by Watson, Jude
“We haven’t received our instructions,” Ferus said.
“I am sure our instructions will be to avoid having a good time at all costs,” Tru said to Ferus in a mock-serious tone, his eyes still twinkling with silent amusement.
Ferus sighed. “Padawans are always trying to get me to relax,” he said. “I’m just not made that way.”
Siri, Ry-Gaul, and Obi-Wan turned away from their conference and approached their Padawans.
“We’ve decided that you three can go off on your own for a while,” Obi-Wan told them. “But be sure your comlinks are functioning at all times.”
Anakin and Tru exchanged an excited glance. They hadn’t expected this good fortune. They had hoped to run into each other, but now they could actually attend at least some of the Games together! Anakin would even put up with Ferus if it meant he could spend time with Tru.
“I contacted Liviani Sarno. She’s on her way here,” Obi-Wan told them. “After we receive a briefing, you’ll be free to go. Then we’ll all meet back at the Games quarters for the evening meal.”
Within moments they saw a tall female Euceron heading toward them. She was dressed in a scarlet robe embroidered with orange and gold threads, and her crown of braids was woven with bright jewels. Liviani Sarno was not hard to spot.
Traveling in her wake were three other beings, and Anakin was surprised that he knew two of them. He had met Didi and Astri when they still owned the Coruscant café that Dexter Jettster now ran. He knew that they had been close to Qui-Gon Jinn and were friends with Obi-Wan as well.
Didi’s round brown eyes widened when he saw Obi-Wan. Astri ran forward, her pretty face flushed.
“Obi-Wan!” Dark curls flying, Astri threw herself at Obi-Wan, wrapping her arms around him. Anakin was surprised to see his reserved Master break out into a huge smile and hug Astri back. Didi came up and tried to hug both of them, but his plump arms were too short. He settled for thumping Obi-Wan on the back.
“This makes my eyes new and my heart glad!” Didi cried.
“It is so good to see you!” Astri exclaimed.
“It is good to see you, too,” Obi-Wan said. “You are here to see the Games?”
“In an official capacity,” Astri said. “I’d like you to meet my husband, Bog Divinian. He’s on the Games Council. Bog, this is the great Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
Bog Divinian was a tall, handsome man in a plumfruit-colored tunic almost as bright as Liviani Sarno’s.
“I am honored to meet a Jedi,” Bog said. “Do you know Liviani Sarno?”
“This is our first meeting,” Obi-Wan said with a quick nod. He introduced the Padawans. Siri coolly assessed the Council member. Ry-Gaul stood silent.
“We are glad the Jedi accepted the request of the Ruling Power to monitor the Games,” Liviani said. “We can use the help. Many more came than we expected.”
“We have to keep things running smoothly,” Bog added. “Liviani is doing an amazing job of organization.”
Liviani inclined her head in the fashion of one who is used to compliments.
“If you need an insider’s perspective, I’ll be glad to help,” Bog added, speaking to Obi-Wan. “Because you’re such a good friend of Astri’s, I’ll make time for you.”
Obi-Wan’s polite expression did not falter, but Siri’s ice-blue eyes flashed at the notion that Bog would only help the Jedi because one of them was a personal friend. Ry-Gaul just blinked impassively.
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan said smoothly. No doubt he had noticed Astri’s embarrassment.
“Obi-Wan Kenobi is the greatest of all Jedi Knights,” Didi said proudly. “He will not need our help, I guarantee.” He suddenly realized that he had insulted Siri and Ry-Gaul and turned to them quickly. “Not that Siri and Ry-Gaul aren’t equally great. All Jedi are great!” Didi beamed at all of them. “Even Padawans!”
“How are the preparations going?” Obi-Wan asked Liviani. “Any problems?”
“So smoothly, no problems,” Bog Divinian answered. “The Games Council is handling everything beautifully. Maxo Vista is a native of Euceron and on the Council, and he has been very helpful. You know of him, of course.”
Obi-Wan shook his head politely. Anakin couldn’t believe his Master didn’t know the great Euceron hero who had stunned the galaxy seven years before by winning five events at the Galactic Games on Berrun.
