'Time for phase two,' Nield said as the three entered the vault. 'We go for the weapon storage of both sides.'
'What about Tahl?' Qui-Gon asked.
'Cerasi will lead you to Tahl,' Nield said.'Deila?'
A tall, slender girl paused as she loaded more projectiles into pouches that hung from her belt. 'Yes?'
'How's it going on the Melida side?'
She grinned.'Chaos. They think the Daan are everywhere, even in their closets.'
'Good.' Nield turned back to Qui-Gon. 'There should be enough confusion for you to slip through. Cerasi will bring you, but you'll have to rescue Tahl on your own.'
'That's fine,' Qui-Gon agreed. He didn't want to put the girl in danger.
Obi-Wan didn't meet his Master's gaze as the two Jedi followed Cerasi into a narrow tunnel that led off the vault. Qui-Gon pushed his anger aside. He would not confront Obi-Wan about sneaking out. Not yet. He turned his mind to the task ahead. He had to focus on Tahl now.
Cerasi led them through a maze of tunnels until they came to a grate. Pale gray light filtered down.
'We are underneath the building where Tahl is being held,' she whispered. 'This will lead you to a lower level of a military barracks. Tahl is being held in a room three doors to the right. There will be guards there, but probably not as many as there were before. Every soldier is needed on the streets.'
'How many were there before?' Qui-Gon asked in a low murmur.
'That's the bad news,' Cerasi said ruefully. 'She's guarded by only two guards, but right around the corner is the main quarters for soldiers. It's where they come to eat and sleep. So there are always plenty of soldiers walking back and forth. That's why Nield and I figured you needed a diversion.' She pointed overhead. 'The grate leads directly into a grain storage area, so you can climb up without being seen.'
'Thank you, Cerasi,' Qui-Gon said quietly. 'We can find our own way back.'
But when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan emerged into a small storage area crowded with sacks of grain, Cerasi's head popped up out of the grate after them.
'I thought you were going back,' Obi-Wan whispered.
She grinned. 'I have a feeling you'll need my help.' She dangled her slingshot. 'A diversion might come in handy.'
Obi-Wan returned her grin, but Qui-Gon frowned. 'I don't want to put you in danger, Cerasi. This is not part of our deal. Nield said — '
'I make my own decisions, Qui-Gon,' Cerasi interrupted. 'I'm offering my help. I know the layout. Will you accept my offer or not?' Cerasi's chin stuck out challengingly. Her crystal eyes glinted at Qui-Gon.
'All right,' he said. 'But if Obi-Wan and I get in trouble, you leave. Do you promise me?'
'I promise,' Cerasi agreed.
Qui-Gon eased the door open a crack and surveyed the area. A long hallway was lined with heavy metal doors. One soldier hurried down the hall and disappeared around a turning. Two soldiers were posted as guards outside one of the doors. It was where Tahl was being held.
A soldier headed toward him, moving fast. Qui-Gon faded back, but kept close to the opening.
'Going back out there?' one of the guards asked.
'We've got an invasion on our hands,' the soldier said curtly.'Just got news of an attack only two blocks away. I've got to find my unit.'
The guards exchanged nervous glances. 'We're sitting ducks in here,' the first one muttered. 'We should be out there fighting. This duty is a waste of time anyway. I don't care if she is aJedi, she's too weak to be a threat.'
'She's done for,' the other guard said. 'It won't be long.'
Rage and pain rose in Qui-Gon. It couldn't be too late. He controlled the anger and called on the Force to help him. He knew Obi-Wanwas doing the same, for the Force was suddenly a presence in the room, surging around them.
'Qui-Gon,' Cerasi whispered. 'I have an idea. Will you listen?'
'Do I have a choice?' Qui-Gon responded.
Cerasi moved closer and whispered her plan in his ear.
'All right,' he said. 'But then you leave. Agreed?'
Cerasi nodded. Then she eased open the door and slipped out.
It took a moment for the guards to notice her.
Cerasi hurried toward them, her expression stricken.
'Halt!' the guards called.
'What?' Cerasi asked, distracted. She kept on moving.
'Halt or we'll shoot!' the guards warned.
Cerasi stopped. She wrung her hands together. 'But my father is here! I have to see him!'
