Title: Malastare2
Author: Luna
Date: 4-29-00
Reviews: Yes, please!
General Disclaimer: All belong to Lucas, except my characters – Daylon Terra and the rest… suggest you read part one first for background info and more disclaimers. Now, Part two….
(One day later, in Rentilla)
"Obi-Wan, do you think that we could go see a pod race while we're here? Please?" Anakin begged. He could hear the whine of engines coming from the coliseum nearby.
"Maybe. After the mission," Obi-Wan said. They had just arrived in the capitol city, in disguise under the insistence of Daylon. She had thought that it would be better if the government didn't know of their investigation. "People could disappear," she said.
Now they were wandering through the street market, looking for lodging.
"I have a friend here, maybe she can help us," Daylon said, leading the other two through the crowd. Obi-Wan never liked crowds. They made him nervous. Qui-Gon had always liked being around people though. He said that it brought him closer to the living force. Apparently it was something he had instilled in Daylon, because she was at ease among the mobs of people. She was so like him, sometimes it was painful for Obi-Wan. Being with her was like having Qui-Gon with him in a way. Comforting yet poignant memories flooded his mind. If only his master were here…
"Obi-Wan?" Daylon asked.
"Yes?" he replied, his voice escaping him momentarily.
"I've been calling you, but you didn't answer me. Is there something wrong?" she asked, concerned.
"No, nothing. Continue."
"This is Sari, Sari, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi. And this is his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker." Daylon introduced them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Sari," Obi-Wan said, bowing. Anakin did the same.
"You said you needed a place to stay, Daylon?" Sari asked.
"Yes, could you help us?"
"Of course, you can stay with me as long as you like," Sari said kindly. "It's just me, so I have a lot of extra space." She said, leading them up a flight of stairs and to an apartment.
"Now, I only have one extra bed, so two of you will have to sleep on the floor, is that okay?"
"Sure," Daylon said.
"And you'll be in your own for lunch and dinner. I work most of the day."
"No problem. Just one thing,"
"Anything, you just name it."
"Let me take you to dinner tonight. To say thanks, and catch up. What do you say?" Daylon asked.
"I say… sure. I get off work kind of late though,"
"It's okay. I'll meet you at Renardi's, say around nine?"
"That sounds great. Right now though, I've gotta go to work. Bye!" Sari called as she left.
"She's very nice, letting us stay in her house and all," Ani said.
"Yes, she is. And she's a good friend of mine, so I want you to show her some of that exemplary Jedi charm and manner, okay?" Daylon asked with a grin.
"Okay." Ani shrugged.
"Well, we've found a place to stay, what's next on your plan Daylon?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Nothing, for today. I've got ten hours until my dinner appointment, why don't we show Ani around?"
"Shouldn't we be concentrating on the mission? Doing research, asking questions?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I told you, there's nothing we can do today. You must be patient, Obi-Wan." She said, quoting the words so often spoken to him throughout his training. He huffed in indignation.
"Can we see a pod race?" Anakin asked hopefully.
Daylon looked to Obi-Wan. As much as she tested his patience, she would never overstep any boundaries by making decisions concerning Ani without his approval. He nodded.
"Yipee!" Ani cried, jumping up and clapping his hands. "Can we go now?"
"Yes, Ani. Lead the way." Daylon said. She smiled. Seeing Ani so happy made her happy too. And that, in turn, made Obi-Wan happy as well. Which was a rare occurrence.
So off to the pod races they went.
(That evening, nine o'clock)
Daylon entered the crowded restaurant and looked around while she waited to be seated. The last time she had come here was when she was a padawan. She and her master had been on a long-term mission in Rentilla, and it was during this time that she had met Sari. They used to meet at Renardi's at least once a week, and have a night on the town. That all seemed so long ago now. So much had changed. While looking around, she noticed a sign that said 'seat yourself'. I guess more has changed than I thought.
She made her way to the back of the restaurant, where she spotted an empty table with two chairs.
She took the seat facing the door, so that she could get Sari's attention when she came in.
Over in the corner a band played soft music, but Daylon could barely hear it over the din of people talking.
"Sari!" she called when she saw her friend enter. Sari saw her waving, and pushed her way to the table.
"Crowded tonight, isn't it?" she asked.
"Yeah," Daylon said. "How was work?"
"Fine. But I could use a drink," She said, flagging down a waiter. "Do you want anything?"
"Sure,"
"What?"
"Surprise me." Daylon said.
Sari ordered their drinks and turned her chair to face Daylon. "So, how is life as a Jedi knight?" she asked.
"Exhausting. But you know I love it."
