Genesis

by B. L. Lindley-Anderson

Qui-Gon was walking to his quarters. His mind was far from them however. He was thinking over Jareel's odd behavior and Daven's reaction…and his admission that he could say nothing more than what the big blonde Jedi had already said. There was something more to be said then. However, Jareel seemed determined to hide it. That only made Qui-Gon more determined to find out what had happened on his friend's mission…that needed to be hidden.

He stopped and tapped in the lock code on the keypad next to his door. It slid aside with a whisper of noise. The knight walked in and settled himself on the sofa. He removed one boot and was just about to kick the other off when the comm unit on his desk sounded. Qui-Gon leaped up and hobbled quickly, one boot on and one boot off. He hoped to get to it before the answering device took over to record a message.

"Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Qui-Gon, glad you were there."

"Finis, how are you? Good to hear from you."

"I'm well. Mei sends her best. How about you? In top Jedi form, I'm sure."

The knight laughed. His friend never gave up his hazing about the Jedi thinking they were above "mere mortals". "Well…you have declared yourself the knowledgeable one about such things. And I certainly wouldn't dream of contradicting you…"

"That's very wise of you." Chancellor Valorum paused only seconds to hear Qui-Gon's reaction, then he pressed on before the Jedi could side track him. "I know this comes late, but my schedule changes as rapidly as the traffic control signals. I've had a date change for a reception…at the last moment. Seems a senator had to dash back to his planet to…ah…check on his assets after a coup took place."

"I'm sure that he is quite concerned about his people and government as well."

"Sure, of course. Did I say otherwise?" Valorum said in an overly innocent voice.

"Again, I wouldn't dream of contradicting you," Qui-Gon grinned and tried to hold back his laugh.

"Back to the real point. Since Mei and I have a free evening now, I was wondering if it's too late to invite you and Obi-Wan over for supper."

"Well…no, not at all. We'd be pleased…and if Obi-Wan has already eaten…somehow I don't think he'd mind a second helping."

Valorum chuckled. "Fine. I'll let Tillia know he's coming. See you shortly?"

"As soon as I can locate Obi-Wan."

"I'll get it!" the voice called out. Then a blur flashed through a couple of rooms, resolving itself into a girl as it became stationary at the door. For anyone to get this close to the supreme chancellor's penthouse, he or she would had to have gone through several security check points. Knowing this, Tillia didn't hesitate to open the door…especially when she knew who was most likely on the other side.

"Obi-Wan," she said in joy, then remembered herself with a blush. "Please come in. Hello Master Qui-Gon."

"Ms. Valorum," Obi-Wan said with a bow as he stepped in, causing the girl's face to turn a darker red.

"Well, we don't need a servant to answer the door for us," Mei said as she walked in. "It's so good to see you again, Qui-Gon." She held out a hand to him. "And you also, Obi-Wan. Please come this way. Finis must be hungry. He never goes into the kitchen…except to harass the cook when a meal isn't done quickly enough for him."

Obi-Wan grabbed Tillia from behind and hoisted her into his arms. "I've got something for you," he said. "A present from another planet we went to…a little while ago."

"You're ruining my sweet innocent daughter. Spoiling her rotten with gifts. Now she expects something every time anyone comes here…including me." Finis Valorum stood tall and regal in a long royal blue tunic and pants with a maroon cummerbund. He had his hands on his hips and a lock of mock anger on his face.

"You're spoiling my apprentice with all this rich food," Qui-Gon countered. "We never eat like this at the temple. Obi-Wan is never satisfied for days after we've had a meal with the Valorums."

Obi-Wan and Tillia both seemed uncomfortable with all the attention. Qui-Gon smiled and put a hand on his padawan's shoulder. "Well…show her the gift."

The girl quickly ripped wrapping paper away and opened a box to reveal a shiny dark stone with flecks of lighter minerals scattered in it. "Ohhh," she said as she withdrew it slowly, a chain coming behind it.

"I found it on the planet and had it made into a pendant for you. Do you like it?"

"Oh yes, Obi-Wan!" Tillia threw her arms around his neck.

Finis came close to Qui-Gon and lowered his voice. "She might get him after all. She certainly seems to have stolen his heart." He grinned. "But, I can't think of a finer young man for her to be wooed by."

"Wooed?" Qui-Gon said. "She's still a bit young for that, isn't she?"

"She doesn't think so."

"All right, young lady," Mei said as they lingered at the table. "I think it's time for you to get to bed. Tomorrow is a school day."

"Yes, Mom," Tillia answered neutrally. She wanted to disagree but knew the penalty for it…and didn't want to be embarrassed before their guests.

"Do you need help?"

"Mo-ther, please," she replied indignantly. Then the girl made her rounds telling her parents and the two Jedi good night and giving each a hug.

"Come," Finis said. "Let's go in the den. We can have coffee in there and talk for a while."

"What are you grinning about?" Mei looked askance at her husband.

"Oh…I was just thinking. Remembering…the old days. Tillia reminds me so much of you, especially when we met. Doesn't she, Qui-Gon?"

"Tillia is rather like her mother," the Jedi answered.

"Oh, you two," Mei said as she walked into the den and settled on the sofa. "Tillia is nothing like me." With a straight face she went on, "She's much more determined, firm, and confident than I was."

Valorum laughed heartily. "How can you say that? I'll never forget our first meeting. Speaking of determined, firm and confident." He turned to look at Qui-Gon. "You remember, don't you?"

"How could I forget? I have to say, looking back that I am amazed that you two get along as well as you do. I had doubts for a long time that your relationship would last." He shook his head. "Still married and still happy after all these years. I never would have believed it after that first meeting."

"I have to admit, I agree with you," Valorum said. "I wondered myself."

"And I," Mei added.

"Uh…excuse me," Obi-Wan said quietly. "Uh…was it really that bad when you two met?"

Qui-Gon chuckled, "It was like a dewback and a bantha."

"You've never told the boy about it?" Finis asked. "Never told him about how the three of us met the first time? About you…your hair cut…and how that, that…bureaucrat used you?"

Now Obi-Wan was very interested. "Used him? What do you mean?"

"Qui-Gon," he shook his head, "you didn't tell your apprentice stories when he was a kid?"

"Well, yes, I did. I told him stories about some of the old Jedi masters and about…"

"Ah! I should have known you would do that. You didn't tell him any of the good stories because Jedi don't do that sort of thing…craving adventure and all that. Obi-Wan, you have to hear this one. You have to know how your master…and Mei almost fell for each other," he grinned.

"What?" Obi-Wan said in shock.

"Finis!" Mei said.

"Please tell me," Obi-Wan said as he sat forward in his chair.

"Okay…I had to have some help to get the first part of this right. I didn't believe Qui-Gon when he told me he never made a pass at Mei. So I had to ask someone who was there when they were sent on their mission."

"Finis…"

"Shh! Let me think. Now…Mei had been asked to go…no, that's not right. The second time she volunteered…"

Qui-Gon Jinn sat with big hands resting in his lap. He was concentrating on his breathing. It was the way to keep from worrying. It was what he should do. The young man was trying to remember all the lessons from his master about focus. It was with a mix of longing, nostalgia, and determination that he regarded the lessons. The Jedi was on his second mission after being knighted. He was proud to have been chosen for this important mission. Then rebuked himself sharply at once. He should not allow pride to seep in. However, he also, deep within himself, down where no one else could see, felt doubt. After all, this was important…and he was not very experienced…at least not on his own. As a padawan he had faced many negotiations at his master's side and contributed readily and deftly. Qui-Gon knew he could not allow these feelings to dominate him. He must control them…and now while he still had the luxury of time. Once the transport arrived at Quirila he would have to concentrate on what would happen there and his focus would have to be more automatic. The new knight could not simply call a halt to the talks so he could make sure he was in tune with the Force. That was the example from his master that he was putting attention on just now…being in connection with the Force while his awareness was on another subject.

"Easier will it become," Yoda had told him. "That is why practice you must. With practice will it become automatic. Fill you the Force will because open yourself to it you do. Then leave you it will not unless close your mind to its leading you do." The diminutive green master pushed home his point by assigning his padawan a complex task and then suddenly stopping him in the middle of it to check his connection with the Force. It was annoying to Qui-Gon at first. Just when he would be deep in concentration, his master would stop him and begin interrogating him with what seemed irrelevant questions at the time. However, over the years the odd teaching technique did its job. Qui-Gon was sure of his relationship to the Force…most of the time. He realized that he still had much to learn. Just because he was now a knight didn't mean it was time to quit being a student. That was another point Master Yoda had made sure his padawan understood. Qui-Gon was a quick study and it had not taken him long to understand there was yet much to know even though no longer an apprentice. If he had doubted it, his first solo mission as a knight removed those doubts. Yoda assured him he had done well. However, in retrospect all young Qui-Gon could see were his mistakes, not his successes.

"Learn from your mistakes you must, but let them posses you, you must not! Find the balance. See what you accomplished, but without pride. Recognize what went wrong…and learn why."

The young knight reached up and ran a hand through his short chestnut hair. The padawan cut was beginning to acquire length, but it was still short and stuck straight out, looking as if the man had too much static charge in his hair. That was far from his thoughts however, as he ran his master's words again and again through his mind.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" A voice intruded on his reverie.

Qui-Gon looked up, slowly coming out of his trance. A pretty young woman stood before him. He remembered being introduced to her. Mei Lera, a member of the negotiating team. The Republic and the Jedi council had decided to combine forces and sent a group of seasoned diplomats, supplemented by the knight. He would be key to the success of the talks because of his strong connection to the living Force. Qui-Gon could read people well. His instincts about other beings were sharp and sure. The race they would be negotiating with was infamous for their ability to confer while plotting ambush, attack or revenge. The Republic practically begged for a Jedi to "read" the group who finally agreed to the talks.

"Not at all," he replied. "Please."

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Mei asked as she sat down. Her long brown hair was pulled back tightly into a neat bun. She wore just enough make up to compliment her natural good looks. A faint clean fresh scent of her minimal perfume reached Qui-Gon's nose. Mei was not a token female. She was an experienced and able negotiator…a tough one many had said. The petite woman had faced down some ugly, barbaric beings…and won the respect of some. He had heard the word "spitfire" among the men on the negotiating team when they spoke of her.

"No," he answered. "I was just thinking," he said impassively. Qui-Gon was still trying to figure out politicians…on both sides of disputes. He found dealing with them easier if he gave away little about himself and what was going on in his mind. That gave him the advantage of sensing what emanated from the politicos, while not giving them clues about himself.

"Oh, were you only thinking or were you meditating?" Her interest seemed genuine. So many who didn't understand the Force seemed to enjoy taunting Jedi about their mysticism. A trait common to bureaucrats. However, Mei seemed in earnest.

"Some of both," the knight allowed. "Thinking about our mission and making sure I am ready."

"Oh, I'm sure you are," she smiled. "I'm sure the council wouldn't have assigned you otherwise. They recognize the sensitivity of this situation. If you are concerned because you think the others question your ability as a young negotiator…"

"No. I cannot allow myself to be distracted by others' doubts. I was merely trying to be sure of my link with the Force. It will be important."

"Yes, it will. The Narans are very devious. We will very much need your abilities. This is not the first diplomatic group to travel to their planet. Most of the mediators in the previous group were killed, either outright or tortured. They were accused of spying for the Narans' enemies, the Kleites."

Mei spoke so automatically about the situation. Qui-Gon couldn't help but wonder if it was her much-spoken-of control…or if she didn't completely understand the situation. None of mediators could afford to go into this naïvely.

"You understand the implications? That you could be killed or tortured."

The light faded from her dark eyes. "Yes," she said in determination. "I understand it completely. I told you most of the mediators were killed. I was one who was not. I was tortured and sent back to Coruscant as proof of what they had done. Would you like to see verification of my statement? I can show you the scar. It still says 'spy' on my back. Burned into me while another raped me." Mei turned away from the Jedi and stared at the wall. "I understand the implications better than you do."

There was a long silence. "I'm very sorry, Ms. Lera. I did not mean to offend you. Your manner is so calm that I did not understand."

As if a switch were turned, she was back to her pleasant, diplomatic demeanor. "I understand, but I have to be calm about it. I have trained myself to be. If I allow myself to suffer instead of coming to terms with it, then they have won the victory. By learning to overcome the past, I win the victory."

Now the young Jedi understood the high esteem Mei was held in. She was a very strong woman as well as an able diplomat. He stared at her in admiration. Perhaps he could learn some things from her. Learn wherever you can. Lessons come from other than the Jedi also. That and the story she had told were on his mind and he didn't realize he continued to stare.

"Am I now an oddity in your sight? Spoiled goods? Frail helpless woman? Tough bitch? Let's see…what other descriptions have they used about me?" She tapped her chin as she thought.

"No Ms. Lera. You are not an oddity. You are a rare person. I know you will be of value to our mission." It was the most compliment that he felt comfortable with. This was a situation he had not been in before and was not at all prepared for it.

She smiled a little. "Overly defensive. I know. Funny isn't it? I can accept what happened to me on Quirila better than I can others' reaction to it. My apologies."

"Not necessary. It was traumatic and trauma is hard to deal with no matter who you are…or what you are."

Mei sat back in her chair. "I think I'm going to like you, Qui-Gon Jinn. Your viewpoint is very refreshing among these stuffy and very prejudiced diplomatic types." Then she became serious. "You've heard about past efforts to negotiate and the results. What do you think our chances are?"

He was genuinely surprised that she was so interested in his inexpert opinion. "I think you probably understand that much better than I do…especially since you have…dealt with these people before."

"However, my experience with them colors my judgment. You can be more objective."

The knight was silent as he considered. He intertwined his fingers and rested his hands in his lap. "To be honest, I don't expect it to go well. The Narans are treacherous and they really do not want these negotiations. They seem to…relish their conflict with the Kleites. It is hard to impress any thing on a race which does not desire it." That was a lesson he had learned well, the hard way, as a padawan.

"You think we are wasting our time?"

"Well, no. I didn't say that." He suddenly felt defensive but tried not to react to the feeling. "I said it would be difficult, not impossible." The young man was trying to sense Mei. What was her game…and he was sure that as a bureaucrat she had one. Was this a test of the new knight, to see how he would handle pressure? Just as he'd felt it was "safe" to talk with the strong woman, she changed tacks and now he decided to withdraw back into his shell.

"Good. You do understand the situation well. You will be more helpful than a yes man. There is a peace keeping force there now, sent by the Republic. So hostilities have quieted…some. Both sides have broken the ceasefire. The Republic forces have their hands full."

Qui-Gon merely nodded his head, uncertain of what response to give. He reached up to where his braid had been. It used to be a habit of his to toy with it in times of uncertainty. It gave his nervous hands something to do…until he remembered to re-focus on the Force. It was hard to get used to it not being there after all the years of having be careful of the tail getting caught. The young man put his hand on his knee and drew in a breath.

Mei was looking over some notes she had made for herself. "Commander Finis Valorum is in charge of the peace keepers there. I know his family lineage has quite a reputation in the Senate. I've heard he is a good pilot."

"That is what I have heard as well," he replied more just to have something to say than to add to the conversation. His wariness was in place now.

"Hmph. Hotshot pilots. Arrogant jerks in my experience," she muttered without looking up. Then the subject was changed instantly. "We should arrive tomorrow. It will be a taxing mission however it comes out."

Qui-Gon again ran his hand through his stubby hair unconsciously. His mind was not on what Mei was saying. Something in the Force drew his attention. The knight suddenly felt distressed. He had a bad feeling. The Force was trying to tell him something. He just wasn't able to fully comprehend it at the moment. Patience you must have. In its own time does the Force reveal itself. Focus on it you must instead of your desire to know more. Qui-Gon drew in another breath and allowed the Force to fill him with peace.

No one on the transport understood better than Mei the need to be careful of the Narans. The diplomatic team had not made even a sign that they intended to leave the craft yet. They were still waiting an acknowledgment from the governor of this province. Even though these people were not trustworthy, without assurances from the government for their safety, the team would not set a toe on the planet surface.

"You know them, Mei," a tall middle-aged man said. "What do you think is going on?"

"They are testing us," she answered tersely. "The governor would like nothing better than to have reason to arrest us. He's waiting to see how long we'll wait before we disembark."

"We could be sitting here for days then," he said in frustration. "I'm going…by myself. The rest of you stay here. I'll go on to the governor's mansion."

"Don't do it, Bara!" the woman said firmly as she grasped his elbow. "You'll be killed."

"I know why you think so…but I don't think they would so lightly kill the head diplomat for the Republic."

"If you believe that, you are a fool," Mei said calmly. "He would kill you for no reason. If you give him a reason, you just speed your death."

"I must agree with her," Qui-Gon spoke up.

Bara turned to face the knight. "You? And what do you know of the Narans? You've never dealt with them before. You've never dealt with a lot of things before." He raised an eyebrow and turned away.

"Sir, I was asked to come because of what I could sense from these people. Even here, inside the transport, outside the city, I can feel the hatred from these people. It is a free-floating hatred, not directed at one specific thing. I have to think they will take it out on whatever is convenient."

The man scoffed. "I'd listen to him, Bara," Mei replied. "He knows what he is talking about. Even if you think him too inexperienced as a negotiator…he does have the Force. And you don't."

Bara whirled around to face the petite woman. It seemed obvious to the young knight that these two had tangled before. He could see it on Bara's face, sense it in the air. The man wanted a reason to put her in her place. Qui-Gon briefly wondered what place Bara had picked out for her.

The man had his mouth open ready to respond when someone called out to him. "Mr. Laan, a communication for you."

There was likely only one person calling for him, the governor. However, instead of hurrying to take the call, he took the time to glare at Mei…and at Qui-Gon. Then he spun on his heel and stomped away.

The woman sighed. "He's going to get himself killed…and maybe us too."

"He seems…quick tempered for a diplomat," Qui-Gon said cautiously.

"Bara has much patience for others, but little for his colleagues. Something to keep in mind when dealing with him."

"I'll remember that."

"We will be picked up by a speeder caravan and taken to the mansion," Bara was briefing his team. "As a show of good faith that we will not meet the same fate as the last negotiators," he stole a glance at Mei, "someone from the Republic peacekeeping force will be at the mansion also. I need not point out to you that one individual, even if it is a military type, does not guarantee our safety. It is imperative that we not give them a reason to label us as spies. No one is authorized to leave the governor's mansion without my specific permission. We will all stay together." He turned to face Qui-Gon. "And I expect you to follow my directions also, Jedi or not."

"Of course," he replied evenly. "You are in charge of the team." Qui-Gon tried not to say it as if it were so obvious.

Governor Talus sat at a huge dark wood desk. It was carved with ornate, detailed designs and gleamed as light struck it. Some poor soul had to dig the dust out of those curlicues. There was not a dull area anywhere on the desk. The man was big too. He stood and towered over his guests, even Qui-Gon. The mostly human appearing being was swarthy and rough looking even in his regal clothes. But all of the Narans were like that. On Coruscant they might have been mistaken for homeless people. Talus' skin looked as if it were flaking off him and his dark hair was wild, as if he never combed it. Wild but not matted. Expecting the odd looking character to smell as strong as he looked, Bara was great surprised and relieved when the governor shook his hand firmly and a light musky scent reached him. Talus' voice was a surprise as well. A big gruff looking man deserved a rich bass voice.

Somewhere in the lower tenor range Talus said, "It's a great honor to meet you sir. Please have a seat." He moved to a large table off the side of his desk. The office was huge and had a long conference table by the window. There were no curtains or other covering over the window and bright light streamed in on the tabletop. The room was painted a pale blue color. There were no lights on because the room was plenty bright without any added illumination. The wall opposite the window was one long bookcase. Even with their barbarous attitude, the Narans still cherished knowledge and clung to their beloved old ways of printing books rather than committing all knowledge to electronic devices. Furnishings in the room were spare. Aside from the desk everything else was utilitarian.

Talus stood to one side of the table as Bara introduced his small group of negotiators. The governor shook each person's hand. Mei was not surprised at his reaction to her. It had only been just short of a year since she was last here and Talus acted as if he had never seen her before. But to do otherwise would be to admit the crimes Talus had committed against her and the others. Even though he sent her back as evidence of what he would and could do to anyone who dared interfere, Talus denied that he had done anything wrong. Punishment for war criminals and spies he had said…and then blamed it on his over zealous army, denying knowledge. However, Mei knew. She had heard from his own mouth the penalty pronounced on her and the others. And he had carried out her sentence.

"Ah…a Jedi. I am honored…but, Mr. Laan…aren't they warriors? What am I to think of you bringing him along?"

Before the diplomat could respond, Qui-Gon preferred his own answer. "Jedi only attack in self-defense, Governor. I am here as a negotiator, not a warrior." The knight ignored the sour look Bara was giving him.

"I see. Well…now that that is settled, please have a seat, lady and gentlemen." The big man lowered himself into a chair. "What is it I can do for you?"

"I hope it is what we can do for you, Governor," Bara replied. "I hope we can help you end this war. It has gone on for a very long time. Certainly you wish to see it over as well."

"Of course. Only a madman would want to see the continued slaughter. We welcome your efforts. I am afraid you are talking to the wrong person however. You should take up negotiations with the Kleites. They are the aggressors."

Bara knew very well who had started this war. However, he didn't see the point of arguing the issue. It would only sidetrack their talks.

"I appreciate that, Governor. However, since you seem a willing and reasonable man, perhaps you will talk with us first. We could come to some terms to present to the Kleites."

"Yes, maybe it will work that way. Very well."

Qui-Gon didn't mean to stare at the big man. It was hard not to though. The feelings pouring off the man were intense. He was lying and the Jedi knew it as well as if it were written across Talus' forehead. He felt hate and irritation at them all, but most especially at Bara, the one who seemed to be the leader of this group. The knight could also feel the intense hate aimed at Mei. Qui-Gon knew that he must keep an eye on her. If he were not careful, she would not survive this time.

The strong eye contact that Qui-Gon kept on Talus was not lost on Mei. As Bara had been talking, she had been studying the Jedi. His face was unreadable, but his eyes were hard and dark. The woman knew there must be a reason for it. From the short time she had been around the Jedi, his blue eyes had always gleamed with curiosity, with interest, with question. Whatever he studied, he studied with the openness to learn. That light and that openness were gone.

It was with purpose that Mei had maneuvered herself to sit next to Qui-Gon. With the toe of her shoe she poked his boot. Startled, he looked at her. With all that she could put into it, she tried to project her question to him, believing he would know, by way of the Force, what she wanted to know.

And looking into her face, he could sense her deep desire to know. He didn't have to probe to determine what she wanted to know. With as small a motion as he could make without being noticed by all, the knight shook his head from side to side just once. Mei's face turned grave and she looked back to Talus.

It had been a long day. Bara inquired about the possibility of a couple of his negotiators meeting with the Kleites on some neutral territory while he continued his talks with Talus. The governor promised to look into the possibility. After the talk he had given on the transport about staying together, some of the Republic representatives gave each other odd looks, but decided the very experienced diplomat knew what he was doing.

Mei had to contain herself. She knew that she and Bara were in for a long, probably hostile talk later. Qui-Gon was alarmed at the request also. He could sense the malice deepen in Talus when the issue was brought up. Sending negotiators away would put them in danger.

"I'm sorry we didn't accomplish more today, Mr. Laan. We put in a the entire day…but have little to show."

"Little is better than nothing," Bara said with a smile. "Opening negotiations is the hardest part. Tomorrow will be more fruitful, I am confident."

"I as well. I would like to have a little time to clear up some paperwork, if you will excuse me. My servant will show you to your rooms upstairs. There will be a dinner and reception tonight for you. I will see you there." He stood and bowed slightly to his guests.

"If you will come with me," a tall but not as broad Naran said to them. The group walked out into the corridor behind the big servant. At once a man who had been sprawled in a chair just outside the door got to his feet. It was a member of the Republic forces, they could tell by his uniform insignia. The man stood just short of Qui-Gon's height with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes. He cut a sharp figure in his blue flight suit. The man snapped a smart salute.

"Commander Finis Valorum to serve you, sir."

The lead negotiator extended his hand. "I'm Brada Laan, Commander Valorum," he said in a cool tone. "I was wondering where you were."

In a firm tone he replied. "I have been here all day, sir. The fact that I was indisposed and unable to greet you when you arrived does not reflect my attitude…sir."

Brada leaned close and whispered, "Just because you are a Valorum don't think you can treat me as you please. Your commanding officer will hear of your insubordinate behavior."

The commander tried not to grin as he helpfully supplied, "My commanding officer is General Ora. He will be pleased to hear from you."

The diplomat glared at the officer, but Valorum would not meet his stare. He continued to look straight ahead. Brada began to walk away.

Valorum held his posture until his eyes fell on Mei. Then he grinned and put a hand to his cap. "Ma'am," he said. She glared at him without pausing and made no reply. He continued to stare until he realized the group was leaving him behind. Valorum hurried up beside the last person in the train…Qui-Gon.

"You're a Jedi, aren't you? The robe…and the saber." He regarded the young knight.

"Yes," Qui-Gon answered. "Are you the only military man here? At the governor's mansion I mean."

"Yes. Is that a problem?" he asked in mock confusion.

It was obvious the Jedi didn't approve of the seemingly flippant attitude. He stared in silence for several seconds. Then in an even tone he responded, "I'm just…concerned about the safety of the team. After all, you are only one against…all these guards."

"That bothers you?" A scan grin played at Valorum's lips. "I thought the Jedi were powerful. You have that power…the Force? You don't think you can take care of them?"

"I can't stop an entire army…and that is essentially what I would have to do. If any of the Narans decide to harm the negotiators, the entire province would most likely be on their side."

"Got you worried do they? Doesn't sound like you got much done today…in the way of negotiations."

"No. We did not." He studied the commander as they walked. The Jedi hoped his attitude wasn't as cavalier as it appeared.

However, as indifferent as the officer seemed, he was intently taking in the mansion, the guards, the team members…and all that Qui-Gon was saying. Valorum had learned long ago that a confident attitude creates doubt in those who oppose you. He had not realized that over the years his attitude had mixed with his self-confidence and presented him as arrogant and haughty. Inside he had the same misgivings that Qui-Gon did. However, he didn't feel that he should reflect that to the diplomats. Valorum had to be free to observe and plan. He did not need to worry about babysitting a group of nervous bureaucrats.

"Don't be concerned," he lowered his voice. "I may be the only one right here in the mansion…but I have many troops at my disposal. They are not all on the border."

Qui-Gon nodded slowly. It eased his worry only a small amount. He knew how many men were here and it still seemed a small force compared to the possible enemies they might have to face.

The Jedi stood to the side of the large reception hall. Qui-Gon was only here to be polite. If he could have avoided this without slighting anyone, he would have. However, he understood his duty and so he attended. The knight ate until he was satisfied and then had taken up this position to be out of the way. And to hopefully be out of the traffic flow enough that he would not have to socialize. It was not that he disliked people. The Jedi disliked politicians who tried to play mind games with him. He sensed many emotions in the room. From fear to hate to hilarity. It was too much however, and he had to withdraw to keep from being overwhelmed. A close union with the living Force could be a disadvantage at times.

"I hoped to get a chance to talk to you."

