Time got away from me...again; I do apologize. Thanks to all who reviewed the last chapter: DigitalDreamn, starwarsforever, StarWars for Life, an anonymous reader, Mystic Winter, XxFallenJedixX and Jedi Hsoj. I can't believe you are all keep patiently waiting even through these long delays!
Anyway, we're winding down in earnest now; just a few more chapters to tie up all the loose ends. Many, many thanks for still sticking with me after all this time!
Chapter 34 – The Devil's Spawn
Apparently forgotten in the chaos and confusion following Tai-Me's capture was Tu-Shen, who soon found himself alone in the Lord Regent's quarters. No one seemed to have thought to tell him what to do or where to go.
Consequently, left to his own devices, he found himself somewhat lost since the last thing he had been instructed to do was to accompany Terra-Khai to the park, however, it was clear the work there would now be postponed until order had been restored. He finally decided perhaps he should rejoin the other younglings below-stairs and was on his way down the corridor when he encountered one of the kitchen workers heading in the direction of the nursery carrying a tray with a bowl of broth. Not wanting to interrupt her routine, he stepped out of her way, intending just to pass her by. But the servant moved to block his way, eyeing him suspiciously. Tu-Shen ducked his head and tried to move around her, "What gives you the right to be up here?" She demanded.
"Please...I...I'm sorry, I..." Tu-Shen stammered.
"Devil's spawn. Do you think I do not know who you are?" The woman spat out.
Eyes blurring with tears, Tu-Shen backed away from her, "What did you think? That you could come in here and worm your way into the household?" She continued.
"I...never...it was not..."
"You don't belong here." The woman ranted, "No one wants you here."
Fighting his tears, Tu-Shen sank to the floor and pulled his knees up to his chest.
"Filthy off-worlder's son."
Tu-Shen covered his face with his hands, no longer able to hold his tears back.
The woman bent over him, her face in his face, "You should have killed yourself after killing him." She hissed venomously.
"Here. What are you doing?" The servant stiffened, turning toward the voice.
Tu-Shen raised his head and looked past his tormentor to see a middle-aged woman, hands on her hips angrily staring the woman servant down.
Startled, the servant lost her hold on the tray she was carrying, the bowl of broth landing on the carpeted floor, the contents flying everywhere, "I asked you what you are doing?" The middle-aged woman demanded.
"I...I was just bringing something to the princeling...on Cook's orders...she thought he..." The servant answered haltingly.
"Oh. I see." The other woman responded, "And did Cook's orders also include tormenting little boys?"
"Ma'am...I..." The servant began, then raised her chin proudly, returning the other woman's steely gaze, "This boy is not one of the household's younglings."
"Yes, I am aware of that." The woman replied, "He is, however, a guest in this house. And as such, not to be harassed or mistreated."
"But he is..." The servant started to protest.
"I know who he is. But you cannot hold him accountable for the actions of father, or his grandfather. Nor is it your place to level accusations or threats at him." The second woman said, "Now, get out of my sight before I decide to bring your misbehavior to the Lord Regent's attention."
Tu-Shen watched their confrontation for a moment with a mixture of puzzlement and relief, then seeing this as a chance to escape, slipped quietly away.
Glaring angrily, the servant curtsied and whipped around to head back in the direction she had come, "And Jo-Li." Tu-Shen's savior called out, prompting the servant to glance back, "I had better not hear of any more abuse of this child. Do I make myself clear?"
The servant nodded, "Perfectly, Ma'am." She mumbled, bowing and stalking toward the back stairway.
XXXXXXX
Ti-Lo watched the servant's retreat for a moment, then shook her head before turning her attention to where Tu-Shen had been, an apology on her lips; her only thought now was to comfort the boy who was clearly in need of it after the verbal abuse that had been leveled at him. However, the child was gone, and in hindsight, Ti-Lo realized it made sense that he would have taken the first opportunity to escape. And glancing around, there was no sign of him. For a moment, Ti-Lo debated what she should do. She could not help someone who was not there, even though it was help, obviously, that this child sorely needed. But the mother in her wanted, needed, to find him. The question was, how? There were so many places in the Residence for a little boy to hide. An organized search would have to be mounted.
