Chapter 21: Negotiations and Rescues

Obi-Wan didn't know exactly what happened when he managed to come to his senses. His last thoughts were on the younglings. The innocent initiates who were about to pulverized by a brute ship that collided into the training room. As he shook his head to clear his thoughts, he found Anakin beside him, crouched behind one of the training droids.

Anakin's blue eyes glowed in relief. "Glad to have you back, Master."

Obi-Wan groaned as he tried to sit up better. "The younglings? What happened—"

"Don't worry," Anakin insisted, voice hushed. "We got the younglings out of harm's way."

"We did?" Obi-Wan repeated, not remembering very much of what happened when the ship crashed.

Anakin cracked a teased grin. "Guess you got hit pretty hard, huh?" he said, much to the confusion of Obi-Wan. "We Force-pushed the younglings out of the ship's collision path. However, one of the bricks managed to hit you. I had to rescue you once again, Master."

Obi-Wan touched where the hard throbbing emitted pain. A gentle touch sent spikes of agony along the temple of his head. "How long was I out of commission?"

"Not very long. Just a few minutes," Anakin replied. "It's a good thing you did wake up, though. We got company."

Obi-Wan ignored the agitation of pain as he rose to a crouch as well, peeking behind the droids. The wreckage was impressive with scattered bricks and piles of rumble in unpattern areas. The windows were gone, drawing in waves of air that bristled the tiny hairs of the enemy that walked the hallowed floor of the Jedi Temple. He heard the growls of victory of the intruders as one ordered the others to work.

Slipping back behind the droid, Obi-Wan turned to Anakin. "Zygerrians," he acknowledged. "Not what I expected."

"Slave scums," Anakin's voice thundered in response. "They dare infiltrate the Temple?"

"Calm yourself Anakin," Obi-Wan advised his old padawan, placing a hand on Anakin's shoulder to keep him from doing something reckless. "We need to strategize."

"What are they even doing here?" Anakin growled. "Do they really think they can capture Jedi and run?"

"You know they're the arrogant sort," Obi-Wan responded as they recalled their last encounter with the Zygerrians. "Let's focus. It appears they are only one ship. How many?"

Anakin closed his eyes for a second. "I sense five."

"I do as well," Obi-Wan concluded and he pondered for a plan. Soon, more Jedi will arrive, weapons drawn and it will be a war zone in the area. He did not want that. Not with the younglings in the room. "We need to sneak behind them and disable their transportation."

"And then round them up," Anakin finished. "Almost like our ghost approach."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, okay you circle to the left, I'll take the right…"

A sound behind Obi-Wan alerted them they were no longer alone. Obi-Wan spun around, catching sight of Qui-Gon's large form stealthy approaching them with Padawan Kenobi in tow. They looked well enough, but concern dwelled in their eyes when they stopped short near them.

"I'm guessing this is the Sith's doing," Qui-Gon said as a way of greeting them. He drew out a long sigh. "What's the plan?"

"We got it cover, Master," Obi-Wan told Qui-Gon. "Anakin and I are going to the ship—"

"To rescue the younglings, I figured," Qui-Gon claimed, surprising both Jedi Knights. "But, how are you going to do that?"

Obi-Wan frowned. "What do you mean younglings? I-I thought they were safe."

Qui-Gon bounced his head side-to-side. "You got them out of the way from the ship," he explained, "but, the Zygerrians managed to capture a handful. They're on the ship at the moment."

"They've been checking each youngling as well," Padawan Kenobi added as all eyes turned to him. "They're looking for someone specific."

"You mean you," Anakin clarified and then turned to Obi-Wan. "That changes the game."

"This is not a game, Anakin," Qui-Gon chastised.

"He didn't mean it like that," Obi-Wan defended his old padawan, who seemed taken back by the Jedi Master's short tone. "Just…the setting has changed. Do you know how many younglings were taken?"

"About seven or so," Padawan Kenobi answered. "But, if they're looking for me, why are they still keeping the younglings? As a bargaining chip?"

Anakin shook his head. "No, not as a bargaining chip. It's much worse."

"What's worse?"

"Enslavement."

Anakin's reply quickly silenced Padawan Kenobi in a horror the boy believed to be long over. "Slavery is forbidden," he managed to say after a long pause.

"Not for these slaver scums," Anakin growled.

"What are we going to do?" Padawan Kenobi asked, troubled. "We can't just let them get away!"

"Easy there," Anakin said, pushing the boy back. "We're not going to let them get away. They are messing with the wrong Jedi."

"Anakin…" Obi-Wan warned. "Focus over here."

"Sorry Master," Anakin apologized returning his attention to the scene of the situation. The Zygerrians were dragging another Jedi Initiate onto the ship's ramp. "Stars…this is like Kiros all over again, isn't it?"

Obi-Wan stroked his chin. It definitely reminded him of Kiros and the tortugas. He recalled brilliantly the enslavement of an entire colony and how he and Anakin strategized how to free the colonists. Only replace the togrutas with Jedi Initiates and Kiros with the Jedi Temple. It was nearly the same situation…just without the bombs.

Obi-Wan looked to Anakin. "Then, let's play it out like Kiros," he said. "I'll negotiate…"

"What are you going to negotiate?" Qui-Gon questioned. "The Zygerrians are known to be stubborn and proud. They don't negotiate very well."

"I'm aware," Obi-Wan thought back to his last 'negotiation' with a Zygerrian. "But, it's our best chance to rescue the younglings." Obi-Wan turned to Anakin for support. "You know what to do."

"Yeah…I do, but this time I don't have Ahsoka with me. Or Commander Cody," Anakin pointed out. It was true, he had Ahsoka's and the clones to help him hunt down the bombs. But, this time, he would only need to sneak onto the ship and free the younglings from captive. He didn't have to speed through a colony looking for bombs.

But, it might be best if Anakin had someone with him to assist in case he runs into trouble, which was most of the time. "Master," Obi-Wan called to Qui-Gon. "You go with Anakin."

"I think it will be best if I go with you, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon suggested. "With two of us negotiating…"

"Will just get us killed faster," Obi-Wan interrupted. "I don't mean to be rude, Master, but the Zygerrians are going to be more trigger happy if two Jedi show up to negotiate."

"Obi-Wan…"

"He's right, Qui-Gon," Anakin jumped into the conversation. "They aren't exactly friendly. They'd rather shoot you both than listen."

Qui-Gon flashed his eyes to Obi-Wan with alarm. "And, you believe they'll listen to you? What makes you think they won't shoot you?"

"Because they don't have your padawan, yet," Obi-Wan replied. "They'll talk to one Jedi if it helps them get what they want."

"So, what are you going to say to them?"

"Exactly what they want to hear," Obi-Wan replied as he then waved Anakin and Qui-Gon off. "Now…go! Be careful, Anakin."

