Chapter Five:

Ignis stood near the steps to museum's entryway, at the foot of a marble statue— one of a pair that adorned the stairway— of some creature that the people of Orinda revered. The creature had six legs, graceful feathered wings and sharp fangs, which were revealed in a snarl that was meant to look intimidating. But the architecture— nice as it was, Ignis had to admit— wasn't what he was concerned with.

Currently Ignis was puzzling out how he would get into a position to do what he needed to. In order for him to have any chance of getting near Luke Skywalker, Ignis needed to be inside the museum. Somehow.

After he managed that, Ignis wasn't sure just how he would be able to help the Jedi in a way that would get Luke to bring Ignis into his home. Vexa hadn't told him anything else, but Ignis— knowing his master as he did— figured Vexa already had something in the works. Ignis just needed to do his part and Vexa would make certain he ended up where he needed to be. It wouldn't be the first time that her acolytes' missions had overlapped or intertwined. The lot of them had worked together often under their master's direction.

Vexa was quite skilled at weaving intricate webs, Ignis had learned early on in his training.

Bringing his mind back to the matter at hand, Ignis knew he needed to scope things out in the museum before he could make any solid plan. Yes, Vexa had supplied Ignis with the schematics of the building, but the teenager needed to see the building in person in order to have a solid grasp of things.

Ignis' attention was drawn by the arrival of a group of kids, most of them within his age range, and the young man's interest was piqued.

Slinking into a hiding position behind the statue, he looked to the group with a critical eye. Judging from their appearances they were preparing for some sort of job. And yet, through the Force, Ignis had the sense from many of these kids that this was something that might change their lives.

Pursing his lips, Ignis judged the group to be dressed about the same as he was, and he deftly joined the assembly while none of the adult chaperones were paying attention. He glanced to the boy on his right, a question on his mind.

"Hey, what are we doing again?" Ignis asked, playing the part of the confused boy.

The brunet gave Ignis an odd look. "We're being given the chance to help with the museum opening, of course. We will be acting as escorts and such to guests."

Ignis nodded, an idea already forming. "And have they already accounted for everyone in our group?"

The boy frowned. "How do you mean?"

"Is there an attendance sheet or anything," Ignis clarified, "some way for them to keep track of who's supposed to be here and who isn't?"

"Oh," the boy said, comprehension dawning. "Not yet: that's where we're headed now. We're all volunteers from orphanages about the planet."

Perfect, Ignis thought. This would be how he would get into a position to get close to Skywalker. Now Ignis merely needed an opportunity to get on the Jedi's good side. But how?

"What orphanage are you from?" the boy asked curiously, breaking into Ignis' thoughts.

Ignis glanced to him, considering his answer for a moment. "Would you believe me if I told you I live on the streets?"

The other's brow shot up. "Really?"

Ignis nodded, playing the part of the orphan well. He was, after all, an orphan himself. "It's true. I've done pretty well so far, but it's a hard life."

The boy whistled. "And I thought I had it rough. At least I have food and a bed every day. I'm Nikk by the way."

Ignis made to speak but the group was stopped by an important-looking man in a suit, so Ignis gave him due attention.

"Welcome to all of you!" the man said with a smile that Ignis found to be too bubbly. "I am Keeth Almon, the curator and manager of the Orinda Museum of Natural History. Thank you for agreeing to take part in the Orphan Second-Chance program I started. As you work here today, you will get the chance to meet new folks from across the galaxy, all of whom will be asked to seriously consider adoption or foster care in exchange for a free tour of the museum."

Ignis lifted a brow, skeptical. People had actually agreed to such a thing? The man continued, heedless of Ignis' scrutiny.

"Everyone here will get placed with a foster family to be taken elsewhere for a better chance to find a family, or— better yet, am I right?— will be adopted." The children all around Ignis began to murmur with anticipation, and Ignis found that he couldn't begrudge them their chance at happiness. What he wouldn't have given for a chance to have an actual family instead of the posse of acolytes Vexa had forced Ignis to join.

"I've been waiting for so long to find a family!" a girl about twelve years old whispered loud enough for Ignis to hear.

"I hope I get adopted!" someone else gushed.

"I just want off this cursed rock!" an older boy ground out. "I hate it here!"

Ignis' lips lifted a hair at that proclamation: he understood that sentiment perfectly.

Keeth lifted his hands, and Ignis spotted a trio of rings upon his ten digits. So Keeth was married, he had been to college and had once played for a sports team. Judging by the man's slick suit, complete with cufflinks and a hat, Ignis guessed that Keeth was used to being successful. He certainly came across as one who normally got his way.

