by Джуд Уотсон
"Those seeming not to notice you usually do," Qui-Gon said, looking out into the distance. "They choose no to show it. Or they have greater concerns on their minds. It is no reason for discourtesy."
"But I — "
"I see that your discourtesy sprang from anger," Qui-Gon continued. His voice was soft and low, as it usually was. "I will ignore it."
Angry words sprang to Obi-Wan's mind. If you're choosing to ignore it, why are you mentioning it?
Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan directly for the first time. "You will not, under any circumstances, intervene in any situation regarding my mission, or take any action, without contacting me."
Obi-Wan nodded.
Qui-Gon's gaze swept the mine towers of Bandor. "Things are rarely what they seem," he murmured.
"That is why I wish to — " Obi-Wan started.
"Come," Qui-Gon interrupted sternly. "Let's get your things. You must catch that transport."
He strode off briskly. Obi-Wan followed more slowly. He saw his chance of being a Jedi Knight dissolved in the cold, gray air.
Chapter 4
Xanatos was not an easy student. Though he was very young when he left Telos, he remembered that he had come from a powerful family on powerful planet. He used the information to try to impress the other students, most of whom came from far less privileged backgrounds.
Qui-Gon was patient with this fault, he considered it a childish failing that would disappear with time and teaching. When they first arrived at the Temple, most of the students still missed their families and home planets. Many of them spun tales about their backgrounds or retold remembered stories. Xanatos really wasn't that different, Qui-Gon told himself. And he made up for his snobbery with a genuine desire to learn and an excellent aptitude for Jedi skills. When the time came, Qui-Gon chose Xanatos as hid Padawan learner.
After seeing a simmering Obi-Wan off on his transport, Qui-Gon went for a walk. His mind mulled over the morning's meeting. Who had fabricated the request for Jedi intervention in Bandomeer affairs? If it was Xanatos, what was his reason? Had he lured Qui-Gon into a trap?
Qui-Gon pondered the questions, but came up with no answers. If there was a trap ahead, he couldn't see it. He could hardly confess to SonTag that he couldn't help because of a mysterious figure from his past who might still hold a grudge. The only thing he could do was proceed. The mission on Bandomeer was real. SonTag and VeerTa needed help.
SonTag sent word to Qui-Gon that the meeting with Offworld would take place at the Home Planet Mine. At the scheduled time, Qui-Gon headed out of his quarters. He found SonTag herself heading toward him down the hall.
"I'm glad I caught up with you," she told him. "We've changed the location of the meeting. I think it's better for both parties if we meet in a neutral place. Maybe if there's an official tone to the proceedings, everyone will be more polite." SonTag grimaced. "At least that's what I hope."
"I hope the same," Qui-Gon agreed. He shortened his long stride to match SonTag's.
In the receiving room, VeerTa stood waiting. She was wearing the gray-blue unisuit of a miner, along with an impatient look.
"This meeting is a waste of time," she told Qui-Gon brusquely. "Offworld will make us pretty promises and then break them."
"I'm here to ensure that they don't," Qui-Gon answered. He liked the fiery VeerTa. He hoped the meeting would go well for her sake, and for Bandomeer's.
The door opened, and Clat'Ha, the Human manager of the Arconan Harvest mining operation, entered. Qui-Gon greeted her with a bow. She returned it, he vivid green eyes giving him a warm glance. They had been allies on the ship to Bandomeer; he hoped they would remain so here.
They waited for several minutes, but the Offworld representative didn't show up. Sine Jemba the Hutt was killed during the journey to Bandomeer, nobody knew who the new representative would be. Offworld's power structure was clouded in mystery. No one even knew who its leader was.
Finally, an annoyed SonTag gestured at the cushions.
"We might as well start the meeting," she said. "If they're trying to intimidate us, I'm not going to fall for it."
