At first, a large black cloud completely enveloped the view of the city below. Then the wind picked up, clearing the view.
A plume of smoke rose from a mineyard. Qui-Gon could see the rubble of a large building. One of the mine towers was down, and the other leaned dangerously. As they watched, it slowly tipped and fell, demolishing a shabby building, probably worker housing. Qui-Gon saw figures stumbling, running away from the disaster. There would be others trapped inside, he knew.
The sirens began, high-pitched and wailing. Beside him, VeerTa swayed, then gripped the sill to keep herself upright. "It's the Home Planet Mine," she whispered.
Chapter 5
"I didn't start it." Xanatos would say whenever a fight broke out between him and another apprentice. His blue eyes would blaze with sincerity and sorrow.
Like a father, Qui-Gon would always try to believe him.
VeerTa's hand curled into fists. She let out a choked roar and threw herself at Xanatos.
Without seeming to move, Qui-Gon was suddenly between the two of them, holding VeerTa off. It would do no good to attack Xanatos. Qui-Gon knew firsthand hoe fierce and volatile a fighter he was.
VeerTa struggled against Qui-Gon's iron grip. "You did this!" she spat at Xanatos. "You'll pay for it!"
Clat'Ha moved to stand beside VeerTa. Outwardly she was calmer, but her eyes betrayed the same rage. "Of course they did it," she said contemptuously. "It's just their style. Cowards!"
Xanatos looked pale. "I assure you, Offworld had nothing to do with this. I'm confident that the facts will prove this — "
"Enough of your lies!" VeerTa shouted. She tried to spring at him again.
"Let us be calm," SonTag said urgently. "VeerTa, we must go to the mine. They'll need help."