The formalities over with, the Elected governors of Elphora's five sectors took their seats in the lilac meeting room. The Quelena sat at the head of the round pale table, unlike many of the other rooms in the Palace no windows allowed listeners to peer in or to encourage distraction to interrupt any of the important issues that would be discussed.
"So" Introduced Kyia "An update from the sectors. Bis?"
"Not enough" he sighed, "That kinda sums up the whole situation. I'm not talking about the basic stuff either. I've got repulsors and power couplings coming out of my ears".
"What do you need?" The Quelena asked
"How about a huge ion cannon?" He measured it out with his hand "One that could take out a galactic cruiser and still recharge in a diact" The Central Sector Governor backed up "No seriously, a couple of droid brains for the power plants are starting to deteriorate, they'll need to be replaced soon or they'll start to play practical jokes on each other and we'll all be working by candlelight. Not to mention a horde or medical droids, and that's just for starters". He handed over a full list.
"Ouch." Kyia winced "Any ideas?"
"Well, with the brains the problem's getting compatible ones for our software.".
"Whoa" She cried cutting him off "You know I don't speak technical Bis. The twoonebees shouldn't be a problem, and I'll talk to Finis about the brains".
The Governor nodded "But the thing is it's not what we're used to. WE can work around most of that but the problem with the Hapan brains is that they run on a different EPS to what the Republic's been giving us?"
"In Basic?" She asked
"Put one in the system and it'll blow, big time".
"Is there a way to convert them?" Bis nodded and Kyia rested her hand on her chin for a moment, this was not entirely a new dilemma "Okay, this is what I want to do, we might as well use a double edged sabre on this. Bis, get someone to organise a task force of mechanically adept, there must be some hybrids and Elphorans who can handle a hydrospanner on the planet. I'll see if I can borrow a technician from Hapes to show them how to do the conversions, anything else that is done by outside techs I want the group to watch and learn how to do it. The Quelena's Guard have the organisational skills so use them I suggest you talk to Fash and see who she recommends for its head".
"An elite Quelena Guard tech force, I like it" Laina added
"I can do it" Ible interjected "It fits in well with my sector priorities".
She shook her head "We're all dealing with far too much at the moment, its got to be the primary concern for whoever takes it on".
The rest of the governors offered nods in agreement.
Kyia turned to her right to address the Eastern Sector Governor "Darous?"
He folded his hands "Similar problems, but not on such a grand scale. The majority of the population seem to be taking the changes in their stride. Praise the Force for good propaganda"
The Quelena smiled at the black humour "You can say that again, Rew?"
The other Jedi in the room stirred calmly "We are coping well. The spirituality of the Western sector can not be hindered by technology, or in this case, lack of it."
"And the Northern Sector?"
The blind Governor replied with repose "Our output is high, but the farmers are restless"
"Finally, Laina?"
"Again, it's mainly the unease of the people that is causing the problems. They're not so stupid that they aren't noticing the stockpiling that's going on right on their doorstep"
Kyia sighed in response at the Southern Sector Governor's report, "Yes, I thought that might happen eventually. We're all just going to have to do to keep them calm and convince them it's nothing to worry about"
"And if we can't?" Rew came in.
"Then at least convince them it's for their own good"
"Excuse me?" Bis interrupted her "Keeping them calm isn't gonna be very easy when a Star Destroyer comes a-calling and we've only got rocks to throw at them"
The Quelena took a deep breath and looked around the room "Yes I've been thinking about that"
"And?" Iona Jay prompted
"Obviously Elphora can't buy defence systems through the proper channels without the risk of every planet in the vicinity taking it as a declaration of war" She stated the obvious "And there is no way I am going to the warlords. I don't trust them and I don't like where the money goes""
Bis exhaled sharply in a hiss "Morals are kinda obsolete when your trying to save lives"
"You cannot fight darkness with darkness," Rew countered
"Then why don't we just gift wrap the planet for the Sith Lord instead" Bis said snidely.
Kyia put her hand flat on the table, letting its impact carry around the room "This is getting us nowhere. Rew is right. All that stands between the Jedi and the Sith is a fine line. Giving money to gangsters like the Hutts to fund activities like slavery would make us of the same kind. I will not allow that, we need another way".
