This long journey is finally winding down. Perhaps 3 or 4 chapters, to tie up loose ends, and then it will finished at last. Thansk to the following reader/reviewers from the last chapter. Your loyalty and support mean alot to me: XxFallenJedixX, Valairy Scott, JediKnight13, Mystic Winter, Maraness and starwarsforever. It's encouraging to know that after so long, and so many delays, you all are still interested in reading this story. Thank you so much!
Hope you enjoy this chapter - again extra long for keep you waiting!
Chapter 33 – Aftermath: Ruminations, Regret, Remorse
Hero? Tu-Shen did not feel like a hero. And yet, they all thought he was. Hardly had he begun to process this notion when they all began to question how he had come to be here in the first place. And since he could not even explain to himself why he had been up here, he certainly wasn't able to explain it to anyone else. But somehow, he had the feeling he did not have to; it appeared the Jedi already had their own theory.
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Obi-Wan listened intently as Ferri repeated what he had told Anakin the night before. He was silent for a few moments as he gazed over at the boy who had saved his life. Under this scrutiny, Tu-Shen looked away. Shifting back to Ferri, Obi-Wan rubbed his beard, "It's not so farfetched, is it? I mean, it's not unheard of." Ferri stammered, "Master Allie and Master Gallia are cousins, right? So it's possible isn't it?"
Obi-Wan smiled, "Well, look at Master Anakin's younglings. Yes, it is very possible, Padawan." He said.
"What's possible? I don't understand." Tu-Shen asked.
"He should be tested." Anakin suggested, "Then we'd know for sure."
"That would be his choice." Obi-Wan countered.
Anakin nodded in agreement, "Tested for what? Am I sick?" Tu-Shen questioned.
"You are not sick, Tu-Shen." Obi-Wan assured him, then sighed, "This is difficult to explain."
Tu-Shen cocked his head and waited.
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After being freed by Ferri, Si-Lon immediately moved to sit next to Zak, "Sjojii, darling, Mama is here." She whispered quietly as she stroked his head.
"Mama?" Sjo-Me repeated tearfully, turning his head toward her, though still clinging to Zak.
Si-Lon smiled, "Yes, Darling. It is alright. We are safe now." She replied soothingly.
Tears welled up in his eyes and slid down his cheeks, but still he would not release his hold on Zak, "Why Papa do this? I not unnerstan'" Sjo-Me wondered.
"Papa is very sick, Baby." Si-Lon answered, "Remember, I told you last night."
"He not sick, Mama; he mean." Sjo-Me said.
Zak turned to meet Si-Lon's eyes, "Sometimes sick people do mean things, Sjojji." Si-Lon told him, then held her hands out, "Want to come to Mama, now?"
Sjo-Me pulled away from his anchor and looked him in the face, "It safe now, Jedi Zak?" He asked.
"Yes, it's safe now." Zak confirmed.
With a nod, Sjo-Me then turned to his mother, "It was him, Mama. Did you see? He save us." He said, then pointed to the small group across the room.
Zak looked in the direction Sjo-Me indicated, "Master Kenobi, you mean." He assumed.
"No, good Jedi." Si-Lon corrected as Sjo-Me finally decided it was safe enough to crawl into her lap, "It was the boy. Who is he?"
"The boy? Really?" Zak questioned, "That's Shen-Grel's son, Tu-Shen."
"Ah. Tu-Shen. Yes, the Lord Regent mentioned him just this morning." Si-Lon replied and then smiled, "He suggested this boy as a companion for my son."
"Comp...what this, Mama?" Sjo-Me asked.
"A friend, Sjojji." Si-Lon answered.
"Oh. I think I like that." Sjo-Me decided.
"Would you?" Si-Lon questioned rocking him as she tightened her hold on him, "I told the Lord Regent I would like to meet the child first before I made a decision. Could you ask him to come to us, Zak?"
"Of course." Zak assured her with a bow, then turned and headed toward that side of the room.
