The transport station on Corath was alive with activity. All different types of creatures were moving about, talking care of one type of business or another. Obi-Wan weaved through the crowded corridor keeping a close eye on Qui-Gon. They had landed on the planet just over ten minutes ago but the captain had `kindly' asked them to leave, saying that repairs needed to be done to the ship that couldn't with them still on board. Obi-Wan doubted that having them off the ship had anything to do with repairs. But of course, Qui-Gon had respectfully done as the captain asked, leaving behind, what Obi-Wan thought to be, their most significant evidence. He still had no clue what the `special cargo' was, but he had every intention of finding out.
Qui-Gon made a sudden left turn and Obi-Wan had to jump over some crates to keep from falling. He didn't understand why Qui-Gon was in such a rush. They had landed ahead of schedule and had plenty of time to reach the Ambassador. Qui-Gon reached the entrance and pulled his hood over his head; Obi-Wan did the same.
" Keep your eyes open Obi-Wan."
" For what Master?"
Before Qui-Gon even got the chance to answer a silver colored escort pod stopped directly in front of them. " For that."
A latch opened revealing a richly furnished interior. Qui-Gon walked inside and sat down in a red colored chair. Obi-Wan sat beside him, gawking at the riches of the pod.
" This must be the Ambassador's private escort pod," Qui-Gon observed quietly.
A little screen abruptly popped up out of no where and faced Qui-Gon, its screen momentarily void of any picture. Then, suddenly, the Ambassador's face appeared in front of them. The tall Algot was dressed in his regal robes of authority, the brilliant red looking like molten fire against the creatures green skin. " I am sorry Jedi that I could not meet you personally, but some rather important business has need of my attention at the moment. I trust my personal travel vehicle will suit your needs. My driver has been instructed to escort you to your sleeping quarters for the moment. Again I am sorry for the inconvenience, we will meet in my private office at seven o'clock. My driver will pick you up at six forty-five and bring you to the Hall. Until then Jedi enjoy your stay on Corath."
The transmission ended leaving the screen once again black and cold. The little screen went back into its little compartment from whence it came. The small pod pulled into traffic and headed for the designated location. Obi-Wan sat back in the chair, casually looking around.
" The ambassador sure gives precise instructions," he commented.
" Yes he does...a little to precise."
Obi-Wan sat up and looked at Qui-Gon. "What do you mean Master?"
" I'm not sure yet. Something just doesn't seem right to me."
Obi-Wan tilted his head to the side. " I don't sense anything."
Qui-Gon smiled. " Neither do I, but that doesn't mean something isn't right. A Jedi must learn to trust his instincts as well as the force."
" Yes Master."
The two of them sat in silence for the rest of the way. Obi-Wan had begun thinking of his dream. It seemed to follow him everywhere. Even when he was awake he could hear Anal's voice crying out to him.
"Save him Obi-Wan, save him!"
Save who? Obi-Wan thought irritated. The dream still made no sense to him. He wanted to talk to Qui-Gon about it, but he knew his Master would tell him to concentrate on the mission, that it was more important. Something, however, told him he should pay close attention to the dream, that it in itself was important. But how?
The escort pod stopped and the latch opened. " Come Obi-Wan."
" Yes Master." Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon into the hotel, his questions still unanswered.
The hotel was spacious and elaborately decorated. Corath may appear simple and quaint on the outside but the inside was another story entirely. Most buildings were richly furnished and showed the true wealth of the planet. Corath's major mineral was silver and most of the structures, including the ships of Choria, were outlined with it. That was why the Senate was paying so much attention to the tiny planet. With the constant warfare, little mining was being done and the precious mineral was being left in the ground untouched. Few Algots would admit to having the mineral as part of their planet , they would much rather be left alone. The Senate wanted to form a mining net work that would help the planet grow past its war like ways, both for the good of the people and the neighboring planets.
Corath wouldn't be able to stand much more fighting and the Algots, though they would never admit it out loud, couldn't hold out much longer either. The planet was in dire need of a change, and though the process had already begun the planet still had along way to go. Qui-Gon walked swiftly through the hotel lobby. He needed to inform Yoda of the change in events. If Minad was truly planning on restarting the war much would need to be done and rethought out in order to stop him.
A bell boy of sorts rushed up to them and mumbled something about taking their bags. Qui-Gon shook his head. " Just please tell me where our rooms are."
" Uh... they're on the second floor sir, rooms 405 and 406."
" Thank you."
