He did. Coruscant wanted something: the cessation of droid production. The X’Ting, indeed all beings on this planet, were more or less dependent on a continued income stream from Cestus Cybernetics. Obi-Wan was asking them to side with him, to trust him. He had thought to do this through diplomacy, but providence had given him a means of winning their trust more directly, had he sufficient courage. "I accept your request. I will attempt to recover your eggs, " he said.

Kosta sighed in relief. "You will need a guide. A small cluster of X’Ting warriors have studied the original maps through the deep hive. Originally there were five broodmates.

Only one survives. " She turned to the others. "Call Jesson. "

The council members leaned their heads together, touching antennae as they buzzed and clicked in X’Tingian. After a few moments a small male left the table and scuttled off into a side tunnel.

"G’Mai, I am in your hands, " Obi-Wan said quietly. The elders had carried themselves well, but the Regent was the only X’Ting he could claim to know. If anyone here could be relied upon for full disclosure, it was she. "Is there anything else that I should know before setting out on this mission? "

"Jedi, " Duris said. "I know only the whispered rumors about the visit of a Jedi Master.

I’d never heard of the royal eggs before this day. "

The council members turned as the small male councilor returned. Behind him, in a gray tunic with a diagonal red stripe, marched a larger male bristling with red thoracic fur.

His red, faceted eyes took in the entire room at a glance, scanning Obi-Wan and making an instant, positive threat assessment. The newcomer’s primary and secondary arms bore numerous pale scars: this was an experienced warrior, probably a member of some elite hive security unit. A triple-sectioned staff hewn of some clear material lay diagonally across his back.

The newcomer put the palms of his primary and secondary hands together, then spoke in a series of clicks and pops.

Kosta raised her left primary hand. "It is requested that you speak in Basic when in this human’s presence. "

The X’Ting soldier turned to regard Obi-Wan. His first scan had taken a fraction of a second. The second took longer, long enough for Obi-Wan to sense the intense disdain in the X’Ting’s eyes. "My pardon to ourhonored guest. My words were: ’First Rank Jesson is present and ready for duty. ’ "

"I should go with you, " Duris offered. "This is my job, my planet. If we fail, and Quill betrays us, we are all undone. "

"But you are your people’s leader, " Obi-Wan said. "You are needed here. "

Duris protested, but the other council members voted her down. She seemed as distressed as Obi-Wan had ever seen. "You came here as a friend, and helped me more than words can say,