Chapter Six: Web of Mystery
A/N: Finally, an update one! This one is a little short, but it ends on a cliffhanger for sure ;) Let me know what you think!
Valencia knew that it was no coincidence when she stepped into one of her favourite cafes on Coruscant, and saw Ferus Olin sitting in one of the booths closest to the counter. It had been several months since her friend had left the Jedi Order. With a cry of delight, Valencia ran over to throw her arms around Ferus, who accepted the affection with a small smile.
Valencia knew the circumstances of Ferus's departure. During a confrontation with Granta Omega and Jenna Zan Arbor, enemies of the Republic and currently suspected Separatist allies, Ferus had swapped lightsabers with fellow Padawan Darra Thel-Thanis, who had ultimately been killed by Omega. Ferus had become disillusioned, and nothing could shake his sense of guilt. Valencia had been disappointed when he left, but she understood.
"It's good to see you." Valencia examined him. Her friend looked well, like he was thriving despite his departure from the Order. It suited him, she decided. He had been so dedicated to the Order that she had worried he may not find life outside it, but she was pleasantly surprised that Ferus had proved her wrong.
"As it is to see you." Ferus gestured for her to sit across the booth from him. Valencia gladly took a seat, grateful for the opportunity to spend time with an old friend.
"What are you doing these days?" Valencia leaned forward, eager to hear all about what Ferus had accomplished in the handful of years since his big decision.
"I don't know if it'd be considered...savoury." Ferus raked his fingers through his hair, but he continued before Valencia could question his meaning. "There's been word of Granta Omega."
Valencia shook her head fervently. "Please tell me that you aren't thinking of revenge."
"I'm not a Jedi anymore," Ferus reminded her, his voice gentle but his eyes sharp, "But it's not that. He's a confirmed Separatist, and there's something else you need to know."
She frowned. "What?"
Ferus took a sip of his jawa juice. "Omega is relentlessly hunting down a bearded man and a blonde woman who are in the Jedi Order."
The descriptions were vague enough that it could really have been anyone, but Valencia's blood ran cold. She had the distinct feeling that those descriptions meant something. She couldn't have said why, as it would make no sense for Omega to have any interest in her. Why would he be hunting her?
"Obi-Wan and I. But why…?"
Ferus put down his glass. "Omega's father was Xanatos."
Valencia remembered what Count Dooku had said on Geonosis. Xanatos had been a failed apprentice of Qui-Gon's. An uneasy feeling came over Valencia at the idea that the Council may know more about what had happened to Xanatos than they let on. She'd never entertain the idea that Dooku could be right about something...and yet, was he?
"How did Xanatos die?"
"He committed suicide." Ferus shrugged his shoulders, and she wondered where he'd heard all these stories she'd never come across. "But Omega blames the Jedi Order for his death. More specifically, he blames your father."
"But…Qui-Gon has been dead for over a decade."
"I know that. But revenge is a strange and terrible thing. I think he's become obsessed with exacting revenge on those Qui-Gon cared about, and that means you and Obi-Wan."
Valencia had never met Omega. She didn't know what he looked like, didn't know him by anything more than reputation. Why was he so interested in her and Obi-Wan? It was exceptionally concerning now that she was Obi-Wan's Padawan, considering that it would make it easier for Omega to find them together. She remembered Ferus once saying he couldn't be sensed through the Force at all. He was a disturbing anomaly.
"Where did you hear this?" she asked, brow furrowing as she dreaded the answer. "Ferus, what do you do these days?"
"I'm a bounty hunter." Ferus traced his finger around the rim of his empty glass, not daring to meet Valencia's eyes. She was astonished, yet she felt no judgement. The Guild served all parties, not just Separatists. She could not think too harshly of Ferus's choice.
"Did you come to warn me?"
"Yes." Ferus eased himself to his feet, sliding out of the booth. "The Jedi are not infallible, Val. I learned that the hard way. Please, don't underestimate Omega as we did. I don't know what he wants from you and Obi-Wan, but it's nothing good."
Valencia appreciated the honesty, but was troubled by it. The Clone Wars were in full force, and she had far bigger concerns. Yet somehow, the idea that she was being shadowed by a man who knew a lot about her, and who she didn't know much about, was the most terrifying thing of all. Nonetheless, she finished her drink and stood to give Ferus a farewell embrace.
