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THE UNKNOWN ONE
Obi-Wan leapt into the air, a trail of blaster fire following closely behind. His lightsaber was a blur as he deflected shot after shot towards the crowd of droids, all of which had their blasters trained on him. He weaved and dodged through the fire, heading for the huge hanger door, where he could then lose the droids outside. Force-pushing away the droids and cutting down those that got too near; he regretted not heeding Qui-Gon's advice and for the umpteenth time, sent a call to him with the Force. He spotted an open door at the other end; he started towards it. Then, with a realization that almost stopped his heart, he noticed that the droids were not simply moving towards him, they were cutting down his available options to escape.
He was getting cornered.
Obi-Wan could feel his anxiety bubbling now. He tried for a mad dash towards the door but almost got clipped by blaster fire; the Force had warned him just a moment before. Obi-Wan could see that he had no way out now. It was only a matter of time before he tired and was hit by the relentless fire. He did not want to imagine the rest.
Obi-Wan could feel his sweat on his skin as he swung his lightsaber in a huge arc, cutting down four droids, which sent up a rain of fire, hitting their companions.
Dodging once more, Obi-Wan Force-pushed the first row of advancing droids, all of which tumbled over the second row. Figuring it would buy him some time; Obi-Wan took the opportunity to Force-leap over the mess onto a row of boxes on a conveyer belt. Still deflecting off the relentless fire, he gritted his teeth as he looked for possible cover to take a breather. Obi-Wan could feel his situation getting desperate; his choices were limited and if kept fighting at this pace, he would not last.
Gathering the Force around him, he sent another desperate call to Qui-Gon.
1 week ago
Obi-Wan strode purposefully into the Council Room, where Qui-Gon stood waiting before the council. He greeted Obi-Wan with a curt nod and turned back to the seated council, who were clearly waiting for Obi-Wan before starting the meeting.
"Arrived, Obi-Wan has. Start now, we may." Yoda started calmly. He looked over at Mace Windu, who nodded slightly before launching into his briefing.
"You remember Anjuki?" Mace started. His eyes ever watchful upon them; he had good reason to; Obi-Wan had to stifle his shock at the name.
Anjuki was a reclusive planet outside the Outer-Rim. Reclusive, but rich. It was a self-sustainable planet which generally refused outside help, even from the Jedi. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had been there on surveillance missions before; something Obi-Wan had not particularly enjoyed.
Anjukeans were peaceful people at large and did not create trouble. They were humanoid at base, with four limbs and the general anatomy of a human body. But they had certain distinctive features which set them apart, both outside and inside: They had tails and their backs were covered with small spikes. They were all also natural athletics, with both strength and speed. They were however, a reclusive species and did not mix around with other nations. They were also one of the only races that did not wish to train their Force-sensitive people into Jedi.
They were also a target for pirates, who were interested in the planet's advanced weaponry to either sell or to use them themselves. This, of course, spelt trouble and the Jedi council had taken it upon themselves to send regular Jedi teams there for surveillance missions and also to keep tabs on the new technologies available, as well as their buyers.
Obi-Wan snapped back just in time to hear, "…is currently facing a political uprising. The group doesn't have a leader, but the generally recognized face of the group is Arshen Kulu-Man." Mace continued as a scowling, unshaven humanoid face appeared on the Holo-Vid in the center of the room.
Obi-Wan looked at the man, growing unease. The man looked as if he held a secret only he knew. Obi-Wan did not get carried away with the thought; he quickly latched on to Mace's words.
"…on a surveillance mission, but this will also be to keep track on the situation over there. Report any uprisings or activities. Do not." And here Mace looked on directly at Obi-Wan. "I repeat do not engage in any activities that might expose your identity. Remain inconspicuous and we'll have several Jedi teams on standby just in case. "
Obi-Wan shot a glance at Qui-Gon, who seemed to be deep in thought. "And if they begin engaging in battle?" Qui-Gon's face did not reveal any emotion.
"Help where you can. But do not reveal your lightsabers unless absolutely necessary. We will send help." Mace answered, his words coming slowly. "Do not become too involved. We do not wish for a protest for meddling with their affairs."
"And if they do not wish to receive the help?" Qui-Gon enquired yet again. Obi-Wan stood quietly as Yoda answered this time round.
"Help, we must. Receive it however, they may not wish to." Yoda said savagely, glancing at Qui-Gon, "Still, too high, the stakes are. Risk it, we cannot." Yoda looked expectantly at Qui-Gon, who simply nodded. Mace seized the opportunity to continue his briefing.
"You will be there for a month. And if all goes well, you will be back soon. You will receive your equipment and leave as soon as possible. Dismissed." Mace sat back in his chair.
"We will take our leave then." Qui-Gon bowed, Obi-Wan following suit. They left the chambers together. It was an hour later that they left Coruscant.
3 hours before
The Anjukean sun was rising over the landscape, its golden rays washing over the land as it rose across the horizon. Anjuki's moon was already diminishing from sight and Qui-Gon watched as it finally disappeared completely.
"Another day, Obi-Wan, we must set out soon." He glanced at his Padawan, who was already dressed in civilian clothing.
"Is this really necessary Master? After all, we've been here for a week and there hasn't been any activity." Obi-Wan said, clearly bored and eager for action. Qui-Gon could not blame him. It had been an extremely uneventful and frustrating week. The Anjukeans were not very friendly to tourists and the presence of the two clearly bothered them. Qui-Gon could stand it, whereas Obi-Wan did not take kindly to being treated like a pest. They had both taken it in though, but the frustration in Obi-Wan was beginning to show.
