Chapter 6 Nar Shaddaa

"Tyrien, I told you we needed him lucid; look at him." Devan objected as she got her first look at the former bounty hunter.

"He will be by the time we reach Myrkr." Tyrien assured her.

"Well, I need him awake now; I need proof that we have him." Devan informed him, "The way he is now, he looks like he might already be dead."

"He's not dead, Devan; I assure you, look." Tyrien kicked Boba in the leg and the boy moaned quietly, "See?"

"That's not the point, you idiot; he'll still look dead on our holo-message." Devan replied.

"You didn't tell me about any holo-message; and don't call me an idiot again." Tyrien answered.

"Well, we'll just have to make the best of it; can you at least rouse him a little?" Devan asked.

"I'll try." Tyrien said as he squatted down next to him and slapped him lightly on the face, "Hey, kid."

Boba moaned and flexed the fingers, "Yeah, that's it; come on, kid." Tyrien said, slapping him again.

"Nnn..." Boba mumbled and tried to raise his head.

Tyrien gave him two more sharp slaps, "A little more, Boba; come on." He said.

"Nnn…" Boba repeated, a little louder this time and shook his head.

"Good! Are you getting this, Devan?" Tyrien asked.

"No; I want him conscious with either Kien or me; they don't even know who you are." Devan said with her hands on her hips.

"Alright, alright; give me another minute." Tyrien replied as he stood up, "I'll be right back."

"Where are you going?" Devan asked.

"To get a stimulant." Tyrien answered.

"Idiot." Devan said when he was gone.

"He didn't know what you planned to do, Devan; cut him a little slack. Besides, we need him right now; he's got our means off this rock; and he did get the kid." Kien replied.

"I suppose you're right; I didn't exactly tell him about recording our message." Devan conceded.

Kien just smiled at her.

Tyrien returned a few minutes later with a tumbler of liquid, "What are you going to do, Tyrien; pour water over him?" Devan asked.
Tyrien laughed, "Only as a last resort; this isn't water." He answered as he handed the tumbler to Kien and squatted down next to Boba.

"What's in this?" Kien asked as he smelled the pungent contents.

"You probably don't want to know; but trust me, it will work." Tyrien answered, "Now, hand it to me and squat down on the other side of him and hold his head still."

Kien did as Tyrien instructed, but Boba involuntarily tossed his head and kicked out trying to free himself.

"This isn't going to work if you can't hold him still; he has to swallow at least some of this." Tyrien said.

"We're running out of time, Tyrien." Devan told him impatiently.

"I know, I know; give me a minute here." Tyrien replied.

Devan shook her head, crossed her arms and tapped her foot as Tyrien thought out what to do.

"Alright, let's try this; Devan you come over where I am." Tyrien said finally and held the cup out to Kien, "Let him go for a moment, Kien and take this again."

"What are you going to do?" Kien asked as he complied.

"Wait a moment while I move." Tyrien said as he moved to kneel straddled over Boba's legs and then lowered himself so that he was sitting on his heels, "Now, he won't be able to kick; give me the cup back and both of you hold his head."

"What are you going to do now?" Devan asked as Boba tried unsuccessfully to pull away again.

"Make him take some of this; tilt his head." Tyrien said as put one hand on the Boba's cheeks, forcing his mouth open just a little and brought the tumbler up to Boba's mouth.

Boba choked down the liquid and strained against the restraints holding his arms, trying to pull away from all of them.

"That should do it." Tyrien announced as he placed the tumbler on the floor and held Boba's knees down before attempting to move off of him, "Alright, let him go."

For a moment, Boba's head remained down, eyes closed as he gagged, then moaned and finally he raised his head and opened his eyes.

"There, you see." Tyrien said triumphantly, "Make your holo-tape, but do it quickly; I'm not sure how long this will last."

Boba blinked, and tried to focus.

Devan wasted no time setting up her recorder before going over and sitting down next to her hostage as Kien recorded the remainder of the message, "Hello, again, Kenobi; I just thought you'd like to see that I really do have what you want." She started, smiling as she patted Boba's head, "I'll give him back to you, but as I said before, you'll have to come to me. Kien and I will be waiting for you on Myrkr, but don't wait too long; I just might get tired of waiting for you, and I don't think the Chancellor would be very happy with the results."

