A/N: I do not own Jedi Quest: Path to Truth (novel).
A Promise Fulfilled III
Krayn's starship was jumping through hyperspace as it was on its way to Nar Shaddaa.
"If it weren't for the meddlers who disabled our weapons, we would have seized that Colicoid ship," Krayn growled. "instead of being forced to retreat into hyperspace. Granted, we'll reach Nar Shaddaa sooner rather than later, but retreating is so undignified."
He then addressed Quinlan. "Stow this woman and her youngsters with the remaining of our cargo, Zorr. Then meet us on the bridge."
Krayn and Rashtah then left while Quinlan led the captives the other way. It was then Anakin spoke up.
"Why didn't you tell Krayn that we're Jedi, Quinlan?" he asked, causing the Kiffar to stop and glare at the padawan.
"I don't know what you've heard, kid, but the name's Zorr." he answered before threatening. "If you know what's good for you, you and your companions won't say "Jedi" around me again. And don't even think of escaping. Trust me, you'd never make it."
"Why did you let Obi-Wan and our master to get away?" Tru Veld asked. "You know they'll come after us."
"I wasn't prepared for Obi-Wan" Vos answered, not looking at the padawan. "You, I can handle. If they come, I'll be ready. But if any of you won't keep quiet, I guarantee they'll find you in pieces."
Siri, meanwhile, did not speak, but she already knew the true answers to these questions.
Elsewhere, an argument broke out on board the Colicoid cruiser between the Colicoid and the Jedi.
"It's no use, Jedi!" Captain Anf Dec argued. "We can't track Krayn's ship through hyperspace!"
Obi-Wan remained stubborn. "Forgive me, captain, but by adjusting your communication system we can scan this sector's exit vectors."
"You might as well scan for stray starlight! Krayn would never jump to a designated hyperspace route."
This caught Saora's attention. "You're more familiar with his tactics than I realized. My padawan… our padawans helped disable Krayn's weapons. Do they not deserve our help?"
"We must concentrate on the mission!" Ferus spoke up. "Tachi and Skywalker have disobeyed and have faced the consequences."
He was then suddenly confused when Ry-Gaul and Soara gave him a disapproving and deadly glare.
Dec, however, agreed with Olin. "That kid's right. You know we've done all we can. Your mission was to protect us on our journey. We must proceed."
He then turned to one of his subordinates. "Is the hyperdrive operational?"
"Yes, captain. However, if our navicomputer brought us here instead our destination," the Colicoid pointed at the screen. "it may be rigged to deliver us to another trap. A complete diagnostic will take time. Until the navicomputer is repaired, I can only guarantee the coordinates for our point of departure – Coruscant."
Kenobi addressed the captain once again. "The Jedi Council should be informed of Krayn's actions. May I transmit a message before we return to Coruscant?"
"If we return to Coruscant, it will be my decision!" Dec snapped at the Jedi Knight, who folded his arms in frustration. These Colicoids were definitely not the most pleasant.
"Of course." he then said. "After all, if we wait long enough, I might not have to search for Krayn. He may come back for us. And if we survive, I'm sure I'll find some way to explain your actions to the Senate."
His words caused Anf Dec to glare at the Jedi before grumbling. In a couple of minutes, the Consular-class cruiser jumped into hyperspace with a course set for Coruscant.
Nar Shaddaa. 28 BBY.
"Open the vents, Bosun. I want to smell the sweet reek of Nar Shaddaa before we dock." Krayn ordered his subordinate.
"Aye captain."
Krayn then smiled once he sensed the stench coming from the planet's surface as the flew across the various power plants and their massive exhaust pots. Quinlan Vos stood to the right of him while the slave trader sat on his chair.
"And contact Aga Culpa. Tell him to meet me at the docking platform."
"What if "his highness" is busy?" one of the pirates asked.
Krayn only growled in response. "If Culpa's busy, I'll have his royal head for lunch."
Sometime later, Krayn's pirate ship landing at one of the landing bays. Krayn, Rashtah and Quinlan walked down the gangplank where a tall humanoid was waiting for them. He was a thin alien with pale grey skin and had a cybernetic brain implant on his head.
"Welcome back, Captain Krayn" the humanoid bowed before the pirate, giving him a fake smile.
