Chapter 36

The shift in the sound of the engine and the slight shutter of the vessel interrupted Qui-Gon's sleep. He groggily opened his eyes and blinking several times attempted to keep them open. When the ship shuttered again before resuming its rhythmic hum, he stood from his cot and grasping his cloak walked toward the cockpit. The door opened revealing his former apprentice and grandpadawan; the two were in deep conversation not having noticed the elder Jedi's presence until he cleared his throat.

"What happened?" he asked while yawning. When he turned in for the night, they had been in hyperspace. What he saw now were not the white streaks of light speed, but the blackness of space and a varied degree of stars just beyond the view port. The ship was turning, and its captain was in the process of resetting coordinates. "Is something wrong?"

Neither young man spoke. When the ship was prepared, Anakin pulled back the lever and the ship transitioned to hyperspeed. Obi-Wan turned his chair around and leaned back. "We're heading to Tatooine."

Qui-Gon's dumbfounded expression would have been comical had the situation not been important. "Tatooine?" His eyebrow rose in consternation. "I expect you both have a good reason for aborting your mission?"

Anakin's gaze held his grandmaster's with a determination that would not be deterred. "My mother's in trouble; we need to help her. Besides, no one would suspect Tatooine as a place the Senator would go. So in a sense, we're still right on target."

Qui-Gon addressed Obi-Wan, "You told the 'point of view' excuse?" When the younger master just shrugged, he turned his attention to Anakin. "Did she or someone else contact you?"

The padawan shook his head 'no' and looked at his brother before replying, "I've been having nightmares for months now, and they're increasingly showing me that she's not well."

Sitting down in the extra chair that was stationed near the exit, Qui-Gon smiled kindly; his gaze softening. "Dreams pass in time, young one. Soon they will no longer plague your sleep."

Obi-Wan's eyes flashed dangerously followed by a slight smirk upon hearing the words phrased the same way they had been long ago. "If what you say is true, then won't hurt to delay the mission a week or so for us to check on Shmi."

"I don't believe these dreams are that serious."

"You didn't back then either."

Qui-Gon closed his mouth and nodded in compliance. There wasn't anything he could do. Anakin was Obi-Wan's apprentice, not his. If they chose to follow this through, then he would accompany them every step of the way.

"I thought you had forgiven me for that." He said softly, having risen from his chair to exit the room.

Obi-Wan's features relaxed marginally. "I have, but that doesn't necessarily make the memory go away."

After Qui-Gon left the cockpit, Anakin turned to his brother and waited. When Obi-Wan's eyes met his, the elder didn't need the words to be voiced to know what the younger wanted. Taking a deep breath, the young master leaned his head back against the chair. "When I was fifteen, I began having nightmares; more so, than when I was younger. When I discussed them with Qui-Gon, he brushed them aside as an overactive imagination and too many horror flicks. Not satisfied with his assessment of them, I went to Master Yoda who helped me to understand what I was seeing. It was a vision in the form of a dream. Like yours, it steadily grew worse increasing with detail as it came. I approached my master on several occasions but was placated with the fact they would eventually subside," Obi-Wan paused a moment before continuing.

"The person in my dreams died; we were too late in getting to her because it was thought that my dreams would pass in time. Needless to say I ended up bearing the consequences by being the padawan to a then cold hearted man who couldn't see past his own grief to see that I was hurting too." Agitated, Obi-Wan rose from his seat and paced the small area.

"It wasn't until later that he realized what he had done. And it was shortly after that he realized I wasn't the same young man that he had taken as his apprentice. I had closed myself off from those around me. I was too far into Palpatine's teachings; the lessons were beginning to manifest themselves in my training and my behavior." sitting down in the pilot's seat, Obi-Wan leaned back to resume staring at the ceiling.