"Always," Anakin said, seemingly happy that he gets to have a joint mission with Qui-Gon. His fingers kept fidgeting to near the hilt of his lightsaber in anticipation. "Ready Qui-Gon?"

Qui-Gon didn't reply. Instead, he turned to his padawan, addressing the boy. "Stay behind these droids," he instructed. "Whatever happens, you stay here. If you must, leave the room. If another Jedi Master comes, listen to their instruction."

"I should go with you Master," Padawan Kenobi insisted, but Qui-Gon shook his head.

"No…stay here and be safe," Qui-Gon ordered. "We'll return."

Padawan Kenobi relented and moved up against the droid next to Obi-Wan. Anakin gave his farewell salute to Obi-Wan before leading the way to the ship. Qui-Gon glanced back on more time, making eye-contact with Obi-Wan. He knew exactly what his Master said: Keep the boy safe at all cost.

Obi-Wan nodded his promise and soon, both Anakin and Qui-Gon disappeared behind the rumbles. Obi-Wan turned back, spying the Zygerrian as they started inching closer to their end of the training room. It was time.

Obi-Wan began to rise when he caught Padawan Kenobi crouched in his safety zone. The boy watched him closely, examining him with a particular awe and perplexity. But, something didn't feel right. Not to Obi-Wan. Seeing his young self be alone and helpless behind droids, unseen, made him feel uncomfortable.

He could not leave the boy alone. Yet, he promised Qui-Gon he would keep him safe. Bringing him to the forefront would only give the Zygerrians an exact target. His resistance weakened. He knew he couldn't bring the padawan with him nor could he leave him here, alone and unprotected. There was only one option for him.

He cursed the situation over again, but knew it was the only way. "Do you trust me, padawan?"

Padawan Kenobi arched an eyebrow, staring up at him funnily. "What?"

"Do you trust me?"

"Why would I not trust myself?" Padawan Kenobi questioned.

"It's not a simple reason to trust me because I'm you," Obi-Wan answered. "Eyes can be deceived. Remember, I'm not you. Things have happened to me that have yet to happen to you. I've changed. I'm a different person. So, you must look beyond your eyes. Reach into the Force to find if I am trustworthy."

Padawan Kenobi blinked in confusion. "Uh?"

Obi-Wan sighed, raking his hair out of his face. "Forget it," he mumbled. "I just need to know if you trust me."

Padawan Kenobi nodded furiously.

"Good, because I'm going to need your help," Obi-Wan said.

"I thought you said it was a bad idea for two Jedi to approach them?"

"It is," Obi-Wan agreed, "which is why I need your upmost trust. I need you to do everything I say. I need your promise and trust that you will follow my orders. Exactly." Obi-Wan looked down at the padawan. "Can you do that?"

Padawan Kenobi hesitated before nodding his agreement.

Obi-Wan breathed. "Good."

He grabbed Padawan Kenobi's forearm, unceremoniously plucking him off the ground. Padawan Kenobi let out a small yelp at the surprise action. Obi-Wan felt guilty for the roughness and loosen his hold on his younger self. But, he continued walking, dragging the padawan with him as they entered the floor, the sun's rays capturing their features and alerting the intruders of their presence.

Obi-Wan heard the growls and snarls as they approached. "Don't move, Jedi filth!"

Obi-Wan stopped, staring straight at each of the Zygerrians present before him. He moved the padawan to stand behind him, hidden in the shadows until needed. He sensed the padawan's nervousness at the confrontation. He sent a soothing wave through the Force to settle him. It worked very little.

So, he turned his full attention back to the Zygerrians. "On behalf of the Jedi Order, I wish to speak with your leader."

The Zygerrian in the middle stepped forward, his chest boasted. "You Jedi have nothing of value that interests me," he growled. "Only death!"

Obi-Wan studied the Zygerrian, the captain of this band of intruders. He wondered if their queen was aware of their mission. From what Anakin told him the last time they encountered these species, the queen wanted to have a slave empire full of Jedi.

"If that be true, then you wouldn't be rounding up the younglings," Obi-Wan pointed out to the Zygerrian leader.

The Zygerrian captain snarled. He pulled out his blaster, cocking it to one of the younglings they were ushering onto their ship. "You dare to challenge me, Jedi?" he challenged. "I have no problem killing the pathetic scum!"

Obi-Wan glanced from the squiggly youth to the Zygerrian captain. He slowly rose his hands up to appease the angered Zygerrian. "Let's not get carried away," he eased his suggestion to the Zygerrian. "Don't want to make mistakes you may regret."

"I'll have no regrets in killing a Jedi."

"I have no doubt," Obi-Wan agreed with him as he remembered his welcoming stay on their homeplanet. "However, let's avoid the meaningless bloodshed and simply negotiate."

"I have no desire to negotiate with you, Jedi scum!"

"That's unfortunate," sighed Obi-Wan. "I was hoping you and I could settle our differences in the…Zygerrian tradition."

That moment sparked a new fire in the Zygerrian's eyes. He stood taller, shoulders broad as he stared closely at Obi-Wan in a humor interest. "And, what makes you think I'll accept?"

The moment came. He didn't like what he was about to do and he hoped to be forgiven. The boy swore he trust him and he hated to use that trust for a dangerous stunt. But, it was Obi-Wan best option to help free the younglings and keep the padawan alive.

Obi-Wan reached behind him, snagged onto Padawan Kenobi's tunic's sleeve and pulled him up to view. Padawan Kenobi stumbled, eyes vivid at the shocking betrayal as he glanced from the glaring Zygerrians back to Obi-Wan.

"What are you doing?" he cried, shocked about the reveal.

Obi-Wan didn't answer the padawan. He looked right into the Zygerrian's captain's eyes, who danced brilliantly at the padawan. The Zygerrian captain jabbed a finger in the direction of the padawan. "The boy!"

Padawan Kenobi took a step back, but Obi-Wan held onto him, preventing him from running. "You know this young one?" Obi-Wan questioned and he received a snarl as his answer. "Perhaps we can negotiate terms?"

The Zygerrian captain huffed, but he no longer seemed as hostile as before. "I'm interested."

They were taking the bait, Obi-Wan thought to himself, pleased it was working just as well as last time. "If I win, you must release the younglings—unharmed—and leave this planet."

"And, if I win," the Zygerrian captain growled, slavering, "I take the boy and the younglings!"

Padawan Kenobi irked at the Zygerrian captain's demands, spinning. "You're not going to accept—"

"We'll see," Obi-Wan said, agreeing to the duel.

Padawan Kenobi argued, but Obi-Wan brushed him aside, ordering him to stay back. But, the Zygerrian captain disputed. "No! No Jedi tricks! I want the boy in full view!" he said and looked back to one of his followers. "Guard him!"

The other Zygerrian nodded once for obedience and marched over to what Padawan Kenobi stood. He reached out to drag him away, but Padawan Kenobi pushed the Zygerrian away from him. "Don't touch me!"

