Deceptive Fabrication
By: Emmithar
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to George Lucas, Jude Watson, and Dave Wolverton, and the Lucasfilm Company.
Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi was blamed for the death of another student, but in the end his name was cleared and he was proven innocent. But now, new evidence has arisen, proving that Obi-Wan may not have been as innocent as the Council thought. Was there more to Bruck's death than originally thought, or is there someone plotting falsified evidence against Obi-Wan?
Author Notes
This is the next story after 'The Unseen Danger' and 'The Prisoner' although it is not necessary to read these stories to understand this one; I do make references in this story off of them. Also, if you have not read 'Deceptions' by Jude Watson, this may be a bit confusing, but I will do my best to explain.
Thanks to all of my previous reviewers, I hope to see you reviewing this story as well.
Chapter One: Confrontation
Obi-Wan flexed his arm as he brought his lightsaber back up, focusing on the droid that circled around him. His shoulder was hurting again, something that had been happening on and off for the last several weeks now. He ignored it however as he deflected the oncoming bolts from the droid, side stepping over a pile of debris in the process.
He could not see the droid in the darkness, but he knew exactly where it was. The blue glow of his lightsaber and the constant hum was a welcoming sound to his ear. There was a time where he had been certain that the council would send him away from the order. Instead, Obi-Wan had been placed on probation. It was the second time within the year that he had been on probation, something that was not gaining favorable acceptance among the other students at the Jedi Temple.
His master, Qui-Gon, had also been placed on probation. The two had spent most of their time recovering in the first few weeks. They had focused on meditation after that, talking with the other masters, mainly Yoda and Mace Windu on what had happened on Rixein, and learning to let the past go.
Obi-Wan side stepped as another stream of bolts hit near him. With one single fluid movement, Obi-Wan somersaulted over the droid, spinning in a full circle when he landed, and brought his lightsaber down on the small floating droid, knowing full well where it was.
Obi-Wan drew in a breath, as he lowered his lightsaber, sighing gently. The lights suddenly flickered on and the young padawan turned to see Qui-Gon near the door, leaning against the frame with ease. His face was passive, as it was most times. Obi-Wan found that factor uncomforting at first, not being able to tell what his Master was thinking, or how he was feeling. Over time, the boy had accepted it, learning patience enough to wait, when Qui-Gon would inform him on any plans. It still was frustrating sometimes, but there were very few times his Master let up.
"Nicely done," Qui-Gon called out to him, straightening up. "That is, of course, dueling against one that is so predictable. What if you were facing against someone who was more of a match?"
Obi-Wan faced him, bringing his lightsaber back up as Qui-Gon drew his own. "What side do you take?"
"Defensive," Obi-Wan answered almost immediately. He saw his master nod, then take his first move. Obi-Wan blocked it easily.
This was not the first time the two had sparred, with so much free time they had sparred several times before. Obi-Wan had learned it was best to take the defensive side when dueling against his Master. Qui-Gon could easily defeat him if he wished it so, but his Master never did. However, he was not easy on the boy either.
Obi-Wan ducked under one blow, turning to the side to deliver his own. Qui-Gon easily sidestepped him, and the two faced one another again. Sweat trickled down Obi-Wan's back, as he stepped carefully over a pile of rocks. Qui-Gon was not far behind, and when the Force surged, Obi-Wan was there to meet his swing.
The two dueled long and hard, but neither was winning. Obi-Wan had gotten better; Qui-Gon realized this, switching tactics. Instead of an overhead swing, Qui-Gon rolled to his right, bringing his lightsaber up from underneath. Caught off guard, Obi-Wan tightened his grip as the lightsabers clashed, and cried out as a fiery pain shot up his arm.
Qui-Gon was beside him as Obi-Wan rested on his knees, holding his arm tightly, eyes closed. He could sense his Master studying him with concern. Qui-Gon had not dealt such a harsh blow, however he had hurt his padawan, and a sickly feeling rose in him. Perhaps the blow was harder than intended. Obi-Wan sighed as he opened his eyes, glancing at Qui-Gon.
"It's been hurting for a little while," he confessed, "I know I shouldn't be straining it, but I couldn't help it."
Qui-Gon blinked, "How long is a little while?"
