Why Does Han Solo Agree to Take Obi-Wan and Luke on a Risky Journey for 17,000 Credits?

When Han Solo requested 10,000 credits and Obi-Wan Kenobi offered an additional 100,000, Han was cautious but willing. Here’s a detailed exploration of why he agreed to a seemingly impossible demand to take Obi-Wan and Luke on a dangerous journey across space.

Context and Background

Being a notorious smuggler with a bountiful debt, Han needed to get off the planet as quickly as possible. However, running away would lead to more trouble from Jabba the Hutt's goons. So, Han decided to play a risky game, pretending to try to earn the money to get out of his debt. This retelling of the events provides insight into Han's mindset and motivations during their fateful meeting at the cantina.

Han's Motivations

There are several reasons why Han initially agreed to take Obi-Wan and Luke despite the high cost.
1. Debt to Jabba: Han was heavily indebted to Jabba the Hutt. The Hutt crime lord would not let the smuggler leave Tatooine without settling the debt, leading to a threat that would require a large sum of money to escape.

2. Influence of Chewbacca: Chewbacca, Han's co-pilot and friend, likely had a significant impact on his decision. Chewy, being a shrewd being himself, probably used his influence to convince Han that an old hermit like Obi-Wan could indeed pay the large sum. Chewbacca knew Obi-Wan from the first conversation Han had with the Jedi, making him more likely to believe in his credibility.

The Fateful Offer

When Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi approached Han in the cantina, asking for a ride to Alderaan, Han was faced with a difficult decision. They were asking for a fare of 17,000 credits, which seemed exorbitant, especially for an impromptu trip. Here are the reasons why Han still agreed to the deal:

The Distance and Destination

Alderaan, a well-known center of commerce, is approximately 50,855 light-years from Tatooine. The transport fare of 17,000 credits was a fair price for solo travel to such a distant place, especially for a skilled smuggler and pilot like Han Solo.

The Need for Legitimacy

Undoubtedly, Han needed a legitimate excuse to flee from Jabba's influence. The origin of their journey from a princess to Alderaan provided him with the reason he needed. This legitimate excuse would help him get away from the planet and lay low until his debts were settled.

Obi-Wan's Influence

Obi-Wan Kenobi, with his reputation as a Jedi and his past dealings with the Empire, probably convinced Han that the path taken was legitimate. Han likely believed that by taking these passengers, they could all escape Jabba's reach more easily.

The Realities of the Journey

However, even if Han was unaware of who Obi-Wan and Luke were, he must have known that they had connections to important figures. Obi-Wan mentioned a Princess who would presumably pay the rest, although this ultimately turned out to be a ploy.

Ultimately, Han's decision was influenced by a mix of desperation, the promise of a hefty transport fee, and the initial belief that the journey was legitimate. His trust in Chewbacca and the perceived legitimacy of the trip from Alderaan were the primary reasons why he agreed to take these unlikely passengers on a risky journey.

Additionally, Han's distrust of Jabba must have played a role in his decision to take this route. A sincere effort to pay off his debt, coupled with the promise of a legitimate excuse, would have influenced his decision.