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Chapter 6

Captain Pellaeon did not do a good job of hiding the puzzled look on his face.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi? All I know about him is what I saw on the HoloNet, Your Highness. I never served with him during the War. Surely he must be dead by now?"

The Emperor's twisted lips curled into what Pellaeon imagined was a smile. This did not bring any comfort to him.

"One would think that, Captain," the Emperor said, "after the efficiency the Empire has shown in tracking down those traitorous Jedi, but our intelligence agents have discovered something most intriguing."

The Emperor nodded to Governor Tarkin, who activated a handheld holoprojector. A woman in her mid-thirties materialized in blue in front of him. Tarkin placed the holoprojector on the table beside them.

"Captain, you're looking at Anileen Calwell, an exobiology student studying in Alderaan." Tarkin announced.

"And, what is her significance in relation to Kenobi?" Pellaeon asked.

Tarkin continued on, "Our intelligence agents stationed in Alderaan discovered some unusual search queries in the University library. It appears that Miss Calwell was searching the records for a Ben Kenobi."

Tarkin paused, "tell me Captain, is Kenobi a common name?"

"I've never heard of anyone but the Jedi using it, Governor," Pellaeon said.

"Yes, the agents felt the same way."

"So," Pellaeon began, "he is on Alderaan?"

"We had hoped so, but it appears much more likely that she encountered Kenobi while on her homeworld of Tatooine."

"Well, that complicates things." Pellaeon said, "if he's been there for a year, he'll be thoroughly blended in by now."

The Governor laughed quietly, "Yes, Captain, and any whispers of an Imperial presence on the planet would certainly find its way to him. He is sure to be well connected."

"How do propose we get to him then?" Pellaeon asked.

"A good question. Fortunately, the president of the University on Alderaan was receptive to my requests that all exobiology students spend the next semester studying the... exotic... life on Tatooine. A few weeks into their studies, they will be granted an extended break. During this time, we are sure Miss Anileen Calwell will lead us right to Obi-Wan Kenobi."

It all sounded good to Pellaeon, except for one thing.

"And, how do I fit into this?"

"The only way Imperial troops can be present on the planet without causing concern would be if a small detachment accompanied the students for their protection."

Pellaeon was shocked. "I... I'm flattered, Governor, but my place is with the fleet. I'm a captain, not a soldier."

Tarkin smiled. "Precisely why you were chosen, Captain. An experienced army officer accompanying the students would raise suspicions. But, a naval commander taking his vacation to get some... sun, would go by unnoticed."

The Emperor, who had been so silent Pellaeon had almost forgotten he was there, looked straight at him.

"And perhaps, Captain, successfully locating Kenobi will go a ways in clearing your reputation."

The Emperor's icey glare pierced through Pellaeon. He surely can't mean what I think he does?

"I beg your pardon, Your Highness?" The words came out a few pitches higher than normal.

"Your actions on Saleucami did not go unnoticed. I advise that you do your utmost to find Obi-Wan Kenobi, or you may not have a ship to come back to."

If this is what happens when the Governor gives you praise, I'd hate to keep impressing him. Pellaeon glanced at Tarkin, and even he looked a little shaken.

"Well, Captain..." Tarkin said, "the semester begins in a week. You will be in charge of choosing twenty of your best men to accompany you. Send me the roster once you have decided."

"I will. With haste, Governor."

"Excellent. Now, you'd better get back to the helm, Captain."

Pellaeon bowed to the Emperor and left the admiral's quarters, barely giving the Imperial Guards a glance as he made his way to the deck. The robed figures had always been imposing, but he had found comfort in the fact that they were there for protection.

I suppose that protection does not apply to me. The thought made him uneasy.

When he made it to the bridge he found his second in command, Chief Officer Calo Drusan, observing the crew. Drusan had originally been pegged to be the Chimaera's captain in place of Pellaeon, being respected by General Skywalker during the war. Skywalker's untimely death at a unknown Jedi's hand had led to Pellaeon's promotion by Governor Tarkin. Pellaeon knew Drusan was an ambitious officer, and that he had felt slighted when the Chimaera was not given to him. But, Pellaeon had worked hard to make his chief officer feel valued, asking for his opinion frequently and giving him autonomy in carrying out Pellaeon's orders. Playing politics was even more important in the Empire than it had been in the Republic. Officers didn't just disappear during the War, but now it was commonplace for captains to cease to exist, only to be replaced by an overeager first officer. Pellaeon did not want any bad blood between him and his crew.

Drusan saw Pellaeon approaching and turned to salute him.

"Captain on deck!"

The rest of the crew all stood from their stations and saluted the captain. It was something Pellaeon hadn't quite gotten used to yet. Dozens of men and women, all looking to him as their leader. His decisions in the heat of battle would decide their fate.

"At ease, everyone." Pellaeon said, and the crew went back to their respective duties. "Commander?"

Drusan approached his captain. "Yes, sir?" He said.

"The Emperor just ordered me to take a detachment of troops and accompany students from Alderaan as they spend the semester on Tatooine."

"That's an odd order, sir." Drusan said. "I doubt the Emperor just wanted to give you a vacation."

Pellaeon smiled for this first time all day. "You're right Calo. There appears to be strong evidence that the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi has been hiding on Tatooine all this time."

Drusan's eyes widened.

"One of the students seems to know this, and the Emperor wants her followed. He thinks she'll try to make contact with Kenobi while she is on the planet."

"And what will become of the Chimaera while you are away, sir?" Drusan asked.

"I'll be leaving you in charge for as long as this takes. You're a good first officer, Calo, I know I'll be leaving her in good hands."

"Thank you, sir." Pellaeon saw Drusan suppress his smile.

"I need to ask a favor of you, Calo."

"Yes, Captain?"

"When I leave, I need you to open up the Chimaera's private channel so I can report back anything I discover."

Drusan looked at Pellaeon, and thought over his words.

"Won't you be reporting directly to the Emperor?"

"Of course, Commander. But, I need you to open the Chimaera's private channel in case I can't get in contact with him."

Drusan's face showed that he understood.

"Of course, sir. I'll open it right when you leave."

"Thank you, Commander." Pellaeon said, ending the conversation there.

Captain Gilad Pellaeon walked up to the Star Destroyer's viewport. Many feared the black expanse of space, but Pellaeon felt at home in it. In space, he saw endless opportunities to be explored. He supposed it was similar to the feelings ancient captains had held in regards to the vast oceans.

But, on the surface I feel trapped. With both the Emperor and Kenobi to deal with, I'm out of my element.

His only consolation was his trust in Commander Drusan. Things could go bad on Tatooine, and he needed to be ready for it. He was moving his pieces into position, the only problem being he didn't know who was on the other side of the table.

He only knew he was playing a most dangerous game.