"Ah, Aga Culpa." Krayn said. "How considerate of you to take time out of your busy schedule to greet us."
Culpa nodded. "Yes, well, your two assistants here were kind enough to track me down and remind me of your arrival. Is there some way my office can be of service to you?"
"Yes." Krayn answered firmly. "Business has been good, and I expect it to get better. I require additional facilities. I would be delighted if you would grant me the deed to the three complexes east of my property."
Culpa paled even more. "But those complexes are residential… homes to over two thousand citizens!"
Krayn, however, declared that he knew and was confident that Aga could rectify that situation… by tomorrow. Before leaving with Rashtah, the T'surr pirate then turned to Quinlan Vos.
"Rashtah and I are off to a meeting on Rorak's, Zorr. Get his cargo working by the next shift."
"With pleasure." the Kiffar answered.
Meanwhile, Siri sat with the other slaves in a corner. She held the three padawans, Anakin, Darra and Tru close to her, trying to comfort them as best as she could while also thinking.
Siri was deep in her thoughts in regards to the Colicoids. When Krayn jumped out of hyperspace, Anf Dec was panicking. Colicoids were usually fearless beings. They were trained to always be still in front of any danger. The captain's fear was suspicious for the young Jedi Knight.
No, it wasn't fear. It was panic. The reason for it was that everything happened not as expected. He was caught off-guard. This attack scared him personally.
But why? The Colicoids asked for Jedi protection, because they knew that Krayn could attack. Or presumed he wouldn't?
Siri remembered that Chancellor Palpatine was at the meeting. That was unusual too. This could mean that Colicoids were pressured to accept Jedi assistance. At the same time, the Colicoids did not tolerate the presence of the Jedi and not just because they were wary of strangers, but because…
Because… why?
Coruscant.
As soon as the Consular of the Colicoids landed on one of Coruscant's spaceports, Obi-Wan advised Soara Antana and Ry-Gaul to return to the Temple and wait for him. He gestured for Ferus to follow him to another air taxi.
"To the Temple, sir?" the cab driver asked.
"Later." Kenobi answered. "First to Didi and Astri's Café, south of the Galactic Senate Building."
Ferus gave his Master a baffled look when he heard the destination.
"Master, why are we going to some canteen?" he dared to asked. "Shouldn't we be heading back to the Temple, to report to the Council?"
"I've already told Masters Yoda and Windu of what happened on our way back to Coruscant." Obi-Wan assured his padawan. "Didi and his daughter Astri were good friends of Master Qui-Gon. Many years ago he offered Didi help in his "little problem", which turned into a dangerous mission. Now, Didi owns a café here, but also he is a reliable informant and always keeps his ears open."
"That doesn't answer my question, master." Ferus insisted. "The mission is over."
"Yes, it is." Obi-Wan agreed. "But Siri, Anakin and the other padawans are captured. We must save them. Also, did you notice the Colicoids' behaviour back then? It was as if the captain was not concerned about being attacked by Krayn when he was preparing the ship for departure. Not to mention that is strange that the Colicoids, who never had a good relationship with the Jedi, have requested our protection during their voyage."
"Well, yes, I know how the Colicoids view the Jedi." Ferus nodded. "But they asked for help because they finally admitted that it is we, the Jedi, who bring order to this galaxy, and there is no one mightier than us. We are the law."
He then added. "Still though, we must not investigate. These are not the Council's orders."
"And what about the captive Jedi then?" Obi-Wan asked, not liking his padawan's behaviour. "You say we must abandon them?"
"Tachi and Skywalker have disobeyed and are now facing the consequences." Ferus remained stubborn. "What is happening to Thel-Tanis and Veld is their fault. Attachments are not acceptable for a Jedi. All we can do is wish for the Force to be with them."
"We'll discuss this later, padawan." Obi-Wan coldly told him before getting out of the taxi once it reached the destination. He stood before a café with yellow-blue windows.
Obi-Wan entered through the open entrance first, recalling his first visit here thirteen years ago. Everything here was in chaos and dust. Didi opened the café, but could not keep the tables clean and the food pleasant. It was Astri who made this place into a nice, prospering restaurant with good food. Their customers changed; smugglers and criminals still visited, but now this was also a place for diplomats and even senators to dine.
