ooo
"We should go back inside, I doubt if Obi-Wan will come back while we're all waiting out here for him."
"You're right Xanatos, and I'm of the opinion that Obi-Wan needs to attend counselling sessions with me or one of the other soul healers in the temple. He isn't in any state to make decisions about his future. Let alone become a Master of an apprentice." Healer Ba'han explained as he glanced at Qui-Gon.
Xanatos followed everyone inside, but gazed back across the garden briefly. He felt a kinship with Obi-Wan and he wanted to make sure that his new found friend had every chance to live his own life, not one that Qui-Gon expected of him.
An hour later, there still wasn't any sign of Obi-Wan and Xanatos had a nagging feeling rise inside him and he looked out of the window, what he saw in the distance worried him. High in the stratosphere was a familiar haze forming. It was the onset of a terrifying and dangerous weather phenomenon that occurred on Telos every few years.
Telos was in the centre of a space corridor which was prone to Ion electrode storms, and the burnt orange glow settling across the upper levels told Xanatos that the ion storms would soon be enveloping the surrounding countryside. Clouds were beginning to form and Xanatos was beginning to worry about Obi-Wan. He doubted that Obi-Wan had ever seen one of these storms before and he may think it was safe to stay outside. However Xanatos knew that it was dangerous being out in the open, especially while lightning strikes were hitting the ground.
Xanatos's visitors must have sensed something was worrying him, because Yoda questioned him. "Something disturbing you it is, sense it I do?"
Xanatos knew he was projecting his worry through the Force, but he couldn't help thinking that something terrible was going to happen.
"There's an Ion electrode storm settling over the planet; I just hope Obi-Wan returns before it hits."
The older Jedi had heard of the storms, but they had never been on Telos to see the effects.
Anakin hadn't heard of an Ion storm and was inquisitive. "What's an Ion storm?"
"It's the kind of storm that produces an electrical charge and the ion particles build up and cause machinery and electrical components to lose power and lightning strikes hit the ground with great force. If Obi-Wan is wandering around in the forest when the lightening begins, there's a chance one of the strikes might hit him."
"Then lets go out and look for him, I don't want him to get hurt!" blurted Anakin before anyone could suggest the same thing.
"Anakin, it wouldn't be wise for us to leave the house until the storm passes." Xani realised he was frightening him.
"Don't worry Ani, Obi-Wan is a Jedi, I'm certain that he will sense the danger and realise the severity of the storm and take cover." Xanatos said ruffling his hair.
"Why don't you go and see Manny, and tell her that I said you can have some snacks and ask her if she would make some for the rest of us too please Ani."
"Umm, ok Xani I'll go, but don't let anything happen to Obi."
Once Anakin was out of earshot Qui-Gon spoke. "Xanatos, you have a bad feeling don't you?"
Xanatos didn't know what it was, but it had to do with Obi-Wan, something wasn't right. "I'm not sure and I shouldn't have mentioned anything in front of Anakin, but I feel like I'm missing something important."
"Like what?" Qui-Gon asked.
"I can't put my finger on it, but it's like I should know."
Ooo
Obi-Wan's first reaction was to get away from Qui-Gon and he took off into the forest. However, as he fled he realised it was foolish to think that his former master was going to attack him again. Nevertheless, Qui-Gon had to understand that he wasn't ready to be a master and he wasn't ready to return to Coruscant.
Obi-Wan couldn't get Anakin out of his mind and he knew that if Anakin was going to become a Jedi, his mother had to be set free, but he doubted very much that anyone was concerned with saving his mother. It was up to him to see that she was re-united with her son and then Anakin could concentrate on his training.
He headed back through the thick shrubs and entered the residence through the double glass doors to Xani's private office. He knew Xanatos had a safe and he used the Force to sense the tumbler sequence and opened it, by-passing the alarm system.
