A gleaming black airspeeder drew up, and Liviani slid out. “I received your message,” she told Bog in a concerned tone. “Tell me again what happened and what exactly is missing.”
Bog threw the Jedi a triumphant look. “The speeder was gone when Astri and I returned from the opening rituals,” he said. “As I told you, some personal possessions were inside. My green cloak - the only one I brought for warmth - and a box of my favorite figda candy, as well as my datapad, my travel kit… and I am sure other important things.”
“This is very bad,” Liviani said. “I’m glad you contacted me.” Obi-Wan was surprised at the concern in her tone. He had expected her to be as annoyed as they were. “Members of the Council for the Games deserve the highest consideration.” She turned to the Jedi. “You must investigate this at once.”
Siri looked startled. “Investigate a speeder theft? It’s a waste of our time.”
Siri was never one to hide her feelings. “Surely there are better uses for our time,” Obi-Wan said in a more conciliatory tone.
“I don’t think so,” Liviani said flatly. “Begin at once.”
“We don’t take orders from you,” Siri said. Her face was calm but two bright red spots appeared on her cheeks. “We are here at the Ruling Power’s request.”
“Then I shall contact the Ruling Power,” Liviani snapped, reaching for her comlink. “All I have to do is contact Maxo Vista. He will go to them at once, and they will order you.”
“No one orders the Jedi.” Ry-Gaul spoke at last. His soft voice was measured, but with a core of strength that made everyone stop and look at him. “We accept requests. Then we decide.”
Liviani struggled to control her irritation. It was clear that Ry-Gaul’s authoritative tone had made her realize it was time to back down. “Of course,” she said through tight lips. She shoved her comlink back into her cloak pocket. “Then I request that this be investigated.” She spoke in a more conciliatory tone. “Think about it. This area is under top security. Yet a thief entered and stole a valuable item. The athletes and workers are under my care.”
Obi-Wan nodded shortly. “In that case, we accept your request. One Jedi team will investigate.”
Liviani swept off in a swirl of robes and scarves. Siri drew closer to Obi-Wan.
“I still say this is a waste of time,” she said. “Who knows how long it will take to investigate a theft?”
“I do,” Obi-Wan said. “It will take exactly ten seconds.” Then he looked hard at Didi, who coughed and looked away.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Anakin saw his Master signal to Didi. Didi tried to ignore the signal, but Obi-Wan strode over. Anakin followed curiously.
Obi-Wan drew Didi aside. “You’d better start talking fast,” he said. “And no excuses. No diversions. Just the truth.”
“I didn’t steal it, I borrowed it,” Didi said.
Didi had stolen his own son-in-law’s speeder? Anakin couldn’t believe it.
“I was going to return it,” Didi said quickly, as he noted the thunderous expression on Obi-Wan’s face. “The same way you were going to return the credits?”
“Ah, you see!” Didi cried triumphantly. “My point exactly! How could I return the credits if I didn’t steal the speeder?”
“Explain your logic,” Obi-Wan said. “Nobody else can follow it.”
“I was going to take your excellent advice and confess everything to Astri,” Didi said. “I was on my way to find her and I saw the speeder. I began to reflect on the amount of credits I had borrowed, and the fact that if Bog found out he would no doubt banish me to wander the galaxy friendless and alone. So I thought it best to return the credits without his ever finding out.”
“So you stole his speeder.”
“Borrowed. But only so I could repay the credits! You see?”
“Well,” Obi-Wan said, “you’re just going to have to return it.”
“Ah,” Didi said. “Another excellent suggestion. Except it’s too late. I’ve sold the speeder.”
“At least then you can give them the credits,” Obi-Wan said with a sigh.
“But I can’t! I have to place another bet!”
Obi-Wan turned away. “Fine. I’m no longer involved. I’m telling Bog who stole the speeder, and you can explain it any way you want.”
“Wait!” Didi screeched hurriedly. “My good friend, Obi-Wan! You don’t understand! I will return the speeder most definitely! My bet is a sure thing.”