AN: Hope you all enjoy the next chapter of the story.
Chapter 16
Obi-Wan adjusted his blast pads and helmet. Then he checked to make sure his lightsaber was hidden among the jumble of weapons on his belt. He was disguised as a slave trader named Bakleeda, and he hoped he would pass. When he had gathered his concentration, he strode down the deserted corridor toward Security Room A.
It had taken careful planning to get him this far. He was on the space station Rorak 5, a half day's journey from Nar Shaddaa. It existed as a fuel stop for traveling freighters and was also well known for having a suite of security rooms available for meetings, clandestine or otherwise. The security rooms were outfitted with the highest defenses, and it was possible for all parties to leave their ships and travel there without being seen. As soon as Obi-Wan landed, a moving corridor attached to his landing ramp. He exited his ship and followed a set of verbal directions from overhead speakers to his destination.
Security Room A was where Krayn and the Colicoids were secretly meeting to discuss their takeover of the spice trade.
Everyday it had taken to lay the groundwork for this meeting had cost him. His patience had been worn to shreds. Anakin had now been on Nar Shaddaa for two weeks. Enough time for him to be beaten. Imprisoned. Killed.
Obi-Wan did not dwell on it, but it was in his mind all the same. He knew that if he simply appeared on Nar Shaddaa as a Jedi he would risk Anakin's life as well as Siri's. The Council had warned him that his plan must be careful and perfect. He had given his word to Adi that it would be so. Not that it had been hard to commit to making sure his Padawan and good friend both came out of this alive.
Didi had helped him establish an identity as Bakleeda and introduced him to the right contacts. Didi had taken a great personal risk doing so, for Obi-Wan had told him that he would have to reveal himself as a Jedi eventually. He could not prevent that, and it could become known that Didi had helped smuggle a jedi into the Krayn organization, something which many in the criminal underworld would not appreciate, but Didi had only swallowed twice rapidly, paled a bit, and then assured Obi-wan that he would take any risk for Obi-Wan and the memory of Qui-Gon.
Truthfully, he'd hoped not to involve Didi, but Kastor had finally managed to contact him.
(~Two Weeks Earlier)
"E chu ta," Kastor cursed, as Obi-Wan could see him putting the Ebon Hawk through some sort of evasive maneuver. "This isn't a great time, but yours and the Council's message needed to be answered. I'm glad to know you're finally in on the secret. Deceiving you was one of the hardest parts for her, but she knew it needed to be done. Siri is watching over Anakin. I'll try and get back there and do my best to either buy him or smuggle him out in the next few days, but it's time for her to get out as well."
"The Council has authorized me to go join her on Nar Shaddaa undercover. I know you helped develop her cover, utilizing your own cover to help sell hers. Is there any way you can do the same for me?" Obi-Wan asked.
"No," Kastor said with a shake of his head before he cursed again. "Rhys, get clear of the frigate, we have to stop pulling our punches. I'll engage while you take care of that kriffing corvette. . . Obes, it's well known that I barely tolerate working with Krayn, let alone working with other slavers. It won't work for me to get you in, and if anything it will only hurt your shot, especially since Anakin being captured could reveal Siri if Anakin slips up. Not to mention, Krayn doesn't like me and the Colicoids definitely don't since I've hit several of their ships. No, you need to find another source. I'll . . . blast, Scrappy, divert power to the forward shields!"
"Master, do you need help?" Obi-Wan asked in concern, not used to seeing Kastor this grim behind the controls of his ship.
"No," Kastor said firmly. "Rhys and I can handle it, and you'd just blow our cover. Krayn just really wants us to die so the 'smuggler' ship he sent us after actually belonged to the Colicoids, which called in for backup. Regardless, Rhys and I will head for Nar Shaddaa when we can."
Obi-Wan nodded, knowing Didi was his best chance then.
"Watch out for those torpedoes!" Kastor said, his eyes narrowing, and then the communication cut out.
(Present Time)
Unfortunately, that had also been the last he'd heard from either Kastor or Rhys. Obi-Wan had been hoping to get some word from either of them with some information on Nar Shaddaa, on Krayn's organization, or even better, on Anakin or Siri.
Not hearing from either of them wasn't helping Obi-Wan's nerves, especially with how their last conversation had ended. He wasn't enjoying feeling worried for his friends and Padawan.
Obi-Wan opened the door. The Colicoids were waiting, and he was relieved to see that he didn't know any of them. His face was hidden by his helmet, which came down over his eyes and nose, but it was better that no one could recognize him if something happened to dislodge it.
The three Colicoids gave him a brief glance but did not greet him. They stood at the round table, talking together in their own language. Words were interspersed with clicks and humming noises from their antennae and jointed legs. The Colicoids had been the ones who had put out word that they were looking for a slave trader with intelligence to represent them in a meeting. It had taken all of Obi-Wan's skill to convince their representative that he was the one they wanted.
