Betrayal - Chapter 10

Lighting the darkness only brings shadows

            Kenobi did not say much after the informant left. The Padawan Learner paid the loathsome parasite twenty credits, all that she had, but the lowlife merely frowned at the small amount, groaned in disgust and stomped away, shaking his head and muttering about tightfisted misers.

            Blinking furiously, her Master brusquely shouldered past Atel, mumbling something about katas, meditation and seeing her in the morning. Without waiting for her reply, he thrust a few credits at her and turned away. She stood there, stunned, money clenched in one hand and watched him go. He seemed so alone, his ragged cloak wrapped tightly about him like an ebony shroud, his body hunched and smaller somehow.

            After a few moments, knowing that he would not accept her solace but resolute in her determination to help him, she followed Obi-Wan deeper into the shadowy night. Atel could not leave her Master alone now, not like this. He did not acknowledge his apprentice, although she was a few paces behind him, but plodded soundlessly towards some unseen goal.

            The whispered murmur of falling water was a far-off lure that pulled both Jedi towards a small, quiet park tucked in one of the side streets. An overgrown hedge, massively black against the darkened sky, hid most of the grassy area from the lane. But there were also trees and a tiny bench hidden in the foliage. A stone fountain gleamed bone and ebony as liquid dribbled down the roughened wall. Away from prying eyes, it would have been perfect for relaxation, perfect for a kata or two, in the daylight. But at night, it was a black maw, inky walls and midnight-dark weeds.

            Obi-Wan did not seem to notice the murky gloom but strode swiftly to the stone bench, flung down his cloak and stood there quite still for a moment, lightsaber in hand. Reaching up, gathering in the Force, suddenly his saber was ablaze with light, moving, binding him in its glow. He began to advance, flowing more swiftly into the kata, speeding up the moves, impossibly fast, until the light seemed to be everywhere at once. His face, lit briefly as the bright blade twirled by in an infinity loop, appeared serene but his eyes were closed, the intense frown tunneling his brow.

            The kata seemed to go on forever as he twisted and spun his body in impossible ways, always with the luminous glow encasing his form. The saber flung blue light, etching the bench and trees in stark relief with razored sketches of ink and azure as he flowed past. Huge and twisted, the ghosting shadows on the far walls spun and whirled with each movement of the blade. It would have been beautiful beyond words, that ethereal radiance, riveting and breathtaking, if not for the ripples of despair flowing through the Force.

            The parry and thrust of the saber began to slow imperceptibly. He was sweating now as he reached into the final forms of the kata, body trembling with the last flourish of the blade. At last, head bent, he stopped for a moment, took a hurried breath and shifted again into the beginning patterns of a second kata. Always pushing himself, the tumultuous patterns of azure light betraying his inner turmoil, Obi-Wan flowed into a third kata and then a fourth.

            Atel stood still, watching her Master at war with himself. She knew that he should be acknowledging the sorrow, releasing it into the Force as he had taught her. Instead, it encased Obi-Wan, shackling his movements. He seemed angry, despair battling with regret, as he moved through the fire dance. At last, his body shouted what he could not accept. The buckling drift of arms and legs, rasping breath so fast and rough, his frame trembled as he pushed himself past the pain. Finally, he flung himself to the ground, the last kata complete. The park plunged into darkness.

            Atel rushed to his side, reaching down to help him up. Instead, he growled, "I told you that I'd see you in the morning. I don't want you here."

            "Master? I only thought...."

            His eyes were pinpoints of starlight as he breathed in sharply. "Go back to your room."

            "Please, please Master...let me help you." Her soft voice was ragged with worry.

            He could feel Atel's concern and settled back, closing his weary eyes. Guilt gentled his reply. "Padawan, you cannot. I must do this alone. Now, as my apprentice, you are honor-bound to obey me. Return to your room. I will see you in the morning."

            She rose up, penitent. "Yes, Master. Good-night." Bowing slightly, she turned and walked away. Before she rounded the corner, she glanced back at Obi-Wan. He was still sitting in the shadowy grass, one arm wrapped around his drawn-up knees, his clouded eyes focused on the darkened saber cradled in his upturned hand.            

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            The morning scramble for the data port's public access facilities was well begun by the time the Jedi arrived.

When, at long last, the room became available, Atel strode quickly to one of the outlets and eagerly plugged her datapad in, anxious to begin. There was much to do. Kenobi trailed behind, sitting down heavily, dull jade eyes staring impassively at the computer screen.

