The Dangerous Games

  get to you at all."

  "And where was security?" Siri asked. "I saw officers all around

  undercover, but when they were needed, they were strangely absent."

  "Perhaps fewer of them should be undercover," Obi-Wan suggested. "Some

  should be more visible."

  Siri frowned. "The Eucerons hate the security forces. That's why

  they're undercover. But still, with so many visitors, keeping the peace is

  the first order of business."

  "I'll talk to Liviani Sarno about it," Obi-Wan said, referring to the

  head of the Games Council.

  Anakin couldn't believe it. Obi-Wan hadn't seen Siri in a while, and

  he only spoke of the mission! Anakin had great respect for Obi-Wan's

  wisdom, but sometimes he wondered how his Master could connect to the

  Living Force when his feelings were kept so tightly under wraps.

  "Anakin!" Anakin heard the cheerful voice behind him and quickly

  turned. Tru Veld was loping across the plaza next to his Master, the tall

  and silent Ry-Gaul. Tru extended one long, flexible arm in a floppy wave

  that conveyed his excitement and happiness at seeing his friend. He and Tru

  had been in the same year of training at the Temple, but they had become

  friends after they had been chosen as Padawans.

  Ry-Gaul nodded at Obi-Wan and Siri as they came up, but gave no verbal

  greeting. The three Masters huddled together for a discussion, leaving the

  three Padawans to talk among themselves.

  "I can't decide, can you?" Tru asked Anakin, his eyes dancing. They

  were the color of the silver seas of Teevan, his home planet, and when he

  was excited they sparkled like sunlight on waves.

  Anakin was used to Tru starting a conversation midway through. He

  lifted an eyebrow at him.

  "Which Game events to attend," Tru explained. "They all sound fun."

  "We are here to keep the peace," Ferus said. "Not to have fun."

  Annoyance ran through Anakin. Ferus could spoil a good mood quicker

  than a double nova. Tru merely shook his head good-naturedly and nudged

  Ferus with a shoulder. "Relax, friend. I can keep the peace and watch the

  Games, too. Even our Masters will allow that."

  "We haven't received our instructions," Ferus said.

  "I am sure our instructions will be to avoid having a good time at all

  costs," Tru said to Ferus in a mock-serious tone, his eyes still twinkling

  with silent amusement.

  Ferus sighed. "Padawans are always trying to get me to relax," he

  said. "I'm just not made that way."

  Siri, Ry-Gaul, and Obi-Wan turned away from their conference and

  approached their Padawans.

  "We've decided that you three can go off on your own for a while,"

  Obi-Wan told them. "But be sure your comlinks are functioning at all times.

  "

  Anakin and Tru exchanged an excited glance. They hadn't expected this

  good fortune. They had hoped to run into each other, but now they could

  actually attend at least some of the Games together! Anakin would even put

  up with Ferus if it meant he could spend time with Tru.

  "I contacted Liviani Sarno. She's on her way here," Obi-Wan told them.

  "After we receive a briefing, you'll be free to go. Then we'll all meet

  back at the Games quarters for the evening meal."

  Within moments they saw a tall female Euceron heading toward them. She

  was dressed in a scarlet robe embroidered with orange and gold threads, and

  her crown of braids was woven with bright jewels. Liviani Sarno was not

  hard to spot.

  Traveling in her wake were three other beings, and Anakin was

  surprised that he knew two of them. He had met Didi and Astri when they

  still owned the Coruscant caf© that Dexter Jettster now ran. He knew that

  they had been close to Qui-Gon Jinn and were friends with Obi-Wan as well.

  Didi's round brown eyes widened when he saw Obi-Wan. Astri ran

  forward, her pretty face flushed.

  "Obi-Wan!" Dark curls flying, Astri threw herself at Obi-Wan, wrapping

  her arms around him. Anakin was surprised to see his reserved Master break

  out into a huge smile and hug Astri back. Didi came up and tried to hug

  both of them, but his plump arms were too short. He settled for thumping

  Obi-Wan on the back.

  "This makes my eyes new and my heart glad!" Didi cried.

  "It is so good to see you!" Astri exclaimed.

  "It is good to see you, too," Obi-Wan said. "You are here to see the

  Games?"

  "In an official capacity," Astri said. "I'd like you to meet my

  husband, Bog Divinian. He's on the Games Council. Bog, this is the great

  Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi."

  Bog Divinian was a tall, handsome man in a plumfruit-colored tunic

  almost as bright as Liviani Sarno's.

  "I am honored to meet a Jedi," Bog said. "Do you know Liviani Sarno?"

  "This is our first meeting," Obi-Wan said with a quick nod. He

  introduced the Padawans. Siri coolly assessed the Council member. Ry-Gaul

  stood silent.

  "We are glad the Jedi accepted the request of the Ruling Power to

  monitor the Games," Liviani said. "We can use the help. Many more came than

  we expected."

