Another Time
Chapter 10
Location: Dagobah
"This swamp is terrible. It's so humid and damp," whined Obi-Wan.
"Not to mention infested with bugs. I wish I brought some repellant," added Jinn.
In response, Kiya groaned and covered her ears. "Force! Will you two just shut up. I swear it's like hearing Father complain in stereo. Just take it like a man. We are in a swamp so of course its humid, damp and bug infested."
At Kiya's words the two men paused and shared a look. Then, innocently Obi-Wan said to Jinn, "Do I really complain too much?" And in answer Jinn broke out into a laugh.
"You complain no more than I do, Obi-Wan."
The Knight then sighed. "Oh, dear."
Obi-Wan was beginning to wonder whatever he was thinking when decided to join Jinn and Kiya on their mission, but he had told Master Yoda and his plans and he didn't see a problem with it. In fact, the little Master said that Dagobah was quiet pleasant this time of year, though now Obi-Wan knew better to never listen to Yoda about swamp marshes ever again. It was obvious he wasn't thinking of it in a human perspective.
"Where is this clan anyway? And why would they even come here?"
Jinn said, "If you open your senses to the Force a bit wider than you'll be able to detect them, Obi-Wan. Though, as to why the clan would be here than my guess is that they are interested in the natural resources. It maybe swampy, but Dagobah is quite rich in raw materials. It's like a biological gold mine. And Lord Blackswan is a naturalist. He's likely to be interested in the wildlife."
Obi-Wan thought about what Jinn said and figured that it made prefect sense. Dagobah was teeming with life even though most of it seemed unpleasant. He supposed if he were a scientist it would hold great interest to him, but since he was a Jedi he didn't really care. Though, Obi-Wan decided to try what Jinn suggested and open his connection to the Force more so he could feel the clan. Slowly, he centered his mind and allowed himself to flow with the Force. It only took a moment before he suddenly felt the presence of several strong vibrations. He was amazed at just how powerful these auras were. It was like the surrounding wildlife was feeding into their strength.
"Astounding…"
"Obi-Wan," called Jinn. "Get down. We're here."
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Location: Blackswan Society spaceship
The three Jedi peek out through the brush and saw an enormous spaceship build like a great castle standing in the middle of the swamp. It was an impressive vessel and they saw several warriors and scientist were roaming about and picking up samples. They saw them collect an assortment of specimens and placed them into containers and then they were collogued and measured before shipped away back into the battleship.
Obi-Wan whispered, "What are they doing?"
"Conducting tests, I guess," replied Jinn.
"Yes, but what are you three doing?" asked a voice behind them.
The three Jedi then turned about and saw two women-warriors dressed in plain black robes with their swords draw. They looked very similar to each other and they both had eerie red eyes. And in response, Jinn rose first and stepped forward and gave them a bow.
Charmingly, he smiled. "Greetings fair ladies. I am Lord Jinn. I wish to speak with your Master, Lord Blackswan. I seek his audience."
The first woman frowned and gave her companion a look before answering. "We will do as you ask, Lord Jinn, but we must request that you remove your weapons."
Jinn said, "Of course, Milady. As you can see only Lady Kiya and myself are armed with a blade. You may confiscate them."
The warrior then turned to his sister and took her sword from her belt and he then removed his own. He thanked the Force that these women weren't used to dealing with lightsabers or they'd truly be unarmed. He gave them the swords and then they were escorted through the woods towards the spaceship.
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Obi-Wan grew nervous as they entered the vessel fortress. The auras he had felt were strongest within the Grand Hall and black polished floors. The lighting he noticed reflected like torchlight and gave the hall a medieval feeling. He saw that the chamber they were brought to was decorated with fancy couches and rugs with low serving tables.
One of the woman-warriors gestured for the three to take a seat and they did. She then bowed and placed their swords on a tall table next to a large chair. "My Lord will come greet you soon. Please, make yourselves at home while you wait."
