| abstract
| - Master Greystone was sitting in the reception area outside the office of Czerka Arms owner and executive Hazar Tordana when Delwynn's datapad beeped. The agent read the message then handed the datapad to him. Reading the report from Asana and Shalli, he looked casually over at the three secretaries who were busy working at their desks. Either Czerka Arms was involved in this plot or Eriadu Interstellar Enterprises was equally tied to the Eriaduan government. That was the only logical way an anti-compression detonator could have been used. That is, unless Senator Regueny was involved in the plot somehow. While most cases encountered twists and bumps, this case seemed to be turning more and more bizarre—if not more and more confusing—with each passing development. Suddenly, Master Greystone sensed that the meeting in Tordana's office had culminated. He rose, as the double doors opened. Out walked a short young man who was dressed in a business suit and overrobe. He did not regard the Jedi or the others in the room and proceeded directly to exit the reception area. Master Greystone decided to take the initiative since he had stepped forward revealing that he was a Jedi. "Master Jedi," an older heavy Human male said from the double-doored office entranceway. "Yes, Mister Tordana," Master Greystone replied. "Thank you for seeing us on such unexpected and abrupt notice." "No problem," Tordana responded, holding out his hand in a welcoming gesture. The Jedi Master walked forward and into the office. Directly behind him, Agent Delwynn and Lieutenant Danstari followed suit. Tordana offered seating and sat, himself, behind his desk. "How may I be of service for the Jedi today?" he inquired. "My associate," Master Greystone said, pointing to the special agent. "She has some questions that we would like to ask you real briefly. Nothing to significant." "And your name?" the older man asked. "Delwynn," she responded. "This shouldn't take too long, so please forgive our questions." "I'm happy to be of service, Master Delwynn," he graciously responded with a smile. "Are you familiar with the name 'Catienne Gallien' or who she might be?" The man's demeanor did not change, but his eyes showed that he was surprised of such pointed questioning. Master Greystone also could tell that this man thought Delwynn was a Jedi. Perhaps a powerful influence to deliver truth; it might backfire if she presses too hard, he thought. "The name sounds vaguely familiar," Tordana answered. "There are a lot of women who do business in this building. Should I know her?" "Actually, she is a financier from Aargau." "Oh. Well, that does not clarify much." "She made some payments to you on behalf of Eriadu Interstellar Enterprises. We are investigating her involvement and what those transactions were." "Ah. Those transactions. Were my reimbursements illegal?" "That depends, Mister Tordana. That is why we are looking into this." "I assume you have the transaction sheets, yes?" "Yes." "I can tell you that everything was double and triple checked on my end to make certain things were in order. This was not a personal order as much as it was a Czerka order. I had a connection in EIE which came to me to do business. I surely cannot be held responsible if this financier decided to go rogue and do illegal things with other parties later on." "That is true." "And, Master Delwynn, I assure that I only knew her for the purposes of these transactions with the other company." "What were the motives of Eriadu Interstellar Enterprises?" "How would I know? Let me think… well… I believe they purchased… what was it… vaccines? Some various types of anti–biological warfare supplies. A few other things were in there too, like environmental suits or things such as that." "Why would they need supplies like that?" "Heh. Only if they thought there was going to be some bio-terrorism attack." "Was EIE subcontracted by the planetary government?" "No idea. I think they were acting on their own. My contact ended up dealing primarily with the head of the biological research department down near ground level. Maybe he knows something." "And, who is that?" "Doctor Torrik Samit. He hasn't been around for a few days, though. I believe he is on vacation." "Ok. What about Senator Regueny, Mister Tordana? His name was on related transaction sheets. We think he is acting as an advisor for EIE." "Perhaps. Never met him." Of course, Master Greystone thought, he was lying. He had met Senator Regueny on multiple occasions to fill out paperwork. The transaction sheets verified this. The Jedi analyzed the Czerka owner and sensed that he was growing suspicious. It was time to change the course a little bit. "Waron," Master Greystone interrupted. "Please ask the secretaries if they have had any contacts from Senator Regueny recently." "But, Master…" Danstari tried to begin. "Waron," the Jedi replied flatly. "Double check. This would be a great exercise for you." Danstari took the hint. He stood and left the room. "Forgive my Padawan, Mister Tordana," the Jedi continued. "I believe he might have wanted to contact you regarding these transactions. Evidence suggests he was an advisor to EIE in their business