Disclaimers etc are in the first part.
"Emperor Palpatine will be arriving tomorrow afternoon. His advance team is keeping the actual time a secret." His shrug indicated his opinion about that. "Damage report?"
"The temporary Jedi Academy was completely destroyed, as were most of the government buildings and temples. The upper atmospheric suffered severe damage. This attack was not the work of the clones--it had more finesse."
"If not the clones, who? Is this the beginnings of a new war?" he asked.
She shook her head. She didn't think so; it felt more like the final salvos in an old war.
"Like Y'mala," she continued with her report, "The planetary shield generators were destroyed before the attack began." The two events had other similarities--she didn't think they were mere coincidence.
"I see." He made a quick motion and she swiftly turned the jammer back on. "And?"
"We don't know who was directly responsible for destroying the generators on Y'mala--and, I suspect, we may never know."
"I understand." They both knew that Palpatine was involved, but proving it would be extremely difficult and dangerous. "On the other matter, I have a few contacts who would rather not deal directly with me..." She smiled at this. His contacts were some of the better smugglers. "I made a few promises, and they will help. The Carok case."
"Drop it, sir?" She groaned inwardly as she wondered just how many such deals they would have to make in order to effectively run the escape routes. The Carok brothers were a couple of inept burglars with some interesting contacts. "The forensic evidence was contaminated before we could complete the tests."
"That will do. I'm sorry, Baryl." It had been her first case after returning from her so-called extended leave.
"Can I ask with whom you made the deal?" she asked even though she had a pretty good idea.
He shook his head. "Just be careful--when his agents..." He paused and looked around. "And watch my pilot."
"Sir." She switched the jammer off and they returned to their analysis of the attack.
#
Emperor Palpatine stared at the destruction of the Caamasi homeworld and felt nothing. The destruction was not as complete as he would have liked, but the point had been made. The galaxy was a dangerous place, and only a strong centralized government could offer the necessary protection. He would have smiled, but the officers and senators gathered around him would have become suspicious. He didn't need the Force to tell him that some already were. Senator Organa and his small group of followers stood slightly to the left of the crowd, watching him warily.
"Your Majesty," the sallow-faced admiral said as he snapped to attention.
"Admiral Tarkin, you may dismiss my security escort."
"Sir? That would not be wise."
Palpatine did smirk at this. Little did the recently promoted admiral know just how unnecessary his security force really was. Tarkin clicked his heels and motioned for the two blue-robed guards to depart. The Admiral then hesitated for a second before he too did a snappy about face and departed. Palpatine probed him with the Force. Ambitious, savvy, greedy--all attributes he would exploit in the coming years, but Tarkin might be a little too ambitious. He would bear watching.
Senator Brial of Coruscant bowed as he approached. "Your Majesty, it is truly a great calamity."
"It is," Palpatine answered as he looked around again. "The Galactic Republic must help the Caamasi and all the other refugees." This was a foregone conclusion, as was the fact that once again most of the galaxy would allow a greater massing of power on Coruscant. He didn't bother acknowledging the challenging stares coming from his left--Organa and his followers were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. One he would like to remove, but it was too soon for an "accident" to happen. He continued to listen with a solemn face as Senator Brial described the relief efforts.
#
"Colonel Arasta?" The young man reached out and touched her shoulder. "You are Colonel Arasta?" Baryl just nodded, more than slightly annoyed at the intrusion. She handed the container to her assistant.
"Yes. You are?"
"Oli Varsh, Coruscant Hourly News. What is Corellia's interest in Caamas?"
She waved toward the devastated landscape. "We want to find out who did this, to prevent it from happening again."
"So, you don't think this was a clone attack?"
"We haven't eliminated that possibility, but preliminary evidence suggests it wasn't."
"Will CorSec be making their report soon?"
She glanced at her assistant who quickly nodded, then left. "Our efforts will be coordinated with the other investigation teams. There will be a joint report when the investigation is concluded." She tried to maintain a patient outer exterior, but a cold draft caused her to shiver.
"And the galaxy's right to know?"
"That is not my decision."
"And the rumors of Jedi involvement?" The reporter quickly entered something in his notepad.
"Nonsense," she retorted. "The Jedi are the protectors of peace."
"I have sources who say there is a senate subcommittee investigating Jedi involvement."
She gave the reporter a thin smile that conveyed her disdain at that notion. "I for one find it..."
"I understand you carried out a secret mission for the Independent Alliance just before the end of the war. What was that about?"
"To find the secret Spaarti base of the clones."
"Did you?" The reporter whispered.