He knew what he was doing would see him banished from the Jedi order, however at this moment he really thought it would be better if he wasn't a Jedi and he hoped that Xanatos would understand and forgive him and allow him to work off his debt to him. His heart felt heavy knowing that he was stealing and it wouldn't matter to the Jedi why he did it, it was still stealing. He took enough credits to purchase a slave and a few more just in case he had to buy information. Then he quickly wrote a note apologising for taking the credits and the reason why.
He put the note on Xan's desk and then slipped out making his way to the speeder hanger. Obi-Wan left the estate and headed straight to the spaceport knowing that Xanatos had several personal ships stored in a private hanger there. Obi-Wan put his guilt feelings to the back of his mind as he strode up to one of the officials. He was going to use the Force to mind trick him and that alone was against the code. It should never be used for personal gain, but here he was using it to secure one of Xani's ships.
Waving his hand in front of the official he told the man that Xanatos had given him permission to use the craft anytime he wished. The official agreed and contacted the control tower giving Obi-Wan's flight plan to them and getting permission for Obi-Wan to depart the spaceport. He wasted no time and charged the engines, lifting off as soon as permission was granted.
He had a mission to complete and nothing was going to stop him from achieving his goal. He punched in the co-ordinates for Tatooine and prepared to jump to hyperspace and as the stars buzzed past at an accelerated rate he settled back and dropped into meditation and a healing trance to build up his strength for what could be a dangerous mission.
ooo
It wasn't long after Obi-Wan had lifted off that the spaceport was put on alert due to the approaching storm. The commander was in the process of cancelling all flights and diverting space craft until the storm had run its course. However Obi-Wan was past the Nebula and the effects of the ion particles that would cause his craft any difficulties, and heading for his destination Tatooine.
Xanatos, Qui-Gon and the others were still waiting for Obi-Wan when the Commander contacted Xanatos. He was confirming the impending closure of the spaceport and that no more ships would be allowed to leave until the storm had passed Telos.
However, the next question made Xanatos groan in frustration. The Commander enquired if his friend Obi-Wan Kenobi knew that he couldn't return to Telos until the storm passed.
"What?" Xanatos said abruptly.
The Commander realised by the sound of Xanatos voice that something wasn't right. "Obi-Wan Kenobi came here this afternoon sir, and said you had given him permission to use one of your ships."
Xanatos wanted to know where he was going. "Where was he headed?"
"His flight plan was set for Tatooine, sir."
"Thank you Commander and thank you for the information." Xanatos said ending the call.
"Was that about Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked.
Xanatos nodded. "Obi-Wan has left the planet!" he exclaimed.
"Left- where has he gone?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Has he gone back to Coruscant?" Mace inquired.
"No, he's gone to Tatooine! of all the places to go to when he is in such an unstable condition. Tatooine is the worst." Xanatos growled.
Anakin shot up from his seat. "He's gone to get my Mother!"
The Jedi glanced at the boy, and realisation struck them. Master Yoda was the first to speak. "In grave danger he will be on Tatooine, a Jedi alone, on such a desolate place he should not be."
"Why would he go there, he knows we can't free slaves on Tatooine. What does he hope to achieve alone, and without any credits. Watto will not give Shmi to him." Qui-Gon said worriedly.
"Oh no!" Xanatos said rushing out of the room and into his private office, he didn't need to open his safe he knew what he would find or not find and on the desk was a note confirming his fear. Obi-Wan had credits and was going to buy Anakin's mother.
The note read:
Xanatos Please forgive me, I couldn't stay here and do nothing. I know what I need to do now. I know I have committed a most grievous sin, in stealing from you, and I am truly sorry. But there was no other way.
Please believe me, I will return with Anakin's Mother, and I will work for you for the rest of my days. I am ashamed to resort to deceit to do what I believe is right. I know my apology is not enough to cover the amount of money I stole, or the ship, however if I am fortunate in my quest, I will pay back every credit, even if it takes the rest of my life. Please tell them that I am sorry, and that I am not worthy of their worry. Tell my Master that I know he didn't mean to hurt me and will speak to him when I return.
