Chapter 67 : The Investigation Hearing - Part 1
The Republic investigation facility is temporary structure in Sundari's government district—prefabricated walls and portable furniture arranged to suggest authority it doesn't actually possess on sovereign Mandalore. Death Watch escort surrounds me during walk from transport: Pre Vizsla at point position, Bo-Katan flanking right, six warriors forming protective perimeter.
"Remember," Vizsla mutters as we approach entrance, "answer only what's asked. Don't volunteer information. Let them work for every detail."
"Understood."
"And if they attempt arrest, we extract immediately. Republic jurisdiction here is questionable at best."
Bo-Katan's hand brushes mine briefly—wordless reassurance from woman I've been systematically lying to about Maul partnership. The guilt is abstract awareness rather than emotional weight. Numbness is complete protection.
Inside, the facility's main chamber is arranged like courtroom: investigation panel elevated behind table, witness chair isolated in center, observers seated at perimeter. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi sit at panel's right—Jedi authority lending weight to proceedings. Three Republic officials occupy center positions—military analysts by their insignia. Duchess Satine observes from side gallery, expression satisfied that Republic finally takes her complaints seriously.
"Kade Varro," lead investigator announces formally. Human male, late forties, career bureaucrat by his bearing. "You stand before Republic Investigation Panel authorized by Senate Decree 7734-C to examine suspected treaty violations regarding advanced military technology on Mandalore. Do you understand charges?"
"I understand you're investigating my business."
"Answer yes or no."
"Yes. I understand."
Obi-Wan leans forward—diplomatic intervention before interrogation becomes adversarial. "This panel seeks to understand your equipment sources and ensure compliance with Republic military technology treaties. Cooperation benefits everyone. Obstruction triggers legal consequences. Clear?"
"Crystal."
"State your full name and occupation for record."
"Kade Varro. Independent military equipment broker."
"How long have you operated in this capacity?"
"Ten months approximately. Since arriving on Coruscant."
"Where did you operate before Coruscant?"
"Died in different universe, woke here with floating blue screens. That answer won't work."
"I traveled extensively. No permanent business location before Coruscant."
Obi-Wan notes something on datapad. Anakin studies me with intensity that's physically uncomfortable—Force presence brushing against consciousness like predator testing prey. Can he sense something wrong about me? Transmigration leaves traces detectable through Force?
"Your equipment," lead investigator continues, activating holographic display showing captured Death Watch weapons. "Where do you source these items?"
"Through network of suppliers across galaxy. I broker transactions between manufacturers and clients."
"Name these suppliers."
"Trade secrets. Confidentiality is protected under Republic commercial law."
"Not when suspected treaty violations are involved. Name suppliers or face obstruction charges."
Eight's voice whispers through neural interface: "Maintain evasion. They cannot prove treaty violations without source information. Force them to charge you without evidence."
"My suppliers prefer anonymity. I respect that preference. If Republic has evidence of treaty violations, present it. Otherwise, supplier identities remain confidential."
Anakin's frustration is visible—jaw tightening, hand moving toward lightsaber unconsciously. "Your 'trade secrets' include technology that doesn't exist in Republic databases. Technology from unknown manufacturers using impossible techniques. Explain how you acquire items that shouldn't exist."
"I acquire items through intermediaries who have access to rare manufacturing capabilities. Specific details of their operations aren't disclosed to me."
"That's convenient excuse."
"That's business reality. Galaxy is enormous. Manufacturing techniques vary widely. Just because Republic databases don't recognize technology doesn't mean it's treaty violation."
One of Republic analysts activates more detailed display—molecular breakdown of Halo MA5D rifle's barrel, atomic structure analysis showing materials that don't match known elements. "This weapon uses manufacturing precision measured in subatomic tolerances. Materials with crystalline structures unknown to Republic science. Design philosophy that predates current galactic civilization by millennia. Where does this come from?"