She sighed; it had not been her intention for Jo-Li's indiscretion to be revealed; she had hoped to handle the matter internally, within the circle of the kitchen staff. But with Tu-Shen missing, she did not believe that was now possible. Word of the child's disappearance and the search for him would eventually reach the Lord Regent's ears, and he would wonder why he had to learn of it roundabout and not from Ti-Lo herself. Ti-Lo also knew the Lord Regent would want to know what had caused Tu-Shen to flee, and she could not, then, lie to protect Jo-Li, not at the expense of an innocent child.
XXXXXXX
Jo-Li stalked down the corridor and descended the back stairway, fuming and muttering to herself. She entered the kitchen and went right to the head cook, "I will need another bowl of broth for the Princeling." She said.
Of course, the cook required an explanation which Jo-Li willingly, eagerly provided; had she known her superior did not share her point of view, she might have been less honest about what she said.
The head cook, far from being the sympathetic ear Jo-Li had expected, flew into a perfect rage; angrily berating her before carting her upstairs to face the Lord Regent.
The implications of this impending meeting were lost to Jo-Li, who, finding no ally in the head cook, was confident the Lord Regent would certainly take her part in all this.
XXXXXXX
Above stairs, the guards standing watch at the Royal Apartments opened the doors without question to allow Ti-Lo entrance. With a resolute sigh, she entered, heading for the Si-Lon's sitting room where she presumed the former Consort was meeting with the Lord Regent and Ti-Lo's own husband.
The doors to the chamber were closed, however, the guard there opened them as she approached. With a nod, she entered the room and found, as she had guessed, the three seated close together and in deep discussion. The rustle of her skirts caught their attention, however, and they stood to greet her, "Ti-Lo, what brings you here?" Si-Lon asked, as she stepped forward.
"Forgive the intrusion; I would not have dreamt of disturbing you. However, I believe this is a matter of grave importance." Ti-Lo began.
"What is it, Ti-Lo?" Sho-Wan asked.
"It concerns the child, the boy, Tu-Shen." Ti-Lo answered, "I fear...I believe the child has fled the Residence; or at least intends to do so if he can find a way to get out."
"Fled? But...why? I thought we had made great strides to assure him..." Sho-Wan's response trailed off, "What has happened to cause him to run away now?"
Well, there is was; Ti-Li had known from the start of this ugly incident that she would have to explain it to the Lord Regent. She sighed and began, "I came upon him with one of the serving girls from the kitchens. I was not close enough to hear what was being said, but it was clear to me that whatever it was, that child was terribly distressed by it. He was huddled on the floor, with his knees drawn up...and I believe he was crying. I had words with the girl, and sent her back to the kitchen; and I intend to see to it that she is disciplined. However, I think the immediate problem is that the boy is gone – he must have seen an opportunity to escape and taken it while I was occupied with that stupid girl – I searched the closer hallways, but he was nowhere in sight."
Sho-Wan's scowl deepened as Tu-Shen's encounter with Jo-Li was related to him. When she was finished, Sho-Wan stroked his beard for a moment before responding, "Once we have found Tu-Shen I would speak with this servant. Whatever she said, it must have hurt him deeply." He said and then sighed heavily, "Just when he was learning to trust us too. What could she have been thinking?"
"I cannot imagine, Lord Regent." Ti-Lo replied, "I take it I have your leave to begin a search?"
"Yes, yes, by all means." Sho-Wan agreed.
Ti-Li bowed, "Thank you, My Lord." She said, then quickly departed.
Then Sho-Wan addressed Po-Ku, "Find Li-Na, I am sure she and her people would be more than willing to help." He instructed.
Po-Ku stood immediately, bowed and was gone without a word.
Si-Lon exhaled angrily, "Are you as angry about this as I am, Uncle?" She asked.
"I am...frustrated." Sho-Wan replied, "It has been so difficult to convince him that he was welcome here. Now, it appears his spirit has been crushed, and we will have to begin all over again."
"And all because of this girl's maliciousness. How can we allow her to remain here after this?" Si-Lon continued.
"To be fair, we must hear her side of the story before passing judgment." Sho-Wan conceded, "However, even as vulnerable as Tu-Shen is, I am still hard-pressed to believe he would cower in a corner and be brought to tears without cause."
Si-Lon rose from her chair, "I see no reason why we should not have an explanation now, My Lord." She decided, "I will send someone to summon her here."