"Yes, but I never understood why," Sari said. "So, do you have a padawan yet?"
"No, Not yet. But I'm helping Obi-Wan with Ani, and that's pretty much the same thing."
"Obi-Wan… he's cute. Are you two, you know, seeing each other?" Sari asked with a sly grin.
"Sari! He's my best friend! Gods no!" Daylon laughed.
"Are you sure, because if I were in your place, it would be pretty hard not to see him. Rrrrrow." She growled.
"I am very sure," Daylon said, still laughing. Sari always had this idea that Daylon 'needed a man', and she would play matchmaker every chance she got. Before Sari could say anything else though, their drinks arrived. Two glasses of sweet Rankari wine.
"So, what are you and the handsome Jedi doing here in Rentilla?" Sari asked.
"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. We're on a mission, and I need your help." Daylon said, taking a sip of the potent green liquid.
"You need my help? What in the worlds could I possibly do that you cant?" Sari asked incredulously.
"I need a job." Daylon said.
"A job?"
"Yes."
"What sort of job?"
"Well, it doesn't really matter, as long as it gets me into the higher circles of the government." Daylon said. "You're going undercover?" Sari asked.
"Right. That's why I came to you. You're inside the loop. I was thinking that maybe you could get me a job doing what you do… anything really that would give me access to senators, viceroys, maybe the chancellor even."
"Well, there is a spot open, and you'd certainly have access, but… are you sure you want to do this? My job can be, a little degrading sometimes." Sari said.
"I don't mind." Daylon said.
"Okay. There's a big ball tomorrow night, I can probably get you in." Sari sighed.
"Thanks Sari, you're the best," Daylon said. Now everything would fall into place…
(The next day, 6 o'clock)
Sari entered the apartment in a rush.
"Daylon," she called. Daylon looked up from the data pad she was reading.
"Did it work?" she asked.
"Everything's set. We need to be there at eight. You know what you're doing, right?" Sari asked.
"Yes. Thank you, Sari. Now don't worry about me. You've done you're part, now I'll take it from here, okay?" Daylon said, sensing Sari's anxiety.
"Okay. Oh! You'll need something to wear… you can borrow one of my dresses, let me see…" Sari said, her voice fading as she went to her bedroom. That was just like Sari. The world could be ending, and she would be worried about what to wear.
"What do you need a dress for?" Obi-Wan asked.
"You're back from the races, how was it?" Daylon asked. She had made them go, much to the disapproval of Obi-Wan.
"Fine. What do you need a dress for?" he asked again, sitting down on a sofa across from Daylon.
"Sari invited me to the Government Ball." Daylon said. Obi-Wan perked up.
"You're going undercover, alone?" he asked.
"With Sari. And I'm not going to do anything, just… observation." Daylon said.
Obi-Wan huffed. Yeah, sure. "I'm going with you. It's too dangerous." He said.
"You can't." she said.
"Why not?"
"You weren't invited."
"I'll say you invited me."
"You can't."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not invited!"
"Then how are you going to get in?"
"I'm working there." Daylon said.
"Working? As what?"
"A waitress," she said. That wasn't entirely true though. She would be working as a call girl. Serving drinks, dancing, and flirting maybe, but that was it. Still, it would get her the access she needed.
"You're going undercover at a Government Ball as a waitress, and you need a dress? Don't the waitresses have uniforms?" Obi-Wan asked. He could sense that she wasn't telling him the whole story, but she was blocking him from finding out anything else.
"Look, they said I need a dress, so I'm going to wear a dress, okay Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan didn't say anything. Daylon got up and went into Sari's room to find something to wear.
"Ani, why don't you get some sleep, you had an exciting day." Obi-Wan said. Anakin nodded.
"Goodnight Obi-Wan," he said.
"Goodnight, my padawan." Obi-Wan replied. He didn't move for a long time. All he could do was think. Think about how he knew that Daylon was going to do something completely irresponsible, dangerous, and spontaneous. How she was going to put herself in jeopardy for the sake of the mission… How she was going to do the same thing Qui-Gon would have done. Obi-Wan remembered the dread, the anxiety he had felt every time his master had done something like this. He had hated it. And he hated it now.
"Oh, this one will be perfect on you," Sari said holding up the dress to Daylon.
"It is pretty." Daylon said.
"Put it on then. You can change in the bathroom if you want." Sari said.
Daylon did as was instructed. When she came out, Sari was already dressed in a short blue dress. She was in the process of putting her red hair in a bun.
"You look nice," Daylon said. She felt very out of place in the dress. It had been so long since she had worn anything but her Jedi robes. Sari turned from the mirror, done with her hair and makeup.
"Daylon, that dress is the one," Sari said.
