Detash
Ben stepped out of the shadows right behind the Detash merchant and tapped his shoulder. The merchant jumped forward. "What is the meaning of this?" He didn't relax when he recognized the person who'd accosted him.
Ben held the alien's blaster. "Let's just say I didn't trust you. What did you learn?"
"They're in the caves outside the city." The merchant squinted his eyes and reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "The location is marked on this map," he finished with a snarl.
"Why, thank you for your kind help," Ben said quietly, then added, "You might want to advise the bounty hunter waiting at your shop that you don't know what happened to me." He circled his hand as he spoke. He handed the merchant the blaster and the black gem.
The merchant stared at his hands for several seconds, then shrugged as he pocketed the gem.
Ben watched as the alien departed, then glanced at the map. It was crude, but the directions were relatively understandable. It didn't help that the merchant had tipped off the bounty hunters, but it was not an unexpected development.
He just hoped he was in time.
Ben stared down at the lone guard standing motionless by the path, almost hidden in the growing shadows. The Force had alerted Ben to the man's presence as well as to the others hidden throughout the hills. Ben glanced quickly around and smiled. With a quick flick of his wrist, he flicked a stone behind the guard. When the bounty hunter crouched, then went to investigate, blaster drawn, Ben jumped down the hill, landing just behind the other man, who quietly returned to his original position, ignoring Ben. Ben started to move forward, his unignited light saber in hand.
"Foolish Jedi, you should have stayed away." Ben slid to a stop. Three bounty hunters stood overhead, pointing their blasters at him. He shrugged as the shorter one scrambled down the rocky slope.
"Well, well, well," the shorter mercenary said. "What have we here?" He motioned toward the light saber. Ben smiled politely as he prepared to hand it over.
"Watch-" The words turned into a scream as the hill gave way. Ben leapt over the man in his path, ducked the poorly-aimed blast and ignited his saber. He blocked the other two shots with his saber, then bolted into the cave. The trio of bounty hunters did not pursue.
"You should have stayed away," a voice said from the darkness. "They have prevented all our attempts at fleeing-and now they've captured you too."
"Mistress Gallia?"
"Yes, Obi-Wan, it's me. Why are you here?"
"To get you out of here." He pulled the map from his pocket. "There is a path through the network of caves that I'm hoping the bounty hunters don't know about or think is too small to worry about guarding."
She limped out of the shadows shaking her head. "Obi-Wan, leave while you can."
He stood straight. "No. I'm here to rescue you."
Another voice spoke from behind her. "He can get the children out. We'll stay and provide a diversion."
"No," Ben said again, more firmly this time. "We all go, or I'll stay." He didn't want anyone else he knew to sacrifice themselves.
"Qui-Gon's stubbornness is strong in this one." Ben recognized Even Piell as he stepped out of the shadows. The two former Jedi council members crossed their arms and stared at him. "They know Mistress Gallia and I are here and who we are. I doubt they've recognized you, so at this moment we are more valuable. Two children and one Jedi will not be worth their while if we remain here." Piell and Gallia drew their weapons for emphasis.
"But-" Ben started to say, but Adi Gallia held her hand up.
"Don't argue. The girl is very strong in the Force, and the boy's family was killed because they helped her. Now you must help them. We can take of ourselves." She glanced at Piell who started to crawl out one of the small tunnels. "Obi-Wan, your future lies elsewhere."
He closed his eyes. Like Mace, they would die so he could escape. But there was no arguing with a determined Jedi-especially a member of the council.
"Good," she whispered. "Remember us." A smile lit up her face. "The Force will be with you, always."
Ben didn't answer as the sound of footsteps echoed in the cavern.
Two teenagers exited. Both were dressed in dark pants and tunics, and both were in need of a bath. The girl smiled as she saw Ben. "Hello," she bowed. "I'm Torella. This is my friend Olef Sar." The boy was a few years younger, and looked close to tears.
"I want to kill them," Sar whispered. "They killed my family."
