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.The trader last confirmed meeting before his disappearance had been here on Kuar.Jacen's mouth fell open as he looked at Lowie."Do you realize what this means?" he asked."That must be the same person that Bornan Thul came here to meet--maybe even to negotiate a trade with.But what would Bornan Thul want with ronik shells? Especially since he was supposed to meet with Nolaa Tarkona, too.I guess he could have planned to use the shells as a kind of bargaining chip." His eyes lit up."Hey, maybe if we locate that shipment of shells, we'll find another clue about where Ray-nar's dad went."Raaba seemed about to reply when Tenel Ka dashed up to get Jacen's attention."Company," she said, pointing skyward.At first Jacen could seen nothing but swirling dust around the crater rim, but then he saw a flash of metal the color of tarnished brass high above."I heard your shout.What's wrong?"Jaina asked, trotting up to join them.Jacen indicated the approaching ship with a lift of his chin.His sister's eyebrows shot up."For an out-of-the-way planet, Kuar sure gets a lot of traffic," she observed.A low growl came from deep in Raaba's throat.Her dark fur seemed to bristle, and she reached for the blaster at her side.Lowie held up a hand, though, asking her to wait and grumbling a comment to'himself."Why, whatever do you mean, Master Lowbacca?" Em Teedee said with some asperity."How could you possibly recognize that ship?""Didn't think anyone else in the galaxy even knew we were on this dust ball,"Jaina commented, squinting to get a better look."Except Tyko Thul," Tenel Ka said."That's his ship all right," Jaina confirmed.Jacen now recognized its boxy design and unusual color.Soon the ornate craft was close enough for Jacen to see the slightly rotund figure in the cockpit.He felt the tingle again at the back of his neck, only stronger this time."I've got a bad feeling about this," Jacen said."First Raaba shows up-and we thought she was dead.Now Tyko Thul is here.""And we thought he was on Mechis III," Jaina finished for him.Two minutes later Raynat's uncle climbed out of his ship.His moon-round face beamed at the assembled party."How wonderful to see you all again.So glad I found you.I brought some food.Would you all like to join me for"--he glanced appraisingly at the sky--"morning meal?I'm simply famished.Hyperspace travel really drains me.""Uh, wait a minute," Jacen said."Is there some kind of emergency? Didn't you say you had business back on Mechis III?""I did, my dear boy--I mean, I do Tyko began to unpack a mouthwatering array of foods from an enormous food-prep unit."I was on my way there when I thought to myself, Tyko, you have only one brother--and although no one else may realize it, it's clear he's gotten himself into some sort of financial predicament.If there's anyone who can coax him out of hiding so he can get some help, why, it's you, Tyko.And so, here I am to assist you in your search.It's the least I can do.Family obligations and all that.Besides, those droids back on Mechis III know how to run the show.And if they don't do it properly I can always dismantle them.""Indeed!" Em Teedee said in a huff."The very ideal" "Actually, we were about to leave," Jaina said."We've pretty much found what we were looking for here."Tyko's cheeks grew pink and he sputtered."Why, you can't--I-I've only just arrived.You must allow me to set my mind at rest.Help me look for my brother-please, just for today," he urged."Have you found any dues whatsoever?""Yes.Actually, though," Jacen spoke up, gesturing toward the chocolate furred Wookiee, "this is Raabakyysh of Kashyyyk.She's a good friend of Lowie's, and she has a bit more searching to do here.Lowie volunteered to help her, didn't you, Lowie?"Lowie gave a tentative growl of agreement.Tyko darted a dismissive glance at the two Wookiees."Splendid, splendid," he said."It's settled then.We'll spend the day investigating.Shall we eat first? What may I offer you?"After a sumptuous meal the party split up for one last exploration of the crater and the rim surrounding it.Lowie accompanied Raaba.The two Wookies left together, and Tyko bustled around after Jacen, Jaina, and Tenel Ka, looking busy and interested, though he frequently glanced at his wrist-chronometer.They showed him the tattered sash they had found, along with its dire warning, and told him about the meeting, perhaps with a scavenger named Fonterrat.Otherwise, the day was spent in what proved ultimately to be a fruitless search.As they gathered for evening meal, however, Tyko Thul seemed satisfied with their efforts."My only regret is that I still have no idea what kind of shady scheme my brother's gotten himself involved in," he said."Oh well, it was worth the attempt to look around here.Now I can rest easy."Jacen felt unaccountably protective of Raynar in the young man's absence."Ray-nar believed that his father was completely honorable," he objected."How can you'be so sure he's gotten himself involved in a shady scheme? We don't really have any evidence of that."Tyko favored him with a condescending smile."My dear boy, of course Bornan's involved in something shady.Why else would he make an appointment with that rabble-rousing firebrand Nolaa Tarkona and then simply disappear? I can't believe he'd even associate with such a despicable troublemaker as that Twi'lek woman.Then again, he's always had bad judgment in selecting business associates, and Tarkona is one of the worst."Raaba sat up.straight at Tyko's comment about Nolaa Tarkona.Her fur bristled, and a growl rumbled deep in her throat."No, no, I know my brother," Tyko went on, ignoring the Wookiee."You mark my words.He's gotten himself into trouble because of the people, or the things, with whom he associates."Angrily, Raaba stood and stalked away into the darkness.Lowie quickly followed her, and Jacen could hear them in the distance, conversing in strained tones.Oblivious to the angry reactions his insults had inspired, Tyko continued talking as if nothing had happened,' though Jacen didn't hear a word he said.Only moments later, with a whine of repulsorjets, Raaba's interstellar skimmer streaked off into the night, vanishing among the stars above.When Lowie returned to the group, silent and dispirited, Tyko simply shrugged."A bit hotheaded, isn't she?" he remarked, then dug back into the food packets [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]