The Power of the Sith (Chapter 2)

It was a bright and early morning in Allas Kine. Governor Kaffa, eager to start his day, had arrived early at his offices. After a delicious breakfast of clams and sweet leaves, the blue-skinned alien had covered himself on his white robes and gone to his offices in the Capitol building. Bodyguards and secretaries accompanied him up the elevator and into his ante-room. Here his main secretary gave him a datapad with all his day’s meetings and other important information. He took this, bade his entourage a good day and entered his office alone. Here is where his day went wrong.

Standing right in front of him were three robed Jedi. The same Jedi, he recognized, that had arrived the day before from Coruscant. And their looks were not those of people who were eager to talk. One walked towards him.

“Greetings, Governor,” said the female Jedi. “I hope you got a good night’s rest.”

The alien, however, would be sorely mistaken if she thought Denuri Kaffa bowed to anyone. “This is my private office,” said Kaffa in perfect English. “You are not supposed to be here. Get out and I might not report this to the Senate.”

“Whoa, he knows our language now,” exclaimed the male human. “And all that show with the protocol droid yesterday must have been to make us look like idiots.” He looked up to his Wookie friend, who stared down at the Governor.

“The Sith knights failed,” continued the female Jedi, “and we know how you have been aiding them. So please, call the Senate. The most they’ll do to us is reprimand us. The least they’ll do to you is turn you over to the Inquisitors.”

At hearing the Inquisitors mentioned, Kaffa became more anxious. He sat down on one of the guest couches he had for the many visitors that came day in and day out with their problems. “What do you want?” he asked.

“Where are the Sith coming from?” asked the male Jedi. Kaffa remembered his name now--Jann something or other. The female Jedi was Serania and the Wookie had some weird name as Wookies often did. The governor looked at his accussers and said, “I do not know where they are coming from. I don’t even know them. I only know from where my orders are coming.”

“That’ll do,” replied Serania. “Where, Governor?”

Kaffa got up and went to his desk. He punched a few buttons and his screen showed a system. “Here. Zenrya. That is all I know. They do not tell me much of anything else.” Sitting down on his seat now, he made a surreptitious move and pressed an alarm button. The Jedi, who had been looking at one another, suddenly realized what he had done. They moved quickly. The Wookie grabbed his largest couch and used it to block the doors--moments before his guards began to pound on it. Jann pressed a few buttons on a transmitter located on his wrist. Meanwhile, Serania cornered the Governor.

“Were you lying to us?” demanded Serania. “Where are the Sith?”

“I told you. Zenrya,” replied Kaffa. “But you’ll die if you go there.”

“We shall see,” replied Jann. He made a sign to his companion to pick up the grand desk. That done, the Wookie lobbed the massive desk out through the large window--barely missing the retreating Kaffa. The pounding on the double doors was getting louder. Kaffa’s guards were about to break through. As one, the Jedi stepped on the window’s ledge and jumped out of it. Instantly, the guards broke the doors and began to fire at the dissapearing forms. They moved towards the window and saw the three figures on top of a slick craft, hovering a few feet below them. They resumed firing, but the figures were quick to enter the ship. Once that was done, the ship turned and zoomed out of their range.

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The Jedi ran towards the cockpit. Seated at the controls was Zee. He simply turned towards his master and asked, “Is everyone safe?”

“Yes, Zee,” replied Jann as he sat next to him. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure, Master Jann,” replied the chrome droid. He was making a move to let Krokukkon take his seat, but both Serania and the Wookie sat behind them. “Do you wish to regain controls, Master?”

“Nah,” replied Jann, “Keep them for a while. Move us on a vector out of the system.”

“Aye sir,” replied Zee. He happily turned towards his new fuctions, while Jann turned to his companions. They had all caught their breaths.

“Well, I guess this means we’re onto something,” said Jann. The other two Jedi simply looked at him.

“Who do you think is giving orders to Kaffa?” asked Serania. Krokukkon roared the reply they didn’t want to hear. Whoever it was, it was someone with power.

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Some of the secretaries were fussing over Kaffa. He ordered their meddling away and stood up, cleaning his white robes from the dust and grime. He ordered fighters after them--to make sure they never left with the facts they had found. He then allowed the cleaning crews to begin their duty, gave the secretaries the morning off and ordered the guards to stand outside his office. With no one watching, he entered a small room to the side of his office. Here was a holoprojector. He punched its dials and, within a few moments, a dark robed figure stood before him.