Ben placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Revenge will serve no purpose. These bounty hunters are not the source of the evil."
The boy narrowed his eyes, then looked away. "I shall avenge my family's deaths, you know." Torella took his hand and whispered in his ear.
"Sir," Torella said. "Are you here to rescue us?" She glanced at Mistress Gallia and Master Piell and frowned. "I..." Ben understood her hesitation-there was no way to thank someone for what was happening next. The two kids looked uncomfortable as the Jedi council members moved toward the tunnel.
"Live and remember," Adi Gallia said softly. "Give us a few minutes to get in position."
"May the Force be with you," Ben said as they slipped outside. He motioned for the kids to follow him. He blocked the blaster bolts easily as he shouted for the kids to head toward the low overhang on the right.
Ben slanted his blade to redirect the shot toward their attacker. He bolted toward the kids when a flicker in the Force told him, he'd been successful. The map was correct, he noticed. There was a small crawlspace-a tough squeeze for an adult. "In there." The boy stuck his head in then pulled it out.
"It's pretty narrow, sir."
"It gets wider soon." He hoped that meant very soon. Torella took the lead, with Sar reluctantly following. Ben reached up with his saber and
cut through seventy-five percent of the overhang. He heard it start to crack and rocks fall as he too crawled into the space.
The sound of blasters faded and a brief flicker in the Force told him it was over. At that moment the overhang collapsed, preventing anyone from following.
Corellia
"Sir?" Baryl said as she entered Horn's office. She placed her travel bag on the floor.
Rostek Horn shook his head as he stood. "There's a special news report from the Coruscant Hourly News. Two Jedi Council members have been captured on Detash and will be charged with treason and other war crimes against The Galactic Republic."
"Oh, really?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm, then she froze. "Isn't that where Ben went?"
"He got away. That was the other bit of news I wanted to tell you. He's going to meet you on Plataxal with the two kids." He tossed her a datachip. "These are your instructions. The Plataxal government is expecting you. The raiders struck again this morning. The other matter, should be handled quietly. Those instructions are encrypted."
"Yes, sir." Baryl fingered the chip.
"And Baryl, I've checked with my source on Detash. There will be no trial."
She shook her head sadly. "That's not surprising. Do you know if they recognized Ben?"
Horn shook his head. "No. There were no reports of any other Jedi involvement." He glanced at his desk. "When you return, I have another project for you." She looked at him questioningly. "I've been deleting some official documents or modifying them. I want you to scan for certain names in the records."
"Ahhh." She waited, but he didn't elaborate any further. "What's this about?"
"I'll tell you when you return. Good luck."
"Thank you, sir."
Coruscant
Palpatine could sense Tarkin's growing impatience, but the admiral remained stiff. Palpatine Palpatine looked Tarkin's report. "An excellent outcome. The facilities at Caridia will be sufficient for our purposes?"
"Yes, sir," Admiral Tarkin said. "There is also extensive room to expand in the future. We can relocate the nearby towns to other areas on the planet. It is possible that the entire planet may one day serve your needs."
"I see," Palpatine responded. "The oversight committee is expecting your report in an hour." He glanced at Tarkin, then back at the datareader. "And the timeframe?"
"We can start training immediately."
Palpatine nodded, pleased with the answer. The Republican military had served a largely ceremonial role, outside of providing security for Coruscant alone. Its officers had trained at the Caridia academy. All this was going to change. His plans called for a large military under his control to help maintain order. "The oversight committee is interested in your views on requesting the members systems to turn control of their fleets to the Republic."
Tarkin smiled. "An excellent idea. It would speed up the creation of The Imperial Navy." The admiral emphasized the word Imperial.
"That is still in the *confidential* planning stages."
Tarkin stiffened at the reprimand. "I understand, Your Majesty." Palpatine was sure he did.
"Admiral, after you brief the committee, I have another project for you. I want someone found."
"Your Majesty, wouldn't that task..."