Qui-Gon turned to see Mei standing there. He was startled. She looked so very different. On the transport and during the negotiations she had worn very utilitarian clothing…plain, dull. For this more formal occasion she had donned a light green floor length gown. It had a full back, which came up close to her neck. The bun was gone and her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders.

She laughed lightly. "You look at me as if I were an alien. Do I look so very different?"

He composed himself before he answered. "Yes Ms. Lera you do look quite different. I'm sorry. I didn't mean…to stare…" he stammered and felt his face warm. He tried to control all he felt…and hoped it didn't show.

Mei gave him a break and changed the subject. She was suddenly serious. "What did you sense from Talus today? I take it you didn't get a good feeling from him."

"No, I did not. I sense anger and hate from him. A small amount of worry, but mostly anger and hate. I do not wish to alarm the team…but I fear for your safety."

She was silent for a long moment. "I would like for you to tell this to Bara before the night is over. He and I had a talk earlier in his room. As I fear, he intends to split us up. I could not get him to listen to me. I hope he will listen to you."

"Mr. Laan does not place much trust in me, I'm afraid. He may not want to hear what I have to tell him."

"I know, but we have to try. It's important."

"Well, look at you," a smooth voice said.

Qui-Gon and Mei turned to see Commander Valorum in his dress blues. He was giving Mei an appraising stare. Her face turned pink, not from embarrassment, but from anger.

"Commander Valorum," she said coolly. "How nice of you to join us. We were having a private conversation."

"My apologies. I didn't know that you could have a private conversation at such a function." His blue eyes twinkled merrily.

"Excuse me. Perhaps I should be more direct. Would you excuse us, please?"

"Of course," he inclined his head. "I'll visit the buffet. Perhaps a little later, when your conversation cools down, then I could come back." He turned to leave.

Mei was boiling inside at the implication. She was trying not to show it, but was close to loosing her carefully-fought-for calm demeanor. "Our interest in each other is strictly professional, Commander. It is possible for a man and a woman to have such a relationship. I don't suppose you would know about that, however."

The officer stopped and turned to reply. "Of course I realize that is possible. I have such relationships. I just wasn't sure if you cultivated them also."

The petite woman took a couple of steps in his direction so she could lower her voice. Too many people around them were becoming interested. "I am not one of those fawning giddy girls who flock around you on Coruscant at the diplomatic functions. If that is the opinion that you have of me, I suggest you change it quickly. You are here to serve the negotiating team, not…seduce it." Mei turned and walked quickly away.

Valorum was unfazed. On the contrary, he was trying not to smile. He put his hands behind his back and walked toward Qui-Gon as he watched the departing beauty. "Hard to believe a diplomat would get so easily flustered. She must be attracted to me."

"I beg your pardon?" the knight said in confusion.

"Well, I must have hit it pretty close to the mark to get her that upset. If she weren't trying to hide her interest, why would she get so angry? Especially Mei Lera. They say she has ice water in her veins. That ice water seemed a little warm just now. Don't you think?"

Qui-Gon drew in a breath. He had to keep his focus. If there were something that he was going to allow to get to him, it would not be this cocky rocket jockey. "Don't you think you should be more concerned with the safety of the diplomats?" He left unspoken the other thought. Instead of trying to further your sexual exploits. The Jedi was not completely surprised. He had heard the talk about Finis Valorum around the senate. As a padawan he had spent many hours in the senate building in his role as ambassador alongside his master. Many senators engaged in the pass time of gossip, and the high-profile Valorum family was often a target. Many political types had come from the family and they had many friends in the senate…and many enemies.

Finis, especially, had become a favorite subject. He was very bright and talented and had risen quickly through the military ranks. He hoped to follow in the "family business" and enter the political arena himself. The young man had followed his father's advice and entered the military as the first rung into the political world. Finis made officer earlier than usual, due entirely to his ability. However, the gossips all insisted it was his family name that had done it for him. He was well liked by the men he served with, and even though cocky, was not arrogant. That was one of the things his fellow pilots liked. Finis was not one of the conceited officers.

By nature and by environment, the young man had a persuasive, suave air to him. He studied his father and other relatives to learn rhetoric and reason. That made him a magnet for the bureaucrats when he did attend political functions. Finis enjoyed a good debate and could argue either side of an issue, no matter what his personal stance.

His striking good looks made the young officer a magnet for the ladies at political functions. Finis took it in stride. He enjoyed a lady's company and made no secret of it. However, his exploits away from the parties were greatly overstated. It was actually the exception rather than the rule that he would whisk a diplomat's daughter away and spoil her…not that he never indulged…. However, as he told his father once, he would have to be superhuman to live up to the stories that circulated about that part of his life. The elder Valorum was relieved to know that and encouraged his son to squash the rumors. Finis merely laughed. "What do I care what the gossips say about me? It doesn't matter. They have their minds made up. If I try to tell them otherwise, it will only inflame them. It will not cool the talk. They will only think I am trying to cover something up then."

Qui-Gon had heard the talk. Even though he did not indulge in it, it was hard not to overhear some amount of it. And so far, it seemed to be true. The knight wondered if the talk of Valorum's military abilities were equally true. He fervently hoped so. The team would need that great faculty…if it did exist.

"I am thinking of the team," Finis said casually. "I've been here for some time…what was your name?"

"Qui-Gon Jinn."

"Well Qui-Gon, I know the Narans, their views and their customs. I'm not worried about it. Things will work out." His confidence was not as flippant as it sounded. It had grown out of the many skirmishes and hardships he and his men had been through. Valorum had come to trust his men to give all…to their very life. More than one had made the ultimate sacrifice. However, he was not so confident as to ignore the Narans. The commander had learned of their treachery first hand not long after arriving. It was experience that made him comfortable with his plans and his men. It was neither arrogance nor indifference…no matter how it appeared to observers. However, another lesson he had learned from his political family was not to let your true feelings show…either good or bad. Someone would always be looking for a way to use that against you.

"I wish I had your confidence, Commander."

The young officer had been watching the people around the room. Now he turned to face the knight. "I didn't think Jedi worried. I thought you were supposed to be…controlled. Don't you use the Force to take care of things like that?"

"Yes, self-control is learned from the Force, which also strengthens us. However, worry is not the same as concern."

Valorum rubbed his chin. "Yes, I suppose that is true. So…you're not worried…just concerned?"

Qui-Gon was beginning to lose his control. Frustration filled him. Valorum was more than just annoying. He was so self-centered that he seemed not to think others worth his trouble. Also, the way he liked to play mind games with Qui-Gon really wearied the knight. This officer was very different than most Qui-Gon had interfaced with. He wondered how Valorum had managed to move up so quickly. The rumors must be true. It was his family name that had done it for him.

"If you will excuse me."

"Did I offend you too? Two in just a few minutes…and one of each gender. That has to be a new record." Valorum began to walk next to the knight as the knight tried to leave him behind. "Was it that I intruded on your conversation with the lady?" he asked innocently.

Qui-Gon drew in a breath and tried not to release it as a sigh. He very much wanted to be away from the cocky pilot. "As Ms. Lera indicated, our interest in each other is professional. I think you are out of line, Commander."

"As a commander, I am. As a man, I'm not," he grinned. "I was just trying to find out if Ms. Lera is…attached."

"I wouldn't know. I have not discussed that with her."

"Oh…yeah. Makes sense. Jedi are celibate…aren't they? Too bad. It might help you loosen up. The Force doesn't seem to be helping you with that. Not all it's rumored to be, is it? I'm not surprised. It seems like…black magic to me. Mumbo-jumbo and meditate and all your problems are solved. No…doesn't sound realistic to me."

"There is much more to it than that, Commander. You have greatly oversimplified something that you obviously don't understand. It is not magic and it doesn't simply 'fix' everything. However, it does help me in every area of life where I need help. That is what matters to me." Qui-Gon again tried to walk away, but Valorum would not be shaken. He walked alongside the Jedi and looked around the room.

"Look at that," he nodded toward Talus. The big man was laughing raucously…with a very attractive woman close at his side. "I've heard that he starts drinking with his breakfast and doesn't quit until bed time. And…that she is more than just a secretary." He glanced at the Jedi to see if he would take the bait. Just how much could this knight take? He was only human after all.

In a cool voice, Qui-Gon replied, "It is hard not to hear some amount of gossip in passing. However, I do not traffic in it. I don't repeat it and I prefer not to hear it, Commander."

Finis grabbed his arm to stop him. Qui-Gon gently pulled away and looked at the pilot who was grinning. "I grant that a lot of gossip is exaggerated. However…it has to start for some reason. There's a kernel of truth in all of it. And," he waved his hand dismissively, "you never know when you will hear something…useful. You can learn a lot that may serve you well in the future. You never know when some tidbit could buy you information…or helpful action. Qui-Gon let me teach you. You have to deal with politicians…much as it pains you. So you have to learn to play their games. Gossip is one of them. Listen, learn…and remember."

"Thank you for the education, Commander Valorum," Qui-Gon responded stiffly. "But I prefer my own methods and my own teachers. Please excuse me." He bowed slightly and quickly walked away. Qui-Gon was glad Valorum didn't follow…finally. He was beginning to lose focus and if the officer persisted, the Jedi would probably have lost his temper.

Finis took a couple of steps to his side and leaned against a pillar. Other people, especially politicians or diplomats, seemed very intimidated by the Jedi. Valorum mused that it must be because those people thought the Jedi would see inside them…all their dirty secrets. He, on the other hand, was little concerned if a Jedi did look inside him. No, he was not perfect, but neither were the Jedi. They were mere beings of flesh…of some sort. Just because they had the Force didn't make them infallible. The officer was certain they had their own dirty little secrets. It was just easier for them to keep those secrets.

He grinned as he watched the Jedi walk away. It was true then, what they said about the Jedi. They did have a great amount of self-control. Although Valorum thought that he had been close to Qui-Gon's breaking point. Then again, he was newly knighted the commander reminded himself. Maybe he should cut the kid a break. Couldn't afford to shake him up too much on such an important mission, but the pilot couldn't help himself either. He had heard so much about the mysterious Jedi and had very few close up and personal encounters with any. He knew that as a politician he would interact with them. So he wanted to begin to find out about them now. Yes, Qui-Gon might be just the case study for him since he was a new knight. It would be interesting to see just how he would grow and change…even just on this mission. He put that thought away for the moment and glanced around for the petite woman in the pale green dress.

Qui-Gon came down early the following morning. He was an early riser. The young Jedi had a shower and a time of meditation and was still to the dining room before the others. He stood looking over the buffet table of breakfast items that had been set up for the guests, trying to decide.

"Good morning. I can tell you're not a bureaucrat. You're too early. We won't see the others for an hour or more."

Qui-Gon turned and saw Finis Valorum seated across the room having his meal. He sighed. There went his plans for a quiet…pleasant breakfast. The young knight began to fill his plate.

"Make sure you try that quiche. The vegetables they raise here are very different," the commander suggested.

The Jedi paused at the end of the table, wondering if there was a chance to get away.

"Come and sit with me. Please. I would like to apologize to you for last night."

There seemed to be little choice, short of being outrightly rude. The lanky man walked over to where Valorum sat. He set his plate down without looking at the officer.

"I really do want to apologize. I was…rude last night. I suppose an officer should be more thoughtful. I should have more respect for my uniform."

"That is a consideration," Qui-Gon pointed out.

Finis grinned. "You have more respect for yours obviously. Except…that hair. Shorter than mine. You haven't been a knight for very long. Still look like a padawan, except for the braid, of course."

"You know more about the Jedi than you seem to let on," the knight said without looking away from his food.

"Not really. I've just seen you around the senate. It was hard to miss you and your master. I knew you were a padawan until recently. Yoda still struts around the senate building, bragging about how well you did on your first mission. This is only your second one…isn't it?"

Qui-Gon didn't answer right away. He was sifting through all that the young officer said, trying to decide what he really wanted to know. The Jedi decided it was highly unlikely his breakfast companion was trying to butter him up by mentioning Master Yoda's pride. Was the mention of his diminutive master an attempt to try to upset him? Or was this a swipe at the fact that he had so recently been knighted and was inexperienced?

"Yes, this is my second mission. How long have you been on Quirila?"

"Long enough to know you and your group have a long hard task before you."

Valorum wouldn't even answer a simple question. Why was he so slippery? Was it what he had learned by coming from a political family? Most of his comments seemed to avoid an issue or make light of it. If the commander were readying himself for a career in the senate, he was well on the way Qui-Gon thought.

"Do you think the issue can better be resolved with weapons than with words?"

"Weapons have more impact than words. Most people aren't afraid of words, but many are afraid of weapons. However…no I don't think it is best for the war to continue."

Finally! A straight serious answer. "Do you think a peace can be negotiated here?"

"Peace can be negotiated anywhere, given enough time, resources…and some times bribes."

Re-enter the cocky young man. The Jedi had had enough of this conversation. He said nothing in reply.

Valorum leaned his elbows on the table. "So…tell me what it's like to be a Jedi."

"It is a hard life, but you find out who you are." He could give equally elusive answers. At once Qui-Gon reprimanded himself for sinking into the game.

Finis grinned. "I can say that about being in the military, but that doesn't tell you what it's like."

"That is true. However, it is difficult to explain some aspects of it to…outsiders."

"You mean like…the Force?"

"Yes. That is probably the hardest thing for those who don't have it to comprehend."

"Yeah…I've heard about it before. It is hard to comprehend. I've even witnessed it…but…I don't know…. So, only a chosen few have this?"

"Those with elevated midiclorian counts."

"Midiclorians?"

"Midiclorians live in our cells and make it possible to communicate with the Force."

"They live in Jedi cells," Valorum stated.

"No, they are in all living cells."

"Hmm…but if I have midiclorians why can't I do this magic."

That characterization of something the knight held in high esteem bothered him, but he ignored the comment. "The more midiclorians one has, the more one can use the Force. If one has very few, then he has little control." Qui-Gon ended as if all questions were answered.

Valorum just shook his head. "Mysticism and magic. If it works for you, then I guess you must be a happy knight. But…what about this other stuff? The robes, the…haircut." He stared at young Qui-Gon's prickly hair sticking straight out from his head and tried not to smile.

"Why does your unit all wear the same uniform? Why do all of you cut your hair?"

The commander grinned. The guy may be young and inexperienced but he definitely was no one's fool. "Do you mean you are like a military unit?"

"No. We are not. That was not implied in my questions. I was trying to point out that all organizations have practices peculiar to them…and reasons for those practices. We could discuss the subject all day…and probably not come to agreement on the reasons for the practices. My questions were to make a point."

"A little defensive, aren't you?"

"Not at all. You are very inquisitive and my answers don't seem to satisfy, therefore, I feel it necessary to explain in detail to make my point," Qui-Gon replied calmly.

Valorum nodded. "I guess it was hard for you to be a learner to that little…gnome. I don't mean to be disrespectful…but it was an odd sight to see little Master Yoda leading his tall padawan through the senate corridors."

"Master Yoda is a very knowledgeable Jedi and an excellent teacher. How can it be difficult to learn from such?"

The knight was not going to be drawn into the size discussion. Commander Valorum sat back and regarded the man. He probably will make a good Jedi…just needs some experience and the rough edges knocked off. That was part of what Finis was trying to do, although he doubted Qui-Gon would see it that way. However, after the protected world of the temple and padawanhood, the new knight would need someone on his side of the Republic to break him in a little…show him how the galaxy really operates. So far Valorum was impressed with Qui-Gon's ability to control himself and speak extemporaneously. Maybe he would give him a break…for now.

"Well, Ms. Lera is up and about early this morning," the commander noted as the petite woman walked in. "Hard to believe that's the same woman that was at the reception last night. I heard that she's a good negotiator."

"That is her reputation."

"And apparently she knows my reputation." The officer stood, picked up his hat and bowed slightly to Qui-Gon. "I must present myself to Mr. Laan. You will excuse me." He walked directly to the diplomat. "Good morning, Ms. Lera," he said very properly and then walked out of the room in search of Bara Laan.

Qui-Gon watched and wondered how they had come to be assigned such an indifferent guard. Because he is a Valorum. The family name has to look good, so Commander Valorum must be associated with important and significant assignments.

"Mr. Laan." Commander Valorum saluted. "I trust you had a good night, sir."

"I did…after I spoke with General Ora."

"Very good, sir. I will not be a nuisance to you today. My aide will be relieving me shortly. He will look after you and your team today."

"Your aide?"

"Yes, sir. He and I will be alternating days. That was the assignment I was given…by General Ora, sir."

"I'm not sure I'm entirely happy with that…but it will rid me of you. Very well. You may go."

"Thank you, sir." The commander turned to walk away, a big smile on his face. As if he needed Laan's permission to leave. But it made the bureaucrat feel important, so he went along with it. It made no difference in Valorum's job so let Laan think he was in control. Today it would be his aide's headache, not his. Most likely he would be flying a patrol today. Facing the battlefront appealed to him more than spending the day with the bureaucrats.

Except for Mei Lera. She would be worth staying for. He could have his pick of any number of lovely young women. Why did this one bewitch him so? Valorum didn't know, he just knew it was true. Perhaps it was because she was so very different from the type who flocked around him. How was it that Mei had described them? Fawning giddy girls. Mei was not that! The very opposite…strong, intelligent, not willing to be led by the nose…and still very lovely. But…she detested him. Maybe that was part of it too. Her distance made her even more attractive. As he left the building and jogged toward the speeder that had brought his aide, he wondered how he could break through that exterior and get her to at least talk to him….

Qui-Gon sat quietly at the far end of the table from Governor Talus. He had been told that his primary role would be to keep up with the Narans and what he might be able to tell Mr. Laan about them or their plans. It was somewhat frustrating to him not to be more active in the talks. However, he also realized the talent that sat at the table…and his single solo mission. So the knight tried to focus his thoughts where they should be.

Unconsciously he ran a hand through his prickly hair. Mei had noticed that before and thought that perhaps he felt uncomfortable with the very short hair and wished it would grow faster. However, Qui-Gon was never aware of his hair when he passed his hand over it. The action had become the substitute for toying with his braid.

She leaned toward him and whispered, "Are you worried?"

"I am concerned. I still do not like the idea of the team being split. The atmosphere on both sides is too hostile for us to be very far apart from each other. We may need to leave quickly. Someone could be stranded…in very unfriendly territory." He tried to keep his voice as quiet as possible. At the far end of the long table, the two were able to talk without disturbing Laan and Talus.

"Do you know what Talus is planning?"

"I don't get a sense of cooperation from him. He still has great hate. I believe he is going through the motions to satisfy the Republic."

"And then?"

"I can not say. He has not thought that far in advance yet, I believe."

"Still, he has great hate for this group."

"For the group, for the peacekeeping force. For anything to do with the Republic. He wants his way, not the Republic's way."

They fell into silence as Laan continued to tactfully and politely guide Talus into possible terms for a peaceful settlement to this war.

The big humanoid stretched long and loud. "It is about time for our midday meal. I think even though it is a little early, this would be a good place to pause. I do hope you will join my staff and me to eat."

"We would be very happy and honored," the bureaucrat fawned.

Sepa was in paradise now. A sepa was one of the fastest birds known in the galaxy, and it was the call sign that Finis Valorum had chosen for himself when he became a fighter pilot. Sepa was doing what he liked to do best now. He was racing through the skies along the border between the warring provinces. All that power at his fingertips. At times he would pull off from the small group of fighters he was leading and fly his own recon mission. One that took him off the established flight path…and lower than assigned to fly. Not often did he do that…but now and again he wanted a challenge…and a little rule bending was good for the soul he thought. Besides, he had learned some useful information by flying lower. Both sides knew of the patrols and began to hide some of their activities and their weapons. The commander had had to admit how he came about the intelligence and left his commanding officer in a quandary of how to punish Valorum…but congratulate him on bringing back something that probably saved some of the pilots from getting shot down.

Finis itched for that right now. Being cooped up in the governor's mansion yesterday was beyond dull and he longed to release his frustrations by pushing the throttle as far forward as it would go. His thoughts were interrupted by the fourth ship in their group, the one flying at the rear of the diamond they formed.

"Commander, Kleite craft coming up behind us. I count at least eight, sir."

"Red two, you follow me. Break right on my mark. Red three and four, maintain course and heading. Mark!" The commander turned hard right and went into a steep bank. "Descend, Red two. We're going to try to get behind them." Then he flipped to a secondary frequency. "HQ, Red Squadron is under attack by Kleite ships. We are under attack and out numbered. Scramble backup ASAP."

"Copy you under attack, Sepa. You are authorized to defend yourselves. Backup is being rolled now."

Authorized to defend ourselves. I know it's procedure, but if someone fires at me, I'm not going to ask permission to fire back! He pulled out of his dive, glancing quickly to see if his wingman was following. Meck Moray, call sign Haran, was a good wingman. The pilot had flown several patrols with Haran and knew he was an excellent pilot. He flew as if he were born to live in the air. And…he flew by the book too. The young man didn't approve of Valorum's occasional infractions, but he knew he was not really in a position to tell his commander how to fly. However, now and again he would indirectly correct the man, by drawing parallels between things that Finis did and things he disciplined his flyers for. That only made Valorum smile. For the moment, the commander was glad to have Moray behind him. He never had to worry about Haran not being there for him.

The Kleite craft had reacted to the split of the patrolling squadron. Because there were so many more of them, they could take more time to respond. Someone would be in a position to defend with that many of them. They watched to see where the Republic ships would go.

Valorum saw that two of the craft were moving into position to come behind Haran and him. Those were the more important ones at the moment. Being in a blind area would give them an advantage. "Climb Haran, now!" He pulled back on the control and the two craft began gaining altitude rapidly. The commander felt the great pressure on his chest from the g forces, but he had to do what he had to do to get away from the pursuers. Haran's ship followed his move as if the two were connected. Great Haran! Stay with me.

"Bank hard left. We've got to shake them." Finis turned his ship and it screamed in protest at the sudden violent maneuver. "You can take more than that," he muttered. "I've seen it. Hold together."

"Say again, Sepa," Haran called to him.

"Belay. Continue turn." He had to remember to think those things, not say them.

His maneuvers were no good though. As he concentrated on the two attacking ships, another pair had come in above him and was ready to drop down behind he and his wingman. They had to do something desperate. "Haran, individual prerogative recognized. Get away. Head back to base."

"Roger, Sepa."

Individual prerogative gave a subordinate pilot the right to make his own decisions and own maneuvers. He was to pull away from Valorum and do whatever it took to break free of the pursuers. It was a move borne of desperation. Finis had been taught to never desert the man you are covering. It was the responsibility of the man behind to cover their rear while the lead pilot watched the front. In a losing situation however, the commander believed that an individual craft stood a better chance of escape and presented less of a target than two ships flying together. If any of his squadron were shot down, he knew there would be hell for him to pay for going against an established flight rule. However, when they all landed safely, again his commanding officer would be stuck for knowing how to punish him when he had managed to save his pilots.

At once Valorum pulled away from Haran to give him room to maneuver…and reduce target profile. He began a series of random, short and wild moves, hoping to shake the Kleite craft. The young officer thought that he might be gaining some distance. His unpredictability was causing his pursuers to be slow in reacting, and that increased his lead over them. He began to think he might actually be able to get away.

However, the battle in the sky took his mind off the ground forces. The pilot lost track of where he was in relation to the border. Valorum didn't realize he was over Kleite territory now. Just as he was ready to congratulate himself on his clever plan his ship rocked violently.

Finis whirled his head around. He had taken a hit on the starboard side. But from where? A near miss answered his question. It had come from the ground. At once he tried climbing out, hoping to get out of range quickly. However, the hit had damaged his ship more than he realized. It was sluggish in response.

"Come on, baby. Come on." He slapped a hand on the control panel in frustration. Another blaster cannon shot whizzed by, grazing his craft. It bucked wildly. "I've got to get some speed. Damn!" He looked out the window again to place the cannons. To his relief, he was leaving them behind and was flying over a forested area. Then he scanned the skies looking for the Kleite ships. They weren't immediately visible, but he knew they were nearby. They had just backed off when the blaster cannons fired so they would not be hit.

"Come on!" he growled through clenched teeth. Slowly the ship turned. He had to get back to the border. If he were going to go down, he'd rather be on the other side of that line, where the peacekeeping force was based. He cursed. The craft was losing speed and altitude. He was going down now. The only thing he could do for himself was to try to glide it in so that, hopefully, he would at least survive the landing.

Valorum looked out the window. He didn't want to go down in the trees. The commander looked around and out the other window, scanning for a clearing. The fighter craft continued to lose altitude. It was not built to maneuver well at low speeds and began to drop like a rock. All his options were being taken away. The Kleite pursuers were visible now. Finis didn't know why they weren't firing. Crippled like this he was easy prey. Why were they holding back?

Think about that later, Finis! You have something just a little more important to consider right now! He judged he might be able to just clear the forest and land in the field beyond…he hoped. The pilot fought the controls to try to keep the ship up as much as he could. The control surfaces were little help in giving him lift right now. Yet Valorum wouldn't give up. Until he slammed into the trees, he would wrestle the ship for all he could get out of it.

However, he did just barely make it over. The tops of the trees scrapped the bottom of his craft as he passed the edge of the treed area. The friction slowed him even more. Still the young officer struggled to keep the nose up. If he dug in nose first, the ship would flip over. If he were able, he wanted to land upright. When he hit the ground, he would have to be out and moving. Those pursuing craft would, no doubt, be right behind him. It would slightly increase his chance of surviving this if he could land in a way that he did not have to struggle to get out of the fallen ship.

Sweat streamed down Valorum's face and into his eyes. The struggle…and the stressed thoughts were taxing his strength. Unwilling to let go of the controls, he tried to blink the burning liquid out of his eyes. Valorum cursed loudly. The ground was coming up quickly. The belly of his ship contacted the ground and then began to slide sideways. There was nothing he could do now…but accept his fate.

The unbalanced forces on the out of control ship pitched it over on its side. That caused it to dig into the ground and it was brought to an abrupt halt. The commander was pulled hard against his seat restraints. As soon as the pull relaxed, Valorum was releasing the belt and hitting the button to open the canopy. It was stuck however. When the craft turned over on its side, that must have damaged the canopy and it wouldn't respond to the electronic signal to open. In desperation, Finis began kicking at it with his heavily booted feet. A long invective accompanied his efforts as he cursed not only the craft but also whoever designed and built it…and their parentage.

"I've got to get out!" he growled through clenched teeth as he kicked. The thoughts that he had tried to force to the back of his mind were pushing forward. The stories about what the Kleites did with prisoners. They had a special hate for the Narans, their natural enemies, but also they despised the peacekeepers for interfering and trying, as the Kleites thought, to force their will on the provinces. The commander had been present at a couple of debriefings of Narans who had managed to escape their captors. Most escapees died. These Narans had managed to get away, elude the soldiers hunting for them, and survive on whatever they could find to eat in the jungle. They lived to tell their stories…and they weren't nice. Even the cool, cocky Valorum was shaken by the horror he heard.

He didn't want to think about that right now, but it was hard not to…down behind enemy lines, Kleite ships near by…and the blasted canopy wouldn't open! It had moved somewhat under his vicious attack and the pilot was not going to give up unless he was forced to. He drew both his feet back and took in as much air as he could. Then with all the force he could put into it, Valorum gave a mighty blow to the stubborn top. It moved several centimeters.