One of the Colicoids turned to him. "I am Nor Fik. Do not speak unless asked a question."
Obi-Wan nodded.
They waited long minutes. Obi-Wan had been over the galaxy many times and had been present at scores of high-level meetings. On every world, no matter how different, one thing was always the same: The party with the most power was the last to arrive.
The door burst open and slammed against the wall. Krayn stood there, his bulk filling the doorway.
"My friends!"
The Colicoids nodded coolly at Krayn.
"An ion storm delayed me. A trifle." Krayn waved a hand. "I would travel through worse to get here."
The Colicoids pointedly ignored this obvious lie. Krayn strode into the room and a Wookiee with a scarred face and an eye patch crowded in. It was Krayn's associate, Rashtah. If Krayn meant to intimidate the Colicoids, it worked. The Wookiee was a fierce companion.
Krayn's sharp eyes traveled over Obi-Wan before returning to the Colicoids with a beam of friendship. "So this is your observer. Hardly necessary but I accept it as I do anything among friends. You see how conciliatory i am?"
"And we see that you have brought an observer as well," Nor Fik said, indicating Rashtah.
Krayn grinned as he sat, placing a long vibroblade on the table before him. "It was a long journey. I needed company."
Rashtah remained standing but let out a growl of amusement.
"This is a waste of time," Nor Fik snapped. "Let us get down to business."
Krayn's grin faded. "That is why I am here."
"We have control of the spice trade," Nor Fik said, seating himself opposite Krayn. The other two Colicoids seated themselves next to him. "We want you -"
Krayn held up a meaty hand. "Ah. Excuse me. I suggest that no lies be spoken here, in the interest of our continued good fellowship."
"Lies?" Nor Fik asked in disbelief.
Krayn leaned forward. 'You do not control the spice trade. Not yet. You are still having trouble along the Kessel Run."
"That is because your pirates are still attacking our ships!" Nor Fik said angrily. "Them and that mercenary you hired! Despite your assurances to the contrary. And you yourself attacked our ship without warning when our highest level officer Anf Dec was aboard -"
"A regrettable mistake," Krayn said.
The Colicoid clicked its antennae together. "Now who is lying. At least that mercenary of yours won't be attacking us again."
Obi-Wan felt a spike of fear rise up, wondering what might have happened to Kastor. He quashed it down, keeping his focus on the present.
Krayn looked pained. "Trust. Trust - it's so necessary to have it between partners, Nor. I trust you. I see I have to work harder to make you trust me. I certainly have hired no mercenaries to attack you. Why would I?"
Obi-Wan was surprised at Krayn's methods. He had expected Krayn to be as much of a bully in the conference room as he was in the rest of the galaxy. Instead, he was holding back.
"Let's talk about Nar Shaddaa," Nor Fik said, not bothering to respond to Krayn. "You need more capital to keep those factories going. We will supply it. Once we have the entire spice trade firmly in our grapes, you will have the exclusive contract to process the spice in your Nar Shaddaa plants. It is in our best interests that you remain there as a cover, as we are members of the Senate now and should not be linked to a criminal organization. Naturally we will continue to support your slave raids."
Krayn smiled. "I admire your methods, Nor. I agree to step up attacks on other ships along the Kessel Run. That should allow you to close the noose on the trade there. I assume that the capital I need will be transferred into my accounts by this afternoon?"
"Perhaps. If we get some things clear."
For the first time, Krayn looked unnerved. He covered it with a smile. "Of course."
"My superiors demand an inspection of the factories on Nar Shaddaa," Nor Fik said. "After all, if we are giving you the contract, we have a right to a complete inspection. We are worried about your productivity - slaves have been dying in great numbers."
"It is unfortunate that lately there has been some increase in mortality . . ."
"Yes, it cuts into profits. It is harder and harder for you to conduct massive raids, thanks to the Senate cracking down on the slave trade," Nor Fik said. "If you don't keep your slaves healthy, you will have trouble replacing them."
"A healthy slave is a slave who dreams of escape," Krayn said.
"That is what security is for," Nor Fik said. "I am not suggesting that you pamper them. Feed them enough to keep going. When your ship is struggling, you must conserve your fuel, but reach your destination."
Obi-Wan felt revulsion rise deep within him. Krayn and Nor Fik were talking about living beings as if they were machines to be maintained. He remembered Anakin's words, 'You're the one who doesn't understand!'
Anakin's tortured words filled his brain. His Padawan had been right. He hadn't understood. He couldn't understand the depths of Anakin's feelings. As a child, Anakin had lived every day with the knowledge that his life meant nothing. That he was a possession, not a living being.
