AN: I hope everyone is ready for the next chapter. This chapter is the first chapter that started on a second Google Docs. A lot of story has been written, and still a lot to go.
Mogriff - I definitely did mix up the ward, or at least I mixed up how I wanted to phrase that sentence. So, thank you for catching that. I've fixed it now.
While they could have switched back then, I rather thought that with how often they're on missions, and since Obi-Wan is very methodical and Siri is thorough about learning everything they can for a mission, that it would take both of them awhile to get through each holocron, especially since it's the life's work of two Jedi Masters.
Good critique that I will take. My argument for Siri not revealing her going undercover just stems from it didn't happen in Legends in her, and there is precedent once again with when Obi-Wan went undercover and didn't tell anyone. They're both true Jedi, and their attachments come second to their commitment to the Order. Really, I saw this as a test for them, one the Council also saw. Could they put aside their attachment or not? If so, it's further proof that attachments can work with a healthy attachment. Your argument that with Qui-Gon having influenced Obi-Wan and Kastor having influence both Obi-Wan and Siri which would make them more disobedient or rebellious has merit though. It's something I'll keep in mind for the future.
Kastor and Rhys weren't with them for nearly that entire chapter. They met Obi-Wan and Anakin at the planet that Obi-Wan deduced Omega would flee to. Basically, Obi-Wan called ahead to the Temple to get someone to get there and hopefully detain Omega faster.
Thanks for the helpful comments and feedback, and thanks for the support! Comments and critiques, good or bad, like yours help me improve as a writer and help me improve the story. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
Chapter 37 - Kidnappers Revealed (Andarran Kidnapping Part IV)
"My Lady, please rethink this," Gregar Typho said firmly, and Padmé wanted to groan.
She appreciated her Captain of the Guard, her guards, and all her handmaidens, more than she could ever tell them, but sometimes they just worried too much. Right now, Captain Typho, all of her handmaidens, and several of her guards were gathered to protect her and prove that a Jedi couldn't get in, which would validate that he couldn't keep her safe out in Coruscant, nevermind the fact that she went out in Coruscant with only a minor guard or one of her handmaidens fairly often, not including the times when she was only with other Senators.
"I understand he's a Jedi, and a hero of our planet, but that does not guarantee that he can take care of you, especially if he thinks he's capable of infiltrating our security so easily," Typho said firmly.
"Captain, I'm sure he was joking about smuggling me out," Padmé said firmly. "He did say he would be leaving a note, which I assumed was merely a jest. He is a Jedi Master after all. He invited Jar Jar with us, so I'm sure this is just a simple dinner."
"Hesa bombad," Jar Jar agreed.
"I doubt we could get into that much trouble," Padmé assured him.
"Hmm, then you are not very familiar with Jedi, my friend," a voice said from the corner of the room, and Padmé along with all of her guards spun in that direction to see Kastor Shan leaning against the wall, watching them debate. "It is quite easy to get into trouble with us, I'm afraid."
"How did you get in here?" Typho demanded, and Padmé winced knowing that Kastor had just smashed into Typho's pride.
Kastor looked at the man thoughtfully.
"Hmm, I'm not sure you'd believe me if I told you," Kastor said. "Rest assured, your security is quite effective, and I know of no others outside of the Jedi Order capable of copying what I've done."
Kastor gave Typho a friendly smile that Padmé assumed was supposed to convey reassurance before he turned to her.
"Now, I thought you trusted me, Senator?" Kastor asked mournfully, though she could see a glint of amusement in his eyes. He was toying with her.
"I do," Padmé said. "However, I felt it would be rude to go anywhere without alerting my security detail."
"I can't say I disagree," Kastor agreed with a nod, before he turned back to Typho. "If it makes you feel better, I'm taking her and Jar Jar to one of the safest places on Coruscant, and you are all more than welcome to come along."
Typho's protest fell dead on his lips.
"Where are we going?" Padmé asked curiously.
"The Jedi Temple," Kastor said with a light smile.
"You're taking us to the Jedi Temple?" Padmé asked, a bit surprised.
"Well, we are hosting what I believe many in the universe call a potluck," Kastor said easily. "While it might not be nearly as fancy as any Senatorial dinner you've been to, I find that the environment is much more enjoyable, and I think you'll enjoy yourself."
"Oh boy, mesa loven that," Jar Jar said happily.
"You're taking us to a potluck?" Padmé asked incredulously and then laughed delightedly. "I didn't know Jedi had such things."
"Oh, there are many things that people don't know about the Jedi," Kastor said with a shrug. "So many think we meditate all day, eat only the blandest of foods, and studiously avoid joy."
Padmé couldn't help but snort in amusement at that.
"However, I always wonder why anyone would be a Jedi if that was how we truly lived?" Kastor continued.
"Don't you take children for that reason?" Arinath, one of Padmé's guards, asked, and Padmé started to glare at her before Kastor shook his head at her and smiled.
