STAR WARS: ADVENTURES OF BUCK RYDUR - BOOK 1 PART 1 FREEDOM'S PRICE

Chapter Four (cont)

"So what do ya think?" Robyn asked as we exited the chamber and walked down another hall. "Of Cash, I mean."

I thought about how to answer that. "Reminds me of a shade viper; cool and collected, but ready to make a killing strike at any second."

"Well, he is a pirate, mate."

"He kept looking at me funny."

He snickered. "Probably 'cause you smell so bad. Ever take a shower?"

"Not with water."

"I can believe that." He led me into a comfortable-looking room. "This one's clear, not far from mine."

I sat on the bed. It was soft and springy, a hundred times more comfortable than the pantry floor at Solii's. And there were blankets, real, thick blankets. There was even furniture, not that I'd have any use for it.

"That's the 'fresher," Robyn told me, motioning toward a narrow door. "Ya can wash up in there. Oh, I'll set out some of my old clothes fer ya. Might be a bit big, but they'll be a Gungan's ears better than the ones you're wearin'."

I walked over to the door and, upon opening it, peered inside. I remember cleaning the Master's refreshing unit back at the farm, but it hadn't looked nearly as nice as this one.

"Make sure you scrub up real good," Robyn told me with a grin. "I'll meet you outside in twenty minutes, alright?"

I nodded, and he strode out of the room. It took me some time to figure out how to turn the water on, but my stars it felt glorious! The hot liquid jets hammering my body were so soothing, I almost fell asleep standing there.

Finding some soap, I thoroughly washed myself, scrubbing from head to toe. When I stepped out to dry under the blowers, I realized I'd never really felt clean until now.

True to Robyn's word, I found some clothes lying on the bed when I exited the 'fresher. The underwear was tricky and felt strange, and the dark blue jumpsuit was a little too big, but in way better condition than my old tunic. Next I put on my socks and boots, though the boots were hard to pull on by myself.

As I was about make my way out of the room, something caught my eye. Turning, I saw a boy inside the 'fresher, standing directly across from me. I moved, and the boy moved too. I took a step closer, and so did the boy. Everything I did, he did, at the same exact time.

Wait a minute, that's me! I was looking in what they call a mirror. I walked over and stared at myself curiously. I've never really known what I look like.

There's nothing too strange about me, I decided. My face isn't ugly; in fact, compared to many I've seen, it's actually a very nice face. Very serious looking but nice, except for the pale scar stretching across the side of my cheek. I studied my hair again. It was still damp and looked messy, hanging down past my ears like a mop. I remember back at the oil farm, the Master would sometimes comb his hair before going out.

I wondered if there was a comb lying around somewhere. After a few minutes of exploring I found one, and tried running the teeth of the comb through my hair.

It didn't work as easily as it was supposed to, and hurt when I tugged too hard. So I worked at it bit by bit, getting out the tangles until the comb didn't catch anymore. Now my hair gleamed, and even had a little wave to it.

Suddenly there was a knock on the 'fresher door: "Buck? Need any help in there, mate?"

I opened the door and stepped out. Robyn's eyes went wide, and he walked slowly around me.