The Call to Vengeance

8

Qui-Gon moved swiftly through the dark streets. The clue he had found at the site of Oleg’s killing led him on. By Oleg’s side, he had found a slender chain and pendant. The chain had been broken. He had recognized the pendant immediately. Irini had been at the warehouse.

He stood for a moment outside Lenz’s dwelling, wondering how to proceed. Irini did not volunteer information freely. But his impatience allowed no time for persuasion.

Then he saw Irini heading toward him, her arms filled with a bag of food. Her steps slowed for an instant when she saw Qui-Gon. Then she moved forward briskly to hide her hesitation. In that moment, Qui-Gon decided that his best chance was to bluff.

“So we meet again tonight,” he said.

She eyed him warily. “Again?”

“You were at the warehouse tonight with Oleg. So was I.”

She swallowed. Her eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”

“Did you get the list?”

She let out a breath. “No. He didn’t have it. I posed as a buyer, hoping to get it. If not, I wanted to protect him.”

“But he betrayed the Workers,” Qui-Gon said.

“He saw a way to make his fortune, yes,” Irini said wearily. “Many Workers are desperate that way. Despite our hopes, the wealth of the Civilized has not trickled down to us. But Oleg is still a Worker, and we know he was being pursued. My job was to bring him in.”

“Did you see what happened?” Qui-Gon asked.

“Two probe droids attacked, so I got out,” she said. “I’m sure it was Balog who sent them.”

“Balog was there, too,” Qui-Gon said. “I saw him.”

Irini dropped the bundle she held. Fruit and protein packs spilled onto the pavement. “Balog was there? Did he get the list?”

“You said Oleg didn’t have it,” Qui-Gon said.

She shook her head rapidly, suddenly concerned. “I didn’t see it. But maybe I overlooked something…”

“I don’t think Oleg had the list on him,” Qui-Gon said. “He was worried about his safety. I also think it’s possible that he’d already sold it.”

“Then why would he meet another buyer?” Irini asked.

“As you say, he wanted his fortune,” Qui-Gon said. “He could sell the list several times and make enough to live out the rest of his life in luxury.”

Irini pressed a hand against her eyes. “So several people could have the list, then. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“The question is: who?” Qui-Gon said. “And if Balog does have it, what is his next move?”

“I can’t answer those questions. I’m as much in the dark as you are.”

Irini bent down and began to retrieve her food. Qui-Gon bent to help her.

“We are after the same thing, Irini,” he said, placing a package of tea into her bag. “It might be a good idea if you helped me.”

Suddenly a look of sadness came over Irini’s usually impassive face.

“I would if I could,” she said. “I have to get these to Lenz now.” Then, cradling the package in her arms, she walked off.

Qui-Gon contemplated his next move. It was hard to keep his mind clear. He felt as though he were stumbling around in the dark. So much of his pursuit of Balog was based on guesswork.

But it was all he had.

The list was still the key. Even if Balog had it, his next move would be to consolidate his power. If Oleg had already sold it, who would be in the market to buy it?

The answer was easy. New elections were about to be held. Those who would benefit most by the list, or be the most threatened by it, would be politicians. A Legislator who held that list would hold great power.

He hated to admit it, but Mace had been right. He needed to go to the United Legislature. It was night now; he wouldn’t have much luck finding Legislators. But surely there was something he could accomplish. Qui-Gon turned and headed back to the Civilized Sector.