“Of course,” the president said nervously. “Shall we get started on our tour?”
Obi-Wan and Siri stood. “We would prefer to tour on our own,” Obi-Wan said.
“We feel we will absorb the spirit of the place in that manner,” Siri said. She indicated their traveler’s tunics. “We dressed this way precisely so that we would not be conspicuous. We will not disturb your students.”
“Uh, ah… this is not exactly customary…” the president stammered.
“Nevertheless, it is our wish,” Obi-Wan said in a tone that implied that he was not used to being overruled.
“If there is a problem, we will go elsewhere,” Siri said. “There is an excellent school on Alderaan - “
“No, no, no problem,” the president said. He waved a hand. “You are free to explore. I will alert security that you are not to be disturbed.”
Siri tilted her head again. Obi-Wan nodded. They swept out the door.
“If you ever get tired of being a Jedi, you’d make an amazing queen,” Obi-Wan told Siri as soon as the door had slid shut behind them.
“And you’d make a terrible king,” she said. “Royal regal sons?”
“I was trying to sound pompous,” Obi-Wan said.
“Do you really think you need to try?” Siri asked. Her clear blue eyes held a mischievous glint. In the middle of any crisis, Siri was always able to joke. It never failed to take him by surprise. Now he realized with a sense of relief that her teasing was designed to tell him that she did not hold him responsible for the disappearance of Ferus. He was grateful to his old friend. He knew her so well. She would not speak of her feelings, but she would always manage to let him know what they were.
“Did you notice that the president seemed nervous?” Obi-Wan asked. “And it wasn’t just because he was meeting with a king and queen. The school must know Ferus is missing.”
“And they want to keep it quiet,” Siri said, nodding. “That’s why they haven’t put the school in lockdown. If it’s discovered that there are two missing students, they could lose students… and revenue.”
“Exactly. But the school must be looking for Ferus, too. They’ll search the obvious places.”
“So we have to get to the un-obvious ones,” Siri said. “Where should we start?”
“I think we should try to find Reymet Autem,” Obi-Wan said. “Ferus said several times that Reymet hinted at knowing something about Gillam’s disappearance. And he also said he knew how to get around security. Ferus never found out if he really did, but…”
“He’s our only lead,” Siri finished.
They started down the halls. Most of the students were in class. The president must have alerted security, for they were waved through all checkpoints.
But with the halls empty, they would have no luck finding Reymet. “We’re not getting anywhere,” Siri said, frustrated. “Maybe we need to go to registration. We can think of something in order to gain access to the class schedules - “
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Obi-Wan said. “You’re forgetting the best thing about classes.” “What’s that?”
A soft beeping signal came over the hidden speakers.
“They end,” Obi-Wan said.
Just then a voice was broadcast, speaking in a quiet but insistent tone. “End of mod six class. Five minutes to mod seven. Five minutes.”
Suddenly the doors hissed open and students spilled out into the hall. Obi-Wan and Siri were pushed against the walls as students ran, jostled, tossed datapads at one another playfully, or wolfed down a quick snack as they walked. Yet both Jedi could feel the effort and bravado in the calls and laughter. These students were afraid.
Obi-Wan hailed a student who appeared to be about Anakin and Ferus’s age. “Excuse me. Do you know Reymet Autem?”
The tall Phlog nodded. “He’s in my Current Galactic Political Trends class.”
“Can you find him for us?” Siri asked.
“Not a problem. He’s right there.” The Phlog pointed to a boy across the hall who was tossing a small datapad from one hand to the other as he walked.
“Thanks.” It was a lucky break. Obi-Wan and Siri headed toward Reymet.
“Are you a friend of Ferus Olin?” Siri asked him.
Reymet nodded proudly. “We’re best friends.” He eyed them carefully. “Hey, are you his parents? You look like you could be.”
“Yes, we’re his parents,” Siri said. “Have you seen him this afternoon?”
“No, and that’s weird, because he’s in three of my classes,” Reymet said. “Is he sick?”