Star Wars

Episode 1 Adventures

1

Search For Lost Jedi

RyderWindham

Sept 1999 Scanned by [BroD] June 2003

Introduction

InGalacticCity on the planet Coruscant, the twelve member Jedi Council

contemplated the Force and decided the action of over ten thousand Jedi

Knights throughout the galaxy. Legendary for their bravery and power, the Jedi

prevented wars, preserved peace, and maintained justice. Jedi Master Qui-Gon

Jinn was regarded as one of the greatest Jedi Knights. A brave warrior and a

kind man, Qui-Gon was not intimidated by any challenge. He might have been a

member of the Council but he believed his destiny was as a Jedi Knight, allied

with the Force to help those in need. As a Jedi Master, one must successfully

train an apprentice a Padawan Learner to become a Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon Jinn's

Padawan was a young man named Obi-Wan Kenobi....

Chapter One

As the three armory droids lurched forward from the shadows of the arena,

the twenty-five-year-old Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi swiftly drew his

lightsaber and pressed the activation switch. Suddenly, the sound of the

lightsaber's low, steady hum filled the air, and the dark arena was

illuminated by the weapon's cold; blue light; Despite his lightsaber's glowing

blade Obi-Wan could not see anything. He was wearing a thick; padded

blindfold. Snapping into a combat stance, the armory droids raised their

blaster pistols the droids aimed at the blindfolded Obi-Wan and Red sending

red energy bolts flying toward their target. Using the Force to sense the

trajectory of the. On coming bolts, Obi-Wan swiftly angled his lightsaber and

swung at the deadly barrage. Loud, electrically emerged crackling filled the

air as Obi-Wan's darting lightsaber struck the energy bolts; batting them back

at the three droids. Two droids were destroyed as the bolts hit their torsos

in a shower of sparks, knocking them to the black metal floor. 'The third

droid was faster, jerking aside with surprising speed to avoid a direct hit.

One energy bolt sped past it and smashed into the dense plastoid wall; but the

final bolt. shaved through the greased elbow joint of the droid's firing arm

Still gripping the blaster pistol the severed arm clattered to the floor.

The droid reacted automatically. It used its remaining arm to reach for

its back-mounted holster and pull free a fully loaded blaster rifle. As the

armory droid aimed the rifle, the blindfolded. Obi-Wan Kenobi leaped across

the arena; moving so fast that he became a blur. The droid recalibrated its

targeting sensors, pulled the trigger, and unleashed an explosive stream of

energy. bolts at Obi-Wan's indistinct form, But Obi-Wan was too fast the

spraying bolts hammered into the surrounding walls. Instantly, Obi-Wan and his

blazing lightsaber rematerialized close behind the armory droid. Detecting its

opponent, the droid spun around to attack, but it wasn't fast enough. In a

blinding flash; Obi-Wan's lightsaber slashed up through the droid, cleaving

the automaton in. half. It toppled over, its legs useless, its scorched,

severed parts scattered across the black floor. Obi-Wan Kenobi deactivated his

lightsaber. The entire fight with the three droids had passed in just under

eleven seconds.

"Most impressive, Obi-Wan," a deep voice commented from the entrance of

the arena.

Immediately recognizing the voice, Obi-Wan turned his blindfolded face to

the speaker.

"Greetings, Master," the young Jedi answered as he removed his blindfold.

"Forgive me. I didn't hear you come in."

Qui-Gon Jinn, a tall Jedi Master, smiled at his apprentice from the

arched doorway Moving his hand over a wall panel, Qui-Gon turned on the lights

within the arena; causing Obi-Wan to blink his eyes.

"You were focusing too much attention on the droids, Padawan," Qui-Gon

observed. "To prepare for the unexpected, you must stretch out with the Force.

Perhaps you're spending too much time here in the Jedi.Temple ; It would do

you well to get outside of this training center once.in a while."

"Yes, Master," Obi-Wan replied; "I'll follow your advice. But if I may

ask, what brings you back to theTemple ? I thought you were going to visit the

lower levels of Coruscant.".

"There was a change in plans," Qui-Gon answered.

"Sorry to hear that, I know how much you enjoy your friends down there."

In truth Obi-Wan did not understand why Qui-Gon liked the company of

pathetic life forms, such as those who populated Coruscant's lowest industrial

regions. Over many. centuries, the capital city had expanded until it covered

the entire planet.. The wealthiest citizens lived in luxurious skyscrapers

while the very poor struggled for survival in the subterranean clusters far

below Coruscant's surface. Changing the subject, Obi-Wan asked, "So, how much

did you see of my practice session against the droids?"

"Surveying the three fallen armory droids, Qui - Gon responded, "Enough

to see your skill with a lightsaber is ever improving.

Grateful for Qui-Gon's praise, Obi-Wan bowed. "Thank you, Master." As an

eight-armed sanitation droid rolled into the arena to clean up the wreckage

from the floor, Qui-Gon clapped Obi-Wan on the back.

"Come along now, Padawan," he said, guiding his apprentice toward the

exit. "We'll have to hurry if we're to attend the meeting."

"Meeting?" Obi-Wan asked, walking faster to keep up with the long strides

of his Master. "What meeting 7"

"We've been summoned by the Jedi Council," Qui-Gon replied as they left

the training arena and entered a corridor. "That's why I was called away from

the lower levels."

The corridor was lined by a row of high windows, offering a spectacular

view of Galactic. City.

"The Jedi, Council?" Obi-Wan repeated, clearly surprised.

"Do you know why they want to see us'?" Leading Obi-Wan into a lift tube,

Qui-Gon an answered, "I only know that we'd better not be late!"

Chapter Two

The Jedi Council was composed of twelve members: Mace Windu, Yoda, Ki Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia, Depa Billaba, Eeth Koth, Oppo Rancisis, Even Piell, Plo

Koon, Saesee Tiin, Yaddle, and Yarael Poof. Together, they pondered the

balance of the Force and helped guide the Jedi Knights in their missions. With

Master Yoda at his side, Mace Windu presided as a senior Jedi of the Council.

Leaving the lift tube and entering the Council chamber, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan

passed Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth, who was on his way out. Since Jorus C'baoth

was the personal advisor to Senator Palpatine of the Galactic Senate, Obi-Wan

became even more curious about the nature of the Council meeting. Approaching

the members of the Council, Qui - Gon cast a quick glance at the seated Jedi.

Immediately, he noticed an empty chair within the Council's semicircular

arrangement. Realizing which Jedi was absent, Qui-Gon dismissed all formality

and asked,

"What's happened to Adi Gallia?"

Before Mace Windu could answer, Yoda's long, pointed ears bent back as he

remarked,

"Always perceptive Master Qui-Gon is, to what visible is not."

"Adi Gallia is missing, Qui-Gon," Mace Windu revealed. "She was on a

covert mission to the planet Esseles." Raising a hand toward a holographic

projector, Mace activated a hologram. A slowly rotating globe appeared,

showing Esseles as a warm world covered with young mountain ranges.

"We know Adi arrived safely on Esseles, but she missed the last two

scheduled status reports. Are you familiary with this world?"

"I've never been there, but I know of it." Qui-.Gon studied the hologram.