Qui-Gon hurried up the grand stair case to the second floor. They came to a large hallway almost identical to one on the first floor. Doors were lined up on both sides with the room numbers written on them. Qui-Gon quickly scanned the doors until he saw their room numbers. He gave Obi-Wan the key to his room, then hurried inside his own. The room was nicely decorated but Qui-Gon hardly saw the furnishings. Riches meant nothing to the Jedi, unless they were used for the good of a people. He laid his bag on the bed placed in the center of the room and sat down at a table siting near a window. Qui-Gon reached into his utility belt and pulled out his communicator. He had been hesitant to use it on the ship because of the constant signal it gave off, he didn't want it the call to be traced and then listened to. Normally he would be using a communicator with a scrambler device installed on it but because of Corath's delicate atmosphere the scrambler would have kept the signal from
reaching its location as well.
He tapped in the proper signal and Yoda's face appeared in a hologram image. The Jedi Masters ears twitched in curiosity and his eyes, ever appearing sleepy, looked at Qui-Gon with quiet confidence.
" News you have Qui-Gon Jinn?"
" Yes Master but I fear not the best kind. I have reason to believe that there is a plan in motion to restart the war."
Yoda's eyes narrowed slightly. " Bad news this is if it be true. Why do you think this?"
" The captain of the ship Obi-Wan and I were on had dealings with the pirate captain Kolvar before arriving on Corath. There was an exchange of money for a special cargo that I believe he will use to restart the war."
"And why would a captain of a cargo ship want to restart a war?
"He is a smuggler in secret, with the war stopped his business has stopped as well."
" Mmm. Bad the situation is becoming, you must be careful Qui-Gon Jinn sense much secrecy and betrayal I do."
" What do you suggest Obi-Wan and I do for the moment?"
" Seen the Ambassador you have?"
" No, but we are scheduled to meet him at seven this evening."
Yoda closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought. " See the Ambassador you must, but do not let him know of your suspicions. Decide the council will, on what is best to do."
" Yes Master."
" Contact you the Council will with our decision."
" Yes Master."
Qui-Gon inclined his head respectfully and the transmission ended. He looked at a clock on the wall. Ten o'clock. There wasn't anything more to do within the hotel. Qui-Gon stood up and walked over to a door that separated his room from Obi-Wan's. He knocked gently and heard a soft `Come in'. He opened the door and found Obi-Wan standing by a window gazing out over the city. Qui-Gon was reminded of how he had stood looking out over Coruscant, waiting for news of Obi-Wan's condition. A smile broke out across his face. He walked over to Obi-Wan and stood next to him.
" What did Master Yoda suggest we do Master?"
"The council must decide on what is the best course of action. Yoda will contact us later this evening with their decision."
Obi-Wan nodded and continued his silent vigil of the city. Qui-Gon followed his Padawan's gaze, his hands clasped in front of him. "I was going to take a walk around the city." He waited for Obi-Wan to say something but the boy remained silent. Qui-Gon sighed quietly. "Would you like to join me Padawan?"
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise, "Yes very much."
Qui-Gon looked down at him and smiled, "Come then."
The city was quiet with an occasional passer by. Shops lined the city streets and Obi-Wan gazed into the windows. Not much was for sale but the city looked a lot better than it had on Obi-Wan's last visit. Some of the damage to many of the buildings had been repaired and the windows were no longer boarded up. The noise of bombs going off was no longer heard, nor was the sound of constant blaster fire echoing in Obi-Wan's ears. He had hated the planet before, thinking it desolate and war beaten, but now he saw it for its true beauty.
" Quite a difference from our last visit isn't it my young apprentice?"
" Yes Master. The city appears beautiful and serene."
Qui-Gon smiled sadly, " Appears is the right word Padawan. The city has had a dark past and it will take a lot more than a few repaired buildings to make things right again. Much tension still hangs over the city."
" Yes Master I feel it too, but why do the people want to kill each other? They can't possibly enjoy it."
" Many things cause war Obi-Wan. Some are easy to understand, others are not."
Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon. His voice had become very sad. Obi-Wan found himself feeling sorry for what his Master had been through and seen during his many Jedi years. He no doubt would see many of the same things, but he hoped by that time he would have gained the strength and quiet dignity that his Master possessed. Obi-Wan turned his gaze back onto the city. Just at that moment a pair of children ran out onto the street and began throwing a ball back and forth. One of them threw the ball a little to hard and it landed at Obi-Wan's feet. He picked it up and looked at it for second. It was purple in color and decorated with pictures drawn in silver. The pictures were of battles that had taken place during the war. Obi-Wan thought it a rather morbid topic to put on a ball, but it wasn't surprising considering the planets long history of blood shed. He threw the ball back to the children, who smiled a thank you then went running off.
