Thanks to Nikko-chan for the review! Hope you enjoy the new chapter!
As always, reviews welcome.
I don't own anyone in this storyI didn't create. Too bad. I'd be pretty rich if I did.
The mission had come unexpectedly. The Council had been reluctant to assign the weary Master and his apprentice to intervene in such a volatile situation. "But," as Mace Windu explained, "the Jedi must act rapidly. You can arrive more than a week before anyone else we might send." It was a busy time in the Galaxy, and most Jedi teams were on far-flung missions, unable to be pulled from already crucial situations. So the lot fell to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.
Less than a week after their much-anticipated return to the Temple, they found themselves boarding a star cruiser bound for the wealthy planet of Ophir. A desperate plea had been received from the royal family – "Come now or it will be too late!" Neither Jedi knew what they would find at the end of their three-day journey to the troubled planet, but they steeled themselves against the violence that seemed imminent.
Seated in their private quarters aboard the ship, Qui-Gon watched his Padawan surreptitiously as the boy scanned a data pad for what information he could find on Ophir and its government. Yoda's words from their conversation two days before filled his mind again. "Life will teach him."
Life could be a hard teacher, Qui-Gon knew. Even the Jedi, protected from many of life's pains behind the safety of their Temple walls, could not escape the difficult lessons life frequently handed out. Though romantic love was forbidden – and therefore uncommon – it was not entirely foreign, and those who found it were faced with a difficult decision that, one way or another, changed their lives forever. Of course, the Jedi did not have the worries and concerns inherent with family. All such ties were severed in early childhood, usually beyond even the reach of memory. The only family a Jedi knew was that which he found amongst his comrades in the Order. But even there, disagreements occasionally arose that were not easily reconciled. And no Jedi was safe from death and loss, anymore than anyone in the Galaxy could be. Despite their abilities and extensive training, they simply faced too many dangerous situations to evade it forever. Elderly Jedi were few and far between, recognized by all for their skill and good fortune in surviving the desperate chances of the life they had chosen as Guardians of the Universe. Sooner or later, each Jedi would face the grief of hearing that an old friend he had trained or served with had fallen in battle.
What path will Obi-Wan find as his teacher? Qui-Gon wondered. Would it be painful, pleasant? Likely both. The thought troubled him. Already he was far more attached to his young apprentice than he could have anticipated when he had taken the boy as his Padawan.
"Master?"
Qui-Gon's chin came up with a sudden jolt. His mind had been wandering. Not focusing on the present. He grinned inwardly. Obi-Wan would have received a gentle rebuke for such a lack of mental discipline. And here he was, the Master, indulging in musings that should have been reserved for a more appropriate time. He quickly refocused his thoughts and turned to look at the boy.
"Master, is something wrong? You look…distracted," Obi-Wan finished lamely.
"Everything's fine," Qui-Gone reassured him. "I was thinking of something Yoda said before we left, that's all."
Obi-Wan's face relaxed. "I'm finding some interesting reports on the planet, Master. It's quite different than much of the rest of the Galaxy."
"I must confess, Obi-Wan, I know little about this particular world." Qui-Gon stood up and moved to look at the data pad in Obi-Wan's hand. "Why don't you fill me in on what you've learned. Perhaps it will give us insight into what the Council was able to tell us."
The boy nodded and began to explain. "From what I can find, Ophir's wealth comes primarily from its attraction as a center for tourism. Apparently, it's one of the playgrounds of the wealthy. The land is beautiful, fertile, and lush; the climate temperate; and the options for relaxation and entertainment endless. Every major city boasts theaters, opera houses, performing arts centers, galleries, spas, gardens, and lavishly appointed dwellings for those visitors with the funds to lease them. What is most unusual is that the people don't keep up with the latest technologies; they don't consider themselves a 'modern' society. In fact, they pride themselves on holding to the old ways."
Qui-Gon nodded his interest, and Obi-Wan continued. "The capital city is Arneaya, and from the look of things, it's quite a cultural center. The planet is ruled by the Tieri family, a dynasty that has lasted more than 500 years."
