They had barely been in space for an hour, but Harry had already become jittery. He was still trying to adjust to this new form of flight, and the acclimation was coming along slowly. Still, he admired Senator Organa's consular ship, the Tantive IV. It was considerably larger than the transport they had taken from Tatooine, with multiple decks and scores of rooms. Harry had been given a room to himself, even though it would be a relatively short trip to Courscant.

It had only taken two more days before they had received confirmation that the Emperor had left the capitol. As soon as the news had come, they had readied their ship and began their journey into the lion's jaws. Sitting in his room, Harry was attempting to calm his nerves and focus on the mission through meditation, but had not been successful. He unconsciously reached up to his face as if to adjust his glasses, but met nothing but skin as he remembered that they were no longer necessary. Obi-Wan had been correct, the procedure had barely taken a minute and his once awful vision had been remedied. It did nothing for the fact that he felt like a part of his face was missing though.

Sighing, he realized that relaxation was unlikely to come to him and he left his room in search of a familiar face. As he walked through the ship's halls, he passed crew members who nodded their heads to him as he passed, acknowledging his affiliation with the Jedi and his importance. Harry tried to offer each a small smile back, but he wasn't sure whether or not they could perceive it or not. It was only a short walk before he reached his destination. He touched the proper button on the control panel on the wall, and the door in front of him slid open.

He peaked inside the room, hopeful that he wasn't intruding, but chuckled when he saw Nola standing in front of a mirror panel and fidgeting with her brand new uniform. It was nothing fancy, a slim gray jacket, gray pants, black boots, and a belt around her waist. She had a common blaster on her hip, and had tied her hair back into a short braid so it would not be a hindrance. If he hadn't known anything about her before then, he would have said she looked a professional soldier. He had seen her before, though.

"You look good," Harry said, as he stepped into the room.

Nola jumped, having not even realized he had entered. "Thanks, Harry. I feel completely foolish wearing this stuff. I don't think anyone is going to buy that I'm actually a killing machine."

He chuckled at her characterization. "You don't need to look like a killing machine." Stepping in front of her, he ran his hands down her arms, lightly. "You just need to look confident. Walk with your head held high and be, as an old friend used to say, constantly vigilant. No one will think twice that you're not a member of Bail's security team escorting him to do his job."

"I hope he doesn't actually require his security while we're there. I've only had a two-day crash course on weapons and fighting. I wouldn't feel secure if I were him."

"I'm sure everything will be fine," Harry assured, bringing his right hand up and rubbing soothingly at the base of her neck. "Obi-Wan and I will get the information we need, then we'll be off Coruscant without anyone ever knowing. Then we'll have plenty of time to turn you into a killing machine."

"Hopefully you're right," she responded.

"I am." He brought his lips down to hers and indulged in something that was immensely more relaxing than his attempted meditation had been earlier. Apparently it had the same affect on her, because she responded just as eagerly. They continued on, neither seeming to want to break apart, and just as Harry placed his hands on her hips to pull her closer to his body, the sound of someone loudly and obnoxiously, in Harry's opinion, clearing their throat broke them apart.

"You do know that these doors close, don't you," Obi-Wan asked, bemused. "If you're quite finished, could you join us on the bridge? We want to go over logistics one more time before we arrive." Without another glance, the Jedi Master left them to themselves.

"Well, that was completely embarrassing," Nola frowned. "He probably hates me now, with me corrupting you and all."

"He doesn't hate you," Harry laughed. "Truthfully I think he's just amused by it. It gives him the opportunity to needle me whenever he feels like it. Yesterday I almost fell off of my chair when he said he looked forward to us reproducing and creating more magical and force sensitive babies."

"I think Obi-Wan needs to mind his own damn business," she grumbled.

"Good of you two to join us," Obi-Wan greeted as Harry and Nola walked onto the bridge. He stood with Bail Organa, Captain Antilles and several other members of the Senator's security detail.

"Since we'll be arriving shortly, I'd like to go over the likely sequence when we land," Senator Organa began. "When the ship docks in the hangar, we'll be met by imperial soldiers. As I'm a Senator, and that still means something for the moment at least, they will probably let me, and my small security force get on with our business. However, once we are a gone, they will certainly do a sweep of the ship. How to proceed once the soldiers are on the ship, I will leave to your discretion Obi-Wan."

"Assuming there is nothing else on the ship that would arise any suspicion beside Harry and myself, I think it would be prudent to leave them to their business and to stealthily exit the ship once they board. I'd obviously like to avoid any confrontations, if possible," Obi-Wan explained.

"Agreed," Bail nodded. "I'll head to my chambers and await word from you when you have the information you require. Then we can meet you back on the ship."

"It won't be suspicious that you show up suddenly and leave just as suddenly several hours later?" Harry asked.