But if he really is going to help these kids, then that's a good thing. Ignis told himself. But his heart panged when he recalled that Katu also had a part to play in the events that would unfold. Exactly what that part was, Ignis did not know. But he did know that it would not be pleasant, and most likely it would be violent in nature. The Whiphid teenager had no qualms about using brutality to get his job done, no matter who was in the way.

Ignis didn't realize he had lost concentration until Nikk nudged him. Ignis shook his head lightly and saw that the group was once more on the move. Keeth was at the head of the throng, and Ignis stayed near Nikk to keep up appearances.

"You will each be tagged as a chaperone," Keeth stopped by a table that had been set up to the left of the entrance inside the museum. He grabbed something off the table, and Ignis saw a neon orange tag at the end of a lanyard. "If you wear this, you will be required to act responsibly or you will be removed, understood?"

Everyone nodded, and Keeth seemed pleased, so he began to hand out lanyards. However, when it was finally Ignis' turn, one of the chaperones frowned and stepped up. "I don't remember you at our initial meeting site. What are you doing here?"

Ignis adopted a penitent look. "I saw the group, and I remembered hearing about the program, so I wanted to join. Please."

The woman narrowed suspicious eyes. "What orphanage are you from?"

"He's living on the streets, Ms. Myla." Nikk supplied helpfully, coming up and standing near Ignis.

Myla snorted as she studied Ignis. "Living on the streets? You expect me to believe that?"

Ignis met her gaze squarely, not in the least bit intimidated by this woman. Ignis had lived under Vexa Wran for years. Myla didn't hold a candle to the Twilek woman's ability to frighten people.

"Believe it or not, it's true." Ignis decided to play hardball. "I am an orphan Ms. Myla, and as such I am entitled to join this program."

Myla didn't seem pleased, but Keeth stepped forward, and Ignis could see the light of opportunity shining in the man's brown eyes.

"He is correct, Ms. Myla. And of course any orphan is welcome. The point of the program is to help children, is it not?"

Myla glanced between Keeth and Ignis, her gaze searching Ignis for any hint of treachery no doubt. Finally she lifted a hand, pointing a warning finger at Ignis. "I will be watching you... what's your name?"

"Ignis."

The woman lifted a disdainful brow. "Really?"

Ignis didn't deign to give this woman any sort of a reaction, keeping his face deadpan. He would not cater to her superior attitude. However, Ignis was ready to influence her with the Force if she continued to prove problematic.

Finally Myla relented, taking the lanyard and putting it upon Ignis herself. "One bit of trouble from you and you're out, understood?"

Ignis only nodded, though inwardly he was smirking.

After everyone was tagged appropriately, Keeth lifted his hands again to get everyone's attention. "And now for the biggest news of today: Master Luke Skywalker of the New Jedi Order will be arriving on planet. We have arranged for lunch with him at a local restaurant. The entire establishment has been rented for the occasion. As part of the program participants, you will all be joining us for that lunch, where you will have the opportunity to meet the venerated Jedi Master."

Murmurs of awe and excitement coursed through the youths, and Ignis sensed that he was finally making headway.

"We will now take you through the museum so you can learn the corridors and halls." Keeth began walking, though he spoke over his shoulder. "Please pay attention so you can properly guide others through the building later on."

Ignis glanced to Nikk as they walked. "So, remind me again just what Keeth's program is supposed to do?"

Nikk spoke quietly to Ignis. "Keeth wants a seat on the planetary board of committee. He's using the program to secure his place there, and it's definitely getting him some attention. His plan was to use the opening of the museum to find homes for some orphans. Specifically his target is the kids who are older and thus have less chances of being adopted. Call it a humanitarian project." Nikk shrugged. "I don't really care what the man's personal agenda is, so long as I either get adopted or leave Orinda."

Ignis nodded. "I hear you pal."

Nikk smiled and patted Ignis on the back, but then fell silent as their personal tour continued. As they went, Ignis put his substantial training to use and memorized everything about the building itself, including all points of entry and any possible exit routes.

00000

Luke looked to Emry as she appeared from the girls' room on the Shadow, garbed in a lavender sun dress that sported white flowers. Upon her head was a white hat that Mara had allowed the girl to get to go with the gown. Emry loved to wear this particular outfit in the springtime. Personally, Luke felt that the item of clothing suited his open-hearted daughter perfectly.

He smiled openly, his heart full at the sight of his youngest daughter dressed like a little princess. "Sweetheart, you look beautiful."

Emry grinned happily. "Thanks Daddy!"

