Disclaimer: I don't own Obi-Wan, Siri, or Star Wars. Sad, right?
The Knight And His Queen
Chapter 11
Qui-Gon Jinn studied the members of the Montari Resistance. He could sense their fear and worry, but knew they were very courageous and would defend themselves viciously if it came down to it. Yet… they were hiding something. The sudden realization struck instantly, but didn't shock him.
Qui-Gon inclined his head to Jarris. "Thank you," he said, glad they finally opened up, and asked the Jedi to help them. "Now, can you tell us your story?"
Jarris exchanged and knowing glance with Lora, then he looked back up at Qui-Gon. "It's not a short tale. Please be seated," he said.
Qui-Gon and Ral-Gon obliged and sat down on low makeshift chairs. The rest of the group also took seats. Jarris and Lora made themselves comfortable, sitting across from the Jedi.
"Do you know of Crion, the former governor of Telos?" Jarris started, his eyes watching for any sign of recognition in the Jedi Master's steady gaze.
Outwardly, Qui-Gon's face didn't contort into any sign of the emotions he might be feeling. Inside, however, his heart leapt into his throat when he heard the name Crion. He drew in the Force and let go of the shock he felt. Then he met Jarris' steely gaze and nodded.
"I was the man who put him to death," Qui-Gon replied calmly.
Instantly, the entire room let out a gasp in unison. Qui-Gon even felt Ral-Gon's confusion and surprise, but the young padawan didn't say anything.
"You did a just deed, Crion deserved to die," Jarris replied.
"No," Qui-Gon answered, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I don't believe he deserved to die, but I was quite unable to prevent it."
"Crion was still a much better leader than the one we have now," Jarris stated.
"In what ways?" Ral-Gon asked curiously.
"I'm sure you Jedi have realized that Granta Omega is a very hard person to find any information on," Jarris replied.
Qui-Gon nodded. "You're right, even the most skilled Jedi haven't been able to turn up much," he said, think of Tahl's frustration with the project.
"That's because Granta is hiding something," Jarris replied confidently.
"What is he hiding?" Qui-Gon asked. He might finally get the answers he was seeking for days already.
"Granta Omega is the son of a galactic criminal named Xanatos," Jarris said.
This time the Jedi Master did show recognition at the name. Could it be possible that Xanatos' son held Telos with an iron fist? He knew there was something familiar about the young man. This was especially distressing, especially considering that Xanatos did escape prison. Xanatos was obviously planning something big again, the only question was what.
He gave a piercing look to Jarris. "Are you absolutely sure?" he asked, his voice nearly showing the emotions he felt.
"Yes," Jarris said, reassuringly. "We have a man on the inside. He's a guard at the government center. If you've been to see Granta, then I'm sure you've met him. He plays his part well," he said.
Qui-Gon shared an amused glance with his padawan; both of them still remembered the rude guard.
"Continue with your story," Qui-Gon commanded gently, when he realized they had long been off topic.
"Before Crion's rule," Jarris started again, "there was a family known as the Montari. They ruled Telos much like the Tachi family rules Solera. One day, there was a sudden uprising that came out of nowhere. The family disappeared without a trace, and only later they found the bodies of the king and queen. Their son, Tegan, was never found," Jarris said the last part mournfully and solemn.
"The goal of the Montari resistance is to find Tegan, and give him back the throne of Telos. We have been together for five years now, and we haven't even scratched the surface. Many of us gave our lives for this project and the rest of us will still gladly give it." Jarris spoke softly and with feeling.
Lora instantly put her head in her hands and sobbed quietly. Jarris put an arm around her and whispered something to her. A minute later, she dried her tears and sat up again. Her face was deathly pale.
Jarris still had his arm around her shoulder when he looked at Qui-Gon again. "My sister is one who suffered much because of this tyranny. She was right when she said that we need your help."
Qui-Gon nodded. "And we shall do everything in our power to help you. I know that Xanatos is a dangerous man, and I'm sure his son is no different. We are in this together."
Lora wept again, but this time it didn't seem out of terrible grief. They were tears of joy.
