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I'm sure we're all most impressed."

"What? What's going on?" Jaina asked. Beside her, Tenel Ka crouched, ready to fight with nothing but her bare hand. Yet no attack came.

"Master Lowbacca arranged for the central computer system to activate an emergency alarm that has fooled the sensors into detecting a toxic gas leak in the grottoes farthest from the small-craft landing bay.

Emergency crews and security guards will rush in the direction of the alarms whilst--" Jacen clapped his hands. "While we run the other way!

Good thinking, Lowie!"

Tenel Ka nodded. "Excellent strategy, Low-bagca."

Squads of soldiers hustled down side corridors.

Fearful alien workers poked their heads out of their chambers. Lowie maintained his alert posture, pretending to guard the four "dangerous humans."

He gave the companions a briefrundown of the main tunnels and airshafts that led directly up to the surface. Some of the passages opened to a narrow band of tolerable temperatures on the surface. The young Jedi Knights would have to make their way up one of the major tunnels to the mountains while Lowie returned for the Rock Dragon. Despite the threat of retaliation from the Diversity Alliance, he would find a way to steal the ship, then come pick them up.

"But Master Lowbacca," Em Teedee objected.

"Surely this can't be the wisest course of action.

Why shouldn't we simply stay together?"

Lowie dismissed this idea as too dangerous.

Lowie could pass through Diversity Alliance security; the humans could not.

"Is there no other way to procure a ship, then?"

Em Teedee asked. '%Vhy must we risk going back nOW.9" - The Wookiee drew a deep, angry breath and spoke one word that Jacen understood clearly.

"Sirra." Lowie would not leave his sister behind in the clutches of Nolaa Tarkona.

As they ran uphill together, panting, tasting the chalky air with its sour, mildewy stench, Lowie handed his friends back their lightsabers, as well as Tenel Ka's utility belt. Jacen clipped his weapon to his side, as did Jaina, while Tenel Ka kept hers in her hand'grip, ready for battle at any moment. She was also glad to have the resources of her belt again.

Only Raynar seemed to be at a loss, with no weapon of his own.

Lowie knew exactly where he was going. Tenel Ka studied all the passages as they went, memorizing as best she could the layout of the Twi'lek tunnel systems. Jacen, who ran next to her, was unsurprised to find the warrior girl not the least bit out of breath. Despite the grime that crusted her hair and skin from hours of labor in the 'mines, he still thought she looked beautiful.

As they rounded a corner, entering the main passageway, they came to an abrupt halt. Three piggish Gmorrean guards marched down the hall, shoulder to shoulder. Their tiny, close-set eyes were devoid of intelligence. The guards grunted and snuffied at each other, upset by the loud alarms ringing in their ears.

In numerous languages, an intercom voice warned of the dangerous toxic gas spill and ordered everyone to evacuate the lower levels immediately.

The guards did their best to look intimidating.

They pounded on doors and kicked in the ones that remained sealed; some doors opened immediately, and the Gamorreans kicked the occupants instead.

Lowie stood in the corridor, boldly showing off his armor plates and chest band. His streak of dark fur bristled. The four young humans huddled behind him, trying to look like Weak and downtrodden prisoners.

Lowie growled a challenge at the Gamorreans.

The guards grunted in surprise at this new obstacle. So intent had they been on bashing in doors, they hadn't noticed the Wooldee. The head guard shoved his warty chin and tusks forward. He muttered something in a language that sounded like the burbling of phlegm.

Em Teedee said. "The guard inquires--if I may translate rather loosely-

'Aren't you humans?"" Jacen stepped forward. 'q31aster bolts, no! These are only disguises. Part of a top-secret project.

Pretty good, aren't they?" Reaching out with the Force, he gave the guards' minds a gentle