STAR WARS JEDI: THE DARK TIMES

Chapter 16. The Ambush

A Couple of Days Later...Back on Tatooine...

    Kenobi, Cann, Clodd and his R3 Unit, all find themselves re-entering Mos Eisley Spaceport, with the Jedi obscuring their faces. Soon they reach a checkpoint with guards requiring Chain-Codes to enter the port. "Hold a moment," says Kenobi holding his hand up. "You'll need your own Chain-Codes to get through here. R3 can assist you."

   "Very well then," says Clodd. He then tells his droid "See what you can do, R3." R3 beeps in concurrence before sneaking over to try and find some chain-codes for Cann and Clodd, as the three Jedi stand and wait.

   "Are you sure you won't come with us, Master Kenobi?" Cann questions.

   "I'm afraid it's too dangerous for me right now," Kenobi says. "You two need a vessel more than I do. Besides, I have certain...responsibilities here on Tatooine. I cannot leave in good conscience."

   Master Cann seems very curious. "Interesting. We'll need to discuss your...'Responsibilities' if or when we cross paths again."

   Kenobi nods. "Yes. If time permits, I suppose we will. Until then...please take care of my ship."

   "So we will. My nephew's piloting skills have gotten us this far."

   Clodd rubs the back of his head. "Yeah. Barely," he says. In another moment, R3 returns with two Chain-Code chits. "Oh. Hey." the boy says. "Got what we need?" The R3 Unit beeps proudly. "Nice job, R3. You work pretty fast." Clodd grabs the two code chits and pockets them. "Let's go."

   Kenobi holds back the young Jedi. "Can I borrow you for a moment, Clodd?"

   "Oh. Well...in that case..." The boy hands his uncle one of the chits. "I'll see you onboard, Uncle."

   Master Cann nods and says. "Take care of yourself, Obi-wan."

   As Master Cann gets himself cleared at the checkpoint. Kenobi says "Sorry for the delay. I need to speak to you alone, Clodd."

   The boy nods. "Yes. Of course, Master." he says.

   Obi crosses his arms. "Now...Listen closely. As you recall, I've been speaking to Master Cann. From what I can tell, he seems more vulnerable than usual. Even more still than when his previous Padawan was still alive."

   Clodd has a sad look on his face. "Yeah...My uncle told me about him."

   "Then you know what Master Cann has been through. I do recommend taking care of yourself, Clodd. But you must also take good care of your Uncle in the coming days. He's not as stable as he use to be."

   The boy nods again. "Right. I get it. I'll do my best."

   "Good." Kenobi turns away. "Stay safe, Clodd."

   As Kenobi walks in the other direction, Clodd manages to get himself past the checkpoint soon enough. However, as soon as Clodd boards his new transport and it starts to take-off, an alarm goes off at the checkpoint. An error is detected in the Chain-Code that Clodd handed over to the guards. By the time security catches on, it is too late to stop Cann and Clodd from leaving...but not too late to inform Palpatine and Lord Vader.

----------------------------------------------------------

Aboard Palpatine and Vader's Cruiser...