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He'll do it any way he can. If the people hear that the elections are not free, civil war could result. You must ensure that the elections go on."
Prince Beju frowned. "Giba is too smart to depend on me."
"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan asked.
He shrugged. "He would have a backup plan. Perhaps he has already ensured another way to win…"
Obi-Wan felt discouraged. Things at the palace kept doubling back on themselves. There was intrigue piled on intrigue. He wished Qui-Gon were here.
Just then, they heard the sound of shouting in the streets outside the palace.
Obi-Wan sprang up and headed for the Council Chamber. Beju followed on his heels. They hurried to the window. Hundreds — maybe thousands — of people were heading down the hill into Galu. Some of them were on swoops. They herded a battalion of the royal guard, who marched between them. At the head of the group rode a woman, her silver hair streaming behind her. Next to her rode Qui-Gon.
Galacians were spilling out into the street to see the sight.
"Whatever plan Giba has, it's over," Obi-Wan told Beju. "The hill people are coming to vote."
Qui-Gon found Obi-Wan waiting for him at the palace gates. His heart lifted at the sight of his Padawan.
"I tried to reach you on the comlink," he told him.
"I was unavoidably detained in a freezer," Obi-Wan said with a grin. "I see you convinced Elan to come after all."
Qui-Gon nodded. "When the royal guard attacked, she knew she was needed here.
Where is Giba?"
Obi-Wan led Qui-Gon back into the palace. "Prince Beju has issued an arrest order. He can't avoid the guards for long."
"Prince Beju?" Qui-Gon asked, puzzled. He hadn't expected Beju to go against his ally.
"He realized that Giba wasn't to be trusted," Obi-Wan said. He frowned. "I just hope it isn't too late for the Queen. I sent a medic with the antidote, but she's very weak."
"You've been busy, Padawan," Qui-Gon told him, giving him a nod of approval. He had wondered about Obi-Wan's ability to handle things at the palace. When he hadn't been able to contact him, he'd been worried that he'd left his young Padawan with a situation beyond his abilities. Obviously, Obi-Wan had met difficulties and obstacles, and had surpassed them.
"You were right about Jono," Obi-Wan said.
Qui-Gon put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear it."
They entered the Queen's reception area. Prince Beju stood waiting. "Is Elan with you?" he asked Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "She has gone to see Wila Prammi. I can arrange a meeting for you, if you wish."
The Prince frowned. "I do not know yet," he said hesitantly. "First, I must set things right here. Giba is being arrested as we speak."
"I think not!" Giba said, striding into the room. He waved a durasheet containing his arrest order. "This is signed by Prince Beju. It is invalid. You do not rule Gala, Prince." Giba gave them a chilling smile. "And you never will.
When the Queen dies, another will take her place. Not you."
"I'm not dead yet." The Queen stood in the doorway. She had to brace herself against the frame, but she stayed erect, her chin high. "Guards!" she called in a weak voice to the two guards flanking her. "Arrest him."
From beneath his robes, Giba drew forth Obi-Wan's lightsaber. Qui-Gon started in surprise, but in less than a moment he activated his own.
"I do not think it wise to fight a Jedi with that weapon," he said pleasantly to Giba.
"I do not care for your opinion," Giba said, lunging toward him.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber was a blur of green as he expertly dodged Giba's clumsy blow, turned, and struck downward on Giba's wrist with a backward motion. The minister was disarmed and down before anyone could take a breath. Qui-Gon handed Obi-Wan's lightsaber back to him. The guards moved forward to arrest Giba.
"Wait," Giba said desperately. "You do not have to recognize the Queen's order.
For years, you have come to me for orders. Obviously, the royal house is out of control. Did you not see what has happened? Elan has arrived with an army! Civil war is at hand. There is only one hope. We must throw our support to Deca Brun.
It is too late for elections now. If you let me go, I will bring him here."
"And why would Deca Brun listen to you, Giba?" Prince Beju asked.
"Because I am a wise and trusted Council Minister, dedicated to my beloved Gala," Giba snapped.
"Where did you get that lightsaber, Giba?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I found it in the palace, of course," Giba replied. "You were fleeing from the guards and dropped it."
"I don't think so," Obi-Wan said. "A Jedi doesn't leave a lightsaber behind. It was taken from me by Deca Brun's men."
"I wouldn't know about that!" Giba snarled. "And I do not know what you are accusing me of."
"I am accusing you of being in league with Deca Brun," Obi-Wan answered, his tone firm. Qui-Gon looked at him, surprised. Was Obi-Wan bluffing, or did he have proof?
No one had noticed Jono slip into the room. "It is true," he spoke up quietly.
"Giba was afraid that the Prince would lose the election. He went to Deca Brun with a deal. He would find him money and support from sources outside of Gala."
"Offworld," Obi-Wan said. "I saw the records in Deca's campaign office."
Qui-Gon turned to Obi-Wan, surprised again. "You have been busy," he murmured.
"In exchange, Deca would find a place for Giba in his new government," Jono finished. "Giba would not take the chance that he would lose his power."
"Arrest him," the Queen repeated faintly.
The guards slipped electro-cuffs on Giba's wrists, and he was led away.
"It's over," the Queen said.
Beju crossed to her. He slid an arm around her shoulders, supporting her.
"Except for the voting," he said. "Let the people decide."
Wila Prammi was voted Governor of Gala by an overwhelming margin. Prince Beju dropped out of the race and threw his support to her. He got out the word about Deca Brun, revealing his alliance with Giba and Offworld. After talking with Wila, Elan supported her as well, bringing her the votes of all the hill people.