"Read the official account of that for your answer." She knew full well that her presence was not in that report--but that her two Jedi companions were named as being conspirators.
"The truth is not always in what you read." The reporter's voice was even softer. She stiffened at his next two words. "The Sith."
"There is no evidence of their existence."
He waved her off. "Yes, I know. They all died a thousand years ago." His tone implied his curiosity. "What do you know?"
She hesitated as she listened to the sound of approaching voices. This was not a conversation to be having in public, especially with the new Emperor now only a hundred meters behind her. "That this can be a very unhealthy topic."
"I did my research. Eleven years ago there were rumors that the Neimodians were backed by a Sith Lord--isn't it convenient the viceroy died and the others were isolated on a planet under embargo?"
She ran a hand through her hair. "I would not..." She closed her eyes. "You should be careful. *If* the Sith exist, they wouldn't want anyone to know." He stared at her, started to ask something, then nodded.
"Thank you, Colonel." She didn't bother to correct him--her sideways promotion into the civilian branch of CorSec was still very recent. She didn't wait for him to change his mind. She almost ran to where her assistant stood. The dark young man handed her a datacard.
She gripped her hand around the card as she glanced back at the reporter. She turned away quickly, hoping the young man understood her hint or that the blue-robed guards prevented him from talking to the Emperor.
Alderaan (6 months PLH)
Ben rubbed his face as Senator Organa responded to yet another interruption. He took several deep breaths. The Emperor's timing was impeccable. Bail was extremely disappointed that during the two months since the destruction of Caamas, the majority of the senate was again strongly behind Palpatine.
"I'm sorry," Bail said as he returned, letting the door slam behind him. "The Calamari are worried."
"They should be," Ben said as he stood. "Palpatine is ruthless."
"They still refuse to rejoin." Bail clasped his hands behind his back, his eyes focused on a spot beyond the Alderaan palace walls. "I don't know if I should try to convince them to return or stay far away." He shifted and stared at Ben. "You saw what he did to Caamas." Neither man commented on the lack of evidence of Palpatine's involvement.
"Evil for evil's sake. I don't understand it either." He remembered Yoda's words from a decade earlier, 'Hard to see the darkside is.' Even after he knew exactly where to look for the evil, it was still hard to see.
Bail exhaled. "I fear..." His voice trailed off, and Ben realized that Bail was also worried that Palpatine would strike at him and their allies. The senator looked at Ben hopefully.
He shook his head. "I've not seen anything." He did not feel the few glimpses of the Future he'd seen should be shared with anyone else.
"I understand." Bail took another breath. "There are rumors..." He hesitated. "Of a presence on Coruscant."
"I see," Ben said, he turned away from Bail. He'd heard a similar story from Garm just a week earlier. He suspected that was why Bail had wanted this meeting on Alderaan, safely away from prying eyes and ears. "What do the rumors say?"
"Nothing really, just shadows in the new Imperial palace," Bail snarled the word imperial. "Visitors feel uneasy." He pulled several round items out of a pocket. "And these." He tossed them toward Ben, who caught them easily. "Listening devices."
Ben glanced at them quickly. "High quality."
"And no, I can't prove anything. Political games have a long history on Coruscant." He almost grinned. "We've all done it. Knowledge is power. But there are unwritten rules. I found these in my apartments. Garm and Mon Mothma have found similar devices." He held out his hand and Ben tossed them back, using the Force to make sure they landed in Bail's palm.
"There is more?"
"That's harder." Bail cast the devices on his desk and again stood at parade-rest. "I find members of my staff where they shouldn't be--always with very good reasons."
"Palpatine has always been more subtle." So had the Sith in general. For a thousand years even the Jedi hadn't suspected their existence. Though with hindsight, maybe they should have. He amended that thought. *Most* of the Jedi hadn't suspected anything.
"But the game has expanded," Bail said. "Others are becoming involved. Ever hear of an Armand Isard?"
Ben shook his head. Bail continued speaking. "I met him on Caamas. He's Palpatine's man. He was asking questions of my staff that were totally unrelated to Caamas."
Ben grimaced as he imagined what kind of questions. "You'll have to be careful. You opposed Palpatine earlier. He'll target you and the others."
"We know," Bail said quietly. "We met with him before departing Caamas. I no longer know if I'm seeing threats in everything he says--or if they really are there. He talked of galactic unification under a strong, central government as being the best way to preserve the peace and prevent similar events from happening to other members of the Galactic Republic."
"The threats are real. I should have done more." Ben said quietly, his thoughts in the past. How many times did the Jedi miss a signal or a disturbance that should have told them that the Sith had indeed risen?
