Act III
The Trail of the Sith
Chapter 17
Unexpected Developments
Sifo-Dyas greeted the four Jedi as they entered the Council Chamber.
"Qui-Gon. Master Gallia. Padawans. It's good to see you're safe."
The rest of the Masters sat in their seats, eyeing their visitors eagerly.
It seems the entire Council is invested in this hunt now. Master Qui-Gon gave Master Sifo-Dyas a summary of everything that happened and what we learned from Reego, but we've yet to discuss it with the Council as a whole. Until now.
"Master Sifo-Dyas. Have you briefed the Council on our findings?"
"I have, Qui-Gon, as well as you and your Padawans' role in putting down that riot. I've been in touch with the Correctional Authority since you first contacted me, and they've got everything back under control. They also told me that from what they were able to piece together, Gwerto was the ringleader of the whole thing. Based on the scale of it, he had probably been planning it for weeks or even months, along with those members of his crew among the inmates. The fact that he could get his revenge on the Jedi at the same time seems to have been a lucky accident. As far as everyone can tell, he had no idea you were even there until he encountered the Padawans. Still, from the Padawans' account, it was a close run thing."
Obi-Wan's mind went back for a moment to that dark tunnel, as Siri lay there on the rock and he stood as close to the dark side as he had ever been, his blue blade illuminating Gwerto's arachnid features.
It was. For both myself, and for Siri.
Master Windu broke the silence.
"The Council is pleased to see all of you alive and well, and that your mission succeeded, even if it did not go as planned. Master Sifo-Dyas, as he just told you, has briefed the Council on your interrogation of Reego and the information he gave you concerning Raton Nurkkis. Given his ongoing role in the investigation concerning LMC and the death of Master Leet, I will let him speak for the Council, if the Council has no objections."
None of the Masters reacted. Master Gallia gave her assent with a shake of her head.
"Then you have the discussion, Master Sifo-Dyas."
"Thank you, Master Windu."
Qui-Gon turned to Sifo-Dyas.
"So, have you done any research in the Archives into Nurkkis' past, based on what Reego told us?"
"I have, Qui-Gon, and it's disturbing, to say the least. There isn't much on this 'Nurkkis' Legion' in the Archives, but everything I have found has corroborated Reego's testimony. Raton Nurkkis was indeed the leader of a mercenary group out in the Outer Rim at one point, and Vick Reego was indeed part of it. After a certain point in time, though, the records didn't show anything."
"Were they erased?"
"No, they weren't. I suspect that this cutoff marks the point at which Nurkkis broke up the group when he went to work for Lok'ayy."
"Then, the rest of the group, are they…"
"LMC's security personnel? I would assume so, but I need to access LMC's records to confirm this. Which I cannot do without a search warrant."
"So, we get a warrant and go through LMC's records, then?"
"No, Qui-Gon."
"No?"
"Qui-Gon, I think it's time we brought Lok'ayy in. Between the Sith holocron and crate you and Obi-Wan found on Kessel, your reception at the gala, and everything we now know about Nurkkis, we can make Lok'ayy for running this smuggling ring. Based on all this evidence and my instinct, I would wager that Nurkkis has a hand in it as well. And, with all this evidence, we can only gather more from here on out. LMC's headquarters will be a treasure trove of evidence against Lok'ayy and Nurkkis, and we may even find something tying them to the murder of Master Leet."
"What are you proposing, then?"
"First, we get arrest warrants for both Lok'ayy and Nurkkis, as well as search warrants covering every corner of LMC headquarters. Then, we go in and arrest both of them. The five of us will go in, along with CSF. We'll probably detain most of the employees as well, just for safety's sake. Finally, once we have the building secure, we go over every centimeter of it with a fine-tooth comb. Physical records, computer databanks, hololine logs, everything. Even if we can't pin Master Leet's murder on Lok'ayy, given Lok'ayy's shady history I'm confident that we will find evidence for far more than just black market artifact smuggling. With what we uncover, no matter what Lok'ayy and Nurkkis try in court they'll both go to prison for a very long time."
"When will you have those warrants?"
"I can get them today, Qui-Gon. I've already assembled a small summary of our findings to present to the judge. I'll inform CSF of our plan, and we can go in tomorrow."