"It's one of the planets linked by the Perlemian Trade Route in the Darpa

Sector. Esseles' capital city is Calamari, a center for high-tech research and

development, specializing in hypernautics and advanced hyperdrive engines."

Listening to his Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi felt both awe and respect. Obi Wan had always been impressed by Qui-Gon's keen memory for details. Mace Windu

nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Qui-Gon.

"Esseles has progressed from research and development to full-scale

manufacturing," Mace Windu noted. "Recently, the Council received a mysterious

data card, alerting us that a factory named Trinkatta Starships was

commissioned to build fifty experimental droid starfighters."

"Was the data card a trick to lure Jedi to Esseles'?" Qui-Gon asked.

"If it were a trick," Mace Windu answered, "someone went to a lot of

trouble to send us very detailed information." The hologram of Esseles

vanished, replaced by a hologram of a sleek, dart shaped droid starfighter.

"According to the data card,' Mace continued, "these starfighters are

equipped with hyperdrive engines."

"And know what this means we do" Yoda interjected. "Travel through

hyperspace for peaceful purposes, droid starfighters do not.

"Master Yoda speaks the truth," Jedi Master Rancisis agreed. A cunning

military strategy..." the hair-covered Master Oppo pointed to the program and

professed, "Droid starfighters have two purposes: to kill and to conquer.

They're lying, hired guns without fear or remorse, generally reserved for the

most lethal campaigns. With hyperdrive capability, they don't need to be:

trans - ported by a carrier ship. Properly programmed, they could be sent to

attack any ship or planet in the galaxy and bought by any creature with..."

"I doubt that Trinkatta Starships would have built expensive droid

starfighters unless there was already a buyer," Qui-Gon Jinn commented as the

hologram vanished. "Do you know.who commissioned these starfighters'?

"No," Mace Windu replied. "That's what Adi Gallia hoped to learn on

Esseles. We haven't informed the Senate of our investigation because the droid

starfighters may have been ordered by a member planet of the Galactic

Republic. ft's possible that one of our allies is plotting a civil war, If

that's the case, informing the Senate might alert the buyers to cover their

trail, We've asked Jorus C'baoth not to notify any Senators of these

proceedings. Until we have solid evidence identifying who paid for the

starfighters, we need to maintain secrecy."

"Secrecy?" Straining to keep his voice calm; Qui-Gon asked, "What of Adi

Gallia? Is her life not worth more than yet another covert operation? In case

you don't remember, I wouldn't be standing here now if she hadn't saved my

life!"

Obi-Wan was surprised by his Master's statement. Qui-Gon had never told

him of an adventure with Adi Galtia.

"This is why we have summoned you, Qui-Gon Jinn," Mace Windu answered.

"You will lead two Jedi Knights to Esseles, to find Master Adi" At that

moment, two more Jedi Knights entered the Council room. They were Vel Ardox

and Noi'o Zak. Wearing a black wet suit, Vel'Ardox resembled a human; but she

was an amphibious Biubreen from the Ploo Sector. Noro Zslc.his tapered ears

and leathery, membranous wings indicated he was a Baxthrax.

Qui-Gon nodded at the two Jedi Knights. He had fought alongside Vel and

Noro in the past, and trusted them both;

"Except for the circumstances, it's good to see you," Qui-Gon greeted.

Turning for the door, he continued, "The four of us had better, get going to

Esseles. Come, Obi-Wan "

"Perhaps I was not clear, Qui-Gon," Mace Windu interrupted; "A Jedi

Master is missing. This mission could be extremely dangerous; As an

apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi is not ready for such an assignment. Your Padawan

should remain here at the Temple."

Qui-Gon glanced at Obi-Wan, searching his face for any reaction. Obi-Wan

wore a relaxed expression and wisely remained silent. But Qui-Gon sensed he

was disappointed.

"Understood," Qui-Gon answered Mace Windu. 'Obi-Wan will help us prepare

for departure."

Watching Qui-Gon,Vel Ardox, Noro Zak, and Obi-Wan leave the Council

chamber, Yoda said softly; "May the Force be with them."

In the starship hanger at the Jedi Temple the Cruiser Radiant Vll."and

its crew of eight ' a captain, two-copilots, two communications officers; and

three engineers waited to transport the Jedi to Esseles. From the hangar deck,

Obi-Wan watched as Qui-Gon followed Vel and Noro to the cruiser's main hatch.

Of course, Obi-Wan had hoped to join Qui-Gon on the mission; He had fought

beside his Master before and believed he was well trained for such an

assignment. But the Padawan knew better than to Question Mace Windu's reasons

for wanting him to stay on Coruscant. Also, he could feet relief within his

disappointment.

If Qui-Gon had argued with Mace Windu about allowing Obi-Wan to join the

rescue team, it would have been embarrassing for the entire Council. Entering

the Radiant Vll, Noro Z ak had to duck,. folding his thick-skinned wings tight

against his back so they wouldn't scrape the ceiling. Qui-Gon watched from the

open hatchway as Noro neatly arranged himself in a seat beside Vel Ardox.

"You can close the hatch now, Master Qui-Gon;" Vel noted. "We're all

ready.":

"Not quite," Qui-Gon replied as he fidgeted with the hatch mechanism.

Turning from the hatchway, Qui-Gon looked to the hangar deck and' called out

to Obi-Wan.

"Padawan I want you to take a look at this hatch. I think it's stuck."

Wondering why Qui-Gon hadn't requested a proper droid mechanic, Obi-Wan

left the deck and stepped into the cruiser. As soon as Obi-Wan was inside;

Qui-Gon quickly sealed the hatch. - :

"Ah!" Qui-Gon exclaimed. "It seems the hatchworks after all. Now,

Padawan,

since You're. on board, you should find yourself a seat. We've a long

trip ahead of us;"

"B-B-But; Master..." Obi-Wan stammered. "Mace Windu said I should remain

"

"I know what Mace Windu suggested," Qui-Gon interrupted, "but You're my

responsibility. If I'm going to Esseles, I want you where you belong: at: my

side!"

Obi-Wan's gaze traveled from the sealed hatch to Qui-Gon's face. Despite

the presence of Val and Noro, Qbi-Wan was compelled to protest.

"Forgive me; Master, but you put me in an unfair position. You ask me to

disobey either You or the Jedi Council."

"I'm not asking you to disobey anyone, Padawan," Qui-Gon answered. "We

both know you're ready for this mission. I want you to come to Esseles with us

because I have a feeling we're going to need you there. if I'm asking for

anything, it's your.: help." Turning to face the two seated Jedi Knights, Qui Gon raised his eyebrows and asked, "Any questions?"

Vel and Noro swapped glances. Turning to Obi-Wan; Noro inquired,

"Would you like a window seat?" After a moment of hesitation, Obi-Wan

stepped away from the sealed door.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered. Qui-Gon grinned.

"Glad we sorted that out"

Leaning toward a wall-mounted comm unit, Qui - Gon addressed the Radiant

VII's captain, stationed in the cruiser's cockpit. "We're all aboard, Captain.

Prepare to launch."

As Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan slipped into adjacent seats, Obi-Wan whispered,.

