[Jedi Apprentice] - 17(2)

“I understand that time is of the essence,” Jocasta said. She did not bother with introductions. It did not matter. Qui-Gon had encountered the Temple archivist before, and surely Obi-Wan knew who she was. She briefed many Jedi teams before they went out on important missions.

In the past Qui-Gon had preferred to use other sources to get his information. He had grown used to working with Tahl, and hadn’t met with Jocasta that often since he took Obi-Wan as an apprentice four years ago.

“The witness is Lena Cobral.” Jocasta showed them a holo image of a slight young woman with dark hair twisted into an elaborate bun. “She is the widowed wife of Rutin Cobral.”

The image of the young woman vanished and a man appeared in her place. He was young, fairly tall, with short brown hair and a relaxed smile. “Rutin was recently killed, and his murderer is still at large.”

“Is that unusual?” Qui-Gon asked. “I thought Frego was a planet ruled by criminals.”

Jocasta looked slightly annoyed at the interruption, but continued. “The Cobral family is the largest power on Frego. They are in charge of a crime ring that has successfully controlled the government for twenty years. Rutin’s father died a few years ago, of natural causes. It was widely believed that Rutin was being groomed to take over, although he has two brothers who are older than he is. Solan is the oldest and the new leader of the Cobral.”

A shorter, stockier version of Rutin appeared on the screen. Besides his brother’s height, Solan also lacked his thick head of hair and genuine smile. He was nearly bald and his scowl looked permanent.

“Solan is well known on his planet, widely feared and respected. He gets what he needs through threats, violence, and influence.”

Now that Jocasta was through imparting information, she was prepared to answer Qui-Gon’s question.

“It is not unusual for murders to go uninvestigated on Frego. But it is unusual for a favored member of the Cobral family to be killed, particularly without vengeance.”

Though Qui-Gon’s expression did not change, he felt a fresh wave of grief wash through him. He longed more than ever for Tahl - for her cynicism, her quick mind, and her habit of dispensing information in a way that naturally led Qui-Gon’s thoughts in the proper direction.

Qui-Gon reminded himself that theirs was a relationship that had taken years to develop. And that the connection he had with Tahl was one he would never have with the Temple archivist. Or anyone else, probably.

“Lena married into the Cobral family three years ago,” Jocasta went on. “There was a rumor that Rutin no longer wanted to be involved in his family’s dealings. Although he could not easily divorce himself from the crime business, Senator Crote has told us that Rutin was prepared to testify before the Senate against his family. He wanted to put an end to the crime ring altogether. Not long after Rutin agreed to testify, he was killed.” Jocasta took a breath, but did not allow more than a second to pass before going on.

“Last night we received a secret communication from Lena. Senator Crote did as well. She has decided to take up her husband’s cause and testify against the Cobral herself.” Jocasta pushed several documents on a datapad across the table toward the Jedi. “Everything you need is here.”

Qui-Gon stood and took the datapad. “Thank you,” he said curtly. “We may be contacting you if we need further assistance.”

“Of course,” Jocasta nodded. “May the Force be with you.”

Qui-Gon nodded blankly in return. How could he trust that the Force would be with him? Where had it been when he’d needed it the most? He and Tahl had pledged their love for each other. But nothing - not that love, not the Jedi, not the Force - had been able to save her.

It did not take long for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to gather supplies for the short journey. Soon they were stepping onto the freighter that would take them to Frego.

Distracted and exhausted, Qui-Gon was anxious to retire to his quarters as soon as they were on board. He was about to say as much to Obi-Wan when his Padawan spoke.

“Master, I know that these last few months have been hard on you.” Obi-Wan reached out a hand toward Qui-Gon’s shoulder but let it drop, barely brushing his Master’s brown sleeve. “And I… well, I can’t help remembering what you told me when Bant was missing in the Temple. You said that the darkest time is the time when it is most important that you follow the Jedi Code. If you let your emotions fl - “

“Thank you, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon cut him off. “You have learned well what I’ve taught you. One day you will make a fine Jedi Master.” He turned and made his way quickly toward his quarters. He could sense the boy behind him, standing, bewildered.