Obi-Wan and Ferus stood for a while at the entrance, looking around. Kenobi noticed that he hasn't been here for a while. Both father and daughter mourned Qui-Gon just as he did.
A tall girl, a few years older than Kenobi was speaking to two customers who were dressed as senatorial aides. She wore a white apron while placing a teapot for the two clients. Kenobi smiled as he recognized her.
The girl also spotted him and recognized him. A smiled formed on her sweet face.
"Obi-Wan!" she ran up to him, almost tripping on the way, and hugged him. Kenobi hugged her back, which caused Ferus to frown at this reunion.
Kenobi felt Ferus' reaction, but did not mind. He too was surprised when he, as a padawan, saw Qui-Gon tightly hugging Didi.
He and Astri parted ways before she asked. "Are you hungry?"
"I'm here for information, Astri." Kenobi shook his head. Astri's smiled faded and she now had a serious look.
"Come with me."
She took them to her father, a not tall, obese man, who smiled when he saw Obi-Wan Kenobi and hugged him too. Ferus was shocked that his master has formed an attachment with these two non-Force sensitive beings.
"The brave and wise Obi-Wan Kenobi?" Didi spoke. "What can we do for you, old friend?"
"Me and my padawan" he gestured at Ferus. "are investigating possible ties between a slave trader named Krayn and the Colicoids. If you do not have the answers, Didi, perhaps you could direct me to the part who does."
While he was talking, Astri tried to get to speak to Ferus, but the padawan only glared at her as if she was guilty for something, giving the girl discomfort.
However, both father and daughter frowned when Kenobi mentioned Krayn.
"You should talk with Gogol." Didi advised. "But I must warn you, he doesn't frequent the best of neighbourhoods."
"Where can I find him?"
"The Splendor Tavern." Astri answered instead of her father. "I am never stepping foot in that place."
Obi-Wan nodded. The Splendor Tavern was a place for Coruscant's underbelly; smugglers, criminals, traffickers, corrupt members of the police and the Senate Guard. It was also a sight of death and violence raging from drunk fights to blaster shots ruining the place.
The two Jedi then left the café and headed for the cab waiting for them when Ferus spoke.
"You trust them?" he gestured at the building.
"Didi has provided us with vital information for years, Ferus." Kenobi explained. "He is a good friend of the Order, if that is what concerns you. Even Master Yoda trusts him."
Leaving the air taxi outside, Obi-Wan and Ferus went into Splendor Tavern. Kenobi could still feel the frustration within his padawan, but ignored it for now.
It didn't take them long to find the one they were looking for. A humanoid alien in a black sleeveless coat sat with a mug of alcohol in the middle of the tavern. It may not be seen, but Obi-Wan was positive that the criminal was armed, given the nature of this place. The two Jedi approached him. His mug was almost empty.
"You're Gogol?" Kenobi asked first. The alien criminal looked up. He smirked.
"That's right. What do you want, chum?"
Obi-Wan took a seat before him. "Information on Krayn. Does he have any dealings with the Colicoids?"
Gogol clicked with his tongue. "The table looks awfully empty."
"We require information and we are in no mood of playing your games, criminal." Ferus demanded. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes before taking out a few credits and giving them to Gogol. Content with the amount, Gogol began to speak
"Word is that the Colicoids are taking over the spice trade. They've secretly taken over the Kessel mines. Now they need a big processing planet. It just so happens that Krayn controls the factories on Nar Shaddaa. So Krayn promises not to attack the Colicoid ships, and the Colicoids promise to buy his slaves for the spice mines and use his factories. A good deal, eh?"
He smirked, while Ferus did not believe him.
"Your information is false. Nar Shaddaa is in the Nal Hutta system. It is the Hutts who control the factories."
Gogol laughed. "Naïve boy. They have a puppet ruler named Aga Culpa. His job is to keep the Hutts rich, but he doesn't amount to much. Everyone on Nar Shaddaa answers to Krayn."
Without a word, Obi-Wan stood up and left the tavern, with Ferus following him back to the air taxi. They quickly covered their heads with hoods as rain began to fall on Coruscant.
Jedi Temple.
"I have discovered that the Colicoids may be in league with Krayn." Obi-Wan reported to the Council. "They wish to take over the spice trade, and Krayn aims to be their sole supplier of slaves both in the Kessel system and at Nar Shaddaa."