"Padawan," Obi-Wan gently called out to the padawan. "Just stand off to the side. Don't fight. Don't run. Just stand and wait."

Padawan Kenobi frowned intensely that Obi-Wan thought his brows were going to meet in the center. "I'm not going anywhere—"

"Yes, you will," Obi-Wan muttered, harsh in tone. "You promised, Obi-Wan! Do as I say."

Obi-Wan caught the defiance in those blue-green eyes. Padawan Kenobi wanted to argue and refuse, but he pouted instead and walked aside, still refusing the Zygerrian's attempt to restrain him. Once Padawan Kenobi was safely placed aside, Obi-Wan marched forward to meet the Zygerrian captain.

"Your weapon?" the Zygerrian captain pointed to Obi-Wan belt.

Obi-Wan unhooked his lightsaber and, with mild carelessness, tossed it aside. The metallic cylinder thumped and skidded off into one of the nearby piles of carnage. The Zygerrian captain maliciously grinned.

"You think you can win against me without your laser sword?"

Obi-Wan stood stoically in front of the towering Zygerrian. "Perhaps."

And, like all spectacular battles, it started with a bang. The Zygerrian reeled his fist back and plunged it squarely into Obi-Wan's chest. The Jedi went flying!

Anakin and Qui-Gon crept between the wreckage as they made their slow approach to the ship's hull. They found a few cowering younglings and urged them to crawl toward the back of the training room for safety. Helping them out, they returned to their main goal in getting to the ship when they discovered a crippled Master Alann.

Qui-Gon hurried to the fallen Master, spying the thin bloodlines that trekked down the side of his head. "Master Alann? Are you all right?"

"The younglings!" he cried. "They took the younglings!"

"We know," Anakin answered. "We're off to get them back. How bad are your injuries?"

Qui-Gon examined Master Alann, but it was difficult for him to recognize if a wound was terrible or not. He was no healer. But, from what he observed, it looked serious enough that Master Alann could not assist in their mission.

"It looks like he may have broken a bone," Qui-Gon concluded and he looked to the Jedi Master. "I'm afraid you may have to stay here until more Jedi come to assist. Keep pressure on this wound." Qui-Gon pointed to one of the master's many cuts on his arm.

Master Alann cared little for his injuries. "Don't mind me," he grunted, withholding the pain. "Go rescue the younglings!"

Anakin assured him they would and they marched back into diving behind the piles of rubble at their feet. They were able to smoothly move between the wreckage the moment Obi-Wan stepped out in the center. The Zygerrians turned away from hunting and focused on Obi-Wan. Anakin shook his head. Obi-Wan always had a knack at stealing the show when he wishes to.

Anakin didn't mind Obi-Wan's sacrifice. In fact, this mission—despite the seriousness—was a delight for he finally got to have a real Jedi mission with Qui-Gon Jinn. They were working together as Jedi to free younglings from slavers. Anakin pinched himself a few times as they weaved their way through just in case that it was a dream. It wasn't. But, it did feel as though one of his dreams seriously popped out of his head and became reality.

"Why are you smiling?"

Anakin turned back to see Qui-Gon looking oddly at him. "Oh…just remembering something," he said. "You okay?"

"I'll be okay once we rescue the younglings," Qui-Gon admitted. "I don't need something else to fall on Obi-Wan's conscious."

"Don't worry," Anakin assured Qui-Gon. "It won't."

They drew up close to the ship, spotting the last youngling to be shoved onboard. Anakin examined the perimeter, drawing up multiple possibilities for what could occur if they did certain things. Anakin knew they had to take out the guard. He could not alert the others as it won't only endanger the younglings, but also Obi-Wan.

Anakin crouched back down and turned to speak to Qui-Gon when the Jedi Master swore. "What is he doing?"

Anakin found that Qui-Gon was no longer paying attention to the ship. Anakin followed his gaze and spotted Obi-Wan and Padawan Kenobi out in the middle of the floor. Anakin wasn't quite sure what was going through Obi-Wan's mind to reveal the padawan, but it did draw a great interest to the Zygerrians. Clearly, this whole operation was about getting Padawan Kenobi.

Anakin grated his teeth. Dooku knew no bounds!

Qui-Gon stared in bewilderment at what was occurring. "I told Obi-Wan to stay hidden!"

Anakin slid away from the view. "Trust him, Qui-Gon," he insisted. "Besides, Obi-Wan wouldn't risk his younger self unless it's the best course."

Qui-Gon glanced from the center back to Anakin. "That's the best course? Leaving him open and vulnerable?"

Anakin shrugged. "Perhaps? I don't know. But, I trust Obi-Wan to not risk his younger self in such a manner unless he had to," he said. "Anyway, let's just hurry up and rescue the younglings so that we can help Obi-Wan."

Qui-Gon gave one last glaring look to the negotiation scene before refocusing on their task at hand. Anakin concentrated on the Force to get an estimate on how many individuals may be inside the ship. He noted that Obi-Wan distracted two Zygerrians. That meant at least three were inside manhandling the younglings.

Anakin pondered for a moment and then swept a finger over his brow.

He heard no response. He brushed his brow again, but got no reply. He whipped his head around to find Qui-Gon puzzled at his gesture. "Is something wrong?"

Anakin exhaled slowly. He'd forgotten that Qui-Gon was not Obi-Wan. He wouldn't recognize the signals he and Obi-Wan created during the war. "No—nothing's wrong," he said, sadly. "I was just thinking. We should go straight up the ramp."

"A simple charge?"

Anakin nodded. "They won't expect it."

"Wouldn't they?" Qui-Gon challenged. "They know they are in a place full of Jedi Knights. They might be expecting us to come up from the ramp."

"Not unless we trick them," Anakin offered. "One of us can lure them to the ramp area while the other goes underneath the ship. That way…we'll trap them."

Qui-Gon pondered the option, tapping his finger on the end of his chin. "That'll work better than your simple charge," he agreed. "Do you prefer the ramp or the back way?"

"I'll take the ramp," Anakin called. He would never miss out an opportunity to take down the Zygerrians. And, it seemed more Qui-Gon's ability to stealthy enter rather than forcefully enter. "Wait for my signal."

Anakin demonstrated his two-tap wrist signal to Qui-Gon. With understanding, Anakin ventured out from the rubble, heading his way to the ramp. He smelled the vile stench of fur immediately as he ascended the ramp. Their race always felt better, more regal than others which gave Anakin no surprise that Dooku would immediately sought them out. They were so similar in their crude behavior.

Midway through the ramp, he gave his signal and hoped Qui-Gon caught it as he came to the very top of the ramp. He peered in, finding no one guarding the entrance. It must be a small crew, he theorized as he tip-toed down the corridor. He caught the vibrant echo of the Force on one end of the corridor and noted that the kidnapped younglings were stashed in that room.