Obi-Wan struggled to maintain his calm. His heart cried out to move, to get on a ship and go to Nar Shaddaa.
"There is nothing wrong with the treatment of slaves on Nar Shaddaa," Krayn said, anger beginning to color his voice. "I know best -"
"Perhaps, but we need to see the operation firsthand."
"Captain Anf Dec has been given a tour."
"And he has recommended an independent observer. He was not allowed the access he expected."
Krayn looked astonished. "He didn't say a word! Naturally we would have given him a tour of any part of the operation -"
"He was put off with excuses and promises," Nor Fik interrupted, "And he is not experienced in the slave trade. Neither are we, nor are we qualified to judge the work ability of such an assortment of beings. Therefore we have found an independent observer to report back to us. This is Bakleeda. He is in your business, and is willing to act as a consultant for us."
Obi-Wan took one step forward.
"He will travel to Nar Shaddaa and you will give him free and open access. This is not negotiable. Agreed?"
Krayn hesitated. Obi-Wan could see a deep red flush on his neck. It was the only sign of his rage.
"Agreed."
Obi-Wan remained impassive, but excitement flared within him. He had free access to Nar Shaddaa.
**The Will of the Force**
Anakin was so exhausted that he craved his sleep mat, on the hard ground in the large durasteel warehouse that served as slave quarters. The slaves were packed tightly in rows, and the rain came through leaks in the roof that made puddles that never dried. Sleep-mats were thin and tattered, and the cold and damp seeped up from the ground to chill bodies that had already been pushed to their limits.
No matter how much he craved sleep, it was elusive. Anakin lay awake long after others around him were breathing quietly, huddled under thin blankets, some pressed close to one another for warmth. He stared up at a tiny sliver of sky he could glimpse through the roof. He could not see a star, but he imagined one. He imagined his Master in a ship speeding past that star, straight to Nar Shaddaa.
Movement close to him jolted him to his elbows. Anakin peered through the darkness, expecting one of the scavenging creatures that overran the slave quarters. Instead, he saw someone crawling toward him. It was Mazie.
She squeezed in between him and his neighbor, who obligingly grunted and rolled slightly away to make room.
"I just wanted to thank you for today," she whispered. "I wasn't very nice to you at the beginning."
"I know," Anakin said with his characteristic bluntness. "I've been thinking about that. Why did you call me a schutta? What does it mean?"
Mazie squirmed. "I spoke harshly. A schutta is a weasel creature in my language. You see, you were assigned gravsled duty. It's an easy duty, reserved for informants and favorites of the Nar Shaddaa guards. You must have someone protecting you."
"But I don't," Anakin protested. "I've only just arrived." Then he realized who his protector was: Siri. But why? Surely she'd lost all loyalty to the Jedi long ago, and he'd never forget how sad Obi-Wan had been at her leaving, or the anger that had flashed across her face after Obi-Wan left. She'd betrayed him, but maybe she still had a little loyalty to him? Or maybe she was just playing with him so that the other slaves would despise him. Eventually she'd betray him, just like she'd done to Obi-Wan.
Mazie shrugged. "If you have protection, I guess I shouldn't say anything. My daughter was favored by Krayn, though she'd done nothing to earn it. Berri is a domestic worker-slave in Krayn's kitchen. Everyday I thank my stars that it is so. At least she is not working here. The Nar Shaddaa guards aren't bad, but the droids kill without mercy."
"Why do the people of Nar Shaddaa work as guards?" Anakin wondered.
"The planet's leader, Aga Culpa, has made an agreement with Krayn that his people will remain free in exchange for Krayn's control of the factories," Mazie explained. "There is not much honest work on Nar Shaddaa, and the guards are well paid. So tell me, how do you come to be here? Is this your first experience as a slave?"
"I was free when I was captured, but I was raised as a slave on Tatooine," Anakin said.
"Tatooine! But that is where Berri and I lived! We were colonists. My husband and I started a moisture farm. Berri and I were taken in a raid. It was ironic - there were many raids on Ryloth. We left our home planet to escape them when Berri was born. She is now sixteen."
"How long ago were you captured?" Anakin asked eagerly.
"Ten years now," Mazie said. "I used to dream of escape. No more. My husband was killed in the raid along with countless others. He resisted."
"Did you happen to know a human woman named Hala?" Anakin asked eagerly. Hala had been the mother of one of his best friends from Tatooine, and she'd been taken in a raid by Krayn when Anakin was seven. Perhaps Hala was still alive! Anakin's own mother had nearly been taken, and the look of terror on her face was something that had haunted Anakin's nightmares for a long time. He'd almost forgotten it until Krayn's name was mentioned in the Council chamber.
