by Jude Watson
V-Haad beamed. "Ah, now I see! A wise and just path, I'm sure. But O-Lana will have no need of this. Here on Kegan, each Guide Within unites and forms the General Good. It would be wrong to remove O-Lana from the circle of General Good, as the circle would diminish and O-Lana would be raised to believe she was special. This is against the counsel of the Guides." V-Haad and O-Rina nodded and smiled.
Slowly, V-Nen and O-Melie nodded, too.
Qui-Gon understood Adi's frustration. V-Nen and O-Melie seemed to be listening intently, but they were not given a chance to react. Instead, the Hospitality Guides were doing all the reacting and talking. This was precisely why the Jedi preferred the first interview to be with the parents only.
He knew that despite their interjections, V-Haad and O-Rina had not truly listened to a word the Jedi had said. They had asked no questions about the Jedi path, or about O-Lana's abilities. If it were up to them, this child would never leave Kegan.
Qui-Gon focused on V-Nen and O-Melie. "If O-Lana is strong in the Force, you need to fully understand what that means. She might be able to move objects, or see things before they happen. Such things can frighten a young child."
"Not on Kegan," O-Rina said cheerily. "Our Benevolent Guides themselves, O-Vieve and V-Tan, have visions. We have learned to trust them. Their visions of the future have guided the present, creating the General Good."
Qui-Gon exchanged a quick glance with Adi. They had to get the parents away from the Guides. That was clear. But they also had to be mindful of Yoda's directive. They could not bring disruption to this planet. They must respect the Kegans' way of doing things.
The Hospitality Guides suddenly stood. "That was an excellent meeting,” V-Haad said. "I'm so glad to hear of the wonderful Jedi way."
"And we are sure you are tired from your journey," O-Rina added. "We will show you to the quarters we have for you. There will be plenty of time for more discussion."
"Unless you must go," V-Haad said. "We know how important the Jedi are."
"We can stay as long as V-Nen and O-Melie want us to," Adi said firmly.
"I have a request," Qui-Gon said. "We would like to walk to our destination. We did have a long journey, it's true. We'd like to stretch our legs and see more of your beautiful planet."
The two Hospitality Guides exchanged glances at this unexpected request.
"Of course," O-Rina said, reluctance coloring her usual bright expression. "If you would like that..."
"We would," Qui-Gon said firmly. "And of course we would enjoy the company of V-Nen and O-Melie as well. It will give us a chance to get to know one other."
The Guides could not refuse. O-Melie and V-Nen went to ask their neighbor O-Yani if she could continue watching O-Lana.
"The baby is sleeping now," O-Melie said quietly as she slipped back inside. "We would be happy to walk with you."
The Guides and O-Melie and V-Nen went out. Under the cover of adjusting his cloak, Qui-Gon turned back to Obi-Wan and Siri.
"Leave us and wander off when you can," he said in a low tone. "Do it without being seen. The Guides will come after you. Avoid them. You can use the time to gather information about Kegan. Do not cause disruption or upset. Remember, observation without interference. Do not reveal that you are Jedi."
Obi-Wan and Siri nodded, their expressions alert.
Qui-Gon saw Adi's worried look. He thought he understood. They would cause a disruption. A minimal disruption, and worth the risk, in his opinion. But Adi might not think so. He was not used to having to ask another Jedi Master to approve a course of action. He waited, his eyes on her, to see if she would object.
As he waited, Qui-Gon wondered again why Yoda had sent two teams to this planet. Had Adi been sent in order to monitor his tendency to follow his instincts and bend the rules? Was she meant to oversee how he and Obi-Wan worked together?
And if she did not approve of his suggestion, what would he do?
But Adi nodded. "This had better work," she murmured as she stepped out into the bright sunlight.
"Tell me, V-Haad and O-Rina," Qui-Gon said as they walked through the streets of Kegan. "I see that you have solved many problems that other worlds have not. Why don't Keganites travel to other worlds and share knowledge with them?"
"We have no need to," V-Haad said. "We have what we need for a good life here. And travel can be dangerous. The galaxy is a violent place. If we traveled it would encourage others to travel here. That could bring danger to Kegan. You can't deny that there is violence throughout the galaxy."