Iona arched an eyebrow "I think I know"
Immediately the focus of the room switched to her. Kyia broke the brief silence to urge her to continue "Go on".
You are not going to like it" She said finally "What if we sent someone off Elphora to acquire defence systems clandestinely? They could go to the proper channels, but use enhancements to hide their identity and therefore hide the destination of the weapons. But it would have to be one of the Government if we are serious about keeping it under wraps"
"You're right" Kyia spoke finally "I don't like it. Whoever goes will be putting themselves in great danger" Once again she let her eyes wander over the faces at the table, waiting for her decision, waiting for her to condemn one of them to possible death "But I do not see that we have any other choice. It will need to be done quickly and quietly"
"I volunteer," said Bis and Rew standing in unison
The Jedi turned to Bis "Stand down Bis. As a Jedi I'll be more adept at concealing myself"
"You'd stick out like a Hutt at a Wookiee family reunion" He sneered, "This job calls for blending in with the dregs of the galaxy and you were brought up at the Jedi Temple"
"Bis has a valid point" Darous spoke up "And being a Jedi may be a disadvantage when under the scrutiny of a Sith Lord".
Kyia looked over the Governor, looking him up and down with scruntiny "I've heard you fool around, playing with accents, you were pretty good"
He nodded, it was true he had always been a bit of a show off; whether a cheesy impression would fool anyone else he would just have to find out.
"And Bis hasn't got any ages lines yet. He'll be easy to pass off as a human," Laina agreed.
"It will all be irrelevant if it rains" Rew referred to the unique blue tint that the coloured Elphoran skin when it came into contact with water.
"That can be worked around" Iona said, "There's an injection that can counteract it".
Bis visibly winced "Suddenly I'm not so enthusiastic about this"
Another idea came to the Quelena "It would help if we could change your identity regularly, it will make you harder to trace"
He nodded "There's another reason why it has to be me" he said grimly, he looked down at his stuffed shoes under the table.
The other governors looked confused but Darous spoke softly "He means that the Jedi Order would get suspicious if Rew suddenly disappeared, and she's the only other Sector Governor without family here".
"Ah" Kyia said tactfully, although Felle was not married she had an extended family to miss her, on Elphora Bis had not even that, his only living relative, his sister had left Elphora when she married years ago. "I guess that settles it then".
He sighed wistfully "I always thought I'd be a better arms smuggler than Governor anyway" he said, half in jest.
"Oh I wouldn't say that" Kyia replied, moved by the subtext "You've done just fine so far" She smiled trying to lighten the sombre mood "I'll let you tell Felle".
"Oh joy!" He grimaced sardonically.
The room laughed but somehow a sense of loss intruded.
As they filed out after the meeting Kyia found Bis beside her "Can I have a word?"
They remained in the room until it was emptied then he shut the door firmly.
"Yes?" She asked enquiringly.
He slouched back down in his seat "I want to know how I go" He let his eyes tilt up at the standing Quelena "to keep this a secret when I'm out there".
"I thought this might come up, I expected you to ask in the meeting" She sat next to him soberly.
He shrugged nonchalantly "It's not as if I can erase people's minds with a wave of my hand. I'm no Jedi" His jaw tightened "And at some point something's bound to slip me up".
The Quelena entwined her fingers nervously, realising the significance of her decision here. But Bis had come to her, he wanted her judgement, not the Governors. She could not rely on their advice, listen to the fervent debate that would inevitably strike up between Rew and Iona as Darous sat back ever patient, until a consensus was reached, taking some of the weight off her.
"I know" She sighed and looked him in the eye "Do what you have to do".
"So" He smiled lazily "You can play hard ball after all"
"I play what I have to" She countered slightly defensive, despite what she knew had to be she could still feel guilty. "As you said, it isn't always easy with a blaster at your back" She eyed him sceptically "Did I pass?"
He shook his head "It was just something I needed to know".
She gave him a half smile and stood up "That's what I said wasn't it?"
"There is just one more thing" He smirked cheekily as they went to part at the door.
"What?"
"Is it going to be Lithé?" His grin spread wider "Because I've got a sweepstake going and I could do with some inside odds".
She smacked him playfully around the head "Don't you have to be at a medic centre about now?"
"No, not for a triact"
"Would you like to be admitted early?"
