Summary
Obi-Wan and friends check if they have anything to pay for hyperdrive repairs.
Obi-Wan and Jinn talk about the Darkness.
Jinn offers to bond with Obi-Wan.
A ship appears.
Jinn tells a lie.
Obi-Wan isn't happy.
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40.
Jinn was exasperated and said, "Tatooine? Why is it always Tatooine?"
Obi-Wan raised a brow and said, "Granted, Tatooine is a dry and loathsome place. I've had the unfortunate experience of being there once years ago, but I don't understand. Why do you find it so unpleasant?"
Jinn gave Obi-Wan a somber look and said, "I was born there. I suppose Anakin and I both used to consider that place home."
Obi-Wan had no idea that Jinn was born on Tatooine. He once again realized he knew very little about him. Though, Jinn noticed Obi-Wan's curious look and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"It wasn't all bad. I have fond memories of gambling with the local scum so I could free slaves and earn a few extra credits. I had quite the reputation back then. I did most of my training out on the desert. After the suns set that was when my lessons started."
He was afraid to ask Jinn the question that had been plaguing him since he found out what their relationship was in the other timeline. However, he wanted to finally get the answer to the question he was too afraid to ask. Obi-Wan could see that not knowing Jinn's origins could drive them apart.
"Jinn, why did I break the Code in your timeline?"
Barriss narrowed her brow and exclaimed, "What?"
The amber Jedi ignored Barriss and answered Obi-Wan's question instead. He lowered his gaze and crossed his arms over his chest and said, "I suppose there's no harm in telling you since the events are unfolding differently here. My father married my mother in a political marriage to form an alliance between the Order and the Clan against the Separatists. It was supposed to be purely a contract, but after over time their union turned into a marriage of love."
Obi-Wan rubbed his beard and asked, "And what was your relationship like with your father?"
Jinn replied, "We had a good relationship. He understood that I was more my mother's disciple then I ever was his apprentice."
Barriss jumped into the conversation and said, "Wait a minute, are you saying your parents trained you in how to use the Force?"
He turned to her and said, "Yes, my mother was a Force user from beyond the Outer Rim."
Barriss didn't know how to process that information. Master Jinn was from another timeline. It was no wonder he was so knowledgeable and skilled. It also explained why Master Jinn looked like Master Obi-Wan. Though, her thoughts were cut short by Ventress.
The ex-assassin said, "How about a more important question. Like, how are we going to pay for the repairs to the hyperdrive?"
The three paused in confusion. The Jedi usually relied on the Order to pay the bills. Ventress already knew that Jinn was bad with credits. He had a good eye for items, but he couldn't save a credit to save his life. He usually trusted her or Ezra to hang onto any credits he knew he wasn't supposed to spend.
Since no one was saying anything, Ventress got up and said, "Come on. Let's look at our inventory. Maybe we can sell something."
XXX
Obi-Wan looked around the ship with the other to see if they could find anything they could sell. However, it was becoming more and more obvious that they didn't have anything of real value on board the ship. He opened another crate. It was full of spare clothe. He sighed before closing the lid.
He turned to Jinn and said, "What about your wages from the Order when you worked as an advisor? Surely, you didn't spend it all."
Jinn replied, "We put a lot of our finances in building the base. And besides, you know as well as I do that credits aren't good on Tatooine. We can either gamble or find work. I'll leave it up to Asajj to decide."
Obi-Wan was surprise to hear Jinn say that, but then again, he remembered who he was married to. He wondered, and not for the first time, just what Jinn saw in Ventress. Though, he had to admit that she seemed to genuinely care about him. Yet, it was weird watching Jinn fawn over her and call her pet names. In fact, he never called anyone by a pet name.
Curiously, he asked, "You seem to trust her a great deal. Tell me, was your father have a close relationship with your mother?"
"Yes, why the suddenly interested in learning about your other self?"
"I suppose I've been afraid of what I might learn about myself. I've finally decided not to stop running away from it. Besides, knowledge about my other self might shed light on our current situation."
Jinn raised his brow and said, "Do you really believe that love is the pathway to Darkness?"
Obi-Wan said, "Well, love can lead to selfishness, jealousy and hatred."
He replied, "Love doesn't always lead to Darkness. It can give you strength. It can give you a reason to keep fighting. It can fuel resolve and commitment. We fight for each other, not ideas. And if you let selfishness, jealousy, and hatred blind you then that isn't love. Love isn't about taking. It's about what you can give."
His words confirmed what Obi-Wan suspected all along, Jinn was a romantic. To him, every woman was a maiden and every man was either a friend or a foe. In that regard, he wasn't very complicated to understand at all. Jinn didn't just act chivalrous. He was chivalrous. Obi-Wan envied his conviction. He didn't seem to have any doubt in what he was doing or what he believed.
Jinn interrupted his thoughts and said, "I know this might be a strange request, but would you be willing to form a Force bond with me?"
"What?"