"We don't take children at all," Kastor said simply. "Parents offer their children to the Jedi Order. Yes, we look for children that could be Jedi, but it is always the parent's choice. Some for the service, others because they feel the Jedi can give their child a better life, and some, sadly, because they didn't want a child, or don't want a child with abilities they can't understand. However, children are brought to the Order because it is easier to show them our way of life when they grow up with it. Children are more open to the Force and are more pure of heart when they haven't grown up knowing greed, anger, fear, and other dark feelings. The Force can be dangerous and corrupting to those not trained to handle it. Still, once children grow up, they become Jedi, and Jedi travel throughout the galaxy, and certainly experience the wonders of the galaxy. I can assure you, even most Jedi would leave the Order if life at the Temple was as bland as many think it is . . . or at least they'd never return to the Temple."
"Apologies, Master Jedi," Arinath said contritely.
"None needed," Kastor said easily. "Now, if you would all like to come, we should head up to the Senator's landing pad and I'll have my ship provide transport."
"But Master Shan, if this is a potluck, we must bring an offering," Padmé said aghast, realizing what the universal tradition for a potluck was. "You should have told us!"
"Wesa bringin a gift and food," Jar Jar agreed.
"No need," Kastor said, and she noted a mischievous grin on his face. "Someone is already preparing a traditional Naboo dish, and is making plenty. Braised shaak roast, I believe. As a former subject of yours, he told me he would be remiss if he let you provide a dish. He insists that he provide for his queen and his former comrades."
"A former subject . . ." she muttered. "Who?"
"Find out, you will, when the right time it is," Kastor said, with a fairly decent impersonation of Yoda, and Padmé laughed, having met with the diminutive Jedi master many times since she joined the Senate, as well as many other members of the Jedi High Council that interacted with the Senate almost daily, not counting having met him during the Naboo crisis. She always enjoyed a conversation with the diminutive Jedi and felt privileged to call the old Jedi a friend.
"Then lead on, Master Jedi," Padmé said, and she, Jar Jar, all her handmaidens, and Captain Typho followed, the rest staying at their posts for when she returned, though she didn't think it was necessary.
She exchanged light conversation with Kastor as they made it to her landing platform, which had her own Senatorial starship as well as one free space for a visitor's craft.
"Where is your ship, Master Jedi?" Typho asked, and Kastor looked up.
"Coming in right now," he said, and soon a rather unremarkable and old light-freighter came flying in.
"You expect the Senator to fly in that thing," Typho said scandalously.
"I'd appreciate you not to speak poorly of my ship," Kastor said mildly. "That is generally my home away from the Temple, and I'm rarely here at the Temple. The Ebon Hawk has gotten me through many dangerous situations, including the Naboo Crisis, where I used her with your resistance, and has been in service to the Republic since the Jedi Civil War nearly four thousand years ago."
"F-four thousand years!" Dorme, one of Padmé's oldest friends and protectors exclaimed.
"Thasa very old," Jar Jar remarked, and Kastor grinned at the Gungan.
"Obviously much of it has been replaced, modified, and upgraded, but at heart it is still the same ship," Kastor remarked as the light-freighter landed.
"You're proud of this ship," Padmé remarked, and Kastor grinned.
"Let's just say that it's a . . . family heirloom," Kastor said with a chuckle, leaving her confused as the ramp lowered and Kastor guided them on.
She had to admit as she looked at the ship that it was well kept and comfortable. Certainly not something the Senators she worked with or her government would use to transport her, but she could see why Kastor was fond of it.
"It is a pleasure to be escorting you on your journeys once again, my lady," a male voice said, and Padmé turned towards the direction of the cockpit to see a familiar man, wearing a brown leather jacket and bowing his head.
"Rhys Dallows," Padmé said in surprise, remembering the brave pilot who was largely responsible for Kastor having been on Naboo in the first place, so many years ago. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I keep Master Shan out of trouble these days," Dallows responded with a cheerful grin, and beside her Kastor chuckled.
"Don't let him fool you," Kastor muttered. "He never succeeds in keeping me out of trouble."
"You work with the Jedi now?" Padmé asked, interested.
"I'm with the Antarian Rangers," Dallows said. "I joined them a few years back, after I left Bravo Flight. Once I passed their stringent training, I requested to join up with Kastor, and he was kind enough to take me on as his partner."
"It's good to see you again, Rhys," Typho said.
"Gregar," Rhys said with a wide smile. "Good to see you too. Not surprised to see you're a career man."
"It's an honor to serve Naboo," Typho remarked, and Rhys nodded.
"Indeed it is," he agreed. "If you all will strap in, we'll take off and be at the Temple momentarily."
"So, that's my former subject," Padmé remarked, glancing over at Dorme who had been rather interested in the pilot back then, and who was glancing towards the cockpit with interest. "Can I expect to see any other old familiar faces?" she asked, feigning interest even though she had two specific people in mind.