Soara spoke next, voice full of worry. "We have reason to investigate what is happening on Nar Shaddaa: to expose the Colicoids, bring down Krayn and find Tachi and our padawans."
"What is it you want of us, Obi-Wan?" Mace Windu asked.
"A very fast ship," the young Jedi Knight answered. "and permission to infiltrate Krayn's operation."
"Also," Soara added. "since Quinlan didn't attempt to shoot us when he had the chance… I request the truth about his mission."
Obi-Wan gave Soara a warning look, but surprisingly, Yoda answered.
"Right you are, Soara."
Nar Shaddaa.
Despite living as a slave on Tatooine, Anakin still had his mother Shmi and friends; Kitster, Wald and the girls Amee and Melee.
They too were slaves and with Anakin they would dream of their freedom and making their own lives. Anakin vowed to himself that he would one day escape Tatooine, become a Jedi, and return to free all the slaves, starting with his mother, his friends and their families.
Padmé managed to get his mother out of that sandpit, but not his friends, who still remained as slaves. So, to say that he was shocked seeing his friends working at one of the planet's spice-processing facilities was an understatement.
At first, he was happy to see them again, but that happiness was replaced with sadness as he understood what this meant; Krayn raided Mon Espa once again and this time all of his friends got captured by the pirates. If his mother stayed on Tatooine, she would have faced the same fate. And Anakin mentally thanked Siri and Padmé for over a billion times for freeing Shmi.
Despite the situation they were in, Kitster, Waldo and the girls immediately assaulted Anakin with questions, such as about his life at the Jedi Temple, his impression of Coruscant, and what other planets he visited.
The friends didn't get to speak for long as a few wardens struck them with their shock whips, ordering for the slaves to get to work. In addition, the loud howl of the sirens signalled the start of a new working day. It was the same as yesterday, and it would be the same as tomorrow. If he would live to see the next day.
He, Siri and the other two padawans have spent five days here, but to Anakin it seemed like eternity. He recalled Shmi's words seven years ago.
You see, Ani, it's a terrible thing to be a slave on Tatooine. But it could be far, far worse for us.
Now he really understood it. Compared to the work he was doing right now, working for Watto on Tatooine was a paradise.
However, while working for Watto, Anakin had some experience in hard work. His master, Siri, too. It was Darra and Tru for whom he feared most. Being raised at the Temple, the two padawans knew no hardships and suffering, and so, they were struggling the most here. Darra, being a girl, struggled the most. Both Anakin and Siri were deeply concerned for her as they felt girl radiating fear. The whole captivity and slavery terrified her.
The factories on Nar Shadda were huge, rising to hundreds of went through a multi-stage processing system. It was impossible to illuminate everything around them, and the slaves worked in constant darkness. Most of the spice was unloaded from ships arriving from Kessel. The other spice was mined in huge caves underground. Then all of it was sent to the processing levels, where the spice was dried and frozen, and then formed into blocks.
Huge power plants supplied energy to the entire complex. After a long day, the workers came out of the darkness one by one, almost blinded, having inhaled poisonous fumes. The smallest particles of spice entered the lungs, causing a long and painful cough.
Anakin already knew that the death rate among slaves was very high. Children and the elderly were particularly vulnerable. Many died.
The security service was always on the alert. The slaves were guarded by both natives of Nar Shadda and droids. It was impossible to escape from here. Even if he could hide from the guards and security devices, there was nowhere to hide on the planet. The people of Nar Shadda themselves were not averse to benefiting from the slave trade. They could also turn in the fugitive. The spaceports of this lunar world were under Krayn's control. There was no way to escape from here, and there was nowhere to go.
"The whole complex functions so carefreely," Anakin thought with disgust, "greed doesn't temper Krain.
Anakin was put to work on the hoversled. His job was to deliver the spice from the mines below to the processing levels. It was a tedious, dirty job, spending most of his time in the caves, inhaling dirt and dust, loading the sled.
Today, he ran into another slave.
A Twi'lek woman, suddenly moved away from her place of work and rushed down the pathway, right in front of his hoversled. Only Anakin's excellent reflexes helped him not to knock down the woman. She turned around, her long appendages from her head almost hitting Anakin in the face.