"Master? I was unaware that Master Adi ever saved your life. Instead of

answering immediately, Qui-Gon closed his eyes, preparing to enter a deep

meditation.

"I will tell you all about it, Padawan... after we rescue Adi Gallia."

Chapter Three

Minutes after leaving Coruscant, the Radiant Vll blasted into hyperspace.

It was a difficult journey " to the Darpa Sector, requiring the nav computer

to, delicately shift course from one trade route to another before reaching

the Esseles system; Some time later, the cruiser exited hyperspace, arriving

in orbit of Esseles.

"Trinkatta Starships is on the outskirts of the KyCalamsr," Qui-Gon

noted. The captain will land our cruiser at a discreet distance and remain

with the ship. From there, we'll deploy the landspeeder."

Turning to the winged Noro Zak, Qui-Gon continued, "Noro, You'll fly to

Trinkatta, scouting for signs of any unusual activity. Traveling by speeder,

Vel, Obi-Wan, and I will meet you there."

Wyeoking into the cruiser's comm unit to the pilot, Qui-Gon Jinn

commanded,

"Take us down."

Twenty minutes later; Qui-Gon, Val, and Obi-Wan's landspeeder zoomed away

from the Radiant VII. Flying low over a dirt road, Vel Ardux guided the

landspeeder at high speed toward the starship factory.

Trinkatta Starships was a huge complex; covering nearly two square

kilometers. Surrounded by a high stone barricade the complex contained two

karge structures: an observation towed used to monitor incoming and outgoing

starships, and a mammoth factory. The factory's upper levels appeared to be

composed of plastaid with arched transparisteel windows, but the old

foundation indictated the original building had undergone extensive

renovation. Adorning the factory's roof, three tell chimneys pumped dark blue

smoke into the sky. Obi-Wan coughed, then cleared his throat.

"That foul smoke," he gasped, nodding toward the chimneys. "I doubt

T'rinkatta Starships meets environmental regulations!"

Studying the high barricade that surrounded the factory Vel Ardox noted,

"It looks like they don't encourage visitors either."

Slowing the vehicle to hovering stop near the wall, Vel Ardox gazed up,

searching for Noro. Her sharp eyes quickly found the flying figure. Noro

glided high over the factory, carefully avoiding the rising toxic clouds that

billowed from. the three chimneys. Angling his wings, Noro swooped down in a

spiraling descent toward the other Jedi. Seconds later, his taloned feet

touched down on the ground beside the landspeeder;

"A long time ago, this factory must have been a fortress," Noro declared

as Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Yel climbed out of the landspeeder. Pointing to the

observation tower, Noro continued, "Trinkatta's spaceport lies between that

tower and the factory. I saw some repulsorlift vehicles and an old freighter

parked in the spaceport, but there wasn't any. sign of the droid starfighters.

"

" "They might be within the factory," Qui-Gon paused. "Does the wall

surround the entire factory?"

"Yes;" Noro answered. "And on the other side of wall there's a wide moat.

A bridge crosses the moat from a security checkpoint".

"Show us the way to the checkpoint Noro, Qui-Gon requested. Noro guided

the others around. the barricade to a large stone booth. Beyond the booth, a

massive metal door separated the Jedi from the bridge to the starship factory.

Two tall security droids stepped out. - from the checkpoint booth. Approaching

the Jedi, the droid's heavy metal feet clanked against the smooth walkway. One

droid raised a hand, signaling a halt.

"What is your business with Trinkatta?" the droid asked as its barrel shaped head scanned the four figures.

"We're looking for a friend of ours Qui-Gon answered "She was supposed to

meet us here. She's a building inspector." The droid shook its head, which

creaked with each turn at the neck.

"No building. inspectors here. Only droids. You all must leave now. We're

closing off the chimneys. The factory is about to be fumigated."

"Fumigated'?" Qui-Gon asked. "But if there are only droids inside, what

are you trying to exterminate?"

"Vermin," the other droid answered quickly.

"Now you must leave..."

"Look!" Obi-Wan called out.

Following his gaze, the other Jedi saw that the factory's three tall

chimneys were no longer releasing toxic clouds into the air. Seconds later,

the high transparisteel windows went dark as smoke began filling the factory.

Qui-Gon Jinn closed his eyes in meditation. Upon opening his eyes, he stated,

"I sense Adi Gallia is within this complex... and she may be. injured. We

have to rescue her before she's consumed by the smoke!" Fixing his gaze on the

droids, Qui-Gon commanded, "You must let us enter the factory immediately."

The nearest security droid's photoreceptors turned red.

"Instructions received from. central droid control," the droid uttered as

it took a step backward. "Trespassers must be terminated".

Without further warning, both droids reached for their blaster pistols.

Obi-Wan's hand darted for his lightsaber; but Vel Ardox moved faster. Her

lightsaber blazed and lashed out in a sweeping flash, cutting down both droids

before they could fire their blasters. The droids crashed to the ground.

"Security droids are supposed to arrest trespassers!" Vel exclaimed.

"Someone reprogrammed these units to kill.

But who would...?"

Obi-Wan began but was interrupted by the bursting wail of a loud siren.

"The other droids must know we're here!" Noro ted; "One of us should stay

here and distract them while the rest of us find a way into the factory. We

have to stop that smoke or open those chimneys!".

"If we can reach the central droid control room,", Vel Ardox added, "we

should be able to override the system and deactivate all the droids!"

"Adi Gallia is our first priority!" Qui-Gon declared as he drew his

lightsaber. "The factory is filling with toxic fumes! We have to find Adi and

get her now!"

After quickly surveying the Trinkatta Starships checkpoint area, Qui-Gon

Jinn turned to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vel Ardox, and Noro Zak.

"Here's the. plan," Qui-Gon Jinn told them. "I'll withdraw the security

droids to the checkpoint and distract them while you three try to find another

way into the factory. We'll have a better chance of finding Adi Gallia. by

splitting up and searching different areas of the complex."

"Shall we maintain communication?" Noro asked.

"If. the factory droids are monitoring the frequencies; they might

intercept our messages;". Qui-Gon pointed out. "Use your comlink only if you

need help or have located Adi Gallia. Go now. And may the Force be with you."

Obi-Wan and Vel ran off while Noro took to the air, leaving Qui-Gon alone

at the checkpoint. Stepping over the fallen security droids, Qui-Gon

approached the giant sliding door. He heard the sound of clicking gears as the

door began to slide up into the high wall. As the door rose, Qui-Gon could see

the wide bridge that crossed the meat and led to the starship factory.

Suddenly, six security droids emerged from the factory and lurched forward

onto the bridge. Seeing Qui-Gon, the droids raised their blaster arms. Moving

faster than the droids photoreceptors could follow, Qui-Gon activated his

lightsaber and surged forward. Swinging the lethal blade with deadly accuracy,

the Jedi Master cut down the six security droids within seconds. The droids

crashed to the surface of the bridge with a clanging racket.

