The Fight for Truth(9)

They roamed through the various clinics,

looking into nurseries and care centers. No one stopped them. In their rough tunics with their lightsabers hidden, they could pass for native Keganites.

“If we could access their records…” Qui-Gon murmured to Adi.

“That would involve violating their security,” she said with a shake of her head. “A serious breach of conduct.”

“But it’s the only way,” Qui-Gon argued. “Obviously they’ve hidden the child.”

“We should keep searching,” Adi said firmly.

Qui-Gon had a hard time suppressing his frustration. Cooperation among Jedi was a given. It was how they were raised to interact. But what happened when they disagreed?

“For a little longer,” he said.

She arched an eyebrow at him. Tall and forbidding, with dark golden skin and blue facial markings, Adi Gallia was known to subdue a boisterous group of young students with just a glance. Qui-Gon was not as easily intimidated.

“There you are!” They heard 0-Rina’s chirping tone behind them. “Have you found your young aides? Strange that you are looking in the Med Circle.”

“Young Jedi are interested in all facets of society,” Adi answered, composed.

“And how is the search for O-Lana?” Qui-Gon asked. “Strange that three people have disappeared in one morning.”

“We have put another team on the problem,” V-Haad said quickly. “O-Vieve and V-Tan thought it best.”

“Perhaps we should speak with your Benevolent Guides,” Qui-Gon said. “We would like permission to search the records of Kegan.”

V-Haad was already shaking his head. “We would do anything for the Jedi. But appointments with V-Tan and O-Vieve must be requested weeks in advance. They are very busy.”

“But you said they just saw you,” Adi pointed out.

“This is true,” O-Rina said, her ruddy cheeks deepening in color. “We are high-level Guides, you see.”

“I think you will find that they will see us,” Qui-Gon said firmly. “Shall we go together, or will you point the way?”

His tone told them he would not take no for an answer. O-Rina and V-Haad nodded reluctantly. “Of course, we are at the Jedi’s service …”

Qui-Gon echoed the blank smile of the Guides. “Then lead on.”

“I still can’t feel my legs,” Siri whispered. Obi-Wan could hear the fear in her voice.

“It will wear off,” he assured her. “But it will take a few hours.”

They had been traveling for some time. The city had been left behind. From his position on the floor of the speeder, Obi-Wan could see a glimpse of sky. He had seen no other speeders around them for kilometers now, just the top branches of the trees, dancing in a brisk breeze. The temperature was dropping; perhaps they were heading to a higher altitude.

At last the engines thrummed to a lower speed and they stopped. The door next to Obi-Wan opened and he was dragged out roughly. His legs were too unsteady to hold him and he was dumped on the ground. Siri was dumped next to him.

“I thought children were revered on Kegan,” Obi-Wan said, his cheek in the dirt.

A boot was suddenly placed on his head. His face was pushed farther into the dirt. “No back talk. You know very well that truancy is a criminal act on Kegan. You’re old enough to be punished for it.”

“But we’re not Keganites!” Siri protested.

“I’ve heard all the excuses. Shut your mouth.”

“We’re from another world. We’re visitors,” Siri insisted furiously. “Take your boot off my friend’s head.”

The boot was removed from Obi-Wan’s head and landed on Siri’s shoulder. “Sure,” the man said.

Enough, Obi-Wan thought. He struggled to rise, but the electro-jabber had done its work. He knew he wouldn’t regain full use of his arms and legs for several more hours. It would be impossible to use his lightsaber effectively until then. Besides, he’d been instructed not to show Keganites that he was a Jedi. Obi-Wan tried to roll closer to Siri but couldn’t move. He watched helplessly as the boot increased pressure on Siri’s shoulder, driving her face into the dirt.

“What did I say about back talk?” the man asked again.

Siri gritted her teeth. Her vivid blue eyes

blazed. She spat out the dirt in her mouth. Still, she didn’t answer.

“V-Tarz!” A voice boomed from behind them. Instantly, V-Tarz took his boot off Siri’s shoulder.

Obi-Wan saw another man approach, wearing the same navy chromasheath tunic as V-Tarz.

“Why are these students on the ground?” the second man demanded.