[Jedi Quest] - 08(9)
The Great Leader turned abruptly and disappeared into the palace. Another Romin immediately appeared. He had obviously been waiting just out of sight.
“I am Hansel. Welcome to Romin. You have already seen something of the city of Eliior. While we enjoy a thriving economy, there are several charities close to the Great Leader’s heart that are short of the funds they need to fully extend the great steps of progression. There is the Teda Institute for Children, for example. Also, the Teda Gallery of Horticultural Treasures of Romin. There are many native plants that are sadly in need of extra attention. I tell you this only so that you realize that Romin is not absolutely perfect in all areas. It is only correct that we do so. Great Leader Teda believes in truth in everything always.”
“Yes, he already told us that,” Siri said. “Naturally, it is true because he says it is, as he doesn’t lie.”
Hansel gave Siri a sharp look. Then he nodded politely. “Precisely.”
Obi-Wan nudged her to be quiet. Insolence wasn’t going to get them anywhere. It was obvious that Hansel was the official who had been sent to collect the bribe. Discreetly, Obi-Wan pulled out from beneath his layered robes a small bag stuffed with credits. “Please allow us to contribute to the needs of Romin’s children,” he said formally.
“Your generosity is astonishing. I will inform Great Leader Teda of it. And, in the days or weeks to come, I hope you will allow us to call upon you if we find there is an especially pressing need….”
More bribes to come. Obi-Wan bowed his head. “Of course.”
“Now, let me arrange transportation for you,” Hansel said. “I understand that you will be occupying a villa in the secluded section.”
“Thank you for your kind offer, but may we walk?” Obi-Wan asked, purposely modulating his voice. “If you give us directions, we’d like to stroll to our lodgings. It has been a long journey and before that we were… not able to get much exercise in the open air.”
“Of course,” Hansel said, not surprised in the least. “I will arrange for your things to be delivered. Just walk out the main gate and turn left. After five homes, you will see the villa. It is a golden color with a fountain in front. It has a black gate.”
The Jedi walked away, several kilograms of credits lighter.
“I can’t believe this,” Ferus said. “The children of Romin will never see those credits.”
“Not to mention the plants,” Anakin said.
“This isn’t a joke,” Ferus said. “We just paid a fortune to a crook.”
“We knew it was the only way to remain on Romin,”
Anakin said. “It does no good to question the decision now.
“I’m not questioning it,” Ferus said defensively. “But I don’t have to like it, either.”
Obi-Wan listened to their bickering but decided not to interfere. Anakin and Ferus had to work out their mutual dislike on their own. Besides, he sympathized with Anakin. Ferus’s self-righteousness could wear on the nerves. Paying the bribe had been a necessary step. It was useless to regret it.
“Teda doesn’t seem very bright,” Obi-Wan said, changing the subject. “I expected something different.”
“He doesn’t have to be bright, he just has to be a thug,” Siri pointed out.
“It took us a day to get here, so we only have two days left,” Obi-Wan said. “We should do some reconnaissance of Zan Arbor’s house. It should be nearby, if we have the right coordinates. We’ll do a quick survey of her security. Then we’d better get settled in the villa. No doubt Great Leader Teda will be keeping an eye on us.”
A security officer opened the gate for them. They walked down the wide street, past the grand walls behind which palaces crouched, protected against invaders.
“I’ve never seen so many walls and gates in one city before,” Anakin observed. “I guess the criminals here have plenty of enemies.”
“That’s why they pay Teda so much. For refuge,” Obi-Wan said. The four of them made their way down several long avenues, trying to keep a low profile. “Here is Zan Arbor’s villa. Slow just a bit. See without looking.”
Seeing without looking was a Jedi technique. Although they all appeared to be strolling by, each of them ticked off every security measure the villa had.
“The usual and then some,” Siri said once they’d passed. “Security towers, armed windows, and doors.” “Infrared night sensors,” Anakin added.
“Rooftop surveillance droids,” Ferus said. “Plus random invisible energy fences on the grounds. This will be tough to break into.”