The Jedi Master was stunned. He wasn't sure he heard him correctly. Jinn sighed when it looked like Obi-Wan wasn't going to say anything. He anxiously gripped the hilt of sword as he extended his hand.
"Look, I'm not asking you for your hand in marriage. I just thought it would be a good idea so we can keep track of one another."
Obi-Wan eyed Jinn's hand before meeting his gaze and said, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm sure a communicator will work just as well."
Jinn said, "Not all distances can be conquered by a comm. Besides, I thought you said you were done with running away."
The Jedi Master's resolved crumbled. He had a point. Though, he wasn't sure what to expect. Jinn was unlike any Force-user he knew. If he was anything like his mother, then he knew the bond would not be an ordinary training bond. Reluctantly, he took Jinn's hand. His palm was rough from wielding his metal sword.
"Good. Now, close your eyes and let the Force flow through you."
Obi-Wan took a deep breath and shut his eyes. He waited for a moment and let the Force wash over him, but nothing seemed to be happening. He opened his eyes and was about to ask Jinn what he expected to happen when he saw he was no longer on board the ship. He was in a featureless dark place that flowed with the Force.
In front of him, he saw a golden ring of light. It wasn't unlike the green ring of fire he saw when he met Jinn's mother. This time, Obi-Wan got a good look at the fire. The ring was composed of the both the Darkness and the Light. They warred against each other and created the brilliant golden light.
Obi-Wan extended his hand to touch the light, but Jinn caught his arm.
"Please don't touch my Force-presence without asking first."
"That's your Force-presence?"
"Yes, now if you concentrate and step back then you will see your manifestation of your Force-presence as well."
Obi-Wan had never created a Force-bond like this before. He closed his eyes again and did as Jinn instructed. When he stepped back, he saw a pale blue light floating in front of him. It wasn't nearly as impressive as Jinn's Force presence.
Jinn smiled knowingly and said, "Don't look so disappointed. My Force-presence only looks like that because I am channeling both the Darkness and the Light. When I am not channeling then my Force-presence doesn't look any different from yours."
"Are you always channeling the Darkness and the Light?"
"Unless I'm injured, yes. Now, I want you to imagine pulling a thread from your Force-presence. Then, I want you to pull a thread from my Force-presence and tie them together. That will create the bond."
Obi-Wan was intrigued but did as he was told. He pulled a thread from his Force-presence. It was strange because he couldn't understand how energy could even form thread. He then walked over to Jinn's Force-presence and pinched his fingers into the fiery ring and pull out another thread. It was strange. The fire didn't burn him. Instead it was pleasant and warm. He then tied them together. To his astonishment, the thread snapped together and formed a silver white thread that shimmered in the darkness.
Suddenly, Obi-Wan saw two more threads leading out from Jinn's Force presence. One thread led to a blue aura while the second lead to another white aura surrounded by red. Obi-Wan noticed a smaller white presence floating beside the strange second aura.
"I take it these are your bonds with Ezra Bridger and Asajj Ventress."
"Yes."
"It's unheard of for a Jedi to possess more than one bond."
"Perhaps for a Jedi, but I'm a warrior. My mother once commanded hundreds of Force-sensitive warriors. She had a bond with each of them."
"Isn't that excessive?"
"It's strength in numbers. She's able to summon strength from all her warriors."
Obi-Wan had never heard of such a technique before. Such a skill could open the doorway to unimaginable power. No one would be able to stop a person capable of wielding the power of hundreds of Force-users. Obi-Wan was unnerved by the thought of facing someone that powerful.
"That is a dangerous skill."
"There are limitations. You can't control more power than you can handle. If you do, then you run the risk of succumbing to either madness or death. The power can be overwhelming."
"That's an unpleasant thought. Now, how do we return?"
Jinn smiled and said, "Step back into your Force-presence and concentrate on returning. You'll find your way back."
XXX
The moment Obi-Wan returned to the waking world, the ship suddenly began to rumble. The crates all around them that weren't tied down began to fall. An alarm sounded and the ship began to shake again.
Obi-Wan shouted, "What in blazes in going on?"
Jinn grabbed onto the wall for support and said, "I think someone is attacking us."
Suddenly, the cargo doors were forced open and a group of armed Zygerrian warriors boarded the ship. Jinn reached for his sword, but Obi-Wan grabbed his hand and shook his head.
"No, don't. We're outnumbered."
Jinn scanned the Zygerrian warriors and whispered back, "I don't recognize them. Who are they?"
Obi-Wan narrowed his brow and replied, "Slavers."
XXX
It wasn't long before all four members of their party were taken from their ship and brought on board the larger Zygerrian ship. They were taken to quarters that was lavishly furnished with silks and gold. There were several slaves. One slave held a large fan, one served food and drink and two more were obviously kept as playthings.
The Zygerrian warriors had removed their weapons and cuffed them. Jinn saw that the person in charge was a Zygerrian woman. She was seated on a plush red sofa and took a drink from one of her slaves. She looked like a cat with pointed ears and golden eyes. It was strange. Jinn thought she might look prettier if she were more cat-like.
