Well, I hope this extra-long chapter makes up for such a long delay. Part of the delay stemmed from yet another bout of writer's block. The other part, I confess, was a mistake on my part in signing up to Facebook, where I found myself becoming rather addicted to the games there. In any case, here, finally is a new installment; I hope it was worth the long wait.
To Steve: I know you're not fond of these author's notes, so just skip 'em and get on with story - I'm not offended in the least!
Now, thanks to those who have stuck with me this far through all these delays (hope you're still interested after this, the longest delay of all): XxRandomNemesisxX, DigitalDreamn, Gwenneth, TimeXGeneralXTanya, starwarsforever, anakinpadmekenobi, ObiBettina7, Star Wars For Life, a new reader - gurnius (thanks for finding my name errors - even I can't keep them all straight!), Jedi Hsoj, JediAngel001, JediKnight13, Steve, Maraness, Estora and another new reader - Mystic Winter.
Updated List of Characters mentioned through Chapter 24
Ali-She – Physician, Resistance member
Ana-Re Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's consort, Obi-Wan's mother
Ar-Taei – Head physician of medical center, Resistance ally
Chi-Na – Medical technician, Resistance ally
Col-Fre – Resistance member, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers
La-Me – Pi-Tong's contact with the Resistance
Li-Na – Leader of the Resistance, Obi-Wan's childhood caretaker
Li-ta – Little girl rescued by Anakin and Ferri
Lo-Pai – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan
Nar-Pol – Sentry assigned to guard Sho-Wan
Ob-Wan Kenobi – Son of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Regent Heir by birthright
Pi-Sin – Young servant in the Royal Residence
Pi-Tong – Royal servant assigned to Obi-Wan and Zak, secret member of the Resistance
Po-Ku – Tai-Me Shenji's Royal aide, Xi-Lo's father
Quell (deceased) – Off-worlder who overthrew Sho-Wan Kenobi, dictator-ruler of Antagalia
Schu-Lan – Head of the Royal Nursery, Sjo-Me's personal nursemaid
Shen-Grel – Leader of the Rebel faction, son of Quell and Ana-Re Kenobi
Sho-Wan Kenobi – Lord Regent of Antigalia by birthright, husband to Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's father
Si-Lon Shengi – Tai-Me's consort, mother of Sjo-Me, Sho-Wan Kenobi's niece
Sjo-Me Shengi – Prince Regent Heir, son of Tai-Me and Si-Lon
Ta-Ping – Sentry assigned, to guard Sho-Wan
Tai-Me Shengi – Prince Regent of Antigalia
Terra-Khai – Military leader of the Resistance, Li-Na's most trusted advisor, one of Obi-Wan's rescuers
Tu-Shen – Shen-Grel's son and murderer, grandson of Quell
Ti-Lo – Po-Ku's wife, Xi-Lo's mother
Xi-Lo – Traitor executed by Tai-Me, son of Po-Ku and Ti-Lo
Chapter 24 – Final Confrontation
"Not so tight, Anakin." Obi-Wan hissed painfully as Anakin tightened the security belt around his waist.
"Sorry." Anakin apologized, loosening the belt to reduce the pressure on Obi-Wan's still-mending ribs, "Better?"
"Yes, thank you." Obi-Wan replied.
Dressing himself, Obi-Wan discovered after Ar-Taei departed, had proven to be impossible without help. But it had not been the first time in his long career that he had had to rely on others to help him, and he accepted this with the humility of a Jedi. As for the other three, all of them had, at one time or another, been in Obi-Wan's position, and made light of what, for Obi-Wan, was still a difficult situation. By the time Ar-Taei returned half an hour later with the customized brace, Obi-Wan was sitting in one of the chairs, his right leg propped up on one of the cots, waiting for her.
Before another half hour was up, Ar-Taei had the temporary brace properly fitted. Hobbled by his injured knee, unable to wield a weapon and still weakened by his other injuries, Obi-Wan could not help but feel vulnerable at the thought of confronting Tai-Me. But he reminded himself he would not be alone; Anakin, Zak and Ferri would be there to cover his back. With Ar-Taei's blessing (and a painkilling hypo administered with Obi-Wan's reluctant permission), they made their way to Anakin's waiting speeder; Obi-Wan agreeing to the use of a hover chair to make the trip faster.
He was eager, now, to have the whole business finished, and to meet the man who was his father. At the doorway, Ar-Taei again admonished him to take care and then held a cane out to him.
She stood in the doorway as Anakin and Zak helped him into the speeder and then remained there until the speeder was out of sight. She said a silent prayer for their success.
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Word of Si-Lon's arrest spread quickly through the Residence. When he heard the news, it took all the self-control Pi-Tong could muster not to confront Tai-Me himself and demand her release. But he had always been a cautious man; he had not lived so long by being careless. The Heir would arrive soon enough to claim his birthright and then the true ruler of Antigalia could return to power. In the meantime, it was important that Po-Ku learn of Tai-Me's latest insanity.
As quickly as his old body would allow, he made his way down to where he knew Po-Ku and Ti-Lo were hiding. Glancing about to be sure he was not being observed he triggered the secret panel and slipped through, sliding it closed behind him.
