Chapter 2 – My search, his myth.

I had expected to be led to a primitive apartment and be handed false papers. Instead I was led to the Naboo embassy located in the centre of the city. So my visit was official and as an ambassador, I had the ability to move through the circles of the rich, but also as an unknown, I could skulk in the back allies and forgotten streets. I had access to everything, and more importantly everyone.

I stood in my rooms, accustomed to the level of wealth but not the acquisition of riches legitimately. The rooms I had been given for my visit were substantial, the main room was blue the colour of the sky on a clear day. The borders were white with a floral pattern that accentuated the elegancy of the place. The bedroom was a passionate red decked out in oak, its rawness next to the lustful red bespoke of carnal pleasures.

The windows looked down onto the street, a cobbled pathway designed for a constant stream of traffic as officials went about their business whether it be by foot, horse or carriage. The road was long and straight, cutting through the city, leading directly to the palace at its centre, making easy access for the statesmen and the nobility. By using this road they could avoid the distasteful element of their capital city that littered the small alleyways, to walk this road was to forget the poor hidden behind walls of diplomacy.

I had seen the other side of the city as I had made my way from the docks, even the shimmering jewel of Coruscant had the impoverished who slept in the streets or in dwellings that housed rats and disease. It was a sobering thought to know that even here there was still much to accomplish before all men were equal. As it is everywhere, the classes were divided; the upper class looking down on those without money and the working class envying the rich their lives but not wanting to be them. There is also the ones who work themselves up and those who lose everything who are accepted by no one.

Coruscant had not become Utopia but it had the freedom to grow into it. Changes weren't suppressed like they were in Naboo. My home country had become stagnant thanks to Palpatine and his ideas of order, control and leadership.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." I remained facing the window, flaunting my position of authority to who ever walked through the door, by not turning to recognise them or their position.

"Lord Jinn, sir?"

"Yes?"

"My name is Travin, I have been assigned as your assistant." I sighed, not this again. I turned to face him, measuring the man with my eyes and my years of experience. He was thin, short and in no way intimidating. He wore the finest of clothes tailored to his physique unsuited to dirty work.

"Do you have any investigative experience, Travin?"

"Yes sir, I have been in the NIA for two years."

"Really? And I bet you've spent most of that time here."

"I proved I was capable to his Majesty, the King and he specifically sent me here as a…" he trailed off. I smiled - this was almost too easy.

"A spy?" I suggested.

"Something like that, yes." I took another look at the man who stood before me. A spy. Spies were cunning, adaptable, and could be dangerous; spies were many things. They did not, however, look like Travin. He fidgeted under my scrutiny and almost looked embarrassed.

"They figured you out, didn't they?" I guessed, barely suppressing my amused smile at his discomfort.

"Yes sir, which is why I have been assigned to you."

"To redeem yourself?"

"No, because I no longer need to pretend to be a Coruscant native and I know more about the nobles than any one else." He seemed very sure of himself, which worried me. If he couldn't even manage to keep himself undetected, what kind of trouble was he going to get me into?

"How long did it take them?" I didn't need to iterate what I meant; he knew I was still talking of his discovery among the nobles.

"I'm not sure, sir."

"That long? You'll have to tell me sooner or later, but for now lets get to work." I sat the young man down at the large oak table and listened as he told me what he knew.

"Nothing, well, not much. It is said by almost all that the Jedi is a nobleman and he must be a man of considerable wealth to organise and pull off so many rescues. The identity of the man is speculated on by everyone and everyone at one time or another has been alleged to be the Jedi, then the crowd hears a new piece of juicy gossip and move on." He stopped briefly waiting for me to assimilate everything he had said before he moved on.

"I have arranged for you to attend some of the social events of the upper class as an ambassador for Naboo, so you can see for yourself."

"When is the first event?"

"One week. These things tend to follow the royal family around and the royal court is currently away attending a friendly game of some sort."

"This is good, it gives us time to prepare and to investigate in other, less hospitable places." I thought for a moment, planning when and where we must go, unsure how much to trust the 'spy' and if I should include him. "Where is Miss Naberrie?"

