' Hey it's me again! All excerpts from the JA series belong to Dave
Wolverton and Jude Watson. I really have nothing to add and I'm hoping to
finish posting this story before the end of May. Thanks to Ginger Ninja for
posting this. '
Qui-Gon took a deep, shaky breath as he sat down in the pilot's seat. He couldn't believe he was actually going back. He never in his wildest dreams think he would be returning to the place where Tahl died. The emotional burdem was getting too much to handle, and the Master felt drained. ' Of course, that could be because I haven't slept in three days. '
Baurka had gone into the back to get a snack, and was soon back, munching happily on a piece of Maja fruit. " So, " he said, patting his full stomach and licking this fingers of his other hand, " where exactly are we going? "
" New Apsolon. "
" Hey I've been there! Nice planet, but why would Balog choose to have you go there? "
Qui-Gon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. ' Relax Jinn, it's not Baurka's fault. He's not aware of how many times you've been asked to recall that tale. '
" Five months ago, a Jedi named Tahl, went to make sure the daughters of a highly respected ruler were safe after their father was murdered. She went undercover, but Balog found out and tricked us so he could kidnap her. By the time Obi-Wan and I found her, it was too late, and she died. "
Baurka looked upon the man with sad eyes, " I'm sorry for your loss. But her dying isn't the only reason for your dislike of the planet, is it? "
" Tahl and I. . . . well, um. . . . we pledged ourselves to one another on that mission. " Qui-Gon gulped as a lump rose in his throat. Unshed tears glistened in the normally sea blue, but now grey depths of his eyes. " I loved her. "
More thoughts of Tahl assaulted his memory. Her smile, her independantness, the way she knew Qui-Gon better than he knew himself. Loving memories turned in his mind like a holovid as he pictured everything they did from initiates and beyond.
His heart pounded loud in his ears when he remembered finding her, weak, injured, and fading fast. More tears threatened as he relived their last moments together. An image of Balog taunting his with the sensory deprivation device. Anger built more blocks, it's wall slowly blocking out the light and leaving him in darkness. It felt good. Anger gave him power. Even without sleep, he felt as if he could duel the entire temple at one time and still win.
Qui-Gon smiled and allowed the power to course through him. . . .
.
It would be awhile before the group arrived at their destination. Obi- Wan lay on his cot, resting, leaving Adi Gallia and Siri to pilot the vessel. It had taken the rest of Obi-Wan's credits, as well as some from Adi, to cover the renting price of the shuttle. He had told them as soon as they entered hyperspace that he was tired from his injuries. . .. far from it. The boy felt like he could do the most difficult temple excersise, he just wanted to be left alone.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and concentrated on the warmth over his heart. One of the things he had grabbed had been the river rock. Having it brought back memories from so very long ago.
~ Qui-Gon pressed a smooth, round stone into Obi-Wan's hand.
" I found it years ago, " Qui-Gon explained. " When I was no older than you are now. "
Politely, Obi-Wan stared at the stone. Did it contain some sort of power?
" I found it in the River of Light on my home planet, " Qui-Gon continued.
AND? Obi-Wan wondered. But Qui-Gon was silent. Obi-wan realized that the present his Master had given him was exactly what it appeared to be: a rock. ~
The boy half smiled at the memory. He had thought Qui-Gon had given him a useless rock. He had not been aware that not too long after it would play and important part in saving his memory.
~ He pressed his forehead against his knees, feeling the fear overwhealm him. It filled his mind with darkness. For the first time in his life, he knew what it was like to lose all hope.
Then, in the midst of his cold and fear, he felt a warmth inside his tunic. He reached inside to the hidden pocket aganist his chest. His fingers closed around the river rock Qui-Gon had given him. It was warm!