She grabbed a handful of Boba's hair, yanked his head back and made a slashing motion across his neck, "Get the picture?" She finished.

Boba tried to pull away from her, "Nnn…" he protested and then closed his eyes and went limp.

Kien turned the recorder off, "Tyrien?" He said.

"I told you it wouldn't last; he'll be out for a while, but he should be coherent by the time we get to Myrkr." Tyrien assured them after checking the boy.

"He'd better be, or you'll be the one carrying him." Devan warned.

Kien removed the data chip, "Now, where do we leave this so he'll find it?" He asked.

"I'll give it to the bar keeper; they don't usually get Jedi here, so I'm sure Kenobi will stick out like a sore thumb." Devan answered, "I'll be back in a few minutes."

After she had gone, Kien pulled out a pair of binders and clamped them securely to Boba's wrists just above the other bindings; Tyrien eyed him curiously, "Added security; these are stronger than those restraints, we can leave both of them on until we get to Myrkr." Kien explained.

"Don't you think you're overdoing it just a bit?" Tyrien asked.

"You haven't seen this kid fight; when that drug starts wearing off, we'll never be able to undo those restraints holding him to that bar without taking a big chance that he'd get away. Believe me, it's better to already have the binders on so that he hands are never free." Kien informed him.

"Well, the fact that the kid is still recovering might just slow him down, don't you think?" Tyrien pointed out.

"I have no idea; but Devan and I would rather be safe than sorry." Kien replied.

Tyrien shrugged and said, "Suit yourself."

Half an hour later, they were strapped in their seats as Tyrien lifted off and headed for their destination.

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As they came out of hyperspace, Chancellor Organa contacted them with the information about Advar Tyrien. The game, Obi-Wan realized, had just gotten more complicated…and probably more dangerous.

After receiving instructions directing them where to land, (acquiring permission to land on Nar Shaddaa was not needed because most of the visitors there preferred not to have their comings and goings documented) Zak put the ship down.

"Alright, remember; we are not welcome here, so we have to watch our step. Keep a low profile; we are here for information, not to cause trouble." Obi-Wan instructed and then looked at Ferri.

"Don't worry; I'll behave." Ferri assured him.

They secured the ship and entered the town consisting mostly of gambling halls, taverns and businesses catering to other pleasures. They were looking for a particular tavern; according to their Jedi informant, Kien and Devan had visited it on several occasions in the past two days. It didn't take long to find it, and within a quarter of an hour, the four entered 'The Snarling Gundark'. All conversation came to halt and several pair of eyes turned to glare at them hostilely.

"You're not welcome here, Jedi." One of the patrons, a Trandoshan said.

"We are not here to cause trouble; we are only here searching for two people." Obi-Wan assured them and he walked toward the bar, "The sooner we get the information we need, the sooner we will leave."

"Well, what makes you think we want to tell you anything; maybe you're looking for one of us." The patron continued.
Obi-Wan looked over the customers seated around the bar and the various tables, "I assure you, it is none of you." He replied and continued toward the bar.

The Trandoshan grabbed him by the sleeve of his cloak, "It doesn't matter; you're still not welcome here." He told him, threateningly.

Obi-Wan calmly pulled the clawed hand away, "I am well aware of that; and when we are finished with our business here, we will be on our way." He answered just as calmly.

"You'll be dead before you reach the door." The Trandoshan replied, bringing up his other hand to claw his face.

Obi-Wan's Jedi reflexes kicked in and he moved easily out of striking distance, "I don't think so; you had better quit while you're still ahead." He warned.

Ferri, in the meantime, had his hand on the hilt of his weapon, "Don't, Ferri; we are not here to fight." Obi-Wan reminded him.

"But he's…" Ferri started to protest.

"He said 'no', Padawan." Clive said, putting his hand on Ferri's shoulder.

"That's enough, Joko; back off." The bar keeper ordered, "Besides, I think I have something they want; let me give it to them so they can leave."

The Trandoshan bared his fanged teeth, growled at Obi-Wan and then shoved him aside, heading for the door.