Anakin went to the door, examining the keypad that kept the door shut and locked. It was a simple verification code that Anakin could easily disable with his blade. No reason to get technical. He heard the sniffles and cries of the younglings on the other side, sensing their fear as they sat, trapped, in an unknown ship. Anakin wanted to desperately free them instantly, but he could not at the moment. There was no point in freeing them if they'll only distract him from stopping the Zygerrians.

Anakin whispered a promise to return as he set off to locate the rest of the Zygerrian crew. He nearly got to the cockpit when he came across two of the Zygerrian crew. They growled at Anakin, snatching their shock whips.

Anakin grinned and leaned casually against the wall. "You're going to need at least four more to hold me down."

His witty comment infuriated the Zygerrians into actions. They shot their whips at him, but Anakin easily dodged them with simple acrobatic moves that even old-man Obi-Wan could do. The shock whips inability to even touch him only heighten the Zygerrians anger as they brutally thrashed the whips at him. Anakin dodged carefully, moving backwards to lead them to the ramp once again.

Eventually, one of the shock whips landed on Anakin's wrist. The electricity current his nerves, but rather than knock him down as the Zygerrian expected, it only gave Anakin a tingling feeling.

Anakin glanced from the whip to the Zygerrian. "I warned you."

Anakin tugged the shock whip out of the Zygerrian's hand, dismantling it. Free from the whip, Anakin summoned his lightsaber, the blue blade striking against the dark corridor.

The Zygerrian who lost thew whip, pulled out his blaster and fired multiple shots. Not a single one hit Anakin. His blade collided with every blast, absorbing the energy or deflecting it away from him. The Zygerrian with the whip tried to pull the lightsaber out of his hands, but failed miserably.

Annoyed and tired of games, Anakin thrust his hand out, sending the Zygerrian with the whip flying backwards until he collided against the wall. He heard a sickening crack before the Zygerrian collapsed in a heap. Next, he turned on the Zygerrian with the blaster, who fired manically after witnessing what happened to his comrade.

It was a terrible mistake.

Anakin held his blade at the right angle. The bullet bounced from the blue hum and boomerang straight to the Zygerrian. The blast hit him directly in his chest. Wide-eyed, the Zygerrian collapsed and his blaster clanked on the floor.

Anakin stared at the mess. "You never learn."

Qui-Gon saw Anakin's signal.

He snuck underneath. The smell of hot metal violated his nostrils, but he withheld his urge to gag. Locating the perfect location was difficult. He didn't want to cut through where the younglings might be located as he could possible injure them. He used the Force as his guide, leading him to one particular spot. Studying it minutely, Qui-Gon ignited his lightsaber, a green hue fell on his face as he stabbed the metal.

In a quick few minutes, he made a hole that was big enough for him to climb though into the ship. Steady, Qui-Gon Force-jumped through the hole and landed softly inside what appeared to be the cockpit. Realizing no one was in the room, he trained his focus to find Anakin. But, he didn't need to concentrate too hard. All he had to do was listen and he could hear blasters being fired.

Obi-Wan did say Anakin wasn't one for patience. And, it seemed that he was right. He already started a firefight with the Zygerrians.

Qui-Gon hurried out of the cockpit, looking both ways to find the right direction to where Anakin was taking heat. He ran down the corridor only stopping when he no longer heard shots or a hum of a lightsaber. He paused, refocusing. He wasn't quite sure if the silence was a good thing or a bad thing. Instantly, he worried about Anakin falling to the blaster shots. He doubted very much that Obi-Wan would forgive him if he reported that Anakin died.

Qui-Gon crept carefully around the corridor, reminding himself that it's possible there were more Zygerrians patrolling the ship than what Anakin assumed. He called the Force for guidance, helping him find his way to either Anakin or the younglings locked away.

Or, he was going to when the end of a blaster dug into the back of his head and a cruel whisper echoed in his ear. "Jedi filth!"

Qui-Gon didn't flinch at the insult. He merely accepted that he was captured, but that did not mean he could not escape. Unless they were as trigger happy as Jedi Kenobi and Anakin made them out to be.

The Zygerrian moved, adding pressure against Qui-Gon's head. "Move!"

Qui-Gon didn't move at first, which he realized was a mistake. The Zygerrian whipped him with his blaster, causing Qui-Gon to fall on his knees. The next minute, the Zygerrian pulled out a long whip and slashed him at his wrists. An electric charge surged through Qui-Gon's nerves throughout his whole body. He bit down, cringing as the charge coursed his body. He shook uncontrollably at the torture until the Zygerrian released him from the whip.

Qui-Gon slumped down, taking deep breaths to regain his strength.

The Zygerrian sneered at him. "Pathetic Jedi! Weak Jedi!" he spat as he towered over Qui-Gon. "Now…you will know the power of the Zygerrians!"

The Zygerrian released the whip, strapping it onto Qui-Gon's wrist before Qui-Gon could make a counter-attack. Qui-Gon winced at the pain that surged his entire being. He's been in worse pain before, but he could not free himself to release his lightsaber for defense.

The Zygerrian cackled at Qui-Gon futile attempts to disarm himself. He jeered at the Jedi until the smile was instantly wiped off his face. The whip fell from his hands. The electric current ceased. And, Qui-Gon fell back against the wall as he looked up to see a bright, blue blade through the Zygerrian's chest.

Just as quickly, the blue blade vanished and the Zygerrian flopped next to Qui-Gon—dead.

And in his place, stood Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin bent down, examining Qui-Gon. "Are you okay?"

Qui-Gon nodded, waving away Anakin's concern for him. "Yes…yes, I'm quite all right," he said. "Just overcoming a minor shock."

Anakin helped Qui-Gon to his feet. Qui-Gon stared down at the Zygerrian who tortured him. "You killed him."

Anakin didn't even look at the corpse. "He was hurting you," he said, defensively.

Qui-Gon could not argue that comment. The Zygerrian was torturing him with the shock whip, but he still found it strangely uncomfortable that the being was now dead. One moment, he was happily torturing another being maliciously and the next, he was dead.

It was a wonder to see how quickly things change in front of one person.

Qui-Gon felt a small tap against his arm and regathered his focus. "How many more Zygerrians are left?"

"I took care of them already," Anakin replied, not going into detail. "I found the younglings. There's just around the bend."

Qui-Gon sighed a small relief at knowing the younglings were already found. He told Anakin to lead the way and they both sprinted to the group of small younglings, leaving behind the dead Zygerrian to its own silent grave.

Mace Windu is not a Jedi Master one should trifle.

Intense and proud, the Jedi Master was one many had a hard time working alongside. His arrogance toward some Jedi to avoid collaborating with him on any missions and his sharp tongue often left others feeling belittled. Yet, they all recognized his strength and power as a proficient duelists and fine Jedi.

