Aggressor

+++++++++++++++
Walkar
Governor's Palace
+++++++++++++++



A few weeks of negotiations dragged on, and nothing new had arisen. In fact, Amelia was utterly bored with the whole idea already. It was apparent to her that M'ztka would never support a change over and Chlak was wasting his time on feeling important. M'ztka may have shown up on time just to spite Trafalgar, but he left within the hour, leaving the rest of the group to do the dirty work of ascertaining years and years of accumulated research.

Thaum had agreed to pick her up early as they were planning a trip to Curel to replenish their medical supplies. As it was the end of the week, she was glad to be able to abandon her post early.

Thirty minutes later, she was still looking over holodisks. With time to kill, she had purchased some snacks from the verandah cafe where she and Obi-Wan drank tea. The dampened looking crowd that had grown to include more than ten assistants was eternally grateful for the quick break and energy refill.

Sitting next to Obi-Wan, who was buried beneath four toppling stacks of disks, she commented on his stamina and handed him a grain bar. You are much more dedicated to this lost cause than I am.

Ignoring the discouraging comment, he asked why she was still here and nodded in thanks at the welcome gift of food. I thought you said you needed to pick up some supplies.

Thaum was supposed to be here nearly an hour ago.

Biting off half the pastry in one huge gulp, his eyebrows pinched together.

I'll give him a call, she said seemingly satisfied, and refilled his glass with a nearby pitcher.

Taking a sip of the blue liquid, he replied in thanks. I could have walked you, you know. Not to mention that there are other means of transportation besides your feet, he wanted to say, but didn't need to stir things up again as they were just beginning to get along.

Yes, but honestly, I didn't want to have to be here all day. Plus, its a long walk to have come all the way back.

It's really not a problem; it's better to be safe with such a high degree of hostility.

No. Thaum will be here any minute. Unless of course you're trying to get out a little early as well. She raised her eyebrows mischievously.

He just stared at her, unshaken by the ridiculous suggestion.

I'm just kidding. Amelia took pleasure in teasing him, and glanced over his shoulder while she tried to buzz Thaum.

She was relieved when he answered. Hey, it's me. Where are you?

I'm sorry. I'm still at Lepkaum. The guards held me up.

Why? That's unusual. The guards at Lepkaum were familiar with all the healers.

I'm not quite sure, but maybe you should come down here and get me.

Alright. I'll leave now. She paused momentarily wondering what the problem could be. Connecting to the Clinic she explained the situation to Ruebyn.

I can't understand why the guards would do such a thing...

Ruebyn replied soberly. I'll send Meerpa and Tetre. Ask Jedi Obi-Wan to bring you back to the clinic. We don't need this situation to escalate.

Disconnecting, the healer closed her eyes in concentration. When she opened them, the Jedi had turned his full attention to the healer. What did Ruebyn say?
Let's head out there and see what's wrong.

Sensing a ripple in the Force, Obi-Wan looked over to her expectantly and but she seemed oblivious to it. Let's go, he commanded and they were up and out the door.

Obi-Wan kept up a brisk walk through the Palace halls, and although he sensed something off, he didn't want to alarm his companion. Where is he?

At Lepkaum. He said they were holding him for some reason. Suddenly, he recognized a shimmer in the Force that alerted him to serious danger. We need to move, he commanded, but she was already beside him, aware now of the urgency.

Just as quickly as they shoved their way into the lift, Obi-Wan threw her out the door and they sprinted across the marbled entrance hall through a painstakingly slow rotating door and out on the crowded streets.

Thankfully vehicular traffic was limited to the upper levels and they were able to dart between the two walking lanes easily. He can't be far, she shouted over her shoulder as irate citizens spouted vulgar comments to the two as they raced passed.

Two blocks later, her muscles felt as though they weren't getting enough air, but her insides warned her that Thaum was in serious danger.

