The Consul shuddered as he watched the pilots being led away. Though they hadn't said it, he knew they were Jedi by their bearing and by the silver handgrips hanging at their belt. He had never seen an actual Jedi before, but his father, Ranjiyn, had told him stories about how the Jedi had brought about peace between the City-dwellers and the Alwari, the nomads. As much as he hated to do it, he had to tell Bossban Soergg of their arrival.
Inexplicably, the Hutt was beaming as the Consul told him about the Jedi. "You have done well, Consul," Soergg the Hutt boomed. "Tsavong Lah will be pleased. In exchange for two Jedi, the Vong will surely leave us alone. I wish to see them as soon as may be."
He bowed. "Of course, Bossban. I shall be sure guards are kept on the Jedi at all times."
Repressing a disgusted shudder as the Hutt smacked his blubbery lips, the Consul left as quickly as possible. It was a shame to turn the Jedi over to the invaders; they would be better off dead than in Vong-hands. And Soergg had no proof the Vong would abide by their part of the bargain; they were as slimy as Hutts, which was no small bit of consolation.
He sighed and shook his head. No matter what his decision, the outcome looked bleak.
OO
The prison was a thick, windowless building that looked as if it could survive a nuclear blast. Only the technological centers of Coruscant seemed more solidly built and it had taken a construction droid to break into that thing.
"Now what?" Phaelon demanded as soon as the guard locked the door to their cell. It was a sparse room with two small cots, a chair, and no windows.
Kyp flashed her a cocky smile. "Just wait and see."
Phaelon raised an eyebrow. "Wait until he trades us to the Vong to save himself?" she countered snidely.
"Need I remind you, we only have one flyable fighter between us?"
She sighed resignedly. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
"They're not exactly well armed," he observed, "or appear technologically advanced."
"That doesn't mean they aren't," Phaleon pointed out.
He considered this for a moment. "True."
She listened carefully as Kyp outlined his plan, poking holes and helping mend them.
At length, she sighed. "If this doesn't work, we could be in a whole lot of trouble."
"Hey, we're Jedi. What could possibly go wrong?" he asked cockily. "Don't answer that."