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Po-Ku heard the panel slide open and scrambled to his feet to stand between the intruder and his wife. He had no weapon, but balled his hands into fists ready to at least put up a fight. He sighed in relief when Ping-Tong's stooped figure came into view.
"Has the Heir arrived already?" He asked.
Pi-Tong shook his head and then stared down at the floor, "I only wish he has." He answered.
"Why? What has happened?" Ti-Lo queried as she rose and came to stand beside her husband.
"The Prince has ordered Lady's Si-Lon's arrest and interrogation regarding the whereabouts of their son; she has been taken to the dungeons." Pi-Tong told them and then sighed and shook his head again, "Were I forty years younger..."
Ti-Lo slumped against the wall, putting a hand up to cover her face as she began to weep openly. Po-Ku put his right arm around her in comfort as he laid his left hand on Pi-Tong's arm, "Even if that were so, what could you have done? You could have done little to be of help to her except perhaps share her fate." He said.
Ti-Lo dabbed at her tears, "My husband is right, Pi-Tong. We must now pray that the Heir arrives soon to set things to right." She said, her emotions barely under control.
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In the throne room, Tai-Me paced. Treachery in his own household. His own wife had hidden his son from him, and refused to reveal the boy's location. Sho-Wan had escaped. Po-Ku, his good friend and counsel had betrayed and deserted him. His people were flocking to that traitorous old woman in droves. Even now, he was certain the old hag was rallying her forces against him, perhaps she had even persuaded the fool, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to join her. After all he had done for Antigalia, this was the thanks he was given. Betrayal. How soon, he wondered, would it be before she would come for him? Well, he had one ally, at least. His own son may have been taken from him, but there was another; and this one, he was certain, would not be the weakling his own son was.
Tai-Me halted his pacing and turned his attention to the small figure huddled in next the dais watching him. Yes, the boy could prove useful. No one would suspect... He smiled, "Come here, boy." He ordered.
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Anakin guided the speeder to the agreed-to rendezvous point, where they would meet up with Terra-Khai and his forces. Once Tai-Me had been removed from power and the Residence secured, Li-Na would bring in the Lord Regent and the young princeling. The venerable Resistance leader was far from pleased at not being at the Heir's side to challenge Tai-Me, but she understood the need for her to personally escort Sho-Wan and little Sjo-Me; it would show the people that she not only backed Sho-Wan's return to power, but recognized the young prince's place in the Regency. There had been no time to reveal the child's heritage to Sho-Wan; but regardless of Sjo-Me's parentage, Sho-Wan had taken a great liking to the boy, and Li-Na had no doubt that he would accept the child as his own heir and raise him to be the leader they had all hoped Obi-Wan would have been.
Terra-Khai approached the speeder before Anakin had brought it to a halt. He bowed to Obi-Wan, "You are a welcome sight, My Lord." He said in greeting, "Your army awaits your word to proceed."
"You have it." Obi-Wan replied, "Lead on, Captain."
Terra-Khai nodded, "I will lead the initial assault. There may not be much of a fight; rumor has it that even the loyalty of Tai-Me's personal guard is waivering. Once we have the situation under control, you can follow to officially remove Tai-Me from power. Then we can place him under arrest." He explained.
Obi-Wan shook his head, "I am not happy to have others put in harm's way while I stand back and watch." He protested.
"Obi-Wan..." Anakin began.
But Obi-Wan waved him off, "I know, what you are going to say. That I am key to Tai-Me's removal, but I am still very uncomfortable at putting other lives at risk for my sake." He said.
"Begging your pardon, My Lord; but this is not just for your sake, but for the sake of our whole planet." Terra-Khai countered, "Did you not agree to help us?"
Obi-Wan rubbed his beard and sighed, "I wish there was some other way besides violence to resolved this." He said.
"Tai-Me is beyond negotiating, My Lord." Terra-Khai insisted, "He will not step down voluntarily. You have met the man, surely you know that already."
There was a tense moment when Terra-Khai feared Obi-Wan would not agree to their arrangement, but then the Jedi master sighed once more and then nodded, "You are right, of course, Captain; I am just unused to depending on others to do my fighting for me." He admitted.
Terra-Khai nodded sympathetically, "I understand." He replied and then tapped the side of the speeder, "Let us be off then."
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In the park that had turned into Tai-Me's killing ground, the stench of blood, entrails and rotting flesh was heavy in the air. The naked, decaying bodies of Shen-Grel's men still dangled from the rafters of the pavilion where they had been hung after the failed attempt on the Heir's life. Prominent among them was the unfortunate Xi-Lo whose body was at least partially covered by the placard listing the crimes whose guilt he shared. Below the platform, a stake had been driven into the ground and Shen-Grel's lifeless body bound to it, facing outward. Before him were more of his men, those captured after their unsuccessful raid on the medical center. The previous day, one by one, they had been marched in chains from the palace dungeon, through the streets and into the park, stripped and staked to the ground in preparation for their executions. While their crimes were announced, each of them was then slit open and gutted with their dead leader looking on. The lucky ones were already dead, but some still lingered on, moaning and struggling feebly to free themselves.