Then, after a moment they were alone. Obi-Wan turned to Jinn and said, "Such formality."
"That's because Lord Blackswan is like a king."
"But, the presence I'm feeling—they are very strong."
Kiya then looked at Obi-Wan and smiled. "Composure, Obi-Wan."
"It's not funny, Kiya. This feeling is like being presented before the Masters."
Then, suddenly a group of people entered the room, five women and one man. The women were all dressed in fancy robes and were all very beautiful. They also each had a metal sword at their waist and ruby eyes. The man that enter sat on the large chair and he was dressed a plain white robe and he was unarmed. The man gave each of the three Jedi a strange look and picked up one of the swords on the tall table and examined the blade.
"Hmmm…my, my this is very exquisite workmanship. It is very similar to my own. Now, for introductions—I am Lord Blackswan and these are my warriors, Lady White, Lady Nina, Lady Thrice, Lady Ebony and Lady Ember. You are among the Blackswan Society. Please, tell me your names."
Jinn stood up and the others followed his example. He then bowed and said, "I am Jedi Master Jinn Kenobi. And this is my sister, Lady Kiya Kenobi and our kinsmen Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. We've come to ask you for your help Lord Blackswan in returning us home. My sister and I are not from this time and place. We come from a different dimension. A scientist named Dr. Dove accidentally transported us here. We would like his counterpart help us return home. Will you help us?"
After a pause, Lord Blackswan said, "Well, that isn't something you hear everyday. I thought you three where a trio of strays from the rebellion. This is far more interesting. But, as to your question, yes I will help you, but under one condition."
"Name it, my Lord."
"I wish to have a sample of all three of your DNA. Once I have that in my possession then you may have Dr. Dove at your disposal."
In response, Obi-Wan was totally confused. "Why would you want our DNA?"
"I'm a biologist, Sir Knight. I am interested in the composition of other beings."
"Hell fire!" shouted Kiya. "Jinn, he wants to clone us. It's blasphemy! I won't have clones spawned from my blood."
Then, in a cool tone Lord Blackswan said, "Then, you won't get any help from me."
Kiya was appalled. "By the seven rings of hell! I can't believe this!"
Jinn then took hold of his sister's hand and said, "Please, Kiya. We must refuse. It cannot be helped. Come, let us take our leave."
"Wait!" called the Lord. "Please, don't go so soon. It has been years since we've had guest. Why don't you and your kinsmen stay a while and converse?"
Obi-Wan then said, "Well, its no wonder you haven't got any guest when the first thing you ask for is blood."
The Lord then roared with laughter and said, "Too true, Sir Knight. It would appear I have poor hospitality. But, I won't force you to give me your company or your blood. Though, I could easily take both."
Suddenly, Lady Thrice stepped away from her post and said, "My Lord, forget these games. Merely say the word and these three souls shall be yours. We aren't with the Society anymore. We don't owe these children anything."
Blackswan then raised his hand to stop Lady Thrice from speaking. "Yes, you're right, my daughter. We aren't with the Society. We should try and be more kind. These three are not our enemies. But, I still want their blood, so we will have a match. The terms will be Dr. Dove's help and our assistant or your blood and no help at all. Are we in agreement?"
Jinn said, "Yes, but do you plan to fight us all?"
Blackswan replied, "No. I think one challenger from each team will be enough. Unless, you want your own individual match each? That can be arranged."
"No, one match will be fine."
"Good," said the Lord. "I will give you all one day of rest and then we will hold the match noon tomorrow." Afterwards, Lord Blackswan turned to his warriors and said, "Now, which one of my beauties wants to duel our challenger?"
Lady Thrice quickly stepped forward. "I will meet this challenge, my Lord."
Both Kiya and Jinn were surprised. They didn't think they'd have to fight their own mother. Though, Blackswan seemed pleased and said, "As you wish, my lady."
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Location: Blackswan Society, guestrooms
"Curses! Jinn, we can't fight Lady Thrice," said Kiya.