"Before she died I had questioned what I was doing, why I was allowing myself to be influenced by him. I didn't fully understand what was happening, only that it didn't feel right. Of course his friendly attitude and his sense of genuine concern always overrode the feelings of wrongness. It wasn't until after we found her, and she passed into the force that I threw myself into learning everything he had to give me; it was a pathetic attempt to retrieve what I had lost when my mentor shut me out. I guess I was looking for comfort and acceptance from the one person I should have run as far from as possible."

An earlier statement puzzled Anakin. "When you approached Master Yoda, were you learning from Palpatine at the time?"

Obi-Wan didn't say anything right away, but eventually replied, "I had developed iron clad shields by that time, courtesy of our friendly neighborhood politician. It was the first assignment he gave me. In answer to your unasked question, Master Yoda didn't know."

The garden was silent except for the few nocturnal creatures scurrying to and fro. Obi-Wan sat down near the pond. Pulling his knees to his chest, he wrapped his arms around them and rested his chin on his folded limbs. His master didn't understand the ways of the Unifying Force; he had known that they were different when Qui-Gon asked him to become his padawan, but thought that they would balance one another, not be at odds. His ability to sometimes dream things had always been a natural part of him; although, a frightening part if he admitted it to himself.

When he was younger he had had a hard time comprehending them much less controlling them when they came. But now, now he just wished they'd go away.

Yoda watched the young padawan, troubled by the lack of force presence surrounding the boy. Although the youth's features were tightened and troubled, no sense of his present state of mind could be read through the force.

"Upset you are, young Kenobi."

Without acknowledging the other, Obi-Wan responded, "He doesn't believe me."

"Oh?"

The young man turned his head to look at the ancient Jedi. "I told him, and he said I needed to meditate, that it would pass." He shook his head in frustration. "I told you what he would say!"

"Stubborn is Qui-Gon."

"What do we do now, Master? You said that it was important that I tell him this time."

"Important it is, Obi-Wan," Yoda's ears flattened back against his head. His hand came up to rub wearily against his scalp before focusing on the young apprentice. "Speak with Qui-Gon tomorrow I will."

Obi-Wan acknowledged the master before turning his gaze back to the pond.

"Meditated have you?"

"No. There's too much to think about."

Yoda sat down before the boy. "Come, help you I will." When the young one was settled and had closed his eyes, Yoda looked upon him with affection. Strong are you, young Obi-Wan, stronger than any of us know. With that thought still in mind, he led his prized pupil into a peaceful sea.

X

Padmé woke a few hours later. Not finding anyone in the common area, she walked to the cockpit to find Obi-Wan and Anakin sitting quietly. She walked up behind the padawan and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Is everything okay?" she asked. "You two look much too serious for this early hour."

Not taking his eyes from the view beyond the windshield of the transport, Obi-Wan answered, "We have to make a stop on Tatooine before escorting you to Naboo. It shouldn't take long."

Looking between the two brothers, Padmé sat down on the ledge of the console stationed between the two seats. "As much I am looking forward to seeing everyone, this doesn't sound as though it is just a visit. Did something happen?"

"We don't know," Anakin replied. His gaze turned to meet hers and he asked, "Do you remember the dreams I told you about?" When she nodded, he continued, "We're going home to make sure she's all right."

Padmé nodded her consent. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

X

The ship settled a few yards from the Lars' homestead. Anakin didn't wait for the ship to cycle down before he opened the hatch and went running toward the establishment. Obi-Wan followed, keeping pace with his padawan. Qui-Gon and Padmé followed at a more leisurely rate, hoping that the young Jedi would find that all was well.

When they entered the dining area, Qui-Gon stopped upon seeing Cliegg in a hover chair. The man's legs, or what was left of them, were wrapped in bandages. Fresh stains saturated the areas over the wounds. He had caught the beginning of the story upon entry, and walked over to sit down across from Obi-Wan.

Padmé squeezed Cliegg's shoulder in support as she walked by and took a seat next to Anakin. She listened intently to the older man's story, cringing internally when she heard the details of what had happened to the rescue party.