The sentries left to guard these condemned men kept their distance as they patrolled, unable to bear the smell. They turned when they heard the sound of several speeders and watched as Terra-Khai's forces sped by. One of the men pulled a comlink from his belt, but the other stayed his hand, "Should we not warn the Prince?" The first questioned.
"Why?" The second asked and then spread his hands out, "Look around you. What makes the Prince any better than the ruler he replaced?"
The first thought for a moment and then returned the com to its place. His comrade was right. It was time for a change of leadership.
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"Stop, Anakin." Obi-Wan said as they came into view of the park.
"We don't have time." Anakin replied, deliberately avoiding the grisly sight.
"Anakin, some of them are still alive." Obi-Wan protested.
"There's nothing we can do for them, Obi-Wan." Anakin argued.
"We can at least ease their passing." Obi-Wan suggested, "Terra-Khai will have to secure the Residence first, we have time for this, my brother."
"Tai-Me's men are on guard."
"We outnumber them."
"They could warn the Prince." Ferri interjected.
"I am sure they have already seen Terra-Khai's forces."
Anakin sighed and shook his head, then angled the speeder into the park, "Let Terra-Khai know what we're doing so he doesn't wonder where we are."
Ferri nodded and pulled out his comlink as Anakin slowed the vehicle to a stop. Zak helped his master from the speeder without prompting. Anakin looked on shaking his head as the guards approached, "What is your business here?" One of the guards demanded.
"Our purpose here is humanitarian." Obi-Wan said taking the cane Zak held out for him.
The guard looked startled then bowed down, "Lord Kenobi, my apologies, I did not recognize you." He responded, and then straightened, "However, I am puzzled at your presence here. These men would have seen you dead."
"I harbor no contempt for them. I wish only to offer them compassion and to ease their passing." Obi-Wan replied, "Will you allow us to do this?"
The pair of sentries conferred for a moment, and then the first turned back to them, "We will not stand in your way." He said.
"Thank you." Obi-Wan replied and then turned his attention to the dying prisoners.
Anakin watched for a moment as his friend, his brother, lowered himself down painfully to touch the forehead of the closest man, and then accepted Zak's help to rise again. Then with a sigh and a shrug he joined in the task of easing the suffering of the doomed captives; without protest, Ferri followed suit.
If any of them had expected gratitude, they would be disappointed. Their ministrations were met with hostile glares and muttered curses from the flayed prisoners. Despite their cold reception, the Jedi continued; and soon, all of the prisoners were silent, dying in blissful unconsciousness.
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Terra-Khai did not approve of the Heir's decision to linger at the park; however, it was not his place to question the Heir's choices. Reluctantly, he continued on, hoping the Heir would not be delayed too long. Timing was all important. The Heir must make his appearance quickly once Terra-Khai's forces had neutralized Tai-Me's. It was imperative that they not give the Prince time to regroup or escape.
As they came in sight of the Royal Residence Terra-Khai went through last minute instructions.
Nothing must go wrong.
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Terra-Khai's arrival did not go unheralded. The residents of the city turned out in droves to cheer the rebels on and offer, at least, their verbal support. This reception to did much to bolster their spirits, and made them all the more determined to win out over those few who still claimed to support the Prince Regent.
Word of the uprising spread like wildfire, and very soon, the news reached the Royal Residence. Having been forewarned, Prince Regent Tai-Me Shengi gathered his most loyal guards and barricaded himself inside his throne room.
As the rebel forces advanced on the Residence, Tai-Me paced, muttering curses against Li-Na, the people of Antigalia in general, and to the Kenobi's in particular.
He was determined not to give up without a fight.
Shen-Grel's son watched from his place in the corner. The enormity of what Tai-Me had charged him to do weighed heavily on him, but he could think of no way to avoid it save killing the Prince Regent himself. And he feared the consequences of that action. He could do nothing but the Prince's bidding...and pray he would not have to answer for his actions.
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Some distance from the Residence, another speeder waited in a secluded alleyway. In the pilot's seat, La-Me monitored the com, waiting for word to proceed with her valuable passengers. Terra-Khai had already reported on the welcome reception that they were receiving as they made their way to the Residence, so she did not expect their wait would be too much longer. Sitting beside her, Li-Na appeared to doze, although La-Me was not fooled; the old woman could never sleep at such a time. Behind her,dressed in the finery befitting his title, Sho-Wan Kenobi shifted restlessly. His manner had changed from the feeble-minded prisoner La-Me had met the night before to the competent leader he must have been before the invasion that had ended his rule and plunged Antigalia into a forty year nightmare. Perhaps it was the knowledge that he would soon rule again; perhaps it was merely the anticipation of meeting the son lost to him so many years ago. Regardless, La-Me knew he would succeed in his rule where Tai-Me had failed.
Seated next to the Lord Regent, resplendently dressed was little Sjo-Me Shengi. The youngling sat very close to the old Regent with one hand resting on Sho-Wan's thigh, apparently taking his vow to guard Sho-Wan very seriously. Unlike most children his age, Sjo-Me did not fidget, exhibiting a maturity far beyond his two years.
