Jediya Quest

Chapter 5

At Anakin's urging, Sekiro had ordered more guards to be posted at all the fence perimeters. The hole that had been cut into the fence, allowing the three Trians to sneak into the village, was found and sealed off. Tension levels were running high throughout the village now that the refugees knew that their sanctuary had been discovered.

Anakin was determined to set out at once to rescue his Master, but he had no clue as to how to go about doing so. He was sitting under a large dekana tree contemplating possible rescue plans when he felt Sekiro approaching. He turned and smiled at the Elder as he walked with his characteristic limp toward the shaded area. The Arling rearranged his spindly limbs and sat cross-legged next to Anakin.

"I see that you have found my favorite meditation spot," he spoke gently, weaving his fingers through the soft blades of grass.

"The shade is a nice respite from this jungle heat. No if only I could do something about this humidity." The Padawan gave a small laugh and gestured towards the pile of cloth on the ground that constituted the heavy woolen cloak and the outer tunic that he had already shed.

Sekiro answered with a small chuckle of understanding. A group of small children were playing in the distance with some buckets of water. "It looks as if they have the right idea," he said, directing Anakin's attention towards their mirth.

"I still have trouble comprehending the idea of a water fight, seeing as how I was raised on a desert planet. It was hot there, too, but at least it was a dry heat. Water was a precious commodity back on Tatooine, and I am still sometimes startled when I see it tossed around so easily." The small reminiscence brought a smile to Anakin's face, but it was a fleeting one. "Besides, even if I could comprehend a water fight, I wouldn't have time for one right now."

The Padawan let out a heavy sigh as Sekiro's hand landed on his shoulder. "I don't even know how to begin to try to rescue Obi-Wan."

"Then you mustn't try, young one. You must act."

"Ha! You know, you sound an awful lot like Master Yoda. Are you sure that you two haven't met?"

"No, I am afraid that I do not know this Yoda. But if his advice would be along the same lines, then perhaps you should follow it."

"Oh, I plan to take action. I know that I need to go into the capital city, which is where Makono is, and most likely where my Master is. From the reports that I've read, the city is guarded, and one cannot get in without special identification. I know that I could use mind tricks to make it by any guards, but I would still stand out quite easily among a city full of Trians and I am nowhere near experienced enough to manipulate that many minds at once."

Sekiro leaned back against the mottled bark of the dekana tree and thought for a moment, twirling his long beard with his spindly fingers. After what seemed like an eternity to Anakin, the Arling finally spoke. "Have you ever seen the garb of an Eloylian philosopher?" He continued as Anakin shook his head no. "An Eloylian philosopher wears a dark robe with a large hood. On his face, he wears a black cloth that covers his features. The cloth is loosely woven so that he can see out, but no one can see him. With the hood pulled over the head, the philosopher appears to be nothing but a floating cloak."

"Do you know where I can find one of these costumes?"

"Yes, I do." Sekiro looked Anakin up and down. "You are a bit taller than the last person who wore it, and the sleeves may be a little long due to anatomical differences, but I believe that it will fit you well enough. If you can make your way past the guards, the cloak should help you blend into the surroundings nicely." A slight grin of remembrance tugged at the corner of Sekiro's mouth. "You will have the added benefit of an aura of mystique, so you should not be approached by anyone."

"Mystique, eh?"

"I'm afraid that mystique is part and parcel of the whole philosophic gig." The elder replied with a short laugh.

Anakin thanked Sekiro and followed him back to the med center. Once back in Sekiro's quarters, the elder opened a trunk and pulled out a rich navy blue robe. Silver thread formed an intricate border around the edges of the material. After giving the material a longing glance, he passed it into Anakin's arms.

Anakin was slightly puzzeled by the emotions that were emanating from Sekiro. Once he cast a glance at the wooden staff that was lying by the Elder's feet, though, he understood. The elaborate carvings on the staff matched the border of the robe. He looked carefully at the Arling's face.

"This is yours, isn't it?"

"Yes. I used to be a philosopher in the capital city of Gatamo. When the persecution of my people began, I saw it as my duty to help lead them to safety. All other voices of leadership had fallen prey to confusion and terror."

Anakin rubbed a hand carefully over the soft fabric that represented Sekiro's past life. "Don't worry, Sekiro. I will find Obi-Wan, and your people will soon be able to return to their lives."

A pale hand reached out and grasped the Padawan's. "I trust you, Jediya. My people have had great faith in your kind for centuries. I know you will save us."

Anakin bowed his head in respect and then got up to head for the door. Sekiro called to him, causing Anakin to look back once more before he left to change for his rescue mission.

"Jediya Skywalker?"

"Yes?"

"Be careful with that robe. It's a beast to have it cleaned."

* * *

Obi-Wan's chest heaved as his head hung over the shabby toilet in his cell.

Why in Yavin's moons did I try to eat that sludge?

He had been told the plate that was shoved through the bars contained food. While it may have been very nutritious for some other species, such as a Hutt, it did not settle well with his human stomach. Especially his very upset human stomach. He had been hungry, though, and his hunger had won out over his common sense.

And I think that my common sense is punishing me for ignoring it . . . oohhh!

Cotar was the only guard on duty at Obi-Wan's cell now because it was night. He looked worriedly through the prison bars at the Jedi as the man vomited into the toilet again. He was very concerned, for the man's condition seemed to be worsening. Arlings and Trians alike revered the Jedi. Makono was one of the rare exceptions that held no regard for the peacekeepers of the galaxy. For any Eloylian native to willingly allow harm to come to a Jedi was considered a great dishonor. Following the orders of the Rey was wreaking havoc on Cotar's conscience.