Finis was overjoyed and renewed his assault. Each blow opened the canopy more and more. The pilot reached for his emergency pack and climbed out, congratulating himself for his persistence and escape. Then as he came up from all fours onto his knees, he saw them. A small patrol of Kleite soldiers standing a couple meters away, blaster rifles pointed.

"Thank you," one of them said. "You saved us a lot of work."

Finis Valorum stumbled into the clearing. He fell to his knees and reached up to wipe the blood dripping from his nose. It had been a short walk, but his captors had made it a challenge for him. He'd had to carry all their gear…or as much as they could pile on him before his knees had buckled. The commander walked as far as he could. When he finally had given in, the sergeant of the patrol had punished him for not doing as he was instructed. The first of many beatings, he was sure.

"Get up," the sergeant said.

Valorum wanted to comply. He'd already seen the penalty for not following orders, but he hadn't the strength to. Still he tried. His weak knees would not support his weight and the commander fell over before he could even try to stand.

The sergeant launched a hard kick to the pilot's midsection. "Take him," he said to two of the soldiers. "Make sure he is…comfortable," he grinned. "The lieutenant will want to talk to him, I am sure."

The men laughed. Each grabbed a leg and began to drag Finis across the ground to a rickety, bombed out structure. Valorum didn't know yet that was their headquarters. The "accommodations" for the prisoners were worse.

The governor walked among his guests, laughing and seeing that they were enjoying their meal. It was a sumptuous feast, as eloquent as the reception he had given. Qui-Gon wondered if all his guests were treated to such excess, or if this had been reserved for them…the feast before the slaughter. Then he rebuked himself. Even though he knew Talus was having not very nice thoughts about them, the Jedi didn't know if he intended to act on that or not. It was important to be open enough to sense other people, but it was also important to remember that many times one's thoughts greatly exaggerated what a person was capable of. The meekest person could think the most hideous thoughts about someone they resented, but their nature would contain their behavior. Not that the young knight didn't think Talus capable of killing them. He just had to balance that with the idea that people often think things they wouldn't dream of carrying out.

"And are you enjoying your food?" Talus boomed out to him.

"Yes, Governor. Thank you. It is quite good."

"And yet you eat so little. Come, have more…or are you just trying to make me feel good with your compliments?"

"Not at all Governor. I am unused to such rich food and it takes little to fill me."

"Ah yes, the famed Jedi self-denial. I could double the feast and you would still not be tempted to over eat." Qui-Gon was uncertain how to respond…so he didn't. The big Naran laughed. "We will spoil you a little while you are here." He motioned for a servant. "Bring him the dessert. If we wait, he will be too full to enjoy." The Jedi started to protest. "I won't hear any refusals. At least taste it. It will not take much to fill you. The nioree is the richest dessert on the planet. See if we can put a little weight on that thin frame of yours." Before Qui-Gon could respond, Talus was off and checking on the others.

He sighed and leaned back in his chair. Perhaps if he did at least taste it, Talus would be satisfied. Qui-Gon was still puzzled, even after all these years of diplomatic missions as a padawan, why such business revolved so much around food. It seemed a distraction to him because meals were always over done. Too much food. The leftovers could feed many starving people. What a waste. But…perhaps it was done that way on purpose…to be a distraction.

The knight glanced around to see what else was going on at the table. Talus was fawning over Mei. Qui-Gon was certain she could see through the man. Why was he trying so hard? Did he really think that the woman could be won over…after what he had done to her? Then a movement caught his eye.

Valorum's aide, Lieutenant Aakers, came slowly and silently in the room. He stayed just inside the door, standing and watching. However the Jedi could sense great unease. At once he was on his feet. If there was a problem, he wanted to know.

"Lieutenant, excuse me, is something wrong?"

The man looked at him in surprise. Then slowly his face registered understanding…a Jedi. "I just received news that one of our border patrols was attacked by the Kleites. There were four ships. Contact has been lost with some of them. That's all I know for the moment."

"You don't know if anyone was shot down?"

"No. That's really all I can tell you right now. I don't know who was on patrol this morning either. I…don't want to think about it. We've heard some…very disturbing things about prisoners of war."

"Yes…I am familiar with those reports as well."

"We have been instructed to keep this information from the Narans…for now. Not that there is any love for our forces, but they may still use it as an excuse to attack the Kleites."

"There's something up, isn't there?"

The two men turned to see Mei Lera standing there, in her no-nonsense dress and hairstyle. She stood with hands on hips. "I am an astute observer and everything about your body language and the way you two are whispering in the corner screams out that there is a problem."

Qui-Gon looked at the lieutenant. He was leaving it up to him to determine whether to share the news or not. He tried to be more aware of himself and his body language as Aakers gave the barebones story. Was he really that obvious? The inexpert Jedi had thought he was handling himself well…and now Mei tells him he is giving off such strong signals. It shook his focus and he had to regain it.

"This is terrible," she said calmly. "We don't know the fate of the patrol and if the Narans find out…"

"That is why the governor and his staff are not to be told," the young officer repeated. "I was authorized to let the negotiating team know because it could be a problem for the talks."

Mei lightly bit her lower lip while she thought. "Lieutenant, please don't tell Mr. Laan…for now. Let me tell him."

"As you choose. I was just told to inform the team."

"Why do you ask this?" Qui-Gon inquired.

"I know how Bara negotiates. I can't guarantee that he won't try to use this to his favor…if he hits a brick wall. It's better that he not know then he can't use it." Then Ms. Lera turned and walked back to the table. Food overflowing the exquisite dinnerware. The best for Talus' guests.

His two captors had taken Valorum to a dark, smelly room where they shackled him to the wall. Before they left though, the two gave the commander a few solid hits to welcome him to his new home they informed him. The pilot spat blood and tried to look around in the dimness. He heard a groan.

"Is someone there?" he tried to say in a controlled voice…but it trembled anyway.

"Commander?" a familiar voice answered.

"Moray, is that you?" Valorum looked in the direction the sound came from. He could make out a figure on the wall opposite and further down from him.

"Yes. They got you too."

"I managed to glide in…but the damned canopy jammed. By the time I got free, there was a Kleite patrol. Are you all right?"

"Now I am. I received my 'orientation' just before they brought you in. They aren't playing games, sir."

"I didn't expect them to," Valorum said in a terse voice. "But we've got to start looking for a way out. I'm not staying here if I can help it." He hoped he was encouraging Moray instead of merely sounding cocky.

"Whatever you say, sir, but it's going to be hard chained up like this."

"From what I've heard," he paused and tried not to think of all he had heard. "This is temporary. Until they show us who's boss, we stay confined. They need someone to clean this place after all."

Moray chuckled. "Clean? This place?" It was obvious from the smell at least that this room hadn't been cleaned in years.

"Meaningless tasks, Moray. Designed to steal your motivation and draw you into hopelessness. Give up your desire to get out of here…or even to survive and you are easier for them to control. You can't let them break you."

"I'll try my best. For now, that's all I can promise."

"I know you. Your best will be good enough. We'll make it. We have to."

The door opened abruptly and a light shined into Valorum's face. He squinted and turned his head. A soldier grabbed him by the hair and turned his face back to the light. The commander was blinded. He couldn't make out anything about who had come in, not even how many.

A hand reached forward and took the metal ID tag that dangled from his neck. Then he yanked. Finis refused to cry out from the chain cutting into his neck. The hand brought the metal plate closer to the light.

"Commander Finis Valorum. Valorum." The faceless voice laughed harshly. "We have a celebrity. No doubt he is of the same family that is so well known in the Republic government. Here, take this to the CO." Another soldier accepted the tag and ran out.

"Valorum. How far would your father go to see his dear son safely returned? The one who will follow him into the family legacy on Coruscant. How could we have been so lucky?" the voice said sarcastically. "Did you think you were immune to being shot down…because you are a Valorum?"

The young officer said nothing. For that he received a blow to the stomach with the butt of a blaster rifle. "Answer me! You will learn the rules of our prisoner camp. This is your orientation. I am your new commanding officer. More…I am the giver of life and death. You will address me as you address your commanding officer. You will answer all my questions. All of them. You will pay for remaining silent. Do not think you hold some special position because of who you are. I'll kill you as quickly as that man over there. You may be a useful bargaining tool…but no one will know if you are alive or dead. We can send back a dead body as easily as a live one. Do I make myself clear?"

Valorum paused and then said, "Yes sir."

"Hmm…you give in so easily. Is it because you are soft from your comfortable life…or because you hope we will go away and leave you alone if you cooperate?"

Silence.

"Answer!" A blow to the chin accompanied the command…with what the pilot couldn't say…but it left him dazed. A soldier grabbed him again by the hair and yanked his head back around. The motion aggravated his injury and against his will, Valorum moaned.

The interrogator laughed. "He is soft. Don't worry. We will toughen you. You have received the first of your orientation. I own you. To make sure you understand that I have power over you, my men will give you the second part of your orientation." The man turned and walked out. In the dark Valorum could hear sounds that he wasn't sure he could identify…but it left little doubt in his mind that they were weapons of some sort. Then he felt a burning lash to his torso and yelled out in pain.

Qui-Gon was walking in the large garden behind the governor's mansion. The sun was just a red sliver peeking above the horizon. It had been a long and, once again, fruitless day. At least the negotiators who had gone to meet with the Kleites had come back safely. The young knight's fears had been unfounded. However, he still was not going to discount his feelings. The mission had just started. But he had come out here to let all that go for a while. Qui-Gon needed the time to soak himself in the Force. This seemed like a good place for it. Away from the hostile Narans and among the verdant growth. The Jedi closed his eyes and tipped his head back as he felt the living Force flow in him.

Lieutenant Aakers stood shifting on his feet and trying to decide what to do. It seemed the Jedi was…occupied and he knew of their practice of meditating. His news was important however. The officer supposed he should take it to the head of the team…but Ms. Lera's warning about how Laan used information alarmed him. And…somehow it just seemed more natural to him to tell the Jedi. The disciplined order was easier for the soldier to identify with than the bureaucrats. And…Commander Valorum had warned him many times about the duplicity of politicians. Who should know better than someone who had grown up in a family of them?

Qui-Gon could feel the lieutenant's unease and relieved him of having to make a decision by opening his eyes and looking directly at him.

"I'm sorry, sir. I hope I'm not disturbing your…"

"No. It's fine. What is it?"

"I have more information about the patrol." He licked his dry lips. "Two craft were downed. The others were damaged but managed to get back to the base." He paused. "In the attack, our ships were driven over the border. The two pilots who were downed are on Kleite land. The border is heavily patrolled. We know one pilot was captured. We have to assume they found the other one also. He is a prisoner…or worse, most likely…"

The knight could sense there was more. Why was Aakers hesitating? "Yes?"

"Commander Valorum has been captured. The Kleite commander says that the only way he will release him to us alive is if the Narans give in to all their demands."

"What? That is ridiculous! Even if they perceive Commander Valorum is important, they can't expect the Narans to agree to that."

"We think it is a bargaining point. They are starting with more than they know we will give them…and then they will negotiate from there."

The Jedi rubbed his chin. "This is a difficult position. Commander Valorum is very valuable to them because of who he is, what family he comes from."

"Yes, that's true. The general has dispatched a message to Coruscant. Our forces were contacted directly…but I'm sure it won't be long before this news is all over the province. We can't keep it from the Narans. I am a military man, not a diplomat. I'm reading a lot into what Ms. Lera said yesterday, but…I don't know what Mr. Laan may do. I know he is not…a fan of the Valorums."

"I know the situation looks bleak, especially given the political side of it. However…I can't believe that even Mr. Laan would take a life lightly." He was quiet for a long time, so long that Aakers thought he had forgotten him. The officer cleared his throat.

"My apologies Lieutenant. I was occupied. We will go to Mr. Laan at once."

"Ah…"

"I understand, however, he is the team lead. We must notify him."

The man stood with his arms folded over his chest as he listened to Aakers' report. He pinched his lip and turned to look out the window of his room. Laan was silent for a long time. The lieutenant glanced at the Jedi who only stood in silence. Without turning Laan said, "What is General Ora planning?"

"I beg your pardon, sir?"

The bureaucrat turned and glared at the officer. "He isn't going to let them keep Valorum, is he?"

"There is little he can do, sir. The Narans give us permission to be in their province. The Kleites consider us enemies siding with the Narans. They do not consider us neutral. We cannot enter their territory without causing a renewal of hostilities." He paused before he ended with, "Commander Valorum is…just another prisoner of war."

"No he isn't," Brada practically spat out. "He is the son of a very important member of the Republic government. You told me yourself the high terms that have been set for his release. The Kleites know his value. They can't be allowed to keep him." He paced a few short quick laps. Laan looked at Qui-Gon. "You could rescue him."

"But…I was sent as a negotiator. I will lose my neutrality in the eyes of both parties if I engage in what should be a military operation." Qui-Gon's mind raced over the implications as he answered; however, he understood the possible consequences if the Kleites kept Valorum…or killed him.

"I understand that. However, this is more important. You are, after all, an inexperienced negotiator. It would harm the team little if you dropped off. You are not a soldier. Perhaps you could get into Kleite territory easier."

The Jedi did not answer right away. He had a sudden feeling…almost as if someone had tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. Qui-Gon recognized the sensation. The Force was trying to communicate to him. Laan was no fan of the Valorums, especially Finis. Why all this concern for his safety? There was something more to it. Senator Valorum was a powerful man in the Republic. Brada must be thinking of how good he would look to the senator if he took action to have the politician's son rescued. The knight correctly perceived that was all that Laan was thinking of. He had no concern for Valorum…or for Qui-Gon. If this succeeded Laan would make an influential friend. If it did not, at least he tried, rather than allow Finis to languish in the horrors of a prisoner of war camp.

Qui-Gon had to keep control. He could not allow anger to possess him now. However, he had to admit irritation, at least, over the political maneuverings with a life…and the possible renewal of hostilities. "Even though I am not a soldier, I do know how the Kleites feel about the Jedi…and having one on this team. Just as Governor Talus, they see me as a warrior. I doubt that I will be able to easily enter their province…especially if they discover my reason for being there."

"That doesn't matter," Laan waved his hand. "The only thing that does matter is the well being of Finis Valorum. We must at least try to rescue him. He is not a prisoner of war. He is a political pawn. As a member of my group, you are subject to my orders. I order you to launch a rescue attempt. You have the Force to help you. You could slip in alone and take him. It should be simple for a Jedi."

"Simple, but not easy. I think you should further reconsider before…"

"No more arguments. Must I contact Coruscant to get your cooperation…or have you recalled?"

The political games were bad enough. These threats really ate at Qui-Gon. He had to hold his tongue until he could be sure of his control. This was exactly the sort of situation that Master Yoda had warned him of before…getting caught between doing what he knew to be right and being forced to do what some bureaucrat considered expeditious. Avoid it you cannot. Allies with the Republic we are. Against the code do nothing, but serve you the one in authority. Trust the Force you must to lead you, even when being used you are.

"No, Mr. Laan. I will do as you tell me." He bowed shortly and walked quickly out of Brada's room, Aakers close behind.

"Do you really think you can do this? We don't even know where the camp is. How will you find it?

"The Force will guide me. I will do what I am able. That is all I can do, Lieutenant."

The soldier was trying to decide what he should do, if anything. "Uh…should I tell General Ora?"

Qui-Gon stopped and looked at the man. "Ask Mr. Laan." He started to walk away then stopped. "Lieutenant, please make sure Mr. Lera is aware of this." He continued on without waiting for a response.

Commander Valorum is not the only one who is a political pawn right now. The knight drew in a breath and concentrated. If he were going to be as effective as he could, as he needed to be, then he could not allow anger to distract him. Connection to the Force would be important to him through this. Qui-Gon was trying to plan. He wanted to stay clear of any assistance from the peacekeeping forces. That would only make it seem as if he were attempting a military invasion. The Kleites would never allow him into their province. The Force will guide me.

Valorum was in pain…to say the least. He had been lashed soundly and left to hang from his shackles. Whatever they had used had torn through his flight suit easily and it was unable to provide any protection.

After a long silence, Moray ventured. "Are you…all right, Commander?" For now, all right just meant able to respond.

"Yeah," the pilot said weakly. "I'm all right. Is that the kind of orientation you got?"

"Close enough. Something different…but the same results."

They had not talked much after that. Each soldier was alone with his pain and his thoughts. Occasionally Valorum would try to strike up conversation…for morale purposes…but it died away quickly. How much time passed, they couldn't guess at, but finally some soldiers came and freed them from their chains. The commander was determined to walk, even though his knees were trembling. The soldiers shoved them out into the bright afternoon light and both men instantly sheltered their eyes. They were trying to adjust and get their bearings but their captors wouldn't allow that. They shoved the men. Both of them fell to the ground.

Moray and Valorum were taken by the arms and dragged across the compound. They tried not to cry out, but it was difficult, at best, given their injuries. The soldiers dragged them to a small shack. It could hardly even be called that. Some boards clinging together…with many openings where the outer covering was giving way. There were two filthy blankets on the floor. The room stank of sweat and urine…even with all the openings to let air in.

The prisoners were dropped onto the blankets. They could hear some sort of small creatures scurrying away before the soldiers. That's about all the pair was aware of for now. They were grateful to be out of the metal cuffs that had begun to dig into their wrists…and grateful they had just been deposited and left alone. Valorum was not foolish enough to think things would stay this way for long. They were only being given a break to recover their strength a bit…but not enough to be a threat to the guards.

Soon someone, the commander didn't bother to look, brought something in and set it on the floor. Moray rolled to his side to look.

"I guess that's lunch…or supper."

"Late afternoon. Judging by the sun position. Likely we won't get anything else until morning. I suggest we eat. We're going to need all the strength we can get."

The two men slowly got to their feet. Valorum looked around. He supposed this would be their place to sleep. He had heard that prisoners were not usually kept locked up unless they were a continuing discipline problem. The guards were confident enough in their ability to keep their charges from escaping. For the prisoners who had been here a while, it was simple. They were too abused and emaciated to resist. Only the newer "acquisitions" needed to be watched. The Kleites conditioned them quickly however by regular torture and limited meals. This stole both their strength and their motivation.

Finis walked over and sat down heavily near Moray. They had been provided with a rusty bucket filled with water and a ladle. Also there were two bowls filled with some kind of unidentifiable thick brown liquid in which floated chunks of meat…and maybe vegetables. A loaf of bread lay on the floor next to the bucket.

Not quite like Governor Talus' reception Finis thought mockingly, but he knew it was either eat or begin to suffer malnutrition. There would be nothing else provided to them. And he was still planning on getting out of here. The commander knew it would have to be sooner rather than later, before they became wasted.

"Drink as much water as you can," he said quietly.

"You don't think we can really get out?" Moray responded as he glanced around.

"I know the chances are small…but we have to try." He took a tentative bite of the stew…or at least that's what he guessed it was. In spite of himself, he made a face and his stomach turned a flip.

"That's not a resounding recommendation," the lieutenant said humorlessly as he took another look into his bowl.

"We have to. You know that. You've had worse. I know you have. We went through survival training together."

"Believe me sir, I'd rather go out and forage for insects than eat this."

"Don't worry, there are probably some in it."

Valorum knew he'd said enough…probably too much. He took another bite and quickly swallowed it before he could taste it too well. Moray sighed and took a small bite. He chased it with a big drink of water.

"Here," Finis said as he passed a hunk of bread. "Maybe this might help it go down. What can go wrong with bread?" Then he wondered as he took a small nibble. It was not as bad as he'd expected…stale but not foul tasting. Maybe it would help.

The two men settled down and tried not to think too much about what they were eating. The commander was looking through the huge chinks in the wall, appraising the camp and its security.

Qui-Gon concentrated on the Force as he sped toward the border. An uneasiness was trying to settle on the new knight. It wasn't as if he had not faced such a challenge before, but it had always been at the side of his master. There was someone there to back him up, to right any wrong he may do. This time he was alone…except for the Force he reminded himself. The Force was truly the only ally he needed. He had been taught that…and had recited it on many occasions, almost as a catechism. Now he would find out how much he truly believed what he had claimed to believe.

Guards armed with blasters. He could block their blaster fire with his saber. He could use a Force push if he were rushed. He could even draw their weapons out of their hands. However, a prisoner of war camp…. There would be more to it than that. The Jedi felt certain that the boundaries of the camp were probably bobby-trapped to keep the prisoners from attempting escape. He didn't know what the camp looked like. If there was just a fence around it, he could lift himself up and over that. Would the individual prisoner quarters be trapped? How would he find Valorum? The Force could tell him that. What condition would the commander be in? If he were injured, Qui-Gon could carry him, but that burden would slow him in escaping.

All things to be considered. However, Qui-Gon knew that a highly visible and political prisoner like Valorum would quickly complicate the negotiations. Should the Kleites become brave enough to kill Valorum, the backlash from the Republic would be serious. It would only inflame things on Quirila. He wondered how deeply Laan had thought of this side of the situation. Had he thought of Quirila at all or was he only thinking of himself? Qui-Gon couldn't linger on that. Annoyance accompanied his thoughts of Laan and he couldn't afford that luxury right now.

Qui-Gon knew he would have a problem at the border crossing. He already knew the Kleites would not let him pass, and he highly suspected that the peacekeeping forces would either deny him passage or at least detain him. It would not be a problem. That's what the Jedi mind power was for. Some of his uncertainty began to melt away as he considered his plan and the advantages he had. Besides, he could always back away if he felt like he couldn't accomplish this…up to a point.

Besides personally hearing two former prisoners of war debriefed, Finis Valorum had also heard other talk about the Kleites. Their abuse of prisoners was almost legend. They seemed to have formed a system that worked well for them and the stories from prisoners helped to validate this. Valorum knew that most likely they would be awakened in the middle of the night, forced to assemble out in the compound, searched and interrogated. The time always varied from night to night. The prisoners could never plan for it. The time of assembly was always a surprise. This kept the prisoners from being able to work on weapons…since they never knew when they safely could. It also re-exerted the idea of control. Finally, it upset the incarcerated soldiers' sleep so much that they were not able to rest well. A fatigued prisoner is one that is easier to control and manipulate.

Right before sunset three soldiers had come for Valorum. They took him back to the building used for a headquarters. There a man with lieutenant stripes had conducted an interrogation. He was annoyed, but not entirely surprised to get only a name, rank and service number. That's the way all new prisoners were, sticking to the "rules" until they figured out that the rules didn't apply in this camp.

Valorum's right eye was so swollen that it was almost shut. His split lip was swollen and dried blood from his nose caked his upper lip. He couldn't be certain about his ribs. At the least, he thought they must be cracked. He lay on his back on the filthy blanket and stared out through a large space between two boards as he wondered about Moray. When they had brought Finis back, they had taken Moray with them. The commander figured the lieutenant must be undergoing an interrogation also. They both knew the risks of military service and had accepted them long ago. However, Valorum felt guilty. He had been in charge of the patrol. He was responsible for them. Perhaps if he had been more careful, instead of letting his mind wander, this would not have happened.

Movement caught his eye and he shifted his previously unseeing gaze. There were two Kleite soldiers working at the fence at the rear of the camp. The pilot was interested in the perimeter, since escape was on his mind. He carefully changed position so he could see through the opening better. Finis wasn't sure quite what they were doing. They had a roll of wire with them. It was beginning to darken outside and all they were doing wasn't plain to him. Then as the two men parted for a few seconds he saw between them clearly…an opening in the fence. They were repairing it.

Suddenly the rickety door opened and the Kleites dragged Moray in and let him fall to the floor. Valorum got up on all fours and slowly crawled over to see about his friend. His suspicion was right. Moray's face was bruised and swollen too. Fury coursed through the commander.

"I didn't tell them anything, sir."

"You did good, Meck," he said quietly. Valorum carefully got up, ripped a piece from his flight suit and walked to the water bucket. He dampened the cloth and then settled down next to Moray to clean away at least some of the blood.

In actuality Finis was surprised. The interrogator didn't ask many questions of him. He assumed the officer meant to break him. However, the lieutenant knew he would probably get little out of the two men and was mostly beating them for his own pleasure. They would be much more cooperative after they had been here for a while. Lack of food, lack of rest, daily torture would break their bravado and then they would tell him all he wanted to know…and more.

Finis' first thought was to help Moray to his "bed", but he remembered it was only a thin dirty blanket. Not much different from lying on the floor. So rather than aggravate the pilot's injuries, Valorum left him where he was and just sat by in silence. He had used his time alone to do more than just try to recover from the beating. He was still studying the layout of the camp. Lying on the floor, he had been able to turn easily, but gingerly, from side to side, looking out between the boards. The pain he felt with each movement was only more impetus to get out of this place.

It was darker now, but he remembered what he had observed in the late afternoon and was reconsidering now that he saw how shadows fell in the camp. Bright lights shined into the middle of the compound. The only dark areas were behind the shacks that were called quarters. From there it would be a short jog to the fence. The lights were mounted on the fence so directly beneath them was a dark area. However, the lights were not fixed. It would not be difficult to rotate lights around to see someone at the fence.

Besides that, the fence looked to be booby-trapped. Some sort of grenade Valorum judged. Probably set to go off if the fence were disturbed. The triggering mechanism would probably be tripped by someone jostling the fence, as in climbing over it. However, there was the repair that he had seen the Kleites making. That was just behind this shack. There was still the problem of jostling the wire, but if they were careful, they might be able to get through. It was a chance they had to take. He and Moray were part of an elite flying group. They had been chosen for ability and for brains. Finis told himself that if they couldn't find a way out, then they didn't deserve to get out.

"No set up is infallible," he said quietly. "There is a way out. Others have escaped. We can too."

Moray was lying on his back. He had not moved in some time, but the man was just trying to conserve resources. "I know you're right, Commander, but…how are we going to be able to do it?"

"I saw something earlier that might be just the help we need."

"Are you sure he saw it?"

"We left a weakness in the perimeter fence right behind his quarters. I sent two soldiers to create it and then close the opening in the fence. I watched them myself. It was not obvious that they had cut it open themselves. I instructed them to work slowly. If Valorum is as smart as you claim then he had to have seen it."

"I suppose it was the only way, without being obvious. If he makes no attempt…well, we will address that tomorrow."

"And the other one?"

"He was left alone before the interrogation. I made sure he could hear the conversation."

"So now we wait…and see."

"Yes. We wait."

Moray sat up. "You really think we can get through there?"

Valorum shrugged. "I can't be sure of anything until I see it up close. I know there is a breach in the fence. Even if they did repair it, it is a way out. I never told you it would be a picnic to escape."

"I didn't expect it to be. But…if we are caught we most likely will be killed."

"Even if we stay, we don't know that we won't be. You've seen some of the prisoners walking by. They are the living dead. The Kleites are killing them…slowly. We die either way, quickly or slowly."

"Sir…" Moray allowed the sentence to die off without finishing it.

"What is it?"

"Well…why are you worried about it? I mean…. Well…no disrespect intended, sir, but…you are a Valorum. You're probably a lot more valuable to them alive. Why are you taking the chance? I'm sure they won't hurt you…badly."