"If you mean Obi-Wan and Anakin," Kastor said, and she couldn't help but feel like he'd read her mind, "then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. They are both off planet at the moment."
"Oh," Padmé said, disappointed. "That's unfortunate. It would have been nice to see them both."
"I'm sure you will see them again," Kastor assured her, "and while they won't be there, I can introduce you to some of their friends, so perhaps you can hear some good stories involving them tonight."
"That would be nice," Padmé said, though she couldn't deny that she was still disappointed. It would have been nice to see both of them again. She wondered how the both of them might have changed as the ship took off.
"In some ways, Anakin's the same as he was when you knew him," Kastor said finally, and she glanced at him, feeling like he'd read her mind again. "He has a kind heart and is determined to succeed, and has energy that will outlast the brightest of stars. Very bright, talented, and powerful. He's grown a lot though, and he's seen much, and done much since he joined the Jedi. He's less naive, more educated, but still impulsive and ready to jump into the cockpit of a starfighter whenever he can. He'll be an incredible Jedi Knight one day, I'm sure."
Padmé chuckled at that, unable to picture what a teenage Anakin would even look like. All she could picture was the nine year old boy she had known, not the sixteen year old he was now . . . sixteen, time really moved on.
"Obi-Wan is . . . probably the most changed from when you knew him," Kastor admitted, "but at his core, he's still the same man you knew. Exceedingly humble despite his incredible skill, intellect, and intuition. Sometimes too humble. He's still got a wonderfully sarcastic and dry wit and is someone that anybody can rely on. A better representation of what the Jedi should be is not easy to find. He has become an incredible Knight, and I am sure he will one day be one of the greatest Jedi Masters in our Order's history."
Padmé looked at Kastor a bit surprised at the depth of his belief in Kenobi, but as she thought back to what she had witnessed both during and after the Trade Federation's invasion, she could see what Kastor was saying. Obi-Wan was a good man. He had shown incredible inner strength after Master Qui-Gon's death, and worked himself to the bone caring for everyone except for himself. Kastor was clearly very proud of him.
She thought a bit on the first three Jedi she'd ever met and her old friend who had now become one as they flew to the Jedi Temple, and it wasn't until she felt the ship touchdown that she focused back on the present, seeing that Kastor was lightly talking to Corde and Duja.
Kastor and Rhys led their group out of the ship and they found themselves in a standard hangar, but as they followed the pair into the Temple, Padmé admired the beautiful architecture and serene feeling that filled the Halls of the famous Jedi Temple. This was the first time she'd ever stepped foot in the vaunted halls of the Jedi Order.
She listened with interest as Kastor explained bits of history or told stories about the areas they passed, enjoying the slight detour and pause and take in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, which was a room built after the hearts of the Naboo. Finally though, their group was led into a courtyard filled with a beautiful garden, and she was surprised to see tables set up with dishes from all over the galaxy. Jedi of all ages were present, but also in attendance were dozens of her fellow Senators and their retainers.
"I see I'm not the only one invited to this," Padmé remarked.
"We invited those we consider friends, so it was personal invites, not professional invites," Kastor remarked with a smile. "This is not a night for politics. This is a night for enjoyment, and a chance to meet Jedi of all ages as well as some of our guests. Our Temple is not usually open to others, but we have been recently trying to change that. Some of the younglings will probably enjoy meeting you as much as I would hope you enjoy meeting them. For them, this is an educational experience and a chance to hear about some of your experiences from outside the Temple. I urge you to speak with them and the younger Padawans you might meet. I'm sure you can learn much about the Order from them as well."
"Oh, this is wonderful," Padmé remarked with a smile.
"Good," Kastor said, and he glanced past her and gestured for her to follow him. "Jar Jar, I suspect you are already looking for something good to eat, yes?"
"Mesa loven somezing," Jar Jar agreed, and Kastor chuckled, and pointed to a table with a Mon Calamari, a Selketh, a Nautolan, and a Sunesi.
"I think you'll enjoy that table, my friend. The Mon Calamari is a good friend of mine, one of Obi-Wan's agemates, so she knows him quite well having grown up with him. Bant Eerin is her name. Introduce yourself and I'm sure she will be more than happy to introduce you to some of the aquatic culinary dishes that have been brought tonight. A kinder soul, you'll be hard pressed to find. She also has some good stories about Obi-Wan and even a fair few about Anakin."
"Mesa thinken thas I should go over there," Jar Jar agreed and eagerly started making his way over, in his normal clumsy walk.
"Now, let's start with some introductions for you," Kastor said, and guided her in the direction where he'd been looking a moment before.
Padmé gave the signal for her handmaidens and Captain Typho to relax and enjoy themselves, which she knew Typho would struggle with, but most of her handmaidens were already looking around with interest and Corde had already went off towards a table with an Alderaanian delicacy and a gaggle of other Senator retainers.
