Chapter 2 Investigation

"You two can take care of the dart and I'll interview the aides." Jesse sadi when they reached the Senate Building.

Kimmy stopped and turned to face him. "What do you mean, we go take care of the dart. You think I'd get in the way?"

"No. But one of us has to go with Kitch or he'll be kicked out, and I figured…"

"You figured you're more qualified to go alone. Is that it?" Kimmy interrupted.

"No! It's just since I'm the oldest I figured…" he paused and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. Do you want to interview the aides?"

"No, you go ahead. Sorry." Kimmy turned so he wouldn't see her cheeks flush bright red. What had gotten into her? She stole a sideways glance at him.

Great, he probably thinks I'm an idiot. She muttered inwardly.

> > >

"So you didn't see anyone?" Jesse asked for what seemed the millionth time. He'd forgotten how monotonous investigations could be.

"Just…" the aide stopped and looked around the empty room.

Jesse perked up. "Just…?"

"After the senator fell, there was some kind of flare from the roof of a building nearby. It went straight up, but it looked like it was a person."

Jesse struggled to make sense of the vague description. "Like a person with a rocket on his back?"

"Exactly." The aide looked around again. "He kind of glinted, like he was wearing metal. But I could only see him for a second, then he was gone."

"Thank you for your help." Jesse stood and bowed to the aide before leaving.

In the hall, he flipped through his notes. Not much to go on except for brief glimpse by the aide. He hoped Kimmy and Kitch were having more luck.

> > >

"I'm really starting to think this is a waste of time." Kimmy muttered. After a whole afternoon of fruitless searching, this was getting old. "Kitch, I need to use the fresher, you wait here."

"Right." Kitch said. He took out the dart and looked at it. He knew it was the key; they just had to find the right lock.

"Excuse me young man, what are you doing here?"

Kitch looked up to see the Supreme Chancellor standing near him. "I'm…" he cleared his throat. "I'm here with the Jedi investigating the assassination of Senator Ky'ran. We're looking for someone who can identify this dart." He held it up.

"I see." The Supreme Chancellor held out a hand, and Kitch reluctantly gave it to him. He didn't like the feeling he was getting, but he couldn't identify it. "Ah, yes. I've seen a dart like this."

"You have?"

"Yes. It was on Tatooine. Do you know about that planet?"

"A little. You're sure?"

"Quite." The Supreme Chancellor handed the dart back to him. "Good luck on your investigation.

"Thank you!" Kitch rushed down the hall, trying not to run. He almost smacked into Kimmy.

"Where's the fire?" she asked as she steadied him.

"It's on Tatooine!" Kitch exulted, then he realized what she had said. "The dart I mean."

"What?"

"I ran into Supreme Chancellor Palpatine…" he caught her look. "Not literally. Anyway, he said he's seen a dart like this once on Tatooine."

"Great! Come on, let's find Jesse."

I know, I'm kind of building this up slowly. The next chaptershould be more interesting (should be being the operative phrase).