Everyone took their seats. The cushions made height adjustments so that everyone was at eye level. Clat'Ha and VeerTa began to brief SonTag on progress at the mine. Qui-Gon heard their words, but he was distracrated by something more important. There was a disturbance in the Force. He tuned into the disturbance, unsure of what it meant. The dark ripples were a warning, but of what?
The door suddenly flew open. A young man stood in the doorway. His shiny black cape was lined in a blue so deep it was almost black as well. A broken circle scar marked his cheek.
Qui-Gon's gaze locked with the intruder's. The moment hung suspended in the air. Then, to Qui-Gon's surprise, Xanatos broke into a delighted grin.
"Old friend! So you are here. I hardly dared to hope." Xanatos strode forward, handsome and commanding. His black hair flowed to his shoulders, and his dark blue eyes matched the lining on his cape. He gave the Meerian sign of greeting to SonTag, then bowed.
"Governor, I must apologize for my lateness. My transport was held up in an ion storm. Nothing was more important to me than getting here on time. I am Xanatos, the representative of Offworld."
SonTag greeted him, palms up. "I see that you already know Qui-Gon."
"Yes, I have had that good fortune. But I haven't seen him in many years." Xanatos turned to Qui-Gon. He bowed.
There was no mockery in the bow, Qui-Gon noted. Just respect. Yet he did not trust it.
"I got your message on my arrival," he said neutrally.
"Yes, I had heard you were dispatched from Coruscant," Xanatos answered. "Since I had just been appointed Offworld's representative, I knew we would meet. Nothing gave me more satisfaction."
Qui-Gon studied the young man. Sincerity rang in every word. What was going on?
"I see you mistrust me," Xanatos said. His midnight-blue eyes beamed a keen look at Qui-Gon. "Your sense of caution hadn't changed. But surely other Jedi apprentices have left the path of the Jedi without your mistrust?"
"Every apprentice is free to leave at any time. You know that," Qui-Gon said evenly. "If they leave honorably, there is no mistrust."
"And so I left. It was best for me, and for the Jedi," Xanatos said quietly. "I failed to lead that life. Yet it isn't a source of regret. I was not meant to lead the life of a Jedi." Suddenly, he flashed a smile at SonTag, Clat'Ha, and VeerTa. "I value my training as a Jedi, but it didn't prepare me for the shock of reentry. I must confess that I went astray for a few years. That's the last time that Qui-Gon knew me."
Astray? Qui-Gon wondered. Is that how Xanatos thought of that time?
"But I've changed. Offworld has given me that chance."
Xanatos leaned forward, his gaze on VeerTa. "That's why I admire you, VeerTa. Offworld sent me to tell you that the company will not interfere with your project. A richer, more secure, Bandomeer is better for all of us." Xanatos touched his chest. "I admire your leadership, because I love my home planet, too. Telos is always in my heart."
He turned to SonTag. "Perhaps if Offworld donated ten percent of its profits to the Bandomeer reclamation effort, it would convince you of our sincerity?"
SonTag looked flustered. Qui-Gon knew that even ten percent of Offworld's profits was an enormous sum. Offworld had never given away any profits to a charitable cause.
The offer must be a trick. Qui-Gon didn't trust it. But he could see that Xanatos had reached SonTag and VeerTa. Only Clat'Ha still looked wary. But then, she had more reason to doubt Offworld. She had tangled with them recently.
Xanatos seemed to pick up on Clat'Ha's mistrust. He turned his penetrating blue gaze on her. "When I took my position with Offworld, it was with the understanding that certain policies would change. I do not believe in plundering planets and leaving them behind when we have gotten everything out that we want. Our actions on Bandomeer will be the first demonstration of our new policy."
&nbs
p; SonTag nodded. "It's a wise course. And Bandomeer will be grateful for your help — "
Suddenly a huge explosion rocked the room. VeerTa was knocked to the floor. Before the others could react, Qui-Gon was on his feet, lightsaber in hand.
