Chapter 2: First step … completed?

When he finally resurfaced from the oblivion that was his refuge, all that he heard was silence, punctuated with the occasional "beep, beep" of a machine.

Groaning, he let tendrils of the Force seek out where he was. They touched inanimate objects — chairs and beds — with a single life-form on a chair next to him. Who was it?

The tendrils reached out to the living creature, who responded with his own Force probes. They connected together. Information rushed into the young man's brain. That signature was exactly the same as Qui-Gon.

"Master?" He whispered, trying to pry his eyes open but was unable to. He felt his master lean closer to the bed, a hand brushing his wet forehead.

"Yes, Obi-Wan?" He replied.

"What happened?"

"I was hoping you could tell me. As soon as you told me about Tatooine, you started to have a fit and collapsed soon afterwords. You have been unconscious for fours now."

Obi-Wan gathered his thoughts, gaining time but trying to open his eyes once more. What could he answer his master? That the Force brought him back to the past? It would sound preposterous even for him. On the other hand, his mentor would know if he lied to him through their Master/Padawan bond. He whimpered once more.

Thinking that his student was whimpering due to the intensity of the light, Qui-Gon used the Force to lower the lighting. "It's alright, you can open your eyes now, my Padawan."

He was relieved to see the beautiful grey-blue orbs of his student flicker in and out of sight as his long lashes fluttered open. It was true that he was frightened for it was the first time that he couldn't help his student in any way. He had even lost his composure in the cockpit as he tried to frantically help Obi-Wan. "Obi-Wan?" He inquired out loud while through their bond he sent his relief at seeing him up and worry at to what happened.

"I'm sorry master. I was trying to recollect what happened. I am a bit still unsure since my last memory was that we had just gotten away from the blockade of the Trade Federation. Our hyperdrive was hit so we had to make a land, but that was all." There! That should buy him a bit more time to find a half-lie. Now, to see if his master would accept that … .

"Of course. Take your time and rest while we reach Tatooine. You will tell me once you remember what happened, right Obi-Wan?"

"Of course Master."

"Then rest. I will inform the queen that you are alright, then I'll bring us some breakfast. Anything in particular that I should avoid?"

Thinking of different types of food, he felt queasy at the image of sausages. "No sausages please. I don't think I could eat them at the moment."

Qui-Gon nodded. "Understood. Try to stay awake, ok?"

"Don't worry about me master. I will meditate to see if it won't help me jog my memory."

"Well that's a first." The older man teased. "You finally decided to do some meditation without my prompting?" He laughed as he evaded the pillow sent by an irate Padawan. "Alright, alright. I'm going."

Obi-Wan couldn't help but smiled at his master's antics. The man was such a mother-hen! It wasn't his fault that nearly every time they went on a mission that one of them always came back with something. Bant would joke that he had a bed in the Healing Wing just for the duo. She also told him that Qui-Gon's master, Jedi Master Dooku, was also this accidental prone as Qui-Gon and he. In fact, it was a running joke that the whole "lineage" of masters and Padawans from this teaching were always getting an injury on every mission. Hence the private room that had been constructed just for them. Anakin, when he was his Padawan, spent a good deal amount of time in that same room.

He sat in the middle of his bed in the position of the lotus. Clearing his mind, he let himself go to connect with the rivers of the Force that would lead him to the ocean where he was just a couple of minutes ago.

/Myriam?/ He called out. /May I speak with you?/

The image of the avatar popped into his head. /You called?/

/Yes, Myriam. I need to know what can I tell my master./

/Certainly not the truth./ She cocked her head to the side, thinking deeply on what to do. /I can help you through your bond to make the excuse believable, but I have no idea what you can tell him./

/Would it be possible to make it look like it was a vision?/ The Jedi Padawan wanted to know.

/Doable, but you will have to make sure that it stays that way. Memories are tricky things. I will be able to divert the attention of your master and anyone else if they become slightly suspicious but you will have to make sure that it doesn't happen to much. If they have the idea that the 'visions' are something else, I will no be able to intervene. Is that understood?/ The serious expression was startling for Obi-Wan since he had only saw her playful side before.

/Of course. Then I'll tell him that it was a serie of visions that followed one after the other. Thank you for your help on this matter./

Myriam looked deeply at the young man. /Yes? Is there something else you wanted to ask?.

/Can you tell me where Xanatos is?/

/On Tatooine believe it or not. He has been living there for the past two years./ She stated calmly, unfazed by the question.

/I'm sorry? Did Xanatos come back earlier in time than me?/ This was puzzling. Why was Xanatos allowed to come back earlier than Obi-Wan?

