*****
As Anakin stepped onto the landing ramp of their transport, he took note of his surroundings with some surprise. A warm breeze drifted across his face and he wondered how it was possible for a society to remain so isolated from the rest of the galaxy. The information in his briefing pad was scant at best, but even the description of a non-technological society hadn't prepared him for what he saw.
There were no speeders, swoops, or shuttles: no sign of advanced mechanics, electronics, information terminals or droids anywhere. Most everyone he saw was walking to their destination, while a few rode equaras on unpaved roads. The buildings were made with clean lines and geometrical shapes, though none were raised above fourstories, with the exception of the Governor's Palace. And everywhere there were signs of nature. Trees, bushes, plants, flowers, gardens overflowed and yet complemented the bustling city instead of taking it over. The spaceport and its occupants were an anomaly within the rustic atmosphere.He felt rather than heard Master Gallia's presence at his shoulder, but her whispered, "Padawan?" reminded him that he did not have the luxury of standing around like an awe-struck initiate. /Time to show her what I can do,/ he thought.
Grounding himself, he reached for his center, reflexively seeking the Force to aid him. The dark tremors he felt heightened his suspicion that this investigation was far from routine; the sense of danger wasn't immediate, but the threat was enough to put him on guard.
Anakin turned to his companion, "I believe the acting governor is expecting us. Shall we?"
"By all means. Lead on," Adi replied.
*****
Standing in the richly furnished offices of the Provincial Governor, Anakin and Adi watched as the acting governor gracefully stepped around the huge marble desk and pulled the overstuffed leather chair out. The handsome older woman looked at the two Jedi with sadness and determination.
"My husband, my nyaro, was a prominent activist in the move for Republic membership, honored Jedi. The whole of Ria'Antes Province grieves his passing. Until new elections can be held, I will stand in his place."
Lady Telah Gayor bowed her head, allowing midnight black hair streaked with silver to shield her face as the depth of her loss overcame her. Anakin watched her carefully and noted the genuine grief in her voice as she spoke.
"Ranuk was a good man. He left early that morning to make sure everything was running smoothly at Linneth. That evening was to be his greatest achievement, a historical moment for Siesna." She paused and gathered herself. "He was elected by the largest majority in the history of Ria'Antes, and organized the Assembly into a functioning body of government. Always doing whatever he could to improve life for his people. ~He~ is the reason you are here." With a brittle smile and determined eyes, she turned to the Jedi and motioned for them to sit.
"What can you tell us about the attack?" Anakin asked gently.
Lady Telah sighed. "Only that facts are very few, and rumors are abundant. The Assembly was to be convened at Linneth. With its size and grandeur, we hoped to make a good first impression. I am told, however, that it was definitely not chosen for potential security. Access to the Hall was restricted, but its design was filled with hidden passages and entrances that were never properly mapped out."
"The explosives?" Anakin prompted.
"From what we can tell, there were several highly concentrated charges planted throughout the building. We haven't been able to determine exactly what was used, but as you've probably noticed our technological development leaves us at a disadvantage."
Adi leaned forward, "You mentioned rumors?"
"Yes. You will more than likely hear them from numerous sources, so I will only tell you what we know for certain. Of the seventeen Provinces, sixteen voted unanimously for Republic membership. Officially Nemagi Province abstained from the vote, but they, or more specifically Lord Nier, continually ignored the summons. In addition, they have cut off all trade agreements and have intensified guardianship of their borders." She paused and Anakin could see she was choosing her words very carefully. "Each Province is essentially an independent entity and Nemagi Province is currently abiding by all of our planetary laws. But taking into account that region's history, Lord Nier is certainly acting out of character."
Anakin lifted an eyebrow at this and silently urged her to continue.
"Lord Nier has been re-elected four times, an extremely unusual occurrence, but considering how well loved he was by his people, no one thought anything of it. He couldn't be classed as liberal-minded by any means, but his ideas and innovations were progressive, foremost among them, his desire for interplanetary trade. Siesna has only one active spaceport; Lord Nier campaigned for the construction of another."
Her narrative stopped abruptly and her gaze became unfocused. After afew moments, Anakin looked at Adi, but she shook her head and waited patiently for Lady Telah to return to the present. Anakin firmly took hold of his impatience and squashed it. /You'd think that after spending so much time with Master Qui-Gon, I'd have mastered patienceby now,/ he thought ruefully.
Just then something flickered at the edge of his awareness, butbefore he could pursue it, Lady Telah slowly resumed speaking.
"Eight years ago, he stopped attending political functions. Relations with bordering provinces became strained and he cut off all communication not directly related to the office of governor. No one outside of Nemagi Province has seen him in six years."
At this, Telah stood wearily and regarded the pair with tired warmth. "There is little more I can tell you. Ranuk would probably have had words of wisdom and strength. But I am not him," she finished softly.
Anakin's voice was filled with compassion. "Strength comes in many forms, my Lady. We are sorry for your loss." She looked at him, then nodded."There will be a reception this evening to welcome the Jedi and introduce you to the delegates from each Province. Tomorrow will be devoted to showing you our world, and answering any questions you have for us. I will have someone show you to your quarters so you may rest before this evening." Recognizing the dismissal, the Jedi bowed and took their leave.
As Anakin left the chamber, he tried to grasp the itch in the back of his mind. For a brief second he felt the disturbance again, but just as he was aware of it, it was gone. Pushing aside his frustration, he looked to Master Gallia to see if she had noticed it. But either she was ignoring it until they could discuss it openly, or she hadn't felt it. Anakin suspected the latter. He forced himself to relax and expanded his awareness. He would be alert and attentive. They were being watched.
*****