"Watch where you're going, schutta" she scolded him.
"You're the one who stepped back."
"Don't tangle with me, soft boy." the Twi'lek woman snapped. "Your privileges don't count around here."
Just then, another slave hissed. "Quiet! Guard droid!"
Indeed, a guard droid just arrived, causing the Twi'lek to panic.
"It's looking for me." she gasped.
"Why?" Anakin asked.
"Because I left the line!"
"Hop on!" Anakin told her. "Hide behind the cannisters. Stay low. I'll look busy until he goes away."
"We all look alike to those droids." the Twi'lek whispered. "If I can slip back it starts a head count, I might get away with this. Otherwise, I'll be getting a lot worse."
However, the guard droid began to count. Desperate, Anakin drew his hand and used the Force to knock down some of the crates of unprocessed spice. This ruckus drew the attention of the guard droids that dropped count.
"Violation! Violation!" they repeated in mechanic voices.
"Go!" Anakin encouraged the Twi'lek.
"My name is Mazie" she said.
"Anakin" he gave his name before she ran away. Unknown to them, two people observed the scene. Siri was working and looked at her padawan with pride. She then felt the other person watching – Quinlan Vos.
Rorak 5, Hutt System.
"We're cleared for docking on Rorak's, Captain Krayn." one of the pirates onboard the slaver's starship reported. "The Colicoids have already arrived."
Right now, the vessel was approaching Rorak 5, a space station. A refuelling station for cargo ships, it was also a meeting point for leaders of the Hutt Cartel, various pirates and traders.
"Splendid." Krayn chuckled. "That means they're either punctual or very impatient. We shouldn't keep them waiting, Bosun, which is precisely why we will. Take us in slowly."
Sometime later, Krayn's ship landed and the pirate leader headed off to the meeting, with the Wookie Rashtah following him. Once the door of the conference room opened, a delegation of Colicoids sitting behind a round table was revealed before him.
"Forgive my tardiness." Krayn spoke as he took a seat at the table. "I was delayed by an ion storm. Before we discuss business, I wanted to…"
"Before we discuss anything, how do you explain that you attacked Anf Dec's ship without warning?" one of Colicoids cut him off, pointing directly at the slaver.
Krayn raised his hands. "Please, Nor Fik. I was trying to apologize." he began to excuse himself. "I was off the bridge when my ambitious crew sighted your ship. They thought it was a Brodogon Consortium freighter. Rest assured they've been disciplined."
Rashtah nervously roared, but the T' Surr ignored as he continued.
"As soon as I realized what had happened, I ordered my crew to cease fire, and tried to hail Anf Dec, but some intruders sabotaged my vessel's communication system, and then sent us into hyperspace."
Finishing his lie, Krayn added. "Trust is so necessary between partners, Nor Fik. You have my trust, and I will strive to regain yours."
Reluctant, Nor Fik shook hands with the T' Surr.
"Very well. Now on to business." Nor Fik then said. "Once we have the entire spice trade firmly in our grasp, you will the exclusive contract to process the spice in your factories on Nar Shaddaa."
"However, we are aware that the Senate has been cracking down on the slave trade, so it is harder for you to conduct massive raids. If you don't keep your slaves healthy, you'll have trouble replacing them."
"Healthy slaves dream of escape." Krayn argued.
"Still," Nor Fik continued. "my superiors are concerned about your productivity. To grant the contract we require a complete inspection of your facilities. As we are not qualified to judge the work ability of your slaves we have retained an independent observer."
As if on cue, the doors opened and in came a tall man clad in armour. Krayn scowled at the sight, while Rashtah growled. The mere idea of having someone poking his nose where it was none of his business frustrated them.
The Colicoids, however, ignored their feelings.
"This is Bakleeda." Nor Fik introduced the stranger. "He is in your particular business, and is willing to act as our consultant. He will travel to Nar Shaddaa and you will him free and open access. This is not negotiable, agreed?"
Krayn had no other choice, but to follow the Colicoids' instructions.
"Agreed." he growled.
Nar Shaddaa.
Anakin and the others were so tired, that they only waited for finally reach their mattresses and fall asleep on the floor of the warehouse where the slaves were kept. Rain droplets fell through the holes on the rooftop. Poodles were formed on the floor. The mattresses were thin and allowed moisture to enter them, bringing cold to the bodies.