Bis suddenly caught on "I'll get going"
"Bis" Kyia called him as he walked away and he turned his head round. She looked back softly "May the Force be with you"
He laughed "Yeah you too" and continued walking. He was outside before he realised exactly what he had promised he would do. "Sep" he swore "You've really put yourself in the middle of it this time" He bent down to one of the pools in the garden and stuck his hand in the clear water. Slowly he watched it turn a shade of turquoise. "Looks like it's goodbye blue" Wistfully he sighed "And goodbye Elphora, lets hope I stay alive long enough to help you out" But he knew it was too late to back out, and he did not think he wanted to anyway.
He laughed at his reflection and ran a blue tinted hand through his mop of dishevelled hair in a mocking hero-like gesture. "Bis Xandel undercover. Women want him, men want to be him" He sniggered at himself "Elphora's last hope" The thought caused him to shake his head "Nah, that's some other poor goulsh's job, probably the Quelena or someone else with more for brains. Force help the planet if I'm its last hope. We'd be well and truly Kesseled. I'll stick with woman love me, men want to be me stuff" He adopted his coarse Corellian accent that he always put on when he had too much berry wine "Everyone always said that this wouldn't get me anywhere, guess they were wrong" He sighed again and added in a smooth Alderaanian voice "Lets hope I'm more than just a scruffy show off". Bis looked at his chrono and shuddered, he had an appointment with a needle to keep.
He gave his blue hand one last long lingering look "Bye blue" He repeated in his own voice.
Obi Wan brushed past him as he entered the Palace, he let him be, sensing he had something on his mind, there was enough turmoil in the air tonight. It was starting to get dark and the shadows stretched long across the garden. He picked up the pace, walking around the wall, checking any possible entrances and exits, he sensed no danger, it was just an exercise, his job was to protect the Quelena but with her lack of co-operation this was as close to doing something useful as he could get.
Obi Wan turned the corner, he sensed the unwelcome presence just as he came into view "Oh no" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with sarcasm. He considered turning around but he had already been seen.
"Jedi Kenobi" Garyde came striding towards him "We meet again" He held out his hand "Enjoying the moonlight?"
Obi Wan knew it was childish but he did not take it "Just checking the perimeter." He looked over his shoulder "I see you're not surrounded by your usual entourage of guards".
"Well it's nice to have a break sometimes" Garyde smiled, picking up the veiled insult but ignoring it "Is there a problem?" He asked in a suggestive tone.
"Huh?" The question succeeded in catching Obi Wan off guard.
"With the perimeter?" Garyde prompted. He maintaining his polite expression but he was becoming exasperated, these conversations were like games of tactics; only enjoyable if the partner was a challenge, and it was precisely what he had come here to avoid.
"Oh no" Obi Wan regained his composure quickly "Just routine".
"Good, I'd hate to think Kyia was in any danger"
"Don't worry, she's quite safe, er" The Jedi paused in feigned recall "I'm sorry my memory can be lacking sometimes. Your name has completely slipped my mind"
Garyde groaned inwardly and thought about rolling his eyes, he had seen Gamorreans with more tact; instead he imitated the Jedi's smile and decided to go for a target lock. "Very good, but since we both know you know my name let's drop the pretence"
"I don't understand" Obi Wan lied.
"Oh yes you do" Garyde sighed and flicked his cape over one shoulder in a gesture meant to annoy "I grew up in a place where deception is the native currency, and your not keeping your credits adequately concealed".
Obi Wan dropped the charade, feeling mildly sickened by the tone of his voice "Fine" He turned to go.
Garyde let him walk a few paces before he said to his back just loud enough for him to hear "You're in love with her, aren't you"
The Jedi spun around "No" he denied vehemently.
The Prince laughed openly "I hope you're a better Jedi than you are liar" His expression darkened "but I'll fight for her, you can count on that".
Obi Wan had not expected anything else "She's not a prize to be won. I am a Jedi, and not a popular one in her eyes. That should be enough for you" There, he had said it.
"Order or no Order. You're a fool. She's worth it"
"And this is not a tug of war" He countered "She's worth more than that" He put the emphasis on worth, using Garyde's own words to get his point across.