"Then it is settled, Master Sifo-Dyas. Master Gallia, her Padawan, my Padawan, and myself will await your orders."
"You and I can go over our entry plan in the morning, Qui-Gon. Once everything is in place, we'll go pay Sull Lok'ayy a long overdue visit."
Obi-Wan walked through the Temple halls, following a familiar Force signature as the sun set over Coruscant. The quiet bustle of the Jedi Temple had calmed down, and in just an hour the halls would be deserted, free of the chatter and footsteps of Masters, Knights and Padawans; free of the unruly, curious, noisy mobs of younglings and their crèche leaders. Free except for two Padawans with an odd connection and a complicated relationship with each other and with the Jedi Code.
Remember, Kenobi, this isn't a romantic rendezvous. You're just going to see how she's doing with her bump on the head, say goodnight, and head back to your quarters. Keep everything under control. Remember your promises to each other five years ago. Remember the Code.
Try as he might, Obi-Wan still couldn't shake the fact that he was on his way to meet alone, deliberately, with Siri.
Come on. Do you really think that with Bant and the healers breathing down her neck, Siri needs your visit? Or is this an excuse to be alone together that even you can find convincing?
Obi-Wan's face tightened at his mind's latter suggestion.
No, you care about her and you owe it to her to check in. Never forget that you were there in the caves with her when her injury happened, and you're the sole reason she's walking the Temple freely and not burning up in its funeral hall.
The horrifying thought of watching her funeral, of the symbolic bright light soaring into the sky while the flames consumed what was left of his love, played in Obi-Wan's mind as he slowly, agonizingly released it into the Force while his pulse quickened and his thoughts raced even faster.
"Care" about her? You do more than care about her, Obi-Wan. Admit it. You did as much in that tunnel, after you thought you had just lost her. You love her. Deeply, and passionately. She feels the same way about you. And that will never change, no matter what the two of you do…no, it must change! It must! Now, right on the verge of Knighthood and the two of you undone by attachment? No! Never! It must change!
Siri's Force presence grew closer and closer with every step, each growth in its intensity twisting Obi-Wan's stomach further and further. Finally, he arrived at the edge of a balcony, her Force presence screaming at him from behind the corner. The sunset was now a deep, romantic red, shining menacingly on the floor leading onto the balcony. Looking down at the light, Obi-Wan could see the shadow of a long-haired woman, leaning against the railing.
She's out there…do you really want to step onto that balcony, Obi-Wan? Do you dare?
After a second's hesitation, Obi-Wan stepped onto the balcony, the sound of his boot hitting the ground echoing in his ear. Siri stood against the railing, looking out at the skyline silhouetted against the red sun. She turned her head as Obi-Wan walked to her side.
"Siri?"
"What is it, Kenobi? Come to admire the sunset as well?"
"I just wanted to see how you were feeling, that's all. With your head…"
"It's fine. The healers told me it's minor, and my brain activity doesn't show anything weird. I'm just glad to be up and walking again. It's nice to see Bant again, but…"
"She can be a little overbearing."
Siri laughed at Obi-Wan's reply.
"Never thought you'd say that, Kenobi. The two of you have always been close."
"We still are, but I can admit that she worries too much."
"Says the man that hiked all the way out here to see me. This part of the Temple is barely ever used anymore."
"And yet you're the injured one. Getting out of bed and going all this way with a head injury…"
"All the more reason for me to get some exercise. I'm sure even Bant would approve of that."
"I don't know if she would, Siri. If she caught me running out on her like this, she'd tie me to that hospital bed."
"And me?"
"Maybe."
Obi-Wan then realized he was admiring the sunset on Siri, the way the fading light gave her skin a pleasant orange glow.
Remember, you just came here to check on her…
As he looked away from her and to the spectacle of the sunset, he felt his hand drifting towards Siri.
What are you doing, Kenobi?
He looked back to her, and saw her reach out for his hand, looking into his eyes. Their gazes locked as he felt their hands entwine.
What are you doing?
Siri looked back out at the sunset, turning her head away from Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan found himself unable to avert his gaze from Siri as her eyes sparkled in the dim red light, her hair gently blowing in the wind.
A Jedi shall not know love…
"Well…what a sunset, eh Kenobi?"