Before Sho-Wan could respond, there was a knock on the door and one of the sentries entered, "Lord Regent, you have visitors; I am told it is urgent." He said.
"Urgent, is it?" Sho-Wan questioned, "Very well, send them in."
Moments later two woman entered, one, older and rather plump, the other, much younger. The older one bowed, "Forgive the intrusion, My Lord; but I believe an apology is in order." She started.
"An apology? Perhaps we should start with who you are." Sho-Wan suggested.
"Of course, yes. I'm the head cook, My Lord." The woman replied, "And this is..."
"Oh yes, I know who she is." Si-Lon finished curtly, "What a coincidence; we were just about to send for her."
"Then I take you know what she's done. Tu-Shen has told you, has he." The cook guessed.
"No, we have only a very incomplete account from Lady Ti-Lo." Sho-Wan interjected, "Tu-Shen, it appears, has gone."
"Gone? Well, I suppose I should not be surprised." Cook said, then turned her to glare at the younger woman, "This is your doing, you know."
Jo-Li returned her glare defiantly, but did not otherwise respond as the head cook explained what had happened once Jo-Li had returned to the kitchen.
But the servant's self-assurance quickly evaporated as she watched the Lord Regent's face when the incident in the hallway was repeated to him; it was obvious that he was displeased. And there was no mistaking Lady Si-Lon's disapproval if such could be determined by the way she focused her gaze on Jo-Li.
Jo-Li wondered at their fierce protectiveness of the boy; just what was it about him that everyone leaped so quickly to his defense?
When the head cook was finished, Sho-Wan turned his attention toward Jo-Li. He first asked her to dispute anything the head cook said. Since everything the cook told them had come from Jo-Li herself, Jo-Li could deny nothing.
Sho-Wan then asked if she had never met Tu-Shen.
She admitted she had not.
Did she think it was fair to label someone she had never met?
Staring down at the floor, Jo-Li agreed it was not.
Tu-Shen had saved his life, his son's life and the lives of Lady Si-Lon and her son. Did Jo-Li know this?
Jo-Li had to confess she did not know.
Sho-Wan was stern but calm as he counseled her never to judge anyone based solely on background, parentage or any other circumstantial qualification. Pointing out that using her logic, she should also consider the Princeling to be 'spawn' as well, based on his father's less-than-sterling character. A person, he told her, should be judged as an individual, based on their behavior and actions, and not on who their parents happened to be.
And Jo-Li could see the truth of this; had her own parents not taught her that?
Through all this, Lady Si-Lon had remained silent. But once Sho-Wan had concluded she coldly, evenly addressed the errant servant. Whether or not she would remain in the Residence would be debated once Tu-Shen was found. In the meantime, she was relieved of her duties and ordered to go to her assigned dormitory and wait there until they could decide what was best for the boy.
By the time she left, the seeds of doubt had been sown in Jo-Li's mind; perhaps she had been wrong. And if that was true, she had been unbelievably, and unnecessarily, cruel to a child who had done nothing to deserve such treatment. What would her mother think when she learned about this? Well, perhaps she would be given a chance to make amends; and, at the very least, apologize to the child.
The cook escorted her to her dormitory, leaving her at the door and reminding her that she was not to leave until she was sent for. Jo-Li nodded in understanding and agreement, and then surprised the head cook...by apologizing.
XXXXXXX
Tu-Shen hurried along, trying to put as much distance between him and both women. He did not know who the second one was, although clearly she was of a higher station than the serving girl. It really didn't matter to Tu-Shen; he was just grateful that their disagreement had presented him with an opportunity to escape. At first, he had no destination in mind, his only goal had been to get away. But as he headed down the back corridor and descended the back stairway, it came to him that there was but one place for him. He knew where he was going now, and he would have no problem finding his way. He had been there before. The trick would be getting there without being seen. And that was important, because he didn't want be found. Not ever.
XXXXXXX
The search was quickly organized, Ti-Lo gathering what staff who could be spared, including the household guard. Li-Na's followers joining in shortly after being apprised of the situation by Po-Ku. Ti-Lo instructed everyone to be methodical, checking each room thoroughly. Tu-Shen was a small child, and could be hiding almost anywhere. Almost the entire Residence would be turned inside out and upside down in their efforts to find Tu-Shen. Yet all their efforts would be fruitless because no one had thought to search the area Tu-Shen had sought to conceal himself.
