So sorry this update took so long. I got myself a job and a boyfriend have been quite busy with both sense. I've also moved, had to take my SAT/ACTs as well as apply for all my colleges. I'll try and be better. With the Sith, the way I'm having it, is a bunch of satellite teams. As in more then one Master/Apprentice team out there.
On a more personal note; I really am honored that you all look forward to my updates so much, and I do apologize for taking so long, but I would really appreciate it if in the future you would not review my other stories with the mere intention of getting me to updated UA. Thank you very much.
- Rhiw
Beta: The wonderful Dimyavie
Unexpected Awakening
Chapter 9
Partial Revelations
The council room was dead silent as the stressed woman finished her report. Clat'Ha ran a hand through her hair as twelve eyes followed her every move. The woman was exhausted, deep circles under her eyes and a painful looking gash across her forehead. Clat'Ha had always been a blunt woman, and the current situation only made her more so. Unable to take the intense silence any longer she spoke up.
"I'll expect your team within twenty-four hours. That's the least you can do for your own. Master Jinn and Obi-Wan saved our ship." She crossed her arms behind her back.
"The team has already been deployed." Master Windu informed her, his eyes tracing every movement she made. "We thank you for your dedication to Master Jinn and Initiate Kenobi." A kind smile took his face. "Perhaps you should seek rest."
Even over the holocom the softness of his words took effect. Clat'Ha visibly deflated and nodded.
"Rest is what we all need. Until we speak next, Master Jedi." With a flicker the image disappeared. Silence reigned in the chamber.
"No coincidence it is that Master Jinn is with the boy." Yoda said softly, tracing a pattern on the floor with his gimmer stick.
"I certainly hope the Force is as confident." Windu said as he leaned back in his seat, the worry for his friend only just concealed beneath his features.
The ride to Xanatos' ship was a silent one. Obi-Wan found himself staring at the dark master, his hands bound together with magnetic cuffs. At his side Qui-Gon sat, equally silent. Xanatos seemed to be content staring right back at Obi-Wan. He found it impossibly hard to look away from the ice blue eyes of the Sith. There was still so much unknown about Xanatos. And the fact that Obi-Wan had had an intimate hand in his death made him all the more curious about the ex-Jedi's role in everything.
Xanatos' ship was extensive, a beautiful vessel. And surprisingly, from what Obi-Wan could see from the port side, unmarked by the Offworld logo. He would have thought that Xanatos would have broadcasted that such a fine ship was in his possession. It made Obi-Wan even more curious about what was waiting inside it. Xanatos led the way down the ramp, his security detail forming a protective circle around him, even in his own ship. He stopped at the foot of the ramp and glanced back at the Jedi. At that moment Obi-Wan could understand why people fell so easily under the charm or Xanatos. His blue eyes sparkled with humor and the smile that took his lips made his pale features seem alive. He extended his arms out as if to say 'it's good to be home.'
They often say that the evilest things come in the prettiest packages.
"Come now my esteemed former Master! I have someone I would very much like you meet." With a swirl of his cloak Xanatos marched off and the sharp blaster points at the Jedi's backs assured they would follow.
They crossed the large hanger bay and found a youth, dressed completely in black, with a slender orange cigarette extending from his mouth. He bowed low with a flourish and Obi-Wan was astonished to find a lightsaber hanging from his belt.
"Apprentice." Xanatos admonished sharply. With a flick of his wrist, the cigarette was sent flying. "How many times have I told you not to smoke those?" Even without seeing his face Obi-Wan could sense that the reprimand was not truly meant.
"My apologizes, Master." He leaned to the side, peaking behind Xanatos to stare at the Jedi. "Have you brought us new pets?"
"Remember your manners, my young Apprentice." Xanatos stepped out of the way. "This is Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi." The boy looked from one to the other before bowing.
Obi-Wan watched the boy with great interest. Like his Master, he was polite and refined, cheerful and welcoming. Possessing not only the same clever wit and charm of his Master but also the same dashing looks. And undoubtedly the same character flaws.