Siri's voice quivered, nervousness radiating off of her. Obi-Wan was vaguely aware of a tremor in her hand as it held his. Before he could think further, he turned towards her, placing his hand under her chin and turning her head towards him. She didn't resist. Thoughts of the tunnels, of his distraught mumblings as he held her still body in his arms, poured into his mind.
You thought you lost her, Obi-Wan. You didn't. And now…
Siri's eyes were wide, her breathing becoming faster and faster, her trembling more intense. Trying to regain his self-control, Obi-Wan felt it dissolve like sand running through his fingers. He moved in closer, the flurry of emotions threatening to drown his eyes in tears. He moved his hand to her back and his other to her hair, pulling her in. She reciprocated, placing her arms around his neck as the two looked into each other's eyes.
Oh, Siri…
Their lips met, gently. After several seconds, they broke the kiss, their foreheads resting against one another. Siri's voice was soft, yet wet with desire as she spoke.
"Oh, Obie…"
"Back in the tunnels, when I saw you laying there, I thought you were dead. I couldn't…"
"I'm here, Obie. Here because of you. All that is in the past now."
She raised her head, looking him in the eyes as their faces stood precariously close to one another. Without thinking, Obi-Wan kissed her again. She deepened the kiss, stroking the back of his neck and sending a jolt of arousal through his body. Then, inexplicably, Obi-Wan heard a voice in his head, growing louder and louder.
What are you doing? Stop! Never! It must change!
He broke the kiss, pulling away from Siri gently.
"Siri, that was…incredible."
"You mean you're leaving me, don't you?"
"Siri, that kiss could get us both in a lot of trouble. You know that as well as I do."
She sighed, a deep sadness in her eyes. Obi-Wan noticed that he and Siri were still in each other's arms. She pulled him in for a final, tight embrace, pulling herself up to whisper in his ear.
"Good night, my darling."
"Good night, Siri."
Despite his attempts at self-control and dispassion, the words came out of Obi-Wan's mouth with an air of desire that disturbed him.
No…damn it! You can't even control your own voice! What's gotten into you?
The two lovers finally broke their embrace and walked off the balcony back into the Temple. Obi-Wan's mind raced as he continued down the hallway, Siri's Force presence behind him.
You…you just threw the Code right off that balcony, Obi-Wan! And you…no…yes, you did! You enjoyed every minute of it, didn't you? Every sordid minute! Yes…the feel of her, the taste of her, the sensation of your lips against hers…yes, you enjoyed it. You enjoyed all of it. You enjoyed all of it because you love her! You LOVE her! A Jedi shall NEVER know love! Damn you! Damn you to hell!
Obi-Wan awoke from his restless sleep, his head on fire. Thoughts of Siri, of the kiss on the balcony, had kept him awake despite his best efforts. He trudged to the fresher, his hands balled into fists. He turned the lights on, and then activated the sink, the water as cold as he could make it. He placed his hands under the faucet, letting the cold water bite into his skin until he was ready to cry out in pain. He then flung his hands upward, splashing the water over his face. He bent down and caught more water in his numb hands, smothering his face in it. He looked up at the mirror, his strangely unfamiliar face looking back at him. As he stood there, looking into his own eyes, his face contorted into a grimace, his eyes beginning to water.
Obie?
Siri's voice through their Force bond barely registered in Obi-Wan's mind.
What?
Obie, you're hurting. I can tell.
I'm not…
I can feel it, Obie. You're hurting.
Under any other circumstances, Siri's tone would have been scolding at such a bold-faced lie. However, this time her tone was gentle and understanding, a soft, friendly caress that made Obi-Wan clench his jaw in resistance.
Obie, please. Clear your mind and get back to bed.
Siri, what we just did…we're on the verge of Knighthood! The verge of becoming Jedi! We're better than this!
We are, Obie. That's why you need to clear your mind and get back to bed. You can't carry on like this. Not as a Jedi Knight.
Siri, I love you. I…
Obi-Wan felt a pang of anguish and longing from Siri.
I know, Obie. Thank you…thank you for saying that. I love you too, and I care about you. I don't want to see you hurt. Please, just clear your mind and sleep soundly. Do it for me. Please.
Obi-Wan shut his eyes, trying to clear his mind.
Listen to her, Obi-Wan. Do it for her. Her heart aches for you right now. Don't make her hurt like this.