            The Padawan glanced at Master Obi-Wan. She knew that he had been up most of the night, trying to release his anger and despair into the Force, apparently without success. Kenobi said little, his face a mask of stoic neutrality, and he appeared outwardly serene, a superb example of the legendary Jedi facade. But Atel knew better. Her Master seemed lifeless, uncaring. It was almost as if he were grieving for the loss of something that was essential to him - hope, perhaps or faith -  something that he had not known existed until it was gone.

            "Master, I'm going to continue looking into Jinn's Offworld connection. I'm about to download his mission summaries. They've finally arrived from the Temple Archives . Is there anything else you wish me to do?"

            His "No" was hardly above a whisper. With another concerned look, she turned back to the datapad and began the convoluted and often frustrating investigation of Jinn's dealings.

            With a despondent sigh, Obi-Wan glanced at his Padawan Learner and then back at his monitor. He stared at the darkened screen for several moments, last night's discoveries harshly corrupting his beliefs, shredding his perception of truth. He was sure that the man had been mistaken. Qui-Gon Jinn could not be selling slaves; it was not in his character. It may have been ten years but his Master was more likely rescuing the poor creatures than making a profit from their pain.

            And yet, and yet...Obi-Wan had begun to doubt his faith in his Master and in himself. His reality had been shattered with the tumultuous revelations of the Jedi Council's complacency. He still could not believe that the Jedi Order would betray their own, to stand by and let them die, alone and unaided.  But the facts were indisputable; the Council knew. And, if that were true, could Qui-Gon Jinn be any less mired in slavery and abuse of the Force?

            He shook his head, then hunched down, pulling his ragged robe tightly about him and whispered, "Time to find some answers."

            He began to pull up the transportation records. He knew that Tatooine and Ryloth were the main source of slaves in the Outer Rim and Master Jinn had been there many times over the years. Qui-Gon Jinn's forays into that area of space had seemed suspicious. Now, there was a focus.

            Initially, Jinn had used public transport or borrowed ships, often ones registered with the Abolitionist Union, to conduct business. However, Qui-Gon Jinn or rather the companies he partnered quickly amassed a number of freighters, Corellian class, and he used them for his travels off-world. His old Master seemed to favor one ship, Serenity, for most of his flights to the Outer Rim. The small freighter, its type well-known for its powerful hyperdrive and superb maneuverability, would be perfect for transporting cargo of any kind, including slaves.

             It seemed straightforward. Any ship leaving the planet could depart after forwarding an itinerary, listing passengers, cargo, and destination. However, entry into Naboo space required a stop at the port for an inspection before traveling to their final destination - no exceptions, even for the heroes of Naboo. With their sophisticated sensor grid covering the planet, all ships were tracked and, apparently, Qui-Gon followed the rules every time.

            When Jinn did carry "passengers" to Naboo, a customs agent always came onboard to ask a few simple questions such as name, occupation, and where they would be staying while planet bound. Occasionally, inspectors might delve into more personal details, especially if the individuals were suspicious-looking. Slaves would certainly have been detected quickly. But no unusual behavior or appearance was noted with any of the outworlders on Jinn's ships.

            Obi-Wan's tension began to ease, a wry grin flitting across his face. Obviously, the informant's little performance last night had been a crude attempt to cause trouble for his Master. Shaking his head with annoyance at his own folly, Kenobi thought ruefully, **And it had almost succeeded. I should have known better.**  Of course, there was no evidence. The thought that Qui-Gon was dealing in slaves was ludicrous. It just wasn't possible. Besides, if there had been proof, the port officials would have noticed and surely arrested him before this. Naboo's anti-slavery stance was absolute. No one, not even a Jedi Master, could have kept this secret.

            He was about to halt the download of passenger information to his datapad when something caught his eye. There it was, a puzzle under the drifting details of arrival and departure. Running his hand over his eyes for a moment, trying to clear his thoughts, he huffed with frustrated annoyance. **Blast. Not another riddle.** He was sorely tempted to ignore it, but, in the end, could not.