The warrior then sighed and tried to ignore his sister. He leaned back in the soft low couch and whirled his wine in his cup. He just knew Kiya would say that, and he couldn't help feeling the same way.
"It cannot be helped, my dear."
Obi-Wan narrowed his brow and asked, "Why not?"
Jinn turned towards the Knight slowly and smiled at him mischievously and said, "Because, my dear Obi-Wan, Lady Thrice is our mother."
"Your mother! You mean to tell me that the woman who's after our blood is your mother?"
Jinn laughed. "Yes, lovely isn't she?"
Though, unexpectedly Kiya to her brother's side and said, "Jinn! Please, be serious. We can't fight her. If it were anyone else, yes but not her—not our dear mother. We would be no match for her. She is in full form, a member of the elite 10 and a general fresh from war. She defeats women like Countess Grace like they are flies. She will be after our blood and I will be holding back because she resembles our mother in another life. She will defeat me, Jinn! And she will defeat you as well. In fact, she'd probably do you in even quicker than me. I know you are closer to mother than I am."
"Then, I will fight her," said Obi-Wan.
"No," said Jinn. "You aren't experienced in her fighting style. You would be at a disadvantage."
Obi-Wan rose from his seat and towered over Jinn and said, "Yes, but Kiya is right. You might not believe it Jinn, but you are a big softy. This lady may not be your true mother, but I know you. You would not be at your best, so whether I am at a disadvantage or not I am the most qualified to meet the challenge."
Kiya said, "I don't like this, but I agree with Obi-Wan."
In response, Jinn growled and rose from his seat. "Fine! But, I want you to know what to expect. Come, Kiya. You and I will give Obi-Wan some pointers. Now, all we need is a training room."
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With a little direction from a servant, Obi-Wan, Jinn and Kiya found a training room within the battleship. The space was very roomy and was equipped with several training weapons made of both wood and metal. All three of the Jedi shed their outer robes and made their way onto a mat.
"All right," said Jinn. "First, Kiya will dueling in Blackswan style and I will engage her in Jedi style, so in this demonstration I will be you and she will be Lady Thrice. I want you to see how I defend myself so you will know what to expect."
The warrior then turned to Kiya. "Darling, I want you to attack me like mother would. No Jedi techniques. We will pretend to be like our parents in a sparing match."
Kiya then wrinkled her nose and made a face. "Oh, but that's like foreplay."
"Kiya," said Jinn in a warning tone. "I want no arguments."
The lady-warrior then gave her brother a bow, "As you wish, Master."
"Good," said the warrior.
He then rushed towards Kiya with his lightsaber and attacked her in a completely Jedi way. Kiya then blocked the attack with her metal sword and then quickly drew Jinn close and grabbed him by the throat. However, before she could reach him, Jinn fell down onto his knee and attempted to cut Kiya in half at the waist. Yet, in counter Kiya then dropped down as well and ran her blade across Jinn's with a hiss and drew his head back with her free hand by his hair and bared his throat to her edge. Jinn then linked his arm through his sister's leg and tripped her forward. The two then pulled a part and took a moment to catch their breaths.
Meanwhile, Obi-Wan looked on in awe. There was so much physical movement between the two fighters. It was more like watching a brawl than a sword fight.
Jinn then approached the Knight and said, "Obi-Wan, I want you to remember to avoid the lady's touch. Force-ki users can channel atomic particles. She will be able to burn you alive with her touch. She will try and kill you from the start by burning your throat and causing you to bleed out from the main artery. Avoid this and remember you are still physically more powerful than she is. If you break her sword arm than you will have essentially beaten her, but she will not yield."
Obi-Wan looked worried. "This match is beginning to sound like it's to the death. I thought it was just a competition."
Jinn just shook his head. "No, no—the clan has a very different definition of a death match. They are cloners, so losing an arm or a leg may hurt like hell, but it can be easily repaired. Just don't hold back."