Owen and Beru sat beside the Jedi Master, their hands tightly clasped. When a tray was placed in the middle of the table, Qui-Gon looked up to see Khloe straightening her posture from having leaned forward to set the drinks down. Her hair was tied back revealing the dried tearstains that ran along one cheek. After handing a cup to everyone, though she didn't expect they would drink anything, she sat down next to Obi-Wan and tried to listen to Cliegg's tale. A piece of hair escaped it's tie and fell across her cheek. Before she could reach up to push it back, a calloused hand gently removed it placing it behind her ear. When she looked at Obi-Wan, he smiled sadly and caressed her cheek before removing his hand.

"…they're animals…" Qui-Gon heard Cliegg say. He looked at his young friends and saw that outwardly, Anakin appeared numb. He was listening to every word, yet his actions and facial features showed no signs of having heard anything other than his occasional nod. Obi-Wan didn't look much better. There was something in his eyes that Qui-Gon had not seen since his encounter with Palpatine all those years ago. He reached for them through the force and found their shields tightly closed, not allowing him any hint to what they were thinking.

"Master Qui-Gon?" young Kenobi hesitantly approached his mentor.

Qui-Gon lowered his book, closing it on his index finger to mark his place. "Yes?" When the padawan stood there silently, his actions showing he wished to speak but not sure he should, Qui-Gon sat forward and laid the book on the table beside him. "You know you can speak to me about anything?"

Obi-Wan nodded.

"And yet, you remain silent." Qui-Gon gestured to the sofa. Hesitating a fraction of a second, Obi-Wan moved over to sit down. His hands nervously picked at the lint on the cushion and then suddenly stilled when a larger one covered it. "What is it, Obi-Wan?"

Taking a deep breath, the padawan met his master's gaze and spoke, "I know what you think about dreams and visions for that matter…"

"But," Qui-Gon prodded.

Obi-Wan blew out a breath. "I think we should take this one into serious consideration. It's been a constant for weeks and each time it's clearer than the one before."

"Go on."

Obi-Wan's eyes adverted briefly to the floor before once again resting on his mentor. "Master Tahl is in danger; she's in pain. She…she died." The last was said in a near whisper; Qui-Gon strained to hear the words.

Swallowing his shock, Qui-Gon sat back and pressed his fingertips together resting his chin on them in contemplation. For several minutes he did not speak. Obi-Wan waited nervously for some type of reaction, for some pronouncement that they would go to the Council or better yet, that they would steal aboard a ship and go to rescue one of the few Masters who had ever really believed in him.

When the verdict came, it was not what he hoped. "Dreams pass in time, Obi-Wan. Soon, these will be but a memory."

Obi-Wan leaned forward in an attempt to make Qui-Gon understand how these weren't going to pass. He experienced them often enough to know which ones were likely to come to occur and which ones would drift away with the wind. He knew if something was not done, this one could become reality.

"Master please! Just once take it at face value and request permission to aid Master Tahl on her mission! If we get there and she's fine, wouldn't that be better than finding out later that we could have done something but didn't?"

"Padawan, you must listen to the will of the force. It tells me there is no urgency in this matter; it tells me that Tahl is fine."

"The living force is for the here and now, Master. What about tomorrow, a place you can't see?"

"Obi-Wan, I suggest you meditate on this. Tomorrow you'll feel better. We'll contact Tahl and you'll see with your own eyes that she is fine."

"May I be excused?"

"Yes." As Obi-Wan passed by his chair, Qui-Gon gently grasped his arm to still him, "Padawan, dreams have a way of making a situation appear real; so real in fact, that the scene stays with you long after you wake. It will eventually cease to exist."

Obi-Wan's jaw tightened at the mild rebuke before relaxing enough to respond, "Yes, Master."

X

Qui-Gon looked over to see Obi-Wan watching him, the awareness in the other's eyes told him he knew of the memory. Anakin stood abruptly and started for the door only to stop when Owen asked, "Where are you going?"