“But everyone knows Maxo Vista!” Bog said, surprised. “He is renowned throughout the galaxy! He might not be wealthy, but he is famous. And he is a good friend of mine, so if you need an introduction…”
Siri snorted, then tried to turn it into a cough. Anakin remembered that Obi-Wan had told him that Siri had never done very well in her diplomacy classes at the Temple.
Even Didi looked embarrassed at Bog’s bragging. He smiled at the Jedi in turn. “Who needs galactic heroes when we have Jedi?”
“Precisely,” Liviani said crisply. “And Bog is wrong about our not having problems.”
Bog looked crestfallen at having disappointed Liviani. “I know of no problems, Liviani.”
Liviani ignored Bog and turned to the Jedi. “There are rumors that there will be an illegal Podrace on the outskirts of the city.”
Anakin suddenly became very interested.
Siri frowned. “We had not heard this.”
Liviani nodded. “Podracers from all over the galaxy have been spotted arriving on Euceron. We have heard that they are gathering on the city’s northern border in the Great Dordon Caves, whose extensive tunnels are, unfortunately, ideally suited for this suicidal sport.”
“Podracing is illegal in the Core Worlds,” Bog said disapprovingly. “If I were Senator—I am running for Senator of my home planet of Nuralee, by the way—I would consider introducing a law to outlaw Podracing galaxy-wide. It only promotes gambling and violence.” Bog gave a quick glance at Liviani to see if she approved of his declaration.
Liviani continued to ignore him, however. “You see our problem,” she said to the Jedi. “The Ruling Power is worried about bad publicity, so it wants us to ignore the rumors. If Podracers die in the caves, no one will care, officially.” Liviani’s delicate eyebrows drew together in a worried frown. “But the authorities underestimate how popular these races are. Beings will hear of them. Betting will take place, and spectators—some of them quite important on their home planets—will find the race. We cannot guarantee safety and crowd control.”
“The Games must proceed smoothly,” Bog added. “Absolutely.”
Anakin barely heard their voices. His brain had started to buzz as soon as he’d heard the word Podrace. He hadn’t seen or been in one since he was a slave on Tatooine.
It was as though the thick clouds overhead parted, for suddenly he felt the blow of the hot suns of Tatooine on the back of his neck. He could taste the grit of sand between his teeth. And he could feel the rise of the same fierce desire that had filled him as a young boy, the simplest, most powerful feeling he knew: the will to win.
Anakin felt his Master’s eyes on him, as though the surge of feeling had touched Obi-Wan like a warning finger. A mask of serenity dropped over Anakin’s face. He could call it up at will for times such as this, times when his blood seemed to race closer to his skin.
Liviani was speaking, and Obi-Wan turned back to her. Anakin kept his expression calm but interested. Like a Jedi would be. But inside…inside he was a slave boy, on fire to race again.
Chapter Three
Does he really think he’s fooling me?
Obi-Wan’s exasperation with his Padawan did not show on his face. Anakin’s attempts to hide his excitement may have tricked the others, but Obi-Wan felt it charge the air. He had never seen Anakin compete in a Podrace, and Qui-Gon had not given him many details, but he knew how outrageously dangerous Podracing was. Pilots sat in open cockpits, racing fragile crafts that were powered by massive engines tethered to the racer by flexible cables. Obi-Wan could imagine that the prospect of Anakin once aga
in pitting his skills and reflexes and daring in such a race would be irresistible.
But it would not be worthy of a Jedi. Jedi did not seek thrills.
Obi-Wan could understand a momentary tug toward the past. He would expect his Padawan to overcome it. A longing for such things was childish, in his opinion. As soon as they were alone, he would speak to Anakin about it.…
“Obi-Wan, my friend?” Didi spoke in a low tone at his elbow. “A word?”
Liviani had received a call on her comlink and had turned away, so Obi-Wan followed Didi a few paces away from the others.
“I just wanted to say,” Didi began, smoothing his tunic with plump fingers, “how my entire being is convulsed with joy to see your handsome and noble face once again—”
“You want a favor,” Obi-Wan said flatly. He was fond of Didi, but he did not for one second think that Didi would hesitate to take advantage of their friendship.