"That certainly explains the dramatic upheaval," Qui-Gon commented. "It's unusual for one family to hold power for such a long period, and change is never easy when long-held traditions are at stake."
"Yes, Master. But according to the information we have, their reign has been peaceful and happy. The planet has prospered under their leadership, and this is the first serious threat they've encountered."
"Hmm. I wonder what has changed. Happy societies don't rise up without warning and overthrow their governments. There's something beneath the surface here, but I don't think we'll see it until we actually arrive in Arneaya. We must be mindful of the Living Force, Obi-Wan. It will tell us far more than data pads and ancient records."
Obi-Wan nodded, but Qui-Gon could see the uncertainty that flitted across his face. He wanted to calm the boy's fears about the weakness of his connection, but his own doubts rose in his mind. Time would tell. That's what Yoda had said.
The craft touched down in a private spaceport early the next morning. The Tieri's had directed the Jedi to use their personal landing area near the palace, saying it would be easier for the two rescuers to reach the royal family where they had sequestered themselves in the safety of their ancient home. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan descended the landing ramp and casually looked around. Though any observer would think they were merely giving their surroundings a cursory scan, both Jedi took in every detail in their line of vision. The hangar seemed deserted.
Qui-Gon was just beginning to wonder where their promised greeter was when he caught sight of a young woman beckoning them from the shadows. Checking to make certain they would be not be observed, he motioned for Obi-Wan to follow him to where the woman waited. As they drew near, the fear on her face was evident. The Jedi offered a slight bow in greeting and Qui-Gon introduced them.
"I am Qui-Gon Jinn, and this is my apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. We are the Jedi sent to aid the Tieri's."
"I am Salda," the girl said. "I am the queen's personal aide." Then her eyes filled with sudden and unexpected tears. "I'm afraid you are too late. The family was taken by force yesterday evening." She faltered, "It was…terrible. I do not think their kidnappers intend to keep them alive for long."
"I am sorry, Salda." Qui-Gon kindly reached out a hand to squeeze her shoulder reassuringly. "I'll need you to tell us everything you know. We will do whatever we can to find the Tieri's and return them to safety."
"Is the palace being watched?" Obi-Wan spoke for the first time.
Salda shook her head. "I'm not sure. It's possible, but whoever may be watching isn't doing so openly. I don't know who to trust. And I feel sure that someone on the inside is involved in this. I can't speak to you here; someone may be listening."
"We must find a safe place to talk, then, and quickly," Qui-Gon responded.
Salda glanced around nervously before replying in a whisper, "I can take you to my family's home here in the city. They are staying in the country for a time, and I live in the palace. With no one to see you there, it will be the safest place for you to stay, and we can speak openly. Come." She turned quickly away, moving out of the hangar as speedily as she could without breaking into a run.
The Jedi trailed Salda from a distance, not wishing to be seen with her in case prying eyes were taking note. As they wandered through narrow alleys and down broad thoroughfares, Obi-Wan could see why the planet had become such a popular tourist destination. It was like stepping back in time hundreds of years. The buildings lining the streets of inlaid sandstone were constructed of marble and mellowed pink or golden stone rather than the durasteel and glass used on most planets. Trees, fountains, pillared plazas, and gardens further softened the edges, making each stretch of road feel warm and welcoming. Though he noted the occasional speeder, Obi-Wan could see that most of the inhabitants clearly preferred the use of their own two feet. Children laughed as they chased one another in nearby parks and splashed about in the shallow pools at the base of gracious fountains while their mamas chatted with shopkeepers and neighbors. Try as he might, Obi-Wan could sense no dark undercurrents in the Force. But then, he thought miserably, I'd probably miss it if it were there.
