick up on words that would burn even Lady Priscilla's ears."
Armand grinned. "I'll get an education." He winked at Dor. "Anything else?"
Dor's mouth dropped, raising his arms in horror. "You've developed a snippy mouth! Dear Force, this wretched world has already had a bad influence on you!"
Armand covered his mouth to hide a snicker. He cleared his throat, composing himself. "Relax, Dor," he soothed. His dark brown eyes sparkled. "I promise to be good for the New Republic Hierarchy."
***
Next Morning
Imperial Palace Spaceport, Docking Bay 12
"Hey old girl," Han Solo said, lovingly patting the Falcon's hull. "They been treating you right here?"
"Um... Dad?" Jacen asked, giving his father a weird look.
"Yes?" Han asked.
"You're talking to the Falcon."
Han stared at him. "So?"
Jacen smirked. "Does she talk back?"
"Sometimes," Han said defensively. "When she feels like it."
Jacen rolled his eyes. Why was it that whenever his Dad wanted to spend quality time with his sons, they ended up working on the Falcon? Maybe because there was always an ample supply of work to do on it, he thought snidely to himself. "What are we working on today, Dad?"
"Hyperdrive, what else?" Han replied, lowering the ship's boarding ramp and climbing inside to grab his toolkit.
Jacen waited outside, folding his arms. Watching the bustling docking bay, he became vaguely aware that his father was taking longer than usual. After several minutes, he heard a string of loud curses. Oh great, Jacen thought to himself as Han stormed down the ramp, his face dark red. "What's wrong?"
His father ignored him and dropped the toolbox unceremoniously to the ground. "What kind of Sithspawned, Kessel born, Vong sympathizing, idiots, work here?" he demanded angrily.
Jacen shrugged his shoulders, wondering what was going on.
Han grabbed the first unfortunate tech by the arm. "Where is your supervisor?"
The kid blinked wide blue eyes. "Over there, sir." he gulped, pointing towards the customs area.
"Get him for me," Han said, releasing the kid's arm.
"Y-yes sir," he said, taking off at a near run.
"Dad." Jacen rested his hand on Han’s shoulder. "What’s wrong?"
"They took the lasers out of my ship." He clenched his fist. "I'd like to know what nerf brain gave that order."
Jacen nodded his agreement. The lasers were the heart of the Falcon's defense. Of course, they didn't belong on a YT-1300... but Spaceport Authority hadn't cared before. Jacen almost felt sorry for the mousy little supervisor, Ralph, who was usually on shift in the morning. The man received a tongue lashing from Han at least once a week.
Just a few minutes later, the tech could be seen walking along side a man, no, a young man, who clearly was not Ralph. He was taller for one thing, much younger, with dark brown hair and eyes. He walked at a dignified pace, as if he had no reason to rush. The set of his shoulders, and the look in his eyes marked him as being absolutely In Charge, or accustomed to being in charge.
He stopped in front of Han and Jacen, clasping his hands behind his back. "Problem, gentlemen?" he asked in a smooth lilting accent.
Jacen was completely taken aback by this man, who stood before them wearing stained gray coveralls as if they were royal robes, looking at Jacen and his father as if they were his loyal subjects addressing their King with a minor complaint. How in the worlds did a Spaceport worker get that kind of attitude? If that’s what he really was. He sensed deception through the Force, but no threat. Interesting.
"I'll say," Han growled, stepping closer to the Supervisor. "Someone’s taken the lasers out of my ship. Without my consent." Han glared. "Do you," he thumped the man’s sternum with his finger. "Have any idea what idiot did that?"
Armand Naberrie raised an eyebrow at Han, shocked by the man’s rudeness. No one had dared even yell at him before, let alone touch him. He was used to dealing with Nobles, who used flattery and gossip to try to get him to do what they wanted. This man’s temper, and forward way of speaking was almost refreshing. "I do not," he replied calmly, determined not to flinch back. "I can look into it, if you'd like." He paused. "But in the meantime, allow me to apologize for my co-workers thoughtlessness regarding your ship. They had absolutely no right to even touch your ship without your permission. I assure you that this problem will be fixed, and you will be compensated."
"I better." Han considered him for a moment. "What's your name, kid?"
Kid? That was new. "Armand Naberr," he replied, extending his hand.
"Han Solo." He shook Armand's hand firmly.
"It is an honor, Sir." Armand nodded his head. So this was the infamous Han Solo Taren had raved about.
"Yeah, don't let it get to your head, kid." His lips twisted. "And don't call me sir!"
"Right," Armand spun on his heel as he caught a tech run by. "Hey, Carn!"
The young human turned, focusing blue eyes on him. "Yes?"
"Find out for me who worked on the Falcon last, and have him report to my office," Armand said, then a sly thought edged its way into his brain. He touched Carn's arm, before the man could head off to do what he had asked. "On second thought, have him report here. This fine gentlemen," he nodded to Han, "would like to speak with him."
Han grinned as Carn ran off, and slapped Armand on the back. "I like the way you think!"
"It is only fair." Armand shrugged his shoulders. "Besides," his eyes twinkled. "I'm sure you can set him in his place far better than I ever could."
"Definitely." Han cocked his head. "You new here?"
"Yes, this is my first day."
"Well, you certainly do a better job than Ralph." Han grinned, then rubbed his hands together. "Now, let's discuss my compensation."
Copyright 2002 by Luney.
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