"Yes, we arrived here together. They brought us to processing. Hala saw Krayn and suddenly broke out of the line. She tried to kill him." Mazie cast her clear gaze down. "He struck her down and then . . . he made an example of her."
Anakin shuddered. He did not want to know the details.
"And he took her necklace as a souvenir," he muttered, having seen it on Krayn's neck.
"Yes. I used to make many friends among the slaves," Mazie said. "No more. Too many die. There is no escape, Anakin, so do not imagine that there could be one for you. Krayn has a death grip on us. He will never let go."
The anger that always lay in wait deep within him surged. He directed it at Krayn. 'If it was the last act of his life, he would kill that fiend.'
No. It is not the Jedi way. Your anger feels like revenge.
He was trembling with rage. He knew suddenly that he could not wait for Obi-Wan to rescue him. If he didn't try to escape, something essential in him would die.
Krayn would win. He saw the battle clearly and personally. It was him or Krayn.
"Do not fear, Anakin," Mazie said, misunderstanding his distress. "A slave's life is short. It will soon be over."
"No," Anakin told her firmly. "I will find a way out."
**The Will of the Force**
"Alright, Scrappy, run another diagnostic report," Kastor said, stepping away from the hyperdrive, wiping the sweat off of his head. "The engines and hyperdrive should be good to go, finally."
"Wrench just got the shields back up," Rys said, walking in from the garage.
"Well, that's good," Kastor muttered.
"Yeah, but our long-range communicator is still down."
"Of course it is," Kastor replied with a sigh.
They'd been trying to patch together both of their ships for the past two weeks after a major engagement with a Colicoid fleet. Currently the Ebon hawk was floating in open space somewhere between Kessel and Nar Shaddaa after they'd done an emergency hyperspace jump away. Unfortunately, the hyperdrive had been damaged during the battle, and it malfunctioned mid jump. Thankfully, they got away, but it stranded them in the middle of nowhere.
It should have been easy. Just another raid on a smuggler ship along the Kessel Run, one whose information had been sent to Kastor and Rhys via Krayn. Unfortunately, Kastor wasn't sure if it was a double cross to him or to the Colicoids or maybe both, but Kastor's target was a Colicoid frigate that apparently had backup a short lightspeed jump away. One well-armed frigate had turned into four frigates, two corvettes, and a small squad of starfighters.
Honestly, they should have disengaged immediately, but they both were determined to stick to their covers, and well . . . their covers never backed down from a challenge and had a reputation to uphold.
To their credit as pilots and their ships, which were both heavily modified, they did take down one of the corvettes, half of the starfighters, and the original frigate, which was the mission, allowing them to flee, but Rhy's starfighter was damaged, necessitating him docking in the garage before they could flee, and in the time that took, the Ebon Hawk was severely damaged.
It had been nearly two weeks and they were just now finally getting the Ebon Hawk fixed enough for them to make the jump to Nar Shaddaa. Kastor could only hope that nothing bad had occurred.
"I did manage to get the signal scrambler back up," Rhys said. "That should allow us to land on Nar Shaddaa without Krayn knowing."
"That's good. Chances are he'll try to kill us," Kastor said. "Force knows he's accidentally tried enough times."
Rhys chuckled, knowing that Krayn's pirates had "accidentally" tried to kill them dozens of times in the past months.
He could only hope that they were still able to assist Obi-Wan, Siri, and Anakin.
**The Will of the Force**
Obi-Wan was given permission to land at Krayn's personal platform.
"You see?" Krayn had boasted back on Roark 5. "I am showing every consideration."
Privately, Obi-Wan thought that someone who was doing the right thing for good motives did not call attention to it, but he did not point this out to the Colicoids. He had a feeling that Nor Fik felt the same.
He accessed the hatch and exited his transport. He was surprised there was no one to meet him. Technically he was allowed unlimited access, but Obi-Wan had felt sure that Krayn would try to control his movements. He had been hoping that 'Zora' would have been sent to greet him. Perhaps they were keeping him under surveillance from afar.
There was no time to waste. Obi-Wan was anxious to get to the factories. Since it was also the objective of his alias Bakleeda, he would attract no suspicion by heading there immediately.
It wasn't hard to spot the factories below. Black smoke belched from the stacks and then passed through scrubbers. The air up in the city was clean, but Obi-Wan looked down on thick toxic air below.
Obi-Wan accessed the turbolift to take him to the moon's floor. He stepped inside and felt the turbolift drop. Soon he would find Anakin, and then help Siri shut down Krayn's operation. His entire being was focused on that.
Suddenly, the turbolift stopped. Obi-Wan felt a surge in the Force that warned him of danger a split second before the trap door overhead opened and Rashtah dropped down.
