Chapter 18 Hostages

Moran had left as soon as the transmission with Devan had ended. He took one of the swoop bikes they had parked next to the cabin and concealed it in a clump of bushes near the estate. Scouting the perimeter around the grounds, he determined the best place to penetrate the security. Moran found it interesting that none of the Clones patrolling the grounds were dressed in the familiar body armor; but then realized that this was, after all, a private residence not a war zone and the presence of armored Clones would not be conducive to that peaceful endeavor. A single Clone guarded an area near a small stand of bushes and Moran moved stealthily toward him. When he was within striking distance, he pulled a knife and a wad of cloth from his belt and sprang out next to the Clone. As the Clone reacted, Moran brought his blade up and rammed it into the Clone's chest. As the Clone's mouth opened to cry for help, Moran shoved the cloth in, preventing the Clone from crying out. The Clone's eyes, shocked at first, soon glazed over as the life left his body. Moran eased him silently to the ground and dragged him into the bushes; after pulling the knife from the Clone's chest, taking his binders and his weapon, he moved toward the manor, keeping in the shadows to prevent detection.

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Zak was limping again as he guided Boba the last meter to the speeder he and his master had hidden. He had removed the brace because it restricted his movement, and now he was feeling the burning fatigue in his still-weakened leg muscles. Fortunately, for him, the speeder was just ahead and Boba had begun to get enough feeling back in his legs and feet to be able, with a little support from Zak, to move fast enough to keep up with him. When they reached the speeder, Zak tried contacting the central com and then when that failed, Ged's personal com without success, had Boba's fear been realized? Was Moran there now, holding them all hostage? He shook his head and could not even look at Boba, "I can't reach anyone there." He said. "I'm sorry, Boba."

"Maybe there's just something wrong with your com." Boba replied as he awkwardly pulled himself into the speeder.

"No, there's something else wrong; I can sense it now." Zak told him.

"Well, if Moran's there, we'll just have to take care of him; this is not your fault, Zak." Boba assured him.

Zak said nothing further as he hopped into the pilot seat and started the engine. As soon as Boba was situated, Zak gunned it and headed out. As Zak maneuvered the speeder, Boba flexed his fingers to get the circulation going so that he would be able to help Zak if they had to face Moran, probably Devan and possibly Micah if Moran had succeeded in freeing him.

"I'm sorry, Boba; I should have guessed that Devan would have her own com." Zak said suddenly.

Boba put a hand on his arm, "I told you, I don't think this was your fault and it will be alright, Zak." He replied.

"I hope so." Zak answered.

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Moran did a cursory check of the estate grounds; Devan had been right, the area here was extensive and would take far too long to search. He would just have to speed up the process; he pulled out his com, "Devan?"

There was a short pause before Devan answered, "Moran? What are you doing? I thought you said I was supposed to contact you in the morning." She asked.

"Well, I need you now; there's no way I'm going to find Micah on my own." Moran answered.

"What do you want me to do, Moran? I can't leave the house, it would look suspicious." Devan told him.

"I don't want you to come out of the house; I want you to let me in." Moran replied.

"Are you crazy? Why would you want to come in? Micah is not in the house." Devan said.

"I know that, Devan; but I still don't know where he is. Now, Organa knows and I think I just might be able to…persuade him to tell me." Moran explained.

"Oh, I see; alright, I believe there's a door in the back near the kitchen. Try going through the gardens; that should lead you right to it." Devan directed.

"You know a great deal about the layout of the house; what did you do, scout it out before you went in?" Moran asked.

"Well, of course; you don't think I'm going to step into hostile territory before I see what my options are do you?" Devan answered.

"No, you are smarter than that. Where are the Jedi and his cub?" Moran asked.

"I don't know; more than likely down with the Chancellor. Say, I thought you said he was banged up pretty good. He seemed to be getting along alright when I saw him." Devan informed him.

"All I know is what Micah told me this morning. He said the Jedi wasn't even up to coming down for breakfast. I guess he made a quicker recovery than we thought he would. It doesn't matter….uh oh; I just thought of something. If I come in to get Micah and the Jedi is there, it will spoil the hunt." Moran realized.

"No it won't; we could just take him with us when we leave. I'm sure the Chancellor won't object if we give him a good reason not to." Devan said.

"Oh, you are the clever one; yes, that just might work. I'll meet you at that kitchen door in about ten minutes." Moran replied.

