AN: I hope everyone had a great week, and is looking forward to this new chapter. This is where I start laying the foundations for some major deviations from canon. I've been cruising on this story recently, revamping some of my future plans to make it better, and enjoying teasing certain characters being more relevant (like I did in this chapter) and giving some of my other favorite characters from post Clone Wars era some early cameos (in later chapters). Reviews on here (and I post this story on AO3) really help me notice errors I might have made or things that I might have overlooked, so keep them coming.

Chapter 26 - Investigations (Galactic Games Part II)

"Bog's speeder was stolen," Siri said. "He felt an alert to all Jedi teams was justified."

Ry-Gaul sighed. Rhys was looking at Bog in disbelief.

Obi-Wan gave Bog an exasperated glance. "You called in Jedi help because of a missing speeder?"

He and Anakin had just rushed over from the Podraces, where Obi-Wan had found his Padawan working on a Podracer to help some young men try to win their sister's freedom. Granted, he understood his Padawan's desire to help free slaves, but they had a mission, and being involved at all in illegal podracing was not what they should be doing. An emergency call from Bog had diverted any remaining conversation, though now he was wishing they'd stayed where they were.

"You don't understand!" Bog said. "The speeder was in a secure area. This is serious! I would think the Jedi would be concerned."

"There will always be petty crime at a large event like this one," Siri said. "Everyone should be careful with their personal property."

"Petty?" Bog flushed. "I don't call this petty."

"What Siri means is that this is really a case for the planet's security," Obi-Wan said, and he felt Siri's annoyance through their bond.

Bog flourished his comlink. "Really? Let's see what Liviani says when she arrives."

"Oh shavit," Rhys and Siri both muttered.

"You called Liviani?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Of course. As the head of the Council of the Games, I thought she would want to know," Bog said. "I must remind you that I am a member."

"I don't think you need to remind them," Astri said in a low tone. "You keep mentioning it."

A gleaming black airspeeder drew up, and Liviani slid out. "I received your message," she told Bog in a concerned tone. "Tell me again what happened and what exactly is missing."

Bog threw the Jedi a triumphant look. "The speeder was gone when Astri and I returned from the opening rituals," he said. "As I told you, some personal possessions were inside. My green cloak – the only one I brought for warmth – and a box of my favorite figda candy, as well as my datapad, my travel kit . . . and I am sure other important things."

"This is very bad," Liviani said. "I'm glad you contacted me." Obi-Wan was surprised at the concern in her tone. He had expected her to be as annoyed as they were. "Members of the Council for the Games deserve the highest consideration." She turned to the Jedi. "You must investigate this at once."

Siri looked startled and Rhys's eyes were wide in disbelief. "Investigate a speeder theft? It's a waste of our time."

Siri was never one to hide her feelings. "Surely there are better uses for our time," Obi-Wan said in a more conciliatory tone.

"I don't think so," Liviani said flatly. "Begin at once."

"We don't take orders from you," Siri said. Her face was calm but two bright red spots appeared on her cheeks. "We are here at the Ruling Power's request."

"Then I shall contact the Ruling Power," Liviani snapped, reaching for her comlink. "All I have to do is contact Maxo Vista. He will go to them at once, and they will order you."

"No one orders the Jedi," Ry-Gaul spoke at last. His soft voice was measured, but with a core of strength that made everyone stop and look at him. "We accept requests. Then we decide."

Liviani struggled to control her irritation. It was clear that Ry-Gaul's authoritative tone had made her realize it was time to back down. "Of course," she said through tight lips. She shoved her comlink back into her cloak pocket. "Then I request that this be investigated," she spoke in a more conciliatory tone. "Think about it. This area is under top security. Yet a thief entered and stole a valuable item. The athletes and workers are under my care."

Obi-Wan nodded shortly. "In that case, we accept your request. One Jedi team will investigate."

Liviani swept off in a swirl of robes and scarves. Siri drew closer to Obi-Wan.

"I still say this is a waste of time," she said. "Who knows how long it will take to investigate a theft?"

"I do," Obi-Wan said, and Rhys chuckled grimly. "It will take exactly ten seconds." Then he looked hard at Didi who coughed and looked away.

Obi-Wan signaled Didi, which he tried to ignore, so he, with Rhys, Anakin, and Siri in tow, strode over and Obi-Wan drew Didi aside.

"You'd better start talking fast," he said, "and no excuses. No diversions. Just the truth."

"I didn't steal it, I borrowed it," Didi said. "I was going to return it," Didi said quickly, as he noted the thunderous expression on Obi-Wan's face.