The turbolift shook with the impact of the Wookiee hitting the floor. As he landed, he struck out with one mighty hand. The blow sent Obi-Wan flying against the wall of the turbolift. His head hit the durasteel with a crack.
He reached for his lightsaber as Rashtah bellowed and came at him, casually smashing him again with a fist like a cannon. Obi-Wan felt the blow through his body armor. His arm went numb. He knew that when it came to brute strength, he was no match for a Wookiee. The last thing he could wish was to be trapped in a turbolift with one.
He reached with his other hand for his lightsaber. At the same time he whirled to evade Rashtah in a spinning motion. There was not much room to maneuver. The Wookiee definitely held the advantage. As Obi-Wan spun by him, Rashtah reached out and hit him again, this time with an elbow slamming into his stomach.
The air left Obi-Wan's lungs in a whoosh. Rashtah followed the blow with one to his chin, and he fell to his knees. He had not yet been able to get his lightsaber out of his belt. The blows were coming too fast, and now he only had the use of one hand. He had tucked his lightsaber securely inside the belt in order to conceal it. That had been a mistake.
Things had looked better, he could admit.
The smell of the creature's wet fur made it even harder to breathe. Obi-Wan scrambled between Rashtah's legs to come up on his other side. He struck out with a series of fast combinations, using his legs as weapons. Rashtah grunted and tried to capture one leg, but Obi-Wan was too fast. At last he was able to activate his lightsaber.
Rashtah let out a surprised bellow that shook the walls of the turbolift. Obi-Wan attacked, whirling and diving, as Rashtah tried to defend himself. He gave up on his fists and withdrew an electrojabber and a vibro-ax. Obi-Wan guessed his objective. With the electrojabber he would paralyze Obi-Wan and then administer the death blow with the vibro-ax.
It was imperative to avoid the electrojabber. If he was hit, he could be paralyzed for an hour, at least. Already the feeling was coming back to his numb arm. Obi-Wan focused on healing it with the Force. It could mean the difference in the battle, for the Wookiee thought his right arm was useless.
Obi-Wan struck at Rashtah, but the creature deflected the blow with the vibro-ax. The two weapons tangled and smoke filled the air.
Turning, Obi-Wan suddenly tossed the lightsaber from his left hand to his right. He leaped forward and came at the Wookiee with a sky to ground sweep. He slashed at the creature's chest.
Rashtah's eyes glazed, and his howl was terrible. He dropped the electrojabber and clutched at his wound. At the same time he swung the vibro-ax. Obi-Wan brought the lightsaber down on the Wookiee's arm. The creature fell over, his mournful death cry fading as his spirit left his body.
Obi-Wan collapsed against the wall. Sweat stung his eyes. Rashtah had tried to kill him, but he did not glory in this outcome. Death at such close quarters was a devastating thing.
He hit the turbolift button and the lift dropped. By the time it reached the planet floor, Obi-Wan had risen, adjusted his body armor and helmet, and tucked his lightsaber back in his belt.
The doors opened. He was in a small enclosed anteroom. Through a window he could see a deserted yard outside. It held factory equipment that rusted in the rain.
He had a problem. If Rashtah's body was found, suspicion would be on him. Krayn wanted it that way. The pirate was clever. If Rashtah had succeeded in killing him, fine, but if the slave trader Bakleeda somehow managed to kill the Wookiee, then Krayn could demand his removal from the planet, or kill Bakleeda himself. Either way, he would be rid of interference.
Obi-Wan dragged the heavy body of the Wookiee out into the drizzle. He rolled it underneath a pile of outdated machines.
Soon Krayn would look for Rashtah. The Wookiee would be found. Obi-Wan had less time than he'd thought. He had to find Anakin and Siri.
**The Will of the Force**
As Anakin steered the gravsled to the drop-off pile, Mazie stepped closer. She had changed places with the worker closest to the pile, and she and Anakin exchanged smiles and glances throughout the day. It made the work almost bearable, Anakin thought.
He made note of the fact that although Mazie had claimed not to make friends anymore, she had certainly befriended him. He noticed that she watched out for others, too. If a worker's output was slackening, she quickly organized other slaves to help. If they spread the work among themselves, the droids didn't notice. As she passed down the line, she often put a hand on a shoulder here, or bestowed a quick smile there.
She had the loyalty of the slaves. Anakin both admired that and filed the information away.
Mazie drifted closer as he unloaded the battered durasteel bins full of cut spice.
"I have a little bread. Berri brought it to me," she whispered. "Here."
She pressed a bit of bread in his hand.
"No," Anakin said, trying to give it back.
"You're young. You need your energy," Mazie quickly drifted back. If he followed her, he might attract the attention of the patrolling droids, and she knew it.
Anakin pocketed the piece of bread and finished unloading the bins. He would distribute it to a worker below who he noticed had been weakening daily.