In hindsight, much worry and concern could easily have been avoided had someone thought to inform the two Jedi remaining in the Residence. Were it not for the building's Force shielding, they more than likely would have sensed something amiss. As it was, Anakin was busy planning just how he would approach Obi-Wan's physicians about arranging for Obi-Wan to appear before the Senate as scheduled. Ferri, who had gotten very little sleep in the last few days, was taking advantage of the respite to sleep. Had Ferri known, he could have easily traced Tu-Shen's path and found him quickly. Instead, it would be hours before he was located; and only then after the Jedi inadvertently learned of his disappearance.
Because no one suspected Tu-Shen would go below.
Not one of them had thought to search the dungeons.
XXXXXXX
Tu-Shen proved to be stealthier than he thought possible. Easily skirting the kitchens and gaining the narrow stairs that led to the cells below.
With a furtive glance around, he started down.
It was darker down here, and he went slowly until his eyes adjusted to the dimness. It would not due to fall here, not here. He wanted to disappear completely, and he could not do that lying at the bottom of the stairs with a broken neck, or worse yet, an incapacitating injury, leaving him unable to find a place to die.
Oh yes, that was his intention.
To die.
He should have killed himself after murdering Shen-Grel; the serving girl was right about that. What better place to die than down here? Isn't this where murderers belonged? Where murderers were taken to die?
It would not be a quick death. Nor an easy one. Starvation was neither.
But it was no better than he deserved.
At the bottom of the stairs he heard voices, and saw the flaw in his plan. Of course, the Prince was down here, and his surviving followers. And of course there would be guards. Perhaps, he thought, he might get lucky, and find an open cell far enough from that he would not be noticed.
Determined, he checked the first cell. The door was closed, and his attempt to trigger it was unsuccessful. Crossing to other side, that door also seemed to be jammed. Still hopeful, he checked the next one and the one across from it with no luck. He was closer to the guards now, and reluctant to get any closer. He was just about to give up and decide what to do next, when suddenly the pair of sentries turned and headed further down the corridor. Puzzled, but unwilling to let this sudden piece of luck slip away, he crept forward to the next cell door and pushed the door control.
Luck was with him this time, the door slid open. He would have to be quick now; he was certain there was no way of controlling the door from the inside. He would have to hit the hallway trigger as he entered the cell. Taking a deep breath, and poising himself to be ready, he hit the control pad again.
And then he was inside, the door cool against his back. He drew his knees up and rested his head on them. Now, he thought, now it was finished. His miserable life would end here. Tu-Shen wished it could have been different. For a while, he thought perhaps it might have been. But he could not escape what he was – "Filthy off-worlder's son..." Tears slid down his cheeks, and his breath hitched as he tried to stop himself from crying. "Filthy off-worlder's son...you should have killed yourself after you killed him..." He should have, but he didn't want to. Even now, he didn't want to die. Burying his face in his hands, he began to cry in earnest.
"Who is here?" A voice in the darkness demanded.
"The devil's spawn." Tu-Shen answered before his mind registered the fact that the cell he had chosen was not empty.
The voice chuckled, "The devil's spawn, is it?" It repeated, "Should I fear for my life, then, devil's spawn?"
"No, I..." Tu-Shen paused in midsentence as he finally realized he wasn't alone, then shook his head and muttered, "I couldn't even do this right."
"Well, that would depend on what you intended to do." The voice told him in an amused, but matter-of-fact tone, "If you've come to kill me, I'd say you have a pretty fair chance of succeeding."
"I don't want to kill anyone else." Tu-Shen said, "I...just wanted to find someplace to...disappear."
"Kill anyone else? Who have you killed, 'Devil's Spawn'?"
Tu-Shen buried his face in his hands, "My...my father." He confessed.
"Your father? Ah, you are Shen-Grel's son...yes...of course." The voice replied with comprehension, "Yes, I suppose some would consider you the devil's spawn."
Tu-Shen did not respond. He heard a metallic clink from the direction of his unseen companion who then sighed deeply, "But, surely you must know that being Shen-Grel's son does not necessarily make you his...'spawn'."
"You don't know anything about it." Tu-Shen retorted bitterly.