A couple of paces ahead, Obi-Wan directed her vision to a semi-circular ring of incensed Bondani. The people formed an angry barrier just outside the Lepkaum gates, arms waving as they shouted obscenities. Penetrating the circle aggressively, Amelia sought out Thaum's condition with the Force, but it didn't hit her until she saw him unmoving, caught in an awkward position of unreal proportions- behind the fence flanked by three guards.

Panicking, she searched her right and left for a way inside, but all she found were elbows and angry fists. Obi-Wan might easily sail them both over with the Force, but the gate was capped with an aerial grid.

Shaking the bars in frustration she yelled out to Thaum. I'm here, Thaum! Let me in. I'm a healer! Please! Then it dawned on her. LeTauktch! Le LeTauktch! It's Elia! Let me in! Fighting her way back through the crowd, she ran back around to the bushes and called out again.

The crowd though, having just identified their new prey, tried to gather the others attention. It's a healer. Why you...

Backing away from an obese Bondani, she looked around for Obi-Wan who suddenly appeared between the two of them, his lightsabre brandished. But others were coming in from across the street.

We've got to get over the fence, but it has an energy grid. Is there any other way around? Obi-Wan questioned, exhibiting little faith in this Le LeTauktch character.

LeTauktch, please, let me in, she called in desperation, spinning around to face the oncoming crowd.

Get away from the fence, a voice commanded from the bush, and even before they had the chance to move away, the fence sizzled with electricity followed by horrible screams and the smell of burning flesh. Opening now, the voice announced from the bushes, and the two pushed their way through the distracted crowd and burnt Bondani. Climbing over the victims as the gates opened, she stumbled the short distance to Thaum.

Immediately they were met by armed Gammorean guards which had now doubled in number. Surrounding him in a circle, the imposing group dared them to challenge. I am a healer. Let me treat him, she entreated leaning around their large frames with eagerness.

We're detaining you for questioning, the leader announced and two armed guards hobbled forward to restrain their suspects.

Keeping his lightsaber up, the guard used his gaffer stick to try to knock his weapon out of Obi-Wan's hands, but instead, the stick went flying off into bushes. As the guard reached for his blaster, Obi-Wan kicked him back as three other guards ran towards him.

Taking advantage of the situation, the healer kicked out at the nearest guard's hand, and grabbed for the vibroblade hidden in her knee high boot. Attempting to slip by him in the distraction, another guard appeared from behind and grabbed her across the chest pinning her arms. Lifting her feet off the ground, she kicked into the face of another guard, leaving the other off balance. As they fell back together, she wrenched herself free from his grasp and darted the ten yards to Thaum's body.

The fallen guard tossed out his stick, catching in her legs. Pummeling her shins, she crashed, wrist and elbow first, against the rock hard cement.

Somewhere in the background she heard the voices of the crowd increase in volume, but her attention remained on Thaum as he lay in the middle of the stampeding melee of guards as three more came rushing out of the tunnel.

Out of sight, Le LeTauktch slipped from the bushes and tried to pull Thaum out of the way. As soon as he was seen, one of the newly arrived guards waddled hurriedly for the Simmian slave but Elia yanked up the stick, and just had been done to her, spun into the guard's legs.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan continued to deflect close range blaster fire back into the large bodies of the surrounding boars, easily keeping them at bay. Slashing off an armed hand, he ignored the squeal that followed as another fell back. Strategically keeping close to Elia, he took down two more guards in a long swipe that cut straight through their hollow weapons. When free, he rushed towards Elia who had just fallen near Thaum, deflecting blaster fire as he ran.
On the ground, Elia kicked into the back of an oncoming boar's knees and rolled away from his grasp, quickly hopping up. Two more rushed towards her furiously, sticks upraised. Blocking one blow with her machete length vibroknife, she was able to duck under the other until Obi-Wan reached her and cut him down.
Finally free to assist her fallen friend, Elia knelt at his side. Closing herself off to emotion, she ascertained the medical situation, forgetting all other concerns.


