Hey! Just want to say a quick thank you to Saki and Corni378 who submitted anon reviews to chap 2 :D thank you both so much! I'm so happy you're both enjoying the story :) Therefore- onwards to chapter 3!
Disclaimer: Standard- no ownership rights here.
Enjoy :D
Chapter 3- Solo Mission
(Sytenar- Citadel Gardens)
Both Jedi exchanged glances.
"What has happened?" Qui-Gon asked- tone urgent as he used the Force to dampen the throbbing pain in his wrist. He needed to concentrate.
"The head representative from Kambah has not arrived yet!" the amphibious delegate moaned. "He's stranded as his ship has broken down and there are no ships in the vicinity to bring him here! What are we to do? Half of the representatives won't start the proper talks if he does not arrive and the other half believes that his ship was sabotaged and are demanding a full investigation to find the culprit! If the treaty is not signed…it is a disaster!"
"Don't we have any ships here?" Qui-Gon queried. His wrist would have to be left for later, as would his and Obi-Wan's sparring. Through the bond he called for Obi-Wan to follow him as he moved closer to the delegate. He needn't have: the concerned boy was almost attached to his elbow and mentally clamoring to look at his Master's injury.
"We only have your ship here Master Jedi as all others dropped us off here and flew back," the delegate was ringing her pale blue webbed hands, Y'hol being a primarily water covered planet.
"Then we must fetch him," Qui-Gon said simply.
/Master your wrist! / Obi-Wan protested immediately. /We should get it seen to /
/I'm fine Obi-Wan/ Qui-Gon refrained from rolling his eyes, as the delegate completely missed any signs of their mental communication.
"But Master Jedi you are needed here to oversee the final ratifications of the peace treaty!" the representative flapped. "If you leave- who knows who what will happen to the peace talks!"
Qui-Gon said nothing for a moment. That was true.
"Master- let me," Obi-Wan spoke up suddenly.
The Y'hol representative looked at Obi-Wan as though he had grown another head. Qui-Gon too, blinked in surprise. "Obi-Wan?"
"I'll go Master," Obi-Wan said as though it were obvious.
Qui-Gon looked at his Padawan. Why did this suddenly feel like he had no choice but to agree to this bad idea? The facts had already been lain out, Obi-Wan was the most suitable candidate. Then why did the Master not want his Padawan to leave?
"Obi-Wan?"
"Master- you are needed here. I'm not. Representative Jorl made that clear earlier. So why don't I fly to Kambah and escort the head representative here? It would not take long," Obi-Wan reasoned, growing more attached to the idea.
The Y'hol representative suddenly looked wary. "Is he up for the job?" she asked.
"My Padawan is a very competent flyer," Qui-Gon defended his Padawan immediately, sensing Obi-Wan's gratefulness sent at him through the bond.
"The other delegates must be informed," Y'hol's representative said, her lips pursed as she studied Obi-Wan. "He is but a child after all? Can we trust him to do the job? We must raise the delegates and debate this."
Two hours later- after much discussion and argument, a vote was cast to decide whether Obi-Wan was to fly to Kambah to find the stranded representative. It had taken Qui-Gon much of those two hours to persuade the delegates that Obi-Wan was indeed up to the job and also the right person for the job. Nobody else could go. Qui-Gon himself could not go.
"Very well…the boy may go," Jorl announced at length. The vote had been collected and Obi-Wan had been chosen.
Qui-Gon was surprised the delegates had managed to agree on something. A part of him however, wished Obi-Wan did not have to go. Not that Obi-Wan wasn't ready – the older Jedi believed him to be more than capable. But…Qui-Gon thought- was he able to let Obi-Wan leave his protection- especially after the last mission?
He glanced at his Padawan who looked solemnly up at him. "I am ready Master," the boy said seriously.
"I know Obi-Wan, I know," the older Jedi nodded sombrely. "Come- let us prepare the ship."
Qui-Gon and a select group of delegates accompanied Obi-Wan back to the hanger. Qui-Gon discreetly observed Obi-Wan as they walked together, noticing how the serious expression on his Padawan's face. The boy knew how serious the situation was and Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan would act with the utmost professionalism and decorum.
Anyway- Kambah was only 5 hours flight on sublight engines, without using the hyperdrive. 5 hours there and 5 hours back. It would be a quick and simple mission for Obi-Wan.
Then why was Qui-Gon so tense? The Jedi Master was definitely on edge as he and Obi-Wan approached the ship. The hanger bay doors were already open and his ship had enough fuel from the first journey to reach the neutral planet and get back to Sytenar.
