The Adventures of the Crimson Hawk, Part 12

The Royal Regatta was one of the major events of the summer social season in Naboo. Nobles and working people alike crowded the stands and pavilions at the Yavin Yacht Club along the Calamari River. Ladies and gentlemen in linen suits and white lace dresses rubbed elbows with peasants and workers in simple dark dresses and slightly threadbare, rolled-up sleeves and trousers.

Leia sat with Breha, Mon Mothma, Henry, Cedric, Rusty, and Charles at the porch surrounding Bast Manor. Once the summer lodge for the royal family, it now served as Palpatine's warm-weather retreat. Wookie native servants in white jackets brought them lemonades and sparkling tonics. “How did you manage this invitation?” Leia held onto her new white organdy hat with the white daisies and black feathers piled at the crown. “Only nobles and high government officials are allowed at Bast Manor.”

“I have connections.” Henry's navy jacket, red blouse, and red and navy-striped tie was a subdued contrast to Leia's frilly black and white-striped suit and white lace parasol, Charles' red and yellow blazer, and the slightly moth-eaten white jacket that strained at Rusty's middle. He pushed his spectacles up his regal nose. “I have money on the Ghost, Senator, since you can't bet on your own entry.”

Mon Mothma chuckled as she gazed through her heavy old military binoculars. “That's odd. I have money on the Rogue. Captain Antilles is a fine sailor. He always did well with my yacht, the Dreamer's Revenge.”

“Wedge is a good guy.” Henry was looking through his own dented binoculars. “Luke's out there with him. They'll take care of each other.”

“I've got money on the Ghost myself.” Rusty shrugged. “Chopper's an old pal of mine. He'd probably cross all my wires and loosen my lug nuts if I didn't. He's a cantankerous old cur.”

Cedric sniffed. “Gambling is such a bad habit. I prefer watching the race and enjoying this stunning view. After all, we're all together, protected by half of the Naboo military. I feel like absolutely nothing could go wrong today!”

Leia groaned inwardly as Vader strode into the group, his black cape billowing in the breeze. The half-mechanical nobleman looked wildly out-of-place in his black Coruscant uniform and metal armor among the bright plumage of the other nobility. “Make way for our Prime Minister, the lord and savior of the Coruscant Empire, Lord Stephan Palpatine!”

His Lordship was not a tall man, but he had presence. His pearl gray suit was of the latest style and cut, flanked by a pale linen cape. Like Henry, he carried a cane. Unlike Henry, he didn't lean on it. The length of dark walnut, topped by a snake emblem, seemed to be more of an accessory than a necessity. He had wavy, silvery hair and a wrinkled, aristocratic face. The wrinkles gave his age as somewhere between 50 and 65, but there was a calculating coldness in his gait, a slow deliberateness that made him seem much older. Leia had met him several times before, mainly during state dinners at Alderaan. She bowed before him, but her eyes were defiant.

“Ahh yes, my public.” He kissed Leia's hand, then Breha's. “I'm so sorry about Drana Harbor in Alderaan, Your Grace. Baron Vader committed this crime without thinking.” He glared at the taller noble. “It won't happen again.”

Baron Vader bowed humbly. “No, My Lord.”

He reached for Mon Mothma's hand, but she pulled it away. “Don't even think about it, you old reprobate. You know why I'm here. You have no intention of doing anything about the situation of the people in this country.”

Palpatine settled down next to Henry on the largest of the wicker chairs. “My dear woman, this is hardly the time or place to discuss politics.” He turned his thin-lipped smile to the man next to him. “I haven't seen you in years, Mr. Solo. Thought you'd vanished from the face of the Earth.”

“I've been busy.” Henry's infuriating smirk returned. “You know how companies work. It's almost like running a country.”

“Speaking of, my boy,” Palpatine continued in an amiable tone, “I have some work you might want to consider. We're going to need to transport the second Death Star Airship to Nabarrie Palace in time for the Diamond Gala Ball. We'll be introducing it to the public that night. It'll fly over the Palace like a beacon, a symbol to all those who would attempt to crush the Coruscant Empire.”

Leia could almost see the credit signs in Henry's eyes. “How much would you be willing to pay, sir? Solo Shipping doesn't come cheap.”

“Oh, at least fifty thousand credits.” Palpatine's thin smile drew upwards until it was an unsettling line across his oily face. “Enough to buy you a dozen engines and crystals.”

Baron Vader's hiss was even more evident. “I don't think using a public company is appropriate...”

“Enough, Vader.” Palpatine waved him off. “Well?”

