until it goes away."
"We all look alike to those droids," the Twi'lek muttered. "If I can
slip back in place before it starts a head count, I might get away with
this. Otherwise it's a prod or two with the electrojabber."
"Don't worry." Anakin gritted his teeth. On his first day, he had seen
such an assault, on a slave too exhausted to work quickly. The guard droids
were programmed to be especially vicious. They did not use "a prod or two,"
but employed the jabber until the victim was stunned into unconsciousness.
Anakin sped down the narrow lanes, occasionally stopping to unload a
bin of spice so that he wouldn't look suspicious. He didn't want to leave
the floor. The head count could begin at anytime, and he needed to be able
to sneak the Twi'lek back in. Soon he would be in trouble himself. He was
allowed a strict amount of time for his rounds.
He circled around the processing floor and returned to where he had a
good vantage point. The guard droid was beginning a head count.
He heard a soft moan from behind him. "I'm dead."
"No, you're not." Anakin was not yet adept at moving objects with his
mind. Yet he knew the Force was around him, even here. He drew it up from
the scarred ground below, from the living energy of the beings around him,
from the toxic sky. The Force bound all the slaves together, and they were
part of one another and the rest of the galaxy, no matter how isolated they
might feel. He struggled to block out everything but the pure quality of
the Force. Slowly, he felt the Force grow around him, and he gathered it in
and then sent it out to a pile of unprocessed spice sitting on the end of
the worker line. One block of spice trembled, then another. Anakin held out
a hand, feeling the Force move through him. The pile tumbled over, along
with a stack of durasteel bins.
The guard droid immediately wheeled about. "Violation! Violation!"
"Go!" Anakin hissed.
The Twi'lek paused for one instant. Her eyes met his, and he saw a
kind of forgiveness there. "My name is Mazie." Offering her name was a kind
of apology, a gesture of friendship, he knew.
"Anakin."
She scooted out of the gravsled. The other slaves bunched up,
shielding her for the few seconds it took her to slip back in line.
Anakin turned the gravsled. The guard droid could blame no one for the
accident, since no one had been near. It circled, aiming its red laser
light randomly, but the slaves continued to work. After a few seconds it
went back to the head count. Mazie was safe.
Anakin was grateful for the hard physical training he'd been put
through at the Temple. The slaves were rationed two scanty meals a day. He
felt constant hunger like a beast inside him. He was not yet at Obi-Wan's
level, capable of forgetting about food for long periods of time. He had to
use meditation to allow his hunger to exist without weakening him.
As he parked his gravsled at the end of the day and headed for the
lift tubes with the other slaves, he felt a deep weariness in his bones. He
knew it had to do with a weariness of spirit as well.
Obi-Wan was looking for him. That he knew. He was also confident that
his Master would find him. But how long would it take? How much of him
would be chipped away before it happened? Swallowing rage and fear did not
fill up his empty belly, but it made him worry about losing his Jedi
detachment.
He kept his eyes on the slave in front of him as they trudged to their
quarters. A rain was falling, and it tasted bitter and metallic on Anakin's
lips. He felt it soak his hair and unisuit.
Suddenly he felt a surge in the Force. Startled and hopeful, he lifted
his head. Was his Master near? He searched the platforms high above. The
factories and slave quarters were on the surface of Nar Shaddaa, but the
city was built above. He did not see his Master. Instead, he saw Krayn.
The pirate stood on a platform a hundred meters high. Standing next to
him was a nervous human man who Anakin did not know. Siri stood on Krayn's
other side. Strange, but Siri's gaze seemed to focus right in on Anakin. He
connection to Siri? He didn't know. Was she demonstrating that she still
could utilize her Jedi abilities? Maybe it was a warning. He didn't care.
He was about to drop his gaze when another being joined the others on
the platform. Anakin was surprised to see the Colicoid captain, Anf Dec.
What was he doing there? Weren't Krayn and the Colicoids bitter enemies?
After all, Krayn had attacked Anf Dec's ship!
Krayn pointed below and made a sweeping gesture. Anf Dec nodded. Siri
stared serenely ahead, no longer focused on Anakin.
He didn't know what it all meant. But somehow, he resolved to find
out.
CHAPTER 14
Obi-Wan adjusted his blast pads and helmet. Then he checked to make
sure his lightsaber was hidden among the jumble of weapons on his belt. He
was disguised as a slave trader named Bakleeda, and he hoped he would pass.
When he had gathered his concentration, he strode down the deserted
corridor toward Security Room A.