"If you ever want to catch up…"
"I don't know if that's a good idea." Ferus's smile was tight. "It's best if things remain...professional. I can let you know Omega's movements if I know them, but…"
"Oh." Valencia nodded fervently, quickly disguising how crestfallen she was that Ferus did not want a friendship and instead opted to put space between them. "Of course."
Valencia knew the moment Ferus left that despite her avoiding Obi-Wan since he'd been declared her new master, she needed to speak to him about what she'd learned. If they were targets for Omega, he certainly had to be made aware.
Anakin had an apprentice, a fourteen-year-old girl named Ahsoka Tano. Valencia fondly recalled the first days of being Rhesa's Padawan, how thrilled she had been at the idea of acceptance from such a renowned master. She deeply respected Obi-Wan, but it hadn't been the same. She was of an age now where she felt she should endure the Trials and accept her place as a Knight, not remain beholden to a master.
Pushing such thoughts aside, Valencia folded her arms and watched the young Togruta Padawan sparring with Marion. She was nimble, but also reckless. Valencia could already tell that Anakin was going to have his hands full with her. Deep down, she found herself craving a Padawan of her own - something else she shook off. She needed to complete the Trials before any such thing could even come to mind.
"Do you want to join in?" Obi-Wan appeared at her side, leaning against the wall and watching the teenagers spar. Ahsoka was the more ferocious of the pair, but Marion had a patience and stamina the younger girl lacked. Valencia had always been good at observing the fighting styles of others, and adapting her own to suit - although she had her preferred Form.
"No." Valencia shook her head. "I think I would rather spar with those my own age, and closer to my own talent level."
For a few moments, they stood in peaceful quiet, watching the two apprentices spar. Eventually, Marion gained the upper hand, lightsaber pointed triumphantly at Ahsoka's throat. A wide smile spread across her features, although Ahsoka scowled.
"I saw Ferus earlier, in a cafe." Valencia kept her voice low so as not to disturb the teenagers. "He believes a man named Granta Omega is after us."
She glanced at Obi-Wan, assessing his reaction. His brow furrowed at the mention of the name.
"I don't understand. Why would he be pursuing us?"
"Ferus thinks it's to do with Qui-Gon." Valencia shrugged her shoulders, as though acting casual could possibly conceal the fact that her heart was hammering in her chest. The Jedi had always had enemies, but the idea of being personally targeted was extremely disturbing to her.
"We've been given our first assignment."
Valencia perked up at that. It had been some time since she'd had a proper mission. She mourned the loss of Rhesa, yet she could not deny she was excited at the prospect of a mission with Obi-Wan.
"What is the mission?" she asked, taking care not to reveal too much of her anticipation for fear of seeming over-eager.
"The Separatists are causing some issues on Dressel."
Valencia recognised the name. It was a Mid-Rim planet, neutral in the Clone Wars. Perhaps the Separatists were attempting to forcibly recruit them to their cause. It wouldn't be unlike them. Obi-Wan took a deep breath and continued.
"General Grievous is among them."
The name sent a thrill of dread through Valencia. Already, the cyborg general was making a name for himself. He had killed several Jedi, and apparently collected their lightsabers. He was deadly and not to be underestimated.
Valencia still wanted to discuss Omega, and felt that perhaps Obi-Wan had glossed over the topic. However she understood that Grievous was paramount, and she was more focused on the task at hand. Such a conversation could wait until their return. Their goal had to be stopping the Separatists from gaining more power.
"Dressel." Valencia nodded, the slightest hint of a smile gracing her lips. "When do we leave?"
"In the morning," Obi-Wan said, his gaze turning back to the two duelling Padawans. They appeared to have called it a day, with Marion having triumphed over Ahsoka. She was talking animatedly with Aayla. One day, Valencia hoped she would find out what that bond was like from the other side - a master to a Padawan.
For now, being Obi-Wan's apprentice would have to do.
The descent into Dressel was as turbulent as Valencia's wild heartbeat. She wanted to appear cool and calm, but she was aware of the sort of menace they were dealing with. This felt more real than anything she'd experienced since the Battle of Geonosis. From the briefing they'd received, Grievous was in the capital stirring trouble - and it was up to Obi-Wan and Valencia to stop him.
"What's the goal?" Valencia asked as they touched down on the outskirts of the capital city. Dressel's capital was a cesspit of bars and gambling dens, but the planet made a lot of money through some illegal trades. It made sense as to why the Separatists would want them on side - morally they may be ambiguous, but financially, they were a smart bet.