"Don't," Bail said, guessing his thoughts. "Let the historians lay blame. Right now we need to focus on the here and now."
"And to be mindful of the future," Ben added with a sad smile at a long ago memory.
"Yes."
Baryl pointed toward the Coronet City space port quickly, while making sure the three children and the dark-skinned woman understood where they were to go. "Remember," she said as she handed them their new travel documents, "Avoid talking with anyone." She knew from experience that people traveling under false documents tended to give themselves away in conversation. She hoped that Jedi training would keep the kids from blowing their new identities.
"I understand," the woman said quietly. The three children nodded their heads. "I'm their nursemother and we are returning from a vacation on Corellia." Baryl could sense the woman communicate with the kids via the Force. The youngest, who looked to be around eight, bit his lip and Baryl again wondered if he was about to cry. The older two had that same stoicism she'd come to associate with Ben when he was bottling up his emotions.
"And be careful using the Force. You never know who might pick up on it." She smiled at the woman's quick look of surprise.
"Point taken," the woman said softly. "And thank you." She glanced around the crowded street. "I'm still not sure I understand why all this is necessary."
"The less you know, the better." Baryl glanced around quickly.
"I know Master Obi-Wan fears the Jedi are in danger..." The woman's voice trailed off. "And I know there is a growing hatred of the Jedi. But..."
"That's the simple answer," Baryl responded. The oldest child listened carefully--the other two were more interested in their drinks. Baryl started to say more, but decided her first impulse had been correct. They didn't need to know the whole truth. "May the Force be with you," Baryl said quietly as the ersatz family headed toward the space port. She waited a few seconds before heading back the way she'd come. Treasure Row was not one of her favorite areas, but it was busy enough and unseemly enough to hide them. She waited for her shadow escort to catch up.
"Well done," he said. "It worked?" She turned. Rostek Horn rubbed some of the grime off his face.
"Very well. They said there was a minor glitch on Commenor." She grimaced slightly. "I still think we should remove Commenor from the route. I didn't notice anyone following us, except you, sir."
"Good." Horn shook his head. "Commenor could be a problem." They continued walking and kept their voices low. Both were lightly disguised to avoid casual recognition.
"Well, considering their official positions on the Emperor and the Jedi..." They headed toward CorSec Headquarters. The holonet reports had announced just that morning that Commenor had passed a law imposing stiff fines for speaking out against Palpatine.
"Commenor always had a soft spot for despots." They both smiled. She'd met Lady d'Aryl once--it had been enough.
"I never understood why they sided with the Alliance in the first place."
Rostek chuckled. "Never underestimate what inbreeding can do to the mental processes." He became serious. "They wanted their independence, but wanted to be on the winning side even more. The core worlds will probably become the Emperor's staunchest allies in the coming years." They started to walk faster as the first drops of rain began to fall. "I need a favor," he said as they rounded the corner. She almost stopped in surprise.
"Sir?"
"Senator Bel Iblis wants a security check run on his staff. And right now there aren't many I know for sure..."
"I understand. And the Express?"
"If it can't run on its own, we'll have to fix it so it can. There are some non CorSec people who I've recruited." Rostek's frown grew darker. "Considering the Diktat asked Bel Iblis to withdraw his bill..."
"Understood." She frowned. She understood too well why the senator wanted his staff investigated. "Sir, am I doing a public investigation or will this be on the quiet?"
He smiled. "Colonel, I'll leave that to your discretion, but if at all possible..."
"Quiet."
Ben disliked his disguise of a Corellian trader. It was uncomfortable, but necessary, he thought, as he glanced around the bustling Coruscant street. It had only been about a year since he was last here, but everything was so different. The citizens seemed ruder, the buildings were darker, and the lack of the Jedi Temple didn't seem to bother anyone except himself. He'd tried to talk to a pair of Twi-leks, but they'd only bowed their heads and walked faster. He took a deep breath and reminded himself to avoid using the Force.
"Excuse me," a female voice said behind him. Ben turned and smiled as he recognized Baryl.
"Hello," he said.
She smiled back. "The Senator is expecting you." She glanced around the street nervously. "You shouldn't have come," she whispered. "But there are two children..."
"I had to," he replied simply. The dark presence he'd heard about--he had to know if it was his former apprentice. He couldn't bring himself to think his name. "Two children?
"I'll tell you later. Be careful," she whispered. "I've been here a month, but apparently someone has recruited members of the senator's staff to spy on him."