That should draw the attention of the other security droids, Qui-Gon

thought to himself, hoping it would allow his friends to find another way into

the starship factory. Qui-Gon stepped over the metal bodies of the fallen

droids, passing through the smoke that rose from their fried remains. As he

began to cross to - ward the starship factory, Qui-Gon glanced below the

bridge. Suspended ten meters over a deep, water filled moat, the bridge was

bracketed by low guardrails.

Switching on his comlink, Qui-Gon whispered, "I'm on the bridge that

leads to the entrance. Are you inside the factory yet?"

"Not yet, Master!" Obi-Wan replied. "We ran into some more droids.

Getting in will be more difficult than we realized.

" Switching off his comlink, Qui-Gon was halfway across the bridge when a

bright

glint from above drew his attention. Three stories up, on a rooftop that

supported an elevated water tower, Qui-Gon caught sight of eight security

droids running into position. Suddenly, the menacing droids raised their

blaster rifles and fired from above.

Qui-Gon's lightsaber came up fast, striking at the oncoming energy bolts.

He batted them back to the elevated water tower above the droids, striking the

tower's base in rapid succession. As the droids continued firing, the water

tower ruptured from the repeated battery and exploded over their heads,

knocking them from the roof. Thousands of liters of water plummeted-in a

devastating cascade, carrying the droids to the bridge below. Despite the fact

he'd targeted the water tower, Qui-Gon Jinn was surprised by the magnitude of

the resulting blast and turned off his lightsaber's power. In an effort to

avoid. being swept away by the torrential burst or crushed by the tumbling

droids, Qui-Gon jumped. over the: guardrail and dived into the moat below.

After knifing into the water, Qui-Gon arched back to the surface. for sir. As

he broke the surface, he was nearly struck by an energy bolt.. Two droids had

survived the fall to the bridge, and both were determined to kill the human

invader. Taking a quick deep breath, the Jedi Master dropped underwater and

swam directly under the bridge, staying out of range of the droid's blaster

fire. Swimming to the foundation of the starship:factory, he saw what appeared

to be the opening of an underwater tunnel. Qui-Gon hoped it might be an

entrance to the factory. He reached for his util belt and retrieved his

breather. After placing the device over his face, he was soon breathing

easily. He propelled himself forward into the dark tunnel..

Seconds later, Qui-Gon was engulfed by pitch-black darkness. The Jedi

Master. concentrated on the interior of the cave, using the Force to let him

sense the rough, rocky walls. Absent of fear, he swam forward. Soon, the

tunnel narrowed, making it difficult to swim. Reaching out with his hands and

feet, Qui-Gon could barely manage to crawl through the underwater access. He

felt along the walls of the tunnel, trying to grab hold, but the stone walls

were covered with an oily muck; He could not find a handhold; Something slimy

bumped against Qui-Gon's leg. In the-next instant, his left ankle was caught

in a tight grip. Qui-Gon had company.

Chapter 3

Reaching to his lower leg, Qui-Gon touched a thick tentacle coiled around

his foot. Snaking out through a hole in the tunnel wall, the tentacle tugged

in ankle, drawing him into the gap. Some broken stones from the foundation lay

below the hole. Despite the creature's attack, Qui-Gon did not react with

violence. It was in his nature to be empathetic to all life-forms. When he had

been a Padawan, his tendency for kindness had often confounded his own Master.

In the underwater tunnel, Qui-Gon found himself wondering, If I lived quietly

e' in, a hole somewhere, how would I like it if some large organism came

crashing through my home?

Suddenly, the tentacle relaxed its grip and vanished into the gap in the

tunnel wall. To Qui-Gon's amazement, he heard a soft, alien voice echo in his

mind, responding to his own thoughts: I apologize for attacking you, strange

creature. I mistook you. for a large fish. You are welcome to swim these

waters, But be careful of the current.

Behind his breather, Qui-Gon Jinn. smiled.

Thank you.

Leaving the creature behind, - Qui-Gon swam on through the underwater

tunnel. As he propelled himself through the darkness, his thoughts turned to

Adi Gallia. Because she had rescued him some time ago, Qui-Gon believed he

owed his life to her. But he also knew it was not the time to contemplate the

past. The Jedi Master cleared his mind and swam faster. A. steady, mechanical

thumping sound grew louder as he moved forward. He paused to listen to the

sound, and realized that although he'd stopped swimming, he was still moving

at a steady pace through the tunnel; Caught in its powerful current, he was

being dragged deeper into the darkness. Qui-Gon wished he had paid more

attention to the tentacled creature's warning. The mechanical thumping became

increasingly louder. Battling the current, he extended his arms and legs,

trying to brace himself within the tunnel; Unable to get a grip on the smooth,

slick tunnel, he was dragged onward. In an explosive surge, Qui-Gon was

launched out of the tunnel in s concentrated waterfall, spilling him into a

wide circular silo.

Tumbling through the air and falling water, he splashed down into a deep

pool at the base of the silo. The thumping sound was nearly deafening, echoing

off the silo walls in thunderous booms. Like a gigantic drain; the water

churned and swirled around-Qui-Gon, dragging him below the surface.

Underwater, he realized the cause of the horrendous noise; At the base of the

silo, a giant hydraulic propeller spun rapidly, drawing the water down and

circulating it in the factory's moat. Qui-Gon knew the great propeller would

slice him to ribbons unless he could escape the silo; Struggling against the

downward flow, Qui-Gon; broke the surface of the pool. Pounded by water

falling from above, he swam for the silo wall. The inner silo appeared to be

lined with thick layer of ferrocrete, a mixture of concrete and steel-like

materials bonded at the molecular level. Like the tunnel, the slick walls

allowed no purchase. Looking up to the top of the silo, Qui-Gon saw a

maintenance hatch.

The hatch was illuminated by several greenish-yellow glow rods that

dangled from a narrow beam. Qui-Gon considered throwing his compact grappling

hook to the glow rods, but with both arms busy keeping him abovewater, he knew

it would be a difficult effort. He also knew his breather's air supply was

nearly exhausted. Another possibility occurred to him, Saving his energy, Qui Gon let himself be pulled beneath the surface. As he drew closer to the

propeller, he concentrated on the spinning blades, visualizing them bending

and twisting as they rotated. A loud cracking sound followed, then the

propeller wobbled in its fixed setting. Using the Force, Qui-Gon! had turned

the machine's power against itself. The result was an underwater explosion

that shook the interior of the silo and shattered the propeller. Large bits of

shredded metal sailed past Qui-Gon in a rush of bubbles as he broke for the

surface With the propeller's destruction, the steady thumping sound ended and

the water level began to rise. As the rising water carried him to the top of

the silo, Qui-Gon quickly reached the hatch. Grabbing the wheel-shaped opening

mechanism, he turned hard; The rusted wheel crumbled in his hands as the water

continued to rise. He was trapped!

Qui-Gon tried concentrating on the hatch's unseen inner tock mechanism,

but he found it difficult to remain calm. The rising water would soon be over

his head. The Jedi Master's hand reached for his light - saber, tore it from

his belt clip, and activated the blade. With a single, circular swing, he

drove the lightsaber deep through the metal hatch. Then he deactivated the

lightsaber and threw his weight hard against the center of the hatch, pushing

it through its damaged frame. As the battered hatch crashed onto the floor of

the next chamber, Qui - Gon leaped headfirst through the hole. A loud crunch

sounded from his belt as he landed within a dry chamber. He had accidentally

crushed his own comlink. Qui-Gon quickly rose to his feet and lifted the

hatch's wreckage. He jammed the cut metal back in the hole just as water began

to spill into the chamber. With the hatch sealed, Qui-Gon removed his breather

and inspected his new surroundings. He stood in a large subterranean chamber.

