Chapter 9: Bargaining Life
"There's a candle burning in the world tonight
For another child who vanished out of sight
And a heart is broken, another prayer in vain
There's a million tears that fill a sea of pain
Sometimes I stare out my window
My thoughts all drift into space
Sometimes I wonder if there's a better place" - Fallen Angels(Aerosmith - Nine Lives)
Captain Lessik stared at his engineer, "What is it, Wuan? What's happened?" Startled by his entrance, Fen began to worry. As much as the Duros enjoyed cursing and complaining, he rarely appeared upset, and at that moment the man was frazzled.
"Nev. The others." And the Duros shook his head, he didn't know where to begin.
Now the Captain was frantic, he had left his men outside when the young initiate came running for Qui-Gon. He had even turned down Nev's offer for assistance, believing the Jedi could handle the situation. Worry lacing his tone, he begged for answers. "Did something happen while they were working outside?"
Jeswick replied quickly, blurting out what he wanted to say in short spurts, "No, not exactly. Nev found something and he contacted me. Told me to hunt down the source then call him back. Well, I found it and tried to comm him." He stopped now, because he wanted to make sure Lessik understood what was going on.
Still somewhat perplexed, he urged, "Then what?"
"He's gone sir." Wuan stated simply. He glanced at Kohnwei, when the healer looked up. Lessik continued to stare at his engineer searching for an explanation. "I couldn't reach him, so I went out to talk with him personally," Wuan added. Carefully, his deep red eyes bore into his commander. "They're all gone sir."
Disbelieving what he heard, he reached out to grab his comrade's shoulders. "What? How?"
"I'm not sure exactly, but I think we're not alone out here." Jeswick didn't have any proof, but he believed that to be true. There were no signs of struggle out there, but he noticed some tools lying on the ground, seemingly discarded. Any spacefaring engineer knew that good, well cared- for tools could mean life or death, and would never discard them so recklessly. Based on what he saw, he knew then that they left without their consent.
Lessik on the other hand was thinking differently, turning back toward the Jedi he questioned, "But I thought you didn't sense anything dangerous." He moved to the end of the sleepcouch in order to glare at the Jedi Knight harsher.
"We sensed nothing," Qui-Gon deferred the accusation. "There must be some kind of explanation for their disappearance."
Displeased with his own behaviour, Fen backed down. Quietly, he admonished his actions, "I should never have left them out there."
"You did what you had to do, Captain," Adi tried to console the distraught commander. She immediately offered, "We will find your men."
Still caught in the abrupt change of events, he uttered, "This is turning in to a full blown disaster. What else could go wrong?" Fen knew he should never have asked the rhetorical question the moment it passed his lips, because fate always had an answer.
A beep emitted from Jeswick's wrist communicator. Everyone stopped and stared at it, for they all knew there was only one reason it would sound. Slowly, Wuan raised his arm staring at the commlink. After a few more seconds, he looked up at his captain. Nodding the man instructed, "Go ahead, answer it."
"Jeswick here."
"I want to speak with the Captain," a gruff voice demanded.
They knew instantly that the person on the other end was not Nev Obser, but they did not know who it was. Only one occupant in the room recognized the voice, and his heart lightened. Immediately, he sat up, ignoring the protests of his body. A sparkle of hope lit the previously somber seas. Obi-Wan pushed through the haze of his mind as quickly as he could. He desperately wanted to call out to his friend. When his mind cleared, he opened his mouth to say aloud the named that played on his lips. The only thing that made it past was a stifled hitch.
Immediately his hand clutched at his throat. The twinkle now replaced by confusion and panic. Frantically, his eyes darted around the room, searching for the cause of his distress. Finally, they lighted upon a hand raised by the Councilwoman. He knew instantly, that she had manipulated the Force to stop him from speaking. Red trimmed his vision as the anger flowed through him. He was about to confront the woman physically, when a hand stopped him. Qui-Gon kept him on the medcouch by gently pressing down on his shoulder. There was remorse in his gaze but there was something growing steadily behind it, determination.
After pacifying the youth, Adi nodded at the Captain. Lessik walked back over to stand next to his engineer. He spoke aloud, "I am Captain Fen Lessik. Who is this?"
Apparently ignoring the question, the voice went straight to the point. "You have something of mine, and I want him back." As soon as the demand was made, they all paused and turned to look at the youth struggling on the medical table.
Both Bant and Qui-Gon could sense the slow rise of tension in Obi-Wan's body. The flux of emotions that flowed through the young tormented body did little to calm his nerves. Elation, agony, hope, despair, anger, desperation each took their turn dancing in the stormy gaze. He had not totally realized how much he missed hearing that voice until they were separated. Now, he would do anything to get back to the caring father figure.
Instantly, Lessik gathered what type of call this was. Bets were about to be wagered, hands were about to be revealed and the Captain decided that he should not expose his too quickly. "What makes you think I still have him?"
"There are Jedi on board," the voice replied knowingly. "I can't imagine that they would allow you to dispose of him." Visual daggers pierced the air, as Obi-Wan looked at each Master in turn.
Lessik glanced between the two Masters, speculatively. Their faces remaining calm and revealing the same conclusion that he came to; their adversary knew a great deal about them. Further bluffing his position, "And you expect me to simply hand him over?"
Coolly, the voice responded, "I expect you want your men back in one piece."
"How dare you make demands of me?" Fen barked, he had had enough of the game and was angered by the threat to his men.
