[Jedi Quest] - 08(16)

“This is not a safe refuge,” Joylin argued. “I assure you, your protection will disappear. Unless you throw your support to the ultimate winners.”

“But if we don’t steal the codes, you have no chance,” Ferus argued back.

“There will still be a revolt,” Joylin said. “It just won’t be bloodless. You will be in more danger the other way, because I won’t protect you.”

Ferus started to say something, but Anakin broke in. It was time to draw Joylin in. Sometimes Anakin wasn’t sure if it was the Force or his instincts, but he was getting better at seeing inside beings, sensing their fears and motivations. Joylin might be sitting casually, but Anakin could feel his urgency. And underneath the urgency, fear. The Slams could be his last chance.

“We still need more information,” Anakin said carefully. “Surely you can see that we can’t simply take your word for what you say.”

“I’m hardly about to compromise the safety of those in the resistance just to reassure you,” Joylin said.

“We’re not asking you to reveal identities or secrets,” Anakin told him. “But what makes you think you can overthrow Teda so easily? When are you going to do it? What will happen when you do? You are asking us to trust you. You must trust us. We are taking a risk for you. You must do the same.”

Joylin hesitated. He looked at both of them. He did not glance behind at the watching, shadowy group.

It’s his decision, Anakin thought. He’s the boss.

“The revolt is to be the night of the reception,” Joylin said.

Someone behind him gasped. Someone else said, “No!”

Joylin only half turned. “We must tell them! Once they know, they will help us.” He turned back to Anakin and Ferus. “We’ll start by disrupting communication systems - just some low-level interference at first. We have already infiltrated Teda’s Security Management Control. We have one chance to sabotage the CIP controls for the droid army that Teda uses to control the city and guard the wall. If we strike that blow simultaneously with the capture of all government officials and Teda himself, we can win without bloodshed. We’ll simply lock the officials and their personal troops inside their houses. Without the officials, without the droid army, we can take over.”

Ferus and Anakin didn’t say anything for a moment. “You can assure us that the droid army will be in your control?” Ferus asked.

“Yes.”

“You will pay us double the rate?” Anakin asked. He named the figure.

“We have it. It has taken years,” Joylin said. “Every family, every individual, has gone without in order to feed our treasury.”

“We’re not interested in how you got it,” Ferus said with a wave of his hand. “But we need to assure for ourselves that you do have it. Half before, half after the revolt.”

“Agreed,” Joylin said.

“We need more detailed information on where we can find the codes,” Anakin said, all business now.

“All you have to do is get beyond the guards. I understand that you are somewhat expert at that.”

Anakin and Ferus nodded. “We must take this back to Slam and Valadon,” Anakin said. “We will need a way to contact you.”

“We will be contacting you tomorrow morning,” Joylin said. “Don’t look for us. We’ll be there. Now, I’ll escort you as far as the wall. I’m sure you were told it is planted with cloudflower vines. It may not surprise you to find that isn’t the case. Like peace and justice on Romin, the name of the wall is just an illusion.”

Anakin and Ferus stood. “Just one more thing,” Anakin said.

Joylin looked at him. With a deal so close to being made, his anxiety had increased. Anakin could feel it humming like a charge in the air.

“We are interested in one of the residents here,” Anakin continued casually. “A scientist named Jenna Zan Arbor. You must guarantee safe passage for her off-planet. We will arrange transportation.”

Ferus’s eyes flickered with surprise at Anakin’s proposal. What if Joylin backed out? Anakin knew he wouldn’t. Joylin was good at concealment. It was most likely a way of life for him. But Anakin could feel his hunger.

If the coup went through as planned, Zan Arbor would be desperate to get away. The Slams could offer her a way out. With the collapse of Teda, her security would crumble. She would need help.

“That is not a problem,” Joylin said. “As long as you are in.”





CHAPTER EIGHT


“He tells us there is no risk, but of course there is risk,” Ferus said later that evening. Obi-Wan, Siri, Anakin, and Ferus had eaten a meal around a tiled table in a small, lovely room overlooking the garden. They were careful to speak of nothing of consequence during the meal. They had to assume that the villa had listening devices. But afterward they had gone into the garden. Then they had continued the discussion that had begun when Anakin and Ferus had first returned to the villa and beckoned to Obi-Wan and Siri to come outside.