*


Out of the corner of his eye, the Jedi observed LeTauktch slip away into the bushes. Jogging to the dark hallway, he checked for guards, but sensing its emptiness, returned to Elia. We've got to get him out of here. What's the easiest way? But she didn't seem to hear him.

Lost in concentration, Elia was able to lie Thaum out flat on his back. Completely unconscious, he had been hit by what appeared to be blaster fire in two locations, though the wounds were exceptionally large. Focusing on the most serious injury first located in the mid upper torso, she slipped one hand under his back where the blaster fire had entered and the other on top of his chest where it had exited. Warm with pooling blood, she squeezed the wound tightly and closing her eyes, she felt deep inside him for damage. Left collapsed lung, internal bleeding and no assistance or equipment. Gathering up the Living Force to heal what she could, she closed herself off to the sounds outside the gate.

Obi-Wan looked around fervently for an escape. The gathered Bondani had become even more excited by commotion and the crowd outside the gates grew larger by the moment. Suddenly the gate sparked again, and the crowd lurched back away from the electrified fence in a roar. One could hear the sizzle of flesh as the fence seemed to falter. Appearing again from the bushes, LeTauktch announced that it would soon short. There are too many people. As he spoke the electricity sputtered and buzzed out in a few short clicks.

The frown on Obi-Wan's face was hard, but calm as the people would soon learn that without the gate electrified, they could slip through the small opening that remained. How do we get him out?

Follow me.

Elia said from beneath closed eyes.

No. We've got to go now, Obi-Wan protested glancing back up at the fence, as Bondani tested it for electricity.

In her touch, the healer felt the Force work through her, rejuvenating each broken cell at an impossible rate, to which she felt Thaum combine his own efforts. In seconds, they were able to reach into the deeper tissue, and the organ began to regenerate itself. Although Elia was concerned about the internal bleeding pooling inside the lung, Thaum was suddenly coughing, sitting up in the process. As he did so, the throng of people shared a universal gasp as the news traveled from the center to the circumference of the gate.

Healer Thaum, you're alive! LeTauktch announced excitedly. Although he too found it utterly impossibly that Thaum should be able to get up with the dark red blood covering the front and back of his once white tunic, he nonetheless hurriedly them along.

Resurrection nearly incited a riot on the streets, and Bondani began shaking the fence violently until finally they began working together to slide the fence aside manually. We need to go. Obi-Wan hooked his shoulder under Thaum's arm and helped him up following LeTauktch into the bushes where he soon disappeared. This way...

Winding back into the darker passages of the facility, they came out once again into the sun. By this time, Thaum was able to walk independently, and they loaded into the hovervan where Tetre and Meerpa waited.


*****


They had carried Thaum into one of the two treatment rooms, symmetrically across the patient quarters to the right of the entrance. The room was tiny, so Obi-Wan held back behind the door and watched Tetre and Elia calmly lay hands on their peer.

While Obi-Wan expected an efficient scrambling for technologically advanced paraphernalia, he was surprised to see a quiet language of unspoken needs expressed in the very air of the room. What were they doing, he wondered. Listening closely, he reached out with the Force to understand. Forming a divine trinity, the three healers opened themselves to the Living Force and the room seemed to radiate like a mysterious heat. Candles lit spontaneously and the air stirred incense canisters with sweet pungent scents of herbal potpourri. Obi-Wan's body relaxed at the lotus like scent and he seemed to be pulled into the room like a maelstrom might suck one deep into its depths.

Ruebyn stepped up behind the Jedi and nodded her head. Seeming satisfied, she touched Obi-Wan lightly on the arm and told him he was needed elsewhere.

The air had become thick with healing herbs, and he too found himself entranced by the intoxicating scents, such that he found it difficult to push himself away from the door frame into which he had sunk.
Come with me.