The voice seemed undisturbed by the man's outburst and continued, "One hour, I want the male Jedi outside with my cu.crewman. Or your men will be coming back to you in boxes." And the transmission was abruptly cut off.
As soon as the comm shut down, several pairs of eyes fell upon the tall Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon pulled himself up to full height and crossed his arms. "I will not let him go."
Disbelief mingled with anger inside the bartered young man. His mind argued, Who does he think he is? Obi-Wan didn't want to stay there and Tuuvu had given them no alternative. Yet, Qui-Gon stood obstinate to the shocked glances of those around him. The other Master's hand dropped in amazement to Qui-Gon's statement and Obi-Wan found that his voice was back under his command. He was about to protest the Knight's decision, but was cut off before he could do so.
Enraged by the demand placed on him and his obligations as Captain, Lessik did not bother to display an image of control. Instead, he commanded the Jedi. "Damn you man! I don't care what you want. Take him and bring back my men." Lessik pointed toward Obi-Wan who sat in a shocked stupor.
"I will not let him go," he repeated. He would not be ordered to do anything when it came down to Obi-Wan. He had already lost too much time, paid too high a price for one mistake. The large man would not allow such a thing to recur.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Obi-Wan forced his way into the conversation, glaring at the man.
Qui-Gon regarded the youth for a moment, after considering what he was going to say, he finally answered, "I have never believed you were dead. I waited for this chance too long to let you go again."
"I am no longer your concern, Master Jinn. Do these people a favour and send me back where I belong." It was a heated and deliberately cutting remark. He could see that his impersonal rebuttal struck a nerve, when a flash of hurt crossed behind the crystal gaze.
Hiding the quick stab of pain when he was addressed as 'Master Jinn,' he stated, "I can not do that."
"I don't believe this," Lessik's hands flew up in frustration and his face flushed with rage at the Knight's obstinate refusal. He understood the boy's reasons to go back, but there was a need to let him go as well. He wanted his men back safe and it didn't matter to him what they had to do to get them.
Watching with growing concern, Adi thought it wise to intercede, "Qui-Gon, you must reconsider."
"I will not let him go." Again stating his denial.
The Captain had enough, he strode right up to the large man and stared him in the eyes. "Listen, Master Jedi. You were sent with this crew for one purpose only, to negotiate with pirates. Now my men are being held captive and the only way to get them back is by giving them what they want. Take the boy and get out there." His tone demanded that there be no further argument and he became even more infuriated when he read the calm defiance in the cerulean eyes.
"I will not let him go."
Adi came and placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder and tried to easily pull him back. The man never deterred his glare, while the Councilwoman interjected, "Qui-Gon, you are not thinking rationally. You have been blinded by your personal needs. You must give Obi-Wan back to the pirates."
"No." Refusing the Council was a major offense in the Jedi Order. Yet even when the entire Council was not present the wishes of any Council member should always be adhered to. Qui-Gon's continued rejection to Adi's prompting was amazing the younger Jedi.
Obi-Wan listened to the entire dispute intently. He knew his future might be decided in this very moment and he could say nothing to stop it. Slowly, the realization sunk in and he began to understand the remarkable predicament he was in. Tuuvu had come after him. At the first invocation uttered through the transmitter, his heart lightened for the first time since they embarked on this invasion. It was astonishing to know that someone cared about him so deeply as to seek him out despite the consequences. Yet even in his bemused haze, the irony of his situation was not lost to him. Five years prior he was cast away from all those that knew him. Now it seemed that everyone was after him. A small smirk curled his lips in response to such a thought. With the smug expression still on his face he added, "It would be wise to hand me over. Tuuvu is very stubborn. If you don't give me back, not only will he kill those men, he would hunt you down until he has me back."
"May the gods and the Force damn you for all eternity, Master Jinn." Fen shouted at the composed Jedi. "It's my men's lives you are gambling away. I don't give a dren about what you want. It is your duty as a Jedi to protect and guarantee the safety of my men."
The Master's words took on a harder tone, "Captain Lessik is right, Qui- Gon. You have to let him go. Now that we know he is alive, we can work to find him again." She tried reasoning with the stubborn man.
Qui-Gon shook his head, puzzled at the fact that they could not accept his decision. But it was not the Knight who refuted the Councilor this time, "No, we cannot let Obi go, we've only just found him." Encouraged by the Knight's boldness, Bant voiced her opinion. She refused to stand by and watch as they simply let Obi-Wan slip through their fingers a second time. But she seemed to back down a little when Obi shot her a warning glare. The sea change eyes held a mixture of accusation and disbelief as well as something akin to betrayal.
Glancing over at the young Calamarian, Qui-Gon offered her a gratified smile for her assistance. Quickly, he returned his attention to those opposing his judgment. "I agree there must be another way."
Adi decided to broach the subject by appealing to his sense of duty. "I know it is our custom to consider all options, but we also have an obligation to this crew. Let him go and bring his men back alive and unharmed. We will need them to get us back to Coruscant."
Lessik appreciated the Master's support, but he feared that they would be having this argument for the entire hour and beyond. They needed to find a resolution, and he did not think the Knight would back down. He was about to make this point, when he noticed Jeswick come up beside him.
Quietly, the Duros said, "Captain, I have something else that I need to speak with you about. I believe it to be vital information." He paused and motioned toward the door in the back of the infirmary. "Perhaps we could step into Doctor Kohnwei's office."
Agitated by the further delay, Fen argued, "Do we have to discuss it now?"
Wuan glanced from his Captain to Adi and lastly, to Qui-Gon. "I think we should."