"The same way you were going to return the credits?"

"Ah, you see!" Didi cried triumphantly. "My point exactly! How could I return the credits if I didn't steal the speeder?"

Rhys groaned.

"Explain your logic," Obi-Wan said. "Nobody else can follow it."

"I was going to take your excellent advice and confess everything to Astri," Didi said. "I was on my way to find her and I saw the speeder. I began to reflect on the amount of credits I had borrowed, and the fact that if Bog found out he would no doubt banish me to wander the galaxy friendless and alone. So I thought it best to return the credits without his ever finding out."

"So you stole his speeder."

"Borrowed, but only so I could repay the credits! You see?"

"Well," Obi-Wan said, "you're just going to have to return it."

"Ah," Didi said. "Another excellent suggestion. Except it's too late. I've sold the speeder."

"At least then you can give them the credits," Obi-Wan said with a sigh.

"But I can't! I have to place another bet!"

Obi-Wan turned away. "Fine. I'm no longer involved. I'm telling Bog who stole the speeder, and you can explain it any way you want."

"Wait!" Didi screeched hurriedly. "My good friend, Obi-Wan! You don't understand! I will return the speeder most definitely! My bet is a sure thing."

"No bet is a sure thing, Didi," Obi-Wan said. "When are you going to learn that?"

"But this one is! I promise!"

Obi-Wan paused at that, and he glanced at his companions. Anakin looked confused at his pause, but he could see Siri and Rhys had caught on to whatever made Obi-Wan pause.

"How do you know the bet is a sure thing?" Obi-Wan asked.

Didi looked uncomfortable under Obi-Wan's scrutiny. "Well. You might say I have a tip."

"What kind of tip?" Obi-Wan frowned.

"A tip that an event is fixed," Didi admitted. "From a source I trust."

"Who?" Obi-Wan demanded.

"Someone you know," Didi said. "Fligh."

Obi-Wan groaned. "Not Fligh. Is he on Euceron?"

"Of course," Didi said. "Isn't everyone? And you can't beat Fligh's information. If there is a nasty, secret bit of business, you can bet Fligh knows about it. So how can I ignore his advice? The swoop obstacle race is fixed and I know the winner. If you'd let me make the bet, everything will be fine. My problems will be solved, and I know how much you want this."

"Wait here," Obi-Wan told him sternly.

He drew Anakin, Siri, and Rhys aside. "I think we should pursue this," he said. "If some of the events are fixed, it could cause major trouble. It could be a serious disruption of the peace."

Siri and Rhys both nodded in agreement, but he could feel the disappointment flowing from his Padawan.

"Who is Fligh? Do you trust him?" His Padawan asked.

"Trust him?" Obi-Wan grimaced. "Not at all, but if he's heard something, we could have problems even if his information is false. Fligh hangs around the Senate. He knows everyone and passes along information for credits. If he's heard an event is fixed, he isn't the only one who thinks this." He sighed. "As much as I'd like to walk away from this, I'm afraid we'll have to investigate." Obi-wan gave Anakin a careful look. "What is wrong, Padawan?"

"It seems . . . a waste of time to me," Anakin said, reluctantly. "We are here as peacekeepers. There is a better use of Jedi time."

Obi-Wan wanted to sigh, knowing his Padawan was thinking about helping his new friends, Deland and Doby, free their sister by helping them with their podracer. Still, he nodded and considered his response.

"What do you think would be a better use of our time?"

Anakin looked down and said nothing.

"Tell me," Obi-Wan continued, "what do you think would happen if it was discovered that some of the events are fixed?"

Anakin shrugged. "Some will be upset. Especially those who have placed illegal bets."

"What about the planets involved? If it appears that some have cheated, or conspired to defraud the Games, how will other worlds react? Each world sends the very best of its athletes to compete in the Games. These beings are often great heroes on their home worlds. What if they are denied their victories because an event is fixed?"

"I guess it could create some unrest," Anakin said, after a pause.

"Yes, young Padawan," Obi-Wan said. "Hundreds of thousands of beings are crammed into one city. All have come to cheer their heroes or their future heroes. It may not seem an important lead for us to follow, but missions don't always start out with a battle. Sometimes they begin with something insignificant. Something unimportant. Part of being a Jedi is to recognize the small thing that can change everything."

"If it is so small, how can we recognize it?"

"We take ourselves out of what we are looking at," Obi-Wan answered.

Anakin scowled. "I don't understand."

