Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 10_ Jedi Bounty - Kevin J. Anderson [36]
The stolen uniform of the Diversity Alliance security guard felt stiff and uncomfortable. But Lowie was pleased to note that the black studded sash around his waist, as well as the armored pads on his shoulders, gave him a fearsome appearance He fluffed up the black streak over his left eye to make himself look even more intimidating--or so he hoped.
He marched purposefully down the corridor and took a turbolift to the excavation levels.
Once there, he boarded a high-powered mining car that whisked him off to the mine's nether regions. On the way, Lowie glanced at his chronometer, noting just how many minutes he had before his diversion began.
Plenty of time--provided he didn't encounter any problems.
Em Teedee spoke quickly but quietly; Lowie had already chided him for making too much noise. Still, the little droid seemed determined to express his alarm. "Master Lowbacca, are you quite certain that security uniform you're wearing is necessary? It looks absurd, if I might say so.!
simply can't imagine you as the bullying sort.
Perhaps we should wait until a better opportunity presents itself."
Lowie grunted, and Em Teedee let out the electronic equivalent of a sigh.
"Very well, but if you're so convinced of your importance to Nolaa Tarkona, we've even greater concern for worry.
The Diversity Alliance seem to be quite an unsavory lot." Lowie growled his agreement, and the little droid fell silent, as if surprised the Wookiee hadn't argued with him.
The mine car stopped. Lowie did not pause for an instant or show any hesitation. He sprang to his feet and marched briskly toward the noisy, echoing grottoes where, according to the computerized duty roster for slaves, all the new captives had been assigned to work.
Lowie squared his shoulders and strode into the grotto, his alert golden eyes flicking from side to side. Numerous forced labor crews pounded at the rock or shattered stalactites from above. The place smelled of sweat and despair, blood and pain.
The assigned guards were Abyssin, Gamorreans, and other brutish species who seemed to enjoy raining harsh blows upon the prisoners.
Bullies developed in all species, and these had found in the Diversity Alliance an opportunity to indulge in the activities that amused them most.
The guards turned at Lowie's brash entrance, grunting guttural questions in various languages, but he bluffed his way forward, knocking them aside. In barks and growls, he demanded to see the shift boss. Finally, the pebbly-skinned Rodian appeared, huge eyes darting furtively around, his sucker-tipped hands tapping with impatience against his legs.
Lowie growled his fabricated orders, but the Rodian hesitated. Em Teedee piped up in an imperious voice, "How dare you delay us, you silly supervisor? Nolaa Tarkona has ordered that the four new captives be brought to her throne chamber. This guard has been sent to escort them."
"But why?" the Rodian said. "Have I done anything wrong? Are they being taken from'my charge? I need these workers."
"Nolaa Tarkona needs them more," the little droid snapped. "She intends to make a ransom demand. Your immediate compliance is essential for the success of the Diversity Alliance and the glory of our conquest."
The Rodian grumbled and moved to a communications terminal. "I must confrrm this with Adjutant Advisor Hovrak," he said.
Lowie roared, and Em Teedee quickly translated, "Indeed not! You are to accept your orders directly from Nolaa Tarkona, without consulting her underlings. To do otherwise will be viewed as insubordination."
The droid's voice held an edge of electronic alarm. Lowie simply growled a warning that he would not put much faith in Hovrak's position as Adjutant Advisor anymore, since the wolfman had failed Nolaa Tarkona several times recently.
The. Rodian finally backed down and relayed the command