He pulled it out. The ebony stone glowed in the darkness, giving off a crystal-like gleam. He closed his fingers around it and felt a hum against his fingertps. The stone must be Force-sensative, he realized. That knowledge sent a beam of pure light into the darkness of his mind. NOTHING IS LOST WHERE THE FORCE DWELLS, he remembered from the temple. AND THE FORCE IS EVERYWHERE. ~
It had been a challenge, for to survive that he had to recall every memory. Some, he would have preferred to forget, but they were his memories, and he wanted to keep all fo them. A chuckle escaped him as he remembered telling Qui-Gon about his discovery.
~ " I'm glad of one thing, Padawan, " Qui-Gon said. " You have held onto your memories. "
" Your river stone helped me, " Obi-Wan said, placing his hand over his inner pocket. " I did not realize the stone was Force-sensative. I should have known you would have given me something of great value. "
" Force-sensative? " Qui-Gon frowned. " What do you know? I thought it was just a pretty rock. "
Obi-Wan gave him a startled glance. Qui-Gon's face was impassive as he strode toward the transport. Was his Master kidding or seriour? He had no idea.
They started up the entry ramp. A smile stole over Obi-Wan's face.
Another mission lay ahead. Perhaps through it's trials he would grow to understand Qui-Gon. But somehow he thought not. It would likely take a lifetime before he figured his Master out. ~
' I still haven't, ' the boy thought. Obi-Wan sighed. ' What am I going to do? '
.
Qui-Gon led Baurka through what used to be the worker's section of the city until he came to the partially demolished building. Knowing he's need it, he had taken a small laser and repeated the pattern in front of the concealed censor that he had seen Lenz do, five long months ago. He could only hope Mota hadn't changed the password. SIghing in relief after recieving the welcome signal, he pushed open the door.
Mota stepped out of the darkness as the two descended the ramp to the lower level. " What do you want? My stock is full. . . . Qui-Gon? "
" Hello Mota, " he replied. " This is Baurka, " he said, indicating to his companion.
" So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? " Mota asked, wiping his grimy hands on a rag.
" I need a speeder and a probe droid. "
" Sure. You got credits? Who are we tracking this time? "
" Balog. "
Mota's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. " But didn't he. . . .? "
" He's back, " Qui-Gon said. More determined, he added, " And I'm going to find him. "
" Alright, " the dealer said reluctantly. " I just finished working on one. I've got five in good condition now. "
.
Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi stepped off their shuttle in the outskirts of the city. He led them to the worker's section, confident in where he was headed. " Where are we going? " asked Siri impatiently.
" There's a man here who sells speeders, swoops, weapons, and most importantly, porbe droids. "
" But that's illegal on this planet, " Adi pointed out.
Obi-Wan nodded, " I know, but Mota's got them, and he's reliable. The only way we'll find Qui-gon is if we track him. I have his vitals, all we need is the droid. "
" We shouldn't be breaking the law, " Siri complained.
" It's the only way, defended the boy. " I have no doubt that Qui-Gon is using one to track Balog. He'll search day and night until he finds him, and the only way we'll find Qui-Gon is to use one. "
Adi sighed, but didn't argue, " He's right. I'm not happy about the idea, but it's true it's the only way. "
The rundown building thta should have collapsed decades ago brought memories of five months ago to the surface. He searched his brain for the laser sequence that would give them access to the building. It was somewhere, he just had to find it. ' Concentrate Kenobi. '
" How do we get in? I don't see a keypad, " said Siri.
The boy took a small laser out of the pouch in his tunic. Opening himself to the Force and his memories, he allowed them to guide his mevements and soon he saw the ok signal. " Let's go, " he said.
" Mota! You here?! "
" Who's calling?! "
Obi-Wan stepped off the platform, " Qui-Gon's apprentice. Has he been here? "
Mota, carrying a crate, came out from a row of shelves and Dropped it by a workbench. " Yeah, a couple hours ago. "
' SITH! ' " I'm gonna need a probe droid and three swoops then. "
The man gave a laugh, " What? Did he already wreck the first droid? Who's that with you?"