He climbed up on the gravsled and hit the forward controls, ready to take the long tunnel down to the caverns below.
Suddenly Siri stood in front of him, her hands on her hips. He jerked the gravsled to a stop.
"What is in your pocket?" she asked.
He did not answer.
Her lips thinned. "Come with me, slave."
Anakin climbed off the gravsled. Siri led him to a corner away form the patrolling droids, the hooded gazes of the slaves, and noise of the machines.
She turned on him immediately, her blue eyes snapping. "It is foolish to break the rules here. You are not supposed to fraternize with other slaves during work hours. No speaking is allowed unless a few words are needed for work."
Anger sputtered through a weary Anakin. "You do not have to repeat the rules to me."
"So you choose to break them? That is stupid. You will call attention to yourself, and attention is never good here. Your duty is to keep your eyes down and survive."
"I am a slave, Siri," Anakin said, not bothering to hide the contempt in his voice. "I am your prisoner. Isn't that enough for you? Don't pull me aside to rub my face in it. How dare you?"
Siri looked at him, shocked.
"Who are you to tell me my duty?" Anakin spat out. "You betrayed us all. You turned your back on the Jedi and embraced the dark side. Now you are Krayn's spy. The ally of a slave trader, the most contemptible, despicable being in the galaxy -"
A low chuckle reached his ears. Anakin sputtered to a stop as Krayn stepped around the corner.
"Such praise," he said mockingly. "How lucky I am to be such an icon of evil to my property. It means I am doing something right."
"I was just reprimanding this slave," Siri said. "He is new and did not know the rules."
Krayn turned to her and his expression was no longer amused. "So you are a Jedi. What did he call you? Siri?"
"No longer," Siri said swiftly. "I left them long ago, but they have this ridiculous code of loyalty. They think they own me. No one owns me!"
"Ah, you forget something," Krayn said. "I do."
Siri's eyes blazed. "No one owns me, Krayn."
Suddenly guard droids appeared around the corner and surrounded them. Anakin realized his impatience and recklessness had probably just gotten him and Siri both killed, though a part of him felt some satisfaction knowing he was bringing Siri down with him.
"I left the Jedi for good," Siri said firmly. There was no trace of begging in her voice. "I have been your loyal associate, Krayn."
"Yes, the best I ever had, except in one way," Krayn said sadly. "Yet I cannot take the chance that you are a spy. Whether you are loyal or not doesn't matter - you are a risk. You were the one to advise me about taking unnecessary risks, Zora. Isn't it ironic that you will be put to death because of it. Thankfully, this gives me a good reason to make sure that infernal father of yours is killed too, though perhaps he's not your father or a mercenary either? It certainly would explain why he's been such a thorn in my side, but we'll deal with him next time he lands here. Should be pretty soon if he survived my last trap for him."
He turned to the droids. "These two are Jedi. Take them into the security prison to await execution." He smiled at Siri, before he brought up a hand and grabbed Siri's face on the side. "I think a little show for the Colicoids might be a good start for our partnership, though I plan to get one more thing out of you before your death."
Krayn gazed up and down her body, lust coloring his cold eyes. Siri's eyes hardened as Krayn released her. The guards surrounded Anakin and Siri in a tight circle. They marched the two prisoners down the row toward the exit. Mazie looked at him furtively and tried to give him a smile of support. He gave her a meaningful glance.
**The Will of the Force**
Kastor and Rhys landed the Ebon Hawk on a landing pad outside of Krayn's area of control, several floors below, on the same floor as the factories. Once they'd reached Nar Shaddaa's atmosphere, Kastor had tried to message Siri on their secure comms, but she hadn't answered or sent the quick signal letting them know she was occupied. Even though it could be just an issue with communications, they decided to be cautious.
"Alright, Scrappy, Wrench, keep working on repairing the Ebon Hawk and the Shadow Hawk," Kastor said. "Rhys, engage ground defense mode, and let's get moving."
Rhys nodded, went to the cockpit and then returned with two WESTAR 35 blaster pistols on his hips, a belt of various grenades slung across his chest and carrying his WESTAR-M5 blaster rifle (Rhys and Kastor both could admit to generally preferring Mandalorian weapons). Since Rhys had joined him, they'd created a small armory containing various types of weaponry that Rhys or Kastor could use ranging from blaster pistols to sniper rifles and up to a portable missile launcher.
Was it expensive? Yes. Was it worth it? Also yes.
Rhys's training and knowledge with various weapon systems had already saved Kastor several times and made it so that Kastor didn't have to break his cover several other times. Kastor himself had a pistol on each hip, like Rhys, but he also carried a DC-17M Interchangeable Blaster Rifle.