A flash of annoyance went through the officer. "I don't expect any special favors or treatment because of what my name is. What I accomplish, I accomplish because of my abilities…in spite of what all the rumormongers say. If I suspected something was being done for me because I was Senator Valorum's son, I have always turned it down. I'm making my own way. Looking at this situation from a soldier's point of view, not a politician's…or a politician's son point of view, I'd rather try to escape that to waste away and die here anyway."

There was a long silence. "I'm sorry, sir."

"Forget it. Now…let's talk about our options."

"As long as we are going to try this, I learned something that may help us…if we do get out of here."

"What is it?"

"Before I was interrogated, I overheard two soldiers in the corridor. I guess since that's their headquarters building, they didn't see a reason to keep quiet. They were talking about troop movements and supply deliveries. All that is information our forces can use to try to stop the Kleites from breaking the cease fire."

The young knight was happy with himself. As he had expected, the Kleites didn't want to allow a Jedi across the border. At least not before checking with their superiors. He didn't want to wait…and most likely be turned down. But the guards suddenly became very cooperative.

"All is in order. You may pass."

"Thank you, Sergeant," Qui-Gon had replied before he sped away from the checkpoint.

Now he was paused off the road, communing with the Force. He had said the Force would help him find the camp. Now he was waiting for that guidance. Patience. Sometimes an answer isn't immediately obvious.

Qui-Gon hid the speeder off the road and set out into the forest. He reached out to the Force as he walked. This felt right. As long as he didn't get a leading that was contrary to what he was doing, he would continue this way.

Valorum and Moray watched as curfew was imposed. All prisoners in their "quarters". Anyone caught in the compound would be shot immediately. Lights around the buildings were turned off. Only the perimeter lights were on. The two men lay down and pretended to sleep as Kleite soldiers began checking all their charges, to make sure they were where they should be. As the rickety door slammed shut, Valorum sat up to begin his vigil. They had to be ready to make a move as soon as there was enough confusion to cover them.

Moray watched out the front while his commander was still studying the perimeter and weighing options. They had discussed plans already. Talk was minimal, only if really necessary. They did not want to do anything to draw sentries to them. The men had to keep a very low profile. It was not difficult to stay awake. Knowing their possible fate kept their nerves taut. It also made their perception keen. Anything that could help them, they wanted to know about.

The two pilots tried to stay still. However, that led to stiffness because of their abuse. Quietly and very slowly they tried to gently stretch their abused bodies. They needed to be as loose as they were able to be if they expected to succeed. If by some miracle they did get out of the camp, they would have to run to where the forest began…without getting shot, and then try to hide from the soldiers who would come for them.

Everything was against their success. Still the two men had talked it over and agreed that to die that way was preferable to the walking death they observed around them. Possibilities had been discussed. Plans and contingency plans made. Not only was it a way to possibly save themselves, it had given them something constructive to occupy their minds instead of getting mired down in hopelessness.

It was very still and mostly dark, except when the searchlights would pass across their hut. Both pilots would cover their eyes to keep from having their night vision destroyed. Suddenly a klaxon sounded. Kleite sentries began running along the line of shacks yelling for everyone to gather in the compound. Veterans of the night inspections stumbled out as fast as they were able to without question.

"This is it," Valorum whispered. "Maybe they will be occupied enough to give us some chance." He and Moray pressed against loose boards on the back and they easily gave way. The pilots crept out and to the limit of the shadow of their shack. The commander glanced around. For the moment, all the lights were focused on the middle of the compound. "Let's go."

The two men kept as low as they could and ran the short distance. Moray kept watch while Valorum investigated the fence. "I think I can loosen some of this. If we just have enough time," he whispered. Carefully he worked on the wire, ignoring the cuts and punctures to his hands. They hurt, to be sure, but he couldn't take the time to worry about it. They didn't have much time. After a head count was taken and it was discovered they were missing…

"What's going on?" Finis asked as he looked up at the nearest grenade. His heart seemed to skip a beat as he saw it jostle with his movements. He had to work fast, but carefully too.

"The Kleites still seem to be gathering prisoners out of their shacks. I don't think our absence has been noticed…yet. How's it coming?"

"I'm getting it. Can you steady that grenade…without setting it off?"

Moray reached out a hand and settled it gently against the canister. "It won't fall off at least. I'm not sure how steady my hand is though. We don't have much time, Commander."

"I know, I know. I'm working as fast as I dare. It's coming. Damn it! My hands are too slick." Finis' hands were covered with blood now.

"Let me have a go at it. Hurry."

The men switched places. Valorum looked back at the compound. There seemed to be some excitement. "I think they have figured us out, Moray."

"Working on it. Just a minute."

"We don't have a minute."

A sudden barrage of yelled commands took all doubt away. "They know something. I don't know if they've just figured out that someone is missing…or if they know who it is."

"Got it. We can squeeze under."

"Go on. Get under. I'll steady the fence so the grenades won't go off."

The lieutenant glanced back. Under other circumstances he would have argued with Finis, but there wasn't time now. He pulled the loose wire up and climbed under. Valorum hoped that the only thing to set the grenades off would be if the mechanical triggering mechanism were set off. He could keep them from being pulled off the fence, but if there were any sort of motion sensing trigger…they would die now. As Moray finished wiggling under, the commander gave a sigh of relief.

"Come on. I'll hold them now."

"Can you…from out there?"

The answer to his question was not what he wanted. A siren went off and the searchlights began scanning the perimeter. He had to go now, no matter what. Valorum hit the ground and started crawling without another thought. As he emerged on the other side, the lights hit them.

"RUN!"

The two pilots began running a zigzag path toward the forest, hoping to make a harder target for the blaster fire that was already coming their way. A blaster shot hit a grenade on the perimeter and the concussion knocked them down.

"You okay?" Finis called out as he scrambled to his feet.

"Yeah. Far enough away," was Moray's answer.

They reached the trees, feeling some relief, but not much. They weren't out in the open now, but they were still hunted men. Thankfully they had been far enough from the fence that the grenade shrapnel had only lightly peppered them. The cuts on their backs from crawling under the wire were worse injuries.

"I don't know how many will come after us. We should separate," Valorum said. "Don't travel in a straight line, keep changing direction. Go on. Go that way."

The lieutenant started to run but stopped when he saw that his commander stood his ground. "Finis, run. What are you waiting for?"

"You have to get back with that information. Go on. I'll try to lead them away from you."

"Finis…"

"Lieutenant Moray, I gave you an order!"

The man stood for only a couple of seconds longer then he ran off into the forest. Valorum looked back toward the camp. The soldiers were just now getting to the rent in the fence. He would wait until they got through, then he would go himself. Maybe that would be enough lead for Moray. It would have to be. He couldn't stay here for very long.

The young officer looked over his shoulder. It was completely black and he could see nothing of his lieutenant. He was glad. Valorum glanced at the camp and decided it was time to go. He began traveling on a continuously changing course, angling away from the direction that Moray had gone. He could hear noises but had no idea how close the soldiers were to him. Sound could be deceiving in an area like this. Suddenly he stepped in a hole and fell flat on his swollen face.

Qui-Gon was still traveling through the forest…as he planned to do as long as it seemed the right thing to do. He felt the gentle leading of the Force and followed the pull. In the pitch-black night, away from all civilization, a small transport passed overhead. It flew low. That was the first outward indication to the Jedi that perhaps he was on the right track. It must be making a short hop to be so low. There had to be some sort of military facility nearby. For now he would stay on his present course…heading deeper into the dark forest, into enemy territory.

The hollow that Commander Valorum had stepped in was apparently a wash out, an eroded place on the downhill side of a couple of fallen trees. In stepping over one of the trunks, he had put his foot into it and almost wrenched his ankle. He pushed himself up and cursed his luck. Now his ankle was slightly injured. But…maybe he could hide here…at least until the soldiers made their first pass. They weren't very far away. The pilot could hear orders being yelled and an occasional blast.

Valorum dug into the leaves and buried himself in the hollow. Then he quickly began pulling the leaves over himself. He had to work fast, but not make so much noise. On the other hand, crashing through the forest, perhaps they wouldn't hear him. A nearby yell startled him and he got still. Finis listened. The sounds of cracking branches and voices were almost on him. It was very dark. Maybe he wouldn't be seen…maybe he would.

"Wait," a man said. "Be careful. There are some deep holes around here. I almost broke an ankle in one of them during the last escape attempt. Watch where you step."

There was more crunching.

"I don't think they came this way."

"They wouldn't travel straight into the forest. Of course they would change direction. I thought I saw movement over this way. Come on."

More cracking. The volume of the voices decreased. Finis exhaled the breath he had been holding and then rebuked himself. Someone could have stayed behind. He didn't move and made sure to keep his breathing quieter. But he heard nothing else except the receding voices.

Qui-Gon had been traveling for at least a couple of hours he guessed. He was not discouraged. The further he went, the more he felt this was correct. There was a little activity also. He was getting close to something. The Jedi felt that the Force must be with him or he couldn't have found his way so easily. Yes, he was doing the right thing. His doubts began to fade and his confidence increased. Qui-Gon was certain that it would not be easy, but he trusted the Force even more now. It would assist him.

He was aware of a road off to his right and the knight was careful to stay away from it. That could lead to the camp. They had to have someway to transfer supplies and personnel. However, he wanted his approach to be a surprise, so he angled away from the road and deeper into the dark treed area.

The Jedi stopped suddenly. He was aware of a presence. It seemed familiar. Someone he had been around very recently. He reached out. It was nearby. Qui-Gon began walking toward it. This presence was another positive sign. He wanted to call out, but didn't, in fear of the Kleites. The knight stopped and closed his eyes to concentrate. Something fell from the tree above him and Qui-Gon quickly sidestepped it. A man tried to contain his cry of pain as he hit the ground.

"Commander Valorum, is that you?"

He looked up in amazement. "Qui-Gon? What in the name of the Republic are you doing here? That's how you knew I was going to jump you from the tree…your black magic?"

"Yes, the Force warned me of someone in the tree. And I sensed your presence, but I didn't expect that to be you in the tree."

"Get down. And stay quiet. This place is crawling with Kleite soldiers."

Qui-Gon knelt down. "You were able to escape?"

"Obviously. Lieutenant Moray and I staged a dramatic escape," he replied tersely.

"Lieutenant Moray? Where is he?"

"Far away from here, I hope. We split up. I tried to stay back a little to give him an opportunity to get away. He overheard some important information. However…I may have cut my margin too close. There are too many patrols now. I haven't been able to make much distance myself. It's just a matter of time I'm afraid. I don't think I'll be able to get out of here."

"Are you giving up so easily after trying so hard to get out?" the knight said evenly.

"I'm doing all I can, but I think a couple of the patrols have circled around. I'm not sure…but I think I'm surrounded."

"As long as there is a chance, we should try to continue."

"What are you doing here anyway?"

"I came to try to get you out of the camp. You are too valuable a prisoner for the Kleites to have. Your safety could easily turn the tide of events here. The hostilities could escalate quickly if something…"

"My safety?" the commander cut him off. "What about all those walking skeletons we left back at that camp? Who cares about their safety? Look at my face…and that's just after a day. Can you imagine what they go through day after day?" His voice was low but firm.

They heard a noise that made both of them hit the ground. It was still very dark. They could see nothing. There was no motion. It was suddenly silent. Still they didn't move for a couple of minutes.

"We've got to get moving before another patrol comes around." Valorum glanced around. "You have any idea what time it is? How much time we have before daylight?"

"I'm not entirely certain, but my best estimate is maybe a couple of hours…probably less."

"Even if we make it, I don't know how we're going to get across the border."

"Don't worry about it. I can get us across."

"I knew you were going to say that." A light passed over them. "Run!"

"Wait!" the knight called, but the commander was gone. Qui-Gon had his saber out at once and ready to defend himself. However, he was slightly distracted by the thought of Finis Valorum unprotected and running into he knew not what. Blaster fire erupted and the Jedi deftly deflected it. The Kleites began falling with great cries of pain. Almost as quickly as it had begun, the fight was over. The knight powered off his saber and turned to go in search of Commander Valorum. He didn't have to look far however. The officer stood several meters away, with his hands on top of his head…and Kleite soldiers around him.

"Surrender or we'll kill him," said the man who held a blaster to Valorum's temple.

"Don't do it!" Valorum yelled out. "Get away while you can!" This earned him a rifle butt in the stomach. Another soldier held him up though so his sergeant could continue to hold the pistol at the pilot's head.

Qui-Gon sighed. If he made a move, the commander would be dead. Three soldiers came slowly toward him, blaster rifles high. One stepped up, took his light saber and began to pat him down.

"Hands on your head."

The two men were taken into a dark room. "A squadron of soldiers will be outside…should you decide to try anything. The CO will be here shortly." The door closed.

Valorum located the nearest wall. He slid down it and let out a sigh…or was it a groan? "I hope Moray got out of there. I think they seemed more interested in us. Maybe they don't know he was with me."

"Yet you escaped together," Qui-Gon said calmly.

"Can't you let a condemned man have a moment of peace? Let me enjoy one pleasant thought before they kill me," the commander said with great sarcasm. "Well…how can you use your magic to get us out of this?"

"I'm sure a solution will present itself." Qui-Gon hoped he sounded more certain than he felt. This was not a time to let doubts fill him. He had to be close to the Force at a time like this. Valorum didn't seem to want to talk, so the Jedi sat down and reached out for the Force. What could he do?

In a few short minutes the door flew open and a bright light came on overhead. The captives shielded their eyes.

"On your feet! Your commanding officer is here!" a voice called out. The soldier stepped aside and a middle-aged man with a slight bulge at his waist entered. He stood and studied the pair.

"Valorum, welcome back. I knew it was a risk to let you get away. Still I had to try it. But…now you are back in my control. I trust you will be well behaved now that you have seen you cannot escape. I like a well-ordered camp without trouble. Now that we've had our excitement and I have carried out my orders concerning you, I hope we can get back to our routine…and I can get back to bed."

The pilot was thinking about what he'd just heard. Something didn't sound right. Let you get away. Had to try it. Orders concerning you. He was allowed to escape? Why? What could they gain by allowing him to escape, especially if they were coming after him? He felt like a fool now for thinking it would be so easy. All he had to do was go through a hole in the fence. They must have left that for him. But why? Was this part of their sick entertainment?

The commandant looked at Qui-Gon "A Jedi. Were you sent to free them?"

"I came of my own volition to free them. No one asked or ordered me here."

"I see." He walked toward the tall knight. "I don't believe your lies. You represent the Republic…and I know the standing of the Valorums in the Republic." He walked around the knight. "You will be a problem. How do I contain a Jedi? We have your weapon…but that doesn't disable you, does it? You still have the Force." He looked over to the officer that accompanied him. "This will be a challenge for you and your men. How do you propose to hold him?"

The man obviously had not expected to be entrusted with such a weighty decision. "Uh…ah…. I…ah…defer to your greater knowledge and experience. I have…not dealt with a Jedi before sir." He was obviously uncomfortable having to admit he didn't know what to do.

The portly man glared at him. "You were said to be an expert. That is why you were assigned to me. You need something to contain him that he will not be able to use the Force to open. Locks will not hold him. Certainly these shacks here will not hold him. He cannot be allowed to roam the camp. He would simply leap over the fence."

The younger officer's eyes went wide. He had heard of such things…but having never directly encountered a Jedi, obviously had dismissed them. "Um…." He was thinking furiously. "How about if we jam a lock? Would he be able to open it then…sir?"

"I charge you with the responsibility to find out, Lieutenant. However, I should also warn you that I do not want to lose either of these prisoners. I suggest you study the situation well." He turned and walked out.

Valorum was not happy to be back in shackles. It was most painful on the arm muscles and on the wrists…and his wrists had no time to heal from their previous injuries. His bare back on the cold wall chilled him. It must be daylight because the dark room was dim now, not completely black.

Qui-Gon was studying his situation. The lieutenant had melted the locking mechanism on his shackles. The Jedi was unable to figure a way out. He, too, had been relieved of what covered his upper body. The knight held no illusions about that. The intention was clear. The Kleites were going to torture them. He knew he had the power to endure through the Force and the power to heal himself. However, Commander Valorum didn't have that luxury…and had already been abused.

"That was stupid, surrendering, you know?" Valorum said.

"I couldn't allow them to kill you."

"Really? You couldn't? But you did manage to get yourself captured. In spite of your magical powers."

Qui-Gon did not reply. He knew at the time that Bara's idea was not well thought out. The bureaucrat only had one consideration, himself. The Jedi felt manipulated into this…and look what it had gained him. Not only was he not able to get Valorum free, now he was a prisoner himself. He had to pull his mind away from the frustration and irritation that were trying to possess him.

The commander seemed to sense something wasn't quite right with his fellow captive. He was amused at that thought. I figured that out without being a Jedi. "You just set out on your own to come and get ol' Finis? I didn't know you cared."

"I am concerned for your well being, Commander, but no, it was not my own idea. It would not have been my first choice to come here the way I did, without proper planning or backup. Mr. Laan directed me to come."

"He did?" Valorum said in surprise. "Well, bless his cold heart," he smiled in spite of the dire situation. "He thought he'd look a real hero by bringing me home safely to Dad," his voice dripped with sarcasm. Then he looked back to the Jedi. "And you couldn't figure out that's what his game was?"

"Yes, Commander. I considered the circumstances and suspected there was…an ulterior motive for his rash decision." He averted his eyes so he wouldn't have to look at the smirk that the man across from him was wearing. Qui-Gon had already fought, and was still fighting, the war in himself about this. He had fallen so quickly into Bara's exploitation. Should he have given in…or stood his ground? The young knight was angry with the diplomat and angry with himself. Obeying or not obeying, blaming Laan or himself…in any of the cases, his inexperience had led him into this. Qui-Gon recognized that, but it didn't ease his feelings very much, and was only making it harder for him to focus on the Force.

"Politics is a dirty game, son. Politicians play it dirty too. You can't get involved in it without getting some dirt on you. The trick is knowing how to keep it to a minimum…and how to clean yourself up."

So the commander was not going to make this any easier for him. The Jedi should have realized that. He remembered the pilot's flippant and arrogant behavior from the reception. The thing that puzzled Qui-Gon the most was how Valorum could continue such an attitude in this situation. Surely he recognized the gravity of this. Why did he insist on making light of it? Or…perhaps that was just his way of dealing with the stress, by trying to joke about it. Either way, it added to Qui-Gon's building annoyance. He chose not to respond.

"So…Laan sent you here, with his delusions of grandeur. Now he's relaxing into Talus' hospitality, which is probably a trap. And you, my dear green knight, are here. Let me introduce you. Here is not a nice place. Just one look at me will show you your fate. This is a prisoner of war camp. That means they specialize in hurting people. The fact that you are a Jedi may give you some advantage…with your magic, but it will not give you any immunity from their…special treatment." Valorum was grinning. Why was he enjoying taunting the Jedi? He wasn't sure he could say. Under other circumstances, he would have considered it great sport to toy with the young knight. But now they were both prisoners of the barbarous Kleites. What was driving him to be so biting in his treatment of Qui-Gon? Fatigue, frustration, pain, anger. Valorum decided he'd said too much. He was on the verge of apologizing when the door opened.

A soldier stepped in and turned on the light. He stood aside for the lieutenant who entered with a grin. To Qui-Gon he said, "I see you're having troubles with our shackles now. That is too bad…for you anyway. It is good for me. The commander will not have a reason to torture me instead. Speaking of that…Commander Valorum we never did complete your interrogation."

The young officer felt his stomach turn over. He knew what was coming. He also knew that he couldn't give in. Valorum looked inside himself, calling up all the courage and determination that was in him. He would need it all…and more.

"You didn't tell me before how many men the Republic sent to Quirila. Or…how many ships. Or what type. Would you care to make this easy on us both and simply tell me the answers to my questions?"

Finis Valorum looked straight ahead. He said not a word. His intense blue eyes burned with resolve. He could not, would not betray his forces by giving away any information that could endanger them.

"You will be begging to tell me soon." The man turned and snapped his fingers. The soldier handed him a small, long rectangular object. The officer fitted it to the end of the ever-present swagger stick he carried under his arm. Then he thumbed a switch on the box and placed the end on Valorum's bare chest. A shock and burning sensation hit him suddenly. The commander clenched his teeth and tried not to show what he felt. The Kleite did not move the instrument away. He maintained contact with skin. Finally, unable to tolerate anymore, Valorum yelled out in pain and his body bucked as he tried to pull away. Contact broke and he collapsed back against the wall. A red and raw mark was left.

"It's not very pleasant, is it? Will you tell me now?"

Finis didn't move at all. He was trying to prepare himself for the next hit and telling himself he had to be strong. He couldn't give in. He couldn't

The man stepped closer and pressed the box end to the commander's chest again. Almost immediately, the commander yelled out. He tried to pull away, but the lieutenant was too close this time. He couldn't pull away from it. The young officer quit trying to fight and just gave in. He leaned back against the wall and yelled out.

Qui-Gon steeled himself. There was nothing he could do to help the man and nothing he could do to stop the abuse. He had to watch and listen.

Finis Valorum's bruised face was drenched in sweat. He was semi-conscious. His knees had long ago refused to support his weight any longer. He hung from the metal bracelets. The lieutenant grabbed a handful of damp black hair and pulled the pilot's head up. The blue eyes were glassy and half closed. There were many of the angry red burns over his chest area.

"We won't get anything out of him now." He let go and the commander's head flopped forward. Then he turned to face the Jedi. "You must know something."

"I was sent as part of the diplomatic mission. I know nothing of the military operations here," Qui-Gon replied very matter-of-factly.

"I hope you will forgive me for not believing you. I know how the Jedi and the Republic go hand in hand. You know something. You saw what your companion went through. Do you care to join him?" He walked closer to the Jedi

Now would come one of Qui-Gon's greatest tests yet. He drew in a deep breath and concentrated on the Force. He knew what he was about to endure. He tried to keep his voice controlled. "I cannot tell you what I do not know."

At once the torture device was against the knight's bare chest. It happened so suddenly that Qui-Gon was not entirely prepared. He drew in a quick breath…but forced himself to stay controlled. The Force is my ally. The Force….

"You hold out better than your friend. I am impressed. Let's see just how well though." He thumbed another switch and the power output increased.

The knight had his eyes pressed closed tightly. He was trying to look past the pain to the Force. The pain was great…too great. He yelled out…and the lieutenant smiled.

"They aren't omnipotent after all, are they?"

The instrument remained in place until Qui-Gon finally managed to wiggle away. The Kleite stepped closer and pressed once more against the bare flesh. The Jedi cried out as he also reached out to the Force. He had to regain the link. The Force would help him endure. He had allowed his attention to flag and had given in. It was so hard…so very hard to concentrate with the great pain in his chest…but he had to. He had to.

The lieutenant was more than pleased with himself. Not only had he found a way to contain the Jedi, but his favorite discipline instrument had worked on him also. The Kleite had no way of knowing how it would affect someone with the Force. In the beginning it seemed as though the knight would be able to withstand, but it just had taken persistence. By increasing the power and the length of time of application, he had finally broken through whatever form of resistance the Jedi was relying on. Then he endured no better than the pilot had. Qui-Gon had yelled out in agony and tried to escape the horrible instrument. In the end, he also bore the marks and the same half-conscious effects of the abuse. The knight hung by his bloodied wrists from the manacles.

The Kleite pulled the soaked head up and looked into the uncomprehending eyes. Yes…just like the other. The Jedi was just human after all, wasn't he? He let the head flop forward and laughed in harsh delight. It had been even more fun to see a great Jedi suffer. He must report his grand success to the commanding officer at once. But…he had gained no information. That gave him pause…but maybe finding a way to get through to the Jedi would pacify his superior. He hoped so or these two would suffer a great deal more until he got something that would make his CO happy.

Moray had traveled all the remaining night. He had only stopped a handful of times for a very short rest. There were a couple of close calls with a Kleite patrol. One time he was able to scramble up a tree. In the thick foliage, he was not visible, especially while it was dark. Another time he had to hide himself essentially in the open, relying on the night to hide him. The lieutenant didn't know if he was really so good at eluding the pursuers or if he had just been very lucky. But that was something to consider later. Right now he had to keep going, cover as much distance as he could. He knew what direction to travel to get to the border. Quirila's big white moon helped him navigate.

The pilot found a brushy area and slipped into it to rest and think. He had no idea where the camp was in relation to the border, so he didn't know how far he had left to travel. It was beginning to get lighter. That advantage was gone. And…when he did get there, how would he cross?

The sound of voices caused him to flatten himself to the ground. Moray was fairly certain he would not be seen in the thick foliage, unless they came into it looking for him. He lay still and breathed in and out slowly. The sounds seemed to be coming closer and then they receded.

The lieutenant continued to lie still, not daring to move. Soon it was quiet again. Yet, Moray lay there. With his strength waning and the light increasing, he had to be more careful now. For some minutes he still did not budge. Finally he was convinced it was safe and carefully the man emerged from his green cocoon. He looked around quickly, but saw nothing.

Moray set off through the forest again. As he reached a small clear area, he heard transports coming. He hit the ground, hoping not to be seen. Stealing a glance upward, at once Moray recognized the Republic fleet ships. The craft and their insignia were unmistakable. That must be a border patrol! He must be close. If only he had known, he could have tried to signal them.

Frustration and hope mixed in the man. He would have to be alert. The Kleites patrolled their side of the boundary regularly. He would be closing on enemy troops as he neared. After coming this far, he was determined that they not recapture him. Not only because he dreaded his fate, but also because he had important information. Moray briefly wondered about his commander. He had not seen him in the forest and merely assumed it was because Valorum had deliberately taken a different path so they would not be caught together. He wondered where Finis was now. At first thought he was tempted to wait. If they crossed the border together, it would be best. Once the boundary had been violated, Moray was certain it would be fortified. That would only make it harder for Valorum to cross. Or…he could have gotten ahead. Maybe he was already across and Moray would be the one to have the harder time. There were too many unknowns. If the opportunity presented itself, he would have to go at once.

Moray continued his careful trek and noticed the trees were thinning. Another advantage he was going to lose. Sounds caused him to take cover behind a large tree. A speeder was slowly tracing a path just beyond the trees, in the cleared area. That's when he saw the very tall fence. His heart quickened. That had to be the border. He had made it! But…he still had to cross. The lieutenant stayed well back until the speeder had gone. He was studying the situation. He was willing to bet that was no ordinary fence either. The chances of being able to simply scale it were low. Glancing the length of it, his question was answered. There were insulators just a little way down. Electrified. He sighed in frustration.

And yet…his own forces patrolled this border also, both by ground and air. If he could keep from being spotted by the Kleites until a Republic patrol came by, then they might be able to get him over. There seemed little choice but to wait.

Mei Lera was pacing rapidly before the window in Bara's room. She was fuming inside. It was obvious to her what was going on. Finally she stopped and turned on the man. In a barely controlled voice she said, "I can't believe you ordered him to go, alone yet."

That bothered the man none. "He is a Jedi after all. What is the problem? He has the Force."

"Yes, he does, but that doesn't mean he has unlimited power. Even the Republic troops and the Naran army know little about that camp. You have no idea what you sent him into. A single Jedi does have a lot of power at his disposal, but he is not omnipotent. Qui-Gon could not take on an army of men."