Obi-Wan could sense Ferri's anger and was glad that Clive had the boy under control; as to his own apprentice, Zak had remained as calm as his master and now seemed only relieved that the altercation was finished. He moved to the bar, "You said you have some information for us; how do you know who we are looking for?" He asked.

"She said a Jedi named Kenobi would be here asking about her; and she told me to give him this." The bar keeper explained, handing Obi-Wan a data chip. "I'm assuming that's you."

Obi-Wan took the chip, "Yes, that's me; and did she say where she was heading?" He asked.

"Nah; all she said was that I was to give this to the Jedi named Kenobi." The bar keeper answered.

"Was there a man with her, a younger man with red hair?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Oh yeah; they were real chummy those two; especially after one of my customers tried to make a move on her." The bar keeper replied and then laughed, "Boy did she put him in his place."

"Did she?" Obi-Wan raised one eyebrow.

"Yeah, laid him flat on the floor just like that and then they left; he must have laid on the floor a good fifteen minutes before he could get back up, poor guy. Can't say as I blamed him for trying, though; she was a real looker." The bar keeper answered, "Anyway, they were here a couple of times after that and then she came back by herself a couple hours ago and left that chip."

"I see; thank you for the information. One more question; do you know if she and her companion met anyone else? Someone who might have arrived today?" Obi-Wan asked.

"We don't keep track of who comes and goes around here; most everyone likes to keep that information to themselves. I don't even know whether she and her boyfriend are still on Nar Shaddaa; they might have left, but she didn't tell me what their plans were and I didn't ask." The bar keeper replied.

"Yes of course; you have been more helpful than I expected, thank you." Obi-Wan said.

"I want no trouble with the Jedi but if they came looking for it with me, it would a mistake they would regret very quickly; now that you've got what you came for, it might be a good idea to leave." The bar keeper told him.

Obi-Wan could feel Ferri's rage, "We did not come here looking for trouble with you, sir; you have been most helpful and our business here is through." He answered with a smile, nodding his head slightly and turning toward the door.

"Well, you had better keep that one's temper in check; he looks as if he's about to lose it." The bar keeper warned, looking at Ferri.

Obi-Wan glanced at Ferri; the rage Obi-Wan had felt was clearly etched on the Padawan's face. He looked at Clive, appealing to the master to regain control of his apprentice. Clive squeezed Ferri's shoulder and turned him toward the door as he sighed and gave Obi-Wan an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry; we will be sure that he will not lose it here." Obi-Wan promised as he put a hand on Zak's shoulder and guided him to the exit.

Once they were out of the Snarling Gundark, Ferri's temper seemed to cool, if only a little; they were halfway to the ship when they were confronted by the Trandoshan who had accosted Obi-Wan in the tavern.

"I've got some unfinished business with you, Jedi." He said as he stepped in front of Obi-Wan blocking his path.

Obi-Wan handed Zak the chip without taking his eyes from Joko, "The rest of you return to the cruiser; I will join you shortly." He instructed.

Zak took the chip, but protested, "My place is with you."

"Your place is to get that chip safely aboard the cruiser; go now." Obi-Wan told him.

Zak sighed, knowing better than to argue, "Yes, Master." He replied and started to walk past the canine alien.

Joko let him pass; apparently deciding his quarrel was only with Obi-Wan.

"Master Kenobi, I don't think…." Clive objected.

"Return to the ship, Master Maru." Obi-Wan said.

"Very well; come, Ferri." Clive answered, taking Ferri by the shoulder and forcibly pushing him forward.
Keeping half an eye on Joko, Obi-Wan watched as they continued on their way; Zak turned to look back, a worried look on his face. Obi-Wan gave him a reassuring nod and he nodded back before turning around.

"I really think it would be better for you if you did not pursue this; I have no quarrel with you." Obi-Wan said calmly.

"I don't like Jedi; especially ones who poke their noses where they don't belong." Joko replied.

"Well, my nose is not in your business as of yet; so I ask you again not to pursue this." Obi-Wan answered.

"I also don't like it when a Jedi tells me what do to." Joko continued, raising his clawed hand to reveal a vibro-blade.

"I do not wish to fight you." Obi-Wan said as he backed up several steps.

