[Boba Fett] - 6(15)

Tarkin bowed. Boba inclined his head very slightly as Luminara left. He was really glad now that they couldn’t see his face.

Mace Windu!

Boba would never get another chance like this. Not even the thought of Chancellor Palpatine’s wrath could curb Boba’s fierce joy at the thought of destroying his enemy.

Gotta find Hat Lo first, though, he thought. Gotta get new weapons - and shake Tarkin!

The governor seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts. “This way,” he said. He motioned Boba to follow him. “I’ll take you to your quarters. Then I must take care of some Senate affairs.”

They walked in silence across the landing plaza. Ahead of them loomed the proud spires of the Jedi Temple. As they drew nearer, Boba had to fight the urge to draw a nonexistent blaster. He could see dark-robed figures moving around the base of the closest tower. A few of them glanced curiously at him.

“They better not give me any trouble,” Boba muttered under his breath.

“They won’t,” Tarkin said curtly.

They had reached one of the main entrances to the Temple. Tarkin slowed his steps: He looked at the young bounty hunter beside him.

“I’m taking an awful risk with you, Boba Fett,” he said in a low voice. “And I’m not even sure why. But I have an enormous amount of confidence in young Skywalker.”

Tarkin gestured for Boba to enter the Temple.

“I hope you prove worth it,” Tarkin said. “We are always looking for new allies.”

Boba watched as Governor Tarkin walked off into his own future. Then Boba turned, and silently entered the stronghold of the Jedi.





CHAPTER TWELVE


Inside the Jedi Temple, all was muted, but not utterly silent. Robed Jedi passed, their cloaks sweeping the floor. A small group of very young Jedi initiates went by, walking in a straight line. They turned to stare with open mouths at the tall, helmeted young man who strode past them.

“Who is that?” one of the children asked. The Jedi instructor leading them paused, staring at Boba curiously.

“I’m looking for the visitors’ quarters,” Boba said before she could question him. “Anakin Skywalker arranged for me to stay here.”

At mention of Skywalker’s name, the Jedi nodded.

“Of course,” she said. “That way - follow the corridor until it turns left. The door of your room will be open.”

“Thanks,” said Boba. The children continued to stare at him with such huge eyes that he was tempted to laugh.

But he didn’t. Instead he hurried down the corridor the Jedi had indicated. It was a wide passage, lit with the bright, soft light the Jedi favored for public spaces. In the distance he could see two formidable figures walking side by side, deep in discussion. As they drew near, Boba stiffened.

It can’t be! he thought. Every hair on his head prickled. Without thinking his hand grasped at his utility belt.

That was when Boba remembered that his weapons were gone.

And only a handsbreadth away was

Mace Windu!

Boba’s mouth went dry. The last time he had seen Windu was in the Geonosian execution arena. There the Jedi Master had stood unflinching and grim above the corpse of Boba’s father, Jango, whom he had slain.

Father! Boba thought, as the anguish of that moment came back to him.

As though he had spoken the words aloud, Boba saw Windu suddenly glance his way.

Can’t let him know it’s me! Boba thought desperately. Not now. Not when I’m so close!

Boba hadn’t seen Mace Windu in many years. But he knew of the tall Jedi Master’s incredible skill at fighting - and more. Windu was rumored to possess a voice and will so powerful that he seldom needed to use the Force on his enemies, let alone a lightsaber.

And that voice had fallen suddenly, ominously, silent as Boba passed in the hallway.

Don’t stare at him, Boba thought. Just keep going. Don’t stop, don’t -

But he could feel Mace Windu’s gaze boring into him. And he could see Windu halt, putting a hand on his companion’s arm as he gazed after Boba.

“Who - ?” Mace Windu began to ask in his deep tones.

“Master Windu! Master Windu!”

A child’s high voice rang through the passage. The Jedi Master turned, his expression changing from suspicion to amusement as one of the tiny Jedi younglings ran toward him, the breathless instructor at her heels.

“Veda!” the instructor called in exasperation. “Get back

here immediately!”

“But I want to ask him something!”

Mace looked at the child. As he laughed, Boba hastened on down the passage. Still, as the hall began to turn toward the left, he couldn’t resist glancing back.

Mace stood, listening patiently as the child prattled on. But as he listened he slowly turned his head, staring directly down the passage.