“Lord Masterna,” said Kaffa. “The Jedi know of my involvement. They are headed for Zenrya right now. I have ordered fighters to pursue them so as to not reveal your connection.”

The figure seemed to wait a moment before speaking. “Well done, Governor Kaffa. Worry not about the Jedi. They shall be dealt with when they reach Zenrya. In the meantime....” He let the thought trail away.

“Yes, Master,” said Kaffa. The figure just stood there silently. Suddenly, Kaffa began to gasp for air. He made a move towards the hologram, but his hand simply caused a momentary disruption in the signal. He fell to his knees and soon was dead. The hologram simply looked down at him for another moment before it dissapeared.

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A sudden explosion rocked the Star Flame. Suddenly, two more hits were felt--one to the left and one to the starboard side. Jann turned to the sensors, but he knew what it was--fighters.

“It seems our friend didn’t want us to leave without a partying kiss,” offered Serania. The three Jedi looked at the screens and saw that half a squadron--nearly ten fighters--were approaching them on various attack vectors. A voice crackled through the intercom, “Surrender immediately or we shall blow you out of the sky.”

“And we can all go back for some hot gohovi, right?” muttered Jann under his breath. He turned towards the hyperdrive computers. “If no one will object, I say Zenrya is our best bet.” No objections were forthcoming, so the Jedi said, “Alright, I’m putting it into the computers. Zee,” he ordered the droid, “evade fighter fire. Don’t fire back though. All we need now is an incident like this to get us kicked out for good. Just make sure they don’t hit the hyperdrive.”

“Yes, Master,” said the robot. Two of his four arms began to work on various things while the other two kept the controls. In a moment, the droid sent the ship upwards into a spin. The fighters, barreling down on the Star Flame, were suddenly thrown off track. They had to recompensate to get back on attack vector. The ship, meanwhile, turned back towards the planet. It dodged and flew past the few fighters that were straggling and into the heavy commercial traffic outside Allas Kine.

“What are you doing?” yelled Serania. “You’re going to get us killed!”

“Negative,” replied Zee. “This will make sure they don’t have easy shots at us--which was, I believe, Master Jann’s orders.”

“Yeah,” replied Serania, “but now he’s going to have to recalibrate the jump.”

“No, I’m not,” said Jann. “Zee, as soon as all potential traffic is moved out of our way, turn around.”

“Yes, Master,” replied the robot. His quick reflexes moved the mid-sized ship across the bows and greater craft and avoided the pursuing fighters and smaller craft. It was an insane dance. The Star Flame moved up and down and sideways, seeming about to crash into a bulk carrier before dodging it at the last moment. Krokukkon suddenly roared at the droid. Zee simply looked back and said, “Excellent plan, Master Krokukkon.” He increased the ship’s power and dove straight for the planet.

“What is he doing now?” asked Serania. Krokukkon began to roar his reply, but Jann told him, “Wait. Explain later.” He finished his calculations and said, “Alright, Zee. Do it.”

The robot acknowledged the order and aimed the ship’s nose away from the planet and turned it around. The Wookie had placed himself in the copilot’s seat and saw that the fighters were almost on top of them--thanks to the gravity well of the planet. But, before they could fire, Krokukkon pressed the screen buttons and watched as the stars became lines. In an instant, the Star Flame jumped into hyperspace and away from Allas Kine.

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Darth Masterna sighed. The Jedi were really good. He knew that Jann Duvey, Krokukkon and Serania Burtell were tough and resourceful. This, however, also showed they were quick and tenacious. Denuri Kaffa was a simpleton and a fool. By launching fighters, an investigation had spread on Allas Kine. Meanwhile, the Jedi were en route to Zenrya.

The Jedi were good and he should know. He had made sure they were the ones picked specifically for this mission.

