Title: Tabula Rasa--sequel to Hallucinations
Timeframe: A year after "Hallucinations"
Author: Knight_Obi
Story summary: After losing Obi-Wan to his deadly foe, Qui-Gon Jinn is sent on a sensitive mission to Eithir with Mace Windu. There, Qui-Gon will meet two mysterious Sith warriors who will stop at nothing to prevent the mission from succeeding. A secret will be revealed…one with deadly consequences.
Ratings: PG-13 (violence, torture, death)
Spoilers: some JA books but very minor.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the GL's related characters.
Author's Notes: indicates thought through bond. // // is thought to oneself.
Chapter 1:
The warm morning ray filtered through a glass window and landed on Qui- Gon's face. Slowly he stirred awake; his face still creased with sleepiness. Qui-Gon dragged his tall and lanky body out of his bedroom and headed for another small room across from him. The door to the small room was closed, but as usual, Qui-Gon pounded on the door several times for effect. After a few seconds waiting, he opened the door and yelled out, "Wake up, sleepy-head".
But as soon as his eyes began to adjust to the bright morning sun, Qui-Gon realized that the bedroom was empty as it had been for months. Full emotions and memories hit him instantly, nearly knocking him off his feet. Memories of Obi-Wan's untimely death had already made his eyes brimmed with tears.
Qui-Gon couldn't believe that it had been nearly a year since the one person he truly loved as a son had died. In fact, it had been 11 months, 14 days, 8 hours and counting, but knowing the exact time wasn't a comfort. For the past many months, Qui-Gon had been ordered to see Soul Healers, but none of the sessions resulted in anything beneficial other than served as a distraction. No matter how hard he tried to forget or "get over" it, he couldn't. If Xanatos' betrayal was any indication of Qui-Gon's deep wound, Obi-Wan's death was far beyond comparison.
Today, like many other days, Qui-Gon had often woke up thinking that everything was but a bad nightmare and that Obi-Wan was still with him, sleeping in late as usual. But like any idealistic dream, the harsh reality always seemed to emerge at the most inopportune time. Now, staring at the empty bed in Obi-Wan's room, Qui-Gon could not stop the tears from falling.
//Whoever said time will mend everything?// Qui-Gon thought bitterly.
He quickly turned to leave the room, not being able to stand the emotional torture anymore. As much as looking at Obi-Wan's old belongings reminded him of his pain, Qui-Gon could not bear to move to another apartment as he'd been requested so many times.
Slumping down on the couch in the living room area, Qui-Gon tried to find his center to push all of the resurfaced pain away…but to no avail. It was still there, slowly bleeding him. Just as the frustration and anger threatened to emerge, the beeping sound of his comm link chimed in, conveniently distracting him.
"Hello? Qui-Gon here." A lump of bitterness began to form his throat. //Who else would be here?//
"Qui-Gon, it's me…Mace."
"What can I do for you, Mace?" Qui-Gon replied, trying to sound normal.
"The Council has an assignment for you Qui-Gon and would like for you to come to the Chamber as soon as you're able to"
"An assignment?" Qui-Gon was startled. He hadn't been on assignment since…"Alright, I'll be right there."
"I will see you there then. Mace out"
With that, Qui-Gon was once again left to his own thoughts. It was true, he hadn't been on any assignment since Obi-Wan's death. He didn't want to at first, believing that Obi-Wan was still somewhere on Coruscant. But when weeks turned to months, Qui-Gon knew it was hopeless. Several times he'd asked for an assignment, but the Council had deemed him too emotionally unstable to go on assignment, but now they were requesting him.
//That's a change of thought. Now they WANT me to go on assignment. Perhaps it is best after all…to get away from it all.// Qui-Gon thought as he was about to leave for the Jedi Council Chambers.
After tidying himself properly, Qui-Gon headed for the Jedi Council. On his way there, he met many Jedi, each of which greeted him with a sympathetic smile. On some other day, Qui-Gon might have returned the greeting with a diplomatic smile, but today he was anxious to find out the nature of the assignment.
Within a few short moments, Qui-Gon was at the Jedi Council Chambers, being once again surrounded by 12 pair of eyes.
"My Masters, I have come. What is this assignment that you'd have me do?" Qui-Gon said, bowing reverently.
"Qui-Gon, glad we are you come. Anxious about this mission, I sense. Good" Yoda announced.
"It is a delicate mission that we will send you on." Plo-Koon added.
"Yes, yes. Dangerous, it may be, but handle it I know you can." Yoda said confidently, looking at his former apprentice with his beady eyes. "Know what of Planet Eithir do you?"
"I'm afraid not much Master Yoda except that it is near the Outer Rim and that its ruler, King Eos, is a wealthy man whose ambition for science has contributed much to modern biological engineering. Though Eithir has not formally joined the Republic, it has been on friendly terms."
