their numbers were bigger than he'd thought. That was most likely not good
news for his mission. He felt frustration rise up and threaten to choke
him. He took a deep breath to calm himself. The frustration eased, but he
knew it still simmered, ready to boil again. He wanted to continue
tracking, but he couldn't leave Obi-Wan without knowing the extent of his
injury.
Qui-Gon walked across to the refreshment unit. There he found the two
Rock Workers who had been inside the mole miner. They had brought tea and
food to Eritha. Qui-Gon shook his head at their offer as he took a seat
opposite them.
The tall female pointed to her companion. "I am Bini, and this is
Kevta," she said. "Again, we must tell you how sorry we are to have
mistaken you for Absolutes. We don't get travelers out in this area, so we
jumped to conclusions too fast. How is your young friend?"
"It was an understandable mistake," Qui-Gon said. "Obi-Wan will be
fine, according to your medic. She'll give me a report soon."
"Yanci has great skill. It is good that you brought him here."
"Tell me," Qui-Gon said. "You said that the Absolutes had raided your
camp. How many were there?"
Kevta stirred honey into his tea. "We were attacked by a squad of
maybe thirty, but when there are casualties, more take their place. We have
no way of knowing. We are forty here, but that includes elders and
children. The Absolutes are also heavily armed. In the first raid, they
captured our small weapons - blasters and flechette missiles."
"You don't know where their headquarters are?" he pressed.
Bini cupped her mug of tea in her hands. Qui-Gon noted that her hands
were large and looked extraordinarily strong. One finger was black and
blue, and there were old scars on her knuckles. Her hands told him how hard
the work conditions were at the quarries better than words could.
"We do not know," she said quietly. "We have searched. If they have a
base, it is well hidden."
Qui-Gon felt his irritation rise. There was so little information to
be had. He couldn't get over the feeling that he was wasting time. "Is it
possible that they conduct their raids from the city?"
Kevta shook his head. "No. We know their base is in the quarries
somewhere. Their raids are spaced too close. Especially lately. We have
been raided five times in the past month."
"Do you have weapons left?" Qui-Gon asked.
"We have a few blasters, not many," Kevta said. "We only have our
tools and the explosives we use in the quarries. They are expensive and we
don't like to use them. But we are getting desperate. That is why we
attacked you today. We have had enough. We know they are after our large
explosives. If we lose those, we're doomed. This mining outfit is a
cooperative. We all share in the work and profits. If we lose our tools and
explosives, we won't be able to buy more."
"You need help," Eritha said. "Have you informed the United
Legislature? They could send a security force to protect you."
"We informed them weeks ago and have heard nothing," Bini said. "The
troubles in the capital city have overshadowed ours."
Qui-Gon thought over what Bini and Kevta had told him. He remembered
back to Mota, the black market seller with the empty tables where weapons
had once been for sale. The Absolutes were gathering weapons on a large
scale. They were ready to make their move. All of this had coincided with
Tahl's kidnapping. But was there a connection?
Restlessly, Qui-Gon drummed his fingers on the table, then stilled
them. Eritha watched him over the rim of her mug.
The door opened, and Yanci strode in. She saw Qui-Gon immediately and
came over.
"Obi-Wan is a good patient," she said, "only stubborn. He wants to
leave. But I am prevailing on you to reason with him. His wound will heal,
but he needs time for the bacta to regenerate what he lost."
"How long?" Qui-Gon asked.
"A day. Maybe more. He will risk permanent damage if he does not stay
off that leg."
Qui-Gon nodded. Accepting the diagnosis was not easy. Every part of
him was screaming to leave, to rescue Tahl. He should at least wait until
morning before making a decision. He wanted to leave tonight. Right now.
Yanci seemed to understand. "The moons are waning. It would be
difficult to track tonight. The quarries are treacherous."
"Do you have a probe droid you can lend us?"
Bini shook her head. "Probe droids are illegal. Absolutes still use
them, of course. We do not."
Qui-Gon saw he had no choice. Reluctantly, he rose. "May I sleep in
the med unit tonight? I don't want Obi-Wan to be alone."
"I'll make arrangements," Yanci promised. "And Eritha can sleep in my
unit," Bini said. "It is only one more day," Yanci said.