Sho-Wan sighed and shifted again; Sjo-Me patted his leg. Sho-Wan smiled and laid his larger hand over Sjo-Me's tiny one, "You are a great comfort to an old man." He said.
Sjo-Me said nothing as he turned his hand palm up and gripped the old man's as tightly as he could. Sho-Wan squeezed his hand in return.
"It should not be too much longer." Li-Na stated suddenly, obviously aware of Sho-Wan's impatience.
XXXXX
His forces had their orders, and as they grouped for the assault there was little conversation. Though they were certain, their arrival would not have gone unnoticed, he had chosen to mount the attack from the rear of the Residence, just out of sight behind the row of trees bordering the gardens. He was certain there would be less resistance there; in fact, he was hoping for support among the servants that would allow them to gain access without fighting at all. When they were organized, Terra-Khai made a quick inspection, giving last minute instructions before leading them forward.
They had just crossed through the courtyard when Terra-Khai's com beeped. It was Anakin informing them that they had finished their business in the park and were on their way. With a heavy sigh of relief, Terra-Khai pulled his blaster out and proceeded toward the sealed entrance alone while his followers waited for the sign to join him. He entered a code into the keypad, but, as he suspected, it was no longer valid. He stepped back and aimed his blaster at the keypad, but the door slid open before he had a chance to fire.
A young man stepped into the doorway, glancing behind him as he did so, "I am Pi-Sin. Are you with the Heir?" He asked.
"He is behind us. We are here to clear the way for him." Terra-Khai answered.
The young man smiled, "There were rumors...most of us below-stairs hoped they were true." He said.
"Can we count on your cooperation, then?" Terra-Khai questioned hopefully.
"None that I am aware of will stand in your way." Pi-Sin replied.
"Good. Do you know where the Prince Regent is?" Terra-Khai asked.
Pi-Sin huffed, "He's barricaded himself in the Throne Room with the few guards he still trusts." He told Terra-Khai then huffed again and added, "The coward."
"How many? Do you know?" Terra-Khai asked.
"No, I'm sorry."
"It's alright. You have already been very helpful by letting us in." Terra-Khai replied, clapping the boy on the shoulder.
"I was happy to do it. I would be in the Resistance myself, but me mum would worry." Pi-Sin confessed.
"As far as I'm concerned, you're one of us already." Terra-Khai said.
The young man beamed.
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There was a rap on the door before it slid open to allow the guard in. Tai-Me, who had been absently tapping his scepter against his thigh, turned to regard him, "Well?" He demanded impatiently.
"They are here, My Lord." The guard announced.
"Here? Where? In the gardens? At my doorstep? Where?" Tai-Me questioned, his impatience growing.
"In the Residence, My Lord." The guard clarified.
Tai-Me shook his head, "No, you must be mistaken. I had the security codes changed; they could not have broken them so easily." He said.
"It appears...a...servant let them in, My Lord." The guard replied hesitantly.
The Prince Regent flung the scepter across the room, barely missing the messenger-guard, "TRAITORS!" He raved, "EVERY ONE OF THEM!"
The guard listened to his leader's ranting without comment, "I will have them ALL flayed!"
"What are your orders, My Prince." The guard asked, seemingly unaffected by Tai-Me's tirade.
"Mount a defense, you fool! Protect me." Tai-Me commanded.
The guard bowed and then retreated, leaving the Prince muttering to himself.
In the corner, the boy huddled, waiting quietly for the time he wished would never come.
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After delivering the news of Si-Lon's arrest to Po-Ku and his wife, Pi-Tong left the pair to return to his daily duties. Though both protested, Pi-Tong insisted that his routine must be maintained or Tai-Me might grow suspicious; even when word of Terra-Kai's imminent arrival reached him, and it took all his self-control not to give his true allegiance away. But as he watched the Resistance forces file through the back corridor, that carefully groomed self-control slipped, and from his place on the back stairs, he saluted them before making his way back to the secret hideaway to bring this better news to the former Royal aide.
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Anakin guided his speeder to where the deserted Resistance vehicles were already docked. Now, they could do nothing but wait for word from Terra-Khai that the Residence was secure. Zak helped his master from the craft and to one of the garden benches. Restless, Ferri hopped out and began a tour of the back gardens before settling to ground in a pointless attempt to meditate.
Anakin watched his Padawan's movements with obvious amusement and then himself squatted next to the bench where Obi-Wan was seated, braced leg outstretched, with the cane between his knees, "How long do you think?" He asked.
"It is hard to say." Obi-Wan replied, "I suppose it depends on how hard Tai-Me's loyal men will fight before giving in."
"That's true, I guess." Anakin conceded, "You're awfully calm about this."
"There is little benefit in being anything else, Anakin." Obi-Wan said.
Anakin huffed, but then after a moment's thought nodded in agreement.
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In truth, their wait was not a long one. The fight had barely begun when the outnumbered loyal guards were overwhelmed by, not only the Resistance fighters, but those Residence guards who saw the perfect opportunity to rid themselves of an unworthy leader. With those loyal guards outside the throne room captured and restrained, it remained only to break through into the locked throne room itself where Tai-Me had sequestered himself. The only unknown being how many guards remained inside with him. The captured guards were uncooperatively silent, although those who had turned against their Prince Regent guessed there could be as many as a dozen remaining inside.
