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The two brother nodded and smiled at the Jedi. A transfer register was a method of recording transactions in the galaxy. An electro-optical device recorded the prints of the buyers and sellers.
"Paxxi's device can duplicate any print in a security or registration system," Guerra told them.
Obi-Wan understood at once. Paxxi's anti-register device could be valuable beyond measure. It would allow the user to seize property and goods and break into any print-reliant security system throughout the galaxy.
"That device is very dangerous," Qui-Gon said quietly.
"Dangerous?" Guerra asked. "Not so, Jedi-Gon! It will help us!"
"But if the Syndicat knew you had it? if anyone knew, it would put you in great danger."
Paxxi waved a hand. "we are not afraid. Not so! I lie, of course we are. But that makes us careful. We can steal the treasury, leave the planet if we have to, even sell the device on the black market?"
"Can you imagine how much it's worth?" Guerra chortled. "Twelve fortunes!"
Qui-Gon looked stern.
"Not that this is important," Guerra hurriedly said. "First, we break the Syndicat, yes?"
"Which brings us back to our problem, my brother," Paxxi said. "Our stolen goods were here. Now they're not. So," he said to Qui-Gon, "we can't break in."
"Yet," Guerra added. "But so, we will."
"As soon as we find the device," Paxxi added helpfully.
"We had better return," Guerra said. "Lockdown will be soon. Due
With an exasperated sigh, Qui-Gon followed them from the room. They located the device that moved the wall, and it slid smoothly back into place. Then they took the floaters back to the pen behind the staircase. Quickly, they headed up to the main level.
"You're late," Due
"We took care of the guards," Paxxi assured her. "But downstairs is empty now. No goods are stored."
"So sorry to tell you now," Due
"Due
Due
Chapter 10
The corridor was wide and empty. There was nowhere to hide. Due
Qui-Gon commanded them all with his sharp blue gaze to be still. He pondered their situation. Terra was only meters away. Obi-Wan's hand drifted to the hilt of his lightsaber, prepared for anything.
"No need to run me down, old woman." Terra's voice cracked like a whip. "Where have you been?"
"In the kitchens," Due
"In the kitchens. Eating again? Or avoiding me?" Look at me."
There was a pause. Guerra and Paxxi suddenly reached out and gripped each other's shoulders.
Terra's voice slowed to a purr. "What are you hiding from me, Due
Paxxi and Guerra squeezed each other hard.
"Not so. I have not," Due
"Yet you are not surprised to hear they are on Phindar," Terra said.
"I am surprised," Due
"Insolent!" Terra's voice now shimmered with anger. "Perhaps I should warn you, old woman. If you see Paxxi or Guerra, if you even talk to those traitors, I will personally see to it that you are renewed!"
Paxxi and Guerra looked at each other with stricken expressions.
"But not before you see the brothers die before your eyes," Terra hissed.
"No!" Due
"Beg if you wish," Terra said. "Obviously, there isn't a level you won't sink to. You do my bidding, clean my clothes, pick up my trash, why should you not beg me?"
"I would beg, if you would only hear me," Due
"Enough! Hear me, Due
Terra's forceful footsteps headed off. They heard Due
"Come," Guerra whispered. "We must go."
They slipped into the silver armor coats and mirrored visors. It was easy to mingle with the rest of the Syndicat guards as they left the building.
As soon as they reached the dark street, Guerra led them down a narrow alley. There, they removed the coats and visors. Guerra put them in a satchel her carried.
"Why does Terra suspect that Due
"No so," Guerra said softly. "Terra knows nothing for sure. She is afraid Due
Obi-Wan shot a surprised look at Qui-Gon. "But why is she working for the Syndicat?"
Qui-Gon wanted to hear what the Phindian brothers had to say.
Guerra and Paxxi exchanged a rueful look. Paxxi nodded at Guerra. "The Jedi should know," he said.
"Yes, so," Guerra said sadly. "Due
"So Terra is?"
"Our sister," Paxxi said.
"She is not the sister we had," Guerra explained. "Not the one we knew. She was renewed when she was only eleven years old. The Syndicat raised her. She had no memory of the girl she used to be. She grew up here, in this place, with cruelty and power."
"With no love," Paxxi said gently.