"Oh, Son; I know a good deal more than you think I do." The voice said, "I know, for instance, that devil's spawns do not hurl themselves into danger to save someone's life...and, by doing so, prevent someone else from making a terrible mistake. And I know you do not belong down here, locked in darkness. I do, of course, but you...no, you belong up there, in the light."
Cocking his head, Tu-Shen squinted into the gloom, "Who...who are you?" He wondered.
"Can you not guess?" The voice questioned, "We have met before, little hero."
"I'm not a hero." Tu-Shen refuted.
"Oh, but you are. And, you see, you cannot be both spawn and hero; the two are not compatible." The unseen man concluded.
Tu-Shen was silent for a few moments, "You haven't told me who you are." He finally said.
The voice chuckled, "I thought it would have been obvious." He replied, "Come now, surely you must have figured it out by now."
"I...thought...but it can't be...you aren't...like him." Tu-Shen stammered.
Again the voice chuckled, "Yes, I see the confusion; of course." He conceded, "However, I assure you, I am...well, let us say, perhaps a more sane version of him."
"Oh." Was all Tu-Shen could think of to say.
There was that metallic clink again and then the Prince spoke again, "Hard to believe, I know; and I, myself, do not completely understand what brought me to my senses." He said, "But now that you know my name, I would like to know yours."
"But...you already know who I am, Lord Prince." Tu-Shen countered.
"Yes, I know you are Shen-Grel's son, but I do not know your name." The Prince clarified.
"Oh. You want...does it matter, Prince Regent?" Tu-Shen wondered.
"Well, it does to me." The Prince said, "And before we go any further, perhaps it would be best if you not refer to me as 'Prince Regent', since I no longer claim that title."
"Uh...oh...alright...uh...sir...my name...is Tu-Shen." Tu-Shen told him.
"Tu-Shen. A fine name." The Prince replied, then after a very short paused added, "You do not belong here, Tu-Shen; you do understand this, don't you."
"Forgive me, my...sir...but, you're wrong; I do belong here." Tu-Shen insisted.
The Prince sighed heavily and again, Tu-Shen heard the metallic clink, "Come, sit beside me, Tu-Shen." He requested, "And perhaps I can persuade you that you are mistaken."
XXXXXXX
Anakin peeked into the room where his apprentice lay sprawled across the bed, one arm dangling bonelessly from the edge of the bed. He had planned on asking Ferri to accompany him to the medical center since the Senate would almost certainly require his testimony, however, clearly his Padawan was in need of sleep. There would certainly be time enough to summon Ferri should the Senate wish to interview him. Smiling to himself, Anakin quietly departed and headed down to the docking bay. As luck – or ill-luck – would have it, he did not happen upon any of those searching for the missing Tu-Shen.
XXXXXXX
Obi-Wan was tired, uncomfortable because of the awkward position of his leg, and still plagued by a nauseating headache. Ar-Taei had suggested a pain suppressor, however, Obi-Wan rejected the offer. He felt he had been drugged against his wishes far too often of late, and given the choice he would rather not submit to any more until he had to – which he knew was inevitable when the time came to rebuild his damaged knee. And he was unsure whether or not he would still be expected to appear before the Senate, and he wanted to be clear-headed in that case.
He had always relied on the Force in the past, and he could think of no reason why he should not continue to do so. After instructing Zak to rouse him if he were summoned by the Senators, he released his discomfort, his pain and his fatigue into the Force and slipped into its comforting embrace.
Zak stayed until his master was deep in meditation, then headed down to the ward where Pi-Tong had been admitted. He wasn't sure there was anything to do, but La-Me was more than likely there, and he thought perhaps she was in need of some moral support.
He could sense her distress as he entered the ward, and he followed his senses to where she stood at the window, facing away from her grievously wounded grandfather. Pi-Tong lay unmoving, covered with a sheet, his head encased in bandages. Tubes extended from both the old man's arms and a mask covered his nose and mouth. Zak reached out tentatively through the Force and sensed his frailty, how tenuously he clung to life. From all indications, Pi-Tong was failing.
His granddaughter turned at the sound of Zak's footfalls, and she smiled wanly, though her face was red and still streaked with tears.
"I'm sorry; I did not mean to disturb you." Zak said.
La-Me shook her head, "I welcome the company, good Jedi." She replied, swiping a hand across her face and sighing deeply as her gaze fell on her stricken grandfather, "He...he is dying...you know."
