Chapter Nine: Disintegration

The sky was beginning to brighten when Danu turned to a few of the other Arunai and they started conferring in their native tongue; several minutes later two of them slipped away and she seemed satisfied as she looked back at Stonewall. Though he had been feeling drowsy, Crest sat up to listen to the exchange. "I have contacts in most areas of the city, more so now as people are arriving for the festival. We should be able to come up with the proof that you require."

The clone captain nodded. "Thank you. We'll speak to the Jedi. How can we contact you again?"

"I can meet you back here at sunset, two days from now. That should give us enough time to gather something useful."

"Sounds good." Stonewall glanced up at the sky. "We should be getting back, at any rate." Beside him, Milo had fallen asleep where he sat, his head tucked into his chest. Crest nudged the younger clone, who sat up and blinked rapidly.

"We're moving out," the bald clone said as he got to his feet, the others doing the same. "Thank you," Crest said to Kesin. "For the food and all. I hope we can return the favor."

The older man smiled. "Thank you for your company, Crest."

Soon the clones were making their way back through the city streets, squinting in the rising light. They were quiet for a few minutes before Crest looked at the captain. "So..." Stonewall took a deep breath and let it out slowly, but said nothing. He tried again. "Captain...you know that I don't like to pry, but-"

"Since when?" Traxis asked. Crest shot him a look and the scarred clone simply shook his head.

"It's true that what happens to one of us affects the rest," Weave said after a moment. "And...well, to be frank, Captain, you seem..." he frowned and gave Crest a pleading look.

By his nature, Crest was able to get others to talk, to open up. It was one of his few talents that went beyond placing a strip of det tape with perfect alignment. "What happened?"

They had almost reached the palace steps by the time Stonewall answered; when he spoke, his voice was quiet. "I want to apologize to you all," he said as he paused a the foot of the stairs. "I made an error in judgment that could have cost us...well, a lot. She doesn't feel as I do," he said at last. "She doesn't..." Another deep breath and he met Crest's eyes; the bald clone felt a thrill of sorrow and anger rush through him at the look on the invincible captain's face.

I guess we all made a mistake. For a minute there I'd gotten my hopes up. There was silence for several moments before Crest squeezed his brother's shoulder. "Come on," he said, nodding to the stairs. "I think we all could use a few hours' shut-eye."

Obi-Wan and Kalinda met the young queen outside of the Parliament building, which was located on the hill to the right of the palace. Surrounded by a regiment of guards, Sita looked calm, though Obi-Wan could tell that she was trying to mask her nervousness. When her eyes fell on the Jedi she smiled and gave an incline of her head which Obi-Wan returned with a bow; Kali stood beside him and did not move until he cast her a look, at which point she blinked and bowed as well. Sita nodded to her guards and the group began to walk towards the rounded building that reminded Obi-Wan of the Republic Senate, though it was not nearly as massive.

As they entered the wide doors, Sita cast a concerned glance at Kalinda. "You don't seem yourself, Kali. Did you not sleep well?"

"I'm fine, Sita," Kali replied after a beat. "Just a bit restless." She said no more as they stepped into a wide, circular room with a crescent-shaped seating section that took up about three quarters of the sides. At the remaining quarter was a large, high-backed chair on which Sita was to sit, along with places to either side of her for the higher-ranking members of the more prominent castes.

Nodding to a cordoned-off set of chairs at the back of the room, Sita indicated that they should take a seat. "I thought that you might like to remain in a position where you could observe for the time being," she said to Obi-Wan. "That was how you preferred it last time, yes?"

"Thank you," he replied. "It should do nicely."

"We're a bit early, but the others should be here, soon," she added. "Badal used to like to do so: arrive before anyone else. He claimed that it kept everyone on their toes." She sighed. "He was quite skilled in these matters."

Obi-Wan smiled at her. "I have every confidence that you can stand in his place, Majesty." He looked at Kali who simply nodded, her eyes fixed on the floor. Clearing his throat, he bid goodbye to the queen and led Kalinda towards their seats, watching as the members of the Arunai government began to file into the room. As he studied them, he reached out through the Force and was struck with the undercurrent of apprehension and fear, nothing that there was also a malicious edge. There is something very wrong here. Sita was right to call us, he thought, glancing at Kali to see if she had reached the same conclusion. Her gaze was still distant, though at his look she straightened in her seat and began scanning the room as he had done.