"I doubt it," Bail shrugged. "The Emperor barely tolerates us as it is. The more we are away from the capital the better as far as he is concerned. We should be fine."

"We're making our approach," a man, his back turned, called from the controls. It didn't take long before they had entered the planet's atmosphere and were being hailed by security.

"Harry, let's take our places," Obi-Wan suggested, pulling up the hood on his robes and heading towards the lift.

"Right," Harry acknowledged. He turned to Nola quickly, discreetly reaching out and clutching her hand. "Be careful. Remember what I told you."

"I will. You be careful as well. We'll see each other again soon," she told him, no doubt in her words. He gave her hand one last squeeze and followed Obi-Wan away from the bridge.

They had positioned themselves near a window so that they could clearly see the ramp where the Senator and his detail would disembark. Harry had placed the disillusionment charm on them both, as well as another that would distract attention away from them if the first failed. As soon as the ship was safely landed inside the hangar, they saw a group of four stormtroopers and one officer approach the ramp. Harry watched as Bail, Nola, Captain Antilles, and a few additional men exited. A few words were exchanged with the Imperials, and then Bail was on his way.

"Now is the time," Obi-Wan whispered. They moved swiftly from their perch and closer to the ramp. There was a small nook where they stowed themselves and waited. Soon enough, the sound of the soldier's boots could be heard on the ramp and then they were within Harry's vision. He immediately stopped himself from breathing, afraid that even the slightest disturbance in the air would draw attention to them. However, the soldiers passed by quickly without any problems.

As soon as the men were out of sight, Obi-Wan whispered for them to make their move off the ship. The only drawback to the disillusionment was that neither of them could see the other, which meant that they had to rely on the Force or direct contact to be aware of the other's position. Harry had become proficient enough, and was familiar enough with his mentor that it wasn't too much of a problem for him, but it did require extreme focus. Once they were off the ship, Harry was left to follow Obi-Wan, as he himself had zero knowledge of the layout of capital.

After exiting the hangar, they made it to a main hallway. Luckily the way was relatively empty but for several droids that were attending to their various tasks. From beside him, Obi-Wan felt comfortable enough to talk. "We're below the senate residences in the middle of the Senate District," he said. "We'll need to take the lift down to the main level to get on the streets. Our destination is in the less distinguished part of the District." They passed several more stormtroopers on a routine patrol before they made it to an empty lift without interruption. The main level was more heavily occupied, but again, they were invisible to the unknowing mix of diplomats and soldiers.

Once out onto the streets, Harry was immediately hit with a heavy, thick air. He looked up and admired the towering buildings across the visible landscape and the heavy traffic soaring above them. They began walking between buildings, Harry deferring to Obi-Wan's navigation. What was strange to Harry as they made their way was the clear lack of activity. For a place that was supposed to be the capital of the Empire, it was bare. A good portion of the buildings looked like they were deserted. Harry could only guess that the constant presence of stormtroopers patrolling the streets was not the most welcoming of situations.

After walking for about twenty minutes, they happened upon a small building that was completely out of place considering the surrounding skyscrapers. Although it was out of place, just from its appearance there was little question what it was. The sign that read Dex's Diner just confirmed it. The lights were on inside, but just like the other buildings they had passed on the way it looked empty. The door was open and Obi-Wan cautiously led them through. At first Harry thought that no one was there, but he was quickly proven wrong when a deep voice barked at them.

"I don't know who you are, but you have five seconds to show yourselves before I guess where you are and start shooting." Harry looked through the window behind the counter that opened into the kitchen and saw what he could only describe as a fat, upright frog wearing an apron and holding a large blaster that was pointing in his direction. "I don't take kindly to thieves lurking invisible through my establishment."

"Harry, remove the charm," Obi-Wan ordered from beside him. Harry quickly obliged and soon enough he and Obi-Wan were revealed standing amidst the diner.

"Hello, Dex," Obi-Wan greeted.

The green creature immediately dropped his weapon in shock. "Obi-Wan?" Dex asked aloud in clear disbelief. Then, as if regaining his senses, he waved his hand over a panel in the kitchen and the main door to the diner slid shut. "Well, you're certainly the last person I expected to walk in today. Have you lost your mind coming here?"

"It's good to see you as well, old friend. It seems business is down."

"Yes, well the Emperor has seen to the removal of much of my normal clientele...and I don't just mean the smugglers and common criminals. He's had many of the non-humans rounded up and pushed into other districts. Now I've got soldiers marching outside my door at all hours of the day. Hard to do this business in those kinds of conditions."

"If the diner isn't profitable anymore, does that mean you'll be looking to get back into your old activities?"

Dex stared hard at Obi-Wan before cracking a barely noticeable grin. "Possibly. The thought has crossed my mind a time or two. However, I'm not as young as I used to be."