deliberations. Still, what we are more concerned in is what the financier was doing with that company on Eriadu." "I understand, Master Jedi," Tordana replied. Master Greystone sensed that Tordana was more believing in the fact that two Jedi were sitting in front of him rather than a Jedi and someone feigning the position. He wanted to keep that leverage over Tordana. The older man had believed that truth from the beginning even though it was neither Greystone's nor Delwynn's intention. The principle was the same, however. If Tordana believed both were Jedi, he would continue to treat them with the respect he had. At least partial truths would come out rather than no truth at all. "Who was your contact at EIE?" Delwynn asked. "His name is on the transaction sheets. He's been here a few times already." "We are aware, Mister Tordana. He has become somewhat of a mystery man. Gallien seems to not know who he is." "Master Delwynn, I am not at liberty to divulge my clients so flippantly. Does the young lady know you are after her?" "Right now, she has no idea what is going on or how big this investigation is. Her obliviousness is refreshing." "I see." "What about bounty hunters? Do you ever commission them?" "No. I personally don't." "She had some dealings with them, as well. We believe someone is going after her contacts in this deal. Two have already turned up dead. That is also why we came here." "Do you believe I am in danger?" "Mister Tordana, it is possible. Although, her dealings with your contact in EIE are much more complex. We are more interested in meeting with him." Master Greystone sensed that Tordana realized Delwynn's route toward the truth. The man knew that Delwynn was actually after the EIE head. Concentrating on his thoughts, the Jedi tried to discern the details of Tordana's thoughts, attempting to fish for information without startling the man. So far, he was stringing a pleasant web of lies. He knew Gallien; he had met her at least through the Holonet. After all, he knew she was young and relatively good looking. He also had met with Senator Regueny, although refused to acknowledge it. "Mister Tordana," Master Greystone interrupted. "Are you really that willing to be dishonest with us?" The ploy worked. The man became markedly nervous for the first time in the meeting. It became obvious that he was fearful that Jedi would try some trick with the Force to pry information from him he wanted to keep secret. Master Greystone heard his thoughts, now completely unshielded, to give the Jedi something to get them off his back. "Okay," Tordana conceded, leaning forward onto his desk. "My contact is the owner of EIE. His name is Avar Zrakin. He has contacts all throughout the the Eriaduan economy, government, and across that sector. Most of these transactions were being done on behalf of them. Or, at least, that's what he told me." Master Greystone was pleased with the confession, but something alarmed him in the Force when he heard the name spoken. Also, it seemed like he was stopping short of telling the full truth. Glancing over at Delwynn, she seemed completely stern in her expression as if nothing bothered her about what had been said. Not wanting this to be the closing point, however, the Jedi Master spoke up again. "Thank you," he said. "But, I have one last question." "Fair enough, Master Jedi." "How were the products shipped?" "The same way we ship everything at Czerka. We ship it ourselves to the system. Droids load and unload the cargo because their memories can be wiped. That way people cannot spy on other's orders with them." "Sounds like a positive business plan. Keep the competing purchasers guessing." Greystone lit a smile and stood before the desk. Delwynn did likewise as the Jedi held out his hand toward Tordana. He thanked the older man and shook his hand. Delwynn followed suit and the pair left the office quietly. In the reception area, Danstari was sitting on the desk of the blond-haired secretary as they were flipping through files. His datapad was hooked up to the computer. Upon seeing Delwynn, he jumped upright. "What are you working on, my young Padawan?" Delwynn asked with a smirk. "Data," Danstari replied, uncertain at being called 'Padawan.' "When you are finished, meet us outside," she continued. Danstari nodded but departed the desk by the time Delwynn had turned the corner into the dark colored corridor. Master Greystone held up, allowing Danstari to catch up. As the lieutenant passed the Jedi, Danstari handed him the datapad. Looking at it, multiple transaction sheets, shipping invoices, and other contact information was revealed. "That secretary gave me more than I thought," the lieutenant boasted. "Keep up, Danstari," Delwynn retorted, picking up the pace. "How did you get it from her?" "Easy," he replied. "I used my insatiable charm." Delwynn turned her head and gave a quick glare, to which Master Greystone laughed. He was practically jogging to keep up with the agent who was briskly trying to leave the building. He sensed the urgency to track this Avar Zranik before Tordana could interfere. They had traveled such a long way for a short interview, but it was a success. Mostly, however, it was