Han opens a transmission channel. “Hurry up, Imperial Customs. We’ve got places to go.”
“Stand dead where you are, freighter. This inspection will require only a few minutes.”
Han watches several wedges separate from the Executor and approach the Falcon. When they are within five kilometers, he recognizes the forms of four TIE fighters and an armed spacetrooper shuttle. The shuttle docks with the Falcon two minutes later.
An Imperial officer leads the way onto the Falcon. He is followedd by a dozen armored spacetroopers. It is an unusual Customs patrol. The spacetroopers carry blaster rifles. On their suits are mounted a wide variety of weapons: grenade launchers, miniature proton torpedo hurlers, blaster cannons, laser cutters.
“Your first mate will show my men to the holds,” the officer orders. “You will display your rgistry on the ship’s computer.”
Han nods and Chewbacca shows eight spacetroopers to the empty hold. Han briefly considers activating a counterfeit registry program, then rejects the idea. The Imperials are clearly looking for something specific; Han feels he will only be risking closer inquiry. Once they satisfy themselves that the Falcon is not the ship they want, the party will leave.
“The Millennium Falcon,” the officer muses. “The name is familiar.”
“I think you’ve boarded us before. We usually run out of Tatooine.”
The officer shakes his head. “Never worked that sector. What is your origination point?”
“Ord Mantell,” Han volunteers with a wide smile. “A little holiday.”
“Have you run across any other Imperial traffic?”
“Like what?”
The officer stidies Han. “Specifically, the Star Destroyer Eradicator.”
Han shakes his head.
“We are seeking an Imperial courier corvette.”
“Sorry,” Han says.
Chewbacca returns with the spacetroopers. They report finding only an ancient cryogenic hibernation capsule in the hold. “What is the purpose of the capsule?” the officer demands.
“Emergency aid,” Han responds. “We don’t carry a biotank.” Actually it’s for transporting unsavory living cargos, such as Shadorian assassins or Togorian dream weeds.
The officer looks doubtful, but Han knows he cannot object to the explanation. “Why are you empty?”
Han begins to sweat. The Imperial seems dissatisfied with the results of teh search. “Rough times. We’re on our way back to pick up a load now.”
The officer’s eyes flash. “You are having difficulty finding contracts, yet you have money to waste on Ord Mantell? Please explain this discrepancy.”
Han sighs. The man sounds like he is looking for a bribe. It is the last thing Han expects under the circumstances; bribe solicitations usually come from the solitary officers working off frigates. He wonders if he dares report the officer’s misconduct; it might save him 100 credits, but he will risk detention as a witness.
If Han offers the officer 100 credits to leave, Click Here
If Han reports the officer, Click Here