Qui-Gon stood and took the datapad. “Thank you,” he said curtly. “We may be contacting you if we need further assistance.”
“Of course,” Jocasta nodded. “May the Force be with you.”
Qui-Gon nodded blankly in return. How could he trust that the Force would be with him? Where had it been when he’d needed it the most? He and Tahl had pledged their love for each other. But nothing—not that love, not the Jedi, not the Force—had been able to save her.
It did not take long for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to gather supplies for the short journey. Soon they were stepping onto the freighter that would take them to Frego.
Distracted and exhausted, Qui-Gon was anxious to retire to his quarters as soon as they were on board. He was about to say as much to Obi-Wan when his Padawan spoke.
“Master, I know that these last few months have been hard on you.”
Obi-Wan reached out a hand toward Qui-Gon’s shoulder but let it drop, barely brushing his Master’s brown sleeve. “And I… well, I can’t help remembering what you told me when Bant was missing in the Temple. You said that the darkest time is the time when it is most important that you follow the Jedi Code. If you let your emotions fl—”
“Thank you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon cut him off. “You have learned well what I’ve taught you. One day you will make a fine Jedi Master.” He turned and made his way quickly toward his quarters. He could sense the boy behind him, standing, bewildered.
Qui-Gon knew his apprentice was only trying to make him feel better.
But he could not bear to listen to the wisdom that was now failing him. He simply wanted to be alone.
2
Obi-Wan stood silently, watching the planet Frego grow larger on the freighter’s view-screen. Qui-Gon had not emerged from his quarters during the journey. Obi-Wan was not sure if he should disturb him, even now that they were drawing close to their destination. He desperately wanted to give Qui-Gon the same comfort his Master had given him so many times. But the more he tried, the further Qui-Gon retreated. The gulf between them seemed to be growing wider, and Obi-Wan was at a loss. How could he span the distance alone?
“That must be Frego.”
Qui-Gon’s voice surprised Obi-Wan and filled him with relief. He would not have to disturb his Master’s solitude after all.
“And that glowing spot must be the capitol city of Rian,” Qui-Gon continued.
Obi-Wan could tell that Qui-Gon was still sad and distracted. It was almost like standing beside a ghost. But at least he was speaking. He was making an effort.
As they exited the craft, Obi-Wan felt on edge. It was up to him to focus on this mission. He could not depend on his Master in his emotionally wounded state.
Obi-Wan did not think the Cobral family had been alerted to their arrival, but a planet ruled by criminals was always a dangerous place. He half expected to see dark dealings and black market bargains right in the freighter hangar, but there was only one person present as the Jedi disembarked—and she looked at them without interest. Obi-Wan relaxed a little, until the freighter captain slid down the ramp toward him.
“I’ll be taking off as soon as possible, if that’s okay,” he said nervously. “I don’t want to spend any more time here than is absolutely necessary, with the Cobral airways tax and all.”
Obi-Wan nodded. Though he did not know exactly what the pilot was referring to, he could tell it was not pleasant, and most likely not legal.
He thanked the captain for their safe passage and watched him slip back inside his craft.
As soon as the ship’s door shut, the lone woman in the hangar approached the Jedi.
“I trust you had a pleasant journey from…” she paused.
“Coruscant,” Obi-Wan finished for her. “Are you Lena?”
“No,” the woman said, lowering her hood to reveal closely cut hair and a youthful face. “I am Mica, but I will take you to Lena now.” Mica glanced around the hangar once more.
She’s nervous, Obi-Wan thought. He drew a deep breath and concentrated on the Force. But he did not sense danger, only Mica’s fear.
“Follow behind me, but not too close. If I am approached I will pretend not to know you.” Mica’s eyes were large and dark and she turned them on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in turn, waiting for each to nod in agreement.
“We will do as you ask,” Obi-Wan assured her.
Raising her hood, Mica started out of the hangar at a brisk pace.
Obi-Wan enjoyed being introduced to a new planet on foot. Qui-Gon had taught him that the slower pace was best for observation, and there was much to observe in Rian. None of it was what Obi-Wan had expected.
The streets were clean; the footpaths were filled with Fregans carrying colorful bundles and walking unhurriedly together. Just a short distance from the municipal hangar, stalls lined the paths. Food vendors sold heaps of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and grains, shouting out prices and greeting regulars. Farther into the open market more vendors sold household goods and even crafts. Everywhere people seemed happy and relaxed.
In the heart of the market the crowd was so dense and there was so much to see that Obi-Wan nearly lost sight of Mica. But whenever he looked up he saw Qui-Gon’s eyes trained on the gray peak of Mica’s hood. He did not seem to be taking in the surroundings as he normally would. His thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
Obi-Wan would have liked to discuss his observations with his Master.
Wasn’t it unusual that a planet controlled by criminals would have such a seemingly happy populace? But he was quite sure Qui-Gon wasn’t thinking about the Fregans, so he kept quiet.
At last the market stalls ended and the crowd thinned. After following Mica through a maze of dark but clean alleys, the woman stopped and beckoned the Jedi toward her. When they drew close Mica punched a control pad and a large warehouse door groaned open to reveal a huge room filled with abandoned equipment.
“We’re here,” Mica said, waving the Jedi in first and taking a last look up and down the alley before shutting the door. “I am the only one who knows where Lena is hiding. Besides you. It is important that you are never followed to this spot.”
“Of course.” Obi-Wan nodded.
At the top of several flights of durasteel stairs, the yawning spaces and hulking machinery gave way to a more hospitable living space. Standing with her back to the entrance among several mismatched but comfortable-looking couches was the woman Obi-Wan had seen on Jocasta Nu’s holoscreen.
Lena Cobral.
Mica cleared her throat to announce their arrival. Lena turned.
“You’ve made it,” she said, bringing her hands together and offering both of them to Qui-Gon and then Obi-Wan, and finally embracing Mica. “I’m so pleased. Was your journey very difficult?”
“It passed quickly,” Qui-Gon told her before introducing himself and Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan was glad that Qui-Gon had emerged again from silence, for he was not entirely sure he would have been able to manage the conversation so easily.
Lena Cobral had been attractive on the holoscreen, but in person she was stunning. Her long dark hair spilled over her shoulders, framing her face and dark eyes like Mica’s. She was only a few years older than Obi-Wan, which surprised him. Like the Fregans in the street, her demeanor was relaxed. She greeted the Jedi as if they were old friends or honored guests at a party, not political escorts.
“Please sit,” Lena said, guiding the Jedi to the chairs. “You need refreshment. Perhaps some Kopi tea?”
Before the Jedi could protest Lena was pouring a warm dark liquid into cups. It looked slightly orange and tasted delicious.