'So the twins did send for you,' Qui-Gon said.
Tahl nodded. 'When I arrived, I was surprised to find that they were not in hiding, as they'd said. They admitted embellishing their plea in order to ensure that I would come. They suspect that Roan was, in fact, responsible for the murder of their father. They are virtual prisoners in his home. I was ready to escort them off- planet into exile, but as we all discussed the situation, I was impressed with their maturity and courage, and also distressed by the state of things on New Apsolon. The twins are symbolic to the people. If they leave, the last traces of honorable government go with them. The twins changed their minds and insisted on staying. I decided that they needed to know exactly how much power the new Absolutes were gathering, and proposed that I go under cover. The twins were against the idea, but eventually agreed and helped me.'
'How strong are the Absolutes?'
'Not as strong as they think,' Tahl said. 'Their numbers are small, and their organization is in a state of chaos. There is no real chain of command. It was easy for me to rise in the structure. The Absolutes are now engaged in low-level activity — gathering information, doing surveillance, and occasional harassment of the Worker Resistance. But what I don't like is that they have a vast treasury. They are amassing weapons.'
'So they must have important backing from somewhere,' Qui-Gon observed.
'Yes. But I don't know where. Yet. That's where you can help.'
Obi-Wan glanced at his Master. He saw a struggle on Qui-Gon's face.
He knew why. Qui-Gon did not want to oppose Tahl, but he did not agree with her. The reason was obvious.
'Tahl, the Jedi have not received an official request to help any party in this government,'
Qui-Gon said. 'It is unclear as to whether Roan was involved in the late leader's death. It is uncertain whether the Absolutes will ever gain enough power to be a real threat. The planet is struggling with its new society, yes. But is that a reason for the Jedi to interfere?'
'But we did receive a request,' Tahl argued. 'From the twins. They are the daughters of the late ruler. Surely they have an official voice.
And they are in danger.'
'If that is so, then we should return to the original plan and get them off-planet,' Qui-Gon said. 'There is no reason to get involved in internal politics.'
Tahl stopped walking. 'What about our loyalty to those girls?'
'This is not a question of loyalty — '
'On the contrary. They asked for my help, and I intend to give it.
They want more than safety. They want to remain on their home planet. A planet that is stable and peaceful.'
'The Jedi cannot promise them that,' Qui-Gon said.
'You are so logical,' Tahl said, shaking her head. 'You block out your feelings, just as you did years ago. You look at this so dispassionately. You do not care enough.'
Obi-Wan saw that Tahl's words had wounded Qui-Gon.
'I am a Jedi,' he said. 'So are you. There are ways to approach a mission, ways that have been shown over thousands of years to work.'
'You were always the first one to break the rules.'
'When the mission called for me to do so. This mission does not. And please…' Qui-Gon's voice roughened. 'Do not accuse me of not caring. That is unfair.'
They walked in silence for a moment. Obi-Wan longed to find the wise words to heal this division between the two friends, but he did not know how. Tahl had hurt Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon had hurt Tahl. He could feel that. He felt helpless to change it. The two friends now seemed to almost hate each other. He could feel their anger and disappointment in the crisp slap of their footsteps on the pavement.
At last Tahl spoke. 'Let us reach a compromise,' she said. 'I need your help. Just give me one week. I will remain with the Absolutes under cover. You and Obi-Wan will investigate the murder of Ewane. I would ask you to begin with Roan's brother, Manex. Manex is extraordinarily wealthy — he used his political contacts to make a fortune before and after the bloodless revolution. There are many who suspect him of corruption. He could have been behind a plot to murder Ewane in order to bring his brother to power. Roan might have been involved in the plot as well. If we can find evidence that either Roan or his brother is guilty, we can begin to bring peace to New Apsolon.'
'A week isn't much time,' Qui-Gon said.
'Not for most,' Tahl said. 'For you, it will be enough. If we fail to uncover any new evidence, we continue to offer safe passage to the twins.
If they refuse, we will go back to Coruscant and only return here if an official request for Guardians of the Peace comes to us.'
Qui-Gon thought for a moment. 'I don't suppose there is any chance of persuading you to leave Absolute headquarters right now.'
'None at all,' Tahl said.
'Then I accept the compromise. And may the Force be with us.'
His Master's words seemed heartfelt, no mere matter of formal blessing. His worry lay over them like a heavy fog. Obi-Wan could tell that Tahl was annoyed by it. Without another word, she headed back toward Absolute headquarters. Qui-Gon turned to watch her until she was swallowed up by the dark.