Obi-Wan remembered the games he used to play at the Jedi Temple when he was a little boy. He suddenly realized that he hadn't seen Bant while he had been at the temple recovering. Bant had been his dearest friend for as long as he could remember, he could hear her cheering for him when he had fought in front of Qui-Gon for the first time. He missed her terribly. I hope she was chosen, he thought. Qui-Gon began walking again and Obi-Wan walked beside him. He could feel the multi colored braid Anal had given him safe against his chest. Anal, his newest friend, who had a sweet smile and a voice that sounded like a song long forgotten. Unfortunately, along with the memory of Anal came the dream he had been suffering with for the past two nights. Obi-Wan sighed heavily. He was not looking forward to going to sleep that night.
Qui-Gon sensed a sudden sadness come over his apprentice. The children probably reminded him of his friends at the Temple, he thought sympathetically. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon had found, made friends quite easily. Unfortunately, he would miss them a great deal when he would have to leave. Qui-Gon wished there was something he could do to comfort the boy, but there was really nothing he could do. Obi-Wan would just have to believe he would see them all again. Obi-Wan continued to look into the many windows along the street when suddenly his face broke out into a large smile. Qui-Gon didn't need to look into the window to see why Obi-Wan was smiling, the boys stomach growled loudly.
" You wouldn't be hungry, would you Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan blushed from head to toe; Qui-Gon had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. " We haven't eaten much today have we?" Qui-Gon rubbed his chin appearing to be thinking about going into the restaurant. He had already made his decision, he was rather hungry himself, but he didn't want Obi-Wan to think he was persuaded so easily.
" I guess it wouldn't hurt."
Obi-Wan's shoulders slumped in relief. He had been hungry for a while but had managed to ignore the fact, until now. He walked eagerly over to the restaurant and opened the door. A million different smell drifted to his nose. He felt his mouth begin to water. He sat down at a table near a window and Qui-Gon sat opposite him. A waiter brought them a menu and Obi-Wan gazed at the all the choices.
" What would you like Obi-Wan?"
" I don't know Master, there are so many choices...what are you going to have?"
" I was gong to have the Sleertigha."
Obi-Wan scrunched his nose at the name, " The what?"
Qui-Gon chuckled softly, " Don't worry, I'll order two. It's actually quite good despite its interesting name."
" What does the name mean anyway?"
" It means swamp slug."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. " Are you sure that's safe to eat?"
Qui-Gon just laughed and called the waiter.
Qui-Gon made a sudden left turn and Obi-Wan had to jump over some crates to keep from falling. He didn't understand why Qui-Gon was in such a rush. They had landed ahead of schedule and had plenty of time to reach the Ambassador. Qui-Gon reached the entrance and pulled his hood over his head; Obi-Wan did the same.
" Keep your eyes open Obi-Wan."
" For what Master?"
Before Qui-Gon even got the chance to answer a silver colored escort pod stopped directly in front of them. " For that."
A latch opened revealing a richly furnished interior. Qui-Gon walked inside and sat down in a red colored chair. Obi-Wan sat beside him, gawking at the riches of the pod.
" This must be the Ambassador's private escort pod," Qui-Gon observed quietly.
A little screen abruptly popped up out of no where and faced Qui-Gon, its screen momentarily void of any picture. Then, suddenly, the Ambassador's face appeared in front of them. The tall Algot was dressed in his regal robes of authority, the brilliant red looking like molten fire against the creatures green skin. " I am sorry Jedi that I could not meet you personally, but some rather important business has need of my attention at the moment. I trust my personal travel vehicle will suit your needs. My driver has been instructed to escort you to your sleeping quarters for the moment. Again I am sorry for the inconvenience, we will meet in my private office at seven o'clock. My driver will pick you up at six forty-five and bring you to the Hall. Until then Jedi enjoy your stay on Corath."
The transmission ended leaving the screen once again black and cold. The little screen went back into its little compartment from whence it came. The small pod pulled into traffic and headed for the designated location. Obi-Wan sat back in the chair, casually looking around.
" The ambassador sure gives precise instructions," he commented.
" Yes he does...a little to precise."
Obi-Wan sat up and looked at Qui-Gon. "What do you mean Master?"
" I'm not sure yet. Something just doesn't seem right to me."
Obi-Wan tilted his head to the side. " I don't sense anything."
Qui-Gon smiled. " Neither do I, but that doesn't mean something isn't right. A Jedi must learn to trust his instincts as well as the force."