She then focused on where Kastor was guiding her and her eyes widened seeing Rhys standing with a beautiful Mandalorian woman in her armor, next to three Jedi, one male and two females. The male was a rather handsome brown haired Jedi, probably in his early to mid thirties. One of the females was an older woman with red hair and a kind face, and the last woman was roughly the same age as the man, with light brown skin, and blue-green hair.
"Kastor," the Mandalorian said with a nod, glancing at them as they approached, eyeing Padmé, and Padmé felt herself being sized up.
"Asuna," Kastor responded, before looking back at Padmé. "Padmé, let me introduce you to Asuna Lok, Heiress of Clan Lok, another of my companions with Rhys."
Asuna the Mandalorian nodded at her, and Padmé returned the nod in kind.
"This is Knight Garen Muln," Kastor gestured to the male Jedi. "He's also one of Obi-Wan's agemates, so you might be able to convince him to tell some embarrassing stories from when they were young, since he's known Obi-Wan all his life and is one of his best friends. If he won't, then perhaps Knight Taria Damsin," Kastor gestured to the younger woman, "might be willing. She is also an agemate of theirs, and a very good friend. She and Bant are probably the closest things to annoying sisters that Obi-Wan has. Lastly is Garen's former Master, my friend, and an agemate of Qui-Gon's, Master Clee Rhara."
The older red haired woman bowed her head, while Taria shook her head at Kastor.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Padmé said. "I'm Padmé Amidala, the Senator for Naboo."
"Ah, so that's how you know Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan," Garen said, and he grinned. "Well, if you're looking for embarrassing stories, then look no further!"
"Because we have plenty," Taria agreed, a devilish gleam in her eye.
*The Will of the Force*
"A success, this event is proving to be," Yoda said, and Kastor glanced at the diminutive master.
"It seems so," Kastor admitted, looking around the garden where Jedi, Mandalorians, Senators, and Senator staff were all generally getting along, discussing various topics, forging new bonds, and breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions.
Over one hundred Senators had been invited, and most had shown, bringing with them many of their attendants and guards. While that was small compared to how many Senators there were, it still was nothing to scoff at. Jedi ranging from younglings up to Masters were popping in and out of the garden bringing dishes they made from their home worlds or home systems to add, most staying for conversation and company.
Right now, Padmé was smiling while talking to a group of younglings, and Kastor noticed that Ahsoka Tano, Aubrie Wynn, and Caleb Dume were among the group.
"Showing that perhaps, among the Council and here on Coruscant, you should be," Yoda said, "rather than among the stars, cloaked in deception."
"I don't know about that, Master," Kastor responded. "I simply came up with the idea, but I don't deserve any credit for making this happen."
"Ideas and change you bring, young Kastor," Yoda said with his unmistakable chuckle. "Change, perhaps this Order needs. Stuck in our ways, we are. Becoming too above the people we serve, we are seeming to become, even if misperception, it simply is. Coming to believe, more effort here on Coruscant, among the Senate we must devote. Ideas on how to do so, we had not. A path forward, given us, you have. A joy, this is. Joy, this event has brought to Jedi Masters, Knights, Padawans, and younglings alike."
Kastor grimaced.
"Being here on Coruscant, just isn't where I feel I need to be," Kastor said.
"Perhaps, attempting to change the future, a different approach there is," Yoda said. "Still, think on what I have said, you should. Now, some of my stew, we should share."
Kastor turned to the old master in horror.
"Master, if you think I'm going anywhere near that abomination you call a stew, then you are really becoming old and senile!"
"Kastor, that wasn't very polite!" a voice said sharply, and Kastor turned to see Padmé with Asuna, and oddly enough Vokara Che. Padmé had her arms crossed staring at him disapprovingly.
"Padmé, you haven't had his stew," Kastor countered. "You don't know. Vokara, back me up!"
"It wasn't very polite, Kastor," Vokara said, her eyes glinting. "Surely you don't know if it's the same stew you tried before. It wouldn't hurt to taste it. That is the point of a potluck afterall."
Kastor narrowed his eyes on her. This was payback for how often he made her life difficult in the Healing Ward. Trust her to show un-Jedi like vindictiveness in his time of need.
"Why do I feel like a fight is starting over here?" a voice said, and Kastor glanced to see Mace Windu approaching them with Depa Billaba. "Oh, Kastor, that explains everything."
Kastor chuckled, and grinned at the Korun Master. Depa smiled easily.
"At least I know you will admit that Master Yoda's stew is awful and that I am wise to stay clear of it, Mace," Kastor said, and Mace glanced at the diminutive smiling Jedi.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Kastor," Mace said smoothly. "In fact, I'd be willing to have another bowl right now, if you're joining me."
"It is quite tasty," Depa agreed, her eyes twinkling.
