Hey all, I'm back! All important disclaimers and stuff are in part
one.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, they're very encouraging. Thanks to
Ginger Ninja for posting this. I better get crackin....
The ride was silent and long. It took seven hours (and a lot of credits), to reach the other side of Coruscant. Obi-Wan found his curiosity strong. He had lived on the city-planet almost all his life, but except on a holovid he had never seen the other side of the planet. The boy only allowed himself a few fleeting glances, as his Master was walking fast through the crowds, Obi-Wan trailing behind.
It was rumored that this side had many amusement parks. As an initiate, he and his friends had heard older Padawans talk of them. The stories excited the group to no end and they would spend hours pretending to go on the many rides, and seeing the many sides. Sadly, the Padawan acknowlaged that they were in the rough district, famous for it's many crimes, and not in the tourist section of the vast city.
Coruscan't moon was just a sliver over the horizon, slowly sinking. Rays of light were coming over the opposite end of the sky. Obi-Wan's brain somehow supplied that when they left, it was midday on their side. Now, it would be within a couple a couple hours the time when he normally slept. If he had his way, he would collapse at the first bed he saw. The Jedi could go days without sleep if needed, but that didn't mean they didn't get tired and wanted to sleep. The boy pulled his hood over his head to ward off the sudden gust of cold wind.
Many people and aliens were around him, heading off mostly to their jobs. These two Jedi were no exception. Before long, they were at the enterance to the local police station. Qui-Gon headed toward the desk, where a sleeping Bith sat. After a few loud clearing of throat sounds, he pulled the desk jockey from dreamlad. " I'm looking for detective Moren. "
" That's me, " came a voice from behind them. Obi-Wan turned to see a Twi'lek who just walked in the door. " Oh you're the Jedi! Please follow me. "
Moren led them to a lift and brought them to the fifth floor. His office was small, only holding a desk, a few filing cabinets, and a couple of extra chairs. " You know, no one ever told me why the Jedi were being brought in on this. It's not like we haven't dealt with this before. "
Qui-Gon internally smiled. The police on Coruscant were usually somewhat stuck up, believing that they could do anything without Jedi help. " It was a request from the Senate. Also. . . . their leader is wanted for murdering one of ours. "
" I'm sorry. Well, so far we have nothing. We have a contact, Baurka, an undercover cop, who sad that the only thing circulating around about the group is rumors. Supposedly, they're looking for some new recruits with REALLY bad records. He's agreed to spread a false record for anyone we put undercover with him, and we have the authority to create a false record in case they tap into our system. We just need to find someone willing to do the job. "
" I agree to someone going undercover. They could warn us of future attacks, and find the perfect time for us to raid and capture the group, " Qui-Gon said. " The Senate had told us to do anything neccessary to capture them. But there's great risk. We have to be sure that no one could be reconized. "
" What about what of you two? " Moern asked, gesturing to both of them.
" I could, " Obi-Wan offered. " It's a good bet that Balog knows what most police officers in this district look like. And, Master, you can't because of what happened on New Apsolon. He only saw me for a couple seconds, and I could easily change my appearance. "
Qui-Gon pursed his lips together and thought a moment before answering. "Alright, we'll start tonight. "
" Perfect, " Moern said. " I've got an idea of what you could wear. "
Fifteen minutes later, a new terrorist was born. Obi-Wan stood in front of his Master and Moern, completely different. The boy was dressed in all black tunics and pants. Blasters, thermal detonators, and other weapons were strapped to his belt, and his lightsaber was hidden between the loose tunics and the belt. He wore knee high black boots and leather gloves. A headband with his Padawan braid hidden inside completed the ensamble.
" I would still be able to reconize you, " Qui-Gon said.
" Why don't we try dying his hair? " Moern asked.
Another hour passed before Obi-Wan came out of the 'fresher. Now his hair, including his eyebrows, was bright red. " I think that'll do it, " Qui-Gon said. " Contact Baurka and have him start spreading false records. "
" I'll need to take Obi-Wan's picture to create it. Give me a couple hours, " Moern said. " I'd advise Obi-Wan not to go anywhere the windows or leave until nightfall. He can use the basement leading to the sewers to get away and enter the lower levels."
" Until tonight, Obi-Wan, get some rest. "
" Yes Master. "
That evening, Obi-Wan was in the basement, recieving final order from Qui-Gon.
" Only turn on the comlink when contacting me. Baurka will meet you at a sewer ladder near the lower levels. " Crouching down, Qui-Gon picked up some dirt and smudged it in different spots on the boy's face. " Remember your name is Kesk Vals. "
Going over to the hole leading to the sewer, Obi-Wan looked up, "Bye Master. " The boy jumped down and landed in ankle deep water. He looked up in time to see his Master cover the hole. Fully standing up, the boy began to trek across the muddy liquid.
