[Jedi Apprentice] - 17(24)

Lena’s voice did not wobble as she spoke out about the Cobral. When she linked the crime family to Senator Crote there was a murmur in the chamber followed by respectful silence. Obi-Wan could tell Lena had the attention of every being in the room as she spoke of crimes, abused power, and the evil Cobral hold on Frego. Then she told her own story, including the death of her husband and cousin. And finally Senator Crate’s attempt to have them all killed.

There was an uproar in the chamber as a stunned Senator Crote leaped to his feet. “You are lying!” he shouted. “I have done nothing but good for your planet!”

But Obi-Wan could tell by the look on the senator’s face that the man knew the tide was against him as Lena presented the proof - not only his link to the thug who had attacked her, but transmissions that linked him definitively    with the destruction of the Degarian II. His political career - and in fact his life as a free man was over.

It did not take long to tally the vote. Senator Crote was removed from office, and the Cobral were immediately ordered under arrest, to be tried for their crimes. Once a new government was in place, a new senator of Frego would be elected.

Obi-Wan beamed. He was so proud of Lena, of all that she had accomplished for her planet and her people.

Because of her, Frego would finally get its new beginning, its chance at a new life.





CHAPTER 19


Back at the Fregan consulate, a small party was going on in Lena’s chambers. There was much talk of the success of the testimony and the new road ahead. A few senators were so impressed by Lena’s testimony that they suggested she run for the Fregan senatorial position.

“I have no interest in such a position,” she replied flatly. “I will return to Frego to help put the transition government in place. But afterward it will be time for me to start a new life on a new planet.”

She winked at Obi-Wan, and he had a feeling that politics were definitely in Lena’s future. Perhaps she would get a position as an aide of some sort on Coruscant. If she did, he realized, he might get to see her from time to time….

After the small group had shared a celebratory meal together, Lena announced that she wanted to get some rest. “So much has happened, and I’d like a little time to digest it all. Soon enough I’ll be heading back to Frego. I’m afraid I won’t be getting much rest there.”

Qui-Gon nodded. He knew how much work it was to change governments. “I certainly think a rest is in order,” he said. “Jedi Master Mace Windu and I have Temple business to attend to, but I will be back shortly. Obi-Wan can stay with you, if you like.”

“That’s very kind, but I’d really like some time alone,” Lena replied graciously.

Obi-Wan tried to hide his disappointment as he nodded. “Of course,” he said.

While Mace and Qui-Gon left for the Temple, Obi-Wan lingered outside Lena’s door. He wanted to respect her wishes, but also wanted to stay close by in case she changed her mind. The door to the adjacent chamber was open and the room was empty. Obi-Wan entered and sat down in a comfortable chair. From here he could hear what was going on in Lena’s room.

Obi-Wan had just closed his eyes when he heard a familiar voice. It was not Lena’s, and it was not friendly.

“Surprised to see me, Lena dear?” it said. “I suppose you would be. But then I thought you loved surprises.”

There was a muffled sound, as if the intruder was fiddling with some clothing. Then Obi-Wan heard Lena gasp.

Obi-Wan was out in the hallway in less than a second. With his hand on his lightsaber, he pressed the door controls. But nothing happened. The door was jammed.

Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber. He’d have to cut through the door. But as his blade touched the entrance, something told him not to cut.

Concentrating, he closed his eyes. He heard a very slight scraping right in front of him. Lena was just centimeters away - on the other side of the door. There was no way for him to cut through without putting her at risk.

“I should have done this years ago,” the intruder continued. “Perhaps then I could have saved my favorite son. The one I loved the most. The one I cherished.”

Zanita.

“I tried to save him, I really did. But once word got out that he wanted to betray the family - that you had talked him into testifying against his own flesh and blood, there was nothing I could do. It was a great loss for me, yes. But necessary.”

Lena let go of a sob. “Necessary?” she echoed in disbelief. “Zanita, he was your own son!”

“I know that, Lena. Actually, I rather wished he had been a daughter. You see, boys and men are nothing but foolish pawns. They always need to be told what to do, and half the time they still do it wrong. Things on Frego were a mess until I took control. I organized our forces and got the government to see matters our way. Everything was going just fine until you came along. You stole my Rutin’s heart and coerced his mind.”