Kastor's jaw dropped as Yoda gave his little amused chuckle.
"See, you need to try Master Yoda's stew," Padmé said firmly.
"Then you're trying it with me," Kastor said, eyeing the Senator. "If I'm being poisoned, then so are you!"
Padmé laughed.
"I'm sure it's not that bad," she said. "You're just being overly dramatic."
As she learned, Kastor was not being overly dramatic. It really was that terrible. She learned on that day that she should have listened to Kastor, and apparently Mace Windu and Depa Billaba were more than willing to eat a bowl of vile stew if it meant Kastor had to suffer with them. Kastor didn't realize that he had so many vindictive friends . . . it was really un-Jedi like.
"That was very good, Master Yoda," Padmé said, though she looked a bit queasy. "However, I don't think I can eat another bite."
Yoda gave his little laugh.
"More there is, if you want," Yoda said, before hobbling away to ruin someone else's tastebuds.
"You brought that upon yourself," Kastor said with a laugh. "Did you have to take me with you though?"
Padmé laughed.
"You were being rude!"
"What's the point of being friends if you can't tell the truth?" Kastor demanded. "Yoda's not some dignitary that I'm trying to appease for negotiations. He's a friend, and he knows very few like his stew. He just likes messing with people!"
Padmé laughed again. "I guess there is some truth in what you say. If you can't be honest with friends, then who can you be honest with? Well, this has been a fun night so far, but I seem to remember there being some business you wanted to discuss with me. I'll admit, I'm rather curious, so I wondered if you'd break the "no business" rule and tell me about it."
Kastor nodded slowly.
"As you probably remember, I do a great deal of undercover work. Over the past year and a half, the Jedi Order and the Mandalorian government have been creating a partnership."
"I've heard," Padmé said, with a nod. "That's causing quite the stir in the Senate."
Kastor snorted at that, since he'd heard that from quite a few of his fellow Jedi.
"This partnership has opened up new opportunities for undercover operations, as well as provided a way forward for Jedi and Mandalorians to work together towards countering greater threats. One such opportunity that I'm working to set up, with the aid of Asuna, and some of the other Mandalorians you might have met tonight, is creating a small strike fleet from which to mobilize against greater threats, while appearing to be little more than a mercenary fleet."
"That all sounds rather fascinating, but how does this affect my people?" Padmé asked curiously, but with a teasing grin.
"Rhys is working with a conduct through Kuat Drives for a heavy frigate, and our Mandalorian allies are acquiring starfighters and troop transports through MandalMotors. What we wish to acquire is a set of bombers. Rhys mentioned that your people had created a set of high performance bombers, based on the N-1 starfighters that Bravo Flight uses. The N-2 Bomber. We were hoping that you might be willing to help us broker a deal with Nubian Hypernautics to acquire a contract for those bombers for this fleet, and effectively, for the Jedi Order."
"Oh," Padmé said with an interested frown. "Well, generally our ships are only produced for our planet's services, but I don't see why we couldn't make an exception. The Jedi did so much for us during the Trade Federation Crisis, and this is a small request. I'm sure we could arrange a contract for the production of some bombers."
"That would be greatly appreciated, Padmé," Kastor said, glad this was working out. "We're certainly willing to pay the fair price, and I know Duchess Satine is hoping that perhaps this can be a stepping stone into greater trade and diplomatic relations between her people and yours, as well as a possible contract for either the Mandalorian military to use your bombers, or perhaps for MandalMotors, Mandal Hypernautics, and Nubian Hypernautics to work a joint venture for new bombers and fighters for the Mandalorian people, as well as yours, depending on your people's interests."
"Interesting," Padmé said with a smile. "I will certainly never turn down further trade and diplomatic relations that could benefit my home, and I always enjoy a spirited conversation with Satine."
"Ah, I didn't realize you were friends," Kastor said with a smile. "She is quite a fearsome opponent."
"Especially in the political ring," Padmé agreed, and then smiled. "Come by tomorrow morning and we can iron out the details."
"Wonderful," Kastor said. "However, my dear, tonight is about fun. Tomorrow can be about business. Now, I believe it is time you met a wonderful old Jedi, Master Tera Sinube, and then we can swap some stories about our interactions with Satine Kryze and adventures on Mandalore."
*The Will of the Force*
Obi-Wan landed his starship on the main public landing platform in Utare.
He'd been frustrated with his continuous inability to find any connection between Sano Sauro and Rana Halion. Nobody, not even Tyro or the best researchers at the Temple, including Jocasta Nu had been able to find any link.
He'd been wondering what he was missing, thinking about Anakin and Ferus's reports from the Academy, admiring the work both boys had done, with Anakin quickly infiltrating the mercenary squad while Ferus had made contacts and investigated a possible source of knowledge in Reymet.