Garyde smiled, pleased with the reaction he had gotten from the other man. He turned but managed to get the last word in, lingering just long enough to let it settle in Obi Wan's consciousness "You're right of course. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad. I was mildly worried there, for a moment" Then he faded into the night.
"So" Introduced Kyia "An update from the sectors. Bis?"
"Not enough" he sighed, "That kinda sums up the whole situation. I'm not talking about the basic stuff either. I've got repulsors and power couplings coming out of my ears".
"What do you need?" The Quelena asked
"How about a huge ion cannon?" He measured it out with his hand "One that could take out a galactic cruiser and still recharge in a diact" The Central Sector Governor backed up "No seriously, a couple of droid brains for the power plants are starting to deteriorate, they'll need to be replaced soon or they'll start to play practical jokes on each other and we'll all be working by candlelight. Not to mention a horde or medical droids, and that's just for starters". He handed over a full list.
"Ouch." Kyia winced "Any ideas?"
"Well, with the brains the problem's getting compatible ones for our software.".
"Whoa" She cried cutting him off "You know I don't speak technical Bis. The twoonebees shouldn't be a problem, and I'll talk to Finis about the brains".
The Governor nodded "But the thing is it's not what we're used to. WE can work around most of that but the problem with the Hapan brains is that they run on a different EPS to what the Republic's been giving us?"
"In Basic?" She asked
"Put one in the system and it'll blow, big time".
"Is there a way to convert them?" Bis nodded and Kyia rested her hand on her chin for a moment, this was not entirely a new dilemma "Okay, this is what I want to do, we might as well use a double edged sabre on this. Bis, get someone to organise a task force of mechanically adept, there must be some hybrids and Elphorans who can handle a hydrospanner on the planet. I'll see if I can borrow a technician from Hapes to show them how to do the conversions, anything else that is done by outside techs I want the group to watch and learn how to do it. The Quelena's Guard have the organisational skills so use them I suggest you talk to Fash and see who she recommends for its head".
"An elite Quelena Guard tech force, I like it" Laina added
"I can do it" Ible interjected "It fits in well with my sector priorities".
She shook her head "We're all dealing with far too much at the moment, its got to be the primary concern for whoever takes it on".
The rest of the governors offered nods in agreement.
Kyia turned to her right to address the Eastern Sector Governor "Darous?"
He folded his hands "Similar problems, but not on such a grand scale. The majority of the population seem to be taking the changes in their stride. Praise the Force for good propaganda"
The Quelena smiled at the black humour "You can say that again, Rew?"
The other Jedi in the room stirred calmly "We are coping well. The spirituality of the Western sector can not be hindered by technology, or in this case, lack of it."
"And the Northern Sector?"
The blind Governor replied with repose "Our output is high, but the farmers are restless"
"Finally, Laina?"
"Again, it's mainly the unease of the people that is causing the problems. They're not so stupid that they aren't noticing the stockpiling that's going on right on their doorstep"
Kyia sighed in response at the Southern Sector Governor's report, "Yes, I thought that might happen eventually. We're all just going to have to do to keep them calm and convince them it's nothing to worry about"
"And if we can't?" Rew came in.
"Then at least convince them it's for their own good"
"Excuse me?" Bis interrupted her "Keeping them calm isn't gonna be very easy when a Star Destroyer comes a-calling and we've only got rocks to throw at them"
The Quelena took a deep breath and looked around the room "Yes I've been thinking about that"
"And?" Iona Jay prompted
"Obviously Elphora can't buy defence systems through the proper channels without the risk of every planet in the vicinity taking it as a declaration of war" She stated the obvious "And there is no way I am going to the warlords. I don't trust them and I don't like where the money goes""
Bis exhaled sharply in a hiss "Morals are kinda obsolete when your trying to save lives"
"You cannot fight darkness with darkness," Rew countered
"Then why don't we just gift wrap the planet for the Sith Lord instead" Bis said snidely.
Kyia put her hand flat on the table, letting its impact carry around the room "This is getting us nowhere. Rew is right. All that stands between the Jedi and the Sith is a fine line. Giving money to gangsters like the Hutts to fund activities like slavery would make us of the same kind. I will not allow that, we need another way".
Iona arched an eyebrow "I think I know"
Immediately the focus of the room switched to her. Kyia broke the brief silence to urge her to continue "Go on".
