Star Wars_ The Approaching Storm - Alan Dean Foster [29]
Representative from Tanjay irm-Drocubac leaves behind a wife and two children. Though active in the growing secessionist faction, and suspected of sympathies with the more extreme members of that movement, he was well respected by his colleagues and coworkers, as well as by his supporters on his homeworld. In accordance with Tanjay tradition, his ashes will be scattered tomorrow above the capital city where he lived and worked for the past fifteen years of his life.
A grieving Chancellor Palpatine is scheduled to deliver the eulogy.
(end transmission; end article)
“For a young humanoid female, she weighs more than I would have expected.” Kyakhta let out a tired whoosh of air as he and his companion set the sack down on the bed. In response to movement within, Bulgan released the seal at the top. Sitting up, Barriss shuffled the sack off her shoulders. It fell to her waist and, when she stood, to her feet. Her ankles were strapped together and her hands secured behind her back. A quick glance downward, then up at her captors, found her focusing on Kyakhta’s smile.
“Looking for this, apprentice?” From a bag slung at his waist, he removed her service belt. It contained all of her personal gear, including her comlink and lightsaber. Shuffling over, Bulgan tentatively fingered the latter.
“Jedi lightsaber. Always want try one.”
Kyakhta yanked the belt away, let it slip back into the open bag like a sedated snake. “Don’t touch that, you idiot! Don’t you remember briefing where Hutt warned about handling such devices? A Jedi lightsaber can be tuned to its owner’s personal electrical field. Try activate this one, and you likely blow it to bits. Along with you your dumbself also.”
“Ou, that right. Bulgan forget.” Turning, he once more considered their bound captive. “Not much to look at, is it? I could break it in half easy.”
“Only physically.” Unable to run or gesture, Barriss sat down on the bed. “You obviously know who I am, what I represent. Are you aware that even as we speak there are three Jedi hunting furiously for me, and that they will not be happy when they find out what has happened?”
Kyakhta laughed while Bulgan chortled gruffly. “Let them look. They not find you here.” He indicated the high smooth walls that enclosed them. “This a safe place, and in any case you not stay here long.” Remembering, he flicked the switch on his call-in. “Already, others being notified. They come here, take you off our hands. Then we a little rich, and done with you as well.”
Choosing not to dispute the claim, she continued quietly. “What do you, or whoever you work for, want with me?”
The two Alwari exchanged a look. “Not our business,” Kyakhta finally replied. “Catching you our job. Questions not our job.” He turned to leave the room. “Report in success now. I looking forward to it.” He straightened. “Bossban don’t think we can do it. Be nice surprise for him.” His smile widened. “I think I make him wait a little while before I tell him so.” He gave his companion a shove. “Watch her close, Bulgan. Beware Jedi tricks.”
“No worry, Kyakhta.” Hunched over but alert, the other Alwari settled himself on a bench opposite the shackled human. “Bulgan watch carefully.”
Barriss stared as the single door closed heavily behind the one who called himself Kyakhta. A loud click followed his exit. Without her lightsaber, she would not be able to penetrate the barrier, and her limited mastery of the Force was not sufficient to allow her to pierce it mentally. She was trapped until her friends could locate her. That they would do so she did not doubt. Only the time factor troubled her. Would there be enough of it before she was transferred from this place and handed over to whomever