Solo was busily checking readouts from gauges and dials in the hold area.

Occasionally he would pass a small box across various sensors, study the result, and

cluck with pleasure.

"You can stop worrying about your Imperial friends," he told Luke and Ben.

"They'll never be able to track us now. Told you I'd lose them."

Kenobi might have nodded briefly in response, but he was engaged in explaining

something to Luke.

"Don't everybody thank me at once," Solo grunted, slightly miffed. "Anyway,

navigation computer calculates our arrival in Alderaan orbit at oh-two-hundred. I'm

afraid after this little adventure I'll have to forge a new registration."

He returned to his checking, passing in front of a small circular table. The top

was covered with small squares lit from beneath, while computer monitors were set

into each side. Tiny three-dimensional figures were projected above the tabletop

from various squares.

Chewbacca sat hunched over on side of the table, his chin resting in massive

hands. His great eyes glowing and facial whiskers wrinkled upward, he gave every

sign of being well pleased with himself.

At least, he did until Artoo Detoo reached up with a stubby clawed limb across

from him and tapped his own computer monitor. One of the figures walked abruptly

across the board to a new square and stopped there.

An expression of puzzlement, then anger crossed the Wookie's face as he studied

the new configuration. Glaring up and over the table, he vented a stream of abusive

gibberish on the inoffensive machine. Artoo could only beep in reply, but Threepio

soon interceded on behalf of his less eloquent companion and began arguing with the

hulking anthropoid.

"He executed a fair move. Screaming about it won't help you."

Attracted by the commotion, Solo looked back over his shoulder, frowning

slightly. "Let him have it. Your friend's way ahead anyhow. It's not wise to upset

a Wookie."

"I can sympathize with that opinion, sir," Threepio countered, "but there is

principle at stake here. There are certain standards any sentient creature must hold

to. If one compromises them for any reason, including intimidation, then one is

abrogating his right to be called intelligent."

"I hope you'll both remember that," Solo advised him, "when Chewbacca is

pulling the arms off you and your little friend."

"Besides that, however," Threepio continued without missing a beat, "being

greedy or taking advantage of someone in a weakened position is a clear sign of poor

sportsmanship."

That elicited a beep of outrage from Artoo, and the two robots were soon

engaged in violent electronic argument while Chewbacca continued jabbering at each

in turn, occasionally waving at them though the translucent pieces waiting patiently

on the board.

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