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| For Sale |
For Sale
Luke Skywalker watched helplessly as his sister, Leia, former Princess of Alderaan, was led to the auction block atop the small raised platform that centered the public square. Five hundred or more beings of varying species, age and sex surrounded the platform on three sides,
all eager to bid for one or more of those being offered for sale.
The sun beat down relentlessly. Skywalker could feel the beginning trickles of sweat roll between his shoulder blades inside the concealing cape draped over his head, and body. He was to be the final offering of the day, the big surprise for the waiting masses.
Before he knew it, Leia was being hustled off the stage. In the press of flesh, fur and scales, Luke lost sight of her; unable to see who had purchased his sister. Silently, he cursed his inattention. Where was that touted Jedi concentration, the noticing of every detail,when he needed it?
The urging hand at the small of his back sent him forward, up the four hastily constructed steps to the platform.
"And now for our final candidate," the auctioneer's voice rang.
Luke moved to the central part of the stage, placing his booted feet reluctantly on the block.
"This is our finest offering---a special treat for us all!"
Skywalker groaned. 'Get on with it.' he thought depressingly.
"We offer for your bids, gentlebeings, the one, the only," The concealing cape was pulled from his head and shoulders, "Jedi Luke Skywalker."
He lifted his blue eyes to face the crowd.
"What am I bid for this marvelous prize?"
How did he get himself into this mess, he pondered as the shouted cries echoed over his head.
"Come now, please. One at a time. There's no need for rudeness. All of your bids will be heard," The auctioneer's voice cried, calling for calm among the frenzied members of the assembly.
Leia. He wondered what her fate would be. For that matter, what was to become of him?
"Three thousand credits! The last bid was three thousand credits."
Had it only been two standard months ago that they'd come up with this plan? Given the present uneasiness he felt, Luke wondered if they hadn't rushed a little too eagerly to
accept it. Surely, a better idea would have come along. He began to envy Han and Chewbacca. Making the run to Ladell was a cake-walk compared to this.
"I have five thousand, five thousand credits!"
The shouted sum momentarily caught his attention. Hmmm. Five thousand, eh? Had any of the others brought so high an amount? He couldn't remember hearing.
"I have seventy-five thousand, seventy-five!"
He wished they would hurry it up. It was getting hotter, the roll of sweat down his back was becoming truly uncomfortable.
"Ten thousand!" The auctioneer was nearly strangling with undisguised joy.
In spite of himself, Luke smiled. Not bad, he thought with un-Jedi-like pride, not bad at all.
"Ten thousand going once. Ten thousand going twice. Ten thousand going for the third and final time. Sold to the consortium of young ladies from Venu!"
Luke glanced nervously at the four nubile females pushing their way, quite unladylike, through the crowd. Eyes glowing, they giggled and nudged each other repeatedly while paying their accumulated credits to the cashier; all the while casting meaningful glances over their shoulders in his direction. He sighed. It could have been worse, he supposed.
A hand on his shoulder brought him off the block. Stepping down, he looked into the beaming face of the auctioneer. Mon Mothma had never looked happier. Moving to the front of the stage, she brought the microphone to her lips to address the ssemblage once more.
"Gentlebeings, thanks to your generosity, I've just been informed that we have raised almost fifty thousand credits! This will go a long way in the aid of the Orphans of the War Society's work. Shall we offer a round of applause for our brave volunteer 'servants?'" Mothma motioned toward the crowd." Lando Calrissian, Theria Sheri, Hale Vanders, Wedge Antilles, Bordin Zifuso, Princess Leia Organa, Gel Forey, and, of course, our highest bid-getter of the day, Jedi Luke Skywalker."
The sound of clapping hands, paws, and other nameless appendages thundered skyward.
"Those of you lucky enough to have taken high bid collect your 'servants' at the left side of the stage." Casting a knowing look at the four Venuvian females still ogling Luke, she added, "Please remember
our gracious volunteers are only obligated to perform the acts specifically detailed in your brochures. On behalf of the orphans, thank you all once again. May the Force be with you."
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