It was three miles to the rendezvous point. The first half mile passed without event. Suddenly, a low growl caused him to stop. Behind him was a four legged beast with teeth six inches long. It looked hungry.
Obi-Wan slowly started to back away, but the monster was having none of it. It lunged and the Padawan had barely enough time to somersault over it's body before he would have been torn to shreds.
Automatically, he reached for his lightsaber, only to feel like smacking himself when he remembered it wasn't there. Settling for a blaster, the boy fired several shots at the beast.
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide. The unidenified attacker was incredibly agile and dodged every bolt. It lunged again and the boy didn't get a chance to dodge it. The force of the impact smashed him against the wall, and he had to fight the tears that sprung to his eyes as his head smashed against the concrete.
A vibroblade was attached to his belt at the small of his back. With one hand, Obi-Wan tried to reach it while fighting of the hungry monster's mouth. Quickly using the Force, the boy pushed it back and swung the now free vibroblade. The beast howled in pain at it's new cut on the face. Deciding that his prey wasn't worth it, it scurried away back in the direction from wence it came.
Panting, Obi-Wan put back his weapon. Before contiuing on, the boy closed his eyes and searched for hi center. A few seconds later, he continued on, running the last couple miles like a marathon. By the time he arrived at the rendezvous point, Baurka stood with his arms crossed and foot tapping, causing water to fly.
" You're late, " he said in greeting.
" Sorry. Uncontrolable complications. "
" Come on then, " Baurka led him up a ladder and onto a street of one of te lower levels. " Alright, here's how it's gonna work. I know a couple of Balog's man. While talking to them, I'll bring up Kesk Vals, give them your rumored record, and hopefully it'll work. I'll enter the tavern, and you enter five minutes later. "
" Alright. Make sure you say I've killed a Jedi. That would probably be one of the best ways to get Balog's attention. How much farther? "
" It's straight ahead. Go over there, " Baurka said, and pointed to an alley. " Stay hidden until it's time. "
Obi-Wan nodded, " Five minutes, got it. "
Baurka continued on, occasionally nodding to a fellow bounty hunter. As he entered the tavern, the bartender shouted a welcome and began to prepare a drink. " No thanks Mauk. Do you know where I can find Balog? "
" The usual place. How's buisness? "
" I just got a new job. If it works out according to plan, well let's just say I'll be one happy man."
Mauk was an Abyssian, a two meter tall humanoid biped with a well muscled body, long limbs, and single slit-pupiled eyes. He nodded in understanding, " I'll contact him and tell him you're coming. "
" Thanks. " Baurka headed outside the tavern again, and turned down and empty alley. Rodents scurried everywhere, but he paid them no mind. A door was just off to the left with no keypad. Knocking a series of beats, Baurka waited for admission. The door was opened almost immediately, and the man entered the small room.
A table in the center was set up and around it sat a few henchmen, but most importantly Balog. They were locked in a game a sabacc, who's luck was all going to the leader. Baurka briefly wondered wheater Balog was really that good, or if the men were letting him win out of fear out of what would happen to them.
" We have to hurry, " he said. " Qui-Gon's brat showed up late after he got rid of the monster you sent after him. "
Obi-Wan finished counting off his five minutes, vaugly feeling like an initiate sitting in time out counting out his punishment. He begain to casually walk to the bar, although he wanted to run. It smelled worse than the sewer did, and that was saying a lot. ' Stay focused. Your focus determins your reality. '
He spotted his companion almost the moment he walked in. The man was in deep conversation with someone else. ' One of Balog's men, ' his mind supplied. Ordering a drink, Obi-Wan sat on a stool, head down, and nursed it.
Nothing happened for ten minutes. Then, the boy felt a tap on his shoulder and a rough , " Follow me. " Without a second thoght, he left a few credits on the counter and trailed behind the mysterious man outside. A shiver ran up his back, along with a moment of doubt, but it quickly went away. Assuming it to nerves, he found his center again.
Obi-Wan almost laughed at the code system for entering the hideout. It looked just like something from the holovids he and Qui-Gon used to watch together. ' Yeah, used to. '
The boy approached Balog who still sat at the table. " So tell me yor name. I've heard much about you. "
" Kesk Vals. "
The evil man smiled cruely, " Try again, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "
Baurka stepped into the light from the shadows. White-hot fury built within the boy, " Baurka! You slimy piece of Bantha- "
Hands grabbed and held the boy as a collar was put around his neck. Obi-Wan had to keep within the urge to gasp as the Force's presence suddenly left his body completely. His belt was torn off ad his lightsaber fell out from under his belt, clattering to the floor. A flash to the right, pain to the spot on his head already hurt, and then all he saw was black. . . . .