"No, I cannot," Qui-Gon agreed. "But there is also trade and an exchange of knowledge."
O-Rina and V-Haad merely smiled and shook their heads.
"We have everything we need," V-Haad repeated. "Importing trade or knowledge is unnecessary and harmful to the General Good."
"Why would advances in knowledge be harmful?" Obi-Wan asked, curious.
Qui-Gon saw a red flush mount on V-Haad's neck, even while his smile stayed fixed on his face.
"Kegan is a beautiful planet," Adi remarked in an obvious attempt to change the subject.
Quickly, O-Rina switched the topic to the lovely spaces of Kegan, pointing out native species as they passed the Garden Circle
with its blooming flowers.
Qui-Gon remained silent. There was something else bothering him about Kegan - something besides the determined smiles on the faces of the Hospitality Guides. Suddenly he realized he had not heard laughter since he'd landed on the planet. He had not seen any public sculptures or fountains or works of art. He had not heard music. On such a peaceful planet it was unusual. Perhaps it was the lack of joy - despite the smiles - that was disturbing him.
"Here is our marketplace," O-Rina said proudly, sweeping an arm to show them the circular area crowded with stalls. "No one needs currency to buy. Everyone barters with their own surplus. No one goes hungry."
It was the oddest marketplace Qui-Gon had ever seen. Although they had just passed fruit orchards in the Garden Circle
and had seen trees with boughs bent with ripe fruit, there was not a fresh fruit or vegetable to be seen. Strips of dried fruit and vegetables hung from hooks, and large bins contained grains. There were cobblers for boots and tailors who sold tunics and work gear. Shoppers went about their business with smiles and nods. They did not linger with pleasure at a display or stop to be tempted by a treat. There was plenty to see in the market, but nothing enticing to buy.
"Very ... useful," Siri said politely.
A cart headed for them, loaded with bolts of rough linen. Qui-Gon stepped quickly to his right, seeming to get out of the way. He stepped into the path of a stall keeper who was placing tools on a rack for display. The rack tilted, and the tools spilled into the path.
Quickly, Qui-Gon bent down to help the stall keeper pick up the tools. When he stood, Obi-Wan and Siri were gone.
O-Rina turned. "You see, new goods arrive constantly. Here on Kegan, we ..." Her voice trailed off. Her eyes raked over the surrounding area. "But what has happened to your young Jedi?"
V-Haad swiveled, trying to take in the crowd. "Did they stop behind us?"
"I'm not sure," Qui-Gon said, pretending to search the crowd. "Perhaps they saw something that interested them."
"They haven't seen any of your technology," Adi offered. "Perhaps they were interested in those old transmitters we saw."
"Yes, curiosity. Very commendable, but we should find them," O-Rina babbled. "So easy to get lost on Kegan."
"Not a good idea to get lost," V-Haad confirmed. "The Circles can be confusing, like a maze."
O-Rina and V-Haad looked at V-Nen and O-Melie.
"If you will wait here with the Jedi..." O-Rina said.
"And show them the market..." V-Haad added.
"But do not go far," O-Rina said. "Or else we would be unable to find you. That would distress us"
She is warning them, Qui-Gon thought.
"We will wait here," V-Nen said quietly. Qui-Gon saw
him reach for O-Melie's hand.
The Hospitality Guides rushed off. Qui-Gon turned to V-Nen and O-Melie. A skyhopper engine buzzed overhead, and he spoke underneath its noise. "We are grateful for this opportunity to talk to you alone."
"We have nothing more to say." O-Melie's voice was flat. "We made a mistake in contacting you. You should go."
Qui-Gon exchanged a puzzled glance with Adi. He had imagined that O-Melie and V-Nen were bursting with questions behind their silence.
V-Nen put a hand on his wife's arm. Qui-Gon noted that she was trembling. What was going on? He felt frustration well in him. How could he and Adi get through to the parents? They were obviously afraid.
"O-Lana could be awake now," he said. "Why don't we go to see her again? You should know if O-Lana is indeed strong in the Force, even if you do not make a decision now. You can think about it."
