Chapter 4 Meeting Marcus
Late the next day (4th day in Verde terms), their Space Transport landed on the space port in the Verdite Lower region. The Jedi stepped out into a twilight of cool refreshing air, clear sky and their one sun almost on the horizon. They enjoyed the feel of the cool evening air after the stuffiness of the transport. Two Representatives from Chancellor Loman's office were there to greet them. The near-human woman who greeted them was tall with short cut white hair and light green skin, with large yellow-green luminous eyes . She wore a smart business tunic, and carried herself with an air of authority. Accompanying her was a short, thin man with thin orange hair and green eyes, who seemed the nervous sort. He also wore a business tunic, but did not carry the authoritative air of his companion.
"Welcome, Noble Jedi, I am Ilse Starhaven, Chancellor Loman's personal assistant. This is Jorm Malcove, who sees to the housing and hospitality of our guests. He will be showing you to your temporary home."
Qui-Gon bowed, and said, "Thank you. I am Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, this is Master Adi Gallia, her Padawan learner, Siri Tachi, and My padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
They all bowed, and returned their greetings.
"If you will go with Mr. Malcove, he will take you to your house. Master Qui-Gon, the first meeting is set to take place after noon meal sixth day, the day after tomorrow."
"Oh," Qui-Gon said, "Is there a reason for the delay?"
"Not really, only that Chancellor Bendi said he is unable to meet tomorrow, he has other commitments he must attend to. The soonest he's available according to his assistant is sixth day after noon meal."
"Very well," said Qui-Gon, "We will spend tomorrow getting acquainted with your lovely planet."
"Chancellor Loman would like to meet with you and your team tomorrow for a short briefing if that would be acceptable."
"That would be fine", Qui-Gon said, "Just let us know when."
"I will contact you tomorrow morning, then." Said Ms Starhaven.
Qui-Gon gave her his contact information and she bowed and said goodnight.
Jorm Malcove cleared his throat nervously. "If you'll follow me," he said tersely, "my land transport is over here." He lead the way as the Jedi followed.
Obi-Wan got the impression the man was not used to being around Jedi and was a little nervous about it.
"Have you always been a Verdite resident?" he asked, trying to make conversation.
"Oh, Yes," The man answered quickly, "wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Here we are, if you'll just step in." He opened the sliding doors of the transport, and the Jedi took their seats. The man jumped into the drivers seat and started it up.
"It will take about 30 minutes to get to our destination. Buckle Up!" He sped off.
The evening was deepening, but the Jedi was able to make out a large sandy beach to their right as they took off from the spaceport. They could see the sea beyond the beaches in the distance, with tiny dots of fishing vessels out on the water. Waves lapped onto the shores, and they could hear the distant pleasant sound of it. The transport turned inland and they headed into the Verdite Lower city, not a huge city, the buildings were far from the massive sky structures of Coruscant.
Jorm Malcome explained,"Our city here is small enough that you can usually walk to most places. Even from the house you'll be staying in it only take a little while to walk into the market area near down town, and then just a little longer to get into downtown. You can use speeders, of course if you wish, but I think you'll fine the walking pleasant with our temperate climate."
"Walking is fine," Qui-Gon said,
"To get over to the big city in the Upper Territory, you will need to get an air transport, a speeder, or purchase a ticket to take the public air transport. The cost is minimal, and there are shuttles back and forth between the cities several time a day. It takes about an hour to get over the neutral land into the Upper city."
He grew quiet, and the Jedi looked around the city as they went. The mostly durasteel buildings averaged 10-15 stories high, with small 2-3 story buildings wedged in between, and small shops dotted the corners and street sides. All were quiet now in the evening, but would be bustling with business come the morning light. As they sped past buildings, the city began to give way to housing, houses dotted the landscape, newer ones made of duracrete, and some of the older ones made of the wood taken off the land. Many 2-3 story structures lined the streets with wide open manicured lawns, some children were playing in the darkening streets with parents watching. Qui-Gon smiled at the peacefulness of this place, he hoped this would not be an unpleasant stay.
As they neared the edge of the neighborhoods, the houses thinned out, and they could see much older, smaller dwellings in the distances dotting the landscape, but they soon turned into a nice, newer street near the edge of the land in question, a large open land that loomed upon them as they neared. In the far distance they could make out a huge metropolis not totally unlike Coruscant, except this was all on the ground level. They knew this was the Verdite Upper city.