As he shed a single tear, Obi-Wan released his swirl of emotions into the Force.
Deep in sleep, Obi-Wan awoke to a pounding at his door. He groggily rolled out of bed and opened it to reveal Qui-Gon and Sifo-Dyas standing in the hallway. Sifo-Dyas had his robes on, but Qui-Gon was still wearing his sleep clothing. Sifo-Dyas spoke to him, his voice grave.
"Obi-Wan. Come with us. Now."
"What is it?"
Does he know about…about the balcony?
"Emergency Council session. We need to be in the Council Chamber right now."
"I'm still wearing pajama pants and an undershirt, I don't have time to get my robes…"
Qui-Gon answered this time.
"Don't worry about getting dressed, Obi-Wan. We need to leave now."
As if anticipating Obi-Wan's next question, Sifo-Dyas responded instantly.
"It's Lok'ayy, Obi-Wan. He's gone."
The five Jedi stood in the turbolift to the Council Chambers, as underdressed for any occasion as they had ever been. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon only wore their loose-fitting pajama pants and white undershirts; Adi and Siri both wore cream-colored nightgowns. Only Sifo-Dyas had his robes and lightsaber on, and the heaviness of his eyes told Obi-Wan that he had been up all night.
He's only dressed because he didn't have any time to sleep before this came up. Still, what happened to Lok'ayy? Where is he now?
Obi-Wan glanced around the turbolift at the others, holding his gaze for a split second longer on Siri. She gently, fleetingly brushed her hand against Obi-Wan's with a reassuring look in her eyes.
She can feel your concern. Just take her reassurance and move on.
The turbolift doors opened, revealing the Masters of the Council in their various nightclothes. Obi-Wan suppressed the urge to laugh at these distinguished Jedi sitting before him in their myriad sleeping garments.
Whatever happened, it looks like it caught the entire Council off guard as well.
"Master Sifo-Dyas. Explain the situation, you will."
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"So, what happened? Where's Lok'ayy?"
"Let me explain, Qui-Gon. After I got the arrest and search warrants, I informed the CSF about our plan. They agreed to stake out LMC headquarters to observe Lok'ayy and Nurkkis, see what they were up to before we came in and arrested them the next day. They kept an eye on their offices, and things seemed normal enough. However, when work let out, the stakeout team never saw either of them exit the building."
"But Lok'ayy's the owner, Master Sifo-Dyas. Could he have simply stayed late to finish some uncompleted task? And Nurkkis to lock everything up once he was finished?"
"Possibly, Master Gallia. It seemed like that initially, but the stakeout team reported that they hadn't seen either in a long time. Then, out of nowhere, Lok'ayy and Nurkkis appeared, both in Lok'ayy's office."
"And all this means what?"
"It doesn't end there, Master Gallia. After a while, the two of them left the office and went out of sight. That is, until the officers covering the loading dock saw the two of them leave in a company cargo speeder."
"Where did they go from there?"
"They headed to Lok'ayy's apartment, where the officers lost sight of them again. However, they left the apartment after about thirty minutes, and headed for the Coruscant Spaceport. Lok'ayy owns a private shuttle that he keeps in a hangar there. They went inside, and after about two hours the shuttle was observed taking off. They flew up past the atmosphere, and that was the last we saw of either of them. That was just under an hour ago; they're probably in hyperspace as we speak. Where they're headed is anyone's guess."
"Do you think they found out about our impending arrival?"
"We don't know, Master Gallia. But until we can find them, I'm afraid we'll just have to alert the Judicial Forces, tell them we've got two fugitives from justice and give them all relevant information. Given your encounter at the Museum gala, though, the only logical explanation for their actions is that they do indeed know our intentions."
"How should we proceed, then?"
"I've informed Master Yoda and Master Windu that I intend to go ahead with the raid on LMC headquarters. Wherever Lok'ayy and Nurkkis went, the only evidence we can find will be in there. On top of that, seizing LMC headquarters will deprive them of a base of operations. I can tell the Judicial Forces to freeze their assets as well, and between that and the fall of their headquarters both of our fugitives will be deprived of the means they need to run any further. They'll be cast adrift, and when they ask for directions we'll be there with a holomap and binders. This galaxy isn't big enough for them to hide from us."