Sighing, Lessik quickly looked at his physician for approval on using the man's office. At Kohnwei's nod, he conceded, "Alright, but you better make this fast."
Before following his Captain, Wuan addressed the Jedi, "Master Jedi, I think you should hear this as well."
A curt nod told him they accepted. Qui-Gon lingered for a moment, glancing at Obi-Wan before taking his leave. The change in the youth troubled him, but he would have to deliberate about it later. Together the quartet headed into the small room at the back of the infirmary. Obi-Wan started as they walked away, "What about me? We haven't finished our argument?" He was becoming desperate, he wanted to go home. He wanted to get back to those who loved him. And he saw his chances slipping away.
Qui-Gon paused long enough to answer before following the others, "We will settle that later."
The room contained a number of filing cabinets, a small desk and a few chairs. As soon as the door hissed closed behind them, Fen spun around and questioned, "Now, what is it?"
"I haven't told you what Nev and I found," Jeswick stated as he looked at each one in turn. By the tightness of his features, they could tell that this information had been bothering him. The Jedi could also sense the turmoil of emotions that floated beneath the surface.
"Well, what was it?" Fen leaned against the desk in an attempt to calm himself.
Wuan took in a deep breath before he began, "Well, Nev came across some wires while working on a conduit for the starboard engine. He called me to verify what he found. At first I didn't want to deal with it, but once I noticed the extra circuits, I changed my opinion. Nev thought that I would be closer to what those wires led to. And he was right."
Qui-Gon inquired, "So what exactly did you find?"
"A very sophisticated device." Wuan thought back to when he managed to locate the small black box. It was damaged and during his first sweep, he missed the unit all together. But when he did the investigation again, he finally came across the misplaced device. It was only later when he ran some diagnostic test that he learned its purpose.
More interested now, Fen urged, "And what does this device do?"
"From my preliminary examination, it was set there to overload the engine." As soon as he revealed his vital information, he watched as their faces fell. This was indeed something that needed to be discussed now. Even with all their men, was it possible to get off the planet?
Fen was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe what he had been told. Hoping that he misunderstood, he sought clarification. "I don't understand."
"Captain, we were sabotaged." The engineer laid out the plain truth out on the table. To sugarcoat the reality of this discovery benefited no one. "We were never meant to make it to Kashyyyk. From my initial tests, it was programmed to overload the engine and blow it up."
Adi was intrigued by this new revelation. It required more questions than they had answers. "Why didn't it?"
Wuan shrugged but it wasn't because he didn't know. In fact he knew exactly why it didn't accomplish its mission, but that did little to alleviate his worry. "Because the pirates raided and damaged some of the circuitry. It still managed to blow the engine but not with the amount of power it was planned to have."
The Captain was stunned, "It's unbelievable."
Silence filled the room. Everyone was lost in their thoughts, trying to determine what it all meant. As they stood, Adi noted the slight tension in the head engineer's posture. Reading into the body language, she pressed the man, "That is not all, is it?"
Shaking his head, Waun announced, "This ship is going no where."
"Damn." A fist slammed down on the desk, as Captain Lessik lurched up. He suspected that that were true but he still hoped that they would have found a way off this planet. Desperately, he considered his options, "Do we know where we are?"
The engineer shook his head again. "We just passed Ambria before the raid. Our sensors went offline and we have no idea where we are exactly."
"And there's no way to tell if we are near any settlements or anything?" He knew the question was futile, but he had to ask. He couldn't give up entirely.
"No, most of the navigational systems were destroyed during landing. We would need replacement parts that we just don't have." The Duros was completely honest with his Captain. He needed to be, if they had any chance of figuring a way out of their situation.
"Damn." Frustration gripped the commander. He was so awestruck at how quickly things got from bad to worse. Again the room was plunged into quiet.
"Captain," Qui-Gon broke through the reticence. He had mulled over the problem and came up with a possible solution. It was a long shot and he was desperate to keep his lost charge. He posed his idea, "I suggest we negotiate with the pirates."
Lessik scoffed the Knight, astounded by the lengths to which this man went. "This is absurd. I will not risk my men's lives." He had a duty and an obligation to his men, not the Jedi and definitely not the young pirate.
"And I will not give Obi-Wan up," Qui-Gon quickly rebutted. Their gazes bore into each other for a moment. The conflict they left behind hastily resurfacing.
Lessik wanted to argue, wanted to fight this idea, because he knew the motive behind it. But he was also a reasonable man. Rationalization concluded that it was their best option. "Master Jinn, if you plan to negotiate, I suggest that you do just that. Once we get my men back, we can determine what our next course of action should be." His priority to his men came above all other needs or wants.
Adi struggled with the path of thinking Qui-Gon was implying. Finally, she determined, "Captain, I believe Qui-Gon may be right at the moment. We may be able to obtain the parts we need from the pirates in exchange for Obi- Wan."
Qui-Gon explained his logic. "It is obvious that they want him back very badly or else they would not have gone to such lengths to get him. It is still possible for us to bargain with them for the parts we need."
Skeptical of the proposed plan, Lessik demanded that his concerns be considered. "And what of my men? What if these barbarians decide not to negotiate?"
"I will not allow your men to be harmed," the Knight affirmed, squaring his shoulders.
The Captain accepted his terms, carefully he walked up to the larger man. For a long moment he stared into the man's unwavering crystal eyes. At last he added, "I will hold you personally accountable for it."
