Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 02_ Omen - Christie Golden [81]
Leia had intended to wait, to let the patrons get to safety, but with the taunt from Natua Wan still echoing in her ears, she knew the rogue Jedi had to be stopped as soon as possible.
HAN HELD ALLANA TIGHTLY TO HIM AS HE EASED HIS WAY THROUGH THE hole, careful not to touch the red-hot metal or let it touch Allana. She clung to him, as silent now as she had been vocal before, little arms and legs wrapped tightly around his torso. Guards were coming up, grim-faced and worried, helping people through, taking those with injuries aside. Han waved away help and concentrated on finding his way back to the main hall and then getting the frip out.
Jaina raced up beside him. “Dad! Where’s Mom?”
“I think Natua Wan cracked up,” Han said. “Called your mother out. She’s gone to find and stop her.”
Jaina nodded. “That’s what I figured, too. Just what we need—another crazy Jedi. You know Tyrr is going to make the most of this.”
Allana whimpered and tightened her grip. “We can’t catch a break,” Han muttered. “It’ll be fun, she said. Educational, she said. A day out. Right.”
“This way,” Jaina said. Not slowing her pace, Jaina turned so her shoulder slammed the door open. They spilled out into more chaos.
“What the—”
The central area, which an hour earlier had been filled with calm patrons, bored sales representatives, and lines to get into the two halls, was now pandemonium. Four rontos were rearing in terror, their massive legs coming down on anyone or anything unfortunate enough not to get out the way. A nerf bull bellowed, lowering its head to charge. It had already impaled one victim, judging by the blood glistening on its horns. Other herd animals were milling about—banthas, tauntauns, dewbacks—all terrified, all loose.
“Stang!” Jaina yelped. “She opened the corrals!”
Han swore. “The corrals surround the main building.”
Jaina nodded, her eyes darting back and forth. “Too dangerous for you to try to go outside now. Stay here and wait for me.”
“Like chubba I—”
“Dad! You have to keep Amelia safe! I’ll go fight my way through, grab a speeder or a speeder bike or something, and come back for you. That display—climb on top of it. Most of the herd animals can’t climb, and the only ones tall enough to get to you would be the rontos, and they’re trying to get out, not attack.”
Han glanced where his daughter pointed. It was the large display of representational animals they’d seen when they first entered, located in the middle of the hall. His strength wasn’t quite what it used to be, but he thought he could get on top of the life-sized model of the bantha. Allana would have to hang on tight, though.
“Okay,” he said. “But if you’re not back in here in fifteen minutes with a way out for us, I’ll ground you. I don’t care how old you are.”
Jaina couldn’t help but snort with amusement. This was one of the things she loved best about her father. No matter how dire the moment, he could make her laugh—and when she laughed, her mind cleared.
“Bet I’ll be back in ten,” she said, then turned and charged for the crazed nerf bull, lightsaber lit.
LEIA SKIDDED TO A HALT IN FRONT OF THE CONTROL ROOM. THE DOOR was wide open, and she felt a pang at the sight of the two bodies inside. Natua had been here but was nowhere to be seen. Leia dropped to her knees beside one of the guards and felt for a pulse. Faint, but there. She checked the other—he was alive, too.
“Leia!”
Leia was on her feet. “Natua! This isn’t what you think it is! You know it isn’t! Let me help you. You are a Jedi, you don’t want all these deaths on your hands!” She glanced around quickly at the console, thumbed a switch, and said, “This is the control room for