Jorm pulled up to a small, but nice little house made of duracrete and stopped. It was a single story house with a large front window and a nice lawn in front. Across the street from it was the land stretching out before them. The Jedi stepped out, and looked around them appreciatively. Qui-Gon smiled, the living force was alive here, he could feel it all around him. He glanced at Obi-Wan, who nodded with a smile. He could feel it, too. He looked up and noted two distant moons cradling the night sky. He knew a third one would be rising later, and would be out most of the day, barely seen in the bright sky of daylight.
Jorm gave Qui-Gon four sets of coded cards for the front door. He in turn gave one to each of his companions. He inserted the card into the slot at the door and the door slid open.
Jorm said, "With it being a late arrival, I took the liberty of having my helpers lay out some food for you, if you are hungry. The cooling unit and shelves have been stocked for your convenience, however if there is anything you desire that is not here, there is an all night market up the street on the corner." He pointed in the direction the market was.
"I'm sure we have everything we need." Qui-Gon responded with a bow, "We thank you for you hospitality."
Jorm seemed to relax some and bowed with a small smile, "Enjoy your stay, then. Good night." and with that he took his leave.
The Jedi looked around the house to get a feel of it. They were standing in the main living area, with two sofas, two chairs and tables with lamps. There were paintings done by local artists on the walls, and a holonet unit in the corner. To the right of the living area was a small kitchen with a table seating four. Adi and Siri opened doors in the kitchen, exploring. Off the back of the kitchen was a sliding door that led to an enclosed garden complete with trees and floral arrangements and a small fountain in the center. The Jedi were delighted, this would be fine for meditations and kata practice.
They went to the back of the house where they saw two bedrooms, each with two beds. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan took the one on the left side of the hall, Adi and Siri took the right side room across the hall. At the end of the hall was a large refresher, complete with shower, large tub, with sinks and mirrors for grooming. Towels and cleansing needs were stocked on the shelves of the room.
After they settled in, they went to the kitchen to try some of the food left for them. There was a delicately prepared white meat in a delicious cream sauce, with fresh fruits, a green leafy salad, a soft tasty bread, and tea or juice. They enjoyed their meal, talking about their first impressions, then they began to prepare for the coming days.
Adi took the wig out and placed it back on Obi-Wan's head. He had a bit of a long suffering look to him as Adi snipped at the long hair, trimming it and shaping it. Siri grinned at his misery,
"Awww, poor Obi-Wan," she said, snickering. He glared at her.
"Leave him alone, Siri," Adi warned, "There, see what you think."
Qui-Gon looked it over approvingly. "You did well, Adi, much better than I would have." The hair had been trimmed up above his collar, and partially covered his ears. She had combed the front bangs to the side, but as soon as he moved, wisps of hair had fallen back over his face, but it no longer fell into his eyes.
"There is something about that black hair that makes his eyes stand out", Siri thought to herself.
"You look so totally different, Obi-Wan," she said. "I probably wouldn't even recognize you if I just saw you on the street..I mean, if I didn't know your force signature." she said.
"Well, I guess thats the idea," Obi-Wan replied, shrugging.
"Speaking of that," Qui-Gon said, "I don't think you should introduce yourselves with your real names when you meet these kids. The two Councils have heard your real names, but while in these disguises, you should have different names."
After some thought, it was decided that Obi-Wan would be Evan, and Siri would be Misi. They were here with "Evan's" Father and "Misi's" Guardian" who are partners in a business venture looking into land investments.
Everything taken care of, they said their good nights and went to bed.
Early the next morning, Obi-Wan awoke and stretched. Qui-Gon was already up and gone, probably in the kitchen, Obi-Wan mused. He got out of bed, looking at his tousled hair in the mirror. He grimaced as he looked, thinking about that wig he would have to put on in a little while.
He put on his robe, grabbed his things and looking out into the hallway to see if anyone was around, headed for the fresher. Someone was already in there, and he heard the shower going. He shrugged, and putting his things back in his room, went through the kitchen where Qui-Gon was, who called "Good Morning!" to him as he passed. He answered, then went out to the garden.
It was really beautiful, with cool shading trees and rows of pretty flowers of different colors that seemed to stretch up toward the morning sun. He found a sunny spot by the pond, and watched the fountain as it flowed, the soft sound of the water was soothing. He settled himself to meditate.
Siri got out of the shower, and quickly dried her hair and dressed. She didn't want to put on those horrid clothes any sooner than she needed to, so instead put on her inner tunic and her robe. She went to the kitchen and greeted her Master, who had gone into the kitchen a few minutes earlier, and Master Qui-Gon.
She went out to the garden, where she gasped at the beauty of the morning. She wandered around it till she saw Obi-Wan sitting still by the pond, meditating.