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The sound of the speeder could be clearly heard from the cabin and Kien turned his attention toward that sound, "Orlan, you never told me you had a speeder stashed out here. Isn't that against the rules of the hunt?" Kien said to himself, "I guess when Moran finds out that will leave me to take the prize."

"Oh, I don't think so." Someone said behind him.

Kien whirled around and found himself facing his quarry, "Jedi! What are you…you're not supposed to be here until morning." He exclaimed in shock.

"Well, I decided to get the hunt started a little early." Obi-Wan asked.

"That's cheating; Moran will…." Kien began.

"Moran? Oh, yes, the keeper. Well, my cub and the boy you kidnapped will take care of him; that speeder you heard was them." Obi-Wan informed him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. What boy?" Kien claimed.

"No, I didn't think you'd admit to it; nevertheless, your friend, Moran, will be dealt with." Obi-Wan answered.

"You're a bold one just walking in here. There are three of us here." Kien said.

Obi-Wan laughed, "Really? I only see one of you; where are the other two?" He asked.

"They're here; and circling around you right now." Kien lied.

"Well, you see, I know that is not true. Your friend, Devan, is being held at the Chancellor's manor and Orlan; well, let's just say he is indisposed." Obi-Wan replied.

"Alright, I'll admit Devan's not here; but Orlan is." Kien admitted, "Orlan!"

"I'm afraid he's tied up at the moment, so it's just the two of us." Obi-Wan said, smiling.

"No; no, you're wrong….Orlan!" Kien called a little desperately as he backed up and raised his weapon.

"Oh, now; you're not going to try and shoot me, are you, Kien? Because I have already been shot and I didn't like it very much." Obi-Wan told him, bringing his lightsaber up.

Kien backed up another step and cocked the slug thrower, "Looks like I've won." He said confidently.
With a shake of his head, Obi-Wan swung at the weapon, slicing it in two at the butt end and taking the tips of Kien's fingers with it. Kien screamed in pain, dropping the remains of it and clutching his wounded hand as he fell to his knees.

"Get up." Obi-Wan ordered as he grabbed Kien's collar and pulled him to his feet.

"It hurts, Jedi; please…" Kien whimpered.

"I am sorry about that; and when the Chancellor's men come for you, I'm sure they will do something about it. Right now, just move." Obi-Wan told him as he pushed him into the trees and over to where he had left Orlan.

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Devan opened the door quietly and Moran slipped in, pulling a blaster from his belt, "Where's your weapon, Devan?" He asked in a whisper.

"I didn't bring one; how would it appear if I walked in here trying to play the damsel in distress carrying a slug thrower?" Devan whispered.

"It wouldn't be because you dropped it?" Moran asked.

"No; of course not." Devan answered.

"Well, here; the guy I took this from isn't going to need it anymore." Moran said holding out the blaster he had taken from the sentry he had killed.

"Whoa, wait just a minute; that's breaking the rules, I can't use a blaster, remember?" Devan whispered, taking a step back and holding her hands up.

"Don't be a fool, Devan; this isn't part of the hunt." Moran told her.

"Listen, you wanted me to let you in; I'm a hunter and this business with the Chancellor has nothing to do with me." Devan answered.

"Take the weapon and help me, Devan and I'll see to that you are well rewarded." Moran ordered.

Devan hesitated a moment longer considering Moran's offer before taking the weapon and saying, "All right, Moran; now that I think about it, this could be fun."

"Good girl, lead the way." Moran replied.

Devan lead him through the kitchen, down the hallway to the dining room and then out into the entrance hall. A light shone under the door in the sitting room, and they could hear voices. With Moran taking the lead, they entered the room.

"Well, well, Chancellor Organa; I am so pleased to meet you." Moran said as he held his blaster up.

Bail stood up from his seat next to Breha, "Who are you, and how did you get in here?" He demanded.

"Oh, I'm sorry; how rude of me not to introduce myself. Devan was commenting on my lack of manners just recently. I am Moran, keeper of the hunt; and of course, you have already met the charming Devan. She was kind enough to let me in." Moran replied amiably.

"Your room was guarded, Devan; how did you manage that?" Bail said.

"Well, he got tired and decided to have a little nap in my room." Devan answered, smiling sweetly.

"What do you want?" Bail asked, "Have you come to take Master Kenobi?"

"Well, that's not exactly what I've come for, but when we're ready to leave, I will expect him to come with us….where is he?" Moran asked.