"My name is Boden du Crion. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Obi-Wan felt his breath catch. A son? Surely not, he was too old. A brother then. To his left, the stiffening of Qui-Gon's posture showed he was as shocked as Obi-Wan. Xanatos smirked as he reached out and ruffled the boy's hair.
"You were unaware then, Master? My father kept him a secret. He knew that you would come and take him otherwise." Xanatos' voice was thick with venom. Then, as quickly as it had come it was gone. "Come, let us progress to the main parlor, I'm sure you're famished from your ordeal."
Xanatos talked cheerily as he led the way through hallway after hallway. Obi-Wan tried to keep count of each turn but found it increasingly hard to concentrate. In an act that was meant solely to mess with his head, Boden was walking extremely close behind him. Xanatos laughed at one of his own jokes and Obi-Wan could feel the air from Boden's chuckles as he laughed as well.
The 'parlor' was giant viewing room. Outfitted with large, comfortable couches and chairs at one end, there was a more formal area at the other end and a large, blood red bar separated the two spaces. On the only wall that wasn't a window a viewing screen took up the entire space. Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes in thought; obviously, this was an entertaining room. One built for large groups. Obi-Wan glanced over at Xanatos only to find the Sith already staring at him. Upon catching his glance a slow, pleased smile crawled across his lips.
"I see you've noticed the eccentrics of this room, young Kenobi. You see, you could call this ship a…get away for those who can afford it."
"You run a pleasure ship?" That would explain a lot. Pleasure ships were a supply of never-ending money for those that could afford them; afford the cost of keeping them stocked, the private advertising they required and the endless amount of bribes paid off to various military, mercenary and governments to keep their presence invisible. Somehow, this course of action from Xanatos didn't surprise him.
"You could call it that." Xanatos waved a gloved hand in dismissal. "Never matter. Come, sit, drink. Boden." The apprentice took his place behind the bar and leaned over it his fingers running over the top in a sensual manner. He pressed down and two menus popped from the counter. Neither Jedi moved. Xanatos laughed.
"Such distrust, Master. They must truly dislike you." Boden said as he sipped on a newly acquired drink.
"Ah that may be my Apprentice, that may be. Well," Xanatos gestured and the menu's retracted into the bar. "So be it." Grabbing the end of Obi-Wan's cuffs he pulled Obi-Wan towards a nearby door.
I think not.
The idea of being alone in a room with Xanatos didn't seem like the best one to him. While he doubted that Xanatos would kill him without Qui-Gon physically present, he truly put little past the dark Master. Obi-Wan anchored his feet, locking his back and legs. Xanatos turned to look at him in surprise before laughing. Behind him Obi-Wan could feel Qui-Gon tense eyes boring through him and into Xanatos.
"Tell your little one to behave or I shall be forced to discipline him."
"It's alright, Obi-Wan, do as he says." Qui-Gon's voice was cold and hard, and Obi-Wan had no doubt that he was currently very angry. Nodding Obi-Wan allowed himself to be guided into the next room. He couldn't help but feel a sense of finality when the door slid shut behind him.
"Alone at last." Xanatos sighed as he leaned against his desk. Obi-Wan stayed where he was.
This is a test. He's testing me. Let him then. I have been tested by greater than him.
Ah, there's that arrogance of mine.
"I have a question, Obi-Wan." He lifted a small glass globe with an object in the middle and studied it. "And I find it very relevant to everything that is going to happen. In fact, I find the answer to this question so relevant, that I feel that I cannot proceed with any of my plans without knowing it."
I have a bad feeling about this.
Xanatos placed the globe down before looking back up at Obi-Wan. Every instinct went into overdrive at the sight of his eyes. In less than a second Xanatos had crossed the room, one hand pushing Obi-Wan against the door while the other gripped his chin. The Jedi fought to swallow as Xanatos' thumb dug into the soft hollow under the joint of his jaw bone. The entire length of Xanatos' body was pressed against Obi-Wan's in an act of sexual intimidation that was working rather well. The Jedi struggled against the older man, snarling up at him, but it had no effect. His mind was screaming directions to his body, but somewhere along the way, they weren't translating correctly.