  "We have to keep things running smoothly," Bog added. "Liviani is

  doing an amazing job of organization."

  Liviani inclined her head in the fashion of one who is used to

  compliments.

  "If you need an insider's perspective, I'll be glad to help," Bog

  added, speaking to Obi-Wan. "Because you're such a good friend of Astri's,

  I'll make time for you."

  Obi-Wan's polite expression did not falter, but Siri's ice-blue eyes

  flashed at the notion that Bog would only help the Jedi because one of them

  was a personal friend. Ry-Gaul just blinked impassively.

  "Thank you," Obi-Wan said smoothly. No doubt he had noticed Astri's

  embarrassment.

  "Obi-Wan Kenobi is the greatest of all Jedi Knights," Didi said

  proudly. "He will not need our help, I guarantee." He suddenly realized

  that he had insulted Siri and Ry-Gaul and turned to them quickly. "Not that

  Siri and Ry-Gaul aren't equally great. All Jedi are great!" Didi beamed at

  all of them. "Even Padawans!"

  "How are the preparations going?" Obi-Wan asked Liviani. "Any

  problems?"

  "So smoothly, no problems," Bog Divinian answered. "The Games Council

  is handling everything beautifully. Maxo Vista is a native of Euceron and

  on the Council, and he has been very helpful. You know of him, of course."

  Obi-Wan shook his head politely. Anakin couldn't believe his Master

  didn't know the great Euceron hero who had stunned the galaxy seven years

  before by winning five events at the Galactic Games on Berrun.

  "But everyone knows Maxo Vista!" Bog said, surprised. "He is renowned

  throughout the galaxy! He might not be wealthy, but he is famous. And he is

  a good friend of mine, so if you need an introduction..."

  Siri snorted, then tried to turn it into a cough. Anakin remembered

  that Obi-Wan had told him that Siri had never done very well in her

  diplomacy classes at the Temple.

  Even Didi looked embarrassed at Bog's bragging. He smiled at the Jedi

  in turn. "Who needs galactic heroes when we have Jedi?"

>   "Precisely," Liviani said crisply. "And Bog is wrong about our not

  having problems."

  Bog looked crestfallen at having disappointed Liviani. "I know of no

  problems, Liviani."

  Liviani ignored Bog and turned to the Jedi. "There are rumors that

  there will be an illegal Podrace on the outskirts of the city."

  Anakin suddenly became very interested.

  Siri frowned. "We had not heard this."

  Liviani nodded. "Podracers from all over the galaxy have been spotted

  arriving on Euceron. We have heard that they are gathering on the city's

  northern border in the Great Dordon Caves, whose extensive tunnels are,

  unfortunately, ideally suited for this suicidal sport."

  "Podracing is illegal in the Core Worlds," Bog said disapprovingly.

  "If I were Senator - I am running for Senator of my home planet of Nuralee,

  by the way - - I would consider introducing a law to outlaw Podracing

  galaxy-wide. It only promotes gambling and violence." Bog gave a quick

  glance at Liviani to see if she approved of his declaration.

  Liviani continued to ignore him, however. "You see our problem," she

  said to the Jedi. "The Ruling Power is worried about bad publicity, so it

  wants us to ignore the rumors. If Podracers die in the caves, no one will

  care, officially." Liviani's delicate eyebrows drew together in a worried

  frown. "But the authorities underestimate how popular these races are.

  Beings will hear of them. Betting will take place, and spectators - some of

  them quite important on their home planets - will find the race. We cannot

  guarantee safety and crowd control."

  "The Games must proceed smoothly," Bog added. "Absolutely."

  Anakin barely heard their voices. His brain had started to buzz as

  soon as he'd heard the word Podrace. He hadn't seen or been in one since he

  was a slave on Tatooine.

  It was as though the thick clouds overhead parted, for suddenly he

  felt the blow of the hot suns of Tatooine on the back of his neck. He could

  taste the grit of sand between his teeth. And he could feel the rise of the

  same fierce desire that had filled him as a young boy, the simplest, most

  powerful feeling he knew: the will to win.

  Anakin felt his Master's eyes on him, as though the surge of feeling

  had touched Obi-Wan like a warning finger. A mask of serenity dropped over

  Anakin's face. He could call it up at will for times such as this, times

  when his blood seemed to race closer to his skin.

  Liviani was speaking, and Obi-Wan turned back to her. Anakin kept his

  expression calm but interested, Like a Jedi would be. But inside... inside

  he was a slave boy, on fire to race again.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Does he really think he's fooling me?

  Obi-Wan's exasperation with his Padawan did not show on his face.

  Anakin's attempts to hide his excitement may have tricked the others, but

  Obi-Wan felt it charge the air. He had never seen Anakin compete in a

  Podrace, and Qui-Gon had not given him many details, but he knew how

  outrageously dangerous Podracing was. Pilots sat in open cockpits, racing

  fragile crafts that were powered by massive engines tethered to the racer

  by flexible cables. Obi-Wan could imagine that the prospect of Anakin once

  again pitting his skills and reflexes and daring in such a race would be

  irresistible.

