"Anything is likely on this planet," Qui-Gon said grimly, shoving Tahl's lightsaber into his belt.

"Another question is whether Tahl's kidnapping is linked to the twins," Obi-Wan went on. "Was Balog responsible for that, too? If so, he is most likely responsible for the murder of Roan.

Irini gave us information from the Workers that suggested that the person who masterminded the twins' kidnapping was in the inner circle here.

But why Balog?"

Qui-Gon's gaze was clear now. "We don't know the answers to any of these questions," he said. "But it seems clear that it is all linked — Ewane's assassination, Roan's murder, the kidnapping of the twins — and that someone or some organization is behind these things. They want power."

"So kidnapping Tahl is a way for them to get that power? How?"

"Uncovering the answers will take longer than a day. Time we don't have. We need to find Tahl first." Qui-Gon turned back to Obi-Wan. "What was the principal method the Absolutes used to keep the Workers in line?"

"Probe droids," Obi-Wan answered after a moment. "The droids on New Apsolon are technologically advanced. They can track subjects and attack to stun or kill. The vital information of all Workers was kept in files, and with that information a probe droid could be programmed to target a specific person — " Obi-Wan slowly rose. "Of course. Balog is a Worker. If we can get his vitals — "

"And a probe droid," Qui-Gon finished.

A soft voice came from behind them. "But they are illegal now."

It was Alani. The slight sixteen-year-old stood in the doorway for a moment, dressed in a simple tunic, her golden hair braided and coiled around her head. She had dark smudges under her eyes. The twins had stayed awake mourning Roan, and the news of Tahl's disappearance had devastated them. Tahl and the twins had a special bond.