Star Wars_ Young Jedi Knights 14_ Crisis at Crystal Reef - Kevin J. Anderson [43]
she said. "It's well guarded and we can take care of it."
Nien Nunb nodded.
"Perfect." She explained how she and Lowie had successfully sabotaged the communications array so that the Black Sun plans could not proceed.
Things were already falling apart for Czethros, and now that his prisoners were freed, this resistance would be the last straw.
Nien Nunb turned back to his computer console, satisfied with what he had accomplished, and brought up the security holocam images. Lowie rumbled a warning. Figures were moving down the tunnel, sporting weapons and dark uniforms-led by the treacherous Second Administrator Kymn! Directly beside him strode the smiling blond-haired captain who had lied about being impressed with Nien Nunb's part in destroying the Death Star at the Battle of Endor.
The Sullustan made a thin growling sound in his throat and jabbered brief instructions, telling everyone to stay alert. He would take care of this instantly-he had his own score to settle.
"But whatever shall we do?" Em Teedee said.
"I think we'll just have to be prepared-for anything," Jaina answered.
Workers brought up their weapons and made ready for a fight as the Chief Administrator scuttled out the door of the control center and down the dark and winding corridors. Nien Nunb felt anger blazing inside him-a new sensation for the timid Sullustan. He vowed to show that blond-haired captain just how a hero really handled himself.
He hustled along, moving with detemnation... trying belatedly to figure out his plan. Kymn's crew of searchers would be surprised to see him free, since they were simply hunting for one or two hidden sahotellrs: Jaina and Lowbacca. Or so they thought.
Nien Nunb turned the next corner-and froze stock-still as the treacherous Second Administrator and the blond-haired captain cried out in surprise.
"He's escaped!" Kymn yelled. "Grab him! No-shoot!"
"I thought Czethros wanted him kept alive as a hostage," the blond captain said as the guards surged forward.
"Don't trouble yourself," Kymn sneered. "This little rodent has been bossing me around in various jobs for too many years. I'd like the pleasure of seeing him squirm for a change."
Black Sun mercenaries charged forward. Reacting with a panic that was only the slightest bit feigned, Nien Nunb squealed and whirled. He pelted back down the low, dim corridor.
Laughing and shouting, believing their quarry had no chance against them, the guards gave chase, led by the bellowing Second Administrator and the captain.
When Nien Nunb rounded the last corner before the control chamher, though, he ducked to one side and pressed himself against the cool rock wall near the door. His loyal fellow prisoners surged out, weapons ready.
The two young Jedi Knights stood with pulsating lightsabers.
The opposing guards tumbled into each other, piling up as they scrambled backward in a panic. They had expected no resistance at all.
Thinking Kessel secure, Czethros had already reassigned his best mercenaries to other potential battles out in the New Republic. But his own base of operations was the weakest point.
The freed prisoners shouted and aimed their weapons. Blaster fire rang out, cracking walls and spouting tongues of rock dust and smoke.
The surprised invaders returned fire, scorching the armor one of Nien Nunb's defenders-but Second Administrator Kymn quickly realized the ambush had caught them in a very bad situation. Two of his mercenaries fell, writhing in pain. Nien Nunb's fighters kept to their sheltered positions, while Kymn's troops remained completely exposed.
Second Administrator Kymn yelled, "Go left! Move down this way!
Shots rang out, fired by the turning guards more in confusion and anger than in defense. None of the bolts hit their targets. Broken rock showered from the walls. Nien Nunb's workers fired back, scorching the backplate of one of the retreating