As he was about to speak to her, the audience seemed to hush as a lone figure entered the room: a slender woman, dressed in the alabaster robes of the high priestess. Neerja was younger than he'd expected, though she was still older than himself; she had the bearing of one who had once been quite beautiful, though her mouth was drawn in a thin line and her pale eyes turned cold when she found the Jedi in the crowd. Obi-Wan watched as she stood for a moment, regarding the other members of Parliament before making her way to the chair by the queen. Neerja poised in her seat like an almost regal figure, her palms in her lap and her gaze serene. By contrast, Sita seemed to grow visibly tense as her hands fidgeted with her bangles and toyed with the edges of her gown.

"She must show more confidence if she is to be taken seriously as their leader," he murmured, his hand in his beard. Kali nodded, though she still made no reply. After another minute or two, at some signal that Obi-Wan didn't catch, the session began.

It was not so different from other similar meetings that he had attended, save for the fact that the person who was supposed to be leading it remained nearly silent the entire time. The first hour or so was taken up by petitioners who all had similar complaints: one man, a trader, claimed that the roads were growing impassable due to rock-slides in the north; another woman said that her farmlands ravaged by wildfires that refused to be put out; still another man argued that many in his village were ill due to a tainted well. After each complaint, Sita tried to give the speakers a kind word and an assurance that the matters were being looked into, but there was no certainty in her voice.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan watched as Neerja's expression darkened until she leaned to one of her associates and whispered something while the young queen was speaking, blatantly disregarding the other woman's authority as the other members of Parliament noted the exchange.

Finally the line of petitioners ended and Neerja stood up, the room quieting under her gaze. "Ladies and gentlemen," she said in a ringing voice. "Every day it grows clearer that the gods are showing their disfavor for the one who sits upon the regent's throne. How much more suffering must happen before the problem is rectified?" She looked at Sita, who seemed to shrink under the priestess's eyes. "This woman may have married our beloved King, but she is not fit to rule in his stead. This we have seen with the continued problems befalling our world." Neerja's eyes turned to the room and she spread her hands, palms facing the ceiling. "I beseech the Parliament again to correct this mistake and vote that our world align with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, who can provide the aid that we need."

The audience murmured, mostly words of assent as Neerja continued. "Sita claims that she has asked the Republic for help, yet I see no evidence of such a thing, save only two of their Jedi and a handful of half-men who are not fit to stand among regular society."

At this, Obi-Wan noticed Kali's gaze sharpen as she looked up. He felt her body tense beside him just before she stood. "Would you give the Republic a chance to speak on its behalf, Neerja?" he heard her say. "Or would you prefer to continue spreading your vitriol?"

"Kali," he hissed, looking up at her. "That is not-"

Ignoring him, the dark-haired Jedi took a deep breath and continued. "As I'm sure you're aware, the Republic is engaged in a war on many fronts," she said. "It is true that we have been unable to send aid as of yet, but myself and my colleague are here now to help in any way we can." At this, Obi-Wan got to his feet and stood beside her, attempting to radiate calm assurance. "It seems to me that the best solution to this problem lies in action rather than words," Kali went on. "Perhaps the Parliament can authorize an investigation of the claims that are being made, to ascertain if-"

Neerja glowered at the Jedi. "Are you suggesting that the petitioners are lying? That hardly seems like the Jedi way."

Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "We are simply here to get to the bottom of the problem as quickly as possible. As of this time, nothing can be ruled out. Every claim must be looked into before a conclusion can be reached. Surely we can all agree on that?" A rippling murmur moved through the audience as all eyes turned from the Jedi to the young queen, then back to the priestess, whose composure had returned.

"In that case, your Majesty," Neerja said in an unctuous voice. "I am more than open to such a reasonable request from the Jedi, though I would also like to make a request of you." The room quieted and Obi-Wan felt a thrill of apprehension; beside him, Kali shot him a glance and he could see that she was also on edge.

Sita nodded. "What is it that you want, Neerja?"

