by Watson, Jude
“Bog and Astri’s.” Didi hung his head. “It was wrong. You cannot reproach me more than I have reproached myself. But they have a little wealth hidden away for some land Bog wishes to purchase, and this purchase will not be made for some time. The credits were just lying there! Such a waste. I assumed I could take the credits, make the bet, collect my winnings, and return the credits I borrowed without Astri knowing.”
“And what if you lost?”
“I had such a sure tip, I did not think it possible.”
Obi-Wan tapped a finger on his belt. Drawing information out of Didi was like trying to siphon water from sand. “If it is such a sure thing, why do you want your money back?”
“My guilt happened!” Didi said, his brown eyes wide. “I can’t do that to Astri.”
“And you also discovered that Bog and Astri would need the credits sooner than you thought,” Obi-Wan guessed.
“Well, they happened to meet the owner of the land they want to buy here at the Games, and he is willing to sell at last…”
“So they will find the credits missing.” Obi-Wan sighed. “There is only one thing to do. Confess what you’ve done to Astri. She will forgive you. She always does.”
“Yes, doesn’t she? That is a good idea, my friend. That is exactly what I will do.”
Obi-Wan knew perfectly well that Didi would do nothing of the kind. “And do not involve me any further in your schemes,” he said sternly. “You are on your own from now on. You cannot use the Jedi Order to threaten others.”
“Not I!” Didi exclaimed in a hurt tone. “How can you say this, when I am the biggest supporter of Jedi in the galaxy? I did give you insider information, after all,” he pointed out. “You now know the most important bookie at the Games.”
“Am I supposed to thank you now?” Obi-Wan asked incredulously.
“No, no, of course not. Thanks is never what I want.”
“Thanks are never what you deserve,” Obi-Wan murmured.
“Ah, you joke.” Didi smiled. “Then you are not angry with me. What a noble being you are, Obi-Wan Kenobi! How lucky I am to have you as a friend!”
“Not for much longer, if you try this again,” Obi-Wan said. “Now I’ve wasted enough time. I must do my duty.”
“Of course. Vastly more important than my humble problems. Do not worry about me. I will be fine,” Didi said bravely.
Shaking his head, Obi-Wan left Didi, no doubt to concoct further schemes to get himself out of trouble. The gleam in Didi’s eyes told him that.
Which reminded him of his Padawan. The gleam in Anakin’s eyes had clearly told Obi-Wan that his Padawan would not be able to resist the lure of Podracing for long.
No doubt he was there now. After checking in with Siri and Ry-Gaul, Obi-Wan squeezed aboard a crowded Transit Red. By the time it reached the northern edge of the city he was the only one aboard. He jumped out and it turned around to speed back to the city. Obi-Wan stood in the center of a dusty road. Hills shimmered in the distance. He saw no sign of living beings.
He summoned the Force. As clearly as a directional laser, the Force told him where the cave entrance would be.
He struck off toward the hillside and climbed until he found a screen of thick green foliage. He pushed the bushes aside and found the cave entrance. Obi-Wan hiked inside. The coolness of the air felt good on his warm skin.
He found the pit hangar easily. His Padawan stood over an engine, a hydrospanner in his hand. Obi-Wan came up behind him. Anakin was so absorbed that his usual sensitivity to his Master’s presence was absent.
“It’s got to be calibrated exactly right,” Anakin was saying to two young Aleena mechanics standing nearby. “We might have to do it fifty times to get it right. Or we might get lucky and get it right in two.”
“I hope it’s the latter,” Obi-Wan said. “Because there is a mission you should be attending to.”
Anakin stood up so abruptly that he banged his head on the turbine. “Master! I didn’t see you.”
Obi-Wan examined the Podracer. “I see that you’re busy.”
“I thought I’d lend a hand to Doby and Deland. They’re from Tatooine.” Anakin looked uncomfortable. “If they win, they free their sister. She’s a slave.”
“I see.” Obi-Wan nodded at the two brothers. “I wish you good luck. Anakin, may I speak with you a moment?”
He drew Anakin aside. “You know this is wrong,” he told his Padawan with a frown. “I’m sure you are helping for the right reasons. But this is not our mission. We have more important things to do. And may I remind you that Podracing is illegal?”
“But the Ruling Power is looking the other way—”
“But the Games Council is concerned. As should you be. Once word gets out, spectators will arrive. This could turn into a dangerous situation. Do you know what the course will be?”
“Through the caves,” Anakin said excitedly. “Can you imagine the difficulties? And they’ve already thought about the spectators. They’re going to set up a viewing stand near the finish line.”
“That doesn’t mean that they will be safe.” Obi-Wan’s comlink signaled, and he answered it brusquely.
The unfamiliar voice was frantic with urgency. “There is an emergency—”
“Who is this?” Obi-Wan asked.
“Bog. It’s Bog. You must come immediately. The Official Quarters.”
“What is wrong?”