"That is true." Plo-Koon commented. "But recently, we've received some messages from King Eos himself that he wants to formally join the Republic."
"Why the sudden change in nature?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Apparently, King Eos had come across a valuable formula in biological engineering that could change the fate of modern warfare. Somehow word leaked out about this new development, and King Eos fears the formula will fall into the wrong hands, particularly the Hutts who have been eyeing his planet for sometime." Mace Windu added.
"So he wants to join the Republic to gain help and reinforcements?" Qui-Gon asked, already knowing where this was heading.
"Exactly" Plo-Koon confirmed. "That is why a Jedi must go to notarize the annexation of Planet Eithir and report back on the condition of the planet's defense system so that the Republic can send the appropriate help."
"A sensitive and dangerous this assignment is, Qui-Gon. If the formula falls into the wrong hands or the annexation fails, grave danger I sense. Wish you to accept it?" Yoda asked.
"I understand what is at stake Master Yoda, and I am willing to accept it."
"Good. Leave soon you must. A transport will be ready."
"I will leave immediately Master Yoda."
With a bow, Qui-Gon left the Jedi Council Chambers. Swirls of thoughts were already in his head of how to ensure the success of the mission when a voice called out for him.
"Qui-Gon!"
Turning around, Qui-Gon saw that the voice belonged to his good friend Mace Windu.
"Yes, Mace?"
"The Council has granted me permission to join you in your mission Qui- Gon."
Qui-Gon was about to say, "Why? They don't think I am mentally stable enough to go through with it", but Mace Windu cut his thoughts.
"I volunteered to go Qui-Gon. They didn't ask me to. I just thought it was high-time for me to finally get out for a bit" Mace Windu said with a smile. "After all, wasn't it you who always said that I was getting a little flabby around here" Mace Windu said, pointing to his stomach.
Qui-Gon knew that Mace Windu was just worried for him, but Qui-Gon was actually glad to have a friend accompany him. Perhaps having Mace Windu along would help Qui-Gon be himself again.
"Yes it was me Mace and by Force you do need to work out" Qui-Gon finally said with a smile of his own, the first in a very long time.
*********************
It was already nighttime on the lonely planet of Darsu. While the planet's triple moons lighted the black velvet sky, their light could not penetrate through the thick darkness of the training room in one of the few buildings on Darsu. There, on a small balcony, stood a young man dressed in a black tunic and black pants. His lightly cropped brownish hair was tied back in a tight ponytail and he stood there on the balcony, looking intently into the far off distance.
His mind seemed to be occupied with some thoughts for he did not hear the gentle whiz coming from inside the room behind him. The noise seemed to increase in volume, but the young man didn't seem to heed it.
Out of the wan moonlight that found its way into the room, one could see three droids beginning to assemble in a corner, quietly as possible, each holding a large blaster gun set to kill. The droids didn't need to move much closer to hit its target for the young man was wide in view. Within a millisecond, all three droids raised their blasters and pulled on the trigger.
In a flash, three laser bolts fired from the three blasters, all directed at the young man's back. But before any of the laser bolts found its mark, a red light hummed to life and twisted and turned as if by an invisible hand in the dark. The red light not only blocked all of the three laser bolts but reflected them at the droids, blasting the droids into smithereens.
Then, after the crackling of the droids affirmed that the reflected laser bolts found its mark, the red light disappeared into the darkness.
"Clap Clap Clap" Someone was clapping and the noise echoed in the dark room.
From the minimal light of the moon that shown through the balcony, the figure of the young man seemed to knelt down on the ground.
"Master" the young man said in the direction of the claps.
"You've done well my Apprentice. Quite a record I must add." a gruffy voice sounded back from the darkness.
For any observer, the gruffy voice would have seemed to come out of thin air. But to the young man whose eyes had been used to such darkness, the gruffy voice came from an average height figure cloaked in a dark robe, standing not too far away from him.
"Thank you Master" the young man replied to the compliment.
"You've been well trained my Apprentice, now it's time for the ultimate test"
"What is your bidding, Master?" the young man asked, still kneeling on one knee with his head bowed in reverence.
"I want you to go to the Planet of Eithir and stop a signing ceremony"
"Is that all, Master?"
"It will not be as simple as you may think. It will be well guarded and the Jedi will be there."
"All the more challenge Master." The young man said with a small smile.
"Good. Good. Darth Verus will accompany you in case any trouble arises. I will send further instructions when you get there."
"Yes Master"
The well-cloaked figure slowly walked out of the room, leaving the young man to his thoughts. Once the figure was gone, the young man stood up and went to the balcony again. The moonlight once again hit on his handsome yet icy cold face as he stared into oblivion.
"Eithir" the young man whispered aloud to himself.
