Inhaling sharply, Clary glances up at the tall, metal building known as Jabba the Hutt's palace. It's a place she's grown to resent, all the more with it being Han's prison for the past year. She clenches her fist, following after Leia and Lando, both disguised as bounty hunters. Chewbacca stands near Clary closely, barking his complaints under his breath.

Reaching for the Wookiee, Clary grabs onto his paw, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Chewie glances to look at her, then whines. It has no meaning other than a sort of realization between the two. They had both gone through so much, and now they have to face their fears, all in order to get the person that means the most to them. Clary finds it kind of ironic; both her and Chewbacca have worked so hard to make sure Han was never taken by Jabba, but look at where they are now.

Leia looks to Clary and Chewbacca, then at Lando. After they all share a wordless exchange, Leia grabs onto Clary's arm, and then Chewbacca's. He whines in protest, but after Clary shoots him a warning look, he quiets down. Although Clary is also reluctant about turning herself in to Jabba, she trusts Luke more than anything, and this plan is the best one they've got.

After encountering Bib, who at the sight of Clary and Chewie, was so overjoyed that he could hardly contain it, he hastily led the group to Jabba's headquarters. All along the way, Clary feels her heart pounding loudly in her chest. She shuts her eyes, letting Leia guide her through the palace, unable to look at her surroundings. All she can think about is Han. All she can think about is how she should've been with him, that it should always be them, together, no matter what the circumstance.

She opens her eyes only when the sound of commotion grows louder. They are at the center of Jabba's palace, and Clary can see him seated in front of them. Her nose wrinkles in disgust as Bib obediently tells him the great news, and Jabba turns, eyes wide.

"I have come for the bounty on these two," Leia speaks through the electronically processed helmet, programmed in Ubese.

"Oh, no! Chewbacca! And Miss Clary!" Clary glances in the direction of the familiar voice to see C-3P0 standing near Jabba. The sight would have been funny to her, if not for the circumstances.

Jabba is quiet. The slug turns better to face the group, and parting his wide mouth, he drags his tongue over his lips, eyes gleaming as he studies his new prisoners.

"At last, the mighty Chewbacca and Baby Solo." He starts to laugh at the two, pleased beyond disbelief. Clary clenches her fists, trying her best not to break away from Leia and punch the stupid Hutt across the face.

Laughing loudly, he gestures for C-3PO to come closer. Obeying, the droid hurriedly makes his way over to his new master, mumbling worrisome things. Clary tears her gaze away from the sight to study everything else in the room in attempts to distract herself from what will happen. Leia follows in suit, and Clary's gaze lands on Boba Fett standing near the door. Despite wearing his helmet, Clary feels his cold gaze burning into her, and she turns away sharply, uncomfortable.

"The, uh, illustrious Jabba bids you welcome," 3P0 stammers, "and will gladly pay you the reward of twenty-five thousand."

"I want fifty thousand," Leia says, following the plan clearly. "No less."

Jabba flies into a rage and Clary winces. He knocks C-3P0 away, and golden-bronze droid stumbles as he falls over. Jabba screams in Huttese, and Clary tries her best not to look at him. She swallows, knowing that this is all a part of Luke's plan, and that it will work. But she can't help the vulnerability that's growing in her chest, making her feel weak and exposed. She tries to shut her eyes to help contain her emotions, but it all comes back in flashes; Clary, five years old. A smuggling mission gone wrong. One of the first steps to their growing debt to Jabba. Han, fifteen years old. Jabba's all-familiar screaming. Clary's vision growing blurry and red. Her face, burning. Her cheek, throbbing.

"Uh, the mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand," C-3PO translates once he finally composes himself. Clary opens her eyes, daring to look back at the scene.

Leia retrieves a small, silver ball and Clary inhales slowly, her pulse racing. Restlessness pricks at her fingertips; everything seemed to be going to plan. She watches as C-3PO grows more nervous, stammering as he exclaims,

"Because he's holding a thermal detonator!"

