Chapter Two
The damp, dark interior of the Yerindi Tavern, the closest drinking establishment to the landing pads, did little to hide the grime that was prevalent over every surface. The denizens spoke in hushed tones, preferring their drinks to conversation, with only the occasional burst of laughter from a spacer with a story or two to tell.
The somber mood in the large chamber with a bar in the center stocked with the strongest, foulest concoctions in the galaxy was as about as bright as the poor lighting.
Callused fingers danced over an unwashed top tucked into a quiet corner. Patrons that had breezed in with the cold had made sure to keep a distance from the quiet drinker. Warm fingertips brushed up along the cool edge of a smoky glass that held a clear blue liquid. Raising the drink just off the somewhat sticky table and holding it frozen in the air before setting it back on the table with a thud and a splash. The roving fingers left the glass and sought out a data pad that sat nearby.
The barest touch activated the darkened screen. Silently scrolling through the notes, there was a thoughtful pause then a simple entry was made.
"Even half a galaxy away you are planning more tortures for your padawan," Siri teased as she approached the table.
"One day you will know the joy of having a padawan."
"Do I detect sarcasm, Master Kenobi?"
"Of course not. Anakin will be pleased to take in a few of my lessons after spending some time under Master Yoda's watch."
"If nothing else, he will have an appreciation for gruel." She pulled her hood back, revealing wind whipped short blond locks. Gloved fingers lightly combed her hair into a less wild appearance before ripping the other chair back from the table. Twisting it up on a leg, she spun it about and flopped down, straddling the metal shape. Propping an elbow on the rigid chair back, she languidly stretched out and plucked the glass of blue tinged liquid up. "I see you have graduated to the harder stuff."
"When in Selvax," the ginger haired Jedi replied, snatching the glass back, "do as the Selvaxian's do." Laughing blue eyes met Siri's before he downed the contents of the glass and slapped it to the table.
Drawing the dark edges of her cloak over the lightly patterned tunic she wore for protection against the winter weather, she growled, "Well, I for one do not plan on freezing like the Selvaxian's do."
"This is one of the few warm days of the solar year," Obi-Wan replied, pausing once more to make another notation in the data pad.
Siri made a slight face but said nothing. Instead, she chose to silently study the other Jedi. It had been months since their last encounter in the Temple and that was just a brief passing. Obi-Wan had been racing through the main corridor a step behind his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, as they chased after a malfunctioning cleaning bot with Master Yoda's gimer stick wedged in the control panel.
The man before her was hardly the boy she had felt so intent on competing with in her youth. Much had changed over the years and with it so had they. Her time answering to Krayn had only hardened her to the cruelties in the galaxy and fortified her need to break each one down as she came across them. Even as a fresh knight, she had already branded herself as a maverick amongst Jedi.
But while she was traipsing across the galaxy in the guise of a slaver's henchman, Obi-Wan Kenobi had continued his training as most padawans would. Continued until a mission killed his master and turned him from student to teacher in the midst of a heartbeat. Six years of training a boy from the wilds of Tatooine had etched themselves in tender lines around his eyes, yet it never diminished the keenness in them.
Pale blue flashed, focusing briefly on her. "What?" Obi-Wan asked as he deactivated the data pad. Leaning back in his chair, he casually slipped the thin device into the folds of his tunic.
"I was just thinking you look old," she replied in a frank tone.
With Obi-Wan's barely noticeable frown, she was about to say more but the words were disrupted by a flash of gray that rattled the table as something large landed atop the grimy surface.
The drab material twisted wildly about as the shot glass was kicked across the room smashing into the wall with a startling sound and inspiring a quick reaction from several of the patrons. After a moment they settled back down to their drinks when the action did involve them.
The two Jedi remained unimpressed by the cloaked figure's display before flopping down on the center of the table. "Don't see Jedi here often. On a mission?" a girlish voice asked from beneath the drawn cowl.
"Excuse us," Siri growled, vaguely noting that Obi-Wan remained unflustered by the scene. There was no immediate threat through the Force so she chose not to draw any more attention to their table. Around the room she could feel tensions suddenly running high.