You are not going to like it" She said finally "What if we sent someone off Elphora to acquire defence systems clandestinely? They could go to the proper channels, but use enhancements to hide their identity and therefore hide the destination of the weapons. But it would have to be one of the Government if we are serious about keeping it under wraps"
"You're right" Kyia spoke finally "I don't like it. Whoever goes will be putting themselves in great danger" Once again she let her eyes wander over the faces at the table, waiting for her decision, waiting for her to condemn one of them to possible death "But I do not see that we have any other choice. It will need to be done quickly and quietly"
"I volunteer," said Bis and Rew standing in unison
The Jedi turned to Bis "Stand down Bis. As a Jedi I'll be more adept at concealing myself"
"You'd stick out like a Hutt at a Wookiee family reunion" He sneered, "This job calls for blending in with the dregs of the galaxy and you were brought up at the Jedi Temple"
"Bis has a valid point" Darous spoke up "And being a Jedi may be a disadvantage when under the scrutiny of a Sith Lord".
Kyia looked over the Governor, looking him up and down with scruntiny "I've heard you fool around, playing with accents, you were pretty good"
He nodded, it was true he had always been a bit of a show off; whether a cheesy impression would fool anyone else he would just have to find out.
"And Bis hasn't got any ages lines yet. He'll be easy to pass off as a human," Laina agreed.
"It will all be irrelevant if it rains" Rew referred to the unique blue tint that the coloured Elphoran skin when it came into contact with water.
"That can be worked around" Iona said, "There's an injection that can counteract it".
Bis visibly winced "Suddenly I'm not so enthusiastic about this"
Another idea came to the Quelena "It would help if we could change your identity regularly, it will make you harder to trace"
He nodded "There's another reason why it has to be me" he said grimly, he looked down at his stuffed shoes under the table.
The other governors looked confused but Darous spoke softly "He means that the Jedi Order would get suspicious if Rew suddenly disappeared, and she's the only other Sector Governor without family here".
"Ah" Kyia said tactfully, although Felle was not married she had an extended family to miss her, on Elphora Bis had not even that, his only living relative, his sister had left Elphora when she married years ago. "I guess that settles it then".
He sighed wistfully "I always thought I'd be a better arms smuggler than Governor anyway" he said, half in jest.
"Oh I wouldn't say that" Kyia replied, moved by the subtext "You've done just fine so far" She smiled trying to lighten the sombre mood "I'll let you tell Felle".
"Oh joy!" He grimaced sardonically.
The room laughed but somehow a sense of loss intruded.
As they filed out after the meeting Kyia found Bis beside her "Can I have a word?"
They remained in the room until it was emptied then he shut the door firmly.
"Yes?" She asked enquiringly.
He slouched back down in his seat "I want to know how I go" He let his eyes tilt up at the standing Quelena "to keep this a secret when I'm out there".
"I thought this might come up, I expected you to ask in the meeting" She sat next to him soberly.
He shrugged nonchalantly "It's not as if I can erase people's minds with a wave of my hand. I'm no Jedi" His jaw tightened "And at some point something's bound to slip me up".
The Quelena entwined her fingers nervously, realising the significance of her decision here. But Bis had come to her, he wanted her judgement, not the Governors. She could not rely on their advice, listen to the fervent debate that would inevitably strike up between Rew and Iona as Darous sat back ever patient, until a consensus was reached, taking some of the weight off her.
"I know" She sighed and looked him in the eye "Do what you have to do".
"So" He smiled lazily "You can play hard ball after all"
"I play what I have to" She countered slightly defensive, despite what she knew had to be she could still feel guilty. "As you said, it isn't always easy with a blaster at your back" She eyed him sceptically "Did I pass?"
He shook his head "It was just something I needed to know".
She gave him a half smile and stood up "That's what I said wasn't it?"
"There is just one more thing" He smirked cheekily as they went to part at the door.
"What?"
"Is it going to be Lithé?" His grin spread wider "Because I've got a sweepstake going and I could do with some inside odds".
She smacked him playfully around the head "Don't you have to be at a medic centre about now?"
"No, not for a triact"
"Would you like to be admitted early?"