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Serania Burtell was quietly meditating on the empty cockpit. Krokukkon, the droid and Jann had moved back to check on the ship and perform repairs. This had left her--the only one not familiar with the Star Flame--alone and with nothing to do. So, she followed Master Zommo’s advice of resting when you can. The silent purr and whirr of machines and computers were the only sounds in the room. She thought back to her times as Zommo’s Padawan. So innocent and yet so adult, he had remarked. They had gone on many missions throughout the universe. It was thanks to him that she had honed her talents and, more importantly, gained her sense of duty. The Jedi were guardians and warriors, but they should make sure that all they did was for the good of the people. Far too many times, she thought, the Jedi were eager to place their interests above those of the Republic. That was one of the reasons why she had volunteered to join the deployement of Jedi asssigned to work with the new Inquisitors. Besides the obvious fact that only the best were selected for such an assignment, it gave her the opportunity to work for people who were all about helping the Republic. That was why she stood the backtalk and snubs of some of her fellow Jedi--who felt she was either naive or power-hungry or thought herself higher than the other Jedi.

The door suddenly swished open and Jann stepped through. He had removed both his brown cloak and his white tunic. Instead, he wore a shirt that was adorned with grime streaks and grease flowers. The young man sat at the controls, next to Serania, and pressed the intercom. “Alright, Zee, the main thrust regulators are back on the green. Seal the sector and help Krokukkon with the negative energy interjectors.” The droid signaled a reply and ended transmission. Jann relaxed back into the pilot’s chair and watched the starlines speed past him. After a few moments, the silence between the two Jedi became obvious.

“Okay,” said Jann, “we’re going to have to cut this out. I mean, we just escaped with our lives from danger.”

“You’re right,” replied Serania. “I don’t know what it is.” She paused for a moment, she added, “I just think you don’t like me.”

Jann looked at Serania with a quizzical look before replying, “Why would you think that? I haven’t known you long enough to not like you.” He smiled at her, which caused her to smile in return.

After another quiet moment, Serania said, “I think you don’t like me because I work with the Inquisitors.”

“Well,” replied Jann as he got more comfortable in the chair, “I don’t like certain things about you. Like, for example, your involvement with the Inquisitors. I think that us Jedi should help out when possible, but people like the Inquisitors are always trying to increase their power by destroying the lives of others.”

“That’s not true,” began to retort Serania. Jann stopped her to reply, “I’ve studied history. Before becoming Padawan, I spent a year in the Jedi Academy libraries as an understudy. Every world’s history has had a despot and he always surrounds himself with people whose job it is to search, to intimidate and to hunt out those that oppose his rule. Even good governments do this from time to time. The problem is that, unchecked, each and every one of these organizations always becomes the very thing they set out to destroy.”

“You know what I don’t like about you?” asked Serania with a smug smile, “You are too overconfident.”

“And you are a goody two-shoes,” said Jann.

“You’re a pompous jerk,” stated Serania flatly.

“Yeah? Well, you’re a brown-noser” said Jann. The two Jedi faced one another before breaking out in streams of laughter. After they had laughed their fill, they looked quietly at one another. Jann once again broke the silence by saying, “You have a pretty laugh.” This caused Serania to blush and turn away from her companion. Jann kept looking at her, before saying, “I’m sorry if that bothered you, but it’s true.”

Serania kept her eyes away from him. After a few moments, she looked back and said, “We ought to be careful. Otherwise, we might become friends.”

Jann returned her smile and said, “That could be a problem. I’m already betrothed to Krokukkon. We’ve started to pick the floral patterns--so it’s serious.”

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The difference between two worlds could not be so obvious as that of Allas Kine and Zenrya. Whereas Allas Kine was a mining colony and a natural habitat, Zenrya was a military base and processing plant for the Republic. Devoid of most of its original color and life, it now sat bleak and brown. Most of its buildings were either black or grey in color, while few transports were visible. The Star Flame began its descent--the three Jedi once again ready for anything.

“By the way,” said Serania to Krokukkon, “what was it you told Zee to do back on Allas Kine?”

The Wookie looked back at her and roared his reply. After a few moments, Serania turned to Jann with a perplexed look and asked him, “What did he say?”

“You don’t know Wookie?” exclaimed Jann. “I’m amazed. What do they teach you guys over at the Inquisitors? Spot the bad guy by the color of their robes?”

“Well, I never got around to it,” said Serania in a defeatist tone. “There aren’t that many Wookies in the Order, you know.”

“True,” conceded Jann. “He says that he told Zee to aim the ship back down into Allas Kine to increase our speed. Once we were out of the way of the transports, the Flame had the power to pull up and jump to hyperspace, even that close to a planetary well.” Pausing for a moment, he continued, “Besides, that also kept the fighters flying down while we spun around and fled. The fighters were too worried about possible collisions to be shooting at us and that moved them out of the fight.”