Please forgive me.
Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Blast! Obi-Wan you stubborn fool, what's happened to your commonsense?" Xanatos cried out in frustration.
"Obi-Wan has credits and a ship." Xanatos exclaimed as he told the waiting group and handed Qui-Gon the note.
"He took the credits from your safe?"
"Yes, we were discussing Anakin and his mother the other night and Obi-Wan wanted to go and get her. I told him that it was a bad idea, but I guess he didn't listen."
"We should go after him." Chas-Anna said with a touch of anxiety in her voice.
"We will, but not until the ion storm dissipates. The negative ion's will blast the ship out of the sky before we can get to space." Xanatos explained.
"How long before we can follow him?" Ba'han inquired.
"The commander said it could be a day or so, he has closed the spaceport and there is no way we can risk leaving until its safe."
Qui-Gon shook his head. "The Hutt's are all over Tatooine and a lone Jedi would be easy pickings for Jabba's bounty hunters, we should be prepared to leave as soon as he gives us the ok."
Master Chas-Anna looked very worried and Anakin noticed. He sat down next to her and put his hand over hers. "Don't worry! Obi-Wan will be alright, he's brave and he'll save my mother, and he'll bring her back to me."
Master Chas-Anna patted the boys hand and then she stood up and walked out to the other room. She had to calm her emotions. The boy's only thoughts were to save his mother; admittedly Anakin probably didn't understand that the Hutt's hated the Jedi with a vengeance and he wouldn't realise how dangerous it was for a Jedi to be alone on such a hostile back water planet.
She knew that Obi-Wan was risking his life to save the woman and it was a stupid decision for Obi-Wan to make. Once again her anger flared at Qui-Gon. She knew she shouldn't blame Qui-Gon for Anakin's attachment to his mother however Qui-Gon should have thought of that when he took the boy away from her. Now all Anakin could see was that his hero was going to rescue his mother.
Master Yoda followed her and tapped her with his stick. "Understand the danger the boy does not, concerned about the welfare of his mother is paramount in his mind."
Chas-Anna nodded. "That's why I doubt his suitability to be a Jedi; I think he is too attached to her and he doesn't want to let go."
Yoda nodded thoughtfully and raised his stick pointing it at her. "Let go can you?"
Chas-Anna knew immediately what Yoda was referring to. (Obi-Wan was in her thoughts often and he had been since he first came to the crèche. She didn't understand why she felt such an attachment to him.
From the very first time she saw him wrapped in a beautiful blue shawl that no doubt his mother had made for him. Chas-Anna still had it, she'd placed it in a box and put it on the top shelf in her apartment. To this day she didn't know why she kept it and she'd had every intention of giving it to him, but she'd actually forgotten about it until now.
Obi-Wan looked so sad when he arrived and it was reflected in his pale blue eyes which seemed to be bordering on grey. The day after he arrived she was told that his parents had been killed, just after he was taken. Apparently lightning struck the house killing them, and then it burned to the ground.
Obi-Wan was an orphan and she could see it in his eyes, he knew, and it seemed like he was searching for something, as though something had happened to him and he was trying to remember. His eyes would follow her as she performed her duties in the crèche, and he would quietly watch her, yet if she went out of sight he would wail. Nevertheless he soon grew accustomed to his new surroundings and settled down.)
Chas-Anna smiled at Yoda coming out of her thoughts. "I see your point Master."
ooo
Obi-Wan knew he must be careful while he was on Tatooine, so he landed the small ship on the outskirts of Mos Espa and before walking to the settlement to find Watto; he hunted through the cupboards and found some clothes, which Xanatos had left on board.