            Kenobi began to look more closely. According to the port records, in the past five years, each of Jinn's passengers had had remarkably similar responses to the bureaucratic questions - a simple and easily remembered name, an occupation such as laborer or domestic worker, and one of the cheap hotels near the spaceport listed as their destination. Everything seemed clear and straightforward. And it was always the same pattern. The freighter would land at Qui-Gon's private docking bay, located at the far end of the port, and, once the ship was cleared for debarkation, the passengers were allowed to leave. Invariably, they were picked up by one of Jinn's transportation agencies. But they never arrived at their lodgings - and never left Naboo. It was almost as if the individuals were herded into the air-taxis and promptly vanished.

            **Damn it, Qui-Gon. What are you playing at?** Obi-Wan was bewildered, confused. People didn't just disappear - unless they wanted to, unless they were forced to, unless they were smuggled off-world and sold.

            This did not make sense. Surely someone must have protested or noticed something was amiss.

            But, as he gathered in the names and dates of passengers, as the list grew longer, he realized that there had been no outcry, no questions about the disappearing outworlders, no harsh demands for answers to this puzzle. That worried Kenobi. That would imply that Jinn did not do this, whatever it was, on his own. He had to have help, a lot of help. **Of course he had help, you idiot. The Abolitionist Union , spaceport officials, maybe Windu. Mace had gone with Qui-Gon on a number of forays to the Outer Rim. Whatever it was, this scheme ran wide and deep.**

            Obi-Wan knew that he needed something concrete, some clue to this frustrating enigma but, try as he might, he could not find anything tangible in the recent past. He began to rummage through the older files, scanning backwards, towards the beginning of Jinn's time on the planet, before his Master had perfected whatever scam was going on. Finally, a name popped up that could be traced to a location on Naboo and then another name and another - twelve names out of hundreds. Twelve potential answers to his questions.

            In all cases, his "answers" had stayed at Jinn's ranch or at the Bendu Sanctuary immediately following entry into Naboo. Vel Thene was now living in Theed as was Qunete Jumung. Denth Tre'fey moved to a small town on the other side of the planet. Reuno A'Mare, Iliana Treant and Shmi Skywalker were living with the Bendu at their retreat, just north of the spaceport. **Wait....Skywalker. A relative of Anakin's, perhaps. And she is close by.** He frowned at that. Anakin had never mentioned anyone. **Sure, Kenobi. As if he were going to tell you anything...** The other six individuals were scattered over the planet. Interviewing them all would take some time.

            Obi-Wan leaned back, staring at the monitor. The mystery of the Bendu Sanctuary, with its enigmatic swarm of ex-Jedi and potential for a rival Temple , had called to him earlier. Now, there was one more reason to go, one more puzzle to solve. Closing his eyes for a moment, taking a deep cleansing breath to focus his thoughts, he could sense the faint nudges of the Force. This felt right. Perhaps some of the questions surrounding Master Jinn would be revealed this day. Yes, it was time to visit the Bendu.

            In his quest to solve this frustrating paradox, he had almost forgotten about his lively apprentice. Startling him out of his reverie, Atel let out a joyous whoop, "I've got you now, Master Jinn."

            Muttering quietly to himself, he glanced at his elated Padawan, sitting there, grinning with pride. "I've found the connection to the Offworld Mining, Master. He's been using the Force, threats and more to acquire ownership of several of the consortium's mines. No wonder he was able to buy so much of Offworld's property."

            Obi-Wan frowned, his eyes narrowing. "That doesn't seem possible. Are you sure, Atel? We must have proof."

            "Absolutely, Master. See here," she pointed to the list of Offworld's holdings on the screen, violet eyes gleaming with excitement. "He approached the mining consortium last year with an offer to buy one of the Telos's mines - for far less than market value, I might add. The offer was refused, point-blank. The mine's owner, Petha Ven'tl, accused Jinn of threatening him and his workers if the deal didn't go through and even tried to bring Jinn up on charges of intimidation and assault. The very next day, Qui-Gon acquired the mine. Ven'tl, the man who had turned him down, rescinded his accusations, and left the capital in a hurry."

            "It happens all the time in business, Padawan. Perhaps, the consortium's governing board didn't like the man's accusations and shipped him elsewhere or threw him out of the syndicate."

            "I'm sorry, Master, but he turned up a week later, dead. There wasn't much left of his body, only small pieces but it was enough for a genetic scan. Apparently, Ven'tl had fallen or been pushed into an acid pond at the  Sacred Pools." She paused, uncertain. "It's a park outside the capital of Telos."

            Obi-Wan scowled at Atel, his voice gravelly with dismay. "I know where it is."