Of course, the access codes had been changed again, and so Terra-Khai sought La-Me's counsel on the matter.
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"It will take too long to try to decipher the new code, Khai." La-Me said.
"What does Li-Na wish us to do, then?" Terra-Khai's voice crackled through the com.
"Only one thing to do, although it will seem a bit extreme." Li-Na replied, "And, in that case, I think the final choice should be the Lord Regent."
"Blow the door, Terra-Khai." Sho-Wan instructed, leaning forward to better be heard from the back seat, "I can always have it fixed later."
"Papa be angry." Sjo-Me warned solemnly, "He punish you."
Sho-Wan turned sightless eyes toward the youngling, "I am the Lord Regent. He has no authority to punish me." He said gently.
"Blow the door, yes, My Lord." Terra-Khai replied, "I will report to you again when it is safe to proceed."
"And we will be ready when you give the word." Li-Na answered.
"It should not be too much longer."
Terra-Khai ended the transmission and Sho-Wan settled back into his seat once more, "I would have liked to have had a word with my son." He said, a bit petulantly.
"I do not believe he is with Terra-Khai, My Lord." Li-Na told him, "Like us, he is waiting until the Residence is secure before he confronts Tai-Me. Believe me, he is as eager to speak with you."
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"Blow the door? That's a bit drastic, isn't it?" Anakin questioned after he had heard Terra-Khai's transmission.
"Orders from the Lord Regent himself." Terra Khai replied.
"We could just cut through the door with lightsabers." Anakin suggested.
"How long would that take?" Terra-Khai asked.
"Just a few minutes unless the door is shielded." Anakin answered.
"They would know what you were doing, though, wouldn't they?"
"Probably. But Tai-Me must already know we're here, so what difference would it make?" Anakin countered.
"They may know we're here, but Tai-Me has no idea when we'll attack. But if you use your weapon to cut through the door, they'll be forewarned and be ready for us." Terra-Khai explained, "If we blow the door, his guards will have less time to react."
"Terra-Khai's right, Anakin. Better not to lose that small element of surprise." Obi-Wan interjected.
Anakin shrugged, "Alright. Just let us know when you need us." He conceded.
"Come when you hear the explosion; by the time you reach us, we will have the area secure." Terra-Khai instructed.
"Will do." Anakin replied and then turned to Obi-Wan still seated on the bench, "Well it won't be long now."
"Yes, thank the Force." Obi-Wan said.
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Tai-Me's remaining loyal guards formed a tight half circle in front of the empty throne dais. There was no longer any sound of fighting from without, and those locked inside the throne room had no way of knowing which side had been victorious. And so Tai-Me sat behind the dais in the ornate chair he used as a throne, waiting for word of victory or defeat. Still, as minutes ticked away, there seemed less and less chance that the defenders had been successful. Huddled at his feet, the boy waited as well, dreading his role in the unfolding drama. The boy pulled his legs up against his chest and buried his head, fighting tears.
"What are they waiting for?" Tai-Me demanded, breaking the tense silence.
"The door is secured, My Lord Prince." One of the guards explained, "If Li-Na's forces managed to overcome ours, they must try to find a way through it."
"Perhaps we have won out after all." Tai-Me suggested.
The guard did not reply, nor did any of his comrades.
None of them dared contradict the Prince Regent.
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Terra-Khai was not an explosives expert, nor did he pretend to be. And so he left the task of setting the charges to those of his men who had knowledge of the subject. They went about their work efficiently, and minutes after Terra-Khai's conversation with Anakin, the explosive charges were in place and ready to be set off.
Ordering his forces to take cover, the military leader gave the word for them to be ignited. The resulting explosion shattered the door, blowing its remains inward rather than outward. Terra-Khai smiled in satisfaction as the smoke cleared, saluting those who had done such an admirable job before leading the way into the room for the final confrontation.
Inside, barely half a dozen guards remained standing to defend the Prince Regent, several others lay sprawled on the floor, apparently victims of the explosion. The survivors had grouped themselves in a semi-circle before the raised platform where the Prince's throne once rested. Now, the dais was empty, and Terra-Khai concluded, correctly, that Tai-Me must have sequestered himself behind the platform.
Overwhelmed by the greater number of Resistance fighters, the skirmish lasted barely a quarter hour.
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The blast rocked the Residence, sending servants running for cover. Outside, the effect was somewhat muffled, but still could be heard by the waiting Jedi who then made their way as quickly as was possible considering Obi-Wan's current condition. They met no opposition at the back entryway and did not pause as they continued on toward the chamber declared by Tai-Me as his throne room.
Even they were surprised at the neat job Terra-Khai made of the door, not encountering any debris until they stepped through the damaged doorway and into the room.
The fighting was over. Seated on the floor, the last of Tai-Me's guards were being bound by a few of Terra-Khai's men while his medics knelt next to the injured survivors.
Tai-Me himself was nowhere in sight.
Spying the Jedi as they picked their way through the debris, Terra-Khai met them halfway, "Where is Tai-Me?" Anakin wondered.
