"Yet we are very close to it," Lenz said.

"Do you think Balog is an Absolute?" ON-Wan asked.

Lenz and Irini exchanged glances. "He was born a Worker," Irini said hesitantly. "And he was close to Ewane, the great Worker leader…"

"But yes, we think his allegiance has now changed," Lenz said grimly.

"Once you told us that he had kidnapped Tahl, it all clicked into place. He has most likely been working for the Absolutes for some time. That's why he kidnapped Alani and Eritha. He had always planned to let them go — his real target was Roan."

"So he lured Roan to him through the ransom," Obi-Wan said. "Then he murdered him."

Qui-Gon remembered Balog's show of grief when they had found Roan's body. Balog was a good actor. But he'd have to be, if he'd been working with the secret organization of Absolutes all along.

"One thing puzzles me," Qui-Gon said. "Balog may be head of security, but he's no match for Tahl. Even without her lightsaber. How could he have overpowered her?"

"The Absolutes often used a paralyzing drug," Irini said. "You remain conscious but immobilized. It is easy to administer. If she turned her back on him for a moment…"

"Is the drug dangerous?" Qui-Gon asked the question, though he dreaded the answer.

"Not with one dose," Lenz said. "Or even two. The trouble is that it wears off, and if it is reused many times — especially over a short period of time — it can result in permanent damage. Muscle deterioration is one side effect." Lenz pointed down at himself. "As you can see."