Bis suddenly caught on "I'll get going"
"Bis" Kyia called him as he walked away and he turned his head round. She looked back softly "May the Force be with you"
He laughed "Yeah you too" and continued walking. He was outside before he realised exactly what he had promised he would do. "Sep" he swore "You've really put yourself in the middle of it this time" He bent down to one of the pools in the garden and stuck his hand in the clear water. Slowly he watched it turn a shade of turquoise. "Looks like it's goodbye blue" Wistfully he sighed "And goodbye Elphora, lets hope I stay alive long enough to help you out" But he knew it was too late to back out, and he did not think he wanted to anyway.
He laughed at his reflection and ran a blue tinted hand through his mop of dishevelled hair in a mocking hero-like gesture. "Bis Xandel undercover. Women want him, men want to be him" He sniggered at himself "Elphora's last hope" The thought caused him to shake his head "Nah, that's some other poor goulsh's job, probably the Quelena or someone else with more for brains. Force help the planet if I'm its last hope. We'd be well and truly Kesseled. I'll stick with woman love me, men want to be me stuff" He adopted his coarse Corellian accent that he always put on when he had too much berry wine "Everyone always said that this wouldn't get me anywhere, guess they were wrong" He sighed again and added in a smooth Alderaanian voice "Lets hope I'm more than just a scruffy show off". Bis looked at his chrono and shuddered, he had an appointment with a needle to keep.
He gave his blue hand one last long lingering look "Bye blue" He repeated in his own voice.
Obi Wan brushed past him as he entered the Palace, he let him be, sensing he had something on his mind, there was enough turmoil in the air tonight. It was starting to get dark and the shadows stretched long across the garden. He picked up the pace, walking around the wall, checking any possible entrances and exits, he sensed no danger, it was just an exercise, his job was to protect the Quelena but with her lack of co-operation this was as close to doing something useful as he could get.
Obi Wan turned the corner, he sensed the unwelcome presence just as he came into view "Oh no" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with sarcasm. He considered turning around but he had already been seen.
"Jedi Kenobi" Garyde came striding towards him "We meet again" He held out his hand "Enjoying the moonlight?"
Obi Wan knew it was childish but he did not take it "Just checking the perimeter." He looked over his shoulder "I see you're not surrounded by your usual entourage of guards".
"Well it's nice to have a break sometimes" Garyde smiled, picking up the veiled insult but ignoring it "Is there a problem?" He asked in a suggestive tone.
"Huh?" The question succeeded in catching Obi Wan off guard.
"With the perimeter?" Garyde prompted. He maintaining his polite expression but he was becoming exasperated, these conversations were like games of tactics; only enjoyable if the partner was a challenge, and it was precisely what he had come here to avoid.
"Oh no" Obi Wan regained his composure quickly "Just routine".
"Good, I'd hate to think Kyia was in any danger"
"Don't worry, she's quite safe, er" The Jedi paused in feigned recall "I'm sorry my memory can be lacking sometimes. Your name has completely slipped my mind"
Garyde groaned inwardly and thought about rolling his eyes, he had seen Gamorreans with more tact; instead he imitated the Jedi's smile and decided to go for a target lock. "Very good, but since we both know you know my name let's drop the pretence"
"I don't understand" Obi Wan lied.
"Oh yes you do" Garyde sighed and flicked his cape over one shoulder in a gesture meant to annoy "I grew up in a place where deception is the native currency, and your not keeping your credits adequately concealed".
Obi Wan dropped the charade, feeling mildly sickened by the tone of his voice "Fine" He turned to go.
Garyde let him walk a few paces before he said to his back just loud enough for him to hear "You're in love with her, aren't you"
The Jedi spun around "No" he denied vehemently.
The Prince laughed openly "I hope you're a better Jedi than you are liar" His expression darkened "but I'll fight for her, you can count on that".
Obi Wan had not expected anything else "She's not a prize to be won. I am a Jedi, and not a popular one in her eyes. That should be enough for you" There, he had said it.
"Order or no Order. You're a fool. She's worth it"
"And this is not a tug of war" He countered "She's worth more than that" He put the emphasis on worth, using Garyde's own words to get his point across.
Garyde smiled, pleased with the reaction he had gotten from the other man. He turned but managed to get the last word in, lingering just long enough to let it settle in Obi Wan's consciousness "You're right of course. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad. I was mildly worried there, for a moment" Then he faded into the night.