Dimly illuminated by glow rods, the stone-wailed room smelled of dust and

decay. In the center of the chamber, three tall pillars rose from the stone

floor to the brick ceiling.

"Unnnnn," a voice moaned from behind one pillar.

Running around the column, Qui-Gon found a semiconscious alien lying on

the floor. A small yellow-scaled reptilian creature with a pronounced beak,

the alien was clothed in a one tunic. His left foot was chained to the pillar

and his right arm was missing below the elbow joint.

"Are you okay?" Qui-Gon asked as he checked the alien's pulse. In this

close proximity, Qui-Gon could tell that the alien's right arm had only

recently been removed.

"Oh, I'm just fine," the alien groaned, "except that the droids cut off

my arm and locked me up here to die."

Qui-Gon's eyes went wide. "The droids cut off your arm?!"

"They were trying to get information out of me," the alien said with a

sigh. "No big deal. I'm a Kloodavian. The arm'll grow back in a couple of

days,"

"What are you doing in here?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I should be asking you that question!" the Kloodavian snarled. "I'm Boll

Trinkatta! I own this starship factory! But my droids went berserk and took

over. I don't know how, but someone must've reprogrammed them! The droids

brought me down here and left me to die."

Before Qui-Gon could ask any more questions of Boll Trinkatta, an eight armed maintenance droid rolled out from behind one of the other pillars.

Hiding out of view, it had waited for the right moment to attack. Each of its

eight arms wielded a different tool, including a beamdrill, fusioncutter,

macrofuser, and power prybar. Extending its appendages, the droid accelerated

on its treads and headed straight for the Jedi Master. When the droid was

nearly on top of its prey, Qui-Gon leaped aside. Unable to stop in time, the

droid crashed into the stone wall. Falling back. from the wall; the droid's

eight arms trailed as it tried to recover its balance and get a position on:

the attacker. Before the droid could fire its fusion-cutter, Qui-Gon's

lightsaber blazed and arched through the air, slicing through the droid below

its eight shoulder joints.

The droid's head and shoulders tumbled from its body, sending a shower of

sparks all the way up to the brick ceiling. Crashing to the floor, the droid

lay motionless. Stepping away from the remains of the fallen droid, Qui-Gon

approached Trinkatta; who still leaned against the pillar.

With surprise in his eyes the Kloodsvian remarked, "Only a Jedi moves

that fast!"

"My name is Qui-Gon Jinn," the Jedi Master stated. Looking Trinkatta in

the eyes, Qui-Gon came to the point. "A woman came here to inspect your

building, he continued, maintaining secrecy ", by not mentioning Adi Gallia's

name. "You will tell me where I can find her."

Trinkatta glared at Qui-Gon but did not answer.

"You're in a lot of trouble, friend," Qui-Gon continued. "I know you're

selling fifty droid starfighters. I want to know the identity of the buyer.

Direct me to your factory's central droid control room."

"I... I don't have to tell you anything!" Trinkatta insisted. Qui-Gon was

uncertain whether the Kloodavian was arrogant or afraid to answer his

questions. Relying on the Force, Qui-Gon attempted to make the alien talk.

"You can tell me everything," Qui-Gon coaxed as he made a waving gesture

with his hand.

Trinkatta's reptilian lips drew back into a good - natured smile.

"Kloodavisns are immune to Jedi mind tricks,". he boasted. "But I'll

answer your questions if you unchain me."

"Done," Qui-Gon agreed.. While the Jedi Master set to work on opening the

lock, careful not to injure the Kloodavian's leg, Trinkatta spoke.

"I don't know anything about a building inspector. It's possible she was

captured by my droids after they'd already locked me up,"

"What about the location of your central droid control room" Qui-Gon

asked.

"It's on Level 19 of the observation tower, on the other side of the

factory's spaceport."

Working a thin wire into the manacle at Trinkatta's foot, Qui-Gon

inquired,

"And who ordered the fifty droid starfighters?" Trinkatta gulped, nervous

to answer this final question.

"I... I built them for the Trade Federation;"

"The Trade Federation ordered these?" Qui-Gon said with surprise. "But

this planet isn't anywhere near Trade Federation routes. Why did they

commission you to build droid starfighters?"

"I don't know why they picked me," Trinkatta admitted. "Every starship

maker in the galaxy knows the Xi Gharrians have an exclusive contract to build

droid starfighters for the Trade Federation.. When the Neimoidians told me

they wanted me to install hyperdrive engines into the fighters, I protested.

The next day, my test pilot vanished! I was afraid if I didn't follow the

Trade Federation's orders, they'd make me disappear, too."

"Where are the droid starfighters now?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I wish I knew!" Trinkatta squawked. "That's what my own malfunctioning

droids kept asking me when they locked me up. Someone stole al1 fifty

starfighters. When the Neimoidians find out, they'll kill me!"

"We'll worry about the Trade Federation later," Qui-Gon remarked as he

removed the manacle from Trinkatta's leg. "Your droids closed off the

factory's chimneys and the whole complex is filling up with fumes. If my

friend is in the building, she'll die unless I can rescue her!"

"I'd offer to help," Trinkatta moaned, "but I'm no good to you with this

busted arm of mine." Aiming his beak toward a narrow hallway, he said, "That

hall leads to the starship assembly room. You can open the chimneys from the

assembly operations chamber. From there, you'll have to cross the spaceport to

the observation tower and droid central control. I hope you find your friend."

"You can't stay here," Qui-Gon said calmly. "If the fumes reach you..."

"I can take care of myself!" the Kloodavian snapped back. "I have a

secret tunnel that leads outside the factory. You'd better go while you can!"

Qui-Gon didn't want to leave Trinkatta behind, but the Kloodavian

insisted. All his life, Qui-Gon had felt great empathy for all living

creatures, especially for those who looked like they could use some help;

Trinkatta may have been small, but Qui - Gon had no doubt that he was a

strongwilled being; capable of taking care of himself. The fact that Trinkatta

owned: an entire. starship. factory was proof that he was. a formidable

character. Qui-Gon ran down the hallway. The sound of his footsteps reached.

the audio sensors of two factory operations droids at the far end of the hall.

The two droids stepped. forward. blocking Qui-Gon's entrance to the

starship assembly room. Both droids had broad upper bodies supported on strong

but narrow legs. Raising their arms; the menacing droids eagerly clicked their

maniqulatory claws at Qui-Gon. Hoping to conserve the charge on his

lightsaber, Qui-Gon's hand darted for his grappling hook. Tugging it from his

belt, he played out the thin, strong wire and released the hook's claws. With

a single whipping motion, Qui-Gon threw the hook at the droids' legs. The hook

caught and circled the droids, snaring. them below their knees. As the droids

tried stepping out of the tangle,.Gon-Gon pulled hard on the cable. The

droids.' feet flew out from under them; sending the two automatons smash-. ing

against the floor.

