Corruption

By Marti Schuller

Art by Liz
liz80218@hotmail.com

Investigator Monz spotted the trio the moment they entered Security Headquarters. Hurrying forward to meet them, he wore a concerned frown. "This really isn't a good place for you to be."

"I want to know what's been decided for Jerik," stated Solo, his voice low and stern.

"That's still under discussion. It's not as simple as you may think," the tubby man said, leading his unwanted visitors through the vast room to a small cubicle used for questioning witnesses and suspects. Closing the door, he explained, "The chief has been informed of the latest developments. Now, he must contact two judges. They will make the final decision--whether to try him or send him away. Should they disagree, a third judge will be brought in on the case. It takes time. After all, a life is at stake here. The wrong decision could have devastating consequences for everyone involved."

Luke leaned against the soundproofed wall. "As the investigator in charge, your recommendation will carry a lot of weight," he said. "May I ask what that was? Did you recommend trial, a therapy institute, or a rehab facility?"

Monz stroked the bare flesh of his scalp. "It is my sworn duty to carefully consider what is best for all parties in any case I handle. That's not always easy since each entails certain natural emotional responses. This case has been particularly difficult, but after separating facts from emotions, I honestly believe Jerik Druthay can best be helped by a therapy institution. Rehab facilities are excellent, but this young man's troubles go far beyond the norm. I did my best, I hope you'll believe, to persuade the chief in that direction. As I've said, however, the final decision is neither mine nor his."

"When it's decided," stated Han, "I want all the details--where he's going; when; who'll be overseeing his case; everything."

The investigator looked away from the Corellian's haunted gaze. "Normally that isn't standard procedure, but this is an unusual case. As both the victim and the nearest relative, your situation is unique. I'll do what I can to keep you informed, but again, the decision is not entirely mine."

"I know you're doing the best for us that your job allows," the princess told the Security man, smiling sadly.

Solo, who'd listened tensely to all that was said, opened the door. Everyday noises from the large security force in the next room immediately flooded the stillness of the cubicle. The Corellian welcomed the distraction. It was hard for him, as a man accustomed to taking his own actions, to stand and wait while the fate of his only blood kin was decided by others. His memory flashed on the last time he'd felt so helpless. It was not a pleasant thought.

The sounds of swearing, furniture being displaced, and a full-scale scuffle drew Han's attention. Behind him, Luke, Leia and Monz pressed forward. In the central room of the Security Headquarters, three men were attempting to subdue a violent prisoner. Their bodies momentarily blocked all view of the rioting individual as they struggled to get manacles in place. When at last they had succeeded, those standing outside the cubicle got their first look at the restrained prisoner. It was Jerik Druthay.

With metal bands restricting the movements of his hands, arms, and feet, the boy grew still. As two Security men lifted him from the floor, however, the youth saw Solo. With an animal cry escaping his lips, his eyes wild, he lunged toward the Corellian. The manacles prohibited his efforts, but his intent was plain as two guards fought to hold the raging young man between them.

Abruptly, Jerik ceased his struggles and stood upright. Dark eyes drifted from Han's face to the princess. Then, with a tooth-flashing grin, the boy looked back to Solo. Luke could feel the waves of anger rushing from the youth toward Han. It made his heart sink for his bondbrother and friend.

The two Security men finally escorted Jerik through a stout door at the rear of the central room. While he allowed the guards to guide him without further resistance, the youth kept his gaze boring into Solo. The expression on his face was drawn and terrible to see, as though he longed to stare the Corellian to death by the sheer power of his will. Han watched him until he was out of sight, the look on his own face pained and unreadable.

"Captain Solo, Your Highness," Monz said to restore some semblance of order, "please let us do our jobs. Go home. I'll contact you as soon as I can. There's nothing you can do here except make matters worse."

"Let's go, Han," urged Leia, still feeling the chill that had swept over her when she'd witnessed the silent exchange between her bondmate and the boy. "I want to leave."

"Alright," the Corellian reluctantly agreed. "I guess there isn't much I can do here." Turning to the pudgy investigator, he added, "I'll be waiting to hear from you."

"As soon as I can," Monz promised.

I t was not yet dawn two days later when Luke was awakened by someone at his door. Padding barefoot through the apartment, rubbing sleep from his eyes, the Jedi answered the knock. No sooner had he cracked open the door than a blur brushed past him, full of frenetic energy. Sighing, Skywalker re-closed the door, knowing there'd be no more sleep for him.

"Sorry to wake you, buddy," Solo apologized insincerely, "but this won't keep."

"It's alright, Han. Want some caffa?" yawned Luke, pushing the hair off his brow.

"No, thanks. I just need to talk to you. I got an idea, but I need your help." The nervously excited man paced the small living room.

