Isaiah the Gray, Part 24

Previously: https://storytogether.com/2020/10/01/isaiah-the-gray-part-23/

An End To This Phase

“Bring us on board,” says Jimmy, frustrated that their chase was all for naught. “If it’s not us they were after…then who the hell was that!?”

Silence falls over the group’s radio as neither the AI – nor anyone else – can answer his question. The Defiant’s gangplank unfolds, signaling an end to this phase of the mission.

Without a lead down below, Isaiah and Jimmy board the ship. As they make their way down the hall to its command center, AI takes the Defiant into Tatooine’s upper atmosphere. Looking out the port-side window, the crew gets a good view of Mos Eisley: a wide swath of its residential district is scarred from the Tajin bombs. The Hutts won’t be too happy.

A few minutes later, the group gathers in the command center. Everyone is tense.

“What the hell is going on? I want answers,” says Isaiah whose frustration is clearly getting the better of him.

“Here’s what we know,” responds Jimmy, trying to rein-in the chaos. “Tajin mercenaries, typically associated with fulfilling Jedi contracts, were both ready to stall us, and use weapons against civilians in a search for a unknown ship which is capable of avoiding – supposedly – the best sensors in the galaxy. You know, the usual,” he says with a wry smile.

“They are the best sensors,” retorts AI over the intercom.

Call A Spade A Spade

Jimmy rolls his eyes. “We need to call a spade a spade here: this was a setup. I’m not making any accusations but, in my experience, the most likely explanation is someone in this room told the Tajin we were coming.”

An uncomfortable silence takes hold in the command center.

After a few moments of reflection Corban speaks. “The Jedi do not use mercenaries to harm civilians. Track fugitives, yes, but the use of lethal force requires the highest clearance in the Council to approve. And only happens in the most dire of circumstances. Isaiah my advice to you, if you’re willing to hear it, is with your powers, you can likely verify Jimmy’s suspicions. But for my part, I do not sense any sort of treachery.”

Sensing the wisdom in Corban’s suggestion, Isaiah takes a few deep breaths and establishes a firm connection to the Force. To his surprise, everyone’s mind is open, allowing him access. One by one he senses their thoughts and, doubling his surprise, he finds that everyone present is on the level about not tipping off the Tajin.

“Seems as though Corban is correct about us,” says Isaiah matter-of-factly.

“What about Zero-You?” offers Isaac.

“What about me?” the droid replies.

“Surely even with your powers Isaiah you can’t sense within the mind of a droid?” retorts Issac, sharply.

Jimmy looks interested. “AI, can you access Zero-You’s memory to…”

“Absolutely not!” interrupts Zero-You.

The Only One Left Is Me

“Zero…” says Corban in a cajoling voice.

“Who is to say what the AI will do?” says Zero-You. “Would you all let Isaiah scramble your brains?”

“I understand your concerns,” says Isaiah. “AI, you are to only determine if Zero-You was responsible for the Tajin being alerted to our presence. Nothing more. That’s an order; am I clear?”

“Completely, commander,” replies AI.

Zero-You looks to Corban who nods. “Fine, go ahead,” says the droid.

“Scanning…….complete,” says AI. “I can verify that Zero-You is not responsible for the Tajin presence on Tatooine.”

“None of this is adding up,” says Jimmy. “If no one here tipped off the Tajin…”

“The only one left is…me,” says AI.

The Defiant’s ship-wide sensors sounding interrupt any follow-ups to AI’s train of thought. “What is it, AI?” asks Isaiah.

“My scan of the mystery ship has come back with a positive match,” answers AI. “The ship belongs to Roshannon Darek, Jedi, known as “The Sorceress” in some circles.”

“Oh,” says Corban, whose tone is rather morose. “That’s bad.”

Part 1: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/06/isaiah-the-gray-part-1/

Part 2: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/13/isaiah-the-gray-part-2/

Part 3: https://storytogether.com/2020/02/20/isaiah-the-gray-part-3/

Part 4: https://storytogether.com/2020/03/13/isaiah-the-gray-part-4/

Part 5: https://storytogether.com/2020/03/26/isaiah-the-gray-part-5/

Part 6: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/02/isaiah-the-gray-part-6/

Part 7: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/09/isaiah-the-gray-part-7/

Part 8: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/16/isaiah-the-gray-part-8/

Part 9: https://storytogether.com/2020/04/30/isaiah-the-gray-part-9/

Part 10: https://storytogether.com/2020/05/07/isaiah-the-gray-part-10/

Part 11: https://storytogether.com/2020/05/21/isaiah-the-gray-part-11/