Star Wars_ Fate of the Jedi 05_ Allies - Christie Golden [44]
Luke sighed, recognizing the type of design. Domes weathered sandstorms better; there was less roof surface for sand to pile atop of, and wall surface for the winds to pound against. He had not been back to Tatooine for many, many years, and had hoped to avoid venturing out into this arid world, but fate seemed to have other plans.
He settled the vessel down into the soft sand, then went down the ramp, squinting against the brightness of midday sun striking pale yellow sand. As he stepped off the ramp, he saw a figure coming toward him and sighed.
It was Gavar Khai. He must have been baking to death inside his heavy black-and-silver robes, but he gave no sign of it. His broad shoulders were straight, his dark head high, and he actually managed to somehow stride in the yielding sand. He had to be using the Force, Luke thought. The idea bothered him. To use the Force for something so trivial seemed a violation to him. But then again, Sith were hardly known for their respect toward the power of the Force. They used the dark side to further their own selfish ends and indulge their whims.
Whims like striding through sand.
He must have been alerted by Vestara as to the situation. Luke supposed Ben couldn’t have stopped her at this point. Luke moved toward the Sith, nodding a greeting. He opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted.
“My daughter is being detained because of your son,” Khai said bluntly. “This does not please me, Jedi.”
Luke’s blond eyebrows rose, but he kept his voice mild. “It was my understanding that an unfortunate young man snapped and was heading to defile the Fountain. Your daughter and my son took it upon themselves to prevent him from doing so.”
“I am certain that Ben forced her to go along with him. Let us not mince words, Skywalker. My daughter is currently what amounts to your prisoner. Even though we outnumber you, we are choosing to work together to end this threat that is mutually damaging. I am most certain that Ben had instructions to never leave Vestara unattended.”
Luke found himself grinning. “It’s clear that you’ve forgotten the spontaneity of youth, Khai.” He did not use the honorific “Saber.” “From what I have learned of Vestara, she is not one to sit idly by while others have all the fun.”
Khai’s nostrils flared as he took a deep, calming breath. “No. My daughter is bold. Still, my point stands.”
“Why don’t we go in and find out exactly what happened rather than standing out here arguing?” Luke suggested. “I’m sure those heavy dark robes aren’t the most comfortable thing to wear in a desert climate.”
Khai shrugged. “I had not noticed. Sith must become used to all climates, and with the Force, we can bend even heat and cold to our will. I am puzzled that you choose to not do so. I would think you had sufficient skill.”
“It’s sometimes easier just to dress appropriately,” Luke said, and headed for the courthouse door. Khai snorted and fell into step beside him.
Two Klatooinians stood guard by the door and demanded their names. Khai and Luke gave them, and were permitted admittance.
Inside the dome it was darker, if not much cooler. There was a clank-clank sound coming from somewhere that grated on the ear, probably some out-of-date cooling system in dire need of repair. A rather agitated-looking Klatooinian was seated at a battered desk. In front of her were several datapads in a haphazard pile. A small plaque read ABARA MUN, SECURITY AND DETENTION OFFICER.
“Master Luke Skywalker and Saber Gavar Khai,” the guard stated.
The female, presumably Abara Mun, glanced up swiftly, her jowls quivering with the movement. “Ah,” she said. “Excellent. Your children have been detained for questioning. As they are under the legal age according to our laws, we’ve held them until you arrived.”
Khai started to say something, but Luke stepped