So, when the news that a ship crashed into a training room and a disturbance of the Force swooped through the tunnels of the Jedi Temple, Master Windu marched to confront the situation.

And, he wasn't alone. Other have rushed to help the situation, though not every knew what was happening. All they knew was a crash and a disturbance. As he headed to the training rooms, Master Windu was joined by Plo Koon and Clee Rhara and her padawan, Garen.

"What the situation?" Master Rhara asked as her padawan kept one step behind her.

"We're not sure yet," Master Windu replied. "A ship crashed on the north side, near the training rooms."

"There was a disturbance too, Master," Master Rhara said. "I felt it."

"We all did," Master Koon added.

The turbolift arrived and they gathered into the tight quarters. Garen hit the button and flew up at an incredible speed.

Garen looked to his Master. "Master, qre we sure it wasn't a possible accident?" he offered. "Like they lost control?"

Master Windu groaned inside at the padawan's naïve belief. "If an accident, Padawan," he answered. "Then the Force would not have trembled as it did. They are connected."

Garen accepted the response with a bow and soft gulp. Master Windu cared less and the turbolift doors soon opened, revealing a scene they did not quite expect.

Younglings, all in tears, were running in different directions or huddled in corners with a great look of distress. Master Windu, Koon, Rhara and Padawan Muln stepped out of the turbolift and swiftly moved through the corridor until one of the younglings sprinted up to them in wide panic.

"Please Masters!" the youngling cried, her bright eyes glisten from tears. "They took our friends! They need help!"

Master Windu now had proof that this event was not purely an accident. It was an attack. He drew out his lightsaber and gestured to the two Masters with him. "Come with me," he ordered, on the verge of excitement to release his Vaapd techniques. "Padawan Muln!"

Garen stood attention. "Yes Master?"

"Round up the younglings and keep them safe and secure," Master Windu ordered.

Garen bowed, accepting his mission and he turned to lead the girl youngling away from the Masters. But the girl struggled in Garen's grip. "You must help! There's only two!"

Master Windu cocked an eyebrow. "Only two?"

The little girl nodded. "Two Jedi! Two Jedi fighting alone!"

Master Windu abruptly turned away from the girl and stormed into the training room. And, he was met with more surprise. An ugly ship rested amongst the rubble of what used to be the far wall that it crashed through to gain entry. Piles upon piles of bricks and junk littered the once pristine training room. The power-down training droids formed a wall, protecting any newcomers from any possible stray attacks.

The trio stayed behind the training droids, looking out at where the sunlight flood the room. Dead center, was a Zygerrian male. However, he was not alone. Master Windu caught sight of a human figure sprawled on the floor, pushing himself off the floor with great effort. As the human stood, Master Windu recognized him at once.

It was Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jedi Knight from the future.

Master Koon and Master Rhara examined the scene before, befuddled by what they witnessed.

"What's going on?" asked Master Rhara as she discovered Padawan Kenobi off to side, being carefully watched by what she assumed to be the intruder. "Are they fist fighting?"

"It appears so," Master Koon responded and he turned to Master Windu. "Should we help? Inform Master Yoda?"

Master Windu gave pause, rubbing his chin in concentration at the fierce scene before them. "We'll hold off our involvement. Check for survivors first. Find any lost younglings," he ordered, before pausing again. "If necessary, we'll come in and take over the situation in a more Jedi appropriate manner."

Obi-Wan slid across the floor for the third time.

The Zygerrian captain did not hold back on his strength as Obi-Wan hoped. He released a variety of punches to almost every inch of his body. Every fist plunged into his flesh rippled his organs and vibrated his nerves in a shock of agony. His knees buckled at the brute attack, making him fall in an almost surrender stance.

But, Obi-Wan prevailed. He pushed past the pain and got to his feet. He threw his share of punches, managing direct contact on few occasions. The last fist that smashed into the Zygerrian's chest only drew the brute creature to grow angrier. He swooped Obi-Wan off his feet, rising him high above his head. Obi-Wan knew exactly what was going to happen next.

Seconds later, Obi-Wan though he heard his back crack when the Zygerrian slammed him into the floor. The wind was knocked out of his chest, which forced him to cough in attempt to control his breathing once again. It did not last as a large foot stomped on his chest, adding extra pressure against his tight lungs.

They Zygerrian leaned over with a snarl. "You Jedi are easily breakable! You are no match to the great Zygerrian race!" he said as Obi-Wan began to wheeze out his last air. The Zygerrian captain released his foot and watched with great enjoyment at Obi-Wan's attempt to rise. Instead, Obi-Wan only managed to be on all fours as he breathed deeply. The Zygerrian grinned in victory over Obi-Wan tired state.

"And, soon, after I kill you and take the boy," the captain proclaimed, "I'll be worshipped as a hero! Khar D'Nar! Hero of the Zygerrians! Jedi Slayer!"

Obi-Wan's interests peaked. The name…it sounded very familiar. With every strength and breath left in his body, Obi-Wan asked, "Y-You're not…r-related to…D-Darts D'Nar?"

The Zygerrian frowned intensively. His fur brows slanted so daunting that Obi-Wan thought the fight was going to end right then and there. Instead, the Zygerrian kicked him, sending him far away. Obi-Wan spun, landing hard on the floor as he rolled to a stop. He groaned as a tingle prickled his spinal cord.

With a gulp of new air, Obi-Wan coughed as he, with great effort, carefully pushed himself off the floor.

Khar D'Nar savagely roared at him. "How do you know my son?!"

From fighting him in the future Obi-Wan thought as he recognized the irony of it all. History truly did repeat itself.

As he slowly started to come to his feet, he caught a glimpse of his younger self off to the side. The padawan watched with an intensity of one with everything on the line. He truly feared for his well-being. He stayed in line, not daring to tip-toe though Obi-Wan was sure the boy tried, but the Zygerrian bodyguard put a halt to it. The Zygerrian bodyguard growled at the padawan, but the young boy paid no attention. His ablaze eyes locked on Obi-Wan.

"Get up!" Padawan Kenobi cried. "Come on!"

It did not surprise Obi-Wan that the padawan was losing trust. Padawan Kenobi truly believed that he would protect him. Keep him safe. And, at the moment, it looked the complete opposite as Obi-Wan swayed in his attempt to fully stand.

Obi-Wan glanced away and looked straight at the marching Zygerrian. "Hurry up, Anakin," Obi-Wan mumbled as he stood tall once again.

Hands fisted, Obi-Wan charged at Khar D'Nars.

"They're in here," Anakin said as they arrived outside the door.

Qui-Gon examined the mechanism on how to unlock it. "We're going to need a key card and the passcode to—"

Anakin lit up his lightsaber and stabbed the keypad. The machine fizzled and the door hissed opened immediately. He deactivated his lightsaber as Qui-Gon simply stared at what happened.

