The durasteel doors swung open. A short Romin man in flowing multicolored robes stood in the doorway. Obi-Wan recognized him immediately. He was surprised. Great Leader Teda had come to welcome them personally.
“Welcome to my world,” Teda said, opening his arms wide. “So, what do you think of my Romin so far?”
Obi-Wan wondered what the flamboyant Slam would say. “Amazing!” he cried. He opened his arms wider than Teda’s. “Incredible! We’re overcome!”
“I am seeing that this is true by your faces!” Teda answered, beaming. “We Romins are so proud of our world that we are not surprised when visitors decide they must live here. On behalf of all Romins, I welcome you!”
Obi-Wan threw back his purple cloak and gave a short bow. “I am Slam. These are my associates, Valadon, Waldo, and Ukiah.”
“And I am Great Leader Teda.” Teda ignored Anakin and Ferus and headed directly for Siri. He slipped an arm through hers. “I have heard of your beauty, but words are nothing next to the reality of the realness of you. Your presence will only add to the beauty of our planet. You are prettier than a cloudflower.” He stroked her arm with a finger.
The smile on Siri’s face seemed fixed with a strong adhesive. Obi-Wan knew she was trying not to recoil from Teda’s touch. “You’re very kind,” she purred admiringly.
He kept his face close to hers. He held up one chubby finger. “I speak only the most truthful truth in everything always. Remember that.”
Siri lifted an eyebrow. “Truth in everything always? Then the reports are correct. You are a rare being.”
Teda hesitated as he puzzled out what Siri meant. Then he laughed. “I’m hearing you now, and you have wit! You will return and have a long, lengthy lunch with me in my private dining room.”
“Spoken like a true leader,” Siri said through her tight smile. “You are used to being obeyed, I see. You issue invitations like orders.”
Teda laughed again. He seemed delighted with everything Siri had to say. “Again, I am loving this. But unfortunately as a leader I have meetings, too many, always, I am telling you. You don’t know the burden of my burdens. But I have them and I must attend to them.” Reluctantly, he dropped Siri’s arm. “But first, allow me to ease the difficulties of your first days on Romin. There is a villa nearby, small, but perfect. You will stay there. It is for sale, so it is unoccupied and empty right now. If you wish to buy it, you will buy it. If not, you will find something else equally as perfect. But for now, you may stay there without payment. My gift to you.” His gaze lingered on Siri. “Beauty deserves beautiful surroundings.”
“That is quite generous,” Obi-Wan enthused. “We thank you.” No doubt Teda wanted to keep tabs on them. It wasn’t a problem. It was better that Teda think that he had them under his thumb.
“Now deputy Hansel will take care of you. For your listening pleasure, he will tell you a few things about the pleasurable pleasures of Romin.” Teda gave Siri a meaningful look. “I will see you all again before too long. Or sooner, even.”
The Great Leader turned abruptly and disappeared into the palace. Another Romin immediately appeared. He had obviously been waiting just out of sight.
“I am Hansel. Welcome to Romin. You have already seen something of the city of Eliior. While we enjoy a thriving economy, there are several charities close to the Great Leader’s heart that are short of the funds they need to fully extend the great steps of progression. There is the Teda Institute for Children, for example. Also, the Teda Gallery of Horticultural Treasures of Romin. There are many native plants that are sadly in need of extra attention. I tell you this only so that you realize that Romin is not absolutely perfect in all areas. It is only correct that we do so. Great Leader Teda believes in truth in everything always.”
“Yes, he already told us that,” Siri said. “Naturally, it is true because he says it is, as he doesn’t lie.”
Hansel gave Siri a sharp look. Then he nodded politely. “Precisely.”
Obi-Wan nudged her to be quiet. Insolence wasn’t going to get them anywhere. It was obvious that Hansel was the official who had been sent to collect the bribe. Discreetly, Obi-Wan pulled out from beneath his layered robes a small bag stuffed with credits. “Please allow us to contribute to the needs of Romin’s children,” he said formally.
“Your generosity is astonishing. I will inform Great Leader Teda of it. And, in the days or weeks to come, I hope you will allow us to call upon you if we find there is an especially pressing need.…”
More bribes to come. Obi-Wan bowed his head. “Of course.”