But one more day could mean everything. He could not risk Obi-Wan's
health. Qui-Gon pushed his decision off until morning. If Obi-Wan was not
better, he would consider going on alone and leave Eritha here with him. It
was not a choice he wanted to make.
And when the chase began again, he would not have the probe droid. He
would have to track Balog on his own. It would take longer. He might not
succeed.
Tahl felt farther away than ever.
Be strong, Tahl. You pledged your life to me. I gave you my heart.
Know that I will find you.
CHAPTER 11
Now that Qui-Gon had just become a Jedi Knight, Yoda had suggested it
was time he took a Padawan. Qui-Gon decided to go on one last mission while
he thought about it. He never did anything rashly. He had a Padawan in
mind, and it was easier to consider him away from the Temple.
He had a stopover in Zekulae while he waited for transport. It was a
barren world, noted for its mineral soil, which was dark and rich and
studded with blue crystals. The soil was so fine that within days it was
everywhere - in his hair, in his mouth, in his boots. Qui-Gon found that
his careful thoughts about his future had shrunk to a longing for his next
shower.
He stopped in a caf© for a cool drink. He sipped it, eyeing the
locals. Zekulae was not overly dangerous, but you had to be careful here.
The government had a relaxed attitude toward rules and laws. Disputes were
most often settled with fists or blasters.
Suddenly an argument broke out behind him. It was between two beings
playing sabacc. One was a native of Zekulae, the other hidden by a column.
The Zeku stood, scattering the cards.
"Strange that you're the one so upset, when I'm the one who's been
cheated," a dry voice said.
Qui-Gon knew the voice, even though it had changed. He hadn't heard
it in years. It was deeper, huskier than he remembered.
Tahl rose from the table. He waited, watching her, as did everyone in
the caf©. She commanded attention. He didn't know her mission here. It
might not be safe if she were seen talking to a Jedi. She was wearing a
traveler's cloak and boots, and her lightsaber was hidden.
The Zeku moved his hand toward his belt, but he didn't get a chance
/>
to draw his weapon. Within the space of an eye blink, Tahl reached out and
disarmed him, at the same time pressing one shoulder so that he was forced
to sit back down in his chair, hard. Maintaining the pressure, she scooped
some credits off the table.
"Let's call it even," she said. "And I'll buy you a drink. Wouldn't
you rather live to see the sunset?"
He nodded, his face contorted in pain. She called to the bartender.
"Something special for my friend here."
She tucked the credits inside her tunic, released the Zeku, and
walked on. Nobody in the caf© moved. No one spoke. They all watched the
woman who combined elegance and danger walk casually through them.
Qui-Gon watched her, too, admiring her toughness and grace. He was
astonished at how lovely she was. Her extraordinary eyes and the strength
of her features had become dramatic and striking with maturity.
Then she saw him, and her face lost its severe cast. She came over to
his table and sat as conversations started up around them. The incident was
over.
"Well, it's you," she said. "It's been so long."
"Too long."
"I only have a minute," she said. "I'm on a mission."
Only a minute, when they hadn't seen each other in years!
"So tell me everything as fast as you can," she said, laughing. "You
look well. I hear you are now a Knight."
"As are you," Qui-Gon said. "I'm thinking of taking a Padawan. Yoda
is urging me to consider it."
"Do you have a candidate?"
"Xanatos."
She nodded slowly. "He is gifted. I would consider carefully,
however. I'm not sure he's the right one for you."
"I haven't seen you in years, and you're giving me advice?" he
teased.
"Who else in the galaxy understands you so well?" she answered,
smiling.
"No one," he admitted. "You were wrong about that. Remember what you
said when we said good-bye?"
Her smile grew soft. "I am glad," she said, "to have been wrong about
that. I'm glad to still be the one who knows you best. And we never said
good-bye. Remember?"
They sat for a moment in silence, remembering the Temple, the days
when they had looked forward so eagerly to becoming Jedi Knights. They
hadn't known then how hard it would turn out to be. Neither had they known
how deeply satisfying it would be at the same time. Yes, a life of service
suited him. Suited Tahl, he could see. And it was something, to have this
connection now, still so strong after so many years.
"I have to go," she said softly. "l will see you soon. Missions can
be short, you know."
He smiled, remembering the eager, young Tahl who had said that so
confidently years ago.