/It's because Myr wanted to train him better in the true Sith ways. Also, Xanatos was raising his son, I believe he is called Granta, whom the mother died earlier than before./

Obi-Wan jerked at the name. /Granta? Was his mother's last name Omega perchance?/

/Yes, it was. Before, he was angry at the Jedi for killing his father. But since Xanatos didn't die and raised him to not hate My Order, Granta will be a valuable ally. Another reason was that the boy's Destiny had not been fulfilled due to the circumstances. I hope that it will happen this time./

Myriam was pelting him with the information as if she was talking about the weather. It was quite disconcerting, truth be told.

Obi-Wan bowed down before the Light Side of the Force and drifted back to his body. As he regained his senses, he heard the door open. Turning to the intruder, he saw that it was his master with a giant breakfast for two on a tray.

"I'm sorry for taking so long but the queen needed some advice on the Naboo situation." Master Jinn said. "I hope that your meditation was helpful."

"It was master. I now know what happened." Obi-Wan said, trying to hide his nervousness from his to perceptive master.

"And?" The older man prompted.

"I'm not sure if I should say, master." He really didn't want to lie to his master, even if it was only a semi one.

"Padawan, whatever it was, it will not change anything between us." Now the man was really worried. Obi-Wan had never hidden anything during the past twelve years, not since their partnership had really solidified after the Melida/Daan event. "Tell me Obi-Wan." He pushed.

"Their were visions master. Horrible visions that continued one after the other, showing a terrible future."

Qui-Gon could feel the terror and sadness coming from his student. He tried to send waves of calmness and reassurance, getting closer as he wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan. The tray was deposited somewhere, but that was unimportant.

"What did you see?" Leery to know what would cause such a breakdown in his student but still wanting to help in any way possible.

"I saw the death and destructions of many. The end of our Order as we know it as the Republic fell. A Jedi turning to the Dark Side, murdering the Younglings. Your death, numerous times from different angles." Big sobs and heaves of breathes were heard.

Water was drenching Qui-Gon's shoulder but that didn't matter. What mattered was the sorrow of his boy. He murmured. "It's alright. It won't happen since they were only visions. I won't die and the Order will not be destroyed. It's alright, you understand Obi-Wan? Nothing will happen. I promise. The Force sent you those visions so that it won't happen."

It took a bit of time before the auburn-haired man could calm down. "I'm sorry master for breaking down like that. I don't know what happened."

The older man stroke the short spiky hair of his Padawan. "Their is nothing to be sorry for. It must have been horrible to see such events. But know this, they will not happen. I promise you that, ok?"

"Don't makes promises that you can't keep master." Came the muffled reply from his shoulder.

"And who says they are?" The man fired back. "Now rest a bit. I'll wake you up once we reach Tatooine. I hope that you will feel better to protect the ship. I trust you to guard the queen and her people."

"Of course master."

/Sleep/ Ordered Qui-Gon as he Force-planted the suggestion. He was relieved to see Obi-Wan fall peacefully asleep. He must have been really tired to not face the order. Tucking his apprentice in, he sat down next to him in a watchful vigil of his darling student.

The food forgotten on the side.

Obi-Wan felt more restful once he was shaken awake by his master. "Have we arrived already?"

"Yes we have. I had the pilots report to me the full extent of the damage. I'm afraid we will have to buy a new hyperdrive."

"Good luck master. It will be difficult."

"I trust in the Force, my Padawan. It will guide us, of that I'm sure."

"She, master. The Force always felt as a She to me."

Qui-gon laughed at that. "Really Obi-Wan? You feel that the Force is a She?"

"Don't laugh master. It's what I feel." His face pouted. This, in turn, made the older Jedi laugh even harder. "Go master. I believe that you have a hyperdrive to find and not laugh at your poor Padawan."

"I'm sorry. But it's been a long time that I have seen you act so childish." Wiping a tear of mirth, Qui-Gon left to go hunt down the so-needed-hyperdrive for the queen to reach Coruscant near Mos Espa.

While Qui-Gon, Jar Jar Binks, R2D2 and Padme were meeting Anakin, Obi-Wan quickly ate, dressed, looked at the hyperdrive to see the full extent of the damage, look for objects to barter for said hyperdrive since the Toydarian did not accept Republic Credits, while at the same time, trying to contact Xanatos through the Force. It was difficult since he didn't want his master to feel him or the former Jedi.

It seemed that the Force was on his side since he felt the warm brightness of Myriam shielding him. Still receiving no reply, he retreated to his cabin when he suddenly felt the icy cold darkness that reminded him immediately of Myr.

/My follower asked me to pass on a message. His comlink number is 99 - 4334 - 56798. Contact him as soon as possible./ The avatar of the Dark Side had appeared all of the sudden in a dark blue Force ghost in his cabin.

