[Jedi Apprentice] - 16(17)

Manex returned from the Legislature only a few moments after the Jedi had. He rushed into the room, his curls waving, looking agitated.

“Qui-Gon was spotted at the Legislature. There was a blaster battle.”

Obi-Wan felt a silent cry of protest rise inside him. He couldn’t bear it if something happened to Qui-Gon now. His body went instantly cold. Bent moved closer to him, her shoulder touching his.

Mace stood. “What happened?”

“He escaped, of course.”

Obi-Wan let out a long breath. Qui-Gon was safe. He felt Bant relax a fraction, and she gave Obi-Wan a look of pure relief.

Manex mopped his brow with a pale gold handkerchief. “What a day. I must tell you that there is a movement afoot to draft me for the elections. It is not a job that I seek. But I am thinking about it. Maybe it is time I got involved. I used to think my brother was the hero, the public servant. I used to say I was only here to make money.” Manex shoved the handkerchief in his pocket. “Maybe I became the way I am because my brother was so noble. Now I am no longer sure what my role is. Maybe the time to abandon my principle of self-protection is here.”

“What about Alani?” Obi-Wan asked. “Would it be hard for you to oppose her?” Manex did not know of Alani’s tie to the Absolutes. He professed affection for the twins.

Manex hesitated. “I have to think of what is best for New Apsolon,” he said. “And I’ve realized one thing. We cannot form a solid government - whether with me or another leader - if we do not expose Balog and the Absolutes. I have a plan.”

Obi-Wan tried not to look dubious. He couldn’t imagine what sort of plan Manex would devise.

“I will act as a decoy,” he declared. “I’ll let it be known that the list of secret informers has come into my possession.”

Mace shook his head. “No, it’s too dangerous. You realize what happened to the last two beings who claimed this?”

“They are dead. Yes, I realize this very well.” Manex clasped his hands together. “I’m trying not to think about it. And, actually, you can’t say no, because I’ve already spread the rumor.”

Obi-Wan saw how Bant watched the faces of the two men. She usually did not speak in meetings, but she was the most intent listener he’d ever seen. He could learn from her stillness, he suddenly thought.

“This may not be wise,” Mace said, frowning.

“You’re telling me,” Manex snorted. “I’m hardly a courageous man. But I’m hoping that with Jedi protection, I’ll be all right. If we can get Balog to expose himself, we can catch him. Don’t you want to clear Qui-Gon’s name?”

“Of course. But it is not clear if this is the way to do it,” Mace said.

“It is the only way,” Manex insisted. “You know it is.”

Obi-Wan’s gaze went from Manex to Mace. Of course he knew that Mace had to agree to protect Manex. It had been a foolish move on Manex’s part, but no one wanted Obi-Wan’s opinion. Now they would have to baby-sit Manex in the hope that Balog would show up. Was that what Manex wanted? Did he want to tie up the Jedi’s time until he could consolidate power? Perhaps he was in league with Balog.

Obi-Wan reminded himself that Qui-Gon had trusted Manex. He had gently pointed out that just because a man enjoyed his wealth did not make him a man of bad character. Qui-Gon had seen something likeable in Manex’s happy pursuit of his own pleasures.

“All right, we’ll protect you,” Mace said. “But we will form the plan.”

The lights were still powered down in the house, as a house of mourning. Manex sat at a table in his garden, nervously fiddling with a cup of “the finest juice on New Apsolon - can I fetch the Jedi some glasses?” The Jedi had long ago refused, and Manex had hardly been able to eat or drink himself.

“Look relaxed,” Mace told him in a low tone.

“I’m trying,” Manex said between his teeth.

Mace stood behind a screen of bushes. Obi-Wan was a few yards away. Bant was on the opposite side of the small clearing where Manex had laid stone over the grass for an outdoor seating area.

If there was to be an ambush, Mace wanted plenty of room to maneuver. He had decided that Manex would eat his evening meal outside and then linger as the suns set. Manex had picked at his food and now was making a weak attempt to sip his juice in a serene fashion. He only succeeded in spilling it down his tunic.

The suns set, and the darkness grew. Only a small light on the table illuminated the area. Obi-Wan kept himself attuned for the sound of probe droids approaching. He was determined not to let Balog slip through their fingers. Once he was in their hands, they would have justice for Tahl. And Qui-Gon would return. Obi-Wan would never admit it to anyone, but he would feel better if they were the ones to catch Balog, not Qui-Gon.