"What about all these glowing reports we continuously receive from the Jedi of how well they have contained a hostile situation? It certainly sounds to me as if you underestimate him. And I thought you claimed to have such a good understanding of the Jedi."

"I do have a better understanding than you do. It's clear to me however, that the Jedi was the furthest from your mind."

"What does that mean?"

Hoping to bypass the rash allegation, Mei tried to refocus the conversation. "Qui-Gon left close to sunset and has been gone all night. You have heard nothing from him. If he had been successful…or if he'd had to turn back, we should have heard something from him by now. I think he must be in trouble."

"A Jedi in trouble?" Laan scoffed. "They never get in trouble."

"Bara, are your really so blind? I can't believe it. You're a good negotiator, and a wise man. Do you truly believe that? Or do you only read the reports of successful missions?" It was hard to hold her mouth any longer. "Or is it that you simply are discounting all that in your great desire to rescue Finis Valorum so you will look good to Senator Valorum?" Mei regretted the words as soon as they were out. She should not have said it and could kick herself for giving in.

The tall man turned slowly and glared at his nemesis. "Why you snide, arrogant little bitch. I resent that. Do you deny that Finis Valorum holds a special value as a hostage? That is what was on my mind. We can't launch a military attack to rescue him, so I used the only other avenue open to me…the Jedi. This is the sort of thing they do all of the time. If you are such an expert on them, why do you deny that?"

"It's not that I don't think you shouldn't have taken action. I think it was just rash and not well planned. You didn't allow Qui-Gon any time to prepare. You just ordered…threatened him to go."

That lieutenant must have told her about this! I'll have his stripes for this! "I did order him to go. He was reluctant to go, so I did find it necessary to order him. I did not threaten him."

She nodded her head. So Bara was going to hide behind lies. Not that her trust in him was exceptional, but now she knew to be more on guard. "And did you stop to think why he might have been reluctant to go? What do you intend to do now? You have not heard from him and have no idea where Qui-Gon is. The Kleites may have discovered what he was up to and are holding him."

"They would not dare to harm a member of the negotiating team. We have diplomatic immunity. I am sure they will contact us and make arrangements to return him."

Did he really believe all this…or was his denial of past events just a denial of the potential danger he was in here? "And what about Commander Valorum?"

"I took action to rescue him. It failed…apparently. There is little else I can do." He rubbed his chin. "I suppose I will have to talk with the Kleite negotiators, after all, to obtain his release. However, there is no way we can agree to the terms they have set."

"Well, let's talk then and see what terms we can offer them instead."

The man waved his hand dismissively at Mei. "Why don't you contact the Kleite embassy and see if there is news of the Jedi? I'll see to the negotiations."

Mei's temper threatened to flare back up. Bara was essentially removing her from an active role in this. She knew why. It was because she had dared to speak her mind about Laan's motivations. This was her punishment…and to put her in her place. There was little point in arguing further. She knew that Bara would not give in on this and would probably threaten to have her recalled as an impediment to the mediation. She turned on her heel and walked out.

"Commander?" Qui-Gon said in a weary voice. "Commander, are you awake?"

"How could I sleep?"

"I did not know if you were conscious or not."

"I'm…aware if that's what you mean. At least my mind is clearing." He paused. "I…didn't expect exactly that sort of torture…electroshock. Very painful."

There were a few minutes of silence.

"We have to assume the worst, Qui-Gon. They want information. It doesn't seem like this is just for their entertainment." Valorum hesitated. "I know that you and Laan think I am a bargaining piece…but I think the Kleites are too barbaric to care much about politics. They may try to use me for that, but…if it seems to be getting them nowhere…. Well, I wouldn't give a credit for my life. They did tell me that no one would know if I were alive or dead." Then with great emphasis he said, "I can't betray the Republic."

The Jedi didn't respond immediately. He was seeing a side of Finis Valorum that he wasn't sure existed…and in reality he was waiting for the accompanying joke. But seeing the pilot was in earnest, he responded. "I think we have to assume that eventually we are both expendable. If the Kleites can get no information or political benefit from us, there is no reason to keep us."

Valorum's blue eyes were dark, not from fear, but determination. "Those are the fortunes of war. In the final analysis everyone is expendable. There is no one important enough, rich enough, with enough of any advantage to escape death once usefulness has been outlived."

The young Jedi's eyebrows lifted slightly. Indeed there was much more to the commander than what all those rumors had implied. But he also reminded himself that could be Valorum's false bravado…the sound that accompanied his reputation as a hell of a pilot. However, the man had taken a great deal of punishment at the hands of their tormentor in the early hours of the morning without giving in. The shallow officer was turning out to be more complex that he let on. Qui-Gon was suddenly more interested in what kind of person Finis Valorum really was.

"I have no military information," the Jedi responded. "As I told the lieutenant. He does not believe me. At any rate, I will not be able to betray the Republic on that account. I do not know if they will consider me of use to them with no information and of little value as a hostage."

"You made a mistake telling them that you came to rescue me…and in surrendering to them. Now they know how to get to you…through me. They will use that to manipulate you, Qui-Gon. They realize I have value to you."

Qui-Gon didn't answer. Had he made a mistake in admitting his mission? But…the commandant of the camp had already assumed that's why he was in the area, to rescue Valorum.

"Anyway…I didn't need rescuing, thank you very much." Finis was annoyed, angry, tired and sore. He couldn't help but think that by himself he would have done better. "I was doing fine on my own…until you showed up. I probably would be back at the base by now, getting ready to tell Mei about how I escaped." He paused thoughtfully. "Hmm…but I forgot, she's your girl, isn't she?"

The Jedi found it interesting how quickly Valorum could change persona. Part of his political "training"? It just made Qui-Gon more leery of opening up to the pilot. The commander was no different from any bureaucrat the knight had dealt with. He was more politician than officer. That must come from the family environment. The Valorum's were quintessential politicos.

"Did I hit a sensitive area?" Finis said innocently. "I thought you said your interest was only professional."

"It is. However, since you have your mind made up, I saw little reason to argue with you. I've explained it to you before. Obviously it made no difference."

Valorum stared for a moment. "You try to be so cool and unassuming about everything. But you're not. You may be a Jedi…but you're only human. Admit it, you're proud of your humility, aren't you?"

"That statement is an oxymoron. If I were proud, I wouldn't be humble."

"That's my point. You congratulate yourself on being the perfect picture of a Jedi, don't you? In control, self-effacing, everything contained in a nice neat package that is so ready to look good that you let yourself by used by Laan. You had to have known what he was doing."

"We covered this before," Qui-Gon said coolly. He preferred not to think about it. He had already punished himself enough inside over the face-off with Laan. The anger that tried to build in him was only stealing his already weak focus on the Force. The Jedi was just beginning to recover his strength from the torture. He needed his attention on the Force to continue to improve…and hopefully escape. As soon as he had some more strength, he was going to see about pulling the shackle anchor bolts from the stone wall. He did not need the distraction of the verbal sparring with the cocky pilot.

"That's right, we did. Another one of those things you aren't going to try to change my mind about. You don't do much arguing, do you? How did you get chosen for a negotiating team? Negotiators have to argue. Ending wars, settling disputes involves arguing. You don't seem to get much practice."

"You, however, seem to get more than enough." Qui-Gon looked away. He wanted to end this discussion. He had more important things to think about.

"I don't get used by politicians either. If you'd stand up for yourself…. But, you have to be ready and willing to serve, don't you?" Valorum made a big show of shifting his position to try to give his arms a rest. "I'm a little confused here now. Where is the dividing line between serving the Republic and sticking to…whatever rules you Jedi have? You can't give in to every whim. Or do you? Is there some sort of…rulebook that the Jedi use or do you just follow orders like a good little knight?"

"The Jedi code," was the only answer Qui-Gon provided. Then he asked himself, why even answer at all? That was only fueling the debate. He closed his eyes to hopefully concentrate.

"Does this mean you aren't speaking to me now? Did I make you mad? Must have hit close to the truth to get you so upset that you won't talk to me anymore."

The knight drew in a deep breath. He was determined not to let this man get to him. He already was fighting a war with himself over how he had reacted to Laan…and now was a prisoner because of it. He had to draw a line somewhere. If the Jedi were not left alone to try to heal himself, there would be no hope of escape. Would it do any good to explain that?

"Commander, there is still the chance that we can get away. However, I need to be stronger. I need time to focus all my attention on the Force…to help heal myself. As much as I am entertaining you, I would serve us both better if you would allow me to concentrate."

"Oh yes…your magic. Another thing you pride yourself on. Well, go ahead. Far be it from me to keep you from getting ready to rescue us from a situation we shouldn't be in to begin with. Do me a favor? If we do get out of here…let me escape by myself. Don't do me any more favors. Okay?"

Qui-Gon closed his eyes and told himself that it was not worth getting upset over. If he could he had to be able to find a way to get Valorum out of here. Another oxymoron. He had to help a man who didn't want his help. The young knight reminded himself his focus was wrong. Yet again he tried to bring his attention to the Force. The Force is my ally. What I do, I do to serve the Force…not Laan, not Valorum.

The young officer stared at Qui-Gon for a moment. This seemed almost surreal. He was chained to a wall, being abused and his rescuer was suffering with him. And what a rescuer he was. The Jedi…. They were supposed to be so strong and able…and have that power. So far Qui-Gon Jinn had demonstrated some amount of control…but that was all. He had surrendered so easily. The wise Jedi had been set up by Laan. Now…he was a prisoner and unable to use his magic to get away. He really looked at Qui-Gon. It was hard not to laugh. Tall and lanky. He must be as awkward as a newborn gerra. They were about as skinny as this guy…and taller at birth. Finis could imagine Qui-Gon stumbling around like a baby gerra…staggering like he was drunk. But…he was sure this Jedi didn't drink. No…can't allow any intoxicant to interfere with the Force. A drunk magician. He chuckled. And that hair! He actually felt sorry for Qui-Gon having to look like that. Almost as much as he felt sorry for him when everyone had laughed in the senate building at the walking stick padawan following the little green gnome of a master.

Finis shook his head. If he entered politics…he would have to deal with the likes of him? The pilot only hoped that it was lack of experience that made Qui-Gon all that he seemed to be on the surface. Perhaps a couple of hard missions…like this one, would harden him, shape him…if they got out alive. After all it was only his second mission. Perhaps he should give the knight a break. But…if he didn't call his hand on some things, the green Jedi might end up getting killed.

Forget it Finis. You have your own problems to worry about without thinking of babysitting a young Jedi. Then he turned his mind back to something that had been eating at him. He had thought about the commandant's words…allowing Valorum to escape. When the man had first said that, it had not made sense to the commander. Why would he allow me to escape…only to recapture me? There's something else going on. He didn't want to lose me…but he let me go. What is his game? They came after me…but what about Moray? They haven't locked him up with us. He must have gotten away. They wanted me…but they let Moray go. Why do they want him to go? They wouldn't give up any prisoner easily, not without a reason. There is something they are expecting Moray to do…something that will serve them. Then like a revelation it came to him. What he overheard yesterday! That's what Moray has…information. But they don't know he has it…do they? He cursed loudly. It was a set up! This whole thing was a set up! They allowed us to get away so that information would get back…but they couldn't allow their prize prisoner to go free. They did well. Moray is probably taking back false intelligence data…and they got their political prisoner back. Fury filled him. He had gone along with it too. What a fool I was! I should have realized that simple repair on the fence was for a reason. It was too easy to get out! Great Finis. You played right into their hands…and are probably going to endanger people because of what Moray will be reporting. Without thinking he yanked against the shackles in frustration. Valorum groaned and cursed himself, the Kleites, the camp…the whole stinking war.

Moray had almost given up hope of being found. He had begun to consider his alternatives and was thinking of a way to possibly short the fence when he heard a sound. The lieutenant withdrew to his hiding place and waited for the approaching vehicle. He could not be sure of time, his wrist chrono having been "appropriated" by one of his captors, but it seemed very soon for another border patrol to be coming by. It was a patrol…but on the other side of the fence. It was all he could do to contain himself rather than running out into the open.

The pilot knew he was losing time. The speeder would soon be gone, but he had to be sure there were no Kleites in the area also. Convinced that there were no enemy soldiers, he trotted out, waving his hands around, afraid to yell out, lest he draw the wrong attention. The speeder had already passed him by, but one of the sharp eyed soldiers eyeing the border saw him and recognized the Republic uniform at once.

"Hey! Stop! Look. One of ours."

"A pilot. You think it's one of those that was shot down yesterday?"

"How are we going to get to him?" he asked as he jumped off the open speeder and hurried to the fence.

Moray was still looking around hurriedly. "Am I glad to see you guys! Can you get me out of here?"

"Are you armed?"

"No, I escaped from the POW camp. I don't have anything."

"We'll get you a weapon over the fence. Do you have a good hiding place?"

"Good enough if no one knows I'm there." Moray looked around again. "I can't stay in the open for very long."

"You grab the blaster and get back. We'll have to get a transport here to get you out. We'll have to call the base and tell them about it. I don't know how long it will take. We can't stay here too long or we'll raise suspicion if the Kleites see us."

"I know."

The other soldier was already on his way back to the speeder to radio the base.

Qui-Gon felt a profound sense of dismay when the door opened. He was just beginning to get real strength…and connection with the Force back. Before he could begin to try to free himself, the tormentors had returned.

Valorum tried to keep an impassive look on his face. In truth he had to admit fear on seeing the lieutenant and his two "assistants" back. To him this was a sign of more interrogation or worse. Despite what he felt inside however, he was determined not to let it show.

"Well…you seem to be getting over our fun of the morning. Unfortunately, I cannot continue in the way I would prefer. The commandant has reminded me that you have a certain use to us. That is to your benefit…but I will have my way. I cannot use such…destructive ways to punish you. I cannot further damage my commander's prize prisoners. Oh, but don't you worry, there are other ways, many other ways. You see I have made it a study of mine to find ways to inflict pain. People don't like to feel pain. They will do many things to avoid it. That is why I have made it my business to know how to…encourage others to be cooperative. I don't have to cause such injury to harm you." He walked over to Valorum and inspected the marks left by his shocking device. The officer poked one of them with his swagger stick. It was unexpected and Finis cried out.

The lieutenant only smiled. "Too bad." He turned and held out a hand. One of the accompanying soldiers handed him a hypo spray syringe. He held it up. "This can be equally painful…but without the destructive tendencies." He pressed it to Valorum's shoulder. Then he turned and walked to Qui-Gon. "We can't forget our other guest." The Jedi was injected also. Then the man just stepped back and watched.

Qui-Gon and Valorum glanced at each other wondering what was supposed to happen. Very shortly they found out however. Finis' face contorted and he bent forward as far as he was able to.

"Commander Valorum?" Qui-Gon began, but that's all he got out. He knew why the pilot was doubling up. A severe pain hit the Jedi in the abdomen. His body reacted instinctively and he bent forward too. The cramp let up for only seconds and then hit him again. Qui-Gon tried not to cry out but it was hard…so very hard. The pain was incredible, almost as bad as the shocker.

"I'll be glad to give you an antidote for the drug…and withhold further punishment if you will cooperate. First we want each of you to record a confession of your crimes…"

"Go to hell!" Valorum croaked out.

The man only laughed. "You didn't even wait to hear the best part Commander. We want you to beg your father to cooperate with us. And that will happen. I am here to be sure of it." To Qui-Gon he said, "We'll need your cooperation too. A Jedi begging to be rescued will be most valuable. It will demonstrate to others just how powerful we are." He looked at the two prisoners writing in agony. "I'll leave you two alone. This is just the beginning. I'll be back in a little while to see if you have changed your minds." He turned and walked out, his lackeys following.

Valorum groaned loudly. "Qui-Gon," he panted. "You…" But he wasn't able to finish before another pain gripped him.

Through clenched teeth the Jedi tried to speak. "I…can't…" The ache cut him off.

I must…I…must…concentrate. The Force…the…Force.

"We hope you will forgive us for intruding on you so soon, Lieutenant Moray," Bara said. "I know you need to rest. However, we were very concerned about you and Commander Valorum…and I was most anxious to hear this information that you brought back."

"Excuse me, sir," the lieutenant said from his bed. "You'll have to talk to my CO about that. He asked me not to repeat it to anyone. He said he would handle it."

Laan glanced at Mei. "I will talk to him at once," he said indignantly and turned to go. "Are you coming?"

"I'll be along in a minute," Mei said. As Bara walked out she turned back to Moray. "Are you all right?"

"Yes ma'am. I'm better now. They are taking good care of me." He looked away. "I'm just…worried about Commander Valorum. They told me he hasn't been heard from." He looked back at the woman. "He stayed behind to mislead the patrol so I could get back with that information. I'm afraid that…they have recaptured him."

In a quiet voice Mei replied, "They have. We received a message earlier. They have recaptured him. I'm sure he'll be all right. He's of too much political worth for them to harm." She paused. "He stayed back so you could get away?"

"Yes, Ms. Lera. He ordered me to get away…and he stayed."

Were they talking about the same Finis Valorum? She patted his arm. "Get some rest."

Mei hurried out. In the corridor Laan was speaking crisply into his comm unit. "You will inform the general now. This is Bara Laan, the lead of the Republic negotiating team. My business is urgent and I am not used to being questioned by junior officers." He listened for a moment. "I don't care if General Ora is sitting on the sanitation unit, I want to speak to him now!" Mei could hear the young officer stammering. When was Bara going to learn that assistants have to do what their superiors tell them…just as he was always reminding his own aides. No amount of threatening was going to cause this soldier to disobey his commanding officer.

Bara sighed loud and long. "Very well." He finally backed down, deciding his actions were gaining him nothing. "But, see to it that General Ora returns my call as soon as he gets back. It is urgent." Then he snapped off the unit and began to walk away without a word.

Mei didn't follow. She knew that talks with Talus would not resume for a while and quite frankly she was ready for a break from Bara and his poor attitude. When needed, he could really pour on the charm, but he could just as quickly lose his temper and began taking the heads of all around him.

The petite woman wondered if there was anything she could learn from Lieutenant Moray that would help her. Not that she was going to try to con anything out of him, but maybe there was something apart from the smuggled information that he could tell her. Anything she could learn about the Kleites and the war might be helpful. Besides, as tough as the soldiers wanted to seem, she was sure after this traumatic experience, it would probably make the pilot feel better to have someone care about what happened.

The pain in their abdomens was only the beginning, as their tormentor had told Qui-Gon and Valorum. They soon became violently ill. Even after they had emptied their stomachs, the two continued to heave until they were sore from it. Yet it didn't stop…and didn't seem destined to stop until perhaps the drug wore off. A cold sweat ran down Qui-Gon's face and chest. His knees were weak. Still he tried to maintain connection to the Force. It was hard to hold to it though. He held no illusions at this point of being able to recover enough to escape.

Finis heaved again but brought nothing up. He moaned at the pain in his stomach. He was sore and even the motion of straightening himself up made him ache only more. Black hair was plastered to his damp forehead and his normally clear blue eyes were dark and grey. He leaned back against the cold stone wall and shivered a little.

Qui-Gon looked at the pilot. He was pale and eyes only partially open. Valorum seemed as if he might pass out at any second. The Jedi was at a loss though. If he were unable to regain his strength, he had no idea how they could get out of here. Even if they were freed from their bonds, they weren't in any condition to get away from pursuers.

"I guess they have us now," Valorum said in a weak voice. He tried to laugh but it was just a choked noise. "Too bad Mei can't be here to see you now. I'm sure she'd be impressed with how you're holding up."

The sick Jedi was amazed that Valorum could still joke. Was there no limit to his sarcastic attitude? But, as he had considered before, that was probably just his way of dealing with the stress of this situation. Qui-Gon could understand, a little maybe. If he allowed himself to think how bad this could get, it took his attention from the Force. The commander didn't have the strength of the Force to help him deal with this. He had to rely on himself…and yet he still managed to find humor. The young knight found some admiration for the cocky officer.

"I guess you were the better man, Qui-Gon. She wanted a Jedi instead of…an arrogant, showy, loudmouth politician. She's probably tired of being around them all the time…every day…in her job…" His voice died away. Valorum's eyes closed and his head slowly tipped forward.

He sounded defeated…and his show of giving up concerned Qui-Gon. His throat was sore from his violent sickness and he croaked out, "Commander, are you all right?"

Without moving, Finis replied hoarsely, "Of course I'm not all right. I'm sick. Very effective drug, isn't it?"

In answer Qui-Gon heaved. He tried not to groan at the pain. After the contraction and ache in his stomach subsided he said very quietly, "Very effective."

"Are you always so stoic?" the pilot asked with eyes still closed.

"No," Qui-Gon admitted and was immediately sorry he had. That would just give the overly confident officer a weapon against him. However, he was greatly surprised at the response he got.

"Nice to know you really are human, after all. It's not fun having human weakness." Valorum paused and drew in a deep breath. He expelled it with his words. "At least we don't have the sick weakness the Kleites have. Torture."

The door opened and the light came on. An all too familiar face greeted them. "Well, you have seen the effectiveness of my…toy. Now…are we all willing to cooperate?" The lieutenant was closer to Qui-Gon so he stepped up to him. "Are you willing to confess to your crimes against the Kleites and ask the Jedi to send help?"

Qui-Gon drew himself up to his full height and looked down at the officer. Very calmly he said, "I have committed no crimes. The Jedi do not negotiate for hostages."

The man rammed his stick into the knight's gut…already sore from the heaving. Against his will, the Jedi cried out in pain. Then the officer brought the stick across Qui-Gon's face, striking his nose. He laughed and turned to Valorum. "How about you?"

Staring straight ahead Finis Valorum said in a hoarse but firm voice, "I will not cooperate with you."

The man hit Valorum across the cheek with the stick. "I grow tired of this. I'm through playing games." He turned to his ever-present sycophant and held out a hand. The man slapped the hypo spray into the lieutenant's hand. "One treatment was not enough to convince you." He stepped forward to inject Valorum and noted with great satisfaction that the pilot's shoulders slumped. He was getting through after all. The cocky commander's show was just that…a show. This dose should finally get to him then. The tormentor turned toward Qui-Gon. The Jedi closed his eyes and drew in a breath. With his waning strength he reached for the Force. The lieutenant took it as a sign of surrender however. Yes…this should do it. "I'll leave you alone to think some more. I suggest you consider carefully."

"I'm glad you found time in your schedule to see us, General." The irritation and sarcasm were evident in Bara's voice, even though he really was trying to cover it up.

"We are all busy, Mr. Laan. Even with urgent situations, there are always other things that must be tended to," General Ora said coolly, but without explanation. "Have a seat," he said to the two diplomats without offering his hand.

Mei noted the look of irritation on Bara's face…with a certain amount of amusement. Then she reproved herself. Personal feelings had no place here right now. She settled into a chair and fixed her gaze on the general.

"I understand that the pilot who escaped brought back sensitive troop information about the Kleites," Bara began.

"That is correct."

Apparently the diplomat had expected the man to give him the information at once. He seemed surprised at the short answer.

"I do have the proper clearance for access to such information, General."

"I understand that, sir…but I'm not sure you have the need to know it. It is sensitive information and we would like to contain it. In particular, I would rather keep it to the Republic forces for now and not leak it to the Narans."

"The Narans are our allies in this, General. Need I remind you of that?"

"They also are known for their treachery. They have betrayed my forces on more than one occasion since we have been here. Mr. Laan, I do not trust them."

The bureaucrat drew in a breath. "We have to show a certain amount of trust to be able to negotiate with them. There is much that we are holding back from them that they really have a right to know. We are guests in their province. If the Kleites are preparing some sort of attack, don't you think the Narans have the right to prepare and defend themselves?"

"They do have that right, sir. However, we, the peacekeeping force, also have the right to keep to ourselves anything that may re-ignite the hostilities. We are here to enforce the ceasefire. If we reveal the information to the Narans they may launch an attack without waiting to see what may come of this. My forces will look after the Narans. If the Kleites do attack, we will be ready to protect them."

Laan was getting pink in the face. Mei knew that meant he was getting close to losing his temper. The man was used to getting his way because of his position, his reputation, and his name. She knew that he was about to invoke one or more of those right now to find out what he wanted.

"General, I'm sure I don't need to point out to you that we are on the same side of this conflict, which means we have the same leader…eventually. I really don't want to have to contact Coruscant to require your cooperation."

"You are free to do whatever you think is necessary to accomplish your mission…just as I am doing. If that means that you call the supreme chancellor himself, you are more than welcome to."

Mei could see Bara's hands clench and tremble slightly because he clenched so tightly. "I will do just that, General. I will have those stars before you leave this planet."

"If you are able to get me relieved of my command here, I will personally hand you my stars."

Laan almost leaped to his feet. He said nothing, but looked as if he were about to burst. He stomped out. Mei stood. "Thank you for your time, General," she said, not completely able to hold back a grin.

The man noticed and smiled. "You're welcome, Ms. Lera." He shook her hand.

"I'm afraid he may win this. He may not get your stars, but he may get that information."

"That's fine. If someone else decides to give it to him, that's their decision. I have made mine…and I will live with it."

"I think you made the right decision." She turned and walked out. Mei didn't trust Bara. It might be best if he didn't know what was going on. He may have a good reputation as a negotiator, but he didn't always do the best thing to accomplish his goals. She feared what he might do, especially knowing Talus' hate of the Kleites. If he obtained anything that seemed to indicate an imminent attack, he might react swiftly and without regard for the consequences. Bara may renew the very hostilities he had come to try to stop.

When he had been sick at his stomach in the past, as soon as it had emptied, he had gotten some amount of relief. It didn't work that way now. There was nothing left to empty out. There had not been anything there for a long time. Yet, still his stomach ached and he felt nauseous. Qui-Gon had never felt this bad before, not at his worst illness. His stomach began the familiar contraction and he knew what was coming. There was no way to stop it either. He heaved and groaned at the pain that it caused. The muscles were sore from the spasms…and they would not stop. He leaned back against the cold wall.

Master, what do I do now? This is a situation I was not prepared for. That isn't a lack on your part however. How could you have foreseen this? You taught me to always keep my mind on the Force. Even when I was tired, weak, sick…always you said that I still should focus. There always seemed to be enough in me, even at the worst that I was able to hold to it, no matter how tentative that hold was. But…now…I just am not able to, Master. There is not enough strength left for me to even hold myself up so that this metal doesn't cut into my flesh. How can I hold onto the Force? You said it controls us and we it. I have no control left. It flows in me…but I can't command it. All it can do is comfort me. The flow comforts. It is passive. I am passive. You…you didn't teach me what to do…for this case. Master….

His thoughts were interrupted by Finis Valorum's cry of pain. "Damn," he croaked out wearily. "I think…I prefer a beating," he panted. "At least…it stops." He drew in a breath. "This doesn't." His discolored face scrunched up as he felt the spasm start. "I don't…." He was cut off by the pain though. As soon as he could get the words out, Finis remarked, "Nice blood trail…from your nose. Hurt bad?"

"I think it's…broken," Qui-Gon responded. They fell back into silence for a moment. Then the Jedi spoke again. "They have to…do something," Qui-Gon began then paused, "something different…soon."

"ARG! Why…do you say that?" Finis exhaled.

"Either they have to do something…" He paused for a breath. "more drastic…or stop this. Dehydration."