            "Master, I know you do. The mission report from the Temple was quite explicit. It said that your old Master had been on Telos some years before and had gone to the Sacred Pools in pursuit of a criminal, his former Padawan, Xanatos du Crion. It also said that Jinn had left for Telos on this vendetta without the approval of the Council, against their express wishes, and that you went with him."

            He looked down in haunted remembrance, an anguished look sweeping his face. She continued hesitantly. "The three of you fought and the culprit died, jumping into the acid pool to escape imprisonment. Apparently, Ven'tl died the same way."

            Obi-Wan was suddenly irate, wintry green eyes narrowing as he glared at her. "Are you accusing Master Qui-Gon of murdering this man? Just because he died at the same place in the same way as his former apprentice? That is absurd."

            "Well, it could be a coincidence. But, Master, a month later, the same thing happened again - same pattern. Another Telosian mine from the Offworld syndicate, another complaint against your former Master, another accusation of threats and mutterings about mind tricks, more vehement this time, and then the accuser retracts his complaints, abruptly leaves the capital and Jinn owns a second mine. And the guy ends up dead - same place, same way."

            Atel took a deep steadying breath and continued. "Master, it happened a third time and a fourth. As of last month, by my calculations, Jinn owns a third of Offworld's mining ventures on Telos and is on the board of directors. He's been siphoning off the profits and keeping them in a separate account, for his use only."

            Obi-Wan shook his head, sharply. "No. Qui-Gon Jinn would not go around killing people for profit. It's ridiculous. Do you have any other proof other than Offworld rumors? They are known for manipulation and substantial deceit."

            "Yes, Master, I know, but it's more than just rumors. The charges against Jinn for threats and assaults are listed in the security records on Telos and they match the dates of the accusations. These records are considered by the Republic to be tamper-proof so they must be accepted as fact." Obi-Wan scowled at that. "The disavowals were there as well, always worded the same way - welcoming Qui-Gon Jinn as a benefactor, expressing astonishment that any charges were filed, denying that they had made the complaints. Sounds like Jinn manipulated the Force to change their minds and then they were murdered. Either way, they won't be accusing him ever again."

            He began to protest but Atel raised her hand to stop him. "I agree that it is always possible, however unlikely, that the Telosian files were false. But the Naboo flight plan records show that Jinn was on Telos each time the accusations and retractions were made and he was there when the murders took place."

            Obi-Wan's frown deepened but she pressed on. "But, more importantly, Master Jinn's own company files their tax records quarterly as per regulations. The Offworld mines are listed as part of his personal holdings. Last month, Qui-Gon Jinn signed the forms himself."

            "Damn." Obi-Wan sighed heavily, mouth grimacing in adamant refusal. "Atel, I don't believe it, not for a moment, that Qui-Gon Jinn would murder these people. Not Qui-Gon. Mind-trick, maybe, but murder....no. There is something wrong, I can feel it."

            His apprentice opened her mouth to protest but he quickly said, "Records can lie. It is easy enough for a slicer to tamper with the files, make them spew nonsense like this. We must do more than just accept the official reports. At the very least, we should talk to some of the mine's staff, get evidence from other sources. I know that these findings are ominous but there is a lot at stake here. If we find that this is correct, he will be sent to a prison colony for the remainder of his life or, worse, put to death. His possessions would be confiscated and his wife and son rendered penniless. Padawan, we must be sure."

            "Master, but how? We are on the other side of the galaxy from Telos. The Council will not send us there at this time. It would be a waste of resources."

            "I agree. However, when we return to Coruscant, we will have access to the records of the Republic. Besides, there should be a Jedi team near Telos. Perhaps, they could investigate this. It wouldn't take much time." He nodded, satisfied. "When we contact the Council this evening, I will request it." 

            "Yes, Master Obi-Wan. What do we do now?"

            He sighed, suddenly tired. "The rumor that Qui-Gon is running a slaver operation has not been confirmed or denied but there is a puzzle there. I need to gather more information. I've found a number of individuals that may have some answers, living at the Bendu Sanctuary. I had already planned to visit the place after mid-day, to see if this gathering of former Jedi were a truly philosophical society. Or, perhaps, they are hiding something more sinister."

            "Maybe, we could go there....after food?" She looked at him, widening her eyes in wistful entreaty. Obi-Wan almost smiled at that.

            "All right, my Padawan. After mid-day meal."

To Chapter 11