[Galaxy Of Fear] - 03(3)

Mechanically, however, the Shroud was a first-rate ship, with a high-powered computer system and memory banks filled to capacity with information.

Entering the lab, Tash and Hoole found Deevee at work on the computers, with Zak hovering behind him. “Zak, you should be in bed,” Tash said.

“But look what Deevee’s found,” he replied.

Deevee had been designed to imitate human functions. He cocked his silver-plated head to one side. “Indeed, this is extremely curious.”

“Have you been able to access the files?” Hoole asked.

“In a manner of speaking,” Deevee replied. “The files were protected by a security password. My complex logic circuits were a bit rusty from lack of use.” The droid glanced disapprovingly at Tash and Zak. Deevee had served as Hoole’s research assistant for years. But the day Hoole had volunteered to be guardian of his niece and nephew, Deevee had been assigned as their caretaker, a job he didn’t enjoy much. He jumped at any chance to perform the real scientific research he was programmed to do. “But I managed to get some real work done.” The droid straightened with pride. “It was an extremely complex and difficult password to decipher, but, as you know…”

Here it comes, Tash thought.

… my computer brain is extremely adaptable to real work such as this, and I was able to decode the password.”

“It’s something called Project Starscream,” Zak said. “Then we can read the files?” Tash asked.

Deevee looked suddenly deflated. “Well, no. This Evazan must have been quite paranoid. Not only did he install a password, he wrote all the files in code.”

Tash peeked around Hoole’s shoulder as he studied the computer screen. Lines of gibberish and strings of numbers ran from left to right continuously.

“Can you break this code?” Hoole asked.

“I’m uncertain,” the droid confessed.

“What?” Tash couldn’t resist joking. “Even with your supercomputer brain? “

Deevee sniffed. “Not even a protocol droid could translate this language. It’s far beyond my capacity. I’m afraid I couldn’t get any further than the words Project Starscream.”

“What do you suppose Project Starscream is?” Tash asked.

“Probably none of our concern, I’m sure,” Hoole said.

“I bet I could break the code,” Zak bragged. “No problem.”

“You can barely stand up,” Tash said.

“Tash is right,” Hoole said. “Zak, I suggest you go to your room and lie down. A real rest may do you good.”

To Tash’s surprise, Zak didn’t argue. He just nodded and left the lounge. As soon as Zak was gone, Tash turned to Hoole. “If Zak is really sick, the cure might be in the files.”

She didn’t mention her other reason for wanting to decode the files: Zak had learned that Evazan was conducting his terrible experiments for someone in the Empire. It had occurred to her that the files might contain information about Imperial activities, information she could use for revenge.

Revenge was not something Tash had ever thought about before. At home on Alderaan, she had never had any enemies, and she always tried to forgive friends who accidentally hurt or upset her.

But that had been before the Empire ruined her life. In one merciless moment, the Emperor’s Death Star had wiped out her friends, her family, her entire world. As the shock of the tragedy wore off, Tash’s grief had started to turn to anger. Lately she had begun to think about ways of getting back at the Empire. For some time now she had been dreaming of becoming a Jedi Knight and waging a war to defeat the Empire.

But the Jedi were extinct. They had been hunted down and destroyed by the Empire. Tash knew she would have to find a different way to battle the Imperials, and she thought the files might give her a weapon. If she could decode the documents, then give them to the Rebel Alliance, she could strike a blow against the murderers who had destroyed her homeworld.

“You are right about Zak, of course,” Hoole replied. “But I’m not sure how we will break this code.”

“I know someone who can do it,” Tash said. “ForceFlow.”

Hoole’s face grew sterner than usual. “Tash, I know the HoloNet can be a source of entertainment and education, but I can’t say I approve of the friendships you acquire. You never know whom you may be talking to. This ForceFlow may be a prankster or a troublemaker.”

“No, he’s not!” Tash said. She stopped herself. She knew ForceFlow was honest, but she also knew that Uncle Hoole would only tolerate so much arguing. “He does know a lot about codes. It can’t hurt to try,” she told him.