" Yes Master."
The two of them sat in silence for the rest of the way. Obi-Wan had begun thinking of his dream. It seemed to follow him everywhere. Even when he was awake he could hear Anal's voice crying out to him.
"Save him Obi-Wan, save him!"
Save who? Obi-Wan thought irritated. The dream still made no sense to him. He wanted to talk to Qui-Gon about it, but he knew his Master would tell him to concentrate on the mission, that it was more important. Something, however, told him he should pay close attention to the dream, that it in itself was important. But how?
The escort pod stopped and the latch opened. " Come Obi-Wan."
" Yes Master." Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon into the hotel, his questions still unanswered.
The hotel was spacious and elaborately decorated. Corath may appear simple and quaint on the outside but the inside was another story entirely. Most buildings were richly furnished and showed the true wealth of the planet. Corath's major mineral was silver and most of the structures, including the ships of Choria, were outlined with it. That was why the Senate was paying so much attention to the tiny planet. With the constant warfare, little mining was being done and the precious mineral was being left in the ground untouched. Few Algots would admit to having the mineral as part of their planet , they would much rather be left alone. The Senate wanted to form a mining net work that would help the planet grow past its war like ways, both for the good of the people and the neighboring planets.
Corath wouldn't be able to stand much more fighting and the Algots, though they would never admit it out loud, couldn't hold out much longer either. The planet was in dire need of a change, and though the process had already begun the planet still had along way to go. Qui-Gon walked swiftly through the hotel lobby. He needed to inform Yoda of the change in events. If Minad was truly planning on restarting the war much would need to be done and rethought out in order to stop him.
A bell boy of sorts rushed up to them and mumbled something about taking their bags. Qui-Gon shook his head. " Just please tell me where our rooms are."
" Uh... they're on the second floor sir, rooms 405 and 406."
" Thank you."
Qui-Gon hurried up the grand stair case to the second floor. They came to a large hallway almost identical to one on the first floor. Doors were lined up on both sides with the room numbers written on them. Qui-Gon quickly scanned the doors until he saw their room numbers. He gave Obi-Wan the key to his room, then hurried inside his own. The room was nicely decorated but Qui-Gon hardly saw the furnishings. Riches meant nothing to the Jedi, unless they were used for the good of a people. He laid his bag on the bed placed in the center of the room and sat down at a table siting near a window. Qui-Gon reached into his utility belt and pulled out his communicator. He had been hesitant to use it on the ship because of the constant signal it gave off, he didn't want it the call to be traced and then listened to. Normally he would be using a communicator with a scrambler device installed on it but because of Corath's delicate atmosphere the scrambler would have kept the signal from
reaching its location as well.
He tapped in the proper signal and Yoda's face appeared in a hologram image. The Jedi Masters ears twitched in curiosity and his eyes, ever appearing sleepy, looked at Qui-Gon with quiet confidence.
" News you have Qui-Gon Jinn?"
" Yes Master but I fear not the best kind. I have reason to believe that there is a plan in motion to restart the war."
Yoda's eyes narrowed slightly. " Bad news this is if it be true. Why do you think this?"
" The captain of the ship Obi-Wan and I were on had dealings with the pirate captain Kolvar before arriving on Corath. There was an exchange of money for a special cargo that I believe he will use to restart the war."
"And why would a captain of a cargo ship want to restart a war?
"He is a smuggler in secret, with the war stopped his business has stopped as well."
" Mmm. Bad the situation is becoming, you must be careful Qui-Gon Jinn sense much secrecy and betrayal I do."
" What do you suggest Obi-Wan and I do for the moment?"
" Seen the Ambassador you have?"
" No, but we are scheduled to meet him at seven this evening."
Yoda closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought. " See the Ambassador you must, but do not let him know of your suspicions. Decide the council will, on what is best to do."
" Yes Master."
" Contact you the Council will with our decision."
" Yes Master."
Qui-Gon inclined his head respectfully and the transmission ended. He looked at a clock on the wall. Ten o'clock. There wasn't anything more to do within the hotel. Qui-Gon stood up and walked over to a door that separated his room from Obi-Wan's. He knocked gently and heard a soft `Come in'. He opened the door and found Obi-Wan standing by a window gazing out over the city. Qui-Gon was reminded of how he had stood looking out over Coruscant, waiting for news of Obi-Wan's condition. A smile broke out across his face. He walked over to Obi-Wan and stood next to him.
" What did Master Yoda suggest we do Master?"
"The council must decide on what is the best course of action. Yoda will contact us later this evening with their decision."
