Part Twenty-Five
"So how'd it happen?" Ry-Gaul helped himself to some passable grain mush from the buffet, sprinkling it with enough sweesonberry look-alike to allow a berry in each bite. He chose an upholstered booth near a window, freshly unshuttered to let in early breezes. The red tones of a summer morning sun gave a pinkish cast to his eyes.
"His neck? During the crash, I think, yes, the webbing restrained us, but the jolt was terrific, you understand that I was unconscious during part of his rescue, he was superb during the whole thing, and I didn't actually see it occur. It's greatly faded today, from yesterday, anyway. Have a Para-roll?"
"Mmhmm." They had finished their food and washed it down with some pulpy juice when Anakin joined them, slipping in next to Obi-Wan in the booth, opposite Ry-Gaul. Obi-Wan was relieved to note that Anakin had tugged his collar together firmly. If time permitted, he'd ask the laundry service to quickstitch a fastener of some type on the gap. Anakin ate ravenously, excusing himself when he saw Ry-Gaul's and Obi-Wan's amused looks.
"Masters, this is far above purple goo and I need to keep up my energy for the negotiations. And I don't think I've stopped growing yet. At least, I'm hungrier at breakfast than ever before." Anakin popped the last Almond-kwevvu Crisp-munchy on the table into his mouth. "Onward. Master Obi-Wan, what can I do to help you today?"
Obi-Wan tented his fingers. "You can start by telling me your observations of force pikes and glowrods. Upper-Cremba-on-Gitchy's Leader had them, Ry-Gaul, but not the populace. Impressions?"
"Master, one is a weapon and the other brings light; classic examples of sophistication to simple people like the outlying tribes. Those emblems would cement his position as Leader, since he has been in office only a little over one year. His constituents would respect his ties to President Strenghis even more. Add to that his obvious veneration of the Mother, and he could stay in his current position for many years."
"Well done, excellent analysis, Padawan! I am impressed. And under difficult conditions, too."
Ry-Gaul didn't miss Anakin's blush and the slight sideways nudge into his Master. Obi-Wan stiffened, but said smoothly, "And the posters?"
"There are the same posters all over town, I noticed yesterday," Ry-Gaul put in. "Same pose. Stern. Radiating control. People say he's the best President ever. They say it again and again, whether you ask them or not."
"Any sign of Separatists?"
"At the spaceport, yes. Kappa-class shuttle, all the bells and whistles. I didn't spot any guards."
Obi-Wan frowned. "They feel secure here, then. That's bad. We must be cautious."
"I think so, too. It's two hours until the meeting with President Strenghis. Why don't we separate to gather more interviews with citizens?" Ry-Gaul waved to the street outside. "We could ask them what happened to Strenghis' opposition in the last election, for instance. I don't feel malice here, Obi-Wan, nothing dark like that, but I do sense craftiness, plotting ... along with that odd feeling that I mentioned last night. It's an unusual mix."
Last night, last night. "Yes, fine idea. Take Anakin with you, please. I have something I need to correct before meeting Strenghis, no, it's a minor matter, Padawan, you go along with Master Ry-Gaul. I'll meet you both in the Green Room of the Presidential Villa in two hours, or whatever passes for the Green Room."
"How is your sunburn today, Master?"
"Still tingles, but better, thank you. That's one of the minor matters, getting some cream on it so that it isn't a distraction. See you in two. May The Force Be With You."
"May The Force Be With You." As Ry-Gaul led the way outdoors, Anakin turned for a final grab at the buffet table, stopping abruptly when he saw Obi-Wan pointedly draw his own neckline tighter together while gesturing at Anakin's. Anakin gave a thumbs up, snagged a handful of Algae-bread croutons, and left.
Obi-Wan signaled to the same pimply-faced teen as last night. The boy was all smiles this morning. Maybe his sweetie got into Nepsa too late for Festival. Maybe they celebrated last night instead. "Please direct me to the nearest, fastest laundry service, and to a local pharmacy. In that order."
The river oozed.
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