*


She took him by the arm and led him to the common area where a holo of Li'sarrow waited. Master Li'sarrow, Obi-Wan bowed as he reached the transfer image.

Returning the formality, she momentarily looked past him to Ruebyn who gave a her a reassuring confirmation that Thaum would make it. The master healer closed her eyes in thankfulness and lifted her shoulders. Thank you for assisting my healers, Jedi Obi-Wan. No doubt the authorities will be there shortly. Let them in. We ask that you speak on behalf of the healers at this time. Ruebyn, do not respond unless you must. No need to give the media any more opportunity to construe our intentions. I'll make an address here before I leave for Bonadan. May the Force be with you.

She disappeared without answering any of his questions. Ruebyn knew far more about his matter than he did. What would he say? She must have truly feared for the healers safety to ask this of him, though she must have known he was prohibited from entangling himself in such planetary legalities. His efforts, no matter how logical, could very well endanger negations, and the peace of the galaxy. Grunting, he foresaw yet another legal battle before them, one in which he technically should not interfere, but was now left with no choice.

At this point, Meerpa burst in and announced the presence of a dozen vehicles bulldozing their way down the road. Out of breath she asked about Thaum. When satisfied, she hoisted her hands on her hips and began pacing the room. Okay. What did M'Li'sarrow have to say?

Obi-Wan brushed passed her out of the common area to the reception's front window. They're here.

Li'sarrow's making arrangements to come out. I want you to stay with the patients until we're through with the authorities. Ruebyn floated higher and gazed down at Meerpa, daring her to refuse.

Huffing, but turning away, Meerpa disapprovingly ran to the resident quarters, taking a long look at Obi-Wan standing ready to open the door.

Civil authorities pounded on the door. This is the Security Control. Open the door or you will be charged with ....


*
What's wrong, Healer Meerpa? Who is here? Lusina sat up in bed.

The guards are here to take us back to the mines! another elderly patient exclaimed.

No, no! Healer Thaum was injured today, but he's fine. A gasp and a sigh was let out at once. Then why the authorities?

I don't know. Meerpa turned to the two elderly Simmians laying in adjacent beds. You don't need to worry about this though. Smiling she announced she would give them something to sleep.

They complained, but she stirred up the lotus potpourri next to their beds anyhow, and set two additional canisters next to the three other sleeping patients. Crossing over into the children's sect, she lit a Russian vase of lotus and promptly shut the door. Thankfully Kiana had dozed off after reading a story to Li'Tala, so Meerpa returned to the elderly wing to wait.


*

Shutting the door to the treatment room, Ruebyn nodded to allow the officials in. One Bondani and three armed Gammoreans whittled their way in. Media attempted to crowd their way in behind them, but Obi-Wan made a human barrier behind the officers his palm smashing into the face of an unwanted reporter.
Where is the criminal? the Bondani detective barked, ambling into the building with pretentious airs. Fingering his lapel, he peered in through the resident windows, to which Meerpa promptly shut the blinds. In here, huh? He stepped quickly to the door, but Ruebyn positioned herself in front of him. No, he's being treated elsewhere.

Listen, wench, you better tell me... Peering down the length of his nose, the guard grabbed her smock and shook it. Clutching his hands and ripping them off her chest, Ruebyn levitated over the man and spread her wings fearsomely, lest he challenge her authority again.

Obi-Wan quickly stepped between the two. All you need to know is that he is being treated at this time. Why is it you wish to see him?

Who are you? You're not one of the healers. The detective smoothed back his iridescent hair, and shiny pieces the littered the air about him.

How observant of you. If you want to see the healer, we need to know why.

I don't have to explain anything and as long as you are on Bonadan, you are not allowed to interfere with our government. Now where is he?

Obi-Wan firmly planted his hands on his hips. We need to know why he was held back at Lepkaum.

This is our jurisdiction! the Bondani official spat in his face temperamentally, his face glowing with red hot anger.