Obi-Wan put his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "I know. That is why you are still a Padawan. Someday you will."

Obi-Wan looked back at Rhys and Siri who had stayed quiet through that little discussion.

"If something is fixed, usually the 'house' or the place holding the gambling is in on it," Rhys said. "While you talk to Fligh, I'm going to go back and take a closer look at the gambling hub."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Siri?"

She glanced at Rhys. "I think I'll provide backup to Rhys."

"Then this is where we part ways," Obi-Wan said. "May the Force be with you."

**The Will of the Force**

Siri watched Obi-Wan, Didi, and Anakin run off towards where Didi said Fligh was staying. She turned to her old friend and now companion.

"Alright, spill it. What's the real mission?" Siri asked bluntly.

"What makes you think there's any hidden agenda?" Rhys asked innocently.

"Save the theatrics, little brother," Siri said flatly. "I've known you too long for this. You're a good man and everything you do is for a good cause, but you've worked with Kastor far too long and everything you do is either at his orders or with his goals in mind, and Kastor always has hidden agendas and schemes. His schemes have schemes, and so do yours."

Rhys grinned and sighed. "Alright, Siri, I'll cut the shavit."

"You said you were going back to the gambling hub," Siri said. "You knew about it before Obi-Wan did, didn't you? That's why you wanted to go with him and Didi."

Rhys's eyes widened a bit at that. "Yes, I did. Kas and I were sure there would be an illegal gambling hub for the games, and we wanted to use it to get information on various criminal enterprises, just like I told you."

"Yes, but you would have brought its location up to us if you knew about it beforehand and the only goal was to monitor and raid it for information," Siri said. "You didn't tell us, though I guess Quinlan could be tracking it for you, but still, that tells me you have a reason to not want us involved."

"I'm going to try and seize all the illicit funds," Rhys admitted. "If I can get that far in the network, I'll be able to see exactly who was involved, while also depriving all those people of any illicit gains and costing them what they bet. In addition, this will shut down this particular hub for good regardless of an arrest because nobody will use a bookie that lost everything and was unable to pay up on the bets. Our intel suggests that the bookie was fronted credits by the big three: Pykes, Hutts, and Black Sun. This is a good chance to deprive those a good payday while also making them take a loss on an agenda."

"Plus, Kas, the Rangers, and the Order will all get a nice check of funds that nobody will be able to retrieve," Siri said, knowing how Kastor worked.

Rhys nodded.

"Alright, let's go check out this bookie," Siri said.

It wasn't a long journey back to the 'swoop dealer' and in that time, Siri and Rhys came up with their plan.

**The Will of the Force**

"We'd be taking an awful risk to help the Mandalorians recover their strength," Oppo Rancisis said. "There was a reason we aided the Republic in demolishing their strength in the first place."

"Which is something I believe we need to atone for," Kastor said flatly. "Historically, yes, the Mandalorians have been aggressive and sometimes hostile, but their strength and aid has saved us and the Republic as well. A Mandalorian aided my ancestor, Revan, in ending the Jedi Civil War. The Mandalorians aided Knight Surik in defeating the Sith Triumvirate, and without their aid, the Republic and the Order might have been destroyed. In addition, Mandalorians helped protect Grandmaster Bastila Shan as well as a few other Jedi during that same time period, again helping to ensure our survival. Mandalorians aided Jedi, both openly and in secret during both the Galactic War and Great Galactic War. In all of our history, we've fought the Mandalorians, mostly because the Sith have pulled strings, but in that time, we've never betrayed the Mandalorians by striking at them when they were down until the Mandalorian Excision. The preemptive strike seven hundred years ago was not something the Jedi should ever have been party to. At the time, the Mandalorians weren't being aggressive."

"Agree, I do," Yoda said with a sigh. "Fear it was, that led to that action. Fear that the Mandalorians would wage war against a weakened Republic after the Sith Wars. Too destructive, we were. Disagree, I did, back then, and disagree I still do today."

"Is this really the time to be undertaking such negotiations and actions, should the Mandalorian Clans even agree to our proposal?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked. "As it is, our Order is stretched far too thin, and unrest in the galaxy grows day by day. Our strength wanes. These actions will likely lead to the rise of the Mandalorian clans once again, something that much of the galaxy may not appreciate, especially since we may not have the strength to oppose them as we did in the past. The Senate will certainly not approve."

