A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far Away

Chapter 152

Obi-Wan reviewed what he knew of Utapau and its inhabitants as he sent his starfighter through its landing sequence while struggling to fight the gales of both the surface hyperwind and the wind-power turbines. There wasn't much information.

Utapau, despite outward appearance, was not a true desert planet, unlike Tatooine. There was an underground ocean that encircled the globe. This ocean caused frequent earthquakes and sinkholes that were more than large enough to land a Victory-class Star Destroyer and, Obi-Wan briefly mused, could probably fit that enormous flagship of Vader's Anakin had told him about with room to spare in a few of the larger sinkholes. These holes were where civilization thrived, below the hyperwinds of the surface. They had limited interstellar trade that had only began few decades ago thanks to off world water-mining companies finding the underground ocean was rich in minerals. They were not that advanced when it came to technology and their energy economy was based off of wind power. There were two near human species, the tall, lordly, slow-moving Utapauns, nicknamed Ancients for there astonishing longevity, and the stubby Utai, called Shorts, due to their stature and brief busy lives.

Obi-Wan also knew that Grievous was here. While the Force hadn't been overly open about that conviction, he could feel it in his bones that this was where the hunt would come to a close. Of course, it could have also been due to Luna's positivity of it as well.

Utapau was a planet for endings.

Once Obi-Wan had touched down, R4-G9 had to extend docking claws to ensure that the starfighter didn't go flying. Eventually a semitransparent canopy enfolded the landing deck, sheltering the deck from the overwhelming winds.

Obi-Wan couldn't say he was ungrateful.

He popped open the cockpit, noticing that a ground crew of Utai were already scampring towards the starfighter with an Utapau close behind.

That was quick, as though they've been expecting me, Obi-Wan thought to himself as he got out.

"Greetings young Jedi," the Utapaun said gravely in a rather heavily accented Basic after they had bowed to each other in greeting, fear rolling off of the Ancient in waves. "I am Tion Medon, master of port administration for this place of peace. What business had brought you to our remote sanctuary?"

Obi-Wan decided to go with the truth after a short moment, unable to sense any ill will from the Utaupan. "Unfortunately, the war."

"There's no war here, unless you brought it with you." The perfectly painted mask of serenity was hiding Medon's anxiety which in truth was bordering on pure panic.

Obi-Wan was briefly reminded of Luna, although she was rather good at not projecting this much obvious unease.

"With your kind permission," he responded, playing along, "I should like some fuel and to use your city as a base to search nearby systems."

"For what do you search?" Medon asked after jestering to a few nearby Shorts who immediately went to refuel Obi-Wan's starfighter

"I'm sure you've heard of General Grievous. It is he I seek, along with his army of droids."

Tion Medon took a step closer and leaned down closer to Obi-Wan's ear.

"He is here!" the Utapau whispered urgently. "We are being held hostage. They are watching us."

Obi-Wan took this information in calmly with a single nod. "I understand. Thank you, Master Medon," the Jedi said, his voice completely ordinary. "I am grateful for your hospitality, and will depart as soon as your crew refuels my starfighter."

"Listen to me, young Jedi! You must depart in truth! I was ordered to reveal their presence—this is a trap!"

"Of course it is."