Chapter Three
Moving with the same calm and ease as if they were in the Temple, the two Jedi walked side-by-side through the fighting winds and over the snow swept path leading to the recently redefined center of the station. The old warehouses that had sheltered the darker trades and black markets of Abligar Station—a hive of scum and villainy in system of civilized worlds—had been cleared away in favor of the sleek, utilitarian architecture of the head house of the Selvaxian Regional Magistrate.
Rising before the two hooded figures were the domineering gates of the heavily fortified, circular compound but there was only so much that a structure could do. The menacing sight was completed by the presence of the heavily armed Y'Begaar soldiers stationed about.
Men and women of all ages shared the same dark skin of their Golian heritage and wore their hair in tightly woven braids pulled back with simple leather straps as befitting their clan. Intricately designed silver tattoos covered their foreheads indicating their family.
To Obi-Wan's sharp gaze, there were only two families represented, which from his experience with them as a padawan, Y'Begaar clans held at least five families of similar belief.
He wondered why this one was different.
Stopping at the sealed gates, the two Jedi bowed in unison in front of the blaster rifle wielding gatekeepers. Before either could speak, the sound of metal grinding against metal filled the air as the mechanism of the heavy door was immediately put into action. For its size and width, the door easily swung open revealing a lone figure awaiting their arrival.
The woman that greeted them was as tall and easily as domineering as the gatekeepers and was dressed and tattooed in the same manner with the exception of gold paint highlighting the skin around her eyes. "Were you anything but Jedi, I would ask what gods you offended to be sent here," she said in a rich Golian accent.
"Apparently only the Jedi Council," Obi-Wan replied in an affable tone. He could almost sense Siri's silent groan through the Force. While her exterior appeared calm, he could feel emotions raging beneath the surface.
The woman laughed then bowed in a curt fashion as was accustomed to the Golian culture. Then stepping forward, she greeted the Jedi. "I am Iridian Wakava, Magistrate of the Selvax Protectorate."
Both Jedi bowed before Obi-Wan introduced them. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi and this is Siri Tachi."
"Welcome, Masters Kenobi and Tachi, welcome to Abligar Station." With the sweep of her arm, she guided the frozen Jedi into the warm shelter of the compound.
To his side, Obi-Wan felt Siri relax once a bath of heated air surrounded them but it only lasted until the gates behind were sealed.
Iridian guided them quietly through the outermost ring of the head house. Under the warmth of nearly natural lighting, Obi-Wan was pleased to find a great garden flourishing. Exotic vegetation from Golia grew from the walls and terraces built in rich soil. The smell reminded Obi-Wan of the gardens in the Temple making him long for home and a padawan who was not fond of the great variety of fruits and vegetables that eventually ended up on his plate.
The tall woman remained silent as she led the Jedi across a narrow foot bridge, one of many that could be seen at the visible edges of the gently curving structure. Obi-Wan glanced across at Siri and offered a gentle smile at the other Jedi's unspoken wonderment even if worry did cling to Siri's aura.
Entering the next ring, they were surrounded by a comfortable common area filled with simple wood furniture where quiet social gatherings were taking place. Children giggled and race between the Jedi. Small footfalls moved quickly over the warmed stone floor as they continued their game.
Obi-Wan turned to follow the trail of the small children, their short hair already being groomed into the tiny braids. Their game had them climbing over the tables and mock shooting each other with invisible blasters. He had met and seen Y'Begaar throughout the Republic but he had never been inside a protectorate house; never seen how they lived when not on duty. The house followed a similar layout as most Golian settlements, but was smaller, more protected. It had to be because houses like this were only established in the worst of places throughout the galaxy. For Y'Begaar roughly translated into the Basic as "war family" and it was family. Cousins, siblings, spouses, and children were all a part of the military force.
"Move it!" Iridian barked, sending several figures scattering out of their way.
Siri's hand brushed against Obi-Wan's elbow causing him to pay a little more attention to the men Iridian had barked at, the same men whom they had witnessed in the tavern harassing the Twi'lek.
The magistrate turned slightly and her gaze met one of the men's eyes. "Come, Ekaro." Shaking her head in mild frustration, she added, "Some days it seems more crowded than others, but I suppose that is the curse of setting up a base of operations on the coldest world in seven systems."