The businessman tried to look like he was thinking the matter over, but Leia knew from the quirk of his mouth that he'd already made his decision. He put out his hand. “You have yourself a deal, old man. We'll discuss the details tomorrow.”

Palpatine shook it. “I like the way you think, Solo. You're a renegade by my own heart.”

Henry ignored Leia's angry brown eyes boring holes into his head. “Yeah, well, some of us have to earn a living.”

“That's too bad.” The prime minister's smile nearly split his craggy face. “You should have been born an aristocrat. You do have a rather aristocratic manner, for an American. You and that ward of yours. Where is Mr. Skywalker, anyway? Seems like such a nice young man. Vader is especially interested in him. He has a very familiar name.”

“Luke's entered in the Regatta, Your Lordship. We'll be cheering him on in a minute.” Henry coughed. “Which reminds me, don't you have to announce the first race?”

“Of course.” Palpatine stood as the brass band's rendition of “Naboo, My Country, My Home” came to a stirring conclusion. “Citizens, friends, country men and women of Naboo,” he began in a sonorous tone, “welcome to the 110^th annual Amidala Royal Regatta!”

He waited until the cheering calmed down to continue. “This year, we have more than one hundred entries from across twenty Alliance countries and nine provinces. Some of the finest families in Europe are taking part, with the largest sailing ships ever to grace the Calamari River. Allow me to emphasize the patrol boats on the harbor, all of which are armed and manned by Naboo's finest troops. Also, my guardsmen in the red uniforms are stationed in boxes and in the stands for your safety. Now,” he raised his pale hand, “let the Regatta begin!”

Even Leia got caught up in the excitement as the ships sped ahead, each one sleeker than the next. It was easy to pick the Rogue out of the crowd. She was a small but trim vessel, mainly white with a rosy orange stripe painted down her hull. Hux's ship, the Twilight, was twice the size and had three times the sails, but the glossy black monstrosity couldn't keep up with the smaller, speedier ship. The Ghost finally past it, its occupants making faces at a none-too-amused Vader as they past.

“Henry, I think they're really going to win!” She couldn't sit still. The crowd roared as the Twilight tried to nudge past the Ghost, banging into the hull. Sunlight reflected off a beam of light that shot out of the Twilight's sail poles. It severed the ropes holding the sails, letting them drop over the Ghost's shocked crew.

“Not fair!” Forgetting himself, Henry leaped out of his chair. “That's cheating!”

Palpatine's ugly smile twisted upwards. “Strange how your leg seems to be much better, Mr. Solo. I'm glad you finally seem to be recovering from your injuries.”

Henry settled back down, but he was still frustrated enough to kill every single man on board Vader's ship, including the Baron. “Just got angry, Your Lordship.” He rubbed his knee, wincing. “And now I'm regretting it.”

“Yes,” he hissed, “I'm sure you are.”

Charles rubbed Henry's knee as the Twilight pulled alongside the Rogue. Gazing through her binoculars, Leia spied Luke, Wedge, and their men rushing around, trying to avoid the damaging beams. Luke finally pulled at the ends, just barely avoiding them.

Vader, as usual, remained impassable. His green glass lens was fixed on the two boats before them. He barely noticed Cedric and Rusty leaning over him, fighting over which boat was closer. As he turned his head towards the deck of the Rogue, almost every man on the deck fell to the ground, clutching their head. Luke was the only one still standing. His mouth dropped open as he caught Wedge, who held his head in pain. He gently set his lover on the deck, then took the wheel himself.

They were neck and neck. One minute, it would be the Twilight; the next, the Rogue. Hux's poles shot beams again, but Luke managed to dodge them. One final light hit Luke in the arm, singeing his loose-fitting sailor's blouse. Leia could tell from where she was that the burn was superficial, but it was enough for Luke to steer slightly off-course and Hux to pull ahead.

The Twilight finally crossed the bright yellow ribbon used for a finish line at the main harbor first. The Rogue came in second, followed by a limping Ghost. Leia started down to the main harbors, where the winners would receive their trophies and winnings. She pushed past Henry, ignoring his surprise.

“Leia,” Henry started as they joined the throngs heading for the harbor, “I don't blame you for being mad. Those were some dirty tricks Hux played back there.” He made a face. “I'd like to know what happened to all the men to make them drop like that. Didn't seem to effect the kid.”

“The Force happened.” Leia rubbed her head. “I felt it, too. It wasn't enough to take me down, but the other men...” She waved a slender hand at him. “And don't change the subject. Why did you take that job from Palpatine? You know what the last Death Star Airship did!”

“It's a job, Your Worship,” Henry snapped. “Some of us have to work. Palpatine's paying me good money...”