"Our reputations throughout the galaxy are already waning," Plo Koon said grimly. "More and more people believe we only serve at the whim of the Senate. That was one of Dooku's main complaints against us and why he left. While antagonizing the Senate isn't something we should strive to do, the proposal Master Shan has presented is humanitarian in intent, something our Order should be eager to participate in, and will help generate goodwill to a people that could be powerful allies in the growing darkness. Allies that we would surely prefer to be on our side rather than against us. The Mandalorians have served the Sith before, and perhaps they could be convinced to do so again, but perhaps these actions will help remind them that they have fought with us as allies as well."

"We need more allies," Kastor said firmly. "Allies that will help us, the Order, not because we are representatives of the Republic, not because they fear us, but because we are Jedi, because we are allies. We have strong relationships with many of the species and planets that we've helped the most and this is an opportunity to add another such set of planets and a culture to our list of close allies, and perhaps this will mend some wounds that might keep the Mandalorians, strong or weak, from attacking us again. In addition, the Mandalorian Information Network could be huge for us. It might help us root out the Sith, or at least root out Magus, which then will hopefully lead to the Sith. None of us have managed that, but we can all agree it's important we track that bounty hunter down."

"Master Shan makes a good point. Besides, the Clans being weaker have not stopped conflicts from occurring," Adi Gallia pointed out. "Just this year, Master Poof joined the Force while working with a Mandalorian. The Mandalorian kept non-combatants safe in the end, proving they are still an honorable people. Previous to that, Master Dooku's task force at Galidraan was nearly wiped out by Mandalorians and that conflict was our fault since we were deceived into that conflict, deceived by a Mandalorian terrorist group, one that would like nothing more than to go back to the days when Mandalorians pillaged, murdered, and raped their way across the galaxy. Keeping them weak feeds the strength of those who wish to cause problems and regain Mandalore's strength in order to return to the Neo Crusade. We need to help those who simply wish to honor their heritage but have no designs to conquer the galaxy."

"We've been at this for a while. Further debate seems counterproductive," Mace Windu said after a moment. "Let's put Master Shan's motion to a vote. I vote for the motion."

"Vote for, I do," Yoda said.

"I vote for as well," Adi said.

"I vote against," Ki Adi said.

"I vote for the motion," Plo said.

"I vote against," Oppo said solemnly.

"Vote for, I do," Yaddle said.

"I vote against," Even said gruffly.

"I vote against," Saesee said.

"I vote for," Depa said, glancing at Mace.

"I vote against," Eeth said.

"I vote for," Coleman said finally, and Kastor felt relief that his motion had passed, even if it was just barely.

"If, embark on this mission, you will," Yoda said. "Start where, would you?"

"The Mandalorian government is made up of the pacifists that won their civil war almost a decade ago," Kastor said slowly. "They are still struggling to keep their government afloat due to opposition to their traditional ways, and they often have to fight, which directly contradicts the Duchess's pacifist view, which only lends strength to her adversaries, the largest of which is Death Watch, an organization we do not want in control."

"I would like to start with the planets that retain roots in their traditional ways, but oppose Death Watch. These are the Mandalorian colonies that, together, could have some influence on Mandalore itself. From there, I'll talk to the Protectors, who are the only remaining active protective force for the Mandalorian government. They assist the Duchess as her guards, but a large portion or their Clan exist offworld on Concord Dawn and continue to act in their own interests, counter to those of the Duchess. If we can add them to our list of allies, then Mandalore will have to at least hear us out."

"The Duchess of Mandalore will be hesitant for any sort of compromise, but if I can come with nearly all of her opponents and her own protectors in agreement, perhaps negotiations can commence. I'm aware of a few clans on those outsider planets that I have history with, even if it's ancient history to them. The first goal will be to get them open to accepting the Agri Corp as atonement and good faith, and then I'll try to bring these clans into the discussion with the government on Mandalore."

"These Mandalorians on these other systems are not a part of this Death Watch?" Ki Adi asked.

"No," Kastor responded with a shake of his head. "At least based on what intel I could gather. Death Watch seems to be isolated to Concordia, the moon of Mandalore, as well as small pockets of sympathizers on Kalevala and the planet Mandalore itself. These other systems still hold to the Resol'nare, but at least show fealty to the Duchess's rule or they aren't opposing it. They're the warriors the Duchess needs to combat Death Watch, and perhaps the blending of the old ways with a little pacifist influence from the Duchess can produce a Mandalorian society that creates great warriors, but not warmongers and crusaders. If we can do this right, the Order might even be able to help negotiate a deal with the Republic and Mandalore in the future which will further promote peace, though I have my doubts about whether we'll ever be able to actually create a treaty there."