TBC
That's all for now. . . . bye!
one.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed, they're very encouraging. Thanks to
Ginger Ninja for posting this. I better get crackin....
The ride was silent and long. It took seven hours (and a lot of credits), to reach the other side of Coruscant. Obi-Wan found his curiosity strong. He had lived on the city-planet almost all his life, but except on a holovid he had never seen the other side of the planet. The boy only allowed himself a few fleeting glances, as his Master was walking fast through the crowds, Obi-Wan trailing behind.
It was rumored that this side had many amusement parks. As an initiate, he and his friends had heard older Padawans talk of them. The stories excited the group to no end and they would spend hours pretending to go on the many rides, and seeing the many sides. Sadly, the Padawan acknowlaged that they were in the rough district, famous for it's many crimes, and not in the tourist section of the vast city.
Coruscan't moon was just a sliver over the horizon, slowly sinking. Rays of light were coming over the opposite end of the sky. Obi-Wan's brain somehow supplied that when they left, it was midday on their side. Now, it would be within a couple a couple hours the time when he normally slept. If he had his way, he would collapse at the first bed he saw. The Jedi could go days without sleep if needed, but that didn't mean they didn't get tired and wanted to sleep. The boy pulled his hood over his head to ward off the sudden gust of cold wind.
Many people and aliens were around him, heading off mostly to their jobs. These two Jedi were no exception. Before long, they were at the enterance to the local police station. Qui-Gon headed toward the desk, where a sleeping Bith sat. After a few loud clearing of throat sounds, he pulled the desk jockey from dreamlad. " I'm looking for detective Moren. "
" That's me, " came a voice from behind them. Obi-Wan turned to see a Twi'lek who just walked in the door. " Oh you're the Jedi! Please follow me. "
Moren led them to a lift and brought them to the fifth floor. His office was small, only holding a desk, a few filing cabinets, and a couple of extra chairs. " You know, no one ever told me why the Jedi were being brought in on this. It's not like we haven't dealt with this before. "
Qui-Gon internally smiled. The police on Coruscant were usually somewhat stuck up, believing that they could do anything without Jedi help. " It was a request from the Senate. Also. . . . their leader is wanted for murdering one of ours. "
" I'm sorry. Well, so far we have nothing. We have a contact, Baurka, an undercover cop, who sad that the only thing circulating around about the group is rumors. Supposedly, they're looking for some new recruits with REALLY bad records. He's agreed to spread a false record for anyone we put undercover with him, and we have the authority to create a false record in case they tap into our system. We just need to find someone willing to do the job. "
" I agree to someone going undercover. They could warn us of future attacks, and find the perfect time for us to raid and capture the group, " Qui-Gon said. " The Senate had told us to do anything neccessary to capture them. But there's great risk. We have to be sure that no one could be reconized. "
" What about what of you two? " Moern asked, gesturing to both of them.
" I could, " Obi-Wan offered. " It's a good bet that Balog knows what most police officers in this district look like. And, Master, you can't because of what happened on New Apsolon. He only saw me for a couple seconds, and I could easily change my appearance. "
Qui-Gon pursed his lips together and thought a moment before answering. "Alright, we'll start tonight. "
" Perfect, " Moern said. " I've got an idea of what you could wear. "
Fifteen minutes later, a new terrorist was born. Obi-Wan stood in front of his Master and Moern, completely different. The boy was dressed in all black tunics and pants. Blasters, thermal detonators, and other weapons were strapped to his belt, and his lightsaber was hidden between the loose tunics and the belt. He wore knee high black boots and leather gloves. A headband with his Padawan braid hidden inside completed the ensamble.
" I would still be able to reconize you, " Qui-Gon said.
" Why don't we try dying his hair? " Moern asked.
Another hour passed before Obi-Wan came out of the 'fresher. Now his hair, including his eyebrows, was bright red. " I think that'll do it, " Qui-Gon said. " Contact Baurka and have him start spreading false records. "
" I'll need to take Obi-Wan's picture to create it. Give me a couple hours, " Moern said. " I'd advise Obi-Wan not to go anywhere the windows or leave until nightfall. He can use the basement leading to the sewers to get away and enter the lower levels."
" Until tonight, Obi-Wan, get some rest. "
" Yes Master. "
That evening, Obi-Wan was in the basement, recieving final order from Qui-Gon.
" Only turn on the comlink when contacting me. Baurka will meet you at a sewer ladder near the lower levels. " Crouching down, Qui-Gon picked up some dirt and smudged it in different spots on the boy's face. " Remember your name is Kesk Vals. "
Going over to the hole leading to the sewer, Obi-Wan looked up, "Bye Master. " The boy jumped down and landed in ankle deep water. He looked up in time to see his Master cover the hole. Fully standing up, the boy began to trek across the muddy liquid.