" I'm Adi Gallia and this is my Padawan Siri. We actually need to track Qui-Gon. It's a long story, but we need to get to him. "
" I have the vitals for the droid, " Obi-Wan added. " But we need to catch up to him before he finds Balog. "
Mota eyed him, " You got credits? "
" Yes. "
A half hour later the group was ready to leave. Obi-Wan turned to Mota, " Pack up your stuff. I suggest you leave New Apsolon to somewhere safe until we recaptured Balog. "
" Why would I do that? "
" Qui-Gon had a man with him when he saw you, correct? "
Mota nodded, " Yeah, Baurka. Why? "
" Baurka's in league with Balog. When he finds out it was you who sold probe droids to track him, he'll come after you, " Siri said.
" I'm sorry, but we put you in great danger, " Adi apologized.
" I'm serious Mota, get outta here. Qui-Gon doesn't know of Baurka's betrayal, so he's in the greatest danger, " they boy said.
Mota turned and gave his underground shop a gaze. Then, he walked to a weapons rack, grabbed a vibroblade, a couple blasters, and a few other items. Climbing onto a swoop next to Obi-Wan's, he stated, " I'm going with you. And don't say I'm not going. "
Adi nodded, " Alright. Which direction do we go in? "
'" East, the same way Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon took the last time they were here. "
Obi-Wan felt a little better when they started out. The wind blew his hair and clothes back and for a moment, he felt free. He looked at Mota, who was riding beside him, Adi and Siri behind, and shouted, "Won't you miss the shop? "
" Not much! My only real customers were Irini and Lenz, and Irini's in jail. Lenz is working to get enough credits to get her out. "
" How long before we catch up with them?! " yelled Siri.
" How much time a day will Qui-Gon be searching? "
" He'll stop long enough to cool his engines, and then keep going, " replied Obi-Wan.
" Swoops overheat quicker, " explained Mota. " It'll probably take a couple days becaue we'll have to stop more often. "
TBC
Until next time. May the Force be with you all. . . .and never let knee
high trolls carrying gimmer sticks get the best of you.
Qui-Gon took a deep, shaky breath as he sat down in the pilot's seat. He couldn't believe he was actually going back. He never in his wildest dreams think he would be returning to the place where Tahl died. The emotional burdem was getting too much to handle, and the Master felt drained. ' Of course, that could be because I haven't slept in three days. '
Baurka had gone into the back to get a snack, and was soon back, munching happily on a piece of Maja fruit. " So, " he said, patting his full stomach and licking this fingers of his other hand, " where exactly are we going? "
" New Apsolon. "
" Hey I've been there! Nice planet, but why would Balog choose to have you go there? "
Qui-Gon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. ' Relax Jinn, it's not Baurka's fault. He's not aware of how many times you've been asked to recall that tale. '
" Five months ago, a Jedi named Tahl, went to make sure the daughters of a highly respected ruler were safe after their father was murdered. She went undercover, but Balog found out and tricked us so he could kidnap her. By the time Obi-Wan and I found her, it was too late, and she died. "
Baurka looked upon the man with sad eyes, " I'm sorry for your loss. But her dying isn't the only reason for your dislike of the planet, is it? "
" Tahl and I. . . . well, um. . . . we pledged ourselves to one another on that mission. " Qui-Gon gulped as a lump rose in his throat. Unshed tears glistened in the normally sea blue, but now grey depths of his eyes. " I loved her. "
More thoughts of Tahl assaulted his memory. Her smile, her independantness, the way she knew Qui-Gon better than he knew himself. Loving memories turned in his mind like a holovid as he pictured everything they did from initiates and beyond.
His heart pounded loud in his ears when he remembered finding her, weak, injured, and fading fast. More tears threatened as he relived their last moments together. An image of Balog taunting his with the sensory deprivation device. Anger built more blocks, it's wall slowly blocking out the light and leaving him in darkness. It felt good. Anger gave him power. Even without sleep, he felt as if he could duel the entire temple at one time and still win.