"You know what to do Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon said quietly as he and the boy paused at the ramp which led up into the ship.
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes Master. I'll be fine. It won't take long. And yes- no unnecessary risks," he said, noting Qui-Gon's clouded expression.
"May the Force be with you Padawan," Qui-Gon replied, laying a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. Obi-Wan was right- it would be a good test of his solo piloting skills and a small solo mission.
"And with you Master," Obi-Wan inclined his head towards Qui-Gon. "Give me ten or so hours and I will be back," he said.
"Message me when you need to," Qui-Gon added as Obi-Wan clanked up the ramp, disappearing from Qui-Gon's view.
/You don't need to worry Master. I won't fail you/ he heard Obi-Wan say in farewell as the engines started and the air in the hanger began to whip up, teasing the Jedi Master's long hair as he and the other delegates stood back.
/I'm not worried about that Padawan- come back safely/ Qui-Gon sent back as the craft gently lifted off, hovering along the hanger floor until it reached the doors and sped off into the clouds.
(Later- Qui-Gon's Quarters)
Qui-Gon was brought out of his meditations by a continual beeping noise. Easing himself off of the floor in a smooth controlled movement, he recognized the noise as the comm. unit in his room on the wall buzzing. Eagerly, the Master grabbed it, thumbing it on.
"Master?" a blurred image of Obi-Wan appeared on the screen.
"Yes Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon replied. He glanced at his chrono. It was close to four and a half hours since his Padawan had left Syntenar on his own to fetch a stranded delegate- without whom, the current peace talks would simply collapse- according to the other representatives. If this was going to be done, all representatives from all planets had to be in attendance.
"I have just landed on Kambah Master, I thought you might like to know," Obi-Wan announced, his voice crackling slightly. "I received information that the head representative is waiting for me and all being well, I should be back in another four to five hours," he reported.
"There were no problems on the way?" Qui-Gon checked, unable to keep the concern from his voice.
The image of Obi-Wan shook its head, allowing Qui-Gon to sit back, the knot in his chest easing. So far so good- Obi-Wan's solo mission was going well.
"Very well, I'll expect you back soon Padawan," Qui-Gon replied.
"It won't take long Master," Obi-Wan agreed. "How is your wrist?" he asked suddenly.
Qui-Gon smiled at Obi-Wan's thoughtfulness. "It does not hurt," he said truthfully. A light healing trance and the aching twinge had quickly dissipated. "Do not worry about me- focus on your mission," he reminded Obi-Wan with a raised eyebrow as Obi-Wan ducked his head with slight embarrassment.
"I will do Master," said Obi-Wan raising a hand in farewell before he disappeared, leaving his Master staring at a blank screen.
(Kambah- Obi-Wan)
Obi-Wan watched as his Master's figure disappeared from the ship's comm. and ran a hand through his hair. Everything so far was going well. The flight to Kambah had been uneventful and as he had entered the atmosphere he had received a hail from the representative's aides on where to land. Apparently, Qui-Gon had had the forethought to inform the delegate on what was to proceed.
Taking a deep breath, Obi-Wan pulled his cloak more tightly around him, trying to imagine what Qui-Gon would do if it were his mission. Of course, being another good few inches taller and broader would help, Obi-Wan thought wryly as he exited the ship, slipping his hands into his robes, striving to be every inch the perfect Jedi.
"Master Jedi?" a voice called.
Obi-Wan stopped- brain processing that the voice was actually calling to him. "Yes?" he asked.
A slight humanoid female approached him, wearing non-descript blue tunic and trousers. Her blonde hair was shoulder length. "Representative Tarin Nuri'Hu Elam is most grateful for your services," she said, bobbing a short bow, which Obi-Wan returned.
"You're late!" an angry, decidedly male voice rang out, making the blonde woman jump. A man, taller than Obi-Wan by three inches at least strode into the private hanger, ornate robes of royal colours flapping with his long strides. Behind him hurried another blue garbed assistant, carrying many bags.
"My apologies," Obi-Wan said, guessing that this was the delegate. "I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi representative sent to escort you to Sytenar." He bowed politely.
Representative Tarin Nuri'Hu Elam's lip curled. "A bit young for a Jedi Master aren't you?" he asked, coming up beside Obi-Wan, not returning the greeting bow. "And short."
Obi-Wan fought to keep his face from colouring as he remained serene and calm. "I am not a Jedi Master. I am a Padawan- my Master is on-" he began to explain.