Qui-Gon sensed the explosion had occurred outside the palace. He hurried to the window. VeerTa struggled to her feet and followed him.
At first, a large black cloud completely enveloped the view of the city below. Then the wind picked up, clearing the view.
A plume of smoke rose from a mineyard. Qui-Gon could see the rubble of a large building. One of the mine towers was down, and the other leaned dangerously. As they watched, it slowly tipped and fell, demolishing a shabby building, probably worker housing. Qui-Gon saw figures stumbling, running away from the disaster. There would be others trapped inside, he knew.
The sirens began, high-pitched and wailing. Beside him, VeerTa swayed, then gripped the sill to keep herself upright. "It's the Home Planet Mine," she whispered.
Chapter 5
"I didn't start it." Xanatos would say whenever a fight broke out between him and another apprentice. His blue eyes would blaze with sincerity and sorrow.
Like a father, Qui-Gon would always try to believe him.
VeerTa's hand curled into fists. She let out a choked roar and threw herself at Xanatos.
Without seeming to move, Qui-Gon was suddenly between the two of them, holding VeerTa off. It would do no good to attack Xanatos. Qui-Gon knew firsthand hoe fierce and volatile a fighter he was.
VeerTa struggled against Qui-Gon's iron grip. "You did this!" she spat at Xanatos. "You'll pay for it!"
Clat'Ha moved to stand beside VeerTa. Outwardly she was calmer, but her eyes betrayed the same rage. "Of course they did it," she said contemptuously. "It's just their style. Cowards!"
Xanatos looked pale. "I assure you, Offworld had nothing to do with this. I'm confident that the facts will prove this — "
"Enough of your lies!" VeerTa shouted. She tried to spring at him again.
"Let us be calm," SonTag said urgently. "VeerTa, we must go to the mine. They'll need help."
"Yes, the miners — " VeerTa said. She rushed out.
Qui-Gon had seen the effects of explosions before. They were always terrible. Lives were lost, bodies maimed, spirits broken. Blood mixed with ashes and tears. He did not know why this tragedy seemed worse to him. Perhaps because the miners had carved the mine out of rock and earth. They had worked with no money and little hope to build a future they had struggled to even imagine.
They stacked bodies in the yard. Qui-Gon worked tirelessly to carry victims from the wreckage. Forty miners were trapped below ground. Rescuing them was a painstaking and dangerous process.
The explosion had been touched off in one of the tunnels. The main administration building was completely destroyed, as well as the dwellings surrounding the mine. It was dark before Qui-Gon and the others had finished evacuating the wounded to med centers.
At last, there was nothing more for them to do. Clat'Ha called him to one of the untouched buildings for food and rest. He joined VeerTa and Clat'Ha at the table, but they were too exhausted and sorrowful to touch the food.
"Our dream has died," VeerTa said. Her face was filthy with dirt and mud.
"No," Clat'Ha responded softly. "That's what they want. We can rebuild."
The door opened, and SonTag entered. She, too, had helped at the mine today. Her red and gold tunic was filthy and caked with blood.
"We have news of the cause," she announced quietly. "It wasn't Offworld. There was a mixture of gases in a sub-level tunnel."
VeerTa half-rose. "Impossible!" she cried. "We have sensors — "
"The sensor was inoperative," SonTag said. "Strictly a mechanical failure. The engineers are certain of it."
Clat'Ha and VeerTa stared at SonTag in disbelief. "So it's our fault?" VeerTa asked numbly.
"I'm afraid it appears that way," SonTag replied. "Could someone have sabotaged the sensor?"
VeerTa shook her head. "We have the mine under twenty-four hour guard."
SonTag spread her hands. "Mechanical failure is one of the hazards of mining."
Qui-Gon wasn't so sure. Something wasn't right here.
Just then, a knock came at the door. A miner handed a message to SonTag. She read it. Then crumpled it in her hand.
"Bad news?" Clat'Ha asked.