"Really? It looks okay?"
"Better than okay. Come here, I'll do your hair and makeup. I know just what to do…"
A few minutes later, Sari was done.
"Perfect," she said. "You're gonna knock 'em dead."
"Thanks Sari." Daylon said. She had gotten over the weird feeling of not wearing pants, and was now feeling confident that her plan would work.
"Well, what are you waiting for, lets go show Obi!" Sari said. Daylon just rolled her eyes. Obi-Wan would probably not approve. So what? She thought, It doesn't matter whether he approves or not, I'm still going to this ball.
Obi-Wan was still musing when Sari came out of the room.
"Come on, don't be shy," Sari called.
A muffled "I'm coming" came from the room. The door opened and Daylon stepped out. Obi-Wan's breath caught in his chest. Standing before him was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen: his best friend. Her strapless dress was an iridescent green, and it shimmered when she moved. A slit up the side of the flowing skirt revealed a long graceful leg. She was sparkling. Glitter adorned her arms, shoulders, and cheeks. It was also scattered in her golden brown hair, which hung half way down her back in thick ringlets. It occurred to him that he had never seen her with her hair down. He had never even seen her wear anything but her Jedi robes. Gods, what had he been missing?
"Obi-Wan?" her voice interrupted his thoughts, "Well? Do I look my part?"
"You look… Stunning," he stammered.
She smiled, obviously pleased that he approved. "Thank you."
Sari grinned. She was enjoying the awkward silence between the two.
"We should be going," Sari said.
"You're right," Daylon agreed.
"Wait, Daylon, I need to talk with you before you go," Obi-Wan said quietly.
"I'll wait for you outside," Sari said.
"Daylon, this could be dangerous. What if things go wrong?" he asked.
"I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself." She said. "Besides, my saber is in here," she explained, patting a small handbag.
"What about a comlink? In case-"
"I don't need a comlink! I'm not a child, Obi-Wan. I'd appreciate it if you stopped treating me like one." She said tersely.
"I'm just trying to help," he said, his tone matching hers.
"Well I don't need your help. Goodnight." She said, leaving.
Obi-Wan sighed to himself. If Anakin didn't drive him insane, Daylon certainly would. He was sure of it.
Sari and Daylon took a transport to the Grand Capital Building, in the center of Rentilla.
"You know what to do, right? Because I can't stay with you the whole time," Sari started.
"I can handle it, don't worry," Daylon assured her, as the two presented their employee passes at the door.
The party was being held in a large room. It was quite impressive; marble floors and carved ceilings, large statues displaying figures of historical significance… very bureaucratic. Daylon and Sari agreed to split up.
"Good luck," Sari said, heading off towards the right side of the room.
"Hopefully, I won't need it." Daylon replied. She looked around the room, using the force to observe her surroundings. As she opened herself to the living force, she felt a dark ripple. It made her shiver. Something wasn't right. She tried to follow the source of darkness to it's source, but whoever it was walled themselves immediately.
Well, if I can sense them, then they will be able to sense me…
She disguised her force-sensitivity. It meant that she couldn't use the force to find her suspect, but also that he wouldn't be able to find her. That was good. She walked over to a group of men, playing her part to the fullest. If she couldn't use the force to get her way, well, she would have to use her other assets.
"Hello there," one of the men greeted her. He was a tall Rodian, ugly as hell, and already a bit intoxicated.
"Good evening." She said.
"My name is Bin Sarga, I am a senator in the Malastare council. Who might you be?" he asked.
Daylon put on a seductive tone. "My name is Dana," she said.
"Dana, you look lovely."
She nodded. She had a feeling that this man could help her in her search.
"Would you like a drink?" he asked.
"Yes, I would,"
Bin got two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. Daylon feigned a sip; drinking would only hinder her tonight. But Bin downed his glass, and grabbed a second. Someone's a bit of a drinker, isn't he? No matter. It would help her get what she wanted without the use of the force. She waited until the alcohol had taken effect.
"Don't you have any friends, Bin?" she asked.
"Oh, yeah, sure. Tons of them."
"Are they here?"
"Yeah. Some of them."
"Can you introduce me to them?"
"Why? I kinda like having you all to myself, Dana,"
Oh, gods, he's trying to be suave. It doesn't come off well.
"Well, I would really like to meet your friends, Bin."
He looked at her for a moment, grinning like an idiot. Finally, he nodded, and led her to a small group of men by the bar.