Jabba's guards instantly back away and the commotion in the room rises as creatures alike scream their worry in protest. Jabba, however, stares at the detonator as it begins to glow, and the room falls in to a sudden hush. A sly grin then slowly forms on his vast mouth, and Clary's jaw clenches as he begins to laugh his terrible, loud laugh.

"This bounty hunter is my kind of scum," he praises. "Fearless and inventive."

He ushers to C-3PO again and the droid nods, turning back to the group.

"Jabba offers the sum of thirty-five. And I suggest you take it."

The tension in the room seems to grow as all creatures watch Leia hastily. She releases the switch on the detonator and it dies instantly.

"Zeebuss."

"He agrees!" C-3PO is overjoyed, his worry gone in a flash as the other creatures cheer with delight, grateful that the detonator hadn't been used. Almost in an instant, they all return to what they had been doing previously. Chewbacca grows loudly but is unable to do anything as the guards approach them. Leia squeezes Clary's hand in reassurance before she is ushered away, and Jabba's guards replace her.

They grab onto Clary harshly, and she stumbles from their sudden grip. Chewbacca continues to let the growl rumble deep in his throat, but before they can be led away, Jabba stops them.

"Bring Baby Solo to me."

Clary's heart rate accelerates as the guards do as he says. Chewbacca's growls grow louder, but he's unable to do anything as he's ushered away by the guards and disappears from the room.

"Baby Solo," Jabba greets as the guards hold Clary up close to him. The smell of rotten mucous and decay waft off of him, making her head reel. She refrains from spitting in his face as he sneers, "How long has it been since you were last with me?"

"Not long enough," Clary retorts bravely, still struggling against her guards' grip. Jabba laughs again and Clary has never felt more disgusted in her life. She remembers the flashes of her memories and bites her lip, trying to conceal the panic that's beginning to be aroused from them.

"If only the Empire had carbonated you, too," Jabba continues. "Then I would have two Solo prizes displayed for all to see."

Clary says nothing. She only grits her teeth, willing herself to hold her tongue. She turns her head away as the guards push her closer on Jabba's command. She can feel him studying her face and it takes all of Clary's will-power not to punch him.

"You know what to do with her," Jabba says finally, and the guards pull Clary away, ushering her out of the room. She can her C-3PO calling after her, worried beyond belief, but she's unable to turn around and look at him as the guards continue to drag her through the palace, forcing her down the hall.

Much to Clary's dismay, they aren't leading her to the prison cells.

•••

Clary struggles against the chain that's tied around her neck. Jabba has fallen asleep on his throne, and Clary glances Leia's way. Their attempts at rescuing Han had been foiled as Leia was captured by Jabba and his guards, right when she had barely managed to un-carbon freeze Han. Now, both girls have been dressed in the attire of the dancing girls, and while Clary should feel vulnerable in this situation, she only feels disgust.

"Are you alright?" Leia asks, her voice a hushed whisper, in order not to wake the slug creature. Clary nods despite her restraints, and Salacious cackles from behind them. Clary clenches her fists again; if there was anything she hated more than Jabba, it was that terrible monkey-rat Salacious.

"I'm fine," she replies. A look of relief crosses Leia's pretty face, and concern overflows Clary. "How is Han? Is he safe? Is he alright?"

Leia opens her mouth to respond, but she's unable to as the doors open, and Bib enters, hurriedly running over to Jabba. C-3PO turns, raising his arms at the sight of the other person entering the room, preventing Clary from seeing.

"At last!" he exclaims as Bib wakes up Jabba, who grunts in disapproval. "Master Luke's come to rescue me."

"Luke Skywalker," Bib introduces as Luke steps forward. "Jedi knight."

Jabba glares at his servant. "I told you not to admit him."

Clary attempts to sit a little taller, but noticing her struggling, Jabba tugs on the other end of the chain. It tightens around her neck, and Clary coughs, the metal digging into her skin as she's forced into the same lying position she was in before. She feels Luke's eyes glance her way before he looks back at Jabba.

"I must be allowed to speak."

"He must be allowed to speak," Bib repeats in Huttese to Jabba. Clary's eyes widen slightly as she watches Luke; he stands composed and determined. She almost can't recognize him.