He was a bit worried about Anakin, mainly because he felt Anakin was in a similar situation to one Obi-Wan had been in when he was younger. He too had been enamored by a group of young revolutionaries, though in his case they had been a rebel group called the Young on Melida/Daan, and not a mercenary group. Still, Obi-Wan thought that Anakin would be fine, deciding to trust in his Padawan.
However, when he thought about what he might have missed, and starting thinking back on some of Qui-Gon's old lessons, he realized the issue was that there was no sign of security at the school being breached. They had all assumed that it meant whoever had removed Gillam was just that skilled . . . but maybe, security wasn't breached. Maybe Gillam had never left the academy. Perhaps that's why Reymet hinted at knowing things, but yet hadn't spoken up. If students had taken Gillam, it would explain why nobody had spoken up.
Not long after he'd reached that theory, Jocasta Nu had contacted him, not having found a connection between Sauro and Halion, but having found a connection between Halion and Rola Frac of the mercenary squad. Anakin had been right. Obi-Wan had been wrong.
He completed his postflight check and activated the landing ramp. As he strode down it though, he saw Siri waiting at the bottom. Her hands were on her hips and her blue eyes sparked fire. He hadn't noticed her irritation through their bond, but seeing her and focusing now, he could feel it. He could feel that she was quite cross with him.
He suspected this was not going to end well for him.
She spoke when he was still only halfway down the ramp.
"How could you withhold this from me, Obi-Wan? Did you think you could solve it by yourself and I'd never have to know? Were you afraid of how I'd react?" She put one booted foot on the ramp as though she were ready to charge at him. "Well, you were right to be afraid!"
"Nice to see you, too, Siri," Obi-Wan said, coming up to her.
Normally, he would assume that she was merely trying to nettle him for some minor infraction, but he could feel the real hint of anger and worry through their bond. Still, he could be wrong and this could still be over something mild.
"Now, do you mind filling me in on what you're talking about?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Ferus is missing!" she exclaimed. "Don't tell me you didn't know."
Obi-Wan felt his heart stop for a moment. "No, I didn't."
"Didn't Anakin contact you?"
"Our next scheduled communication isn't until tonight, and I received no emergency signal. Are you sure about this?" Obi-Wan asked quickly.
"Ferus contacted me via the emergency channel. I was on a mission and couldn't answer for an hour. When I tried to reach him, he didn't answer," Siri responded, and he heart the trace of worry and panic in her voice.
"He never sent me a signal," Obi-Wan said.
"I think something happened before he could," Siri said. "His message was cut off. But he did say that Anakin was taking off on a mission with the secret squad. They're going to conduct an airstrike on the Andaran security transport landing platform."
Obi-Wan stopped short. "What?"
"You didn't know?" Siri asked, and her anger faded, but he felt her worry grow.
"Of course not." Obi-Wan was staggered by this news.
He couldn't absorb it. A Jedi was missing, and Anakin had not informed him? Anakin had agreed to take part in an airstrike against a non-hostile planet? It seemed inconceivable.
"I don't understand," he said. "Was Anakin captured, or forced to leave with the squad?"
"No," Siri said. "It was his own free will. Ferus was clear about that. He sounded worried about Anakin."
Ferus was often worried about Anakin. He had noted that already. Ferus was concerned that Anakin would let down the Order in some way.
And so he had.
Obi-Wan felt the betrayal like a hard blow to his stomach. He had trouble getting air. He struggled with his own emotions, surprised at the depth of them. He felt betrayed, he realized. Why hadn't Anakin trusted him?
He swallowed. "Did Ferus know where Anakin was headed?"
"To Ieria. That's all. And it's a big planet."
He wished Siri would look away. Her eyes had not left his face. Her gaze scorched him. He had promised to watch over Ferus like his own Padawan. He had failed.
He had lost both Padawans. It was unthinkable. Yet here he was. He did not know what to do. Whatever step he took could be the wrong one. And if he took the wrong one, he could lose one of them. Or both.
Obi-Wan's thoughts whirled crazily. He could not focus. He felt a soft hand on his cheek, and he glanced to see Siri looking at him in concern.
"Let's take this one step at a time," Siri said softly, and Obi-Wan nodded slowly, but his mind was still blank. "I feel it. Ferus is still at the school. We should go there."
The confusion cleared, and Obi-Wan remembered why he had come to Andara.
"I think Gillam is there, too," he said. "But without Anakin and Ferus to help us, we can't infiltrate the campus without being detected. We can't come as Jedi. We can't take the chance that someone will be watching. We must appear as though we belong there."
"That's not exactly going to be easy, Obi-Wan," Siri responded tartly. "While I certainly have aged well, there's no way that you can pass for a student."
Obi-Wan felt his brain freeze as she stared at him with a bland expression, and he groaned, and finally she smirked.
"You know, you're the absolute worst," Obi-Wan said, and she laughed. "Still, I think I have an idea."
"Why do I feel like I'm not going to like it?" Siri asked.
