Attempted Assassination

[Mr. Prime]

Lintele stared out of his living quarter's windows which were located among the many Diplomatic Corps VIP suites in tower eight of Cloud City, at the magificent Bespin sunset. and reveled in its beauty and splendor. Not only did the negotiations between the Rafion Delegation and the Bespin Authorities end very successfully with 400 tons of regillian ore being traded for 510 tons of Kel Dorian dillian crystal, but the Bespin authorities were generous enough to give them a tour of THE Carbon Freezing facility on the lower levels, a facility that for all intents and purposes, is a renowned historical landmark. He could still remember hearing the tales from his school days, at how a young, inexperienced Luke Skywalker stared down his arch nemesis, Darth Vader at that very location, is a griping light saber duel that ended as a stale mate. Being a history buff, Lintele found the stories intriguing. He always found this particular battle noteworthy, as you had a known sith lord, cruel, cunning and capable, being stale mated by an inexperienced young welp. Vader must have been furious, Lintele thought. How dare some random youth ruin his perfectly evil and terrifying reputation. And then, as the sun decended further on the horizon, Lintele reflected on the other incidents of that time, of the betrayal by now famous war hero General Carrissian, of the torture of Han Solo, and the transfer of that particular scoundrel to the Hutt, Jabba. It was that battle and those events, Linetle understood, that changed the course of a galaxy for the centuries to come.

Interrupting the quiet contemplation of the Kel Dorian politial aide, was the sound of the door chime.

"Enter," Linetele said, as he turned away from the windows, and regaining a more formal posture, waited for the guest to enter. Walking inside the room, Lintele observed a protocol droid, a droid that had been assigned to him by the Diplomatic Corps, moving with deference and respect, and its hands, carrying a fine, Kel Dorian bottle. "Ahh, N3P8, what tidings do you bring?"

"Greetings, master. I was informed to bring this wine bottle to your residence," the protrocol droid said. "The Bespian authorities wanted to present the entire delegation with a little present congratuating them on such a successful trade agreement. They stated they hope for many more in the future."

"Excellent." Accepting the bottle from N3P8, Lintele examined the label on the bottle. "Negalie providence... and quite an impressive vintage. My compliments to the Bespin authorities on such a fine gift."

"I will notify them of your satisfaction, master," replied N3P8, bowing slightly.

With a lofty gesture of the hand, Lintele dismissed the protocol droid, and went into the kitchen area to fix himself a bottle. With the atmospheric controls set to the proper settings to create a proper breathable atmosphere for a habitant of Kel Dor, Lintele removed his breathing apparatus and soon partaked in the exquisite gift, savoring the aroma and the flavor of the wine. Before he had even finished his first bottle, his hand began to tremble. "What the," Lintele thought, before tremors began rushing through his entire body, filling it with a searing pain. Lintele struggled to find his way to the communications unit of his quarters, which he immediately activated the 'Emergency Panel." A bright red light began flashing on the screen, as Lintele struggled for conciousness. It was only a second or two before a voice came through the intercom, but by then, Lintele could no longer make sense of the words that were being spoken, as his vision suddenly blurred, until all he could see was darkness....


(to be continued)