"We are prepared to pay," Qui-Gon replied impatiently. "The speed of the transaction is more important than price."

"Then let's get to it."

Mota led the way down a long hallway into a large open space. Long metal tables stretched from one end of the space to the other. Isolated pieces of merchandise were laid out on the tables. There were some communication devices, some weaponry, and some pieces of tech equipment.

"As you can see, our stocks are low," Mota said.

Lenz looked at him sharply. "I'll say. Who is buying your weapons?"

Mota's return gaze was neutral. "Whoever has the credits. I don't ask questions."

"We need probe droids," Qui-Gon said.

"I only have one. Probe droids are hard to get." Mota strode to a table and picked up a droid. "It's in good shape, though. All ready for programming."

"They need the vitals of a citizen," Irini said. "Balog."

"The Chief Security Controller?" At last an emotion flickered over Mota's face: surprise.

But it smoothed out and became neutral again. "I have his stats. I can program the droid. The vitals will cost you more credits."

"They'll need swoops or landspeeders," Lenz said.

"Down below."

"Let's program the droid first," Qui-Gon said.

"Sure. Just let me see the credits." Mota named a figure, and Qui-Gon counted out the currency.

Mota pocketed the credits without counting [hem and turned to a data screen. He began to access files.

"The vitals on every citizen were entered into the main files of the Absolutes in the old days," Irini told them in a low voice. "It is illegal to access those files now, but that doesn't stop Mota. Having exact information on Balog will help greatly in tracking."