Kastor and Rhys made their way off of the Ebon hawk, and the ship sealed itself immediately, with the antipersonal cannon lowering from the ship and scanning for any lifeforms not authorized to approach.
They started moving swiftly towards Krayn's compound. When they came in sight of the doors into the lower floors of the factory, four of the security doors locked on to them.
"Scanning," the lead droid droned. "Identity: Calo Jurgens. Action: Destroy."
Kastor and Rhys each dived to different sides of the corridor when all four droids opened fire. Kastor aimed and opened fire while Rhys did the same, and two of the droids dropped quickly. Rhys rolled forward, evading blaster fire and then blasted another droid.
Kastor ran forward as the last droid turned towards Rhys. He used the Force to enhance his speed, closing in on the droid, and using a knife that he kept tucked in his bracer, stabbing it into the droid's processor, causing it to shut down.
"Well, I guess that proves that Krayn's trying to kill us, and not 'accidentally'," Rhys said.
"Yeah, but the question is why?" Kastor responded with a frown. "Is it just because he's tired of us, or is it because our covers have been blown?"
"Well, Siri hasn't responded, so perhaps her cover was blown," Rhys said, a hint of worry in his voice.
In the months since Rhys had joined Kastor, he and Siri had formed a friendship in the various meetings they had, and while they weren't close when compared to Obi-Wan and Siri, or Kastor and Siri, Rhys had a lot of respect for Siri and she for him, and the situation had created a fast friendship. Add her importance to Kastor, and Rhys was pretty dedicated to keeping her safe.
"Well, I still feel our bond," Kastor said, having formed a Force bond with Siri before she went undercover to help provide a method of communication if she got in trouble. It was weak compared to the Force bond she had with Obi-Wan, theirs being a minor bond, but it was more than enough for him to confirm she was still alive. "So we should probably break into the prison block. Maybe Anakin will be there too."
"Well, we're only going to have to sneak past or fight hundreds of security droids and armed guards to get there," Rhys said. "Should be easy enough."
Kastor smirked. "The guards probably won't bother us."
"Oh, that makes things much easier," Rhys responded sarcastically.
Kastor chuckled. "Just remember, you volunteered to join me."
"Which goes to show I'm just as much of an idiot as you are," Rhys responded, and Kastor grinned as they entered Krayn's territory. It was time to find Siri and Anakin.
**The Will of the Force**
The guards marched Anakin and Siri to Krayn's complex high above the factory floor. Anakin was surprised that Siri did not try to resist. He wondered if she still had her lightsaber somewhere. If she had, surely she would use it.
They were locked together in the lowest level of Krayn's complex in a high-security cell. Anakin put his palms on the door as if he could force it open.
"The Colicoids are already here for the meeting," Siri said. "It might not be too long."
Anakin didn't speak to her.
The guards had stripped Siri of her weapons, but she reached into a slit in her utility belt and came up with a small device. She activated it.
"No listening devices," she murmured. "Good."
Anakin said nothing. If she thought he was going to speak to a traitor, she was crazy as well as evil.
"Anakin," Siri said quietly, "I am still a Jedi. I am working undercover."
He turned, surprised. "How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"You don't. You have to trust me. Even Obi-Wan didn't know. No one at the Temple does, except for the Jedi Council and Kastor. This was our final attempt to clean up Nar Shaddaa and end Krayn's reign of terror."
Anakin waited as Sir's words sunk in. His brain did not weigh her words. He allowed himself to feel them, to tap into Siri's essence.
"I believe you," he said at last.
"Good." She sat cross-legged on the floor. "Not that my being a Jedi helps us at the moment, but it makes things a little more pleasant in here."
Anakin was suddenly stabbed with guilt. "I blew your cover!"
Siri waved a hand. "It's all right."
"It's not! I compromised the mission. Obi-Wan has always instructed me to be careful what I say in anger."
"I am sure that he also told you that I am responsible for my own risks," Siri said firmly. "And I'm sure he advised you to recognize the danger of your impulsiveness and then move on without blame, only wisdom."
Anakin smiled. "You sound just like him."
"I know him very well, if you remember. He has this habit of telling you the truth just when you don't want to hear it. It's always been rather infuriating."
Anakin laughed and remembered how much he'd liked Siri before she'd left. He sat down opposite her.
"I've been keeping an eye on you, Anakin," she said. "I'm impressed with your kindness and bravery. I saw how you tried to help the weak ones when you could."
Anakin's grin faded. "I know what it's like to be a slave."
"Yes, and how unfortunate that events placed you here. You have shown remarkable patience and strong will. You've grown a lot since I left. I believe you'll make a fine Jedi."
"If I'm not executed first."
"Hmm, that is the first hurtle," Siri said with a grin. "Obi-Wan is somewhere on Nar Shaddaa, I'm sure. The Council sent him here."