"Not here; he and his apprentice went to find the boy you abducted." Bail told them.

"That's cheating; the hunt wasn't supposed to start until tomorrow; Devan, I thought you told me they were going to wait." Moran said.

"Well, I…I…I'm confused; I thought…the Jedi told me…but the cub said…I think they tricked me." Devan realized.

"Clever, this Kenobi; well it doesn't matter. If he went out tonight, the other two hunters will take care of him." Moran replied nonchalantly.

"You still haven't told us what you want." Bail said.

"No, I haven't, have I. Well, first things first; are there anymore Clones in the house?" Moran asked.

"Why should I tell you anything?" Bail responded.

"Because if you don't; Devan, is going to shoot your pretty little queen." Moran warned, "Now, sit right back down there, Chancellor, and tell me how many more men are in your house."

Bail sat down and put his arm around Breha, "Only two; the one guarding Devan and my commander, Ged." He told them.

"Only two? Come now, Chancellor; surely there are more than that." Moran replied skeptically.

"No, the rest are on the grounds; we never keep men in the house, it makes our daughter nervous." Bail explained. "What do you want?"

"I see; alright, I'll take your word on that. I want you to call your commander Ged in here." Moran instructed, "And no funny business or you'll be sorry."

Bail nodded and patted his wife's leg before he reached for the intercom button on the end table next to him, "Ged, could you come into the sitting room? I have something to discuss with you." He said and then looked up at Moran, "There, are you satisfied?"

"That was fine, just fine; you did real good." Moran told him with a smile, "Devan, you hit him the minute he comes in the door."

"No problem, Moran." Devan replied.

"Now, I suppose while we're waiting for the commander, I might just as well let you know why I'm here. I'v come for my brother." Moran said.

"You're brother? I have no idea…" Bail began.

"Micah; oh don't look so shocked, Chancellor. You already know he was working for me; Devan told me. Oh, I see; of course, you didn't know he was my brother. Well, surprise." Moran replied at the same moment Ged walked in and Devan clubbed him in the side of the head with her blaster.

"Very nice, Devan." Moran complimented as the com on Ged's belt activated.

"Commander, this is Zak; are you there? Commander? Can you hear me?" Zak voice sounded.

"Well, it's the cub, he must be trying to warn you; how sweet. Now break that, Devan. We wouldn't want any accidental transmissions now would we?" Moran said.

Devan removed the com dropped it on the floor and smashed it underneath her heel and then took the blaster and tucked it into her belt.

"Good, now that there won't be anymore interruptions, let's talk about where my brother is." Moran requested pleasantly.

"Moran, I almost forgot; there is someone else in the house." Devan remembered.

"What's that all about, Chancellor; who else is here? You said there were only two guards." Moran demanded.

"There are….or were; the only person left in the house besides our daughter is…is a friend of mine; he is no threat." Bail answered.

"Yeah, he's probably right, Moran; he's just a doctor, I met him when I came here." Devan confirmed.

"Where is he?" Moran asked.

"I am right here; who are you people?" Haris asked as he kneeled down to check Ged.

"Ah, nice of you to join us, Doctor; we were just about to talk about where my brother is." Moran replied.

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"Zak?" Obi-Wan's voice sounded over Zak's com.

Boba took the com, "Master Kenobi; this is Boba. Zak tried to raise someone at the house but no one was answering." He told him.

"I just tried to contact Ged and his com is dead; but I want you to keep trying. I have taken care of Kien and am on my way." Obi-Wan replied.

"But you're on foot, Master Kenobi; it will be too late by the time you get here." Boba answered.

"I will not be on foot; there is a swoop bike here. I want you both to go in only if you feel it's necessary…and Boba, only if you are up to it." Obi-Wan instructed.

"Yes sir; only if it's necessary and I will try to reach someone there again." Boba repeated.

"Very good; I will join you as soon as I can." Obi-Wan ended.

"I'm going to try the house again, Zak." Boba said.

Zak nodded without answering as he pushed the speeder to go a little faster.

"Chancellor?" Boba said into the com.

Silence.

"Lady Breha?"

Silence.

"Dr. Averill?"

Silence.

"Anyone? Come on, someone talk to me." Boba said becoming desperate.

"Boba?" A little voice asked tentatively.

"Gemma? Gemma! Baby, where is everyone?" Boba asked, relieved and worried at the same time.

