Chapter XVI
"Of course they do, it's an unmistakable beacon for their leaders," Shrike's voice put in. Cracken was surprised he'd returned so soon. "Have you gained the information we need?" Gavis said, walking to him. "Yes, the plans are no longer on the Death Star," Jash said. "Odd that they were moved to the surface ahead of our attack on the garrison," Alexia noted. [We should head back to your ship and from there plot how we can use the Wookiee insurrection to our advantage] Jlan said. "Not quite yet; if the plans are here on the surface, it is most likely they are still in transit to their new home," Gavis said. "We don't even know where to begin!" Cracken said. "Shrike gained his information with relative ease, they must be nearby," Gavis continued. "It is most likely they are in the hands of Grand Moff Tarkin," Jash said. Airen gasped silently at the name. The mastermind behind the Death Star and one of the top officials in the Empire was well known to the Alliance. "Is he here on the planet?" Gavis asked. "I am certain of it. There's an Imperial shuttle is docked at these coordinates; it could be his," Jash said, handing Gavis a data pad. "Then what are we waiting for? Come on!" Gavis said as they all followed.
"It is in the best interest of the Emperor that you give those plans to me," Ismaren said as they neared the small cafe. "You will return me to my ship as ordered, after we have lunch and you tell me of this supposed threat," Tarkin said, opening the door. "Two, huh? I can set you up right over here," the droid said. "We'd prefer something more private," he said. "Hmm, alright follow me," the droid said and rolled to the back of the pub. "This will do fine," Roganda said. "You ready to order now?" the droid asked. "Give us about five minutes," he said, waving it off. "So, what is it?" Tarkin asked. "Even you can't be so blind! Didn't you hear the report that the garrison was destroyed? And you ask me what I know," she said. "That was obviously the work of the rebels. What are you implying?" he said. "A message was broadcast over the garrison in Wookiee about an escape route, another part telling the Wookiees about the impending bombs to go off. Also a slight tidbit as to the Wookiee's name," she said. "Go on..." he said. "Rkvzlnmara is how it was translated," Ismaren said. "I believe that was the name of a former servant to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, before his rise to power," Tarkin said. "Right, I did some digging into my files before we left my place.
Apparently Rkvzlnmara resigned from his duty after his failure to capture someone by the name of Gavis Ideji," she continued. "How did you gain this information?" Tarkin asked. "I have a few connections to pirate organizations and the Wookiee happened to pop up in them," Ismaren said. "Fascinating, really, but do you honestly believe this Ideji character is here?" he said. "I don't believe, I know. From the sources, I gained the fact Ideji was said to be Force-sensitive," Roganda said. "You told me already that two in the rebel group were so and one is the Wookiee. You think Ideji is the other?" Tarkin asked. "Positively, I..." before she could finish, a blast knocked them to the ground. "Looks like we won't have to search for him after all," Tarkin remarked as he saw the rebels lurking outside.
"What do you think you're doing?! Have you gone mad?" Gavis said, pushing Jash against the wall. "Tarkin has caused the death of countless individuals; he deserves to die," the other said. "That's all well and good, but now our cover is blown!" Alexia said. "Here he comes. He's got some woman with him it looks like," Airen said, aiming his blaster. "Don't waste your shot," Gavis said. "Enough hiding; we act now!" Jash said, jumping out and blasting at the two people. Cracken heard a snap-hiss and turned to see Jash fall to the ground, dead. "No!" Alexia said. [No, you will only fail. I will handle this] Jlan said, pulling a lightsaber from concealment before igniting it and jumping towards the woman. Cracken watched in fascination as the Wookiee approached the stranger. He'd not realized that Jlan was armed. "He's right, we should try to go around them," Cracken said.
"Strange that Shrike died so easily," Gavis said. "What do you mean?" Alexia said, turning to Gavis. "Also it's odd that he obtained his information on Tarkin so simply," Gavis went on, eyeing him. Cracken didn't allow his expression to change. But I know where Gavis is going with this, he thought. Just like Davis and Felth, now he was going after Shrike; sowing seeds of doubt in Alexia. Airen decided now was his only chance to find out what Gavis was truly up to. "Gavis has got a point you know. Shrike could be working for the Empire," he said. "How dare you talk that way about my former leader!" she said in frustration. "She's right Cracken, there's no reason to make useless speculation," Ideji said smiling. Now I'm really confused, Airen thought. "Look! Tarkin is getting away, blast it!" Gavis said, clenching his fists. Suddenly the building which Shrike had bombed earlier tumbled onto the two battling enemies. "Jlan!" Gavis said as they all rushed to the scene. "Gavis; Tarkin is still getting away," Cracken said, pointing down the nearby alley. "Right; you two get him back to the ship. I'll go ahead," Gavis said, standing. "I'll go with you," Alexia said, heading towards him. Cracken couldn't hear them, but he was sure Gavis was telling her to stay.
As Ideji went on, Alexia turned back, looking saddened. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Nothing; come on, we better hurry before any squad arrives to investigate this," she said. After dragging Jlan out, she helped by hefting up the Wookiee's shoulders. Grabbing the legs, they quickly went back the way they came. Airen noted that the alien's weapon was gone. Probably lost in the rubble, he thought.