The Mark of the Crown(5)
“They broke the back of a crime organization that had taken over the planet,” Queen Veda replied calmly. “The Phindians are free. And they also brought us bacta to help with our own shortage.”
The Prince flushed. “Some gift,” he said contemptuously. “It was I who went to Phindar to negotiate the release of the bacta. Thanks to the Jedi, the bacta was off-loaded from my ship by the Phindian rebels! No doubt the Jedi ordered them to do so. And now they bring my bacta here as a gift? It is a joke!”
Obi-Wan stiffened. Why didn’t Qui-Gon speak? The Prince was giving his own version of what happened on Phindar. It was filled with lies. Prince Beju knew that the Jedi had no proof that the Prince meant harm to Gala. Obi-Wan took note of his cleverness. But why wouldn’t Qui-Gon speak the truth to Queen Veda?
The frail, bald man by Beju’s side turned to the Jedi. “Do you have anything to say to this?”
“This is Lonnag Giba,” Queen Veda said, turning to the Jedi. “He is the Head of the Council of Ministers, and graciously agreed to your visit.”
“That was before I heard Prince Beju’s charges,” Giba said sternly. “I ask you again, Jedi. What do you have to say?”
“We differ with the Prince about what happened on Phindar,” Qui-Gon replied. His voice betrayed no irritation or anger at the Prince’s charges. “But it would be pointless to argue. We were invited here. Why should we defend ourselves? If you wish us to leave your world, we shall.”
“No!” Queen Veda exclaimed.
“Yes, Mother,” Prince Beju said, flicking his cape behind him as he turned to face her. “Let them go. They are nothing but meddlers masquerading as guardians, weaklings masquerading as Knights.”
Queen Veda sighed. “Enough, Beju,” she said. “You have made your point. But Qui-Gon Jinn is right. The Jedi were invited here as guardians of the peace. We want the elections to go smoothly, don’t we?”
“We don’t want them at all,” the Prince replied sullenly. “I am the true king of Gala. Father meant it to be so, and well you know it. If I ruled Gala, I would send these troublemakers on the first transport back to their so-holy Temple.”
“Yet I am ruler now,” the Queen said softly. “And I say they shall stay.”
“Of course,” the Prince said bitterly. “You deny me the crown. Why not deny me everything else?”
“Perhaps there is a compromise we can reach,” Giba broke in smoothly. “The Jedi will remain on Gala. But they cannot leave the palace unescorted. We should send someone with them. Someone who knows the city well.” He turned to the Jedi. “It is for your protection as well. The city is a dangerous place right now. There is much unrest. You’ll need a guide.”
Giba spoke diplomatically, but Obi-Wan didn’t believe a word. The old man knew that Jedi didn’t need help to defend themselves. It was just a way to get them to accept a spy who would report on their movements.
Obi-Wan waited for Qui-Gon’s protest. But again, the Jedi Knight said nothing. How could he agree to such humiliating terms?
Queen Veda’s gaze rested on her son for a moment. She looked tired - very tired. “As you wish, Beju,” she said softly. “It is true. I cannot deny you everything.” She wrapped her hand around a glowing rod that hung on the wall. It changed color to a soft blue. “Jono Dunn will escort the Jedi.”
A moment later, the metal door opened. A boy about Obi-Wan’s age stood at attention, dressed in a navy tunic and pants.
“Jono Dunn, come forward,” the Queen said. “These are the Jedi sent to Gala to oversee elections. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. You will be their escort during their stay.”
“They are not allowed to leave the palace without you,” Prince Beju said quickly.
“Is this acceptable, Qui-Gon?” Queen Veda asked. Her eyes pleaded with him to agree.
Qui-Gon nodded. “We thank you for the assistance, Queen Veda,” he said quietly.
Obi-Wan couldn’t believe it. Not only was Qui-Gon accepting a guard, he was thanking the Queen!
Qui-Gon’s sharp blue gaze moved to Giba. “And thank you, Giba. I’m sure our guard will protect us on the dangerous streets of Galu.”
Qui-Gon put a hand on Jono Dunn’s shoulder and positioned the boy between himself and Obi-Wan. Large and powerful, Qui-Gon towered over the slight boy. Although he was the same age, Obi-Wan’s size and strength dwarfed the boy’s as well. Qui-Gon had effortlessly made the point that Giba’s offer was hollow. Jono was no protection for the Jedi. He was only a pawn in the game.