"When is the transfer supposed to happen?" Obi-Wan asked anxiously.

"As soon as possible," Adi replied. "The droid sellers got the definite impression that Zan Arbor is planning to leave the planet. She could have lied, but I'm guessing her departure plans are behind the urgency of the request. She needs protection in order to leave and she needs protection wherever she goes. She knows the Jedi are on her trail."

"If she's planning to leave, we can't wait for reinforcements," Obi- Wan observed.

Adi nodded grimly. "I agree. Let's head for the warehouse where the droids are being loaded. The sellers are waiting for us."

The warehouse was a dingy metal structure that tilted alarmingly to one side. The foundation was sunk deep into the mud. Simpla-12's constant cloud cover made for frequent rain, and Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi slogged through ankle-deep mud to reach the entrance.

As Obi-Wan pushed open the door, he heard familiar voices.

"Gibbertz and ham, these droids are old. Couldn't you have found some newer models?"

"Oh, of course, why didn't you say so? Let me reach into my deep pocket full of credits and pay for them."

Obi-Wan groaned aloud. "You don't mean to tell me," he said to Adi and Siri, "that the droid sellers are Cholly, Weez, and Tup?"

"You know them?" Adi asked.

Just then, Cholly caught sight of Obi-Wan. "My friend!" he cried in a warm voice that did not disguise his nervousness.

"Jedi Kenobi!" Weez echoed as Tup slid behind him to hide. "We did not expect you!" "Why?" Obi-Wan asked, walking toward them. "Because you thought I was Zan Arbor's prisoner? Because you said you would prevent Ona Nobis from approaching the building, and ran away instead?"