He looked at her questioningly as the doors to the Galactic Republic Senate Office Building slid open. He remembered the conversation with Bail from just a month ago. "Isard?" She looked surprised as she responded.
"Maybe. The two we know for sure didn't say anything when Senator Bel Iblis sent them home. The word on the street is that there is a secret group." He wasn't surprised when she told him that this group watched for disloyalty to the new emperor.
"It won't be long," she said, as they waited for the elevator to reach the Corellian Senator's office on the fifteenth floor, "Until they do more than just watch. Bel Iblis wants them found and fired, but we both know that could be a problem." She sighed. "I've been working with him to safeguard his office and apartments." There was a long pause before she continued. "The others have similar problems."
"So Senator Organa said." Ben looked up at the ceiling of the small moving room. "This place has changed so much. No one is polite. I didn't even need the Force to sense the fear in the non-humans."
Baryl nodded once as she held out the active jammer she'd hidden in her pocket. "No place is safe, Ben."
He glared at the little device as he realized that she was suggesting that nowhere on Coruscant was safe for a private conversation. She continued speaking.
"The Senator found three in the men's washroom yesterday. And this device will soon be obsolete. I hear there are some very sophisticated devices." She handed him a key. "This is to my apartment. And--" She stopped speaking as the door opened and they stepped off the elevator. He quickly pocketed the key and followed her.
Senators Garm Bel Iblis and Mon Mothma stood when he entered the Corellian's office. "Welcome," Garm said.
"Thank you," Ben said as they all sat down.
There was a larger jammer sitting on the senator's desk. Garm switched it on. "You shouldn't have come here."
"I had to," Ben replied softly. "There is something I need to know."
"Palpatine's shadow servant?" Mon Mothma asked. She nodded at his affirmitative. "No one has seen anything, just sensed a dark shadow in the new Imperial Palace and it's not..." She didn't finish. The jammer was not enough protection to say that it wasn't Palpatine, Ben realized.
Garm leaned back in his chair. "The rumors are flying that by the end of the year Palpatine will announce the creation of a Galactic Empire. There is a great deal of support in the Senate for this." His words were laden with intense dislike at the thought. "And leaks from his special committee on the Jedi suggest that there will soon be a bill declaring the Jedi enemies of the Republic." He shrugged. "He closed the Jedi museum to the public three weeks ago--but I hear he still collects their relics." Ben nodded. Sending Nejaa's lightsaber to join the collection had bothered him, but Ylenic had insisted that it somehow seemed the right thing to do.
Mon Mothma stood and started to pace. "It's frustrating," she said in her soft melodic voice. "To speak and have no one listen."
"The pro-Palpatine forces have changed tactics," Garm added. "The non-humans fear for their status: now none of them are willing to act for fear of being cut out of the galactic senate completely."
"Fear is a potent ally," Ben said. "He knows how to wield his power." He stared at the window and the mushroom shaped Senate Building. "We must be patient."
"Patience," Garm said in a monotone.
"The galaxy will realize, in time, just what he is, and we must still be here." Ben glanced at the three others in the room.
"I don't know if I can wait," Mon Mothma said. "Not after what happened on Caamas. Not knowing what I do."
"Then be careful," Ben closed his eyes. "Rebellion will not be easy and will cost us dearly. How high a price is the galaxy willing to pay for freedom?"
Mon Mothma nodded. "Point taken." She sat down again. "I don't have to like it--and I shall do something."
"Small things," Garm said. "Placing our people in key positions, so when the time is right, we can act effectively." He studied Ben carefully for several seconds before he continued. "When the galaxy is ready..."
Ben smiled. "When the galaxy ready, the Jedi will return. The Emperor may wish to destroy us, but he will not succeed." Yet as he spoke, he knew he would not be there to see that moment. Baryl stared at him, then turned away--he realized her ability to read him using the Force was improving. He wondered just what she suspected.
"The fewer people involved," Baryl said as she focused on the Corellian senator, "the better. Sir, I'm pretty sure your receptionist is involved."
Garm groaned. "I wonder what she thinks of this meeting?"
"Nothing good." Baryl glanced at Ben, then looked away. "When you leave, I'm sure someone will be following you."
"I'm sure." He fingered the key in his pocket. "Do you have someone on the inside?"
Mon Mothma nodded, but didn't explain as she switched topics. "Senate bill two-hundred-forty-six."
Garm nodded. "It's still in committee and I have it pretty tied up, but it has support. The Palpatine faction is sponsoring it." He sighed. "It's designed to place restrictions on inter-system travel." Ben understood. For centuries travel within the Galactic Republic had been unrestricted. Travel papers were rarely checked even if required. Such restrictions could make the Pulsar Express more difficult to operate. Rostek Horn had given him a new set of papers months ago. "And..."