Qui-Gon smiled and allowed the power to course through him. . . .
.
It would be awhile before the group arrived at their destination. Obi- Wan lay on his cot, resting, leaving Adi Gallia and Siri to pilot the vessel. It had taken the rest of Obi-Wan's credits, as well as some from Adi, to cover the renting price of the shuttle. He had told them as soon as they entered hyperspace that he was tired from his injuries. . .. far from it. The boy felt like he could do the most difficult temple excersise, he just wanted to be left alone.
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and concentrated on the warmth over his heart. One of the things he had grabbed had been the river rock. Having it brought back memories from so very long ago.
~ Qui-Gon pressed a smooth, round stone into Obi-Wan's hand.
" I found it years ago, " Qui-Gon explained. " When I was no older than you are now. "
Politely, Obi-Wan stared at the stone. Did it contain some sort of power?
" I found it in the River of Light on my home planet, " Qui-Gon continued.
AND? Obi-Wan wondered. But Qui-Gon was silent. Obi-wan realized that the present his Master had given him was exactly what it appeared to be: a rock. ~
The boy half smiled at the memory. He had thought Qui-Gon had given him a useless rock. He had not been aware that not too long after it would play and important part in saving his memory.
~ He pressed his forehead against his knees, feeling the fear overwhealm him. It filled his mind with darkness. For the first time in his life, he knew what it was like to lose all hope.
Then, in the midst of his cold and fear, he felt a warmth inside his tunic. He reached inside to the hidden pocket aganist his chest. His fingers closed around the river rock Qui-Gon had given him. It was warm!
He pulled it out. The ebony stone glowed in the darkness, giving off a crystal-like gleam. He closed his fingers around it and felt a hum against his fingertps. The stone must be Force-sensative, he realized. That knowledge sent a beam of pure light into the darkness of his mind. NOTHING IS LOST WHERE THE FORCE DWELLS, he remembered from the temple. AND THE FORCE IS EVERYWHERE. ~
It had been a challenge, for to survive that he had to recall every memory. Some, he would have preferred to forget, but they were his memories, and he wanted to keep all fo them. A chuckle escaped him as he remembered telling Qui-Gon about his discovery.
~ " I'm glad of one thing, Padawan, " Qui-Gon said. " You have held onto your memories. "
" Your river stone helped me, " Obi-Wan said, placing his hand over his inner pocket. " I did not realize the stone was Force-sensative. I should have known you would have given me something of great value. "
" Force-sensative? " Qui-Gon frowned. " What do you know? I thought it was just a pretty rock. "
Obi-Wan gave him a startled glance. Qui-Gon's face was impassive as he strode toward the transport. Was his Master kidding or seriour? He had no idea.
They started up the entry ramp. A smile stole over Obi-Wan's face.
Another mission lay ahead. Perhaps through it's trials he would grow to understand Qui-Gon. But somehow he thought not. It would likely take a lifetime before he figured his Master out. ~
' I still haven't, ' the boy thought. Obi-Wan sighed. ' What am I going to do? '
.
Qui-Gon led Baurka through what used to be the worker's section of the city until he came to the partially demolished building. Knowing he's need it, he had taken a small laser and repeated the pattern in front of the concealed censor that he had seen Lenz do, five long months ago. He could only hope Mota hadn't changed the password. SIghing in relief after recieving the welcome signal, he pushed open the door.
Mota stepped out of the darkness as the two descended the ramp to the lower level. " What do you want? My stock is full. . . . Qui-Gon? "
" Hello Mota, " he replied. " This is Baurka, " he said, indicating to his companion.
" So what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? " Mota asked, wiping his grimy hands on a rag.
" I need a speeder and a probe droid. "
" Sure. You got credits? Who are we tracking this time? "
" Balog. "
Mota's eyes widened and his mouth dropped. " But didn't he. . . .? "
" He's back, " Qui-Gon said. More determined, he added, " And I'm going to find him. "
" Alright, " the dealer said reluctantly. " I just finished working on one. I've got five in good condition now. "
.