"A worthy goal," Mace said, before he glanced around at the rest of the Council before finally turning back to Kastor. "The Council agrees for you to lead this mission, but we feel sending you alone is putting too much at risk. We feel a team of four Jedi is what is needed, knowing how temperamental the Mandalorians can be."

Kastor wanted to frown, but kept his emotions in check. On one hand, he agreed with the Council. Another diplomat, along with two Jedi that could work security and start gathering information on where the AgriCorps could best assist would be quite welcome.

"Obviously the most ideal Jedi to join me would be Knight Kenobi," Kastor said. "He speaks the language, knows their customs, and is one of our finest diplomats."

"I would agree with all that, but if you take Knight Kenobi, we have to factor Padawan Skywalker in," Plo said, a bit sardonically. "While he is an able warrior, even at his age, his diplomatic skills leave much to be desired, and unfortunately, the wrong attitude with a Mandalorian doesn't lead to trade disputes that can be resolved economically and politically."

"We could offset that by not counting him in for the overall goal of four Jedi," Kastor said. "That way we'd still have two more Knights or Masters to help keep an eye on young Skywalker while the remaining two of us are negotiating."

"We're undermanned as is," Adi said grimly. "Giving up a Master-Padawan team, when the Padawan is more of a hindrance, seems unwise. Padawan Skywalker could return to the Temple and continue his studies while Master Kenobi is assisting you."

"This mission could take months or years," Coleman said with a laugh. "Do we really want to give young Skywalker time to find something else wrong with the Temple droids? Force knows he learns best hands on."

Kastor chuckled along with the rest of the Council, none contradicting him. Anakin thought the Council disliked him, Kastor knew, and while some were wary of him, there were many that saw him as nothing more than another initiate, and a gifted one at that, thinking of him just as fondly as any other Padawan-learner. It was something he wished Anakin could see more, rather than just the distrust he felt existed. It was in the Council's nature to be cautious after all, but that didn't mean they didn't sometimes enjoy Anakin's antics.

"Who else could we spare?" Saesee asked.

"Perhaps, Knight Skoll, a good choice is," Yaddle offered up and around the Council, various members nodded in agreement.

Kastor had never met Baylan Skoll, but he had heard that the man's quiet and calm, but powerful demeanor were greatly respected. He was known to have the gift of foresight, and was a powerful duelist.

"Knight Ertay recently returned from her mission to Dallenor," Oppo said. "She's a fine diplomat with the lightsaber skills available should negotiations go south."

Kastor smiled again. He didn't know Finn Ertay personally either, but she also had a good reputation in the Order for being a fair and kind individual, one whose selflessness and dedication were to be admired.

"Knight Muln is available," Eeth said after a moment.

"I fear his talents would be wasted on this mission," Adi said in disagreement. "He's arguably the Order's best pilot and is better utilized in anti-piracy operations or escort missions, and those are never ending."

"Perhaps Knight Tachi and Padawan Olin would work instead of Kenobi and Skywalker?" Even said. "While Knight Tachi is not known for her diplomatic skills," he said with a slight smile, "she is an able warrior, and we don't have to worry about her rash behavior like we would with Padawan Skywalker, and Padawan Olin is on track to be an able diplomat, and this would be a good chance for him to develop his skills further along the path to Knighthood."

"I will certainly never oppose working with Knight Tachi and Padawan Olin," Kastor said. "That team works for me. In addition, I can pick up Knight Tachi and Padawan Olin when I meet up with the Euceron team."

"Very well," Mace said. "We'll send the rest of your team members to meet you in the hangar in two hours."

Kastor bowed in acknowledgement and made his way out of the Council chambers. He made his way to the Ebon Hawk where all of his lifely possessions were still packed from the last mission. He only kept a few sets of robes in his room at the Temple while everything else remained in his "cabin" on his ship, not that he really had all that much in the way of personal items anyway.

He had Scrappy start prepping the Hawk while he made his way to the communications room and quickly sent out a secure transmission. After a half-minute, Rhys answered.

"Dallows."

"Our mission has been approved after we're done with the Games," Kastor said quickly. "We're going to have a few extra Jedi with us, and we'll be en route to Euceron in the next few hours. What's the situation?"

"Well, things are starting to go badly," Rhys said. "Someone just attempted to kill Obes, Anakin, and Didi. There are rumors of certain events being fixed, and the illegal gambling ring being aware of it. Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Didi talked to one of Didi's disreputable friends, Fligh, who confirmed the rumors of a fixed event, who said he learned it from someone named Quentor. Pretty soon after, they hopped into an air taxi to confirm Fligh's words, and the driver attempted to drive them into traffic and jumped out of the taxi with an anti-grav belt."