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Tu-Shen shook his head in disbelief and Sho-Wan patted his hand, "I know this is much for you to process, Tu-Shen; however, I assure you it is the truth. Shen-Grel was my wife's son, and that makes you my son's nephew." He explained.
"And that is why you sometimes have a sense about things. Like today." Obi-Wan added.
"He never told me. He never told me you were his brother, Master Kenobi." Tu-Shen murmured, shaking his head once again, "I never knew. It makes trying to kill you even worse."
Obi-Wan smiled, "I do not believe you were even close to trying to kill me, Tu-Shen. Besides, that is in the past now, you must not dwell on it." He said.
Tu-Shen nodded, "I know. It's just hard not to think about it." He admitted.
"Then think about other things, Tu-Shen." Ferri suggested.
"Like what?" Tu-Shen asked.
"Oh, come on, there must be something else you'd rather be thinking about." Ferri replied, "How about the fact that you just might be Force sensitive?"
"That just reminds me that I...about..." Tu-Shen trailed off with a sigh.
"Never mind, Son; eventually it will fade into a distant memory." Sho-Wan assured him.
Again, Tu-Shen nodded as Zak joined them, squatting down at his Obi-Wan's side, "How are you feeling, Master?" He asked.
"I have been better, Padawan." Obi-Wan answered, "How are Lady Si-Lon and Prince Sjo-Me."
"Frightened more than anything, perhaps a bit bruised, but otherwise, unhurt, Master." Zak replied.
Before Obi-Wan could respond, he spied Terra-Khai moving toward them, "Excuse the intrusion, Tan-Li, but the medical transport has arrived." The military commander announced.
"Thank you, Commander. We will need two litters." Tan-Li advised him.
If Obi-Wan had any objections to being carried out on a stretcher, he did not voice them, and so Terra-Khai departed to relay Tan-Li's instructions to the transport's crew.
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Terra-Khai had ordered her to watch for the arrival of the medical transport, and La-Me had obeyed, as impatient as she was to be with her grandfather, who she knew had been injured during Tai-Me's attack against the Lord Regent. Now that said transport was here, she thought it only fitting that she guide the attendants to the the Lord Regent's quarters. She was sure Terra-Khai would understand her concern for Pi-Tong. He had been through so much, had managed to escape even the slightest injury for so long, that it seemed almost inconceivable for him to have been struck down when the very thing he had risked so much for was nearly accomplished. It just wasn't right. It wasn't fair. When she learned he had been discovered barely conscious, it took all her will power to abide by her instructions and not rush to his side.
She thought she had steeled herself to expect the worse, but still she had to cover her mouth to muffle the gasp that escaped at the sight of Pi-Tong, seated in a chair and holding his bandaged head. Immediately she went to him, dropping to her knees and burying her face in his lap. Pi-Tong patted her hair, "It is alright, these things always look worse than they really are." He assured her, though his voice was weak.
His assurances did nothing to convince his granddaughter, however, and instead of the calming effect he had intended, La-Me only became more distraught. From the other side of the room, as he continued his ministrations to Obi-Wan, who (against all advice) was now sitting up and leaning against the overturned chair, Tan-Li's attention was drawn to La-Me's lamentations and he tsked in disapproval, "I will be right back." He said, pushing himself up off the floor.
By this time Li-Na was trying to comfort her, but with little effect.
Tan-Li would not be as sympathetic, "Here now, what are you doing?" He demanded, "You are upsetting my patient."
Shocked by his harsh tone, La-Me lifted her head and turned toward him, "This is my grandfather." She replied, tearfully.
"Is he? Well, then you should be more considerate of his condition." Tan-Li told her sternly.
"His...if you are so concerned for his condition, why were you not attending him?" La-Me questioned angrily.
"La-Me, you have no cause to address a master physician in such a manner." Li-Na cautioned.
Pi-Tong sighed and cradled his head in both hands, "All this fussing. Please, my head." He moaned.
A muscle in Tan-Li's jaw twitched, "Get up." He ordered, taking her by the arm.
"How dare..." La-Me began.
"Come with me." Tan-Li ordered, jerking her roughly to her feet and pulling her away from her injured grandfather.
