Preston Bay: southern New Anar coastline, Anara III

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Glancing at the one who had handed him his 'equipment', Nicholas skeptically examined the tiny underwater breathing devices the Jedi padawan had produced for him. When Jinn had told him they would be swimming *underwater* in order to avoid detection by the Anarans, he had expected them to be donning heavy scuba gear. Instead, he had been presented with a small nasal device.

"Your sure this thing works?" Nick asked with some trepidation. As a vampire, he had never had to worry about drowning. *Now*, however..

Kenobi grinned at his hesitant manner. "As Master Yoda says: Size matters not."

"Hmm..." Nick carefully stuck the thing onto his nose. "Why not just send a ship to pick us up?"

"Too suspicous," Qui-Gon told him as he carefully folded his things into a water-tight backpack, sealed it closed, then double-checked Nick's to make sure it was also closed properly. "It's not a fact they like to talk about even amongst themselves--- damaging to their pride---; but the Anarans have an instinctual hate of being off the land more than necessary. Sea voyages are done exclusively by the Traders, who spend years training their children to overcome their fear. Voyages by travelers are done only when absolutely unavoidable. Aven will be meeting us on a secluded strip of beach under a vine covered canopy."

"The 'Living Ceiling'?"

"Yes. It's where we first met. There's a small memorial to the founder of New Anar Island there, erected by some former govenor who owed a sculptor a favor. The place is pretty much ignored by the populace. According to Aven, the Anarans rarely go visit it, having more profitable pursuits to do, so we should be able to talk in private."

Seeing that everything was in order, Qui-Gon signaled the Captain. Minutes later, water flooded the small room, an outer hatch opened, and they were swimming out into open water.

Nick swam for a few minutes before stopping his foreward movement in order to hang suspended in the water. Back on Earth, he had spent time in the Caribbean and enjoyed the feel of being submerged in the warm liquid as he explored the reefs. This felt and looked much the same. Only... better. Like he was being *hugged* by the ocean. Welcomed back and invited to stay. He shook his head at the ridiculousness of that notion. Water wasn't sentient. He felt a tap on his shoulder and opened his eyes to see Qui-Gon gazing at him questioningly. Nick gestured that he was fine and recommenced swimming towards land.

He soon realized that he had to consciously keep himself in check so as not to outdistance the others. The water made him feel absolutely wonderful, and his body was certainly designed for it: oil-slicked hairs flattened smoothly against him, leaving only a thin layer of trapped air between themselves and his skin, previously unnoticed thin membrane over his eyes, protecting the delicate organs from the elements. Yes.. he held a definite advantage over the other two! The knowledge sparked his sense of mischievous play. Shooting back towards Kenobi, he gave him a whack on the back before steamlining away. The young Jedi-in-Training looked momentarily startled at this--- then took off after him, a look of pure, gleeful, intent on his face.

++ Padawan? ++

Obi-Wan didn't flinch at the reproving tone of his teacher as he closed in on his prey using a judicious amount of Force to help him in his endeavor. [[ Yes, Master? ]] he sent back innocently.

++ Padawan, this is not the time to be engaging in a child's game. ++

[[ Of course not, Master. I am only going to relay that information to Nicholas. The second I catch him. ]] Obi-Wan added a bit more Force-enhanced speed to his swim. That Anaran hybrid body might have physical advantages over him here, but Nick was not trained in the Force like he was, and did not yet know how to consciously make use of its power. He was going to enjoy showing Nick how much he had miscalculated in this game! Unfortunately, his objective suddenly twisted in the water and darted upwards, evading his grab by mere inches. {{ Well, poodoo! }} Not yet willing to admit defeat to himself, and very aware of the watching eyes of his master, Kenobi duplicated the manuever. He should have left his backpack with Qui-Gon--- it was creating a lot of unwanted drag. No matter. He would just..

++ Obi-Wan! ++

{{ Oh, Sith! }}

With a burst of speed, Obi-Wan shrugged off the his backpack, shot upwards, grabbed a furrry ankle, and dragged downward all in a blur as the dark shape glided overhead just where the Anaran had been seconds before. He pointed, directing his grinning companions eyes upwards.

Nick's elation at the game evaporated as he looked up and saw the sleek fish that had very nearly plowed into him from behind. It was large and shark-like, but with a head more closely resembling that of a barracuda. Cold, green eyes bore into his own as it gracefully turned and headed straight for him, showing off its jagged teeth. With a sense of icy dread, Nick *knew* the beast had singled him out from the Jedi. Here was a game of Tag he most enphatically did *not* wish to play!