"E chu ta," Kastor swore.

"Indeed," Rhys remarked. "Siri and I are investigating the gambling ring, trying to figure out if they are aware of the fixed events, and I'm working to make sure we'll be able to seize the credits. Didi is keeping his eyes on Fligh for Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan and Anakin are going to talk to the timekeeper for the fixed or possibly fixed events."

"It's got to be someone high up to be fixing events," Kastor muttered, and then cursed. "Euceron is not a good planet for this. The Ruling Power cannot be trusted."

"I'm going to reach out to Quinlan, Aayla, and Shyler to see if they've managed to pick up any chatter on their ends," Rhys said. "I'll also tie back in with Ry-Gaul, but with how things are going, a few more Jedi will not be a bad thing."

"I'll see if I can expedite our takeoff," Kastor said. "Be careful, and may the Force be with you."

"And you. Dallows out."

**The Will of the Force**

"I had hoped to meet the Jedi," Maxo Vista said. "This is Ruler Three, one of the esteemed Ruling Power."

Between having their assailant get away after almost killing themhem, an unsurety of what was actually going on, and being berated by Madam Jocasta of all people about not knowing who Maxo Vista was, Obi-Wan honestly wasn't in a good mood and didn't want to even meet the Hero of Euceron. Regardless, they needed him.

Obi-Wan introduced himself and Anakin. Maxo Vista flashed a charismatic smile, his vivid green eyes shining. "We are grateful that the Jedi have graciously agreed to attend the Games. With so many worlds coming together for these Games, it holds out a promise for peace throughout the galaxy."

Ruler Three bowed. "Our government thanks you. Now I must attend the next event."

As soon as Ruler Three had left, Obi-Wan turned back to Maxo Vista. "We would like to speak with the official timekeeper for this event."

"Of course," Maxo leaned forward to touch a glowing screen. "That would be Aarno Dering." He peered over at a glass skybox with an excellent view of the action. "He's already left, I'm afraid, but I can give you his room number at the official Games quarters."

"We'd appreciate it."

Maxo Vista hesitated. "Is anything wrong?"

"Just a routine check," Obi-Wan assured him.

He nodded and consulted the screen again, then gave them Aarno Dering's location. Obi-Wan and Anakin hurried out of Stadium Five. The air taxis were full of the departing crowd. Obi-Wan and Anakin threaded through the crowd, moving quickly and easily through the crush.

"I can't believe I actually met Maxo Vista," Anakin said. "I'll never forget his performance in the swoop races in the last Games, and did you see him in the holographic obstacle course? He set a new galactic record." Obi-Wan's face was blank, and Anakin sighed. "I can't believe you don't know who he is. Everybody –"

" – knows Maxo Vista," Obi-Wan finished, wanting to roll his eyes and almost wishing he'd dragged Siri or Rhys with him and let his Padawan go back to the podraces, "but right now I'm more interested in Aarno Dering."

At the quarters, they passed the security checkpoint and quickly accessed a map for directions to Block Seven, Room 4116.

"This way," Obi-Wan said.

They hurried down the outdoor walkways that connected the various temporary buildings built of hard duraplastoid materials in bright colors. When they reached Block Seven, they took a moving walkway up to the fourth story.

"Room 4116 should be at the end of the walkway," Anakin said.

A tall humanoid male came out of a door at the end of the walkway. He paused while he carefully placed various personal items in different-sized pockets. His neutral gaze slid over the surrounding area and lit on the Jedi.

He jumped, dropping his data pad into the doorway, and a look of surprised panic lit his eyes. He turned abruptly and headed the other way.

"Aarno Dering?" Obi-Wan called, quickening his pace. "We'd like to talk to you."

Dering began to run. Obi-Wan and Anakin leaped forward in a surge of speed.

Dering had a good head start, but he was no athlete. He leaped onto the moving walkway and zigzagged past athletes and workers, pushing some aside roughly. Obi-Wan leaped off the second story and landed lightly on the ground. Anakin followed.

When Dering raced out an exit from the quarters and into the street, Obi-Wan was merely steps away. Suddenly, a fast-moving airspeeder headed straight for Dering. Obi-Wan reached out, ready to grab the waving hem of the man's tunic, but the speeder struck the slight man first, sending him flying through the air. Aarno Dering landed with a sickening thud.

"Go to him," Obi-Wan ordered Anakin tersely.