"Or…we can take a lightsaber to it," Qui-Gon finished his previous sentence as he stepped through to the other side. It was very dark with only a single orange glow for light. Anakin followed after Qui-Gon, curling his nose in disgust at what he saw.

There were multiple cages inside the room and each occupied either two of three younglings, all stuffed within the metal bars. Hymns of tears resonated the room as Anakin rushed forward at the atrocity. They shoved younglings into cages like animals! In shallow, cramped cages that could not fit even two exotic birds. One youngling even had their arms dangling out for more space, almost as it the youngling was reaching out to them to save him.

Anakin's anger vaulted into an extreme rage. His hands twisted along his lightsaber, itching to eliminate more Zygerrians. He hurried over to the youngling with its arms hung outside the cage, kneeling down to become eye level with them. The younglings responded with tiny frights of yelps and scooting away, too afraid he was going to hurt him like the Zygerrians did.

"It's all right," Anakin said, calmly. "We're not here to harm you."

Anakin lifted his lightsaber to show the younglings he's a Jedi. One of them. Their pleading eyes widened at the sight, coos of excitement echoing among the walls. "I'm Anakin Skywalker and he's Qui-Gon Jinn," Anakin introduced themselves. "We're here to rescue you."

Soon the tears turned into eager anticipation as they all soon pleaded for their help all at once. Anakin lit up his blade and slashed the lock encased three younglings. The door sprang opened and the younglings furiously crawled out into the opening. The last one threw its arms around Anakin.

"Thank you!"

Anakin had to peel the youngling off him. "No problem. Just stay here and we'll get you off this ship as soon as possible." Anakin then turned to Qui-Gon, who followed Anakin's lead and was freeing the other younglings from their imprisonment.

Soon enough, Anakin and Qui-Gon released all nine younglings from their captivity. The younglings swarmed them, following them almost like an entourage as they stepped out into the corridor to lead them to freedom. Qui-Gon exited first, leading a small group of younglings to follow him. Anakin stayed behind, insuring all the younglings were not left behind. He kept his lightsaber up, as well as Qui-Gon did, in case unexpected surprises came along to hinder their rescue efforts.

As they gathered the younglings out of the prison, they shuffled their way back to the loading ramp. Anakin witnessed Qui-Gon check and learned it was clear. Anakin nodded the go-ahead to send off a few of the younglings down from the ramp.

Qui-Gon led the way, stealthily coursing their path to freedom behind the broken pillar that grew a rather large pile of rubble to hide. Qui-Gon returned again to lead a new batch back out into the broken training room. Anakin stayed behind, guarding the younglings and easing their tensions with a causal stance and an eased smile. It helped calm the majority of the younglings who relaxed in his presence, none of them panicking and running off to unknown. They didn't need to catch the other two Zygerrians' attentions at the moment.

After Qui-Gon returned to take the last couple of younglings, Anakin remembered something. "Qui-Gon," he said to the Jedi Master. "You take these younglings now. I'll follow you up later."

Qui-Gon's eyebrows trailed high up his forehead. "Where are you going?"

"I just need to check something," Anakin insisted. "But you go! Take the younglings!"

It seemed, however, it was not only Qui-Gon that didn't want Anakin to run off. The last two younglings stared up in deep confusion and pretrified. "Where you going?" one asked.

"Don't leave us!" the other one cried.

Anakin was rattled by their pleas. He never much hung around the younglings when he was in the Temple. He and Obi-Wan never had the time to spare to watch training practices or watch them learn to use the Force. If anything, their only interactions with younglings were when they were either kidnapped by the Separatists or when they watched he and Obi-Wan spar. If anyone, Ahsoka spent the most time with the younglings out of the three.

He didn't know exactly what to do, but he gave his best attempt to comfort them. "I'm not going to go far," he assured them. "Qui-Gon here will take care of you. He'll keep you safe. There's just one more thing I gotta do."

The two younglings whimpered, but the accepted his reasoning. At least, Anakin thought they did. Anakin returned his gaze to Qui-Gon. "Don't worry about me," he said. "I'll be back soon. Just stay hidden with the younglings until my return."

"What are you going to do?" Qui-Gon enquired.

"I just need to find something," Anakin said, already trotting away from the group. "Something that might help us." He couldn't tell Qui-Gon outright that he was hoping to find something that could locate the Sith Lord. That would only send the younglings into a spiral. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I'll be outside waiting," Qui-Gon responded and he looked down to the last remaining younglings. "Follow me and stay close"

Anakin turned away, rushing down the corridor. Arms pumping, he glanced down the different corridors in hopes to find the one room he wanted. He checked every passing door, disappointed with the results until he came across the one he wanted.

It was the clearly the captain's chamber. The elegant setting, the comfortable throne-like chair in the center that was surrounded with the best computer system of its time—at least, Anakin believed. To him, the system was ancient. He swept across the floor, coming to the center where he sat on the throne, his eyes gazing across the communication center.

If the Zygerrians were collaborating with Dooku, then they would have a communication link to the foul creature. Anakin searched, peering closely at all the buttons and levers to find the correct location to the datacard drive. He checked every inch of the system and let out a jubilant glee when he found the datacard slot. He hit the eject button, hand waiting for the circular disc to fly into his hand.

It never came.

Anakin repeatedly hit the button, but no datacard ejected from the slot. Anakin cursed under his breath, brushing his hair back in a huff. No datacard. At least, not in the system.

"You have no authorization to be in this room."

Anakin popped his head up and saw a CZ protocol droid standing in the doorway. The bronze protocol droid was nothing like See-Threepio. The CZ droid looked more raggedy than his droid. Poor mechanics built the droid. It was nothing Anakin couldn't dismantle with a flick of his finger.

The droid bumbled into the room, its crooked arm raised to point at him. "I will have to call security! This is the private quarters of Khar D—"

Anakin no longer listened to the droid. As the droid made its way to him, Anakin spied an unusual component to the droid. He let the droid come closer as it ranted on about him being out-of-bounds. Anakin rose to his feet, stepping around the massive computer system to face the droid.

The CZ droid glanced up and down Anakin. "Who are you? You have no authorization to—oh the maker!"

Anakin slashed his lightsaber at the droid, taking off the external component. The droid groaned loudly of his dismemberment, but Anakin cared less about its complaints. Instead, he picked it up and investigated.

He smiled. He saw the drive and, with his steady fingers, he pried the datacard out of the drive. Anakin exhaled in relief of victory. These Zygerrian scums hoped to hide their benefactor with a droid. A very profitable mistake.

Anakin raised the datacard to the droid. "Thanks for this," he said, pocketing the datacard.

The droid kept moaning. "This is an outrage! A monstrosity! I'm alerting my master!" the CZ droid complained as he began to fidget with his remaining parts.

