The Only Witness by Jude Watson
THE ONLY WITNESS
CHAPTER 1
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn sighed deeply as he strode down the hall.
The Council felt he had been inactive for too long, and he knew it. They
had been patient as he mourned the death of his dear friend Tahl. And now
they were waiting for him to decide he was ready to resume his active life
as a Jedi.
Except he wasn't. And he was not sure he ever would be.
Qui-Gon turned a corner, heading for the Council room. The Council
had summoned him, but hadn't explained why. Perhaps they had grown tired of
waiting. Perhaps they were going to send him on a mission anyway.
Maybe it is for the best, Qui-Gon thought, trying to make himself
believe it. He'd been attempting to convince himself of so many things
lately, though he did not often succeed. And at least it will be good for
Obi-Wan.
Qui-Gon's Padawan walked noiselessly beside him, his face a mask of
perfect calm. Qui-Gon knew what lurked underneath. He could feel the
tension growing between him and his apprentice. He sensed that Obi-Wan
wanted to speak, and yet he was uncharacteristically silent.
Though Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had never been far apart over the last few
months, in many ways Qui-Gon had deserted his apprentice. He wished he
could say something to reassure Obi-Wan. Soothing speeches used to come so
easily. But Jedi wisdom felt somehow hollow to him now. He would not offer
the boy empty words.
Pausing outside the Council room, Obi-Wan turned to his Master. Qui-
Gon saw he was about to speak, but before he could say anything the Council
room doors hissed open.
Only three of the twelve Council seats were filled. Qui-Gon was not
surprised to see so few members present. He greeted his old friends and
stood before them in the familiar circle.
Yoda, Mace Windu, and Plo Koon thanked the Jedi team for coming.
Their eyes passed briefly over Obi-Wan, then rested on Qui-Gon. They were
obviously concerned.
Qui-Gon could feel the Council members looking deep inside him,
trying to determine if sending him on a mission was the right decision. He
was surprised to find that he could not hold their gaze. Rather than
lifting his burden of sorrow, their caring made him painfully aware of the
weight he was bearing.
Looking past the seated Masters to the Coruscant skyline, Qui-Gon
tried to settle his feelings. He wondered yet again why he could not let
this flood of emotion flow through him. He had been taught to do just that
by great teachers - some now seated before him - and it had always worked.
Yet it did not work now.
Obi-Wan shifted his feet, and Qui-Gon realized that the silence had
gone on for too long.
"We've received a request from Senator Crote of Frego," Mace Windu
began at last. "He has asked for Jedi assistance in transporting a witness
to Coruscant to testify before the Senate."
Qui-Gon nodded. Protecting important witnesses was routine for the
Jedi. As he'd suspected, this first mission would be a simple assignment -
something easy. A distraction. That was why there were only three members
of the Council present.
"A simple task it is not," Yoda said, as if in answer to Qui-Gon's
thoughts. "There is much danger on Frego."
Mace Windu continued to study Qui-Gon's face. "We would not send you
if we did not think you were ready. Do you feel ready, Qui-Gon?"
Qui-Gon did not know. He had no desire to leave the Temple, or even
his simple rooms. But it would not be fair to Obi-Wan to live in seclusion
forever.
"I am ready," Qui-Gon replied, more firmly than he believed.
Qui-Gon could feel Obi-Wan's relief. It rushed from him like a breath
that had been held for a long time and finally released. The Council
members, too, seemed to relax upon hearing Qui-Gon's words. They stopped
searching his thoughts. They had the answer they wanted. Qui-Gon hoped he
had made the right decision.
"As Yoda said, the situation is complicated," Plo Koon said. "We've
asked Jocasta Nu to give you all of the information you need before you
depart." He gestured toward the Temple archives.
"Go now you must," Yoda added gravely.
"We fear the danger for the witness is growing. The sooner you get to
Frego, the better," Mace said, dismissing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan with a wave
of his hand. "May the Force be with you."
Qui-Gon nodded and walked slowly out of the circular room, followed
by Obi-Wan. Even after hearing the Masters' cautionary words, he felt sure
that the mission would be simple to complete... as long as his spirit
didn't fail him.