"Since we left Rixein," Obi-Wan answered, finding the ground very interesting at the moment.
"That was three months ago padawan, that is not a little while. Why haven't you said anything about it till now?"
He could hear the boy sigh, "I figured it would go away in time."
Qui-Gon shook his head as he stood, helping Obi-Wan to his feet at the same time. "Come then, let us get to the medics, hopefully it isn't anything serious."
It was in the later hours that Qui-Gon found Obi-Wan resting in their quarters. The council had temporarily given up Obi-Wan's quarters for some of the children that were recovering from the attack Xanatos had dealt them months ago. Every day more and more children were transported back to their home planet, though it was difficult. Many of them were orphans, and finding relatives and caretakers had been stressful.
Qui-Gon frowned at his Padawan as he entered the room. The boy was stretched out in one of the chairs, reading over a data book that rested in his lap. Obi-Wan had received a stress fracture in his arm, something that could have been avoided if the boy had gone straight to the healers when he first experienced the pain. It would take a few weeks to completely heal, but would do so easily. Until then he had been given a small sling to minimize movement to ensure quicker healing. Qui-Gon noted that his Padawan was not wearing it either, when he came inside their quarters.
"I see you are not wearing your sling," Qui-Gon mused, collecting several items from the desk and placing them inside a small pack.
Obi-Wan glanced up at him for a quick moment, and then looked back down at what he was reading. "I found it uncomfortable, so I thought I would have it off for a while," he responded.
Qui-Gon nodded in agreement, even though the boy was no longer watching him. "I suppose that it is not, but there is a reason why the healers gave it to you. So I advise that you keep it on, else the next time I see you with it off before the healers give you consent to do so, I will personally make sure that you will never be able to remove it again."
Obi-Wan bit his lip to keep from laughing, putting the book down, and reaching over to pick up the sling. "Yes Master," he answered, almost in monotone.
"What are you reading that is so fascinating anyways?" he queried, continuing his packing.
Obi-Wan shook his head as he pulled the sling on. "I'm not exactly sure, there is no title," he showed the blank cover to his Master, who paused a moment to look.
"What is it about then? Maybe it is something I have read before."
Obi-Wan shrugged again. "I'm not quite sure yet, but it's quite interesting."
Qui-Gon gave his padawan a sideways glance. "You've read half of the book, but have no idea what it is about yet?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, returning to his reading.
His Master sighed. "Well then, I'm headed off to Didi's now, do you want to accompany me?"
Obi-Wan grimaced. "I'm not sure if my stomach can handle it," the boy confessed softly, enticing a small chuckle from his Master. As of late, Didi had been cooking his meals as of late, Astri, his daughter who had taken over cooking of the café had gone away to another planet to further her cooking skills in a variety of cuisines. Of course, Didi wanted his concoctions to be tested before he put it up for sale, and Obi-Wan had been cornered to do so, on the account he and Qui-Gon had been there often enough within the last months. The stout little fellow had a kind heart, but was wicked with a spatula.
It was rude to say that Didi's results of hard work was little more than revolting, but it was nothing more than the truth as well. But to Obi-Wan's relief he saw his Master nod. "All right then, but if I have to end up trying any of his stuff, I'll hold you personally responsible."
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, as his Qui-Gon left with the pack, by the looks, his Master probably intended to stay the night there. Qui-Gon had also been spending a lot of time helping Didi restore the café to its original state before Astri returned. Didi had let the café's upkeep slide…and more than just a little.
After some time, Obi-Wan grew tired of reading, and placed the book down. He tried to flex his arm that was in the sling, with little effect, and for a moment he thought about removing it for a while. However he thought better of it, remembering his Master's warning.
Stretching, he got to his feet, and made his way out of the room, wondering if the food hall was still open at this hour.
The halls were quiet as Obi-Wan made his way easily through the winding passages, finishing up a piece of bread that had been left over from the supper meal. The boy wondered dimly how much longer the council would keep him and Qui-Gon on probation. Surely they would be assigned to a mission here soon.
Turning the corner, Obi-Wan stumbled as he came face to face with someone else, who was very much in a hurry. The impact sent both students to the ground, Obi-Wan catching himself with his good hand.