Serania sat back, amazed and perplexed at the way these Jedi thought and acted. They were somewhat reckless, but she could tell that all the risks they took were calculated. Krokukkon turned to Serania and gruffed something. Jann smiled and said, “There is no such thing as a safe risk.”

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The ship touched down on Zenrya’s only starport. Serania joked that he could see the insides of the facility from their position. Meanwhile, Zee said that he wouldn’t land there for fear of the thing crumbling on top of them. Jann laughed before they touched down. Once outside, he realized that poor Zee wasn’t joking.

“Okay, now what?” asked Jann as they stepped out. As if to answer their question, twenty men stepped in front of them--armed to the teeth and dangerous. Serania and Krokukkon immediately assumed defensive stances. However, Jann just stood his ground and said with a quizzical tone, “This is interesting.” Approaching the moving figures, Jann said, “Hi.”

Of all the responses these thugs could have expected from a Jedi, Jann’s was probably the least likely. They relaxed a bit, but still kept their guns aimed at them. Jann simply smiled at them and waved at them, before repeating, “Hi.”

One of the men finally spoke, “Are you out of your mind, boy?”

Jann turned to this person and said, “Well, I could ask you the same thing. Because surely you know what we are and we can do. So, if you wouldn’t mind telling me what you are doing here, I could perhaps answer your question.”

The speaker turned to his companions, before turning back to the Jedi. “I am here on orders to bring you to Chezzerao Motaro, the Merciless. He said by force if we needed to--but now that you’re being talkative, would you prefer to just walk?”

Jann turned to his companions, before answering the thug. “Give me a moment to talk it over with my friends.” He walked to Serania and Krokukkon. They exchanged a few words, before they approached. “Alright, we’d like to go on our feet.”

The thugs looked a bit defeated--hoping for a fight, concluded Serania. He heard Jann add, “But if you’re messing with us, you’ll have three pretty annoyed Jedi Knights coming for you.”

The thug smiled and said, “I’ve always wanted to take on you pretty boys.” He turned and said, “Follow me.” The Jedi walked behind the thug for a few steps before they all felt stings in their backs. Within two seconds, all three of them fell to the ground.

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The pain and ringing in her ears told Serania that she was back in the land of the living. She struggled to clear her blurry vision and to get to her feet. She began to stand when two strong hands helped her. She looked up to see Jann’s blue eyes. “You alright?” asked Jann.

“I don’t know,” replied Serania. “I feel pretty bad.” She let him lead her to a seat, where Krokukkon gave her a cup with something to drink. “Drink this,” said Jann, “it’ll help with the pounding on your head.”

Serania accepted the cup and drank the green liquid without question. After a few moments, she looked back up at Jann and took in the surroundings. They were in a room with a few chairs and not much else. She could see a pretty strong door to her left--bolted, no doubt. She allowed herself a moment’s rest before finishing her drink. Handing the cup back to Jann, she thanked him. “So where are we?” she added.

“Well, apparently we’re in the clutches of Motaro the Merciless,” said Jann. Serania noticed that there was no concern in his voice. “But other than the way we were brought in, we haven’t had any contact or been placed in jeopardy. I’m actually wondering where our host is.”

As if to answer his quarry, the door slid open and three armed guards stepped in. They were large in size and stature--standing about seven feet, bright orange skin and yellow eyes. Krokukkon thought that they were probably hired for their looks, because they didn’t look all that bright. In front of them stepped another figure. This one was about Serania’s height. He recognized it as being a Twi’lek. Those guys were never meant to lead, only follow, thought the Wookie as the guards pointed their guns at the Jedi and motioned for their rise. Once that was done, the Twi’lek told them, “My master will see you now. Follow me.”

“Alright,” said Jann, “but no more stun shots, okay?” The Twi’lek smiled and motioned for them to follow. After they walked through various halls--adorned with trophies and banners--they entered a large room adorned with drapes and silks and full of various living creatures that were encaged. Serania thought it looked like a throne room--and that was probably the image the owner wanted you to have. She looked at the throne located at the top of a set of steps and saw a blue-furred Garran. To her, it was nothing more than a big, blue cat. It was dressed in various robes and wore bright jewelry over his body. Various creatures stood about and around him--but they weren’t in a party mood. Rather they looked to be all business. Seated at the Garran’s feet were several scantily-clad females of his species. As the Jedi approached the throne, they began to purr towards both Jann and Krokukkon. This made Serania smile.