  But it would not be worthy of a Jedi. Jedi did not seek thrills.

  Obi-Wan could understand a momentary tug toward the past. He would

  expect his Padawan to overcome it. A longing for such things was childish,

  in his opinion. As soon as they were alone, he would speak to Anakin about

  it....

  "Obi-Wan, my friend?" Didi spoke in a low tone at his elbow. "A word?"

  Liviani had received a call on her comlink and had turned away, so

  Obi-Wan followed Didi a few paces away from the others.

  "I just wanted to say," Didi began, smoothing his tunic with plump

  fingers, "how my entire being is convulsed with joy to see your handsome

  and noble face once again - "

  "You want a favor," Obi-Wan said flatly. He was fond of Didi, but he

  did not for one second think that Didi would hesitate to take advantage of

  their friendship.

  Didi looked wounded. "Not a favor. Some company on a little errand - "

  Obi-Wan began to turn away in dismissal.

  "All right, all right! The truth! A favor!" Didi said quickly. He

  spread his hands, palms out. "But such a tiny one it hardly qualifies."

  Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a second in irritation. Qui-Gon would ask

  for my patience. "What is it?"

  "Shortly after arriving in Eusebus, I bought a swoop bike," Didi said.

  "I thought it would make navigating these crowded streets much easier.

  However, hardly had I gone two meters when the engine... whoosh, ka-blam!"

  Didi's fingers traced an explosion in the air. "I want my money back, yet I

  fear that slimy son of a monkey-lizard will refuse me."

  "But not if a Jedi is along," Obi-Wan said wearily.

  "You would not have to do a thing! Just stand there and look

  invincible. Maybe casually take your lightsaber out and test it..."

  "No. No lightsaber."

  "Then your presence only." Didi put his hands together. "Such a big

  favor it would be, and I would repay it a thousand times over."

  "Do you really think," Obi-Wan said, exasperated, "that I have time to

  help you make up a bad deal?"

  "Of course not, you are so busy being strong and good," Didi said.

  "But while we are together, I can give you a behind-the-scenes, sneak-peek

  look at the Games. Bog is my son-in-law and on the Council. I have a unique

  perspective." Didi could see that Obi-Wan was unmoved. "Now, don't do it

  for Qui-Gon's sake. I would never want you to remember how much he loved me

  and how many times he helped me. Don't even mention his beloved name!"

  "I don't have to," Obi-Wan said. "You just did." But he knew from the

  first moment that Didi had drawn him aside that he would help him. The

  truth was that Obi-Wan had a soft spot for Didi just as vulnerable as Qui-

  Gon's had been. And he had come to see that it wasn't such a bad thing, to

  feel affection for a worthless scoundrel with a big heart.

  Still, there were limits.

  "I will give you ten minutes," Obi-Wan said. "You are the best and

  kindest friend I ever - " "Nine minutes, fifty-seven seconds - "

  Didi's mouth snapped shut. "I will tell Astri. One moment."

  Didi dashed off, and Siri came up next to Obi-Wan. "You are worse than

  Qui-Gon," she said in an amused tone

  Obi-Wan shrugged. "I am still his Padawan in many ways."

  "Ry-Gaul and I are going with Liviani. She has some swoops available

  for us so we can get an overview of the area. We're sending the Padawans

  off on their own. The opening rituals will begin in a few minutes."

  "I'll keep in touch and meet up with you," Obi-Wan said. "This won't

  take long."

  Siri cocked her head. Her hands slid into the pockets of the unisuit

  she wore instead of a tunic. "The amazing thing is that you actually

  believe that," she said.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  When Anakin had first seen Tru, he had immediately wanted to spe
nd

  time with him. Now he could hardly wait to leave him behind. This wasn't

  Tru's fault-Anakin just wanted time alone to explore. About Podracing.

  He walked alongside Ferus and Tru. The streets were crowded and they

  had trouble staying together. Ferus didn't seem to notice. He strode ahead

  at the pace he always set, talking without making sure the others were able

  to hear.

  "The opening rituals are at Stadium One," Ferus said. "We could take

  an air taxi, but there don't seem to be many around."

  "We can get there on Transit Yellow," Tru said. "Four stops. I

  memorized the transit system maps on the way here."

  "It's the perfect opportunity for us to see all sorts of beings from

  all over the galaxy," Ferus said. "We should observe customs and protocol."

  Leave it to Ferus to have a lesson plan for the afternoon, Anakin

  thought.

  As if he had read Anakin's thoughts and was afraid he would speak them

  aloud, Tru extended one flexible arm and slid his hand over Anakin's mouth.

  Anakin batted it away with a grin. No doubt Tru was remembering their

  mission to the planet Radnor, when Anakin and Ferus had argued every step