"Watch where you're going!" the other person snapped, jumping to his feet.
Obi-Wan shook his head, standing as well. Like it had been all his fault. The other person before him blinked.
"So it's Oafy-Wan, why am I not surprised? Out of everyone in the Temple it was you who had to run into me."
Obi-Wan frowned as he recognized the boy before him. It was Aalto, an old friend of Bruck's and a constant tormentor of him, at least in previous days. As it seemed, the other boy hadn't given up his efforts yet.
"So, the council still hasn't kicked you out of the Temple yet?" Alto continued, "Even after all you've done. I find it rather amazing, don't you?" they younger boy's gaze grew dark. "You may have fooled them all, Obi-Wan Kenobi, but I know what you truly are," he whispered, his icy voice sending a chill down Obi-Wan's spine.
"And what may that be?" Obi-Wan queried, his face unmoving.
"A murderer," Aalto responded.
Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably. "I've already been proven innocent. Bruck's death was an accident," he explained sternly, hoping that if heard himself say the words, he too would be able to forgive himself.
Aalto laughed a soft, unforgiving laugh. "You will get what you deserve all in due time," he said softly, turning to leave.
"Are you threatening me?" Obi-Wan asked of him, watching as the boy turned to look over his shoulder.
"Am I?" he mocked, "I'll leave that for you to figure out on your own."
Obi-Wan sighed as Aalto disappeared around the corner, leaving Obi-Wan alone once again. He shook his head as he went along his way, trying to forget what had just happened.
Obi-Wan wasn't sure of the time when he was summoned to the council, but it was late. He had been half asleep when a Jedi Master knocked on his door. The boy's heart fluttered as he made his way to the turbo lift that would take him to the top floor. What possibly could the council want at this hour? Maybe they were sending him and his Master on a mission, but he hadn't been aware that Qui-Gon had returned, and Obi-Wan wasn't sure if the council thought him ready for a solo mission either. These thoughts only heightened his anxiety.
Several of the Council Members nodded as he entered, the boy bowing shortly when he reached the center of the room. He swallowed nervously as several of the members where whispering to one another.
"Obi-Wan, the Council has received word that you had a confrontation with another student, just a few hours before," Mace Windu started, leaning forward in his chair. "Can we assume this to be correct?"
Obi-Wan nodded, before finding his voice. "Yes Master, although it was not intentional. We were both at fault."
Mace Windu nodded. "We also have heard that you threatened this student as well."
"What?" Obi-Wan asked, confusion filling him. "I did no such thing," he confessed. "If anything, Aalto threatened me," he started to explain, but Mace Windu held up a hand to stop him.
"We are not here to place blame, but find out what did or did not happen. After this…confrontation took place, several of the Masters here searched both your and Aalto's quarters for any clues that might have been helpful to us. In such a case as this we must assure the up most safety of all our students, and therefore we have the right to such searches. Obi-Wan, can you tell us why you had several of Bruck's possessions hidden in your quarters?"
Obi-Wan stood there, numbed. Bruck's possessions? "I don't know what you are talking about," he answered.
Mace Windu sighed, sitting up. "Aalto came to us after you two had this confrontation, he told us that you threatened to kill him, just as you did Bruck. Now, we must know if this was true or not, and if it is, tell us now to save us wasted time."
"It's not!" Obi-Wan cried, his mind reeling. "I said nothing of the sort. Aalto said that I was a murderer, and that I would get what I deserved in due time!"
"So, you are stating that Aalto is the one who threatened you?" Mace Windu asked. After Obi-Wan nodded he continued. "Very well then, you will return to your quarters and you will remain there until we have summoned you with further instructions. You are not to leave under any circumstances, is that understood?"
Obi-Wan nodded, "But why Masters?" he started, but was cut off.
"I suggest that you do so now Obi-Wan. This investigation will be hard enough as it is, do not complicate things."
They watched him leave, the doors closing behind him. Next to Mace Windu, Yoda turned, watching the younger Council Member. "Reopen, we must, the cause of Bruck's death," he said solemnly.
"I'm afraid we have to," he said softly. "We all know what happened, but the question we must answer now is a harder one to deal with. Did Bruck fall, or was he pushed?"
TBC…