Qui-Gon had thought he'd prepared for any twist, any sudden reversal. He had not prepared for this. Xanatos was not in hiding. He didn't need to be. It was obvious that he was loved by the people of Telos.

But why? Qui-Gon wondered. Xanatos had been a traitor. Less than ten years before, he had conspired with his father to drain the planet's treasury. He had schemed to involve Telos in a needless, destructive war with a neighboring planet. The people must have been manipulated or lied to, for how could they ignore how he had schemed to plunge them into war?

He felt Obi-Wan stir by his side. The boy was just as shocked as he was. He admired how Obi-Wan kept his voice steady and his expression only mildly curious as he turned to Den.

"Who is this Xanatos?" he asked.

"Our most beloved benefactor," Den mimicked, then shrugged. "He's done a lot for Telos."

"I think I've heard of his father, Crion," Qui-Gon remarked casually. "Wasn't he governor of Telos once?"

Den nodded. "He was involved in a scandal. His enemies claimed he was trying to start a war with a neighboring planet in order to enrich himself. But Xanatos investigated and proved it wasn't true. Most Telosians consider both of them heroes."

Den turned back to the central ring as Vox Chun entered a floating box and the first contest began. The contestants ringed the interior space of the dome. All of them rode swoops.

"The first game is called Obstacle," Den explained. "Holograms of obstacles are hurtled at the swoops in an escalating pattern. The object is to avoid them? and the other contestants. It takes superior flying skills. Do you want to place a bet?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "I think we'll just watch for today, Den."

"Just like I said before," Den muttered, already placing his bet. "You guys are smart."