"Admiral." Palpatine narrowed his eyes and waited for Tarkin to look away. "Understand, I need this task to be undertaken by someone I trust completely. Someone who can keep his mouth shut. And someone I know who can get the job done."
Tarkin managed to looked pleased and confused at the same time. "Who is it?"
Palpatine grinned wolfishly. "A woman who died on Naboo."
"Senator Naberrie?"
Palpatine nodded. Tarkin was very quick on the uptake-perhaps too quick. "I have reason to believe she is alive. Find her." The door opened behind Tarkin and another human entered. "Armand Isard will assist you. He'll provide you with the information you need to get started."
Isard stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I've arranged to leave for Naboo this evening."
"Excellent. Admiral, tomorrow, you will take your fleet to Plataxal and destroy the raiders. The Plataxal government has been reluctant to talk to my ambassadors. Be very open about what you're doing-I want them to see that we can protect them. Then you will go to Naboo and assist Isard. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Tarkin clicked his heels and snapped back to attention.
Palpatine motioned for both men to leave. He smiled at the glare Tarkin threw Isard. Both men were ambitious-too ambitious. Having them work together would either create the basis of an efficient Military Intelligence or end with one man killing the other. Either way, he would have what he wanted.
Plataxal: 10 weeks
Baryl handed the Plataxal official her paperwork. She'd forgotten the planetary government's love affair with paperwork. She briefly wondered how many of the citizens would become unemployed if the Plataxal port authority cut their number of forms in half.
She shook her head with frustration as he thumbed through the pile of papers yet again. Finally, he looked up. "CorSec is thorough, as always. It's a pleasure to do business with you. CorSec manages to keep their paperwork in superb order." He handed the pile back to her. "Please check in with the Security Office. Apparently the matter you are here to investigate has already been cleared up."
"I shall." She carefully placed the papers back into their leather folder. "Thank you for your assistance." She shook her head as she wondered just 'how the matter had been cleared up.'
He smiled as he motioned her to move on. She glanced around quickly, then headed toward the luggage inspection area. She noticed no suspicious officers around: she hoped that meant the travel papers Rostek had given her for Ben and the two kids hadn't been found. She picked up her bag, thanked the inspector at the gate and left. The thought of her hotel room was particularly inviting, but she wouldn't have time to enjoy it. She needed to go to the security office.
Baryl took several deep breaths as she walked out of the office. Despite the building's low ceiling, she reflectively looked starward, wondering at the incredible timing of the Republic fleet's arrival. According to the reports, the raiders had been completely annihilated. That was excellent news, but also meant there wasn't a single survivor to question. It was almost a little too convenient, but the Plataxal authorities now considered the matter closed. Admiral Tarkin was having a state dinner at the presidential palace (probably discussing Plataxal joining the Republic), and she was on her way home to Coruscant. She glanced around quickly as she exited the building into the main square. She couldn't leave until she'd delivered the documents to Ben, but she no longer had any official reason to stay. Plataxal was not known as one of the galaxy's more sought-after vacation sites.
She gripped her bag tighter and started to walk at a leisurely pace to her hotel. It was a nice enough day. She halted twenty steps later and shivered.
"Shhh," a voice said. She relaxed at the sound of Ben's voice. "I sense it, too."
"Palpatine?" She started to walk, this time with Ben at her side, dressed as a well-to-do Corellian businessman.
"No."
"Anakin?"
There were several minutes of silence before he spoke. "I bought drinks for one of the Republic fleet's officers. He mentioned that Palpatine's liaison officer was on board. Lord Vader." She glanced at him quickly, with a sudden suspicion. He nodded. "No one knows anything about him, except he wears black armor and has quite a temper."
"I see." She felt it prudent to change the subject. "Where are the two kids?"
"They're waiting for us. I wish I'd known earlier Vader would be here. He might sense the girl. We need to leave quickly."