A red skinned hand reached from one of the billowing sleeves and waved wildly at Siri. Bangles danced about on her wrist with long fingers ending in bright blue fingernails. "You don't scare me, mind witch," the voice chirped.
Twisting away from Siri, the interloper leaned forward, focusing on Obi-Wan. The oversized hood, much like the cloak itself, easily concealed the nature of the being inside. "I know all about Abligar Station," she said. "Ask me anything. I am very helpful."
"No thank you," Obi-wan said easily, his gaze shifting ever so slightly to calm Siri before offering a slight wave of his hand. "We are not in need of assistance."
Giggles rippled from beneath the cloak. "I can assist you," she purred.
Siri straightened at the lack of effect the mind trick had.
"I am Janua. I am helpful." Leaning forward a little more, the cowl pulled back revealing a Twi'lek. Hints of baby fat clung to her youthful features but she was not a child. Bright, predatory eyes searched Obi-Wan's before breaking into a smile. "I am Janua. I am helpful."
"I am sure you are," Obi-Wan replied.
Before he could say more to the Twi'lek, she cried out in surprise as she was ripped from the table.
"Go!" Siri barked. She wanted to be on with this mission and had little time to deal with one of Abligar station's entertainments. She had seen many creatures like Janua populating the darker corners of taverns and cantinas. They made their living offering their bodies for a few credits, or they cheated and murdered anyone who could be taken in by the comely appearances to eek out an existence.
Janua was still young and appearing innocent enough that she had not taken to the darker undertones of the trade.
"We have no need of your services," she growled to the girl. "Go find an honest living, it will keep you alive much longer."
The red skinned Twi'lek barked in the harsh Rylothian tones, flicked an aggravated hand at the female Jedi and sauntered off.
"She could have been helpful," Obi-Wan said as Siri returned to her chair.
"Helpful? She should try to help herself in ways other than trying to relieve someone of their credits. She could have robbed you–"
"I doubt that."
The front doors of the cantina opened allowing in more customers and a blast of cold wind with them. Siri shivered. "I hate this place."
"You have not been here long enough to hate it."
"I have been to places like this. I have seen it from the side Jedi don't see. Besides, it is cold. I don't like cold." She pulled at her cloak seeking a little warmth and wishing to get on with the mission. She was eager to get it over with and find a nice warm world to relax on for a while.
"Hands off!" Janua's upset voice called out over the soft din of the tavern.
Siri twisted to see what kind of trouble the Twi'lek was stirring up now but was greeted by the image of the small, gray cloaked figure surrounded by three tall men, their dark skin nearly indistinguishable against the deep browns and blacks of their militaristic clothing.
"Leave me alone," Janua growled, pulling free of a large hand that gripped her arm above the elbow. "Not bothering anyone."
Offering up a sigh, Siri knew she could not just leave the feisty Twi'lek to fend them off alone. She easily rose from her seat.
Only a step toward the scene, Obi-Wan caught her wrist and pulled her back. She twisted, a spike of irritation running through her, but it eased at the sight of Obi-Wan's calm look. "What?"
"Sit back down," came the soft but firm answer.
She looked back at Janua still struggling to break free of the three men. One of which, shot Siri a curious look. In the dim lighting, she caught sight of the silvery pattern tattooed across his forehead.
"Sit down," Obi-Wan repeated without looking up or loosening his grip on her wrist.
"Golians?" she whispered.
"Y'Begaar."
The sound of the word caused a stone to form in her stomach as she quickly sank to her seat. Twisting to face the center of the table, she lowered her gaze in the fashion of so many other tavern patrons. It might have been un-Jedi like, even childish, but her previous life undercover had taught her much, especially who to fear. Sensing Obi-Wan's serene gaze focused on her, she spoke softly. "Krayn always avoided Y'Begaar controlled territories. I never saw one but I knew to be afraid."
"I'm leaving! I'm leaving!" Janua defiantly snapped.
"Now if only you would leave Selvax," one of three boomed. It was meant for all to hear. "Lawlessness is no longer tolerated here."
"I don't think you will be that lucky," the Twi'lek shot back before being shoved out of the tavern.