However, he could not sleep right now. Anakin lied with his eyes open, feeling his neighbours sleeping. Some cuddled together, trying to get themselves warm.
He suddenly felt someone gently touching him. Anakin saw his master sitting beside him.
"Can't sleep?" she asked him softly. Anakin nodded.
He then saw Tru, Kitster, Wald, Amee, Melee sitting with her, while Darra was sleeping. He then saw that the Twi'lek Mazie has joined them.
"Thank you for what you did today." Mazie told the boy. "I wasn't very nice to you at the beginning. It's just you were assigned to hoversled duty, reserved for informants and favourites of the guards. You must have someone protecting you."
"I'm afraid you're terribly mistaken, Mazie." it was Siri who answered. "We have only just arrived."
Mazie turned right, seeing a woman cradling her infant. "My daughter, Berri, was favoured by Krayn, though she'd done nothing to earn it. She works in his kitchen. Every day, I thank the stars that she isn't working here. The Nar Shaddaa guards aren't bad, but the droids kill without mercy."
"But why do they work for Krayn as guards?" Tru asked, referring to the people living here.
Mazie sighed. "Their ruler, Aga Culpa, has an agreement with Krayn. Krayn controls the factories and the citizens remain free."
She then scoffed. "Granted, "free" is relative. This entire moon is owned by the Hutts, so there's not much honest work. The guards are well paid. So tell me, how do you come to be here? Is this your first experience as a slave?"
"For us, it is." Siri gestured at herself, Tru and Darra.
"We were slaves on Tatooine before Krayn took us during one of his raids." Kitster answered.
It was then Anakin's turn. "I was free when I was captured, but I was raised as a slave on Tatooine."
This caused the Twi'lek to be interested.
"Tatooine?" she asked. "That's where Berri and I lived! We were colonists. Owned a moisture farm ten years ago. Berri back then was only six. My husband… was killed in the raid."
"My condolences." Siri told the woman, who nodded in acceptance. It was then Amee decided to speak, asking a question that tormented her since she was captured by Krayn.
"Do you know a woman named Hala?"
The Twi'lek woman nodded. "Yes, she arrived here seven years ago."
"It's her mother." Anakin added. This caused Mazzie to freeze before giving the girl a look full of sadness and sympathy.
"I am sorry, little one" she said. "but I am afraid your mother is dead."
"What? No!" Amee cried in disbelief.
"How did it happen?" Melee squeaked.
Mazzie shook her head sadly. "When she saw Krayn, she broke out of the line. Tried to kill him, but he struck her down, and then… made an example of her."
Siri pulled Amee close to her as the girl cried hysterically. Anakin could too feel tears in his eyes. Same with Kitster, Melee and Wald. It was like the day when Hala was captured by pirates and when Anakin almost lost his mother.
Siri held the girl close as soothed her like a mother calming her scared child. She even kissed Amee in the forehead.
"There is no escape from this place." Mazzie continued. "So do not imagine that there could be one for any of you, my friends. Krayn has a death grip on all of us. But do not fear. A slave's life is short it will soon be over."
"No. I will find a way out." Anakin vowed.
"But how?" Waldo asked him.
"Because I am a Jedi now." Anakin explained before all of them went to sleep. "And I made a promise."
"Come, Bakleeda." Krayn welcomed the consultant into his factories. "Allow me to show you around the place. I have nothing to hide from you nor my partners, the Colicoids. You may tell them that."
"No." the masked man, Bakleeda, spoke. "The Colicoids are paying for an objective inspection."
"As you wish." Krayn growled, not liking this. "But if you need anything. Just shout."
Without a word, Bakleeda left them, with Krayn and Rashtah glaring at him. The air in the town was fresh and clean. The factories themselves were lower and so he approached one of the turbolifts.
However, he didn't get to reach the destination as suddenly, the lift made a drastic stop. Bakleeda almost collapsed onto the floor from the stop. Suddenly, the hatch above him opened and Bakleeda was knocked down by Rashtah.
Before Bakleeda could stand up and react, the Wookie made a hard hit into his head, knocking his helmet off.
Right before a growling Rashtah stood an unmasked Obi-Wan Kenobi…