They were interrupted by a knock. The quartet froze. Garm recovered first and ordered the visitor to come in. It was his receptionist, a tiny woman who looked very nervous.
"Sir," she whispered as she glanced around. Ben felt her staring at him and reached out with the Force to sense her. She was more than just curious. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to remind you about your meeting with the Coruscant Trade delegation."
"Thank you," Garm said motioning her out. He waited until the door closed. "Well?" He stared straight at Ben.
"She's definitely very curious about this meeting. She would check my identity, except the lens on her hidden camera was blocked." He smirked slightly. The poor woman had also been worried. "I'm not sure she's a willing participant."
Ben frowned as he slowly stood. His hand rested on his lightsaber. He recognized a sensation, a shift in the Force. Then whatever he felt was gone.
The two senators didn't notice the brief exchange as Mon Mothma spoke. "General Merlyk resigned as head of Galactic Intelligence two weeks ago. Apparently he was forced out--something about failing to prevent the destruction of Caamas."
"We don't know who replaced him," Baryl said quietly. "In fact, the rumor is that whole Intelligence agency is being reshuffled." She glanced at Ben, then leaned against the window.
Ben turned around. "His power is extensive."
Garm silently stared at his clasped hands, while Mon Mothma shook her head. "I am afraid that is true."
"He will use the galaxy's fear," Ben said quietly, as he pulled his hand from his saber handle. Baryl touched his shoulder as she bid good-night to the two senators. Neither said anything until they were once more on standing on the street.
"These two kids?" he asked.
"Ben," she whispered with a nervous glance at their surroundings. "This place scares me." She took his hand. "I found two kids--I think they are Jedi, but they aren't willing to trust me."
His only reaction was to walk faster. "Where?"
"Below. They're living in the lower levels."
"We have to get them out. Can you get the papers?"
"I need holophotos for the travel documents. They are very leery of me. I didn't want to bring it up inside." She sighed. "Bel Iblis's receptionist is his second cousin or something. I'm not sure he truly understands just what a threat she could be."
"I think he does," Ben said. "Mistrust is the new way of the galaxy. The kids?"
She jogged to catch up with him. "They've been surviving in the lower levels. The oldest works at a rather sleazy casino. Ben, we need to get them out soon."
"I'll find them."
Alderaan
Amidala smiled as she leaned over the cradle. "My little princess," she whispered. Leia cooed softly as she clutched at Amidala's braid. It was during rare moments such as these that Amidala was able to find peace. She whispered 'I love you' in her native tongue before extracting her hair from her daughter's grasp.
"What a touching scene," a female voice said with a snarl. Amidala whirled about and stared at the red-headed woman in green who stood at the door.
"What are you doing here?" Amidala managed to maintain a steady voice. "The nursery is off limits to anyone without permission..."
Lady Brasa shrugged. "Who are you? There are no records of you."
Amidala didn't say the retort that crossed her mind. "The Princess Organa selected..."
"I know she selected you. I want to know why?" The woman crossed her arms. Amidala took a deep breath. This woman was definitely persistent.
"I suggest you ask the princess." Amidala stared at her with the full bearing of years of ruling the Naboo. The woman cringed slightly, but didn't back away.
"I shall do more than that." The red-head whirled about left. Amidala let out the breath she'd been holding.
"I'm sure you will." She said as the door closed behind the intruder. Leia whimpered. "I haven't left," she said as she returned to the cradle. She hummed softly, but her thoughts returned to the Lady Brasa.
"Oh Leia," she whispered. "There is so much you will never know." She stood slowly, not wanting to waken the sleeping baby. "The Force will guide you--though to what end?"
Coruscant
Ben ignored the tottering Rodian as he pushed his way through the crowd. It had been a long time since he'd explored the Coruscant underworld. He almost smiled at the memories of better times when he had followed his apprentice down here. Anakin had been a spirited child. He pushed those thoughts away determinedly.
Not much had changed down here; certainly not for the better. If anything it was worse. He pulled his robe tighter as he continued. He didn't dare use the Force too much, but he could sense the anger and hopelessness of the inhabitants. Much of it was hidden behind the ugliness of their situation. A scantily clad woman pushed against him suggestively as she purred her price in his ear. He walked faster.
"She not good enough for you?" Another voice snarled. Ben stared at the Dug who'd accosted him.
