Summary

Dooku lures Anakin into his master's plans.

Obi-Wan is a third wheel.

Ezra contacts Jinn through the Force and they agree to meet up on Lothal.

Jinn tells Obi-Wan and Ventress about his talk with Ezra.

The Duchess sends Jinn a message that she bought him an item he requested.

Jinn has the item sent to Lothal.

Ezra and Fives land on Lothal.

Ezra goes to the Jedi Temple on Lothal.

.

42.

"What are you talking about? My mother is dead."

Dooku walked closer towards Skywalker with his cane in hand. He had a slight limp thanks to his last encounter with Master Jinn and his paramour, Ventress. The two made a formidable pair. Dooku had miscalculated Ventress' feelings for the rogue Jedi. He assumed that Master Jinn's feelings were one-sided. He thought Ventress was merely using his feelings to her advantage. He had no idea that she returned his feelings.

His uneven steps annoyed him. It reminded him of how close he had come to meeting his end. It reminded him of his weakness. Master Jinn's sword was no ordinary weapon. Dooku suspected it was made of beskar. He had to undergo several treatments to recover.

"Yes, however she doesn't have to remain dead. My brief time with Master Jinn has shown me that events can be altered with the Force."

Anakin paused and considered Dooku's words. He would have written Dooku off as a traitor, but there was no denying the truth behind his words. Ahsoka, Rex and Jinn came from a different reality. Ahsoka even said that it was Jinn who brought her to this timeline. It never crossed his mind to use his power to alter his fate. He didn't think it was possible.

He gave the Count a skeptical look and said, "Even if that were true, why would you even care about my mother?"

Dooku said, "In truth, I don't but I know that it concerns you a great deal. Though, I too once had someone I wanted to save."

Anakin raised his brow and said, "Oh, really? Who?"

The Sith turned away from him and said, "A mutual acquaintance."

Anakin hadn't expected Dooku to say that. He thought the Count didn't care about anyone. The only person Anakin could think of was Master Qui-Gon. After all, Master Qui-Gon was Dooku's former apprentice and his liberator. It was the only mutual acquaintance Anakin knew they shared.

"Let's say I do believe you, why tell me this?"

"It's because I require your assistance to make my plan a reality."

Anakin frowned and said, "What kind of assistance?"

Dooku resisted the urge to smile. He knew that he had Skywalker's interest. He approached him and said, "It's a simple task. I require Master Jinn to be present at a certain time and place. He holds the key to resurrecting your mother and my old friend."

Anakin didn't like the sound of that. It sounded like a trap. He knew that Dooku had it in for Jinn since he escaped his prison. Yet, he couldn't deny that fact that what Dooku said had merit. Though, nothing was stopping him from asking Jinn about the possibly of saving his mother himself.

"Fine. I'll ask him the next time I see him. Now, answer my question. Who is your master?"

Dooku said, "How would you like to meet my master?"

Anakin frowned and raised his lightsaber and said, "Enough. Answer the question."

Suddenly, a dart shot out from Dooku's cane and connected with Anakin's thigh. Anakin reached for the dart and pulled it out.

"Wha-what did-"

The Jedi Knight fell to the ground unconscious before he could finish his question. Dooku approached him and used his cane to turned Anakin over onto his back.

He peered down at his sleeping face and said, "Unfortunately, you don't have a choice Skywalker and your ransom will be more persuasive than your word."

Dooku then signal to his droids to collect Skywalker off the floor and onto his awaiting ship. He would let the Geonosians deal with Skywalker's men. It was only a matter of time before they were outnumbered and pushed back. In the chaos, it would take time for the Clones to realized that their dear General was missing in action. All was going according to his master's plan.

XXX

"I'm so glad that's over with," said Obi-Wan as he straightened out his robes.

He was heading back to the bridge after stepping away to go change. He was glad that Jinn and Barriss returned with his things. He knew that Anakin disliked pretending to be a slave because of his past but wearing so little for the slave queen's pleasure was humiliating. He was relieved that no one from the Council or the GAR saw him wearing that outfit.