“Now, let me arrange transportation for you,” Hansel said. “I understand that you will be occupying a villa in the secluded section.”
“Thank you for your kind offer, but may we walk?” Obi-Wan asked, purposely modulating his voice. “If you give us directions, we’d like to stroll to our lodgings. It has been a long journey and before that we were…not able to get much exercise in the open air.”
“Of course,” Hansel said, not surprised in the least. “I will arrange for your things to be delivered. Just walk out the main gate and turn left. After five homes, you will see the villa. It is a golden color with a fountain in front. It has a black gate.”
The Jedi walked away, several kilograms of credits lighter.
“I can’t believe this,” Ferus said. “The children of Romin will never see those credits.”
“Not to mention the plants,” Anakin said.
“This isn’t a joke,” Ferus said. “We just paid a fortune to a crook.”
“We knew it was the only way to remain on Romin,” Anakin said. “It does no good to question the decision now.”
“I’m not questioning it,” Ferus said defensively. “But I don’t have to like it, either.”
Obi-Wan listened to their bickering but decided not to interfere. Anakin and Ferus had to work out their mutual dislike on their own. Besides, he sympathized with Anakin. Ferus’s self-righteousness could wear on the nerves. Paying the bribe had been a necessary step. It was useless to regret it.
“Teda doesn’t seem very bright,” Obi-Wan said, changing the subject. “I expected something different.”
“He doesn’t have to be bright, he just has to be a thug,” Siri pointed out.
“It took us a day to get here, so we only have two days left,” Obi-Wan said. “We should do some reconnaissance of Zan Arbor’s house. It should be nearby, if we have the right coordinates. We’ll do a quick survey of her security. Then we’d better get settled in the villa. No doubt Great Leader Teda will be keeping an eye on us.”
A security officer opened the gate for them. They walked down the wide street, past the grand walls behind which palaces crouched, protected against invaders.
“I’ve never seen so many walls and gates in one city before,” Anakin observed. “I guess the criminals here have plenty of enemies.”
“That’s why they pay Teda so much. For refuge,” Obi-Wan said. The four of them made their way down several long avenues, trying to keep a low profile. “Here is Zan Arbor’s villa. Slow just a bit. See without looking.”
Seeing without looking was a Jedi technique. Although they all appeared to be strolling by, each of them ticked off every security measure the villa had.
“The usual and then some,” Siri said once they’d passed. “Security towers, armed windows, and doors.”
“Infrared night sensors,” Anakin added.
“Rooftop surveillance droids,” Ferus said. “Plus random invisible energy fences on the grounds. This will be tough to break into.”
“We’ll take the easy way,” Obi-Wan said.
“There’s an easy way?” Ferus asked.
“There always is,” Obi-Wan said. “We just walk in the front door.”
Chapter Five
The Jedi arrived at their villa. It was modest, considering the neighborhood, but it was still several cuts above the places Obi-Wan and Anakin usually stayed on a mission. The sleep couches
were deep and piled with luxurious coverlets. The reception rooms were large and sunny. A garden off the kitchen held flowering plants and flourishing vegetables and herbs.
“Are you sure we have to leave here in two days?” Anakin asked wonderingly.
Siri was completely uninterested in her surroundings. “They’ve created a paradise within the city walls, but it’s an empty one. There is no economy to speak of. Did you see those stores? Expensive things to buy, but nobody except Teda and his confederates can afford them. And the workers live in misery right outside the walls.” She shook her head. “How can anyone enjoy all this, knowing that?”
“It doesn’t surprise me,” Obi-Wan said. “They are glad they are inside the city walls, not outside. Now, we’d better get started.” He turned to Anakin and Ferus. “Siri and I will make the first visit to Zan Arbor to gather information. In the meantime, you two should do some basic reconnaissance. Walk the streets. Have conversations. Note security, traffic patterns, and escape routes.”
“Any specific objectives in mind?” Ferus asked.
“No,” Obi-Wan said. “You never know what will turn out to be useful later.”