"No, just surprising," SonTag said slowly. "Xanatos has offered the resources of Offworld to help rebuild the mine. Money, droids, anything we want. Plus, he'll house any displaced workers in Offworld housing."
"So he was sincere," VeerTa said, surprised.
Qui-Gon felt disturbed at this news. If this was a trap, it was a costly, elaborate one. Were the stakes so high for Xanatos? Surely he wouldn't go to all this trouble just to get revenge on Qui-Gon.
The site of the meeting had been moved at the last minute. The main building had been completely destroyed. If SonTag hadn't changed her mind, they would all be dead.
Xanatos was playing a game. Qui-Gon only wished he knew what the goal of the game was.
He was sure of just one thing: when it came to Xanatos, games had no rules.
Chapter 6
Obi-Wan was bored. If he had to go on one more Spore Tour, he would scream.
He knew that Agri-Corps did important work. But why was he here?
In the middle of brown, parched earth, the Agri-Corps had constructed a giant dome. Surrounding the dome were scientific laboratories and worker housing. Entrances from the labs and the admin centers led into the dome itself. Everyone worked for the good of the planet. No outside interests were allowed to control research, and no profits were taken from any discoveries.
Obi-Wan would have found the operation interesting id it weren't for the fact that his tour guide, a Meerian named RonTha, was the dullest creature he'd ever met. RonTha was fascinated by such things as stem grafts and seed sprouts. He could talk about them for hours in his droning monotone. And he did.
The only bright spot was that Obi-Wan was about to be reunited with his friend Si Treemba, the Arconans he'd met on the transport.
Arconans were born in nests and raised in close communities. They didn't have a highly developed sense of individual self, and didn't often associate with outsiders. But Si Treemba had formed a deep bond of friendship with Obi-Wan. He had stood side by side with him against Hutts and Togorian pirates. Because of his decision to take Obi-Wan's side against the Hutt Offworld leaders, he had almost lost his life. Si Treemba had discovered his own individual courage along the way.
Obi-Wan headed for the admin center, where he was to meet RonTha and Si Treemba. He saw his friend waiting and hurried to greet him.
"It is good to see you again, my good friend," he said, clasping both of Si Treemba's arms. The Arconan had a strong, snakelike body with slender arms and legs.
"We are blessed to see you, Obi-Wan," Si Treemba answered. His large, glowing eyes were full of pleasure. Arconans rarely, if ever, used the word "I."
Clat'Ha had sent Si Treemba to monitor the Agri-Corps' dactyl research. The Arconans needed the yellow crystal to survive, and Agri-Corps was trying to develop a way to incorporate it into the food supply. It was unusual for one of his species to travel alone, but Si Treemba had become an unusual Arconan. Clat'Ha knew she could depend on him.
RonTha approached, consulting a datapad as he walked. "Today we are scheduled to tour the northernmost quadrant of the great dome." He told them in his usual drone. "We have many fascinating seed experiments to cover. Stay with me at all times, an do not touch anything."
RonTha led the way into the dome. The vast, enclosed place was lit by an artificial sun, actually an illuminated bank set high in the dome. Outside the dome was a vast brown wasteland, but here they were surrounded by rustling grain and grasses. Around them gardeners hurried to and fro, their arms filled with flats of baby plants, or seed dishes.
Dazzled by the light
and heat, Obi-Wan and Si Treemba trailed after RonTha as he listed the many agricultural experiments taking place.
"With all this talk of food, we're getting hungry," Si Treemba whispered to Obi-Wan.
"We sure are," Obi-Wan agreed. He swallowed as he glimpsed a grove a trees ahead. Large, golden fruit hung from many branches, close enough to pick.
A tiny monitor on RonTha's belt began to glow. He switched it off. "I'm being called to the administration building," he told them. "You're free to wander about, if you wish. Just don't go off the path. And don't touch anything!" RonTha hurried off.