"How is it that you haven't been removed as well?" Obi-Wan questioned. "I don't think anyone could ever confuse you for an Imperial sympathizer."

"I have my ways, Obi-Wan," Dex answered. "That, and you need to know the right people to bribe. Money is still money, though I'm not sure how much longer I can afford it. Now who is your friend?" Dex pointed to Harry.

"This is Harry," Obi-Wan introduced, "another Jedi. Harry this is Dex Jettster"

"Pleasure," Harry nodded.

"Another Jedi, hmmm," Dex rubbed his chin. "Now are you going to tell me why you are really here, Obi? As difficult as it is to admit, I know it is not for my food."

"Not your food, no," Obi-Wan confirmed. "I need information, Dex. Anything you have heard regarding the location of Jedi around the galaxy. Even if it is just nonsensical rumbling, it would give us somewhere to start."

"Obi-Wan, I saw the Jedi Temple in flames. I saw the Jedi Order decimated beyond repair. What difference will it make if you find two or three more? Will you take on the Empire yourselves? There are things much worse than those clones waiting for you."

"We know, I have already seen what you speak of," Harry interrupted. "The Emperor has forged an alliance with another branch of Sith."

"You want information, so let me give you some," Dex growled. "These Sith are worse than the Emperor and Vader. The Emperor seeks power and to rule, but he is content in that, and Vader is just his toy. These other Sith are a cult of madmen. They take pleasure in killing and terrorizing. I have heard tales of their deeds and it is the type of knowledge that gives you nightmares."

"Dex, I appreciate the warning, but I swore my life to the Order and to the Republic. I will not sit by any longer and do nothing. If I give my life in the pursuit of their restoration then it will be worth it. Now can you help us or not, Dex?"

The frustrated Besalisk rubbed a hand down his frustrated visage and seemed to concede defeat. "You have no idea how loathe I am to tell you what I am about to tell you, because it will only result in you running off and doing something foolish."

"Just say it, Dex. Leave the foolishness to us."

"Well, in addition to my normal culinary pursuits, I may still dabble in the movement of certain goods that are sometimes frowned upon. Let's just say some of my ingredients are not technically legal to import. Anyways, I was meeting my deliveryman in a certain establishment that some of those Imperial officers like to frequent from time to time. Turns out a few of them couldn't hold their drink very well and started blabbing about things that shouldn't be blabbed about."

"Like what?" Harry inquired.

"Like how the Emperor is holding two very high profile prisoners in the Jedi Temple under heavy guard. They weren't making total sense, but certain words were thrown around like 'Jedi,' 'Force,' and 'experimentation.' That last one doesn't sound pleasant."

"That also doesn't mean they're still alive," Harry stated. "You don't need to be alive to be experimented on."

"Yoda and I entered the Temple after it was attacked," Obi-Wan recounted. "There was no one in there left alive. They must have been taken from somewhere else."

"What do we do?" Harry questioned.

"If you were smart, you would do nothing," Dex suggested. "We aren't talking about a few sentries standing guard. They have the place locked down. It's too much risk for not even knowing who you're rescuing or whether they're even alive."

"I told you, Dex, I'd do what I have to do. And Harry here is not your average Jedi."

"Somehow I knew that would be your response."

"I do need your help though, Dex, one last time," Obi-Wan smiled grimly.

"And what kind of help would that be?"

"I need you to get word to Senator Bail Organa that he should not wait around for any additional passengers. He'll know what you mean."

"Doable," Dex responded.

"The second thing may be a little more difficult. We're going to need a new transport off Coruscant. If things work out like I assume they will, we will have two more people with us, and a swarm of Imperials on our heels. We would need to leave fast."

"That won't be cheap, Obi-Wan," Dex advised.

"Just make it happen, and they will be paid."

Dex moved out of view for a moment and then returned carrying to small devices. He took one and threw it to Harry. "That there is a communicator. When you're ready to leave, contact me and I'll give you further instructions."

"Thanks," Harry said.

"Thank you, Dex," Obi-Wan added as well.

"Yes, yes," Dex waved them off. "You're going to owe me Obi-Wan. Hopefully your still alive to pay the debt."

"You should leave this place, Dex. Get out of here while you can. You're skills would be a great asset to the Rebellion."

"I'll take your advice under consideration," Dex promised. "I'd wish you luck, but I doubt there is enough luck out there for what you're about to do."

Harry quickly reapplied the disillusionments on he and Obi-Wan and then they were out on the streets again, their new destination awaiting them. "So, do you have a plan," Harry asked, needing some reassurance that they weren't about to attempt suicide.

"You remember how I told you that you should hide your other abilities?"

"Yes."

"Well, change of plan. When we get inside the Temple, give them everything you have."