The Marionette's Dance
CHAPTER THREE
Disclaimer: As before, I don't own em and I'm just playing with em. Don't think about suing me, I don't have anything and what little I do have, you can't have. :P
Takes place 9 years before TPM (Obi is 16)
Special thanks to my sisterS/beta readerS, Jessica, Debbie and Jane. Special thanks goes out to all my friends and family that encouraged me to keep writing and helped me with their ideas and feedback.
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"What do you mean, "Something a lot more terrifying"? Qui-Gon asked the assistant as she injected the last of the antibodies into Obi-Wan.
One of the assistants interrupted their conversation, "Look, there are security cameras everywhere. No doubt they already know that you escaped. You have to take the young one and get away from here. Leave this planet and NEVER come back. It's not safe."
Before he knew it, Qui-Gon was being told an escape route and was given several pills and injectables for Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan's teeth chattered and he began to shake. A small, elderly assistant put a thin shirt on Obi-Wan, and snapped the fasteners in place, providing some warmth to the now freezing padawan.
"Take him to the city of Zaru, its 5 kilometers from here. Give him one pill under the tongue every hour, and give him the rest of the injections when he wakes up. They will build up his strength and keep him safe. This one is for you," An assistant said, placing a small needle in Qui-Gon's hand. "Inject yourself as soon as you're away from here. It may make you sick, so do it when the young one is awake and stronger."
"Hurry, I hear guards coming." One of the ladies whispered.
Qui-Gon picked Obi-Wan up in his arms and headed out a side door in the room. One of the assistants went with him to show the way. The others stayed behind to provide cover and confuse the guards. Obi-Wan's color was returning and he began to come around. Qui-Gon whispered for him to remain quiet and still until he said otherwise.
Obi-Wan nodded through the haze that still clouded around him like thickened cloudy blankets of cotton. He felt extreme heat, then cold sensations alternating throughout his body, and felt the stinging and pain subside with each passing minute.
The assistant led them through several winding tunnels and through hidden passageways. Qui-Gon was glad she was along, he would have gotten lost a long time ago. After what seemed like an eternity, she opened a secret door that lead deep into the surrounding tropical forest.
"Go west to Zaru, keep out of site and DO NOT be alone at any time. Keep together and always be on alert." The assistant said, shutting the door.
Qui-Gon bowed his head and lowered his now conscious padawan to the ground. He smiled and thanked the assistant, watching as she slammed the door shut. He stood amazed at how well it was hidden. To onlookers it would have appeared to be a large boulder nestled between several trees.
Obi-Wan stood up shakily, "Master, where are we? What happened?"
"Here, put this under your tongue and don't argue about getting several shots. You were subjected to a strain of bacteria and the assistants were kind enough to give us the antidote and to show us the way out." Qui-Gon filled Obi-Wan in on the long story.
Obi-Wan listened to the story intently and made a sour face as the pill dissolved under his tongue. "This is the worse tasting stuff I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing. I'd rather lick a bantha's backside!"
"OBI-WAN! That's enough of that kind of talk. Now hold still so I can give you these shots." Qui-Gon said, pulling out the set of needles.
"Not a chance! I trust you with my life master, but NOT with needles!" Obi-Wan exclaimed wide-eyed.
"You need the rest of these antibodies, though if you ask me, your back to normal. Now, shut up or I can make it really painful!" Qui-Gon threatened.
"Oh gods, I promise to never get sick again, just PLEASE don't give me those shots. PLEASE master, have a heart!" Obi-Wan pleaded, as Qui-Gon filled the syringes and approached his whimpering padawan.
"This will hurt me more than it hurts you. But you need the antidote or a couple needles will be the least of your problems. Now, bare it!" Qui-Gon said sternly.
Obi-Wan gave his master the saddest, pathetic look he could muster, but the sharp stare of Qui-Gon made his defense seem inadequate. He sighed and turned on his side, pulling down his pants to expose a hip.
Qui-Gon smirked silently and injected the antibiotics into his whining padawan. One after another, the needles emptied themselves into Obi-Wan's rear end, eliciting whines and muffled cries and slight tremors.
When Qui-Gon injected the last one, Obi-Wan began to cry out about burning and stinging and vigorously rubbed the spot of the injections. Qui-Gon sympathized with Obi-Wan, remembering all the chemicals and viruses he had been subjected to. Obi-Wan's cells and internal organs have suffered extensive trauma and would take a while to recover completely.
