Summary: ObiWan and Anakin are given an assignment. Review, Please?
Chapter One: Sorna
"The Council suspects Czerka Corp of capturing and trading Viilka from the small jungle planet Sorna. Sorna became part of the Republic two years ago and this problem has yet to be dealt with. That is why we are being sent," Obi Wan explained to his young Padawan.
"Bilka, Master?"
"Viil-ka. They are very similar in nature and culture to the jawas you know of Tattooine."
"So we are being sent to negotiate?"
"More or less." Obi Wan grinned mischievously at his young apprentice, no older than 18. Anakin nodded as the corner of his mouth twitched upward, threatening to reveal an excited smile.
"When do we leave?"
"There it is," Obi Wan pointed at a small, green and blue moon orbiting the large, gray, planet D'Aryia. "There should be a small, private dock along the east shoreline, on a peninsula. I'll punch in the coordinates. The dock belongs to a wealthy Nubian family who vacations here. They have a large estate. We'll be staying in it," Obi Wan smirked.
Anakin returned a smug smile. "Yes, Master."
After landing safely onto the polished marbled dock, a young man of about 30, with black hair and a matching four o'clock shadow walked towards the two Jedi. He was wearing an officer's military suit, but his laser holster was empty.
"Master Jedi," the young man addressed Obi Wan.
"General Dantu," Obi Wan countered. Both men laughed and embraced.
"It's been a long time, old friend," the general exclaimed through laughing.
"It has indeed, Ulrik. Meet my apprentice, Anakin Skywalker." The general's green eyes widened as he eagerly put his hand out to the Padawan.
"I've heard all about you, young Skywalker. Everyone has," he spoke with respect as oppose to the usual hostility Anakin was regarded with.
"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, General," Anakin bowed his head.
"Oh, no, Ulrik will do just fine. Please," he gestured to a grand door at the end of the dock, "come inside."
"…And that's when I saw him, the Czerka cadet, standing over the Viilka's corpse. The creature –it was a male; you can tell by the color of the robe they wear– he had energy binds around his neck and wrists. The cadet was surely taking him to the Ebon Falcon, the ship. That was the only non-Republic or Czerka registered vessel I read on the docking records. The ship was not 50 yards away from the scene, on a Czerka dock," Ulrik finished, taking a drink from his water goblet. Obi Wan nodded thoughtfully.
"How do you know the Viilka did not commit a crime, and the Czerka fellow placed him under citizen's arrest?" Obi Wan asked.
"Well, that I couldn't tell you. What I can ask you, though, is how would a simple citizen's arrest, of a small, docile, peaceful creature, become so complicated, as to lead to death?"
"Is that the only account you have witnessed?" Anakin asked.
"Personally, yes. But there are others, many others, who I'm sure, have seen worse. There are people who live in a village, just over the small hills to the north. They will surely have something more to tell you, for they live amongst the Viilka. I have a friend there. A woman. Perhaps she can help you. I didn't tell her the Council had decided to send Jedi here. She is impartial to them. But perhaps the mere fact that you are here and looking to help will persuade her to cooperate." Obi Wan listened intently.
"There is human village here?" Obi Wan asked after taking a drink from his own goblet.
"Not a village, really. A camp. They're vigilantes. They have been guarding the Viilka." Ulrik smiled curtly. "My lady friend will surely help you. She would do anything to help the Viilka. They have housed her, cared for her for more than four years," he assured, then after a few moments of consideration, he added, "And I daresay, Ben, you will like her very much." Obi Wan smiled appreciatively.
"Well, my friend, I don't mean to impose longer than I have to. When can you take us to meet her? The sooner we deal with Czerka, the sooner will can return to Courosant."
"This will not be a day assignment. But don't worry, I have informed the housekeeper I will be keeping guests. You are welcome to use my estate as long as you need to." Ulrik looked to Anakin then back to Obi Wan as he stood from him chair. "Should we go then?"
"Yes, Please," Obi Wan joined him, shorting before Anakin.
"We'll have to walk, there is no road."