Anakin looked at Obi-Wan and then to his step-brother. "To find my mother." Obi-Wan pushed his chair back and followed after his padawan. Catching up to the young man, he asked, "Where do we look?"

Stopping just outside the house on the upper level, Anakin shook his head. "I'm not sure. The Junland waste lands perhaps?"

Without thinking, they simultaneously stretched their senses searching for that bright presence they both knew and loved. It wasn't more than a few minutes when Anakin stumbled backwards, clutching his head between his hands. Qui-Gon, having just come up behind them, knelt down beside the padawan aware that Obi-Wan had yet to exit his search. "Anakin?"

He looked up to see his grandmaster watching him carefully, his vision blurred by the tears his eyes had released at the intensity of the ache. "Pain," he whispered. "So much pain."

"Were you able to locate her?"

Anakin shook his head, his fingertips in constant motion as he massaged his temples. Obi-Wan's gaze was steadily glued to the vast sea of sand that stretched out before him, his eyes unfocused and unblinking. Qui-Gon stood by, observing, but not interfering.

While he waited, he once again noticed the differences in connection to the woman they both claimed as mother. Anakin's tie was more entangled; he could feel her every sensation, everything she was experiencing. Obi-Wan's bond with her was entwined but not from a blood related view. He was able to separate himself from her inflictions whereas Anakin could not.

When his former padawan finally blinked, Qui-Gon asked, "Well?"

"We have a general direction, but her presence is faint; it will be hard to trace." Obi-Wan turned back toward the house and without missing a stride, he helped Anakin to his feet. They both went to the garage in search of a vehicle.

Cliegg and Padmé watched from the doorway while the boys inspected the old swoop bikes. Without a word, they grabbed the tools and began making adjustments. Cliegg cleared his throat but neither looked up. "What do you think you're doing?"

When he didn't receive an answer, he continued, "Do you think your mother would approve of this? Do you think she would thank me if anything happened to either of you? Wait a few days until I get some men rounded up and then go."

Having finished tuning his bike, Obi-Wan placed the tool aside. "We know what we're doing." He glanced up briefly when Khloe and Beru walked in. He saw the concern on both faces, but knew that he didn't have time to soothe either's fears. Pushing the bike over toward the doorway he stopped next to Khloe, a question in his eyes. She knew immediately and placed a hand on his forearm to reassure him. "She's with my parents. Beru and I took her there when we discovered Shmi was missing."

"Thank you," he whispered and nodded to his padawan.

Anakin climbed aboard his vehicle. "We'll bring her home."

Padmé walked over to stand between the bikes and placed a hand on each of their forearms. "Be careful my friends. Come back safely," she stressed the last word looking them each straight in the eye. When they neither confirmed nor denied her request, she lowered her gaze and stepped back to stand next to Khloe and Beru.

The engines roared to life and once backed out of the shed, the Skywalker/Kenobi team sped off into the distance. Qui-Gon watched with mixed emotions; he was concerned what their actions would be when they found Shmi. He looked at Cliegg and realized that he was just as worried. When Lars looked up and found that knowing gaze upon him, he gestured toward the garage and said, "The speeders in back; bring 'em home."

Without a word, Qui-Gon went to the vehicle and got in only belatedly realizing that Owen was right alongside him. "Where do you think you're going?"

"With you."

When Qui-Gon went to disagree, Owen spoke up, "My mother is in the hands of Tusken Raiders and my brothers are headed straight for them. I don't know what you recall about the last time a member of this family was kidnapped, but this time I'm going to be there to make sure they don't do anything stupid."

Qui-Gon did in fact remember what Obi-Wan had told him about Sebulba and Watto. Although it saddened him that his padawan had once again called upon the dark side he had learned at Palpatine's side, it frightened him more of what could happen in a village full of beings. Beings that just may have tortured the only mother Obi-Wan had ever known. Without another moment's thought, he started the speeder and sped off in the direction the swoops had gone.