La-Me tried to pull away, but Tan-Li only tightened his grip as he led her out into the corridor where he pushed her into the nearest chair, "Your behavior is not helping Pi-Tong." He said.
"As if you care!" La-Me retorted, "Why weren't you helping him?"
"I have already examined him, and at this point, done what I could for him." Tan-Li answered, "He was not my only concern. Have you forgotten that Master Kenobi was also injured? And considering he is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in Shen-Grel's attack, I felt he was more in need of my assistance."
Before La-Me could respond, Terra-Khai appeared, frowning in disapproval, "You were not given instructions to be here, La-Me." He said, "And for good reason. Pi-Tong is being looked after; meanwhile, Master Kenobi is not because of your foolishness."
"I'm sorry." La-Me murmured, clearly repentant.
"Never mind." Terra-Khai responded, dismissing her with a wave of his hand.
"Commander..." La-Me began, hesitantly, "I know I have behaved badly. However, I would like to be with Grandfather when he is moved to the medical center."
"That would be Tan-Li's decision." Terra-Khai replied curtly.
"Under the circumstances, I think it would be best if you did not." Tan-Li said, "Your presence has already upset him."
La-Me hung her head, but nodded in understanding.
"Now, if you will excuse me, I have two patients to prepare for transport." Tan-Li stated, bowing as he left Terra-Kha to deal with his subordinate.
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Obi-Wan could not argue against his being readmitted to the medical center. His knee was gone, he knew that much without even using his Force sense. And his collision with the floor had left him nauseatingly dizzy. As much as he might dislike the idea, he could not deny the necessity.
Tan-Li returned as the medical team were assisting Pi-Tong onto one of their litters, "Trouble?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"La-Me is a bit upset." Tan-Li answered, "It has been handled."
Obi-Wan turned his gaze to the doorway where La-Me was weeping as she watched her grandfather being moved out. He shook his head and sighed.
"Brace yourself, Master Kenobi." Tan-Li warned, drawing Obi-Wan's attention, "I will be as quick as possible, but you will feel some discomfort."
With a nod, Obi-Wan temporarily put La-Me out of his mind and steeled himself as Tan-Li carefully began the painful process of straightening and splinting Obi-Wan's injured leg.
"That should do it." Tan-Li announced a few minutes later, patting the immobilized leg, then standing up.
"A moment, Tan-Li." Obi-Wan said, "Is La-Me not accompanying Pi-Tong?"
"She is unable to control her emotions, and she has already upset him enough." Tan-Li replied, "Once Pi-Tong has been treated and settled in, then she may visit. But I will not allow her to ride along with him."
"I see." Obi-Wan answered, stroking his beard, "Zak!"
Zak, who had taken Tu-Shen over to meet the Lady Si-Lon, turned, trotted over and squatted next to him, "Yes, Master."
"It seems La-Me will not be permitted to go with Pi-Tong to the medical center." He said, "Please, see to it that she gets there."
"Yes, Master." Zak agreed with a nod, "I'll drive her over myself."
Obi-Wan smiled and patted his leg, "Very good, Padawan." He replied, then turned to Anakin, "Do not forget to contact the Council about this."
"Right. Before they hear it from somewhere else." Anakin added, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it."
"If that's all, we should be going." Tan-Li interjected.
Unable to delay the inevitable, Obi-Wan sighed and nodded, and was quickly eased onto the gurney.
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While Anakin sought out a quiet place to contact the Temple, Zak approached the still inconsolable La-Me. As hard as she tried, Li-Na could bring her no comfort, though she finally did manage to convince her to sit down. Zak squatted down in front of her, "I will be going over to the medical center soon. I would be happy to take you with me, if you'd like." He offered.
The young woman continued to weep as if she had not heard and Li-Na huffed as she shook her head, "Li-Na, stop this now, you are being unreasonable." She said sternly, "This young Jedi has offered to take you to see Pi-Tong."
La-Me looked up, and then down at Zak without comprehension for a moment, then over at Li-Na sitting beside her, "What?" She questioned.
