[Galaxy Of Fear] - 03(4)
“Very well,” Hoole said with a sigh. “But I insist that you immediately come to me with whatever information he gives you.” He gave Tash a datadisk filled with the coded files. Returning to her cabin, Tash sat down at her computer screen.
Punching in commands, Tash tried to regain her connection to the HoloNet. She typed in her HoloNet code name, and then typed a message:
TO FORCEFLOW. I NEED YOUR HELP.
If anyone could help her, ForceFlow could. He-or she-often broadcast information about illegal Imperial activities and other political messages. ForceFlow was the kind of person Tash would have ignored six months ago. But six months ago her parents were alive.
Tash was sure that ForceFlow was a Rebel on the run from the Empire.
GREETINGS, SEARCHER. The message flashed across the screen. GLAD YOU’RE BACK.
Tash typed quickly. NEED FILES DECODED. ALSO NEED INFORMATION ON “PROJECT STARSCREAM.” MAY BE IMPERIAL DOCUMENTS.
There was a pause. Then a return message flashed: NOT SURE IT’S SAFE. IMPERIALS MAY BE MONITORING MY FREQUENCIES.
Tash was in a hurry to learn who was behind the experiments, and she wanted to know if Zak was in serious danger. She typed, THIS IS URGENT.
UPLOAD NOW. BUT IF I’M DETECTED, I’LL HAVE TO CUT OFF.
Tash inserted a datadisk into her computer and punched a key. Instantly, a data signal was beamed across the galaxy. Somewhere, on one of a hundred thousand worlds, the mysterious ForceFlow was receiving her data.
Suddenly her computer emitted an electronic scream. Her screen went dark. When it came back on, the words seemed to shake on the screen.
I’M BEING SCANNED! RECEIVED PART OF YOUR FILES. WILL GET BACK TO YOU!
The message ended there.
Tash wanted to send another message. What if ForceFlow needed help? If he was caught, it would be her fault.
But before she could type in another word, the door to her cabin slid open. Zak stood in the doorway. All the blood had drained from his face, and he was drenched in sweat.
“I think…,” he said weakly. “I think I’m not feeling well.”
Then he collapsed.
CHAPTER 3
Less than an hour later Tash sat at her brother’s bedside, watching him toss and turn in his sleep. She had cried out when he fell, which brought Hoole and Deevee running. They had quickly carried Zak to his bed.
“Isn’t there anything we can do?” she asked.
Deevee replied, “There are many medical devices on board this ship, but considering the fact that Evazan was called Dr. Death, I don’t think we should use them on Zak.”
“What about you, Deevee? Don’t you have a medical program?”
The droid shook his silver-domed head. “I have data files on the medical practices of thousands of worlds, but my own skills are limited to the first aid I learned when Master Hoole adopted you.”
Hoole’s rigid face softened slightly. “Tash, I’m reluctant to bring up a painful subject, but do you recall what your mother did when you were ill?”
Again Tash felt a twinge. If only her mother were here! She replied, “I don’t know. I was never really sick.”
“Never?” Hoole questioned.
She shook her head. “Not that I remember. I just never seemed to catch anything. But when Zak wasn’t feeling well, she used to check his temperature. “
Tash put her wrist against Zak’s forehead. His skin was hot, and damp with perspiration. “He’s burning up. I think he’s got a fever, Uncle Hoole.”
The Shi’ido put a hand on her shoulder. “We mustn’t take chances, Tash. We are less than fifteen hours away from the Mah Dala Infirmary on the planet Gobindi.”
“Infirmary?” she asked. “You mean, a hospital?”
Hoole nodded. “The Infirmary on Gobindi is said to be the finest medical facility in this part of the galaxy. It is also run by an old colleague of mine in the Imperial Biological Welfare Department.”
Imperial Biological Welfare Department? Tash wanted nothing to do with Imperials.
But beside her, Zak moaned in his sleep. His temperature seemed to be rising by the minute. He was definitely ill, and any help-even Imperial help-would be welcome.
Hoole turned to his assistant droid. “Deevee, program the Shroud’s navicomputer to take us to Gobindi immediately.”
“Right away, Master Hoole.” The droid hurried to set the coordinates as Hoole said, “Tash, I have some things I must do before we reach Gobindi. Please call me at once if there is any change in Zak’s condition.”
Tash nodded.
Alone, Tash watched her brother’s fitful sleep. She couldn’t help thinking that the Empire was responsible for this in some way. Minute by minute, Tash felt her anger grow, until it burned hotter than Zak’s fever.