However, the moment Obi-Wan entered the room, he heard Ventress moaning with pleasure. He was about to turn around and leave when he noticed that Jinn was fully dressed and standing behind her chair. His back was turned to Obi-Wan and he was so engrossed in what he was doing that he hadn't noticed him. Obi-Wan saw that Jinn was giving Ventress a massage. He was kneading her shoulders and neck with his hands.

Obi-Wan could practically hear the smile on Jinn's face when he bent down to reach her ear. "Not so loud darling or someone might hear you."

She hummed and said, "I don't care. Just shut up and keep rubbing."

"Oh, are we playing that sort of game? Well, then I better do as my queen commands. Unless of course, you'd rather punish me?"

She sighed and said, "Maybe later."

Obi-Wan raised his hand to loudly cough into his hand to get their attention.

Jinn stopped and pulled away from Ventress and turned around to face him. He had the decency to look embarrassed, but then he smiled with relief.

"Oh, it's just you, Obi-Wan. I'm glad you aren't Miss Offee. I supposed she's still meditating."

Ventress got up and said, "Who cares about that brat?"

Jinn said, "I think she has potential. I was thinking of training her alongside Bridger."

Obi-Wan said, "I never heard of a master taking on two apprentices at the same time, but then again you do like breaking the rules."

Jinn said, "What can I say? I learned from the best."

Obi-Wan gave Jinn an indignant look. He didn't forget Jinn's jab at him for being a teacher who produced troublemakers. He might be his father in a different timeline, but that didn't mean it was his fault he was so unconventional. Jinn might look like him, but they had wildly different personalities.

She turned to the amber Jedi and said, "The rule of two was established to avoid competition between apprentices. Besides, that little Jedi has a crush on you."

Jinn sighed and said, "I know. When we had our little chat, I tried to let her down easy by telling her I was a married man and with a little one on the way. I told her that I see her as my sister. I'm sure she'll get over it."

Ventress raised her brow and said, "And what if she doesn't?"

He shook his head and replied, "It's just puppy love, darling. It's perfectly normal for a teenager to develop a crush. Eventually she'll redirect her attention onto someone else. Hopefully, someone who isn't married and close to her own age."

XXX

Suddenly, Jinn felt someone calling to him through the Force. In an instant, he was no longer on the bridge. Instead, he was in the dark and featureless world of the in-between. He was surprised to see Ezra standing in front of him.

"Whoa! It worked. I mean-I knew it would work."

Jinn approached his apprentice and said, "It's good to see you, Bridger. Did you summon me here?"

Ezra raised his brow and said, "Summon? I guess so. I was trying to find you."

Jinn smiled and placed his hand on Ezra's shoulder and said, "I'm impressed, Bridger. I haven't taught you yet how to contact someone through a Force bond, but you managed it well on your own."

Ezra sheepishly lowered his gaze and smiled as he rubbed the back of his head. He had to admit that he wasn't sure what he was doing. All he knew was that it was possible to connect to Jinn. He just assumed that all he needed to do was follow the thread that connected them. He didn't know he'd talk to him in the in-between world.

"Well, I guess it's cos I have a pretty good teacher. So, are you in trouble? Why haven't you arrived yet at the base?"

Jinn said, "We had engine trouble around Tatooine and ended up running into slavers. We took care of them and we're on our way to the base as we speak."

Ezra said, "Then, we should meet up and arrive at the base together."

Jinn said, "Alright, we can meet on Lothal. I want to get rid of this Zygerrian ship and the slaves left on board. Tell me, did everyone escape the base?"

"Yeah, everyone else made it out, but Ahsoka and Rex took off after they put Slick in charge of the base."

"Where did Miss Tano go?"

Ezra said, "Ahsoka continued with her plan to pick up Padme on Coruscant to help her convince Anakin to stop going after Dooku."

Jinn rubbed his beard. He was troubled by the fact that Anakin hesitated to help take down the Sith Lord with Ahsoka. He didn't want to voice his concerns without facts during the meeting. He wasn't sure if Anakin could be relied on. He was likely to be swayed by the Sith. Jinn didn't want to count on a knight who was notorious for breaking his word. However, he knew he couldn't keep Obi-Wan or Ahsoka from trying to save him. Though, Jinn wondered if Anakin needed saving. Jinn didn't know Anakin. He knew Darth Vader. Jinn could see that it wouldn't take much for the Sith to push Anakin over the edge and into the Darkness.

