Chapter XXVI – Whispers in the Dark
Obi-Wan sat on the edge of the bed and stared at his
wife while he gently stroked her cheek. He was
elated to have her back safely and promised himself
that they would re-celebrate their union once the
debacle they had been thrust into was over. He soon
found himself glancing down at her belly where their
future was growing in her womb. Admittedly, he’d had
little time to consider how the pregnancy, let alone
the birth, would change their lives – until now. He
genuinely smiled at the thought of a little boy or
girl – their child. His mind drifted to Luke and
Leia when they were born, how the events of that day
had unfolded…the sheer happiness of Anakin and
Padmé. He recalled what a loving father Anakin had
turned out to be – not surprisingly – his family was
his life. Padmé’s dual role as doting mother and
leader of the Rebellion held her in high esteem with
those who knew her. Long ago family had taken center
stage to the one time Senator but she was very adept
at balancing her responsibilities.
As the Jedi Master used the Force to check on his
child, he closed his eyes and smiled from ear to
ear. Yes, he could feel it and the sensation
astounded him. His life was changing – again.
Sakoya awoke to her husband’s hand on her stomach
and an aura of the Force around him. How she had
missed him! She reached over, placed her hand on
his, and whispered, “I can hardly wait.”
Hearing his beloved’s voice brought him out of his
reverie and Obi-Wan opened his eyes. “How are you
feeling?” he asked.
“Much better,” she replied. “I misjudged my
recuperation time and…”
Obi-Wan knew she was thinking of Anakin and gave her
a reassuring hug. “A little too much excitement,
hmmm?”
“Apparently,” she quietly answered, reveling in the
embrace.
Obi-Wan changed the subject as he stated, “I’m sure
Han has his ship ready, at least I hope he does.”
Although, there was an edge in his voice – akin to
the voice of experience.
Sakoya chuckled and shooed her husband off the bed
so she could get up. “I need to get ready.”
Just as she stood up, the Jedi Master gathered her
in his arms again and softly said, “I missed you.”
Sakoya rested her head on his chest, listening to
his heartbeat. He always managed to soothe her even
when he wasn’t trying. “And I missed you,” she
replied.
They stood locked in their embrace for a few
minutes, lost in their own world.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
“Greetings, my Master,” Zula reported, his head
downcast.
Reynard purred through the viewscreen. “Regan – is
she alive?”
Zula had been dreading this moment and considered
himself lucky to be on board a ship far from Ord
Mantell than in the physical presence of his Master.
“I regret to inform you that…Regan was destroyed.”
Reynard bolted upright from his chair and leaned
over the desk, snarling at the image of his servant.
“Did Vaarn kill her?”
“He was not able to provide me details, but I found
a small portion of her homing beacon.”
“Is he dead?” Reynard asked in an icy tone, still
only a few centimeters from the screen.
“Yes, my Master,” Zula responded, not daring to look
up.
Reynard seethed silently for a few moments. “What of
Rheu and my shipment?” he demanded through clenched
teeth.
Zula hesitated and then replied, “All destroyed.”
“ALL?” he spat venomously, his anger exploding
through the transmission. “EVERYTHING?”
Zula could only helplessly nod his head.
Reynard glowered at the image of his servant, his
fury ready to let loose on the next unfortunate
person who happened into his office. “All of
it…GONE!” he bristled. “You have the list – send an
encrypted transmission to all the invitees
immediately. They will come based upon my reputation
alone.”
“It will be done, Master.”
Reynard cut the transmission before Zula finished
speaking.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
“Gather around, everyone,” the Jedi beckoned. “We’ve
got the location of the antidote.”
“I take it your Clawdite was cooperative,” Bail
remarked.
“Yes,” Obi-Wan replied. “He already had the
information prepared for me.”
“And you trust it?” Xar’ek asked, still surprised by
the Clawdite’s willingness to aid them.
“They’re evil creatures,” Cela snarled.
“Cela,” Obi-Wan chided.
“I can’t help it,” the girl retorted, “it’s the way
I feel!”