Sometimes he wondered if he'd ever forge a strong connection. He wasn't used to struggling in the Jedi arts. Most of the time things came naturally to him. But this was different, elusive. He knew Qui-Gon was concerned, though his Master tried to hide it. Even while they had journeyed to Ophir, Qui-Gon had spent time helping him in his attempts to connect with the Living Force. Of course, his bond with Qui-Gon made it easy for him to connect with his Master, but other living beings were another story. He sighed.
"Obi-Wan, you are worrying," Qui-Gon's voice interrupted his gloomy thoughts. "Now is not the time to focus on such matters. Keep your thoughts tuned to what is happening in the moment."
"Yes, Master. It's just that I…"
"You will learn, Padawan. The difficulty of the lesson will make its mastery all the more rewarding."
Obi-Wan knew his Master was right. He also knew Qui-Gon had been reading his thoughts while he had been utterly unaware. He saw the tall Jedi glance at him as they walked and took his cue. He didn't want a second reminder to bring his thoughts under control. With another sigh, he gathered the fragments and tucked them away for later.
Salda was still some distance ahead of them, and Obi-Wan fixed his mind on her. She was slender and young, her dark hair framing plain but pleasant features. And even he could see the deep affection for the royal family that emanated from her. He wondered, as he watched her move through the confusing maze of streets, if he and Qui-Gon would be able to help those she loved so dearly or if their journey had been in vain.
At last, the two Jedi saw Salda slip through the iron scrollwork gates of a small villa on the outskirts of the city. After a few minutes, they followed her, finding themselves in a shady courtyard. The girl had disappeared into the house through an arched doorway just as the gates closed behind them, so they moved to join her in the cool darkness of the home. Like everything they had seen, the interior was graciously appointed.
Salda led them to a comfortable sitting room and hurried to the kitchen for tall glasses of rogatu nectar. When she returned, Qui-Gon began to question her. "Tell us what happened last night, Salda."
The young woman seated herself across from the two Jedi and nervously rubbed her hands. Then she began. "I was in my rooms, working to complete preparations for an upcoming visit of state. The queen had asked me to be sure all the details had been accounted for, so at the end of the workday I took the plans and lists I needed with me. But when I was nearly finished, I realized I had forgotten a few items, so I decided to run down to the queen's office to gather what was missing. The royal family had gone to their private quarters several hours earlier, so I tried to be quiet in order to avoid disturbing them. But when I reached the hallway that intersects theirs, I heard the queen weeping and calling for help. Then the princess began crying. I looked around the corner and saw four men restraining the king while two others were beating him."
At this, tears began to roll down her cheeks and she fought for control. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan glanced at one another but waited patiently. At last she continued, "Two men were holding the queen back. She was struggling against them and shouting for someone to come help. One of the men who was attacking the king turned to the two holding her and ordered them to keep her quiet. Then one of them struck her so hard she would have fallen if the other hadn't been there to hold her up. Princess Calla began screaming for her mother, but another man picked her up and put his hand over her mouth. I ran to get help, but by the time we returned they were gone."
"Did you recognize any of the men?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No. They wore masks," Salda answered.
"And the people haven't been told?" Qui-Gon prodded.
"The king's chief of security thought it would be best if they weren't told. The king has been trying to keep the threats quiet to avoid stirring up fear. He is greatly loved by his people, and until recently he didn't think he and the queen were in any real danger." Salda's face clouded with regret. "Perhaps that was a mistake. If the people had been told…" her voice trailed off.
Qui-Gon's face bore a puzzled expression. "Forgive me, Salda, but we were given to understand there was an uprising among the people. In fact, we were told they were attempting to overthrow the Tieri government. But from what you've said and all that we've seen, the people seem happy and peaceful."
Salda's eyes widened. "I don't know who would say such a thing. The Tieri's are greatly loved and respected. They are gracious and wise, and I have never heard any of their subjects speak badly about them. That's why those in the palace who knew about the threats were so shocked when they heard of them."
"Tell me more about these threats. When did they begin?" Qui-Gon urged the girl to keep talking.
