Planet Plague

By: John Whitman
Published by Bantam Books
April 1997

When Hoole decides to visit the planet Gobindi, even a warning from Tash's anonymous HoloNet contact isn't enough to change his mind. He's determined to study the planet's ancient ruins. For Tash, it's a chance to discover what her mysterious uncle is really up to.
On Gobindi, Tash thinks she's discovered an Imperial plot to spread a terrible virus across the galaxy. But when Hoole assures her that nothing is wrong, Tash is relieved.
For a little while.
When a big brown bump appears on her arm, Tash is scared. Has Hoole lied to her? Is he working with the Empire? Tash knows she must discover the truth.
Meanwhile, the bump on her arm is getting bigger. . . .

Excerpt

    Tash's heart was pounding. The hallway was dim, lit only by small glowpanels placed far apart. She wondered how far she was inside the ziggurat. She guessed that she must be close to the bottom.
    Tash heard a soft, squishing sound echo faintly behind her. She quickly glanced over her shoulder.
    No one was there.
    She took a few more steps, and heard the squish again.
    She looked back. The hallway was still empty.
    Then Tash looked up.
    Over her head hung several oozing blobs, ready to drop.