"Let us return and examine the child," Adi Gallia added softly. "We will tell you what we think, and then we will go."
V-Nen and O-Melie hesitated. Qui-Gon could see that they wanted to agree.
"We will take complete responsibility with the Hospitality Guides,” Qui-Gon added.
"All right," V-Nen said reluctantly.
V-Nen led them in a snaking path through the marketplace. They came out on a different road than the one they had taken before. He led them down backstreets, this time ending up in the back of their dwelling.
They followed the parents inside. As they entered their dwelling, an elder woman emerged. She had close-cropped russet hair threaded with silver and small dark eyes that darted nervously, like a bird's.
"You've returned," she said.
"Where is Lana, O-Yani?" O-Melie asked. "Is she sleeping?"
"She is not here," the older woman replied. "They came. They took her away."
Obi-Wan and Siri did not run, or even appear to hurry. They had been taught how to move through a crowd without being seen. By the time the person turned to look at them, Siri and Obi-Wan had already melted farther into the crowd. They left the marketplace behind, sure that O-Rina and V-Haad would comb it thoroughly.
"Let's head for the Garden Circle
," Obi-Wan suggested. "It will be easier to hide there."
Siri nodded. They hurried toward the circle and ran down a path that wound through rows of leafy trees. Spotting a forested area ahead, they headed for it. They struggled through tall overgrown shrubs studded with brambles that choked the narrow trail. Finally, they stopped in a clearing to catch their breath.
Siri pulled a bramble out of her hair. "I don't know why we had to leave at all," she grumbled. "Just when things were getting interesting, Qui-Gon comes up with a plan to get rid of us. How am I going to learn if I never get to watch two Jedi Masters in action?"
"The mission is what drives us," Obi-Wan said.
Siri tore another bramble from her blond hair. "You don't have to repeat Jedi wisdom to me, Obi-Wan. I took the same classes you did." Suddenly, she sighed and flopped back onto the soft grass. "I'm just disappointed. I wanted to see how Qui-Gon and Adi would handle this. Something is very strange on this planet. Those Hospitality Guides gave me the shivers. Who knew a smile could be so eerie?"
"That's why Qui-Gon wanted to see the parents alone," Obi-Wan told her.
Siri gave him a sidelong look that seemed like pure disgust. "You don't have to explain the plan to me. I was there."
She jumped up before he could react. She was always doing that, Obi-Wan thought. She never gave him a chance to apologize or explain. Not that he wanted to.
"Come on," she said. "We shouldn't stay in one place for too long."
"I know that," Obi-Wan said, moving ahead.
Siri picked up her pace, and they hurried through the overgrown paths. Neither would let the other lead.
This is ridiculous, Obi-Wan thought. Haven't I learned anything in all my years at the Temple? I shouldn't be competing with Siri.
But he couldn't fall back and let her lead, either.
"Maybe we should find the Tech Circle
," Obi-Wan suggested. "If we're supposed to investigate how the society really works here on Kegan, it seems like a good place to start."
"That's the first place they'd look for us," Siri scoffed.
They emerged from the bushy overgrowth and found themselves alongside a field of tall grass. A dirt path ran along the edge of the field, and they turned down it.
"Do you have a better suggestion?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I think we should mingle with the people," Siri said. "It's a human population, so we'll mix in. And we wear similar clothes, too. We might be able to pick up lots of information just by talking to people."
Before Obi-Wan could reply, the noise of an engine split the air. A landspeeder was approaching. It was too late to retreat into the shrubbery.
"Let's try to bluff," he murmured to Siri.
The landspeeder drew up alongside them. A burly middle-aged man dressed in a chromasheath tunic smiled at them in a friendly way. "What are you two doing out here?"
"Just out walking," Obi-Wan said.
"No school today?" the man asked in a pleasant tone.
Here was a trap. Obi-Wan didn't want to say they were visitors. That would surely send O-Rina and V-Haad on their trail.
"We have permission to be out," Siri said. "Our parents need help at home. Speaking of which, we'd better head there."
"Suit yourself." The man waved them on.