Salda stared at the wall behind the two Jedi as though she were trying to remember details. "It's been nearly two years since the trouble first began," she recalled. "No one ever found out for certain who made the discovery, but that's when Galactic Mining contacted the king. Someone had found tronite in the mountains of the Southern Quadrant, and Galactic wanted to mine it. The king refused."
"Refused?" Obi-Wan questioned. "But that would have brought the planet great wealth."
Salda nodded. "That's what Galactic said. But the king told them the people of Ophir are already wealthy and wish to maintain the old ways. They are happy as they are. Allowing the mines to be built would destroy some of the planet's most beautiful territory and would bring new technologies and modern customs to Ophir. We do not want that.
"For millennia we have remained as we are. Unlike our neighboring star systems, we have retained our identity by holding on to our past. There are few speeders or droids here. Of course, there are no laws against such things, but most people have little desire or interest in their use. We have accepted those advances that we most need, especially in space travel and medicine, but we are not afraid to work with our hands. Our lives are simple, and this has served us well."
"What did Galactic say to the king's second refusal?" Qui-Gon asked.
"They continued to press their case. Finally, the king promised he would give his people a chance to speak. Of course, Galactic thought they had gotten their way; they assumed we would want the mines, but the king knew his subjects too well. The people agreed with the king's decision. After that, Galactic gave up. But then the threats began. The king tried to find out who was responsible for them, but he wasn't able to get many answers. The queen told me he believed someone close to the palace was behind it, but whoever was doing it hid his tracks well.
"Over time, the threats became more serious. They promised that the Tieri's would be removed from power if they continued to prevent Ophir from 'experiencing progress.' But even then the king did not worry."
"What prompted him to contact the Jedi?" Obi-Wan spoke up.
"Someone tried to abduct the princess," Salda explained. "Her caretaker heard her screaming late one night after everyone had gone to bed. She rushed to Princess Calla's room and saw someone carrying the little girl away. When he saw the caretaker, he dropped Calla and ran away. The guards tried to stop him, but he managed to escape. Poor Calla was bruised in several places, but didn't seem to have any serious injuries. Her attacker hit her to keep her quiet, but fortunately, for her, his plan backfired. She was so frightened, she screamed even louder."
Obi-Wan felt the anger and disgust that rippled through his Master and found that his own emotions matched them. Would someone actually attack a child over something so trivial as mining rights?
"How old is the princess?" Qui-Gon wanted to know.
"Nearly five. She was terrified, of course. The queen says she's been having nightmares ever since. The next morning, the king received the final threat. It said if he didn't contact Galactic and reopen negotiations, he, the queen, and the princess would be executed and a new ruler would step in to 'bring Ophir into the glorious future.' The king realized then how serious things had become and that's when he sent word to the Jedi."
Qui-Gon sighed. He sensed the danger the Tieri's were in and knew he and Obi-Wan had little time to find them. He saw Obi-Wan look at him, waiting for his decision on how to proceed. "We'll need to speak to Princess Calla's caretaker and the chief of security," he said at last. "We'll also need to speak to the palace staff, especially anyone on duty at the time of the attack, and find out if anyone saw or heard anything. Our first priority must be rescuing the family. Once they are found, we will provide protection until the person behind the threats is uncovered and things can be set right. Who's in charge in the king's absence?"
"Right now it's Bors Jillin. He's the head of security. But he's already contacted the king's cousin, Lord Nelode, to take control until the royal family can be found. Lord Nelode lives in a large village a day away, so we expect him to arrive sometime tomorrow."
"Salda, we'll need you to get us into the palace and put us in contact first with Jillin and then Lord Nelode. I sense great danger surrounding the Tieri's, and we don't have time to lose."
The young woman quickly rose from her seat. "I thought perhaps you would wish to rest, but if you are ready now, we can leave immediately."
"I think that would be wise." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan got up to leave. "The time for secrecy is past," Qui-Gon instructed. "Take us to the palace by the shortest route, and do not worry about who may or may not see."
Salda nodded and headed for the door, the two Jedi in tow.