"I have your traveling papers. Your ship doesn't leave until tomorrow. But we might be able to change your departure time." She shifted her direction toward the space port. "Everything is in order. Just mention that your niece is unhappy and you've finished negotiations. Your business dealings are confidential-they'll understand." She reached into her pocket and pulled out the well wrapped documents. "Is Vader on the planet?"
Ben shook his head as he took the documents. "I was told he spends all of his time on his ship."
"Good." She resisted the urge to shudder. "I'm finished here. I'll file a change in my flight schedule and leave tonight." She liked having her own ship; it was the one Bail Organa had given them for their mission to Spaarti. "We haven't had much time together, Ben."
He sighed. "Baryl, I know. But it's for the best."
"Don't go in that direction. I will not have you protecting me by staying away." Her voice softened. "Please?"
"Baryl, love..." He shrugged, obviously seeing it was useless to argue with her. "I'll try to get to Corellia." He smiled briefly. "I'll see you soon."
She frowned as she watched him walk away, then continued to her hotel.
"There's a message for you," the manager said as she handed Baryl the keys to her room. "From CorSec."
Her frown deepened as she took the datachip. "Thank you. Oh, and I'll be checking out sooner than I'd expected."
The alien female grinned. "Excellent news, isn't it? The Republican Fleet wiped out all the raiders. We shouldn't have any further problems for a long time." She gave a satisfied look. "This is exactly what the galaxy needs, a strong presence to keep outlaws under control. I hear there's going to be a demonstration this evening to show our support for joining the Republic." She leaned forward and said, "A strong military should make your job easier."
"Yes, it should," Baryl said, faking some enthusiasm for a subject she more than deplored. She pocketed the datachip, and thanked the manager once more.
She reached for the datareader as soon as the door to her room closed. Rostek Horn's voice filled the room, causing her to quickly lower the volume. "Sorry about this, but the Diktat is extremely pleased with the results of the Republic's intervention. I need you to return to Corellia as soon as possible. " No surprise there. She listened as Horn continued, "The Republic subcommittee on Caamas has released their findings. Nothing unexpected, except an addendum that says there will be a follow-up report within the month."
She started to fling the reader across the room, but instead settled for slamming it on the bed. "Kiffle."
Alderaan: Southern Palace (3 months)
Amidala stood quickly at the sound of approaching voices. She enjoyed her time in the Southern Palace gardens, but she did prefer to spend them alone. She adjusted the veil covering her face, and listened. Princess Kalla had mentioned that Bail was returning for a week or so, before heading back to Coruscant. She smiled when she heard his tones with those of his wife. Her expression soon changed to a frown. There was someone else with them. She wasn't sure she recognized the deep male voice, but she had her suspicions.
She repositioned the veil as the trio approached. She bowed politely, her face completely hidden. She knew if it wasn't, Senator Drey'lya of Bothawui could very well recognize her. Bail guided Drey'lya toward the benches.
Kalla smiled as she came over to sit beside her. "He came with Bail. I'm not sure exactly why, he's only hinted that it's important."
"He could recognize me," Amidala whispered.
"I know. Garm and Mon Mothma are also expected next week. I didn't know until just a few minutes ago." Amidala clasped her hands. The two senators would definitely recognize her.
"They will keep their mouths shut." Kalla continued soothingly. "And they have no reason to suspect any other reason for you to be here." She placed her hand on Kalla's shoulder. "Don't go too far." She inclined her head toward the gazebo. "Bail suspects Drey'lya may be willing to join our cause."
Amidala looked at her in surprise. The Bothans had been some of Palpatine's staunchest supporters. "What has he learned?" The Bothans also had an impressive intelligence gathering machine.
Kalla sighed. "I don't know. I'll tell you-"
"Kalla," she whispered. "Drey'lya was the one who first dragged me into this. I don't trust him."
Kalla grimaced. "Ami, I don't know if we can trust him or not. Okay, listen in if you want. Drey'lya's acting very nervous-he may just be telling the truth."
