Entry # 9 – A Common Foe
Sometimes I wonder how I get myself into these messes. Ever since I agreed to protect the local farms from sandpeople, my reputation has actually slipped a notch, a feat that I didn't believe was possible. Even Beru Lars has given me a somewhat disapproving look on the rare occasion that I see her.
It seems that the local moister farms have been resisting Jabba's demands for exclusive rights to their supplies. By having me protect the farms from tusken raiders, he uses that as leverage to force the farms into selling their supplies to him. He threatens to stop the protection, from more than just sand people I might add, if they should refuse. By eliminating other buyers he is able to lower the prices, practically stealing the water from them. It seems that because of my deal, not only does Jabba own me, but he also seems to own all the farms. I don't blame the farmers for resenting me. I have, in all practical terms, become a henchman, an uncompensated henchman at that.
This deal goes against every principal I have as a Jedi. I will not allow this to further continue.
My first step in remedying this problem was to hold a meeting with all the local farmers. This was not an easy feat. Because the farmers refused to speak with me, I needed to convince one of the farmers to organize it for me. I decided that the Lars were my best bet.
"What do you want?" Owen barked when I approached his home.
"Well, I need to ask a favor," I said.
"Or what? You'll sick the mighty Jabba on me? Take my farm away? I don't deal with gangsters! You can tell Jabba that I'll never sell to him. I don't need his 'protection'. If he has a problem with that he can come tell me himself."
"I can assure you that I am not a gangster. I sympathize with your plight and wish to offer a solution. I need you to organize a meeting with the other farmers in the community."
"They'll never talk to you," he warned.
"No, but they will talk to you. They trust and respect you. If you were to tell them that I am on your side, they'll believe you."
Owen shook his head defiantly. "I'm not going to tell them that. I don't trust you Jedi. I don't know how you got mixed up with Jabba but you've dug a hole so deep that we're all being buried. Now if you'll excuse me I have work to do."
"Owen!" We both turned to see Beru standing nearby. "You know that he only wants what is best for us. He'd never do anything to jeopardize Luke. Help him. It's the only way we'll ever get Jabba off our backs."
"She's right," I said. "That boy is too important to risk exposure to the Hutts. If they were to learn who he was…"
I paused, letting Owen draw his own conclusion.
"I don't like this," he growled. "But I'll do what must be done. I'll let you know when the meeting is. I hope you know what you're doing."
So did I.
The next evening I sat under the heavy glares of the local farmers. Many of them had brought their families, including Huff Darklighter, who brought his wife and young son, Biggs. They waited for me to begin.
"I know what you all must think of me," I began. "I can assure each and every one of you that I only want what's best for you and your families. I have been as much a victim of Jabba's 'deals' as you have. He is, after all, a gangster and only looks out for himself. He doesn't seem to understand that if he starves you than there will be no one to run and maintain the moister farms. He doesn't realize that it takes money and supplies to keep your farms running smoothly. He only cares about profit."
"What's your point?" Barked one of the farmers.
"My point is, he doesn't seem to realize that you have more power over him that he has over you. He assumes that if he threatens you that you will just give in to his demands without a second thought. The truth of the matter is, if you all refuse to produce water than he will lose his profits completely."
"Are you crazy? You can't threaten a hutt! He'll send his cronies to kill us all!"
"I'll protect you, I promise. It is important, however, that we all stick together on this. If one of you gives into his demands than he'll never change his tactics. He'll only grow more threatening and ruthless. If you all stand your ground than he'll have no other choice than to meet your demands."
"Ben's right," spoke Owen. "If we refuse to give into Jabba's demands than he'll have to listen. He wouldn't dare kill us all, he needs us too much."
"But he will try to intimidate us!" Darklighter said, standing to draw attention. "He'll send his goons and make an example out of one of us! I don't know about you but I'm not willing to take the risk that it will be my farm that gets attacked. Ben can't be everywhere at once."
Many others began to nod their agreement to his statement.
"Than we'll just have to give Ben help," Beru said. She blushed under all their stares, but continued. "I know that there are many of us that can spare a hand or two. We can take turns patrolling the farms. If or when an attack occurs, the chances of someone being close by are greatly increased."
Many began to speak at once. Some felt it was still too dangerous to attempt, but more and more began to see things our way. After a vote, it was agreed that they would stick together and refuse Jabba's demands.
After the meeting I arrived home to find a visitor waiting me.
"Hello Jedi. I have been sent here by my employer to check up on your progress," the abyssin said.
"Tell Jabba that I will patrol the farms, he needn't worry," I said, trying to get into my hut, leaving my visitor outside.
"There are a few farms that he requests you do not patrol," he said as he blocked the path into my home. "Here is the list."
He handed me a flimsy with the farms listed. The Lars homestead was on the top.
"That was not part of the deal. I will patrol all the farms. There will be no negotiating this," I sternly replied.
"You do not seem to understand. You have no choice in the matter, Jedi. You will do this or your agreement will be forfeit."
"No more threats from Jabba," I said. "I will do what I must do."
The abyssin sighed, closing his one eye. "Must you make this hard on yourself? You cannot really believe that you will be the blunt of his retribution? He knows how powerful you are but he also knows you are flawed by your Jedi Code. If you will not heed to his will, than you will watch innocent blood be spilt on your behalf."
"With all due respect, do you really think I am going to let that happen?"
"You cannot be everywhere at once Jedi," he warned.
I just smiled in reply. "Jabba will soon realize that he doesn't have as much power as he thinks he does."
"Surely you are not referring to the farmers pathetic alliance against the might Jabba's offer, or the rag tag group of farmers that will assist in your patrols?" He stopped as he registered my look of surprise. "The mighty Jabba knows more than you think Jedi. He will see to it that every farmer in this region is dead before giving into their pathetic demands."
"His overconfidence will be his undoing. I've seen the power that individuals can have when facing oppression. The will to survive can be a great tool."
"Very well, but be warned Jedi. Their blood is on your hands!" He said before leaving.
It will be interesting to see how Jabba handles this new development. I know he will not be pleased. The next several months will be very trying, but in the end I believe he will see things our way.