"There is always a chance as long as he is breathes." Zak told her.
"He is old and weak." La-Me countered, then added bitterly, "What kind of chance is there for him?"
Zak looked down at the floor for a moment, and then raised his head to meet her gaze, "Never give up hope." He advised quietly, then bowed and slipped from the room before she could respond.
XXXXXXX
Ar-Taei frowned as she listened to Anakin's request and did not reply immediately once he had finished explaining its importance. Instead, she shuffled some papers on her cluttered desk. Anakin shifted nervously, sensing her disapproval, "Look, I know it's a lot to ask; but you have to understand how it will look if Obi-Wan – Master Kenobi – doesn't make some kind of statement." He persisted.
The physician folded her hands on top of her papers, "You are right, it is a lot to ask; not just of me, but of Master Kenobi." She said, "If you are as good a friend to him as you claim to be, I am surprised you would even consider this."
Anakin huffed and shook his head, "Do you have any idea how important being a Jedi is to him?" He questioned.
"I am sure it is very important; however, I fail to see how it is relevant." Ar-Taei answered as she pushed her chair back, stood and moved to a viewer set into the wall.
"Did you hear anything I told you?" Anakin exclaimed impatiently, "The ambassador has called his actions here into question; he could be charged with treason. And that would mean expulsion from the Order."
Ar-Taei powered up the viewer and skimmed through several files before finding the one she wanted, then turned to Anakin, "I heard you the first time, Master Skywalker." She said, "Before I give you an answer, let me show you just how grave your friend's condition was several days ago."
Anakin huffed impatiently, but moved next to her as she pointed at what he assumed were Obi-Wan's medical scans, "See this?" Ar-Taei began, "It's a bone fragment imbedded in his brain tissue. It caused a great deal of damage that had to be repaired after the fragment was removed."
She then brought up another image, "This is another scan taken today after he was admitted. There is improvement, of course, but you can still clearly see the point of injury." She explained, then turned to regard him, "Because his brain is still healing, Master Skywalker."
"I understand that, but..."
However, Ar-Taei wasn't finished, "And, as you can see, there is a new injury, bruising at the base of his skull where he hit the floor this morning." She continued.
"I do see that, but..."
"And then there are his other injuries." Ar-Taei went on, bringing up another image – this one of Obi-Wan chest, "This is his ribcage. Notice, there are several broken ribs, and the bruising is evident, along with the deep contusion from the vibro-blade. Mind you, this was just after Li-Na brought him in, before that devil of a brother got hold of him."
Again she shifted images, "This one was recorded when he was officially admitted after his encounter...well, his second encounter with Shen-Grel. Observe that the damage is more extensive now. Quite frankly, I do not know how his lungs managed not to collapse with all this damage. And these injuries, too, are still healing." She said and then turned to him, "Is that sufficient, or shall I go on?"
Anakin sighed, "I know how seriously he was hurt." He said.
"Do you? Then perhaps you can understand my hesitation to allow this?" Ar-Taei concluded.
"Of course, but..."
Ar-Taei turned off the viewer and returned to her desk, "Sit, Master Skywalker." She instructed, folding her hands once more over the stack of papers on her desk.
Anakin complied and Ar-Taei cleared her throat, "I think you know I would rather not permit my patient to be subjected to an interrogation." She said.
Anakin lowered his gaze and nodded, "I understand." He murmured, "The ambassador will probably demand to see the records you showed me."
"I haven't finished, Master Skywalker." Ar-Taei corrected, "Against my better judgment, I am going to agree to your request. But there are conditions."
"Conditions." Anakin repeated, "Which are?"
"First, I want to be present during this hearing."
Anakin nodded, "That should not be a problem."
"Second, if I feel at any time that Master Kenobi's health is being compromised, his participation ends."
Running his hand through his hair, Anakin sighed, "I don't really have the authority to agree to that one."
"Well, you had better speak to someone who does, because it is what you would call a 'deal breaker'." Ar-Taei insisted.
"I'll see what I can do." Anakin promised, "Anything else?"
"Before the hearing even starts, I want the ambassador, and all these Senators of yours to review Master Kenobi's medical records. They should know just how much they are asking by demanding his appearance before them."
"That shouldn't be a problem either." Anakin agreed, "I should be able to contact the Chancellor. I'm sure he will allow your second condition, and will probably offer to have his staff distribute the medical information."