It had taken careful planning to get him this far. He was on the space
station Rorak 5, a half day's journey from Nar Shaddaa. It existed as a
fuel stop for traveling freighters and was also well known for having a
suite of security rooms available for meetings, clandestine or otherwise.
The security rooms were outfitted with the highest defenses, and it was
possible for all parties to leave their ships and travel there without
being seen. As soon as Obi-Wan landed, a moving corridor attached to his
landing ramp. He exited his ship and followed a set of verbal directions
from overhead speakers to his destination.
Security Room A was where Krayn and the Colicoids were secretly
meeting to discuss their takeover of the spice trade.
Every day it had taken to lay the groundwork for this meeting had cost
him. His patience had been worn to shreds. Anakin had now been on Nar
Shaddaa for two weeks. Enough time for him to be beaten. Imprisoned.
Killed.
Obi-Wan did not dwell on it, but it was in his mind all the same. He
knew that if he simply appeared on Nar Shaddaa as a Jedi he would risk
Anakin's life as well as Siri's. The Council had warned him that his plan
must be careful and perfect. He had given his word to Adi Gallia that this
would be so.
Didi had helped him establish an identity as Bakleeda and introduced
him to the right contacts. Didi had taken a great personal risk doing so,
for Obi-Wan had told him that he would have to reveal himself as a Jedi
eventually. He could not prevent that. It might become known that Didi had
helped smuggle a Jedi into the Krayn organization. There were many in the
criminal underworld who would not appreciate that. But
Didi had only swallowed twice rapidly and paled a bit before assuring
Obi-Wan that he would take any risk for Obi-Wan and the memory of Qui-Gon.
Obi-Wan opened the door. The Colicoids were waiting, and he was
relieved to see that he didn't know any of them. His face was hidden by his
helmet, which came down over his eyes and nose, but it was better that no
one could recognize him if something happened to dislodge it.
The three Colicoids gave him a brief glance but did not greet him.
They stood at the round table, talking together in their own language.
Words were interspersed with clicks and humming noises from their antennae
and jointed legs. The Colicoids had been the ones who had put out word that
they were looking for a slave trader with intelligence to represent them in
a meeting. It had taken all of Obi-Wan's skill to convince their
representative that he was the one they wanted.
One of the Colicoids turned to him. "I am Nor Fik. Do not speak unless
asked a question."
Obi-Wan nodded.
They waited long minutes. Obi-Wan had been over the galaxy many times
and had been present at scores of high-level meetings. On every world, no
matter how different, one thing was always the same: The party with the
most power was the last to arrive.
The door burst open and slammed against the wall. Krayn stood there,
his bulk filling the doorway. "My friends!"
The Colicoids nodded coolly at Krayn.
"An ion storm delayed me. A trifle." Krayn waved a hand. "I would
travel through worse to get here."
The Colicoids pointedly ignored this obvious lie. Krayn strode into
the room and a Wookiee with a scarred face and an eye patch crowded in. It
was Krayn's associate, Rashtah. If Krayn meant to intimidate the Colicoids,
it worked. The Wookiee was a fierce companion.
Krayn's sharp eyes traveled over Obi-Wan before returning to the
Colicoids with a beam of friendship. "So this is your observer. Hardly
necessary but I accept it as I do anything among friends. You see how
conciliatory I am?"
"And we see that you have brought an observer as well," Nor Fik said,
indicating Rashtah.
Krayn grinned as he sat, placing a long vibroblade on the table before
him. "It was a long journey. I needed company."
Rashtah remained standing but let out a growl of amusement.
"This is a waste of time," Nor Fik snapped. "Let us get down to
business."
Krayn's grin faded. "That is why I am here."
"We have control of the spice trade," Nor Fik said, seating himself
opposite Krayn. The other two Colicoids seated themselves next to him. "We
want you - "
Krayn held up a meaty hand. "Ah. Excuse me. I suggest that no lies be
spoken here, in the interest of our continued good fellowship."
"Lies?" Nor Fik asked in disbelief.
Krayn leaned forward. "You do not control the spice trade. Not yet.
You are still having trouble along the Kessel Run."
"That is because your pirates are still attacking our ships!" Nor Fik
said angrily. "Despite your assurances to the contrary. And you yourself
attacked our ship without warning when our highest level officer Anf Dec
was aboard - "
"A regrettable mistake," Krayn said.
The Colicoid clicked its antennae together. "Now who is lying."
Krayn looked pained. "Trust. Trust - it's so necessary to have it
between partners, Nor. I trust you. I see I have to work harder to make you
trust me."