Into yet another ring and down the curving corridor, they arrived at the Magistrate's office. Before the large door swung closed behind the Jedi, Iridian and Ekaro, three other figures silently slipped in. Ekaro, two women and a boy took silent position around the room.
At his side, Obi-Wan sensed Siri grow unusually tense even though he felt no warnings in the Force. He offered up a small pulse hoping she would sense it. She would not likely be calmed by it but maybe just the knowledge that he was aware would help.
Still, two Jedi against five Y'Begaar were in a losing situation. They were highly trained warriors and one experienced soldier was more than capable of offering a Jedi a good fight.
Iridian took her place behind a simple desk that matched most of the utilitarian furniture the Jedi had seen on their walk through the compound. The sweep of a dark hand directed the Jedi to the bench placed before the desk.
Once Obi-Wan and Siri had taken their places, the magistrate asked, "What brings Jedi to our lonely part of the galaxy?"
"We are on a recovery mission," Obi-Wan replied.
The magistrate leaned back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest. "Not a check up? I figured the Senate would still be grumbling that the Mirnax Federation brought us in to clean up this cesspool."
"We are not apprised of all the actions within the Senate," Siri said. She smiled slightly as she continued, "Anything that overrides Senate boycotts and filibusters would annoy them, but we are not the harbingers of their wrath."
Iridian gave a bold laugh, "Yes, but we always expect it. We are not well liked for our service." There was a moment. "I suppose you Jedi can sympathize."
A slight nod of Obi-Wan's head was the only answer offered. Reaching out across the Force, he brushed against Siri's tightened shields then scanned the room. The boy was nervous and inexperienced but the two unnamed women were like Iridian Wakava, cool and totally at home with the situation. The man, Ekaro, he could not entirely tell.
The magistrate's gaze narrowed as she carefully studied the two Jedi before her. "What then, may I ask, are you here to recover?"
Siri leaned forward and spoke evenly, "We have information that an ancient lightsaber has passed through the local black market and we are appointed to make sure it does not fall into the wrong hands and is returned to the Temple safely."
The words were honest enough, spoken with only the frankness that Siri Tachi could deliver. Unfortunately, it was laid as a challenge before the magistrate.
Iridian glared at Siri. "Are you suggesting this is due to our failure to handle certain lawlessness in the region?"
Siri straightened in her seat.
Fire burned in Iridian's dark eyes. "I assure you, illegal trade has been shut down here on Selvax."
Scanning the chamber, the Golians at the edge were calm except for Ekaro, who had grown physically tense.
A powerful silence spread throughout the room.
"Those markets have been closed down," Iridian tersely repeated as she suddenly stood.
"I—"
Obi-Wan and Ekaro reacted to their respective woman.
"She was not saying that," Ekaro's deep voice boomed as he grasped Iridian's arm. "Sit down, sister."
Iridian growled, "Don't you have that witch on Xim to tend to, little brother?"
"In time."
Pale blue eyes shot Siri a warning and the young knight's expression softened when she looked to Obi-Wan. She relaxed her rigid pose, her posture ready to spring into action rather than broken.
Turning back to Iridian and Ekaro, Obi-Wan spoke in his soothing Core accent, "There was no insult meant. We come here solely to ask your permission to conduct our investigation into the whereabouts of the lightsaber called the Prak'sha. The information we have is it moved through the local markets. It might not even be recognized as a lightsaber, its last recorded use was a millennia ago and it may have suffered greatly over the centuries since." Adopting a more formal pose, the Jedi continued. "We have been charged by the High Council to retrieve it. Knight Tachi is anxious to get on with the mission, we both are." He felt a sharp spike emanate from Siri at his words but ignored her. He would hear about it later.
Multiple times.
He had imagined this would be a relaxing mission with Anakin safely ensconced in the Jedi Temple, but a bad feeling was growing with every passing minute.
Iridian nodded curtly in understanding, apparently appeased. "You are welcome to go about your investigation as you see fit. You have the use of my people, should you need their expertise. She motioned toward the man beside her, "Captain Ekaro Kinyo is well versed in the local culture."
Ekaro nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Obi-Wan said, pausing until Siri nodded in agreement.
Then the captain stepped back from the desk as Iridian spoke up again. "It is not safe in the station. There are still certain elements that have not been brought under control and I suspect you would appreciate warm nights and no nosy innkeepers."
"Thank you," Siri said, rising to her feet.
"My brother will show you to appropriate quarters."