"Yeah. You're right." The commander tried to get his shaky knees to support him so he could give his arms a rest. He looked over at Qui-Gon. The knight was leaning against the wall, head back. Sweat was dripping off his face onto his sweat-covered chest. His damp hair didn't seem to stick out as straight. He was pale. There were dried blood trails down his arm from his wrists. "Qui-Gon…you look…like hell." The Jedi opened his eyes and looked at Valorum as if he had lost his mind. The eyes were beginning to get glassy. "Wake up, damn you! Don't you pass out on me."

"I wasn't," Qui-Gon said somewhat defensively. "I was trying…to reach the Force. I have to…concentrate." He was losing the battle and he knew it. He was too weak and sick to concentrate.

"All right," Finis said hoarsely but firmly. "That's okay, but you better not go out on me." He paused. "You said…that we'd get out of here," he said without conviction.

Qui-Gon realized what Valorum was trying to do. "We can't give up…hope yet." He stood up straighter, trying not to moan. "There's always…a chance."

"A chance," the pilot whispered. "We have a chance…as long as we are alive." He looked away and drew in a breath, bracing himself for what he knew was coming. Soreness, fatigue, and sickness were robbing him of strength at least as fast as it was Qui-Gon…if not faster. He had quit trying to hold back his cries of pain. That just taxed him further…and there was no one around anyway except Qui-Gon. What point was there?

Valorum tried to blink sweat out of his eyes. "Forget it." He wouldn't meet Qui-Gon's gaze. "Who are…we fooling? We don't have…any chance."

"Finis." He felt odd using the commander's first name, but he knew he had to get his attention. "We can't give up."

Slowly the pilot turned to look at the knight. In spite of the dire situation, he grinned. "Finis? You must be desperate…to call me familiar."

Irritation filled Qui-Gon. He was trying to encourage Valorum…he thought. Obviously the man didn't need that if he was still able to joke. The commander never ceased to amaze him. He was filled with annoyance and wonder at the same time. "Desperate times call for…desperate measures."

Laan knew that if he put in a call to Coruscant, he would have to wait for a response. The higher he went, the longer it would probably take for him to make contact with the person he was trying to reach. However, if he truly wanted to find out this significant information, he had little choice. General Ora was the highest military authority from the Republic on Quirila, and Bara was the highest political authority. The two had clashed without resolution. There was nowhere else to go…but up.

Bara had started with his immediate supervisor. He was on good terms with the man and was certain he could persuade him to his point of view. The call was short and simple. His boss told him to sit tight and he'd get back with him.

That had been some hours ago. Laan and his team had engaged in their daily round of negotiations. Each time he was able to have a convenient opportunity to excuse himself, Bara would call back to Coruscant. Usually he only left the table during meal times. Talus thought at first that the diplomat was taken ill. However, one of his aides reported to him the constant sight of Laan with his portable comm unit out in the corridor. This began to worry Talus. He didn't think that Laan was bold enough to try anything underhanded. The negotiator seemed too anxious to be on the governor's good side. However, Talus also knew from experience just how treachery worked.

"Ms. Lera," he said stiffly, "I feel that something is going on that I do not know about. It makes me uncomfortable…especially under my own roof. I don't know what your group is planning, but I assure you that…"

She cut off the big man as gently as she could. Not because she wanted to be gentle…but because diplomacy required it. Talus had great nerve making such accusations to her face after what he had done to the last negotiating team she was on.

"Governor, there is nothing wrong. Mr. Laan is trying to get some information from his supervisor. Apparently he had to go up the chain of command to get it himself and Mr. Laan is…impatient for it." That was all true. She just didn't mention exactly what Bara was after.

Talus eyed her as he weighed her words. "I will not tolerate deceit…especially not from those who claim to be trying to bring peace to our provinces."

Mei really had to exert control over her tongue. "There is no treachery, Governor. We are doing all we can to expedite the peace process. I assure you, that is all Mr. Laan is involved in."

He started to reply when Bara re-entered the room. The huge smile on his face told Mei that he obviously had gotten what he wanted. He sat down. "I'm most sorry, Governor, but I don't think our talks will be disrupted any more."

"They will not," he declared. "I am finished. I do not know what you two are up to, but I no longer have trust for you. I have to talk this over with my aides." He hurried from the room, his startled assistants hurrying behind him.

Bara sat with mouth agape. Finding his tongue he said in dismay, "What was that all about?"

Mei explained her conversation with Talus while he was out of the room.

"If you caused this…" he pointed a finger at her.

"I didn't say anything to cause it. I was trying to explain your constant trips out of the room. His aide was the one, I think, who told him you were making calls. I don't blame him for being suspicious. You know his reputation. The secretary told you she would call as soon as she had something for you. Why did you find it necessary to keep calling Coruscant?" She was trying to keep her voice controlled.

"I'll interrogate the other team members for the truth. You are dismissed until I decide whether you are at fault for this. I will call you to my room to discuss this later. Go." Mei opened her mouth to reply. "You are dismissed. Go!"

It was very late in the day when the drug finally began to wear off. As soon as they had noticed the effects begin to subside, the two captives began anticipating the return of the lieutenant…and his damnable hypo spray. He did not return however. Qui-Gon and Valorum were still very sore and hoarse, but the nausea went away and the heaving stopped.

"This must be it," Finis said weakly. "You said they would have to do something different. Seems we've reached that point. The question of the moment is…what are they going to do?"

"I need to try to regain my connection with the Force while I have opportunity. If there is something more…drastic coming, then I want to do what I can to help us before it starts. I don't know how much time I will have."

Valorum didn't understand a lot about the Force…but he did know that it worked, however it worked. If this were something Qui-Gon needed to help them…or to help himself, the commander would not interfere. He had certainly given the Jedi a hard time since they had met. However, this was a grave situation and he would not continue his harassment. "Sure. I'll keep quiet. I'll just…hang around." He looked up at his arms.

Qui-Gon briefly wondered if the situation would ever get so bad that Valorum would finally quit making jokes. Then he dismissed the thought. He had more important things to tend to. He closed his eyes and reached out…weakly, but with all he could manage.

Finis watched in curiosity. He wasn't sure what he expected to see however. But Qui-Gon's face relaxed somewhat after a couple of minutes. He seemed to have found some peace. A flash of jealousy went through Valorum but he easily let it go. Qui-Gon had some special gift…but there were a lot of special sacrifices, ways of life, rules and so on that he had to abide by because of that gift. Finis was happy the way he was. He supposed. He really didn't know what the Jedi life was like, just what it appeared to be. It didn't matter. He couldn't change anything so why even entertain the thoughts?

The commander looked away from the knight and tried to find his own peace. And what was it based on? What could he look to in this moment of uncertainty to make him feel better? He couldn't rely on himself. Just look at him. Even if he weren't restrained, he was too weak and sore to do much. He wouldn't stand a chance of fighting his way out. He couldn't rely on the Republic forces to come after him. There was too much risk and they would not launch a rescue for a single man…even if it were the son of a senator.

He glanced at Qui-Gon again, thinking about the Force. And just what do you believe in, Finis? You enjoyed it enough giving Qui-Gon hell about what he believes…but at least it seems to bring him peace. You've only been believing in you until now. Well…you have failed you. So, where does that leave you? Do you really believe you still have a chance to escape? Not really. Chained up…and weak. What chance do we have? Qui-Gon doesn't even believe we have a chance of escape now. He hasn't said it, but he doesn't have to. His face shows it. He's doing a good job at trying to sound encouraging, but I think we both realize the truth. Even if he is able to…get back in touch with the Force, how much can it help him? I don't think they are finished with us…not at all. If they pump us full of more drugs…or worse, then I think that finishes our chances.

And what do I have that I can put faith in or make peace with before I die? Nothing. That's my own failing though. It's all been one big…political function to you, hasn't it? Life, I mean. Going from one image-building, power-developing encounter to another. It was enticing, challenging…toying with them. Dad was right about how transparent and weak some bureaucrats are. The ones who will sell their soul for a credit. It was a game. What does it all mean now? In the end what has it earned me? Power that will not help me even now? An image that garners respect…but not here. And…I don't have the respect of people that I would really like it from. People like Qui-Gon…Mei Lera….

The door opened. At once Valorum dismissed the thoughts and got back in character. He had to do that…to be ready for whatever was coming next. Two soldiers, obviously of lowly rank, came in carrying bowls and cups. They were accompanied by two blaster-bearing guards who shut the door and took up station there.

Without a word, the others came to the prisoners and began feeding them. Valorum and Qui-Gon ate hungrily. Even though their stomachs weren't entirely settled and the food wasn't haute cuisine, that mattered little to the pair. The last either of them had eaten was late afternoon the previous day. They gulped the water as fast as they could and were sad to see it go so quickly. Not a word had been spoken during the entire interchange. All four soldiers trooped out and the lock turning sounded loud in the silence.

"You going to be able to keep that down?" Valorum asked just to make conversation.

"I hope so. I will attempt to. We need the energy and the hydration."

The pilot seemed thoughtful. "Can the Force help you with that? Keeping it down, I mean?"

"It can help me heal myself. I think I can get my stomach settled."

"So…they obviously aren't ready to kill us…yet. Unless the food was poisoned."

"Unlikely. The lieutenant seems to…enjoy his work. Why would he try to hide his intentions from us?"

"I was just attempting small talk. You Jedi don't do that, do you?"

Qui-Gon paused before he answered. "You mean…as in trying to attempt conversation when there really is nothing to talk about. That is one reason I do not enjoy political functions. Why do you feel compelled to talk when there is no reason to?"

Finis was annoyed. Part of it was just the circumstances, but another part was how the Jedi seemed so disconnected from what was happening to them. He may have the Force, but Valorum didn't believe that power was the be-all and end-all. It couldn't do everything…and Qui-Gon himself had admitted that.

"It helps pass the time while we are waiting," the commander said very sarcastically. He stared hard at the knight. He still looked rough…but he did seem to have more energy. "You're afraid to talk because you are afraid your façade will come down, aren't you? The more you express yourself, the more in danger you are of admitting something you don't want to admit. Like…how afraid you are right now."

The Jedi studied the mottled and still swollen face of Finis Valorum. Inside he would admit how he felt. He would tell it to the Force, which would help him face his fear and doubts. However, he would never tell it to the cocky pilot. The man already seemed to get great enjoyment from any weakness of Qui-Gon's, no matter how small. There was no way the Jedi would give the man a weapon against him.

"You're still human, Qui-Gon. I don't care how much power you have. You can't hide it all. I can see it in your eyes. Do you know how much of you shows in your eyes? Too bad they aren't darker, then maybe you could hide behind them."

The young knight averted his gaze. He knew it was true. How often Master Yoda had told him the same thing, had admonished him to better control. Use it against you others will. He had said "others", not just enemies. How wise his master was. Valorum was not his enemy…he supposed, but the man was certainly trying to exploit that chink in Qui-Gon's carefully built wall of protection. The Jedi reprimanded himself, but also knew all his defenses were low right now while he was still so weak.

Finis knew he'd hit the mark, but he didn't smile about it. He wasn't trying to poke fun at Qui-Gon right now. Even he was having trouble finding something to laugh at now. No, he just didn't understand why the Jedi felt that they had to hide all that was human about them. Was that a weakness? To be human. Was it wrong to have feelings? Was it against their code to admit suffering? He just wanted to understand. And he thought that maybe Qui-Gon was just trying too hard…because he was a new knight and because he was in this vulnerable position. Valorum thought it might be easier to communicate with him and work with him…if the man would just admit that he was human!

"Is it a…transgression against the Force to admit it?" Valorum said evenly. "Is it part of the Jedi mystique to hold everything back? I know it isn't healthy for people…most people, to hold their feelings inside. We have to get them out…deal with them. What do Jedi do?"

"We take them to the Force, deal with them during meditation."

"What about now? You said you couldn't connect well with the Force while you are weak. What are you supposed to do now? Seems to me like trying to hold it in would just tax you more."

Calmly and without spite, Qui-Gon responded, "I…do talk about my feelings." He drew in a breath. "But…there is no one here now that I can talk about them with."

"Oh…I see," Valorum replied, trying not to sound as sarcastic as he really wanted to. "Is it because I am not a Jedi…or because you think I am so shallow? I'm really not, you know. I know I put on a convincing act, but it is really an act. You see, Qui-Gon, that's part of my mystique. I have learned a lot about bureaucrats because of the family I grew up in. I know that I have to be careful whom I say what to. I can't let anyone know my weaknesses, because they will use them against me. I have to be on guard at all times. It's not just me. It's the whole long line of Valorums that have gone before and their reputation that I have to protect. I use my cavalier attitude as a weapon…a defensive one, not for attack. I have to hide too…but I'm not afraid to tell you right now that I'm scared. I don't want to die…but I have to face the fact that I probably will." He was silent for a few seconds. "You see, I understand you better than you think I do. I don't have the Force to hide behind…or in, so I use my wit and cleverness to wrap myself in. I know what you are doing, Qui-Gon. You think you are hiding everything from me…but it's all too familiar. It's just what I do…but in a different way. You're not as different as you'd like to think."

The young Jedi was silent for a long time. Finally he looked into the intense blue eyes studying him. "You're right, Finis," he said quietly. "You're right about all you say."

"See," Valorum replied just as quietly. "It wasn't so hard to admit. Doesn't it feel better to get it out? Now we really do understand each other."

They were interrupted by the door opening. Their tormentor was back. The lieutenant had a malicious smile on his face. "I trust we enjoyed our meal? Or…were you too sick to enjoy it?" He looked between the pair who would only stare straight ahead. "I told you before that you would answer all my questions. That means all of them. The silly, the stupid, the rhetorical." He walked between the two, studying them, trying to decide which to take his anger out on. The Jedi was a challenge, but Valorum…. He was more the type of target that the Kleites were interested in…political. The man crossed to the commander and reacted quickly, bringing his stick across Valorum's already bruised face. The man yelped in pain.

"Now…you will answer. Were you too sick to enjoy it?"

"No," Valorum growled out.

"Hmm…I suppose that is for the best, since I was instructed to make sure you did get food and water. However, it is also data for my further refinements on my…tool." He grinned evilly. "Gentlemen, I have come to wish you good night." One of his lackeys handed him a hypo spray. "Don't worry. This is not the same thing. This is…quite different. As I said, I have come to tell you good night. It will be for me anyway." He injected both his prisoners and walked to the door. "Pleasant dreams…if you can get them."

Mei was walking slowly through the garden behind the governor's mansion. She was trying to figure out what Laan's game was. Was he just looking for a reason to get her off the team? She wasn't certain…but suspected it. Even knowing Laan and having interacted with him, she still found it hard to understand how he could be so fawning and nice to those he negotiated with yet so sharp and ugly to those he worked with each day. It must pain him so much to be that nice to diplomats, that he stored up his frustration for those that he knew he could get away with taking it out on.

The petite woman sat on a bench and sighed. Best to let it go for a while. She needed to let her mind rest and her frazzled nerves deserved a break too. Mei tried to appreciate the beauty around her, but it was very hard to when the ugliness of what had been done to Moray kept coming back to her. And when it did, her thoughts immediately turned to Qui-Gon and Valorum. What must they be enduring? There was still much the Kleites could do without killing the pair. She was greatly concerned about their well being. There must be something she could do to help. Laan was certain to try to make this into a political tug of war. He didn't care about the two men being held. But she did.

At once she felt flustered. Why? Because she cared about those men? But…she cared about them because they were human beings that were being subjected to horrible torture. That's the only reason. Then why was she so uncomfortable with the thought? Because she knew that to admit anything about Valorum would be misconstrued because of his reputation. Mei felt her cheeks warm. Well, that is certainly not the case! My interest is only professional! I have to try to get him free because he is a Republic pilot who has been captured…and is the son of a senator. That's my only interest. Nothing more. What girl in her right mind would want to be involved with such a conceited jerk? One of those fawning giddy…brainless girls that always gather around him like he was…sugar. Mei stood quickly, rebuking herself for putting so much time into thinking about something so…frivolous. She began walking back toward the mansion. She would go read. Yes, that would relax her and take her mind off of things for a while.

"Ms. Lera!"

She turned and saw another member of the negotiating team walking quickly toward her. "Yes?"

"Mr. Laan wants to talk with you."

She drew in a breath and squared her shoulders. The final battle was about to begin. After he unloaded on her, she had no doubt she would be on her way back to Coruscant. Mei tried to console herself with the thought that her supervisor was well acquainted with Laan and his methods. At least he would understand that this was not her doing. "Thank you." She did not hurry, but did not tarry either.

The man opened the door.

"Mr. Laan, you wanted to see me?"

"Come in, Mei. Mr. Laan? Why so formal? Oh…that little 'situation' earlier. Well…don't worry yourself about it. I talked to the others who verified your version of events. I really don't want to doubt you, Mei…but these are sensitive negotiations…and the Kleites have an important prisoner. I must be careful how I handle all aspects of this. I'm sure you understand. Please, have a seat."

The petite woman sat in a large plush chair near the window. Bara sat on the foot of his large bed. "I did manage to find out what Lieutenant Moray brought back. Important information. Troop movements, supply caravans. Where and what time. If we can interrupt those movements, then we can cripple the Kleites."

"How do you mean to interrupt them?"

"The Republic forces, of course."

"If they cross into the Kleite province, that could be considered an act of war."

"Well…they don't technically have to cross the border. Besides ships would be quicker anyway."

"Bara…that is not going to work…and you know it. It will only be a technicality. The pilots still will have crossed the border."

"It doesn't matter anyway," he waved his hands. "I don't think we are going to have to worry about it. You see, once I tell this to Talus…in exchange for certain concessions, then he can use it to threaten the Kleites with. With the Narans and our forces against the Kleites, they won't dare to move anything for fear of causing an invasion of the combined forces."

"I don't believe it!" Mei leaped to her feet. "I can't believe you would use that information in this way…especially after what you heard General Ora say! You are going to cause the war to start all over again with this stunt. It won't just be a violation of the ceasefire. This will be all out war. That is why the information is being protected."

"Mei, Mei, calm yourself. You are looking at the worst case scenario. We can use this to our advantage. This will gain us a good bargaining position with both sides. We can gain Talus' promise not to invade…if we choose. We will promise to take care of stopping these troop movements."

"Then you will turn the Kleites further away."

"No, not at all. We can tell them that our forces will hold the Narans from invading them…if they will keep their forces away from the border."

Lera just stared at him for a long moment. "You're awful sure of yourself."

"Yes, I am," he said confidently. "It will work, Mei. Our forces are here to keep peace. All we have to do it put each side in a position where it looks as if they will be violating the truce…and we have them. It's simple!"

Vintage Laan. Mei was well familiar with his techniques. She was surprised by his audacity…but not entirely. She should have expected something like this. Mei's mind was racing for a loophole, hoping to hold him back. She knew that General Ora had good reason for keeping this quiet, and she trusted him much more than she trusted Bara.

Finally something occurred to her. "Shouldn't we try to see if this data you have is reasonable? Maybe they deliberately fed Moray false knowledge. He was a prisoner. Why would they allow him to hear such sensitive information?"

"It was accidental that he overheard it. He was shut up in a room waiting to be interrogated. Someone in the corridor was talking and he overheard." He shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't understand her objection.

"That's too convenient, don't you think? If they are interrogating prisoners all the time, you'd think soldiers would be more careful."

"Why should they?" he huffed in frustration. "They don't expect to release their captives. Why should they care if they overhear anything?"

She was silent for a moment. Something was bothering her about this, but she couldn't quite put a finger on it.

Laan took her silence as agreement. "So, tomorrow morning we lay this on the table for Talus. Not all at once, you understand. We have to make him…" He looked at the ceiling. "Make him feel like something isn't quite right. Make him dig for it. Then we start dealing with him for the information." He sat back down. "You just stick with me and I'll make you into a crack negotiator yet." Then he put a hand to his chin. "The only problem now is getting him back into negotiations. Hmm…I could send someone…you, perhaps to talk to one of his aides…"

"Just a minute. This POW camp has a reputation as being escape proof."

"But it's just a reputation. Several soldiers have managed to get away."

"But it has never been easy for them. They have had to work hard…over a period of time to get out. Trick the guards. I talked to Lieutenant Moray yesterday. He told me how easy it was for he and Valorum to get out. A hole in the fence…that wasn't well repaired."

"What are you getting at?" Bara asked in irritation.

"Come on! It's obvious. It was too easy for them to get out. Much too easy, based on other reports we've had. Maybe they were intended to get out."

"Intended?" the man spat out. "You're out of your mind. Why would they allow them to escape…especially Valorum?"

"But…he didn't escape. Remember the message we got? And if you doubt that, we've heard nothing from him. The border patrol has reported nothing. But…Moray did get away. The one who overheard the troop and supply movements."

"You expect me to believe that they engineered this? That they allowed Moray…and Valorum to escape? Please. Reel in your passions. That is absurd. They would not allow Valorum to get away."

"Maybe it was the only way to get Moray out. If they tried to escape together, maybe the Kleites let them so Moray would get away. Then they just picked Valorum up and took him back."

"And you have the nerve to say my ideas are too extreme. You have been reading too many spy novels, Mei."

"Can't we at least try to see if there is some validity to this before you use it? If you really intend to possibly stir the war up again, at least be certain of what you are doing. If you really intend to try to get Republic pilots to cross the border to disrupt these shipments, make sure they are really going to happen before you inflame tensions with this…extreme plan of yours."

"If you don't agree with me, you are free to sit out the negotiations. However, I have an important bargaining chip…and I intend to use it!" he replied sharply as he got to his feet.

Mei realized that arguing was going to get her no further. "How do you intend to get Talus to talk to you? He said he was finished with the talks."

"I will send someone else on the team to talk to one of his aides. You have to know how to work these things. Now that Talus has taken a stand, it would look as if he is giving in to me…to the Republic, if he simply came back to the negotiating table. However…if one of his underlings came to talk to us…then we can find something to draw him back with and he would not look weak. That is what he wants. That is why he is doing what he is doing. It is a reason to stall the talks. And he wants us to come crawling to him. However, we cannot do that, just as he cannot. That is why we let our aides work it out behind the scenes. It's all unofficial and no one outside these talks knows who really gave in."

"Yes," Mei tried not to sound exasperated. "I understand how that works. I have conducted negotiations on my own before. But…I wondered what you were going to use to draw him back."

"Well…the promise of useful information may be enough to bring him back."

Mei was thinking and didn't hear the rest of what Bara said. If Talus is slow to respond, then that will give me some time. I could do what Bara won't do. Even if I can't absolutely confirm or refute it, I might be able to learn something that will guide me. I have to try before Bara starts a war.

"Mei, are you listening?" the man said in irritation.

"I'm sorry. I was just thinking. What did you say?"

"I was saying that…I think you could be of special help to me right now. If you really want to help our situation that is."

"Of course I want to help. That's why I'm here."

"Good. Sit down. I intend to send you to talk to Governor Talus tomorrow. I'm sure he will talk with you." Mei was wary at once. Something in Bara's manner bothered her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. "You could…convince Talus for me. You could be…friendly to him. He would listen to you."

Mei stared intently at the man. She was certain she must have misunderstood. He didn't mean what she thought…did he? "Friendly?"

"You know what I mean, Mei. We're all adults here. I know about what happened to you…before. But…you got over it, relatively easily it seems. Here you are back on Quirila as if it didn't happen, and performing admirably. I'm sure Talus must have…a thing for you…or else he wouldn't have been…interested in you. You could just…talk with him…"

She got to her feet quickly. "I can't believe this! I was certain I misunderstood, but I didn't. This is low…even for you! I can't believe you have the nerve to even imply it, much less directly ask me to prostitute myself this way. I know that you have gotten where you are by any means open to you. It's not as secret as you think it is. But I will not be a part of any of your…manipulations or ill use of your office. And…I haven't decided yet whether to report this or not."

Mei stormed out of the room, slamming the door with as much strength as she could manage. She hurried to her room and fell onto the bed. No. I will not cry over this. Bara does not have that kind of power over me. I won't let him make me cry. When I get over my anger, then I will deal with…feelings from the past, but not right now. Not when I can't get his evil smirking face out of my head! I will not let him manipulate my feelings either.

"You asleep?" Valorum said in a weary voice.

"No," Qui-Gon said simply.

"This is what he meant by 'pleasant dreams…if you can get them'. I'm exhausted…after the day we've had. But I can't sleep."

"I can't either. I feel tired and sleepy, but my body won't cooperate. I'm wide awake." The Jedi's voice betrayed his fatigue.

"He's going to feed and water us, but not let us rest. No doubt to keep us under control, in addition to hoping to force us to talk. How can we fight back or attempt escape…when we are so tired?" Finis sighed deeply as if talking had taken all his energy.

"We can at least stay still and quiet and try to rest even if we can't sleep."

"Easy for you to say. I don't know what that is he gave us…but I feel like there are insects crawling all over me. Hard to be still. I guess it was a stimulant. My heart is pounding too." He looked at Qui-Gon. "Don't you have these feelings too?"

"Yes, I do."

"The Force is helping you though, right?"

"Actually, not very much," he said quietly as he leaned back against the cold stone wall. "The more I tire, the less I can keep my link with it."

"So now you are going to be like the rest of us mere humans." Qui-Gon was barely able to hide his glare. He looked away. "Look, I'm sorry," Valorum said. "I'm just so tired. I know I gave you a hard time before…but now it's my fatigue that is talking. Just try to ignore me." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. After a couple of minutes, the commander's eyes snapped open. In a weary but angry voice he snapped, "Damn it! I'm so tired. So very tired." Then his voice fell quiet. "I can't sleep. How are we going to be able to survive if he does this to us every night?"

"We won't have to worry about it. I imagine we will give in soon enough now," the knight said very quietly.

"No! No. I won't. I can't." Finis repeated more quietly, "I can't."

"We no longer have a choice. Our bodies will give in and so will our minds. He will soon have control of us."

The commander stood as straight as his weak and exhausted body would let him. "No one controls me. I can't give in. I can't betray my fellow soldiers. If…if I said something that got them…killed…"

In an even quieter voice, Qui-Gon said, "Finis, we all reach a point where we just cannot hold out. It is not a weakness. It is being human…as you like to keep reminding me. Your humanness will be what gives in. Not because you want to. But…you won't be able to stop it. The more you fight now, the quicker you will give in. Conserve what strength you have."

Finis leaned against the wall, using it to support him. He let out a weak laugh. "Well…now the shoe is on the other foot. You get to hold my weaknesses over my head. I suppose you feel like you have won now?"

"No. It is not a competition. I am not trying to hold anything over you. I was trying…to comfort you."

Valorum opened his eyes and stared at Qui-Gon who was looking away from him. "Comfort me?" He grinned. "Bless your indifferent Jedi heart. There is something warm and caring in you after all."

Qui-Gon was berating himself for what he said. He should have known better than to think the pilot was being changed by this experience. And he thought that Valorum really was changing after their earlier discussion.

"Hey…I'm sorry. I told you that my fatigue was talking. My practiced sarcasm only becomes sharper when I am stressed." He paused. "Thank you, Qui-Gon."

"I suppose I shouldn't be entirely surprised that he found out," General Ora said. Then he slammed his fist on the table. "Bureaucrats!" He looked up sheepishly. "Sorry, Ms. Lera. I've dealt with enough of them…. No offense."