Didi looked wounded. “Not a favor. Some company on a little errand—”
Obi-Wan began to turn away in dismissal.
“All right, all right! The truth! A favor!” Didi said quickly. He spread his hands, palms out. “But such a tiny one it hardly qualifies.”
Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a second in irritation. Qui-Gon would ask for my patience. “What is it?”
“Shortly after arriving in Eusebus, I bought a swoop bike,” Didi said. “I thought it would make navigating these crowded streets much easier. However, hardly had I gone two meters when the engine…whoosh, ka-blam!” Didi’s fingers traced an explosion in the air. “I want my money back, yet I fear that slimy son of a monkey-lizard will refuse me.”
“But not if a Jedi is along,” Obi-Wan said wearily.
“You would not have to do a thing! Just stand there and look invincible. Maybe casually take your lightsaber out and test it…”
“No. No lightsaber.”
“Then your presence only.” Didi put his hands together. “Such a big favor it would be, and I would repay it a thousand times over.”
“Do you really think,” Obi-Wan said, exasperated, “that I have time to help you make up a bad deal?”
“Of course not, you are so busy being strong and good,” Didi said. “But while we are together, I can give you a behind-the-scenes, sneak-peek look at the Games. Bog is my son-in-law and on the Council. I have a unique perspective.” Didi could see that Obi-Wan was unmoved. “Now, don’t do it for Qui-Gon’s sake. I would never want you to remember how much he loved me and how many times he helped me. Don’t even mention his beloved name!”
“I don’t have to,” Obi-Wan said. “You just did.” But he knew from the first moment that Didi had drawn him aside that he would help him. The truth was that Obi-Wan had a soft spot for Didi just as vulnerable as Qui-Gon’s had been. And he had come to see that it wasn’t such a bad thing, to feel affection for a worthless scoundrel with a big heart.
Still, there were limits.
“I will give you ten minutes,” Obi-Wan said.
“You are the best and kindest friend I ever—”
“Nine minutes, fifty-seven seconds—”
Didi’s mouth snapped shut. “I will tell Astri. One moment.”
Didi dashed off, and Siri came up next to Obi-Wan. “You are worse than Qui-Gon,” she said in an amused tone.
Obi-Wan shrugged. “I am still his Padawan in many ways.”
“Ry-Gaul and I are going with Liviani. She has some swoops available for us so we can get an overview of the area. We’re sending the Padawans off on their own. The opening rituals will begin in a few minutes.”
“I’ll keep in touch and meet up with you,” Obi-Wan said. “This won’t take long.”
Siri cocked her head. Her hands slid into the pockets of the unisuit she wore instead of a tunic. “The amazing thing is that you actually believe that,” she said.
Chapter Four
When Anakin had first seen Tru, he had immediately wanted to spend time with him. Now he could hardly wait to leave him behind. This wasn’t Tru’s fault—Anakin just wanted time alone to explore. About Podracing.
He walked alongside Ferus and Tru. The streets were crowded and they had trouble staying together. Ferus didn’t seem to notice. He strode ahead at the pace he always set, talking without making sure the others were able to hear.
“The opening rituals are at Stadium One,” Ferus said. “We could take an air taxi, but there don’t seem to be many around.”
“We can get there on Transit Yellow,” Tru said. “Four stops. I memorized the transit system maps on the way here.”
“It’s the perfect opportunity for us to see all sorts of beings from all over the galaxy,” Ferus said. “We should observe customs and protocol.”
Leave it to Ferus to have a lesson plan for the afternoon, Anakin thought.
As if he had read Anakin’s thoughts and was afraid he would speak them aloud, Tru extended one flexible arm and slid his hand over Anakin’s mouth.
Anakin batted it away with a grin. No doubt Tru was remembering their mission to the planet Radnor, when Anakin and Ferus had argued every step of the way. But Anakin had no desire to argue with Ferus again. He didn’t care about him enough to argue.