“That's all you care about.” Leia's voice somehow managed to rise over the surge of race watchers. “I hope you and your wallet are very happy together.”

“Leia...” Henry tried to take her hand, but he was jostled by a couple in a plain linen suits, her carrying a camera. The duchess' black-plumed hat vanished in the crowds.

Charles just managed to catch Henry before he hit the ground. “What was that all about, my friend?”

“Nothin'. Just...nothin'.” Henry tried to look dignified, even as they were being jostled on all sides. “Let's get out of here. It's time we showed Hux and Vader who the real winners are.”

Luke was down at the docks, mad as a trout caught on a line. “I can't believe Vader did that!” He rubbed his shaggy gold head. “The other guys only just starting getting to their feet.”

“He'd be disqualified for sure if he wasn't Palpatine's puppet,” Charles added. “Are you up to this, little mate?”

“After what Vader did?” Luke's blue eyes blazed. “He deserves this.”

“Don't worry, Junior. He'll get what's comin' to him, and more.” Henry leaned over Luke, whispering in his ear. “Did you get the outfits?”

Luke nodded. “Borrowed them from Wedge's sisters. But why...”

“You'll see, kid.” Henry started down a narrow side path towards the country club. “You still sure you want to leave?”

“Yeah. I'll be back, Henry.” Luke's smile was brighter than the incandescent July sunlight. “I promise.” He laughed as Charles gave him a huge hug that nearly knocked him over. He scratched his towering friend's shoulder. “You too, Charlie.”

Henry just nodded. “You be careful.”

“I will.” Luke put his arm around him. “Now, let's go make ourselves beautiful.”

As they made their way down the hill, Luke saw a familiar man in a green and red suit talking to Vader and Palpatine on the porch at Bast Manor. It was the same man Leia claimed she saw while shopping a few weeks ago. When he looked back over his shoulder one last time, all three were gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Leia followed the crowds down to the stands by the harbor. The stands were hasty wooden constructions covered in soft fabric for its aristocratic crowds. Peasants, Wookie natives, and the working-class had to settle for either bringing their own chairs or standing room only in the back.

“Leia!” Ahsoka waved her over. “Over here! They're just about to start awarding the trophies!” The reporter was perched on a seat at the bottom of the stands. She sported a light brown suit with bow in the back the color of the sunset and a matching hat. Jyn, who was setting up the accordion-like camera, was far less ostentatious in her plain linen suit and ribbon-trimmed straw boater. Cassian, dressed in a light cap and soft suit with a narrow white cotton tie, interviewed two men about the close call in the race.

“Ahsoka!” She gave her a hug, settling next to her on the thin wooden bench. “I'm glad you're here. At least there's someone around I can trust.” Her next words were spoken in a whisper. “Did you see what happened out there? More importantly, did you feel it?”

The taller woman gave her a slight nod, her lips a tight line. “Yes, I felt it.” She rubbed her head. “Nearly knocked me over. I'm still a little nauseous. That's why Cassian's doing the interviewing. I'm taking notes.”

“That dirty, double crossing, cheating swine!” Jyn emerged from under the black cloth on the end of the camera, red-faced and angry as a hornet. Black dust was smudged across her cheek and liberally sprinkled over her thick brown bun. “I know Vader had something to do with this. Hux isn't smart enough to come up with it on his own.”

“I agree.” Ahsoka wiped her brow. “I hope they start this soon. It's going to be too hot to be standing out here, and we really need to get all this back to the Daily Star office and start the article on the Regatta.”

Leia's eyes were searching the harbor. “Has anyone seen the Rogue yet?”

“The ship, she is there.” Cassian returned with a pad of paper under his arm. “The crew, she is not. I interview one of the crew members, a Mr. Wes Janson. He say that the men, they are all at officials' building, telling them about Hux cheating.”

Leia crossed her arm. “Well, somebody should. Those were dirty tricks he and his bosses pulled.”

The stands were jam-packed with aristocrats and nobles in crisp white organdy dresses and beige linen suits. Bright flowered hats and stiff boaters added a dash of color to the scene. One especially fat woman with a wide hat over her long nose had somehow managed to stuff her girth into a frilly crimson and gold lace gown. Her companion, a pretty blond in a daisy-trimmed yellow hat, hid all but her sky-blue eyes behind a lace fan. A group of raucous young men in white and yellow blazers and red blouses guffawed over some lewd joke behind them. Men in black uniforms spread a dark, gritty sawdust around the road leading to the victors' stands.

Hux stood on the winner's stand, already holding roses. His narrow, pale face was insufferably smug. He grinned at her over Hera's black-braided head. Leia sniffed and turned to Jyn to help her with the camera.