Her curiosity was piqued. "I'll be well hidden." She again bowed and watched Kalla leave to rejoin the two senators. Amidala then started walking the other way. Two steps later she ducked behind the dense hedge. She moved cautiously in the direction of the gazebo. The outer walls were made of a tight lattice, offering some protection from prying eyes.
There was several seconds of silence, before there was a soft ding. She recognized the sound of a electronic sweep being completed.
"We're clear," Bail said. "Senator?"
She heard Drey'lya cough several times. "The senate subcommittee on Caamas has released their findings."
"We know," Kalla said quietly. "The disaster was caused by an unknown party."
There was a snort. "There was strong pressure to blame the Jedi and the Jedi scientists who were living on Caamas. Not that it came from Emperor Palpatine directly." Amidala was surprised to hear Drey'lya admit to coercion on the Emperor's part. Neither Kalla or Bail responded. Like Amidala, they were probably not sure if Drey'lya was trying to bait them.
"Senator Organa," the Bothan continued, "I know that you and others have been concerned about Palpatine's motives. I did not believe you until a few weeks ago." She could hear the anger and sorrow in the senator's voice. "I have learned things that could tear my people apart. And I've known for a long time who was responsible for Y'mala. Palpatine agreed that it was best not to reveal that information."
"You have the proof?" She could hear the restrained interest in Kalla's voice.
"Not anymore. All I have is pieces of a puzzle. You see, a group of Bothans were responsible for the destruction of the planetary shields in both cases. I was too ashamed to allow the first report to be made public, especially since most of those responsible had died. I guessed at one other, and when confronted, Merlyk confessed to everything. You remember Darth Sidious?"
Amidala gasped at the name, then froze at the sound of approaching footsteps. She remained still as Drey'lya said something about leaving. They too had heard the sound of someone coming.
"What are you doing here?" Amidala glanced up quickly and found herself staring at the muzzle of a small blaster. Lady Brasa's face was dark with anger.
"I could say the same for you," Amidala answered quietly as she started to stand. "Put that thing away."
"No. We're going to talk to Princess Kalla. You will finally be exposed as a spy and traitor to Alderaan."
Amidala stared at her accuser. "What?"
Lady Brasa motioned toward the doorway. "Start walking. You've been spying for the Emperor since your arrival." Amidala chuckled at that thought. "You find it funny?"
"Actually, yes, I do. I'm probably the last person the Emperor wants to see alive." Amidala started to walk faster. "Well, hurry up, I'm sure Princess Kalla will find this amusing, too." She didn't bother to look back. While she enjoyed seeing Brasa's puzzled look, she was frustrated at the sudden interruption. She was dying to know what Drey'lya had been about to say. Maybe, just maybe it could be used to bring down Palpatine's illegal government.
Kalla looked aghast as they approached. "Lady Brasa, what is the Meaning of this outrage. Lady Ami-"
"Is a spy and traitor," Lady Brasa said angrily. "A woman with no past who has wormed her way into your confidence. I don't even think she is from Alderaan." Amidala frowned.
"She is not a spy," Kalla said calmly, holding out her hand. Lady Brasa hesitated, then handed over the blaster. "I will not have your petty jealousy-"
"Your Highness, I've been watching her for over a year!"
"I'm sure you have." Kalla glanced at Amidala who shrugged.
"Perhaps," Amidala put in, "Lady Brasa has not only been jealous but worried. She is correct, I was a stranger to the Alderaan Court. Strangers..."
"You are one of Palpatine's spies." Lady Brasa whipped around to glare at Amidala. "You seem to always be around when there are private meetings." She turned her attention back to the princess and said triumphantly, "And she was spying just now."
"I know," Kalla said. Amidala nodded at her silent question. "I told her to."
"Why?" demanded Brasa, "So she could tell Palpatine?"
"No," Kalla said firmly. "So she can help us." Amidala slid the veil off her head and straightened up. "Appearances can be deceiving, but I know she is not a spy for Palpatine."