Anakin spotted the transmitter on the droid's arm. The droid hit the little red button, preparing to speak as a blue holo-video of another Zygerrian appeared. "Oh! You must—"

The droid's communication didn't go further. Anakin slashed his lightsaber, slicing the droid's head right off its metal shoulders. The head spun all the way out of the chambers and the holo-video flickered out of service.

Anakin breathed deeply as he deactivated his lightsaber. It was still good. All was fine. Most of the slaver scums were dead. The younglings freed. And, Anakin had the datacard.

All will be all right.

He just needed to get back to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

Anakin leapt over the destroyed droid and sprinted through the corridor. He accidently kicked the droid's head down the corridor with him until it spun into a corner, away from being trampled. When he got to the ramp, he saw Qui-Gon nearly coming ducking out from his cover to run back up the ramp.

Qui-Gon looked down at Anakin's empty hands. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

Anakin nodded, patting his pocket. "I did," he replied, triumphantly. "Let's get the younglings and—"

Anakin stopped talking when he caught the sight of the Zygerrian leering over Obi-Wan. His old master was down on his knees, rattled and cobbled, like he was surrendering to the Zygerrian.

As Obi-Wan started to wobble to his feet, the Zygerrian snatched his neck and raised him high, his furry paws closing tighter along Obi-Wan's neck.

Anakin's heart thundered. "No…"

Obi-Wan sensed the arrival of new Jedi entering the training room, but he prayed that none ventured to join in the fight. It was between him and Khar D'Nar. Padawan Kenobi tried to become involved, wanting to rush over to Obi-Wan, but the Zygerrian guard yanked him back. Padawan Kenobi fought off the Zygerrian's restraint, yelling at him to not touch him.

Obi-Wan felt terrible for letting his younger self down. Or at least, make him doubt that Obi-Wan could not finish the fight. He imagined that the padawan feared he would be sold into slavery, be forced onto the ship like all the other younglings because he swore his trust into a man he thought would protect him.

He wished he could alleviate the boy's anxieties. There was nothing to fear. It was all going to plan. Once Anakin and Qui-Gon freed the younglings, Obi-Wan can start his real act. However, that became dimmer the longer he fought against Khar D'Nar. It seemed almost as long as the last time he fought against a Zygerrian. He knew his ribs were cracked and he probably had two black eyes from being punched repeatedly in the face (he was shocked to find that his nose had yet to break). He doubted his appearance made him look like a strong Jedi Knight. He was probably more suited in the Undercity's boxing matches than in the Jedi Temple.

Khar D'Nar had just crack Obi-Wan's back again when the Zygerrian back-dropped him on the knees. Then, in all good fun for Khar, kicked Obi-Wan until he laid in a lump a few feet away. Groaning, Obi-Wan carefully pushed himself off the floor, his body aching every second. He admitted very quietly to himself that he was going to have a rough night.

As he got to his knees, Obi-Wan felt a furry clasp around his neck. He rose up freely, his legs sweeping underneath him as he grasped onto Khar's furry paw. His breathing gre erratic. His lungs closing in as his airway got smaller and smaller each second it remained in Khar D'Nar's mercy.

Obi-Wan's eyes flashed to Khar D'Nar's face. The Zygerrian was proud, his mouth split into a wide, victorious grin as he pinched tighter around Obi-Wan's neck. "Jedi skug…you were a fool to think you could beat me," Khar D'Nar muttered in pure delight at the sight of Obi-Wan choking. "Now—now the galaxy will know where the power truly lies—with the Zygerrian Empire!"

Obi-Wan clawed at the Khar's paws repeatedly, but the Zygerrian only laughed at his futile attempts. "There's no escape! I win!" Khar D'Nar proclaimed and he twisted his head to his faithful comrade. "Amnir! Take the boy! Throw him in with the others!"

The other Zygerrian—Amnir, Obi-Wan assumed—growled in agreement. He lunged at the padawan, who jumped back and tried to get away. Realizing the boy refused to obey, the Zygerrian pulled out his shock whip and snapped it around Padawan Kenobi's wrist.

The boy cried out, twisting to get away as he twitched and jerked at the electric charge coursing through him. Amnir grinned maliciously at the boy's pain until Khar D'Nar snapped at him.

"Don't damage the prize!" Khar D'Nar snarled. "He's not worth anything if ruined!"

Amnir reluctantly released his shock whip from Padawan Kenobi, but he secured at tight grip on the boy's forearm that made it impossible for the padawan to escape. Obi-Wan heard the padawan murmur for Qui-Gon's help.

Obi-Wan flashed his eyes back to Khar D'Nar. "Y-you…haven't…w-won yet."

Khar D'Nar chuckled. "You still think you can defeat me? Me? While I have you strangling for your last breaths?" he questioned, mockingly. Then, his voice got lower, darker. "He warned me about you."

"Y-Yes, I-I'm sure…he d-did," Obi-Wan croaked, gasping. He imagined Dooku warned them of 'insufferable' Jedi surrounding the padawan. "B-But, did h-he…t-tell you…the o-other…t-thing?"

Khar D'Nar narrowed his eyes, growling. "What other thing?"

A light smile drifted onto Obi-Wan's face as he caught a fantastic sight before him. "Y-you see," he began, still choking on his last breaths. "I-I don't…w-work…alone."

Khar D'Nar stared, puzzlingly, at Obi-Wan in what the Zygerrian believed he misinterpreted what the Jedi said.

"HEY SLEEMO!" A voice cried out behind Khar D'Nar.

Khar D'Nar turned his head in time to be hit in the face by a severed metal head of a droid. Much to Obi-Wan's relief, the hit made the Zygerrian release him and Obi-Wan dropped back onto his two feet. Regaining composure and gulping down air like it was water, he caught the sight of Anakin sprinting to them.

The weight on Obi-Wan shoulders lifted. He no longer had to hold back. With Khar D'Nar distracted, Obi-Wan reeled back his fisted hand and planted a strong, Force-powered punch into the side of Khar D'Nar's head.

And, then immediately regretted that decision.

Pain erupted from his fingers all the way down to his elbow as he clung it close to his chest. It throbbed all those sensitive nerves that vibrated in agony over the shock. He was in so much pain, he didn't even get to enjoy Khar D'Nar's fall to the floor, unconscious.

Instead, Obi-Wan spent it cursing in Mandolarian language. "Mother of Kwath!" he clenched his teeth to handle the throbbing pain. "Shab!"

Anakin jogged up to Obi-Wan. "Language, Obi-Wan," he playfully scolded, mildly surprised by Obi-Wan's explicit words. "What—"

A new voice rang out over Anakin's words. "Don't move!"

Obi-Wan forgotten his pain and spun around to face the last Zygerrian. Unfortunately, Amnir held a blaster to Padawan Kenobi's head, his long finger resting on the trigger. Anakin brought up his lightsaber, but Obi-Wan gently mind-nudged Anakin to lower the weapon. There was no need to provoke the Zygerrian into acting rashly.

