Here and Now
Chapter 4: the splits of life and death
Yes, the battle began. It was an ambiguous battle for Obi-Wan. First of all it was an interior fight for Obi-Wan. He had to keep his emotions and thoughts under control. Then he had to struggle against the Trade-Federation and help the Queen to bring peace to her planet. But the battle, that was most important to him was more than just a fight. It was his first solo mission! The Mission to save his Master. Somehow he sensed, that there was more behind it, that with his' Master's life, the life of thousands of other people would be saved. The word "FAILURE" crossed his mind. No, he couldn't fail, not now. He wouldn't let his Master down like he did with Cerasi. Only a split-second prevented Obi-Wan to rescue her from the fatal blaster shot. There was a painful resemblance of Cerasi's and his Master's death. Qui-Gon wasn't dead yet and Obi-Wan wasn't ready to give him up. He simply didn't allow his mentor to die. There was an unofficial code among Padawans.
~ Never let your master die, even if it costs your own life. ~
The 25-year-old tried to focus. He had to think of the present and not of his past or future. Surviving the present is the prerequisite of experiencing the future. The past is unchangeable and the future is always in motion. Qui-Gon felt the distraction of his pupil over their training-bond and send him calming waves and his famous advice
*"Keep your concentration on the here and now where it belongs.*"
They would go through Theed's canalisation. Only if they had the surprise on their side their battle would be a success.
The group was heading for the openings of that canalisation. The Apprentice was on Qui-Gon's heels and wouldn't give him a chance to shake the young man off. But there was another factor, that was unpredictable-Anakin! The boy was really trying his best not to be an obstacle for the warring party, but nevertheless he was endangering the Padawan's mission. Well, at least Jar-Jar wasn't there. So Obi-Wan was facing just one problem instead of two. For the first time of the day Obi-Wan had a positive thought.
To his left Queen Amidala, wearing a red suit, caught up with the Jedi. Though she was so young and pretty, she was very intelligent. Kenobi had to admit that she was a very clever strategist. He never expected her to be able to compose and to plan an attack like that. "Master-Jedi, wait!", she ordered out of breath. Sweat let her temple and nose sparkle. "Over there are the entrances for the canalisation." ,she spoke in a low tone. Then she addressed Qui-Gon and Anakin, her warm eyes didn't convey their usual spirit. They looked so sorrowful. Their worried look only stressed her feelings. "Qui-Gon, once we are in the canalisation , there is no turning back. Are you sure that you can protect Anakin? And Anakin are you sure that you want to come with us?" Why did everybody think that only children needed protection? Anakin had just to obey Qui-Gon and shouldn't cross Obi-Wan's way in order to be save. The former slave and the teacher simply nodded.
The way through the canalisation was uneventful, but so silent. Nobody dared to break the silence. The only thing you could hear were steps that echoed in the long dark tunnel. Even the river, that was flowing next to them was silent. Finally they reached the exit and slowly one by one they stepped into the daylight. After such an long walk in the darkness, the Apprentice's eyes had to adjust to the light of the sun. Seeing everything clearly, he followed his master and Anakin, only to see that his master was kneeling in front of Anakin. Qui-Gon gently looked at the young boy. "Once we get inside of the Palace. I want you to find a secure place. Do you understand me?" Obi-Wan could see the disappointment that was written on Anakin's face, but Anakin didn't contradict. Even he knew how much depended on the outcome.
Obi-Wan was satisfied. The whole order of events was exactly like the last time. He only could hope that it stayed that way because now they had to storm the hangar. Queen Amidala gave a signal, they ignited their lightsabres and ran towards the hanger. This was a run for life because now they didn't have cover anymore, they were on an open battlefield.
Suddenly he saw the little frame of Anakin who was trying to escape a battle-droid. He knew that Anakin would cause a problem! Why didn't anybody listen to a wise Jedi-Apprentice? Anakin looked really horrified. His eyes were wide and his face was a mask of fear. Where was Qui-Gon? Didn't he say he was able to protect the boy? Obi-Wan fought his way to Anakin, but wasn't able to bring up his Lasersword in time. The droid fired, Anakin screamed and Obi-Wan threw himself between the blaster-shot and Anakin. Just one second later Amidala shot the droid. Bad Timing.
Obi-Wan was hit and his left arm was numb and bled * "Padawan, are you alright? * , Qui-Gon asked immediately through their bond. * "Yes Master, everything will be okay. I think it was just a grazing shot." * Why now? Why was fate so cruel? The injury would slow him down during the fight with the Sith. He was at a total loss! They weren't even in the hangar, but he was already wounded. Blood soaked through his tunic. The red colour reminded him of the laser-walls, the Dark-Lord' sabre, his burning hatred, his fear of losing his Master… He stood up. The whole troop was concerned for Obi-Wan, though he was more concerned for the well-being of his Master. He felt a bit light-headed. That was probably the shock of being hit. Obi-Wan fought with new determination and with his and his master's help the group reached the hanger. His lightsabre was a blur of blue. He wielded the weapon as if it was an art, not an instrument to kill. It rained blaster-shots. Many fallen battle-droids covered the young man's way to the hall.
The door opened with a hiss and they were inside. Now the real fight would begin….
Tbc….