"None taken," she smiled. "I've dealt with enough of them too." Then she was serious. "I understand your position, General. However, since I already know what Lieutenant Moray brought back, is it possible for us to discuss it…to hopefully defuse whatever Laan is trying to do."

"My official position is supposed to be that I do not know…if anyone asks. However, under the circumstances, I would be a fool to continue to deny it. But…why are you doing this? Why should I trust you? You could be playing me for a fool…for Laan."

"You're right, General. You have no reason to trust me. There is nothing that I can say in my defense, save this. I do not want to see hostilities flare back up. It will make my job more difficult. It will make your job more difficult. It will put more of your men in danger. There is nothing to be gained by anyone breaking the truce. I fear that Mr. Laan's actions will cause one side or the other to take action. I cannot condone his deeds or his decisions. If there is anything I can do to help, I'll do it. Even if it means directly contradicting Mr. Laan's instructions to me."

The officer studied the determined look on Mei's face. He had to trust his gut on this one. Laan's manner had seemed too polished and artificial…except when he became angry. General Ora felt like he was seeing the real Mei Lera before him. He decided to take a chance.

"I think that information is bogus."

"I knew it," she declared. "It all happened too easily. I tried to tell Bara that and he wouldn't listen to me. How do you know?"

"How do you know?"

"I don't. I was guessing. I had talked to Lieutenant Moray. He told me how easy it was for Valorum and him to escape. I've head the talk about that camp. It shouldn't be so simple for anyone to get out. Then I had to wonder why. It seemed kind of obvious. Moray comes back with important troop information…but he got away so easily." She shook her head. "I can't believe Bara doesn't see it. I think he doesn't want to see it. He is too focused on getting Talus back to that table and getting a treaty signed. I know him and how he works. He probably does wonder in the back of his mind about this, but is so sure of himself he thinks that he can use it anyway." Mei locked eyes with the general. "Either way…it only means trouble."

Ora was impressed with the woman. She was bright, determined…and independent. Mei would do whatever she thought was right even if it wasn't popular. "Well, Ms. Lera, I will tell you this much. We have been monitoring troop movements…as part of our attempt to stop any ceasefire violations. I can tell you that what Moray brought back is impossible based on what we know of troop placement. They can't make these movements based on how their units are deployed at the moment. There aren't enough men. The Kleites either think we don't know that or that they have deceived us well enough that we don't know where their troops are."

Mei sat back in her chair. "So…if they hope that the Narans…or you, set your troops up to cover these fake movements…." She was quiet for a long minute. "They must be planning to attack at a different position."

"That is my estimation also. And…they have begun moving troops and weapons at night. We have had to increase our patrols. I don't like that…not after so many pilots getting shot down. And they are stepping up attacks on our transports…trying to keep us from seeing what they are doing, no doubt. It's necessary to fly them…but I don't like it."

"What are you doing in response?"

"I'm sorry, Ms. Lera, but I really can't discuss that."

"I understand." She stared at the floor. "I have to get Bara to listen to me…but I can't reveal all I know."

"You don't have to worry about protecting me. I can take the heat."

"I'm sure you can, General. If I thought that I would have great success with Mr. Laan, I would tell him this entire conversation, word for word. However, I already can predict the possible outcome. I see no reason to give him ammunition to use against you if he isn't going to believe me. No…I won't tell him everything…unless I feel like I don't have a choice."

Even though the two prisoners were not asleep, they were quiet. Both men were so tired they didn't have the strength to do much of anything. Conversation had died down long ago. They didn't have the strength to stand and their weary knees would give in leaving them hanging by their bloody wrists from the shackles. The pair would tolerate that as long as they could, then they would draw their trembling legs under them and stand for as long as they were able to encourage their weak knees to hold out.

The door opened and some soldiers entered. One of them unlocked Valorum's chains. Three of them caught him and dragged him out. The drug that had kept him awake all night was beginning to wear off and the pilot could hardly hold his eyes open. He let them close and allowed the soldiers to half carry-half drag him along. Finis was so weary he didn't know if they took him ten meters or two hundred.

The pilot heard two voices…not very civil. He opened his eyes to see a general talking with the camp commandant. A colonel stood quietly at the general's elbow, obviously his sycophant, nodding in agreement to all his commander said. Valorum heard his own name mentioned and the commandant raising an objection. He didn't quite catch the drift of the conversation before he was taken into a room and dropped on the bed. His feet were locked in chains that were attached to the foot of the bed. The soldiers left and Finis strained to listen.

"You do a scarcely passable job of operating this camp. That is my observation. I am willing to allow you to keep your place…for the moment. You will obey my orders. I would hate to see you held in your own camp."

The lower grade officer knew that continuing to argue with a superior officer would only buy him trouble. In a barely controlled voice he replied, "Yes, General. The prisoner transfer will take place…according to your orders."

The clack of boots in the hallway told Valorum that the argument was over…or being taken to a different location. His name had been mentioned…and prisoner transfer. Why would a general take a personal interest in a prisoner? Obviously for only one reason. Finis recognized that easily enough. This general wanted to use him…either for propaganda or maybe even for money.

A soldier in a clean and starched uniform came in. "I'm supposed to clean you up and feed you," he said. Valorum said nothing. With more gentleness than the commander expected, the soldier began carefully cleaning his wrists. Then the group of soldiers returned with Qui-Gon, dumping him on the other bed in the room. They chained his feet and left. The Jedi looked around the room and then at the man tending Valorum. He lay his head down and was silent. He began to drift into sleep.

The soldier treated and bound Finis' wrists. Then he cleaned the pilot's still bruised face. Valorum kept dozing. He was so tired after the torture and the enforced lack of sleep. His caregiver was so mild in his ministrations that he caused little pain. The pilot easily slipped into sleep. However, when the soldier finished, he woke Valorum.

"You have to eat. Come on. Eat then you can sleep."

The promise to be left alone to sleep encouraged Finis to cooperate. The soldier propped him up with some pillows and Valorum managed to feed himself. The man sat close by and monitored the situation, helping as needed. Valorum didn't eat a great deal, even though he was hungry. His greater need was rest. When he refused to eat anymore, the soldier laid him back down and quickly the pilot was unconscious. The soldier moved to the Jedi and began to clean and treat his wounds.

Qui-Gon woke. Even in his groggy state, he realized something had changed. The lieutenant had made certain promises to them…and this was not part of it. "Who are you?" he asked quietly.

"Just enjoy this while it's available," the man replied, not quite gruffly.

The same routine was carried out with Qui-Gon. He was treated, fed, and then made comfortable. The exhausted knight attempted no more conversation and lapsed back into sleep.

"It is done, sir." The soldier saluted his superior.

"Good. You are dismissed. Be prepared. We will be leaving shortly." The soldier nodded and hurried out.

"General, I…" the camp commandant began then stopped.

"You what? You question me?"

"I recognize your authority…but this is not standard operating procedure. I was not notified and the general of my sector has not approved this."

"And it is my authority that is approving this now. I do not need the permission of your general."

"Sir, I didn't mean to imply…"

"You didn't have to imply it. You stated it. I am well within my power to remove any prisoner from this camp. You have abused a highly visible and valuable prisoner. I will not leave him for you to destroy. Valorum is too important to us. I'm surprised, really, that you haven't figured this out for yourself. It is of no matter. I am taking Valorum…and you will surrender him to me without further question." He stood slowly. "Isn't that right, Colonel?"

"Yes sir," the man replied quietly.

"Good. You are dismissed. What are you waiting for? Go." The camp commandant hurried out, murmuring to himself. To his aide, the general said, "Bring Valorum here."

"Yes sir."

The general sat back down. "That is how it is done. Orders are given. Orders are obeyed.

"How dare you disturb me when I was so close to getting Talus to speak with me?" Bara said with great indignity.

"I know that your aides are still talking with his, Bara," Mei said evenly. She suspected he was just having trouble facing her after what he had suggested. "I need to talk to you. It's very important."

"Oh very well. I suppose they will let me know if anything develops. But be quick about it."

"The information that Moray brought back. It's false. The Kleites are hoping to draw the Narans off guard with these reports of troop movements so they can attack from a different front."

"What? How do you know that?"

"At the moment that isn't the issue. The important point is that if you do use this in your negotiations, you will be giving Talus phony information. If he aligns his forces to meet this implied threat, then the Kleites may invade."

"But…surely…if you know this, then the Republic forces must know. They can contain the Kleites."

"I'm sure they can Bara, but you still need to reconsider your actions. I don't think it would be wise to tell Talus about this."

"Are you serious? This makes it even better. If the information is false, then if he does act on it, it will not cause a renewal of the hostilities. That makes it all the more reason to use it."

Mei put her hands on her hips and stared incredulously at Laan. "I can't believe this. It will cause a renewal of hostilities. Not on the part of the Narans…but the Kleites will invade. It will cause the war to flare back up."

"It is not a problem, Mei. The peacekeepers will see to the Kleites. Talus' troops will be away from where the Kleites will try to attack. It actually will work for us."

She shook her head. "I don't believe this. I thought I knew you. I'm finding out more about you…more than I want to know. You are going to use this anyway you can just to be certain you get a signed treaty…one that you negotiated and signed."

He shrugged. "If we get a treaty both sides like and agree to and it brings peace…what does it matter?"

"There are principals at stake here also. You do remember what principals are, don't you? You seem to have violated several on this mission. Bara…I know you like to play outside the lines sometimes…but don't you think you are going too far now?"

"Mei, I have to do what will accomplish my mission. There is a long and bloody war here. If I…step outside the lines a bit, does it really matter as long as it stops the killing?"

"We make laws and live by our principals so we will be civilized. That has ended many conflicts that could have led to war. Conducting yourself immorally will not truly accomplish what you want. It may seem so in the short term, but if Talus finds out what you are doing…no agreement that you present to him will be acceptable, because the man behind it is not trustworthy." She was quiet only for seconds. "I think you should carefully reconsider your actions, Bara. I will not be a party to this." Mei turned to walk out.

"You think you are so self-righteous," he declared as he hurried to cut off her escape from the room. "You have never broken a rule to get what you wanted, have you?"

"Not to this degree. I'm not without guilt, but I'm not ashamed of anything I have ever done. And…I still have the respect of people I have negotiated with."

"You have had this superior attitude since you first tried to bring back a treaty from this planet. And your team failed. You failed. You were not able to…because of your goody-goody ways. You don't see that you have to lower yourself to a certain level when you are dealing with…barbarians."

"No. That's not true. You meet them halfway, but that is not the same as lowering yourself to their level. If they are barbarians then help them grow by pulling them up to your level."

Laan laughed. "Is that what you tried to do? No wonder you failed. You tried to act like a human being among savages. No wonder your team met the fate it did. No wonder you were raped. You didn't understand that that's what they think women are for, not for being their equals. And you still don't understand that. You'd better wise up, Mei…or the same thing will happen to you again. And I won't be able to stop it."

"You mean you would not stop it," she snapped at him then pushed past the man to get out of the room.

Laan was trembling with fury. "You will not serve on this team any longer!" he yelled at the door. "Or on any other if I can stop it!"

Mei was shaking with fury also. She knew she had said too much. She also knew she could no longer trust Bara. He was determined to do anything to get this treaty in place. Now he was furious with her. And she truly believed he wouldn't lift a finger to help her if she did get in trouble. He might even offer her to Talus as a victory gift. She decided to go talk to General Ora. He could guarantee her safety…or get her off the planet. Either way, she knew it would be better than continuing to place faith in Laan.

"Wake up. Come on. The general wants to talk to you."

Finis opened his eyes and saw the soldier who had tended him earlier. He was surprised that he was asleep, not because he didn't expect it, but it had come on him so quickly, he didn't remember the transition between awareness and sleep. Without thinking about it, he sat up…and realized he was no longer chained. The pilot rose. He was still tired, but felt quite a bit better from the rest he'd gotten. The soldier gave him a shove and Finis stumbled toward the door. Because he did not know what was going on concerning him, he decided to allow it to appear that he was still worn down from his treatment. It could be an advantage or possibly cause his guards to be overly confident. He hung his head and lurched down the corridor.

The soldier walked next to Valorum down the hallway. The pilot tried to observe him from the corner of his eye. The man still had his sidearm in its holster. The captive had wondered why all the soldiers he'd seen in this building were so heavily armed around their two captives, especially since he and Qui-Gon had been restrained and drugged. This soldier had an entirely different attitude. Being a military man, Valorum easily recognized a soldier who had reason to be more in control. The man probably served a high-ranking officer. The soldier's confidence helped lead to that opinion as much as how he conducted himself. The soldier stopped and opened a door. He pointed without a word. Finis walked slowly into a large office. It was the camp commandant's office but the visiting general had taken it over for the duration of his stay.

"Commander Valorum," he said evenly, "come in and sit down." The pilot sat and stared at the floor, refusing to meet the general's gaze. "My speeder is being readied. I am taking custody of you. You will be returning to my base with me."

He is taking me? A prisoner of war? It must be for his gain. The general hopes to use me for something. Keep playing dumb…and worn down, Finis. But…Qui-Gon will be left behind. I can't let that happen. They will just start over on him…and he isn't even a military prisoner. There is nothing they can get out of him…but they don't believe that. He will be killed if I leave him here. But…what can I do? How can I convince this guy that Qui-Gon is valuable to him also?

Finis had to do something. He had to help Qui-Gon…and see if he couldn't take advantage of the general's interest in himself. In a very quiet voice, and without looking up he said, "You're…you're going to…take me away from here?"

"Yes." He paused and studied the commander. "Are you happy about that?"

"Yes!" Then more quietly he repeated, "Yes. Please…get me out of here, General."

The corners of the officer's mouth lifted a little in a slight smile. The commandant said Valorum couldn't be broken. "You can't mean that our little camp was really so bad?"

With his bruised face and bleary eyes, it was not hard for Finis to look desperate. He finally looked at the general. Leaning forward only slightly he said, "You don't know what it's like. You've never been a prisoner, have you? But you do know what your own soldiers are doing here." he said in a tight voice. Then Valorum dropped his gaze again. "I…I can't take…much more. I'll do anything to get out of here."

General Trala chuckled. "One of the great Valorums…reduced to a trembling heap. It restores my faith in our system. Perhaps the methods here are more effective than I thought."

Valorum looked up again, his eyes wide. "General…I know my father would pay…whatever you ask to free me. I know it. Please…I just want to go back home. I want to go back to Coruscant. Call him. Please!"

The man stared for a long moment. "I know your father could afford to ransom you…but how do I know he will?"

"Then…let me talk to him! Please. He'll listen to me. Look…if you won't let me talk to him, then let me talk to my mother. She'll get him to listen. But…General…I can't take this anymore. You have to get me out of here."

Trala stared into the wide blue eyes. He had seen such looks of desperation before in soldiers…not just POWs. He had seen looks of fear like that in the eyes of some of his own men. Perhaps he had underestimated the camp commandant. Maybe he was doing a better job than the general had thought. Or maybe Valorum was too used to a soft life in his political family. He obviously had not counted on being treated like just another soldier. Then he had to wonder, had Finis joined the military of his own choosing…or had his father pushed him into it, hoping to harden him. It was not entirely surprising. Political types were often wealthy. They lived in luxury. Finis was probably pampered as a child. The general laughed. Valorum probably thought his name would work for him. Well…perhaps in this case…it might just do that.

"We will see, Commander Valorum. We will see. Perhaps I will make the call…perhaps not. We'll have to see how things transpire." He may as well use the man's fear in his favor. By keeping Valorum guessing, he would guarantee the pilot's cooperation because he would continue to try to garner the general's favor.

But Valorum knew this game too. That's why he had chosen to play it. And now…maybe the general was about to play into his hand. "General…I'll do anything. Let me prove it to you. That Jedi…he told me that he knows something about Talus that could help the Kleites."

The man did not react. "I was told that he couldn't be broken by the torture. He revealed nothing."

"Yes…I know that. He is a Jedi though. But…he's weak now. He told me." Valorum was trying to keep that note of desperation in his voice. "He can't reach the Force now. And…and…we've heard rumors. Rumors about the drugs you use. You could get it out of him, couldn't you?"

Finis was on the edge of his chair and his voice was trembling. Trala began to wonder if the man was about to cry. The thought made him laugh again. He never thought to have a Valorum at his mercy. Not only could this be profitable financially, it could also be profitable politically. When those in the Kleite command and government watched Senator Valorum bend to Trala's demands…. He liked this more and more. And…there was yet this unspoken information. Something about Talus. The man's eyes narrowed as he thought of his old enemy.

He remembered the last time he had seen the man face to face. It was on the battlefield. One of the bloodiest battles he could remember. And Talus soundly defeated him…by treachery. He proposed a ceasefire and then violated it, slaughtering most of Trala's outfit. The great victory was one of the things that helped him win the governor's office. And the general's blood still boiled over it. He had vowed one day to get revenge on Talus. The officer lightly cleared his throat.

"What does the Jedi know?"

"I don't know much. Really…just something about Talus and his drinking problem." He paused to seem to think. "And worry about the scandal over him and the secretary he has been sleeping with."

"Oh? That is interesting…but not much that I can really use against him…from here anyway. Is there more?"

"There is…but I don't know any more. He didn't tell me. That's all he said."

"Now, now Commander. If you want me to cooperate with you, you must cooperate with me. I wouldn't want to have to leave you here because you lied to me."

"No! No! I swear! He didn't tell me. He really didn't. You have to believe me!"

Just a little more and Trala thought he could actually get Valorum to go down on his knees before him. He grinned…but then he was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come."

His aide entered. "Your speeder is ready, sir. And…ah, the colonel is outside to see you off."

"Yes, I'm sure our dear commandant can't wait to see me go. Our departure will be delayed a short time. Bring the Jedi in."

"Sir?"

"You heard me," he said in a threatening tone.

"Yes, sir."

Trala looked at his captive again. Valorum was staring at the floor, but seemed as if he couldn't sit still. The general was enjoying the display immensely. If the Jedi really did have something he could use against Talus and he could make such a great display of the broken Finis Valorum…. Trala knew his future was settled. This would be a great triumph for him. How best to make use of it however? Should he remain in the military…rising to commander-in-chief of the Kleite forces? Or should he go into the political arena? Governor of the province was a more powerful position…and he was so tiring of the military. It did have the advantage, however, of giving him absolute control of his men. They obeyed his orders without question. In politics, it would not be so. A difficult choice. Either way…he would be set financially. Maybe he would merely retire and dissolve into anonymity on another part of the planet…or maybe another planet.

Finis was surreptitiously studying the general. The officer seemed to believe his act of having been broken by the torture. He had tried to seem desperate, without overplaying his part. He must have been convincing. Now…how to communicate his plan to Qui-Gon?

In a couple of minutes some soldiers brought Qui-Gon in, blasters drawn and pointed. His hands were in binders, but it was obvious the soldiers didn't trust them to hold him.

"Leave us," the general said.

"But sir…"

"Leave us. How do you expect him to escape this camp? Now go." He studied the young knight. "Sit." He waited to see if the Jedi would comply. Qui-Gon sat and glanced quickly around the room. "Even if you get out of here, you can't possibly hope to get away." Qui-Gon didn't answer.

The general leaned forward, interlaced his fingers and rested his hands on the desk. "Your companion tells me that you have information about Talus that could be useful to me."

Qui-Gon glanced at Finis, who was staring at the floor. He was shocked and surprised. Valorum knew that he knew nothing about the military forces. About Talus? What did he know about the governor? Nothing that would help the Kleites.

"That's right. Valorum has betrayed you. He has already told me some of what you know…Talus' secrets."

The Jedi was trying hard to control his reaction. After that speech Valorum had given about not betraying anyone. And after all the torture they had been through. Now he would give in so easily? Just by being questioned by this officer? He couldn't believe it. He was almost speechless. "I…don't know what…you mean. I came here…with the negotiating team."

"All the more reason for you to know about the esteemed governor. Don't play games with me. It's obvious Valorum has given up…because of the torture. You gain nothing by continuing to profess ignorance. You are coming with us also. I will know what you know." He turned to the comm unit to call for his aide.

"I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. I really am. But it's over." the commander finally spoke. "They have us now. It's useless to continue to resist them. I can't…not anymore. I can't endure it. Please…just cooperate. Make it easy on us. Please." He never looked up.

The knight just stared at Finis. The pilot had his head down but was looking sidelong at the Jedi. The knight was confused. Something wasn't right about what was going on. Trala was saying Valorum had betrayed him, but something about the way the commander was behaving…. It didn't match up. Qui-Gon concentrated. Then he knew that Valorum had not given in. Because of the lack of strength and the fatigue, Qui-Gon's link with the Force was weak at best. Still…it was there. He got a sense that he should just observe Valorum. The man was up to something. That much was clear from his odd behavior. For now he would…go along with Finis. And…in a sudden flash of insight the knight remembered the things Valorum had been trying to "teach" him about politics and how the "real world" worked. Obviously he was trying to manipulate this situation to his advantage.

Trala shut off the comm unit, having completed his call. "He is right, you know. It is useless to resist any longer. I can get this out of you. I do hope you will make it easy on us both," he said with exaggerated pleasantness as he rested his hands on the desktop.

"Of course," Qui-Gon said quietly. "Since you can compel me to tell you…it would be foolish of me to continue to hold back." He paused. "I…don't think I could…endure much more," he looked away.

"Good! We all understand one another. We will…" A knock at the door interrupted him. "Come."

"Your speeder is ready," the aide replied as he entered the office.

"Good. I can finally be away from this place. Let's go," he said to his prisoners.

Valorum stood slowly and his knees gave way. The aide caught him in time to keep the pilot from hitting the floor.

"Get some help to get them to the speeder," Trala said as he stood. "I'll take my leave of the colonel…and explain to him that we are taking the Jedi also."

"The Jedi? He is not a political prisoner. What interest do you have in him?"

"Colonel, are you going to continue to question my orders?"

"General…I have to answer to my commander for these prisoners. I am not supposed to allow any out of here without General Newan's direct orders. He is my commander, sir. Not you."

Trala stepped close. "I don't care who your commander is. I am still a superior officer and you will obey me."

"If you could just wait until General Newan responds to my…"

"No. I have waited long enough. I have matters to attend to. If General Newan questions me, tell him to give me a call. Step back."

The colonel was in an awkward position. Disobey a superior officer and guarantee punishment. Or disobey his immediate superior and guarantee punishment. Either way he was in for trouble and he knew it.

"Will you step out of my way…or must I force my men to take you in custody?"

The colonel, powerful camp commandant, let his shoulders slump and he stepped back. Trala smiled. "Put the prisoners in the speeder and let's be on our way."

The general had counted on two things, trouble from the colonel and coming back with Valorum. To that end, he had prepared for this trip. A convoy of four speeders was his accompaniment. Enough of his own men to enforce his wishes…and room to bring back his prize. Trala got in his speeder and waited.

The Kleite soldiers helped the two weak captives into a speeder. They shut the doors, which only opened from the outside, and hurried to their own vehicle. Given too much time to think about it, the camp commandant might decide to be brave. Even with the extra men, Trala would not be safe until they were out of the camp. His personal guards realized this also and wasted no time getting underway.

The two captives were silent as they watched the camp recede. In truth they were both very relieved to be away from that place. Valorum leaned his head back, trying to continue his weak and defeated act. Qui-Gon let his head loll forward. The guard in the passenger seat glanced over his shoulder at the two and then faced forward again, engaging in small talk with the driver.

"They seem weak enough."

"Yeah, but I'd still watch that Jedi."

"I am. I've got my blaster at the ready."

"I'm just glad to be out of that place. What a hellhole. I've heard about it…but I didn't know it was that bad."

"I'm glad we didn't become permanent residents. I don't think that colonel was happy to be giving up prisoners."

"I know he wasn't. I'm sure General Trala isn't worried about it though. He got what he wanted."

Valorum looked out of the side of his eyes at Qui-Gon. "I'm sorry, Qui-Gon. My father will ransom me. I don't feel like I have a blaster to my head any more. But…I guess you'll just have to get yourself ready for the general."

The Jedi glanced at Finis. There was a look of determination in those blue eyes that did not match the defeated posture or attitude of the pilot. Qui-Gon knew that there was a message for him in what Valorum had just said.

"Quiet back there!" The soldier raised his blaster. "No talking…not even about the weather."

The knight lowered his head again to think…and to try to reach out to the Force.

Mei had talked with her supervisor on Coruscant. The man was not entirely surprised to hear that Bara intended to use false information in his negotiations. He had been on negotiating teams with the man in the past. He also remembered well what had happened to Mei before on Quirila.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teamed you up with Bara to go back there. It was a bad combination. I suppose…I was hoping that he had learned some things. I couldn't foresee this turning out this way."

"I know you couldn't. I thought you should be aware of it, in case the worst happens. General Ora has confided in me that he is expecting a Kleite attack."

"And Bara is not helping the situation. I think it might be best for you to stay at the base camp if there is going to be an outbreak of violence. I will talk to Ora about extra troops for Bara's team. Under the circumstances, I think it would be best to postpone the negotiations until the Kleite threat is neutralized." He was silent for a few seconds. "Yes. That might be best. I'll talk to Bara. He's not going to be happy about this…in his imagined moment of triumph, but I don't want to lose another team on that planet. You stay put and I'll have the general escort the others to the base…for the time being."

The petite woman perched on the cot and thought about the entire situation. It was getting messier. Another good reason to delay the negotiations. If the Kleites could be stopped on their attack then the troop movement information that Bara hoped to bait Talus with would no longer be an issue either. Yes, it was a wise move to stop the talks. But Laan would no doubt blame her for infringing on his authority. It mattered little. If Bara didn't get his way, he would find someone to blame. This trip she was destined to be the object of his ire. Mei sighed and let the thought go. There were more constructive things to occupy herself with while she waited this out. Mei stood and walked out.

"How are you, Ms. Lera?"

"Oh, Lieutenant Moray. You look much better."

"I feel a lot better too. What are you doing here?"

"Let's just say…things are not looking promising for the negotiations."

"Um…that information that I brought back. You found out what it was, didn't you? So…an attack is expected?"

"It looks that way."

They walked on in silence for a few steps. Moray ventured, "I guess there has been no news about Commander Valorum?"

"No, I'm afraid not."

"That's really too bad. He's…an exceptional person."

Mei tried not to react too strongly to that statement. Exceptional in his ego perhaps. "I don't know him that well."

"You should. The commander is the best pilot in the fleet…but you'd never know it from talking to him. He always makes sure his men shine, but he tries to stay in the background."

We can't be thinking of the same person! "Oh…really? Well…I suppose it's different if you…serve with him instead of just casually meeting him."

"Oh sure. Just talking to him, especially away from the base, he tries to…play the politician I suppose. But…being wingtip-to-wingtip with him in battle…or even in war games, Finis is more intense…more himself. For example, once when he and I were flying a patrol on Malan…."

Qui-Gon was getting stronger. His connection with the Force more sure. Just the opportunity to rest himself was helping much, as well as the chance to meditate in silence. He was still tired and weak, but feeling quite a bit better just strengthening his link with the Force. It was not complete yet. He would need a longer rest and some nutrition to accomplish that. However, it was enough that he knew he could rely on it to help him when the opportunity presented himself. As long as he and Valorum couldn't communicate, he would use the time to this advantage.