Obi-Wan nodded and continued his silent vigil of the city. Qui-Gon followed his Padawan's gaze, his hands clasped in front of him. "I was going to take a walk around the city." He waited for Obi-Wan to say something but the boy remained silent. Qui-Gon sighed quietly. "Would you like to join me Padawan?"
Obi-Wan looked up in surprise, "Yes very much."
Qui-Gon looked down at him and smiled, "Come then."
The city was quiet with an occasional passer by. Shops lined the city streets and Obi-Wan gazed into the windows. Not much was for sale but the city looked a lot better than it had on Obi-Wan's last visit. Some of the damage to many of the buildings had been repaired and the windows were no longer boarded up. The noise of bombs going off was no longer heard, nor was the sound of constant blaster fire echoing in Obi-Wan's ears. He had hated the planet before, thinking it desolate and war beaten, but now he saw it for its true beauty.
" Quite a difference from our last visit isn't it my young apprentice?"
" Yes Master. The city appears beautiful and serene."
Qui-Gon smiled sadly, " Appears is the right word Padawan. The city has had a dark past and it will take a lot more than a few repaired buildings to make things right again. Much tension still hangs over the city."
" Yes Master I feel it too, but why do the people want to kill each other? They can't possibly enjoy it."
" Many things cause war Obi-Wan. Some are easy to understand, others are not."
Obi-Wan looked up at Qui-Gon. His voice had become very sad. Obi-Wan found himself feeling sorry for what his Master had been through and seen during his many Jedi years. He no doubt would see many of the same things, but he hoped by that time he would have gained the strength and quiet dignity that his Master possessed. Obi-Wan turned his gaze back onto the city. Just at that moment a pair of children ran out onto the street and began throwing a ball back and forth. One of them threw the ball a little to hard and it landed at Obi-Wan's feet. He picked it up and looked at it for second. It was purple in color and decorated with pictures drawn in silver. The pictures were of battles that had taken place during the war. Obi-Wan thought it a rather morbid topic to put on a ball, but it wasn't surprising considering the planets long history of blood shed. He threw the ball back to the children, who smiled a thank you then went running off.
Obi-Wan remembered the games he used to play at the Jedi Temple when he was a little boy. He suddenly realized that he hadn't seen Bant while he had been at the temple recovering. Bant had been his dearest friend for as long as he could remember, he could hear her cheering for him when he had fought in front of Qui-Gon for the first time. He missed her terribly. I hope she was chosen, he thought. Qui-Gon began walking again and Obi-Wan walked beside him. He could feel the multi colored braid Anal had given him safe against his chest. Anal, his newest friend, who had a sweet smile and a voice that sounded like a song long forgotten. Unfortunately, along with the memory of Anal came the dream he had been suffering with for the past two nights. Obi-Wan sighed heavily. He was not looking forward to going to sleep that night.
Qui-Gon sensed a sudden sadness come over his apprentice. The children probably reminded him of his friends at the Temple, he thought sympathetically. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon had found, made friends quite easily. Unfortunately, he would miss them a great deal when he would have to leave. Qui-Gon wished there was something he could do to comfort the boy, but there was really nothing he could do. Obi-Wan would just have to believe he would see them all again. Obi-Wan continued to look into the many windows along the street when suddenly his face broke out into a large smile. Qui-Gon didn't need to look into the window to see why Obi-Wan was smiling, the boys stomach growled loudly.
" You wouldn't be hungry, would you Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan blushed from head to toe; Qui-Gon had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. " We haven't eaten much today have we?" Qui-Gon rubbed his chin appearing to be thinking about going into the restaurant. He had already made his decision, he was rather hungry himself, but he didn't want Obi-Wan to think he was persuaded so easily.
" I guess it wouldn't hurt."
Obi-Wan's shoulders slumped in relief. He had been hungry for a while but had managed to ignore the fact, until now. He walked eagerly over to the restaurant and opened the door. A million different smell drifted to his nose. He felt his mouth begin to water. He sat down at a table near a window and Qui-Gon sat opposite him. A waiter brought them a menu and Obi-Wan gazed at the all the choices.
" What would you like Obi-Wan?"
" I don't know Master, there are so many choices...what are you going to have?"
" I was gong to have the Sleertigha."
Obi-Wan scrunched his nose at the name, " The what?"
Qui-Gon chuckled softly, " Don't worry, I'll order two. It's actually quite good despite its interesting name."
" What does the name mean anyway?"
" It means swamp slug."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. " Are you sure that's safe to eat?"
Qui-Gon just laughed and called the waiter.