Qui-Gon leaped over the fallen droids as they clattered to the floor,

unable to raise their bulky forms. He entered the starship assembly room and

found it filled with a haze of smoke. Looking nine stories up to the. ceiling,

he could barely see the windows that lined the higher levels. Across the room,

beyond several rows, of starships and repulsorlift vehicles at various stages

of construction, Qui-Gon saw the assembly. operations chamber. According to

Trinkatta, the controls for the factory's chimneys were located in the

operations chamber. Coughing, Qui-Gon checked his. breather gauge. It was

nearly depleted. Holding his breath; Qui. - Gon ran across the room. To. his

dismay, he found the operation chamber's computer circuits had been ripped

apart. Qui-Gon suspected it was the droids handiwork; an effort to prevent

anyone. from opening the chimneys. and allowing the smoke to escape. Qui-Gon

spied an unfinished Marfighter resting: on a nearby conveyer system. The ship

wasn't ready to fly but its laser cannons appeared to be operational. Still

holding his breath, Qui-Gon: ran to the starfighter and leaped into the

cockpit.

His fingers flew over the vessel's weapon system as he aimed the laser

cannons far the high ceiling. Qui-Gon pulled the triggers and the cannons

fired, launching a powerful blast of coherent lights at the ceiling. The laser

bolts punched through the roof in a fiery explosion. The upper beams ruptured

and fell. Qui-Gon leaped out of the starfighter and dove for cover into a

grease pit. A split second later, the starfighter was crushed by a huge chunk

of falling plastoid. Looking up from the grease pit, Qui-Gon saw he had

created a-wide hole in the ceiling. His view of the Esseles sky was obscured

by rising smoke as the fumes lifted through the hole and out of the factory.

As the smoke cleared, Qui-Gon scanned the area, looking for any sign of Adi

Gallia. The Jedi Master sensed Adi had been in this room earlier. Not trusting

his eyes, Qui-Gon closed them and opened his mind to the Force. A picture

formed in Qui-Gon's mind. He glimpsed Adi Gallia lying very still in a

chamber. She's near, Qui-Gon suddenly knew. Only... she's high above ground...

somewhere;..

Turning his head, Gon-Gon opened his eyes to find he was looking through

a window that offered a view of the factory's spaceport from the assembly

room. At the far side of the spaceport; the observation tower loomed over the

landing bay; The tower! Qui-Gon suddenly knew he would find, Adi Gallia there.

Twenty stories tall, the tower was a new structure built on top of an ancient

stone foundation. The first seventeen stories rose from the ground as a four sided obelisk that supported an inverted dome lined with transparisteel

windows that housed the three-story observation levels. Five plastoid landing

decks jutted out from the inverted dome, adding to the tower's crude

resemblance to a gigantic, machinelike flower. Gon-Gon surveyed the tower and

noticed a vehicle resting on the tower's uppermost landing deck. The vehicle

hadn't been there when the Jedi had arrived at the factory. It was a bizarre

two seat skyhopper, a fast repulsorlift vehicle designed to fly above the

ground. Qui-Gon didn't recognize the model. Remembering that Trinkatta's

central droid control room was on Level 19 of the tower, Qui-Gon thought the

presence of an alien skyhopper seemed too great a coincidence. He suspected

the parked skyhopper belonged to saboteurs, villains intent on taking over

Trinkatta's factory by reprogramming his droids from the tower. Realizing that

Adi Gallia might be at the mercy of an unknown enemy, Qui-Gon ran for the exit

to the spaceport. He prayed he would find. her alive.

There were several factory-owned repulsorlift vehicles parked on the

tarmac; Hoping to reach: Adi Gallia as. soon as possible, Qui-Gon ran for the

vehicles, planning to ride one to the observation tower. As Qui-Gon

approached, three - late-model astromech droids rolled out from a transport

that was up on blocks. Armed with beamdrills and welding tools, the battered

old astromechs emitted a flurry of threatening beeps as they rolled toward

Qui-Gon..: Brandishing his lightsaber, the Jedi Master ran: around to the

other side of the raised transport.:The astromechs rotated their domed heads

and turned back, hoping to corner the running man. As the astromechs moved

under the transport, Qui - Gon slashed one of the supporting blocks. The

transport teetered and the droids accelerated, trying to reach their target.

Qui-Gon launched a well placed kick to the side of the transport. The

vehicle toppled off its blocks and crushed the rebellious droids. Qui-Gon

deactivated his lightsaber. As he raced to a parked landspeeder, he wondered

whether Obi-Wan, Vel Ardox, and.Noro Zak were still battling droids or if they

had gained access to the factory. He jumped into a landspeeder, strapped

himself in, gunned the engines, and raced for the observation tower. He would

make every effort to reprogram the droids or shut them down. As he neared the

tower, Qui-Gon topped the inertial dampers, but the landspeeder wouldn't slow

down He pumped the inertial dampers again to no effect, then reached for the

emergency lever. When the lever failed, he unbuckled his safety harness and

leaped from the landspeeder. A split second after he hit the tarmac and

rol1ed, he heard the speeder crash into the tower's foundation.

The Jedi Master rose from the tarmac and ran past the crashed speeder to

the tower's lift tube. He entered the tube and stated his destination: "Level

19, droid central control." The lift rose in a powerful rush from ground

level. Seconds later; the repulsor field-warning light flashed red and the

lift screeched to a halt. Qui-Gon was launched off his feet, smashing into the

ceiling's emergency escape hatch before he fell crashing back to the floor.

Rising from the floor, Qui-Gon checked the lift tube console. According to the

numerical display, he was trapped between Levels 18 and 19, just shy of his

destination. He realized the droids must have tapped into the lift tube

computer terminal, and that his destination command alerted them to his exact

position.

Reaching up, Qui-Gon opened the emergency excape hatch in the ceiling.

Climbing through the hatch, he stepped onto the top of the lift.

Qui-Gon looked up into the cylinchical tube shaft and sow the sealed

doors for Level 19. Suddenly, s whirring motor sounded from above. A shaft

maintenance droid, clinging to the walls by its magnetic treads, rapidly

descended from the upper levels of the lift tube. Aiming his disrupter at Qui Gon, the droid prepared to fire. Qui-Gon activated his lightsaber and threw it

up into the air in a graceful spin. The lightsaber's blade sliced through the

droid's left side, separating it from its treads and throwing it off balance.

As the lightsaber fell back to Qui-Gon,, he caught it by the handle, then

swiftly drove the blade through the doors to Level 19, carving a broad hole.

Qui-Gon dove through the smoldering metal hole just as the rest of the

dismembered droid came crashing down from above,. slamming into the roof of

the lift. The lift plunged down the tube, ' carrying the ruined droid all the

way to the bottom. Rising to his feet, Qui-Gon heard the explosive impact as

the lift struck the ground level; nineteen stories down. A fireball erupted,

and Qui-Gon jumped out of the way. Level 19 was filled with sophisticated

computers but appeared to be devoid of any saboteurs or droids. Qui-Gon headed

into the central droid control room and passed a window that offered a view of

the starship factory at the other side of the spaceport. Across the tarmac

droids poured out of the factory and advanced toward the observatian tower.