Finis didn't know how long they had been traveling. They had not passed through any cities. He wasn't quite certain which direction they were traveling. The POW camp had been fairly close to the border, so he had to assume they were heading deeper into the province. He was trying to figure out what he and Qui-Gon could do. At the moment it seemed hopeless. He hoped that the Jedi had gotten his hints from the only communication they'd had. He had to think of a way to try to talk to Qui-Gon.

Then the caravan stopped. The solider on the passenger side didn't take his eyes off his prisoners. He had not in some time now. He thought they were both asleep. For a long time now they both had leaned their heads back and closed their eyes. They had been kept awake last night. It would be better for him, less worry, if they would just sleep.

The driver got out and the captives heard the crunch and clack of his boots on the pavement as he walked away. Valorum was keeping watch on everything that went on. He kept one eye open enough to see and had allowed his head to roll some with the movements of the vehicle so he had been able to look around. They still seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere. The commander was at once alert. Why were they stopping here of all places? Something was going on.

After a couple of minutes the driver came back and got in. "The general is satisfied that we are far enough away. He is sending the others on their way back. We'll drive the rest of the way with him…to deliver the prisoners."

Because Valorum could see that the man in the passenger seat was not looking at them, he quickly nudged Qui-Gon's leg. The Jedi barely opened an eye to catch a glimpse of their guards and just as quickly returned the nudge. He wasn't certain what Finis had in mind, but supposed that he was giving him a sign that he was ready to try something. The Jedi would do as he had been doing…watching and following the commander's lead.

The pilot continued to surreptitiously watch a while longer. He wanted to give them enough separation from the other speeders that they could not return quickly should they be given a call for help. However, he didn't want to wait too long. That just meant they would be further into the province, further away from the border.

Finally Finis decided the time was right. He used the motion of the speeder over a rough spot as an excuse to "wake up". Valorum put a hand to his stomach and groaned.

"I still feel sick," he moaned. "I'm going to throw up."

"Damn!" the soldier in the passenger seat said. "Hurry! Pull over. If he does that, you know who'll have to clean it up…us." Then to Valorum he said, "Hold on. You'd better not do it in this speeder."

The driver was pulling over while also trying to call the lead vehicle. "That's a lot of help. I'm sure he'll be able to hold it back just for you."

"Out. Get out." The soldier got out too, pointing his blaster at the commander. The driver was still trying to get the vehicle turned off. Before he could turn, Qui-Gon put a hand on the back of the man's head. "Sleep," he said and the soldier slumped over.

Finis knew he'd have to do something convincing. As he was getting out of the speeder, he reached a finger back as far as he could into his throat. He gagged and vomited, hoping Qui-Gon was taking quick and decisive advantage of this opportunity. He wasn't certain what he himself was going to do yet. One of the guards from the general's vehicle came back to check out the situation.

There was a loud cry of pain from the speeder. The driver said to the new arrival, "Keep an eye on him for me." Then he turned back to his speeder to see what was going on. The knight grabbed the soldier and put him out also, pulling him into the vehicle and trying to get the door shut.

"Over it?" the soldier asked Valorum. His attention was on his captive. He couldn't allow the man to make a run for it out here in the open.

He was still bent over, hands on his knees. "Yeah, I guess. But…I need to go now."

"Then do it! We've got to get moving!"

"Here? On the roadside? In plain view?"

"Just a minute." He kept his blaster pointed at the pilot and backed away from him…and the speeder. "Hey, Corporal. You all right?"

"Need some help," a muffled voice called.

He glanced at the speeder, unable to figure out what was going on inside. The soldier couldn't take his eyes off Valorum to know how much help might be needed. There didn't appear to be a struggle going on in the motionless vehicle. "Sergeant!" he called toward the general's speeder, "Need your help." He didn't take his eyes off Finis. "Put your hands on your head. Turn your back to me."

The pilot cursed to himself. What was Qui-Gon doing? Did he blow their chance to escape?

"What is it?" the soldier ran with blaster ready to fire.

"See what's going on in there. The corporal called for help."

He cautiously approached the vehicle, blaster rifle up. Looking in the window, he saw that the Jedi and both soldiers were all slumped over, unconscious. "What the…" The sergeant slowly opened a door. "Corporal?"

"What is it?" the soldier asked, not taking his eyes off Commander Valorum.

"I don't know yet. Something funny is going on."

"Be careful."

Qui-Gon groaned. "Help…help…me. Hurt. Help." He weakly put a hand to his chest.

The sergeant decided that a fight must have occurred. That's the only way the Jedi could have been hurt, he supposed. But he was going to check on his fellow Kleites first. He pulled the one in the back out and allowed him to fall to the ground, but eyes and blaster still on Qui-Gon.

"Corporal. Corporal, are you all right?"

With Jedi speed, Qui-Gon grabbed the blaster rifle from the sergeant and turned it around on him. The ruckus drew the attention of Valorum's guard. He turned to see what was going on…what he might have to face. Valorum didn't think about what might be going on. As quickly as he could, he turned and launched himself at the soldier. The struggle at the speeder was just enough distraction that the soldier was unable to recover in time and Finis flattened him. He took the weapon, trying to decide whether to turn his attention back to the speeder…or to the general's speeder.

The knight quickly put the startled sergeant out as well and was out of the vehicle by the time Valorum had armed himself. He had no hesitation about what to do next. Qui-Gon was pointing the rifle at the general's speeder.

"Throw your weapon out, General. Then get out slowly."

Trala had been smug in his complacency as the two vehicles pulled off the road. Even when his sergeant had been called away, the Kleite general didn't give it a thought. He remembered how weak and sick the two captives still were. Hearing over the radio that the rear speeder had to stop because one of them was going to be ill only made him more unconcerned. Still sick…and helpless. Trala had thought that his driver was needed to help handle the feeble captives. It was not until he heard the noise from the short scuffle that the man knew there was trouble. He turned just in time to see Valorum and Qui-Gon pointing blaster rifles in his direction. He cursed loud and long.

"Come on, Trala!" Valorum said. "You know you don't have a chance. Let's have it."

A blaster pistol came out the window. The rear door opened and the general got out slowly.

"Hands on your head!" Qui-Gon called.

"What did you do to them?" Valorum asked.

"They will sleep for a while."

"Long enough for us to get out of here?"

"I can put them under deeper."

"This way, Trala." Valorum led the general further away from the roadside in case of passing traffic. He stood guard over the officer while Qui-Gon took uniforms from a couple of the soldiers. Then he piled them all in the speeder and took it off into the bushes to hide it. There had been no traffic by the entire time they were stopped. However, Finis preferred to be certain. And after sending Qui-Gon out to look up and down the road, he herded Trala back to his speeder.

"What's your plan?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Change clothes. We'll look just like the general's driver and assistant. That should keep us from being harassed too much…I hope. Then Trala is going to help us get through the border checkpoint."

The man folded his arms across his chest. "I will not cooperate."

Valorum grinned. His blue eyes twinkled. "You don't have to…but you'll still get us across."

"What are you thinking?" the knight asked.

"Just change. Then we'll talk about it."

"Hurry it up Qui-Gon! We can't continue to be lucky. Someone is going to come along…and I don't want our prisoner to get too brave."

The Jedi stepped out in a Kleite uniform…and looked down. The pants were about six inches above his ankles. Finis followed Qui-Gon's gaze…and laughed. "Try the other pair."

"This is the longer pair."

The commander was grinning. "I guess it will have to do. Good thing it wasn't Yoda you had to trade clothes with."

The knight looked in displeasure at the pilot. Then he said, "It's going to be rather obvious if we get stopped don't you think? Once I step out…and anyone sees this…"

"Then we'll just have to not get stopped. We don't have time to argue. Keep an eye on Trala. Better yet…get him in the speeder.

"General, if you will please."

"You'll never get away with this."

"The chances are against us," Qui-Gon agreed. "But…you would try also if you were in our position, wouldn't you?" The general made no reply but just got in the speeder. "Don't plan anything. I wouldn't hesitate to stop you."

With great sarcasm Trala replied, "So much for your great claim that Jedi do not attack."

"That would not be attack. It would be self-defense."

Finis came trotting toward the speeder. "Here, you forgot this." He tossed a hat to the knight. "Good thing you still have that hair cut. The short hair makes you look like a soldier."

"You've forgotten something. Have you looked in the mirror recently?"

"Actually, I haven't. Don't worry. I'll think of something."

Qui-Gon lowered his voice. "What are you planning? Do you really think we can get away with this?"

"We have a general's speeder. That will buy a lot of influence, especially with a general in it."

"He won't cooperate."

Finis grinned. "I think he would enjoy the drive more if he slept, don't you? And…most soldiers would let a sleeping general lie…instead of invoking his wrath for being disturbed. But…I'm not entirely sure how we are going to get across the border. They would want him awake for that."

"I can handle that. I know how to convince Trala to cooperate." Now it was Qui-Gon's turn to smile.

Valorum drove the general's speeder. Qui-Gon had put Trala to sleep and propped him in the corner of the rear seat, trying to make it look as if the man were dozing the drive away. He was not entirely at ease. The Jedi reached to the Force for comfort, but there were too many unknowns for him to believe that this would go off smoothly.

Finis was glad he decided to drive. They did pass some checkpoints along the route. Internal checks to try to catch spies or escapees. He was somewhat familiar with some of the Kleite military routines, more so than Qui-Gon would have been. The first one was the worst, because they didn't know what exactly to expect.

"General Trala." Valorum pointed to the back seat at the sleeping man. "We are taking him to the border for…a prisoner exchange."

The soldier looked at them for a long quiet moment. "I need to see your ID. I'll bet it won't match what I'm looking at though."

"Oh…you mean this?" Valorum passed a hand over his swollen eye. "Fighting in the barracks. Not the brightest thing we ever did. On report for a month. The only reason the general didn't throw us in the stockade is because the guys in the other unit looked worse than we did," he laughed. "Matter of pride I guess."

"I don't want to hear your excuses. I want to see your ID. Now." He raised his rifle.

With a small motion of his hand Qui-Gon said, "I don't need to see your ID. Everything is in order."

In a flat tone the guard repeated, "I don't need to see your ID. Everything is in order."

"You may pass." He hesitated. "Have a nice day."

"You may pass. Have a nice day."

Valorum hit the throttle to get away while he could. He glanced in the mirror. The soldier just stood and watched them drive away.

"How did you do that?"

"Just some of my black magic," Qui-Gon said with a straight face.

Finis chuckled. "I'm glad I decided to save your butt from that POW camp. You are handy to have around."

Clearing the couple other checkpoints went just as smoothly…with the right application of Jedi mind power. It was very late in the day when they neared the border crossing. The commander pulled the vehicle off the road. He turned to look at his companion. "Now what?"

Qui-Gon reached back with a long arm and gave Trala just enough stimulus from the Force to wake him. The knight had his plan ready to act on. However, he would take all advantages he could get. No point in allowing the general to know that he could not resist.

"General, we are coming to the border checkpoint. You will tell them to let us pass on your authority. No tricks however. Don't force us to harm you."

He thinks I'm simple enough to dumbly cooperate? This Jedi is not very smart. "Of course," he replied, allowing tension in his voice. "I will cooperate. Force is not necessary."

Qui-Gon nodded to Valorum to proceed.

"I don't trust him," Finis said.

"Do you trust me?"

The commander hesitated then got the vehicle back on the road. He drove the short distance and began to slow as he approached the swing arm. A Kleite soldier with blaster rifle held across his chest stepped into the middle of the road. As the speeder came to a halt, another soldier walked up to the vehicle. Immediately, Trala leaned up. "Sergeant!" Qui-Gon had a hand on the man at once. He had reached low between the two front seats, to keep from being seen. "Sergeant, you will allow us to pass at once," he said in a low voice. "It is urgent."

Trala calmed immediately. "Sergeant, you will allow us to pass at once. It is urgent."

"I understand General, but you know that no one can go into the enemy province without permission from the commander-in-chief of the armed forces."

Qui-Gon said quietly, "He has given us permission and you have seen the papers."

The general repeated. "He has given us permission and you have seen the papers."

Before the soldier could respond, the Jedi waved a hand at him. "I have seen your authorization and you are cleared to pass."

"I have seen your authorization and you are cleared to pass," he repeated dutifully. The soldier stepped back and waved to his colleague standing in the road. The man stepped back and operated the swing arm so that it raised. Valorum sped through.

"Can you teach me to do that?"

"No, Commander Valorum."

"Not enough midiclorians?"

"No."

They were not in the clear yet however. The vehicle crossed a narrow strip of neutral territory and stopped at the crossing into the Naran province. Naran and Republic soldiers were manning it. They surrounded the speeder at once at the sight of Kleite soldiers.

"I'm Commander Finis Valorum of the Republic Forces."

The soldier nearest to the door of the speeder looked dubious. "I think you should get out of the speeder…slowly. All three of you. Move!"

Valorum said quietly, "Slowly Qui-Gon. We don't want to die now." The trio exited the speeder hands high so there would be no doubts about their intentions.

"Call the Republic base," Valorum said calmly. "I really am with the peacekeepers here. This is a Jedi. He and I escaped from the POW camp. General Ora will vouch for me. But, the general is really a Kleite, our prisoner. General Trala of the Kleite forces."

The soldier was incredulous. Escaped…and bringing a Kleite general? This was too unbelievable. "I will make that call and check this out." To the other soldiers he said, "Keep a close eye on all of them. Right now we don't know who they are. Don't trust them. I have some calls to make."

Valorum and Qui-Gon had seen this out thus far. The pair decided to go ahead with the debriefing before even being seen by a doctor or eating. The only thing they did request was water and lots of it…and to sit down. The pair was exhausted.

There was a larger than usual gathering to hear their story. General Ora, an aide to record the debriefing and maybe a couple of officers would be typical. However, the entire thing was so surprising and hard to believe that others had to know how the pilot and Jedi managed to pull it off. Lieutenant Moray managed to con his way in. Several officers were there. Laan was there. And so was Mei.

The room was very quiet as the two told their story. A good and bright officer working in conjunction with a young, but wise Jedi had made a good team. Their report was thorough. They were still bombarded with questions however. Patiently they answered each one.

Mei was spellbound…by more than just the unbelievable treatment and escape. She was seeing a Finis Valorum that she didn't recognize. The man sat at the table, head up and speaking in a clear firm voice, even though he still showed signs of his battering, and weariness crept into his tone now and again. This was not the snide arrogant pilot she had encountered at the capital. Mei could hardly believe it was the same person. He was calm and efficient in his report and respectful to all in the room. Moray had been right in what he had told her of his commander. He was a very different man than he let on in public. There was substance to the shallow cocky flyboy.

Finally General Ora interrupted.

"That's enough. I think we've heard the story. These two need some rest…at least. Further questions can wait until they have been seen to and had some sleep." The general stood and waited for everyone to leave. Mei filed out with the others, casting one last glance at Finis before she stepped out. He looked at her and grinned…that same smug smile and gleaming blue eyes. In spite of her desire to turn her back on it instead of acknowledging it, she smiled a little. Beat up, fatigued, and a sudden hero, Finis Valorum was still able to wear his politician mask…and maybe flirt a little? She wasn't certain. That smile wasn't as easy to read as she used to think. She was amused…and charmed she had to admit.

"Lieutenant," Mei called out as she hurried up. "Because of the threat of invasion due to Trala being held prisoner, my team is being temporarily recalled to Coruscant. Two days of talks for an exchange have not helped relieve tensions. The Republic thinks things need to cool down before we try for a treaty. We are leaving in a day or so." She shrugged her shoulders. Mei had become friends with Moray, mostly because being on the base there was little for her to do. The man was approachable and seemed to want someone to talk to. "I just wondered…if there is anything I could do for you. Take a message to your family or something?"

"Thank you, Ms. Lera. I talk to them when I can…but if you'd just let my parents know you'd seen me and that I was all right. Well…I think it would reassure them. They think I make everything sound better than it is so they won't worry."

"I'd be glad to."

"Since you'll be in the same building, could you let my father know you've seen me?" another voice put in.

The woman turned and saw Commander Valorum, leaning against a building, arms folded over his chest. He was grinning…that trademark smile of his. Somehow it seemed different to her. Not so self-assured. A little warmer maybe. Mei was aware that she was staring and felt her face warm. She looked down. "I'll be glad to let your father know. I'm sure he'll be relieved to know you are all right. You are, aren't you?"

"Sure." He stood straight and walked toward her. "I'm fine," he said steadily. "It's going to take more than that to get to Finis Valorum." It was the sound of confidence, not arrogance and Mei recognized the difference. "So…you're going to be around for a day or two?"

"That's what I was told," she replied evenly.

"Just enough time for us to become better acquainted." Finis took her hand and placed it on his arm. He began walking. Mei pulled away…but not too abruptly. She didn't mind walking or talking with the commander…but not like this. She clasped her hands behind her back and continued to walk, looking straight ahead. Finis only smiled a little. At least she wasn't completely avoiding him. And…he had been a jerk to her at the reception. No, he couldn't blame her for reacting that way to him.

Finis put his hands behind his back also. In a calm and quiet voice he began, "I didn't want to make Qui-Gon feel too badly during the debriefing. He held out well. But…well…let me tell you how I really saved him." He grinned.

Mei laughed. Before that statement would have sounded more than egotistical to her. But…she had already seen the real Finis Valorum. The last couple of days she had been surreptitiously observing him. Seeing him on the base and interacting with his fellow pilots had revealed a good deal to Mei. He was much more than the shallow egotistical pilot that she took him for. He had demonstrated great concern for Moray and the other two flyers that had been on the attacked patrol. It was true that he put his men before himself. And Finis had genuine respect for his superior officers. She had seen how he conducted himself when he wasn't trying to put on a performance. There was no doubt in her mind that his report at the debriefing was accurate. Now that she knew he was only trying to get attention with his antics, he seemed not only less haughty. There was a vulnerability there that he worked to hide. Mei began to understand the front that Finis put on for the world.

Her dark eyes twinkled. She would not meet his eyes because she knew her act was not good enough and he would see through it at once. Very seriously she said, "Qui-Gon told me that if it had not been for him, you would have broken down completely at the camp." She bit the inside of her lip to try to keep from smiling. She had not even had the chance to speak with Qui-Gon yet.

"He said what? I would have broken down? And to think…I did him a favor by getting him out of that place!"

"Commander Valorum. Commander Valorum, excuse me."

The pilot looked around to see Bara Laan hurrying his way. Finis had already heard from his CO about Laan and his desire to use what Moray had brought back, even though he knew it was phony information. He was not surprised. After all, the man was a bureaucrat. Whatever he wanted right now would be good for a laugh…because the man was a joke anyway. Valorum had always been able to see right through him. He stood stiffly and quietly, waiting on Laan to begin the conversation.

"I'm so relieved that you are all right! Of course…I knew a great military man like you would be able to endure. The military heritage of your family speaks for itself…and for you. For that legacy, I had to do all in my power to see to your rescue. We were fortunate to have a Jedi along." He paused and looked down for only a couple of seconds. "I hope it doesn't…color your judgment of that Jedi…but he was hesitant to come for you. I had to insist on it. Of course…I don't want to seem to be taking more credit than I am due for saving you…"

"Mr. Laan, I hope you receive all that you are due for your actions in this time of crisis. I should have realized a man of your caliber would not just sit back." He leaned a little closer and lowered his voice. "Don't worry about Qui-Gon. In the stress of the moment…he admitted that you were entirely responsible for his being there. But…he is a new knight after all and we will not fault him too badly for his inexperience. You and I once were in the same position of being green and uncertain. I'm sure that my father will be…more than happy to…see to you when you get back to Coruscant."

"Oh…really?" Laan said pleased and surprised. Finis must have put in a good word for him with Senator Valorum. But why would he? The two were not exactly mutual admirers. Perhaps he was just so relieved to be rescued. Yes…it must be the Valorum name that got him where he was. No real bravery here. "Thank you Commander."

"No, thank you…for all you have done for the negotiations, looking after the team and seeing to my rescue. I'm sure that the groundwork you have laid will have the most profound effects on future negotiations." Valorum nodded shortly, discreetly took Mei's hand and began to walk away.

"Thank you," Laan called after them. He stood thinking of the implications and congratulating himself. Everyone had been critical of him at each juncture…but look how it all seemed to be working out.

Mei glanced back. "How can you say all that with a straight face? You do know the truth, don't you?"

"Yes. I know Mr. Laan well and I was…informed by my CO about the 'situation' Laan has created. The one that is now forcing recall of your team." He looked at the petite woman and grinned. "The greatest thing about learning politics is learning to insult someone to their face…and making them think you have complimented them."

She laughed again…and couldn't believe that she was. The very things that once upset her about Valorum now seemed amusing. Why? He seemed different. Probably very changed by his experience. But…it wasn't only he who had changed…was it?

"Bara said he would make sure I never served on one of his teams again. I hope that…bonnon doesn't try to damage my career by blaming me for his mistakes. If you only knew what went on…."

"Bonnon?"

"Long story. I'll tell you about them another time. Just know…they are as…simpleminded as Bara is."

"Well…don't worry about it. I have my connections. I'll make sure he doesn't cause you any real problems."

Mei stopped and pulled her hand out of Finis'. In an incensed tone she said, "You'll do no such thing! I will not have my future decided by…political favors! I got where I am by hard work, not fawning and kissing hand. I can take care of myself, Finis Valorum. I don't need someone taking care of me. Especially not you." She started walking again, mostly to have a reason not to look at Valorum. "If word got out that you were doing favors for me…well, I know what the gossip mongers would say," she finished quietly.

Finis grinned. "Oh," he said innocently. "What would they say?"

"They would say…that…you and I…." She stopped and looked into his merry blue eyes. "You know what they would say," she said crossly. "I believe you are enjoying this."

"Would it be so very terrible if they thought you and I were an item? I think we make a nice couple myself."

Mei started walking again. "I don't know. I'll have to…think about it…"

"You mean you won't even give me the chance to…change your mind?" He took her hand again.

The woman was so confused. She had very mixed feelings about this whole situation. Finis was handsome and charming…. But! But he was from an old political family and had high aspirations. She was working hard for her career…and carefully cultivated reputation. Could they even get along, much less…. No, she wouldn't let her thoughts go that far. Mei was only just beginning to change her opinion of Finis. It was much too early to think of more than that. She chided herself for acting like a silly schoolgirl. Was she becoming one of those…giddy fawning girls who flocked to Valorum? What had changed her mind? No one had been able to change her mind so quickly.

"I hope that long silence is only thought…and not a snub," Finis finally said.

"Commander Valorum…"

"Finis."

"Finis," she said slowly, hesitant to use the name. "We are only just getting to know each other…"

"I understand. I just want the chance to get to know you. Will you at least grant me that? I need something to…occupy me while I'm on R and R."

Mei stopped and pulled away again. "Is that all I am? Something to occupy your free time."

The pilot sighed in frustration and started to deliver a stinging reply but caught himself. "Ms. Lera, I apologize. You seemed so serious. I was just trying to lighten the atmosphere…not make light of you."

Looking into his serious blue eyes, she decided he was in earnest. "I'm sorry. I just…don't know how to take you. You're serious one minute and joking the next."

"I know. It's part of my…protection. After all…you did point out yourself, we are just getting to know each other."

Mei thought she could see his vulnerability peeking out a little. "Can we start over?"

"Ms. Lera…"

"Mei."

"Mei, could I show you around the base. We could talk, perhaps become better acquainted."

She smiled a little. "I would like that, Commander…Finis."

He offered his arm and she hesitantly took it, wondering who was watching.

Qui-Gon was on his way to speak with a couple of the negotiators. He passed by Lieutenant Moray who was standing and staring. He followed the pilot's gaze and then stopped suddenly. "That is…a surprise…"

"Well…they do say that opposites attract," he said carelessly.

"I also know that strong wills conflict."

Moray turned and looked at the Jedi. "I wouldn't lay odds on anything permanent developing. Even though Finis says he's really interested in her…it couldn't work."

Qui-Gon looked again and thought hard for a moment. Always clouded the future is. But sometimes a quick indication or clue could be glimpsed. "You're right. I can sense it. Nothing permanent could come of it."

"But you were wrong," Finis pointed at his friend. "Something permanent did come of it."

"I admit that I was wrong," Qui-Gon answered. "But you have to admit, you two got off to a very shaky start."

"That is true," he allowed. "It was…very shaky."

"So, you see, Obi-Wan, I never really was involved with Mei."

"But…I didn't know that in the beginning. You two used to keep close company."

Qui-Gon started to answer but Mei spoke up, "You may as well forget it, Qui-Gon. You can argue until you are blue in the face. He has too much fun teasing me about that. You'll be better off if you don't resist. We know the truth."

Finis ignored the remark. "So you see, Obi-Wan, that is how I saved your master…and won the girl," he grinned.

"So that's the story of how you and Ms. Valorum became…involved," Obi-Wan replied. "Thanks for sharing it with me. Now I know how she got over her initial opinion of you."

"Oh no," the chancellor responded. "That's not the whole story. That's hardly even the beginning. It's just the first sentence of a whole book. She didn't just…get over what she thought of me. Let me tell you what happened next. I remember…"

"No," Qui-Gon said firmly. "Not now. The entire journey from meeting to marrying is too long and complicated to tell in one night. I think we've had our dose for now." Qui-Gon stood. "Obi-Wan and I must be going. It's late and we still have to be up at our regular time tomorrow morning. He already has problems getting himself up in the mornings," he grinned as his apprentice's face reddened.

"All right," Finis relented as he stood. "Another time, Obi-Wan. I promise you'll hear it. You'll want to…because your master was still involved."

"Still involved?" the padawan said in confusion. "But I thought you said that Ms. Valorum was interested in you after that."

Qui-Gon began pulling Obi-Wan toward the door. "She was. That's not what he means."

"But, Master…"

"It's all right," Valorum called out. "Next week maybe…some time soon. You come back. I promise it's a good story." He had a huge smile and his blue eyes twinkled mischievously. Mei noticed and poked her husband in the ribs…firmly.

"That was an amazing story, Master," Obi-Wan said as he piloted their transport back to the temple.

"It was an amazing situation," Qui-Gon said almost in a dream. He had not thought of the experience in a long time now.

"Chancellor Valorum is a strong person to endure that…and without the Force."

"Yes, he is. That entire incident is what made me realize there was more to him than what you might think from his actions. I found out that he was…a man, not a politician."

"I have learned from getting to know him that there is much more to him than his surface appearance. And…I am glad to know that he and…my master are both men of substance."

Qui-Gon put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. "Thank you," he said quietly and with a small smile. However, he was uncomfortable with the sudden attention. The knight changed subjects smoothly. "Now we have to get our concentration back to the moment…and decide how we are going to find out what Jareel is hiding about his mission to Phatan."

"Leave it to me. Daven will talk. I know he will."

Qui-Gon grinned. "But we don't want to get him in trouble with his master."

"Well…even if we find out…we don't have to let Master Jareel know that we found out."

"You're not serious," the elder knight said with a straight face. "What would be the fun of finding out if Jareel didn't know that we found out?"

To be continued in Contentions.

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