Terra-Khai nodded toward the platform, "Back there." He said, "He knows his guards have lost, but he refuses to surrender to anyone but you, My Lord."
"I see." Obi-Wan replied and then moved toward the dais.
"Be careful, My Lord; we do not know whether or not he is unarmed." Terra-Khai warned.
"I believe he is too much of a coward to do his own fighting." Obi-Wan stated, "It is why he is hiding."
"Even a timid animal will strike out if he is cornered and has no other means of escape." Terra-Khai countered.
Obi-Wan considered this for a moment and then nodded, "You may be right." He concurred.
Anakin unclipped his weapon and ignited it; Zak and Ferri immediately followed suit.
Feeling now sufficiently protected, Obi-Wan allowed his three fellow Jedi to move ahead of him as they made their way toward Tai-Me's hiding place, but halting a safe distance from it, "Terra-Khai tells me you will surrender only to me." He said, "I am here, so let this end now."
For a moment, there was no response, then there was a rustle of cloth and the Prince Regent stepped out from behind the platform, holding his hands above his head, "I am not armed, My Lord." He announced as he moved toward them.
On a nod from Obi-Wan, Zak powered down his weapon and stepped toward the surrendering regent, "Keep your hands up." He instructed as he searched Tai-Me's clothing for hidden weapons.
"Well, it appears my assumption was correct." Tai-Me said while Zak continued his search, "You did come here to steal my place."
"No, I came to Antigalia to officially renounce my claim." Obi-Wan corrected, "But your actions have made it necessary to remove you from power for the sake of this planet."
"Everything I have done has been for the sake of this planet." Tai-Me argued.
"If that were true, there would not be so many who oppose you." Obi-Wan replied and then shook his head, "I have seen firsthand your manner of rule, Tai-Me; and you are fast becoming the kind of leader you fought so hard to overthrow. You rule without compassion or mercy, and with little, if any, sense of justice.
"But even had you been a benevolent leader, you are guilty of an even worse crime by continuing to hold the legitimate leader prisoner and keeping his existence a secret."
Tai-Me opened his mouth to reply and then clamped it shut again.
"So, you do not even try to deny it." Obi-Wan continued, "You cannot even justify these actions, can you."
"I have no reason to justify my actions to you, or to anyone else. I am the Prince Regent." Tai-Me retorted haughtily, "I am answerable to no one."
"You are answerable to my father, the true Regent." Obi-Wan replied coolly.
"He has no weapons on him, Master." Zak announced.
"Did I not say I was unarmed?" Tai-Me said, but then took an unexpected step backward, "Now, Boy."
Before anyone could respond, a youngling, perhaps no more than ten years old appeared from behind the dais to join Tai-Me. But unlike the Prince Regent, the boy was armed with a blaster which he aimed in Obi-Wan's direction.
XXXXX
"The fight is over, My Lord." La-Me said as the latest transmission from Terra-Khai ended.
"Casualties?" Sho-Wan asked.
"Only a few injuries and no lost lives on our side." La-Me answered.
Sho-Wan sighed, "Our side?" He questioned, "We are all Antigalians, Child; any lives lost are tragic."
"Oh...I...never thought about it like that." La-Me replied, "You are right, of course, My Lord.
"It is understandable; it is very easy sometimes when one faction is pitted against another to forget that we are all one people." Sho-Wan assured her.
Li-Na turned in her seat to regard the old Regent, "Spoken as the true leader you are, My Lord." She interjected, "Rest assured, no lives were lost. It appears Terra-Khai's forces met little resistance even from the Prince's supposedly loyal guards except from those who locked themselves in with the Prince. All casualties were limited to those few, and I am told all who were injured should recover."
"Is Mama alright?" Sjo-Me asked suddenly.
"As far as I know, Little Prince." Li-Na answered.
"Will I see her soon?"
"Very soon." Li-Na assured him.
"What will happen to Papa?"
"I do not know yet." Sho-Wan replied, "How much longer must we wait, Li-Na?"
"Not much longer." Li-Na answered, "We wait only for a final word from Terra-Khai."
XXXXX
Obi-Wan sighed and shook his head as he turned his attention toward this new threat, "You do not want to do this, Son." He said calmly, staying Anakin's hand when the younger man would have moved against the boy.
The boy's dark eyes met Obi-Wan's blue-gray ones and his hand wavered.
"What are you waiting for, Boy; shoot him!" Tai-Me ordered.
But it was clear the child had no stomach for killing as he lowered his arm, allowing the gun to slip from his hand, "You pathetic fool!" Tai-Me exclaimed as he backhanded the boy and dived for the weapon.
Zak was quick to react though and before Tai-Me could reach the weapon, the young Jedi had called the weapon to him, "You stupid brat!" Tai-Me cried out, striking the boy again and then raising his hand once more as the youngling sank to the floor holding his hands over his head in an effort to protect himself.
"That's enough." Ferri stated, moving swiftly between them, "Don't hit him again."
Spurred into action, Terra-Khai came forward to take control of Tai-Me, shoving him to the floor and forcing his hands behind his back, binding them securely before hauling the Prince Regent to his feet, "How dare you!" Tai-Me declared, struggling to free himself.
