Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 14_ Crisis at Crystal Reef - Kevin J. Anderson [24]
Steaming hot tubs bubbled at the center of the deck, their warm vapors rising a few meters before condensing into icicles on the deck railings and nearby furniture. Inside the tubs lizardlike aliens basked in the incredible liquid heat. Jacen could feel the increased temperature hovering over them like a steamy atmosphere dome.
Meanwhile, Dralls frolicked in the water of the polar ocean below, their dark, short fur protecting them from the freezing temperatures.
He watched them splash and play, having the time of their lives in the icy waves.
"Do you think Anja would be on one of the casino decks?" Zekk asked.
Tenel Ka frowned. "We can rule out no possibility."
Jacen shook his head. He looked behind him at the tall white towers glistening like spikes above the floating city. All legal forms of gambling were practiced on Crystal Reef-from races to simple games to major sabace tournaments. Jacen wanted none of that, and he had to believe that Anja Gallandro didn't either.
"I doubt gambling has anything to do with w'ly Anja came here.
If she wanted to gamble, she could have done plenty on Cloud Citybut she didn't show any interest then. No, she came to Mon Calamari for some other reason after leaving Kessel. Maybe she was looking for someone she knows. In any case, we'll just have to find out what she really had in mind."
"You forget, Jacen, my friend," Tenel Ka said, "if she is connected with Black Sun, they would wish to control all the gambling here.
Therefore, her contacts may be on the gambling levels. This is a fact."
Jacen had to concede the point, but it still didn't sound right to him.
Finally, Cilghal found an information kiosk studded with computers and keyboards fitted for various types of tentacles, claws, and manipulative digits. She spoke quickly but politely to the data-hunter at the kiosk, a small-boned creature with ten articulated arms.
Cilghal gave her diplomatic credentials and described the person they were seeking.
The data-hunter's smooth, toothless mouth smiled politely. Its numerous arms and hands moved in a blur, typing in requests, searching records, hunting through databases. "Ah, what excellent luck, Ambassador. Anja Gallandro should be easy to locate in our beautiful city," the datahunter said. "The young lady has not yet visited any of our casinos or gaming establishments, though with your good luck, Ambassador, maybe you should."
Jacen tried unsuccessfully to suppress a chuckle at this blatant sales pitch. When Cilghal did not answer, the data-hunter quickly continued.
"In fact, your friend has run up only a minimal bill during her stay here. Perhaps she is on the budget plan?"
"That is a strong possibility," Tenel Ka confirmed.
"Wouldn't surprise me a bit"' Zekk muttered.
Impatient to get going, Jacen leaned forward. "So where is she now?"
"Ah." The data-hunter looked down at the screen, though Jacen could see only a blur of symbols flashing by. "At this moment, Anja Gallandro is visiting in our popular vehicle-rental docks attempting to procure a highly enjoyable underwater mode of transportation. I see...
????? she has been there for some time already. I believe she is engaged in an energetic discussion with our fine entertainment representative.
"Unfortunately, your friend has no reservation or established credit, and we have quite a long and enthusiastic waiting list. Our state-of-theart minisubmersibles are one of the most sought-after forms of entertainment here on beautiful Crystal Reef. I could book one for you, if you are interested, Ambassador. We have a spectacular brochure.... " The datahunter reached out an articulated hand to offer them a packet of colorful images.
But Cilghal turned away with a polite smile. "Thank you. You've been most helpful."