Obi-Wan bowed in front of the 'boy'. "Thank you for telling me. I will contact him as soon as I am able to."

He received a curt nod of the head. The male Ghostling left with icy coldness still lingering in the room. Using the Force to dispel the cold, Obi-Wan made the room return to a more normal temperature. Looking at the chronowatch on the wall, he saw that he had a bit of time before his master would call and tell him that he was delayed by the sandstorm. But first, he had to go see Captain Panaka outside so that they could close the doors of the ship before the sandstorm would hit them. Then he will receive the call, and finally, he would contact Xanatos.

He walked briskly towards the entrance of the ship. Walking down the ramp, he saw the Captain looking out in the desert for his charge and 'escort'. Grains of sand were whipping around the pair as the wind gained in intensity.

"It's no use." Obi-Wan shouted to Captain Panaka. "The storm will slow them down. They must have found shelter. We will have to close the door and let the storm pass."

"Let's hope so." The Panaka replied.

They walked slowly through the mass of sand that had become thicker during their short conversation. Once they reached the entrance of the ship, they watched the ramps go up slowly. As they heard the resounding "click" that was the sound of the latch.

Obi-Wan remembered that it sounded ominous with the howling wind in the background, but now, he knew that it was the will of the Force to help them in their journey. The sound of the lock signified that it was the end of the Jedi Order as he knew it while the wind outside symbolized the new future that the Galaxy would benefit from just like the calm desert after the raging storm.

It meant that the Clone War would have to happen once again, just as Myriam and Myr told the two Jedis. They specifically told them that certain events had to be kept, but not which ones. If one pondered on the question, then it would appear clearly that the Clone Wars would help the Jedi and the Sith to join forces against the Rogue Jedis that hated both orders and that wanted to control the Galaxy for their own gain.

He turned to the captain. "Don't worry. Qui-Gon would never let anyone in his care be in any danger."

"I may not know the man like you do, but I still reserve judgment on his methods."

Obi-Wan smiled slightly. "It's true that my master's methods are a bit unorthodox but he will always do what he must to help others. Will you warn me if there is any news?"

"Of course sir."

They parted ways as Obi-Wan went back to his cabin in order to contact Xanatos, while Captain Panaka went to see his Queen.

Entering the cabin he and his master shared, Obi-Wan glanced once more at the chrono clock. It was around the time his master would call him. Then he would be able to discuss with the Rogue Jedi.

The comlink beeped. "Obi-Wan." he answered promptly.

"I'm happy to tell you that we found shelter from the storm. We will be staying there until the storm passes. Is everything alright on the ship, my Padawan?" Qui-Gon's voice was heard from the tiny machine.

"Nothing to report at the moment since the last time I talked to you. Where are you master?"

"A local proposed us shelter. A young slave that worked in Watto's shop. I feel that the Force has brought us together for a reason."

"Understood. Please be careful master."

"Always,Obi-Wan.Qui-Gonout." The transmission beeped once to signify that the call was disrupted.

Preparing to tap in the comm code, a knock interrupted the Jedi Padawan. Mentally swearing, Obi-Wan called out. "It's open."

A handmaiden was at the door. "You asked us to report to you if there had been any news from Naboo, we just received a transmission. The queen expresses her wishes for you to be here while she plays it."

Obi-Wan smiled at her gently. "Of course. Let's go right away."

Re-seeing the message was like being plunged into an icy bucket of Hoth's ice. He had forgotten how high the price was for the planet Naboo. He hoped that Xanatos and he would be able to find a solution to quickly end the situation earlier than before. "It's a trick. Send no reply, send no transmission of any kind." He heard himself say, it was as if he was an autopilot while his mind was a hundred parsecs away, trying to think up possible solutions to end this blockade.

Leaving the room quickly, he strode to the control rooms to contact his master as fast as possible to fill him in on the new news.

Finally, he was able to go back to his cabin and contact Xanatos. It only took two rings before the older man answered.

Obi-Wan was shocked at how well he aged. "Well you seemed to have aged quite a bit."

"Raising a son would age anyone a lot. Add in the natural flow of time and you getthe present aspect. How do I look? " Came the reply.

"Quite charming as a matter of fact. You aged well. Which reminds me, when did you arrive and how was your life?" Obi-Wan settled down on his bed. The conversation would take some time so it was best that he was comfortable.

"A month before my son was born. I stayed true to the timeline so you won't know any difference in your past memories. The only exception was that I was raising my son Granta at the same time. I believe that he is only two years younger than you. He was born in the year 3, 598 ATC."