"You have no power over me or anyone else. Not any longer." Terra-Khai said as he jerked him over to Obi-Wan who was now seated on the steps of the platform.
Obi-Wan regarded him silently for a few moments before speaking, "I came here to renounce my claim to the throne. I am a Jedi, and I still have no interest in ruling here. However, it is clear that you are no longer capable of competently leading the people on the planet, if you ever were." Obi-Wan began, "In any case, you have no legal right to leadership here, since the ancestral ruler survives. As his son, I claim the throne in his name.
"You must answer to him for what you have done. I will leave your fate in his hands." Obi-Wan finished, "I wish to speak with Lady Si-Lon now. Where will I find her?"
Tai-Me laughed, a high-pitched, crazed laugh, "In the dungeons where she belongs." He answered.
"In the dungeons." Obi-Wan repeated, "And what crime have you accused her of?"
"Treason, of course." Tai-Me replied, "She has hidden my heir."
Obi-Wan shook his head, "You call that poor boy pathetic, Tai-Me; but it is you who is the pathetic one." He said and then addressed Zak, "Go find her, Padawan."
"Yes, Master." Zak replied and then was gone.
XXXXX
Ferri knelt next to the boy, "It's alright, I'm not going to hurt you." He said, lifting the boy's chin to examine to the darkening bruise below his right eye.
"I...I'm sorry." The boy said haltingly.
"Who are you." Anakin asked as he joined them.
The boy lowered his head, unable to meet either Ferri's or Anakin's gaze, "I...I am Tu-Shen." He replied.
"How did you come to be here, Tu-Shen?" Anakin questioned.
"I...I was arrested and brought here to answer to the Prince." Tu-Shen told him.
"For what crime?"
The boy swallowed hard, "M...murder." He admitted.
"Murder?" Ferri repeated, "Who did you kill?"
Again the boy swallowed, "Shen...Shen-Grel."
"You killed Shen-Grel? Why?" Obi-Wan asked.
"He..." The boy shook his head, "I...was afraid he would escape...I...you would not understand."
Ferri helped the boy to his feet and guided him by the arm to where Obi-Wan was sitting. Obi-Wan smiled, "Why do you not tell us, perhaps we will understand more than you think." He suggested.
The boy nodded and turned his attention to the floor as he haltingly told them everything; beginning with his ties to Shen-Grel, the twisted relationship between Shen-Grel and his mother and his final desperate decision to free himself and his mother from Shen-Grel for good. When he was finished, he glanced back up at Obi-Wan who regarded him with sympathy, "And why, Little One, made you think we would not understand?" He asked as Tai-Me began to rave in the background.
"I don't know." He murmured, "What will happen to me now?"
"Well, I am not the one to ask that question, Tu-Shen." Obi-Wan answered as he laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, "But the Lord Regent will be arriving shortly; we will share your story with him and let him decide what course of action to take."
The boy shuddered, then the tears he had been holding back welled up and he began to cry, "Here now, it will be alright; I have every reason to believe the Lord Regent is a fair and compassionate man." Obi-Wan assured him.
"I...I've become like...him." The boy sobbed, "I...I tried..I swore...I would never..."
Tai-Me laughed, a high-pitched, crazed laugh, "You are too much a coward to be like him!" He exclaimed.
Obi-Wan sighed, ignoring Tai-Me for the moment, "Sit." He prompted.
The boy glanced over at Tai-Me and then did as he was asked, "Do you regret killing Shen-Grel?" Obi-Wan asked.
The boy looked down at his feet, "I...I don't regret that he is dead." He admitted.
Their discussion was interrupted by Tai-Me's laughter, "Regret? Regret? No, you are glad he is dead, are you not, Boy?" He ranted.
"That was not the question." Obi-Wan said patiently, again ignoring Tai-Me's outburst, "Do you regret killing him?"
"I didn't...at first." The boy answered, glancing over at Tai-Me nervously.
"You do now, however?" Obi-Wan posed the assumption as a question.
Tears blurred the boy's vision and he closed his eyes, willing them back; a lump rose in his throat and so, not trusting himself to verbalize his response, he nodded.
"Liar!" Tai-Me proclaimed, laughing hysterically.
"I see." Obi-Wan replied, once more ignoring the Prince, and then sat back, stroking his beard, "And when did you come to regret your action? After you were brought here?"
Tu-Shen shook his head as forced the lump back down, then took a deep breath before answering, "When...when I realized he was dying...and..." Any further words were choked off as the tears he had fought so hard to hold back began to roll down his cheeks and he buried his face in arms, ashamed of his loss of control over his emotions.
"That's right, cry, Boy! You weak-willed, pathetic brat!" Tai-Me interrupted once more.
This time, Obi-Wan turned to Anakin, "Get him out of here, Anakin." He instructed.
Anakin nodded and moved toward the former regent now seated on the floor; but before he could act, Terra-Khai himself pulled Tai-Me up by one arm. Tai-Me struggled, but two of Terra-Khai's fighters moved to help, "You will live to regret this!" He ranted, "I am the Prince Regent!"