The technical evidence is damning. No conventional explanation exists for technology pulled from interdimensional storage System that violates physics.
"I broker items through intermediaries. Original manufacturers don't provide documentation beyond functionality specifications. I ensure equipment works as advertised—I don't comprehend engineering that produced it."
"You expect us to believe you sell technology you don't understand?"
"Most merchants don't understand manufacturing of products they sell. I'm weapons broker, not engineer. My expertise is connecting buyers with sellers, not comprehending atomic structures."
Technically valid argument but investigators are skeptical. Satine interjects from gallery: "This is absurd. You must know sources. No one brokers millions of credits worth of advanced weapons without understanding supply chain."
I turn toward her, meeting eyes directly. "With respect, Duchess, Republic doesn't interrogate every major arms manufacturer about ore sources or factory locations. Corporations guard trade secrets aggressively. Why different standards for independent broker?"
"Because independent brokers don't supply technology that rewrites military balance of power."
"That's market demand issue, not legal violation. If technology I supply is legal to sell—which it is under Republic commercial codes—then source confidentiality is protected right."
Obi-Wan raises hand, gesturing for silence. "Let's approach differently. Kade Varro, are you aware of any Republic treaty violations in your supply chain?"
Careful question. Asking about awareness rather than participation.
"I am not aware of treaty violations. My suppliers operate in legitimate commercial capacity to best of my knowledge."
"To best of your knowledge. But you just admitted not understanding your suppliers' operations. How can you claim no treaty violations if you don't know how items are produced?"
"Walked into that trap. Well done, Kenobi."
"I can't claim certainty about what I don't directly observe. But I have no evidence of violations. Absence of evidence isn't evidence of presence."
Anakin slams hand on table—diplomatic patience exhausted. "You're lying. This technology is too advanced for any known civilization. Either you're working with unknown alien species, accessing Rakatan ruins, or something impossible we haven't considered. Which is it?"
"I'm merchant. I find buyers and sellers, facilitate transactions. How sellers acquire inventory isn't my responsibility any more than shipping company is responsible for cargo contents."
"Shipping companies have legal liability for transporting illegal goods. Your analogy doesn't help your case."
"Then prove goods are illegal. Show me Republic law that prohibits selling equipment you've displayed. Specific statute, specific violation. Otherwise, this is fishing expedition without legal foundation."
Lead investigator confers with colleagues quietly. Their expressions suggest frustration—I haven't provided actionable evidence but also haven't committed perjury they can prove. Legal gray area is merchant's natural habitat.
"Panel will recess for one hour," lead investigator announces. "Kade Varro, remain available for additional questioning."
The chamber empties except for Death Watch escort. Vizsla approaches once Jedi depart: "Well handled. You gave them nothing useful while maintaining technical legality."
"They're not done. Recess means they're considering charges despite lack of evidence."
"Then we prepare for extraction. If they attempt arrest, we fight our way out."
Bo-Katan removes helmet, studying me with expression that's concern mixed with something else. Suspicion? "They're close to something. Anakin senses wrongness about you—I saw his reaction. Force-sensitivity is advantage we can't counter through evasion."
"Can Force detect System mechanics? Probably not—it's interdimensional rather than Force-based. But transmigration itself might leave traces. Wrongness Anakin senses could be me not belonging in this reality originally."
"What specifically did he sense?"
"Not sure. But his instincts are dangerous. If he investigates deeper using Force abilities, he might discover things I can't explain."
"Then we leave. Death Watch can extract now, before panel reconvenes. Get you off Mandalore before situation deteriorates further."
The suggestion is practical. Flee again, rebuild elsewhere, continue pattern that's worked so far. But I'm tired of running. Tired of accumulating enemies across galaxy. Tired of being hunted while pretending it's business as usual.
"Let's see what charges they bring. Maybe legal process stalls long enough to find alternative solution."
"Or maybe they arrest you and we start firefight in Sundari government facility. That's diplomatic disaster that makes Mandalore situation worse."