"What?" the young man blustered, eyes narrowing, eyes sweeping up and down Obi-Wan's small stature. "They couldn't even send a Jedi Master for me? Do they know who I am? They send a mere boy to the job!" he exclaimed raising his arms in indignation.
Refusing to be goaded, Obi-Wan kept his voice level, "My Master is needed on Sytenar to oversee the peace treaty. I am to escort you there with all speed." He tried to make himself seem taller, standing with a ramrod straight back, hands clasped in front of him. He wondered how Qui-Gon would respond to such talk. He wondered even if this man would dare talk to his Master like that.
The man sniffed. "I shall have to make do. Though, I am not impressed. Forlath- take my baggage on board," he ordered the small assistant behind him who looked as though she was going to collapse under the weight of so many cases. Obi-Wan glanced at his ship, he wasn't sure how much storage space was available- he and Qui-Gon travelled light.
"Please make yourself comfortable," Obi-Wan said instead, stepping aside so the man could board the ship.
Tarin Nuri'Hu Elam stared at the ship. "We're travelling in that?" he said with distain, noting the ship for the first time as his attention left the apprentice to gaze upon the ship he was supposed to be travelling in to Sytenar.
"There were no other ships available," Obi-Wan said, sentence clipped. Already this man was wearing on his nerves, planet representative or no. Obi-Wan could not remember meeting a more obnoxious or bossy person in his short life. The delegate shot the Padawan a withering look before sweeping up the ramp. Obi-Wan could hear his loud voice echoing through the ship to the outside.
"I have never been in such a miserable little ship in all my life!" came the outraged voice of Delegate Elam from the bowels of the ship.
Supressing a sigh, Obi-Wan said goodbye to the two aides left behind and followed the most displeased representative up into the ship, heading for the cockpit, trying to drown out the banging noise from the cabin aft. He settled himself in the pilot's seat, laying the easy course adjustments into the ship's navigation computer.
"Why are the cabins so small?" the delegate suddenly stuck his head into the cockpit, making Obi-Wan jump as he was entering the last co-ordinate. Correcting the error, Obi-Wan then turned around to face the young man who was wearing an annoyed frown.
"My apologies Representative Elam. This is a small transport vessel not designed for comfort I'm afraid," Obi-Wan explained.
"My bags barely fit in one room," the young man retorted. "I must have both cabins if I am to rest sufficiently."
Obi-Wan nodded. "They are at your disposal," he offered. If the man stayed in his cabin for the journey then perhaps he would not annoy Obi-Wan for the duration of the flight. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how long his supposed Jedi serenity would hold for if exposed to the delegate's bad manners.
"Why are we not flying yet?"
Obi-Wan refrained from rolling his eyes. "Please be seated, then I can start." He indicated to the co-pilot chair beside him and watched as the man sank into it, clearly muttering something under his breath as Obi-Wan fired up the engines, feeling the ship respond easily through the controls. Carefully, he raised the ship, flying out of the hanger and leaving Kambah far behind.
"You're not flying correctly."
Obi-Wan did sigh.
Three hours into the flight and Obi-Wan was using every meditative and Force calming exercise he had ever been taught to remain in control of his sanity and temper. Everything caused offence to his insufferable passenger. The flight was taking too long, the beds in the cabins were not comfortable, the fresher was too small, the engines made too much noise…the list went on.
Obi-Wan had shut himself in the cockpit, unwilling to listen to any more complaints. At first, he had tried to be an attentive escort but had soon given up all hope of pleasing the young man who currently resided in the cabin.
The door hissed open and Obi-Wan tensed.
"When will we be arriving?"
"Within the hour," Obi-Wan said, hoping it would be so.
"That's too long. I need to stretch my legs. This ship is far too small to accommodate me. I shall lodge a complaint as soon as we land- mark my words," Tarin folded his arms across his chest, gazing stubbornly at the star streaks flitting past the windows as the ship flew towards Sytenar.
The hour could not have gone fast enough for Obi-Wan. Finally the autopilot beeped, announcing that the ship was about to drop out of hyperspace. The star streaks resolved into fixed points of light in space as Sytenar suddenly appeared in front of them, the green planet surrounded by whirling white clouds taking up most of the window.
"Delegate Elam- I am making preparations to descend towards Sytenar," Obi-Wan called.
"About ti-" Tarin's voice was abruptly cut off as the Force cried out a warning to the Padawan just before the ship suddenly lurched forward and a loud explosion shook the entire craft. The shockwave made Obi-Wan fly forward across the controls, knocking the wind out of him as his ribs protested at the rough treatment. Alarms were blaring fiercely, red lights flashing constantly as he struggled upright, trying to determine what was happening.