Jocasta Nu was a thin, wispy Jedi with long graying hair that she
wore in a tight bun. She stood up from her work table the moment the Jedi
entered the room. The picture of efficiency, she gathered her materials and
gestured toward another, larger table, asking Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to take a
seat.
"I understand that time is of the essence," Jocasta said. She did not
bother with introductions. It did not matter. Qui-Gon had encountered the
Temple archivist before, and surely Obi-Wan knew who she was. She briefed
many Jedi teams before they went out on important missions.
In the past Qui-Gon had preferred to use other sources to get his
information. He had grown used to working with Tahl, and hadn't met with
Jocasta that often since he took Obi-Wan as an apprentice four years ago.
"The witness is Lena Cobral." Jocasta showed them a holo image of a
slight young woman with dark hair twisted into an elaborate bun. "She is
the widowed wife of Rutin Cobral."
The image of the young woman vanished and a man appeared in her
place. He was young, fairly tall, with short brown hair and a relaxed
smile. "Rutin was recently killed, and his murderer is still at large."
"Is that unusual?" Qui-Gon asked. "I thought Frego was a planet ruled
by criminals."
Jocasta looked slightly annoyed at the interruption, but continued.
"The Cobral family is the largest power on Frego. They are in charge of a
crime ring that has successfully controlled the government for twenty
years. Rutin's father died a few years ago, of natural causes. It was
widely believed that Rutin was being groomed to take over, although he has
two brothers who are older than he is. Solan is the oldest and the new
leader of the Cobral."
A shorter, stockier version of Rutin appeared on the screen. Besides
his brother's height, Solan also lacked his thick head of hair and genuine
smile. He was nearly bald and his scowl looked permanent.
"Solan is well known on his planet, widely feared and respected. He
gets what he needs through threats, violence, and influence."
Now that Jocasta was through imparting information, she was prepared
to answer Qui-Gon's question.
"It is not unusual for murders to go uni
is unusual for a favored member of the Cobral family to be killed,
particularly without vengeance."
Though Qui-Gon's expression did not change, he felt a fresh wave of
grief wash through him. He longed more than ever for Tahl - for her
cynicism, her quick mind, and her habit of dispensing information in a way
that naturally led Qui-Gon's thoughts in the proper direction.
Qui-Gon reminded himself that theirs was a relationship that had
taken years to develop. And that the connection he had with Tahl was one he
would never have with the Temple archivist. Or anyone else, probably.
"Lena married into the Cobral family three years ago," Jocasta went
on. "There was a rumor that Rutin no longer wanted to be involved in his
family's dealings. Although he could not easily divorce himself from the
crime business, Senator Crote has told us that Rutin was prepared to
testify before the Senate against his family. He wanted to put an end to
the crime ring altogether. Not long after Rutin agreed to testify, he was
killed." Jocasta took a breath, but did not allow more than a second to
pass before going on.
"Last night we received a secret communication from Lena. Senator
Crote did as well. She has decided to take up her husband's cause and
testify against the Cobral herself." Jocasta pushed several documents on a
datapad across the table toward the Jedi. "Everything you need is here."
Qui-Gon stood and took the datapad. "Thank you," he said curtly. "We
may be contacting you if we need further assistance."
"Of course," Jocasta nodded. "May the Force be with you."
Qui-Gon nodded blankly in return. How could he trust that the Force
would be with him? Where had it been when he'd needed it the most? He and
Tahl had pledged their love for each other. But nothing - not that love,
not the Jedi, not the Force - had been able to save her.
It did not take long for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan to gather supplies for
the short journey. Soon they were stepping onto the freighter that would
take them to Frego.
Distracted and exhausted, Qui-Gon was anxious to retire to his
quarters as soon as they were on board. He was about to say as much to Obi-
Wan when his Padawan spoke.
"Master, I know that these last few months have been hard on you."
Obi-Wan reached out a hand toward Qui-Gon's shoulder but let it drop,
barely brushing his Master's brown sleeve. "And I... well, I can't help
remembering what you told me when Bant was missing in the Temple. You said
that the darkest time is the time when it is most important that you follow
the Jedi Code. If you let your emotions fl - "
"Thank you, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon cut him off. "You have learned well
what I've taught you. One day you will make a fine Jedi Master." He turned
and made his way quickly toward his quarters. He could sense the boy behind
him, standing, bewildered.