//There is something about it. Something.//
Timeframe: A year after "Hallucinations"
Author: Knight_Obi
Story summary: After losing Obi-Wan to his deadly foe, Qui-Gon Jinn is sent on a sensitive mission to Eithir with Mace Windu. There, Qui-Gon will meet two mysterious Sith warriors who will stop at nothing to prevent the mission from succeeding. A secret will be revealed…one with deadly consequences.
Ratings: PG-13 (violence, torture, death)
Spoilers: some JA books but very minor.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the GL's related characters.
Author's Notes: indicates thought through bond. // // is thought to oneself.
Chapter 1:
The warm morning ray filtered through a glass window and landed on Qui- Gon's face. Slowly he stirred awake; his face still creased with sleepiness. Qui-Gon dragged his tall and lanky body out of his bedroom and headed for another small room across from him. The door to the small room was closed, but as usual, Qui-Gon pounded on the door several times for effect. After a few seconds waiting, he opened the door and yelled out, "Wake up, sleepy-head".
But as soon as his eyes began to adjust to the bright morning sun, Qui-Gon realized that the bedroom was empty as it had been for months. Full emotions and memories hit him instantly, nearly knocking him off his feet. Memories of Obi-Wan's untimely death had already made his eyes brimmed with tears.
Qui-Gon couldn't believe that it had been nearly a year since the one person he truly loved as a son had died. In fact, it had been 11 months, 14 days, 8 hours and counting, but knowing the exact time wasn't a comfort. For the past many months, Qui-Gon had been ordered to see Soul Healers, but none of the sessions resulted in anything beneficial other than served as a distraction. No matter how hard he tried to forget or "get over" it, he couldn't. If Xanatos' betrayal was any indication of Qui-Gon's deep wound, Obi-Wan's death was far beyond comparison.
Today, like many other days, Qui-Gon had often woke up thinking that everything was but a bad nightmare and that Obi-Wan was still with him, sleeping in late as usual. But like any idealistic dream, the harsh reality always seemed to emerge at the most inopportune time. Now, staring at the empty bed in Obi-Wan's room, Qui-Gon could not stop the tears from falling.
//Whoever said time will mend everything?// Qui-Gon thought bitterly.
He quickly turned to leave the room, not being able to stand the emotional torture anymore. As much as looking at Obi-Wan's old belongings reminded him of his pain, Qui-Gon could not bear to move to another apartment as he'd been requested so many times.
Slumping down on the couch in the living room area, Qui-Gon tried to find his center to push all of the resurfaced pain away…but to no avail. It was still there, slowly bleeding him. Just as the frustration and anger threatened to emerge, the beeping sound of his comm link chimed in, conveniently distracting him.
"Hello? Qui-Gon here." A lump of bitterness began to form his throat. //Who else would be here?//
"Qui-Gon, it's me…Mace."
"What can I do for you, Mace?" Qui-Gon replied, trying to sound normal.
"The Council has an assignment for you Qui-Gon and would like for you to come to the Chamber as soon as you're able to"
"An assignment?" Qui-Gon was startled. He hadn't been on assignment since…"Alright, I'll be right there."
"I will see you there then. Mace out"
With that, Qui-Gon was once again left to his own thoughts. It was true, he hadn't been on any assignment since Obi-Wan's death. He didn't want to at first, believing that Obi-Wan was still somewhere on Coruscant. But when weeks turned to months, Qui-Gon knew it was hopeless. Several times he'd asked for an assignment, but the Council had deemed him too emotionally unstable to go on assignment, but now they were requesting him.
//That's a change of thought. Now they WANT me to go on assignment. Perhaps it is best after all…to get away from it all.// Qui-Gon thought as he was about to leave for the Jedi Council Chambers.
After tidying himself properly, Qui-Gon headed for the Jedi Council. On his way there, he met many Jedi, each of which greeted him with a sympathetic smile. On some other day, Qui-Gon might have returned the greeting with a diplomatic smile, but today he was anxious to find out the nature of the assignment.
Within a few short moments, Qui-Gon was at the Jedi Council Chambers, being once again surrounded by 12 pair of eyes.
"My Masters, I have come. What is this assignment that you'd have me do?" Qui-Gon said, bowing reverently.
"Qui-Gon, glad we are you come. Anxious about this mission, I sense. Good" Yoda announced.
"It is a delicate mission that we will send you on." Plo-Koon added.
"Yes, yes. Dangerous, it may be, but handle it I know you can." Yoda said confidently, looking at his former apprentice with his beady eyes. "Know what of Planet Eithir do you?"
"I'm afraid not much Master Yoda except that it is near the Outer Rim and that its ruler, King Eos, is a wealthy man whose ambition for science has contributed much to modern biological engineering. Though Eithir has not formally joined the Republic, it has been on friendly terms."
