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"I'm looking for the visitors' quarters," Boba said before she could question him. "Anakin Skywalker arranged for me to stay here."

At mention of Skywalker's name, the Jedi nodded.

"Of course," she said. "That way - follow the corridor until it turns left. The door of your room will be open."

"Thanks," said Boba. The children continued to stare at him with such huge eyes that he was tempted to laugh.

But he didn't. Instead he hurried down the corridor the Jedi had indicated. It was a wide passage, lit with the bright, soft light the Jedi favored for public spaces. In the distance he could see two formidable figures walking side by side, deep in discussion. As they drew near, Boba stiffened.

It can't be! he thought. Every hair on his head prickled. Without thinking his hand grasped at his utility belt.

That was when Boba remembered that his weapons were gone.

And only a handsbreadth away was

Mace Windu!

Boba's mouth went dry. The last time he had seen Windu was in the Geonosian execution arena. There the Jedi Master had stood unflinching and grim above the corpse of Boba's father, Jango, whom he had slain.

Father! Boba thought, as the anguish of that moment came back to him.

As though he had spoken the words aloud, Boba saw Windu suddenly glance his way.

Can't let him know it's me! Boba thought desperately. Not now. Not when I'm so close!

Boba hadn't seen Mace Windu in many years. But he knew of the tall Jedi Master's incredible skill at fighting - and more. Windu was rumored to possess a voice and will so powerful that he seldom needed to use the Force on his enemies, let alone a lightsaber.

And that voice had fallen suddenly, ominously, silent as Boba passed in the hallway.

Don't stare at him, Boba thought. Just keep going. Don't stop, don't -

But he could feel Mace Windu's gaze boring into him. And he could see Windu halt, putting a hand on his companion's arm as he gazed after Boba.

"Who - ?" Mace Windu began to ask in his deep tones.

"Master Windu! Master Windu!"

A child's high voice rang through the passage. The Jedi Master turned, his expression changing from suspicion to amusement as one of the tiny Jedi younglings ran toward him, the breathless instructor at her heels.

"Veda!" the instructor called in exasperation. "Get back here immediately!"

"But I want to ask him something!"

Mace looked at the child. As he laughed, Boba hastened on down the passage. Still, as the hall began to turn toward the left, he couldn't resist glancing back.

Mace stood, listening patiently as the child prattled on. But as he listened he slowly turned his head, staring directly down the passage.

At Boba.

He can't know it's me, Boba thought. And even if he does For an instant Boba remained where he was. The Jedi could not see the hatred in his eyes.

But perhaps he could feel the hatred in Boba's soul.

"I'll see you again very soon, Mace Windu," Boba whispered before turning to continue on his way.

The room that had been made ready for him was spare but comfortable. He had worried that the Jedi were going to put a guard on watch, but clearly they were too occupied to spend effort on an informant whose information they did not know yet to be true. But this played to Boba's advantage. He wasted little time in his room. He shut the door and activated the room's communicator. Within seconds, Hat Lo's sweaty face once more stared out at him.

"Boba!" he said in forced joviality. "I didn't expect to hear again from you so soon!"

"No? Well, you're going to see me even sooner. I need to meet with you."

"Now?" Hat Lo sounded aggrieved.

"As I told you, my business is urgent. Jabba's business.."

Boba let his voice trail off threateningly.

Hat Lo blanched. "Of course, of course!" he said. "I'll send a speeder for you immediately! I will meet you within the hour at the Sign of the