Obi-Wan noticed the guards grow agitated and shift their raised weapons nervously. Reverting to the Force, Obi-Wan suggested they bring Healer Thaum to Security Headquarters the following morning. Waving his hand before him, Obi-Wan hoped his suggestion skills would be strong enough to overpower the authority's mind.

Although Ruebyn understood Obi-Wan's method, she nonetheless found herself in disbelief when the Captain ordered his men back out the door, and that they would expect Healer Thaum to visit them tomorrow morning. Clutching her heart in relief, Ruebyn thanked Obi-Wan profusely. I wouldn't have let them take him.

Realizing he had been holding his breath, Obi-Wan exhaled inaudibly, and watched to make sure the group left. When they'd gone, he followed Ruebyn back into the common area to call for further instructions.



+++++++++++++++
The onset of evening...
+++++++++++++++


Hearing the guards stomp out, Tetre and Elia left Thaum to rest with the help of a sleeping agent, and slipped out the room. Thanks, Jedi, Tetre shook Obi-Wan's hand, then peered out the front windows. Holocams circled the growing crowd while protesters chanted unintelligible rhymes and waved banners.

Keep your heads down, Ruebyn commanded as she stepped in from the common area after contacting the Council. Obi-Wan's been asked to make a statement.

The Jedi gathered his bearings by pulling his hood over his head and tucking his hands into his robe.

You? Why not Ruebyn? Elia demanded to know.

But before he could answer, Ruebyn floated towards her. The Council believes the media will react more favorably to a neutral source.

Popping her head in from the resident quarters, Meerpa responded angrily. What is all this bullshit about the media? Who fucking cares what the media thinks?

Calmly, Obi-Wan turned to address her. The OASR is concerned that their efforts will lose support. Their point is legitimate; they need all the resources they can gather at this point. Obi-Wan thought about Qui-Gon and Mon Mothma's efforts on Alderaan, and did not wish to jeopardize their plans to any degree.

Well, what are you going to say? Meerpa demanded, but softened her tone with a look from Ruebyn. Obi-Wan ignored her and turned to the door.

I'll escort you, Healer Amelia stated and stood to face him.

Obi-Wan awarded her with a hard gaze. Though logic battered at his conscience, something told him he should trust her.

Jutting out her chin, she answered for him. You do not have a choice.

Stay behind me. Brushing passed her, the door opened and he stepped through. The words burned her irritably, but she let it slide. And in the second before the door closed, Meerpa tore around the door frame to accompany the two outside.

Fondling their concealed weapons, the two healers flanked the Jedi as he stepped onto the porch. Holovids loomed towards them instantaneously as protesters shot inaudible obscenities. With the new attention, the line of people burst at the seams towards the base of the steps as if they might rush the facility at any given moment.

Scanning the crowd and listening closely with the Force, Obi-Wan paid keen attention to every aspect of his surroundings. Two net-vans were parked about 50 feet from where they stood, and a half a dozen hovering holorecorders or holovids, swarmed about to shoot the event. Overall, the crowd appeared as ordinary citizens with a couple reporters and holocrew.

Even as the protesters quieted, their fervor did not as a few stray comments flew here and there over the tops of the crowd.

*

A light sweat beaded around Elia's brow as a heat overtook her. There were far too many people here to defend the clinic should it become under attack. Her palms clenched at the ready, wiggling her ankle with the comfort of her vibroblade pressed in the side of her boot.

She hardly realized when Obi-Wan had pulled back his hood and begun. I speak on behalf on Healer Ruebyn and the Healers at this facility, as well as the Jedi Council.... She heard him introduce himself, but wasted no time on his words. Rather she attempted to quiet her anxiety, and mentally prepare for whatever may come.