"He is offering you a ride over to the medical center so that you may be with Pi-Tong." La-Me told her.
"Oh." La-Me responded, her breath hitching as she at last began to try and regain her composure. She blinked several times and then finally focused on the young man squatting before her, "I...thank you, Jedi; I would be very grateful if you allow me to accompany you." She said at last.
Zak smiled as he rose up, "I will come for you as soon as I am ready to go." He told her.
She caught his arm as he started to turn away, "Zak...it is Zak, is it not; Lord Kenobi's student?" She began.
"Zak, yes."
La-Me stared down at the floor for a moment, "I am ashamed of my behavior earlier. It was wrong of me to question Grandfather's treatment, and to demand that Lord Kenobi's injuries be neglected." She admitted, "You have every right to be angry with me...and yet you wish to help me instead."
Zak shrugged, "I have no reason to be angry with you, La-Me. I doubt you held anything against my master, you were just concerned for Pi-Tong's health." He replied.
Smiling weakly, La-Me sighed, "You are very understanding." She whispered.
Zak returned to smile, patted her hand and then gently extracted his arm from her grip, "If you will excuse me, I have some things to attend to before we leave." He said, then bowed and turned toward the couch where Si-Lon, with Sjo-Me curled up asleep on her lap, and Sjo-Me's nurse were conversing with Tu-Shen (Ferri standing behind him with one hand on his shoulder).
As he drew up to stand next to Ferri, Si-Lon looked up at him, "How is Master Kenobi?" She asked.
"Oh, he'll be alright." Zak assured her.
Sho-Wan, guided by Li-Na's commander, joined them. Terra-Khai helped to sit in a nearby chair, "Are you well, My Dear Niece?" He asked.
"Quite well, Uncle." Si-Lon answered, reaching over to pat his hand, "My concern is for my cousin...and Pi-Tong, of course."
"Obi-Wan re-injured his knee, and hit his head rather hard when he fell backward. However, there is no reason to believe he will not recover completely." Sho-Wan assured her, "I do not know about Pi-Tong; I had not realized until just a few moments ago that he was even injured."
"We believe he may have encountered Prince Tai-Me and his followers as they were entering the apartment. He does not remember exactly what happened, but his injury leads us to believe he was struck by a rifle butt." Terra-Khai explained.
Sho-Wan shook his head, "This is not what I anticipated. I cannot help but think this is all partially my fault." He said.
"No, My Lord." Si-Lon countered, "My husband's sanity has been slowly eroding for many years; perhaps even since childhood. I see that now. If you wish to lay blame for what happened today, My Lord, you should look to Quell."
Terra-Khai shook his head, "What happened today is my responsibility. I should have better instructed the Prince Regent's guards; somehow, he managed to overpower both of them, and those guarding his loyal men." He interjected, "In the end, it was my complacence that was the cause of this."
"Is it really necessary to point fingers at anyone for what happened?" Ferri questioned, "What's done is done; does it matter who's fault it was?"
"No." Si-Lon confirmed, "No, you are right, Jedi; it is does not."
"What will happen to Prince Tai-Me now?" Tu-Shen wondered, then lowered his head, "I'm sorry, I forgot my place."
Si-Lon looked up at him for a moment, "You are a member of this household now, Tu-Shen." She informed him, "And so you have every right to know what will be done with...the Prince Regent. His fate is Lord Sho-Wan's hands."
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It was barely dawn on Coruscant when Anakin's call came through. However, the Jedi managing the comm immediately directed the call to Yoda and Mace who had been in meditation since their earlier visit to the kitchens. They reacted with guarded relief to the news that the crisis (the current one at least) appeared to have been resolved, though clearly saddened by the lives lost. Mace frowned as Anakin explained what had happened to Obi-Wan, "Well, it looks as if it is possible he will not be able to testify at the Senate session today." He said when Anakin was finished, "I will notify the Chancellor at a more practical time. He will not be pleased, however, there is nothing to be done about it."
"Master?"
"When Obi-Wan does not appear before the Senate as he promised, there are those who will believe it is only because he is unable to defend his actions." Mace explained, "Since Chancellor Organa has vigorously supported him, it will put the Chancellor in a difficult position."
