Chapter Nineteen: "The Sith"
We drew several tables around to form a large grouping where we could all gather together. I was introduced to several Force users who had been confined in this facility for years; Adi, Plo, Ki-Adi, Saesee, to name a few. There were thirteen of us in all, including Padmé, of course.
"The being we'll be dealing with is a Sith," I explained. "Most likely, he's been trained in the use of the Dark Side of the Force for a long time. I don't expect any of you to join me because, well, frankly - it's too dangerous. You'll be needed in the future to restore the Jedi. What I do need from you is your assistance in locating this monster so I can save the Senator."
I didn't need to explain anymore. Around the circle, all heads were nodding in agreement and already, the Force was responding.
As a group, we began our meditation, each mind connecting with the rest. Silently, I requested the Force to guide us to Organa's location. As if we were flying over Coruscant using our own power, I could see the Senate District below, as well as Padmé's apartment building. The Force took us further out, however; past the Research Facility and into a more gritty-appearing part of the city. This area was dirty and full of factories that spewed black smoke into the atmosphere. It was one particular structure our minds focused on, and once we'd come back, I knew exactly where to go. Well, almost. I looked to Padmé for guidance. The Force indeed had great plans for her and it amazed me how everything had worked out for a reason.
"Tell me," she suggested.
I explained what we had seen.
"Head north past the Senate District and through CocoTown, The Works, and the Uccuru District. You'll come to Sector 943; the industrial part of the planet. From your description, that's where he's hiding."
The oldest resident, Qui-Gon gazed at me with concern. "Are you certain you're up to the challenge? Surely, you felt the darkness emitting from that place during our meditation."
The Force had given me all I required up to this point. I was counting on it to continue to do so. If it wasn't planning on doing that, then what was the point?
"Master Yoda has trained me and the Force will continue to guide me. My faith is in the Force," I explained to him.
"Very well, then," he replied, clapping my shoulder in a supportive gesture. "May the Force be with you."
There apparently was no getting away from this mantra!
After thanking everyone for their continued support, I bid them farewell and headed toward my ship, with Padmé holding tightly onto my hand.
The ship Master Yoda had allowed me to borrow was compact but it's all we had at the moment, and it stood in the lot outside of the wrecked facility waiting for me. I knew what I had to do and yet I hesitated.
"Are you afraid?" she asked.
I searched my feelings and fear wasn't among them. There were plenty more, however. "Not afraid," I assured her. "Just reluctant to leave you. I've missed you." I smiled, filled with longing, and she immediately flew into my arms.
"Our lives are going to be difficult but your love is worth any sacrifice I have to make. Don't worry. No matter how far you have to go, or how long you're away, I'll be here waiting for you. I love you, Obi-Wan. Don't ever forget that."
The emotion had been there all along, even as far back as Stewjon. I just hadn't labeled it yet. "You already know I love you as well. I just haven't said it out loud." I assured her before our embrace turned into a kiss that rushed blood to all the right places.
"Soon," she offered as a promise. "But first, come back to me."
"I will."
The Force had allowed us this tender moment, but once again started prodding me. Just as it had done while I was on Ossus. Only a few days ago, during my morning meditation with Yoda, I'd experienced a vision of a black and red face that belonged to a Sith warrior. Someone on Coruscant was in danger because of him and I was urged to return there. I had intended on revisiting Qui-Gon someday, but the Force was adamant that I alter my plans.
Once I'd arrived, I immediately went to Padmé's apartment, only to find it empty. I contacted her secretary at her office, who told me she hadn't seen the Senator for most of the day. I had no idea where she was and decided to visit Qui-Gon first, hoping she would return home soon. I would check her apartment again later. Imagine my surprise when I found her in the research facility.
The small ship was dependable and fast and I quickly followed Padmé's directions, entering into the haze of the Sector she'd spoken of. The closer I drew to my destination, the heavier the air seemed to become. I had never experienced darkness so palpable before. As far back as I could remember, I could sense its presence, but only on the outskirts of my senses. What I was feeling right now was pure evil, a malevolence I had yet encountered.
I sat the ship down outside of its main source and took a moment to center myself; to focus upon the power that drew me here, as well as the one who was counting upon my return. So much weighed on this moment; the future of Senator Organa, the future of the Jedi, and yes, the future of Padmé's and my life together.
Having wrapped myself in assurance, I hopped out of the vehicle and approached. The entrance before me opened without asking and in the middle of a dark area, I saw Bail Organa. A glowlight had been centered on him and he was obviously restrained. Not only were there binders on his wrists, but one around his neck as well. He was still alive and conscious, though, and looked extraordinarily pleased to see me.
I knew this was a trap. That was obvious. I had no choice but to spring it and I stepped forward, drawing my lightsaber at the same time.
The attack came from the metal rafters above and a being wearing all black, his head covered with horns, identifying him as a Zabrak, jumped down on top of me. Instead of being surprised as he likely expected I'd be, I rolled to the side and he landed on nothing but the grated floor.
Crouching upon the ground, he lifted his head, revealing his marked face and his blazing eyes. He was silently reading me and I resisted his efforts, shoving him from my mind.
"Jedi," he hissed. "I thought you were extinct."
I cocked my head to the side. Surprise! "Not hardly," I told him before he lunged at me. Both of his red blades swung toward my head and I successfully blocked his efforts. As I had suspected, he was well trained. However, I had a weapon he could not see and it answered my request for help. A path of success lay before me. All I had to do was put my feet upon it.
I had never considered I would stumble once I had. This being was more powerful than I was and each attack left me weaker. The Force continued to empower me, but my lack of experience in battling a trained Sith was becoming obvious.
And he knew it. The longer we fought, the bigger his maniacal smile grew. He then began adding salt to the wound by teasing me. His voice was low-toned and menacing, and his words were threatening.
"You cannot defeat me. My Master has foreseen it."
"What Master?" I asked him, my breath now coming out in rasps. "Who is he?"
"He will reveal himself in time. First, I must dispense of you and then the one who trained you."
My immediate thoughts went to Master Yoda and I tried to conceal them, though I was too late.
"Master Yoda," the being hissed. "He still lives. Soon, he will meet his demise just as you are about to."
With a flurry of movement, the red blades became a blur, and a strike slipped through, scorching my left thigh which brought me to my knees.
The being stood over me, his vile grin declaring his upcoming victory. He was so certain of my defeat, though, that he apparently wasn't paying very much attention to his surroundings. Suddenly, a crate struck him in the back, causing him to spin around in surprise. And then another object struck him in the legs. A different one came flying in from the shadows, which he managed to split into pieces with his sword. However, the onslaught only increased with a variety of inanimate, heavy objects flying toward him with increasing speed and accuracy. He had no choice but to flee and did so, flying up into the rafters and disappearing from sight.
Only then did I begin to feel the pain from my injury. It was difficult to stand, but a pair of strong hands were immediately there to help me up.
"Take it easy," a voice becoming more and more familiar suggested. "Adi and Plo, release the Senator, and let's get the hell out of here."
Once again, Qui-Gon had come to my rescue, and I began to realize how I could finally return the favor.