Chapter 11:

Qui-Gon stood there with the piece of stationary in his hand as he felt his body overcome with emotions of fear and anger. As a Jedi Master, Qui-Gon of all knew how fear could lead to anger, to hate, and ultimately to the Dark side, but he was still a human being. How could he not feel anger at someone who would take away the one thing he valued most? How could he not fear for Obi-Wan's well being?

Hold on my Padawan. I will come for you Qui-Gon said through the Master/Padawan bond, even knowing that Obi-Wan could not hear him.

Reaching out to the Force, Qui-Gon let loose all of his anger and fear to the oblivion. It was no time for him to be bogged down with emotions.

//Two hours. I've got two hours until what?// Qui-Gon's brows creased in thought. //Better yet, where has Antes hidden Obi-Wan? There's got to be a clue!//

Qui-Gon began to examine the small piece of note carefully, hoping to see some sort of insignia or clue that could point to Antes' whereabouts and ultimately Obi-Wan's. The note was simple enough, written in standardized stationary of the Republic. There were no other insignias of any sort on the note, saved for the message "You've got 2 hours" written in bold black ink.

Qui-Gon began to sniff the note. There was no pungent odor, except for a light trace of sulfur. It was much to faint to discern, but Qui-Gon was sure that it was there. At least he hoped he didn't imagine it in his muddled state of mind. It was the only tangible clue he had for the time being.

Just then, Qui-Gon heard someone called out for him. Glancing up from the note, he saw a dark figure approaching him. It was Mace Windu.

"Qui-Gon! I've been looking all over for you!" Mace Windu said breathlessly.

"What for? Have you found Obi-Wan yet? Or any clues?" Qui-Gon asked eagerly.

A small frown formed in Mace Windu's face. "No, no news of Obi-Wan yet. But Master Yoda wants to speak with you."

"Well whatever Master Yoda has got to say can wait. Right now, I've got less than 2 hours to find Obi-Wan."

"Whoa…2 hours? What are you talking about?"

Qui-Gon didn't want to waste precious time relaying the encounter with Antes to Mace Windu, but he knew he needed help if he was going to find Obi- Wan in this metropolis in under 2 hours. Though it was just a simple note, Qui-Gon had already sensed Antes' dark intentions and every second now counted.

"Look Mace, I don't have time to tell you all that's happened within the last hour, but I will need your help. All that you need to know now is that we've got to find Obi-Wan within 2 hours."

"Two hours? We've been searching for him for the last 5 hours or so, but we've got nothing so far. I know that time is against us, but why 2 hours?"

"Bor'rer Antes, Mace. He's got Obi-Wan now and he gave me two hours to find him."

"Antes? But he's been missing for years? Why would he appear after all these years? What does Obi-Wan got to do with…" Mace Windu stopped short as full realization hit him. "It's about what happened 10 years ago isn't it?"

Qui-Gon sighed heavily. "Unfortunately so. Antes has much anger within him, he had stepped over to the Dark side and now he's got Obi-Wan."

"But his matter is with you, not with Obi-Wan."

"As I had hoped, but after my brief meeting with him, I sensed his malice intentions toward Obi-Wan. He wants to get even with me through Obi-Wan, Mace!" Qui-gon began to feel the urge of anger rise within him again. Perhaps more so of guilt.

"What happened 10 years ago was no one's fault and Antes should have known that."

"Right now it really doesn't matter who thought what ten years ago Mace. I need to find Obi-Wan!" Qui-Gon began handing the note to Mace Windu. "This is the note that he left before he disappeared. I need for you to trace the paper for any sulfurous content."

"Sulfurous content?" Mace Windu asked as he began to fumble for his transmission device.

"Yes, or at least I hope so. My mind is weary Mace, I can't be sure of what I smelled, but if there's no traces of sulfur then I've got no clues left" Qui-Gon said with a tone of despair in his voice.

"Don't give up hope Qui-Gon"

"I'm not! It's just…I'm…"

"Scared" Mace Windu finished off. "I can't say I understand what you're going through Qui-Gon because the truth is I know that all of my worries and fear are minute in comparison to what you must be feeling. But don't worry Qui-Gon, I have faith that we will find him safe and sound. And I'm never one to make false promises"

"I know". Qui-Gon was beginning to feel a little bit better but the knot inside his stomach still remained. Something just didn't feel right.

"Well you were right Qui-Gon, this paper definitely have traces of sulfur in it. But the question is where does that lead us?"

"If I am not mistaken, there are only a few sulfur industries left on Coruscant due to the environmental policies. I'm certain that Obi-Wan must be held there, or at least we would find some clues from there."

Mace Windu was glued to his small transmitter device. "According to the database, there are only 3 sulfur factories left. One is located near the border of the Downtown district and the other two are scattered throughout the city. One is near the Belor Gardens…imagine that?! A factory of pollutants next to the famous Belor Gardens! And the other is actually a few blocks from the Market street."

"We've got to search them all…"

"Wait here Qui-Gon, I will call the rest of the search team to meet us here and then we can decide where to search."

"No! That would take too long and the clock is ticking Mace. I can't afford to wait. I will check out one of the factories myself while you go and round up the others for the other two."

"I can't let you go off alone Qui-Gon. If Antes wants you dead he'll have dire plans for you if you go alone."

"He did want me dead Mace, but now he's got more on his mind and I hope to the Force it doesn't involve Obi-Wan. Danger or not I am going!"

Knowing that Qui-Gon wasn't going to let his decision drop, Mace agreed. "Alright, but you be careful now Qui-Gon. I do not wish to search for two Jedi in one day."

"I will"

"Of the three which one will you go to? Logically, I believe it's best to go look at the factory near the Market Street. It's near here and Antes could have retreated to there easily after your encounter with him."

"Yes, I suppose so." Qui-Gon agreed, but something was telling him it wasn't the right choice.

However, Mace Windu quickly ran off to round the other Jedi, leaving Qui- Gon alone with his thoughts.

//Mace is right, it is most logical for the sulfur factory near Market Street to be it…but why do I feel this dread?…Belor Gardens. There's something about it! Think Qui-Gon, think!!//

Qui-Gon began to pace around in concentration.

"That's it!" Qui-Gon exclaimed loudly to himself as some memory came back to him.

//Master Hall'uc had always taken Antes to the Belor Gardens for meditation. He even said that Antes loved the Gardens and saw it as his own sacred place…he must be there!! The sulfur from the factory near there must have gotten into the letter somehow.// Qui-Gon thought to himself.

Without further hindrance, Qui-Gon ran off towards the Belor Gardens. An uneasy feeling still remained within him as he ran, but it didn't hinder his pace, only quicken it. Qui-Gon didn't know if Antes had purposely left the trace of sulfur on the paper as a clue or not and chances are a trap would be awaiting Qui-Gon, but that didn't matter. He was one step closer to finding Obi-Wan now and that was all that mattered.