"Just like home," she thought, smiling, "Always by the fountains, to meditate, he likes." she said to herself in her best Yoda.
She approached him silently, trying to sneak up on him, but he said, "I know you're there Siri."
Siri laughed, and Obi-Wan looked at her and smiled. She sat down next to him.
"This is like home, isn't it?" she said.
"Yeah, a little. It's nice." he looked at her, "You were the one in the shower?"
She nodded yes, and he looked at the water again.
"This mission is so strange. I mean, I've never had to disguise myself before, I've done undercover before, and had a little disguise, but not this completely. Have you?"
"Adi and I have done some deep undercover work before. I had to put on a complete disguise, change my name, everything, just like here."
"What was that like?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It was different. People treat you differently..I mean, as Jedi, we're recognized and respected overall, by most, and those who don't, we know right away. But in disguise, no one knows you're a Jedi, and they treat you just like anyone else. No special respect or anything. I liked going undercover, and Adi says I'm good at it."
"Is this the first time you've been undercover with a partner?" Obi-Wan asked, grinning.
"Yes, so don't screw it up." she replied, returning his grin with one of her own.
"One thing I don't like is how feminine and girly those clothes are, makes me wonder what the girls are like." she shuddered.
"Well, what about me? I have to wear that horrible wig," He looked at her, ashamed, "Please don't tell Adi I said that?" Siri nodded, grinning, and saying "I understand. But it does look good on you."
"Oh, I don't worry about things like that, but then those tight black pants, and those boots. The jacket isn't so bad, not too different from my robe I guess, but I won't feel like myself".
"You're not supposed to. You're taking on another identity so to speak," Siri said. "Don't worry about it, Obi-Wan, it'll be fine."
They sat in companionable silence for awhile, then Adi called them in to breakfast, where they drank juice, ate muffins, and a strange concoction of a soft yellow mush with fruit on it. It was tasty though, and they enjoyed their meal.
Obi-Wan and Siri cleaned up the dishes and the kitchen, and then Obi-Wan went to the shower. Qui-Gon had gotten ready very early and was in the garden meditating, and Adi and Siri went to their room to get ready. Siri dressed for the day in her disguise, brushed and styled her hair with the ribbon, then ready, went to the main room and turned on the holonet news.
"Master, come here!" she said.
Adi came into the room and watched with her. There had been another attack late last night as an office building in the Verdite Upper district had been set on fire. The fire had finally been put out that morning, and the news showed an angry Chancellor Bendi, who was saying,
"Chancellor Loman says he wants to negotiate, even sending for the Jedi to come, and then those Lower territory kids from his district come over here and do this! I don't know what he's up to, but I think there ought to be an investigation."
Qui-Gon came into the room, hearing what happened and said "I agree. Lets go visit with Chancellor Loman this morning, Adi."
"His office is supposed to comm. us with a meeting time this afternoon" Adi said,
"I know, but I think maybe we'll drop in unexpectedly." Qui-Gon said. He went to his room where he found Obi-Wan putting the wig on, having already put on the pants and shirt. Qui-Gon shook his head, not believing how a diguise could change his Padawan so much. Obi-Wan turned and looked at him sheepishly.
"Does it look horrible?"
"No," said Qui-Gon, "just not you." He helped Obi-Wan adjust the wig, then Obi-Wan pushed the tiny button behind his ear twice, feeling the wig clasp onto his head. "When you and Siri are ready, go out and just get a feel of this place, the land and people. Adi and I are going to Chancellor Loman's office this morning."
"I thought you wouldn't be going there till this afternoon," said Obi-Wan.
"I've changed our plans". He told Obi-Wan about what happened on the holonet news. Obi-Wan nodded, and Qui-Gon said, "Be careful, Obi-Wan. You can't give away that you're Jedi padawans. Stick with the story we agreed on last night. Watch how you react to people..Siri's done it before, she'll help you."
"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan said
"I hope you can make contact with whoever is responsible for these attacks soon." Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, Master, I hope so too. The sooner we can finish this mission, the sooner I can get out of these things." Said Obi-Wan, grinning at his Master.
Qui-Gon smiled, and patted his shoulder and looked at him with a funny expression. "If this group has very many females, don't be surprised if you get a bit of...ah...unwanted attention."
"Oh..no." Obi-Wan groaned.
Qui-Gon smiled as he left the room..."Don't worry, you can handle it."