"She's not my type," he said as he moved his hand slightly. The Dug repeated this, then shrugged as he said something to the woman. Ben continued on his way. Baryl had said the two boys were often in this area. Someone bumped into him, then walked away quickly. Ben smiled as he followed the young lad who'd just tried to steal his purse.
"Who are you?" the boy said as Ben turned a corner behind a garbage dumpster. The boy held a blaster.
"Someone who was hoping to find you."
"I sensed you when you tricked the Dug." The boy stared at him as he lowered the blaster. "You're Obi..." Ben raised his hand and the boy didn't finish the name. The boy smiled. "I'm Orman. My brother, Darnel is finding dinner."
"How did you get down here?" Ben asked. The boy motioned for him to follow.
"After the explosion we were chased by a gang." The boy shrugged. "It didn't take the Force to know they were not out to help us." The boy was about twelve. Ben recognized him as one of the older students at the academy. "By the time we returned to the temple the others were gone." He motioned toward a rundown hotel. "The owner took us in--I do odd jobs for him. Darnel helps spot cheaters in the gambling hall. Are you here to get us out?" Ben nodded, but stopped across the street from a dilapidated stone building.
"Get your brother and meet me here. Coruscant is not safe."
"We noticed. Where we going?"
"Someplace safe. Don't tell anyone you're leaving."
The boy smiled and started to jog across the street. Ben sensed his relief at being rescued.
#
Baryl slipped quietly into the doorway as the small woman she was following stopped once again and looked around. Baryl's opinion of Bel Iblis's receptionist as spy material had never been high. The woman was not able to hide her nervousness. A tall, hooded man stopped to talk with her. The way the woman behaved as she replied was all Baryl needed know that the hooded man was her contact. It was also obvious the man was not happy with the information she'd brought. The man quickly moved away, blending back into the throng of pedestrians. Baryl quickly decided to follow him.
He was just tall enough that she could see his hood above the crowds. It made her job easier. She wondered if it was too easy, when someone pushed against her.
"Don't meddle," a deep voice growled. She turned around quickly, but her accoster was already walking away. She'd been right--it had been too easy. Both the tall man and the shorter one who'd spoken had vanished in the crowd. She swore to herself.
#
Ben didn't have to wait long. Orman exited the casino followed by his older brother. The brother didn't look happy at being dragged out. Ben stepped forward. "Obi-Wan, sir," the older boy said as they approached. "I didn't realize." He tossed his younger brother an angry glare.
"See, I told you someone wanted to talk to you," Orman said.
"It's time to go. Do you have anything you really need to bring with you?" Ben hoped not, and was relieved when both shook their heads.
"I have a friend who's going to help you leave here." He paused as they passed a large crowd.
"Gamblers," Orman whispered. "There's a race in the garbage chutes tonight." Ben worked hard not to remember Anakin's fondness for the races as they continued to walk.
"The boss will miss me," Darnel said. "He suspects the race is fixed--by someone else. He's furious--he usually arranges the fixes." He glanced at Ben. "He won't report me missing, but his goons will be looking for me."
"He'll probably think one of the competition took you."
"Possibly. Sir," Darnel said. "Are the rumors true?" The two boys exchanged nervous looks. Ben nodded.
"Then where will we go?" Orman asked, his voice tempered with apprehension.
"I don't know the exact destination, but it's someplace safe. You need to avoid using the Force and to hide your abilities." He glanced around warily. "This way." They shoved their way through the crowd toward a storm drain that served as a passage between the lower and upper regions of Coruscant. He pushed the kids ahead of him and turned. A Rodian was staring at him--the same one he'd seen earlier.
"Thief," the Rodian yelled as he lifted his blaster then he whistled. Ben flicked his wrist and the tattered awning fell, covering the Rodian.
"Run!" He shouted. The two boys bolted into the drain, followed by Ben as several figures dashed toward them. He guided them into one of the narrower tubes; they crawled along it for several meters, then waited.
"Miredo is the shorter human," Orman said. "He works for for one of the competitors."
"Miredo been watching me," Darnel said. "I think he knows I'm Jedi." Ben scowled as he motioned for silence. The sound of footsteps could be heard approaching.
#
Baryl stood in the corner of Senator Bel Iblis's office with her arms crossed, as the senator interrogated his receptionist. She broke down in tears after three minutes of incomprehensible answers. Baryl's frown deepened. Bel Iblis stepped back and offered the sobbing woman a chair. She would have snorted if she dared.
"I'm sorry, sir," the receptionist said through the tears. "I didn't know you wouldn't approve. It is in the best interests of Corellia." She looked up at him. "Isn't it?"