"I sincerely hope that Miss Padme and Miss Tano can convince Skywalker to return to the base."

"Yeah, I hope Ahsoka convinces him too."

"Yes, well not all hope is lost. I'll see you soon, Bridger. May the Force be with you."

Ezra smiled and said, "You too, old man."

XXX

When Jinn finally returned from the in-between world of the Force, he saw that Ventress and Obi-Wan were standing by the window and were shouting at each other. Puzzled, Jinn approached them and wondered what they were arguing about.

Ventress had her hand on her hip and pointed at Obi-Wan's chest with the other and said, "No! She is not going to grow up a Jedi."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest and said, "I was only suggesting that the Temple could provide him with the best education. He'll likely be Force sensitive. I'm sure Jinn will consider-"

"I don't care. She will not grow up to become a Jedi."

Jinn stood beside them and said, "What's all this about?"

Ventress turned to him with a glare and said, "Tell Kenobi that he has no business tell me what to do with my own child."

Obi-Wan said, "I said no such thing. I was only inquiring if you plan to find a master to train your child when they are of age."

Dumfounded, Jinn said, "There's no need for that. Asajj and I will train our little one how to use the Force ourselves, just like my parents did. Besides, I have experience training younglings. It was part of my duties in the New Order in my timeline." Jinn then looked off into the distance and said, "I remember teaching my sister how to walk and later how to spar. I used to tease her and call her my Padawan. We were team Kenobi and Kenobi. I like to think the galaxy trembled every time we were sent out on a mission."

Obi-Wan felt awkward. He knew Jinn had family, but this was the first time he heard him talk about them. He was amazed at how seamlessly he combined his Jedi identity and his attachments. For him, there was no separation between Jedi and family. They were one in the same. He was shaken when he heard Jinn say he was part of team Kenobi and Kenobi. He couldn't help but wonder how his other-self fit in that universe, yet he wasn't sure if he really wanted to know. It felt like temptation. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to resist.

"Sorry for rambling. Ultimately, I will do as Asajj wishes."

Stunned, Obi-Wan said, "Is that your plan? Do whatever your wife wants?"

Jinn said, "You know what they say, Obi-Wan. A happy wife is a happy life. Besides, I trust Asajj. You make it seem like I just handed my life over to a Sith."

Ventress tilted her head and said, "Well, technically you did."

Jinn smiled and said, "And I couldn't be happier, darling."

In response, Obi-Wan buried his face in his hand. Talking to Jinn was infuriating. He peeked between his fingers and caught the flirtatious look in his eyes. He turned to Ventress and saw she had a delighted expression on her face. There was nothing Obi-Wan wanted more then for the floor to open and swallow him whole.

He pinched the bridge of his nose and said, "Please, stop flirting."

Ventress crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Oh, how unfortunate. Does my relationship with my husband disturb you, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan frowned and said, "I would prefer it if you kept your relationship to yourselves. Jinn, what happened? Ventress said you were drawn away through your bond."

Jinn said, "Yes, I spoke to Bridger. He was looking for me since we were late to the rendezvous point. We'll meet him at Lothal and together go to Atollon."

Obi-Wan said, "Then we better adjust our course."

The amber Jedi nodded his head and said, "Yes, but Miss Tano and Captain Rex are continuing their search for Skywalker. Miss Padme is with them to help persuade Skywalker to walk away from his plan to confront Dooku alone."

Obi-Wan replied, "Then we better hurry. Anakin isn't known for his patience."

Suddenly, Jinn's com sounded. He pulled it from his belt and saw he had received a message from Duchess Satine. He displayed her message and saw a holo-image of her appear over the com in his hand.

"Master Jinn, I received your message about acquiring a piece of beskar. I was able to purchase you a high-quality ingot. Please let me know when I can expect your visit."

Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Since when did you start exchanging messages with Duchess Satine?"

Jinn grinned and said, "Do I detect a tone of jealous in your voice, cousin?"

