The Dangerous Rescue

21

Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi stood outside the small building near the Senate on Coruscant.

“Ready?” Astri called.

“Ready,” Qui-Gon answered.

Astri flipped a switch. Halo-lights glowed, spelling out DI I’S NEW CAF Astri sighed. “I guess it still needs work. That’s what I get for using Fligh as an electrician.”

“At least the food is good,” Cholly said. He held up a chunk of spicy ahrisa. “This is the best I ever tasted.”

“Mmmph,” Tup agreed, his mouth full. Weez handed him a napkin.

Astri beckoned the Jedi inside and placed them at a center table. She poured tea for them.

“I don’t like having Fligh as a partner, but he promised he would go straight,” Astri said. “And he did find investors for us.”

The cup stopped halfway to Qui-Gon’s mouth. “Legitimate investors?”

“Of course!” Didi bustled forward from the bar. He had lost some weight during his illness, but had regained his rosy cheeks and merry temperament. “Fligh and I have learned our lesson.”

“I hope so,” Astri murmured. “All I know is, I’m keeping the financial records.”

“I’m sure you’ll be a great success,” Adi said, toasting her.

Astri sat down at the table with them. “Have they set the punishment for Zan Arbor and S’orn?”

Qui-Gon nodded. “They have been exiled to a prison world for the rest of their lives.”

“I can’t believe Uta S’orn was an accomplice,” Astri said, shaking her head. “Her best friend killed her son, and she still continued to do business with her!”

“Never underestimate the power of greed,” Adi said soberly. “Uta S’orn wanted to make a fortune. Jenna Zan Arbor offered her that opportunity. She was the backing behind the scientific company on Belasco.”

“Their plans nearly went awry when Zan Arbor was sidetracked by her interest in the Force,” Qui-Gon added. “The fact that her friend had a Force-sensitive son was too tempting for Zan Arbor to resist. And when Uta S’orn found out what happened, her greed overcame her anger and grief.”

“They are quite a pair,” Siri said, grimacing.

Astri got up to fix the lunch she had promised to the Jedi. Siri beckoned to Obi-Wan and drew him into a quiet corner.

“I just wanted to say I was glad to see you turn up on the roof to help me fight Ona Nobis,” she said. “I guess I thought less of you for fleeing the battle on Sorrus. I did not understand how powerful she was. She could have killed me, Obi-Wan.”

“I cannot imagine that,” Obi-Wan said. The embarrassment on Siri’s face made him want to smooth over the situation. “You are the best Padawan fighter I’ve ever seen.”

“Except for you,” Siri said. “I have fought you in Temple exercises many times, Obi-Wan. I should not have questioned your ability or your nerve. I was wrong.” The words seemed torn from her reluctantly.

“I have been wrong myself,” Obi-Wan said lightly. “As well you know.”

“Adi says I have learned an important lesson,” Siri went on. She made a wry face. “And I hate learning lessons. I thought too much of my own abilities. Even though I’m a Jedi, I am not invincible. There are many in the galaxy who can defeat me. Now I understand why we were taught over and over that our motive must be sure, our concentration total. I underestimated the dark side of the Force. I will try not to do that again. And I know now that I will not always be strong. I will not be afraid to recognize when I am weak.”

“An important lesson for Padawans,” Adi said, overhearing them.

Obi-Wan threw a glance at Qui-Gon. “And for stubborn Jedi Masters.”

Qui-Gon took a placid sip of tea. “I have no idea who you mean,” he said, his eyes twinkling.