"Patience, my dear Padawan, we have been posted here for a month, so we will remain incognito and observe for a month." Qui-Gon said lightly, resisting the urge to lecture about the benefits of meditating. Obi-Wan was outgoing and energetic, and meditating would not come easy at such a frustrating period. He could see that the answer did not sit well with his apprentice, but Obi-Wan did not voice out any objections. Qui-Gon decided to let the matter rest.
"Let's set out. I could do with some breakfast." Qui-Gon tucked his lightsaber into his utility belt and stood. Obi-Wan followed suit and they both trudged out of the cave which they had made into a living quarters.
2 hours ago
The Anjuki marketplace was busy today, storekeepers shouted out at passersby as the people jostled along the walkway. It was surprisingly cool today; the sun was hidden behind thick layers of clouds that threatened rain. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan went through unnoticed, hidden by the crowd.
They finally came to a stop at the café that overlooked the central street; it was also where they had spent the mornings of previous week. The waiter there was quiet and did not ask questions, a rare quality that they were grateful for. The less people who knew about them, the better.
Ordering their usual, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan began observing the streets for any unusual activities, sipping their native Anjukean tea.
"There is a buzz in the air today." Qui-Gon remarked. Obi-Wan started, tearing his eyes away from an attractive woman that had just walked past. He noticed Qui-Gon's eyes upon him, and he began to flush. "Can you feel it, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan closed his eyes, and felt the Force flow in and around him, it was charged today, there was excitement in the air, and something else.
There was fear. And anger. The dark side of the Force pulsed
"Master, there's…" Obi-Wan started, but was silenced by Qui-Gon's raised hand. "It will not be safe here. There is something going on today. It could be the uprising Mace was talking about." Qui-Gon commented easily, as if talking about the weather.
"We should contact the council." Obi-Wan voiced after a pause. With a glance, Qui-Gon nodded. They both stood at the same time almost immediately, their tea unfinished. They strode into the streets and were lost instantly in the crowd.
One hour ago.
Qui-Gon burst out of the doors of the CommTech building in a rush, his face grave. "Communication has been scrambled." Qui-Gon looked around, as if looking for any sign of violence. "I wasn't able to connect to Coruscant and the council."
"I…overheard conversations. There's word of a military coup. People are rushing back home as we speak. They…they say it will be bloodless." Obi-Wan clearly did not believe so.
Qui-Gon's face hardened. "That would be ideal, but I doubt it. I will attempt to contact Yoda." Obi-Wan did not question how so. He did not need to either. The Force was suddenly surging; it was amazingly powerful, flowing and pulsing between the both of them. Obi-Wan watched his master in amazement. Qui-Gon's eyes were closed and he was concentrating so hard the veins in his forehead were visible.
Then, the Force relaxed and evened out. Qui-Gon's eyes flew open. "We will split out. Look for any signs of the coup happening. I doubt it will be bloodless. Help where you can if battle does break out. Do not reveal your identity unless absolutely necessary and, do not engage in battle." Qui-Gon's face relaxed for a moment. "Take care, may the Force be with you."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I'll contact you if there's any matter."
And with that, the two Jedi parted ways, their traveler cloaks swishing behind them.
15 minutes before present time.
Obi-Wan stepped onto the streets, he was in the warehouse area and it was almost empty, save for a few civilians rushing back to their homes. The fear in the air was almost stifling. The citizens were afraid. Then, Obi-Wan heard it.
The clanking of marching droids.
Obi-Wan moved quickly; the streets would soon be filled with droids, hostile or not, Obi-Wan was not eager to find out. He ran into a large warehouse, escaping sight by a second. Obi-Wan looked around inside the warehouse. It was dark and there was a musty smell in the air. Obi-Wan longed to get out, but he could still hear the droids outside, and did not want to risk getting caught in the rush.
It was almost ten minutes later that the sound of the marching droids faded into the distance. Obi-Wan sighed, he got ready to leave. Then, with a blinding flash, the lights came on. Obi-Wan's breath left him.
He was in the center of a warehouse-full of armed droids, and they all had their blasters trained on him. Obi-Wan backed slightly, his hands held up; showing his empty palms in what he hoped would be recognized as a peace sign. Not a droid moved. He was nearing the door. Then, just as he was about to exit, the door clanked down. It was then that all hell broke loose.
Present time
Obi-Wan panted, he stopped behind a large pillar which blocked him from the brunt of the fire. He was tiring much more quickly than he had thought he would. It wouldn't be long till he would be hit. Obi-Wan closed his eyes for a moment, letting the Force move his hands on instinct. This was not how he was supposed to die. Obi-Wan had always imagined a peaceful end, perhaps on some distant planet, without worries, without troubles. He had never imagined it would end in a warehouse on an unfriendly planet that did not even knew he was on their planet. His eyes flew open, if he was going, he was taking down as many as many as possible with him.
He launched himself into he droids and swung his lightsaber down on one, two droids. More fell; Obi-Wan did not keep score.
Then, he felt a surge in the Force; it was actually more of a tsunami. The surprise rendered him immobile for a moment. Then, as he snapped back to his senses, he quickly dodged and rolled out of the way.
Relief flooded through him. Qui-Gon had heard his call after all. But, as he looked for the source of the Force, he felt as if a wall had hit him. It was an Anjukean male. And he was wielding double lightsabers, cutting down the droids with a speed Obi-Wan had never seen before.
There was only one problem: there were no Anjukean Jedi's that Obi-Wan had heard of.
To be continued…
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