"Because you're going to hate it," Obi-Wan said with a laugh.
*The Will of the Force*
"Your excellencies," the president of the school said graciously. "How kind of you to consider the Future Leaders Academy for your son."
Obi-Wan and Siri walked into the inner office. It had taken only minutes to contact Tyro for some fast false text docs.
"Thank you for seeing us on such short notice," Obi-Wan said.
"The king and queen of Cortella are always welcome," the president said. "Now, how old is your son?"
"Thirteen," Obi-Wan said as Siri said, "Twelve," at the same time.
They looked at each other.
"Two sons," Obi-Wan said quickly. "We have two. One for each of us," he added heartily.
"I see. And you wish to enroll both?"
"No," Siri said, as at the same time, Obi-Wan said, "Yes."
"Love, remember we talked about this," Siri said, her eyes flashing with a warning, and Obi-Wan tried not to smile, but it was so hard. He was having fun.
"Of course. But you agreed with me, as you always do," he said, flashing a charming smile, and her eyes narrowed, but finally Siri inclined her head haughtily.
"Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the princes will both attend," she said in a distant tone. "We must be assured, of course, that the school is up to the highest standard."
"It must be suitable for our royal regal sons," Obi-Wan said. He felt Siri groan through their bond.
"Of course," the president said nervously. "Shall we get started on our tour?"
Obi-Wan and Siri stood. "We would prefer to tour on our own," Obi-Wan said.
"We feel we will absorb the spirit of the place in that manner," Siri said. She indicated their traveler's tunics. "We dressed this way precisely so that we would not be conspicuous. We will not disturb your students."
"Uh, ah . . . this is not exactly customary . . ." the president stammered.
"Nevertheless, it is our wish," Obi-Wan said in a tone that implied that he was not used to being overruled.
"If there is a problem, we will go elsewhere," Siri said. "There is an excellent school on Alderaan - "
"No, no, no problem," the president said. He waved a hand. "You are free to explore. I will alert security that you are not to be disturbed."
Siri tilted her head again. Obi-Wan nodded. They swept out the door.
"If you ever get tired of being a Jedi, you'd make an amazing queen," Obi-Wan told Siri as soon as the door had slid shut behind them.
"And you'd make a perfect court jester," she retorted. "Royal regal sons?"
"I was trying to sound pompous," Obi-Wan said.
"Do you really think you need to try?" Siri asked.
Her clear blue eyes held a mischievous glint. In the middle of any crisis, Siri was always able to joke.
"By the way, we never tell Kastor or Rhys about this shoddy excuse for a cover," Siri said, and Obi-Wan grinned, before getting serious.
"Did you notice that the president seemed nervous?" Obi-Wan asked. "And it wasn't just because he was meeting with a king and queen. The school must know Ferus is missing."
"And they want to keep it quiet," Siri said, nodding. "That's why they haven't put the school in lockdown. If it's discovered that there are two missing students, they could lose students . . . and revenue."
"Exactly. We may not know this school, but I think we find the person that Ferus said knows it best. We should find Reymet Autem. Ferus thought he knew something about Gillam's disappearance."
"Seems like our only lead," Siri agreed.
They didn't have much luck, roaming the halls while the students were in class, but finally a soft bell signaled the end of classes as students started pouring into the halls, and Obi-Wan hailed a student who appeared to be about Anakin and Ferus's age, who was luckily able to point out Reymet.
Some quick, discrete questions, playing on their friendship, with the implications of being Ferus's parents, and Reymet revealed that he thought Ferus might be in the utility pipes, since he'd shown Ferus them the night before. Gillam had known about them as well, and Reymet thought Gillam was still in the school somewhere.
However, as Obi-Wan and Siri made their way into the pipes, leaving Reymet to return to his classes, Reymet said something about Gillam that got Obi-Wan thinking.
"I don't blame Gillam for hiding, with a father like he has. That's why I wouldn't tell anyone about him." He looked uneasy. "But now I'm not so sure. I can see Gillam hiding, but not Ferus. He isn't mean like Gillam."
Reymet had clammed up, clearly feeling like he'd said too much when Obi-Wan asked about Gillam being mean.
Obi-Wan peered into the pipe. He could see where the dust had been disturbed, but it was impossible to tell by whom or by how many.
"After you," Siri said.
Obi-Wan climbed into the pipe. He had to stoop and move slowly because of his size. Siri had an easier time.
"Hurry," she urged him.
"Would you like to go first?"
"If I could get around you, I would."
"You're the one who told me to go first," Obi-Wan pointed out.
"That's because I didn't know you'd be this slow," Siri said, and Obi-Wan sighed, and she laughed lightly.
"I hate you, my beloved friend," Obi-Wan grunted, as he moved through the pipes.
"I hate you too, my beloved friend," Siri responded cheerfully.