“Welcome, noble Jedi,” said the Garran. “As you may have guessed, I am Chezzerao Motaro. Some of the more...imaginative reporters have nicknamed me ‘Motaro the Merciless.’ I hope you will be able to see past this and work with us.”

“We work with those that need our help,” said Serania defiantly, “not criminals.” Once again, her companions rolled their eyes. Chezzerao simply smiled at her and said, “I won’t deny who I am and what I do. However, do not think that that makes me evil.”

“Oh really?” pressed Serania. “How about those Jedi your men killed on Quermias?”

“Those,” replied Chezzerao, “were not my men. And that was one of the reasons why I had asked you be brought here. To clear up that mess--among many others.”

“What do you mean?” asked Jann.

“For quite some time, people have blamed me for a large percentage of the crime in this sector,” said Chezzerao. “And that has been and continues to be true. However, there are quite a number of high profile events--the Quermias incident among them--where the blame has fallen unto me when it isn’t true.”

“So take it up with someone with authority!” nearly yelled Serania. Krokukkon had quietly moved behind her as he sensed some anger in her. “Or take it up with someone who cares! I can see it now--’Big Crime Boss Says He Didn’t Do It and Wants Protection!’”

Chezzerao simply stared at her and asked, “Is there something wrong?”

“You’re damn right something’s wrong!” said Serania. “You killed my people! Why should I bother doing anything but cutting you into tiny pieces?” Her hand was now clearly inside her robes. This move made the rest of Motaro’s people reach for their blasters and weapons. Jann realized they were going to be in a lot of trouble soon--and that whatever chance they may have would dissapear.

“Wait!” he yelled. “Everyone calm down!” He turned towards Serania and dragged her aside and said, “What is your problem? We don’t have time for this!”

“Me?” nearly screamed Serania. “This piece of slime killed our friends and you just want to let it slide like that?!”

“No, I don’t!” replied Jann, “But this is no way of handling it. There is more at stake here than we may know.” Facing Chezzerao once again, he spoke louder, “I’m guessing what you were trying to say is that the persons who are doing all of these crimes you’re being blamed for are the same we are after. Right?”

Chezzerao looked at the Jedi and said, “Yes. Until a few days ago, we had no idea who it could it be. We still don’t. However, we know that their connection is someone high in the Zenrya military structure. Beyond that, my connections know nothing.” Facing Serania, he added, “I’ve lost some of my men as well. And they didn’t die fighting.” She simply glowered back at him.

Krokukkon roared for a few moments. Jann saw him and added, “He’s right. We need first-hand intel.”

“One place to get it is the information center in the main Republic buildings,” answered Chezzerao. “But that’s deep in the base infrastructure and you will never reach it. The only other place would be the communications center--but that’s an even worse place to penetrate. It’s on the far side of the base and it’s surrounded by a strong energy shield. Even I cannot get there.”

“We can,” said Jann. “We will need guides to the base and transport to and from the base. Oh, and one of your...deniegos if you don’t mind. We will handle the rest.”

After a moment’s pause, Chezzerao said, “Alright. I’ll have Mosten take you.” He pointed to one of the guys in the room. Jann recognized him as the lead thug from the starport. “I’ll add two more guards just for general protection.”

“That should be more than enough,” replied Jann. “But I’d suggest they go in another transport--in case there’s problems and we need to distract anyone.” After the Garran nodded his approval, Jann said, “Very well. We go in peace.”

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As the transports tore through the Zenryan landscape, Serania kept herself quiet and removed from her companions. Krokukkon gave Jann a look. His friend understood it--they had better get Serania back from her anger or she’d be no good to them or the mission. Jann moved into the backseat--where Serania sat by herself--and sat next to her.

“You don’t approve?” asked Jann, hoping to break the ice.

“Jann,” replied Serania, “I am a Jedi Knight and an Inquisitor. That means I shouldn’t even consider working with someone like Chezzerao Motaro. He should be in jail cell. Period. But, since I apparently know nothing, why should I bother getting in your way.”

Jann took her chiding and waited a few minutes before replying. “Serania, do you know why I agreed to go with Motaro’s thugs when they approached us at the starport? Because I felt no danger in going with them. I even asked Krokukkon and he agreed. Even when we were in front of him and were surrounded by his goons, I felt no danger towards us from Chezzerao Motaro. It wasn’t until you decided to confront him that I felt some danger.”