"What in Force-" Obi-Wan gasped as he pushed himself upright, blinking rapidly to restore his dazed senses.
Two ships, no three, of a class Obi-Wan did not recognize were flying in formation towards the transport ship. As Obi-Wan wrestled with the controls, he saw one open fire again, laser cannon directed at their ship. He had no time to act- just react. Willing all his concentration into the task, Obi-Wan nudged the ship into a sharp dive, avoiding the deadly beams as he swooped underneath. He could feel the craft beneath his fingertips tremble- it wasn't built for such manoeuvres.
"What is going on?" Tarin demanded as he half fell into the cockpit as Obi-Wan banked the ship abruptly to the left to avoid more fire as the other two closed in on his position. The claxons were still blaring, as Obi-Wan risked taking his eyes off the confrontation to check the ship's systems. Hyperdrive down. Sublight engines at 30%, shields at 50%. They would be sitting ducks if they took another hit like the first one.
"We're under attack," Obi-Wan said through gritted teeth as he coaxed the ship into a roll.
"What?" Tarin cried, flying back into the co-pilot's seat at the force of the aerial stunts Obi-Wan was pulling to avoid being hit.
Pushing the engines to their maximum, Obi-Wan shot towards Sytenar. He jammed his thumb onto the comm. frantically trying to connect to the planet below. Nothing but static greeted him. Obi-Wan cursed under his breath: just his luck that communications were down. Was the Force having a joke at his expense?
Another jarring explosion shook the craft, the last laser beam having clipped the tail end of the transport. Sweat started to bead on Obi-Wan's forehead as he set a course straight for Sytenar. Shields were at 25%. Another hit like that and he and Tarin would be fragments in space.
"Do something!" Tarin shouted above the wailing of the alarms and the screech of metal. The tell-tale whistling of escaping air found Obi-Wan's sensitive ears- they had a hull breach somewhere. Eyes flashing across the console, the ship's computer informed him it was port side, near the aft cabin. So much for the delegate's clothing, Obi-Wan thought wryly as he sealed both of them in the cockpit with the remaining air.
"Here- let me!" Tarin suddenly decided he would be better at flying the ship. Shoving Obi-Wan hard in the ribs, stunning the smaller Padawan, he wrestled with the controls. Lacking the finesse and aptitude of the Jedi apprentice to avoid their pursuers, another explosion boomed right above their heads, making the ship drop violently, rattling the two occupants fiercely.
"Stop!" Obi-Wan shouted as Tarin stumbled back as the detonation rocked the ship, the laser having scored right over their heads, sending hull plating lose into space. "The controls are dead now!" Obi-Wan yelled at the delegate as the craft spun round helplessly, unresponsive to Obi-Wan's commands. They were entering the top of Sytenar's atmosphere now, Obi-Wan could see the hull heating up and turning white hot as they tumbled uncontrollably towards the planet's surface. The shields wouldn't hold…
/Master! We've been attacked!/ Obi-Wan mentally shouted through the bond as the transport shook and rattled, metal straining and screeching- miraculously still in one piece for now as the expanse of jungle appeared below it. /Master I cannot control the ship- we are going to crash!/
Why wasn't Qui-Gon responding? This couldn't be the end. Obi-Wan pounded the console with his hand in frustration as Tarin sat as white as a sheet in his chair, clutching the arm rests, mouth slack as he watched the ground speeding towards them.
/Master please!/
Escape pod. The words lit up in Obi-Wan's brain in a sudden flash. They were just outside of the cockpit, big enough to take one passenger. "Delegate Elam get up now!" Obi-Wan ordered, shouting above the cacophony of noise. At his expression the delegate had really very little choice. Staggering over to the door, Obi-Wan typed in the override as the door slid open, the wind immediately trying to suck all the remaining air out of the ship, tugging relentlessly on Obi-Wan's clothing and braid. Grabbing the delegate by the arm, Obi-Wan shoved him towards the escape pod, pushing the young man inside, slamming the door shut and sealing Tarin inside. It was their only hope, and Tarin seemed to understand.
Obi-Wan punched in the command code and released the pod, watching briefly as it shot away towards the surface of the planet. Wasting no time, Obi-Wan struggled into his, yanking the door shut. The ship violently jerked again and as the Padawan reached to hit the jettison control he hit his head on the side of the metal pod and felt his hold on consciousness waver.
/Master…I'm sorry…/ was the last thing Obi-Wan thought. /…So sorry…/
Sorry...yeah...I'm gonna leave it there. Tune in next week!
Review? :D
AldabaranFox