"Master, do you think you can get these collars off?" Obi-Wan asked, after the burning pain from the shots left. He sat with his back against a tree, gingerly leaning on one side.
"I think so. Now that we have some quiet and there won't be any interruptions, I think I can focus the force to remove them." Qui-Gon closed his eyes and concentrated hard on the locking mechanism on the collar around his neck.
Several minutes passed in silence, until a soft 'click' was heard and Qui-Gon grinned at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan smirked and concentrated with his master to remove his collar, soon hearing that soft click. Obi-Wan threw the metallic enslaver against a tree, cursing under his breath.
Qui-Gon pulled one more needle and Obi-Wan glared at him. "Not to worry padawan. This one is for me. One of the assistants gave it to me, said it was an antibiotic that I would need while out here in this wilderness."
"Shall I?" Obi-Wan asked, gesturing towards the elder's backside.
"Not a chance, I think I can handle this myself." Qui-Gon smirked, injecting himself into his hip. He winced then resumed his expressionless face. "That wasn't so bad, now was it?"
Obi-Wan crossed his arms across his chest and retorted, "Just wait. It gets better."
Qui-Gon's eyes grew wide and a deep burning sensation filled his senses. It felt like all his cells were on fire, and he was cooking inside his skin. Qui-Gon rubbed the spot where he injected himself, fanning vigorously, trying to cool down.
Obi-Wan hid his smile and nodded in understanding, "Oh yeah."
"Let's rest here for a while, shall we? I think both of us could use some rest before we begin our hike to Zaru." Qui-Gon said, finally settling down and leaning against a tree for support. He could sense his padawans weariness and noted how Obi-Wan's eyes seemed to be straining to remain open.
"No arguments here." Obi-Wan yawned and attempted to roll over, only to yelp out in pain, and then return to his previous position.
"I have a new respect for you padawan. Just that one injection was enough to set me on fire, I can just imagine the pain and suffering it caused you. I'm very proud of you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said softly as both began to drift off into unconsciousness.
Obi-Wan smiled as he fell asleep, "Thank you master."
Both lay against the tree for hours, sleeping soundly. Qui-Gon was the first to wake, and sent out force waves to survey the surrounding areas. He was surprised and curious as to why the jungle was so deserted. There wasn't a single creature within a hundred yards of the slumbering Jedi.
Qui-Gon nudged Obi-Wan awake and slowly stood to stretch his aching muscles. Obi-Wan stood, favoring his still sore hip, and allowed his muscles to flex.
The duo set out through the thick jungle area, occasionally stopping to rest their still weary bodies. Obi-Wan's health had almost completely regained, but he still tired easily, due to the abuse at the hands of the guards and all the contagion's he was exposed to. He strained to keep up with Qui-Gon's longer legs.
Qui-Gon quickly held up his hand to signal Obi-Wan to stop. His expression was of danger nearby, and he motioned for the worn out apprentice to stay still while he scouted ahead. Obi-Wan nodded his understanding and watched as his mentor slipped around silently to survey their surroundings.
Obi-Wan used all his concentration to keep track of his masters whereabouts. Though his body was healing, it was taking a while for his force abilities and mental discipline to recover. His connection was slight, he sensed his master in danger and felt a sharp stab of pain go through him. Within a flash, Obi-Wan bolted out into the wilderness and was in search of his master.
Qui-Gon's force impression was still strong, but the weakened apprentice still fought to focus and pinpoint where his master was. A sharp pain shot through Obi-Wan's chest and he fell to his knees, gasping for breath. When he regained his composure, he noticed there was a deep pit just a few feet in front of him. Had he kept going, he would have fell into its abyss.
Obi-Wan heard a cough and moaning coming from the cavern. He recognized them and called out to his master, "Master!? Master, are you ok?"
Qui-Gon's voice filtered up amongst coughs, "I hit my head on the rocks down here and I think I may have cracked some ribs. But considering the other possible outcomes, I think I'm ok."
"Master, can you levitate yourself out?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't think so. My connection to the force is unstable and my head hurts too much to control what I do sense. I probably have a severe concussion. I'll just have to find another way out." Qui-Gon yelled back.
"Master, I can see if I can levitate you out." Obi-Wan offered.
"No Padawan. You aren't strong enough. You need to heal more just in case we run into trouble trying to leave the planet." Qui-Gon ordered. "I feel a breeze coming through here, so I'm guessing this leads outside somewhere. You stay there and wait for me."