"Backing away, Jedi? I never knew the Jedi were such cowards." Joko replied.

"We aren't; but we would rather not fight if we can avoid it. With you, however; it seems I have little choice." Obi-Wan answered and with a sweep of one hand, threw the Trandoshan into the wall of the nearest building.

Joko slid down the wall and sat slumped, unmoving against it; Obi-Wan shook his head and leaned down to check his life signs, "I did warn you." He said, satisfied that the alien was only stunned.

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Zak greeted his return to the cruiser with relief as he returned the chip, "I knew you would want us to wait until you came to view this." He said.

Obi-Wan sat down and inserted the chip into the viewer; instantly, the images of both hunters came into view, "Hello, Master Kenobi; I'll bet you're not too surprised to be hearing from us again. We have your bounty hunting friend, and if you want him back in one piece, you'll have to come and get him yourself. No, we're not there anymore; but I'm sure you won't mind another little trip. My guess is that you've already checked my home system as well as Kien's." She put her arm around Kien, "So, what difference would one more make? Now, you're probably wondering where we would go; am I right? Kien and I had a difficult time figuring that out until someone told us about Myrkr. I'm sure you're very familiar with that planet, aren't you? If you're not, check around; I'm sure someone will know." She smiled and the image faded, followed by the second message recorded on Tyrien's ship. For a moment, no one said anything.

"Well, this has just become a great deal more dangerous." Obi-Wan finally said.

"Why? Anyone can see she's setting a trap for us; we go there and just hang back until she gets tired of waiting for us and comes out of hiding." Ferri suggested.

"Then she and Kien will kill Boba Fett." Obi-Wan reminded him.

"What difference does it make? He's only a bounty hunter." Ferri pointed out.

Obi-Wan sighed and shook his head, "In the first place, Ferri, he is no longer a bounty hunter; in the second place, he is Chancellor Organa's adopted son and lastly, and most important, regardless of who he is or isn't, his life is just as important as anyone else's." He corrected, "As a Jedi, you should already know that."

Ferri crossed his arms, "Fine, so we go spring Carlyle's trap and rescue that kid; no big deal, we're Jedi it shouldn't be that hard." He said.

"How much of Master Nu's teachings did you actually learn, Ferri?" Clive asked.

"Enough, what difference does it make?" Ferri answered defensively.

"Well, this was a rather important lesson, Padawan." Clive said, "Why don't you tell us why going to Myrkr will be dangerous, Zak?"

Zak took one look at Ferri, shook his head and looked down at the floor, "I can't." He replied.

Obi-Wan sighed, "There is a reptile on Myrkr that has the exceptional ability to push the Force away. When there is more than one of these animals in an area, they create pockets where there is no Force; there are some places on Myrkr where these pockets void of the Force cover several square kilometers." He explained.

"In addition, there is a Force sensitive predator there that will attack other Force sensitive beings that are not the same species because they view them as competition for food." Clive added.

"Oh." Ferri answered and then looked at Zak, "And I suppose you know all about that too; don't you." He said sarcastically.

Zak nodded without looking at him.

"Yes, I thought so; well, I don't think we should go, it's too dangerous." Ferri told them.

"We will do what the Council tells us to do." Clive said.

Obi-Wan contacted the Temple to inform them what had transpired and the Jedi Council called an emergency meeting to decide how best to proceed. Within half an hour, they handed down their decision. Clive and Ferri were to accompany Obi-Wan and Zak to Myrkr in an attempt to rescue Boba Fett and arrest Devan, Kien and Tyrien, who was presumably with them. The Council had also notified Chancellor Organa who had ordered several squads of Clone troopers to meet them on Myrkr, however because of the distance, they would be several hours behind them. Because Devan had made it clear that they would kill Boba if they delayed too long, it would be necessary to begin their search before the troopers arrived. They were to use extreme caution and never split off alone as they searched the planet. Although he said nothing, Ferri was clearly unhappy about the Council's ruling; without a word, he strapped himself in as Obi-Wan and Zak started the launch sequence. The idea that they were risking their lives to rescue this bounty hunter revolted him. He decided if it came down to him and that kid, his own life was more important. Ferri Cortis would survive on Myrkr no matter what the cost.