a success because Tordana was willing to open up slightly. He lied about much. Too much, in fact. There was no guarantee that this name was accurate. The Jedi did sense truth, however, in what he had revealed about Zranik. Perhaps it was more a ploy to get the Jedi off his back. Reaching the outside of the building, Delwynn continued her brisk pace to the Mally. Depressing a button on her datapad, the port side ramp lowered and the trio ascended into the vessel. Quickly, Delwynn flocked to the communications equipment in the computer laboratory. Master Greystone was continuing his shadowing of Delwynn and stood next to her as the communications station lit up. Danstari had gone somewhere, he noticed, but Delwynn was intent on contacting someone. "Director Aiden," she spoke. At that same moment, a holographic image appeared. Director Pelmar Aiden was sitting at his desk, it appeared. "Agent Delwynn," he replied. "Special request for surveillance on all communications between Hazar Tordana, his office, his building, his home, and the rest of the galaxy." "The reason?" "He's heavily involved." "Delwynn, we are talking about the owner of a major corporation. Do you have anything concrete?" "Transaction sheets, a series of false statements at an interview, and connection to three dead people, a weapon used in the murder of one, and a general too-good-to-be-true character." "In other words, you don't like him." "Director, I'd prefer we just arrest him right now and allow an official interrogation, but I can't prove he actually committed a murder or placed the bounty to do such. I can only prove that he is intimately involved in the scheme, whatever it is. I believe I've already spelled it out well enough for you." "Fine, Delwynn. I'll have it start, effective immediately. I'll contact our favorite judge now." "Thank you, Director. I also need to know where Doctor Torrik Samit is, but I don't want him to know we are looking for him. He is a biologist for Czerka." "I suppose you want more miracles, Delwynn?" "Of course. You have the connections." "Delwynn, don't get out of line." The agent was beaming after that portion of the exchange, and Master Greystone was trying to not laugh out loud himself. "Fine, Delwynn. I'll let you know where he is when I find him." "Thank you, Director." "Is that all?" "Yes." "Good. After I talk to the judge, I am going home and sitting in the hotbath with my wife. I expect a full report from you when you arrive on Alsakan." "Are you going to read it, Director?" "Probably not." "I definitely don't blame you. I only write them because it's the rules." The communications station flickered off and Delwynn turned to the Jedi with a wry smile. Master Greystone could not help but to inwardly chuckle at the matter-of-fact exchange between the GIN Director and the special agent who he had known for years. This is why she got results, he surmised. "So, who wants to search for Avar Zrakin?" Delwynn asked now resuming her more normative semi-stoic demeanor. "Go for it," Master Greystone replied. At that moment, Shalli and Asana walked into the room and filed behind Master Greystone. They said nothing as Delwynn walked over to a computer and began typing. "Asana," she said. "Pull up everything you can on Torrik Samit. Shalli, do the same for Avar Zrakin. I need everything you can get in three minutes." Master Greystone watched as the two dutifully walked over to the computers, Asana at her traditional spot in the corner while Shalli used the one next to her. Delwynn left the computer lab with haste. Opting to sit, the Jedi Master quietly grabbed the chair near computer three and reclined. He glanced over at the computer which was frantically passing through images, comparing them with the brown haired man on the left side of the screen. Without thinking, the Jedi turned his attention to Emra, which had strolled into the lab and over to him. "Hello there," he cheerfully said. Emra beeped and spun around. In some ways, this droid was like having a pet for Evening. It even acted like a pittin on occasion. Shalli, not far away, however, was having difficulty with the search. Master Greystone could sense that, but she remained stoic and non-emotive in her lack of success. "Emra," the Jedi spoke. "Could you help Shalli real quickly? She's doing a search on someone." The MR-series droid beeped affirmatively and scooted over to the Omwati. It plugged into the computer and data began pouring onto the screen. Shalli looked down at the droid and thanked it, but stood there otherwise as if nothing had happened. She was almost robotic in her motions, and it bothered him greatly. Even Emra had more personality than this Jedi Knight. A minute later, Danstari walked into the lab and asked where Delwynn had gone. "Not sure," the Jedi Master said. "She'll be back in a minute. Take a seat and relax." "I think I will," Danstari replied with a broad smile as he sat in the chair next to Master Greystone. "Congratulations on getting that information, lieutenant." "Thank you, Master. Once she thought I was a Jedi, she didn't want to lie to me." "Don't get used to it. Most people aren't that gullible." "That Czerka guy seemed like a tough