Palpatine and Vader's arrival was accompanied by a full marching band, wearing the bright orange and white uniforms of Naboo. Leia scanned the crowd, searching for Henry or Charles, but they seemed to have made themselves scarce.

“There you are!” Cedric hurried up to them, followed with less haste by Rusty. “Where have you been? The senator and grand duchess were terribly concerned when you went running off. They thought you'd be abducted by the Crimson Hawk, or even worse, crushed in the crowds.”

“I'm fine.” Leia chuckled. “You worry too much.”

Rusty rolled his eyes. “I've been telling him that for years.”

“Well, someone has to keep an eye on things, you overweight blob of grease,” Cedric snapped. “You certainly aren't going to do it. Do you have any idea of where your employers or that Wookie native are?”

The shorter man shrugged. “They're around.”

“Shh!” Jyn waved a hand at them. “Save the music hall comedy act for later. The show's starting.”

Palpatine had just begun making a long, drawn-out speech about what a fine boat he had. He made sure to emphasize that Baron Vader had designed it, barely mentioning Hux or the other crew members. Hera still looked ready to dump Hux as quickly back into the river as possible, and Wes wasn't much happier.

Leia's eyes started to droop. Three men in the stands, including the rotund fellow in the uniform, check their pocket watches. The heat continued to bear down on them. She could almost see it in waves. It was making her sleepy. She wondered if she were dreaming of the swaying motion of the stands under her.

“Damn it!” Ahsoka's long fingers snatched up her beaded purse. “Leia, move it! The stands are coming down!”

They got off just in time. They were with Jyn on either side of her camera as it went off...capturing the stands' collapsing to the sandy ground with a sickening crunch of cheap wood and frill-encased bodies. People rolled helter-skelter as others shoved broken boards aside, searching for loved ones.

The rolly-polly woman in the frilly red outfit emerged first...but she was no longer fat or wearing frills. The fancy gown had hidden a red blouse, black vest, and tight black trousers. “It's him!” Vader hissed. “The Crimson Hawk!” He waved his sizzling ruby-colored electrical sword at the man. “Don't just stand there, you fools! Get him!”

The soldiers had no sooner started to move than they tripped all over each other. Vader didn't have much more luck. “What's this?” He ran his finger over the sticky brown spot. “Smells like...glue.”

The man in the hood and green-tinted goggles bowed, sweeping off his organdy, flower-bedecked hat. “My own special recipe, Baron. There's nothing it doesn't stick to, including leather and rubber-soled shoes.”

“Crimson Hawk,” Leia yelped, “watch out!” Soldiers in gray Coruscant or bright orange Naboo uniforms stormed out of the country club and from in back of the other stands.

Leia's mouth dropped open when Ahsoka pulled two metallic electrical swords like the Golden Eagle's from under her coat. “Before you ask how I have these,” Ahsoka nodded at the Golden Eagle, who was pulling off his white organdy dress, “I used to be a Jedi, too. I'll explain another time. For now, we need to keep those soldiers from doing any damage to the Hawk or anyone else.”

Cedric and Rusty ducked among the battered, bloodied people emerging from the stands. “I say, this is terrible!” Cedric was wringing an embroidered handkerchief, his face pale with pure terror. “What are we going to do? Those ruffians could rob us, or kill us, or worse, delay the start of the next race!”

“At this point, I'm gonna say the races are over.” Rusty patted Ahsoka on the shoulder. “Hey there, Snips. I promised I'd help...the Golden Eagle with a side project of his. He needs someone to drive him to Dagobah.”

“Dagobah?” Leia wrinkled her nose. “That's all marshes and swampland. Barely anyone lives there. What's he want with marshland?”

Rusty shrugged. “Search me. He's lookin' for Liang Yoda. I thought that ol' cuss was long gone.”

Ahsoka chuckled. “You're not exactly one to talk, Rusty.”

Cedric let out a gasp. “Miss Tano, behind you! Oh, this is so bad for my digestion!”

Ahsoka turned around as several soldiers rushed to her rear. “We're going to have to confiscate that photographic equipment, ma'am.” The officer in the gray and white uniform held out his hand for her pad and pencil. “Vader wants all the evidence.”

Jyn was fighting two more soldiers for the camera. “That's censorship of the press, you bloody swine!” Cassian yelled something probably uncomplimentary in Spanish and lunged for them, wrestling three at once. Jyn elbowed two more, sending them sprawling against the remains of the stands.