Luke offered his hand, which she took eagerly. As the boarding ramp lowered, Luke slung both his and Emry's small bags over his shoulder. Then he spoke to his daughter. "Now, stay with me unless I say you may go elsewhere, alright?"

Emry nodded once. "Okay."

"And please let me do the talking. Not that you can't speak, but be careful what you say: we don't want to accidentally offend our hosts, understand?"

Emry adopted her most serious expression. "I won't let you down, Daddy. I promise!"

Luke kissed her cheek. "I know you won't Darling. Let's go."

They descended the ramp hand in hand, with Emry openly taking in the surroundings. Luke smiled softly but focused on the highly polished man waiting for them. As soon as he saw Luke the man smiled widely, though when he spotted Emry he gave a slight start.

"Master Skywalker, welcome to Orinda!" the man gushed, coming forward. "Forgive me, but I was unaware you were bringing anyone with you."

Luke placed a hand to Emry's back. "This is my daughter Emry. She wanted to come along; I hope that is alright."

The man smiled again. "Of course she is welcome. Hello Emry," the man bent down to offer his hand, "welcome to Orinda."

Emry took his hand and grinned. "Thank you Sir. What's your name?"

"I am Keeth Almon." Keeth straightened, brushing invisible lint from his coat. "I am the curator and manager of the museum. And I am most thankful that you are here, Master Skywalker!"

Luke inclined his head. "I am happy to be here."

Keeth offered Luke his hand now. "I am certain that with you here, things will go wonderfully!"

Luke felt a shiver of premonition zip down his spine at those words, and he frowned lightly. "I don't know if I would go that far, Sir."

Keeth waved a hand. "I don't expect you to do anything special, I assure you. I just feel that with a Jedi present, things will be better overall. You're kind of like my good luck charm."

Luke winced. "Forgive me, but I don't believe in luck."

Keeth was undeterred. "Well I do, and I can assure you I've had plenty of it." He flashed a smile that reminded Luke of Lando Calrissian. "And it's all been good luck so far!"

Luke didn't feel the shiver again, which made him wonder why he had felt it in the first place. He was getting nothing else in the Force at the moment, but he made a mental note to keep an extra eye on Emry just in case.

Keeth, ignorant to Luke's unease, gestured to a waiting speeder. "I will take you to your hotel. It is only a block from the museum, and it's got amazing views. Your room in particular will have a lovely view of the museum."

Luke smiled politely, inclining his head. "Thank you."

He let go of Emry long enough to seal the Shadow, after which he escorted his daughter to the speeder. Emry entered and promptly fastened her safety belt, with Luke following suit. Keeth started the drive, during which the man pointed out things as they passed them.

"You can see to the northeast the Polon Mountain range, where we harvest certain minerals at specific times of the year. Most notable about the range is the highest peak on Orinda, Mount Topolo. It was named for our planet's most esteemed geologist, who discovered much that opened our world to the industries we now participate in."

Luke spotted a snow-capped peak and indeed it was definitely the highest around.

"And to your right is our esteemed business district. Much of the planet's business is headquartered there." Keeth went on, though Emry tugged on Luke's sleeve, drawing his attention to her.

"Daddy, what's that really tall building over there?" she asked.

Luke followed her pointing finger, peering at the structure but finding no signage from this angle. "I'm not sure."

Overhearing the exchange of words, Keeth looked as well, and then nodded once. "Ah, that is our finest casino. I'm sorry, young lady, but only adults are allowed in there."

"Oh," Emry said somewhat glumly, before she frowned at her father. "Daddy, what's a casino?"

Luke smiled softly. "It's a place where adults can go to try to win money. But in order to do so you have to bet your own money first."

Emry looked puzzled. "Why would they do that?"

Luke laughed. "Some people find it fun."

Emry shook her head, but let it drop.

Keeth continued to point things out as they flew until they came to the hotel. As they landed, Emry gaped at the feat of architecture that sat across from the hotel a block away. Luke noted that there was a public park in between the two structures, which gave the area a nice feel.

"Is that the museum?" Emry asked in amazement.

"I think it is," Luke answered. "It's a beautiful building."

Keeth grinned openly. "Isn't it though? I helped design it myself."

"It's so pretty!" Emry gushed.

"Thank you Miss," Keeth replied. "Now, I will give you a few minutes to get checked in, but then we have things to do." He looked a mite nervous. "I hope you are hungry. I've arranged for you to join some of us for lunch at a local restaurant."

Luke smiled warmly. "That sounds great. We will be back shortly."

