The Jewel Casket

The Jewel Casket
The Abduction of Psyche
The British Are Coming
The Broken Pitcher
escape, Luke," old Ben chided gently as Artoo punched a claw arm into the opencomputer socket he had discovered. Immediately a galaxy of lights came to life onthe panel in front of him and the room was filled with the hum of machinery workingat high speed. Several minutes passed while the little 'droid sucked up information like a metalsponge. Then the hum slowed and he turned to beep something back at them. "He's found it, sir!" Threepio announced excitedly. "The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactors at seven locations. Most ofthe pertinent data is restricted, but he'll try to pull the critical information through tothe monitor." Kenobi turned his attention from the larger screen to a small readout near Artoo.Data began to race across it too fast for Luke to see, but apparently Kenobi somehowmade something of the schematic blur. "I don't think there's any way you boys canhelp with this," he told them. "I must go alone." "That suits me fine," said Solo readily. "I've already done more than Ibargained for on this trip. But I think putting that tractor beam out of commission'sgoing to take more than your magic, old man." Luke wasn't put off so easily. "I want to go with you." "Don't be impatient, young Luke. This requires skills you haven't yet mastered.Stay and wait for my signal. They must be delivered to the rebel forces or manymore worlds will meet the same fate as Alderaan. Trust in the force, Luke—andwait." With a last look at the flow of information on the monitor, Kenobi adjusted thelightsaber at his waist. Stepping to the door, he slid it aside, looked once left, onceright, and, disappeared down a long, glowing hallway. As soon as he was gone Chewbacca growled and Solo nodded agreement."You said it, Chewie!" He turned to Luke. "Where'd you dig up that old fossil?" "Ben Kenobi—General Kenobi—is a great man," Luke protested loftily. "Great at getting us into trouble," Solo snorted. "'General,' my afterburners!He's not going to get us out of here." "You got any better ideas?" Luke shot back challengingly. "Anything would be better than just waiting here for them to come and pick usup. If we—"