Читать онлайн «The Deadly Hunter»
Автор Джуд Уотсон
The Deadly Hunter
Chapter 1
Obi-Wan Kenobi slung his survival pack over his shoulder and yawned. It had been a long journey.
Around him rose the many levels of Coruscant, the city that covered a planet. He was standing on a landing platform at one of the high levels of the city, surrounded by tall buildings with spires and turrets. The mists around him could be atmosphere or clouds. The sky was filled with transports, large and small, that negotiated the air lanes with skill and daring.
Obi-Wan watched as his Master, the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn, thanked the space hauler pilot who had let them hitch a ride to Coruscant. He noted the respectful way Qui-Gon bowed to the scruffy creature. His manner was gentle, yet strength was behind every word and gesture. Obi-Wan hoped that one day he would have his Master's grace and assurance with other living beings. Often he just felt awkward with the many characters they met on their journeys.
Time passes and it teaches, Qui-Gon had told him. You are fourteen. You have much to see and much to experience. Do not hurry the knowledge you seek. It takes its own time.
"Sorry I can't bring you all the way," the pilot said to the Jedi. "But there are plenty of air taxis cruising this neighborhood. "
"We are grateful for your help. I wish you a safe journey home," Qui-Gon said in his quiet way.
"Always glad to help out the Jedi," the pilot answered, giving them a cheerful wave.
Qui-Gon slung his survival pack over his shoulder and gave a satisfied look around. "It is good to be back," he said.
Obi-Wan nodded. Coruscant was where the Jedi Temple was located, and the Temple was home. It was almost time for the midday meal, and Obi-Wan had been thinking about it as the kilometers went by. He and Qui-Gon had been traveling throughout the galaxy for some time.
"Look, here comes an air taxi. " Obi-Wan started forward.
"Wait, Padawan. "
Obi-Wan turned. Qui-Gon hesitated and waved him back. "I have another idea. Would you mind if we made a stop first?"
Obi-Wan tried to hide his disappointment. "Whatever you wish. "
Qui-Gon smiled. "It won't take long. There's someone I'd like you to meet — a friend. It's not far. We can walk there. "
Qui-Gon strode to the end of the landing platform and activated a temporary crossing bridge to the next level. Here in the Senate district, the buildings were close together and the walkways were easy to navigate without relying on air transport.
Obi-Wan caught up to Qui-Gon's long stride. He waited, knowing that if Qui-Gon wanted to give him more information about this friend, he would.
"Didi Oddo runs a cafe near the Senate building," Qui-Gon explained. "He's an informant, of sorts. Many Jedi come to him for information. We don't pay him, but we try to watch out for him in return for his help. He knows all types on Coruscant — from Senatorial aides to gamblers to various beings who find laws a hindrance to their… operations. " Qui-Gon gave a brief smile. "Everyone knows Didi's Cafй. I first met him when I was only a bit older than you are now. "