“So?” asked Serania defiantly.

“You know full well that, as Jedi, we have to rely in our instincts and feelings to sense the way the Force wants us to go,” said Jann. “If I had felt danger in Motaro or his men, I would not have hesitated in fighting our way out of there. I have complete confidence in your abilities and Krokukkon’s. But I don’t see why we should go about things the hard way when the Force is guiding us in a certain path. If that means working with a gangster, I will.” Pausing, he added, “Besides, I don’t think Motaro killed those Jedi in Quermias.”

“Oh, you don’t?” asked Serania as she turned to face her partner. “I’d like to hear this.”

“While we were there,” said Jann, “I felt Motaro’s dread at seeing us. He respected us for what we were--our power. It wasn’t until you began to openly challenge him that his emotions changed to fear. You would have forced him to answer your challenge on his power by killing you. That would have ruined everything--in more ways than one. In any case, because Motaro’s wary of us Jedi--”

“He would not have gone out of his way to openly kill us like he’s said to have done in Quermias,” finished Serania, seeing the answer.

“That’s right,” said Jann. “In any case, we need him for his connections. For the moment at least.”

“Well I hope you’re right,” replied Serania. “Those were friends of mine that died out there.” Pausing, she said, “Besides, it’d be a shame if the great Jann Duvey was proven wrong.” She smiled.

Jann smiled back and moved back to his seat up front. He gave a look to Krokukkon to tell him things would be all right. The rest of the ride to the base was quiet.

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Zenrya’s military base was a complex entity. Founded close to two hundred years ago, when an army of untold millions was marching through the galaxy, it had been used then as a listening post. After that war had ended in its fiery climax, Zenrya laid among the many worlds decimated. The Republic had then decided to establish a more permanent base and use it as the operations center for that sector. Along the way, processing companies had decided that the presence of a base, its garrisons of soldiers and squads of fighters would mean an environment free of open conflict. They had established their own bases and towns throughout the various nearby systems. However, the Republic only allowed processing plants that would work for it to be established on Zenrya’s immediate soil.

Though the base had grown to nearly ten thousand soldiers and eight thousand fighters--along with families--it had never been overwhelmed by its life. A clear structure and layout was obvious. On the outermost edges lied the open target fields. The most basic of equipment was housed next, followed by barracks and live-in houses. After that came the landing platforms and housing bays for both terrestrial and aerial transports and fighters. Finally, at the center, where the command and control centers. The only deviation from this plan was the communication centers. These laid on the side of a mountain--to ensure both a proper chain of command and a secure line to the other worlds. It was towards this mountain that the two skeef transports were headed.

“What are the chances that we will find any records of talks between Zenrya and Allas Kine?” asked Serania.

“Pretty good, I’d say,” replied Jann. “After all, whoever was talking with Kaffa wouldn’t consider that records of communications between two worlds might be incriminating. On the contrary, our real problem might be in finding who it was that was talking to Kaffa.”

Krokukkon then proceeded to explain Jann’s line of thought with low gruffs while Jann translated for him. If Kaffa was indeed getting orders to remove small quantities of ore shipments from someone on Zenrya, then whoever that was would not be worried about the large volume of transmissions. After all, Allas Kine was a mining colony and Zenrya was a processing plant--and they both were under Republic jurisdiction. So, transmissions between the two worlds would have been constant. This would hide whoever was ordering Kaffa around from any investigations.

Serania then asked the obvious question. “So then how are we going to find who this person is?”

“We aren’t going to search for calls to Allas Kine,” answered Jann matter-of-factly. This made even their driver look at him. Sensing all the wary eyes on him, Jann said, “Trust me.”

The transports came to a stop approximately one-hundred yards away from the communications center. Mosten turned to Jann and said, “This is as far as we can go. You guys are up.”

“Alright,” replied Jann as he and his friends got out. “Meet us at the other side of the center,” he directed to Mosten as he was given a box. The driver replied, “That’s twice as long for you guys to run.”

“Whoever said we were going to run?” asked Jann as he ran after his friends. Five meters in front of them was the shield--making any entry impossible.

“And now what?” asked Serania as both she and Krokukkon stared at Jann. “Don’t tell me you’re going to use the Force to lift the shield generator.”