Anakin's image shimmered, his face darkening, "What happened this morning is not Obi-Wan's fault." He insisted.
"Of course not, but Ambassador Marjinn has been spreading his version of yesterday's events, and it does not paint Obi-Wan in a very good light. Who knows how he will perceive the incident this morning, but Obi-Wan's failure to face the Senate will surely be presented as evidence of his guilt." Mace answered.
Shaking his head, Anakin huffed, "What would you have him do, Masters? Testify from his hospital bed?" He questioned, somewhat sarcastically.
Yoda's ears drooped, "Necessary that may be, Anakin." He replied, speaking for the first time, "The only way to convince the ambassador and his allies, possibly it is."
"There are security holo-recordings of everything that happened both in the Royal nursery and Lord Sho-Wan's apartment. Shouldn't that be, not only proof enough of Tai-Me's instability, but that Obi-Wan has a good reason for not testifying?" Anakin pressed.
"Transmit them to us, Anakin." Mace requested, "Perhaps it will be enough to mollify the Senators."
Anakin sighed, again his image shimmering as he shifted, "I will see about arranging a transmission from the medical center. But I can't promise anything; in the end, it's up to his physicians. If they say no, I'm not going to push them." He conceded.
Mace nodded, "We will apprise the Chancellor of the situation." He said.
"Yes, his decision it should be if Obi-Wan's appearance is needed." Yoda added, then narrowed his eyes, "Something else you wish to discuss, hmm?"
"Uh..." Anakin looked a bit bemused, "Well, yes...but..."
Yoda shook his head, "Know by now you should that hide your feelings from us you cannot, Anakin." He admonished.
"Compared to what's going on now, it's...well...trivial, really." Anakin said, "Maybe this can wait until everything has been settled?"
"Well, you have us curious now, Anakin." Mace replied.
Again Anakin sighed, "Alright. It's about the boy, Tu-Shen." He began, "Ferri told me he suspected he might be Force sensitive...and I think he might be right."
He then launched into a complete explanation of Tu-Shen's behavior. Yoda scratched his head and Mace rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Interesting." Mace mumbled when Anakin concluded, "Are you asking permission to train him, then, Anakin?"
"Only to test him, Master Windu. I think it would be in his best interests to stay here with Obi-Wan's family." Anakin answered.
"Bring it before the Council we will, Anakin." Yoda told him, "To this test, agree they should."
Anakin nodded, "Is that it, Anakin?" Mace asked.
"I think so." Anakin replied.
"Very well, keep us updated on Obi-Wan's condition." Mace instructed, "And as soon as we meet with the Chancellor we will contact you."
Nodding once more, Anakin bowed and ended the communication.
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The process of returning the Residence to some state of normalcy began soon after Zak and La-Me departed for the medical center. Sjo-Me was carried back to the nursery and put to bed with Schu-Lan remaining with him in case he awoke. Si-Lon and the Lord Regent retreated to the Royal apartments to discuss what should be done about Tai-Me. Po-Ku, who had reluctantly agreed to stay behind and warn his wife of the trouble, was summoned to join Si-Lon and Sho-Wan. Tai-Me was escorted in chains back to the dungeons; and on Anakin's instructions, Ferri accompanied them, just in case the former Prince Regent tried to cause any further trouble. On the ground floor, the former throne room had been commandeered as a temporary morgue. And it was here that Li-Na found her military commander contemplating the results of what he thought of as his failure.
Terra-Khai sighed heavily as he surveyed the line of blankets covering the bodies of those killed during Tai-Me's attempted coups. The four sentries assigned to guard the Prince Regent and those members of his loyal Elite guard had only been the first to have lost their lives to Tai-Me's murderous sojourn. Along with them lay the two guards assigned to the Royal apartments, the pair stationed at Sho-Wan's suite and the three men who had initially followed Tai-Me and had been killed for questioning his orders. He ran a hand across his face and sighed again, "You cannot blame yourself for this, Khai." Li-Na counseled as she came up next to him.