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Don't forget to REVIEW!!!!!!!!!! I need reviews!!!!! They are a fanfic writer's life's blood!! Always keep that in mind. :D Thank you!!
Please don't forget to comment on changes. I have re-written portions of this chap in order to make it flow better. I hope you enjoyed it. ;) Following comments ar the same. I will post new comments on chap 10. Thanks again. :D
Meggie - Ahahahahaha!! I posted another chapter even before you could review my last one!! :p Just thought I would mention that. ;)
Remnant - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. Anyway, thank you very much. I hope you continue to enjoy it. :D
Heidi M - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. And yes, 'another cliffie!' They're just so much fun to write. ;P Yes, Tuuvu is here. ]:D I don't know, I just sit around sometimes and think up names. And if I don't like the ones I have written down, I think up new ones when I need them. And I'm sorry, I'm not so good at Qui- angst. In all honesty, he's the one character I have trouble 'getting into.' His mind is too much of a mystery to me, so I tend to shy away from him. I know, then why do I write JA? OBI of course! :D BTB, was this soon enough for you??
Ewok Kid - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. And I couldn't find you e-mail to tell you personally. Please forgive me. :( Thank you very much. I'm hoping that I won't loose anyone during this epic. There's such a long way to go. And don't worry too much. I have the next two chapters roughed out, so they shouldn't be too far behind. ;)
Culf - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. Yes, but that's the great part. With different minds come different thoughts. And that's what I truly find amazing. It's funny, when I was young I didn't even realize Indy and Han were the same person. And then one day it hit me. Then I thought I was a doof. Oh well. Next post. ]:) The confrontation. :D I hope you can hold out.
Ciria - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. You know as soon as you said the first two words were 'Nev Obser' I realized my error. :( I'm just so mad at myself. *sigh* I guess it just proves how human I am. Dang it! I use my characters fully. Mainly because it's so hard to come up with new ones. Usually when I develop a char I get a name and an attitude. Then I start working on their background. And sometimes I work out other things such as age, species and looks. Do you know I have a page of information on a race and a few characters that will show up, much later, in this fic, detailing species, general looks, gestation/reproduction, and a brief history on how they know a char. The sad part is I am not expecting them to be in the story for more that like a page or so. Maybe a chapter, but that's it. It's just so crazy! And just to make sure you have things all clear:
Captain - Fen Lessik/ Medic - Ja Kohnwei/ Pilot - Mortius Griven/ Crewman with Mort - Ain Chuss/ Crewman with Mort - Tenadden Maad/ Head Engineer (outside)- Nev Obser/ Crewman with Nev - Pev-da/ Crewman with Nev - Riello Quarg (Duros)/ Crewman with Nev - Andon Hobbsbreath/ Head Engineer (inside)- Wuan Jeswick/ Crewman with Wuan - Jaren Tenten/ Crewman with Wuan - Sordin Nalendos
I have them all written down so I know who's who. ;) Some of these people you have not met yet. And I'm still working on all the initiates, although I might not detail them out here. The Confrontation is a-comin'. Next chap I think. I hope it's not disappointing. You were close, I hope this chap kinda explained it. But I'm still debating on whether or not it will get answered in this portion of the story. :p Yeah, half of the crew is older and then half younger. The older guys like, Lessik, Kohnwei, Obser, Pev-da and Jeswick have already seen enough in their life to look at things objectively. And that is the multi-million dollar question, "Who will Obi choose?" And my answer to that is, will he have a choice? I guess you'll have to wait and see. Two more chaps and you all get a hint. :D Well, that was an extremely long response. Sorry to bore you all.
Artemicion - I don't think it was that bad of a cliffie. :p ::giggles:: Stop that!!! I hate being ticklish! I hope this chap wasn't too bad. Thanks for sticking with me. :D
lighted eagle - Ahhh, too many. This has just become my longest fic ever, and like I was telling someone on TF.N, we haven't even gotten to part two!! O_o This story is going to be huge. Let me put it this way. I know where I want to 'end' this portion of the saga, and we have a very, very long way to go. I've actually named this as 'Book 1: Resurrection.' And Book 1 is broken up into two parts; 'Part 1: Righting a Wrong' and 'Part 2: Reliving a Dream.' Just so you know, I've got two more chapters roughly written down and from what I can tell we might be about half way through Part 1. I don't think that answers your question entirely, but does it give you some kind of hint? Don't worry, tell me your thoughts when ever you can. Thanks for sticking with me. :D
Death Rider - I would have to say, keep guessing. I don't think anyone would entirely guess who and why. But I know. ]:) God luck dealing with Qui. And don't you even think of pointing any fingers at me. :p
Shan - As always, thank you for your fabulous assistance on this fic. I cannot express how much your insight means to me. I hope you like what I have done with the chap, since you only had the dialogue. Shhh! Don't spoil anything. ;) Don't worry, I know you wouldn't. :D And thanks for reviewing here as well. I appreciate both sets of thoughts. ;)
JCslilangel1425 - Adventures in Babysitting, huh? I am so glad I never really did all that. I am just not a 'kid' person. Well, I appreciate you dropping a quick note, even if you didn't have time to really say everything you wanted. Just let me know when ever you can. And I am always up for e-mail. ;) 'Cliffies, good!' :D
Liyanette - Well, I hope your 'Update Intuition' is still working! I've got another chap for you! ;) And don't worry, I completely understand. Most of the time I'm lazy too. :D Thanks for the review, and especially thanks for reading! :D
"There's a candle burning in the world tonight
For another child who vanished out of sight
And a heart is broken, another prayer in vain
There's a million tears that fill a sea of pain
Sometimes I stare out my window
My thoughts all drift into space
Sometimes I wonder if there's a better place" - Fallen Angels(Aerosmith - Nine Lives)
Captain Lessik stared at his engineer, "What is it, Wuan? What's happened?" Startled by his entrance, Fen began to worry. As much as the Duros enjoyed cursing and complaining, he rarely appeared upset, and at that moment the man was frazzled.