"Worse than current civil war?"
"Worse than civil war that doesn't involve Republic directly. Firefight with Jedi means Republic military intervention—Death Watch can't win that war."
She's right. But fleeing means abandoning twelve million credits in non-liquid assets, Death Watch relationship, established operations, everything built over ten months. Running is admission of defeat.
"I stay for verdict. If they issue arrest warrant, then we extract."
During recess, Anakin and Obi-Wan confer in adjacent room. Through thin walls, voices carry:
"He's hiding something impossible," Anakin insists. "I sense it through Force—not deception exactly, but wrongness. Like he doesn't belong here."
"Your instincts have merit but aren't legal evidence," Obi-Wan responds calmly. "Without proof, we can't arrest him on suspicion of being impossible."
"Then I'll find proof. There's explanation for his technology—we just need to discover it."
"Or accept that galaxy contains mysteries Republic doesn't fully understand. Not everything requires investigation and prosecution."
"This does. He's enabled hundreds of casualties through weapons that shouldn't exist. That requires answers."
Their debate continues but conclusion is clear—Anakin wants my arrest regardless of evidence. Obi-Wan restrains him through diplomatic process. But restraint has limits.
R4 hovers close, projecting private assessment: "Jedi investigation is approaching breakthrough regarding System detection. Master's continued presence increases exposure risk exponentially. Recommend evacuation before panel reconvenes."
"Noted. Standing ground anyway."
"Master's pattern of refusing strategic retreat despite overwhelming tactical disadvantage is concerning. Pride is becoming operational liability."
"It's not pride. It's exhaustion. Tired of running."
"Exhaustion is also operational liability. Master's decision-making capacity is compromised by accumulated stress and moral damage. Recommend acknowledging limitations and choosing survival over stubbornness."
The droid is probably right. But survival without standing for something eventually becomes meaningless. Not sure what I'm standing for here—just know that fleeing again feels wrong.
Panel reconvenes after sixty-three minutes. Investigators' expressions promise trouble.
"Kade Varro," lead investigator begins formally, "this panel finds your testimony evasive, incomplete, and insufficient to resolve questions regarding technology sources. Additionally, your refusal to identify suppliers despite reasonable investigation needs constitutes obstruction. Therefore, you are under arrest for obstruction of Republic investigation and unlawful arms trafficking pending further inquiry."
Death Watch escort reacts instantly. Weapons appear—they hid them throughout facility during initial security screening despite protocols. Twenty warriors surround me with blasters drawn, forming defensive perimeter that makes arrest impossible without violence.
Pre Vizsla's voice carries absolute authority: "Death Watch does not recognize Republic authority on Mandalore. Kade Varro is under our protection. Any arrest attempt will be resisted with lethal force."
Republic security floods chamber—thirty guards with weapons ready. Duchess Satine authorizes from gallery: "Use necessary force to enforce Republic warrant."
The room becomes armed standoff. Two dozen weapons pointed at each other across three meters of empty floor. Jedi stand at center with hands raised placatingly but lightsabers visible on belts.
"Everyone stand down," Obi-Wan commands with Force-enhanced projection. "This doesn't have to become bloodbath."
"You're harboring fugitive and obstructing Republic investigation," Anakin counters, fury barely controlled. "This is act of war against Republic."
"Republic has no jurisdiction on sovereign Mandalore," Vizsla responds. "This is internal matter."
"I authorized investigation," Satine declares. "As Duchess, I represent Mandalore."
"You represent pacifist government Death Watch doesn't recognize. We represent Mandalore's warrior tradition—and we protect our own."
The arguments spiral while fingers tighten on triggers. One shot—accidental or deliberate—triggers massacre that kills Jedi, destroys Death Watch, and escalates Mandalore conflict into full Republic military intervention.
I created this. My business, my choices, my accumulation of impossible technology brought situation to edge of catastrophe I didn't plan but definitely enabled.
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