"Tai-Me's security was my responsibility. This..." And Terra-Khai swept his arm around the room, "...is a direct result of my failure to understand how dangerous he could be. These men had families, Li-Na."
"I know. But I must share that responsibility too, my friend." Li-Na replied, "I was also blind to the danger he posed."
Terra-Khai started to reply then turned toward the doorway at the sound of footsteps, "Dear Lord." He gasped.
Col-Fre stood in the doorway, eyes downcast; in his arms was the limp body of a woman, "We found her in one of the empty guest chambers near the nursery." He said.
Hanging his head wearily, Terra-Khai sighed again, "Who is she?" He asked.
"One of the servants, I think." Col-Fre answered, "She's been strangled."
Fighting against the tightness in his chest, Terra-Khai ran his hand over his face once more, "Put her with the others." He instructed quietly.
Li-Na followed Col-Fre, blanket in hand as he gently laid down his burden. With a heavy sigh, Li-Na knelt down and caressed the murdered servant's cheek, then covered her with the blanket, rose stiffly and turned toward Terra-Khai, "We must ensure this does not happen again." She said.
Terra-Khai lowered his head and then nodded in agreement.
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"You were told to take care, Master Kenobi." Ar-Taei admonished as she probed his head wound gingerly.
"It was unavoidable." Obi-Wan replied.
"Was it. Any dizziness? Nausea."
"A little of both." Obi-Wan admitted, knowing Anakin would only tell her if he denied it.
"Blurred vision?" Ar-Taei questioned.
"A little." Obi-Wan revealed, rubbing his temple absently.
"Headache?"
"Yes."
"Well, you are lucky you did not sustain another skull fracture. I understand you landed rather hard." Ar-Taei said, "As it is, you have sustained a concussion along with the laceration."
"I thought as much." Obi-Wan replied.
"We can seal the wound easily enough. Your symptoms should recede within a day or two." Ar-Taei assured him, "But I would advise you to remain here for the time being."
"Gesturing toward another physician who was in the process of removing the splint from his injured leg, Obi-Wan said, "Under the circumstances, I don't see any other option."
"Ah, yes." Ar-Taei concurred, turning her attention to her colleague.
The other physician palpitated Obi-Wan's knee gently, then flexed it slowly before straightening once more, "I am sure you were aware of this injury when he was admitted two days ago." He said.
"Ligament and tendon damage, yes." Ar-Taei confirmed.
"Releasing him was not advisable." The other physician reprimanded.
"There really was no choice. There were matters I needed to deal with." Obi-Wan interjected.
"Yes, yes; I do not live under a rock. However, this should have been dealt with before you left the medical center." The physician said.
"There was no time." Obi-Wan countered.
"As a result, it will make repairing the damage more complicated and difficult; and your recovery time longer." The physician continued without acknowledging Obi-Wan's response.
"I was aware of the risks when I left the medical center." Obi-Wan assured him.
"You appear to be a very stubborn man, Master Kenobi."
"Admittedly, you are not the first to point that out to me." Obi-Wan confessed.
"Indeed? Well, I hope that this obstinate tendency will not prevent you from comprehending your medical needs." The physician said.
"Stubborn I may be, but not stupid." Obi-Wan answered.
"Good." The physician replied, "For now, we will place your leg in traction. There is a great deal of swelling, and it would be better to wait until that had subsided before going in to repair the damage. And, in light of his head injury, I am sure you would prefer to wait as well, Ar-Taei?"
"Yes." Ar-Taei agreed, "A day or two should do it."
The other physician nodded, "Does this meet with your approval, Master Kenobi?" He inquired.
"It appears it will have to."
The physicians smiled at each other in satisfaction and began preparing their patient for admission.
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When Zak and La-Me arrived, Ar-Taei was there to meet them. Though she was able to give Zak good news regarding his master, she could not be so optimistic in Pi-Tong's case. Surprisingly, La-Me took the news better than expected. Tearily, she requested to see her grandfather, declining Zak's offer to accompany her. Reluctantly, Zak left Ar-Taei to accompany the young woman to Pi-Tong's room while one of Ar-Taei's aides escorted Zak to Obi-Wan's. Zak found his master resting, though he doubted comfortably, with his right leg immobilized in splints and elevated in a contraption that prevented it from moving at all.