"Nev. The others." And the Duros shook his head, he didn't know where to begin.
Now the Captain was frantic, he had left his men outside when the young initiate came running for Qui-Gon. He had even turned down Nev's offer for assistance, believing the Jedi could handle the situation. Worry lacing his tone, he begged for answers. "Did something happen while they were working outside?"
Jeswick replied quickly, blurting out what he wanted to say in short spurts, "No, not exactly. Nev found something and he contacted me. Told me to hunt down the source then call him back. Well, I found it and tried to comm him." He stopped now, because he wanted to make sure Lessik understood what was going on.
Still somewhat perplexed, he urged, "Then what?"
"He's gone sir." Wuan stated simply. He glanced at Kohnwei, when the healer looked up. Lessik continued to stare at his engineer searching for an explanation. "I couldn't reach him, so I went out to talk with him personally," Wuan added. Carefully, his deep red eyes bore into his commander. "They're all gone sir."
Disbelieving what he heard, he reached out to grab his comrade's shoulders. "What? How?"
"I'm not sure exactly, but I think we're not alone out here." Jeswick didn't have any proof, but he believed that to be true. There were no signs of struggle out there, but he noticed some tools lying on the ground, seemingly discarded. Any spacefaring engineer knew that good, well cared- for tools could mean life or death, and would never discard them so recklessly. Based on what he saw, he knew then that they left without their consent.
Lessik on the other hand was thinking differently, turning back toward the Jedi he questioned, "But I thought you didn't sense anything dangerous." He moved to the end of the sleepcouch in order to glare at the Jedi Knight harsher.
"We sensed nothing," Qui-Gon deferred the accusation. "There must be some kind of explanation for their disappearance."
Displeased with his own behaviour, Fen backed down. Quietly, he admonished his actions, "I should never have left them out there."
"You did what you had to do, Captain," Adi tried to console the distraught commander. She immediately offered, "We will find your men."
Still caught in the abrupt change of events, he uttered, "This is turning in to a full blown disaster. What else could go wrong?" Fen knew he should never have asked the rhetorical question the moment it passed his lips, because fate always had an answer.
A beep emitted from Jeswick's wrist communicator. Everyone stopped and stared at it, for they all knew there was only one reason it would sound. Slowly, Wuan raised his arm staring at the commlink. After a few more seconds, he looked up at his captain. Nodding the man instructed, "Go ahead, answer it."
"Jeswick here."
"I want to speak with the Captain," a gruff voice demanded.
They knew instantly that the person on the other end was not Nev Obser, but they did not know who it was. Only one occupant in the room recognized the voice, and his heart lightened. Immediately, he sat up, ignoring the protests of his body. A sparkle of hope lit the previously somber seas. Obi-Wan pushed through the haze of his mind as quickly as he could. He desperately wanted to call out to his friend. When his mind cleared, he opened his mouth to say aloud the named that played on his lips. The only thing that made it past was a stifled hitch.
Immediately his hand clutched at his throat. The twinkle now replaced by confusion and panic. Frantically, his eyes darted around the room, searching for the cause of his distress. Finally, they lighted upon a hand raised by the Councilwoman. He knew instantly, that she had manipulated the Force to stop him from speaking. Red trimmed his vision as the anger flowed through him. He was about to confront the woman physically, when a hand stopped him. Qui-Gon kept him on the medcouch by gently pressing down on his shoulder. There was remorse in his gaze but there was something growing steadily behind it, determination.
After pacifying the youth, Adi nodded at the Captain. Lessik walked back over to stand next to his engineer. He spoke aloud, "I am Captain Fen Lessik. Who is this?"
Apparently ignoring the question, the voice went straight to the point. "You have something of mine, and I want him back." As soon as the demand was made, they all paused and turned to look at the youth struggling on the medical table.
Both Bant and Qui-Gon could sense the slow rise of tension in Obi-Wan's body. The flux of emotions that flowed through the young tormented body did little to calm his nerves. Elation, agony, hope, despair, anger, desperation each took their turn dancing in the stormy gaze. He had not totally realized how much he missed hearing that voice until they were separated. Now, he would do anything to get back to the caring father figure.
Instantly, Lessik gathered what type of call this was. Bets were about to be wagered, hands were about to be revealed and the Captain decided that he should not expose his too quickly. "What makes you think I still have him?"
"There are Jedi on board," the voice replied knowingly. "I can't imagine that they would allow you to dispose of him." Visual daggers pierced the air, as Obi-Wan looked at each Master in turn.
Lessik glanced between the two Masters, speculatively. Their faces remaining calm and revealing the same conclusion that he came to; their adversary knew a great deal about them. Further bluffing his position, "And you expect me to simply hand him over?"
Coolly, the voice responded, "I expect you want your men back in one piece."
"How dare you make demands of me?" Fen barked, he had had enough of the game and was angered by the threat to his men.
The voice seemed undisturbed by the man's outburst and continued, "One hour, I want the male Jedi outside with my cu.crewman. Or your men will be coming back to you in boxes." And the transmission was abruptly cut off.