You are currently at odds with the Republic and we understand you believe they are treating you unjustly by enforcing the anti-slavery laws. However, let me make it clear that the healers have no part in the decisions made by the Senate, nor are they here to enforce that those laws are obeyed. Their statutes are limited to medical conditions which, unfortunately, are being interrupted by this protest. You should return home and let the Senate settle what it has begun. His gaze remained serious and he hoped he had articulated his expectations as cleanly as Qui-Gon might have.

Yet no one moved to go and after what seemed an infinity of stillness, a low rumble of voices threatened to break free, and the group became agitated like a swarm of buzzing bees. We want to see Lazarus! someone finally shouted above the movement.

The Healer injured today will be brought in for questioning tomorrow morning. Interrupting their excitement before they became entirely unruly, Obi-Wan spoke up once more in finality.

I must also state for the record that we will defend this premises to the highest degree should it be threatened in any way. At this, his eyes wandered across the crowd expectantly. The moment was soon flooded with a torrent of accusations and loaded inquiries, as Bondani shoved one another back and forth in the crowd.


*


Healer Elia blindly viewed the crowd as one mutinous mass bubbling with eagerness to overtake the clinic when she should have noticed the Bondani woman pulling back the thread on her crossbow.

Sidestepping the arrow just as it whizzed by, Obi-Wan pulled out his lightsaber.

*


Meerpa saw the arrow gleam out of the corner of her eye, but within microseconds it had pierced the door. The crowd gasped, ducking as ammunition bolted over their heads from what appeared to be hovering vidroids. Frantically dispersing, they looked around amongst themselves to view the attackers but the fire seemed to be all around.

In the back of the crowd, a woman dressed as a reporter loaded for another shot. Sighting her, Obi-Wan immediately pounced over the crowd, kicking out the dangerous holovid as if it were an airborne soccer ball. In tandem, Meerpa and Elia sprang towards the perpetrator narrowly missing more blaster fire from out geared holovids. Barely clearing the distance populated by nervous protesters, the crowd shot out in all directions. Plowing into the two healers, the Bondani ran into each other as they tried to avoid anymore threatening projectiles.


*


Obi-Wan planted his landing firmly, avoiding any protesters that lie in the way of the shooter. Pulling up the right side, Elia held a clear view of the woman and slipped in and out between fleeing people. Unmoved by the chaos that was now spreading like wildfire, the shooter raised her bow to fire again, but instead of aiming for the door, she pivoted sharply to the left and fired towards Meerpa.

Dropping instinctively, the Lemura rolled to the right, toppling a number of people now trying to escape to their transports. An armed holovid was instantly upon her, but she was able to blast it from directly beneath. Meanwhile, she saw three more holovids detect their next target from behind the two netvans.


*


Across the way, Obi-Wan watched Meerpa drop. Close enough now to see the iridescent skin on the shooter, he leaped up into the air to take her from behind. Reloading, the girl swooped back around and caught the Jedi's kick in the edge of her crossbow. Twirling parallel to the earth, he smashed face down into the dirt, his boot tangled into the corner of the attacker's weapon. Ripping the crossbow back into her control, the ferocious woman hurled the edge towards Obi-Wan's back like an ax. Log rolling out, the Jedi swung back onto his feet just as the weapon uprooted a chunk of earth. In the time it took for the woman for wield the weight of the unloaded crossbow, Obi-Wan repositioned his saber, ready for another attack.

Opening her arms wide, the woman taunted her adversary, inviting Obi-Wan to challenge again. Sensing Elia coming in from the right, he flew into a front attack, and Elia tackled the unsuspecting woman from the side, the crossbow flying out of her reach. Tumbling on top one another, the woman was able to flip Elia off in a single kick.

Quick to respond, Obi-Wan pointed his glowing blade towards the woman's neck when blaster fire erupted from a second source barely missing him as he whipped around to deflect it. Unable to view the new sniper in the dimming light, more fire appeared from the opposite direction, perhaps behind the netvan, but Meerpa was on top of it.

It's the holovids! she called out, wielding her machete around to charge the hovering seeker droid. Rolling underneath it, she stabbed at it from under its belly.

