The Strength of the Jedi

Author: Laura Kenobi

Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I don't own Star Wars. I do, however, own any original characters, planets, etcetera that I created for this story.

Archive: Please contact me first!

Comments/Reviews: You can email me through my profile, and you can always leave a review!

Author's Notes: ((italics)) represents thoughts and / italics / represents communication through the Force.

This story was first published in its original version beginning on September 3, 2001. In July 2005, I decided that since four years had passed and my skills as a writer had undoubtedly improved since this story was first written and posted, it might be refreshing to return to this story and give it a fresh look and an update. For the most part the overall story remains the same - my goal has been to improve on and expand on the original, so I hope the result will prove enjoyable to all of you who are wonderful enough to read and review. The version of this story below is the updated version. Call it the "Special Edition" version of this story.

Please remember that if you'd like me to email you when I update, leave your email address in your review!

Summary: A mission to Alderaan takes a wrong turn, and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn must rely on their inner strength and determination to survive.

Chapter Seven

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As three of the Tsargne leapt at him, Obi-Wan brought his lightsaber out in a feeble attempt to stop them from killing him.

But he didn't need it.

In a blur of purple, the three Tsargne were headless, and the remaining recoiled in surprise. Obi-Wan was so shocked he could only stand – lightsaber ignited – and gape at the dead bodies.

A movement to his right caught his attention, and he whirled around to see who or what had saved him. The movement was too fast, and his head spun a little too far. His knees buckled, sending him crashing to the ground again. His lightsaber shut off and landed near his head, only slightly to the right. Pain seared anew through his body, and he groaned in pain and frustration.

((I seem to have a knack for landing on my face in the worst possible situations...))

Lifting his head, slowly, he searched for whatever had saved him. All he could see was the remaining four Tsargne, who seemed to be debating their next action, and the trees. But there had been something else. He had seen it! Flying through the air, a blur of purple...

/ Now, Jedi, we finish you. / The monsters had decided.

Groaning in pain, Obi-Wan tried to get up again. But his strength was spent, he could barely breathe, and he could not get to his feet. A choked sob escaped from his lips as his right arm fell out from under him and he landed partially on his broken left arm. He gasped for breath that somehow managed to escape him. The sound of the Tsargne moving caused him to lift his head despite the pain it caused. They were advancing on him, and he was helpless to move. Helpless to fight. He was going to die.

Obi-Wan Kenobi lowered his head and closed his eyes, steeling himself for whatever the Force had in store for him.

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Qui-Gon Jinn watched the screen in horror as the Tsargne advanced on his Padawan. Running and watching a miniature holo-screen was not an easy task, but Qui-Gon could not take his eyes away from his Padawan's young frame.

Obi-Wan pulled out his lightsaber and stood, defiant and scared to death, as the beasts gained on him. Three of the Tsargne suddenly leapt at Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon thought he was going to explode.

But suddenly, there was a flash of purple and the three Tsargne were headless. The look on Obi-Wan's face would have been humorous if not for the situation.

Pulling the screen away from his face, the tall Jedi Master looked at the number on the door he was passing.

1451...

...1452...

"1453."

As Qui-Gon slid to a halt in front of the door that lead to his Padawan, he wasn't sure if he should be horrified or hopeful.

The door had been blasted off.

Without another thought, Qui-Gon Jinn raced into the room and began a desperate search to find his Padawan before it was too late.

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End Chapter 7.

Thank you to everyone who has been reviewing so far! I really appreciate it! - Laura