"Hey, guys, I'd like you to meet Dana," He said, "Dana, this is Rex Bil, Figi Nor, Lanpurani Gillsum, and Maks Telo." He motioned to the men, putting faces with names. Daylon perked up when she heard the name Telo. He was a short, middle aged human. He had weasel-like disposition, and rubbed his hands together every few seconds. Just like she had pictured. She immediately ducked out from under Bin's arm, and stood beside Telo.
"Hi," she said.
"Hello. Dana." He added her name like an afterthought. He was obviously anxious about something.
"You look tense, would you like me to get you a drink?" she asked.
"No, thank you."
"Are you sure?" she almost purred.
"Well,… maybe just one."
Good,… "What would you like?"
"I, I don't know." He stammered.
"I'll decide for you," she said, sauntering over to the bartender. She ordered a Sullust Rum, one of the strongest drinks available. She needed Telo good and drunk.
She returned to his side and handed him the drink. He must have been more tense than she thought, because he drank it very quickly.
"Feeling better?" Daylon asked.
"Yes, thank you." He said. He wasn't being too helpful, Daylon would have to pry answers out of him.
"So, is your boss here?"
"Yes, actually."
"Where?"
"Over there," he said, pointing to an equally meek-looking man at the far side of the room.
"Oh. What's his name?" she asked. This is getting quite annoying…
"Barun Wulh. He's a chancellor on the council." Telo said, his words starting to slur.
Daylon ventured a quick reach with the force. The vague sense of darkness was still there, but it was not coming from Wulh. It seemed to be radiating from a man to the left of Wulh, but he had his back to her, and she couldn't see his face.
"Excuse me, Telos, but I must be going now." She said, leaving him with his glass of rum. She made her way towards the man with the dark aura, pushing through the crowd. But when she reached the spot, he was nowhere to be seen. She talked for a moment to Chancellor Wulh, but could get no answers from him.
He is obviously being controlled, by a force user. It must be that man…
But the man had disappeared. She made circuits around the room, stretching out with the force to try to locate him, but he was gone. She finally gave up, deciding that it would do her no good to broadcast her force-sensitivity and give away her identity. I'll just have to do this the old-fashioned way… she thought, taking a dance partner. After about a dozen dances, she was beginning to wish that the mysterious man would show up. She was also wishing that Obi-Wan was there.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan couldn't sleep. His mind just wouldn't be quiet. The few moments of fitful rest he did get were haunted with disquieting visions. He saw Daylon, like she looked right before she left, in that dress. He could see her at the party, talking to various people… then a man came, dressed in all black, and Daylon followed him. Then there was a darkness, a void… and then he woke up. After that, it was all he could do to keep relatively still. He paced the room, musing silently to himself.
'This isn't right. You should be there with her.'
But she would kill me if I went!
'What if she needs your help?'
No, she was right, she is older now, she doesn't want or need my protection.
'But you still want to protect her, nonetheless.'
She can handle this.
'Can she?'
He sighed as his two consciences battled.
What would Qui-Gon do? He asked himself.
It was nearing midnight. Daylon still hadn't caught sight of the dark man. She was worried that he had left, that she wouldn't find him, that the party would end and everyone would go home and she'd be left with…
Nothing. She wouldn't have anything. No name, no evidence, nothing. Obi-Wan would probably laugh at her. No, he would never do that, She thought, Not out loud, at least. Besides, she was going to get the name of that man, no matter what.
Lost in her thought, she almost missed the glimpse of a dark cloak vanishing into a doorway. It's him! She cried mentally, following quickly, determined not to lose him this time. She pushed her way to the doorway, and found herself in a long hall. The living-quarters for the council.
She started down the dark passage, using years of training and discipline to mute her steps across the marble floor. She used the force to 'see' around her. The man was still shielding, and remarkably well. He must be trained in the ways of the force.
She was just about to pass the eighth doorway, when a staunch-looking man called to her from the end of the hall.
"This way, miss." He said, and disappeared into a large door. This is getting a little odd, Daylon thought, clutching the small purse that contained her 'saber. She had a feeling she was going to need it. As she walked down the hall, she calmed herself, and focused her thoughts. She could feel the force flowing through her, comforting her. She stepped into the room at the end of the hall. It was a large bed-chamber, richly decorated and obviously meant for someone important. The illumination was almost all the way down in the room. Daylon noticed an Illumination Control Pad by the door, and called out "Illumination, up 60%". This way, she could see better, without losing some of her cover. She stood in the center of the room. That sense of darkness was back now, stronger.
"Very clever. I must say, you did surprise me."
The source of the darkness stepped out of the shadows. He was very tall, with dark hair to his shoulders, and dressed in all black. His eyes held a hint of amusement, darkened by pure evil. On his cheek, a white scar stood out on his dark skin. A broken circle.
To be continued….