“I’ve studied the maps of the city,” Ferus said. “I’m sure I can plot possible escape routes or—”
Obi-Wan interrupted him curtly. “Maps are useful, but I learned something else from Qui-Gon. A map is not the territory. Go.”
The two Padawans hurried off. Siri adjusted her utility belt. “I’m assuming you have a plan.”
“Almost,” Obi-Wan said. “Just follow my lead. Unless…”
“Unless?”
“Unless you’d rather stop off at Teda’s for that lunch,” Obi-Wan teased. He ducked as an overstuffed pillow, lifted by the Force, flew straight at his head.
It was easy to get an audience with Jenna Zan Arbor. Obi-Wan merely announced at the front gate that Slam and Valadon wished to see her. Apparently, egomaniacal evil scientists and master thieves needed no introduction, for they were ushered inside immediately.
They were led to a room overlooking the gardens by a tall, hulking Phlog who was obviously a bodyguard. His gigantic hands pushed open a pair of double doors. As he walked through, his head barely cleared the doorway.
Zan Arbor sat in a chair perfectly positioned to backlight her bright hair and soften her features. She wore a simple silver gown with an azure belt.
Obi-Wan hadn’t seen her in eighteen years. During that time he had changed much. He was taller. Older. Less surprised at the galaxy, and more rueful. Maybe sadder. On his occasional glimpses in a mirror, he saw the years on his face. It did not concern him; the fact that the years marked him was inevitable and right. Yet Zan Arbor looked almost unchanged from when he had known her. No doubt she consulted the best medical data in the galaxy to keep herself looking so well-preserved.
Obi-Wan bowed. “Thank you for seeing us.”
Even while she smiled a greeting, Zan Arbor’s green eyes ticked over him and Siri. “We new arrivals on Romin should stick together,” she said. “Great Leader Teda has told me of your accomplishments. I was eager to make your acquaintance. Your reputation precedes you.”
“As does yours,” Obi-Wan complimented.
Zan Arbor waved at two ornate chairs placed in front of her. As Obi-Wan and Siri sat, she began to pour tea from a silver pot. The cups were made of translucent porcelain that Obi-Wan could see was among the finest the galaxy had to offer. Lovely urns and bowls were placed in a cabinet made of gleaming wood with fittings carved from rare stones. He looked around the beautifully appointed room. How had Zan Arbor managed to set herself up in such luxury so soon?
“And how are you finding Romin so far?” she asked, handing Siri a cup while seeming to notice every detail of her dress, down to her bare legs and her soft gold boots. Zan Arbor’s lips pressed together in some kind of disapproval.
“We’ve only just arrived,” Siri said. “But we are delighted to find it so pleasant and luxurious. Not to mention safe.”
“Yes, you will not have to worry here,” Zan Arbor said, handing a cup to Obi-Wan. “Great Leader Teda protects his friends. Romin is a perfect place to retire.” She took a sip of tea, lowering her eyelids.
“Or not,” Obi-Wan said.
Zan Arbor looked up.
“It is also,” Obi-Wan said loudly, “a perfect place from which to do business.”
Zan Arbor inclined her head. “That, too. Or so I hear.”
“And we are far too young to retire,” Siri said, following Obi-Wan’s lead.
“As are you, I am sure,” Obi-Wan said.
Carefully, Zan Arbor put her teacup down on a polished stone table. “Perhaps you should tell me why you’ve come.”
“We’ve come to make the acquaintance of the finest scientific mind in the galaxy, it is true,” Obi-Wan said, crossing his legs and smoothing out some of the feathers attached to his cloak. “We have also come to tempt you with an offer.”
“I assure you, I am retired.” Zan Arbor slid an errant blond hair back into her perfect coiffure. “But I am listening.”
“We have a plan that I’m not at liberty to discuss fully,” Obi-Wan continued. “It involves a great deal of wealth. A planetary treasury, in fact. You may have heard that we’ve had some success in that area. We’re a modest bunch, but we’re most confident we can build on that success.” Obi-Wan smiled. Wouldn’t Slam smile, at this moment? A con man would toot his own horn, but he would do it with a wink. He would seduce his listener.