There were over a hundred of them of various sizes, all brandishing

weapons and lethal tools. Every droid at Trinkatta starships was coming after

him. In only a matter of minutes, they would reach Level 19. Qui-Gon turned

his attention to the interior of the control room. While. searching for the

main terminal that regulated all of the factory's droids, Qui-Gon stepped into

a detention center. The detention center was a long corridor that ended in a

large black metal wall. Five cells lined the right wall and another five cells

were built into the left. Instead of having sealed metal doors; each cell was

viewable through a transparent energy field. From where Qui-Gon stood, he

couldn't see directly inside any of the cells. He moved cautiously forward to

inspect them. Much to his amazement, he saw the same view in each cell: Adi

Gallia's motionless body. Qui-Gon realized nine of the cells contained

holographic projections, decoys to delay any rescue attempt.

In every cell, Master Adi appeared in the same position. She was slumped

on a metal bed with her multi-tailed headdress spread out under her. Her eyes

were closed. Her heavy brown robe prevented Qui-Gon from being able to see

whether or not she was breathing. He yelled her name; trying to wake her. But

it was no use. A command console was located within the middle of the

detention center. Qui-Gon eyed the ten unmarked switches on the command

console, guessing that one of them should deactivate the cells energy shields.

He cautiously selected a switch and threw it. Without realizing it, he had

deactivated the holo projectors built into each cell; Suddenly, all of the

holograms vanished, and only the real Adi Gallia remained. But the energy

shield remained activated. There were nine switches left and Qui-Gon gave them

a quick study. He suspected the switches next to the holoprojector switch

might trigger a trap, so he reached for the fifth switch. After throwing the

switch, Qui-Gon heard a clicking sound from behind him. He spun to see a: hid

- n door slide back fast from the black metal wall. tall guard droid stepped

out from a compartment, within the wall. It was humanoid in design, but

droid's two arms ended in menacing, double barreled blaster rifles; At the

sight of the human intruder, the droid's photoreceptors glowed red. The guard

droid lurched forward. Qui-Gon's hand flew to his belt and his lightsaber was

suddenly ablaze. The droid rapidly squeezed off a double burst of blaster fire

from its arms, but the Jedi Master's blade struck each blast, hammering them

back at the droid. The bolts pounded at the guard droid's armor and tore

through its neck and joints. The droid's head exploded as its shattered body

toppled to the floor, causing a crash that echoed through the detention

center. Qui-Gon deactivated his lightsaber and turned his attention back to

the remaining switches. Normally, he enjoyed solving puzzles to keep his mind

sharp. But with Adi Gallia's life at stake, he knew this wasn't any game.

Taking a chance, Qui-Gon threw both the seventh and eighth switch at the same

time. He didn't know which switch had done the job, but all ten energy shields

dropped. He ran into Adi Gallia's. cell, bent down, and checked her vital

signs. She was unconscious and her pulse was weak. But she was alive. Barely

alive. Realizing she required medical attention, Qui - Gon moved past to the

main terminal of the control room. He hoped to transmit an overriding command

signal to the droids, stopping them in their tracks before they could assault

the tower.

After entering the commands into the computer, Qui-Gon ran to the window.

Outside, the droids advanced closer to the tower. Soon, they would arrive.

The saboteurs must have tampered with the computer. Qui-Gon wondered what

to do next. Looking out the window, he could see the alien skyhopper was still

parked on the outer deck that jutted out from the tower. Qui-Gon decided to

make a run for the skyhopper, but not before he did something to stop the

droids. Unless the droids were terminated, they might escape the factory and

cause even more harm. Turning back to the control room, Qui-Gon spied a red-and-yellow-striped emergency cabinet. Popping the cabinet open, Qui-Gon found

it contained an autodestruct initiator. Qui-Gon thought it was a dramatic bit

of security for Trinkatts to have installed; but the device appeared to be the

only way to destroy the droids. Wasting no time, Qui-Gon threw the initiator

switch. The countdown began at three minutes.. Evacuation warnings sounded.

Hopefully, the other Jedi would heed them. Gathering Adi Gallia from the

floor, Qui-Gon carried her up an access stairway to the tower's upper deck.

Exiting the stairwell, he noticed the exit door had been kicked in from

the outside. Proceeding through the damaged doorway, Qui-Gon.wondered where

the saboteurs had gone; Reaching the upper deck, Qui-Gon Jinn carried Adi

Gallia toward the parked skyhopper. Without warning, two tall insectoid aliens

stepped out from behind the skyhopper.: With their black body armor and

segmented movements, Qui-Gon recognized the aliens at once; They were

Bartokks.

A race of bloodthirsty mercenaries, the Bartokks were notorious

throughout the galaxy for their assassin squads. With their hive mind, they

worked together to kill their assigned targets; Their intelligence was

distributed through nerve centers throughout their bodies, so cutting off

their heads would not stop. them, since the severed pieces would continue to

attack. Each Bartokk stood on two powerful legs and had four arms, two

manipulatory arms extended from their waists while their upper arms ended in

long hooked claws. Before Qui-Gon could address the Bartokks the two insectoid

aliens raised their claws and stepped forward. Quickly placing Adi Gallia on

the floor of the deck, Qui-Gon drew his lightsaber and extended its blade;

Like all Jedi, Qui-Gon did. not believe in killing unless it was absolutely

necessary; But he knew the Bartokks were professional killers who wouldn't

hesitate to slice him from head to toe; Seeing Qui-Gon's activated lightsaber,

the Bartokks took a step back. The Jedi Master's eyes fixed on both of them as

he warned;

"This encounter doesn't have to end in your deaths."

The Bartokks exchanged a chittering communication; then sprang through

the air. Gon-Gon. Jinn's lightsaber came up fast;]n a single sweep, Qui-Gon

cut one. Bartokk in half while relieving the other of an arm. The Bsrtokks

screeched, and their severed parts clattered across the deck, reacting

independently. Cutting down the upright Bsrtokk, Qui-Gon saw the insectoid

body fragments scramble toward Adi Gailia's prone form. Qui-Gon leaped to Adi

Gallia's side. His boats. landed on one of the Bartokks' writhing arms with an

ugly squish.

His lightsaber crackled as he brought it down again and again, hacking at

the insectoid pieces. Qui-Gon knew he was running out of time. Since

activating the. autodestruct mechanism; he knew he only had less than a minute

to escape the tower; Switching off his lightsaber to lift Adi Gallia, Qui-Gon

was nearly snagged by one of the Bartokks dismembered claws. The Bartokks'

body parts pursued Qui-Gon as he ran for the skyhopper. Placing Adi Galiia

into the cockpit, Qui-Gon jumped in beside her and punched the controls.