"Umm…downstairs." Gemma replied.

"Gemma, tell Boba why no one came to the com when Sackie called the first time." Boba instructed, trying to sound calm.

"Busy; they're busy; and Geddie's taking a nap." Gemma told him.

"Busy? What are they doing, Gemma?" Boba asked.

"Talkin' to a man and a funny lookin' lady." Gemma answered.

"Funny looking lady; why is she funny looking?" Boba asked.

"She's got a big nose and….AHHH…NO….Boba!" Gemma was suddenly cut off and Boba could hear indistinct voices and a brief struggle before the com went dead.

"That's it; I promised Master Kenobi that we wouldn't go in unless we had to. Now we have to." Boba decided.

"Yes." Zak agreed.

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After pushing Kien down against a tree and tying his hands behind it, and trying unsuccessfully to contact Ged, he scouted hoping to find some means to get him to the mansion sooner; he had been lucky, a pair of swoop bikes sat up against the cabin. He contacted Zak and Boba and instructed them to wait for him and then went back to check on Kien and Orlan. Orlan was struggling to free himself; mumbling through the gag to Kien. Kien had little to say to the older man but said to Obi-Wan when he reappeared, "My hand hurts, Jedi; please, untie me. I promise I won't hurt you or anything."

"Right; I think I like you just where you are. I will bandage your hand before I leave; and when I have taken care of your friend, Moran, I will send someone to come and get you." Obi-Wan told him, as he crouched down behind him, ripped a piece of Kien's tunic, "Hey! Did you have to do that? Do you know how much that cost me?" Kien objected.

"It doesn't matter; you won't be able to wear it where you are going." Obi-Wan replied as he wrapped the scrap of cloth around Kien's hand and tied it. "There, that should keep until someone comes for you."

He stood up and then leaned against the tree until the wave of dizziness passed. He could hear Orlan's muffled laugh and Kien strained to see what he was laughing about.

"What's the matter, Jedi? A little dizzy? That might slow you down a little." Kien laughed.

"Someone will come for you when this is over." Obi-Wan repeated almost immediately and turned back out of the trees where he had left the swoop.

He started the engine, praying that Boba and Zak would wait and then took off.

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While Moran stood watch, Devan secured the unconscious Ged's hands behind his back using his own binders. Then did the same with Haris using the binders she had taken off her guard before shoving him down into a chair.

"Get up, Chancellor, you're next; and don't try anything or I'll shoot your wife." Moran ordered.

Bail complied, knowing he had little choice and Moran handed Devan the binders he had taken from the murdered guard.

"Even if you manage to escape from here, there is no place you can hide." Bail told them.

"Well, we'll just see about that." Devan whispered seductively in his ear as she finished and pushed him back down.

"Now, this is nice, isn't it? Are all of you comfortable? I'm sorry, your majesty; there wasn't enough binders to go around and we felt it was more important to secure the men here. You don't feel left out, do you?" Moran asked in that pleasant tone of voice. "Now, go check the rest of the house; I don't think I'm going to have any trouble from these nice folks."

"Have you no morals at all?" Breha asked.

Moran grinned at her, "No, Madam; not a one." He said.

"You make me sick." Breha replied with disgust.

"Oh, now that hurts my feelings; you should really control your wife, Chancellor. She has a sharp tongue." Moran retorted, "Go on, Devan."

Devan nodded, patted the top of Bail's head and left.

"Look what I found." Devan declared, dragging a fighting, screaming Gemma into the room.

"By the maker, let her go." Bail demanded as he struggled against the binders.

"Shut up, Chancellor; no one's going to hurt her. Devan let her go." Moran ordered.

Devan released her and she ran to Breha who wrapped her arms around the frightened little girl and drew her up to her lap; hugging her tightly, "Hush now; it's alright." She said comfortingly as she glared angrily at Devan.

"She was talking to the bounty hunter; he must have gotten away, Moran." Devan explained.

"Well, I guess that means we'll have more company, doesn't it." Moran replied. "Now, I suggest you tell me where my brother is; or I will be forced to shoot this pretty little girl."

Bail sighed and shook his head. "He's in the garden shed." He admitted.

"There; see how easy that was. Now, the good doctor here is going to come and show me where that shed is." Moran said, pulling Haris up by one arm. "And no tricks; Devan, if I'm not back in fifteen minutes, shoot them all."

"You got it, Moran." Devan replied with a smile.