Zan Arbor seemed to respond to his smile. She waved a hand, allowing him to proceed.
“We have the tech diagrams and a detailed way to get inside our target,” Obi-Wan said. “We just need help with the guards. If we had an air delivery system that would slow down or incapacitate them for twenty minutes, we could raid the entire treasury.”
Zan Arbor gave a tiny smile. “And so you came to me.”
“Word has reached us of your experiments on Vanqor,” Siri broke in. “An exciting development. You have the key to controlling minds. If you can control minds, you can control fortunes.” She shrugged. “It’s as simple as that.”
“Or as complicated.”
“We would arrange it so that your involvement would remain hidden,” Siri continued. “We would take all the risks.”
“You would be an equal partner, however,” Obi-Wan said.
“We have the false ID docs ready,” Siri said. “We can leave tomorrow. Tonight, if you wish. You could come aboard our ship, and we’d have you back here in two days. No one would even have to know you were gone.”
Obi-Wan admired how Siri had picked up on his plan. Once they were in space, they could take her back to the prison planet. They would put her into custody without anyone getting hurt. Obi-Wan was hoping that her greed would be her undoing.
“A little effort for a great reward,” Obi-Wan said. He flashed her a smile again, but this time she did not respond as before. He felt his heart sink.
“Why would I do this?” Zan Arbor waved a hand. “As you can see, I have everything I want. Every luxury is here. I live in a palace. I have the fastest ship in the galaxy at my disposal. What more do I need?”
“I have found,” Obi-Wan said softly, “that there are needs, and there are wants. So the question is not what more do you need, but what more do you want?”
She raised an eyebrow, impressed with this despite herself. “Very clever. But I can supply my own wants.” She pushed her tea tray away in dismissal. “Your little plan sounds intriguing. I wish you luck with it.”
“I assure you, the rewards are greater than you can imagine,” Obi-Wan said, trying again.
This seemed to amuse Zan Arbor greatly. “I doubt that.” She gave a small laugh, as though to herself. “There is what I can imagine, and what actually lies ahead. I’m sorry to say that you must have more than this to tempt me. But don’t take it personally. We cannot be collaborators, but we’re going to be neighbors. Let us be friends as wel
l.”
Pasting a smile on his face, Obi-Wan thought for a moment. He refused to believe that Zan Arbor had truly retired. Why would she turn down a chance to raid a planetary treasury with very little risk to herself? Of course, she might be wary to commit to a plan with a gang she didn’t know. Yet she had dismissed them quickly and then closed the door against any further exploration of working together.
Zan Arbor stood. “This has been lovely. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Hue will see you out.”
The same tall Phlog appeared. Zan Arbor disappeared through the doorway, leaving a waft of perfume behind.
“Charm him,” Obi-Wan quickly whispered to Siri as he pretended to swipe a sweet from the tray.
She looked at Obi-Wan in disbelief. “Are you serious? He’s a walking slab of muscle. It would be like charming a side of bantha meat.”
“Valadon could do it,” Obi-Wan pointed out.
He heard her breath hiss out between her teeth.
Obi-Wan hesitated by the tea table, pretending to finish his cup of tea. Siri sauntered across the room to Hue. Obi-Wan watched her over the rim of his cup.
He almost choked. The Siri he knew was gone. This Siri didn’t stride across the room. She…wafted. Something happened with her hips and her legs and her hair. He wasn’t sure what. He just knew that they moved differently. He just knew that whatever it was, it was female.
Siri locked her blue eyes on the Phlog’s face. “You are one tall specimen, even for a Phlog,” she said in a silky voice that was just as new to Obi-Wan. “You know, I always had a special thing for Phlogs. I feel so…protected when I’m around them.”
Hue didn’t blink, just kept dull dark eyes on Siri’s face. “As long as we’re on your side,” he said sharply.
She smiled. “Is that a threat? Oooh. I’d better be on my best behavior.”
Oooh? Did I just hear correctly? Obi-Wan couldn’t believe it.
“You seem to be doing all right,” the Phlog said.
“I’ve always wanted my very own bodyguard,” Siri purred. “If you ever get tired of working here…”