Obi-Wan, finally satisfied he had everything in place, having found a place deep in the jacket to hide the two lightsabers, went to find Siri. Adi was in her room getting ready. She called out, " She's outside, Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan called out "Thanks", and went out doors. The morning sun shone pleasantly warm, and there was a cool breeze blowing. Obi-Wan took a deep breath, drinking in the fresh morning air. He walked toward the land across the street. It stretched out for miles in front of him, a lovely piece of land with green rolling hills, wooded areas, he could sense wildlife everywhere in it. Mawkhawk birds were soaring overhead, their majestic wings gracefully spread out, circling over the woods.
He looked around for Siri, and saw her quite a way down the street,at the edge of the land, talking to someone. She was dressed in the blue tunic, wearing the black pants and boots, with her cloak and the blue tie in her hair. The sunlight glinted off her blond hair, combed out in a more feminine style than her usual pushed behind her ears look. She looked pretty, and it was no surprise to Obi-Wan when the being talking to her was a boy. As he approached them, he looked at the boy. About Obi-Wan's height and age, he was human, with very dark brown hair about the length of his collar and dark eyes that looked like they could flash in anger. He was lean and muscular, and had an arrogant look about him. He wore black pants and Jacket, with a black shirt under it. He wore chains, and had an unshaven look. Obi-Wan noted the blaster tucked in his jacket, and the knife in his boot strap. The force tingled to Obi-Wan, he had no reason to immediately dislike him, but there was something about him, Obi-Wan felt. He approached warily.
"Oh, Evan! There you are. This is Marcus," Said Siri pleasantly.
The boy called Marcus looked at Obi-Wan and grunted a hello. He appraised Obi-Wan, looking him up and down. Then he looked Obi-Wan in the eyes, almost in a challenge. Obi-Wan looked back. Evan would not be intimidated, the boy quickly realized. He turned his attention to Siri, smiling a rather charming smile. "This a friend of yours?"
"Of course, I told you about him. He's staying at the house with his Father and my Guardian." she replied. She shot Obi-Wan a look that said "Be nice!"
Obi-Wan relaxed, and stuck out his hand. "Pleased to meet you," he said. The boy looked at his hand, and turned away, putting his arm around Siri.
Obi-Wan wasn't used to this kind of treatment, except maybe by Bruck at the Temple, but knew this was not the time, at the very start of their mission, to blow it. So he waited patiently.
"Say Misi, we're having a little get together tonight after late meal at the community hall. Want to come?"
"Can my friend come too?" Siri answered, giving him her brightest smile.
Marcus glanced back at Obi-Wan, then shrugged, "Sure, Okay, as long as you're there".
"Sure, we'd love to come. Wouldn't we, Evan?"
Obi-Wan said a little too sarcastically, "Sure, sounds like loads of fun" at which Siri shot him a look.
"Look, I gotta go take care of some business, but I'll meet you here later, and take you there, okay?"
Siri nodded, smiling, and Marcus smiled at her in return. "You sure are pretty, Misi. We don't get many golden haired girls around here. Most of the girls around here have hair that is dark or some other wild color. They're ok, but you, you're something different. The guys at the center will be so jealous when I come in showing you off tonight." He laughed, and kissing her on the cheek, saying, "See you later," walked confidently away, swaggering in his walk.
"Force, what a creep." Siri grimaced, wiping her cheek, as he walked away. "And did you hear how he talked? It was almost like I'm some kind of prize or something," she shuddered, disgusted at the thought. "Please stay close tonight, Obi-Wan, Okay?"
"That didn't take long, we haven't even left yet. How did you meet him? " Obi-Wan asked.
"I was ready, and came out here to look at the land. It's so beautiful, isn't it? It would be a shame to see it all mined out, unless they really are going to preserve the top soil and restore it, but if I lived here, I'm not sure I'd want to take the chance."
Obi-Wan nodded, " I know what you mean,...now about Marcus" he looked at Siri.
Siri said, "Oh, I was just walking along here, and he saw me and we started talking."
"Do you think he's part of the gang that's been doing the attacks?"
"I don't know, but it wouldn't surprise me, as arrogant as he is."
"Oh, so you didn't really like him?"
"Oh, he has a certain kind of charm.." she looked sideways at Obi-Wan, and laughed.
"Look at you! I didn't figure you for the jealous type." she grinned.
"I'm not jealous", Obi-Wan thought carefully, examining his feelings..it would be ludicrous if he were, they're not together, they can't be together, it would be an attachment, they've been through this already, he shook off the confusing feelings.
"I'm not jealous," he repeated, "just protective."
"Oh, okay." she nodded. "Seriously, you know I was playing the part. He could be the link to what we're looking for, so I saw no reason to turn him off till we can get in and see."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, of course you're right. Come on, lets explore."
Next week, they meet the gang. Reviews are always welcome and appreciated.