Obi-Wan calmly spoke to Amnir. "It's over," he informed the last Zygerrian, taking one step forward. "The younglings are free and your leader is down. Give it up. Let go of the boy."

Amnir snarled. "I said don't move! Or…I'll kill him!"

Obi-Wan stopped moving, his hand still slightly raised. "Let's not act overact. Remember—Khar D'Nar ordered you to not harm the boy. That he wouldn't be worth much if ruined."

Anakin cocked an eyebrow, mouthing 'D'Nar?' to Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan telepathically said he would explain later. He had to focus on getting Padawan Kenobi away from the cornered and trapped Zygerrian before something bad occurred. Padawan Kenobi remained still in his hostage situation. He did't even try to budge away from the blaster. He stood patiently, waiting for either Obi-Wan or Anakin to save him.

Amnir kept the blaster pressed against Padawan Kenobi's skull. "We still receive payment if the boy is dead," Amnir replied, savagely. "He's just worth more alive and well-kept."

"If you kill him," Anakin warned, icily, "you won't escape from us."

Obi-Wan shivered from Anakin's words. Though he didn't say it out-loud, Obi-Wan knew that Anakin meant death. "The boy is your only advantage," Obi-Wan tried again. "You kill him, it's over for you. Your best chance is surrendering now before anyone gets hurt."

Amnir shook his head in defiance. "I'd rather be dead than a prisoner to the Jedi," he roared. "And, I'd rather die taking at least one Jedi with me."

Amnir's finger pulled the trigger and time almost froze for Obi-Wan. He looked to Padawan Kenobi, who remained relatively unhinged, but slightly aggravated by the manhandling treatment. They both met each other, a knowing acceptance that this was their last moment. The world ended for them at that moment.

Yet, it didn't. Seconds drew out and no blasts or zaps sounded off. Obi-Wan didn't vaporize, become non-existent, and Padawan Kenobi didn't crumble into his own grave. Nothing happened except for the Zygerrian, whose paws were shaking violently.

Obi-Wan's eyes trailed Amnir's hand that moved the blaster away from Padawan Kenobi's head. Amnir stared in utter horror at his lack of mobility in arm. His face twisted as he tried to stop his hand from moving on its own accord, the blaster soon moving to a new direction. As the blaster's barrel drifted up to the Zygerrian's head, Amnir let go of Padawan Kenobi to use his other hand to pull the blaster away.

Padawan Kenobi stumbled, but quickly rebalanced himself as he dashed to Obi-Wan and Anakin, free from the grips of the last Zygerrian.

Obi-Wan blinked away from Amnir as the poor being tried desperately to stop the blaster from digging into his skull. Obi-Wan's eyes landed on Anakin, whose chest rose and fell in great waves of heated breath, as he began to slowly curl his fingers into the palm of his outstretched hand.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan spoke, voice soft. "Anakin…"

Anakin ignored him. His full concentration laid on Amnir who now begged for mercy.

Obi-Wan felt a darkness rush over the room, crashing down on himself and Anakin. "Anakin," he pleaded. "Let him go! The padawan is safe."

Amnir's finger drew closer to the trigger switch.

Obi-Wan flashed a quick glance between the Zygerrian and Anakin. His heart rate acting erratically as Anakin kept the Zygerrian in his mercy. "Anakin!"

Suddenly, Amnir let out a cry of surprise as he hurled backwards into the wall. The blaster slipped from Amnir's fingers the moment he crashed. Amnir slipped and fell into a quiet heap. He did not even stir.

Obi-Wan turned away the indisposed Zygerrian back to Anakin, but his old padawan looked back at Obi-Wan with an easy smile. "Don't worry, Master," he swatted Obi-Wan's concerns. "I wasn't going to kill."

Obi-Wan only shook his head, not interested in debating Anakin's technique of non-aggressive rescue. He glanced to the ship before returning his gaze to Anakin. "Took you long enough."

Anakin shrugged. "Yeah, well—I knew you could handle him."

Obi-Wan cradled his injured hand, using the Force to help began the healing process. "I think I may have broken my hand."

"Not surprised," Anakin replied, studying Obi-Wan swollen hand. "Why did you punch him in the head? You remember they have strong skulls, right?"

"If I did, I wouldn't have punched him in the head," Obi-Wan grunted, clutching it. "Stars! This hurts."

"Good," Padawan Kenobi remarked, causing Anakin to lift an eyebrow. "You deserve it!"

Anakin glanced between the two Obi-Wan Kenobis. "Am I missing something here?"

Padawan Kenobi's face hardened on Obi-Wan. "I trusted you! You begged me to trust you and I did! And you nearly got me killed!"

Obi-Wan sighed heavily, brushing back a few strands of his hair. "You weren't in any real danger," he said. "I would never have let them take you."

"You sure didn't act like it."

"Okay…time-out here," Anakin interrupted, jumping in between each other. "You know, Obi-Wan," he said to the padawan. "Why don't you go help Qui-Gon? He's over by that tall pile of rubble, leading a group of younglings away from the ship."

Padawan Kenobi nodded, happy to rejoin his master as he gave one more glare to Obi-Wan. He then jogged away, going in the direction where Qui-Gon was ushering the younglings away from their hideout during the negotiation scene.

Once Padawan Kenobi was far away, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan. "Yeah…what was all that about? Getting the boy involved…"

"I know," Obi-Wan agreed that it wasn't exactly an ideal situation. "But, I felt something different. I couldn't leave him behind. At least, not alone. It didn't feel right."

"So you left him in the care of a Zygerrian?"

"No…not really," Obi-Wan said, shoulders droping as he sighed. "I did use his presence to buy you more time to rescue the younglings." Obi-Wan wiped his forehead with his sleeve. "I figured the leader would be more inclined to fight me if I revealed the padawan."

"I'm assuming it worked."

"Greatly."

Obi-Wan felt a slight tremor in the Force erupt. A blast of warning that sent a frostily shiver down his spine. He sensed an impending attack. For a moment, he thought it was his younger self. He glanced in their direction, finding Qui-Gon and Padawan Kenobi completely safe. Not anywhere near danger.

Then, as the warning grew louder, he realized it was he who was about to be attacked. He witnessed a blurred vision of Khar D'Nar leaping at him, twisting his neck until it snapped. The warning hummed loudly, vibrating the Force's existence around him. And, it seemed he wasn't the only one who felt it.

Anakin whipped out his lightsaber and Obi-Wan telekinetically recalled his lightsaber to him. Within seconds, they both lit up their blue blades, humming in unity as they pointed directly at Khar D'Nar's heart.

The Zygerrian froze in mid-leap as the blue swords hummed loudly before him.

Obi-Wan tilted his head to the side. "Now…why don't we try our negotiations?"