The priestess bowed her head. "If the Jedi wish to examine the plagues that have fallen upon our world, I will not stand in their way; however, it would be wise for you, Majesty, to attempt to reconcile with the gods and perhaps ease some of their agitation towards you." She looked up, her expression serene. "I was praying in the early hours of the dawn today, when I received a vision," she mused. "A vision of an old temple, to the north. There was a young woman, dressed in the finery of royalty, standing beneath the statue of Chamunda, one of the oldest goddesses. I believe that you must journey to this temple, Majesty, and attempt to make peace with the goddess."

Obi-Wan and Kali exchanged glances; though he could not reach her through the Force any longer, he could see the trepidation in her eyes at the suggestion. However, before either of them could speak, Sita nodded. "Very well, Neerja. I will do as you suggest, to prove my faith in our gods." She looked at Kali and Obi-Wan. "One of the Jedi will accompany me; the other will remain here."

"This is a mistake," Kali muttered as the audience erupted into a burble of speech. "Neerja means to do nothing besides cause trouble in Sita's absence." She looked at Obi-Wan and shook her head in exasperation. "She could stop all of this if she just stood up for herself."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Agreed, but that is something that no one can do for her." He paused and ran a hand through his beard. "I suppose I can remain here and try to keep an eye on Neerja while you accompany Sita to this temple, though I don't like the sound of such a journey."

Kalinda took a deep breath. "Well, we need to talk to Sita, of course. And we should see what the guys figured out before we commit to anything." Again, her eyes grew distant and Obi-Wan could see that she was distressed about something, though she seemed determined to conceal it from him.

The session was over, members of Parliament began to file out around them and while they waited for the crowd to disperse he put a hand on her arm. "I know that you're unhappy with me right now," he said. "But I know you, Kali. I know that something is wrong..."

She rubbed at her forehead and shook her head. "Not now, Obi-Wan. Please." At his look she sighed. "Later, okay? Just...later." He nodded and they stepped down from their seats as the crowd gave way.

Kali could feel that her patience for the young queen was starting to slip. She needs to take control of this situation, she thought as she watched the members of Parliament leaving the chamber. She has the power, she has the position, but she lacks the confidence. It was not an ideal circumstance – the Jedi splitting up – which she said as much to Obi-Wan, though ultimately she knew that they had little choice if they could not convince Sita otherwise.

As she and Obi-Wan moved to address the queen she wondered what the guys had discovered, though she found that thinking of Stone – even in a peripheral way – was more painful than she'd anticipated so she turned her thoughts away from her captain.

She was still unable to access the Force as she should have been, the realization of which was a continuous, pulsing fear within her chest, for all that she tried to ignore it. I'll have to tell Obi-Wan. After all, he is on the Council and should be made aware of the fact, especially if it will affect the mission.

Sita stood in the center of her guards, her face drawn and her hands wringing as she watched the Jedi approach. Once they had joined her, the group exited the room and made their way back to the palace proper. No one spoke until they were back in Sita's informal study, when the queen took a seat and put her head in her hands. "You see what I mean? Neerja is determined to see me absent from the throne."

Kali felt her jaw tighten as she looked at the guards. "May we have a moment alone with the queen?"

They looked at each other with uncertainty, but Sita waved them away. "Kali?"

"You need to stand up for yourself, Sita," Kali said, facing the younger woman. "You are the ruler of this world and you need to act like it." The queen's face fell and Kali immediately regretted her sharp tone. "I know that Badal left you with an immense responsibility," she added, softening her voice. "But you must be strong. So much depends on it."

Beside her, she felt Obi-Wan approach. "Kalinda is right, your Majesty. I fear that Neerja will not back down...and I must say, I don't like her 'suggestion' that you leave the city and journey to some distant mountain."

Sita was silent for a moment, considering. Finally she looked up at Kali. "I forget; for all of your wisdom, you know little of our ways. If I do not at least make the attempt it will only give Neerja and her supporters further proof that I am unfit to rule. I must go." She frowned and studied her hands. "Kali...will you come with me?"

"Of course," she replied. "But we need to speak with the others first. They spent all night gathering information for us."

"Your clones?" Sita frowned again. "I still don't see why you need them around, Kali. But if it will make you feel better..."

"It's not about making us feel better," Kali replied. "Obi-Wan was right: we need more information before we can make any kind of progress." She took another breath and stood up. "How long will the journey take?"