"Ah, Zak; I was just wondering where you were." Obi-Wan greeted.
Zak could not help but stare at Obi-Wan's injured leg, "What's all this, Master?" He asked.
"It is what Ar-Taei's associate calls 'traction'." Obi-Wan answered, "Apparently it is necessary to prevent further injury."
"Well, it doesn't look very comfortable." Zak observed.
"It is not as uncomfortable as it looks, Padawan." Obi-Wan replied, "And, fortunately, it will just be for a day or two until I am deemed ready for surgery."
"Two days? How are you supposed to get any sleep trussed up like this?" Zak wondered.
Obi-Wan smiled, "I am sure that should not be a problem." He assured him.
"Alright. If you say so." Zak said doubtfully.
Obi-Wan continued to smile as he shook his head, then laid back with his left arm under his head, "Did you bring La-Me with you as you promised?" He asked.
"Yes, Master." Zak answered, his face turning serious.
"What is it?" Obi-Wan asked, "Is she still upset?"
"No more than she was...I don't think." Zak said hesitantly, then looked down at the floor, "It's just that...well, I don't think Pi-Tong is doing well."
With a sigh, Obi-Wan rubbed his beard, "I did not know he was injured so badly." He murmured.
"He was not." Ar-Taei said from the doorway, "However, he is old, and this injury has put a great deal of strain on him. It is not uncommon."
"What are you saying, Ar-Taei? That he is dying?" Obi-Wan questioned.
"We are doing all we can, but, yes, he is failing." Ar-Taei admitted, sighing heavily and shaking her head, "We can do much more for him now but to make him as comfortable as possible."
"There must be something..." Obi-Wan persisted.
"I wish there were, Master Kenobi." Ar-Taei replied sadly.
"How long does he have?" Obi-Wan asked.
"It is hard to say. He is still fighting, which is always a good sign, but he could go at any time." Ar-Taei said.
Obi-Wan sighed, "I hope you are wrong."
Ar-Taei smiled sadly, "I do too."
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Tai-Me had little choice but to surrender. His plan to resume power had failed. He had been betrayed on all fronts; even his loyal men had waffled in the face of opposition. With his hands cuffed in front of him, he was led out of Sho-Wan's quarters and escorted down the corridor toward the front stairway. Surrounded by Li-Na's forces, he saw no opportunity or point in resisting.
Countless times he had ascended and descended these steps as Prince Regent, ruler of Antigalia. Now, he was being led down them under guard, in disgrace, a bound prisoner. How had it come to this? Everyone had turned against him, but why? What had he done to earn such enmity? All he had done, had been done for the people, and this was his reward. Even his own wife, a traitor.
Si-Lon. The beautiful Si-Lon, who had honored him by accepting his proposal. Who had borne him a child...and a boy, at that. For a moment, he smiled, remembering a time...a time, oh so long ago...when the only thing he wanted was her love.
But somewhere in the years following the marriage he had...no, it was not his fault. It was hers; she had turned cold after the boy was born. Maybe...maybe it was all she had wanted from him...maybe she had never loved him at all.
No. No, as much as his unstable mind tried to convince him to believe this, the small portion of it that was still sane forced memories on him that contradicted such notions. It had been his behavior, his actions that had driven her from him; yet even when she had forsaken his bed, she had remained with him, though, he realized now, she could have gotten away any time, and taken their son with her. Surely if she felt nothing for him, she would not have stayed. His eyes blurred with tears as he now recalled the blissful first years of their marriage, and he stumbled.
One of the guards caught him under the elbow, preventing him from falling, "Careful, My Lord." He said, holding him up until Tai-Me was able to get his feet under him again.