The Knight was dismayed. "All right, Jinn. I trust your judgment. Do you want me to spare with Kiya?"
"No. I want you to take some time and mediate. You are an excellent swordsmen, Obi-Wan. There is very little you can do to prepare and there is nothing I can teach you in a day. Just get yourself spiritually prepared and the rest will be up to fate."
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Location: Blackswan Society, Solarium
Alone, Obi-Wan wondered around inside the castle-like battleship and discovered that they had a beautiful garden housed within an interior dome. The light inside looked so natural and he saw several fountains bubbling along a pathway. There was a variety of plant life growing everywhere that the air smelled clean and fresh. It reminded him of the Jedi Temple in the fountain room. It looked like the perfect place to mediate and get his mind off things.
He then sat down on the soft ground and saw an artificial holo of the sunset play across the glass ceiling. It was very majestic and serene that he hardly noticed a woman-warrior had come by and stood next to him.
"It's all fake," said the lady.
Obi-Wan then turned to the woman and said, "It's still very beautiful."
"It means nothing if it holds no truth. It's the world out there, among the swamps and the old trees that life is truly real—truly beautiful. In here it's all fabricated. We are made for a function and we serve. Service becomes our lives."
The Knight narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe that, Milady. We are more than our mere actions. And there is true beauty here even if it is artificially made."
The lady then laughed and said, "And what are we if not our actions, sir? A warrior is made to fight, no more and no less."
Obi-Wan then stood up and gazed at the woman-warrior in the now artificial twilight. He didn't know her, but he couldn't stand the bitterness in her voice. The defeat in her tone. "No, Milady. It is the feeling behind our actions that make us more. You and this place aren't just beautiful because you were made this way. You and everything that I see here is made beautiful because it was made out of a man's dream. You aren't just some empty doll made out of flesh and bone. You and your people are as real was the swamps and trees that surround you. In fact, you are so much more. I've heard of your people's plight. I know you've lived long and suffered much, but there is still such a nobility about you. And when I see your clan's beauty I can see all the dedication and love shine through all your actions."
The lady then abruptly turned and moved a step away. "You are not what I expected, sir."
Obi-Wan was curious at what she meant and asked, "What did you expect, Milady?"
"I—I don't know, but you seem to see in me things I have made up in my mind to deny."
"But, why deny the truth?"
Then, quietly the lady turned and said, "Because, I'm tired of fighting. All this war and re-birth has grown ugly and empty. And when I hear your hope—your admiration—it awakens in me a fire I thought I'd never find again. Tell me, truly, does a stranger like yourself see such truth, beauty and meaning in our lives?"
Obi-Wan then paused and gazed at the shadowed image of the lady in the half-light. He couldn't see her in detail, but her ruby-eyes shone like stars in the darkness. He then said, "I have always been a Jedi, Milady. I'm a warrior and it is the only life I have ever known, but you and your people fight with more passion and love than my own. I can see many parallels between us and I can't think any less of you because you were made and not born or that you fight for an impossible dream rather than an ideology."
In response, the lady sighed and said, "Thank you, sir Jedi."
Humbly, Obi-Wan said, "It was nothing, Milady. It is only my opinion."
Though, swiftly the lady raised her head and peered at Obi-Wan with her reflective red eyes. "No, your words meant something to me. I'm glad we met, sir Jedi."
The lady then placed her hand over Obi-Wan's heart and leaned forward to give him a kiss in the darkness.
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TBC
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I noticed in the reviews that Jedi Angel001 and Bekah that you both kind of wanted Jinn to stay in the parallel world and train Anakin. I agree that Jinn would make a great teacher to Ani, but Jinn did do his best to get Ani all the things he needed by getting him his mom and curving Qui-Gon's thinking. And yes, Jinn isn't perfect. Though, in this chapter Obi-Wan gets kissed again, but this time he's got no idea who she is. He should really keep his lips to himself until he can get his facts straight.
Please keep reading and reviewing. Thank you.