Cabet Lom keeps his home, and his office, in a luxurious penthouse atop the Pink Sky Casino. Han and Chewbacca have actually been forced to make an appointment to see the Twi’lek.
Cabet Lom now stands at an expansive window studying the street scene below. Outside the window, a million lights glitter. The pinpoints vary more in size and color than the thickest starfield in the galaxy core. Occasional streaks of brilliant light announce the arrival or departure of more of the billions of tourists visiting Ord Mantell each standard year. Repulsor lift airbuses and taxis twist their way between the towering casinos like tiny insects hovering about bipedal life-forms on a still summer’s day.
Cabet Lom’s skull tentacles rest across his shoulders as though they are pets. Han guesses he means this gesture to convey confidence or smugness. Han merely finds it amusing.
“Yes, it is true that I recently outfitted a ‘free-freighter.’ It is even true that I did so for a female. That much I tell you without fee, Solo. But not once have you brought your precious Millenium Falcon to my company for services. Why should I give you more?”
The Twi’lek faces Han, his hand extended palm up. “We are not friends and I see no reason to pretend otherwise. If you want information from me, you must pay for it.”
Disgusted by the Twi’lek’s greed, Han reaches into his pocket and withdraws 100 credits. Judging from Cabet Lom’s apartment, he hardly needs the money.
When Han offers the bribe, the Twi’lek laughs. “You will have to do better than that, Solo,” he says. “I know why you need this information. It is easily worth 30 times the amount to you.”
“Three thousand credits?” Han exclaims.
Chewbacca bellows his indignation and Cabet Lom’s skull tentacles slip from his shoulders. It requires a moment for the Twi’lek to compose himself again. His expression shows resentment. He now holds his tentacles wrapped around the sides of his body.
“Considering your reputation,” Cabet Lom spits, “I might reduce my price to 2,500 credits, but nothing less. Pay it, or leave!”
With Lom’s last words, four Gamorrean bodyguards enter the room. Han hears more of the procine mercenaries approaching – too many to fight. He has to think fast – retreat, pay up, or bluff?
If Han refuses to meet Cabet Lom’s price, Click Here
If Han agrees to the price, Click Here
If Han tries to con Cabet Lom, Click Here