They began to walk past him. But something was wrong. The Force surged, warning Obi-Wan a moment before an electro-jabber swiped at his knees, then his shoulder. They were both glancing blows, enough to send Obi-Wan crashing to the ground. A split second later, Siri crashed next to him. Her breath left her in a hiss. She had never felt an electro-jabber before.
The man picked them up and dumped them like cargo on the rear floor of the landspeeder. Then they roared off.
"O-Lana is gone?" O-Melie's face went dead white. She stumbled backward, and V-Nen steadied her. She pressed a hand to her mouth. "How could you have let her go?"
"I had to," O-Yani replied, her eyes darting from O-Melie to V-Nen. "They said she was due for her routine med check. There is no reason for concern. She will come back. She will not disappear."
V-Nen shot a glance at O-Melie. A warning glance, Qui-Gon thought. He saw O-Melie swallow. The look on her face was transformed. Her constricted facial muscles smoothed out. Her lips tilted upward in a strained smile.
"Of course," she said. "I understand."
They heard the sound of running footsteps, and the Hospitality Guides hurried toward them.
"Ah, we found you!" O-Rina said.
V-Haad's smile did not falter. "We thought you were to wait in the market."
"We must have misunderstood," Qui-Gon said. "We asked if we could return here. So sorry if we caused you upset."
"O-Lana has been taken," O-Melie said, struggling to keep a pleasant expression on her face. "O-Yani says the Med Circle Guides came for her. But she just had her routine med exam. Perhaps there is some mistake."
"We shall check on it," O-Rina assured her. "Do not be concerned. A child can't be too healthy!"
V-Nen looked as ashen as his wife, but his face was frozen into the same pleasant mask. "Parental notification before a med check always takes place. Strange that O-Lana was taken without it."
"Slips can occur, even on Kegan," V-Haad said in a jovial tone. "But that doesn't excuse them," he added quickly.
"Even a moment of worry about a child can be an eternity," O-Rina said sympathetically. "V-Haad and I will be happy to intercede for you. We'll go right to V-Tan and O-Vieve if we have to."
"We are grateful," V-Nen said through tight lips.
O-Rina turned to the Jedi. "Of course, all this will take time. We know the Jedi are far too crucial to the galaxy to linger. We will completely understand if you must return to your more important tasks."
"Unfortunately we did not find your young aides," V-H
aad said pleasantly. "Perhaps you have communication devices that can summon them."
"Thank you for your concern," Qui-Gon answered smoothly. "But I'm afraid you overestimate our demand in the galaxy. We can certainly remain here until the child is found. As for our aides, I'm afraid we're at a loss."
Adi picked up on his strategy. "We have tried to contact them on our comlinks," she said. "They are not responding. Perhaps they lost them, or our technology does not work on your planet. We will have to search for them."
"We are sorry if this causes trouble for you," Qui-Gon added. "We would like permission to travel among your people. You know how the young can be. They are most likely exploring and have forgotten the time."
The Hospitality Guides were trapped. They could not refuse such a sensible request. But they looked uncertain.
"Kegan is a peaceful planet," V-Haad said haltingly. "Yet our people are unused to foreigners. They could feel fear, which could make them act in unaccustomed ways. We wouldn't want you to run into trouble of any kind..."
"Jedi are used to walking among strangers," Adi said, inclining her head. "We are not worried."
"We will be in touch," Qui-Gon said, bowing to the Guides.
The Guides turned away. O-Melie stayed still as a block of stone, but her burning eyes beseeched the Jedi. Find her!
Then the Hospitality Guides turned back again, and her bland smile returned.
"The mother is frightened," Adi said.
"The father as well," Qui-Gon said. "He hides it slightly better."
Adi sighed. They had paused by the Gardening Circle
before going on. "I am afraid that with every step we take, we violate the Council's wishes. We are interfering. We could make enemies here."
"A child is missing," Qui-Gon said. "Never mind that she is Force-sensitive. Her parents are obviously terrified. The situation has changed. And it is because of our presence. If we had not come, the child would be safe."
Adi nodded reluctantly. "The child could be where the Guides say she is. They want to keep us away from her. That doesn't mean they'll harm her. We can't take bold action without ascertaining if the child is in danger."
