Suspicions

(I decided to change to past tense since it seems easier for me to write in this form. Hope you don't mind)

I must have been quiet for a while because I suddenly noticed Mace's gaze lingering in me.

"Something you like to tell me?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"I feel that something is not right about this kidnapping. Maybe the taking of those two younglings is just a smoke screen for something else."

Mace looked at me with one of his expressions that would every Padawan shrivel to the size of a womp rat. "And what exactly do you mean?"

"These men are merely messengers or better yet pawns in a greater scheme. I suspect that there is someone pulling the strings in the background who carries the real power in this gruesome game."

"Continue." I had his full attention now.

"What if..." I considered my words very carefully. "What if this is just another plot to show the public how Jedi have lost their power to be the guardians of peace in this Galaxy? Most of trhe public already considers us the cause of the war."

Mace inclined his head, fingers steepled together. When he lifted his face his eyes had grown darker than I had ever seen. "You might have a point there. If this is true then we have to use more caution than ever and try to be one step ahead of them." He paused for a moment. "Is there something else?"

"Yes." I wasn't sure how he would take my next comment. "We also should look into the prisoner list they submitted. I know that some of them are hardened criminals but the others might have been the fall guys for those who are making the demands now. Time is short and I would like to leave as soon as possible." Something was gnawing in the back of my mind but I could not put a finger on it. Some distant memory trying to surface.

"I will try my best to look into it and I will notify the council that you are given complete authority to make any decision necessary. One thing I do ask that we receive progress reports from you to keep us informed." He rose indicating that our meeting was over.

"Give me a frequency that can only be received by the temple if it is not too much trouble." I started to walk toward the door. "I will make arrangements for my Padawan and change into something less obvious."

"Meet me in the main hangar when you are ready." Mace bowed slightly.

I stopped at the infirmary to check on my Padawan who seemed to be sleeping more peacefully. Once in my quarters I left a message for Phobia that I would be gone for several days and then dressed. Dressed in an olive green T-Shirt that fit just tight enough, green slacks with a wide utility belt with two blasters attached to it I completed the outfit with a pair of black boots. My hair was hidden under a hat. When Mace saw me entering the bay he held his breath for a moment.

"One could think you are a bounty hunter. Where is your light saber?" He inquired recovering from the initial shock.

"Good this is the look I attempted to achieve. My saber is in a save place no one would suspect." I replied leaving no room for anymore questions.

"Well then. Here is the new frequency. May the Force be with you."

"And with you." I bowed to him and then climbed into my speeder.

The Message

Long before Mace contacts me I am up. After a good morning workout and refreshing shower I have some time to take care of various reports for the council. Something I always dread. Just before I finish my com chirps and Mace notifies me to meet him in the council room.

Once I enter I can tell by his expression that things have gone from bad to worse. Wordless he hands me his data pad to play the recording of this morning’s message. With growing horror I listened to the monotone male voice resonating through the empty room.

“Ok, Jedi, it is time to get down to business. As you already know we have two of your future protégés. So far we have left them unharmed but every day that goes by without adhering to our demands will mean a step closer to their unavoidable fate. So listen Jedi, this is what we want.” There is a brief pause and the shuffling of feet can be heard in the background.

“I am sure you would not want to imagine the look of pain on their little adorable faces.” Here he laughs sadistically.

“Well, back to business. These are our demands and you better make sure they are met: 3 of our friends, are incarcerated in the city penitentiary. They have been arrested wrongfully and it is time they are freed. Since your judicial system is full of pitfalls we have to take our own measures. You have 2 standard days to have them released. OH, and one more thing. I see the fuzz snoop around and the deal is off.” The transmission ends abruptly.

I turn off the device and when I lift my head I find Mace’s dark eyes on me. A shiver runs down my spine and makes my skin tingle.