"She is with the royal court. She's been taken in by one of the noble families, the Skywalkers. It is also rumoured she is already engaged to the son, Anakin."

"Who is he?"

"The Skywalkers are a family of lesser nobles and diminished wealth, the family is closely connected to the Kenobis which is why they remain in good standing, despite their lack of wealth. Anakin, the youngest son of three, is twenty."

"And who are the Kenobis?"

"I think it would be easier if I gave you a written report on the nobility, their families and the connections to each other, sir."

"Very well, as long as I am prepared by next week." Once again information about the man I would come to know as Obi-Wan Kenobi slipped past me. If I had known what was to happen I would have cross examined Travin about the attractive young man but as it stood, I was on the trail of far larger game. The Jedi.

-

He took me to the poorest part of the city, where the people had no allegiances to the rich. I did not expect to find much, but these people were the workers, servants, drivers, cleaners and holders of a whole host of other skills required to keep the aristocracy in the lifestyle to which they were accustomed.

However, I found something very different.

"I don't know nothin', Guv."

"What about now?" I offered the man who was plainly a thief twenty credits but he would not take them.

"All I know are the rumours, Guv' and even if 'alf of em are true no one will tell you a thing, not that anyone knows anythin'."

"Why's that? The Jedi is of high birth, the common people have little loyalty to the wealthy."

"Aye, he's one of the Proud all right, that what we call the lords and ladies 'round 'ere but the Jedi's a good man by all accounts. He saves lives, including the poor. He ignores the boundaries of society and saves as many of the Fallen as he can. He's not like the rest of 'em. Besides, the man's smart, the only things people hear about are his rescues and certainly nothin' that will lead back to 'im." I looked at the thief closely, judging his sincerity. Was it loyalty to a cause he was involved in? Was he a member of the League? Or was it simply loyalty to an ideal the Jedi had embodied.

"Alright then, tell me one of these rumours and it better be worth the five credits I'll give you for it." The little thief beamed.

"All the stories are good, sir but I'll tell you my favourite. My throats a bit dry though lads, there's a pub just around the corner." He wondered away, not looking back as Travin and I followed. Travin seemed annoyed by the man's cheek where as I was just bemused by the whole experience.

Once we were sitting as the back of the cosy room, which served as the local tavern, drinks in hand, the thief began to talk in earnest.

"The man's name was Garrent, he was a man like myself; decent and 'ard workin', but he was being questioned by the Nabooan Intelligence agency. I believe he was bein' held in the headquarters itself, although I'm not sure. It was rumoured he was a member of the Jedi League and the NIA were desperate for the names of the League members and of course the Jedi himself. Garrent wouldn't breathe a word that would betray his friends, if indeed he really were a member.

"There had been much unrest in Theed, Naboo's capital city, not enough people were dying to quench the thirst of the mob. A riot started outside of the NIA's headquarters, it's said that it was started by the League in some elaborate plot or maybe the Jedi 'ad been waiting for the ideal opportunity and the chance riot provided that. Which ever is true when the riot started, he went in for Garrent.

"He entered through the sewers, comin' in from underneath and into the heart of the men responsible for the legalisation of the executions and Palpatine's blood bath. It didn't take long to find Garrent; he only had to follow the screams, as the captive was tortured to force the knowledge from him.

"So what? You're thinkin', what makes this rescue any different than the others or from anybody else that has tried such exploits? You must remember the Jedi's character, cocky, self-assured and larger than life. The sod not only walked out the front door with the NIA's most important prisoner, he even stole a carriage, escaping' undercover of bullets and swords of the rioters and the NIA agents guardin' their headquarters.

"No one even noticed, not until later, when the chief investigator of the Jedi rescues, Jinn I think his name is, returned to find his suspect gone. He had been on the other side of the city investigatin' another possible Jedi plot. Is it possible the Jedi orchestrated that also? I wouldn't put it past the crafty bugger, he's a cheeky so and so. Imagine Jinn's surprise when he returned."