"What is that makes those wheels turn so frequently in your pretty head?" The pressure of his thumb increased and Obi-Wan couldn't help but grunt. "Mind if I take a look?"
Ravished by illness, guilt, pain and the inhibitors his mental shields lasted barely a minute. And then Xanatos was inside his mind, a great pressure prodding and pulling, stretching and digging to reach his very insides.
How could he have forgotten? Qui-Gon had always said Xanatos was a master at the mental arts.
Obi-Wan struggled away from him, trying to escape Xanatos' cold grasp within his mind. But no matter where he turned Xanatos was there, demanding access to everything that was him.
No! If he sees-
"If I see what, little Kenobi? You're stoking my interests now."
The Temple. His mother. His father. His brother. His baby room. The grasslands of Naboo. The triple suns setting on Kilaton. The oceans of Hira Kuloo Mai. Obi-Wan tried to throw these images overtop the ones that Xanatos was pulling up. Regrettably he was to slow to cover one key, painful image. The heat was all consuming, all around them. It seeped into his very bones and making them ache with it. Against him, he felt Xanatos' body stiffen as the memory overwhelmed the Sith as well.
"It's over, Anakin. I have the high ground."
"Yes." The pressure in his mind increased a hundred fold. "Show me what I want to know. Who is this boy? This Anakin? Where is he? Is this he I see?" The fingers continued to pull, trying to unravel Obi-Wan's memories and view them in more than a fragmented sense.
"No..." Obi-Wan groaned.
"Not even the younglings survived." The boy looked so innocent, as if he was in a deep sleep. The illusion only broken by the vertical slash alongside his body.
"Killed not by clones, this Padawan. By a lightsaber, he was."
"Who? Who could have done this?"
Force…it can't be-
"No!" Obi-Wan screamed as he tore his face away from Xanatos.
The Jedi reached deep inside himself, deep to his center core and found his grip on the Force. He gathered as much of it as he could in his state and threw it at the Sith. Xanatos flew backwards, catching himself on the desk across the room, his eyes wide and his mouth forming a tight, thin line. In a fierce, almost jerking motioned, Obi-Wan pushed his memories as far into himself as he could, and forming what he could of protective boundaries around them.
"Those are mine beast!" He snarled. The sound of his own voice brought Obi-Wan back from where ever it was he had temporarily gone and exhaustion over took him.
He had managed somehow to use a great deal of the Force under a large amount of inhibitors. Obi-Wan had never heard of it being done in such a way before; the Jedi did not know if his mind had the ability to handle the stress it caused. Obi-Wan fell to his knees, his hands clasping his head in a protective manner as a migraine the likes he'd never had before erupted behind his eyes, spreading quickly to his jaw and ears. Fear filled Obi-Wan as he felt his mind virtually collapsing around him. The world grew darker as unconsciousness swept easily through his mind.
Desperate for comfort of any kind, Obi-Wan reached out to the only source he had left.
Every muscle in Qui-Gon's body tensed even further and he found it increasingly hard to breathe. Every inch of his body was acutely aware that at this moment something horrible was happening to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon stood strained, a few feet away from the door where Xanatos and Obi-Wan had left. Running horizontally with his chest was the sharp red blade of Boden's lightsaber. It had taken only a fraction of a second to stop him after Qui-Gon had sprinted towards the door.
The Jedi Master reached out as far as he could towards the feeling, finding it incredibly hard to do with the Force inhibitors in his system. The feeling of dread was filling him to such an extent that Qui-Gon found himself unable to swallow. Boden made a clicking noise with his tongue as he shook his head.
"You should know better, Master Jedi. It's impolite to spy on other people's conversations. Or did they not teach that at your illustrious Temple?" He taunted, his blue eyes a lit with cruel humor. The anger that took Qui-Gon surprised him with its force. The fact that Obi-Wan was suffering for the sole reason of a mistake he made frustrated the man to an extent he had rarely ever felt.
The door slid open and Xanatos stumbled out, a dazed look on his face. Lying behind him was a crumpled Obi-Wan.