Obi-Wan was surprised at Krayn's methods. He had expected Krayn to be
as much of a bully in the conference room as he was in the rest of the
galaxy. Instead, he was holding back.
"Let's talk about Nar Shaddaa," Nor Fik said, not bothering to respond
to Krayn. "You need more capital to keep those factories going. We will
supply it. Once we have the entire spice trade firmly in our grasp, you
will have the exclusive contract to process the spice in your Nar Shaddaa
plants. It is in our best interest that you remain there as a cover, as we
are members of the Senate now and should not be linked to a criminal
organization. Naturally we will continue to support your slave raids."
Krayn smiled. "I admire your methods, Nor. I agree to step up attacks
on other ships along the Kessel Run. That should allow you to close the
noose on the trade there. I assume that the capital I need will be
transferred into my accounts by this afternoon?"
"Perhaps. If we get some things clear."
For the first time, Krayn looked unnerved. He covered it with a smile.
"Of course."
"My superiors demand an inspection of the factories on Nar Shaddaa,"
Nor Fik said. "After all, if we are giving you the contract, we have a
right to a complete inspection. We are worried about your productivity -
slaves have been dying in great numbers."
"It is unfortunate that lately there has been some increase in
mortality.."
"Yes, it cuts into profits. It is harder and harder for you to conduct
massive raids, thanks to the Senate cracking down on the slave trade," Nor
Fik said. "If you don't keep your slaves healthy, you will have trouble
replacing them."
"A healthy slave is a slave who dreams of escape," Krayn said.
"That is what security is for," Nor Fik said. "I am not suggesting
that you pamper them. Feed them enough to keep going. When your ship is
struggling, you must conserve your fuel, but reach your destination."
Obi-Wan felt revulsion rise deep within him. Krayn and Nor Fik were
talking about living beings as if they were machines to be maintained.
You're the one who doesn't understand!
Anakin's tortured words filled his brain. His Padawan had been right.
He hadn't understood. He couldn't understand the depths of Anakin's
feeling. As a child, Anakin had lived every day with the knowledge that his
life meant nothing. That he was a possession, not a living being.
Obi-Wan struggled to maintain his calm. His heart cried out to move,
to get on a ship and go to Nar Shaddaa.
"There is nothing wrong with the treatment of slaves on Nar Shaddaa,"
Krayn said, anger beginning to color his voice. "I know best - "
"Perhaps. But we need to see the operation firsthand."
"Captain Anf Dec has been given a tour."
"And he has recommended an independent observer. He was not allowed
the access he expected."
Krayn looked astonished. "He didn't say a word! Naturally we would
have given him a tour of any part of the operation - "
"He was put off with excuses and promises," Nor Fik interrupted. "And
he is not experienced in the slave trade. Neither are we, nor are we
qualified to judge the work ability of such an assortment of beings.
Therefore we have found an independent observer to report back to us. This
is Bakleeda. He is in your business, and is willing to act as consultant
for us."
Obi-Wan took one step forward.
"He will travel to Nar Shaddaa and you will give him free and open
access. This is not negotiable. Agreed?"
Krayn hesitated. Obi-Wan could see a deep red flush on his neck. It
was the only sign of his rage. "Agreed."
Obi-Wan remained impassive, but excitement flared within him. He had
free access to Nar Shaddaa.
CHAPTER 15
Anakin was so exhaust
ed that he craved his sleep-mat, on the hard
ground in the large durasteel warehouse that served as slave quarters. The
slaves were packed tightly in rows, and the rain came through leaks in the
roof that made puddles that never dried. Sleep-mats were thin and tattered,
and the cold and damp seeped up from the ground to chill bodies that had
already been pushed to their limits.
No matter how much he craved sleep, it was elusive. Anakin lay awake
long after others around him were breathing quietly, huddled under thin
blankets, some pressed close to one another for warmth. He stared up at a
tiny sliver of sky he could glimpse through the roof. He could not see a
star, but he imagined one. He imagined his Master in a ship speeding past
that star, straight to Nar Shaddaa.
Movement close to him jolted him to his elbows. Anakin peered through
the darkness, expecting one of the scavenging creatures that overran the
slave quarters. Instead, he saw someone crawling toward him. It was Mazie.
She squeezed in between him and his neighbor, who obligingly grunted
and rolled slightly away to make room.
"I just wanted to thank you for today," she whispered. "I wasn't very
nice to you at the beginning."
"I know," Anakin said with his characteristic bluntness. "I've been