Skywalker headed toward the kitchen, saying over his shoulder, "I'll be happy to listen. Just let me get some juice first and wake up a little more. Have you been up long?"

Raising his voice slightly so it would carry to his bondbrother in the next room, the Corellian admitted, "I never went to bed. Last night--no, that's wrong, guess it was night before last--I had nightmares every time I closed my eyes. I can't stop thinking about Jerik, even for a minute. I keep reliving that day, seeing Shaundra over and over."

Though the Corellian's tone was deliberately light and casual, the Jedi knew it masked Han's uneasiness and worry. Very few would have been allowed to hear Solo confess even this much, revealing how troubled he truly was, and Luke knew it. Despite Han's attempt to sound assured and nonchalant, Skywalker understood the truth beneath the words.

"Poor Leia," the Corellian continued, "I kept her up almost all that night and then last night we talked and talked and talked."

"Where is she now?" asked the Jedi, returning to the living room with a tall tumbler of cold citrog juice in his hand.

"I left her sleeping at home. She was exhausted after two nights with practically no sleep at all. She's trying real hard to help me with this whole mess, but there's not a lot any of us can do--except you. As I was putting Leia to bed about two hours ago, it suddenly hit me."

"What?" queried Skywalker warily, taking a long swallow of the juice.

"You're a Jedi, the Jedi. If you were to get involved with Jerik, the judges would have to listen. You could be sure he got the therapy institute instead of rehab. Then, youcould assist in his treatment. With those Force tricks of yours, you could get him to reason easier and a lot faster than all the therapists in the galaxy," enthused Solo.

Luke studied the tumbler in his hands as he slowly turned it. He drained the contents while Han impatiently waited for his response; Skywalker set the glass aside. He lifted sad blue eyes to his bondbrother's expectant gaze, then replied, "You know I'll do all I can to help, Han, but I'm not a therapist. I could make matters worse instead of better, even if they allowed me to try. I wouldn't know where to start."

"So work with them. Let them tell you what to do. I know they'd welcome you. I talked to Monz yesterday. He couldn't tell me specifics, but he hinted that the decision is coming soon. I'm not asking you to do anything unethical or illegal, Luke, but myhands are tied. You're the only one who canhelp him. Damn it! I want my family back and he's all that's left." Solo walked to the window, staring sightlessly at the first pale hint of sunrise.

The Jedi sighed unhappily. "I know what this means to you, Han. I haven't forgotten how I felt when I thought my only living relative was Vader. When I discovered Leia was my twin..." He didn't finish his thought. An icy tremor suddenly shook his body, instantly bringing him to his feet.

Solo turned quickly at Skywalker's abrupt movement, watching as his bondbrother shuddered and closed his eyes. Luke's face was pale, his body stiff. Sensing something was drastically wrong, the Corellian took two long strides toward the blonde man.

"It's Leia," whispered Luke hoarsely. "She's in danger. She's reaching out to me, trying to tell me--"

The commline on the table by the door buzzed noisily. Racing to it, Han on his heels, the Jedi pressed the activation switch for both aud- and vid-transmission. The round, bald head of Investigator Monz shimmered into view. The Security man looked frazzled and fatigued.

"Jedi Skywalker, I must keep this call brief, but I've obtained permission to contact you. Oh, I see Captain Solo is with you."

"What is it, Monz?" demanded the Corellian.

"I'm sorry to tell you that Jerik Druthay has escaped. He was being moved late last night--I wasn't allowed to inform you--to the therapy institute in Bomas. He was being escorted by two Security guards by overland transport. Four hours ago we lost contact with them. Less than three hours ago, the bodies of the guards were found inside the wrecked transport van. Both had been shot. Their weapons are missing. Druthay's manacles were found on the ground outside the vehicle. That's all the information I have at present, but given Jerik's past attempt on your life, I secured permission to warn you."

With a Force-fed foreboding, Skywalker asked urgently, "Why'd you call me?"

"I couldn't reach anyone at Captain Solo's number," replied the investigator.

"I have to go. I'll keep you appraised." The connection was severed.

"He's got Leia, doesn't he?" asked Han, not really needing his bondbrother's verification.

"I'm afraid so," nodded Luke. "Let's go. Sooner or later, Security will think to send a team out to your place. We need to get there first. It may not be the legal way to handle this, but you and I have to reach Jerik before they do. He's fully capable of killing Leia, Han."

"I know," admitted Solo tensely, already halfway out the door. "I'll get the landglider around front. Get dressed and meet me there."

As Skywalker hurriedly pulled on his clothes and boots, he felt a black cloud settle on his spirit. Attaching his lightsaber to his side, he raced to join Solo.

Home | Back to Author's List | Part 1 | Part 3