"Master, I can't leave you alone. I'll come down there and we'll find the way out together." Obi-Wan said hopefully.
"Obi-Wan, this cavern is too deep, and you may get injured in your weakened state. Just do what I say and stay there. I can find you, IF YOU STAY PUT." Qui-Gon said, glancing around the darkened void.
Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes master. I'll be waiting here for you. Please be careful."
"I always am padawan. Just stay there and I'll catch up to you." Qui-Gon said, his voice becoming faint as he wandered further away.
Obi-Wan sighed and found a large tree to lean against. He eased himself down, wincing as his sore hip was touched by a jagged rock. He positioned himself comfortably, and slipped into a deep meditative healing trance.
Qui-Gon walked down the rocky tunnel, stumbling over the loose pebbles and uneven terrain. He followed the current of air that seemed to be flowing freely though the curving cavern. He felt an uneasiness in his senses and noticed the ground was no longer rocky but precariously slippery and a noticeable odor seemed to permeate the air.
"The smells around here are absolutely wonderful. Remind me to book a stay here on my next vacation." Qui-Gon smirked sarcastically to himself. His boots squished in something, and the Jedi master made a face of disgust.
Frowning at the surrounding unpleasantness, he overbalanced and lost his footing. His feet slipped out from under him, landing him on his back. He felt the slimy stuff covering the floor seep into his clothes and he grimaced, imagining all the nasty things that could be living in that repulsive ooze.
Qui-Gon was able to slowly make it to his feet, though unsteadily and somewhat dripping with slime. He attempted to wipe his hands, but decided the only way to get this disgusting stuff off was to soak in a tub full of disinfectant. And he made a vow to do just that as soon as he and Obi-Wan got back to Coruscant.
His suddenly heightened senses alerted him to danger and he activated his lightsaber for defense. It fizzled, flickered then died out completely from the slimy substance covering it. Qui-Gon reattached it to its place on his belt and put his arms up in front of himself protectively.
Unfortunately it was too late, as something came out of the darkness, clipping him, and sending him crashing back down on the slippery floor. He struggled to keep conscious, but the already dominant concussion quickly took control and he passed out in the darkness.
Several sets of eyes blinked in the blackness, and began to converge on the prone figure on the ground.
CHAPTER THREE
Disclaimer: As before, I don't own em and I'm just playing with em. Don't think about suing me, I don't have anything and what little I do have, you can't have. :P
Takes place 9 years before TPM (Obi is 16)
Special thanks to my sisterS/beta readerS, Jessica, Debbie and Jane. Special thanks goes out to all my friends and family that encouraged me to keep writing and helped me with their ideas and feedback.
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"What do you mean, "Something a lot more terrifying"? Qui-Gon asked the assistant as she injected the last of the antibodies into Obi-Wan.
One of the assistants interrupted their conversation, "Look, there are security cameras everywhere. No doubt they already know that you escaped. You have to take the young one and get away from here. Leave this planet and NEVER come back. It's not safe."
Before he knew it, Qui-Gon was being told an escape route and was given several pills and injectables for Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan's teeth chattered and he began to shake. A small, elderly assistant put a thin shirt on Obi-Wan, and snapped the fasteners in place, providing some warmth to the now freezing padawan.
"Take him to the city of Zaru, its 5 kilometers from here. Give him one pill under the tongue every hour, and give him the rest of the injections when he wakes up. They will build up his strength and keep him safe. This one is for you," An assistant said, placing a small needle in Qui-Gon's hand. "Inject yourself as soon as you're away from here. It may make you sick, so do it when the young one is awake and stronger."
"Hurry, I hear guards coming." One of the ladies whispered.
Qui-Gon picked Obi-Wan up in his arms and headed out a side door in the room. One of the assistants went with him to show the way. The others stayed behind to provide cover and confuse the guards. Obi-Wan's color was returning and he began to come around. Qui-Gon whispered for him to remain quiet and still until he said otherwise.
Obi-Wan nodded through the haze that still clouded around him like thickened cloudy blankets of cotton. He felt extreme heat, then cold sensations alternating throughout his body, and felt the stinging and pain subside with each passing minute.
The assistant led them through several winding tunnels and through hidden passageways. Qui-Gon was glad she was along, he would have gotten lost a long time ago. After what seemed like an eternity, she opened a secret door that lead deep into the surrounding tropical forest.
"Go west to Zaru, keep out of site and DO NOT be alone at any time. Keep together and always be on alert." The assistant said, shutting the door.
