Chapter 199 - As A Friend (1/2)

”Who is the traitor?”

Syndulla looked like he wanted to argue again, but in the end, he just sat down, defeated. Knowing that one of the people he trusted betrayed not only him, but also his home planet was almost too much for the old Twi'lek.

For several minutes the freedom fighter stood quiet, and no one said anything. They knew Syndulla was going through a difficult time asking himself again and again which of the officers was the spy.

”I-I... Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!!”

Syndula punched the hologram table, and held his head with his hands. None of the people in the room said anything, and Gobi put his arm around the shoulders of his leader.

”I can't think of anyone. But... Jedi, I hope you know how painful it is for me to say this. Uff... If there really is a traitor, it is probably Tram Cholq, Yate or Tae Boon. Tram and Yate are very dissatisfied with me asking for help if the Republic. Not that you helped much. And Tae, he... is complicated. He wanted to side with the Separatist at first, but when I decided to follow the Republic, he changed his view. He is just like that, but I can't believe he would betray us.”

”Tae thinks of Cham as a kind of hero. Whatever Cham does, he will always agree, even if he... well, disagree.”

Gobi seemed quite uncomfortable with the subject, while Syndulla became silent once again. Usually, General Du would press in such a matter, because both Twi'leks seemed very awkward. But now they didn't have time to be polite.

”What happened? This is important, Syndulla. It can decide who lives and dies in the next battle.”

Gobi looked at Syndulla, who didn't seem to want to answer the Jedi. Finally, after a few seconds, the freedom fighter decided to do it for his leader.

”Tae... Tae is Cham's...”

”He is my son.”

General Di, who was about to talk, was stunned, and said nothing. Ragout and the two clones were also extremely quiet. It was clear now why Syndulla couldn't bear to say that Tae Boon might be a spy for the Separatist.

”Does he know it?”

”No. I was planning to tell him just before the battle. But I don't know if I can.”

General Di shook his head, and smiled lightly, but his smile carried no happiness, only understanding.

”You have to tell him now. His reaction will show who he sides with. Leave Tram and Yate for my men. We will keep an eye on them. As for Tae... I will leave him to you.”

Syndulla nodded, and got up, followed by Gobi. When they were at the door, the Twi'lek turned back, and put his hand above his chest. It was a sort of greetings used by the people of Ryloth.

”Thank you, Master Di.”

After the freedom fighters left, General Di gestured for Commander Keeli and Dageer to sit down.

”What do you think?”

”We should keep an eye on both Syndulla and Tae Boon. If Tae isn't the spy, then it is for the better. But if he is, knowing who his father is can cause... unexpected reactions.”

Both clones nodded. Ragout said exactly what they were thinking. If he was a traitor, the revelation would probably startle Tae so much that he would reveal it. But what he would do after was impossible to know. Maybe he would tell the truth, or he might even start his plan earlier. Anyway, it was sure there would be repercussions.

”Let's do this then. Keeli, get someone on Tae Boon and on Syndulla. Don't let them know they are being followed. The same goes for Tram Cholq and Yate.”

”Yes, general.”