A Most Dangerous Game

by Acrin

Obi-Wan killed Darth Vader during the Battle of Mustafar. Set after the events of the novel Kenobi, Obi-Wan's mental shield is crumbling around him as he comes to terms with Anakin's death. A message from an old friend sends him on a mission he does not fully understand. Meanwhile, Emperor Palpatine tasks rising Captain Pellaeon with tracking down the last remaining Jedi.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Captain Pellaeon felt uneasy, very uneasy. He normally was at home on a vessel, especially on the bridge, but now, everything felt cold. He noticed he wasn't the only one feeling this way either, the officers and ensigns were efficient workers, but the Chimaera's bridge usually had a sense of life to it; he was sure that he even saw smiles every once and awhile. But, now everyone seemed very distant and still, like they weren't in complete control of themselves. The emptiness felt as if it would consume Pellaeon as he approached the admiral's quarters.

Two red clad guards stood at entrance. Their unmoving demeanor made Pellaeon feel on edge. It was if they hadn't seen him approach, but he knew they were watching his every move. The royal guards were the most revered warriors, save the Jedi, in the Republic. Now, with the Jedi all but destroyed, the guards were the premier swordsmen of the age. Pellaeon wondered if any of them had taken part in the purge of the Jedi.

Suddenly, they moved away from the entrance in tandem, the door sliding open. Inside stood two figures, silhouetted by the orange-red star the star destroyer was passing.

"I'll just, uh, let myself in." Pellaeon said awkwardly, to no one in particular. The guards did not respond.

The cold emptiness increased tenfold as he entered the room. The two figures still stood looking out the viewport. If they knew he was there, they made no indication of it.

"Come closer." An icy voice said.

Of course they knew he was there.

"Yes, your majesty." Pellaeon said in barely more than a whisper.

The two men had turned to face him now. On the left stood the towering figure of Governor Tarkin, the ambitious admiral who had turned politician with the death of the Republic. On the right, shorter but all the more menacing, was a man cloaked in black robes. Under the hood, Pellaeon could see a scarred, tired face. But, what he couldn't take his eyes off of were the eyes. The piercing, yellow eyes of the Emperor himself.

"I am pleased to have finally met you, Captain. Governor Tarkin has given you great praise. I do hope he has not overestimated your abilities." The emperor said.

"I am honored by the Governor's compliment and assure you he has judged me and my crew correctly."

"Good, good. Now, there are many things with which we must discuss. Tell me, what do you know of the Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi?"