Chapter 9

Both Obi-Wan and Anakin alike were enthralled by the palace. Anakin had never seen such an ornate palace. Theed paled in comparison to Jidora. In Obi-Wan's case, the palace had changed much since he had last been there. Cort showed them the wing of the palace that their rooms would be in, but he was able to tell that they were more interested in other things. He led them outside to his private garden. Anakin remarked that it would be a perfect place to practice with their lightsabers because it was so secluded. Obi-Wan nodded his head in distracted agreement, for his ears had just drawn his attention to a muffled shout coming from somewhere on Jidora grounds. He turned around to peer over some bushes.

"Did you hear that?" he asked Cort.

Cort cocked his head to the side and listened for whatever his friend had heard. "I don't hear anything. It was probably some of the workers who are preparing the palace for the banquet tonight."

Obi-Wan wasn't so sure though, and strode over to stand on a stone bench to watch over the bushes. His friend's guess was confirmed, however, when he saw two workers in palace ground uniforms walk by. He turned, climbed down and walked back to Anakin and Cort, who were already leaving to continue their tour. Obi-Wan still couldn't shake the feeling, though, that something wasn't quite right.

* * *

Daruc and his partner hid the bodies of the dead ground workers in the thick bushes that grew in the palace gardens. He grimaced; hoping that no one had heard the workers startled shouts before he had pulled a silenced blaster on them. The shots had been clean, so Daruc and Nor had easily been able to take their uniforms. After hiding the bodies, they picked up their bags that were stocked with the deadly payload, and headed for the banquet room. Daruc pulled a cap over his distinctive hair just before he saw Obi-Wan watching them over the bushes. He knew that they had not been caught. The Jedi was too distracted by his surroundings. This couldn't be going better, he thought. We sneak in right under the Jedi's nose and still aren't caught!

They entered through the enormous doors that led into the gilded banquet room. Daruc and Nor blended in with the surrounding workers with ease. They worked their way around the room, strategically placing the bombs that were made to look like the banquet decorations. They were done within ten minutes, and they left the room as discreetly as they had entered. Nor and his boss exchanged wicked grins. The two began their trek back to their headquarters to report the success of their part of the mission to their Master.

No one noticed that the two men had ever even been there. No one could know that the powerful detonators would seal the fate of the guests tonight. Not even a Jedi could know.

* * *

"Well, Cort, the palace looks wonderful," Obi-Wan congratulated the prince.

"Thanks. My father thought that the palace would be a good place for local artists to exhibit their work. We've had painters, sculptors, architects, and even specialized gardeners that have come to offer their services. The result has been quite impressive, and it has given many artists the recognition that they need to start a successful business."

"I like it!" Anakin piped up. "Especially the fairy statue in the pond."

"That's my favorite piece, too, Anakin," Cort replied with a smile at this kindred spirit. He then turned to Obi-Wan. "Now, I know you want to get down to the matter at hand. I can show you the information that I have stored in my personal library. That room is one place that is a little better protected from eavesdroppers than others. We can talk there, and afterwards I'll let you to go to get ready for the banquet tonight. You're the guests of honor!"

"Sounds good to me. Lead the way, your honor!" Obi-Wan said with a mock bow. Cort played along and assumed an exaggerated regal bearing. Anakin laughed as he, his Master, and R2-D2 fell in behind Cort, continuing their parade to his library.