"Yes, imagine," I said, interrupting the thief for the first time.

"Yes, well, that's it really. They got away. I heard Garrent is livin' on Coruscant's northern cost, as far away from Naboo as he can get. Thanks for the drink lads, it was a real pleasure, but you know how it is, things to do, people to see."

"More like things to steal, people to rip off," Travin said under his breath just before he took another mouthful of his drink. We left shortly after, heading back out to the little alleyway that had almost become a river of mud since we had been inside. It had started to rain while we had been entertained by the little thief's story and without cobbling, the alleyway was defenceless ageist the onslaught of water.

"Can you believe it?" Travin was even angrier now than when we had started.

"True though. That happened about two years ago in Tatooine region. Parts of it have been altered, like the location, Garrent was actually being held in the Liberator's headquarters in Mos Espa the area's main city, but I was indeed investigating another escape on the other side of the city. I guess setting it in Theed just makes for a better story." This concession seemed to pacify my assistant slightly, although why it should, I have no idea.

"So, what now?"

"Now we find someone else." I turned from him before he could argue I did catch the groan of displeasure he was unable to suppress.

More of the same followed. No one would surrender any information of the Jedi, if they even had any to begin with. I did hear countless stories, though, of daring deeds and ingenious plots. Some from before I took over the investigation but many during. And although it was my failures, I couldn't help but be fascinated by them. I had sought the Jedi for three years and only now was I beginning to know him, and his course.

What kind of man can invoke such loyalty in people he has never met or helped and command such respect from people who don't even know his name? To them, the Jedi was no longer a man but a hero and a legend. I realised he would one day become a myth and that I was part of that mythology in one role or another. I became enraptured and sought out all the stories I could.

-

"He disguised himself as an old drunk. The Jedi allowed himself to be imprisoned until he 'sobered up'. Once inside he used a tailored key and picks to open his cell door. The Jedi was then free to roam the halls of the prison until he found Adi Gallia. I don't know how the Jedi chooses the people he will rescue, for he can't save all the fallen, but of them all, Adi was most certainly worthy of his mercy.

"She was beautiful, a talented actress who had been in the position to speak to the hearts of the people. She was popular, too popular. I doubt she ever did anything truly wrong, let alone plot against the tyrant Naboo had allowed to become King. She was not wealthy but what little she had, she shared with those who needed it and for that she was locked up.

"Once inside the Jedi found her in the bowels of the prison, filth surrounding her, but mercifully, she was unharmed. Bravely, she followed him to the roof, where they crossed the slates until they came to a sheer drop that plummeted down to the river. Within a small rowing boat far below them, a member of the League sat with a small rocket, which he launched at them.

"It flew over the Jedi's head, but it was not the rocket they needed. The Jedi's hand shot out with inhuman reflexes and caught the rope that trailed behind the rocket. He carefully tied the rope around Adi and then helped her over the side. Ever so slowly, the Jedi lowered her down the side of the building to the waiting boat below. Adi arrived safely and the Jedi was about to climb down the rope himself, having secured it to something, when a shot rang out.

"The Guards had come.

"They came racing over the slated roof, charging toward the Jedi, bloodlust in their eyes. He jumped, throwing himself off the building to splash into the murky waters of the river Sollen. He swam to the boat and once again he and one of the Fallen escaped with their lives."

-

I liked hearing of my failures from the perspective of the other side. He no longer seemed so dangerous, which was probably foolish of me to think. With Travin by my side I had someone watching my every action and reaction. Could he tell? I doubt it; even then I didn't understand what was happening, but suddenly 'Knowledge over ignorance.' Made much more sense.

I was led to the most interesting family, nest. They instantly knew who I was and what I intended and therefore told me nothing of what I needed. The Jedi's chivalry had made a lasting impression on them. And why shouldn't it? I couldn't blame them. I, having never even seen the man, was in awe of him, and he had actually saved these people.