Obi-Wan's mind flashed quickly with possible strategies. Underwater, their lightsabers were useless--- they'd just short-circuit. He raised his hands towards the predator and sent a pulse of energy at it. The animal jerked wildly, but continued on. He sent a second blast. This time the shark apparently had enough--- it turned and swam off.

A burst of bubbles surrounded Nick's face as he let out a sigh of relief through his breather. He signaled that he was okay, and they both returned to the waiting Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan pausing only to retrieve his backpack. Nick could tell from the elder's expression that he was none to pleased with either of them. When the master turned to swim away, Kenobi took a brief second to fold his arms and close his eyes. Nick rolled his own eyes in reply, then adopted a hang-dog look to show he understood and was sorry for getting him into trouble with his master. His Tag partner shrugged and grinned. Being disciplined with meditation excercises was nothing new. They hurried to catch up with Jinn before he noticed they were lagging again.

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Once on the beach, Qui-Gon had silently directed them along the few buildings until they came to the Preston Memorial. Fortunately, there were no people about to avoid. The vine canopy was supplemented by stone pillars, which together with the abundance of drooping greenery, effectively hid the interior from outside view. Inside, was pillar of reddish stone, engraved with black lettering. Nick ambled over to read the inscription--- history always being somewhat of a favorite subject of his----belatedly realizing that he could not read the alien writing. He ran his fingers over the relief of a sailing ship and sighed in disappointment.

"It reads: "Dedicated to Captain Deshar Preston R. of the Trade ship, 'Tyant' and founder of New Ayar Island", The 'R'. stands for 'Ruenam', but the Qwanaten would only allow the sculptor to make the abbreviation. Politics."

The owner of the new voice shrugged off his cloak allowing them to see a male figure of about 5' 10" with blonde hair slightly whitening at the temples. His skin was yellowish as well, as were the yellow of his eyes--- a typical Anaran male in his middle years, if considerabley shorter than average. Black and gold clothing clung to his slight frame, the cut utilitarian, but well tailored, adorned only with the badge of Tanaken House over his left breast. He ignored both Kenobi and Nick and went to greet the elder Jedi with a delighted smile and a double handshake.

"Master Qui-Gon!"

"Botanist Aven." Jinn eyed the small man appreciatively. "You look very well."

"Fah! I look older--- just as do you. But that doesnah mean that I'm nah glad to be here to see your new wrinkles, old man--- or have you see mine!" The cheerful face grew somber. "In fact, I'm suprised to see you at all. When I got your message, I nearly fell on the floor from the shock. And now to see nah only you but..." The Tanaken glanced gravely over in Nick's direction. "I thought you had touted the Jedi as reputedly wise, Master Qui-Gon. Yet this has got to be the most foolish act I have ever seen. Short of *my* agreeing to sneak you into the city, of course."

"Then you are in good company, as many of the Council think the same," Jinn agreed amiably. He steered the newcomer over to his padawan. "Aven, may I introduce you to my padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Padawan, this is Assistant Director of Botany, Aven Anders-Unaka Tanaken."

Obi-Wan bowed respectfully. "An honor to meet you, sir. You speak Basic very well." Almost fluently, in fact, save for the slight drawing out of things like 'not'.

Aven looked sternly at the two Jedi. "I'm sure it is, young pup. And every Anaran of note strove to learn your language when the possibility of Republic membership came up." He looked haughtily up at his friend." However, Master Qui-Gon, my title is now *Director* of Botanical Studies."

Jinn felt his companions bristle at the other's manner, but merely gave a slight smile. "Oh? My apologies, *Director* Aven," Qui-Gon replied, utterly unruffled at the coldly delivered correction. "I seem to be a bit behind on the times."

"Understandable." The Anaran suddenly grinned, his hard features relaxing. "Still as unfazable as ever, eh, Jinn? I swear you must have *some* High House blood in you."

"If you invited me over just to insult me..."

"Nah, Nah." Aven chuckled. "I value my life too much for that. Pohl and the others would be aghast to hear anyone admit it, but *I* know you could whip all the High House butts from here to the Northern foothills with that Force stuff of yours." Aven finally moved over to stare down at Nick, who's own head barely reached the height of the scientist's collarbone. "Grown fair tall, hasnah he? A good fifth higher than a purebred Kievet. Yet so much shorter than I, and I am considered a runt by my fellow men. Strange, isnaht it," Aven mused to himself as he stared into the dark eyes, fingers poised just a centimeter above the silken hair still wet from the sea water, "that so many of *their* traits won out over the Anaran DNA? I wonder what Pohl would make of it," he smirked, tearing his gaze away to address Qui-Gon. "Well, he certainly is healthy looking at any rate. You've taken very good care of him."

