• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

Lando, Jaina, and Zekk worked on the Lady Luck, preparing it for a quick journey to the Bith homeworld of Clak'dor VII. Though Jacen, Lowie, and Tenel Ka would remain on Cloud City to continue the local investigation, they helped with the flight preparations. Anja, however, kept to herself and was nowhere to be found.

"Sorry I can't take you all with me," Lando said, wiping a smudge of lubricant off his burgundy cape. "But it's a long shot tracking down that band. They definitely went to Clak'dor VII, but they're on the run, and I don't want to waste precious time in case-" Jacen said, "Don't worry about us here, Lando. We've got plenty of investigating to do on Cloud City."

"Can't wait to compare notes when we get back," Jaina said.

"Hey, Em Teedee," Zekk called, tying back his long, dark hair, "did you go over our route to the Bith homeworld? We don't want to get lost on our way there."

"Why certainly, Master Zekk," the little droid said. "I checked and double-checked all of the coordinates and ran an algorithm to ensure that the navicomputer had chosen the proper course, free of any serious natural hazards. The Lady Luck and I are on very cordial terms."

"Clak'dor VII isn't a place many people go by choice," Lando said.

"I've been to more planets in this galaxy than I can name, but I don't ever remember setting foot on that world."

"The musical prowess of Bith band members is renowned throughout the New Republic," Tenel Ka said. "They travel widely, taking their entertainment talents to numerous venues. There is little reason to travel to Clak'dor VII to hear Bith music, since their bands are easily found in many fine establishments."

"Not to mention some pretty seedy ones," Zekk pointed out, remembering the Mos Eisley cantina.

"Well, I think it's mighty suspicious that they packed up in such a hurry and left Cloud City right after Cojahn vanished. We need to track down Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes and see what they can tell us."

Wisps of high-flying clouds mixed with pink and tan vapors swirled around the open dock. Holding on to anornate side strut on the Lady Luck, Jaina gazed out at the broad empty landscape of clouds and sunlight and sky.

Hearing someone approach, she turned around with surprise when her brother said, "Hey, it's Anja!"

They all glanced up to see the tall, muscular girl lounging against the docking bay door. "Yeah, I wanted to see you before you guys left."

She shrugged her tattooed shoulder. "I didn't want you all to think I was hot-tempered or anything."

Recalling the girl's outburst, Jaina raised her eyebrows. To Jaina's now-alert eye, the young woman seemed cheerful and energized, her enormous eyes bright, the pupils wide. Lando absorbed all these details with a slight nod, as if it confirmed his suspicions about Anja's use of andris spice. But he made no comment.

Lowie growled something and Em Teedee translated, completely missing the Wookiee's sarcasm. "Master Lowbacca wonders whatever could have given us that idea, Mistress Anja."

"Sometimes my... enthusiasm gets the best of me," Anja said.

"I think she's apologizing," Zekk said in a stage whisper.

Jaina shot a teasing glance at her dark-haired friend. "Let's not get carried away, now."

"Don't push it, kids," Lando warned. "She's apologized... in her own way.

"

Anja narrowed her huge eyes. "All right. I'm sorry. Is that clear enough?

" She crossed her arms over her chest and stood with forced relaxation, though Jaina could see her tensed muscles. A sheen of sweat sparkled on her forehead, darkening the leather headband. Her skin was flushed as if she were overheating, bursting with energy, but Anja kept herself under tight control.

Lando banged on the outer hull of his space yacht. "Ready to head out.

Let's see what we can learn from that Bith band." He bowed low and gestured up the boarding ramp for Jaina. "My lady Jaina, Master Zekk, if you'd be so kind as to board our conveyance?" He flashed a bright grin at the companions remaining behind. "Next stop, Clak'dor."

As Jaina climbed