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"We have no need to take slaves. Besides, Twi'leks work harder than weakling humans, especially human children."

"I've seen enough," Trubor squeaked, putting his hands on his tiny hips.

He perked his wide, fanlike ears around as if listening for hidden prisoners, cries for help. "There is nothing the least bit suspicious in all these tunnels. I, for one, must say that Nolaa Tarkona's concerns about of human prejudice and intolerance seem to have a very firm grounding-especially with what the New Republic has demonstrated here."

Luke used his Jedi senses, but could detect no struggling human prisoners. He hoped that Nolaa Tarkona hadn't ordered their immediate execution upon learning of the inspection team's visit.

"Is there nothing else we can show you?" Kambrea said.

"Yes!" Lusa snapped. "Show us everything you have hidden."

The Diversity Alliance guards stiffened, but Cilghal proved calmer. She turned to Sirra.

"Is there anything specific you suggest?"

Sirra growled something, a suggestion, and the Calamarian ambassador turned to Kambrea.

"You wouldn't mind if we looked at your loading dock, would you?"

"Certainly not," the Devaronian answered with a huff. "As I've said repeatedly, we have nothing to hide."

Luke's senses prickled as Kambrea led them to one of the main shipping and receiving bays. Stacks of crates stood tall against one wall. Bulky alien workers and numerous droids lifted the crates, catalogued them, and loaded them into small transports.

"You see," Kambrea said with a gesture, "food and medicinal supplies for alien colonies, settlement worlds the New Republic has abandoned."

"Very commendable," Cilghal said.

Trubor emphasized the point further.

"The New Republic cannot help every world, though we wish we could. The Diversity Alliance serves a good purpose by assisting those we cannot."

Sirra growled curiously as she strode over to the wall of crates.

Luke watched her carefully. The Wookiee seemed to know exactly what she was doing.

"I hope you're satisfied," Kambrea said, intent on Trubor. "There's nothing to warrant the treatment we have received. We trust you'll return to your New Republic and report our displeasure to your government."

Sirra gave a challenging bellow. As everyone turned to look, she balled her furry fist and punched in the side of a supply crate marked FRAGILE: MEDICINAL SUPPLIES-URGENT. The container split open. Kambrea yelped in astonishment, and Sirra stood back as the crate cracked, groaned, and then spilled packaged blaster power-packs and handheld laser rifles out onto the floor. At that point, all chaos broke loose.

JAINA TROTTED UP the metal-lined corridor beside Tenel Ka and Jacen.

Looking back over her shoulder she saw that the emergency interlock still held Rullak and his Diversity Alliance guards. She couldn't tell how much longer the barrier would last, though. A moment ago it had sounded as if Tenel Ka might have a plan.

"Exactly what kind of drastic measures did you have in mind?" Jaina asked.

"Speed is essential," Tenel Ka replied, and picked up her pace. Her expression flickered with physical pain, but the warrior girl did not falter or slow down.

"Yeah, I think we can all agree on that," Jacen panted.

At the next branching of corridors, Tenel Ka said, "This way!" and turned so quickly that Jaina had to pivot on one foot to make the turn, causing her to fetch up sharply against the wall.

Jacen grabbed her left arm and pulled her forward again.

"Come on, Jaina. So what's the rest of the plan, Tenel Ka?"

Jaina willed her legs to keep moving.

"Kind of hard to have a committee meeting while we're" - she gasped-

"while we're on the run."

"Almost there," Tenel Ka said, turning left again at the next intersection. Jaina sped up and hoped that Tenel Ka really did have a plan.

"Almost there," Jacen echoed, trying to encourage Jaina.

"Hey-almost where?" Tenel Ka skidded to a stop without warning, and Jacen collided with her, forcing him to throw an arm around her to keep her from falling down. Jaina overshot the intersection by a few steps before