The man who led me to them was a Clerk of some kind from one of the official offices and he told me this…

"He broke into the house; it was a large country estate outside the capital. The Mundi family were being held within their own home, awaiting transport to their prison cells. The Jedi scaled the walls, broke into the rooms where the family were detained and led them to the back of the house.

"I heard he fought fifty men and won. No man has ever matched his skill with a sword and his sword is a mighty one. It is said to be unbreakable and that the Jedi received it from a man who knew sorcery. Many tales are told of its enchantment and its beauty, and no one can agree on its origin. From distant lands over the sea to the netherworld and every place in between, has been attributed to the sword's home, but one thing is known. As all swords do, it has a name and that name is Lightsaber and never was there a more apt name, for when this sword is wielded in the face of justice, it shines with a light that all would follow.

"He was masked with a silk black scarf so the family could not know his identity. He only wore black. His long cloak, his exquisite clothes, his leather gloves with his hat pulled down, painted the perfect image of a hero.

"Once at the rear of the house, the Jedi opened one of the grand windows and below was a cart piled high with bales of hay. He forced them to jump, knowing it was the only way to save their lives and then they rode away, the shouts of the guards echoing in their ears, but not close enough to harm.

"If you really want to find him, sir Jinn, you should talk to someone who was saved by him. The Mundis still live here in Beli'ay. They are not as rich as they were in Naboo, but they are comfortable."

"What makes you think they'll speak to me?"

"No one can stay silent about the Jedi, at least not for long."

He was right; everyone gave up resisting sooner or later, why not them? I almost left Travin behind when I went to see the Mundi family; my week before the Ball was drawing to a close and I needed to learn all that he knew. I took him with me not expecting to learn something of my very own assistant.

-

The Mundi family no longer lived in grandeur, but quietly at the end of a long row of houses on the capital's north side. The elite society all lived in grand mansions set in acres of open land, and though some also owned town houses in Beli'ay, there was no way you could mistake the Mundi's dwelling as such.

It was modest, in a pleasant district. The street was clean and the houses smart and neat. The middle class. These people could be worse than the nobles. It had been my misfortune to meet some with the air of superiority about them, very like that which surrounded the upper class. One thing I'll say about the Proud is that at least they had a reason for their attitude - money. I have met many kinds of people in my line of work and I do consider myself a non-judgmental man. That's not to say I do not immediately become tense the moment I set foot into a street like that one. I just feared what the Mundi's would be like, living among these people, having once been nobles.

I climbed the steps alone, leaving Travin to wait for me at the bottom. I did not expect to be too long and I didn't want his presence to complicate the situation.

I knocked loudly.

The door was answered by a middle-aged woman in a cook's uniform. She was probably the only servant the Mundi's still had, but to my mind it was still a luxury.

"I'm Qui-Gon Jinn, I'm here to see Mr. Ki-Adi-Mundi."

"Come in, sir." She opened the door wider, bidding me to enter. She swiftly closed the door once I was inside and as she did so, I was given a brief opportunity to study the interior of the house. Not lavish and overdone, but like the outside, modest and a place to live out one's exile comfortably. The cook led me through a door to the main entrance's immediate right, which brought us into a study.

"I'll tell his Lordship you're here. Although if he'll wish to speak to an NIA agent I don't know." Her honest and somewhat brazen remark surprised me out of my inspection of the décor.

"What gave me away?" I asked offering the middle-aged women my most charming smile.

"I was the Mundis' servant back in Naboo. I came with them. They're good people and they have always been kind to me."

"Good people? You mean other than the treason plots." She snorted in disgust. She had no respect for me, which was hardly surprising.

"Do you really believe that sir? I guess you must to be able to work in the NIA. I would have thought a man such as you would not be brainwashed by Palpatine. The man's a fool and those that follow him are more so."

"Yaddle." A man stood in the doorway, not wearing the expensive clothes of the blue blooded but the simple tailored clothes of a businessman. "I thought I heard voices. You can go, Yaddle." The reprimand was clear but his voice was still kind and understanding.