Although the skyhopper was designed: for the Bartokks, it reacted to Qui-Gon's

touch. As the skyhopper lifted off the deck, a thunderous explosion erupted

from below. The force of the blast pushed the skyhopper forward, nearly

knocking the vehicle out of the sky. Gripping the controls, Qui-Gon banked

hard to the left and came around to. see 1ire and smoke streaming out from the

top of the tower. Glancing down to the spaceport below, Qui-Gon saw that the

droids had all frozen most were knocked down by the explosion. By destroying

the central droid control room, Qui-Gon had prevented the droids from wreaking

more havoc. Landing the skyhopper outside the barricades surrounding Trinkatta

Starships, Qui-Gen saw Obi-Wan Kenobi running from the factory's security

checkpoint.

Vel Ardox and Noro Zak were several steps behind him.

"Master Qui-Gon!" Obi-Wan called out as he approached the skyhopper; "We

saw the tower explode! We couldn't even get into the factory; The droids held

us back and..."

Upon reaching the side of the skyhopper and seeing Adi Gallia's Obi-Wan

was speechless.

"You found Master Adil! Why didn't You tell us?"

"My comlink was damaged," Qui-Gon replied as he checked Adi Gallia.

"Good work, Qui-Gon," Noro congratulated.

"It's hardly time to celebrate!" Qui-Gon snapped. "Adi is unconscious and

requires medical attention! Also, I couldn't find the fifty droid

starfighters. But I learned they were ordered by the Trade Federation. Even

worse, I had a run-in with Bartokk assassins."

Hearing this information, Vel, Noro, and Obi-Wan exchanged worried

glances. If the Trade Federation and the Bartokks were operating Esseles, the

Jedi knew their assignment had only just begun.

"It appears Adi Gallia has experienced a massive shock to her system" Vel

Ardox exclaimed with great concern. "She must be taken to a medical center

immediately."

"I'm afraid there's no place on Esseles that's prepared to heal a Jedi;"

Noro Zsk grimaced.

"Wait!" Obi-Wan, interjected. "There's a Jedi chapter house on the planet

Rhinnal. Rhinnal is famous for its expertise in medicine and it's in the Darpa

Sector. We can get Master Adi there in no time"

Qui-Gon Jinn glanced at Obi-Wan Kenobi; then turned to Vel and Noro.

"Carry Adl back to our cruiser and take her to Rhinnal," he told them.

"Obi-Wan and I will remain here and investigate what's happening on Esseles;

then meet you on Rhinnal as soon as we can. We have to learn what's become of

the droid starfighters. If the Trade Federation and the Bartokks are involved,

I'm determined to find out why!"

The Trade Federation battleship was far from home, positioned in space at

the edge of the Colonies reRion..Standing on the command deck, Trade

Federation Viceroy Nute Gunray looked out a narrow porthole to see the Ringali

Nebula. Gunray had followed his orders without question, maneuvering his

battleship to the distant region where he waited for further instructions.

After waiting seventeen standard hours, Gunray was becoming Impatient. Hearing

a loud beeping from the communications console, Nute Gunray turned to his

second in command, Rune Haako.

"We're receiving a transmission, sir,". Rune Haako stated.

"Our instructions!": Nute Gunray exclaimed; "At last!"

A hologram materialized from the projecter built into the communications

console. A cloaked figure whose face was. lost in shadow appeared before them.

Nute Gunray recognized the projected image immediately.. It was Darth Sidious.

"Report the progress on the planet Esseles." the Sith Lord commanded.

"The droid starfighters were scheduled to leave the Trinkatta factory

under the escort of a Corellian freighter," Nute Gunray replied. "The

freighter should have arrived fifteen minutes ago. I cannot explain the delay.

"

Darth Sidious hologram flickered.

"Your report does not please me!" the Sith Lord hissed. "It has come to

my attention that the Jedi Council has learned about the construction of droid

starfighters on Esseles. Someone on Esseles must have informed the Council.

Are you certain the star5ghters will not be traced to the Trade Federation?"

"Yes, Lord Sidious," Nute Gunray answered. He was trying very hard not to

sound nervous.

"Those starfighters are essential for our galactic expansion plan," Darth

Sidious snarled. "Send someone to Esseles at once and confirm the droid

starfighters have left the factory. Also, find the person who informed the

Jedi Council and silence them... permanently!"

"Y-Yes, Lord Sidious," Gunray stammered nervously, but the hologram had

already switched off. Turning to Rune Haako, Gunray commanded, "Prepare to

leave for Esseles immediately!"

On Esseles, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stood by their landspeeder with Trinkatta

the Kloodavian. They watched the Republic cruiser lift off, carrying Noro Zak,

Vel Ardox, and the wounded Adi Gallia up into the green sky. Seconds later,

the cruiser vanished from view as it raced into space; bound for the planet

Rhinnal. Obi-Wan realized that Qui-Gon had yet to reveal the story of how Adi

Gallia had saved his life. Looking at his Master's grim expression, Obi-Wan

decided to wait for Qui-Gon to tell the tale.

"Thank you for rescuing me from my droids," Trinkatta muttered. Although

his right arm was already starting to grow back, Trinkatta was still unnerved

by the devastating events that had brought mayhem to his starship factory. His

tunic was covered in dirt, a memento from the escape through his secret

tunnel. Looking directly at Qui-Gon, Trinkatta said, "I only wish I could have

prevented this"

"I think Adi Gallia will be fine, Master," Obi-Wan commented.

"I know she'll be fine, Padawan," Qui-Gon replied with great confidence,

"just as I know in my heart that the villains who wounded her will be brought

to justice."

"Which villains?" Obi-Wan asked. "The factory droids, the Bartokks, or

the Trade Federation?"

"I believe they're all connected," Qui-Gon mused, stroking his beard.

"Each bit of information is like a puzzle piece. The Trade Federation ordered

fifty droid starfighters from Trinkatta's factory; When Trinkatts refused to

install hyperdrive engines, his test pilot vanished, scaring Trinkatta into

building the star fighters. Someone found out about the star1ighters and was

worried enough to send a data card to Coruscant, alerting the. Jedi Council.

Now it seems the starfighters have vanished as well."

"Don't forget the Bartokks," Obi-Wan added. "They broke into the central

droid control room so they could reprogram Trinkatta's droids to take over the

starship factory."

"But why?" Qui-Gon pondered. "What did the Bartokks want? The droid

starfighters are no longer in the factory. Why would they?"

"If you'll excuse me," Trinkstts interrupted, "I've got travel plans. I'm

getting off this planet before the Trade Federation comes looking for their

starfighters!"

Suddenly, Qui-Gon Jinn's eyes went wide. "There's a good chance we might

still be able to find the starfighters," he mused.

"How's that?" Trinkatta inquired, blinking his reptilian eyelids.

"The Bartokks travel in hives of fifteen," Qui-Gon noted, "but only two

remained at the observation tower. The other thirteen Bartokks must still be

on Esseles!"

"Why would they still be here if the starfighters are gone?" Obi-Wan

asked, bewildered by his Master's logic.

"The starfighters are gone from Trinkatta's factory," Qui-Gon stressed,

"but they haven't left Esseles!" Seizing Trinkatta by the shoulders, Qui-Gon

lifted the Kloodavian and deposited him in the back of the landspeeder.

"We're not parting company yet, Trinkatta," the Jedi Master said

solemnly. "You're going to help us find the droid starfighters."

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter 3