As soon as the comm shut down, several pairs of eyes fell upon the tall Jedi Knight. Qui-Gon pulled himself up to full height and crossed his arms. "I will not let him go."
Disbelief mingled with anger inside the bartered young man. His mind argued, Who does he think he is? Obi-Wan didn't want to stay there and Tuuvu had given them no alternative. Yet, Qui-Gon stood obstinate to the shocked glances of those around him. The other Master's hand dropped in amazement to Qui-Gon's statement and Obi-Wan found that his voice was back under his command. He was about to protest the Knight's decision, but was cut off before he could do so.
Enraged by the demand placed on him and his obligations as Captain, Lessik did not bother to display an image of control. Instead, he commanded the Jedi. "Damn you man! I don't care what you want. Take him and bring back my men." Lessik pointed toward Obi-Wan who sat in a shocked stupor.
"I will not let him go," he repeated. He would not be ordered to do anything when it came down to Obi-Wan. He had already lost too much time, paid too high a price for one mistake. The large man would not allow such a thing to recur.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Obi-Wan forced his way into the conversation, glaring at the man.
Qui-Gon regarded the youth for a moment, after considering what he was going to say, he finally answered, "I have never believed you were dead. I waited for this chance too long to let you go again."
"I am no longer your concern, Master Jinn. Do these people a favour and send me back where I belong." It was a heated and deliberately cutting remark. He could see that his impersonal rebuttal struck a nerve, when a flash of hurt crossed behind the crystal gaze.
Hiding the quick stab of pain when he was addressed as 'Master Jinn,' he stated, "I can not do that."
"I don't believe this," Lessik's hands flew up in frustration and his face flushed with rage at the Knight's obstinate refusal. He understood the boy's reasons to go back, but there was a need to let him go as well. He wanted his men back safe and it didn't matter to him what they had to do to get them.
Watching with growing concern, Adi thought it wise to intercede, "Qui-Gon, you must reconsider."
"I will not let him go." Again stating his denial.
The Captain had enough, he strode right up to the large man and stared him in the eyes. "Listen, Master Jedi. You were sent with this crew for one purpose only, to negotiate with pirates. Now my men are being held captive and the only way to get them back is by giving them what they want. Take the boy and get out there." His tone demanded that there be no further argument and he became even more infuriated when he read the calm defiance in the cerulean eyes.
"I will not let him go."
Adi came and placed a hand on the Captain's shoulder and tried to easily pull him back. The man never deterred his glare, while the Councilwoman interjected, "Qui-Gon, you are not thinking rationally. You have been blinded by your personal needs. You must give Obi-Wan back to the pirates."
"No." Refusing the Council was a major offense in the Jedi Order. Yet even when the entire Council was not present the wishes of any Council member should always be adhered to. Qui-Gon's continued rejection to Adi's prompting was amazing the younger Jedi.
Obi-Wan listened to the entire dispute intently. He knew his future might be decided in this very moment and he could say nothing to stop it. Slowly, the realization sunk in and he began to understand the remarkable predicament he was in. Tuuvu had come after him. At the first invocation uttered through the transmitter, his heart lightened for the first time since they embarked on this invasion. It was astonishing to know that someone cared about him so deeply as to seek him out despite the consequences. Yet even in his bemused haze, the irony of his situation was not lost to him. Five years prior he was cast away from all those that knew him. Now it seemed that everyone was after him. A small smirk curled his lips in response to such a thought. With the smug expression still on his face he added, "It would be wise to hand me over. Tuuvu is very stubborn. If you don't give me back, not only will he kill those men, he would hunt you down until he has me back."
"May the gods and the Force damn you for all eternity, Master Jinn." Fen shouted at the composed Jedi. "It's my men's lives you are gambling away. I don't give a dren about what you want. It is your duty as a Jedi to protect and guarantee the safety of my men."
The Master's words took on a harder tone, "Captain Lessik is right, Qui- Gon. You have to let him go. Now that we know he is alive, we can work to find him again." She tried reasoning with the stubborn man.
Qui-Gon shook his head, puzzled at the fact that they could not accept his decision. But it was not the Knight who refuted the Councilor this time, "No, we cannot let Obi go, we've only just found him." Encouraged by the Knight's boldness, Bant voiced her opinion. She refused to stand by and watch as they simply let Obi-Wan slip through their fingers a second time. But she seemed to back down a little when Obi shot her a warning glare. The sea change eyes held a mixture of accusation and disbelief as well as something akin to betrayal.
Glancing over at the young Calamarian, Qui-Gon offered her a gratified smile for her assistance. Quickly, he returned his attention to those opposing his judgment. "I agree there must be another way."
Adi decided to broach the subject by appealing to his sense of duty. "I know it is our custom to consider all options, but we also have an obligation to this crew. Let him go and bring his men back alive and unharmed. We will need them to get us back to Coruscant."
Lessik appreciated the Master's support, but he feared that they would be having this argument for the entire hour and beyond. They needed to find a resolution, and he did not think the Knight would back down. He was about to make this point, when he noticed Jeswick come up beside him.
Quietly, the Duros said, "Captain, I have something else that I need to speak with you about. I believe it to be vital information." He paused and motioned toward the door in the back of the infirmary. "Perhaps we could step into Doctor Kohnwei's office."
Agitated by the further delay, Fen argued, "Do we have to discuss it now?"
Wuan glanced from his Captain to Adi and lastly, to Qui-Gon. "I think we should."