A sudden beep indicating an incoming transmission
disrupted the heated discussion. Reluctantly,
Obi-Wan walked over to the desk and activated the
holo-emitter. Within seconds, the holographic image
of a man appeared and said, “This is the front desk.
I have an urgent call for you, sir.”
The Jedi Master eyed the image curiously. “Patch it
through.”
The man nodded and soon his image disappeared and
was replaced by another, older gentleman. “Jedi
Kenobi, I’m afraid I have terrible news… There’s no
easy way to say this…your Clawdite friend…is dead.”
Startled, Obi-Wan stared wide-eyed at the
holographic doctor. “Doctor Jerrid, how can this be?
His condition was no longer life threatening.”
“While this is true, his body shut down in the early
morning hours. His guard is also dead.”
Sakoya sucked in her breath as she stood behind her
husband.
“Murder?” The Jedi’s brow knit together in a
combination of confusion and intrigue.
“It’s possible – his physical condition showed no
abnormalities or I wouldn’t be permitting him to
check out of the hospital. My initial post-mortem
revealed symptoms of a heart attack but we haven’t
conducted detailed autopsies yet. As for the
security guard – he also showed signs of a heart
attack.”
“Please keep me posted.”
“Of course, Master Jedi.”
The holograph quickly disappeared, leaving Obi-Wan
to stroke his goatee as he absorbed the disturbing
news.
“Hrmph, at least you got the map before that thing
died.”
“Xar’ek!” Sakoya scolded, giving her old friend a
nasty look.
“Just being truthful.” Xar’ek replied with a shrug
of his shoulders.
“You really think he was murdered, Ben?” Luke
inquired, his expression revealing the puzzlement he
felt.
“Sounds pretty suspicious, kid,” Han piped in.
“Yet another twist in this conspiracy,” Obi-Wan
slowly said, his voice sounding tired.
“Perhaps we should split up,” Bail suggested.
“Why?” Xar’ek wondered.
“To find out what happened to Mr. Nurgh,” Bail
replied. “This planet is within New Republic
jurisdiction.”
“I recommend Luke carry out the investigation. He
can coordinate with the local security.”
“I second that, Master Kenobi,” Senator Organa
replied.
“I’ll volunteer to stay with the kid,” Han added
with a lopsided grin. “Chewie?” he said, glancing at
his best friend and shipmate.
Chewbacca nodded his head in approval and added a
few sounds only Han could interpret.
“I’ll stay and help too,” Cela eagerly volunteered,
her gaze fixated on Luke.
Sakoya playfully smirked at the girl and said, “I
thought you were adamant about coming with us?”
Cela’s cheeks flushed crimson and she glanced away
slightly embarrassed. “I-I could help Luke,” she
replied, trying not to gush. “He might need me.”
Both Xar’ek and Obi-Wan managed to conceal their
smiles as the latter said, “Any objections, Luke?”
The Jedi chuckled, as he replied, “No, Master. I’m
sure she’ll be a great help.”
“Then it’s settled,” Bail offered. “The rest of us,
including Mara, will proceed to Ord Mantell.”
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Zula didn’t move for a long time once his
conversation with Reynard concluded. His conscious
was beginning to weigh heavily upon him. All he
could visualize was the serene look on Vaarn’s face.
Atypical behavior for such a fierce person and it
gnawed relentlessly at the Clawdite.
“I should have questioned him and let him live,” he
somberly said to himself. “Still, the collar…what
kind of freedom would he have had with that choking
his life from him day after day, for that’s what it
feels like to me.” Zula slowly shook his head and
breathed deeply. He knew he would have to enter his
chamber again and soon. “Reynard has lost his way.
Only revenge appeals to him – and the glory of his
toxins along with the enormous credits he can stow
away from their sale. Am I foolish to think he can
be saved from his madness?” Zula didn’t know what to
think and his heavy heart burdened him even more.
“Too many have been affected by this…it must end.”
Staring at the computer console, Zula began to
formulate a very important message in his mind.
Via a hologram projector, he composed his message.