'Careful, My Lord'? Even after all he had done, he, a prisoner, was still treated with respect. In contrast, he had dealt with his prisoners harshly, cruelly, mercilessly. Xi-Lo's face appeared in his mind, in agony, struggling as his midsection was turned inside out. His tears fell freely now as sanity regained its hold on his troubled mind and the enormity of his past injustices struck him with crystal clarity.
The image of his wife, bound and gagged, forced against her will swam momentarily before his eyes and that of his son...his son...dear lord, his son, staring up at him in fear.
What had he done?
He brought his cuffed hands up to face, his knees crumpling beneath him. And this time, the guards were not quick enough to stop him from falling.
When he came to himself he was seated on the floor, guards all around staring down at him, "I...my apologies, I do not know what came over me." He said.
The guards parted to allow another through, bearing a cup of water which he offered to Tai-Me as he squatted next to him, "Are you ill, My Lord?" This one asked, and it was only then that Tai-Me realized it was the younger blond-haired Jedi.
"No...I...forgive me, it was..." Tai-Me began and then shook his head, accepting the offered water, "Nothing. I am better now. Please, help me up?"
"Are you certain, Sir?" The Jedi questioned.
"Yes, the moment has passed." Tai-Me assured him, "Please, let us continue on."
The Jedi then stood and he and one of the other guards helped Tai-Me to his feet. They continued on down the corridor toward the stairway leading to the lower levels. All thoughts of escape or revenge, those that had occupied his mind shortly after his thwarted coups attempt, were gone. Replaced with the dawning realization that he had justly earned the place he now found himself in, and he went willingly knowing he deserved nothing more.
As they descended the duracreet stairs leading to the cells below, he breathed deeply of the increasingly dank air; now suddenly relishing the opportunity to do penance for his sinful past. Even if Sho-Wan chose to execute him for his crimes, he vowed he would not flinch or protest such a sentence.
His escort stopped at one the cells, the first guard unlocking the heavy door and stepping aside to let the others lead their prisoner inside.
Once inside, he was led to where several pairs of chains and manacles were secured to the wall by heavy pins. The Jedi removed his binders and Tai-me held his arms out allowing his wrists to be fettered, "You understand this is necessary after what happened this morning." The Jedi said as he checked the security of both shackles.
"I understand." Tai-Me replied as another guard similarly bound his ankles.
The Jedi squatted to continue his inspection; Tai-Me watched him intently, "You are Veery...yes?" He said.
"I'm sorry...what?" The Jedi responded, glancing up momentarily, then returning his attention to Tai-Me's ankle chains.
"Your name...Veery, isn't it." Tai-Me replied.
"Ferri." The Jedi corrected.
"Ah, yes, Ferri. Of course. Master Skywalker's apprentice."
"Yes. Look, if you're trying to distract me, it won't work." Ferri said, rising from his squat and turning to the rest of Tai-Me's escort, "He's secure."
Tai-Me sighed, "I finally gain some semblance of sanity and I am accused of deceit." He murmured, more to himself than to anyone else, then shook his head, "I suppose I deserve as much."
Ferri said nothing and, in fact, turned away with the others.
And then Tai-Me was alone, the door sliding closed leaving him in near-darkness. Leaning his back against the wall, he slid down until he was seated on the floor. And here he was prepared to wait until Sho-Wan decided what was to be done with him.
Sometime later – he was uncertain how much time had passed – the door slid open again. Thinking that his fate had now been decided, he scrambled awkwardly to his feet. However, only a small shadow appeared in the open doorway then was gone as the door slid closed again. He heard shuffling in the darkness and the stifled sobs of what he thought could be a child, "Who is there?" He demanded, straining his eyes through the murky darkness.
"The devil's spawn." The tearful child's voice answered.
Character List
Ali-She – Physician, Resistance member
Ana-Bai (deceased) – still-born daughter of Sho-Wan and Ana-Re, Obi-Wan's sister
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 granddaughter and 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
Nia-Wan Kenobi (deceased) – Sho-Wan Kenobi's sister, Si-Lon's mother
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
Sha-Khan Marjinn – Antigalia's ambassador to the Republic
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-Long – One of Antigalia's Senators
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