Alex Rider: Mission Jedi

Jedi Goat

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars or Alex Rider.

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Chapter 3: Gadgets and a Gift

The next day Alex stood in front of the Royal & General Bank once again, this time with a heavy backpack slung over his shoulder. Jack Starbright, his uncle's housekeeper, had packed him a week's worth of clothes and supplies. Alex wore a simple sweater and a pair of jeans, not having seen anything in the file that instructed him on his wardrobe.

As Alex was waved inside by the security guards, his head swam with information about the Jedi. He knew about all twelve Jedi on the Council, the leaders of the Jedi Order. The intergalactic weirdos. Alex knew a shortened version of the Jedi Order's history, he knew their code of ethics, and a few key important facts such as how a Jedi team consists of a Master (a full Jedi) and their Padawan (apprentice). He knew what the Force was, and according to the file, Alex himself was Force-sensitive. Alex even knew what a lightsaber was and how to construct it. The futuristic version of swords. I can't wait to see one in action!

As well as learning about the Jedi, Alex had briefed himself on his mission: the Trade Federation was blockading the peaceful planet of Naboo and he and the Jedi were to negotiate the end of the blockade. Although they were to be sent in peace, M16 warned Alex that the Trade Federation might be much like Sayle Enterprises: a big company drowning in deadly secrets.

Alex stepped into the main lobby of M16 and was instantly ensconced in the hug of a big man.

"Alex, my boy! Great to see you again!" Smithers exclaimed. He crushed the boy tighter in his embrace. Alex grunted, struggling to breathe.

Finally, Smithers released Alex. "I had a load of fun designing your new gadgets! Mostly I just get adults, but a teenager! So many interesting options!"

Smithers grinned. "Come on up to my office, Alex, and I'll show you what I've made."

Alex followed Smithers into the elevator up to floor eleven. They got off and headed down the hall to a plain door just like all the others. Smithers gestured Alex inside.

Alex looked around the room in amazement. Gadgets and gizmos covered nearly every available space. Smithers brushed clean a space on his desk and set down the first item.

Alex peered uncertainly at it. The object was a small silver cylinder with a hole-covered top like a microphone. "Smithers, what is this?"

Smithers smiled broadly. "This is a comlink. Common as cell phones where you're going. Plus, it'll beep whenever there's a bug around as well as when someone's calling." Smithers pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. Instantly the comlink started to vibrate and buzz in his wide hand.

"Call," Smithers explained. He shut off his cell phone and pressed the intercom button on his desk. The comlink rang with a slightly higher-pitched tone. "Bug. Got it?"

Alex nodded and slipped the comlink into his pocket. Smithers opened a container and took out the item inside. "This is an aquabreather. It'll help you breathe underwater."

Smithers picked up a different item and handed it to Alex. Alex examined the black ballpoint pen. "What's this one do?"

Smithers tapped the pen. "This pen is loaded with a stun dart. You just twist the shaft and it'll shoot. It's got a range of up to twenty feet. Now, with the other end," Smithers pressed down on the clicker. A beam of light appeared, illuminating the desk. "You've got a flashlight."

Smithers took the last item out from under his desk. It was a can of Coke. Alex picked it up and was surprised to find it was extremely light. "Be careful with that," Smithers warned, "You open the can and run because it's a timed bomb to go off in ten."

"Speaking of ten," Mrs. Jones's voice said from the doorway, "It is ten o'clock."

Alex pocketed his pen and the Coke can. "I'm ready to go," he announced quickly, hoping Mrs. Jones wasn't annoyed with him.

On the contrary, the head of Special Operations was smiling, although it seemed a bit forced. "The Jedi are waiting in the lobby," she explained as Alex followed her out of the office. "Before you go, I have something that I think your uncle would want you to have." Mrs. Jones pulled a small box from her jacket pocket.

"Erm...thanks," Alex mumbled, slightly embarrassed. He pocketed the gift as well, planning to open it on the trip to Naboo.

He and Mrs. Jones stepped into the elevator in silence. She pressed a button and the doors slid shut. The elevator moved down slowly. Alex stared at the elevator doors, waiting for them to open and give him his first glimpse of the Jedi warriors who would be accompanying him.

Finally, the elevator dinged and opened onto the lobby. Alex strode out, glancing around the bland room. He immediately spotted Blunt standing with two other men. The head of M16 looked even more colorless next to the slightly odd Jedi. They were both garbed in long brown cloaks. The older and taller one had long hair and was speaking with Blunt in an undertone. The younger Jedi looked to be about twenty-five and had short, spiky hair with a ponytail in the back. He also had a long braid. The way he gazed cautiously about the lobby reminded Alex of a security guard.

Blunt and the longhaired Jedi whom Alex assumed to be the Master stopped their conversation as Alex and Mrs. Jones approached. "This is Alex Rider," Blunt introduced, gesturing to the boy. The Jedi Master smiled. His blue eyes were wise and kind. Holding out his hand for Alex to shake, he supplied, "I am Qui-Gon Jinn and this is my Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Alex smiled, "Hi."

Blunt turned to Alex. "You are to be under the mentorship of these two Jedi for your mission. They will teach you about the Force and various things that will help you to be a spy. I expect you to be on your best behavior and to obey them."

Alex sighed and rolled his eyes inwardly. He sounds like my father or something!

Blunt stepped back, finished with his speech. Mrs. Jones popped a peppermint into her mouth and sucked furiously. "Be careful, Alex," she finally said.

Alex gave the M16 officers a mock salute before turning and following the Jedi back into the elevator.

To be continued...

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