Jabba, however, grows angry and he shoves Bib out of his way, falling to the floor as he cowers. "You weak-minded fool!" he spits. "He's using an old Jedi mind trick."

"You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me," Luke says, staring hardly at Jabba. He is calm and composed, so much different from the Luke that Clary has gotten to know, yet still so familiar, as if she's known he's been capable of this all along. Jabba merely glances back at him, laughing loudly.

"Your mind powers will not work on me, boy."

There is nothing on Luke's face to show that he's dismayed. He continues adamantly, "Nevertheless, I am taking Captain Solo and his friends. You can either profit by this or be destroyed. It's your choice." He steps forward, unwavering, as he adds, "But I warn you not to underestimate my powers."

Clary glances down to see Luke is standing on the entrance to the Rancor pit, leading to the dreaded Rancor that kills anyone who falls in. She opens her mouth to shout a warning, but she's interrupted as Jabba grins malevolently.

"There will be no bargain, young Jedi. I shall enjoy watching you die."

Craning her neck, despite the raw pain of the hard metal chain digging into her skin, Clary attempts to sit upright. Before she can even blink, Luke's eyes flash in the direction of one of Jabba's guards, hand raised as he attempts to use the Force to grab their weapon. It works, but to no avail as the two struggle, and the doors to the Rancor's pit open. Clary's breathing hitches as she watches Luke and the guard fall through, and Leia too shifts in her position, eyes wide.

"Oh, no!" C-3PO exclaims as Jabba's throne moves forward, covering the opening. In front of them there is a barred window leading into the pit, allowing the crowd that's forming to gather around and watch. The screams of the guard can be heard, and Clary swallows, willing for Luke to be safe.

The iron door rumbles, and while the audience is unable to see the Rancor just yet, they squeal with delight, already knowing the outcome of what will happen. Clary can't look away as she watches with wide eyes as the Rancor finally makes itself visible. The guard that had fallen in continues to scream pitifully, and Clary winces at the sound. She forces herself to look away only when the guard falls mercilessly at the hands of the Rancor, his life ended in merely seconds. The Rancor rips the guard in half despite his strangled screams and the pit is silent aside from the Rancor's loud chewing.

Clary turns her head again, attempting to catch a glimpse of Luke. Her heart pounds loudly in her chest when she realizes she can't see him, and her mind begins to race fervently. She has no clue how Luke will make it out alive; the Rancor pit is perfectly sealed, and the Rancor itself is nearly impossible to get past. She remembers how Han used to make jokes about them getting eaten by the Rancor when she was little if they didn't continue to smuggle, and while back then she wasn't that terrified, she feels her palms grow sweaty. The flashes of her memories come back at her and she wills herself not to panic, her heart palpitating dangerously.

"Pitiful Jedi," Jabba drawls. Clary clenches her fists, angered at Jabba's tone, but says nothing as she continues to attempt to get a glimpse of Luke. Everything happens in a flash as he's finally visible, holding what appears to be the guard's weapon. The Rancor picks him up, and Clary struggles against her chains, wanting more than anything to break free and save him, but she's unable to do anything but watch, her heart swelling numbly in her chest.

Before the Rancor can even think about eating him, Luke shoves the weapon in his mouth upright, allowing the Rancor to screech in surprise and drop him almost instantly. Clary inhales sharply, relief flooding through her, only for it to dissipate in merely seconds as the Rancor manages the snap the weapon in half, scouring the pit.

However, much to Clary's amazement, Luke carefully avoids the Rancor, hiding in dark crevices of the pit. She leans forward, the metal chain digging against her skin, but she ignores the burning sensation as she attempts to get a better look at the pit. Although there isn't much to be seen from the metal bars that act as a roof, preventing anyone from escaping, Clary squints and strains her neck. There has to be a way out; the Rancor came from somewhere. Surely there should be another exit.

Luke seems to have read Clary's mind. He suddenly races forward, just a blur from the opening that the crowd can watch from. There's a loud bang, and a loud screech and the crowd moves to the other opening to see the poor Rancor crushed under the gate it had come from, with Luke safely on the other side. Clary sighs with relief, and Leia from beside her reaches for her hand, metal clanging against metal.