The shirt was made of fine black silk, and the coat appeared to be of Bantha leather, he smiled that Xanatos would leave such an expensive coat in his ship. The black pants were a loose fit around the waist so he used his own belt to keep them up and he tucked a small dagger into his boots, and he put his sabre at the back of his belt. He certainly didn't want to advertise that he was a Jedi, and then he strapped a Blaster to his hip. It wasn't a long walk to the settlement and it gave him time to think about his plan to convince Watto to sell Shmi to him.
Entering Watto's shop he watched the blue/green winged Toydarian junk dealer eye him warily and check out his attire, Obi-Wan carried himself like he was rich and the fancy clothes helped him to portray him as a wealthy client.
"Can I help you?" he asked as he flew up to Obi-Wan.
"Probably not, I was looking to purchase an item, and I heard you had one or two of them; I was willing to pay handsomely for one of them. However the word at the cantina is that you sold them to an off worlder."
Obi-Wan spoke without really telling Watto anything. Obi-Wan sensed Watto was inquisitive, and would want to know more. "Never mind, I'll go to the slave market instead, can you point me in the right direction?"
"Wait, do not be hasty, Friend!" Watto said as he flew in front of Obi-Wan stopping him from leaving the store. "Let me be the judge of whether I can help you or not!"
Obi-Wan watched the frantic fluttering of Watto's wings. "Very well but I'm in a hurry, I have other business to conclude before I leave here….I'm looking to purchase a female slave, one able to care for a child. I am willing to pay, even if she has a child already." He remarked as he patted his side.
"Mmm! I have a female that would suit you, unfortunately, I lost her boy slave betting on the pod races and it has set me back quite considerably. I need to buy another slave to replace him as his mother cannot fix any of the parts I sell. I didn't really want to sell her because she's a good cook, but if I don't get a mechanic to do repairs soon I won't need a cook. I can sell my woman to you, and she can have another child if that is what you want?"
"She's not barren then?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"No! No, Shmi is fertile, but I have no need of a pregnant woman, I will sell her for a good price!" Watto bargained.
Obi-Wan felt relief fill him when Watto said her name. "Good, take me to her, so I can examine her, and if she is suitable then you have a deal, and I will make it worth your while." he remarked.
"Yes, yes come this way good sir."
Obi-Wan followed Watto into Shmi's home and Watto told her he was going to sell her.
Obi-Wan could sense her shock when she spoke. "Please Watto, I don't want to leave, what if my boy comes looking for me?" she begged.
"Bad deal I made with the Off Worlder, I should have kept Anakin and gave you to him. Now I need the money, and this man will pay what I ask, so behave and let him examine you."
Obi-Wan stepped forward, pretending to examine her, when Watto spoke. "I will give you a few minutes alone with her, 'Friend,' enough time to make sure she is what you want."
"Excellent, I will call you when I've finished." Obi-Wan stated and he watched Watto fly outside and close the door.
"Please Sir," she whispered "You are a young man wouldn't you prefer a younger slave?"
Obi-Wan went to the window and could see Watto down the street talking to someone; he turned back to a confused Shmi. "My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi, I am a Jedi. I am a friend of Anakin's"…
"Ani.. is he alright?" she interrupted.
"Yes he's fine, I've come here to rescue you and take you to him."
"I don't understand, the other Jedi said it couldn't be done, that he couldn't take me too."
"He couldn't do it then, however I can do it now." Obi-Wan stated.
Why are you doing this, isn't it dangerous?" she asked.
"Anakin saved my life, I owe him and he is miserable without you." Obi-Wan explained.
"Master Jinn said it was impossible for me to go to the Jedi Temple to be with Anakin, how is it that you say I can?"
"Master Jinn was correct saying that you cannot stay at the Temple, however if you are free and away from Tatooine Anakin will be happy."
Shmi smiled at this young man, who had expressive blue eyes that were full of compassion. "Oh, I don't know what to say, I would be forever grateful."
"Fine just don't say anything, let me do the talking."
