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The planet of Junction 5 seemed to be a pleasant world. The capital city of Rion was built around a wide blue river. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon took a turbolift down from the landing platform to the wide boulevard that was one of Rion's main thoroughfares.
"Every visitor must register with the local security force," Obi-Wan said, reading off a pass they had been given. "That's unusual."
"Some societies are tightly controlled," Qui-Gon said. "As the galaxy becomes more fragmented, beings are more afraid of outsiders."
They strolled down the boulevard, glad to feel the sun on their faces.
But Qui-Gon had not gone more than a few steps when he felt that something was amiss.
"There is fear here," Obi-Wan said.
"Yes," Qui-Gon said. "We have an hour or so. Let's find out why." He reached for his comlink. Since Tahl had been blinded in a battle on Melida/Daan, she had made her base at the Temple and was available for research. She rarely had to access the Jedi archives; her knowledge of galactic politics was immense.
"Are you busy?" Qui-Gon asked.
Tahl's dry voice came clearly through the comlink. "Of course not, Qui-Gon. I am sitting here waiting for you to contact me so that I'll have something to do."
His smile was in his voice as he answered, "We have a stopover on the planet Junction 5. The Force is disturbed here. Can you give us an idea why?"
"We have been monitoring the situation," Tahl said. "The planet has not asked for Senate or Jedi help, but we are prepared for it. For many years Junction 5 has maintained a rivalry with its moon, Delaluna. Several years ago Junction 5 discovered that Delaluna was developing a large-scale destructive weapon, capable of wiping out cities with one blow. The citizens of Junction 5 call it the A
"Have they tried to negotiate a treaty?" Qui-Gon asked.
"The problem is that Delaluna denies the existence of the weapon,"
Tahl said. "Talks between the two governments are stalled. Because of this great fear that has gripped the population, there are rumors of double agents and spies trying to undermine the government to prepare for a Delaluna invasion."
"Are they pla
"They say not. But we don't know. In the meantime, because of the imminent threat, the government of Junction 5 has instituted a crackdown. With the help of a security force called the Guardians, they have infiltrated every aspect of the citizens' lives. Nothing they do goes unrecorded by the government. All computer use, all comm use, is monitored. At first the citizens voluntarily gave up their privacy in the face of the great threat. But I'm afraid the Guardians have abused their power over the years. Now they really run the government. Citizens are arrested and held without trial, just for speaking out against the government. The prisons are full. The citizens live in fear. Their economy is failing, and there is even more unrest. As a result — "
"The Guardians have cracked down harder," Qui-Gon said wearily. It was a familiar scenario.
"So be careful," Tahl warned. "They don't like outsiders. You'll be watched, too. If it's a stopover, treat it that way."
"I plan to," Qui-Gon said.
"Qui-Gon? Our co
"Don't get used to it," Qui-Gon replied, breaking the co
"Should we go and register now?" Obi-Wan asked. "Let's eat first,"
Qui-Gon suggested. As long as they were here, he might as well gather information in case a Jedi presence was needed at a future time. It would be easier for now if the Guardians didn't know he was here.
Besides, he never liked being told what to do.
He filled in Obi-Wan on his conversation with Tahl as they walked to the closest cantina. There weren't many selections, but Qui-Gon was able to buy some vegetable turnovers for them, along with a drink made from a native herb. As they ate, they listened to the conversations around them. The citizens spoke in hushed tones, as though they were afraid of being overheard and reported.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were able to screen out background noise with the help of the Force, concentrating on a conversation at a table behind them.
"The rumor started yesterday," a soft voice said. "It could be true, or they could be covering up her death. Jaren is desperate."
"He must be careful."
"He is past that. I am afraid for them."
"She has risked everything."
"She was always willing to do that."
The voices lowered further, as if they suspected someone was trying to overhear.
"Can't we do something to help here?" Obi-Wan asked, just as quiet as everyone else.
"Our transport is scheduled to depart in less than two hours," Qui-Gon said. "No one has asked for our help. We can't solve the problems of every world in the galaxy." Even while talking and eating, Qui-Gon's gaze had continually swept the cantina. He was not particularly surprised when a security officer in a gray uniform entered and walked straight over.
"Passes, please."
"I'm afraid we don't have any," Qui-Gon said.
"All visitors are required to register at the Registry Office."
"We thought we'd eat first. Of course we'll head over that way once we're done."
"Not possible. Please follow."
The officer waited politely. Qui-Gon considered resisting, then rejected it. He wasn't on this world to make trouble, merely to observe. He stood and motioned for Obi-Wan to do the same.
They followed the officer back down the boulevard and down a side street. A large, gray building sat behind an energy wall. It was built of blocks of stone and looked like a prison.
The officer led them past the energy wall and into the building lobby.
There was a small office with a sign reading REGISTRATION ONLY. The officer ushered them inside, clearly intending to make sure they followed through.
"Visitors to register," the officer said.
Qui-Gon walked forward and gave their names to a clerk. The clerk's fingers faltered when he gave their homeworld as the Jedi Temple, Coruscant.
"One moment," the clerk said, her eyes downcast.