"That is true." Plo-Koon commented. "But recently, we've received some messages from King Eos himself that he wants to formally join the Republic."
"Why the sudden change in nature?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Apparently, King Eos had come across a valuable formula in biological engineering that could change the fate of modern warfare. Somehow word leaked out about this new development, and King Eos fears the formula will fall into the wrong hands, particularly the Hutts who have been eyeing his planet for sometime." Mace Windu added.
"So he wants to join the Republic to gain help and reinforcements?" Qui-Gon asked, already knowing where this was heading.
"Exactly" Plo-Koon confirmed. "That is why a Jedi must go to notarize the annexation of Planet Eithir and report back on the condition of the planet's defense system so that the Republic can send the appropriate help."
"A sensitive and dangerous this assignment is, Qui-Gon. If the formula falls into the wrong hands or the annexation fails, grave danger I sense. Wish you to accept it?" Yoda asked.
"I understand what is at stake Master Yoda, and I am willing to accept it."
"Good. Leave soon you must. A transport will be ready."
"I will leave immediately Master Yoda."
With a bow, Qui-Gon left the Jedi Council Chambers. Swirls of thoughts were already in his head of how to ensure the success of the mission when a voice called out for him.
"Qui-Gon!"
Turning around, Qui-Gon saw that the voice belonged to his good friend Mace Windu.
"Yes, Mace?"
"The Council has granted me permission to join you in your mission Qui- Gon."
Qui-Gon was about to say, "Why? They don't think I am mentally stable enough to go through with it", but Mace Windu cut his thoughts.
"I volunteered to go Qui-Gon. They didn't ask me to. I just thought it was high-time for me to finally get out for a bit" Mace Windu said with a smile. "After all, wasn't it you who always said that I was getting a little flabby around here" Mace Windu said, pointing to his stomach.
Qui-Gon knew that Mace Windu was just worried for him, but Qui-Gon was actually glad to have a friend accompany him. Perhaps having Mace Windu along would help Qui-Gon be himself again.
"Yes it was me Mace and by Force you do need to work out" Qui-Gon finally said with a smile of his own, the first in a very long time.
*********************
It was already nighttime on the lonely planet of Darsu. While the planet's triple moons lighted the black velvet sky, their light could not penetrate through the thick darkness of the training room in one of the few buildings on Darsu. There, on a small balcony, stood a young man dressed in a black tunic and black pants. His lightly cropped brownish hair was tied back in a tight ponytail and he stood there on the balcony, looking intently into the far off distance.
His mind seemed to be occupied with some thoughts for he did not hear the gentle whiz coming from inside the room behind him. The noise seemed to increase in volume, but the young man didn't seem to heed it.
Out of the wan moonlight that found its way into the room, one could see three droids beginning to assemble in a corner, quietly as possible, each holding a large blaster gun set to kill. The droids didn't need to move much closer to hit its target for the young man was wide in view. Within a millisecond, all three droids raised their blasters and pulled on the trigger.
In a flash, three laser bolts fired from the three blasters, all directed at the young man's back. But before any of the laser bolts found its mark, a red light hummed to life and twisted and turned as if by an invisible hand in the dark. The red light not only blocked all of the three laser bolts but reflected them at the droids, blasting the droids into smithereens.
Then, after the crackling of the droids affirmed that the reflected laser bolts found its mark, the red light disappeared into the darkness.
"Clap Clap Clap" Someone was clapping and the noise echoed in the dark room.
From the minimal light of the moon that shown through the balcony, the figure of the young man seemed to knelt down on the ground.
"Master" the young man said in the direction of the claps.
"You've done well my Apprentice. Quite a record I must add." a gruffy voice sounded back from the darkness.
For any observer, the gruffy voice would have seemed to come out of thin air. But to the young man whose eyes had been used to such darkness, the gruffy voice came from an average height figure cloaked in a dark robe, standing not too far away from him.
"Thank you Master" the young man replied to the compliment.
"You've been well trained my Apprentice, now it's time for the ultimate test"
"What is your bidding, Master?" the young man asked, still kneeling on one knee with his head bowed in reverence.
"I want you to go to the Planet of Eithir and stop a signing ceremony"
"Is that all, Master?"
"It will not be as simple as you may think. It will be well guarded and the Jedi will be there."
"All the more challenge Master." The young man said with a small smile.
"Good. Good. Darth Verus will accompany you in case any trouble arises. I will send further instructions when you get there."
"Yes Master"
The well-cloaked figure slowly walked out of the room, leaving the young man to his thoughts. Once the figure was gone, the young man stood up and went to the balcony again. The moonlight once again hit on his handsome yet icy cold face as he stared into oblivion.
"Eithir" the young man whispered aloud to himself.
//There is something about it. Something.//