Qui-Gon bowed his head and lowered his now conscious padawan to the ground. He smiled and thanked the assistant, watching as she slammed the door shut. He stood amazed at how well it was hidden. To onlookers it would have appeared to be a large boulder nestled between several trees.
Obi-Wan stood up shakily, "Master, where are we? What happened?"
"Here, put this under your tongue and don't argue about getting several shots. You were subjected to a strain of bacteria and the assistants were kind enough to give us the antidote and to show us the way out." Qui-Gon filled Obi-Wan in on the long story.
Obi-Wan listened to the story intently and made a sour face as the pill dissolved under his tongue. "This is the worse tasting stuff I have ever had the displeasure of experiencing. I'd rather lick a bantha's backside!"
"OBI-WAN! That's enough of that kind of talk. Now hold still so I can give you these shots." Qui-Gon said, pulling out the set of needles.
"Not a chance! I trust you with my life master, but NOT with needles!" Obi-Wan exclaimed wide-eyed.
"You need the rest of these antibodies, though if you ask me, your back to normal. Now, shut up or I can make it really painful!" Qui-Gon threatened.
"Oh gods, I promise to never get sick again, just PLEASE don't give me those shots. PLEASE master, have a heart!" Obi-Wan pleaded, as Qui-Gon filled the syringes and approached his whimpering padawan.
"This will hurt me more than it hurts you. But you need the antidote or a couple needles will be the least of your problems. Now, bare it!" Qui-Gon said sternly.
Obi-Wan gave his master the saddest, pathetic look he could muster, but the sharp stare of Qui-Gon made his defense seem inadequate. He sighed and turned on his side, pulling down his pants to expose a hip.
Qui-Gon smirked silently and injected the antibiotics into his whining padawan. One after another, the needles emptied themselves into Obi-Wan's rear end, eliciting whines and muffled cries and slight tremors.
When Qui-Gon injected the last one, Obi-Wan began to cry out about burning and stinging and vigorously rubbed the spot of the injections. Qui-Gon sympathized with Obi-Wan, remembering all the chemicals and viruses he had been subjected to. Obi-Wan's cells and internal organs have suffered extensive trauma and would take a while to recover completely.
"Master, do you think you can get these collars off?" Obi-Wan asked, after the burning pain from the shots left. He sat with his back against a tree, gingerly leaning on one side.
"I think so. Now that we have some quiet and there won't be any interruptions, I think I can focus the force to remove them." Qui-Gon closed his eyes and concentrated hard on the locking mechanism on the collar around his neck.
Several minutes passed in silence, until a soft 'click' was heard and Qui-Gon grinned at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan smirked and concentrated with his master to remove his collar, soon hearing that soft click. Obi-Wan threw the metallic enslaver against a tree, cursing under his breath.
Qui-Gon pulled one more needle and Obi-Wan glared at him. "Not to worry padawan. This one is for me. One of the assistants gave it to me, said it was an antibiotic that I would need while out here in this wilderness."
"Shall I?" Obi-Wan asked, gesturing towards the elder's backside.
"Not a chance, I think I can handle this myself." Qui-Gon smirked, injecting himself into his hip. He winced then resumed his expressionless face. "That wasn't so bad, now was it?"
Obi-Wan crossed his arms across his chest and retorted, "Just wait. It gets better."
Qui-Gon's eyes grew wide and a deep burning sensation filled his senses. It felt like all his cells were on fire, and he was cooking inside his skin. Qui-Gon rubbed the spot where he injected himself, fanning vigorously, trying to cool down.
Obi-Wan hid his smile and nodded in understanding, "Oh yeah."
"Let's rest here for a while, shall we? I think both of us could use some rest before we begin our hike to Zaru." Qui-Gon said, finally settling down and leaning against a tree for support. He could sense his padawans weariness and noted how Obi-Wan's eyes seemed to be straining to remain open.
"No arguments here." Obi-Wan yawned and attempted to roll over, only to yelp out in pain, and then return to his previous position.
"I have a new respect for you padawan. Just that one injection was enough to set me on fire, I can just imagine the pain and suffering it caused you. I'm very proud of you Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said softly as both began to drift off into unconsciousness.
Obi-Wan smiled as he fell asleep, "Thank you master."
Both lay against the tree for hours, sleeping soundly. Qui-Gon was the first to wake, and sent out force waves to survey the surrounding areas. He was surprised and curious as to why the jungle was so deserted. There wasn't a single creature within a hundred yards of the slumbering Jedi.