"No, you are a traitor." Terra-Khai corrected and then instructed his men, "Take him out into the corridor. Do not, for any reason, remove his restraints; is that clear?"
The pair nodded and, each taking an arm, led him out.
Tai-Me did not go willingly...or quietly and continued his tirade even out in the corridor. With a sigh, the Resistance leader excused himself from the chamber...and shortly after that, no more was heard from the deposed leader.
All the while, Tu-Shen continued to cry as Obi-Wan rubbed his back in an attempt to soothe the boy. When it was quiet once more, though, Obi-Wan's hand shifted as he raised the boy's chin to meet his gaze, "Tell me, Tu-Shen, do you believe that Shen-Grel would have felt the same remorse after such a killing?" He asked.
Tu-Shen turned away, unable to hold Obi-Wan's gaze, "I do not know...probably not." He murmured.
"Probably not?" Obi-Wan repeated, "From what you have told us, Shen-Grel's treatment of both you and your mother, do you truly believe there was chance he might have regretted anything he did?"
The boy sighed heavily, "I guess not." He admitted.
"No; and yet, your regret his apparent." Obi-Wan pointed out, "Do you not see how this very fact makes you different from him?"
"But..I killed him...even though he could not defend himself." The boy protested.
"Yes, and there is no question that this was very, very wrong." Obi-Wan replied, turning the boy's head toward him, "But you know it was wrong, and you feel guilty about it, do you not?"
Tu-Shen nodded, and cocked his head, "So...my regret...that makes me different?"
"Yes. Do you understand this now?"
"I...I think so." Tu-Shen answered, "But..."
"But?"
"Why...why are you being so kind to me?" The boy wondered, "I...I nearly killed you."
Again Obi-Wan smiled, "But you did not; of your own free will, you chose not to." He replied, "And that was a very brave choice to make."
The boy said nothing, as he looked once again toward the floor, "Make no mistake, Son; what you did was a crime, and you must answer to the Lord Regent for it." Obi-Wan added, "No doubt there will be some penance to be paid."
Tu-Shen nodded, but did not otherwise respond and Obi-Wan raised his chin again and studied his face, "You are very pale, Tu-Shen; when did you last eat?"
The boy shrugged, "I...yesterday, I think." He answered.
"Yesterday?" Obi-Wan repeated, "Did Prince Tai-Me give you nothing?"
"I was not the Prince's guest, My Lord; I was under arrest." Tu-Shen said.
"That was no reason not to feed you." Anakin countered, "Ferri, take this boy to the kitchens and see that he puts something in his stomach."
"Of course, Master." Ferri replied, taking Tu-Shen by the arm and lifting him to his feet.
"But...I don't deserve..." Tu-Shen began to protest.
"Save your breath, come on." Ferri cut him off, half dragging him toward the ruined doorway.
With a sigh, Tu-Shen realized the pointlessness of resistance and allowed Ferri to lead him out.
When they had gone, Anakin shook his head, "Poor kid." He said, "How do you think he'll come out of all this?"
Obi-Wan stroked his beard, "Well, I seem to recall another very mixed up youngling we happened upon a few years ago." He answered, "And he seemed to have turned out alright."
"Boba Fett, you mean." Anakin replied, "But he had good guidance in Chancellor Organa."
"True, Bail was an excellent mentor." Obi-Wan concurred, "However, who is to say if this boy will not be equally lucky."
Anakin shrugged, "I hope you're right." He answered.
XXXXX
"Alright; we will get underway shortly." La-Me replied, ending this, the final communication from Terra-Khai.
"Your time has come, My Lord Regent." Li-Na announced.
"At last." Sho-Wan replied as he squeezed Sjo-Me's little hand.
Sjo-Me gripped the hand in return, "I go home now?" He asked.
"Yes, we both go home now." Sho-Wan confirmed.
La-Me eased the speeder out of its alleyway hiding place and steered it toward the Royal Residence, only minutes away.
XXXXX
Terra-Khai reentered the ruined throne room and headed right for the dais where Obi-Wan was still seated, "Lord Kenobi, the Lord Regent will be here in a few minutes." He said.
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and then pushed himself up with a groan, "Which entrance will they be using?" He asked, leaning heavily on his cane.
"We will have him escorted here, My Lord." Terra-Khai answered, "You really should be resting."
"I would rather go to him." Obi-Wan countered.
"I think you've overdone it for today already." Anakin argued.
"I feel fine." Obi-Wan insisted.
"Really? Because you look like you're about to keel over." Anakin said.
"Looks can be deceiving."
"Maybe, but you forget who you're talking to; do you think I can't sense how exhausted you are , and how much pain you're in?" Anakin questioned.
"He is my father, Anakin." Obi-Wan said.
"I know. But what does it matter whether you go to meet him, or he come to meet you?" Anakin wondered.
"I would think it would make no difference." Li-Na interjected from the doorway.
I know many of you are looking forward to the meeting between Obi-Wan and his father. That, I think should be another stand-alone chapter. And I swear, I will not let such a long period time go by before that chapter is posted. Hope this chapter was worth the wait, and I hope you will stick with me a little bit longer for the conclusion of the story. Thanks for reading and leaving those very important reviews!
TD