"True. I was born in the year 3, 596 ATC. So how did you escape that vat of acid?"

"I remembered the day I was suppose to die and had a personal shield on me. One that I had created especially to withstand acid. I waited a whole day to be sure that you left than climbed out of the vat. Returning to my home where my son waited, we disappeared to live on different planets in both the Outer and Inner Rim. My son left home three years ago and I have been living on Tatooine for the past two."

"Good. That means we can plan on what will happen. The first thing you showed know is that Anakin will be participating in the Boonta Eve Classic and will be in first place. Sebulba's pod will crash just mere seconds before the finishing line. I think that you can place a good bet on that."

"Like the boy's mother per chance?"

"If you want to. I was thinking of coming later on and buy her free. Much simpler."

"Many people know me on Tatooine so it won't look suspicious if I want to gamble with her as my prize. I could claim it's because I find her beautiful."

"Just be careful that Qui-Gon doesn't see you."

A barking laughter was heard. "I doubt he would recognize me. I have more respect for him now. Raising my son was hard, but to raise three padawans is an exploit. The fact that he loved us like a father even more so."

Obi-Wan smiled. "I would also need your help in freeing the Naboo planet. Last time, the Gungans fought but many were killed. Do you still have any contacts that could help us?"

"I'm still a businessman at heart. The company changed into a security one, with other branches. However it is my son who is the head. I'll put you two in contact on Coruscant so that you guys can smooth out the details."

"Thank you Xanatos. I really appreciate the help."

"Hey, after all I put you and my old master through, it's the least I can do. I will be also looking into the whereabouts of the other Siths. I think I found a couple of them, but it is difficult to meet any of them. They are in hiding and very well done at that."

"I think that you will be in contact with them in the near future since my arrival. If the Force wanted a reunification between the two Orders, than talks should be starting soon. Especially if we have Anakin in the Temple."

"What of Palpatine?"

"I hope that I can persuade the queen to now do a no-confidence vote against Chancellor Vallorum but I fear that she is too stubborn and fear for her people. The Clone Wars must also happen, so I fail to see how to stop him earlier."

"Let him be elected Chancellor. He would think that his plans are going well and will lower his guard. We could strike him afterwards. Unless an opening pops up, I fell to see when we can strike him down."

"I hope that it will work. Anyway, send me the information on how to contact you son, think on what you want to gamble on a hundred percent certain certainty. If I recalled well, the odds weren't in Anakin's favor at all. I just hope that everything will turn out ok."

"It will be. Trust in the Force and in us. You were a brilliant General during the Clone Wars, I am a shrewd businessman. Together, we create a deadly team. If you need anything, send me a transmission and I will see what I'll can do. May the Force be with you Obi-Wan."

"And with you too, Xanatos. Good luck on finding the other Siths."

"Thanks. I will be needing it. Xanatos out."

The comlink beeped the end of the transmission. Weirdly, it helped Obi-Wan to speak with Xanatos. He felt safer knowing that he had the older man to watch his back and help him.

Thinking of Xanatos made him think of Granta. He remembered meeting a few times the other man under less than preferable circumstances. Thinking carefully, Obi-Wan remembered that Granta wasn't Force-Sensitive but instead emitted a sort of Void around him. However, his memory wasn't very clear on how he looked liked and he certainly couldn't have faith in his memories on Granta's personality since he wasn't raised as an orphan boy who father was killed by the Jedi but as a young businessman raised by a brilliant and scary father.

Which remineded him, he needed to meditate on this past memories. If there existed certain differences in this present timeline — like Granta's mother's death — chances are, there will be slight differences

Knowing that he couldn't do much. Obi-Wan left the room to go to the cafeteria and eat dinner. It was a bit late and he had skipped lunch while only eating a very light breakfast. He smiled to himself on what Master Qui-Gon would say if he ever found out.

Once dinner was eaten quickly, he went to bed in order to gain strength for the next day. He felt that it would be the only full night sleep he would be getting during the next couple of weeks. Tomorrow, he vowed, he would find ways to befriend Anakin when the boy will come to the ship. He would not let judge the boy to quickly as he had done before. He hoped that by not being alone, Anakin would not feel the need to seek the friendship of someone who showed him a bit of kindness.

He should have thought before on how Anakin, despite the harsh life he had lived as a slave, did not know the subtle horrors that existed in the galaxy. This will not happen again.

Hoping to not have forgotten something, Obi-Wan felt his eyes flutter shut as he slowly started to sink in the oblivion of darkness that was known as sleep. As he started his descent, he felt the light flutter and the childish giggle of a young female child.

He let himself go as Myriam protected him from the nightmares that will plague him, but not for now.