"We need to capture Grievous if we can." Obi-Wan strode down the ship's ramp, looking toward the bright lights of the city, "If we can't, we at least need to drive the Separatists away. Dressel wouldn't ally with the Republic, but perhaps they might with the Separatists."
Apparently there was bad blood between the Republic and Dressel. Valencia didn't know the politics of the situation, nor did she need to. Her task was the one at hand, and whilst the population of Dressel might not appreciate Republic interference, one thing was clear: if the Separatists were on Dressel, the Republic may as well be also.
"Where do we think he might be?" Valencia asked.
"The clone troops reported seeing him enter the city," Obi-Wan responded, drawing his hood up over his face. Valencia mirrored his movement, casting around to ensure they weren't being watched. "Whether he's made an ally of a crime lord is yet to be determined."
Valencia frowned. She couldn't imagine Grievous hitting the clubs. Perhaps he was sneaking around in the darkness - Grievous wasn't known for being heroic in the slightest. If he thought he could save himself, he'd turn tail and run. Ensuring her lightsaber was at her fingertips, Valencia strolled after Obi-Wan toward the blinking lights of the city.
It reminded her somewhat of Coruscant, but it was grittier. Whilst the centre of the galaxy was pristine and boasted of wealth and prosperity, the capital of Dressel spoke volumes about what sort of trade the planet undertook. As they headed through the streets, the population watched with guarded eyes, acknowledging but disapproving of the fact that this was Jedi business.
"Obi-Wan." Valencia reached out on instinct and caught his arm, indicating a tall, lanky figure matching Grievous's description darting among the buildings. Realising her actions were inappropriate considering their new dynamic, she flushed and released him. "I mean...Master. I think I saw Grievous."
"So did I." Obi-Wan slipped his lightsaber into his hand. "Be ready. We might not know what he's up to, but we shouldn't underestimate him."
Nodding, Valencia followed Obi-Wan cautiously through the alley they'd seen Grievous make his way down. He was frustratingly inconspicuous for a creature of his size. It must have rained recently, because Valencia found herself darting around puddles to avoid splashing all up her Jedi robes.
When they stepped out into the street, Grievous was there to meet them - along with a multitude of droids. Valencia's heart thudded as she wondered whether they'd been led into a trap of the Separatists' making. Grievous appeared positively delighted at their appearance, as though he'd been expecting them.
"General Kenobi." Grievous's malevolent yellow eyes darted to Valencia. "Commander Jinn."
Valencia stepped forward and ignited her lightsaber, throwing a violet hue through the darkened streets. Her teeth flashed in a broad grin as she observed the cyborg general. The droids behind him moved forward, their guns clicking as they recognised the threat to their leader. Valencia remained undaunted.
Grievous drew two lightsabers, igniting them - and Valencia's blood boiled to know that he carried the weapons of fallen Jedi as though they were trophies. She made to take another step forward, but was restrained by a firm hand on her shoulder. Grievous's chuckle was low and menacing.
"Val," Obi-Wan's voice was soft, but she could hear the warning in his tone. Something about this situation felt off, although she couldn't explain what. She could feel Grievous's presence in the Force but there was something else, a strange void that she didn't understand. It made her feel cold inside.
Valencia's grip on her lightsaber tightened to combat the fact that her palms were clammy. Grievous was watching intently, waiting for her to make the first move. From what she could tell, this did not seem like him - the cyborg general was always eager to attack. The tightness of Obi-Wan's jaw indicated he was thinking along the same lines.
"Didn't I tell you the Jedi would come running?" A hooded man stepped out of the shadows, his presence causing Grievous to stow his lightsabers. There was something in the look they exchanged that made an unpleasant shiver race up Valencia's spine. She glanced at Obi-Wan, who likewise appeared perturbed. She hadn't even sensed the man approaching them.
"Valencia." He looked at her and lowered his hood, and the dark-haired man smirking at her was familiar, and she tensed all over as she realised who he was. She lowered her lightsaber, her fingers trembling.
"Saxon?" Her voice was little more than a horrified whisper as she attempted to make sense of what was happening. If it wasn't him, then she was seeing his ghost, surely.
"That's not really my name."
In the sudden horror of Saxon's appearance, Valencia had lost track of Grievous. When she spun around, he was behind her, towering over her. Overcome by terror, Valencia threw up her lightsaber, but the cyborg general dealt a swift backhand with enough force to send her flying. Valencia's head smacked against the cement, the lights winking in and out of focus before dying completely amidst the sharp pain and blackness that swallowed her whole.
Her last thought was of Obi-Wan.