Sighing, Lessik quickly looked at his physician for approval on using the man's office. At Kohnwei's nod, he conceded, "Alright, but you better make this fast."
Before following his Captain, Wuan addressed the Jedi, "Master Jedi, I think you should hear this as well."
A curt nod told him they accepted. Qui-Gon lingered for a moment, glancing at Obi-Wan before taking his leave. The change in the youth troubled him, but he would have to deliberate about it later. Together the quartet headed into the small room at the back of the infirmary. Obi-Wan started as they walked away, "What about me? We haven't finished our argument?" He was becoming desperate, he wanted to go home. He wanted to get back to those who loved him. And he saw his chances slipping away.
Qui-Gon paused long enough to answer before following the others, "We will settle that later."
The room contained a number of filing cabinets, a small desk and a few chairs. As soon as the door hissed closed behind them, Fen spun around and questioned, "Now, what is it?"
"I haven't told you what Nev and I found," Jeswick stated as he looked at each one in turn. By the tightness of his features, they could tell that this information had been bothering him. The Jedi could also sense the turmoil of emotions that floated beneath the surface.
"Well, what was it?" Fen leaned against the desk in an attempt to calm himself.
Wuan took in a deep breath before he began, "Well, Nev came across some wires while working on a conduit for the starboard engine. He called me to verify what he found. At first I didn't want to deal with it, but once I noticed the extra circuits, I changed my opinion. Nev thought that I would be closer to what those wires led to. And he was right."
Qui-Gon inquired, "So what exactly did you find?"
"A very sophisticated device." Wuan thought back to when he managed to locate the small black box. It was damaged and during his first sweep, he missed the unit all together. But when he did the investigation again, he finally came across the misplaced device. It was only later when he ran some diagnostic test that he learned its purpose.
More interested now, Fen urged, "And what does this device do?"
"From my preliminary examination, it was set there to overload the engine." As soon as he revealed his vital information, he watched as their faces fell. This was indeed something that needed to be discussed now. Even with all their men, was it possible to get off the planet?
Fen was dumbfounded. He couldn't believe what he had been told. Hoping that he misunderstood, he sought clarification. "I don't understand."
"Captain, we were sabotaged." The engineer laid out the plain truth out on the table. To sugarcoat the reality of this discovery benefited no one. "We were never meant to make it to Kashyyyk. From my initial tests, it was programmed to overload the engine and blow it up."
Adi was intrigued by this new revelation. It required more questions than they had answers. "Why didn't it?"
Wuan shrugged but it wasn't because he didn't know. In fact he knew exactly why it didn't accomplish its mission, but that did little to alleviate his worry. "Because the pirates raided and damaged some of the circuitry. It still managed to blow the engine but not with the amount of power it was planned to have."
The Captain was stunned, "It's unbelievable."
Silence filled the room. Everyone was lost in their thoughts, trying to determine what it all meant. As they stood, Adi noted the slight tension in the head engineer's posture. Reading into the body language, she pressed the man, "That is not all, is it?"
Shaking his head, Waun announced, "This ship is going no where."
"Damn." A fist slammed down on the desk, as Captain Lessik lurched up. He suspected that that were true but he still hoped that they would have found a way off this planet. Desperately, he considered his options, "Do we know where we are?"
The engineer shook his head again. "We just passed Ambria before the raid. Our sensors went offline and we have no idea where we are exactly."
"And there's no way to tell if we are near any settlements or anything?" He knew the question was futile, but he had to ask. He couldn't give up entirely.
"No, most of the navigational systems were destroyed during landing. We would need replacement parts that we just don't have." The Duros was completely honest with his Captain. He needed to be, if they had any chance of figuring a way out of their situation.
"Damn." Frustration gripped the commander. He was so awestruck at how quickly things got from bad to worse. Again the room was plunged into quiet.
"Captain," Qui-Gon broke through the reticence. He had mulled over the problem and came up with a possible solution. It was a long shot and he was desperate to keep his lost charge. He posed his idea, "I suggest we negotiate with the pirates."
Lessik scoffed the Knight, astounded by the lengths to which this man went. "This is absurd. I will not risk my men's lives." He had a duty and an obligation to his men, not the Jedi and definitely not the young pirate.
"And I will not give Obi-Wan up," Qui-Gon quickly rebutted. Their gazes bore into each other for a moment. The conflict they left behind hastily resurfacing.
Lessik wanted to argue, wanted to fight this idea, because he knew the motive behind it. But he was also a reasonable man. Rationalization concluded that it was their best option. "Master Jinn, if you plan to negotiate, I suggest that you do just that. Once we get my men back, we can determine what our next course of action should be." His priority to his men came above all other needs or wants.
Adi struggled with the path of thinking Qui-Gon was implying. Finally, she determined, "Captain, I believe Qui-Gon may be right at the moment. We may be able to obtain the parts we need from the pirates in exchange for Obi- Wan."
Qui-Gon explained his logic. "It is obvious that they want him back very badly or else they would not have gone to such lengths to get him. It is still possible for us to bargain with them for the parts we need."
Skeptical of the proposed plan, Lessik demanded that his concerns be considered. "And what of my men? What if these barbarians decide not to negotiate?"
"I will not allow your men to be harmed," the Knight affirmed, squaring his shoulders.
The Captain accepted his terms, carefully he walked up to the larger man. For a long moment he stared into the man's unwavering crystal eyes. At last he added, "I will hold you personally accountable for it."