cookie. Did he eventually crumble?" "Yes, he did. A little, but he was trying to deflect attention. The information he gave us was more like throwing a piece of meat to a rancor just to shut it up for a while. Still, we didn't want to push our luck after arriving unannounced." "What are Shalli and Asana doing?" "They are looking up the two names we discovered. Hopefully they mean something." At that moment, the agent returned. She walked straightway to Asana and tried to look over her shoulder. The Twi'lek simply smiled and pointed at the large monitor along the front wall. There, it displayed the Republic record on Doctor Torrik Samit. He was clean, as far as a criminal record, but his degrees in bioengineering and biochemistry were prominent. His picture, on the left side of the screen was a plain-looking, but older man with no hair. His dark eyes, however, gave deep insight into a diabolical soul. Master Greystone could see something evil in the man's gaze just from the image on the screen. Samit was definitely far more involved in the plot than an ancillary contact. He could sense it. The information kept flowing. Images, dates, contacts, business ventures, and personal information all poured across the screen for two minutes as Asana flipped through every part of the data from the Republic and public records. He was sixty-four years old and from Eriadu. He lived on Denon but had family on his birthworld. His last known sighting was four days ago taking an interplanetary shuttle from Denon to Eriadu. He had not been seen since. Lastly, a red bulletin was posted for all Judicial Forces officials to report any sighting of the man to the GIN Director's office. The Jedi smiled at that, knowing that Director Aiden had acted quickly to get that posted. Once all the data on Samit was exhausted, Delwynn instructed Asana to put the information on Zranik up on that monitor. Obliging, the Twi'lek walked over to the computer where Shalli had been standing. The Omwati moved out of the way and Emra swirled around toward Delwynn, stopping at the agent's feet. Asana began to look at the file, but froze. Master Greystone sensed the hesitation and Asana's sudden change of emotion. Normally a bright and bubbly personality, she was stifled with shock and surprise. "What's the hold up?" Delwynn asked impatiently. "Umm, Delwynn…" Asana replied, her voice trailing off. "What's wrong?" the agent pressed. "I… I…" the Twi'lek stuttered. "Hold on. I'll get it up." At that instant, the name and information on Avar Zranik flickered onto the screen. A fifty-one year old man from Eriadu, he was a long-time small business owner who had purchased the majority share of Eriadu Interstellar Enterprises ten years ago. According to the file, he had no criminal record. Then, with Asana flipping to the next bit of information, an image appeared on the screen. A very familiar image. Master Greystone's heart sank as he looked at the man known as Zranik. A brown-haired man with an angular nose and a large dark dimple on his left cheek. Peering to his right, the same man, albeit younger, was on the left side of computer three's monitor. "You're kidding, right?" Delwynn angrily spat, not having turned around. "Tell me you are kidding!" "Sorry, Delwynn," Asana sheepishly said. "I wish I was." The tension level in the room skyrocketed. Master Greystone easily sensed the wild array of emotions in his former student, who was still staring at the man in the image. At the same time, he sensed that Danstari and Shalli were equally confused as to what was happening. "Take it off the screen, Asana," Delwynn spoke flatly, feigning control over her emotions. The pain in her voice was barely suppressed. "I don't want to see that face." The agent then turned and looked at the Jedi Master with direct eye contact. It pierced him to his soul. Her eyes telegraphed years upon years of hurt and pain that she carried. It was rising in her so swiftly that it poured out into the entire aura of the room. She was fighting to keep it together, fighting to retain control. Turning to each of the members of her team, she started to give orders with great haste. "Asana, pull the secret files I have from the Core World robberies. Compare and cross reference anything you can. Look at images, names, dates, money, anything! Check every stroke of every letter! Emra can help. Danstari, set course for Eriadu. We are not leaving there until I've turned that planet inside out looking for these two men. Shalli, take to Gallien. Make sure she has food, something to drink and clean linens. Give her fresh clothing if she needs. Just make her happy. Master…" Delwynn's voice trailed off and she started toward the door. Stopping in the doorway, she looked at the him and continued. "Master, just make sure they all do what they need to. I need some time." At that, Delwynn fled the room, her eyes filled with tears. Master Greystone allowed the atmosphere to stabilize for a moment, then politely gestured for everyone to start working. Asana buried herself in the computer work while Shalli and Danstari departed the lab. Not one being said a word. Not even Emra made a sound.
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