"Yes, sir." Yaddle bowed her head in submission and respect and then scurried off back to whatever she had been doing before my arrival.

"Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi investigator. I can't say I'm really surprised to see you here, it was only a matter of time before Palpatine worked up enough courage and impatience to send someone in an official capacity."

"Official? Are you implying there have been others less honest?" I feigned ignorance determined to see what he saw without giving anything away.

"Of course, there was that little twerp Travin. I saw him outside, tell him I said hello." The man smirked. I couldn't believe it. "Although he fooled most of us for some time."

"Most of you?"

"Well if he fooled everyone he wouldn't have been found out, would he?"

"I suppose not." The bitterness that laced his voice made me glad I had made Travin wait outside. I feared if he had been there I would have learned even less than I did. I studied Ki-Adi-Mundi for a moment and saw that he was tense. I could see that much though the reason for it, I could not ascertain. Was it my visit? Fear he would give something away? Or something else?

"Why did you come here Lord Jinn?"

"Because I was told despite people's loyalty in the end, they can not help but talk about the Jedi. He's enigmatic and courageous - everything people long to be. I came here because I believe you will tell me something." I had chosen honesty with regards to Mundi. From the moment he had walked in the door he had been up front; he appreciated honest, so that's what I gave him.

"You can not possible think I would tell you who he is, even if I did know, which by the way, I don't. Him and his League were too good to let slip their identities."

"You admire him?"

"Of course, who wouldn't?" he gave me a look, waiting for me to object, but I didn't, couldn't. I did admire the Jedi, his cleverness and his ability. I had never taken much notice before I arrived in Coruscant, but now that I had, I could not deny his appeal. "You must remember, sir Jinn, this man saved my family and I. I owe him everything, as do countless others. I can tell you nothing except about my respect for him and the League and my story of escape. That is, if you won't find that too much like having your nose rubbed in your failure?"

His smile was mocking and his eyes were filled with humourus victory. Despite that, I would not deny myself a first hand account of the Jedi. I settled myself into a chair and listened to him speak of the rescue the clerk had told me, as well as my own men had told me when it had happened some months before. Some things were different of course. The more unlikely parts were absent, the Jedi was not invincible or a ghost in Mundi's telling, which made the Jedi more human, there for more obtainable.

I read all his emotion in his eyes as he spoke; his fear of Palpatine, relief when he realised the Jedi had come for them and contentment when he found a new home in Coruscant.

"Are you sure you want to catch this man, sir Jinn?"

"It's my duty."

"I almost believe you." He looked upon me then with something akin to pity. "The only way you'll find him is if he reveals himself to you and the only way that will happen is if he wants to. Attend the royal court, Qui-Gon Jinn, the answers to secrets always lie there, but be sure you want the information you seek."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"We change, the world changes, what we want changes. Be wary of what you achieve in your strive for success, because once known, knowledge such as this can not be forgotten. When finished, you will be unable to undo what you have done. Things remain and you must live with the consequences. Now I bid you farewell, Sir Jinn. Be sure you know what it is you do."

-

I left Mundi's home deep in thought, barely noticing as Travin followed me, matching my stride. I unconsciously led us back to the embassy, wanting to be alone with my thoughts to formulate some kind of plan amongst all the swirling myths.

I had spoken to the poor and to an escapee, but I had yet to speak to a member of Coruscant's elite. Most were away with the royal court or in their stately homes. The lesser nobles who remained in Beli'ay had nothing to say to me - they disliked me even more than the thieves on the street, because they did not need my bribe money.

So be it.

I spent the remainder of that week studying the lives of the nobility, biding my time, so when I finally faced them I would be armed with knowledge. I guess the Jedi had already taught me something. Ignorance and knowledge; weapons and weaknesses.

Would I know the Jedi if I laid eyes upon him at the coming ball? I liked to think so, but the Jedi was cunning and had remained elusive for years. He was a phantom to the world and a menace to His Majesty the King of Naboo. I wanted him to make himself known; he didn't of course, at least not that night.