Krotn, I fear I have arrived at a crossroads. I
wish to help Master Reynard from his oppression but
I have concluded that his redemption may not be
possible. I have recently learned that the entire
shipment of sample toxins has been destroyed…and
with it the invitations that were to be delivered.
My Master bade me to re-issue the invitations…but I
am unwilling to commit myself to that endeavor. I
realize he will be furious…but I cannot do it. I
can’t let him slip farther into the black hole that
he has surrounded himself in.
I take great risk in revealing my face to you but I
must make contact with you as soon as possible. If
you can meet me on Nevus, the vacation city of Kuryn
on the Northern continent I will provide you a
personal escort into Reynard’s compound. Although my
exposure has now placed my life in peril I must do
what I feel is right.
__________________________________*****__________________________________
Having heard so much about Kuryn’s entertainment
district from his colleagues, Bail thought it would
serve as a good distraction, at least temporary,
from recent events. He and Obi-Wan had known each
other for years and he knew that Anakin’s death hit
the Jedi Master hard in spite of his refusal to let
it show. Yes, Bail mused, Relaxation will
not only do the Jedi good, but our entire party as
well.
There was one ‘hot spot’, as Xar’ek put it, which
boasted of being ‘the’ place to visit in Kuryn so
they decided to take the Corellian’s suggestion.
“This is it?” Luke warily asked.
“Don’t judge too quickly, young Jedi,” Xar’ek
countered.
“Looks like some of the places I used to hang out
in,” Han commented, grinning.
From the outside, the building was nondescript
permacrete with very little decoration. Only the
name of the establishment, Garbage Masher,
which had been artfully carved into the building
stood out, it’s colorful array of lights attracting
even the attention of the casual passerby.
Luke sighed and with a shrug followed everyone
inside.
As the large party entered, not only the festive
décor, but also the gregarious atmosphere pleasantly
surprised them. Sakoya instantly smiled and took
hold of her husband’s hand.
“Dance with me,” she coyly grinned.
“If that is what my lady wishes,” he replied, his
eyes sparkling as he drank in the sight of her.
“This’ll be an interesting evening,” Xar’ek grunted
and rolled his eyes.
Cela ignored the Corellian’s sarcastic comment and
turned to Luke. “Would you care to dance?”
The Jedi smiled and casually nodded. “Sure.”
As the two couples weaved through the throng of
patrons, Xar’ek pointed toward the other end of the
club and said, “There’s supposed to be a casino in
here too. Anyone feeling lucky?”
“Go amuse yourself, I’m going to get a drink.”
“I’ll join you, Han,” the Senator stated.
“Suit yourselves,” Xar’ek quipped and then
disappeared into the crowd.
“Someone’s perturbed,” Han jeered.
A figure in dark clothing entered the club and
glanced around. The immediate barrage of loud music
and scattered bright lights were an irritant but one
he was willing to deal with. He wanted to be around
other beings this night and not his usual
hibernation. He already felt isolated and hoped this
venture would assuage him.
Feeling rather timid, he searched for an open table,
keeping close to the wall and out of the way. By the
time he finally found one and sat down, he felt
exhausted in spirit. Reynard always kept Zula close
to him, a routine the Clawdite was used too.
However, all the patrons in the club were
overwhelming him and he felt his breathing begin to
grow ragged. “Perhaps this was an error in judgment,
after all,” he mumbled to himself.
As he stood up to leave, his eyes habitually scanned
the area – not that he expected to see anything out
of the ordinary. Facing defeat to his purpose, he
focused his roaming eyes on the ability to weave
through the clustered patrons with chagrin. As if
embarrassed, he lowered his head and tried to make
his way toward the entrance.
“Pardon me.” He could be heard saying repeatedly.
His breathing becoming more difficult, Zula tried to
hurry through the crowd and accidentally bumped into
a chair, which nearly caused the person seated to
choke on their drink.
“My apologies,” he uttered sympathetically as the
man turned around in his seat. Zula sucked in his
breath as he recognized the face of Senator Bail
Organa staring at him. Stunned, Zula offered another
apology and hastily continued through the crowd.
“Air!” he breathed in as he burst through the club
doors and staggered down the street. “He’s here!”