Anakin brightened. "He is? But how can he get to us?"
"He'll find a way. Of that, I'm sure. He's stubborn like bigger worry I have is for Kastor. He's capable, but he won't know that all of Krayn's men have orders to kill him. He might have to blow his cover, and I'll feel a bit bad about that."
"He's got Rhys with him," Anakin said.
"Yes, and I might even trust Rhys to keep Kastor safe more than I trust Kastor to keep himself safe," Siri said with a sigh, "but that doesn't change the fact that there's only two of them and Krayn has an empire. Not counting his allies. The Colicoids in particular would love to mount both of their heads on force pikes."
"So, Krayn is in league with the Colicoids," Anakin said. "That's why Captain Dec was here."
"The Colicoids are taking over the Spice trade and they need to make a deal with Krayn to process the spice here on Nar Shaddaa. The leader of Nar Shaddaa will look the other way, as he always does."
Anakin nodded thoughtfully. What Siri had just told him reinforced his own suspicions as well as the forming of his plan.
"We can't afford to wait here for rescue," Anakin told Siri. "If the Colicoids are here on Nar Shaddaa, we have to act now."
"And do what?"
"If we can convince the Colicoids that it is in their best interests to take over the Nar Shaddaa operation, then Nar Shaddaa will come under the laws of the Republic, since the Colicoids are members.
"True," Siri admitted.
"So, slavery will be outlawed."
"That's exactly why they wouldn't do it," Siri pointed out. "They need slaves, or rather, they have convinced themselves they do out of their own greed."
"Exactly. So we have to use their greed against them. We have to convince the Colicoids that they can still make enormous profits without slaves. They can do this by eliminating Krayn as the middleman. They won't have to give him a cut of the profits, or rely on his abilities to run the factories, or worry about him cheating them."
"What makes you think the Colicoids would listen to that argument?" Siri asked. "They're very cautious."
"Their caution and their greed will force them to listen," Anakin said, "but we have to make them think that if they don't do it, they will lose everything. I'll bet they already distrust Krayn."
"Everybody does," Siri said. "That is, if they're smart."
"If we can convince the Colicoids that Krayn has a shaky hold on Nar Shaddaa and is in danger of losing the factories, they'll be more willing to take the chance to overthrow him."
"Why would they do that?" Siri asked.
"Because there will be a slave rebellion while they are here," Anakin responded quickly. "The slaves will blow up part of the factory. If the Colicoids see this, they might seize that moment of weakness to take over."
Siri stared at him. "But why would the slaves rebel?"
"Because they want to be free," Anakin said simply.
Siri shook her head. "It's not that simple, Anakin. The guards hold those slaves in the grip of fear. Their brutality over the years has been great. The slaves risk too much."
"If they felt that they had a chance . . .'' Anakin said thoughtfully.
"Yes, some sort of guarantee that made it worth the risk," Siri said slowly. "I have an idea. You're leaving out the third party in all this - the leader of Nar Shaddaa. He is in control of the civilian guards. If we can convince him that it's in his best interests to back the Colicoids over Krayn, he can instruct the guards to look the other way when the slaves rebel. Nar Shaddaa will become part of the Republic, and the natives will enjoy the benefits of alliances and trade."
"Of course!" Anakin enthused. "That's the missing key."
"I've been involved in some high level meetings," Siri told him. "The Colicoid representatives know me. If I can get to them, I can lay the whole thing out. I can make them suspicious of Krayn's abilities. They'll trust me, since I'm his advisor. I know Aga Culpa, the leader of Nar Shaddaa, too."
"And I'll talk to the slaves," Anakin said.
Siri sighed. "There's only one problem. We're in a high-security cell, and both of our lightsabers are in my quarters. We can't break out."
Anakin smiled.
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't tell me you have a plan for that, too."
"Of course," Anakin said.
Siri shook her head. "You remind me of someone I knew well years ago. He never let up, either. Made me think fast to keep up with him." She grinned. "Just don't ever tell Obi-Wan I said so. He only needs to hear from you that I'm the far superior Jedi."
"It's funny," Anakin said. "I thought you hated him when you jettisoned him."
Siri stretched her muscles. "Of course I don't hate him . . . well at least not normally. He gets on my nerves, but he's still my dearest friend, though I'm not positive I'm one of his anymore."
Anakin was surprised to see an emotional flash in Siri's blue eyes too quick for him to recognize, and her controlled face didn't give him any hints, but he almost thought it might have been sadness or regret. Thinking back on it, he'd thought she'd been angry when Obi-Wan was jettisoned, but maybe it was frustration . . . frustration that she couldn't go with him. It made him wonder how close she and his Master were, just like he'd wondered when he'd met her years ago. Maybe he'd get to figure it out if they survived.