“I wish,” said Jann. “No, I’m going to use something a bit more subtle.” He proceeded to lift the box and open it. Inside laid one of the creatures from Chezzerao’s throne room. It was a small, chimp-like, animal. With various eyes on its head and a prehensive tail that ended in a small claw, this creature was like none Serania or Krokukkon had ever seen. It was removed from the box by Jann, who began to stroke it to wake it up. He looked up to see his companions’ perplexed looks.

“This is a deniego--a native of these parts,” answered Jann. “You see, after the devastation took out most of the local lifeforms, the Republic started a native wildlife preservation program out here on Zenrya.” With that said, he released the now-awake deniego, who scampered straight for the energy shield. Upon sensing it, the small beast stopped and began to emit a high schrill. Jann directed his friends behind rocks and told them to be quiet. Within a few moments, the shield was deactivated. In an eye’s blink--and thanks to their Force abilities--the Jedi ran the ten yards between them and the shield before it closed. The deniego had just ran across when the shield came back down. The Jedi ran for cover in a cave and watched as a Republic patrolguard came along on a transport, picked up the deniego and returned to the base.

“The Republic is forced to look out for these creatures, no matter how small,” said Serania as she understood Jann’s plan fully. “But the creature could have ran straight into the shield.”

“Yes, it could have,” replied Jann as he stood up and dusted himself off. “That was another calculated risk. More important, it’s another sign of Chezzerao’s trust in us.”

“Really?” asked Serania, taken aback he would bring that subject up again.

“Those creatures, being the last of their kind, are worth fortunes in the black markets,” said Jann. “It takes a lot for someone to part with one. Yet he gave it to us with no second thought.”

Krokukkon roared that Motaro could have just done it to get us trapped. Jann replied, “I don’t care how much we think you and I are worth, my friend. That small creature I just released is worth two hundred and seventy thousand locally--about twenty million Republic credits. You don’t give that to people you’re going to kill.”

Upon hearing the price of the animal, both Krokukkon and Serania stood there--mouth agapes. Jann saw them and laughed. “C’mon,” he said, “we best hurry. That patrol won’t be back for a while, but we shouldn’t run any chances.”

The Wookie’s questioning roar was heard by Jann. “What of mines or sensors?” “Don’t worry,” replied Jann. “There aren’t any on this side. The shield is too strong for their effectiveness and, besides, who would try to come in through this side.”

The Jedi remained quiet for their short sprint to the communications center. No one saw them enter.

************************************************************************

The communications center for Zenrya Base was quiet that night--like every other night. Clean hallways resonated with their silence. From the ceiling of one of these hallways, a metal grate was removed. The Jedi jumped down and began to use their abilities to sense for guards. None were nearby. “So, where to now?” asked Serania.

“I’m guessing our best bet would be the archives rooms,” replied Jann. “This way,” he pointed. The Jedi moved quickly through the empty halls. At one corner, two guards were turning, but thanks to the Force, they were unable to catch the Jedi. Other than that scare, the Jedi had safe coasting to the front of the archives room. Here Krokukkon pulled out a digital skeleton key. After a few moments, the door opened and they entered into a dark and large room. Computers abounded left and right. Hundreds of lights of various colors came in and out of existence. “Here’s where I wish we could have brought Zee,” said Jann. Turning to Serania, he asked, “You wouldn’t happen to know how to use all this equipment, would you?”

She smiled and said, “This is one thing that the Inquisitors did teach me. Stand aside.” The two friends let her take the seat in front of a large terminal--various screens and controls at her command. She began to type in and said, “Good. They’re backing up their old files. That means that no one will notice our presence.” Typing faster, she continued, “OK, we are looking for an unusually large amount of transmissions between Zenrya military command and Governor Kaffa, right?”

“Try that first,” said Jann. He watched as her partner’s fingers danced up and down the keys and managed to touch the right ones. A readout appeared on the screen before them--too big and fast for them to actually read.

“I”m guessing that’s all the communication between Kaffa and Zenrya, right?” asked Jann. Serania nodded and added, “It’s no use. Everyone from the base commander to his staff has had lots of connections with Kaffa. Inventory, shipping orders, military convoys, you name it.” Turning to Jann and Krokukkon, she asked, “Now what?”

Jann replied, “Search for any communications between Zenrya military command and any unusual places.”