The Jedi gave a slight bow of his head. "I'm afraid that honor fell to another."

"If Pohl finds out he's here... " Aven warned.

Qui-Gon's lips firmed into a thin line. "The purchase was perfectly legal," he reminded the botanist.

"Then, maybe. But now.. After the Qwanaten declared Outworlders unwanted, all deals were judged null and void. *Legally* Pohl still owns him."

"But," Qui-Gon rejoined, "to make the claim is to acknowledge his very existence. Pohl would not risk his neck just to get Ayar back."

Aven absently began petting Nick on the top of his head as if he was some sort of lapdog--- an action that, combined with being talked about as if he was not there--- worse---some sort of property, was making the ex-knight ready to lash out. Only a warning look from Jinn to stay silent and calm kept Nick taking the offensive hand and breaking it at the wrist.

The Tanaken continued on, oblivious to reaction his unwanted familiarity was creating. "As has been pointed out already, you are a bit behind the times. Not only has knowledge of the Kievet been made public to all, but Pohl has been given carte blanche in their study. The only thing keeping these from becoming commonplace pets in the High Houses is the fact that they donah last long in captivity. Only eight tri-seasons so far. Six for the males. *Naht* that the Qwanaten want anything but the males for pets, you understand--- the females are so much less flashy. Like little Ayar here, only even more brownish. But... good Nayas, Qui-Gon---eighteen Republic years? Do you know what Pohl would give to have one last just three Anaran Turns?

Qui-Gon felt his temper flare at this news. From what little he knew from his previous visit, it had seemed to him that the one thing keeping the Kievet safe from exploitation was Qwanaten House's steadfast assertion that the Kievet (should they exist) were not worth bothering with. If their apathy had been turned into interest... "I thought the Qwanaten had officially decided that the Kievet were non-entities best kept that way?"

"That was before Tarsh sent the King a pelt and a tape of their music. Shrewd move that was, though very risky from what information I've managed to gleem from watching his and Pohl's activities. However, it paid off for the House as I've said, and 'there's the profit' as they say."

"But not for the Kievet."

"I wouldn't know," Aven replied defensively. "I'm only a simple botanist, Qui-Gon. I don't deal much with the Hunters or with the Qwanaten. That's Pohl's line of expertise. Truth be told, I'm not at all sure what's going on. First the Qwanaten rule the Kievet are myth. But when it turned out they werenah myth, the Inquisitors started acting like a secret revolution was being planned. *Now* they admit the Kievet do exist, and its like they knew they always existed. Yet just try to do historical research on them even today. There's so much intrigue and political scrambling going on within the Highers that I wonder how *they* keep track of their own lies." He folded his arms and centered his attention on the Jedi, much to Nick's relief. "But I digress. And I don't share my race's tendency to overly rate themselves--- not as *much* anyway," he allowed with a deprecating grin. "You didn't come for a visit just to see me. What did you return for?"

"Two things, my friend. Officially, to find the origin of the technology that made Ayar possible. Unofficially, to find a 'K'tlysa'."

Aven sighed. "I donah know how much help I can be on either. Pohl never confides in me about his zoological studies since the.. the mountain incident. He knows how I feel about some of them, so we reached a mutual agreement of silence. I do plants; he does animals. End of work rapport. As for the other... never heard the term. Although it does sound oddly familiar in a way. It's definitely nah an Anaran term."

"Kievet, then?"

"Aah... this has to do with Ayar, doesnah it? Well, Master Qui-Gon, you just might be in luck. Besides Pohl, himself, the only other Kievet 'expert'--- if such a thing exists as yet--- is Matek."

"The Unakan?"

"Is there another? Yes-- Matek. He knows as much about them behavior wise as Pohl knows them physically. And he just happens to be finishing a business transaction with the Zoological Rooms."

Obi-Wan interrupted, "But didn't *you* discover them?"

"I was the first to *see* and *touch* one." Aven paused. "The first to befriend one. But it ended there and I really donah care to take it further. You see, I may disagree with Pohl. I may at times get madder than a Rapar at him and what he does. But at the foundation of all that is the fact that he rescued me from the pit of a twice-forsaken Yarcu life. Pohl is my *father*. And although I understand intellectually why Ke-Yair nearly caused his death, *emotionally* I want nothing more to do with his kind."

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End of Episode Two: Part Two