He who has something to say is always silent

* Morning, Alessi. *

The droid woke me up at nine a.m. sharp. I didn't want to wake up - after yesterday, my body asked me to leave it alone for another two or three hours and not disturb it. My head did not hurt, of course, as some of the seniors frightened me, but I felt a little uncomfortable and thirsty - horribly. Oh... Good time last night... I wondered how Annie was doing.

I had to get up with difficulty and go on autopilot to get myself into some semblance of order. Yesterday I did not even think that today would be a test... Oh, I think Anakin and I have a stain on our reputation for academic failure. Anakin. If anyone's in trouble today, it's him... - I thought, getting dressed in my normal school clothes.

I thought about my new boyfriend, so I got ready to go faster - he wouldn't be able to get up at all. I threw the datapad and other school supplies into my purse, left the room, and walked briskly toward the building occupied by the stronger sex. Alas, like everyone else, the stronger sex had its weaknesses. Anakin must have been so drunk last night... considering what he'd told me, maybe he wasn't drunk for nothing.

The girls stared at me as I passed them on my way to the next wing of the dormitory. On the way, the boys, who were already awake, didn't stare at me as much, so I managed to collect my thoughts and calmly walk to the door. Yesterday, with a drunken Skywalker in tow, the same walk took five minutes, no less.

I went in. There was a rustling sound behind the door, and I traversed the hallway and entered the room. Anakin was so sleepy, he was hardly awake yet. And it was a little over forty minutes until class...

- Hey, wake up, drunkard!

- Э... Ali, let me sleep. - He rolled over on his other side without opening his eyes. And with him, you'll never know if he was looking at me or not.

- Anakin! If you're not on your feet in a minute, I'll pour water on you. Cold water!

- Water! - Skywalker stood up quickly, writhing in pain, but then sat back down on the couch, clutching his hands to his head.

- Water, exactly. Shall I get it?

- Uh-huh.

I had to go and fetch water for this sufferer. He drained the glass he brought in two gulps and seemed to feel better.

- Class starts in forty minutes, and you're sitting here with a hangover, in your underwear, and in the most disgraceful way! What's that supposed to mean?

- Э... Alessi, you're not mad, are you?

- Angry? - I was surprised, no, not at all. But, promise me that you won't drink like that again," I sat down next to him on the warm bed and took his face in my hands, I heard they love it, "promise, okay? Of course, I understand that you learned some important news, but still, getting so drunk and doing what you did last night is not good.

The guy sighed heavily and took my hands in his,

- "Okay, I promise I won't get drunk again. What happened last night, then? - he asked in his most innocent voice.

- Oh, it was... - I remembered everything that happened yesterday after the race was over...

- Alessi? Over! I don't like that anymore, considering you're blushing. I hope it's nothing like that... - Skywalker got excited.

- Oh, no, nothing obscene. Well, maybe a little...

- Oh, boy... - the guy groaned.

- It's not yo! - I resented that.

- Tell me.

- Well, for starters, what's the last thing you remember?

- I remember... I remember the race. Then drinking, then... nothing.

- Well, there you go. After you heroically lost, everyone started drinking and congratulating the Imp on his victory, after which we were offered a drink. I tried to talk you out of it, but you didn't listen, so you drank. Then the crowd noticed me... you were hugging me at the time, by the way, and they started demanding a spectacle...

- What?

- They wanted us to kiss. And you were just in the mood and you kissed me so... kissed me in a way that they wouldn't soon forget.

- And you didn't fight back?

- What do I care? Besides, are you my boyfriend or not?

- I feel like I'm your guy now. What happened next?

- Nothing much. Then they had a few more drinks, you were with them, and then it was extreme! I had to take you back to your dorm. I've never ridden a bike before, and there's a beast like yours, so it's going to feel good for a long time.

- Oh, man... Hmm... That was a good time. - Concluded the wino and finally stood up.

- You bet. Just don't spend any more time like that, huh? You could kill yourself!

- I don't disagree. But I never mind kissing you. Alessie, if I had a wife like you, I'd be the happiest guy in the galaxy. - Skywalker smiled. I had to look away because his words made my cheeks glow traitorously red, which only made him look tender. Oh, my...

- You... be careful, huh? You're my boyfriend.

- Are you implying that this is a possible development? Hmm... - Anakin gave me an exaggeratedly appraising look," Let's put that question off for at least a few years, huh?

The seriousness of his tone even made me feel a little better, and my cheeks stopped burning.

- Okay, Annie. By the way," I picked up the clothes and pants I'd thrown on the couch this morning, "at least put some clothes on.

- Oh, yeah. - He took the clothes and tossed them into the bathroom. Skywalker ran off toward the bathroom, and I left for the kitchen so as not to embarrass him. I ran into Erdva on the way.

- So, how are you doing? Are you sad?

I didn't understand the droid's answer, but judging by the tone of his whistles and trills, the droid was forgotten and offended by us.