Obi-Wan finally wiped his mouth and pulled his head away from the toilet bowl. He crawled over to the corner of the room and flopped down, leaning his head back against the wall, coughing lightly. Since he had been pulled out of the bed in the med center, he was clad only in a loose fitting pair of pants. Shivering, he hugged his knees to his chest.

"I don't suppose that you could find it in your heart to give a poor soul a blanket, could you?" Obi-Wan asked, pleading for the Force to be with him on this one.

Cotar looked at the Jedi and then down the hallway. As far as he could tell, he and the Jedi were the only people in the area. Looking again at the pained face of the captive Knight and the dark circles under the pleading eyes, he made up his mind. Cotar pulled the keys from his belt and undid the lock on the bars.

Obi-Wan watched with surprise as the guard stepped into the cell carrying a look of sympathy on his face.

"I can give you better then a blanket, Jediya. Give me your hand."

The Force was whispering all around Obi-Wan. He closed his eyes and listened. Trust him, it whispered. Then sounding strangely like his old Master Qui-Gon, the Force spoke again. Trust your instincts.

Okay. What have I got to lose? He held his hand out to the guard.

Cotar grabbed onto Obi-Wan's hand and gently pulled the Jedi to his feet, telling the man to lean his weight against him. He then began to lead the Knight out of the cell.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm taking you out of here, Jediya. If my ancestors saw what I was allowing to happen to you, my family would be cursed for generations. It is against the will of my people to allow harm to fall upon one of your status."

Obi-Wan could feel the fear that was rolling in waves off of the guard. The Trian man was afraid of what would happen if Makono caught him. It would mean certain death for Cotar and great harm for his family.

And yet he insists on helping me, Obi-Wan thought as they made their way down the hall.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet, Jediya. Thank me once we are on safer ground."

* * *

Anakin had not needed to use any large show of power to make his way past the guards who were posted at the city entrance. With a little prompting from the Padawan, they simply decided that he didn't need to show them any identification and waved him through. Once inside the city, Anakin patted the side of the heavy cloak to reassure himself that the two lightsabers were still hanging at his belt. Feeling their familiar weight, he stepped onto the cobblestone road and followed it into the heart of Gatamo.

Anakin was surprised that so many people were out and bustling about the city at this time of night. Trians were milling about; some running errands, some conversing, and others were just looking for a good time. They all gave Anakin his space, though; many bowing their heads as they moved pass the "philosopher."

As he passed one fruit stand, he heard a man haggling over the price of a joojaba fruit. The man insisted that he needed them for the Rey's breakfast in the morning. The Padawan couldn't help overhearing as he moved by.

"You must understand, good sir. The Rey insists on having fresh joojaba fruit with his breakfast every morning. It is ridiculous to charge this price when you know that the fruit is going to the esteemed Makono."

Makono! Anakin almost said aloud in surprise as his eyebrows shot up.

The vender shook his head. "Rey or no Rey, I still need to make a living. Five credits are as low as I am willing to go."

"Fine." The man reached in to his pocket and pulled out the money.

"That is five per fruit."

The man grumbled some more and reached in his pocket for more money. Then he grabbed the bag of joojaba fruits and left for Makono's palace. He didn't even notice the philosopher that fell in step behind him. Anakin stayed just far enough behind the man so that he could thread his way through the crowd without being conspicuous.

Obi-Wan's here somewhere. I can feel it. Anakin peered out from underneath the hood at the people that were milling all about. It's not a strong presence, but I know that he's here.

It was frustrating for the Padawan to not be able to pinpoint his Master's location. As he pursued Makono's fruit buyer farther into the city, he slowly became aware that his Master's presence seemed to be dimming. Anakin stopped abruptly to see if he could calm himself and try once again to locate Obi-Wan. He was too distracted, though, by all of the minds around him.

Unable to center himself, Anakin looked up for the fruit buyer. The Trian was nowhere in sight.

Where'd he go?

Anakin took off at a brisk pace to find the man. He caught a glimpse of what seemed to be his target around a corner. The Padawan took off, his ornate navy cloak flowing behind him. He flew around the corner, fully expecting to catch up with the fruit buyer.

Instead, he crashed into a Trian girl. Both went down on the ground immediately, the contents from the girl's basket scattering everywhere. She looked up with annoyance, but when she couldn't find a face beneath the hooded cloak, her features took on a fearful expression.

"P-please, venerable philosopher, please forgive me. I-I didn't see you. I'm so sorry!"

"Shh! It's okay." Anakin tried to calm her down in order to avoid attracting attention. Too late, he grimaced as a crowd started to draw. He hurriedly began gathering up the food and packages she had dropped and putting them back in her basket.

"It's all right. There's no harm done."

"But sir, you must understand, I did not mean to offend you in any way . . ."

"I said it's fine," Anakin exasperated. "Don't worry about it."

The girl paused with her hand over a loaf of bread and turned her head to look at the "venerable philosopher." Her forehead creased as she stared a little harder at the hidden face under the hood.

Uh-oh, he thought. I don't think that I'm playing this part too well.

Anakin reached out a hand and helped the girl to her feet. Trying his best to sound dignified, he told her once more that no offense had been taken and urged her on her way. The girl walked away slowly, casting one last curious glance over her shoulder before she disappeared into the dissolving crowd.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Anakin scanned the crowd once more for any sign of the fruit buyer. The Trian man was nowhere to be seen. He scuffed his boot on the cobblestone in frustration and then turned back to the area he had started from in the hopes of being able to close in on his Master's location.