"Master?" Lowering his saber Boden rushed to his brother's side, supporting him. "What happened to you?" Qui-Gon rushed past the two and to Obi-Wan's side.
"Obi-Wan!"
Obi-Wan!
Obi-Wan stirred and a single eye opened to stare up at him. The haunted look in them took his breath away.
"Tired." The boy muttered.
"Rest." But Obi-Wan was already gone. Qui-Gon turned to stare at Xanatos. "What did you do to him?"
"Seal them in their quarters." Xanatos ordered angrily. "Get off of me!" He shouted, pushing Boden off and standing on his own. The office filled with guards, each with a blaster pointed directly at Qui-Gon.
"Xanatos! You will answer me!" It was the same tone he had used on Telos and Qui-Gon knew it. Xanatos froze before looking over his shoulder, a sneer on his face.
"Me? I did nothing more than take a look."
A wave of revulsion swept over Qui-Gon. He remembered how good his former apprentice had been at information gathering. "You raped his mind."
Xanatos' chuckle filled the room as good humor took his face once more. "Beware my good Master. That sounds a lot like hatred in your voice. Perhaps soon you'll find that that pedestal you put yourself on isn't quite as high as you thought."
Then he was gone. And after a curious look, so was Boden.
The room Xanatos had issued them was large enough to almost be considered a suite. The fresher was alone the size of the kitchen back in Qui-Gon's apartment. There was one bed, fitted with a golden comforter and blood red sheets. Xanatos' two favorite colors. Against the brilliant colors, Obi-Wan seemed deathly pale.
The boy had slept for almost eight hours. With each hour, he seemed to be improving and Qui-Gon dearly hoped that it was just a case of exhaustion that Obi-Wan was experiencing. He desperately wanted Obi-Wan to awaken. To tell him what not only what exactly had happened in that room, but also to reassure himself that no permanent damage had been done.
As for himself, Qui-Gon had not been able to sleep. Despite the fact that his body craved it, he was too preoccupied. He had searched the room twice, memorizing its exits and window. And now he was back on the bed, brooding as he watched over his charge. The Jedi couldn't get the past few days off his mind. He reviewed them repeatedly. Something seemed off, out of skew about them. The feeling that he was the last one to know something very important was striking him again, just as it had after the Sith meeting.
Obi-Wan knew something – perhaps something Xanatos knew or at least suspected. Yet, at the same time, it was more likely that Xanatos knew nothing at all and that was why he was so fascinated with Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon sighed and crossed his arms into his cloak sleeves, staring down at the sleeping boy. What was it about this boy? What was it that everyone but him saw?
What secret could Obi-Wan Kenobi possibly have in that mind of his?
Masters Yoda and Windu stood towards the center of the empty council room, both staring intently at the vid screen in front of them.
"Understand then, your task, Master Terlius?" Iian Terlius bowed in the vid screen, his braided hair falling with him.
"I will not fail."
"Know this, the council does." With a nod from Terlius the vid screen shut down. The two Masters stood in silence for a moment. Yoda glanced over at the worried youth by his side. His gimmer stick struck out quickly and efficiently, bringing Mace to his knees. "Fine hunter Master Terlius is. And connection with Kenobi his Padawan has." Yoda laid a claw on Mace's shoulder. "Find them they will."
"I certainly hope you're right."
In the red Secon II the Jedi Master Terlius clicked off the communicator and nodded. He would find Qui-Gon. This was his forte. He had never failed. The Master brought his missing back, dead or alive.
"Come on in, Padawan, I know you were listening." The cockpit door slid open and a similarly cloaked figure entered.
"Forgive me, Master. I did not mean to offend." Terlius waved him off. "Control tower, this is Secon II, requesting permission to take off."
"Secon II this is Control tower, permission granted. Have a safe flight Master Terlius and may the force be with you."
Nodding Terlius lifted the shuttle off the landing pad and began the accent upwards.
"Better buckle up, Padawan. This is going to be a bumpy flight."
Obeying without a word, Garen Muln slid into the copilot seat and strapped himself in.
Again, so sorry it took so long.
Apology Sneak Peak: Before long we will see Count Dooku.