* Anaxis. *

What do you think, Obi-Wan? Shall we take it? - Qui-Gon asked, checking the gear. The Jedi were given rooms in a local hotel, but the investigation really didn't take long. They interviewed all the suspects, the good news is that lying to a Jedi is impossible. Obi-Wan took over some of the smaller transports, and Qui-Gon investigated the rest - still, he would be both older and more respectable.

- Certainly, Master. I had no doubt that you knew who was behind it. - The Apprentice grinned. Qui-Gon looked at himself in the mirror and, smoothing his long hair, assumed the most carefree look, he said:

- How do you think we're going to get him?

- We don't have any warrants, so we'll have to act openly -- everyone knows we're here and investigating.

- That's for sure. I think we should have been investigating secretly.

- I don't think that's wise, Master. The planet won't get away from us anyway; drug dealers, no matter how many there are, if they escape, they'll be caught quickly by the Justice Corps.

- Maybe. But still, there might be disgruntled people. Besides, we'll turn everyone upside down with this arrest.

- Suit yourself, Master. - Ben brushed it off and was the first to leave the common hallway of their rooms. Qui-Gon, shaking his head, followed his student. Their route was to the administration office, the same office they had been in yesterday. "One tube case" was complete and now they could think about a little rest.

The Jedi went up to the roof where the speeder parking lot was, and found the courtesy vehicle they had been given. Qui-Gon took the wheel, and in a second the speeder was speeding toward the spaceport. The surface of the planet below the Jedi was so gray and dreary that it was boring to even look at- dirt, soot, and leaden gray fog everywhere. However, even in spite of the extremely unfavorable environment, workers lived here and mined many of the metals that formed the basis of the machinery of the entire galaxy. For lack of Other Entertainment, Ben began a conversation:

- Master, may I ask what conclusions you have reached?

- Of course, my young padawan. I talked to the director of the Techno Union, and he turned out not to be involved in the drug trade. It would have been odd to the contrary, however, as an option we did consider Haor-Chell. For the record, they supplied the Trade Federation with droids before the Nabuan affair. The second largest company was the local Anaxis Mining Company. The DKA didn't show up, but after a thorough search, they had some strange dealings with another company, also local. It was they who led me to the prime suspect in all this. It wasn't hard to figure out. In addition, our suspect was seen directing the loading of some crates and cans, apparently filled with liquid. At least that's what we were able to extract from the memory of the droid who witnessed the whole thing.

- That's great. - Obi-Wan nodded, smiling at his thoughts. He, too, wanted to leave the inhospitable planet as soon as possible and rest in the temple, or even take a little booze. After the unpleasant atmosphere of Anaxis, a shot was begging to be had.

The Jedi flew into the spaceport and landed in the same spot where the ship had stood the day before, now re-parked elsewhere.

- Come on, let's not keep them waiting.

- And one more thing, teacher, can I ask a favor?

- Yes?

- Can we get all our suspects together in the conference room?

- Hmm?

- Just to enlighten them about the results of the investigation.

- We could ask Sadias to do that. It's even somewhat ironic. - The knight raised an eyebrow expressively, smiling.

Sadias Nerenimos received the Jedi in his office. He was nervous, as always, and there was no indication that the matter had not been resolved in his favor. Qui-Gon started the conversation:

- Mr. Nerenimos, may I ask you a small favor?

- Yes, yes, of course, Master Jedi? What can I do for you?

- Please invite the managers of all the companies that operate on your planet.

- Д... yes, of course, but it might take a couple of hours.

- That's all right, we know how to wait. - Ben Kenobi interrupted his excitement.

Nerenimos took a comlink out of his pocket, and Qui-Gon, not to be disturbed, said "we'll be in the conference room," and left.

- And why do you need that, Ben? - Qui-Gon asked grumpily, entering the conference room.

- It's the way it has to be, Master.

- I trust you. But I want as much as you do to rest and spend my vacation on some warm planet where the sky is blue and there are beaches instead of puddles and mud and damp...

Ben Kenobi didn't want to listen to his teacher's grumbling any longer and sat down to meditate. Qui-Gon followed his example. Time flew by for the two Jedi, so Ben wasn't surprised when the door opened and people and non-humans entered the room. Nerenimos led the procession, followed impatiently by the director of the mines owned by Haor-Chell, the Corellian man Irwin Rendell. The Corellian gave off a look of serenity and a touch of irritation at being distracted from important business. Behind Irvin, a beautiful, but already elderly representative of the Twi'lek race, the manager of the mines of the local DKA company, entered the office. She had a dignified appearance, unlike the younger members of her race, who tended to show off all the beauty of her body, wearing a tight robe of blue. She did not seem to care much about what was going on here - she acted so casually.

At the back of the procession was the head of the gemstone mining and export company, Sysst Garcon. This middle-aged man from the unknown planet smiled sincerely and often, joked and even looked askance at the Twilight, which she carefully "didn't notice".

All the arrivals turned their gaze to Qui-Gon. The latter, already standing next to his student, began his speech:

- Ladies and gentlemen. We have been sent, as you already know, to check for illegal activities of the representative companies of your planet. The process did not take us long, so we are gathered here to summarize it, so to speak.