Sita paused, considering. "Much of the way is through the mountains, but it should not take too long. No more than a day, by ship." She looked from Kali to Obi-Wan. "I can be ready tomorrow morning."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Very well. Let us meet with the squad; I'd feel better sending you with at least two of them." Indicating the way back to their quarters, he looked at Kali. "Shall we?" She bade Sita goodbye and they slipped out of the study. When they reached the suite, Kali realized that the clones had returned and were presently sleeping in their room.

Despite herself, she smiled at Obi-Wan. "We should let them rest for a few hours." He nodded and gave her a meaningful look. "And in the meantime, I suppose we should talk."

"That would be good. The garden?"

"No. Just come in my room." She entered her quarters and shut the door behind them, though she found that she was unable to say anything for several minutes.

Obi-Wan took a seat at the wide stone windowsill and looked out at the city below them. "It's still beautiful here. I'm not sure why I expected it to be otherwise." He looked back at her. "What's wrong, Kali?"

Rather than reply she moved to stand beside him; she indicated the curtain that was pulled to one side of the window and lifted her hand, sending all of her concentration and focus to lift the edges of the silken fabric.

Nothing happened.

Obi-Wan frowned and looked at her. "I don't..."

"The Force." Her voice was a whisper. "It's gone."

His eyes widened.

"I don't know what's happened," she continued. "I can't do anything anymore. It's like...like trying to reach for something only to find that my hand is gone, or trying to take a step forward and hitting only empty air." She felt her eyes prick and looked down. "I don't understand why."

And then his arms were around her, pressing her to his chest as he held her close. In that moment he was no Jedi Master, no General, but simply Ben and she felt herself relaxing into the familiar embrace. Neither one spoke for several minutes until he pulled back enough to look down at her. "I'm not sure what to do, Kali," he said in a hushed voice. "But there must be something. If I can help you at all, I will." He gave her the smile that she'd fallen in love with years ago.

"Ben." Her entire body was trembling as she met his eyes, felt her mouth drawing close to his. There was only the faintest brush of their lips before she pulled back as if stunned, stepping away from him. "Obi-Wan." Her hands clenched at her sides as she looked at him and winced at the expression on his face. Her throat felt thick as she swallowed. "I'm sorry, but I just can't. Never again."

There was silence for a few minutes before he nodded. "I'm sorry, too, but-"

"No," she replied, her voice rising. "No, there is no 'but,' Obi-Wan." She met his eyes for a moment before shaking her head. Out of habit she tried to access the Force to seek a measure of calm, but it was useless and she felt frustration swelling within her again. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

He took a deep breath. "Kali...there's too much between us to turn away from. I see that now, though I wish I had sooner, I really do. The last time we were here you said that denying my feelings was the worst thing that I could do...you know, I've thought about that every day?" She made no reply and he went on. "I know that things have been hard for us in the past, but now I think-"

At these words she lost her veneer of control as anger overtook her. "Don't you understand? I'm done...I can't do it anymore." Her voice was rising in volume until she was nearly shouting. "It's over, Obi-Wan. It has to be over...I know...I know that you couldn't be what I wanted you to be, but it still hurts, okay? It hurts-"

"Obi-Wan." They both whirled to the door to see Stonewall standing at the entrance to the room, his eyes fixed on the bearded Jedi. "General Kenobi. I think you should leave. Please." The word was added almost as an afterthought.

The air around Kali grew thick and stifling as Obi-Wan took a deep breath. He gave her one last look before he slipped out of the room without another word. However, she was watching Stonewall who met her eyes once before looking away. "Are you injured, General Halcyon?"

The hope that had sprung up within her withered. "No, Stone. But I-"

He nodded and cleared his throat before she could finish speaking. "When you're ready, we have information for you." With that, he turned and exited her room, and Kali was alone again.

A/N: Yes, the angst continues...I didn't include the word in the summary for the heck of it, sadly. Will Kali get the Force back? What will happen between the "big three?" And in the words of Admiral Ackbar..."it's a _!"

Also, I meant to say earlier that if there is a soundtrack for this story, it's the album Raising Sand by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant. Not every song "fits" but a good portion of them do. Check it out! (If you don't know who either of those people are...get thee to youtube!)

One last thing: if you've left a review, I love you. Really. If not...what the kriff are you waiting for? :P