It was three miles to the rendezvous point. The first half mile passed without event. Suddenly, a low growl caused him to stop. Behind him was a four legged beast with teeth six inches long. It looked hungry.
Obi-Wan slowly started to back away, but the monster was having none of it. It lunged and the Padawan had barely enough time to somersault over it's body before he would have been torn to shreds.
Automatically, he reached for his lightsaber, only to feel like smacking himself when he remembered it wasn't there. Settling for a blaster, the boy fired several shots at the beast.
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide. The unidenified attacker was incredibly agile and dodged every bolt. It lunged again and the boy didn't get a chance to dodge it. The force of the impact smashed him against the wall, and he had to fight the tears that sprung to his eyes as his head smashed against the concrete.
A vibroblade was attached to his belt at the small of his back. With one hand, Obi-Wan tried to reach it while fighting of the hungry monster's mouth. Quickly using the Force, the boy pushed it back and swung the now free vibroblade. The beast howled in pain at it's new cut on the face. Deciding that his prey wasn't worth it, it scurried away back in the direction from wence it came.
Panting, Obi-Wan put back his weapon. Before contiuing on, the boy closed his eyes and searched for hi center. A few seconds later, he continued on, running the last couple miles like a marathon. By the time he arrived at the rendezvous point, Baurka stood with his arms crossed and foot tapping, causing water to fly.
" You're late, " he said in greeting.
" Sorry. Uncontrolable complications. "
" Come on then, " Baurka led him up a ladder and onto a street of one of te lower levels. " Alright, here's how it's gonna work. I know a couple of Balog's man. While talking to them, I'll bring up Kesk Vals, give them your rumored record, and hopefully it'll work. I'll enter the tavern, and you enter five minutes later. "
" Alright. Make sure you say I've killed a Jedi. That would probably be one of the best ways to get Balog's attention. How much farther? "
" It's straight ahead. Go over there, " Baurka said, and pointed to an alley. " Stay hidden until it's time. "
Obi-Wan nodded, " Five minutes, got it. "
Baurka continued on, occasionally nodding to a fellow bounty hunter. As he entered the tavern, the bartender shouted a welcome and began to prepare a drink. " No thanks Mauk. Do you know where I can find Balog? "
" The usual place. How's buisness? "
" I just got a new job. If it works out according to plan, well let's just say I'll be one happy man."
Mauk was an Abyssian, a two meter tall humanoid biped with a well muscled body, long limbs, and single slit-pupiled eyes. He nodded in understanding, " I'll contact him and tell him you're coming. "
" Thanks. " Baurka headed outside the tavern again, and turned down and empty alley. Rodents scurried everywhere, but he paid them no mind. A door was just off to the left with no keypad. Knocking a series of beats, Baurka waited for admission. The door was opened almost immediately, and the man entered the small room.
A table in the center was set up and around it sat a few henchmen, but most importantly Balog. They were locked in a game a sabacc, who's luck was all going to the leader. Baurka briefly wondered wheater Balog was really that good, or if the men were letting him win out of fear out of what would happen to them.
" We have to hurry, " he said. " Qui-Gon's brat showed up late after he got rid of the monster you sent after him. "
Obi-Wan finished counting off his five minutes, vaugly feeling like an initiate sitting in time out counting out his punishment. He begain to casually walk to the bar, although he wanted to run. It smelled worse than the sewer did, and that was saying a lot. ' Stay focused. Your focus determins your reality. '
He spotted his companion almost the moment he walked in. The man was in deep conversation with someone else. ' One of Balog's men, ' his mind supplied. Ordering a drink, Obi-Wan sat on a stool, head down, and nursed it.
Nothing happened for ten minutes. Then, the boy felt a tap on his shoulder and a rough , " Follow me. " Without a second thoght, he left a few credits on the counter and trailed behind the mysterious man outside. A shiver ran up his back, along with a moment of doubt, but it quickly went away. Assuming it to nerves, he found his center again.
Obi-Wan almost laughed at the code system for entering the hideout. It looked just like something from the holovids he and Qui-Gon used to watch together. ' Yeah, used to. '
The boy approached Balog who still sat at the table. " So tell me yor name. I've heard much about you. "
" Kesk Vals. "
The evil man smiled cruely, " Try again, Obi-Wan Kenobi. "
Baurka stepped into the light from the shadows. White-hot fury built within the boy, " Baurka! You slimy piece of Bantha- "
Hands grabbed and held the boy as a collar was put around his neck. Obi-Wan had to keep within the urge to gasp as the Force's presence suddenly left his body completely. His belt was torn off ad his lightsaber fell out from under his belt, clattering to the floor. A flash to the right, pain to the spot on his head already hurt, and then all he saw was black. . . . .
TBC
That's all for now. . . . bye!