"Greetings, my unfortunate travelers. I am Queen Miraj Scintel. Now, who might you be?"
Obi-Wan stepped forward to introduce himself and to no doubt demand his freedom. Jinn knew that wouldn't work. Instead, he decided to lie. Before Obi-Wan could say anything, he dropped down on one knee and placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head.
"I'm honored to be in the presence of your majesty. I am James Swan and his is my twin brother, Ben and the handmaiden Miss Leia. We are servants to our master, Mistress Ventress. Please, great Queen, take pity and spare our mistress."
Queen Scintel smiled at Jinn and rose from her seat. She approached him and lifted his head by placing her fingers under his chin. She found him intriguing. She admired his handsome face and golden eyes. They almost looked like Zygerrian eyes.
She then turned to Ventress and said, "Your servant speaks eloquently."
Ventress replied, "He knows his place. I'm sure someone like you can appreciate how difficult it is for a woman to find good help."
Queen Scintel said, "Oh, I do. I like a woman who can keep her slaves in line. I think you and I have a lot in common. Why don't you and your slaves stay as my guests? Tatooine is such a boring place. I need a distraction for the journey back to Zygerria. Guards, remove their chains, but keep the collars on the slaves."
XXX
Ventress joined Queen Scintel in a seating area and the two talked and ate. Obi-Wan, Jinn and Barriss were left to their own devices after their cuffs were removed. However, Jinn made quick work to send Barriss to Ventress' side.
"Miss Leia, you must go to our Mistress and tend to her needs. Remember, you are a handmaiden. That means you must make sure her glass is always full and that her plate is not empty. Please be mindful of other opportunities."
At first, the green beauty blinked in confusion before nodding her head in understanding. "Yes, you're quite right, James."
As Barriss ran off to provide Ventress with back up, Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest and raised his brow. He didn't like the situation one bit, but Jinn's lie did afford them more freedom then if they had told the truth. The irony wasn't lost to Obi-Wan. He never thought he'd have more options pretending to be a slave.
"So, James, do you have a plan?"
"Yes, find a ship and run away."
"How exactly do you plan to do that?"
"I haven't worked out that part yet. In the meantime, I hope Asajj doesn't lose her patience."
"You two, here. Take this."
A Zygerrian approached them and tossed them a bag. Obi-Wan caught it and stared at it perplexed. He opened the bag and saw that it contained clothes.
He asked, "What's this?"
The Zygerrian said, "The Queen wishes for you two to be presentable. Put them on. You can use that changing screen over there."
Obi-Wan groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. He felt a headache coming on. Jinn reached into the bag and picked up one of the pieces of the clothing and saw that it was very revealing. Obi-Wan frowned and shoved the bag into Jinn's arms. He wasn't entirely sure he didn't want to march up to the Queen and tell her exactly who he was, and the consequence be damned.
"I'd rather be dead then be caught in that outfit."
Jinn smiled mischievously at Obi-Wan and said, "Oh, I'm sure you can pull it off."
Obi-Wan glared daggers at Jinn. His only comfort was that Anakin wasn't here to see him. He followed Jinn behind the changing screening. Obi-Wan saw that the outfit was basically a sheer white loincloth with a gold belt and necklace. He pulled at the necklace and prayed to the Force that no one he knew saw him.
Jinn gathered their things and placed them inside the bag and handed Obi-Wan a pair of sandals. He then picked up the bag and brough it with them as they approached Ventress and Queen Scintel.
Queen Scintel saw them approach first and smiled brightly when she saw them.
"Well, I must say, you two look absolutely delicious."
She then placed her hands on each of their chests. Obi-Wan had to resist the urge to grab her hand and shove it away. Instead, he quietly tolerated her attention. Meanwhile, Jinn took her hand and raised it up to kiss it. Queen Scintel was startled by Jinn's show of affection and hummed with pleasure.
"It's a shame your brother doesn't share your good manners."
Jinn released her hand and moved to take Obi-Wan's instead. The Jedi Master was puzzled by his behavior. He didn't know where Jinn was going with this.
Jinn whisper into her ear and said, "Please, forgive my brother, your majesty. He's shy."
The slave queen laughed and said, "Mistress Ventress, your slaves are amusing. One is so brash and the other is so timid. I might borrow them one night for myself."
Suddenly, they heard a clang as Barriss dropped the cup she was holding when she saw what Master Obi-Wan and Master Jinn were wearing or more actually how little they were wearing. She had never seen a man wear so little before. Her face flushed with embarrassment.
Ventress grabbed Barriss by the wrist and said, "Clumsy girl! Pick it up."
"Oh, yes! Forgive my carelessly, Mistress."
Obi-Wan noticed that Ventress had no problem playing the role of the slave master. He imagined it wasn't that different from being a dark acolyte. He wasn't sure how long he could put up with this charade.
XXX
TBC
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