Qui-Gon nudged Obi-Wan awake and slowly stood to stretch his aching muscles. Obi-Wan stood, favoring his still sore hip, and allowed his muscles to flex.
The duo set out through the thick jungle area, occasionally stopping to rest their still weary bodies. Obi-Wan's health had almost completely regained, but he still tired easily, due to the abuse at the hands of the guards and all the contagion's he was exposed to. He strained to keep up with Qui-Gon's longer legs.
Qui-Gon quickly held up his hand to signal Obi-Wan to stop. His expression was of danger nearby, and he motioned for the worn out apprentice to stay still while he scouted ahead. Obi-Wan nodded his understanding and watched as his mentor slipped around silently to survey their surroundings.
Obi-Wan used all his concentration to keep track of his masters whereabouts. Though his body was healing, it was taking a while for his force abilities and mental discipline to recover. His connection was slight, he sensed his master in danger and felt a sharp stab of pain go through him. Within a flash, Obi-Wan bolted out into the wilderness and was in search of his master.
Qui-Gon's force impression was still strong, but the weakened apprentice still fought to focus and pinpoint where his master was. A sharp pain shot through Obi-Wan's chest and he fell to his knees, gasping for breath. When he regained his composure, he noticed there was a deep pit just a few feet in front of him. Had he kept going, he would have fell into its abyss.
Obi-Wan heard a cough and moaning coming from the cavern. He recognized them and called out to his master, "Master!? Master, are you ok?"
Qui-Gon's voice filtered up amongst coughs, "I hit my head on the rocks down here and I think I may have cracked some ribs. But considering the other possible outcomes, I think I'm ok."
"Master, can you levitate yourself out?" Obi-Wan asked.
"I don't think so. My connection to the force is unstable and my head hurts too much to control what I do sense. I probably have a severe concussion. I'll just have to find another way out." Qui-Gon yelled back.
"Master, I can see if I can levitate you out." Obi-Wan offered.
"No Padawan. You aren't strong enough. You need to heal more just in case we run into trouble trying to leave the planet." Qui-Gon ordered. "I feel a breeze coming through here, so I'm guessing this leads outside somewhere. You stay there and wait for me."
"Master, I can't leave you alone. I'll come down there and we'll find the way out together." Obi-Wan said hopefully.
"Obi-Wan, this cavern is too deep, and you may get injured in your weakened state. Just do what I say and stay there. I can find you, IF YOU STAY PUT." Qui-Gon said, glancing around the darkened void.
Obi-Wan sighed, "Yes master. I'll be waiting here for you. Please be careful."
"I always am padawan. Just stay there and I'll catch up to you." Qui-Gon said, his voice becoming faint as he wandered further away.
Obi-Wan sighed and found a large tree to lean against. He eased himself down, wincing as his sore hip was touched by a jagged rock. He positioned himself comfortably, and slipped into a deep meditative healing trance.
Qui-Gon walked down the rocky tunnel, stumbling over the loose pebbles and uneven terrain. He followed the current of air that seemed to be flowing freely though the curving cavern. He felt an uneasiness in his senses and noticed the ground was no longer rocky but precariously slippery and a noticeable odor seemed to permeate the air.
"The smells around here are absolutely wonderful. Remind me to book a stay here on my next vacation." Qui-Gon smirked sarcastically to himself. His boots squished in something, and the Jedi master made a face of disgust.
Frowning at the surrounding unpleasantness, he overbalanced and lost his footing. His feet slipped out from under him, landing him on his back. He felt the slimy stuff covering the floor seep into his clothes and he grimaced, imagining all the nasty things that could be living in that repulsive ooze.
Qui-Gon was able to slowly make it to his feet, though unsteadily and somewhat dripping with slime. He attempted to wipe his hands, but decided the only way to get this disgusting stuff off was to soak in a tub full of disinfectant. And he made a vow to do just that as soon as he and Obi-Wan got back to Coruscant.
His suddenly heightened senses alerted him to danger and he activated his lightsaber for defense. It fizzled, flickered then died out completely from the slimy substance covering it. Qui-Gon reattached it to its place on his belt and put his arms up in front of himself protectively.
Unfortunately it was too late, as something came out of the darkness, clipping him, and sending him crashing back down on the slippery floor. He struggled to keep conscious, but the already dominant concussion quickly took control and he passed out in the darkness.
Several sets of eyes blinked in the blackness, and began to converge on the prone figure on the ground.