Annoyed, the Jedi Master said, "Answer the question, Jinn."

Obi-Wan expected Jinn to carry on teasing him, but instead he stiffened and complied. "I've been exchanging messages since I left Mandalore. I need to keep tabs on how the new government is progressing and that Death Watch doesn't regress back into a terrorist group. I asked Duchess Satine to purchase a piece of beskar for me so that I can teach Bridge how to forge a beskar sword. It's part of his training to become a warrior. I'm going to send the Duchess a message to have the beskar sent to Lothal. It will save us a trip and hasten our return to the base. Master Maul should be done regenerating by then."

XXX

It had been a long time since Ezra was back on Lothal. He hardly recognized it. There weren't any signs of the war. The building and roads weren't damaged. The streets were filled with people and shops. Children were laughing. No one looked hungry or sad. Everyone looked happy.

"Are you okay, kid?"

Ezra turned to Fives and said, "Yeah."

Fives looked concerned and said, "Then why are you crying?"

Ezra reached up to wipe away the tears in his eyes and said, "It's nothing. I just haven't been back to Lothal in a long time."

Fives expression softened and said, "Were you born here?"

"Yeah, but I'm from a different timeline. Things are different there."

The ARC trooper had a feeling he knew what Ezra meant. He was talking about the war. Fives knew that the war had touched many worlds. He knew what war did to a planet. He knew it must be hard for Ezra to see a place he called home before the war torn it apart.

He tried to cheer him up and said, "Look, Ezra. We've got some time till the others get here. Why don't we walk around and get ourselves a bite?"

Ezra said, "It's okay. You go on without me. I'll go clear my head."

"You sure? I can tag along if you want."

"No, don't worry about. I'll be fine. I'll meet you back at the ship."

Ezra took a speeder out from the ship and put on a pilot helmet over his head. He then headed across the grassy plains to a spot he knew well. He stopped when he reached the large stone Jedi Temple on Lothal. Most of the large spiral rock was hidden beneath the ground. It was strange seeing the temple before it got destroyed. He wondered what Jinn would think of this place. He wondered if he could go back to the World Between World and find a way back home.

Ezra frowned when he saw that someone was standing at the base of the temple. The stranger was suspiciously wearing a long black robe with a hood. He couldn't make out who it was.

"Ah, hello? Who's there?"

The hooded stranger turned around and he was started to see a woman who looked to be around Anakin's age. She pulled down her hood when she faced him. He noticed she had short black hair cut like a boy. She looked human and normal.

"Oh, forgive me. I didn't mean to trespass."

Ezra waved his hands and said, "No, you're not trespassing. I don't own this place."

The woman placed her hand over her chest and said, "I'm relieved. I thought I might have offended someone by approaching this sacred place."

He narrowed his brow and said, "What do you mean by sacred?"

She placed her hand onto the stone and said, "The spirits are strong here." She then turned to face Ezra and tilted her head curiously at him and said, "You are strong. You have potential."

Ezra sensed something was off about her and jumped back said, "Okay lady, who are you really?"

The woman smiled and drew a silver sword out from her robes. Ezra unclipped his lightsaber from is belt and kept his finger on the switch to ignite the blade, but to his surprise she turned away from him. She took hold of the sword with both hands and drove it into the temple. She drove it effortlessly halfway into the stone. She placed her hand over the hilt and slowly began to walk away from Ezra. The teen was confused at first, but eventually the temple began to move. She was using the hilt of the sword like a handle to rotate the temple out from the ground.

Back in Ezra's timeline, it took both him and Kanan to move the temple with the Force. Yet somehow the woman was moving it all on her own.

"How are you doing that!?"

After a few steps, the woman released the hilt of the sword and let the temple continue to rotate out of the ground by itself. She backed away from the rising temple and watched it rise. Ezra stood beside her and watched as the full temple was revealed. His chest tightened when the mural of the Father, Son and Daughter was revealed.

"Marvelous."

Ezra reached out and grabbed her arm before she could approach the temple and said, "Wait, are you a Jedi?"

The woman frowned and said, "What's a Jedi?"

XXX

TBC

XXX

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