When Watto came in the dwelling, Obi-Wan shook his head. "I'm not sure Watto, she's not bad but your price is a bit too high." Obi-Wan shook his head and started to walk to the door.
"Wait", Watto yelled. "You can have her for two thousand less." he snarled.
Obi-Wan turned back to Shmi and rubbed his chin. "Very well it's a deal."
"Good come back to the shop and I will give you a bill of sale and her transmitter deactivator."
"I will be there directly, I want to give her some orders first."
Once Watto left Obi-Wan spoke quickly. "Pack only what you need and be ready when I get back, this is a dangerous place to remain on for any length of time. My ship is on the outskirts of the settlement and I would like to leave before any bounty hunter's get a notion that I'm a Jedi."
"I will be ready, please be careful." Shmi said placing her hand over his.
.
Obi-Wan paced back and forth in Watto's shop waiting for him to find the deactivation transmitter. It was taking too long and he sensed a disturbance through the force. He stepped into the shadows when a man opened the door and entered the store. Obi-Wan recognised him as a bounty hunter who had crossed his and Qui-Gon's path a few years before and he hoped the being whose name was Rum Sleg didn't recognise him, but to be sure he would keep his back to him. Watto came out at that moment putting the transmitter and paperwork on the counter and snapped at Sleg. "What do you want Sleg, I got no bounties for you today?"
Rum Sleg hissed at Watto, "I need a rotor plug, slime ball."
"Well go and get one yerself they're in the box out back, pick one and bring it back to me. I should be finished with my customer by then."
"Here friend here's your receipt?" he waved it at Obi-Wan who stepped to the counter, trying to keep his face hidden from Sleg.
Sleg went to the back door, but his memory gnawed at him, that customer looked familiar. He could see the side of the young man face and he had seen this guy before, but where? He scratched his head and stepped outside into the yard. He usually had a good memory and he walked around to a hole in the wall and put his eye to it.
Obi-Wan felt the warning and when Watto fumbled with the transmitter Obi-Wan took it.
"Here give it to me, I know how it works and I don't have time to waste!" he snapped. He picked up the papers and hurried out the door, the force was screaming at him to get out of there. He walked briskly back to Shmi's dwelling trying not to attract attention, but the force was swirling erratically around him.
Sleg smiled as Obi-Wan disappeared out the door. (Now I know where I have seen that brat before, he belongs to that scum Jedi Jinn)Sleg rushed in and grabbed Watto from behind the counter. "Who was that and what did you sell him?"
Watto flapped his wings trying to get away. "Let me go, he was just a customer, bought a slave off me!"
"Did he say what his name was?" Sleg demanded.
'No, I didn't ask, he had the credits, that's all I needed to know!"
"Which slave did he buy?" Sleg squeezed Watto's throat.
"H-he bought Shmi off me." Watto croaked out.
Rum Sleg slammed Watto into the wall, the little Toydorian slid down dazed, but thought better of moving until Sleg left his shop.
Sleg ran out into the street, his skeletal appearance made him look menacing, and he had body armour on that covered all the vital parts of his body, he smiled it was an evil grin plastered across his face. (This is my lucky day) and he pulled out is comlink and punched in a number. The voice on the other end sounded threatening and irritated.
"What do you want Sleg?" the voice snarled.
"I have found an item, which should be of immense interest to you and worth a great deal of credits to me my lord." Sleg brazenly answered.
"Pray tell me! What could be that interesting that you would risk my wrath by disturbing me?" the voice warned menacingly.
"My Lord, I am on Tatooine and I have found a lone Jedi Padawan, he is in disguise, and he is here trying to free a slave."
"A Jedi Padawan…are you sure he is a Jedi?"
"Yes my lord, his master is Jedi Jinn!"
"Well done Sleg, now that is worth the disturbance. Do you have the necessary tools to capture him?"
"Yes My Lord Maul."
Tbc.