"Thank you again!" Keeth dipped his head.

Luke led Emry inside, checked them in and then guided his daughter to their room on the twelfth floor. Luke was surprised to see that he had been given a suite for his stay, and felt a little out of place. He only needed a room for sleeping in, not one of absolute luxury like the space before him.

Emry was in awe of the room. "We really get to stay here, Daddy?"

Luke glanced to his little girl. "Apparently so." He shrugged, choosing to accept the gift of the room. "Well, let's not keep Keeth waiting."

Emry held up a hand. "Can I use the refresher first?"

Luke gestured, and she took off. As she was in the refresher, Luke opened the curtains to find a balcony that overlooked the park he had seen. And sure enough, as Keeth had promised, there was indeed a full view of the museum.

He heard the door to the refresher open once more and turned to see Emry reappear. "I'm all set Daddy."

"Alright." Luke offered his hand again and Emry took it, but she gaped at the view he had just been observing.

"Oh wow!"

Luke had to agree. "It's a great view, isn't it?"

Emry nodded happily, but allowed Luke to lead her back to where Keeth waited patiently. They entered the speeder again and Keeth turned to speak to them.

"For the lunch, you will get to meet some of my staff members, a few of the higher-ups from Orinda who wanted to be part of the occasion... and of course the kids involved in my Orphan Second-Chance program."

Luke tilted his head. "What's the program again?"

Keeth sobered. "There are a lot of orphaned kids on Orinda, and many of the older ones get overlooked by adopters because people want younger children. So I founded the program to give the older kids a chance to find a home. The ones who help at the museum's opening events will each be given a chance to be taken to a new world in foster care, or they will be officially adopted. Everyone who is attending the event— outside the staff and board of committee members— will be asked to consider one of the two options. It's actually a requirement to be part of the event. I was surprised to find that I have a decent number of persons that agreed to the program."

Luke smiled. "That's a wonderful idea. Everyone needs a home."

Keeth inclined his head. "Indeed. Now, off to lunch!"

00000

Kida walked confidently through the halls of the Senate building, heading straight for an information desk where a shiny droid was working. She approached the droid, which looked up at her as she did so.

"May I help you?" it asked politely.

"I need directions to Senator Rohgah Obil's office." Kida informed it.

"Of course." The droid clicked away at his keyboard, then retrieved a printed flimsi-sheet. "Here you go Miss."

"Thanks." Kida took the data and followed it without hesitation.

When she got to the man's reception desk, Kida saw the Bothan was talking to a group of aids. Kida approached and drew his attention.

The Bothan frowned at her when Kida stopped within mere feet of him. "May I help you Miss?"

"I certainly hope so," Kida replied, making sure to sound innocent. "I represent your most faithful client, who sends you her best wishes."

The man's demeanor shifted instantly, and he nodded once. "I would be happy to hear from such a friend." He finished giving his aids their instructions, then waved Kida into his office. Once the door was shut he held up a hand.

Kida lifted a brow, but when he withdrew a handheld device and pressed a series of buttons her curiosity was piqued. Seeing her expression, he explained.

"I am securing the office against any snooping attempts. I have my enemies you know," he glanced pointedly to her, "and I don't want our privacy compromised."

Kida admired the respect he obviously held for Vexa, and she felt her opinion of Rohgah go up a notch. "Well said, Senator."

Finally he put the device away and approached her expectantly. "What would Lady Wran ask of me?"

Kida produced the datachip Vexa had supplied her with. "She instructed me to give you this. It will tell you everything you need to know. And you must act succinctly upon this instruction. Timing is imperative here."

Rohgah inclined his head and accepted the datachip. Next, he went to his desk, opened a secret drawer and withdrew a highly expensive and specialized datapad. After inserting the chip into the datapad, Rohgah peered at the information.

"Orinda... tomorrow?!" He looked surprised, glancing to his chrono. "That doesn't give me much time. But please tell her I will act upon this at once."

Kida smiled. "Excellent. You know how to contact her should you need to." Her gaze hardened in a warning. "But only if you truly need to."

Rohgah bowed slightly. "I understand and obey. I have the utmost respect for Lady Wran."

Kida smiled softly this time. "As do I."

Rohgah crossed his arms across his chest in a salute, fists touching his shoulders. "May the Rising be successful."

Kida returned the salute and departed. She knew full well that Rohgah stood to gain much from the Rising coming into power, which was why he was loyal to Vexa. Kida didn't care about that, though; only that Rohgah fulfilled his task.

And if he doesn't, I will be happy to exact his punishment, Kida thought, making her way back to her ship.