Zula felt his forehead and noticed the beads of
perspiration and nervousness already beginning to
surface.
It was late into the night by the time Obi-Wan,
Sakoya, and the rest of their party left the
Garbage Masher. Cela yawned as she walked down
the street holding onto Luke’s arm, a smile of
contentment gracing her face.
Luke only hoped that she wasn’t getting any crazy
ideas. He liked Cela, she was a fun girl, but he was
devoted to Genne and that wasn’t likely to change
soon. Hailing a nearby carriage, Luke helped Cela
into it and then turned around and asked, “Anyone
else ready for a ride back to the hotel?”
“Sounds better than walking,” Han replied.
Obi-Wan and Sakoya watched as the hestans pulled
away, carrying the trio and then turned toward Bail
and Xar’ek. “We’re going to walk a little, you want
to join us?”
“I could use the fresh air,” Xar’ek commented. Even
though he felt like an intruder, he couldn’t help
himself – he wanted to be near Sakoya.
Bail simply nodded and fell in step with the two
Jedi.
As the four of them walked, they spoke quietly
amongst themselves, but they weren’t alone.
Fading into the darkness, a figure crept along,
following the small party. Dark clothing helped him
blend in and a dark hood covered his head obscuring
his face.
Once they were far enough from the stragglers
exiting the club, Obi-Wan spoke to his wife through
their bond. *Someone is following us.*
*Yes, I feel them too.*
Before Bail or Xar’ek could understand what was
happening the two Jedi had circumvented them and
activated their lightsabers. They immediately took a
defensive posture, ready to spring into action.
“Who are you?” Sakoya demanded, her emerald blade
illuminating the darkness.
“Senator Organa?” the tense voice inquired.
Obi-Wan’s shimmering blade, the twin color of his
wife’s, hummed loudly in the still night. “You have
already been asked to identify yourself,” he firmly
stated.
“Please, I am no threat, but I must speak with the
Senator. He will know me as ‘Liberator’.”
Zula removed his hood and the darkness only further
enhanced his sunken eyes and gray skin. It was the
first time the Clawdite felt as though he were
menacing in appearance.
Bail’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Before venturing out this night I sent you a
message. I did not expect to see you in person –
yet.”
“You have me mistaken for someone else,” Bail calmly
stated, unsure if this was his informant or a trap
set by Reynard. Had he found out? Did Reynard
know of his involvement? Bail asked himself.
“I make it a point to know who my Master does
business with – or in this covert case, myself,”
Zula wryly commented.
Bail remained impassive.
“I understand your need for proof,” Zula nodded,
“and there is little I can provide, but first I ask
that we move to a less conspicuous location.”
Brandishing their lightsabers, Obi-Wan and Sakoya
warily followed Zula while the Senator and Xar’ek
remained behind the Jedi. The Clawdite led them in
between two permacrete buildings where they were
partially out of sight. Zula walked farther into the
darkness while the others remained on the edge of
the alleyway. Neither Jedi could sense anyone else
lingering, nor did they feel this was a trap.
Nonetheless, they kept their weapons active and
their defenses alert.
Four pairs of eyes stared at Zula, scrutinizing him,
waiting for him to provide what he said he would –
proof.
“I gave you the name, ‘Krotn’, because he was my
best friend when I was growing up,” Zula remarked.
“You gave me ‘Liberator’ for my part in releasing
the galaxy from Reynard’s creations.”
Bail blinked but gave no indication as to what he
was thinking. “That information could have been
intercepted through transmissions or read after the
fact,” he wryly replied.
Zula maintained his composure and countered, “The
scramble code to unlock each message was a variation
of the word, ‘airlock’.”
Finally, the Senator asked for an opinion. “What do
you two Jedi sense?”
“Nervousness,” Sakoya replied.
“But no deceit,” Obi-Wan added.
Thus far, the unusual looking Clawdite had given the
correct answers. Not only that, but the Senator had
complete faith in the Jedi standing in front of him
and knew if something were amiss, they would know
it.
“I believe you,” Bail stated.
Relieved, Zula took a deep breath and then said, “I
have an offer for you.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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