He had more important things to do—like check out the Podracers. Anakin told himself that someone on the Jedi teams needed to do so. Logically, he was the best candidate. He was the only one who had raced, and he was sure to know some of the beings involved. He hadn’t raced since he was eight years old, six and a half years ago. But the racers tended to keep racing, if they weren’t killed.
Of course, Obi-Wan hadn’t asked him to check out the Podracers. But he had left him free to choose what he wanted to see. Anakin assured himself that he wasn’t disobeying Obi-Wan by going.
Still, he didn’t want to advertise his plans to his fellow Padawans. He could trust Tru, but Ferus was another matter. It would be just like Ferus to make a big deal of it.
“I’ll catch up with you later,” he told Ferus and Tru. “I have something I need to check out first.”
Disappointment clouded Tru’s silvery eyes. “Oh?”
Anakin knew that Tru had been looking forward to spending time with him, too. When you made friends among the Jedi, you treasured the times you were together because they could be rare.
Ferus gave him a glance that was more pointed. “Obi-Wan asked you to do something?”
Anakin could not lie. Not even to Ferus. He pretended he had not heard him over the noise of the crowd. He turned to go, and Tru leaned over and spoke softly in his ear. “Transit Red, end of the line.”
So Tru did know where he was headed.
“You’re a good friend,” Anakin said as he dashed off before Ferus could say anything more.
Eusebus had converted its largest air taxis to a free transit system. He found Transit Red and hopped aboard. He didn’t mind missing the opening rituals, which no doubt would be filled with parading teams and boring speeches. The real fun was taking place elsewhere.
At the last stop on Transit Red, the buildings ended abruptly. There was no gradual thinning of structures. An apartment block ended, the road narrowed, and the horizon was before him. There appeared to be nothing in sight but bare hills.
Now what? Anakin wondered as he descended from the air taxi and looked from right to left.
He closed his eyes and summoned the Force. He felt it rise from the red dust and bound off the hills back at him. And then he felt the Living Force as a wave that gathered momentum and broke over him in a shower of light.
There.
He took off toward the hills to his left. Well, if this mission was supposed to teach him about the Living Force, he doubted there was much to learn. Sometimes he thought he was in better touch with the Living Force than his Master. Obi-Wan lived in his head. His emotions were reserved. Anakin often had no idea what his Master felt or thought. Sometimes he seemed to respond to the beings they met on their travels simply as ways to get something acc
omplished. A scrappy pilot with hair-raising stories of smuggling tech parts through the Outer Rim systems was just a means to get from the Manda spaceport to Circarpous Major. A tavern owner who kept pet dinkos was a contact to discover the location of a possible weapons cache. A young brother and sister bounty-hunting team was taken along just to provide an answer to the mystery of who was behind a Jedi’s kidnapping.
It wasn’t that Obi-Wan lacked compassion, Anakin mused. It was just that there was a little more distance between him and other living beings. Qui-Gon had not been able to pass along his connection to the Living Force to his Padawan, Anakin felt.
Anakin treasured his Master. But sometimes he wondered what it would have been like to have Qui-Gon as a Master instead. Would Qui-Gon have shared his feelings more easily? Anakin had felt a connection to Qui-Gon from the start. It had taken more time with Obi-Wan. It was still taking time.
He reached the hills, which were covered with thorny green bushes and small, squat trees. Anakin followed the hillside until he spotted scorch marks, then an abandoned hydrospanner. He was close.
He strode forward ten meters, pushed aside a dense covering of leaves, and found the cave opening. He walked inside, already feeling the presence of living beings. The cave opened out as he walked. There were two security guards, but they were unaware of Anakin’s silent tread. Soon the ceiling soared a hundred meters over his head.
He heard the clang of metal. The muffled sound of shouts and curses. The whine and sputter of engines being tuned and tweaked. The roar of powerful turbines. Someone whistling off-tune and someone else shouting at him to stop or he’d shove an oily rag down his slimy throat.
Anakin smiled. It sounded like home.
The cave opened out and he saw a makeshift pit hangar set up ahead. Podracers were parked haphazardly while beings of every size and description and varying degrees of oil-soaked clothing worked on them. Pit droids scuttled about, hauling huge lubricant hoses and tugging power cell chargers.