Bubbling yellow liquid crackled in the blazing August sunlight. Three soldiers lay dead at Ahsoka's feet under her two gold sabers. Leia walloped three more on the head with her steel-shafted parasol. Rusty jabbed at them with his ubiquitous tool belt. Cedric stayed behind Rusty, trying not to get hit too hard.

Leia looked up as dozens of figures emerged from the sky, leaping from the roof of the club or swinging from trees. “Hey there, Duchess.” The Crimson Hawk grinned ear to ear, the brown hair under his hood barely ruffled, as he landed next to Leia. “Miss me?”

The Golden Eagle landed on her other side. His grin glowed brighter than the hot sun overhead. “I'm so glad you're all right, Your Grace!”

“Flirt later.” Ahsoka got her arm around Cassian as one of the Crimson Hawk's men took his other side. “Get out of here now. There's too many of them to deal with. We got our story.”

“Mate,” the taller man with the bushy brown hair visible under his hood added, “I just saw three more troops of Vader's boys on their way, and some of Palpatine's, too. We don't need to be dealin' with them now. I already let the Wookie natives who were tendin' to the house loose.”

“Your Grace, we really should be leaving.” Cedric tugged on her arm. “This is turning into a riot! If we remain here, we may be crushed or stabbed or trampled on.”

Jyn hefted her camera under one arm and her tripod over her shoulder. “We'll tell your aunt and Senator Mothma you and Cedric took a carriage back into town.”

“Where's Henry?” Leia tried to pick out his glossy chestnut head and Charles' furry beard from the chaos. “And Charles? Shouldn't we go back for them?”

The Crimson Hawk spoke quickly. “Henry's fine. He and Charles left before the fight started.”

“Hawk, we have to go!” The Golden Eagle grabbed his arm. “Vader's coming. I can sense it.”

He was too late. They were surrounded before they had a chance to whip out their weapons. The Crimson Hawk put up his hands, still smiling. “Hi there, Vader. If you don't mind, we'll just leave.”

Vader, Hux, and every man in his group now stood in their stocking feet. “Oh no you don't, Hawk. We're not going to let you off that easily.”

Hux's sneer wasn't nearly as intimidating as his boss' lack of expression. “We arrested your friend Wes Janson down at the docks the moment the ceremony ended.”

Vader drew his ruby electrical sword out of its black rubber sheath, aiming it at Ahsoka. “Tano, you should not have interfered.”

“Ana...Vader.” Ahsoka's deep ocean-colored eyes were more sad than angry. “You don't want to do this, Skyguy. Not to them. Not to him.”

Vader ignored her. “Arrest them. Arrest them all.” His sword switched to Luke. “Except the Golden Eagle and Miss Tano. I want them in the parlor of my suite at Bast Manor.” He waved his sword at the Crimson Hawk. “And I want him dead. He's been a thorn in my side for two years now.”

“Sorry, Vader. We can't always have everything we want, can we?” The Hawk drew his gun and shot off a light beam. Vader blocked it with his weapon, but it was enough. He grabbed Leia's hand and ducked through the crowd. The Golden Eagle cut through two more men and pushed two spectators running for the exit aside, three more of their men, including the tall one, following. Rusty dragged Cedric along, throwing tools and bringing up the rear. Soldiers dropped nets over the rest, including one short but sturdy fellow with black hair under his hood and bright blue eyes.

Vader yanked off his hood and goggles. “Wedge Antilles, local ship captain for hire. Doesn't the Senator pay you enough?” The half-mechanical man coughed delicately. “Or even Mr. Solo's ward? I'm aware of your little understanding.” He grabbed Wedge by the collar of his red shirt. “Tell me who your boss is and where he went to.”

Wedge answered by spitting in his face. Hux rushed over, quickly wiping the spittle off with his handkerchief. “They can join their friends at the dungeons under Nabarrie Palace. I'll take care of them after we've found the ring leaders.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

The Golden Eagle dashed down to the harbor. “There's only a few guards by the Rogue. They shouldn't be too hard to get by.”

“How?” The squat repairman was breathing hard when they hid inside the pavilion on the fishing pier. “They're all armed, and even if you are, I've only got m'tools.”

“Easy.” The Golden Eagle simply waved his hand at the four men standing by the gangplank. They looked towards the duo, but didn't seem to really see them. They dashed up the plank and over to the wheel house.

“How the hell did you do that, son?” Rusty scratched what little silver hair he had left on his head. “The Force?”

“Ben taught me how to do that.” He switched on the steam engine. “Strap yourself in, Rusty. We're going to Dagobah.”

Rusty's “What?! That swamp?” was drowned out by the roar of the engines and the sound of gunfire as their departure drew more soldiers from the piers.