"I wanted to slip in unobserved," he said. "If they discover we are Jedi, it could tip off Xanatos. Tahl said he has bribed many officials here."
With a slight movement of his head, Qui-Gon signaled to Obi-Wan. It was time for them to find their own exit.
Chapter 2
"Where are we going?" Obi-Wan asked as they moved fluidly through the pressing throng.
"When a big spaceliner docks, the kitchens have to receive new shipments of food," Qui-Gon remarked. "When you want to leave someplace unobserved, pick the busiest spot."
Obi-Wan followed Qui-Gon down several levels to the service area. Qui-Gon always explored any large transport soon after boarding. He knew where the tech and service levels were as well as all exits from the spaceliner. "Remember, Obi-Wan," he had said, "if you are heading to a dangerous mission, the danger can begin before you are ready for it. Be prepared."
The scent of roasting meat and baking bread filled Obi-Wan's nostrils as they passed the kitchens. His stomach rumbled. Why was it that even during a hasty escape, he could still feel hungry? He was glad when the smells dissipated as they slipped into the storage areas.
Qui-Gon hurried past shelves and bins full of food until he came to the door that led to the loading bay. He glanced through the window to make sure there were no security personnel before accessing the door. It hissed open, and they stepped out onto the loading bay.
Workers were busily unloading supplies onto small gravsleds. A large hauler stood outside the ship, its port bay door yawning open.
"Grab a container," Qui-Gon instructed as he bent down to hoist a box marked DRIED FRUIT.
Obi-Wan picked up a bin at his feet marked SOLI GRAINS. He let out an oof as he hoisted it to his shoulder. Why couldn't he have picked something light, as Qui-Gon had?