Meanwhile, the attacker, now free from the threat of Obi-Wan's lightsaber, popped back up and swept the Jedi's feet from under him. He fell to his back, rolling out efficiently, and was able to continue to block the blaster fire now aimed at Elia as she came back at the woman with her vibroblade.

Brandishing a short dagger of her own, the woman swiped at Elia even as more blaster fire pounded around them. Seemingly undisturbed by the fire, the fierce woman back kicked at Elia who spontaneously ducked. But pirouetting in one fluid motion, the woman the followed through with the electro-dagger and snagged it across Elia's collar. Pouncing away too late, the healer's chest dropped low, stunned.

Obi-Wan moved in quickly, back handing the woman across the face causing her to fall back onto Elia. Simultaneously battling the armed holovids that now moved in for close range attack, he yanked at Elia's free arm and pulled her from the entanglement.

Deflecting fire back into one of the holovids, Obi-Wan jumped back as the floating electronic device shattered into metal pieces.

Seeing her protection being quickly eliminated, the woman took one last effort at the Jedi by flinging her electrodagger directly at Obi-Wan's back, but Elia shoved him aside as the spinning blade narrowly missed its target.

Flipping back over the scattered crowd, the attacker disappeared behind a netvan. Catching up, Meerpa closed in from the left and charged after her as Obi-Wan finished off the last of the holovids.

Darting through the pockets of people, the woman reloaded as she ran, sliding over a protester's speeder. Springing over the top of the netvan, Meerpa barely missed contact with an arrow as it whizzed by her. Sprinting around the other side, Elia vaulted over a blockade of filming equipment, just as the woman straddled a swoop and turned up the thrusters.

Slowing in long glides, the Jedi and healers narrowed towards each other, gulping in oxygen greedily. Kicking out shaky legs, they glanced back and around to scope out the new situation.

Fear vibrated amongst those remaining as they scurried to their personal transports and took off in a cloud of dust. By this time, the netvans had also departed behind the armed woman, leaving them with little clues about her identity. Nonetheless, when the three of them reached the top of the steps of the clinic, Obi-Wan yanked the steel barbed crossbow from the door and retained it for evidence, hoping to explore more later.



+++++++++++++++
Coruscant
Indescript Location
+++++++++++++++

Lord Sidious watched the holo with little surprise, as one could have easily predicted these turn of events.

*******************
Today in the capital of Bonadan, a riot broke out between the native Bondani and the Jedi Healers. Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, mediator at the current negotiations, spoke on behalf of the Healers:

You are currently at odds with the Republic and we understand you believe they are treating you unjustly by attempting to enforce the anti-slavery laws. However, let me make it clear that the healers have no part....

Master Healer Li'sarrow, Acting Director for the Region, also commented on today's disturbing event.

Why are the healers still on Bonadan if their lives may be in danger?

As a provision to the live labor tax already in effect, the Senate and the Jedi Council both agreed that the clinic should remain functional as long as slavery exists on the planet. Extra precautions will now be instated to ensure their safety while carrying out their duties on Bonadan.

Why has a healer been allowed to join the Negotiations?

The healers have been an important part of Bonadan society for the last five hundred years, since the Simmians were conquered and contributing to the overall welfare of the Simmian society. We felt that since it was the Simmians future we are debating that they should be allowed some voice in the process of their futures.

Why not choose a Simmian? Why choose the same healer that allegedly murdered the Simmian slaves?

The Courts will make their decisions based on the truth, not on public opinion.

And what of the violent reaction to the protesters?

We are still investigating the details of the attack on the clinic............

*********************

Lord Sidious was pleased to see the female agitator had not been recorded on film, and was irritated by the attention it drew, but in the long run, hoped the situation could be manipulated to his benefit.




+++++++++++++++
Walkar, Bonadan
Governor's Palace
+++++++++++++++


What would you like me to do, Governor? the assistant asked rather impatiently. The images of the riot flashed on the holo behind him, but M'ztka's back was to them.

