Star Wars_ The Approaching Storm - Alan Dean Foster [72]
Sensing proximity to flesh, it extended a dozen or more thorns from fingernail to finger in length, like a feline extending its claws. Pierced by these multiple woody stilettos, the membibi gave a muted shriek and fell over onto its side, legs kicking. Within minutes it lay still. The chawix, its position secured by the thorns thrust deep into the animal’s flesh, began to feed on the dead membibi. The onlookers safe beneath the overhang on the other side of the gully could see the pallid penetrating thorns darken as they sucked up the liquefied flesh of their victim.
“So the chawix is a carnivorous plant that uses the winds of Ansion to get around.” Having carefully retreated to the back of the overhang, Obi-Wan kept his attention focused on the gully. “I don’t think a good pair of wind goggles would be much protection.”
“The membibi certainly died quickly enough,” Luminara pointed out.
Close to her, Bulgan grunted. “The feeding thorns hold within them a strong nerve poison. Membibi or person, it makes no difference to the chawix. Or to the poison.”
“First the kyren, now the chawix. Both examples of mass subsistence that rely on steady, constant wind to help them feed.” She shook her head. “I can see why on the plains of Ansion, a calm day would be a cause for celebration among the Alwari.”
“We would be safer in the cities and towns,” Kyakhta admitted. “But we would not be as free. And we would not be Alwari.”
Bulgan indicated agreement. “I would rather live free among the perils of the prairie than safe in a cramped, smelly house in Cuipernam. And towns hold dangers of their own.”
His friend hissed knowingly. “There are no Hutts on the open plains. Dearly would I love to see Soergg confronted by a few dozen flying chawix.”
Bulgan nodded energetically. “The fat slimebag would feed a whole forest of chawix. On him, they’d grow big as trees!”
“This Soergg the Hutt,” Luminara asked them, “the one who sent you to abduct Barriss: Did he ever tell you why he wanted her?”
The two Alwari exchanged a glance. “Our minds worked differently then, but no, I don’t think he ever mentioned the reason.”
Bulgan confirmed his friend’s response. “I thought it was to hold her for ransom. That is the usual reason for carrying out a kidnapping, isn’t it?”
“Not always.” She looked to her left. “Obi-Wan?”
The other Jedi looked even more thoughtful than usual. “We know there are elements that would like to see us fail in our mission, that would dearly love to see Ansion and its allies secede from the Republic. First you and Barriss are attacked, then these two are ordered to abduct her.”
“Not necessarily her.” Bulgan indicated Luminara’s Padawan. “We were told to take either of your apprentices.”
Obi-Wan gestured impatiently. “It amounts to the same thing. A Hutt wouldn’t dare to challenge the Order unless there was a substantial profit in it for him. That raises the interesting question of who paid this Soergg to carry out the kidnapping, and probably also the attack on you and Barriss.”
“We have no proof the Hutt was involved in that,” Luminara pointed out. “But it follows logically enough.”
He nodded. “Having tried twice to stop us, it stands to reason he’ll try again. We’ll have to watch our step when we return to Cuipernam.”
“You raise the question of the Hutt’s employer, Obi-Wan.” As she watched the last of the chawix tumble past outside their refuge, Luminara searched her memories. “There are many powerful elements among the secessionists. Clearly, some have grown bolder than others. If we could find out who hired the Hutt, we could make a case against them before the Senate. It would embarrass their cause.”
He sighed softly. “You have more confidence in the Senate than I do, Luminara. First, they would appoint a panel to study the accusation. Then the panel would produce a report. The report would go to committee. The committee would issue a commentary based on the report. The commentary would be tabled until the Senate could find the time to vote on the report. Recommendations