Baryl cringed. That was a dangerous question. She had been opposed to the idea of the senator personally interviewing his receptionist who was also his cousin. But one didn't argue with a senator.
"We must do what we think is in the best interests of Corellia," Bel Iblis responded. "Which is why I must insist that what happens in this office be considered confidential. I'm sorry, Shara, but..."
Baryl nodded slightly. She'd recommended sending Shara home. The woman would have made a lousy double-agent. Shara whined, but didn't argue.
Baryl waited until the door closed before she spoke. "Sir, she could have told us more."
Garm shook his head as he sat down with sigh. "She's been through a lot."
"There will be someone else, sir."
He nodded as he buried his head in his hands. "And someone after that. That's seven people so far. I can't believe it."
Baryl stared out the window. "There's a lot not to believe. The recruiting is innocuous, at least on the surface. For the good of Corellia--for the good of the galaxy. She must have told them about Ben and why I was here, but they knew that already." Baryl proceeded to tell Garm about the warning she'd received.
"It sounds so innocent," the senator said while looking up at the ceiling.
"It does, and it's legal--mostly. So far they haven't done anything against the law."
"The listening devices," Garm said angrily. "Are you telling me..."
She shook her head as she cut him off. "No sir, I'm not. They are not legal, but it's not your staff planting them. They were all appalled when I asked them." She knew the seven had told the truth.
#
They waited many minutes before Ben motioned for the two boys to follow him. They navigated through the old drains silently, using touches and hand signals to communicate. He was reluctant to use the Force. He froze when Darnel touched his sleeve.
"Sir," the kid whispered. "What is really happening?"
He shook his head even as he wondered how he would answer the question. "The Jedi are no longer welcome..." His voice faded away. The two boys nodded in silent agreement. He wondered what they had learned in the netherworld of Coruscant.
"Don't worry about us, sir," Darnel said. "If we can survive a year here--"
"We can survive anywhere." Orman kicked a rock. "It's not fair."
"Life rarely is," Ben whispered. "This way." He pointed toward the tube on the right. "I've made arrangements to get you out of Coruscant. But I think we'll have to clean you up first." He glanced down at his own dirty clothes. "Me, too, I think." He reached out with the Force for a quick reading of their surroundings. Not too much, as he didn't want others to sense his presence. Their pursuers were long gone.
The rest of the trip was silent. Ben sensed the two boys pondering what was happening, but they also realized the need to keep their abilities hidden. As they rounded the last bend, the light increased, and the noise from the streets reached them. The boys remained tense, but quiet. The boys understood the danger.
He peered out between the grates and smiled. With a quick tug, the grate opened, and he climbed out. They were hidden in an alley. "Clear," he called. The two boys clambered out behind him. "This way."
They fell into step and joined the evening Coruscant pedestrian traffic.
Amidala remained in the speeder as Kalla disembarked and hugged Ylenic It'kla. She shook the hands of several Caamasi dignitaries. The group talked quietly for several minutes before Ylenic left to join her. "Hello," he said quietly.
She smiled. "It is good to see you, too." She nodded toward the many buildings in various states of construction. "You've made much progress."
Ylenic bowed. "We expect to be finished before winter. Princess Organa has been very kind."
"There is some opposition to your presence here," Amidala said just as the infant in the cradle behind her whimpered. "Hello, princess," she whispered as she picked up Leia. "You're getting big." Leia grinned and gurgled.
Ylenic leaned over and smiled when Leia grabbed a handful of fur. Suddenly the infant pulled away and stared at the Jedi. Amidala looked at him, realizing what had happened.
"She recognizes the Force," Ylenic said. "It's an unconscious ability at this age in some children. But without training, she'll never learn to focus her ability." He straightened. "This will help to keep her hidden from those with prying senses." She placed the cooing infant back in her cradle as he continued. "Have you heard from Kenobi?"
"Ben? He's on Coruscant working on something for Senator Bel Iblis." Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"
He stared over her head for many seconds before he spoke. "I have heard things from others."
"The two boys?" she said, referring to the two Jedi children Ben had sent to Alderaan. They were now on their way to an unknown destination.
"Amongst others. There's no way to say this easily."
She gripped the side of the speeder. "Anakin's alive." Her voice croaked.
Ylenic just nodded.
"I thought so." Her eyes grew distant. "I've truly lost him." She bit her lip as she focused on Ylenic again. "Can he sense the children?"
Ylenic grimaced. "The Force acts in mysterious ways, but yes, a Force bond exists between him and the children. It isn't strong or well defined."
"Oh. And with me?" she asked, almost hopefully.