You see, Svil, it doesn't matter. The healers will hang themselves, and I'll be a hero for it.

Svil's eyes widened in surprise. You don't want me to send out more guards?

Why bother? The whole galaxy has seen what they are capable of. With pressure in the Senate, the Jedi Council will have no choice but to pull them. Din has just informed me that he is rallying to have them removed.



+++++++++++++++
Folklorum, Alderaan
Qui-Gon's private quarters
+++++++++++++++


A knocking at his door woke him from a light sleep. He had tossed and turned most of the night preoccupied with a bad feeling. Throwing back the sheet, he answered the droid's knock to find a call waiting for him from Cato Antilles. Calling for lights, he ambled to the front parlor and sat in front of the dual hololink.

Preparing himself for bad news, Qui-Gon sat down rigidly and wiped sleep off his face. When he saw Cato formally dressed, he expected the worse. Sorry to wake you, but you have to see this.

A second later, the connection transferred to newscast detailing the events on Bonadan. The report followed up with a statement from Mon Mothma.

************************

We now go to a live press conference by the Senator of Chandrila:

An attack on a Republican funded health clinic is not only immoral, but illegal. Stronger measures must be taken to control these types of outbursts. If Bonadan cannot control their own-

************************

The situation had escalated in what he sincerely hoped to avoid, and he worried that Obi-Wan would feel pressured to solve the problem entirely independently.

A beep interrupted, and the cast diminished into the top right hand corner of his screen while Bail reconnected.

Have you heard from Obi-Wan?

Qui-Gon did not like the way that question was phrased. When did the incident occur?

A few hours ago. Mon Mothma and I have made arrangements for your departure tomorrow morning.

The Jedi considered protesting, but thought the better of it. Thank you.

Before anymore could be said, the connection was interrupted by a call from from Bonadan. Relieved and worried at the same time, he quickly said his good-bye and clicked over.

The sight of Obi-Wan safe was some consolation, but his anxiety was now at its height after viewing the newscast. I'm sorry to wake you. It must be the middle of the night there.

Ignoring the comment as if it didn't deserve a second thought, Qui-Gon calmed himself before beginning. I heard you had somewhat of a minor crises today.

Obi-Wan ran his hands over his head and exhaled heavily. I'm sure you saw the whole event over the holo. I'm at the clinic now and I'll be staying here tonight, just for safety's sake. M'ztka declared a temporary state of emergency and declared a two day hiatus from negotiations, so I might stay longer. I don't think anything will happen tonight though.

How can you tell?

M'ztka can't publicly denounce the healers because he'll be breaking a treaty agreement- all that paperwork we signed the first day. So he's encouraged people to allow the law to handle it.

The law?

Yes, Healer Thaum will be called in for questioning tomorrow. Reportedly, the guards detained him, but did not shoot him.

What was he detained for?

That continues to be a mystery. He's sleeping now, though apparently in perfect health. Although I didn't see the blast with my own eyes, I did see the blood. And that was not a recoverable wound.

A silence followed, and Obi-Wan shook his head.

Leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, Qui-Gon interrogated further. What of the aggressor? Do you know who she is?

Unfortunately, no, but I am inclined to believe it is more than just an angry protester. She must have armed the holovids and programmed them to attack the three of us right before the statement was made. Images of the incident seemed jumbled now even though it had taken place only hours before.

You've contacted the Council?

He nodded.

Then get some rest. I'll call before I leave tomorrow, and if all goes well, I'll be there within the week.

Qui-Gon paused here and sat back, emitting a heavy sigh. I'm glad to see you're well, padawan.

Good night, Master.

Obi-Wan clicked off the holo and stretched up and sideways, rubbing his eyes. When the communication ended, Ruebyn forced herself from the couch and announced she'd prepare the open treatment room for their new guest.