Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 14_ Crisis at Crystal Reef - Kevin J. Anderson [26]
"But... Czethros?" Jacen said, aghast. "He's a criminal, a murderer-"
"Czethros is an evil man," Tenel Ka said. "He is in hiding and the entire New Republic is searching for him."
"I'm out to get even with him, too," Anja said. "He lied to me.
He said he had my best interests at heart. I trusted him, but now I know that behind my back he was selling those terrible weapons to perpetuate the civil war on Anobis. He's the one responsible for so many years of hopelessness, so much suffering, so much death. He used me. And I allowed it to happen......
She shuddered, then looked up at Jacen, Zekk, and Tenel Ka. Her face grew ruddy with anger and embarrassment. "But not anymore.
Czethros is involved in spice smuggling, you know. He also controls the gambling in hot spots throughout the galaxy, and he's engineering a major takeover. He's got operatives-traitors-in positions of importance everywhere. There's no way the New Republic can stop him."
She flashed a humorless smile. "But I know a way to hurt him."
She looked back toward the submersibles. "He has a large stash of andris spice here, under the Calamarian ice caps."
"Makes sense," Zekk said. "That would keep the andris cold, and intensify its effects."
"It's been delivered from Kessel in small shipments and stored there.
Black Sun dealers will start distributing it to some of the highrolling gambler clientele here soon... unless I can destroy it first."
Tenel Ka frowned skeptically. "If you are addicted to spice, why should you be eager to destroy it?"
"Because it'll hurt Czethros."
"And you're sure you won't just save a little for yourself?" Zekk challenged.
"You can come with me if you want," Anja said defiantly. "In fact, I could use your help to get past that stupid tree-man. I've got to rent a minisub. We can go together, find the stash, and destroy it. I guarantee that'll deflate some of Czethros's plans."
"But why do we not take the spice back to doctors and patients who need it?" Tenel Ka asked.
"Because some of Czethros's men may already be on their way to stop me.
If we don't destroy that spice, I have no doubt Czethros will manage to put his hands on it again before we ever have a chance to get it safely away from Mon Calwnari."
Jacen looked at Zekk and Tenel Ka. "It would be a pretty safe way to strike a blow against him-and with all those credits lost, it would really hurt." He glanced back at Anja. "Was Czethros behind the troubles we had on Cloud City?"
She hung her head. "Yes... and I didn't do a thing to stop him.
At the time, I still wouldn't let myself trust you. Even so, I had no idea he would try to have you murdered. Please believe me."
"Sure, but why didn't you trust us? We've tried to be friends to you in every way," Jacen said, still surprised.
"Yes, but you're also the son of Han Solo. I was hoping that you might still prove yourself to be as cowardly and untrustworthy as your father."
Anja's eyes did not meet his. Despite the cold, perspiration ran in rivulets down her face and neck. Her hands shook.
Jacen drew a deep breath to calm himself. So, Anja still blamed Han Solo for the death of her father, though Han denied the situation vehemently, insisting that she didn't have the correct story. But now that she had soured on Czethros, Jacen mused, perhaps she would listen to an explanation of events different from the one told by the man who had betrayed her.
Cilghal stood up. Her watery green-blue robes flowed around her.
"I wish to rid my world of this illegal spice that you say is stored under the ice caps. We will go with you, Anja Gallandro, and help you destroy it. If you are telling us the truth, we will assist you in every way."
"If you are telling us the truth," Tenel Ka added.
"I'm not a liar," Anja said. Her entire body trembled.
"Well,