She stood. She did not say good-bye. He knew she wouldn't, no more
than she ever said hello. With a last smile, she walked out of the caf© and
did not look back.
Dusk fell quickly. Qui-Gon checked on Obi-Wan and found him in deep
meditation. He quietly went out again, glad to see it. Obi-Wan was focusing
his mind on healing. Maybe his Padawan would be ready to travel by morning.
He had no doubts as to Yanci's diagnostic abilities, but she had never
treated a Jedi before.
Qui-Gon strolled through the Rock Workers' settlement, taking deep
breaths of the cool night air. He was impressed with its design and
organization. He could see that though the quarry work was difficult, the
Workers themselves had created a good life. They took care of each other
and their young. Under other circumstances, he would have enjoyed the brief
stop. Now he only wanted to be gone.
He found Yanci, Bini, and Kevta sitting outside a small housing unit,
and they waved him over.
"We were enjoying the stars," Kevta said. "It is a hard life out
here, but I tried city work. It didn't take."
"I'm glad to have run into you," Qui-Gon said, settling himself
beside them. "Would you mind if I asked you more questions about the raids?
It might help us track the Absolutes."
"We will tell you what we can," Kevta said.
"I think I'll make sure Eritha is settled," Yanci said, rising. "Bini
and Kevta are the strategists here." Qui-Gon noted how her hand lingered on
Kevta's shoulder. He gave her a gentle smile as she left.
Qui-Gon questioned Bini and Kevta closely. By listening to the
details, he was able to find a pattern in the direction of the attacks and
the minimal amount of tracking the Rock Workers had done.
He left the two of them and walked slowly back to the med unit.
Without knowing it, Bini and Kevta had given him good news. The Jedi did
not have to return to their last coordinates. They could track Balog from a
point a few kilometers from the Worker settlement. If Balog was heading to
the Absolute camp, they should find some evidence of his route. There were
only a few possible routes through the canyons.
Of course, it all depended on whether Balog was heading for the
secret hideout of the Absolutes.
It was a chance they had to take.
Qui-Gon checked on Obi-Wan, who was now sleeping deeply. Good. Qui-
Gon needed to do the same. It had been days since his last sleep. He
quieted his mind, allowing sleep to come. He knew he had to operate at his
peak, and his body told him that he needed rest.
He slept, but his dreams were vivid and disturbing. Once again he was
in the caf© on Zekulae. His heart lifted at the sound of Tahl's voice. He
rushed forward to greet her. But her gaze was lifeless, her eyes a dull
black color. He realized she could not move or speak.
He woke with a start, his heart pounding. It was still dark, but dawn
was near. He immediately swung his legs over his sleep couch and went to
check on Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan seemed to feel his gaze. His eyes opened slowly,
and then he came awake at once.
He tested his leg muscles, stretching beneath the thermal blanket.
"Better," he said.
He swung his legs over his sleep couch. "Take it easy," Qui-Gon said.
"Yanci thinks you need one more day."
Obi-Wan slid out of bed, holding one hand against the wall to steady
himself. He walked around the room. "Much better," he said. "I am ready to
travel."
Qui-Gon studied his Padawan to make sure he was telling the truth. He
knew Obi-Wan's desire to move on would be greater than his concern for
himself. But his color was good, and there was no sign of pain on his face.
His gait was a bit stiff, but it was steady.
"We'll see what Yanci says," he said.
When Yanci arrived, bringing Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's breakfast, she was
startled at Obi-Wan's recovery.
"I guess I'm better than even I thought," she said cheerfully. "I see
no reason why you can't travel, Obi-Wan. Just try to rest the leg when you
can, and apply bacta again tonight."
Qui-Gon left Obi-Wan finishing breakfast while Yanci added some items
to his medpac. The suns were just a suggestion of orange along the horizon
as Qui-Gon hurried to the speeders. They would need to be refueled before
they took off. Every moment c
ounted. And he should awaken Eritha. Part of
him wanted to let her sleep so that they could leave her behind. He knew
she would insist on coming with them, and he worried about her safety. Tahl
was his first concern. Protecting Eritha would be a distraction he didn't
need. But if he did not wake her, undoubtedly she would try to find them,
and she could get into more trouble that way.
To his surprise, he found Eritha at the pen where their transports
were kept.
"You're up early," he said.
She jumped. "You startled me."