Chapter Twenty-One

Sheeting rain pelted upon Padmé and Obi-Wan as they exited their vehicle and headed toward what they hoped was the main entrance into Tipoca City, the central hub of Kamino. No being was within sight, no air traffic, no pedestrians.

To Padmé, the architecture of stilted domes wave-beaten and shining cool and silver in the occasional flash of lightning seemed barren, isolated. Lonely. Her first impression of the city was influenced by those factors, and she had nearly decided she didn't like Kamino at all, when the doorway swished open and a tall, sylph-like, long-necked creature greeted them.

"I am Taun We. You are most welcome to Tipoca City, but also most unexpected. What brings you here?"

The voice was gentle, sweetly spoken, but Obi-Wan's guard was up. There was a shadow here. An echo of darkness, and it was impossible to pinpoint its source.

"I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, assistant and bodyguard to Galactic Senator Padmé Amidala from Naboo. We come here from Coruscant in the hopes of finding a missing….friend."

"Come inside out of the weather. I shall take you to meet our prime minister, Lama Su, who will be most interested in meeting you."

Interested in meeting him? Why?

Obi-Wan glanced at Padmé curiously as they followed the lanky creature along stark white halls, lined with thick glass windows that afforded breathtaking views of the tumultuous ocean below.

The prime minister rose when he and Padmé entered his chamber and Obi-Wan nodded his head in greeting.

"We have heard much of you, Obi-Wan Kenobi. His description suits you well." The Kaminoan leader spoke in much richer tones, but the information he revealed alerted Obi-Wan as well as increasing his hopes.

"Master Jinn? Is Master Jinn here? He's the one we're looking for."

"I'm so sorry. I did not mean to mislead you." The baritone voice of Lama Su softened. "I do not know a Master Jinn, but there is another here who speaks very highly of you."

Confusion once more set into Obi-Wan's features as Padmé edged closer to his side.

"Follow me if you will. Our guest will be delighted you are here."

The look that passed to Padmé could be defined as cautious. It was a look she had seen many times in the past, whenever Obi-Wan felt they were in danger. She securely patted the weapon hidden inside her drenched cloak as they followed the two Kaminoans.

Their escort took them down a narrow passageway that opened into a glass-enclosed walkway overlooking a sea of activity. Not one of water, but of of dark-haired beings, all set to several tasks, including weaponry, technology, and other intelligence. Obi-Wan had to look closely before he noticed they were all men. And they all looked the same. Exactly the same.

Clones.

"As you can see, we have been quite busy. These clones, however, do not represent our latest achievements. They have taken several years to mature. Most recently, we have discovered new ways decrease the development stage by a substantial degree. A clone can mature now in weeks instead of years. Quite fascinating."

The imposter at the Temple. That would explain where he came from and how quickly he had grown to resemble his former Master. That meant that Qui-Gon was here at this facility at one time. Was he still?

Obi-Wan carefully expanded his senses into the Force, trying to detect the signature of his Jedi Master, but was blocked by a impenetrable wall made of solid darkness, and he immediately withdrew his probe.

"Of course, I would not divulge this information." the prime minister continued, "had it not been for the fact that you are the representation of the new Empire."

"What?"

Obi-Wan's shock was compounded by the firm grip of Padmé's hand upon his arm as the doors they now stood in front of eased open, revealing another white, oval room, the dark cloaked being on the opposite side in direct contrast to the brilliant lack of color.

That face. It seemed familiar. Aged, wise, intelligent. But it was the voice that Obi-Wan recognized. The voice that had spoken to him in meditation on the way to Naboo.

The voice that had spoken to Padmé in her dreams.

"Welcome, my Lord. I hope your journey was pleasant."

With a snarl and a hiss, Obi-Wan returned the acknowledgment. "Lord Tyranus."