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Don't forget to REVIEW!!!!!!!!!! I need reviews!!!!! They are a fanfic writer's life's blood!! Always keep that in mind. :D Thank you!!
Please don't forget to comment on changes. I have re-written portions of this chap in order to make it flow better. I hope you enjoyed it. ;) Following comments ar the same. I will post new comments on chap 10. Thanks again. :D
Meggie - Ahahahahaha!! I posted another chapter even before you could review my last one!! :p Just thought I would mention that. ;)
Remnant - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. Anyway, thank you very much. I hope you continue to enjoy it. :D
Heidi M - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. And yes, 'another cliffie!' They're just so much fun to write. ;P Yes, Tuuvu is here. ]:D I don't know, I just sit around sometimes and think up names. And if I don't like the ones I have written down, I think up new ones when I need them. And I'm sorry, I'm not so good at Qui- angst. In all honesty, he's the one character I have trouble 'getting into.' His mind is too much of a mystery to me, so I tend to shy away from him. I know, then why do I write JA? OBI of course! :D BTB, was this soon enough for you??
Ewok Kid - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. And I couldn't find you e-mail to tell you personally. Please forgive me. :( Thank you very much. I'm hoping that I won't loose anyone during this epic. There's such a long way to go. And don't worry too much. I have the next two chapters roughed out, so they shouldn't be too far behind. ;)
Culf - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. Yes, but that's the great part. With different minds come different thoughts. And that's what I truly find amazing. It's funny, when I was young I didn't even realize Indy and Han were the same person. And then one day it hit me. Then I thought I was a doof. Oh well. Next post. ]:) The confrontation. :D I hope you can hold out.
Ciria - Again, I apologize for the posting mishap. I hope it never happens again. You know as soon as you said the first two words were 'Nev Obser' I realized my error. :( I'm just so mad at myself. *sigh* I guess it just proves how human I am. Dang it! I use my characters fully. Mainly because it's so hard to come up with new ones. Usually when I develop a char I get a name and an attitude. Then I start working on their background. And sometimes I work out other things such as age, species and looks. Do you know I have a page of information on a race and a few characters that will show up, much later, in this fic, detailing species, general looks, gestation/reproduction, and a brief history on how they know a char. The sad part is I am not expecting them to be in the story for more that like a page or so. Maybe a chapter, but that's it. It's just so crazy! And just to make sure you have things all clear:
Captain - Fen Lessik/ Medic - Ja Kohnwei/ Pilot - Mortius Griven/ Crewman with Mort - Ain Chuss/ Crewman with Mort - Tenadden Maad/ Head Engineer (outside)- Nev Obser/ Crewman with Nev - Pev-da/ Crewman with Nev - Riello Quarg (Duros)/ Crewman with Nev - Andon Hobbsbreath/ Head Engineer (inside)- Wuan Jeswick/ Crewman with Wuan - Jaren Tenten/ Crewman with Wuan - Sordin Nalendos
I have them all written down so I know who's who. ;) Some of these people you have not met yet. And I'm still working on all the initiates, although I might not detail them out here. The Confrontation is a-comin'. Next chap I think. I hope it's not disappointing. You were close, I hope this chap kinda explained it. But I'm still debating on whether or not it will get answered in this portion of the story. :p Yeah, half of the crew is older and then half younger. The older guys like, Lessik, Kohnwei, Obser, Pev-da and Jeswick have already seen enough in their life to look at things objectively. And that is the multi-million dollar question, "Who will Obi choose?" And my answer to that is, will he have a choice? I guess you'll have to wait and see. Two more chaps and you all get a hint. :D Well, that was an extremely long response. Sorry to bore you all.
Artemicion - I don't think it was that bad of a cliffie. :p ::giggles:: Stop that!!! I hate being ticklish! I hope this chap wasn't too bad. Thanks for sticking with me. :D
lighted eagle - Ahhh, too many. This has just become my longest fic ever, and like I was telling someone on TF.N, we haven't even gotten to part two!! O_o This story is going to be huge. Let me put it this way. I know where I want to 'end' this portion of the saga, and we have a very, very long way to go. I've actually named this as 'Book 1: Resurrection.' And Book 1 is broken up into two parts; 'Part 1: Righting a Wrong' and 'Part 2: Reliving a Dream.' Just so you know, I've got two more chapters roughly written down and from what I can tell we might be about half way through Part 1. I don't think that answers your question entirely, but does it give you some kind of hint? Don't worry, tell me your thoughts when ever you can. Thanks for sticking with me. :D
Death Rider - I would have to say, keep guessing. I don't think anyone would entirely guess who and why. But I know. ]:) God luck dealing with Qui. And don't you even think of pointing any fingers at me. :p
Shan - As always, thank you for your fabulous assistance on this fic. I cannot express how much your insight means to me. I hope you like what I have done with the chap, since you only had the dialogue. Shhh! Don't spoil anything. ;) Don't worry, I know you wouldn't. :D And thanks for reviewing here as well. I appreciate both sets of thoughts. ;)
JCslilangel1425 - Adventures in Babysitting, huh? I am so glad I never really did all that. I am just not a 'kid' person. Well, I appreciate you dropping a quick note, even if you didn't have time to really say everything you wanted. Just let me know when ever you can. And I am always up for e-mail. ;) 'Cliffies, good!' :D
Liyanette - Well, I hope your 'Update Intuition' is still working! I've got another chap for you! ;) And don't worry, I completely understand. Most of the time I'm lazy too. :D Thanks for the review, and especially thanks for reading! :D