Obi-Wan, Siri, and Adi stepped off their shuttle in the outskirts of the city. He led them to the worker's section, confident in where he was headed. " Where are we going? " asked Siri impatiently.
" There's a man here who sells speeders, swoops, weapons, and most importantly, porbe droids. "
" But that's illegal on this planet, " Adi pointed out.
Obi-Wan nodded, " I know, but Mota's got them, and he's reliable. The only way we'll find Qui-gon is if we track him. I have his vitals, all we need is the droid. "
" We shouldn't be breaking the law, " Siri complained.
" It's the only way, defended the boy. " I have no doubt that Qui-Gon is using one to track Balog. He'll search day and night until he finds him, and the only way we'll find Qui-Gon is to use one. "
Adi sighed, but didn't argue, " He's right. I'm not happy about the idea, but it's true it's the only way. "
The rundown building thta should have collapsed decades ago brought memories of five months ago to the surface. He searched his brain for the laser sequence that would give them access to the building. It was somewhere, he just had to find it. ' Concentrate Kenobi. '
" How do we get in? I don't see a keypad, " said Siri.
The boy took a small laser out of the pouch in his tunic. Opening himself to the Force and his memories, he allowed them to guide his mevements and soon he saw the ok signal. " Let's go, " he said.
" Mota! You here?! "
" Who's calling?! "
Obi-Wan stepped off the platform, " Qui-Gon's apprentice. Has he been here? "
Mota, carrying a crate, came out from a row of shelves and Dropped it by a workbench. " Yeah, a couple hours ago. "
' SITH! ' " I'm gonna need a probe droid and three swoops then. "
The man gave a laugh, " What? Did he already wreck the first droid? Who's that with you?"
" I'm Adi Gallia and this is my Padawan Siri. We actually need to track Qui-Gon. It's a long story, but we need to get to him. "
" I have the vitals for the droid, " Obi-Wan added. " But we need to catch up to him before he finds Balog. "
Mota eyed him, " You got credits? "
" Yes. "
A half hour later the group was ready to leave. Obi-Wan turned to Mota, " Pack up your stuff. I suggest you leave New Apsolon to somewhere safe until we recaptured Balog. "
" Why would I do that? "
" Qui-Gon had a man with him when he saw you, correct? "
Mota nodded, " Yeah, Baurka. Why? "
" Baurka's in league with Balog. When he finds out it was you who sold probe droids to track him, he'll come after you, " Siri said.
" I'm sorry, but we put you in great danger, " Adi apologized.
" I'm serious Mota, get outta here. Qui-Gon doesn't know of Baurka's betrayal, so he's in the greatest danger, " they boy said.
Mota turned and gave his underground shop a gaze. Then, he walked to a weapons rack, grabbed a vibroblade, a couple blasters, and a few other items. Climbing onto a swoop next to Obi-Wan's, he stated, " I'm going with you. And don't say I'm not going. "
Adi nodded, " Alright. Which direction do we go in? "
'" East, the same way Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon took the last time they were here. "
Obi-Wan felt a little better when they started out. The wind blew his hair and clothes back and for a moment, he felt free. He looked at Mota, who was riding beside him, Adi and Siri behind, and shouted, "Won't you miss the shop? "
" Not much! My only real customers were Irini and Lenz, and Irini's in jail. Lenz is working to get enough credits to get her out. "
" How long before we catch up with them?! " yelled Siri.
" How much time a day will Qui-Gon be searching? "
" He'll stop long enough to cool his engines, and then keep going, " replied Obi-Wan.
" Swoops overheat quicker, " explained Mota. " It'll probably take a couple days becaue we'll have to stop more often. "
TBC
Until next time. May the Force be with you all. . . .and never let knee
high trolls carrying gimmer sticks get the best of you.