- What's there to summarize, let's get down to business, Mr. Jedi! We've got work to do while you're out here demonstrating the severity of the law to everyone. - Rendell was indignant.

- Patience. It won't take you long. So, my apprentice and I have talked to each of you, and we've come to the conclusion that Sadias Nerenimos is behind the drug trade. - The Jedi looked at the man sitting at the head of the table, who was whiter than a duralplastic sheet," You've been seen dealing drugs, transshipping goods into smuggling vessels. Circumstantial evidence points to you, plus you've been spotted by droids. - Qui-Gon reached for his sword, showing he meant no jokes," Do you surrender?

- No! This is all a mistake! It wasn't me! - Nerenimos jumped up from his seat, but Qui-Gon activated his sword, which finally broke Nerenimos' resistance.

Along with Qui-Gon, Ben Kenobi also activated the sword, much to the knight's surprise, to say the least. Ben, while all eyes were on the process of arresting Nerenimos, went behind Irwin Randall and put the blade of the lightsaber to his neck. Without touching it, of course.

- Irwin Rendell, you're under arrest for organizing the transportation of narcotics. - Ben Kenobi grinned.

It came as a shock to the rest of the Show, at least only Kenobi and the twinkie sitting next to Rendell remained calm.

- How? - Sadias said sourly, and flopped back into his chair, which made it squeak pitifully.

- Obi-Wan, explain yourself.

- Um... All right, Master. - Ben had already gotten Randall to stand up and put the shackles on him," I questioned Mr. Garcon and Miss Wao. Of course, Administrator Nerenimos fell under suspicion because he was so nervous when we arrived here. There's just one "but" - the reason for his nervousness is not clear to us. Of course, it might be supposed that he organized the business himself, but that's not the case. The ships he sent were bound strictly for one planet-Coruscant. It would be foolish to assume that from there the drug was being distributed to the other planets, after going through several inspections.

Randall tried to fidget with his handcuffs, but a sensitive poke from Obi-Wan made him quiet down. Ben, glancing around his audience, continued: - Then I went to the ship that was waiting to be loaded. Yes, it didn't have cargo on it, but the most important thing was the smell. The hold of the ship smelled by no means of Spice. Nervous official ruled out. To find out who was supplying the drug, all one had to do was study the ship's departure chart of all the companies. All but Mr. Rendell sent cargo to their regular partners - factories, smelters, partner companies. And the number and, more importantly, the variety of Mr. Rendell's cargoes defies all explanation. Did he send ore to Coruscant? Or Alderaan? There are no companies there, no factories, no one with whom he could trade. I was finally convinced when you arrested Mr. Nerenimos. Randall was pleased and relaxed, even though there was a lightsaber waving in front of him. It's a bit odd behavior, isn't it? Unlike the others who experienced surprise and anger... Ahem... - Ben coughed and shoved Irvine in the back," Come on, stomp on it!

- I see. - Qui-Gon smiled and approached the arrested man. Now he could clearly see in the force that the emotions felt by the criminal were sincere and suited the unmasked official," Then come on, what have you been told? Or a lightsaber to add to your understanding? - The knight grinned. The detainee walked, head bowed, toward the exit, the Jedi following him, ready to stop him at any second if he thought of escaping. The arrested man had no chance of escape anyway.

- Master, what about the others?

- Ah, yes. - Qui-Gon turned and opened the door and said, "That concludes the investigation. The Justice Corps will do the rest. Good day, gentlemen. - The knight turned around and walked out next to his apprentice. There was silence for a few long seconds. But Qui-Gon could not stand it:

- I thought I was not mistaken. I guess I'm getting old.

- I don't think so. You've made it perfectly clear. Only you came to inaccurate conclusions, Master.

- Is that so? And what do you think is wrong with this Nerenimos?

- Not "In my opinion," Master. Well, I'll start from afar, about what helped me in this case. Tell me, teacher, did you have a girlfriend?

- Ben, don't push your luck. - Kwai-gon turned gloomy.

- I mean it. - Kenobi said, following the prisoner into the elevator. Qui-Gon grimaced even more.

- You know the rules...

- When has that ever stopped you? Anyway, it doesn't matter. I once fell in love with a beautiful girl. We didn't stay together long, but I remembered some of the little things. Can you imagine how expensive rare perfumes are? Some are made from very rare plants, and to collect them you have to...

- I know. Yes, I once loved a lady. Yes, I know how expensive incense can be. Anything else you want to know, young padawan? - To know? No. It's just that this Nerenimos is a smuggler of perfume and perfume on Coruscant. Expensive perfume...

- Hmm... then why did we let him go? - Qui-Gon frowned.

- First - because the tax on naturally occurring perfumes is unreasonably high, making smuggling an illegal but lucrative and useful business.

The elevator reached the parking lot and the shutters opened. The Jedi ship was standing a couple of dozen meters away on the pad, so Qui-Gon, giving the arrestee an acceleration by poking him in the back, asked:

- What's the second thing?

- For the fair sex, I suppose, Master. - Kenobi chuckled.