The two are only able to exchange their mutual relief for a few seconds before Jabba throws Clary forward and she grunts in pain, colliding with the harsh floor. Her chain tugs against her neck and she gasps, reaching up in attempts to pull it away from her throat as it burns into her, unable to break free.

"Bring Solo and the Wookiee to me. They will pay for this." He tugs on Clary's chain again, and she attempts to hold back her tears that water in her eyes as he forces her backwards. "Baby Solo, do you know that foolish Jedi?"

Clary looks up, meeting the slug's gaze. Her heart is racing, and her cheeks burn. "Of course," she replies evenly. "He's the love of my life."

Jabba laughs darkly. "I can't tell who the bigger fool is."

Clary's jaw sets as her teeth grit. She holds Jabba's gaze evenly before he turns towards Bib. He mutters something inaudible that Clary can't decipher, and Bib nods quickly before disappearing. The audience is in a ruckus, unable to believe that the Rancor had finally been defeated. Clary herself feels pity for the poor beast that had been kept and forced to kill immorally by the terrible Hutt, but her thoughts turn to Luke. Where has he gone? Is he safe?

Her question is answered almost instantly as Bib and a few guards return, clutching on tightly to Luke, Han and Chewie. Han looks around awkwardly, eyes squinted. Clary realizes with a pain that he's blinded from being in carbon freeze for so long.

"Han —!" She chokes on her words as Jabba pulls on her chain again, dragging her across the floor, closer to him. Han looks around but is unable to start forward, blinded by the carbon freeze.

"Clary —!" He struggles as the guards hold him back. Clary glances towards Luke. His gaze flickers from her to Jabba, his pretty blue eyes darkening considerably.

Han moves next to Luke. "How are we doing?" he asks.

Luke glances at him. "The same as always."

Han grimaces, still blind as he's unable to focus on the young Jedi. "That bad, huh?" He looks around the room. "I know Clary's here...where's Leia?"

"I'm here!" Leia calls from the other side of Jabba. Glancing to her, Clary watches as the familiar bronze droid C-3PO moves from behind a bounty hunter blocking him. Several guards step forward, grabbing onto Luke, bringing him closer to Jabba. Clary recognizes the attire Lando had put on and she holds her breath as he steps closer towards Leia.

"His High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt," 3P0 begins, translating for the great slug, "Has decreed that you are to be terminated immediately."

"Good," Han snaps. "I hate long waits."

Clary can't bring herself to smile at Han's usual bitter tone. Her heart remains heavy and her mind is racing on end; she doesn't doubt Luke, she doesn't doubt the plan that he's come up with, but she can't imagine what terrible tricks Jabba has up his sleeve.

"You will, therefore," 3PO reports, his voice slowing down considerably with nervousness as he continues to translate, "be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlaac."

Han mutters something to Luke. Clary expects it's something stupidly ignorant and smug, knowing her brother.

"In his belly...you will find a new definition of pain and suffering," 3PO seems to be struggling with relaying the information Jabba is giving, as his voice continues to shake considerably, "as you are slowly digested over a thousand years."

Han's face drops. "On second thought, let's pass on that."

Chewbacca barks his agreement and Clary struggles against her chains as the guards begin to take them away. Her mind is racing on end; she can't help but think that the plan will fail, that she'll lose Luke, Chewie and Han — the people who mean the most to her. She can't help but feel selfish in this moment. Her pulse is radiating, and her ears ring as she continues to struggle, but to no avail. The chains hold her down and Jabba is merciless.

"You should have bargained, Jabba," Luke says over his shoulder as he's taken away. "This is the last mistake you'll ever make."

The slug merely cackles, his stupidity clouding his judgment. The prisoners are taken away, and Clary feels her heart drop in her chest. Leia manages to reach forward again, barely grazing Clary's fingers, but Clary can't bring herself to glance the princess' way. All she can focus on is the heavy ache in her chest, the sorrow she feels towards the plan. She trusts Luke, she trusts him more than anything, but they're going to need more than trust and luck to escape Jabba. She knows this for a fact.

•••