Qui-Gon knew his apprentice was only trying to make him feel better.
But he could not bear to listen to the wisdom that was now failing him. He
simply wanted to be alone.
CHAPTER 2
Obi-Wan stood silently, watching the planet Frego grow larger on the
freighter's view-screen. Qui-Gon had not emerged from his quarters during
the journey. Obi-Wan was not sure if he should disturb him, even now that
they were drawing close to their destination. He desperately wanted to give
Qui-Gon the same comfort his Master had given him so many times. But the
more he tried, the further Qui-Gon retreated. The gulf between them seemed
to be growing wider, and Obi-Wan was at a loss. How could he span the
distance alone?
"That must be Frego."
Qui-Gon's voice surprised Obi-Wan and filled him with relief. He
would not have to disturb his Master's solitude after all.
"And that glowing spot must be the capitol city of Rian," Qui-Gon
continued.
Obi-Wan could tell that Qui-Gon was still sad and distracted. It was
almost like standing beside a ghost. But at least he was speaking. He was
making an effort.
As they exited the craft, Obi-Wan felt on edge. It was up to him to
focus on this mission. He could not depend on his Master in his emotionally
wounded state.
Obi-Wan did not think the Cobral family had been alerted to their
arrival, but a planet ruled by criminals was always a dangerous place. He
half expected to see dark dealings and black market bargains right in the
freighter hangar, but there was only one person present as the Jedi
disembarked - and she looked at them without interest. Obi-Wan relaxed a
little, until the freighter captain slid down the ramp toward him.
"I'll be taking off as soon as possible, if that's okay," he said
nervously. "I don't want to spend any more time here than is absolutely
necessary, with the Cobral airways tax and all."
Obi-Wan nodded. Though he did not know exactly what the pilot was
referring to, he could tell it was not pleasant, and most likely not legal.
He thanked the captain for their safe passage and watched him slip back
inside his craft.
As soon as the ship's door shut, the lone woman in the hangar
approached the Jedi.
"I trust you had a pleasant journey from..." she paused.
"Coruscant," Obi-Wan finished for her. "Are you Lena?"
"No," the woman said, lowering her hood to reveal closely cut hair
and a youthful face. "I am Mica, but I will take you to Lena now." Mica
glanced around the hangar once more.
She's nervous, Obi-Wan thought. He drew a deep breath and
concentrated on the Force. But he did not sense danger, only Mica's fear.
"Follow behind me, but not too close. If I am approached I will
pretend not to know you." Mica's eyes were large and dark and she turned
them on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in turn, waiting for each to nod in agreement.
"We will do as you ask," Obi-Wan assured her.
Raising her hood, Mica started out of the hangar at a brisk pace.
Obi-Wan enjoyed being introduced to a new planet on foot. Qui-Gon had
taught him that the slower pace was best for observation, and there was
much to observe in Rian. None of it was what Obi-Wan had expected.
The streets were clean; the footpaths were filled with Fregans
carrying colorful bundles and walking unhurriedly together. Just a short
distance from the municipal hangar, stalls lined the paths. Food vendors
sold heaps of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and grains, shouting out
prices and greeting regulars. Farther into the open market more vendors
sold household goods and even crafts. Everywhere people seemed happy and
relaxed.
In the heart of the market the crowd was so dense and there was so
much to see that Obi-Wan nearly lost sight of Mica. But whenever he looked
up he saw Qui-Gon's eyes trained on the gray peak of Mica's hood. He did
not seem to be taking in the surroundings as he normally would. His
thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
Obi-Wan would have liked to discuss his observations with his Master.
Wasn't it unusual that a planet controlled by criminals would have such a
about the Fregans, so he kept quiet.
At last the market stalls ended and the crowd thinned. After
following Mica through a maze of dark but clean alleys, the woman stopped
and beckoned the Jedi toward her. When they drew close Mica punched a
control pad and a large warehouse door groaned open to reveal a huge room
filled with abandoned equipment.
"We're here," Mica said, waving the Jedi in first and taking a last
look up and down the alley before shutting the door. "I am the only one who
knows where Lena is hiding. Besides you. It is important that you are never
followed to this spot."
"Of course." Obi-Wan nodded.
At the top of several flights of durasteel stairs, the yawning spaces