“Come now!” Bog shouted, and the line went dead.
Chapter Seven
“We need transport,” Obi-Wan said to Anakin.
Doby approached them. “We have an airspeeder,” he said. “You are welcome to borrow it for as long as you need it. Anakin has helped us with no thought for himself, and we wish to repay him however we can.”
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said. Although he was irritated with Anakin for heading straight to the Podraces, he was always glad to see how Anakin’s generosity endeared him to others. Strangers became friends quickly for his Padawan.
Anakin connected to the Living Force as Qui-Gon had. He had that gift. What he needed to develop was Qui-Gon’s wisdom. That would only take time and missions.
And mistakes. He could hear Qui-Gon’s dry tone in his head.
The speeder was tweaked to run smoothly at high speeds, which Obi-Wan would expect from two Podracer owners. He sped back to the city core, Anakin at his side. He did not speculate on what was wrong. Whatever it was that had caused the panic in Bog’s voice, he would know soon enough. He hoped nothing had happened to Astri or Didi.
They passed through the high-security gate on the outskirts of the Games Quarters, where athletes and officials were housed. Obi-Wan was relieved when he arrived to see Astri and Didi standing nearby as Bog talked earnestly to Siri and Ferus. Tru stood next to Ry-Gaul. Siri turned to greet him with a thinly disguised look of disgust on her face.
Obi-Wan leaped out of the speeder. “What happened?”
“Bog’s speeder was stolen,” Siri said. “He felt an alert to all Jedi teams was justified.” Ry-Gaul sighed.
Obi-Wan gave Bog an exasperated glance. “You called in Jedi help because of a missing speeder?”
“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 security,” Obi-Wan said.
Bog flourished his comlink. “Really? Let’s see what Liviani says when she arrives.”
“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 ton
e. “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. “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. “It will take exactly ten seconds.” Then he looked hard at Didi, who coughed and looked away.
Chapter Eight
Anakin saw his Master signal to Didi. Didi tried to ignore the signal, but Obi-Wan strode over. Anakin followed curiously.
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.
Didi had stolen his own son-in-law’s speeder? Anakin couldn’t believe it.
“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?”
“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. Anakin watched his face. He had expected his Master to walk away, but something Didi said had stopped him. It seemed a minor problem to Anakin. Why was Obi-Wan getting involved?
“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’s a nasty, secret bit of business, you can bet Fligh knows about it. So how could 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 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.”
We’re wasting time on this. I could be with the Podracers. I could be helping Doby and Deland. They are trying to free their sister. Didi is trying to win a bet. Which is more important?
Anakin hid his disappointment with a frown. “Who is Fligh? Do you trust him?”
“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, reluctant to contradict his Master. “We are here as peacekeepers. There is a better use of Jedi time.” He did not mention Doby and Deland, but he knew his Master would know what he was not saying.
Obi-Wan nodded as if considering Anakin’s opinion. “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.”
Chapter Nine
Obi-Wan didn’t blame Anakin for his puzzlement. Didi’s bet didn’t appear to be worth Jedi investigation. But instinct was ticking inside Obi-Wan, telling him that this was something to pursue. He had learned not to ignore that small voice. Qui-Gon had taught him that. If he could teach Anakin one thing, it would be to slow down enough to hear that insistent sound, sometimes no more than a whisper, that said, follow this.
Didi nervously scuttled through the crowded streets, his eyes alert for the security force he was sure would be pursuing him soon. “It occurs to me that Fligh might not be too pleased to hear that I have involved the Jedi,” he said. “Perhaps it would be better if you went on alone.”
“No, it wouldn’t,” Obi-Wan answered firmly.
Didi stopped and turned. “Do not take this wrong. I am honored and blessed with your presence. But being friends with you is not easy, Obi-Wan.”
“I know.”
Didi turned into a crowded open-air plaza. Fountains played in the center, each one displaying the colors of a different world and changing in the next instant to another, so that the sparkling water seemed to glow with a thousand colors at once. Trees and bushes from planets around the galaxy had been placed in huge stone urns that offered shade for the chairs and tables set up underneath. A large screen flashed the opening times of various events, as well as the best routes to get to them. Other smaller screens showed events taking place in the various stadiums. Beings from around the galaxy sat watching the screens, sipping juice or tea, eating sweets, and watching children play in the multicolored fountains. A four-piece band played soft jizz-wail music.
Obi-Wan’s glance swept the plaza. Although he had not seen Fligh in many years, he recognized him immediately. He sat with his back to a wall snaked with blooming vines, tapping one long foot to the music. He sipped from a glass of bright yellow juice. He was as thin and spidery as ever, and his long ears appeared even longer, the lobes resting on his shoulders. A tuft of graying yellow hair sprouted from his balding head. Several gold rings were stacked on his long fingers. As they came closer, Obi-Wan saw that Fligh had replaced his pride and joy—his fake green eye—with a bright gold one.