Obi-Wan saw light at the end of the pipe and quickened his pace. He slid out of the pipe onto a springy floor. He realized that it was covered in moss. The large space had a damp, moldy smell. Mildew marked the walls in cloudy patterns. The smell was close and dank.
"This must have been some sort of holding tank," Siri said. She took out a glow rod and held it up. "Makes sense if that was a water pipe."
Obi-Wan felt as Siri started reaching out with the Force, searching down the passageways, trying to reach her Padawan. Obi-Wan joined her, calling on the Force to locate Ferus, and at the same moment, they turned and headed for the passageway to their left.
Siri held her glow rod aloft. "I think we're in the old water treatment system. See the inflow pipes'?"
"These are holding pens for the water," Obi-Wan said, peering into the rooms as they passed.
Some of the chambers still had their durasteel panel doors. Others had doors that were half rusted away, or had been removed. The Force grew stronger. Ahead they saw a chamber with an intact was bolted to the wall with a new lock.
Siri withdrew her lightsaber. Within seconds, the metal peeled back, giving them an entry to the chamber. Ferus sat in the middle of the room. He quickly stood, facing them.
"I am sorry for needing rescue, Master," he said to Siri. "I am sorry, Master Kenobi."
"We all need rescue sometime," Obi-Wan said.
"Some more than others," Siri said, grinning at Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan frowned at her.
"Who needed saving on Ruusan?" Obi-Wan asked mildly.
"That was one time," Siri said dismissively.
"And what about Nar Shaddaa?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Doesn't count. You didn't save me," Siri responded, and Obi-Wan couldn't hide his grin, and Ferus sighed, quite used to how they bickered.
"What happened?" Siri asked Ferus. "Are you alright? Where is your lightsaber?"
"It's hidden in my room." Ferus made a face. "One of several of my mistakes. I came down here looking for Gillam without stopping there first. I thought if I found him I could prevent Anakin from taking off with the mercenary squad. Instead, Gillam found me."
"Gillam?" Obi-Wan asked, surprised, and then thinking more on what Reymet had said.
Ferus nodded. "He was never kidnapped. He staged it himself."
Obi-Wan felt a surge of impatience. He should have examined this possibility. He hadn't been able to imagine a son doing such a thing to his father. No matter how much he'd seen in his life, no matter what evil he'd faced, he was still capable of surprise at a son's resentment of a powerful father. It always surprised him how personal a betrayal could be.
"I don't understand how he could have imprisoned you," Siri said with a frown.
"I was exploring, and I found a hiding place," Ferus said. "It's just down this corridor. His datapad was hidden in a drain behind a lock, in a plastoid sleeve. I was just trying to access it when I heard someone coming. It was Gillam and a few members of the secret squad. I was able to conceal the datapad but they got my comlink."
"What did they do?" Obi-Wan asked.
"They thought I was just a nosy student," Ferus said. "I decided not to resist because I didn't want to blow my cover, or especially Anakin's. They didn't know what to do with me. They were afraid I'd report them. They searched me, but I used the Force to redirect them, so I was able to hang onto Gillam's datapad. Then they put me in here. Gillam brought me food, but I haven't seen him in hours."
Ferus held up the datapad. "They left me alone, so I was able to read this. First of all, look - it has a Senate seal."
Obi-Wan took it. He recognized the symbol of Andara on the back. "This belongs to Berm Tarturi." He thought for a moment. "Maybe Tarturi was right. Someone did break into his office and go through his things. He was right, but he was wrong on who. It was his own son."
Ferus nodded. "That's not all. There are ransom notes on this pad. Two of them have been sent. I think Gillam plans to pin his own kidnapping on his father."
"Why would he do such a thing?" Siri asked. "Does he hate him so much?"
"He must," Ferus said. "But that's not the only thing. Are you in contact with Anakin?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "He hasn't reported in. He must be traveling or even on Ieria by now, but his comlink has been turned off."
Ferus looked grave. "The last letter in the file takes responsibility for Gillam's death. It hasn't been sent yet, but it's timed to go out in five hours.".
"He's going to frame his father for his own murder?" Obi-Wan said.
"But how?" Siri asked. "He'll need a body. There will be some kind of investigation."
"That's what I've been thinking about," Ferus said quietly. He ran his hands through his hair in a rare gesture of agitation. "What if Gillam planned to produce a body? Someone similar in age and build, someone who looks a little like him. They could plant text docs on the body, or near it."
"They'd have to count on a great deal of chaos and confusion," Siri said. "There are many tests that can be done to determine identity."
"The squad is going to help start a war between Andara and the rest of the planets in the system," Obi-Wan said. "They may not realize it, but they will. That will certainly create chaos." He suddenly realized what Ferus, brooding in this damp cell, had already put together. "They just need a body." He thought back to the information he had on Gillam, to the boy's height and weight and coloring. "And they've chosen - "
"Anakin," Ferus said.