Джуд Уотсон - Jedi Apprentice 14 - The Ties That Bind

Obi-Wan leaped lightly to the ground as Qui-Gon landed and reached for Tahl. The three now began to run. They did not tire and did not stop until they passed into the Civilized Sector, where the population now thronged the streets. They would be safe among them.

"I can honestly say I couldn't have done it without you," Tahl said, panting.

They pushed on to the Institute of Government Service. They hurried inside toward Roan's office. They burst in, but it was empty. His assistant came running in after them.

"You can't — oh, please excuse me. I didn't realize you were the Jedi."

"Where is Roan?" Qui-Gon asked.

"He has gone to a meeting."

"What meeting?"

The assistant hesitated.

"We are in Roan's confidence, as you know," Qui-Gon said. "Has he gone to meet the kidnappers?"

The assistant nodded.

Qui-Gon strode to the window, exhaling his irritation against the glass. This was unfortunate.

He did not trust the kidnappers. Roan could have been the real target all along.

Tahl questioned the assistant sharply, but it was clear he did not know where Roan had gone or any details of the meeting.

"What can we do?" Obi-Wan asked.

Tahl and Qui-Gon spoke together. "Wait."

They stayed for hours in Roan's office. At last Balog came to them.

"I have arranged accommodations in the Governor's residence," he told them. "You will be more comfortable there, and after all, that is where Roan will go when he returns with the twins." He hesitated. "I wish he had confided in me, too. I will wait with you."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Thank you."

Balog escorted them the short distance to the residence. Dusk had fallen, and the crowds protesting in the square had dwindled.

"Apparently the lure of the evening meal has caused some to lose their dedication," Balog observed.

As they neared the residence, Qui-Gon noticed a large package on the walkway leading up to the house. It was outside the security field.

"Balog, there is something — "

"I see it." Balog spoke quickly into his corn-link, calling for security, even as he ran alongside Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

There was a deep unease in Qui-Gon that only grew as he ran. As he drew closer, what he feared took shape before him.

It was not a package. It was Roan, wrapped in dark fabric and tied with wire.

Qui-Gon knelt by his side. Roan's sightless eyes stared up at the gathering night. The Supreme Governor was dead.

Gently, Qui-Gon placed his hand over Roan's eyes, closing them. Balog and Obi-Wan came forward. Balog sank to his knees.

"You can rest now, my friend," he murmured brokenly.

Carefully, Balog, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan lifted the body. They carried Roan inside his home for the last time. Tears now streamed down Balog's cheeks, but his face was composed and he said nothing.

"I must see to the arrangements," he said as they laid Roan in the reception room. "We must try to conceal this for as long as we can. We must find the twins first. I think it best that we not tell anyone just yet."

"This will be hard to conceal," Qui-Gon said. "Whoever killed Roan will want it known."

Qui-Gon was right. In a short time the darkness outside was lit with glow rods and candles. Obi-Wan had thought there were many in the streets that afternoon. Now it seemed that the entire population of New Apsolon was outside, pouring out their grief or their rage.

Balog stared outside at the demonstrations. "I must get a message to Manex. He should not find out this way."

The Jedi sat in an inner room. Obi-Wan was unsure of their next step.

He knew they would not leave until the twins were found. Perhaps they would escort them off-planet since the situation was so volatile. He watched Qui- Gon and Tahl, who sat opposite each other but did not speak.

A short time later they heard a disturbance in the hall. Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon and Tahl out of the room.

It was Manex. His voice was high with his distress. "I was hosting a dinner. They brought me the news." He looked slightly foolish in an opulent green velvet robe and a red tasseled cap that Obi-Wan thought inappropriate under the circumstances.

Balog spoke to him in a low tone. "We believe the cause of death was a paralyzing agent that attacked his heart and lungs. We do not know if the attempt was to kill or stun, but it was too late to revive him."

Manex nodded sadly and looked at the Jedi." I saw this end for my brother," he said. "I think he did as well. Yet he went forward."

"He always went forward," Balog said.

Manex put his hand on Balog's shoulder. "Thank you for all you have done. Now I will sit with my brother until morning."

"I will send in refreshment for you," Balog said.

"Send nothing." Manex walked softly to the door where Roan lay, opened it, and disappeared inside.

The Jedi returned to the small room. "Do you think he was genuine?"

Obi-Wan asked Qui-Gon. "He hardly looked the part of a grieving brother."

"Yes," Qui-Gon said. "But there is another perspective. You could say that he did not take the time to change but rushed here when he heard. His attire could be confirmation of his grief."

"Is that what you think?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I don't know. But I need to hold the two perspectives so my vision will be clear."

Obi-Wan nodded. They sat again. The hours passed. The lights were powered down until they gave off a soft glow. Obi-Wan felt himself beginning to nod off, but he did not want to suggest sleep until Qui-Gon did. It was unusual for Qui-Gon not to take notice of his fatigue.

Suddenly, Qui-Gon stood, his hand on his lightsaber hilt. "Someone is outside," he murmured.

Obi-Wan stood, ready for action, his sleepiness gone instantly.

"Wait here," Qui-Gon told Tahl. "Obi-Wan and I will investigate."

But Tahl followed them into the hallway just as the front door opened. Security officers ran into the hall, alerted by a hidden alarm. But instead of intruders, Eritha and Alani spilled in. The twins looked pale, their clothing wrinkled and stained, but they were not hurt.

"Where is Roan?" Alani cried. "Take us to him!"

Eritha came forward to Tahl. "You're here. I am so glad to see you.

What has happened? We heard on the streets that Roan is dead. It can't be true. Is it?"

Balog took a few steps toward them. "I'm afraid it is true. He lies inside."

Alani turned to Eritha. She put her arms around her sister. "We must go to him."

"He did not kill our father," Eritha said. "He put himself in danger for us. Alani, we are the guilty ones!"

"He would not be dead if he hadn't tried to rescue us," Alani said, her voice rising.

"No." Tahl walked toward them. "You are guilty of nothing. Roan made his own choice."

"Did you escape or did they let you go?" Balog asked them.

"They let us go. We never saw their faces." Alani wiped tears from her face.

"We believe it's best if you come with us to Coruscant in the morning," Tahl said gently.

Alani looked at her sister. "Yes, I think it is best."

"I do want to leave this place," Eritha whispered. "I never thought I would say that, but it is true."

"We need to see Roan now," Alani said.

Eritha and Alani, their arms around each other, passed into the room where Roan lay. The door closed behind them.

Balog turned to the Jedi. "I was just coming to meet with you. All night we have worked to arrange a peace meeting. We do not know who was behind this, but we cannot wait to find out while unrest fills the streets.

The Workers and the Civilized have agreed to meet. Also a representative from the Absolutes has agreed, as long as we give him safe conduct back to where he came from and do not arrest him. We have agreed to that condition because we must. I will also be at the meeting. As a Worker who is part of the current government, I am needed for balance. Irini will represent the Workers."