"Make it quick, then; I have rounds to do before this circus starts." Ar-Taei stated.
"I can try to raise him now, if you'd like." Anakin suggested.
"If you want to do this today, now would be best." Ar-Taei concurred.
With a nod, Anakin stood up, pulled the com from his belt and sent a signal to the Chancellor's office. Padme responded to the hail and quickly routed the transmission to the Chancellor. Bail Organa listened as Anakin laid out Ar-Taei's conditions, then directed several questions to the head physician herself.
In the end, Chancellor Organa was amenable to Ar-Taei's terms, and assured the Antigalian physician that he would require every Senator to review the medical records she had provided before the hearing. Ar-Taei, in turn, agreed to the time of the Senate appearance – shortly before midday on Coruscant; late afternoon on Antigalia. It would give the Chancellor time to apprise his senators of Obi-Wan's health and allow Obi-Wan time to recuperate a little before the hearing.
XXXXXXX
"I tell you, I saw him with my own eyes!" Tai-Me exclaimed, pointing to the far corner.
"There is no one there, My Lord." The guard assured him, but turned once more toward the area Tai-Me indicated, "And no way anyone could have gotten in here without one of us seeing him."
"I cannot tell you how, but I saw the door slide open and someone come in." Tai-Me insisted, "He said his name was Tu-Shen and he told me he belonged down here because he was the devil's spawn."
The guard shook his head, "I don't know what kind of game you are playing, or what delusion you are under, but until we came in to bring your meal, you were very much alone." He answered.
"He's there, just go over and look." Tai-Me persisted.
"Are you seeing him there now?" The guard asked.
"Well...I..." Tai-Me squinted in the shadowy corner, "Well, no...but...I know that's where he went."
The guard glanced at his companion who shook his head, "Sounds like a trick to me." The companion said.
"Maybe. Or maybe he's hallucinating." The first guard added.
"Either way, we've already spent too much time in here with...him." The companion replied, "You know what the commander told us."
"Right." The first guard agreed, turning toward the door.
The second guard followed, the door slid closed behind them and Tai-Me was once more left in semi-darkness. Almost immediately, he heard shuffling from the corner, "Are you really here? Or were they right in believing I imagined you?" Tai-Me questioned, not at all certain anymore what to believe.
Tu-Shen shuffled toward him, shoulders slumped, head down, "So, you real? Or just a figment of my deluded mind?" Tai-Me asked.
The boy slid down next to him, "Oh, I'm here alright." He said.
"And how is it, that they could not see you?" Tai-Me wondered, reaching out to see if he could actually touch the boy.
"I don't know. They looked right at me." Tu-Shen replied, "I just hoped he wouldn't see me."
"Ah. An interesting trick." Tai-Me observed, "And will you use it again when the guards return?"
"There was no trick." Tu-Shen refuted, "I just hunkered down in the corner."
"Oh, I think there must be more to it than that. You wanted not to be seen, and apparently, for a few minutes at least, you weren't." Tai-Me told him.
Tu-Shen shrugged, "It doesn't matter, as long as they didn't find me." He stated.
"You know, I have yet to understand what you are hiding from, Tu-Shen." Tai-Me said.
"I told you."
"Yes, yes, that devil's spawn nonsense." Tai-Me replied dismissively, "But Jo-Li is a stupid, foolish girl Jo-Li, were you not listening when I told you this? How can you still take her words to heart?"
"Why can't you just leave me alone?" Tu-Shen exclaimed impatiently, shooting up from his place and stalking back to the far corner.
Tai-Me chuckled, "Because I don't want to." He answered, "This is my cell, after all."
"If you promise to leave me alone, I'll promise to leave when the guards come back and open the door." Tu-Shen bargained.
"And what will you do with your freedom, Tu-Shen? Find another cell to die in?" Tai-Me questioned.
"An empty one this time." Tu-Shen said.
"Well, I suppose I am in no position to stop you; and you might just succeed considering you have this ability to make yourself invisible." Tai-Me replied with a sigh, "However, until that happens, I intend to continue trying to convince you how wrong you are. Whether you like it or not."
Tu-Shen slid down the wall and drew his legs up to his chest, "Suit yourself." He mumbled.
List of Characters
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
Jo-Li - Kitchen worker
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