Obi-Wan jumped after the speeder. Landing on the speeder's outrigger component, Obi-Wan drew his lightsaber and severed it with one stroke. The speeder veered and crashed into a bright yellow bench, and the pilot leaped out. Obi-Wan recognized him instantly as the pilot of the air taxi. Something about the way he held his body alerted him. His movements were quick and powerful, but loose and graceful as well.

The pilot leaped over the speeder and raced down the street. Without breaking stride, he shot a cable up to the roof of a high building. The cable launcher pulled him up and he disappeared onto the roof.

Obi-Wan activated his own launcher and followed, the wind rushing past his ears. He jumped onto the roof just as the pilot leaped to the next building. Obi-Wan followed.

The pilot never looked back. Obi-Wan noted his coolness. There were not many, being pursued, who did not pause to check on the location of their pursuer. Obi-Wan was gaining, and the pilot seemed to know it, for his pace quickened as he leaped to the next roof. It was twenty meters below, but he landed easily and kept on running. Obi-Wan summoned the Force for his jump and landed.

The pilot raced to the edge of the roof that overlooked the street. Obi-Wan could hear the noise of a crowd and as he drew closer he saw that a stadium below was emptying. Air taxis were lined up awaiting passengers. The pilot paused and activated his anti-grav propulsion belt. It allowed him to drop off the roof and land safely on the walkway below.

Obi-Wan leaped down and had to swerve at the last moment to avoid a child who suddenly darted out from between her mother and father. He landed hard. He was just in time to see the pilot get swallowed up by the surging crowd.

Irritation flamed and died away. He would have liked to have caught the pilot. He breathed in and out, regaining his calm. It did not happen. Onto the next.

He made his way back to the quarters. Anakin knelt by Aaron Dering, his hand on the man's shoulder. Obi-Wan knew immediately that he was dead.

He walked to Anakin and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. They stood for a moment, a linked chain of commemoration. A Jedi always paused to reflect on a life lost when possible, even if they did not know the spirit who had left.

"There was nothing I could do," Anakin's face was pale.

He had seen death before, but he was still affected by it. Obi-Wan was glad to see this. He hoped Anakin would never lose that particular vulnerability. There had been a time when he had wondered if Anakin failed to connect, a time when he had seen a curious blankness on the boy's face after he had killed in battle. Since that time, Obi-Wan had watched Anakin carefully. When he saw his Padawan feel the enormity of a life lost, he was reassured.

A security speeder pulled up, its signal lights flashing. Close behind was the sleek black airspeeder of Liviani Sarno. When she jumped out, it was clear she was livid.

"First an air-taxi driver is badly beaten, and now this," she snapped, standing over the body of Aarno Dering. "How will you explain this to the Council?"

Anakin flushed with anger, and Obi-Wan's hand tightened on his shoulder. Liviani Sarno's words had offended Obi-Wan as well. She treated the death of a fellow being as a nasty inconvenience.

"Obviously the Jedi cannot fulfill their promises," Liviani continued.

"The Jedi promised nothing except our presence," Obi-Wan said.

Her lips pressed together. "In that case, I am calling for extra security."

"That is a good idea," Obi-Wan answered.

He was nettled at her tone, but extra security was not a bad idea. He didn't want to reveal his suspicions to Liviani yet. Officials had a tendency to get in the way. Obi-Wan wanted to make sure of what he was dealing with first.

Liviani turned to confer with a security officer. "I suggest you find an event to attend," she said over her shoulder to the Jedi. "Just stand around and do nothing. If you can manage that much."

Obi-Wan strode away. Anakin let out a long breath.

"I have more things to learn about patience," he said. "I don't know how you keep your temper sometimes, Master."

"Indulging momentary irritation is nothing more than a distraction," Obi-Wan answered. "Liviani is worried that if disruptions occur it will reflect badly on her. We have more important things to do. When Aarno Dering left his room, did you notice anything significant?"

He watched as his Padawan frowned, thinking. Then Anakin's face brightened.

"He was just sliding his datapad into his tunic with his left hand. He dropped it when he saw us. It fell in the doorway and the door did not shut."

"Exactly," Obi-Wan said. "I think we might want to take a peek into the life of Aarno Dering."

They passed through the security gate again and quickly made their way to Dering's room. It was only a matter of time before the security officers arrive. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how cooperative they would be with the Jedi.

The datapad lay in the doorway. Obi-Wan handed it to Anakin and reached down for a small folder that had been dropped as well. In it was a text doc ID for someone named Ak Durane.