"How can you be so sure?" Lady Brasa's voice was no longer angry, just curious.
"Because he would have her killed if he even knew she was alive. You see," Kalla said calmly. "We feared *you* were one of his spies." Lady Brasa looked stunned, then glanced at Amidala.
"Emperor Palpatine? Your Highness, my loyalty is to Alderaan, not some tyrant with delusions of grandeur."
"It's more than delusions," Amidala said as she stepped forward. "You have observed and seen only what he wants you to. There is so much more that the majority of the galaxy does not know."
"I've seen and heard plenty. My fiance died with the Alliance Fleet at Spaarti."
"You have my sympathies. I lost my husband there." Amidala replied, although she knew she'd lost Anakin long before then.
"I didn't know." Lady Brasa stared at Amidala for several seconds. "Why does Palpatine want you dead?"
"For many reasons," Amidala said, hoping to leave it at that.
"Lady Ami served with the Alliance too," Kalla said. "Until her own world was devastated by the clone armies."
"I understand," Lady Brasa bowed her head. "The clones brought great ruin to the galaxy, and gave Palpatine a reason to claim power. My fiance was convinced the Emperor was behind the clones."
"Your fiance was very astute," Amidala said. "And so are you. You have seen what most of the galaxy even refuses to look at."
"Can we stop him?" Lady Brasa asked.
"I no longer think it is possible without civil war." Kalla's face darkened as she spoke.
"That's what I was afraid of."
"It's what we all fear," Amidala added.
"Who are you, anyway?"
Amidala shook her head. "You're better off not knowing." She glanced quickly at Kalla. "This conversation never took place."
"What conversation?" Lady Brasa bowed. "Your Highness, if you will forgive my transgressions?"
"What transgressions?" Kalla asked with a thin smile. "Lady Ami is correct, none of this happened." Lady Brasa bowed once more and after another glance at Amidala, she left. It was several seconds before either remaining woman spoke.
"Well," Kalla said, "I had no idea."
Amidala allowed herself to laugh. "You think we did the right thing, telling her that much? It won't take her long to piece together the rest of the story."
"She'll discover who you are, but not the rest." Kalla glanced around. "She's been a trustworthy member of the court and her fiance was Lord Palan. He was one of our best fighter pilots." Kalla took Amidala's hand. "Bail's escorting Drey'lya to his ship."
"The Bothans were involved in Caamas and Y'mala?" Amidala shook her head. "That's hard to believe."
"Blackmail, possibly." Kalla shrugged. "We can't expose the Bothans. Bail says there is a growing anti-alien movement. Revealing this could be devastating for the Bothans and the other non-humans."
Amidala bit her lip. "I'm not sure we can keep it secret. Surely the public has a right to know?"
"Yes, they do. But we are fighting a larger war, against Palpatine. The support of the Bothans..."
"It's so unfair." But even as she spoke, she knew Kalla was correct. The information would further destroy any chance of bringing Palpatine down peacefully, unless there was direct proof linking Palpatine to Sidious and to Caamas and Y'mala. They would have to remain silent. She glanced behind her, when Kalla turned and looked expectantly at her returning husband.
"He doesn't have much to go on," Bail said. "Apparently General Merlyk has *resigned* from Republic Intelligence and wasn't very happy about it. He told Drey'lya what happened on Y'mala and Caamas. We do know that Merlyk's group was was ordered by Darth Sidious to destroy both planetary shield generators."
"And Palpatine?" Kalla asked.
"This group was working for Darth Sidious. Drey'lya is convinced Sidious and Palpatine are the same person. But, like us, he has no proof."
"So, we haven't gained anything." Kalla crossed her arms.
"I wouldn't say that. We have some access to the Bothan intelligence. Drey'lya is not seeking reelection, but he has contacts within the intelligence community. He can't promise full support." Bail shrugged. "At least it's a start."
Amidala nodded slowly. It was just that, a start.