She was perplexed, but did as asked. The readouts were smaller, but still a lot of people made calls to unusual places. “Families, betting, these people keep in touch,” remarked Serania. “Wait. This is interesting,” she said as she saw something. “There are a lot of calls between Zenrya and Gehemit Three.”

“Why is that odd?” asked Jann, perplexed look in both his and Krokukkon’s eyes.

“Because,” replied Serania, “Gehemit Three is a private planetary resort. It’s on the other side of the Outer Rim.”

Krokukkon growled a question and Jann translated it. “So, someone might just be planning a trip.”

“For the past two years?” asked Serania. This made the two Jedi behind her stand straight. They seemed to be on the right path. “Who is it?” asked Jann.

Serania punched up a few keys and produced a name and picture. “His name is Subcommander Tevone Lelaix, second-in-command to the base commander.” Pressing a few other keys, she compared his records of calls to Allas Kine. “This is also interesting. He’s never made one call to Allas Kine. And he’s been serving here for three years. How is that possible?”

“Maybe he’s just a common secretary,” replied Jann. “Try seeing where he is.” As Serania was dialing up this new information, a red light filled the room. Alarms blared and the computers shut off. The monitors began to flash with the message, “Unauthorized Entry, Sector 4-3B.”

“That’s our cue to leave,” said Jann. “C’mon.” The Jedi ran out of the room and began to run in the direction opposite the incoming voices. Before more guards could approach them, they jumped through another grate in the ceiling and dissapeared from view.”

************************************************************************

Mosten felt like a fool when he followed the Jedi’s orders. He felt an even bigger fool when he had to duck the Republic patrols. Now, with the alarms blaring and the patrols intensifying, his instincts were telling him to run as far away from the base. He would have done so, were it not for fear of Motaro’s response to his cowardice. Chezzerao was noble and protective of his own men. Nevertheless, when one betrayed him or his partners on a mission, Chezzerao was merciless. Mosten thought, hence the name ‘Motaro the Merciless.’

“Alright, let’s go,” said the Jedi as he and his friends jumped into the transport. Not a moment too soon, thought the gangster. He started the skeef and flew out of there. Thanks to the other skeef, they were never followed--the guards and patrols too busy trying to catch the other transport. If they did, thought Mosten, all his partners would say was that they were getting out of there for fear of Republic retaliation.

“So, was it worth it?” asked Mosten to the male Jedi. He turned and said, “I think so. We’ll know more tomorrow.”

************************************************************************

The following morning, the Jedi entered the Republic base through the front door. The patrols had intensified and they were cleared three times by various checkpoints. They knew that Base Commander Ragon was on other businesses--this made their job easier. They asked to speak with Subcommander Lelaix. They were led to a small office on the control building. Here they met Lelaix--a small, jittery sort. Not the kind one would think had risen to such a high position in the military. But, the Jedi could tell this guy was no pushover--no matter what his size was. “What can I do for you?” asked Lelaix as he led them to their seats.

“We have been sent here to follow a lead on misappropriation of Republic goods,” said Serania. They had decided earlier that the quick way would be best. No more hiding in corners. “And there is reason to believe that someone in the chain of command here at Zenrya Base is in charge.”

“What sort of proof can you have for that?” asked Lelaix, concern obvious in his voice.

“None concrete,” replied Serania, who took notice of the relief in Lelaix, “however, there is a lot of circumstancial evidence.” She gave herself a dramatic pause before adding, “Enough to call in the Inquisitors.”

At hearing this, Lelaix went stiff. “The Inquisitors?” he asked. “Wouldn’t this be dealt with by the Republic Senate or the Military Tribunals?”

“I’m afraid that, with these charges, the Inquisitor’s Office has jurisdiction,” said Jann. “Believe me, I’d hate to turn anyone over to the Inquisitors, but it’s the law.” He shrugged his shoulders and added, “In any case, we thought you’d like to know before the charges are brought to your home.”

“Why would they charge me?” asked an exasperated Lelaix. “I’m just a Subcommander. I don’t have the authority to do any such things!” Any calmness in his voice had dissapeared. “I have served the Republic since I was a little boy and now they will accuse me of these things!” They will leave me out to rot and die at the hands of those monsters!” In his rant, he managed to press a button. Within five seconds, fifteen guards entered the room and hoisted their weapons at the Jedi.

Lelaix added with a deadly tone in his voice, “I don’t think so.”

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