"It's a false text doc for Aarno Dering," he told Anakin. "Often new identities use the same initials as the being's real name. It helps them to remember their new identity."

"But what does it mean?" Anakin asked. "Why would Dering want a new identity?"

"There's only one reason," Obi-Wan said. "He was afraid he would get caught. The question is why." He tapped the text doc thoughtfully against his leg. "Beings don't go to this much trouble without cause. He was afraid, but of what?"

Obi-Wan surveyed the room. It was small and neat. Everything was put away. A closed travel pack sat on a table. Two chronos sat by the sleep couch. Obi-Wan picked them up.

"They are set to wake him up," he said. "He used two so that he would not oversleep." He placed them back where he'd found them. "Interesting. A chrono expert who does not trust chronos."

"Master, look at this." Anakin bent over a holofile. "He didn't code any of his files."

"He was worried enough to get a new identity, but he didn't have time to code his files," Obi-Wan mused. "That meant he was once confident that he wouldn't get caught."

"He's noted the events that he's set up the timing system for. The bowcaster skill contest and holographic obstacle course are the only ones left, but Master . . ." Anakin looked up. "The Podrace is here, too."

Obi-Wan came over and studied the file. "So. Whoever is behind fixing the games could be fixing the Podrace, too."

Anakin tapped the datapad.

"This means that Doby and Deland don't stand a chance. The winner has already been chosen."

"Possibly. We don't know anything for sure yet."

"What I don't understand is how a Podrace can be fixed," Anakin continued. "It's not like an obstacle swoop race, where individual segments are timed. Whoever crosses the finish line first wins. You can't guarantee that someone won't crack up or crash. I wouldn't take the bet, even if someone told me the race was fixed."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I see what you mean, but it can't be a coincidence that the corrupt timing judge has agreed to time the race." He stared at the neat belongings of Aarno Dering while he considered their next step. He knew it was inevitable, but he didn't like it. He would have to send Anakin back to the Podracers.

"This could be a larger-scale operation than I thought," he said aloud. "No doubt Fligh didn't tell us everything, and no doubt there are parts to this that even Fligh doesn't know. I will contact Ry-Gaul to see if he has discovered anything. Anakin, you must go back to the Podracers." Obi-Wan did not like the way Anakin's face brightened at this. "You have made friends with Doby and Deland. See if they know how the race could be fixed and if there is heavy betting going on."

"And what will you do, Master?"

"I'm going to work from the opposite end. If we want to find out who is fixing the events, we have to find out who benefits. That means that someone, or a group of beings, are placing bets on the outcome."

"But how can you discover who that is?"

"I will check in with Rhys and Siri, and I may have to reacquaint myself with Uso Yso."

**The Will of the Force**

Kastor smiled at his fellow Jedi who were waiting at the entrance to his ship. He had gotten the Council to expedite the briefing so that they could get underway to reinforce the Euceron team. The Council was well aware of what a problem at the Games could entail for the rest of the galaxy.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both," Kastor greeted the tall, broad, and formidable Baylan Skoll and the shorter, slimmer green-skinned Twi'lek, Finn Ertay, next to him. "I've heard nothing but good things, Knight Skoll, Knight Ertay."

"The pleasure is mine," Baylan responded with a curt nod, and a pleasant smile.

Finn smiled. "Your reputation speaks for itself as well, Master Shan. I look forward to working with you."

"No need for formalities with me. Kastor is just fine," Kastor said with a smile. "Formality has never been my speciality."

Finn laughed lightly. "So I have heard, Kastor. Formalities have their place, but I tend to agree with your position. Finn is just fine for me."

"Baylan," Baylan said with a nod, and a light smile. "Shall we get underway?" Baylan asked, and Kastor nodded, and gestured for them to proceed onto the ship ahead of him.

"So, this is the famous Ebon Hawk," Finn said, gazing about. "I think it's the one ship that Garen Muln dreams about in his sleep. This ship is the exception to the attachment rule for quite a few Jedi, I think."

Kastor grinned, and Baylan snorted in amusement.

"Hmm," Baylan said. "Rumor has it that it not only is an exception to the rule of attachment, but also brings out anger in the Master of the Order."

Kastor laughed. "Mace still glares at my ship everytime he sees it in the hangar, and he still threatens to permanently send me to Hoth if it gets destroyed."

Finn laughed at that and Baylan chuckled lightly.

He guided them to the cockpit and they got underway. They could make it to Euceron within the next three hours. Hopefully they'd arrive within time to help.