Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 14_ Crisis at Crystal Reef - Kevin J. Anderson [15]
"Thanks," Jacen said. "Maybe if we could look at-" Nien Nunb held up a hand for Jacen to pause, then turned to the sour-faced administrator and said a few short words in his own language. Em Teedee continued translating. "Master Nien Nunb says thank you, Second Administrator Kynm.
He will not require your services any further." Kynm's lips pressed into a thin, tight line, but he made no argument as he withdrew. Nien Nunb strode to the doorway, shut the heavy door, and pressed his ear against it for a moment. Then, to all of their surprise, he locked the door.
The Sullustan Chief Administrator spoke rapidly and spread his hands to indicate a cluster of cushioned repulsor benches in a group on one side of his rock-walled office. "Master Nien Nunb urges you to be seated, and he is now anxious to learn the nature of the business that has brought you all here."
The five young Jedi explained about their search for their friend Anja and how they had hoped to find her here on Kessel. Nien Nunb put a hand to his chin and shook his broad head while he replied. In translation, Em Teedee explained that the Chief Administrator had not seen the Lightning Rod and, since he had known old Peckhum a good many years, he believed he would have recognized the ship had it landed anywhere in the main docking domes. He had been very busy and very concerned, however, so he couldn't be sure.
"Is it possible that she might have managed to sneak past your security screens?" Jaina asked.
Jacen frowned at his sister for implying that Anja was trying to do something illegal on Kessel, but Nien Nunb was already answering.
"In the past, Master Nien Nunb would have assured you that very little could get past his security screens here on Kessel, and that he knew of all comings and goings on this planet," Em Teedee said. "But in recent months there have been some small... occurrences that have led him to believe that perhaps all is not as it seems here. Therefore, he has offered to put the full resources of Kessel's computer records at your disposal. You may also physically search for Mistress Anja if you believe that will be of any use. He only urges you to be extremely cautious."
Tenel Ka, always slightly suspicious, sat up straighter. "May I inquire what the source of your concern is?"
The Chief Administrator opened his small mouth under drooping folds of skin, closed it, opened it, and closed it again, as if he could not decide exactly what to say. Finally the story spilled out, and he described the "accident" from which he had barely escaped with his life, the blasts of carbonite and the suspected sabotage that had cost the life of Torvon, the predecessor to Second Administrator Kymn.
"Master Nien Nunb has ordered immediate inspections and has implemented new safety systems in order to foster the appearance that he has no suspicions of anything at all sinister." The young Jedi Knights looked at each other, trying to decide how dangerous the spice mines might really be.
Em Teedee went on. "He does not wish anyone to know that he now suspects treachery, and is no longer certain which of his employees he can trust.
As of yet, however, he has no solid proof. Therefore, in return for his assistance in helping you with your search for Anja, he requests that you remain alert to any signs of illegal activity, danger, or deceit." Tenel Ka gave a curt nod, and her warrior braids swayed around her shoulders.
From the corner of his eye, Jacen saw Zekk's hand go to the hilt of his newly constructed lightsaber.
Jacen nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "Sure, we can do that."
Their search for any sign of the Lightning Rod in Kessel's haphazard docking records was apparently fruitless. Lowie, Em Teedee, and Jaina had chased through even the most elusive of electronic notations, looking for aliases, last-minute substitutions on standard cargo runs,