CHAPTER ONE
Gara Petothel inwardly scowled at Chief of State Natasi Daala, but outwardly she was none other than Lieutenant Lazmi Swift, drone and prisoner guard extraordinaire of Daala's scouting ship Intothinair. Due to Jaina Solo's infiltration of previous facility, Daala had moved high risk prisoners to her Maw-Irregular Fleet.
"Lieutenant Swift, how is prisoner eight-three-seven holding up?" Daala said, smiling, referring to Tahiri Veila. Next to her feet lay a black duffel bag that Gara suspected carried armor, judging by its boxy shape.
Gara placed a progress report in Daala's hand. "She's sweating up to her eyeballs," she said in a cross between Hapan and Kuati accents. "I swear Mustafar must be cold." She wiped her fake hawk-nose, deliberately brushing her oversized fingers against the brown nasal hairs, and put the snot on the GA uniform.
Daala chuckled and then frowned, pushing the progress report back into Gara's hands. "I want to see her."
Gara pivoted, gesturing to the last cell on the right. Daala paced towards Tahiri's cell and Gara followed.
Tahiri gritted her teeth as more sweat dropped from her face to the ground. "Go fierfek yourself." She licked her white, flayed lips.
"Tell me about Palleon," Daala ordered.
Tahiri waved her away with a hand that had second degree burns.
Daala nodded. "Turn off the erratic temperature settings and keep it at room temperature." She eyed Tahiri. "Give her everything she needs, short of getting out of here." Tahiri gave a noise that sounded like a gasp and sneeze as Daala handed Tahiri her own personal canteen between the bars' empty spaces. Daala flipped a switch on the console and then ice cold water sprinkled upon Tahiri. Tahiri downed the canteen.
Daala said, "Leave the water on until she starts shivering and drop temperatures by two degrees every three hours." Gara reached into her pocket and scribbled Daala's instructions upon her notepad as Daala peered into the Vuzzhan Vong's cell.
Kah'lah Varr stirred in the far back of the cell, reaching into his tunic to fish out another maggot. "Woman," he said, narrowing his eyes to slits. The maggot crawled upon his fingers and he reached out, offering it to Daala.
Daala bristled slightly and said, "The Advisory Council and I have heard your case and would like you to attend the Jedi Academy. However, those in the Senate still hold species-based prejudices and for your own safety, a Mandolarian squad will accompany you." Daala unzipped the bag, revealing red and purple Mandolarian armor and green helmet. Gara cackled like a Dathomiri Force-witch causing Daala to look at her with widened eyes. "Commander Hisanz has graciously loaned you this."
At Daala's request, Gara opened the cell. Daala throw the bag towards Kah'lah who squinted and shook his head. "You leave tonight," Daala said, turning her back and closing the door.
Daala's comlink beeped. "Chief of State, the Vong on board Intothinair has a chaperone. He claims to be Nom Anor…and he broke into your quarters…"
Daala stormed off. Gara made a fist and put her sleeve near her thin lips, looking straight into the securing cameras and said, "Clubfoot to Hammertoe, the lyre has landed."