Author's note: This one is a bit on the short side, but the next chapter will probably be longer. So, I think it evens out. : ) Thanks so much to all the reviewers from the last chapter! Hopefully you all enjoy this next little bit.
In other news, I believe there are about three or four more chapters left in this story. I am planning a third installment in this series of stories most likely involving some sort of Temple intrigue/shenanigans with Obi-Wan, Amber and their friends - minus our good buddy Qui-Gon. I am developing ideas as far as what aspects of life at the Jedi Temple to explore and all that good stuff. So, if there is anything one of you fine fanfic readers would like to see or think would be interesting drop a few lines in the review box or send me a message.
I am also thinking I will do a companion piece of sorts to the third story that will be set at about the same time period, but really not necessarily part of the "Harbor" series story line. Mostly, it is because I want to write a story with Qui-Gon and Tahl! So, if all goes as planned, I will be writing two seperate stories at the same time and it will be up to you, dear readers, to check out one or both or none.
And with that short update, on with the story! : ) Please leave a review if you get a chance!
The two Knights rushed towards the creche. Late afternoon sunshine poured in through the large windows that lined the corridor, bathing the floor in a warm, golden glow. Qui-Gon swallowed the panic he could feel bubbling up inside. He had no idea what was wrong, but from the sound of Obi-Wan's voice, it was decidedly not good. Rounding a corner, they started down the hall. The Jedi never made it to the entrance. Qui-Gon was tackled by Obi-Wan, who flew out of the creche like an out of control projectile.
"I knew you were close," the boy exclaimed, breathlessly. Qui-Gon staggered slightly, catching the boy. After regaining his balance, he knelt down to be eye level with the initiate. Obi-Wan continued undeterred, "Master Qui-Gon, I can't feel Amber anymore!" For the second time in one day, Obi-Wan appeared horribly pale. The youngling was close to hysterics.
"What are you talking about little one?"
"There's nothing there to feel. I've felt her the whole time she's been gone, but now it's just dark. Amber's always been there, Master Qui-Gon. I can't-" the boy trailed off. Obi-Wan was taking very short breaths and Qui-Gon was starting to fear the initiate would pass out.
"Obi-Wan, you need to breathe." The boy attempted to take a few deep breaths and was somewhat successful.
Qui-Gon placed his hands on the boy's shoulders, "Everything is going to be all right. We know where Amber is and I am leaving right now to get her. Obi-Wan, please look at me," the child did as he was asked, "Everything will be fine. I need you to stay here and be calm. I cannot be worried about you while I am searching."
"Yes Master Qui-Gon," Obi-Wan said steadily. The initiate had managed to find some semblance of control.
Qui-Gon cupped the boy's face in his hands, "I will bring her back, little one. I promise." Obi-Wan nodded. The big Jedi offered him a small smile, "Now, you need to get back to the creche. I will find you as soon as I get back." Without warning, Obi-Wan hugged Qui-Gon tightly then turned, walking toward the creche.
"He thinks a lot of you," Tahl said, quietly.
"The feeling is mutual," he stood, watching the boy as he disappeared, "We need to go."
What Obi-Wan had said disturbed Qui-Gon. It could mean one of two things. Amber might be unconscious, because if she was simply asleep, the boy would still sense her presence. The other possibility was one the Jedi Knight refused to entertain even for a moment. He knew in his heart that if something had happened, he would know despite their restricted bond.
"You still with me?" Tahl's voice sounded in his ear. They had stopped briefly at the Temple Tech Center, picking up an earpiece for Qui-Gon and a few other gadgets that would help amplify the com-signal underground.
"Yes," he whispered. He could only see patches of sunlight as the last rays poured between glittering buildings. Qui-Gon was making his way through the darkened garden. He stayed off the path, moving quietly as he used the trees and bushes for cover. More than likely, the surface was being watched just as closely as the irrigation system.
"Good, because you are close to the first entrance." Tahl was in a skycar, discretely parked a few blocks away. She had put a tracker on his belt to help her see where he was in relation to the map they had found in the Archives. It seemed to be working because Qui-Gon could see the cluster of yellow trees up ahead.
He stopped just before the first line of trees. One of three entry points was right in front of him, "Any idea where the control panel is?"
"Hold on," Tahl said. He could hear the faint sound of tapping as she looked through the blueprint, "Apparently the center tree is a fake. The panel is right in the center. There should be a knot you can press to access it."
Qui-Gon reached out to the Force. He sensed only the living plants and trees around him. There was no immediate threat, but he could feel the darkness that lurked below his feet. Blending in with the ever lengthening shadows, he crossed the small stretch of empty grass. He saw the bump before he reached the imposter Indyup tree, pressing it as he came to a stop. Just as Tahl had said, part of the fake bark slid to the side, revealing a control panel that would have been found near any normal door.
"What is the access code?" he asked. Tahl fed him the numbers. There was a pause. Then, the space behind the tree opened, revealing a dark, square hole in the ground.
"There is a bit of a drop, but it is not too deep," Tahl advised.
"Right."
"Qui-Gon, please be careful."
"Always." He heard Tahl snort in disbelief through the earpiece. With that, he jumped in.