The Jedi bowed his head. "There is a bond between you and your children. It is stronger between you and the young princess because of your contact. She knows without knowing. Luke's connection to you and his sister is much less--but it exists." Ylenic placed his hand over hers. "And there is a bond between you and your husband. Be wary." He pulled away as Princess Kalla's entourage returned to the speeder. Ylenic bowed politely. "Your Highness."
Kalla acknowledged his greeting. "Ylenic, there is no need for such formality between friends."
He grinned. "Formality in public serves a ritual function. I hope you are pleased with what you have seen?"
Kalla shook her head. "How can I be pleased that you are forced to leave your world? Anyway, that is a question I should be asking you."
"That is a question better answered by the trustants."
"Like you, they are too polite to say anything. Ylenic, if there is anything the Remnant needs, you will let me know?"
"I shall." He bowed again as he returned to the other Caamasi refugees. Kalla smiled as she stroked Leia's head.
"And you?" the Princess whispered for Amidala's ears only. "You have been quiet recently."
"It's nothing, Your Highness." Kalla shook her head, obviously not believing her, but Amidala did not want to reveal her own grief.
"In two months our daughter will be a year old. I don't want to make a public display of it. Just you and me and Leia?"
"I'd like that, Kalla."
"Good. I know just the spot. The most beautiful place in the galaxy."
Amidala stared at the waterfall below. It reminded her of home, of another time and place. "It's beautiful," she said to her companion.
Princess Kalla grinned. "This may be the most beautiful spot on all of Alderaan--only don't tell anyone. That information is one of the perks of being the Princess."
Amidala nodded as she continued to watch the fast moving water, entranced by the sight. It was truly beautiful, yet the memories it evoked gave her a melancholy feeling. She smiled slightly. "I've always loved the sight of falling water."
Kalla frowned, then sat down on the deep blue blanket and leaned over Leia's ground-stroller. "It's hard to believe one year has passed."
"Yes," Amidala replied as she sat next to the stroller. She turned away as her eyes teared up.
"I'm sorry," Kalla said. The princess placed her hand on Amidala's shoulder. "Perhaps we should celebrate elsewhere?"
"It's all right," Amidala replied. "I like it here." Kalla gave her a disbelieving look, but Amidala knew it was true. She too leaned over the stroller. "Happy birthday," she whispered.
Kalla straightened and began rummaging in one of the baskets. She brought out a small cake. She sliced it in silence, then placed the pieces on three small decorated plates . The two women took several bites, before Kalla took a piece and gave it to Leia. The child cooed as she devoured it. Both women laughed as Kalla wiped a piece of frosting off of Leia's nose.
"She likes it," Kalla said with a grin. Leia started to whimper when another bite wasn't forthcoming. Amidala sliced a small piece and placed it on another plate, then held it while Leia ate. The dark green frosting oozed around the baby's fingers while crumbs fell randomly all over everything.
"I see she is developing expensive tastes," Amidala said. "That's genuine Trocolat--it's becoming increasingly difficult to obtain new shipments from the Rim Worlds." Both women laughed, then quietly finished the cake, as well as some other delicacies they did not share with Leia.
"So," Kalla said after she'd placed her plate back in the basket. "Lady Brasa's father has been making inquiries." She waited.
Amidala didn't react. Kalla shook her head and continued, "Has she been bothering you?"
"Not really," Amidala said. Lady Brasa was an annoyance, nothing more.
"Ami, she's ambitious. She wants a position at court, but if I appoint her at this time, I would be rewarding her very inappropriate behavior."
"Is she only ambitious?" Amidala asked as she started to pack the remains of their picnic. "No, forget I just said that. Maybe I'm just being paranoid."
"Bail's worried about her." Kalla raised her hand. "Palpatine's supporters are everywhere..."
"I've heard." Amidala avoided looking at Leia and closed her eyes. "If he finds me, he might..."
Kalla nodded while she clutched the side of the ground-stroller. "He has no love for the Jedi--but she's untrained."
Amidala sighed. If Anakin was really alive, and Palpatine discovered just who Leia was...She resolutely pushed the thought away. After all, this was supposed to be a happy day.
Kalla seemed to pick up on her change in mood. "Bail has promised to take a vacation this year. When the senate recesses, he promised we would go to the Southern Palace. It's been closed up for too long."
Amidala smiled as she used a cloth to clean up her daughter. Despite the year of pretending otherwise, Leia was still her daughter, and on another planet far away lived her son. Fate, the Force, or whatever had played a monstrous trick on the galaxy and herself.
Continue to the Year 2.