The flood has begun."
Yaddle opened her comlink to signal the power grid team that Euraana had arranged to stand by.
Up on their repulsorlift platforms, the guards didn't notice the water streaming out from underneath the crack in the durasteel doors. Their gazes continued to rest on the targeting computers that would show them attacking beings or airborne weapons.
"When it gets deep enough to endanger the equipment, the alarm should sound," Obi-Wan murmured. "I'm betting the operators will leave their grenade mortars and let the droids guard the entrance. They'll call for reinforcements."
"One problem, there is," Yaddle said. "Burst open, the doors might."
"And that would release the flood into the tunnel." Obi-Wan nodded.
"In which case, the equipment might keep functioning." He thought for a moment. "Can you use the Force to hold the doors?"
Yaddle nodded.
The water was now streaming down the tunnel and lapping at their boots. Because of the downward slope, it ran out from underneath the door.
They could see that the water inside was rising, since the water was now leaking out of the seam between the double doors. The pressure of the water was causing the doors to vibrate from the strain.
Obi-Wan felt the Force surround them as Yaddle gathered it around her.
The doors and the water stopped moving. It began to collect around the wheels of the grenade mortars and the legs of the droids.
They watched as the water deepened, held back by the Force. Soon it was lapping at the repulsorlift platforms, but the guards still did not notice, intent on their computers.
Suddenly a light flashed red over the doors. The alarm began to beep insistently. The two operators sat up in their chairs and swiveled to check behind them.
They saw the water.
"What's going on?" one of them shouted.
The other spoke into a comlink. "They're sending reinforcements. Just stay calm."
"I am calm!" the second guard shouted. "I just can't swim!"
The other guard began to enter a code into a handheld sensor.
"They'd better boost the grid now," Obi-Wan said. Yaddle listened intently to the comlink.
"Bypassed the station, they have," she told Obi-Wan. "Wait we must to see if the power surge will restore the grid…."
Suddenly the attack droids snapped into formation, splashing in the water.
"They must have engaged a life-form sensor sweep," Obi-Wan said.
"A few minutes more, they need."
"We just ran out of time." Obi-Wan activated his lightsaber. "Let's go."
He charged out into the tunnel, moving quickly through the water and heading straight for the mortar operators. They saw the Jedi charging and scrambled to jump back on their mortar platforms. Yaddle released her hold on the doors, which burst open, releasing a wave of water. Obi-Wan was prepared, but the power of the water almost knocked him down. He reached out a hand, using the Force to push one guard off his feet. His head hit the durasteel doors and he slumped to the floor as the water flowed down the tunnel.
Right behind Obi-Wan, Yaddle took out an attack droid with a flick of her lightsaber while she sent the other guard flying against the tunnel wall. The last guard took one look at the Jedi charging toward him with a lightsaber and took off, splashing down the tunnel.
Attack droids cannot be intimidated, however. The line wheeled toward the Jedi. Obi-Wan had never fought beside Yaddle before. She was all grace and flowing movement, her lightsaber a blur, the Force growing and charging the air around them until Obi-Wan could feel it humming in him and around him. Charged with Yaddle's energy, he sliced through four droids with one swift blow. The blaster fire was heavy but he had no problem deflecting it.
It felt easy and natural with the Force so strong. Yaddle took out ten attack droids in what seemed like no time and then buried her lightsaber in the two grenade mortar controls. Within minutes, all of the droids were sizzling in the puddles of water.
"Reinforcements should be here soon," Obi-Wan said.
"Feel them near, I can," Yaddle said. She listened to the comlink and then nodded. "Success," she said to Obi-Wan. "Up, the power grid is, and in our hands. The city of Naatan is lit once more. Go now to the Mawans, I must. Time to return to their homes, it is."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I'll wait for the reinforcements. They'll most likely return to brief Striker."
"As soon as I can return to help find Anakin I will," Yaddle said.
Yaddle moved down the tunnel quickly, her robe swinging. Obi-Wan stepped back behind the utility box and waited. The tramp of running feet announced the arrival of the reinforcements.
They took one look at the spreading water, the still-sizzling droid parts, and the absence of the guards. The superior officer activated his comlink and spoke into it. Then he signaled to the others.
"Nothing we can do here," the officer said.
"Aren't you going to search the tunnels?" another one asked.
"Do I look crazy? Back to headquarters."
They tramped off. After a moment, Obi-Wan emerged from behind the utility box and followed.
Chapter Eleven
He was grateful, at least, for the food. Anakin had considered rejecting the plate of vegetable turnovers with harima sauce, but what good would that do? He'd finished the plate and downed a carafe of water when suddenly Granta Omega strode out of his private room and the hideout exploded in movement.
He couldn't hear the orders Omega rapped out but suddenly everyone was busy. Computers were shut down. Bins were closed and locked. Weapons were gathered. Gravsleds appeared and gang members began loading them.
Obi-Wan, Anakin thought. He smiled.
Within minutes, the substation was cleared.
Still cuffed, Anakin was hustled into a speeder with the same lmbat guard. He zoomed down the tunnel at a fast clip. Anakin kept his mind focused so he could remember the many turns.
At last they arrived at their destination, a smaller space that had once been a refueling center. Anakin was tossed out of the speeder by the Imbat, but this time he was able to land on his feet. He watched while the gang members busily began to set up the hideout again. He could see that they had done this many times.
Granta Omega strode toward him, his boot heels clicking on the floor.
He looked grim. "It's time to contact Yaddle."
"As long as I can tell her who you are and I can speak freely." He had nothing to lose by contacting Yaddle. He had complete confidence that she'd be able to handle Granta Omega. And Yaddle would be able to tell Obi-Wan that he was still alive.
Omega waved a hand. "Of course. I'm not trying to trick you, Anakin.
I'm a businessman. I want to make a deal."
"I'll need my comlink."
Omega tossed it to him.
"As long as I have it, I'd like to contact my Master, too," Anakin said. It was worth a try.